EP&Dee no 3 - April 2012 by Electronica Azi

APRIL, 2012 ISSUE NO. 3, VOL. 10

DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

EP&Dee ELECTRONICS

PRODUCTS

DESIGN

EASTERN

EUROPE

Students from the Technical University of Iasi, Romania, win the inaugural EMEA Freescale Cup Challenge Final Cup Challenge competition took place at the Czech Technical University in Prague.

Prague, Czech Republic, – April 6, 2012 – Students from the “SPARK” team of the Technical University of Iasi, Romania, won the final round of the Freescale Cup Challenge, hosted by the Czech Technical university (CTU) on April 3rd and 4th. The Freescale Cup, sponsored by Freescale Semiconductor, is a global competition where student teams build, program and race an intelligent model car around a track. The fastest car to complete the track without going of the track wins the race. This is the first season of the Freescale Cup in the Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) region.

Biggest event ever on tenth birthday: embedded world excels with new records The embedded world Exhibition&Conference 2012 set up another record for visitors and exhibitors. 22,262 international trade visitors, up 17 per cent on the previous year, and 872 exhibitors, an increase of nine per cent, made this year’s event the biggest ever in its tenyear history. page 4

The 2012 Finals were a great success with 33 participating teams racing their cars on the page 3 Freescale Cup track in Prague.

T H E E A S T E U R O P E A N J O U R N A L F O R E M B E D D E D A P P L I C AT I O N S

APRIL 2012 Table of Contents COMMENTS INDUSTRY NEWS 3 Outlook – The Internet of Things

INDUSTRY NEWS COMPANIES DESIGN EMBEDDED 6 Freescale™ QorIQ Designs in Practice High-speed Serial Interfaces based on AdvancedMC™ and MicroTCA With the QorIQ processing platforms, Freescale™ introduces a new generation of highly efficient and high performing processors. This paper summarizes the main features of the new generation and shows how they can be used for designs based on off-the-shelf components. In order to benefit from high-speed serial interfaces, designs are based on AdvancedMC™ (AMC) and MicroTCA™. The paper concludes with an entry-level evaluation platform and tools for system configuration and low-latency inter-processor communication.

DESIGN ANALOG 10 Cutting carbon emissions and cost in DC-to-DC conversion Moving to full digital control of DC-to-DC converters introduces higher efficiencies and new topologies, as Microchip’s Charlie Ice, Product Marketing Manager and Ramesh Kankanala, Principal Applications Engineer, explain.

The paper concludes with an entry-level evaluation platform and tools for system configuration and Page 6 low-latency inter-processor communication.

14 Sensorless brushless DC motor control for everyone Microchip’s new Motor Control Starter Kit (MCSK) smashes the sensorless BLDC control cost barrier.

DESIGN MCUs 16 Selecting a 32-bit Microcontroller That Makes the Developer’s Job Easier Traditionally, the key factor in selecting a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) has been the choice of central processing units (i.e., the core CPU). Until recently, 32-bit MCUs were based on a variety of cores including, in some cases, proprietary architectures; as a result, embedded designers either had to stick with one core or significantly increase their development time to learn new hardware intricacies and port existing software code.

Moving to full digital control of DC-to-DC converters Page 10

PCB-DESIGN TRAINING 20 EAGLE Version 6 - Create a project and start drawing the schematic In this issue of our EAGLE series we want to create our first project and start drawing a schematic. Expand the “Projects“ branch of the tree view in the EAGLE Control Panel. Some example projects are available there. The yellow icons represent simple directories, the red colored icons are so-called project folders.

INDUSTRY NEWS LIGHTING INDUSTRY NEWS EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY NEWS ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS PASSIVE COMPONENTS

By eliminating the brushes, a BLDC motor must be actively controlled in order to commutate. Page 14

INDUSTRY NEWS SMT INDUSTRY NEWS SENSORS 36 A wide products range to match all customers requests

INDUSTRY NEWS CONNECTORS 38 ODU - The system solution

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Traditionally, the key factor in selecting a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) has been the choice of Page 16 central processing units (i.e., the core CPU).

EVENT INDUSTRY NEWS Students from the Technical University of Iasi, Romania, win the inaugural EMEA Freescale Cup Challenge

Outlook – The Internet of Things Networked sensors are finding their way into an increasingly broad set of applications marketers have dubbed The Internet of Things (IoT), the new catch-all phrase. Hereafter a few glimpses of this diverse frontier in electronics and distributed computing. At its core, the Internet of Things is all about the mote, the tiny module that combines some sort of sensor and communications, and perhaps a bit of memory and computing capability. The devices are appearing where once no semiconductors were found, in everything from hydraulic pumps to wristwatches, board games and bandages. Indeed the apps frontier is almost comically diverse. They can measure both the moisture content of farm fields to automate irrigation systems and the fullness of dumpsters to calculate the most efficient routes for garbage trucks, which tells us that practically trash and dirt have the capability to generate a lot of money in the future. Those applications are pursued equally by analog and digital and sensor chipmakers, as well as a host of mainly wireless networking options like Bluetooth to Zigbee. One hot debate is whether today’s Internet protocols are just fine for this work or specialty energysaving techniques are needed. Both are in use or in development now. In any case, all sides agree the end goal is to deliver the smallest possible motes with as much smarts as possible with what little energy can be harvested or stored in tiny batteries that typically must last for years. Much of the future of electronics is being written in this new Wild West: smart cities, smart factories, smart buildings, connected vehicles, networked wristwatches, networked bandages, intelligent hospitals, the e-fitness craze, smart home monitors, the networked remote, indoor location services, networked games, networked light bulbs, … and many more to come. It is up to us to seize these enormous business opportunities which are slowly but surely coming our way. n Radu Andrei

page 1 The competition was organized in two rounds. During the qualification rounds, the students demonstrated the model cars they built during the year and the innovative solutions they developed. The 112 sq/m racetrack consisted of speed bumps, an intersection, a hill and zigzag curves. Each car had to run its best lap time over two consecutive laps to make it to the final round The 15 best performing teams were selected for a final round on the second day of the competition. The “SPARK” team, from the Technical University of Iaşi (Romania), won the competition, finishing just ahead of Team “3.14” from Slovak University of Technology and the team from Politechnika Wroclawska. “The creativity demonstrated by all the teams to cope with the racetrack conditions, as well as the expertise they demonstrated in using Freescale’s leading edge silicon solutions, was amazing,” said Flavio Stiffan, program manager for the Freescale Cup Challenge in EMEA. “We hope they improved their technical and teamwork skills by participating in the program and we are eager to see them compete in the Grand Final with the winners of the other regions.” The Most Innovative award went to the “Spektrum Research Group” team from the Silesian University of Technology. In addition, the Best Introduction team video award was won by the Faculty of Computer Science of University Politehnica of Bucharest, while the Best Uniform special award went to the “PERSEUS” team from Brno University of Technology. The winning team will attend the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) in San Antonio, TX June 18 - 21 to race their vehicle against finalists from other regions. In addition to participating in the competition, students got the opportunity to share their work and network with their peers and faculty as well as Freescale engineers, industry partners and customers. Anatomy of an Intelligent Car The creation of the intelligent car requires: • embedded software programming and basic circuit creation using Freescale parts included in the entry kit; • student created motor control hardware and software to propel and steer their intelligent car; • students working with a camera to navigate the car through the race course by following the guide line. The standard intelligent car components are the model car kit, servo, electric motors, a battery with a charger and a quick start guide. Below is a list of the specific elements by function: • chassis - 1/18 scale model; • propulsion - 7.2V DC motors (one for each rear wheel); • steering - servo motor; • control system – Freescale Qorriva MPC5604B automotive microcontroller; • motor control – Freescale analog board; • a MC33931 H-Bridge; • guidance - CMOS camera.

Freescale Semiconductor www.freescale.com www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

COMPANIES INDUSTRY NEWS

Biggest event ever on tenth birthday: embedded world excels with new records • Record number of visitors and exhibitors • Leading conferences show the way forward • STUDENT DAY attracted over 1,000 enthusiastic students The embedded world Exhibition&Conference 2012 set up another record for visitors and exhibitors. 22,262 international trade visitors, up 17 per cent on the previous year, and 872 exhibitors, an increase of nine per cent, made this year’s event the biggest ever in its tenyear history. The two conferences

with renowned speakers, the embedded world Conference and the electronic displays Conference, also grew strongly and round off the excellent overall result with 19 per cent more participants and speakers. Highlights of this year’s embedded world The European Joint Undertaking ARTEMIS again organized its Spring Event parallel to the embedded world Exhibition&Conference. Representatives from industry and research met at this top event to discuss European-wide research projects for embedded systems. For the third time, the embedded world STUDENT DAY offered university students a

Ericsson Unveils the Definitive Guide to Digital Power

career platform for making contact with selected exhibitors. Over 1,000 students listened to an exclusive lecture by the codeveloper of the mp3, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Herre, who vividly demonstrated the function and applications of audio coding processes in his lecture. Trends and focus topics at embedded world 2012 Energy-efficient components and systems and components for wireless machine-to-machine communication were the two focus topics at embedded world 2012.

25 exhibitors again presented new products for wireless communication between machines in the M2M Area in halls 4 and 5. Here the trend to cloud computing has already arrived in the embedded segment. Cloud computing makes it possible to extend the scope of functions of embedded systems by combining the capabilities of individual embedded components. EMBEDDED WORLD 2012 www.embedded-world.de

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Ericsson has announced the most complete and authoritative collection of technical papers on advanced digital DC/DC power technologies available today. The ‘Digital Power Compendium’ comprises more than 450 pages and includes Ericsson’s key technical papers on digital power and detailed specifications of the company’s comprehensive and industryleading range of advanced bus converter and point-of-load DC/DC conversion products. This remarkable and substantial document will deliver highly valuable and educational material for power communities in both industrial and academic fields. The Digital Power Compendium will enable designers and students to learn and build upon the possibilities offered by digital power technology and make a significant contribution in reducing energy consumption. A Short History of Digital Power By the turn of the millennium, conventional power solutions were reaching the limits of energy efficiency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) systems. Power design architects needed to contemplate new techniques and seek innovative power solutions that could be fully integrated within the overall digital chain, making it possible to monitor and control board power and reduce the overall energy consumption of telecom equipment. Ericsson took on the challenge and began its research into the

possibilities of digital power in the early part of the last decade, presented the first fruits of its R&D at the Darnell Power Forum in 2006 and in 2008 launched the BMR453, the industry’s first fully digitally controlled and PMBuscompliant DC/DC converter. Since then digital power has progressed from being an embryonic technology with enormous potential for the ‘early adopter’ to becoming the reference power technology in new ICT equipment for the ‘early majority’. The First of its Kind “The Digital Power Compendium is first of its kind in the industry,” said Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director of Ericsson Power Modules. “It narrates a story of innovation and represents the very best of Ericsson’s R&D activities in digital power. It has the potential to energize a new generation of power designers and further accelerate the adoption of digital power, leading to the significant reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in ICT applications.” The Best of Digital Power The compendium is the result of close cooperation with early adopter customers and the selection of the very best technical papers available from the Ericsson Power Modules database; specifically those that offer the most relevant, important and easy-to-grasp information about digital power technologies. ERICSSON POWER MODULES www.ericsson.com/powermodules

EMBEDDED DESIGN

Freescale™ QorIQ Designs in Practice High-speed Serial Interfaces based on AdvancedMC™ and MicroTCA by Claudia Bestler, Jürgen Mayr, Guido Moser

With the QorIQ processing platforms, Freescale™ introduces a new generation of highly efficient and high performing processors. This paper summarizes the main features of the new generation and shows how they can be used for designs based on off-the-shelf components. In order to benefit from high-speed serial interfaces, designs are based on AdvancedMC™ (AMC) and MicroTCA™. The paper concludes with an entry-level evaluation platform and tools for system configuration and low-latency inter-processor communication. QorIQ Processing Platforms The QorIQ processing platforms represent the evolution of the PowerQUICC line of processors from Freescale™. They are available in a variety of single-core and multi-core CPUs. The P1 and P2 platforms are based on the e500V2 Power Architecture® core, the P3 and P4 platforms are based on the e500mc 32-bit Power Architecture® core. The P5 platform introduces embedded 64-bit processing with the e5500 core scaling up to 2.2 GHz. All processors fulfill the characteristic requirements in embedded computing: long term availability and a high efficiency in terms of power dissipation per computing cycle. Also, all processors support IEEE1588 time stamps, which make them an excellent choice for real-time processing with high accuracy. The QorIQ platforms can be summarized in the following way: • P1 Platform - Up to 800 MHz, <5W Max: processors are available as single-cores and dual cores with a choice of options for hard-

Figure 1 QorIQ Designs

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ware acceleration for communications (in terms of protocols and data path processing) and power saving functions. • P2 Platform - Up to 1.2 GHz, <8W Max: The characteristic processor in this class is the P2020 dual-core communications processor, which is also available in a pin-compatible single-core version. On the higher end, the P2040/P2041 processors represent quad-core versions with data path acceleration. • P3 Platform - Up to 1.5 GHz, <15W Max: The P3041 processor represents a quad-core version with higher capacity for packet throughput (fabric support for IP forwarding). • P4 Platform - Up to 1.5 GHz, <30W Max: The P4080 represents an eight-core communication processor with fabric support for packet processing. It is also available in a pin-compatible version, the P4040 quad-core communications processor. • P5 Platform - Up to 2.2 GHz, <30W Max: The P5020 is a server class 64bit dual-core processor. It is based on the e5500 core architec-

ture and intended for complex arithmetic operations and high-performance control place processing (rather than data plane packet processing). For this reason, the e5500 core supports a larger backside L2 cache for complex operations. The floating point unit of each e5500 core supports single-precision (32 bit) floating-point processing at twice the speed of e500 cores, and double-precision (64 bit) floating-point processing at 4 times the speed of e500 cores. So how do e500V2, e500mc and e5500 based processors align with preceding architectures? For high-performance applications, Figure 1 shows the most characteristic members of the QoIQ processor platforms in comparison to the highly successful line of e600 cores. The MPC8641D processor represents a dual-core version of the e600 core including a floatingpoint unit and fast L2 caches (at 1 MB per core) for speeds up to 1.5 GHz. In terms of computing power and versatility, the MPC8641D, as implemented on the Kontron AdvancedMC™ processor module AM4100, still represents an unprecedented success story. When migrating to e500V2, e500mc and e5500 types of core architecture, there is no single successor to this line of products. Power efficiency (in terms of power dissipation per computing cycle) is improving considerably with the higher level of integration on silicon (moving to smaller structures). However the choice of processor depends on the type of application. The most universal design is represented by the P2020 processor, which is now available on the Kontron AMC processor module AM4120. The Kontron AM4120 provides an entry point into QorIQ design. The P2020 processor is ideally suited as a universal dual-core controller with a low power envelope. Preferred usage models are for example as a control processor for vehicles, in avionics and for communications. The Kontron AMC processor module AM4120 is now available including evaluation systems and tools for system confi-

EMBEDDED DESIGN

guration and inter-processor communication. For more demanding applications, designs may be ported to either (1) packet processing types of applications based on the P4080 processor (such as the upcoming Kontron AMC processor module AM4140), respectively to (2) control plane types of applications with high demands on floating-point processing based on the P5020 processor (which will be featured on the upcoming Kontron AMC processor module AM4150).

each other via a GbE network, i.e. a GbE switch also located on the MCH. The GbE control plane or base fabric is not shown in Figure 2. Serial RapidIO is intended as bus interface inside the system. For exterior connectivity, a network interface is used, such as GbE or 10GbE. The exterior uplinks are also contained on the MCH. Thus MicroTCA™ provides a very compact design with only a minimum number of components: all interior and exterior connectivity is handled by the MCH, all processing is handled on AMC.

Areas of Application Among the many areas of applications are vehicle control, avionics, test systems for avionics, motion control, surface inspection, communication and test systems for communications. From a hardware point of view, all applications need low-latency processing. Some of the applications need multi-processor systems for either data plane type of processing or control plane type of processing.

System Design When moving to a deeper level in system design, the following topics need to be addressed: • How to handle QorIQ designs implemented on AMC? • How to set up an evaluation system? • Which tools are available for configuration management at system level? • Which tools are available to handle inter-

Figure 2 Applications and Test System for LTE As a representative example, Figure 2 shows a multi-processor system. Such a system could be used for an application in communications (such as an LTE base station), respectively a test system for base stations (for protocol conformance or load tests). At the hardware level, the design is quite universal and also applies for other areas of application. From a technical point of view, the common requirement is high-throughput processing with low latency. For low latency, Serial RapidIO represents an excellent choice for inter-processor communication, i.e. the exchange of data between multiple QorIQ processors with optional support of DSPs, as shown in Figure 2. Due to their high capacity of serial high-speed links, AMCs represent an excellent choice for implementing QorIQ processors and optional DSP cards. In an AMC-system, the Serial RapidIO switch is represented as Fabric switch on a MicroTCA™ Carrier Hub (MCH), such as the Kontron MCH AM4904-SRIO. The sRIO connections are used as fabric interfaces for the data plane. In addition, each processor is connected to

processor communication over sRIO? For AMCs, there are conventions for the backplane fabrics represented at the AMC connector, which allows combining AMCs from different suppliers. A sample design of a QorIQ AMC is shown in Figure 3. The basic connectivity between AMCs is provided over GbE on AMCs ports 0 and 1. In a system, those ports connect to an Ethernet switch on the MCH, which also provides exterior uplinks to the system over GbE or 10GbE. Data exchange over Serial RapidIO is using AMC ports 4-7, i.e. 4 lanes with a total capacity of 10Gbps. AMC ports 4-7 also connect to the sRIO fabric switch contained in the MCH over the backplane, respectively they connect to other AMCs over point-to-point connections. Alternatively, the same AMC ports can be configured for PCI-Express (in combination with a PCIe switch on the MCH, respectively point-to-point connections to another AMC). Such a design typically represents a P2020 type of QorIQ processor, as implemented on the Kontron AdvancedMC™ processor module AM4120. For more performing types of processors, such as the P4080 for data plane processing, or the P5020 for control plane processing, extra fabrics are provided on the AMC connector: extra 10GbE or extra sRIO over AMC ports 8-11, respectively PCIe. The use of fabrics on AMC ports can be configured on the AMCs. Still, the basic system design remains coherent with the P2020, so the Kontron AMC processor module AM4120 represents an excellent starting point for QorIQ designs. On a system level, a range of MicroTCA™ systems are available. At the entry level, the Kontron MicroTCA™ platforms OM6040 and OM6060 apply. The Kontron OM6040 supports switched fabrics with a Kontron MCH AM4904-SRIO (respectively a Kontron MCH AM4904-PCIE).

Figure 3 Design in Practice: QorIQ on AMC www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

EMBEDDED DESIGN

tracing of events, error logging facilities, and corrective actions by visualization and mouse clicks. Figure 5 shows a sample screen of the configuration management tool. The intuitive GUI supports all standard compliant systems (backplanes, fan units, power modules), MCHs and AMCs. Boards and systems may be configured without deep knowledge of IPMI, sensors and other MicroTCA™ specific detail. The OMVIU is easy to learn and helps to create remote controlled MicroTCA™ systems. Vendor specific recognition and graphical representation of boards and components is normalized for easy addition of new icon layouts as bitmaps. With its trace and error logging facilities it is possible to find non-specification conform behavior of components. During development, lab evaluation, and deployment, the remote system may be supervised with user notification on changes. For entry level designs, Kontron provides all the components including AMCs, MCHs, offthe-shelf systems and tools. Kontron also provides systems for higher performance in MicroTCA™ and ATCA® and a choice of procesFigure 4 Evaluation System sors and network technology. All components are compliant to AdvancedMC™ and MCH without fabric switch, such as the Kontron However, handling IPMI messages and com- MicroTCA™ standards, so there is a migration AM4901. Figure 4 shows the Kontron OM6060 mands over a command line interface (CLI) path from evaluation systems and entry level requires a deeper level of knowledge and systems to high-end systems and for future entry-level evaluation system. processing platforms. EPDee The Kontron MicroTCA™ platform OM6060 experience by the user. accommodates one MCH (such as the Kontron AM4901), and up to 6 mid-size AMCs. Between adjacent AMCs, the AMC ports 4-7 connect to each other via point-to-point links. In combination with the Kontron AMC processor module AM4120, those links may be used for direct sRIO connectivity (respectively for PCIe to a peripheral card). The Kontron MCH AM4901 provides a GbE switch, which connects to each AMC over AMC ports 0, as well as port 1 on AMC slots 1 and 6. The configuration of AMC slot 1 is prepared to accommodate an extra packet processor, such as the Kontron AdvancedMC™ processor modules AM4210, AM4204 or AM4220. Those AMCs provide 4x GbE on AMC ports 8-11, so when placed into AMC slot 1, they may directly connect to 4 adjacent AMCs (in slots 2 to 5) over GbE. Between AMC slots 5 and 6, there is another direct point-to-point link at AMC ports 8-11, which may be used as fabric link for extra sRIO or 10GbE, if provided by the respective AMCs. Thus, the Kontron MicroTCA™ platform OM6060 represents a versatile and cost effective entry level system for QorIQ designs. The Kontron MicroTCA™ platform OM6060 uses simple point-to-point fabric connectivity for sRIO (or PCIe) fabrics between adjacent AMCs. Thus, the Kontron MicroTCA™ platform OM6060 can be combined with a low cost

ing-up the system; it controls the power, hotswap cycles and fans. Also, IPMI allows monitoring the system, i.e. to check system event logs, monitor the health of the system and to take measures in case of problems.

Figure 5 Graphical Configuration Management Tool for MicroTCA Development Tool While there is a choice of tools for application development depending on the type of application, there is also a need for development tools at system level for configuration. MicroTCA™ systems are managed over IPMI. The MCH is in charge of this type of management: it checks electronic keying before boot-

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

In order to facilitate system configuration over IPMI, Kontron provides with its OMVIU a graphical user interface, which can be installed as a Java application on any type of remote PC or server. The MicroTCA™ configuration management supports an icon based visualization of the system and its states, monitoring and

www.kontron.com Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights by their respective owners and are recognized.

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY NEWS

IAR Embedded Workbench Selected by GainSpan as Primary Development Tool Chain for MCU Drivers and Next Generation Chip IAR Systems® announced that GainSpan, the leader in low power Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi connectivity for the internet of things, has selected IAR Embedded Workbench® for its next generation Wi-Fi chip currently in development, and has standardized on IAR Systems tool chain as the primary development tool in the development and integration of MCU drivers for their Wi-Fi chips and modules. GainSpan offers a range of chip, modules, development kits and software to enable developers to easily add Wi-Fi connectivity to embedded devices for healthcare and fitness, smart energy, home automation and industrial/ commercial control. By standardizing on IAR Systems’ embedded software development tool chain, GainSpan will more easily support a wide range of MCUs to communicate with their modules.

Several drivers have already been developed using IAR Systems tool chain to support, Renesas’ RL78, RX62, V850,78K0/ 78K0R, and popular 8/16-bit and 32-bit ARM® based microcontrollers. Traditionally, module vendors have

3.5 Embedded SBC with Intel Atom E640 and onboard DDR2 1GB Acrosser Technology Co. Ltd, global professional industrial and embedded computer provider, announces the new 3.5” SBC, AR-B6051, which carries the Intel Atom E640 and E620. It supports DDR2

AR-B6051 has completed Acrosser’s SBC product line with a 3.5” small form factor. AR-B6051 has two CPU options, AR-B6051E62 and AR-B6051E64. For entry level, you can choose ARB6051 series. If you wants

memory and capacity is 1GB. It’s the onboard design and it will avoid the risk of vibration and shock issue. Based on embedded concept, AR-B6051 has variety IO like 4 × serial port, 4 × USB, 2 × GbE and Mini-PCIe expansion. It offers the CF socket that embedded customers used to use, 1× SATA interface for the customers have large storage capacity request. There is a Mini-PCIe expansion slot for customer’s expansion. As people know there is rapidly increasing request in wireless request, so Acrosser provides customer the option and customer can use the module directly without other carrier board. AR-B6051 also supports the CAN Bus function that is widely used in the industrial applications.

more CPU computing power and fanless design, you can choose AR-B6050 that is worked by Intel Atom N450 1.6GHz.

had to manually write a myriad of drivers to support each MCU across multiple tool chains. The investment required to port and maintain driver code in this way has restricted market reach by limiting the number of different customers and applications a vendor can support. IAR SYSTEMS www.iar.com/ewv850

Aeroflex and 7Layers collaborate on LTE device verification Aeroflex Incorporated and 7Layers, an international group of engineering and test centers, have joined forces to provide the LTE testing market with a cost-effective test system that assesses the interworking of LTE-capable terminals or chipsets with LTE networks and the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). Based on 7Layers’ InterLab® Test Solution LTE-USIM/USAT in combination with the Aeroflex 7100 Digital Radio Test Set, the new system is a cost-effective and reliable test set-up that is ideally suited for both conformance and R&D test purposes. The Aeroflex 7100 Digital Radio Test Set is an LTE network emulator that provides all the tools required during the design, development and test

stages of UE chipsets and LTE-capable terminals meeting 3GPP Rel-8 & 9 standards. The InterLab Test Solution LTEUSIM/ USAT from 7Layers verifies the interworking of LTE-capable devices with LTE networks for TDD and FDD and the respective USIM and USAT applications on the UICC. It covers 3GPP TS 31.121 and TS 31.124 Rel-8/9 test specifications and is a listed test platform at GCF and PTCRB.

AEROFLEX www.aeroflex.com

Features • Intel Atom E640 1.0GHz / E620 600MHz • Onboard DDR2 1GB • 1 × VGA • 1 × LVDS • 4 × USB2.0 • 1 × SATA • 1 × CF Type II • 4 × COM (3 × RS-232, 1 × RS-232/422/485) • 2 × GbE (Intel 82574L) • 1 × KB/MS • 1 × Mini-PCIe • 1 × CAN Bus • 8-bit GPIO ACROSSER TECHNOLOGY http://global.acrosser.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

ANALOG DESIGN

Cutting carbon emissions and cost in DC-to-DC conversion Moving to full digital control of DC-to-DC converters introduces higher efficiencies and new topologies, as Microchip’s Charlie Ice, Product Marketing Manager and Ramesh Kankanala, Principal Applications Engineer, explain. Soaring energy prices and the need to drive down carbon emissions to safeguard the planet are forcing power-supply manufacturers to find new efficiencies which go far beyond those which are achievable solely through advances in analogue design. In Europe and North America, the regulations governing energy consumption now cover a range of load levels, whilst server farms and other highdemand industries are adding their voices to the call for greater energy efficiency.

This reduction in current makes the full-bridge converter suitable for high power levels, however, the diagonal switches are hard switched, which also results in high turn ON and OFF switching losses. As these losses increase with frequency, they effectively put an upper limit on the frequency of the circuit. This limits the ability of the power-supply engineer to drive greater power efficiency from designs which use hardwired switches.

losses. This is why tackling the complexity of a soft-switching topology can offer the dual benefits of cutting switching losses and increasing power density. The soft-switched PSFB converter topology uses parasitics such as the output capacitance of MOSFETs and IGBTs, and the leakage inductance of transformers, to obtain the resonant transition. This resonance will place zero voltage across the switching devices whilst they turn ON, which effectively eliminates the turn

In response to these demands, power-supply manufacturers are increasingly using full digital control of DC-to-DC converters. A digital solution combines more precise control, with advanced system-management tasks, to deliver higher efficiency and enable the introduction of new functions. In the digital control model, a programmable Digital Signal Controller (DSC) directly generates the PWM signals that control the power stage, in addition to handling tasks, such as data logging, communication and fault reporting. This gives power-supply designers the flexibility to programme advanced control methods into the DSC, and to implement end customers’ data logging and communication standards. The flexibility which is inherent in a DSC also makes it easier to implement the Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge (PSFB) topology which promises greater energy efficiency for DC-to-DC converters in high-frequency designs.

Figure 1 Full-bridge converter Soft-Switched PSFB The latest DSCs give designers the freedom to use higher operating frequencies and to reduce the number of magnetic components and filter capacitors in their power supplies. However, higher frequencies mean higher

ON switching losses. These energy savings are the reason why PSFB converters are used in telecom and server applications, where the density and efficiency of the converter is crucial. Using a DSC to control the PSFB can further improve on this performance.

The phase-shifted full-bridge topology (PSFB) The switch current and primary current of the full-bridge converter are around half that of a half-bridge converter at any given power. Figure 1 shows how a full-bridge converter is configured using four switches: the diagonal switches Q1, Q4 and Q2, Q3 are simultaneously switched ON to provide a full input voltage (VIN) across the primary winding of the transformer. As the diagonal switches are turned ON during each half cycle of the converter, the polarity of the transformer reverses.

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Figure 2 Phase-shifted full-bridge converter

ANALOG DESIGN Conventional PSFB with synchronous MOSFET gate drives Most DC-to-DC converters are designed with isolation transformers to ensure user safety and to comply with safety regulations. Higherrated power supplies are designed with the PSFB topology in the primary side, and a fullwave synchronous rectifier in the secondary side to achieve high efficiency.

MOSFET body diode. These MOSFET body diodes have a high forward drop compared to the ON resistance (Rds(ON)) of the MOSFET, which translates to:

In PSFB converters controlled by the traditional synchronous MOSFET configuration, the MOSFET's Q1, Q3 or Q2, Q4 should be ON. At that time, there is no power transfer from the primary to the secondary and the MOSFET Q5 is still ON.

Overlapping synchronous MOSFET gate-drive signals Losses that occur during the zero state of the transformer’s primary side can be avoided by overlapping the synchronous MOSFETs’ PWM gate drive. This increases the power supply’s efficiency in three ways: First, in a centretapped full-wave rectifier, overlapping the synchronous MOSFETs results in cancellation of flux in the transformer secondary centretapped coils, effectively ensuring no flux linking from secondary to the primary.

The presence of an inductor (Lo) in the secondary side of the converter means that the energy in the output inductor is circulating through the Q5 MOSFET and the transformer (Tx) secondary coil. The current continues to flow through the transformer secondary coils, either through the MOSFET’s channel, or through the MOSFET’s body diodes. Due to reflection of current from the secondary to the primary, circulating current exists during zero states in the primary, resulting in non-energy

(VF * I) >> (I2rms* Rds(on)) Using overlapping gate-drive signals can, however, prevent the higher losses encountered in conventional synchronous gate drives.

The second reason is that two synchronous MOSFETs and two transformer centre-tapped coils conduct simultaneously, rather than the one synchronous MOSFET and one coil of the centre-tapped transformer. Therefore, the

Figure 3 Traditional configuration of synchronous MOSFET gate drives transfer states from the primary to the secondary which causes losses in the converter. These circulating current losses are predominant at voltages which are higher than the rated nominal input voltages. To avoid cross conduction, there is an intentional dead band between the Q5 and Q6 MOSFET gate drives. During this period, neither of the synchronous MOSFETs conducts and the current takes the path of the

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

ward-drop body diode of the MOSFET. By configuring the overlap of the synchronous MOSFET’s PWM gate drive, high secondary currents flow through the MOSFET channel. In this instance, there will be only Rds(ON) losses, which are much less than the losses incurred by the MOSFET body diodes in the dead time. For a system with a telecom input of 36 to 76 VDC, overlapping the synchronous MOSFET gate drive can improve the DC-to-DC converter’s efficiency by around 3% to 4%. The way forward The next generation of power supplies will need to use new topologies and new control techniques to deliver more precise control whilst adding new functionality. A flexible power-supply controller, with completely independent PWM outputs, is the key to implementing techniques, such as overlapping synchronous MOSFETs, which can deliver higher efficiency in DC-to-DC converters. DSCs such as Microchip’s dsPIC® family, are optimised and ready to take DC-to-DC converters to new levels of efficiency, supporting the commercial imperatives and green ambitions imposed by higher energy costs and the need to control carbon emissions. EPDee

Figure 4 Improved efficiency with overlapped synchronous MOSFET gate drivers

secondary current will have only half of the effective resistance and losses are reduced by half compared to when only one synchronous MOSFET is ON. Finally, in the conventional switching methodology, intentional dead time may be around 10% of the switching, during which high secondary current flows through the high for-

www.microchip.com REFERENCES • Microchip Application Note AN1335, “Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge (PSFB) Quarter Brick DC/DC Converter Reference Design Using a dsPIC® DSC.”

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Power Integrations Announces Industry’s First LED-Driver Design for Replacement of 100 W A19 Incandescent Bulbs

Microchip’s Remote Control Demo Board Integrates Graphics, Touch Sensing, USB and Wireless Connectivity

Power Integrations, maker of the world’s most efficient, longest-lasting off-line LED driver ICs, announced an LED-driver reference design for high-power LED bulb replacement. The driver can deliver the power required for a 100 W incandescent bulb replacement in an A19 form factor - an industry first. DER-322 describes a nonisolated, 93% efficient, highpower-factor (PF) LED driver designed to drive a nominal LED string voltage of 78V at 230mA from an input voltage range of 195VAC to 265VAC (47Hz – 63Hz). The LED driver utilizes the very low-profile LNK460VG from the LinkSwitch™-PL family of ICs from Power Integrations. DER-322 fits neatly inside the A19 form factor, is EN61000-3-2 C (D) compliant and easily passes THD limits. With a PF above 0.95, it suits commercial as well as consumer applications. With PFC and

Microchip announces the availability of its Remote Control Demo Board, which integrates graphics, touch sensing, USB, and wireless communications (ZigBee® RF4CE). The board demonstrates a remote control populated with a PIC24FJ256DA210 Microcontroller, 3.5” graphical TFT LCD display with resistive touch screen, capacitive touch keys with plastic overlay, MRF24J40 2.4GHz transceiver and ZENA™ wireless adapter. Many consumer products now feature colourful graphical displays and touch capability. And, RF-based remote controls are becoming more prevalent; as they provide bidirectional communication and work through walls (no line-of-sight communication is required). Microchip’s remote-control demo is in the form factor of a wireless remote control, but it can also be used as a reference design to build any type of application that requires a graphical

CC conversion combined into a single switching stage, the design has a very low component count, which enables miniaturization, lowers cost and increases reliability. It also eliminates short-lived electrolytic input bulk capacitors. Suitable for an A19 incandescent

bulb replacement-driver but also reconfigurable as a T8 tube replacement driver, DER-322 is of interest to designers of both highend LED lighting and those working on cost optimization of bulbs for retail sale. The reference design may be easily modified to support TRIAC dimming. POWER INTEGRATIONS www.powerint.com

Power Integrations Launches Convenient Online Selection Tool for LED Driver Reference Designs Power Integrations launched an online selection tool that enables users to rapidly identify the best power supply reference design for their LED lighting application. The LED Design Selector allows engineers to enter simple selection criteria and provides the best choice from Power Integrations’ library of reference design options for LED lighting. Starting with basic decisions such as application and power level, the LED Design Selector enables users to quickly and easily see the filtered, optimized results. For example, the new LED Design Selector eliminates the laborious

process of screening multiple designs while evaluating the effect of isolated vs. non-isolated topology or power range. After new data are entered, the best

solutions are immediately displayed, enabling the designer to make a rapid and informed choice. POWER INTEGRATIONS www.powerint.com

display, touch sensing, USB and/or wireless capability. The demo is supported by free source code that customers can use to customize for various graphical screens or touch-button scenarios. The MRF24J40 transceiver can be used with the 2.4 GHz RF4CE, ZigBee or MiWi™ protocols, depending upon the wireless needs of the end application. The demo showcases how a vivid colour display application can use a low cost PIC24 MCU with integrated graphics driver, utilizing only the on-chip RAM to eliminate the cost of external memory.

Microchip Technology www.microchip.com/get/4MSM

Microchip simplifies C Compiler line, providing best execution speed and code size for all PIC® MCUs and dsPIC® DSCs Microchip announces its simplified line of C compilers that provide the best execution speed and code size for all ~900 PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The MPLAB® XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity for 8-, 16- and 32-bit designers, with three cost-effective optimisation levels: Free, Standard and Pro. In addition, MPLAB XC provides support for the Linux, Mac OS® and Windows® operating systems, enabling designers to use their platform of choice for embedded development. Another important consideration for today’s designers is the ability to re-use their code and easily migrate to the level of microcontroller performance and features that best suits the needs of each project. These have always been strengths for Microchip, and

MPLAB XC continues that tradition by making it easy to move code from any of Microchip’s existing compilers. Additionally, MPLAB XC completes Microchip’s tool-chain of compatible compilers and debugger/programmers that operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform and open-source MPLAB® X integrated development environment, to reduce both learning curves and tool investments. MPLAB XC compilers are also compatible with the legacy MPLAB IDE.

Microchip Technology www.microchip.com/get/E1C4

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

ANALOG DESIGN

Sensorless brushless DC motor control for everyone Microchip’s new Motor Control Starter Kit (MCSK) smashes the sensorless BLDC control cost barrier Cost is king, green energy is in, and electric motors continue to find new places in our lives. Amongst the plethora of motor varieties, the brushless DC (BLDC) motor stands tall and continues to dominate the market. Known for their long life, quiet operation, straightforward control requirements, and most importantly, low cost BLDC motors can be found everywhere and their uses continue to grow. A BLDC motor eliminates the brushes that cause a brushed DC motor to have a shortened lifespan. By eliminating the brushes, a BLDC motor must be actively controlled in order to commutate. Typically a BLDC motor controller uses hall sensors to detect the rotor position and knows when to commutate. These sensors introduce both cost and points of failure. Using a more advanced control algorithm coupled with a more advanced controller, it is possible to eliminate the sensors completely. In the past this required expensive controllers and expensive hardware to prototype and develop the sensorless algorithm. Microchip is changing all of that with the new motor control starter kit (MCSK) and the ultra low cost dsPIC33FJ16MC102 Digital Signal Controller (DSC). Learning any new technology is best done by working with that technology. The best way to learn sensorless BLDC motor control is to experiment with a BLDC motor. Microchip’s MCSK allows just that. The starter kit includes everything needed to experiment with BLDC motor control right on the board including the motor! A single 9V power supply brings the board to life and the built in USB de bugger/programmer enables it to easily be connected to a Microchip MPLAB IDE for easy programming and debugging. The board uses a very common 3 phase discrete driver circuit. When working with any board, the ability to see important signals with a scope is extremely useful. The MCSK includes probe points for all three of the motor’s phase voltages and every high side and low side PWM signal. Finally, the dsPIC33FJ16MC102 is the first dsPIC with capacitive touch sensing capabilities. To take advantage of this, the MCSK has a built in capacitive touch slider for control14 EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

ling the motor speed. Of course all of this hardware is useless without software. See Figure 1 for a picture of the MCSK board. The MCSK includes a detailed application note on sensorless BLDC operation and the complete source code for the sensorless BLDC control and capacitive touch sensing. With the motor driver hardware, motor control software, programmer and the BLDC motor built right onto the board, the MCSK is truly an all in one sensorless BLDC development platform. Controlling a BLDC motor without sensors requires knowing how the BLDC motor itself works. BLDC motors have three phases which energize different windings within the motor. A permanent magnet on the rotor aligns itself to whichever phase is energized. Switching the phases on and off in a specific order at the correct time causes the rotor to spin. This is where the sensors typically come into play. The sensors

on a BLDC motor show the controller the rotor’s position and hence which phase to turn on and which phase to turn off. In a sensorless system, the controller senses the back EMF voltages from the non energized motor phases and uses this information to determine when to switch the phases on and off. The back EMF for one of the phases of a BLDC motor is a trapezoidal waveform with the high and low peaks being Vbus+ and Vbus , respectively. The three phases are all 120° out of phase from one another and when the motor rotates, only two of three phases are energized. Whenever one of the motor phases crosses the zero point between Vbus+ and Vbus the controller needs to commutate, or switch which phases are turned on or off. This relates directly to the position of the rotor, so with a sensor, the controller knows exactly when the motor needs to commutate. See Figure 2. To eliminate the sensor,

Figure 1 Motor Control starter kit MCSK board Part number: DM330015

the controller must sense the back EMF of each phase to detect a zero crossing and know when to commutate. Because the back EMF varies with the motor’s rotational speed, sensorless control does not work well for low speed motors where the back Figure 2

EMF is very small. A Digital Signal Controller (DSC), such as the dsPIC, has a very accurate A/D converter capable of sensing the back EMF of each winding. The samples of the back EMF signals needs to be filtered in order to avoid noise from the phase switching on and off providing a false zero cross point. The DSC employs a majority detect algorithm and a digital filter to accurately read the back EMF signals. With the back EMF from each phase accurately sampled, the DSC can accurately detect the zero crossing and commutate the motor. Microchip’s app note AN1160, included with the MCSK, describes BLDC operation and the sensorless algorithm in detail. Another advanced sensorless motor control algorithm is Field Oriented Control (FOC), which uses detailed knowledge of the motor’s properties and a series of mathematical transforms to

ANALOG

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

DESIGN

INDUSTRY NEWS

estimate the rotor’s angle and know when to commutate. FOC can make the motor more efficient and generate better torque response, however it is a more complicated algorithm and thus requires a more expensive dsPIC DSC with higher MIPS capability. For the majority of BLDC motor applications, the back EMF sensorless method is more than adequate and cannot justify the additional cost to implement FOC. Sensorless BLDC motor control reduces board complexity, improves reliability and reduces system cost. The MCSK from Microchip brings a unique sensorless BLDC solution to the market. With the motor built right onto the board, experimenting with the kit requires virtually no setup other than connecting power and the USB cable to a PC. The motor control software running on the kit follows very standard BLDC control methodologies, making it an excellent starting point for a real BLDC motor system. With test points on all of the important signals, the board greatly simplifies development and experimentation. The touch sensing slider input provides an easy way to learn how to integrate touch sensing into a product. Finally, the dsPIC33FJ16MC102 offers a 16MIPS DSC at groundbreaking low prices, perfect for a low cost BLDC system. n

To get your BLDC project stared, purchase a Microchip dsPIC Motor Control Starter Kit (MCSK) from Farnell at www.farnell.com/microchip. Join our group to discuss more about motor control at element14.com/groups/motor_control 1. Microchip dsPIC33FJ16MC102 DSC (U4) 2. Motor connector ( J5) 3. 9V power connector ( J3) 4. 3 phase inverter 5. BLDC motor 6. BEMF feedback 7. Current feedback 8. Push button (S1) 9. Power LED (D4) 10. Programmer/debugger power LED (D2) 11. Capacitive slider 12. User LEDs (D5, D6, D7) www.element14.com

IR Introduces AUIRGDC0250 1200V Soft Switching IGBT for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Applications International Rectifier has launched the AUIRGDC0250, an automotive-qualified IGBT optimized for soft switching applications such as Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater applications used in electric and hybrid vehicles. Available in a compact Super TO-220 package, the 1200V AUIRGDC0250 features low VCE(on) to reduce power dissipation and achieve higher power density, positive VCE(on) temperature coefficient making the device well suited for paralleling, and optimized square reverse bias safe operating area (RBSOA). The soft switching nature of the AUIRGDC0250 makes it ideal for helping adhere to system level EMI regulations. The low conduction losses of the AUIRGDC0250 make it well suited for relay replacement sockets including PTC heater applications while its

Super TO-220 package enables customers to meet electrical creepage requirements. IR’s automotive IGBTs are subject to dynamic and static part average testing combined with 100 percent automated wafer level visual inspection as part of IR’s automotive quality initiative target-

ing zero defects. The new devices are all environmentally friendly and assembled with IR’s automotive grade bill of materials which are lead-free and RoHS compliant. International Rectifier www.irf.com

IR’s highly integrated AUIR3240S Boost Converter for Stop-Start Applications helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% International Rectifier has today introduced the automotive-qualified AUIR3240S battery power switch for the combustionengine shut-off and restart function (Stop-Start system) that can help reduce fuel consumption in automotive vehicles by up to 15 percent. The AUIR3240S is a highly integrated boost converter designed specifically for the Stop-Start system that halts the engine when a vehicle is stopped in traffic. This system requires a “board net stabilizer” using a power switch that disconnects the starter and main battery from the auxiliary electrical systems during engine start. The AUIR3240S is capable of driving several MOSFETs in parallel to achieve very low on-state resistance (Rds(on)) with current consumption below 50μA. The new

device provides 15 V on the output with a wide input voltage (4-36 V). The AUIR3240S also features diagnostic on the output current and a thermal sensor interface for very robust designs. The AUIR3240S is qualified according to AEC-Q100 stan-

dards, features an environmentally friendly, lead-free and RoHS compliant bill of materials, and is part of IR’s automotive quality initiative targeting zero defects. International Rectifier www.irf.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

MCUs DESIGN

Selecting a 32-bit Microcontroller That Makes the Developer’s Job Easier Traditionally, the key factor in selecting a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) has been the choice of central processing units (i.e., the core CPU). Until recently, 32-bit MCUs were based on a variety of cores including, in some cases, proprietary architectures; as a result, embedded designers either had to stick with one core or significantly increase their development time to learn new hardware intricacies and port existing software code. by Shahram Tadayon, Microcontroller Marketing Manager, Silicon Labs Over the last few years, the emergence of ARM Cortex cores in MCU products has changed the embedded landscape. Developers are migrating from proprietary 32bit cores to MCUs based on ARM Cortex processors, so they are no longer locked into a single provider for their MCUs. A large and growing ecosystem has developed around ARM processorbased MCUs including third-party tools for compilers, real-time operating systems, software stacks, LCD graphics and more. Most major MCU suppliers now have an ARM processor-based offering, making the ARM Cortex core the de-facto 32-bit MCU standard. Selecting a 32-bit MCU based on a standard core opens the door to more options than ever before. Therefore, choosing the right MCU for a given application can be a difficult task with many variables to consider. First, designers must narrow the potential number of MCU choices based on a variety of “checkbox” items, such as memory size, number of input and output pins, and communication interfaces. It is very likely that multiple suppliers of ARM processor-based MCUs will meet the basic requirements list. Therefore, developers will need to refine their selection by focusing on other important factors, such as mixed-signal integration, configurability, power consumption and ease of development. Selecting a 32-bit MCU that integrates commonly used components will help the developer reduce overall system cost, design complexity and development

time. For example, Silicon Labs’ Precision32™ mixed-signal MCUs are engineered to provide a number of integrated features not typically found in other MCUs, such as a USB oscillator, 5V regulator, six programmable high-drive pins that can provide up to 300mA of current and 16 capacitive sensing input channels for touch buttons or sliders. This high level of integration helps to eliminate the need for multiple discrete components and provides a more flexible power domain, thereby reducing the bill of materials (BOM) and simplifying the development process.

ered by a motor (see Figure 1). This light illuminates the barcode, and the image is then captured by a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor. The CCD sensor is a camera that captures one line of pixels at a time, e.g., 1 × 1024 pixels. The analog light levels are shifted out and captured by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Having an MCU that can supply high current eliminates the need for power transistors used to drive the laser and motor. Choosing an MCU that is designed to provide an interface with the CCD sensor for clock synchronization can make a designer’s job easier, as well.

designs to provide the input voltage for the sensor, and a 3.3V input voltage is needed for the MCU and other components. In this barcode example, the Precision32 SiM3U1×× USB MCUs can drive a synchronized clock to the sensor, easily keep up with the fast CCD sampling rate and provide a 3.3 to 5V dc-dc boost controller to power the sensor, further reducing the number of components in the system. Furthermore, in USB powered scanners, the Precision32 MCUs have a built-in voltage regulator to run the MCU directly off of USB power and an internal

Figure 1 Barcode Scanner Design Benefits from Highly Integrated MCUs To illustrate the benefits of using a highly-integrated mixed-signal MCU, let’s examine a typical barcode scanner application. To read a barcode, the scanner shines a laser at an oscillating mirror pow-

16 EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

For the optimal results, the MCU’s ADC should be able to keep pace with the fast rate of the CCD camera (typically >1 MSPS). For 5V CCD sensors, a power management IC is also necessary in most

48MHz oscillator with an innovative clock recovery circuit that locks to the USB signal, providing better than 0.25 percent accuracy and allowing for crystal-less USB operation. Other integration in

MCUs DESIGN barcode scanners can include directly driving a buzzer to alert the user when a successful scan has been made, capacitive touch buttons to replace mechanical buttons and HW encryption for wireless scanners that need to send data securely. Another important design consideration is the flexibility to accommodate change quickly and easily without driving up development cost. To speed development, designers often start with a previous project and modify the setting to fit the new requirements. However, to effectively repurpose the design, it is important to be able to choose and modify the MCU peripherals used and their placement. Most MCUs provide a preset location for peripherals with a fixed alternate selection. The preset pinout often leads to pin conflicts, forcing developers to change their design or move to a larger, more expensive package. An alternative dual-crossbar MCU architecture patented by Silicon Labs (shown in Figure 2) gives developers greater flexibility by enabling them to first select the peripherals needed and then choose the pin placement for them. Having the ability to “cherry-pick” only the required peripherals often enables smaller, more costeffective packaging options. For example, in a communications hub that required four UARTs with flow control (16 pins) and two SPIs (6 pins), a developer should be able to select an MCU with slightly more than 22 I/Os. However, using the standard fixed-architecture, four UARTs and three SPIs would necessitate a 64-pin or even a 100-pin package to achieve the precise peripheral mix. Using a flexible, configurable crossbar technology, the developer could easily fit this peripheral mix into a 40-pin package with several I/Os to spare. In addition, by optimizing the peripheral location, developers can place peripherals close to their connecting circuits, enabling shorter routes and potentially reducing the number of PCB layers needed for the design. Best of all, last-minute design changes can easily be accommodated in software. For example, if the communication hub required another IC with an SPI interface, that’s no problem. A third SPI port

can easily be added in the same footprint simply by modifying the software. Given the benefits of a flexible crossbar architecture, are there any downsides to using an MCU with a highly-configurable crossbar? Some developers are concerned that a crossbar architecture may be complex to program. Silicon Labs has addressed this concern by creating AppBuilder, a free software development tool

wide variety of embedded applications. With today’s emphasis on “going green” and minimizing energy consumption, designers must pay close attention to their total power budget. There are various methods of significantly reducing energy. The most effective method depends on the end application. For example, with a blood glucose monitor, the patient only uses the device a handful of times throughout the day. The vast

tem, it is important to have a lowpower sleep mode that includes a real-time clock (RTC) to wake up at a regulator internal, such as every 100 microseconds. It is also important to have a fast wake-up time and a processor to quickly run the fixed number of commands to determine if an event is happening. Some applications, such as equipment on a factory line, never go to sleep. In these applications, hav-

majority of the time, the device is in a deep sleep mode. Therefore, in this application, it is most important to minimize the power consumption in sleep modes. A sensor node device, on the other hand, must constantly be monitoring for an event to happen. If it is constantly monitoring for an event, it must always be in active mode, right? Not really! The sensor node can be in sleep

ing an MCU with low-power active current is very important. In addition, there are other tricks that can be employed to save power, such as reducing the frequency rate on-the-fly to use only the processing speed needed for a given task. It can be challenging to find a 32-bit MCU that excels in ultra-low power in sleep mode, active mode, wake-up time and on-the-fly frequency changes.

Figure 2 Flexible Dual-Crossbar Architecture Used in Precision32 MCUs

designed to simplify initialization and configuration. The GUIbased AppBuilder tool enables developers to quickly and graphically choose their peripheral mix, select peripheral properties, set up clocking modes and customize pinouts, all without having to read the data sheet. AppBuilder even generates source code that can be used with popular compilers, such as Keil, IAR and GCC.

Figure 3 Precision32 MCUs Engineered for Ultra-Low Power in All Modes A final important consideration in selecting a 32-bit MCU is power efficiency. In fact, ultra-low power has become a critical concern in a

mode, wake up quickly, determine if an event, such as detecting smoke, is happening, and then go back to sleep. In this type of sys-

The Precision32 MCU family addresses these challenges by providing several low-power options, as shown in Figure 3.

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS The MCUs can operate below 100nA and include a brown out detector and 4kB of RAM retention. The real-time clock can be enabled for an additional 250nA of current. There is an analog comparator option for an additional 400 nA and even a low-power timer and pulse counter. The MCUs can wake up from lowpower sleep mode in microseconds. In addition, the Precision32 MCUs have a very low active mode of 275μA/MHz, and they feature a sophisticated PLL that can lock to any frequency from 1 - 80MHz, enabling the developer to optimize power for the task at hand. At a time when many major MCU suppliers have families of 32-bit devices using the same core with similar memory sizes and large numbers of I/Os and serial peripherals, it is easy for a designer to think that the choice of MCUs in an embedded design doesn’t really matter. However, by selecting the right MCU for a given design, developers can significantly reduce development time, power consumption and total system cost while gaining the flexibility to make last-minute changes without a major system redesign. In short, it makes sense to choose a 32-bit MCU with a flexible architecture engineered from the ground up to make the developer’s job easier. n www.silabs.com Shahram Tadayon MCU Product Marketing Manager, Silicon Laboratories Inc. Shahram Tadayon is an MCU product marketing manager for Silicon Laboratories’ Embedded MixedSignal business. Mr. Tadayon joined Silicon Labs in 2002 as a product marketing manager for the ISOmodem product line, and he has also served as a product marketing manager in the company’s AM/FM receiver product line. Previously, Mr. Tadayon held design positions at Hewlett-Packard, focusing on circuit design. Mr. Tadayon holds a master's and bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

18 EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Silicon Labs Simplifies Power over Ethernet Deployment for Residential Gateways and surveillance Systems Silicon Laboratories Inc. introduced a single-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) controller that brings economical “plug-andplay” simplicity to embedded power sourcing equipment (PSE) designs. The new Si3462 controller eases the development of PSE endpoints such as residential gateways, set-top boxes, fiber-optic media converters, and surveillance and security systems that connect to a wide variety of powered devices including VoIP phones, security cameras, keypads, network attached storage and WiFi

access points. Powered devices (PD) continue to proliferate in small office/home office (SOHO) and small-to-medium business (SMB) markets, driving the need for easy-to-use singleport embedded PoE/PoE+ PSE solutions to enable these end devices. With the rising popularity of the higher power IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard and the need to support PD applications that consume

up to 30 watts, developers require PSE controllers that offer flexible power measurement and monitoring capabilities, standards-compliance and no interoperability hassles.

SILICON LABORATORIES www.silabs.com/pr/PoE

Dialog Semiconductor extends GREEN VoIP IC FAMILY TO ADDRESS high end PHONES Dialog Semiconductor plc (announced a high performance VoIP phone chipset, the SC14453. The single chip processor enters Dialog’s VoIP portfolio as its flagship product and integrates hardware blocks for best-in-class audio, security and graphics functionality. The SC14453 has been created for mid and high end desktop phones and extends Dialog’s portfolio - alongside Dialog’s SC14452 and SC14461 - of award winning Green VoIP ICs, which now contains devices to support entry level through to high end designs. The onboard multicore VoIP processor delivers 590MIPS of computa-

tional power with industryleading power consumption figures, and integrates stereo analogue codecs and a stereo Class D amplifier with 48kHz support, which along with Dialog’s acoustic echo cancellation and active noise reduction, combine to give bestin-class audio quality for crystal clear voice conversation. The SC14453’s advanced audio DSPs and its symmetric / asymmetric cryptography accelerator can manage 8 simultaneous

SRTP-secured IP calls, and its powerful graphic engine and LCD controller enable the output of fluid graphic user interfaces onto SVGA (800×600) touchscreen LCD displays.

DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR www.dialog-semiconductor.com

Atmel’s maXTouch Controllers Enable Touch Capabilities for In-Car Control Systems Atmel® Corporation announced the availability of its maXTouch® family for 5" to 10" automotive touchscreens and touchpads used in center stack displays, navigation systems, radio human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and rear-seat entertainment systems. With these new automotive-qualified devices, Atmel strengthens its position as a market-leading touch supplier and extends its range of supported maXTouch applications from consumer and industrial into automotive. The new automotive-qualified

maXTouch devices include the mXT768E and the mXT540E, which are part of a family known for its superior performance and rich feature set. This family offers unlimited touch identification, fast response time, exacting precision, robust operation and low power con-

automotive-qualified (Grade 2, AEC-Q100-compliant), supporting a temperature range of -40 up to +105 degree Celsius. The high signal-to-noise ratio of 80:1 in automotive-qualified maXTouch devices makes them ideally suited for very noisy environments.

sumption. The mXT768E and mXT540E devices are fully

ATMEL www.atmel.com

LIGHTING INDUSTRY NEWS

Vishay Intertechnology Releases New 1 W White LEDs in Little Star® Package in Cool, Neutral, and Warm White Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. expanded its Little Star® family of SMD power LEDs with a new series of 1 W cool, neutral, and warm white devices that utilize nitride phosphor for enhanced color stability over temperature. Combining extraordinarily high brightness with a compact package outline, the VLMW712××× LEDs offer a low thermal resistance of 10K/W and high luminous intensity for a wide range of applications. Featuring an SMD power package with a compact 6.0mm by 6.0mm footprint and ultra-low profile of 1.5mm, Vishay's new Little Star LEDs are among the most robust and light-efficient products on the market. The devices are designed for a high current drive of up to 350mA, and offer extremely bright luminous intensity to 33,500mcd typical and a

typical luminous flux from 67.2lm to 113.6lm. With their high brightness and low profile, VLMW712××× series LEDs are suitable for conventional lighting and specialized applications. Typical end products will include traffic sig-

nal lights, architectural lighting, tube lights, indoor and outdoor video and advertising lighting, garden lights, and general lighting; and indicator and backlighting for audio equipment and household appliances such as microwaves. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

Now at Rutronik: Temperature stable Oslon SSL LED from OSRAM Opto Semicunductors With the new generation of Oslon SSL LEDs from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Rutronik presents a particularly temperature stable light source. The LED provides a luminous flux of typically 98lm in warm white (3,000K), with an operating current of 350mA at an application temperature of 85°C in the chip. With its typical luminous efficacy of 96lm/W it is among the most efficient 1 mm²Chip-LEDs presently to be found on the market. The combination of higher luminous flux and reduced forward voltage of 3.1V of the new Oslon SSL equals an efficiency increase of approximately 25%, when compared with the previous generation. For manufacturers of lighting solutions, this makes luminaire development much easier: a smaller number of LEDs attains the same luminous

flux, as well as the same efficiency as before. The higher temperature stability of its luminous flux, even when operating under “hot” application conditions, significantly simplifies thermal man-

agement. The new Osram Oslon SSL LEDs are available in the light color “warm white” (3,000K), suitable for interior lighting (type EC), for instance in downlights, as well as in “cold white” (5,000K), for use in exterior lighting (type PC). RUTRONIK www.rutronik.com

Citizen power LEDs CL-L340 is a new series of power LEDs manufactured by Citizen – a Japanese manufacturer of high quality power LEDs. The CL-L430 series LEDs are designed to operate in applications where it is required to have high value

the efficiency of those circuits exceeds the value of 100lm/W. The efficiency of this level is not an impressive result for a 1W LED, however, in case of a 41W LED, when the efficiency decreases with the power increase, that value is sensa-

luminous flux with the immediate high efficiency and minimization of occupied spaced, e.g. in case of manufacturing LED – based lamps. The series constitutes of LEDs with the power of 41W and the luminous flux of 4400lm. This is a very high value, especially when taking into consideration led’s dimensions – 28,5 × 28 × 5 × 1.4mm. As it can be seen,

tional. Those optoelectronic elements have an additional advantage, which is very low thermal resistance reaching the value of up to 1°C/W. This series includes warm as well as cold white LEDs. Thanks to this, this series of LED can be used both indoors and outdoors. Transfer Multisort Elektronik www.tme.eu

Citizen LED modules Citizen LED CL-L103 modules are a very interesting product in the optoelectronics market. They are manufactured in two series: with the power of 3W and 6W. The luminous flux of those modules oscillates within the range of 250lm for elements with the power of 3W and 475lm for elements with the power of 6W. Modules with the higher colour temperature reach the luminous flux of: 380lm -3W and 720lm – 6W. The lower the colour temperature (the colour of light is warmer) the lower the level of luminescence. Modules are manufactured in rectangular encapsulations of 50 × 7 × 1,35mm in size. Thanks to such a small dimension, their implementation is very simple. Those modules are designed to be supplied with the following current: 350mA and

700mA, respectively. Thanks to this, they can be supplied with standard power supplies operating as current source.

The CL-L103 modules are manufactured with the CRI coefficient from 65 to 90. Modules with the highest CRI value are designed for internal applications where the level of colour rendering is of high importance (illumination of museum exhibitions, paintings etc.). Transfer Multisort Elektronik www.tme.eu

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee 19

PCB-Design TRAINING

EAGLE Version 6 Create a project and start drawing the schematic In this issue of our EAGLE series we want to create our first project and start drawing a schematic. Expand the “Projects“ branch of the tree view in the EAGLE Control Panel. Some example projects are available there. The yellow icons represent simple directories, the red colored icons are so-called project folders. Click onto the Projects entry with the right mouse button now. The context menu opens and shows the entry “New Project“. Type in a project name of your own and confirm with the Enter key.

You may want to add a description for the project. Therefore do a right-click onto the project folder entry and select Edit Description. Enter your descriptive text in the bottom part of the window. The

Next step is to create a new schematic. Therefore do a right mouse click onto the project entry in the treeview and select New.../Schematic. The Schematic Editor window appears.

opens. Scroll down the list and look for frames. Expand the frames entry and choose one of the frames. After OK the frame can be placed in the schematic. Fix it with a mouse click at the

Control Panel Control Panel

Schematic-add.png

Control Panel Now EAGLE creates a new folder with the project's name. It already contains a file named eagle.epf which will store all the settings you will make while working with the project. Right of the project folder's name there you will notice a green marker that indicates the project as active.

part above shows a preview of it. It is allowed to use HTML tags for formatting the text. It is also possible to add links to images or web locations, as shown in the image. The supported HTML tags are described in the EAGLE help function (Help menu, General help, Search for: HTML).

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Our first action will be to place a drawing frame, which can be found in Frames.lbr. Use the ADD icon in order to place components or frames in the schematic. The ADD icon can be found on the left side in the icon toolbar. Click onto the icon and a window with all the libraries available

coordinates origin. Now go on and try adding further parts. Rcl.lbr, for example, contains resistors, capacitors and inductors. Try out the search function as well. Next time I will tell you more about drawing the schematic. n www.farnell.com

High-speed optocouplers with high isolation voltage and extended operating temperature range MSC now offers two new highspeed optocouplers, the PS9123 and the PS9324, from Renesas Electronics. The new optocouplers feature a high communication bandwidth of 10 Mbit/s, a maximum isolation voltage of 5 kVrms and an extended operating temperature range from -40°C to +100°C for the PS9123 series and up to 110°C for the PS9324 series. The PS9324 series has an open collector output and the maximum propagation delay time is specified as 75 ns at 25°C. The PS9123 series comes with a totem pole output, offering shorter propagation delay times as low as 65 ns at 25°C. The maximum pulse width distortion |tPHL tPLH| is less than 35 ns for the PS9324 series and less than 50 ns for the PS9123 series. Furthermore, for operation in noisy industrial envi-

ronments, the new high-performance optocouplers have an internal shield providing a commonmode transient immunity (CMTI) of minimum 15 kV/μs and typical values of 20 kV/μs. The PS9324 optocouplers come in a small 6pin shrink dual inline package (SDIP). The small package reduces the mounting space by 50 percent compared to a conventional 8-pin DIP package while guaranteeing a maximum isolation voltage of 5 kVrms and achieving a minimum creepage current distance of 8 mm (PS9324L2).

simplicITy computers launch the HOMEKEY a memory stick which transforms PC’s for less than £70, making them so easy to use that the system can justifiably claim to be revolutionary. MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

Data logger for temperature, relative humidity and dew point Electronic Assembly can supply a data logger to monitor and record ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point. The EA SYLOG-USB-2 is ideal for applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry, transportation and logistics and general laboratory use. The device can simply be inserted into a PC USB port for fast, uncomplicated analysis of the data which has been logged. Drivers for current versions of Windows are provided. The EA SYLOG-USB-2 captures temperature and relative humidity data simultaneously and can store up to 16,382 readings. It also calculates the dew point for each reading. The data logging intervals can be in the range between 10 seconds and 12 hours and are user selectable. The date and time when logging starts can also be pre-programmed. Software is supplied

A revolution in simple computing

for displaying the results on the computer screen in graphics format. The graphs can also be formatted for printing. The data can be converted into a variety of standard formats and exported for further processing. Colored LED indicators display the current device status. The LEDs also indicate whether pre-set minimum or maximum temperature thresholds have been exceeded, which is important to verify the integrity of the cooling chain in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY www.lcd-module.com

The HOMEKEY is aimed at the 8.5 million people in the UK who have never used a computer or have given up trying. They find conventional software too complicated and computers too expensive. The HOMEKEY overcomes both of these obstacles. Memory sticks are conventionally used to store data. simplicITy computers has done something very different with them. They have loaded a USB key with their own easy to use software, the simplicity ENVELOPE, and built in video tutorials presented by Valerie Singleton. What makes the development of the HOMEKEY so unusual is that it has been designed specifically to be used in just about any existing PC. It can provide a way to reuse many of the millions of computers that end up on the scrap heap each year. The HOMEKEY makes it possible to give these machines a second life, saving on the cost of computing and reducing the cost of waste. Retailing at £69.95 the simple to use software combined with recycled machines can cut the price of a computer massively

making it possible to get the majority of that 8.5 million on to a computer. This is hugely important if the Government’s ambition to get everyone online is to be achieved. Now children and grandchildren can pass on their used computers to loved ones knowing that with a HOMEKEY they will be able to master the computer quickly. It will also benefit anyone living in residential care, social, sheltered or supported housing, enhancing their independence and reducing their isolation. Even children having difficulty with computers can use the HOMEKEY. As Valerie Singleton, celebrated broadcaster and a founding director of simplicITy says: “It’s a major disadvantage not being able to use a computer or the internet, but with the HOMEKEY, a complete beginner – or someone who has given up because normal PC’s are too complicated – could be sending an email or exploring the web in less than an hour.” SIMPLICITY COMPUTERS www.simplicitycomputers.co.uk

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY NEWS

Universal Debug Engine 3.3 now also available for Freescale MPC57xx and STMicroelectronics SPC57x families of MCUs As a result of the early and close cooperation with Freescale and STMicroelectronics, PLS Programmierbare Logik & Systeme, as authorized tool partner, now offers Version 3.3 of its Universal Debug Engine (UDE). The UDE 3.3 is a sophisticated and proven test and debug solution for the new Freescale MPC57×× family of Qorivva automotive multicore microcontrollers (MCUs) and the STMicroelectronics SPC57× family MCUs. The UDE 3.3, which is not only suitable for the development and test phases but also for future field maintenance work, allows users, among other things, management and control of the three integrated Power Architecture e200 cores within one user interface. Individual cores or the entire device can be selected as debug target. This is

supported by a flexible multicore program loader that enables the loading of program code and data as well as symbol information separately for each

core. Management of the cores is carried out by a multicore run control manager, which permits a definition of core groups. Therefore, a very flexible control of the run-time behavior of the complex architecture at C/C++ level is possible. PLS PROGRAMMIERBARE LOGIK & SYSTEME www.pls mc.com

MSC presents second generation Qseven Reference Platform MSC Vertriebs GmbH presents the second generation Qseven™ reference platform MSC Q7-MBRP2 for the test and qualification of innovative Qseven™ modules. The new platform is readyto-use to confirm the modules’ compatibility to the latest version (1.20) of the Qseven™ specification. The Qseven™ reference platform MSC Q7-MBRP2 offers the signals of the easily mounted 70 × 70mm compact Qseven™ module on appropriate standard interface connectors. For the first time, there is a CAN transceiver with a 5-pin header for the CAN bus defined in the Qseven™ specification 1.20. The implemented EDGE connector ensures access to the HD audio codec AC97 signals. There is also a header for MFG signals. Besides four PCI Express™ ×1 slots, the reference platform has

a mini PCI Express™ & ExpressCard slot for system enhancement and a MMC/SD card socket. Additionally, an ADD2 slot for SDVO/DP/HDMI, two SATA connectors and 2 ×

Super I/O (Winbond/SMSC) are integrated. For the connection of a display, the platform provides LVDS via a JILI30 connector. The variety of options is completed by up to eight USB 2.0 ports, an RJ45 connector for LAN, COM1/COM2 and LPT interfaces. MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

22 EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Compact second-generation NanoServer® with the powerful Intel® Core™ processor DSM Computer presented with the N1-QM67 embedded system its first member of the secondgeneration NanoServer® family at the embedded world trade show. The high-performance industrial computer integrates an Intel® Core™ processor of the second generation and the energy-saving Intel® QM67 mobile chip set. The N1QM67 so provides high performance while offering optimized energy efficiency compared with the previously available NanoServer® models. The compact IPC N1-QM67 box with the dimensions 204 × 226 × 79mm provides a free PCI Express™ ×16 slot for expansion with a graphic card or a frame-grabber. This makes the system also ideal for demanding image-processing tasks. A short Mini PCI Express™ ×1 slot is also available internally. The DVI-I, DVI-D and HDMI interfaces allow the connection of high-resolution displays that supply three independent images to three separate monitors. In addition to the

standard variant that integrates an Intel® Core™ i5-2510E processor with two cores, the NanoServer® N1-QM67 can optionally be supplied in further variants with Intel® Core™ i72710QE (four cores) or Intel® Core™ i3-2330E (two cores). As

low-cost model, the embedded system can optionally be equipped with an Intel® Celeron™ G810 processor. The two Intel® Core™ i5-2510E and i7-2710QE CPUs integrate the Intel® Turbo Boost technology with which the processor is automatically overclocked for applications that use just one core. DSM COMPUTER www.dsm-computer.com

High-performance box IPC with Intel® QM57 chipset for installation in a control cabinet DSM Computer's new Galaxy® G4-QM57 control cabinet PC integrates the Intel® Core™ i5520M processor clocked with 2.4GHz, and the Intel® QM57 chipset. In addition to the standard version, a higher-performance model with the Intel® Core™ i7-620M (2.66GHz) and a lower-cost system with the Intel® Celeron™ P4500 Dual Core CPU are available as options. The fast, standard 4GB DDR3 RAM main memory (800/1066MHz) can be expanded to a maximum capacity of 8GB. The robust Galaxy® G4QM57 is designed specially for the harsh industrial environment. Thanks to its compact size of 149 × 260 × 280mm, the computer can be installed flexibly in a control cabinet. To permit the fast access to all components, the drive bay and the connections are located on the front side of the industrial housing. Two 8-cm

temperature-controlled system fans ensure the optimum ventilation of the housing, irrespective of the positioning of the control cabinet. The operating temperature range is 0° to +45°C. To expand the system with short, commercially-available supple-

mentary modules, e.g. for CAN bus and other fieldbus cards, or with customer-specific controller cards, the control cabinet PC provides three free PCI slots and one PCI Express™ ×1 slot. DSM COMPUTER www.dsm-computer.com

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY NEWS

12 new RX631 MCUs in 48- and 64-pin packages

Texas Instruments unveils clock buffers with ultra-low noise floor and additive jitter

MSC now offers 12 new high-performance RX631 microcontrollers (MCUs) in 64- and 48-pin packages from Renesas Electronics. The new devices are particularly suited for compact and cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications. The MCUs are provided with 256KB, 384KB or 512KB flash memory and achieve up to 165 DMIPS processing power at 100MHz operation. At the same time, the new MCUs offer users a wide range of communication, timer and analog peripherals including USB 2.0 full-speed channel (Host, Device and OTG), CAN interface, 12 A/D converter channels, a 10-bit D/A converter and a real-time clock (RTC). Furthermore, the RX631 derivatives that come in a 64-pin LQFP package, provide a six-channel multi-function timer pulse unit 2 (MTU2) with complementary sixphase PWM, a six-channel timer pulse unit (TPU), a four-channel compare match timer (CMT), a four-channel timer (TMR) and

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) expanded its high-performance clock buffer portfolio with the introduction of two new universal clock buffer families. The CDCLVC1310 LVCMOS clock buffer delivers an industry-leading phase noise floor of –169 dBc/Hz in crystal mode. The LMK00101/05 complements the family with flexible output voltage level configurations. The LMK00301/04/06/08 differential-ended family offers ultralow additive jitter of 51 femtoseconds (fs). In response to today’s communications systems moving to higher data rates that demand stringent system jitter budgets, these devices deliver the lowest jitter, skew, and built-in signallevel translators. These new families support applications like networking and data communications, medical imaging, test and measurement, and radar.

dual watchdog timers. The RX631 derivatives also feature numerous serial data communication channels, six SCI, two SPI, and one I2C. Four channels of DMA and a Data

Transfer Controller make it easy to handle transfers with peripherals and ensure efficient use of the CPU. MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

TI offers a large portfolio of complementary devices to optimize the high-speed signal chain. Some of the devices complementing these clock buffers are: • Clock generators such as the LMK03806 and CDCM61001. • High-speed data converters

such as the DAC3484, ADS4149 and ADC12D1800RF families. • Power management ICs such as the TPS54120. • Digital signal processors (DSPs) such as the TMS320C66x. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS www.ti.com

High-precision VCXO for 4G wireless communication and other high-speed data applications

High-end hybrid-cooled embedded system, also for environments subject to dust

MSC now offers the VC40, a Voltage-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (VCXO) from Precision Devices (PDI). The VC40 is specifically designed for 4G wireless communication and other high-speed data applications. The device covers the frequency range from 60MHz to 800MHz and can be adjusted by the user with up to ±100ppm, over a tuning range of 0V to 3.3V. Stability is ±50ppm over the entire operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The VC40 uses High Frequency Fundamental (HFF) technology to generate frequencies up to 230MHz with low phase noise. For higher frequencies, a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is avoided, and analog technology is used instead to provide outstanding phase noise and jitter

DSM Computer presented at the embedded world the first member of its new ARCTIS™ IPC family the A1-QM67 which, despite its extremely high computing and graphic power, is designed for operation in dusty environments. This is achieved with an innovative hybrid cooling concept that avoids the need for air exchange from the exterior to the interior of the device. To ensure the optimum cooling of the system, two heat pipes conduct the heat generated by the CPU with integrated graphic directly to two large heat sinks on the exterior of the device. The internal fan guarantees the optimum heat transmission to the internal wall of the housing and so prevents hot spots. The ARCTIS™ indus-

performance. The VC40 provides a four-pad LVCMOS (Low Voltage CMOS) output or a six-pad dual complementary output which can be configured to operate at LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) or LVPECL (Low Voltage PECL) levels.

The device operates from a 3.3V supply voltage, and is provided in a compact 14mm × 9mm SMD package. MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

trial computer has a completely closed housing designed to conform to the IP50 degree of protection. The rated operating temperature range is 0° to 45° C. The hybrid cooling concept allows even the dissipation of the heat produced by ultra-high performance processors. The standard version of the A1-

QM67 integrates the secondgeneration Intel® Core™ i52510E processor with two cores and clocked with 2.5 GHz. DSM COMPUTER www.dsm-computer.com

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

New Dawar multi-touch Projected Capacitive Touch Screens combine advanced features set with rugged durability Dawar’s new Multi-Touch Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) Screen technology provides the optimum combination of functionality, sensitivity and advanced optics in an all-glass solution ideal for medical, instrumentation and industrial applications. Dawar’s new multi-touch PCT screens presently support four simultaneous touch points with full gesture support – tap, flick, pinch, click, expand and rotate. Input is effortless with finger, glove or conductive stylus. Dawar’s PCT system provides optics with 90% light transmission, clarity of ≥ 97%, a rapid response, and excellent accuracy (no linearity calibration required). The rugged all-glass construction delivers exceptional surface durability of ≥ 9H pencil hardness and dependable performance over a wide operating temperature range. Made in the U.S.A. with full U.S.based engineering support, the

new PCT screens are available in a range of standard sizes – 4.3” to 24” diagonal for controller board solutions and 4.3” to 17” diagonal for Chip-on-Flex. Dawar offers screens in both standard (4:3) and wide aspect ratios, and can provide custom features such as a decorative front lens for the popular tablet PC look. All are Windows 7 HID compliant – with drivers available for most other operating systems – and support multiple interfaces (USB, RS232 and I2C).

DAWAR www.dawar.com

High contrast, user-friendly, compact: EA DIP204-6 Alphanumeric Display The EA DIP204-6 LCD display module made by the display specialist ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY features LCD supertwist technology, a razor-sharp image and very simple mounting. The EA DIP204-6 can display four lines containing 20 characters each. It is available with white characters on a blue background or black characters on a white background. The display is the ideal solution for attractively designed HMIs on electrical equipment and machinery. The onboard KS0073 controller (similar to the HD44780) manages user-friendly communications with the outside world. Besides the character set containing 240 alphanumeric characters, the unit can also display 16 icons such as arrows or technical symbols, considerably simplifying operation of the equipment on which the display is installed. System develop-

ers can also define up to eight symbols of their own which can be stored and displayed just like alphanumeric characters. The display has a parallel data bus and a SPI port for data transfer with the control circuitry. The EA DIP2046 is extremely compact (only 75 millimeters wide). No complicated installation is necessary, as the unit can easily be soldered

directly onto the PCB. The display can simply be plugged into a socket connector. A single voltage supplies power to the module including the LED lighting. ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY www.lcd-module.com

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Maxim’s Beyond-the-Rails Mux and Switch Family Simplifies Power-Supply Requirements for Switching High-Voltage Signals Maxim Integrated Products announces the MAX14778 (analog mux) and MAX14759– MAX14764 (analog switches), ±25V above- and below-therails devices that let you switch/mux a wide signal range from standard 3V to 5.5V supplies. Designers no longer need multiple switches/mux to switch both high- and low-voltage signals. Maxim’s beyond-the-rail technology helps simplify power-supply requirements and system design. Flexible and robust, the mux and switches are ideal for general-purpose system signal routing and industrial analog front-ends. Specific applications include POS connector sharing, industrial analog inputs, handheld instrumentation, ATE, and audio/data switching. In the past multiple devices were needed to mux/switch interface signals greater than 5V for CAN, RS-

485, and RS-232 interfaces, or to switch low-voltage signals less than 5V for USB and audio signals. The ±25V MAX14778 mux can multiplex up to 8 channels, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring connector sharing (multiplexing RS-232, USB, RS-485, CAN, or audio). The ±25V signal capability of all the devices enables switching of true RS-232 signals for connector sharing applications.

MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS www.maxim-ic.com

17-inch (43.8 cm) display with a brightness of 1400 cd/m2 and operating temperature range from -30°C to +85°C Gleichmann Electronics presented the 17-inch (43.8 cm) DLF1768 ENN-A11 display from Litemax at embedded world 2012, Nuremberg. This display features a brightness of 1400 cd/m2 and a wide operating temperature range from -30°C to +85°C. Thanks to the wide operating temperature range of the DLF1768-ENN-A11, high costs for active cooling or heating for outdoor use can be avoided. The panel is quieter, more space-saving and less likely to need servicing than previous 17-inch models. Furthermore, the S-MVA technology used by Litemax enables extremely wide viewing angles – both horizontally and vertically – of 80

degrees. Additionally, Litemax offers an advanced optibond technology (AOT) for an optimum reproduction of images and information on the display. The exclusive glass bonding process from Litemax results in a reduction of ambient light reflections, thus providing a bright and clear image to the viewer.

GLEICHMANN & CO. ELECTRONICS www.msc-ge.com

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Alliance Memory Introduces Three New CMOS Synchronous DRAMs (SDRAM) Rated for the Industrial Temperature Range of –40°C to +85°C Alliance Memory Inc., a worldwide provider of legacy memory ICs for the communications, computing, medical, industrial, and consumer markets, today introduced three new high-speed CMOS synchronous DRAMs (SDRAM) rated for the industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. The SDRs released today offer densities of 64 Mb (AS4C4M16S-6TIN), 128 Mb (AS4C8M16S-6TIN), and 256 Mb (AS4C16M16S-6TIN). The devices are optimized for high-temperature industrial applications, in addition to highperformance PC, communications, medical, and consumer products requiring high memory bandwidth. Packaged in a 54pin, 400-mil plastic TSOP II, the new AS4C4M16S-6TIN, AS4C8M16S-6TIN, and AS4C16M16S-6TIN offer a fast access time from clock down to

4.5 ns at a 5-ns clock cycle, and clock rates of 166 MHz. Internally configured as four banks of 1M, 2M, or 4M word x 16 bits with a synchronous inter-

face, the SDRs operate from a single +3.3-V (± 0.3V) power supply and are lead (Pb)- and halogen-free. Alliance Memory's SDRs provide programmable read or write burst lengths of 1, 2, 4, 8, or full-page, with a burst termination option. An auto precharge function provides a selftimed row pre-charge initiated at the end of the burst sequence. ALLIANCE MEMORY www.alliancememory.com

Microchip Expands Family of Low-Cost, Small-Package 32-bit PIC32 Microcontrollers Microchip's smallest and lowestcost PIC32 microcontrollers now let you add audio playback, capacitive touch buttons or sliders, and USB On-the-Go (OTG). All with 61 DMIPS performance at just 40MHz in packages as small as 5mm × 5mm. The new PIC32MX1 and MX2 MCUs integrate up to 128KB Flash and 32KB of RAM; two I2STM audio CODEC interfaces; mTouchTM capacitive bit Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics or external memory; an on-board 1 Msps ADC, as well as USB On-the-Go (OTG) and other serial communication peripherals. They are available in 28- to 44-pin packages as small as 5mm × 5mm (36pin VTLA ) and can operate in a -

40°C to 105°C temperature range. These new devices also help you to save space and simplify lay-out with the flexibility of digital pin remapping (PPS), while maintaining compatibility with the 16-bit PIC24 family giving you an easy migration to the 61 DMIPS processing power of the PIC32 MIPS 32-bit architecture.

MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY www.microchip.com/get/2W7K

Bosch introduces the CAN-FD protocol Since many years, there is some ture,” said Heinz-Juergen Oertel, rumor on an improved CAN pro- CiA’s former technical director. tocol. At the 13th iCC organized The iCC took place in Germany by the CiA nonprofit association, and was participated by more Bosch has introduced the CANthan 130 experts from all over FD (flexible data-rate) protocol. It the world, including India and is backwards compatible to the Malaysia. The speakers covered CAN data link layer protocol as several topics such as Linux softstandardized in ISO 11898-1. It ware driver, CAN applications, allows higher transmission speeds and usage of CAN-related tools. in a part of the data frame: Bosch At the conference some silicon and Vector demonstrated a vendors launched their CAN 15Mbit/s CAN-FD network protransceivers supporting selective totype using offthe-shelf transceiver chips compliant with ISO 11898-2. Besides the increase of throughput, the introduced protocol supports larger payloads. Up to 64 byte are transmitHolger Zeltwanger, CiA’s managing director, ted in a single opened the iCC with a keynote paper about data-frame. This CAN-based higher-layer protocols avoids in many Bosch and Vector presented for the first time cases a segmentaa running CAN-FD network using data-rates tion of data. up to 15 Mbit/s at the iCC in Germany Several carmakers (e.g. General Motors and Renault) were very interested in the new protocol. For the automotive industry it is very important that the CAN cabling and the other physical layer components including transceiver chips can be reused. Also other industries are interested in the CANFD protocol. One paper was focused CAN experts from all over the world discussed on the topic, how many topics in very details, e.g. about failure to map the CANopen applica- detection possibilities with sophisticated tools tion layer to CAN-FD. Most important is the prolongation of PDOs (process data objects). PDOs with up to 64 byte payload will allow to transmit different 64bit commands in one message, which overcomes today’s data consistency problems. “In particular, the drives and motion control industry will appreciate this fea-

wake-up functionality as standardized in ISO 11898-6. These chips will enable partial networking; this means the user is able to switch single devices on and off, in order to reduce energy consumption. CAN IN AUTOMATION (CIA) www.can-cia.org

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

New MKP1848S DC Polypropylene Film Capacitor

New TSOP75D26 and TSOP35D26 IR Receivers for 3D TV

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced a new high-performance metallized DC polypropylene film capacitor, engineered for DC-link applications, that features a slim design, the industry's broadest CV range from 2 μF up to 100 μF, and voltage ratings of 500 VDC, 700 VDC, and 1,000 VDC. Providing designers with a number of options for their specific application, the slim MKP1848S features low profiles of 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm. With a long life of > 100,000 hours at nominal DC voltage and + 70 ºC, the MKP1848S is optimized for inverters, power supplies, solar micro-inverters, onboard chargers (EV/HEV), pumps, and LED drives.

Addressing the high cost and lack of interoperability of active 3D glasses, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. released two infrared receivers developed specifically to be compliant with the Consumer Electronics Association's CEA2038 standard for IR synchronization of active eyewear used with 3D TV sets. The TSOP75D26 and TSOP35D26 are industry-first surfacemount IR receivers designed to be assembled into active 3D glasses, where they receive infrared signals from the TV set and ensure the glasses' LCD shutters open and close in proper synchronization to create the 3D effect. With these industry-standard receivers, TV manufacturers can reduce the cost of the active 3D glasses, one of the main barriers to broader adoption of 3D TVs. With adoption of the CEA-2038 standard and use of the TSOP75- and

The DC-link capacitor features capacitance tolerance down to ± 5 %, low self- inductance of < 1 nH per mm of lead spacing, high peak current capabilities to 900 A, and high RMS current to 22 A. Offered in a flame-retardant plastic case with a resin seal, the

device features a high operating temperature to + 105 ºC, is lead (Pb)-free and RoHS-compliant, and introduces halogen-free materials to Vishay's portfolio of film capacitors. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

CNY65Exi ATEX Certified Optocoupler Designed for Operation in Potentially Explosive Environments Now designers of machinery used in potentially explosive environments can upgrade to a new ATEX-certified optocoupler that has improved performance over competing devices. New from Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., the CNY65Exi optocoupler meets the European Union's ATEX 94/9/EC directive for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres while offering best-in-class isolation voltage and comparative tracking index. The CNY65Exi is certified to provide intrinsic safety protection with ATEX certificate PTB 03 ATEX 2033 U. It features best-inclass isolation voltage of 11,600 V and comparative index tracking (CTI) of 475 according to VDE 0303/DIN 53480. The device fulfills the ATEX gas [II (1) G (Ex ia) IIC] and dust [II (1) D (Ex ia) IIIC] provisions. In compliance with IEC 60079-11, the CNY65Exi

provides intrinsic safety for measurement and control technology. An electric circuit is intrinsically safe if any spark produced is not capable of causing ignition of a given explosive atmosphere for Zones 0 and 20. Equipment in this category is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by mixtures of air

and gases, vapors, or mists or by air/dust mixtures are present continuously or frequently for long periods. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

28 EP&Dee ⏐ March, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

TSOP35D26 receivers, consumers will be able to watch 3D programs on any TV set. Per the standard, the receivers are designed to operate on a carrier frequency of 26.2 kHz, which is

lower than that used by standard remote control systems and thus helps avoid possible interference from TV and set-top box remote controls. The TSOP75D26 and TSOP35D26 are also designed to receive the 3D synchronization signals from an 830 nm emitter, further avoiding the possibility of interference. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

VCNL4010 Next Generation Integrated Proximity and Ambient Light Sensor Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. broadens its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of a fully integrated proximity and ambient light optical sensor featuring a power-saving interrupt function. The VCNL4010 combines an infrared emitter and photo-pindiode for proximity, ambient light detector, signal processing IC, and a 16-bit ADC in one small 3.95 mm × 3.95 mm × 0.75 mm leadless (LLP), surface-mount package. The space-saving device supports an easy-to-use I2C bus communication interface and greatly simplifies window and sensor design in a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications. The VCNL4010's interrupt function enables the sensor to work independently

until a predefined proximity or ambient light event occurs, and then it wakes up the microcontroller. This helps customers reduce their software effort, and lower power consumption by eliminating polling communication traffic between the sensor

and microcontroller. The sensor's 16-bit effective resolution for proximity detection ensures excellent cross talk immunity. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

New 2558-2575 MHz VCO from Crystek Corporation

New PowerCAD On-Line Simulation Tool for Point-of-Load DC/DC Circuits

Crystek's CVCO55CC-25582575 VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) operates from 2558 MHz to 2575 MHz with a control voltage range of 0.3V~4.7V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -120dBc/Hz @ 10KHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically +8dBm. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the model CVCO55CC-2558-2575 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5-in. × 0.5-in. SMD package. Input voltage is 8V, with a max. current consumption of 29 mA. Pulling and Pushing are minimized to 2.0 MHz and 0.2

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced the PowerCAD Simulation tool, a free online tool that gives engineers a fast and convenient way to test and optimize DC/DC circuits built with Vishay Siliconix regulator ICs. Using an intuitive interface, the PowerCAD Simulation tool supports both experienced analog and power designers as well as junior or digital designers with less experience in high-power, high-frequency voltage regulator design. Based on the required operating conditions, the engineer can select the appropriate regulator from the Vishay product offering and generate a full circuit schematic for the application. The schematic can then be edited as required for more advanced users or for performance comparison purposes. Once the basic circuit is created, the designer can perform DC, transient, and start-up

MHz/V, respectively. Second harmonic suppression is -15 dBc typical. The CVCO55CC-25582575 is ideal for use in applications such as digital radio equipment, fixed wireless access, satellite communications systems, and base stations.

CRYSTEK www.crystek.com

New 2800-3075 MHz VCO from Crystek Corporation Crystek's CVCO55CC-28003075 VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) operates from 2800 MHz to 3075MHz with a control voltage range of 1.0V~15V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -104dBc/Hz @ 10KHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically +2dBm. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the model CVCO55CC-2800-3075 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5-in. × 0.5-in. SMD package. Input voltage is 5V, with a max. current consumption of 20 mA. Pulling and Pushing are minimized to 4.0 MHz and 2.0

MHz/V, respectively. Second harmonic suppression is -15 dBc typical. The CVCO55CC-28003075 is ideal for use in applications such as digital radio equipment, fixed wireless access, satellite communications systems, and base stations.

steps, the PowerCAD Simulation tool generates a bill of materials (BOM) available for online ordering, allowing a quick validation that dramatically reduces design cycle times. The circuit simulation can also be shared easily with Vishay FAEs for additional technical support or any other related question. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

New TEFD4300 and TEFD4300F High-Speed PIN Photodiodes

CRYSTEK www.crystek.com

122.400 MHz crystal filter with only 3 dB insertion loss MSC now offers the FTR80361, a 122.400 MHz fundamental mode monolithic crystal filter, from Precision Devices (PDI). The FTR80361 filter features insertion loss of 3dB maximum, spurious response of 70dB minimum and increased bandwidth of up to 200kHz. The device is provided with a terminating impedance (input/output) of 50ohms. Pass bandwidth is a minimum of ±35kHz at 3dB, with passband ripple 1.0dB maximum. Stop bandwidth is a maximum of ±768kHz at 70dB and ±350kHz at 60dB. To save board space in compact applications, this new crystal fil-

simulations with visibility of all the circuit node waveforms. An efficiency analysis and optimization of the circuit with detailed power loss analysis may also be performed. Following these

ter is housed in a small 25.1mm × 10.0mm × 15.00mm package. A new SMD version is scheduled to be available in Fall 2012. The wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C makes the FTR80361 suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.

MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is broadening its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of new high-speed silicon PIN photodiodes with high radiant sensitivity and fast switching times in clear- and black-epoxy T1 plastic packages. Offering 3mm lenses, the TEFD4300 and TEFD4300F feature a high reverse photo current of 17μA and a ± 20° angle of half sensitivity. The devices released today are optimized for data transmission, photo interrupters, optical switches, encoders, and position sensors in metering applications. For infrared and visible light sources, the TEFD4300 is a clear epoxy device with a sensitivity range of 350nm to 1120nm. For light sources in the infrared wavelength range of 770nm to

1070nm, the TEFD4300F is a black epoxy device with a daylight blocking filter matched with 850nm to 950nm IR emitters. The photodiodes offer fast switching times down to 10ns at low load resistor values, a low 0.1%/K temperature coefficient

of light current, temperature range of −40°C to + 100°C, and a 950nm wavelength of peak sensitivity. The devices are package matched with the VSLB3940, TSUS4300, and TSAL4400 IR emitter series. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Tantalum chip capacitors from AVX now deliver higher CV than X5R dielectric ceramic devices

Vishay Intertechnology Releases UltraLow-Profile IR Receivers for Remote Control With Height of 0.8 mm

AVX Corporation has more than doubled the volumetric efficiency of its tantalum technology, enabling latest versions of its TACmicrochip® capacitor to deliver 15μF/4V and 10μF/6V from a 0402 chip. The CV performance of these TLC series devices is even greater than ceramic MLCC devices using the X5R dielectric. The design of the TACmicrochip® capacitor series eliminates the need for molded plastic from the packaging – required in traditional designs allowing much greater capacitance to be squeezed into a given package. This has increased the volumetric efficiency from less than 15% to approaching 50% - making them

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. broadens its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of remote control receivers with the industry's best combination of size and angle of sensitivity. Devices in the new TSOP57× series (which includes the TSOP572.., TSOP573.., TSOP574.., and TSOP575.. devices) combine an ultralow height of 0.8 mm, one of the lowest on the market, with a phenomenally wide angle of sensitivity of 150°. The receivers feature Vishay's hallmark sensitivity, resulting in a receiving distance of 40 m. Flat-panel LCD and plasma TV displays continue to get thinner, which means that the components inside them need to get thinner as well, without compromising performance. But it's not just TV sets that

applicable for a much wider range of uses. Several series of TACmicrochip® are available. High CV 15μF/4V, 10μF/6V TLC parts suit miniature application such as hearing aids, ultra-thin

smart phones and tablet PCs. These devices are very stable; for example capacitance does not drop with applied DC voltage or AC ripple voltage. AVX www.avx.com

Murata Power Solutions launches highly efficient compact 1U open frame 120 W AC/DC power supply Murata Power Solutions announced the MVAB120 series of high efficiency, typically up to 91%, open frame single output 120 Watt power supplies aimed at a broad range of telecom and industrial applications. Measuring just 101.6 × 50.8 × 34.3 mm the low profile units satisfy the 1U height constraints of this industry standard footprint. The high efficiency design of the MVAB120 ensures that waste heat is kept to a minimum and the units are capable of delivering up to 75 W using convection cooling only. Just 250 LFM forced airflow is required for the supply to operate at the 120 W full load output. The series comprises three single output models covering the nominal outputs of 12, 24 or 48 VDC. Accommodating the full universal range of input voltages, from 90 264 VAC and 120 – 300 VDC, the MVAB120 also meets the EU

PFC directive for active power factor correction. Safety approvals include the internationally recognized UL/EN/IEC 60950-1:2005 2nd edition standard for IT and commercial equipment. The units also comply with IEC/EN 61000 Class A and EN55022 Class B standards for emissions and immunity. Suiting most operating environments, the MVAB120

series can deliver full load from 10 to + 50°C, and is capable of start-up from temperatures as low as -20°C. MURATA POWER SOLUTIONS www.murata-ps.com

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

need low-profile infrared receivers. Set-top boxes, stereo systems, and in-room air-conditioners also need to accommodate IR receivers within a highly constrained area. Vishay's TSOP57× IR receivers respond to this need with a

height of just 0.8 mm — thinner than a house key. The new TSOP57× IR receivers have no lens, yet they provide on-axis sensitivity equal to any surfacemount receiver on the market. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

Vishay Intertechnology Releases HighVoltage, Ultrafast SMD Avalanche Rectifier in Low-Profile DO-214AC Package Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. released a new high-voltage, ultrafast surface-mount avalanche rectifier in the plastic DO-214AC package. The BYG23T combines a low 1.98 mm profile with extremely high reverse voltage of 1,300 V and fast 75 ns reverse recovery time. The rectifier released today is optimized for high-voltage, high-frequency rectification in switchmode power supplies (SMPS), HID ignition drives, and industrial ballasts. The BYG23T features low typical reverse current of 2.9 μA at + 125°C, 5 mJ pulse energy in avalanche mode, forward current of 1.0A, and forward voltage of 1.39V at 1 A and + 125°C.

Ideal for automated placement, the BYG23T offers a rugged maximum operating junction temperature of + 150 °C and an MSL moisture sensitivity level of 1, per J-STD-020, LF maximum peak of + 260 °C.

The device is compliant to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and WEEE 2002/96/EC, and it is halogenfree according to IEC 61249-2-21. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Xsens opens up sensor fusion software portfolio for motion sensing in mobile devices Xsens, the leading innovator in 3D motion tracking technology and products, introduces a suite of sensor fusion software for smartphones, media tablets and other mobile devices.

Leveraging over a decade of patented software innovation used every day by thousands of users in the professional domain, Xsens is now offering solutions to the consumer electronics industry. The company recently established its first partnership aimed at integrating Xsens’ technology in a component for consumer mobile devices. The combination of Xsens’ sensor fusion software with miniature motion sensors will enable mobile device functionality such as natural user interfacing, context awareness, augmented reality, gaming and map navigation. Xsens’ sensor fusion software is deployed in tens of thousands

of sensor modules in the professional domain today. It is in use by customers ranging from leading game developers such as Electronic Arts and Sony Computer Entertainment, to system integrators in robotics, industrial automation and control. Over ten years of experience and continuous improvements in the software have made it exceptionally accurate and robust in various real-life situations and environments. Next to the focus on low power consumption, the code size and memory footprint is tiny. The software is flexible and can be integrated in the MEMS sensor module or in low power companion cores in the application processor. XSENS www.xsens.com

Vishay Intertechnology Releases Industry's First Power Thick Film Resistor to Offer Power Rating of 1100 W in Compact 57 mm by 60 mm Footprint Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. released a new power thick film resistor that is the industry's first resistor in the compact 57 mm by 60 mm package to offer a power rating of 1100 W at a heat sink temperature of + 25 °C. The LPS1100 offers high-temperature derating performance and a broad range of resistance values. The LPS1100 thick film resistor is noninductive (< 0.1μH) and provides a resistance range from 1Ω to 1.3kΩ. Designed for easy mounting to a heat sink, the device's compact footprint, low 25mm profile, and low weight of 79 grams save valuable space to help designers reduce the size of their end products. With its high power capabilities and high

dielectric strength to 12kVRMS, the LPS1100 is intended for power supply, inverter, converter, HEV-EV battery management, and

ALPS Offers Resistive 320° Rotary Sensor for Position Detection in Automotive Applications ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH offers with the RD6R1A a highprecision, long-life resistive rotary sensor for position detection in automotive applications. Available with three solder terminals, the component has dimensions of 41.5mm × 16.0mm × 3.5mm (L × W × H). It features a hollow shaft structure of 3.53mm in diameter and covers a rotational angle of 320 degree. The total resistance depends on individual specifications. Its operating life is specified of up to 200,000 cycles. The position sensor is rated for a power of 0.1W. Other technical specifications of the RD6R1A include a total resis-

tive tolerance of ±20%, an absolute linearity of ±2.2% (320°) and a rotational torque of 0.1Nm. Its operating temperature ranges from –40°C to

+85°C. The position sensor is available in minimum packing units of 1,800 pieces. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE www.alps.com

snubber, chopper, pre-charge, discharge, filtering, and crowbar resistor applications. Typical end products will include windmill turbines, X-ray and oncology tables, trains, and large UPS drives. Thermal resistance for the LPS1100 resistor at rated power and + 25°C is 0.039°C/W junction-to-case. The device features a temperature coefficient of ± 150ppm/°C, tolerances from ± 1% to ± 10%, and an operating temperature from - 55 C to + 200°C. The resistor is compliant to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

ALPS introduces Half-Mount Type Sidepush™ TACT Switch™ from the SKSL Series ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH introduces the new SKSLLAE010, a half-mount type Sidepush™ TACT Switch™ suitable for use in personal computers, mobile phones, and associated peripherals. The surfacemountable switch is remarkable for its compact dimensions of 4.5mm × 2.6mm × 2.2mm (W × D × H) – the height above the PC board is only 1.6mm – and a long operating life of up to 600,000 cycles. It is rated for switching currents of 10μmA at 1VDC to a maximum of 50mA at 12VDC. It features operating forces of 1.6N. The operating temperature ranges from –30°C to +85°C. Other technical specifications of the SKSLLAE010 include a travel length of

0.15mm, a maximum initial contact resistance of 500mΩ, an insulation resistance of 100MΩ at 100VDC, and a voltage proof of 100VAC per minute. The switch is suitable for reflow soldering and is available in minimum packing units of 44,000 pieces. For auto matic mounting, it is packaged on embossed tape with a width of 12mm.

ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE www.alps.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

High Demand For Scorpion, Essemtec’s New Dispensing System

Viscom to Exhibit Intelligent AOI Software vVision at NEPCON Shanghai

Since the premier of the Scorpion at productronica 2011 in Munich, Essemtec has noted a record high in demand. Due to its outstanding price-performance ratio, the new dispensing machine is among the best dispensers in the world. Its accuracy of ±25 μm is extraordinary and it can dispense up to 100,000 dots per hour.

Viscom proudly announces that it will exhibit vVision, its recently introduced AOI software in Booth 1H36 at the upcoming NEPCON Show, scheduled to take place April 25-27, 2012, at the World Expo Convention & Exhibition Center in Shanghai. The new user interface from Viscom revolutionizes inspection system handling. The modern design is self-explanatory and quickly guides even the inexperienced operator to a highly capable inspection program. For more than 25 years, Viscom has developed systems and solutions for optical and X-ray inspections. Since then, the company has become the European market leader for the inspection of electronics assemblies and is at the forefront worldwide. With vVision, Viscom draws multiple years of experience and numerous customer discussions into the creation of a completely new user interface for its inspection systems. This software presents a captivating modern design, a display reduced to the

“It’s just incredible,” Florian Schildein, Marketing & Sales Manager at Essemtec AG states. “Since the product launch last autumn, we have been overwhelmed with inquiries for our Scorpion. Many customers are enamored with the fantastic price-performance ratio of this dispensing machine.” Within the Scorpion, Essemtec’s engineers used the most modern, accurate systems that drive and steering technology can offer today. The exceptional performance is achieved due to the new dispenser base, the Paraquda machine platform. Its XY-portal is built on a robust mineral cast chassis that provides excellent damping and smooth motion at high speed.

The H-Drive features precision linear measuring devices to guarantee highest accuracy for demanding tasks. The easy programming and operation allow for the use of a wide range of dispensing applications. The Scorpion can be equipped with up to four dispensing valves of

Fully automatic dispensing machine Scorpion

any kind, in which case two valves are running in parallel. Each of the dispensing heads is equipped with an independent, highly accurate C-drive with an extra-large 85 mm (3.34") stroke. The working range of the Scorpion is specified at 650 × 500 mm (25.6 × 19.7") for a standalone machine and 510 × 470 mm (20 × 18.5") for inline machines. This is bigger than most of the other dispensing systems available on the market. ESSEMTEC www.essemtec.com

Engineered Material Systems Debuts New 535-10M UV Cure Adhesive for Disk Drive Applications Engineered Material Systems, a leading global supplier of electronic materials for circuit assembly applications, introduces its 535-10M UV Cured Epoxy formulated for disk drive, camera module, optoelectronics and circuit assembly applications. This new non-conductive UV cured adhesive cures rapidly when exposed to high intensity UV light. 535-10M is a low outgassing, flexible, high strength epoxy adhesive that does not contain antimony. The 535-10M was developed to pass the rigorous reliability requirements in disk drive, camera module, photonics and circuit

assembly applications. 535-10M is the latest addition to Engineered Material Systems’ extensive line of electronic materials for semiconductor, circuit assembly, photovoltaic, printer

head, camera module, disk drive and photonic applications. ENGINEERED MATERIAL SYSTEMS www.conductives.com

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

utter essentials, clear colors and talking icons. Concentration on essential setting possibilities inhibits unnecessary entries and prevents complicated navigation. Thus, future AOI operation will be as simple as placing a call with a modern smartphone.

In addition to its straightforward handling, vVision also offers an entire package of new software features including an effective component-oriented approach and arbitrary crosslinking of inspection objects. Widely varying data formats can be used as input data, making operation both efficient and convenient. VISCOM www.viscom.de

GPD Global’s PCD4 Dispense Pump Now Is Available in Europe and Asia/Pacific GPD Global, a manufacturer of precision fluid dispensing systems for high-volume 24/7, lowvolume/high-mix and R&D production, announces the global release of its PCD4 Dispense Pump after its successful release and testing in the North American market. The PCD4 dispense pump was introduced to the North American market in June 2010. PCD4 also is now available in the Asia/Pacific region and Europe. GPD Global is expanding to support the worldwide market for individual pump and controller sales. GPD’s PCD Dispensing provides next-generation volumetric dispensing and is compatible with materials used in electronics assembly such as LED encapsulants, underfills, oils, silicones and UV curable fluids, as well as many other low-viscosity liquids outside of the electronics industry. PCD Technology

is designed for GPD Global platforms and may be used with other robots or tabletop operations with an easy-to-use tabletop controller. Viscous fluids are delivered to the substrate via luer nozzles and performance

excels when using GPD Global ‘S’ Taper tips. The metering technique is not affected by variations in temperature or reservoir pressure, thereby improving dayto-day and start-to-finish process results. GPD GLOBAL www.gpd-global.com

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Increase PCB Lifetime by up to 100 Percent

Multitest’s DuraPad™ significantly reduces pad wear Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, announces that its proprietary DuraPad™ surface has been proven to significantly reduce the effects of pad wear caused by pogo pin style contactors. Specifically, fine-pitch boards of 0.5 mm or below and boards for resistance sensitive testing are particularly vulnerable to pad wear. DuraPad™ brings substantial cost of test savings to highvolume production sites of array packages and WLSCPs. Multitest has performed extensive pad wear analyses to understand the actual issues with established surface coatings and to be able to provide the DuraPad™ solution. The company’s unique product portfolio of handlers, contactors and boards

enabled the engineers to apply Multitest’s comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical interactions.

The results were presented at BiTS 2010 and 2011. The papers are available for download at www.multitest.com/padwear. MULTITEST www.multitest.com

GPD Global’s PCD4H Dispense Pump Improves Yields for LED Manufacturers GPD Global, a manufacturer of precision fluid dispensing systems for high-volume 24/7, lowvolume/high-mix and R&D production, announces that its PCD4H Dispense Pump yields excellent results with phosphor and non-phosphor-filled LED encapsulation as viewed on the color chart by tightly grouped results. When dispensing a phosphor-filled encapsulant, the PCD4H is configured with a syringe mixer to keep the encapsulant homogeneous over its entire pot life. The adjustable speed of the syringe mixer and a rotating element designed to create turbulence ensures encapsulant homogeneity. Repeatability of volumetric dispense is not affected by varying levels of fluid in the syringe or the change in viscosity over the pot life. Additionally, repeated calibration is not

required during the pot life to maintain volumetric consistency. PCD4H is a continuously volumetric dispense pump that is not limited to a certain volume and does not require trial-and-error setup to reach a desired volume.

One pump is able to dispense a full range of device sizes without any changeover. The PCD4H has high flow rates and outstanding repeatability to improve yields for LED manufacturers. GPD GLOBAL www.gpd-global.com

Data I/O Corporation Introduces New FLXHD Duplication System for Rapidly Growing e-MMC Device Market Data I/O Corporation, the leading provider of manual and automated device programming solutions, today announced the new FLXHD Automated Duplication System for e-MMC devices, the only automated duplication system in a desktop footprint. Despite the small machine outline, the FLXHD system uses 40 sockets in parallel to achieve a very high throughput even when the amount of data in the device is large. Programming large amounts of data is an increasing problem for manufacturers of products like smartphones, e-book readers, GPS systems and automotive entertainment systems. Manufacturers are scrambling to find ways to balance throughput with the increasing data size demands in these products.

The FLXHD can produce more than 700 parts per hour even when the data size is multiple Gigabytes. In addition to high throughput duplication of eMMC devices, customers can expect to receive many other benefits from the FLXHD. Data

I/O took the touchscreen and the intuitive graphical user interface from the FLX500 and simplified them even further to virtually eliminate human error associated with machine operation. DATA I/O CORPORATION www.dataio.com/FLXHD

Milara Debuts 2-D Post-Print Inspection Software Milara Incorporated, a leader in stencil printing technological innovation, introduces Vision System Alignment and 2-D PostPrint Inspection powered by Coherix. The vision system provides two basic functions: fiducial location (used to align the PCB to the stencil in X/Y/Theta) and postprint inspection (used to detect over and under print), utilizing a highresolution 1024 × 768 pixel resolution camera system. The fiducial location function features state-of-the-art pattern recognition to locate fiducials on the PCB and stencil. Proprietary, multi-stage sub pixeling algorithms provide increased accuracy, and increased robustness is achieved with grayscale edgebased processing. The post-

print inspection function ensures proper solder paste application to the printed circuit board (PCB) with a field of view (FOV) of 63 mm2 and an inspection shot rate of < 220 milliseconds. Proprietary grayscale-based inspection makes it simple to

detect excess solder paste (overprint) and insufficient solder paste (under print). MILARA www.milarasmt.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Viscom X-RAY Technology Supports Zero Gravity Experiments

Viscom Develops an Innovative 3-D MID Inspection System

The Institute of Material Physics in Space, based in Cologne, Germany, is focused on researching material properties and related subjects. This includes gaining a precise understanding of processes that occur as metals melt. During these experiments, X-ray radiography has allowed research scientists to record the entire process from melting to solidification, providing the diffusion in the molten mass to be directly depicted. Irradiation of the test sample with 110 kV X-ray radiation was accomplished by Viscom’s HIBIX X-ray tube, which was developed specifically for this purpose. Light materials are gaining increased importance for many industrial applications, as is the case with components for the aviation and aerospace industry, automotive technology and other areas. The aluminum foams and alloys used in these areas should save weight, but not at the expense of sufficient strength. Therefore, when

Three-dimensional (3-D) MID products are finding everwidening applications, especially in the automotive industry. These 3-D electronics assemblies are used when small dimensions are required and the circuits must be optimally fit into a product. In order to ensure 100 percent quality here as well, Viscom has developed an inspection system that inspects these electronics assemblies fully automatically, with short cycle times and high inspection depths. For more than 25 years, Viscom has developed systems and solutions for optical and X-ray inspections. Since then, the company has become the European market leader for inspection of electronics assemblies and is at the forefront worldwide. This longstanding experience with widely differing applications enables synergies that Viscom realizes as new inspection solutions for its customers, such as its newest inspection system, S6056 MID. In general, the inspection tasks involving 3-D MID electronics

designing materials, understanding the processes taking place as metals melt is crucial. New radiologic technologies make this understanding possible. They provide a view of the entire diffusion process from melt through diffusion annealing to solidification of the sample.

The tendency of a liquid to equalize localized differences in its composition through movement of the atoms or molecules (diffusion) is a fundamental process of nature. The physics behind these processes are best investigated under zero gravity conditions. VISCOM www.viscom.de

Count On Tools Continues Expanding Its Georgia Headquarters Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces another expansion of its manufacturing operations at its Gainesville, GA headquarters. The recent expansion is in response to the growing market for SMT nozzles and consumables as well as the increased demand for its precision contract machining services. According to company representative Zach Shook, COT recently purchased a Haas TL-2 Toolroom Lathe. The new lathe combines the functionality and simplicity of a manual lathe with the power and flexibility of the easy-to-use Haas CNC system. With standard hand wheels and high-accuracy DRO, machinists can start cutting parts in minutes. Additionally, with the Haas Intuitive Programming System, the com-

pany can transition quickly and easily into automatic modes and full CNC. The industries that COT serves count on accuracy of part specifications and on-time delivery of orders. This new machine will

help COT achieve both. Additionally, it handles jobs faster by providing COT with increased production speeds and faster processing power on larger parts. COUNT ON TOOLS www.cotinc.com

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

assemblies can be subdivided into two inspection steps: inspection after manufacture of the 3-D MID carrier and inspection after manufacture of the entire 3-D MID product. Typical defects after the carrier is manufactured can include extraneous metallization deposition (especially with the LDS process) as well as separation, short circuits or cracks in the circuit tracks.

The AOI system also inspects the circuit tracks for completeness and crucial geometry and color characteristics. VISCOM www.viscom.de

Aqueous Technologies Is Now Shipping the EcoCycler – New Rinse Water Recycler Aqueous Technologies Corp., North America’s largest provider of batch defluxing systems and cleanliness testing equipment, announces that it is now shipping the new EcoCycler Rinse Water Recycler. The system can be used in conjunction with Aqueous Technologies’ Trident and Typhoon class machines, or any other batch-format or inline format defluxing systems. The EcoCycler transforms standard defluxing systems to provide capture, filtration, re-deionization and reuse of rinse water. The rinse water recycling system is equipped with both low and high level float switches, allowing for automatic water replenishment and protection against dry-run operation. Dual pressure gauges monitor the condition of the two particulate filters. The rinse water recycler is constructed of durable, corrosion-

resistant welded polypropylene. A built-in stainless steel, highperformance recirculation/filtration pump directs waste rinse water through dual particulate filters, and carbon and resin media tanks. Additionally, a built-in digital resistivity meter provides real-time monitoring and display of the actual cleanliness of the water.

AQUEOUS TECHNOLOGIES www.aqueoustech.com

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Datest Acquires XD7600NT500 Ruby X-ray Inspection System from Nordson DAGE

Essemtec Introduces New Cobra Feeder Cart

Datest, a leading provider of advanced, efficient and quality in-circuit testing solutions, has invested in a XD7600NT500 Ruby X-ray Inspection System with X-Plane™ technology from Nordson DAGE. The implementation of the XD7600NT500 Ruby X-ray will improve Datest’s troubleshooting, failure analysis and bonepile rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, the XPlane™ technology will speed up the detection of defects that were previously undetectable with conventional X-ray technology without damaging the board. The Nordson DAGE XD7600NT500 Ruby X-ray is the ultimate inspection system with QuickView CT. The inspection system uses the latest technology image intensifier and proven feature recognition capability to provide the ultimate choice for the highest quality in X-ray imaging on the market today. Equipped with the unique Nordson DAGE NT maintenance-free, sealed transmissive X-ray tube, providing 0.5μm feature recognition and up to 10 W of power, together with the Hamamatsu 4" XY move/tilt image intensifier and digital camera, the XD7600NT500 Ruby is the clear choice for the greatest performance and

X-Plane™ uses a proprietary, patent applied for, tomosynthesis, or CT technique to create 2-D X-ray slices in any plane of a printed circuit board assembly without the need to cut or destroy the board.

The new Cobra Feeder Cart from Essemtec holds up to 90 feeders and reels. The cart simplifies the set-up of SMD pick-and-place machines and facilitates feeder handling. Ninety fully loaded feeders are quite heavy but, with Essemtec’s Cobra Feeder Cart, they can be moved through production quickly. The cart also doubles as an easily accessible feeder storage platform. Especially when pickand-place machines and component storage are not in the same location, the feeder cart is an indispensable assistant. It serves as storage for feeders used for the next job as well as a repository for feeders disassembled from the pick-and-place machine. All types of Cobra feeders can be mounted on the cart including component reels. Additionally, transporting feeders in the cart is safe because the door and elevator thresholds will not allow the feeders to fall out. Nevertheless, mounting and dismounting feeders from the cart is simple and easy.

DATEST www.datest.com

ESSEMTEC www.essemtec.com

highest magnification of real-time imaging. With the revolutionary X-Plane™ option, the superior image quality that Nordson DAGE X-ray systems always provide can now be extended into separating individual layers at a level of excellence that the traditional laminography technique cannot achieve.

SENSORS INDUSTRY NEWS

A WIDE PRODUCTS RANGE TO MATCH ALL THE COMPANY Westec represents the Italian challenge in the market of Multipole Connectors for Industrial applications. A challenge born from 30 years in design and manufacturing connectors for electric and electronic devices, that pushes Westec in the continuos research for the achievement of new quality level for technical and operational aspects of its connectors. The Italy based headquarters with its wellstocked warehouse, can supply efficiently the worldwide market. Westec products are certified from latest European and American laboratories. We offert a wide range of standard products with a flexible design approach which allows Westec to manufacture special OEM solution on customers’ design.

n Multipole Industrial Connectors n Aluminium Enclosures n Cable Glands Multipole Industrial Connectors STD ENCLOSURES • For inserts up to 250V or 500V • Body available in die cast aluminium alloy or thermoplastic material (refer to each series) • Surface finishing in Epoxy Powed Coated • Color grey RAL 7037 (aluminium), plastic RAL9001 or 9005 • Pegs in STAINLESS STEEL • Lever springs in stainless steel • Levers in galvanized steel size B or stainless steel size A • Gaskets in NBR

Multipole Industrial Connectors

More than 5000 parts numbers 36 EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Aluminium Enclosures

More than 150 different models even tailored custom made

CUSTOMERS REQUESTS

Mechatronic position sensors from ASM GmbH

INSERTS S-EAV SERIES The SEAV series is sizes 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B. The particular characteristic of SEAV series is that has incorporated screw terminal block, this is a greater cost saving and safety feature. The perfect solution for application that requires frequent inspections, tests or for DIN rail mounting by using the support.

Modular power and data connecting interfaces HOW IS COMPOSED A Modular power and data connecting interfaces is composed by 2 main parts: • The INSERT is the parts to connect the cable wires to the socket. • The mounting HOUSING is the part to be installed on the electrical panel surface.

ASM GmbH is a german developer and manufacturer of mechatronic position sensors for use in industrial applications and a leader in position measuring field with decades of experience. ASM solutions are successfully used worldwide by companies in all industry sectors such as mechanical engineering, automobile manufacture, aerospace, medical engineering, steel, timber, commercial vehicles, food and storage technology. ASM product families portfolio includes:

CABLE GLANDS types Westec Cable Glands have differents grade of protections which are IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 byt always refer to EACH series. They are available in metal or thermoplastic material, also for ribbon (flat) cable.

O’BOYLE s.r.l. Tel.: +40 (0) 256201346 Fax: +40 (0) 256221036

office@oboyle.ro www.oboyle.ro

• Position sensors POSIWIRE® steel cable • Position sensors POSITAPE® steel tape • POSICHRON® magnetostrictive position sensors • Position sensors POSIMAG® linear tape • POSIROT® magnetic angular sensors • POSITILT® inclinometers

O’BOYLE s.r.l. Tel.: +40 (0) 256201346 Fax: +40 (0) 256221036 office@oboyle.ro www.oboyle.ro www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

CONNECTORS INDUSTRY NEWS

ODU - The system solution Cable assembly connectors require experience and knowledge in a vast field that includes connectors, cable specifications, handling during assembly and packaging. Each cable connection needs contacts that may be crimped or soldered. The type of the contact surface and also materials used in the cable assembling play an important role in developing any connecting system. Materials and connection mode contributes to the quality and precision of the signal to be transmitted. This is a requirement that ODU Company is entirely offering without intermediate suppliers.

For further details please visit the company website - online catalog. If you cannot find in the catalog solution that meets your specifications, we notify you that are possible modifications of the standard version.

Together we can find the perfect solution! Contact: Eng. Alina Cibu Email: alina.cibu@odurom.ro www.odurom.ro

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

ODU ROM Manufacturing Str. Fundătura Lânii nr. 22, 550019 Sibiu, Romania Tel: +40 (0) 269 206345; Fax: +40 (0) 269 221006 For general information visit: www.odu.de

CONNECTORS INDUSTRY NEWS

Rugged and highly reliable CA Bayonet connectors from ITT ICS – fast, easy interconnects for rail applications

Incredible diversity: Serial-ATA (SATA) and Mini-SATA receptacle connectors from SUYIN with heights from –1.0mm to +11.5mm

The versatile and highly reliable Cannon CA-Bayonet connector series from ITT Interconnect Solutions (ITT ICS) offers advantages over well-established MILC-5015 devices. Featuring a positive quarter turn bayonet locking mechanism, including an audible as well as visual control, CABayonet connectors are very easy to connect/disconnect and offer exceptional vibration protected sealing against fluids. CA-Bayonet connectors are designed in accordance with the VG95234 specification for use in electrical equipment of railways, trucks, off-road-vehicles, earthmoving equipment, ships, and other similar applications. nterchangeable with corresponding MIL-C5015 devices, the components withstand the most severe environmental conditions thanks to a rugged shell made of aluminium alloy. An olive drab chromate coating over

SUYIN offers an extensive range of 22-position (15 data pins and 7 power pins) Serial-ATA connectors for surface (SMT) and through-hole (THT) mounting, as well as a SMT Mini-SATA receptacle connector with 16 contact terminations. One special feature here is the gigantic selection of different overall heights that these SATA receptacle connectors make available. They spectrum ranges from –1.0mm for countersunk mounting on the printed circuit board (PCB) to +11.5mm (height above the board surface) in onemillimeter increments and in many intermediate sizes, thus making a total of more than 300 variants available. Examples include the 127043HR022XX2QZX model with a height range from –1.0mm (from the PCB surface

cadmium plating protects the surface of the shell. Zinc cobalt plating is available as an alternative. Made of high quality polychloroprene, the insulators are selfextinguishing and resistant against hydraulic fluids, diesel fuel, gasoline and lubricants, as well as brake and fire extinguisher fluids. The operating temperature range is -55°C to +125°C. The crimp contacts allow highly reliable crimping with wires according to TL 6145-009, TL 6145-011 and MIL-W-5086 when using the recommended tools according to VG95234. Crimp contacts can be exchanged at least five times due to the contact retention.

ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

Veam CIR interconnects from ITT are the most versatile multipin connector series available Veam CIR series connectors from ITT Interconnect Solutions are the most versatile electrical, optical and pneumatic multi-pin connectors available today. Designed originally for the hostile environment of mass transit applications, CIR series connectors are also suitable for use in military, commercial, medical, geophysical, entertainment, nuclear and aerospace applications. The design parameters of the CIR series connectors are based on VG95234, with one third turn positive lock and quick disconnect coupling which surpasses the environmental requirements of this military specification and features an audible, visual, and tactile indication of full coupling. The CIR connector design has been adopted by NATO as well as many different railway programmes worldwide, thanks

to the wide range of accessories and options developed over more than 50 years of CIR use in the mass transportation sector. Highly shock and vibration resistant, CIR series connectors don’t require any lock wires or coupling threads which gall or bind due to wear or contamination. Designed for 2000 coupling cycles, the devices are waterproof to 10 meters (33 ft., 14.7 PSI) for up to 12 hours.

ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

to the center of the receptacle, see image) and the 127043FB022XX15XX, with an overall height of 11.5mm. All receptacles are equipped for blind-mate/hot-plugging handling with two side-mounted positioning posts that prevent

incorrect mounting and are able to handle greater misalignment tolerances during mating. Many of the current SATA receptacles were originally developed for custom projects. SUYIN www.suyin-europe.com

Mini-B USB receptacle from SUYIN for vertical surface mounting The new 5-pin Mini-B USB receptacle from SUYIN’s 020200MA005XX55ZX series features an SMT design for vertical mounting on the PCB. This compact receptacle, with dimensions of 9.9 × 6.4 × 7.3 (L × W × H in mm, overall), is suited for use with Mini USB connectors with a slanted housing. All five of the receptacle’s upright contact connections with a pitch of 0.80mm are connected to the PCB via SMT termination. Additional SMT soldering tabs provide extra stability for anchoring on the PCB and ensure a sturdy hold, even when high insertion and removal forces are applied. The number of mating cycles is specified at 5,000. Other key specifications for this compact Mini USB receptacle include the contact current capacity of 30VDC /1.0A per pin, the contact resistance of

50mΩ (max.), the insulation resistance of 100MΩ (min., initial) and the operating temperature range from –40°C to +105°C. This Type-B USB rec eptacle is lead free and complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) requirements.

The minimum order quantity of this Mini-USB connector starts at 80 kpcs per year. SUYIN www.suyin-europe.com

www.epd-ee.eu ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ EP&Dee

CONNECTORS INDUSTRY NEWS

APD plastic connectors from ITT are the small, lightweight solution to harsh environment vehicle applications

New 100% “green” Universal Contact Z Series for Smart Phones and Hand-Held devices from ITT Interconnect Solutions

APD series bayonet connectors from leading global connector manufacturer and supplier, ITT Interconnect Solutions, will be shown at eCarTec in Paris on stand 318. Now available as a full plastic series, APD connectors are based on ISO 15170 and are an ideal space, cost and weight-saving solution for electric and hybrid cars. Originally designed for truck, bus, construction and agricultural vehicles, APD connectors have been successfully overcoming transportation challenges for two decades. Sealed to IP67/IP69k against fluid ingress and highly shock and vibration resistant, the APD series includes 1- and 2- way high-power, VDE-certified 4-way high-voltage and up to 51-way high-density interconnects.

ITT Interconnect Solutions has announced a new Universal Contact Z series (UCZ) specially developed for the burgeoning market in hand-held devices, such as smart phones, GPS systems and handheld medical monitoring devices. ITT ICS engineers developed the new UCZ series in response to a customer request for beryllium-free contacts and improved VSWR. The customer selected ITT ICS based on its strong history as an established manufacturer of over 4 billion standard contacts without a single field failure. In hand-held applications, high hertz forces and effective repeatability are very important factors which maintain product reliability. A further critical con-

They are also available in a special sensor or PCB version and provide a flexible platform for other customized solutions. For the electric and hybrid vehicle market, APD series interconnects offer fast and easy assembly. Up to four different

mechanical and colour-codings offer both tactical and visual feedback to guarantee 100% correct mating every time. ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

sideration is a small form factor – the new UCZ product series offers on average a 25% reduction in length over industry-standard contacts, freeing up significant board space. ITT ICS

design engineers selected a titanium copper alloy for the new UCZ “removed series” dry circuit pressure contact series in place of industry-standard beryllium copper. ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

Lightweight aluminium KJAYA connectors from ITT Interconnect Solutions are hermetically sealed for vehicle applications The innovative KJAYA hermetically-sealed connector series from leading global connector manufacturer and supplier, ITT Interconnect Solutions, is a low-cost interconnect designed for off-road vehicles which need to withstand low pressure water environments, such as fording streams. Featuring lightweight aluminium shells and copper alloy contacts, KJAYA hermetic interconnects utilise a special sealant and are designed to meet the requirements of MILSTD-810 method 512.5. The use of these materials results in a connector which is sealed

against water ingress to IP67 standards and can withstand water pressure of 15 PSI, yet is half the weight of traditional Mil-DTL38999 hermetic connectors, which have heavy stainless steel shells. Able to withstand an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, the KJAYA series is ideal for many electric and hybrid vehicle on- and off-road applications. The KJAYA hermetic connector is available in all standard Mil-DTL-38999 insert patterns and

EP&Dee ⏐ April, 2012 ⏐ www.epd-ee.eu

Contributing editors Robert Berger Ross Bannatyne Consulting Marian Blejan Bogdan Grămescu Mihai Savu Asian Reprezentative Taiwan Charles Yang Tel: +88643223633 charles@medianet.com.tw

in wall and jam-nut mounting receptacles in sizes 9 to 25. Copper-based contacts provide for reduced electrical resistance. Two termination versions are offered – PC tail and poke home crimp contacts. ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

EP&Dee Web page: www.epdee.eu EP&Dee Subscriptions: office@epdee.eu

EUROSTANDARD PRESS 2000 Tel.: +40 31 805 9955 Fax: +40 31 805 9887 office@esp2000.ro www.esp2000.ro VAT Registration: RO3998003 Company number: J03/1371/1993

EP&Dee (Electronics Products & Design Eastern Europe) is published 8 times per year in 2012 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. It is a free to qualified electronics engineers and managers involved in engineering decisions. Starting on 2010, this magazine is published only in digital format. Copyright 2012 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. All rights reserved.