ECN-Electronic Component News articles from July 2008

ECN-Electronic Component News archives from July 2008

Moving forward: in an environment of change, disruption favors the prepared.(Editor's view)
July 1, 2008... Change is a keyword in our industry. Technology has progressed so far so fast it is amazing to see how far we have come in such a relatively short time. We are swept downstream in the relentless river of development, buffeted by currents from...

SoC integrates navigation sensing, optical signal processing and system control.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... Cypress Semiconductor's OvationONS II Laser Navigation System-on-Chip integrates a laser navigation sensor and programmable Flash based microcontroller on one die. It features the surface tracking performance and low-power consumption of the...

Cooling device marries fan to "open fin" heat sink.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... Jaro Thermal's new 52 mm x 52 mm x 12 mm Neon fan/heat sink combination is presented as offering both high performing and low profile. The Neon Series synergistically marries fan and 'open fin' heat sink, and it dissipates 0.275 W/[degree]C....

Prototyping platform gives users hands-on experience.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... Based on Lab VIEW graphical system design software, the Elvis II design and prototyping platform allows educators worldwide to provide hands-on, project-based learning with USB plug-and-play instruments and complete integration with Multisim...

Thin, 2.5-inch MLC-based SSD with SATA II presented as 2.4x faster than an HDD.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... Samsung Electronics has developed what it bills as the world's fastest, 2.5-inch, 256 Gigabyte (GB) multi-level cell (MLC) based solid state drive (SSD) using a SATA II interface. The 256 GB SSD is also said to be the thinnest drive with the...

Ultra-slim RGB micro led device delivers high brightness.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... The RGB MicroSIDE LED from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors features an ultra-slim design, and it delivers high brightness for in-coupling into light guides for backlighting in space-sensitive applications. With three individual color chips, the...

DC/DC converters modules contain a digital control platform.(Leading Off)
July 1, 2008... With 96 percent efficiency, BMR453 DC/DC converter modules from Ericsson Power Modules offer up to 400W output power or up to 33A with [+ or -]2 percent accuracy. Their input voltage range is 36V to 75V, and their output voltage is variable...

LCDs & drivers: this section presents, side-by-side, recently introduced LCDs and related new products available for a variety of viewing applications.(PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW)
July 1, 2008... Toshiba America Electronic Components' TC358722XBG Mobile Digital Display Interface (MDDI) LCD controller offers display resolutions in portable consumer electronics devices of up to VGA (640 x 480 pixels) and WVGA (800 X 480 pixels) and...

Two routes lead to software defined radio.(Software Defined Radio)
July 1, 2008... A bit of C code that runs on a microprocessor does not create a software-defined radio (SDR). Most SDRs use a traditional signal-sampling technique, followed by much software massaging of data. But semiconductor companies can now put more of...

Using a current monitor to create an elegant precision rectifier design: classic precision rectifier designs suffer from factors such as a high component count, resistor synchronization issues, and a double-ended power requirement. Here is one way to address those concerns.(Rectifier ICs)
July 1, 2008... Traditionally, precision full wave rectifiers (1) used in a range of instrumentation applications have employed between seven and nine discrete circuit components. These are typically two op-amps, two diodes and three to five resistors. This...

Defining distributor design.(Distribution)
July 1, 2008... The electronics distributor plays an important role in the electronic components industry, selling engineers the components and subsystems they need to use in their designs. A growing number of distributors also provide value-added serves such...

Design tips cut FPGA power use: tips and tools from FPGA vendors help engineers reduce power in complex designs.(FPGAs)
July 1, 2008... Overall, the latest generations of FPGAs provide the performance engineers need for new designs. FPGA vendors complement performance with power-saving techniques. In many cases, FPGA design tools consistently aim to implement low-power...

Circuit protection devices offer designers more options: applying the right circuit protection technology can help designers prevent device damage, avoid RMAs, and conserve valuable board space.(Technology Solutions)
July 1, 2008... These days, designing a solution that prevents DC power port "abuse" can be challenging--especially in portable applications. Although it is convenient that our mobile devices can be charged in the home, office, or car, these devices may be...

Good designs must fulfill the requirements' spirit and intent.(Street Talk)
July 1, 2008... Good design starts with understanding the requirements of the target customer and distilling them into a solution that fulfills both the spirit and intent of those requirements. The problems encountered by customers today call for sophisticated...

Distributed architecture solves intrusion on the software layer.(Technology Solutions)
July 1, 2008... With advances in DSL technologies and with the deployments of FTTB and FTTH, there is a sudden explosion in the amount of raw bandwidth that can now reach every home. Using VDSL2 technology, residences can get over 100 Mbps. data rate. With...

Tips for a more robust power supply design: avoiding EOS.(Technology Solutions)
July 1, 2008... Failures of semiconductor ICs are typically due to overvoltage or overcurrent for a given junction temperature. This overvoltage can be caused by an external factor or an uncontrolled switching inductance. The overcurrent failure can be caused...

Designing interconnects for mobile phones.(Street Talk)
July 1, 2008... Interconnections for mobile phones typically include a differing array of connectors to facilitate various component connections, including the head-phone, battery charging and antenna functions, to name a few. These applications can often...

1U rackmount computer offers I/O expansion.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Providing serial, digital, and analog I/O expansions in the front and rear on a 1.75" chassis, Sealevel System's Relio R4000 rackmount computer features dual 10/100BaseT Ethernet, two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports, keyboard and...

ATR chassis for MicroTCA provides shock protection.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Elma Electronic announced its ruggedized ATR chassis for MicroTCA, an ARINC 404A full-size ATR long enclosure often used in commercial and military aviation. The rugged enclosure features modified front panels that can be secured to the...

Brochure outlines I/O modules.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Including a removable four-panel reference poster that outlines bus couplers, PLCs and more than 300 digital input/output, analog input/output and specialty modules, a WAGO brochure offers background on the company and 750/753 Series features....

ESMexpress module performs in rugged embedded applications.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... MEN Micro offers the ESMexpress-based XM50 that is presented as providing COMs-style cost and time savings for rugged, mobile and mission-critical embedded systems. With the PowerQUICC III MPC8548 processor operating at up to 1.5 GHz plus...

Carrier cards expand use of PMC modules.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Acting as an adapter to route PCI bus signals to and from the PMC module, AcPC4610 Carrier Cards from Acromag expand the use of PMC mezzanine modules in 3U CompactPCI computer systems. A PLX Technology PCI6540 bridge device provides a...

Lamp-mounted wireless module creates municipal networks.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Taking advantage of existing streetlight infrastructure, the BrownBetty family of lamp-mounted RF modules from Sunrise Technologies creates a mesh network for communications between ground-based devices and the Internet. The ZigBee-enabled...

Configurable enclosures meet a variety of thermal challenges.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions announced its line of 700 Series Air Transport Rack (ATR) rugged enclosures that are engi-neered for flexibility, durability and cooling in a range of harsh-environment applications. These ATRs protect a...

Analog input board eliminates ground loops.(BOARDS, MODULES & EMBEDDED SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2008... Microstar Laboratories added the MSXB to its family of isolated analog and digital signal-conditioning expansion boards. The part includes 16 differential analog inputs, with isolation from PC ground. Analog-to-digital conversion to 16-bit...

Fan controller accepts [I.sub.2]C commands.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
July 1, 2008... Able to drive 4-wire DC fans and blowers, Control Resources' SmartFan Cirrus-6 fan speed controller accepts commands from a custom or an [I.sub.2]C interface. The controller handles tach pulses from 6, 12, 24 or 48V DC fans with open-collector...

SPDT realy handles high currents.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
July 1, 2008... Using-stronger contacts and internal improvements on the armature, Hasco's HAT 900 Series relays are rated for 30A in AC, 40A in DC. Presented as highest rated relay in this pin configuration for AC, relays are available with ratings such as...

Motor serves pump applications.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
July 1, 2008... Nanomotion announced its DuraMotor Series which is said to provide durability and reliability for applications such as ambient, vacuum and ultra high vacuum (UHV) operation, move and settle profiles with high duty cycle and high speed motion...

Emergency stop switches ensure safety at work.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
July 1, 2008... Providing error-free installation in field or panelmount applications, the Safety at Work (SAW) Emergency Stop Switches from Pepperl+Fuchs are powered by the AS-Interface network and are available in high intensity, wide angle...

Servo motor requires 4.5A.(ELECTROMECHANICAL/MECHANICAL DEVICES)
July 1, 2008... The QCI-A34-L servo motor from QuickSilver Controls Requires 4.5A. Using a single cable for both motor and encoder signals, the servo motor can be driven from a small SilverDust D2 controller. It features 185 oz.-in. (1.3 Nm) continuous torque,...

Rectifier controller optimizes flyback converters.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
July 1, 2008... Enabling designers to replace lossy Schottky diodes with MOSFETs, the ZXGD3101 ZPDD dedicated rectifier controller can reduce size, weight and heat generation in synchronous flyback converters ranging from 50W to 150W. Incorporating a...

Data converters feature high SNR ratios.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
July 1, 2008... Presented as having the highest signal-to-noise (SNR) of any similar device, TI's ADS556 family of 16-bit, single-channel MSPS ADCs provide an SNR as high as 80 MSPS (depending on model). The devices offer from 84.0 dB to 84.3 dB FS while...

Resolver converter features wide temperature range.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
July 1, 2008... Data Device announced the release of a -55[degrees]C to + 125[degrees]C temperature grade RD-19240 resolver converter. The RD-19240FS-100 is highly repeatable to 1 lsb in 14-bit mode and contains programmable features such as resolution,...

AC MCU family offers EMC/EMI performance.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
July 1, 2008... To address EMC and EMI, Freescale Semiconductor introduced a scalable MCU family for large appliance and industrial applications. The Flexis AC family features 8-bit devices (MC9S08AC128/96/60/48/32) and 32-bit VI ColdFire MCUs (MCF51AC256/128)...

Schottky diode touts high efficiency, ultra small package.(INTEGRATED CIRCUITS)
July 1, 2008... Central Semiconductor released its CMASH-4 Schottky diode in the SOD-923 package. This FEMTOmini device is a 40V, 200mA Schottky diode with a forward voltage drop of 0.38V maximum at 1.0 mA and a switching speed of 5 ns maximum. According to...

Credit-card sized cameras feature progressive scan CCD scanners.(OPTOELECTRONICS& DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... Providing in-line or vertical connection orientation at a size of 51 mm x 89 mm, Prosilica's GB-Series cameras feature progressive scan Sony CCD sensors for high image quality and excellent sensitivity. The cameras have advanced features such...

SMT LEDs deliver up to 1,900 mcd for LCD backlights.(OPTOELECTRONICS& DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... Available in versions providing a light output of up to 1,900 mcd, a family of SMT LEDs from JKL Components is intended for use in BLUs (backlight units) for liquid crystal displays. Providing a 120[degrees] viewing angle, the side-mounted...

Optical process reproduces complex surfaces.(OPTOELECTRONICS& DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... Providing a means for engineers to create high-performance optics at volume quantities, a replication process from OPCO transfers the profile of a precision optical surface from a master, creating an exact duplicate on a variety of substrates....

Tricolor LEDs perform in displays and signs.(OPTOELECTRONICS& DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... Designed to meet indoor and outdoor LED screen requirements for better screen resolution (> 12 mm pixel size), Avago's ASMTYTBO LEDs have six leads to enable individual color control of each chip. Features of the PLCC-6-packaged...

TFT LCD module features built-in programmability.(OPTOELECTRONICS& DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... EarthLCD added the miniature ezLCD 3.5-inch module to its family of programmable color TFT LCD modules. The ezLCD-103-EDK's built-in intelligence speeds development time for product designs that require small form-factor displays with a...

Near-IR light rings feature ambient light sensor.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... OPTEK developed a series of light rings using LEDs with 850 nm to 880 nm wavelengths that provide a compact means to illuminate a given area with near-infrared light. Designated the OPA80 Series and OPA83 Series, the near-infrared wavelength...

Three colors added to visible LED selection.(OPTOELECTRONICS & DISPLAYS)
July 1, 2008... Lumex added pink, purple and turquoise to its range of visible LED offerings. Available in InspirationLEDs, these colors are appropriate for adding impact, excitement and product differentiation to all types of electronics equipment ranging...

Solder-Cup interconnects terminate discrete wires.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Mill-Max offers a method to terminate discrete wires into a pluggable interconnect with its Solder-Cup Headers and mating Socket Connectors. They provide a pluggable path between wired applications. Manufactured using precision-machined brass...

PC/104 Connectors suit embedded PC applications.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Available with features such as a press-fit tail option to enable solder-free attachment, a PC/104 compatible range of bus connectors from Harwin for embedded PC applications comes in stack-through and non stack-through versions. Configurations...

Coaxial connectors address intermodulation distortion in 50[ohm] applications.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Designed to terminate the LMR Series of cable using standard LMR trimming and crimp tooling, Pasternack's Type N connector Series is suitable for field installations and can be used in wireless, WiFi and GSM base station applications. The...

"Instant cure" adhesive.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Providing general resistance to the effects of extreme humidity, the cyanoacrylate adhesive MB 297 from Master Bond can supplement bonds as high as 2800 psi in shear, and it is supplied as a viscous liquid with a viscosity (at 20[degrees]C) of...

Interconnects feature contacts to reduce broadside coupling and crosstalk.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Samtec offers an Edge Rate contact for applications where signal integrity and durability are critical. It offers impedance matching, reduced broadside coupling and crosstalk, and high cycle life. Board level systems include the 0.8 mm...

Male and female 0.050" headers provide high signal density.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Engineered for high signal density in space-constrained applications, these male and female board-to-board connectors from Sullins Connector Solutions, are created in 0.50", and are offered in single-row and dual-row configurations, as well as...

Keyfob style enclosures offer versatility.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Designed for remote control devices, the 'POCKET 11' keyfob style enclosures from TEKO offer versatility. The cases consist of three molded parts, the top part, base part and battery compartment lid. They use a fast and secure clip-together...

Connector performs in frequencies through 18 GHz.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Designed to deliver signal integrity in all RF applications the V-Bite RF from Bomar Interconnect Products is a sealed female type N connector. The connector is suited for outdoor antennas and portable test equipment. Because it features a...

Terminal blocks minimize space and maximize connections.(PACKAGING & INTERCONNECTS)
July 1, 2008... Providing space-saving connections for up to 10A the SPTA, an angled terminal block from Phoenix Contact, has push-in spring technology allowing solid and flexible wires with ferrules to be connected without using tools. The terminal blocks...

Analog multiplexers and switches suited for precision instrumentation.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
July 1, 2008... Intended for use in precision instrumentation, Vishay, Intertechnology's DG Series of analog multiplexers and switches have leakage currents ranging from 0.25 nA to 5 nA. Provided in a leadless 1.80 mm X 2.60 mm miniQFN package as well as TSSOP...

SMT oscillator presented as smallest of its type.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
July 1, 2008... Measuring 0.380" x 0.380" X 0.220", Crystek Corporation's CVCO38CC-3660-3700 voltage-controlled oscillator is presented as the smallest device of its type. Operating from 3,660 MHz to 3,700 MHz at a tuning voltage range from 0.300V to 4.7000V...

Metal alloy resistors feature flameproof construction.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
July 1, 2008... IRC's OAR-TP Series open-air sense resistors are suitable for use in high-reliability servers, lithium ion battery packs and open-frame power supplies. The resistors are constructed with a flameproof heavy metal alloy, welded nodes, and copper...

Crystal oscillators offer timing support.(PASSIVE & DISCRETE COMPONENTS)
July 1, 2008... Generating timing support for advanced wireless and microwave systems and portable electronics, Bliley Technologies' C-Series crystal oscillators (XOs) feature RoHS compliant, hermetically sealed, ceramic SMD packaging and a tri-state...

Power module delivers up to 504W.(POWER SOURCES)
July 1, 2008... Featuring active current-share, remote on/off control and inverter-operation-good (IOG) functions, Lambda's PFE500F AC/DC power module delivers up to 504W. Available in versions providing 12, 24 or 48V, the active PFC module accepts 85V to 265V...

UPC software controls all areas of AC power source tests.(POWER SOURCES)
July 1, 2008... Pacific Power Source announced Version 1.3 of its UPC Studio software. This tool gains desirable control of UPC-equipped AC power sources, and this version incorporates a new Test Manager feature. Test Manager helps the user create and run test...

Power adaptor features interchangeable international plugs.(POWER SOURCES)
July 1, 2008... The FRM 024 family of plug-in power adaptors from Ventronix comes in wall mount, desktop and interchangeable versions with slide-on interchangeable plug heads for operation in multiple countries. Available in versions rated from 12W to 24W, the...

Benchtop supplies deliver fixed current or voltage.(POWER SOURCES)
July 1, 2008... With features such as a 0.001% line/load regulation, a remote sensing input, and an efficiency of better than 70 percent, the S Series of benchtop switchmode power supplies from Protek can be operated in either constant-current or...

Sixteenth bricks provide regulated outputs at efficiencies exceeding 90 percent.(POWER SOURCES)
July 1, 2008... Power-One, Inc. introduced sixteenth-brick DC/DC converters that provide outputs from 1.2V to 5V DC, rated up to 25A, with efficiencies exceeding 90 percent and a regulation of [+ or -]3 percent. SSQE48T-Series converters provide up to 16.23...

DC/DC converter provides 60W in industrial and mobile environments.(Power Sources)
July 1, 2008... Absopulse Electronics introduced its DCL 60 Series 60W DC/DC converter for operation in industrial, mobile and heavy-duty environments. It provides standard output voltages of 12V, 24V, 48V or 125V DC (3.3V to 125V range), and it can be powered...

Modules drive power transistors in DC/DC converters.(Power Sources)
July 1, 2008... Using a DC to DC converter with 2.4W output power, Schurter's PSDM Series of drive modules also use a low-side gate driver in driving power transistors (IGBT/MOSFET). The devices' drive signal is transferred by a pulse transformer or...

Linear position controls offer increased speed, resolution.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2008... Visi-Trak Worldwide announced the availability of its high-speed, high-resolution linear p and velocity sensor system (#A40-HR 20P) and position controls for harsh industrial environments. The highspeed sensor provides linear position and...

Explosion and blast pressure sensors offer low noise and high output.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2008... Series 137A Quartz, free-field ICB blast pressure pencil probes from PCB Piezotronics are designed for a broad range of explosion, blast, and shockwave testing. Applications include measuring blast pressure in free-field or closed bunker arenas...

Pressure sensors yield high accuracy.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2008... Infineon Technologies introduced the KP124 and KP125 barometric pressure sensors for industrial applications. The SMD devices permit convenient package design and manufacturability. Their accuracy is [+ or -]-1.2 kPa ([+ or -]-1.5 percent F.S.)...

Silicon MEMS angular rate gyro sensors offer stable performance.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2008... Silicon Sensing Systems announced its CRG20 and CRS09 miniature angular rate sensors. The CRG20 is suited for applications such as remote-control model helicopters, telematics, navigation aids and robotics. Full digital closed-loop control...

Multi-functional handheld calibrator features a large display.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
July 1, 2008... The Model CA150 handheld calibrator from Omega Engineering is easy to operate and accurate for source and measurement to within 0.02 percent. The vertical body and large screen display provide easy handling for individual calibration needs. The...

LabVIEW module supports ARM MCUs.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
July 1, 2008... The NI LabVIEW embedded module for ARM microcontrollers (MCU) supports the ARM 7, ARM 9 and Cortex-M3 MCU families. The module can create embedded applications and deploy them with drivers that enable graphical programming of all components of...

Signal generators target production environments.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
July 1, 2008... Designed for production environments, Agilent Technologies' N5161A and N5162A MXG ATE analog and vector RF signal generators support digital modulation types up to 6 GHz, provide up to +23 dBm output power, extend the distortion performance,...

Environmental design.(Brainstorm)
July 1, 2008... With crude oil nearing $150 per barrel, everyone agrees that alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles are vitally important. But with fledgling technology, there are always development hurdles. The issue, addressed in various "small...

Programming 32-bit Microcontrollers in C: Exploring the PIC32.
July 1, 2008... by Lucio Di Jasio. Newnes Press, Burlington, MA. 2008. 527 pages. Includes CD-ROM. $60. ISBN: 978-0-7506-8709-6 (www.newnespress.com). This book arrived at an opportune time: I had just wrapped up some experiments with the Microchip PIC32...

Low-Cost Web Servers.(Books & Kits)
July 1, 2008... by the staff of Geist Technology. Geist Technology, Austin, TX. 2008. 202 pages. Free. ISBN: 9-781599-161730. (www.geisttek.com). If you think a Web server might solve a remote monitoring or control problem, get a copy of this book. You...

Student invents alternative to silicon chip.(Research)
July 1, 2008... A recent doctorate recipient from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has invented a device that could potentially replace one of the most common pieces of technology in the world--the silicon transistor--for high-power and high-temperature...

Chip uses novel sleep mode to set low-power record.(Research)
July 1, 2008... We don't need to belabor how important it is to save energy. From the costs involved in production and distribution to the limited energy budget provided by storage devices, the ability to use less power benefits both fixed and portable device...

In a "flash", team bridges the gap between computer and communication signals.(Research)
July 1, 2008... A team of physicists from UC San Diego (UCSD) believes they have bridged the gap between computers and communications. Communications devices use light to send signals, but these signals run into a speed bump because the signaling language must...