Automation Parts

Synopsys Introduces Galaxy Constraint Analyzer Synopsys has unveiled the Galaxy Constraint Analyzer tool, which improves designer productivity through look-ahead constraint analysis technology tuned for the Synopsys Galaxy Implementation Platform. The Galaxy Constraint Analyzer enables designers to quickly assess the correctness and consistency of timing constraints. Correctness and consistency lead to more efficient runtimes in Synopsys's Design Compiler synthesis and IC Compiler physical implementation tools, according to the company. The Galaxy Constraint Analyzer features constraint debug capabilities to help designers eliminate long 'trial-and-error iterations' during implementation, reducing design cost as a result of more predictable schedules all the way to full-chip sign-off. Hitoshi Sugihara, department manager of the DFM and Digital EDA Technology Development Department in the Design Technology Division of Renesas Technology Corporation, said: 'Our compl

Toshiba Electronics Europe's ASIC and Foundry Business Unit has announced an intellectual-property (IP) block for the rapid integration of USB functionality into system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Delivering physical layer functionality for USB 2.0, the Toshiba USB 2.0 PHY IP provides a silicon-proven interface between the USB host or device controller and the USB system. The PHY provides all the functionality needed to process the USB protocol and the physical layer signalling for USB 2.0 high-speed (HS) 480Mbps operation, as well as USB 1.1 full-speed (FS) transmission at 12Mbps and low-speed (LS) transmission at 1.5Mbps. SYNC detection, parallel-to-serial and serial-to-parallel data conversion and data recovery are all supported. Toshiba's IP comprises a transceiver module, a common PLL/bias block, digital control logic and 'on-the-go' (OTG) functionality. The common block includes an internal clock generator for accurate HS data transmission. The integrated PLL can o

Resistance/Capacitance Boxes Get Rubber Boot Guard Time Electronics has given its decade resistance and capacitance boxes more protection by fitting an ergonomic rubber boot as a guard on standard models. The guard protects against accidental damage and everyday wear and tear, especially when decade boxes are used in the field. The boot is fitted as standard on the popular 1051 and 1040 resistance boxes, as well as the 1070/1071 capacitance boxes. As well as providing durability the boot has a textured grip for comfortable handling and a raised edge so the decade box angles slightly upward when resting horizontally. This improves visibility, as well as gripping the surface, meaning no movement when thumbwheel switches are pressed. It is easy to remove if the user prefers a standalone unit or to house the decade box in a carry case. In addition to decade boxes the boot also fits a number of Time Electronics' portable test instruments. These include the 1006 and 1007 DC millivolt

Aaeon Unveils Two Diagnostic Medical Stations Aaeon, a medical product manufacturer, has introduced two medical stations: the Onyx-175X and the Onyx-195X. The Onyx-175X/-195X diagnostic medical stations are based on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which is claimed to deliver a performance improvement of more than 100 per cent, compared to systems running on traditional single-core processors. With two cores, or computing engines, the units can simultaneously execute two computing tasks. Each station accommodates one 2.5in (6.4cm) SATA hard disk drive and up to 2Gb DDR SODIMM. The Onyx-175X are the Onyx-195X are equipped with the ATI E2400 MXM Graphic module, which offers powerful graphics performance for any application. The stations are 17in/19in units with 300-nits TFT displays and 1,280 x 1,024 resolutions. These two models have built-in radio-frequency identification (RFID) and smart card reader security. It also features two isolated Gigabit local-area networks (LANs) and fo

Murata Expands Okami Range Of PoL DC/DC Converters Murata Power Solutions has added a miniature 3A, SIP model to its Okami family of non-isolated point-of-load (PoL) DC/DC converters. The OKR-T/3-W12-C provides a solution for designs that require a wide input-voltage range. It offers a high-efficiency PoL solution where board space is limited. Typical applications include datacom routers and servers, industrial equipment such as light-emitting-diode (LED) signage, point-of-sale (PoS) systems and power amplifiers, where the new DC/DC converters are able to provide a cost-efficient way to meet the onboard power needs of ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors and communications ICs. The new addition to the Okami range has an input-voltage range of 4.5VDC to 14VDC (12VDC nominal) and a programmable output voltage from 0.591VDC to 6.0VDC. Despite overall dimensions of just 10.4mm (0.41in) x 16.5mm (0.65in) x 10.2mm (0.40in), the OKR-T/3-W12-C is said to achieve good thermal derating performance.

CDO Arranges ForumLED Conferences And Expo ForumLED, organised by CDO, is scheduled to take place in Lyon, France, on 3-4 December 2009. The conferences and expo will offer participants an objective state of play of the light-emitting-diode (LED) sector and will look at future developments. ForumLED is targeted at researchers, research-and-development managers, component suppliers, equipment manufacturers, designers and investors. Over the two days, industrial and scientific experts will come together as part of a programme of conferences in which participants will take stock of the industry and think strategically about the development of the market. Each session will be made up of several conferences, presented by international specialists, with simultaneous translation in English and French.

Orchid Offers Miniature DC Motor Controller Orchid Technologies' low-cost, miniature, brushless DC motor controller is claimed to pack a large amount of power into a tiny electronics package. The miniature controller is designed to drive 48V brushless DC motors up to 1,400W. Small physical sizes make it possible to develop high torque and operating speeds when overall product size and weight are application limited. The company claims that it combined cost-sensitive engineering with precision power electronics to craft an efficient, high-performing, three-phase power-output stage. Working closely with silicon vendors, Orchid selected FET output-stage devices while matching drive and sensing technology characteristics. It selected an ST7MC microcontroller as the brains of the brushless DC motor controller. The ST7MC's feature-rich complement of flash program store, static RAM, Eeprom, a patented motor controller, timers, analogue-to-digital conversion circuitry and robust pr

Fujitsu Unveils FCN-078J Socket Connector Fujitsu Components Europe has introduced a vertical, surface-mount DDR2 DIMM socket connector with an enhanced contact design and 0.1mm lead co-planarity. The 240-position FCN-078J-series card-edge socket features a patented split-beam contact structure that improves module mating reliability. As a memory module is inserted into the socket, the twin-contact's wiping action removes dust and flux residue and provides a robust connection between the module and socket, even in high-vibration environments. Dual latching mechanisms ensure correct module retention and removal. The RoHS-compliant FCN-078J uses Fujitsu's own precision stamping and moulding technology to achieve 0.1mm co-planarity before and after reflow. This low-co-planarity specification contributes to improved manufacturing throughput yields. Applications include blade servers, switches, routers, telecom racks and test and measurement equipment to minimise occupied board

Photonic Offers Variable-Focus Laser Diode Modules Photonic Products is launching a range of variable-focus industrial laser diode modules. Constructed to withstand harsh conditions and satisfy challenging industrial applications, Photonic's new range of variable-focus industrial laser diode modules offers the high performance and the high boresight accuracy of less than 0.25 degrees of the existing range of standard industrial laser modules with the added bonus of user-adjustable focus for greater flexibility and fine tuning. The range is designed to be a complete original-equipment-manufacturer (OEM) laser solution for heavy-duty manufacturing processes such as micro-machining, marking, cutting, drilling, welding, forming and soldering, along with other industrial laser uses where quality, durability and robust performance are critical. The industrial modules are encapsulated in a hard-coat-anodised case with a scratch-resistant sapphire window to protect the lens. They are

ITT Team Enhances Website Functionality A cross-functional global team of employees from ITT Interconnect Solutions has revamped the company's website functionality. The website - www.ittcannon.com - now offers customers, sales partners and employees expanded information, features and functionality. An important enhancement is the addition of an information configuration system that works alongside both a web-based pricing configuration and a special price agreement (SPA) quotation system. The information configuration system provides users with a range of information based on 'smart' software programming that customises search results based on geographic location and other criteria. External visitors to the website and ITT channel partners are able to identify product information (specifications, pricing, lead times, stock availability and manufacturing plant) as well as information on RoHS and export compliance.

Intersil Unveils ISL54222A Integrated Circuit Intersil Corporation has introduced an integrated circuit that offers features for portable products where internal USB high-speed ports may need to share a single USB connector. The ISL54222A is also bidirectional and allows the sharing of a host USB port between multiple outputs such as in desktop or laptop computers, portable mini printers or docking stations. It is a single-supply USB 2.0 high-speed multiplexer that can operate from a single 1.8V to 3.3V supply. In addition, the device features human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance of more than 12kV on input/output (I/O) terminals. This combination of low supply voltage and high ESD protection makes the device flexible and robust for applications such as Smartphones, MP3 players, personal navigation devices and digital cameras. The product features internal charge pumps that lower switch resistance and open the USB eye for better performance at 480Mbps.

Virtex-6 FPGA Family Passes PCIe 2.0 Compliance Xilinx has announced that its latest-generation Virtex-6 family is compliant with the PCI Express (PCIe) 2.0 specification, delivering up to 50 per cent lower power than previous generations. The second-generation PCIe block integrated in Xilinx Virtex-6 field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) has passed PCI-SIG PCIe 2.0 compliance and interoperability testing for one- to eight-lane configurations. This milestone is expected to accelerate the mainstream development of high-bandwidth PCIe 2.0 systems for communications, multimedia, server and mobile platforms, enabling applications such as high-definition video, high-end medical imaging and industrial instrumentation. In addition, Xilinx has once again teamed up with key alliance members Northwest Logic and PLDA to provide direct-memory-access (DMA) intellectual-property (IP) cores for Virtex-6 FPGAs. This latest collaboration builds on the existing PCIe 2.0 soft IP for Virtex-5 FXT dev

Yamaichi Extends Portfolio Of Connection Systems Yamaichi Electronics has extended its portfolio of board-to-cable connection systems for high-speed applications. The company has introduced a connector system to fulfil the requirements for high data rates and good low-noise characteristics that are required in multimedia, infotainment and entertainment applications. The HF507S series is a range of board connectors characterised by transfer rates up to 5Gbps. They are available with 21, 31, 41 and 51 pin counts in 180 degrees or 90 degrees, as well as in shielded or unshielded versions. Yamaichi also offers three different corresponding cable systems - YFB, YFT and HF507P series - in order to meet the variety of applications and requirements. All cable systems are equipped with an adapter, which is fitted to the HF507S via a locking mechanism on its side. The YFlex cables are an FPC system based on LCP material. The contacting of the conductor paths is realised by special silver con

Rohde And Schwarz Adds Signal Generator Options Rohde and Schwarz is now offering two new options for its RandS SMA100A analogue high-end signal generator. By adding the RandS SMA K27 option, users can quickly configure different pulse trains for tests in radar-specific development, production and maintenance. An external pulse generator is no longer needed. The RandS SMA K28 option can analyse signal power versus frequency, power and time by using the RandS SMA100A signal generator together with a power sensor from the RandS NRP-Z family. Pulse trains consist of pulses that have different durations. Their pulse width and pulse pause can be user configured. Such signals are frequently used in radar systems. Interfering with such pulses is far more difficult than with pulses sent at regular intervals. In addition, these pulses enable radar receivers to detect incorrect measurements more easily and to prevent blind spots on the radar image. The RandS SMA-K27 option is based on the pu

Intertronics Offers Ultra-Light-Weld GA-111 Gasket Intertronics has introduced a moisture-resistant gasketing resin from Dymax for sealing electrical conduit boxes, appliance housings and critical electronic assemblies and devices. The ultra-light-weld GA-111 is a UV/visible light-curable form-in-place (FIP) gasket developed for applications requiring a low-compression set, a tack-free surface and durable, reliable sealing. It is a soft gasket material with high adhesion to metals, while providing a barrier to prevent the absorption or penetration of air, dust, moisture, liquids and gaseous substances. Peter Swanson, managing director of Intertronics, said: 'This new gasketing material can be dispensed into intricate and complex configurations with the benefit of inline curing, which allows for increased production speed, greater output, lower processing costs and reduced inventories. 'The Dymax GA-111 is a one-part resin, requiring no mixing. 'It is low out-gassing, cu

Schurter Offers Overvoltage Protection Components Schurter is offering overvoltage protection components to add a third protective element to fuses and filters. This makes it possible for users to obtain all components required for the electrical protection of their electronic appliances from one source. The company now offers radial leaded varistors, also referred to as metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which help to protect electronic circuits against surge transients, such as those that can be caused by lightning strikes and the switching of contacts and inductive loads. Varistors are suited to a variety of applications including switching mode power supplies, ballasts and motor protection used in areas such as industry, telecommunications and medical technology, as well as in consumer goods. There are different types for various application fields available: AVTS for secondary protection, AVTP for primary protection and AVTT for three-phase applications. The varistors, all approved

CST Unveils PCB Studio Power Integrity Solver Computer Simulation Technology (CST) introduced the PCB Studio solver module for power integrity analysis at the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco, which runs until 31 July. According to the company, which can be found in Booth 3155, engineers working on the design of power delivery networks will benefit from CST's latest addition to CST Studio Suite. The CST PCB Studio power integrity solver, based on a special 3D FEM approach, helps calculate accurate impedance profiles within a full 3D simulation but in a fraction of the time required by traditional 3D solvers. The PI solver is tightly integrated in the CST design environment and shares the same usability features as the other CST Studio Suite solver modules. It can be integrated in various workflows through a set of high-quality interfaces, which can be used to create 3D models automatically from layout data, including various lumped components. Engineers wil

ARM Releases Ultra-Low-Power Physical IP Libraries ARM has announced the availability of ultra-low-power Physical IP libraries to drive the next generation of energy-efficient MCU devices. The ARM 0.18um ultra-low-power libraries (uLLs), coupled with the inherent power management advantages of the ARM Cortex processor family and the TSMC 0.18um embedded flash uLL/high-data-retention (HDR) process provides system-on-chip (SoC) designers with an additional reduction in power leakage by up to 10 times compared to 0.18um G implementations. The ARM libraries, combined with the ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-R profile processors, provide a alternative to companies that are accustomed to a multiple MCU system approach. Utilising an advanced ultra-low-power, single, 32-bit MCU and optimised ARM libraries for the TSMC 0.18um uLL Embedded Flash/HDR process, designers can increase their design efficiency and lower overall system cost. This combination of physical IP, processor architecture and manu

Linear Unveils LTC3546 Dual-Channel Regulator Linear Technology has introduced a dual-channel synchronous buck regulator that can deliver either dual 2A outputs or 3A from one channel and 1A from the other, with up to 96 per cent efficiency. Using a constant-frequency, current-mode architecture, the LTC3546 operates from an input-voltage range of 2.25V to 5V, making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion/polymer or multi-cell alkaline/NiCad/NiMH applications. Each output is adjustable from 0.6V to 5V and has turn-on supply tracking. Separate Run and Power Good PINs enable independent control of each channel. The LTC3546's switching frequency can be set at 2.25MHz or is programmable from 750kHz to 4MHz, enabling the designer to optimise efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The combination of its 4mm x 5mm QFN-28 package and its high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint.

Fox Offers Miniature SMD HCMOS Crystal Oscillators Fox Electronics is offering its integrated SMD HCMOS temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs) and voltage-controlled TCXOs (VCTCXOs) in miniature 3.2mm x 2.5mm package sizes. The 3.3V Fox923CH and Fox923CEH series of oscillators eliminate the need for supplementary external circuitry to obtain a HCMOS output. Suitable for timing requirements in applications such as radio-frequency-identification (RFID) readers, utility metering, wireless telecommunications, GPS, data transfer and test and measurement equipment, these new oscillators offer tighter stabilities than traditional oscillators. Stability is +/-2.5ppm over the -30C to +85C operating temperature range, +/-0.3ppm over the 3.3V (+/-5 per cent) supply voltage and +/-0.2ppm over the 15pF load change. The series offers an input current (IDD) of 6mA, an output symmetry of 40 per cent to 60 per cent over a frequency range of 9MHz to 32MHz and typical phase noise from -1

NI Flexrio Now Includes Multiple Adapter Modules National Instruments (NI) has announced the expansion of its Flexrio product line with multiple adapter modules. These provide engineers with application-specific input/output (I/O) for radio-frequency (RF), digital, time-domain and vision inspection systems. The NI Flexrio family is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution that provides engineers with the flexibility of NI Labview field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology combined with high-speed, instrument-class, reconfigurable and user-defined I/O on the PXI platform. All NI Flexrio solutions require two distinct hardware pieces: an I/O-specific adapter module and a PXI-based NI Flexrio FPGA module, which features a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA. With a variety of NI Flexrio adapter modules, engineers can directly interface FPGAs to new types of I/O for measurements across automated test applications that require real-time performance. The software-defined, reconfigurable I/O capa

EDA Upgrades Tanner Tools Pro And Hiper Silicon EDA Solutions has announced the availability of version 14.10 of Tanner EDA's Tanner Tools Pro and Hiper Silicon design software. This includes an interactive autorouter, the SDL Router and a layout device generator called Devgen. Both these additions increase designers' productivity and speed up development of full custom analogue IC and MEMS design. The products will be demonstrated at the Design Automation Conference in San Francisco on 27-30 July 2009 at Booth 3655. SDL Router is an automatic routing engine integrated directly into Tanner EDA's schematic driven layout (SDL) software. It speeds layout by automatically routing non-critical nets while allowing the designer to focus on routes that require expensive hand craftsmanship for performance or addressing analogue-sensitive nets or parts of nets. The router is interactively controlled by a layout engineer. It natively uses the routing geometry created by the user a