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IXYS Introduces a Portable High Efficiency Solar Charger and LED Light Bar Best in Class for Mobile

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IXYS Introduces a Portable High Efficiency Solar Charger and LED Light Bar Best in Class for Mobile Application – The Solar Pad

MILPITAS, Calif. & SUWON, South Korea & BIEL, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)– IXYS Corporation (NAS: IXYS) , a manufacturer of power semiconductors and integrated circuits (ICs) for energy efficiency, power management, and motor control applications, today announced the release of The Solar Pad – a high-efficiency Li-Polymer solar charger ideal for charging smart phones, tablets, and multi-media players via standard USB connection.

Measuring 120mm in length, 76mm in width, and 18mm in height and weighing 300g, the IXYS solar charger is highly portable – it is about the size of a smart phone. Equipped with 2 USB ports, one micro-USB port, and 4 white LED lights, it produces 5.2V of power at 1.5A, which is about 8 watts of solar power.

The Solar Pad is constructed with a 1W solar cell and is the most efficient portable in its class; it achieves a high efficiency of 22 percent. Its high capacity Li-Polymer battery, however, can also be quickly charged through a USB input at the rate of 1.2A at 5V. It is able to deliver power to other devices while it itself is being charged. Moreover a smart charging feature implemented with an MCU protects the device from being over- charged or discharged.

Additionally it is more than a mobile battery charger; its LEDs function as a highly bright flashlight (1W), which can be configured as either “blinking” or “continuous”. The flashlight is usable during both charging and discharging modes.

Due to its compact size, high capacity Li-Polymer battery, and highly portable nature, it comes in handy during camping trips, emergency situations, or power outages. The solar charger provides extra power to such portable electronic devices as all phones, smart phones, tablets, E-Books, PDAs, GPS devices, portable media players, and other portable tools and gadgets.

“We at IXYS took this initiative, initially as reference designs, to demonstrate the capabilities of our proprietary Solar Bits™, that enable our customers to add solar power charging to their products. Our reference designs were converted by our team to real products, for consumers worldwide who lack easy access to electricity, to be able to have chargeable flashlight and chargers for their mobile phones,” commented Dr. Nathan Zommer, founder and CEO of IXYS.

“These products demonstrate the contribution of the semiconductor products, from MCUs, analog ICs, power discretes

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/ixys-introduces-a-portable-high-efficiency-solar-c/

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Microchip Adds Advanced Third-Party Code to Embedded Code Source's Free Offerings; Application Store

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Microchip Adds Advanced Third-Party Code to Embedded Code Source’s Free Offerings; Application Store Further Speeds Development

Embedded Community Can Accelerate Designs Using Free and More Sophisticated Premium Code From Microchip and 3 rd Parties; Developers Invited to Post Code for Sale

CHANDLER, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Microchip Technology Inc. (NAS: MCHP) , a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the expansion of its Embedded Code Source (http://www.microchip.com/get/VR4C) application store and embedded user community for PIC® MCU software/firmware code examples, tools and utilities, which often include the source code. Community members now have a single, easy-to-use source for both free code and premium code with advanced features, which accelerates their designs while enabling more sophisticated and differentiated end products. Both Microchip and third parties have already begun selling feature-rich MCU code and MPLAB® X IDE plug-ins for Microchip’s more than 1,000 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers. All developers are invited to add their free and for-pay code to this user community, which has thousands of active participants.

Embedded industry studies confirm the growing importance of software development, with software engineers comprising two thirds of the development teams in most surveys. Additionally, software is rapidly becoming the most costly portion of product development, in terms of both time and money. Microchip’s Embedded Code Source addresses this trend by providing a one-stop-shop for cost-effective and free pre-written code that can be used immediately to shorten design times.

Embedded Code Source is the first site of its kind to provide developers with a broad distribution outlet for their premium code. It also expands the benefits to Microchip’s more than 70,000 customers, from merely sharing simple code examples into a dynamic marketplace where they can find advanced solutions for their applications.

“Through this second phase of our Embedded Code Source site, we are enabling third-party developers to sell their software, while providing a greater opportunity for the PIC MCU user community to tap into the code they need,” said Mitch Little, Microchip’s vice president of Worldwide Sales and Applications. “Users can avoid writing code from the ground up, and leverage these developers to accelerate their time to market.”

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Microchip Expands PIC24 Lite Microcontroller Portfolio with Advanced Analog Integration and 5V Opera

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Microchip Expands PIC24 Lite Microcontroller Portfolio with Advanced Analog Integration and 5V Operation

New PIC24 Lite MCUs Feature On-Chip Op Amps, 8-bit DACs, 12-bit ADC, Flexible PWM Modules and eXtreme Low Power Technology for Cost-Sensitive Automotive, Consumer, Medical and Industrial Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Microchip Technology Inc. (NAS: MCHP) , a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a new addition to its 16-bit PIC® microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the low cost PIC24F “KM” family. This family offers up to 16 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM and 512B EEPROM, along with advanced analog integration, in low pin-count options for cost-sensitive automotive, consumer, medical and industrial applications.

Watch a short video: http://www.microchip.com/get/99E7

The PIC24F “KM” family provides a new level of integrated analog functionality such as a 12-bit ADC with threshold detection, 8-bit DACs for analog control loops and precision comparator references, and op amps to assist in sensor amplifications. The PIC24 “KM” MCUs are the first to feature the new Multiple-output Capture Compare PWM Module (MCCP) and Single-output Capture Compare PWM Module (SCCP) peripherals, which include integrated timers and advanced PWM control to enable motor-control, power-supply and lighting applications. The MCCP and SCCP modules combine timers, input captures, output compare and PWM functions in a single time base for optimal flexibility. These modules include 16/32-bit timer support, and can operate from a high-speed clock for higher resolution due to their ability to operate asynchronously. They also allow for automatic operations during sleep mode, to optimize power consumption.

This is also the first PIC24 family to offer a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for increased on-chip interconnection of peripherals. The CLC module helps in creating custom real-time logic functions on-chip and is supported by the CLC configuration tool, which helps in coding the circuit graphically instead of in assembly or C, thereby saving time for the programmers.

In addition to advanced peripheral integration, the “KM” family includes support for both 3V and 5V applications. Many customers prefer 3V operation for portable, battery-operated applications, and the 3V “KM” products all include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) for optimal battery life. Other customers prefer 5V operation with the PIC24FV16KM product variants, for applications where more dynamic range, noise immunity and robustness are the key factors. The PIC24F “KM” with its extreme low power and advanced analog integration, is an excellent solution for customers working on cost-sensitive applications, such as flow meters, smoke detectors, stepper and BLDC motors, LED dimming, battery charging, environmental …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Cypress's PSoC® 4 Architecture Delivers the Industry's Most-Flexible, Lowest-Power ARM® Cortex™-M0-B

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Cypress’s PSoC ® 4 Architecture Delivers the Industry’s Most-Flexible, Lowest-Power ARM ® Cortex™-M0-Based Devices for Embedded Designs

Truly Scalable, Infinitely Reconfigurable Architecture with Component-Based Design Methodology is Positioned to Challenge 8-, 16-, and 32-bit Standalone MCUs

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NAS: CY) today unveiled the PSoC® 4 programmable system-on-chip architecture, which combines Cypress’s best-in-class PSoC analog and digital fabric and industry-leading CapSense® capacitive touch technology with ARM®‘s power-efficient Cortex™-M0 core. The truly scalable, cost-efficient architecture delivers PSoC’s trademark flexibility, analog performance and integration, along with access to dozens of free PSoC Components™—”virtual chips” represented by icons in Cypress’s PSoC Creator™ integrated design environment. The new PSoC 4 device class will challenge proprietary 8-bit and 16-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), along with other 32-bit devices. Cypress plans to announce the availability of new PSoC 4 families in the first half of 2013.

The PSoC 4 architecture enhances Cypress’s patented, industry-leading CapSense capacitive-touch sensing technology by offering significant leadership in noise immunity. In addition to capacitive sensing, PSoC 4 targets field-oriented control (FOC) motor control, temperature sensing, security access, portable medical, and many other applications. For more information, visit www.cypress.com/go/psoc4.

“PSoC 4 enables design engineers to leverage the overall trend toward industry-standard, lower-cost ARM-based solutions, the broad availability of ARM software, and the migration of 8-and 16-bit MCU applications to 32-bit solutions,” said John Weil, Senior Director of PSoC Marketing for Cypress’s Programmable Systems Division. “It is the industry’s only fully scalable, infinitely reconfigurable Cortex-M-class MCU with best-in-class analog integration. It can replace entire portfolios of proprietary MCUs and analog solutions, and it is well-positioned to capture significant market share.”

“Inserting the popular Cortex-M0 processor core into the highly-customizable logic and analog circuitry of Cypress’s PSoC products makes a very appealing combination for applications with unique I/O requirements that warrant a higher performance processor or the widely-used ARM architecture,” said Tom Starnes, Principal Analyst with semiconductor market research firm Objective Analysis. “The trim PSoC 4 with the highly optimized Cortex-M0 processor makes it easier to step up from 8- and 16-bit or proprietary MCU architectures.”

The PSoC 4 architecture offers best-in-class power leakage of 150 nA while retaining SRAM memory, programmable logic, and the ability to wake up from an interrupt. In stop mode, it consumes only 20 nA while maintaining wake-up capability. It has the widest operating voltage range of any Cortex-M0-based device, enabling full analog and digital operation from 1.71V to 5.5V. The architecture …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Zilog Announces the New MCU Based Battery Charging Reference Design

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Zilog Announces the New MCU Based Battery Charging Reference Design


High-Performance Design Solutions Offering Digital Improved Battery Management Technology

MILPITAS, Calif. & BIEL, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Zilog, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation (NAS: IXYS) and a pioneer supplier of application-specific, embedded microcontroller (MCU) system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for industrial and consumer power management applications, is introducing its new Buck Converter Battery Charger Reference Design that employs Zilog’s Z8F042A MCU to control a step-down DC-DC converter (also known as a buck converter) that acts as a regulated power source.

This buck converter battery charger hardware is capable of regulating charger output in a number of modes, such as constant voltage or constant current with set current limits. The charger can be viewed as a complete control system. The type and capacity of the battery determines the mode of operation of the battery controller. The voltage and current set points are also determined by the type and capacity of the battery. All battery control loop operations can be controlled by the user via the Z8F042A MCU‘s UART block and feedback is provided in the HyperTerminal console. Additionally, LEDs provide a visual status of the charging process.

This low-cost reference design demonstrates a lithium ion battery charger consisting of a Z8F042A MCU and a buck converter. The charging process utilizes the highly accurate ADC peripheral and alternates between current and voltage monitoring which is controlled in the background software routine, allowing for the UART to be processed in the main function. With the provided hyper terminal GUI, the user can enter desired set-voltages and set-currents. A proportional/integral (PI) control loop is used to charge the battery and to monitor the battery voltage after the charging process is completed. To save memory resources, the provided UART does not implement the STDIO.H libraries. Instead, a simple UART using only integer values is used.

“This battery charger reference design allows operation either via UART or an external 5-15V power supply. The advantage of this battery charger implementation is in the efficient utilization of the Zilog MCU resources, allowing for low cost digital power management solution, which is flexible and adaptable to different batteries,” commented Steve Darrough, Zilog’s VP of Marketing.

Zilog’s Buck Converter Battery Charger Reference Design is now available for customers that place orders through Zilog’s online store. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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New Freescale Microcontrollers Help Streamline Automotive Body Electronics Networks and Reduce Vehic

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New Freescale Microcontrollers Help Streamline Automotive Body Electronics Networks and Reduce Vehicle Weight

Latest Qorivva and S12 MagniV devices integrate connectivity, functional safety, security and network management capability, trimming number of required ECUs and associated heavy copper wiring

SHANGHAI–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The automotive industry is changing rapidly to address complex challenges, including higher bandwidth networks, improving data security, implementing functional safety and reducing overall energy consumption. Freescale Semiconductor (NYS: FSL) is expanding its Qorivva and S12 MagniVvehicle body network microcontroller (MCU) portfolios to address these challenges and bring a new level of integration and function to automotive body applications.

Freescale is expanding its Qorivva and S12 MagniV vehicle body network microcontroller portfolios to address auto body challenges and bring a new level of integration and function to auto body applications. Freescale’s new Qorivva MPC5748G (pictured here) and S12 MagniV S12ZVL/S12ZVC MCUs are complementary technologies with the Qorivva central controller acting as the networking gatekeeper with centralized data security, intelligent power management and ASIL support for functional safety, and the S12 MagniV satellite nodes having integrated power supplies and communications transceivers embedded onto smart mixed-signal MCUs. (Photo: Business Wire)

As the number of electronic control units in a vehicle grows, the amount of connectivity needed also increases. The average vehicle includes several miles of copper wire – weighing up to 150 lbs. or more – for in-vehicle networking. Integrating more functionality within the vehicle’s main ECUs and increasing the intelligence of its satellite nodes (i.e. modules in doors or electric motors) can help reduce the number of ECUs and the amount of associated wiring required, eliminating weight in the vehicle wiring harness and helping improve vehicle fuel economy.

Along with the demand for greener cars, there is a major push for compliance with the ISO 26262 functional safety standard for automotive body modules, given the critical nature of the functions they enable such as exterior lighting and wind shield wipers. And as wireless communication to and from the vehicle becomes more prevalent, there is a growing need for security measures within automotive microcontrollers – to safeguard the intellectual property they contain and also prevent unauthorized and potentially dangerous access to the vehicle network.

Freescale’s new Qorivva MPC5748G and S12 MagniV S12ZVL/S12ZVC MCUs are complementary technologies with the Qorivva central controller acting as the networking gatekeeper with centralized data security, intelligent power management and ASIL support for functional safety, and the S12 MagniV …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Zilog Announces Latest Edition of the Channel

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Zilog Announces Latest Edition of the Channel


New Quarterly Edition Describes Motion Detection, Sensing and Control for Real-World Applications

MILPITAS, Calif. & BIEL, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Zilog, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation (NAS: IXYS) and a pioneer supplier of application-specific, embedded microcontroller (MCU) system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for industrial and consumer power management applications, announces Issue 12 of its informative quarterly newsletter. The Channel, one of Zilog’s key information services, is offered to designers, application engineers, and developers everywhere.

The global technology forecast for motion sensors shows increased demand and application. Many “green” applications are leveraging sensing and control, and yet while North America and Europe have included sensing and control for years, the Asia-Pacific and ROW markets are both considered to be high-growth market opportunities. There are numerous applications for motion sensor-enabled products such as security, energy management, lighting, smart phones and tablets, industrial machines, medical equipment, interactive displays, product promotion, and defense and military weaponry. This increasing demand for motion sensor technology has influenced many companies to develop motion sensor products, even to include applications in the infotainment and entertainment services sectors. Across these industries, opportunities are being created for software companies to increase their markets by providing new solutions for the many potential products in this segment.

This segment is a good fit for Zilog, which has been developing its diversified line of ZMOTION embedded software products. ZMOTION is a powerful and flexible technology that is well suited for penetration into the markets listed above, and Zilog sees many new usage models in which motion sensing is a prospect.

Issue 12 of The Channel discusses these prospects. It is the microcontroller developer’s direct line for the most current information for product highlights, technical tips and new application notes directly from Zilog. The Channel features current perspectives and product information, with many insights that are useful to the development industry when implementing new designs.

The Channel is also loaded with useful insights, and arrives complete with embedded hot links that take readers directly to information they are interested in accessing quickly. This compelling newsletter series is quite contemporary and easy to view. It is available in flash format from the Quick Links section on the www.zilog.com home page as “The Channel.” All issues offer helpful time-saving implementation tips and tricks, …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Fairchild Semiconductor's BLDC/PMSM Motor Controller with Parallel Processing Cores Provides Simple

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Fairchild Semiconductor’s BLDC/PMSM Motor Controller with Parallel Processing Cores Provides Simple Conversion of AC Motor Control Designs

Development Tool and Configurable Motor Control Libraries Minimize Design Resources for Faster Time-to-Market

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Motor control application designers are now moving away from the traditional universal or AC motor design to a more sophisticated brushless DC (BLDC) motor or permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) design. However, choosing either of these methods can be challenging if the designer has limited access to advanced, complex motor control algorithms. This can lead to significant spending of research and development resources and longer design times.

FCM8531 – Rapid, Easy Conversion to PMSM/BLDC Motor Control (Photo: Business Wire)

To help designers with these cost and software burdens, Fairchild Semiconductor (NYS: FCS) developed the FCM8531 analog and digital integrated motor controller. The FCM8531 is a tailored configurable solution complete with user guides, reference designs, and evaluation boards that help motor control designers shorten time-to-market and minimize software design efforts.

Parallel Processors in a One-Chip Design

The FCM8531 is a 3-phase, hybrid BLDC/PMSM controller with two parallel processors – an advanced motor controller (AMC) and an embedded microcontroller (MCU) – that provides a complete, one-chip solution for complex motor control applications. The two core processors work independently but collaboratively to exchange data through an internal communications interface that helps to avoid system hang-ups and improves hardware protection. The FCM8531 minimizes the software burden with its integrated hardware controller and MCU interface management and achieves a fast load-response motor system with increased efficiency.

Tailored Design for Simplified Functionality

Capable of adapting to various motor designs, the AMC performs powerful algorithms such as sine wave control, field oriented control (FOC) and direct and quadrature (DQ) control, using Fairchild’s libraries that can be configured and stored to provide high performance motor control. The MCU interface, paired with the AMC, enables users to easily change the register values for different motor operation flows and characteristics. The device is ideally suited to solve start-up jerks in sensor-less fan applications, as well as acoustic noise and low efficiency issues in various fan and …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance