EP&Dee no 7 - September 2012

SEPTEMBER, 2012 ­ ISSUE NO. 7, VOL. 10

DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

EP&Dee ELECTRONICS

PRODUCTS

&

DESIGN

Microchip offers industry’s first Audio Mixer Development Boards Microchip announces two new digital audio mixer boards based on low pincount 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs). The DM320014 USB digital audio accessory board uses standard USB 2.0 Mini-B connectivity; whilst the DM320413 digital audio mixer board offers Apple® portable device connectivity.

audio into the target application. Key features include interfaces for digital audio via USB Mini-B or the Apple iOS interface; line-in and microphone-in for convenient connectivity to analogue audio sources, such as microphones or instrument pickups; and line-out and headphoneout for line-level output and headphone connectivity. Each board provides an excellent starting point for a portable music player dock design. Additionally, these features allow the PIC32 Digital Audio mixing of digital and Accessory Board analogue audio, using the (Part #DM320014) power of the PIC32’s advanced processing capabilities. The development boards are suitable for applications in the consumer and automotive PIC32 USB Digital Audio markets, such as consumer Mixer Board audio docks, including (Part #DM320014) those in stereo systems; These two development noise-cancelling headsets; boards, each powered by clock radios; or A/V a Microchip PIC32MX250 entertainment system F128 32-bit MCU, enable sounds bars; as well as in audio and voice device automotive vehicles that development for a broad offer portable music player range of applications. docking capabilities.

Both boards are designed for easy integration of MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY digital and analogue www.microchip.com/get/LCWH

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EASTERN

EUROPE

An audiovisual innovation for rest and recuperation.

For the promotion of healing processes, well-being and relaxation

page 24

Disposable Medical Accessories

Rayson – a simple answer!

Endoscopes, staplers and hair-removal lasers are amongst the medical products which have disposable accessories. Rather than being sterilised and reused, these are designed to page 8 be discarded after a procedure.

From the beginning of time, the human race has mastered the methods of communication enabling covering distances at higher speeds. page 16

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

SEPTEMBER 2012 Table of Contents COMMENTS INDUSTRY NEWS 5 The Era of Apps

INDUSTRY NEWS COMPANIES INDUSTRY NEWS EMBEDDED SYSTEMS DESIGN EMBEDDED 8 Disposable Medical Accessories: Addressing the Challenge of Embedded Storage Endoscopes, staplers and hair-removal lasers are amongst the medical products which have disposable accessories. Rather than being sterilised and reused, these are designed to be discarded after a procedure.

12 Mini server deploying AMD Embedded G-Series with high performance graphics - Small computer for large tasks Christmann has added a tiny but powerful mini server to its portfolio - the TEO-XXS. Developed by the Kontron Value Added Reseller (VAR) ies and based on a 2.5 inch Pico-ITX™ embedded motherboard with AMD Embedded G-Series platform, the mini server provides a boost to performance and graphics capability, particularly for space-saving, energy-efficient and robust embedded applications

DESIGN WIRELESS

Continuous advancement in the semiconductor industry has enabled an increasing number of Page 12 functions to be integrated into less space.

16 Rayson – a simple answer!

From the beginning of time, the human race has mastered the methods of communication enabling covering distances at higher speeds.

18 Fast on the final straight - Power consumption in tracking devices Where is it? Tracking devices are there to provide answers to this question - whether the item in question is freight, a lorry, a painting, a destination or a geocaching cache. In all cases: GSM and GPS modules are the essential components in terms of functionality, value and power consumption.

DESIGN LEDs 20 Intelligent control of LED lighting Digital signal controllers add intelligent control and communication to LED lighting.

DESIGN LIGHTING 24 An audiovisual innovation for rest and recuperation.

For the promotion of healing processes, well-being and relaxation Whether at home, in the office, hotel, spa or gym, in a hospital or a doctor's surgery – with one click illumotion opens up magnificent natural scenes, underwater worlds, works of art or real surroundings. Imagination knows no limits. Everything counts that appeals to the senses.

Tracking devices are there to provide answers to this question - whether the item in question is freight, a lorry, a painting, a destination or a geocaching cache.

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INDUSTRY NEWS ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS SMT INDUSTRY NEWS CONNECTORS 36 Everything from one source!

DESIGN SENSORS 38 Panasonic Releases the World’s 1st SMT Thermopile Array Sensor.

Panasonic Electric Works Europe AG, the European headquarters for Panasonic Corporation’s Industrial Devices business, announces the release of the first ever Surface Mount Technology (SMT) thermopile array sensor, the Grid-EYE. Years of continuous research in infrared sensing technology led to the development of a state-of-the-art thermopile sensor that features 64 thermopile elements in an 8 x 8 grid format.

INDUSTRY NEWS MISCELLANEOUS 2

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Years of continuous research in infrared sensing technology led to the development of a state-ofthe-art thermopile sensor that features 64 thermopile elements in an 8 x 8 grid format. Page 38

COMPANIES INDUSTRY NEWS

Microchip strengthens parallel Flash memory portfolio with high-speed, low-power devices Microchip announces the expansion of its comprehensive MultiPurpose Flash Plus (MPF+) portfolio with the introduction of four new compact 512K x16 parallel Flash CMOS devices: the SST39V F401C, SST39F402C, SST39LF 401C and the SST39LF402C. Manufactured with high-performance CMOS SuperFlash® technology, these low-power, 2.7-3.6V, x16 parallel NOR Flash devices feature a split-gate design and thick-oxide tunnelling injector for superior reliability and design simplicity. All four devices help to reduce engineering design cycles, and improve overall product performance and responsiveness, which enables an enhanced end-user experience.

Offering a number of advanced features, the SuperFlash technology within the SST39VF401C/ 402C and SST39LF401C/402C guaran-

tees fixed programme and erase times that do not deteriorate over time. The devices also achieve active current as low as 5 mA (typical) and standby current of 3 microamperes (typical) to extend battery life in accessories, sensors and battery-operated equipment.

These features make them ideal for consumer electronics, industrial devices, automotive, telecommunications equipment and embedded systems requiring lowcost and versatile updating of programme or data memory.

MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY www.microchip.com/get/3UTX

Type 6 COM Express Modules and Evaluation Board from MSC The MSC Vertriebs announced it has added two new, performanceenhanced, cost-optimized modules to its high-performance MSC C6B-7S COM Express™ module product line-up. The compact embedded modules feature an integrated Dual-Core Intel® Celeron™ 847E processor with 1.1 GHz or a Single-Core Intel® Celeron™ 827E processor (1.4 GHz). Both modules comply with the type 6 pin-out of the current COM Express™ standard and support two independent displays.

The MSC Vertriebs GmbH developed the MSC C6-MB-EVA evaluation board to enable the set-up and evaluation of prototype systems that are based on the highperformance COM Express™ MSC C6B-7S modules with type 6 pinout. The platform allows modules with a type 6 pin-out to be thoroughly tested and evaluated.

Moreover, the evaluation board can also be used for simultaneous hardware and software development, dramatically accelerating the integration process.

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The MSC C6-MB-EVA evaluation board in ATX format (305mm × 244mm) not only provides a slot for any type of COM Express™ module, whether basic or compact format, but all of the interfaces possible with a type 6 pin-out as well. For example, numerous interfaces such as DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI and eDP (embedded DisplayPort) are also provided for connecting displays and monitors.

Some interfaces are available externally through connectors on the I/O shield, while others are available as internal interfaces.

MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

P. D. Circuits Implements Employee Fitness Challenge P. D. Circuits, Inc., specializing in delivering the highest quality printed circuit boards (PCBs), technical support, and service to OEM and EMS companies worldwide, announces the addition of its ‘Get Fit Challenge’.

P. D. Circuits has opened an onsite fitness center and is offering financial incentives for employees who reach their fitness goal. This is a new way that P. D. Circuits is encouraging its employees to take care of themselves, in addition to offering comprehensive employee benefit programs.

“Our employees are excited about this program,” said Human Resources Manager Kimberley Wolff. “While we offer a comprehensive set of employee benefits programs that includes medical insurance and employee assistance programs, the ‘Get Fit

Challenge’ is different because it is proactive. The goal is overall health and well-being in an effort to prevent health issues and injuries. It is a win-win for both P. D. Circuits and its employees. Healthy employees are more productive and use fewer sick days and, of course, we all want to be healthy.”

The new ‘Get Fit Challenge’ demonstrates P. D. Circuits’ dedication to continuous improvement for both its employees and customers. P. D. Circuits provides superior support and value to its customers by delivering worldclass PCB fabrication supply chain services and products.

P. D. CIRCUITS www.pdcircuits.com

Power from Glassman for outstanding performance and value Leading power supply company, Glassman High Voltage, offers a broad range of products which are suitable for even the most demanding applications. Its FJ Series of 120W regulated high voltage DC power supplies offer laboratory performance for rack mounting, and have a slim 1.75in panel height. The series has embedded microcontroller control, with front panel digital encoders that provide high-resolution local adjustment of voltage and current programmes. INTEGRAL RS232, USB and optional Ethernet communications enable remote control program and monitor capabilities. Further features of the FJ series are arc quench, arc count and selectable current trip / constant current mode control. The FR Series of 300W Regulated High Voltage

DC power supplies also rack mount with a 1.75in panel height and offer the same features as the FJ series with greater power output. Both the FR and FJ series are air insulated – no oil or solid encapsulation is used, which helps reduce the weight of these units and allows full serviceability.

GLASSMAN EUROPE www.glassmaneurope.co.uk

The Era of Apps People who drive the new wireless revolution think that applications are “everything.” Hordes of developers have piled and continue to do so into the applications business, creating of thousands of offerings for on-line stores all over the world.

The appetite for such applications is insatiable: it is estimated that some 18 billion “Apps” have been downloaded since the first app store was opened in 2008 by Apple. Most forecasts see that number grow to some 49 billion by end of 2013.

Many games, such as “Tap Tap Revenge” and “Angry Birds,” in which a bunch of enraged digital fowl wage war again evil pigs that have pinched their eggs. But there are also plenty of more serious propose, such as FBI’s Child ID iPhone app, which lets parents store information about their kids and sends it to the authorities if a child goes missing.

In many ways, apps are representative of the changes taking place in personal technology. Small, downloadable chunks of software, they give people access to information in a neatly packaged format and must have one or more of following attributes: simplicity, cheapness and instant gratification. They have caught partly because websites do not look good when viewed on phones’ tiny screens. Apps do a much better job at making the best of the space available. Using them is intuitive, by and large. Many are free; many others cost no more than a fancy cup of coffee. Some of the most creative apps make the most out of the phone’s sensors. Gaming ones use accelerometers and gyroscopes to track user’s motions, while mobilenavigation apps rely on inbuilt gps systems.

Another reason why apps have proved popular is that, unlike websites, they do not need a constant connection to the internet. Instead, they are stored in mobile gadgets’ silicon memory and refreshed when a new connection is available. This also explains why they launch so much faster than software on PCs. Apps mean that people are no longer going to be satisfied waiting for spinning hard disks on devices to deliver what they want.

There has been speculation that apps may fade when websites designed to work better on mobile devices appear. But that is unlikely to happen while mobile internet connectivity remains patchy. Fans also point out that apps are easy to create.

Most apps, however, re destined for obscurity. It is estimated that, like in most line outs, the 50 most used one account for a whopping 61% of usage. Part of the problem is that there is still no reliable search engine for discovering outstanding apps.

No doubt there will soon be an app for that too. n (inspired by and adapted from The Economist)

Radu Andrei www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY NEWS

Aeroflex announces 3550 Digital Radio Test System with the first colour touch-screen for the land mobile radio market Aeroflex Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aeroflex Holding Corp., announced the 3550 Digital Radio Test System featuring an industry-first colour touch-screen and enhanced specifications to provide users with a lightweight, easy to use, and reliable digital radio test system. Designed for Professional Mobile Radio (PMR), public safety, and other land mobile radio applications, the Aeroflex 3550 test system quickly isolates problems and assesses performance in AM/FM radios, with options for P25, DMR, NXDN™, and dPMR radio systems.

The 3550 test system is lightweight (3.8 kg including battery) for field-testing of analogue, DMR, P25, NXDN, and dPMR systems, and features 4.5 hours of

continuous operation with its internal battery. Uniquely, the 3550 test system allows the user to test all aspects of the radio system — the transmitter, receiver, cables, and antennas — with powerful features typically found only in bench top equipment. It also meets MIL-PRF-28800A specifications for humidity, shock, and vibration, with an operating range of 0°C to +50°C.

AEROFLEX www.aeroflex.com

Innovasic’s RapID Platform Industrial Ethernet Connectivity Solution is Certified to PROFINET Class B, Net Load Class III Innovasic announces that its RapID Platform Network Interface has been certified to PROFINET Class B and Net Load Class III. Achieving Net Load Class III means Innovasic’s solution conforms to the PROFINET standard even under the highest network load conditions.

“The PROFINET International organization (PI) has introduced tests in order to prove the robustness of field devices under varying degrees of network traffic loading,” says Professor Dr. Frithjof Klasen from the AIT PROFINET Competence Center of the Cologne University of Applied Sciences and member of the Board of Directors of PI Germany.

“Devices that can pass Net Load Class III have proven to be able to withstand the highest network traffic loading.”

Innovasic achieves Net Load Class III performance with its patented PriorityChannel™ technology.

PriorityChannel eliminates the effects of network traffic loading and ensures real-time PROFINET

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messages are always processed on-time, every time. A field device incorporating Innovasic’s Network Interface solution is protected from unpredictable packet delays, excessive latency, and connection failure without worrying about network segmentation or switch configuration.

“PriorityChannel extends PROFINET’s Real-Time Channel by allowing field device parameters to pass to the network without interruption,” says Tom Weingartner, Innovasic Vice President of Marketing.

INNOVASIC www.innovasic.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Dialog Semiconductor FURTHERS Wireless audio success with jabra DESign win Dialog Semiconductor plc. announced Jabra has adopted the company’s short-range wireless audio ICs to create the Jabra PRO™ 9450 Flex JP headset, which connects with office phones and PCs running VoIP calling software, such as Skype or Microsoft Lync.

The Jabra PRO 9450 Flex JP is a stylish, high-performance, lightweight wireless headset and is the first system to use Dialog’s chips for the Japanese variant of the DECT standard. It has up to a 120metre range, delivers up to 10 hours of talk time and integrates Dialog’s SC14480 single-chip CAT-iq IC in the headset, with Dialog's LMX4180 DECT transceiver and SC14450 high-end baseband processor in the basestation.

The Jabra PRO 9450 Flex JP is optimised for noisy work environments, while providing industry leading wireless audio quality.

The headset runs Dialog’s Perfect Acoustic Echo Canceller (PAEC) and background noise cancellation with a wideband audio codec.

For wireless audio applications, the DECT standard enables ener-

gy efficiency enhancements, easy pairing, wide-band audio data rates and secure connectivity.

Dialog is the market leader in this segment and its portfolio covers all regional versions of DECT plus the 2.4GHz DCT protocol and also includes the DECT ULE family of products; SmartPulse.

The adoption by Jabra further extends the recent deployment of Dialog’s DECT technologies into a broader range of short range wireless audio applications; including professional headsets, wireless microphones and gaming.

DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR www.dialog-semiconductor.com

ELMA packs maximum performance into 1U form factor The trend towards downsizing on the embedded market does also work for 19“-systems: The only 1 U high system platform “blu!one” is currently the most sought-after product of the ELMA blu!-series of the Pforzheim system manufacturer ELMA Electronic.

The MicroTCA-dwarf blu!one, provided traditionally in a blue case like all ELMA MicroTCA-systems, offers highest performance in the smallest possible 19”-form factor. ELMA has brought full MCH-functionality including power management onto the backplane. The blu!one offers enough space for up to six singlemodule midsize, respectively three single-module fullsize AMC boards. Thanks to doubled Gigabit Ethernet switching

and intelligent data connections for PCI Express, Serial Rapid IO and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the blu!one offers maximum flexibility and allows for a wide range of application possibilities. This potential is supported by a maximum performance of up to 360 Watts whose waste heat is kept in check by eight fans. These move 34 cubic meters of air per hour.

The blu!one flanks the 2 U high 19“-platform „blu!two” which launched the MicroTCA-horizontal system series in 2010. ELMA also offers the service to deliver the system as fully integrated version if requested.

ELMA ELECTRONIC www.elma.com

Compact size LED driver from RECOM Lighting RECOM Lighting releases a new LED driver series with 30 Watt constant voltage with PFC. The RACV30 series is available at the distributor Rutronik. The RACV30 is the first of a new series of constant voltage LED drivers, ideal for powering LED strips and LED modules in applications such as cove lighting, signage, back lighting, channel letters, displays or under cabinet lighting.

The input voltage of 90 to 264VAC assures full functionality worldwide. Besides, the new drivers provide up to 30 watts. They are available with outputs of 12VDC or 24VDC, the output voltages are closely regulated to compensate for varying loads or supply changes (2% max.).

The new drivers have active PFC (Power Factor Correction /Compensation) and fully comply with EN61000-3-2 Class C. With their integrated constant current source they are able to supply several LED

chains in parallel.

An additional application is the combination with a DC constant current driver, such as RECOM’s RCD24. Measuring only 160×55×22mm, the con-

stant voltage modules are smaller than comparable competitive products. As is usual at RECOM, the drivers feature a terminal block and 5.5mm jack fittings on the input and output for easy and reliable fitting.

For additional safety, they feature an integrated over load and thermal protection.

RUTRONIK www.rutronik.com

“PERFECT MATCH” LCD Cross-Matching Program from Phoenix Display resolves user problems with LCDs from existing suppliers

For LCD users running into poor performance, cost overruns, delivery delays, product obsolescence and other problems, the Perfect Match Program from Phoenix Display International (PDI), Inc. offers a recourse: an LCD cross-matching process where the company is able to duplicate virtually any display manufactured by another supplier and re-tool it in-house – quickly and at minimal cost – with optimal results.

PDI has the ability to match almost all monochrome character, graphic and full-color TFT LCDs in performance, resolution, contrast, interface, etc., with additional customization

and/or integration also available.

Problem areas that PDI can typically improve upon are price, obsolescence, quality, delivery and logistics, as well as offering additional customization and/or integration. This can be done with minimal impact to customers while providing 100% compatible dropin replacement LCDs in almost all cases, unless an LCD driver IC or raw TFT panel becomes obsolete. And, even in cases of component obsolescence, PDI can still often create a 100% compatible hardware match.

PHOENIX DISPLAY www.phoenixdisplay.com

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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EMBEDDED DESIGN

Disposable Medical Accessories: Addressing the Challenge of Embedded Storage

by Jonathan Dillon, Microchip Technology Inc.

Endoscopes, staplers and hair-removal lasers are amongst the medical products which have disposable accessories.

Rather than being sterilised and reused, these are designed to be discarded after a procedure.

Supplied in sterile, sealed packaging, these single-use accessories will only be opened before a procedure. Being disposable, they can be lower cost, lighter weight and more flexible, since they do not have to withstand the sterilisation process or be robust enough for repeated use. There are concerns from manufacturers regarding related to third parties refurbishing and re-sterilising the unit for re-use, exceeding the unit’s design life and possibly compromising hygiene. Together with these primary concerns, other dangers include an incorrect accessory being used, or the accidental use of an expired unit.

If digital control or measurement is already a part of the system, then it is possible to add an electronic communications link to the disposable portion. Figure 1 shows the simple configuration required for the system to identify the individual accessory, retrieve additional data and record usage data in an integrated memory device embedded within the disposable accessory.

There are a number of different types of data held within a disposable accessory that a medical device manufacturer may want to retrieve.

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Usage Statistics Even disposable accessories can record that the unit has already been used and note the serial number of the equipment involved. Recording this information in the accessory itself guards

Figure 1: Embedded memory within disposable medical accessories enables communication with the main system for the retrieval of data and usage.

against improper reuse with another system, even if this data can also be recorded by the equipment. Such devices can also measure the total duration of use or numbers of usages, for accessories with specific lifespans.

EMBEDDED DESIGN Calibration Information All accessories produced should be identical but the effect of manufacturing tolerances, processes and chemistries may cause significant variation between units or batches. The system may be able to compensate for these variations, if they can be highlighted at the production stage. Accessories can be tested at the manufacturing stage to determine their performance, and their compensation values can be stored in the memory.

Storing this data in the accessory makes the compensation seamless to operators, and ensures that the accessory and its calibration data are not separated or mixed up.

Table 1: Comparison of commonly used serial-memory communication busses.

Expiry Date To program the medical accessory with an expiration date only requires that the system console has the current date and time, to compare against the accessory’s expiry date. Once this is established it is easy to verify whether it has exceeded its shelf life.

Model No The accessory’s model number can be used to ensure it is the correct accessory for the system, and to indicate the accessory type for systems that accommodate multiple disposable attachment categories.

Serial No Health-care management may require that the system records the serial numbers of every attachment used, for the collection of warranty information and the statistical analysis of failures. If the manufacturer has communication link to the equipment in the field, recall management could be automated with an instruction to equipment to reject specific serial numbers.

Implementation An interface to the accessory is all that needs to be added if the system already uses a microprocessor or microcontroller. A serial protocol is well suited for the limited volumes of data that need to be transferred then only an interface to the accessory needs to be added, if electrical contact can be made between the accessory and the system. This also fulfills the low-cost and small-physical-size requirements of disposable medical accessories. If the system has an internal serial bus, then this can be extended to the accessory.

A serial memory device can be used to minimize complexity and components, since the electronics in the accessory need only communicate and store data. Serial memories are available with a variety of communication busses; Table 1 lists the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Figure 2: Typical data communications with a disposable accessory’s onboard memory. www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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EMBEDDED DESIGN Rapid communications are delivered by SPI but the 6 lines and power lines require physically larger and more expensive connectors between the system and the accessory.

I2C™ protocol and single-wire busses, such as Microchip’s UNI/O® protocol are much better suited to these applications. Slower communication speed ceases to be an issue given the limited volumes of data required by disposable medical accessory applications. The reduced number of electrical lines required by these protocols allows smaller, lower-cost connectors and potentially more reliable communications. The two-wire I2C communication protocol is simple to implement and also has the advantage of being synchronous, so it doesn’t have tight timing requirements.

Many microprocessors and microcontrollers support I2C via dedicated on-chip hardware to manage the bus, in contrast to single-line communications protocols which often require software to manage the bus—though this software is widely available—or the use of a translation bridge device. There are several competing, proprietary single-line protocols. The leading single-wire protocols support self clocking or clock recovery, which removes the requirement of high-precision oscillators on both ends. Low data rates allow the use of long, highly capacitive cables and simple signal noise filtering. Power can be supplied over the data line with many single-wire communications protocols, which eliminates the supplyvoltage connection, but some external components may be required.

Memory Device Selection Numerous suppliers offer I2C or single wire interfaces for low-cost serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) devices. Storage capacity can range from 128 to over one million bits, enabling the memory to be matched to the specific needs of the application. Small device packages, such as the SOT-23, SC-70, and bumped-die Chip Scale package types, allow for easy integration into the disposable accessory without significantly altering its size and shape. EEPROM technology also offers highly robust storage for more than 200 years at high temperatures.

The system can re-write the data stored in the accessory whilst it is in use, allowing the usage information to be updated and the system to indicate that the device should be discarded.

Alternatively, the accessory’s data can be rewritten to record its usage history, as shown in Figure 2. Writes to the EEPROM are performed quickly, but it is a good practice to read from the memory afterward to verify that the write occurred and was completed, since the accessory can be disconnected at any time. EEPROM offers high endurance, allowing each memory bit to be rewritten more than 1,000,000 times, allowing usage data to be frequently updated without “wearing out” the memory.

Serial Presence Detect (SPD) EEPROMs support software write protection provides additional security because a command is required in

order to lock and unlock a portion of the memory for writing. This protects against erroneous writes by the system, caused by deviations from normal operating conditions. A further subset of EEPROM devices has permanent write-protection schemes which, once enabled, cannot be unlocked. This could be used to indicate that an accessory has already been used, by writing usage information to the memory before enabling the protection. The protection scheme prevents the information from being reset by third-party refurbishers but allows usage information to still be read by the system. SPD devices are I2C based and are produced by all of the leading EEPROM manufacturers. These devices are also standardised, which avoids single-sourcing issues.

There are SPI EEPROM devices with additional options for write protecting certain portions of memory for sophisticated systems that can tolerate the increased number of connections.

Programming embedded memory during the manufacture of disposable accessories gives manufacturers the ability to program model numbers/types, serial numbers, batch calibration, expiration dates or the maximum number of allowed uses into each device so they can be tracked and used appropriately throughout its lifecycle. n www.microchip.com Note: UNI/O is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Microchip expands serial SRAMs with industry’s largest and fastest devices

Microchip releases new family of mid-range, SPI Real-Time Clock/Calendars in smaller, 10-pin packages

Microchip announces the expansion of its serial SRAM portfolio with four new devices that feature the industry’s largest densities and speeds. They are also the industry’s serial SRAM first with 5V operation, which is used extensively in automotive and industrial applications. These low-cost 512Kb and 1Mb SPI devices maintain the portfolio’s low power consumption and small, 8-pin packages.

Speeds of up to 80Mbps are achieved via the quad-SPI, or SQI™, protocol, providing the zero write-cycle times with near instantaneous data movement needed for offloading graphics, data buffering, data logging, displays, maths, audio, video and other data-intensive functions.

Two additional family members, the 23LCV512 and 23LCV1024, offer the industry’s most cost-effective options for non-volatile, unlimited-endurance RAM, via battery backup, at costs which are significantly lower than any other type of non-volatile RAM. With their fast dual-SPI (SDI) throughput of 40 Mbps and low active and sleep currents, these serial NVSRAM devices feature high-speed operation without the high pin counts of parallel NVSRAM, and power consumption comparable to FRAM, at a fraction of the price.

Microchip announces announced the expansion of its stand-alone RealTime Clock/Calendar (RTCC) portfolio with the new 10-pin, SPI MCP795XX family. These new devices offer many of the same features as the larger 14-pin MCP795WXX family, including superior timekeeping performance. Reducing overall component count in the system and eliminating the user programming costs for a serial ID make the MCP795XX RTCC family an ideal choice for the handheld, wireless and consumer markets. By including 64 bytes of SRAM, 2 Kbits of EEPROM and a 128-bit Unique ID, which can be ordered blank or preprogrammed with a MAC address, extra memory devices may not be needed. Utility power meters, manufacturing equipment, radios, GPS and hospital instrumentation applications, which need accurate time over a broad temperature range, will also benefit from the very wide digital trimming range, which can compensate up to 22 seconds per day of crystal frequency drift. Digital trimming improves the timekeeping accuracy of RTCCs, and a wide digital trimming range provides customers with high accuracy over a large temperature range. Accurate timekeeping is also supported at a lower power-consumption level.

MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY www.microchip.com/get/PT2P

MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY www.microchip.com/get/T6KJ

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

EMBEDDED DESIGN

Mini server deploying AMD Embedded G-Series with high performance graphics

Small computer for large tasks

by Daniel Piper, Product Marketing Manager, Kontron AG

Christmann has added a tiny but powerful mini server to its portfolio - the TEO-XXS. Developed by the Kontron Value Added Reseller (VAR) ies and based on a 2.5 inch Pico-ITX™ embedded motherboard with AMD Embedded G-Series platform, the mini server provides a boost to performance and graphics capability, particularly for space-saving, energy-efficient and robust embedded applications.

Continuous advancement in the semiconductor industry has enabled an increasing number of functions to be integrated into less space.

CPUs have consequently become faster, increasingly versatile and more energy efficient over time, allowing increasingly compact system designs to be designed. Despite enormous improvements in performance and power consumption, one aspect of embedded computing has always lagged behind, until now: the graphics performance integrated into the chipset. Because embedded computing technology has conquered new vertical markets such as multimedia content delivery, kiosks, POI/POS and gaming, the need for long-term available solutions is on the increase, and these must also satisfy the growing demand for graphic intensive applications in a highly integrated form. Above all, despite increased performance, systems must facilitate ever more compact installations.

Mini server with maximum performance Christmann is now able to demonstrate this advancement in processor technology integration. The resource efficient IT solutions specialist has enhanced its portfolio with one of the tiniest mini IT systems in the world. The TEO products are based on the Thin Economic Office concept, in which computers are reduced to a bare minimum in order to minimize energy and maintenance costs.

The mini TEO system can also be deployed as an embedded server, because with a size of

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

129mm Ă— 80mm Ă— 44mm, it is hardly larger than a 500 gram packet of butter. The Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) combines a 1.0GHz dual-core CPU with a graphics unit of the same standard as dedicated graphics cards, all on a single chip. This provides an extremely advanced computing performance and graphics functionality, including the option to show two different contents, such as showing full HD on separate displays. This is particularly rele-

vant to twin installations, in which the embedded server takes on the task performed by two OEM systems. Examples include digital signage with double sided independently controlled screens and kiosk terminals that are used as airport check-in systems. Another benefit of the TEO XXS G-Series mini server for deployment in the digital signage area, as well as for measurement and control applications, is its completely sealed and robust aluminum

Figure 1: The smallest TEO-XXS computer with AMD Embedded G-Series processors from Christmann, best suited to specific applications. Hardly any space, not much power, too much dust and even spray water? No problem for computers of this category, whose system configuration can be scaled by ies to match individual requirements.

EMBEDDED DESIGN housing with protection category IP54, which prevents the ingress of dust, dirt and splash water. The mini server is thus also ideal for installation outside of protected areas.

Most significant features The compact design came about by only implementing the most important standard features: 2× graphic connectors as well as 1x Ethernet and 2× USB 2.0 - which is sufficient connectivity in most cases. For applications requiring further connectivity, a choice of interfaces for the TEO XXS G-Series mini server can also be implemented. These include a second Ethernet port, WLAN or UMTS connectivity options, which makes the box ideal for numerous applications with remote access requirements. A 2.5 inch IDE hard drive with up to 320GB is included in the basic configuration. A fast and robust Solid State Drive (SSD) is available optionally, which enables operation in harsh environments that are prone to shock and vibration, such as machine rooms and vehicles. Silent operation is an attractive additional feature, because this is ideal for applications in which the noise of a hard drive would be disturbing, such as in the health sector in patient areas, as thin clients in each ward or doctor's room or in professional digital signage applications or in A/V equipment for hotels or conference rooms.

XXS, which is based on the advanced processor technology of the AMD Embedded GSeries APU. This combines a low-power ×86 CPU with a powerful Radeon™ graphics unit delivering the performance of a dedicated graphics card. In addition to supporting DirectX11, the integrated AMD Radeon™ HD6310 graphics unit also supports OpenGL 4.0. It therefore provides excellent playback performance of 2D- and 3D- content with high frame rates and resolutions of up to 2560 × 1600 pixels.

The AMD Embedded G-Series platform includes a total of seven different APUs, starting with a 1.0GHz single-core APU with AMD Radeon HD6250 graphics unit and a maximum of 5.5W TDP up to a 1.65GHz dual-core APU T56N with AMD Radeon™ HD 6320 maximum 18W TDP. It is therefore positioned for particularly compact, fanless SFF applications such as infotainment and Kiosk systems as well as digital billboards. The Christmann box includes an AMD T40N 1.0GHz dual-core processor with Radeon™ HD6290 graphics unit.

Figure 2: The Kontron embedded motherboard Pico-ITX™ KTA55/pITX with AMD Embedded G-Series provides more interfaces than could be implemented in this small system configuration. An outstanding feature is its robust design which is a result of the high-quality components used. Another advantage is the long-term availability of the AMD Embedded G-Series.

Greater integration in less space The most important factor influencing the compact system is the processor used and its level of integration with the chipset. This is not only because it determines the number of additional components required, but it also impacts the power consumption in Watts. If this is particularly high, high performance cooling is needed, for example using larger convector fins or active fans. If the application also requires high performance graphics, a dedicated graphics card is usually required, which likewise requires its own space within the system and sufficient cooling. Despite the TEO XXS GSeries mini servers' performance, the power consumption never exceeds 10W, even at full usage, which is why the system is able to operate without active cooling or ventilation slots.

This enables designs that are cost-efficient and space-saving with high performance graphics, without the need to use a dedicated graphics card. Furthermore, because the integrated Universal Video Decoder 3.0 relieves the main processor from decoding video streams, the AMD Embedded G-Series APU based TEOXXS is a new benchmark for systems with comparable power consumption. The mini server can decode 1080p videos in HDCP as well as in HD MPEG-2 and DivX (MPEG-4) format.

Performance boost for low power appliances This high energy efficiency in a small size is a result of the perfect thermal design of the TEO

The APU is also OpenCL capable, so that parallel processes can be efficiently offloaded to the GPU, which can crucially increase the complete performance of the system.

Embedded applications need more than just performance The availability of advanced embedded processor technology is not enough. The entire system design must be provided reliably and with long-term availability. Kontron, a global leader in embedded computing technology, was one of the first manufacturers of embedded hardware to provide the AMD Embedded G-Series APU on an industrial grade Pico-ITX™ motherboard, which is why Christmann chose to implement the desired AMD design with Kontron and ies. Pico- ITX™ is the smallest industrial grade form factor and is therefore ideal for particularly compact and reliable system designs.

Headless variant for deeply embedded systems For deeply embedded systems requiring no graphics output and no direct user input, three further AMD Embedded G-Series APUs are available in an even more energy efficient headless variant without integrated graphics, which, depending on the configuration require only 5W of power. Regarding power consumption, this makes the AMD Embedded G-Series APUs a genuine alternative to other particularly energy-efficient processor architectures. Thanks to the proven ×86 technology, the advantage is being able to revert to a massive tried and tested software ecological system. Major software modifications and migrations are unnecessary. With such applications in mind, ies from Meinerzhagen Germany in collaboration with Kontron are able to implement other dedicated interfaces in place of the DVI graphics interface. This can take place via a custom design of the board or via small USB expansion cards, which are easily integrated into a slightly larger housing. www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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EMBEDDED DESIGN The Kontron embedded motherboard 2.5" Pico-ITX™ KTA55/pITX can host up to 4GByte of RAM on a DDR3 SODIMM module, so that ies or Christmann can scale the system configuration to meet individual requirements.

The integrated Unified Video Decoder minimizes CPU usage during the decoding of H.264, VC-1, MPEG, WMV and DivX HD videos. Together with High Definition Audio (HDA) which provides crystal clear audio output, the 2.5" Pico-ITX™ embedded motherboard facilitates extremely energy efficient video applications. Up to 6 × USB 2.0 (4× USB via pin headers) enable the board to realize a wide spectrum of application specific enhancements via cost-efficient peripheral components. The integrated 1000/100/10 Ethernet connection provides the highest bandwidth and compatibility for networked applications.

Storage media is connected via two 6.0 Gbit/s SATA interfaces, which enable maximum utilization of transfer rates offered by even the latest solid state drives. Other features include a Trusted Platform Module for data security, an LPC bus and eight configurable GPIOs. Expansion options inclusive Christmann does not require all of these features for the mini design, because they want to achieve the maximum space saving for classical mini systems. However the board features enable application specific expandable system designs to be implemented at any time.

Furthermore, the company ies is able to develop and/or implement further I/Os as required, which can optionally be connected via USB implemented expansion modules.

Wolfgang Christmann, General Manager of Christmann GmbH & Co. KG explained: “We wanted to enhance our range of extremely compact mini-servers with a particularly powerful model that includes high performance graphics, in order to satisfy the ever increasing demand for graphics sophistication. The AMD Embedded GSeries is the ideal ×86 platform for this.

Figure 3: An impressive aspect of the AMD Embedded G-Series is its integrated graphics - which includes a freely programmable graphics core - and provides a real performance boost to low power appliances.

The ies system design is therefore a sophisticated one and the overall high quality of the solution will definitely impress more than only IT vendors and commercial end users of (thin-) client solutions. The team from ies and Kontron that we selected can definitely stem many more requirements, which lie outside our field of activity as a provider of classical IT hardware.

Our customers from areas such as hospitals and public authorities are also pleased if IT hardware is long-term available and can thus be supplied in

identical configurations over the years, because this greatly simplifies the IT administrator service.” n

www.kontron.com Author Daniel Piper is Product Marketing Manager at Kontron AG

Kontron embedded Mini-ITX motherboard with AMD R-Series APU for rich media embedded applications Kontron announced the new embedded MiniITX motherboard KTA70M/mITX based on new AMD Embedded R-Series Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) and AMD A70M controller hub for rich media embedded applications. With its integrated discrete-class AMD

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Radeon HD 7000 Series Graphics it provides accelerated processing capabilities and leading edge graphics with the ability to drive up to four displays simultaneously, either as independent displays, or as a single large surface.

This makes the new Kontron KTA70M/mITX an ideal solution for mid-range to high-performance rich media applications in vertical markets such as medical, industrial automation, gaming and digital signage. The new Kontron embedded Mini-ITX motherboard KTA70M/mITX delivers scalable performance from soldered dual-core up to quad-core APUs at an optimal balanced performance per watt ratio. The new Kontron embedded Mini-TX motherboard maintains a remarkably low Thermal Design

Power (TDP) of 25 watts, even for the fastest APU, which makes it ideal for any thermal and energy constrained applications such as those found in casino gaming or medical. Furthermore it enables innovative digital signage applications with support for large displays with resolutions up to 4096×2160pixels. Developers can also utilize the accelerated processing capabilities of the APU with up to 426 GFLOPs, to accelerate both graphics- and compute-intensive applications while using industry-standard libraries such as OpenCL, DirectX 11 and Direct Compute, which help to minimize development times and simplify design-in processes.

KONTRON www.kontron.com

WIRELESS DESIGN

Rayson – a simple answer!

by Arkadiusz Węglewski M.Sc., Transfer Multisort Elektronik

From the beginning of time, the human race has mastered the methods of communication enabling covering distances at higher speeds. The invention of electricity accelerated this process – it brought to existence telegraph, telephone and radio – the first wireless medium. But a real breakthrough was the mobile telephony – a human being was in touch with the rest of the world without being bound to a place. Particularly important was the possibility of sending information.

But, the problem is how to use such information effectively? Probably, we all remember the times when various types of adapters were produced to enable connection of a mobile telephone to a PC – tens of diagrams, different plugs (fit only for a specific model of a telephone) and hours spent looking for or creating programs - just to say the magical words: “Hurrah!, I‘ve got transmission!” That was neither comfortable nor efficient.

The next important step was infrared transmission – IrDA. This standard eliminated conductors connecting a cell phone with a PC and enabled data transmission with quite a decent speed (max. 115kb/s in the 1.0 and 1.1 versions).

However, it required a point – to – point type connection, devices had to “see” themselves and be no further than 3 metres from each other. A time has come for something more comfortable.

It’s time for Bluetooth® In 1994, a group of producers set up a team, whose objective was to define a new, wireless means of connecting mobile telephones with other devices – their main assumptions were: small range, low transmitting power, low energy consumption and low price. The final result was achieved in 1999, and it was a free-ofcharge standard based on the 2.4GHz radio frequency (the JSM band) described in the IEEE 802.15.1 specification.

Bluetooth® adapter was born.

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Its multiple advantages coupled with low price brought huge popularity to this solution. At present, it is difficult to imagine a cell phone, PC, laptop, palmtop or even a keyboard without Bluetooth®. Applications, to which it is used, have already exceeded the original ideas.

In its offer, there are modules meeting all IEE802.15.1 standard requirements and competitive price with high quality of solutions allow for incredibly easy implementation in any application.

The modules are characterized with low power consumption, have additional energysaving modes (Park, Sniff, Hold and Deep Sleep), and are compliant with Bluetooth® standard V2.0 + EDR. Communication takes place by means of the UART or USB interface (in case of modules with sound transmission, additionally PCM).

HCI modules

All the above make that designers more and more willingly look at Bluetooth® adapter as a potential means of communication of their design with the rest of the digital world.

Initially, this seems to be quite a complex idea, however, at present, ready solutions are available in the form of Bluetooth® module which can be installed directly in a device, and this solves the whole problem under the IEEE 802.15.1 specification.

For our system, this will be one more element, which we can communicate with in a simple way by means of UART or USB. One of the key suppliers of such modules is Taiwanese Rayson. ( www.rayson.com ).

BTM-330 / BTM-331 series Bluetooth® modules are equipped virtually with just one radio part with communication layer.

Lack of implemented application profiles makes them a very good solution for data transmission in small dimension systems and

WIRELESS DESIGN translates into their low price.

Low power consumption, supply voltage of 1,8V or 3,3V and dimensions: 14 × 12 × 2,2mm make them a perfect solution for applications in portable and battery-powered devices.

A specific profile is available as proper firmware (selection by means of an adequate module symbol).

Universal modules

This is a special group of Bluetooth® modules, which is specializing in high quality of mono and stereo sound transmission.

Such modules are available, apart from the basic HCI version, also with other Bluetooth® system profiles. The idea of profiles originated in order to ensure compatibility among applications and Bluetooth® devices manufactured by different producers. Basic profiles include: •

SPP – Serial Port Profile – a profile of virtual serial port describes requirements connected with emulation of a wireless serial connection between two devices.

•

HSF – Hands-Free Profile – described as a device of input gateway enabling receiving and making hands-free transmissions via a device. A typical application for using a telephone while driving a vehicle.

•

HSP – Headset Profile – a very popular profile used to connect wireless headphones with a mobile phone.

•

HID – Human Interface Device Profile – popular in wireless keyboards, mouse pads, etc.

Audio files are compressed to the format allowing transfer to headphones or loudspeakers with limited throughput without losses of quality.

Multimedia modules

This is supported by embedded by applets facilitating co-processor’s type, large memories, 16-bit audio codecs and audio line service. Additionally, there are Bluetooth® A2DP and AVRCP profiles to support those tasks.

Functions of a remote control are supported

by AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) technology.

All modules meet the RoHS standards, more information available at www.tme.eu n

Particularly important is A2DP (Advance Distributor Profile) specifying procedures for transmitting high quality sound stream.

Transfer Multisort Elektronik Tel.: +48 42 645 54 44 Fax: +48 42 645 54 70 export@tme.eu www.tme.eu

The following table presents the most important families of Bluetooth® universal modules.

Family Power (max) Supply voltage Interface Firmware Dimensions [mm] Remarks

BTM-110

BTM-160 / BTM-170

4 dBm (class2) 3,0V – 3,6V USB / UART / PCM HCI or SPP 25×14,5×2,2

4 dBm (class2) 3,3V / 1,8V USB / UART / PCM HCI or SPP or HSP / HFP or HID 14×12×2,2 8M FLASH

BTM-180 / BTM-190

BTM-220

4 dBm (class2) 3,3V / 1.8V USB / UART / PCM HCI or SPP or HSP / HFP or HID 25×14,5×2,2 Integrated aerial

18 dBm (class1) 2,7V – 3,6V USB / UART / PCM HCI or SPP 28,2×15×2,8 High power

Universal modules are designed for home as well as industrial applications in portable devices, navigations, telephones, wireless headphones, GPS and POS, etc The list of multimedia module families.

Family Power (max) Interface Audio Bus Firmware Profile Dimensions Remarks

BTM-240 18 dBm (class1) UART / USB / PCM I2S or SPDIF HSF / HSP 16×14×2 • DSP co-processor • 16-bit Stereo Audio Codec • Scatternet

BTM-620

BTM-730

18 dBm (class1) USB / UART PCM, I2S or SPDIF HSP / HFP / A2DP / AVRCP 21×16×2 • DSP co-processor •16-bit Stereo Audio Codec

4 dBm (class2) SB / UART PCM, I2S or SPDIF HSP / HFP / A2DP / AVRCP 16×15×2 • DSP co-processor • 16-bitAudio Codec

• Integrated battery charger • 8M FLASH • noise elimination system

• integrated battery charger • 8M FLASH • noise elimination system

Modules are designed for applications requiring particularly high quality of stereo sound: wireless headphones, microphones, VoIP etc. www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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WIRELESS DESIGN

Fast on the final straight

Power consumption in tracking devices

by Harald Naumann, Field Application Engineer Wireless, Rutronik

Where is it? Tracking devices are there to provide answers to this question - whether the item in question is freight, a lorry, a painting, a destination or a geocaching cache. In all cases: GSM and GPS modules are the essential components in terms of functionality, value and power consumption. Power consumption is not only of central importance for battery powered tracking devices, but in view of possible power supply fluctuations and peaks it remains a critical factor for mains fed devices as well. It is not possible to give a wholesale answer in respect of power consumption. Therefore Rutronik has conducted a series of measurements of consumption in various operating modes.

The measurement results: The power requirements of the modules varied greatly depending on the operating state, ranging from 1μA in stop mode to 2A and more in transmission mode. Accordingly, the average values vary from application to application depending on the mode used most in each case. For instance, a tracking system which simply monitors an oil painting hanging on a wall only uses a few microamps. It is in standby mode practically the whole time, only starting a transmission when and if the alarm goes off. The application returns an average consumption of 480mA for GPRS class 10 and an output level of 2 watts.

However, as the power requirements fluctuate greatly, such average values are only useful to a certain extent. Some components must be dimensioned to cope with the peak values.

And an optimization of the device's power consumption is only possible when data is available for each individual mode. This is what Rutronik has now documented with the aid of the measurement series. The current peaks were registered using a storage oscilloscope. The measurement resistance of 100Ω was connected in series with the Telit GL865

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Quad GPRS module.

“We selected the measurement procedure with the intention of gaining generally valid data providing a solid decision making basis for all 1 μA: in stop mode For efficiently designed applications the power consumption in stop mode is even less than the battery's self-discharge rate.

Microcontrollers such as the Renesas RL78, which are optimized for extremely low power consumption, require

RL78 70µA per MHz

device development programmes,” explains Harald Naumann, Field Application Engineer Wireless at Rutronik.

The results:

70μA per MHz and 0.52μA in stop mode. In this case the GPRS module is switched off and galvanically isolated. The microcontroller and the self-discharge rate are the main factors influencing the maximum application lifetime.

RL78 with 0.70µA in 32KHz mode

RL78 with 0.52µA in stop mode

WIRELESS DESIGN 1.5 mA: GPRS module in idle mode for receiving an SMS or voice call, data (CSD) or fax. In this mode it is not possible to set up a GPRS connection.

21mA: in GPRS receive mode and connection to server in internet.

230mA: with GPRS class 8 during transmission A fax, voice and data transmission or a GPRS connection in class 8 requires up to 230mA on average in the GSM bands 850/900 at the highest performance level.

360mA: during transmission with GPRS class 10 The GPRS module transmits more quickly in GPRS class 10, causing the average module current to double, up to 360 mA. 1 ampere Peak current in the GSM bands 1800 and 1900 rises to as much as 1 ampere. Here, the GPRS data is transmitted in packets.

2 amperes The peak current when using GSM 850 or 900 reaches 2 amperes. This current may be reached both when sending and receiving an SMS as well as during handover between two base stations.

Therefore it is advisable to dimension the decoupling capacitor near the module to cope with peaks of 2 amperes. It is also important to take account of the impedance of the batteries and/or the DC/DC converter.

More than 2 amperes Some GSM modules raise the current above 2 amperes in order to compensate for poor antennae. A base station demands more transmission capacity from the module if the antenna loss is too high. This means that inferior antennae cause extra power consumption.

Developers should therefore aim for highquality antennae design in order to reduce power requirements.

As wireless expert Naumann points out, “The measurements show just how large the differences really are. Basically, any value between 1µA and 2A is possible. Also, our measurement series has

Figure 1: Power consumption on setting up a connection – current peaks over one second, four seconds or longer.

highlighted how much energy is required simply to log into a GSM network.” Figure 1 shows the power consumption while the tracking device was switched on and the PIN was entered.

Several 2A peaks can be seen, repeated after a short pause. They result from a renewed search for a base station because the first station had no free capacity. As described, the peaks reach 2A and the average consumption current is 230mA. In the experimental setup 2A peaks were measured for as long as 4.5 seconds. During this time this amounts to a consumption of 230mA × 4.5s = 1035mAs. If setting up the connection only took 1 second, this would amount to a consumption of only 250mA × 1s = 230mAs. GPS module operating modes The following sections contain examples for states encountered in operating GPS modules.

Of the many power saving modi used, only the SiRFaware™ mode is used as an example here.

The degree of accuracy increases with the number of GPS channels used, but so does the power consumption. The number of GPS satellites which can be reached is limited by the curvature of the earth. The latest models are able to receive signals from five different satellite systems in parallel. In Europe, GPS and Glonass are available at present, and in the near future Galileo will be added to the list.

58 mW with GPS 58mW / 3.8volts = 15mA or 70mA /3.8volts = 18.4mA. A decisive factor towards minimizing the power consumption consists in reducing the time needed for the initial position determination. A-GPS can provide for a significant reduction. Developers who use the GPS modules from Fastrax can obtain free access to the Fastrax A-GPS server for this purpose. In this way they can speed up the positioning process and minimize the power consumption of their devices.

500μA for SiRFaware™ For applications which require frequent GPS position updates, the use of SiRFaware™ is to be recommended. This technology downloads the ephemeris data in the background.

At the same time the real time clock is synchronized. On average, this requires 500μA of current. This represents a significant saving compared with the power consumption without SiRFaware™, when positioning takes longer.

150mW with GPS/Glonass For applications which must supply highly reliable data in critical situations, energy efficiency is of lower priority. In such cases it often makes sense to accept higher power consumption. Thus when using a combined GPS / Glonass module such as the Fastrax IT600, the power consumption increases with the number of channels which the module actively uses

for satellite reception. At the same time, the quality of the positioning increases. Up to 32 channels can be received in parallel. During a test conducted in Paris, it was possible to receive 21 channels simultaneously. As the IT600 can also receive signals from the Galileo system, the 32 channels will be exploited to the full when this satellite system is put into operation. Altogether the Fastrax IT600 can process signals not only from the American GPS, the Russian Glonass and in future from Galileo, but also from the Japanese QZSS, Chinese Compass and all SBAS systems.

The selection of the GPS module or GNSS module (Global Navigation Satellite System), the A-GPS or A-GNSS concept and the right energy saving mode all have a major influence on the power consumption and the standby time of a tracking device. “However, this is anything but trivial, because there is no such thing as the right GPS module or one uniquely suitable energy saving strategy,” says Harald Naumann. So before starting to design a device, developers should pose themselves a series of questions: Will a GNSS module that supports GPS be sufficient or will a hybrid GPS/Glonass/Galileo be necessary? Does it make sense to use A-GPS? Will interfaces for gyrometers, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, magnetometers or speed sensors be useful? Should a suitable prototype be developed first in order to test which sensors help most with the positioning?

Is one of the five energy saving modes useful, and if so, which? Which antennae are most suitable? When answers to all of these questions have been found, the same factors should be considered for the GSM/GPRS module: Is GSM sufficient? Is GPRS necessary?

Can USSD be implemented to lower energy consumption? How can compliance with SAR, the European R&TTE, the American FCC and PTCRB, the European ATEX (ATmosphère Explosible) or the Brazilian Anatel standards be achieved? Which energy supply concept or which battery should be used? These complex decision making processes can quickly lead developers without sufficient knowledge of wireless technology astray.

The distributor's experienced product and application specialists can provide support to help designers navigate quickly and safely to the final straight. n www.rutronik.com www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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LEDs DESIGN

Intelligent control of LED lighting

by Charlie Ice, Microchip Technology Inc.

Digital signal controllers add intelligent control and communication to LED lighting LED lighting is transforming the way in which light is being used and opening new opportunities for designers to add intelligent control and colour-mixing to LEDlighting fixtures. DSCs can drive innovation in applications ranging from automotive head-lights and tail-lights, to state-of-the-art light shows which can turn a public building into a work of art.

The unique combination of efficiency, dimming capability and long life enables LEDs to make colour-changing lighting fixtures more efficient, cost-effective and accessible. The addition of a Digital Signal Controller (DSC) enables efficient LED driving and accurate control over colour as well as communication with the outside world. Together, these features give the designer the freedom to develop highly differentiated, next-generation LED - lighting fixtures.

Higher brightness, higher complexity Low-power-indicator LEDs are a staple of many products and most engineers will be familiar with their simple design: All they need is a voltage source and a series resistor of the right value, to keep the current of the LED below a typical level of less than 5mA. Connection to a GPIO pin on a microcontroller gives the designer the ability to make the LED blink.

However, the simplicity of LED design becomes considerably more complex when stringing

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together high-brightness, highcurrent LEDs with a forward current in excess of 350mA. Here, the designer faces the challenge of controlling the current, despite changes in temperature and the extreme heat generated by the LEDs themselves.

Intelligent current control High-brightness LEDs need to maintain a relatively high constant current in order to maintain brightness and colour. Figure 1 demonstrates how the LED’s luminous flux is proportional to the forward current (IF) through the

LED. A constant forward current is, therefore, crucial to achieve a consistent colour and light output. Using a simple resistor in series with the LED, means that the forward current is determined by the following equation: (IF = (VSource-VF) / R) As the source voltage (VSource) varies, the forward current will change, causing variations in the amount of light emitted by the LED. The LED therefore needs to be driven by a power supply that actively regulates the forward current.

Figure 1: Luminous flux is proportional to forward current.

Figure 2: Changes in forward voltage affect the forward current.

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Temperature control Typically, the forward voltage (VF) of the LED will increase as the temperature increases, even if the forward current is constant and regulated. Figure 2 shows how an improperly regulated forward current will vary in line with the forward voltage of the LED, and demonstrates why controlling the forward current through the LED, is more important than controlling the forward voltage.

A lot of heat is generated by the high-power LEDs themselves and can lead to a significant decrease in the LED’s lifespan and possible premature failures. Actively controlling the LED’s forward current enables the level of heat-sinking to be determined for each design, based on the target forward current and estimated forward voltage. The use of temperature sensors also provides the option of monitoring for possible overtemperature situations.

LEDs DESIGN

Accurate colour control The fact that LEDs can change their light output almost instantly, makes them ideal for light fixtures which need to change colour rapidly. A string of red, green and blue LEDs can be made to create any colour, simply by adjusting the brightness of each LED. One approach is to simply raise or lower the forward current of each LED. The problem with this is that changing the forward voltage not only changes the brightness, but also slightly changes the colour of the LED, which is a problem in applications which need accurate colour.

An alternative approach is to use a pulsed current which provides the same dimming effect without the perceived change in colour.

Figure 3 shows a dotted red line representing the average pulsed current which creates the change in brightness, whilst maintaining a constant forward current across the LED so that the perceived colour is unchanged.

power stage for the LED. These PWM modules feature override inputs that can quickly and precisely shut off the PWM outputs, allowing the current to the LED to be controlled so that the LED can be dimmed. The amount of dimming is quantified by a number between zero and a value that represents full brightness.

To set the LED to 50% brightness, a counter would count from zero to 255 and trigger the PWM override when a count of 128 is reached. The PWM output then shuts off to remove the current from the LED. When the counter reaches its maximum value of 255, it is reset to 0 and the PWM is reenabled.

The process is repeated to create the pulsed current which is needed to dim the LED, as shown in Figure 4. Typically, a frequency of over 400Hz is used to ensure that the dimming frequency is fast enough to prevent the human eye seeing the flicker in the LED.

and both can benefit from DSC intelligence.

A buck topology is used where the forward voltage of the LED or string of LEDs is less than the source voltage. In this topology, shown in Figure 5, the PWM controls the switch (Q) and the voltage across the sense resistor (Rsns) corresponds to the forward current of the LED when the switch (Q) is closed.

PWM’s opening switch (Q), which causes the inductor (L) to discharge its stored current through the diode (D) and the LED. At the start of the next PWM period, the switch (Q) closes, and the process begins again. The DSC’s advanced features allow this method to actively regulate the forward current through the LED without using any CPU overhead.

Figure 5: Buck topology for driving an LED or string of LEDs.

Figure 3: Pulsing the forward current to change perceived brightness.

Figure 6: Boost topology for LED driving.

Figure 4: Digital control for dimming.

Digital dimming control The use of a Digital Signal Controller (DSC) greatly simplifies dimming using the pulsed-current technique. The advanced PWM modules on many DSCs can be used to generate PWM signals which can be used to control the

Digital LED driving In addition to dimming control, a DSC can provide an active power supply to control the forward current to a high-brightness LED. Buck and the boost Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) topologies can both be used to power LEDs

The DSC’s comparator is used to compare the voltage across the resistor (Rsns) against a configurable internal reference that is proportional to the required forward current of the LED. If the sensed voltage is greater than the internal reference, the analogue comparator disables the

A boost topology is used where the forward voltage of the LED or string of LEDs is greater than the source voltage, as shown in Figure 6.

Like the buck topology, the PWM controls the switch (Q) and the forward current is monitored across the sense resistor (Rsns).

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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LEDs DESIGN The ADC module on the DSC samples the voltage across the sense resistor, which corresponds to the forward current of the LED. This value is then used by a Proportional Integral (PI) control loop, executed in software on the DSC, to adjust the duty cycle to the switch (Q), based on the ADC reading and a software reference value corresponding to the required current. By implementing the PI control loop in software the DSC provides the flexibility to use a wide variety of control-loop methods. Minimising CPU overhead for the PI control loop also means that the DSC can control multiple LED strings and still have sufficient headroom to support additional features.

Digital communication A DSC has enough processing capability to intelligently control the LED fixture whilst, at the same time, implementing a communication protocol without the need for a separate communicateand-control device. The DMX512 lighting-control protocol, for example, uses standard one-way communication, via one master and multiple slaves, to send commands to individual lighting fixtures at a rate of 512 bytes of data per packet and with individual addressing to each device or node. High-speed processing enables a DSP to execute the fast control loop, such as the PI controller for the boost converter, as its top priority, whilst running the communication protocol, such as DMX512, in the background. Since the communication is implemented in software, it is not limited to a single protocol, but can allow the fixture to be controlled using any communication scheme.

Cutting the learning curve Like any new technology, digital LED control presents designers with a steep learning curve which can be eased by using digitally-controlled LEDlighting kits, reference designs and application notes. These typically include free source code and hardware documentation, and can also offer interchangeable power stages to support different power topologies. Microchip’s DM330014 LED Lighting Development Kit, for example, features LED-driver daughter-cards which allow designers to experiment with multiple driver stages on the same board.

The high efficiency and instant dimming capability of LED will ensure that this technology will continue to drive innovation in colour-mixing and other lighting applications. By adding the intelligent control and communication provided by a DSC, designers can equip LED-lighting fixtures with enhanced features and functionality which can deliver high levels of differentiation and considerable wow-factor in lighting applications. n www.microchip.com The Microchip name and logo, and dsPIC, are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A., and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Silicon Labs Microcontrollers Deliver Best-in-Class Temperature Sensing accuracy Silicon Laboratories Inc., introduced a family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring the company’s latest mixed-signal breakthrough, an integrated temperature sensor with best-inclass accuracy over an extended temperature range and without the need for calibration. Offering a unique mix of integrated high-performance analog peripherals and a very fast 8051 CPU in a compact package, the new C8051F39x/7x MCU family provides an optimal solution for optical transceiver modules, sensor interfaces and brushless dc motor applications for fans, dryers, vacuum cleaners and remote control toy vehicles. Many consumer and industrial applications require highly accurate temperature sensors to adjust for behavior shifts over temperature for on-board components such as sensors,

lasers or power sources. The C8051F39x /7x MCUs’ on-chip temperature sensor provides ±2°C accuracy through an extended temperature range (up to 105°C) without the need for calibration. Providing five times higher accuracy than competing inclass MCUs, the C8051F39x/7x family improves temperature compensation routines, resulting in better end-product reliability.

SILICON LABORATORIES www.silabs.com/8bit-mcu

Silicon Labs Eases Wireless Embedded Design with Next-Generation EZRadio® ICs Silicon Laboratories Inc. introduced two next-generation EZRadio® wireless ICs designed to simplify the addition of highperformance wireless connectivity to costsensitive embedded applications. The new EZRadio Si4455 transceiver and Si4355 receiver products combine market-leading advances in size, performance and lowpower operation with easy-to-use development tools. The EZRadio ICs are well suited for a variety of wireless applications such as remote controls, automotive remote keyless entry (RKE), home and building automation, security and lighting control, wireless sensor networks, and health and fitness devices.

Adding RF connectivity to embedded applications can be a complex, costly and time-consuming process. Silicon Labs’ new EZRadio products make it easy and costeffective for developers to incorporate bidirectional and one-way RF links into

their products without performance trade-offs. By reducing the barriers to wireless development, the EZRadio family can help expand the use of high-performance wireless connectivity in embedded designs. Covering the 283-350 MHz, 425525 MHz and 850-960 MHz frequency bands, the Si4x55 devices offer +13 dBm output power and -116 dBm sensitivity, enabling them to deliver significantly better range than other sub-GHz solutions.

SILICON LABORATORIES www.silabs.com/pr/EZRadio

Silicon Labs Tunes into Audiophile market with High-Performance Radio Receivers Silicon Laboratories Inc. introduced a family of advanced AM/FM receivers tuned for the high-end consumer and professional audio equipment market. The new Si477x AM/FM receivers provide industry-leading RF performance and exceptional configurability while reducing system cost and complexity for consumer audio/video receivers (AVRs), FM receiver monitors and proaudio receivers. To optimize audio performance, high-end consumer and proaudio equipment makers typically build discrete AM/FM receiver designs from manually tuned inductors and multiple active components. These complicated,

hand-crafted receiver designs result in limited configurability, fewer end-customer features, higher cost, and extensive manufacturing overhead and test time.

SILICON LABORATORIES www.silabs.com/pr/radio-receiver

LIGHTING DESIGN

An audiovisual innovation for rest and recuperation For the promotion of healing processes, well-being and relaxation

by Nikolai Schnarz, Product Sales Manager, Rutronik

Whether at home, in the office, hotel, spa or gym, in a hospital or a doctor's surgery – with one click illumotion opens up magnificent natural scenes, underwater worlds, works of art or real surroundings.

Imagination knows no limits. Everything counts that appeals to the senses.

adieu tristesse thanks to the open sky view of slowly moving clouds 24

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

LIGHTING DESIGN Isn't that something that everybody experiences at some time or other? One is physically exhausted, but the mind is preoccupied with a thousand things and one's soul just wants to find some peace. High time to allow oneself a little relaxation - in beautiful surroundings, pleasantly warm and in comfort. But there's no time to take that sort of break? Welcome to the wellnessworld of illumotion! This innovative multi-sense system, with animated images, high-definition displays and a brilliant multi-channel audio experience simply opens up the senses.

twittering all around. Or a long sandy beach, with the sound of the sea and the rustling of palm leaves. According to the main motif, the atmosphere is enhanced by changing colour and light moods as desired.

The fact that specific colour schemes have certain effects on people's moods is now an established factor in light and colour therapies.

Colours can be soothing or stimulating as the case may be, and this can be used to divert attention away from illness so as to promote healing processes. illumotion is equipped with a

open sky, e.g. with slowly moving clouds appropriate to the time of day. Or views through a 'window' show a peaceful landscape. Welcome diversions that not only activate the senses and perhaps help to allay patients' fears, but also encourage the body's own healing capacities.

To ensure that the visual experience is completely authentic, the effects must take all the senses into account. In visual terms, this means achieving perfect simulation of a real view, using maximum definition on each individual

illumotion multi-sense system generates a calming atmosphere in waiting areas Without having to invest a lot of effort, it is possible to transform rooms in an astounding way - one feels as if one has been spirited away into another world. In combination with individually adjustable sound, light and other sensory effects, it creates perfect audiovisual illusions.

Amazingly realistic 'surroundings' The more hectic our world becomes, the more important it is to have somewhere to 'take refuge', relax, take time to listen to one's inner voice, and just to be. The illumotion system carries one off into a relaxing environment, and at the same time stimulates one's sensory perceptions. This produces a selective reduction in stress levels. That makes it the ideal choice for so-called deceleration rooms.

These are becoming more and more common in large companies seeking to combat or even prevent the burn-out syndrome. With an illumotion system such a room could be completely windowless, and yet the users would have the impression of having a wonderful view, for instance of lush, green woods with mighty trees swaying in the wind and birds

simple control system so that themes and colours can be changed easily. The therapist uses a touchpad to make the required settings for the next patient, and in no time the room's ambience is tailored to the next patient's needs.

Healing processes often have to cope with patients' experience of medical treatment, hospital atmospheres and clinical, frightening rooms. But this need not happen - being at the reception desk or in a waiting room can appear literally 'in a different light'. The sun can be seen rising through the window; it floods the landscape in orange hues, morning mists rise gently from the meadows, and birdsong can be heard in the background.

This sort of scene could also be very helpful in a recuperation room following an operation with full or local anaesthetics. Today, more and more attention is being paid to the psychological condition of patients in intensive care, including measures to promote a patientfriendly atmosphere. This is where the innovative multi-media system can play a major role.

For instance, ceiling panels can extend the panorama upwards. The patient can see the

display of the illumotion installation. The whole scope of the scenery in question can be enhanced using subtle lighting moods. For the acoustic effects, the illumotion multi-channel sound system gives one the feeling of being right there in the middle. Other sensory experiences involving scents, climatic effects and the movement of the wind can easily be synchronised via the integrated control system.

Perfect harmonisation The basic components of the multi-sense illumotion system are a theme package, multichannel audio technology, hardware for the base and control units as well as high-resolution displays. This is where the cooperation with the component distributor Rutronik and its subsidiary Rusol (system distributor for PV and LEDs) is of paramount importance. Rusol is a specialist for the marketing of trend-setting products, and that is exactly right for illumotion. Rutronik supplies the hardware components, such as displays, and engineering services to illumotion, and Rusol the ready-made lighting products. www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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LIGHTING DESIGN Then, Rusol markets the illumotion system in the form of a system solution.

The themes can be selected from the preconfigured 'multi-sense areas' panorama, ambience, aquaria or art gallery. On request, customised themes can be created using state-of-the-art multi-HD techniques. Following ultra-high resolution filming with special cameras, the themes are produced using 4K technology, which has twice the familar full-HD resolution of 1080p.

All the programmed elements for lighting, sound and audio are stored on the base unit.

This 'player' for the themes stored on flashcard controls coordinates up to four displays.

In doing so, the power consumption is a maximum of 50 watts e.g. with a base unit for four displays. As an option, control via WLAN and iPad or iPhone is possible.

To display the themes, illumotion relies on robust full-HD industrial screens. Without them, it would not be possible to exploit the brilliant 4K technology to the full. Also, operation on a 24/7 basis requires high-performance displays instead of simple TV screens, which would not be able to cope with such a constant strain. illumotion advises dimensions of between 47‘‘ and 60‘‘ for panorama installations. What size is actually best depends on the distance

For each display configuration, the original themes are time-consumingly separated into individual full HD videos with 4K native resolution. These are then recomposed as a single theme by means of synchronous playback by the base unit on the appropriately configured displays. Due to the high resolution of the displays, interpolation of the 4K theme even makes it possible to create a setup out of a total of 9 displays (3×3) in landscape format or 5 displays in portrait format (5×1). Then the theme is ‘only’ represented with 1280×720 pixel image definition, but this is still an HD format.

In addition to the multiple, multi-synchronous playback of the HD videos, the system can enhance the current theme with the aid of realistic multi-channel surround audio, and also control other devices such as lighting, scent, wind and climate generators. The system is modular and individually customisable.

This moves illumotion system into the affordable price range.

The right frame for every picture Any picture needs the right frame - and that applies to the illumotion views as well. As well as the themes themselves, the customers choose how the illusory world is to be framed.

There are standard frames available in black, white or silver. The corners can be round or square. There may be one or two cut-out sections, which in turn can be rounded or square.

Front screens can be put in place in seconds by simply snapping them onto the permanently mounted installation frame. It goes without saying that the surface finish of the frames can be adapted individually to fit a given room ambience. And in order to enhance the realistic effect of the virtual aquarium still further, illumotion has come up with a very special feature: In addition to the porthole effect via a front cover with two round cut-outs, there is an illuminated tank of real, aerated water. It has double-glazed walls that are filled with water, and a controllable system causes air bubbles to rise up as well - the illusion is practically indistinguishable from nature. Pure relaxation thanks to 'all-round illusion'.

interesting fictional views keep patients' sensory perception occupied Additional displays can easily be added via extension units. Theme selection is via an RFID reader. The solid state media players in the base unit function without a conventional operating system, making them resistant to viruses, hacking, other manipulation or faulty operation. The technology can be started and stopped by simply switching the power supply on and off without suffering any data loss.

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

between the display and the observer. If this is just one or two metres, the display should not be larger than 47‘‘ because the pixels are then smaller and the image therefore appears sharper. At greater distances, 60‘‘ displays can be used which very closely approximate the size of real windows.

The displays used can be operated in both landscape and portrait format.

Optional box Full-HD means 'full high-definition' and usually refers to the property of an HDTV compliant device to be able to display the highest HD resolution currently available in the consumer sector: 1920 × 1080 pixels. 4K technology (4096 × 2160 pixels) is four times sharper and more brilliant, and thanks to the digital rendering the sharpness remains constant. The high data transfer rates involved in the display of digital video or film material make its storage and transmission more complex and expensive. Data compression reduces both the image and sound data quantities. This is performed with the aid of a so-called codec (compressor/decompressor). n www.rutronik.com

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Five new P-channel MOSFETs with a low onresistance of 4.2 mΩ in a compact 3.3 mm × 3.3 mm HVSON package MSC now offers a lineup of five low-loss and compact P-channel MOSFETs from Renesas Electronics.

The MOSFETs are optimized for use in charge control switches for lithium-ion secondary batteries and power management switches for power supply switching with AC adapters. The new devices feature an on-resistance that is approximately half that of previous products and a significantly reduced package size that is about one third as large compared with earlier MOSFETs. At the top of the range is the μPA2812T1L P-channel MOSFET with a typical on-resistance of 4.2 mΩ and provided in a compact 3.3 mm x 3.3 mm HVSON package. In many cases, the low on resistance also means a reduction in the number of components required. Further significant space saving is achieved with the

considerably more compact package, which is about one third the size of the previously used conventional SOP-8 package.

Furthermore, the HVSON package is designed to allow heat from inside the package to be dispersed to the mounting board via the exposed lead frame.

Thanks to this highly efficient heat dispersion, it is possible to design, for example, lithium-ion battery packs that are significantly more compact.

MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

Maxim’s 40G Chipset Reduces Power Consumption and Boosts Data-Center Throughput Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. announces a 40G transmitter chipset that provides data centers with 4× the data throughput, at very low power, and in little more space than conventional single-channel alternatives. The new 4-channel 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ chipset comprises the MAX3948 DC-coupled laser driver and the DS4830 optical microcontroller.

Data centers and data communication networks need to significantly increase data density while staying within their already constrained power budgets. Maxim’s

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QSFP+ transmitter solution addresses both challenges. The QSFP+ modules supply 4× the data throughput in only 1.5× the area of a single-channel SFP+ solution. Equally important, Maxim’s chipset enables 4 × 10Gbps QSFP+ modules to consume less power per channel than single SFP+ modules.

Service providers and network operators can now enjoy the benefits of a low-power solution that extends system life, reduces operational expense, and conserves valuable energy resources.

MAX3948 Key Advantages: • Consumes less than 2W for 4 transmit channels, enabling less than 3.5W QSFP+ module power consumption.

• DC-coupled laser interface (patent-pending, application number 13/352,011) reduces power consumption and external component count.

MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS www.maxim-ic.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Convection cooled 60 W DC-DC converter achieves 92% efficiency XP Power announced the JCK60 series of highly efficient metal cased 60 Watt DC-DC converters aimed at a broad range of telecommunications, networking and industrial applications.

Measuring only 50.8 x 50.8 x 10.16 mm (2 x 2 x 0.4 inches), the compact convection cooled JCK60 has a high power density of 37.5 Watts per cubic inch and has no need for any forced air cooling, additional heat sinking or baseplate cooling.

The single output JCK60 series accommodates a 2:1 input voltage range and includes undervoltage lockout. Models are available with either a 24 VDC (18 – 36 VDC) or 48 VDC (36 – 75 VDC) nominal input, and outputs cater for the popular voltages of 3.3, 5, 12 or 15 VDC. An output trim function allows the adjustment of output voltage of +/- 10% of nominal and remote sense compensates for drops in voltage at the load.

The converter is capable of operating in most environments and across a wide range of temperatures from – 40 to + 85°C. Full output power is available up to + 40°C without derating.

A remote on/off input provides an

external control of the output and can be used to sequence start-up procedures. Overvoltage, overload and continuous short circuit protection features are standard across the range. All models have an input to output and input/output to case isolation of 1,600 VDC. The units meet EN55022 level A conducted and radiated emissions with no external components necessary.

The JCK60 is available from Farnell, element14, approved regional distributors, or direct from XP Power and comes with a 3 year warranty.

XP POWER www.xppower.com

Ethernet Magnetic Modules optimized for 1000 Base-T Designed as cable interfaces with electrical isolation for all 1:1 turns ratio Ethernet transceivers the 82FB series magnetic modules from YDS are now available at MSC. Optimised for 1000 Base-T these modules also offer outstanding performance at 10/100 MHz. They support four pairs of category 5 UTP cables.

The 82FB series magnetic modules are specified with an isolation of 1500 Vrms minimum and fully meet or exceed the specifications of the IEEE802.ab standard 1000 Base-T. The most asked for magnetic configurations for 1:1 turns ratio transceivers are standard products. Other configurations can be made to customer specifications. Common features are low insertion loss, high return loss, excellent common mode sup-

pression and low cross talk from 40 °C to +85 °C. The 82FB series magnetic modules measure just 27.81 x 12.19 x 7.24 mm. The optimised bottom potted package ensures a remarkably reduced stress of the internal connections during temperature variations resulting in a considerably increased reliability.

The 82FB magnetic modules are recognized by UL 60950-1.

MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

ACTIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Power Integrations Introduces 75 W Single-Stage Driver for LED Lighting Power Integrations, maker of the world’s most efficient, longestlasting off-line LED driver ICs, today announced two new additions to its LinkSwitch™-PH IC family. The new devices allow commercial lighting applications up to 75 W to benefit from single-stage design, dramatically reducing BOM cost and enabling a smaller driver with very high efficiency.

LNK410EG (dimming) and LNK420EG (non-dimming) provide a constant-current output with a PF- corrected and low THD input. The capabilities of the new devices are showcased in RDR-290, a reference design describing a single-output driver for high-bay lighting.

RDR-290 is 92.2% efficient at 230 VAC for a 75 W output design while easily meeting EN61000-3-

2 class C limits. Power factor is above 0.95. No primary highvoltage electrolytic bulk capacitor is required, making lifetimes of 50,000 hours practical, even in challenging outdoor environments and at high ambient temperatures.

POWER INTEGRATIONS www.powerint.com

CML’s new TWELP Vocoder for Crystal Clear Voice CMX7262 – Professional Radio Vocoder CML Microcircuits, a leader in the design, development and supply of low-power analogue, digital and mixed-signal telecommunication semiconductors, has expanded its DuraTALK digital voice processor range with the release of a new professional radio low bit-rate 2.4kbps vocoder. The CMX7262 is a highperformance low bitrate vocoder for professional two-way radio, providing market-leading crystal clear voice and excellent performance in real-life radio operation.

This is achieved through the use of the latest state-of-the-art voice coding technology called "Tri-Wave Excited Linear Prediction" (TWELP), developed by the digital voice coding experts at DSP Innovations.

The CMX7262 TWELP vocoder provides a highly-integrated solution with optimised signal

processing ensuring lowest power consumption. Voice is handled in 20ms frames ensuring compatibility with recognised digital PMR standards as well as CML Microcircuits’ range of digital PMR baseband processors.

Supporting the voice coding function is a robust forward error correction (FEC) scheme, an

important feature to mitigate errors inherent when transmitting over narrowband radio channels in challenging conditions.

CML MICROCIRCUITS www.cmlmicro.com

First GLONASS/GPS module from Quectel developed especially for the Russian and Eastern European markets MSC now offers the L16 GLONASS/GPS module from Quectel. The L16 module enables simultaneous GPS and GLONASS open service L1 reception. It is the first module from Quectel developed especially for the Russian and Eastern European markets. The L16 module is based on STMicroelectronics’ Teseo II single-chip positioning device. With 2 fast acquisition channels and 32 tracking channels, the L16 can acquire and track any mix of GPS and GLO NASS signals. Furthermore, for even higher performance, the L16 supports Self Trained Assisted GPS (ST AGPS) technology.

Through the simultaneous use of GPS and GLONASS signals - the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) is a Russian counterpart to the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) not only can the Time To First Fix (TTFF) be reduced, but with the higher number of visible satellites, positioning accuracy also

increases to up to 1.5 m. With a current consumption of 110 mA during acquisition and 95 mA in

the tracking operation as well as a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85°C, the L16 GLONASS/GPS module is suited for use in a wide range of consumer, automotive and industrial applications. Two UART interfaces and the support of active and passive antenna systems enable simple implementation of the module. The L16 module comes in a compact 22.4 mm x 17 mm × 3 mm form factor.

MSC VERTRIEBS www.msc-ge.com

IDT Introduces Industry’s First NVM Express Enterprise Flash Controller Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT®), announced the industry’s first NVM Express (NVMe) enterprise flash memory controller with native support for PCIe® Gen 3. IDT’s NVMe flash controller family provides a standards-based solid-state drive (SSD) solution, enabling storage and server original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to overcome latency and throughput bottlenecks inherent to legacy SAS/SATAbased SSD designs.

IDT’s new flash memory controller family consists of two versions: 16-channel with PCIe x4 Gen 3 (89HF16P04AG3) and 32channel with PCIe x8 Gen 3 (89HF32P08AG3). The flash controllers are designed to fully comply with the NVMe standard – a standard that defines an optimized register interface, command set, and feature set for PCIe SSDs. The goal of the stan-

dard is to help enable the broad adoption of PCIe-based SSDs, and to provide a scalable interface that realizes the performance potential of SSD technology now and into the future. This

eliminates the need for OEMs to qualify multiple SSD drivers, facilitating the widespread use of PCIe SSDs and helping bring to market dramatic improvements in storage latency, throughput, power consumption and cost.

INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY www.idt.com

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

High reliability EDLC supercapacitor ideal for extended temperature long-life applications

AVX expands leaded SkyCap® capacitor offering to include 10μF/50V rating in X7R dielectric

Murata announced the addition of the DMG series to the company’s line of thin, low-resistance, electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The DMG supercapacitors, which provide high power back-up, achieve high reliability with a five-year life span at 70°C, making them an ideal choice for enterprise solid state drive (SSD) manufacturers and telecom “last gasp” applications.

Smart meters are also a key application for the DMG series as the full operating temperature range is – 30°C to + 85°C. Murata’s DMG series offers high voltage with very low equivalent series resistance (ESR) all within a miniaturized, yet robust package.

Available in 2.1V single-cell and 4.2V double-cell options, the 2.1V provides a nominal capacity of 700mF with a profile of only 1.4mm and an ESR at 1kHz 70mΩ. The 4.2V device has a nominal capacity of 350mF at 2.8mm thickness and 130mΩ ESR at 1kHz. The innovation behind Murata’s high performance DMG EDLC is based on active carbon technology.

AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of passive components and interconnect solutions, has expanded its SkyCap® SR Series to include a multilayer ceramic capacitor rated at 10μF/50V in an X7R dielectric (±15% from -55° to +125°C). Designated the SR655C 106KAR, the new SkyCap capacitor features a formed lead for stable placement on the printed circuit board, is RoHS compliant, and is ideal for several applications, including telecommunications, power supplies, home security systems, automotive, aerospace, and medical electronics.

“The new SkyCap Series capacitor offers higher capacitance in a robust design, which increases the types of applications that it complements while providing cus-

Unlike traditional energy storage devices, the carbon, which is used as an electrode, without employing a chemical reaction, leads to the longer life cycle. Also, the capacitance is directly related to the surface area of the active carbon, giving the DMG series high capacitance values in a small and low profile design. Measuring only 20.5mm × 18.5mm × 1.4mm, which leads the industry in compact packaging, Murata’s EDLC series is designed for extended temperature applications.

Supercapacitors play a role in

energy conservation applications, from memory backup in home appliances, mobile phones, information devices, and energy harvesting storage systems.

MURATA www.murata.eu

Panasonic EEH Series Hybrid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Available at Mouser Mouser Electronics, Inc. announced the arrival of Panasonic Electronic Components’ EEH Series Hybrid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors.

Panasonic Electronic Components’ EEH Series is comprised of the hightemperature, surface mount ZA and ZH capacitors offering several crucial features, including capacitance range from 10μF to 330μF, voltage range from 25Vdc to 63Vdc, low ESR, high ripple current, and the longest endurance in the industry by case size. The EEH-ZA series has an endurance of 5000 hours at 105°C with low ESR and high ripple current (70% over,

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lower ESR than current V-FP). The EEH-ZC series offers an endurance of 4000 hours at 125°C, low ESR and high ripple current (85% over, lower ESR than current V-TP). The EEH-ZA and EEH-ZC Series have

operating temperature ranges from -55°C to 105°C and -55°C to 125°C, respectively.

MOUSER ELECTRONICS www.mouser.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

tomers with the proven technology and reliability for which this product line is known,” said Dan Lane, marketing manager at AVX. Maximum physical dimensions for the new SkyCap SR Series capacitor are 0.3” wide × 0.4” high (seated) × 0.15” thick. Packaged in bulk, the SR65 capacitor is available in 1,000 piece quantities. It is also available in 2,000 piece quantities in tape and reel or ammo packaging. Lead time is stock to 11 weeks

AVX CORPORATION www.avx.com

AVX’s revolutionary multilayer organic (MLO™) high current inductors now in 0402 size AVX Corporation has developed a multilayer organic RF inductor in a 0402 case size that offers high current, in a small footprint.

Providing high current and high self-resonance, the RoHS-compliant device features an inductance range of 1nH to 32nH. “Based on its patented multilayer low loss organic (MLO™) technology, these new inductors represent a paradigm shift from traditional ceramic and thin film passive SMD components,” said Larry Eisenberger, product manager at AVX. “Since Copper Organic Inductors (COIs) are polymer based and use high conductivity copper interconnects in a multilayer fashion, the ability to fabricate these components on large area substrates and in laser-direct imaging allow for improved cost versus LTCC and Thin Film Technologies.”

The low profile 0402 RF inductor also offers high SRF (self-resonant frequency), and can support frequencies well above 1GHz.

These advanced devices are expansion matched to printed circuit boards, allowing for improved reliability.

The 0402 inductor is ideal for RF power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, filter networks and MRI systems. It can operate between, -55°C to +125°C and offers a 100% tin finish. Lead time is of stock to eight weeks.

AVX CORPORATION www.avx.com

PASSIVE COMPONENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

Rutronik: Receiving coil with efficiency greater than 70% from Vishay Rutronik announces a new powdered-iron-based, WPC-compliant (Wireless Power Consortium) receiving coil for the wireless charging of 5V portable electronics from Vishay.

Optimized for the wireless charging of 5 V portable electronics, Vishay’s new IWAS-3827 EC-50 powdered-ironbased, WPC-compliant receiving coil provides a durable construction, high permeability shielding, and high efficiency greater than 70 % for Rx applications to 10 W. With dimensions of 38 mm by 27 mm, the device is 33 % smaller than the standard 48 mm by 32 mm IWAS-4832FF-50 Rx coil.

For wireless power base stations and receivers, the IWAS-3827EC50’s high-saturation powdered iron is not affected by permanent

locating magnets, and the device blocks charging flux from sensitive components or batteries.

As an alternative to Ferrite-based

solutions – which can saturate in the presence of a strong magnetic field – the IWAS-3827EC-50 offers a magnetic saturation of 50 % at 4000 gauss. Besides it has an inductance of 10,7 μH at 200 kHz with ± 5% inductance tolerance as well as 183 mΩ DCR at +25°C. 10mm of 50mm lead length are tinned.

RUTRONIK www.rutronik.com

AVX introduces new DC link film capacitor series for power supply and inverter applications AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has introduced a new line of polypropylene dielectric DC link film capacitors.

Designated the FB Series, the 2leaded capacitors feature a voltage rating of 550-1200V, a capacitance range from 0.6875μF, are RoHS compliant, and are available in a range of case sizes containing over 100 new ratings. Ideal applications for the series include DC power supplies and inverters for solar power, electric drive, and industrial power systems.

“The new FB Series DC link capacitors combine low loss film technology with the self-healing properties of the dielectric to ensure long lifetimes and low thermal losses in power applications,” said Chris

Reynolds, technical marketing manager at AVX. “They also feature a comprehensive capacitance/voltage ratings up to 1.2kV.” Rated for use from -40°C to +100°C, AVX’s FB Series DC link film capacitors are available in 14 case sizes with three standard lead pitch options: 27.5mm,

37.5mm, and 52.5mm. Average lead time is 15 weeks.

AVX CORPORATION www.avx.com

Vishay Intertechnology Unveils Industry's First Remote Control Code Learning IC to Integrate Signal Detection and Processing in One Device The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced the industry's first remote control code learning IC to integrate signal detection and processing into one component.

Optimized for universal remote controllers, the VSOP98260 simplifies the code learning process by amplifying and shaping the signal received by the infrared emitter already present in these devices. The VSOP98620 also can be used in tablet PCs and smartphones that are enabled with an infrared emitter.

In order to transmit valid commands, universal control devices must learn the modulation frequency and pulse patterns for each appliance being controlled.

The most intuitive method for teaching them the correct code is to use the appliance's remote control, placing it nose-to-nose with the universal controller. When a key is pressed, the infrared emitter transmits the pulses associated with this function and the univer-

sal controller receives the code and stores it in memory.

Before the VSOP98260, signal detection and processing functions for code learning in universal control devices required discrete solutions. By combining these functions into one component, the IC released today simplifies designs in these devices, saving space and reducing overall costs.

The output from the VSOP98260 accurately corresponds to the carrier frequency and data burst length of the input signal while being immune to noise from other light sources such as compact fluorescent lamps.

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY www.vishay.com

TAIYO YUDEN MCOIL™ Metal Power Inductors Now Available at Mouser Mouser Electronics, Inc., regarded as a top design engineering resource and global distributor for semiconductors and electronic components, today announced the arrival of TAIYO YUDEN MCOIL™ Metal Power Inductors, the first of a series of coil components that use metallic magnetic materials.

TAIYO YUDEN’s MCOIL™ Metal Power Inductor series is optimal for use as choke coils for power supply circuits in compact mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs that are becoming smaller, thinner, and more featurerich. The two product classes of the MCOIL™ series, the wirewound chip power inductor MAMK2520 and metal core SMD power inductor MDMK 2020, combine with TAIYO YUDEN's advanced process technology already (established in the BR and NR series) to achieve the best-in-

class DC bias characteristics in the industry as well as size reduction.

MAMK 2520T2R2M (inductance value 2.2μH, saturation current 2300mA) and MDMK2020T 2R2M (inductance value 2.2μH,

saturation current 2000mA) offer higher saturation current than existing TAIYO YUDEN products.

With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser caters to design engineers and buyers by delivering What’s Next in advanced technologies.

MOUSER ELECTRONICS www.mouser.com

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Reliable Outsourcing

Viscom Strengthens Its Manual and Semiautomatic Inspection for the Electronics Industry

Business partnership is a success factor of Mowden Controls

Over the past year, Viscom AG, Hanover, has strengthened its activities in the areas of manual and semiautomatic X-ray inspection and intensified the technical development of X-ray inspection for the electronics industry. With the redesign of the successful X8011, the inspection system now is available in three versions (basic, plus, flex) for fast, effective electronics assembly inspection. Particular attention was placed on simple and fast operation. In the context of these future-oriented developments, sales activities also were strengthened. With its own development team, production and sales, Viscom is well-equipped to quickly react to market demands.

Thus, the X8011 inspection system has undergone further development for fast and effective electronics assembly inspection. With its superb image quality, simple and fast operation, and analyses

Since 1965, Mowden Controls has been developing and producing exceptional electronics for customers. Long-term relationships with suppliers and customers as well as flexibility and quality have made the company successful. To continue producing the best, Mowden uses machines from the Swiss manufacturer Essemtec in its production.

Based in North Yorkshire (UK), specialty electronics are Mowden Controls’ market niche, and the company develops and produces layouts and boards specially adapted to customer requirements. Technology, functional performance and quality are more important than production speed because the produced quantities generally are small.

Comprehensive Services Mowden Controls is a subcontractor offering a complete package of services including development, design, prototyping and series manufacturing. Its clients are specialists in many different industries such as gas, oil, chemical,

print, packaging, measurement, control, medical and laboratory.

In many areas, Mowden Controls has acquired specific experience and knowledge, on which customers rely. For example, engineers have long-term experience building reliable circuits for explosive environments. Such products are used especially in the gas and oil industry.

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structive testing of interior connections validates the company in its current orientation. Due to the ever-decreasing size of components and increasing packaging density, many electronics manufacturers no longer can do without X-ray inspection. Increased use of BGA and QFP components make X-ray penetration necessary.

VISCOM AG www.viscom.de

ESSEMTEC www.essemtec.com

Mirtec exposed its technologically advanced automated optical inspection equipment at IPC MIDWEST MIRTEC, announced that it exposed its technologically advanced AOI equipment at IPC Midwest 2012 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL. At the show MIRTEC featured its award-winning MV-3L Desktop AOI System configured with the exclusive 10 Mega Pixel ISIS Vision System. This revolutionary optics system is comprised of a 10 Mega Pixel Top Down camera and a Precision 13.4 Micron Telecentric Compound Lens. MIRTEC’s patented “Quad Angle Lighting System” provides four independently programmable zones for optimal illumination of inspection areas. The MV-3L also has been configured with four (4) Ten Mega Pixel Side-View Cameras as well as MIRTEC’s exclusive Intelli-Beam Laser System. This advanced technology provides: Four-point height measurement capability for

directed especially to this area, this system optimally covers the requirements of electronics assembly production. The rising demand for solutions for nonde-

co-planarity testing of BGA and CSP devices as well as enhanced solder paste measurement capability in a cost effective desktop AOI system. A comprehensive

Package Type Library provides simple “Drag and Drop” component programming.

The Automatic Teaching Tool (ATT) software provides automatic teaching of component locations using CAD centroid data.

MIRTEC www.mirtecusa.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

Expert Background: Multitest Introduces Signal Integrity and Power Glossary Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, introduces a Signal and Power Integrity Glossary. The new glossary, developed by Ryan Satrom, Multitest’s Signal Integrity Engineer, explains the major terms and concepts related to power integrity.

Power integrity is the discipline of providing clean power to the device under test (DUT) by minimizing noise on the Power Delivery Network (PDN). It quickly is becoming one of the biggest challenges in test interface design.

The influence of power integrity is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. It is becoming increasingly important for the test community to understand the issues related to this and improve their ability to address the challenges of power integrity

that are caused by the test interface. For more information or to

download the Signal and Power Integrity Glossary, visit the page: www.multitest.com/simulation.

MULTITEST www.multitest.com

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Multitest at SEMICON Taiwan 2012: Leading Solutions for High Parallel Test of SoCs, MEMS and 3D Packages Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, will exhibit in booth #1185 at the upcoming SEMICON Taiwan Expo, scheduled to take place September 5-7, 2012 at the TWTC Nangand Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. Multitest is the leading supplier of highparallel MEMS test and calibration equipment, packages with multiple sensors (up to nine DoF) and MEMS in heterogeneous 3D stacks. At SEMICON Taiwan, company representatives will showcase the InMEMS solution.

The setup allows high parallel MEMS test and calibration. It

combines a standard strip handler – Multitest InStrip – and an InMEMS module for up to nine DoF test.

The InStrip can handle both strips and packages in carriers www.multitest.com/InCarrier The architecture of the InStrip ideally allows configuration for 3D inprocess test of TSV partial stacks. www.multitest.com/InStrip3D MULTITEST www.multitest.com

Speedprint Exhibited at IPC Midwest Speedprint Technology exhibited at the IPC Midwest Exhibition & Conference, (August 22-23, 2012). Speedprint prides the SP700avi for its simplicity and ease of maintenance and low ownership costs. The advanced screen printer combines Speedprint’s commitment to high performance and reliability with all the necessary features for processing high-technology substrates as standard equipment.

The system was designed to cope with the rigors of high-volume SMT production while incorporating the flexibility needed in high-mix, quick product setup and changeover environments.

The SP700avi becomes the SP710avi when it is equipped with the Automatic Dispense unit (ADu). The Dual Syringe, Automatic Dispense unit (ADu) allows users to eliminate additional capital outlay by integrating this functionally into the printer. The ADu defines flexibility from its ease of programming through to

calibration and cleaning. Utilizing the PCB Gerber file, an operator can simply drag any region of interest to automatically program volume deposits of paste or glue.

There is no need to spend time on each deposit site adjusting to optimize the volume, point and

drag. This means that a complete PCB can be programmed for a prototype in just seconds.

SPEEDPRINT TECHNOLOGY www.speedprint-tech.com

Count On Tools Installs Another Zeiss CONTURA G2 Coordinate Measuring Machine Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces another expansion of its manufacturing operations at its Gainesville, GA headquarters. The recent expansion is in response to the growing market for SMT nozzles and consumables as well as the increased demand for its precision contract machining services.

According to company representative Zach Shook, COT recently purchased a second Zeiss CONTURA G2 Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The CONTURA G2 is ideal for small to mid-sized companies that require the benefits of high-speed scanning. VAST scanning technology enables quality inspections at maximum speed with high-quality measuring results. Process changes are detected at an early stage, high production quality is ensured and rejected parts are reduced. The industries that COT serves count on accuracy of part specifications and on-time delivery of orders. This new machine will help COT

achieve both. Additionally, the new machine handles jobs faster by providing COT with increased production speeds and faster pro-

cessing power for complex parts with tighter tolerances. “This new equipment helps us to check tight tolerance, precision components quickly and consistently,” said Shook.

COUNT ON TOOLS INC. www.cotinc.com

Production Technologies Ltd. Exhibited ASC’s VisionPro M150 at ATE China ASC International, a leading manufacturer of 3-D solder paste inspection and automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, announces that one of its global partners, Production Technologies Ltd., demonstrated the VisionPro M150 in Booth 2H36 at ATE China Expo.

VisionPro is the latest in ASC International’s line of class-leading 3-D solder paste inspection systems. VisionPro incorporates the most advanced, rapid 3-D inspection technology into a new vibration-free platform engineered for performance.

Designed with feature-rich software including one-click measurements, real-time SPC run

charts, customized data reports and onboard work instructions, VisionPro is the most cost-effective, user friendly and production-oriented SPI system available in the industry today.

ASC INTERNATIONAL www.ASCInternational.com

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

SMT equipment market showing first signs of economic improvement Outlook cautiously positive After a strong showing in 2010 and early 2011, the SMT equipment market posted declining numbers in the second half of 2011 and the beginning of 2012.

At the end of the second quarter of 2012, however, SIPLACE's market analysts see first signs of a further economic upswing. New orders and deliveries are especially on the rise in China, which currently accounts for roughly 50 percent of the global market. The rest of Asia as well as North and South America are lagging behind, but a look at the quarterly numbers shows some light growth or stabilization in these areas as well. However, all in all the results still remain below last year’s level. In light of the uncertainties caused by the euro crisis, only Europe exhibits a negative trend, albeit with signs of a slight slowdown. "To use the famous comparison, we believe that the glass is half full as far as the global SMT equipment market is con-

cerned. Although some risks remain, the trend is clearly pointing upward compared with the second half in 2011, especially in China. This confirms our mediumterm forecast from last fall. We also see signs that Southeast Asia as well as North and South America will follow this trend in the second

half of 2012. Because of its regional problems, Europe is the only place where we remain skeptical regarding a trend reversal anytime soon," says Stephanie Pepersack, who is in charge of SIPLACE market intelligence.

ASM ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS www.siplace.com

Horizon Sales Provides Customers with ‘Hole-in-One’ Support and Service Horizon Sales, a leading manufacturers’ representative corporation specializing in the sales and marketing of premier electronics assembly equipment, announces that its customer service and support is both comprehensive and long lasting. Since the company’s launch more than 20 years ago, its focus has been to serve the needs of electronics manufacturing companies in the Midwest, providing leading-edge capital equipment and manufacturing supplies by building long-term relationships with its principles.

Customer service plays a primary role in this mission.

Just as Dave Trail, the company’s principal, got a hole-in-one, Horizon Sales prides itself on bringing its best game to customers every day. This “hole-inone” mentality gives customers the confidence they need to know that any purchases through Horizon Sales will be supported

long after the initial sale. This has helped the company expand its customer base to encompass large OEMs as well as both medium-

and small-sized contract manufacturers. As evidenced by its line card, Horizon Sales represents only the premier suppliers in the industry and will continue serving its customers’ ever-evolving needs.

HORIZON SALES www.horizonsales.com

Schumacher Electric Corporation Installs a KE1080LN from Juki at Its Matamoros, Mexico Plant

CyberOptics to Feature Its Newest Range of AOI and SPI Systems at productronica India

Juki Automation Systems announces that Schumacher Electric Corporation has purchased and installed a KE1080LN High-Speed Flexible Mounter at its plant in Matamoros, Mexico. Schumacher Electric designs and produces electronics assemblies, battery chargers and transformers. The KE-1080 has a five-nozzle head to handle larger parts and uses a tri-colored advanced vision system featuring blue, green and red LEDs for accurate placement of fine-pitch ICs, connectors and odd-shaped components. Additionally, the KE1080 has an IPC9850 rated speed of 14,100 CPH for chips, and 3,400 CPH for IC components when using the advanced lighting system. The effective component placement range for the KE-1080 is 01005 (0402 metric) to 74mm2 or 50 × 150 mm. For the best results in repeatability, accuracy and reliability, all Juki machines use the LNC60 optical centering laser that is built into the head to easily

CyberOptics Corporation will feature its newest range of AOI and SPI systems at the upcoming productronica India exhibition, scheduled to take place September 11-13, 2012 in Bangalore, India. CyberOptics’ unique value-add initiatives such as one-step SPI/AOI programming, AOI-SPI correlation analysis and printer closed-loop feedback capability also will be featured.

The QX100™ redefines tabletop inspection by combining the performance of an in-line inspection system with the flexibility of a tabletop system. The system features CyberOptics’ unique image acquisition technology, the Strobed Inspection Module (SIM) and is capable of inspecting component sizes down to 01005.

The sleek QX100™ is powered by AI2 (Autonomous Image Interpretation), a patented next-generation image analysis technique that provides superior defect detection capabilities, lowest false

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measure components while moving from the pick to the placement site. This eliminates the need to move to a stationary or line scan camera, creating an efficient method of component measurement cen-

tering. LNC60 is not affected by the color of a part and easily can transfer a part profile back to the database.

JUKI AUTOMATION SYSTEMS www.jukiamericas.com

EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

call rates and improved clarity of defect identification.

On the SPI front, CyberOptics will feature its newest 3-D SPI system, the SE500ULTRA™, designed with an all-new, ultra-fast sensor setting a new benchmark for SPI inspec-

tion speed. The sensor combined with CyberOptics’ unique “all-inone” scan algorithm positions the SE500ULTRA™ to be 30 percent faster than its predecessor SPI systems with zero compromise on measurement accuracy and repeatability.

CYBEROPTICS CORP. www.cyberoptics.com

SMT INDUSTRY NEWS

Great start for Invotec Group new MD Record output in July for leaders in printed circuit board technology Sales output figures for Invotec reached a record high of over €2.7m in July. The Group produces a broad range of complex, high-reliability PCB solutions for clients in the avionics, aerospace and defence sectors.

New MD, Tim Tatton, who only took over in May 2012, previously having been both Group Operations Director and Manager of Operations at Tamworth, attributed the record figures to the winning of new programs within its existing customer base and the development of some exciting new client relationships.

Tim Tatton commented: “These figures are great news and they demonstrate our proven ability in supplying time critical, high technology PCBs. This is very encouraging against the backdrop of pessimism and uncer-

tainty that continues to weigh heavily on the global economy.”

The Group also produces PCBs for use in industrial, medical, telecommunications infrastructure and security sectors.

Reliability, quality and consistency are essential in these market sectors; Invotec meet these demands by delivering a flexible, committed and competitive manufacturing and service proposition. Tim Tatton added: “Operationally we have to ensure we keep pace with the underlying demand; it is testament to our philosophy of continuous improvement and the ongoing efforts of our staff that we continue to deliver on our promises.”

INVOTEC GROUP www.invotecgroup.com

Test Interface Boards – Customers Appreciate Multitest Pulse Plating Process for Board Fab Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, announces that its Pulse Plating Process provides significant advantages in terms of fabrication cost and cycle time. Multitest Pulse Plating has been released to manufacturing for all major board customers.

The proprietary Multitest process has proven market-leading performance in various customer applications.

Originally the process was developed to support ultra high aspect ratio requirements at 0.4 mm pitch. Multitest has developed a customized plating process for small via diameters in high layer count PCBs used in ATE test. The process allows for .0051" diameter through-holes into PCBs with up to 40 layers.

The Multitest Pulse Plating

Process is applied particularly to BGA and WLCSPs but also can be used for vertical probe applications. It eliminates the need for sequential lamination in most 0.4 mm pitch applications. This same

technology is deployed for 0.3 mm pitch BGA applications with through-hole construction.

MULTITEST www.multitest.com/pcb

CONNECTORS INDUSTRY NEWS

Everything from one source!

ODU is one of the most innovative and successful manufacturers in connection systems. We develop and manufacture a broad spectrum of system solutions and custom applications on the basis of turned and stamped contacts for transmitting power, signals and media such as gas, light or fluid.

From circular connectors with push-pull locking through modular attachable rectangular connectors to robust circular connectors ODU supplies everything.

We offer all of our standard product series with individual customer related assembly. This ensures that you get the “complete package” from one source, with no intermediate supplier.

Common error sources can be avoided because we have comprehensive know-how and years of experience in all necessary areas.

ODU connector systems offer clear benefits • • • • • •

Very large number of mating cycles for economical requirements.

Absolute contact reliability.

Ease of use for quick action.

Unmistakable connector position for reliable work.

Easy-to-see recognizable for faultless handling.

High ampacity.

Advantages for the customer • • • • •

More than 60 years of experience.

Sole-supplier to over 100 companies around the world.

Know- how from approximately 30development contracts each year.

Medium-sized business with a high level of motivation and flexibility.

We make our customers successful.

For further details please visit the company website - online catalog.

Contact: E­mail: sales@odu­rom.ro www.odu­rom.ro

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

ODU ROM Manufacturing ­ Str. Fundătura Lânii nr. 22, 550019 Sibiu, Romania Tel: +40(0)269 206345; Mobile: +40(0)748 144488; Fax: +40(0)269 221006 For general information visit: www.odu.de

CONNECTORS INDUSTRY NEWS

THR RJ45 jack from SUYIN with power-over-Ethernet capabilities, built-in transformer modules and integrated LEDs

ITT Interconnect Solutions announces new composite Mil-DTL-38999 Series III connector to reduce aircraft weight

Under the model designation 101110F93H7M410ZA, SUYIN is presenting a robust 8P8C RJ45 jack designed for pin-in-paste through-hole reflow (THR) processes. This right-angle receptacle with a built-in receiver/transmitter filter (transformer module) has two integrated light-emitting diodes (with yellow, green, and orange indication colors) and excellent luminance. The transceiver's insertion attenuation is specified at a maximum of -1.2dB in the 1MHz to 125MHz range.

Common-mode rejection is specified at -30dB and crosstalk at -25 dB, both in the frequency range from 1MHz to 100MHz. As another special feature, this RJ45 jack has an additional power-overEthernet (PoE) connection. That makes it possible to eliminate the need for a separate power supply cable and for a DC power supply jack on the board when used in applications for broadband data connections in 10/100-Base-T

ITT Interconnect Solutions is announcing a new composite connector developed specifically for the aerospace market. Today’s military and commercial aerospace manufacturers are under continual pressure to reduce the weight of operational aircraft and lightweight components can play a key role in achieving this.

Consequently, many OEM’s are migrating from aluminium to lightweight composite materials for all components. Suitable for both military and commercial aircraft, the new Mil-DTL 38999 Series III composite connector is engineered using advanced materials and techniques coupled with ITT’s thirty years of proven interconnect design expertise. Marketed under the ITT Cannon brand, the new Mil-DTL-38999 Series III composite connector is on average 30% lighter than equivalent standard aluminium interconnects. Full advantage has been taken of recent improvements in the quali-

Ethernet networks, such as routers, POS systems, telephone systems, set-top boxes, and many similar devices. These unique features are supplemented by extensive shielding measures on the sides and in the upper portion of the connector - including the “spring fingers,” which reliably prevent electromagnetic emission and reception. The dimensions are 21.65 × 15.75 × 13.35 (L × W × H mm), and the operating temperature range extends from 0°C to +70°C. In addition, customerspecific variations are available upon request.

SUYIN CORPORATION www.suyin-europe.com

fied ‘KJB’ design, which include part standardisation plus faster and easier assembly. The new MilDTL-38999 Series III composite connector includes Mil-DTL38999/20 Wall Mount Receptacles and 38999/26 Straight Plugs in both Class J olive drab cadmium and Class M electroless nickel.

Qualified operational temperature range for Class J is -65°C to

+175°C, and for Class M -65°C to +200°C. Suitable applications include military and commercial aircraft, avionics systems and unmanned aerospace vehicles.

ITT INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS www.ittcannon.com

SUYIN is offering Spring-Contact Battery Connectors with Optimized Shape for Ergonomic Charging

High reliability 3-row Datamate connectors from Harwin now available off the shelf

As the interface between the charging unit and the end device, spring-contact battery connectors play a crucial role. In this case, the focus is not only on the spring contacts’ technical specifications – such as the minimum number of mating cycles, the contact resistance or the current-carrying capacity – but also on the special shape of the connector housing, which is designed to support uncomplicated, fast, simple, and reliable connections that ensure stable contact. One good example of SUYIN’s flexible production capabilities is its 060069MS model for use in charging units or base stations. This 4-position vertical spring-contact connector is prepared for through-hole mounting.

Its contact mounting plate is tilted slightly from the vertical axis to the inside at an angle of 8° in order to make it particularly convenient to connect the device to be charged, without having to sacrifice connection reliability. For the same rea-

Popular high reliability and high performance, 3-row Datamate connectors from Harwin, are now available from stock – ‘Commercial Off the shelf ’ (COTS). Stocked in 5 different configurations of PCB and cable variants and in 6 standard ‘most popular’ sizes from 18 to 96 ways, the 2mm pitch, 3A per contact connectors are ideal for use in board to board or cable to board applications where a high number of contacts is required in a small space. The 3 row design provides a smaller PCB footprint saving real estate on the PCB. The compact cable version saves space within the equipment.

Comments Product Manager, Graham Cunningham: “Eliminating the lead time problems often associated with special ‘made to order’ products and enabling a cost saving over special design products.

These new standard 3-row Datamate connectors are well suited for use in many markets, including

son, the charging connector’s sides are also slanted inward from the vertical axis at a 5° angle. Inside the housing itself, specially formed plastic ribs serve as a locking mechanism in order to ensure high

contact reliability, even when the connector is subjected to vibrations. When used in base stations, the connector can also serve as a data connector. Two side-mounted guide pins that are offset at an angle provide additional anchoring on the carrier board.

SUYIN CORPORATION www.suyin-europe.com

Industrial, Medical and in particular the Aerospace & Military market where ‘Commercial off the Shelf’ (COTS) products are preferred to bespoke designs for cost and lead time reasons.”

A high density connector system, 3-row Datamate connectors from Harwin feature up to 96 high performance signal contacts in standard sizes of 18, 27, 36, 54, 60 and 96 signal contacts arranged in 3 rows. Designed for mating with 22 AWG and 24 – 28 AWG wire sizes, the devices are available with vertical or horizontal PCB tails.

HARWIN www.harwin.com

www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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SENSORS DESIGN

Panasonic Releases the World’s 1st SMT Thermopile Array Sensor Panasonic Electric Works Europe AG, the European headquarters for Panasonic Corporation’s Industrial Devices business, announces the release of the first ever Surface Mount Technology (SMT) thermopile array sensor, the Grid-EYE. Years of continuous research in infrared sensing technology led to the development of a state-of-the-art thermopile sensor that features 64 thermopile elements in an 8 x 8 grid format.

Contrary to conventional thermal sensors that only measure temperature of a certain point-of-contact, Grid-EYE, based on Panasonic’s MEMS technology, can measure temperature of the entire specified area without any contact; in other words, it is a “contactless thermopile array sensor”. 64 pixels yield accurate temperature measurement over a viewing angle of 60° provided by a silicon lens. Grid-EYE uses an I2C communication interface, enabling temperature measurements at speeds of 1 or 10 frames/sec. An interrupt function is also available.

Product features: • Dimensions: 11,6 × 4,3 × 8,0mm (L × H × W) • Operating voltage: 3,3V or 5.0V (depends on P / N) • Temperature range of measuring object: -20°C to 100°C (depends on P / N) • Field of view (FoV): 60° • Number of pixels: 64 (vertical 8 × horizontal 8) • External interface: I2C (fast mode) • Frame rate: 10 frames/s or 1 frame/s Compared to single element thermopile sensors or pyroelectric sensors, Grid-EYE offers immense benefits, which are highlighted in the following table.

Grid-EYE opens the door to a whole world of applications, ranging from energy savings in the lighting industry (commercial and public places as well as residential spaces) to household applications (air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.); from security systems (automatic doors, elevators, ATMs, kiosks, etc) to the medical industry (patient detection and positioning), and many more.

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

For more information, please visit: www.built-in-sensors.com

Tel. +40 256-201346 Fax +40 0256-221036

Mail office@oboyle.ro Web www.oboyle.ro

Applications: • Occupancy detection • Position detection • Contact-less temperature measurement • Cooking stoves • Microwave ovens • Medical equipment • Measurement, control and regulation of: ◦ Air conditioners ◦ Heating systems • Building automation • Intelligent lighting control system • Thermal imaging • Industrial process management and control

SENSORS DESIGN

Leuze n n n

Optical sensors Sensors for logistic applications Safety at work

Contrinex n n

Optical Sensors Inductive Sensors

ASM n n n

Linear Sensors Angle Sensors Tilt Sensors

Selec n n n

PLCs Temperature Controller Timer

Westec n n n

HTP n n n n

Sensor Instruments n n n

Color Sensors True Color Sensors, Spectrometers Gloss Sensors

Kobold n n n

Flowmeters Level Indicators and Switches Pressure Sensors and Switches

Heavy Duty Industrial Connectors Power and Data Transmission Connectors Aluminium Junction Boxes

Circular connectors M8; M12; M23 Cable and Connectors for Sensors Valve Connectors Distribution Blocks

Visit our online shop ww.oboyle.ro

Intertec n n

Linear Solenoids Permanent Electromagnets

AUTOMATION Honeywell expands Limitless™ Wireless Portfolio with new wireless operator interface pushbutton controller Honeywell announced the release of the new Limitless™ Wireless Operator Interface, WOI Series, which expands Honeywell’s Limitless™ wireless switch and receiver portfolio by providing a packaged pushbutton controller for manufacturers and OEMs. The WOI Series adds a human interface device to the productdriven interfaces of the Limitless™ portfolio.

With both momentary and maintained contact options, the Limitless™ Series now offers wireless control from both person and position.

Honeywell’s Wireless Operator Interface is a controller designed to wirelessly turn on and off equipment (pumps, motors, drives, conveyors, and other industrial equipment), open or close gates/doors, or provide notification to remote locations. The WOI Series can be used in rugged industrial environments to notify

appropriate departments when there are quality, machine, material out-of-stock, or other manufacturing issues.

“The WOI Series provides a control option for users looking to avoid the wiring costs, maintenance issues, hazards, time and engineering that comes with a ‘wired’ push button,” said Joseph Citrano, senior global product marketing manager, Sensing and Control. “This new device expands Honeywell’s Limitless™ wireless portfolio that includes monitors, din-rail receivers, global limit switches, and heavy-duty limit switches.”

Designed for flexibility, the user can choose and install a desired operator (22mm rotary switch, key switch, key) or utilize one of Honeywell’s pushbuttons. It communicates through Limitless™ receivers that provide PLC inputs or relay outputs connected directly to

equipment to turn on LEDs or start / stop industrial equipment.

HONEYWELL www.honeywell.com www.epd-ee.eu | September, 2012 | EP&Dee

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SENSORS INDUSTRY NEWS

Omron adds miniature dust-proof detection switch Omron Electronic Components Europe unique new dust proof switch provides a very cost effective solution for the great many domestic and commercial electrical systems that don’t need a fully waterproof solution. Priced lower than typical fully sealed alternatives, the new Omron D2FD ultrasub miniature dust proof detection switch is sealed to IP6x, and complements the fully sealed switches in Omron’s range such as the D2QW. By using rubber packing, Omron has created a low cost switch that is very effectively protected against dust and other dry contaminants with a J-size case of 6.5 × 12.8 × 6mm. The switch is based on a single leaf moving spring design, and is available in a total of 12 versions, with solder or PCB terminals, pin plunger, hinge lever or simulated roller lever actuators, rated at 2A or 0.1A. The D2FD is protected against dust to IP6 standards but provides no protection against liquids.

For applications exposed to wet or damp environments, Omron

offers a number of fully sealed solutions including the D2QW, that conforms to IP67 standards in the same J-size case. Featuring Omron’s high reliability slide contact technology, the D2QW-series offers a silent ON/OFF operation with an extra-long stroke even without levers. Suitable for use at temperatures between -40°C and +85°C, the drip-proof structure make this the ideal switch to use in harsh environmental conditions, such as in automotive, industrial and machinery applications as well as energy, home appliance and building automation applications where exposure to moisture is experienced.

Efficient, long life Omron relays address renewable energy systems Omron Electronic Components Europe has re-engineered two relay families specifically to address the very specific low power and long term reliability characteristics required for gridconnected solar PV and wind turbine inverters, charge controllers, battery powered UPS backup systems and similar applications.

Grid tied solar PV inverters use pairs of monostable grid protection relays whose operation is essential to ensure system and user safety. The key challenges in the design of these relays are that their power consumption has to be extremely low yet they need to operate very quickly when required under hot start conditions.

OMRON ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS http://components.omron.eu

Everlight Electronics Announces New C52 COB LED Series Adding to the performance and popularity of Everlight’s 6.4W and 8W Chip-on-Board (COB) LED series, one of the highest CRI and highest efficiency COBs on the market, Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd. announces the brand new and smaller C52 COB LED series which is perfectly suitable for directional and decorative applications such as MR lamps and P35 bulbs at LIGHTFAIR International 2012 in Las Vegas/

USA. For these types of applications, an LED light source must exhibit compact size, high efficiency,

Group Publisher Director Gabriel Neagu Managing Director Ionela Ganea Accounting Ioana Paraschiv Advertisement Irina Ganea WEB Eugen Vărzaru © 2012 by Eurostandard Press 2000

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EP&Dee | September, 2012 | www.epd-ee.eu

sufficient lumen output, high CRI, high color uniformity, and proper light distribution to maintain a comfortable and uniform lighting environment – all at consumer acceptable prices.

With its new C52 COB Series, Everlight Electronics has created the other ideal LED to address major challenges posed when designing a retrofit like MR, GU or candelabra type: minimum efficiency requirements, thermal management in limited space, and complexity of design. Everlight’s COB series is a 3.7W multi chip, ceramic substrate based LED that boasts a low thermal resist-

Contributing editors Robert Berger Ross Bannatyne Consulting Marian Blejan Bogdan Grămescu Mihai Savu Asian Reprezentative Taiwan Charles Yang Tel: +886­4­3223633 charles@medianet.com.tw

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

Omron has re-engineered its G7L-PV DPST-NO and G8P SPSTNO range specifically to meet these requirements, with a fast operate time of typically 20ms, long life and a low power coil.

Both devices address the applicable standards which are IEC62109-1, 2 ( July 2011) and VDE0126-1.

OMRON ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS http://components.omron.eu ance (Rth <1.8°C/W) and superior efficacy of 100lm/W at 3000K CCT and high CRI (>80Ra). It will be available not only in ANSI 3000K CCT but in all Energy Star / ANSI color temperature ranges. Mechanically, the C52 COB series can be mounted directly on heat sink eliminating the SMT process.

This provides more direct thermal dissipation, ease of assembly, and lowering of the system cost in lighting applications.

EVERLIGHT’s C52 Series is using the standard DC chips configured in series and parallel to provide the most convenient driving conditions for existing driver designs.

EVERLIGHT ELECTRONICS www.everlight.com

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

EP&Dee (Electronics Products & Design ­ Eastern Europe) is published 8 times per year in 2012 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l.

It is a free to qualified electronics engineers and managers involved in engineering decisions. Starting on 2010, this magazine is published only in digital format.

Copyright 2012 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. All rights reserved.