|
ELECTRONICSTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Electronics Design, Development and Manufacturing Engineers
=======================================================
ISSN 1475-2913 - Free subscription
Last week's delivered circulation: over 23,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 158: 30 March 2004
=======================================================
15650 product announcements and technical articles
on our web site, all fully searchable at
http://www.electronicstalk.com/ - take a look!
=======================================================
In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top Ten new Products Selection
[1] Ceramic transformers offer big step up
[2] Water-based flux cleaner is greener
[3] FPGA platforms ride VME and PCI buses
[4] Heatsink approved for AMD 64bit processor
[5] Software models radiowave propagation
[6] Bridge chip optimised for embedded applications
[7] CD helps users get the best from scopes
[8] Budget pricing for flat screen mounting hardware
[9] PCB software keeps mechanical engineers happy
[10] USB solution bundles IP with driver software
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
=======================================================
Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
It is probably fair to assume that, like its Editor, the average Electronicstalk reader has read his or her fair share of science-fiction novels. Yet (call me Killjoy if you will) I have always maintained that for sanity's sake in the real world it is preferable to divorce the two.
However - and let's be honest, with passing time it is inevitable - every now and then the two worlds collide and science fiction starts to impinge on the real world.
The "classic" area for this has to be the world of robotics. And while robots on the assembly line and even TV's Robot Wars are one aspect of the technology, there are other, more popular, strands that can grab the attention of even the most world-weary "serious" engineer.
Today, for example, two items have caught my imagination. First, that venerable institution the IEE is set to host a debate entitled "Intelligent cyborgs: science fact or science fiction?" at its Savoy Place HQ - a building said to be haunted by the ghost of Michael Faraday. No doubt the great man will be there in spirit, but if anyone more earthly is interested in attending the event on the 19th April, further details are available from www.iee.org.
The second item, reported in various quarters, was that last Sunday in the Gulf state of Qatar robot jockeys made their debut in the local sport of camel racing. And here, fortunately, is a far more significant application for robotic technology than such lame applications as domestic cleaning and conducting an orchestra.
Traditionally, young children have been used as camel jockeys - a practice probably no less dangerous than sending them aloft to clean chimneys - but not surprisingly, the sport has faced criticism for exploitation of minors as young as six years of age. Now, presumably, all we need to address is the problem of robot cruelty to camels.
Finally, this week, it would be remiss of me not to make a small addendum to the list of sites quoted last week as sources of information pertaining to lead-free processing and the RoHS Directive. Naturally, I should have pointed out that the SMART Group website at www.smartgroup.org also has lots of lead-free info, seminars etc, together with details of events at this year's Nepcon show in Brighton.
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
=======================================================
THIS WEEK'S INDUSTRY NEWS
=======================================================
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!
AMIS SCALES NEW HEIGHTS
AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) has reported record revenues and design wins during 2003.
AMI Semiconductor, 26 March 2004
mailto:amb1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amb/amb142.html
OFFICE SHOWS LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO CHINA
Synopsys has opened an expanded Shanghai office, which now includes the R and D Centre and houses more than 200 sales, R and D, and technical support employees.
Synopsys, 24 March 2004
mailto:syn2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn223.html
AVOCENT TO ACQUIRE OSA TECHNOLOGIES
OSA Technologies has signed a definitive acquisition agreement with Avocent Corp.
OSA Technologies, 30 March 2004
mailto:osa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/osa/osa105.html
RELOCATION PREPARES GROUND FOR GROWTH
The past six months have been busy for Micro Engineering Marketing and Support.
Micro Engineering Marketing and Support, 26 March 2004
mailto:mng1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mng/mng102.html
NEW SPEC FREES EMBEDDED DESIGNERS FROM ISABUS
The PC/104 Embedded Consortium has published its PCI-104 specification.
PC/104 Embedded Consortium, 25 March 2004
mailto:pce1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pce/pce103.html
=======================================================
OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
=======================================================
1. Ceramic transformers offer big step up
Epcos has developed an innovative and extremely compact transformer based on piezoelectric technology. The smallest one produced so far has a footprint of only 1.2 x 1.2mm. The new transformer, which employs low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology, was designed for front-end modules that are used in mobile communication terminals. The ceramic transformer steps up the operating voltage of 1.2V by a factor of ten.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/epc/epc149.html
or send a blank email to mailto:epc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
2. Water-based flux cleaner is greener
Synergie CKB401 flux cleaner is chemically engineered to offer superior cleaning performance with superior environment friendliness. CKB401 will help manufacturers to keep abreast of increasing strict environmental legislation. This includes the Reduction of Harmful Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives defined by the European Union.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cnc/cnc109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cnc1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
3. FPGA platforms ride VME and PCI buses
Nallatech has a new range of high-performance FPGA computing platforms based on the Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA. The new additions to the Dime-II family will initially comprise the BenVME motherboard, the BenNuey-PCI-4E full-length PCI motherboard and the BenData-II daughtercard. Designers using the new range will be able to call on unparalleled performance density, with up to four Virtex-II Pro FPGAs, three 2VP100s and one 2VP50, on a single VME or PCI card. This provides the designer with over 350,000 logic cells, 1564 embedded multipliers and 28Mbit of block RAM.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/nal/118/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nal/nal118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nal1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
4. Heatsink approved for AMD 64bit processor
AMD has approved the Molex CoolFin heatsink for use with its next generation 64bit processor, the Athlon 64. As the result of meeting very strict thermal resistance and other design requirements, Molex is one of a few select vendors to receive AMD's approval on this new platform. The CoolFin heatsink line features stamped fin technology.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mol/mol159.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mol1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
5. Software models radiowave propagation
Radioplan reckons the latest version of its popular RF prediction software, RPS 5.2, sets a new processing benchmark for ray tracing radiowave propagation modelling tools. By introducing hybrid simulation modelling - the ability to process multiple radiowave propagation algorithms for the same scenario in parallel - and a massively improved processing capability using 2.5D modelling in a parallel processing architecture, Radioplan's RPS 5.2 boosts simulation performance to a level never before seen in a ray tracing propagation simulator.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rop/rop100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rop1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
6. Bridge chip optimised for embedded applications
The AS90L10208 HyperTransport-to-PCI/PCI-X bridge is designed and optimised for bandwidth- and performance-intensive embedded applications in communications, networking, servers and storage systems. The AS90L10208 is completely interoperable with the HyperTransport (HT) interface on the new generation of leading embedded and compute microprocessors from AMD, Broadcom, PMC-Sierra and Transmeta. The AS90L10208 allows system architects to leverage the performance of these leading microprocessors while still maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/adu/adu102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:adu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
7. CD helps users get the best from scopes
A free CD guide provides illustrated lessons on the use of standard analogue and digital oscilloscopes, and shows how to obtain the best results from a Fluke 190 Series ScopeMeter. The Fluke ScopeTraining CD contains self-paced training modules, one set based on general oscilloscope theory, the second set explaining best practice in the use of Fluke ScopeMeters.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flu/152/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu152.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flu1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
8. Budget pricing for flat screen mounting hardware
Australian distributor, Skunkworks, has released a wide range of mounting arms and brackets that have set a new price precedent in the market. Low-priced, attractive and highly durable, the new arms are solving a myriad of commercial and domestic mounting problems. With a starting price of just AU $50, compared to its nearest Australian competitor which clocks in at close to the $150 mark, the brackets are constructed of durable steel and finished in a matt coating of black, grey or silver.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sku/sku100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sku1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
9. PCB software keeps mechanical engineers happy
In a recent survey, 84% of mechanical engineers in electronics companies approved Flomerics' latest software concept, FLO/PCB, which provides a multidisciplinary design environment for optimising conceptual design of PCBs, and enables electronics engineers to take account of thermal design constraints directly. FLO/PCB promotes a conceptual design process that starts with a functional block diagram, and enables systems architects, hardware designers, and mechanical/thermal engineers to collaborate in a common design environment.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flo/125/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo125.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
10. USB solution bundles IP with driver software
Synopsys and Jungo Software Technologies are to offer a complete hardware and software USB full speed On-The-Go (FS-OTG) solution, including Synopsys DesignWare intellectual property (IP) and Jungo software. The combination of Synopsys' DesignWare USB cores and Jungo's leading embedded USB software creates a complete, validated solution that helps to reduce risk and cost for designers adding USB FS-OTG connectivity to their SoCs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn224.html
or send a blank email to mailto:syn2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
=======================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
=======================================================
FLASH DISK PROVIDES MULTIMEDIA HANDSET STORAGE
(M-Systems, 25 March 2004)
Motorola's Personal Communications Sector (PCS) is using the Mobile DiskOnChip G3 Flash disk as the onboard multimedia memory solution within the A768 mobile handset.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mys/mys103.html
(or email mailto:mys1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BASEBAND TAPE-OUT PROVES MERIT OF 90nm DESIGN
(Cadence Design Systems, 26 March 2004)
Motorola has successfully completed a wireless baseband chip implemented in 90nm silicon technology, using the Cadence Encounter digital IC design platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cad/cad205.html
(or email mailto:cad2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CERAMICS PROCESS IS KEY TO ANTENNA SUCCESS
(Morgan Advanced Ceramics, 29 March 2004)
Morgan Advanced Ceramics has been using its ceramic materials expertise to work with Sarantel in the development of its PowerHelix antenna technology for mobile devices.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mor/mor103.html
(or email mailto:mor1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ROBOT PUTS CONVERTOR TO "EXTREME" TEST
(C and D Technologies (NCL), 24 March 2004)
C and D Technologies is providing support to one of the leading teams in the popular Robot Wars competition.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/can/can151.html
(or email mailto:can1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AID MOBILE MEDICS
(Saft, 30 March 2004)
Saft's rechargeable MP lithium-ion batteries are now standard on the newest infusion warmers manufactured by Biegler Medical Electronics for emergency applications.
Free brochure on MP lithium-ion batteries:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/saf/117/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/saf/saf117.html
(or email mailto:saf1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
POWERPC SBC RUNS LINUX IN NOVEL NAVAL CONSOLE
(Thales Computers, 24 March 2004)
PowerEngine SBCs based on the latest IBM PowerPC 750FX processor have been selected as the processing engines for a new, integrated compact redundant naval console, the CTI 2000.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tha/tha129.html
(or email mailto:tha1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
=======================================================
...And take a look at these stories too...
=======================================================
AUDIO-FRIENDLY DSP RAMPS UP TO 300MHZ
(Texas Instruments, 26 March 2004)
TI's latest 300MHz TMS320C6713 digital signal processor offers a 33% performance increase over the existing 225MHz C6713 processor.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex609.html
(or email mailto:tex6[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MPEG-4 ENCODER INTEGRATES 3D GRAPHICS ENGINE
(Toshiba Electronics Europe, 26 March 2004)
A powerful new MPEG-4 encoder and decoder LSI brings video-game-grade 3D graphics to cellular phones.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos218.html
(or email mailto:tos2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DSP-BASED PLATFORM SIMPLIFIES HOME THEATRE SETUP
(Analog Devices, 30 March 2004)
Combining high-end audio performance with consumer-friendly setup has been simplified for manufacturers of home theatre systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anc/anc220.html
(or email mailto:anc2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PROTOTYPING SYSTEM HITS PCI AND PCI-X BUSES
(Hardi Electronics, 24 March 2004)
A new daughterboard provides PCI/PCI-X connectivity to the Hardi Electronics HAPS prototyping system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hrd/hrd103.html
(or email mailto:hrd1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUDGET BOARD FOR FPGA DEVELOPMENT
(Nu Horizons Electronics Corp, 24 March 2004)
A new 400k gate Spartan-3 FPGA development board provides a low-cost solution for design engineers looking to pursue a variety of embedded FPGA applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nuh/nuh106.html
(or email mailto:nuh1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DEVELOPMENT KIT PUTS SBC ON THE GAME
(Densitron Europe, 25 March 2004)
A new development kit for Densitron's latest DPX-114 Connectbus-II single board computer includes everything needed to get up and running in minimal time.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dec/dec121.html
(or email mailto:dec1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
RTOS EXTENDS TO SUPPORT LATEST POSIX SPECS
(Wind River Systems, 26 March 2004)
Posix support in the Integrity RTOS now includes all interfaces and functionality necessary for conformance to the latest, 2003 Posix.1 System Interfaces specification (IEEE1003.1).
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wia/wia192.html
(or email mailto:wia1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FULL PACKAGE FOR ALTERA FPGA DEVELOPMENT
(Celoxica, 30 March 2004)
A new development environment bundles Celoxica's Handel-C development tools with the SBS Tsunami FPGA computing platforms.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cel/cel154.html
(or email mailto:cel1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING NOW VERIFIES COMPLETE SYSTEMS
(Zuken, 30 March 2004)
Hot-Stage 4.2 is the latest upgrade to Zuken's high-speed virtual prototyping tool for PCB design.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zuk/zuk128.html
(or email mailto:zuk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MORE CHOICE IN PCI PROTOTYPING AND EXTENDER BOARDS
(Advanced Microcomputer Systems, 30 March 2004)
AMS has added five further products to its PCI prototyping and extender board family.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/adm/adm104.html
(or email mailto:adm1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FLAT PANEL IS PREPPED FOR SURGERY
(Calibre UK, 26 March 2004)
VTS Medical Displays Europe has a new 18.1in medical monitor claimed to set new standards in medical imaging for endoscopy procedures.
Free brochure on VividImage 18.1:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/cal/112/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cal/cal112.html
(or email mailto:cal1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PIN KEYPAD SUITS SELF-SERVICE PAYMENT
(EAO, 29 March 2004)
A new PIN-entry keypad is the latest addition to the highly successful W.series range from EAO.
Free brochure on W.series PIN-entry keypad:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/eao/145/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eao/eao145.html
(or email mailto:eao1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DIRECT ATTACH CABLES CUT INFINIBAND CROSSTALK
(Meritec, 25 March 2004)
A new line of cable assemblies supports InfiniBand architecture specifications and other industry standards for high-speed data transfer applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mxv/mxv100.html
(or email mailto:mxv1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
A CLOSER LOOK AT INSPECTION AT NEPCON
(Vision Engineering, 26 March 2004)
Vision Engineering will be exhibiting as part of the SMART Group hands-on lead-free production sessions at Nepcon Brighton.
Free brochure on Optical stereo inspection systems:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/vis/106/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vis/vis106.html
(or email mailto:vis1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MODULAR SYSTEM HANDLES ALL PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
(Kaisertech, 26 March 2004)
The Assembleon A-Series component placer is capable of mounting 30,000 to 100,000 components per hour in high-mix SMT applications.
Free brochure on Assembleon A-Series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/kai/135/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kai/kai135.html
(or email mailto:kai1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
RECTIFIERS KEEP BATTERY SYSTEMS ALIVE
(Erskine Systems, 30 March 2004)
Erskine Systems has a new range of industrial switch-tripping battery chargers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/esk/esk100.html
(or email mailto:esk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
DISK MODULES MIX AND MATCH COMPACTPCI STORAGE
(ACT/Technico, 26 March 2004)
A novel 6U single-slot disk module provides a range of storage options for CompactPCI based systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/att/att101.html
(or email mailto:att1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CD SPEEDS TEST SYSTEM SPECIFICATION
(National Instruments, 25 March 2004)
A new interactive CD helps engineers select the best software and hardware for their test, measurement and industrial control applications, saving valuable time in configuring and developing systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa145.html
(or email mailto:naa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUDGET PRICING FOR LAB SUPPLIES UP TO 420W
(Xantrex Technology, 29 March 2004)
A new series of low-cost/low-power adjustable DC power supplies provides engineers with fast and flexible power sources suitable for a range of applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xan/xan102.html
(or email mailto:xan1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
=======================================================
Have you seen our other newsletters?
=======================================================
We also publish other professional technical newsletters like this once a week. All are free, so take a look:
Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
Email mailto:join-eng-ta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Laboratorytalk - for all lab and research personnel
Email mailto:join-laboratoryta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Manufacturingtalk - for production engineers
Email mailto:join-manufacturingta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Processingtalk - for process engineers
Email mailto:join-processingta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
QA-talk - for quality assurance professionals
Email mailto:join-qa-ta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Subcontractingtalk - for the subcontract manufacturing industry
Email mailto:join-subcontractingta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Buildingtalk - for the building and construction industry
Email mailto:join-buildingta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
CIMtalk - for automation engineers and the industrial IT sector
Email mailto:join-cimta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
*** Coming soon - join now ***
Printingtalk - for printers and print buyers
Email mailto:join-printingta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
=======================================================
|
|
