Electronic Design UPDATE: October 5, 2005

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

Electronic Design UPDATE e-Newsletter
Electronic Design Magazine
Electonic Design ==> www.electronicdesign.com
October 5, 2005
=============================


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

Tech paper: Power Modules Enable Electric Drive Systems

Automotive technology is on the brink of a three-pronged revolution;
the transition from heat engine propulsion to electric drive; 12
volts to 42 volts; and distributed electrical power. This no-cost
technical paper explores how drivetrain and distributed power
concepts will satisfy the two converging demands of environment and
consumer which are driving this revolution.

http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15401:484C79

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

Today's Table Of Contents:
1. Industry View
  *Embedded Networking Requires Careful Analysis
2. Focus On Test & Measurement
  *Eight-Channel Data Acquisition Fits In A Portable USB Module
3. News From The Editors
  *Use Online Tool For Cable Configuration
  *1200-V IGBT Optimized For Induction Heating
  *$100 Laptop Design Debuts
4. Magazine Highlights: September 29, 2005
  *Cover Story: Engineering Feature -- VoIP: Packetized Voice Over Everything
  *Technology Report -- The Truth About Design For Manufacturing
  *Leapfrog: First Look -- Factorized Power Module Redefines The Wall-Wart
  *Design View/Design Solution -- Learn To Manage All Kinds of
   Complexity With SystemC

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

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

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

Embedded Networking Requires Careful Analysis

By Tim Shannon, Director of Sales, NetBurner Inc.

Market demands are pushing companies to produce products with
network support. This requires the incorporation of communication
protocols like Ethernet, which enables easy configuration,
monitoring, and control of embedded systems through the use of a
common Web browser. A browser also can provide a more dynamic
product interface, giving the product a more polished look and
feel...

Read the full article at
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15402:484C79

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

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

Your easiest way to control display brightness.

Microsemi visible light sensors mimic human eye response.
Breakthrough technology enables automatic brightness control that's
not fooled by infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths. Easy design-in
needs no optical filters. Integrated high gain photo current
amplifiers, temperature stable, and RoHS compliant. No lead, no
cadmium. Four models to meet your specific LCD or LED display design
requirements.

http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15403:484C79

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

**********************
2. Focus On Test & Measurement
**********************

***Eight-Channel Data Acquisition Fits In A Portable USB Module
A pair of USB-based data-acquisition modules delivers multifunction
capabilities in very small packages. The units supply eight channels
of analog input with up to 12-bit resolution and 10 ksamples/s
(usbDAQ/108) or 14-bit resolution at up to 48 ksamples/s
(usbDAQ/109). Also available are two analog outputs, 12 digital I/O
lines, and a 32-bit counter. The analog lines feature overvoltage
protection. Power is derived from the USB bus, and screw terminals
(16 to 28 AWG) are provided for direct signal connection. All this
is packed into 3.22 by 3.35 by 0.91 in. and weighs just over 3 oz.
The modules ship with a ready-to-use data-logging application and a
driver that supports TestPoint, LabVIEW, or C programming. The
usbDAQ/108 costs $145, and the usbDAQ/109 is $245. They're available
now.
     Capital Equipment Corp. ==> 
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15404:484C79

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

***Use Online Tool For Cable Configuration
An online interactive design guide provides step-by-step
instructions for configuring Gore's high-flex flat cable or
trackless cable from standard components, both with five-day lead
times. The Cable Configurator simplifies the cable design process
and generates a 3D downloadable CAD model. Gore's standard cable
offering includes all of the components necessary to drive and
control a motion system: shielded/unshielded power and signal,
video, Ethernet, IEEE 1394, fiber optic, and pneumatic lines. The
high-flex flat cable can be used in an energy chain or cable track,
and the trackless cable eliminates the need for cable track. Users
can first take an interactive tour of the tool and then use it to
design a cable and submit a request for quote.
     W. L. Gore & Associates ==> 
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15405:484C79

***1200-V IGBT Optimized For Induction Heating
Targeting induction heating (IH) applications, a 1200-V, NPT-trench
insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) combines avalanche immunity
with tradeoff optimization between switching and conduction losses
to lower operating temperature and increase system reliability and
efficiency. The IGBT is designed for use in microwave ovens, rice
cookers, and other IH cookers. It extends system lifetime by
lowering operating temperatures by as much as 10 deg.C over
previous-generation devices. The IGBT uses Fairchild's proprietary
trench technology and non-punch through (NPT) technology. The
optimized cell design and thin wafer fabrication process enable the
device to withstand a maximum 450 mJ of avalanche energy. A built-in
fast-recovery diode helps simplify circuit design and reduce
component count. The FGA25N120ANTD IGBT is available in a TO-3P
lead-free package. It costs $5.10 each in 1000-piece quantities.
Delivery is 12 weeks ARO.
     Fairchild Semiconductor ==>
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15406:484C79

***$100 Laptop Design Debuts
Last week during Technology Review magazine's Emerging Technology
Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nicholas
Negroponte, founder of MIT's Media Lab, unveiled a laptop design he
hopes can be sold for $100 or less. Initially, the design will
target governments in developing countries that can afford to buy
one laptop for every child, providing educational opportunities for
millions of children currently without resources. While the design
isn't finished yet, it will feature a full-color screen, Wi-Fi
connectivity, a processor that runs at approximately 500 MHz, and 1
Gbyte of flash memory. A hand crank will generate power in areas of
the world without electricity. The laptops will run Linux and
exploit mesh networking to connect to other nearby laptops or to a
central computer for Internet access. Its novel dual-mode display
can be used in full-color mode or in a black-and-white
sunlight-readable mode. Prototypes are expected in November.
     MIT Media Lab ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15407:484C79

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

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

Work Together Better with Adobe Acrobat 7.0

Teamwork just got easier. Combine multiple file types into a single,
searchable document. Share critical information more securely. View
and respond to project feedback seamlessly. And get everyone on the
same page. Acrobat 7.0. Try it for free at adobe.com/collaborate and
see how much more your team can do. Better by Adobe.

http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15408:484C79

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

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

September 29, 2005:

* Cover Story: Engineering Feature -- VoIP: Packetized Voice Over
Everything
Lower maintenance costs, lower consumer monthly bills, and ease of
convergence are pushing VoIP into the forefront past the
tried-and-true POTS.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15409:484C79

* Technology Report -- The Truth About Design For Manufacturing
A search for what exactly constitutes "DFM" turned up some
interesting results. Bottom line: DFM exists (sort of), and your
mileage -- and process -- may vary.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540A:484C79

* Leapfrog: First Look -- Factorized Power Module Redefines The
Wall-Wart
No longer just for on-board dc distribution to point-of-load, this
maverick architecture promises higher efficiency from the mains to
the load.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540B:484C79

* Design View/Design Solution -- Learn To Manage All Kinds of
Complexity With SystemC
If you start thinking "outside the box," you'll realize that SystemC
is actually an ideal platform to model almost any real-life system
or organism.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540C:484C79

For the complete Table of Contents, go to Electronic Design ==>
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540D:484C79

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

Technology in the News

Electronic Design has a new online feature! Read our latest
"Technology In The News" story about the recent announcements from
Apple Computer. Take an in-depth look at the technology behind the
new iTunes cell phone and iPod nano music player.

http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540E:484C79

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

EiED Online -- Boston Embedded Systems Conference

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, "Boston ESC." You
couldn't make it to the Boston Embedded Systems Conference? Then
check out Bill's report on this annual gathering.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=1540F:484C79

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

TAKE A POLL!

What is your personal outlook for design projects in the next quarter?

-- Concerned about slowdown/layoffs
-- Fewer projects, but still feel secure in my position
-- Good, stable workflow continues
-- Increased number of projects
-- Lots coming down the pike, maybe more than I can handle

Vote at Electronic Design ==> http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15410:484C79

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

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

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

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

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

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://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=154E1:484C79

To unsubscribe click here
http://news.electronicdesign.com/u?id=683EDA4D52DD5257CEFF40B03708A2FD

To change your email address send an email, include your old address
as well as your new one, to:
mailto:[email protected]

To subscribe visit our e-newsletter subscription center at
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15411:484C79

If you need assistance in updating the information you have provided
to Penton or you have questions or comments about our privacy
policies, please click on the link below.
http://news.electronicdesign.com/t?ctl=15412:484C79

Copyrighted 2005 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Electronic Design
45 Eisenhower Dr., 5th Floor
Paramus, NJ 07652