EDN Asia articles from August 2005

EDN Asia archives from August 2005

Fundamental shifts in EDA.(ednasia.comment)
August 1, 2005... Ienvisage two fundamental shifts in EDA. The first is the evolution of integrated EDA tool as distinguished from the traditional EDA point tool. Deeper into nanometrics, problems are becoming interdependent. For instance, physical layout...

LED driver delivers 350mA from single/dual cell alkaline.(Light Emitting Diode)(LTC3490)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Linear Technology's LTC3490 is a synchronous boost DC/DC converter optimized for driving high current white LEDs. The device operates at up to 90% efficiency, maximizing battery run time while the input voltage range of 1 to 3.2V enables it to...

Current-sense monitor works with wide common-mode inputs.( INA19x high-side from Texas Instruments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Using the INA19x high-side current sense monitor from Texas Instruments/Burr Brown, designers can handle common mode input ranges of -16 to +80V, a common and often challenging problem in automotive, motor control, industrial, welding, and...

Simple-to-use boomer audio-synchronized LED driver.(National Semiconductor's light emitting diode driver)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... National Semiconductor has launched a "no-programming-required" Boomer audio-synchronized light emitting diode (LED) driver. While previous designs required preprogrammed [I.sup.2]C compatible code to control lighting patterns, the LM4970...

Charge pump drives camera flash efficiently.(Sipex Corporation's Sipex SP6686 charge pump)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The Sipex SP6686 charge pump delivers up to 400mA to camera flashes, in a variety of operating modes tailored to current needs and flash modes. Capable of 94% efficiency maximum, the regulated boost/buck pump provides two independently...

AMD announces 64-bit, X86 multi-core.(Advanced Micro Devices Inc's Opteron 800 Series processor )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... AMD has introduced a portfolio of dual-core solutions from server and workstations for enterprise users to desktop and desktop-replacement notebooks for consumers and business users. The Dual-Core AMD Opteron 800 Series processor for four- to...

The 200 lumen barrier has been shattered.(Osram Opto Semiconductor's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Producing more than 200 lumen from an operating current of only 700 milliamps, the 3x1cm Ostar Lighting LED is the brightest semiconductor light source yet from Osram Opto Semiconductors and reckoned to be a serious contender for general...

Synthesizer reduces RF BOM and footprint by up to 60%.(Radio Frequency)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... STMicroelectronics' STW81100 is a multi-band integrated RF synthesizer with voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) for wireless communication and test equipment systems. This single-chip device is an alternative to discrete PLL and VCO solutions...

WLAN 802.11b/g SiGe power amplifier with good OFDM performance.(Atmel Corporation's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Atmel Corporation's WLAN power amplifier meets the 802.11b/g standard and is manufactured using the company's advanced Silicon Germanium (SiGe) technology. SiGe enables operation at a low supply voltage range (2.7 to 3.6V), making the new...

Processor blade chops AdvancedTCA schedules.(Adlink Technology's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Adlink Technology recently unveiled the ATCA-6890 AdvancedTCA processor blade for telecommunications and network-communication applications. Featuring Intel's low-voltage Xeon processors, the ATCA-6890 is available in a dual-2.8GHz- and...

Nanocrystalline common mode chokes.(Vacuumschmelze GmbH's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH has developed a new standard series of common mode chokes with nanocrystalline VITROPERM cores. In addition to low and medium frequencies, these chokes have an optimized performance in the high frequency range. Due to their...

Ethernet switch controllers improve performance.(Infineon Technologie's product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The Samurai is a high performance, low cost, integrated (Controller, PHY and Memory) six-port Ethernet switch controller with all ports supporting 10/100Mb/s full/half duplex operation. Advanced features such as Layer 4 QoS, 802.1p (QoS.),...

16-bit dsPIC DSCs for space-constrained applications.(Microchip Technology's Digital Signal Controllers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Volume production has begun of Microchip's two 16-bit dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) that offer designers performance speeds of 20 and 30 million instructions per second (MIPS), self-programming capabilities via Flash memory, and...

Run for your life: ultralow-power systems designed for the long haul: systems can achieve an average current drain of the order of 1[micro]A by relying on a low duty cycle and by minimizing the power needs of their processor, software, and analog interface.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2005... The needs of portable consumer devices have until recently driven low-power design methods for electronic systems. In these devices, the power source is usually a lightweight battery, and the need to fit into a pocket or briefcase dictates...

Black boxes capture car-crash data, controversy: capable of recording mechanical and human performance before and during a crash, motor-vehicle event-data recorders have attracted the attention of safety and privacy advocates.(design feature)
August 1, 2005... With little fanfare or customer notification, some automobile manufacturers have for years been recording your driving habits. Initially for optimizing subsystem performance, event-data recorders have now evolved into devices that can store...

PCI express and ASI: avoiding chaos at 2Gbps: at data rates as high as 2Gbps per lane, little things can make big differences in signal integrity. Experts disagree on whether thinking about what's really going on can improve performance or only make it worse.(design feature)
August 1, 2005... PCIexpress (PCIe) is rapidly becoming the dominant standard for high-speed data transmission in PCs, notwithstanding the existence of myriad other high-speed point-to-point serial protocols, most of which predate PCIe. What's more, elements of...

"Mobile is changing the entire way of doing business".(EDN Asias interview with John Chen)(Interview)
August 1, 2005... Sybase Inc. recently opened its first wireless solution center outside USA in Singapore. EDN Asia spoke to Sybase chairman, CEO and president, John Chen, at the inauguration of the center. Excerpts: EDN Asia: What are the latest trends and...

Implementation considerations of SDH clocks: a discussion on synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) network synchronization standards, synchronization architectures, and requirements from the implementation perspective.(special report)
August 1, 2005... Synchronization within transport systems refers to minimizing buffer slips to ensure a node both receives and transmits the same number of bits. In a digital network, common timing across every node ensures error-free transmission and...

Portable battery power: high performance analog solutions from linear technology.(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Miniature 4[mm.sup.2] Low-noise Charge-Pump Doubler Operates from Li-Ion, NiMH and Alkaline Cells. Power management ICs today operate from a variety of input supply sources, ranging from Lithium-Ion, alkaline and Nickel batteries to USB....

Versatile digital speedometer uses few components.(design ideas)
August 1, 2005... A speedometer measures a wheel's rotational speed. Unlike conventional mechanical and moving-magnet designs that use analog moving-pointer displays, the electronic speedometer in this Design Idea features a digital readout and a power-saving...

Quickly estimate an electronic system's cooling requirements.(design ideas)
August 1, 2005... During normal operation, an electronic system generates wasted heat that can cause malfunctions and damage components unless yon remove it. In an ideal world, you would have the time and resources to perform a rigorous evaluation of an...

Microprocessor, linear potentiometer deliver echo pulses.(design ideas)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... For designers of radar or sonar echo-ranging systems, an echo imitator can ease development and adjustment chores by generating a controllable pulse that's similar to an incoming echo signal. A decade ago, you'd probably use several 555 timers...

RF products for broadband wireless applications.(Texas Instruments's radio frequency products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Three radio frequency (RF) chipsets--TRF11xx chipset at 2.5GHz, TRF12xx chipset at 3.5GHz and TRF24xx chipset at 5.8GHz * Designed to support IEEE 802.16d/e standard RF front end for wireless base stations, access points as well as...

1.5A VLDO features 100mV dropout.(Linear Technology's product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * [V.SUB.IN] range: o 1.14 to 3.5V (with boost enabled) o 1.14 to 5.5V (with external 5V boost) * Low dropout voltage: 100mV (typ) * Adjustable output range of 0.4 to 2.6V * Output current up to 1.5A * Shutdown disconnects...

POL converter for high current memory applications.(point of load converter from C&D Technologies)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Non-isolated point of load (POL) converter designed to power DDR2 memory up to 75A in computing applications * Suitable for use in equipment that require high current fixed outputs * Provides programmable output of 1.7 to 1.95VDC...

DirectFET MOSFETs for portable buck converter applications.(International Rectifier Corp.'s Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Two 30V DirectFET MOSFET synchronous buck converter chipsets for advanced notebook computer designs * Uses latest Intel and AMD processors where small size, high efficiency and improved thermal conduction are required * Offer high...

3G power amp often dual-band in small package.(Dual-band WCDMA/UMTS RF Power Amplifier Module from Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Dual-band WCDMA/UMTS RF Power Amplifier Module (PAM) * Increases power-added efficiency (PAE) to 42 * First 3G PAM to offer both 1850 to 1910MHz and 1920 to 1980MHz operation in 3 x 3mm LCC package * Approximately 44% smaller...

Flash microcontrollers double performance in low-voltage designs.(Microchip Technology's product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Microchip's first 10 members of its high-pin count, high-density memory PIC 18F87J10 Flash microcontroller family double the performance in low-voltage applications by delivering up to 10 MIPS at 3V. The 8-bit microcontrollers provide linear...

Boomer audio amplifier improves RF suppression in portables.(National Semiconductor's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Boomer audio amplifier features internal circuitry that suppresses RF signals from passing through amplifier * Designed to suppress strong RF signals and produce clean sound in notebook computers enabled with WiFi/802.11, GSM cards or...

DSP often "improved" systems performance gain.(Digital Signal Processing)(Texas Instrument's Products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * TMS320C6455 * Offers improved performance, reduced code size plus more on-chip memory and high bandwidth integrated peripherals including Serial RapidIO bus for inter-processor communications * Gives developers of telecommunications,...

TFT LCD DC/DC converter for notebook and automotive.(Thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays from Maxim Integrated Products Inc)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * High-performance step-up regulator with two high-current operational amplifiers for active-matrix, thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays (LCD) in notebook and automotive applications * With 1.8 to 5.5V input supply voltage...

Low-cost connectivity for high-performance systems.(Thales Computer's Products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Versatile off-the-shelf CPU with two PMC slots for maximum I/O flexibility * Offers PowerPC solution where high compute power and low power consumption and dissipation are concerns * Does not require massive heat sinks * Ideal...

High-security smart card microcontroller.(Renesas Technology's AE-4 Series)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Incorporates AE-5 CPU core with 32-bit ALU and internal bus width, executing one instruction per cycle at maximum internal operating frequency of 20MHz * Offers approximately 8 times processing performance of AE-4 Series, allowing ample...

36V step-down DC/DC converter in MSOP.(Linear Technology's Product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Wide input range of 3.6 to 36V * Short-circuit protected over full input range * 1.9A guaranteed minimum switch current * 3.3V at 1.4A from 7 to 36V input * Output adjustable down to 1.20V * 500kHz fixed frequency...

Tool offers enhanced schematic capture functions.(Electronics Workbench's product)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Features graphical feedback to ensure valid connections * Product based on tool-tip-style circuit annotations as method of capturing and sharing design notes * Includes robust bus support for advanced designs, powerful support for...

Upgrade automatically reads and checks SDC.(Synopsys design constraints files)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Allows for automated reading and checking of Synopsys design-constraints files * Enables logic designers to verify files early in design process, reducing overall design-cycle time * Includes automatic macro placement and block...

Predictive development solutions boost innovation.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * EDA solution that improves risk/reward equation for companies developing electronic .products * Represents new class of design automation solution, called Predictive Development * Turns expensive and error-prone activity of system...

Development tools for RISC core.(Cambridge Consultant'S Reduced Instruction Set Computer)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Development tools for 32-bit RISC processor core for ASIC and FPGA applications * Include GCC (Gnu Compiler Collection) C/C++ compiler, and uCLinux and Micrium [micro]C/OS-II real-time operating systems * Provide powerful and...

System-interconnect platform with improved features.(Version 15.2 of the Cadence Allegro system)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Version 15.2 of the Cadence Allegro system-interconnect design platform * Includes constraints that account for critical signal delays inherent in IC packages and vias * Allegro Design Entry HDL provides front-end support for...

ISE plugs directly into EDA design flows.(integrated software environment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Integrates key power-analysis, hierarchical-design, simulation, and debugging features and supports Linux-based design environments * Features design-summary view and message filtering, highlighting important design information *...

Tool offers enhanced schematic capture.(Multicap schematic-capture tool)
August 1, 2005... * Features graphical feedback to ensure that all connections are valid * Based on tool-tip-style circuit annotations as method of capturing and sharing design notes * Includes robust bus support for advanced designs, powerful support...

Reference design kit provides low-power, high-performance.(Advanced Micro Devices Inc's GeodeGX SOM-144 Reference design kit )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The AMD GeodeGX SOM-144 RDK is a reference design platform designed for small, embedded or industrial applications where power, size, performance and reliability are crucial issues. The highly integrated AMD Geode GX SOM-144 RDK is a complete...

ICS SigniFy IF signal analysis system.(Radstone Technology Corp.'s Intermediate Frequency)(Internet Connection Sharing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * ICS SigniFy portable, high performance, low cost IF (intermediate frequency) signal analysis system * Provides long duration record and signal analysis capability * Supports user code development in package which preserves the look...

Fusion SIP 4.0 for embedded development.(Unicoi Systems's Session Initiation Protocol)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * 4.0 release of the Fusion Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) software * Lightweight, transport-independent and optimized for embedded devices * Reduces overall cost of deployment, in addition to reducing their time to market *...

14-bit PCI digitizer with 125 MS/s and dual port memory.(AlazarTech's peripheral component interconnect)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Capable of sampling two simultaneous analog inputs at rates up to 125 MS/s on each channel * Targeted for the needs of OEM customers and applications involving ultrasonic imaging and inspection, medical imaging, telecommunication test,...

Embedded PC.(personal computer product information)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Incorporates 32-bit, low-power VIA Eden CPU family with three versions available: 400MHz, 733MHz and 1GHz * Integrates video, serial ports, Ethernet, digital I/O, USB, PC/104 and PC/104-Plus into a single card * Designed to operate...

Low cost debugging and programming tool.(new products: Embedded)
August 1, 2005... * Allows designers to manually force pins to a logic state * Includes J-Scan debug and programming software, a USB 2.0-interface cable, demo board, power supply, and tutorial manual * High-speed J-Scan boundary-scan debugging and...

Video-editing graphics board has 128Mbytes of DDR memory.(new products: Embedded)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Features video breakout box with real-time component HD * Includes simultaneous computer display and output-to-component HD, 128Mbytes of DDR memory, and S-Video or composite video monitors * Nvidia's Quadro FX 540 Professional Video...

Version 3 of C Complier for Coldfire Chips.(newer version)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Crossware has released version 3 of its C Compiler for Freescale's ColdFire microprocessors and microcontrollers. The new compiler, available as part of Crossware's ColdFire Development Suite, will simplify development and increase the speed of...

All-purpose generator for production and development.(Product information)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Suitable for use in development as well as production * High signal quality for easy operation ensure fast, reliable measurements * Meets challenges that diverse applications place on a modern vector signal generator * Third...

Signal generators speeds test times by 6X.(IFR 3410 series signal generators)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * List Mode added as new option to IFR 3410 series signal generators * Offers 6X increase in speed for high-volume production testing * Added options for free pre-loaded waveform suites such as CDMA2000, WLAN and GSM for all new IFR...

Portable tester for next gen SONET/SDH networks.(Acterna L.L.C.)(Synchronous Optical Network Technologies )(Synchronous Digital Hierarchy )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * Portable multiport, multitechnology and multichannel solution * Enables carriers to test for efficient and reliable handling of voice, data and video traffic over SONET/SDH networks * Enables testing under realistic load conditions...

High quality PCB and semicon inspection.(Process Control Block)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * MXP, 160 automatic X-ray inspection system * Provides both high geometrical resolution as well high contrast resolution * Precise calibration of "field of view" and gray-scale resolution ensures accurate and repeatable results *...

8-port network analyzer from 300kHz to 8GHz.(kilo Hertz)(Giga Hertz)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... * 8-port vector network analyzer up to 8GHz * Universal measurements on multiports and balanced DUTs * Features true multiport architecture * Offers very short measurement times while maintaining high measurement accuracy and wide...

Fail-safe system monitor measures two remote temps.(Maxim Integrated Products Inc.)(new product MAX6617)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Maxim Integrated Products' MAX6617 is a 1[degrees]C system monitor that accurately measures its own die temperature, the temperatures of two external, diode-connected transistors, and reports the temperature data using a 2-wire serial...