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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: 22,450
Published every Tuesday from the UK.
Issue 244: 29 November 2005
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27364 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] CompactFlash cards have industrial specifications
[2] PLL-based transmitter sticks to its frequency
[3] Three capacitors in one for suppression
[4] Suite caters for denser boards and faster signals
[5] LCDs toughen up for industrial applications
[6] Computer-on-module boasts pure Intel performance
[7] Handheld analysers promise benchtop accuracy
[8] ADC has greater functionality but uses less power
[9] Real-time scopes turn to UWB analysis
[10] SoC module eases application design
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Laurence Marchini, Editor, writes:
I know it has been a recurring theme in the history of this column,
but this time my rant on bits and bytes really seems to have struck
home. And while the average editorial piece might elicit a dozen or so
responses from interested parties, last week's postbag was closer to
40 - give or take a couple!
Fortunately, the vast majority of you do agree with my contention that
the only sane way to deal with the subject is to spell out the words
bit and byte in full. However, a significant minority did take me to
task for using the capital K for kilo.
Perhaps I should have explained: the capital K does not stand for
kilo- (or 10 to the 3rd power), it actually stands for kibi- (or 2 to
the 10th power, which is 1024).
So, ignoring for the moment that the "correct" IEC abbreviation for
kibi- is Ki (on the grounds that I know of nobody who uses it!), now
we are really getting onto dodgy ground - the whole business of
decimal versus binary prefixes.
On that subject I am indebted to Electronicstalk reader Tony Royston,
who referred me to Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia, which has a very
informative page dedicated to this very subject at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_prefix (and this really is worth a
look, if only to see how "wrong" we all are).
It even includes details of two "recent" lawsuits that contended the
memory capacities of various manufacturers' Flash memory cards and
hard disk drives were misleading due to this very reason.
However, the mere fact that so many people are confused by this whole
subject suggests that clarification is required, and a comprehensive
glossary of units and conversion factors will appear on
Electronicstalk for permanent reference early in the new year.
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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SILICON NANOCRYSTALS PROMISE FLASH ALTERNATIVE
(Freescale Semiconductor, 29 Nov 2005)
A nonvolatile memory technology which is denser, faster and more
cost-effective than conventional Flash memory technology is now closer
to production.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mot/mot224.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mot2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
ZETEX GOES DIRECT IN SHENZHEN
(Zetex, 25 Nov 2005)
Zetex Semiconductors has opened its first representative office in
mainland China.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/zet/zet163.html
or send a blank email to mailto:zet1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
DTI GRANT TO FUND WIRELESS SENSOR EXPANSION
(Jennic, 28 Nov 2005)
Jennic has secured a DTI grant of GBP 1.5 million, which will be used
to establish further growth and support volume manufacturing of the
company's products for wireless sensor networks.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/jei/jei111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:jei1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
HONG KONG IS NEW BASE FOR ABACUS IN CHINA
(Abacus Group, 28 Nov 2005)
Abacus Group has opened a subsidiary in Hong Kong and has recruited
John Harlow to lead the operation.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aba/aba176.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aba1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
GLASS-MAKER INVESTS IN FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS
(Schott, 29 Nov 2005)
Schott is investing US $195 million in its melting and processing
capacity for TFT-LCD glass for flat panel displays.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/scj/scj100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:scj1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CONCOAT JOINS CHASE SPECIALTY COATINGS
(Concoat, 25 Nov 2005)
The highly successful materials business of UK company Concoat has
been purchased by the North American Chase Corporation.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/cnc/cnc119.html
or send a blank email to mailto:cnc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
JOINT VENTURE FOCUSES ON EPOXY MOULDING COMPOUNDS
(Henkel Loctite Adhesives, 25 Nov 2005)
The Henkel Group has acquired a majority stake in Huawei Electronics,
a leading manufacturer of epoxy moulding compounds for semiconductors
in China.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/hen/hen142.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hen1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW GROUP FOCUSES ON MULTICORE STANDARDS
(Multicore Association, 24 Nov 2005)
A new industry group aims to provide a neutral forum where vendors in
the multiple-core processor space can work out standards for
interprocessor communications, debug and other technology hurdles.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mui/mui100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mui1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
BATTERY MANUFACTURING PLANT PLANNED FOR THE UK
(Saft, 29 Nov 2005)
Saft is to invest in a new state-of-the-art battery manufacturing site
in the UK.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/saf/saf129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:saf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] COMPACTFLASH CARDS HAVE INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATIONS
(Winsystems, 24 Nov 2005)
WinSystems ha released five different density CompactFlash (CF) cards
that operate from -40 to +85C. They are targeted for applications that
need industrial-grade reliability, industry-standard compatibility,
and IDE hard disk drive emulation for program and data storage. The
WinSystems' CF card densities are 128Mbyte, 256Mbyte, 512Mbyte, 1Gbyte
and 2Gbyte and they will support WinSystems' single board computers or
any other manufacturer's computer that have a CompactFlash socket. As
they are true IDE Mode and ATA-3 compliant, they are compatible with
different operating systems such as Linux, Windows CE and Windows XP
Embedded without requiring a special driver.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/wns/wns110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wns1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[2] PLL-BASED TRANSMITTER STICKS TO ITS FREQUENCY
(Melexis, 24 Nov 2005)
Melexis has extended its line of low-power and low-cost RF ICs with a
new transmitter that works in virtually any FSK, ASK or FM system in
the 380-450MHz unlicensed frequency bands. The TH72016 has an extended
operating temperature range of -40 to +125C and clock output to drive
a microcontroller making it ideal for automotive applications such as
tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) or remote keyless entry (RKE)
that require enhanced data timing. The TH72016 comes in a space-saving
10-pin QFN package with a footprint of only 3 x 3mm.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mle/mle110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mle1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[3] THREE CAPACITORS IN ONE FOR SUPPRESSION
(Syfer Technology, 28 Nov 2005)
With the twin advantages of reduced component count and high
mechanical integrity, UK-based component manufacturer Syfer Technology
has released an extended range of RoHS-compliant X2Y three terminal
capacitors. Aimed at decoupling and EMI suppression tasks in a variety
of general purpose and function specific applications, Syfer's X2Y
range is ideal for designs where space is at a premium. The X2Y is an
integrated passive component, providing three capacitors in one
device, thereby dramatically reducing the total number of standard
passive components required.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/syf/syf101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:syf1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[4] SUITE CATERS FOR DENSER BOARDS AND FASTER SIGNALS
(Altium, 29 Nov 2005)
Altium has announced the release of Altium Designer 6.0, the next
version of its groundbreaking unified electronic product development
system. Altium Designer is the first product to unify the design
process, integrating PCB design, the design of programmable devices
such as FPGAs, and the development of embedded software for
processor-based designs. The release of Altium Designer 6.0 is the
sixth product update in two years and includes significantly
strengthened support for dealing with very dense board designs, and
working with high-speed digital signals.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tas/tas191.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tas1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[5] LCDS TOUGHEN UP FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
(Sharp Microelectronics Europe, 28 Nov 2005)
Sharp Microelectronics Europe has released the first two displays in
its new Strong2 series of products, combining high luminance, high
contrast ratio, extended temperature range and a high capacity to
withstand mechanical stress. Consequently, these modules have been
designed for industrial automation applications, in particular, but
also for use in outdoor sales or information terminals, where displays
have to meet the highest demands in terms of reliability, clarity and
legibility. Strong2 LCDs boast a high contrast ratio of 600:1 at the
preferred viewing angle by optimising the pathway of the pixels'
voltage potential while the equipment is on.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/skc/skc127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skc1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[6] COMPUTER-ON-MODULE BOASTS PURE INTEL PERFORMANCE
(Kontron UK, 28 Nov 2005)
Kontron Embedded Modules has equipped its recently introduced ETX-P3T
computer-on-module with additional graphics controllers and an
additional x. The ETX-P3Tx, the newest member of the ETX product line,
can use the added ATI Mobility Radeon M6 or M7 graphics controllers to
show two independent processes on two different displays in real time.
This capability is of particular interest for medical, gaming, and
industrial automation applications. The processor on the ETX-P3Tx is
an LV Intel Celeron with 733MHz, which stands out because of its
extremely low power dissipation.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/kon/kon167.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kon1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[7] HANDHELD ANALYSERS PROMISE BENCHTOP ACCURACY
(Anritsu (UK), 25 Nov 2005)
New from Anritsu, the VNA Master MS2024A and MS2026A are the first
portable handheld vector network analysers (VNAs) that can make
vector-corrected single-port and single-path two-port measurements
from 2 to 6GHz. Combining Anritsu's technical leadership in both
handheld test solutions and VNAs, the MS2024A/MS2026A provide wireless
professionals with the performance and analysis tools necessary to
deploy, verify and troubleshoot successfully today's military and
commercial wireless networks.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/anr/anr183.html
or send a blank email to mailto:anr1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[8] ADC HAS GREATER FUNCTIONALITY BUT USES LESS POWER
(Xignal Technologies, 25 Nov 2005)
Following a technology announcement from Xignal during September 2005,
the company is now launching the first analogue-to-digital conversion
products based on its continuous time delta sigma ADCs. These devices
consume less than half the power of present best-in-class, high
performance ADCs and integrate a lot of additional functionality
on-chip at the same time. Based on the company's recently announced
breakthrough in continuous time delta sigma (CTDS) technology, the
12bit (XT11200) and 14bit (XT11400) resolution devices consume only
70mW while operating at 20-40Msample/s datarate.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/xig/xig104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:xig1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[9] REAL-TIME SCOPES TURN TO UWB ANALYSIS
(Tektronix, 24 Nov 2005)
Tektronix has a new oscilloscope software application for validating
all types of UWB devices from new generations of secure communications
to consumer electronics. Known as TDSUWB, the software utility extends
the debug and analysis capabilities of the Tektronix TDS6000C Series -
the industry's highest performance real time oscilloscopes - to
include real-time analysis of ultrawideband RF and electrical signals.
The software utility is available for a limited time at no cost.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tek/tek243.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tek2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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[10] SOC MODULE EASES APPLICATION DESIGN
(Icop Technology (UK), 24 Nov 2005)
Providing multiple connections including a 16bit x-ISA bus with
interfaces for COM, PRN, IDE and GPIO, the new Icop Mity-SoC module
makes application design even easier with the integration of a DM and
P 6117D CPU, 2/4Mbyte of onboard DRAM, BIOS and the multiple I/O. In a
footprint of just 65 x 45mm, the Mity-SoC module uses a 386SX-40MHz
CPU and the system has 512Kbyte of onboard Flash with optional X-DOS
pre-install.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/icl/icl100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:icl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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FPGA-BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEM SPEEDS TO THE STREET
(Altera Europe, 29 Nov 2005)
Blaupunkt has reduced its time to market and minimised the component
count of its TravelPilot Rome auto navigation system by using Altera's
Cyclone FPGAs and Nios II embedded processors.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/aeu/aeu187.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aeu1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
OS FLEXIBILITY IS KEY TO WIRELESS ETHERNET SERVERS
(LynuxWorks, 29 Nov 2005)
B and B Electronics has chosen BlueCat Linux and the LynxOS RTOS to
power its next generation of wireless Ethernet serial servers.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lyn/lyn186.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lyn1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
INTEGRATED DESIGN FLOW ENHANCES DESIGN SERVICES
(Magma Design Automation, 24 Nov 2005)
eInfochips has strengthened its IC design and verification
capabilities by adopting Blast Create, Blast Fusion, Blast Power,
Blast Rail and Blast Noise software.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/mai/mai106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mai1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
EVALUATION PROGRAMME PROVES MERIT OF SIMULATION
(Flomerics, 24 Nov 2005)
Galileo Avionica has selected Flotherm and Flo/PCB software from
Flomerics as its standard thermal modelling software across all of its
seven design centres and five business units.
Request free details from the supplier on Flotherm and FLO/PCB:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/flo/161/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/flo/flo161.html
or send a blank email to mailto:flo1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NEW APPROACH TO AUTOMOTIVE SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION
(Software Acumen, 24 Nov 2005)
Engineers at DaimlerChrysler's Research and Technology Centre in
Germany have described their experiences using a new approach to
solving complex automotive software product configuration problems.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/sow/sow102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sow1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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Other featured new product news
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CONTROLLER MAINTAINS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM SAFETY
(Atmel Corporation, 23 Nov 2005)
With its built-in driver functions and complete monitoring system, the
ATA6814 is a unique solution beneficial for all safety-relevant
automotive electronics.
Request free details from the supplier on ATA6814:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/atl/101/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/atl/atl101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:atl1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CHIPSET MAKES THE MOST OF AMD-POWERED PC DESIGNS
(VIA Technologies, 23 Nov 2005)
VIA's latest high performance chipset for the AMD platform, the VIA
K8T900, is sampling to leading motherboard partners to create
platforms tailored for the PC enthusiast market.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/vih/vih116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vih1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CONTROLLER BRINGS DISTRIBUTED POWER INTO LINE
(Linear Technology Corp, 25 Nov 2005)
A new controller simplifies the tracking and sequencing requirements
of complex distributed power architectures.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/lne/lne213.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lne2[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SINGLE-CHIP PROVIDES ASSISTED GPS
(Texas Instruments, 25 Nov 2005)
Texas Instruments has introduced the industry's first single-chip
assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) solution in 90nm process
technology for mobile phones.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tex/tex923.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tex9[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SMALL-SIZED RESISTORS HANDLE BIG PEAKS AND PULSES
(Stackpole Electronics, 29 Nov 2005)
New highly reliable carbon composition resistors are capable of
handling overload voltages up to 1000V and energy pulses up to 30J in
power ratings to 1W.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/stp/stp104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stp1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES SYSTEMC-BASED DEVELOPMENT
(Orange Tree Technologies, 24 Nov 2005)
The latest SystemCrafter SC SystemC package has been developed to make
it far easier to manage and develop SystemC projects, and also simpler
for new users to get started with SystemC synthesis.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/ora/ora104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ora1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
LEDS SQUARE UP TO BOOST BRIGHTNESS
(Pacer Components, 29 Nov 2005)
A new range of high-brightness, square, visible LEDs is ideally suited
to a wide variety of roles that include signage, automotive, traffic
control, decorative and landscaping applications.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/pac/pac117.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pac1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
NOVEL FILM SHEDS MORE LIGHT ON TRANSMISSIVE LCDS
(Anders Electronics, 23 Nov 2005)
Anders Electronics reckons it has solved the sunlight readability
challenges of transmissive LCDs by using the sun's own energy instead
of extra high-powered backlights.
Request free details from the supplier on Ra-Tek:
http://www.electronicstalk.com/rdx/ml/and/121/4
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/and/and121.html
or send a blank email to mailto:and1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
CONVERTOR PUTS MORE POWER IN THE SAME FOOTPRINT
(Ericsson Power Modules, 23 Nov 2005)
A new DC/DC convertor module has the same footprint as its predecessor
yet offers 25% more power, thus increasing the important power to
space ratio.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/eri/eri114.html
or send a blank email to mailto:eri1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
COLDFIRE-BASED MODULE HAS RICH PERIPHERAL SET
(NetBurner, 24 Nov 2005)
NetBurner has introduced the first module targeted at the low cost low
power embedded space.
* Read more: http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/neb/neb101.html
or send a blank email to mailto:neb1[-email removed-]lectronicstalk.com
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