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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 16: 22 May 2001
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1424 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. Flash mixed-signal MCUs stand by at under 1uA
2. Budget function generator has full digital control
3. Extremely low quiescent current for LDOs
4. Virtual Instrumentation hardware and software
5. Field-swappable 22.5A rectifier is only 1U high
6. Industrial PSU for European compliance
7. Heatsinks generate 360-degree airflow
8. Easier real-time high-availability embedding
9. Clip-on gasket shields and seals
10. Electroformed leadframes are more economical
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
It wasn't so long ago that the set-top box (STB) was being touted as "the next big thing". It would provide the convergence of computing, communications and entertainment, potentially making the PC redundant. And it would provide the electronics industry with a surge in demand of the level of the original PC boom and the mobile phone revolution.
While digital TV companies are continuing to give their set-top boxes away free in order to encourage subscribers to sign up, it is clear that the "digital revolution" has yet to capture the hearts and minds of the public. This may well be due in part to an unwillingness to pay for something that has been perceived to be free for so long (ie television). And while analogue transmissions continue, many will see little reason in switching.
But a significant number of suppliers have nailed their colours to the STB market (see below), and product announcements are gathering pace.
Personally speaking, I'm a great fan of digital TV, but I would no more use my STB for accessing the web than I would my microwave oven (indeed, my Sky Digibox is disconnected from its telephone socket). Even the TV companies appear to have accepted this lack of convergence. Just take a look at the BBC's new digital text service: the Internet it certainly isn't, but for those of us used to analogue Ceefax, it's an impressive service.
By the time analogue transmissions eventually cease, the set-top box may well have its day. But chances are it will purely be as an entertainment medium.
I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. In addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, 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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AGILENT EXTENDS ITS FUTURE INVOLVEMENTS
Future Electronics has been appointed by Agilent Technologies as a franchised distributor throughout Europe.
Future Electronics, 21 May 2001
mailto:fut1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fut/fut104.html
IMS OPTIMISTIC AFTER Q1 RESULTS
Integrated Measurement Systems has announced results for its first quarter ended 31st March 2001.
IMS Europe, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ims/ims102.html
INTEL SIGNS UP FOR GSM/GPRS TECHNOLOGY FROM TTPCOM
Intel has licensed GSM/GPRS technology from TTPCom for use with its GSM/GPRS baseband products.
TTPCom, 21 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ttp/ttp104.html
NOVEL BATTERY MAKER CYMBET GAINS FUNDING
Victor Weiss, Chairman of Cymbet Corp has announced receipt of a $4.5 million private placement of equity securities from two overseas venture capital investment groups.
Cymbet Corp, 22 May 2001
mailto:cym1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cym/cym100.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Flash mixed-signal MCUs stand by at under 1uA
A new family of mixed-signal 16bit Flash microcontrollers that are the industry's first to break the 1uA standby-current barrier is now available from Texas Instruments. Combining ultra-low power, high-performance analogue and a 16bit RISC CPU, the new devices serve as complete system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for cost sensitive, battery-powered measurement applications such as utility meters and sport watches. The first two devices from the MSP430F4xx family are the MSP430F413 with 8Kbyte of ultra-low-power Flash memory and the 4Kbyte MSP430F412.
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2. Budget function generator has full digital control
The TG420, new from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), is a low-cost 20MHz sweep/function generator with full microprocessor-based digital control and an RS232 interface. Unlike most lower-cost function generators, which use a technology that enables them to operate up to no more than a few megahertz, the TG420 uses an alternative technology which retains its waveform quality right up to 20MHz. The heart of the TG420 is a microprocessor which provides complete control of all the generator functions.
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3. Extremely low quiescent current for LDOs
Seiko Instruments introduces the S-818 Series of extremely low quiescent current LDO voltage regulators. Packaged in the miniature SOT-23-5 or SOT-89-5 casings, the S-818 is a positive LDO voltage regulator developed using CMOS technology. The low power consumption and high-output current allow the S-818 to be used in a wide range of applications, such as cellular phones, PDAs, MP3 players, notebook PCs, handheld games, home security, digital cameras and portable audio devices. The S-818 features a low quiescent current of typically 100nA (500nA max) with the power off and typically 30A (40A max) during operation.
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4. Virtual instrumentation hardware and software
Running on a PC, VInstrumentation from Kyle Data Services provides a complete low-cost real-time-display data-acquisition and control system. Virtual instrumentation is provided by the combination of VInstrument software and VInterface hardware. VInterface provides eight channels of data acquisition (to +/-10V) with sampling rates up to 10ksample/s, two control channels (+/-5V), eight logic inputs and eight logic outputs. All I/O connections are via 4mm sockets.
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5. Field-swappable 22.5A rectifier is only 1U high
Unipower Telecom's new Magellan (RMX) Series rectifiers provide 22.5A at 54.4V DC for charging 48V lead-acid batteries or for driving loads directly. The shelf is only one rack space (44mm/1.72 inches) high and the rectifier is field replaceable from the front, without the need for disconnecting from system wiring. The rectifier voltage can be adjusted over a wide 44 to 58V range by means of a front-panel potentiometer or a remote analogue control voltage. The system mounts in a 19in rack or can mount in a 23in rack using extender brackets. Power density is 3.3VA/in3.
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6. Industrial PSU for European compliance
Designed with the latest CE legislation in mind, the ACE-932AP AC input industrial PS/2 power supply from Wordsworth Technology meets all the relevant safety and EMI requirements for European markets. Safety standards include UL 1950, CSA 22.2 No. 234, and VDE EN 60 950. The power supply meets FCC docket 20780 curve B, EN555022 class B for EMI and EN 61000-3-2 for harmonics.
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7. Heatsinks generate 360-degree airflow
Molex is helping to offer maximum thermal performance and quieter PCs with its latest product - copper-core radial-fin heatsinks for applications with SECC2 and PGA microprocessors found in personal computers, workstations and servers. Using Molex's patent pending radial folded fin design, these heatsinks generate a 360-degree airflow that results in higher volumetric efficiency and lower fan noise than traditional extruded heatsinks. All models feature a high fin count and hollow copper core that minimises weight without decreasing performance.
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8. Easier real-time high-availability embedding
Green Hills Software has created a secure and ultrareliable environment for the development and deployment of complex, real-time, high-availability embedded applications by integrating its MULTI 2000 integrated development environment and fault-tolerant Integrity RTOS with Rational Software's visual development environment. Green Hills recently joined the Rational Unified Partners Program (RUPP) and is working with Rational to create an 'end-to-end' solution for the development and deployment of sophisticated embedded applications.
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9. Clip-on gasket shields and seals
The new Clip-Shield range of clip-on EMI shielding gaskets from Chomerics have been designed for enclosure applications requiring both high levels of EMI shielding and resistance to outdoor environments. Providing a secure mechanical attachment to enclosure doors or panels, Clip-Shield consists of a Chomerics CHO-SEAL conductive elastomer, bonded to a flexible PVC/TPE-coated aluminium clip. A choice of several CHO-SEAL materials is available, all of which can be co-extruded with a nonconductive silicone for optimum environmental protection.
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10. Electroformed leadframes are more economical
Tecan Components has developed new manufacturing techniques for the production of semiconductor leadframes, offering significantly higher specifications than traditional techniques to produce economical parts with increased lead density and higher accuracy. Traditional methods of leadframe manufacture include photochemical machining and machine punched parts for high-volume production needs, but the techniques have mechanical accuracy limitations. As electronic component packaging moves towards ever-smaller requirements the physical restrictions of these methods have been reached. With proven electroforming technology, Tecan has mapped the way forward by producing leadframes, in any volume and to such high accuracy, that parts can now be made half the original size or with double the lead capacity for the same footprint.
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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PCI CARD PROVIDES MOTION CONTROL FOR X-RAY CHECKS
The ground-breaking mouse-controlled positioning delivered by Dage's new X-ray electronics inspection machines is handled by Baldor's NextMove PCIbus motion controller card.
Baldor UK, 21 May 2001
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OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER RUNS BACKPLANES AT 1.5Gbit/s
Cypress Semiconductor has just introduced a new generation of HOTLink (high-speed optical transceiver link) transceivers for high-speed communications-switch backplane applications.
Cypress Semiconductor, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp109.html
RISC PROCESSOR CUTS AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY COSTS
Toshiba has expanded its family of processors for automotive applications with a high-performance RISC core based device that will dramatically simplify dashboard and cockpit displays.
Toshiba Electronics Europe, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos118.html
NEXT GENERATION TERRESTRIAL DVB DEMODULATOR
The next generation single-chip COFDM DVB-T compliant demodulator, developed by Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe is now available in volume quantities.
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe, 22 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fuj/fuj106.html
COMPACT FUSES EXTENDED TO 8 AND 10A RATINGS
Schurter has extended its MSTU and MXT 250V Microfuse ranges to include both 8 and 10A rated devices.
Schurter, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/scc/scc101.html
CERAMIC COAXIAL RESONATORS IMPROVE CIRCUIT Q
Frequency products specialist Euroquartz has introduced new ceramic coaxial resonators that are ideal for use in a broad range of applications.
Euroquartz, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eub/eub101.html
CAPACITOR MODULES PUT PFC IN THE PANEL
PFC Engineering has released its SBA Series automatic capacitor modules, aimed directly at the panel and system builder marketplace.
PFC Engineering, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pfc/pfc100.html
OPTOCOUPLERS SHRINK INTO SO-8 PACKAGING
Fairchild Semiconductor has a new line of high-performance small-outline-package optocouplers.
Fairchild Semiconductor, 21 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fai/fai117.html
SURFACE-MOUNT VARISTORS PROVIDE COMPACT PROTECTION
The Keko PV Series of varistors are plastic encapsulated surface-mount devices designed to protect electronic equipment against high-voltage surges in low- and medium-voltage applications.
VTM (UK), 21 May 2001
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WEB-BASED TOOL SUITE INTEGRATES DESIGN TEAMS
DxDesigner is a new web-based solution that Innoveda claims redefines the paradigm for design creation.
Innoveda, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/inn/inn109.html
REFERENCE DESIGN AIDS GIGBIT FIBRE CHANNEL
QuickLogic has released an advanced reference design kit for Fibre Channel and other high-speed serial applications.
QuickLogic, 21 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/qui/qui102.html
BIG-ENDIAN VERSION OF BLUECAT FOR INTEL IXP1200
LynuxWorks has announced availability of its BlueCat Linux for the new Intel Internet Exchange Architecture Software Developers Kit (Intel IXA SDK) 2.0 for the Intel IXP1200 Network Processor.
LynuxWorks, 21 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lyn/lyn107.html
SURF SPEARHEADS STANDARDISATION EFFORTS
The latest modem technology from Surf Communication Solutions offers V.92 modem, V.44 data compression, modem relay over IP network (V.MoIP) and V.90 analogue over digital (V.90AoD).
Surf Communication Solutions, 21 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sur/sur101.html
ANT FRESCO BROWSER PORTED TO LSI SET-TOP BOX SoC
Available now from LSI Logic is the company's software development platform (SDP) for the SC2000 digital set-top box (STB) chip featuring ANT's embedded Fresco browser.
LSI Logic Europe, 22 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lsi/lsi100.html
FULLY INTEGRATED SERVO AT A STEPPER-TYPE PRICE
Like other SmartMotors, the Animatics SM2315 is a controller, amplifier and encoder built into a true brushless DC servomotor, but at a one-off cost of just $499.
Animatics Corp, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ani/ani103.html
MODULAR OPEN I/O FIELDBUS TECHNOLOGY
Moeller has introduced a new generation of compact, modular fieldbus I/O products, representing a quantum leap in user friendly, high-performance fieldbus technology.
Moeller Electric, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/moe/moe103.html
SINGLE-MODE MT-RJ JACK CABLE ASSEMBLIES
A range of single-mode fibre-optic jack cable assemblies based on the industry-standard MT-RJ connector is now available from AMP Netconnect.
AMP Netconnect, 16 May 2001
mailto:amc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amc/amc101.html
POWER CONNECTORS FOR TOUGH ENVIRONMENTS
The ABPC range of power connectors is now available from Aerco, the Horsham based electromechanical component distributor.
Aerco, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aea/aea106.html
ULTRA-FINE-PITCH CONNECTORS WITH UP TO 100 PINS
Harwin's new MP6 range of surface-mount ultra-fine-pitch connectors are suitable for internal mounting where miniaturisation and light weight are paramount.
Harwin, 21 May 2001
mailto:haa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/haa/haa106.html
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER FOR PCB REPAIR AND REWORK
Techspray's new Trace Technologies range of PCB repair pens from Intertronics offers ease of use, quality and performance for board repair and rework.
Intertronics, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ind/ind104.html
POWER SUPPLIES FEATURE 200% PEAK LOAD CAPABILITY
A new range of switch-mode power supplies that can withstand 200% peak loads for up to 10 seconds has been introduced by Powerline.
Powerline, 18 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/poa/poa105.html
HIGH-RELIABILITY APPLICATION READY 1U/2U PLATFORMS
High reliability computer manufacturer I-Bus/Phoenix announces the availability of its IBP-1 and IBP-2 high-density application ready computer platforms.
I-Bus/Phoenix, 17 May 2001
mailto:ibu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ibu/ibu108.html
EMBEDDED MOTHERBOARD CONFIGURED FOR CONNECTIVITY
The PATX3070 Pentium-class motherboard, now available from Crellon Microsystems, combines AGP graphics capability with a range of powerful interfaces.
Crellon Microsystems, 17 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cre/cre101.html
LOW-COST DATA ACQUISITION CARD RUNS FROM A LAPTOP
National Instruments has released its lowest cost E Series data acquisition (DAQ) device for PCMCIA.
National Instruments, 16 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa102.html
ENTRY-LEVEL MULTIMETERS WITH EXTENDED RANGES
Fluke has added two new entry-level models to its successful Fluke 180 Series of digital multimeters.
Fluke (UK), 22 May 2001
mailto:flu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu109.html
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
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