Norcross, Georgia
Eagleware Corp. is shipping the latest version of its popular suite of design software for RF and microwave engineers. Known as GENESYS 2004, this release includes many features like new synthesis topologies for filters and oscillators, LDMOS models, RF-architecture simulation enhancements, and integrated component libraries. In addition, the core design environment has been enhanced with enterprise-level features including an XML library manager, Visual Basic scripting, rich text editing, graph annotations, an Agilent ADS interface, and enhanced language support of Simplified Chinese.

One new feature—the Oscillator Synthesis module—enables designers to quickly select, tune, and develop oscillators from a selection of 17 topologies. GENESYS 2004 updates the Synthesis module with two oscillator configurations. A completely new class of oscillator, the LC Hybrid, is supported. It was developed by Eagleware's founder, Randy Rhea. This oscillator features rapid startup characteristics and excellent harmonic performance. In addition, a negative conductance VCO is now available for frequencies above 200 MHz that require octave tuning.

GENESYS 2004 also adds features and a host of improvements to SPECTRASYS, Eagleware's full-spectrum simulator. They include the following: an active frequency divider; new filter models that include the effects of Q; faster calculation speeds; a new error message that identifies potential stability problems in the RF architecture; and the ability to graph any sweep of a SPECTRASYS path measurement at any node in the schematic. GENESYS 2004 also includes numerous additional improvements to make the designer's job easier, such as nonlinear elements in SPICE output, seven new complex-waveform examples, additional startup options, and more. To learn more about GENESYS 2004, visit www.eagleware.com.

Munich, Germany
SUSS MicroTec introduced a new concept in production test: the Automated Cluster Probing System (CPS). This back-end test system saves money and valuable real estate by combining multiple test configurations within one system. Its production efficiency mimics that which is found in front-end fabrication tools. SUSS' innovative CPS (patent-pending) concept consists of a family of high-throughput probe systems configured around a high-speed, robotic, material-handling unit (MHU). This unit is capable of feeding up to six probing units. This feature increases test capacity and lowers the cost of ownership compared to standalone test systems.

The CPS is extremely flexible due to its modular hardware/software (HW/SW). It can be upgraded and reconfigured in the field as test needs change. The advanced software allows multiple test protocols to be run on the same wafer without human intervention. The Cluster Probing System also is designed to minimize expensive clean-room space. It uses 40% less floor space than individual production probers. Each probe module can be operated in manual, semi-, or fully auto mode and removed from the cluster to be used as standalone probe systems. In addition, the system can be configured for double-sided probing. For more information on this test system, please visit www.suss.com.

Sunnyvale, California
Maxim Integrated Products' MAX1870A is a multi-chemistry battery-charger integrated circuit (IC). It operates with supply voltages above and below the output voltage. The MAX1870A maximizes the mobility of portable equipment by using a proprietary step-up/step-down control scheme. This aspect enables charging directly from an automobile or aircraft power supply or using an AC adapter. Analog inputs control charge current and voltage. They can either be programmed by the host microcontroller or hardwired.

The maximum current drawn from the AC adapter is programmable. This approach avoids overloading the AC adapter when supplying the load and battery charger simultaneously. It thereby reduces the cost of the AC adapter. Outputs monitor the current drawn from the AC adapter, the battery-charging current, and the presence of an AC adapter. The MAX1870A accurately charges two to four Li+-series cells at over 4-A charging current.

The MAX1870A battery-charger IC from Maxim Integrated Products is now available in a space-saving, 32-pin QFN (5-x-5-mm) package. It is specified for the extended industrial temperature range (−40° to +85°C). Prices for this IC start at $3.10 (1000-up, FOB USA). For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.

Milpitas, California
Linear Technology Corp. is offering a practical way to create high-quality photographs using cellular phones. It has enabled the use of a high-quality Xenon strobe flash in place of LEDs, which provide only limited illumination. Makers of cell phones can now produce compact and affordable camera phones with high-quality photo capability.

This new generation of camera phones with Xenon flash lamps has several key advantages over current phones. The light output from Xenon flashes is hundreds of times that of point-source LEDs. The flash also is many times faster than LEDs. In addition, these new Xenon flash lamps operate at a color temperature close to that of natural light. The result of all this is a practical, easy-to-implement solution for high-quality photo-enabled phones. Such cameras deliver high-quality photos up to several meters from the subject, rather than the current 1- to 3-ft. limitation of LED-based camera phones.

The camera-phone solution pioneered by Linear Technology involves the use of Xenon strobe flash lamps—a well-established light source that has been in production for many years. The Linear Technology solution incorporates the company's patented LT3468 high-efficiency, fast photoflash capacitor charger. This device charges a high-voltage capacitor, meeting the form factor and efficiency needs of cellular phones. The small footprint and low profile of this photoflash solution allow it to be used in small-form-factor handsets, significantly improving the photo image quality.

Linear Technology's LT3468 solution provides very fast and efficient charging of the Xenon flash lamp in as little as 1 sec. This rapid charging provides a fivefold improvement over conventional solutions. In addition, this scheme supports "red-eye" reduction, whereby one or more reduced-intensity flashes immediately precede the main flash. For more information, go to www.ltc.com.

Camarillo, California
Johanson Technology is offering the latest in chip-antenna technology. Its LTCC-based chip antennas are leading the industry based on gain and size (footprint) performance in the portable wireless arena. Currently, the company offers solutions in the following frequency bands: 1.5 to 1.6 GHz (GPS), 2.45 GHz (Bluetooth and 802.11 b+g), and 5.25 to 5.75 GHz (UNII and 802.11a). These solutions are ideal for dual-band applications as well as PCS/DCS/GSM/DECT/PHS. For example, the 1575AT47A40 antenna is operational in the 1555-to-1595-MHz frequency range. It boasts a peak gain of −1.0 dBi typical with an average gain of −3.0 dBi typical. Its return loss is 9.5 dB (minimum). For more information about the Johanson antenna products, go to www.johansontechnology.com.