CONTRINEX New Fiber-Optic Amplifier With Alphanumeric Display

Advantages Of Numeric Displays
Fiber-Optic Amplifiers are an integral part of many application areas. They have developed from what were originally simple devices into complex multi-functional switches packed with all kinds of features. One of these features is the numeric display, which is primarily used for visualizing the signal received and allows the device to be adjusted not only by instinct, but according to a reproducible measured value. This results in considerable advantages, particularly in critical applications.

Problems Of Conventional Devices
In general, the use of numeric displays is not just limited to visualizing the value of the signal received. Conventional high-end devices also allow excess gain, minima and maxima, timer and counter values to be displayed. Although this is useful, its practical use is fairly confusing. Granted, there is no shortage of operating instructions describing the extensive functions in detail. But who wants to study voluminous and sometimes virtually incomprehensible manuals - and this only to select a perfectly simple function?


Alphanumeric Display
The newly-developed device from Contrinex (Picture 1) takes this unsatisfactory situation into account. The original idea was simply to incorporate essential elements of the operating instructions directly into the device. However, this requires text to be displayed, which is only possible to a limited extent with the 7-segment displays used previously. In order to transfer the operating instructions to the device, the use of an alphanumeric display seems therefore evident. The context-sensitive display thus realized guides the user from function to function starting from every imaginable
operating state (Picture 2).

Except for very complex, seldom-needed functions, the device can thus be used immediately after installation and without further instructions. The nevertheless
available operating instructions can remain in the packaging. Teach precision
A further, little-known problem of conventional devices lies in the accuracy and resolution of the teach process. The gullible user understandably assumes that the switch point he has programmed using the teach process also corresponds to the switch
point of the device. This is, however, rarely the case. The effectively available switch
points in no way form a continuum. In the case of long operating distances in particular, they can even be quite a few mm apart.

In practice, this means that the real switch point can be a few mm above or below the
value set by the teach process. Although decisive for success in many applications,
manufacturers are rather parsimonious with details in this regard. Indeed, there is
mention of, for example, a 12-bit resolution, which, however, has but little significance in reality. As a rule, this means that, in a narrowly restricted range, very high resolution is available, whereas in the near and, above all, in the distant areas, very poor values may be obtained. The new device from Contrinex also takes this problem into account. Teach resolution (in practice tantamount to teach accuracy) is specified and guaranteed throughout the whole setting range. With the LFK-3066-103 device, it is, for example, 1 mm maximum for the whole range from 0 to 200 mm. As a rule, this value is more than sufficient and is, in addition, reliably maintained.

IO-Link
The large information content of the received signal and the diverse setting possibilities of conventional devices can, unfortunately, only be rudimentarily integrated into systems. As a result, in practice, only the switch signal is used. The loss of useful data could, unfortunately, not be prevented until now without considerable effort and costs. This somewhat unsatisfactory situation has, however, been considerably changed with the development of IO-Link. By using the IO-Link mode, superordinate systems now have access to all information and functions obtainable locally, as well as a few additional ones. Moreover, the extra costs arising are insignificant.

Benefits
Devices equipped with the new Contrinex technology offer the user significant, previously never seen, advantages:

• Wide functional scope that can actually be used effectively in practice, thanks to
  simple operation. The printed operating instructions are only necessary in exceptional
  circumstances.


• Excellent, predictable, specified and guaranteed teach resolution and accuracy for
  the whole sensing range.


• Continuous access to information as well as integration of functions in superordinate systems by means of the IO-Link.

Costs
The use of state-of-the-art technology is a prerequisite for the above-mentioned
benefits to be used really effectively. Neither the alphanumeric display nor the IO-Link
connection cause any appreciable increase in production costs. The new technology is therefore optimized economically as well. A marked increase in performance at no additional cost: Where else can you get that?

Applications
The new devices from Contrinex do not change the characteristics and benefits of
fiber-optic applications that can be assumed to be well-known. However, they offer a
number of additional advantages for the user:

• Many functions of fiber-optic amplifiers with numeric displays were previously only
  used with reserve. Operating concepts were not very transparent and there were
  doubts with regard to later field use. Thanks to the integrated operating instructions,
  there are no longer any obstacles to the wide use of the new devices’ additional
  functions.


• The teach function works precisely, reliably and predictably, even in the case of long operating distances.


• Thanks to real-time access to the signal received and the control functions via the
  superordinate systems, complex detection tasks can be resolved elegantly and
  economically. If required, the devices can be dynamically reconfigured via IO-Link at
  any time and without delay. Problems in use due to contaminants, unstable setting,
  temperature and other influences can thus, if required, be easily eliminated via the
  system.

UEI DNA/DNR 1553 Interface Boards Added By Adept

Adept Scientific has added the DNA/DNR-1553-553 two-channel, dual redundant, 1553 bus interface boards from United Electronic Industries (UEI). Each board provides two independent, dual redundant bus interfaces for 1553 communication.

The DNA version is compatible with UEI PowerDNA and UEIPAC 'Cubes' while the DNR version is designed for use in UEI's 12- and six-slot Racktangle chassis. Each port may be independently configured as a bus controller (BC), remote terminal (RT) or bus monitor (BM). Designed to function in harsh environments, the DNA/DNR-1553-553 is fully tested for operation from -40C to +85C, 0-70,000ft and can withstand 5g vibration and up to 50g shock.

UEI's Cube architecture is a compact (4 x 4 x 4in or 4 x 4 x 5.8in) Ethernet-based I/O platform. It may be deployed in four different configurations. These are: Ethernet I/O systems slaved to a host PC; standalone data logger/recorder; Linux-based programmable automation controller (PAC); or Modbus TCP-based I/O slave. Each Cube consists of a core module (that holds the processor and network interface) along with three or six open I/O slots.

Users select the deployment option that meets their requirements. Users then match the Cube's I/O configuration to their application by selecting the appropriate boards. More than 25 I/O boards are available. The six-slot Cube provides up to 150 analogue inputs, 192 analogue outputs, 288 digital I/O, 48 counter or quadrature channels, 72 ARINC-429 channels, 24 Serial or CAN-bus ports or 12 1553 channels.

Magnetically Detectable Product Range Launched

TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP) has announced the availability of a range of magnetically detectable moulded products for use in food manufacturing and similar applications. The range includes a number of finished products moulded from the company's magnetically detectable compounds that are ideal for use in food manufacturing environments.

These include detectable and electrostatic conductive blue matting in 1.5, 3 and 5mm thicknesses, detectable and electrostatic conductive orthopaedic blue floor tiles, detectable and electrostatic conductive blue proofed neoprene sheet, red or blue detectable one-litre measuring jugs and detectable calculators and nail brushes. Magnetically detectable plastic products solve the problem of contamination of food products by items used in the manufacturing process entering the mix by accident.

Such incidents can result in unnecessary costs being incurred through scrapping of large quantities of finished product should the contamination be detected in-house through standard inspection procedures, product recalls and possibly expensive litigation if an item reaches the consumer and is eaten. In addition, business can be diminished as a result of damaged reputation and questions arising over the safety of food products.

By making use of magnetically detectable products from TBA ECP, these problems and costs can be avoided. The company's magnetically detectable plastic products can be sensed by conventional metal detection system so food products containing broken components made from TBA materials can be found and rejected before entering the supply chain. In addition, use of detectable products demonstrates that a manufacturer has taken all due diligence in the production process to minimise contamination of products. Besides being suitable for use in food manufacturing applications, the electrostatic conductive products are also compliant with ATEX requirements for explosive atmospheres.

Kepco BOP Models For Driving Inductive Loads

Kepco has announced the availability of its 200W and 400W bipolar operational power supply (BOP) models optimised for driving inductive loads. The modified BOP units are designed to operate in a stable manner in current or current limit mode for loads up to 1 Henry. They are also stable with any R-L series load combination.

All specifications of the unit in voltage mode are unchanged from the standard model. In current mode the bandwidth of the BOP is reduced modestly. Correspondingly, the rise-and-fall time of the unit is increased (model dependent). Further, it is possible to reduce the bandwidth in current mode, in a predictable way, using one customer-installed component on the rear programming connector of the BOP.

This option makes the BOP more suitable for a variety of applications such as motor testing, testing of magnetic components (coils, speakers, and so on), industrial applications with inductive loads, driving CRT coils, cryogenic applications and powering correcting magnets for medical imaging applications or particle accelerators.

Kepco Launches DIN-Rail Power Supplies

Kepco has launched the KDN series of low-cost, UL-508 listed, DIN-rail mounted power supplies. The series consists of three 24V output models rated at 5, 10 and 20A.

The KDN series offer 90-264VAC input with PFC, 23-28V adjustment range and a 120 per cent peak-current capability for up to one minute with no forced air cooling required.

MAX11040 Simultaneous-Sampling ADC Launched

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX11040 four-channel 24-bit simultaneous-sampling ADC. Developed to enable simplicity in system design, up to eight MAX11040 devices can be daisy-chained to provide a sampling capacity of up to 32 channels. The MAX11040 achieves this high capacity and scalability with a cascadable SPI/QSPI/Microwire interface, which eliminates the complexity of using individual chip-select inputs to control each ADC.

Because all eight MAX11040 devices can be accessed using only a single chip-select input, from the host processor's point of view, the control logic remains the same regardless if there are only four or as many as 32 channels. The MAX11040 provides compensation for phase shifts caused by resistor dividers, transformers, or filters at the analogue inputs through a programmable delay of 0-333 microseconds.

Together with a minimum of 90dB of SINAD and 91dB of SFDR, these features make the MAX11040 ideal for industrial power-grid protection equipment, as well as medical EKG/EEG equipment and other applications that require accurate conversions of simultaneously sampled channels between 0.25ksps and 64ksps.

Additionally, overvoltage protection on the analogue inputs protects the MAX11040 from voltages as large as +/-6V when referenced to the device's analogue ground, simplifying design and reducing cost. The MAX11040 is available in a lead-free, 38-pin TSSOP package.

VGS Power Supplies Are Efficient And Compact

CUI Europe's power division V-Infinity has announced a the VGS series of efficient and compact internal switching power supplies that feature a no-load power consumption of 0.5W. The VGS series includes 25, 50, 75, and 100W versions with cooling by free air convection and efficiencies of up to 89 per cent. The series is compact with the 25W model (VGS-25) measuring 3.09 x 2.00 x 1.11in.

It is ideal for a range of applications where energy consumption is a consideration, including industrial control, networking, automation, and test-and-measurement equipment. The VGS series offers a universal input (88-264VAC) and single output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24, and 48VDC. Other features include: an LED indicator when power is on; 105C long-life electrolytic capacitors; and an operating temperature range of -25C to 70C, derating linearly from 100 per cent load at 50C.

Protections include short-circuit, overload, over-voltage, and brown-out (low AC input voltage). All models are approved to UL, cUL, and TUV safety standards and come with a three-year warranty.

Ismosys Gets LS Wireless Module Additions

Ismosys, launched in March 2009 as a new demand creation vehicle of the Spectrum Electronics Group, now has available ready-to-use wireless modules from LS Research. The company said the move makes it simple and cost-effective to add wireless capability to any product. The portfolio of module includes Pro-Flex, 2.4GHz Zigbee Pro modules; Si-Flex, sub 1GHz modules for long-range applications; and Wi-Flex wi-fi modules.

LS Research's Modflex design approach enables users to select the module that best suits their application, and then own the design files for complete control. LS Research will certify the design and the customer is free to choose from a selection of licensing options, including royalty-free. The Modflex gateway has dual module support for Zigbee to wi-fi bridging.

All modules have a common footprint and I/O to give developers freedom in their designs. Furthermore the modules are all open-source hardware platforms, so developers have the option to create their own application code on the hardware.

Hot-Beam-05 Underheater For Reworked Components

Link Hamson is introducing the Martin Hot-Beam-05 underheater for stress-free rework and manual soldering. Thermally complex soldering processes can be reliably performed using the Hot-Beam-05 underheater. This underheater is the 'big brother' of the Hot-Beam-04 and users benefit from the integrated and powerful 2kW heater with four individually controlled infrared (IR) zones making this underheater suitable for very large PCBs.

The unit delivers 50 per cent of the required heat from below to ensure gentle heat application to both the component and PCB; this also keeps the soldering-tip temperature as low as possible. The Rapid-IR technology heats PCBs to the permitted temperature at the maximum allowable rate of increase. Precise temperature profiles can be programmed for the controlled and reliable maintenance of temperatures.

This results in shorter processing times while still protecting components to ensure quality and reliability. Hot-Beam-05 users benefit from a simple and clear menu structure. Relevant process information is grouped together and guides the user smoothly through the process. The unit offers up to 11 process programs for controlled heating in automatic mode.

The use of a thermocouple is only required when setting up the profile; thereafter it is not required, achieving more effective processing and increased productivity. The Martin Stereo Zoom Microscope is available as an optional accessory to assist in the processing of the smallest components. This microscope produces sharp 3D views and is an ideal complement for the precision rework of small components, according to Link Hamson.

NCS6 DC/DC Convertors Launched By Murata

Murata Power Solutions has introduced the NCS6 series of isolated 6W, wide 4:1 input, single output DC/DC convertors suited for use in a range of applications. These include telecommunications; battery powered systems; process control; and distributed power systems. The NCS6 series is available with input voltage ranges of 9-36V (12V nominal) and 18-75V (48V nominal) both with under-voltage lock out.

The modules are housed in industry-standard packages that allow them to be used as drop-in replacements in existing designs. Single output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12 and 15V are available and the NCS6 series achieves a power density of 0.94W/cm3 with efficiency levels from 73 per cent. A metal case helps the DC/DC convertors achieve high levels of EMI shielding and the encapsulated design gives good thermal performance.

The NCS6 series specifies 1.5kVDC isolation and has typical load line regulation of 0.006 per cent. Low-noise performance and a design that overcomes the need for electrolytic capacitors help to simplify their inclusion in customer designs. Overall dimensions of the modules are 32 x 20 x 10mm and operating temperature range is -40C to +85C. All models in the range are RoHS compliant and use UL 94V-0 rated package materials.

Aaeon Launches ETX-CX700M Product

Aaeon has announced the ETX-CX700M - an Embedded Technology Extended (ETX) product based on the VIA C7/Eden (V4) series processors combined with the VIA CX700M chipset. The ETX-CX700M provides support for a multitude of expansion and storage interfaces that will allow for numerous options to be designed onto the baseboard. The module is available with either the VIA Eden 1.6GHz processor or the VIA C7 2.0 GHz processor and features support for one 200-pin DDRII 400/533 RAM at a maximum capacity of 1GB.

It has support for four 32-bit PCI buses, one 8-bit/16-bit ISA bus, one SMBus, and one I2C bus that enable the customers to expand on their systems without the extra cost of hubs. For Ethernet support, the ETX-CX700M features the Realtek RTL8139DL 10/100Mb Ethernet chipset with the option for customers to change to the Intel 82551QM 10/100Mb chipset as needed for their application.

Video support is handled by the VIA CX700M chipset and can provide resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 on a 24-bit dual-channel LVDS LCD panel, as well as a CRT monitor. The module supports simultaneous and dual-view output to CRT/LVDS, LVDS/TV, CRT/DVI or TV/DVI. The integrated video on the board can share up to 128MB of system memory for use as video memory and it supports an MPEG-4 accelerator.

Storage support is available by means of two SATA II connectors on the ETX-CX700M as well as with support for one PATA channel and Compactflash on the carrier board. The ETX-CX700M aims at markets such as test and measurement, gaming and entertainment, industrial automation, military, government and security.

PCIe-7350 Offers Data Throughput Of Up To 200MB/s

Adlink Technology has released the PCIe-7350, the latest addition to its series of PCI/PCI Express high-speed digital I/O cards. The PCIe-7350 offers 32 channels of bidirectional parallel I/O lines with a data throughput of up to 200 MB/s and a clock rate up to 100MHz. The PCIe-7350 offers a low-cost, high-throughput architecture with flexible acquisition/generation timing and triggering features - making it an ideal solution for high-speed digital pattern acquisition and generation for use in ATE, IC testing, image sensor testing, and video image recording/playback.

The PCIe-7350 is based on the PCI Express interface (x1 lane), supports a selectable input/output direction per group of eight bits, and provides eight channels of auxiliary programmable I/O. An onboard FPGA provides addition I/O features such as triggers, clock signals, handshaking lines, and I2C and SPI control interfaces. These on-board interfaces enable the PCIe-7350 to communicate with external image sensors via I2C and SPI, without the need for a external control interfaces.

The PCIe-7350 supports selectable software voltage levels of 1.8, 2.5, and 3.3V (5V compatible), which provides the flexibility of interfacing with a variety of ASICs or external devices. The PCIe-7350 also supports a 16-step phase-shift feature to ensure accurate sampling timing and prevent invalid timing issues during data transition.

Tyco RN73 Resistors Available From TTI

The RN73 series precision chip resistors from Tyco Electronics is now available from TTI. The range has been extended to offer resistance tolerances down to 0.01 per cent, making the devices up to 10 times more accurate than previously available models.

Designed for telecommunication, industrial and military applications, RN73 series resistors are available in a choice of packages, from 1206 down to 0402 case size. Based on nichrome thin-film technology, the devices are produced with three sputtered layers of resistive metal film. This enables stable high-frequency performance to be achieved.

Temperature coefficient of resistance values down to 10ppm/C, and even 5ppm/C, are available over a wide value range (5R1-470K) in the E96 and E24 value grids. For applications requiring higher power, the RP73 series resistors offer increased power dissipation; higher temperature capabilities (up to +155C); and increased operating voltages (200VDC) compared with the standard RN73 series.

Accurate and uniform physical dimensions facilitate automatic placement of the RN73 devices. Pack quantities are flexible, ranging from a small-volume 250 piece 7in reels up to higher volume 1000, 5000 and 10000 piece tape on reels.

Transducers Handle Mechanical Shock And Vibration

RDP Electronics has developed a range of LVDT and magnetostrictive transducers for use in the testing of vehicle suspension systems. The transducers have been designed to withstand the type of mechanical shock, vibration and the tough treatment generally meted out during testing of vehicle suspension systems under all road conditions. RDP transducers are available for vehicle suspension movement applications that involve testing of vehicle components as well as ride, handling and even load detection.

RDP has modified LVDTs to operate reliably and accurately in conditions including the presence of high levels of water and dirt, as well as being subject to vibration and shock during road testing in all weather conditions. Typically for test purposes, the LVDTs are mounted through the floor at the rear of the vehicle or through the body components at the front, and are well suited to providing measurement data derived from the range of components under test.

MPX-885 Mini PCI-E Card Has Small Form Factor

BVM has introduced the MPX-885 - the latest addition to its family of Mini PCI-E 30x51mm form factor cards. The card integrates all the functions required to perform external A/V capture for industrial and commercial markets such as home security, commercial surveillance, vehicles' DVR, commercial machine vision and industrial image control. Based on Conexant's CX23885 chipset, the video-and-audio decoder supports NTSC, PAL and SECAM video formats to give a high-performance, cost-effective AV capture capability.

Colour and monochrome video are supported with a full end-to-end 10-bit video data path; the stereo or mono selectable audio path is 16-bit throughout to ensure high-fidelity audio. The card operates at up to 30 frames/s and supports 1-8 composite, 1-4 S-Video or composite with two YPbPr (component) inputs. The MPX-885 joins other Mini PCI-E cards that offer a range of functionality: two Giga LAN; DVI interface; 24-bit dual-channel LVDS; 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN and four RS232 ports are all available in the small form factor.

V-Infinity Releases Surface-Mount Regulator

V-Infinity, a division of CUI Europe, has announced the release of the V78XX-500-SMT series, a surface-mount version of its 0.5A V78XX-500 DC switching regulator. The V78XX-500-SMT is said to offer efficiencies of up to 96 per cent and is designed to be a high-performance alternative to linear regulators.

Unlike linear regulators, the V78XX-500-SMT series does not require a heat sink, making it suitable for applications where board space is at a premium and energy efficiency is a concern. The V78XX-500-SMT series measures 15.24mm x 8.50mm x 7mm. A wide input range is available from 4.5 to 28V DC and regulated output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12, and 15V DC are offered.

Output current is 500mA with an operating temperature range of -40 to +71C at 100 per cent load, derating to 60 per cent load at 85C. The converters offer short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown, very low ripple and noise (10mV p-p typical), and an MTBF of two million hours. The V78XX-500-SMT series switching regulators are available now through Digi-Key.

Protection Devices Housed In Ultra-Small Package

ON Semiconductor has introduced two electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices housed in its ultra-small 0201 dual silicon no-lead (DSN-2) package. The DSN-style package, which measures 0.6mm x 0.3mm x 0.3mm, enables 100 per cent utilisation of the package area for active silicon. The company's first offerings in the package are the ESD11N5.0ST5G and ESD11B5.0ST5G, which are an expansion of its high-performance off-chip ESD protection portfolio.

By expanding its ESD protection portfolio into an ultra-small package, ON Semiconductor can offer devices that are suitable for safeguarding data lines in portable applications where board space is often extremely limited, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, PDAs and digital cameras. The ESD11N and ESD11B are the next generation of ESD protection technology from ON Semiconductor, which provides best in class clamping voltage. The reduced size and bidirectional single line designs provide ultimate flexibility and ease of routing to fit the products into a variety of space constrained applications.

The ESD11N is a 0.6pF device that utilises integrated ESD technology from ON Semiconductor to enhance clamping performance while maintaining low capacitance. The low capacitance value ensures that this device has negligible impact on the signal integrity of high-speed data lines making it suitable for applications such as USB 2.0 and HDMI. In addition, the ESD11N maintains less than 0.5dB insertion loss up to 3GHz and excellent capacitance linearity over voltage and frequency, making it suitable for protecting high-frequency antenna lines with minimal effects.

The ESD11B is a 15pF device that expands ON Semiconductor low clamping ESD protection technology into the 0201 DSN-2 package to provide a protection option for general purpose and low-speed data lines that have tight board designs with limited space. Both ESD products clamp an input ESD waveform of 8kV per the IEC61000-4-2 contact standard, to less than 10V in a matter of nanoseconds. This clamping voltage performance ensures protection for the most sensitive integrated circuits. ON Semiconductor is also developing Schottky diodes in the 0201 DSN-2 package that are scheduled to be released later this month.

Fox Releases Ceramic SMD Automotive-Grade Crystals

Fox Electronics has introduced the FXA5032B and FXA7050B ceramic SMD (surface mount device) automotive-grade crystals. These operate at extended temperature ranges and withstand higher levels of shock and vibration. The FXA5032B and FXA7050B crystals are used in a variety of automotive timing applications, including GPS navigation, high-end audio and video systems, wireless phones, collision-warning systems, radar, onboard computer systems and the Antilock Brake System controller.

Fox's FXA5032B series features a 5 x 3mm package with a frequency range of 8-150MHz, while the larger 7 x 5mm FXA7050B series offers a 6-133MHz frequency range. Standard frequency stabilities for both series are +/-50 to +/-100ppm, with operating temperatures ranging from -40C to +85C and -40C to +125C, respectively, and a 3ppm aging per year. Additional tolerances and stabilities are available upon request.

Both products meet AEC-Q200, the Automotive Electronics Council Stress Test Qualification for Passive Components, and feature a load capacitance of 10pF, a drive level of 100mW and a maximum soldering temperature of 260C per 10 seconds. These RoHS-compliant auto-grade crystals have a gold termination finish and are seam sealed to reduce foreign matter and moisture inside the package.

AT32UC3L MCU Features Low-Power Technology

Atmel has introduced the 32-bit AT32UC3L AVR32 microcontroller with Picopower low-power technology and embedded capacitive touch-controller peripheral. The AT32UC3L provides less than 0.48mW/MHz in active mode executing real-life applications. The device is also the first 32-bit microcontroller to feature a built-in capacitive touch interface, making it suitable in a range of embedded applications. Atmel's Picopower technology enables the AT32UC3L to operate on less than 1.5uA with the 32KHz real time clock active, and below 100nA with all oscillators stopped.

The device features Atmel's 1.6V technology, which keeps the device fully operational in systems with supply-voltages ranging from 1.62 to 3.60V. The AT32UC3L's built-in capacitive touch peripheral unit makes capacitive touch as easy as incorporating another peripheral. The device supports capacitive touch buttons and sliders and the hardware support enables the addition of capacitive touch to the application, with no additional software overhead. The capacitive touch hardware also allows the microcontroller to wake up from sleep on touch.

Atmel's QTouch technology provides a robust touch solution with a high signal-to-noise ratio that improves the system's design margin, increases EMC performance and raises ESD tolerance. It is ideal for applications where reliability is required, such as consumer user interfaces, industrial and automotive applications and those where high moisture-levels are present. The AT32UC3L includes a new flash-security technology called Flashvault. Flashvault allows the on-chip flash to be partially programmed and locked, creating secure on-chip storage for secret code and software intellectual property.

Code stored in the Flashvault will execute as normal, but cannot be read, copied or debugged. This allows a device with Flashvault code protection to carry a piece of valuable software such as a math library or an encryption algorithm from a trusted location to a potentially untrustworthy partner where the rest of the source code can be developed, debugged and programmed. The AT32UC3L also introduces Atmel's Peripheral Event System for the first time on a 32-bit microcontroller. The system allows peripherals to send signals (events) directly to other peripherals without involving the CPU.

By offloading to the peripheral event system the repetitive task of forwarding these events, the CPU will drastically reduce the time-consuming handling of interrupts. This will free up more time for the CPU to handle other tasks in the application and often allow the CPU to remain longer in one of the AVR32's many energy-saving sleep modes. The UC3L has a clock system with clock-failure protection, frequency meter, real time clock with calendar mode, a precision crystal oscillator tuner and accurate digital frequency locked loop. The peripherals include a nine-channel 12-bit ADC and eight-channel analogue comparator.

The device is the first microcontroller from Atmel to feature an eight-bit PWM output on every I/O pin. Atmel's AVR32 UC3L is supported by the AVR32 Studio integrated development environment used for Atmel's AVR32 product line. It is available for free on Atmel's website. IAR's Embedded Workbench also supports AVR32 devices. Debugging tools include Atmel's Avrone, STK 600 Starter Kit, and JTAGICE mkII on-chip debugger. Samples of the AT32UC3L are available now.

Aerco Offers Seaguard DS Cable Products

Aerco now supplies Seaguard DS cable products from Habia Cable that are designed to comply with the requirements of naval applications. Fire performance, size and weight, fluid and oil resistance, flexibility, abrasion resistance, strength, and screening effectiveness are all factors that are considered in addition to electrical performance when designing cables for naval systems.

Seaguard DS cable complies fully with the criteria set out in the UK Defence Standard 61-12 (Part 9)/5, (Part 18)/l5, (Part 25)/4 and (Part 31)/2, as well as other national navy standards. Seaguard DS cable products include screened and unscreened, multi-core and multi-pair cables, as well as coaxial cables for use in virtually all naval applications.

Custom-designed cable products can be supplied when standard products do not provide the ideal solution or when a customer requires to incorporate various power and signal wires into hybrid cables.