Electronics Weekly - Maxim CAN Transceivers, TI Nanopower Amplifier & More

Maxim CAN Transceivers

(Image courtesy of Maxim.)

Maxim has introduced the MAX14878, MAX14879, and MAX14880 2.75kV and 5kV family of isolated controller area network (CAN) transceivers. The series of transceivers includes up to 5kV integrated galvanic isolation with fault protection and ±15kV Human Body Model (HBM) ESD to increase uptime in harsh and noisy environments.

They operate up to the maximum high-speed CAN data rate of 1Mbps and feature ±54V fault protection on receiver inputs. Available in industry-compatible pin-outs, the transceivers are packaged in a wide-body 16-pin SOIC package with 8mm of creepage and clearance and operate over the -40 C to +125 C temperature range.

For more information, visit Maxim’s website.

Microchip Radiation-Tolerant Systems Based on COTS Devices

(Image courtesy of Microchip Technology.)

Microchip has released a microcontroller (MCU) that combines specified radiation performance with low-cost development associated with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices. The ATmegaS64M1 is the second 8-bit megaAVR MCU from Microchip that uses a development approach called COTS-to-radiation-tolerant. This approach takes an automotive-qualified device, the ATmega64M1 in this case, and creates pinout compatible versions in both high-reliability plastic and space-grade ceramic packages.

The ATmega64M1 COTS device, along with its full toolchain including development kits and code configurator, can be used to begin development of hardware, firmware and software. When the final system is ready for the prototype phase or production, the COTS device can be replaced with a pin-out compatible, radiation-tolerant version in a 32-lead ceramic package (QFP32) with the same functionality as the original device. This leads to significant cost savings while also reducing development time and risk.

Additional technical specifications are available on Microchip’s website.

RS Components Smart RFID-tag Readers

(Image courtesy of RS Components.)

RS Components has announced the availability of OsiSense XG smart RFID-tag antennas from Telemecanique Sensors. These devices target access-control use in industrial machine-control-panel applications, as well as deployment in production workshops or traceability applications.

The OsiSense XG system operates at 13.56 MHz and uses tag readers that are read/write compatible with almost all tags conforming to ISO18000-3, ISO15693 and ISO14443, which is the vast majority of 13.56 MHz tags on the market. Offering a typical life of 2.5 million write cycles and unlimited read cycles, typical sensing distance of the RFID-tag readers is from 10mm up to 70mm.

Featuring integral antennas and simple installation, the OsiSense XG smart tag readers do not require software or specific programming and can be mounted easily on a panel through a standard 22 mm hole. In addition, they are very small with dimensions of only 40 x 40 x 39.5 mm and feature sealing up to IP69K. Industry-standard M12 connectors can be used for cabling the smart readers up to industrial networks or other equipment and systems.

Information concerning pricing and availability can be found on RS Components’ website.

Synopsys Electromagnetic-Aware Analog and RF Custom Design Flow

(Image courtesy of Synopsys.)

Synopsys and Helic have collaborated to integrate Helic's VeloceRF RF device synthesis, RaptorX EM modeling and Exalto EM parasitic extraction and signoff tools with Synopsys’ Custom Design Platform. The result of the partnership is a system for electromagnetic-aware (EM-aware) layout and analysis of mixed-signal, analog and RF designs.

The Synopsys/Helic EM-aware flow provides a GUI within Custom Compiler for users to generate DRC-clean layouts of single or multi-inductor spiral structures with VeloceRF. VeloceRF also creates schematic symbols and simulation models that are ready for use in Custom Compiler, and LVS rules for verification of the generated devices with IC Validator. The flow also includes an integration of Helic's RaptorX, for in-design analysis of EM effects during layout.

For more information, visit Synopsys’ website.

TI Nanopower Amplifier

(Image courtesy of Texas Instruments.)

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced an operational amplifier (op amp) to combine precision with a low supply current. With improved power-to-precision performance, the LPV821 zero-drift, nanopower op amp enables engineers to attain a high level of DC accuracy, while consuming 60 percent less power.

The LPV821 is designed for use in precision applications such as wireless sensing nodes, home and factory automation equipment and portable electronics. Engineers can pair the LPV821 op amp with the TLV3691 nanopower comparator or ADS7142 nanopower analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to program a threshold that will automatically wake up a microcontroller (MCU) such as the CC1310 SimpleLink Sub-1 GHz MCU, further reducing system power consumption.

For more information, visit TI’s website.

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