ECN-Electronic Component News articles from August 2008

ECN-Electronic Component News archives from August 2008

It's a small, green world at Sensors Expo.(Editor's View)
August 1, 2008... "Can you stand another ZigBee presentation?" was the greeting I received from one of the many exhibitors I met at the 2008 Sensors Expo in Rosemont, IL. Indeed, wireless industrial networking devices were in abundance at this year's show, along...

Low-power, zero-drift instrumentation amplifier provides accuracy and extended battery life in portables.(Leading Off)
August 1, 2008... Texas Instruments introduced a low-power, zero-drift instrumentation amplifier. The device is presented as having the lowest quiescent current and lowest input bias current versus competitive products as well as desirable power-to-noise ratio,...

Fifty-volt LDMOS power transistors serve L-Band radar applications.(Leading off)
August 1, 2008... Freescale Semiconductor introduced a 50 V LDMOS RF power transistor line-up for L-Band radar applications. The MRF6V14300H final stage device produces pulsed RF output power of 330 W at frequencies between 1,200 and 1,400 MHz and offers...

Oscilloscope series features next generation chipset, high data transfer rates.(Leading Off)
August 1, 2008... LeCroy introduced WavePro 7, the first product series in the Zi Family of oscilloscopes. It represents the first deployment of the company's next-generation chipset and latest streaming architecture, X-Stream II. This oscilloscope offers...

Transistors & solid state switches: chip vendors continue to add features and reduce the size of their solid state switching devices. Be sure to visit www.ecnmag.com/PTR-transistors.aspx for an expanded, side-by-side presentation of more switching products.(PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW)
August 1, 2008... Using its High Voltage Vertical Field Effect Transistor (HVVFET) architecture, HVVi Semiconductor introduced the HVV1011-035, a 35 W surface mount RF power transistor for IFF, TCAS and Mode-S applications, and the HVV1214-200, a 200 W RF power...

Select a logic device that makes sense for your design; When a design calls for a small amount of logic that powers on instantly, a CPLD can fit the bill. Before selecting an appropriate logic device, the designer should consider a few basic questions.(PLDS and CPLDS)
August 1, 2008... Many designs require a small amount of high-speed, instant-on programmable logic. These designs drive the thriving market for complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). This article examines the definition of CPLDs, their applications, design...

Silicon and software providers address cardiac device needs; Comprehensive, cost-effective hardware and software solutions pump life into the cardiac device market.(INDUSTRY FOCUS)
August 1, 2008... According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.5 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005, representing 30 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths,...

Tools and techniques surmount the multi-core challenge; It's easier than you think to put a multi-core IC into a design.(Multi-Core Processors)
August 1, 2008... Multi-processor computers have existed for some time, but only within the last few years have engineers had the opportunity to buy off-the-shelf chips with more than one processor or "core." These devices come in two varieties; symmetrical and...

Compilation strategies for low-power designs.(Strategic Integration)
August 1, 2008... This month's Design Talk features tips on using compilers to determine how much time a microcontroller spends in sleep mode and ultimately how much power the MCU consumes in an application. We're also introducing you to a new monthly column by...

On the light side.(Strategic Integration)
August 1, 2008... Let there be light. Since the beginning of time, light has been an essential part of communicating information. From illuminating pre-historic cave paintings to marking the location of hazards and harbors for early sailors, man has relied on...

Analog output cards support variable data writes.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
August 1, 2008... Supporting A16, A24, or A32 addressing with data writes of 16 or 32 bits, a pair of analog output cards from Precision Analog Systems have voltage output signals on the a and c rows of their P2 connectors. The PAS 9915/AO provides thirty-two...

Laser diode driver improves setpoint stability.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
August 1, 2008... With enhanced setpoint stability to fully support critical and cutting edge applications the LDTC 2/2 laser diode driver and temperature controller from AMS Technologies is intended for integrated laser diode or LED modules that include...

Isolator handles up to 20 mA.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
August 1, 2008... The DR910 from Omega Engineering is a passive loop powered isolator with input ranges of 0 mA to 20 mA or 4 to 20 mA. The device is used to provide electrical isolation between the control electronics and process I/O. The DR910 obtains power...

Resistor modules allow user adjustment.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
August 1, 2008... Occupying a 3U PXI slot, the model 40-261 and the 40-297 resistor modules from Pickering Interfaces have software interfaces based on resistance calls for each channel, and calibration data that enables the driver to select the nearest value of...

Serial port adapters configurable for multiple signals.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
August 1, 2008... Maintaining their electrical interface settings locally, SeaLINK + 4M.SC and SeaLINK + 8M.SC USB-to-Serial adapters from Sealevel Systems offer four or eight ports that are software-configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, and they can be...

Illuminated circular rocker switches.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... Illuminated single pole rocker switches, developed by C&K Components, feature a snap-in round body along with a variety of actuator styles. Electrical functionality is SPDT/On-On or SPST/On-Off. The series fit a 20.2 mm diameter panel cutout...

Switch allows soft-touch actuation.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... With a long travel of 1.5 mm and a carbon pill contact design, the TL9000 soft touch tactile switch from E-Switch is made of conductive rubber. Features include minimum electrical life of 100,000, 150 [+ or -] 50 gram operating force, a contact...

Relays yield 4000 Vrms.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... Providing up to 4000 Vrms of contact, CIT Relay & Switch's J115F1 Series high dielectric-optioned relays have a minimum contact-to-contact strength of 1,500 Vrms in SPST N.O., SPST N. C., or SPDT contact arrangements. The AgSn[O.sub.2] or...

Amplifiers now available in aftermarket.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
August 1, 2008... Lansdale Semiconductor now has the single-source rights to continue to manufacture Freescale's MC1350 IF, MC1490 RF, and MC1590G monolithic IF amplifiers, which incorporate automatic gain control in a product life cycle management system. The...

IC targets DDR cache-memory backup.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
August 1, 2008... Targeting DDR cache-memory backups, Maxim Integrated Products' DS2731 power-management IC (PMIC) integrates a single-cell Li+ charger with FETs at a rate up to 1.5 A from a 12 V supply to eliminate over 15 discrete components in existing...

Controller integrates touch key and slider functions.(INTEGRATED CIRCUIT)
August 1, 2008... Combining touch key and touch slider functions, Atmel's AT42QT2160 touch controller controls up to 16 individual touch keys with a slider comprising between two and eight of the touch key channels. The device controls up to 11 LEDs through a...

Regulators provide 70 mV dropout voltage.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
August 1, 2008... Having a 70 mV typical dropout voltage (3 V output with [I.sub.OUT] at 200 mA), Seiko Instruments' S-1155 Series CMOS voltage regulators have an output voltage range from 1 V to 5 V selectable in 0.05 V step with [+ or -]1 percent accuracy and...

White LED yields 90 lumens.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
August 1, 2008... Yielding a typical flux of 90 lumens (113 lm max) at 250 mA, Toshiba America Electronic Components' TL12W02-D white LED has a typical chromaticity of 0.32 (Cx) and 0.31 (Cy). The 10.50 mm x 5 mm x 2.10 mm SMT-packaged device has a forward...

Light sensor controls display dimming.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
August 1, 2008... Suitable for display-dimming feedback in portable devices, notebooks, and automotive applications, the MLX75304 Light-to-Frequency SensorEyeC from Melexis has a dynamic range in excess of 100 dB. Incorporating photodiode, transimpedance...

Five megapixel camera equipped with a Camera Link interface.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
August 1, 2008... Offering thermal management and pre-processing for sensor operation, JAI's BM-500CL and BB-500CL are two versions of a 5 MP camera that are equipped with a Camera Link interface. Both models are built around the Sony ICX625 2/3" CCD sensor...

Development kit creates multi-touch user interface.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
August 1, 2008... Presented as the first commercially available, the SMK 15.4 devlopment kit from Stantum Technologies can enable designers and integrators to develop a multi-touch display user interface. The resulting interface lets users simultaneously move an...

Connector supports hard disk drives.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Supporting 1.8" form factor drives, FCI's Micro serial ATA (SATA) plug connector has compatibility with applications such as notebook PCs, set-top boxes, game consoles, audio/video and portable storage. The SATA-IO-standardized device meets SFF...

Enclosures target cabinet mounted electronics.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Targeting cabinet mounted electronics, OKW Electronics' CAMDEN DIN rail enclosures are designed for snap-in mounting on DIN EN 50/022/035/045 (TS 35/32/15) rails or direct cabinet mounting. The devices are appropriate for applications including...

Socket features POP memory.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Including a 12-m[m.sup.2] POP memory on top with a pitch of 0.500 mm and 23 X 23 array, Ironwood Electronic's SG-BGA-71160.400-mm BGA IC socket measures 12 m[m.sup.2] pt, has a pitch of 0.500 mm, and 28 x 28 ball array in a Samsung 12 mm2...

Room temperature curing epoxy applies without sagging, dripping.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Master Bond's Supreme 11AOHT two component room temperature curing epoxy adhesive offers high thermal conductivity and desirable electrical insulation properties. The paste can be applied without sagging or dripping even on vertical surfaces,...

Enclosures use IP65 end panels.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Operating with IP65 die-cast aluminum end panels, Hammond Manufacturing's 1457 Series enclosures have availability with or without integral flanges with sealing using o-ring screw seals and closed cell polyethylene sealing gaskets. The devices...

Insulated straps connect 9V batteries.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... Made of molded Polyethylene or rigid fiber, and designed to connect most 9 V batteries in series or in parallel, Insulated Battery Straps from Keystone incorporate phospor bronze or spring steel and feature solden-in #26 AWG red and black wire...

Power cables offer configuration choice.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
August 1, 2008... With a configuration allowing it to be placed side-by-side or stacked, the Motion Series Plus (MS+) flat power/signal cables from Cicoil provide for the transmission of fluids or gases or serve as an integrated mounting aid. Integrating six...

Trimmer provides fixed phase shift.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Providing a fixed amount of phase shift for adjusting coaxial cable electrical length, Narda Microwave-East's Model 4572B phase trimmer provides phase adjustment of [+ or -]2[degrees] between 3 GHz and 18 GHz. The 19 g device has linearity of...

Panel potentiometer offers low temperature coefficient.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Featuring a life of 500,000 cycles, the Sfernice PloL form Vishay Intertechnology is a miniature panel potentiometer with a temperature coefficient as low as [+ or -] 150 ppm/[degrees]C. Provided in a sealed IP67 package, the device can reduce...

VCO operates on wide frequency range.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Operating from 950 MHz to 2,050 MHz with a control voltage range from 0 to 15 V, the CVCO55BES-0950-2050 VCO from Crystek features a typical phase noise of-99 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. The 0.5" x 0.5" SMT-packaged VCO has an input voltage of 10...

EMC filters address long motor leads.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Rated for currents from 16A to 200A at 520V, the B84143D*R127 Series of frequency converters by Epcos operates at temperatures up to 50[degrees]C and is designed to address applications with limited-space. Cable-based measurements showed that...

Splitters target set-top boxes.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Aiming at CATV set-top boxes with multiple tuners, Anadigics' APS3608, APS3611, and APS3623 active splitters operate in products with Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) functionality such as multiple-tuner TVs, TV tuner cards, and broadband...

Inductors work at 105[degrees]C.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Operating at temperatures up to 105[degrees]C, Grupo Premo's Power Q12 Series power inductors offer a current range up to 25 A. The 12 mm x 12 mm x 10mm SMT-packaged devices can handle 16 Arms and 2.5 uH. The rectangular copper-designed...

External Wireless Antenna offers seven frequency ranges.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Offering seven frequency ranges, the Heptaband External Wireless Antenna from Laird Technologies, exhibits radio transmissions while supporting seven bands in one profile. The antenna bands operate simultaneously, providing operation across...

Z-Foil resistor achieves high accuracy.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Providing an absolute TCR of [+ or -] 0.050 ppm/[degrees]C from 0 [degrees]C to 60[degrees]C and [+ or -] 0.200 ppm/[degrees]C from -55[degrees] C to 125[degrees]C, 25[degrees] C Ref, a power coefficient ("R due to self heating") of [+ or -]5...

Power MOSFETs offer high current density.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... With a footprint 40% smaller than a standard SO-8 and a height of 0.7mm, a family of 30 V DirectFET MOSFETs enable a smaller footprint and higher power density in synchronous buck converter designs. The IRF6724M, IRF6725M, IRF6726M, and...

Film capacitor features higher voltage and current handling.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Providing both bulk energy storage and ripple current filtering, a Type 947C high-current medium-power film capacitor from Cornell Dubilier is designed for DC filtering to 1200 VDC, and is an alternative to aluminum electrolytic capacitors in...

Inductors target military applications.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Complying with QPL MIL-PRF-83446 (31, -32, and -33) standards, Gowanda's MLRF3013 Series inductors target RF electronic applications in the military, aerospace and defense communities. The phenolic-, iron- or ferrite-cored devices are...

Capacitors provide 60 m[ohm] impedance.(COMPONENTS)
August 1, 2008... Offering 60 m[ohm] impedance at 100 kHz, Vishay Intertechnology's 150 CRZ Series SMT aluminum capacitors exhibit ripple current of 1,007 mA at 105[degrees]C and capacitance from 33 [micro]F to 2200 [micro]F over a voltage range from 6.3V to 63...

AC/DC power supply performs in a variety of applications.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... With both ITE and non-patient contact and non-patient critical medical safety approvals, the LPS103-M 100-150 w AC/DC power supply from Emerson Network Power measures 2" x 4" x 1.29". It has a typical full load efficiency of 88% and a power...

Green power supply delivers 12 W.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Level IV criteria and the new Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) requirements, SL Power Electronics' PW I49RB Series external power supplies offers a single output range...

Switching supplies meet EMC requirements.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Meeting EMC noise performance requirements, Astrodyne's ECA30 Series encapsulated switching power supplies accepts universal input from 90 to 264 VAC and provides output power of 30 W with single, dual and triple outputs from 5 to 48 VDC. The...

Shield mini converters accept wide input voltage.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Targeting space-constrained systems in networking, industrial, and other applications, the RP-30 Series of 30-W DC/DC converters from RECOM have a 2" X 1" footprint and a power density of 2.28 W/c[m.sup.3]. The shielded and potted devices are...

Single output 2W DC/DC converters offers efficiency to 88%.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Murata Power Solutions introduced a range of isolated 2 W single output DC/DC converters. The eight models in the NMG Series are housed in 19.5 mm X 7.5 mm X 10 mm industry-standard SIP packages that allow drop-in replacement of other devices....

SIP SSLD modules accurately drive LEDs.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Providing a constant-current output with an accuracy of [+ or -]1 %, the BP58xx Series of solid-state lighting drivers (SSLD) from ROHM Electronics integrates all required LED-driving control circuits, switching elements, isolation...

Eighth-brick delivers 300 W.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Offering 48 Vin at 97% efficiency for loads from 50% to 100%, Ericsson Power Modules' PKB4302NG eighth-brick DC/DC bus converter supplies an output power of 300 W at 42 A in through hole and baseplate variations. The fixed ratio intermediate...

Power supplies provide constant voltage or constant current.(POWER SOURCES)
August 1, 2008... Acopian's 720 W power supplies can be used to provide either a constant voltage or a constant current. Models with wide output voltage ranges can be adjusted down to 0 V and both voltage and current can be programmed with 0 V to 10 V control...

Next-generation displays.(Brainstorm)
August 1, 2008... Considering the importance of TV and video in our society, the development of next-generation display technology is one of the hottest topics in the industry. For this month's Brainstorm we asked some industry leaders what they think is the...

Altera FPGA kit gives developers a head start; Nios II embedded evaluation kit, Cyclone III edition, DK-N2EVAL-3C25N-OD, Altera.(Books & Kits)
August 1, 2008... If you use FPGAs and microcontrollers and haven't heard of the Nios II CPU, take a close look at this processor. you can easily assemble a Nios II core, on-chip peripherals and memory, custom logic and off-chip memory interfaces on one Altera...