News & Analysis

Murata technology and new pyroelectric ceramic materials have led to the launch of a lead-free, surface-mount pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor, now available from TTI, Inc. Until now, the lack of a surface-mount PIR has limited the market for human detection use.

Zetex Semiconductors has introduced a low cost current monitor producing a current output signal with an accuracy as high as 1%. Housed in the 5-pin SOT23 package and with a wide, 2.5V to 20V, common mode voltage range, the ZXCT1020 provides a versatile current measurement solution for a wide range of applications from low voltage portables through to automotive circuitry.

Anders Electronics, the specialist supplier and designer of display solutions, has appointed Duncan Pennington to head up the company’s international sales. Based at Anders’ Headquarters in London, Duncan will be responsible for leading Anders’ international sales activities to ensure they closely match the evolving needs of customers at a local level.

NEC Electronics has introduced the V850E/PHO3, a new microcontroller for automotive chassis applications. The V850E/PHO3 is the first NEC Electronics device featuring an embedded FlexRay Communication Controller based on the E-Ray IP licensed from Robert Bosch GmbH.

Digital Signage Specialist, ONELAN, has announced that it will be outfitting the prestigious Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Annual Conference (HMC) - to be held at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth, 1st - 4th October - with Digital Signage. ONELAN has identified the education sector as one which could benefit immensely from the installation of Digital Signage, as a means of keeping all pupils – and staff – up to date with important clas...

Sonitor Technologies has confirmed Arrow as one of the company’s preferred supplier partners for electronic technologies deployed in the company’s latest ultrasound indoor positioning system (IPS). The relationship with Arrow covers the supply of components, technical engineering support and advanced supply chain solutions that support the global nature of Sonitor’s business.

ACAL Technology and EPCOS announce an extensive, new online resource which simplifies and speeds the selection process for ferrite components. The new ferrite design centre at www.acaltechnology.co.uk/ferrites features a free design tool as well as comprehensive information on ferrite materials, data on all EPCOS ferrites and accessories, and a list of ACAL Technology’s inventory of EPCOS ferrites.

ChipX Inc. today announced a new methodology that enables customers to launch their products quickly with a Structured ASIC and then seamlessly migrate their design to a Standard Cell device once the product features and market potential have been validated. The methodology, called XPath, enables customers to get products to market quickly and inexpensively and will play a valued role in the production of ASICs for a wide variety of applications...

Altium Limited the developer of unified electronic product design solutions, has confirmed its final financial results for the financial year ending 30 June, 2007. Altium ended the financial year with a cash balance of $10.7 million, up 68%. Revenues grew 18%, and sales grew 26%. As a result, Altium proposes to provide a return to shareholders of 6 cents per share in the form of a capital reduction, subject to shareholder approval at the company...

The ACS760 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a hot-swap protection IC designed for 12 V high-side applications. The new device combines Allegro's Hall-effect current sensing technology with hot-swap control circuitry, resulting in a highly efficient integrated controller. No external sense resistor is required, resulting in greatly reduced I2R losses in the power path.