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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
Last week's delivered circulation: over 22,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 151: 10 February 2004
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14715 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] Transceivers drop in to double Fibre Channel rates
[2] Design flow smoothes high-speed FPGA-based systems
[3] Novel fibre coils up for hydrophones
[4] Hot-swap system powers wireless RF amplifiers
[5] Backlight shines from membrane keyboards
[6] Optical switches feature patented beam steering
[7] High-frequency regulators shrink power design
[8] Transmitter aims to boost DWDM transceivers
[9] More features for frugal wireline comms controller
[10] Smallest claim for low-cost RFID chip
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
This week's preponderance of optoelectronics-related news (see below) inspired me to take a short wander around the very well prepared website for this month's OFC 2004 conference and exhibition in Los Angeles (www.ofcconference.org).
But as one who "cut his eye teeth" reporting on UK developments in fibre-optic communications during the early 1980s, I must confess to being a little disappointed at the slow pace of commercialisation in what was once one of the "sexiest" technologies around.
But then the work being carried out in British universities and at research institutions such as STL in Harlow and at BTRL at Martlesham during the 1970s and 1980s was truly ground-breaking research. And there is surely no coincidence between the scaling back and/or closure of such projects and the fact that it has taken 20 years for some of the concepts to reach commercialisation.
I vividly remember a dinner at Queen's College Cambridge during the early 1980s where my host was buoyed not just by a particularly fine Tawny Port but by his success that very week in refining a fundamental technique of optical beam steering. All those present agreed that the Holy Grail of pure optical computing could only be a few years away.
But I was also reminded of a paper presented by BTRL to an audience of US engineers at the 1985 Electro show in New York, explaining the benefits of single-mode optical fibre communications. The reaction was mainly one of open-mouthed amazement. One listener summed up the mood of the audience (who were admittedly not experts in the field) by saying: "Look - if what you say is true I need to find out why we haven't got this here".
Clearly, it would be hard to make a case for the theory that the speed of development in optical communications has slowed (or, as some might say, dropped below light speed). You only need to look at today's lead product (below) to see a transceiver that drops in to double the datarate of existing Fibre Channel links. But the fact that the transceiver in question is manufactured by Intel, again, speaks volumes.
Many commentators viewed the late 1980s and 1990s in general as a disaster for UK high technology because of the removal of the imperative for fundamental research. Perhaps in optoelectronics the failure was more in the commercialisation of such a huge body of top quality fundamental research that had already been carried out.
The UK does still have a vibrant optoelectronics industry. Innovations in recent years from the likes of Southampton Photonics and Bookham Technology lend credence to the renaissance.
If you'll forgive me, I shall now sit down with a Grail full of Port and sift my way through the OFC 2004 conference abstracts and see if any more 20-year-old concepts have come to fruition.
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, e-mail 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!
INVESTMENT CONTINUES INTO 2004
There may still be some areas of the electronics industry where doom and gloom prevail but this certainly does not apply at CIL, the Whitchurch based electronics design and manufacturing company.
CIL Custom Interconnect, 6 February 2004
mailto:cus1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cus/cus106.html
EXPANSION FOR MULTIMEDIACARD STANDARD
Version 4.0 of the MultiMediaCard specification offers wider bus width, dual voltage operation and the highest transfer speeds available.
MultiMediaCard Association, 5 February 2004
mailto:mim1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mim/mim100.html
HELP FOR ELECTRONICA EXHIBITORS
Eligible companies exhibiting at this year's Electronica, staged by Munich Trade Fairs, will qualify for financial support from the UK Government.
MesseMunich, 10 February 2004
mailto:ptt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ptt/ptt106.html
ONE-DAY SHOW FOCUSES ON EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Boards and Solutions is a new one-day event from technical specialists for technical specialists.
InventsUK, 10 February 2004
mailto:ien1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ien/ien100.html
PARTNERSHIP TARGETS NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
Keithley Instruments is working with the Albany NanoTech Center to share research information and work together to further the understanding of nanotechnology and optoelectronics technologies.
Keithley Instruments, 5 February 2004
mailto:kei1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kei/kei147.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Transceivers drop in to double Fibre Channel rates
Intel has two new optical transceivers it reckons will double the performance of Fibre Channel storage systems at about the same cost. The new transceivers support the 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel specification, which is emerging as a solution to bottlenecks occurring in today's 2Gbit/s storage-area networks, but where 10Gbit/s systems would not be required.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/iel/iel127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:iel1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. Design flow smoothes high-speed FPGA-based systems
A new and highly efficient design flow uses Ansoft's 3D electromagnetic (EM) tools for modelling and optimising high-performance electronic designs that employ Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGAs. FPGA platform solutions with high-bandwidth DSP and gigahertz-speed I/O place significant demands on PCB design. With the collaboration, Xilinx and Ansoft's joint customers can achieve multi-gigabit speeds in their designs while using widely available, low-cost materials, connectors and PCBs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ans/ans181.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ans1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Novel fibre coils up for hydrophones
SM 1500 (4.2/50) is a world-class highly bend-insensitive ultra-low-profile single-mode fibre that can be used in fibre-optic hydrophones to protect harbours, naval bases, oil refineries and other key coastal installations. The SM1500 (4.2/50) is one of the first products to benefit from the company's world-class business processes and its 22 years of experience pioneering ultra-low-profile fibres for the aerospace and defence industries.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fbe/fbe107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fbe1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Hot-swap system powers wireless RF amplifiers
Designed specifically for powering wireless RF amplifiers, the TWR Series from Unipower consists of hot-swap modules in three- or four-position 2U high power shelves. Each module produces 2250W at 28 to 32V DC, giving a total of 6750W for a fully loaded three position 19in system or 9000W for a fully loaded four position 23in system. With hot-swap capability, the systems can be operated in 2+1 or 3+1 redundant modes, producing 4500 or 6750W, respectively. There are five standard models, each factory set to 28, 29, 30, 31 or 32V output.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/uni/126/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/uni/uni126.html
or send a blank email to mailto:uni1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. Backlight shines from membrane keyboards
A novel cost-effective low-voltage backlighting solution can be used with all types of membrane switches and keyboards in a wide range of applications. Called Solar1, the new system has been developed and is produced in the UK and offers a number of important advantages over traditional methods of backlighting. In particular, Solar1 ensures consistent and even light distribution, without affecting the tactile response or other properties of the keyboard, has an exceptionally long operating life and can easily be produced in both high and low volumes.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dan/dan100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dan1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Optical switches feature patented beam steering
The DirectLight IG (instrumentation grade) Series of optical switches are scalable, nonblocking optical switches, transparent to protocol and line rate, and available in 16- to 64-port configurations. The IG Series products are designed to support the needs for flexible physical and protocol layer testing and automation. DirectLight IG is the first in a series of products to be released by Continuum using its patented beam-steering technology. Based on platform technology originally developed for its military customers, Continuum has designed its products for demanding applications with high reliability requirements.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cti/cti101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cti1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. High-frequency regulators shrink power design
Two new simple-to-use high-efficiency 2MHz PWM DC/DC step-down regulators are available housed in small 3 x 3mm packages. The MIC2202 and MIC2204 are ideal for powering low-voltage chipsets in space-sensitive applications such as cellular phones, PDAs, hard disk drives, IP phones and 802.11 WLAN plug-in cards. The MIC2202 is a 2MHz synchronous buck regulator that steps voltages down from a 2.3 to 5.5V input.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mib/mib141.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mib1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. Transmitter aims to boost DWDM transceivers
Suitable for use in long and extended reach applications, Northlight Optronics' PGT20310 is a cooled TOSA (transmitter optical subassembly) for use in 2.5Gbit/s modulated DWDM compatible transceivers. Aimed at manufacturers of SFF (small form factor) and SFP (small form factor pluggable) transceivers, the TOSA's high optical efficiency, low power consumption and small size provide a leading edge solution to their requirements.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nth/nth100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nth1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. More features for frugal wireline comms controller
CML has enhanced the facilities and improved the performance of its CMX850 single-chip communications controller. CML believes this powerful communications processor IC to be the first embedded microcontroller of its kind with integrated V22bis modem and comprehensive wireline signalling facilities. For use in embedded systems, either side of the telephone galvanic barrier this extremely compact and low-power microcircuit will satisfy all of the design, communications, control, data and signalling requirements of any wireline end-product using online communications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cml/cml100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cml1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. Smallest claim for low-cost RFID chip
Innovision Research and Technology will unveil the smallest and lowest-cost RFID chip ever produced for smart ticketing applications this week. With a silicon area approximately 30% smaller than the nearest competing product, the new RFID tag is inexpensive to produce. Until now the cost of mass transit smart tickets has been relatively high, but Jewel will enable companies to produce convenient, low-cost, ISO14443A-compatible contactless tickets suitable for deployment with existing ticket types and in virtually any type of public transportation system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ivi/ivi102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ivi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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HUB CONTROLLER KEEPS USB RUNNING AT FULL SPEED
(Cypress Semiconductor, 10 February 2004)
TetraHub USB hub controller chips are shipping in a new multiport hub being announced this week by Belkin, the world's leading manufacturer of USB hub devices.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp221.html
(or email mailto:cyp2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CUSTOMISABLE ROTARY SWITCH TO AGRICULTURAL PANEL
(Duraswitch, 5 February 2004)
Tastitalia has designed an integrated control panel using Thincoder rotary switch technology for use in the agriculture industry.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dur/dur125.html
(or email mailto:dur1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ANALYSER RESOLVES INTEROPERABILITY QUESTIONS
(TraceSpan Communications, 5 February 2004)
Alcatel Belgium is using the DSL Xpert multilayer analyser to resolve ADSL/ADSL2 interoperability issues.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tce/tce102.html
(or email mailto:tce1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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LINK DOUBLES SPEED OF LEGACY BACKPLANES
(Texas Instruments, 4 February 2004)
A new advanced CMOS serial link enables 6Gbit/s transmission over legacy system backplanes that currently run up to 3Gbit/s.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex571.html
(or email mailto:tex5[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LASER DIODE SUPPORT TOP-SPEED DVD/CD COMBOS
(Zarlink Semiconductor, 6 February 2004)
A new range of laser diode drivers are the first to support x16 DVD and x52 CD write/rewrite speeds for the next-generation of optical disc drives used in high-speed DVD/CD combination recorder units.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mif/mif164.html
(or email mailto:mif1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PROCESSOR TAKES HARDWARE-ASSISTED SECURITY ONBOARD
(Renesas Technology Europe, 10 February 2004)
The SH7720 is a 32bit SuperH RISC microprocessor that incorporates an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) hardware accelerator for faster secure network connectivity.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ren/ren126.html
(or email mailto:ren1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUDGET PRICING FOR SURFACE-MOUNT OSCILLATORS
(C-Mac Microtechnology, 4 February 2004)
The CFPT-125 series is a range of low-cost 7 x 5mm SMD temperature-compensated voltage-controlled crystal oscillators (TCVCXOs).
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cma/cma102.html
(or email mailto:cma1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FPGA DESIGN ENVIRONMENT PROMISES FASTER TIMING
(Actel Europe, 4 February 2004)
Actel has enhanced its Libero integrated design environment (IDE) to provide customers with faster timing closure when using the company's Flash-based ProASIC Plus FPGAs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/act/act166.html
(or email mailto:act1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
REAL-TIME LINUX RUNS ON 64BIT PROCESSOR
(Concurrent Computer Corp, 5 February 2004)
Concurrent Computer Corp Integrated Solutions Division has developed a version of its RedHawk Linux real-time operating system specifically for the AMD Opteron 64bit processor.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/crr/crr102.html
(or email mailto:crr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
GANG PROGRAMMER TAKES ON NOVEL FLASH PACKAGE
(Sedo Systems, 10 February 2004)
The Gp668 gang programmer from Sedo Systems now supports the SST 39VF800A M1Q Flash memory.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sdo/sdo104.html
(or email mailto:sdo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
READ ALL ABOUT PLASTIC ENCLOSURES AND ACCESSORIES
(OKW Enclosures, 4 February 2004)
OKW has released a new 2004 catalogue which details its award winning range of plastic enclosures and accessories.
Free brochure on Plastic enclosures and accessories:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/okw/131/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/okw/okw131.html
(or email mailto:okw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
QUICK MATING FOR COAX CONNECTORS
(Interface Components, 4 February 2004)
The QDS range of coaxial connectors provide high-integrity interconnection, with a fast on/off capability and reliable mating without the use of bayonet coupling, screw-on coupling or tools.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/irf/irf101.html
(or email mailto:irf1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SUBSTRATES SIMPLIFY THERMAL MANAGEMENT
(The Bergquist Company, 10 February 2004)
T-Clad insulated metal substrate technologies can significantly reduce the cost and the complexity of thermal management in high-power-density surface-mount applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/brg/brg105.html
(or email mailto:brg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
POLISHED BLADES CLEAN UP ON LEAD-FREE PROCESSING
(Tecan Components, 5 February 2004)
A new range of "highly polished" squeegee blades outperforms traditional blades when using lead-free pastes.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tea/tea150.html
(or email mailto:tea1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SURFACE-MOUNT CONVERTORS SUPPLY THE POINT OF LOAD
(Power-One, 5 February 2004)
Power-One has added a second series of products to its Nex family of POL convertors.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pxw/pxw102.html
(or email mailto:pxw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TINY SM CONVERTOR PUTS REGULATED DC ON THE SPOT
(TDK Electronics Europe, 9 February 2004)
The Pico Brick iPB series delivers 10A of tightly regulated power from a tiny 29.3 x 30.5mm surface-mount footprint.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tdk/tdk103.html
(or email mailto:tdk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUDGET BOARD FOR EMBEDDED ETHERNET
(Modtronix Engineering, 5 February 2004)
The SBC44EC is a novel embedded PIC based Ethernet board for just US $49 - including CPU.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mod/mod100.html
(or email mailto:mod1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SOFTWARE ANALYSES WLAN COMPLIANCE
(Tektronix, 4 February 2004)
A new software analysis package aims to speed design and validation of wireless local area network products complying with any of today's prevailing WLAN standards.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek195.html
(or email mailto:tek1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SAFETY TESTER REACHES NEW LEVELS OF AUTOMATION
(Clare Instruments, 6 February 2004)
Clare Instruments' new Elite 2 brings enhanced levels of automation and control to electrical safety testing for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cei/cei101.html
(or email mailto:cei1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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