Wireless and Portable
Integrated RF Front End In Super Small Package
Admiral Microwaves has introduced an integrated RF Front End Module designed for 802.11b/g wireless local area network (WLAN) applications in the frequency range from 2.4 to 2.5GHz. Manufactured by US company, RF Arrays, the RWF111 consists of an integrated power amplifier, switch and low noise amplifier.
UHF transceiver increases battery life in wireless applications
Claiming the industry's lowest receiver (RX) current consumption (<3mA), which significantly increases battery life in wireless applications, the new SX1211 UHF transceiver from Solid State Supplies is optimised for designs in the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency bands (868-870 MHz and 902-928 MHz).
STM's Nomadik Application Processor Integrates Innovative Graphics Technology for Mobile Multimedia
STMicroelectronics today announced first results of its collaboration with AMD on next-generation graphics for mobile multimedia. ST's newest mobile application processor, the Nomadik STn8820, integrates AMD's innovative graphics technology to enable visually rich 2D and 3D applications on mobile handsets. Live demonstrations of ST's Nomadik graphic capabilities will be presented at the Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona.
STMicroelectronics' Nomadik Chipset Boosts Multimedia Performance in Next-Generation Mobile Applications
STMicroelectronics has introduced a chipset that couples STs new multimedia application processor with a companion audio and power-management chip. This powerful platform raises the bar in mobile multimedia, enabling smart phones and other portable devices to record and share high-definition video clips, receive mobile TV, playback days of hi-fi music and deliver a state-of-the-art 3D gaming experience.
Mobile Phone Cameras Get Smaller and Smarter with New Imaging Single-Chip Sensor from STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics has introduced what it says is the market's smallest single-chip camera sensor for mobile applications. Coupling low space requirements with advanced image processing capabilities, ST's latest 2-megapixel mobile-phone camera sensor addresses consumers' appetite for full-featured imaging solutions in ever-more popular thin-profiled handsets.
STM Announces Availability of Multiple Software Platforms for Nomadik Application Processor to Drive Next Generation of Mobile Multimedia Handsets
STMicroelectronics has announced multiple software platform availability and new hardware features of its STn8815 application processor, the third–generation product in the company's award-winning Nomadik family. The Nomadik processor is available to leading handset makers to develop the next-generation of mobile multimedia products with a choice of leading software platforms, including Symbian OS/S60, Linux, Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded CE. The STn8815 now also offers a wider range of packaging options, plus a boost in clock speed, up to 393MHz, of its ARM9 embedded microprocessor, equipped with a level 2 cached memory.
RF Driver Amplifier Reduces Power, Size and Cost of WiMax And Wireless Applications
Analog Devices has introdiced the ADL5321, a high-performance, low power RF driver amplifier that brings together the industry's best combination of power and performance in 2.3-GHz to 4.0-GHz wireless infrastructure designs for LTE, WiMAX and WiBro applications. The ADL5321 increases signal linearity, and consumes less power, relative to competing RF amplifiers. When implemented in a system, such as a base station, radio, or satellite equipment, the ADL5321 eliminates up to four external passive components, which eases design complexity and enables RF designers to more quickly bring cost-effective, highly-efficient wireless infrastructure equipment to market.
ProVision to demonstrate real-time video over WiFi to mobile devices at GSMA Mobile World Congress
ProVision Communications has announced that its wireless video technology will be showcased as one of the demonstrations of leading-edge UK wireless capability hosted by UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) at the GSMA Mobile World Congress (formerly 3GSM World Congress). The ProVision system will be demonstrated on the UKTI stand AV26 throughout the show, which is being held in Barcelona on 11 – 14 February 2008.
SST Targets Entry-Level Handsets with Low-Power ComboMemory Series
Silicon Storage Technology has announced the 34WA Series of 1.8V ComboMemory products, the latest additions to the Company's family of high-performance flash memory/RAM combination memory products. The 34WA Series supports functions and features new to SST's ComboMemory family, including burst-mode operation for faster performance and address/data bus multiplexing for a lower pin count and smaller device footprint. The products in the 34WA Series use a very small semiconductor package, measuring just 6mm x 8mm x 1mm, making them the smallest address/data bus multiplex combination memory devices available on the market today. The performance and space savings provided by the 34WA Series make these products ideal for the entry-level mobile handset market's need for high-performing, cost-effective, small form factor mobile phones.
Hall-effect switch features low power consumption for battery-operated applications
The new A1171 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an ultra-sensitive micropower Hall-effect switch with latched digital outputs and either unipolar or omnipolar actuation. It features operation at low supply currents and voltages, making it ideal for battery-operated applications in portable or handheld communications and computer equipment.
Yageo partners customers to advance market position in wireless solutions
Yageo Corporation has announced that it has entered into partnership with original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers to promote wireless solutions in Europe, backed by advanced ceramic technology. In addition to partnerships with OEMs and ODMs, Yageo will extend collaboration with key distributors, including Rutronik, TTI, Arrow, Avnet and Abacus, to strengthen the technical and design-in support available to customers for high-frequency antennas. The move is also expected to cover independent design centres in every European country.
TI expands battery fuel guage family
Texas Instruments has introduced two new battery fuel gauge devices with integrated low-dropout regulators (LDOs) for smart phones, mobile Internet devices and media players with embedded or removable batteries. The new system-side and battery pack-side fuel gauges build on TI's popular family of integrated circuits (ICs) that predict battery life with 99-percent accuracy to extend run-time, protect data and provide a better user experience.
NEC Electronics Launches “Medity 2” for 3G Mobile Phone Handsets
NEC Electronics announced the completion of the semiconductor platform solution Medity 2. Medity eases the development of mobile phones corresponding to the third and second generation communication standards HSDPA/W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS. Medity 2 consists of 5 components: (1) M2 which is an integrated chip with baseband processing functions and application processor, a semiconductor chipset that includes wireless frequency processing (RF) ICs and power ICs (2) software components such as communication software which can automatically switch between W-CDMA, GSM and middleware to control the application (3) software development evaluation board and kit (4) software development tools and (5) system integration services into the products. For the development of mobile phone handset equipment with longer standby times, the required features and functions from semiconductors to software as well as the integration of products can be obtained. This allows users to concentrate on their developmen
STM Unveils its Next-Generation Integrated Bluetooth and FM-Radio Transceiver System on Chip in 65nm Process Technology
STMicroelectronics has its 4th-generation Bluetooth/FM Radio combo solution, which meets the demanding integration and cost requirements of the cellular phone market. By combining Bluetooth wireless personal-area-network functionality with an FM radio transceiver in a single 65nm chip, the STLC2690 offers leading-edge integration and performance.
Combined SIM/microSD connector shrinks multimedia handhelds
JAE Europe has introduced a space-saving connector for handheld applications, which combines SIM and microSD cards within a compact footprint and total height of only 2.8mm. The ST5 series connector stacks the SIM card and the push/push microSD card vertically to reduce board-space requirements in cellular handsets featuring removable storage for music, images, or personal data.
Brochure from Arrow is comprehensive resource for wireless control and M2M products
Arrow has launched a brochure that will prove an invaluable resource for engineers involved in the development of wireless control and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, including the addition of wireless functionality to existing designs.
Directional couplers from Murata save PCB space in cellular phones
Murata Electronics Europe has introduced the LDC15 series of 0402 SMD chip multilayer hybrid couplers. These ultra-small low-profile directional couplers measure just 1.0 by 0.5 by 0.4 mm, saving PCB space in cellular phone and other handheld wireless applications. Based on Murata's own ceramic multilayer technology, members of the series are available in the frequency range 800 to 3000MHz.
Simultaneous LCD and video output for handheld devices delivered by QuickLogic and Chrontel
Handheld product developers can now add simultaneous video output without sacrificing battery lifetime or burdening the host application processor. The solution - developed by QuickLogic and Chrontel - has already been adopted by a leading smart phone manufacturer and may be customised easily to match a wide range of design needs required by other adopters.
Broadband Modulator And Demodulator Enable Direct Conversion Cellular Basestations
ADI is extending its RF portfolio with the industry's highest performance broadband direct conversion radio solution: the ADL5375 I-Q modulator and companion ADL5382 I-Q demodulator. With the industry's broadest operating frequency ranges, the ADL5375 and ADL5382 devices enable equipment designers to implement and standardise on solutions that address the wide range of operating frequency bands and standards, including GSM/EDGE, CDMA 2000, and W-CDMA, eliminating the need to select a modulator or demodulator for each cellular standard and operating band.
Jennic launches JenNet stack for scalable wireless sensor networks
Jennic Ltd. has introduced JenNet, a new free proprietary wireless networking stack for its powerful range of 32 bit single chip wireless microcontrollers. Based on the IEEE802.15.4 standard, it is specially designed to be easy to use and is fully scalable from just a few nodes to large networks of up to 1,000 nodes.
RF switch connector is World's smallest says Murata
Murata has introduced what it says is the world's smallest Radio Frequency surface mount switch connector for wireless applications. The MM8130-2600RB8 measures only 2.5 by 2.5 by 1.4mm and is designed to reliably test microwave frequencies throughout a product's development stage up to final production. The small footprint is ideal for cellular phones, PDAs, GPS systems and measurement equipment. The SWF series is also an excellent fit for advanced devices such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), WiMax, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth and Zigbee technologies.
RS increases wireless products with latest technology
With the latest refresh of its Wireless Technology Solutions portfolio, RS Components (rswww.com), the leading distributor of electronic, electrical, electromechanical and industrial components is now able to offer customers the widest range of antennas currently available in the market.
DVB-H External Antennas for Wireless Devices from Focus EDL
Leading electronic components distributor, Focus EDL, announces a new high performance, small antenna designed for mobile devices. Designed by Pulse, the new W3520 external Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) planar printed wire board (PWB) antenna is ultra-thin and compact, delivers high performance, and is fully tested and matched for easy installation into DVB devices to enable fast product development cycles and ramp-ups.
Secure Wireless Devices Platform is enhanced with Latest Protocols and Wireless Chipsets
Green Hills Software, Inc. has announced that it has enhanced its Platform for Secure Wireless Devices with extended Wi-Fi security, Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX), Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and new reference driver support for a number of industry-leading Wi-Fi chipsets targeting the embedded, low-power device markets. These new capabilities provide customers requiring Wi-Fi support in current and/or future products a rapid, low-risk path to satisfy wireless design requirements with a complete, proven, integrated solution.
Ceiling-mount bi-directional antenna from Admiral
A compact, low profile, ceiling-mount bi-directional antenna, offering 4dBi of gain, and a VSWR of 1.5:1, is just launched by UK specialist distributor, Admiral Microwaves. Manufactured by the Cushcraft Corporation, the SQ2405DD12F, is the latest in a range of antennas now in stock, covering a wide range of commercial, industrial and military radio applications.
Memory Card Interface from STMicroelectronics for Portable Applications
STMicroelectronics has announced a highly-integrated chip which provides five essential functions required by memory card interfaces in mobile phones, GPS navigation devices, digital cameras and a broad range of other consumer and industrial products that use removable Secure Digital (SD) protocol cards. The new flip-chip EMIF06-SD02F3 memory-card transceiver integrates signal conditioning, bidirectional level shifting, ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection, EMI (electromagnetic interference) filtering, and a 2.9V voltage regulator.
Sub-1 GHz RF System-on-Chip with Integrated USB Controller for Wireless Sensor Networks
Texas Instruments has introduced what it says is the the industry's first sub-1 GHz radio-frequency (RF) system-on-chip (SoC) with an integrated USB controller, enabling a fast and easy bridge between PCs and RF. The CC1111 combines the excellent performance of TI's state-of-the-art RF transceiver (CC1101) with an enhanced 8051 microcontroller (MCU), 8/16/32 kB of in-system programmable flash memory and a full-speed USB controller for improved low-power wireless sensor networking.
NEC and Skyley Announce Compliance of ZigBee Platform
NEC Electronics and Skyley Networks have announced that their jointly developed ZigBee platform has been deemed as a ZigBee Compliant platform by the ZigBee Alliance. The ZigBee compliant platform is based on an NEC Electronics' 78K0R 16-bit microcontroller, a wireless RF transceiver chip by Uniband Electronic Corporation (UBEC) and the ZigBee stack, which is a software to manage the network. By utilizing this convenient platform, OEMs and system developers can easily develop low power, wireless peer-to-peer mesh networks ideal for the rapidly growing field of industrial and residential building management systems, lighting controls, automated meters, sensors, and security systems which can be certified as a ZigBee product.
Navigation Processor with Embedded GPS
STMicroelectronics has introduced its new automotive-grade application processor with embedded GPS for navigation and telematics. The Cartesio processor perfectly couples with ST's GPS RF chip (STA5620), creating a unique offering that significantly reduces the form factor and bill-of-materials with no compromise in performance.
Bluetooth Module has open-field range of one kilometre
TDC has launched a Bluetooth module with an open-field range of one kilometre from its internal antenna, the longest range of any Bluetooth module. The range can be further extended by adding high gain directional antenna.
SH-Mobile Application Processors for Digital TV capable mobile phones
Renesas Technology Europe has announced two new microprocessors in the SH-Mobile series for application processing targeting digital TV capable mobile phones. The SH-MobileL3V2 and SH-MobileUL incorporate a high-performance, low-power multi-CODEC video processing IP from Renesas. Both devices support MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) encoding & decoding and VC-1 decoding, achieving 30 fps (frame per second) performance at VGA definition.
New ultra-compact, low power printer AP1310-DC provides the ideal solution for mobile applications
Able Systems Limited has announced the availability of its new AP1310-DC portable mini-printer. The AP1310-DC is ideal for a wide range of mobile applications, having been specifically designed and approved to be powered directly from a vehicle battery, or any DC power source in the range 9 to 36V.
Low-cost ZigBee antennas offer multiple configuration options
CTi Ltd, the specialist antenna manufacturer, has launched two new series of low-cost ZigBee antennas which provide designers with a wide choice of configuration options. Both series of antennas are suitable for use with any IEEE 802.15.4 standard 2.4 GHz ZigBee wireless system, and can accommodate vertically and horizontally polarised signals. Typical ZigBee wireless applications include environmental monitoring and control in homes and buildings, and low-speed data acquisition from remote sensors in industrial process control systems.
Avago Technologies Introduces New Smaller, High Performance WCDMA Band 1 Duplexer
Avago Technologies today announced two ultra-small, WCDMA duplexers with industry-best performance levels. The company is a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications. Using new and improved FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) technology, Avago's miniaturized ACMD-7602/ACMD-7612 duplexers deliver best in class transmit and receive insertion loss for UMTS band 1 handsets, femtocells, and data terminals.
Antennas from RF Solutions optimized for low power, short range telemetry, Wi-Fi and computer systems
RF Solutions has announced the availability of its new range of high quality 2.4Ghz antennas specifically designed and manufactured for operation with low power, short range telemetry systems, Wi-Fi and computer systems. The use of these antennas gives optimum range and reliability to a wide range of applications.
RF Transceivers from Analog Devices for Mobile WiMAX Applications
Analog Devices has introduced RF-to-digital baseband transceivers designed to enable the IEEE 802.16d/e mobile WiMAX standard for mobile communications devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, and handheld multimedia devices. WiMAX terminals enable wireless broadband connectivity with dramatically lower installation costs than competitive wired solutions. As WiMAX evolves from a fixed-line protocol to one that increasingly serves portable communications applications, device makers are requiring smaller, more energy-efficient solutions that meet the cost, space and power budgets of mobile communications terminals.
PMC-Sierra launches highly integrated WiMAX MIMO RF IC solutions
PMC-Sierra has introduced its first WiMAX RF IC solutions for Femtocell base stations, Customer Premises Equipment, and Mobile Station designs. The PM8800 WiZIRD 2Tx/2Rx is said to be the industry's most integrated WiMAX RF IC solution with full 2Tx/2Rx Multiple In/Multiple Out (MIMO) capability to support a maximum downlink data rate of 63Mbit/s per sector and a peak uplink data rate of 28Mbit/s per sector in a 10MHz channel.
TI Introduces 2.4 GHz and Sub-1 GHz RF System-on-Chip Solutions for Low-Power Wireless Applications
Texas Instruments has introduced a pair of RF system-on-chip solutions designed for low-power and low-voltage wireless applications used in the 2.4 GHz and sub-1 GHz frequency bands. The CC2510 and CC1110 combine TI's state-of-the-art RF transceivers (CC2500 and CC1101) with an industry-standard enhanced 8051 microcontroller, 8/16/32 kB of in-system programmable flash memory, 1/2/4 kB of RAM and many other powerful features – all inside a small 6-mm x 6-mm QLP-36 package.
Texas Instruments Celebrates Five Years of Wireless Single-Chip Innovation
In five years, Texas Instruments Incorporated has launched more than a dozen wireless single-chip solutions, ranging from the world's first single-chip cell phone modem to multi-radio connectivity devices, and continues to shape and define the rapidly changing wireless landscape. Increasingly, handset manufacturers require highly integrated, scalable solutions that address a multitude of consumer requirements around the globe. TI initially addressed this need five years ago with another industry first – a single-chip Bluetooth solution (the BRF6100) based on the company's innovative DRP technology, delivering a small and affordable solution that accelerated penetration of Bluetooth in wireless phones.
Micro-power, dual operational amplifier extends battery life and accuracy of portable devices
The AD8506 low-power CMOS dual operational amplifier with rail-to-rail inputs and output is designed for portable applications, including battery-powered patient monitors, remote sensors, handheld instrumentation and other mobile equipment that require precision measurement at low voltage levels with minimal power consumption. Featuring a novel circuit architecture, the AD8506 maintains high linearity by minimizing distortion through its power supplies and its inputs. Its 105-dB PSR minimizes errors caused by power supply voltage variations over a battery's lifetime, making the AD8506 ideal for battery powered applications. Furthermore, the AD8506 maintains 105-dB CMR, maximizing linearity by minimizing the common-mode induced distortion often found in amplifiers having rail-to-rail inputs. While maintaining high linearity, the AD8506 consumes only 20 µA of supply current per amplifier—35 percent less than other operational amplifiers in its class.
