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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: 23,600
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 208: 22 March 2005
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21986 product announcements and technical articles on our
website http://www.electronicstalk.com/ - all fully searchable
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Other industry news
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Touch slider chip is electronic pot replacement
[2] Power chip is complete system management solution
[3] Front end supply produces 6kW at 12V in just 1U
[4] Analogue switch handles high-voltage signals
[5] RF transceivers target budget broadband
[6] Ferrite chokes cut space for high-current designs
[7] Mixed-signal design without programming
[8] Insulating thermal interface is naturally tacky
[9] Generators accelerate comms systems design
[10] PowerPC processor adds Fast Ethernet on chip
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
I must confess that I find it very difficult not to be amused by
reports such as that presented this week at a conference in
Nottingham, casting doubts on the increasing use of PCs in schools.
Speaking as one of a generation who were not even allowed to use
"those new fangled pocket calculator thingies" during school exams, I
can certainly see the merit of learning things "the old school way".
But to discard technology as merely a distraction (which is one of the
key points of the report) is sheer folly. And fortunately the UK
Government has not been swayed by this in committing further funds for
computers in schools.
The report, naturally, was compiled by academics who (dare I suggest)
may have failed to appreciate that computers will only be a
"distraction" to school students if their use for proper purposes does
not inspire the students and/or if the schools concerned do not have a
decent culture of learning (oh, all right, let's call it discipline).
Certainly, many school teachers of my acquaintance would agree with
this. And they would add that they have never been sufficiently
trained in technology themselves to be able to challenge the
intellects of many of their students. Perhaps more priority should be
given to teacher education (and remuneration) rather than simply
buying more and better computers.
The report also expresses concern about the impact computers may have
on basic literacy. And even I must confess that without my spell
checker, it's very likely that this newsletter might become illegible
(sic).
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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JOINT VENTURE TARGETS WIRELESS BIOSENSORS
(Toumaz Technology, 21 Mar 2005)
Toumaz Technology and Advance Nanotech have formed a joint venture to
bridge the gap between nanosystems and the macroscopic world.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/toz/toz100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:toz1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NATIONAL TO SELL OFF PC SUPER I/O BUSINESS
(National Semiconductor, 17 Mar 2005)
National Semiconductor has agreed to sell its PC Super I/O business to
Winbond Electronics Corp, based in Taiwan.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat325.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat3[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MIMIX TO ACQUIRE GAAS COMPONENTS BUSINESS
(Mimix Broadband, 16 Mar 2005)
Mimix Broadband is to acquire substantially all Celeritek's assets
relating to its gallium arsenide semiconductor components business.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mio/mio100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mio1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FARNELL BOOSTS PROFITS DESPITE DOLLAR SLUMP
(Farnell InOne, 18 Mar 2005)
Premier Farnell has published its results for the fourth quarter and
the financial year ended 30th January 2005.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/far/far158.html
or send a blank email to mailto:far1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ENTEGRIS AND MYKROLIS TO MERGE
(Entegris, 22 Mar 2005)
Two leading suppliers to the global semiconductor industry have signed
an agreement to combine in a merger-of-equals transaction that creates
a combined company valued at approximately $1.3 billion.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eeg/eeg102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:eeg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ACQUISITION EXPANDS MICROWAVE CAPABILITIES
(Labtech, 17 Mar 2005)
Labtech has purchased the assets of Filtronic Components' microwave
components design and manufacturing facility located in Milton Keynes
UK.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lab/lab110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lab1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COMPLIANCE TESTING COMES TO TAIWAN
(Cetecom Germany, 16 Mar 2005)
Cetecom is catering for the needs of mobile communications device
manufacturers for comprehensive consulting and testing services in the
Asian-Pacific region with the opening of Cetecom Taiwan.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cee/cee102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cee1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] TOUCH SLIDER CHIP IS ELECTRONIC POT REPLACEMENT
(Quantum Research Group, 22 Mar 2005)
Quantum Research Group describes its QT401 QSlide chip as the world's
first capacitive touch slider integrated circuit. The device replaces
electromechanical controls by mimicking a potentiometer. A touch
control based on QSlide offers cost savings and greater reliability
over electromechanical alternatives as there are no moving parts to
wear out, and the control can be fully sealed to make it
environmentally impervious.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/quc/quc102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:quc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[2] POWER CHIP IS COMPLETE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
(Linear Technology Corp, 21 Mar 2005)
Linear Technology has released the LTC3456, a complete power
management system IC optimised for portable applications powered by
dual cell alkaline/NiCd/NiMH batteries, USB or wall adapter. The
LTC3456 delivers up to 150mA to a fixed 3.3V main output and up to
200mA to an adjustable (battery voltage to 0.8V) core output to power
microprocessors, microcontrollers and their peripheral circuitry. In
addition, the LTC3456 provides a 3.3V 50mA hot swap output for Flash
memory cards and an always-alive output to power a real-time clock.
Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/lne/137/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lne/lne137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lne1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[3] FRONT END SUPPLY PRODUCES 6KW AT 12V IN JUST 1U
(Martek Power, 18 Mar 2005)
Martek Power has unveiled a new high-density 12V DC output AC front
end, the AP1200 series. Delivering up to 100A at 12V DC across the
full AC input range of 90-265V AC in a compact 1U x 2U format; the new
AP1200 establishes a new industry record for high density AC front
ends. Measuring just 3.4 x 1.7 x 13.0in these modules top over 16W/in3
and allow up to five modules to be mounted in a standard 19in rack for
an unprecedented 6000W in a 1U high profile. This unparalleled power
density in a 12V front end is achieved through an innovative thermal
management scheme and convertor efficiencies up to 90%.
Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/mkp/104/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mkp/mkp104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mkp1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[4] ANALOGUE SWITCH HANDLES HIGH-VOLTAGE SIGNALS
(Clare, 18 Mar 2005)
Available now from Clare is the CPC7220, an eight-channel high-voltage
analogue switch. This device is a low charge injection, high voltage
integrated circuit intended for use in applications requiring high
voltage switching controlled by low voltage signals such as ultrasound
imaging systems. Input data are shifted into an 8bit register and
retained with an 8bit latch. High voltage outputs are bidirectional
switches capable of operating from various combinations of split power
supplies up to 200V, such as +50/-150 or +100/-100V.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cla/cla109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cla1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[5] RF TRANSCEIVERS TARGET BUDGET BROADBAND
(Athena Semiconductors, 17 Mar 2005)
Athena Semiconductors has developed a new family of radio frequency
ICs to serve emerging wireless WiMax and WiBro broadband applications.
The first two devices available in the product family are the ATS9050
and ATS9020, and other devices are being planned. These devices are
highly integrated RF transceiver ICs to serve IEEE802.16
standards-based WiMax and WiBro applications. The ATS90xx devices
incorporate breakthrough levels of integration allowing for low cost
deployments of both fixed wireless and mobile applications based on
WiMax and WiBro standards.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ath/ath103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ath1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[6] FERRITE CHOKES CUT SPACE FOR HIGH-CURRENT DESIGNS
(Steward, 21 Mar 2005)
Steward's new CM1812x330R monolithic surface mount common mode chokes
are designed for power and data line EMI filtering where high current,
small size or high frequency performance is required. This new family
of compact ferrite parts includes versions rated at 5 and 10A: all the
family members feature very low DC resistance to minimise signal
distortion, and low common mode impedance of at 100MHz. The new series
will find applications in a number of areas, including EMI suppression
on the DC power traces on printed circuit boards (PCBs), especially in
applications of greater than 3.0A.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sgt/sgt108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sgt1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[7] MIXED-SIGNAL DESIGN WITHOUT PROGRAMMING
(Cypress Semiconductor, 17 Mar 2005)
PSoC Express is a novel development tool for Cypress's PSoC
mixed-signal arrays that dramatically improves mixed-signal design
practices. PSoC Express is the first development tool that allows
system engineers to develop microcontroller-based designs at a level
that does not require any Assembly language or C programming. By
operating at a higher level of abstraction than previously possible
and removing the necessity to develop the required firmware, PSoC
Express enables new designs to be created, simulated and programmed to
the targeted PSoC device in hours or days instead of in weeks or
months.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp251.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cyp2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[8] INSULATING THERMAL INTERFACE IS NATURALLY TACKY
(Bergquist Company, 17 Mar 2005)
Bergquist's new Sil-Pad 1500ST (soft tack) electrically insulating
thermal interface material provides exceptionally high thermal
performance, even at contact pressures as low as 69kPa. The material
is designed to provide an electrically insulating interface between a
power device and its heatsink. Sil-Pad 1500ST is inherently tacky on
both sides, allowing it to be automatically dispensed and placed
without the use of adhesives.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/brg/brg111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:brg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[9] GENERATORS ACCELERATE COMMS SYSTEMS DESIGN
(National Instruments, 21 Mar 2005)
Engineers and scientists can now generate RF and baseband signals more
than 300 times faster with the new National Instruments PXI-5671 RF
vector signal generator and the new NI PXI-5441 arbitrary waveform
generator with onboard signal processing. With the release of these
modules and the new NI Modulation Toolkit 3.0 for LabView, National
Instruments offers a complete modular solution for generating
high-speed communications signals. The PXI-5671 module is a three-slot
RF vector signal generator that delivers signal generation from 250kHz
to 2.7GHz, 20MHz of real-time bandwidth and up to 512Mbyte of memory.
Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/naa/193/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:naa1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[10] POWERPC PROCESSOR ADDS FAST ETHERNET ON CHIP
(AMCC, 18 Mar 2005)
Based on the PowerPC 440 superscalar core, the low cost AMCC 440GR
offers increased processor speed, memory performance and integrated
dual Fast Ethernets. Ideal for line card, system control and
multi-radio devices, the AMCC 440GR operates at a clock frequency of
up to 667MHz. The AMCC 440GR requires one-third less power than any
other member of the 440 family, making it ideal for low power
applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ayg/ayg101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ayg1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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LICENSABLE PROCESSORS - MORE THAN JUST DESIGN IP
(StarCore, 21 Mar 2005)
Market requirements and the economics of SoC design force the reuse of
IP blocks, says John Watter of StarCore.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/src/src109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:src1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
FLASH-BASED FPGAS PUT TO WORK ON EUROFIGHTER
(Actel Europe, 22 Mar 2005)
Teldix has selected Actel's Flash-based, single-chip ProASIC Plus
FPGAs for use in common processor modules for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Request free details from the supplier on ProASIC Plus:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/act/202/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/act/act202.html
or send a blank email to mailto:act2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
RADIO SOC POWERS CORDLESS PRESENTATION AID
(Cypress Semiconductor, 18 Mar 2005)
Logitech is using the Cypress WirelessUSB radio system-on-a-chip for
the Logitech Cordless 2.4GHz Presenter, its new wireless presentation
controller with a built-in programmable timer.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cyp/cyp252.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cyp2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BLUETOOTH HEADSET MAKES MORE OF MULTIMEDIA
(Cambridge Silicon Radio, 18 Mar 2005)
Leading headset maker Jabra is using CSR's BlueCore3-Multimedia single
chip in its latest BT800 Bluetooth headset.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cam/cam186.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cam1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MICROWAVE OVEN USES NOVEL TOUCH-SCREEN CONTROL
(Pelikon, 22 Mar 2005)
Pelikon has been working with Salton to produce an eye-catching,
innovative and easy to use microwave touch screen that features
animation and illumination.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pik/pik103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pik1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SOFTSWITCH LEVERAGES MEDIA AND VOICE PROCESSING
(Performance Technologies, 16 Mar 2005)
Mindray Engineering Technology is using Performance Technologies media
and voice processing solutions for its softswitch solution.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pfo/pfo142.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pfo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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Other featured new product news
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LENS DRIVER FOCUSES ON HANDSET CAMERAS
(Analog Devices, 17 Mar 2005)
Analog Devices has extended its expertise in imaging and digital still
camera signal processing to camera phones - the fastest-growing
segment of the cellular phone market.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anc/anc289.html
or send a blank email to mailto:anc2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LINE INTERFACE AIDS INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE
(Clare, 21 Mar 2005)
The CPC5622A is the newest member of the Litelink III phone line
interface IC family for direct access arrangements in telephony
applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cla/cla110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cla1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PROCESSOR TAKES NOVEL FLASH MEMORY ONBOARD
(Toshiba Electronics Europe, 18 Mar 2005)
A high-performance 32bit RISC microprocessor integrates Toshiba's
novel Nano Flash ultra-low-power embedded memory and a large number of
peripherals into a compact 193-pin package.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos259.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tos2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MOSFET DRIVER OFFERS EASY ROUTE TO 3.3V
(ON Semiconductor, 18 Mar 2005)
The NCP4330 is a postregulation dual N-channel MOSFET driver that
delivers improved efficiency when implemented in forward convertors.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/onw/onw178.html
or send a blank email to mailto:onw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NO INDUCTORS REQUIRED FOR BUCK CONVERTORS
(National Semiconductor, 18 Mar 2005)
Four new step-down DC/DC convertors for portable systems feature a
dynamic-gain architecture that provides up to 90% efficiency in a very
small, inductor-free footprint.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat328.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat3[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CORES ARE OPTIMISED FOR COMMON-MODE APPLICATIONS
(Magnetec, 18 Mar 2005)
At the 2005 PCIM show in Nuremberg from 5th to 7th June, Magnetec will
release a new range of high permeability toroidal cores, specially
designed for use in common-mode-filter chokes.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mgn/mgn105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mgn1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
KIT INVESTIGATES BASEBAND RADIO CHIPS
(CML Microcircuits, 17 Mar 2005)
CML's latest range of PMR and leisure radio baseband ICs can now be
speedily designed-in with the availability of a custom evaluation,
demonstration and investigation kit.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cml/cml105.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cml1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CONTACTS CUT INSERTION FORCE
(Tyco Electronics UK, 21 Mar 2005)
The E-Spring Contact is an electrical contact claimed to combine low
cost, easy insertion and a robust connection.
Request free details from the supplier on E-Spring Contact:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/tya/186/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tya/tya186.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tya1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SPEEDY EPIC BOARD HANDLES EXTREMES
(Octagon Systems Corp, 17 Mar 2005)
Octagon Systems reckons the XE-900 is the fastest SBC available in the
new EPIC form factor with a rich family of I/O functions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ota/ota101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ota1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SIGNAL GENERATORS ACCELERATE FOR PRODUCTION TESTS
(Aeroflex, 16 Mar 2005)
Aeroflex has added List Mode as a new option to the IFR 3410 series
signal generators, offering a 6x increase in speed for high-volume
production testing.
Request free details from the supplier on IFR 3410 series:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/da/aof/113/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aof/aof113.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aof1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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