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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 18: 5 June 2001
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1567 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. Software simplifies reliable low-power radio
2. Board supports soft-processor-based SoC designs
3. Shrinking Bluetooth power amplifiers
4. One adapter handles Flash, SRAM and DRAM devices
5. True single-chip MP3 encoder/decoder
6. Cell, block and full-chip verification in one
7. Faster route to wireless device development
8. Web-based calculators aid position-transducer use
9. Simple data acquisition with RS-232 or GPIB
10. GPS engines shrink to postage-stamp size
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
The news that 3G network operators in Germany are to be allowed to share infrastructure sets a precedent that may just bring a hint of sanity to the overly competitive mobile phone market.
But at face value, this would appear to mean that only a fraction of the expected numbers of basestations and other infrastructure will be deployed. And this is just one more piece of bad news for a struggling components industry which has seen the biggest month-on-month fall in semiconductor sales for 17 years.
However, the whole of the electronics industry needs 3G to happen, and to happen as soon as possible to rejuvenate handset sales. Let us hope this is one German initiative that can be successfully duplicated across Europe.
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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COMPAQ TO USE GEODE IN THIN-CLIENT SYSTEMS
Compaq is to incorporate National Semiconductor's Geode technology in its next-generation thin client systems.
National Semiconductor, 30 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat121.html
AHA SUPPORTS EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES
Advanced Hardware Architectures (AHA) has entered into a collaborative programme with a number of universities in the UK and Europe.
Advanced Hardware Architectures (AHA), 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aha/aha101.html
TI DSP ENABLES WEARABLE COMPUTER
Xybernaut Corp's Mobile Assistant V (MA V) is an advanced wearable computer that provides lightweight, hands-free mobile computing.
Texas Instruments, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex112.html
TOKYO UNIVERSITY TO USE CELOXICA DK1 FOR POSTGRADS
Tokyo University is to use Celoxica's DK1 design suite and development boards for a postgraduate course in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Celoxica, 31 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cel/cel108.html
STRONG SHOWING FROM ANSOFT
Ansoft Corp has announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended 30th April 2001.
Ansoft Corporation Europe, 31 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ans/ans106.html
SOUTHAMPTON'S PAYNE WINS BASIC RESEARCH AWARD
Prof David Payne, cofounder and chairman of Southampton Photonics, will receive the Basic Research Award of the Eduard Rhein Foundation, on 20th October in Munich.
Southampton Photonics, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sou/sou102.html
MILITARY PSU MAKER GOES INDUSTRIAL
Albacom of Dundee, Scotland has created an industrial power supply division to reflect the surge in demand for its new industrial power supplies.
Albacom, 30 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ale/ale100.html
RFI AND WIRELESS FUTURES UK JOIN FOR BLUETOOTH
Radio Frequency Investigation (RFI) and Milton Keynes-based Wireless Futures UK, have formed a strategic partnership rounding out their respective Bluetooth solutions services.
Radio Frequency Investigation, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rfi/rfi123.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Software simplifies reliable low-power radio
LPRS has developed a solution to the perennial problem of obtaining optimum performance from low-power radio systems. Called easy-Radio, the new system will allow OEMs effectively to ignore the radio link, and literally think of low-power radio as a replacement for a length of cable. The easy-Radio system is based on software which automatically converts the transmitted data to a more efficient "over air" data format and feeds it via the receiver to the user's host processor where it is converted back to its original state.
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2. Board supports soft-processor-based SoC designs
ARCangel 3 from ARC Cores is a new development platform supporting the latest available FPGAs. It allows designers to evaluate SoC systems based on ARC Tangent-A4 processor systems integrated with other intellectual property (IP) for designs of over 2.5 million FPGA system gates. The board is designed around an 1156-pin Xilinx Virtex XCV2000E, featuring up to 2,541,952 system gates, over 655,360bit of block RAM and up to 804 user I/O pins.
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3. Shrinking Bluetooth power amplifiers
SiGe Semiconductor has expanded its family of Bluetooth Class 1 power amplifiers with the PA2423G, the world's smallest solution, and the PA2423L, the world's smallest fully encapsulated package solution. The devices reduce form factor while providing extremely efficient power output to enhance performance of Class 1 Bluetooth applications such as cellular handsets, wireless headsets, laptops and peripheral devices. The devices are the latest additions to SiGe Semiconductor's PA2423 family of Class 1 Bluetooth power amplifiers, launched last year.
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4. One adapter handles Flash, SRAM and DRAM devices
With three footprints on a single FR4 substrate, the Om-Adapt TSOP2 is a low-cost prototyping adapter that can accommodate most of the SMD packages commonly used for memory devices. The adapter provides a footprint for the 0.5mm pitch "long" outline TSOP2 package, one for 0.8mm pitch gullwing packages, and one for the 1.27mm pitch SOJ. Thus, this single part, with a one-off cost less than GBP 10, offers the capability for prototyping with Flash, SRAM or DRAM devices. All the footprints have a maximum pin count of 56. A novel overlapping (patent applied for) outline arrangement entirely avoids the need for vias, optimising electrical performance.
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5. True single-chip MP3 encoder/decoder
According to Flint, the Micronas MAS3587F is the first true single-chip MP3 encoder/decoder, bringing an unprecedented level of integration and performance to any speech/audio design. Key opportunities include all memory-based recording/playback systems such as portable MP3 recorder/players and in car systems, plus a wealth of new applications in kiosks, recorded public address systems, in-store audio equipment, telephones and speech-enabled equipment (lifts, security, access control). While MP3 encoding and decoding are possible with generic DSPs and appropriate software, the MAS3587F provides optimised silicon in an application-specific device.
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6. Cell, block and full-chip verification in one
New from Mentor Graphics, Calibre Interactive enables designers to perform block and cell physical verification from within layout environments such as Cadence Design Systems' Virtuoso. This provides the same integrated cell, block and full chip verification environment to Virtuoso users that has existed for the IC Station tool users for years. Accessible directly from the layout environment, Calibre Interactive brings unprecedented performance, capacity, functionality and ease-of-use to block/cell physical verification. It provides the block/cell designer interactive access to design rule checking (DRC) and layout versus schematic (LVS) checking and the ability to graphically debug verification results without leaving the layout environment. Designers invoke all three of these capabilities via a graphical user interface called directly from the layout tool's pull-down menus.
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7. Faster route to wireless device development
The development of next generation (2.5 and 3G) wireless smartphones has become easier for handset manufacturers since Texas Instruments and Atelier unveiled a wireless hardware and software platform for Symbian-based wireless devices. Leveraging TI's DSP-based OMAP family of processors, combined with Atelier's BC2 suite of wireless phone software components, wireless handset manufacturers will rapidly develop, test and deliver GSM, GPRS and 3G smartphones faster to market with enhanced system performance and battery life for wireless applications including multimedia messaging, audio and video streaming, e-mail, m-commerce and interactive gaming.
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8. Web-based calculators aid position-transducer use
A set of easy-to-use, free, web-based calculators is now available at SpaceAge Control's website. The calculators allow engineers, technicians, and researchers to see how changes in acceleration, temperature and gravity affect position transducer performance. The calculators can also be used by physics, maths and engineering teachers and students as practical tools to demonstrate the effects of changing physical conditions. Three calculators are now offered.
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9. Simple data acquisition with RS-232 or GPIB
The new DDDA data acquisition software from Stanford Research Systems, now available exclusively in the UK from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), simplifies the control and plotting of data from all RS232 and GPIB instruments using Windows 95/98 and NT. No programming expertise is needed. The software has been designed to reduce the time required to produce simple programs that require tabular or graphical display of acquired data. Data can be displayed in multiple formats.
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10. GPS engines shrink to postage-stamp size
Sequoia Technology is broadening its range of solutions for location and positioning, with a new family of advanced ultraminiature GPS modules. The REB-2000 series are postage-stamp-sized GPS engines - the first new products from Sequoia's new agreement with positioning system specialists Royaltek. Just 30 x 40mm in footprint, the REB-2000 uses the SiRFStar 2 chipset, together with Royaltek exclusive low-noise amplifier and navigation algorithms, to deliver accurate position data quickly. Small size and TricklePower design make the module especially well suited to mobile designs including PDAs, mobile phones and portable location devices.
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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SENSOR MAKES ITS SCREEN DEBUT WITH PHILIPS
Philips Components, based at Simonstone near Burnley in Lancashire, manufactures TV screens at the rate of 600 an hour.
Penny and Giles Controls, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pen/pen117.html
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HIGH-PERFORMANCE 4MBIT DUAL-PORT MEMORY
Cypress Semiconductor has delivered samples of the 4Mbit version of its popular FLEx36 true dual-port memory family.
Cypress Semiconductor, 30 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp111.html
UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS CONTROLLER ON AN FPGA
Insight Electronics and inSilicon Corp have announced the availability of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 device controller for Xilinx FPGAs.
inSilicon Corp, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ins/ins108.html
THREE-PHASE BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR MOSFET CONTROLLER
The new A3932 from Allegro MicroSystems is a three-phase brushless DC motor controller integrated circuit.
Allegro MicroSystems Europe, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/alb/alb109.html
P-CHANNEL MOSFETS HANDLE HIGHER INPUT VOLTAGES
New 30V P-channel PowerTrench MOSFET technology from Fairchild Semiconductor features enhanced rugged-gate technology with 25V gate-to-source maximum rating.
Fairchild Semiconductor, 5 June 2001
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SCSI TECHNOLOGY ENTERS THE SEVENTH GENERATION
LSI Logic has announced commercial availability of the LSI53C1030 Ultra320 SCSI controller chip and the start of a worldwide product sampling and demo program featuring LSI Logic's Ultra320 products.
LSI Logic Europe, 5 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lsi/lsi101.html
OPERATION FRIENDLY MONITORING RELAYS
Now shipping from Carlo Gavazzi are the D and P series of operation friendly monitoring relays.
Carlo Gavazzi, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/car/car110.html
CERAMIC-COATED POWER RESISTORS RUN UP TO 25W
Easby Electronics is stocking a wide range of ceramic-coated power resistors from Meggitt.
Easby Electronics, 5 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eas/eas109.html
ANSOFT ADDS FOUNDRY MODELS TO MMIC AND RFIC DESIGN
Ansoft Corp has introduced the latest release of its circuit and communication system design software, Serenade version 8.7.
Ansoft Corporation Europe, 30 May 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ans/ans105.html
POWER COMPILER ADDS PUSHBUTTON POWER OPTIMISATION
Oki Semiconductor has added Power Compiler, Synopsys' pushbutton power optimisation tool for RTL and gate-level designs, to the set of Synopsys tools offered in Oki's advanced ASIC design kit.
Synopsys, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn104.html
DESIGN METHODOLOGY BRIDGES GAP TO FABRICATION
Monterey Design Systems describes System-Driven Physical Design as the first design methodology to enable physical chip implementation from system to GDSII tapeout of SoCs up to 100 million gates.
Monterey Design Systems, 5 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mon/mon101.html
SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES COMMS LINE CARD DEVELOPMENT
The latest release of Cypress Semiconductor's popular Warp software design tools now includes support for its recently announced Programmable Serial Interface family of communications devices.
Cypress Semiconductor, 5 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp112.html
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE FOR BLUETOOTH SoCs
BlueForm from ARC Cores is a comprehensive package of hardware and software IP, development tools and application software for building Bluetooth SoC products based on the ARCtangent processor.
ARC Cores, 5 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ara/ara111.html
SMD LIGHT PIPES WITH INTEGRATED LEDs
New from CTL Components is the world's first range of taped-and-reeled SMD light pipes featuring integrated LEDs.
CTL Components, 1 June 2001
mailto:ctl1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ctl/ctl102.html
ELASTOMER MINIMISES COMPONENT STRESS
Suited to encapsulating electronic devices, the latest form-in-place flexible, thermally conductive silicone elastomer from Chomerics offers high thermal conductivity.
Chomerics Europe, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cho/cho104.html
HIGH-RELIABILITY RESONANT INVERTER PSU
Alabacom has developed a new resonant power supply which produces a controllable high-frequency high-voltage sinusoidal alternating-current output.
Albacom, 30 May 2001
mailto:ale1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ale/ale101.html
PCI FRAME GRABBER UNBURDENS HOST CPU
PC-CamLink is the latest addition to Coreco Imaging's PC series of advanced frame grabbers from Firstsight Vision.
Firstsight Vision, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fia/fia104.html
RELAYS HANDLE RANGE OF TEST VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS
Available now from Schaffner EMC are a pair of high-voltage relays capable of carrying both the high voltages and high currents used in electrical testing.
Schaffner EMC, 31 May 2001
mailto:sca1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sca/sca115.html
DIGITAL PHOSPHOR SCOPE IMPROVES ON 2GHz DEVICES
The latest addition to the Tektronix TDS7000 Series DPO family is the 2.5GHz TDS7254.
Tektronix, 1 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek108.html
GROUP DELAY MODULE AIDS MICROWAVE MEASUREMENTS
IFR Systems has added group delay measurement capability to its 6845 microwave system analyser (MSA).
IFR Systems, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ifr/ifr107.html
LOW-FREQUENCY HIGH-PERFORMANCE ANALOGUE ATE
Teradyne has released its BBAC instrumentation for low-frequency high-performance analogue testing of broadband devices such as converters, xDSL and CDMA.
Teradyne, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tee/tee105.html
NEW BLUE LABS TEST BLUETOOTH INTEROPERABILITY
Wireless Futures, the interoperability test company devoted exclusively to wireless technologies, has opened The Blue Labs in Milton Keynes, England.
Wireless Futures, 4 June 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wir/wir100.html
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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We also publish other engineering newsletters like this
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Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
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