EDN Asia articles from March 2006

EDN Asia archives from March 2006

ESL in the driver's seat.(Electronic System Level)(Electronic Design Automation)
March 1, 2006... What is driving EDA? In 2005 EDA was driven mainly by ESL at the front end, and DFM at the back end. These two segments will continue to drive EDA in 2006. Gartner projects ESL to grow by 36 percent this year. However, slowing growth rates in...

Development of 65nm MRAM employing spin torque transfer.(development of magnetic random access memory )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Renesas Technology and Grandis have agreed to collaborate on the development of 65nm process MRAM (magnetic random access memory) employing spin torque transfer writing technology. MRAM, which uses magnets as memory cells, is a type of...

How low can 32 bits go?(pulse)
March 1, 2006... With the new LPC2101, LPC2102, and LPC2103 microcontrollers, Philips Electronics continues to push down the lower limit for the price of a 32-bit unit. These ARM-7 TDMI-S-based devices sell for as little as $1.47 (10,000). Philips accomplished...

Programmable, flexible clock multiplier for better jitter performance.(pulse)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Texas Instruments has developed a clock multiplier that integrates three on-chip PLIL components to provide flexibility and performance, including cutting period jitter by up to 70% and minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Each of the...

Synchronous buck chipset optimizes efficiency in IMVP4/6 Vcore designs.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... Fairchild Semiconductor's synchronous buck converter chipset optimizes efficiency and space in notebooks using the IMVP (Intel mobile voltage positioning) specifications. Utilizing Fairchild's PowerTrench MOSFET technology, the high-side...

Self-oscillating electronic ballast lighting control IC.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... The IRS2153D from International Rectifier is an electronic ballast IC for fluorescent lamps. The 600V self-oscillating half-bridge IC includes an internal bootstrap diode to simplify circuits. This ballast IC is designed to increase efficiency...

Certifying EDGE mobile phones now possible.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... The tried-and-tested RF Conformance Test System R&S TS8950G has now validated EGPRS/ EDGE RF test cases for mobile phones of multislot class 10. The R&S TS8950G is said to be the only platform covering all radio & telecommunications terminal...

High-end 8-bit PIC microcontrollers with more features.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... Microchip Technology's high-end 8-bit microcontroller family has an extra serial port for expanded connectivity and a faster ADC for quicker measurement at a 30% lower price than the previous generation. Through nanoWatt Technology, the sleep...

Floating, regulated charge pump to replace isolated power supplies.(prodcut introduction)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The NIS6201 from ON Semiconductor is said to be the industry's only floating regulated charge pump for low power applications. Designed to supply 20mA and 8 to 15V, it is a cost-effective replacement for a small, isolated, switching power...

ESD-protected USB transceivers reduce current consumption.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... Maxim Integrated Products' MAX13481E/MAX13482E/ MAX13483E [+ or -]15kV ESD-protected, USB full-speed transceivers in a 3x3mm, 16-pin TQFN package feature a logic-selectable suspend mode that reduces current consumption and provides a...

STMicroelectronics launches second-gen AVC and VC-1 decoder.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... The STB7109 is the second-generation high-definition AVC and VC-1 decoder. Building on the success of the STB7100, the STBT109 includes all the features of that device with the addition of improved security, connectivity features and support...

High-performance 2.4GHz SoC with radio, Flash and MCU.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... The CC2510 system-on-chip (SOC) from Chipcon includes a 2.4GHz RF transceiver, 32-kBytes of self-programmable Flash memory, 4kB of RAM, a low-power single-cycle 8051 MCU and many powerful peripheral modules. It is suited for applications that...

Better power monitoring with virtual instrumentation.(pulse)
March 1, 2006... National Instruments, in collaboration with Texas Instruments and Spectrum Digital, has developed the TI C55X Power Optimization DSP Starter Kit (DSK), said to be the industry's first DSP design tool to offer designers incorporated test and...

Imagers pose complex design challenges.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)
March 1, 2006... Mobile-phone cameras are beginning to rival stand-alone digital cameras in resolution, and it won't be long before they will be able to shoot MPEG-4 videos and incorporate advanced algorithms for sophisticated manipulation of images. The...

Modbus IDA, ITEI open joint test laboratory.(Instrumentation Technology and Economy Institute)(Modbus-protocol suite)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Modbus IDA, an organization comprising automation-device users and suppliers focused on the adoption of the Modbus-protocol suite, and the ITEI (Instrumentation Technology and Economy Institute) have opened the ITEI's Modbus Conformance Test...

Network delivery: windows-driven low-power PC-like design delivers video over the Internet, but content will gate success.(prying eyes)
March 1, 2006... Akimbo is the first true consumer product that delivers a PVR (personal-video-recorder)-like experience, albeit with content through a broadband Internet connection (see "Video over the Internet: Services and devices move closer to living-room...

New battery technologies hold promise, peril for portable-system designers: for the near future, most portable systems will have to rely on some form of the now-venerable lithium-ion battery. Fortunately, lithium-ion cells are improving in cost, robustness, and even energy capacity. But beware the perils that "clone" battery packs can pose for your system.(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... For portable systems relying on a battery or a battery pack, the ever-increasing complexity and speed of the system's ICs and the resulting increase in power requirements are problematic: Although ICs can surf the processing and speed wave of...

Minimizing switching-regulator residue in linear regulator outputs: banishing those accursed spikes takes attention to detail and understanding the subtleties.(circuit design)
March 1, 2006... Designers frequently use linear regulators to postregulate switching-regulator outputs. The benefits of this approach include improved stability, accuracy, and transient response, along with lower output impedance. Ideally, markedly reduced...

Mobile robots get serious: after years of serving hobbyists and movie-makers, a series of world events may elevate mobile robots to technology's "next big thing.".(design feature)
March 1, 2006... Although the concept and operational hardware for mobile robots have been around for decades, a rash of natural disasters and continuing military conflict have prompted designers to take a fresh look at the capabilities of this technology. The...

Accelerated system performance with APU-enhanced processing: the auxiliary processor unit controller is a key embedded processing feature in the Virtex-4 FX family.(Auxilary Power Unit Controller)
March 1, 2006... The APU controller provides a flexible high-bandwidth interface between the reconfigurable logic in the FPGA fabric and the pipeline of the integrated IBM PowerPC 405 CPU. Fabric co-processor modules (FCM) implemented in the FPGA fabric are...

"Infineon becomes more flexible".(Interview)
March 1, 2006... Infineon is to spin-off its memory products group by July 2006, effectively splitting the company into two. The new memory products group will be headed by Loh Kin Wah. Loh told EDN Asia about the company's strategic alignment of logic and...

Stereo-amplifier ICs outputs drive multiple loads.(design ideas)
March 1, 2006... Newer generation, directly coupled stereo-amplifier ICs can directly drive headphones and speakers and thus eliminate bulky and expensive output-coupling capacitors. Many of these amplifiers also include a charge pump for generating an internal...

Muscle power drives battery-free electronics.(design ideas)
March 1, 2006... Recent developments in electric-double-layer-capacitor technology have made it possible to replace rechargeable batteries in certain secondary-power-storage applications (Reference 1). Capacitors offer significant advantages over rechargeable...

10-bit, triple ADC family for digital video applications.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Texas Instruments' pair of 8/10-bit triple ADCs provide up to 165MSPS, delivering rich video performance. Ideal for business projectors, televisions and set-top boxes, TVP700x series delivers improved jitter-reduction performance, higher image...

Entry-level 4Gb/s PCI express fibre channel controller.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... The dual-port Tachyon DE4 is a cost-competitive entry-level 4Gb/s fibre channel controller IC that offers good performance capabilities inherent in Agilent's hardware-accelerated Tachyon controller family. It includes a four-lane native PCI...

PMIC minimizes power consumption for battery powered products.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Freescale's MPC18730 PMIC for portable audio and video applications minimizes power consumption by using two dc/dc converters to generate the main supply voltages and three series regulators for the auxiliary rails. All five supplies are...

Direct conversion quadrature modulator.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... The high performance quadrature modulator from Linear Technology is optimized for 850 to 965MHz GSM, CDMA2000, ISM, and RFID modulator applications. The LT5568 accepts I (In phase) and Q (Quadrature phase) baseband signals and modulates...

High-current-output, dual DACs have pin-selectable SPI.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Maxim's MAX5548 (8-bit) and MAX5550 (10-bit) dual, 30mA, current-output DACs in 3 x 3mm TQFN package save board space and feature a pin-selectable SPI (or [I.sup.2]C) interface. They are also highly accurate with guaranteed monotonic over the...

ICs offer "kickstart" and adjustable current features.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Micrel has made six additions to its family of high-current power switches: the MIC2007/08/09 and the MIC2017/ 18/19. The MIC2007/08/09 feature adjustable current limiting and the MIC2017/18/19 offer both adjustable current capability and...

64-Pin LCD microcontroller drives 168 LCD segments.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Microchip Technology's PIC16F946 PIC microcontroller with integrated LCD module reduces the total system cost in many consumer applications. It provides easy access to varying pin counts and levels of performance, and support for a wide...

Small CMKBR-6F bridge rectifier.(SEMICONDUCTORS)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Central Semi-conductor's CMKBR-6F bridge rectifier consists of a monolithic, fast switching chip with four 60V, 140mA high speed, low leakage switching diodes, configured as a full wave bridge rectifier; and packaged in the SOT-363 surface...

Low-power IC family for chargers/adapters.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Power Integrations' LinkSwitch-XT is the latest addition to its portfolio ICs designed for low-wattage power supplies. Targeted at applications in which tight regulation of output voltage and current are key design priorities. The ICs support...

Flexible video frame buffer.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Logic Devices' LF3312 Frame Buffer/ FIFO provides designers with a flexible memory solution to buffering multiple video formats, using both sequential and random access. Integrating both high-density 12Mbit memory and advanced addressing...

Low power voltage IC for automotive applications.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... The EM6152 from EM Microelectronic incorporates a multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic and 5V low dropout automotive voltage regulator with up to 400mA output current capability. Automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100 and...

Multiple smart card reader interface IC for POS.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Atmel's AT83C26 is a multiple analog smart card interface which handles up to 5 smart cards. It powers the smart cards and enables data transfer between host controller and smart cards. System designers can use a single chip to develop readers...

Single-chip microcontroller with on-chip Flash memory.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
March 1, 2006... Renesas' SH7211F single-chip microcontroller with on-chip Flash memory features a high-performance SH2A CPU core with excellent real-time control capability and operating speed of 160MHz. An addition to 32-bit RISC microcontroller SuperH...

Platform accelerates design of gigahertz-speed data acquisition systems.(product introduction)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... National Semiconductor and Xilinx have introduced an integrated development platform that accelerates design of complex, gigahertz-speed communications and test and measurement systems. The platform includes Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA, and National...

1680nm tunable laser.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
March 1, 2006... Santec's tunable laser has an extended wavelength range of up to 1680nm. In addition to fiber optic telecommunications the laser is suitable for applications such as gas sensing and material characterization. Tuning range for the TSL-210V is...

USB Flash drive LuxMini 310.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
March 1, 2006... The USB Flash drive LuxMini 310 from Silicon Power has a storage capacity of 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB. At 56.32x17.00x11.66mm, its features include boot device, password lock software, data partition, date compress and email. Read/Write...

Evaluation board for small appliances.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
March 1, 2006... Quantum Research Group has introduced its E240B, a credit-card sized evaluation board that shows how to create a small, single-sided PCB for applications in small appliances, monitors or PC peripherals where a touch sensitive unit is required....

Ethernet switch PMC card.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)
March 1, 2006... Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing's PGR8 is an unmanaged, 8port Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) Switch PMC card. This conduction-cooled, fully ruggedized mezzanine module enables system designers to add high reliability GigE switched networks...

CPU for PC/104.(BOARDS, CARDS & MODULES)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Sensoray's Model 303 is a CPU for PC/104 systems that comes standard with six serial ports. Two are full-featured RS-232s, and the remaining four are three-wire ports. Rapid communication is available from two USB v2.0 channels and one 1,000...

Universal drive for distributed motor control.(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Technosoft's ISM4803 intelligent servo module is a high-performance intelligent module that's said to be "a true universal drive" covering all applications for AC and DC brushless, DC brush and step motors up to 150W (48V, 3A). Designed to...

OCV software for PC vision systems.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... Cognex Corporation's OCVMax allows text to be verified, even when printed on curved or flexible surfaces or distorted during the printing or packaging process. When print is difficult to recognize, OCVMax enables manufacturers to ensure the...

Automatic X-ray inspection.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... Phoenix X-ray Systems has developed a system that combines all features for optimum comprehensive inspection of printed circuit board assemblies. The microme|x has a precise manipulation unit with 360[degrees] rotation axis and the approved...

Gen 2 printing with smart encoding technology.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... The MP2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Smart encoding technology is designed specifically to EPCglobal Generation 2 encoding specifications. Printronix leverages this technology in its SmartLine product families and introduces a six-inch...

Inline printer for fine pitch.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... The SP200-AVC from Essemtec is a new stencil printer for fully automatic SMT assembly lines. The trans-stencil vision system, the integrated stencil cleaner and the continuous squeegee pressure regulation provide high precision and reliability....

Screen-printable B-stage epoxy reduces IC packaging costs.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... Creative Materials has introduced a screen-printable, B-stageable, highly thermally conductive epoxy adhesive for IC packaging. Designed to increase product performance through the use of B-staging, while reducing manufacturing costs through...

Parallel inspection doubles throughput.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2006... Viscom's high-speed inspection system $6056 for automatic optical inspection of printed-circuit boards allows parallel inspection to meet very high throughput rate requirements. Configuration is fitted with a double-track and two sensor...

RF multi-band 3G frequency translator.(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The TX501 RF Multi-band Translator is an easy-to-use full duplex 3G frequency translator that enables network equipment developers to test infrastructure operating in 3GPP frequency Bands I to VI using existing 3G Band I test mobiles. It sits...

All-in-one measurement solution for WiMAX applications.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
March 1, 2006... Rohde & Schwarz' all-in-one measurement solution consists of Vector Signal Generator R&S SMU200A and Signal Analyzer R&S FSQ for developing and certifying new technology. Few operating steps are necessary for the R&S SMU200A to generate signals...

Battery fuel gauge monitors current, voltage and temp.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
March 1, 2006... Dallas Semiconductor's DS2745 is a low-cost Li+ battery monitor with an I2C interface. Mounted on either host side or battery-pack side of the application, it provides current, accumulated current, voltage and temperature measurements. The...

MTS-207 rugged portable PXI test set.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
March 1, 2006... Geotest-Marvin Test Systems' MTS-207 is a rugged, portable PXI-based configurable solution for field-testing and data acquisition solutions. The core architecture is based on the MTS-206, a military qualified flight line tester for the Maverick...

Advanced automated wafer inspection system.(high-brightness light-emitting diode)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... KLA-Tencor's Candela CS20 is an automated wafer inspection system designed to address the defect management requirements of high-brightness light-emitting diode (HB-LED) market. The system inspects transparent wafers and epi layers for...

Intelligent long-distance TAP connection.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
March 1, 2006... JTAG Technologies' TapCommunicator can be used with any compliant tester, emulator or programmer product. It comprises an "Up-link" and a "Downlink" module, both compatible with IEEE Std. 802.3z-1998 (Gigabit Ethernet) and IEEE Std. 1149.1 to...

Tunable laser range.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
March 1, 2006... The TSL-510 from Santec adopts key features of TSL-210V external cavity tunable laser but with improved features and specifications. A compact, bench-top type instrument, it has a full 120nm mode-hop-free tuning range selectable within the 1260...

Getting the most out of your instrumentation amplifier design.
March 1, 2006... Introduction Many industrial and medical applications use instrumentation amplifiers (INAs) to condition small signals in the presence of large common-mode voltages and DC potentials. Standard INAs using a unity-gain difference amplifier...