Each month, the manufacturers of solid state components release literally hundreds of new devices. While we cannot report on all of these, we do intend to feature some of the devices that are most likely to interest our readers. For further information on any of these solid-state components, write directly to the manufacturers. They can provide you with data sheets and application notes at no charge.
3B20 TORQUE TRANSDUCER CONDITIONER
The 3B20 from Analog Devices is a complete, low-cost signal-conditioning module for torque transducers. It provides AC sensor excitation and produces simultaneous high-level voltage and current outputs. Torque transducers (strain gages with transformer coupling for excitation and response) eliminate the need for slip rings or other unreliable connections in applications where physical contact between the sensor and its associated electronics is difficult.
The 3620 provides AC excitation of 2 to 10 V rms at frequencies from 1 to 10 kHz. Input spans range from 1.5 mV to 150 mV rms and are compatible with most torque transducers and four-arm bridges. Outputs of +/- 10 V and 4-20/0-20 mA are simultaneously available, with an overall accuracy of 0.1% and a drift of 0.01%/°C. Housed in a 3.2" x 0.7" x 3.3" module, the 3620 can be plugged into a4-, 8-, or 16-channel backplane, also available from the manufacturer. Address inquires to Analog Devices, 70 Shawmut Rd., Canton, MA, 02021.
RF DATA BOOKS
Motorola, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of semiconductor products, has just published an enlarged and updated version of its RF Data Book.
This new data book, officially designated DL110/D Rev. 4, consists of two volumes containing the latest and most complete listing of standard products offered by the RF Products Division of Motorola Semiconductor. The book should be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of every engineer, technician, experimenter, and ham radio operator. A total of 84 new products are represented by data sheets as well as application notes. Coverage is given to RF devices of all kinds, including small-signal transistors (both bipolar and field effect), power FETs, and power bipolar devices.
To obtain a copy of the Motorola RF Data Book, call Motorola Literature Distribution at (602) 994-6561 and ask for DL110/D. Alternatively, you can make a written request to Motorola Inc., Literature Distribution Center, P.O. Box 20924, Phoenix, AZ, 85063.
FILTER DESIGN SOFTWARE
Filter design can be a tedious, mathematically daunting task for beginner and expert alike. But now, the folks at Burr-Brown have come up with a program called FILTER PERFECT that allows the user to design unity-gain, low-pass active filters with a minimum of effort. The program comes on a DOS-compatible 5 1/4" disk together with an application note describing its operation. Butterworth, Chebyshev, or Bessel response can be selected. The menu-driven program guides the user in choosing the type of filter, number of poles (up to 7), etc., and automatically calculates resistor and capacitor values. Capacitors selected by the program are standard values; resistors are exact or nearest 1% values depending on the selected mode of operation. FILTER PERFECT is available free of charge from Burr-Brown Corp., P.O. Box 11400, Tucson, AZ, 85734. It can also be downloaded as "FILTER 1" from the company's BBS: (602) 741-3978; ( 3/12/2400, 8, N, 1).
POWER SCHOTTKY RECTIFIERS
Conventional p-n junction rectifiers have two characteristics which limit their efficiency: forward voltage drop (about one volt), and reverse recovery time. In low-power applications, these characteristics are of little consequence, but in high-power circuits, they result in wasted power. For that reason, designers of high-power rectifier circuits choose Schottky-barrier rectifiers rather than conventional p-n types. In a Schottky rectifier, the forward voltage drop is reduced and the reverse recovery time is nil, which makes the Schottky diode an ideal candidate for use in switch-mode power supplies at frequencies as high as several MHz. Motorola has just announced the MBR-16035CT series of common-cathode, dual Schottky rectifiers, which can be paralleled for higher current output. Specs include 40 milli-joules avalanche energy, high dV/dt capability, and a 160-amp current rating. Motorola Inc., 5005 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85008.
DATA BOOK SUPPLEMENT
Burr-Brown, a leading supplier of linear ICs to industrial and military customers, has announced the availability of a new Integrated Circuits Data Book Supplement, Vol. 33B. The new publication contains over 650 pages of complete product descriptions, applications tips, performance graphs, specifications, and ordering information for the company's broad line of high-performance linear integrated circuits.
Burr-Brown's Integrated Circuits Data Book Supplement gives designers more than 60 new high-performance products, including high-speed op amps, instrumentation amps, isolation amps, D/A and A/D converters, voltage-to-frequency converters, digital-signal-processing circuits, and DC/DC converters.
Circuit designers and engineers can obtain a free copy of Vol. 33B from any Burr-Brown sales office or by calling 1-800-548-6132. You can also write directly to Burr-Brown Corp., P.O. Box 11400, Tucson, AZ, 85734.
AUTOMOTIVE SMART-SENSOR
Operating from an automotive battery power supply between +9 and +30V., Analog Devices' AD22001 monolithic five-channel comparator automatically detects the failure of headlamps, indicators, and other lights. The device improves safety by continuously monitoring the condition of up to five lamp filaments, whether on or off, and also by testing the in-line fuse in two series circuits.
Packaged in a space-saving 20-pin DIP and consuming only 300 mW of power, the AD22001 replaces complex, less reliable discrete designs and costs only $2.00 in automotive OEM quantities. The AD22001's five comparators operate by detecting a very small threshold voltage, nominally 1.75 mV, across a small shunt resistor in series with the lamp being monitored. A length of standard copper track on the circuit board can serve as the shunt resistor, minimizing power dissipation and component count.
More information can be obtained from Analog Devices Inc., 804 Woburn St., Wilmington, MA, 01887.
LOW VOLTAGE DC-DC CONVERTERS
Here's good news for builders of portable, battery-operated equipment: Maxim has announced the availability of a family of six low-voltage DC-DC converters, designated MAX654 through MAX659.
These devices are intended to provide a simple, compact solution to the problem of generating a regulated +5V or +3V output from a low-voltage source such as a single-cell battery. The MAX654/6/7 feature a guaranteed 1.15V start-up, and continue to function as the input voltage drops below 1 volt. The new family of converters can supply up to 450 mA (MAX658) of output current with few external components, achieving a typical conversion efficiency of up to 75%. Special features include a comparator output which goes low when the input drops below 1.15V, and a "Power Ready" output signal. In standby mode, the quiescent current drain is 80 microamps. For further information and a data sheet, write to Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Dr., Sunnyvale, CA, 94086.
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adapted from: Electronics Handbook 1992