According to its manufacturer, when it comes to modulation modes and data rates, the T5551-PAE is the industry's most universal read/write device for 125-kHz applications. It provides eight different data rates ranging from Rf/16 to Rf/128 to optimize the application according to distance and data-transfer requirements. Additionally, its 5.0- by 8.0- by 0.4-mm package lets designers insert it into plastic ISO cards.
Pricing starts at $0.99 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
Atmel Corp., 2325 Orchard Pkwy., San Jose, CA 95131; (800) 292-8635, (408) 441-0311; www.atmel.com.
Core Module Interfaces Between Microprocessor And Hardware The Rabbit 2000 Core Module provides an interface between the Rabbit 2000 microprocessor and application-specific hardware. Even though it measures just 1.9 by 2.3 in., it includes 40 general-purpose I/Os, SRAM and Flash, and a backup battery interface. Its memory I/O interface boasts 13 address lines, eight data lines, and I/O read/write. This module also has master-slave control pins, five 8-bit and two 10-bit timers, and four CMOS-compatible serial ports. The Rabbit 2000 microprocessor is included as well.A 28.5-MHz clock quickly crunches numbers. Along with Flash and SRAM, this clock provides users with a development-ready memory interface. The module itself is ready for immediate software development. User programs are developed using the company's Dynamic C, a C-language environment that includes an editor, compiler, and debugger. Programs can be compiled and executed using the Dynamic C software and a programming cable. No in-circuit emulator is necessary.
Three versions of the module are available. Prices start at $39 each. The development kit costs $169.
Z-World, 2900 Spafford St., Davis, CA 95616; (530) 757-3737; fax (530) 753-5141; www.zworld.com.
Small 8-Bit Controller Includes Its Own Programming Language The MC2000-074 controller features a 20-MHz, 8-bit PIC processor. It uses the Dev-074 carrier board to provide its pin-compatible connectors for two serial ports, an LCD port, a keypad port, a TTL port, nine pins for general I/O, and a connector for the manufacturer's SPI- and IIC-compatible VAST port. It runs on 9 mA. A software-controlled sleep mode requires just 2 mA, suiting the device for low-power applications. The MC2000-074 also is less than a square inch in size.Its programming language, known as VSTB, provides ease of use. This language runs at 12,000 lines/s. It supports executable files up to 32k while requiring less code than conventional PIC languages for most tasks. Additionally, it supports integer, float, bit, byte, array variables, and string constants. VSTB provides event handling and timer control as well. Meanwhile, the language's integrated development environment supplies single-click compile and download and other essential features.
Two memory configurations are available for $59 and $69 each. Development kits, which include a carrier board, language CD, debug cable, keypad, LCD, and battery, cost $179.
Vesta Technology Inc., 11465 West I-70 Frontage Rd. N, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033; (303) 422-8088; fax (303) 422-9800; www.vestatech.com.
64-Bit Bus-Mastering Silicon Suits Embedded 32-Bit Local-Bus Designs The PCI 9656 I/O Accelerator bus-mastering silicon enables 64-bit, 66-MHz operation in adapters and embedded hosts that incorporate Motorola PowerQUICC processors or generic 32-bit, 66-MHz local-bus designs. It supports three optional 32-bit, 66-MHz local-bus interfaces selectable with a strapping option. One mode supports Motorola's MPC 850/860 PowerQUICC communication processor and other PowerPC 801-compliant devices. The other two modes are generic 32-bit interfaces—one with multiplexed address and data buses, the other demultiplexed.This accelerator meets the most stringent requirements for silicon Hot Swap support. Designers, then, will benefit from quick time-to-market for CompactPCI Hot Swap adapters. It's based on the architecture of the company's PCI 9054 accelerator. This register-set compatibility lets designers enhance existing designs with minimal effort, thereby protecting software investments. The 9656, then, can be used in designs that demand maximum bandwidth without incurring the expense or effort of implementing 64-bit peripherals on the local bus.
Packaged in a 272-ball PBGA, the 9656 will sample in the fourth quarter. It costs $37 in 100-unit quantities.
PLX Technology Inc., 390 Potrero Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085; (800) 759-3735; fax (408) 774-2169; www.plxtech.com.