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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 128: 26 August 2003
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12387 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] RISC processor takes network security onboard
[2] Software embeds multimedia into TV designs
[3] Compact RF connection on a budget
[4] Embedded boards take flexible approach to DSP
[5] Novel audio amp design cuts out bypass capacitor
[6] Single-gate logic devices shrink and save
[7] Evaluation kits check out FireWire module
[8] High-current circulars handle automotive shocks
[9] AdvancedTCA on the shelf
[10] Bluetooth UART takes EEPROM onboard for ID
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
As I have mentioned before, one of the problems with producing an e-mail newsletter such as this one is that my own e-mail address appears in many thousands of people's address books. So you can probably guess just how many Sobig.F virus attacks I have received during the past week.
It is ironic that it should coincide with probably the slowest news week of the year (apart from Christmas), as the virus e-mails have outnumbered even the regular spam level by at least four or five to one.
Viruses (or strictly worms) like Sobig.F are notoriously difficult to track down as one of their key defences is to mask their origin by plucking an address at random from an address book and making it appear to be the source of the virus mail. But help appears to be at hand.
Apparently the FBI is closing in on the originator, and has located the original worm on a website hosted in Arizona as well as several clones that were due to strike over the weekend. No doubt when the culprit is finally apprehended the sentence will be similar to that meted out to the chicken that started the SARS virus.
Meanwhile, back in the land of the law-abiding, this week saw an interesting report from ARC Group predicting massive demand for camera-phone handsets. And now that much of the initial furore over their potential for misuse has abated, it appears that the simple addition of an image sensor, some more memory and some software has given the mobile business its biggest fillip since the emergence of GSM.
Most significantly, it is in the already developed markets of Europe and the Far East that the demand is predicted to skyrocket as existing users upgrade to camera-equipped handsets.
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!
LEA AND EUROPRACTICE CO-OPERATE ON XDSL ASICs
French xDSL specialist LEA is opening a design centre in Antwerp, Belgium, and is working with the Europractice IC Service on next-generation integrated xDSL products.
IMEC, 21 August 2003
mailto:ime1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ime/ime134.html
IRISH ACQUISITION OPENS UP GIGABIT ETHERNET MARKET
Agere Systems has acquired Massana, a privately held developer of Gigabit Ethernet-over-copper physical layer device (PHY) technologies.
Agere Systems, 26 August 2003
mailto:age1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/age/age109.html
PLATFORM STRATEGY PAYS DIVIDENDS
Wind River Systems has significantly exceeded its stated objective of booking 850 Platform seats in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004.
Wind River Systems, 20 August 2003
mailto:wia1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wia/wia164.html
GROWING SALES EDGE ANSOFT TOWARDS PROFIT
Ansoft Corp has published financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2004, ended 31st July 2003.
Ansoft Corporation Europe, 26 August 2003
mailto:ans1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ans/ans170.html
LEGEND RAISES SALES IN SPITE OF SARS
Legend Group has announced its results for the first quarter ended 30th June 2003.
Legend QDI, 26 August 2003
mailto:leg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/leg/leg107.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. RISC processor takes network security onboard
The SH7710 32bit RISC microprocessor features an IPsec accelerator for fast encryption and communication processing. The device also offers two on-chip Ethernet controllers that enable connection to two Ethernet LANs. Both peripherals make it suitable for security-enabled devices designed for use in networks, such as VPN dedicated boxes, home gateway servers, surveillance cameras and IP phones. The SH7710 is based on a SuperH RISC SH3-DSP CPU core that operates at speeds of up to 200MHz and achieves a high processing capability of 260MIPS.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ren/107/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ren/ren107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ren1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. Software embeds multimedia into TV designs
ANT PurePlay is a TV application that enables consumers to view, play, and manage digital media files, including photos, audio and video. It is targeted as a value-added application for manufacturers of CE products, including TV and iDTV, personal video recorders (PVR), set-top boxes (STB), DVD players, and home-gateway products. ANT PurePlay comprises a family of complementary digital media management (DMM) applications.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ant/112/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ant/ant112.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ant1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Compact RF connection on a budget
Designed to replace two or three RF connectors with a single board-to-board connection, IMP connectors are an ideal solution where cost effectiveness and quick mounting matter. This innovative technology developed by Radiall is based on connection by pressure contact. It requires only 22.2mm2 (5.7 x 3.9mm) of PCB space and is available in standard heights of 2.5 and 3.0mm between PCBs.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/rac/118/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rac/rac118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rac1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Embedded boards take flexible approach to DSP
Signalogic manufactures PC/104 DSP boards and associated interface cards for use in a wide range of embedded applications, such as data collection, telephony and audio transmission and processing. Products include the SigC67xx-PC/104 card, which uses a modular approach to provide up to 5GFLOPS in a single PC/104 form-factor footprint. The card accepts off-the-shelf processor modules with Texas Instruments C67xx DSPs, 16bit audio and speech I/O modules, and custom modules, for example H.110 or MVIP subset.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/kan/144/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kan/kan144.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kan1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. Novel audio amp design cuts out bypass capacitor
The latest Boomer audio amplifier from National Semiconductor eliminates the bypass capacitor typically connected to the reference voltage pin. National's new architecture improves power supply rejection ratio and provides very fast turn-on times. These features are ideal for applications in small, portable devices such as mobile phones and notebook computers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat244.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Single-gate logic devices shrink and save
Toshiba has introduced what it claims are the world's smallest and thinnest single-gate logic devices. The new LMOS (Logic-MOS) devices are ideally suited to PDAs, mobile phones and other portable and battery-powered applications where power and space need to be conserved. Supplied in the new super-miniature style fSV package, devices in the TC7SHxx LMOS family measure just 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.48mm. As a result, board-mounting area is 76% lower than previous generation USV (SOT-353) alternatives and over 60% lower than miniature ESV packages.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tos/190/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos190.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tos1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. Evaluation kits check out FireWire module
Two new FireWire interface EVM kits provide easy and ready to use mechanisms for streaming data from a parallel digital hardware interface to an IEEE1394 network connection at up to 32Mbyte/s. The two kits target developers and system integrators using cameras, sensors, and embedded interface devices, seeking a low effort path for integration of hardware resources with FireWire.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/taq/107/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/taq/taq107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:taq1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. High-current circulars handle automotive shocks
The APD series of circular DIN72585 connectors is designed specifically for applications in all types of automotive, transportation and industrial environments, including those subject to extreme shock and vibration. Available in one- to seven-way configurations, this new family also features very low contact resistance to maximise signal integrity.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/itt/122/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/itt/itt122.html
or send a blank email to mailto:itt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. AdvancedTCA on the shelf
Rittal has introduced the first of a range of 13U AdvancedTCA (ATCA) shelves designed to comply with the PICMG 3.0 specification and aimed at next generation telecommunications systems. The unit's unique features include stainless-steel exterior, and a one-piece card guide platform that also provides EMI shielding. This 19in rack-mount unit includes the Rittal/Kaparel full mesh 14-slot backplane and distribution board.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/rit/151/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rit/rit151.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rit1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. Bluetooth UART takes EEPROM onboard for ID
A novel space-saving UART for Compact Flash Bluetooth card designs includes an integrated parallel EEPROM, thereby saving precious board space. The parallel EEPROM enables the card information structure to overcome card recognition problems. This combination makes the Elan Digital Systems VPU16551 the smallest integrated HCI solution on the market today. Packed with further features yet in a tiny footprint of just 8 x 8 x 1.1mm, the VPU16551 comes in an ultra-thin 64-ball BGA package.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ean/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ean/ean100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ean1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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HANDHELD MEDICAL LASER IS RIGHT ON THE BUTTON
(Duraswitch, 25 August 2003)
The combined strengths of three Arizona-based companies has culminated in a revolutionary new medical device.
* Free brochure on PushGate:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/dur/117/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dur/dur117.html
(or email mailto:dur1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MODEMS CUT THE WIRES ON TRAFFIC SIGNS
(Sequoia Technology, 21 August 2003)
Wolverhampton City Council has made substantial cost savings and speeded up the installation of new road signs by using cellphone technology to update the signs.
* Free brochure on GSM and GPRS modems:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/seq/154/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/seq/seq154.html
(or email mailto:seq1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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CHIPSET SPEEDS DSP SYSTEM PROTOTYPING
(Iris Technologies, 20 August 2003)
The Iris Bridge chipset is a novel low-cost semiconductor product that enables designers to rapidly prototype DSP-based motherboards and platforms using the TMS320 series of digital signal processors.
* Free brochure on Iris Bridge chipset (IRISGBCB11AEE080801):
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/iis/101/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/iis/iis101.html
(or email mailto:iis1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
HOT SWAP CONTROLLER CUTS ITS LOSSES
(Texas Instruments, 21 August 2003)
A new design of intelligent hot swap controller eliminates the need for ORing diodes in redundant -48V systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex490.html
(or email mailto:tex4[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SWITCHES PROTECT AUTOMOTIVE POWER SYSTEMS
(International Rectifier, 26 August 2003)
Intelligent power switches increase automotive electrical system reliability, reduce weight and simplify circuits.
* Free brochure on IR3310, IR3311 and IR3312:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sil/166/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sil/sil166.html
(or email mailto:sil1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
NEW PACKAGE CUTS FET THERMAL RESISTANCE
(Agilent Technologies, 26 August 2003)
Agilent Technologies has put its highest linearity E-pHEMT field effect transistor in a new lower-thermal-resistance version of the miniature 2 x 2mm 8-pin leadless plastic chip carrier package.
* Free brochure on ATF-501P8:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/193/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi193.html
(or email mailto:agi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
HEAD START FOR NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPERS
(Metrowerks Europe, 22 August 2003)
Metrowerks reckons it has simplified and accelerated application development for Motorola systems containing the PowerPC instruction set architecture with its latest release.
* Free brochure on CodeWarrior for Comms Processors V8:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mtr/138/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mtr/mtr138.html
(or email mailto:mtr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
AUDIO SPECIALIST SETS UP IP BROKERAGE
(Sensaura, 22 August 2003)
Audio development and licensing specialist Sensaura has created a world-class centre of excellence for audio intellectual property (IP) brokering.
* Free brochure on Audio IP:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ssa/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ssa/ssa100.html
(or email mailto:ssa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EASY ANSWER TWO SINGLE- AND DOUBLE-SIDED LAYOUT
(Abacom Ingenieurgesellschaft, 26 August 2003)
Sprint-Layout is a simple layout tool for creating single- and double-sided PCBs.
* Free brochure on Sprint-Layout V4.0:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/asj/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/asj/asj100.html
(or email mailto:asj1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ADHESIVES KEEP THEIR DISTANCE
(Intertronics, 22 August 2003)
Dymax 821-GEL G-20 and G-50 choke and transformer adhesives contain particles sized to maintain appropriate gaps and simplify the process of bonding gapped e-cores.
* Free brochure on Dymax 821-GEL G-20 and G-50:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ind/128/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ind/ind128.html
(or email mailto:ind1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CAMERA-PHONE DEMAND SET TO DOUBLE
(ARC Group, 21 August 2003)
By the end of 2003 more than 55 million consumers worldwide will own camera-phone handsets, more than doubling from the 25 million mobile units sold in 2002, says a new report.
* Free brochure on Future mobile handsets 2003-2008:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/acg/100/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/acg/acg100.html
(or email mailto:acg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LEDs FOR LIGHTING AND DISPLAY APPLICATIONS
(Intertech Corp, 25 August 2003)
A new industry report assesses global market opportunities for light emitting diodes (LEDs).
* Free brochure on LEDs for lighting and display applications:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/irt/111/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/irt/irt111.html
(or email mailto:irt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PHOTODETECTORS ARE SENSITIVE SORTS
(Anritsu (UK), 25 August 2003)
Anritsu has two new photodetector products for 10Gbit/s applications, to complement its existing range of DFB and pumping lasers.
* Free brochure on AD14113A and AD14109A:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/anr/155/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anr/anr155.html
(or email mailto:anr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
P4 BOARD OPTIMISES MEMORY BANDWIDTH
(Evalue Technology, 22 August 2003)
The EMB-9277 is an Intel Pentium 4 ATX industrial mainboard.
* Free brochure on EMB-9277:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/eal/111/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eal/eal111.html
(or email mailto:eal1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SBC HAS MILITARY APPEAL
(SBS Technologies, 25 August 2003)
SBS Technologies will show its VG5 high performance single board computer for the first time in the UK at the forthcoming DSEi Show (9th-12th September 2003).
* Free brochure on VG5:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sbs/122/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sbs/sbs122.html
(or email mailto:sbs1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
NEW STANDARD RENDERS MANY EFT TESTERS OBSOLETE
(Schaffner EMC, 20 August 2003)
A novel buy-back deal will help manufacturers maintain compliance with the latest amendments to the EN61000-4-4 test standard.
* Free brochure on EFT testing:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sca/155/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sca/sca155.html
(or email mailto:sca1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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We also publish other professional technical newsletters like this once a week. All are free, so take a look:
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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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...and our automated system will send you a contents list back by email. Try it!
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