Industrial Factory Automation

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies announced the availability of two new connector lines to its push-on family – the TMP® and WMP® series, at last week’s IMS conference  held in Montreal, Canada. The TMP® family is designed to provide higher power handling capacity, similar to an SMA connector, for use in Radar and other high power RF & Microwave systems. The TMP® interface enables mode-free operation to 23 GHz, and is rated to handle above 200 Watts of power in the S-band. This makes it ideal for a myriad of high power military and defense applications. The WMP® product line, in contrast, is the smallest form factor connector series within the push-on family. Designed specifically for high density microwave packages where space is a premium, the WMP® bullet adapter enables a stackable PCB height of < 0.120” (or about the same thickness as two pennies stacked on top of each other). The WMP® interface is specified up to 65 GHz; however, it can support operation to 100 GHz...

An article by TriQuint's Tuan Nguyen and Mark Andrews in the June issue of Microwave Product Digest describes two new best-in-class GaAs E-pHEMT low-noise amplifiers: the TQP3M9036 (400 to 1500 MHz, 0.45dB noise figure) and the TQP3M9037 (1500 to 2700 MHz, 0.40dB noise figure). You can also download the article. TriQuint's new LNAs are well suited for 3G / 4G cellular base stations, tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs), small cell wireless networks, repeaters, 700 MHz LTE networks, and emerging UHF “white space” systems. They simplify design by integrating key functions on-chip along with digital shut-down biasing capability for the growing TDD-LTE market. Both devices are now in low volume sampling, ramping to production in September.

TriQuint has released a new family of SAW-based, non-dispersive delay lines that offer wideband performance for communications, sensors, radar and electronic warfare (EW) applications. The family includes eight 1,000 MHz devices providing a wide range of BW, IL, delay and VSWR combinations. All products offer low amplitude variation and high selectivity with neighboring frequencies. The devices are self-matched to 50 ohms and are available in standard 4-pin kovar flatpacks. SAW delay lines offer tremendous size and weight advantages compared to traditional coaxial delay lines and require no power compared to digital delay setups. TriQuint's new delay lines are robust and ideally suited for high-reliability applications.

TriQuint's latest amplifier product solutions offer high performance and packaged convenience for easier assembly. The new amplifiers include the TGA2501-GSG (6-18 GHz); the TGA2554-GSG (8-11 GHz); and the TGA2536-FL (13-16 GHz). Defense Products & Foundry Services director Tony Balistreri said, "These devices are part of TriQuint's new Rapid Release program that offers solutions with long-standing reliability and performance in standard packages. These high-performance devices were previously available only as die-level products." Samples and evaluation fixtures are now available.

TriQuint's new TQP7M9105 and TQP7M9106 packaged GaAs RF driver amplifiers have the highest linearity in their class and are optimized for GSM / CDMA / WCDMA and LTE base transceiver stations. Their broad bandwidth also makes them well suited for remote radio heads, small cell amplifiers, defense communications systems, and other applications between 50 to 1500 MHz. The TQP7M9105 delivers P1dB RF power of 1W (+30dBm) with an Output Third Order Intercept Point (OIP3) of 49dBm, gain of 19.4dB, and power consumption of only 220mA from a single +5V supply. The TQP7M9106 produces P1dB power of 2W (+33dBm), OIP3 of +50dBM, gain of 20.8dB, and draws only 455mA from its +5V supply. These rugged, integrated amplifiers provide protection against RF input overdrive, DC overvoltage, and ESD.

Tripp Lite, a world-leading manufacturer of power protection and connectivity solutions, has expanded its line of healthcare solutions to include the PSCLAMP Mounting Clamp and PS410HGOEMX Medical-Grade Power Strip. The new mounting clamp and medical-grade power strip feature built-in cord management systems and optional drip shields to provide protection from fluids, prevent cord damage and reduce tripping hazards in medical applications, leading to a safer, more organized workspace. Key Features and Benefits: PSCLAMP Mounting Clamp •     Provides a safer environment when mounting medical-grade power strips on IV poles, beds, carts and other healthcare equipment •     Mounting clamps fit diameter from 3/4" to 2 1/4" in a variety of applications •     Included cord management system and optional drip shield •     Fits any Tripp Lite Medical-Grade Power Strip PS410HGOEMX Medical-Grade Power Strip •     Versatil...

Toumaz Limited (AIM: TMZ, ‘Toumaz’ or ‘the Group’), a pioneer in and provider of ultra-low power, high-performance wireless communications technologies and solutions, has today completed the acquisition of Frontier Silicon Limited ('Frontier') as announced on 3 July 2012. Anthony Sethill, CEO of Toumaz, commented: “Bringing these two innovative UK technology companies together is a very exciting event. Toumaz’s wireless solutions have huge potential and combined with the software systems, commercial expertise and customer access of Frontier, we will create a leading provider of wireless semi-conductor solutions. These target the healthcare, sport and fitness and consumer electronics sectors, together with our strategic technology partner and shareholder, Imagination Technologies PLC. “The new enlarged Group is already the global leader in digital radio solutions, having shipped over 17 million chip sets to date. This market will continue to expand as more territories adopt di...

THAT Corporation, a leading provider of high-quality audio technologies, today announced that it has partnered with  Earthworks® Audio to create a customized dbx-tv omnidirectional measurement microphone for its new dbx-tv® Total Cal audio calibration tool - a PC-based acoustic measurement and configuration system that simplifies and shortens the time required to configure a TV’s audio system. Each Total Cal system utilizes a minimum of three state-of-the-art dbx-tv / Earthworks microphones to capture the sonic fingerprint of the TV audio system being measured through the built-in speakers. By comparing these sonic profiles to a series of preconfigured test tones, Total Cal is able to assess the performance of the TV’s existing hardware and automatically adjust its audio system to meet the setmaker's sonic objectives. Using a proprietary genetic tuning algorithm and the myriad parameters of dbx-tv’s Total Sonics audio software suite, Total Cal achieves remarkable results that can...

THAT Corporation, a leading provider of high-quality audio IC technologies, today announced the latest addition to its best-in-class IC product line -- the THAT5173 digital gain controller, a cost-effective, high-quality solution for digitally-controlled audio preamplifier applications. Accepting full pro-audio signal levels up to +27.5dBu without an input pad, the 5173 maintains exceptional performance over a wide range of gains and signal levels. Thanks to its advanced design and integrated DC servo amplifier, the 5173 provides click-less digital gain control for differential analog current-feedback preamplifiers. The small 5mm x 5mm 5173 controls gain from 0dB to 60dB in 3dB steps, with low noise and distortion. The 5173 is designed to operate seamlessly with the THAT1570 high performance current-feedback amplifier, THAT's state-of-the-art analog differential microphone preamp. In combination with the 1570, the 5173 operates with supplies from ±5V to ±17V. Its differential out...

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced the industry's most flexible and highly integrated clock jitter cleaner/multiplier for use in wired communications and test and measurement applications. The LMK04906 offers three redundant inputs with a holdover feature and seven programmable outputs. This flexibility allows designers to eliminate external components, such as oscillators and clock buffers, significantly reducing their bill of materials (BOM) cost and board space. In addition, with industry-leading RMS jitter of 100 fs and noise floor of -160 dBc/Hz, the LMK040906 can improve signal integrity in high-speed data communications systems. Key features and benefits of the LMK04906     Maximum flexibility: Integration of seven high-performance, programmable outputs offered in LVDS, LVPECL and LVCMOS simplifies timing design.     Integration reduces BOM costs: High integration eliminates the need for the oscillators and clock ...

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ:TXN) today expanded its industry-leading portfolio of current shunt monitors with four new devices. The integrated circuits (ICs) monitor power supply current, voltage and power values with best-in-class features that reduce board space and bill of materials (BOM), while delivering high accuracy. The INA3221, INA282, INA223, and LMP8480 current shunt monitors are optimized for a wide range of end-equipment, from smartphones, tablets, computers and servers, to power management devices, battery chargers, and industrial, telecommunications and test equipment. Key features and benefits: INA3221: Triple-channel shunt and bus voltage monitor with I2C interface     Industry's first triple-channel device with digital interface enables monitoring of three separate voltages, eliminating the need for discrete devices for each voltage rail.     80-uV maximum offset voltage and 0.5-percent gain error enable highly accurat...

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced a high current, ultra-low noise, low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that achieves the industry's lowest noise at low frequency. The 1-A TPS7A4700 LDO linear regulator features less than 4.17-uVrms output noise over the 10-Hz to 100-kHz bandwidth, eliminating the need for expensive and bulky filtering in a wide range of high-performance applications, including telecom, industrial, RF, medical, avionics and military. TI's new TPS7A4700 LDO uses a unique feature that enables the setting of any output voltage rail in 100-mV increments with simple printed circuit board (PCB) layout changes. This eliminates the need for expensive, high accuracy, external feedback resistors, which saves board area and reduces component count when compared to existing solutions. With digital control methods such as I2C or PMBus, the user can program the output voltage by selecting to either ground or open the binary-weighted device p...

Enabling easier and more cost-effective motor control development, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced four new compatible motor control kits that spin three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motors in minutes. Developers can now scale their product lines using TI's broad portfolio of microcontrollers (MCUs) ranging from 16-bit ultra-low-power MSP430 devices to 32-bit ARM-based, floating-point Hercules safety and Stellaris MCU solutions. All four kits are part of a robust and growing ecosystem that provides all of the hardware, software and documentation necessary to get motors spinning out of the box in minutes. The four new motor control kits include object-oriented software functions and drivers that make coding extremely easy and compatible, which enables simple and cost-effective portability across TI MCU and motor driver families. Each motor control kit includes a reliable, fully protected motor driver monitoring cycle-by-cycle over-current, over-tempe...

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM) announces a 40G transmitter chipset that provides data centers with 4x the data throughput, at very low power, and in little more space than conventional single-channel alternatives. The new 4-channel 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ chipset comprises the MAX3948 DC-coupled laser driver and the DS4830 optical microcontroller. Data centers and data communication networks need to significantly increase data density while staying within their already constrained power budgets. Maxim’s QSFP+ transmitter solution addresses both challenges. The QSFP+ modules supply 4x the data throughput in only 1.5x the area of a single-channel SFP+ solution. Equally important, Maxim’s chipset enables 4 x 10Gbps QSFP+ modules to consume less power per channel than single SFP+ modules. Service providers and network operators can now enjoy the benefits of a low-power solution that extends system life, reduces operational expense, and conserves valuable energy resources. MAX3...

Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) announced that its newest Power SoC chipset in the Galaxy S® III operates with the Exynos 4412 quad-core applications processor to provide a smaller, much thinner, and significantly more efficient smartphone. Maxim's newest Power SoC chipset covers all power management, charging, and USB multiplexing needs. It provides an optimized balance between size and flexibility to power the Samsung® applications processor and baseband processor. It maximizes battery usage and enhances USB connectivity. Managing the power for upwards of 60 channels, the chipset offers up to 20 percent more conversion efficiency compared to the previous generation. Maxim's unique Green Mode regulators and subregulation architecture, along with the company's proprietary low-power, submicron geometry process, extend standby and active battery life. The chipset also enables fastest battery charging with minimal heat generation. High integration and advanced desig...

Tektronix, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of oscilloscopes, today announced the AFG2021 arbitrary/function generator that offers performance signal generation capabilities with entry level pricing. This new compact, easy-to-use signal generator is ideal for cost-sensitive education and manufacturing applications while offering the versatility to meet many R&D requirements. In the past, entry-level signal generation equaled limited functionality and flexibility. The AFG2021 changes that equation with performance features including 20 MHz bandwidth, 14-bit resolution, 250 MS/s sample rate performance and an intuitive user interface for a starting price of $1,590. Included in that price is Tektronix ArbExpress software that lets users quickly create and import waveforms into the AFG2021 to meet custom stimulus requirements. "With the AFG2021 we're delivering the perfect blend of performance, versatility and affordability that customers in education, manufacturin...

Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, today introduced the TLA6400 Series of portable logic analyzers that combine high performance and affordability making it ideal for a wide range of embedded system debug and validation applications. The TLA6400 Series is available in 34, 68, 102, and 136 channel configurations and comes with 25 GS/s high-speed timing resolution, up to 667 MHz state timing, up to 64 Mb record length, and Tektronix' exclusive iCapture functionality - all at a price point representing a significant price-performance breakthrough. "The reality in today's world is that our customers are demanding more and more performance and functionality coupled with ease of use and budget-friendly pricing," said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Products at Tektronix. "The TLA6400 is the perfect antidote; giving engineers working on digital systems a powerful and affordable weapon in their b...

As consumer products are getting thinner and smaller, they are becoming increasingly vulnerable to water and dust. For micro USB connectors, therefore, being able to support the devices with splashproof and dustproof features is no less important than being compatible in size and shape. TE Connectivity today launched a splashproof micro USB connector designed to seal gaps around the opening and inside the connector shell. As a result, the new connector brings the best protection and optimizes user experience. “ICs and components like microprocessors, speakers, LCD panels and PCBs in consumer products are becoming more and more delicate. Even a small drop of water or a small dust particle could impair an expensive device. For today's modern and multifunction products, micro USB connectors create one of the largest openings on the surface, even in the connector shell, there are some  large gaps - all of which increase the risk of water or dust intrusion," said Egbert Stellin...

TDK Corporation has developed a new thin-film common-mode filter with the world’s highest cutoff frequency of 10 GHz*, enabling it to efficiently reduce high frequency noise emissions, especially in the 5 GHz band. The common-mode insertion loss peak of the new TCM0806T-060-2P filter is thus much higher than that of existing common-mode filters, which achieve their best noise suppression in the range from several hundred MHz to 2.5 GHz. The high cutoff frequency of the new filter ensures that no signal degradation occurs when the filter is used in communication circuits for high-speed interfaces such as Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, and Serial-ATA (Gen III), making the thin-film common-mode filter suitable for sophisticated electronic devices with high signal transfer speeds. The new component, which offers a typical impedance of 6 Ω at 100 MHz, measures in at 0.85 x 0.65 x 0.40 mm3 (EIA case size 0806). Mass production is scheduled to start from August 2012. In recent years, digital electro...

TDK Corporation expanded its MLG0402Q series of high-frequency multilayer inductors with new types that achieve inductance values of up to 33 nH, the world’s highest* for a tiny 0402 inductor (EIA). With the development of these new components, the TDK MLG0402Q series now includes a total of 55 types with inductance values ranging from 0.2 nH to 33 nH, rated currents from 120 mA to 350 mA, and typical DC resistance values from 0.03 Ω to 2.71 Ω. Mass production began in August 2012. To raise the inductance, TDK optimized the coil pattern design of its multilayer inductors and employed improved materials and process technologies to create a greater number of layers that are even thinner than in existing products. As a result, four new products have been added to the series, raising the maximum inductance from 15 nH to 33 nH. The new components are particularly well suited for used in the high-frequency circuits of mobile devices such as smartphones and conventional mobile phones. Thank...

Taoglas USA, Inc, a provider of antenna solutions to the M2M market, announced a new market innovation Near Field Communications (NFC) antenna and tag solutions for M2M devices.  The FXT.01 NFC tag antenna and FXR.01 NFC reader antenna operate at 13.56MHz and provide a well-matched solution (50ohms) for NFC readers. Taoglas will showcase these antennas at CTIA Hall D, booth # 3653 from May 8th -10th 2012. The FXR.01 is a unique off-the-shelf NFC antenna product, which measures 54x37x0.1mm and provides an average NFC tag read distance of 5cm.  It is a flexible polymer antenna, with a coaxial cable, which connects easily to the chipset solution. It is also delivered with 3m adhesive and tape for ease of assembly to a plastic (non-metal) enclosure by a simple “peel-and-stick” method. “In 2012, it is expected that 1.4 billion cellphones will ship and up to 40% will have a NFC tag. This means that M2M devices can now become NFC readers to cellphones by simply drawing on the NFC t...

The process of building a better M2M (machine-to-machine) device - one that not only fits the application scenario but also performs well in the field - starts with choosing the right antenna. Selecting the right antennas for a device, particularly cellular antennas, and testing and integrating them properly, can prove the difference between a device that passes network certification and testing like PCS-1900 Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) testing, and one that does not. Good radio frequency (RF) optimization and OTA (over the air) performance in wireless devices is critical for these certifications, and incorrect antenna selection and integration can often be blamed when M2M devices fail certification testing. Often, it is a system issue, such as the overall design of the system or how that device is interacting. As with many things, system optimization is the key to success. This article discusses the important process of antenna selection, how to incorporate antennas in M...

Taoglas USA, Inc., a leading provider of antenna solutions to the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) market, announced that TZ Medical, has received Connected World Magazine’s Value Chain Gold Award in the Healthcare category for work on its body-worn,  patient-activated cardiac monitor. Cinterion and Taoglas were honored as enablers of this value chain. TZ Medical’s monitor innovatively captures recordings of infrequent and elusive heart arrhythmias and transmits this data to medical practitioners. “Our new cardiac monitor combines the Internet, wireless communication, and leading-edge heart monitoring technology to provide constant detection, recording, and transmission of cardiac rhythm dysfunctions while the patient is fully mobile,” said Bob Doerr, project director for Aera CT with TZ Medical.  “With the Aera CT, cardiac-rhythm related problems are targeted and parameters are predetermined by the physician to provide rapid, accurate data to the prescribing physician. Reports of A...

Telit Wireless Solutions, Inc., a leading global provider of high-quality machine-to-machine (M2M) modules and services, announced today that 7Layers, Digi International®, Direct Communications Solutions (DCS), Spectrum Design Solutions and Taoglas will participate as gold sponsors in Telit DevCon 2012, the second annual M2M developers conference taking place on October 8 in San Diego, California. Joining platinum sponsor Intel, these leading companies represent the broad range of participants who will come together for this one-day forum centered on cellular device development. Building on the success of last year’s event, Telit DevCon 2012 will again play a vital role in connecting application engineers, business leaders, industry analysts and technology experts, offering invaluable guidance for successful M2M deployments in a highly segmented market. “Maintaining Telit’s exclusive dedication and focus to M2M, we welcome the unique expertise that each of our gold sponsors brings fo...

Tamura Corporation of America announces the Debut of the new "SMARTY" at CED Greentech, The industry's SOLAR distributor. COME JOIN US AT CED GREENTECH SOLAR FAIR on Wednesday, August 15th, from 8AM to 4PM CED GREENTECH is located at 5445 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Smarty is the latest DC:DC Converter for Solar Smart Sub-Combiners Tamura Corp's new "Parasitic" DC supply feeds off Photovoltaic system DC voltage up to 1000VDC and safely, securely, supplies isolated 24VDC at 1 Amp, to power Smart Sub-Combiner Data collection and transmission devices. Available in Q3 2012, in North America. Product tested to UL1741for Photovoltaic system applications.     200VDC to 600VDC UL rated (Maximum 1000 Volt DC operation)     Isolated 24VDC@1A power source     DIN Rail Mounting     Industrial Temperature range: -20 to +50 Degree C     Future models to have Battery Charging, LED lighting, etc.

TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD has released its 2012 Safety & Environmental Report which includes the results of safety and environmental efforts made in FY2011. TAIYO YUDEN strives for perpetual growth while fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities. In an effort to properly disclose information, including safety and environmental efforts, and the results of these efforts in an easy to understand, comprehensive way, TAIYO YUDEN began publishing its annual Environmental Report in 2002. Since 2005 TAIYO YUDEN has been publishing its annual Safety & Environmental Report, which contains information relating to occupational health and safety.        This report focuses on activities towards medium-term environmental targets, which are split into four fields; 1) “Environmental risk management,” 2) “Contribution through environmentally friendly products,” 3) “Prevention of global warming,” and 4) “Preservation of biodiversity”.  The Safety & Envir...

TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. has succeeded in developing the metal power inductor “MCOILTM”, the first of a series of coil components that use metallic magnetic materials optimal for use in choke coils for power supply circuits in compact mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs that are becoming smaller, thinner, and more feature-rich. TAIYO YUDEN today announced commercial production of the 2520 size metal core wire-wound chip power inductor “MAMK2520” (2.5x2.0x1.2mm) and the 2mm square size metal core SMD power inductor “MDMK2020” (2.0x2.0x1.2mm, height is maximum value for both). A combination of newly developed metallic magnetic materials with TAIYO YUDEN’s advanced process technology achieves for both products the best-in-class DC bias characteristics in the industry as well as size reduction. MAMK 2520T2R2M (inductance value 2.2µH, saturation current 2300mA) has 2.3 times higher saturation current than TAIYO YUDEN’s existing BRL2518T2R2M (inductance value 2.2µH, saturation c...

TSMC today announced that its Fab 12 Phase 4 facility located in the Hsinchu Science Park has earned certification from the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) to gain Taiwan’s first “Green Factory Label”. This recognition once again highlights TSMC commitment to mitigating climate change and protecting the environment, and sets a new milestone for Taiwan’s green manufacturing. TSMC’s Fab 12 Phase 4 facility is one of TSMC’s green pioneers, gaining gold-class certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design–New Construction” (LEED-NC) standard, and diamond-class certification from Taiwan’s “Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction and Health” (EEWH) standard. The facility is also certified under the ISO 50001 energy management system. Taiwan’s “Green Factory Label” is the world’s first green certification system designed for factories, and examines both “green building construction” and “clean produ...

Imaging systems such as scanners represent the largest and most vibrant sector of the medical electronics industry. Demand for non-magnetic components is increasing, especially for medical applications such as MRI equipment. UK-based component manufacturer, Syfer Technology, has developed a new range of multilayer ceramic capacitor devices dedicated to this market, featuring a copper barrier and tin finish. The use of conventional nickel barrier terminations is not suitable due to the magnetic properties exhibited by nickel. Silver/palladium (Ag/Pd) terminations have been used in the past, but are no longer viable due to the increase in soldering temperatures necessitated by the use of lead-free solders, as dictated by RoHS requirements. The result has been solder leaching problems for Ag/Pd terminations, making an alternative termination essential. Syfer’s solution is to use a copper barrier, which is non-magnetic, with a tin finish on top. The company offers a wide range of multila...

MLCCs are particularly suitable for high voltage applications where small size is required. For standard high voltage capacitors a coating may be required to be applied postsoldering, to minimise the risk of flashover from one termination on the chip to the other. By contrast, the new ProtectiCap™ high voltage range has been introduced to specifically address this issue. The integral coating minimises the risk of flashover without any requirement for the customer to apply conformal coating after soldering. FEATURES  - High voltage flashover resistance  - High voltage / small case size, for example 3kV in 1206    - Voltage ranges up to 5kV  - Case sizes from 1206 to 2220 APPLICATIONS  - Power supplies  - Lighting ballasts  - Inverters / DC link  - General high voltage circuits

Supertex (Nasdaq GS: SUPX), a recognized leader in high voltage analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), today introduced the HV7331, a four channel, monolithic, high voltage, high speed pulse generator IC with integrated fast return-to-zero (RTZ) FETs. The high voltage, high speed IC is designed for use in portable medical diagnostic ultrasound devices, but can also be used in non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. The IC brings together controller logic interface circuitry, level translators, MOSFET gate drive buffers, and high voltage and high current P- and N-channel MOSFETs as the output stage for each channel. HV7331 features matched delay times of +/-2.5ns, guaranteed output of over 2.0A for each channel with a +/-70V pulse swing, and up to 20 MHz operating frequency. Integrated regulators for its gate drivers makes PCB layout easier by eliminating the need for two floating voltage supplies. “With four high speed output channels in a compact, 9x9mm QFN package, ...

Supertex (Nasdaq GS: SUPX), a recognized leader in high voltage analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), today introduced CL8800 and CL8801, sequential, linear LED drivers designed to drive long strings of low cost, low current LEDs in solid-state replacements for fluorescent tubes, incandescent bulbs and CFL bulbs. Both ICs minimize driver circuit component counts, requiring just four or six resistors and a diode bridge in addition to the IC. Two to four additional components in the circuit provide transient protection, and neither capacitors nor magnetic components are required. Because the ICs are multi-stage linear current regulators, there are no high frequency switching currents and, thus, no need for a front-end EMI filter. CL8800 is intended for 230VAC input, while L8801 is for 120VAC input. Luminous efficiencies of greater than 115lm/W are achievable with both ICs. CL8800 has six current regulator outputs and CL8801 has four. These outputs tap a string of series pa...

Supertex (Nasdaq GS: SUPX), a recognized leader in high voltage analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), today introduced HV7360 and HV7361, high voltage, high speed ultrasound pulser ICs with fast return-to-zero (RTZ) outputs. The ICs are designed as space-efficient alternatives to discrete solutions using MOSFET drivers and discrete complementary MOSFET arrays for medical ultrasound applications. The ICs combine controller logic interface circuitry, level translators, MOSFET gate drive buffers, and high voltage, high current P- and N-channel MOSFETs as the output stage in compact, 22-lead, 5mm x 7mm, LFGA packages. HV7361 also features an integrated transmit/receive switch. HV7360 and HV7361 both feature 2.0ns matched delay times, up to 35 MHz operating frequency, and +/-2.5A source and sink currents with up to +/-100V of pulse swing. The direct AC coupling topology of these ICs not only eliminates two floating voltage supplies, it also makes designing the circuit board m...

Supertex, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: SUPX), a recognized leader in high voltage analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), today introduced FP0030, a 20V current limiting protection device. The FP0030 can be considered as a normally closed switch with a typical resistance of 4.5 ohms. The IC starts to turn off when the voltage drop across its two terminals exceeds a nominal value of +/-1.5V. In the off state, the FP0030 can withstand up to +/-20V across its terminals and allow typical current of 700uA to flow through it. The FP0030 may also be used as a resettable fuse to protect power lines against output short circuit conditions. Its fast switching speed protect the system against abrupt over current conditions. “Supertex’s FP0030, with its small 3-pin package and no external supplies needed, provides Ethernet system designers a space-saving and easy-to-layout solution,” states Jimes Lei, Director of Applications Engineering for Supertex. “The IC features low on-resistance of typical...

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of automotive electronics, together with China FAW Group Corporation (FAW), one of the global leaders in the vehicle manufacturing industry, today announced the establishment of a joint laboratory in the FAW Group Research and Development Center emphasizing advanced research covering comprehensive cutting-edge solutions in power train, chassis, safety, car body, car infotainment, and new-energy technologies, as well as other automotive applications. FAW will adopt ST’s microcontrollers (MCUs), Application Specific Standard Products (ASSPs) and smart drivers in their advanced research in automotive electronics platforms. The joint lab will focus on advanced research in automotive electronics systems. Building on ST’s global automotive electronics experience and know-how, devices including PowerPC series 32-bit microcontrollers and EMS (...

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of imaging technologies, today announced a strategic agreement with MicroOLED, a Grenoble, France-based company dedicated to the development and commercialization of state-of-the-art organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as a minority equity investment of approximately 6 million Euros in the company. With exceptionally high resolution and extremely low power consumption that is the most power efficient on the market, OLEDs are ideally suited to micro-displays in a wide range of portable applications, spanning from camera viewfinders, video goggles to medical and security applications.  At about half the power consumption of competitive displays, MicroOLED’s cutting-edge technology provides superior pixel density for enhanced image quality. The technology produces OLEDs with pixel densities double those of alternate displ...

STEC, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), a leading global provider of solid-state drive (SSD) technologies and products, and PogoStorage, the leading open source systems integrator, today announced an alliance whereby Pogo Storage will now feature STEC's highly reliable, high-speed ZeusRAM® and ZeusIOPS® SSDs in its StorageDirector Z-Series family of unified storage solutions. The two companies are showcasing the solution August 26 to 29 at VMworld 2012, booth #2113, in San Francisco. Pogo's flagship StorageDirector Z-Series NAS and SAN products run on the NexentaStor™ ZFS platform, which unlocks enterprise-class storage capabilities such as high availability, unlimited snapshots and deduplication, with Open Storage technologies. Nexenta recently certified an all-STEC SSD-configured system, which delivers up to 5X better performance for such enterprise applications as database indexing and email exchanges, resulting in an 8X reduction in cost per user and a 4X reduction in cost per transact...

Standex International Corporation (NYSE:SXI) today announced that three of its Standex Electronics Group’s products recently ranked among the top 101 components for 2012 according to Electronic Design, an industry-leading trade journal with the highest circulation of any design focused publication in the electronics market. Based on Electronic Design web site page views and site visitors’ votes for their favorite components, two products from Standex Electronics made the list, including Standex planar transformers at number 21 and custom conductive fluid level sensors at number 47. The MK27 magnetically activated reed sensor from Meder Electronics, which was acquired by Standex in July 2012, was named number 68 on the list. “It is exciting to see these three high-quality electronic components voted among the industry’s best,” said John Meeks, President, Standex Electronics Group. “Their ranking among the 101 favorite products of the readers of Electronic Design demonstrates the stren...

Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today introduced the volatile MCP47A1 Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).  This low-power, low-cost DAC features a 1.8-5.5V wide operating voltage range, and is offered in a 6-pin SC70 package.  The MCP47A1 is ideal for applications in the automotive, audio and industrial markets, such as portable, handheld battery-operated products, and applications such as set-point or offset trimming and sensitive mechanical-trim pot replacement. The extended temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees Celsius allows for use in high-temperature automotive and industrial applications.  Additionally, the small SC70 packaging allows for more portable and space-constrained consumer applications.  The MCP47A1 DAC also provides 65 taps, through an I2C™ interface, including taps to both full-scale and zero-scale, providing additional functionality.  Low power consumption extends lifetimes ...

Spansion Inc. (NYSE: CODE), a leading innovator in Flash memory solutions for embedded markets, today announced it has been honored as a 2011 Technology Support Award winner by Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. The annual award recognizes suppliers that provide superior advanced technology support for Huawei's passive components and discrete devices. Spansion has been supplying Flash memory solutions to Huawei since 2003 for product applications, such as wireless base stations, switching routers and set-top box applications. "We value our partnership with Huawei and this award demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class service and technical support," said Jay Legenhausen, senior vice president of worldwide sales at Spansion. "We look forward to our continued partnership and providing a broad portfolio of products and differentiated service for years to come."

Times-7, a fast growing manufacturer of RFID reader antennas, announced today that it appointed SkyeTek, Inc., a leading provider of RFID reader technology, as a North American Reseller. “As we expand our point of presence into the RFID solutions market, we are excited to partner with SkyeTek to offer more customers our extensive range of uniquely slim, robust and high performing RFID reader antennas”, says Antony Dixon, CEO of Times-7. “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Times-7, the leading manufacturer of ultra slim antennas that can meet the growing demand for RFID product that is deployed directly in a customer facing environment”, said Josh Peifer, VP of Sales of SkyeTek. “Benchmarked and validated in our labs for combining with our class leading embedded reader modules, software and multiplexers, we believe the Times-7 antenna range is a great extension in offerings for our customers.”

Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today introduced a family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring the company’s latest mixed-signal breakthrough, an integrated temperature sensor with best-in-class accuracy over an extended temperature range and without the need for calibration. Offering a unique mix of integrated high-performance analog peripherals and a very fast 8051 CPU in a compact package, the new C8051F39x/7x MCU family provides an optimal solution for optical transceiver modules, sensor interfaces and brushless dc motor applications for fans, dryers, vacuum cleaners and remote control toy vehicles. Many consumer and industrial applications require highly accurate temperature sensors to adjust for behavior shifts over temperature for on-board components such as sensors, lasers or power sources. The C8051F39x/7x MCUs’ on-chip temperature sensor provides ±2 oC accuracy through an exte...