Electronic Design UPDATE: August 10, 2005

==================================

Electronic Design UPDATE e-Newsletter
Electronic Design Magazine
PlanetEE ==> www.planetee.com
August 10, 2005
=============================


*************************ADVERTISEMENT**************************

Tektronix -- The Next Generation

On August 23, Tektronix is launching the Next Generation of Signal 
Generation. Arbitrary/function generators take a very large leap 
forward into a new era of ease and usability. Be the first to see 
the instrument power up, and enter to win an iPod. Your signal 
generator: is it old generation? Click here to make sure it's not: 

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C1:1001CD

****************************************************************

Today's Table Of Contents:
1. Industry View
  *Embedded Linux Offers New Opportunities In Comm Access Arena
2. Focus On Analog
  *Miniature Linear Regulator Boasts Low Output Noise
3. News From The Editors
  *High-Power IR LED Fits In 0805 Package
  *Future Memory Must Be Universal
  *Machine Vision Board Works Solo
4. Magazine Highlights: August 4, 2005
  *Cover Story: Engineering Feature -- Nano's Success Depends On A 
   Rock Solid Foundation
  *Technology Report -- Platforms Strive For Virtual Security
  *Leapfrog: First Look -- Bipolar Process Puts The Squeeze On Die 
   Size, Noise
  *Leapfrog: First Look -- Versatile ExpressModule Invigorates 
   Servers
  *Design View/Design Solution -- Simulation Mismatches Can Foul Up 
   Test-Pattern Generation
5. Electronic Design Helpline
  *Soft-Start Circuit

Electronic Design UPDATE edited by Lisa Maliniak, eMedia Editor
mailto:[email protected]
****************************************************************

2005 Engineering Hall of Fame

The members of Electronic Design's Engineering Hall of Fame are 
those men and women whose accomplishments have shaped the 
electronics industry and, by extension, our world. It's time to vote 
for the 2005 slate of inductees. Give us a few minutes of your time 
to browse through our list of nominees and tell us who you think 
should be honored this year. Your vote counts!

Go to http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C6:1001CD

****************************************************************

**********************
1. Industry View -- Exclusive to Electronic Design UPDATE
**********************

Embedded Linux Offers New Opportunities In Comm Access Arena

By Rakesh Tiwari, Staff Software Engineer, IDT Inc.

The communications access arena is rapidly changing. This highly 
dynamic market, with its many emerging standards and protocols, has 
become increasingly cost-sensitive. Developers must not only bring 
to market lower-cost solutions, they also must do so extremely 
quickly to take advantage of rapidly shrinking market windows. 
Today, total development cost and time-to-market are every bit as 
important as system performance. 
   By bringing together a highly configurable feature set with the 
extensive software resources of the open-source community, 
embedded Linux running on off-the-shelf silicon offers designers 
of access equipment an unprecedented opportunity to develop 
high-performance systems at low cost. Traditionally, 
communications equipment designers have relied on proprietary 
embedded operating systems. By fine-tuning a proprietary 
operating system to an application, developers can minimize image 
footprint and maximize performance. So why switch from the 
comfortable and familiar to Linux? Because more often than not, 
designers have had to pay more to achieve these capabilities with 
a proprietary system. 
   With the continual evolution of open-sourced Linux and the 
declining cost of off-the-shelf silicon, developers now have a 
highly attractive, low-cost option. Off-the-shelf communications 
processors running embedded Linux can perform both data-plane and 
control-plane processing. Semiconductor vendors also can optimize 
the latest versions of Linux to offer new device drivers and a 
compact footprint. The operating system brings proven reliability 
and scalability from the server/desktop arena. Furthermore, 
because it was built on the extensive resources of the 
open-source community, Linux offers well-documented kernels and 
development tools. 
   Loadable modules now help developers quickly tune the Linux image 
footprint and runtime memory requirements to a specific 
application. Networking resources have grown increasingly 
extensive, offering support for IPv4 and IPv6, routing protocols, 
stream-control transmission protocol, network file systems, 
point-to-point protocols, stateful firewalls, packet filtering, 
quality of service, network address translation, and IP 
compression.  
   To maximize design flexibility, Linux supports a growing range of 
hardware platforms including the popular MIPS, ARM, PPC, and x86 
processors. Developers also can take advantage of both native and 
cross-platform development tools to simplify the porting of 
applications from one platform to another. Through the POSIX/BSD 
application programming interface (API), developers using Linux 
can easily integrate many open-source applications, such as open 
SSL, open SSH, Snort (IDS/IPS), and Samba server, and make use of 
commercial networking stacks. For security, Linux provides 
complete IPsec and file system encryption support. 
   Finally, unlike with proprietary embedded operating systems, 
developers using Linux have free access to source code. Gaining 
access to another vendor's source code is usually prohibitively 
expensive, if not impossible, simply because no vendor wants to 
give up control of its primary competitive secrets. With Linux, 
all developers gain access to the source code. That key 
distinction not only allows developers to easily debug and modify 
their system, but by allowing a large number of developers access 
to the source, it also ensures the bugs are quickly eliminated. 
The existence of this large, worldwide development community 
additionally leads to faster support of new protocols than any 
single proprietary embedded operating-system vendor can provide.
   That doesn't mean Linux is free. While the Linux kernel comes at 
little or no cost, developers must pay a runtime royalty fee per 
unit for third-party technology components and intellectual 
property. The cost of development tools, while low, is still a 
consideration too. But the support and tool environment for Linux 
has grown so dramatically over the past few years that overall 
development costs are rapidly shrinking.   
   The rapid convergence of communications and computing is placing 
a new premium on cost and development speed in the access market. 
While developers have relied on proprietary embedded operating 
systems in the past, these changing market conditions are forcing 
designers to seek out new ways to meet performance goals while 
reducing cost and development time. While Linux is not the 
panacea for the communications access software market, its highly 
customizable feature set and increasingly broad selection of 
open-source software and tools provides an exciting opportunity 
to address these new requirements.

Rakesh Tiwari, staff software engineer with IDT's serial-switching 
division, has more than eight years of experience in the field of 
networking and embedded software development. Previously, Tiwari 
worked at Pluris Networks, Hughes Research Labs, and Sun 
Microsystems. He holds a bachelor of engineering degree in 
electronics and a masters degree in computer science with a 
specialization in networking.

****************************************************************

*************************ADVERTISEMENT**************************

Electronics can never be too powerful.

You're forever striving to make the products you create more 
compelling. With a broad portfolio that covers the vast spectrum of 
memory ICs including DRAM, specialty RAM, memory modules, flash 
components and cards, we help you succeed. See how our Smart Chip 
solutions can make your design even more innovative.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C8:1001CD

****************************************************************

**********************
2. Focus On Analog
**********************

***Miniature Linear Regulator Boasts Low Output Noise
Using a patent-pending architecture, a miniature CMOS linear 
regulator from National Semiconductor conducts very little output 
noise and features high power-supply ripple rejection (PSRR) while 
consuming only 25 microamps of quiescent current. The LP5900 is a 
100-mA low-dropout linear regulator optimized for powering analog 
and RF signal-path ICs, including low-noise amplifiers, 
voltage-controlled oscillators, and RF receivers. It emits 6.5 
microvolts (RMS) of noise and achieves a PSRR of 75 dB without the 
use of a bypass capacitor. The LP5900 is available in a lead-free, 
four-bump micro SMD package that measures 1.1 by 1.1 mm. It requires 
just two 0.47-microfarad ceramic chip capacitors, which reduces 
component count and form factor. An 80-mV dropout voltage improves 
system efficiency by regulating from the lowest possible voltage 
source. The LP5900 is available now in multiple output voltages 
ranging from 1.5 to 3.3 V. Pricing is $0.55 in 1000-unit quantities. 
A six-lead LLP will be available later this year.
     National Semiconductor Corp. ==> 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C3:1001CD

**********************
3. News -- From The Editors
**********************

***High-Power IR LED Fits In 0805 Package
According to its manufacturer, it's one of the smallest 
surface-mount infrared (IR) LEDs available. The OP200 is a 
high-power device mounted in an 0805 chip package. This 
ultra-miniature LED enables designers to incorporate IR sensing into 
portable electronics that require smaller surface-mount components, 
such as mobile phones. Other applications include noncontact 
position sensors, machine automation systems, and miniature optical 
encoders. The OP200 LEDs are gallium-aluminum-arsenide (880-nm 
wavelength) devices with a flat molded lens that provides a wide 
beam angle and an evenly distributed emission pattern. They're 
RoHS-compliant, and they're compatible with high-temperature 
lead-free soldering processes. Typical pricing for the OP200 IR LEDs 
starts at $0.20 each in quantities of 2500 pieces, with samples 
available immediately. Production quantity lead time is four to six 
weeks.
     Optek Technology ==>  http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106CA:1001CD

***Future Memory Must Be Universal
The race is on to develop the first truly universal semiconductor 
memory, one that can fulfill all needs and be used in all products. 
According to a speculative, long-range forecast from market 
researcher iSuppli, a few emerging technologies are vying for 
control of a market that could expand to $76.3 billion, or 80 
percent of all memory chip sales, by 2019. An ideal universal 
semiconductor memory device would combine a number of traits, 
including the highest density, the fastest speeds, nonvolatility, 
zero power consumption, and fundamental scalability. It's doubtful 
that existing memory technologies can combine even three or four of 
these ideal traits on a single die. However, efforts are under way 
to close or eliminate the gap between today's products and the dream 
of tomorrow's universal memory. These products, which are in various 
states of development or commercialization, include ovonic unified 
memory (OUM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), ferro-electric RAM 
(FRAM), and nanotube RAM (NRAM).
     iSuppli Corp. ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106CB:1001CD

***Machine-Vision Board Works Solo
Machine-vision systems built with National Instruments' PCI-8254R 
image-acquisition board can trigger and synchronize up to 16 IEEE 
1394 (FireWire) cameras without additional digital I/O or custom 
circuitry. The board combines a FireWire host adaptor with the 
digital I/O required for industrial control and communication. 
Designers can access 29 I/O lines for synchronizing vision 
components such as cameras, triggers, and lights. In addition, they 
can use quadrature encoder inputs, pulse generation lines, and 
general-purpose digital I/O to communicate with actuators, planar 
lightwave circuits, and programmable automation controllers. 
Customization using the company's reconfigurable I/O technology 
enables the I/O lines to perform a wider variety of packaging 
inspection, assembly verification, and robot-control tasks. The 
PCI-8254R image-acquisition board includes two IEEE 1394a ports and 
driver software to access, configure, and acquire images. Pricing is 
$895 with a two- to three-week lead time.
     National Instruments ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C9:1001CD

****************************************************************

**********************
4. Magazine Highlights
**********************
In case you missed them, here are some of the high points of our 
most recent issue.

August 4, 2005:

* Cover Story: Engineering Feature -- Nano's Success Depends On A 
Rock Solid Foundation
Building a strong infrastructure and using selected silicon methods 
helps bridge the gap to the mass manufacture of nano devices.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106BE:1001CD

* Technology Report: Platforms Strive For Virtual Security
With partitioning and virtualization, platforms can run multiple 
environments securely.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106BD:1001CD

* Leapfrog: First Look -- Bipolar Process Puts The Squeeze On Die 
Size, Noise
A new fab process for 36-V bipolar chips aligns analog densities 
more closely with Moore's Law for logic.   
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106BF:1001CD

* Leapfrog: First Look -- Versatile ExpressModule Invigorates 
Servers
The hot-swapping PCI Express module standard targets server 
expansion.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106BB:1001CD

* Design View/Design Solution -- Simulation Mismatches Can Foul Up 
Test-Pattern Generation
When timing information is considered, the results generated by your 
ATPG tool may not agree with what your simulator tells you.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C0:1001CD

For the complete Table of Contents, go to Electronic Design ==>
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C2:1001CD

**********************
5. Electronic Design Helpline
**********************

***Soft-Start Circuit

Electronic Design reader Marilyn Jayachandran asks:

"I am driving MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration at 540 Hz with 
signals from an external unit (PWM controller is not being used to 
generate the switching pulse). Is there a soft-start circuit that 
ramps up the duty cycle from 0 to 50 percent that I could use to 
control the FETs and regulate the current over a period of 
approximately 150 ms?"

Do you have any tips, ideas, or resources to offer? Please e-mail 
your ideas to Lisa Maliniak mailto:[email protected] for posting 
on the Electronic Design Web site.

Readers seeking help with design problems, looking for parts, or in 
need of advice on tips and techniques are encouraged to e-mail us at 
mailto:[email protected] for posting in future editions of the ED 
Update newsletter.

****************************************************************

Embedded in Electronic Design (EiED) Online is your source for 
technical insight and hands-on reviews. Read one of Technology 
Editor Bill Wong's latest EiED Online columns, "Embedded AI?" This 
year's AAAI/IAAI conference shows that artificial intelligence has a 
place in today's production environment.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106BC:1001CD

**********************

TAKE A POLL!

The face of radio is changing. If you're a listener, which best 
describes the current state of your radio technology?

-- Subscribe to Sirius/XM satellite radio
-- Plan to subscribe to satellite radio
-- Own an HD (high definition) radio receiver
-- Plan to buy an HD receiver
-- Listen to AM or FM broadcast/other

Vote at Electronic Design ==> http://www.elecdesign.com

****************************************************************

Designing With Video Signals

Dealing with digital video signals in the analog world can be 
tricky. Arm yourself with knowledge and download our eBook, 
"Analog/Mixed-Signal Components For 21st Century Video," by 
Analog/Power Editor Don Tuite. Chapter 1 covers the basics, Chapter 
2 discusses interfacing video amps to digital-to-analog converters, 
and the recently added Chapter 3 looks at video multiplexing and 
driving unshielded twisted pairs.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C4:1001CD

****************************************************************
Need To Go Green? We Can Help!

The European Union, as well as Japan and China, are about to 
restrict the use of environmentally hazardous materials in 
electronic components and systems through the Restrictions on 
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Electronic Design's RoHS 
Reference Center has the information you need to make the shift to 
green designs. The third chapter of our eBook, "Electronic Design's 
Guide To New International Environmental Laws," is now available for 
download. And don't miss our comprehensive list of industry and 
government Web sites and contacts.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C7:1001CD

****************************************************************

Submit Photos And Get Paid! 

Grab some photos showing the "guts and glory" of you (and your team) 
at work. We need them for our "Day in the Life of an Electronic 
Designer" photo essay, which will appear in Electronic Design's Oct. 
20 special issue. There's a $500 Grand Prize for best photo series 
and $250 prize for best photo, and we pay $50 if we use any of your 
photos in the issue. Please include the names and titles of all 
photo subjects, as well as company name and the type of 
work-in-process illustrated by the photo. Digital photos should be 
in .tif or .jpg formats and must have resolution of at least 300 
dpi. Deadline for submission is Sept. 15.

E-mail digital photos to Richard Gawel at mailto:[email protected]

Mail hard-copy photos to:
 
Richard Gawel
Electronic Design
Managing Editor
45 Eisenhower Dr., 5th Floor
Paramus, NJ 07652 

****************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO ELECTRONIC DESIGN
If you're reading this e-newsletter, then you are either a current 
Electronic Design subscriber, or should be (145,000 of your peers 
are). To apply for or renew a subscription to Electronic Design 
absolutely FREE and without paperwork or hassle, click on the link 
below.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=106C5:1001CD
****************************************************************

==================================

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

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

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

You've received this e-newsletter for one of two reasons:
1) you subscribe to Electronic Design magazine
2) you've signed up for it at
http://www.planetee.com/Index.cfm?Action=Email

Please see below for unsubscribe and address-change instructions.

To subscribe visit our e-newsletter subscription center at 
http://www.planetee.com/Index.cfm?Action=Email

To unsubscribe click here 
http://nls.planetee.com/u?id=DAC10E05C26BA872D878BBE4B3FB09B4