Only three months after Gleichmann Germany acquired the British company Sunrise Electronics Ltd., the change of name into Gleichmann Sunrise Ltd. has been successfully accomplished. The new company, based in Cosgrove, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, will begin operations with more than two-dozen highly qualified employees, most of whom are engineers. Established 15 years ago, Sunrise Electronics Ltd. was NEC Electronics’ most successful UK designwin distributor, closely followed by Gleichmann UK. The merger has resulted in a larger sales and support team who can now provide NEC Electronics’ customers with an improved and much more focused service. In addition, deliveries to all customers will now come from the European central warehouse in Frankenthal, Germany, significantly simplifying the execution of complex logistics.

The new company’s success will rely on its core of existing experienced and competent employees. Sunrise Electronics Ltd’s former managing director, Ian Davidson, will continue in this role and together with Thomas Klein, managing director of Gleichmann & Co. Electronics GmbH, will also manage business operations of Gleichmann Sunrise Ltd. Ian and Thomas will be supported by Mark Devenport, formerly offi ce manager of Gleichmann Electronics UK and Dave Chappell, marketing and sales manager of Sunrise. Together they will share responsibility as directors for sales and marketing.

The amalgamation of these two companies not only benefi ts the customers of NEC Electronics’ products, as Gleichmann Sunrise Ltd. is now able to supply displays and optoelectronics for the British market. In addition, as authorized distribution partners of Ampire, AOU, Clover, Elec & Eltek, eTurboTouch, Hantouch, Harvatek, HEXA-CHAIN, i-sft, Kontron, Microtouch, NEC Electronics, Promate, Truly and Zytronic, the new company has created a niche market for itself as it is no longer limited to selling TFTs, LCDs, LCD Modules or OLEDs. Gleichmann Sunrise will also provide the corresponding customer specific control. As a further benefit, with the support of Displaign Elektronik & Design GmbH, which is also part of the MSC Group, it will now be possible for Gleichmann Sunrise to implement complete display designs to customers’ orders.

With our partner BMZ, we will also be taking a leading technology role in providing innovative costumized battery solutions (see articles on page 6 and 7). Additionally, Gleichmann Electronics in Germany is currently operating two ASIC design centers, which take customers’ ideas and visions and transforms them into production-ready products. In our programming centre in Frankenthal - one of Europe’s most modern - up to two million devices, from standard memory components and modern 32 bit microcontrollers right up to antifuse FPGAs, are programmed each month in a 24/7 operating facility.

Gleichmann Sunrise’s team of qualified and experienced employees, its significantly broadened product portfolio combined with the improved logistics possibilities of an international distribution and service company, has set itself the goal of establishing new standards in support, service and reliability. If you wish to know more about the new Gleichmann Sunrise Ltd. we will be happy to answer all your questions.

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Overwhelming success of NEC Electronics‘ V850ES/Fx3 series

Designers of the Fx3 series of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), which were introduced at the beginning of last year, have once more proven that they have the right feeling for market and user needs. All manufacturers of automotive body electronics, meanwhile, count on NEC Electronics’ Fx3 series of MCUs. Axel Kleinpaul, Principal Engineer Project Management Automotive Business Unit of NEC Electronics Europe, an anticipates that sales of the Fx3 series of 32-bit MCUs will reach more than 100 million Euro in 2009. This is an overwhelming success that did not happen by accident.

In 2004, NEC Electronics introduced its Fx2 series of 8-bit MCUs and Fx3 series of 32-bit MCUs, comprising of a wide range of derivatives. These MCUs found ready acceptance in the automobile industry. With the Fx3 series of 32-bit MCUs, NEC Electronics has accomplished a remarkable achievement; a complete family of devices, which hardly leave any wishes in automotive body electronics unfulfi lled.

One of the reasons for the Fx3 family’s success is its almost unlimited compatibility to the 32-bit Fx2 series. When extra computing power or additional memory is needed, a smooth migration to a corresponding pin-compatible device is possible. Furthermore, NEC Electronics used downward compatible macros for the Fx3 controller. The Fx3 devices are available in fi ve package options: 64-pin QFP (FE3), 80-pin QFP (FF3), 100- pin QFP (FG3), 144-pin QFP (FJ3) and 176-pin QFP (FK3). Memory confi gurations range from 128 Kbytes to 1 Mbyte of fl ash memory and 8 to 60 Kbytes of RAM.

The Fx2 and Fx3 series of MCUs have similar peripheral functions. For example, derivatives with one to five Controller Area Network (CAN) interfaces, eight to seventeen 16 bit PWMs, ten to twenty four 10-bit A/D converters and up to 8 UARTs with LIN support are available. However, the Fx3 MCUs run at a higher clock frequency, dependent on the size of the integrated fl ash memory, of either 32 MHz (up to 256 Kbytes) or 48 MHz (greater than 256 Kbytes).

Additionally, the Fx3 MCUs are equipped with an I2C interface. A particularly interesting feature of the Fx3 devices is the integrated 8 MHz ring oscillator. This internal high speed 8 MHz ring oscillator accelerates start-up time of the MCU and optimizes standby modes, as well as power save modes, to minimize the current consumption. Extended timer functions that allow 3-phase motor control with deadtime generation, additional ports, greater accuracy of the CAN interfaces and the distinctly extended security features are new compared to the Fx2 family of devices. The Fx3 family currently consists of 16 different derivatives, which practically cover all automotive body applications such as: power windows, smart keyless entry devices, wiper controllers, heaters and air conditioners, lighting control, park pilots or display instruments.

To continue the success of the V850ES/Fx3 devices, NEC Electronics plans to offer Fx3 devices with reduced functionality and memory-size in 2008. The V850ES/Fx3L series is planned for low-end applications. The pared down 20 MHz MCUs dispense with clock division, have less integrated timers, a pared down CAN macro (16-message buffer) and will be available with memory configurations ranging from 64 to 256 Kbytes of flash memory and 6 to 16 Kbytes of RAM. Sometimes less is more. Therefore, for those customers that do not need DMA, PWM emulation, data flash and EEPROM emulation, the distinctly more cost-effective Fx3L series offers a further interesting alternative.

NEC Electronics’ V850ES/ Fx3 MCUs are supported by numerous development tools starting from the new low-cost Starter Kit (V850FX3-CANIT) that allows on board on-chip debugging, the On Chip Debug Emulator MINICUBE (QB-V850MINIEE) or the Emulator IECUBE (QB-V850ESFX3-ZZZ-EE). These tools make it easy to start development.

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ZigBee™ – Communication made simple

ZigBee™ has established itself as an open communication standard with the aim to enable cost-effective and energy-saving networks. With the support of various topologies, particularly mesh networking, a high reliability and availability are guaranteed. Target markets include Home Automation, Building Automation and Industrial Automation.

Examples of products using ZigBee™ technology include electricity and gas meters, remote control for temperature and lighting regulation as well as sensor technology. The range of potential applications is vast, requiring an equally broad range of microcontroller products to support them. As a key technology supplier into these areas, we know that a broad range of Zigbee™ solutions is needed to meet such diverse requirements. The new ZigBee™ starter kits from NEC Electronics enable a fast and simple introduction to the world of ZigBee™ communication. The tool kits are offered in different versions and configurations. In each case, they are based on an 8-bit, 16-bit or 32-bit microcontroller, on which the MAC, the ZigBee™ stack and if applicable the customer specific software runs. Because of the high software compatibility of the individual product series, more than 100 microcontrollers are available for selection.

The advantages of NEC Electronics’ ZigBee™ starter kits are obvious. Existing designs can be easily modified. For example, if at a later date more I/O-pins or memory are required the designer can, generally without any complicated redesign, simply change the corresponding MCU. For example, in the 8-bit segment; 14 different microcontrollers with 48 to 80 pins and up to 128 Kbytes of flash memory for ZigBee™ applications are available within the K series.

Depending on the configuration, the MAC, the full ZigBee™ stack including license (router, coordinator, full function device or end device), a USB sniffer, software for network analysis and configuration as part of the ZigBee™ software development kit (SDK), a limited IAR Workbench (C compiler, debugger, etc.) and up to four ZigBee™ nodes are included in the starter kit. The on chip debugger of the starter kits enables implementation of users‘ own software on the boards. Additionally, the SDK’s graphical programming and user interface enables a simple design and setup of a network. Further information about NEC Electronics’ ZigBee™ starter kits can be found at www.eu.necel.com/zigbee.

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IEC60730 – what we can do for you

Governing bodies in Europe and the United States have introduced regulations defining safety requirements in the design of home appliances. In Europe, these requirements are defi ned by IEC60730.

European & US safety regulations

By October 2007, all domestic electronic controls will be required to comply with the IEC60730 standard, demanding additional features that will avoid failure or at least ensure that any failure in the appliance does not present a safety hazard to the user. IEC60730 applies to automatic electrical controls for use in equipment for household appliances and similar use, including controls for heating and airconditioning.

Appropriate tests for software classes

Parts of the standard apply to electronic controls and controls using software, and therefore the use of microcontrollers. Designers must then consider which hardware and software features the microcontroller will require in order to comply with the requirements of IEC60730. Software-related controls are classified as follows:

Class A - Control functions not intended to be relied upon for the safety of the equipment.
Class B - Control functions intended to prevent unsafe operation of the controlled equipment, eg. thermal cutouts, door locks for laundry equipment.
Class C - Control functions intended to prevent special hazards, eg. explosion of the controlled equipment.

Class B applies to the majority of home appliances, including clothes washers, dryers, dish- washers, refrigerators and cookers. Class C applies to products such as gas-fired boilers. The specifications require that controls that have functions related to software class B or C shall use measures to avoid and control software-related faults or errors in safety-related data and safety-related segments of the software. This requirement essentially means that the software and/or hardware must employ diagnostic methods to detect faults internally and externally to the microcontroller. The standard defines what needs to be monitored, types of fault to be detected, and how tests should be performed on the CPU itself, interrupt handling and execution, system clock, memory, internal data path, external communication and I/O ports. These range from functional tests and time slot monitoring to frequency and protocol tests.

Self-test library By consulting with a variety of appliance manufacturers and standards authorities, NEC Electronics have developed a self test library (STL) for its microcontrollers to be used to meet parts of the requirements of a class B control function, as defi ned by the IEC60730 standard. The STL consists of a number of C function types with underlying assembler routines optimized for speed and minimal memory usage. Each function performs specifi c system tests and returns the result or an error status.

Timing

The IEC60730 standard requires that a means be provided for monitoring of any timing-related software or tasks, meaning the system hardware must provide at least two independent clock sources, e.g. crystal/ceramic oscillator and line frequency, so the system clock can be compared to a known frequency. The requirement for crystal oscillators is that only harmonics and subharmonics have to be tested, which relaxes the precision required to a factor of two, which may be achieved with a simple ring oscillator or even with an RC oscillator. The STL provides examples for implementing frequency and time-slot monitoring.

Interrupts

The STL also provides a function for verifying that CPU interrupts are handled in time. This task is highly system dependent, therefore, the STL can only contribute the wrap-up handler, which checks that a number of specific interrupts occurred at least and at most a predefined number of times.

Watchdog timer One frequently asked question is whether a microcontroller's built-in watchdog timer is sufficient or if an external one must be used. There is no clear defi nition in the IEC60730 standard. One view is that if the internal watchdog is run from an independent time base, if it cannot be deactivated by software and if the criticality is low (i.e., no high danger in case of malfunction, no fire), then an internal watchdog is accepted. However, different certification organizations may have different rules or perceptions of this requirement. For applications where an internal watchdog is deemed acceptable, our microcontrollers can offer secure windowed watchdog timers, independent of the CPU, capable of detecting overrun or under-run timing errors.

Conclusion

To help our customers, NEC Electronics is proactively taking steps to address these issues, such as incorporating a self-test library, multiple independent clock sources and integrating on-chip windowed watchdog timers in our portfolio, with a view to further enhancements in the next generation of microcontrollers.

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Omron honors MSC-Gleichmann Group

For MSC and Gleichmann Electronics, it is a great honor and motivation to receive the Omron Distribution Awards 2006. Only the combination of individual design in support and high availability can guarantee a genuine optimal service for relay and microswitch customers. Therefore, one of MSC and Gleichmann Electronics’ future plans is to increase the range of standard products available for immediate delivery from stock. If you wish to know more about Omron’s products, please contact

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See it! – gives you a quick clear view

Gleichmann Electronics announces the availability of NEC Electronics’ See it! starter kit, which supports the recently launched 78K0/Lx3 8-bit microcontroller family.

Version 1.1 supports devices without A/D converter as well as versions with 10-bit A/D converter. The 78K0/Lx3 series of 8-bit microcontrollers with integrated liquid crystal display (LCD) drivers, excel with features such as extremely low power consumption levels (less than 5 mA in the run mode and just 2.5 ìA, when using the internal real-time clock with a 32 KHz sub-clock) and an extended operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C. Depending on the type and configuration, up to 288 LCD segments can be controlled. The See-it! starter kit, which is based on the 80-pin 78K0/LF3 microcontroller with 60 Kbytes of flash memory and 2 Kbytes of RAM, is designed to enable a quick introduction to the 78K0/Lx3 series of 8-bit microcontrollers. Several peripheral functions are also mounted on the board including a 224 segment LCD, temperature sensor, infrared remote control receiver, reference voltage circuit, buzzer, 4-way miniature joystick, DIP switches and a “prototyping area”, where the designer can develop his own additions or modifications.

The See it! starter kit can be powered using the on-board USB port, which can also be used as communication-, programmingand debugging-interface. Additionally, the kit also contains a 4 Kbytes codesize limited version of the IAR Embedded Workbench software development tools and several simple demonstration programs.

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BMZ - one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Bavaria

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NiCd batteries – slow but certain farewell?

They have high current capabilities, are not temperature sensitive, can be quickly charged as well as deep discharged and deliver full power performance until nearly all of the battery has been used. But, nevertheless, there are a number of arguments against nickel cadmium (NiCd) cells, including poor full cycle effi ciency or the unpopular memory effect. There is also Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Parliament, which as from 26 September 2008 prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and accumulators containing mercury or cadmium. Cadmium is well-known as a hazardous substance for the environment and can also cause cancer in humans. For these reasons, the use of cadmium in most products has been prohibited for many years.

Up till now, rechargeable batteries have been an inglorious exception to the rule. Seventy-five percent of the estimated 2,600 metric tons of cadmium used in the European Union (EU) are used in the manufacture of NiCd batteries. It is an irony of fate that often smaller manufacturers of NiCd batteries had to close their factories, because the workers suffered from cadmium poisoning.

In the past six years the price of nickel has increased by approximately 700 percent and has proven to be an increasing hindrance for the use of NiCd cells. This exorbitant increase can no longer be compensated for by a reduction in margin, but rather leads to a jump in prices and an ever shortening of the validity period regarding offers.

Nickel is used in many sectors such as steel production. Not only in China, but also in other densely populated emerging markets, such as India, Russia or Brazil, the demand for steel has increased dramatically and it can therefore, be assumed that the price of nickel will continue to increase in parallel.

There are currently several points of view regarding the future viability of NiCd cells. Even though Directive 2006/66/EC leaves loopholes for manufacturers and endusers, in the long run the fate of this technology appears to be sealed. For example, Panasonic announced at the beginning of 2007 that it will stop their production of NiCd batteries after completion of existing orders. In future, Panasonic will concentrate more on alternative technologies. Other leading manufacturers also plan to reduce or stop their production of NiCd batteries. Exact details are not available at this time.

By all accounts, bleak prospects for the advocates of nickel cadmium technology. So what are the alternatives? Gleichmann Electronics together with BMZ Batterien-Montage-Zentrum, rely for quite some time now on lithium ion (Li-ion) cells. The overview makes clear the advantages of this technology compared to nickel cadmium (NiCd) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells.

Lithium-ion Cobalt

At the turn of this century, a paradigm change in mobile power supplies was heralded in with the market breakthrough of lithium-ion cobalt technology. Characteristics of this technology are the large number of cell varieties available as well as the mandatory utilization of a protection circuit. Lithium-ion cobalt cells are capable of handling higher charge and discharge currents (2C) than the present nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride cells (1C).

Lithium-ion Manganese

The use of lithium-ion manganese cells is safer and therefore, also more fl exible. They can be used without a protection circuit because, due to their crystalline structure, they are intrinsically safer and react less sensitively to overcharge and deep discharge. Unfortunately, compared with lithium-ion cobalt there is a loss of capacity for like to like cell sizes but the benefi t of higher discharge current (up to 30C). Also, the number of manufacturers is relatively small and therefore, only a limited number of cell varieties are available so far.

Lithium-ion Phosphate

Up till now, lithium-ion technology was not able to replace lead-based batteries, but recently a real alternative has become available for this sector. The solution is lithium-ion phosphate! Long life, intrinsically safe, nonsensitivity to temperature from -45°C up to 100°C and a discharge of up to 80°C make this technology interesting for the telecommunications and automobile sectors as well as many other high energy applications. The last word on this topic has not yet been spoken, but the signals for a long-term change already exist. Don’t lag behind. The market is ready – are you?

Directive 2006/66/ EC – an overview of the most important facts

Substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE are well-known as hazardous substances for the environment. To cut the amount of hazardous substances dumped in the environment, Directive 2006/66/ EC, supplementary to Directive 2002/95/EC, was issued by the European Parliament on 26 September 2006. From 26 September 2008, the Directive prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and accumulators containing mercury or cadmium. This therefore, gives the EU Member States 24 months for the implementation of the Directive, in accordance with their corresponding national law. Nonetheless, even beyond 26 September 2008 there are initially a number of special provisions. Initially, lead and cadmium in primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries for emergency and alarm systems, medical equipment, cordless power tools and applications in military equipment are exempt from the ban. With regard to cordless power tools, a Committee will examine the exception clause and submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 26 September 2010. Further provisions will then be introduced in compliance with recommendations of the Committee. As it stands today, armament equipment for the protection of security interests of the Member States and equipment designed to be sent into space are also still generally not affected by Directive 2006/66/EC.

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New IGBT/MOSFET gate drive optocouplers for 2.0 Ampere

NEC Electronics introduces the fi rst product out of a new series of IGBT/MOSFET gate drive optocouplers. The PS9552 consists of a GaAlAs LED at input side and a photo diode with signal processing circuit and power stage at output side. It is a combination of a fast optocoupler - providing galvanic isolation - and an IGBT/MOSFET driver - supplying high output voltage and current. The design provides high common mode transient immunity (CMR), high output current and high switching speed. This optocoupler is dedicated for industrial and motor control applications, e.g. frequency converters, AC drives, brushless DC drives, industrial inverters, uninterruptable power supplies, induction heaters and many other applications. It is suitable to drive IGBT modules for 1200 V and 100 A.

Features → Package, isolation and lead frame 8-pin DIP Isolation voltage 5000 V Viorm = 1130 Vpeak Various lead frame options: through hole, surface mount, 8 mm creepage → Applied voltages and currents Forward current IF of LED 25 mA (max) 5 mA to 10 mA (recommended) Supply voltage VCC - VEE of IC 0 V to 35 V (max) 15 V to 30 V (recommended) → Output voltages and currents High level Output voltage VOH: Vcc - 4 V (min) @ Io = -100 mA Output current IOH: 2.0 A (min) @ Vo = Vcc - 15V

Low level Output voltage Vol: 0.5 V (max) @ Io = +100 mA Output current IOL: 2.0 A (min) @ Vo = Vee + 15 V → Switching specifications Threshold input current IFLH (L → H): 5 mA (max) Propagation delay time TPLH (L → H), TPLH (H → L): 0.5 µs (max) Common mode transient immunity CMH, CML: 15 kV µs (min) → Operating temperature Operating ambient temperature -40° C to +100° C → Safety Approvals UL approval VDE approval according

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MOSFETs in 1 mm thin 8-pin HVSON package

Gleichmann Electronics announces the availability of two new MOSFET families from NEC Electronics. The µPA273xUT1A family is designed for use in the protection circuitry of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, and is designed to help prevent heat generation and explosions that may result from Li-Ion battery overcurrent. The second, the µPA272xUT1A family, helps to power CPUs and chipsets in notebooks, desktop PCs and servers, and is designed for use in DC/DC converters, or pointof- load (POL) converters, which must provide clean and reliable power service to chipsets.

All of the new MOSFETs are housed in NEC Electronics’ proprietary 8-pin HVSON package that fits into the industry-standard SOP8 footprint and provides efficient heat dissipation while allowing the devices to deliver significantly more power than standard SOP8- based solutions.
The new, highly efficient power MOSFETs meet the industry’s most stringent power requirements in high-speed computing applications by combining large current capabilities and high-speed switching performance with low on-state resistance. This combined functionality delivers the performance designers demand and the peace of mind they need to be assured that heat generation is being effectively minimized. As such, they can now leverage these devices to develop batteries suitable for today’s demanding portable market.

Fabricated with a 0.25-micron process, the MOSFETs have on-resistances ranging from 2.5 to 9.6 milliohms (mΩ) in the µPA272xUT1A family, and from 3.3 to 3.7 mΩ in the µPA273xUT1A family. The devices also offer superior heat dissipation, allowing only 4.6 watts (W) of power. Unlike leadframe packages, which are mounted and then covered with resin, the 8-pin HVSON package effectively prevents heat generation by connecting directly to the board, allowing heat to radiate via an exposed frame without the use of resin. As a result, 4.6W of power, approximately 80 percent more than existing MOSFETs, is available. Furthermore, without the need for resin, package height can be reduced to a maximum of 1 mm, 40 percent thinner than existing MOSFETs, making it possible for designers to reduce the size of battery-packs.

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Introduction of new P-channel PowerMOSFET NP-Series for automotive applications

There is a growing trend in automotive power electronic applications to use a P-channel trench PowerMOSFET as an alternative to an N-channel trench PowerMOSFET or even a simple relay. Using a P-channel PowerMOSFET gives the designer a further easy alternative to optimize and improve the circuit design.

Basically, a P-channel Power- MOSFET can do anything that an N-channel Power- MOSFET can do. An N-channel Power- MOSFET as a high- side switch requires an additional driving circuit for the gate, whereas the P-channel Power- MOSFET does not. This naturally affects the complexity and design effort of the circuitry. Reverse polarity protection is a mandatory automotive application and demonstrates the benefits of a P-Channel PowerMOSFET. The diagram above shows the basic configuration of a reverse polarity protection with an N-channel and Pchannel Power- MOSFET for a basic operating principle of a Xenon lamp (HID). The drain of the P-channel PowerMOSFET is connected to the positive pole of the power supply and the source to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) side. The gate is tied to the ground with a resistor of say 10 kΩ. At first glance, this solution seems incorrect because the PowerMOSFET is connected backwards. For correct operation the source should be more positive with respect to the drain. In fact, with a positive power supply the P-channel PowerMOSFET provides outstanding forward conduction. Now consider one indispensable part of the Power MOSFET - the intrinsic body diode.

Basically, the anode of the intrinsic body diode is connected to the drain and the cathode to the source. If the P-channel PowerMOSFET is connected in backward direction, the intrinsic body diode is forward-biased for positive polarity at the drain, and reverse-biased for negative polarity at the drain.

From a practical point of view, there is one major advantage to using a P-channel device instead of the N-channel PowerMOSFET. The ECU can be tied to the ground connection to warn the designer of a floating ground connection.

If an N-channel is used, the load cannot be referenced to ground because of the voltage drop across the Power- MOSFET channel which can result in a floating ground connection of the ECU.

New P-channel PowerMOSFET NP-Series In the past, the main advantage of a P-channel PowerMOSFET was the circuit simplification in low and medium power applications. Now very low Rds(on) P-channel PowerMOSFETs suitable for high-power applications are available. Key features of the new P-channel NP-Series are: Super low Rds(on), max with 3.5 mΩ in D2PAK for a Vdss = 40 V High current capability with up to 100 ADC Maximum channel temperature of 175°C Avalanche energy rated RoHS compliant with pure Sn plating Qualified for automotive applications All devices are qualified for automotive applications, based on the AEC-Q101 qualification flow, and meet the quality requirements for automotive applications. Samples are already available now.

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Miniature size and low power consumption LNA for GPS

Gleichmann Electronics has started deliveries of a low noise amplifier (LNA) in a high-density package measuring only 1.5 1.5 0.37 mm. NEC Electronicsf µPC8232T5N is manufactured using a silicon germanium carbon (SiGe:C) process. The advantages of this process are a low noise figure of 0.95dB and high gain of 17dB at 1.575 MHz. The device has a power consumption of just 3.2mA at 2.7 - 3.3V. Among other things, the sensitivity of GPS receivers can thereby be greatly improved. Typical applications are active GPS antennas. The ƒÊPC8232T5N is available in a 6-pin leadless package, suitable for surface mount.

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HT-N178TWV – new generation of bright white light

Harvatek sets new standards with regard to effectiveness and light yield of its HT-N178TWV light emitting diode (LED). The LED can be operated with currents from 350 mA to 700 mA and light intensity ranges from 70 lm to 140 lm. This is equivalent to a performance of 1W respectively 2W. The HT-N178TWV is available in different luminous colors from warm white (color temperature 3000 K) to cold white (9000 K). Additionally, the standard angle of radiation of 110 degrees can, if required, be varied by means of push on lenses (HT lenses). Currently, lenses with radiation angles of 6, 15 and 30 degrees are available.

For direct housing assembly, the LED is also available mounted on a heat management PCB. The advantage of this solution makes the process simple and quick as well as reducing the amount of wiring effort.

The combination of all these features makes the HT-N178TWV an ideal choice for building lighting. Samples are immediately available from Gleichmann Electronics.

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Video TFT Modules and Monitors from Hexa-Chain

Gleichmann Electronics introduces a new line of TFT Video Modules and Monitors driven by composite video signals PAL/NTSC. The manufacturer Hexa- Chain, located in Taiwan, has more than 10 years of successful company history. A wide range of available sizes from 2.5 inch to 8.4- inch provide solutions for many applications such as security, visual detection and entertainment. All display sizes are available as an open frame version, many also as monitor with housing and monitor stand for easy mounting.

Most models provide autoswitch options with automatic detection of NTSC or PAL signals as well as switchable mirror functions for rear view applications as used in trucks, motor homes and similar. The required power supply source from 12 to 24 V is compatible with the requirements for mobile applications.

In addition to standard products, Hexa-Chain provides the option for custom designed solutions or semi custom modifications, such as mechanical changes of the driving board, modifications of interface cables up to modifications of the driving circuitry to allow RGB input for OSD control. Hexa-Chain has many years of experience as a manufacturer of video modules. Customers worldwide, including automotive in Germany, value the continuous high quality supplied by Hexa-Chain.

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TFT LCD modules with LED backlight

Today, LCD technology is clearly the dominant force in the display market thanks to excellent ergonomics, low energy needs, space savings and cost-of-ownership benefits. New developments now mean that even LCD monitors can benefit from wide colour space applications that have until now been the preserve of CRTs. The principle of operation of an LCD is based on placing a bright white-light source (typically a mercuryfilled fluorescent tube) behind a series of colour matrix LC filters. The LCD filter matrices are digitally switched to adjust the light throughput, and thus generate an image. The backlight itself has always defined the colour temperature and colour space available. A new backlight, made up of LEDs that generate white light with an enhanced colour spectrum, now allows a wider range of spectral colours to be displayed. As an added benefit, it offers a more environment-friendly alternative to fluorescent tubes. LEDs are free of mercury. They are energy- and space-saving and they can be driven over a wider temperature range than fluorescent tubes. They are also much more robust with better resistance to mechanical impact like shock and vibration.

Unfortunately, two major disadvantages prevent today’s LEDs fully replacing cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) in LCD modules: production costs and efficiency. To achieve equivalent levels of brightness, LCD module manufacturers have to use so-called low-power LEDs with a typical lifetime of 10,000 hours. This is just 20% of the normal operating time of 50,000 hours of CCFLs. High-power LEDs on the other hand can provide the same typical lifetime as a fl uorescent tube, but this type of LED suffers from distinctly lower luminosity – typically only 50 to 70% of CCFL values. Depending on the diode type, between 12 and 45 units are required to properly illuminate a 10.4" or 12.13" TFT LCD module. This means production costs for a LED backlight unit clearly exceed the costs for a CCFL version. LED manufacturers are, however, expected to overcome both the commercial and technical disadvantages within the next 18 to 24 months so that this new type of backlight unit will gradually replace CCFL in LCD modules. NEC LCD Technologies already started this process and have recently launched two TFT modules incorporating this new type of backlight: a 12.13 and a 6.53 version with XGA resolution and identical LVDS interface. The main characteristics are listed in the table on the left.

Better than life – TFT LCDs from NEC LCD Technologies

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Personal Profile of of Alan Marsh – Gleichmann Sunrise Ltd.

Alan was recruited as the display specialist for Gleichmann’s Milton Keynes Office and is responsible for developing sales and technical support in the UK. He is also responsible for launching the new EPOS and PC Peripheral Initiative. After leaving university, Alan spent some time in the Merchant Navy before becoming an electronics project manager at Lucas Aerospace.

He has held positions in sales, sales management, product and line management, both for OEMs and distribution in the electronics industry, for more than 25 years. Alan’s responsibilities were sales and marketing of microprocessors, ASICs, FPGAs, CRTs, monitors, TFTs and passive LCDs, memory, single board computers, software and lots more.

Before joining Gleichmann, Alan was sales manager for a UK manufacturer of wireless test and measurement equipment used in conservation, pharmaceutical and industrial markets. He was also responsible for running their worldwide distributor network. Alan was born in London and now lives in South East England. He is 54 years young, married and has a 9-year old son. Alan has played rugby for over 40 years and is a qualified rugby coach and referee. He is a season ticket holder for Watford Football Club and tries not to miss a game. Alan also enjoys music, cycling and spending time with his family.

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Spotlights

Smart Power Devices Intelligent Power Devices are typically used for lighting, engine management or power train applications.

Workshop Program 07 NEC Electronics provides comprehensive seminars and workshops on a wide range of its micro and ASIC products at the European Support Centre. The 1 to 3 day courses can be combined from various modules to adapt the level of details and product overviews to the different demands. Please check under www.eu.necel.com/workshops the upcoming workshops.

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