http://www.epn-online.com/enCopyright 2007 - Reed Business InformationWed, 08 Feb 2012 07:16:02 +0100Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:16:02 +0100EPN Onlinelchevalier@reedbusiness.frlchevalier@reedbusiness.frhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://www.epn-online.com/page/new180447/high-speed-long-term-video-recorder-eliminates-download-waiting-time-reduces-costs.htmlnew180447Mikrotron's new MotionBLITZ LTR2 is a portable high-speed video system for long-term recording. Applications include, for example, the observation of the behaviour of turbulence in fluids and gases, of fine dust in vacuum, observations in medical diagnostics, and motion studies in sports. Mobile long-term high-speed recordings are of great significance for the optimisation of processes in industrial fabrication and quality control. The system permits the storage of data directly to the hard drive to eliminate download waiting time. The recorder is continuously available for a recording time of up to 55 minutes. This is particularly beneficial in costly test series. Integrated into the robust housing there is a PC with the Windows 7 Version 64-bit operating system, very fast hard drive storage, MotionBlitz Director2 operating software, as well as the high-performance Full Camera Link Framegrabber camera interface. The compact (63 x 63 x 47mm) light-sensitive camera from the EoSens series can handle video recordings of up to 55 minutes at a full image resolution of 1696 (H) x 1710 (V) pixels and 120fps (frames per second). The option of data reduction extends the longer recording time. The integrated RoI function (Region of Interest) - with variable layout of the image field in terms of position, resolution, and speed - offers recording frequencies of up to 35,000fps. The optionally engaged non-linear dynamic adaptation can extract very precise image details even under extreme conditions of light/dark differences. The Full Camera Link high-performance interface saves images from the camera in real time to the ring memory hard drive system of the PC. Images can be stored in BMP, AVI, TIF, DNG, JPG, PNG, and REC (Mikrotron's own RAW) formats. The intuitive user interface of the MotionBLITZ Director2 software enables display of external data in each individual image. The intelligent ImageBLITZ trigger system offers sensor functions in the live image. The LTR2 portable is delivered as a ready-to-run complete system with a high-speed CMOS digital camera. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180511/dynastream-wireless-ant-series-to-nest-in-digi-key-global-inventory.htmlnew180511Digi-Key has added Dynastream Innovations products to its global line card. Dynastream Innovations supplies wireless monitoring products, specifically the ANT series of 2.4GHz wireless networking protocols and embedded system solutions."We are pleased to partner with Digi-Key for the broad distribution of ANT and ANT+ products," stated Rod Morris, Director, ANT Wireless. "We have worked with Digi-Key for years as our engineering parts supplier and have great confidence in their capacity to efficiently service the vast development engineer market."Mark Zack, Vice President, Semiconductor Product, Digi-Key responded, "We are delighted to welcome Dynastream Innovations into our family of quality suppliers," "Dynastream's advancements and patents-in-motion analysis technology have propelled them into a leadership position in ultra-low power wireless solutions."The Dynastream ANT series is a wireless sensor network protocol and silicon solution for ultra-low power networking applications in sport, wellness, home and industrial automation. With an installed base of over a million nodes, ANT is engineered for ultra-low power, low system cost, ease of use, scalability and flexibility that enables sensors to operate for up to three years on a coin cell battery. The ANT protocol handles peer-to-peer, star, tree and practical mesh topologies.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180723/improved-thermal-image-dsp-thermal-core-increases-picture-resolution.htmlnew180723Improvements to the EYE-R640-V4 by Premier Electronics use 17µm pixels to provide a 32% increase in picture resolution over 25µm pixels. This has provided a dramatic improvement in video quality, says the company. Packed into a small, lightweight, low power format the thermal imaging engine is based on a 640x480 pixels ASi microbolometer detector It is tuned to the long wave infra red band together with a sensitivity up to 45mK at 22°. The engine supports proprietary, tested, algorithms ensuring high performance in difficult visibility conditions, says the company. The design supports multiple communication protocols and physical interfaces. The engine offers standard video and RS-170 outputs and video techniques such as edge enhancement, local DRC, time domain filter and NUC BPR. The engine runs from a 8 to 28V rail and draws just 2.7W. It weighs 160g, measures 41x54x48.551mm making it suitable for many small UAVs and handheld applications. This engine runs at full frame rate, works in temperatures from -40 to 60ºC and complies with MIL=STD 810F/461D and MIL-STD 810F. The engine can be integrated into military and civil applications, while software and firmware modules can be developed and modified to any specifications.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new181006/multi-functional-ic-controls-doors-claims-to-be-first-to-have-integrated-window-control.htmlnew181006Believed to be the market's first multi-functional door-zone driver with an integrated electric-window control, STMicroelectronics' L99DZ80 is claimed to reduce the bill of material. It has already been selected for broad adoption by a German car manufacturer. The door actuator driver removes the need for mechanical relays in car-window control, reducing component costs as well as eliminating EMC countermeasures. The device supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window - soft start and shutdown - and reduces noise levels with the removal of the relay. There is an embedded SPI-programmable, slew-rate control IP that can drive four external MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration dedicated to PWM-driven electric-window applications.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180715/audio-analyser-has-pdm-i-o-direct-interface-is-available-for-mems-microphones.htmlnew180715Audio Precision has announced a PDM (pulse density modulation) I/O option for its APx500 audio analysers.PDM is a 1bit, high clock rate data stream used with digital MEMS microphones which are used extensively in smartphone design. The PDM option allows the audio analyzers to connect directly to any device with a PDM input or output, enabling comprehensive testing of audio.In addition to all the standard audio measurements, the PDM Interface provides variable DC supply voltage, variable sample rate, and a power supply rejection measurement to test the device's full operating parameters. PDM (mono or stereo) can be selected for both the analyser inputs and outputs simultaneously, and PDM can be paired with any of the other available I/O formats: analogue, AES, S/PDIF, Bluetooth, HDMI, or serial digital.R&D engineers working on new digital MEMS designs can generate modulated PDM bitstreams and send them directly to decimation stages with no further conversion or hardware. Smartphone and tablet manufacturers working on new designs can interface directly with MEMS microphones and PDM decimation stages to tune and verify performance. A special acoustic response suite of measurements makes MEMS transducer testing fast, easy, and efficient, even in non-anechoic environments.The analysers combine PDM with an integrated Bluetooth testing solution, low noise analogue for testing headphone outputs, digital serial (I²S) for direct chip-level communication, and HDMI for devices with HD video capabilities.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180413/interference-and-direction-analyser-flushes-out-interference-from-undesirable-transmissions.htmlnew180413The new IDA-3106 interference and direction analyser (IDA) from Link Microtek enables independent regulators or operators in fields such as telecoms, broadcasting and air traffic control to quickly identify and locate the source of any undesirable transmissions that may affect signal quality. With the current development of LTE mobile broadband services and recent proposals for ‘white space' radio technology, the whole issue of interference from services in neighbouring frequency bands is likely to become significantly more important in the near future. The analyser which has been designed and manufactured by Narda Test Solutions, is a user-friendly hand-held instrument that can be supplied with a choice of three active directional antennas covering the frequency ranges 20 to 250MHz, 200 to 500MHz and 400MHz to 6GHz. Using its integral GPS receiver and the 3D electronic compass built into the antenna handle, the IDA carries out a horizontal scan to establish the position of the interference source and then either displays the relative bearing in a polar diagram or pinpoints the location on a street map, just like a satnav system. The instrument is capable of analysing broadband signals and has a resolution bandwidth of up to 32MHz, which is believed to be unique for a hand-held unit. Its fast scan speed of 12GHz/s allows it to capture intermittent signals or burst transmissions. Optional facilities include a scope mode - offering a time resolution as low as 32ns for analysis of high-speed data transmissions or pulsed signals such as radar - and an I/Q demodulation recorder, which enables signal data to be stored on the instrument and transferred to a PC for further analysis if required. Ideal for outdoor use, the IDA features a robust case, a keypad designed for operation when wearing gloves, battery hot-swap capability, and a comfortably light weight of under 3kg.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180720/next-gen-cmos-image-sensor-back-illuminated-model-layers-pixel-section.htmlnew180720A next-generation, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor from Sony layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels onto chips containing the circuit section for signal processing. This is instead of supporting substrates for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. The company claims that this structure enhances image quality, functionalities and provides a more compact size that will lead to the evolution of cameras for smaller size, high pixel rate versions. The sensor has large-scale signal processing circuits required for higher image quality. It has also been developed using the company's RGBW Coding function, which facilitates low noise, high quality image capture even in low light condition, and the proprietary High Dynamic Range Movie function, which achieves brilliant colour even when taking pictures against bright light. Conventional CMOS image sensors mount the pixel section and analogue logic circuit on top of the same chip, which require numerous constraints, for example, to suppress noise and optimise the characteristics of pixels and circuit transistors. As the pixel section and circuit section are independent chips, a manufacturing process can enable the pixel section to be specialised for higher image quality and the circuit section for higher functionality.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180514/aerotech-tightens-ties-with-altechna-in-lithuania.htmlnew180514Aerotech has strengthened its links with Altechna, signing a distribution agreement that will add Aerotech's micropositioning mechanics and motion controls to the Lithuanian laser and photonics product specialists' line card. Aerotech already works closely with Altechna's research and development division, now branded as the Workshop of Photonics (WOP), providing nanometre level positioning sub-systems for application customised 2D and 3D laser micromachining centres used across industry and research.Altechna's distribution company supplies a wide range of laser optics, crystals, lasers and optomechanical equipment with over 3000 standard catalogue products. Altechna has 44 staff across its distribution and research divisions and offers comprehensive support from qualified physicists, an optomechanics design service and in-house metrology laboratories. The agreement covers Aerotech's complete product range from single motion components such as linear motors and individual positioning stages through to high performance sub-assemblies and custom designed motion sub-systems. The agreement also ensures that the technical sales and support staff in Vilnius receive in-depth product training and fast track support for its customers in industry and academia."We are very excited with the new distribution agreement," says Tadas Lipinskas, Director of Altechna Co Ltd., "having worked with Aerotech on many important projects, integrating their micropositioning and motion controls into our laser micromachining systems, we are very confident that the range will add real value for our customers."Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180491/3db-directional-couplers-offer-smaller-footprint-performance-gains.htmlnew180491Richardson RFPD has availability and design support capabilities for the Xinger-III line of components from Anaren. The 3dB hybrid and directional couplers are the latest additions to Anaren's Xinger-brand of subminiature components for wireless infrastructure applications. When compared to equivalently-sized parts from the previous generation, the hybrid couplers offer 52-66% lower insertion loss (down to 0.12 dB), 5 times the power handling, 25-28% higher isolation, 63-71% better amplitude balance, and equal phase balance. The directional couplers offer 37-64% lower insertion loss (down to 0.05dB), 50% higher power handling, and equal directivity. The parts are available as an option to customers who want the smaller footprint and performance gains to keep pace with next generation base station equipment designs; previous generations of Xinger models are still in production and available. The components feature patent-pending design and materials advances. Their small footprint and robust power-handling capability make them viable alternatives to ceramic equivalents, avoiding the risk of cracked solder joints that ceramics can create when their thermal expansion characteristics do not match the PCB on which they are mounted. The Xinger-III components are softboard, so the co-efficient of thermal expansion (CTE) disparity is not an issue.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180468/hall-effect-linear-current-sensor-ic-has-100khz-bandwidth-low-noise-analogue-signal-path.htmlnew180468Solid State Supplies has availability of a Hall-effect linear current sensor IC from Allegro MicroSystems. The ACS711 is a cost-efficient device that provides accurate AC or DC current sensing in low-voltage audio, communications systems, white goods, industrial power supplies, lighting, and automotive applications. Typical uses include circuit protection, current monitoring, and motor and inverter control.The device consists of a linear Hall sensor circuit with a copper conduction path located near the surface of the die. Applied current flowing through this copper conduction path generates a magnetic field, which is sensed by the integrated Hall IC and converted into a proportional voltage. Device accuracy is optimised through the close proximity of the magnetic signal to the Hall transducer. Full-scale sensing options within the ACS711 family include ±12.5 and ±25A. The output of the device has a positive slope proportional to the current flow from IP+ to IP- (pins 1 and 2, to pins 3 and 4). The internal resistance of this conductive path is 1.2mOhm typical, providing a non-intrusive measurement interface that saves power in applications that require energy efficiency. The device is optimised for low-side current sensing applications, although the terminals of the conductive path are electrically isolated from the sensor leads (pins 5 through 8), providing sufficient internal creepage and clearance dimensions for low AC or DC working voltage applications. The thickness of the copper conductor allows survival of the device at up to five times over-current conditions. The device is provided in a single small-form-factor surface-mount SOIC8 package, and obviating the need for an external sense resistor. Other key features include: economical low- and high-side current sensing, output voltage proportional to AC or DC currents, overcurrent active low FAULT trips and latches at 100% of full-scale current, low-noise analogue signal path, 100kHz bandwidth, 3.3 to 5.5V single-supply operation, integrated electrostatic shield for output stability, factory-trimmed for accuracy, extremely stable output offset voltage, zero magnetic hysteresis, and ratiometric output from supply voltageTue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180500/keyboard-and-panel-mount-switch-maker-signs-exclusive-deal-with-luso.htmlnew180500Luso Electronics Distribution has signed an exclusive UK and Ireland distributor deal with Veetronix. Veetronix makes keyboard and panel-mount switches for various markets, including video and audio mixing-desk equipment and in numerous military and government applications. "These products are an excellent addition to our portfolio", said David Zelkha, Managing Director of Luso Electronics, "The Veetronix devices feature a unique design that offers magnetically-sealed contact actuation and will find fast take-up in multiple applications, and in video/audio markets in particular." "We are delighted to be working with a flexible and well focused company such as Luso, which will further enhance our ability to deliver our unique technologies to key customers in the UK and Ireland," said Jessica Cole, Sales Manager at Veetronix. The hermetically sealed design of the Veetronix switches and keycaps ensures no moving parts touch the contacts, preventing air, dust, moisture or gases from contaminating the switch and therefore ensuring reliability. Other recent franchises announced by Luso include: an exclusive UK and Ireland agreement to distribute SynQor's DC/DC and AC/DC power supplies, and a European distribution agreement with Elec & Eltek for magnetic components, including transformers, noise filters and common-mode chokes;Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180488/acal-bfi-teams-with-gsi-technology-to-offer-alternative-source-for-fast-synchronous-srams.htmlnew180488Acal BFI has alternatives to fast synchronous SRAM (FSS). They will replace devices made obsolete by the planned withdrawal of Samsung from the FSS market. The pan-European distributor says its second-source service will enable OEMs and CEMs to avoid disruption, and offer improvements in system performance, reduced lead-times and fast sampling. Using fast synchronous SRAM, from specialist manufacturer GSI Technology, Acal BFi can cross-reference and sample a fit, form and function replacement for virtually any existing high-speed SRAM. Almost all available options of SRAM dice are held in bulk inventory. The SRAMs are also covered by a seven-year product lifetime support guarantee. Applications which could second-source to SRAM include networking, switches, routers and base-stations as well as VoIP, DSP, DSL line cards. OEMs in the industrial, medical and military sectors could also benefit.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180498/mouser-strengthens-qi-component-inventory-with-texas-instruments-and-vishay-devices.htmlnew180498Mouser Electronics has beefed up its stock of components which support the Wireless Power Consortium's Qi global standards for interoperability between wireless power transmitters and wireless power receivers. New components that meet the new Qi standard include Texas Instruments' BQ500110 / BQ500210 Wireless Power Transmitter Managers which integrate the logic functions required to control wireless power transfer. TI's BQ51011 Gen 2 Wireless Power Receiver provides AC/DC power conversion while integrating the digital control required to comply with the WPC v1.0 communication protocol. The transmitters and receivers are designed for devices such as cell phones, smart phones, headsets and digital cameras. Vishay's IWAS Series Wireless Charging Receiving Coil/Shield is the first commercial Qi-compliant wireless receiver coil available. It is incorporated into the Texas Instrument's bq51013EVM-725. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180713/sinewave-output-filters-convert-frequency-for-motor-drives.htmlnew180713The FMAC SINE and FMAC SINE DCL series of sinewave output filters from Schurter convert the voltage waveforms from frequency converters into low-distortion sinewaves for motor drives and power-engineering applications. The Sinewave output filters are designed for use in 500V AC systems with currents of 4A and above. They are suitable for a range of heavy-duty applications such as frequency converters in uninterruptible power supplies, in elevator systems, in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems as well as in industrial traction and conveyer systems. They are optimised for long motor cables and operation under full load and can use unshielded motor cables instead of expensive shielding versions. They also, according to the company, reduce expense during assembly.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180714/additional-size-option-is-added-for-enclosures-for-control-panel-and-wall-mounting.htmlnew180714An additional size of control panel and wall mounting enclosures has been announced by Bopla. The new size has been added to the Circum range of plastic enclosures and more space for the installation of electronic devices, says the company. The 17 size also has a recessed area on which the input units and displays (up to 4.3inch) can be mounted. There is also a matching frame accessory for installation in a wall. In addition to the model for control panel mounting and wall applications, customers can create desktop and console applications. A range of accessories allows for customer-specific adaptations.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180806/trac-makes-2m-investment-in-new-emc-and-safety-testing-laboratory.htmlnew180806TRaC has invested £2m in a new test laboratory in Wimborne, Dorset. The new site expands on two existing sites in the same area. The laboratory brings together all aspects of EMC testing for the aerospace and defence industries, and it expands the offering on commercial EMC and safety testing. Three chambers have been installed dedicated to the military and aerospace products. Two more will serve the commercial market. A sixth chamber has been fitted out for transient testing. Other test capabilities include lighting, high density radiated fields, and environmental stress testing including shock and vibration. Temperature, humidity and salt spray, acoustic noise and hydraulic fatigue testing are also available. An electromagnetic shaker table can apply stresses to loads up to 2 tonnes. "With this investment we have effectively future proofed the site. We serve industries on the cutting edge of innovation, and this investment will enable us to meet their test needs," commented  Mark Heaven, TRaC Global Chief Executive Officer. We can meet the 1 to 10 GHz standard, we can go to 5000V per metre in the high intensity radiated field testing," he added. The facility is accredited by UKAS to ISO 17025, and it is a Civil Aviation Authority recognised test laboratory its test reports are recognised and accepted by the global civil aviation industry.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180513/thermostatic-control-of-ac-fans-now-possible-with-green-supply-cable-from-aerco.htmlnew180513The Green Fan Cord from Wisconsin-based fan accessory specialist Gardtec, is claimed to be the only fan supply cable available that can thermostatically control AC fans. Available from Aerco, this patent-pending design is revolutionary to the AC fan industry and simply replaces an existing fan cable and requires no additional wiring, circuit boards, controls boxes or design changes.  It is suitable for multiple fan configurations such as fan trays. Intelligent cooling systems incorporating DC fans have been commonplace for many years because the speed of a DC fan can be simply controlled by varying the supply voltage. With the Green Fan Cord the AC fan is automatically turned on and off to keep a system operating at a pre-set optimum temperature saving energy, reducing costs, minimising noise and increasing product life.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180718/compact-power-supply-modules-claim-to-be-industry-s-smallest-single-packages.htmlnew180718Compact power supply modules from Rohm integrate an inductor, capacitors and other components needed for a power supply. The company claims that the BZ6A is the smallest power supply for high-density mounting use in a single package. It measures 2.3x2.9x1mm. As mobile devices, including smartphones, increase the number of components and power sources within the circuit, the trend has been towards miniaturisation. The BZ6A integrates a BU9000X series 6MHz high-speed switching power supply LSI and has a wide input voltage range, from 2.3 to 5.5V, making them suitable portable devices using a 5V USB, as well as an output voltage range between 1 and 3.3V, for compatibility. Operation is 6MHz with over 85% efficiency. Another feature is the automatic PWM / PFM mode switching and soft-start circuit and multiple protection circuits.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180403/data-acquisition-software-covers-wider-range-of-lan-applications.htmlnew180403The latest release of BMC MesssystemeNextView4, the professional software for data acquisition and analysis, synchronises signals of different LAN data acquisition systems to real-time. Applications include the ability to measure the effects of earthquakes at any number of places worldwide, monitoring the water pressure to a barrage on both sides of a river during a flood, the river separating the two measuring points, using WLAN. When signals are recorded in harsh environment, e.g. in field use or in a machine hall, a measurement system is exposed to extreme influences, such as humidity or dirt, especially in long-term measurement. In this case, only the LAN data acquisition system is installed at the measurement point. The recorded signals are transmitted interference-free via a network cable to a PC standing at a "safe" place. Measurement and control at many different positions of a production process can easily be done with LAN measurement systems. Relations become visible. The multi-point measuring system can be extended at will. LAN data acquisition systems from BMC Messsysteme are available as standalone version (LAN-AD16f) or as an all-in-one solution with integrated amplifier technology designed as a desktop unit (AMS42-LAN16f) or a rack system (AMS84-LAN16f).Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180716/timers-and-power-mosfets-high-temperature-range-suits-harsh-environments.htmlnew180716X-Rel has added timers and MOSFETs to its XTRM range which operates at high temperatures (-60 to +230°C). The XTR650 timer operates from supply voltages from 2.9 to 5.5C. There are two N-channel MOSFETs which reduce leakage currents while providing high drain currents and low RDS (on). There is the XTR2N0400 40V N-channel power MOSFET and the XTR2N0800 80V N-channel power MOSFET. All are available in several packaging configurations and are designed to perform reliably in automotive, aeronautic and aerospace projects.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180711/custom-control-panels-sub-assembly-and-manufacture-for-suit-harsh-environments.htmlnew180711Claiming to save both time and money, IGT Industries offers in-house control panel design and manufacture. The company's HMI panels are suitable for marine, aviation, railway, medical, military, industrial, fire, security and telecomms applications. The company offers a design, prototype and production manufacturing service incorporating keyboards or other interface switching technologies, various display and illumination technology and electro-mechanical devices. Outsourcing a sub-assembly or control panel simplifies procurement and logistics management by reducing the supplier base and delivery times, claims the company. Installing a completed assembly also removes the need for further integration, testing and contacting various suppliers in the event of any problems, it says. HMI assemblies may be specified for use in environmentally hostile conditions in military and industrial control applications. One such application is for dynamic positioning systems for use on ships and oil rigs. These back-lit control panels are used for data positioning of vessels and offer complex switching, control and display integration, adjustable control panel illumination, PS/2 USB compatibility, are waterproof to IP67, RFI/EMC compliant and specified to meet approvals of Lloyds Register for Equipment used in shipping and the American Bureau of Shipping.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180712/three-packages-added-low-power-high-speed-and-small-packages-for-fpga-family.htmlnew180712Low power, high speed, and mini packages have been added to the ECP3 FPGA family by Lattice Semiconductor. The additions are for power and space limited applications in professional cameras, surveillance cameras, medical imaging, video communication, and small-form-factor wireline and wireless appliances. The low power FPGAs consume 40% lower static power compared to the standard ECP3 device, to result in 30% lower total power consumption than competing mid-range FPGAs, claims the company. The high speed FPGAs run 10% faster. The additions also include what the company claims is the industry's smallest FPGA with high-speed SerDes and DDR3 memory interface. The Mini FPGA with SerDes is 66% smaller than the standard ECP3 device of the same logic capacity. It measures 10x10mm with 17K LUTs and 116 user input/output is 66% smaller than the current LatticeECP3 FPGA of the same logic density.There are low power versions for each existing speed grade (-6L, -7L, -8L) and for both commercial and industrial temperature grades.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180409/software-driver-library-uses-polymorphic-virtual-instruments.htmlnew180409Data Translation has released a new version of its LV-Link software drivers for LabVIEW. LV-Link is a library of Virtual Instruments (VIs) that provide easy access to USB modules and PCI boards in LabVIEW. Both the 32- and 64-bit versions of the popular graphical programming environment are supported. LV-Link 3.0 also includes a comprehensive, updated Help and many additional example programs to make application development even easier. The instruments have been developed for high-speed data acquisition and output. They integrate all the subsystems and features provided by Data Translation's USB and PCI measurement hardware, including analogue I/O, digital I/O, counter/timers, quadrature decoders, etc., and streaming data to disk at full speed. The use of polymorphic VIs allows a significant reduction in the number of virtual instruments within a LabVIEW application. Polymorphic VIs combine the functionality of different VIs into one VI that takes on different characteristics depending on the selected subsystem. The software drivers are based on the DT-Open Layers .NET class library and are compatible with NI virtual instruments. LV-Link 3.0 supports LabVIEW 8.5.1 or higher, and LabVIEW 2009 or higher. Both LV-Link versions are provided free to users of Data Translation data acquisition hardwareThu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180510/global-distribution-agreement-brings-vicor-power-products-to-digi-key-linecard.htmlnew180510Digi-Key has signed a global deal with Vicor. "Vicor is well known for its innovative, high performance modular, plug-and-play components ranging from bricks to semiconductor-centric power solutions, and its world-class manufacturing and applications development," said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key's vice president of global interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. "Adding these products to our premier power offering is a natural and beneficial decision for Digi-Key and our customers. We look forward to a successful partnership with Vicor." Richard Begen, Vicor's vice president of global distribution responded, "Vicor's new relationship with Digi-Key represents an important element of our global growth strategy. We expect that Digi-Key's expansive market reach will enable Vicor to expand our global footprint, while increasing our presence and revenue in critical growth markets worldwide."Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180461/wireless-test-platform-extended-to-cover-802-11ac-standards.htmlnew180461National Instruments has announced early access support for testing next-generation 802.11ac WLAN chipsets and devices. This exemplifies how NI's modular, software-defined wireless test platform continually expands to address the latest cellular and wireless connectivity standards including 802.11ac. This test solution provides flexibility in testing 802.11ac devices in addition to testing 802.11a/b/g/n devices. It works with a wide range of signal bandwidths including 20, 40, 80 and 80+80 160 MHz for both Tx and Rx for up to 4x4 MIMO configurations. Other features inlcude modulation formats up to 256 QAM, optional MAC features such as LDPC, STBC and AMPDU, and automated test system development using NI LabVIEW, C or Microsoft Visual Studio.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180507/2-and-4-terminal-options-available-on-surface-mount-crystal-devices.htmlnew180507DMTL is now offering new generation crystal devices from AVX. The CX3225xx series parts are small, low profile surface mount devices, available in 2 and 4 terminal options. Applications include automotive safety, engine management and communications systems and other consumer products that rely on electronics for control. All the devices are available as AEC-Q200 qualified components. There are three key models in the CX3225xx series, all capable of operating up to 54MHz. In what is expected to be become the industry standard footprint for this type of component, the new devices all measure 3.2 x 2.5mm with a very low profile height off the board dependent on model. The CX3255GA features a frequency range of 9.8 to 54MHz with a frequency deviation of ± 30ppm at 25ºC or ± 150ppm across the operating temperature range of -40 to +125ºC and maintains conductivity after 3000 cycles. Maximum height off the board is just 0.95mm. The CX3225CA offers the same frequency range, a temperature range up to 125ºC and a height off the board of 0.9mm. Both models are particularly suited for automotive ECU and air bag applications. The CX3225SB offers a frequency range of 12 to 54MHz with frequency deviation of just ± 15ppm at 25ºC. Operating temperature range is up to 150ºC. Height off the board is just 0.6mm max.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.epn-online.com/page/new180458/updated-software-module-speeds-semiconductor-characterisation-tests.htmlnew180458Keithley Instruments ACS (Automated Characterisation Suite) Version 4.4 is designed for use with a number of the company's instrument and system configurations used for automated device characterisation and reliability analysis. It supports a newly enhanced reliability test option (Model ACS-2600-RTM), as well as expanded ultra-fast bias temperature instability (BTI) testing capabilities, high current testing of power components, and new project libraries designed for high voltage reliability, charge pumping, pulse-stress reliability, and stress migration testing applications. It also supports Windows 7 operating systems, which simplifies staying current with a facility's PC/system OS requirements. ACS V4.4 supports an updated optional reliability test module (Model ACS-2600-RTM) that creates and execute complex stress-measure-analyse test sequences used in device reliability tests, such as HCI, TDDB, NBTI and J-Ramp. This updated software module gives semiconductor test engineers doing device reliability testing and analysis in R&D or production test environments the tools they need to test more productively, whether characterising single devices or managing high device count test applications. ACS helps users manage complex system instrumentation configurations, and define parameters common to large groups of devices or many sub-groups.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100