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Electronic Design UPDATE e-Newsletter
Electronic Design Magazine
PlanetEE ==> www.planetee.com
June 22, 2005
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Today's Table Of Contents:
1. News Focus
  *Trap-Charge Technology Doubles Memory Density
2. News From The Editors
  *Nanotechnology Transmits Signals At 10 GHz
  *Free CD-ROM Helps With Digital Debug
  *Lithium Battery Pack Eliminates Defects
3. TechView Scope
  *Undergrads' Wireless System Spots Empty Parking Spaces
4. Upcoming Industry Events
  *SEMICON West
  *International Symposium on Low-Power Electronics and Design 2005
  *LinuxWorld Conference and Expo
5. Book Review
  *"Wiley Electrical And Electronics Engineering Dictionary"

Electronic Design UPDATE edited by Lisa Maliniak, eMedia Editor

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Designing With Video Signals

Dealing with digital video signals in the analog world can be 
tricky. Arm yourself with knowledge and download our eBook, 
"Analog/Mixed-Signal Components For 21st Century Video," by 
Analog/Power Editor Don Tuite. Chapter 1 covers the basics, and 
recently added Chapter 2 discusses interfacing video amps to 
digital-to-analog converters.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE6:1001CD

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**********************
1. News Focus
**********************

Trap-Charge Technology Doubles Memory Density

A new nitride-based multiple bits/cell technology from Macronix 
offers double the storage capacity of conventional nonvolatile 
memory without increasing die size. The trap-charge technology, 
dubbed Nbit, stores two bits of information in each cell to produce 
dense, cost-effective NOR flash and Mask ROM memories across a wide 
range of sizes.
   Conventional silicon-based floating-gate NOR flash memories can 
physically store one bit of information in each cell, whereas 
Nbit physically stores two bits. In Nbit technology, the 
nitride-based cell "traps" the charge on one side of the cell. 
Unlike floating-gate devices, the charge does not flow to the 
other side of the cell. Consequently, another charge can be 
physically stored on the other side of the cell.
   Without a floating gate, the process technology is simpler and 
easier to scale down to smaller geometries. In addition, process 
development time is shorter. Some other memory technologies 
achieve 2-bit/cell storage using a multilevel cell with voltage 
dividers to store more than one bit in each cell. This technique 
requires several more layers of processing and generally isn't as 
scalable as the Nbit method.
   With Nbit, cell size is compact and data storage is reliable. 
Programming of each bit is performed by hot electron injection, 
an erase is done by band-to-band tunneling, and a read operation 
is accomplished by the reverse read mechanism.   
   Macronix is currently offering the Nbit technology in 32- to 
128-Mbit flash memories that operate over a 2.7- to 3.6-V range. 
The Nbit products are available in boot or uniform sector 
architectures in x8, x16, and x8/x16 selectable configurations. 
They have 20-year data retention and a minimum of 100,000-cycle 
endurance over the life of the device. The 64-Mbit parts are 
shipping in volume, and the 32- and 128-Mbit products are 
currently sampling.
     Macronix International ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBEC:1001CD

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2. News -- From The Editors
**********************

***Nanotechnology Transmits Signals At 10 GHz
Using nanotubes instead of conventional copper wires, researchers at 
the University of California, Irvine, have demonstrated the ability 
for 10-GHz IC signal propagation. A nanotube is normally made from 
carbon and consists of a graphite sheet seamlessly wrapped into a 
cylinder only a few nanometers wide. Prior research showed that 
nanotube transistors can operate at extremely high frequencies, but 
the traditional copper or aluminum connections between the 
transistors were a bottleneck. Now, the researchers have showed that 
carbon nanotubes can route electrical signals on a chip at speeds of 
up to 10 GHz, eliminating the bottleneck. They plan to integrate the 
transistors and connections into an ultra-high-speed all-nanotube 
electronic circuit, which would be faster than any of today's 
semiconductor technology.
     University of California, Irvine ==> 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE5:1001CD

***Free CD-ROM Helps With Digital Debug
A "Digital Debug Solutions" CD-ROM is available free of charge from 
Agilent Technologies. The CD-ROM offers design engineers 
measurement-based insight into solving their digital debug problems 
with information about the tools that can help minimize project risk 
and drive products to market faster. Engineers can see these tools 
in action through video demos and tutorials for Agilent logic 
analyzers, oscilloscopes, and probing solutions. The CD also 
provides quick access to application notes, product data sheets, and 
Web links. Engineers can order the free "Digital Debug Solutions" CD 
(part number 5989-0941EN) by filling out the online order form at 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE3:1001CD . Allow 10 working 
days for delivery.
     Agilent Technologies ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBED:1001CD

***Lithium Battery Pack Eliminates Defects
A new lithium battery pack is designed to virtually eliminate 
in-the-field risk of unwanted chemical reactions and other 
electrical and mechanical malfunctions for both primary and 
rechargeable sources that power mission-critical portable and 
handheld equipment. The SecuraPack battery system complies with all 
safety requirements and test guidelines of the IEEE-1625-2004 
standard. SecuraPack provides statistical analysis and sample 
testing of up to 100% of cells for each production lot to confirm 
that cells perform to manufacturers' specifications. Tests verify 
that the lithium-ion and lithium-thionyl-chloride packs operate 
properly for their respective -40 to 60 degree C and -40 to 70 
degree C ranges. Each SecuraPack is private-labeled for the OEM and 
costs between $10 and $200.
     Micro Power Electronics Inc. ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBEB:1001CD

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3. TechView Scope 
**********************

Undergrads' Wireless System Spots Empty Parking Spaces

Nobody likes driving around crowded parking lots looking for empty 
spots. A team of four Boston University undergraduates has found a 
solution to this typical commuting nightmare, and their design took 
the top honor in the fifth annual IEEE Student Design Contest at 
Rochester Institute of Technology this spring. 
   Known as iPark, the team's wireless and vision-based system uses 
commercially available digital cameras and team-developed 
detection, management, and visualization software to locate empty 
parking spots and alert parking attendants or incoming drivers of 
their locations. 
   The use of wireless cameras eliminates the need to rip up 
concrete or pavement to embed sensors or pressure plates. With 
the layer of supervisory software, information gathered by the 
cameras can be fed to a central location and "mapped" with lights 
or other visual cues. This would enhance the system's visibility 
in large, complex parking structures. Drivers would find these 
spaces via a display posted at the lot's entrance.
   The competition featured 24 teams from 16 universities. BU's team 
included Ido Hochman, Ken Lopez, Mike Mole, and Patrick Ward. 
Associate professor Janusz Konrad and professor W. Clem Carl of 
BU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering advised 
the team. The students will share the $5000 cash award. 
     Boston University ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBEE:1001CD
     Rochester Institute of Technology ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE8:1001CD

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4. Upcoming Industry Events
**********************

July 11-15, SEMICON West 2005
San Francisco, Calif.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE2:1001CD

August 8-10, International Symposium on Low-Power Electronics and 
Design (ISLPED) 2005
San Diego, Calif.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE4:1001CD

August 8-11, LinuxWorld Conference and Expo
San Francisco, Calif.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBEA:1001CD

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5. Book Review
**********************

"Wiley Electrical And Electronics Engineering Dictionary"
By Steven M. Kaplan

Do you know what a megger is used for? Or how many bits are in a 
pebibit? It's not surprising if you don't. Electrical engineering is 
one of the largest professional disciplines in the world, and it has 
accumulated a vast assortment of technical terms and jargon. To help 
you sort through it all, the "Wiley Electrical And Electronics 
Engineering Dictionary" presents over 35,000 definitions of the 
terms and acronyms used in electronics...

Read the full book review at 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE1:1001CD

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Embedded in Electronic Design (EiED) Online is your source for 
technical insight and hands-on reviews. Read one of Bill Wong's 
latest EiED Online columns: "Debugging Is Job One" -- According to 
recent surveys, most programmers place debugging at the top of their 
list. So what has changed in the last 20 years?
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE0:1001CD

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TAKE A POLL!

What is your personal outlook for design projects in the next 
quarter?

-- Concerned about slowdown/layoffs
-- Fewer projects, but still feel secure in my position
-- Good, stable workflow continues
-- Increased number of projects
-- Lots coming down the pike, maybe more than I can handle

Vote at Electronic Design ==> http://www.elecdesign.com

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Need To Go Green? We Can Help!

The European Union, as well as Japan and China, is about to restrict 
the use of environmentally hazardous materials in electronic 
components and systems through the Restrictions on Hazardous 
Substances (RoHS) directive. Electronic Design's RoHS Reference 
Center has the information you need to make the shift to green 
designs. The second chapter of our eBook, "Electronic Design's Guide 
To New International Environmental Laws," is now available for 
download. And don't miss our comprehensive list of industry and 
government Web sites and contacts. 

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE9:1001CD

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SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO ELECTRONIC DESIGN
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Electronic Design subscriber, or should be (145,000 of your peers 
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http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=CBE7:1001CD
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============================================
CONTACTS: Electronic Design UPDATE e-NEWSLETTER
============================================
Editorial: Mark David, Editor-in-Chief
mailto:mdavid@penton.com

Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: Bill Baumann, Publisher:
mailto:bbaumann@penton.com
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