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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: 23,860
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 232: 06 September 2005
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25344 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] Digital signal generator claims price breakthrough
[2] Optical power meter drives over the rainbow
[3] MCU and ZigBee transceiver come together
[4] Cost-effective answer to display improvement
[5] Embedded memory exploits SoI floating body effect
[6] Kits offer handy check for RoHS compliance
[7] Codec brings hi-fi stereo to handsets
[8] Radio modules specialise in switching signals
[9] MCU combines Flash, LCD drive and IGBT control
[10] Slow-blow fuses boost system reliability
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
I must confess to a bit of a soft spot for the BA (or the British
Association for the Advancement of Science as it used to be called).
It was purely by fluke that I happened to spend part of the summer
1996 vacation on campus at my university (the University of
Lancaster). And that part of the vacation coincided with what is now
known as the BA Festival of Science (which is currently taking place
in Dublin.
I was working for the local radio station at the time, and was lucky
enough to record interviews with both of the "star names" of the day -
Patrick Moore and the late Magnus Pyke. More importantly, I managed to
sit in on some excellent lectures that certainly helped convince me
that my previous career choices were somewhat lacking in imagination.
So, while one or two stories have already filtered into the popular
press, anyone with an interest in any branch of science and
technology - or dare I say a need for inspiration - would be well
advised to check out www.the-ba.net for the latest news.
Meanwhile, back in the Electronicstalk offices, the industry appears
to be emerging from its summer slumbers with renewed vigour. Copy is
flooding in, and we're particularly pleased with the level of
technical articles and application stories that are arriving (see
below).
And while our "lightweight" text-only style may not be perfectly
suited to publishing the latest maths-intensive research findings,
articles this week from Smart Power Systems and Globetech Solutions
are worth more than a second glance if you are keen to learn about
power conditioning or design for test.
Finally, at the risk of appearing parochial, my award for the daftest
so-called technology story of the week has to go down under to the
Sydney Morning Herald - www.smh.com.au - which this morning came up
with a classic in "Ashes may clog British computers", quoting Network
General as warning that "British companies may face network problems
this week, with millions of workers expected to use the internet to
keep up with the fifth and decisive Ashes Test".
Crikey - do they mean us?
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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NEW COMPANY FOCUSES ON EMBEDDED MEMORY TECHNOLOGY
(Innovative Silicon, 05 Sep 2005)
Innovative Silicon (ISi) was founded to develop, commercialise and
license floating body effect memory intellectual property (IP) for
SoC/MPU applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ivd/ivd100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ivd1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW FRENCH CENTRE TO FOCUS ON UWB DESIGN
(Cambridge Silicon Radio, 31 Aug 2005)
CSR has marked the next step of its worldwide expansion with the
official opening of a wireless hardware design centre in Sophia
Antipolis, France.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cam/cam203.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cam2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
INVESTMENT EXPANDS SURFACE-MOUNT CAPABILITIES
(Mitsumi UK, 01 Sep 2005)
Contract electronics manufacturer Mitsumi UK has boosted its service
with an investment of a quarter of a million pounds in high-tech
machinery to complement its surface mount manufacturing process.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/miu/miu100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:miu1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
WEB FORUM TO FOCUS ON MOBILE APPLICATIONS
(University of Oxford Electronics and Telecoms, 05 Sep 2005)
A new web forum will bring together the best thinkers in the telecomms
industry and enable the discussion of all aspects of mobile
applications with other like-minded members of the community.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/uty/uty107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:uty1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
EBX SPECIFICATION SET FOR UPDATE
(PC/104 Embedded Consortium, 02 Sep 2005)
The voting members of the PC/104 Consortium have approved a number of
proposed changes to the EBX specification.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pce/pce109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pce1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ENHANCED DATARATES GATHER PACE
(GSA - Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 31 Aug 2005)
Two new surveys by GSA - the Global mobile Suppliers Association -
underline the fundamental role of GSM/Edge in the global market for 3G
mobile services delivery.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/gsa/gsa118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:gsa1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SHENZHEN FACILITY OPENS ITS DOORS
(Bookham, 05 Sep 2005)
This week, Bookham will unveil its advanced optical technology to the
Chinese market.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/boo/boo189.html
or send a blank email to mailto:boo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW NAME IN RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS
(Mobile Expertise, 02 Sep 2005)
Launched at the Mobitex Association Conference in New York, Mobile
Expertise is a new UK company formed out of the sale of the Maxon
radio business last December.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/moi/moi100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:moi1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] DIGITAL SIGNAL GENERATOR CLAIMS PRICE BREAKTHROUGH
(Signal Forge, 05 Sep 2005)
Signal Forge has released the first high-performance digitally
synthesised signal generator with an 800MHz range, usable to 1GHz, for
under $1000. The Signal Forge 800 (SF800) features a dedicated digital
output with programmable voltage levels for testing digital systems
and integrated circuits. It also provides an AC coupled and a
differential output for testing a wide range of wireless and radio
frequency devices. The SF800 produces both sinewaves and square waves
across a frequency range of 1kHz to 1GHz, in 1Hz increments. The small
size and low price point, compared with other signal generators of
comparable performance, makes the SF800 attractive to design and test
engineers as well as field service engineers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/siw/siw100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:siw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[2] OPTICAL POWER METER DRIVES OVER THE RAINBOW
(Yokogawa Measurement Technologies, 05 Sep 2005)
The Yokogawa TB200 is billed as the world's first optical power meter
to support blue, red and near-infra-red measurements, allowing a
single unit to be used for measurements on CDs, DVDs and
next-generation optical disks such as Blu-ray and HD DVD and related
developments. Devices such as next-generation optical disk recorders
that use blue lasers (with a shorter wavelength than the red laser for
DVDs) are already on the market, and optical disks of this type are
now becoming widespread. As laser power is used to read and write to
these optical disks, it is important to be able to measure the laser
power magnitude during the optical disk development and production
processes. As next-generation optical disks proliferate, there will be
increasing demand for equipment having just one pickup that can
support all three disk generations: ie next-generation optical disks,
DVDs and CDs. And, as next-generation optical disk equipment enters
production, there is a need for optical power meters with features
such as removable sensor units and remote-control capabilities.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/yoa/yoa150.html
or send a blank email to mailto:yoa1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[3] MCU AND ZIGBEE TRANSCEIVER COME TOGETHER
(Jennic, 06 Sep 2005)
Now fully available from Jennic, the JN5121 single-chip wireless
microcontroller is designed for power-efficient control within
wireless sensor networks based on the IEEE802.15.4 and ZigBee
standards. The JN5121 is novel in that it combines a 32bit RISC core,
fully compliant 2.4GHz IEEE802.15.4 transceiver and integrated 64Kbyte
ROM and 96Kbyte RAM, all in a single 8 x 8mm 56-lead QFN chip package.
Manufactured on IBM's 7RF low cost RF CMOS process which is designed
for radio frequency (RF) and low power wireless applications, the
wireless microcontroller from Jennic provides a versatile general
purpose solution for a diverse range of low power sensor network
applications ranging from simple point-to-point to complex mesh
requirements in home, building and industrial control and automation
systems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/jei/jei106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:jei1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[4] COST-EFFECTIVE ANSWER TO DISPLAY IMPROVEMENT
(Instrument Plastics, 02 Sep 2005)
The most important factor for all types of electronic display is
readability, which can be difficult under conditions ranging from
darkness to bright sunlight. Also, reflected light from the display
can cause further viewing difficulties. Optolite optical grade filters
have been developed to overcome these problems. Readability is
improved by increasing the relative contrast between the lit and unlit
parts of the display. Optolite filters increase contrast by passing
the wavelengths of light from the display while partially absorbing
other wavelengths of ambient light.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/icc/icc101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:icc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[5] EMBEDDED MEMORY EXPLOITS SOI FLOATING BODY EFFECT
(Innovative Silicon, 05 Sep 2005)
Innovative Silicon (ISi) has launched its Z-RAM embedded memory
technology for SoCs which can double memory density when compared with
existing embedded DRAM solutions. The Z-RAM (zero capacitor RAM)
technology harnesses the floating body (FB) effect that occurs in
silicon-on-insulator (SoI) devices, resulting in a cell structure that
is based on a single transistor alone, rather than the combination of
a transistor and a capacitor. Z-RAM memory designs have been taped out
at 90nm and the technology is scalable to 22nm design rules. More,
unlike other high density memory technologies, Z-RAM technology
requires no extra mask steps, or exotic materials.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ivd/ivd101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ivd1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[6] KITS OFFER HANDY CHECK FOR ROHS COMPLIANCE
(BLT Circuit Services, 02 Sep 2005)
BLT Circuit Services is expanding the range of LeadCheck swabs stocked
for European sales to include the latest Indirect LeadCheck kit which
includes fine tipped Q-tips, alcohol wipes, sample trays and 24
LeadCheck swabs all in one convenient kit. This enables dry testing of
PCBs, components and finished assemblies with up to four tests per
chemical swab making for a more cost effective method for testing for
RoHS compliance.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/blt/blt103.html
or send a blank email to mailto:blt1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[7] CODEC BRINGS HI-FI STEREO TO HANDSETS
(Wolfson Microelectronics, 31 Aug 2005)
Wolfson Microelectronics has introduced a stereo audio codec for
multimedia mobile phones and similar applications integrating
high-quality audio performance and enhanced mixing capabilities, with
low-power consumption. The WM8983 enables flexible new usage modes for
mobile phones. These include initiating normal mobile phone functions
while continuing to listen to MP3 or FM radio, as well as audio
playback during calls. Other modes include karaoke during voice calls,
with full mixing capability for headphone playback as well as
recording in I2S format.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wol/wol193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wol1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[8] RADIO MODULES SPECIALISE IN SWITCHING SIGNALS
(Low Power Radio Solutions, 06 Sep 2005)
Available now from Low Power Radio Solutions, the CDT-TX-01
transmitter and CDT-RX-01 receiver modules are specially designed for
applications requiring wireless transmission of switching signals.
These new high reliability modules from LPRS include six independent
switch signal input and output processing circuits. This allows
switching signals to be transmitted and received and the direct
operation of external actuating components, contactors, relays etc
without the need for any additional circuitry. To ensure safe and
reliable operation, each CDT module has a unique 32bit ID and the
receiver works only with signals from transmitters with a registered
ID.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/low/low128.html
or send a blank email to mailto:low1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[9] MCU COMBINES FLASH, LCD DRIVE AND IGBT CONTROL
(Toshiba Electronics Europe, 05 Sep 2005)
Toshiba Electronics Europe has extended its range of high-performance
8bit CMOS microcontrollers with a device that combines Flash memory,
on-chip LCD driver and IGBT control timer. The TMP86FS27FG/DFG
device's combination of peripherals suits it for a range of
applications that require power control with an LCD-based user
interface: for instance uninterruptible power supplies; servo controls
and inductive heater drivers in domestic appliances; and welding
equipment. The use of a large 60Kbyte on-chip Flash memory allows
designers to create multiple product variations via straightforward
software changes and to use the device in end equipment that may need
field upgrades.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos280.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tos2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[10] SLOW-BLOW FUSES BOOST SYSTEM RELIABILITY
(Raychem Circuit Protection, 31 Aug 2005)
Raychem Circuit Protection has a new range of RoHS-compliant slow-blow
surface-mount fuses. Produced in industry standard 1206 chip sizes,
the fuse line offers small size, high reliability, strong arc
suppression characteristics, and some of the highest current ratings
available in the 1206 form factor. Intended for DC power applications
of up to 63V DC, slow blow fuses help provide overcurrent protection
on systems that experience large and frequent current surges as part
of their normal operation. Available in current values ranging from
1.0 to 8.0A, such applications include protection of power supplies,
capacitor filter banks, LCD backlight inverters and electric motors.
Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/ray/129/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ray/ray129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ray1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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TRANSFORMER BASED FILTERS PROMISE SMOOTHER POWER
(Smart Power Systems, 02 Sep 2005)
Power-related issues are frequently the cause of time outs,
unexplained downtime and other commonplace system or networking
glitches.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/smw/smw100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:smw1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO VERIFY ALL THAT DFT?
(Globetech Solutions, 02 Sep 2005)
With up to 30% of a project's cycle spent debugging silicon and 30-50%
of total costs spent on test, DfT is quickly becoming the next wild
card says Stylianos Diamantidis, MD of Globetech Solutions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/glb/glb100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:glb1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
MODEL-BASED DESIGN HELPS CUT DIESEL EMISSIONS
(The MathWorks, 31 Aug 2005)
International engineering consultancy Lotus Engineering has used The
MathWorks' tools for model-based design to develop a diesel emissions
control system for a major car maker.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mth/mth144.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mth1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HIGH-EFFICIENCY CONVERSION AIDS SOLAR CHALLENGE
(C and D Technologies (NCL), 02 Sep 2005)
High-efficiency low-power DC/DC convertors from C and D Technologies
will play a key role in a solar-powered vehicle being built to compete
in this year's World Solar Challenge in Australia.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/can/can180.html
or send a blank email to mailto:can1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GPS RECEIVERS HELP PLOT KATRINA'S COURSE
(u-blox, 01 Sep 2005)
The US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is using u-blox
GPS technology to determine the strength, direction and speed of
hurricanes.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ubl/ubl102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ubl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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Other featured new product news
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ADC BOOSTS BASESTATION PERFORMANCE AND STAYS COOL
(Linear Technology Corp, 06 Sep 2005)
The LTC2255 is a 125Msample/s 14bit analogue to digital convertor that
combines excellent AC performance with extremely low power
consumption.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lne/lne191.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lne1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ALL-IN-ONE DECODER TAKES ANALOGUE ROUTE TO RGB
(National Semiconductor, 31 Aug 2005)
A novel decoder with an integrated 2:1 multiplexing video switch uses
analogue technology to accurately convert standard and high-definition
video signals to a computer video format.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/nat/nat344.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat3[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DRIVER CIRCUIT SIMPLIFIES LED LIGHTING DESIGN
(Power Integrations, 05 Sep 2005)
Power Integrations has devised a simple, ultra-low-component-count
driver circuit for offline LED lighting.
Request free details from the supplier on DI-92:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/poo/107/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/poo/poo107.html
or send a blank email to mailto:poo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DSP-BASED OSCILLATORS BOAST UP TO FOUR CHANNELS
(Silicon Laboratories, 31 Aug 2005)
Silicon Laboratories has entered the frequency control market with the
Si530 and Si550 families of oscillators and voltage-controlled
oscillators for applications up to 1.4GHz.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/snl/snl123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:snl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT ENHANCES DEBUGGING
(Hitex Development Tools, 01 Sep 2005)
A solution that integrates the Hitex Tanto on-chip debugger in the
Keil uVision development environment provides enhanced debugging
capability when developing and testing embedded applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hex/hex140.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hex1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CABLE MAKES LINK FOR WIRELESS TRANSMITTER TOWERS
(Belden CDT Electronics, 02 Sep 2005)
A new outdoor-rated four-pair shielded twisted pair cable meets and
exceeds all industry standards for Wi-Fi tower transmissions.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bed/bed102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bed1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SMALL CLAIMS FOR 250W SWITCHER
(DT Electronics, 05 Sep 2005)
N2 Power's XL250 is claimed as the world's smallest 250W AC/DC power
supply with a footprint of 3 x 6 or 3 x 7in and a height of 1.5in.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/dte/dte129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dte1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
PXI CHASSIS ADDS LOW-COST REMOTE CONTROL
(National Instruments, 01 Sep 2005)
Engineers can now use the first-ever National Instruments six-slot PXI
chassis for low-cost remote control and portable real-time control.
Request free details from the supplier on PXI-1036 chassis:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/naa/218/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/naa/naa218.html
or send a blank email to mailto:naa2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
AUDIO ANALYSERS HAVE ALL TESTS COVERED
(TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), 02 Sep 2005)
Suitable for broadcast and communications or bench and production use,
Portable One offers a complete easy-to-use audio test set housed in a
rugged case.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/bla/bla243.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bla2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
VOLTAGE AND CONTINUITY TESTS FOR JUST TWENTY QUID
(Fluke (UK), 02 Sep 2005)
A new Fluke electrical tester offers a low cost solution to
professional electricians and maintenance personnel for rapid AC/DC
voltage measurement and continuity testing.
Request free details from the supplier on T50, T100, T120 and T140:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/flu/170/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flu/flu170.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flu1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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