Integrated Circuits: July 18, 1996

IC performs AAL1 segmentation and reassembly.

Housed in a 240-pin QFP, an ATM adaptation layer 1 (AAL1) segmentation and reassembly (SAR) processor implements the ATM Forum's Circuit Emulation Service specification, allowing ATM switches to emulate existing TDM circuits. The WAC-021-B works with up to eight DS1/E1 line interfaces or a single high-speed DS3/E4 line interface. Mapping arbitrary time slots to a total of 256 virtual channels maximizes switching bandwidth. The AAL1 SAR processor costs $116 (10,000). Integrated Telecom Technology Inc, Gaithersburg, MD. (301) 990-9890.

Five-chip set simplifies digital set-top design.

A chip set from SGS-Thomson reduces to five the number of devices needed to perform the digital and data-conversion functions of a set-top box. The set consists of the STV0190 ADC, the STV0196 link IC, the ST20TP1 programmable transport IC, the STI3520A integrated au-dio/video MPEG-2 decoder, and the STV0116 PAL/NTSC digital video encoder. The vendor also offers the STV0117, which provides the same functions as the STV0116, plus features for closed-caption encoding and the Macrovision anti-copy system. The five-chip set costs <$75 (1000). SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, Lincoln, MA. (617) 259-0300.

Three-chip set encodes MPEG-2.

Consisting of just three chips, IBM's MPEG-2 encoder set meets the requirements for economical storage and transmission of digital video data. Providing real-time full-function MPEG-2 compression, the MPEGSE10, SE20, and SE30 operate in several combinations of one, two, or three chips working together. The price of the three-chip set is $1500 (100). Also available are three single-chip MPEG-2 decoders, including one video-only (MPEGCD10) and two audio/video (MPEGCD20/CD21) versions. The CD20 costs between $30 and $35 for quantities above 100,000. IBM Microelectronics, Hopewell Junction, NY. (800) 769-3772.

Transimpedance amp offers high sensitivity.

A GaAs transimpedance amp-lifier provides a typical sensitivity of -42 dBm, depending on the photodetector used. The ATA01502D1C is intended for use in synchronous-optical-network OC-3 (synchronous-digital-hierarchy STM 1), optical-receiver chains, and other applications, such as asynchronous-transfer-mode, fibre-distributed-data-interface, and Ethernet fiber LAN networks operating at 155 Mbps or less. The device requires a 5V supply and features automatic gain control and 0-dBm optical overload. The amplifier costs about $20 (1000). Anadigics, Warren, NJ. (908) 668-5000.

ADCs run full speed with 2.7V supply.

Two high-speed ADCs operate at supply voltages as low as 2.7V. The TDA8766 provides 10-bit resolution at sampling rates as high as 20M samples/sec. The TDA8790 de-livers 8-bit resolution at rates as high as 40M samples/sec. Both devices have a supply-voltage range for their analog and digital sections of 2.7 to 5.5V. Typical overall power dissipation is 53 and 33 mW, respectively, when operating from a 3.3V supply. Standby mode reduces dissipation to about 4 mW. The TDA8766 comes in a QFP and costs $3.57; the TDA8790 comes in an SSOP and costs $2.50 (100,000). Philips Semiconductors, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 991-2000.

RTC module packs nonvolatile SRAM, CPU supervisor.

A family of real-time clock modules provides nonvolatile SRAM, as well as full CPU supervision. Housed in a 28-pin DIP, the bq4830 combines a lithium battery with a 32k×8-bit CMOS SRAM, quartz crystal clock, and power-fail chip. The 32-pin bq4832 adds CPU supervision, including a watchdog timer, a power-on reset, an alarm/periodic interrupt, a power fail, and a low-battery warning. When more memory is required, the bq4842 supplies 128k×8 bits of nonvolatile SRAM in a 32-pin DIP that is pin-for-pin-compatible with the bq4832. Respective prices for the bq4830, bq4832, and bq4842 are $18.75, $20, and $42.50 (5000). Benchmarq Microelectronics Inc, Dallas, TX. (214) 437-9195.

PC kit evaluates and tests programmable logic.

The APS-L1016 development kit consists of the Lattice pDS(r) design software and a test board with a Lattice isp1016 in-circuit programmable logic chip and an ispGDS22 programmable switch matrix. The kit lets you partition, place and route, simulate, and implement hardware from the keyboard of a PC without burning PROMs or changing parts. The APS-L1016 costs $250. Associate Professional Systems, Abingdon, MD. (410) 515-3883.

Transceiver chip works with STP and fiber-optic cable.

The S2100 100VG-AnyLAN transceiver accommodates shielded twisted pair (STP) and single or multimode fiber-optic cabling. The chip implements the IEEE 802.12 physical-medium-dependent (PMD) sublayer specifications for operation over 150(ohm) STP cable. The PMD sublayer functions include channel multiplexing for the two-pair STD and fiber-optic implementations, NRZ coding, link-medium operation, and link-status control. Comprised of dual PLLs, an STP equalizer, and multiplexer/demultiplexer circuitry, the S2100 costs $38 (1000). Applied Micro Circuits Corp, San Diego, CA. (619) 450-9333.

Voice codec makes home in cellular and cordless phones.

The ST5090 voice coder-decoder operates from 3.3V supplies, consuming 21 mW while active and 0.5 µA on standby. In addition to 14- and 8-bit ADCs and DACs, the chip includes all of the audio front-end functions for digital cellular and cordless telephones, such as a microphone-selection switch and preamplifier, earpiece driver, and tone generator. The part comes in a 28-lead, SO DIP and 44-lead TQFP and costs $4.96 and $5.46, respectively (10,000). SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, Lincoln, MA. (617) 259-0300.

SDRAM comes in 168-pin DIMM.

Meeting the newly defined 168-pin JEDEC standard, the KMM366S203AT synchronous DRAM (S-DRAM) memory module provides a serial-presence-detect feature. That feature lets the device communicate with memory controllers to identify and report the module's capacity and functionality to the system. The 2M×64-bit DIMM consists of eight 2M×8-bit synchronous DRAM devices in TSOP II 400-mil packages. The KMM366S203AT costs $465 (100). Versions are also offered in 1M×64-bit and 4M×64-bit configurations, respectively priced at $267 and $905 (100). Samsung Semiconductor Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 954-7000.

PCI/CardBus chip en-hances Fast Ethernet networking.

Intended for NIC and CardBus markets, the 21143 PCI Fast Ethernet controller provides a 10BaseT transceiver and a media independent interface (MII) for connecting 100-Mbps MII physical-layer devices. The chip also integrates the physical coding sublayer and scrambler for 100-BaseTX (Category 5) support with a 5-bit symbol interface. Operating at 3.3V, the dual-port full-duplex DMA controller handles both 3.3 and 5V logic levels. The 21143, which comes in TQFP and PQFP versions, costs $22.70 (5000). Digital Equipment Corp, Maynard, MA. (800) 332-2717.

PWM controller improves efficiency, cuts dissipation.

Optimized for ac/dc power supplies and dc/dc converters, the UC3879 phase-shifted controller is used in full-bridge PWM designs operating from 500W to 2 kW. The part achieves a 5% increase in efficiency in a typical 2-kW application, eliminating 100W of power dissipation. The controller's on-chip PWM circuitry reduces the need for external components and lowers overall system cost. Equipped with four 100-mA totem-pole outputs, the UC3879 comes in DIP, SOIC, and PLCC configurations. The controller costs $3.68 (1000). Unitrode Corp, Merrimack, NH. (603) 424-2410.

Eight-channel audio mixer controls volume in 1-dB steps.

Improving audio fidelity in computer audio systems, the SSM2163 audio mixer accepts eight audio channels; mixes individual channels to the right, left, or both outputs; and controls volume in 63 1-dB steps. The device, which comes in a 28-pin DIP or SOIC, also provides a three-wire serial interface and one data-output terminal for daisy-chaining multiple SSM2163s for high-end multitrack audio systems. A single mute pin simultaneously silences all eight audio channels. The part costs $8 (100). Analog Devices Inc, Canton, MA. (617) 937-1428.

Linear optocoupler suits isolation amplifier designs.

Used for digital-telephone isolation and audio-signal interfacing, the LOC series of linear optocouplers has a bandwidth of >200 kHz and is certified to EN41003 and EN60950 specifications. The device optically couples an IR LED with two phototransistors. One serves as a feedback transistor, generating a control signal that provides a servomechanism to the LED drive current. The second transistor provides an output signal that is linear with the servo-LED current. The LOC110 costs $1.29 (10,000). CP Clare Corp, Semiconductor Group, Lexington, MA. (617) 863-8700.

ATM cell processor handles data rates to 155 Mbps.

Reducing design time and cost of ATM switch-line cards, the MC92500 ATM cell processor operates at OC-3 rates (155 Mbps) and performs all of the ATM layer functions. These functions include OAM/performance monitoring, address translation, UPC/NPC, and cell analysis in accordance with Bellcore requirements. Packaged ina 256-lead BGA, the MC925900 costs $85.36 (10,000). Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 244-6108.

Motor-chip set yields sinusoidal commutation.

An enhancement of an earlier chip set, the MC1231A motion processor performs sinusoidal commutation of brushless motors using the motor's encoder signal to determine the phasing angle. The MC1231A controls up to two independent motor axes. The updated chip set detects commutation errors on the fly and performs torque-limiting under software control. It also allows a more sophisticated servo filter with feedforward and a dc bias offset. Housed in two 68-pin PLCCs, the two-axis chip set costs $85 (1000). Performance Motion Devices Inc, Concord, MA. (508) 369-3302.

Chip set comes with software fax/modem.

A two-chip set (PR31100/ UCB1100) and software fax/modem perform nearly all the functions required for personal digital assistants, personal intelligent communicators, and other smart-communication products. The PR31100 combines a MIPS R3000 RISC core with a hardware multiply/accumulate unit, a video controller, an IR interface, and dual UARTs. Working with the 14-bit telecom codec in the UCB1100, the software fax/modem eliminates the need for an external mo-dem-chip set. The cost of the chip set and the software fax/modem license is $38 (100,000). Philips Semiconductors, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 991-2000.

GTL-specified controller drives 1.2/1.5V output.

Intended for high-speed µP and communications systems using Gunning transceiver logic (GTL) and GTL plus (GTLp), the LM3460 controller provides an output accuracy to within 1% for high-current bus termination. The device delivers output-current levels as high as 7A and output voltages of 1.2V for GTL or 1.5V for GTLp technology designed for Intel's Pentium Pro processor. The LM3460 comes in a TinyPak SOT-23 five-pin package and costs $0.89 (1000). National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.

FPGAs come in low-cost plastic packages.

Joining their ceramic-packaged counterparts, the CP20K family of user-programmable gate arrays is now offered in 160- and 208-pin PQFPs. The 42,000-gate device also comes in an 84-lead PLCC, and 8400- and 12,100-gate devices also come in 240-pin PQFPs and 225- and 313-lead ball-grid arrays. Prices for the plastic-packaged parts start at $72.75 (100). Crosspoint Solutions Inc, Milpitas, CA. (408) 324-0200.

DC-motor controller boasts fast-starting circuit.

A single-chip controller contains all the circuitry to quickly start and run a dc brushless motor in forward or reverse and maintain a selected speed to within ±5%. The ML4428's fast-starting circuit determines the rotor's position and applies the optimal waveform to bring the motor up to speed with minimal delay. A back-EMF-sensing circuit maintains selected speed without Hall-effect sensors or µPs. The 28-pin DIP and SOIC versions cost $7.50 and $7.70, respectively (1000). Micro Linear Corp, San Jose, CA. (408) 433-5200.

16-bit DAC packs microprocessor interface.

The DAC715, a monolithic 16-bit DAC, comes with an output amplifier; a 10V temperature-compensated voltage reference; and a high-speed 16-bit, parallel-bus interface. The double-buffered digital interface is fast, offering a 60-nsec minimum write pulse width and a clear function that resets the analog output to half scale. The DAC715 settles to within 0.5 LSB in 10 µsec and provides a voltage output of 0 to 10V. Packaging options include 28-pin DIPs and 28-lead SOICs. The converter costs $12.61 (1000). Burr-Brown Corp, Tucson, AZ. (520) 746-1111.

NOR flash device stores 8 Mbits.

The first entry in the 0.4-mm SmartVoltage FlashFile series packs 8 Mbits of data on a die that is 44% smaller than its 0.6-mm pinout-compatible predecessor. SmartVoltage technology gives the NOR flash device both 5 and 3.3V write capability and 12V programming. Access speeds range from 85 to 120 nsec at 5V. Other features include 64-kbyte erase blocks, extended cycling, write automation, and selective-block locking. The 8-Mbit 28F008SC comes in 40-lead TSOP and 44-lead PSOP versions. Prices start at $17.90 (10,000). Intel Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 628-8686.

100-mW amplifier/switch is tuned for ISM band.

A transmit/receive amplifier IC for spread-spectrum wireless communications operates in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. The TQ9207, which requires a single 5V supply, combines a transmit-receive switch with a low-noise amplifier in the receive path and a 100-mW transmit amplifier for modulation schemes that require linear operation. In receive mode, the TQ9207 provides a gain of 18 dB and a 3.5-dB noise figure. In the transmit mode, the part offers 15-dB power gain with a 1-dB compression point of 21 dBm for extended transmission range. The TQ9207 comes in a 24-pin SSOP and costs $4.95 (100,000/year). Tri-quint Semiconductor Inc, Beaverton, OR. (503) 644-3535.

Hybrid PWM amplifiers meet high-power circuit demands.

Three hybrid PWM amplifiers deliver 97% efficiency in small, lightweight packages. The SA50 and SA51 come in hermetic TO-3 packages and the SA01 comes in a 10-pin hermetic power DIP. Both the SA50 and SA51 produce 5A of continuous output on a main supply ranging from 16 to 80V and deliver as much as 400W of power to the load. Switching frequency for the SA50 is 45 kHz; switching frequency for the SA51 can be as high as 500 kHz, using an external PWM signal. The SA01, which switches at 42 kHz, drives 20A of continuous output on a 16 to 100V single supply and as much as 2000W to the load. The SA01 costs $250; the SA50 and SA51 cost $95 and $85, respectively (100). Apex Microtechnology Corp, Tucson, AZ. (520) 690-8600.

Switching-regulator ICs include start-up FET.

Two monolithic switching regulators integrate a high-voltage power switch and a start-up transistor to minimize the need for external components. Designed for rectified 120V-ac line operation, the MC33362 comes with an on-chip 500V, 2A SenseFET power switch, 250V active, off-line, start-up FET, duty-cycle-controlled oscillator, and current-limiting comparator. The MC33363, intended for rectified 240V-ac line operation, offers a 700V, 1A SenseFET and 450V start-up FET. Both devices come in wide-body SOIC16 packages. Respective prices for the MC33362 and MC33363 are $0.98 and $1.06 (10,000). Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 413-3615.