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802.11n chipset

Metalink's second-generation WLANPlus is an 802.11n-draft-compliant dual-band chipset. The chipset family supports optional specifications of the 802.11n standard with functionality that is critical for the streaming of high-quality, high-definition TV (HDTV) video throughout the home (three MPEG2 HDTV streams at 60 Mbps with whole-home coverage at 60 feet).

Metalink's second-generation chipset supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In line with the specifications of IEEE drafts for 802.11n Wi-Fi certification, it is compliant with 802.11a/b/g-based legacy devices, as well as 802.11h (radar detection), 802.11i (security) and 802.11e quality of service (QoS). The chipset supports optional features as well as proprietary algorithms for superior bandwidth and the lowest possible jitter, latency and packet loss. The chipset includes full implementation of an integrated media access controller (MAC), reducing the required processing power and memory allocation from the application host processor.

To double network coverage in a home, the chipset features a maximum likelihood (ML) slicer and an advance-coding gain using low-density parity check (LDPC) technology. In a 2 × 3 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rank, the ML slicer provides benefits equivalent to those of transmit beam forming, without the pendency problems. To guarantee QoS, the chipset features QoS mechanisms, such as enhanced distribution channel access (EDCA) with admission control and fast link adaptation (FLA). Dynamic link adaptation (DLS) cuts the amount of airtime that must be used for QoS operations by 50%.
Metalink
(678) 325-5430
www.metalinkbb.com

Text-to-speech software

CSR has added text-to-speech capabilities to its BlueCore5-multimedia platform as part of CSR's eXtension Partner Program. NowSpeak's Mobile TTS software for BlueCore has been developed to run on CSR's Kalimba DSP for Bluetooth headsets and in-car hands-free systems using BlueCore5-multimedia silicon.

When a call is received on the user's mobile phone, the name or phone number of the caller is announced over the headset or car kit. The TTS software synthesizes speech from the incoming text in real time, without the need to know the words in advance. Mobile TTS technology offers voice prompts showing the status of the Bluetooth device and instructions to improve usability.

The BlueCore5-multimedia platform includes a 64 MIPS DSP and on-chip memory to support third-party software for enhanced audio capability and expanded functionality. The DSP-based platform also features enough power to support future software enhancements. NowSpeak Mobile TTS for BlueCore offers caller ID, device status updates and an audio pairing guide in multiple languages. NowSpeak expects to add support for additional languages, SMS and e-mail reading, as well as speech recognition.
CSR
(972) 238-2300
www.csr.com

Dual-band tuners

Maxim Integrated Products' MAX2161 and MAX2162 dual-band, dual-mode tuners support Japanese digital broadcasts. The devices receive UHF and VHF band III and support one-segment and three-segment broadcasts using the ISDB-T standard. The MAX2161 features an I2C-compatible interface, while the MAX2162 has a three-wire interface for IC-to-IC communication.

The MAX2161/MAX2162 tuners contain the blocks to implement a low-IF TV tuner, except for a crystal and the front-end filters needed to reject interfering cellulartransmit signals. In mobile TV mode, the devices achieve a max sensitivity of -98 dBm with no external filters or amplifiers, and they can withstand adjacent analog TV interference of greater than 50 dBc at a sensitivity of -95 dB. Each device is RF tested during production utilizing.

The MAX2161SEWA/MAX2162SEWA tuners operate from a 2.7 V to 3.3 V supply, and they draw 110 mW (typ) in low-power mode. These devices are available in custom 46-pin wafer level packages (WLPs). Prices start at $4.00 for 1000 pieces.
Maxim Integrated Products
(408) 737-7600
www.maxim-ic.com

Delta-sigma ADC

Linear Technology's LTC2499 is a 16-channel delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that communicates via an I2C-compatible serial interface and includes a unique analog input architecture. The LTC2499's easy drive front-end design results in zero average differential input current, allowing measurements of high impedance input sources without the use of an internal buffer. Rail-to-rail input signals can be directly digitized while maintaining dc accuracy (2 ppm INL).

The device includes a high accuracy internal temperature sensor that offers 1/30 °C resolution and 2 °C absolute accuracy. The ADC converts the output of the temperature sensor or the input multiplexer, which can be configured for 16 single-ended channels, eight differential channels or combinations of both. After a new channel is selected, the LTC2499's no latency delta-sigma digital filter settles in a single cycle. The LTC2499 performs conversions at rates of 15 Hz or 7.5 Hz while using the internal oscillator and can be configured to reject line frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or both simultaneously while maintaining 600 nV_rms noise across the full input voltage range. Three address-select pins allow 27 unique address combinations, in addition to a separate global address for synchronizing multiple devices.

The LTC2499 is available in commercial and industrial temperature ranges. Pricing begins at $3.45 each for the LTC2499, in 1000-piece quantities.
Linear Technology
(408) 432-1900
www.linear.com

Multicore baseband processor

Texas Instruments' 3 GHz wireless infrastructure baseband processor boosts applications for GSM-based base stations while addressing WiMAX and TD-SCDMA. With three cores running at 1 GHz each, the TMS320TCI6487 processor enables base station manufacturers to extend their existing designs while entering into new markets. With this device, manufacturers will be able to deliver solutions that support up to 10 EDGE-enabled carriers with a single chip. In addition to supporting more users, the multicore DSP provides enhanced capabilities for GSM, including interference cancellation and better reception for high data-rate applications. This flexible, software-upgradable solution reduces infrastructure costs, enabling service providers to deploy baseband technology in emerging markets like India, Russia, Africa and South America.

Texas Instruments' TCI6487 is also optimized for infrastructure designs of TD-SCDMA, China's unique air interface. The 3 GHz “baseband on a chip” can support three carriers and 69 users per device.

The processor meets emerging OFDMA requirements and future LTE demands. The single-chip DSP solution works in conjunction with TI's optimized software library, complete analog front end and key products from third parties. A complete 10 MHz, two-antenna, three-sector solution can be implemented, improving cost and power per channel. The TCI6487 is sampling with targeted customers.
Texas Instruments
(800) 336-5236
www.ti.com

Low-power comparators

Austriamicrosystems' AS1970-75 family of comparators offers a choice of single, dual or quad input, combined with low power consumption down to 8.5 A per comparator input. The ICs are suited for battery-powered applications and can be powered by two AA cells

The family can be used with single +2.5 V to +5.5 V supplies. Dual «1.25 V to «2.75 V supplies can also be supported. The devices offer rail-to-rail capability and a low input-bias current of 1 pA. The low 0.5 mV input offset voltage and internal 3 mV hysteresis combined with low power consumption makes the AS1970-75 family ideal for battery monitoring and management applications in portable devices.

The AS1970/72/74 have a push/pull output stage that sinks and sources current. The AS1972/73/75 have an open-drain output stage that can be pulled beyond VCC, making them suitable for mixed-voltage designs, logic-level translators or bipolar-to-unipolar converters. Large internal output drivers allow rail-to-rail output swings with loads up to 8 mA. The AS1970/71 single comparators are available in a five-pin SOT23 package, the AS1972/73 dual comparators come in an eight-pin MSOP package and the AS1974/75 quad comparator are delivered in a 14-pin TSSOP package.
Austiramicrosystems
(408) 345-1790
www.austriamicrosystems.com

Embedded crystal real-time clock

The M41T56C64 from STMicroelectronics is a high-accuracy serial real-time clock (RTC) that adds EEPROM and an embedded crystal in a single 18-pin small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC). The device reduces board space, increases reliability, and lowers manufacturing costs, making it ideal for applications requiring accurate timekeeping and non-volatile data storage.

The real-time clock section of the device provides year, month and day data along with hours, minutes and seconds. Drawing only 450 nA (typical), the IC can accurately keep time for more than 10 years on a 48 mAh lithium coin cell. The EEPROM section has 8192 bytes of memory with more than 1 million erase/write cycles per byte. The RTC and the EEPROM are accessed via a two-wire I2C serial bus. The device also embeds the pre-calibrated 32 kHz crystal, with «5 ppm accuracy guaranteed even after two reflows. Embedding the crystal provides better protection against the corrosive effects of moisture and humidity while avoiding manual insertion during board assembly.

The RTC includes 8 bytes of binary-coded decimal (BDC) registers used for the clock/calendar functions, 56 bytes of NVRAM and 8 Kbytes of EEPROM. When power is removed, the device automatically switches to its backup battery input and goes into a low-current mode to maximize battery life. The device is rated for 4.5 V to 5.5 V.

The EEPROM-RTC-crystal combination is built with ST's stacked die packaging technology that enables the integration levels of hybrid technology for an additional cost. The M41T56C64 is $1.35 each in high volumes.
STMicroelectronics
(781) 861-2650
www.st.com

IP blocks

Chipidea now offers analog front end (AFE), digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converter IP blocks, with complete subsystems and individual cores available in 65 nm and 90 nm technology. Chipidea has worked with Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing to make the AFE and data converter designs ready on the most advanced process technology. This development is intended to ease the integration process for designers producing SoC devices.

The first IP cores designed for advanced process technologies are Chipidea's video ADC and video DAC for high-definition TV, and an IQADC designed for mobile TV and broadband wireless communications. All the IP cores have flexible power modes suitable for battery-powered applications. Chipidea will soon have complete low-power AFE video and wireless communications, and other single blocks designed for IBM's, Chartered's and Samsung's common platform processes.
Chipidea
(408) 348-2296
www.chipidea.com

RFCMOS design offering

Semiconductor foundry UMC and Integrand Software offer enhanced capabilities for RF/mixed-mode IC designers designing into 90 nm and 0.13 mm nodes. Integrand's EMX and EMX-Continuum tools have been used to create scalable models for metal-oxide-metal (MOM) capacitors and inductors. These scalable models are linked to the Integrand's optimum capacitor finder (OCF) and optimum inductor finder (OIF), and are being distributed as part of UMC's foundry design kit (FDK).

Model accuracy has been verified within a few percent of measurements for inductance and capacitance, as well as for parameters such as quality factor (Q). An interface has been built within the UMC FDK for direct access to the EMX simulation engine. This gives designers the ability to simulate components from UMC's library in the true circuit context, surrounded by other components and interconnects, and allows designers to perform their custom designs using UMC certified process technology files and Integrand's EMX. Integrand's OCF, a GUI-based synthesis tool, is deployed within the FDK to allow UMC customers to enter their capacitance and make trade-off decisions between Q and area. These models are accurate and validated by measurements on silicon wafers. The models also include the effects of dummy fill and substrate coupling.
Integrand Software
(908) 517-0748
www.integrandsoftware.com