(1) INPHI Stand–alone differential encoder ICs cut cost, real-estate overheads eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Inphi Corporation’s 13650DE and 13651DE, which the company says remain the only stand–alone differential phase shift keying (DPSK) and Duobinary encoders in the industry, are now offered in a 3–by–3 mm QFN plastic package to cut cost and footprint significantly and to provide a measure of compatibility with the company's new 13–series flip flops for use in NRZ applications. The encoders, initially announced in an LGA package at a cost of about $225 apiece, operate up to 12.5 Gbps for telecommunications systems and transponders.”
Readers say:
» “I would think this product would be received well in the design area.”
» “Very nice design.”
» “This technology does sound interesting but I need to read more on it before I can really give you a real sense of my thoughts. From the high level it looks very interesting and something I will review.”
» “The cost is still high.”
» “Looks like the right technology for the job it needs to do.”
» “Unless you really need the horsepower these parts are overkill in most applications. Cost is a factor. However, if you need the speed, there is nothing out there that is close. Good job & kudos to the design team.”
» “Good product but cost is too high to use for our product.”
» “Cost reduction with high productivity equal a winning combo in the telecom industry.”
» “Spiffy part.”
USABILITY RANK: 1
(2) MELEXIS IR thermometer simplifies remote measurement in auto, medical apps eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Melexis’ MLX90614 infrared thermometer, which integrates a custom signal conditioning block, offers a cost–effective remote monitoring solution for automobile air conditioning, room heaters, home appliances, handhelds, and medical equipment.”
Readers say:
» “Integrating the signal conditioning makes packaging much easier.”
» “A bit pricey, but specs are good when accuracy is needed.”
» “While the resolution is great the accuracy is too large to make the high resolution usable. Secondly the limited range of operation limits its applications. Finally the price is way too high.”
» “This I can use.”
» “Nice integrated package.”
» “Can you adapt it to be an occupancy detector for lighting control?”
» “This can be useful to monitor temperature on many of my reseach projects.”
USABILITY RANK: 2
(3) TEXAS INSTRUMENTS Single–stage Class D amp delivers 300 watts eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Texas Instruments says its TAS5261 is the industry’s highest power single–chip Class D amplifier stage, delivering more than 300 watts into a 4–ohm speaker (or 220 watts into 6 ohms, 125 watts into 8 ohms) for AV and DVD receivers and home theater systems. That’s double the capability of any other Class D power stage, according to the company. Also announced, its TAS5162 stereo product can deliver 200 watts per channel at 6 ohms and 125 watts at 8 ohms.”
Readers say:
» “Spectacular.”
» “Including H–bridge drivers is great. My interest would be in non–audio applications, however.”
» “Impressive Specs, with reasonable pricing.”
USABILITY RANK: 5
(4) MAXIM LED driver for auto apps does away with need for a microcontroller eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Maxim touts its MAX16806 EEPROM–programmable driver, for high–brightness LEDs in automotive interior dome, map lighting, and courtesy light applications, as the first that does away with the need for switchmode controllers or microcontrollers. This IC is programmed through its I2C interface to fold back LED current if input voltage or LED temperature rises above the programmed threshold. This technique cuts cost and minimizes EMI considerations.”
Readers say:
» “Nice for electromechanical user interfaces with LED backlighting.”
» “I like it!”
» “I am not in the automotive field, but I do some aircraft lighting and this chip has some interesting features.”
» “Economics vs features are great.”
» “Probably only cost effective over micro in higher LED current applications.”
USABILITY RANK: 4
(5) INTERSIL Light-to-digital sensors simplify smart brightness control eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Intersil’s ISL29001 and ISL29002 sensors convert visible light (380 to 770 nm) to a 15–bit, I2C output signal suited to smart display applications. “These devices are fully integrated to give customers a one–chip solution that converts light intensity to a 15–bit, I2C digital output signal that can be fed directly into a controller for backlight control in portable applications,” said Oleg Steciw, marketing manager for the Display products group. These applications include flat–panel and keyboard backlight control, medical and industrial sensing, digital and still cameras, and intrusion detection.”
Readers say:
» “I would rather have a PWM output proportional to light intensity.”
» “Wider range and lower power than older chips is nice.”
» “Yes, Is this product available in a version that measures light in the NIR region of 880 nm to 940 nm?”
» “Neat idea!”
» “Linear light sensor in a standalone device – should be useful for much more than just a backlight control.”
» “Could be neat for automotive navigation systems if the price could come down a bunch in the 50K to 1 million quantities.”
» “It could be of good use in our products.”
USABILITY RANK: 3
(6) ANALOG DEVICES Transmitter, receiver chips extend HDTV eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Poised for the rising tide of high–definition audio and video systems, Analog Devices has extended its line of High–Definition Multimedia Interface ICs with seven new transmitter, receiver and multiplexer chips that support HDMI v1.2a signals up to UXGA resolutions (1600–by–1200 at 60 Hz) and DVI (digital video interface) v1.0.”
Readers say:
» “Long cable lengths are the real benefit of these chips.”
» “Incredible speed and integration at a low cost.”
» “Probably a bit too much for automotive systems. 20x20mm footprint would be really restrictive.”
» “It’s an intresting technology.”
» “It’s nice tech.”
USABILITY RANK: 7
(7) TEXAS INSTRUMENTS Stereo codecs tout ultralow power consumption eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “With the focus on extended battery run–times and optimizing the noise/power consumption tradeoff, Texas Instruments says its PCM3793 and PCM3794 stereo audio codecs for portable consumer applications (digital still cameras and media players) are the industry’s lowest–power devices of their kind.”
Readers say:
» “More features, less power loss, lower price – cool.”
» “A few years ago I could have really used this. Today, the price would make this a hard sell.”
USABILITY RANK: 6
(8) DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR Stereo–with–power–management IC condenses portables eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Dialog Semiconductor’s first audio–with–power management IC, the DA9034, is designed to support the latest generation of application processors for smartphones, portable multimedia devices (PMP), PDAs, and personal navigators.”
Readers say:
» “Not applicable to current projects, but will keep in mind. Combined power/audio is nice idea.”
» “The feature set is simply amazing.”
USABILITY RANK: 9
(9) JAMTECH Class D amp extends high fidelity eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “Touting a step advance in Class D audio amplifiers, JamTech’s JM2020 True Fidelity digital amp includes its new sub–ranging pulse width modulator (PWM) technology to significantly extend linearity and dynamic range. It claims best–in–class audio fidelity for flat–panel and compact audio applications at a price comparable to both traditional Class D amplifiers (analog, using a DAC) and delta–sigma PWM digital amplifiers.”
Readers say:
» “Audio specs (SNR and range) are good for price.”
» “Nice performance.”
» “Interesting device.”
USABILITY RANK: 8
(10) CML MICROCIRCUITS Cartesian loop transmitter IC: A point solution for linear RF eeProductCenter’s Vince Biancomano says: “CML’s new CMX998 Cartesian Feedback Loop Transmitter IC is designed to provide manufacturers of two–way wireless systems with a practical low–noise solution for linearizing the output of the system’s RF power amplifier (PA). Indeed, it’s the first fully integrated chip of its type, according to CML, suited for most of the non–constant envelope modulation systems used in today’s wireless applications.”
Readers say:
» “Could have used this on a product last year!”
