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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 164: 11 May 2004
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16347 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] Tiny outline for frugal embedded PXA255 board
[2] Software is dedicated to efficient DSP on FPGAs
[3] Switchers won't compromise on efficiency
[4] Successful debut for 90nm SoC process
[5] Addon turns scopes to CANbus analysis
[6] Rainbow LED driver is a flashy performer
[7] Flexible circuit connector shrinks to 0.3mm pitch
[8] Service tester does the lot for 3G handsets
[9] Communications software speeds video transmission
[10] Transformer connectors keep contacts safe
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And take a look at these stories too...
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
Long-term readers of this column may remember that I have been critical in the past about the lack of publicity garnered for Bluetooth technology in the popular press. So I guess it was inevitable that it would take bad news for the Bluetooth name to become a suitable topic for conversation by the chattering classes.
The fact that vulnerabilities have been exposed is no bad thing. What is a surprise is that it should have taken so long for the exposure to occur.
Ironically, the "shock" factor of the press stories concerning so-called "bluesnarfing" attacks is that many people did not know that their handsets had Bluetooth onboard. But with shipments of Bluetooth-enabled devices comfortably exceeding a million per week in 2003, the technology has become as ubiquitous as was initially envisioned.
In reality, without serious encryption, no wireless technology can ever be totally safe (and some might argue that no encryption can ever be "unbreakable" in any case). Bluetooth's strongest security suit was originally seen as its short range; but enhancements to the technology have seen what was originally envisaged as "desktop" communication expand to ranges up to 100m.
Over the years many commentators have put forward the view that ubiquitous technology can only make secrecy a thing of the past, and I must admit it's becoming a compelling argument.
Perhaps, just as in wartime Britain the populace had to be warned that "walls have ears", the technology-buying folk of the 21st century need to be reminded that "phones have teeth".
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 e-mail 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!
PROFITABILITY BECKONS FOR ZARLINK
Zarlink Semiconductor has released fourth quarter and fiscal 2004 results for the year ended 26th March 2004.
Zarlink Semiconductor, 11 May 2004
mailto:mif1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mif/mif171.html
PROFITS RISE FOLLOWING FLOATATION
CSR has published unaudited financial results for the first quarter.
Cambridge Silicon Radio, 11 May 2004
mailto:cam1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cam/cam167.html
STRONG SECOND HALF RECOUPS FIRST-HALF LOSSES
TTP Communications has released preliminary results for the year ended 31st March 2004.
TTPCom, 5 May 2004
mailto:ttp1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ttp/ttp178.html
ANT FINDS FURTHER FUNDS
ANT has gained the backing of a group of 11 prominent technology investors, with the conclusion of a GBP 3.39 million funding round aimed at accelerating the company's commercial development.
ANT, 6 May 2004
mailto:ant1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ant/ant117.html
MORE FUNDS FOR BEACH EXPANSION
Beach Solutions has received $3 million in further second round funding.
Beach Solutions, 11 May 2004
mailto:bea1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bea/bea113.html
BOOKHAM AIMS TO REDUCE OVERHEADS
Bookham Technology has published its results for the first quarter ended 4th April 2004.
Bookham Technology, 6 May 2004
mailto:boo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo150.html
GENNUM PURCHASES LIGHTCHARGER PORTFOLIO
Gennum Corp has purchased intellectual property and product-related assets associated with SiGe Semiconductor's LightCharger portfolio of optical networking ICs.
SiGe Semiconductor, 11 May 2004
mailto:sif1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sif/sif154.html
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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1. Tiny outline for frugal embedded PXA255 board
Measuring just 32 x 58 x 6.6mm, the Triton-XXS is a complete PXA255 computer that has been optimised for portable embedded designs where low-power consumption and extremely small size are critical. A complete development kit that allows the XXS to run out-of-the-box is available with Linux kernel 2.6 or Windows CE.NET pre-installed. Designers of battery-operated devices will appreciate the unique implementation of "programmable core power", which means that the core operating voltage can be varied between 0.9 and 1.5V in order to save power.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sra/117/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sra/sra117.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sra1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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2. Software is dedicated to efficient DSP on FPGAs
Synplify DSP is a novel solution for implementing DSP designs in FPGAs. With the Synplify DSP software, users of the Simulink design environment from The MathWorks can automatically take designs specified at the algorithm level and generate high-quality, synthesis-ready RTL code. By using unique system-level optimisations, the Synplify DSP software can produce circuits that are up to 50% faster and 30% smaller than solutions created by alternative tools for implementing DSP in hardware.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sya/sya157.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sya1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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3. Switchers won't compromise on efficiency
A power supply without compromise is every designer's dream, and Lambda reckons its new NV-Power range turns that dream into reality. Pushing back the barriers, the company describes NV-Power as a new range of class leading high density and environmentally friendly AC/DC power supplies that gives designers their no compromise power solution. NV-Power is based around a configurable planar transformer, and employs multiple efficiency gain (MEG) technology to achieve its class leading efficiency for multiple-output PSUs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lbd/lbd167.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lbd1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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4. Successful debut for 90nm SoC process
Philips is claiming a significant milestone in putting 90nm CMOS chips into production by achieving right-first-time silicon from its CMOS production line at the Crolles2 wafer fab in Crolles, France and from TSMC's wafer fab in Taiwan. The Philips CMOS090LP is one of the world's first system-on-chip solutions to be fabricated in a low-leakage 90nm CMOS process. This commercially targeted lead silicon integrates an ARM processor core with SRAM, ROM and analogue signal circuitry designed for a wireless application.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/phi/phi259.html
or send a blank email to mailto:phi2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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5. Addon turns scopes to CANbus analysis
LeCroy has developed an innovative CANbus test solution based on its popular WaveRunner 6000 series oscilloscopes. Whereas vector analysers can do only part of the job, the combination of the CANbus TD and a WaveRunner scope provides a perfect solution for locating CANbus physical layer problems and debugging CANbus controllers and systems. It is unique in allowing a user to correlate physical layer signals with protocol layer data information.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lew/lew107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lew1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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6. Rainbow LED driver is a flashy performer
New from Rohm is the first integrated LED driver to combine the ability to drive red, green, blue and white LED outputs with a mode that provides high brightness "flash" LED output. Rohm's BH6048KN rainbow LED driver is a single-chip solution for managing multiple LEDs in mobile phone applications. In addition, the built-in flash mode allows designers to use LEDs to provide flash illumination for pictures taken with the mobile phone camera.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/roh/roh170.html
or send a blank email to mailto:roh1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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7. Flexible circuit connector shrinks to 0.3mm pitch
The FH23 is billed as taking connector miniaturisation on to new dimensions, with a contact pitch of only 0.3mm and a height of only 1.25mm. Even with such levels of miniaturisation processing on the line is kept simple as the contact pitch onto the PCB is 0.6mm. This is made possible by having the contacts positioned along both sides of the connector; all contacts are fully insulated, allowing tracks to be run safely underneath the insulator. The connector is designed to accept flexible printed circuits 0.2mm thick.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hos/hos100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hos1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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8. Service tester does the lot for 3G handsets
The MT8510 service tester enables mobile handset manufacturers to carry out call processing and RF testing of 3G handsets. The MT8510 has a fully functional 3GPP protocol stack with integrity and authentication checks that means a commercial handset can be tested directly from the MT8510 unit, without the need for any additional hardware or software. The MT8510 is the only service tester on the market that can test multiple manufacturer's handsets from a single unit.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anr/anr165.html
or send a blank email to mailto:anr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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9. Communications software speeds video transmission
A novel high-speed PC communications software package aims to slash the cost, enhance the performance and increase the flexibility of vision systems with large processing overheads. Pleora's new software delivers these benefits by streaming imaging data in real time between PCs connected by standard GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) links.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/peo/peo101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:peo1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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10. Transformer connectors keep contacts safe
A new range of connectors provides protection against external contacts on small transformers. UL approved, the CTT series transformer connectors feature orange or grey insulating body moulded in PA66. A black PA6 fuseholder suitable for a 5 x 20mm fuse up to 6.3A is available on one single-pole model. Single- or two-pole models are available with solder tag or screw connections to transformer and screw or Faston connections to external wiring.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/cab/129/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cab/cab129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cab1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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DIGITAL BASEBAND DRIVES QUAD-BAND DAB MODULES
(Texas Instruments, 6 May 2004)
South Korean manufacturer TBK Electronics has developed the industry's first module for Eureka-147 digital audio broadcasting that features reception for four radio bands.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex625.html
(or email mailto:tex6[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BRIDGE CHIP ENABLES SPLIT-CHASSIS PC DEMO
(Texas Instruments, 7 May 2004)
Texas Instruments demonstrated a split-chassis PC platform at last week's Windows Hardware Engineering 2004 Conference.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex627.html
(or email mailto:tex6[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
COMPILERS CREATE TOP POWERPC BENCHMARKS
(Green Hills Software, 10 May 2004)
Freescale Semiconductor has used Green Hills Software's Multi C/C++ compilers to achieve record-setting performance on benchmarks recently certified by EEMBC Certification Laboratories.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gre/gre170.html
(or email mailto:gre1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PLATFORM REDUCES VERIFICATION BOTTLENECKS
(Cadence Design Systems, 11 May 2004)
Leading technology companies, including Fujitsu Network Technologies and S3 Graphics, have adopted the Cadence Incisive functional verification platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cad/cad212.html
(or email mailto:cad2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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...And take a look at these stories too...
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COST-EFFECTIVE ROUTE TO FIREWIRE CONTROL
(Texas Instruments, 7 May 2004)
Texas Instruments has developed a new cost-effective integrated 1394a link-layer controller and two-port physical-layer controller.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex626.html
(or email mailto:tex6[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MODULAR CMOS PROCESS FEATURES FLEXIBLE ANALOGUE
(PolarFab, 10 May 2004)
PolarFab now offers a 0.35-micron modular process that features 5V CMOS and analogue device bundles.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pgt/pgt127.html
(or email mailto:pgt1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
BROADBAND AMPS SPAN COMMS APPLICATIONS
(Agilent Technologies, 11 May 2004)
The ABA series of low-cost silicon RFIC amplifiers are suitable for a wide range of IF and buffer stages.
Free brochure on ABA series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/225/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi225.html
(or email mailto:agi2[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SURFACE-MOUNT INDUCTORS ARE HOT STUFF
(Pulse, 7 May 2004)
A new series of low-profile SMT power inductors features an operating temperature range up to 150C, made possible using a high-end powdered iron core material for extremely stable thermal performance.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pls/pls124.html
(or email mailto:pls1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
TINY CLAIMS FOR CRYSTAL CLOCK OSCILLATORS
(NDK, 10 May 2004)
The NZ2520 series are billed as the smallest crystal clock oscillators (XO) in the world - their SMD package measures only 2.5 x 2.0mm.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ndk/ndk111.html
(or email mailto:ndk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
FIRMWARE SUPPORTS MICROSOFT WEB EXTENSION
(OSA Technologies, 5 May 2004)
OSA Technologies is supporting Microsoft's Web Service Management Extension (WMX) within its IPMI v2.0 firmware building blocks.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/osa/osa107.html
(or email mailto:osa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
IP PUTS DECT INTO 2.4GHZ BAND
(Cambridge Consultants, 5 May 2004)
At WiCon next month in Amsterdam, Cambridge Consultants will demonstrate new silicon intellectual property that optimises DECT for use in the licence-free 2.4GHz ISM frequency band.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cbr/cbr109.html
(or email mailto:cbr1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMULATOR GETS TO GRIPS WITH LSI DSP DESIGNS
(Domain Technologies, 10 May 2004)
The ZSP-USB-JTAG emulator supports LSI Logic ZSP digital signal processor (DSP) cores and standard products.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dom/dom100.html
(or email mailto:dom1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
SOLUTION LOOMS FOR AUTOMOTIVE HARNESS DESIGN
(Zuken, 10 May 2004)
By integrating the electronic and mechanical design environments, Zuken's Wire Harness Design solution helps designers to cut the weight, size and cost of vehicle wiring looms.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zuk/zuk129.html
(or email mailto:zuk1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
CARRIER SOLVES PCI-X BUS ANAYSIS DILEMMA
(Vmetro, 10 May 2004)
The Vanguard PCI-X Single Slot Carrier allows PCI-X bus systems to be tested at 133MHz without violating the stringent loading restrictions imposed by the PCI-X specification.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vme/vme111.html
(or email mailto:vme1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
ENCLOSURES PUT ON HOLD
(OKW Enclosures, 10 May 2004)
OKW has added a holding clamp to the extensive range of options offered on its Smart-Case M, L and XL series.
Free brochure on Smart-Case M, L and XL series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/okw/136/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/okw/okw136.html
(or email mailto:okw1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
MEZZANINE CARD IS COMPLETE ATM TO ETHERNET BRIDGE
(Xalyo Systems, 5 May 2004)
The XS1000 is a highly integrated ATM and IP PCI Telecom Mezzanine Card (PTMC) based on Wintegra's WinPath 787 network processor.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xal/xal101.html
(or email mailto:xal1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
PRESCOTT POWERS PC MOTHERBOARDS
(QDI, 6 May 2004)
Two new motherboards using Intel's P4 Prescott CPU join the highly popular QDI 865 product range.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/leg/leg114.html
(or email mailto:leg1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
EMBEDDED CONTROLLER TAKES GUI ONBOARD
(Mosaic Industries, 10 May 2004)
The QScreen controller is a C-programmable embedded computer with a built-in graphical user interface.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/msa/msa104.html
(or email mailto:msa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
AUTOMATION SPEEDS INSTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT
(National Instruments, 5 May 2004)
LabView 7.1 is billed as a significant upgrade to the family of LabView graphical development products.
Free brochure on LabView 7.1:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/naa/150/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa150.html
(or email mailto:naa1[-email removed-]ctronicstalk.com )
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