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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 25,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 163: 4 May 2004
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16221 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] Single-chip tuner cuts set-top box parts count
[2] PXI card maximises onboard memory usage
[3] Software embeds IrDA on 8bit microcontrollers
[4] Antenna coupler covers all 3G and more
[5] PXI switching modules cram in more relays
[6] Duplexer and power amp come together
[7] Multiline chokes clean up FireWire and USB 2.0
[8] Switches handle differential broadband signals
[9] Guide rails cut down on vibration
[10] Compiler produces compact code faster
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
While the jury is still out on whether robotic football (as featured in this column last month) can ever be as entertaining as the real item (and I'm sure certain teams' supporters might take issue at this point), this week has seen news of a newer and even more bizarre application of robotic technology.
The Robotics and Mechatronics Lab at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln has come up with a novel application in the form of the robotic traffic cone.
Now, anyone who has ever sat in a jam on a motorway (or freeway, autostrada, autoroute, autobahn etc) wondering why the heck those cones couldn't be removed when there was no work going on could have their prayers answered.
The project (of which more at http://robots.unl.edu/projects/) loosely involves self-propelled traffic cones synchronised by GPS. The cones would work in teams so that only one in each group would need the full level of intelligence, and would control its own team of "drones".
The appeal is enormous: the savings in labour over the current manual method of deployment would be enormous. However, while the current generation of cones are much prized by undergraduates as party hats and lampshades, I dread to think what might be made of a robotic cone. At least the GPS functionality would make them eminently traceable!
The biggest worry is that for anyone of my generation, the whole project conjures up Pythonesque images of "vicious gangs of keep-left signs".
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!
NEW BASE FOR UK SILICON R AND D
Innos has launched its state-of-the-art operations, based at a world-class silicon fabrication facility at the University of Southampton.
Innos, 28 April 2004
mailto:iod1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/iod/iod100.html
AGERE ON A "GOOD FINANCIAL FOOTING"
Agere Systems has reported a GAAP net income of $74 million or $0.04 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, compared with the year-ago net loss of $125 million or $0.08 per share.
Agere Systems, 28 April 2004
mailto:age1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/age/age136.html
REVENUE AND MARGIN BOOST FOR ON SEMICONDUCTOR
Total revenues in the first quarter of 2004 at ON Semiconductor Corp were $308.2 million, an increase of 11% from the fourth quarter of 2003.
ON Semiconductor, 30 April 2004
mailto:onw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onw/onw154.html
ALL-TIME RECORD ORDERS FOR IR
International Rectifier has reported pro forma earnings of $29.8 million in the March quarter compared with $24.6 million in the December quarter, and $12.1 million in the prior-year quarter.
International Rectifier, 4 May 2004
mailto:sil1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sil/sil186.html
LABEL ACQUISITION ADDS TO KEYPAD COMPETENCIES
The Bergquist Company has acquired Design-Mark Industries, a leading supplier of graphic overlays, labels and decals.
The Bergquist Company, 29 April 2004
mailto:brg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/brg/brg107.html
REDISTRIBUTION CENTRE TO STREAMLINE SUPPLY
PEI-Genesis has set up a redistribution centre to provide support for OEMs and broadline distribution partners requiring fast access to connectors and assembly expertise.
PEI-Genesis, 29 April 2004
mailto:pei1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pei/pei101.html
ACQUISITION SET TO CREATE FIBRE-OPTICS GIANT
Finisar Corp has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Infineon's fibre optics business unit based in Munich, Germany, for 135 million shares of Finisar common stock.
Finisar Corp, 4 May 2004
mailto:fni1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fni/fni119.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Single-chip tuner cuts set-top box parts count
The STB6000 single-chip silicon tuner is designed to replace complex discrete component tuners in set-top boxes (STBs) used for receiving digital TV or web-based material via satellite. Cost savings will be achieved in STB production through the lower component count and simplified printed circuit board design. Price is the overriding factor for consumers in these markets and the new device will help STB manufacturers to further reduce their costs by replacing the discrete tuner circuitry of existing products with a single 32-lead package, requiring minimal supporting components.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/stm/stm100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stm1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. PXI card maximises onboard memory usage
Until now all high-speed digital input/output boards used a 16 or 32bit memory word regardless of the number of active channels. When using only one channel on a 16-channel board, 15bit of memory was wasted for each useful recorded or generated bit. As a result engineers were often forced to buy more expensive addon memory than should have been necessary. Although Strategic Test recognised this problem last year and introduced a minimum data width of 8bit onto the existing UltraFast digital I/O cards, its engineers saw the need for a new card design that would optimise the use of the available memory.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sra/116/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sra/sra116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sra1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Software embeds IrDA on 8bit microcontrollers
A new embedded software package for the eZ80Acclaim! microcontroller provides the embedded industry's first 8bit Flash-based solution for wireless IrDA connectivity. Zilog is a major supplier of 8bit microcontrollers. Similarly, the company maintains its market leadership position in the universal remote control business. The new solution is expected to build on this leadership since it offers a highly optimised IrDA compliant protocol stack software with a layered set of embedded protocols that enables a total transfer solution via infra-red medium.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zil/zil123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:zil1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Antenna coupler covers all 3G and more
The latest antenna couple from Willtek Communications supports the extended frequency ranges for 3G mobile phone testing. The new coupler is based on the success of the 4910 universal antenna coupler which was the first of its kind in the wireless industry, with close to 10,000 sold to date. The 4916 antenna coupler now takes the advantages of its predecessor to higher levels by providing increased accuracy and repeatability for a wider range of applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wil/wil118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wil1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. PXI switching modules cram in more relays
Three new general-purpose PXI switch modules maximise relay density in a single PXI chassis for reduced system costs and smaller test system footprints. The modules are part of a growing line of new switches from NI that give engineers more than 70 switch configurations to choose from for their automated test systems. The new switches are ideal for a variety of applications and industries including: in-circuit testing in electronics and semiconductor applications; low-frequency signal switching in telecommunications applications; and low-current, high-channel ECU testing in automotive applications.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/naa/149/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa149.html
or send a blank email to mailto:naa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Duplexer and power amp come together
A new front-end module (FEM) provides the industry's first combined CDMA duplexer/power amplifier for use in dual-band and US PCS (Personal Communications Service) mobile phones and wireless data cards. This integration of two industry-best technologies enables manufacturers to produce smaller-size handsets with higher power-added efficiency, which means more functionality, extended battery life and longer phone talk time. The module's miniature size also helps manufacturers trim costs via an up to 50% savings in board space, and an up to 65% reduction in parts count, including passive components.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/223/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi223.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. Multiline chokes clean up FireWire and USB 2.0
A new range of ferrite multiline common-mode choke arrays from Steward has the industry's lowest normal mode impedance, ensuring transmission signal integrity that allows video signals to pass through without loss of picture quality. Available as four channel CM2722 (for single and dual ports), six channel CM3822 (for tri ports) or eight channel CM5022 (for quad ports) devices, the new common mode chokes provides cost effective EMI filtering solutions for both FireWire and USB 2.0 applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sgt/sgt104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sgt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. Switches handle differential broadband signals
A new class of revolutionary switch products enables the handling of differential broadband signals in advanced high-bandwidth applications. Pericom Semiconductor has increased its portfolio of advanced application-specific analogue switches with the introduction of the new PI3USBxx (USB), PI3DBVxx (video), and next generation PI3Lxx (LAN) switches. This new portfolio of application-specific analogue products helps rejuvenate the interest of design engineers by offering switching solutions that address applications requiring up to 700MHz of bandwidth.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pom/pom105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pom1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. Guide rails cut down on vibration
A new range of PCB guide rails features a spring in the side wall that presses against the plug-in board and ensures the component side is held in the datum position, while reducing the effects of vibration. Available in four versions, the guides are made from flame-retardant glass-reinforced polycarbonate. Three standard lengths meet a wide variety of applications.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/rit/170/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rit/rit170.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rit1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. Compiler produces compact code faster
The latest Wind River Compiler, formerly known as the Diab compiler, builds on and extends the Diab technology. With significant, new optimisation capabilities, the Wind River Compiler will allow developers to create compact code faster and more efficiently - enabling them to fit complex device software applications into their products using fewer microprocessor and memory resources. The compiler is available for all Wind River Platforms and the Wind River Workbench.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wia/wia201.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wia2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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TOSHIBA TAPES OUT MULTIPLE 90nm SOC DESIGNS
(Synopsys, 29 April 2004)
Toshiba Corp has taped out multiple 90nm SoC designs for its audiovisual and office equipment product lines using the Synopsys Galaxy design platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn233.html
(or email mailto:syn2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMBEDDED DATABASE HELPS AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING
(Birdstep Technology, 30 April 2004)
The Boeing Company is using Birdstep's RDM Embedded database in its AWACS airborne warning and control system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bir/bir100.html
(or email mailto:bir1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
THROUGH GLASS TOUCHSCREEN ENABLES NOVEL KIOSK
(Zytronic, 29 April 2004)
Zytouch through glass touchscreen technology has enabled kiosk manufacturer Pro-Tech to create a new type of rugged, "self-ordering" kiosk that will help grow sales from convenience stores.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zyt/zyt106.html
(or email mailto:zyt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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NETWORK PROCESSORS GAIN HOME GATEWAY SOFTWARE
(Micrel Semiconductor Europe, 28 April 2004)
A turnkey reference system aims to reduce time to market for OEMs developing residential gateway, SOHO and WLAN devices based on the KS8695 family of ARM-based network processors.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mib/mib145.html
(or email mailto:mib1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MELODY CHIP AIMS FOR JAVA APPLICATIONS
(Rohm Electronics (UK), 28 April 2004)
Rohm has further extended its family of compact and highly integrated melody sound source ICs for mobile phones with its first Java-compliant device.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/roh/roh169.html
(or email mailto:roh1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SMALL CLAIMS FOR D/A CONVERTOR FAMILY
(Analog Devices, 29 April 2004)
The first members of a new nanoDAC family of digital-to-analogue convertors claim breakthrough performance in smaller packages.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anc/anc228.html
(or email mailto:anc2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
LOGIC DEVICES DROP UNDER A VOLT
(ON Semiconductor, 4 May 2004)
ON Semiconductor has expanded its 100-plus MiniGate portfolio with a series of new sub-1V logic devices in tiny SOT-553 packaging.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onw/onw155.html
(or email mailto:onw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMC FILTERS QUALIFIED FOR HIGHER TEMPERATURES
(Schaffner EMC, 28 April 2004)
A proven range of EMC filters is now certified to operate in harsh industrial environments up to 50C without derating.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sca/sca161.html
(or email mailto:sca1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BREAKERS AIM FOR AUTOMOTIVE FUSE MARKET
(E-T-A Circuit Breakers, 28 April 2004)
E-T-A Circuit Breakers has released new colour coded versions of its blade-type circuit breakers for fuse replacement in all types of vehicle from cars to trucks, buses and off-road applications.
Free brochure on 1610:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/eta/111/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eta/eta111.html
(or email mailto:eta1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TAKES VOIP ONBOARD
(Pika Technologies, 30 April 2004)
The forthcoming release of the Pika MonteCarlo software developer kit will allow application developers to design cost-effective VoIP-enabled voice and fax solutions for their customers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pka/pka100.html
(or email mailto:pka1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURES HAVE UNIVERSAL APPEAL
(OKW Enclosures, 30 April 2004)
Alukom series aluminium enclosures are suitable for housing a very wide range of electronics and electrical equipment.
Free brochure on Alukom series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/okw/135/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/okw/okw135.html
(or email mailto:okw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
KEY-INSERT SWITCH HAS THE STRENGTH OF STEEL
(EAO, 30 April 2004)
The Series 04 stainless steel key-insert switch is designed for really harsh use in transportation and related industries.
Free brochure on Series 04 stainless steel key-insert switch:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/eao/147/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eao/eao147.html
(or email mailto:eao1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ELASTOMER PROVIDES FLEXIBLE SHIELDING
(Chomerics Europe, 3 May 2004)
Cho-Seal 6371 is a UL94V0-rated flame-retardant elastomer that can be either compression or injection moulded.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cho/cho124.html
(or email mailto:cho1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SOLAR CELLS POWER UP PORTABLE ELECTRONICS
(Ixys Semiconductor, 28 April 2004)
A new range of high efficiency solar cell arrays and cards are designed specifically for charging batteries in portable electronic devices.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ixy/ixy101.html
(or email mailto:ixy1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BUS CONVERTOR AIMS FOR POWER-OVER-ETHERNET USES
(Vicor UK, 4 May 2004)
The B048K480T30 is the newest member of the Vicor VI Chip bus convertor module family, providing 2250V DC primary-to-secondary isolation with a unity transformation ratio over a 38-55V DC input range.
Free brochure on B048K480T30:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/vic/120/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vic/vic120.html
(or email mailto:vic1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
UPGRADE FOR WINDOWS ACQUISITION SOFTWARE
(Adept Scientific, 28 April 2004)
DasyLab 8 is the latest version of the popular Windows-based graphical data acquisition software that speeds the setup and development of measurement and analysis applications.
Free brochure on DasyLab 8:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/ade/158/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ade/ade158.html
(or email mailto:ade1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CONTACT TECHNOLOGY SWITCHES TO PROCESSOR TESTING
(Ardent Concepts, 3 May 2004)
Ardent Concepts has begun shipping high-performance LGA contactor solutions based on its novel Redundant Contact technology.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ard/ard103.html
(or email mailto:ard1[-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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