EDN Asia articles from April 2006

EDN Asia archives from April 2006

EDA industry needs a reality check.(ednasia comment)
April 1, 2006... Four years ago, the EDA industry appeared to be on top of the world; now, it appears to be taking desperate measures to show a recovery. In 2001, when every other industry was struggling under the weight of the worst recession in modern times,...

Multi-tech solution for high quality wireless.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Agilent Technologies' Wireless QoS Manager (WQM) will support diverse technologies that will be phased in over the next six months, starting with GSM, UMTS and CDMA. This support will enable telecommunications providers to characterize service...

IPTV video quality measurement package.(video transmitted over Internet Protocol)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The Spectra2 | VQM (video quality measurement) monitoring solution for diagnosis and analysis of streaming video transmitted over Internet Protocol (IP) helps users identify the causes of poor digital image quality, such as packet loss, delay...

DC/DC converter maximizes battery life in portable devices.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... National Semiconductor's 2MHz, PWM, 600mA step-down dc/dc converter comes in a very small package. Suited for handheld devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, portable instruments, W-LAN, digital still cameras and portable hard disk...

On-chip capacitive digital isolators.(product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... This family of high-performance digital isolators from Texas Instruments features on-chip capacitors to enable faster data transmission with higher signal integrity. These capacitive isolators provide six orders of magnitude with higher...

Low voltage analog switches for portable and wireless audio applications.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... ON Semiconductor has introduced three low resistance analog switches for portable and wireless audio applications. Offered in lead-free (Pb-free) Thin QFN/Thin DFN packages that utilize between 1.2 and 4.7[mm.sup.2] of board space, these...

Precision voltage ref in 2 x 2mm DFN package.(Linear Technology's product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Linear Technology's LT6660 is a precision series voltage reference that comes in a 3-lead 2 x 2mm DFN package. This compact device combines 0.2% initial accuracy and 20ppm drift with micro-power operation and requires less than half the space...

Virtual instrumentation improves power monitoring.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... National Instruments has collaborated with Texas Instruments and Spectrum Digital in the development of the TI C55X Power Optimization DSP Starter Kit (DSK), a DSP design tool that offers designers incorporated test and measurement...

Advanced controller board for multimedia applications.(product information of standard graphics/video interfaces)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The PRISMA II controller board from Apollo Display Technologies is the next generation development of the company's standard PRISMA RGB/Video Converter Board. Optimized for multimedia applications, it enables TFT LCDs to be connected to...

Advanced 90nm ARM9 microcontroller.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Royal Philips Electronics' 90nm ARM9-based microcontroller is a 32-bit MCU that provides high performance with low power dissipation. Said to be the only ARM9 microcontroller to provide a vector floating-point co-processor and integrated USB...

Intersil intros family of VR11 PWM controllers.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Intersil Corporation's family of VR11 PWM (pulse width modulation) controllers provide the control and switching functions for VR11 CPU core multiphase buck dc/dc converters on desktop, workstation, server, and industrial PC motherboards. The...

Tiny driver sends quality video images from cellphones to larger displays.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Fairchild Semiconductor's latest video filter/driver drives video images from cellphones to televisions, computer monitors or other larger display products. Its 5th order 8MHz standard definition (SD) filter results in better image quality and...

High-speed integrated MOSFET + drivers provide operation up to 1MHz.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Vishay Intertechnology recently released two high-speed converter solutions that integrate the control MOSFET, synchronous MOSFET, and driver circuit in a low-profile, high-performance PowerPAK MLF 10 x 10 package. The products simplify the...

Dual, SP3T analog switches with negative signal handling.(analog switches product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Maxim's MAX4908/MAX4909, dual SP3T (single-pole triple-throw) analog switches handle negative signals with a single positive power supply, thereby reducing external component count and improving audio signal quality. They feature integrated...

Reset IC with on-chip core power-on control function.(pulse)
April 1, 2006... Renesas' RNA50C27AUS incorporates a core power-on control function for dual-power-supply microcomputers using a 3.3V I/O power supply voltage and 1.8V core power supply voltage. With this IC, a reset of a microcomputer requiring two power...

EDA-tool pairing tackles ESL "model gap".(GLOBAL DESIGNER)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... As an enabling technology for the wider implementation of system-level design, Tenison and Spiratech have created a closely integrated pairing of their respective VTOC and Cohesive EDA products. Tenison's software converts models of circuit...

ADCs use less than 100mW at 40MHz and 14 bits.(product information)
April 1, 2006... "The lowest power delta-sigma ADCs available anywhere" is the claim of fabless-semiconductor vendor Xignal Technologies. It based its product concept on an architecture it calls continuous-time delta-sigma. With it, designs can achieve...

Thinking different: with the Mac Mini, Apple squeezes substantial computing horsepower into a diminutive form factor.(product information)
April 1, 2006... The carefully thought-out design of the Mac Mini enables Apple to squeeze a solid performing, quiet and cost-effective computer into a 6.5 x 6.5 x 2in., less-than-31b form factor. Read about some of its elements here, then visit...

Serial streams shrink embedded-system designs: mobile- and small-form- factor-product designers turn to fabric technology and off-the-shelf computer modules to beat the competition.(Cover story)
April 1, 2006... A new wave of extremely compact embedded computing platforms is finding its way into industrial, medical, consumer, and other space-critical applications. Despite their compact size, these small, off-the-shelf computing elements offer designers...

Design challenges steer automotive electronics: the automotive industry uses sophisticated mechanical design tools but could benefit from electronic system design automation.(design feature)
April 1, 2006... Sit in any new car, and it doesn't take long to notice that a lot more electronic components exist in vehicles today than did five years ago. But the GPS, satellite radio, DVD/video screen, automatic climate control, and gas-mileage-monitoring...

Choosing high-speed amplifiers for noise-sensitive applications: voltage feedback, current feedback, bipolar, CMOS--all have advantages and drawbacks. Here's a road map for picking the best type for your application.(design feature)
April 1, 2006... High-speed amplifiers have broken the gigahertz barrier, making them an attractive choice in many applications. Fundamental differences exist in the types of amplifiers on the market. The two most critical characteristics involve process...

"16-bit will drive MCUs".(Interview)
April 1, 2006... Mitchel Obolsky is Vice President of the Advanced Micro-controller Architecture Division (AMAD) at Microchip Technology, a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors. Obolsky looks after the entire business operations of...

Common software for multiple test solutions: exploring the advantages of a common test environment.(special report)
April 1, 2006... A number of different Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) is usually deployed across the product life cycle of printed circuit boards (PCBs), from early prototype, to volume production, to maintenance. The test equipment is usually grouped in three...

CMOS inverters convert RF to digital signal.(design ideas)
April 1, 2006... Applications ranging from frequency counting and synthesis to sensor signal conditioning require conversion of RF signals to digital-logic levels. In such situations, designers typically use a high-speed voltage comparator to perform the...

Instrumentation amplifier extends DSO.(design ideas)
April 1, 2006... To determine the specifications of a solar-generating plant, I needed to accurately measure the load current a product consumed. The product switched several internal devices on and off during an interval of several seconds. An ammeter showed...

Virtual instrument determines magnetic core's B-H-loop characteristics.(design ideas)
April 1, 2006... To design an inductive component that contains a magnetic-core material, an engineer must accurately measure the material's characteristics. A magnetic core's dynamic hysteresis loop, or "B-H curve," contains valuable information about core...

SWIFT converter for digital TV and point-of-load systems.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
April 1, 2006... Texas Instruments' high efficiency, 500kHz, step-down dc/dc IC with integrated FET delivers 3A of continuous output current and supports input voltages of 5.5 to 36V. The small, simple-to-design switcher speeds time to market for point-of-load...

Hybrid SOA/MZI delivers stable performance.(semiconductor optical amplifier)(Mach-Zehnder interferometer)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... CIP's dual-channel version of its all-optical 2R (reamplification and reshaping) regenerator for 40Gbit/sec optical networking applications is fabricated from a hybrid integrated combination of a planar silica Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI)...

Low noise monolithic dual JFETs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
April 1, 2006... The LSK389 series of 1nV N-Channel Monolithic Dual JFETs is designed to provide users with a better performing, less time consuming, and cheaper solution for obtaining tighter IDSS matching. It also offers better thermal tracking. Packaged in...

Sub $3 ARM7 Flash microcontroller.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
April 1, 2006... Atmel's family of ARM7-based Flash microcontrollers, priced at less than $3, target 8-bit applications. The AT91SAM7S32 and AT91SAM7S64 are the first members of a series of small pincount SAM7S-series with Flash densities of respectively 32 and...

PoE controller for low-voltage auxiliary power sources.(National Semiconductor product introduction)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... A single-chip solution specifically designed for PoE devices that operate from alternative power sources or the PoE-enabled network has been launched by National Semiconductor. Said to be the industry's first single-chip, IEEE 802.3af-compliant...

Motion-SPM products reduce board size.(inverter motors product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Fairchild Semicon-ductor's two Motion-SPM devices for under 200W inverter motors are specifically tailored to reduce board space by 20% and simplify designs while enhancing system performance and reliability in refrigerator applications. Each...

Controller precisely monitors dc/dc converters.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
April 1, 2006... Linear's LTC2970 is a dual 12C power supply monitor and margining controller that enables power supply designers to have digital control of an analog power supply. It works with most power supplies and has an on-chip reference and 14-bit...

2-port hi-speed USB host controller for embedded use.(product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The R8A66597 two-port USB host controller from Renesas Technology is a low-power device designed for embedded use, such as DVD recorders or audio equipment implementing USB interfaces. It supports all data transfer speeds defined in the USB 2.0...

General purpose rectifier in flat lead SOD-123F package.(product introduction)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Central Semiconductor Corp. has released its latest series of 1.0Amp general-purpose rectifiers in the flat lead SOD-123F surface mount package. With a peak repetitive reverse voltages of 200V (CMMR1-02), 400V (CMMR1-04), 600V (CMMR1-06) and...

Digital audio amplifiers for digital/flat panel TVs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
April 1, 2006... JAM Technologies' 7- and 20W digital-input amplifiers fit seamlessly into a TV manufacturer's range of products, from flat panel to digital CRT TVs. True fidelity simple chip designs result in ease of integration and reduced BOM costs. True...

Analog switches/multiplexers for wide voltage range.(product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Vishay Intertechnology's trio of precision low-voltage monolithic CMOS analog switching ICs combine a voltage range, low leakage, and tight on-resistance matching for precision signal switching and routing. The 8-channel analog multiplexer...

ADSL2/2+ 4 port Ethernet router for home/SOHO market.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
April 1, 2006... The Aztech DSL308ER ADSL 4 Port Ethernet Router Modem uses Conexant Argon IV Chipset solution that fully complies with ANSI T1.413 Issue 2, ITU-T G.992.1 (G.dmt) and G.992.2 (G.lite) ADSL standard. It provides higher data transmission rates...

Pulse connector for networking infrastructure.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
April 1, 2006... Pulse's line of unfiltered connector modules for networking and telecom infrastructure equipment such as switches and routers, is also used for networked terminal devices such as printers, televisions, security cameras, DSL modems, VoIP phones...

ICS-8145 delivers rugged data acquisition capability.(integrated circuits product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Radstone's ICS-8145 data acquisition card combines rear I/O with onboard signal conditioning circuitry in a rugged, single slot package. Designed for harsh environments, confined space high frequency sonars, wet end of towed arrays, torpedoes,...

Low-cost temperature and humidity devices.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
April 1, 2006... Measurement Computing Corporation has added two battery powered temperature dataloggers to its datalogger line. Offered in two models: the USB-501 is for remote temperature logging, and USB-502 for remote temperature and relative humidity...

Rohde & Schwarz adds to smart instruments family.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
April 1, 2006... Rohde & Schwarz has added two economical and compact audio analyzers to its Smart Instruments family. The R&S UP 300 covers a frequency range from 20Hz to 80kHz. its analog inputs and outputs are dual-channel. The R&S UP 350 additionally...

Enhanced processor generator toolkit.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
April 1, 2006... Mirabilis Design's Processor Generator Toolkit for the VisualSim Architect enables users to generate detailed cycle-accurate simulation models of microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPs and application-specific processors in less than one clay...

High resolution color cameras.(product information)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... PPT Vision's two intelligent color camera models are designed for in-line industrial vision applications. The IMPACT T28 has a 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution and is ideal for high-accuracy color verification, label inspection, and real-time part...

Low phase noise capability for signal generation.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
April 1, 2006... Agilent Technologies has introduced an ultra-low phase noise option for PSG vector and analog signal generators, providing very low phase-noise capability for signal generation. The company has also announced a frequency range option for its...

MATLAB API software for IQview.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
April 1, 2006... LitePoint Corporation's LitePoint MATLABAPI Software Package provides a MATLAB compatible interface to the same analysis and command resources found in the standard LitePoint IQview "C" API. Seamless integration into the user environment is...

Sophisticated test platform helps reduce costs.(testing equipments)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Rohde & Schwarz R&S ATSI automotive test system is designed to tests infotainment components. The system fully automatically tests broadcast receivers, sound systems, TV receivers, navigation systems and mobile phones. Equipped with a variety...

AWG family features 12-bit resolution.(arbitrary-waveform-generator)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The PCI CompuGen family of ultrafast AWG (arbitrary-waveform-generator) cards has a 12-bit resolution. The 11G member of the family features a 1 billion/sec conversion rate with a single channel; the 4300 has a 300 million/sec rate with four...