Smallest 4A Switching Regulator Simplifies Designs and Improves Reliability

Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX15040, a low-voltage (2.4V to 3.6V), synchronous switching regulator in a 2mm x 2mm wafer-level package (WLP). This miniature step-down regulator integrates MOSFETs to simplify design, minimize EMI, improve reliability, and save board space. The MAX15040 operates from a fixed 1MHz switching frequency to further reduce total solution size, as it allows all-ceramic-capacitor designs. Offering efficiencies up to 94% at full load current (4A), this point-of-load regulator minimizes power loss in applications such as telecom, networking, and server equipment.

Other features include an enable input and power-good indicator for power sequencing, adjustable soft-start for controlled turn on, and the ability to safely start up into a prebiased output. The MAX15040 provides ±1% output-voltage accuracy over temperature and is fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Prices start at $2.17 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6400 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.

Satellite IF Switch IC Expands to Allow 16 Signals

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the Max12005, an 8 x 4 satellite IF switch IC that is flexible and adaptable to suit space-constrained, satellite IF distribution and multiswitch applications. Its 8 x 4 matrix is configured with an additional IF switch input so that it can expand to accept up to 16 satellite input signals.

The Max12005 supports a single, quad low-noise block (LNB) with vertical or horizontal polarisation signals that can be matrix-switched to four satellite receivers. A configuration of eight satellite IF inputs to eight satellite receivers is also possible by using two Max12005 ICs and adding eight input splitters. Signal quality is maintained even with high cable-signal losses.

Four integrated 9:1 multiplexers with variable-gain input and output amplifiers provide sufficient gain to compensate for the signal-path losses in the cable distribution and for switch insertion losses. To save space and cost, the Max12005 utilises two control methods: DiSEqC 2.0 decoding and tone/voltage decoding. These control methods enable four operational modes, which include LNB mode for use within the LNB mentioned above, cascade master mode, cascade slave mode, and single mode.

Furthermore, the four embedded DiSEqC decoders eliminate the need for external control components. The Max12005 is fully specified over the -40 to +85C extended temperature range and available in a small 7 x 7mm, lead-free, 48-pin TQFN package. Prices start at USD7.44 (GBP4.69).

MEMS Oscillator has Low Power Consumption

MSC now offers SiTime's SiT8004 MEMS oscillator in the 125 to 150MHz frequency range, with low standby current, suitable for use in 'green' DDR, SAS, SATA, HDMI and video pixel clock applications. Key features include 6.5mA typical power consumption and 1.2uA ultra-low standby current. Frequency stability of the oscillator device varies between +/- 20 and +/- 50ppm, according to the supply voltage of 1.8, 2.5, 2.8 or 3.3V applied.

Four industry-standard packages from 2.5 x 2.0 to 7.0 x 5.0mm are available. Thanks to its 50 to 75 per cent lower power consumption compared to similar standard quartz oscillators, the SiT8004 is suitable for use in 'green' DDR, SSD, SAS, SATA, HDMI and video pixel clock applications as well as 1-Gigabit Ethernet, GPON and EPON network applications.

MLCC Capacitors can be Used in Harsh Environments

Now available, Holy Stone's compact 'Verti-Zontal' (vertically oriented, horizontally stacked) MLCC capacitors are designed for applications with limited headroom, requiring a high-CV product. This SVZ Series orients individual capacitors vertically, limiting the overall height while the stack itself extends horizontally across the mounting area on the board.

The low ESR design allows for very high CV in the available footprint space. The compact yet high-CV design of these Verti-Zontal stacks is suitable for power applications including input and output filters. Its lead frame construction isolates the MLCC from both thermal and mechanical stresses, which can be problematic with large capacitors.

The Holy Stone design provides outstanding mechanical integrity as the design provides for individual leads to be centred on each cap insert. The low centre of gravity provides superior shock and vibration resistance, so they can be used in harsh environments. The SVZ series is also available using Holy Stone's high-temperature dielectric in temperature ratings up to 200C, in which case it is called the HVZ series.

Solar And Battery Power Provides Wireless Sensing

The Flexpower system from Banner Engineering combines low-power sensors, long-lasting batteries, solar panels and wireless I/O devices to allow wireless operation of remote applications. The no-wire solution is designed for applications where wired power is either not available or impractical. Power is generated by lithium D cell batteries or a solar connector and rechargeable battery combination that require an average of two hours of sunlight per day to power a 4-20mA loop.

Flexpower is said to provide reliable, autonomous power sufficient to operate a range of sensors and the remote node of Banner's DX80 industrial wireless network. Applications for wireless sensing and control include: agriculture - irrigation control; monitor steam power plant valve temperatures; pump and flow control; perimeter guarding; tank level monitoring; rotating machinery for auto and other industries; landfill leachate pump counting; material handling; automated guided vehicle control; and vehicle detection.

By powering both sensing and communication functions the modules eliminate the need for any wiring to the installation. Banner Engineering offers a range of photoelectric, ultrasonic and temperature/humidity sensors specially adapted for low power consumption. To limit power use, the sensors are powered only when needed. The DX80 wireless network includes up to 56 remote nodes connecting to a central gateway. The gateway provides Modbus connectivity to PLC or other control units.

Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology and time division multiple access (TDMA) control architecture combine to ensure reliable data delivery within the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. Additional data radio units can be installed as repeaters to extend transmission range up to 3km per radio hop using 2.4GHz DX80 devices.

Ilix Launches Cutting Tools Catalogue For 2010

Cutting tool brand Ilix Precision has launched its 2010 catalogue, which features products for drilling, threading and reaming that are now available to UK engineers. Ilix describes itself as a true solid round precision-cutting tool brand with a product range of more than 50,000 items in HSS, HSSE, HSSE-PM, solid carbide and cermet. All products are offered with the latest surface-coating technologies.

The 2010 catalogue has a 20 per cent increased programme range of the latest technology for drilling, threading and reaming. The catalogue is also available in 3D format on Ilix's website. The web catalogue is easy to work with and gives instant access to all the Ilix program and technical data.

Ilix Cermet Reamers Are Ideal For Dry Machining

Engineers Cutting Tools, the UK agent for Ilix, has introduced Ilix solid-carbide and cermet reamers for the machining of hard metals. The machine reamers 6372C and 6323 allow the production of high-precision holes with good surface finish. Compared with HSS, the solid-carbide qualities enable the increase of cutting parameters and tool life. The quality of the reamers is said to guarantee high performance, even for hard metals with a resistance more than 1200N/mm2.

The Ilix carbide 6372C range of hundredth reamers is from 0.98mm through to 12.05mm in increments of 0.01mm. The reamers are manufactured to a tolerance of +0.000 - +0.004mm. The cermet reamers 6323 have new cutting geometry developed by Ilix. These reamers are said to be ideal for steel machining, having high chemical stability during the cutting process. They offer good wear resistance due to the high hardness and have low material adhesion.

The Ilix cermet reamer is said to be ideal for dry machining. The results are long tool life, good surface quality and accurate hole size. The Ilix cermet reamer range 6323 starts at 3.0mm through to 20.0mm in full and half sizes.