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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 22,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 181: 7 September 2004
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18,274 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] Digital solution for spectrum analyser filtering
[2] Model-based design for wireless systems
[3] No diode required for integrated display supplies
[4] Big claims for mobile multimedia processor
[5] WCDMA conformance tester switches to R and D
[6] PC based test system goes portable
[7] Console enclosure adds a new slant
[8] More maths functions for DSP core
[9] PXA270 module optimised for mobile embedded use
[10] LDO and microprocessor reset come together
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* Other featured product news
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
Talk about timing: there I was a couple of weeks ago enthusing about the wonders of optical mouse technology and then along came Logitech – with a lot of help from Agilent Technologies – and moved the goalposts yet again.
Logitech’s new mouse – described below in our “Case Studies” section – uses a laser sensor rather than the usual LED to further improve the sensitivity and reliability of the mouse while reducing the power consumption.
To be fair, since I saw the new mouse demonstrated, I’ve been trying hard to get my existing LED-based device to demonstrate the shortcomings that the two companies have cited in favour of the new device. However, unless you really do want to use a mouse on plain white paper (and why would you need to do that?), it’s hard to see the laser-based device justifying its price premium at the moment for all but those tasks that require the highest of resolutions.
Meanwhile, here on Electronicstalk we’ve been busy during the summer slow-down expanding the scope of the services we offer to you, the reader. New features will be added to the site shortly, but the first item that the more observant of you may have noticed is an expansion of our “Request a Brochure” service.
And while not all companies featured on the site (and in this newsletter) participate in the scheme, a quick scan down this week’s headlines (see http://www.electronicstalk.com/indexes/newsbymonth200435.html) reveals a significant increase in the volume of literature available.
The service is entirely free to readers. The first time you request a brochure you will be asked to register some very basic information about yourself, after which you will be able to use the service as frequently as you wish.
Finally this week it would be remiss of me not to congratulate the new management at Marconi on its feat of repaying a massive US $1.2 billion of restructuring debt way ahead of schedule. Apparently the debt was not due for repayment until 2008, but the early repayment will save the restructured company annual interest charges of around US $100 million. That, at least, is something of which Lord Weinstock would have been proud.
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
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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!
ZILOG SEES BRIGHT FUTURE IN CHINA
Zilog has kicked off its celebration of 30 years of innovation by unveiling a brand new 560m2 IC design centre in the prestigious Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Industrial Park in the Pudong area of Shanghai.
Zilog, 2 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zil/zil130.html
or send a blank email to mailto:zil1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
VIBREN ACQUIRES ACCELENT SYSTEMS
Vibren Technologies has acquired Accelent Systems, a leading provider of embedded development products and services.
Vibren Technologies, 6 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vib/vib106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vib1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
RF INDUSTRIES ACQUIRES AVIEL ELECTRONICS
RF Industries has acquired Aviel Electronics, a privately held Las Vegas, Nevada-based manufacturer and marketer of microwave and radio frequency (RF) connectors.
RF Industries, 1 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rin/rin108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rin1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PHOENIX SETS UP IN IRELAND
Phoenix Contact has continued its international expansion with a new subsidiary located in Dublin, Ireland, enhancing the local support to both existing and new customers.
Phoenix Contact, 6 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pni/pni137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pni1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
EMS PROVIDER EXPANDS INTO GERMANY
Advanced Input Systems is expanding its European presence with a new office for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Advanced Input Systems, 2 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ace/ace104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ace1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
EXPANSION AT CHESHIRE ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
CCS Electronics has hired 15 new staff, and increased its turnover by 15% following success in winning high technology assembly contracts.
Abacus Group, 7 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aba/aba153.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aba1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FINISAR RAISES REVENUES DESPITE "SOFT" MARKETS
Finisar Corp has reported its financial results for its first quarter ended 31st July 2004.
Finisar Corp, 7 September 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fni/fni124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fni1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
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[1] DIGITAL SOLUTION FOR SPECTRUM ANALYSER FILTERING
(RF Engines, 7 September 2004)
SpectraChip IF is a digital replacement for analogue intermediate frequency (IF) filtering used in current spectrum analysers, and is supplied as an IP core for embedding on low cost FPGA devices. SpectraChip IF provides a digital implementation of all the standard features, such as resolution bandwidth filtering, video bandwidth filtering and conversion to log power. Updating spectrum analyser designs to replace traditional analogue components with modern digital techniques helps to make the systems easier to manufacture, more reproducible and more reliable. The use of digital technology saves on the manufacturing alignment costs normally associated with analogue circuitry, and the guaranteed repeatability of the digital design reduces both the need for, and the costs of, ongoing calibration.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rfe/rfe118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rfe1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[2] MODEL-BASED DESIGN FOR WIRELESS SYSTEMS
(The MathWorks, 1 September 2004)
The RF Blockset and the RF Toolbox are two new products designed to expand the scope of model-based design for signal processing and communications engineering applications. Both products enhance the functionality of The MathWorks' industry-leading software platforms, Matlab and Simulink, by providing users with a broad scope of features and benefits for RF system design, analysis, development and implementation. The MathWorks RF Blockset works within the Simulink environment and offers users a library of blocks to model the behaviour of RF amplifiers, mixers, filters, and transmission lines.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mth/mth131.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mth1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[3] NO DIODE REQUIRED FOR INTEGRATED DISPLAY SUPPLIES
(Maxim Integrated Products, 7 September 2004)
The MAX1578 and MAX1579 are the first complete LCD bias and white-LED power supplies with only one inductor and no charge-pump diode. Four regulated outputs supply all the voltages required for small active-matrix, thin-film transistor (TFT) LCDs in handheld devices where minimum external components and high efficiency are important.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/max/max193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:max1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[4] BIG CLAIMS FOR MOBILE MULTIMEDIA PROCESSOR
(Alphamosaic, 3 September 2004)
Having scored a world-first with VideoCore, Alphamosaic has launched the VC02, which it bills as the world's most advanced mobile multimedia processor. The new device can display video on 3.5in colour LCDs and capture 8Mpixel images, making it ideal for watching TV, making videos or taking studio-quality photos on handheld products such as mobile phones. The power efficiency of VC02 will allow many hours of continuous operation on a single battery charge, a unique feature for such a high-performance multimedia chip.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/amo/amo110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:amo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[5] WCDMA CONFORMANCE TESTER SWITCHES TO R AND D
(Rohde and Schwarz, 7 September 2004)
In addition to WCDMA conformance testing, the R and S CRTU-W from Rohde and Schwarz can now also be used for signalling tests in research and development. In addition to TTCN test cases, a new, flexible C++ programming interface (MLAPI) is available for the protocol tester. The MLAPI architecture allows automatic configuration of the lower UTRAN layers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rhd/rhd100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rhd1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[6] PC BASED TEST SYSTEM GOES PORTABLE
(Racal Instruments Group, 2 September 2004)
The Mini-FLITS (front line integrated test system) is an ultralight, PC-based first line test system weighing less than 9kg. Mini-FLITS consists of two PCI slots and two PCMCIA slots. It is smaller and lighter than its sister product FLITS and has been specifically designed to meet the demands of applications where extra portability is paramount and fewer test requirements are needed.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rli/rli100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rli1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[7] CONSOLE ENCLOSURE ADDS A NEW SLANT
(Eurobex Manufacturing, 6 September 2004)
The 5412 ESCS is a NEMA 4-12 console top enclosure available in 54 sizes from 24 x 12 x 6 to 42 x 36 x 16in. This enclosure was designed as a response to customer feedback. The new 5412 ESCS slanted top model eliminates the need to bolt 1500 CS consoles on 5412 ES enclosures, as it is a combination of these two products.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eob/eob104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:eob1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[8] MORE MATHS FUNCTIONS FOR DSP CORE
(Cambridge Consultants, 6 September 2004)
Cambridge Consultants has extended the versatility of its ground-breaking adaptive-datapath DSP core - APE2 - with new processing modules for maths-intensive embedded applications. These ready-to-use modules facilitate the rapid development of highly efficient signal-processing data engines for ASIC applications in consumer markets such as wireless, audio and control. Conceived just three years ago, APE2 has enjoyed successful implementation in many cost-sensitive applications including high volume consumer devices, professional radio systems and industrial automation and control.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cbr/cbr115.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cbr1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[9] PXA270 MODULE OPTIMISED FOR MOBILE EMBEDDED USE
(Strategic Test, 2 September 2004)
Measuring just 30.5 x 66 x 4mm, the Triton-270 is a complete PXA270 computer on a DIMM200 module optimised for mobile embedded designs where low power consumption and extremely small size are critical. A complete development kit that allows the 270 to run out-of-the-box is available with Linux kernel 2.6 or Windows CE 5.0 pre-installed. The Intel PXA270 (formally "Bulverde") processor is ideally suited to high-performance, low power consumption multimedia and wireless embedded applications.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/sra/123/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sra/sra123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sra1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[10] LDO AND MICROPROCESSOR RESET COME TOGETHER
(Advanced Analogic Technologies, 3 September 2004)
A novel high-performance LDO linear regulator is combined with a low-current microprocessor reset in half the space of two discrete devices, thus minimising board size for portable products such as cellular phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and notebook computers. Today's high performance portable products often employ multiple processors, controllers, or DSPs to deliver the demanding feature sets that customers require. By combining a microprocessor reset monitor and a 300mA LDO regulator in a single 3.0 x 2.85mm package, AnalogicTech's AAT3258 significantly minimises design footprint.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aog/aog103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aog1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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FRUGAL PROCESSOR POWERS LONG-LIFE CHINESE NOTEBOOK
(Transmeta Corp, 3 September 2004)
Available now in China, the ultraportable Amoi NBPC V3 notebook is powered by the Transmeta Efficeon processor, ushering in a new era of efficient computing in China.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tsm/tsm102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tsm1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
INNOVATIVE RF DEVICES REDUCE HANDSET SIZE
(Agilent Technologies, 7 September 2004)
Five components from Agilent Technologies have been incorporated into Samsung's new VM-A680 mobile phone.
Free brochure on Mobile phone components:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/246/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi246.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
THERMAL SIMULATION OPTIMISES MEMORY STACK DESIGN
(Flomerics, 1 September 2004)
Staktek, a leading supplier of high-density memory stacking solutions, is using Flotherm thermal simulation software to ensure that innovative new products meet thermal management requirements.
Free brochure on Flotherm:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flo/134/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo134.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HEAT SPREADER KEEPS SONY'S NOTEBOOK COOL
(GrafTech International, 6 September 2004)
The compact size and light weight of the Sony VAIO VGN-X505 PC are helped by the use of an innovative thermal management solution.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gaf/gaf101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:gaf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NOVEL LASER SENSOR BOOSTS MOUSE PERFORMANCE
(Agilent Technologies, 2 September 2004)
A revolutionary laser navigation sensor is the key component inside the newest mouse from Logitech.
Free brochure on Laser mouse sensors:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/245/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi245.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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Other featured product news
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ANALOGUE SWITCH GUARANTEES BREAK BEFORE MAKE
(Texas Instruments, 3 September 2004)
The TS5A23157 is the latest low-power dual single pole double throw (SPDT) analogue switch from Texas Instruments.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex677.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tex6[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ECONOMY FPGAS GAIN CAN AND FIREWIRE IP SUPPORT
(Lattice Semiconductor UK, 7 September 2004)
Lattice Semiconductor Corp and its IP partner CAST have developed intellectual property (IP) support for the new LatticeECP-DSP and LatticeEC FPGA device families.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lat/lat146.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lat1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT FOR LOW-PIN-COUNT MCUS
(Microchip Technology, 1 September 2004)
New from Microchip Technology the AC164120 Signal Analysis PICtail daughterboard and the PG164101 Baseline Flash Microcontroller Programmer (BFMP).
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ari/ari173.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ari1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SIMULATOR BRINGS SYSTEMC INTO THE MIX
(Aldec, 1 September 2004)
Riviera now has a direct simulation kernel connection with SystemC, creating a highly efficient system-level cosimulation environment for next generation design and verification methods.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/axw/axw113.html
or send a blank email to mailto:axw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW DEAL BRINGS FLASH PLAYER TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
(Vibren Technologies, 6 September 2004)
Vibren Technologies is now authorised to license, distribute and integrate Macromedia Flash Player into embedded devices.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vib/vib107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vib1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ILLUMINATED SWITCHES STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
(RJS Electronics, 6 September 2004)
For applications that demand a switch with a unique look, the PB613 series of switches is available exclusively from RJS Electronics.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rjs/rjs118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rjs1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW SIZE OPTION FOR CHAMELEON SWITCH
(EAO, 6 September 2004)
EAO has added a new size option to its innovative range of Series 95 colour-changing pushbuttons.
Free brochure on Series 95:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/eao/156/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eao/eao156.html
or send a blank email to mailto:eao1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SWITCHABLE SCSI TERMINATOR IS 40% SMALLER
(Tyco Electronics UK, 2 September 2004)
Designed to meet Ultra320 SCSI (SPI-4) specifications, the AMP brand LVD/SE switchable SCSI terminator features a significantly reduced size without compromising performance when compared with other t
Free brochure on LVD/SE switchable SCSI terminator:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tya/171/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tya/tya171.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tya1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GREEN PACKAGE MOULDING COMPUND HANDLES 260C REFLOW
(Henkel Technologies, 2 September 2004)
Hysol GR828 is a semiconductor grade moulding compound specifically designed for SO packages with nickel palladium gold (Ni/Pd/Au) or copper silver (Cu/Ag) spot lead frames.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hen/hen108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hen1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
OPTICAL RECEIVER INTEGRATES OVERLOAD PROTECTION
(Bookham Technology, 6 September 2004)
Bookham Technology will launch the industry's first integrated solution for optical receiver overload protection that meets ITU and IEEE standards GR-253-CORE and G.959.1 at ECOC 2004.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo160.html
or send a blank email to mailto:boo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SOME OPTICAL TRANSMITTERS LIKE IT HOT
(Northlight Optronics, 7 September 2004)
Intended for use in small form factor optical transceivers, Northlight Optronics' TOSA is a high operating temperature 10Gbit/s transmitter optical subassembly for 40 and 80km applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nth/nth102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nth1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COMPACT MAINBOARD USES FRUGAL CELERON
(Wordsworth Technology, 6 September 2004)
The Wafer-C400 is a new 3.5in CPU board that uses the ultra low voltage (ULV) Celeron 400MHz processor to minimise power consumption.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wor/wor137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wor1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
THIS PROBE IS NOT FOR TURNING
(Peak Test Services, 3 September 2004)
A novel threaded probe features an innovative pin-and-slot arrangement to maintain permanently correct orientation with no rotation in the probe receptacle.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pak/pak130.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pak1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COMBO KIT TACKLES AUTOMOTIVE TESTING
(Fluke (UK), 7 September 2004)
Fluke has introduced a new electrical diagnostic meter for the automotive market.
Free brochure on Fluke 88 V/A Automotive Combo Kit:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/flu/158/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu158.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flu1[-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:
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