Electronics

Cool Processor Allows Harsh Applications

Module functions under high industrial temps, is easy to configure

The Transmeta TM5900 Crusoe™ 800-MHz processor runs at only 5W, allowing the MEN Micro EM05 Embedded System Module (ESM) to operate from –40 to 85C. Such cool running at about a tenth of the power consumption of other processors is possible thanks to the use of long-word commands to emulate Intel instructions. Thus transistors don't need to switch as often (slow clocking), which consumes less power.

But such a computational engine, while useful, might take months to adapt to an application. So developers at MEN Micro have incorporated an onboard support package to cut design time. An Altera Cyclone FPGA with 250,000 gates can customize I/O for specific applications, and a starter kit has several functions already integrated into the array. The latter include drivers for a TFT monitor, USB and IDE interfaces, and ports for a keyboard, mouse, and disk drive. The FPGA also accommodates multiple CAN controllers and UARTs, and audio I/O. Other functionality can be programmed into the Cyclone, such as a vision system frame grabber, to eliminate the need for separate cards or boards.

The ESM concept is to put a complete computer system on a mezzanine card, although the ESM can function as a standalone computer without a carrier card. Each ESM is made up of a CPU chipset, main memory, mass-storage connection, I/O ports, and BIOS or monitor firmware.

According to MEN Micro President Ernest Godsey, "The EM05 can be plugged onto an open bus carrier card, such as Compact PCI or VMEbus, or onto a card specifically designed for the application. To accelerate system development, the EM05 can be combined with other mezzanine cards such as PC/104-Plus modules."

The EM05 measures 71 x 149 mm and runs on either Windows® or Linux operating systems. It comes with twin Fast Ethernet ports and two serial interfaces. The module has options on the front panel for RS232, RS422, or RS485 ports. Onboard memory choices encompass a slot for an SO-DIMM memory module for upwards of 512 Mbytes of 133-Hz DDRAM and a CompactFlash slot. A J2 system connector allows output of graphics and other functions.

In addition to industrial applications, the EM05 is targeted at other demanding environments. Among these applications are railway, bus, as well as aircraft transportation systems. MEN Micro Inc.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-576

Connectors

Provide low-resistance connections

The high current, bolt-type panel/plate mountable feedthru and junction block connectors are designed for applications requiring durability and reliability. No mating connectors are required, and model variations include ¼- to ½-inch bolts, up to 400A, and 1,500V operation. Ideal applications include high current ac/dc circuits, power supplies, vehicles, computer power systems, load banks, transformers, and bus supplies. 1 ohm Corp.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-577

Test and development system

Open access to test points

The 14-slot T-Frame for AdvancedTCA™ is a development system for engineers designing ATCA™ switch fabric boards and systems. It reportedly provides all the functionality of a fully compliant AdvancedTCA shelf with the added benefit of open access to test points and in-circuit test devices, but with 75 percent greater card capacity. The chassis is designed to be a rugged, yet portable product able to withstand the rigors of telecom, industrial, and military lab applications. Tracewell Systemshttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-578

Finger proof connector

For high voltage applications

The SBS™ 50 Finger Proof connector is a two-pole housing that minimizes contact with live contacts, per UL 1977 and UL 60950 regulations, for systems operating over 50V. Its ergonomic design enables users to connect and disconnect with increased ease, and its flat wipe contact technology makes hot plugging and unplugging easy and safe while using minimal real estate. The housings are also keyed to prevent accidental mating of components operating at different voltage levels. Anderson Power Productshttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-579

Transformer line

Custom toroids

Sold under the trademark CUSTARD, the company's general purpose transformer is a program of custom-designed toroidal transformers from 20 to 100VA, with standard primary windings for 117V/234V, 50 to 60 Hz operation, and with any secondary winding specified by users. They are certified to UL, cUL, EN, and IEC with CE marking. Ideal applications include power supplies in analytical, motor drives in robotics, and test and measurement instrumentation. Bridgeport Magneticshttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-580

Graphics controller card

Supports multiple displays

Engineered to drive two independent digital displays (alternatively with identical or with different screen displays), the PC-MIP graphics controller card features a 235-MHz, 24-bit RAMDAC. It is reportedly capable of driving two separate panels or a single high-resolution UXGA panel. The doublewide mezzanine card uses the SM731 display and 16 Mbytes of graphics ram. It is designed to provide flexibility to system designers who need high-end graphics. MEN Micro, Inc.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-581

CMOS power amplifier

For GSM cellular applications

An industry first, according the company, the Si4300 is a monolithic CMOS power amplifier (PA) for GSM cellular applications. It is reportedly the smallest, high-performance, high-power PA available for GSM handsets. It is designed to reduce both board space and component count by over 70 percent when compared to other solutions. It uses a single die on a small substrate and is manufactured with TSMC's standard 0.35-micron CMOS process. Silicon Laboratorieshttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-582

Enclosure

Increases performance

Featuring a stainless steel inject/eject plate, the MaxAir.10™ enclosure reportedly increases performance in applications where high connector pin count and numerous inject/eject cycles compromise traditional aluminum plates. Suitable for military, telecommunication, and aerospace applications, it is designed to IEEE1101.10 specifications. Triple Ehttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-583

Oscilloscope

New differential probing solution

The TDS6000B is the company's 8-GHz bandwidth Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) series; featuring signal fidelity with Pinpoint™ triggering, four channels of concurrent high resolution waveform capture, and a new differential probing solution using IBM's 0.18 µm silicon germanium technology. The product also offers leading acquisition performance and broad trigger features. Tektronixhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-584

Power supply

With integrated ac mains input

The HiGen 50, a compact 50W x-ray generator power supply, is designed to serve as a component power supply in analytical x-ray systems and low-energy radiography applications. It features an ac mains input, reportedly avoiding the problems of poor regulation and induced noise that units relying on the system's low-voltage power bus can experience. It also incorporates a ground-referenced filament supply. HiTek Power Corp.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-585

Switching power supply

Convection-cooled

The company's family of convection-cooled 120W 1U height switching power supplies is designed for a variety of information technology, wireless, datacom, and industrial applications. Voltage outputs range from 3 to 50V dc on 11 different single-output models. The power supply reportedly produces full output power from 0 to 50C. All models feature PFC. V-Infinityhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-586

Oscillators

For WLAN equipment

The company's smallest crystal clock oscillators (S1633 and S1634 series) reportedly feature tight frequency stability and low power consumption, contained within a 3.2 × 5-mm ceramic package. They are designed for wireless local area networking (WLAN) equipment and are optimized for IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/ wireless access points and WLAN enterprise networking equipment. Frequencies are available in 40 to 60 MHz range, with stabilities of ±25 ppm and ±50 ppm. Saronixhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-587

Analog output board

Low cost

The PCI-DAC6702 analog output board is designed as an attractive solution for a range of automated test and process control applications. It provides eight channels of 16-bit analog output with a ±10.1V output range. It also features eight digital bi-directional I/O lines that can control relays and solenoids, as well as monitor switch and contact closures. It is fully supported by LabVIEW™, SoftWIRE®, Agilent VEE®, LABTECH®, and MATLAB®, according to the company. Measurement Computing http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-588

Switching power supply

Accepts universal input voltage

The Diplomat series switching power supply features four interchangeable input plugs designed for international compatibility. The plugs (U.S., U.K., European, and Australian) are designed to securely lock into place and quickly release with the push of a button. The product is rated at 10W and features a voltage output range from 3.3 to 24V dc. All offer short-circuit and over-voltage protection and are UL/cUL/TUV/CE approved. CUI Inc.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-589

Online design tool

Speeds selection

Created as the industry's first online design tool for speeding the selection, design, and testing of various types of operational amplifiers, Amplifiers Made Simple™ lets users select from standard topologies and enter system requirements. It uses a component selection tool to rapidly and accurately search among the company's portfolio of analog amplifier products. It is suited for medical, industrial, automotive, and scientific applications. National Semiconductor Corp.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-590

Liquid flow transmitter

Measures velocity

The FSW-9000 series is a flow switch monitor that measures the velocity of the flow. Ideal for use in liquid measurement and control applications, the product provides two output options: a 4- to 20-mA analog output, and a PNP/NPN output. The product's microprocessor-based electronics and self-calibration program give the flow switch superior temperature compensation, a fast response time, and increased long-term switch point stability, according to the company. OMEGA Engineeringhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3847-591

OEM pointing device

Enables 360 degree cursor navigation

Reportedly one of the smallest OEM mice, the MicroNav measures less than 10 mm × 10 mm × 1.4 mm. It is designed for easy integration into portable devices, such as cellular phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and tablet PCs. It provides smooth pressure-controlled cursor acceleration and a complete set of actuator designs, according to the company. Interlink Electronics Inc.http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-592

Microwave filters

Low profile, high stability

The company's new line of extremely low profile, highly stable microwave filters reportedly meet or exceed MIL environmental requirements. They are designed for use in a range of space-constrained applications, including avionics and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). They are available in lumped element, interdigital, and combined filter topologies for bandpass, highpass, or lowpass applications. Dimensions range from 0.23 to 0.28 inches (H) and from 0.25 to 0.75 inches (W). They feature drop-in axial PC pins with a recorded frequency range from 1 to 20 GHz. Spectrum Control Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3847-593