High-Performance Embedded PC Modules
September 21, 2007 7:51 am | CommentsAmpro Computers, Inc. supports Intel’s “Santa Rosa” embedded launch with a pair of high-performance Core 2 Duo embedded PC modules. This product offers dual core processors with the Intel 965 chipset in the Type 2 pinout of the official PICMG COM.0 COM Express form factor up to Core 2 Duo L7500 CPU at 1.6 GHz, along with 4 MB of on-chip L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB (front side bus) and two SODIMM sockets for up to 4 GB of RAM.
High Density I/O Stations for IP 20 Applications
September 21, 2007 7:35 am | CommentsTurck, Inc. expands its line of DeviceNet I/O stations with the addition of FDN20 high density I/O stations for IP 20 applications that are capable of supporting up to 32 inputs or 16 dedicated inputs and 16 input/outputs on a DeviceNet network. These devices separate the I/O into three isolated groups that can be powered by an external source or by the DeviceNet bus. The outputs are short circuit protected up to 0.5A on the 16 dedicated input and 16 input/output station. They use a glass-filled nylon housing with an integrated DIN-rail mount
Photo Interrupter for Handhelds and CE Portables
September 21, 2007 7:27 am | CommentsSharp Microelectronics launches its GP1S296HCPSF a small photo interrupter with a housing volume measuring 2.5 mm × 1.8 mm × 1.9 mm. Due to this level of miniaturization, the registrable pitch is reduced from 0.3 mm to 0.2 mm. It can be used in slim product designs that require a low mounting height and limited mounting space at the same time. The unit is suitable for portable applications such as a sensor for controlling auto focus and zoom drives in digital pocket cameras.
Thin-Film Batteries for Embedded Systems
September 21, 2007 5:55 am | CommentsCymbet Corporation announced its EnerChip family of solid-state, thin-film batteries. The products provide energy storage in form factors such as coin cell batteries and super capacitors. The battery is available in capacities of 12µ Ah, 50u Ah and 85µ Ah and can be automatically surface mounted. The devices can be lead-free reflow soldered (260°C) using high-speed SMT pick & place assembly processes. The devices offer a fast recharge time
Lean Managed Switch Provides Key Management Functions
September 20, 2007 9:42 am | CommentsPhoenix Contact introduces the Lean Managed Switch (LMS) managed Ethernet switch. It supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) Snooping and easy web-based management capability. These features allow for the addition of network configuration capability, remote monitoring and diagnostics, and integral IT-compatible network redundancy. An “E” version is available for use in EtherNet/IP applications, where Multicast traffic is a concern.
Two-Conductor Connector Offers Set-and-Forget Wire Termination
September 20, 2007 5:07 am | CommentsWAGO Corporation’s added the 222-412 to its LEVER-NUTS 222 Series of compact connectors. It is UL/CNL listed up to 600V/20A and can accommodate both solid and stranded conductors ranging in size from AWG #12-28 in the same unit. CAGE CLAMP termination technology a maximum temperature rating of 105°C and ensures that the connector will reliably meet the requirements for a wide range of applications. It protects users against electrical shocks and employs an integral test point for testing/trouble-shooting a circuit.
Double Stack Hybrid Linear Actuators
September 19, 2007 11:57 am | CommentsHaydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. introduced the 35000 series (Size 14) double stack hybrid linear actuators, which occupy 1.4" (35 mm) square space and are available in three designs – captive, non-captive and external linear versions. Resolutions range from .0158 mm to .127 mm per step and deliver thrust voluntarily limited to 222 N to avoid compromising long life.
8-bit Microcontroller Family Designed for Low-Cost, Low-Power and High-Performance Operation
September 19, 2007 4:57 am | Microchip Technology Inc. | CommentsMicrochip Technology Inc announced the first eight members of the PIC18F high-performance 8-bit microcontroller family. To control power consumption, the 28-, 40- and 44-pin microcontrollers provide nanoWatt Technology features that include power-managed modes, an operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V and efficient on-chip peripherals. Additionally, speeds of 16 MIPS (64 MHz) can be achieved at 3V operation from the internal oscillator, offering high performance while maintaining low power consumption.
Precision Amplifier Family Enables Low Input Voltage Noise
September 18, 2007 4:59 am | CommentsNational Semiconductor Corporation introduced two precision operational amplifiers (op amps) that offer the industry’s lowest input voltage noise and highest accuracy for products operating at low frequencies and low supply voltage, according to the company. Target applications include industrial and scientific weight scales, pressure sensors and other low ohmic sensor systems. The LMP7731 single and LMP7732 dual precision op amps provide low input voltage noise of 2.9 nV/sqrt Hz with a
PCI Express GEN 2 Switch Family
September 17, 2007 5:12 am | CommentsPLX Technology, Inc. introduced ExpressLane PCIe Gen 2 switches which include the PEX 8648 (48 lanes, 12 ports), PEX 8632 (32 lanes, 12 ports), PEX 8624 (24 lanes, 6 ports), PEX 8616 (16 lanes, 4 ports) and PEX 8612 (12 lanes, 3 ports). These Gen 2 switches features includw the low latency, low power, high performance, integrated non-transparent ports and Hot-Plug controllers, the smallest Flip-Chip packaging, and highly flexible port configurations up to x16
Supervisor Family with Industry-Standard Devices
September 14, 2007 5:20 am | CommentsCatalyst Semiconductor, Inc. announced three devices which provide system processor power supply monitoring and reset functions. The CAT823, CAT824 and CAT825 voltage supervisors are available in a choice of seven standard threshold levels: 4.63V, 4.38V, 3.08V, 2.93V, 2.63V, 2.32V and 2.19V. In addition to an active-low reset output included on all three devices
Class D Audio Subsystem
September 13, 2007 5:13 am | CommentsMaxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX9796 2.3W, Class D audio subsystem. This device combines a high-efficiency, mono Class D amplifier; a DirectDrive stereo headphone amplifier; and a DirectDrive mono receiver amplifier. The device utilizes the company's active-emissions-limiting (AEL) circuitry and spread-spectrum-modulation technique, which reduce EMI and eliminate the output filters typically required by Class D amplifiers. The device provides Class AB performance with Class D efficiency.
Vibration Motor Driver IC
September 12, 2007 7:33 am | CommentsMelexis announced the MLX90283 is single phase brushless vibration motor driver IC which allows increased battery life and delivers strong and clearly detected vibrations. The device integrates hall-effect sensor, digital and power driver circuitry into a low profile Ultra-thin QFN package and introduces the new proprietary ‘Active Start’ design to improve single phase vibration motor start-up reliability. The 1.8V to 3.6V operating voltage range perfectly suits battery-powered applications.
Universal Programmable Microstepping Stepper Motor
September 12, 2007 5:32 am | CommentsThe MD2S from US Digital is a universal programmable microstepping stepper motor driver capable of driving size 17 to 42 stepper motors. DIP switches allow for the selection of 29 microstep resolutions from 5 to 256 microsteps per step. Motor currents are selectable from 0.5A to 7.0A per winding in 0.5 Amp increments. An L-option, low current version, is available with selectable current output from 0.20 to 3.6 Amps per winding in 0.05 Amp increments.
Humidity Sensors with Surface-Mount Capability
September 11, 2007 5:20 am | CommentsHoneywell introduced its HIH-4030 and HIH-4031 Series Humidity Sensors with surface mount capability. An addition to the HIH series of humidity sensors, the 4030/31 series is available in tape and reel packaging for use in high-volume, automated pick-and-place manufacturing at a competitive price. It features near-linear output to provide instrumentation-quality sensor performance in a low-profile package with a low current draw. Both the


