Maxim Integrated Products (PINK OTC MARKETS: MXIM) introduces the MAX2990 OFDM-based, power-line communication (PLC) modem. This device employs advanced broadband-communication techniques to deliver cost-effective, two-way data communication over AC and DC powerlines at speeds up to 100kbps. By using existing powerlines, it reduces the need for external cables to interconnect between network nodes.

Supporting a wide, 10kHz to 490kHz frequency range, the MAX2990 complies with international power-line signaling regulations, including CENELEC, FCC, and ARIB. This highly integrated SoC is ideal for applications requiring high data rates over long distances, such as automatic meter reading (AMR); energy management and load control; lighting control; and building, industrial, and home automation.

The challenge of communicating through existing powerlines

The power-line network is by far the largest network in the world. While the idea of using power lines for communication goes back to the 1920s, the number of communication devices installed on dedicated wires far exceeds the number installed on AC powerlines today.

Powerlines are hostile environments. The lower, 10kHz to 500kHz frequency region is especially susceptible to interference, background noise, impulsive noise, and group delays. Figure 1 shows the average noise in a typical power-line channel.

To overcome these challenges, many companies have tried different modulation techniques such as spread spectrum and other narrowband schemes. None of these solutions achieved high data rates reliably over the long distances required by today’s demanding applications.

OFDM and advanced networking technologies ensure robust data communication

Maxim has solved the problems inherent to PLC by applying advanced, broadband communication techniques. The MAX2990 uses OFDM technology with DBPSK modulation and forward error correction (FEC) to provide robust data communication in the presence of narrowband interferers, group delays, jammer signals, impulsive noise, and frequency-selective attenuations. Consequently, the MAX2990 is the industry’s only broadband PLC chip that transfers data at the 10kHz to 490kHz frequency range.

Advanced networking techniques ensure a reliable, highly secure communications network. Specifically, a CSMA/CA scheme controls the data traffic flow in multiple-nodes distributed networks, and an automatic repeat request (ARQ) function ensures the delivery and receipt of incoming packets. The MAX2990 also integrates a fast DES encryption/decryption coprocessor to enhance data security.

Improved bandwidth utilization maximizes data recovery

Figure 2 compares a narrowband technology, such as FSK, to a broadband technology, such as OFDM. These two technologies differ in the number of tones that each uses to transmit data per symbol (a symbol is the smallest unit of data transmitted at one time). The graph illustrates that OFDM uses bandwidth more efficiently than a narrowband method, thereby allowing more tones to be transmitted per a given bandwidth.

The higher number of tones available from OFDM systems enables the MAX2990 to implement data-recovery schemes such as Reed Solomon and convolutional encoding. These advanced channel-coding techniques provide error-correction bits that can be transmitted with the data on different tones to maximize data recovery. This OFDM capability makes the MAX2990 the industry’s most robust PLC modem.

Superior performance at higher data rates

When evaluating a modem, one of the most significant values to consider is the bit-error rate (BER) at a given signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The BER is the ratio of the lost bits to the transmitted bits at a certain noise level.

Whereas a typical FSK system has a BER of ~104 at 12dB SNR with a data rate of ~2kbps, the MAX2990 achieves the same BER at ~4dB SNR with data rates of ~32kbps in Cenelec bands between 10kHz and 95kHz. Thus, using OFDM technology with error-correction techniques enables an ~8dB improvement in performance at much higher data rates.

To further improve performance, the MAX2990 automatically switches to robust mode when input-signal variations exceed predefined thresholds, such as SNR levels, input-fluctuation levels, and potential in-band tone reductions. As a result, this mode achieves ~5dB improvement in SNR, but at lower data rates.

10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based Power Line Communications Modem

MB88R157, an addition to its existing product line of spread-spectrum clock generators (SSCG(1)), which provide countermeasures against electromagnetic interference (EMI(2)) on high-frequency clock signals. The new LSI also includes embedded FRAM(3), an industry first, which features fast rewriting speed and can vary its frequency output over a range of 1 MHz to 134 MHz while mounted on a circuit board. In addition, Fujitsu Microelectronics’ circuit design technology reduces the product power consumption in continuous operation by up to 40% in comparison to similar products from other companies. As it is easy to rewrite parameters in this new LSI, it is appropriate for a wide range of applications including multi-functional printers, PCs, and mobile phones, as well as for televisions, DVD players, and game consoles.

In order to avoid the adverse effects of EMI on high-frequency clock signals, which can cause malfunctions of the chip or the entire system, this LSI minutely varies its clock signal.

Fujitsu has offered SSCGs since 2003, and each SSCG has a unique clock frequency depending on the application in which it would be used.

As digital-media devices have become more high-performance and multi-functional, since the number of types of clock signals driving their internal circuits has increased, there is a need for SSCGs that can not only generate unique clock signals, but also vary those signals. In order to meet these needs, Fujitsu Microelectronics developed the MB88R157 with embedded FRAM.

This new product encompasses patent-pending digital frequency modulation control technology and modulation cycle combination technology from Fujitsu VLSI Limited, as well as Fujitsu Microelectronics’ own FRAM technology. Fujitsu Microelectronics will continue to provide high value-added SSCG products in future.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the release of the new TR8 series of molded MicroTan™ tantalum chip capacitors that provide ultra-low ESR values of 0.8 Ω (at 100 kHz and 47 µF) in the 0805 case size, and an industry-low 1.5 Ω in the 0603 case size.

Low ESR values, combined with small 0603 and 0805 footprints, allow for greater efficiency in audio filtering and signal processing applications, while requiring less PCB space. The new TR8 capacitors are intended for applications in cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, and other portable devices.

Like all series within the MicroTan™ family, the TR8 is fully RoHS-compliant and halogen-free in accordance with Vishay’s commitment to supporting environmentally friendly “green” initiatives. The devices feature lead (Pb)-free, L-shape facedown terminations for better contact to the solder pad than traditional facedown-style terminations. In addition, their rectangular molded case encapsulation helps to streamline PCB assembly.

Capacitance values for the TR8 series range from 1.0 µF to 220 µF, with standard capacitance tolerances of ±10% and ±20%. Voltage ratings range from 4 WVDC to 16 WVDC. The operating temperature range for the devices is -55 °C to +85 °C, or +125 °C with voltage derating.

The capacitors are available in 8-mm tape and reel packaging per EIA-481-1 and 7-in [178-mm] standard reeling per IEC 286-3.

EON card is not working the last time i tried it for online payment using CC Processors and Paypal.  Paypal says that the card was declined. One user from ebay.ph posted this:

“krizy.wa (27 ) View Listings | Report 17-05-08 09:03 PHT 35 of 62

Hi! I was able to get a response from their Internet Team. Here’s their email:

Dear Mr./Ms. Kris,

Greetings from UnionBank!
Thank you for your email. Please be infomed that we are currently encountering connection problems with VISA such that debit cards can temporarily be used ONLY for local ATM transactions and inquiries.This might be the reason why your online transaction is not going through. We are working on restoring the connection as quickly as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

We could also further check on your account, please provide the following information for account verification:”

I tried it again last night (May 20, 2008) on my EON Funded Paypal Account. When you login directly to the Paypal Website and send money to anyone, it works.  But if you login to Paypal coming from a redirect site (Paypal Merchant) and then pay someone, you would still get the “card declined” error message. I tried ordering online using the credit card processor instead of Paypal and still the card was declined. So i guess EON partially works for Paypal today but not on credit card processors.

New Transparent Ceramics

When ceramic materials are fired, crystal grains grow together to become polycrystalline. The boundary between crystal grains is called grain boundary. Normally, ceramics are opaque because pores are formed at triple points where grains intersect, causing scattering of incident light. Murata has optimized the entire development process of making dense and homogenous ceramics to improve their performance. As a result, we have developed transparent ceramics by reducing pores inside ceramics. Barium based transparent ceramics, offering a very high refractive index as well as a wide transmission range from visible to infrared light, are projected to pioneer as a new frontier in optical materials.

The refractive index of the transparent ceramics is 2.08 (λ = 587 nm). It is quite high compared with that of conventional optical glasses (between 1.5 to 1.8). Furthermore, as there is no birefringence in the ceramics, there is a potential for downsizing and advancement of optical devices with optical elements, such as lenses.

NXP and Siemens Mobility have reached an agreement to technically collaborate with each other in order to develop NXP’s new ATOP (Automotive Telematics On Board Unit Platform) into the ’single chip on-board unit’ system based on GPS and GSM. Once it is ready for the market, it is intended for use in private vehicles. ATOP can be used simply and cost-effectively as it exploits existing GPS/GSM mobile networks. It is not necessary to install expensive infrastructure such as toll stations. Drivers can install the on-board unit for private cars in just a few minutes. The system is secure and facilitates easy toll collection. Commercial use is planned for the first half of 2010.

Governments, authorities and institutions all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in flexible road pricing solutions that are suitable for all car drivers and can automatically calculate and charge customers for a journey by car. In addition, they must not impair the flow of traffic and must help to ensure that the number of vehicles on the roads is kept within reasonable limits. Siemens Mobility and NXP are therefore working together to create a viable, practical solution for the market. NXP will supply a chip and basic software which combines all the functions for toll collection such as GPS (Global Positioning System), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and NFC (Near Field Communication) modules. Interfaces for flexible telematics applications such as additional traffic information, including the Smart X high-safety application, will be provided on a single-chip platform, which is fully automotive-grade. Siemens is to develop the on-board unit (OBU) and integrate the single chip and software from NXP.

The previous toll system from Siemens Mobility will thus be considerably improved on in terms of the range of functions. The ATOP-based on-board unit receives GPS satellite signals and uses GSM-based standard radio technology for transmitting data to the central system for toll calculation. The system also includes a non-removable adhesive vignette which is fitted with a radio chip (RFID) and is attached to the windscreen. It communicates with the on-board unit in order to ensure that the OBU is actually present in the vehicle and is being operated in accordance with the use for which it is intended. The RFID vignette can also be used for other applications such as parking space management.

The price of a car journey can be determined in a number of ways. The distance traveled and the time of day chosen for the trip are the main factors, but the type of vehicle and fuel consumption or CO2 emissions are also possible references. Simple, secure toll charging is ensured by means of monthly invoicing but, in order to ensure privacy, a prepaid card can be purchased instead. In this case, no details of the driver or the route are disclosed.

The current fee for car journeys can be displayed by the OBU at all times. The police or authorized monitoring bodies can carry out a check at any time to make sure the driver is using the system in the way for which it is intended, enabling easy enforcement. For this purpose, a portable device will be provided which uses near field communication technology (NFC) in order to read out information from the vignette on the windscreen. The vignette also serves as a security mechanism in conjunction with the OBU in order to ensure than only the OBU specifically assigned to the vehicle can be used and not exchanged with another vehicle.

The OBU is being developed to take into account the conditions inside the vehicle. This is necessary in order to enable it to withstand extreme temperatures. The lifetime of the unit is not dependent on the lifetime of the vehicle. The system is being developed in such a way that it can be easily fitted in the vehicle and, in the event of damage, can easily be replaced.

Further information on intelligent traffic systems from Siemens Mobility at http://www.siemens.de/traffic.

Allegro® introduces a new ultra sensitive, Hall-effect switch with latched digital outputs and omnipolar magnetic actuation. It features operation at low supply currents and voltages, making it ideal for battery-operated electronics. The low operating supply voltage, 1.65 V to 3.5 V, and unique clocking algorithm assist in reducing the average operating power consumption. For example, the power requirements are less than 15 mW with a 2.75 V supply.

Unlike many Hall-effect switches, both north and south polarity magnetic fields of sufficient strength activate output switching, to either off or on. Additionally, Allegro’s A1172, available in a four-pin wafer level chip scale package, provides two push-pull outputs. These outputs are configured such that one output switches off in the absence of sufficient magnetic field while the other output switches on in the absence of a magnetic field.

This polarity-independence, as well as the minimal power requirements, allows the A1172 to easily replace reed switches, providing superior reliability and ease of manufacturing while eliminating the requirement for signal conditioning.

Allegro’s A1172 device is targeted at the consumer market and is available in a four-pin wafer level chip scale package (CG).

Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MPLAB® Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products (Part # DV243003). Featuring a compact design, the high-speed, easy-to-use kit supports all of Microchip’s serial EEPROM devices, including the new UNI/O™ family. The single-board kit obtains power from the USB port on a PC or laptop and runs under the familiar MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE), enabling faster debugging and system integration, with shorter time to market.

“This new MPLAB Starter Kit elevates Microchip’s serial EEPROM development-tool offerings to higher levels of efficiency and performance,” said Derek Carlson, Microchip’s vice president of Development Tools. “This pairs a powerful memory tool to the MPLAB IDE with a single USB connection, simplifies set up and establishes an almost instant learning curve for first-time use. This kit is the latest addition to Microchip’s broad line of user-friendly development tools.”

Whereas other serial EEPROM tools are simply programmers, the MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products displays the entire memory contents on screen for quick verification and editing. It also logs endurance cycles and stores memory contents in files for archiving and analysis. Additionally, because the kit derives power over USB, its operation is fast. No additional power-supply connections are needed, which enhances the kit’s portability and enables the highest performance at a record low cost.

Availability

The MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products (Part # DV243003) can be ordered at www.microchipdirect.com, for $79.98. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at www.microchip.com/memorykit.

MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products
Part Number: DV243003

Designers of Serial EEPROM applications can enjoy the increased productivity, reduced time to market and rock-solid design that only a well thought out development system can provide. Microchip’s MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products includes everything necessary to quickly develop a robust and reliable Serial EEPROM design, and greatly reduces the time required for system integration and hardware/software fine-tuning.

Features

● 3.3V and 5.0V on-board voltage selection
● Supports Microchip UNI/O™ bus, I²C™, SPI, and Microwire Serial EEPROMs
● 1.8V to 5.5V external voltage support
● Includes free copy of MPLAB IDE
● USB interconnect
● Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (32-bit)

● MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products board
● CD containing the following:
▪ MPLAB IDE
▪ Integrated Serial EEPROM interface tool
▪ Total Endurance™ software model
▪ User’s Guide
● USB cable
● Serial EEPROM sample pack

Gettorf – EGE’s new KGF line of capacitve level controllers, which complies with NAMUR and DIN EN 60947-5-6 standards, qualifies for particularly demanding tasks. The sensors are suited to monitor the fill level of viscous paint – this often causes problems with other devices since the medium sticks to the sensor and is highly conductive because it contains metal pigments. The IP 67-protected KGF sensors are manufactured from robust PTFE, a material which is also used e.g. for non-stick coatings, and therefore function reliably even under the conditions described above. They are operated together with the amplifier unit EGE-90-Ex1.

Figure: EGE´s KGF sensor enable fill level detection of problematic media such as two-component-paint

Construction

The FlexiForce A201 force sensor is an ultra-thin, flexible printed circuit. The force sensors are constructed of two layers of substrate (polyester/polyimide) film. On each layer, a conductive material (silver) is applied, followed by a layer of pressure-sensitive ink. Adhesive is then used to laminate the two layers of substrate together to form the force sensor. The active sensing area is defined by the silver circle on top of the pressure-sensitive ink. Silver extends from the sensing area to the connectors at the other end of the sensor, forming the conductive leads. A201 sensors are terminated with male square pins, allowing them to be easily incorporated into a circuit. The two outer pins of the connector are active and the center pin is inactive.

How it Works

The FlexiForce single element force sensor acts as a force sensing resistor in an electrical circuit. When the force sensor is unloaded, its resistance is very high. When a force is applied to the sensor, this resistance decreases. The resistance can be read by connecting a multimeter to the outer two pins, then applying a force to the sensing area. In the image below, the plot shows both the Force vs. resistance and Force vs. conductance (1/R). Note that the conductance curve is linear, and therefore useful in calibration.

One way to integrate the A201 force sensor into an application is to incorporate it into a force-to-voltage circuit. A means of calibration must then be established to convert the output into the appropriate engineering units. Depending on the setup, an adjustment could then be done to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the force sensor. The chart to the right shows a typical sensor response (based on our recommended drive circuit).

Benefits

FlexiForce is reknowned for its versatility, ease of integration, and cost-effectiveness. Depending on the needs of the application, users can trim the sensors to the length of their choosing, or Tekscan can trim the force sensors to lengths of 2″, 4″, and 6″ for an additional charge. In addition, FlexiForce force sensors can be custom-designed to meet the needs of an endless variety of applications.

FlexiForce sensors are pliable enough to allow for non-intrusive measurement. They can be attached to many surfaces, and can be combined with plastic or metal films for increased stiffness or for added protection from abrasion.

http://www.tekscan.com/flexiforce/flexiforce.html