ERNI offers new RF connectors

The ERNI Group of Cos. announced the release of the Integrated Magnetic RJ45 connector for Gigabit applications.

This addition to the ERNI MaxJack Line of Integrated Magnetic Modular Jacks is designed for any application at this data rate. Industries specifically targeted for use are telecom/datacom equipment, data storage, personal computers, network printers and peripheral equipment.

The ERNI MaxJack Gigabit connectors are designed to accommodate demand for high-speed communication applications.

The traditional short body style dimensions offer reduced cost and PCB real estate conservation. The traditional terminal footprint design provides for shorter PCB trace lengths from PHY to the connector — increasing signal performance and reduced emissions.

The ERNI MaxJack series meets IEEE802.3ab requirements for noise immunity and provide enhanced return loss performance of — 3dB over the 1-125 MHz-frequency range. This allows the port distances to be extended beyond the 100 meters as specified by IEEE.

Available in single port, multi-port gang, and stacked and ganged configurations. The single port also includes an optional LED.

Average price (per 1,000) for the single-port $3.18 each.
www.erni.com

Intersect plans CTIA product debut

At CTIA Wireless 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 17-19, Intersect will display some of the newest additions to its product line.

The AA300 Series integrated load center lets users tailor protection against harmful voltage transients. The POP Box can be configured with up to 10 modes of suppression behind the main utility breaker only, or behind both the main and auxiliary power service breakers.

The unit features a 42 KAIC-rated ASCO automatic transfer switch that is UL 1008 listed and complies with NFPA 110 for emergency and standby power systems.

The AA1220061 is equipped with a 22 KAIC-rated ASCO automatic transfer switch, which is also UL 1008 listed and NFPA 110 compliant, and features Strikesorb surge suppression.

Other product displays include the Purcell Protection Cabinet and Rayvoss transient voltage surge suppression panels. The Purcell cabinet houses a mechanical interlock transfer device, Strikesorb suppression, and loadcenter in a compact 40-inch by 20-inch by 10-inch D enclosure, which can be equipped with a generator receptacle. Strikesorb TVSS panels can be configured to provide up to 200,000 amps of L-L, L-G, and L-N surge protection in in-line or parallel installations.
www.intersectinc.biz

Web Access SCADA

Web Access SCADA is a browser-based HMI and SCADA software package for industrial control systems and facilities automation. Designed with a Web and Internet/Intranet-based architecture, users can view and control in real-time using a Web brower.

Web Access can be remotely configured and also supported via Web browser.

Features including Pre-built Point and Faceplate displays, Data Logging, Alarm Summary and Logging, Pager and e-mail Notification, and Animated Graphics.
www.scadalink.com

Tetra combiner-duplexer assembly

The WSA-00136 was designed for China Telecom and other international communication tetra systems.

The WSA-00136 is modular in design and can be fitted for rack mountable use. The combiner-duplexer assembly incorporates two transmit filters and one receive filter into a common port.

Additional components include isolators for each transmit filter, one dual directional coupler and lowpass filters to maintain excellent rejection up to 12.75 GHz.
www.klmicrowave.com

Switch in high-power standby

dbSpectra has introduced the DBS-112AA antenna switch console, which operates from 30-960 MHz and controls a TX and an RX antenna switch.

The switch panel controls remotely located RF switches up to 200 feet from the panel.

These RF switches, which are included with the DBS-112AA, can be used to connect to standby antennas if the main antennas fail.

The DBS-112AA can be switched on site through a manual switch or it can be controlled remotely to switch in the secondary antennas. The switch panel will send a signal to the transmitter to disable and wait for verification before the TX switch is made.

Once the switch to the secondary TX antenna is complete, the DBS-112AA will notify the transmitter that it is safe to transmit.
www.dbspectra.com

Specifications at a glance

Linear Technology rolls out converter

Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LTC4410, a USB power manager IC in a ThinSOT package, which enables simultaneous battery charging and system operation of a Li-Ion powered USB peripheral from a USB host.

Compared to conventional methods, the LTC4410 powers the system load directly from USB’s 5V supply instead of the battery’s 3.6V terminal, allowing the battery to charge up to 39 percent faster. More charging current reduces the battery’s charging time and ensures a full charge while the peripheral is connected to the USB host device.

By managing the total current consumption, the IC permits a 1-cell Li-Ion battery powered USB peripheral to charge its battery and operate its system circuitry without exceeding a user set current limit.

Applications include USB certified Li-Ion powered devices such as portable printers, digital cameras, cell phones, and PDAs.

The LTC4410 ensures that a portable device is in compliance with USB overcurrent specifications by keeping the total current constant from the USB port.

This is accomplished by adjusting the charge current relative to the amount of current demanded by the system load. Immediately after the USB cable is detached from the peripheral device, the LTC4410 routes the system load to the battery for seamless and continuous operation of the end-device.

The LTC4410’s solution uses 15 fewer components than comparable solutions and fits into one fourth the board area.

The LTC4410 is offered in a six-lead ThinSOT package and is used with the LTC4053 Li-Ion battery charger for USB applications or LTC1733 for general purpose Li-Ion battery charging.

Pricing for the LTC4410 starts at $1.20 each in 1,000-piece quantities.
www.linear.com

Fastpic software upgraded

The new access restriction feature of FastPicIC (Inventory Control) software from FastPic Systems allows companies to control access to specific trays, carriers and bins in automated storage and retrieval systems such as Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), vertical and horizontal carousels.

The access restriction feature improves the security of automated storage and retrieval systems by locking out non-authorized personnel. It is particularly useful in applications where consumable and/or high-priced items such as electronic components and equipment, tools and supplies are stored.

The FastPic IC access restriction feature allows full customization of accessibility to storage and retrieval systems within two clicks. The system can be programmed to limit access by individual employee or department allowing operators to have access to only the items necessary to conduct their business.

The software can be re-programmed within the supervisory levels quickly and easily to meet changing employee and department security needs. Supervisory reports can also detail who had access to which inventory and when.

FastPic IC software is part of a suite of FastPic inventory management software products. FastPic IC is a basic inventory control and management software, providing operators of automated storage and retrieval systems the capability to simply enter a part number into the system and have the stored items automatically delivered to them. It is designed to be installed quickly and cost effectively using an installation wizard to create a basic parts inventory by stocking keeping unit (SKU) number and quantity.
at www.FastPicSystems.com

Siliconix beats feet

Five new LITTLE FOOT Plus Driver products designed to simplify the use of n-channel MOSFETs in high-frequency buck regulators were announced today by Siliconix Inc., a subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology Inc.

With efficiencies better or comparable to competing implementations in the MLF/QFN/Power Block packages, these new devices in the LITTLE FOOT SO-16 feature a 38 percent or smaller standard footprint, simplifying design, assembly, soldering and layout.

The n-channel Si4738CY (20 V), Si4770CY (20 V), Si4724CY (30 V), Si4732CY (30 V), and Si4768CY (30 V) synchronous MOSFETs with integrated driver circuitry are designed to extend battery life and/or enable more efficient use of power.

Applications will include high-frequency, multi-phase dc-to-dc switchmode power supplies for CPU core, graphics control, chipset, and auxiliary power in systems including desktop computers, servers, workstations, notebook computers and tablet PCs, and point-of-load (POL) applications for fixed telecom systems.

By integrating two MOSFETs and a driver in a compact SO-16 package, the Vishay Siliconix devices released today offer reduced gate-drive losses and higher switching frequencies while simplifying board layout and allowing designers to implement less-complicated controller solutions.

The Si4724CY also features an integrated Schottky diode, further reducing the number of components required on the printed circuit board.

Each device features a switching frequency of up to 700 kHz+, driver impedance of 1 or 3 ohms, and operation down to 4.5 V, as well as break-before-make action and under-voltage lockout.

Pricing for U.S. delivery in 100,000-piece quantities ranges from $2.10 to $2.92.
www.vishay.com

Microwave Radio rolls tape

Microwave Radio Communications plans to highlight its Reporter radio at the National Association of Broadcaster’s Convention in April.

The Reporter is the latest advancement in MRC’s COFDM technology for portable and mobile microwave transmitter applications. It is a digital wireless camera-back radio that includes inboard MPEG II coding and COFDM modulation. It is lightweight (1.02 Kg) and consumes less than 18 watts of DC battery power.

The REPORTER can transmit up to 250 mW of output power at 2 GHz when operating in QPSK, 16 QAM or 64 QAM.

The radio supports up to 9 independent preset configurations — selected using a front-panel rotary dial switch and are loaded via a RS-232 port using Pro-Man software. The Pro-Man software allows the user to easily configure the radio for a specific application. The software is a common visual basic program that uses four separate headings for easy configuration support — RF channel frequency/mpeg video, mpeg audio, COFDM and service name/encryption requirements.

U.S. military trials had robots equipped with the Reporter radio transmitting live video from confined areas back to mobile and fixed command centers.

Broadcast trials have included a camera equipped with the REPORTER being carried through a network facility, floor-to-floor, room-to-room transmitting live video back to the studio.

The Reporter can be camera-mounted, mounted on a belt clip or a backpack. A small vehicle mount may be used for a motorcycle, bicycle, or other small vehicle.

Brackets to pole mount the transmitter are also available.
www.mrcbroadcast.com