ECN-Electronic Component News articles from February 2005

ECN-Electronic Component News archives from February 2005

Safety first with security.(EDITOR'S VIEW)
February 1, 2005... During a discussion I was having with a colleague recently regarding RFID, the suggestion was made that perhaps more effort should be put into using technology to deal with the security and privacy issues that some popular and enabling...

TSR: enabling a seamlessly connected wireless future.(tomorrow's technologies explored today)
February 1, 2005... The fragmentation of a telecommunication market based on using systems with different standards and frequency bands--each with its own set of signal bandwidths, dynamic range and inter-modulation requirements--has made their mutual interaction...

Diode laser array provides 100W of CW output power in the 790 nm to 815 nm wavelength range.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... The Cascades[TM] water-cooled, 1 cm diode laser array from nLight provides 100W of continuous-wave (CW) output power in the 790 nm to 815 nm wavelength range. It is appropriate for next generation diode-pumped solid-state lasers for commercial...

10 MBd optocouplers offer +100[degrees]C capability in SOIC-8 package.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... Vishay has released a series of 10 MBd optocouplers in an SOIC-8 package rated for operating temperatures up to +100[degrees]C. The SFH67xxT optocouplers feature a reinforced-insulation construction combining an efficient input LED with an...

White LED driver with specific features for small LCD module backlight.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... STMicroelectronics has introduced a part to drive the white LEDs that are becoming popular for color LCD backlighting or portable phones. The STLD20D is an inductive boost converter designed to drive a white LED with high efficiency over a...

Fiber optic illumination system for medical applications.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... PerkinElmer Optoelectronics has introduced a high-intensity xenon fiber optic illumination system that can be customized for a variety of medical OEM applications such as endoscopy and surgical headlamps that require bright, accurate color...

Optrex LCDs with Natural Color Matrix technology for flat panel displays.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... Optrex America offers SVGA and XGA industrial TFT LCD modules in sizes from 8.4" to 15" diagonal with Natural Color Matrix (NCM) technology for accurate color representation, optimum color balance and exceptional image quality. This patented...

Laser diode modules with TTL modulation.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... Photonic Products Ltd. has added TTL modulation options to its Photon Module range of laser diode modules. The TTL modulation input will accept signals from DC up to 100 kHz minimum. Modulation options are available on all Photon PM and Photon...

TFT LCD for industrial applications.(Optoelectronics & Displays)
February 1, 2005... Data Modul's 8.4" TFT LCD is designed for industrial applications and features two separate integrated interfaces. There is a 6-bit TTL digital interface, and it also has a full analog RGB interface for direct connection to any standard PC. The...

Real-Time Spectrum Analysis.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... Tektronix' RSA3408A DC to 8 GHz Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer provides 36 MHz wide real-time triggering and capture capabilities. Its enhanced resolution yields a 2,000-fold improvement in the analysis of power and frequency changes over time,...

Optimized DC-AC power for mini-fluorescent lamps.
February 1, 2005... Single, Dual & Variable Brightness Inverters for UV, Cold Cathode & Hot Cathode Lamps Ideal Power Source for LCD Backlighting, Heads-Up Displays, Gaming Machines & Medical Instrumentation The BXA Series of highly reliable power...

Measuring Receiver provides all signal and attenuator calibration functions in one instrument.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... Rohde & Schwarz has introduced its FSMR Measuring Receiver. The receiver is said to be the industry's first single-instrument for calibrating all key parameters of signal generators and fixed and variable attenuators. It eliminates the need to...

Interface board for Elma's IPM sentry shelf manager.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Interface Board for Elma's IPM Sentry Shelf Manager offers flexibility in how and where the shelf managers are plugged into CompactPCI, AdancedTCA, or other system architectures. Designed specifically for the PICMG 3.0 AdvancedTCA...

Series 33.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Series 33 is the industry's best solution for compact desk-top and portable electronic packaging needs, combining maximum ruggedness and versatility in a modern design. The 33's strength comes from its extruded aluminum body, featuring a...

Elma Long Telco handles.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Elma Long Telco Handles are VME and cPCI compatible and provide greater leverage, addressing the problem of high insertion/extraction forces. They provide a leverage ratio of 4.72:1, and allow an insertion force of 160 lbs with a fingertip...

The PICMG 3.0-compliant 5U ATCA horizontal chassis.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The PICMG 3.0-compliant 5U ATCA Horizontal Chassis is an ideal unit for prototyping and demonstrations. It has an AC input, so that the unit can be plugged directly into a conventional wall outlet. The 700W AC input PSU provides 48V @ 15A....

New 7U low-profile COTS chassis.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... New 7U Low-Profile COTS Chassis from Elma combines ruggedness and system intelligence. The compact 12R3 ultra-rugged COTS chassis with intelligent system monitoring features comes in a 7U height, featuring a top-loaded card cage that fits up to...

Bit Error Tester.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... Technisys has introduced its 7011821Bit Error Tester, a stand-alone device designed to provide unframed, high speed, serial binary output ranging from T1 to STM-1 rates. Outputs can be encoded with applicable zero suppression techniques. Signal...

Synthesized Bench In-Circuit Meter.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... B+K Precision Corporation has announced its Model 889A Synthesized Bench In-Circuit LCR/ESR Meter. Using a standard 115V AC outlet as the power source, this high accuracy test instrument with computer interface can be used to test components at...

Optical module tests telecom/datacom wavelengths and transmission rates.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... Agilent Technologies has made available a wide-wavelength, multi-rate optical module for the Agilent 86100C Infiniium digital communications analyzer (DCA-J). Now optical component and equipment manufacturers can use a single plug-in module to...

LCD Voltmeter.(Test & Measurement)
February 1, 2005... Lascar Electronics has introduced its SP5 1710-BL Voltmeter with a large, clear LCD that shows a 17-position "analog" style display. Essentially a voltmeter with a full scale deflection of 1V, this module can be used in many places where a...

Mixed mode simulator adds virtual instruments and Live Circuits.(Software)
February 1, 2005... Beige Bag Software has released [B.sup.2] Spice A/D v5.0 featuring a redesigned user interface for quick and easy designs, 11 new virtual instruments and a "Live Circuit" mode that allows the interactive changing of circuit parameters while a...

Development platform standardizes Bluetooth[R] integration.(Software)
February 1, 2005... Open Interface North America, Inc. has released BHAPI, a Bluetooth[R] Development Platform (BDP). BHAPI creates a Bluetooth environment that is fully functional, minimally intrusive and more reliable than a traditional Bluetooth platform,...

Free 2005 NI measurement and automation catalog.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The National Instruments catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools. You will find everything you need from new product...

No programming required.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... National Instruments SignalExpress is interactive software for quickly acquiring, comparing, automating, and storing electronic measurements. Access your measurements quickly using built-in steps for signal acquisition, processing, time and...

Load, analyze and report billions of data points with NI DIAdem.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... National Instruments DIAdem is an interactive tool for mathematical and visual data analysis. Save valuable time by automating repetitive analysis and reporting tasks. NI DIAdem is capable of working with data files that contain over 100...

Reduce costs with FREE measurement and control designer CD.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Up to 64 percent of your test and measurement application costs are spent on configuration and development time. In addition to hundreds of development resources, this FREE CD helps you select the best software and hardware for your system...

Rapidly create test, measurement and control systems with LabVIEW.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... NI LabVIEW is the graphical development environment for creating flexible and scalable test, measurement, and control applications, rapidly and at minimal cost. With LabVIEW, engineers and scientists interface with real-world signals, analyze...

Distributed Mode Actuator enables smaller flat speaker design.(Sensors & Actuators)
February 1, 2005... NXT plc has introduced a second-generation Distributed Mode Actuator (DMA) that makes flat speakers in small portable appliances possible. The transducers, which are more than 20 percent smaller than the original first generation units, are up...

High output piezo audio transducer.(Sensors & Actuators)
February 1, 2005... The piezo crystal construction of the Model TRTP-4533PP from Transducers USA allows for a high drive voltage, resulting in a minimum sound pressure level of 102 dB at 30 cm with a resonant frequency of 2,500 Hz. The device is appropriate for...

PEM[R] self-clinching cable-tie mounts.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... PEM[R] TY-D[TM] self-clinching cable-tie mounts provide secure attachment for mounting wires to electronic enclosures. They "self-clinch" permanently in sheetmetal as thin as .040"/1.02mm or thick as .125"/3.18mm and eliminate the use of...

PEM[R] ReelFast[TM] SMT spacer/nut.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... These fasteners are mounted on to printed circuit boards during the automated reflow solder process in the same manner and at the same time as other surface mount components. They can be used to stack or space boards or (as nuts) to mount...

PEM[R] access hardware.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... PEM Brand access hardware is designed to help keep parts to a minimum and eliminate risks associated with loose hardware. These panel fastener assemblies are ideal to attach metal panels or other thin material components in applications where...

New super-high luminance white LED out-flashes others.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The CL-591S is a new super high-luminance white LED in Citizen's CITILIGHT[R] Series, intended to supplement available light for digital imaging. This self-contained SMD package houses 3 or 4 elements, with integral lens and reflector....

Compact surface-mount switch array gives finger-tip five-point control.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The LS25 LUMISWITCH[TM] could be the perfect function control for your next portable device. Whether navigating a menu or operating a remote, the LS25 makes one-finger control easy and intuitive. The compact size, surface mounting and...

Micro buzzers with built-in oscillator.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The MEB Series buzzers are a good match for both portable and fixed devices. Typical sound pressure level is a loud 87dB, while drawing just 25mA. At 12 X 7.5mm, the MEB-12C-5 can mount on today's tight circuit boards. The -20[degrees] to...

PASTELITE[R] LEDs go beyond primary with a rainbow of pastel colors.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The world's first pastel-color LEDs will really give your designs an exotic touch. Available in four surface-mount styles, with top-firing or side-firing design. The CL-191 is available in many pastel shades, allowing very personalized color...

Torchlight LEDs put light where it is needed.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... With more and more portable devices performing multiple functions, it's only natural to consider adding a built-iN flashlight to your design. It's easy with CL-630S/CL-550S Series LEDs from Citizen. Each surface mount component houses a bright...

Mini block-style proximity sensor.(Sensors & Actuators)
February 1, 2005... Balluff has introduced the RO1 mini block-style, low-profile inductive sensor that combines compact size with desirable sensing range. Its narrow profile configuration makes it appropriate for applications where conventional sensors can't fit....

Digital mark and color detection sensor.(Sensors & Actuators)
February 1, 2005... Aromat Corp. has introduced the LX-100, a SUNX brand digital mark and color detection sensor. With a high resolution A/D converter, automatic optimal LED selection function and a fast response time, this sensor offers a compact design at a...

Size 14 hybrid linear actuator features encoder feedback.(Sensors & Actuators)
February 1, 2005... Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. has announced that its size 14 hybrid linear actuator is now available with a specifically designed encoder for applications that require feedback. The compact optical incremental encoder design is available...

Motorized cylinders.(Electromechanical/Mechanical Devices)
February 1, 2005... Oriental Motor USA Corp. has introduced its EZ Limo Series of linear motion products that combine advanced step motor functionality and sophisticated motion control features into linear motor products. When a misstep is about to occur, the...

Locking Lever Switch prevents unintentional actuation.(Electromechanical/Mechanical Devices)
February 1, 2005... The 100 Series K Locking Lever Switch from E-Switch allows the toggle to be locked in any of three positions to prevent unintentional actuation. Optimized for rugged environments, the panel-mounted switch is intended for wide application in...

Miniature Switches.(Electromechanical/Mechanical Devices)
February 1, 2005... NKK Switches has announced its M Series of miniature PCB mounted rocker and paddle devices. This series of miniature rockers/paddles features a bias guard that prevents misalignment of contacts, inter-locking of the actuator block with rocker...

RF modems shoot for distance.(Special Report)
February 1, 2005... Often, the need arises to eliminate a wired RS-232 or RS-485 serial connection between equipment. Engineers who have little or no experience designing RF circuits can add a wireless connection by relying on vendors that offer RF modems. These...

Data conversion modulator for 3G cellular basestation transmitters.(Microwave & RF Components)
February 1, 2005... Linear Technology offers a direct conversion modulator that enables the design of next-generation 3G wireless basestation transmitters. The LT5528 is a direct I-Q modulator, targeted for high-performance wireless infrastructure applications...

RF Center Probe test socket.(Microwave & RF Components)
February 1, 2005... Aries Electronics offers a high frequency test socket for devices from 28 [mm.sup.2] to 55 [mm.sup.2] wide. The socket is suitable for manual testing of devices with pitches down to 0.50 mm in applications with speeds from 1 GHz to over 10 GHz...

"T" pad attenuator for RF, microwave.(Microwave & RF Components)
February 1, 2005... International Manufacturing Services has introduced its IMA303 SMT thick film pad attenuator suited to RF and microwave applications. The attenuator is operational to 4 GHz. It is available from 1 dB to 20 dB in 1 dB steps. Power handling on...

Wireless chipset transceivers.(Microwave & RF Components)
February 1, 2005... Integration Associates has unveiled its EZRadio FSK (frequency shift keying) wireless chipsets, the IA4420 and IA4421 transceivers. They are said to enable advanced bidirectional communication for high performance wireless applications in the...

Enclosures: keeping your enclosure cool.(Field Applications)
February 1, 2005... An important but often overlooked aspect of electronic and electrical equipment performance is how well the equipment dissipates heat. Such equipment has specific operating temperature ranges and when put inside of cabinets and enclosures,...

Ergonomic rack cases.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... OKW's 19" Rack Cases have a front bezel that incorporates comfort handles for easy handling. Typical applications for these METTEC cases include test and measurement devices, audio and video systems and networking equipment. These aluminum rack...

Elliptical Fin BGA Heat Sinks.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... Emulation Technology has introduced its Elliptical Fin BGA Chipset Heat Sinks. These heat sinks were created to ease the thermal challenges design engineers face when working with newer BGA and other SMT packaged chipsets incorporating...

Modular integrated connector enclosures.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... Cinch, Conectors, Inc. has announced its line of modular integrated connector enclosures, ModICE. The products are said to complement electronic control functions on commercial vehicles relating to applications in construction and industrial...

Cordsets and receptacles.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... Molex[R], Inc. has added two cordset and receptacle versions to its RJ-45 product family. The RJ-45 EtherNet/IP cordsets and receptacles offer users both PCB and IDT receptacle versions, as well as overmolded single and double ended bayonet...

Welded aluminum NEBS cabinets.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... Optima EPS, an Elma Company, has announced a range of 19" and 24" width equipment cabinets that use welded aluminum construction to provide lower-weight NEBS compliance for seismic regions. Heavy duty aluminum extrusions are combined with a...

Connector for USB On-the-Go devices.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... RIA Connect, Inc. has introduced its USB mini B connector that allows portable devices to communicate and share data without the need of a PC connection. It offers high-speed and ultra miniaturization, and it has been created for USB On-the-Go...

Sheet metal cases.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... Buckeye Enclosures is offering a complete line of sheet metal (SM Series) cases for rack mount applications. They are made of .062" aluminum with an alodine finish, and they are designed with a 19" wide front panel of .125" etched and anodized...

Electronic enclosure catalog.(Packaging & Interconnects)
February 1, 2005... POLYCASE has announced its Volume 60, 34-page catalog with a lineup of 14 product lines, with many sizes and services. Standard enclosures can be fully customized with value-added services. The company's CNC machining services can make any size...

MEG-array[R] high speed mezzanine connector.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... These high-density BGA connectors support device-to-board connections for optical transponders and transceivers, processor cards and memory cards, and board-stacking applications in routers, data storage systems, and medical diagnostic...

Pwr Blade[R] power distribution connector system.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Ideal for servers, storage devices, fault-tolerant computers, uninterruptible power systems, and redundant power distribution systems. The one-piece Pwr Blade connector mixes power and signal contacts. Pwr Blade connectors are available in...

PCI Express[TM] card edge connectors.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... These 1.0mm pitch card edge connectors enable the implementation of high-speed PCI Express serial architecture in desktop personal computers and servers. The standard connectors offer X1, X4, X8 or X16 serial links to scale to different...

Filter Inductors rated up to 250A for differential mode and boost PFC applications.(Passive & Discrete Components)
February 1, 2005... CWS Coil Winding Specialist has introduced the Filter Inductor Series E70340-xxx with what is said to be the highest current density in the smallest package. The inductance ranges from 1 [micro]H to 30 [micro]H, and the current rating is from...

PoE configurable transformer with multiple output variations, three power levels.(Passive & Discrete Components)
February 1, 2005... The Coiltronics[R] Power over Ethernet PD configurable transformer from Cooper Electronic Technologies features a design that allows for multiple output variations and three power levels: 4W, 7W and 13W. These transformers are IEEE...

Resistor-set 170 MHz silicon oscillator in ThinSOT[TM].(Passive & Discrete Components)
February 1, 2005... A silicon oscillator from Linear Technology is said to be the industry's fastest for FPGAs, CPLDs, microprocessors and DSPs. The LTC6905 resistor-set oscillator can generate clock signals from 17 MHz to 170 MHz using this SOT-23 device and one...

Polymer chip capacitors operate at 125[degrees]C.(Passive & Discrete Components)
February 1, 2005... Epcos has introduced a polymer chip capacitor series that can operate at ambient temperatures up to 125[degrees]C and derating (66 percent of rated voltage). The B4529W Series follows the trend toward increased modularization in on-board...

Interactive Web site.(Passive & Discrete Components)
February 1, 2005... Jaro Components, a producer of passive and thermal products and services, has announced the launch of its new Web site, www.jarocomponents.com. The company's Web site offers up-to-date industry news, real-time catalog spec sheets and drawings,...

Memory and buffer design ideas for today's digital products.(Semiconductor Highlight)
February 1, 2005... Memories are essential building blocks for many digital products. Standard SRAMs, DRAMs, and non-volatile memories (NVMs) are the most commonly used memory components. Specialized memories such as FIFOs are also used to provide certain...

Synchronous and no bus latency 72 Mbit SRAMs.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... Available in 42 different configurations, Cypress's 72-Mbit CY7C147X- and CY7C148X-Series SRAMs are said to deliver data five to seven times faster than competing high-speed DRAMs. They feature high data throughput and low latency for switches,...

TI adds 32-bit ARM processors.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... The TMS470 family of 32-bit general-purpose microprocessors from Texas Instruments is designed for developers interested in processors built on the ARM7 core. The ARM7 core includes the Thumb-extension core that accommodates 16-bit code. TI has...

SCRs with extended current range.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... Central Semiconductor Corp. has announced the release of a series of SCRs with an extended current range. The industry standard current for an SCR in a SOT-223 surface mount package is 0.8A. The company manufactures 2.0A (CS223-2M and CS223-2N)...

High-capacity, next-generation non-volatile memory.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) has introduced its 1 Mbit FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory). The FRAM also features high-speed read-and-write operations, low power consumption and high endurance. Fujitsu's two 1 Mbit FRAM...

FBGA-based 2GB DDR SDRAM for high speed memory devices.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... White Electronic Designs has released its 2 GB DDR SDRAM Registered ECC w/PLL, FBGA-based module. The device is a 2X128MX72 double data rate (DDR) SDRAM memory module based on 512 Mb DDR SDRAM components. The module consists of thirty-six 128...

FRAM available in DFN plastic packaging.(Integrated Circuits)
February 1, 2005... Ramtron International Corporation has announced the availability of select FRAM (ferroelectric random access memory) products in DFN (dual flat no-lead) plastic packaging. The existing FRAM products that are offered in this thin package with a...

32 channel 16-bit A/D and 4 channel 12-bit D/A PC/104-Plus module operates -40[degrees] to +85[degrees]C.(WinSystems' DesignSolutions)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The PCM-ADIO is an intelligent PC/104-based analog input, analog output, and digital I/O board designed to meet application requirements for high-accuracy and high channel count analog I/O. Based on 16-bit analog-to-digital and 12-bit...

8051 microcontrollers and derivatives: the 8051 marches on.(Embedded Systems)
February 1, 2005... Its birth in 1977 and its continuing popularity put the 8051 microcontroller on the short list of long-lived CPU architectures. If you have not looked at microcontrollers (MCUs) in a while, it may come as a surprise that semiconductor vendors...

Switchless VXS backplane for early development.(Boards & Modules)
February 1, 2005... Bustronic Corp. has announced the development of a VXS Switched Serial Backplane. Compliant to the new VITA 41.0 specification, the five-slot VXS backplane does not require a switch card to run the fabric. The device allows the direct...

Differential data acquisition card.(Boards & Modules)
February 1, 2005... Interactive Circuits & Systems Ltd. (ICS) has introduced the ICS-645C. A development of the ICS-645 ADC Board, the ICS-645C is a differential input, high speed PCI Bus data acquisition card designed for high frequency sonar and high speed test...

Wireless Ethernet module.(Boards & Modules)
February 1, 2005... WinSystems has introduced its PPM-Wireless, a PC/104-Plus Ethernet module, enabling both 802.11b and rapid 802.11g wireless networking capabilities. The technology is said to provide a high speed, industrial data network based upon MiniPCI...

Pentium EBX computer synchronizes data acquisition with GPS.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The new SBC2596 from Micro/sys, with a flexible Pentium core, provides a feature-rich controller in the popular 8" X 5.75" EBX standard. Up to 32 channels of 16-bit A/D and four channels of 14-bit D/A provide a highly accurate...

Compact 486/586 computer with super VGA and Ethernet operates at extended temperatures.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The new SBC1495ET from Micro/sys, based on a high-performance 486/586 core, provides a powerful controller in a PC/104 (3.55" X 3.775") footprint that will operate from -40[degrees]C to +85[degrees]C. In addition to PC-compatible features such...

Headless Pentium PC/104 packs CompactFlash, USB, and 10/100 Ethernet.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The new SBC1586 from Micro/sys, based on the fast Low-Power Embedded Pentium Processor, packs plenty of memory and lots of storage into a compact PC/104 (3.55" X 3.775") footprint. It has all expected PC features plus a CompactFlash connector,...

486/586 computer packs powerful data acquisition, GPS, and wireless communication.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The new SBC4495 from Micro/sys packs a fast 486DX processor in a 4.5" X 6.5" EPIC-standard footprint. Eight channels of 14-bit A/D and 14-bit D/A provide a highly accurate data acquisition system. Onboard GPS provides synchronized data...

Fast network PC/104 computer with low-power ARM processor.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Based on a high-performance ARM core, the SBC1625 from Micro/sys provides a powerful controller in a PC/104 (3.55" X 3.775") footprint that will operate from -40[degrees]C to +85[degrees]C. The CPU has dual network processing engines to drive...

SMPS: switched mode power supplies.(Product Technology REVIEW)
February 1, 2005... Switched mode power supplies were first used during the time when valve or tube car radios needed the large HT supply to be generated from an automobile power system of nominally 12V DC. While more reliable, efficient and durable than those of...