Mixed Signal/Analog

  A VCO which operates at 3500MHz with a control voltage range of 0.3-4.9V has been introduced by Crystek. The CVCO55CCQ-3500-3500 features a typical phase noise of -115dBc/Hz at 10KHz offset and has outstanding linearity. Output power is typically +6dBm.

The Intelligent IP Mixed Signal Design Flow methodology developed by the Design Automation group at the Fraunhofer Institute for ICs IIS offers an unparalleled degree of automation, especially for the otherwise time-consuming, error-prone analogue portion of the design. Mixed-signal ICs are found in many of today's microelectronics, from safety-critical automotive applications to medical and aerospace systems.

Trigger and analysis options have been added by Yokogawa to its DLM2000 (4-channel) and DLM4000 (8-channel) Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes (MSOs) for testing the latest generation of in-vehicle serial buses. The options are specifically designed to address the measurement challenges posed by the CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate) and SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) bus systems.

  To address the discontinuation of ASIC components, MAZeT has devised a redesign strategy for digital and mixed-signal devices. The new ASIC will be compatible with the original ASIC, both in terms of its functionality and connection options.

Infineon has utilised the Hanover Messe to announce its XMC4800 series of 32-bit MCUs with on-chip EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) node. With its real-time capability, the XMC4800 series will drive networked industrial automation and Industry 4.0 applications. AEC Q100 qualified, the MCUs are suited for applications in commercial, construction and agricultural vehicles.

Tectonic Elements and Lucida Technology have partnered to provide an innovative audio solution for flat panel TVs. Tectonic Elements’ TEBM130H10-8 Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speakers have been selected to provide stereo, down-firing audio in Lucida’s Butterfly Wings line of TVs. The speakers, which provide 180° room coverage with a frequency response of 100Hz to 20kHz, meet audio and design requirements and operate alongside hom...

A telemetry controller IC, which integrates the required functions in satellite telemetry systems and interfaces with radiation tolerant FPGAs, has been introduced by Microsemi. The LX7730 is the first device to be released from the company’s radiation tolerant Space System Manager (SSM) family of special purpose mixed signal devices.

The demand for smaller and cheaper mixed-signal technology is growing. Steve Rogerson looks at how the industry is rising to the challenge.

While the main focus on ultra low power platforms is directed at the digital features, such as the MCU core, Texas Instruments hasn’t ignored the fact that the world is still analog in nature and in a bid to match the two it has extended its mixed-signal MCU platform, the MSP430, from a proprietary 16bit core to using the industry standard Cortex-M4F. But it’s managed to do it while keeping power so low that it the new MSP432 has post...

The demand for more sophisticated electronic industrial motor control is growing. Steve Rogerson looks at the drivers and the difficulties facing developers.