Wireless Design & Development articles from January 2008

Wireless Design & Development archives from January 2008

Wireless trends and predictions for 2008.(UP FRONT Wireless Design & Development 2008JAN00 )(Column)
January 1, 2008... During the holiday break, I was able to finally get my. inbox under control (well sort of) maybe organized is a more operative word. While perusing through the subject lines, I was particularly surprised this year by the number of emails I...

10X faster mobile broadband data rates getting closer.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
January 1, 2008... Nokia Siemens Networks has completed the world's first multi-user field trial in an urban environment using the new Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology that offers mobile data rates up to 173 Mb/s. In recent years the wireless industry has...

CEC functionality added to wireless HD connectivity.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
January 1, 2008... Radiospire Networks has successfully implemented the consumer electronics control (CEC) functionality into its AirHook[TM] wireless HDMI technology. AirHook technology, a high bandwidth wireless HD connectivity solution, will now offer...

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) platform benefits consumers and utilities.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
January 1, 2008... Ember, a provider of ZigBee networking systems, and Itron have teamed up to help electric utilities reduce peak load demand and home owners conserve energy by using ZigBee-enabled wireless technology. Itron has integrated Ember's ZigBee...

Uncompromised HD wireless audio is music to CE manufacturers' ears.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STS Inc.'s, fourth-generation chip (DARR81) for digital wireless audio platforms sets a new bar for high-definition multi-channel uncompressed wireless audio, bringing all of a user's devices to life in the connected...

Switch-mode regulator features ultra-wide input voltage range from 4.25 to 75V.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Semiconductor Corporation introduces a high-voltage, monolithic two-switch forward DC/DC regulator for power supply designs in telecommunication, automotive and industrial applications. The LM5015 features...

Driver plus FET modules reduce power losses by 14%.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)(field effect transistors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fairchild Semiconductor's FDMF8704 and FDMF8704V optimize efficiency across high, medium and light loads in ultra-dense servers, blade servers, advanced gaming systems, small form factor desktops, media center PCs,...

Isolated analog card protects sensitive measurement circuitry.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The PCI-1715U, available from Advantech, is an isolated high-speed analog card for the PCI bus. With isolated circuits, the device protects sensitive measurement circuitry from interference currents or voltages. This...

PLL VCO offers R&D cost savings.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raltron Electronics Corporation announces the release of its PCC-A1-3100 PLL family of VCOs covering a frequency range of between 500 MHz and 3.5 GHz. This product family will be useful for base stations, point to...

FPGA-based support for Quad Data Rate memory devices.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lattice Semiconductor Corporation announces FPGA-based support for Quad Data Rate (QDR) II/II+ memory devices. The LatticeSC[TM] and LatticeSCM[TM] FPGA families now support QDRII/II+ rates up to 750 Mb/s. The...

OEM interface integrates easily into a range of TFT LCD monitor applications.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DVS-1600 high-integration OEM interface controller from Digital View is designed to address a broad range of TFT LCD monitor applications, providing a range of inputs, features and LCD panel support to address...

MR16 chipset reduces component count up to 50%.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Zetex Semiconductors has developed a dedicated chipset and reference design for MR16-compatible LED lamps. The chipset decreases PCB size and weight in lamp necks, lowers manufacturing costs, and reduces the...

Flexible multi-mode wireless data modem targets M2M and SDR markets.(PRODUCT NEWS: WHAT'S HOT)
January 1, 2008... CML Microcircuits has launched the CMX7143, a highly integrated and adaptable multi-mode wireless data modem built on CML's proprietary FirmASIC[R] component technology. The CMX7143 addresses the growing global market requirements for...

Know the seven key parameters for selecting RF inductors: RF Inductors are not a one size fits all component. Understanding how your unique design specifications impact the selection process requires experience and expertise.(EYE ON PASSIVES)
January 1, 2008... RF inductor selection involves seven key k parameters: mounting (surface mount or through-hole), inductance value, current rating, DC resistance (DCR), self-resonant frequency (SRF), Q factor, and temperature rating. While small size is...

Clock generation devices.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(ON Semiconductor L.L.C. introduced NB3N3002 and NB3N5573 clock generators)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Sub-picosecond jitter quality * Increased design flexibility * PLL-based ON Semiconductor expands its PureEdge[TM] high performance clock generation portfolio with the introduction of two best-in-class...

Soldering System delivers high power.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(OK International Corp. unveiled PS-900)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Better joint formation * Raises power output * Reduced tip erosion OK International introduces the PS-900 Soldering System. Controlled and powered by SmartHeat[R] Technology, the PS-900 provides users with exceptional capability...

Digital signal controllers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Increased memory options * 16 or 32 Kbytes of flash memory * On-chip ADC Three dsPIC33F Genera+l Purpose Family members and three dsPIC33F Motor Control/Power Conversion Family DSCs have been added to...

Surge suppression devices.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Lower capacitance * Expanded range * Bi-directional protection Tyco Electronics adds additional devices to its Raychem[TM] brand SiBar[TM] thyristor series. These bidirectional, transient voltage surge...

RF power divider features wide bandwidth.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Bandwidth of 10 to 45 GHz * Low insertion loss * Desirable phase and amplitude balance Narda, an L-3 Communications company, introduces the 4428C-2 two-way RF power divider that combines an extremely wide bandwidth of 10 to 45...

Gigabit-LAN switch provides ESD protection.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Save space and cost * [+ or -] 15 kV ESD protection * No need for external ESD diodes Maxim Integrated Products' MAX4927 is a quad, high-speed, high-bandwidth, Gigabit-LAN switch. This device switches...

MMIC phase shifters cover 2.5 to 18.5 GHz.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... * Low insertion loss * 5-bit and 6-bit MMIC phase shifters * 360[degrees] phase shift Hittite Microwave Corporation introduces twelve low insertion loss 5-bit and 6-bit MMIC Digital Phase Shifters, which are appropriate for EW...

Modular RFID expands in the cabinet.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... * Integrate into existing networks * Add multiple channels * 32 Kbyte memory Turck introduces a 2RFID module for its BL ident RFID system that complements its existing BL20 and BL67 network I/O systems. Up to 8 channels can be...

Current sensors provide precise sensing solutions.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Low-offset Linear Hall Sensor Circuit * Copper conduction * Survives up to 5X over current conditions Allegro[R] announces two current sensors engineered to provide economical and precise sensing...

Voltage controlled crystal oscillator.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Bliley Electric Co. introduced TCVCXO)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Temperature compensated voltage controlled crystal oscillator * Frequency range of 10 to 40 MHz. * Clipped sine wave output Bliley introduces its TV105A series TCVCXO (te) which is housed in a 335 mm...

L-band oscillator for cellular base-station applications.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Good 2nd Harmonic Suppression * Ultra-Low Phase Noise * RoHS Compliant Z-Communications, Inc. introduces its lead-free, RoHS compliant oscillator in L-band (1680 to 1755 MHz). The CLV1717A features a...

LTE signal analysis.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... * Signal Analysis for LTE testing * Spectrum and EVM measurements * Analyzes both uplink and downlink LTE signals Agilent Technologies Inc. has released a 3GPP LTE modulation analysis option for its 89600 Series Vector Signal...

OMA Secure User Plane support.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Open Mobile Alliance )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Fully integrated environment * Support for OMA SUPL * Test packages for 3GPP and 3GPP2 Aeroflex is enhancing its 6103 and 6401 A-GPS conformance test systems for location-based services with support for the Open Mobile Alliance...

Digital POLs deliver up to 94% efficiency.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(point-of-loads)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Reduce board level parts count * Improve power system performance * Hardware configured Power-One, Inc. introduces six high-efficiency digital POL converters in its ZY2000 No-Bus and ZY8000 bus-programmable series. These Z-One...

Wideband frequency mixer translates 3.2 to 15.0 GHz.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Exhibits high isolation between ports * Advanced 10w-temperature-co-fired-ceramic (LTCC) technology for small size * Measures only 0.200 x 0.180 0.087 inches Mini-Circuits introduces the Model...

WiMAX Hybrid Couplers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Operates in 2.0 to 4.0 GHz range * Average peak power 3 kW * Rugged aluminum housing MECA Electronics Inc. introduces WiMAX Hybrid Couplers for high performance WiMAX applications between 2.0 to 4.0...

Addition to directional couplers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)(Microlab-FXR enhanced directional coupler CK-70N)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Available as 3 port models * Use with multi-band antennas and leaky cable * Coupling values of 6, 10, and 15 dB Microlab/FXR announces an addition to their directional coupler line. The directional coupler CK-70N series covers...

High volume FPGAs.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Developed on 90 nm CMOS technology * High-speed embedded SERDES I/O * Suitable for cost-conscious markets Lattice Semiconductor Corporation announces that all five of its LatticeECP2M FPGA devices,...

DDS-based test instrument creates test signals for the real world: high speed, high sample rate Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) provide the type of test signal engineers need for rigorous serial bus testing.(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... For years, synchronous parallel buses have served as the media for data exchange between digital devices. Timing issues, however, plague parallel buses at high clock frequencies and data rates, and limit their capability to keep up with demands...

Crest factor reduction (CFR) for OFDM-based wireless systems: an FPGA-based implementation of the CFR algorithm reduces processing latency while maximizing throughput required to support multiple antennas.(CFR TECHNIQUE)
January 1, 2008... Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing is widely regarded as the key underlying air interface technology for wireless systems such as WiMAX, 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) and 3GPP2 ultra mobile broadband (UMB). Due to the inherent nature...

Open access at 700 MHz: opening doors for mobile devices: with the 700 MHz auction rapidly approaching and established carriers rethinking their "restrictive carrier" policies, open access may allow wireless designers to provide a variety of consumer products.(COMPLIANCE UPDATE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 20-year history of U.S. mass-marketed wireless services has been marked by phenomenal growth. In 1987, less than one million people subscribed to cellular phone service. By 1997, the figure had risen to 55...

LNA module provides 24 dB of gain.(PRODUCT FOCUS: AMPLIFIERS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hittite Microwave Corporation announces the release of a GaAs MMIC HEMT ultra low noise amplifier module for use in telecommunication infrastructure, test equipment, VSAT, military and space applications from 5 to 9...

Adjustable hysteresis improves noise immunity.(PRODUCT FOCUS: AMPLIFIERS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Semiconductor Corporation's low-power precision comparator with integrated 2.048 V reference provides adjustable hysteresis for the highest-accuracy signal detection in power supply and battery monitors,...

Voltage feedback amplifier for power sensitive applications.(PRODUCT FOCUS: AMPLIFIERS)
January 1, 2008... Fairchild Semiconductor introduces the FHP3131, a high-performance, voltage-feedback amplifier that consumes 0.4 mA of supply current while providing 70 MHz of bandwidth and 50 V/[micro]s slew rate. The FHP3131 is designed to operate from 2.5 V...

Two-stage feedback driver amplifier.(PRODUCT FOCUS: AMPLIFIERS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mimix Broadband, Inc. introduces a two-stage feedback driver amplifier offered in a 3x3 mm surface mount QFN package. Using 0.50 micron gate length GaAs MESFET device model technology, the buffer amplifier covers the...

Precision current sense amplifier.(PRODUCT FOCUS: AMPLIFIERS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Linear Technology announces the LT6105, a precision current sense amplifier with an input common mode range that extends from -0.3 V below V-, up to 44 V above V-. The common mode range of the LT6105 is independent...

100 W conduction cooled terminations.(PRODUCT NEWS)(BroadWave Technologies Inc. introduced Model 551-199-100 connectors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BroadWave Technologies introduces its Model 551-199-100 small, light weight 100 W termination, a space-saving 50[ohm] DC-3 GHz load with an SMA male connector. Conduction cooled terminations mount to a customer...

FPGA increases verification productivity.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... OneSpin Solutions GmbH announces its stand-alone 360 EC-FPGA sequential equivalence checker that is dedicated to the FPGA market. It supports all sequential optimizations performed by FPGA synthesis tools, enabling designers to verify...

Programmable attenuator modules for fast switching.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Eubus GmbH unveiled Model ATS0430-95 solid-state programmable attenuator modules )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eubus GmbH introduces its Model ATS0430-95 solid-state programmable attenuator modules that feature compact and lightweight housings. Without the connectors, they measure 68 x 42 x 11 mm, and weigh 80 g. For RF...

Low-pass SMT filter for RF and microwave applications.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IMS announces its IMF2293 "S" band, planar, surface-mountable low pass filter. It is a low-profile, compact and suitable surface mountable system for RF/microwave circuits. Dimensions are .4420 3.1840 3.0300. The...

Linear power amplifier designed for rigorous system requirements.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... Stealth Microwave, Inc. introduces its SM3437-43 solid-state GaAs FET 3.4 to 3.7 GHz amplifier for the wireless local loop markets. The amplifier provides 50 dB of linear gain with a PldB of +43 dBm. The unit provides ultra-linear performance...

1 GHz VCO operates at 1,000 MHz.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... Crystek Crystal Corporation announces its CVCO55CX-1000-1000 VCO that operates at 1,000 MHz with a control voltage range of 0 V~5 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of-135 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, and it has optimal linearity. The VCO...

12-bit ADC offers increased channel count.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] austriamicrosystems introduces its model AS154212 12-bit ADC that offers high speed and increased channel count. It addresses communications and data acquisition needs with 1 Msps and 16 input channels combined with...

Single, dual and quad ADCs consume 260 mW per channel.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... Texas Instruments' ADS6000 family of single- and multi-channel ADC systems provide 12- and 14-bit resolutions while consuming a low 260 mW of power per channel. With high dynamic performance for input frequencies from baseband to beyond 250...

L-band oscillator for mobile communications applications.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Z-Communications, Inc. announces its lead-free, RoHS compliant oscillator (Model CLV1548A-LF) in L-band (1511 to 1585 MHz), featuring ultra-low phase noise performance of-103 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. The design...

LED drivers for dimming LCD backlight control.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] anstriamicrosystems announces the extension of its high brightness LED driver portfolio with Models AS3693 and AS3694 to support LED-based LCD backlighting applications. These LED drivers feature optimized...

Optical couplers save rack space.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... M2 Optics, Inc. introduces its FiberSplit Micro Modules, a line of optical couplers, splitters and WDM products that are packaged in compact 2U modules that require 55% less space than standard LGX modules. They are functionally equivalent to...

Solder/rework station.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Manncorp introduces its System 855 bench-top rework station with process control and precision features of larger reflow ovens. Its profiling adjustments include push-button settings for temperature, air flow volume and duration, allowing the...

High dynamic range ultra-low noise amplifier module.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hittite Microwave Corp. announces its Model HMC-C048 GaAs MMIC HEMT ultra-low noise amplifier module for telecommunication infrastructure, test equipment, VSAT, military and space applications from 5 to 9 GHz. It is...

Triple output dwitcher.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Power Sources Unlimited introduced Cincon CFM60T series)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Power Sources Unlimited announces its Cincon CFM60T series of 60 W AC/DC power supplies, offering triple outputs in a space efficient 2"x4" package that fits into compact instrumentation, process control, data communications and storage...

Lead free RoHS-compliant oscillator.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Z-Communications, Inc. announces its Model CLV3150A-LF lead-free, RoHS-compliant oscillator in S band (3,149 to 3,151 MHz) that features low phase noise performance of -100 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Its offers optimal...

Technologies address complex chip design.(TECHNOLOGY AWARD)
January 1, 2008... Cadence Design Systems, Inc. recently announced that fundamental new technologies have been integrated into the Cadence[R] Incisive[R] Enterprise verification family. These additions enable engineering teams to address increasingly complex chip...