Product roundup: Power, timing, and T&M

Here is this week’s roundup of new products. Listed in alphabetical order by company name, these include an automotive alternator regulator, integrated power stages, a linear ReDriver, measurement modules, oscilloscopes, quartz crystals, and UVC emitting diodes. In other news, we cover licensing agreements, reference designs, and partnership programs.

Aker’s C1E quartz crystals. Click for a larger image. (Source: Aker Technology)

Aker Technology USA has extended the frequency range of its C1E quartz crystal series. The series now offers an extended range from 16.000 to 96.000 MHz. These quartz crystals are suited for 5G, WiFi-6/6E, IoT, and wireless communications applications. The ultra-miniature 4-pad surface-mount device (SMD) measures 2.0 × 1.6 × 0.5 mm and offers an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. The seam-sealed ceramic metal construction helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects between the package and the lid, said Aker. Other key specs include tolerances as tight as +/-10 ppm and a stability down to +/-15 ppm in a reliable frequency control device, aging of +/-3 ppm maximum per year, a maximum drive level to 100 µW, and insulation resistance of 500 M Ohm at 100 VDC +/-15 VDC. The C1E series is available in tape-and-reel packaging with up to 3,000 pieces.

Diodes ReDrivers. Click for a larger image. (Source: Diodes Inc.)

Diodes Inc. has expanded its programmable multi-channel linear ReDriver family with three new 20-Gbits/s devices with 1.8-V voltage ratings to address USB4 Gen3, Thunderbolt 4.0, and DisplayPort 2.0 standards. The new ReDrivers – the PI2DPX2020, PI2DPX2023, and PI2DPX2063 – target laptop, desktop PC, workstation, active cable, monitor, and docking applications. Their small size, low profile, and low power consumption make them well suited for tablets and notebook computers. The ReDrivers offer adjustment of signal integrity parameters, such as equalizer and flat gain, which mitigates channel loss and extends reach, said Diodes. Other features include ultra-low latency figures (<300 ps) and built-in auto power-saving modes. They are supplied in 32-pin W-LGA4528 packages (2.85 × 4.5 × 0.7 mm) and operate over an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. In 5000-piece quantities, the PI2DPX2020, PI2DPX2023, and PI2DPX2063 are priced at $2.99, $3.00, and $2.95, respectively.

imc’s CANSASfit HISO-HV-4 measurement module . Click for a larger image. (Source: imc)

Imc Test & Measurement GmbH has unveiled its CANSASfit HISO-HV-4 measurement module for e-vehicle and battery testing markets. The new CAN measurement module can perform measurements in high-voltage environments with up to 1500 V and extends the range of testing possibilities for test engineers and research and development (R&D) professionals, said the company. The CANSASfit measurement modules includes ultra-compact modules for CAN-based testing. These are used for data acquisition (DAQ) during mobile tests or trials and allow direct connection of all typical signals such as voltage, current, temperature, rotational speed, displacement, and velocity, said imc. The new HISO-HV-4 measurement module can capture differential voltages up to 1500 V and has 1000-V CAT II and reinforced insulation. It features four channels, equipped with banana laboratory terminals, which provide measurement data via CAN-Bus with a maximum data rate of one kilohertz per channel. The small CANSASfit clickable housing allows direct mechanical and electrical docking to other fit- modules, in particular, the HISO module types – HISO-T-8 and HISO-UT-6 – for measurements of temperature sensors (TC, RTD), low voltages, and MEMS accelerometers.

Infineon coolSET integrated power stage. Click for a larger image. (Source: Infineon)

Another product line expansion comes from Infineon Technologies AG. The company introduced 800-V and 950-V AC/DC integrated power stages (IPS) as part of its 5^th generation fixed-frequency (FF) CoolSET portfolio. Housed in a DIP-7 package, the IPS devices can be used in applications such as auxiliary power supplies for home appliances, AC/DC converters, battery chargers, solar energy systems, and motor control and drives. The FF CoolSET solution combines a PWM controller IC with the latest high-voltage CoolMOS P7 superjunction (SJ) MOSFETs in a single package. Infineon claims the first device on the market that uses an avalanche-rugged SJ MOSFET with a breakdown voltage of 950 V to allow for a wider input voltage. They can be used in both isolated and non-isolated topologies such as flyback or buck and operate at switching frequencies of 100 kHz as well as 65 kHz. By supporting both topologies in a single device, the company said it simplifies the supply chain for customers. In addition, an integrated error amplifier supports direct feedback from the primary output, which is typical for non-isolated topologies and further minimizes the number of components and design complexity, said Infineon. Other key features include frequency reduction mode with soft gate driving and frequency jitter operation, continuous (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and a suite of protection features.

Mtron quartz crystals. Click for a larger image. (Source: Mtron)

MtronPTI has launched two small form factor quartz crystal units in 1.6 × 2.0 mm and 1.2 × 1.6 mm surface-mount packages. The M1620 and M1260 families are available in standard and custom frequencies up to 80 MHz. They provide extremely tight frequency tolerance down to +/-10 ppm over the temperature range of -40°C to 85 °C with a low equivalent series resistance (ESR). The M1620 and M1260 devices offer a frequency range of 16 MHz to 80 MHz and 24 MHz to 80 MHz, respectively. These devices target space-constrained applications such as communications, IoT, and wearables

Rigol 12-bit HDO Series oscilloscopes. Click for a larger image. (Source: Rigol)

Rigol Technologies has introduced its new 12-bit HDO Series of high-definition oscilloscopes for high-speed signal-integrity applications. The scopes feature true 12-bit resolution and are available with a bandwidth range of 70 MHz – 800 MHz and two or four channels. The HDO Series is built on the company’s new UltraVision III platform that features a custom ASIC chipset, which is said to “dramatically” lower front-end noise. “The higher resolution and lower noise enable users to analyze much smaller signal artifacts with greater speed and accuracy,” said Rigol. Key specs for the HDO4000 oscilloscopes include a 200-800 MHz bandwidth, four channels, 4 GSa/s sampling, 100 μV/division range, and 250 MPts of memory standard (500 MPts optional). The HDO1000 scopes offer a 70-200 MHz bandwidth, two or four channels, 1 GSa/s sampling, 500 μV/division range, and 50 MPts of memory standard (100 MPts optional). Both series feature 12-bit resolution, a 10.1″ intuitive touch-screen display, and incorporate the company’s new UltraAcquire Burst Capture mode to visualize dynamic signals in multiple display modes and minimize down time between trigger events, said the company.

ST L9918 automotive alternator regulator. Click for a larger image. (Source: STMicroelectronics)

STMicroelectronics has launched an advanced VDA-compliant LIN alternator regulator for 12-V vehicle electrical systems. The L9918 automotive alternator regulator, with enhanced features, integrates a MOSFET to deliver alternator excitation current and a freewheeling diode to handle the rotor current when excitation is turned off. The excitation MOSFET can deliver up to 13 A to the coil, which is more than typical alternative regulators, said ST, improving the response to fluctuating power demands. The integrated nonvolatile memory (NVM) allows customers to program parameters including the voltage set point and alternator characteristics. The L9918 can be used with alternators that have up to nine pole-pairs to address a variety of charging applications. Other features include a local interconnect network (LIN) bus interface and safety and failsafe features, including self-start activation by phase signal and thermal compensation that automatically adjusts the target voltage as the system temperature changes. It is compliant with the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) LIN Alternator Regulator specification, and is AEC-Q 100 qualified, ISO26262 compliant, and ASIL-B ready for use in functional-safety systems. Samples and production quantities are available. Available as bare die and in a PENTAWATT inline TO220-5 package, prices start at $6.12 in quantities of 1,000.

Vishay UVC emitting diodes. Click for a larger image. (Source: Vishay Intertechnology)

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has released two new UVC (short wavelength ultraviolet) emitting diodes with higher radiant power and at a lower cost than previous generation solutions. The VLMU35CR40-275-120 and VLMU35CR41-275-120 are housed in a ceramic/quartz-based package for sterilization in medical, industrial, and consumer applications. The UVC emitter diodes offer a wavelength range of 265 nm to 280 nm, with a typical wavelength of 274 nm. The Vishay Semiconductors devices also offer 20% higher disinfection efficiency, compared to 280-nm solutions, and a longer service life (27,000 hours at 250 mA and 25 °C) compared to the previous generation. The high typical radiant power of 37 mW at 250 mA translates into 30% higher mW/$ performance than lower power emitter diodes and 12x better than previous-generation solutions, said Vishay. The VLMU35CR41-275-120 provides a minimum radiant power of 30 mW at 250 mA, matching the closest competing device at 350 mA, according to Vishay. Other features include DC forward current up to 300 mA, forward voltage down to 5.2 V, and an emission angle of ± 60°. They are housed in a thermally optimized surface-mount 3.45 × 3.45 × 1.- mm package with a ceramic substrate and quartz window. Built on AlGaN technology, the devices are designed to replace low pressure UVC mercury tubes. Samples and production quantities are available with lead times of eight to 16 weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at $4.50 each for the VLMU35CR40-275-120 and $4.80 each for the VLMU35CR41-275-120, in quantities of 1,000.

News highlights for the week include a sweepstakes, licensing agreements, reference designs, and partnership programs.

Digi-Key Electronics has opened its annual Back2School Prize Draw sweepstakes for college students. There will be 11 prize giveaways and winners will be randomly selected. One grand prize winner will receive a LulzBot Mini 3D printer and filament; five second prize winners will receive the Picade X HAT Arcade Game kit, DK ruler and Innovation Handbook; and five third prize winners will receive a Pokit meter, DK ruler, 50 DK Solderful breadboards, Innovation Handbook, Machinechat license and Molex wire crimper. The content of the prize kits may vary depending on the applicant’s region, but will be of equivalent value, said Digi-Key. To learn more or enter the Back2School Prize Draw, click here. Submissions are open from Sept. 12-Oct. 28, 2022, and winners will be announced shortly after the Oct. 28 deadline.

Iterate.ai has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program designed to nurture startups developing innovative technology advances. The program helps startups during critical stages of product development, prototyping, and deployment. Iterate.ai is developing AI and IoT applications through its rapid development low-code platform called Interplay. Other work cited includes license plate readers, weapons- and threat-detection systems, vehicle-damage estimation, and complex international document tracing by leveraging ML for data modeling.

 Renesas Electronics Corp. released a catalog of reference designs for its Resolver 4.0 inductive position sensors aimed at automotive and industrial electric motors. The catalog provides 80 instant designs based on the IPS2 motor commutation sensors, with each reference design targeting a unique motor shaft or pole-pair configuration. They come with complete design files, measurement reports, tools, and guidelines to help reduce the design learning curve and accelerate the time to hardware production. Two key products include the IPS2550 – Inductive Position Sensor for High-Speed Motor Commutation (Automotive) and  IPS2200 – Inductive Position Sensor for High-Speed Motor Commutation (Industrial). Both products are available in full production.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $4 million to a research project headed by the Auburn University, along with researchers from Southern University and Louisiana State University. The NSF EPSCoR award supports the research on the rapid qualification for additively manufactured (AM) critical components used in key industries including aviation, space, and medical industries. NSF expects the project to contribute significantly to ASTM International’s newly established Consortium on Materials Data & Standardization (CMDS). ASTM’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) recently launched the CMDS initiative for industry players to collaborate on standardization requirements for AM materials data generation.

X-FAB Silicon Foundries and Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP) have expanded their partnership with a new licensing agreement. X-FAB will now license IHP’s cutting-edge SiGe technology, enabling the development of a new 130-nm SiGe BiCMOS platform for next-generation communications requirements. These include Wi-Fi 6 (and future Wi-Fi 7) access points, plus next-generation cellular infrastructure (5G mmW and emerging 6G standards), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, and the development of +100-GHz radar systems for automotive and consumer applications.