|
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 24,000
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 193: 30 November 2004
=======================================================
19,966 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] Spectrum and scalar network analysis come to hand
[2] Flash is fast enough for video playback
[3] Board embeds cost-effective RISC processing
[4] Card connector combines five formats in one
[5] Flexible convertors simplify stock holding
[6] Power amp boosts WCDMA handset stamina
[7] Adapter puts new PLCCs into old PGA designs
[8] Software simplifies fibre amplifier design
[9] Clock buffers cut out LVPECL jitter
[10] DSP-based audio design uses 5Gbyte disk drive
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* Other featured product news
=======================================================
Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
A new article on our website today from Christos Papakyriacou,
Managing Director of Alpha Micro Components, looks at some of the
challenges facing smaller companies in the lead up to the
implementation of the RoHS and WEEE Directives.
The article argues that while electronics giants such as Panasonic and
Sony have the resources necessary to implement the requirements of the
directives - and indeed are already offering "green" alternatives to
end equipment - it is perhaps unfair to enforce the same legislation
on a local UK SME of 20 employees or fewer.
As Papakyriacou points out: "When new legislation comes in, with it
comes a lot of red tape and bureaucracy, which can be very
time-consuming". He contends: "Small engineering teams cannot cope
under the strain of doing their daily workload as well as trying to
implement new designs, which offer lead-free alternatives". "The
worst-case scenario is that smaller companies will lose money and
sales opportunities while trying to implement new strategies", he
adds.
Papakyriacou does not criticise the new legislation in itself. "After
all the intense hype, worry and panic, the new RoHS and WEEE
Directives may actually be implemented with success across Europe", he
says, and concludes: "Instead of causing the European electronics
industry to crash, it could actually encourage Europe to buy from
within instead of seeking out cheaper Asian alternatives, increasing
business within the EU".
The article makes some interesting points, and I would commend anyone
who has yet to bite the "lead-free" bullet to read the full text at
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/alp/alp119.html. And please feel
free to e-mail your comments to ne[-email removed-]nicstalk.com.
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!
STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR ABACUS
Abacus Group has released its preliminary results for the year ended
30th September 2004.
Abacus Group, 24 November 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aba/aba155.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aba1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ACAL BRINGS IT ALL TOGETHER
Acal Technology and Acal Electronics are to merge, forming one of the
strongest specialist electronics distributors in the UK.
Acal Electronics, 29 November 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aca/aca109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aca1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FIBRE COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE CALLS FOR PAPERS
The organisers of the FiberComm Conference 2005 are looking for papers
to be presented at the event between 13th and 15th June 2005 at the
International Congress Centre, Munich.
Messe Muenchen International, 26 November 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mes/mes103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mes1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
AWARD RECOGNISES TELECOMMS LASER WORK
Dr Christoph Harder of Bookham has received a prominent award for his
ground-breaking work on laser technology at LEOS 2004 in Puerto Rico.
Bookham, 24 November 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo167.html
or send a blank email to mailto:boo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW STANDARD SIMPLIFIES EMBEDDED I/O
A year after its development, Kontron Embedded Modules is to publish
its Jflex I/O module concept as an open standard for unrestricted
public use.
Kontron UK, 30 November 2004
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kon/kon145.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kon1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
OUR TOP TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
=======================================================
[1] SPECTRUM AND SCALAR NETWORK ANALYSIS COME TO HAND
(Willtek Communications, 24 November 2004)
The 9102 handheld spectrum analyser is a new multifunction instrument
designed for lab and field applications around scalar network and
spectrum analysis, including cable and antenna measurements and EMC
prequalification tests. The new Willtek 9102 is the second model in a
series of handheld analysers, following the 9101 handheld spectrum
analyser which was selected as the "Test Product of the Year 2004" by
Test and Measurement World magazine.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wil/wil122.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wil1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[2] FLASH IS FAST ENOUGH FOR VIDEO PLAYBACK
(Sharp Microelectronics Europe, 29 November 2004)
The LH28F256BN is a new 256Mbit high-speed Flash memory with an access
time of 85ns (20ns in page mode) that achieves a fast data transfer
rate of 80MHz in synchronous burst mode. This enables it to cope
easily with video playback in CIF format (352 x 288 pixel) at 30
images per second. In addition, the power consumption of the Flash
memory is low at a supply voltage of just 1.8V.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/skc/skc112.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[3] BOARD EMBEDS COST-EFFECTIVE RISC PROCESSING
(Kontron UK, 30 November 2004)
Kontron Modular Computers' newest RISC-processor-based
computer-on-module (COM) is the E2Brain EB405, based on a 266MHz IBM
PowerPC 405EP processor. This energy-saving RISC module is ideal for
embedded systems in the real-time domain, with minimum power
consumption and passive cooling. It is an addon component for
customised embedded systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kon/kon148.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kon1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[4] CARD CONNECTOR COMBINES FIVE FORMATS IN ONE
(Fujikura Europe - DDK Connector Division, 24 November 2004)
DDK has combined all its media card connector designs to develop a new
5-in-1 combination memory card connector, claimed to provide complete
flexibility. Four years ago, DDK released its first combination memory
card connector which accepted both SmartMedia (SM) and MemoryStick
(MS) cards. This original design was led primarily by the printer
market to give the user more flexibility with different memory card
formats and also to free up PCB space and save on manufacturing costs.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/fji/109/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fji/fji109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fji1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[5] FLEXIBLE CONVERTORS SIMPLIFY STOCK HOLDING
(Lambda, 29 November 2004)
Lambda has a new range of fully shielded single-, dual- and
triple-output DC/DC convertors for industrial applications. The PXD,
PXE and PXF series of convertors are shielded on all six sides to
reduce radiated noise to meet EN55022 Level A radiated emissions
standards, making them suitable for use with sensitive devices. With a
mean time before failure (MTBF) of over 2Mh, and a voltage output
accuracy of up to +/-1%, the series is robust enough to handle the
most demanding of industrial environments.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lbd/lbd171.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lbd1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[6] POWER AMP BOOSTS WCDMA HANDSET STAMINA
(Agilent Technologies, 29 November 2004)
A new power amplifier module boasts the industry's best power-added
efficiency, claiming to extend handset battery life in mobile phones
by up to 30min. The PA's high-output power capability reduces power
losses associated with some handset designs, and its thin, compact
package allows for smaller "candybar" and "flip phone" configurations
popular with today's consumers.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/agi/262/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/agi/agi262.html
or send a blank email to mailto:agi2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[7] ADAPTER PUTS NEW PLCCs INTO OLD PGA DESIGNS
(Aries Electronics, 24 November 2004)
A new Correct-A-Chip adapter enables the use of Atmel ATV5000 and
Cypress CY7C342B 68-pin PLCC packages with boards designed for the now
obsolete pin grid array packages, without board redesign or rework.
The new adapter features 68 PGA pins on the bottom and either solder
pads (part number 68-7747-10) or a 68-pin PLCC socket (68-7747-12) on
the top.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aie/aie130.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aie1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[8] SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES FIBRE AMPLIFIER DESIGN
(Fibercore, 25 November 2004)
GainMaster is a highly sophisticated design and simulation package for
erbium doped fibre amplifiers (EDFAs). Continuing with its "total
customer support" philosophy, Fibercore designed the new software to
deliver time and cost savings to support the global drive for cost
reduction in EDFA manufacture where labour costs continue to dominate
the industry.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/fbe/fbe108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fbe1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[9] CLOCK BUFFERS CUT OUT LVPECL JITTER
(Pericom Semiconductor Corp, 24 November 2004)
Pericom Semiconductor has a new family of 3.3V, 1:4 LVPECL clock
buffers with speeds up to 800MHz. The PI6C4853x ICs target the
networking/telecommunications, storage and industrial system markets.
Because of the variety of high-speed applications using LVPECL clock
signals and other differential signals, most engineers need to design
around mixed-signal architectures. High-speed LVPECL system
environments are also very sensitive to jitter.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pom/pom108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pom1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
[10] DSP-BASED AUDIO DESIGN USES 5GBYTE DISK DRIVE
(Texas Instruments, 30 November 2004)
A new reference design aims to help portable digital audio
manufacturers add functionality and reduce retail prices. The latest
in a series of portable entertainment reference designs, the new
production-ready design provides a complete hardware and software
solution based on a 1in hard disk drive (HDD) with a capacity of
5Gbyte, that supports not only music but JPEG and MPEG-4 as well,
enabling consumers to carry all of their digital music and photos with
them wherever they go at a price they can afford.
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tex/729/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex729.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tex7[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
=======================================================
FRAM SAVES BOARD PARAMETERS DURING BLACKOUTS
(Ramtron International, 25 November 2004)
Italian company Seventech has selected the Ramtron FM3808
ferroelectric RAM for use in its innovative Merlino embedded system
board.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ram/ram122.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ram1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FPGA-BASED PROCESSORS BRING 3D BIOMETRICS IN REACH
(Xilinx, 30 November 2004)
Xilinx and Pixel Velocity have completed a project that is claimed to
provide the world's most advanced 3D facial recognition technology.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xil/xil107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:xil1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
RTOS EXTENSIONS FIND INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION NICHE
(Kuka Controls, 30 November 2004)
Kuka Controls has identified industrial automation as one of the most
promising market segments for its real-time operating system
enhancement products - CeWin and VxWin.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kuk/kuk104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kuk1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COATING KEEPS CELLPHONE KEYPAD RUNNING SMOOTHLY
(Poeton Industries, 26 November 2004)
Luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu has specified a Poeton
Industries' wear-resistant/low-friction coating for the individual
stainless-steel key shafts of the Vertu Signature phone.
Free brochure on Apticote 450:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/poe/103/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/poe/poe103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:poe1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SMEs FACE BURDEN OF NEW LEGISLATION
(Alpha Micro Components, 30 November 2004)
Christos Papakyriacou, MD of Alpha Micro Components, discusses some of
the challenges faced by SMEs in the transition to lead-free
processing.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/alp/alp119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:alp1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
=======================================================
Other featured product news
=======================================================
RECTIFIER RANGE IS READY FOR LEAD-FREE PRODUCTS
(Farnell InOne, 30 November 2004)
Farnell InOne is now offering a range of RoHS-compliant rectifiers
from Taiwan Semiconductor.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/far/far152.html
or send a blank email to mailto:far1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PSU SWITCH CHIP TAKES MORE FUNCTIONS ONBOARD
(STMicroelectronics, 29 November 2004)
A new primary-side switch IC for AC/DC convertors is designed for use
in DVD players, LCD monitors, set-top boxes, games consoles and other
adapters.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/stm/stm142.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stm1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
STEREO DAC ADAPTS TO AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS
(Wolfson Microelectronics, 30 November 2004)
A new version of the WM8718 differential stereo DAC comes in smaller
packaging and has an extended operating temperature range to address
the in-car DVD player market.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wol/wol181.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wol1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BREAKOUT BOX AIDS CAMERALINK DEVELOPMENT
(Vivid Engineering, 30 November 2004)
The CLB-501 CameraLink breakout box is extremely useful during the
development, test, and integration of CameraLink products and systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/viv/viv102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:viv1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
INDUSTRIAL DISPLAYS EXPAND LCD APPLICATIONS
(Sharp Microelectronics Europe, 26 November 2004)
Two new small-format industrial-specification TFT displays are among
the latest generation of LCDs manufactured by Sharp.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/skc/skc103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ENCLOSURES MAKE A HOME FOR HANDHELD CONTROLLERS
(Teko Enclosures, 26 November 2004)
Ovo enclosures are designed for housing the latest pocket and handheld
electronics, and feature advanced ergonomics for comfortable handling
and operation of the controls during use.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/teo/teo100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:teo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
INTERNAL ANTENNA COVERS FIVE BANDS IN ONE
(Antenova, 30 November 2004)
The Pentanova is billed as the smallest internal five-band antenna in
the world.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aen/aen119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aen1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
VOC-FREE SOLDER FLUX AIDS PB-FREE PROCESSING
(Indium Corporation of America, 26 November 2004)
A new wave solder flux is specifically designed to meet the process
demands of Pb-free manufacturing.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/idi/idi139.html
or send a blank email to mailto:idi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SUPPLIES HELP COTS KIT MEET MILITARY STANDARDS
(EMC Solutions, 24 November 2004)
A new range of military power supply units ensure that portable laptop
PC and IT equipment meet Def-Stan-59-41 and MIL-STD-461/462 emission
levels for below-deck and land class use.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ecs/ecs103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ecs1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DC INPUT POWER SUPPLIES TAKE BATTERY BACKUP
(Wordsworth Technology, 30 November 2004)
The ACE-810V and ACE-818C are DC input power supplies with a battery
backup function making them ideal for mobile PC applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wor/wor141.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wor1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SBC SLIMS TO FIT BEHIND THE PANEL
(Kontron UK, 30 November 2004)
The ePanel-C3 is an SBC for mobile panel PCs or other low-profile
systems, such as door/gate stations or vehicle rear seat systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kon/kon150.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kon1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PROBES ARE SAFER - IN THE MAIN(S)
(Metrix Electronics, 29 November 2004)
Gossen, Muller and Weigert differential probes are designed to provide
safe connections for oscilloscopes in single and three-phase mains
voltage applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mei/mei100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mei1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PLATFORM PROMISES MODULAR MICROWAVE SWITCHING
(Racal Instruments Group, 24 November 2004)
The 1260-67M is a six-position single-slot VXI modular microwave
switch platform.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/rli/rli103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rli1[-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
=======================================================
|
|
