EDN Asia articles from August 2008

EDN Asia archives from August 2008

A new device will enter designs.(ednasia comment)
August 1, 2008... With HP researchers recently claiming to prove the existence of a new basic passive element--memristor--for electronic circuits, designers will soon have one more passive component to work with apart from the traditional resistor, capacitor,...

Integrated dual-slot AdvancedMC hot-swap power manager.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Texas Instruments has introduced what's said to be the industry's first single-chip, dual-slot hot swap manager for Advanced Mezzanine Cards (AdvancedMC) used in wireless, telecom and computing systems, including...

Active-matrix display employs nanowire transistors.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... A research group including members from Purdue University, Northwestern University, and the University of Southern California claims it has developed the first active-matrix display based on nanowire transistors, which offer better transparency...

Backup system with data de-duplication.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... ExaGrid Systems has developed the 30TB disk-based backup system with data de-duplication and a scalable GRID architecture. This device allows customers to store a 30TB full backup, plus weeks or months of retention, in a single GRID system. The...

Process makes silicon circuits that can fold, bend, and stretch.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... A new process creates ICs that not only can bend to conform to various surfaces, but also can operate while stretching, compressing, and folding. Scientists at the University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, working with colleagues at...

Tiny 10GigE field tester with advanced IPTV, triple-play service test features.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... The MTS-6000A Multi-Services Application Module, developed by JDSU, is a compact 10GigE multifunction tester for the installation and maintenance of Carrier Ethernet and IP services. Testing high-bandwidth services like IPTV has become a...

Very thin autofocus LED for digital still cameras, camera phones.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... With a footprint that can fit on the head of a pencil eraser, Avago's ASMT-FJ30 is said to be the thinnest autofocus LED in the industry, and could play a key role in helping digital still camera and camera phone designers to further reduce the...

Complete TD-SCDMA test solution for network deployment, maintenance.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anritsu Company introduces three options that are said to make its BTS Master and Spectrum Master families the first complete TD-SCDMA handheld test solutions for deploying, installing, and maintaining TD-SCDMA...

Single-chip WiMAX MIMO RF transceiver improves receiver SNR.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... The MAX2839 is a single-chip, 2.3 to 2.7GHz, WiMAX MIMO RF transceiver that uses a dual-receiver architecture to mitigate RF channel fading, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by as much as 10dB compared to a single-receiver...

Processor supports capacitive touch sensing for button and slider replacement.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... Cypress Semiconductor's CapSense Express devices, working with the PSoC (programmable-system-onchip) Express visual embedded-system-design tool and the CapSense Express configuration tool, enable designers to monitor and tune the performance of...

32V 500mA buck regulator with dual power monitor.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... The AS7620 is a hysteretic, high efficiency 32V step-down regulator in a small 4x4mm MLPQ 12-pin package. Designed to maximize uptime of utility metering, sensor interface and other industrial motion control and battery-powered data-acquisition...

RF screen coating saves space.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... MicroShield screening technology from RF Micro Devices integrates RF screening on the surface of a molded package. The protected device might contain a single chip or a multichip module. The company developed the process to replace metal...

Backlight assemblies <1mm high with 0.4mm thin light guides.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... Global Lighting Technologies has introduced LED-based high-brightness backlights that have a thinness of 0.4mm or less to provide very slim molded light guide BLUs for backlighting LCDs in a wide array of consumer electronics products, as well...

Solid-state cooling device harnesses corona discharge.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... Thorrn Micro Technologies has demonstrated a small, silent, no-moving-parts cooling device that generates more airflow than mechanical fans four times its size while consuming less power and space. The 15 x 15 x 2mm RSD5 creates a breeze of...

Tiny synchronous buck regulator provides 95% efficiency.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Intersil Corporation's ISL8009A is an ultra-small, high-efficiency synchronous buck regulator that saves space and offers improved efficiency for a broad range of applications. This regulator comes in an 8-lead,...

The Tesla Roadster: Sporty and electric: a modern electric sports car presents a unique design challenge.(prying eyes)
August 1, 2008... The enabling technology for the Tesla Roadster is the lithium-ion battery. The RC-modeling community years ago discovered that lithium-chemistry batteries created fast, light, quiet, and quickly rechargeable planes, so you can see why the...

Embedded x86: Keystone of your non-PC design?(Cover story)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] x86 microprocessors may not have the absolute lowest power per megahertz, absolute highest performance per clock tick, or optimum code efficiency when you evaluate them against all possible alternatives. Bundle up...

Overcoming USB measurement-test-setup issues: designers must meet stringent constraints to comply with the USB-IF spec. Clever techniques can help you design your system to meet these specs.(design feature)
August 1, 2008... Measuring the signal quality of USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces requires that designers meet the stringent constraints of the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum, www. usb.org) specification. Nothing is more frustrating, however, than...

Buck-boost converters change with the times: buck-boost converters provide voltages both above and below the input voltage. This feature is useful if your design's input voltage changes drastically or if its load voltage varies.(design feature)
August 1, 2008... Buck-boost converter topologies fit into a wide range of applications. Whether you are charging a battery from a battery, powering a string of LEDs, or running a handheld device from a single cell, the buck-boost topology can provide an...

Advanced network planning and optimization tools are vital for WiMAX success.(special report)
August 1, 2008... The global demand for high-capacity wireless broadband access networks is on the increase, with multiple signal formats competing for market share. These include WiMAX, HSPA, 3G-LTE, UMB and TD-SCDMA. But regardless of which is used, a new...

Small capacitor supports telecom power supply during brownouts.(design ideas)
August 1, 2008... This Design Idea shows how to keep telecom equipment operational during a short brownout. Some details first regarding power supply for telecom equipment. The common voltage of the power source that feeds telecom equipment is -48V, although the...

Tiny microcontroller hosts dual dc/dc-boost converters.(design ideas)
August 1, 2008... Batteries are the typical power sources for portable-system applications, and it is not unusual these days to find microcontroller-based portable systems. A variety of microcontrollers operates at low power-supply voltages, such as 1.8V. Thus...

Cross-coupled gates prevent push-pull-driver overlap.(design ideas)
August 1, 2008... Overlap--the short period during which a push-pull drive's two transistors are both simultaneously on--is a common problem with these drives in a center-tapped transformer's primary. Overlap causes a large current spike and increased switching...

"Industry's first" full production release of DDR3 register.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SN74SSQE32882 is said to be the industry's first full production release of a phase locked loop (PLL) integrated DDR3 register for registered dual inline memory modules (RDIMMs). It enables system stability...

Dual simultaneous sampling 1MSPS 12-bit ADC.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AS1545 is a dual high-speed successive-approximation ADC with low power consumption and good DC performance. The device offers 12-bit resolution on each of the two ADCs, and uses advanced design techniques to...

High-power LED driver for automotive designs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The ISL78100 is a high power integrated LED driver designed for display backlighting and body electronics applications. It is designed specifically to withstand harsh automotive environments, and features two methods of controlling LED light...

Silicon carbide bipolar junction transistor in TO-220 package.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... TranSiC AB has launched engineering samples of its silicon carbide switching power bipolar junction transistor, together with a silicon carbide Schottky diode in a TO-220 package. The BitSiC1206 is a "normally off" transistor targeted at power...

Touch screen controller IC cuts power, response time.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The STMPE811 is a four-wire resistive touch screen controller featuring autonomous functionality to minimize demands on the host processor. For embedded designers, this frees valuable CPU cycles to ease pressures on...

Multirate, CDR SerDes reduces power, saves cost.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The MAX3886 multirate, clock and data recovery (CDR) serializer/deserializer (SerDes) has data rates up to 2.488Gbps. By combining the functions of three ICs (clock and data recovery, serialization, and deserialization) within a single, highly...

Dual differential ADC drivers with [+ or -] 0.1dB and [+ or -]0.1 [degree] matching at 100MHz.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The LTC6420-20 and LTC6421-20 are said to be the industry's first high-speed dual differential ADC drivers with guaranteed gain matching, and noise and distortion performance. With guaranteed matched gain of [+ or -] 0.25dB and matched phase of...

500mA, 300MHz synchronous step-down DC/DC converter.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The TPS62315 is a fixed 1.875-V output converter supporting up to 500mA load current and allows the use of tiny, low-cost chip inductors and capacitors. With an output voltage range down to 0.6V, the device supports low-voltage DSP processors....

High-brightness SMT LEDs for indoor, outdoor signs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... ASMT-YTB0 LEDs are a family of compact high-brightness tricolor surface mount (SMT) LEDs for indoor and outdoor full color signs and video displays. Available in a PLCC6 package, they provide full color display and video application designers...

600V PFC high-frequency rectifiers with 19 and 20ns reverse recovery times.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... Vishay Intertechnology launched four 600V FRED Pt Hyperfast rectifiers that reduce switching losses in high-efficiency PFC and SMPS applications with their fast and soft reverse recovery times, together with low forward voltage drop. The 8A...

Stereo-audio processor supports Bluetooth.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... Targeting use in mobile phones, the single-chip MusiCorel stereo-audio processor reduces the cost of an audio processor by 75%, according to the vendor. The device, with a 36[mm.sup.2] footprint, has a 95dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and 30dB...

24V DC/DC converters target vehicle-battery systems.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... Additional 24V devices in the vendor's VI-J00 and VI-200 DC/DC-converter families have a 10 to 36V input-voltage range, suiting applications operating from 12 or 24V inputs, typical for battery systems in vehicles. Measuring 4.6x2.2x0.5in., the...

Switching regulator comes in miniature SIP package.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The miniature SR7805 point-of-load switching regulators provide 7.5W of output power. Operating from 4.75 to 32VDC inputs, the regulator provides 3.3, 5, 6.5, 9, 12, or 15VDC outputs. Claiming a 96% efficiency, the device has a 2 million-hour...

Rectifier provides 12.5kW per rack unit.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... Claiming a 92% efficiency, the 2500W, 48V FMP25.48 rectifier has a 27W/[in..sup.3] power density, enabling a 12.5kW of power in a one-rack-unit 23in. shelf. Features include a 90 to 300V AC input range, a high-input-voltage shutdown, and the...

Low power display controller for mobile applications.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
August 1, 2008... The SSD1961 display controller is designed to support LCD panels up to VGA resolution. Ideal for mobile and handheld applications including smartphone, portable media players (PMP), personal navigation devices (PND) and other products requiring...

Impact connectors deliver increased speed, density.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... The Impact backplane connector system delivers 20+Gb/s performance and is offered in a variety of connector module sizes and types including 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-pair modules for design flexibility. Density within the connector system ranges from...

GEM thermistor provides stability over time.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... The 55000 Series GEM (glass-encapsulated-material) thermistor has an automated assembly. The device provides a 0.012[degrees]C shift at 100[degrees]C after 10 months, and a 2252[OMEGA] to 30k[OMEGA] resistance range at 25[degrees]C. Features...

PCB connector and contact series has a 45A UL rating.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... The high-power PCB (printed-circuit-board) connector and contact series, using copper-alloy and contacts with tin plating, complies with ROHS (restriction-of-hazardous-substances) directives. Designers can preassemble units in the series into...

Windows-based design tool improves wire-harness quality.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... The Windows-based E3.cable 2008-series design tool provides design requirements based on the nature of the end products, industry legislation, and safety mandates. The tool provides development of detailed wiring, cabling, and harness designs...

Waterproof, circular connector has one-touch bayonet lock.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... The M-12-style, waterproof, IP67-rated, circular industrial-connector cables feature a one-touch bayonet-locking system that allows connection in one-eighth-turn, producing a click, indicating complete insertion. The SX5 series plastic-shell...

Junction-box assembly has a complete harness system.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a fiber optic connector for operation in harsh environments. The Cannon PHD SuperLC connector features a small form factor and maintains the same high optical performance characteristics of a standard LC...

Automotive thin film chip resistor offers 1000V ESD stability.(PASSIVES)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Vishay Beyschlag ACAS 0612 AT automotive precision thin film chip resistor array is tested according to AEC-Q200 and offers a 1000V ESD stability rating. The device is optimized to meet new automotive industry...

Power adapter suits AC-DC needs worldwide.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... With a universal 90 to 264VAC input, the 72W AD72 external AC-DC power adapter finds use in applications worldwide. The device produces a regulated 16VDC output that delivers as much as 4.5A of continuous power. Complying with the Blue Angel...

20W PCB mountable AC-DC power supply in multiple output voltages.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... Accepting an 85 to 264VAC-voltage range, the 20W ZPSA20 PCB (printed-circuit-board)-mountable AC-DC power supply come in 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15, and 24VDC output voltages. The device features floating outputs, allowing use as a positive or a...

RECOM launches catalogue for full power.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... RECOM has launched its 2008 catalogue and optimized its product range, which offers a wide range of products ranging from R-78 switching regulators with 97% efficiency to a completely new series of LED drivers. With more than 6,000 different...

High-power POE midspan compatible with Cisco AP1250.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This 4-port Gigabit Power-over-Ethernet midspan for high-power applications is compatible with Cisco's Aironet 1250 Series Access Points. Designated the POE125U-4HP, the midspan is capable of the proprietary...

1000W power supply aims at gaming systems.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... The HX1000W power-supply unit claims a 1000W output at 50[degrees]C. Suiting multicore processors and graphics-processing systems, the supply provides an independent dual-12-rail design and a 140mm temperature-controlled fan. Also known as the...

1000W power supply for harsh environments.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The HBL 1K-FF Series is a heavy-duty power supply designed for industrial and other harsh-environments. This AC-DC unit utilizes field-proven full-bridge topology to deliver up to 1000W output power from a compact,...

6W miniature switchmode transformer.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... The EE12.7 is a custom low power switchmode transformer that measures 0.215" high, 0.55" wide and 0.66" long. It is designed and built to meet the ruggedized requirements of MIL-PRF-27 necessary for high reliability aerospace and military...

180W desktop power supply.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
August 1, 2008... The PUP180 Series of CEC and Energy Star Level IV Compliant AC-DC desktop power supplies provide 180W of power. Lightweight and in a compact 6.69" x 3.35" x 1.60" convection cooled package, the PUP180 is targeted at high powered applications...

Programmable meter with integrated diagnostics.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... Targeting use in analog sensors and transducers, the TDRO-10 programmable meter integrates diagnostics for input and output. Features include two-button English-language programming with a 67msec update rate, a six-digit LED display with...

I/0 virtualization support in PCI express summit protocol analyzer.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... LeCroy Corporation has developed an analysis package for its Summit T2-16 Protocol Analyzer that will support testing and debugging in I/O virtualization based applications. The company will support the Single-Root I/O Virtualization standard...

PXI solid state switching solution.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... The 40-500 is a 64x4 solid state switching matrix with the capability of hot switching voltages tip to 60V. It can sustain inrush currents of 1.5A for 100ms and continuously carry 0.5A on each cross-point switch. The Y axis of the matrix is...

Analysis software handles both standards-based and proprietary OFDM schemes.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... The R&S FSQ-K96 application software provides modulation measurement capability on OFDM signals. The OFDM demodulator software, which runs on the R&S FSQ signal analyzer, offers development engineers new degrees of freedom. It is said to be the...

Avionics test bench and Avionics test studio.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio are said to be the first reconfigurable PXI-based test platform for avionics navigation and communications. Utilizing the Aeroflex 3000 Series PXI modules, Avionics...

LabVIEW support for DPO3000 oscilloscopes.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... National Instruments has announced support for LabVIEW SignalExpress Tektronix Edition, an interactive PC-based measurement software for quickly acquiring, analyzing and presenting data without programming. Engineers and scientists can use...

Expanded RF/mixed-signal simulation coverage for wireless IC design.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
August 1, 2008... Agilent's latest version of the RFIC simulation software, GoldenGate, represents an expansion in RFIC simulation coverage for wireless communications products, with 5X transient simulation speed improvements, and mixed-signal simulation...

Driving a WLED does not always require 4 V.(DESIGN BRIEF)
August 1, 2008... The popularity of white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) has skyrocketed, primarily because they are used to provide backlight to portable electronics displays. The common belief is that a single WLED requires a 4-V drive voltage. Since a Li-ion...