Contents
September 30, 2004
Cover Story
- The auto motive force: nontraction motor controls for automotive applications
Automotive designers are addressing the problem of limited in-vehicle electric-power generation and distribution capability on the load side. Theirs may be a lesson for all of us, as the methods they are using find homes in consumer goods and office equipment.
Design Features
- Safety isolation protects users and electronic instruments
Understanding safety-isolation rules and testing requirements enables you to address potential safety-isolation vulnerabilities. - Soft errors' impact on system reliability
Soft errors in memory devices are becoming increasingly important considerations in system design. - Evaluating processing options for SOC integration
Finding the right combination of processing elements helps you optimize performance, price, and power consumption.
Leading Edge
- Tool targets DSP developers using Matlab
- Fanless single-board computer targets harsh environments
- Step back and smell the microelectronics
- Supply keeps processors cooking
- It’s just some wire, wound on a core—not
- Enhanced pc-board-design suite adds routing wizards, higher precision
- Slow roll-out portends fast, flexible FPGAs
- Four-channel, 200-MHz DSO accepts floating, differential inputs to 600V off ground
- AWG converts a sample every 800 psec, maintains 15-bit resolution
- Analog-signal-switching system cuts costs as much as 40%
Design Ideas
- Combine two 8-bit outputs to make one 16-bit DAC
- LED driver provides software-controlled intensity
- Improve roll-off of Sallen-Key filter
- AC-coupling instrumentation amplifier improves rejection range of differential dc input voltage
- Simplify computer-aided engineering with scientific-to-engineering conversion
- 1.5V battery powers white-LED driver
- Simple VCOM adjustment uses any logic-supply voltage
Tech Trends
- Extra sensor(y) perception: automotive sensors
Sensors are taking full measure of the auto-passenger compartment.
Departments and Columns
- Baker's Best
Bypass capacitors: no black magic here
- edn.comment
Learning lunar-landing lessons
- Analog Angle
The ultimate zener-diode reference
