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Consumer Electronics

Hands-free communications system

Zarlink Semiconductor's range of tools that simplify the design of hands-free communication systems includes car kits, speakerphones and home automation systems. Complementing Zarlink's platform of hands-free voice-processing solutions, these design tools include a full evaluation board, mini-evaluation board and a plug-and-test diagnostic kit.

Zarlink's hands-free voice-processing evaluation board provides interfaces to connect to PSTN line, cell phone, PC audio port, handset and speaker drivers. The evaluation board is controlled by an easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI). Zarlink software can be directly interfaced to the customer's own platform.

The mini-evaluation board is smaller than a business card, and fits directly into most plastic enclosures. Manufacturers can quickly evaluate the performance of the hands-free voice-processing solution in their existing plastic design.

Zarlink also offers the ZLE38000 plug and test diagnostic tool kit and software to measure key performance parameters, including echo profile, frequency response, signal level, and total harmonic distortion. The diagnostic tool kit and software provides manufacturers with a real-time evaluation of voice-processing performance.
Zarlink Semiconductor
(613) 592-0200
www.zarlink.com

Defense Military/Aerospace

L-band radar modules

Microsemi's power solution modules series for high-power L-band pulsed-radar applications consists of three model types: the 1214-800P, 1214-700P1 and 1214-550P. They provide 50 input and output fully matched across the 1200 MHz to 1400 MHz band. These class C modules are designed for peak power outputs greater than 550 W, 700 W and 800 W at 50% collector efficiency, under a medium-pulse format of 300 µs, 10% long-term duty cycle. High-power gain is greater than 8 dB. Sized at 3.2 in. × 2.0 in. × 0.21 in., the units are now available.
Microsemi
(800) 713-4113
www.microsemi.com

Design Software

EM 3-D simulation software

Ansoft has released HFSS v11, which features technology that delivers even greater accuracy, capacity and performance. HFSS v11 includes higher-order hierarchical basis functions combined with an iterative solver that provides accurate fields using smaller meshes and more efficient solutions for large multiwavelength structures. A new fault-tolerant, high-quality finite element-meshing algorithm allows HFSS to simulate complex models two to five times faster using half of the memory compared to previous versions.

HFSS is a powerful tool for 3-D full-wave electromagnetic field simulation, a critical aspect in designing high-performance electronic devices that are more portable, smaller and operate at higher frequencies. These devices include RF/microwave components, on-chip passives, PC board interconnects, antennas and IC packages.

The dynamic link between HFSS and the company's advanced, combined frequency and time-domain circuit simulator Nexxim, and Ansoft Designer, the company's integrated schematic and design management front-end, creates a powerful electromagnetic-based design flow. This design flow enables users to merge complex, highly nonlinear transistor-level circuits with 3-D full-wave accurate component models to solve challenging high-performance electronic designs.

HFSS v11 is available on Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP x64 Edition, Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linuxv3, Solaris 8 and Solaris 9.
Ansoft
(412) 261-3200
www.ansoft.com

Embedded Technology

Redundant hard drive

Newer Technology's Guardian MAXimus is a low-cost FireWire and USB2 external RAID 1 storage solution for consumers and professional users. The system is an external storage solution that works with any computer that has a FireWire 400, FireWire 800 or USB2 interface. It provides “live activity” backup/data redundancy via RAID 1 hardware mirroring, so that in the unlikely event of a hard drive failure its uninterrupted full data accessibility RAID-1 redundancy will ensure that there is no data loss. Front-panel LEDs display drive access and status information.

Guardian MAXimus writes the same information in real time to two separate drives for a “mirrored” copy. It also protects users from costly system down time and data restoring after a hard drive system crash. Features include up to 1.0 TB dual-drive solution, up to 64 MB of drive cache (32 MB per drive), and the use of a custom oxford 924-based bridge. Transfer rates for FireWire 800 are to 800 Mbps (100 Mbps), for FireWire 400 are to 400 Mbps (50 Mbps), and for USB 2.0 are to 480 Mbps (60 Mbps). Pricing is $319.99.
Newer Technology
(815) 308-7001
www.newertech.com

Terabyte external drive

The Elite-AL Pro from Other World Computing is a 1.0 TB quad interface single external drive solution. Connectivity options for FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA ports are supported. Accessibility to the data is transparent to the port interface used. Features include the use of the next-generation high-speed Oxford 924 chipset combined with fast-drive mechanisms for fast single-drive transfer rates, exceeding 80 Mbps via FireWire, and up to 150 Mbps via eSATA.

The 1.0TB drive solution is compatible with all Apple OS versions 8.5 through 9.2.x; Apple OS X 10.0.3 and higher (including OS X “Tiger“ 10.4.x), Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, XP, Vista; and any OS or device with standard FireWire, USB or eSATA. The unit comes with utility and backup software, including Intech hard disk SpeedTools utilities for Mac OS 8.6-X, ProSoft engineering data backup for Mac OSX v10.2.8 or later and NovaStor NovaBACKUP for Windows 2000 or later. It also includes all the cables for FireWire 400, FireWire 800, USB2, and eSATA interfaces. Pricing is $599.
Other World Computing
(800) 275-4576
www.otherworldcomputing.com

Packaging and Interconnects

Internal PC board vias

Endicott Interconnect Technologies' HPC-Z interconnections provide signal connections only where desired, with functional isolation for single- or double-side surface-mount partitions. The HPC-Z interconnect solves thick board drilling and wire density problems, and meets the need for functional isolation, with the capability of isolating high-speed channels on one sub-assembly and low-speed channels on another. It provides interconnections contained completely within the board, and eliminates unnecessary PTH drilling.

HPC-Z provides a “PTH-like” connection at lamination with a pad-to-pad connection made with conductive epoxy. Since there is vertical connection with a lamination in place of a PTH, aspect ratios for drill and plate are limited to sub-assembly dimensions. This reduces drilling depth. For example, instead of having to drill 3 PTHs all the way though the board with a 10-mil drill for each of three sub-assemblies, you can have three PTHs on one, two PTHs, on another, and one PTH on the other. This minimizing of the PTH effect results in increased wiring density due to smaller vias and lands. With HPC-Z, there are more wiring lines available that would have been closed off by conventional PTH drilling.
Endicott Interconnect Technologies
(866) 820-4820
www.eitny.com

Integrated optical cables

Zarlink Semiconductor's ZLynx electrical-optical-electrical cable assemblies are one-piece fiber-optic cable assemblies with integrated, industry-standard electrical terminations capable of 20 Gbps transmission on both directions and 5 Gbps duplex four-channel data transmission, for distances up to 100 m. The ZLynx's standard connector allows the optical solution to use the CX4 port. Typical power consumption is 1 W per node, vs. new copper efforts in 10GBASE-T that consume approximately 5 W per node.

Zarlink is sampling ZLynx products targeting InfiniBand dual data rate (DDR) at 4 Gpbs × 5 Gbps per channel and 10 GbE XAUI at 4 × 3.125 Gbps applications. Pre-production units are available. This will be the first in the ZLynx family of optical cables available at cable lengths up to 100 m and terminated with a number of high-speed electrical connectors.
Zarlink Semiconductor
(613) 592 0200
www.zarlink.com

Flexible silicone cables

High-flex silicone cables from Cicoil retain flexibility and electrical properties in temperatures ranging from -65 °C to +260 °C. The thermal capability of silicone cables exceeds that of typical PVC jacketed cables and even specialized PTFE jacketed cables. Silicone cables also withstand exposure to high levels of ultraviolet, radiation and ozone with no adverse effects. The silicone cables are typically manufactured to customer's specifications, and also available in many standard configurations for motion control applications.

Flat cables are available with wire gauges from 4 AWG to 44 AWG, in virtually any configuration required. The proprietary extrusion process allows multiple wires to be placed in a flat cable, precisely controlling the wire spacing, the insulation thickness, and the overall cable shape. Designers can create the cable needed, in the smallest possible package, which saves space and reduces cost. Cables are available in continuous lengths (cable-only), or as assemblies, complete with connectors, 100% tested and inspected for each specific application.
Cicoil
(661)-295-1295
www.cicoil.com

Passive Components

Upconverter mixer

Mini-Circuits' model SIM-U432H+ is a double balanced upconverter mixer designed for frequencies from 0.1 MHz to 3900 MHz. Targeting WiMAX and wideband receivers, it is based on a combination of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, semiconductor technology, and a highly manufacturable circuit layout. According to the company, this combination results in small size, high insensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD), excellent stability with temperature and high IP3. Also, this upconverter mixer performs the frequency upconversion with typical conversion loss of 7.5 dB. Typical IP3 for the mixer is rated at 26 dBm. While the LO drive is +17 dBm.

Other features include LO-RF (in) isolation of 24 dB (typical) and LO-IF (out) isolation of 36 dB (typical). Variations in isolation as a function of LO power are typically ±2 dB. Operating temperature range for the mixer is -40 °C to +85 °C, while RF power is rated at 100 mW. Offered in case style HV1195, the upconverter mixer is RoHS compliant in accordance with EU directive (2002/95/EC). And is priced at $9.95 each, in quantities of 10-49.
Mini-Circuits
(718) 934-4500
www.minicircuits.com

Resistive pickoff tee

RLC Electronics' resistive-pickoff Tee offers good through-line insertion loss and pickoff stability from dc to 40 GHz, in addition to rise times of less than 10 ps. Insertion loss is less than 2 dB. The pickoff insertion loss is 15 dB over the entire operating frequency range. Return loss varies with frequency as follows: greater than 20 dB for dc; greater than 17 dB for dc to 15 GHz; and greater than 12 dB for 15 GHz to 40 GHz. Operating temperature is -55 °C to +85 °C at 3.5 W. The unit's environmental compliance conforms to the Mil-E-5400, class 1A standard.
RLC Electronics
(914) 241-1334
www.rlcelectronics.com

Semiconductor Technology

High-speed CMOS logic

Potato Semiconductor's GHz CMOS output driver reduces chip internal ground and power noise without sacrificing output performance. Conventional CMOS technology can inject noise into power and ground because of the unbalanced CMOS structure. The low-noise GHz CMOS technology enables an increase in operating frequency of seven to 10 times over conventional CMOS. Low noise also reduces digital signaling errors. In one example, the output signal from a 74G32 logic device with 3 V on V_CC can operate at 2 GHz, even with the probe loading (V_PK-PK is 2.075 V, V_HIGH is 2.175 V. V_LOW is 100 mV). The maximum frequency can exceed 2 GHz.
Potato Semiconductor
www.potatosemi.com

Sensing and Security

Digital USB compass

The OS3000 is a low-cost, three-axis, tilt-compensated, solid-state digital compass by OceanServer Technology. It provides drop-in compatibility with most popular digital compasses. The OS3000 digital compass is a three-axis, 1.4 in. × 1.8 in. PC board and includes RS-232 and USB connectivity, and a 24-bit ADC with digital filters, for easy integration into a wide range of applications. Accurate to 1° azimuth, with 0.1° resolution, tilt-compensation up to ±60°, and 0.1° resolution for roll and pitch, the compass components have a 50,000 G shock rating. Providing a programmable update rate from 0.1 Hz to 20 Hz, an ASCII interface, and hard-iron calibration, the OS3000 digital compass can be easily embedded into another device and provides precise heading, roll and pitch data, and is ideal for rapid attitude measurement. It incorporates a three-axis Honeywell magneto-resistive sensor, as well as a MEMS accelerator. The OS3000 digital compass is priced at $249.00 each, or $199.00 each for 10 units.
Ocean-Server Technology
(508) 678-0550
www.ocean-server.com

Wireless data-protection service

AirMagnet and VeriSign have launched the VeriSign Wireless Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS), the first comprehensive service designed to effectively shield rapidly growing corporate wireless networks from theft and other security threats. Through a strategic partnership with AirMagnet, VeriSign Managed Security Services (MSS) maximizes the ability of intrusion prevention technology to protect wireless and wired networks.

VeriSign Wireless IPS helps customers design, deploy, manage and monitor wireless intrusion prevention systems. Benefits of the service include: holistic view of network; expert design and implementation; managed deployment. High levels of security intelligence; improved regulatory compliance (such as HIPAA); and lower operating costs. VeriSign Wireless IPS is available in North America and will be available in Europe this fall.
AirMagnet
(877) 624-6385
www.AirMagnet.com

Signal Processing

Rear-view camera processor

Vimicro's VC0702 is a low-power TV camera processor for automotive rear-view cameras. Vehicle rear-view camera systems are required to work well and be stable throughout exposure to a wide temperature range and in low-light environments. The VC0702 performs well in these situations. The device supports CMOS and CCD sensor types. The built-in video DAC can generate NTSC or PAL video signals. The unit also features a 10-bit image signal processor that performs multiple functions, including: auto bad pixel detection and cancellation, auto flicker detection and cancellation, auto lens shading compensation, configurable brightness, edge-adaptive CFA interpolation and image post-processing to support size from VGA/CIF to NTSC/PAL or bypass.
VI Micro
(650) 966-1882
www.vimicro.com

Switches and Connectors

Precious metal clad wire

Metallurgically bonded, precious metal clad wire and ribbon from Anomet Products are a cost-effective alternative to solid products for manufacturing high-reliability connectors and components for aerospace, electronic, medical and related applications. To meet specific requirements, they can include platinum for oxidation and corrosion-resistance, and biocompatibility; gold for low contact resistance, and palladium or silver, each clad to core materials such as copper, Kovar, niobium, nickel-iron, molybdenum, stainless steel, tantalum, and titanium. Providing greater ductility and formability than filled or plated products, they are offered in 0.002 in. to 0.125 in. outer diameter, and up to 1 in. wide, respectively; with 2% or more cladding thickness, depending upon the desired properties. They have a smooth finish and are functionally equal to solid products at reduced cost. The precious metal clad wire and ribbon products are priced according to construction and quantity.
Anomet Products
(508) 842-3069
www.anometproducts.com

Time and Frequency

Inverted-MESA crystal oscillator

The PECL/LVDS inverted MESA (OT/VT type) crystal oscillator from Taitien uses a proprietary process technology. The unit features a fundamental frequency output of up to 320 MHz. The unit also has low rms jitter (< 0.5 ps from 12 kHz to 20 MHz).
Taitien Electronics
(510) 252-0686
www.taitien.com

Test and Measurement

Handheld WLAN analyzer

AirMagnet's AirMagnet handheld analyzer 7.0 is designed to offer customers a convenient handheld tool for proactively diagnosing and troubleshooting wireless LANs (WLANs). The latest release introduces support for the 802.11g WLAN protocol, giving organizations significant insight into wireless performance on the network. In addition to the currently supported 802.11b adapters, the handheld analyzer 7.0 includes support for the Summit Data Communications' SDC-CF20G 802.11g compact flash module with integrated antennas, to recognize and report on all 802.11g speeds and traffic information. The product also delivers the pre-802.11n alarm, that lets an organization protect and manage threats associated with these pre-standard devices. Furthermore, the handheld analyzer 7.0 decodes and analyzes 802.11d information for those customers with devices implementing this standard.

The handheld unit aids in the solution of serious problems associated with the enterprise WLAN. It helps IT staff make sense of end-user complaints, quickly resolving performance problems and automatically detecting hundreds of security threats and other network vulnerabilities. This includes easy detection and location of all Rogue

access points, a comprehensive audit of all wireless policies, automated vulnerability assessment and wireless intrusion detection.

The AirMagnet handheld analyzer 7.0 is priced at $2,995 per license. Existing customers who have an active software support subscription are entitled to a no charge upgrade. AirMagnet also is offering the Summit card for $150.
AirMagnet
(408) 400-0200
www.airmagnet.com

Ovenized crystal oscillator

Bliley Technologies offers a high-stability, low-noise, 10 MHz OCXO in euro-style packaging. The NVG47S OCXO, targeted specifically for applications demanding tight stability and superior noise performance, is suited for test equipment, microwave communication systems (both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint), and all cellular base station standards. Product specifications for the NVG47S OCXO include 5 MHz to 13 MHz operating frequency; typical phase noise of -128 dBc at 10 Hz offset; stabilities as tight as ± 5 PPB over temperature; and long-term aging at 20 years.
Bliley Technologies
(814) 838-3571
www.bliley.com

Tx/Rx Technology

Secondary-powered transmitter

OTEK's current loop (4 mA to 20 mA) transmitter, The CTT, is powered by existing 5 A current transformers (CTs), eliminating the need for expensive conduit wiring and limited distance due to voltage drop on the lines. The CTT is powered by a technique that extracts the power flowing on the secondary of the CT without accuracy degradation due to saturation. The technology eliminates the need to supply the compliance (typically 24 Vdc) power to the transmitter and/or heavy gauge conduit protected wiring. Because the CTT can be connected next to the CT, the high voltage (if the CT opens) is eliminated.

The CTT is available in three packages: miniature panel-mount, DIN rail mount without display and panel mount with integral 4 ½ digit backlit display. For controlling purposes, an optional loop powered hi/lo controller is available (series 900). Specifications include: output conversion into rms dc voltage; a measuring range of 0.05 A to 10 A; accuracy of + 0.1% of full-scale, loading of less than 700 ; and a min/max output range of 3 mA to 26 mA. Nuclear, industrial and Mil-Spec grades are available. Pricing is $200.
OTEK
(520) 748-7900
www.otekcorp.com

HSPA platforms

Andrew Corporation has introduced high-speed packet access (HSPA) capabilities to its OneBase micro node B and pico node B units for wireless network coverage and capacity enhancement, enabling a more than twenty-fold increase in data transfer rates. The addition of high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) is available, and high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA) is expected later this year. The addition of HSPA capabilities coincides with the volume shipping and deployment of Andrew's micro and pico node products into wireless networks around the world. HSDPA speeds data communications from the node B product to the user to as much as 14.4 Mbps from 384 kbps. The micro and pico Nodes that will use the HSDPA/HSUPA software are specialized wireless network base stations for coverage and capacity solutions using the UMTS 3G air interface. The nodes are deployed in high-usage areas and permit wireless carriers to maintain high levels of service with less cost than adding a traditional base station. They provide carriers a solid return on investment, while helping to avoid traffic bottlenecks on the larger network. Andrew micro node B is a higher-capacity multicarrier product that can be deployed to fill gaps or add capacity in outdoor coverage, as well as provide indoor coverage from positions outside of buildings or through in-building distribution systems. Micro nodes have the capability to provide coverage for several floors of a building simultaneously and can support approximately 1300 users (75 mErlang/user). Andrew pico node B is regularly deployed as an in-building solution where a number of higher-volume voice and data users may congregate. Pico nodes, which typically support approximately 20 to 200 users, have the flexibility to provide coverage solutions by themselves, or as drivers for larger distributed antenna systems.
Andrew Corporation
708 236-6600
www.andrew.com

Spread-spectrum radio

FreeWave Technologies has announced the 3400SMR, a board-level, wireless spread spectrum radio designed specifically to operate in the 3.3 GHz to 3.5 GHz band.

It is available in board-level and enclosed formats. The 3400SMR provides good performance and versatility in a small footprint. In addition, it offers customers a cost-effective solution by allowing them to incorporate wireless communications into a wide variety of applications. Key technical specifications include a 20-mile range with clear line-of-site, 350 kHz occupied bandwidth with hopping patterns selectable in 25 MHz zones, single-frequency capability, RS232/RS485/RS422 protocols and an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +75 °C. The 3400SMR is available. FreeWave will also provide additional features in the future, including 128-bit AES encryption and IP connectivity.
FreeWave Technologies
(303) 381-9298
www.freewave.com