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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 50: 5 February 2002
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4021 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. Transceiver has all GSM standards covered
2. World's fastest scope boasts 6GHz bandwidth
3. Copper and fibre share the same housings
4. Embedded memory cuts hard and soft error rates
5. Dual relay helps automotive motors go both ways
6. RF source covers both EMC test and calibration
7. Faster-switching IGBTs save space and cut losses
8. Convertor offers independent 3.3 and 5V outputs
9. Bluetooth module aims for automotive applications
10. Novel image sensor architecture revealed at ISSCC
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
A year on from our first newsletter (and no wiser), I did something this morning I've never done before. I bought a mobile phone handset. And a year on from tales of doom, gloom and redundancies, I was frankly gobsmacked at the price.
It may be that it is some 10 years since I last bought a handset - but then one might have expected the cost to have declined (by some measure). But it didn't.
Or it may be that this time I bought the whole thing (rather than had it subsidised by the service provider).
But having scrutinised all the best deals on the web, I bit my lip, gave my credit card number and took my hat off to the manufacturers for having kidded us that they were having a hard time of it (a deception so impressive, it took in their suppliers, the media and the thousands who became surplus to requirements).
So to what can we attribute this firming of prices when the cost of producing the device is certainly falling?
I fear, again, we are in the hands of the software brigade. It is the new freedom to shop around for a service provider that has once again put the focus on the hardware supplier... so there's hope for us all yet, I suppose.
Still, one good thing about having bought the thing is that I don't have to publicise the manufacturer. (Heaven forefend that any journalist might ever have felt obliged to plug a company who had proffered a "freebie".) Unless, of course, anything goes wrong with it.
I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. We now have more than 4000 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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IP LICENSING PUT ICING ON MOSYS FIGURES
MoSys has reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended 31st December 2001.
MoSys, 30 January 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mos/mos112.html
SWITCHED FABRIC INTERFACE TO GAIN ACCEPTANCE
The Switched Fabric Interface is set to move into mainstream technology, according to WT Greer Jr, Fairchild Semiconductor's senior VP and general manager of the Interface and Logic Group.
Fairchild Semiconductor, 31 January 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fai/fai161.html
PHILIPS AND MOBILEEYE IN AUTOMOTIVE SoC ACCORD
Work is under way to develop a highly integrated SoC solution for automotive driver assistance applications, taking the first step towards the development of autonomous driving systems.
Philips Semiconductors, 5 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/phi/phi116.html
INNOVEDA REPORTS Q4 BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Innoveda has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended 29th December 2001, including a return to profitability as previously forecast.
Innoveda, 30 January 2002
mailto:inn1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/inn/inn128.html
CADENCE OPENS UP THIRD-PARTY DEVELOPMENT
The OpenAccess Coalition has released the OpenAccess source code roadmap, and announced OpenConnect, a programme to encourage third-party development with OpenAccess.
Cadence Design Systems, 5 February 2002
mailto:cad1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cad/cad105.html
CDT STARTS RESEARCH AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has moved into its new 1750m2 facility for light emitting polymer (LEP) technology development almost a month ahead of the original schedule and within budget.
Cambridge Display Technology, 30 January 2002
mailto:cdt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cdt/cdt111.html
LEAN MANUFACTURING CUTS MEMBRANE COSTS AND DELAYS
In2tec - formed earlier last year following a management buyout of ITT Industries' membranes facility in Kettering - has completely reorganised its production system.
In2tec, 30 January 2002
mailto:ink1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ink/ink101.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Transceiver has all GSM standards covered
Sony Semiconductor and Devices Europe (SDE) has designed its first quad-band GSM/GPRS/Edge transceiver, the DuettoDC. Driven by the new demands of the US market in addition to European requirements, the DuettoDC supports all four GSM bands (850, 900, 1800 and 1900MHz) and is GPRS/Edge compatible. This allows handset manufacturers to develop a flexible, common RF platform for their worldwide GSM handset programmes. Further, the DuettoDC is specifically designed to address handset cost reduction through minimising the RF bill of materials, while elegantly overcoming the traditional problems of direct conversion.
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2. World's fastest scope boasts 6GHz bandwidth
Tektronix reckons its latest oscilloscope provides engineers designing high-speed digital systems with advanced debug and analysis capabilities that are unmatched on today's market. At 6GHz, the TDS6604 is the world's fastest digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), and is Tektronix' second-generation high-performance silicon-germanium (SiGe) instrument. With this introduction, Tektronix is poised to enable the transition from wide parallel bus architecture to narrow, point-to-point, serial bus architecture with gigabit datarates.
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3. Copper and fibre share the same housings
A new range of products from Honda Connectors offers the versatility to readily integrate coaxial and fibre-optic cabling in the same interconnection scheme or backplane. The FXMU series of coaxial plugs, jacks and adapters comes in the same footprint as Honda's high-density MU optical interconnection systems, so copper and fibre can share the same housings and backplanes.
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4. Embedded memory cuts hard and soft error rates
MoSys has released its new 1T-SRAM-R embedded memory technology option for applications that require very high reliability, immunity to soft errors and lowest manufacturing cost. Fabricated in standard logic processes and employing the same, simple, industry-standard SRAM interface, 1T-SRAM-R memory macros can directly replace other embedded SRAMs, achieving lower cost and higher reliability without changes to system design.
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5. Dual relay helps automotive motors go both ways
A new space-saving dual relay for automotive motor reversal applications has been introduced by Omron. Ideal for use inside door skins and other small apertures, the Omron G8NW allows motor controls for electric window and central door locking to be integrated into a single component to miniaturise assemblies, reduce the bill of materials and simplify manufacturing. The Omron G8NW is a dual version of the existing G8ND automotive twin relay.
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6. RF source covers both EMC test and calibration
New from Schaffner is a high-stability RF-emission source for the evaluation of parameters of open area test sites, anechoic chambers and other test sites in the frequency range 1 to 18GHz. Highly flexible in application, the VSQ 2000 can be used for a wide range of EMC measurements. It allows reference measurements between open-area test sites and alternative measurement equipment such as GTEM cells and anechoic chambers.
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7. Faster-switching IGBTs save space and cut losses
Toshiba Electronics has released the first in a series of ultra fast switching (UFS) IGBTs that will save space and minimise losses in high-speed switching applications operating with frequencies up to 150kHz. Suitable for switch mode power supply (SMPS) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications, the GT15J121 is the first device in Toshiba's new IGBT-D family.
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8. Convertor offers independent 3.3 and 5V outputs
Though not immediately obvious, combining 3.3V digital and +5V analogue ICs (or +5/-5.2V digital ICs) in a single system can inflict subtle yet complex demands on its power supplies. The cleanest, though not the cheapest, solution is simply to install multiple independent supplies. Datel's BWR-5/3.3 Series of 30W dual-output, 5 and 3.3V DC/DC convertors offer affordable, total control over two independently regulated outputs.
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9. Bluetooth module aims for automotive applications
Taiyo Yuden has developed a fully integrated Bluetooth v1.1-compliant full module for next-generation automotive applications, including sound systems, navigational/telematics devices and Bluetooth-based hands-free kits.
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10. Novel image sensor architecture revealed at ISSCC
Innotech Corp has released details of its threshold voltage modulation image sensor (VMIS), a new type of solid-state sensor that aims to set the standard for next-generation imaging devices. Speaking at the 2002 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) on 3rd February, Takashi Miida, Director of Innotech's Core Technology Development Department, which developed VMIS, explained how VMIS maximises the efficiency with which it converts photoelectric charges from the photodetecting device into electrical charges.
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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CHARGER POWERS PERSONAL AIR-SAMPLING SYSTEM
An advanced battery charging unit has been designed by Lawtronics to charge up to five portable pumps for a personal air-sampling system.
Lawtronics, 5 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lwo/lwo101.html
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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TEMPERATURE SWITCH INTEGRATES SAFETY LATCH
Seiko Instruments has developed the S-8130 Series temperature switch with latch.
Seiko Instruments, 30 January 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sei/sei110.html
CHIPSET BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO 2.4GHz AT 54Mbit/s
Intersil has released the industry's first WLAN chipset designed to support the new 802.11g high-rate WLAN Draft Standard.
Intersil, 30 January 2002
mailto:ina1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ina/ina150.html
0.35-MICRON PROCESS ROCKET POWERS COMMS DEVICES
Alcatel is offering Europractice customers worldwide access to its new high-speed 0.35-micron SiGe1 BiCMOS technology for prototyping and volume production.
Alcatel Microelectronics, 31 January 2002
mailto:ala1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ala/ala109.html
TRENCH TECHNOLOGY SPEEDS AMPLIFIER TRIO
National Semiconductor has three new LMH amplifier products for the high-speed analogue market based on its VIP10 manufacturing process.
National Semiconductor, 1 February 2002
mailto:nat1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat151.html
UNLEADED PACKAGING MAKES FPGAs WEEE-FRIENDLY
Actel has added lead-free packaging options for its ProASIC 500K, eX and SX-A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) families.
Actel Europe, 4 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/act/act109.html
SINGLE-CHIP USB POWER MANAGEMENT
The industry's first family of ICs combining an LDO regulator and a single switch with a dual current limit for power management in USB applications is now available.
Texas Instruments, 5 February 2002
mailto:tex2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex212.html
MULTIPLEXING AMPLIFIERS MOVE HIGH-BANDWIDTH VIDEO
Elantec Semiconductor claims to have the industry's fastest triple 2:1 multiplexing (MUX) amplifiers in the shape of the EL4342C and EL4346C.
Elantec Semiconductor, 5 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ela/ela106.html
DUAL-LOOP CONTROL AIDS 10Gbit LASER DIODE DRIVER
Analog Devices has released the first 10.7Gbit/s laser diode driver (LDD) to include dual-loop control.
Analog Devices, 5 February 2002
mailto:anc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anc/anc121.html
MOSFETs TO GIVE THAT HOME THEATRE SOUND
Zetex has launched a series of four N- and P-channel MOSFETs providing all the performance demanded by Class D audio systems.
Zetex, 5 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zet/zet101.html
REFERENCE DESIGN MAKES FOR POWERFUL BASESTATIONS
Xicor has teamed up with Motorola to provide radio-frequency power amplifier (RFPA) reference platforms for GSM, Edge and W-CDMA cellular basestation applications.
Xicor, 5 February 2002
mailto:xic1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xic/xic101.html
FERRITES SAVE SPACE AT HIGH FREQUENCIES
Iskra's latest ferrite materials answer the demand for smaller and lighter power supplies.
Iskra Feriti, 5 February 2002
mailto:isk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/isk/isk100.html
KITS HELP ACCURATE INDUCTOR SPECIFICATION
The Components Division of Acal Electronics has evaluation kits to help designers select the best device from Sagami's broad range of wirewound chip inductors.
Acal Electronics, 5 February 2002
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http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aca/aca100.html
HALF-PRICE PCB DESIGN SOFTWARE WITH FREE UPGRADES
Altium has a new exclusive offer for members of its Altium Total Support (ATS) scheme.
Altium, 4 February 2002
mailto:tas1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tas/tas112.html
PLATING FOR EVERYDAY AND NICHE APPLICATIONS
A dedicated new GBP 1 million purpose-built facility is providing OEMs and other discerning partners with access to market leading high-specification surface finishing.
Tecan Components, 4 February 2002
mailto:tea1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tea/tea121.html
SMOOTHLY DOES IT WITH T-BAR FADER
Quiller Electronics has introduced to the UK a new T-bar fader from CH Products that it claims provides the perfect solution for smooth analogue control for post-production audio and video equipment.
Quiller Electronics, 5 February 2002
mailto:qub1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/qub/qub134.html
ONE FAN FITS TWO STANDARD SIZES
Fan Technology is now supplying a 127mm square, AC axial fan with two sets of fixing holes.
Fan Technology, 5 February 2002
mailto:fan1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fan/fan117.html
MOTORS IDEAL FOR HIGH-SPEED SERVOS
Electro Mechanical Systems has a new 44mm diameter rare-earth magnet brushless DC motor from System Faulhaber.
EMS, 5 February 2002
mailto:ems1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ems/ems104.html
SENSOR IS BASIS FOR A MORE PRECISE COMPUTER MOUSE
A novel optical mouse sensor provides smoother, faster and more precise navigation control over a wider variety of surfaces.
Agilent Technologies, 5 February 2002
mailto:agi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi115.html
INVERTER RUNS FROM SUPPLIES DOWN TO 42V
Unipower Telecom's INV2500-HS inverter is rated at 2500VA and provides 115V AC at 22A RMS from a nominal input of 48V DC (42-56V) to power a wide range of universal telecommunications equipment.
Unipower Europe, 5 February 2002
mailto:uni1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/uni/uni114.html
NEW HEATSINK MAKES PENTIUM 4 BOARD COOL TO EMBED
The new Aaeon SBC-800 is an all-in-one single board computer (SBC) capable of handling the Intel Pentium 4 processor up to 2GHz+ (with system bus frequencies of 400MHz).
Impulse Corporation, 30 January 2002
mailto:imp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/imp/imp115.html
STRONGARM APPROACH TO EMBEDDED CONTROL
The Eagle II is the second in a series of StrongARM based OEM modules from New Zealand based Prolificx.
Prolificx, 31 January 2002
mailto:pxv1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pxv/pxv100.html
OFF-THE-SHELF PLATFORMS SQUEEZE IT ALL INTO 1U
New from I-Bus/Phoenix, the 1U eFuzion range of application-ready computer platforms is designed for enterprise-class customer-premise applications.
I-Bus/Phoenix, 1 February 2002
mailto:ibu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ibu/ibu116.html
COMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL ANALYSER RISES TO 10GBIT
Tektronix has upgraded its popular communications signal analyser and introduced two new optical sampling modules aimed at the fast-growing 10Gbit Ethernet and Optical Transport Network markets.
Tektronix, 5 February 2002
mailto:tek1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek127.html
CHARACTERISATION LINKS WITH MODELLING
A new software driver allows users to combine the Keithley Model 4200-SCS semiconductor characterisation system with Agilent Technologies' IC-CAP device modelling software environment.
Keithley Instruments, 5 February 2002
mailto:kei1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kei/kei119.html
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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We also publish other engineering newsletters like this
once a week. All are free, so take a look:
Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
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Manufacturingtalk - for production engineers
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