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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 27,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 171: 29 June 2004
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17223 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] Simulator tackles multigigahertz design
[2] Upgrade for electromagnetic simulation
[3] Breakthrough solution for converged broadband
[4] PXI module offers highest-density switching
[5] Audio connectors get a grip
[6] Novel switch goes both ways to save space
[7] Chipset offers power solution for ATCA systems
[8] Monolithic mixer aims for 3G basestation radios
[9] Tiny inductors are thermally stable
[10] Digital controller needs no programming
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* Other featured product news
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
So what do you think of it so far? Having (effectively) reached the half-way point, 2004 seems to be shaping up as one of the better years for our business.
The latest in a succession of "blue chip" companies reporting favourable financial performance is Tektronix, which has just recorded its "best quarter for orders in over three years", according to CEO Rick Wills (link to full story below).
And while the semiconductor sector may be heading inexorably towards shortages in certain key areas, the barometer of overall industry health traditionally provided by equipment manufacturers such as Tektronix speaks volumes for the underlying health of the electronics manufacturing sector.
Not that I would seek to take anything away from Tektronix, which has had a hard time of it in recent years. However, as Wills is keen to point out, the company has focused well on emerging technologies during the lean times. "The investments we made over the last few years gave us a strong start to the recovery", Wills concludes.
Meanwhile, back in the semiconductor sector, Future Horizons (see below) reports fab utilisation running at a strong (albeit worrying) 93.4%. However, the up-side of the latest issue of the company's "Semiconductor monthly update report" is that the industry looks likely to invest a striking $50 billion in increasing capacity during 2004 - a significant increase over the $30 billion invested during 2003.
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!
SYNOPSYS TAKES AN INTEREST
Synopsys has acquired 6,239,128 outstanding shares, or 19.9%, of HPL Technologies.
HPL Technologies, 25 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hpl/hpl100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hpl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW DIVISION TO FOCUS ON CUSTOM DESIGN
Hertfordshire-based Datasound Laboratories is to launch a new custom design division, helping resource-strapped manufacturers cut time to market.
Datasound Laboratories, 28 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dab/dab123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dab1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDENTSHIPS
The Prime Faraday partnership has a new allocation of industrial CASE studentships available for the financial year 2004/2005.
Prime Faraday Partnership, 28 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pim/pim103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pim1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
REPORT PREDICTS "TIGHT" SEMICONDUCTOR CAPACITY
Integrated circuit manufacturing capacity utilisation reached 93.4% in Q1 2004, compared with 91.9% in Q4 2003, according to Future Horizons.
Future Horizons, 28 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/feh/feh105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:feh1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CYPRESS TO ACQUIRE BELGIAN IMAGE SENSOR SPECIALIST
Cypress Semiconductor has signed a definitive agreement to acquire FillFactory, a Belgium-based leader in active pixel CMOS image sensor technology.
Cypress Semiconductor, 23 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp232.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cyp2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BOOKHAM SET TO EMIGRATE TO THE USA
The board of directors of Bookham Technology has approved a proposal to change the corporate domicile of Bookham to the USA.
Bookham Technology, 28 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo154.html
or send a blank email to mailto:boo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
TEKTRONIX REPORTS STRONG FOURTH QUARTER
Tektronix has reported net sales of $257.8 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $26.5 million or $0.31 per share for the fourth quarter ended 29th May 2004.
Tektronix, 29 June 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek207.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tek2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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[1] SIMULATOR TACKLES MULTIGIGAHERTZ DESIGN
(Cadence Design Systems, 25 June 2004)
Allegro PCB SI 630 is billed as the PCB industry's most advanced solution for multigigahertz (MGH) design. This industry-first solution is optimised for scattering parameter (S-parameter)-based interconnect characterisation and offers revolutionary technology for high-capacity simulation of serial links, such as those found in PCI Express, XAUI, Serial ATA II, Infiniband and other interface standards that operate at or above 2.5Gbit/s. The newest addition to the Cadence Allegro system interconnect design platform, Allegro PCB SI 630 delivers an integrated design and analysis environment for designing complex digital PCB systems with MGH signals.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cad/cad227.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cad2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[2] UPGRADE FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC SIMULATION
(Flomerics, 29 June 2004)
Version 5 of the FLO/EMC electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) simulation software features major improvements including predefined and user-created parts libraries, automatic multigridding, and a number of EMC-specific usability features. The parts libraries substantially reduce modelling time by allowing users to import a wide range of popular components provided by vendors into their models. The new version also automatically combines small computational cells to increase the density of the mesh in areas with high field gradients and reduce it in areas with low gradients, thus optimising the tradeoff between analysis accuracy and speed.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flo/130/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo130.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[3] BREAKTHROUGH SOLUTION FOR CONVERGED BROADBAND
(Agere Systems, 25 June 2004)
Unbreakable Access is a novel technology for developing more reliable and economical broadband equipment and services. The new technology solves the fundamental problems that have hampered the delivery of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) for a decade - quality of service and per-service protection. Unbreakable Access technology combines Agere's expertise in traffic management and service protection and is available for implementation today.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/age/age145.html
or send a blank email to mailto:age1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[4] PXI MODULE OFFERS HIGHEST-DENSITY SWITCHING
(National Instruments, 25 June 2004)
ATE engineers can now create ultra-high-density switch systems in a single PXI chassis using the industry's highest-density PXI switch module combined with NI Switch Executive switch management software. The new NI PXI-2532 ultra-high-density module offers 512 crosspoints the largest matrix density available for a single 3U PXI slot. With the new module, engineers can create a single-wire matrix of up to 4 x 2176 in a single PXI chassis.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/naa/154/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa154.html
or send a blank email to mailto:naa1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[5] AUDIO CONNECTORS GET A GRIP
(Pomona Electronics, 28 June 2004)
XLR connectors incorporate a clamping mechanism that withstands 100 pounds (445N) of pull without disconnecting the cable - more than twice the pull rating of any other brand. Designed to deliver high-quality, low-noise audio transmission, the XLR connectors feature gold contacts and black nickel coating to reduce reflection. They also feature a smooth, best-of-breed latching mechanism for easy, more secure connections.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pna/pna101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pna1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[6] NOVEL SWITCH GOES BOTH WAYS TO SAVE SPACE
(Matsushita Electric Works UK, 25 June 2004)
Matsushita's miniature, surface mount range of mechanical detection switches has been expanded with the introduction of the FT two-way (ABC3) switch. Measuring just 5 x 5 x 1.4mm, this especially slim device allows designers to replace two SPST normally open switches with one FT two-way switch that has been designed to detect lateral movements in two directions. The compact design of the FT two-way switch, together with a long over travel to help installation, enables a reduction in mounting space without adding extra height.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mat/149/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mat/mat149.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mat1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[7] CHIPSET OFFERS POWER SOLUTION FOR ATCA SYSTEMS
(ON Semiconductor, 23 June 2004)
A new range of ten devices meets the power requirements of emerging AdvancedTCA systems. System issues such as redundancy (no single-point-of-failure), hot swap and delivery of multiple point-of-load voltages in a single, size-constrained system environment create new power conversion and delivery challenges for AdvancedTCA system designers. ON Semiconductor's power solution chipset addresses all of these key issues.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onw/onw157.html
or send a blank email to mailto:onw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[8] MONOLITHIC MIXER AIMS FOR 3G BASESTATION RADIOS
(Agilent Technologies, 29 June 2004)
Agilent Technologies has a new high linearity, low LO (local oscillator) power E-pHEMT (enhancement mode pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor) MMIC (microwave monolithic integrated circuit) mixer designed to meet the critical performance requirements of BTS (3G basestation) radio cards and other point-to-point and point-to-multipoint microwave radio link applications. The IAM-92516 combines high linearity with the industry's lowest LO drive requirement, low power consumption and widest operating frequency range.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/235/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi235.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[9] TINY INDUCTORS ARE THERMALLY STABLE
(Cambion, 28 June 2004)
New low cost 0402 and 0603 wirewound chip inductors from Wearns Cambion have excellent thermal stability thanks to the use of ceramic formers. More, these miniature devices exhibit high self-resonating frequencies and have higher Q values than the industry norm.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cbi/cbi100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cbi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[10] DIGITAL CONTROLLER NEEDS NO PROGRAMMING
(Flextek Electronics, 29 June 2004)
The CLOZD loop controller is a low-cost digital control chip developed for simplicity, robustness and versatility. This flexible patented controller reduces component cost and development time while improving reliability by using a single proven part in many applications. The systems designer simply selects the desired control configuration through pin settings (no programming) and quickly closes a loop around a power supply, motor drive, heater, lamp, fan, valve or TEC.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fle/fle100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fle1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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HEADSET EXPLOITS FRUGAL BLUETOOTH CIRCUITS
(Xemics, 24 June 2004)
Dallab's new DBH-80 Bluetooth headset provides crisp sound and high quality talk time for wireless and hands-free phone conversations.
Free brochure on Bluetooth ICs:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/xem/138/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xem/xem138.html
or send a blank email to mailto:xem1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
AGI GAMBLES WITH NSF SOLENOIDS
(NSF Controls, 28 June 2004)
Open frame solenoids from NSF Controls have helped Austrian Gaming Industries become one of the leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of casino gaming machines.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nsf/nsf101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nsf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PROGRAMMABLE DISPLAY PROVIDES MARINE INTERFACE
(TeleflexMorse Electronics, 23 June 2004)
A new generation of programmable displays is helping the leading marine engine supplier, Volvo Penta, to evolve its ground-breaking EVC electronic vessel control system.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tfl/tfl101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tfl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GREEN LIGHT FOR THERMAL SUBSTRATES
(The Bergquist Company, 28 June 2004)
Osram Opto Semiconductors is using Bergquist Thermal Clad IMS technology to deliver effective heat dissipation in the company's latest Trafficsignal range of LED array-based traffic light solutions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/brg/brg108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:brg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FUSION SPLICER HELPS NETWORK THEME PARK
(Tritec Developments, 28 June 2004)
Drayton Manor Theme Park is the latest customer to be convinced by the award winning Fase II fusion splicer.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tcd/tcd102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tcd1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LIGHTWEIGHT BATTERIES PUT CAMERAS ON MOTOGP RACERS
(Saft, 23 June 2004)
Saft's MP lithium-ion batteries are now standard on the video systems that Dorna Sports installs on the stable of bikes that race in the MotoGP World Championship events.
Free brochure on MP lithium-ion batteries:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/saf/118/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/saf/saf118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:saf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BLUETOOTH MODULES MOVE INTO THE FIELD
(Brainboxes, 25 June 2004)
Brainboxes has worked with AginfoLink to bring Bluetooth wireless technology to livestock tracking applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bai/bai119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bai1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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Other featured product news
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WIRELESS LAN POWER AMP CUTS POWER CONSUMPTION
(Fairchild Semiconductor, 24 June 2004)
The RMPA2453 is an RF power amplifier module (PAM) for high-performance wireless local area network applications in the 2.4-2.5GHz frequency band.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fai/fai300.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fai3[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DIODES HAVE ULTRAFAST POWERS OF RECOVERY
(Ixys Semiconductor, 25 June 2004)
A new family of ultrafast-recovery diodes is ideally suited for power applications from medium to high switching frequencies and high rates of change of current.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ixy/ixy103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ixy1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MULTIMEDIA CORE STEPS UP A GRADE
(Alphamosaic, 28 June 2004)
Following the widespread adoption of VideoCore technology in mobile phone and portable multimedia product designs, Alphamosaic has developed the advanced VideoCore II processing engine.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amo/amo108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:amo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LOW-PROFILE DESIGN FOR TANTALUM POLYMER CAPACITORS
(Epcos, 23 June 2004)
Epcos is now shipping polymer tantalum capacitors in case size X, measuring only 1.5 x 7.3 x 4.3mm wide.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/epc/epc156.html
or send a blank email to mailto:epc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MINIATURE FUSES FEATURE ENHANCED BREAKING CAPACITY
(Wickmann Components UK, 24 June 2004)
The 199 series of 5 x 20mm cartridge fuses are ideal for protecting consumer appliances, power supplies, industrial control devices, medical equipment and measuring instruments.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wic/wic116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wic1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GALVANIC ISOLATORS OUTSTRIP OPTO PERFORMANCE
(Rhopoint Components, 29 June 2004)
A new five-channel digital magnetic isolator has recently been added to the popular Isoloop range of galvanic isolators from Rhopoint Components.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rho/rho135.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rho1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
OPEN-SOURCE LANGUAGE AIDS MIXED-TECHNOLOGY DESIGN
(Synopsys, 29 June 2004)
OpenMast is a novel open source, mixed-technology language for electromechanical design and analysis.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syn/syn246.html
or send a blank email to mailto:syn2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PCB DESIGN SUITE ENTERS BETA TESTING
(Altium, 29 June 2004)
The latest version of the P-CAD PCB design system for layout specialists has been released to beta testing.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tas/tas155.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tas1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
REVERSE-POLARITY CONNECTORS AVOID MISMATING
(Gigatronix, 24 June 2004)
Gigatronix has a new range of reverse-polarity (RP) coaxial connectors and now offers connectors in several series, including BNC, TNC, N Type and SMA in nickel- and gold-plated finishes.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gga/gga100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:gga1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW SOURCE FOR HIGH-RELIABILITY CERAMIC PACKAGING
(AdTech Ceramics, 24 June 2004)
Advanced Technical Ceramics Company has established a multilayer cofired ceramic facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/adt/adt100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:adt1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
UNIVERSAL PCI CARDS SUPPORT OLD AND NEW VOLTAGES
(Brainboxes, 25 June 2004)
The UC-101 is the first in a new range of universal PCI cards that supports both 5 and newer 3.3V standards.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bai/bai118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bai1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ETX-FORMAT CPU KEEPS ITS COOL
(Ibase Technology, 25 June 2004)
The ET800 is an ETX pluggable module supporting Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors with speeds up to 1.6GHz.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ias/ias102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ias1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MODULE PROVIDES DIRECT LINK FROM DSP TO SERIAL ATA
(Sundance Multiprocessor Technology, 29 June 2004)
The SMT387 is a DSP module offering direct support for dual Serial ATA hard disks.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sda/sda100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sda1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HANDHELD SCOPES AID UPS TROUBLESHOOTING
(Fluke (UK), 23 June 2004)
The latest Fluke ScopeMeter 190 Series of industrial handheld oscilloscopes provide the ideal solution for installing and maintaining UPS systems.
Free brochure on ScopeMeter 190 Series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flu/156/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu156.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flu1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GENERATORS GAIN NEW WAVE SOFTWARE
(Tektronix, 28 June 2004)
ArbExpress is a PC-based software package that raises ease of use to a new level for arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) and arbitrary function generators (AFGs).
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek206.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tek2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.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:
Buildingtalk - for the building and construction industry
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