Aug 28 2008 12:00AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Approximating the spectral-response curve of the human eye, the miniature, surface-mount APDS-9008 ambient-light photo sensor controls display backlighting. The APDS-9008 analog-output photo sensor offers a 1.6 to 5.5V voltage range and uses a spectrally suited photo sensor. Aiming at applications requiring measurement of ambient light for controlling display-backlighting power consumption, the device has a V_CC as low as 1.6V. Available in a lead-free, miniature-chip-LED surface-mount package, the APDS-9008 ambient-light photo sensor costs 60 cents (2500).

Avago Technologies, www.avagotech.com

Aug 28 2008 12:00AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Based on the vendor’s iMEMS motion-signal processing technology, the high-bandwidth ADXL001 MEMS vibration sensor enables monitoring of equipment performance. The industrial vibration and shock sensor allows early detection of motor-bearing vibration and irregularities as high as 22 kHz. Available in dynamic ranges of ±70, ±250, or ±500g, the sensors have a 22-kHz resonant-frequency bandwidth and provide frequency responses to dc. Additional features include a nonlinearity of 0.2% of full-scale range, a –40 to +125°C temperature range, and the ability to function on a 3.3 to 5V supply. The vibration sensor requires no calibration. Measuring 5×5-mm in an LCC-8 ceramic package, the ADXL001 vibration and shock sensor costs $35 (1000).

Analog Devices, www.analog.com

Aug 27 2008 12:00AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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The vendor’s 12-member PIC24FJ256GB1 16-bit USB microcontroller family features 100-nA standby current, 256 kbytes of flash memory, and 16 kbytes of RAM. The integrated USB 2.0 device provides embedded-host, dual-role, and OTG (On-The-Go) functions. The devices allow the addition of advanced USB features to embedded designs. Integrating the CTMU (charge-time-measurement-unit) peripheral and the royalty-free mTouch Sensing Solution software-development kit, the microcontrollers enable designers to add a capacitive-touch user interface without external components. The microcontroller family is available in TQFP-64, -80, or -100 packages, and prices start at $3.47 (10,000).

Microchip Technology, www.microchip.com

Aug 25 2008 2:50PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Joining the vendor’s SensorEyeCTM line, the MLX75305 light-to-voltage sensor suits high-volume automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Claiming a life span exceeding 15 years, the light sensor’s output voltage varies linearly with incident light. The IC integrates the photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier, and a linear-voltage-output stage on the sensor chip. This integration allows stable light responsivity over time and over temperature and improved noise behavior, compared with designs using discrete photodiodes. Meeting AEC-Q100 automotive specifications, the devices provide a –40 to +125°C temperature range; a consumer version of the sensor is also available with an operating temperature as high as 85°C. Available in 3×3×0.65-mm DFN and SO-8 packages, the MLX75305 light-to-voltage sensor costs 30 ce...Read More

Aug 25 2008 2:21PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Using MEMS technology, the FC30 3-D orientation sensor embeds 3-D orientation functions and click/double-click detection, allowing integration of mouse-button controls. The device’s three external interrupt lines allow developers to build automatic portrait/landscape-recognition applications. Available in a 3×5×0.9-mm LGA-14 package, the FC30 orientation sensor costs $1 (high volumes).

STMicroelectronics, www.st.com