Electronic Design UPDATE: December 7, 2005

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Electronic Design UPDATE e-Newsletter
Electronic Design Magazine 
Electronic Design ==> www.electronicdesign.com
December 7, 2005
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http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F6:484C79

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Today's Table Of Contents:
1. News Focus
  *An Entire DVD Player/Recorder Fits On A Single Chip
2. News From The Editors
  *Memory Subsystem Lowers Cell-Phone Development Cost
  *400-W Supplies Target Medical And Industrial Jobs
  *Safety Relay Boasts Slim Profile
3. TechView Scope
  *Silicon Nanocrystal Memory Leaps Forward
4. Upcoming Industry Events
  *Consumer Electronics Show
  *IPC Printed Circuits Expo
  *DesignCon 2006
5. Book Review
  *"Machine Vision: Theory, Algorithms, Practicalities"

Electronic Design UPDATE edited by Lisa Maliniak, eMedia Editor
mailto:[email protected]
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1. News Focus
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An Entire DVD Player/Recorder Fits On A Single Chip

Following the continuous trend to pack more functionality into less 
space, Zoran has developed a single-chip DVD player/recorder. The 
Activa 200 combines DVD recordable front-end technology (read/write 
channel, servo, data processor, and CPU) with the audio/video 
back-end functions (MPEG decode/encode CPU, analog video 
decoder/encoder, and progressive scan output) on one 
system-on-a-chip (SoC). The SoC and its analog companion Activa 250 
chip are now sampling to major DVD recorder manufacturers worldwide.
   On the front end, Activa 200 integrates a versatile, fully 
programmable digital servo processor. Zoran implemented proprietary 
data-recovery methods and error handling for improved readability of 
various disc types. The write channel supports reliable recording to 
all popular DVD formats, with advanced algorithms to consistently 
and automatically calibrate new media for use in the system.
   The Activa 200 back end offers a high level of peripheral 
support. Features include an analog video decoder with native RGB 
input support, 3D Y/C separation and time base correction, and a 
video encoder. It has a variety of high-end I/O interfaces, 
including an integrated stereo Class D output, a 1394 link, and a 
USB host controller with physical-layer transceiver.
   Activa 200 has native support for authoring and editing in 
DVD-Video, DVD-VR, and DVD+VR formats. The result is compatible, 
reliable recording with editing; a reduction in overall system cost; 
and  a high-quality, seamless viewing and listening experience. 
   The companion Activa 250 analog front-end chip is an RF signal 
processing system, optimized to work with the most popular optical 
pickup units (OPUs) and loader mechanisms. The Activa 200 and Activa 
250 are the main components of a complete turnkey chip set for DVD 
recording, which is delivered with complete system software 
including an easy-to-use graphical user interface. 
   Zoran expects Activa 200-based DVD recorders to begin production 
early next year. The Activa 200 and Activa 250 chip set costs $25 in 
OEM quantities.
     Zoran Corp. ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B403:484C79

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http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B405:484C79 

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*******************Live on ElecDesign.com***********************

Freescale Microcontroller Pop Quiz 

Put your microcontroller knowledge to the test by answering five 
challenging questions from Electronic Design and Freescale. Don't 
forget to enter your details and hit submit to be eligible to win a 
new Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner!
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F8:484C79 

Free Web Seminar: RoHS -- The Manager's Role, Part 2

December 21, 2005 at 3:30 pm EST
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in the transition to compliance with the Restrictions on Hazardous 
Substances (RoHS). We will identify and explore the decisions that 
must be made by industry managers. Register today! 
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F1:484C79

Free eBook: Black-Box Approach To ADCs

This eBook provides a black-box approach to the traditional 
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http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F4:484C79

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2. News -- From The Editors
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***Memory Subsystem Lowers Cell-Phone Development Cost
STMicroelectronics and Intel have announced a common flash-memory 
subsystem to lower development costs for handset OEMs and enable 
them to get to market faster with feature-rich phones. To simplify 
handset memory design, the two companies will provide hardware- and 
software-compatible memory products based on common specifications. 
As a result, cell-phone makers should see shorter development times 
and lower costs. They also will be able to more easily transition to 
the next generation of NOR flash products from the two companies. 
NOR flash is the memory technology of choice for the volume 
mainstream of the cell-phone market segment. The first 
multilevel-cell (MLC) NOR products based on the common 
specifications are 512-Mbit devices independently designed and 
manufactured with 90-nm process technology. These products are now 
available from STMicroelectronics and Intel. The common subsystem 
specifications also will extend to 65-nm MLC NOR technology and will 
focus on single-chip 1-Gbit MLC NOR products.
     Intel Corp. ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B402:484C79
     STMicroelectronics ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B404:484C79

***400-W Supplies Target Medical And Industrial Jobs
Well suited for medical and industrial applications, the APS400MX 
series of 400-W switching power supplies offers single and dual 
outputs ranging from 2 to 58 V dc. They come in a standard u-frame 
package that measures 5.0 by 8.0 by 1.6 in. or with an optional 
end-mount fan cover that extends the depth to 9.0 in. The supplies 
feature universal ac input with active power factor correction 
(EN61000-3-2 Class D), low leakage of less than 300 microamps, and 
dual-fused input protection. A wide range of status and control 
features includes remote sense, current sharing, remote on/off, 
power fail, voltage monitoring, voltage margining of 50 to 100 
percent, and an auxiliary 12-V fan output. The supplies come 
standard with constant-voltage characteristics, with an option for 
constant current operation. Standard units are available from stock. 
Example pricing for a single-output unit is as low as $140.00 each 
in 1000-piece quantities.
     Advanced Power Solutions ==> 
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3FB:484C79

***Safety Relay Boasts Slim Profile
A compact safety relay from Panasonic Electric Works (formerly 
Aromat) complies with EN50205 Type A with its forcibly guided 
contacts. The SFS slim-profile relay has a built-in LED indicator to 
eliminate the need for design and mounting of a separate LED 
circuit, cutting costs and saving labor. The four-pole SFS measures 
40 mm long by 13 mm wide by 24 mm high. Important safety features 
include fast response time (8 ms max) and high shock resistance. The 
SFS is available in 2a2b, 3a1b, 4a2b, 5a1b, and 3a3b contact 
arrangements. Also, pc-board sockets are available. Typical 
applications for the SFS include machine tools, elevator/escalator 
control, factory automation, and automotive manufacturing lines. The 
SFS2 costs $11.40 each in 1000-piece quantities. Delivery is stock 
to 12 weeks.
     Panasonic Electric Works ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3FF:484C79

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3. TechView Scope 
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Silicon Nanocrystal Memory Leaps Forward

It's almost time for flash memory to step aside. Freescale 
Semiconductor has manufactured the world's first 24-Mbit memory 
array based on silicon nanocrystals. Researchers say this technology 
will replace flash memory, which will reach its scaling limits 
within the next few years because of high operating voltages, 
fabrication process complexity, and cost. 
   Freescale used 90-nm CMOS bulk technology to create the array at 
the company's Austin Technology & Manufacturing Center. This 
development required the researchers to deposit the silicon 
nanocrystals with excellent uniformity, as well as integration 
approaches that would keep the nanocrystal properties intact during 
subsequent production. 
   Such memories are part of an advanced class of technologies 
called thin-film storage. They're more scalable than conventional 
floating-gate-based flash technology, as their tunnel oxide 
thickness can be reduced without impacting data retention. A thinner 
tunnel oxide also would allow lower-voltage operation, substantially 
reducing the memory module area needed to generate the bit-cell 
programming voltages. 
   These benefits would yield significant wafer processing 
simplifications and manufacturing cost reductions. The combination 
of higher bit density and reduced cost would result in a lower cost 
per bit to embed silicon nanocrystal memories in other CMOS 
circuits. Also, the technology does not require new materials or 
wafer fabrication equipment. This would enable immediate 
compatibility with existing production wafer fabs. 
     Freescale Semiconductor ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B401:484C79
		 
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http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F5:484C79

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4. Upcoming Industry Events
**********************

January 5-8, 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
Las Vegas, Nev.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F9:484C79

February 5-10, 2006 IPC Printed Circuits Expo, APEX, and the 
Designers Summit
Anaheim, Calif.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B400:484C79

February 6-9, 2006 DesignCon 2006
Santa Clara, Calif.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3FD:484C79

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5. Book Review
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"Machine Vision: Theory, Algorithms, Practicalities"
By E.R. Davies

Computer vision systems are used in a wide range of applications, 
from assembly-line object recognition to robotics. Low-cost video 
capture modules and high-performance microprocessors have combined 
to make vision systems practical and economical. Unfortunately, 
computer vision and recognition is a difficult software problem and 
the hardware is useless without good applications. "Machine Vision" 
by E.R. Davies is in its third incarnation. This updated version 
presents the latest in filtering and pattern matching in a form that 
is both introductory and advanced... 

Read the full book review at 
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F3:484C79

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EiED Online -- ZigBee Kits

Embedded in Electronic Design (EiED) Online is your source for 
technical insight and hands-on reviews. Read Technology Editor Bill 
Wong's latest EiED Online column, "ZigBee Kits." ZigBee is taking 
off. Bill takes a look at three two-chip development kits from 
Ember, Silicon Labs, and Microchip that help you take to the 
airwaves.

http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3F2:484C79

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TAKE A POLL!

Which tech toy would you put at the top of your holiday wish list?

-- iPod
-- High-definition plasma TV
-- GPS navigation system
-- Smart phone
-- Satellite radio

Vote at Electronic Design ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1B3FC:484C79

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CONTACTS: Electronic Design UPDATE e-NEWSLETTER
==================================

Editorial: Mark David, Editor-in-Chief
mailto:[email protected]

Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: Bill Baumann, Publisher
mailto:[email protected]
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