Microsemi, a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, and The Athena Group Inc. (Athena), a leading provider of security, cryptography, anti-tamper and signal processing intellectual property (IP) cores, have announced the release of Athena’s TeraFire cryptographic microprocessor as a new part of Microsemi’s PolarFire field programmable gate array (FPGA) “S class” family. Claimed as the most advanced cryptographic technology, the TeraFire hardcore offers access to advanced security features along with high performance and low power consumption. The need for increased cyber security has been realized across the industry, especially through the communications, defense, and industrial markets. The TeraFire cryptographic microprocessor technology caters to all these requirements.
Silicon Microstructures Introduces SM9D and SM9G Families to Extend its Low Pressure Product Range
Silicon Microstructures Inc. has announced to extends its low pressure product lineup by introducing the SM9D and SM9G product ranges. The SM95 sensor dies has been made available in an SO16 package, which allows high-volume assembly of SMI’s proven SM95 sensors for those who do not need the fully compensated digital solutions offered by the company. The new devices operate in the temperature range of -40C to +85 C and meet the AEC-Q100 Reliability standard. A wide range of packages has been made available such as the dual vertical ports for the smallest footprint, dual horizontal ports for the lowest profile and single vertical port for gauge applications.
Maxim Unveils new Fuel Gauge Featuring Industry’s Lowest Quiescent Current
Maxim Integrated, a reputed designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed-signal products and technologies, has revealed the MAX17055 ModelGauge m5. The new fuel gauge would allow developers to design the portable device with maximum accuracy and low power host-side battery gauges.For a good performance, the traditional fuel gauges need extensive characterization of each battery type used in specific applications. This implies complicated battery characterization that piles up time and resources to the design cycle. However, with the MAX17055’s ModelGauge m5 EZ configuration, there is no need for battery characterization and hence it shortens customer’s time to market.
Maxim Introduces MAX20310 Ultra-Low Quiescent Current Power Management Integrated Circuit
Maxim Integrated Products Inc. has unveiled the MAX20310 ultra-low quiescent current (IQ) PMIC that would aid primary cell wearable medical and fitness applications designers to bring down the solution size by 50% while extending the battery life. The wearable MAX20310 supports a low input voltage of just 0.7V for common Alkaline Battery architecture, as well as, new high-energy density battery architectures such as Zinc Air and Silver Oxide. While designing applications for medical and fitness wearables, one has to take into account a lot of factors like ultra-small form factor and a long battery life. However, building a sophisticated power tree requires a lot of board space, high quiescent current and high battery consumption in the sleep mode.
Alliance Memory Unveils new 512Mb SDRAMs in 54-Pin TSOP II Package
Alliance Memory, a worldwide provider of Legacy memory products for communications, computing, industrial and consumer markets, has introduced two new SDRAMs. These new Synchronous DRAMs namely- AS4C32M16SB-7TCN and AS4C32M16SB-7TIN have been rolled out in the 54-pin TSOP II package. The devices are available in commercial (0°C to +70°C) and industrial (-40°C to +85°C) temperature ranges and act as pin-for-pin replacements for Micron Technology’s discontinued 32M x 16 MT48LC32M16A2P-75:C (AS4C32M16SM-7TCN) and MT48LC32M16A2P-75 IT:C (AS4C32M16SM-7TIN) SDRAMs.
Intel Introduces New Xeon Processor E3- 1200 V6 Product Family
Intel has announced the introduction of Intel Xeon Processor E3-1200 V6 product family that includes 8 new versions. These offer key improvements in processor speed, hardware-enhanced security, enhanced memory capabilities, and reliability features that support lntel’s latest graphics. This lineup of processors allows the expansion of entry-level workstations facilitating powerful workloads, professional virtual reality (VR), analytics, rendering, production and distribution. It is targeted towards small-business customers who use entry-level servers and business professionals around the world who use entry-level workstations. Besides, the range delivers greater business intelligence, acceleration and agility.
STMicrolectronics’ Chips Inside Haltian’s Trackerphone Ensure Safety of Children and Seniors
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader, has introduced motion-sensing and data-processing chips for the Snowfox Trackerphone that ensures the safety of the individuals. The Trackerphone is a 2-way portable communication device developed by a Finnish design and engineering startup. It has been designed for the safety of children and senior citizens by tracking their location. Discussing the device, It’s a matchbox-sized, easy-to-carry gadget that maps the location of the wearer in real-time and also allows calling facility. It has a one-button control that prompts notifications and call requests to family members. The wearers can be monitored through a smartphone app offering various map views, location history, and event timeline.
Toradex Announces new SoMs Namely Apalis iMX8 and Colibri iMX6ULL
Toradex has unveiled two new SOMs (System on Modules) based on NXP® i.MX 8QuadMax and NXP i.MX 6ULL – the Apalis iMX8 and Colibri iMX6ULL, respectively. The Apalis iMX8 delivers high-performance and supreme graphics that makes it ideally suitable for Computer Vision applications. Moving on, the Colibri iMX6ULL targets the emerging IoT and connected market by providing cost-optimised and power efficient platform. Interestingly, it’s the first Colibri module to be integrated with optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It also includes state-of-the-art security features like ARM TrustZone®, encryption engines, and a secure boot option. The display interface supports resolutions up to 1366 x 768 and an RMII interface that allows adding a second Ethernet port.
On Semiconductor Launches Industry’s first 100 V Bridge Power Stage Modules
On Semiconductor, one of the leading semiconductors suppliers in the world has released the FDMF8811, industry’s first 100 V Bridge Power Stage Module for the half-bridge and full-bridge isolated DC-DC converters. It’s a 25 A-rated device integrating 120 V driver IC, a bootstrap diode and two highly efficient power MOSFETs in a PQFN-36 package. The newly-introduced module is capable enough to reduce the board area required for dc-dc converter designs by one-third and hence allows engineers to design smaller systems. In fact, it even facilitates increased power delivery within the existing board area. The FDMF8811 can be utilised for applications like wireless base stations, power modules, isolated DC-DC converter, and industrial applications including motor drives, HVAC, and fans.
Intel Optane Memory Module Introduced for Desktops
Intel has recently announced its Optane Memory Module that will offer a revolutionary experience to the PC users in the form of faster load times across a wide range of applications. The memory module along with 7th Gen Intel Core processors deliver 2x faster boot time, 28% faster system performance, and 65% faster game level loads. It is claimed to take PC responsiveness to a whole another level regarding everything including compute-intensive engineering applications, high-end gaming, web browsing, content creation, and everyday office applications. The pairing up of Intel Optane memory and a 7th Gen Intel core processor would mean that the users can power on their computers up to twice as fast as it used to be.
Texas Instruments Introduces Reinforced Isolator with Industry’s Highest Efficiency and Lowest Emissions
Texas Instruments has unveiled a new single-chip reinforced isolator featuring integrated power offering 80% higher efficiency than the existing integrated devices. The new isolator carries the industry’s most efficient power transfer, lowest radiated emissions, and highest immunity. Besides, it also supports reliable operation of industrial systems, such as automation, motor control, isolated power supplies, grid infrastructure, and test & measurement equipment. As compared to other discrete solutions, the ISOW7841 isolator integrates both isolated data and power, thereby enabling a smaller bill of materials (BOM) and reduced board space. This, in turn, leads to an easier and faster system certification. It carries a three forward/one backward channel configuration and is the first device in its family with multiple devices that are expected by the end of 2017.
Tektronix Unveils new Optical Modules Featuring Industry’s Highest Sensitivity and Lowest Noise
Tektronix Inc., the world leader in providing measurement solutions, has introduced new optical modules for its DSA8300 sampling oscilloscope. Apart from carrying traits like industry’s highest mark test sensitivity and lowest noise, these also feature increased production capacity and improved yield for current 100G designs moving into production. Besides, the company has released enhancements to its 400G test solution including IEEE Ethernet standard-driven Transmitter and Dispersion Eye Closure (TDECQ) PAM4 and other related support measurements for optical testing. The full set of Tektronix solutions for 100G/ 400G optical characterization and validation along with new modules and capabilities will be demonstrated at the OFC Optical Networking and Communication Conference.
Texas Instruments Unveils Industry’s First Multiphase Bi-Directional Current Controller
Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor design, and manufacturing company has announced the release of industry’s first fully integrated multiphase bidirectional DC/DC current controller. It’s capable enough to transfer electric power greater than 500 W per phase between dual 48-V and 12-V automotive battery systems. The LM5170-Q1 highly integrated analog controller utilizes an innovative average current-mode control method that overcomes the challenges of the present high-component-count, full digital control schemes. The controller will be demonstrated at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) in Tampa, Florida to be held from 27th to 29th March 2017.
Texas Instruments Introduce SimpleLink microcontroller platform to transform the pace of Product Proliferation
Texas Instruments has introduced SimpleLink Microcontroller Platform by uniting a robust set of hardware, software and tools under a single development environment that would change the pace of product poliferation. It’s built on a shared foundation of drivers, frameworks, and libraries. The platform’s new software development kits (SDKs) offer scaliability with 100% code reuse and reduces design time thereby allowing developers to invest once and leverage across several products.The company has also expanded the SimpleLink MCU portfolio by adding a new generation of WI-Fi chips and modules namely- Wi-Fi CC3220 wireless MCU and CC3120 wireless network processor. The CC3220 products are built on a novel architecture containing two phyiscally separate execution enviroments in a single chip. These device feature secured storage, cloning protection, netwroking security and secure boot.
Intersil Announces the Release of Highly Integrated Multi-Cell Battery Pack Monitor
Intersil, subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corporation, has recently unveiled the ISL94202 3-to-8 cell battery pack monitor. It supports lithium-ion and other battery chemistries that are used in applications like, energy storage systems, vacuum cleaners, lawn equipment, scooter, e-bikes, and handheld power tools. Lithium-ion batteries are smaller in size, weigh less, and have a longer life as compared to other chemistries. However, these require monitoring and protection to ensure safe use. It comes with ultra-small 2-terminal designs and monitors, protects and cell balances battery packs, thereby ensuring safe operation and charging. The battery pack works as a stand-alone battery protection system by utilising an internal-state machine with 5 pre-programmed modes.
Littlefuse Releases New Series of Bidirectional TVS Diode Arrays that Provides Protection against Destructive Electrostatic Discharges
Littlefuse Inc., a global leader in manufacturing circuit protection products, has launched a series of TVS Diode Arrays. These are designed to protect the electronic equipment against destructive electrostatic discharges (ESD). The SP3042 Series Bidirectional Discrete TVS Diode Arrays consists of robust back-to-back TVS diodes fabricated by using a proprietary silicon-avalanche technology. This helps in safely absorbing the repetitive ESD strikes till a maximum level specified in the IEC 61000-4-2 international standard without degrading the performance.
Microchip Introduces a Hardware Cryptography-Enabled Microcontroller Addressing the need for Security Measures
Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signals, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, has introduced a hardware cryptography-enabled microcontroller. The CEC1702 caters to the rising demand for security measures including secure boot, driven by the continual growth of IoT applications. Discussing the details, the CEC1702 is a full-featured ARM® Cortex®- M4-based microcontroller carrying a hardware cryptography-enabled solution in a single package. This programmable 32-bit microcontroller is low-power yet powerful and minimizes customer risk by allowing customer programming flexibility. It offers easy-to-use encryption, authentication, private and public key capabilities.
STMicroelectronics and Eutelsat Introduce Low-Cost System-on-Chip for Interactive Satellite Terminals
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader across the spectrum of electronics applications, and Euteslat Communications, one of the leading satellite operators, have announced the release of a new-generation chip. The low-power, low-cost system-on-chip is going to power Eutelsat’s SmartLNB interactive terminal. The STiD337 represents a huge step in the overall cost of interactive satellite terminals with upgrading service, low costs and significantly reduced power consumption. It makes use of very low-power 28nm FD-soi (Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator) process technology that allows deep sleep and auto wake up for the system.
Texas Instruments Unveils Industry’s First 4-20mA DAC Featuring Buck/Boost Converter
Texas Instruments has launched a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that integrates industry-leading precision performance with simpler power-supply design. It’s a 16-bit DAC8775 device that operates from a single, wide 12 to 36-V power rail. Owing to the presence of the integrated buck/boost converter, it generates all the required internal power supplies to save designers time, cost, and board space. The 4-channel DAC8775 caters to the factory automation and process control equipment toward input/output (I/O) modules that are required to squeeze more channels within a small space. Usually, while designing these systems, engineers have to face the challenge of managing power dissipation in a small form factor. In order to counter this issue, the DAC8775 integrates a 4-20mA current and voltage driver with a precision reference and a buck/boost converter.
Congatec Introduces Industrial Thin Mini-ITX Motherboard Featuring 7th Gen Intel Core U Processors for IoT Connected Devices
Congatec- a pioneer in the field of embedded computer modules, single board computers and embedded design and manufacturing- has recently launched the conga-IC175. It’s a thin industrial-grade motherboard family equipped with the new 7th Gen Intel Core U processors. Developed for IoT connected devices, the new boards are perfectly suitable for space-constrained, high-performance and low-power IoT designs. Apart from all the enhancements, it is also offered with a comprehensive IoT support including a SIM card socket for 3G/4G or Narrow Band Connectivity.