Electronics Weekly – Hitachi Li-ion Batteries, TI Converters & More

Analog Devices Digital Signal Processors

(Image courtesy of Analog Devices.)

Analog Devices has introduced four fixed point digital signal processors (DSPs) qualified for automotive applications. The ADAU1466 and ADAU1467 SigmaDSP processors offer performance in fixed point DSP processors with three times the internal program memory and two times the internal data memory of the previous generation.

The ADAU1463 and ADAU1467 also utilize an 88-pin LFCSP package and feature eight pins that can be configured as serial data inputs or outputs. These additional pins provide greater flexibility in amplifier or head unit designs to support applications such as hands free, active noise cancellation and acoustic noise reduction, among others.

The 300 MHz DSP core provides up to 1.2 GMACs, executing 6,144 instructions while running at 48 KHz. The built-in stereo asynchronous sample rate converters, audio signal router matrix and an on-chip RAM allow for the execution of very demanding algorithms. The integrated PLL and flexible clock generator hardware can generate up to 15 audio sample rates simultaneously.

Schematics for the ADAU14x series can be found on Analog Devices’ website.

Hitachi Lithium-ion Battery Pack

(Image courtesy of Hitachi.)

Hitachi has developed a 48V Lithium-ion battery pack for mild hybrid vehicles which provides an increased output density of 1.25 times the existing level and an increased energy density of 1.5 times the existing level, according to the company.

Until now, increasing the output density of a battery was generally accomplished by making a thinner membrane on the cell electrode, thus reducing resistance. However, in return for the increased output density, the amount of energy that could be stored was reduced. For Hitachi’s lithium-ion battery, resistance was reduced and output density was increased (without making it thinner) by modifying the cell electrode on a microscopic level to provide a structure that facilitates the flow of lithium ions.

Improving output density makes it possible to increase the motor’s torque performance for assisting acceleration, providing maximum torque upwards of 12kW and enabling powerful driving when accelerating from a standstill. Furthermore, it realizes a maximum input of 15kW or more, enabling the recovery of the substantial energy that is instantly produced when decelerating, and reducing energy loss. In addition to such improvements in input and output characteristics, fuel consumption is improved due to the increased energy density.

For more information, visit Hitachi’s website.

Microsemi Security Package

(Image courtesy of Microsemi.)

Microsemi has announced that Intrinsic-ID’s static random-access memory (SRAM) physical unclonable function (SRAM PUF) will be included in Microsemi's PolarFire field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). QUIDDIKEY-FLEX is a high-security key generation and storage mechanism offering security features based on SRAM PUF.

The SRAM PUF hardware serves as a primary element in the security of Microsemi's PolarFire FPGAs, protecting users’ intellectual property by providing confidentiality and shielding it from cloning and reverse engineering. In addition, it provides secure supply chain assurance for PolarFire FPGAs and users' systems, and can secure end applications, such as communications relying on cryptography.

Intrinsic-ID's QUIDDIKEY-FLEX is a method for secure on-chip key storage. Based on unavoidable random manufacturing variations, it generates full-entropy 256-bit hardware-intrinsic keys used as key-encryption keys for all the other keys stored on the device. Examples of these stored keys include the private elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) key used to identify the device, and the user-installed keys used for secure field updates.

Information concerning pricing and availability is located on Microsemi’s website.

RS Components PCB Terminal Blocks

(Image courtesy of RS Components.)

RS Components has announced the availability of a connectivity device based on the SKEDD plug-in technology. Providing a reduction in purchase and installation cost, the series of 3.5mm-pitch SDDC PCB terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact are suitable for designing in wire-to-board connectivity for a wide range of general electronics design applications including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics.

The plug-in SKEDD technology enables direct contact between connector and PCB without the need for a plug and header combination. No soldering is required, as the terminal block features latches positioned on each side of the device, which operate locking pins to ensure secure and vibration-resistant connection to the PCB.

The SKEDD design also enables the contacts to have sufficient force to create a gas-tight connection on the PCB. The series is also environmentally friendly, as the devices can be easily removed from PCBs and recycled. The SDDC 3.5 series is suitable for conductor cross-sections from 0.2 to 1.5mm² and is designed to handle currents up to 8A and voltages up to 160V.

For more information, visit RS Components’ website.

Texas Instruments Analog-to-Digital Converters

(Image courtesy of Texas Instruments.)

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and phase-locked loop (PLL) with an integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that delivers wide bandwidth, low phase noise, and high dynamic range.

The wideband ADC12DJ3200 is a 12-bit ADC, featuring speeds up to 6.4 GSPS. The LMX2594 is a wideband PLL solution that generates frequencies of up to 15 GHz without using an internal frequency doubler.

A multi-node synchronization reference design demonstrates how the ADC12DJ3200 and LMX2594 provide accurate, time-stable synchronization for multi-node sampling systems including large-scale phased-array radars, digital storage oscilloscopes and 5G wireless testers. The reference design showcases the LMX2594's SYSREF forwarding feature and the ADC12DJ3200's aperture delay adjust, time stamp and calibration features to improve accuracy and ease system design.

Additional information – including the reference designs – is available on TI’s website.

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