December 4, 1997

Hot 100 Products of 1997 (Europe)

CMOS SRAM chips operate at 225 and 250 MHz

Targeting high-performance scientific workstations and telecommunications systems, two CMOS SRAMs in 1- and 4-Mbit configurations operate at 250 and 225 MHz, respectively. The SRAM chips are plug-compatible with previous-generation devices and come in plastic BGA packages. Operating in register-to-register mode, the 1-Mbit device has an access time of 2.25 nsec and a cycle time of 4 nsec, and the 4-Mbit part has an access time of 2.5 nsec and a cycle time of 5 nsec. In register-to-latch mode, both SRAMs have access and cycle times of 6 nsec. The 1-Mbit device costs $95; the 4-Mbit part costs $425 (1000).

IBM Microelectronics, Hopewell Junction, NY. 1-800-769-3772.

CMOS optocoupler offers fieldbus isolation

In an SO-8 package, the HCPL-0710 CMOS optocoupler provides galvanic isolation in digital-process-control (fieldbus) systems, including those based on DeviceNet, SDS, and Profibus. The device also serves multiplexed data-transmission applications at rates as high as 12 Mbps. Specifications include a maximum propagation delay of 40 nsec, a maximum propagation-delay skew of 20 nsec, and a maximum pulse-width distortion of 8 nsec.

Hewlett-Packard, Cheshire, UK. +44 1344 366666.

Single-chip modem operates at 56 kbps

Consuming 75 mW at 5V, the PCT3888 host-signal-processing (HSP) modem chip provides notebook and handheld computers with 56-kbps data, fax, and voice capabilities, plus digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) HSP speakerphone functionality. The device implements Intel MMX technology, decreasing CPU utilisation by 15 to 20%, and furnishes a throughput of more than 115,200 bps and DSVD. The software-upgradable modem comes in a 100-pin PQFP or TQFP and costs $30 (10,000).

PC-Tel Inc, Milpitas, CA. 1-408-383-0452, fax 1-408-383-0455, www.pctel.com.

NAND flash EEPROM stores 64 Mbits

Designed to meet the needs of a range of solid-state mass storage products, the TC58V64FT NAND flash EE-PROM operates from one 3.3V supply and stores 64 Mbits of data. The CMOS part incorporates the same pin-out as Toshiba's 16- and 32-Mbit NAND devices to allow upgrading without changing the layout of the pc board. Organized as 528 bytes×16 pgs×1024 blocks, the TC58V64FT allows the program and read data to transfer between the static register and the memory cell array in 528-byte increments. Minimum serial read cycle time is 50 nsec. Maximum standby current is 100 µA. The TC58V64FT costs $65 (1000).

Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc, Irvine, CA. 1-800-879-4963.

SGRAM speeds clock rate, cuts access time

The MG802C256, an 8-Mbit synchronous graphics RAM, offers high bandwidth and low latency and maintains pin- and function-compatibility with industry-standard SGRAMs. Organized as 256k×32 bits, the MG802C256's 150-MHz clock rate results in a throughput rate of 600 Mbytes/sec. Clock-to-data-out timing of only 5 nsec eliminates design-in constraints at the controller and board levels. Speed options include 100, 125, and 150 MHz. In a 100-pin PQFP or an LQFP, the SGRAM costs $10.50 (1000).

MoSys Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-731-1800, fax 1-408-731-1893.

PC software performs data-communications analysis

COM-Watch 2000 software lets you visualise and analyse data communications on your PC via an RS-232C, RS-422, or RS-485 adapter that comes with the package. You can simultaneously analyse as many as 16 communications channels; trigger functions determine which data to monitor. You can also use the Script Command Language to write your own test programs.

Cer International, Roosendaal, The Netherlands. +31 165 557417.

Development kit builds radio data links

Based on the Radiometrix radio- packet controller, the RPC development platform lets you evaluate, prototype, and debug licence-exempt radio-communication data links. The kit contains all the necessary hardware and software for performing key tests, such as range testing, target-environment analysis, interference identification, and antenna evaluation. Offered in British (418-MHz) and European (433.92-MHz) versions, the RPC transceiver module is a self-contained radio port that integrates a SAW-controlled UHF radio transmitter, a matching superhet receiver, and 40-kbps radio- packet controller. The development kit includes two RPC modules.

Radio-metrix, Greenford, UK. +44 181 810 8647.

Memory devices combine advantages of flash and EPROM

Two multiple-time-programmable (MTP) ROMs offer the reprogrammability of flash memory and the cost advantages of standard electrically programmable ROMs. The 5V MX26C1000 and MX-26C512 store 1 Mbit and 512 kbits, respectively, in a ×8 configuration. You can erase and program these parts at least 100 times in-circuit or using a standard EPROM programmer. Plastic packaging offers an economical ad-vantage over the ceramic package commonly used for windowed UV EPROMs. The MX26C1000 comes in 32-pin DIP, PLCC, and TSOP versions, and the MX26C512 comes in 28-pin DIPs and 32-pin PLCCs.

Macronix America Inc, San Jose, CA. 1-408-453-8088, fax 1-408-451-0876.

Video chip set minimises cross-colour
effects without reducing bandwidth

Comprising the HMP-8112 decoder and HMP8156 encoder, this PAL/NTSC chip set enhances performance in PC video-capture equipment, teleconferencing, and other multimedia applications, including MPEG 1 and 2 set-top boxes. The decoder IC includes a comb filter for improved luminance/colour (Y/C) separation without loss of vertical detail. The HMP8112 accepts both composite video and S-video, generating either 8- or 16-bit 4:2:2 Y/C digital video signals. The video encoder accepts 8- or 16-bit 4:2:2 YCbCr, 16- or 24-bit digital RGB, or ITV-R Bt-656 input data; it outputs interlaced PAL or NTSC in composite, S-video, or RGB formats.

Harris Semiconductor, Finchampstead, UK. +44 1734 328585.

IC implements RF-block functions for cell phones

Compliant with GSM and extended GSM standards, the HD155101F performs transmission and reception signal processing for the RF-block portion of digital cellular telephones. For the receive block, the chip provides the first and second mixers, an AGC amplifier, and a quadrature demodulator. For the transmitter block, the HD155101F supplies a quadrature modulator, an upconverter circuit that uses an offset PLL, and a divider circuit. The offset PLL allows the HD155101F to suppress transmission noise while eliminating the need for a duplexer and SAW filter.

Hitachi, Maidenhead, UK. +44 181 547 3955.

Transceiver handles long-distance IR links

Compliant with both IrDA 1.0 and ASK standards, the TFDS4000 transceiver permits wireless infrared communications at distances as great as 3m without additional IR components. The device, which operates at 3 and 5V, accommodates transmission rates as high as 115.2 kbps. Housed in a surface-mount epoxy-resin package that measures 13×5.3×5.6 mm, the TFDS4000 integrates the diodes, emitter, and analogue circuitry necessary for an optimised IrDA implementation. The transceiver consumes 6 mW, prolonging battery life in portable computers and telephones.

Temic, Heilbronn, Germany. +49 7131 67 0.

10A linear regulator boasts low dropout

The LT1581 voltage regulator delivers as much as 10A of load current and, operating from 3V or lower supply voltages, can power high-speed Pentium, PowerPC, and dual-processor architectures. Dropout voltage is 100 mV at light loads, rising to 430 mV at a load current of 10A. The LT1581 requires an input of 3.3 to 5V and provides an adjustable or fixed 2.5V output. A remote sense pin monitors the voltage at the load to achieve 1-mV load regulation. The device comes in a seven-lead TO-220 package.

Linear Technology, Camberley, UK. +44 1276 677676.

Surface-mount transmitters/receivers are IrDA-compliant

Targeting notebook PCs, PDAs, cellular phones, and pagers, the GL1F21/GL1F211 emitter and IS1U21 receiver modules comply with IrDA 1.0 standards and occupy about 4×7×4 mm of pc-board space. The IS1U21 receiver operates from a 2.7 to 5.5V supply and mounts in a top- or side-view position. The GL1F21 emitter operates at 5V; the GL1F211 emitter operates at 3V. Mounting an emitter and a receiver next to each other takes up less board space than most two-in-one modules.

Sharp Electronics, Hamburg, Germany. +49 40 2376 2215.

Digital potentiometer tunes battery-powered systems

A reliable replacement for mechanically adjusted devices, the X9315 digitally controlled potentiometer provides audio-level adjustment for 3V battery-powered systems. The device, which comes in an eight-lead MSOP or SOIC package, consumes 2.7 µW of power in static mode. The X9315's wiper offers 32 steps, or tap positions, between the end terminals and moves one position for each increment pulse. The desired setting is stored in the device's internal EEPROM before power removal and is automatically recalled when power is reapplied.

Xicor, Oxford, UK. +44 1993 700544.

256-kbit CMOS SRAM accesses in just 7 nsec

Pin-compatible with 32k×8-bit designs, the PDM-41256SA/LA7SO/T CMOS SRAM stores 256 kbits and sports an access time of 7 nsec. The memory device comes in a 300-mil, 28-pin SOJ package or space-saving TSOP and offers standard and low-power options, as well as commercial- and industrial-temperature grades. Available in both samples and limited production quantities, the 256-kbit SRAM costs $9 (1000).

Paradigm Technology Inc, San Jose, CA. 1-408-954-0500, fax 1-408-954-1046, www.prdm.com.

PWM amp delivers kilowatts where needed

The SA03 PWM amplifier from Apex Microtechnology can supply as much as 3000W with 30A continuous current. This hybrid device operates from 16 to 100V and includes an internal 22-kHz oscillator, or you can provide an external oscillator signal to synchronize switching frequencies. The 3-in.² (19-cm²) device directly drives the load via internal H-bridge drivers and MOSFETs. The amplifier features current sensing for each half of the bridge to determine signal amplitude and direction. A protection/shutdown circuit directly monitors die temperature; a high-side current limit and a programmable low-side current limit protect the amplifier from supply, ground, and load shorts. You can shut down the SA03's bridge drivers via an external signal. The 12-pin PWM amplifier costs $345 (100). For lower power applications, the $295 (1000) SA02 PWM amplifier delivers 10A from supplies as high as 80V with efficiency as great as 94%. This 800W amplifier switches at 250 kHz and provides 25-kHz bandwidth; its thermal and short-circuit protections are similar to those of the higher power sibling.

Apex Microtechnology Corp, Tucson, AZ. 1-520-690-8600, www.teamapex.com.

Tool kit automates Windows NT device-driver construction

With the Driver::Works tool kit, you can use C++ to build kernel-mode device drivers for Windows NT. The kit, which comes with the Driver::Wizard automatic code generator and an extensive C++ class library, supports Microsoft's Windows Driver Model to ensure that drivers will be compatible with both Windows NT 4.0 and future versions of Windows, including Windows 97. Driver::Works also provides utilities, examples, and online help to ease development tasks. The kit costs $795/seat.

Vireo Software Inc, Acton, MA. 1-508-264-9200, fax 1-508-264-9205.

FPGA offers as many as 130,000 gates

The 3.3V SRAM-based XC-4062XL FPGA device offers 40,000 to 130,000 implementable gates, depending on whether you use each of 5472 logic blocks as single- or dual-port SRAM as large as 73,728 bits or as logic functions. Applications such as PCI-bus-based networking exploit the device's maximum 100-MHz performance and high-speed internal FIFO buffers. The XC4062XL's segmented signal routing couples with place-and-route software to lower power consumption, a critical issue for designs that strive to eliminate fans due to noise and reliability. Projected price is $295 (25,000), and packaging options include QFP, BGA, and PGA with a maximum I/O count of 384.

Xilinx Inc, San Jose, CA. 1-408-559-7778.

MOSFET switches drive critical loads

By integrating control and protection functions, the Powirsafe series of low- and high-side MOSFET switches provides fail-safe performance for driving critical loads. The switches protect themselves as well as the µCs to which they are linked and the loads that they are driving. High-side switches in the IR62XX series have an operating-supply voltage of 5 to 50V with on- resistances of 100 or 200 megaohms and current limits of 5, 10, or 20A. Low-side switches--the IR3021 lamp/motor driver and the IR3031 solenoid driver--have an on-resistance of 200 megaohms and a current limit of 5A.

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

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

With just a 1V input, the UCC3941 synchronous boost converter guarantees start-up under full load and operates to 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, and an adaptive current-mode control optimises efficiency by minimising switching and conduction losses. The UCC3941 costs $2.78 (1000).

Unitrode Corp, Merrimack, NH. 1-603-424-2410, fax 1-603-424-3460, www.unitrode.com.

Audio chip reduces noise by as much as 25 dB

Combining variable filtering and downward expansion with an adaptive noise-threshold detector, the HUSH SSM2000 stereo noise-reduction system provides overall noise reductions of as much as 25 dB and preserves full signal fidelity (100-dB dynamic range and 0.02% THD+N). You can use the IC on any audio source, including AM and FM radio, open-reel and cassette tapes, CDs, Dolby B encoded programming, broadcast-studio transmitter links and telephone lines, and others, without manual adjustment. The SSM2000 operates from supply voltages of 7 to 18V and comes in a 24-pin plastic DIP or SOIC.

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

Modem IC controls household appliances

The TDA5051 home-automation modem transmits digital signals on power lines or any two-wire dc or ac network for controlling household electrical appliances. Offering easy design-in, the TDA5051 requires only a low-cost coupling network, a 5V power supply, an optional µC, and a standard quartz crystal to set the operating frequency. On-chip clock circuitry supplies an output pin to provide a µC clock. Typical data rate is 600 bps with a maximum of 1200 bps.

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

CCD camera module fits 25.5-mm² pc board

Sony Semiconductor's Micro Unit CCD (charge-coupled-device) camera family includes modules that output video signals in analogue or digital formats. One product outputs analogue NTSC format; digital NTSC versions are available, and analogue PAL parts will be available in the first quarter of next year. Each camera module includes a lens, a 180,000-pixel CCD, a timing generator, and S/H and DSP processors. The hybrid module measures 18.3×18.3×7.1 mm and weighs 3.8g. The first unit in the range produces a conventional analogue luminance/chrominance output and includes automatic white-balance and automatic exposure control. Resolution at the centre of the picture equals 220 lines. You can choose between a lens with a fixed focus of 2.9 or one with a fixed focus of 4 mm, which enables a focal range of 20 cm to infinity with 50º horizontal and 40º vertical field of view. The module operates over a ­10 to +40ºC range and occupies a 68-pin GFN ceramic package that consumes 950 mW. Volume price is less than DM80.

Sony Semiconductor, Basingstoke, UK. +44 1256 478771, www.sony.co.jp.

PWM switches form core of simple supplies for 6 to 150W needs

The TOPSwitch-II family from Power Integrations puts a PWM controller, 700V power MOSFET, and supporting discrete devices into a three-terminal device. This device forms the core of a compact, 80 to 90%-efficient supply for desktop PCs, portable device chargers, and multimedia systems and peripherals. Family-member capacities span devices from 6W for the TOP-221Y, which costs $0.98 (10,000), to 150W for the TOP227Y, which costs $2.24 (10,000). You can use the TOP227Y to implement buck-, boost-, flyback-, or forward-topology supplies with either primary-side or optoisolator feedback. The switches incorporate autorestart, current limiting, and latching thermal shutdown. The devices that supply as much as 30W come in low-cost, eight-pin, plastic DIPs, which require no heat sinking; all members are also available in three-pin TO-220 packages. Reference designs and detailed application information are also available.

Power Integrations Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-523-9200, www.powerint.com.

Reference design advances
ISDN-based PC videoconferencing

For less than $500, Harris Semiconductor's videoconferencing reference design offers you a shortcut to developing an ISDN videoconferencing PCI card. The reference design digitises analogue NTSC/PAL video signals, compresses the signals for transmission, decompresses incoming video and audio signals, and restores the signals to NTSC/PAL format. The key video codec chip supports CCIR 4:2:2 PAL or NTSC input formats and video rates, and it simultaneously compresses and decompresses as fast as 30 frames/sec. Harris offers the reference design as two kits. The H.320 manufacturer's development kit HMP8320MDK, which costs $5000, includes two Matrox Mystique graphics cards, two Toshiba composite-video cameras, two microphones, cables, and a suite of Harris (or licenced) software. Two ITK ISDN modem daughtercards are optional. The second kit, H.320 software developer's kit HMP8320 SDK, which costs $2000, includes MDK software components, plus source code for application software and device drivers. Key chips in the reference design include the HMP8156 NTSC/PAL video encoder, which costs $8.25; the HMP8112 videodecoder, which costs $12; the HMP8364 video codec, which costs $57.53; and the HMP8201 audio link processor, which costs $67.22 (10,000).

Harris Semiconductor, Camberley, UK. +44 1734 328585, www.semi.harris.com.

$1 SMD inductors keep low profile

Microspire's SESI range of SMD inductors aims to compete in categories such as size, inductor range, and price with toroidal choke alternatives in any application needing energy storage, smoothing, or EMI filtering. In three basic sizes, the devices span 1.8 to 330 µH and operate over 100 kHz to 1 MHz and a ­55 to +125ºC ambient temperature. The smallest SESI 14 and 15 devices measure 15×16×5 mm. The larger SESI 18 units measure 26×19×8 mm. DC handling varies across the three ranges. For example, a 100-µH device handles 1, 1.7, or 2.7A for the SESI 14, 15, or 18 units, respectively. Cost guide is less than $1 (50,000).

Microspire, Illange, France. +33 03 82 56 55 64.

IC builds isolated bridge between telephone line, electronics

The ITC135P from CP Clare incorporates a Form A solid-state relay comprising optically coupled MOSFETs for use as a 2-mW hook switch, a half-wave bridge rectifier, a Darlington transistor, an optocoupler that functions as a ring or loop-current detector, and transient-protection zener diodes. Applications include data/fax modems, voice circuits, computer-telephony interfaces, PCMCIA modems, and cable modems having a telephone connection. The FCC Part 68-compatible, 16-pin SOIC saves about 60% of board space compared with conventional implementations of the same functions. Its internal LED requires 5 mA to operate, and the IC can dissipate as much as 1W, accept loads as high as 350V, and conduct continuous loads as high as 120 mA. R_DSON is 15 ohms. With 350V blocking-voltage capability and as much as 3750V-rms I/O isolation, the ITC135P has unidirectional signal coupling; the otherwise-identical ITC137P has bidirectional coupling. The devices cost $4.36 each (10,000).

CP Clare Corp, Beverly, MA. 1-508-524-6700, www.cpclare.com.

New CMOS-logic family combines speed, low power

The VCX low-voltage logic family from the Low-Voltage Logic Alliance, targets operation from 2.5V power supplies. The LVL Alliance members, Fairchild Semiconductor, Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, and Toshiba America Electronic Components, jointly specified the devices and standardized the pin assignments. The logic family tolerates 3.6V on the inputs and outputs and works with next-generation 1.8V power supplies. Initial products will be 16-bit buffers, transceivers, latches, and flip-flops. The VCX devices achieve typical delays of less than 2 nsec at 3V. They feature power-off, high-impedance inputs and outputs and support hot-swapping. In addition, they provide static drive of 18 mA at 2.3V, and latch-up performance exceeds 300 mA. The first part available from LVL Alliance members is a 16-bit buffer. Fairchild's 74VCX16244 is in production and costs $2.10 (1000). The TC74VCX16244 with production slated for the third quarter costs (1000). The MC74VCX16244DT is slated for September at a price of $3 (1000).

Fairchild Semiconductor, South Portland, ME. 1-207-775-8100, www.fairchildsemi.com.

Modeling software predicts em-bedded-system behaviour

By using Simulink 2, a software tool for nonlinear-physical-system modeling from The MathWorks, embedded-system developers can predict the behaviour of complex electromechanical embedded systems before hardware exists. The package simulates discrete- and continuous-time systems, including discontinuous systems and systems with algebraic loops. Beta testers in such fields as automotive electronics and avionics report that Simulink greatly speeds algorithm development. Among many new features of this version are ordinary-differential-equation solvers and intrinsic support for discontinuous, or "state," events. The ability to conditionally execute subsystems lets you model large systems that operate in multiple modes. Simulink, which works with the vendor's Matlab, runs under Windows 95 and NT as well as on Macintosh 68k systems, Power Macintoshes, and Unix workstations. The MathWorks began shipping these versions in February. Prices begin at $1995 for a single-seat microcomputer license.

The MathWorks Inc, Natick, MA. 1-508-647-7000, fax 1-508-647-7001, info@mathworks.com, www.mathworks.com.

Processor supports chip set

AMD's K6 processor, an implementation of Nexgen's 686, includes MMX instructions. The processor supports out-of-order execution, speculative execution, data forwarding, and register renaming. A six-stage pipeline houses load, store, integer X, integer Y, MMX, floating-point, and branch-unit superscalar execution units. The K6 uses a decoupled-execution approach, in which the device decodes x86 instructions into an internal RISC86 form. Parallel decoders work with a central operation scheduler to feed the execution units. The scheduler contains a scheduler buffer that can hold as many as 24 RISC86 instructions. The circuitry contains an 8192-entry branch-history table, a branch-target cache, and a return-address stack with 16 entries. The branch-target cache and stack contain the cache lines (the actual instructions) instead of the addresses to avoid a fetch penalty. Level 1 caches comprise a 32-kbyte, dual-ported, write-back data cache, a 32-kbyte instruction cache, and a predecode cache. The Socket 7-compatible processor comes in a 321-pin CPGA package. Prices of the 233-, 200-, and 166-MHz devices are $469, $349, and $244, respectively.

AMD Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-749-5703, www.amd.com.

BGA test socket eliminates special pc-board layouts

With Emulation Technology's BGA socket system, the test equipment connects to points next to the BGA socket, which is taller than a normal BGA package. The external connections can, therefore, lie above the target board and not interfere with the devices on the board near the socket. To use the socket, you solder a BGA-package emulator instead of the BGA to the target board. The socket, in which you place the device under test, and the test adapter then plug into this emulator. Screws at the corners keep the stacked hardware together. These screws do not project as far as the target board, though. Therefore, retaining the probing system on the target board requires no special layout provisions. Friction between the package emulator's single-point sockets and the pins of the pin array--the probing-system element that plugs into the emulator--provides the retention force. Probing-system prices begin at $1800.

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

Surf the Web; end programmable-logic frustrations

Altera is the latest vendor to let you access its database of information from previous technical-support queries. You interface to the Altera Technical Support service (www.altera.com) via an intelligent search engine to which you ask questions or provide keywords. Users can easily search for technical articles, access the Solutions Knowledge-Base, view design examples, and learn about upcoming Altera training opportunities.

Altera Corp, San Jose, CA. 1-408- 894-7000, www.altera.com.

Download design software from Web

If you want quick access to development tools, Cypress Semiconductor now lets you buy (via a secure Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer session) and download $99 Warp 2 design software directly from the company's Web site at www.cypress.com. Cypress accepts MasterCard and Visa and offers you the options of ordering via more traditional phone, fax, or snail mail in case your firewall or proxy server allows no secure transactions, for example. Warp 2 supports the Cypress SPLD, CPLD, and upcoming SRAM FPGA product lines. It includes a VHDL compiler, supports traditional Boolean equation entry, and outputs both VHDL and Verilog timing models for third-party simulation tools. The graphical Nova functional simulator also comes with the package, and, for an additional charge, you can upgrade Warp 2 to add schematic entry and VHDL timing simulation.

Xilinx Inc, San Jose, CA. 1-408-559-7778, www.xilinx.com.

Audio not forgotten in the rush to RF

The TPA0102 stereo amplifier from Texas Instruments provides two 1.5W bridge-tied channels; a 600-mW, single-ended, stereo-line output; and a stereo-input multiplexer. Driving a 4V load, the device offers THD plus noise of less than 0.05%. You can use the 5V device, which comes in a 24-pin TSSOP with an exposed thermal pad for heat-sinking to the pc board, at 3.3V and get 600-mW output per channel. For driving headphones, a control line lets you switch the IC between bridge-tied load mode and single-ended drive. The $2.54 (1000) IC draws 1 mA in shutdown mode.

Texas Instruments Inc, Dallas, TX. 1-800-477-8924, ext 4500, www.ti.com.

Web site indexes programmable logic

For a broad-based industry perspective, try Xilinx's SmartSearch utility at www.xilinx.com. SmartSearch indexes more than 50 Web sites full of programmable-logic content, and you can constrain and guide the search via configurable user input. After you construct an effective set of search criteria, SmartSearch Agents automatically notify you via e-mail of subsequent document additions. Another good one-stop-shopping resource is the Programmable Logic Jump Station at pw1.netcom.com/~optmagic. Internet news group comp.arch.fpga focuses on programmable-logic topics, and application engineers from all the major vendors regularly monitor it.

Cypress Semiconductor, San Jose, CA. 1-408- 943-2600, www.cypress.com.

Stereo-amp ICs rates into 8V load

For multimedia applications, the LM4832 IC from National Semiconductor includes 250-mW stereo amplifiers (rating into an 8V load at 1% THD), and a two-input microphone preamp stage with separate left and right volume, treble, and bass controls. You establish all settings via an I²C bus, and the 28-pin IC in SOIC and DIP packages can also control an external audio power amp through this bus. The 5V device includes National's 3-D sound circuitry for spatial enhancement, consumes 7 mA in shutdown mode, and costs $2.99 (1000). For portable designs, National's single-channel LM4864 audio amplifier can drive loads as low as 4V; it can provide as much as 300 mW into an 8V bridged load with 1% THD when using a 5V supply. It operates with 2.7 to 5.5V supplies and consumes 0.7 mA in shutdown mode. The amplifier comes in eight-pin MSOPs, SOPs, and DIP packages and costs less than $1 (1000).

National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. 1-408-721-5000, www.national.com.

Chip pair lets you juggle multiple
network-interface protocols

The LTC1343 multiprotocol transceiver and its companion LTC1344 cable terminator from Linear Technology let you implement a data-terminal- or data-communications-equipment port for RS-232C (V.28), RS423 (V.10), EIA530, EIA530-A, RS-449, V.35, V.36, and X.21 protocols. The protocol is fully software-selectable and requires no additional components. These 5V ICs meet the NET1 and NET2 protocol and electrical tests. The 44-pin LTC1343 comprises four drivers and four receivers, along with protocol-selection logic; the 24-pin LTC1344 contains the six software-switchable resistive terminations you need to configure any of eight interfaces in a DB-25 connector. You need no switches, relays, or jumpers to switch among drivers, receivers, and terminations. The chip pair also provides internal echoed-clock and loop-back operation with diagnostic local-loop-back and test-mode operation. The outputs of the LTC1344 do not load the signal lines when power is off. The SSOP chip pair costs $27.95 (1000).

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

In-system flash-memory programmer
uses boundary-scan access

The FL 3710 FlashBlaster in-system programmer exploits IEEE 1149.1 JTAG/boundary-scan architecture to program industry-standard flash-memory devices. The FlashBlaster system copes with different memory organisations, bus architectures, device densities, erase block sizes, operating voltages, and programming algorithms. The flash devices you want to program do not need boundary-scan interfaces. The FlashBlaster system performs erase, program, read, and verify functions. By specifying a start address and length, you can perform programming functions at specific memory addresses. For example, the typical programming time for a 16-Mbit Intel 28F016 part equals 16 sec with a 25-MHz test clock. The FlashBlaster system comprises a PC ISA card, a four-port JTAG pod, connecting cables, and Flash Prog software. The hardware supports test-clock frequencies of 100 kHz to 25 MHz, programmable in 100-kHz increments. The connecting pod supports 3.3 and 5V operation and allows you to program as many as four JTAG targets simultaneously. The hardware also supports general JTAG-testing and PLD-programming applications. The software accepts input files in binary, Intel Hex, or Motorola S-record formats. The programmer supports devices from AMD, Atmel, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Intel, National Semiconductor, Samsung, Toshiba, and Xicor. The system costs approximately Dfl19,900.

JTAG Technologies, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. +31 40 295 0870. www.jtag.com.

I₂O integration kit slashes development time

Symbios Logic has announced an integration kit that allows designers of motherboard or add-in storage interfaces to speed development of products that use industry-standard I₂O technology. I₂O provides designers a software-independent way to offload computationally intensive I/O operations from the host processor to an Intel i960 mP dedicated to the I/O subsystem. The Symbios kit includes the company's Symplicity I₂O software, a PCI-to-SCSI host adapter, cables, and documentation. You can specify the kit with single- or dual-channel host adapters and with single-ended or differential transceivers. Depending on the host adapter, prices range from $231 to $509.

Symbios Logic, Fort Collins, CO. 1-970-223-5100.

Software aids data analysis and visualization

The $495 HiQ data-acquisition software package, which runs under Windows 95 and NT, is now at version 3.0. HiQ's "notebooks" let you organize all phases of your analysis project. You can create objects that represent data, 2- and 3-D graphs, text, annotations, embedded Active-X objects, and HiQ scripts. Each object has its own properties; the matrix object resembles a spreadsheet. You can compile and run script objects. Within scripts, you can use built-in functions, or you can create functions. Data typing and matrix dimensioning occur automatically. Notebook printouts become illustrated reports that you can distribute.

National Instruments, Austin, TX. 1-800-258-7022, fax 1-512-794-8411, info@natinst.com, www.natinst.com.

Current/voltage regulator IC streamlines power designs

Simplifying power-supply and battery-charger designs, the TSM-101 analogue IC packs four functions into an eight-pin DIP or SO package. The device contains a 1.24V series bandgap voltage reference, a current generator with digital enable/disable control, and two op amps with ORed outputs. The main function of the TSM101 is to provide accurate voltage control and precision current limiting. Both the current-regulation and voltage-regulation loops use the internal 1.24V reference, which offers 2% precision (1% for the TSM101A) and a temperature stability of 30 ppm/8C typical.

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

Low rds_(on), small-outline MOSFETs provide little power loss

Targeting low-voltage applications with limited board space, the TSOP-6 miniature package has the same footprint as the SC-59 but with a lower 1.1-mm maximum height profile and rds_(on) values of 0.1V or less at 10V. The surface-mount MOSFETs provide minimal power loss. Four products come in both 0.5 and 2W versions: two devices are rated for operation at 4.5 and 10V, and two devices are rated at 4.5 and 2.5V.

Motorola, March, UK. Fax +44 1354 688248.

LED chip enhances white-light indication

Intended as direct replacements for filament bulbs, these single-chip white LEDs deliver a luminous intensity of 400 mcd. The lamps come in a variety of body and lens formats and provide typical MTBF figures exceeding 100,000 hours. Plano convex glass and plastic Fresnel lens/lamp assemblies modify light-output patterns to enhance viewing angle and provide sunlight-viewable indication in high-ambient-light conditions. Typical current requirements are 20 to 30 mA.

Oxley Developments, Ulverston, UK. +44 1229 582621.

8-bit RISC-processor debuts

The first part in Atmel's AVR family, the AT90S1200 contains 32 general-purpose registers and an 8-Mbyte, direct address reach for program and data. The CPU uses a 16-bit, fixed-length instruction with a load/store architecture and delivers single-cycle execution--10 to 15 times faster than the 8051. The 4- to 16-MHz AT90S1200 operates from 2.7 to 6V. Atmel offers AVR Studio, a debugging environment for simulation and real-time emulation. You can get the tool, which contains an absolute assembler, from Atmel's Web site. In addition, IAR Systems (San Francisco) offers a relocatable assembler and an ANSI-compliant C compiler. You can also buy a $49 evaluation board and $2495 in-circuit emulator for the AT90S1200. The AT90S1200 features 64 bytes of EE-PROM and 1 kbyte of flash memory, which you can program through the chip's SPI. The AVR device also features 15 programmable I/O lines, one 8-bit timer/counter, a watchdog timer, an on-chip analog comparator, an internal RC oscillator, and on-chip power-on reset. The device sells for approximately $1.80 (1000). It fits into 20-pin DIPs, SSOPs, and SOIC packages and drops into an 8051 socket.

Atmel Corp, San Jose, CA. 1-408-441-0311, www.atmel.com.

IC handles infrared data communications

Based on the IrDA standard for infrared data communications, the RPM-850 IC lets you transmit and receive information between portable electronic equipment, such as notebook computers. The chip, which measures only 11.9034.2535.45 mm, combines the vendor's technology in infrared LEDs, PIN photodiodes, and wave-form-shaping circuits. Prices start at $3.50 (10,000).

Rohm Corp, Electronics Division, Antioch, TN. 1-615-641-2020, fax 1-615-641-2022, www.rohmelectronics.com.

IC eases RF up-translation

The MRFIC1813 upconverter from Motorola combines a balanced up-mixer and a transmitting exciter amplifier. You can use the device for outputs of 1.7 to 2.5 GHz, and IF frequencies are 70 to 350 MHz. Motorola designed the GaAs device for low-side injection. It comes in a 16-pin TSSOP, provides 12-dB minimum or 15-dB typical IF-to-RF gain, and requires just ­5-dBm local-oscillator power. Typical output power is 3 dBm; output is 0 dBm at 1-dB gain compression. Motorola designed all ports of the IC to require minimal off-chip matching circuitry. Power consumption for the 2.7 to 4.5V device is typically 75 mW. The MRFIC1813 costs $1.95 (100,000).

Motorola Semiconductor, Phoenix, AZ. 1-602-413-3593, www.mot.com/sps/general.

Variable-gain amp has wide bandwidth,
fast gain-control response

The CLC5523 variable-gain amplifier combines a 250-MHz bandwidth with a gain-control response time of more than 4 dB/nsec. Maximum gain--adjustable between 2 and 100--is set by two external resistors. The gain-attenuation range is greater than 60 dB using a gain-control input signal between 0 and 2V. With its slew rate of 1800V/msec and wide bandwidth, the CLC-5523 delivers high-speed rise and fall times of 2 nsec for a 0.5V step. Settling time to within 0.2% is 22 nsec for a 2V step. Packaging options include eight-pin plastic DIPs and SOIC configurations.

National Semiconductor, Furstenfeldbruck, Germany. +49 180 5327 832.

Audio-mixer chip controls volume in 1-dB steps

The SSM2163, an eight-input audio mixer on a chip, lets you control volume in 63 1-dB steps. You can also mix individual channels to the right, left, or both outputs. A single mute pin, when driven by a microprocessor-reset signal, simultaneously silences all eight audio channels. The SSM2163's three-wire serial interface and one data-output terminal allow you to daisy-chain multiple devices for high-end multitracking systems. THD plus noise is 0.007% at 1 kHz with all levels set for unity gain. The mixer comes in 28-pin plastic DIP and SOIC versions.

Analog Devices, Munich, Germany. +49 89 5700 5150.

Transceiver IC completes DECT module

National Semiconductor's LMX3161 radio-transceiver IC, together with a separate power amplifier and baseband processor, enables you to build a DECT phone or base station. The LMX3161 integrates all DECT RF transmit and receive functions. On the transmit side, the IC includes a 1.1-GHz PLL, a 2-GHz frequency doubler, and an HF buffer. The single-conversion receive side includes a 2-GHz mixer, a 110-MHz IF amplifier with 85-dB gain, an analogue dc S/H compensation loop, and a receiver-signal-strength indicator. On-chip regulation allows you to run the IC from a 3 to 5.5V supply. An additional voltage regulator outputs a stabilised 2.75V supply for external discrete parts. Companion devices for a complete DECT module include the LMX2119 PA and either the SC14401 handset processor or the SC14421 base-station processor. The LMX3161 resides in a 48-pin PQFP. A complete RF module costs less than $20.

National Semiconductor, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. +49 180 5327 832.

Flash memory has 264-byte sectors

Atmel's AT45DXX1 family of serial-interface flash memories has 264-byte sectors that suit data storage in applications such as answering ma-chines, pagers, and digital cameras. With today's compression techniques, 4-Mbit devices can store as much as 25 minutes of voice data; 16-Mbit devices suit image storage in camera and fax-machine applications. This flash-memory family comprises the 4-Mbit AT45D041 (5V supply) and the AT45DB041 (2.7V supply). All memories, including the 2.7V versions, perform read and write operations on a single power line. The memories incorporate an SPI and two 264-byte RAM buffers that allow you to transfer data selectively into and out of the main memory array. This transfer provides a convenient way of updating main memory data and operates on a virtually continuous data stream. The data-storage capability of these memories eliminates the need for battery-backup parts used in audio-DRAM alternative voice-storage designs. The 264-byte sectors enable your design to handle shorter minimum-message lengths. The smaller sector also avoids the unnecessary erasure and subsequent rewriting of valid data, which in turn extends the lifetime of the memory by reducing the number of read/write operations. The 4-Mbit versions reside in 28-pin SOICs or TSOPs.

Atmel, Camberley, UK. +44 1276 686677, www.atmel.com

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