Introduction

Highlights of this issue include new product releases from Maxim Integrated Products, Precision Devices, National Semiconductor and ON Semiconductor; design features on mixed-signal-IC design tools and precise monitoring chips; analogue-related design ideas; schedule of ISSCC 2009 and PCI-SIG Developers Conference Europe; and research studies on 2008 display drivers.
 

23 January 2009

Automotive-grade quad-output controller IC
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX17019, a high-input-voltage, quad-output controller for automotive applications. This device saves space and cost by integrating four independent voltage outputs in a 36mm2 TQFN package. The device includes a main-stage step-down controller, a 3Ap-p step-down regulator, a 5Ap-p step-down regulator and a 2A source/sink linear regulator. Capable of operating up to 38V, the MAX17019 is suitable for automotive battery-powered devices.
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High frequency clock oscillators
Precision Devices (PDI) has launched two clock oscillators. The OC7A operates with a frequency above 1GHz. The OC7A oscillator supports an operating frequency range of 10.9MHz to 1.17GHz. The new OC5A supports an operating frequency range of 25MHz to 350MHz. These oscillators support a wide range of applications requiring high frequency tolerance, low jitter – RMS 0.6ps and low DC power consumption of less than 95mA.
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Signal path products for wideband applications
National Semiconductor has introduced a 2.5GHz differential amplifier and a 10-bit, 2GSPS single/1GSPS dual analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) that deliver dynamic system-level performance and low power for wideband applications. These combined signal path products are suitable for ground-based radar, data acquisition systems, point-to-point base stations and next-generation set-top boxes.
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Programmable clock multiplier with good jitter performance
ON Semiconductor has introduced the NB3N3020, a high precision, low phase noise, programmable clock multiplier with good jitter performance. The device generates an LVPECL clock, as well as LVCMOS clock on the same device which enables the multiplier to be used in networking, consumer electronics and computing applications. The device has three tri-level LVCMOS single ended select pins that set one of 26 possible clock frequencies.
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Mixed-signal-IC designers get help with nanometre processes
Building on an initial launch in the North- American market, EDA start-up Solido is now introducing its tools to the European chip-design community. Solido makes tools for the transistor level designer, working with analogue and mixed-signal designs to analyse and circumvent the effects of process variations in advanced silicon technologies. There is a growing problem, Solido asserts, as designers move from 130 nm through technologies with geometries as small as 32 or even, in the future, 22 nm.
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Precise monitoring maximises HEV Li-ion performance
In developing its LTC6802 high-voltage precision battery- stack monitor chip, Linear Technology says it has been working closely with a major hybrid electric-vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle builder is making the transition from NiMH- to lithium-ionbattery technology, which— according to Linear—is rapidly overcoming the shortcomings that have prevented its use in HEVs.
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Designing protective circuitry for DSL loops: Beware of pitfalls
The appropriate protective-circuit design for DSL (digital-subscriber-line) loops depends on the type of loop: Loops vary in voltage conditions and in susceptibility to attenuation and degradation in signal integrity. Therefore, protective circuitry that works well in one application may be completely inappropriate in another. A “normal” signal ranges from 2.5V in an HDSL (high-bit-rate DSL) to 260V in a DSL system (see sidebar “Normal signals”). The circuit design and choice of circuit-protection devices must take these differences into account.
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Program an op-amp gain block with a limited-adjustability, monolithic, solid-state resistor
Solid-state replacements for traditional electromechanical trimmer potentiometers are increasingly available in a variety of technologies from a variety of vendors. These replacements have many obvious advantages, such as automatic adjustability, miniaturization, and immunity to vibration. Some of these devices have only limited programmable spans, however. This limitation can sometimes be problematic and may preclude the use of a solid-state option in some design applications.
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International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC 2009)
The International Solid-State Circuits Conference is the foremost forum for presentation of advances in solid-state circuits and systems-on-a-chip. The Conference offers a unique opportunity for engineers working at the cutting edge of IC design and use to maintain technical currency, and to network with leading experts.
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PCI-SIG Developers Conference Europe 2009, 09-Mar-2009 to 10-Mar-2009
The PCI-SIG DevCon is designed to help member companies develop and bring to market exciting new products utilizing PCI technology. PCI-SIG DevCon 2009 continues that tradition by featuring the latest series of technical training sessions presented by PCI-SIG Workgroup chairs and other PCI experts.
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2008 Display Drivers
Display drivers belong to the general logic semiconductor category that includes PLDs, communications, industrial, consumer, computer, automotive, and general purpose logic categories. Logic was a $76.4 billion industry in 2008, making it one of the most lucrative markets overall thanks to high demand. Display drivers accounted for 10 percent of this market, which made them the fifth largest market segment overall.
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