Integrated Circuits: August 15, 1996

MAC device accelerates data-stream processing.

The RAD5A4, a reconfigurable arithmetic datapath device, employs four 100-MHz 16-bit macrosequencers that perform as many as 400 million 16×8 or 200 million 16×16 multiple-accumulate operations/ sec. The device works with FPGAs, complex PLDs, and DSPs, functioning as a coprocessor to handle data-stream algorithm processing. Each macrosequencer stores two algorithms, which can be swapped in 20 nsec. The device can be totally reconfigured in 150 msec. The RAD5A4 costs $163.24 (100). Infinite Technology Corp, Richardson, TX. (214) 437-7800.

14,000-gate FPGA promises predictable performance.

A 14,000-gate device joins the 3200DX Sys-tem Logic Integrator FPGA family. The A32140DX is tuned for synthesis design methodologies, yielding highly predictable performance for system logic integration. The device operates at as high as 150 MHz and decodes 32-bits in 7.5 nsec. JTAG boundary scan circuitry conforms to the IEEE 1149.1 standard and allows board-level testing during manufacturing. Housed in 160- and 208-pin PQFPs, the A32140DX costs $95.20 and $98.50, respectively (5000). Actel Corp, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 739-1010.

6-bit flash converter handles 1G sample/sec.

Operating from a single -5.2V supply, the SPT7610 monolithic 6-bit A/D converter guarantees a sampling rate of 1G sample/sec. The flash converter's wide analog-input bandwidth of 1.4 GHz and low-input capacitance of 8 pF eliminate the need for external track-and-hold amplifiers in most applications. The part comes with 256 input preamplifiers between the reference ladder and input comparators. These input preamplifiers act as buffers and stabilize input capacitance. Housed in a 44-lead cerquad surface-mount package, the SPT7610 costs $295 (100). Signal Processing Technologies Inc, Colorado Springs, CO. (719) 528-2300.

Transceiver converts 10BaseT into 10BaseFL.

The ML4664, a single-chip fiber-optic Ethernet transceiver, lowers the cost of fiber-optic networks by reducing the chip count of fiber-optic repeaters and adapters for personal computers. For added flexibility, the device attaches to the output of any 10BaseT twisted-pair Ethernet chip and converts outgoing transmissions into the proper 10BaseFL fiber-optic waveforms and vice versa. The chip comes in a 28-pin PLCC and sells for $19.75 (1000). Micro Linear Corp, San Jose, CA. (408) 433-5200.

High-speed, low-density logic device needs just 90 mA.

A flash-based PLD, the ATF16V8C-5, contains 250 gates and boasts a maximum pin-to-pin delay of 5.0 nsec at a power requirement of 90 mA. The part provides eight outputs, each of which is allocated eight product terms. You can configure three different modes of operation automatically using software. The ATF16V8C-5 comes in both dual in-line and surface-mount versions. PLCC prices start at $7.14 (100). Atmel Corp, San Jose, CA. (408) 441-0311.

Source and sink regulator works in SCSI-based designs.

A low-dropout fixed-voltage source and sink regulator, the LX5285 replaces discrete-current sink circuits used to terminate active negation drivers on the SCSI bus. The device offers a 2.85V fixed output, an output source current of 800 mA, and a sink current of 400 mA. Dropout voltage is 1.2V max at 800 mA. The LX5285 comes in a SOT-223 package and costs $2.45 (1000). Linfinity Microelectronics Inc, Garden Grove, CA. (714) 898-8121.

RF power amplifier spans PCN's dynamic range.

The MHW9014, a GaAs FET power amplifier, employs biasing and control techniques to meet the dynamic range and control-circuit bandwidth for applications in the PCN system. Designed specifically for a 1W digital handheld radio, the amplifier operates from a 6V supply in the frequency range of 1710 to 1785 MHz and requires only 1.0 mW of RF input power. The MHW9014 produces an average RF output power of 33.2 dBm and a minimum gain of 33.2 dB. The part costs $64.35. Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 244-6108.

ATM chip offers six 25-Mbps ports.

The µPD-98408 ATM physical-layer device provides a physical interface for six 25-Mbps ports with a typical power consumption of just 250 mW/port. To allow independent operation among the internal ports, the µPD-98408 integrates a scrambler/descrambler, line equalizer, and clock recovery circuit for each port. The CMOS device, which comes in a 208-pin PQFP, performs NRZI and 4B/5B encoding/ decoding functions. Prices start at $66 (10,000). NEC Electronics Inc, Mountain View, CA. (800) 366-9782.

VSAT receiver-chip set offers programmable data rates.

A two-chip set for very-small-aperture-terminal (VSAT) satellite re-ceivers provides programmable-multirate-digital demodulation, letting you use a single design for end systems operating at data rates of as high as 2.5 Mbps. Consisting of the HSP50110 digital quadrature tuner and the HSP50210 digital Costas loop, the set handles binary phase-shift keyed, quadrature phase-shift keyed (QPSK), and offset-QPSK digital data. The HSP50110 and HSP50210 each cost $23.97 (1000). An evaluation board costs $285. Harris Semiconductor, Melbourne, FL. (800) 442-7747, ext 7574.

4-Mbit SRAM comes in thin flat pack.

The EDI88512CA 512k×8-bit SRAM comes in a 32-pin Thinpack flat pack that is only 427 mils wide, compared to the conventional flat-pack width of 515 mils. In addition to 17% space savings, the Thinpack also offers a 50% weight reduction. Fully static, the Thinpack does not require clocks or refreshing for operation. The EDI88512CA comes in speed options of 20, 25, 35, and 45 nsec and operates from a single 5V supply. A battery backup option provides 2 and 3V data retention. A 25-nsec military version costs $367 (100). Electronic Designs Inc, Westborough, MA. (508) 366-5151.

EDO DRAM accesses data in 35 nsec.

Organized as 256k×16 bits, the SM81C256K16A1 EDO DRAM offers 66-MHz EDO-cycle operation and random access of any word in memory in as few as 35 nsec. EDO-cycle operation permits column access at 15-nsec cycle times with byte-write and byte-read operations. The 4-Mbit part requires a single 5V supply. Housed in a 40-pin SOJ package, the memory device costs $12 (OEM). Silicon Magic, Cupertino, CA. (408) 366-8888.

Enhanced NAND flash device requires 3.3V.

The KM29V32000T/R, a 32-Mbit NAND-based flash device that runs on 3.3V, offers many performance advantages over its 5V predecessor. Key enhancements include improved page-random-access and byte-sequential-access times of 10 µsec and 50 nsec, respectively. The device also features sequential-page-read and sequential-page-program operations, as well as 5-msec block erase and 250-msec page-program times. Offered in TSOP standard and reverse-pinout configurations, the KM29V32000T/R costs $50 (OEM). Samsung Semiconductor Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 954-7000.

8-Mbit flash memory requires single 5V supply.

With the addition of an 8-Mbit device, the Am29Fxxx family of 5V-only flash memories covers densities ranging from 1 to 16 Mbits. The Am29F800 is offered in both 512k×16- and 1M×8-bit configurations and eliminates the need for a 12V power supply. The device guarantees a minimum of 100,000 program/erase cycles and lets you protect stored data by disabling both program and erase operations in individual sectors. Housed in 48-pin TSOP and 44-pin SOIC packages, the Am29F800 costs $23.10 and $22.40, respectively (1000). Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 737-2400.

1-Mbit asynchronous SRAM provides access in 12 nsec.

The AP9A107B asynchronous SRAM, which is organized as 128k×8 bits, operates at 5V and has standard corner power and ground to allow easy upgrades from older versions of the same organization. Offered with access times of 12 or 15 nsec, the CMOS device has an active operating current of 120 mA at 12 nsec. It also has a 50-pF output-load-drive capability instead of the lower industry-standard 30 pF. Housed in 32-pin TSOP and SOJ packages, the 12-nsec AP9A107B costs $19.95 and $23.25, respectively (1000). Aptos Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 986-0188.

3.3V ASICs boast gate delays of 101 psec.

Furnishing 2 million usable gates, the vendor's 0.35-µm ASICs offer 101-psec gate-speeds and clock-distribution architectures that enable faster overall-chip performance. The 3.3V ASICs incorporate a clock-grid driver, a fishbone clock driver, and standard clock tree. The clock-grid circuit drives 10,000 flip-flops with a worst-case skew of <100 psec. Four separate speed and power options let you optimize each macro for either high speed or low power. Prices vary with design complexity. Mitsubishi Electronics America Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 730-5900.

IC packs reset and watchdog functions in SOT-23.

A microprocessor reset and software-watchdog IC in a five-pin SOT-23 package gives you a choice of five preprogrammed reset thresholds: 4.63, 4.38, 3.08, 2.93, and 2.63V. Intended for 3, 3.3, and 5V systems, the MAX823 provides an active-low 140-msec minimum reset in response to a software malfunction or low V_CC. It also accepts a manual reset input. The MAX823 draws 4.5 µA from a 3V supply (10 µA max) and 9 µA from a 5V supply (20 µA max). Resets are guaranteed for a V_CC as low as 1V. Prices start at $1.20 (1000). Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 737-7600, ext 6087.

Frequency-synthesizer ICs meet wireless demands.

Two synthesizer PLL circuits offer programmable frequency dividers for use in mobile communications equipment. The PMB2308 works in equipment operating at up to 125 GHz, including AMPS, IS-54, ISM band at 900 MHz, digital cordless phones, and GSM. The PMB2309 operates in a frequency range of up to 2.5 GHz, encompassing PCS, GPS, WLAN in the ISM band at 2.4 GHz, and DECT at 1.9 GHz. Both devices require a low operating current, typically 10 mA and come in surface-mount plastic TSSOPs. The PMB-2308 and PMB2309 cost $3.15 (10,000). Siemens Components Inc Integrated Circuits Division, , Cupertino, CA. (408) 777-4500.

Clock chip optimizes communication/audio interfaces.

The ICS9120-46 frequency timing generator clock chip needs only three components. Two external crystal-load capacitors and a 14.7456-MHz reference oscillator provide the three preprogrammed clock frequencies required by a 28.8-baud modem with a sound system. Housed in an eight-pin SOIC, the part includes a 14.7-MHz microcontroller reference, a 40.3-MHz data-pump clock, and a 49.9-MHz audio processor. The device meets the -96-dB signal-to-noise ratios required by 16-bit audio systems and minimizes board-induced jitter. The ICS9120-46 costs $1.75 (10,000). Integrated Circuit Systems Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 297-1201.

PLL ICs cut power consumption.

Operating be-tween 2.7 and 3.6V, three programmable PLL frequency synthesizers offer reduced current consumption for cost-sensitive wireless communications applications. All three are fabricated using a U-groove isolated emitter-based self-aligned BiCMOS process that cuts current consumption down to 3.5 mA. The MB15E03 operates at up to 1.2 GHz, and the MB15E05 and MB15E06 work at 2.0 and 2.5 GHz, respectively. Integrated prescalers provide a choice of 64/65 or 128/129 dual-modulus divide ratios. The devices' serial programming structures are identical. Prices start at $2.25 (100,000) in 16-pin SSOPs. Fujitsu Microelectronics Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 922-9000.