Electronics Automation

Farnell InOne has launched a rereeling service, enabling passive components to be rereeled to individually specified quantities.
Farnell InOne has launched a rereeling service, enabling passive components to be rereeled to individually specified quantities. Available for surface mount passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, the new service is ideally suited to small-scale production runs, where components normally come in large reel quantities but the build only requires a part reel quantity. The required components can now be rereeled onto a new reel, ready to pick and place, saving time and money.

The new service from Farnell InOne will help engineers to eliminate the problem of wasted components.

No unused stock needs to be left on the machine and the associated storage problems for unused components will be eradicated.

In turn, assembly efficiency is improved and customers only buy what is needed.

The service comes complete with leader and trailer tape, securely reeled on a 7in reel and ready to go on a pick and place machine.

It is available for a wide range of passive components from many of the market-leading manufacturers including AVX, Epcos, Phycomp, Multicomp, Murata, Welwyn and Panasonic.

All standard ranges of radial lead capacitors are now available with tin terminations, in place of the traditional tin-lead terminations on the leads.
Radial lead capacitors are still very much in demand for many traditional applications such as equipment power supplies for general purpose and telecomms systems, and high voltage power supplies used in medical instrumentation, primarily manufactured using conventional through-hole assembly techniques. However, with the RoHS Directive about to come into force, equipment manufacturers need to ensure they have access to compliant components without changing their designs. UK capacitor manufacturer, Syfer Technology is pleased to announce that all its standard ranges of radial lead capacitors are now available with tin terminations, in place of the traditional tin-lead terminations on the leads.

All internal solder joints are also lead-free to meet the requirements of the new directive.

For customers required to demonstrate compliance, Syfer's part numbers have been modified and clearly labelled with an additional C42 suffix.

Available in both X7R and ultra-stable COG dielectrics, the standard ranges of RoHS compliant radial lead capacitors are offered in voltages from 50V to 5kV.

COG parts come in capacitance values from 3.9pF to 180nF, while the X7R families range from 100pF up to 4.7mF.

All devices in all the ranges can be assembled on to boards using both conventional wave soldering, and also the higher temperature lead-free wave soldering techniques.

However some equipment, particularly safety critical products destined for certain industry sectors such as military, space and aerospace, is currently exempt from the RoHS Directive.

There is continuing concern over the risk to reliability of tin whiskers forming on tin leads.

For these customers, Syfer still supports a tin-lead finish across its radial lead capacitor ranges.

RoHS compliant parts are offered as a lower cost option, and price depends on capacitance, voltage and quantity ordered.

Expanding its TLJ range of capacitors, passives specialist AVX is offering a 47 micro Farad capacitor with a 10V rating in 0805 footprint and P case size.
Expanding its TLJ range of capacitors - which offers a high capacitance versus voltage ratio based on stable MnO2 electrodes - passives specialist AVX is offering a 47 micro Farad capacitor with a 10V rating in 0805 footprint and P case size.

Complying with RoHS requirements, the TLJ series is ready for 3x reflow, 260C peak temperature lead-free assembly systems, with an operating temperature range between -55deC and +125C.

The devices, manufactured from tantalum for high reliability and clear filtering, are suitable for 4.5-5.5V battery-operated handheld equipment such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and digital cameras in highly miniaturised applications.

Planar Inductor - A new high performance, ultra-thin inductor for low-profile solutions
JFE Mineral has announced the development of the planar inductor; a new high performance, ultra-thin inductor for low profile solutions. As portable electronic devices decrease in size and increase in functionality, there is an ever increasing need for high performance, ultra-thin inductors which allow more efficient use of available power at higher operating frequencies while minimising device volume. Conventional inductors, such as wire wound and multilayer types, are either limited in their minimum achievable profile which is typically 1 mm or greater, or inadequate electrical performance at the desired operating frequency.

So for many new applications, conventional inductors have not offered an adequate space and performance solution.

The newly developed planar inductor overcomes many of the limitations of current inductor technology and achieves a thickness of just 0.6 mm while maintaining good electrical performance by taking advantage of new material technology development, in combination with advanced photolithography and plating technology.

By combining a very low profile (0.6 mm), wide inductance range (0.5 - 5.1 micro Henrys) and excellent electrical performance, the planar inductor is ideally suited for a variety of applications having both space and performance constraints.

Examples of applications where the planar inductor can provide significant benefits is in power management devices, such as DC/DC convertors, for portable electronic devices including cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras etc The planar inductor is in the initial stages of commercialisation and JFE Mineral is currently offering samples for evaluation to interested customers.

An integrated magnetic module provides all the isolation and common mode filtering required to support four pairs of category 5 UTP cables for use in Ethernet 100/1000Base-T duplex applications.
DT Electronics is offering integrated magnetic modules from Elec and Eltek that provide the isolation and common mode filtering required to support four pairs of category 5 UTP cables for use in Ethernet 100/1000Base-T duplex applications. The 824-M0167 and 824-M0168 are dual port 100/1000Base-T modules, both featuring an optimised design with enhanced crosstalk and return loss performance, ensuring they meet or exceed the 1000Base-T requirements of IEEE802.3ab. Both modules contain two sets of transmit and receive isolation transformers plus common mode chokes within a single 48-pin SOIC package.

Until now the only option available to system designers has been to use single-port isolation modules, which are supplied in 24-pin SMD packages, typically measuring 18 x 15mm.

Two single-port devices are required to match one E and E dual-port device that requires around 30% less PCB real estate.

Offering one of the highest density 100/1000Base-T magnetic components available, the package measures just 28 x 15 x 7.0mm and employs an ultra-high-density 1.02mm pin-pitch.

The parts are produced in a transfer moulded package ensuring a very reliable product that is compatible with all popular SMD placement and soldering techniques.

The modules are compatible with all major networking ICs.

Vicor has developed a new solution for compliance with EN harmonic current and EMI standards.
Vicor has developed a new solution for compliance with EN harmonic current and EMI standards. Collectively referred to as "ENMods", it comprises a passive harmonic current attenuation module - the MiniHAM - and an autoranging AC/DC front-end module - the FARM3. Combined with a few additional filtering and holdup components as specified in the datasheet, the ENMods provide full compliance with: EN6100-3-2 Amendment 14 harmonic current content limits; EN55022 level B EMI limits; and EN6100-4-5 input surge withstand.

The MiniHAM is the first passive product specifically designed for EN compliance.

Unlike active PFC solutions, the MiniHAM generates no EMI, greatly simplifying and reducing system noise filtering requirements.

It is also considerably smaller and more efficient than active alternatives and improves MTBF by an order of magnitude.

Uniquely intended to operate on the DC bus provided by an auto ranging AC front-end, rather than directly on the AC line, it will provide harmonic current compliance at up to 600W input power.

The 115/230V AC input FARM3 is a new member of Vicor's filter and autoranging module product line that has been optimised for use as the AC/DC front-end for the MiniHAM.

Both modules are in Vicor's standard mini half-brick package.

Together, they form the basis of the lowest noise, highest efficiency, most rugged, least complicated and most reliable EN compliant power system.

Broadcom Corporation reports that its Intensi-fi family of draft-802.11n silicon devices is gaining momentum as more manufacturers and consumers adopt next generation Wi-Fi technology.
Broadcom Corporation reports that its Intensi-fi family of draft-802.11n silicon devices is gaining momentum as more manufacturers and consumers adopt next generation Wi-Fi technology. In less than four months, Broadcom has shipped over one million Intensi-fi chipsets, providing superior performance and robust wireless connectivity for use in several leading brands of wireless networking gear. With the introduction of the Dell Wireless 1500 draft-802.11n dual-band wireless card, Broadcom Intensi-fi technology is now penetrating the PC notebook segment.

Dell notebook users can now take advantage of increased wireless coverage and throughput made possible by Intensi-fi technology.

The endorsement by a leading notebook manufacturer marks a significant step toward mainstream adoption of Intensi-fi technology and expands the ecosystem of high-performance, interoperable Wi-Fi products that can handle bandwidth-hungry applications.

'Intensi-fi solutions deliver the standards-based technology and proven performance that are critical to our notebook partners', said Michael Hurlston, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's wireless LAN Business Unit.

'By providing cutting edge connectivity options, Dell is enabling notebook users to enjoy the un-tethered experience of high-definition multimedia access, online gaming, and music streaming from far corners of their home or office'.

'Wi-Fi is featured in over 85%% of notebook PCs, representing over 57 million WLAN chipset units shipped in 2005, which demonstrates strong demand for wireless connectivity in home and business networks', said Celeste Crystal, Senior Analyst from IDC.

'By offering draft-802.11n, notebook manufacturers underscore the technology's promise by delivering an end-to-end connectivity solution that provides a new level of wireless performance and range'.

Broadcom Intensi-fi technology complies with the current IEEE 802.11n draft specification and is available in a variety of draft-802.11n routers, including those from Linksys, Netgear and Buffalo.

Intensi-fi solutions are also interoperable with draft-802.11n technology from other chipmakers.

As more consumers demand high-performance, interoperable Wi-Fi products that support multimedia applications, Intensi-fi solutions are expected to extend beyond PCs and networking equipment into a variety of consumer devices - including Wi-Fi phones, storage drives, set-top boxes, broadband modems, TV and stereo equipment, gaming systems and digital cameras.

Broadcom's high performance AirForce wireless LAN product line includes 54g (the world's most popular Wi-Fi technology), and Intensi-fi (the industry's first IEEE draft-802.11n compliant chipsets).

In addition to transceiver solutions that provide single- and dual-band wireless connectivity, Broadcom integrates wireless network processors, communications technologies and its OneDriver software solutions into reference designs that speed customer time to market.

OneDriver software also supports wireless multimedia (WMM), which provides important quality of service features by prioritising audio, video and voice traffic on a Wi-Fi network.

Broadcom also offers SecureEasySetup software, which enables users to configure their Wi-Fi networks and activate WPA security with the push of a button.

The industry's leading manufacturers are developing computers, routers, peripherals, phones, broadband modems and a variety of consumer electronics devices connected by Broadcom technologies.

CML Microcircuits' FirmASIC based family of products allow two-way radio designers to embrace a new style of flexibility in global markets.
CML Microcircuits' FirmASIC based family of products allow two-way radio designers to embrace a new style of flexibility in global markets. The single platform approach is proving popular with leading manufacturers, as multistandard radios can be conceived in one single, small footprint, low-cost design. This approach is decreasing manufacturers time to market and BOM costs, while allowing quick and efficient reaction to global market requirements.

Professional and leisure two-way radios are all target applications within the capabilities of CML's FirmASIC based products (PMR/LMR, Trunking, GMRS, FRS, PMR446 and MURS), in the fields of marine VHF, aviation and amateur radio to name but a few applications.

Specific functions of the devices are determined by uploading its Function Image (currently FI-1.2) during device initialisation.

A new Function Image may be later provided to supplement and enhance device functions, expanding or modifying end-product features without the need for expensive and time-consuming design changes, providing the benefits of a significant reduction in time to market along with commercial advantages over Custom ASIC, Structured ASIC, FPGA and DSP solutions.

Based on 38 years of two-way radio IC design experience, CML presented its first FirmASIC based product, the CMX7031, in October 2005.

The latest offering, the CMX7041, was launched last February.

Both products provide a comprehensive feature-set as standard, along with a roadmap of function enhancements available through CML's FirmASIC component technology.

The CMX7031 and CMX7041 are feature-rich and highly flexible, capable of being used in all forms of two-way radio, from high-end trunked radio, through to leisure based FRS/PMR446 derivatives.

With the onset of digital two-way radio in the form of DMR and DPMR, the CMX7031 and CMX7041 are already one step ahead.

Fully functional in the 3.0 to 3.6V range, these products are available as a 48-pin LQFP or VQFN package.

Further details on the CMX7031 and CMX7041 can be found at on CML's new website.

Staccato and SMSC collaborate to develop joint reference designs for certified wireless USB market
Staccato Communications and SMSC have announced a joint effort to deliver two reference designs for the Certified Wireless USB market. This partnership demonstrates the interoperability of SMSC's high-performance USB hub products, including the recently announced SMSC USB MultiSwitch Hub (USB2524), with Staccato's single-chip all-CMOS Ripcord Wireless USB Device Wire Adapter solution. The two companies are developing reference designs that will offer full turn-key, pre-certified design kits including hardware, software, design files and documentation.

These kits will facilitate the design implementation of SMSC and Staccato's small form factor and highly configurable solutions, enabling product developers to reduce overall time-to-market, cost and risk associated with designing Certified Wireless USB products while delivering industry-first features.

The two reference designs, based on Certified Wireless USB under development by Staccato and SMSC are: 4-port Wireless USB Switching Hub - utilising SMSC's USB2524 USB MultiSwitch Hub and Staccato's single-chip, all-CMOS Ripcord SC3502P Wireless USB Device Wire Adapter solution, the Wireless USB Switching Hub enables peripheral sharing capability in a Device Wire Adaptor and provides both wired and wireless USB connectivity in a multi-host environment.And 7-port Wireless USB Hub - utilising SMSC's USB2507 USB Hi-Speed 7-Port Hub and Staccato's single-chip, all-CMOS Ripcord SC3502P Wireless USB Device Wire Adapter solution, the 7-port Wireless USB Hub delivers SMSC's MultiTRAK hub technology built into its USB2507 from the wired USB world to a Wireless USB DWA.

'We are pleased to be working with an industry leader like SMSC to offer customers Certified Wireless USB-based reference designs to meet critical product development needs'.

'Our interoperability with SMSC's new USB MultiSwitch Hub, in particular, demonstrates our focus on partnering with world-class companies to deliver innovative devices,' said Mark Bowles, Co-founder and Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Marketing for Staccato Communications.

'These reference designs allow our customers to take the guess work and obstacles out of the design cycle, which ultimately affords them a time-to-market advantage and fuels the continuing evolution of the Certified Wireless USB industry'.

'The USB MultiSwitch Hub enables a consumer to share devices between their wired and wireless enabled systems which can help accelerate the adoption of wireless USB,' said Steve Nelson, Vice President and General Manger of Connectivity Products at SMSC.

'Through our work with Staccato Communications, our collective customer base profits as we develop a foundation of industry-leading designs'.

'The relationship also further demonstrates our commitment to delivering robust Certified Wireless USB products to market quickly'.

In line with its strategy for ongoing European expansion, passive component specialist NIC Components has signed a franchise distribution agreement in Germany with Setron.
In line with its strategy for ongoing European expansion, passive component specialist NIC Components has signed a franchise distribution agreement in Germany with Setron. Under the terms of the new agreement Setron will carry the complete NIC product portfolio, ranging from capacitors, resistors and inductors to diodes, thermistors and varistors. These will be stocked at Setron's logistics centre in Braunschweig.

Discussing the new agreement John Boys, NIC's European distribution sales manager comments: "The deal with Setron is in line with our plans for significant growth in Europe.

Setron's expertise in passive components, combined with their commitment to significant levels of stock holding and a very broad customer base, will significantly speed NIC's penetration of the critical German market".

Andreas Lausch, Setron's sales and marketing manager, adds: "The large number of products that NIC offers will ensure that we can address any customer requirement for passive components.

This extensive product range will be backed up by high levels of stock availability to ensure rapid responses to customer demand".

The Matsuo 251 series of ultraminiature solid-electrolyte tantalum capacitors is now available exclusively in the UK from Surtech.
The Matsuo 251 series of ultraminiature solid-electrolyte tantalum capacitors is now available exclusively in the UK from Surtech. The new range is designed to meet the market requirements for minimising board space and maximising packaging density in handheld and portable electronic equipment. The key to the overall size reduction is the use of 'face down' terminals with an under-pad solder system that restricts the spread of solder to within the overall dimensions of the component, with no 'spill over'.

As a result, it has been possible to achieve volume reductions of 2.5 and weight reductions of 1.5 compared with earlier equivalent types.

The devices are available in 1608 size (1.6 x 0.85 x 0.8mm) and 2012 size (2 x 1.25 x 1.1mm) with voltage ratings of 2.5, 4, 6.3 and 10V DC and a capacitance range from 4.7 to 47uF.

Epoxy resin moulding is used, and operating temperature range is -55 to +125C.

The outstanding reliability of RS is recognised this summer with the 'instrumentation vendor of the year' award from diagnostic product corporation at its European headquarters in Wales.
The outstanding reliability of RS the UK's leading distributor of electronic, electrical, electromechanical and industrial components, is recognised this summer with the 'Instrumentation Vendor of The Year' award from Diagnostic Product Corporation at its European headquarters in Wales. RS delivered over 97,000 products without error or rejection to the company last year. No mean feat, RS not only outperformed all competitors but also contended with the company's stringent vendor management system which measures suppliers' performance in key areas.

RS scored highly for flexibility, its professional manner and promptness in responding to day to day enquiries and technical issues - critical for Diagnostic Product Corporation (DPC) which is responsible for keeping hospitals, labouratories and veterinary clinics supplied with diagnostic products and equipment.

Steve Britton, managing director of the European manufacturing headquarters of DPC, says: 'We feel it's crucial to acknowledge a company which goes the extra mile for its customers'.

'We strive for excellence and to provide the highest quality materials worldwide - RS is the supplier that matches these standards'.

Steve Adshead, regional sales manager for RS, says: 'It's a great honour to be recognised by DPC.

RS is all about the best service and helping our customers to be the best'.

The RS website provides real life case studies demonstrating how RS has helped many large U.K.

organisations to reduce both the costs and time incurred in the purchasing process as well as an overview of emerging e-commerce models.

Since 1996 e-commerce has been a strategic priority for RS, and with over 600 e-procurement implementations worldwide and leading in-house e-commerce capability, it has extensive expertise in helping customers process low value orders efficiently whether they are ordering power tools or protective clothing.

Free delivery is standard.

The RS range now has over 135,000 products from over 1300 suppliers and a further 100,000 electronic and electromechanical products are available online.

The MHP Series power resistor features high stability film resistance elements.
Providing design engineers with a stable high power resistive device for demanding applications, TT electronics IRC Advanced Film Division has developed a 50W power resistor housed in a TO-220 style package. Designated the MHP Series, the power resistor features high stability film resistance elements. According to Gary Bleasdell, Thick Film Business Unit Director for IRC's Advanced Film Division, the noninductive design of the resistor makes the device ideal for a variety of applications.

'The resistance element is isolated from the copper mounting tab by an alumina ceramic layer that provides a dielectric withstanding voltage of 2000V DC'.

'This construction provides high insulation resistance between the terminals and the tab and very low thermal resistance', said Bleasdell.

'Because of this, the resistor is being specified for applications in circuits and power supplies, such as high frequency snubber and pulse handling circuits, motor control and drive circuits, and switch mode power supplies'.

Additional applications for the MHP Series power resistor include load resistors, automotive electronics, industrial power equipment, UPS systems, and industrial computers.

The MHP Series resistors are rated for 50W power dissipation, and feature low inductance (less than 50nH).

Resistance range is from 0.01 to 220ohm, with standard tolerances of +/-1 and +/-5%, and TCRs from 50 to 250ppm/C.

Thermal resistance for the resistors is 2.3C/ohm, and maximum operating voltage is 500V.

Operating temperature range is -55 to +155C.

IRC will also produce devices outside these specifications to meet customer requirements.

26-year-old Martin Birkett is one of only six individuals in the UK to be granted an Industrial Fellowship by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.
A product engineer employed by electronic components manufacturer, TT Electronics Welwyn Components, has joined the distinguished ranks of some of history's greatest scientists by being awarded a prestigious Industrial Fellowship. Martin Birkett (26) is one of only six individuals in the UK to be granted an Industrial Fellowship by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which recognises innovation and creativity in British industry. His predecessors include scientific heroes and Nobel Laureates such as the father of nuclear science, Lord Rutherford, and atomic physicist, Lord Penney, who were supported in their early careers by the commission.

Birkett was nominated for the award by his employer, Welwyn Components, for his outstanding contribution both to the company and to the industry as a whole.

Employed by Bedlington based Welwyn Components for 11 years, Birkett first joined the company as a 16-year-old apprentice and has progressed rapidly.

After successfully completing the company's intensive apprentice scheme, Birkett combined full-time employment with part-time study and obtained a first class honours degree in manufacturing systems engineering from Northumbria University.

In 2004, building on his academic success, Birkett developed a manufacturing process that increased the end of line yield for precision resistors, one of Welwyn's key products.

His project made a significant contribution to the company and received a top award by the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Birkett has now embarked on a project to develop low resistance metal film resistors and began a part-time PhD in September 2005.

The commission will provide financial support to both Birkett and his employer throughout his study and research with the hope that his efforts will result in an innovative product, which Welwyn will then be able to patent and produce.

Managing Director, Jon Reardon-Smith commented: 'We are delighted that Martin has been offered an Industrial Fellowship, and to be one of only six people selected in the UK is a fantastic achievement'.

'As a company we place great emphasis on people development and product innovation and Martin's success story is a terrific example of this'.

'Working with an organisation like the commission will provide focus to our research and development programme and enable us to forge stronger links with academic centres of excellence'.

Although 1st July passed off without much of the expected panic, RS is concerned that many UK companies need to do more to achieve compliance with RoHS legislation.
Although 1st July passed off without much of the expected panic, RS is concerned that many UK companies need to do more to achieve compliance with RoHS legislation. The company also welcomes the NWML's moves to ensure that RoHS standards should be enforced equally throughout the region to increase compliance and confidence in products and components. RS is in an excellent position to comment on the RoHS act, as it is the primary supplier to the design community in the UK.

The company has found that although most UK companies have either complied or are close to completion, there are still a significant minority that have adopted a wait-and-see attitude and are either totally unprepared, or are slowly implementing the regulations while watching what is happening elsewhere.

Many of these companies may believe that enforcement officers are not active at the moment and want to see what happens to the first company punished, while praying that it's not them.

Surely it's only a matter of time?

Ignoring the regulations could be far more painful than implementing them.

There is a vast amount of help available, for example, RS has a whole section of its website dedicated to the legislation.

The first step an unsure company should take is to seek advice and determine if compliance is actually necessary, if it is believed that it does not impact the business, the reasoning should be carefully documented for explanation to the NWML.

If the company decides there is a need to comply, it should at first focus on inventory management and lead-free production.

Components should be purchased from trusted suppliers, especially those with the BSI 'RoHS Trusted' kitemark, and then staff should be trained in their own responsibilities.

These steps should also be carefully documented for the NWML as evidence of the company's attempt to comply.

RS' second concern is the lack of a unified approach to enforcement throughout the EU; every member state is responsible for its own enforcement.

This has led to confusion as to which agency is responsible for advice and enforcement in each country.

In the UK the NWML has been given responsibility, and the rules and standards are clear and stated, but this is not the case in most other member states.

That could be the source of the problem for UK companies.

Companies sourcing components manufactured outside of the UK may not have the necessary confidence that they have been subject to the same rigorous examination as those manufactured within the UK, and this could impact the status of the final product.

RS were so concerned about this aspect that the company have invested an ED-XRF machine so it can independently verify offerings and give customers a 'double-assurance' of compatibility, which includes the RoHS kitemark.

'RS still receives daily requests for information on RoHS issues, and the FAQ section of our site shows higher than expected usage, revealing that the subject is still causing concern after the deadline has passed', states Mick Parker, RS' RoHS Project Manager.

He continues: 'One of the main issues we are hearing about is component availability, the situation remaining critical'.

'RS are helping to address this situation with web flags and notification emails to ensure customers are alerted whenever compliant components become available'.

'Other initiatives we have implemented include an 'ask an expert' service and in-house screening of components'.

'Even if your company has not started an RoHS compliance programme, it's not too late, and the help is here too ensure it is not too painful'.