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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 152: 17 February 2004
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14824 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] GPIB card controls up to 15 instruments
[2] ATE module aims to spot nanometre-scale defects
[3] Platform supports consumer Linux development
[4] Three processors set to aid multimedia handsets
[5] Monolithic CMOS power amp cuts GSM consumption
[6] Transceivers target 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel
[7] Linux environment for mass-market phones
[8] Speciality fibres aid laboratory research
[9] Bridge speeds migration to PCI Express
[10] More power to banish static
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
One of the more interesting statistics to emerge (albeit belatedly) from last month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas comes from a market report released by the show's organiser, the Consumer Electronics Association (www.ce.org).
And the surprising statistic was not so much that the market for consumer electronic devices (or to give them their proper popular press term, "gizmos") has reached an impressive US $96 billion. It is that, of this figure, a majority of the purchases (US $55 billion) were made by women.
In these politically correct times, it is difficult to draw any conclusion as to what the industry's reaction should be to this phenomenon.
Certainly, the Consumer Electronics Association sees women as just one of five target markets for the coming year (the others being African Americans, Hispanics, teens and seniors). But it certainly lends the lie to the impression that all such gizmos are developed for a target market of white Anglo Saxon males of working age.
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!
MEMORY SALES JUMP 38% IN 2003
Memorysolution stayed on its growth curve throughout 2003, with sales rising to Eur 87 million, an increase of 38% over last year's very positive figure of Eur 63 million.
MemorySolution, 12 February 2004
mailto:mmo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mmo/mmo102.html
MEMORY SALES MAINTAIN GROWTH
Kingston Technology has revealed that its sales for 2003 reached $1.8 billion - rising more than 10% year on year.
Kingston Technology, 13 February 2004
mailto:kin1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kin/kin102.html
MEET AT THE BAR AGAIN AT NEPCON
Nepcon visitors are once again offered the opportunity to get together for a beer or a coffee with old friends and colleagues at this year's show via the "Meet at the bar" initiative.
Reed Exhibitions, 16 February 2004
mailto:ree1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ree/ree132.html
BOOKHAM REVENUES UP FOR EIGHTH QUARTER IN A ROW
Bookham Technology has published results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 31st December 2003.
Bookham Technology, 11 February 2004
mailto:boo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo141.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. GPIB card controls up to 15 instruments
The new PCI-1670 card from Advantech is designed to cut costs for instrument makers and researchers that need high-performance GPIB cards. Complementing its line of GPIB interface boards, Advantech has launched the PCI-1670 with a PCI 2.1 bus specification that is fully compatible with IEEE488.1 and 488.2. Furthermore, driver support is provided for a wide range of libraries used by popular programming languages such as, Visual C++, Borland C++ Builder, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic, Delphi and LabView.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/axv/axv127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:axv1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. ATE module aims to spot nanometre-scale defects
The scaling down of IC manufacturing technologies to ever-smaller geometries results in a shift of the dominant defect type from short circuits to open circuits. Anticipating the growing importance of new types of defects (such as resistive vias) as well as the strong demand of the semiconductor market for more advanced test solutions and strategies, Q-Star Test has released a new measurement module that enables a quick and easy application of transient supply current (Iddt) tests in a production test environment and that as well provides a solution to quickly detect resistive vias and other open defect related manufacturing problems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/qst/qst100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:qst1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Platform supports consumer Linux development
Renesas Technology Europe has released an SH-4 based prototype development platform to support the specifications proposed by the CE Linux Forum (CELF). This prototype platform is optimised for a version of the Linux OS aimed at consumer electronics (CE) products such as digital home appliances. CELF was established in July 2003 with the aim of enhancing and promoting the Linux OS for use in CE products. Renesas Technology has been an active participant in CELF and the prototype development platform is the first result of the company's activities. The organisation is working on the provision of a development environment for Renesas Technology products.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ren/ren127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ren1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Three processors set to aid multimedia handsets
A new leading-edge mobile handset architecture will enable phone manufacturers to more rapidly deliver a broad portfolio of products aimed at addressing growing demand for multimedia-capable wireless phones that can support such applications as real-time audio and video streaming, digital photo imaging and interactive gaming. Agere's new Vision mobile handset architecture combines an advanced digital baseband chipset, proven software and state-of-the-art tools to provide a low-power, highly integrated framework for a broad range of multimedia mobile devices using the same platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/age/age128.html
or send a blank email to mailto:age1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. Monolithic CMOS power amp cuts GSM consumption
The Si4300 is billed as the industry's first monolithic CMOS power amplifier (PA) for GSM cellular applications. Further extending a history of unprecedented advances in CMOS, Silicon Laboratories' new power amplifier is the smallest, high-performance, high-power PA available for GSM handsets. The Si4300 reduces both board space and component count by more than 70% when compared with other solutions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/snl/snl100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:snl1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Transceivers target 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel
Agilent Technologies has developed a new series of fibre optic transceivers for 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel applications. The small-form factor (SFF) and small-form factor pluggable (SFP) devices support next-generation storage networks based on the emerging 4Gbit/s standard, which is expected to be the next performance level for Fibre Channel storage networks.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/208/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi208.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. Linux environment for mass-market phones
Open-Plug has opened up mass-market mobile phone development to the Linux community, and will demonstrate a Linux framework based on its FlexibleWare technology next week at the 3GSM congress. The functionalities demonstrated at 3GSM include an SDK, allowing development and simulation of Linux-based applications in a PC environment, an embedded framework, allowing automatic integration and validation on the mobile terminal and a prototype of its update framework allowing users to download/upgrade the Linux-based software components on the mobile terminals.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onp/onp102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:onp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. Speciality fibres aid laboratory research
Newport Corporation now supports the burgeoning market for photonic crystal fibres (PCFs) with the introduction of a comprehensive line of prepackaged products targeted at laboratory research. The initial product offering comprises all PCF types, including endless single-mode fibre, hollow-core fibre, polarisation-preserving fibre, photonic-bandgap fibre and fibre with highly nonlinear performance. Specific products include bare fibres as short as 1m, fibres with sealed ends, and connectorised fibres.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/nwp/102/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nwp/nwp102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nwp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. Bridge speeds migration to PCI Express
A novel PCI to PCI Express transparent reversible bridge enables the use of legacy PCI ICs in new PCI Express Systems without additional software or driver changes. In reverse mode, the NET4160 enables the use of PCI Express ICs in existing PCI systems. The NET4160 features an integrated PCI Express PHY running at 2.5GHz. It supports the PCI Express active power management protocol, as well as its full split completion protocol.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ntc/ntc100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ntc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. More power to banish static
Meech Static Eliminators has launched the new, more powerful, Model 233v3 pulsed DC controller for ESD applications. The 233v3 has been designed to power any of the company's 200 Series products and provides even greater functionality than its predecessor - but still at the same price. New features include the option of steady-state DC (SSDC) output, providing tight balance in applications where air flow is required, and the provision for connection to ion balance sensor and feedback systems.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mee/104/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mee/mee104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mee1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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DIGITAL MEDIA PROCESSOR IMPROVES HP'S IMAGE
(Texas Instruments, 13 February 2004)
An image engine based on TI's digital media processing technology features exclusively in many of HP's new digital cameras, including the HP Photosmart R707.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex577.html
(or email mailto:tex5[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CPLD WORKS AS IDEAL AMD COPROCESSOR
(Lattice Semiconductor UK, 17 February 2004)
Bandspeed has selected the Lattice ispMach 4256V CPLD for use in its leading-edge 940K Gypsy Series wireless access point switch.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lat/lat138.html
(or email mailto:lat1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMBEDDED BOARD BRINGS NEW DIMENSION TO POP DISPLAY
(Blue Chip Technology, 16 February 2004)
The computer system required to drive the latest generation of point of purchase multimedia displays has very exacting requirements for performance, functionality, footprint and cost.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bch/bch100.html
(or email mailto:bch1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LINUX BOARD TURNS TO VIBRATION ANALYSIS
(Concurrent Computer Corp, 16 February 2004)
Concurrent Computer Corp and Experimental Design and Analysis Solutions (EDAS) are working together to deliver real-time vibration testing and analysis solutions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/crr/crr103.html
(or email mailto:crr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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SWITCHING REGULATORS STEP DOWN TO 1.5V
(Allegro MicroSystems Europe, 11 February 2004)
The SI-8000 Series is a family of step-down switching regulator ICs with output voltage ratings from 1.5 to 12V and current outputs of 1.5 and 3A.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/alb/alb167.html
(or email mailto:alb1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
STRUCTURED ASIC DSPS OUTPERFORM STANDARD CELLS
(Chip Express, 12 February 2004)
Chip Express has added a high-performance DSP capability to its entire structured ASIC product line.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/chi/chi108.html
(or email mailto:chi1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DC/DC CONTROLLERS BOAST 96% POWER EFFICIENCY
(Texas Instruments, 17 February 2004)
Two new highly efficient, synchronous DC/DC buck controllers support input voltages from 4.5 to 28V.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex579.html
(or email mailto:tex5[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LOW-COST REPLACEMENT FOR BT47W-STYLE RELAYS
(Easby Electronics, 12 February 2004)
A new low-cost BT47W-style relay is capable of switching up to 250V AC.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eas/eas139.html
(or email mailto:eas1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LOW-VOLTAGE OPERATION FOR RF CRYSTAL OSCILLATORS
(Fox Electronics, 16 February 2004)
Fox Electronics has expanded its line of radio frequency crystal oscillators (rfXOs) with the addition of two new low-voltage series of crystal oscillators.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fox/fox124.html
(or email mailto:fox1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TRICORE EMULATOR TAKES ON MMU
(Hitex Development Tools, 12 February 2004)
Hitex Development Tools now offers support of the memory management unit within the Infineon TriCore architecture.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hex/hex104.html
(or email mailto:hex1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUS ANALYSER PRE-EMPTS VME RENAISSANCE
(Vmetro, 13 February 2004)
The sixth-generation Vanguard VMEbus analyser is billed as the first VME Renaissance ready analyser, supporting both legacy VME and new protocols such as 2eSST and 2eVME.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vme/vme106.html
(or email mailto:vme1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MORE SCOPE FOR ASIC PROTOTYPING SYSTEM
(Hardi Electronics, 17 February 2004)
Three new daughterboards add capabilities such as Ethernet, USB and analogue video to the HAPS modular ASIC prototyping system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hrd/hrd102.html
(or email mailto:hrd1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DESIGN METHODOLOGY CUTS DOWN MANUAL CODING
(IMEC, 17 February 2004)
Sprint is a novel design methodology that can semi-automate the transformation of sequential C-input descriptions to pipelined, or multithreaded System C output.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ime/ime140.html
(or email mailto:ime1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TACTILE SWITCH TAKES LEDs ONBOARD
(RJS Electronics, 12 February 2004)
A novel 6mm square SMD tactile switch features integral LED illumination.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rjs/rjs105.html
(or email mailto:rjs1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ENCLOSURES MEET HAZARDOUS SPECS
(OKW Enclosures, 13 February 2004)
Alukom-Ex hazardous area enclosures are manufactured in accordance with KEMA 02ATEX2054 /2054U, EN 50014/19/20, EN50281-1-1 and CE0344.
Free brochure on Alukom-Ex:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/okw/132/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/okw/okw132.html
(or email mailto:okw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TOGGLE SWITCHES PROTECT AGAINST STATIC DISCHARGE
(Knitter Switch, 13 February 2004)
Designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage by ESD, the EST and FT families of toggle switches are ideal for safety critical instrumentation and ESD-sensitive applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kni/kni109.html
(or email mailto:kni1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SILICONE SPONGE GASKETS COMPRESS TO SEAL
(Kemtron, 16 February 2004)
A range of extruded gasket profiles in soft easy to compress silicone sponge are ideal for enclosure and door sealing.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kea/kea104.html
(or email mailto:kea1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
COAX CONNECTORS PERFORM UP TO 110GHZ
(Anritsu (UK), 12 February 2004)
The W1 connector is a coaxial interface system with excellent RF performance up to 110GHz, making it well suited for high frequency applications ranging from components to systems and instruments.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anr/anr160.html
(or email mailto:anr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TERMINAL BLOCKS EXPAND TO LARGER CONDUCTORS
(Phoenix Contact, 17 February 2004)
The ST-Desk series of spring cage terminal blocks has now been expanded to include STS 6 universal terminals and the STS 6-TWIN three-wire terminal.
Free brochure on ST-Desk series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/pni/122/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pni/pni122.html
(or email mailto:pni1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FPGA BOARD AIMS FOR EMBEDDED DESIGNS
(SBS Technologies, 12 February 2004)
The Tsunami PC104 is an FPGA processor for PC/104 Plus systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sbs/sbs137.html
(or email mailto:sbs1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMBEDDED ENCODER COLLECTS VIDEO AND AUDIO STREAMS
(Parvus Corp, 13 February 2004)
The MPEG104 board is a PC/104-Plus form factor MPEG-1 encoder.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/prv/prv123.html
(or email mailto:prv1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LOW-POWER TFT CONTROLLER RAISES MOBILE RESOLUTION
(Dexdyne, 16 February 2004)
The TotalDisplay is a versatile controller board for use in TFT LCD display applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dex/dex101.html
(or email mailto:dex1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CARD BREAKS 16bit ACQUISITION PRICE BARRIER
(Adept Scientific, 17 February 2004)
For data acquisition applications where price is more important than a flexible feature set, the new MCC PCI-DAS6013 card comes in at the best price-point yet - just GBP 220.
Free brochure on MCC PCI-DAS6013:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ade/155/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ade/ade155.html
(or email mailto:ade1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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Have you seen our other newsletters?
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