EDN Asia articles from July 2007

EDN Asia archives from July 2007

Nano post- and trans-humanism.(ednasia.comment)
July 1, 2007... While designers are going deeper into nanometrics with what critics say is the utopia of Moore's Law continuation, a dystopian vision is emerging, with the potential of nanotechnology going beyond chip fabrication to bio-fabrication raking up...

Altera's 65nm low-cost FPGAs.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... Altera Corporation's Cyclone III family comprises 65nm low-cost FPGAs. They consume 75% less power than competing FPGAs; and deliver 5 to 120K logic elements (LEs), up to 4Mbits of memory, and up to 288 digital signal processing (DSP)...

TI's highest performing floating-point DSP.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... The TMS320C6727B DSP is the highest performing floating-point DSP running at 350MHz. It is tuned for performance hungry applications for which a significant speed increase will impact OEM's ability to create unique and advanced product...

"Industry's smallest" 0603(0201) Zener and Schottky diodes.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... With portable devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras becoming increasingly more compact, a smaller and thinner diode package is needed. Until recently, the smallest Schottky barrier and Zener diodes available were in the 1006(0402)...

Comprehensive WiMAX test strategy complements 3G LTE strategy.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... Aeroflex has outlined a comprehensive product strategy in support of WiMAX, the IEEE 802.16e standard developed for the delivery of last-mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to wired broadband such as cable and DSL. The Aeroflex...

Ultra-low-noise LDOs reduce total solution size.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... Maxim's MAX8840/ MAX8841/ MAX8842 ultra-low-noise, low-dropout (LDO), 150mA linear regulators are available in a tiny lmmx 1.5 x 0.8mm microDFN package that enables a total solution size as small as 3.9[mm.sup.2], including external components....

Tiny 3-axis electronic compass.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)(Asahi Kasei Microsystems Semiconductor Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Asahi Kasei Microsystems has developed the AK8973S, said to be the world's smallest and thinnest 3-axis electronic compass with chip-size packaging of 2.5X2.5X0.5mm. This small size is made possible by forming Si monolithic Hall elements...

Wideband tuner breaks 160Mbps barrier in cable modems.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... The MT2170 is the industry's first 1GHz input tuner based on the CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 specification. Developed by Microtune, this tuner chip is engineered to deliver data speeds greater than 160Mbps, and a wider bandwidth at 100MHz typically...

2.5 7,200 RPM 3.0Gb/s serial ATA hard disk drive.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... Fujitsu Limited has developed the MHW2 BJ series of 7,200rpm 2.5" hard disk drives (HDDs) with a serial ATA 3.0Gb/s interface. Featuring what's said to be the world's highest storage capacity of 160GB for a 7,200 rpm 2.5" HDD, the series is...

Infineon's DAvE Drive reduces software development time for 3-phase drives.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... DAvE (Digital Application Virtual Engineer) Drive is Infineon's application code generator for the company's 8-bit (XC886/8) and 16bit (XC164CM/CS) MCU families. It provides initialization, configuration, and driver code to ease programming. It...

First WiMAX manufacturing test software for Sequans mobile WiMAX chipsets.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... LitePoint Corporation has launched a manufacturing test software for products based on Sequans WiMAX chipsets. The LitePoint IQfact is a turnkey software package that runs on IQmax-500 R&D, and IQmax-100 WiMAX manufacturing one-box test...

Adaptor shows all LXI WTB channels on single display.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... Agilent Technologies and Pickering Interfaces have introduced a wired trigger bus (WTB) adaptor that allows Agilent 6000 and 8000 Series mixed signal oscilloscopes (MSOs) to show the logical state and analog representations of all eight LXI WTB...

"Industry's first" 100V current-mode buck controller.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
July 1, 2007... The LM5116 is said to be the industry's first 6 to 100V current mode buck controller for use in telecommunications, automotive, and industrial control applications. Developed by National Semiconductor, it features a combination of high...

Big advances come to tiny optical components.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The Optical Fiber Conference in March shed light on the industry's ongoing war against bulky, costly components. Two of the most notable advances involved efforts to move the production of optical components into the realm of cheap, proven...

Nanoelectronic switch harnesses silver whiskers.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)
July 1, 2007... Researchers at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) have demonstrated a prototype nanoscale electronic switch that exploits a troublesome characteristic of silver as "a feature, not a bug." with its high conductivity, silver...

Exploring the foundation under smartphones.(prying eyes)
July 1, 2007... The next generation of smartphones and PDAs will rely on unprecedented integration to deliver their features at the lowest possible bill-of-materials cost. But that doesn't mean they will be single-chip devices. Far from it: Radio chips,...

Measuring nanoamperes: measuring low currents can be tricky. Clever analog-design techniques, and the right parts and equipment can help.(Cover story)
July 1, 2007... Thousands of applications require a circuit to measure a small current. One of the most common is the measurement of photodiode current to infer the light impinging on the diode. Scientific applications, such as CT (computer-tomography)...

Choose capacitor types to optimize PC sound quality.(design feature)
July 1, 2007... A key challenge to designers of audio subsystems that must conform to Windows Vista requirements may be choosing coupling capacitors. These devices' capacitance varies with the voltage across them and introduces audio distortion. To minimize...

"Our tools enable professionals to bring out their domain expertise".(interview)(Interview)
July 1, 2007... Eric Starkloff, Director of Product Marketing for Test at National Instruments, recently spoke with EDN Asia on the company's continuing development of virtual instrumentation to meet the increasing demands for highly intelligent and reliable...

Using S-parameter data effectively.(special report)
July 1, 2007... One of the basic tools in the RF design process is the use of S-parameter measurements. These measurements can be used in today's CAD (computer aided design) tools as part of the circuit simulation process. S-parameters describe a component as...

Current mirror improves PWM regulator's performance.(design ideas)
July 1, 2007... Power-supply designs requiring high-performance isolated feedback often use an error amplifier similar to the one in Figure 1, which relies on a second amplifier, [IC.sub.1B], to provide the necessary inversion to keep the optocoupler,...

Low-cost current monitor tracks high dc currents.(design ideas)
July 1, 2007... To measure high levels of direct current for overload detection and protection, designers frequently use either a current-shunt resistor or a toroidal core and Hall-effect magnetic-field sensor. Both methods suffer from drawbacks. For example,...

Digital-I/O circuit adapts to many interface voltages.(design ideas)
July 1, 2007... To test products in my R&D lab, I build many universal data-acquisition systems that connect to a PC or another controller through RS-232 links or LANs. These small systems typically include multiple ADC, DAC, and digital-I/O channels to...

Comprehensive IDE for DSP development.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... In an ongoing effort to help advance electronics manufacturers' ability to harness the power of DSP technology for next generation applications, Texas Instruments launches another version of its Code Composer Studio Platinum Integrated...

34V, 2A output, 2.8MHz step-down dc/dc converter.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The LT3684 is a 2A, 34V step-down switching regulator packaged in a 3x 3mm DFN or MSOP-10E. It operates within a [V.sub.IN] range of 3.6 to 34V (36VMAX), making it ideal for load dump and cold-crank conditions found in automotive applications....

Customizable battery fuel gauge for 1- or 2-cell apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The DS2792 programmable fuel gauge for 1- or 2-cell applications has a MAXQ microcontroller; generous program and data memory; and an accurate measurement system for battery current, voltage, and temperature. These features enable customized...

Power management IC enables simultaneous charging and system operation.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The AAT3670 is a highly integrated 1.6A battery charger and power manager IC for portable systems powered by single-cell Lithium-ion/ polymer batteries. Integrating a battery charger, current-limited load switches, and control circuitry, this...

Double on-chip Flash density on ARM7-powered MCUs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... Atmel has introduced 512Kbyte dual-bank Flash memory extensions to its AT91SAM7S, SAM7X and SAM7XC microcontrollers based on the ARM7TDMI processor core. Doubling the Flash memory density from 256 to 512Kbytes gives software engineers the...

Automotive-grade 32Mbit NOR Flash memory.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The M29W320 is a 32Mbit automotive grade device certified for operation over the full -40[degrees] to +125[degrees]C temperature range. Intended for dashboard systems, automotive multimedia, and other applications needing fast access to a large...

QMLV-qualified precision amplifier for satellite apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The LMP2012WGLQMLV dual operational amplifier is ideal for satellite applications such as attitude and orbital controls, sun and inertial sensors, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, static earth sensing, bolometers, and earth observation systems....

TI's 1394 technology used for HANA home entertainment networking products.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... Samsung is implementing TI's 1394 technology for High-Definition AudioVideo Network Alliance (HANA) home entertainment networking products such as set-top-boxes (STB), digital televisions, TV nodes, and DVRs. The 1394b portfolio includes the...

Dual density bi-directional optical transceivers.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... This family of compact dual-channel SFF and SFP transceivers enables two channels of bidirectional fiber-optic transmission in a form factor--traditionally reserved for single-channel transmission. They were developed by leveraging the...

Chip combines power management, charging control for 1 cell Li+ batteries.(SEMICONDUCTORS)(Maxim Integrated Products Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The MAX8662/MAX8663 are highly integrated power-management ICs with a USB/AC-adapter linear charger and Smart Power Selector for portable devices powered by rechargeable single-cell Li+ batteries. Integrating smart power selector circuitry that...

32-bit MCUs for high performance home apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The MB91480 series is the latest addition to Fujitsu's FR family of 32-bit microcontrollers. Designed for high-performance control functions of home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, the series provide inverter...

Magnetic rotary encoder IC for harsh automotive and industry applications.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... The AS5140H 10-bit rotary encoder IC is fully qualified to AEC-Q100, and designed for applications in an ambient temperature range up to 150[degrees]C. With a resolution of 0.35[degrees], the encoder recognizes 1,024 positions within one...

10Gbps optical transceiver with 40km transmission distance.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
July 1, 2007... Here is a 10Gbps small form factor pluggable (XFP)-type optical transceiver that is capable of operating over a wide temperature range of40[degrees] to 85[degrees]C (185F), and at distances of up to 40km. The transceiver, which will make...

Single-cell Li-ion/Li-Polymer chargers in SOT-23 packages.(SEMICONDUCTORS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The MCP73811 and MCP73812 (MCP7381X) Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge-management controllers are simple, single-cell devices that provide fully integrated charge-management functions, and selectable or programmable charge currents up to 500mA in a...

320Mbyte high-speed GDDR3 frame-buffer memory graphics card.(BOARDS, CARDS, AND MODULES)
July 1, 2007... The XLR8 GeForce 8800 GTS graphics card features 320MB of high-speed GDDR3 frame buffer memory, and a 500MHz core clock. The card is designed to run with the PCI Express bus architecture. It supports NVIDIA SLI technology for up to 2x the...

Embedded-networking module enables drop-in network connectivity.(BOARDS, CARDS, AND MODULES)
July 1, 2007... The XPort Direct embedded-networking gateway suits applications moving commands, status, and information over IP networks or the Internet to or from remote devices. Mounted on a PCB, the module enables drop-in-network connectivity. This feature...

WiFi/DAB/FM platform accesses over 16,000 audio services.(BOARDS, CARDS, AND MODULES)
July 1, 2007... This low-cost WiFi radio reference platform for Venice 6 (FS2026) "four-in-one" module enables radio manufacturers to develop portable and clock radio products incorporating Internet radio, DAB, FM, and music streaming capabilities. The Jupiter...

RGB/DVI/Video converter boards for TFT LCDs.(BOARDS, CARDS, AND MODULES)
July 1, 2007... The PRISMA II series of RGB/DVI/ Video converter boards connects TFT LCDs to standard graphics and/or video interfaces. Input signals such as analog RGB, analog video or DVI are automatically converted into TTL or LVDS signals accepted by TFT...

Lithium charger with auto USB and wall adapter power selection.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
July 1, 2007... The LTC4097 standalone dual-input linear battery charger charges single-cell Li-Ion/Polymer batteries from wall adapter or USB power sources. It uses a constant-current/constant-voltage algorithm for charging, with programmable charge current...

Three switch mode power supplies.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
July 1, 2007... Three versions of the ePower switch mode power supplies that cover 1.5, 3, and 15kW ranges with added power density have been introduced. Features include a 16-bit ADC/DAC design for high-resolution measurements via front panel displays,...

Low cost, DIN rail ac-dc power supplies.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)(MicroPower Direct)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The AD1024F has an output power of 20 to 24W. This DIN rail mountable, universal ac input meets EN60950, UL508, and EN55022 "B" specifications. Other key specifications include: 100 to 240 VAC input, 20mS hold up time, 3,000 VAC isolation,...

Medical desktop 100 to 120W switching power supplies.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)(GlobTek Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... These 100 to 120W desktop power supplies have output voltages from 3.3 to 48V in 0.1V increment, single-platform design. Housed in impact resistant polycarbonate enclosure with thermal conduction cooling, the family features regulated output...

Miniature open-frame ac-dc switching supplies.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)(Astrodyne)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Designed to meet the space and performance needs in instrumentation, control, telecommunication systems, the OFM Series line of miniature open frame modular switching power supplies provide output power over the range of 5, 10, 15 and 22W. All...

50W external ac-dc power adapter with triple output.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)(Emerson Network Power)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The Astec DPT50 series comprises four models, offering users a wide choice of fully regulated output voltages. All have a universal input that accommodates any voltage in the range 90 to 264VAC, and 127 to 300VDC, making them suitable for use...

Advanced battery technology.(POWER SOURCES & CONDITIONING DEVICES)
July 1, 2007... USBCELL is a rechargeable battery that can be charged from any USB port without the need for any recharging devices, cradles or cables. It has a built in connector and charger that is easly plugged into any powered USB port on your desktop,...

MR option allows recording of RADAT signals.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(Strategic Test Corp.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The UF2 family of 66MHz PCI-based oscilloscope/digitizer cards adds an MR (multiple-recording) feature, aiming at recording radar signals. The option allows user to acquire a fast series of waveforms with a high repetition rate without...

Complete solution for UTRAN performance.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(Tektronix Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... TrendNavigate is an enhancement of this company's 3G network optimization portfolio. A software application that enables reduction of lost revenues through faster identification of service degradation and problem resolution, this solution...

UWB data-recording system allows real-time recording/playback of analog data.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(Tek Microsystems Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Suiting high-speed sensor applications, the VXS-based JazzStore UWB (ultrawideband) data-recording system uses a FAT (file-allocation-table) 32-based filing system, providing access to recorded data from Linux-, VxWorks-, or Windows-workstation...

Advanced exerciser option for UWB test platform.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
July 1, 2007... The UWBTraine is a WiMedia ultra-wideband (UWB) exerciser option for its UWBTracer verification platform. Designed to transmit valid and invalid frames, it allows vendors to test device functionality, error recovery and protocol compliance for...

11 more PXI RF switches for communications test.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(National Instruments Corp.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... National Instruments doubles its PXI RF switch offering for 50 and 75[ohm] RF applications with the release of 11 more RF switches. The modules include 4x1, terminated 4x1, dual 4x1, and 8x1 multiplexers as well as quad (4) SPDT, and...

Accelerometer miniaturizes motion sensing.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(STMicroelectronics N.V.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... This tiny, low-power MEMS device provides precise acceleration values to meet the booming demand for miniaturized motion-sensing solutions in portable electronic devices. The analog-output LIS302ALK provides individual acceleration values for...

MBMS test scenario for CRTU-W protocol tester.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)(Rhode and Schwarz)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... An MBMS test scenario has been developed for the R&S CRTU-W protocol tester, which allows manufacturers of mobile radio user equipment and chipsets to check the functioning of their products. This test scenario can be implemented with up to...

Fully integrated TPS6300x buck-boost converter extends Li-ion battery life.(Analog Applications Journal)
July 1, 2007... Introduction For portable power applications to take advantage of the small size and high energy density of modern battery technology, they must operate efficiently over the full battery-discharge voltage range. This presents a design...