Introduction

Highlights of this issue include new product releases from Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, austriamicrosystems and Micro Crystal; design features on signal integrity and LED diagnosis; analogue-related design ideas; schedule of ICEEE '09 and 13th WSEAS International Conference on Circuits; and research studies on automotive analogue ICs.
 

May 12th 2009

Precision clock generators with fully integrated VCO support
Texas Instruments has introduced three precision clock generators that have a crystal input, replacing up to four discrete high-frequency crystal oscillators with a single device. These devices provide cost-efficient solution and more board space. The CDCM61004 family improves system performance by achieving integrated RMS jitter of 500fs, suitable for data communications equipment.
Texas Instruments

Low power instrumentation amplifier
Analog Devices has introduced a small, low power instrumentation amplifier (in-amp). The small size of the AD8235, combined with its low power consumption, is effective for power-efficient, portable, lightweight medical devices and consumer-health products, including home-use ECG (electrocardiogram) monitors, infusion pumps and activity-monitoring medical devices.
Analog Devices

High output differential line receiver
The operational amplifier AS1713 introduced by austriamicrosystems is a high output differential line receiver. With a 10MHz, 10V/µs, rail-to-rail I/O performance the device is suitable for audio applications such as headphone drivers, audio line receivers and buffers.
austriamicrosystems

Two RTCs in ceramic SMD package
Micro Crystal has introduced two accurate RTCs (real time clocks) in ceramic SMD package. The RV-3029-C2 and RV-3049-C2 are small RTCs with embedded 32.768kHz crystal and integrated temperature compensation. At room temperature, the RTCs achieve time keeping accuracy of maximum ±3ppm. This is equal to a time deviation of less than 2s/week.
Micro Crystal

      

 

Signal Integrity: How well do you understand signal edges?
In my previous column, I discussed the benefits of LVDS (low-voltage differential signalling) and in particular the tricky question of where to connect an instrument ground when making a ground-plane measurement—the conclusion was that the best place was a solid logic zero. This month’s column is devoted to the much debated rising- and falling-edge rates of LVDS, a subject that arouses feelings of nervousness and uncertainty.


Diagnose LEDs by monitoring the switch-mode duty cycle
Engineers often monitor the forward voltage, VF, of HB LEDs (high-brightness light-emitting diodes) to assess the LEDs’ health. Big changes in forward voltage can indicate deterioration or even a complete failure of one or more LEDs connected in series. For several LEDs in series, the sum of their forward voltages can reach 40V or more, and, if users do not reference that voltage to ground, it requires a differential measurement.
 

Instrumentation amplifier compensates system offset from single supply
Many integrated instrumentation amplifiers have architectures that permit offset compensation. The reference terminal’s voltage, VREF, adds in phase to the output to yield a gain of one. As a result, users can reset the output offset voltage by applying to the VREF input a correction voltage of equal value but of opposite polarity. If the instrumentation amp operates from a dual-supply voltage, users can easily provide both positive- and negative-correction voltage.


Discrete-component buck converter drives HB LEDs
HB (high-brightness) LEDs require a large amount of current to operate. When driving HB LEDs from a voltage source, users can set the required current with a suitable series resistor. If the voltage source is a battery, then, as the battery drains, the LED’s intensity decreases. Also, a series resistance has the disadvantage of power loss through the resistor. A better option is to use a suitable dc/dc converter.

 

ICEEE '09 (International Conference of Electrical and Electronics Engineering 2009), 1-3 July 2009 at London, UK
The ICEEE '09 conference is held under the World Congress on Engineering 2009. The WCE 2009 is organised by the IAENG (International Association of Engineers), and serves as good platforms for the engineering community members to meet with each other and to exchange ideas. The last IAENG conferences in 2008 had attracted a total of over 700 participants from over 30 countries. The topics to be covered include analog circuits, electronic amplifiers and signal processing, amongst others.


13th WSEAS International Conference on Circuits, 22-24 July 2009 at Rodos Island, Greece
The participants of the conference will have the chance to update their knowledge on the latest advances in the field of circuits. Some of the topics covered in this conference include network theory and applications, analogue, digital, mixed-mode circuits, amplifiers and non-linear circuits, amongst others.
http://www.wseas.us/conferences/2009/rodos/icc/call.htm

 

Automotive Analog ICs
The automotive market is in for some difficult times ahead. Shipments of new vehicles are expected to be down 5% from 2008 in 2009 as consumers around the world put off purchasing a new mode of transportation due to lack of credit options. Longer term, however, vehicle production will continue to grow after the economy stabilises. There are plenty of areas where there is potential growth, particularly in China and India where penetration rates are still relatively low.

 

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