Electronic Design UPDATE: April 27, 2005

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Electronic Design UPDATE e-Newsletter
Electronic Design Magazine
PlanetEE ==> www.planetee.com
April 27, 2005
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*************************ADVERTISEMENT**************************

First network-optimized ARM9-based core module 

Now you can quickly and easily design in core processing and 
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http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8790:1001CD

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Today's Table Of Contents:
1. News Focus
  *Tiny Biometric Fingerprint Sensor Provides Powerful Security
2. News From The Editors
  *Perpendicular Recording Boosts Data Density
  *WLAN System And PCI Express Built Into One IC
  *Analog I/O Board Sports Low Profile
3. TechView Scope
  *Cell Technology Provides Early Warning System
4. Upcoming Industry Events
  *SID International Symposium 2005 
  *Supercomm
  *2005 Design Automation Conference

Electronic Design UPDATE edited by Lisa Maliniak, eMedia Editor

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A Closer Look At Video Signals

Nowadays there are numerous standards for the digital video signals 
widely used in such products as game players and cell phones. Tough 
design questions arise, however, because those digital signals must 
be dealt with in an analog domain. Get the answers in a new eBook, 
"Analog/Mixed-Signal Components For 21st Century Video," by 
Analog/Power Editor Don Tuite.

Go to http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8792:1001CD

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1. News Focus
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Tiny Biometric Fingerprint Sensor Provides Powerful Security

A biometric fingerprint sensor from AuthenTec combines high-level 
security with a host of touch-powered features and functions for 
cell phones. The company claims the sensor is the world's smallest 
of its kind. It's offered in two versions that measure 12 by 5 by 
1.86 mm and 12 by 5 by 1.20 mm. 
   The EntrePad 1510 protects important personal or business data, 
images, and lists from theft or fraud, and it enables mobile 
commerce and wireless banking. In addition, it's the first 
Authentec product to feature "the power of touch" approach, which 
extends biometric technology beyond secure user authentication to 
features and functions that are controlled by the simple touch or 
swipe of your finger.
   Capabilities include the convenience to open applications or 
operate functions with the touch of a finger rather than 
passwords or multiple key strokes. The sensor also supports 
scroll-wheel and full-motion navigation that replaces keypads or 
other input devices and enables wireless gaming. In addition, it 
supports cell-phone personalization with such features as 
multifinger speed dial.
   EntrePad 1510 is built on AuthenTec's TruePrint technology. 
Unlike surface-based solutions that read the top layer of a 
fingerprint, TruePrint reads below the skin surface to guarantee 
accurate identification of virtually anyone's fingerprint. It has 
fast finger-motion capture of more than 500 mm/s. 
   The sensor features low power consumption and minimal system CPU 
loading, which are critical factors for cell-phone manufacturers. 
It's scratch and impact resistant, proven to withstand in excess 
of 10 million finger rubs.
   EntrePad 1510 is available now, and it's already being designed 
into several cell phones for release later this year. It's 
packaged in a 40-ball grid array and costs under $5 each in large 
quantities.
   AuthenTec ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8798:1001CD

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*************************ADVERTISEMENT**************************

uWatt Programmable Bridge for Intel(R) PXA Processor

Intel(R) and QuickLogic(R) will present an online seminar on May 4th 2005
at 10:00 a.m. (PST).  You will learn how Ultra Low Power Programmable
Bridges enable rapid adoption of Miniature Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
technologies into Intel(R) PXA2XX-based embedded systems and how high
throughput wireless connectivity via 802.11a/b/g can be integrated
without redesigning major hardware/software components.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8795:1001CD

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2. News -- From The Editors
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***Perpendicular Recording Boosts Data Density
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies hopes to create 
ultra-high-capacity storage devices such as a 2-Gbyte microdrive or 
1-Tbyte 3.5-in. hard drive by tweaking a magnetic storage technology 
that's over 100 years old. Perpendicular recording, which has its 
roots in late 19th century sound recording, uses vertical alignment 
of data bits on the plane of a disk to increase data density. To be 
accurately recorded and read, the more closely packed perpendicular 
bits require a closer association between the read-write head and 
the recording media. Hitachi achieved a 230-Gbit/square-inch density 
with a 10-nm distance between the disk head and media, which is a 
distance about equal to 1/10,000th of a human hair. The company 
hopes to implement the technology in commercial hard drives by 2007. 
Hitachi has made a fun informational video about the emerging 
technology that can be viewed at: 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=878F:1001CD
     Hitachi Global Storage Technologies ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8797:1001CD

***WLAN System And PCI Express Built Into One IC
A single chip now integrates a complete wireless local-area network 
(WLAN) solution and support for the PCI Express bus. The AR5006EX 
and AR5006EG digital CMOS ICs contain all the elements needed for 
IEEE 802.11a/g and IEEE 802.11g WLAN designs, including a media 
access controller, a baseband processor, and a 2.4/5-GHz radio or 
2.4-GHz radio. The highly integrated chip means that an entire WLAN 
system can fit on a single-sided mini card or ExpressCard design for 
personal computers. These designs exploit the ability of the PCI 
Express bus architecture to support high-performance computing with 
up to 2.5-Gbit/s transmit and receive rates. In addition, both chips 
support the IEEE 802.11i security standard. An AES encryption engine 
is built into the hardware, allowing real-time encryption with no 
performance degradation. The company is currently sampling the 
AR5006EX and AR5006EG, with volume production expected in the third 
quarter of 2005.
     Atheros Communications Inc. ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=879B:1001CD

***Analog I/O Board Sports Low Profile
A 16-bit multifunction analog I/O board serves precision PC-based 
measurement, analysis, monitoring, and control in space-limited 
embedded applications, including thin-client and high-density 
rack-mount servers. The high-speed LPCI-A16-16A provides 500 
ksamples/s with 16-bit resolution for the board's 16 single-ended or 
eight differential analog input channels. Standard features include 
dual 12-bit analog outputs, 16 digital I/O lines, and an 8254 device 
with three 16-bit counter/timers. The board meets the MD2 
low-profile PCI bus specification and can be installed in any 3.3- 
or 5-V PCI or PCI-X slot. It's compatible with most operating 
systems, and it includes a DOS-, Linux-, and Windows-compatible 
software package. The LPCI-A16-16A costs $695 and ships from stock 
to two weeks ARO.
     Acces I/O Products Inc. ==> http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=879A:1001CD

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3. TechView Scope 
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Cell Technology Provides Early Warning System

The Indian Ocean tsunami in December exposed a number of flaws in 
the world's early warning systems. While the response to the 
Indonesian earthquake in March showed some improvement, there's 
obviously more to do. That's why the International Cellular 
Emergency Alert Systems Association (CEASA) has formed the Working 
Group for Advance Warnings, comprising major telecom corporations 
and regulatory bodies. In the event of an emergency, the group's 
CellAlert program will simultaneously broadcast warnings via text 
messaging to all of the cell phones in the area that's in jeopardy. 
Cell-tower selection will limit the messages to the troubled 
regions. 
   Messages will be prepared in the languages spoken by the people 
in those areas. Cell users won't have to opt-in to the program, 
as messages will reach everyone with a cell phone regardless of 
brand or platform. Also, all messages would be activated only by 
the appropriate, authorized government agencies. Members of the 
working group are providing tsunami-prone nations the technology 
upgrades required for the management of the cellular networks' 
resident broadcast messaging capability. They're also providing a 
secure data link to the United Nations' proposed seismic 
monitoring center. Eventually, the program could be used in the 
event of natural and manmade disasters alike.
     International Cellular Emergency Alert Systems Association ==> 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8799:1001CD

*************************ADVERTISEMENT**************************

Tektronix Timing Error Challenge

Put your EE skills to the test in the Tektronix Timing Error 
Challenge!
Simply answer our five quiz questions and you'll have a shot at 
swapping the regular button-down for a classy Electronic Design 
t-shirt.

http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8793:1001CD

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

May 22-27, Society for Information Display (SID) International 
Symposium 2005
Boston, Mass.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=879C:1001CD

June 6-9, Supercomm
Chicago, Ill.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8796:1001CD

June 13-17, 2005 Design Automation Conference
Anaheim, Calif.
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=879D:1001CD

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Embedded in Electronic Design (EiED) Online is your source for 
technical insight and hands-on reviews. Read Bill Wong's latest EiED 
Online column, "The Penguin Rides A Blackfin." 
http://nls.planetee.com/t?ctl=8791:1001CD

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TAKE A POLL!

As a designer, do you benefit personally from patents awarded to 
your company as a result of your work?

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

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CONTACTS: Electronic Design UPDATE e-NEWSLETTER
==================================

Editorial: Mark David, Editor-in-Chief
mailto:[email protected]

Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: Bill Baumann, Publisher:
mailto:[email protected]
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