Hittite Microwave Corp has a new surface mount pHEMT MMIC low noise amplifier (LNA) for fixed wireless, CATV, microwave radio and cellular/3G basestation and repeater applications from 0.3 to 3.0GHz.
Hittite Microwave Corp has a new surface mount pHEMT MMIC low noise amplifier (LNA) for fixed wireless, CATV, microwave radio and cellular/3G basestation and repeater applications from 0.3 to 3.0GHz. The HMC374 is a high dynamic range PHEMT MMIC LNA which delivers 1.5dB noise figure, +37dBm output IP3 and 15dB small signal gain at 900MHz. The +23dBm saturated output power and the high output intercept point makes the HMC374 also suited for driving the RF port of a high IP3 mixer, and for transmitter predriver applications.

This broadband MMIC LNA requires no external matching, is unconditionally stable, and operates from a single supply voltage from +2.75 to +5.5V.

Compared with a discrete implementation, the HMC374 enables higher reliability, better consistency, less PCB area and reduced component count.

The HMC374 SMT MMIC low noise amplifier is housed in a SOT-26 package, and is also available as the RoHS compliant HMC374E.

Samples and evaluation PC boards are available from stock and can be ordered from MRC Components.

Linear Technology’s newest current sense amplifier, the LT6100, is a complete high-side current sense solution.
Linear Technology’s newest current sense amplifier, the LT6100, is a complete high-side current sense solution. Simply connect a high side shunt to the inputs; the LT6100 extracts and then amplifies the differential signal and provides a ground-referenced output signal. Using internal resistors, the amplifier can be configured for one of six gain settings with a gain accuracy of 0.5%.

A buffered output allows the part to be directly loaded by other circuitry.

The LT6100 has robust differential inputs with a very low 300uV offset and can accept fully differential voltages up to the supply.

This capability allows the part to monitor a fuse or MOSFET directly without damaging the part.

It also ensures that the part can withstand a -48V reverse battery condition.

The LT6100 uses Linear Technology’s Over-The-Top architecture with a separate voltage supply that operates from 2.7 to 36V and draws only 60uA.

When powered down, the sense pins are high impedance.

This prevents loading of the shunt, irrespective of the sense voltage, making this part ideal for battery-powered devices.

Portable equipment will also benefit from the small footprint, with a complete solution consuming only 9mm2.

‘The LT6100 includes many features demanded of today’s current sense applications’, says Bill Jett, Design Manager for Linear Technology.

‘It’s a complete, precision part with a lot of flexibility in a small package’.

The LT6100 is in full production, with prices starting at $1.18 each in 1000-piece quantities.

A new 13bit, 250Msample/s analogue-to-digital convertor promises best-in-class dynamic performance at high input frequencies.
Texas Instruments has a new 13bit, 250Msample/s analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC) that features best-in-class dynamic performance at high input frequencies. The ADS5444 offers 68dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 75dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at the maximum sample rate of 250Msample/s and an input frequency of 230MHz, making it ideal for a variety of wideband applications including software-defined radios, basestation receivers, and test and measurement systems. The ADS5444 provides a complete solution by including a high-bandwidth input buffer, a linear track-and-hold stage and an internal reference, simplifying system design requirements.

The ADC operates from a 5V supply, and provides LVDS-compatible digital outputs from a 3.3V supply.

The device is specified over the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85C.

‘The ADS5444 successfully extends the industry-leading SNR and SFDR performance achieved by the recently announced ADS5440 13bit, 210Msample/s ADC to even higher input frequencies’, said Roberto Sadkowski, Business Unit Manager for TI’s high-speed ADCs.

The ADS5444 is optimised to work with TI’s high-performance TMS320C6x DSP platform.

TI also has a range of high-speed amplifiers, such as the THS4509 and OPA847, and digital-to-analogue convertors, such as the DAC5687, which are well suited to work with the ADS5444 to provide a truly state-of-the-art signal chain for wideband applications.

The ADS5444 is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for Q4 2005.

The device comes in an 80-pin TQFP PowerPad package and is priced at $95.00 in 1000-piece quantities (suggested resale pricing).

Evaluation modules (EVMs) are also available.

Catalyst Semiconductor is now fully compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
Catalyst Semiconductor is now fully compliant with the Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) Directive to substantially reduce the lead, mercury, bromine, antimony-based flame retardants and other hazardous substances used in the manufacture of its analogue/mixed-signal and memory products. Catalyst announced in June 2002 its intention to offer lead-free and halogen-free packages for its complete line of memory ICs and its entire product portfolio of analogue/mixed-signal ICs is currently available in lead-free packages. The company began shipping its first RoHS-compliant products over two years ago, and to date has shipped more than 150 million pieces of RoHS-compliant product.

‘RoHS compliance is a major milestone for Catalyst Semiconductor and reflects the forward looking commitments we made several years ago’, said Dan Terry, Director of Quality Systems.

‘Our technical leadership in this area is second to none, and we intend to build on our successes by continuing to deliver high value-added, environmentally friendly product solutions that result in the competitive advantages our customers require’, he continued.

The ATS616LSG is an analogue self-calibrating speed sensor designed for non-TPOS (true power on state) automotive camshaft applications.
The ATS616LSG from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an analogue self-calibrating speed sensor designed for non-TPOS (true power on state) automotive camshaft applications. The new sensor features improved immunity to electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge effects and does not require an external switching capacitor. The ATS616LSG is housed in Allegro’s compact integrated GTS package, while maintaining the key specifications of the ATS612LSB, like airgap range and high timing accuracy.

Allegro’s newest addition is a peak-detecting device that uses automatic gain control and an integrated capacitor to provide extremely accurate gear-edge detection down to low operating speeds.

Each sensor subassembly consists of a high-temperature plastic shell that holds together a samarium-cobalt magnet, a pole piece, and a differential open-collector Hall IC that has been optimised to the magnetic circuit.

The small package can be easily assembled and used in conjunction with a wide variety of gear shapes and sizes.

The gear-sensing technology used for this sensor subassembly is Hall-effect-based.

The sensor incorporates a dual-element Hall IC that switches in response to differential magnetic signals created by ferrous targets.

The sophisticated processing circuitry contains an A/D convertor that self-calibrates (normalises) the internal gain of the device to minimise the effect of airgap variations.

The patented peak-detecting filter circuit eliminates magnet and system offsets, and has the ability to discriminate relatively fast changes such as those caused by tilt, gear wobble, and eccentricities, yet provides stable operation to extremely low rev/min.

This sensor system is ideal for use in gathering speed, position and timing information using gear-tooth-based configurations.

The ATS616LSG is particularly suited to those applications that require extremely accurate edge detection such as in automotive camshaft applications.

A new stereo audio codec for multimedia mobile phones and similar applications integrates high-quality audio performance and enhanced mixing capabilities, with low-power consumption.
Wolfson Microelectronics has introduced a stereo audio codec for multimedia mobile phones and similar applications integrating high-quality audio performance and enhanced mixing capabilities, with low-power consumption. The WM8983 enables flexible new usage modes for mobile phones. These include initiating normal mobile phone functions while continuing to listen to MP3 or FM radio, as well as audio playback during calls.

Other modes include karaoke during voice calls, with full mixing capability for headphone playback as well as recording in I2S format.

The Wolfson WM8983 high-resolution stereo audio codec includes a dedicated input and output audio mixer with audio loopback for hi-fi recording, two microphone amplifiers, and output drivers for speaker, headphones and differential or stereo line outputs.

This eliminates separate speaker and headphone amplifiers, enabling a lower component count and a reduced footprint implementation.

The high-output BTL speaker driver is capable of driving 1W into 8ohm BTL speaker, and the headphone driver supports ‘capless’ operation enabling further space and cost savings.

Wolfson’s mixed-signal technology also enables digital signal processing on-chip, enabling new mobile devices to add innovative features exploiting hi-fi quality audio.

By integrating a five-band equaliser, 3D audio enhancement, automatic level control and record limiter, the on-chip DSP is able to reduce the MIPS demand on the device’s main multimedia processor, for enhanced performance and lower overall power consumption.

These DSP features enable a mobile phone to play MP3 music or MPEG4 movies with only the multimedia processor and audio codec turned on, achieving power savings which can lead to longer battery life.

The WM8983 digital audio interface can operate in master or slave mode, while an integrated PLL supports flexible clocking schemes.

A-law and mu-law companding are fully supported.

A digital wind noise filter is also implemented, as well as an IIR filter that is programmable as a notch filter.

This enables fixed frequency noise reduction for improved voice and audio performance.

There is also additional power-up and power circuitry to reduce audible pops and clicks.

Digital to analogue convertor (DAC) performance is 98dB SNR and -84dB THD, and performance of the analogue to digital convertor (ADC) is 95dB SNR and -84dB THD.

The WM8983 operates at analogue supply voltages from 2.5 to 3.3V, although the digital core can operate at voltages down to 1.71V to save power.

Speaker supplies can operate up to 5V for increased speaker output power.

Additional power management control enables individual sections of the chip to be powered down under software control, providing further options for designers to optimise battery life in the end product.

A novel decoder with an integrated 2:1 multiplexing video switch uses analogue technology to accurately convert standard and high-definition video signals to a computer video format.
National Semiconductor has introduced the industry’s first decoder with an integrated 2:1 multiplexing (mux) video switch that uses analogue technology to accurately convert standard and high-definition video (YPbPr) signals to a computer video (RGB) format. The LMH1251 increases compatibility between different video standards and formats, allowing consumers to output video directly from DVD players, gaming devices and other devices to their personal computer monitors. The LMH1251 also performs all the necessary sync processing to generate horizontal and vertical sync signals from standard (SD) and high-definition (HD) video formats.

At IBC 2005 in Amsterdam, from 9th to 13th September, National will demonstrate the unique multimedia features and accurate colour space decoding of the LMH1251 in Hall 5, Stand 330 of the RAI Centre.

‘Converting signals in the analogue domain through National’s integrated, all-in-one decoder gets rid of all the complex external circuitry or additional chips you’d find in a digital solution’, said Erroll Dietz, Vice President of National Semiconductor’s Amplifier products group.

‘Instead, it offers manufacturers an easy way to add component video compatibility without the headaches and errors of current solutions’.

‘The LMH1251 demonstrates National’s ability to provide advanced video solutions’.

The LMH1251’s conversion process is done using analogue technology via a colour-space conversion matrix, eliminating multiple stages of digital implementations.

The result is a cleaner, crisper, decoded video image that is superior to alternative approaches that use discrete components, digital products or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Discrete solutions using up to 20 components require design expertise, use more board space, consume more power and have inferior decoding quality.

Digital solutions and FPGAs are more expensive and typically offer more features than may be needed in a system.

compared with these alternatives, the analogue design of the LMH1251 reduces undesired artifacts and provides a smaller form factor for easy integration.

National’s LMH1251 converts video to within 1% accuracy based on vector scope analysis, which exceeds the accuracy of current solutions on the market.

The device accepts one set of YPbPr inputs and one set of RGB/Hsync/Vsync inputs.

Using the integrated 2:1 MUX and based on the input selected, the output will be either a decoded TV or buffered PC video signal.

The LMH1251’s RGB path has 400MHz of bandwidth, enabling it to accept up to 1600 x 1200 UXGA video resolutions.

The output displays the unaltered RGB video signal.

The YPbPr video path has 70MHz of bandwidth.

It is equipped with a smart video detection circuit that automatically senses 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p video formats, applying the appropriate colour-space conversion and outputting the video in a RGBHV format.

The LMH1251 eliminates the need for a microcontroller to choose the proper detection scheme and also saves board space by integrating all the necessary components: a sync processor, a 2:1 mux and an analogue colour-space conversion matrix.

Available now in a TSSOP-24 package, the LMH1251 is priced at $3.49 in 1000-unit quantities.

Analog Devices has developed a new parametric evaluation tool for amplifiers that enables system designers to select, evaluate and troubleshoot its range of voltage feedback operational amplifiers.
Analog Devices has developed a new parametric evaluation tool for amplifiers that enables system designers to select, evaluate and troubleshoot its range of voltage feedback operational amplifiers. By using parametric data to mathematically model the general behaviour of a selected amplifier, designers are able to select a component, quickly configure a circuit, apply a signal and evaluate the amplifier’s general performance. The tool, available to users at no charge, is accessible in real-time on the Analog Devices website and requires no software download.

‘For years, designers have been forced to rely on tedious hand calculations and guesswork in the selection and evaluation of op amps’, said Dave Kress, Director of Applications Engineering at Analog Devices.

‘As such, designers did not always have the liberty to thoroughly consider all the factors in their selection process’.

‘As the world’s leading supplier of op amps, with a portfolio of thousands of products, we wanted to provide a tool that could simplify the process’.

‘With ADI’s online parametric evaluation tool, our customers can now quickly and efficiently conduct real-time simulations and troubleshoot potential problems across various parameters and architectures’.

The parametric evaluation tool enables designers to check an amplifier’s parametric performance, such as bandwidth limitations, input/output range, gain errors and DC errors in a given circuit configuration.

By observing the limits specified by these parameters, the designer is ensured that the device is safely and reliably operating well within its optimal performance range.

The new evaluation tool also offers several key features that aid in the selection of amplifiers from Analog Devices.

For instance, once a circuit has been set, a designer can request a list of the amplifiers that would best fit a given design.

An ADI customer can then evaluate each component separately to determine which device best suits their design.

Separately, interactive message flags issue a series of warnings if a circuit configuration may lead to damage of an amplifier, if the circuit yields degraded performance or if there is an issue the designer should simply be made aware of.

This feature greatly diminishes the possibility of costly redesigns to a circuit, provides reassurance that the circuit can meet performance objectives and supports troubleshooting efforts.

In addition, a selection wizard is offered for less experienced designers who may require additional help choosing an amplifier.

This particular option determines circuit configuration and component values and provides suggested amplifiers for a particular circuit design.

The ADI op amp evaluation tool is powered by National Instruments LabView, which provides a familiar graphical user interface (GUI) and processes related computational tasks.

The FMS6406 is billed as the industry’s most highly integrated standard definition, lowpass reconstruction video filter/driver for set-top box and personal video recorder applications.
New from Fairchild Semiconductor, the FMS6406 is billed as the industry’s most highly integrated standard definition, lowpass reconstruction video filter/driver for set-top box and personal video recorder (PVR) applications. This FMS6406 features an integrated sound notch and output drivers that meet the latest cable and satellite set-top box performance requirements of 170ns group delay predistortion. The device compensates for the inherent distortion in the TV receiver by including a group delay and chroma-luma delay FCC predistortion circuit that prevents the image’s high-frequency edges from appearing distorted on the TV screen.

The notch filter creates a window in the video signal at approximately 4.5MHz to eliminate interference between the audio and video before these signals are combined in the channel 3/4 RF modulator.

‘Fairchild’s highly integrated video filter reduces board space by 30 to 40% by effectively replacing discrete reconstruction filters, an external sound notch and group delay compensation circuits and cable drivers, while increasing system reliability in set-top box and PVR applications’.

‘This integration translates into significant board savings’, says Jeremy Tole, Fairchild’s Technical Marketing Manager, Video Products.

‘The FMS6406 answers a pressing need in the set-top box and PVR market by providing a highly efficient and inherently low-cost system solution’.

Fairchild’s FMS6406, a 5th order video filter, eliminates unwanted digital artefacts by significantly reducing the clock and image frequencies after the digital-to-analogue conversion process occurs on an MPEG chip.

This video filter/driver is also capable of DC coupling on the outputs to improve the low-frequency video, while at the same time eliminating the need for three large capacitors.

Typical designs for set-top boxes offer both S-video and composite-video outputs.

Fairchild’s FMS6406 offers separate chrominance and luminance outputs to directly drive the S-video output.

These outputs are also internally summed to form a composite video signal.

The composite- and S-video outputs provide a fixed gain of 6dB and offer the flexibility of either AC or DC coupling.

The FMS6406 is offered in a space-saving 8-pin SOIC package.

A new 16bit, 10Msample/s delta-sigma analogue-to-digital convertor claims an unmatched combination of speed and precision.
Providing an unmatched combination of speed and precision, Texas Instruments has released a new 16bit, 10Msample/s delta-sigma analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC). Featuring 86dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 95dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) over a 5MHz bandwidth, the ADS1610 provides state-of-the-art performance at 4x the speed of the nearest delta-sigma competition and 2x the speed of TI’s previous delta-sigma solutions. The ADS1610 is ideal for demanding measurements in communications, scientific instrumentation and test and measurement applications.

‘Texas Instruments has leveraged its expertise in high-performance data conversion to once again push the boundaries in speed and precision’, said Gregg Lowe, Senior Vice President of TI’s high-performance analogue business.

‘This breakthrough data convertor extends our industry-leading portfolio of delta-sigma ADCs and provides our customers with outstanding high-speed performance for their most demanding measurement applications’.

The high-speed operation (10Msample/s) is ideal for high-accuracy applications requiring higher sampling speeds.

The 16bit resolution with 86dB SNR, 95dB SFDR and -94dB total harmonic distortion (THD) is ideal for high-speed applications requiring higher accuracy signal measurement.

A 4.4MHz passband with less than 0.0002dB of ripple provides wideband signal processing, while an on-chip digital filter simplifies anti-alias requirements compared with SAR and pipeline convertors.

The device operates from a +5V analogue supply and a +3V digital supply.

The ADS1610 is optimised to work with TI’s high-performance TMS320 DSP platforms.

TI offers an extensive portfolio of wideband amplifiers well suited to drive the analogue inputs of the ADS1610, such as the THS4503 and THS4509.

The ADS1610 is pin compatible with TI’s previously introduced ADS1605 (16bit, 5Msample/s ADC) and ADS1625 (18bit, 1.25Msample/s ADC) to provide an easy upgrade path.

The ADS1610 is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for 3Q 2005.

The device comes in a TQFP-64 package and is priced at $29.95 in 1000 piece quantities (suggested resale pricing).