Active Components
SEMIKRON introduces industry’s first 100 percent solder-free IGBT module
SEMIKRON has introduced a 100 percent solder-free IGBT module for 22kW – 150kW converters in electric and hybrid vehicles. SKiM® has a five times higher temperature-cycling capability than modules that use a base plate and soldered terminals.
Intersil delivers industry’s best noise and THD performance among rail-to-rail output, single-supply precision Op Amps
As the industry's first ultra-low noise, single-supply op amps, Intersil's ISL28190, ISL28290, ISL28191 and ISL28291 allow designers to simplify designs by achieving noise performance previously only attained with dual supply devices. This, along with the industry's best harmonic distortion (THD+N) at 0.00017% (ISL28X90) and 0.00018% (ISL28X91) make this family of rail-to-rail output op amps ideally suited for noise-sensitive audio, medical and industrial instrumentation applications.
Zarlink voice echo canceller eases design of converged network equipment
Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. has expanded its VEC (voice echo canceller) product portfolio with a hardware and firmware platform for next-generation telecom equipment that support voice services over converging networks. The highly integrated ZL38015 hardware and ZLS38233 firmware solution helps manufacturers simplify design, speed time-to-market and lower bill-of-material and resource costs.
Synchronous buck regulator reduces filter requirements and footprint for 5V/12V applications
Intersil has introduced a 2.5A, wide input voltage synchronous buck regulator that greatly reduces noise and EMI filter requirements through programmable switching frequency and external synchronisation. The integrated switching MOSFETs and a thermally enhanced compact 4 x 4mm QFN package make the ISL8502 an ideal fit for 5V/12Vin space-critical applications.
LDO Regulators in Thin SOT-23 Packages
Catalyst Semiconductor has announced two new additions to its recently released low dropout regulator product line. The CAT6217 and CAT6218 LDO regulators source 150mA and 300mA output currents, respectively, in a tiny, five-lead, 1mm profile thin SOT-23 package. Alternatives to LDO regulators from National Semiconductor, Micrel, Maxim and others, the CAT6217 and CAT6218 offer a low quiescent current combined with a low typical dropout voltage of 90mV at a 150mA load for the CAT6217 and 180mV at a 300mA load for the CAT6218.
Precision op amps deliver a wide 5 to 16V operating range
Analog Devices' newest precision operational amplifiers deliver a wide 5 to 16V operating range for an assortment of industrial, medical and consumer applications. Manufactured on Analog Devices' proprietary iCMOS high-voltage industrial process technology, they are available in packages that are said to be 70 percent smaller than competing devices, making them ideal for high-density and portable applications where board space is at a premium.
Dual 36V Low Loss Controllers Drive Large PFETs
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC4416 and LTC4416-1, robust dual ideal diode PowerPath controllers for driving small and large gate capacitance P-channel MOSFETs in power switchover circuits. The device's control circuitry allows two power supplies to operate in tandem, ensuring highly efficient ORing of these power sources. The 25mV forward voltage of the LTC4416's and LTC4416-1's controlled PFET is significantly lower than a Schottky diode, thereby extending battery life while reducing power loss and heat. Applications include systems that typically take power from multiple input sources, such as high current power path switches, uninterruptible power supplies, battery backup systems, emergency systems with battery backups, logic-controlled power switches and automotive and industrial systems.
Dual-channel switch interface IC for Hall-effect sensor systems
The new A6850 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a dual-channel switch interface IC designed to simplify the implementation of two-wire Hall-effect sensor systems in automotive applications. The new device eliminates the need for an external sense resistor and comparator, thereby reducing system costs. The elimination of the sense resistor also results in a subsequent elimination of the voltage drop across the resistor, which can enable sensing systems to operate down to lower battery voltages.
Knowles Acoustics Introduces Ultrasonic Acoustic Sensor
Knowles Acoustics introduces an Ultrasonic Acoustic Sensor (UAS) for use as a component to detect/receive ultrasonic sound in air. The Ultrasonic Acoustic Sensor utilizes the latest technology in MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) to provide a robust mechanical acoustic sensor which performs over a wide environmental range. Sampling and low volume production is being offered now with mass production available beginning of Q2 2007. Pricing is comparative to current piezo ultrasonic receiving sensors on the market.
Avago Technologies Launches Next-Generation Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuit Devices
Avago Technologies today announced a comprehensive line of millimeter wave MMICs designed for next-generation communication networks. Offering superior linearity, Avago's new series of millimeter wave products include power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, general purpose amplifiers, mixers and multipliers. Available in bare die or surface mount packaging, these MMICs are optimized to provide design flexibility and faster time to market for designers of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint type wireless communication infrastructure applications.
Toshiba launches industry’s first single-chip sensorless sine wave ASSP for BLDC motors
Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has announced the industry's first single-chip sensorless motor controller application specific standard product (ASSP) to offer full-wave sine wave PWM motor drive output. The new TB6582FG will significantly reduce the complexity and component count of brushless DC (BLDC) motor applications ranging from home appliances and pumps to industrial automation and automotive motion control.
MLP-Packaged MicroFET Products Deliver Excellent Power Dissipation in a Small Form Factor
Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced seven new MicroFET products, adding to the industry's largest offering of small-form-factor devices that target low-voltage applications in the <30V and <20V ranges. By combining Fairchild's advanced PowerTrench and packaging technologies in one device, the MicroFET offers performance and space advantages over conventional MOSFETs.
Single-chip inverters suit appliance and industrial motion control applications
Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched a new generation of single-chip inverters for brushless DC motor applications operating with voltages up to 500V. Available in PWM and non-PWM versions, the new devices integrate into a DIP26 package full three-phase inverter bridge operation and other key features including protection and integrated bootstrap diodes.
Passive matrix OLED boost regulator combines high current output and efficiency
Intersil has announced the release of the ISL97701. By combining high current output, an integrated Schottky diode and fault protection, Intersil provides the industry's most complete boost regulation solution for passive matrix OLEDs. With efficiency up to 87%, the ISL97701 can deliver 50mA of output current at 18V. It can provide up to 28V output, enabling power efficient operations in MP3, portable media players, automotive clustering, and low-end cell phones PMOLED displays. The ISL97701 is also suitable for standard boost regulation applications such as WiMax card and LCD bias generator power applications.
Digital Signal Controllers Offer 16 Channel Point Of Load Control
Continuing to broaden its digital signal controller (DSC) portfolio, Texas Instruments has announced volume availability of TMS320F28044 and F2809 digital signal controllers. These devices offer 100 MIPS of 32-bit digital signal processing (DSP) performance optimized for industrial applications like digital power management, servo motor control and intelligent sensor control. The F28044 controller allows power system designers to transition to software-controlled, digital power management using a 32-bit processor and is targeted at multi-channel point of load (POL) applications such as telecommunications and networking infrastructure equipment, servers, laptop computers, and industrial equipment. F2809 controllers allow engineers to develop highly integrated industrial control systems by combining a host of input, output and communications peripherals.
High bandwidth SMD Op Amps meet the requirements of military applications
Intersil has introduced ten high bandwidth SMD op amps. The devices, certified to operate over the full military (-55ºC to +125ºC) temperature range, deliver high reliability and superior bandwidth performance for military avionics, navigations, weapons and control systems. For design versatility, there are two families of products available. The first family includes three parts featuring fixed gain amplifiers. The 5962-0625501QHC delivers 350MHz bandwidth, while the 5962-0625601QHC and 5962-0625602QHC feature up to 1.4GHz of bandwidth. The wide bandwidths make the products ideal for general purpose applications with the potential to be used in several high reliability applications, such as software defined radios. The 5962-0625501QHC integrates the gain and series resistor to reduce gain error and save board space.
Single Port PoE Controller Simplifies Power Sourcing Equipment Design
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC4263, an autonomous single-channel Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) controller with an onboard MOSFET for use in IEEE 802.3af Power Over Ethernet (PoE) compliant systems. Requiring only a few external components, the IC is a complete single-port PSE solution that detects, classifies and provides isolated 48V power to Powered Devices (PDs) connected to it. Offering standard-compliant AC or DC methods to sense the removal of a PD and featuring sophisticated onboard control algorithms, the LTC4263 provides autonomous operation through all of the required tasks without processor intervention.
5V/300MHz Triple Video Amp Supports 1080p High Definition Format
Linear Technology has introduced the LT6559, a single-supply triple amplifier with an industry-leading combination of small size, high speed performance and low cost, making it ideal for applications such as 1080p High Definition video. Available in a tiny 3mm x 3mm QFN package, the LT6559 offers excellent AC performance with 150MHz 0.1dB flatness bandwidth, 800 V/us slew rate and a wide output swing of 1.15V to 3.85V on a single 5V supply.
40V MOSFET Enables Size, Cost and Reliability Improvements for LCD Designs
Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced the FDD8424H , a complementary 40V MOSFET that provides Dual DPAK packaging and industry-leading thermal dissipation to increase system reliability, reduce board space and decrease overall system cost. Optimized for half- or full-bridge inverter designs, the FDD8424H is ideal for use in backlighting units (BLU) for LCD TVs, LCD monitors, motor drives and lamp drives.
Tundra Semiconductor Enters PCI Express® Market with Tsi384TM Bridge
Tundra Semiconductor Corporation (TSX:TUN), the leader in System Interconnect, today launched the Tundra Tsi384TM four-lane PCI Express (PCIe) to PCI-X Bridge. The Bridge is pin compatible with competing PCIe bridge products and offers superior performance, lower latency, better throughput and lower power consumption than the competitive offering. Customers already sampling Tundra's PCIe Bridge confirm that the product delivers outstanding performance.
Slew rate controlled load switches
AnalogicTech's slew rate controlled load switches have been used to replace discrete solutions in a variety of portable systems running off a 5V supply. By offering the same functionality for 12V operation, the AAT4285 allows designers - for the first time - to eliminate a discrete MOSFET and up to 11 external components in both higher-powered portable systems such as test equipment or camcorders as well as a wide range of non-portable industrial applications.
Dual Output 2-Phase Synchronous Controller Operates from 2.75V Input
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC3836, a dual output 2-phase, low input voltage current mode synchronous step-down switching controller. Operation from an input voltage from 2.75V to 4.5V makes the device ideal for 3.3V, single cell Li-Ion, multi-cell Alkaline or NiMH input sources. It can generate two independent output voltages as low as 0.6V, powering the latest generation of low voltage DSPs and microcontrollers.
Automotive grade relay driver IC
The new A2550 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an automotive grade relay driver IC which incorporates a 5 V voltage regulator, watchdog and reset circuitry, and three low-side DMOS relay driver outputs, providing robust performance over extended voltage and temperature ranges. The new device is designed to provide key functions in automotive relay-based applications where a microprocessor is used to implement complex system control and requires a logic supply voltage, power-on reset circuitry and watchdog capabilities. These systems - typically used for the control of wipers, seats, sunroofs and other closure systems - often have an architecture consisting of brush motors controlled very simply by relays driven with simple on/off commands from the control system.
Low profile step-down converter for portable applications
Higher power density is a key benefit aiding engineers' ongoing efforts to shrink their product footprint and thickness and thus build smaller micro hard disc drives, handsets, headsets, handheld instruments and other portable devices. By delivering 500mA in a tiny, 2 x 2 x 0.55mm package, AnalogicTech's AAT1120 step-down converter allows designers to build smaller, thinner systems and still provide all the features and current found in larger footprint devices.
Low-Power High-Accuracy Op Amps
Microchip has expanded its linear product portfolio with the low power, high-precision MCP6031, MCP6032, MCP6033 and MCP6034 operational amplifiers. The new devices have a quiescent current of only 900 nA and a bandwidth of 10 kHz. The highly accurate amplifiers are ideal for handheld, portable electronic devices used in the medical, industrial and consumer markets.
Fast and Accurate Logarithmic Amplifier
Texas Instruments has introduced today a DC precision, high-speed (1 micro-second rise and fall time), precision logarithmic amplifier that computes the logarithm or log-ratio of an input current or voltage relative to a reference current or voltage. The LOG114 can handle eight decades of dynamic range and the completely tested log function allows use without external components. The small size of the LOG114 makes it a good fit for single-supply systems with a limited number of supply rails.
Versatile power management IC
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2952, a versatile power management IC with push-button on/off control for system power and system monitoring features. The power management function features two ideal PowerPath controllers suitable for applications requiring an ideal diode-OR function for load sharing or automatic switchover between two input power sources. The low loss switchover is achieved by regulating two external P-channel MOSFETs with 20mV typical voltage drop when conducting and is configurable to satisfy various application requirements.
Software Controllable Octal LED Driver for Portable Devices
Semtech Corp has announced the SC620, an octal, I2C-controlled LED driver. The SC620 is designed to provide regulated currents for powering a wide range of LEDs, including white, red, blue, green or yellow, with different forward voltages. The SC620 is designed to drive the LED backlights for small to medium size LCDs in portable systems that use rechargeable lithium ion/polymer batteries, but may also be applied in systems with a fixed 5V or 3.3V bus. Its low 150mV current sink dropout voltage makes it especially suited for use with LEDs that have forward voltages that are less than the system supply voltage. All LEDs are connected in parallel, with power coming from the system battery or available power rail and each cathode connected to an independent current sink.
Digitally programmable dual full-bridge MOSFET driver IC
The new A3985 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a digitally programmable dual full-bridge gate driver IC suitable for driving a wide range of higher power industrial bipolar two-phase stepper motors, two-phase brushless DC motors or dual brush DC motors in industrial, medical and office automation applications. The compact package of the A3985 means that a complete high-current microstepping motor driver or dual DC motor system can be implemented with limited PC board space. This is especially important in multi-axis systems where several drivers need to share one PC board.
Op Amps Consume Less then 1uA
Linear Technology has announced a new family of ultralow power op amps that set a new standard for precision low voltage operation and tiny footprint. The LT6003 (single), LT6004 (dual) and LT6005 (quad) amplifiers draw less than 1uA and operate from 1.6V to 16V. With input offset voltage of 500uV max at 25°C and a maximum drift of 5uV/°C, the LT6003 family is the most precise low voltage ultra low op amp. A tiny 2mm x 2mm DFN package makes the footprint of the LT6003 the smallest in this class and inputs and outputs feature rail-to-rail operation. The LT6003 family is ideal for battery-operated, handheld instrumentation due to the combination of low supply current, 1.6 to 16V operating range and tiny packages.
Ultrasound solution supports high-quality image processing and enables portability
Ultrasound examinations are increasingly conducted in non-traditional environments, such as doctor's offices, ambulatory units, and remote rural or under-developed locations. But the convenience of portability has required manufacturers to sacrifice image quality, limiting the medical diagnoses that can be made with portable ultrasound equipment. A new imaging chip from Analog Devices, the AD9271, integrates a complete eight-channel (octal) ultrasound receiver on a single chip. This level of integration allows medical equipment designers to reduce the size of the signal path for mobile ultrasound systems by 50 percent and lower power requirements by 25 percent, all while achieving noise levels and other performance metrics required in critical care settings.
Self protecting MOSFETs provide diagnostic feedback
Zetex Semiconductors has introduced a first low side self-protecting MOSFETs in a SOT223 package to provide diagnostic feedback via a separate status pin. The facility aims to further increase the reliability of high voltage automotive and industrial systems. The latest additions to the IntelliFET product range, the ZXMS6002G and ZXMS6003G are 60V, 500mΩ rated N-channel devices particularly well suited to switching loads subject to high in-rush currents, such as lamps, motors and solenoids. Providing protection against over-temperature, over-current and over-voltage fault conditions, the ZXMS6002G provides analog indication of normal, current limiting and thermal shutdown modes without the need for additional external components. The availability of such diagnostics enables the development of intelligent automatic fault responses.
Dual-input network clock generator from ADI
Analog Devices' AD9549 dual-input network clock generator provides networking and data communications systems designers with a new standard of performance to maximize network uptime and increase system stability and reliability. Using a new architecture based on ADI's proprietary DDS (direct digital synthesis) technology, the AD9549 enables a more stable holdover, allowing designers additional time to restore the clock reference in the event of a failure. If an input reference clock fails, the clock generator IC continues to "hold" the output frequency until the reference failure is recovered. With the AD9549 there is no time limit to holdover – the output will be maintained until the system is powered down or a new reference is provided. Compared to competitive solutions, this holdover functionality improves stability by as much as two orders of magnitude (~0.37 ppm vs. ~30 ppm), resulting in significantly increased system uptime.
Jitter-attenuating clock multiplier IC is a first says Silicon Laboratories
Silicon Laboratories has announced the industry's first jitter-attenuating clock multiplier IC that generates any output frequency from any input frequency with 0.3 picosecond jitter performance. The Si53xx Any-Rate Precision Clocks product family features nine devices leveraging Silicon Laboratories' proven DSPLL technology to offer the industry's broadest portfolio of reconfigurable, frequency-agile precision clock sources. The Si53xx any-rate capability addresses a wide range of high-performance applications including next-generation networking, telecommunications, wireless base stations, test and measurement, HDTV video and high-speed data acquisition.
Long distance sensors available from Aerco
Inductive sensors from Contrinex that have a sensing distance up to four times that of conventional sensors of this type are now available in the UK from Aerco. Using patented technology to push back the barriers of sensing performance, the Contrinex inductive range now provides M12 sensors with a sensing distance of 8mm, a distance that is stable over the complete operating temperature range.
Octal Supply Supervisor Monitors Positive and Negative Voltages
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2910, a low power voltage monitoring circuit with eight individual undervoltage monitoring inputs. Featuring adjustable inputs with a 0.5V threshold and a tight 1.5% threshold accuracy over the entire temperature range, the LTC2910 greatly simplifies voltage monitoring in the latest generation of multisupply systems. Two external resistors per input determine the desired trip point for the undervoltage monitor, while a three-state select pin programs the polarity combinations for the input thresholds, allowing negative supplies to be monitored. Two complimentary reset outputs signal when any of the supplies are below operating range, while the input glitch filter ensures that there will not be false or noisy triggering.
Zarlink simplifies hands-free communication system design
Zarlink Semiconductor has expanded its family of voice processing solutions with a new device enabling high-quality voice in cost-efficient hands-free communication systems, including speakerphones, home automation applications and car kits.
Highly Integrated Digital Transistors
Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced two families of 200mW digital transistors that integrate an external resistor bias network into the smallest form factor package on the market. Tailored for use in switching, inverter, interface and driver circuits, the FJY30xx (NPN) and FJY40xx (PNP) series eliminate the need for an external resistor. This integration reduces part count, which in turn helps designers save board space, lower design costs, simplify circuit designs and maximize system performance.
Video Switch Matrix Offers Highly Integrated Switching Solution for Video Applications
Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced the FMS6502, an 8-input, 6-output video switch matrix that offers industry-leading cost effectiveness and space savings in consumer and industrial video applications such as automotive in-cabin entertainment systems, HDTVs, flat panel displays and A/V receivers. The FMS6502 offers more functionality than comparable crosspoint video switch matrices by integrating analog switch capability, input clamps, bias circuitry and cable drivers into a single device. Consuming approximately half the board space of discrete solutions, the FMS6502 dramatically reduces part count while simplifying designs. The second-generation FMS6502 offers the same high level of integration as Fairchild's previous-generation video switch matrix technology while providing enhanced flexibility.
New generation single-chip solution for digital set top boxes from STMicro
STMicroelectronics has announced a new generation single-chip solution for digital cable-TV STBs. The newest member of the Company's leading OMEGA family, the QAMi5107 is an integrated demodulator plus MPEG decoder for standard-definition digital TV. Using the new device, manufacturers will be able to cut their total component cost and simplify board design and assembly, while offering increased performance and enhanced security features.
