EDN Asia articles from November 2006

EDN Asia archives from November 2006

Rule-based to model-based approach.(ednasiacomment)
November 1, 2006... Throughout the advances till 90nm process node, designers could anticipate the difficulties at the next node before reaching the node. The jump from 90nm to 65nm seems different. Designers are not clear whether they should move in the same...

Tektronix video waveform monitors aid transition to digital environments.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... Tektronix has launched a family of multi-format waveform monitors that enable users to achieve the quality levels they require for video production, distribution, and broadcasting. The WFM6100, WFM7000 and WFM7100 waveform monitors offer high...

Secure battery-backup controller.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... The DS3600 from Dallas Semiconductor is a comprehensive secure battery-backup controller for data protection in point-of-sale terminals. First in a family of secure battery-management products, the DS3600 provides active tamper detection and...

Nexvision intros IP video security camera based on TI's DaVinci technology.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... Nexvision, a manufacturer of IP network video security solutions, has announced the first IP video security camera prototype based on TI's DaVinci technology. The Nexdome Dragonfly leverages the dual-core TMS320DM644x architecture based on...

Humanoid robot developed based on technical transfer from AIST.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... Using research results from the Humanoid Research Group of the Intelligent Systems Research Institute of AIST, two start-up companies approved by AIST--General Robotix Inc. and Moving Eye Inc.--working together with Pirkus Robotix Inc. and Dai...

4 to 60V step-down controller draws 40uA.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... Linear Technology Corporation's LTC3824 is a 4 to 60V input range, 100% duty cycle, low IQ, adjustable switching frequency dc/dc current mode controller. It is ideal for automotive applications where the 4V minimum input voltage supports cold...

Advanced security features for intellectual property.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... Microchip Technology's dsPIC DSCs and PIC24H MCUs are said to be the world's first 16-bit devices with advanced security features that allow multiple parties in a collaborative system design to share the memory, interrupts and peripherals of a...

High voltage PXI switch module for fuel test.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... The National Instruments PXI-2584 dual 6x 1 1-wire high-voltage multiplexer, which occupies a single 3U PXI slot and offers CAT II certification at 300V, is capable of routing general-purpose ATE loads or high-voltage, low-current signals. ...

High density FPGA with embedded transceivers.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... The Stratix II GX family's EP2SGX130 device is said to be the industry's largest FPGA with embedded transceivers. It features more than 132,000 equivalent logic elements (LEs), giving designers ample logic resources to implement multiple...

Low profile 400W ac-dc switcher fits in 1U high apparatus.(INNOVATIONS AND INNOVATORS)
November 1, 2006... The SMM400 series from XP Power is a family of 400W ac-dc switching power supplies that enable more power to be delivered in an industry-standard 1U high enclosure. Most 1U units are limited to around 250W but this power supply, which has...

Video op amps exceed HD needs.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)
November 1, 2006... The most recent incarnation of power-semiconductor supplier Fairchild Semiconductor brands itself the "power franchise." Now, discrete supplier Fairchild is re-entering the high-performance-op-amp arena with the FHP3x50...

LEDs take over in "mood" lighting.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)
November 1, 2006... Using tricolor arrays of LEDs, architects and lighting designers can fine-tune intensity, color, and pattern to achieve "mood" lighting and other effects. Designers need to ensure that they apply the correct drive to the LEDs, and they need to...

[I.sub.2]C bus now runs at 1MHz.(GLOBAL DESIGNER)
November 1, 2006... Chip designers use the two-wire, serial [I.sup.2]C bus for a range of interchip communications. Philips, which originated the bus more than 20 years ago, has now announced Fm+ (fast-mode-plus) devices that take the performance of the [I.sup.2]C...

Wireless USB in a dongle.(prying eyes)
November 1, 2006... The promise of wireless USB seems unbeatable--eliminate all those little, somehow inflexible cables that make a rat's nest of everyone's desktops, and turn where to put the printer into a spatial-visualization test. But in reality, unless you...

Hack-proof design: security requirements now top the embedded-system designer's checklist as networked devices multiply and hackers optimize their attack techniques.(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... AS embedded devices permeate society and assume ever more important roles, the consequences of security failures are potentially catastrophic. Embedded devices provide unattended operation for thousands of mission-critical or safety-related...

Safeguarding keys.(cover story)(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... When most people think about security, they first think of encryption. An embedded system that sends and receives only triple-DES (data encrypted standard)-encrypted commands might seem difficult to crack. However, imagine a house that has the...

Fabrics get smart: electroactive textiles serve as switches, sensors, and more.(design feature)
November 1, 2006... If your idea of smart fabrics is a pair of khaki pants that sheds food stains, think again. The smartest fabrics are becoming electroactive, allowing them to address far more important engineering problems than whether you wear your lunch to an...

Smart-building systems converge: as building-automation data flows onto enterprise networks and the Internet, designers are turning to integrated systems and Web-based services.(design feature)
November 1, 2006... Growing customer demands for open, interoperable subsystems, along with widely available, high-speed information-technology networks, have fueled the transformation of the building-automation sector from independent, mostly proprietary product...

New issues in automotive electronics.(EDITORIAL)
November 1, 2006... Semiconductor revenue generated by automotive applications is projected to grow at a CAGR of nine percent over the next five years, according to both Databeans and Strategy Analytics. With the continuous replacement of mechanical and electrical...

Use of current sense measurements in automotive systems.
November 1, 2006... Contemporary automotive electrical system design is experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of change seen in history. Everything from revolutionary dual use motor/generator hybrid electric propulsion and "fly-by-wire" electric actuators,...

Microcontroller advancements address automotive body-control design challenges.
November 1, 2006... The continued advancements of electronics within the vehicle are being driven by the challenges that automotive OEMs face in making their vehicles safer, smarter and more energy efficient. Electronics continues to be the fastest growing sector...

Automotive electronics test: a functional test perspective.
November 1, 2006... Electronics in automobiles serve three major functions: to ensure safety, provide comfort, and optimize driving experience. Automotive electronics can be categorized into four major segments: * Powertrain--where the electronic system...

Advanced power semiconductors for power electronic systems.
November 1, 2006... Advances in power electronics systems over the last three decades have been marked by five major inventions: light-triggered thyristors in the top-end power range, GTOs in the high-end power range, IGBTs in the mid-range power band, power...

Ceramic capacitors for automotive electronics: lifting quality to ppb level.
November 1, 2006... EPCOS ceramic capacitors satisfy the quality requirements of automotive electronics (Figure 1). All its product series satisfy the AEC-Q 200 standard. However, with the Advanced series and--at its core--the ppb (parts per billion)-level...

"After two decades, it continues to amaze.".(Interview)
November 1, 2006... Jeff Kodosky, co-founder of National Instruments, recently spoke to EDN Asia about the progress of LabVIEW dataflow visual pro-gramming language and environment. Excerpts. How much has LabVIEW evolved over the last 20 years? A: When we...

Extensions to the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan standard: The IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan standard, developed almost 15 years ago, gears up for new challenges in the test industry.(special report)
November 1, 2006... The IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan standard was developed almost 15 years ago to resolve the problems associated with limited physical access for probing test points on printed circuit boards (PCBs), to verify that device pins have been soldered...

Ceramic output capacitors enhance internally compensated switchers.(design ideas)
November 1, 2006... Integrating compensation components with a power-supply controller and buck regulator's power switches can minimize pc-board area, improve reliability, and eliminate assembly errors by reducing the number of components and solder joints....

High-performance audio DSP for home, car.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The 8-channel TAS3108 audio DSP brings high-performance audio processing capabilities to enable up to 7.1-channel processing in digital TVs, home theater-in-a-box systems, automotive head units, and external amplifiers. It has a variety of...

Quad LVDS family reduces power consumption.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This family of LVDS ICs are for applications requiring high-speed data transmission, such as digital copiers, laser printers, cellphone base stations, telecom switches, and network switches/routers. The ASl150-52 quad ICs halve the supply...

Boost controller with no [R.sub.SENSE] architecture.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The LTC3872 is a current mode step-up dc/dc controller with 550kHz operating frequency. It does not require a sense resistor, saving board space and improving efficiency, and is a highly compact solution for converting a 2.5 to 9.8V input...

Mini-RGB interface solutions for compact designs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The mini-RGB interface chip, SSD1270, provides an effective transmission solution enabling short-range communication with a display device. It simplifies connections between host processor and display to reduce cost of these connections. The...

AC-DC synchronous rectification power MOSFETs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This expanded range of 60 and 75V HEXFET MOSFETs is designed for ac-dc synchronous rectification in servers, laptop adaptors, and desktop power supplies. The IRFB/S/SL3206, 3306, 3207Z and 3307Z families of MOSFETs offer good synchronous...

Step-down converter for WCDMA & CDMA PAs increases efficiency.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The AAT1171 is a fully integrated voltage-scaling dc/dc step-down converter specifically optimized to control the power to the power amplifier (PA) in WCDMA and CDMA handsets, thereby increasing amplifier efficiency and extending talk time....

SmartSleep controls video power consumption.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The MAX9508/MAX9512 are analog standard-definition video filters equipped with SmartSleep technology that controls power consumption by turning on the device only when the video input signal and the output load are detected. Shutting down the...

Rail-to-rail amplifier for single-supply apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This precision operational amplifier utilizes an innovative zero-crossover, single-input stage architecture to achieve glitchless rail-to-rail performance. Featuring ultra-low distortion of 0.0006% THD+N, low noise of 4.5nV/rtHz, and gain...

FirmASIC based products take hold.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... Professional and leisure two-way radios are target applications for the FirmASIC based products (PMR/LMR, Trunking, GMRS, FRS, PMR446 and MURS), in the fields of Marine VHF, aviation, and amateur radio. Specific functions of the CMX7031 and...

Charge pump and inductive solutions for portable apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The NCP5010 supplies up to 22V (typ.) to power a series of two to five white LEDs for LCD backlighting applications. Delivering up to 84% efficiency and 1 [micro] A shutdown current, it operates on input voltages from 2.7 to 5.5V. It also...

Triple-channel video AFE IC delivers high bandwidth.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This triple-channel analog front end (AFE) device delivers optimal performance for televisions, monitors, home theater, and business projectors. The ISL98001 is a triple-channel, 8-bit video analog front end (AFE) that incorporates all of the...

High power MOSFETs meet Class D audio amplifier needs.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The ZXM N/P 7 series trench MOSFETs provide high efficiency, cool running, and quality audio reproduction for Class D output stages. Rated at 70V, and offered in SOT223 and DPAK packages, these N- and P-channel devices ensure reliable, safe...

Power management and stereo audio IC for mobile apps processors.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This combined power management and audio IC is designed to support the latest generation of application processors in smartphones, portable multimedia devices (PMP), PDAs, personal navigators, and more. The DA9034 integrates over 50 different...

Image processors for portable video display apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... The SSD1921 and SSD1922 support up to 480RGBx272 resolution video displays for camera phones, 3G phones, car AVs, game consoles, and digital photo frames, etc. Both have 256KB of memory for display frame buffer, JPEG codec buffer, and sub-panel...

Protection ICs for satellite set-top-box apps.(SEMICONDUCTORS)
November 1, 2006... This family of devices is specifically optimized to protect the low noise block (LNB) voltage regulator in satellite set-top-box applications against lightning and electrical over-stress surges. The LNBTVSx-22x range provides 3, 4 and 6kV...

Open-frame kiosk display for digital signage.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The LB1500R and LB1503R kiosk displays give kiosk integrators and OEMs bright, attention-grabbing displays. Featuring a brightness of 550cd/[m.sup.2], they increase visibility to accommodate a wider audience. The 15" LB15 Series offers options...

Dual output boost converters for OLED, white LED displays.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The TPS61140 and TPS61150 are two high-efficiency, dual-output dc/dc boost converters that can manage two sets of six white LEDs from a single integrated circuit plus inductor. The devices feature an input voltage of 3 to 6V, and can deliver up...

LED offers 105 lumens typical output.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The BWL-3B series of 3W high-power LEDs comes in a 9x9mm package that allows for higher packaging densities and smaller luminaire designs. The series is well suited for general lighting applications such as area and task lighting,...

High speed image transfer vision system.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The PV310 is a fast and reliable monochrome vision system that offers 13 pre-processing image functions that can be combined to enhance difficult defects. Pre-processing with the company's low contrast matching function, or its improved flaw...

Large-size touch monitor.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The Orion 32, a 32" diagonal (16x9 aspect ratio) touchscreen LCD monitor is suitable for electronic signage, hospitality, kiosk, and point-of-purchase applications. This larger size touch monitor allows designers to display more information....

LED lamps eliminate leakage current.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... This series of lamp-based LEDs feature built-in shunt resistors to reduce unwanted illumination caused by leakage current. Well-suited for industrial environments, power generation, trans mission and distribution applications, the LS Series is...

White LED driver optimized for high-volume 3-LED apps.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The CAT3603 fractional charge pump is optimized for high-volume, three-LED backlighting display applications in cellular phones, digital still cameras and handheld devices. The device is targeted at these cost-sensitive, high-volume...

Vision system with fast application development.(DISPLAYS)
November 1, 2006... The VisionPro machine vision system now offers a complete set of interactive tools for creating vision applications without programming. Targeted at system integrators, machine builders, OEMs, and advanced manufacturing engineers, the system...

Modular jacks with integrated magnetics.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... These modular jacks operate from -40[degrees] to 85[degrees]C, and come with integrated magnetics for 10/100 Ethernet. Available in right-angle configurations (e.g. ganged 1x2, 1x4 and single port); and as vertical single-port variants, they...

Integrated heatsink addresses thermal concerns.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... Tyco Electronics' standardized CardBus connector with integrated heatsink utilizes specialized interface material for optimum thermal performance and conductivity. The product features an aluminum-extruded heatsink for use in low watt card...

Ultraminiature cox cable assembly for wireless apps.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... The Ultraminiature Coax Connector and Cable Assembly (UMCC) meets growing demand for next generation wireless applications such as wireless Internet, RFID, Bluetooth, mobile antennas, and cellular handsets. The UMCC is an excellent fit for...

Solid tantalum chip capacitors offer high reliability.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... The Hi-Rel COTS T83 series solid tantalum chip capacitors provide high reliability and a choice of standard and low-ESR values in five different case sizes. Designed for a variety of avionics and military systems such as radar, missiles, and...

Locking cylinder for increased safety.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... The CNA series locking cylinder is available in 5 bore sizes (40x100mm) and uses an integral, compact lock unit that is unaffected by the quality of the supply air. A manual override lock release is also available as a standard feature. Typical...

Space-saving TP modules for DSL systems.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... A filter choke and two PTC thermistors have been integretd for surge-current protection in a single component. The transformer protection (TP) module for DSL systems is a combination of rectangular PTC and a modified standard filter choke that...

High-current induct0rs feature 3.0mm height profile.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... These low profile, high-current inductors have a 2525-size footprint, low 3.0mm height profile, and inductance values from 22[micro]H down to 1.0[micro]H. The IHLP inductors serve as high-performing, space- and power-saving solutions for...

Interactive RF cable builder.(PASSIVES)
November 1, 2006... The "RF Cable Assembly Builder" program allows specification of RF Cable Assemblies using RG178, RG174 and RG316 coax cables for MMCX, MCX, SMA, SMB, TNC, BNC and N type RF end options, and 1,13mm diameter and 0,81mm diameter coax cables for...

PCI Express analyzer aims at AMC form factor.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... Targeting the AMC (AdvancedMC) form factor, the Vanguard Express PCI Express protocol and link analyzer can debug, test, and validate the PCI Express protocol, and test AMC.1 types 1, 2, 4, and 8 modules. Features include an independent and...

Wet chemistry analyzer.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... The WetSpec200 is a next generation fully integrated in-line wet chemistry analyzer for real-time monitoring of chemical concentrations in wet processes. Typical applications include cleaning, stripping and etching wet stations, and CMP slurry...

Measurement software builds and runs SCS applications.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... The latest version of DAPstudio measurement software allows users to design filters that roll off at 96dB per quarter-octave, and build and run applications based on the vendor's SCS (signal-conditioning-system) series, requiring no additional...

Lower test costs with 8 channel oscilloscope.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... The NI PXI-5105 eight-channel digitizer is the lowest price-per-channel high-speed data acquisition product in its class. Engineers and scientists can use the PXI-5105 60MS/s, 12-bit digitizer to increase the number of analog input channels in...

Signal source offers higher spectral purity.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... The frequency range of this analog high-end signal generator has been expanded. The R&S SMA100A can now be used for applications up to 3GHz--and optionally 6GHz--in the lab, production and service. Equipped with the R&S SMA-K25 option, it can...

Mobile test platform for 3G and 3.5G broadband wireless.(TEST & MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... The K1297-G35 Protocol Tester offers a level of test performance, and allows testing of new technologies such as HSDPA and HSUPA at data rates of up to four times 14.4Mbps. Test applications can cover user-plane traffic representing simulated...

Workbench for testing wireless systems.(TEST AND MEASUREMENT)
November 1, 2006... This test platform enables thorough system-level testing for wireless networking and cellular communications systems. The Connected Solutions Workbench makes RF hardware measurements such as swept error vector magnitude (EVM), complementary...

A 3-A, 1,2-[V.sub.OUT] Linear Regulator with 80% Efficiency and [P.sub.LOST] < 1W.(POWER MANAGEMENT)
November 1, 2006... Introduction Using linear regulators for higher current (>IA), low-output voltage applications has been a challenge for many years due to the regulator's dropout requirements, related inefficiency, cumbersome output capacitor requirements...