Click here for the enhanced PDF version of this article

Mobility Electronics' Magma ExpressBox1 and ExpressBox1 Pro are external PCI Express boxes providing a single PCI Express slot with dedicated power and cooling. ExpressBox1 connects to computers through the new ExpressCard slot that appears on most laptops.

The Magma ExpressBox1 and ExpressBox1 Pro are compatible with nearly all types of PCI Express cards including audio processing, video capture, graphics, test and measurement, data-acquisition, SCSI, FibreChannel and SATA.

The device features a no-latency solution providing 2000 Mbps (250 Mbps) throughput. It supports PCIe cards that require up to 55 W of continuous power. It is also supported by Windows and MacOS. The retail price will be $599. OEM programs are available.
Mobility Electronics
(800) 285-8990
www.mobilityelectronics.com

Infineon Technologies, in conjunction with Global Locate, has developed a small global positioning system (GPS) receiver chip for mobile telephones, smart phones and personal navigation devices. Based on the Hammerhead chip, the Hammerhead II chip is optimized for cellular handsets and mobile devices requiring high performance, low power and an extremely small footprint. The chip measures 3.74 mm × 3.59 mm × 0.6 mm.

The Hammerhead II GPS receiver includes LNA, RF downconverter and signal processing baseband technology on a single RF CMOS die. The device uses chip scale packaging and features a 49-contact ball grid array.

The chip delivers sensitivity to -160 dBm and position fix times as fast as one second, exceeding 3GPP specifications. In addition, the software has been optimized for personal navigation performance and includes sophisticated algorithms to mitigate multipath errors.

Hammerhead II retains the same core advantages as all previous Global Locate solutions by using the commercially proven host-based architecture. The software is backward-compatible with Hammerhead, allowing an easy transition to the Hammerhead II.

The chip is sampling, with production quantities available this month. Infineon and Global Locate are jointly marketing the chip.
Infineon
(858) 509-2160
www.infineon.com

VX Corporation's VX CAD/CAM version 12 includes enhancements in VX version 12 including the electrode design wizard that makes the 3-D definition and 2-D layout of electrodes fast and easy. Also included are capabilities for mold and industrial designers, enhancements in light-source rendering, raster-to-vector conversion, surface analysis, assembly modeling, drawing layout and extended capabilities of VX' integrated 2-5 axis CAM.

Version 12 continues to extend the capabilities of its integrated 2-5 axis manufacturing solution referred to as VX CAM. A 5-axis isocut tool path tops the list as well as added side cut depth for the 5-axis swarfcut operation. Three-axis CAM enhancements include link/lead in/lead out for Mill3, spiral and wave support for VX quick milling, dynamic shoulder and shank collision checking with automatic tool path correction, and more options for controlling three-axis engraving.

Rest milling was added to the two-axis suite of tool paths as well as direct 3-D curve machining. Other CAM enhancements include individual CAM output files, fixture offset registers, interpath move operations, profile/containment preview options, solid verify CL data or CNC code, and support for open surface boundaries and silhouettes in CAM profiles.
VX Corporation
(800) 683-9222
www.vx.com

Metalink's second generation of its WLANPlus chipset is a consumer electronics (CE)-grade, 802.11n-draft-compliant dual-band chipset. The 802.11n chipset family is optimized to address the needs of the consumer electronics market. It supports the optional specifications of the 802.11n standard with functionality that is critical for the streaming of high-quality, high-definition TV (HDTV) video throughout the home (three MPEG2 HDTV streams at 60 Mbps with whole-home coverage at 60 feet).

Metalink's second-generation WLANPlus chipset supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In line with the specifications of IEEE drafts for 802.11n Wi-Fi certification, it is fully compliant with 802.11a/b/g-based legacy devices, as well as 802.11h (radar detection), 802.11i (security) and 802.11e quality of service (QoS). The new chipset supports optional standard features as well as proprietary algorithms to meet the critical demands required for sensitive multimedia applications that require superior bandwidth and the lowest possible jitter, latency and packet loss.

To double network coverage in a home environment, the second-generation chipset also features a maximum likelihood (ML) slicer and an advance-coding gain using low-density parity check (LDPC) technology. In a 2 × 3 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rank, the ML slicer provides benefits equivalent to those of transmit beamforming, only without the pendency problems associated with the latter since it is implemented within the digital signal-processing portion of the transmitter. WLANPlus also features QoS mechanisms, such as enhanced distribution channel access (EDCA) with admission control and fast link adaptation (FLA). Dynamic link adaptation (DLS) cuts by 50% the amount of airtime that must be used for QoS operations and increases network efficiency.

The second-generation WLANPlus chipset includes full implementation of an integrated media access controller (MAC), reducing the required processing power and memory allocation from the application host processor. This simplifies WLANPlus integration with consumer electronics devices and reduces the product cost. The transition to the chipset is transparent to the customer due to an agnostic driver's implementation. Metalink offers several reference designs along with the chipset, including Mini PCI (type IIIB), CardBus and residential gateways.
Metalink
(678) 325-5430
www.metalinkbb.com

Novatel Wireless, in collaboration with Microsoft, has developed wireless wide area network (WWAN) modem hardware and software drivers that are certified for the Windows Vista operating system. Novatel Wireless' products successfully passed a series of stringent tests at Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Laboratories (WHQL). WHQL certification sets a high bar for quality and reliability, and is considered an essential part of the purchase decision by many business and home users. This certification allows Novatel Wireless, as well as its wireless carrier and OEM customers, to display the Certified for Windows Vista logo on retail packages for branded products. The logo assures customers that Novatel Wireless products will provide easy plug-and-play installation when used with the Windows Vista operating system. The WHQL certification also means the Novatel Wireless modules are approved for integration into laptop PCs by manufacturers seeking the Certified for Windows Vista logo for their products.
Novatel Wireless
(858) 812-3400
www.novatelwireless.com

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) has expanded its series of multilayer RF chip capacitors to 2500 Vdc. The new type MCH uses high-Q mica dielectric to avoid cracking and delaminating associated with other SMD dielectrics in large sizes. The natural rugged flexibility and high temperature threshold of these chips is compatible with FR4 boards and permits wave soldering. A non-magnetic version, Type MCHN, is available in the same ratings. The MCH and MCHN were designed for use in high RF power designs where stability is critical. Applications include MRI coils, plasma chambers, baluns, lasers, RF power amplifiers and transmitters.

Type MCH is available in a 3838 (0.380 in. × 0.380 in.) (9.9 mm × 9.9 mm) surface-mountable package. The cataloged capacitance values range from 270 pF to 1000 pF with additional exact ratings available. The MCH boasts lower ESR and higher current-carrying capability than other similar dielectrics.

Pricing begins at less than $6.49 each in OEM quantities.
Cornell Dubilier Electronics
(864) 843-2277
www.cde.com

Anchor Bay Technologies has announced the release of the ABT2010, a video-processing IC designed for format-conversion applications in HDTVs; DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray player/recorders; and AV receivers. In addition to featuring video reference series (VRS) precision video scaling II, precision de-interlacing, noise reduction, and image enhancement, the ABT2010 is Anchor Bay's first chip to offer OEMs progressive re-processing (PReP) technology.

The ABT2010 video-processing chip features all of the processing power of Anchor Bay's VRS technologies, including 10-bit precision video scaling II that can independently scale an image horizontally and vertically to achieve outstanding picture quality for today's high-resolution video displays. The ABT2010 also features HD precision de-interlacing, which provides five-field motion-adaptive and edge-adaptive processing for an artifact-free viewing experience. Noise-reduction technologies reduce the noise caused by compression in today's digital content, while picture-enhancement technologies increase edge and fine image detail when low-resolution images are presented on high-resolution displays.

The new chip is also Anchor Bay's first IC to feature PReP technology, a breakthrough processing method that reverts the progressive video signal output from source equipment, such as DVD players, AV receivers, and set-top boxes, to its original interlaced format and then converts the interlaced signal to progressive format using precision de-interlacing, eliminating jaggies, combing, and other degrading effects. PReP technology allows 480p, 576p, 1080p/50, 1080p/60, and other progressive formats that are originally interlaced to be processed by this method.

The ABT2010 also allows consumer electronics manufacturers to implement VRS RightRate, Anchor Bay's tearless frame-rate-conversion technology that maintains progressive source cadence; VRS AutoCUE-C, which automatically detects and removes chroma upsampling errors; and VRS precision AV lipsync, which delays audio to match video-processing delays. The ABT2010 supports HDMI 1.3 with 12-bit output resolutions, as well as pass-through mode for all formats. The ABT2010 IC samples will be available in the second quarter.
Anchor Bay Technologies
(408) 379-3836
www.anchorbaytech.com

Fairchild Semiconductor offers a fourth-order, single-channel filter/driver with an 8 kV ESD rating and SC70 package option. The FMS6141's active filtering approach improves system reliability and image quality compared to passive solutions and also lowers component count by approximately 20%. FMS6141 is ideal for applications that require single-channel video filtering and driving such as portable DVD players and printers for digital still cameras.

The device has an 8 MHz cut-off frequency and 48 dB of stop-band attenuation, enabling it to meet standard-definition (SD) video requirements while being flexible enough for use as an anti-aliasing or reconstruction video-out filter/driver. Its internal diode clamps and bias circuitry accommodate both ac- or dc-coupled input signals.

The FMS6141 is available in SC70-5 or SOIC-8 packages. Pricing is $0.14 each for 1000 pieces.
Fairchild Semiconductor
(207) 775-8100
www.fairchildsemi.com

Mondowave's MW350 adds FM transmitter functionality to the company's MW302 ultralow-power CODEC with headphone amplifier. For applications that currently use a high-quality CODEC, the integrated FM transmitter allows portable audio manufacturers to cost effectively include this feature without the need for extra board space or increased battery consumption. Any portable media device can benefit from the ability to transmit stereo to the nearby FM radio.

Like the MW302, the MW350 uses 7 mW in typical operation and less than 1 µA in shutdown. The lower-power MW350L consumes an amazingly low 3.5 mW. The MW350 delivers good audio performance for portable devices with an SNR of 100 dB and a THD less than 0.05%.

Using an onboard DSP, the FM transmission is accomplished using advanced radio techniques that deliver professional broadcast quality. Worldwide FM operation is supported: 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz for the United States and Europe, and 76 MHz to 90 MHz for Japan. Pre-emphasis and transmit power level are programmable and can be chosen per country-specific regulatory standards. Stereo separation is 60 dB.

Both the MW350 and MW302 include a patent-pending Class MW stereo headphone amplifier that is capable of driving headphones at 50 mW. The high efficiency capless mode eliminates dc blocking capacitors with no power penalty. An on-chip switching power supply provides needed system voltages, further consolidating system components.

Pricing for the MW350 begins at $3.25 in quantities of 10,000. An evaluation board with associated software is available.
Mondowave
(650) 964 2050
www.mondowave.com

NuWaves Engineering has added a micro custom filter amplifier to its line of RF products. NuWaves' uFILTER is designed to allow end users the ability to select their own unique custom filter (low-pass, high-pass, bandpass or band-reject) in a micro, lightweight chassis whose outside dimensions measure (1.00 in. × 0.75 in. × 0.50 in.) The filter is custom designed to the end-user's application, providing the capability to select their operating frequency bandwidth. It is available now.
NuWaves Engineering
(513) 360-0800
www.nuwaves-ltd.com

Pentek's model 7141-703 PMC/XMC module features two 14-bit, 125 MHz ADCs and a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro field-programmable gate array (FPGA). It is configured as a ruggedized module fully compliant with the ANSI/VITA 20 conduction-cooling specification and ANSI/VITA 42 XMC specification. This module is compatible with both cPCI and VME baseboards.

In developing the module, Pentek integrated extended temperature-range components within a thermally efficient housing to ensure effective heat transfer to the carrier board. The module has an extended operating temperature range of -40 °C to +70 °C. Because of its high-speed capability and ruggedized construction, the module is well suited for designs in a variety of market sectors where there is a need for wideband software radio resources in harsh environments. These include a significant range of military and aerospace applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles, battleground SIGINT and communications systems, deployment on tanks or torpedoes, or any system in which ambient or forced air will not provide adequate cooling.

Two full-scale, +10 dBm, analog HF or IF inputs are delivered through front-panel SSMCX connectors. Signals are transformer-coupled to two LTC2255, 14-bit ADC converters running at 125 MHz. The digitized output signals pass to a Virtex-II Pro FPGA for signal processing or routing to other module resources. These resources include a quad digital downconverter, a digital upconverter with dual 16-bit 500 MHz DAC converters, 512 MB DDR SDRAM delay memory and the PCI bus. The FPGA also serves as a control and status engine with data and programming interfaces to each of the on-board resources. Factory-installed FPGA functions include data multiplexing, channel selection, data packing, gating, triggering and SDRAM memory control.

Model 7141-703 complies with the VITA 42 XMC specification. The XMC interface supports high-speed switched-fabric interconnects such as serial rapid IO and PCI Express. There are two 4x serial ports. Each is a 3.125 GHz bidirectional link interconnecting the module with the carrier board and providing 2.5 GBps full-duplex operation, thereby supporting very high bandwidth interchanges. The model 7141-703 PMC/XMC module's prices start at $15,995.
Pentek
(201) 818-5900
www.pentek.com

Mercury Computer Systems' Echotek series ECV4-2 family of mixed-signal PMC and XMC (the next-generation PMC) modules have an input clock capability up to 1.5 GHz. Multimodule configurations can be created supporting synchronized receiver functions, optimized for beamforming and direction-finding as required by radar, SIGINT, ELINT, medical imaging and communications.

There are more than a dozen members of the Echotek series ECV4-2 family, each providing unique I/O connectivity and functionality. Every model is configured with a specific set of ADC or DAC converters addressing a defined bandwidth and frequency for data conversion. PMC and XMC modules are available in two- and four-channel versions, with ADC, DAC and transceiver configurations.

Processing power is delivered by a Xilinx Virtex-4 field-programmable gate array (FPGA). This FPGA allows users to run customized algorithms such as digital down/upconversion (wideband or narrowband), Fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), and filtering directly on the ECV4-2. Modules are available in air-cooled or conduction-cooled versions.
Mercury Computer Systems
(866) 627-6951
www.mc.com

Bliley Technologies has introduced its TV79B temperature-compensated, voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (TCVCXO). Bliley's low-profile DIP TCVCXO enables cost reductions for many communication and other applications, including cellular base stations and telephony, test and other electronic equipment.

Product specifications for Bliley's TV79B TCVCXO include: ±0.28 ppm frequency stability over temperature; ±4.6 ppm frequency stability over all conditions (20 years of aging); standard footprint DIP package with a 0.3 inch height or several other package heights; 0.625 MHz to 52 MHz operating frequency range; optional voltage-controlled frequency tuning; up to -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range; CMOS, sine, clipped sine or TTL output options; and 3.3 V, 5.0 V, 12.0 V or 15.0 V supply options.
Bliley Technologies
(814) 838-3571
www.bliley.com

Sypris Test & Measurement has released two extremely low-field “ELF” gauss meters. These meters are upgraded in performance over their predecessors. The ELF meters combine many of the previously separate features into one functional unit, reducing the need to buy various units.

The 4100 series ELF meters are ideal for commercial or home use. The meter accurately measures extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by electrical equipment. Applications include detecting magnetic field emissions from a wide variety of sources, including video display terminals, ac power lines, office equipment, household appliances, and all types of electronic equipment.

The 4180 unit, with its switchable single-axis mode, allows users to display the vector components of the magnetic field. This is useful in applications that require the direction of the magnetic field to be known as well as the field strength.

The unit has analog output, data logging, and extended bandwidth, in addition to the functions of the 4180. The 4190 unit will also allow the display to show the magnetic field in uT (micro tesla) rather than mG (milligauss).

The built-in software eliminates the need for complex calibration procedures. User prompts on the custom formatted LCD allow fast, simple push-button operation.
Sypris Test and Measurement
(407) 678-0578
www.sypris.com

Renaissance Electronics' line of base station power combiners for the next generation of mobile communications systems is suited for applications such as base station systems for GSM, DCS, PCS, UMTS. Field tested for true high performance, these combiners have shown excellent low operation temperature and stability for maximum reliability and energy efficiency.

Features include high isolation, low operating temperatures, standard 19 in. 2U rack size, and availability in various channel combining configurations.
Renaissance Electronics
(978) 772-7774
www.rec-usa.com

The TinyModem from Radicom Research is a small modem featuring an RJ-11 connector. Measuring 0.66 in. × 1.25 in. × 0.75 in., the full-featured TinyModem with data, fax and voice capability is easy to integrate into small-footprint designs. Highlights include improved EMC/EMI shielding, built-in data pump, modem controller and on-board international DAA.

The TTL interface TinyModem tolerates high isolation voltage up to 3750 V and is fully self-contained. Standard features include caller ID, line-in-use, extension pickup, call-waiting, remote hang-up detection, data rates to 56 Kbps, 14.4 Kbps fax rate, and voice playback and recording capability.

Its small scale, combined with the advantages of a standard RJ-11 connection and improved shielding, simplifies embedding data communications functionality into numerous devices. Agency approvals are: transferable FCC68, CS-03 and CTR21 certified. FCC15B, EN55022B and EN55024 compliant. c/UL, EN60950-1 and EN60601-1 pending.

Radicom Research's TinyModem is available. Prices begin at $29.00 in quantities of 1000 or more.
Radicom Research
(408) 383-9006
www.radi.com

Bird Technologies Group's TX RX control station combiner (CSC) product line is specially designed for use with VHF, UHF and 746 MHz to 960 MHz communications systems. This line of products simplifies cabling installation and antenna mounting for control center facilities as well as mobile command vehicles. Additional product features include superior thermal design and low-profile units for space efficient applications.
Bird Technologies Group
(440) 248-1200
www.bird-technologies.com