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ELECTRONICSTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Electronics Design, Development and Manufacturing Engineers
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ISSN 1475-2913 - Free subscription
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 125: 5 August 2003
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12105 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] PCB design software is made for sharing
[2] Backplane transceiver unlocks "hidden" bandwidth
[3] Overcurrent specialist turns to overvoltage
[4] Good conduct helps keep power semis cool
[5] Analyser speeds Bluetooth development
[6] Frame processors squeeze more out of networks
[7] Novel coating repels moisture
[8] Modules combine FPGAs with speedy memories
[9] Charger chip cuts out the cube
[10] Filters drive for updated standards
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
There's nothing like compiling a numerical list for getting folks fired up. The latest ranking of semiconductor manufacturers from IC Insights makes interesting reading (http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/iig/iig100.html), and will certainly generate mixed emotions.
The Top Ten in full sees Intel retain its first place, followed by Samsung, Renesas, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, STMicroelectronics, Infineon, NEC, Philips and TSMC, with former number one Motorola languishing in 11th position.
But while such rankings may make interesting reading, it is all too easy to overemphasise their importance.
One thing that the new Top Ten does prove is that the semiconductor business has become truly global, with Europe and the USA holding five places between tham, matched by Japan and the rest of Asia.
But it is indeed ironic that a perceived overvaluation of the Euro is being blamed for skewing the rankings, bearing in mind that the whole ethos of the single European currency is to remove the effects of currency fluctuations (albeit within 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.
Alternatively, the full stories behind all the summaries and headlines in this newsletter can be retrieved by email alone: see details below.
In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.
Best wishes
Laurence Marchini, Editor
mailto:ne[-email removed-]nicstalk.com
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THIS WEEK'S INDUSTRY NEWS
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To read more, use the web links. Or get the full stories emailed back to you: just send a blank email to the address shown. It's a free service. Try it! It works!
ALLIANCE TO PROMOTE MOBILE PROCESSOR STANDARDS
The Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Alliance is a new industry initiative that will define and promote open standards for interfaces to mobile application processors.
ARM, 31 July 2003
mailto:ank1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ank/ank104.html
COST CUTTING PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR ON SEMICONDUCTOR
ON Semiconductor Corp has reported that total revenues in the second quarter of 2003 were $256 million, a decline of 5% from the previous quarter.
ON Semiconductor, 5 August 2003
mailto:onw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onw/onw116.html
SUCCESSFUL STREAMLINING ENABLES STOCK BUY-BACK
The National Semiconductor board of directors has authorised a programme to repurchase up to $400 million of stock.
National Semiconductor, 5 August 2003
mailto:nat2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat242.html
ACQUISITION ADDS WI-FI RF EXPERTISE
Texas Instruments has acquired Radia Communications.
Texas Instruments, 5 August 2003
mailto:tex4[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex482.html
EMBEDDED STANDARD PRODUCTS KEY TO REVENUE GROWTH
QuickLogic Corp has published financial results for the second quarter ended 30th June 2003.
QuickLogic, 30 July 2003
mailto:qui1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/qui/qui142.html
BOOKHAM CUTS LOSSES DESPITE FLAT REVENUES
Bookham Technology has published its results for the second quarter and the six months ended 29th June 2003.
Bookham Technology, 1 August 2003
mailto:boo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo133.html
NEW NAME IN UK POWER SUPPLY MANUFACTURE
Following the liquidation of Lincoln-based Bulgin Power Source at the end of 2002, a group of its former employees have set up a new power supply manufacturing company.
VxI Power, 31 July 2003
mailto:vxi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vxi/vxi100.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. PCB design software is made for sharing
TeamPCB is a powerful new design collaboration tool for implementing and managing team design processes more easily and effectively than previously possible. For PCB designs that are too large or complex for a single person or team to complete in the desired time frame and for PCBs with multiple technologies requiring specialised design teams, TeamPCB allows companies to make effective use of design resources across geographically or functionally dispersed PCB design groups to dramatically reduce overall design cycles.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/men/279/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/men/men279.html
or send a blank email to mailto:men2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. Backplane transceiver unlocks "hidden" bandwidth
The AN6425 6.25Gbit/s quad backplane transceiver is the first of the new AN6000 family of low-power high-speed serdes transceiver products from Accelerant Networks. The AN6425 is targeted for the upgrade of existing network, server and storage systems to 6.25Gbit/s datarates and above. The single-chip device is the industry's most efficient backplane transceiver solution, combining all of the elements needed to unlock hidden bandwidth in the backplanes of currently deployed systems: increased speed, low power, datarate flexibility and reliability.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/atn/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/atn/atn100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:atn1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Overcurrent specialist turns to overvoltage
The ROV series of metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) can provide overvoltage fault protection on a wide variety of power systems. Suitable for a broad range of applications including security systems, power supplies and surge strips, the ROV device helps protect valuable equipment from potential power surge damage by clamping high-energy, short-duration impulses. The introduction of the ROV series expands Raychem Circuit Protection's offering of circuit protection options and can offer the circuit board designer a complete overcurrent/overvoltage solution.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ray/119/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ray/ray119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ray1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Good conduct helps keep power semis cool
Designers with challenging heat problems can look to a new silicone-gel-based thermal management solution. With outstanding thermal conductivity of 6.5W/m.K and high thermal radiation, this new sheet is ideal for conducting heat away from high power semiconductors. Very flexible with a natural surface tackiness, air gaps are effectively removed. Thermal resistance is minimised and firm attachment to the application is ensured.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/gel/105/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gel/gel105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:gel1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. Analyser speeds Bluetooth development
New from Nohau UK is a simplified and low-cost solution for the capture and expert analysis of HCI traffic. The latest addition to the CATC Bluetooth analysis product line is the HCITracer, an analyser system designed to capture, decode and analyse Bluetooth HCI traffic. HCITracer allows users to directly probe RS232 connections, UARTs and/or BlueCore interfaces for rapid and easy protocol analysis.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/noh/102/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/noh/noh102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:noh1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Frame processors squeeze more out of networks
The highly integrated Harrier family of frame processors provides programmable, intelligent oversubscription to optimise existing network infrastructure and reduce the number of components required to enable a high-density Ethernet solution. The Harrier family consists of three aggregation devices: Harrier-24 with 24 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports; Harrier-12 with 12 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports; and Harrier-24LS with 24 10/100 ports. Each device interoperates with off-the-shelf Ethernet physical layer devices via standard RMII/RGMII interfaces and with off-the-shelf network processor units (NPUs) or Sonet mappers via a standard SPI-4.2 interface.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/amm/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amm/amm100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:amm1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. Novel coating repels moisture
Certonal is billed as a fast, low-cost, effective and safe way of protecting electronics against moisture. Based on an extremely stable polymer with very low surface energy Certonal gives excellent repelling properties against water, oils and many other liquids. Benefits include: low cost per part; no health and safety issues; room-temperature application with no need for heat curing; and no need for masking.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/aot/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aot/aot100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aot1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. Modules combine FPGAs with speedy memories
Hunt Engineering has a new range of Heron-FPGA modules that combine powerful Virtex-II FPGAs with SDRAM. The addition of large off-chip memory makes the Heron-FPGA modules suitable for new applications such as image processing, fast transient analysis and a whole host of others. The memory can be used by the FPGA design to perform whatever storage function is required by the user's FPGA design.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/hun/111/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hun/hun111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hun1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. Charger chip cuts out the cube
The MAX1874 is a dual-input, linear, single-cell lithium-ion (Li+) battery charger for charging from both USB and AC-adapter sources, enabling portable users to forego carrying a wall cube. USB charging is particularly attractive for PDAs, cellphones, digital still cameras, MP3 players and other handheld products. The MAX1874 accepts input voltages up to 6.5V and does not require diodes or an external MOSFET.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/max/163/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/max/max163.html
or send a blank email to mailto:max1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. Filters drive for updated standards
A new family of EMC filters is designed to meet the most demanding industrial motor drive applications. The compact new filters target the limits given by Amendment A11 of the power drive product family standard EN61800-3. Amendment A11 to the EMC product standard EN61800-3 for variable speed electrical power drives introduces a number of changes and more precise definitions compared with the standard published in 1997.
* Request a free brochure by post:
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* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sca/sca154.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sca1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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TRANSCEIVER IS KEY TO FUTURE RF DESIGNS
(Xemics, 30 July 2003)
One of the main difficulties of developing a straightforward, low-cost wireless link for manufacturers is the required level of RF knowledge.
* Free brochure on XM1202:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/xem/128/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xem/xem128.html
(or email mailto:xem1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DSP CHIP POWERS NOVEL COMMUNICATIONS BADGE
(Texas Instruments, 31 July 2003)
Elmic Systems and Texas Instruments have provided the technological innovation for Vocera's new communications system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex481.html
(or email mailto:tex4[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FPGAs IMPROVE GRAPHICAL CONTROL
(Actel Europe, 31 July 2003)
Marine cartography specialist C-Map has adopted Actel's SX-A FPGAs for use in its marine navigation system offerings.
* Free brochure on SX-A FPGAs:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/act/147/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/act/act147.html
(or email mailto:act1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
RENESAS IMPROVES ITS DESIGN CLOSURE TIME BY 30%
(Synopsys, 4 August 2003)
Renesas Technology Corp has standardised on the Synopsys Astro physical implementation solution to tape out multiple chips for audio-visual, mobile phone and office automation products.
* Free brochure on Astro:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/syn/193/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn193.html
(or email mailto:syn1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
COOLING FANS GO DIAGONAL
(Papst, 5 August 2003)
When it comes to cooling systems for electronic equipment, axial fans no longer rule the roost, according to Papst's Engineering Director Ian McLeod.
* Free brochure on Diagonal fans:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/pap/112/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pap/pap112.html
(or email mailto:pap1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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RESOLVER TO DIGITAL CONVERTOR FOR BUDGET ACCURACY
(DDC United Kingdom, 30 July 2003)
The low-cost monolithic RD-19230FX resolver-to-digital convertor features an accuracy of 1arc-min - higher than that available from any comparable product.
* Free brochure on RD-19230FX:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ddc/111/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ddc/ddc111.html
(or email mailto:ddc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DATA DRIVE MOTOR IC STAYS COOL WITH ACTIVE BRAKING
(Philips Semiconductors, 30 July 2003)
The Philips SA56202 is claimed as the industry's smallest motor driver IC for high-speed DVD+RW (rewritable) applications.
* Free brochure on SA56202:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/phi/218/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/phi/phi218.html
(or email mailto:phi2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SoC PROCESS SHRINKS TO 90nm DESIGNS
(Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe, 30 July 2003)
Fujitsu has begun accepting orders for the CS101 Series of SoCs employing its state-of-the-art 90nm CMOS technology.
* Free brochure on CS101 Series SoCs:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/fuj/146/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fuj/fuj146.html
(or email mailto:fuj1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
HEADPHONE AMP RUNS FROM SINGLE-CELL SUPPLIES
(National Semiconductor, 1 August 2003)
National Semiconductor has developed a Boomer stereo headphone amplifier designed to operate from a one-cell battery.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat241.html
(or email mailto:nat2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
QUAD ANALOGUE SWITCH CUTS ON-RESISTANCE TO NEW LOW
(Intersil, 4 August 2003)
The MightyMUX ISL43240 high-performance analogue switch contains four single-pole double-throw analogue switches that provide a best-in-class on-resistance.
* Free brochure on MightyMUX ISL43240:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ina/243/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ina/ina243.html
(or email mailto:ina2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SEQUENCER SUPERVISES SIX SUPPLIES
(Summit Microelectronics, 5 August 2003)
The SMS66 is a six-channel programmable power-supply sequencer with a rich set of monitoring and housekeeping functions.
* Free brochure on SMS66:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sum/106/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sum/sum106.html
(or email mailto:sum1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DIGITAL VOICE PROCESSOR GOES HANDS-FREE
(Acoustic Technologies, 5 August 2003)
Acoustic Technologies has developed a complete reference design for hands-free car kit and telematics applications.
* Free brochure on ATR2000 hands free car kit reference design:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/aou/101/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aou/aou101.html
(or email mailto:aou1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ALUMINIUM NITRIDE IS GREEN ALTERNATIVE
(State of the Art, 30 July 2003)
A new line of custom high-power networks uses thin film on environmentally friendly aluminium nitride.
* Free brochure on Aluminium nitride high-power networks:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sat/106/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sat/sat106.html
(or email mailto:sat1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SHRINKING CRYSTAL RANGE RUNS UP TO 80MHz
(NDK, 1 August 2003)
The NX2520DA series of ultrasmall, thin, surface-mount crystals measures only 2.5 x 2.0 x 0.6mm, making it 30% smaller than any of NDK's other crystals.
* Free brochure on NX2520DA series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ndk/105/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ndk/ndk105.html
(or email mailto:ndk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TINY OSCILLATOR IS MISERLY WITH POWER
(Fox Electronics, 4 August 2003)
Fox Electronics reckons it now offers the world's smallest oscillator with 50% less input current.
* Free brochure on F340 Series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/fox/117/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fox/fox117.html
(or email mailto:fox1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
STABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
(Metrowerks Europe, 31 July 2003)
Metrowerks has added deterministic scheduling capabilities to one of the most robust OSEK operating systems available with the launch today of OSEKturbo OS Version 2.2.
* Free brochure on OSEKturbo OS Version 2.2:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mtr/133/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mtr/mtr133.html
(or email mailto:mtr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SOFTWARE EMBEDS SPEAKER VERIFICATION
(Kane Computing, 1 August 2003)
Kane Computing can now offer speaker verification software for PC-based systems.
* Free brochure on Spirit speaker verification software:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/kan/140/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kan/kan140.html
(or email mailto:kan1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PAIR PROVIDE FULL PACKAGE FOR PCI DEVELOPMENT
(Jungo, 1 August 2003)
Jungo Software Technologies and Vmetro are working together to provide comprehensive verification and development solutions for PCI-X/PCI, CompactPCI and PMC device manufacturers.
* Free brochure on WinDriver and KernelDriver:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/jun/114/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/jun/jun114.html
(or email mailto:jun1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SPEEDY SUPPORT FOR LATEST POWERPC PROCESSOR
(Green Hills Software, 4 August 2003)
Green Hills Software is providing immediate support for Motorola's new MPC5200 PowerPC processor with its Integrity RTOS, Multi IDE and C/C++/Misra C optimising compilers.
* Free brochure on Support for MPC5200:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/gre/151/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gre/gre151.html
(or email mailto:gre1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ROTARIES FIT INTO CONFINED PANEL SPACES
(WASP, 1 August 2003)
Fitting front panel switches on communication equipment often requires the need to fit them into restricted spaces in order to allow additional components to be used or to reduce weight.
* Free brochure on DR rotary switches:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/was/115/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/was/was115.html
(or email mailto:was1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PLINTH STABILISES HEAVY SERVER ENCLOSURES
(Rittal, 1 August 2003)
Rittal has addressed an important health and safety issue with the launch of a new accessory for server enclosures.
* Free brochure on Pull-out stabiliser plinth:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/rit/148/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rit/rit148.html
(or email mailto:rit1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CONNECTORS OFFER MOBILE MEMORY SPACE SAVINGS
(Molex UK, 30 July 2003)
A new range of miniSD card connectors and adapters from Molex offers the smallest memory card solution of any available today for mobile phones and other portable devices.
* Free brochure on miniSD card connectors and adapters:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mol/145/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mol/mol145.html
(or email mailto:mol1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TOP RESOLUTION FROM HANDHELD FREQUENCY COUNTER
(TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), 5 August 2003)
The PFM1300 is a UK-built handheld frequency counter which can measure signals from 5Hz to 1300MHz.
* Free brochure on PFM1300:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/bla/172/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bla/bla172.html
(or email mailto:bla1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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Engineering vacancies on the internet
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There are many recruitment websites out there, but Electronicstalk can recommend the following as we have had a relationship with them for some time:
Engineers Online: http://www.engineers-online.co.uk/
GoJobsite: http://www.gojobsite.co.uk/
Jimfinder.com: http://www.jimfinder.com/
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Browse the Electronicstalk archive by email!
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There are hundreds of recent stories in the Electronicstalk database, and you can browse them all by email. Send a blank email to:
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