|
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 25,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 166: 25 May 2004
=======================================================
16566 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] Single-chip Bluetooth comes in under $3
[2] Adapter puts PCMIA in embedded designs
[3] Reflector diffuser technology boosts backlights
[4] Read-channel ICs enable next-generation drives
[5] Multiband receivers made for CompactPCI systems
[6] PC-based waveform generators feature big memories
[7] Quick and easy way to get hooked up
[8] New membrane switch shrinks keyboard dimensions
[9] Relay protects automotive batteries
[10] USB switch handles high-bandwidth audio
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* Other featured product news
=======================================================
Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
Readers with long memories will recall that I am a big fan of the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.
My standpoint doesn't only arise from "knitted muesli sweater" green convictions, but also from the position that any imperative to reduce power consumption (and hence emissions) can only create work and wealth for the global electronics community.
And until last weekend's news that the Russian Federation was on the verge of signing up to the protocol, I must admit that I'd all but abandoned hope of it ever reaching the statute book.
However, assuming that President Putin is true to his word, the originators of the necessary 55% of the world's total greenhouse emissions will shortly be committed to the protocol, and it can become international law.
The move will leave only two developed countries out in the cold (or should that be the warm). Perhaps a visit to the cinema might be in order for George Bush and John Howard - hopefully before "The day after tomorrow".
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, e-mail 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!
MORE FUNDS FOR FRONTIER
Frontier Silicon has closed an investment of several million pounds from Nokia Venture Partners.
Frontier Silicon, 25 May 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fon/fon109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fon1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
STRONG ORDER BOOK FOR ABACUS
Abacus Group has published its interim results for the six months ended 31st March 2004.
Abacus Group, 20 May 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aba/aba148.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aba1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MILITARY/AEROSPACE SUCCESSES FUEL FINANCIAL GROWTH
LynuxWorks achieved 21% year over year growth in revenue during fiscal year 2004 and increased both profitability and cash flow.
LynuxWorks, 20 May 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lyn/lyn162.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lyn1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DON'T LET AN RoHS LOOPHOLE TURN INTO A NOOSE
Tony Inskip, Director of Zirkon, comments on a potential loophole in the RoHS Directive.
Zirkon, 21 May 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zir/zir110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:zir1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ACQUISITION TO BOOST OPTICAL AMP CAPABILITIES
Bookham Technology has entered into an agreement to acquire Onetta, a leading provider of optical amplifier modules and subsystems for communications networks, based in Sunnyvale, California.
Bookham Technology, 25 May 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo152.html
or send a blank email to mailto:boo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
=======================================================
[1] SINGLE-CHIP BLUETOOTH COMES IN UNDER $3
(STMicroelectronics, 19 May 2004)
The STLC2500 is a single-chip product for handheld terminal applications that adds full Bluetooth v1.2 function and capability with superior radio performance and very low power consumption. The STLC2500 includes a highly integrated radio, a baseband using the Ericsson Core Bluetooth Baseband Platform Q-E1, an ARM7 microprocessor core, RAM, ROM and patch RAM, all on the same silicon die. Its high level of integration requires with very few additional external components.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/stm/stm101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stm1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[2] ADAPTER PUTS PCMIA IN EMBEDDED DESIGNS
(Parvus Corp, 21 May 2004)
Parvus Corp has added a low-cost, single-slot PCMCIA (PC Card) adapter to its Xpand104 line of modular PC/104 PCMCIA controller boards. A simple-to-use expansion card for adding Type I, II or III PC Card functionality (I/O or memory) to an embedded computer, this new board integrates an XT/AT PC Card slot together with an Intel PCMCIA to ISAbus controller fully compatible with PCMCIA V2.1 and JEIDA V4.1 standards.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/prv/prv129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:prv1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[3] REFLECTOR DIFFUSER TECHNOLOGY BOOSTS BACKLIGHTS
(Marktech Optoelectronics, 21 May 2004)
A new series of backlight panels is available in a variety of colours and sizes, making them ideal for a wide range of applications such as LCD backlighting, large area illumination, mobile and battery operated devices, and sign, transparency and negative illumination. Until now backlighting options have been limited. This new series of backlights with their combination of reflector and diffuser technologies has allowed the creation of a usable size of bright light from single panel illumination.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mrk/mrk100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mrk1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[4] READ-CHANNEL ICs ENABLE NEXT-GENERATION DRIVES
(Agere Systems, 25 May 2004)
New hard disk drive (HDD) integrated circuit (IC) technology promises to enable the high-capacity storage capabilities needed for streaming video, digital photos, MP3s, video games and other forms of multimedia and entertainment in mobile phones and other consumer devices. These additions to Agere's TrueStore family of storage ICs represent the electronics critical to maximising the performance, power, reliability and value for storage solutions as diverse as enterprise storage area networks (SANs) and ultrasmall, 1in miniature disk drives.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/age/age138.html
or send a blank email to mailto:age1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[5] MULTIBAND RECEIVERS MADE FOR COMPACTPCI SYSTEMS
(Pentek, 25 May 2004)
Pentek has made its first foray into the cPCI market with a 3U 16-channel multiband-receiver board and a 6U 32-channel multiband-receiver board featuring 14bit A/D convertors and Virtex-II FPGAs for signal processing. Both boards consist of one or two Model 7131 digital receiver PMC modules and a PMC-to-cPCI adapter assembled and tested as a single cPCI board. Both boards were designed to maximise configuration flexibility, switching and optimised synchronisation for software radio applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pnt/pnt104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pnt1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[6] PC-BASED WAVEFORM GENERATORS FEATURE BIG MEMORIES
(Strategic Test, 20 May 2004)
The UF6031 is a high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (ARB/AWG) PCI card for PCs. Using the latest generation of 14bit D/A convertors it is able to generate complex analogue signals at rates of 125Msample/s on both channels. To support these high datarates, the designers have included up to 512Mbyte of onboard signal memory that allows each channel to generate signals of up to 256Msample at the highest speeds. Three software selectable hardware filters are provided to further improve accurate signal reconstruction.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sra/119/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sra/sra119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sra1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[7] QUICK AND EASY WAY TO GET HOOKED UP
(William Hughes, 25 May 2004)
Any design or development engineer working on prototype or small quantity PCB production will appreciate how difficult it is to make quick and reliable connections to test points on a printed circuit board. But now, the innovative PCB Test Points from William Hughes provide a neat and inexpensive way to completely overcome this problem. Featuring a large loop for easy probe attachment and bowed legs for quick insertion into the board without damage to a through plated hole, the phosphor bronze spring strip is solder tinned to ensure good electrical contact.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/hug/101/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hug/hug101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hug1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[8] NEW MEMBRANE SWITCH SHRINKS KEYBOARD DIMENSIONS
(Danielson, 24 May 2004)
A novel tactile switch system can dramatically improve switch packing densities, thereby minimising the potential overall size of key panels. Developed in response to customer demand for ever smaller and more compact membrane products, the new system can be produced in both high and low volumes and at costs that are comparable with conventional membrane products.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dan/dan103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dan1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[9] RELAY PROTECTS AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES
(Tyco Electronics UK, 19 May 2004)
A large specialised relay, the BDS-A battery disconnect switch from Tyco Electronics is an electrical on and off latching relay specially designed for 42V levels. It has a wide range of applications in the automotive market, principally the disconnection of starter, generator, fuel pump and various loads in case of crash to prevent fire, battery explosion and discharging of the battery.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tya/163/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tya/tya163.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tya1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[10] USB SWITCH HANDLES HIGH-BANDWIDTH AUDIO
(Fairchild Semiconductor, 20 May 2004)
The FSUSB11 is a low-power high-bandwidth dual single-pole/double-throw (SPDT) USB switch providing fast-switch-time multiplex/demultiplexing of analogue audio and USB 1.1 signals. Designed specifically for USB applications, Fairchild's high-performance FSUSB11 is ideal for switching applications in ultraportable cellphones, computers and peripherals, consumer electronics and other USB 1.1-ported devices.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fai/fai292.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fai2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
=======================================================
DSP-BASED CONTROL BOOSTS WASH-DAY EFFICIENCY
(Texas Instruments, 25 May 2004)
DSP based TMS320C24x controllers are enabling sophisticated motor control for reduced noise levels and improved washing efficiency in Ariston's Super Silent line of washing machines.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex634.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tex6[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SIMULATION SPEEDS MILITARY COMPUTER TO MARKET
(Flomerics, 19 May 2004)
Barco in Toulouse, France, recently brought a new ruggedised military computer to market 20% faster than in the past by using EMI simulation software.
Free brochure on Flo/EMC:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flo/127/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PLATFORM SIMPLIFIES LINEDANCER GEOMETRY SHRINK
(Cadence Design Systems, 20 May 2004)
Fabless semiconductor company Aspex Semiconductor has successfully taped out its Linedancer processor using 130nm technology at 300MHz using the Cadence Encounter digital IC design platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cad/cad216.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cad2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SOFTWARE INTEGRATION SPEEDS 300MM SOLUTIONS
(Peer Group, 20 May 2004)
The Peer Group has successfully integrated equipment front-end module software into Solid State Measurements' industry leading semiconductor materials characterisation and process control equipment.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pee/pee103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pee1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MEMORY ROADMAPS SHOW THE WAY AHEAD
(Toshiba Electronics Europe, 20 May 2004)
Toshiba has revealed its latest strategic roadmaps for the memory market.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos225.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tos2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
Other featured product news
=======================================================
CPLDs CONSUME LESS POWER
(QuickLogic, 19 May 2004)
The QL8025 and QL8050 are the latest two additions to the Eclipse II "microwatt" FPGA family.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/qui/qui152.html
or send a blank email to mailto:qui1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
VOLTAGE REFERENCES CUT THE POWER BUDGET
(Xicor, 20 May 2004)
A new family of precision, 3-lead, SOT-23 voltage references is manufactured using Xicor's proprietary FGA floating gate analogue technology.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xic/xic137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:xic1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ANALOGUE FRONT END SUPPORTS ADSL2+ DATARATES
(Silicon Laboratories, 24 May 2004)
The Si3110 is heralded as the industry's smallest, high-performance, integrated analogue front end (AFE) for ADSL and ADSL2+ applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/snl/snl104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:snl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NETWORK PROCESSORS COME ONBOARD FOR CONVERGENCE
(Analog Devices, 25 May 2004)
The Blackfin Fusiv platform uses integrated technology to deliver secure, high-speed data, voice and video convergence in a single solution.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anc/anc232.html
or send a blank email to mailto:anc2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SUPPRESSION DEVICES AT THE CUTTING EDGE
(Surge Suppression, 24 May 2004)
The Advantage series of transient voltage surge suppression devices feature cutting edge design techniques and feature a revolutionary patent pending fusing method.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/srg/srg100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:srg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
USB ANALYSER HITS NEW PRICE POINT
(Computer Solutions, 19 May 2004)
The USB Tracker 110 is a compact, low-cost, nonintrusive USB analyser designed to support the development of USB devices and related software.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/com/com128.html
or send a blank email to mailto:com1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CANCELLATION SOFTWARE EXTENDS TO C55X DSP DESIGNS
(Acoustic Technologies, 20 May 2004)
SoundClear integrated echo cancellation and noise cancellation DSP software has been certified eXpressDSP compliant by Texas Instruments for the C55x DSP generation.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aou/aou103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aou1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
TOOLKIT SPEEDS FPGA PROGRAMMING IN C
(Celoxica, 25 May 2004)
The DK Accelerator for Altera's SOPC Builder generates FPGA hardware components directly from Handel-C descriptions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cel/cel157.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cel1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ENCLOSURE IS COST-EFFECTIVE BASE FOR CPCI SYSTEMS
(Advantech (UK), 19 May 2004)
The MIC-3041L is billed as the most cost effective 4U-high enclosure for 6U CompactPCI boards.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/axv/axv138.html
or send a blank email to mailto:axv1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COMMAND ENCLOSURES TAKE CONTROL
(OKW Enclosures, 20 May 2004)
The Stakom range of IP54 command enclosures have been designed for housing control systems for individual machines or process controllers.
Free brochure on Stakom:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/okw/137/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/okw/okw137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:okw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MASS IMAGING AIDS SINGULATED PACKAGE ASSEMBLY
(DEK, 24 May 2004)
DEK has developed new techniques for performing mass imaging processes on singulated substrates directly from the process carrier.
Free brochure on Singulated packaging process:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/dek/167/0
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dek/dek167.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dek1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SERIAL DATA ANALYSER BECOMES TRANSMITTER
(New Forest Electronics, 19 May 2004)
New Forest Electronics has added a significant new feature to its SDA-02 handheld serial data analyser.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nwf/nwf102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nwf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
TOP PERFORMANCE FOR TIMER/COUNTER
(Aspen Electronics, 24 May 2004)
The CNT-90 is a new tool for measurement, analysis and calibration of frequency, time interval or phase, whether in test systems, on the R and D bench, in the calibration lab or in the field.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ane/ane100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ane1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.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:
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
Engineeringtalk - for mechanical/automation engineers
* Email mailto:join-eng-ta[-email removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Industrialsafetytalk - for safety professionals
* Email mailto:join-industrialsafetyta[-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
Printingtalk - for printers and print buyers
* Email mailto:join-printingta[-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
=======================================================
|
|
