CAMARILLO, USA: ZPower Inc., a leading global provider of silver-zinc battery technology, announced the qualification of its automated assembly line for rechargeable microbatteries.
The line’s annual production capacity of one million batteries will meet the initial demand from manufacturers of miniature electronic devices, like hearing aids, cochlear implants and computer watches, as they leverage rechargeable, silver-zinc in their new product designs.
“Several years ago hearing aid manufacturers requested we develop a high energy rechargeable battery for their next generation products to replace zinc-air and nickel metal-hydride technologies,” said Dr. Ross Dueber, president and CEO of ZPower.
“Zinc-air batteries are non-rechargeable and require frequent replacement, while rechargeable nickel metal-hydride batteries can’t supply sufficient energy for a full day of operation in advanced, digital hearing aids. ZPower’s silver-zinc hearing aid batteries easily deliver a full day of use with convenient charging at night while users sleep. They also generate significantly less waste compared to disposable batteries, are fully recyclable, and are inherently safe.”
“Our high energy, silver-zinc technology is the key enabler for manufacturers to evolve their new product designs from disposable to rechargeable batteries,” states Troy Renken, ZPower’s VP of Product Planning and Electronics. “We are working with several semiconductor companies on charging solutions, and feel our product has potential application in many other premium electronic devices that could benefit from a non-lithium rechargeable microbattery.”
The company has completed development of the two most popular batteries used in hearing aids, sizes 13 and 312, with completion of the 10 and 675 sizes slated for 2011. These sizes are equivalent to the SR41 (312), SR48 (13) and SR44 (675) in primary silver-oxide batteries. Beyond these standard sizes, other button and coin cell sizes will be made available based upon customer and application needs.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Mitsubishi Electric acquires Vincotech Holdings
TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has announced that Mitsubishi Electric and The Gores Group have entered into a Share Purchase Agreement on the acquisition of Vincotech group, a manufacturer of electronic components based in Germany.
Having its main business activities in Europe, Vincotech specializes in the development, manufacturing (assembly testing process) and distribution of low power devices that are used as inverters for general industrial applications and power conditioners for solar power system applications.
By acquiring Vincotech, Mitsubishi Electric seeks to further strengthen its power device business and to complement Mitsubishi Electric's medium and high power device technology with Vincotech's low power device technology.
Having its main business activities in Europe, Vincotech specializes in the development, manufacturing (assembly testing process) and distribution of low power devices that are used as inverters for general industrial applications and power conditioners for solar power system applications.
By acquiring Vincotech, Mitsubishi Electric seeks to further strengthen its power device business and to complement Mitsubishi Electric's medium and high power device technology with Vincotech's low power device technology.
Avnet to distribute Micross Components' QML-certified memory products
PHOENIX, USA: Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, a business region of Avnet Inc., has signed a distribution agreement with high-reliability, memory producer Micross Components (formerly, Austin Semiconductor).
The agreement will enable both companies to bring Micross Components’ entire line of QML-certified (qualified manufacturers list) and ISO 9001/AS9100 registered semiconductor products to the military, aerospace, transportation, industrial, embedded and medical markets. The agreement encompasses all of North America.
Micross Components offers one of the broadest lines of high-reliability memory products in the industry, offering both standard and specialty memory products, including SRAM, SDRAM, DDR and EEPROM. Micross Components’ current product offering also includes I/C components, multi-chip modules and integrated product solutions.
Along with their expansive line of high-reliability integrated plastic encapsulated microcircuits (iPEM), Micross also offers commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) up-screened products, as well as Solid State Disk on Chip (SSDoC) solutions.
“The addition of Micross Components allows Avnet customers unprecedented access to a significant array of memory products that are Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) registered, SMD (Standard Military Drawing) compliant and QML-certified,” said David Moore, director of defense/aerospace business development for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas.
“Not only will our customers be better served by their products, but Micross’ custom packaging will augment our existing semiconductor aftermarket capabilities and allow us to provide our customers long-term production for a wider range of end-of-life or obsolete components.”
“Micross Components is excited to bring our 22 years of experience in the military and aerospace marketplace to Avnet’s line card,” said Larry Wallace, general manager of Micross Components’ semiconductor operations. “We look forward to providing our competitive offerings and personalized service to the multitude of customers who depend on Avnet’s best in class distribution.”
The agreement will enable both companies to bring Micross Components’ entire line of QML-certified (qualified manufacturers list) and ISO 9001/AS9100 registered semiconductor products to the military, aerospace, transportation, industrial, embedded and medical markets. The agreement encompasses all of North America.
Micross Components offers one of the broadest lines of high-reliability memory products in the industry, offering both standard and specialty memory products, including SRAM, SDRAM, DDR and EEPROM. Micross Components’ current product offering also includes I/C components, multi-chip modules and integrated product solutions.
Along with their expansive line of high-reliability integrated plastic encapsulated microcircuits (iPEM), Micross also offers commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) up-screened products, as well as Solid State Disk on Chip (SSDoC) solutions.
“The addition of Micross Components allows Avnet customers unprecedented access to a significant array of memory products that are Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) registered, SMD (Standard Military Drawing) compliant and QML-certified,” said David Moore, director of defense/aerospace business development for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas.
“Not only will our customers be better served by their products, but Micross’ custom packaging will augment our existing semiconductor aftermarket capabilities and allow us to provide our customers long-term production for a wider range of end-of-life or obsolete components.”
“Micross Components is excited to bring our 22 years of experience in the military and aerospace marketplace to Avnet’s line card,” said Larry Wallace, general manager of Micross Components’ semiconductor operations. “We look forward to providing our competitive offerings and personalized service to the multitude of customers who depend on Avnet’s best in class distribution.”
Monday, November 29, 2010
Chinese government publishes demo project bid award list of solid state lighting apps raising expectations for LED domestic market
CHINA & TAIWAN: The Chinese central government recently held a large-scale open bidding for LED lighting products. The National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Housing, and Urban-Rural Development Commission and Ministry of Transport conducted the tender evaluation together and published the bid award list on November 24, 2010.
LEDinside, the LED research division under Trendforce, realizes that 28 LED lighting companies out of 94 bidding industry players have become bid winners. Bid products include LED street/tunnel lamps, LED down lights, reflector type self-ballasted LED lights (MR and PAR series).
Most bid winners are China's local LED manufacturers, but the LEDs they adopt require high specifications, so Cree is undoubtedly the biggest winner. As the LED demand increases with the progress of the demonstration projects, Taiwan LED manufacturers can have an opportunity to enter the supply chain.
The award criteria emphasize the product quality, price and comprehensive strength of the manufacturer. LEDinside thinks that the technical award criteria require high specifications and quality of the LED lighting product. Apart from the safety requirement for lighting fixtures, the initial luminous flux, luminous maintenance factor and power factor also have related criteria respectively.
Thus, the bid winners have actually obtained the endorsement and support from the government, which will immensely help expand the mainland market in the future.
According to LEDinside’s analyst, the bidding puts certain scale limitations on the demonstration projects applied by governmental units. For example, no less than 5000 indoor LED lighting products must be applied into the construction/renovation project of architectural lighting; no less than 500 LED street/tunnel lamps must be applied into the construction/renovation project of secondary road, branch road or tunnel lighting.
Besides, each unit will release orders totaled at least 3 million RMB. As more and more government units will apply for the demonstration projects based on the award criteria, the LED industry development has a bright version in the near future.
Source: LEDinside.
LEDinside, the LED research division under Trendforce, realizes that 28 LED lighting companies out of 94 bidding industry players have become bid winners. Bid products include LED street/tunnel lamps, LED down lights, reflector type self-ballasted LED lights (MR and PAR series).
Most bid winners are China's local LED manufacturers, but the LEDs they adopt require high specifications, so Cree is undoubtedly the biggest winner. As the LED demand increases with the progress of the demonstration projects, Taiwan LED manufacturers can have an opportunity to enter the supply chain.
The award criteria emphasize the product quality, price and comprehensive strength of the manufacturer. LEDinside thinks that the technical award criteria require high specifications and quality of the LED lighting product. Apart from the safety requirement for lighting fixtures, the initial luminous flux, luminous maintenance factor and power factor also have related criteria respectively.
Thus, the bid winners have actually obtained the endorsement and support from the government, which will immensely help expand the mainland market in the future.
According to LEDinside’s analyst, the bidding puts certain scale limitations on the demonstration projects applied by governmental units. For example, no less than 5000 indoor LED lighting products must be applied into the construction/renovation project of architectural lighting; no less than 500 LED street/tunnel lamps must be applied into the construction/renovation project of secondary road, branch road or tunnel lighting.
Besides, each unit will release orders totaled at least 3 million RMB. As more and more government units will apply for the demonstration projects based on the award criteria, the LED industry development has a bright version in the near future.
Source: LEDinside.
Now, there is China RoHS2 to consider!
Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell, UK
UK: If you thought that progress was slow on the implementation of the so called “China RoHS Catalogue” first published in September 2009 but not yet in force, then now there is “China RoHS2” to consider.
A draft was published in July and now it is a question of which version of China RoHS will be taken forward and, if so, will the other be rejected (or amended) once and for all?
On 16 July 2010, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the “draft measures for the pollution control of electrical and electronic product” the so called China RoHS2 for public consultation.
Among other things, the proposed measures would amend the coverage of products by modifying the definition from “electronic information product-EIP” to “electrical and electronic product-EEE”.
This new definition largely corresponds to EEE in the EU RoHS Directive and within the same scope of designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1500Vdc and 1000Vac.
This is a much broader scope than before but, so far, there is no indicative list of products. However, they may not produce one if it is felt that everything electrical is in scope.
The six restricted substances remain the same as EU RoHS, but one difference is that accessories will be included as well as component parts. Another interesting observation is that there is no mention of the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) in the July 2010 draft.
This draft would also change the title of the Catalogue from “key management catalog for the control of pollution by electronic information product” to read the “standard product catalogue for the pollution control of electrical and electronic product.
So, the scope of EU RoHS will expand due to the recast as will China RoHS because of these proposals. Finally, though, no timescales are known at present.
UK: If you thought that progress was slow on the implementation of the so called “China RoHS Catalogue” first published in September 2009 but not yet in force, then now there is “China RoHS2” to consider.
A draft was published in July and now it is a question of which version of China RoHS will be taken forward and, if so, will the other be rejected (or amended) once and for all?
On 16 July 2010, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the “draft measures for the pollution control of electrical and electronic product” the so called China RoHS2 for public consultation.
Among other things, the proposed measures would amend the coverage of products by modifying the definition from “electronic information product-EIP” to “electrical and electronic product-EEE”.
This new definition largely corresponds to EEE in the EU RoHS Directive and within the same scope of designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1500Vdc and 1000Vac.
This is a much broader scope than before but, so far, there is no indicative list of products. However, they may not produce one if it is felt that everything electrical is in scope.
The six restricted substances remain the same as EU RoHS, but one difference is that accessories will be included as well as component parts. Another interesting observation is that there is no mention of the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) in the July 2010 draft.
This draft would also change the title of the Catalogue from “key management catalog for the control of pollution by electronic information product” to read the “standard product catalogue for the pollution control of electrical and electronic product.
So, the scope of EU RoHS will expand due to the recast as will China RoHS because of these proposals. Finally, though, no timescales are known at present.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
European Parliament backs first reading approval on RoHS recast
Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell, UK
UK: Those who have been following my regular updates on the RoHS recast will be interested to know that the European Parliament has backed the first reading approval on the so called RoHS recast. Environmental ministers are likely to support the deal when they meet in Brussels during December.
RoHS will become an open scope, but not for eight years after the recast enters into force. Restrictions on six substances will be, at that point, extended to all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) unless specifically excluded. Exemptions will include fixed industrial machinery, military and photovoltaic solar panels.
There was considerable compromise leading to disappointed Green groups who were looking for bans on further restricted substances such as brominated flame retardants and PVC. There was a mixed reaction from the industry.
A list of 37 substances for priority assessment was dropped as was the proposed restriction on nanosilver and carbon nanotubes.
The new directive will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States will have 18 months to transpose into national law.
Meanwhile, the WEEE recast is moving slowly with a second reading approval a possibility next year.
UK: Those who have been following my regular updates on the RoHS recast will be interested to know that the European Parliament has backed the first reading approval on the so called RoHS recast. Environmental ministers are likely to support the deal when they meet in Brussels during December.
RoHS will become an open scope, but not for eight years after the recast enters into force. Restrictions on six substances will be, at that point, extended to all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) unless specifically excluded. Exemptions will include fixed industrial machinery, military and photovoltaic solar panels.
There was considerable compromise leading to disappointed Green groups who were looking for bans on further restricted substances such as brominated flame retardants and PVC. There was a mixed reaction from the industry.
A list of 37 substances for priority assessment was dropped as was the proposed restriction on nanosilver and carbon nanotubes.
The new directive will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States will have 18 months to transpose into national law.
Meanwhile, the WEEE recast is moving slowly with a second reading approval a possibility next year.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
MKS Instruments expands manufacturing partnership with SMTC
TORONTO, CANADA: SMTC Corp., a leader in electronics manufacturing services, has announced the expansion of its outsourcing relationship with MKS Instruments, Inc. a global provider of technologies to power, control, deliver, monitor, measure and analyze advanced processes in high growth markets.
SMTC's regional manufacturing center in Toronto will provide PCBA and subassembly manufacturing services for MKS's elite product line of air cooled RF Generators.
MKS served markets include manufacturers of capital equipment for thin film applications including semiconductor devices, flat panel displays, light emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, data storage media and coatings, as well as medical equipment, energy generation and environmental monitoring processes and other industrial manufacturing.
"SMTC is a focused and capable outsourcing partner with the ability to scale to our needs. They are a key contributor in our effort to simplify and expand our outsourcing strategy, reduce costs, and eliminate supply chain challenges as we aggressively pursue our target markets," said Brian Quirk, VP, MKS Instruments. "SMTC's global operating presence provides an ideal footprint in support of MKS' global manufacturing objectives."
"SMTC is very proud of our expanding relationship with MKS Instruments," said John Caldwell, president and CEO, SMTC.
"Through our product lifecycle support services including engineering support and optimization, new product introduction, product assembly and test, and after sales support, we will help MKS meet both cost and time-to-market objectives, reinforcing their competitive position in the renewable energy marketplace."
SMTC's regional manufacturing center in Toronto will provide PCBA and subassembly manufacturing services for MKS's elite product line of air cooled RF Generators.
MKS served markets include manufacturers of capital equipment for thin film applications including semiconductor devices, flat panel displays, light emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, data storage media and coatings, as well as medical equipment, energy generation and environmental monitoring processes and other industrial manufacturing.
"SMTC is a focused and capable outsourcing partner with the ability to scale to our needs. They are a key contributor in our effort to simplify and expand our outsourcing strategy, reduce costs, and eliminate supply chain challenges as we aggressively pursue our target markets," said Brian Quirk, VP, MKS Instruments. "SMTC's global operating presence provides an ideal footprint in support of MKS' global manufacturing objectives."
"SMTC is very proud of our expanding relationship with MKS Instruments," said John Caldwell, president and CEO, SMTC.
"Through our product lifecycle support services including engineering support and optimization, new product introduction, product assembly and test, and after sales support, we will help MKS meet both cost and time-to-market objectives, reinforcing their competitive position in the renewable energy marketplace."
Friday, November 26, 2010
Lighthouse completes acquisition of Huizhou Factory
HONG KONG: World-leading LED display solutions provider, Lighthouse Technologies Ltd (Lighthouse), has completed the share acquisition of its Huizhou factory, giving it full ownership of Lighthouse Technologies (Huizhou) Limited, one of the largest LED display factories in the world.
The move marks Lighthouse's continued leadership and commitment to developing the fast growing global LED display market.
The investment brings a number of advantages not just to Lighthouse, but to China and the Huizhou area as well. With RoHS compliance, the manufacturing facility is an eco-friendly investment, well aligned with the Chinese government's low carbon development policy put forth in 2009. It's also an investment that brings some of the most advanced technology and management experience to China.
For residents of Huizhou, the facility has also been an important source of economic growth, bringing more jobs to Chinese citizens and contributing to Huizhou's GDP and government revenue. And, following the acquisition, factory employees can now receive advanced training, giving them important skills that will aid them in their career development.
Lighthouse customers will also see benefits from the investment. Full ownership allows Lighthouse to increase production capacity, improving supply efficiency while maintaining excellent quality. It also ensures a solid link between each stage of the production process, from idea conception to design to manufacturing, effectively accelerating the time-to-market.
"Lighthouse has established itself as an industry leader in the international LED display market, and we require the most advanced technologies to continue meeting market needs and to continue building our reputation," said Peter Chan, general manager at Lighthouse. "We will continue investing in our Huizhou facility as the LED screen market hold tremendous potential, with demand booming in China and around the world."
One of the market's fastest rising industry leaders, Lighthouse has continued to strengthen its presence in Asia and in the world in 2010 with a number of big wins, including the Shanghai World Expo and several world- renowned brand stores such as Vivienne Tam, Chanel and Ermenegildo Zegna as well as the sports stadiums, Bradley Center in the US.
Lighthouse Technologies Limited is a global leader in LED display technology that develops, manufactures, and markets LED video display solutions for multiple indoor and outdoor applications, media and entertainment events, and sports arenas across the globe.
With numerous technological breakthroughs to its name, Lighthouse has established itself as a multi award- winning leader in the LED display industry that holds itself to the highest standards of quality.
The move marks Lighthouse's continued leadership and commitment to developing the fast growing global LED display market.
The investment brings a number of advantages not just to Lighthouse, but to China and the Huizhou area as well. With RoHS compliance, the manufacturing facility is an eco-friendly investment, well aligned with the Chinese government's low carbon development policy put forth in 2009. It's also an investment that brings some of the most advanced technology and management experience to China.
For residents of Huizhou, the facility has also been an important source of economic growth, bringing more jobs to Chinese citizens and contributing to Huizhou's GDP and government revenue. And, following the acquisition, factory employees can now receive advanced training, giving them important skills that will aid them in their career development.
Lighthouse customers will also see benefits from the investment. Full ownership allows Lighthouse to increase production capacity, improving supply efficiency while maintaining excellent quality. It also ensures a solid link between each stage of the production process, from idea conception to design to manufacturing, effectively accelerating the time-to-market.
"Lighthouse has established itself as an industry leader in the international LED display market, and we require the most advanced technologies to continue meeting market needs and to continue building our reputation," said Peter Chan, general manager at Lighthouse. "We will continue investing in our Huizhou facility as the LED screen market hold tremendous potential, with demand booming in China and around the world."
One of the market's fastest rising industry leaders, Lighthouse has continued to strengthen its presence in Asia and in the world in 2010 with a number of big wins, including the Shanghai World Expo and several world- renowned brand stores such as Vivienne Tam, Chanel and Ermenegildo Zegna as well as the sports stadiums, Bradley Center in the US.
Lighthouse Technologies Limited is a global leader in LED display technology that develops, manufactures, and markets LED video display solutions for multiple indoor and outdoor applications, media and entertainment events, and sports arenas across the globe.
With numerous technological breakthroughs to its name, Lighthouse has established itself as a multi award- winning leader in the LED display industry that holds itself to the highest standards of quality.
China LED production ready for lift-off
AUSTIN, USA:IMS Research’s latest Quarterly LED Supply and Demand Report reveals that while China was the #4 region for LED production in Q3’10 with a 13 percent share of 2” equivalent wafer capacity, by Q4’11, it will become the #1 region with its capacity share reaching 32 percent in Q1’12.
China’s impressive share gains are a result of a multi-pronged stimulus program which incentivizes companies to manufacture LEDs in China by heavily subsidizing the costs of the MOCVD tools, the most critical tool in the manufacturing process, while also offering numerous other benefits.
The share gains have already started with China the #1 region for MOCVD installations for the first time in Q3’10 with a 32 percent share, up from 18 percent in Q2’10. China is forecasted to lead in MOCVD installations for at least the next five quarters, accounting for 64 percent of 2011 MOCVD installations.
Other highlights of the report include:
* The Q3’10 merchant MOCVD GaN LED market reached a record high of 230 tools. Revenue growth outpaced unit growth, up 22 percent Q/Q and 250 percent Y/Y to $489 million.
* Aixtron remained the market leader with a 54 percent share, down from 55 percent, with Veeco’s share rising from 42 percent to 44 percent. On a revenue basis, Veeco’s share rose from 44 percent to 48 percent supported by the transition to its K465i tool which was the industry’s top selling model in Q3’10.
* LG Innotek installed the most tools in Q3’10 followed by Forepi and Huga. LG is expected to overtake Samsung LED in wafer capacity in Q4’10 with Samsung reclaiming the top spot in Q2’11. In Q3’10, LG led in 2” and 6” capacity with Samsung leading at 4”.
* LED backlighting revenues are expected to peak in 2013 with notebook and mobile phones peaking in 2010.
* Sanan is expected to install the most tools over the next five quarters. Seven different companies are expected to install at least 50 tools over this period with more than 1,000 merchant tools installed between Q4’10 and Q4’11.
China’s impressive share gains are a result of a multi-pronged stimulus program which incentivizes companies to manufacture LEDs in China by heavily subsidizing the costs of the MOCVD tools, the most critical tool in the manufacturing process, while also offering numerous other benefits.
The share gains have already started with China the #1 region for MOCVD installations for the first time in Q3’10 with a 32 percent share, up from 18 percent in Q2’10. China is forecasted to lead in MOCVD installations for at least the next five quarters, accounting for 64 percent of 2011 MOCVD installations.
Other highlights of the report include:
* The Q3’10 merchant MOCVD GaN LED market reached a record high of 230 tools. Revenue growth outpaced unit growth, up 22 percent Q/Q and 250 percent Y/Y to $489 million.
* Aixtron remained the market leader with a 54 percent share, down from 55 percent, with Veeco’s share rising from 42 percent to 44 percent. On a revenue basis, Veeco’s share rose from 44 percent to 48 percent supported by the transition to its K465i tool which was the industry’s top selling model in Q3’10.
* LG Innotek installed the most tools in Q3’10 followed by Forepi and Huga. LG is expected to overtake Samsung LED in wafer capacity in Q4’10 with Samsung reclaiming the top spot in Q2’11. In Q3’10, LG led in 2” and 6” capacity with Samsung leading at 4”.
* LED backlighting revenues are expected to peak in 2013 with notebook and mobile phones peaking in 2010.
* Sanan is expected to install the most tools over the next five quarters. Seven different companies are expected to install at least 50 tools over this period with more than 1,000 merchant tools installed between Q4’10 and Q4’11.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Semtech delivers industry’s first smart current sink LED backlighting platform
CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp. has announced the industry’s first smart current sink LED backlighting platform with on-chip digital lighting effects for high-end handheld displays.
This new platform incorporates Semtech’s patent-pending, smart Automatic Dropout Prevention (ADP) technology to enable a new-generation of high-quality current sink drivers that can replace boost converters and charge pumps in high-end handhelds, while providing high-quality display backlighting.
The new SC667 and SC668 current sinks with ADP technology reduce the total parts count and extend battery life compared to boost converters or charge pumps, and offer far superior illumination quality compared to conventional current sink drivers. Additionally, on-chip digital lighting effects provide the flexibility to incorporate fade, breathe and blink effects without changing the firmware.
White LEDs used in backlighting applications typically have a forward voltage up to 3.6V. When the battery voltage declines in portable devices, the supply voltage must be boosted to ensure the white LEDs have sufficient voltage to illuminate the display.
Charge pump or inductive boost converter devices have typically been used to provide this voltage boost function. In an effort to maintain constant output power, these circuits increase current draw as the battery voltage declines, shortening battery life.
Improvements in white LEDs have resulted in forward voltages as low as 3.0V, reducing the threshold at which conventional LED drivers need to boost the battery voltage. Because of this, LED backlight drivers increasingly are operating in a non-boost mode, making current sink drivers an attractive alternative.
Current sink drivers eliminate the capacitors and inductor associated with the boost circuitry, reducing component count, board size and system cost, with the added benefits of eliminating any switching noise and extending operating time.
“With current sink topologies, the supply voltage available to the white LEDs is reduced toward the end of the battery discharge cycle,” said Athar Zaidi, director of Marketing in Semtech’s Power Management Group.
“Semtech’s ADP technology ensures that the LEDs dim in uniform and imperceptible steps as the battery voltage declines. The current sink approach also extends battery life, because there are no boost converters to draw higher current as in conventional implementations.”
Prior to the ADP approach, current sinks were not optimal for high-end handheld devices. This was because line transients caused by the heavy system loads (for example: RF transmission, camera, camera flash, Internet access) produced display flicker when these loads were enabled and disabled.
Semtech’s smart ADP topology eliminates this problem via automatic and simultaneous monitoring of each current sink to avoid dropout as the system loads turn on and off. Each time a current sink with ADP approaches dropout, the digital logic reduces the current setting for all of the backlight LEDs in small increments that are imperceptible to the human eye.
This process continues until all current sinks have sufficient headroom to regulate their current at the reduced setting. When this point is reached, the ADP circuitry locks the current setting, thereby eliminating any display flicker.
The SC667 and SC668 are the first current sinks to incorporate ADP technology. These devices also integrate a number of functions to enable high-end features on portables, including an ambient light sensing/control circuit that sets backlight brightness based on surrounding lighting conditions.
A PWM dimming interface that incorporates a digital low-pass filter is also included, providing the capability to perform content-adaptive brightness control (versus “always-on” illumination).
The SC668 provides eight current sinks, while the SC667 features seven current sinks plus an interrupt request indicator signal to tell the host processor when an ambient light threshold has been crossed. Both devices include an on-chip digital lighting-effects engine to control LED fade-in/fade-out, breathe, blink, auto-dim full, and auto-dim partial; an I2C interface to program and control the LEDs; and four programmable, 200mA low-noise LDO regulators to manage the power for multiple embedded peripherals.
This new platform incorporates Semtech’s patent-pending, smart Automatic Dropout Prevention (ADP) technology to enable a new-generation of high-quality current sink drivers that can replace boost converters and charge pumps in high-end handhelds, while providing high-quality display backlighting.
The new SC667 and SC668 current sinks with ADP technology reduce the total parts count and extend battery life compared to boost converters or charge pumps, and offer far superior illumination quality compared to conventional current sink drivers. Additionally, on-chip digital lighting effects provide the flexibility to incorporate fade, breathe and blink effects without changing the firmware.
White LEDs used in backlighting applications typically have a forward voltage up to 3.6V. When the battery voltage declines in portable devices, the supply voltage must be boosted to ensure the white LEDs have sufficient voltage to illuminate the display.
Charge pump or inductive boost converter devices have typically been used to provide this voltage boost function. In an effort to maintain constant output power, these circuits increase current draw as the battery voltage declines, shortening battery life.
Improvements in white LEDs have resulted in forward voltages as low as 3.0V, reducing the threshold at which conventional LED drivers need to boost the battery voltage. Because of this, LED backlight drivers increasingly are operating in a non-boost mode, making current sink drivers an attractive alternative.
Current sink drivers eliminate the capacitors and inductor associated with the boost circuitry, reducing component count, board size and system cost, with the added benefits of eliminating any switching noise and extending operating time.
“With current sink topologies, the supply voltage available to the white LEDs is reduced toward the end of the battery discharge cycle,” said Athar Zaidi, director of Marketing in Semtech’s Power Management Group.
“Semtech’s ADP technology ensures that the LEDs dim in uniform and imperceptible steps as the battery voltage declines. The current sink approach also extends battery life, because there are no boost converters to draw higher current as in conventional implementations.”
Prior to the ADP approach, current sinks were not optimal for high-end handheld devices. This was because line transients caused by the heavy system loads (for example: RF transmission, camera, camera flash, Internet access) produced display flicker when these loads were enabled and disabled.
Semtech’s smart ADP topology eliminates this problem via automatic and simultaneous monitoring of each current sink to avoid dropout as the system loads turn on and off. Each time a current sink with ADP approaches dropout, the digital logic reduces the current setting for all of the backlight LEDs in small increments that are imperceptible to the human eye.
This process continues until all current sinks have sufficient headroom to regulate their current at the reduced setting. When this point is reached, the ADP circuitry locks the current setting, thereby eliminating any display flicker.
The SC667 and SC668 are the first current sinks to incorporate ADP technology. These devices also integrate a number of functions to enable high-end features on portables, including an ambient light sensing/control circuit that sets backlight brightness based on surrounding lighting conditions.
A PWM dimming interface that incorporates a digital low-pass filter is also included, providing the capability to perform content-adaptive brightness control (versus “always-on” illumination).
The SC668 provides eight current sinks, while the SC667 features seven current sinks plus an interrupt request indicator signal to tell the host processor when an ambient light threshold has been crossed. Both devices include an on-chip digital lighting-effects engine to control LED fade-in/fade-out, breathe, blink, auto-dim full, and auto-dim partial; an I2C interface to program and control the LEDs; and four programmable, 200mA low-noise LDO regulators to manage the power for multiple embedded peripherals.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
element14 offers latest AC/DC LED solutions from RECOM
BANGALORE, INDIA: element14, formerly known as Farnell Electronics India (P) Ltd, has announced the latest addition of RECOM power solutions, a new range of high-efficiency constant current LED drivers in the power range of 12 and 20 Watt to its extensive product portfolio.
With this enhanced offering of cutting-edge power solutions in the form of a new range of constant current LED drivers in the power range of 12 and 20 Watt, element14 has taken its partnership with RECOM Asia even further to offer the latest and most innovative solutions to meet the needs of electronic design engineers and maintenance and repair professionals across the Asia Pacific.
The drivers are designed to be simple to use without an extensive knowledge of electronics and offer both input and output screw terminals and an additional 5.5mm socket output. The socket allows the LEDs to be pre-wired with a matching plug to avoid possible miswiring and make lighting installation easier and safer.
With over 70,000 hours of operating life, they are ideal for commercial, residential and industrial lighting systems. The RACD12 Drivers are compatible with all CREE LED MPLs and RACD20 Drivers work for up to 15 x 1 Watt LEDs.
With this enhanced offering of cutting-edge power solutions in the form of a new range of constant current LED drivers in the power range of 12 and 20 Watt, element14 has taken its partnership with RECOM Asia even further to offer the latest and most innovative solutions to meet the needs of electronic design engineers and maintenance and repair professionals across the Asia Pacific.
The drivers are designed to be simple to use without an extensive knowledge of electronics and offer both input and output screw terminals and an additional 5.5mm socket output. The socket allows the LEDs to be pre-wired with a matching plug to avoid possible miswiring and make lighting installation easier and safer.
With over 70,000 hours of operating life, they are ideal for commercial, residential and industrial lighting systems. The RACD12 Drivers are compatible with all CREE LED MPLs and RACD20 Drivers work for up to 15 x 1 Watt LEDs.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
IXYS announces 1.2A white LED driver with Flash/torch mode for photo Flash apps
MILPITAS, USA & BIEL, SWITZERLAND: IXYS Corp. announced the availability of sample and demo boards of the LDS8991, an innovative inductor-less, high efficiency 1.2 A WLED driver with low dropout voltage for Photo Flash applications.
The LDS8991 can drive a HB LED at 1.2 A in FLASH mode or at 200 mA in TORCH mode. Drivers provide full output power from a single-cell Lithium-Ion battery or supply voltage in the range from 2.7 to 5.5 V.
The LDS8991 is ideal for HB LED photoflash and torch for digital cameras, video cameras and smart phones, where continuous light is needed for video capture under low light conditions. LDS8991 may be used in 1.2A FLASH mode or 0.2A TORCH mode.
“This innovative and higher power IC addresses the needs for higher intensity battery operated continuous mode LED light. Besides the applications for cameras for sharing pictures, this IC can find applications in powerful flash lights, battery operated security lights, motion-activated solar powered security lights and lights for security video cameras that are activated by motion in the dark. We are combining these LED drivers with the digital motion control with the Zilog MCU to provide a full solution for the lighting industry,” commented Steve Darrough, Marketing Director for Zilog.
The 1.2A FLASH and 200 mA TORCH currents are factory programmed. Consult factory if other current values are desirable. FLASH current can be programmed in 50 mA steps from 100 mA to 1.2A, while TORCH current can be programmed in 1.5 mA steps from 3 mA to 200 mA. The device can operate in 1-x and 2-x charge pump modes and the inclusion of a low dropout PowerLite Current Regulator (PCR) operating down to 150 mV increases the device efficiency up to 90 percent.
The device exhibits a robust protection system (over-voltage, over-temperature, under-voltage and short-circuit), while the shutdown current is below 1 microamp, which is ideal for battery operated products. The driver requires only three small external capacitors – 1microfarad at the input, another 1microfarad as a charge pump flying capacitor and a 2.2 microfarad capacitor at the output.
The device is available in a tiny 3 x 3 x 0.8 mm 12-pin TDFN package allowing a thin profile of the application.
The LDS8991 can drive a HB LED at 1.2 A in FLASH mode or at 200 mA in TORCH mode. Drivers provide full output power from a single-cell Lithium-Ion battery or supply voltage in the range from 2.7 to 5.5 V.
The LDS8991 is ideal for HB LED photoflash and torch for digital cameras, video cameras and smart phones, where continuous light is needed for video capture under low light conditions. LDS8991 may be used in 1.2A FLASH mode or 0.2A TORCH mode.
“This innovative and higher power IC addresses the needs for higher intensity battery operated continuous mode LED light. Besides the applications for cameras for sharing pictures, this IC can find applications in powerful flash lights, battery operated security lights, motion-activated solar powered security lights and lights for security video cameras that are activated by motion in the dark. We are combining these LED drivers with the digital motion control with the Zilog MCU to provide a full solution for the lighting industry,” commented Steve Darrough, Marketing Director for Zilog.
The 1.2A FLASH and 200 mA TORCH currents are factory programmed. Consult factory if other current values are desirable. FLASH current can be programmed in 50 mA steps from 100 mA to 1.2A, while TORCH current can be programmed in 1.5 mA steps from 3 mA to 200 mA. The device can operate in 1-x and 2-x charge pump modes and the inclusion of a low dropout PowerLite Current Regulator (PCR) operating down to 150 mV increases the device efficiency up to 90 percent.
The device exhibits a robust protection system (over-voltage, over-temperature, under-voltage and short-circuit), while the shutdown current is below 1 microamp, which is ideal for battery operated products. The driver requires only three small external capacitors – 1microfarad at the input, another 1microfarad as a charge pump flying capacitor and a 2.2 microfarad capacitor at the output.
The device is available in a tiny 3 x 3 x 0.8 mm 12-pin TDFN package allowing a thin profile of the application.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Seoul Semiconductor partners with Vertex for investment of LED technology development
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Seoul Semiconductor Corp. has announced an agreement with Singapore-based Vertex Venture Management to jointly seek and invest in companies with advanced capabilities in the areas of LED technology development.
Through this agreement, Seoul Semiconductor will leverage its world-leading expertise and deep experience in LED technologies to seek out high-potential companies and combine them with the capabilities of Vertex in sourcing and administering investment capital to achieve synergies for effective investment and returns.
In addition, it was announced that, with subsequent expansion of investment opportunities, both companies may establish a dedicated fund to nurture the research and development efforts of technology companies that will drive future innovation in the LED and its related industries.
"There are various LED-related new technologies and application companies engaged in R&D that have synergies with such new technologies in the world. We want to support these efforts at such companies. We expect that many global firms will seek to work with us. All such firms are invited to sign-up on the Investment Application section of our website," said Brian Wilcox, Vice President of North American sales for Seoul Semiconductor.
Vertex Venture Management is a venture capital firm that is a subsidiary of Vertex Venture Holdings, which is wholly owned by Temasek Holdings. Vertex is engaged in company investments and fund commitments throughout all of Asia and the US Joo Hock CHUA, Chief Investment Officer of Vertex said, "LED is an eco-friendly light source with significant growth potential in the middle- to long-term, and we intend to identify and invest into many more companies with strong technology potential going forward."
Through this agreement, Seoul Semiconductor will leverage its world-leading expertise and deep experience in LED technologies to seek out high-potential companies and combine them with the capabilities of Vertex in sourcing and administering investment capital to achieve synergies for effective investment and returns.
In addition, it was announced that, with subsequent expansion of investment opportunities, both companies may establish a dedicated fund to nurture the research and development efforts of technology companies that will drive future innovation in the LED and its related industries.
"There are various LED-related new technologies and application companies engaged in R&D that have synergies with such new technologies in the world. We want to support these efforts at such companies. We expect that many global firms will seek to work with us. All such firms are invited to sign-up on the Investment Application section of our website," said Brian Wilcox, Vice President of North American sales for Seoul Semiconductor.
Vertex Venture Management is a venture capital firm that is a subsidiary of Vertex Venture Holdings, which is wholly owned by Temasek Holdings. Vertex is engaged in company investments and fund commitments throughout all of Asia and the US Joo Hock CHUA, Chief Investment Officer of Vertex said, "LED is an eco-friendly light source with significant growth potential in the middle- to long-term, and we intend to identify and invest into many more companies with strong technology potential going forward."
Friday, November 19, 2010
Cellphone components to reach $71 billion in 2014
TEMPE, USA: Forward Concepts has announced the publication of its newest in-depth study of the worldwide cellphone chip market. The extensive (548-page) study, “Cellular Handset Chip Markets '10” is an in-depth analysis of virtually all the chips that go into cellphones, worldwide. The study provides dozens of detailed forecasts through 2014 by each key chip type (and even by air interface, where applicable).
The report ranks the top chip vendors overall and provides vendor market shares for each chip type for 2009. We believe that this is the most comprehensive study of chips that serve the cellular handset market.
The report discusses the vendor and key product changes in 2010, brought about through innovations and the many acquisitions and mergers that will shift market shares over the next year or two. Market metrics are the central focus of the study, and just a few key findings are:
* Qualcomm continues as the cellular handset chip market leader in the $25 billion 2009 cellphone chip market with a 20 percent market share, followed by Texas Instruments with 14 percent, ST-Ericsson with 10 percent and Infineon with 9 percent; and soon to be part of Intel. Next in line are MediaTek, Broadcom and Samsung followed by almost two dozen significant vendors of a great variety of chip types.
* In addition to semiconductor chips, the dominant cost of cellphones is still the LCD, which constitutes a $13.7 billion market.
* Smartphone shipments are predicted to grow by 42 percent in 2010, severely impacting the growth of feature phone sales, while mid-range and ultra-low-cost phones continue to grow, but at a slower pace.
* The smartphone market is driving the strong adoption of combo peripherals that support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM radio on a single chip, with GPS integration not far behind.
* The integration of application processor and digital baseband in a single package is essential to address the shift to lower-cost smartphones. Qualcomm's Snapdragon product is the most public example of such "Com-Processors." We estimate that this trend has already impacted severely the demand for the standalone application processors, dropping from 38 percent of cellphone total processor revenues in 2008 to 25 percent in 2009.
* Touch screen phone shipments grew from 14 percent of all cellphone shipments in 2009 to an estimated 27 percent this year. We predict that capacitive controller shipments will overtake resistive ones in 2011. The capacitive touch screen has now migrated down into mid-range phones which will create even larger demands for the technology.
* MEMS constitute another fast-growing component family in the cellphone market, expanding from basic accelerometers into (multiple) microphones, gyroscopes, compasses, and now RF switches, collectively forecasted to reach the $6 billion level in 2014.
According to the study's principal author, Carter L. Horney: "The cellphone continues to be the physical and market magnet that is pulling in the functionality of digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, GPS navigators, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM Radio, mobile TV, cordless phones, smart cards and even fingerprint sensors, and the cellphone is quickly becoming the dominant market for each and all of these functions."
The report covers all of these cellphone component markets, and companies making stand-alone versions of such products would be well-advised to understand how their market will be impacted by cellphones.
Will Strauss, Forward Concepts’ president and editor of the study report, said: "With new peripherals and features being continually added, there are opportunities for smaller vendors to target new chip types to get their piece of the market. This valuable resource provides the key information needed for new business plans. We are confident that this study provides the most comprehensive coverage of cellphone chip markets available."
The report ranks the top chip vendors overall and provides vendor market shares for each chip type for 2009. We believe that this is the most comprehensive study of chips that serve the cellular handset market.
The report discusses the vendor and key product changes in 2010, brought about through innovations and the many acquisitions and mergers that will shift market shares over the next year or two. Market metrics are the central focus of the study, and just a few key findings are:
* Qualcomm continues as the cellular handset chip market leader in the $25 billion 2009 cellphone chip market with a 20 percent market share, followed by Texas Instruments with 14 percent, ST-Ericsson with 10 percent and Infineon with 9 percent; and soon to be part of Intel. Next in line are MediaTek, Broadcom and Samsung followed by almost two dozen significant vendors of a great variety of chip types.
* In addition to semiconductor chips, the dominant cost of cellphones is still the LCD, which constitutes a $13.7 billion market.
* Smartphone shipments are predicted to grow by 42 percent in 2010, severely impacting the growth of feature phone sales, while mid-range and ultra-low-cost phones continue to grow, but at a slower pace.
* The smartphone market is driving the strong adoption of combo peripherals that support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM radio on a single chip, with GPS integration not far behind.
* The integration of application processor and digital baseband in a single package is essential to address the shift to lower-cost smartphones. Qualcomm's Snapdragon product is the most public example of such "Com-Processors." We estimate that this trend has already impacted severely the demand for the standalone application processors, dropping from 38 percent of cellphone total processor revenues in 2008 to 25 percent in 2009.
* Touch screen phone shipments grew from 14 percent of all cellphone shipments in 2009 to an estimated 27 percent this year. We predict that capacitive controller shipments will overtake resistive ones in 2011. The capacitive touch screen has now migrated down into mid-range phones which will create even larger demands for the technology.
* MEMS constitute another fast-growing component family in the cellphone market, expanding from basic accelerometers into (multiple) microphones, gyroscopes, compasses, and now RF switches, collectively forecasted to reach the $6 billion level in 2014.
According to the study's principal author, Carter L. Horney: "The cellphone continues to be the physical and market magnet that is pulling in the functionality of digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, GPS navigators, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM Radio, mobile TV, cordless phones, smart cards and even fingerprint sensors, and the cellphone is quickly becoming the dominant market for each and all of these functions."
The report covers all of these cellphone component markets, and companies making stand-alone versions of such products would be well-advised to understand how their market will be impacted by cellphones.
Will Strauss, Forward Concepts’ president and editor of the study report, said: "With new peripherals and features being continually added, there are opportunities for smaller vendors to target new chip types to get their piece of the market. This valuable resource provides the key information needed for new business plans. We are confident that this study provides the most comprehensive coverage of cellphone chip markets available."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
austriamicrosystems' ultra low quiescent current step-up DC-DC converter features highest efficiency
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, AUSTRIA: austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS1310, an ultra low quiescent current hysteretic step-up DC-DC converter optimized for light loads (60mA) and the highest efficiency -- up to 92 percent.
With 1 µA the AS1310 step-up converter also features the industry’s lowest quiescent current, operates over a wide 0.7 V to 3.6 V battery supply, and provides output voltages between 1.8 V and 3.3 V. Even at loads as light as 100 µA, efficiency still reaches 85%, significantly increasing battery life.
Since the supply voltage of many battery powered applications is moving from 3 V to 1.8 V, the AS1310 boost DC-DC converter was designed to be able to generate both; many competitive DC-DC converters are not able to do so. If the input voltage exceeds the output voltage the device goes into a feed-through mode and the input is directly connected to the output voltage.
The features and performance of the AS1310 boost DC-DC converter make it very well suited for single- and dual-cell powered devices, including blood glucose meters, remote controls, hearing aids, wireless mouse or any light-load application. The AS1310 DC-DC converter is an especially good fit for applications in which a lot of time is spent in an idle mode and therefore draws only a small current.
In order to save power the AS1310 also features a shutdown mode in which it draws less than 100 µA. During shutdown, the battery is disconnected from the output. In addition, the AS1310 step-up DC-DC converter allows adjustable low battery detection.
If the battery voltage decreases below the threshold defined by two external resistors, the output is pulled to logic low. This signal is used to indicate “low battery”, so no separate supervisory ICs are needed.
The AS1310 boost DC-DC converter is available in a TDFN 8-pin 2x2 mm package and operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +85ºC with a wide power supply range of 0.7 to 3.6 V.
Available in volume now, the price for the AS1310 step-up DC-DC converter is $0.66 in 1000 piece quantities.
With 1 µA the AS1310 step-up converter also features the industry’s lowest quiescent current, operates over a wide 0.7 V to 3.6 V battery supply, and provides output voltages between 1.8 V and 3.3 V. Even at loads as light as 100 µA, efficiency still reaches 85%, significantly increasing battery life.
Since the supply voltage of many battery powered applications is moving from 3 V to 1.8 V, the AS1310 boost DC-DC converter was designed to be able to generate both; many competitive DC-DC converters are not able to do so. If the input voltage exceeds the output voltage the device goes into a feed-through mode and the input is directly connected to the output voltage.
The features and performance of the AS1310 boost DC-DC converter make it very well suited for single- and dual-cell powered devices, including blood glucose meters, remote controls, hearing aids, wireless mouse or any light-load application. The AS1310 DC-DC converter is an especially good fit for applications in which a lot of time is spent in an idle mode and therefore draws only a small current.
In order to save power the AS1310 also features a shutdown mode in which it draws less than 100 µA. During shutdown, the battery is disconnected from the output. In addition, the AS1310 step-up DC-DC converter allows adjustable low battery detection.
If the battery voltage decreases below the threshold defined by two external resistors, the output is pulled to logic low. This signal is used to indicate “low battery”, so no separate supervisory ICs are needed.
The AS1310 boost DC-DC converter is available in a TDFN 8-pin 2x2 mm package and operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +85ºC with a wide power supply range of 0.7 to 3.6 V.
Available in volume now, the price for the AS1310 step-up DC-DC converter is $0.66 in 1000 piece quantities.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Avago debuts first fully-compliant CXP optical transceiver
SC10, NEW ORLEANS, USA: Avago Technologies, a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, is demonstrating the industry’s first CXP parallel optic transceiver solution that is fully-compliant to industry standards here at the Super Computing 2010 conference.
The new 12-channel CXP transceivers support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps. The hot-pluggable modules feature an industry-compliant MTP multi-fiber push on (MPO) receptacle for removable fiber cable connectors.
This allows flexible cable management at installation, simplifying design and lowering cost for high-performance computing, switch fabric and other short-range data and communication interconnect applications.
The new Avago CXP optical transceivers are compliant to both IBTA MSA specifications for CXP QDRx12 and IEEE 100GBASE-SR10 specifications. The modules incorporate the company’s 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, PIN array technology and integrated laser driver and receiver IC technology, which combine to provide robust electrical and optical performance at high data rates.
Programmable equalization and de-emphasis for each of the modules’ lanes optimize the signal integrity performance for an edge mount solution and long PCB trace lengths. With superior jitter performance, the modules provide 10 Gbps performance per lane for up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber or 150 meters using OM4 fiber.
“Our CXP transceiver works with separate cabling to offer a pay-as-you-go fiber optic solution with lower total cost of ownership and easier installation,” said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago.
“Avago has over a decade of experience in developing 12-channel parallel optic solutions, and we are leveraging this expertise and investment in building block technologies to support our customers with both standards-based and custom proprietary solutions. We are pleased to demonstrate this breadth in technology and innovation leadership with our parallel optics portfolio here at SC10.”
The new 12-channel CXP transceivers support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps. The hot-pluggable modules feature an industry-compliant MTP multi-fiber push on (MPO) receptacle for removable fiber cable connectors.
This allows flexible cable management at installation, simplifying design and lowering cost for high-performance computing, switch fabric and other short-range data and communication interconnect applications.
The new Avago CXP optical transceivers are compliant to both IBTA MSA specifications for CXP QDRx12 and IEEE 100GBASE-SR10 specifications. The modules incorporate the company’s 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, PIN array technology and integrated laser driver and receiver IC technology, which combine to provide robust electrical and optical performance at high data rates.
Programmable equalization and de-emphasis for each of the modules’ lanes optimize the signal integrity performance for an edge mount solution and long PCB trace lengths. With superior jitter performance, the modules provide 10 Gbps performance per lane for up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber or 150 meters using OM4 fiber.
“Our CXP transceiver works with separate cabling to offer a pay-as-you-go fiber optic solution with lower total cost of ownership and easier installation,” said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago.
“Avago has over a decade of experience in developing 12-channel parallel optic solutions, and we are leveraging this expertise and investment in building block technologies to support our customers with both standards-based and custom proprietary solutions. We are pleased to demonstrate this breadth in technology and innovation leadership with our parallel optics portfolio here at SC10.”
Intematix and Tridonic Consortium announce agreement on BOSE phosphor patents for LEDs
DORNBIRN, AUSTRIA & FREMONT, USA: Intematix, a leading US manufacturer of LED phosphors, and Tridonic, a leading manufacturer of lighting components and part of the Zumtobel Group of Austria, have announced a comprehensive licensing agreement governing silicate patents for LEDs.
The patents control the use of LED phosphor materials and the application of the phosphors in LEDs. The BOSE patents are held by a consortium of four companies: Tridonic, Toyoda Gosei, Leuchtstoffwerk Breitungen and Litec GbR.
The licensing agreement, which has been negotiated by Tridonic as the major stakeholder of the BOSE consortium, establishes cross-licensing between Intematix and the BOSE consortium covering each party’s patents in silicate phosphor materials. As such, Intematix becomes an official supplier of BOSE phosphors.
Regarding the use of phosphors in LEDs, the BOSE consortium has granted Intematix a license to manufacture and sell LED packages and LED modules. In return, Intematix has agreed to actively offer its customers simple licensing procedures for the utilization of the BOSE application patents.
“This licensing agreement between the BOSE consortium and Intematix is a tribute to the strong technology position of the companies concerned in the production of relevant materials for LEDs – the technology of the future,” said Tridonic CEO Walter Ziegler. “We are delighted that we have successfully reached this agreement with Intematix -- an agreement that will further help the solid-state lighting market to grow, as the licensing of our technology will open up new LED lighting solutions to customers.”
“This is an important step towards eliminating complex patent infringement concerns upfront so customers may purchase silicates with confidence,” said Intematix CEO Mark Swoboda. “Collaborating with the world’s leading companies in this field, such as Tridonic, solidifies Intematix’s position as a frontrunner in the materials space and underscores the breadth of our phosphor portfolio.”
The BOSE patents were originally filed in 2000 and relate to the manufacture and use of phosphors in LEDs. Silicate phosphors enable high-accuracy, high-brightness packaged white LEDs when applied to a blue LED chip. Primary applications include cell phones, laptops, GPS and other small displays, accounting for roughly 50 percent of today’s global LED market.
The patents control the use of LED phosphor materials and the application of the phosphors in LEDs. The BOSE patents are held by a consortium of four companies: Tridonic, Toyoda Gosei, Leuchtstoffwerk Breitungen and Litec GbR.
The licensing agreement, which has been negotiated by Tridonic as the major stakeholder of the BOSE consortium, establishes cross-licensing between Intematix and the BOSE consortium covering each party’s patents in silicate phosphor materials. As such, Intematix becomes an official supplier of BOSE phosphors.
Regarding the use of phosphors in LEDs, the BOSE consortium has granted Intematix a license to manufacture and sell LED packages and LED modules. In return, Intematix has agreed to actively offer its customers simple licensing procedures for the utilization of the BOSE application patents.
“This licensing agreement between the BOSE consortium and Intematix is a tribute to the strong technology position of the companies concerned in the production of relevant materials for LEDs – the technology of the future,” said Tridonic CEO Walter Ziegler. “We are delighted that we have successfully reached this agreement with Intematix -- an agreement that will further help the solid-state lighting market to grow, as the licensing of our technology will open up new LED lighting solutions to customers.”
“This is an important step towards eliminating complex patent infringement concerns upfront so customers may purchase silicates with confidence,” said Intematix CEO Mark Swoboda. “Collaborating with the world’s leading companies in this field, such as Tridonic, solidifies Intematix’s position as a frontrunner in the materials space and underscores the breadth of our phosphor portfolio.”
The BOSE patents were originally filed in 2000 and relate to the manufacture and use of phosphors in LEDs. Silicate phosphors enable high-accuracy, high-brightness packaged white LEDs when applied to a blue LED chip. Primary applications include cell phones, laptops, GPS and other small displays, accounting for roughly 50 percent of today’s global LED market.
Avago extends leadership in 120 Gigabit high-density embedded parallel optical interconnects
SC10, NEW ORLEANS, USA: Avago Technologies has announced a high-bandwidth, high-density parallel optic solution for short-range data and communication interconnect applications, here at the Super Computing 2010 conference.
The new 12-channel embedded MiniPOD parallel optics transmitter and receiver modules support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps. The small-footprint modules feature a low-cost, removable fiber cable connection and a pluggable electrical connection that provide flexible cable management at installation, simplifying design and lowering cost for switching and supercomputing applications.
The new MiniPOD optical modules incorporate Avago 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, Avago PIN array technology, and Avago integrated laser driver and receiver IC technology, which combine to provide robust electrical and optical performance at these high data rates.
Using separate transmitter and receiver modules provides design flexibility and lowers the total solution cost for the optical interconnect. Incorporating programmable equalization and de-emphasis into the modules’ highly compact 22- by 18.5-mm form factor allow system designers to optimize dense board layouts with superior signal integrity and system margin.
“Our new MiniPOD 120 Gigabit optical interconnects offer a powerful combination of density, speed, performance and design flexibility, and are backed by our proven, high-volume manufacturing expertise,” said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago. “Avago offers the market’s broadest range of high-density, high-bandwidth parallel optical interconnects, which allows us to meet unique customer layout and density needs.”
The new 12-channel embedded MiniPOD parallel optics transmitter and receiver modules support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps. The small-footprint modules feature a low-cost, removable fiber cable connection and a pluggable electrical connection that provide flexible cable management at installation, simplifying design and lowering cost for switching and supercomputing applications.
The new MiniPOD optical modules incorporate Avago 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, Avago PIN array technology, and Avago integrated laser driver and receiver IC technology, which combine to provide robust electrical and optical performance at these high data rates.
Using separate transmitter and receiver modules provides design flexibility and lowers the total solution cost for the optical interconnect. Incorporating programmable equalization and de-emphasis into the modules’ highly compact 22- by 18.5-mm form factor allow system designers to optimize dense board layouts with superior signal integrity and system margin.
“Our new MiniPOD 120 Gigabit optical interconnects offer a powerful combination of density, speed, performance and design flexibility, and are backed by our proven, high-volume manufacturing expertise,” said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago. “Avago offers the market’s broadest range of high-density, high-bandwidth parallel optical interconnects, which allows us to meet unique customer layout and density needs.”
WiSpry’s tunable RF technology tackles antenna performance issues
IRVINE, USA: WiSpry Inc., a leader in tunable RF semiconductor products for the wireless industry, announced its technology is poised to tackle what in recent news has become the scourge of the wireless handset industry: antenna performance.
Having optimized RF micro-electro-mechanical systems (RF MEMS) into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution, WiSpry-enabled handsets facilitate active, aggressive use of existing network signals to deliver outstanding performance in a small and cost-effective package.
With the goal of assisting handset manufacturers and network operators to deliver on 3G and 4G performance promises, WiSpry uses patented tunable RF elements to enhance operation in dead zones and create reliable network connections. The convergence of digital, analog and RF functionality--via standard RF-CMOS process flows--also provides the cost benefits associated with fabless CMOS manufacturing.
According to iSuppli, the RF MEMS market will reach $8.1 million this year. By 2011 this figure will triple, and by 2014 iSuppli expects the valuation to reach $223 million. By that time, the firm expects more than 50 percent of shipped handsets to have some form of embedded RF MEMS technology.
“The recent spate of news coverage focusing on poor antenna performance has put the spotlight on a market opportunity that WiSpry has addressed for some time now,” said Jeff Hilbert, president and founder of WiSpry.
“High-performance, tunable antennas and other tunable RF components will usher in a new generation of mobile phones and media devices offering improved performance and battery life at lower cost and size while providing the added benefits of increased network capacity and fewer dropped calls.”
Having optimized RF micro-electro-mechanical systems (RF MEMS) into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution, WiSpry-enabled handsets facilitate active, aggressive use of existing network signals to deliver outstanding performance in a small and cost-effective package.
With the goal of assisting handset manufacturers and network operators to deliver on 3G and 4G performance promises, WiSpry uses patented tunable RF elements to enhance operation in dead zones and create reliable network connections. The convergence of digital, analog and RF functionality--via standard RF-CMOS process flows--also provides the cost benefits associated with fabless CMOS manufacturing.
According to iSuppli, the RF MEMS market will reach $8.1 million this year. By 2011 this figure will triple, and by 2014 iSuppli expects the valuation to reach $223 million. By that time, the firm expects more than 50 percent of shipped handsets to have some form of embedded RF MEMS technology.
“The recent spate of news coverage focusing on poor antenna performance has put the spotlight on a market opportunity that WiSpry has addressed for some time now,” said Jeff Hilbert, president and founder of WiSpry.
“High-performance, tunable antennas and other tunable RF components will usher in a new generation of mobile phones and media devices offering improved performance and battery life at lower cost and size while providing the added benefits of increased network capacity and fewer dropped calls.”
ON Semiconductor further expands timing device portfolio with new VCXO modules
PHOENIX, USA: ON Semiconductor has further expanded its PureEdge family of silicon-based voltage controlled crystal oscillators (VCXO) with six new devices.
The NBVSPAXXX range of VCXO clock modules are designed to satisfy the exacting requirements set by modern 3.3 volt (V) low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) clock generation applications.
Targeted for use in communications infrastructure such as network routers, switches, servers, and base stations, these high performance devices utilize a high Q fundamental mode pull-able crystal and phase locked loop (PLL) multiplier to provide all industry standard output clock frequencies.
Frequencies supported are 156.25 megahertz (MHz) for the NBVSPA017 device, 155.52 MHz for the NBVSPA018, 125.00 MHz for the NBVSPA019, 160.00 MHz for the NBVSPA024, 148.50 MHz for the NBVSPA027, and 74.25 MHz for the NBVSPA042. Custom frequency versions are also available on request, covering frequencies from 60 MHz to 700 MHz.
The new devices have a pull-able range of ±100 parts per million (ppm), an orderable frequency stability of ±50 ppm and a typical jitter of just 0.5 picoseconds (ps) across the 12 kilohertz (kHz) to 20 MHz frequency range. They have a typical output rise time (20% to 80%) of 245 ps.
The VCXOs in NBVSXXXXX range are fully compliant with the MIL-STD-833 standard in terms of shock, vibration and thermal ruggedness. Each device has an industrial operating temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C.
This announcement follows on from the company’s introduction of the NBVSBAxxx series of LVPECL VXCOs in the summer.
“Communication system designs are continuing to demand more highly advanced timing solutions,” stated Prescott Sakai, director of ON Semiconductor’s Clock & Data Products Group.
“Traditional quartz-based products have now reached a point where their performance and cost are causing serious restrictions. ON Semiconductor’s full range of NBVSXXXXX silicon-based VCXO devices deliver equivalent performance to commonly used quartz-based products, but with considerably shorter lead times and lower unit costs, allowing customers to get their solutions to market quickly and with a reduced overall bill-of-materials.”
The NBVSPA017, NBVSPA018, NBVSPA019, NBVSPA027 and NBVSPA042 are offered in a Pb-free, hermetically sealed, 5.0 mm x 7.0 mm x 1.8 mm CLCC-6 package. They are priced at $5.70 per unit in 10,000 unit quantities.
The NBVSPAXXX range of VCXO clock modules are designed to satisfy the exacting requirements set by modern 3.3 volt (V) low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) clock generation applications.
Targeted for use in communications infrastructure such as network routers, switches, servers, and base stations, these high performance devices utilize a high Q fundamental mode pull-able crystal and phase locked loop (PLL) multiplier to provide all industry standard output clock frequencies.
Frequencies supported are 156.25 megahertz (MHz) for the NBVSPA017 device, 155.52 MHz for the NBVSPA018, 125.00 MHz for the NBVSPA019, 160.00 MHz for the NBVSPA024, 148.50 MHz for the NBVSPA027, and 74.25 MHz for the NBVSPA042. Custom frequency versions are also available on request, covering frequencies from 60 MHz to 700 MHz.
The new devices have a pull-able range of ±100 parts per million (ppm), an orderable frequency stability of ±50 ppm and a typical jitter of just 0.5 picoseconds (ps) across the 12 kilohertz (kHz) to 20 MHz frequency range. They have a typical output rise time (20% to 80%) of 245 ps.
The VCXOs in NBVSXXXXX range are fully compliant with the MIL-STD-833 standard in terms of shock, vibration and thermal ruggedness. Each device has an industrial operating temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C.
This announcement follows on from the company’s introduction of the NBVSBAxxx series of LVPECL VXCOs in the summer.
“Communication system designs are continuing to demand more highly advanced timing solutions,” stated Prescott Sakai, director of ON Semiconductor’s Clock & Data Products Group.
“Traditional quartz-based products have now reached a point where their performance and cost are causing serious restrictions. ON Semiconductor’s full range of NBVSXXXXX silicon-based VCXO devices deliver equivalent performance to commonly used quartz-based products, but with considerably shorter lead times and lower unit costs, allowing customers to get their solutions to market quickly and with a reduced overall bill-of-materials.”
The NBVSPA017, NBVSPA018, NBVSPA019, NBVSPA027 and NBVSPA042 are offered in a Pb-free, hermetically sealed, 5.0 mm x 7.0 mm x 1.8 mm CLCC-6 package. They are priced at $5.70 per unit in 10,000 unit quantities.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Seoul Semiconductor LED lighting delivers fantastic visual experience at 2010 Asian Games
SOUTH KOREA & GUANGZHOU, CHINA: Leading global LED provider Seoul Semiconductor (SSC) announced that Z-Power LED Series were installed as stage lighting at the opening ceremonies of the Asian Games 2010.
The Guangzhou Games committee selected local SSC partner GOLDEN SEA Professional Equipment Ltd to provide the Z-power LED Series-embedded lighting solution, which played a vital role in illuminating the on-stage performances with exceptionally high-quality light, creating a fantastic visual experience.
The win marks SSC’s continued growth in mainland China, one of the fastest growing LED lighting markets in the world.
SSC’s Z-Power Series RGB LED was chosen by GOLDEN SEA Professional Equipment Ltd. mainly for its outstanding lighting quality and brought to the Asian Games a truly fantastic and dramatic visual experience.
With the added ability of generating pure, uniform white light that achieves 80 on the color rendering index (CRI), it also creates outstanding evening visibility, comfort and safety.
The Z-power Series is also extremely energy efficient, producing 100 lumens/W @350mA, achieving the industry’s highest luminous efficacy with only a single die. It also contains no toxic substances such as mercury, emits no harmful IR or UV rays, and cuts down dramatically on energy-based CO2 production, making it a perfect fit for the theme of this year’s Asian Games, “high-tech, energy saving, going green.”
Since the Z-power LED-embedded stage lights last 100,000 hours—over 130 times more than conventional lighting—maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.
“As a leading supplier of high-quality lighting in mainland China, we strive to bring the most advanced, most value-added lighting solutions to our customers,” said Zhang Wei Kai, president of Golden Sea.
“The Asian Games is one of the largest events in China this year, and I am sure our partnership with Seoul Semiconductor was instrumental in enabling us to secure this monumental win. Their LED lighting products are best-in-class, featuring excellent technology, energy efficiency, and are completely safe for the environment. It is always a pleasure working with them, and we looking forward to tightening our relationship in the future.”
Brian Wilcox, VP of North American sales for Seoul Semiconductor, said: “Seoul Semiconductor is proud to see that Z-Power Series RGB LED powered lighting was selected for the stage lighting at the opening ceremonies of the Asian Games. Featuring rich color, the Z-power Series provides exceptionally consistent lighting for a more pleasant viewing experience, and improves visual detail. Because it is also extremely energy efficient, long lasting, and safe for the environment, it is the best lighting solution for many different kinds of general lighting applications.”
SSC LED lighting has made groundbreaking appearances around the world, including at Paris’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Bringing its world-class technologies to China, SSC continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to providing the region with safer, more efficient and more beautiful LED solutions, highlighted by their extensive use at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The Guangzhou Games committee selected local SSC partner GOLDEN SEA Professional Equipment Ltd to provide the Z-power LED Series-embedded lighting solution, which played a vital role in illuminating the on-stage performances with exceptionally high-quality light, creating a fantastic visual experience.
The win marks SSC’s continued growth in mainland China, one of the fastest growing LED lighting markets in the world.
SSC’s Z-Power Series RGB LED was chosen by GOLDEN SEA Professional Equipment Ltd. mainly for its outstanding lighting quality and brought to the Asian Games a truly fantastic and dramatic visual experience.
With the added ability of generating pure, uniform white light that achieves 80 on the color rendering index (CRI), it also creates outstanding evening visibility, comfort and safety.
The Z-power Series is also extremely energy efficient, producing 100 lumens/W @350mA, achieving the industry’s highest luminous efficacy with only a single die. It also contains no toxic substances such as mercury, emits no harmful IR or UV rays, and cuts down dramatically on energy-based CO2 production, making it a perfect fit for the theme of this year’s Asian Games, “high-tech, energy saving, going green.”
Since the Z-power LED-embedded stage lights last 100,000 hours—over 130 times more than conventional lighting—maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.
“As a leading supplier of high-quality lighting in mainland China, we strive to bring the most advanced, most value-added lighting solutions to our customers,” said Zhang Wei Kai, president of Golden Sea.
“The Asian Games is one of the largest events in China this year, and I am sure our partnership with Seoul Semiconductor was instrumental in enabling us to secure this monumental win. Their LED lighting products are best-in-class, featuring excellent technology, energy efficiency, and are completely safe for the environment. It is always a pleasure working with them, and we looking forward to tightening our relationship in the future.”
Brian Wilcox, VP of North American sales for Seoul Semiconductor, said: “Seoul Semiconductor is proud to see that Z-Power Series RGB LED powered lighting was selected for the stage lighting at the opening ceremonies of the Asian Games. Featuring rich color, the Z-power Series provides exceptionally consistent lighting for a more pleasant viewing experience, and improves visual detail. Because it is also extremely energy efficient, long lasting, and safe for the environment, it is the best lighting solution for many different kinds of general lighting applications.”
SSC LED lighting has made groundbreaking appearances around the world, including at Paris’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Bringing its world-class technologies to China, SSC continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to providing the region with safer, more efficient and more beautiful LED solutions, highlighted by their extensive use at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Monday, November 15, 2010
High voltage DC transmission market to grow 44 percent by 2015
BOULDER, USA: The electric transmission grid is a crucial component of modern society – much like the cornerstone of a building, transmission is the foundation that supports activity in virtually all areas of the energy sector.
Industry and government leaders are increasingly finding that, in order to reap the full benefits of renewable energy and smart grid technologies, the capacity and information-carrying ability of transmission systems much be expanded substantially. According to a recent report from Pike Research, one of the most important high-growth sectors within this market is High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission.
The firm forecasts that annual global investment in HVDC will increase by 44 percent over the next five years, rising from $8.4 billion in 2010 to $12.1 billion in 2015.
“As grid operators work to boost transmission capacity over the next several years, HVDC will capture a much greater share of the total market,” says Pike Research president Clint Wheelock.
“HVDC provides a favorable alternative to overhead alternating current (AC) transmission, requiring a smaller right-of-way and resulting in less line loss.”
Wheelock adds that other applications for HVDC include underground and underwater cables; long-distance, point-to-point transmission; connection of asynchronous grids; back-to-back transmission; directional control of power flow; and renewable energy integration.
Pike Research’s analysis finds that much of the HVDC market growth is being driven by China, where it is the preferred technology for long-distance transmission. Europe has also used HVDC for underwater cables, long-distance transmission lines, and renewable generation integration. In addition, individual country grids are interconnected through the use of back-to-back HVDC.
There are some HVDC installations in the United States, including interconnections with Mexico and Canada. While it has traditionally only made up about 2 percent of the US market, Pike Research forecasts that the use of HVDC will increase substantially in the coming years and will represent 8 percent of the cumulative investment in the US transmission market through 2020.
Industry and government leaders are increasingly finding that, in order to reap the full benefits of renewable energy and smart grid technologies, the capacity and information-carrying ability of transmission systems much be expanded substantially. According to a recent report from Pike Research, one of the most important high-growth sectors within this market is High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission.
The firm forecasts that annual global investment in HVDC will increase by 44 percent over the next five years, rising from $8.4 billion in 2010 to $12.1 billion in 2015.
“As grid operators work to boost transmission capacity over the next several years, HVDC will capture a much greater share of the total market,” says Pike Research president Clint Wheelock.
“HVDC provides a favorable alternative to overhead alternating current (AC) transmission, requiring a smaller right-of-way and resulting in less line loss.”
Wheelock adds that other applications for HVDC include underground and underwater cables; long-distance, point-to-point transmission; connection of asynchronous grids; back-to-back transmission; directional control of power flow; and renewable energy integration.
Pike Research’s analysis finds that much of the HVDC market growth is being driven by China, where it is the preferred technology for long-distance transmission. Europe has also used HVDC for underwater cables, long-distance transmission lines, and renewable generation integration. In addition, individual country grids are interconnected through the use of back-to-back HVDC.
There are some HVDC installations in the United States, including interconnections with Mexico and Canada. While it has traditionally only made up about 2 percent of the US market, Pike Research forecasts that the use of HVDC will increase substantially in the coming years and will represent 8 percent of the cumulative investment in the US transmission market through 2020.
Vishay Siliconix releases industry's first asymmetric dual TrenchFET Power MOSFET
MALVERN, USA: Vishay Intertechnology Inc. has introduced the first asymmetric dual TrenchFET power MOSFET in the PowerPAIR 6x3.7mm package to utilize TrenchFET Gen III technology, reducing on-resistance by 43 percent when compared to previous-generation devices, while offering higher maximum current and enabling increased efficiency.
Offering the industry's lowest on-resistance for this device type, the SiZ710DT combines a low- and high-side MOSFET in one compact device, saving space over using two discrete solutions in dc-to-dc converters.
Vishay is demonstrating the superior performance and space savings of the PowerPAIR package in a synchronous buck circuit at its electronica 2010 stand, A5-143.
Before the PowerPAIR package type, designers would have to use two single devices to achieve the low on-resistance and high maximum current required for system power, POL, low-current DC/DC, and synchronous buck applications in notebooks, VRMs, power modules, graphic cards, servers, and gaming consoles.
The SiZ710DT's specifications allow designers to use one device that is one third smaller than two discrete PowerPAK 1212-8 devices, or two thirds smaller than two discrete SO-8 devices, saving solution cost and space, including the PCB clearance and labeling area in between the two discrete MOSFETs.
In addition, replacing SO-8 devices in lower-current and lower-voltage applications can increase efficiency. A single PowerPAK 1212-8 or SO-8 has on-resistance down to the 5 or 4 milliohm range, respectively.
However, the low-side Channel 2 MOSFET of the SiZ710DT utilizes the optimized space from the asymmetric structure and offers a lower on-resistance of 3.3 milliohms at 10 V and 4.3 milliohms at 4.5 V, and a maximum current of 30 A at + 25 deg. C and 24 A at + 70 deg. C. In addition, the high-side Channel 1 MOSFET features an improved on-resistance of 6.8 milliohms at 10 V and 9.0 milliohms at 4.5 V.
By having the two MOSFETs already connected inside the PowerPAIR package, layouts are made easier and parasitic inductance from PCB traces are reduced, increasing efficiency. In addition, the SiZ710DT's pinning is arranged so that the input is on one side and the output is on the other, further simplifying the layout and saving PCB space.
The device is 100 percent Rg and UIS tested, compliant to RoHS directive 2002/95/EC, and halogen-free according to IEC 61249-2-21.
Samples and production quantities of the new SiZ710DT TrenchFET power MOSFET are available now, with lead times of 12 to 14 weeks for larger orders.
Offering the industry's lowest on-resistance for this device type, the SiZ710DT combines a low- and high-side MOSFET in one compact device, saving space over using two discrete solutions in dc-to-dc converters.
Vishay is demonstrating the superior performance and space savings of the PowerPAIR package in a synchronous buck circuit at its electronica 2010 stand, A5-143.
Before the PowerPAIR package type, designers would have to use two single devices to achieve the low on-resistance and high maximum current required for system power, POL, low-current DC/DC, and synchronous buck applications in notebooks, VRMs, power modules, graphic cards, servers, and gaming consoles.
The SiZ710DT's specifications allow designers to use one device that is one third smaller than two discrete PowerPAK 1212-8 devices, or two thirds smaller than two discrete SO-8 devices, saving solution cost and space, including the PCB clearance and labeling area in between the two discrete MOSFETs.
In addition, replacing SO-8 devices in lower-current and lower-voltage applications can increase efficiency. A single PowerPAK 1212-8 or SO-8 has on-resistance down to the 5 or 4 milliohm range, respectively.
However, the low-side Channel 2 MOSFET of the SiZ710DT utilizes the optimized space from the asymmetric structure and offers a lower on-resistance of 3.3 milliohms at 10 V and 4.3 milliohms at 4.5 V, and a maximum current of 30 A at + 25 deg. C and 24 A at + 70 deg. C. In addition, the high-side Channel 1 MOSFET features an improved on-resistance of 6.8 milliohms at 10 V and 9.0 milliohms at 4.5 V.
By having the two MOSFETs already connected inside the PowerPAIR package, layouts are made easier and parasitic inductance from PCB traces are reduced, increasing efficiency. In addition, the SiZ710DT's pinning is arranged so that the input is on one side and the output is on the other, further simplifying the layout and saving PCB space.
The device is 100 percent Rg and UIS tested, compliant to RoHS directive 2002/95/EC, and halogen-free according to IEC 61249-2-21.
Samples and production quantities of the new SiZ710DT TrenchFET power MOSFET are available now, with lead times of 12 to 14 weeks for larger orders.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Traditional slack season plus Chinese National Day holidays yet to stimulate LED backlit TV demand
TAIWAN: TAIWAN: Based on the analysis and statistics of LEDinside, a research division under TrendForce, in October 2010, listed LED manufacturers in Taiwan have total revenue of 8.69 billion NTD, a 10.77 percent decline compared with September revenue of 9.736 billion NTD and 21.3 percent rise in YoY.
The revenue for LED chip manufacturers in October reached 4.14 billion NTD, down 9.1 percent from September. The revenue for LED package manufacturers in October amounted to 4.54 billion NTD, down 12.3 percent from September.
LED backlight market analysis
During Chinese National Day Holidays, Chinese TV brand vendors took this opportunity to reduce traditional LCV, but it did not improve LED manufacturers’ revenue and sales performance, and made many manufacturers to expect LED market demand in 2011.
WitsView, the other research division under TrendForce, showed that the LED market demand is expected to improve which benefits from decreasing problem from lack of light guide plates, agressive planel vendors’ and TV brand vendors’ road maps, and strong demand of the Chinese market. LEDinside estimated that after market demand improves, it will also bring rising LED shipment.
Similarly, this situation also affected MOCVD equipment vendors’ revenue, which is one of the upstream LED supply chain. MOCVD equipment vendors has announced financial report of the third quarter of 2011. Aixtron and Veeco indicated that their order backlog respectively reach $353 million and $569 million.
Due to many Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers’ facility readiness, revenue timing could be shifted into the first quarter of 2011. It showed that the revenue of the whole LED supply chain will not be as optimistic as we had expected.
Revenue of chip manufacturers in October
The revenue of Taiwan’s chip manufacturers in October is observed to slip 9.1 percent from September and rise 31.4 percent YoY. Due to the weak LED backlit TV sales performance and a 16.3 percent decrease in October revenue of the parent company, AUO group, Lextar’s revenue dropped by 30 percent.
Besides, because of co-operation between Forepi and Amtran, there is no problem from the downstream demand. Forepi’s performance stayed at the same level, and had a 58.9 percent growth in year-over-year. Besides, Forepi’s financial report of third quarter has been showed that gross profit ratio and EBIT were 46.56 percent and 36.76 percent, respectively, being the first place of the LED industry.
Moreover, there was a 5.5 percent increase in October revenue of Genesis Photonics, reaching 331 million NTD, due to 35 percent of revenue were from billboard lighting market. It was showed that Genesis Photonics has developed at a stable trend. Moreover, HV LED, which was co-operatively developed between Epistar and Delta, has been requested by Osram and income will be showed in the near future.
Revenue of package manufacturers in October
LED package manufacturers posted 4.55 billion NTD revenue and a revenue growth of 13.4 percent YoY, but declined 12.3 percent from September. Revenues of Taiwanese manufacturers have dropped by around 5-10 percent. However, Unity Opto monthly revenue has risen by 5 percent due to increasing NB orders intake.
International lighting manufacturers lately revealed the financial report of the third quarter of 2010, including Philips, Osram, and Cree, have delivered a great performance. Because of constant demand of light market, LED lighting can drive into the main lighting market. It is expected that LED lighting has a bright future.
The revenue for LED chip manufacturers in October reached 4.14 billion NTD, down 9.1 percent from September. The revenue for LED package manufacturers in October amounted to 4.54 billion NTD, down 12.3 percent from September.LED backlight market analysis
During Chinese National Day Holidays, Chinese TV brand vendors took this opportunity to reduce traditional LCV, but it did not improve LED manufacturers’ revenue and sales performance, and made many manufacturers to expect LED market demand in 2011.
WitsView, the other research division under TrendForce, showed that the LED market demand is expected to improve which benefits from decreasing problem from lack of light guide plates, agressive planel vendors’ and TV brand vendors’ road maps, and strong demand of the Chinese market. LEDinside estimated that after market demand improves, it will also bring rising LED shipment. Similarly, this situation also affected MOCVD equipment vendors’ revenue, which is one of the upstream LED supply chain. MOCVD equipment vendors has announced financial report of the third quarter of 2011. Aixtron and Veeco indicated that their order backlog respectively reach $353 million and $569 million.
Due to many Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers’ facility readiness, revenue timing could be shifted into the first quarter of 2011. It showed that the revenue of the whole LED supply chain will not be as optimistic as we had expected.
Revenue of chip manufacturers in October
The revenue of Taiwan’s chip manufacturers in October is observed to slip 9.1 percent from September and rise 31.4 percent YoY. Due to the weak LED backlit TV sales performance and a 16.3 percent decrease in October revenue of the parent company, AUO group, Lextar’s revenue dropped by 30 percent.
Besides, because of co-operation between Forepi and Amtran, there is no problem from the downstream demand. Forepi’s performance stayed at the same level, and had a 58.9 percent growth in year-over-year. Besides, Forepi’s financial report of third quarter has been showed that gross profit ratio and EBIT were 46.56 percent and 36.76 percent, respectively, being the first place of the LED industry.
Moreover, there was a 5.5 percent increase in October revenue of Genesis Photonics, reaching 331 million NTD, due to 35 percent of revenue were from billboard lighting market. It was showed that Genesis Photonics has developed at a stable trend. Moreover, HV LED, which was co-operatively developed between Epistar and Delta, has been requested by Osram and income will be showed in the near future.
Revenue of package manufacturers in October
LED package manufacturers posted 4.55 billion NTD revenue and a revenue growth of 13.4 percent YoY, but declined 12.3 percent from September. Revenues of Taiwanese manufacturers have dropped by around 5-10 percent. However, Unity Opto monthly revenue has risen by 5 percent due to increasing NB orders intake.
International lighting manufacturers lately revealed the financial report of the third quarter of 2010, including Philips, Osram, and Cree, have delivered a great performance. Because of constant demand of light market, LED lighting can drive into the main lighting market. It is expected that LED lighting has a bright future.
Belden reaches definitive agreement to acquire the Thomas & Betts Communications products business
ST. LOUIS, USA: Belden Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Thomas & Betts Communications Products Business, for $78 million in cash.
This acquisition will further strengthen Belden's position as an end-to-end solution provider within the broadband/CATV, security, and audio/video markets. This business includes Snap-N-Seal drop connectors, LRC hardline connectors, Diamond hardware and grounding products, and telecom enclosures & connectors, including the Kold-N-Klose enclosure system.
By adding these established brands and market-leading Radio Frequency (RF) connectors to its extensive portfolio of audio, video and security cables, Belden will expand its end-to-end solution offering and leverage its existing channels.
"The Thomas & Betts Communications Products Business has an experienced management team, recognized brands, plus a reputation for superior product quality, innovation, and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities," said John Stroup, president and CEO of Belden Inc. "We intend to invest in the business to leverage these proven strengths and expand our combined presence in core markets within North America, as well as other geographies where we already have commercial infrastructure in place."
The acquisition is subject to regulatory review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act and is expected to be completed by calendar year-end 2010. Belden will fund the purchase price with cash on hand. Belden expects the business will contribute $0.05 in income from continuing operations per diluted share in fiscal year 2011.
This acquisition will further strengthen Belden's position as an end-to-end solution provider within the broadband/CATV, security, and audio/video markets. This business includes Snap-N-Seal drop connectors, LRC hardline connectors, Diamond hardware and grounding products, and telecom enclosures & connectors, including the Kold-N-Klose enclosure system.
By adding these established brands and market-leading Radio Frequency (RF) connectors to its extensive portfolio of audio, video and security cables, Belden will expand its end-to-end solution offering and leverage its existing channels.
"The Thomas & Betts Communications Products Business has an experienced management team, recognized brands, plus a reputation for superior product quality, innovation, and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities," said John Stroup, president and CEO of Belden Inc. "We intend to invest in the business to leverage these proven strengths and expand our combined presence in core markets within North America, as well as other geographies where we already have commercial infrastructure in place."
The acquisition is subject to regulatory review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act and is expected to be completed by calendar year-end 2010. Belden will fund the purchase price with cash on hand. Belden expects the business will contribute $0.05 in income from continuing operations per diluted share in fiscal year 2011.
GigOptix expands presence in Apac with new support and sales offices in China
PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, announced the opening of two new offices in the Greater China region located in Wuhan and Shenzhen.
The new offices will be responsible for sales promotion, customer service, and technical support in China. GigOptix has operated in China since inception through its local representative, Pangaea (HK) Limited, enabling it to develop close partnerships with local industry leaders. GigOptix activities in China include partnering with local manufacturers to develop products targeted specifically for Chinese end-users.
“The new offices located at Luoyu Road, East Lake Hi-Tech Development Zone, Wuhan and Shennan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen demonstrate GigOptix’ commitment to not only its Wuhan and Shenzhen customers but also the broader China market,” commented Jay de la Barre, GigOptix VP of Global Sales.
“Our staff is composed of well-respected professionals with proven field experience, as well as extensive experience in telecom and datacom applications, support and service. The establishment of these new offices further confirms GigOptix’ commitment to developing a strong presence in the Chinese market.”
“China is strategically important to GigOptix. The expansion of our team in China is an important milestone in our continued commitment to building a strong presence in Asia and improving our service to customers,” said Dr. Avi Katz, chairman and CEO, GigOptix.
“China’s Optical Networking Market is growing rapidly and is expected to represent a TAM of $3 billion by 2015 according to Ovum, a leading international telecommunications research firm. With this in mind, and more importantly with our continuously growing business in China, we are increasing our local presence to better support our customers at their point of use, and capitalize on this attractive and rapidly growing market.
“With our two new offices, GigOptix now brings its full resources to China, including engineering, support, sales and marketing expertise that will enable GigOptix to better serve the needs of the local market.”
The new offices will be responsible for sales promotion, customer service, and technical support in China. GigOptix has operated in China since inception through its local representative, Pangaea (HK) Limited, enabling it to develop close partnerships with local industry leaders. GigOptix activities in China include partnering with local manufacturers to develop products targeted specifically for Chinese end-users.
“The new offices located at Luoyu Road, East Lake Hi-Tech Development Zone, Wuhan and Shennan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen demonstrate GigOptix’ commitment to not only its Wuhan and Shenzhen customers but also the broader China market,” commented Jay de la Barre, GigOptix VP of Global Sales.
“Our staff is composed of well-respected professionals with proven field experience, as well as extensive experience in telecom and datacom applications, support and service. The establishment of these new offices further confirms GigOptix’ commitment to developing a strong presence in the Chinese market.”
“China is strategically important to GigOptix. The expansion of our team in China is an important milestone in our continued commitment to building a strong presence in Asia and improving our service to customers,” said Dr. Avi Katz, chairman and CEO, GigOptix.
“China’s Optical Networking Market is growing rapidly and is expected to represent a TAM of $3 billion by 2015 according to Ovum, a leading international telecommunications research firm. With this in mind, and more importantly with our continuously growing business in China, we are increasing our local presence to better support our customers at their point of use, and capitalize on this attractive and rapidly growing market.
“With our two new offices, GigOptix now brings its full resources to China, including engineering, support, sales and marketing expertise that will enable GigOptix to better serve the needs of the local market.”
Luminus Devices awarded 50th US patent for 'big-chip' LEDs
BILLERICA, USA: Luminus Devices, developer and manufacturer of ‘big-chip’ PhlatLight LEDs, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently awarded the company its 50th patent.
Having pioneered big-chip LED technology, Luminus has aggressively filed intellectual property (IP) for protection of big chip LED devices, packages and systems. In addition, the company has also been granted 13 non-U.S. issued patents in China, Korea and Taiwan that extend big-chip LED protection into those countries.
“We are pleased that we continue to be granted patents covering big-chip LED technology and the rapid allowance of our patents is a testament to the novelty of our approach in the solid-state lighting industry,” said Alexei Erchak, founder and CTO, Luminus. “We have more than 100 additional patents pending in the US and in other countries that further extend our coverage.”
In addition to filing for new patents, Luminus has a track record of granting licenses to other LED companies, including: Forepi, Epistar and Nichia.
“It is our belief that the innovative technologies developed at Luminus can help advance the entire solid-state industry at a more rapid pace,” commented Erchak. “We therefore welcome licensing opportunities that complement our core manufacturing business while simultaneously helping other LED companies benefit from our technology. As the industry begins to become more and more interested in the value of big-chip LEDs, we are seeing companies respect our IP position and many licensing opportunities continue to develop.”
Designed to provide an ultra-bright, reliable light source, PhlatLight big-chip LEDs are used in display applications by some of the world’s largest electronics and lighting companies such as Acer, Guth, LG, Philips Lighting and Samsung. They enable new general illumination applications in lighting markets such as architectural, entertainment, retail, residential, roadways, industrial high-bay lighting, digital displays and signage and UV for industrial processing.
Having pioneered big-chip LED technology, Luminus has aggressively filed intellectual property (IP) for protection of big chip LED devices, packages and systems. In addition, the company has also been granted 13 non-U.S. issued patents in China, Korea and Taiwan that extend big-chip LED protection into those countries.
“We are pleased that we continue to be granted patents covering big-chip LED technology and the rapid allowance of our patents is a testament to the novelty of our approach in the solid-state lighting industry,” said Alexei Erchak, founder and CTO, Luminus. “We have more than 100 additional patents pending in the US and in other countries that further extend our coverage.”
In addition to filing for new patents, Luminus has a track record of granting licenses to other LED companies, including: Forepi, Epistar and Nichia.
“It is our belief that the innovative technologies developed at Luminus can help advance the entire solid-state industry at a more rapid pace,” commented Erchak. “We therefore welcome licensing opportunities that complement our core manufacturing business while simultaneously helping other LED companies benefit from our technology. As the industry begins to become more and more interested in the value of big-chip LEDs, we are seeing companies respect our IP position and many licensing opportunities continue to develop.”
Designed to provide an ultra-bright, reliable light source, PhlatLight big-chip LEDs are used in display applications by some of the world’s largest electronics and lighting companies such as Acer, Guth, LG, Philips Lighting and Samsung. They enable new general illumination applications in lighting markets such as architectural, entertainment, retail, residential, roadways, industrial high-bay lighting, digital displays and signage and UV for industrial processing.
RS agrees European distribution deal with Bourns AG
OXFORD, ENGLAND: RS Components has signed a new European distribution deal with Bourns AG for distribution of Bourns products within Europe. Under the new agreement RS will add more than 1,500 new Bourns products to its stock profile including a full range of circuit protection devices, trimmers, potentiometers, encoders and further resistive and inductive products.
Commenting on the deal, Chris Page, GM, Electronics at RS said: “Bourns is one of the world's premier Passives and Circuit Protection component suppliers and we are delighted to be expanding our relationship with them. Through this new distribution agreement will now be able to bring new to market products and support materials to our customers much more quickly.”
Ferdinand Leicher, VP of Sales, Europe at Bourns continued: “RS has always had an excellent reputation as a dependable supplier. Their continued investment in their advanced online design support tools has given them a great competitive position. Formalising our relationship with RS will enable us to work more closely with them and co-operate on a number of innovative marketing initiatives.”
RS will represent the Bourns range by giving special emphasis to their full range of circuit protection products, which include, Chip Guard ESD protection devices, Multifuse PPTC’s, Thyristor surge protectors, Metal oxide varistors, TVS diodes and arrays, TBU high speed protectors and gas discharge tubes.
In addition, RS will be significantly increasing its stock holding of existing Bourns products including, trimmers, potmeters, specialty resistors and power inductors.
Commenting on the deal, Chris Page, GM, Electronics at RS said: “Bourns is one of the world's premier Passives and Circuit Protection component suppliers and we are delighted to be expanding our relationship with them. Through this new distribution agreement will now be able to bring new to market products and support materials to our customers much more quickly.”
Ferdinand Leicher, VP of Sales, Europe at Bourns continued: “RS has always had an excellent reputation as a dependable supplier. Their continued investment in their advanced online design support tools has given them a great competitive position. Formalising our relationship with RS will enable us to work more closely with them and co-operate on a number of innovative marketing initiatives.”
RS will represent the Bourns range by giving special emphasis to their full range of circuit protection products, which include, Chip Guard ESD protection devices, Multifuse PPTC’s, Thyristor surge protectors, Metal oxide varistors, TVS diodes and arrays, TBU high speed protectors and gas discharge tubes.
In addition, RS will be significantly increasing its stock holding of existing Bourns products including, trimmers, potmeters, specialty resistors and power inductors.
KEMET features high voltage polymer and CECC qualified parts
Electronica 2010, GREENVILLE: KEMET Corp., a leading manufacturer of tantalum, ceramic, aluminum, film, paper and electrolytic capacitors, will be featuring its High Voltage Polymer T521 Series and CECC Qualified parts at Electronica 2010 in Munich, Germany.
These parts are suitable for a wide range of applications including those found in the European military and aerospace markets.
"KEMET's acclaimed tantalum products utilize the latest in materials, processes and automation, resulting in unsurpassed total performance and value," said Dr. Phil Lessner, KEMET Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Our high voltage polymer and CECC Qualified parts demonstrate KEMET's commitment to meeting customer requirements for critical applications on a global scale."
The T521 Series was the industry's first 35V rated polymer tantalum capacitor and it continues to be a market-leading high voltage polymer solution. Design engineers in industrial and military power supply, medical diagnostic, telecom, computer and avionics instrumentation applications benefit from its significant performance advantages.
CECC certification is available on three KEMET tantalum capacitor product lines. These include the T110 and T140 Hermetically Sealed Series and the T493 Military/Aerospace Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) MnO Series.
These parts are suitable for a wide range of applications including those found in the European military and aerospace markets.
"KEMET's acclaimed tantalum products utilize the latest in materials, processes and automation, resulting in unsurpassed total performance and value," said Dr. Phil Lessner, KEMET Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Our high voltage polymer and CECC Qualified parts demonstrate KEMET's commitment to meeting customer requirements for critical applications on a global scale."
The T521 Series was the industry's first 35V rated polymer tantalum capacitor and it continues to be a market-leading high voltage polymer solution. Design engineers in industrial and military power supply, medical diagnostic, telecom, computer and avionics instrumentation applications benefit from its significant performance advantages.
CECC certification is available on three KEMET tantalum capacitor product lines. These include the T110 and T140 Hermetically Sealed Series and the T493 Military/Aerospace Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) MnO Series.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
RS intros new RS brand thermal management materials
OXFORD, ENGLAND: RS Components is extensively increasing its range of RS brand products with the addition of new thermal management materials. The value priced range offers excellent heat management properties and can assist in driving down the overall BoM costs.
New products in the range include gel gap fillers, graphite interfaces, composite pads and thermal compounds, offering cost effective alternatives without compromising on quality. The new gel gap fillers are available in a variety of colours and present excellent thermal conductivity with 90% conformability combined with low hardness (Shore 00) and low oil bleed to give long term stability.
The inclusion of graphite interface material in the new RS range will enable customers to source a material that offers ultra high thermal conductivity with ease of use and UL 94 approval. Further, the material is highly stable and can operate in conditions of -40oC to +200oC.
A wide variety of thermal compounds and greases are also incorporated in the range, which when applied in a very thin layer fill the small voids within the surfaces and help increase surface contact. The RS brand compounds feature excellent thermal conductivity properties from 1.8 W/m.k to 5 W/m.k, are highly stable and are easy to assemble without hardening. All products in the portfolio meet RoHS compliancy standards.
“The RS brand range combines best product quality together with the best value for our customers.” commented Chris Page, Electronics General Manager for RS. “The new thermal management materials and interfaces enable us to bring first-rate commodity products to market that can help drive down the BoM costs.”
The new thermal management materials complement its existing RS brand portfolio, featuring in excess of 30,000 products, including transformers, indicators and passive components.
New products in the range include gel gap fillers, graphite interfaces, composite pads and thermal compounds, offering cost effective alternatives without compromising on quality. The new gel gap fillers are available in a variety of colours and present excellent thermal conductivity with 90% conformability combined with low hardness (Shore 00) and low oil bleed to give long term stability.
The inclusion of graphite interface material in the new RS range will enable customers to source a material that offers ultra high thermal conductivity with ease of use and UL 94 approval. Further, the material is highly stable and can operate in conditions of -40oC to +200oC.
A wide variety of thermal compounds and greases are also incorporated in the range, which when applied in a very thin layer fill the small voids within the surfaces and help increase surface contact. The RS brand compounds feature excellent thermal conductivity properties from 1.8 W/m.k to 5 W/m.k, are highly stable and are easy to assemble without hardening. All products in the portfolio meet RoHS compliancy standards.
“The RS brand range combines best product quality together with the best value for our customers.” commented Chris Page, Electronics General Manager for RS. “The new thermal management materials and interfaces enable us to bring first-rate commodity products to market that can help drive down the BoM costs.”
The new thermal management materials complement its existing RS brand portfolio, featuring in excess of 30,000 products, including transformers, indicators and passive components.
Mitsubishi Electric's red laser diode for pico projectors offers industry-leading output power
TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has launched a 638-nanometer (nm) wavelength red laser diode (LD) offering an output power of 1W, the world's highest among 638 nm band LDs. The ML501P73 diode is ideal for pico projectors and other portable display systems that require a high-brightness red light source. Sample shipments will begin on November 18, 2010.
Pico projectors have drawn much attention because they can be embedded in or connected to mobile systems such as cellular phones and laptop computers. LDs are widely used as light sources for these projectors for their ability to project a wider range of colors compared to lamp-based projectors.
LDs deliver higher output while consuming less power than light emitting diodes (LEDs), extending battery life. LDs also enable focus-free operation because optical systems with great depth of field can be used with laser beams.
At high temperatures, the output power of red LDs with wavelengths shorter than 640 nm was not sufficient for high brightness projector applications. Mitsubishi Electric utilized its unique capabilities in applying window mirror structures and epitaxial growth technology to develop an industry-leading output power of 1W at a 638-nm lasing wavelength.
Pico projectors have drawn much attention because they can be embedded in or connected to mobile systems such as cellular phones and laptop computers. LDs are widely used as light sources for these projectors for their ability to project a wider range of colors compared to lamp-based projectors.
LDs deliver higher output while consuming less power than light emitting diodes (LEDs), extending battery life. LDs also enable focus-free operation because optical systems with great depth of field can be used with laser beams.
At high temperatures, the output power of red LDs with wavelengths shorter than 640 nm was not sufficient for high brightness projector applications. Mitsubishi Electric utilized its unique capabilities in applying window mirror structures and epitaxial growth technology to develop an industry-leading output power of 1W at a 638-nm lasing wavelength.
DesignSpark becomes electronics industry’s fastest growing online community
electronica 2010, OXFORD, ENGLAND: RS Components disclosed that DesignSpark, the online gateway that gives engineers trusted and reliable information and resources, has become the industry’s fastest growing community of electronics engineers.
Over 20,000 engineers have joined DesignSpark, and downloads and activations of DesignSpark PCB, the world’s most powerful free schematic and PCB design tool stand at 30,000, with a further 5,000 downloads every month.
These DesignSpark registration figures were achieved without any automatic registration of RS account holders, and there is no requirement to have an RS account to register. Visitors to Electronica can experience the latest of DesignSpark and DesignSpark PCB on the RS stand A4.117.
Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS Components, said: “Designers are voting with their mice. Usage figures for the site clearly demonstrate that less than six months after its launch, DesignSpark is accelerating the trend for engineers to carry out more of their design online. Customers are recognizing its value as a trustworthy online environment offering information, tools and services that simplify and speed up their design process. Together with Component Chooser and 3D CAD, DesignSpark provides a complete design solution for engineers from RS.”
DesignSpark offers members free-of charge access to a range of design tools, hosted in the Spark Store. Included in the store is DesignSpark PCB; the free, fully featured PCB design tool launched by RS in July, which has also generated over 150,000 views from visitors to DesignSpark. Sparkstore now features over 200 free to download applications including many selected by members of the community.
Over 20,000 engineers have joined DesignSpark, and downloads and activations of DesignSpark PCB, the world’s most powerful free schematic and PCB design tool stand at 30,000, with a further 5,000 downloads every month.
These DesignSpark registration figures were achieved without any automatic registration of RS account holders, and there is no requirement to have an RS account to register. Visitors to Electronica can experience the latest of DesignSpark and DesignSpark PCB on the RS stand A4.117.
Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS Components, said: “Designers are voting with their mice. Usage figures for the site clearly demonstrate that less than six months after its launch, DesignSpark is accelerating the trend for engineers to carry out more of their design online. Customers are recognizing its value as a trustworthy online environment offering information, tools and services that simplify and speed up their design process. Together with Component Chooser and 3D CAD, DesignSpark provides a complete design solution for engineers from RS.”
DesignSpark offers members free-of charge access to a range of design tools, hosted in the Spark Store. Included in the store is DesignSpark PCB; the free, fully featured PCB design tool launched by RS in July, which has also generated over 150,000 views from visitors to DesignSpark. Sparkstore now features over 200 free to download applications including many selected by members of the community.
RS secures Vishay distribution agreement
OXFORD, ENGLAND: RS Components has further strengthened its relationship with Vishay following the completion of a European distribution agreement. The new agreement means that RS now formally represents Vishay, one of the largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors, around the globe through three regional agreements.
RS holds a stock profile of over 11,000 Vishay products for next-day delivery. The range features a vast selection of passive components, including tantalum, aluminium and film capacitors, variable, power and thin film resistors and magnetics, alongside a growing semiconductor portfolio. Vishay products are being supported by RS through a Brand microsite in the Electronics Centre on rswww.com/vishay, which brings together product, market and application guides as well as data for the full range of Vishay components.
Chris Page, Electronics GM, for RS commented: “This European distribution agreement enables us to bring Vishay’s market leading products to our global customer base. The world class online engineering tools and support provided by RS together with our unrivalled customer reach is continuing to attract the world’s leading component manufacturers.”
Philippe Masson, Director Sales Distribution Europe from Vishay, continued: "Vishay is delighted to be extending its relationship with RS throughout Europe. RS provides design engineers with a proven online technical resource and has a reputation for outstanding customer support making them an ideal partner for Vishay’s unmatched portfolio of discrete semiconductors and passive components.”
RS holds a stock profile of over 11,000 Vishay products for next-day delivery. The range features a vast selection of passive components, including tantalum, aluminium and film capacitors, variable, power and thin film resistors and magnetics, alongside a growing semiconductor portfolio. Vishay products are being supported by RS through a Brand microsite in the Electronics Centre on rswww.com/vishay, which brings together product, market and application guides as well as data for the full range of Vishay components.
Chris Page, Electronics GM, for RS commented: “This European distribution agreement enables us to bring Vishay’s market leading products to our global customer base. The world class online engineering tools and support provided by RS together with our unrivalled customer reach is continuing to attract the world’s leading component manufacturers.”
Philippe Masson, Director Sales Distribution Europe from Vishay, continued: "Vishay is delighted to be extending its relationship with RS throughout Europe. RS provides design engineers with a proven online technical resource and has a reputation for outstanding customer support making them an ideal partner for Vishay’s unmatched portfolio of discrete semiconductors and passive components.”
OLED technology pioneer Universal Display establishes subsidiary in South Korea
EWING, USA: Universal Display Corp., enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED technology and materials, is forming a South Korean subsidiary to better serve and support the needs of its current and potential partners and customers, including South Korean OLED display and lighting manufacturers.
The new subsidiary, Universal Display Corporation Korea, Inc., will be headquartered at Jinmi Paragon #315, Yeouido-dong 13, Yeongdeunpo-gu, Seoul, Korea 150-870. The company’s Korean office is managed by Daniel Koh, Global Key Account Manager, Korea.
“Our UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED technology and materials are key for manufacturers who want to make and sell energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and high-performance OLED display and lighting products. The OLED market, estimated to exceed $1 billion this year and to grow at a significant pace over the next few years, has much of its existing and anticipated OLED manufacturing base located in Asia,” said Dr. Sui-Yuan Lynn, Director of Asian Operations at Universal Display.
“This new subsidiary in South Korea is an important next step to expand our presence in Asia and to better position us to serve each of our display and lighting customers in this region with our portfolio of proprietary OLED technologies, including our state-of-the-art UniversalPHOLED materials and technology.”
Universal Display is the recognized leader in phosphorescent OLED technology and materials. With a comprehensive patent portfolio and technical expertise that covers these and other OLED technologies worldwide, Universal Display licenses its state-of-the-art OLED technologies, sells its proprietary UniversalPHOLED materials, and provides customized technology development and transfer services to serve the specific needs of its OLED display and lighting customers.
The formation of this new Korean subsidiary will enable the company to provide enhanced technical and sales support to its customers in the region and to better meet the needs of the growing OLED marketplace.
The new subsidiary, Universal Display Corporation Korea, Inc., will be headquartered at Jinmi Paragon #315, Yeouido-dong 13, Yeongdeunpo-gu, Seoul, Korea 150-870. The company’s Korean office is managed by Daniel Koh, Global Key Account Manager, Korea.
“Our UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED technology and materials are key for manufacturers who want to make and sell energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and high-performance OLED display and lighting products. The OLED market, estimated to exceed $1 billion this year and to grow at a significant pace over the next few years, has much of its existing and anticipated OLED manufacturing base located in Asia,” said Dr. Sui-Yuan Lynn, Director of Asian Operations at Universal Display.
“This new subsidiary in South Korea is an important next step to expand our presence in Asia and to better position us to serve each of our display and lighting customers in this region with our portfolio of proprietary OLED technologies, including our state-of-the-art UniversalPHOLED materials and technology.”
Universal Display is the recognized leader in phosphorescent OLED technology and materials. With a comprehensive patent portfolio and technical expertise that covers these and other OLED technologies worldwide, Universal Display licenses its state-of-the-art OLED technologies, sells its proprietary UniversalPHOLED materials, and provides customized technology development and transfer services to serve the specific needs of its OLED display and lighting customers.
The formation of this new Korean subsidiary will enable the company to provide enhanced technical and sales support to its customers in the region and to better meet the needs of the growing OLED marketplace.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
RS expands Component Chooser and 3D CAD model product search for engineers
electronica 2010, OXFORD, ENGLAND: RS Components is announcing new functionality and product ranges within its Component Chooser parametric search tool.
New ranges include optoelectronic and further electromechanical components, while the tool now enables users to easily filter and find products with 3D CAD models available for free download. These and other enhancements to its online component selection and design tools will be demonstrated on its stand at Electronica (A4.117).
RS has added optoelectronics devices to the 260,000 semiconductor, passive and electromechanical components covered by Component Chooser, the world’s most extensive parametric search engine for electronic components. It has also increased coverage of the electromechanical component range and cleansed and normalised over 7.5 million attributes.
Component Chooser provides an instantly accessible and consistent search and compare tool for the world’s leading suppliers, enabling faster, more effective search and selection of electronic components. Customers can go to rswww.com/cc, search on all attributes, compare products side by side, and are offered links to support documents such as datasheets, and 3D models where available.
Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS commented: “We have surveyed R&D electronics engineers and technicians since launching Component Chooser. The results show our customers are more engaged with the product offer, and highly value the new search and compare functionality within Component Chooser. This has enabled customers to find the components they want faster and more efficiently, increasing basket values within the trial.”
Component Chooser now supports designers in making smarter LED driver selections. With the increased coverage of electro-mechanical components and the expansion of the range of 3D models it is easier to select the right electromechanical component based on electrical and mechanical design considerations.
New ranges include optoelectronic and further electromechanical components, while the tool now enables users to easily filter and find products with 3D CAD models available for free download. These and other enhancements to its online component selection and design tools will be demonstrated on its stand at Electronica (A4.117).
RS has added optoelectronics devices to the 260,000 semiconductor, passive and electromechanical components covered by Component Chooser, the world’s most extensive parametric search engine for electronic components. It has also increased coverage of the electromechanical component range and cleansed and normalised over 7.5 million attributes.
Component Chooser provides an instantly accessible and consistent search and compare tool for the world’s leading suppliers, enabling faster, more effective search and selection of electronic components. Customers can go to rswww.com/cc, search on all attributes, compare products side by side, and are offered links to support documents such as datasheets, and 3D models where available.
Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS commented: “We have surveyed R&D electronics engineers and technicians since launching Component Chooser. The results show our customers are more engaged with the product offer, and highly value the new search and compare functionality within Component Chooser. This has enabled customers to find the components they want faster and more efficiently, increasing basket values within the trial.”
Component Chooser now supports designers in making smarter LED driver selections. With the increased coverage of electro-mechanical components and the expansion of the range of 3D models it is easier to select the right electromechanical component based on electrical and mechanical design considerations.
RoHS recast - hectic final trialogue meeting
Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell
UK: Compromise was the name of the game at the final trialogue meeting on the proposed RoHS recast.
On the “open scope” issue (a product category 11 would cover all electrical and electronic equipment not captured in categories 1 to 10 unless specifically excluded) a compromise was reached with all products being covered eight years after entry into force.
Some Member States were opposed to an open scope, certainly without a full risk assessment, while Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had called for the scope to be opened in three and a half years.
With this in mind, there will be no early resolution, for example, to the ongoing debate around the status of semiconductor development tools and evaluation boards that do not fit into any of the eight current categories.
At the final trialogue meeting of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers, MEPs agreed to drop demands for a list of priority substances that would have potentially lead to future bans.
Initially, the commission had proposed a list of only four substances but in June the parliament’s environment committee had voted for an increased list of 37 substances including brominated flame retardants, beryllium and PVC.
Green groups in particular had wanted further restrictions under the RoHS recast. It was felt however that the priority list would not have survived the subsequent vote of the full parliament.
MEPs also dropped their request for a ban on nanosilver, but still opposed the proposal to allow a new measure of “availability of substitutes within a reasonable amount of time” to be used to grant exemptions. However, it should be used as a secondary consideration to determine the length of an exemption.
It is understood that the Belgian presidency agreed to drop this criterion during the second trialogue meeting but the UK, along with other Member States, had objected.
The presidency will meet with Member States as a matter of urgency to resolve this matter which is the only outstanding issue left over from the third and final trialogue meeting.
So, a first reading approval is now likely with entry into force possibly by 2013.
UK: Compromise was the name of the game at the final trialogue meeting on the proposed RoHS recast.
On the “open scope” issue (a product category 11 would cover all electrical and electronic equipment not captured in categories 1 to 10 unless specifically excluded) a compromise was reached with all products being covered eight years after entry into force.
Some Member States were opposed to an open scope, certainly without a full risk assessment, while Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had called for the scope to be opened in three and a half years.
With this in mind, there will be no early resolution, for example, to the ongoing debate around the status of semiconductor development tools and evaluation boards that do not fit into any of the eight current categories.
At the final trialogue meeting of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers, MEPs agreed to drop demands for a list of priority substances that would have potentially lead to future bans.
Initially, the commission had proposed a list of only four substances but in June the parliament’s environment committee had voted for an increased list of 37 substances including brominated flame retardants, beryllium and PVC.
Green groups in particular had wanted further restrictions under the RoHS recast. It was felt however that the priority list would not have survived the subsequent vote of the full parliament.
MEPs also dropped their request for a ban on nanosilver, but still opposed the proposal to allow a new measure of “availability of substitutes within a reasonable amount of time” to be used to grant exemptions. However, it should be used as a secondary consideration to determine the length of an exemption.
It is understood that the Belgian presidency agreed to drop this criterion during the second trialogue meeting but the UK, along with other Member States, had objected.
The presidency will meet with Member States as a matter of urgency to resolve this matter which is the only outstanding issue left over from the third and final trialogue meeting.
So, a first reading approval is now likely with entry into force possibly by 2013.
Avago unveils intelligent power module optocoupler optimized for renewable energy apps
electronica 2010, MUNICH, GERMANY: Avago Technologies has announced a new optocoupler available in special packages designed for use in renewable energy applications.
The new ACNV4506 optocoupler provides robust electrical signal isolation as an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) interface or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) gate drive in wind turbines, renewable energy harvesting sites and other industrial control applications.
These applications are increasingly using a 1700V IGBT, which requires higher creepage and clearance – the distance between conductive parts in a design. Industry standards require minimum creepage and clearance distances to ensure user safety in the presence of hazardous voltages.
The ACNV4506 optocoupler is available in a 500 mil 10-pin dual-inline package (DIP) as well as a gull wing lead option for standard surface mount processes, both with 13-mm creepage and clearance that meets the IEC60664-1 standard.
The package improves isolation performance with minimum common-mode rejection (CMR) of 30 kV/μs for superior noise toleration, resulting in smoother control with less torque ripple in motor control applications. The device operates in harsh working environments in the –40 to +105° C extended industrial temperature range, and also targets AC and brushless DC motor drives and industrial inverters.
“Avago offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of IPM interface optocouplers with a variety of packages for different safety standard requirements and application needs,” said Kheng-Jam Lee, marketing manager for plastic optocoupler products at Avago. “Our new ACNV4506 optocoupler not only adds to this IPM portfolio, but also to our gate drive and current sense devices targeting the surging renewable energy market.”
The ACNV4506 optocoupler offers strong electrical specifications for comprehensive safety approvals, with input-output withstand voltage of 7,500 Vrms for 1 minute for UL 1577-compliance and working voltage (Viorm) of 2,262V peak for IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 approval. It is also CSA approved. The high insulating voltages of the device make it suitable for applications with 690V power main voltages.
In addition to high insulation ratings, the device’s packages provide distance through insulation (DTI) of 2 mm, meeting EN50178 regulatory standards. Short maximum propagation delays of 200 ns~400 ns for the device result in short dead time, as well as improved efficiency and precision of motion.
The new ACNV4506 optocoupler provides robust electrical signal isolation as an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) interface or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) gate drive in wind turbines, renewable energy harvesting sites and other industrial control applications.
These applications are increasingly using a 1700V IGBT, which requires higher creepage and clearance – the distance between conductive parts in a design. Industry standards require minimum creepage and clearance distances to ensure user safety in the presence of hazardous voltages.
The ACNV4506 optocoupler is available in a 500 mil 10-pin dual-inline package (DIP) as well as a gull wing lead option for standard surface mount processes, both with 13-mm creepage and clearance that meets the IEC60664-1 standard.
The package improves isolation performance with minimum common-mode rejection (CMR) of 30 kV/μs for superior noise toleration, resulting in smoother control with less torque ripple in motor control applications. The device operates in harsh working environments in the –40 to +105° C extended industrial temperature range, and also targets AC and brushless DC motor drives and industrial inverters.
“Avago offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of IPM interface optocouplers with a variety of packages for different safety standard requirements and application needs,” said Kheng-Jam Lee, marketing manager for plastic optocoupler products at Avago. “Our new ACNV4506 optocoupler not only adds to this IPM portfolio, but also to our gate drive and current sense devices targeting the surging renewable energy market.”
The ACNV4506 optocoupler offers strong electrical specifications for comprehensive safety approvals, with input-output withstand voltage of 7,500 Vrms for 1 minute for UL 1577-compliance and working voltage (Viorm) of 2,262V peak for IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 approval. It is also CSA approved. The high insulating voltages of the device make it suitable for applications with 690V power main voltages.
In addition to high insulation ratings, the device’s packages provide distance through insulation (DTI) of 2 mm, meeting EN50178 regulatory standards. Short maximum propagation delays of 200 ns~400 ns for the device result in short dead time, as well as improved efficiency and precision of motion.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Avago intros automotive-qualified gate drive optocoupler for hybrid and electric vehicles
electronica 2010, MUNICH, GERMANY: Avago Technologies has announced a new automotive-grade optocoupler with extended temperature operation for use in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Increasing consumer demand for hybrid and electrical vehicles with more powerful engines has car makers and their suppliers seeking more robust gate drive optocouplers to help drive higher-capacity engines, as well as battery charger and DC-DC converter systems. The new Avago ACPL-38JT 2.5-Amp optocoupler is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 stress test requirements, delivering safe electrical signal isolation from -40 to +125° C.
The highly-integrated ACPL-38JT power control device incorporates a complete Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) driver for signal switching, along with desaturation detection and fault status feedback systems for constant signal protection.
The device is part of the Avago R2Coupler family of optocouplers with re-inforced insulation for reliable signal isolation, which is critical in automotive and high-temperature industrial applications such as isolated IGBT/power Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) gate drives, industrial inverters, AC and brushless DC motor drives, and uninterruptable power supplies.
“This newest offering in our R2Coupler family gives Avago the most complete automotive optocoupler portfolio, putting our products in excellent position to grow along with the market for hybrid and electric cars,” said Cheng-Dee Lee, Business and Applications Development Director for Isolation Products at Avago.
“More than 40 automotive companies, including car manufacturers and tier one suppliers, are using or evaluating our R2Coupler isolation products. Avago optocouplers are well known for their reliable signal and high-voltage isolation with excellent EMI immunity, with more than 35 years of proven field applications in the military, aerospace, mass-transit and industrial markets.”
During power-up, the ACPL-38JT optocoupler’s under voltage lock-out (UVLO) protection feature protects the IGBT from receiving insufficient gate voltage by forcing lower output. The integrated IGBT gate driver is designed to increase the performance and reliability of a motor drive without the cost, size and complexity of a discrete design. Available in a 16-lead small outline (SO-16) surface mount package, the device is compliant to UL 1577, IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-2 and CSA industrial safety standards.
Increasing consumer demand for hybrid and electrical vehicles with more powerful engines has car makers and their suppliers seeking more robust gate drive optocouplers to help drive higher-capacity engines, as well as battery charger and DC-DC converter systems. The new Avago ACPL-38JT 2.5-Amp optocoupler is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 stress test requirements, delivering safe electrical signal isolation from -40 to +125° C.
The highly-integrated ACPL-38JT power control device incorporates a complete Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) driver for signal switching, along with desaturation detection and fault status feedback systems for constant signal protection.
The device is part of the Avago R2Coupler family of optocouplers with re-inforced insulation for reliable signal isolation, which is critical in automotive and high-temperature industrial applications such as isolated IGBT/power Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) gate drives, industrial inverters, AC and brushless DC motor drives, and uninterruptable power supplies.
“This newest offering in our R2Coupler family gives Avago the most complete automotive optocoupler portfolio, putting our products in excellent position to grow along with the market for hybrid and electric cars,” said Cheng-Dee Lee, Business and Applications Development Director for Isolation Products at Avago.
“More than 40 automotive companies, including car manufacturers and tier one suppliers, are using or evaluating our R2Coupler isolation products. Avago optocouplers are well known for their reliable signal and high-voltage isolation with excellent EMI immunity, with more than 35 years of proven field applications in the military, aerospace, mass-transit and industrial markets.”
During power-up, the ACPL-38JT optocoupler’s under voltage lock-out (UVLO) protection feature protects the IGBT from receiving insufficient gate voltage by forcing lower output. The integrated IGBT gate driver is designed to increase the performance and reliability of a motor drive without the cost, size and complexity of a discrete design. Available in a 16-lead small outline (SO-16) surface mount package, the device is compliant to UL 1577, IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-2 and CSA industrial safety standards.
Avago intros robust fiber optic links for harsh temperature environments
electronica 2010, MUNICH, GERMANY: Avago Technologies has announced a new line of optical fiber transmitters and receivers optimized for harsh temperature environments, here at the Electronica 2010 trade fair.
The HFBR-152xETZ/252xETZ optical fiber modules provide reliable data transmissions over cost-effective plastic or silica fiber in the –40 to +85° C extended industrial temperature range. Designers can use the devices to implement system control or drives in wind turbines and solar farms, traction inverters in trains, and for other industrial applications and medical systems.
An extension of the Avago Versatile Link series, the new modules eliminate the electromagnetic interference, crosstalk, and electrical ground problems that are common with copper wire solutions, while also providing easier, more flexible installation.
The HFBR-152xETZ transmitters are based on a high-power, 650-nm LED that is easy to drive and modulate. The transmitters operate at speeds from 1-125 MBd over distances up to 100 meters. The HFBR-252xETZ high-bandwidth receivers contain a PIN photodiode and internal transimpedance amplifier. The modules come in plastic housing that interlock for single-channel or duplex links in a horizontal mount configuration, providing flexibility to designers during PCB layout.
“The addition of these new Versatile Link series modules with extended temperature range operation is based directly on requests from our customers in the rapidly growing renewable energy and transportation markets,” said Mickael Marie, marketing manager for industrial fiber products at Avago. “With best-in-class electromagnetic compatibility performance and ease-of-use, Avago optical fiber modules have become the de-facto industry-standard for industrial applications.”
The HFBR-152xETZ/252xETZ optical fiber modules provide reliable data transmissions over cost-effective plastic or silica fiber in the –40 to +85° C extended industrial temperature range. Designers can use the devices to implement system control or drives in wind turbines and solar farms, traction inverters in trains, and for other industrial applications and medical systems.
An extension of the Avago Versatile Link series, the new modules eliminate the electromagnetic interference, crosstalk, and electrical ground problems that are common with copper wire solutions, while also providing easier, more flexible installation.
The HFBR-152xETZ transmitters are based on a high-power, 650-nm LED that is easy to drive and modulate. The transmitters operate at speeds from 1-125 MBd over distances up to 100 meters. The HFBR-252xETZ high-bandwidth receivers contain a PIN photodiode and internal transimpedance amplifier. The modules come in plastic housing that interlock for single-channel or duplex links in a horizontal mount configuration, providing flexibility to designers during PCB layout.
“The addition of these new Versatile Link series modules with extended temperature range operation is based directly on requests from our customers in the rapidly growing renewable energy and transportation markets,” said Mickael Marie, marketing manager for industrial fiber products at Avago. “With best-in-class electromagnetic compatibility performance and ease-of-use, Avago optical fiber modules have become the de-facto industry-standard for industrial applications.”
Avago adds Cyan 1W LEDs with high light output
electronica 2010, MUNICH, GERMANY: Avago Technologies has announced cyan-colored high-power LEDs optimized for traffic signals, here at the Electronica 2010 trade fair.
The new ASMT-JC11 and ASMT-AC00 1-Watt LEDs offer high lumens output and high energy efficiency in robust, small footprint packages that boost design flexibility. This combination of features is ideal for traffic signals, and the devices also effectively address sign backlighting and architectural, commercial and decorative lighting applications.
The new LEDs address space constraints in applications with one of the industry’s smallest footprints of 5 mm by 4 mm by 1.85 mm for the ASMT-JC11 device’s 6-leaded small outline package (SOP). Both devices can withstand maximum current of up to 500 mA to provide high flux output performance of 58 lumens at 350 mA. The high flux output results in more efficient designs that use fewer LEDs to achieve an application’s required lumens.
“Our new cyan 1-Watt LEDs position Avago to address the fast-moving transition from traffic signals using incandescent bulbs to more efficient, durable signals based on high-power LEDs,” said Francis Khor, director of marketing for the Optoelectronics Product Division at Avago. “The ASMT-JC11 and ASMT-AC00 LEDs offer leading light output performance in small packages with industrial-strength reliability.”
Both new LEDs feature an exposed thermal pad for efficient heat dissipation and low thermal resistance of 10° C per watt, delivering better reliability over their operating life.
High maximum allowable junction temperatures of 150° C for the ASMT-JC11 device and 135° C for ASMT-AC00 device enable the LEDs to be driven in stringent operating conditions, providing flexibility and reliability to lighting designs. The devices offer a best-in-class Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) resistance of 16 kV, making them insensitive to ESD. As a result, special ESD protection equipment is not required to handle the parts during installation, thereby reducing production costs.
The LEDs have an electrically neutral heat sink pad that allows them to be configured in an array using a common metal substrate without fear of electrical shorting, thus simplifying thermal design.
The new ASMT-JC11 and ASMT-AC00 1-Watt LEDs offer high lumens output and high energy efficiency in robust, small footprint packages that boost design flexibility. This combination of features is ideal for traffic signals, and the devices also effectively address sign backlighting and architectural, commercial and decorative lighting applications.
The new LEDs address space constraints in applications with one of the industry’s smallest footprints of 5 mm by 4 mm by 1.85 mm for the ASMT-JC11 device’s 6-leaded small outline package (SOP). Both devices can withstand maximum current of up to 500 mA to provide high flux output performance of 58 lumens at 350 mA. The high flux output results in more efficient designs that use fewer LEDs to achieve an application’s required lumens.
“Our new cyan 1-Watt LEDs position Avago to address the fast-moving transition from traffic signals using incandescent bulbs to more efficient, durable signals based on high-power LEDs,” said Francis Khor, director of marketing for the Optoelectronics Product Division at Avago. “The ASMT-JC11 and ASMT-AC00 LEDs offer leading light output performance in small packages with industrial-strength reliability.”
Both new LEDs feature an exposed thermal pad for efficient heat dissipation and low thermal resistance of 10° C per watt, delivering better reliability over their operating life.
High maximum allowable junction temperatures of 150° C for the ASMT-JC11 device and 135° C for ASMT-AC00 device enable the LEDs to be driven in stringent operating conditions, providing flexibility and reliability to lighting designs. The devices offer a best-in-class Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) resistance of 16 kV, making them insensitive to ESD. As a result, special ESD protection equipment is not required to handle the parts during installation, thereby reducing production costs.
The LEDs have an electrically neutral heat sink pad that allows them to be configured in an array using a common metal substrate without fear of electrical shorting, thus simplifying thermal design.
austriamicrosystems enters third dimension with unique '3D HallinOne' magnetic encoder family
electronica 2010, UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, AUSTRIA: austriamicrosystems has announced the AS540x product family of 3-dimensional Hall encoders. The new 3D Hall element provides absolute and highest resolution with angular or linear output data.
This new flexibility enables new solutions with improved performance for industrial and automotive applications. The AS540x Hall sensor series was developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Germany - license holder of the HallinOne technology.
austriamicrosystems AS540x series uses two “pixel-cells” in a differential mode to guarantee robustness against all possible external influences like magnetic stray fields. In addition, the IC contains an EEPROM to give maximum freedom to system designers when programming and linearizing the IC.
“The strength of this technology is the true 3D measurement of magnetic field components. Accurately calibrated lateral and vertical Hall sensors are used to increase the overall performance. By using two 3D pixels cells in a differential measurement approach, the absolute linear position measurement range is extended to 40 mm. If we are talking about challenging automotive and industrial position sensing requirements in harsh environments, the AS540x Hall encoder family is currently the best way to go,” stated Marcel Urban, Product Manager Magnetic Encoders at austriamicrosystems.
By using a simple two pole magnet, the absolute position information of the magnet is directly accessible over a SPI interface for module or as a PWM interface for remote applications. The AS540x magnetic encoder series is operational over an ambient temperature range from -40°C up to 150°C and operates either up to 18V for the automotive or 3V supply voltage for the industry applications. The AS540x family will be available in a small lead-free TSSOP package. austriamicrosystems is developing a portfolio of 3D Hall products for automotive and industrial applications.
The first 3D Hall product AS5401 for industrial applications will be launched in Q1 / 2011, samples of the automotive version with implemented high voltage diagnostic features will be available soon.
This new flexibility enables new solutions with improved performance for industrial and automotive applications. The AS540x Hall sensor series was developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Germany - license holder of the HallinOne technology.
austriamicrosystems AS540x series uses two “pixel-cells” in a differential mode to guarantee robustness against all possible external influences like magnetic stray fields. In addition, the IC contains an EEPROM to give maximum freedom to system designers when programming and linearizing the IC.
“The strength of this technology is the true 3D measurement of magnetic field components. Accurately calibrated lateral and vertical Hall sensors are used to increase the overall performance. By using two 3D pixels cells in a differential measurement approach, the absolute linear position measurement range is extended to 40 mm. If we are talking about challenging automotive and industrial position sensing requirements in harsh environments, the AS540x Hall encoder family is currently the best way to go,” stated Marcel Urban, Product Manager Magnetic Encoders at austriamicrosystems.
By using a simple two pole magnet, the absolute position information of the magnet is directly accessible over a SPI interface for module or as a PWM interface for remote applications. The AS540x magnetic encoder series is operational over an ambient temperature range from -40°C up to 150°C and operates either up to 18V for the automotive or 3V supply voltage for the industry applications. The AS540x family will be available in a small lead-free TSSOP package. austriamicrosystems is developing a portfolio of 3D Hall products for automotive and industrial applications.
The first 3D Hall product AS5401 for industrial applications will be launched in Q1 / 2011, samples of the automotive version with implemented high voltage diagnostic features will be available soon.
Cree LED module achieves Title 24 compliance
DURHAM, USA: Cree Inc. announced that the 120V LMR4 LED module has achieved California Title 24 registration, helping OEM lighting manufacturers meet California’s rigorous energy efficiency standards and helping them to quickly enter the LED lighting market with fixtures based on the industry-leading Cree TrueWhite Technology or Cree EasyWhite solution.
Cree is also extending the warranty on its LMR4 LED module family to five years to further accelerate the LED Lighting Revolution.
“California leads the nation in promoting sustainable, energy-efficient building codes, and the growth of solid-state lighting is critical to achieving energy-saving goals and policy objectives,” said Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis. “Cree has been a leader in the LED lighting industry, and further advances to its technologies will allow lighting manufacturers to address the energy-efficiency needs of California consumers.”
“Lighting manufacturers have already demonstrated the ease of developing LED fixtures based on the Cree LMR4 module,” said Tom Roberts, Cree, director of marketing, LED modules. “Based on our continued testing and customer design successes, Cree is extending the LMR4 warranty from three years to five. We believe this provides even greater confidence in the business case for high-quality LED lighting.”
The Cree LMR4 LED module, available with either Cree TrueWhite Technology or the Cree EasyWhite solution, uniquely integrates driver electronics, optics and primary thermal management. Both versions deliver 700 lumens, are designed to last 35,000 hours and consume just 12 watts of power. Fixture manufacturers have the option to include a specially designed heat sink to accommodate specific high heat applications such as downlights for insulated ceilings.
The 120-volt LMR4 module is UL recognized, and the 230-volt LMR4 module complies with multiple international standards. Fixture makers seeking ENERGY STAR qualification will have access to specifications and performance data, including LM-80 reports, which can speed regulatory approvals.
Cree is also extending the warranty on its LMR4 LED module family to five years to further accelerate the LED Lighting Revolution.
“California leads the nation in promoting sustainable, energy-efficient building codes, and the growth of solid-state lighting is critical to achieving energy-saving goals and policy objectives,” said Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis. “Cree has been a leader in the LED lighting industry, and further advances to its technologies will allow lighting manufacturers to address the energy-efficiency needs of California consumers.”
“Lighting manufacturers have already demonstrated the ease of developing LED fixtures based on the Cree LMR4 module,” said Tom Roberts, Cree, director of marketing, LED modules. “Based on our continued testing and customer design successes, Cree is extending the LMR4 warranty from three years to five. We believe this provides even greater confidence in the business case for high-quality LED lighting.”
The Cree LMR4 LED module, available with either Cree TrueWhite Technology or the Cree EasyWhite solution, uniquely integrates driver electronics, optics and primary thermal management. Both versions deliver 700 lumens, are designed to last 35,000 hours and consume just 12 watts of power. Fixture manufacturers have the option to include a specially designed heat sink to accommodate specific high heat applications such as downlights for insulated ceilings.
The 120-volt LMR4 module is UL recognized, and the 230-volt LMR4 module complies with multiple international standards. Fixture makers seeking ENERGY STAR qualification will have access to specifications and performance data, including LM-80 reports, which can speed regulatory approvals.
3M offers full embedded connector portfolio
electronica 2010, AUSTIN, USA: 3M announced that the company now offers a full range of connector families designed to meet PICMG and PC104 consortium standards, to be used in embedded computing designs.
3M’s new Micro TCA Signal and Power Connectors, ATCA Power Connectors, CompactPCI Power Connectors and PC104/PC104-Plus connectors join the family of CompactPCI signal connectors.
These solutions are designed to complement the high-performance Ultra Hard Metric (UHM) Connector by 3M that is designated by PICMG in the 2.30 standard to support high-speed serial protocols (SAS/SATA, PCIExpress, Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0) over legacy 3U and 6U CompactPCI systems and High-Speed Hard Metric (HSHM) connectors, along with the recently announced 3M™ UHM Cable Assembly, with up to 12 Gbps.
“Design engineers focused on embedded computing designs need a full range of high-quality and reliable connectors that are offered on different platforms and meet multiple embedded computing standards,” said David Schneider, business manager for 3M’s Electronic Solutions Division, Interconnect.
“We are excited to offer our customers a full portfolio offering of connectors that meet PICMG and PC104 consortium standards and adhere to the quality and performance they expect from 3M solutions.”
3M’s new Micro TCA Signal and Power Connectors, ATCA Power Connectors, CompactPCI Power Connectors and PC104/PC104-Plus connectors join the family of CompactPCI signal connectors.
These solutions are designed to complement the high-performance Ultra Hard Metric (UHM) Connector by 3M that is designated by PICMG in the 2.30 standard to support high-speed serial protocols (SAS/SATA, PCIExpress, Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0) over legacy 3U and 6U CompactPCI systems and High-Speed Hard Metric (HSHM) connectors, along with the recently announced 3M™ UHM Cable Assembly, with up to 12 Gbps.
“Design engineers focused on embedded computing designs need a full range of high-quality and reliable connectors that are offered on different platforms and meet multiple embedded computing standards,” said David Schneider, business manager for 3M’s Electronic Solutions Division, Interconnect.
“We are excited to offer our customers a full portfolio offering of connectors that meet PICMG and PC104 consortium standards and adhere to the quality and performance they expect from 3M solutions.”
Monday, November 8, 2010
Antenova adds ultra-small Indica 2.4GHz MDA ceramic chip antenna to gigaNOVA range
CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND: Antenova Ltd, the integrated antenna and RF solutions company, announced the addition of Indica 2.4GHz MDA ceramic chip antenna - the smallest in the gigaNOVA range of standard antennas.
Designed for ease of integration into wireless devices, ultra-small Indica 2.4GHz antenna is ideally suited for a wide range of embedded applications where space is limited and particularly in the proximity of metal objects, such as Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL).
“We are experiencing a global mega-trend of connected devices, with an ever growing range of embedded wireless applications, devices and markets,” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.
“The ESL market for retail stores alone is projected to be in the region of 5 billion units in North America and 10 billion units globally. Indica A10381 is extremely well suited for ESL devices, not only because of its very small size but because it performs especially well in the proximity of metal objects such as metal shelving and product tins. Indica is based on Antenova’s patented MDA technology which has enabled us to develop such a small, high performing antenna that is highly resistant to de-tuning. Indica may be the smallest and most efficient embedded antenna for 2.4GHz applications on the market.”
Indica A10381 is an ultra-small 2.4GHz MDA ceramic chip antenna with 70% efficiency. It is a mere 3.3 x 1.6 x 0.65mm3 in size and weighs less than 0.016g. Indica is suitable for all 2.4GHz applications such as Bluetooth wireless headsets and the new generation of Bluetooth Low Energy medical devices. Indica A10381 is intended for SMD mounting, supplied in tape on reel and available for volume purchase through Antenova’s global network of leading distributors and agents.
Antenova offers the gigaNOVA range of market leading standard antenna solutions for a wide range of embedded and M2M applications requiring cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and GPS (1.575 GHz) connectivity. Antenova also offers a full range of development support and RF testing to help reduce customization and design costs and accelerate time-to-market.
Designed for ease of integration into wireless devices, ultra-small Indica 2.4GHz antenna is ideally suited for a wide range of embedded applications where space is limited and particularly in the proximity of metal objects, such as Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL).
“We are experiencing a global mega-trend of connected devices, with an ever growing range of embedded wireless applications, devices and markets,” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.
“The ESL market for retail stores alone is projected to be in the region of 5 billion units in North America and 10 billion units globally. Indica A10381 is extremely well suited for ESL devices, not only because of its very small size but because it performs especially well in the proximity of metal objects such as metal shelving and product tins. Indica is based on Antenova’s patented MDA technology which has enabled us to develop such a small, high performing antenna that is highly resistant to de-tuning. Indica may be the smallest and most efficient embedded antenna for 2.4GHz applications on the market.”
Indica A10381 is an ultra-small 2.4GHz MDA ceramic chip antenna with 70% efficiency. It is a mere 3.3 x 1.6 x 0.65mm3 in size and weighs less than 0.016g. Indica is suitable for all 2.4GHz applications such as Bluetooth wireless headsets and the new generation of Bluetooth Low Energy medical devices. Indica A10381 is intended for SMD mounting, supplied in tape on reel and available for volume purchase through Antenova’s global network of leading distributors and agents.
Antenova offers the gigaNOVA range of market leading standard antenna solutions for a wide range of embedded and M2M applications requiring cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and GPS (1.575 GHz) connectivity. Antenova also offers a full range of development support and RF testing to help reduce customization and design costs and accelerate time-to-market.
element14 celebrates brand launch with limited edition toolkits
BANGALORE, INDIA: element14, formerly known as Farnell Electronics, the industry’s first fusion of commerce and online community supporting millions of engineers and purchasing professionals worldwide, has announced limited edition toolkits for customers in the region as part of the brand launch.
From now to January 2011, customers will be rewarded free limited edition toolkits through element14. The toolkits worth between Rs.10000 and Rs.33000 include 14 to 16 essential tools engineers in the design and maintenance, repair and operations sectors use. The tools featured in these Limited Edition toolkits are from the trusted brands, Tenma and Duratool that have element14 as their preferred distributor.
Marc Grange, Head of Product Management said: “element14 understands and anticipates design engineers’ evolving requirements, and tailors our inventory to fit the many diverse markets in Asia Pacific through customer and market feedback. We have doubled our inventory to 120,000 products stocked within Asia Pacific.
“This broad range of products from 3,500 leading suppliers includes the latest and best selling technologies for connectors, semiconductors, electromechanical and passives with next-day delivery. These complementary limited edition toolkits have been designed specifically for design engineers’ and maintenance and repair professional’s daily work.”
Ravi Pagar, country manager, India, element14 said: “element14’s enhanced product and service offerings provide design engineers and maintenance and repair professionals with the most advanced solutions. Through element14, design engineers can purchase with ease and flexibility via our multiple channels, visit and engage with our online community and consult our 24/7 hour customer service or 24/5 online technical support in their own language. Moving forward, element14 will continue to invest and transform to meet the changing needs of design engineers.”
The complementary element14 toolkits are available with minimum purchase.
From now to January 2011, customers will be rewarded free limited edition toolkits through element14. The toolkits worth between Rs.10000 and Rs.33000 include 14 to 16 essential tools engineers in the design and maintenance, repair and operations sectors use. The tools featured in these Limited Edition toolkits are from the trusted brands, Tenma and Duratool that have element14 as their preferred distributor.
Marc Grange, Head of Product Management said: “element14 understands and anticipates design engineers’ evolving requirements, and tailors our inventory to fit the many diverse markets in Asia Pacific through customer and market feedback. We have doubled our inventory to 120,000 products stocked within Asia Pacific.
“This broad range of products from 3,500 leading suppliers includes the latest and best selling technologies for connectors, semiconductors, electromechanical and passives with next-day delivery. These complementary limited edition toolkits have been designed specifically for design engineers’ and maintenance and repair professional’s daily work.”
Ravi Pagar, country manager, India, element14 said: “element14’s enhanced product and service offerings provide design engineers and maintenance and repair professionals with the most advanced solutions. Through element14, design engineers can purchase with ease and flexibility via our multiple channels, visit and engage with our online community and consult our 24/7 hour customer service or 24/5 online technical support in their own language. Moving forward, element14 will continue to invest and transform to meet the changing needs of design engineers.”
The complementary element14 toolkits are available with minimum purchase.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
