MAX2172 Provides Complete Digital-Tuner Solution

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX2172 digital radio tuner for FM and digital audio broadcast (DAB) signals, with a high sensitivity for the FM, VHF and L-band frequency ranges. This device integrates all components necessary to implement a complete tuner solution, including LNAs, mixers, an IF filter and a fully synthesised local oscillator.

Additionally, the IC integrates a front-end tracking filter to eliminate interference between the UHF, VHF and FM bands. An on-chip received signal-strength indicator (RSSI) and temperature sensor ensure fast and accurate scan and seek functions. The RSSI provides +/-2dB accuracy and outputs the measured level in digital form through the I2C bus. FM sensitivity is -111dBm (typ) and FM adjacent-channel performance meets ETSI EN 55020.

Drawing 61mA (typ) from a single 3V supply, the MAX2172 strikes an excellent balance between performance and power consumption, making it ideal for consumer and automotive applications. The MAX2172 utilises a standard 2.048MHz IF frequency that is compatible with most DAB digital demodulators. The device is packaged in a lead-free, 6 x 6mm 40-pin TQFN and is fully specified over the -40 to +85C extended temperature range. An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.

Gore QSFP Cable Provides Reliable HPC Interconnect

Gore has introduced a low-profile QSFP direct-attach copper-cable assembly for QDR Infiniband and 40GbE aggregate applications. Gore Low-Profile Copper Cable, which the company claims is fibre-like in size, fulfils the needs of dense, higher port-count switch installations while providing an even more reliable interconnect for high-performance computing (HPC). This cable was provided to major switch vendors and computing OEMs for testing over the past six-to-eight months and was tested for compliance and interoperability in spring 2009.

Gore Low-Profile Copper Cable was developed for Gore QSFP assemblies and Infiniband QDR applications. With a diameter of 0.170in for a four-channel, eight-pair cable, the cross-section saving is 37 per cent compared with alternative Gore cables and 58 per cent compared with typical industry offerings. This low-profile cable is targeted at high-performance computing applications, where a large percentage of high-density port-count interconnects are two-metres or less (for example in top-of-the-rack switching installations).

The reduced bend radius and smaller diameter of Gore Low-Profile Cable allow for more aggressive routing as well as cleaner dressing of the cables in high-performance computing (HPC) environments. This new cable is also less prone to interfere with the closing of cabinet doors in dense environments. Gore has taken advantage of the superior electrical properties of its proprietary low-loss expanded PTFE, known by the Gore-Tex brand in the fabrics market. The extremely low dielectric constant (1.3) of ePTFE allows Gore to provide smaller diameter cables with the same 10Gbps electrical performance of larger OD cables.

Combi Light Provides Lighting Options In 20mm Unit

Oxley Developments has brought out a multi-functional light that provides different lighting options from within a single 20mm-high unit. The low-profile Combi Light offers normal, emergency and blackout lighting modes. It is suitable for military shelters, forward-command positions and ground-control stations. It is suitable for use in applications where space and height restrictions, light leakage and durability are key concerns.

The standard white mode delivers crystal-clear illumination and incorporates a dimming function to suit individual environments. The Combi Light's emergency mode utilises separate LEDs powered by a rechargeable battery and provides more than 45 minutes of illumination when fully charged. The red blackout mode is triggered by signal and the LED technology eliminates unwanted residual glare. This is important in scenarios where shelters are positioned in potentially hostile terrain.

Other colour options are also available. Packaging this additional functionality within a single low-profile unit removes the need for separate lighting fixtures. The use of LEDs ensures maintenance-free deployment with a minimum working life of 50,000 hours. The absence of mercury allows for safe disposal. The lights are sealed to IP64 and have CE marking. They utilise a 100/230V universal AC input.

The Combi Light is part of a portfolio of area-lighting products being developed by Oxley. These products include standard white mode flat lights for shelters and field hospitals, tent lights and miniature floodlights for vehicle interiors. Oxley is also developing a smaller version of the Combi Light to suit more restricted shelter environments. Oxley will exhibit its area-lighting products at DVD 2009, which will take place at Millbrook on 24-25 June.

Pulseo 532-34 Provides 34W At 532nm Output

Newport Spectra Physics has introduced the latest addition to the Pulseo family of Q-switched, diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) industrial lasers, the Pulseo 532-34. The rugged, high-power industrial laser provides >34W at 532nm output with a short pulse width of <30ns at 120 kHz.

Key applications for the new laser include electronic package and printed circuit board singulation, ceramic scribing, and edge isolation of c-Si wafers. Ideal for high-throughput industrial micromachining laser operations, the Pulseo 532-34 is built with the same design features as Newport's Pulseo product family.

These include good beam quality, pointing stability, pulse-to-pulse stability, and field-replaceable key components, such as diodes, fibre, and output window.

Laser Cutting Provides Better Gas Flow

In several development steps with cutting trials, Precitec has increased the flow rate through the cutting nozzle while keeping the cutting gas pressure constant. The KT B CON ceramic part and the nozzles now have no 'hard edges' and have a conical geometry. Thus, the cutting gas pressure can be reduced while giving the same cutting edge quality and the input pressure directly on the processing head can be reduced.

The company said that field tests with the new design have also shown an increased working range for the focal position. Dirt on the focussing lens and the associated focus shift can be detected with the larger process window and increase the operating life of the optics. With CO2 cutting heads without a protective window in particular, this leads to cost advantages.

Small Sensor Interface Provides Direct Connections

The digital output from the SX8273 allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers. Solid State Supplies has released an ultra-small sensor interface device that uses low-power ZoomingADC signal amplification circuitry to connect directly to a wide variety of pressure, temperature and magnetic sensors Enabling electronics to be co-located with the sensor, the digital output from the SX8273 sensor, whether it is magnetic, pressure or chemical, allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers.

Capable of operating from a single Li-Ion battery without loss of its 16bit precision, even with a depleted battery, the device features ZoomingADC, a 10bit preamplifier with a programmable gain of between 0.1 and 1000 and a 16bit ADC.

The preamplifier delivers the highest possible gain, giving designers the freedom to achieve a given level of sensitivity using lower-cost sensors. Four digital GPIO lines enable the component to read most Wheatstone bridge sensors.