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ELECTRONICSTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Electronics Engineers
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London, UK
ISSN 1475-2913 - Free subscription
Published every Tuesday at 12:30 (UK)
Issue 30: 4 September 2001
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2435 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. Single chip simplifies imaging peripherals
2. LDO and switches combine for USB power control
3. Advanced tool programs embedded system registers
4. Hot bar bonder tackles many tasks
5. Active filter aids image reconstruction
6. Stable development for x86 designs
7. Programmable option for avionics interfacing
8. Dual-mode inverters for frugal backlights
9. IP interfaces ease soft core integration
10. IR touch sensor is smoother on the screen
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
The clock-watchers among you may have noticed that this week's Electronicstalk newsletter is a couple of hours late. But you will be pleased to note that the time wasn't wasted, it was spent tearing my hair out trying to fix a Windows exception OE. So top marks to the good people at Google for running what is certainly the most powerful and useful tool on the Internet, and for pointing me towards a document containing the solution.
However, the best bit of news of the week so far is that 3G mobile is finally in sight following the announcement that Japan's NTT DoCoMo will be starting its services on 1st October.
Many manufacturers will be hoping that this will resolve the classic chicken and egg scenario, and that the availability of the service will stimulate the demand for the handsets.
I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. We have thousands of engineers and other industry professionals on the circulation, so you're in good company. 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
mailto:lauren[-email removed-]nicstalk.com
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THIS WEEK'S INDUSTRY NEWS
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RICOH IS JAPAN'S FIRST TO ADOPT AVANT!'S ASTRO
Ricoh has selected the Astro solution, Avant!'s breakthrough capability for ultra-deep-submicron (UDSM) physical design closure.
Avant! Corporation, 30 August 2001
mailto:ava1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ava/ava106.html.
ALLIANCE AIDS HIGH-BANDWIDTH EMBEDDED DESIGNS
SoftConnex Technologies has joined the LynuxWorks' SynergyWorks Alliance Programme and will offer USBLink ports to LynuxWorks' customers.
LynuxWorks, 29 August 2001
mailto:lyn1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lyn/lyn108.html
CDT TO PRODUCE NOVEL DISPLAY FOR US ARMY SAPS
Cambridge Display Technology has been selected to develop a prototype handheld light-emitting polymer display for the US National Imagery and Mapping Agency.
Cambridge Display Technology, 31 August 2001
mailto:cdt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cdt/cdt101.html.
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Single chip simplifies imaging peripherals
New from Colorgraph, the TCG003 is a novel device which is ideal for embedded imaging systems such as desk-top boxes and digital camera peripherals. When matched with a microprocessor and memory, the device provides all the control and interfacing necessary to product a complete product. The chip was designed by Colorgraph UK and jointly developed with Tokyo-based Kaga Electronics. It is available with an evaluation board and demonstration software.
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2. LDO and switches combine for USB power control
The industry's first family of products combining 3.3V LDO regulators and dual power switches in a single chip for USB and portable applications is now available from Texas Instruments. These new LDO-switch combos provide a complete power management solution for USB bus-powered hub and peripheral products, such as keyboards with mouse extensions or smart card sockets, as well as for personal digital assistants and other battery-powered systems. The highly integrated devices save up to 60% in board space over today's typical two-chip solutions.
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3. Advanced tool programs embedded system registers
Innoveda has unveiled a more powerful version of Regent, its wizard-like design and documentation tool for programmable register modules in embedded systems. Version 3.0 optimises the design process and implementation using a distributed model approach in which multiple register blocks are captured within one register table. Regent is an advanced tool designed specifically to handle the programming of SoC and embedded system registers.
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4. Hot bar bonder tackles many tasks
Kaisertech has introduced the low-cost MicroJoin model 2100 pulsed heat hot bar bonder that integrates the critical features and functions needed for soldering, heat seal or ACF (anisotropic conductive film) bonding. Users can also cost-effectively tailor the unit to almost any specific bonding application such as ribbon cables, flex connectors, TAB-to-board and heat seal connectors..
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5. Active filter aids image reconstruction
New from Fairchild Semiconductor the ML6416 integrated active video filter is optimised for the performance requirements of the DirecTV Network. The ML6416 offers a low cost monolithic alternative to discrete solutions. The ML6416 provides reconstructive filtering and chroma/luma delay compensation to improve the quality of television pictures.
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6. Stable development for x86 designs
Datasound Laboratories reckons its new development environment makes the programming of x86-based embedded applications faster and more efficient, while also increasing software stability. The joint hardware and software solution is based on the Digital-Logic MSM586SEV PC/104 board and the CAD-UL suite of tools for x86 protected mode.
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7. Programmable option for avionics interfacing
DDC's new DD-42916I3 PCI mezzanine card analyses and simulates ARINC 429 data to and from electronic equipment and systems in commercial airlines and military avionics. Each of the card's 16 channels can be programmed for either receive or transmit mode on ARINC 429, the databus system widely used in the Western world's commercial aircraft.
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8. Dual-mode inverters for frugal backlights
Providing an extremely wide brightness range for any CCFL backlit LCD application, RangeMax inverters from Solid State Supplies use a combination of analogue and direct drive digital dimming. In this dual-mode design, conventional analogue techniques are used to give the lamp a short overdrive current boost which quickly heats it to light-producing temperature, at which point digital technology is used to provide an extended dimming range.
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9. IP interfaces ease soft core integration
ARC Cores has introduced three new interfaces for its user-customisable 32bit processor, to make it easier to connect third-party and existing IP to its processor and save precious development time. Support has been added for the new USB 2.0 device controller specification, allowing developers to use the ARChitect processor configuration tool to add either USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 to the ARCtangent-A4 processor. Also new are industry-standard BVCI and AMBA interfaces for the core, making it the first soft IP processor core to support both standards.
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10. IR touch sensor is smoother on the screen
Elo TouchSystems has a new low-profile infra-red touch sensor and 4000S controller that use the company's CarrollTouch scanning infra-red touch technology. At a mere 6mm (0.25in) high - including the infra-red optoelectronics circuitry and 2mm filter - the new 15in low-profile touch sensor offers a profile approximately 50% thinner than that of the older model.
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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SNELL AND WILCOX STANDARDISES ON INNOVEDA FOR PCBs
Hampshire-based Snell and Wilcox has standardised on Innoveda's PowerPCB layout solution for developing highly complex printed circuit boards.
Innoveda, 29 August 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/inn/inn119.html
ESD-SAFE DISPENSER SOLVES STORAGE PROBLEMS
TBA Electro Conductive Products has used its ECP 128 conductive rotationally moulded HDPE compound to solve a customer's storage problems with an innovative design for a component dispenser.
TBA Electro Conductive Products, 30 August 2001
mailto:tba1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tba/tba102.html
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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MICROPOWER OP AMP SHRINKS INTO SOT-23 PACKAGE
Microchip's new 2.5 V micropower operational amplifier is available in a tiny SOT-23 package.
Arizona Microchip Technology, 31 August 2001
mailto:ari1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ari/ari104.html
JAVA FPGA CORE AVOIDS THE USUAL CODE BLOAT
Embedded Java specialist Digital Communication Technologies has made available its Lightfoot Java processor in the form of a programmable core for Xilinx FPGAs.
DCT Digital Communication Technologies, 31 August 2001
mailto:dct1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dct/dct100.html
MULTICHANNEL MULTIPROTOCOL ACCESS CONTROL CHIPS
Exar has updated its DS3/E3 ATM UNI offerings with the introduction of a new family of low-power, highly integrated devices.
Exar Europe, 29 August 2001
mailto:exa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/exa/exa103.html
PWM CONTROLLER IS OPTIMISED FOR LCD PCs
New from Fairchild Semiconductor is the FAN5232 adjustable PWM buck controller for LCD PCs.
Fairchild Semiconductor, 31 August 2001
mailto:fai1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fai/fai131.html
MICROCONTROLLERS CAN CONTROL CAN
New at Glyn is the F2MC-16LX range of Fujitsu microcontrollers, suitable for automotive and industrial applications.
Glyn, 30 August 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gly/gly104.html
SPEEDY CROSSPOINT SWITCH CUTS POWER CONSUMPTION
New from I-Cube, the OCX1601 Digital Crosspoint Switch is an SRAM-based device with an aggregate data bandwidth of 128Gbit/s.
I-Cube, 29 August 2001
mailto:icu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/icu/icu108.html
RS-232 TRANSCEIVER GOES TO MICRO PACKAGE
Intersil has released the world's smallest RS-232 serial data transceiver IC.
Intersil, 31 August 2001
mailto:ina1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ina/ina131.html
FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLAST DESIGN CUTS COSTS
International Rectifier has released the IRPLCFL2, a complete reference design for compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) ballasts using the IR2156 integrated ballast control and gate driver IC.
International Rectifier, 29 August 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sil/sil114.html
FASTER FIREWIRE RUNS UP TO 100m
Texas Instruments is demonstrating the first two devices compliant with the latest version of the IEEE 1394b specification this week at the Intel Developers Forum in San Jose, CA.
Texas Instruments, 29 August 2001
mailto:tex1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex139.html
16bit MCU AIMS FOR PORTABLE APPLICATIONS
Combining low-power operation with a built-in display controller, the latest highly integrated 16bit microcontroller from Toshiba will suit PDAs, data loggers and other portable applications.
Toshiba Electronics Europe, 30 August 2001
mailto:tos1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos126.html
SIX-CHANNEL DACS BRING PRO-AUDIO TO CONSUMER KIT
The WM8746 and WM8756 six-channel audio DACs from Wolfson Microelectronics provide the same high performance audio found in high-cost, high-end stereo systems to the consumer audio space.
Wolfson Microelectronics, 29 August 2001
mailto:wol1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wol/wol108.html
25A POWER RELAY AIMED AT MOTORS IN MOTORS
FTR-P3 automotive style PCB relays manufactured by Fujitsu Takamisawa and available from Young ECC have a single-pole, double-throw contact rated to 25A.
Young-ECC Electronics, 30 August 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/you/you107.html
SOLID-POLYMER ELECTROLYTICS FOR LOW ESR
Samwha Electric UK has reflow-solderable 105C solid conducting polymer capacitors in both SMD and a radial leaded outlines.
Easby Electronics, 4 September 2001
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eas/eas112.html
THERMAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE IS MORE INTELLIGENT
Flotherm V3.2 is the latest edition of its award-winning, design-class thermal analysis software from Flomerics.
Flomerics, 31 August 2001
mailto:flo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo101.html
SOFT IP PUTS KEY FUNCTIONS ON PLDs
Mentor Graphics has released the Inventra IPX suite of IP soft cores.
Mentor Graphics UK, 30 August 2001
mailto:men1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/men/men128.html
WEBSITE SUPPORTS LINUX-BASED SET-TOP-BOX DESIGN
Century Embedded Technologies and National Semiconductor have a new website, dedicated to supporting Linux developers and promoting open-source projects for set-top boxes.
National Semiconductor, 30 August 2001
mailto:nat1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat135.html
DIGITAL RADIO DESIGN AND INTEGRATION SERVICE
At IBC, RadioScape will launch its answer to enabling consumer electronics manufacturers to produce low-cost digital radio receiver products quickly and cost-effectively.
RadioScape, 31 August 2001
mailto:rab1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rab/rab104.html
ALL IN THE (WIRELESS) GAME FOR 3G HANDSETS
TTPCom aims to set new standards for mobile game quality when it unveils its Wireless Game Engine at ECTS, the interactive entertainment exhibition, in London in September.
TTPCom, 29 August 2001
mailto:ttp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ttp/ttp110.html
DISPLAYS ARE BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR SUNLIGHT
BF Group has introduced sunlight readable displays featuring advanced matrix technology, that includes both amorphous and polysilicon transmissive displays.
BF Group, 29 August 2001
mailto:bfg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bfg/bfg102.html
PUSHBUTTON CHANGES ITS TRUE COLOURS
A new pushbutton that offers multicoloured illumination has been launched by EAO.
EAO, 29 August 2001
mailto:eao1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eao/eao112.html
SLIDE LATCHES LOCK INTO PLACE
EMKA has introduced the 1091 range of attractive slide latches, ideally suited to rapid panel fitment.
EMKA UK, 30 August 2001
mailto:emk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/emk/emk106.html
TFT PANELS COME IN ALL SIZES
Diamond Electronics has enhanced its range of interface products with a series of TFT LCDs, available in a range of sizes from 480 x 234, up to 1900 x 1200
Diamond Electronics, 3 September 2001
mailto:dia1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dia/dia102.html
SLIMLINE LCDs MAKE THE MOST OF LIGHT
Sequoia is joining forces with Sharp to launch a new range of slimline transflective TFT LCDs, which produce a clear and bright image even in bright sunlight conditions.
Sequoia Technology, 4 September 2001
mailto:seq1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/seq/seq120.html
RISING CLAMP TERMINALS PREVENT INCORRECT ENTRY
Camden Electronics has added to its vertical female plug-in rising clamp terminals with a new 5.08mm-pitch version.
Camden Electronics, 30 August 2001
mailto:cab1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cab/cab109.html
SEALED CIRCULARS WITHSTAND THE ENVIRONMENT
Deutsch has added to its Industrial Micro Connectors (IMC) range with an economical choice of robust inline and flange-mounted composite circular connectors.
Deutsch, 30 August 2001
mailto:deu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/deu/deu108.html
TINY BACKPLANE CONNECTORS SUPPORT INFINIBAND
Even smaller than previous HSSDC backplane connectors from Tyco Electronics, the HSSDC 2 has been designed to meet 2.5Gbit/s InfiniBand 1x server I/O requirements as well as 2.1Gbit/s Fibre Channel sm
Tyco Electronics UK, 3 September 2001
mailto:tya1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tya/tya117.html
IMPROVED PCB LAYOUT AND RF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
AB Electronic Assemblies (ABEA) has invested over GBP 500,000 to add new services to its portfolio.
AB Electronic Assemblies, 30 August 2001
mailto:abe1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/abe/abe100.html
SM ADHESIVE STAYS STABLE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Thermoset CircuitSAF MA-420 from Intertronics is a snap-cure epoxy surface-mount adhesive engineered to maintain high green strength securing components during placement and prior to cure.
Intertronics, 30 August 2001
mailto:ind1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ind/ind106.html
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS FROM SURFACE FINISHING FACILITY
Tecan Components has invested GBP 500,000 in a new high-specification surface finishing facility, offering a wide range of bespoke solutions to OEMs and niche operators.
Tecan Components, 31 August 2001
mailto:tea1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tea/tea116.html
UP TO FOUR OUTPUTS FROM 375W PFC SWITCHER
New from Amplicon, the PFC375 switch-mode power supply is available with single, triple and quad outputs.
Amplicon Liveline, 29 August 2001
mailto:amp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amp/amp138.html
LATEST GENERATION FOR SOUND AND VIBRATION TESTS
Sound and vibration specialist, Bruel and Kjaer UK has announced the release of version 6.0 of Pulse, its sound and vibration measurement platform.
Bruel & Kjaer UK, 30 August 2001
mailto:bru1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bru/bru103.html
DATA ACQUISITION ENTERS A 32BIT WORLD
Available now from Adept Scientific, WinWedge 32 Standard is the 32bit version of the popular serial data acquisition and instrument control product from TAL Technologies.
Adept Scientific, 3 September 2001
mailto:ade1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ade/ade115.html
COMPACT CLAMP METERS ON THE ONE HAND
The Fluke 330 clamp meter series includes five different models, all of which have the same small form factor enabling ease-of-use even in the tightest places.
Fluke (UK), 4 September 2001
mailto:flu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu112.html
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