December 4, 1997

Hot 100 Products of 1997 (Europe)

8-bit fuzzy-logic coprocessor interfaces with popular µPs

The 8-bit STFLWARP20/PL fuzzy-logic coprocessor, Weight Associative Rule Processor (WARP) 2.0, allows you to exploit a fuzzy-logic design approach to high-level control systems without a high-performance µC or DSP. The WARP 2.0 operates as a coprocessor by interfacing with all popular µPs or as a stand-alone unit. The WARP 2.0 includes input-fuzzification and output defuzzification stages, a fast inferencing unit, memory for rule storage, antecedents and consequents, and control logic for downloading rules and variables. The 40-MHz device accommodates eight inputs, four outputs, and 256 rules. A key feature stores membership functions in dedicated on-chip memories, which allows the device to compute an eight-input, four-output, 256-rule fuzzy process in 200 µsec. WARP 2.0 costs $10 (500).

SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, St Genis Pouilly, France. +33 50 40 25 58.

Single-chip echo canceller has 32 channels

The TECO3264 echo-cancellation IC is the first in a new family of ICs for SDH/SONET systems working on line data rates from T1/E1 (1.554/2.048 Mbps) to STM-4/OC-12 (622 Mbps). The device provides 32 channels of echo cancellation with an echo-return-loss enhancement of 34 dB and can accommodate tail-end delays up to 64 msec. The echo canceller provides fast and slow convergence modes to achieve rapid cancellation followed by stable control of the echo estimate to prevent divergence. You can program gain and nonlinear processor attack in each mode. The nonlinear processor itself has immediate and soft modes. Immediate mode instantly substitutes noise-matching samples for the echo sample. The soft mode ramps in loss at a programmable rate and level before full noise matching; operate time is programmable from 0 to 128 msec in 125-µsec steps. The TECO3264 consumes less than 30 mW/channel.

Lucent Technologies, Bracknell, UK. +44 1344 865910.

DECT processor embodies 32-bit RISC

The VWS23101 is the first in VLSI Technology's second-generation Vega family of single-chip ICs that handle all the baseband processing required for a DECT product. Vega devices optimise DECT baseband functionality for handsets, single-line base stations, and wireless-local-loop (WLL) terminal applications. Vega devices include a common software and hardware architecture to reduce product-development time and also double-slot functionality to support high-speed data and ISDN. Using burst-mode logic, the Vega VWS23101 processor integrates full slot-by-slot programmability, hardware T-multiplexer functions, and support for mixed slot sizes in a single TDMA frame. The processor also enables repeater applications by transmitting and receiving in the same half frame. In addition to core logic, the processor includes a 32-bit ARM7TDMI RISC that features low power and efficient 8-bit memory interfacing. The 100- or 128-pin TQFP IC operates on a 2.7 to 3.3V supply and consumes less than 13 mA on 3V at 32 kbps.

VLSI Technology, Munich, Germany. +49 89 627060.

Module bridges CANbus and PC parallel port

Housed in a compact mini case, the CAN-PCC module plugs into the Centronics parallel port of a desktop, laptop, or notebook PC to provide a bidirectional interface with the CANbus. Power is supplied from the computer through a keyboard adapter or 110/220V ac adapter. The CAN-PCC comes with EPROM-resident CAN communication firmware. Libraries are available for MS-Windows 3.11, 95, and NT; OS/2; and MS-DOS.

ESD, Hanover, Germany. +49 511 372980.

Frequency-synthesiser IC serves as a 125-MHz NCO

You can use the AD9850 digitally programmable CMOS frequency synthesizer as a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) or as a frequency- and phase-agile clock generator. In addition to the 125-MHz NCO, the AD9850 contains an on-chip, 10-bit DAC and comparator. The device provides a programmable output frequency range as high as 42 MHz and takes 280 mW from a single 3.3V supply. The output sine wave delivers a spurious-free dynamic range of greater than 50 dB at 42 MHz and greater than 60 dB at 10 MHz. The AD9850 comes in a 28-pin SSOP.

Analog Devices, Munich, Germany. +49 89 57005 150.

PCI board provides fast route to C6x-based DSP hardware

The PCI/C6200 application board, based on a TMS320C6201 DSP, aids the rapid development of embedded DSP or telecomm hardware. The processor runs at 166 or 200 MHz and has processing power of 1600 MIPS at 200 MHz. Onboard system memory includes 8 Mbytes of single-wait-state SDRAM and 128 or 256 kbytes of single-wait-state synchronous-burst SRAM. The SBSRAM runs as zero-wait-state at 125 MHz. The board includes a single-boot OTP PROM, which allows space for OEM applications. The board also includes a single analogue daughter-module site, which accepts your custom module or a module from an optional range of ADCs and DACs. MS-Windows/NT support software in-cludes a host-communications package that provides control, download and data transfer, signals and mailboxes, and DMA. The software also includes host and C6201 interface libraries, drivers, and a boot loader. Standard development tools include an ANSI C compiler, an assembler/linker/simulator, and a C source debugger.

Loughborough Sound Images, Loughborough, UK. +44 1509 634300.

UHF transceivers build reliable wireless data link

Communicating at data rates as high as 40 kbps, the BiM-418-F and BiM-433-F UHF transceiver modules form a bidirectional, cable-free data link over line-of-sight distances as great as 120m. The miniature board-mount modules, which measure 33×23×10 mm, combine a UHF FM transmitter and matching superheterodyne receiver with data- recovery and antenna TX/RX change-over circuitry. The BiM-418-F has MPT1340-type approval for license-exempt operation in the UK; the BiM-433-F is type-approved to ETS 300-220 for operation on the European harmonised frequency of 433.92 MHz.

Radiometrix, Greenford, UK. +44 181 810 8647.

C compilers build efficient code

Two C-language compilers for the PIC16C family let you quickly produce efficient code. The PCB compiler for PIC16C52-58 devices and the PCM compiler for PIC16C61-84 micros are fully integrated C-development environments that optimise the implementation of algorithms on the PIC hardware. You use the PCB compiler with 12-bit opcodes and the PCM version with 14-bit opcodes. Both compilers work with MPLAB and other simulators and emulators.

RF Solutions, Brighton, UK. +44 1273 488880.

Chip set for multipurpose digital-camera system

The three-device, multipurpose-digital-camera SS-1 chip set, together with a single-colour CCD, provides a compact addressable PAL/NTSC camera. The chip set handles all CCD driving and signal-processing functions. It operates with Sony colour CCDs from 5-mm devices having 180,000-pixel resolution to 12.7-mm devices at 380,000-pixel resolution. The built-in 8-bit ADC of the chip set's CXD2163 signal processor produces both analogue and digital Y/C outputs and offers a choice of serial communications channels. The CXA-2006 CCD camera head amplifier provides a low-band chroma signal and has a blanking function and an output pin. A single-chip CCD driver, the CXD-2480, incorporates timing-control functions. All three devices run from a 5V supply over a ­20 to +75ºC temperature range.

Sony Semiconductor, Basingstoke, UK. +44 1256 478771.

Cellular front-end IC includes VCO

Two silicon-based RF front-end ICs, one of which has an on-chip VCO, meet the specifications of analog cellular standards. The SA611 and SA621 incorporate a low-noise amplifier characterized by a 15-dB gain, a 1.7-dB noise figure, and ­7-dBm IP3. On-chip mixers result in a higher gain of 8.4 dB and an IP3 of 6.5 and 4.5 dBm for the SA611 and SA621, respectively. The SA621's VCO exhibits phase noise of ­115 dBc/Hz at a 60-kHz offset. Optimised for 3V designs, the SA621 and SA611 consume about 13.3 and 8 mA, respectively.

Philips Semiconductors, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. +31 4027 22091.

8-bit OTP microcontroller supplies on-chip ADC

In addition to 2k×14 bits of on-chip EPROM and 128 bytes of RAM, the PIC16C-715 8-bit one-time-programmable microcontroller integrates a four-channel 8-bit ADC with a conversion time of 16 µsec at 20 MHz. The PIC16C715 executes single-cycle instructions in 200 nsec. Operating voltage ranges from 3 to 5.5V, with power dissipation of less than 2 mA at 5V and 4 MHz. Packaging options include 18- and 20-pin ceramic and plastic DIPs, SOICs, and SSOPs.

Micro-chip, Bourne End, UK. +44 1628 851077.

Chip set integrates satellite tuner

A chip set that includes an L-band mixer oscillator, a family of low-phase-noise PLL synthesisers, and a quadrature downconverter yields a compact circuit for digital satellite tuners. You can evaluate the chip set using a demonstration board that accepts L-band signals and produces in-phase and quadrature analogue buffered outputs. You can also connect the board to an A/D converter and QPSK/FEC block.

GEC Plessey Semiconductors, Swindon, UK. +44 17935 18000.

Infrared transceiver for two-way data communication

Data-link modules IRM 3001, IRM 3105, and IRM 6000 provide point-to-point connectivity with optimised data transfer in half-duplex mode. The modules, which meet the IrDA standard, handle transmission over distances as far as 1m. The transceiver requires no cables, and signal overload does not occur when equipment is close. The transceiver operates at 9.6- to 115.2-kbps data rates with a 3.2 to 5.5V supply voltage. The IRM 3001 and the IRM 3105 measure 13×6×6 mm; the IRM 6000 measures 9.1× 4.1×4.3 mm.

Siemens Semiconductors, Munich, Germany. +49 89 722 27515.

Smart-card-interface IC runs on batteries

Philips Semiconductors' TDA8002 smart-card-interface IC operates on supplies as low as 3V and has a typical sleep-mode consumption of 70 µA. The IC's ISO7816-compliant activation and deactivation sequences ensure the controlled application of power and clock signals to a card. For example, the IC avoids latch-up by holding the levels of I/O lines below the supply voltage as it powers a card on and off. An on-chip dc/dc converter outputs a 5V card supply over the IC's 3 to 6.5V operating range. Supervisory circuits monitor both the card and system power lines. If the circuit detects current drain, short circuits, voltage dips on the card side, or card removal, then the IC automatically initiates a card-deactivation sequence that interrupts the system µC. The IC also generates a system reset during power-up and -down--even in sleep mode. The IC supports synchronous and asynchronous data transfers, allowing you to use the part in a range of smart cards and memory cards. The features of the TDA8002 comply with GSM-11.11, EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa), and ISO7816 standards. The IC also includes enhanced ESD protection on all three of the card's I/O contacts.Prices start at $1.60 (50,000).

Philips Semiconductors, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Fax +31 10 458 9196, www.semiconductors.philips.com.

PAL/NTSC encoder IC implements Macrovision protection

The STV-0117A PAL/NTSC digital encoder chip meets Macrovision 7.0 anticopy protection requirements for DVD applications. Macrovision 7.0 modifies the video signal so that you can view it on a TV set but not record it on a VCR. The STV0117A converts CCIR656-format digital video signals into an analog baseband composite PAL/NTSC video signal. Additionally, the device adds the Macrovision copy-protection function, closed-caption capability, and copy-generation-management-system (CGMS) encoding.

SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, St Genis Pouilly, France. +33 5040 2558.

Single chip offers phone-line interface
and speakerphone functions

Motorola's MC33215 performs ac- and dc-line termination, two- and four-wire conversion, and line-length AGC and DTMF transmission. The unit contains all the circuitry you need for a multiple-feature electronic speakerphone. The speakerphone part includes a half-duplex controller with signal and noise monitoring, base microphone and loudspeaker amplifiers, and power-supply circuits. The IC operates at line currents as low as 4 mA, allowing parallel operation with conventional telephones. Packaged in 52-pin TQFPs or 42-pin SDIPs, the MC33215 costs approximately $2 (100,000).

Motorola Semiconductors, Toulouse, France. +33 61 19 90 00, fax +33 61 40 44 99, www.mot.com/.

Surface-mount transceivers allow IR communication

Compliant with IrDA specifications, the IRM3001 and IRM3105 surface-mount transceivers interface directly with I/O UARTs to simplify the design of infrared data-links. The devices operate at data rates from 2.4 to 115.2 kbps, and onboard AGC permits an operating range from virtually zero to 3m. A power-saving shutdown mode reduces quiescent current consumption from 1 to 0.1 mA. Package dimensions are 13×6×6 mm. The IRM3001 offers a lead form for mounting at the pc-board edge, and the IRM3105 has staggered leads for greater stability.

Siemens Semiconductors, Munich, Germany. +49 89 722 275 15.

USB interface chips simplify I/O connection

A family of USB interface chips includes the seven-port TUSB-2070 USB hub and the four-port TUSB2040 hub. When embedded in a PC's monitor, these chips provide USB connectivity to peripheral devices on the desktop. Other devices in the line include an additional USB hub, one peripheral-interface device, and a peripheral-interface macrocell so that you can include USB functionality in the ASIC and DSP designs.

Texas Instruments, Northampton, UK. +44 1604 663399.

Fast IGBTs challenge MOSFETs

The HGTP-7N60C3 ultrafast switching IGBTs can switch higher currents than can MOSFETs at frequencies 50 to 100 kHz and overall losses of 600 µJ. With a 7A, 600V rating at 110ºC, the devices easily handle line-voltage switching power supplies and fractional-horsepower motor-control applications. Available in TO-220, TO-25x, and TO-26x packages, the IGBTs have a maximum rating of 14A. The maximum fall time when switching 7A at 150ºC is 275 nsec.

Harris Semiconductor, Camberley, UK. +44 1276 686886.

CardBus controller has greater bandwidth

The PCI1131 controller meets the Microsoft PC 97 design guidelines for PC Card and CardBus controllers, ensuring that the PCI-bus-to-CardBus interface functions efficiently with the MS-Windows OS and Windows-based application programs. The device supports two 32-bit CardBus, credit-card-sized add-in modules, has a speed performance of 45 Mbps, and supports 16-bit PCMCIA or PC Card add-in modules. You can use the controller in a range of platforms, and it is compatible with a mixed 3 or 5V power environment.

Texas Instruments, Northampton, UK. +44 1604 663399.

A Digital-terrestrial-TV chip set debuts

A chip set from SGS-Thomson integrates the front-end functions of a terrestrial-digital-video-broadcast (DVB-T) receiver. The chip set conforms to the "2K" Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (COFDM) standard used in the BBC's test transmissions from Crystal Palace, London. The chip set also meets the requirements of the "8K" single-frequency-network COFDM standard. The 0.5-µm, CMOS, four-chip set includes the STV0310 CODFM demodulator, the STV0320 channel corrector, the STV0330 channel decoder, and the STV0340 DSP synchroniser. The chip set's output is an MPEG-2 transport stream, which you can connect directly to a decoder, such as an STi5500 Omega-TV.

SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, St Genis Pouilly, France. Fax +33 4 50 40 28 60, www.st.com.

Hot-swap PCI cards with impunity

Discrete circuits that allow PCI-card hot-swaps usually require as many as 57 parts, including logic gates, comparators, MOSFETs, and passive parts. Harris Semiconductor's HIP1011 power-distribution controller reduces components to 15 and still supports the PCISIG specification 2.1. The power controller resides on a motherboard; its key feature is the independent control of all the PCI supplies (12, 5, 3.3, and ­12V). The device achieves this control by integrating low-current MOSFETs that can handle both ±12V lines simultaneously rather than sequentially. For example, the 12V line p-type MOSFET has an R_ON of 0.24 ohms and handles 500 mA. The ­12V line n-type MOSFET has an R_ON of 0.7 ohms and handles 100 mA. The HIP1011, packaged in a 16-pin narrow SOIC, costs $4.37 (10,000).

Harris Semiconductor, Finchampstead, UK. +44 1734 328585, fax +44 1734 328148, www.semi.harris.com.

3-D graphics processor provides top-end realism

Texas Instruments' TVP4020 3-D graphics processor allows you to attain the visual realism of top-end workstations on consumer applications, such as PC games, virtual-reality products, and virtual-WWW browsers. This processor results from a cross-licencing agreement that joins TI's RAMDAC and 3Dlabs' (San Jose, CA) Permedia graphics technologies. Catering to consumer applications, the TVP4020 combines high-performance 3-D processing, 2-D graphics acceleration, and advanced video processing. Packaged in a 272-pin PBGA, the TVP4020 costs $35 (50,000). The 3-D IC processes as many as 1 million polygons/sec and renders as many as 80 million pixels/sec. The IC also includes a single-pixel divide function for fast perspective correction and an 8-bit colour-texture palette that reduces memory by enabling texture compression. The IC includes on-chip SVGA functions that enable acceleration of Windows applications. The IC's 3-D execution pipeline can process 2-D features, such as texture units for tiled bit-block-line transfers (bit-BLTs), chroma-key test for transparent bit-BLTs, and bilinear filter for stretch bit-BLTs. The IC's 230-MHz RAMDAC supports resolutions and refresh rates as high as 1600×1200 pixels at 83 Hz.

Texas Instruments, Paris, France. +33 1 30 70 11 65, www.ti.com.

Wireless-LAN module yields
maximum performance in micro package

Proxim has developed the 2.4-GHz, 1.6-Mbps RangeLAN2 6330, a frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum module that measures 1.65×2.65× 0.23 in. (42×67×5.8 mm) thick, about two-thirds the size of a standard business card and half the size of a standard PCMCIA card. The 0.7-oz/20g module, which includes an ISA interface to simplify integration, is compatible with Proxim's RangeLAN2 PC Card and ISA adapters, access points, and design-in modules, and it complies with the Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum specifications. It supports 15 noninterfering, colocated channels, so that you can operate as many as 15 networks in one location. With its 20-dBm output with 2-dBi antenna gain, the typical 6330 range is 1000 ft (approximately 300m). The 6330 supports antenna diversity, allowing you to control an external switch and thus select between two antennas. Typical receiving sensitivity is ­85 dBm with BFSK modulation and ­77 dBm with 4FSK (four-state FSK) modulation. The card operates from a 5V supply and consumes 300 and 150 mA in transmitting and receiving modes, respectively. It also offers lower than 10-mA sleep and doze modes.

Proxim Inc, Mountain View, CA. 1-415-960-1630, www.proxim.com.

High-voltage regulator IC hits 0.5% accuracy

In addition to an average temperature coefficient of 50 ppm/ºC, the ZH431 shunt regulator offers 0.5, 1, and 2% tolerance levels. The device, which comes in a SOT-23 or TO-92 package, lets you set the output to any voltage of 2.5 to 36V. Minimum and maximum recommended sink currents are 50 µA and 30 mA, respectively. Maximum cathode voltage is 40V, and maximum cathode current is 50 mA. Programming the ZH431 requires two external divider resistors.

Zetex, Oldham, UK. +44 161 6274963.

Audio-amp IC cuts distortion

The SSM2166 single-chip preamplifier offers variable compression and automatic noise gating to improve the intelligibility of microphone-level signals at as much as 20 kHz by recognising and compensating for poor signal-level conditions. Using an external resistor, you can customise the SSM2166's compression ratio from 1-to-1 to 15-to-1 to produce an essentially steady, undistorted audio output level, independent of varying input signals. You can also set the input buffer for overall gains of 0 to 20 dB. The SSM2166 operates from a 5V supply and comes in a 14-pin SOIC or DIP.

Analog Devices, Walton-on-Thames, UK. +44 1932 266000.

1V converter works with single- or dual-cell battery

With a 1V input, the UCC3941 synchronous boost converter guarantees start-up under full load and operates as low as 0.4V. The device steps up the output to 3.3 or 5V or an adjustable output at 500 mW from battery voltages as low as 0.8V. The UCC3941 also provides an auxiliary 9V output, primarily for the gate-drive supply. An adjustable limit control lets you fully disconnect the output during shutdown; an adaptive current-mode control optimises efficiency.

Unitrode, London, UK. +44 181 318 1431.

1-MHz filter IC requires no external components

For applications such as ADSL upstream data flow, and ISDN transceivers or for inevitable antialiasing needs, the LT1560-1 lowpass filter in an SO-8 package provides pin-selectable cutoff frequencies of 500 kHz and 1 MHz. This fifth-order, continuous-time elliptic-response filter requires no external components. This response represents a balance between selectivity for antialiasing applications and transient response. With a 1V_rms input, SNR is ­72 dB, and THD is ­62 dB. It is flat in the passband with ripple of ±0.2 dB to as much as 0.55 times the nominal cutoff frequency, and stopband attenuation is greater than 60 dB. The filter, which operates from a ±5V supply, requires 22 mA in normal operation and 1 mA in power-saving shutdown mode. The device costs $5.95 (1000).

Linear Technology Corp, Milpitas, CA. 1-408-432-1900, fax 1-408-434-6441, www.linear-tech.com.

PWM-controller IC adds frequency fold-back

Intended for single-ended switching power supplies, the UCC-3884 current-mode PWM controller decreases average output current and, using a frequency-fold-back technique, eliminates current tails under overload conditions. This feature decreases the oscillator frequency as the output voltage falls below a programmed value and reduces the average output current sourced into a low-impedance load. The device includes a wide-gain- bandwidth amplifier (greater than 2.5 MHz) and a precision 5V reference. Packaging options include 16-pin DIPs and SOICs, as well as a 20-pin PLCC.

Unitrode, London, UK. +44 181 318 1431.

Hall-effect ICs sense direction

Based on two Hall-effect latches with the Hall elements spaced 1.5 mm apart, this series of ICs allows contactless sensing of direction and speed. The ambient magnetic field independently actuates each latch to produce high or low digital outputs, which are fed to a logic circuit to obtain the directional output signal. The sensors also contain an internal voltage regulator and operate from a supply voltage of 4 to 18V. The A3420 is a high-hysteresis device that allows current signaling of its information; the A3421 and A3422 are standard open-collector devices that communicate through voltage levels.

Allegro Microsystems, Walton-on-Thames, UK. +44 1932 253 355.

8-bit OTP µCs integrate on-chip ADC

The 8-bit, one-time-programmable PIC12C671 and PIC12C672 µCs squeeze an ADC and two analogue channels into their eight-pin plastic DIP, SOIC, or ceramic-window packages, bringing intelligence, data-acquisition, and mixed-signal capability to applications in which performance was previously impossible due to cost and space constraints. In addition to 128 bytes of RAM, the PIC12C671 and PIC12C672 contain 1024 and 2048 words of program memory, respectively.

Microchip, Bourne End, UK. +44 1628 851077.

Infrared transceivers fit into compact top-view housing

Two IrDA-compatible transceivers provide high-speed transmission rates and come in top-view surface-mount packages. The TFDT4000 has a maximum data-transfer rate of 115.2 kbps; the TFDT6000 runs at a maximum of 4 Mbps. Each 13×7.5×5.65-mm epoxy resin package integrates the diodes, emitter, and analogue circuitry necessary for an optimised IrDA implementation and eliminates the need for several external components. The TFDT4000 operates at distances as great as 3m, exceeding the IrDA 1m specification.

Temic, Heilbronn, Germany. +49 7131 670.

RF headaches? Take a 2.4-GHz "aspirin."

The 2.450-GHz DAC2450A antenna from Toko America, measuring 16 mm in diameter and 6.5 mm high, looks like a pill. It mounts directly to a pc board, such as an extended PCMCIA Type II card. You attach the disk directly to the circuit board, using a 50×76-mm underlying area of the board as its ground plane. The 50 ohm ceramic dielectric element produces a vertically polarized omnidirectional radiation pattern. Bandwidth is ±50 MHz (3 dB), and peak gain is 0 dBi typical and 2.15 dBi maximum. The DAC2450 is less susceptible to interference from adjacent metal objects than the common inverted-F antenna, which typically uses a 20×20-mm plane element spaced off from a ground plane. The 4g device costs $5 (1000).

Toko America, Mount Prospect, IL. 1-847-297-0070, www.tokoam.com.

Sensor includes flipping coils and compensation

Eliminating the need for external coils, the KMZ51 magnetoresistive sensor integrates coils into its housing to compensate for both temperature drift and sensor offset. A flipping coil periodically applies 3- to 5-µsec magnetic pulses to the sensor, first in one direction and then the other, which flips the sensor's output characteristic. After rectification and smoothing, the time-averaged output signal is then free from sensor offset. A compensation coil uses an electromagnetic feedback loop to ensure sensor operation at its null point, at which temperature fluctuations affect neither sensor offset nor signal characteristics.

Philips Semiconductors, Capelle a/d Ijssel, The Netherlands. +31 10 258 8888.

Updated 80C51 µCs run faster with less power

A range of 80C51 and derivative µCs boasts a 50% increase in speed and as much as a 75% reduction in power consumption compared with existing 80C51 devices. A redesigned core increases the maximum clock frequency of these code-compatible µCs from 24 to 33 MHz and allows fully static operation. As a result, you can stop the system clock to reduce standby power consumption without losing the contents of memory registers or affecting the state of the µC. The devices have an operating voltage of 2.7 to 5.5V.

Philips Semiconductors, Capelle a/d Ijssel, The Netherlands. +31 10 258 8888.

Spin FPGA designs with free Web-based tools

You can now download free development tools from the Actel Web-site home page. The Designer Lite tool suite lets you go from synthesis through place and route for many Actel devices with as many as 8000 gates. The suite also has Verilog and VITAL libraries and documentation in Adobe Acrobat PDF. The Design Lite suite includes Design Flow Manager to track and record your design; ACTmap VHDL synthesis; ACTgen Macro Builder to create optimized logic blocks; a timing-driven place-and-route tool; and Design Script, a macro language to simplify common design steps. You download a compressed version of Designer Lite to get the 50-Mbyte tool suite. To perform the download, you need either a Netscape 3.0 or an Internet Explorer browser, versions 3.0 or higher. The tools run on Windows 95 and NT and require 16 Mbytes of RAM, along with the disk space.

Actel, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-739-1010, fax 1-8408-739-1540, www.actel.com.

Free CD-ROM facilitates CPLD design

In support of its 32-macrocell CoolRunner CPLDs, the vendor is offering a tool kit that includes Synario Design Automation software, XPLA Designer, and an animated demonstration of the XPLA architecture and Fast Zero Power technology. The free CD-ROM software provides an array of utilities covering schematic capture, HDL inputs (VHDL, Abel, and the vendor's HDL), multiple simulation environments (VHDL and Verilog), full timing simulation, static-timing analysis, and Boolean entry.

Philips Semiconductors, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Fax +31 10 458 9196.

Processor supports MMX instructions

The Pentium II is a 266-MHz PentiumPro with support for the 57 multimedia-extension (MMX) instructions and 16-kbyte, level 1 instruction and data caches. Similar to the PentiumPro, P2 supports out-of-order execution; speculative execution; register renaming; the backside Level 2-cache bus; and the PentiumPro's pipelined, multiple-transaction bus structure. Also, Pentium II can still use Intel's 440 FX chip set. Unlike PentiumPro, P2 operates with industry-standard pipeline-burst SRAMs that run at half the speed of the processor core. Besides MMX support, P2 features improved 16-bit performance and a flash reset for the shared floating-point/MMX registers. To reset the shared registers when switching from MMX to floating-point mode, P2 requires fewer than 10 clock cycles. Starting with the Pentium II, Intel is introducing a single-edge-contact (SEC) cartridge to replace the standard PGA. The SEC cartridge contains the Pentium II and a 512-kbyte, Level 2 cache surface mounted to a substrate and enclosed in a plastic and metal cartridge. Similar to PCI add-in cards, the SEC cartridge plugs into what Intel calls "Slot 1'' on a PC motherboard. The 233- and 266-MHz versions sell for $636 and $775, respectively (1000).

Intel Literature Center, Mount Prospect, IL. 1-800-548-4725, www.intel.com.

Current-sensor ICs detect as much as 20A

Using a sensor chip that measures the magnetic field generated by an internal current-carrying conductor, the ZMC05, ZMC10, and ZMC20 ICs measure ac and dc as high as 5, 10, and 20A, respectively. The integrated magnet generates a magnetic field of 2 kA/m to counteract the effects of unwanted external disturbance. Conductor resistance for all devices is 0.7 megaohhms to minimise insertion loss. The ZMC10 and ZMC20 tolerate an overload current of 300A for 10 msec. The smaller ZMC05 comes in a surface-mount SM-8 package, and the larger sensors come in modified DIL-14 packages.

Zetex, Oldham, UK. +44 161 6274963.

Op amp outslews monolithic competitors

The current-feedback AD-8009 op amp from Analog Devices features a 5500V/µsec slew rate--twice that of available monolithic devices--and rise/fall times of 725 psec for a 4V step. The AD8009 offers 1-GHz small-signal bandwidth (unity gain) and 700 MHz (gain of 2), and spurious-free dynamic-range figures are 74 dBc at 5 MHz, 53 dBc at 70 MHz, and 44 dBc at 150 MHz. The device settles to 0.1% of full scale within 10 nsec. Operating from ±5V supplies, the op amp drives at least 150 mA into a 10 ohm load; it can also drive four "back-terminated" video loads with less than 0.03% differential gain and 0.03º differential phase errors. The AD8009 costs $2.99 (1000).

Analog Devices Inc, Norwood, MA. 1-617-937-1428, www.analog.com.

TSOP clip enables no-compromise
probing of fine-pitch IC packages

A new low-profile TSOP clip from Emulation Technology allows the spacing between TSOPs to be as small as 0.03 in. yet offers a variety of ways to get good-sized probes onto the IC leads. The heart of the clip is a "directionally conductive elastomeric connector." Wrapped around an elastomeric insulator is a thin layer of Kapton on which parallel conductors are printed. These conductors contact the IC leads. You solder the TSOP ICs to your board in the normal way and snap the clips onto the chips. The clip extends the IC leads to test points on rigid or flexible circuit boards of several configurations. Your probes or connectors contact these boards. You can replace the "conductive-elastomeric" subassemblies should they exhibit wear after insertion/withdrawal cycles. Prices begin at $450.

Emulation Technology Inc, Santa Clara, CA. 1-408-982-0660, fax 1-408-982-0664, www.emulation.com.

Fast, flexible, dense FPGAs zero in on gate arrays

Actel's 30,000-gate A32300DX antifuse FPGA, the latest member of the Integrator series, offers logic capacity comparable with 70,000-gate SRAM-based FPGAs using common industry gate-count benchmarks. Antifuse FPGAs typically contain an abundance of routing resources, minimizing or eliminating pin reallocation and performance degradation due to last-minute redesigns. The A32300DX provides pin compatibility with previous family members, offering a density-upgrade path without pc-board changes. Each device features an onboard, dual-port, 3072-bit SRAM, offering 100-MHz FIFO-buffer operation and a fast, wide decoder module that performs 35-bit 7.5-nsec internal and 15-nsec pin-to-pin decodes. These features match the ever-increasing performance needs of networking and other high-bandwidth applications. Price is $299 (5000), and packaging options include 208- and 240-pin QFPs.

Actel Corp, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-739-1010.

Inductor chips have low dc resistance.

Covering an inductance of 1 to 47 µH with 10 or 20% tolerance, the FSLP2520 series chip inductors offer high-current handling capability and a dc resistance that measures about half that of typical wirewound inductors. Devices come in the EIA standard 1008 footprint (2.5×2 mm) and have a profile of 1.8 mm. The inductors come taped and reeled for automated assembly.

Toko Electronic Europe, Dusseldorf, Germany. +49 221 679 9567.

Processor and chip-set module targets mobile computing

Intel's Mobile Module integrates a 150- or 166-MHz P55C; a new 430TX chip set; a 256-kbyte, Level 2 cache; a system clock; and voltage regulation. The module also includes a common thermal interface that allows an OEM to attach a cooling device, such as a heat sink or fan. The FCC-certified module allows a mobile-computer OEM to use one basic system design for several generations of processors. The module, minus the µP and chip set, sells for $71.80. The 430TX chip set is also available separately for $32.50 (1000); this price includes the north and south bridges. Both chips come in 324-pin BGA packages. The 430TX supports enhanced-SDRAM operation, Ultra DMA, and two USB ports. The SDRAM controller includes more speculative timing features than do previous chips and allows access to 64-Mbit devices. The 430TX also supports Intel's dynamic power-management architecture, which lets you choose among built-in power management, user-directed power management, and the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface.

Intel Corp, Santa Clara, CA. 1-800-356-3600, www.intel.com.

Generator chip produces frequencies as high as 500 kHz

The output frequency of the ML2037 sine-wave generator chip is programmable in 65,536 precise steps from dc to 500 kHz. You can program the frequency output through a three-wire SPI connection, and output gain is digitally programmable via two external pins. Maximum harmonic distortion is ­45 dB from dc to 31.25 kHz and ­40 dB from 31.25 to 500 kHz. The ML2037 comes in a 16-pin wide SOIC. A version of the device with a 16-bit parallel interface, the ML2038, comes in a 28-pin wide SOIC. A third configuration, the ML2039, uses a serial interface but comes in an eight-pin plastic DIP. Respective prices are $7.25, $6.89, and $5.80 (1000).

Micro Linear Corp, San Jose, CA. 1-408-433-5200, fax 1-408-432-1627, www.microlinear.com.

Power-MOSFET line expands voltage options

Devices with voltage ratings of 75 and 150V join the Hexfet family of power MOSFETs, affording greater switch selection for 24 and 48V battery applications. The parts' low on resistance--0.013 ohms for the 75V IRF2807 and 0.042 ohms for the 150V IRF3415--improves power-conversion efficiency and reduces heat-sinking requirements. Packaging options include TO-220, D²Pak, and TO-220 FullPak.

International Rectifier, Oxted, UK. +44 1883 713215.

Receiver chip sets target global positioning systems

The NAV-2100 and NAV-2000 GPS receiver chip sets include software correlator and navigation processors to compute position, velocity, and time to a position with an accuracy of better than 30m. Both eight-channel parallel receivers are reprogrammable and form a complete GPS receiver by adding a standard RF front end and GPS antenna. The NAV-2100 employs two fixed-point ADSP-2181 DSPs and includes external SRAM, boot EPROM, EEPROM, and a gate array. The NAV-2000, which is based on a 32-bit floating-point SHARC DSP with on-chip SRAM, includes 2 Mbytes of boot EPROM. Each chip set boasts a time-to-first-fix of 60 to 90 sec.

Analog Devices Inc, Norwood, MA. 1-617-461-3060, fax 1-617-461-4291, www.analog.com.

Signal-conditioner IC compensates sensor errors

For use with silicon- piezoresistive or strain-gauge sensors, the MCA7707 signal-conditioning ASIC performs digital calibration and temperature compensation of sensor errors. With the MCA7707, you can design a transducer that yields a typical total accuracy of ±0.1% of the sensor's inherent repeatability error band from ­40 to +125ºC. The device provides a 0.1 to 4.9V output swing with a 5V supply; a two-wire, 4- to 20-mA current output; or an optional digital Microwire output. Supplied in a 28-pin SOIC plastic package, the MCA7707 costs $10.21 (1000).

MCA Technologies Inc, Santa Clara, CA. 1-408-988-7080, fax 1-408-988-7082, www.crl.com/~mca.

Power MOSFETs offer low on-resistance and fast switching

Built using the vendor's Power MOS V process, this family of power MOSFETs improves on-resistance by an average of 20% over previous-generation devices. Power MOS V devices have breakdown voltages of 100 to 600V with on-resistances of 19 to 250 megaohms. Drain current is 25 to 75A. Power MOS V also speeds switching. For instance, the rise and fall times for the 500V MOSFET are 14 and 11 nsec, respectively, compared with 40 and 70 nsec for older devices. Packaging options include TO-247 and D³PAK.

Advanced Power Technology, Merignac, France. +33 5 57 92 15 15.

IC brings USB connectivity to computer peripherals

Allowing you to build a USB interface into computer peripherals without extensive re-engineering, the Instant USB USS-720 chip provides a bridge between the USB and an IEEE 1284 parallel port. Functioning as an intelligent-device controller, the USS-720 initiates and manages automatic negotiation for the fastest protocol available.

Lucent Technologies, Bracknell, UK. +44 1344 865910.

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