|
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 29,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 180: 31 August 2004
=======================================================
18174 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] Bluetooth SoC has enhanced datarate capability
[2] Isolated POL module delivers 100A
[3] Surface-mount option for display backlighting
[4] Diagnostic program puts PC components under stress
[5] High density horizontal solutions for cPCI and VME
[6] Semiconductor leadframes made to order
[7] Charger PSU backs up low-power systems
[8] BNC connectors require minimal assembly time
[9] Quarter brick range expands for telecomms
[10] Flash memory optimised for PC BIOS storage
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* Other featured product news
=======================================================
Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
As Europe returns to work after its summer slow-down, encouraging noises are coming from the other side of the Atlantic, where Forrester Research (www.forrester.com) has just completed its quarterly poll of US CIOs. And while corporate IT spending is no longer the be-all and end-all of the electronics industry, the news that 39% of those polled are running ahead of their IT budgets for the quarter and two in three aim to increase budgets provides a solid foundation for the short term.
Indeed, the survey predicts a sustained growth in spending averaging 7% per annum through to 2008.
There are those, of course, that will temper such news with the adage that every silver lining has a cloud. And in this case it comes in the form of widely reported predictions of DRAM shortages during the second half of the year in the lead up to the Christmas spending spree on cellphones, games consoles and PCs.
However, for now those predictions remain largely just that - predictions - and here we are well into the second half. So you'll have to excuse me if I maintain a rose-tinted view of our industry for the moment: as far as I can see we seem set for a period of sustained growth without precedent in recent years. Long may it continue.
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!
NATIONAL TO SELL OFF IMAGE SENSOR BUSINESS
National Semiconductor has signed a definitive agreement to sell its imaging business to Eastman Kodak Company.
National Semiconductor, 26 August 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat286.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MENTOR ACQUIRES ATA CORE IP FROM PALMCHIP
Mentor Graphics has acquired Palmchip's complete parallel and serial ATA intellectual property (IP) business.
Mentor Graphics UK, 27 August 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/men/men314.html
or send a blank email to mailto:men3[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR QUEEN'S AWARDS HOPEFULS
Outstanding businesses from the electronics sector have just weeks left in which to apply for a Queen's Award for Enterprise - the UK's most prestigious accolade for business success.
Queen's Awards for Enterprise, 26 August 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/que/que101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:que1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
=======================================================
[1] BLUETOOTH SoC HAS ENHANCED DATARATE CAPABILITY
(RF Micro Devices, 31 August 2004)
The SiW4000 is a highly integrated Bluetooth SoC solution with enhanced datarate (EDR) for up to three times faster throughput than current Bluetooth 1.2 devices. With its small size, low power consumption and low bill of materials (BOM) cost, the SiW4000 is specifically designed for mobile phone applications. Developed using a 0.13um CMOS process technology with inherently lower operating voltage, the SiW4000 consumes three times less power than current Bluetooth products. Low power consumption is critical to maintaining the talk time and standby time required of today's feature-rich mobile phones.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sxw/sxw114.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sxw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[2] ISOLATED POL MODULE DELIVERS 100A
(Vicor UK, 25 August 2004)
The V048K015T100 VI Chip Voltage Transformation Module (VTM) is the first such product capable of 100A. The new device breaks records for speed, density and efficiency to meet the demands of advanced DSP, FPGA, ASIC, processor cores and microprocessor applications at the point of load (POL) while providing isolation from input to output. It delivers up to 100A from a VI Chip package less than 4.1cm3 in volume and responds in a fraction of a microsecond to no-load/full-load and full-load/no-load step changes.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/vic/121/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vic/vic121.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vic1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[3] SURFACE-MOUNT OPTION FOR DISPLAY BACKLIGHTING
(The Optoelectronic Manufacturing Corporation (UK), 27 August 2004)
A new edge lit backlight panel from Optoelectronic Manufacturing Corp (OMC) uses surface-mount LEDs as an alternative to the company's popular range of side firing pinned leg backlights, offering the same traditional benefits of high reliability and ruggedness. The new panels will appeal to customers looking for an all surface mount board containing no through-hole components. Powering the new backlight panels is a special range of surface mount side-firing backlight LEDs and light-guides, developed by OMC, offering seven exceptionally bright colours (including white).
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/oto/106/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/oto/oto106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:oto1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[4] DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM PUTS PC COMPONENTS UNDER STRESS
(Ultra-X Benelux, 26 August 2004)
WinStress is a novel hardware diagnostics program that Ultra-X claims has everything necessary to revolutionise customer service departments and test centres. This unique software, which is available from Ultra-X Benelux, can locate system errors in a fully automatic, easy-to-understand process. WinStress (WST) saves a lot of time and eliminates guessing games by automatically carrying out stress tests on all of the components installed on a system and documenting them in detail.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/utr/utr102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:utr1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[5] HIGH DENSITY HORIZONTAL SOLUTIONS FOR CPCI AND VME
(Rittal, 27 August 2004)
Rittal has extended its range of Slim-Box products that reflect the trend for smaller and more efficient systems. The high-density electronic packaging solutions feature two slots per 1U of height. The new models include VME as well as increased range of CompactPCI (cPCI) systems and "neutral" versions for custom backplanes, which can include switched fabric.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/rit/177/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rit/rit177.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rit1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[6] SEMICONDUCTOR LEADFRAMES MADE TO ORDER
(Tecan Components, 31 August 2004)
Tecan is now routinely producing high-accuracy bespoke semiconductor leadframes it claims deliver a range of inherent benefits compared with traditional "stamped" products. From a single manufacturing facility, encompassing fabrication, forming and finishing, the company produces burr and stress-free leadframes on a rapid turnaround basis - negating the traditional time, price and quality control problems associated with outsourcing.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tea/156/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tea/tea156.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tea1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[7] CHARGER PSU BACKS UP LOW-POWER SYSTEMS
(VxI Power, 31 August 2004)
A novel 170W switch-mode power supply can be used in conjunction with a single backup battery to provide standby power for low-power systems. Available in two versions offering outputs of either 12 or 24V, the Oracle II-170 is primarily aimed at mission-critical applications such as fire panels, security systems and process-control equipment. The PSU features a main output for powering the load, together with a second output for charging an external battery. In the event of a mains failure, the battery supplies power to the load via an internal feed-forward diode.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vxi/vxi105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vxi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[8] BNC CONNECTORS REQUIRE MINIMAL ASSEMBLY TIME
(Tyco Electronics UK, 27 August 2004)
Reducing assembly times by more than 50% over standard Mil/UG clamp style connectors, Greenpar Wedge-Lock, Taper Lock connectors from Tyco Electronics cover RG174/179 applications and deliver the ultimate in efficiency, reliability and economy. The connectors are constructed as a unitised subassembly, thereby greatly reducing the number of parts to be handled.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tya/169/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tya/tya169.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tya1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[9] QUARTER BRICK RANGE EXPANDS FOR TELECOMMS
(SynQor Europe, 27 August 2004)
SynQor continues to broaden its award-winning product line with the introduction of three new isolated DC/DC convertor modules. In the PowerQor quarter-brick family, new releases include 5.0 and 18V-output modules designed for telecomms applications. In addition, SynQor has released a new dual output quarter brick capable of delivering independently regulated outputs at 5.0 and 3.3V for 100W of total power.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/syb/115/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syb/syb115.html
or send a blank email to mailto:syb1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[10] FLASH MEMORY OPTIMISED FOR PC BIOS STORAGE
(STMicroelectronics, 26 August 2004)
A new 8Mbit Flash memory provides storage of BIOS code in PCs based on both Intel and non-Intel chipsets, across a range of desktop computers, laptops and servers. The chip extends the memory density of ST's M50FLW family, which is the first to support both firmware hub (FWH) and low pin count (LPC) architectures on the same chip. The new M50FLW080 is a 1M x 8bit nonvolatile memory designed to operate on a single 3.0 to 3.6V supply.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/stm/stm111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stm1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
=======================================================
DESIGN MANAGEMENT SPEEDS SENSOR DEVELOPMENT
(MatrixOne, 27 August 2004)
TransChip is using MatrixOne's Synchronicity Developer and Publisher Suites to speed development through design management and reuse.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mix/mix101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mix1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HIGH-POWER LEDs PROVIDE BRIGHTER TV BACKLIGHTS
(Lumileds, 30 August 2004)
High-power Luxeon LEDs are being used in the world's first LED backlight for LCD home televisions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lmi/lmi103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lmi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
OPERATORS WAKE UP TO DATA-ONLY GPRS SERVICES
(Alpha Micro Components, 30 August 2004)
After years of focusing their attentions on consumer voice applications, GPRS network operators are finally recognising the importance of machine-to-machine (M2M) data-only applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/alp/alp111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:alp1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
EASTERN EU NATIONS CLING TO OLD STANDARDS
(TUV International, 26 August 2004)
Although the eight new Eastern European members of the European Union will eventually adopt EU standards, there are still national test marks which are essential to successful business activities.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tvi/tvi116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tvi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
Other featured product news
=======================================================
BRIDGE CHIP SIMPLIFIES WIRELESS INTERFACE DESIGN
(Elan Digital Systems, 25 August 2004)
The VMB5000 is billed as the world's first multifunction bridge chip designed to exceed the data transfer speed requirements of current 3G wireless datacards and beyond.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ean/ean106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ean1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SINGLE-SUPPLY OP AMP BREAKS DISTORTION BARRIERS
(Texas Instruments, 25 August 2004)
Texas Instruments is claiming the industry's lowest distortion 5V single-supply op amp for applications requiring high speed, low distortion and low noise.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex674.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tex6[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LOSS-FREE PACKAGING FOR AUTOMOTIVE MOSFETS
(Philips Semiconductors, 31 August 2004)
HPA high-performance automotive TrenchMOS MOSFETs are now available in Philips' innovative loss-free LFPAK packaging.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/phi/phi272.html
or send a blank email to mailto:phi2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CUTTING THE COST OF FERRITE CORES
(Epcos, 25 August 2004)
Recent advances in materials technology has enabled Epcos to offer designers an additional, low-cost coil former for its E30 ferrite cores.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/epc/epc158.html
or send a blank email to mailto:epc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MINIATURE TCXOS TARGET GPS AND SATELLITE RADIO
(NDK, 26 August 2004)
The NT5032S series of SMD temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs) measure just 5.0 x 3.2mm with a height of only 1.4mm typical.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ndk/ndk115.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ndk1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LEAD-FREE CIRCUIT BREAKER FITS OLD FUSE SLOTS
(Schurter, 31 August 2004)
Schurter's new T9 series circuit breaker for equipment is free from lead and other hazardous materials as outlined by the European Union RoHS Directive.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/scc/scc123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:scc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BLUE IS THE COLOUR FOR LED DISPLAYS
(Forge Europa, 26 August 2004)
Forge Europa has extended its blue LED display product portfolio to include both multidigit and interlocking seven-segment designs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/frg/frg122.html
or send a blank email to mailto:frg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LOW-NOISE FANS CUT DOWN ON ANNOYANCE
(NMB-Minebea, 26 August 2004)
NMB Minebea has developed a novel range of low-noise fans.
Free brochure on Low-noise fans:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/nmb/124/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nmb/nmb124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nmb1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FLEX CABLE JUMPERS PROVIDE HIGH CONTACT DENSITY
(TTI Europe, 26 August 2004)
Now in stock at TTI is Molex's complete line of Premo-Flex Flat Flex Cable jumpers.
Free brochure on Molex's Premo-Flex Flat Flex Cable jumpers:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tti/124/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tti/tti124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tti1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MORE OPTIONS IN MODULAR CONNECTOR CONSTRUCTION
(Smiths Interconnect - Hypertac, 27 August 2004)
The latest additions to the HLM high density modular connector series include a 45-way signal option at 1A, and a four-way coax module.
Free brochure on HLM modular connectors:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/hyp/108/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hyp/hyp108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hyp1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
REFLOW OVEN IS ECONOMICAL TO RUN
(Contax, 25 August 2004)
Available now from Contax, the Electrovert OmniExcel 7 reflow oven is ideally suited to high-density board applications and offers outstanding cost savings when compared with similar systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cnt/cnt118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cnt1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HIGH DENSITY FOR SIXTEENTH-BRICK CONVERTORS
(Tyco Electronics Power Systems, 27 August 2004)
The KW Series of isolated power modules are a new generation of single-output convertors based on the Distributed-power Open Standards Alliance sixteenth brick DC/DC convertor footprint.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tco/tco110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tco1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MULTIFUNCTION CARDS UPGRADE TO 3MHZ BANDWIDTH
(United Electronic Industries, 25 August 2004)
The new PowerDAQ PD2-MF-3M/12 families of multifunction cards take advantage of the price/performance improvements of the latest generations of analogue ICs.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/uit/uit106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:uit1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
TEST CARD SIMULATES AUTOMOTIVE SWITCHING
(Gopel Electronic, 26 August 2004)
A new PXI card provides switch simulation and state monitoring of digital signals in automotive engineering applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gpe/gpe101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:gpe1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HANDHELD LAN TESTER CHECKS OUT VOIP PORTS
(Psiber Data Systems, 30 August 2004)
The new LanMaster 26 link tester incorporates voice over IP (VoIP), power over Ethernet (PoE) and gigabit on copper test capability.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pib/pib100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pib1[-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
=======================================================
|
|
