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ELECTRONICSTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Electronics Engineers
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London, UK
Published every Tuesday at 12:30 (UK)
Issue 10: 10 April 2001
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1055 product announcements and technical articles
on our web site, all fully searchable at
http://www.electronicstalk.com/ - take a look!
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top Ten new Products Selection
1. All-in-one embedded power system on a chip
2. Software takes total control of all EMC testing
3. Ceramic heat spreaders replace heatsinks
4. World's first serial EEPROM supporting ACR SIG
5. Joystick controller for safety-critical uses
6. Handheld dynamic analyser is no lightweight
7. Software to read and control serial devices
8. AOI system sees all solder faults on the dark side
9. Low-profile 1U system and carrier board
10. Small-footprint modular mounter is 40% faster
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
So there you have it. Perhaps the web HAS killed the traditional exhibition.
Last week's Nepcon UK was the quietest I have seen in some 20 years of attendance. And while visitor figure may show no significant drop over last year, increasing numbers of exhibitors will be looking ever more closely at the cost-per- enquiry of the exercise.
Even the traditional electronics media has caught the same malaise. Not so many years ago, each publication would have had teams of reporters in attendance, and could have filled numbers of issues from the announcements at the show. Sad to report, this year I counted 15 journalists, myself included, with a number of publications notable by their absence.
No surprise then than the organisers have decided to abandon the traditional annual Birmingham bash in favour of a biennial event (in alternate years to Productronica) backed up by regional shows in Harrogate and Brighton (both scenes of successful shows in the 1970s and 1980s).
I for one hope they are successful. But for that to happen, the traditional electronics exhibition needs a new justification. Such shows cannot stand scrutiny against the web in pure cost-per-enquiry terms. Perhaps we should be honest and say they are worth it just "for the crack". It might not make financial sense, but it's more fun.
Meanwhile, I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. In addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here - many of which were indeed announced at Nepcon - there are hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do take a look if you can. But you don't need web access! All the full stories behind the summaries and headlines in this newsletter can be retrieved by email alone: see details below. In the meantime, if you've got any suggestions as to how we might make the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.
Best wishes
Laurence Marchini, Editor
lauren[-email removed-]nicstalk.com
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THIS WEEK'S INDUSTRY NEWS
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NEW COMPANY TO DEVELOP ENHANCED SUPERH RISC CORES
STMicroelectronics and Hitachi have signed an agreement to establish an independent company, named SuperH Inc, to develop and license RISC microprocessor cores of the SuperH family.
Hitachi Europe, 5 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hit/hit102.html
FOUR FIBRES ARE BETTER FOR MITEL AND AGILENT
Mitel and Agilent Technologies have signed a multisource agreement they claim will set the standard for next-generation four-channel parallel fibre-optic modules operating at up to 10Gbaud.
Mitel Semiconductor, 5 April 2001
mailto:mif1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mif/mif101.html
IDT LOOKS EAST TO NEWAVE SEMICONDUCTOR ACQUISITION
IDT is to acquire Newave Semiconductor Corp, a telecommunications IC provider.
IDT, 5 April 2001
mailto:idt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/idt/idt100.html
AGILENT ACQUIRES GEFRAN SILICON MICRO SYSTEMS
Agilent Technologies has completed its acquisition of Gefran Silicon Micro Systems, a fibre-optic technology laboratory, for approximately US $55 million in cash.
Agilent Technologies, 9 April 2001
mailto:agi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi101.html
NEWLOGIC GIVES LSI A BOOST INTO BLUETOOTH
LSI Logic has signed an agreement with NewLogic Technologies to license its Boost Core and Boost Software IP products.
NewLogic, 9 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/new/new102.html
ACQUISITION TO MARRY HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE DESIGN
Protel International has acquired Tasking for US$38 million.
Tasking Software, 5 April 2001
mailto:tas1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tas/tas103.html
RITTAL ACQUIRES CANADIAN BACKPLANE MAKER
Rittal Electronic Systems (RES) has acquired the assets of Kaparel, a former division of PixStream, based in Ontario, Canada.
Rittal, 9 April 2001
mailto:rit1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rit/rit113.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. All-in-one embedded power system on a chip
National Semiconductor has released two highly integrated power management controllers for embedded applications, offering a complete power supply for any microprocessor, FPGA or DSP-based system in one compact device. National's new high-efficiency synchronous step-down regulator controllers have multiple outputs that can power notebook computers, networking equipment, internet appliances, set-top boxes, graphics cards including DDR memory, and industrial computer boards. The LM2633 and LM2645 combine all the blocks needed to create a PCB-level power supply that can operate over an input range of 4.5 to 30V with maximum efficiency.
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2. Software takes total control of all EMC testing
EMC Compliance 3 is a highly flexible, fully configurable Windows-based test management tool for creation, execution, data acquisition and reporting of all EMC emissions and immunity tests. For the first time engineers have the option to control their entire EMC test capability with one powerful package from Schaffner EMC. In addition to a comprehensive library of standard test programs and subroutines, EMC Compliance 3 allows engineers to customise any aspect of the test program. Routines can be edited, created and combined in functional blocks - to control a mast or take a measurement from a receiver for example - using a simple, graphical flowchart approach.
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3. Ceramic heat spreaders replace heatsinks
Designed for EMI-sensitive applications, the latest low-profile heat spreaders from Chomerics provide a simple and effective method of cooling semiconductors in designs where restricted space prevents the use of conventional heatsinks or heatsink/fan combinations. Ideal for cooling microprocessors and other devices in high-component density applications, the new C-Wing heat spreaders are ceramic, electrically nonconductive devices that feature a strong, pressure-sensitive adhesive for simple attachment to component packages. C-Wing ceramic heat spreaders are available in a variety of standard sizes that can be quickly and easily added to existing designs to lower component temperatures and improve reliability.
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4. World's first serial EEPROM supporting ACR SIG
Microchip has announced the world's first serial EEPROM supporting the Advanced Communications Riser Special Interest Group (ACR SIG) specification. The new 24LC09 serial EEPROM provides the enumeration memory for next-generation PC audio modem riser cards by using a nonstandard address that allows the computer to automatically detect and configure riser cards with industry-standard plug-and-play capability. Next-generation PC audio modem riser cards provide intelligent modem, audio and network capabilities in a single card, eliminating the need for multiple cards, reducing system cost and saving board space.
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5. Joystick controller for safety-critical uses
Penny and Giles Controls has launched the JC2000 compact joystick controller for precision fingertip control applications where safety and long, trouble-free life are primary requirements. The JC2000 is available in two or three axis configurations and can accommodate handle switches. Typical applications include controls for wheelchairs, disabled mobility vehicles, robotic teach controllers, co-ordinate measuring machines, medical and CCTV equipment, professional cameras and radio or infrared chest packs. For these applications the JC2000's compact size, low operational force and high reliability are ideal. The innovative contactless design means there are no moving parts in the sensing system of all three available axes, effectively eliminating flexing wires that can cause failure due to fatigue.
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6. Handheld dynamic analyser is no lightweight
Phazer from Gould Nicolet Technologies is a high-performance, 2-4 channel dynamic analyser that weighs only 8oz. The latest in a series of dynamic signal analyser products, the ultra-portable Phazer makes any USB equipped computer an instrument-quality, real-time analyser. Designed to address applications such as noise and vibration, modal and acoustic analysis, servo systems and more, Phazer offers unsurpassed performance in spite of its diminutive size. Featuring instrument quality, 18bit analogue to digital convertors per channel, Phazer offers a typical dynamic range of 110dB on all channels.
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7. Software to read and control serial devices
Windmill Software has developed a versatile package to interface serial devices to the PC. Running under Windows, the new serial driver handles RS-232, RS-485, RS-422 and Modbus instruments. The package also includes data logging, charting, output control, DDE and COM port troubleshooting applications. Furthermore, Windmill offer free technical support for life. To enable people to confirm they can talk to their device before buying the Windmill package, the setup part of the system is freely available. Engineers can download this program from Windmill's web site, enter their device communications and ensure they can transmit data. The program, called comDebug, also provides many diagnostic facilities - helping resolve any problems with the COM port connection.
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8. AOI system sees all solder faults on the dark side
Teradyne reckons its Optima 7350 Post-Solder Bottomside AOI System is the industry's only bottomside automated inspection system for full solder defect coverage. The Optima 7350 provides high-throughput, full-coverage inspection, matching line beat rates regardless of PCB size or density. The system inspects the full spectrum of component and solder defects, including presence or absence of parts, part size, alignment and orientation, placement accuracy and integrity of solder, to provide 100 percent defect coverage and extremely low false flag/accept rates.
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9. Low-profile 1U system and carrier board
Motorola Computer Group has unveiled the first 1U low-profile processor PMC (PrPMC) based system and PrPMC-Carrier board. In markets where rapid time-to-market is critical, OEMs must find ways to keep component and development costs down as embedded computing systems rapidly change and grow - all without sacrificing the ability to run complex applications. The PrPMC based system and PrPMC-Carrier board are standard solutions that provide expansion capability as applications demand increased performance, memory and PCI bandwidth. They are compatible with PMC and processor PMC standards and based on the high performance MPC7410 PowerPC microprocessor.
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10. Small-footprint modular mounter is 40% faster
Panasonic Industrial has expanded its family of PCB production machines with a high-speed modular style chip mounter that combines flexible configuration with a small footprint while offering mounting times of as little as 0.09s per component (40,000 components per hour). Designed to maximise throughput without the need for significant additional floorspace, the new CM202-DH modular high-speed chip mounter delivers a 40% improvement in productivity over its predecessor. Despite this, the unit still has a footprint of just 2350 x 1950mm, making it ideal for environments where space is at a premium.
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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ABB DRIVE FLOORS COSTS FOR CARPET MAKER
A carpet manufacturer in Durham is saving time and money by installing ABB ACS 600 drives on its carpet looms.
ABB Automation, 9 April 2001
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RAD-HARD MOSFETS PROTECT AND SURVIVE
With high radiation hardness and unparalleled single event effect (SEE) immunity, International Rectifier's new R5 MOSFETs are well suited for systems that must survive penetrating gamma rays.
International Rectifier, 4 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sil/sil103.html
LOW-FAT ROUTE TO EMBEDDED SOC DEVELOPMENT
New at Sunrise Electronics, System-on-Chip Lite is NEC's new approach for low- to mid-volume SoC projects for embedded control applications.
Sunrise Electronics, 5 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/suc/suc103.html
CHIP CONNECTS HYPERTRANSPORT BUS TO PCI
API NetWorks has released the industry's first HyperTransport technology-to-PCI bridge chip, the AP1011.
API NetWorks, 6 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/api/api101.html
VRTX PUTS MIPS32-BASED SOC DESIGNS IN REAL TIME
Mentor Graphics has released a version of its VRTX real-time operating system (RTOS) for the MIPS32 4K embedded microprocessor families.
Mentor Graphics UK, 10 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/men/men110.html
MODULAR CODED SWITCH WITH MORE THAN 5000 VARIANTS
The C74 range of PCB-mounted coded switches from Elma Electronic UK uses a modular approach to offer more than 5000 different variants across a range of through-board and surface-mount formats.
Elma Electronic UK, 4 April 2001
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CUTTING THE COST OF TRADITIONAL COOLING
Fan Technology has introduced a low cost version of the traditional 162 x 150 x 38mm axial fan.
Fan Technology, 5 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fan/fan107.html
ULTRAFINE-PITCH INTERCONNECTS SAVE SPACE
Samtec BTF headers and BTS sockets from Deltron Roxburgh offer the board-space advantages of 0.4mm pitch with up to 80 I/Os and a mated height of just 5mm.
Deltron Roxburgh, 4 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/del/del101.html
UNIVERSAL DRY FILM RESIST FOR LASER DIRECT IMAGING
Shipley has launched the latest in its series of ultraDirect laser direct imaging (LDI) dry film photoresists.
Shipley Europe, 6 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/shi/shi100.html
BENCHTOP DISPENSER INCLUDES DIGITAL TIMER
The I and J Fisnar SMD602A-CE automatic benchtop dispenser from Intertronics provides consistent dispensing of a wide variety of materials including solder pastes and adhesives.
Intertronics, 6 April 2001
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EVALUATION FOR BLUETOOTH MODULES
Taiyo Yuden has announced availability of evaluation kits for its three Bluetooth modules.
Taiyo Yuden Europe, 4 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tai/tai105.html
RECONFIGURABLE LOGIC BOOSTS DSP MODULE FAMILY
Hunt Engineering has extended its Heron range of modular products for digital signal processing to offer modules that use Xilinx FPGAs to offer powerful DSP processing and hugely flexible I/O.
Hunt Engineering, 6 April 2001
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POWER SUPPLY ATE GAINS MACHINE VISION OPTION
Schaffner EMC has further increased the speed of its Intepro 9000 range of automatic test equipment designed for high-volume quality assurance for the power supply industry.
Schaffner EMC, 6 April 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sca/sca112.html
RF DIGITISER SIMULATES 3G BASESTATIONS AND MORE
IFR Systems has launched the 2319E RF digitiser for 2G, 2.5G and 3G digital cellular testing.
IFR Systems, 9 April 2001
mailto:ifr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ifr/ifr105.html
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Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
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