Wireless Design & Development articles from June 2007

Wireless Design & Development archives from June 2007

GPS--a girl's best friend.(UP FRONT)
June 1, 2007... I always thought diamonds are a girl's best friend, but in 2007 many women may consider their GPS-enabled mobile phone their best friend. The majority of women drivers in the US look to a GPS system to give them peace of mind and a sense of...

High-performance broadband amplifiers.(WHAT'S HOT: PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... WJ Communications, Inc. announces a family of high-performance broadband amplifiers. The W JA broadband amplifier family offers tip to 20 dB of gain and an output IP3 tip to 43 dBm while consuming 60 to 90 mA from a +5 V supply. Utilizing the...

Mobile media.(WHAT'S HOT: PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... IDT[TM] introduces the Mobile Multimedia Interconnect[TM] (M2I), fully-optimized for multimedia applications in high-end mobile handsets and personal digital assistant devices. The M2I performs tip to six times faster with 90% less battery...

Tuned oscillators.(WHAT'S HOT: PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Micro Lambda Wireless, Inc. announces the production release of YIG-Tuned oscillators covering the 2 to 18 GHz and 2 to 20 GHz frequency bands. Four fundamental frequency models providing desirable phase noise performance are now available. The...

MEMS switch.(WHAT'S HOT: PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... TeraVicta Technologies, Inc. announces the availability of its DC to 26.5 GHz SPDT MEMS switch, the TT1244. By leveraging the baseline process and design technology of the production released DC to 7 GHz switch, the TT1244 offers a step...

Tool automates generation and verification of embedded code.(WHAT'S HOT: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)
June 1, 2007... The MathWorks, Inc. and Analog Devices, Inc. announce Link for Analog Devices VisualDSP++[R], which integrates MATLAB[R] and Simulink[R] with the Analog Devices VisualDSP++, integrated development and debugging software environment. Link for...

Voltage regulator functionality.(WHAT'S HOT: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)
June 1, 2007... AMI Semiconductor announces the release of devices that combine LIN (Local Interconnect Network) transceiver and voltage regulator functionality in a single low-power, mixed-signal chip. The AMIS-40615 and AMIS-40616 will allow automotive...

Reduce development cost and design risk.(WHAT'S HOT: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)
June 1, 2007... ChipVision Design Systems announces breakthrough, patented Electronic System Level (ESL) technology that lets RTL designers work interactively with system-level descriptions to generate power-optimized Register Transfer Level (RTL) code. It...

Low-power Methodology Kit.(WHAT'S HOT: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)
June 1, 2007... Cadence Design Systems, Inc. announces a kit that enables engineers of different experience levels to adopt advanced low-power techniques with minimized risk and deployment effort. The Low-Power Methodology Kit provides a working end-to-end...

WildCharge unveils wire-free technology.(unveiled WildCharger)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Safe, wire-flee electricity is no longer science fiction as WildCharge, Inc. (www.wildcharge.com) unveils a safe, wire-free electric power technology that eliminates user need to constantly plug in mobile electronic devices for electric power....

Mikoh's smart & secure retail tag addresses consumer privacy concerns.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
June 1, 2007... Balancing the need for RFID tagging in the retail environment with the need for customer privacy, MIKOH Corporation has developed the Smart & Secure Retail Tag. The use of item-level RFID tagging in the retail industry is a means to...

Joint plan to enable lower-cost manufacturing.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
June 1, 2007... HRL Laboratories, LLC and Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc., announces a joint development plan la enhance the Brijot BIS-WDS millimeter wave imaging system for detecting concealed objects. The Brijot BIS-WDS surveillance system features...

U.S. Cellular offers wireless solution to customers.(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & MARKETS)
June 1, 2007... The scramble to reassemble a list of contact numbers after damaging or losing a phone can be an inconvenience and sometimes draining experience. New technologies and added services also have consumers upgrading their cell phones on average of...

Streamlining wireless test from design through QA: implementing a common test platform and test methodology is an important step along the way, but the real time saver lies in the intelligence of the automated test software that runs on these systems.(UNLICENSED TECHNOLOGIES: TECHNOLOGY FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Consumer demand is driving shorter product life cycles aggressive product roadmaps and shorter time to market. With the correct implementation of test strategy, the time from reference design to production can be reduced by 3 to 4 months. ...

WiMedia UWB & WiMax coexistence: the ongoing debate is not over whether or not UWB can cause interference with other incumbent signals in the same band, but the effectiveness of techniques used to protect the victim service.(Cover story)
June 1, 2007... The recent history of Ultra wideband (UWB) communications technology has seen great debate over whether UWB causes unacceptable interference to existing users of the same and nearby bands. This paper begins with the current state of...

Tradeoffs between single phase and three phase power: finding the right fit between individual power module size and overall system load can sometimes be challenging.(POWER SOURCES)
June 1, 2007... In order to maximize power transfer while minimizing conductor volume, utility power is generally supplied in a three-phase manner, either with or without a neutral connection (see Figure 1). Note, when a Neutral is involved, it is generally...

130 nm SiGe BiCMOS processes optimize cost and performance; HBTs feature a uniquely engineered fabrication process and new epitaxial materials optimized for wireless communications systems.(MIXED SIGNAL ICs)
June 1, 2007... Silicon Germanium (SiGe) Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) are capable of much better performance than comparably sized CMOS devices. This technology advantage is critical for wireless applications designed in SiGe BiCMOS that require...

Software radio in wireless applications: a revolution through software: the intent of software radio is to separate the wireless standard from the hardware platform by developing wireless technology standards.(SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIOS)
June 1, 2007... Wireless communications infrastructure manufacturers bare traditionally developed single-standard, high-power, high-capacity networks to address the need for cellular coverage over large areas. These networks were intended to support a specific...

SERDES interfaces in an FPGA world: how to get started; a design team must understand the abilities of both FPGA products and SERDES interfaces to increase the reliability and functionality of its products.(SERDES INTERFACES AD FPGAs)
June 1, 2007... For some years now, increasing levels of chip functionality and data throughput requirements have propelled the chip industry in a migration from lower data rate parallel connections to higher speed serial connections. The concept is called...

Microwave Power Meter.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT: METERS)
June 1, 2007... Rhode & Schwarz introduces the Microwave Power Meter. The versatility of the Power Meter Series R&S[R] NRP is due to the newly developed sensors. These sensors are intelligent standalone instruments that communicate with the basic unit or a PC...

Broadband Wireless Power Meter.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT: METERS)
June 1, 2007... Praxsym introduces the Broadband Wireless Power Meter. The heart of the unit is an RF assembly built around a proprietary bi-directional RF power sensor designed specifically to cover the 2.4, 5.3 and 5.8 GHz bands. The sensor consists of a...

Analog IC tester.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT: METERS)
June 1, 2007... The B+K Precision Model 570A emulates passive circuitry around the device under test to ensure that a comprehensive test takes place. High integrity verification offers guaranteed levels of reliability in the results. Conditional and...

Hand-held broadband meter.(PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT: METERS)
June 1, 2007... Link Microtek introduces a hand-held broadband meter designed for measuring electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of transmitters and industrial equipment. With a choice of calibrated interchangeable probes, a GPS option and a wide range of...

Software design tool suite.(SOFTWARE)
June 1, 2007... Lattice Semiconductor Corporation releases its ispLEVER[R] Classic design software. The ispLEVER Classic design software is based oil the complete ispLEVER software design tool suite, a comprehensive design environment for all Lattice...

Manufacturing test software.(SOFTWARE)
June 1, 2007... LitePoint Corporation announces the availability of the LitePoint IQfact[TM] manufacturing test software for products based on Sequans WiMAX chipsets. The turnkey software package runs on IQmax[TM]-500 R&D and IQmax-100 Wi MAX manufacturing...

Thermal simulation process.(SOFTWARE)
June 1, 2007... Hybricon, Inc. introduces a thermal simulation process that cools an ATR form-factor chassis that dissipates almost 200 W and operates at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. The process evaluates a range of possible design configurations, focusing on...

High power terminations.(PASSIVES)
June 1, 2007... Microlab/FXR announces the addition of two high power terminations to its Money Saver Product Line. The TB-70 (50 W) and the TB-75 (100 W) are both available with either N or 7 to 16 mm DIN, male or female connectors. Units have been designed...

Coaxial mismatch termination sets.(TEST)
June 1, 2007... Link Microtek introduces a series of coaxial mismatch terminations that provide an easy method of calibrating equipment or checking the performance of a microwave system. Supplied in boxed sets of five, the terminations offer standard VSWR...

Coplaner attenuators.(TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS)
June 1, 2007... Stale of the Art (SOTA), Inc. announces an addition of coplaner attenuators to its high frequency product line. Wire bondable or solderable 0303" (.030" x .030" x .010") coplaner balanced T attenuators are available on alumina or aluminum...

WiFi/WiMAX splitters.(POWER)
June 1, 2007... MECA offers RoHS compliant, WiFi / WiMAX splitters for high performance, broadband LANs and mobile applications at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, and also public safety networks operating in the licensed 4.9 GHz band. Available in 2-way and 3-way SMA or...

Power amplifiers.(POWER)
June 1, 2007... Hittite Microwave Corporation introduces five GaAs PHEMT 1 W mid 2 W MMIC power amplifiers that are suitable tar point-to-point and point-to-multi-point radios, test instrumentation, military and space applications from 6 to 13 GHz. Optimized...

LED driver.(SEMICONDUCTORS/ICS)
June 1, 2007... Micrel Inc. launches the MIC2298, an LED driver for portable applications. The device is a 7 W, high-efficiency boost DC DC converter housed in a 3 x 3 mm MLF package. Targeting photoflash and torchlight applications in mobile phones, PDAs and...

Active doubler.(SEMICONDUCTORS/ICS)
June 1, 2007... Mimix Broadband, Inc. introduces a 2.5 to 6.0 / 5.0 te 12.0 GHz InGaP HBT active doubler offered in a 4 x 4 mm QFN surface mount plastic package that is Rolls compliant. Identified as the XXI002-QH, this device delivers + 17 dBm output power,...

High-speed packet access.(INTEGRATED SUBSYSTEMS)
June 1, 2007... Andrew Corporation introduces high-speed packet access (HSPA) capabilities to its OneBase[TM] Micro Node B and Pico Node B products for wireless network coverage and capacity enhancement, enabling a more than 20-feld increase m data transfer...

Power amplifiers.(AMPLIFIERS)
June 1, 2007... Mini Circuits introduces power amplifiers which deliver tip to 100 W. Heavy duty, ruggedness and reliable operation. which meet demanding communication applications describe Mini-Circuits collection of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 W ZHL high power...

RF coaxial connectors and cable assemblies.(INTERFACE/INTERCONNECT)
June 1, 2007... Emerson Network Power Connectivity Solutions introduces a line of UMC ultra-miniature RF coaxial connectors and cable assemblies. Our UMC connectors are the answer for a quality, snap-on, surface mount connection with a maximum mated height of...

Miniature VCO.(SIGNAL SOURCES)
June 1, 2007... Z-Communications, Inc. announces the introduction of their sub miniature VCO (SMV4710A--LF) with low phase noise performance. SMV4710A-LF in frequency range of 4538 to 4903 MHz is designed to meet the high performance requirements of microwave...

Coaxial resonator oscillators.(SIGNAL SOURCES)
June 1, 2007... Crystek Corporation's CVCO55CC-0827-0840 coaxial resonator oscillator operates from 827 to 840 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.2 to 4.7 VDC. This coaxial voltage controlled oscillator features a typical phase noise of -124 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz...

Splitter/filter modules.(SIGNAL PROCESSING)
June 1, 2007... Pulse expands its SmartER[TM] series of xDSL, high-density, low-pass splitter/filter modules suitable with high-bit-rate digital subscriber line(VDSL2) applications. Though designed for VDSL2, the modules can also be used in ADSL and ADSL2+...

Single-chip polar HEDGE RF transceiver.(TECHNOLOGY AWARD)
June 1, 2007... Sequoia Communications' SEQ7400 is a single-chip, polar transmit, seven-band, HEDGE (HSDPA/WCDMA and EDGE/GPRS/GSM) RF transceiver based on the company's patented FullSpectra[TM] architecture. The SEQ7400 offers a high level of integration, low...

Patient monitoring via wireless sensors: challenges in precision filtering at minimal power levels.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... Wireless sensors are proliferating across a variety of monitoring applications, from the health of industrial machinery, tire pressure in automobiles, to home security applications. A large growth area for wireless sensors is in healthcare for...

Mass flow sensors fit respiratory & medical applications.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... The world market for respiratory products is exploding. Applications include devices such as pulmonary function testing equipment, spirometers, sleep apnea diagnostic devices, ventilators, nebulizers, CPAP/Bi-level devices, and oxygen supply...

Touch sensing IC family.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... Omron Electronic Components LLC announces the availability of the B6TS application-ready touch sensing IC family. This family of products measures floating capacitance through most touch panel materials. Therefore, they are suitable for use in...

Inductor series.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... Gowanda Electronics introduces an inductor series, which provides desirable inductor component technology. Inductors manufactured using traditional methods can exhibit magnetic characteristics that are undesirable in certain applications;...

Linear product portfolio.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... Microchip Technology Inc. announces it has Expanded its linear product portfolio into the low power, high-precision arena with the MCP6031, MCP6032, MCP6033 and MCP6034 (MCP603X) operational amplifiers (op am/s). The sub-microampere amplifiers...

Ceramic chip capacitors.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY: MEDICAL DESIGN)
June 1, 2007... Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announces the release of the surface-mount X7R multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) designed to prevent surface arc-over. The devices provide maximum capacitance in high-voltage ratings and an increased...