eYOUR ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2

13 Just Add Wireless!

16 A bright future for renewable energy

Now landing, over 18,000 Tyco Electronics products ready for next generation designs.

06 RS EDP & ARM make proof of concept supersonic

rswww.com/electronics 08457 201201 rswww.com/electronics

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The world of electronic design is under increasing pressure to off er competition kicking products in ever decreasing timescales. Short-cuts and inside information are essential to stay ahead of the game. That’s why we strive to make RS your fi rst choice for electronic components and solutions by continually introducing new technologies and partnerships to support designs from concept to prototype and production. InSIDE eTech Our aim is to make the RS Components website the place where you start and fi nish your design. That’s the thinking behind a very signifi cant upgrade to our online presence 04 iSAY which started with our new Electronics Centre initially launched across the UK and 05 RS nEWSlInES Europe in October. It’s also why we’re extending our universal Embedded Development Platform, EDP, to support ARM’s new mbed virtual design environment, and driving 06 ARM, MBED AnD EDP through a host of improvements great and small to help you get your design off the 10 PRODUCT nEWS CAD screen and into production more quickly and easily. The article on page 6 JUST ADD WIRElESS! provides an overview of EDP and the start of more things to come. 13 16 REnEWABlE EnERGY In this edition, we’ve also put the spotlight 18 OlED DISPlAY TECHnOlOGY on energy saving products, with technical articles looking at solar power as well as low 20 ATTEnTIOn! 32-BIT ARCHITECTURE Terms and conditions: Terms and power comms, processor, connector and 22 FPGA FlAGSHIP DEVICES conditions of sale set out in the current display technologies. RS Catalogue. This issue is valid from THE JOY OF PRECISIOn AnAlOGUE March 2010 to May 2010. 24 We’ve received lots of positive feedback about our 26 DESIGn TIPS Published by: RS Components fi rst edition of eTech and want to hear more from Limited. Registered office: 30 ESSEnTIAlS Birchington Road, Weldon, Corby, you. eTech is written by you as well as for you so, Northamptonshire NN17 9RS. Registered No. 1002091. RS if you’ve got a great idea for a technical article or 32 THE POWER BEHInD THE TEST SYSTEM Components Ltd 2010. would like to offer an opinion in iSay (pg 4), drop RS are trademarks of RS 35 GRAPHICAl DISPlAY IS A WInnER Components Limited. An me an email at [email protected] or Electrocomponents Company. visit www.rs-components.com/etech. 36 THE SCIEnCE OF OnlInE SECURITY 39 COnnECTORS FOR REnEWABlE EnERGY

40 lUnCH BREAK 42 InDUSTRY nEWS Glenn Jarrett Head of Electronics Marketing

GLO_0106_0210 eTech - ISSUE 2 03 iSAY RS ADRIAN RAWLINSON, nEWSlInES MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MARL INTERNATIONAL, TALKS: Over 4,000 more Tyco Electronics lines Save energy More than 18,000 parts now available through RS online with the new Amongst the introductions, are over 270 hermaphroditic and poke-in connectors. The more Universal MATE-N-LOK connectors, poke-in connectors are low profile, surface RS light Energy giving design engineers increased choice mount (SMT) two-position connectors ideally in selecting the right connector for new suited for LED strings and lighting controls. Saver tool Candelas, watts industry, HVAC and lighting applications. The hermaphroditic blade and receptacle Over 240 AMPMODU micro-interconnect connectors are new SMT connectors Easy to use calculator shows products have also been added, which are available in 2, 4 and 6 positions, intended for your savings from using and designed for cable-to-board, cable-to-cable use with in-line board-to-board LED lighting greener lighting and board-to-board applications along with applications. 140 additional PIDG crimp terminals, “ and over 300 additional relays. To search the full Tyco Electronics range available from RS, visit rswww.com/te Also introduced are 85 connectors from the lumens Tyco Electronics LED printed circuit board (PCB) mount lighting connectors, including If you walk into a car showroom now and a salesman tries to convince you that his fl ash sports car was outstanding because it uses lots of fuel, you’d think he was daft . Yet that’s still more or less what we do in the lighting industry.” By and large, customers Molex introduce 2,300 new lines and manufacturers correlate the light output of a lamp to the power it uses. RS has now doubled your choice of Molex products Now available across all European websites, the Lamp Energy Calculator Highlights from the new range with over 250 new additions to this has been developed to help RS additions include the introduction of family, giving customers multiple pitch customers increase their ability story more or the mix: halogen and LED, on the point at which you candle, but few buyers other the C-Grid® / Sl system into the RS options and allowing thousands of to deliver energy effi cient lighting The less worked and things start to get silly, measure the power used. than lighting specialists off er. The C-Grid dual-row board-to- confi gurations. The RS range of FFC solutions for buildings. The calculator when there was one lighting especially as LED lighting in Incandescent lights are driven understand them. board system combines with the Sl connectors, designed for use in signal allows users to select their current technology, incandescent, particular is seeing very rapid direct from a mains supply, (Stackable linear), a modular single- and data applications requiring fl at lighting solutions, setting features such which saw very little change progress. A 6W LED today can fl uorescent lights are driven Everyone is concerned about row wire-to-wire and board-to-board fl ex cable, has doubled in size with as lamp type, wattage and temperature in effi ciency year on year. It produce twice as much light through an inverter and the energy used by lighting system. Together, these products off er more than 150 new products added. output. Using these criteria, it will then wasn’t too much of a stretch as its equivalent a year ago. LEDs need a rectifi ed supply, systems, but a sensible debate the largest number of variations and Further additions include increased identify potential alternatives from the to accommodate a second LEDs also have very different normally low voltage. about which form of lighting cabling confi gurations in the industry. Mini-Fit Jr and Micro-fi t 3.0 ranges. RS energy effi cient lighting range, and – Cold Cathode Florescent characteristics than other does the best job in a specifi ed The popular Molex KK series, You can see the full Molex range calculate the savings to be gained from Lamp - and fl uorescent forms of light, as they give I don’t know whether to be set of circumstances is being developed to meet the challenges of and supporting technical information running and replacement costs, as well tubes are commonly sold a directional, as opposed to, amused or to despair at the constrained by the lack of modularisation has been increased at rswww.com/molex as reduced energy usage costs. as being ‘equivalent to’ spherical output. idea that measures such as a standardised method of an incandescent bulb of candela, lumens and mean measuring light output and First launched in the UK in May a specifi ed power. Throw The apparent effi ciency of a spherical candle power are power consumption across 2009, the calculator has been used another two technologies into lighting system also depends based on the output of a the US, Europe and Asia. by thousands of RS customers to 1,400 more relays and switches from help save energy and reduce costs. Combined with energy effi cient Omron now available from stock product ranges including heating and RS now has the largest stocked range of Omron electronic components plumbing, test and measurement, insulation, IT and renewable energy, RS has been working Alex Grout, European relays, switches, and RS offers a complete solution with Omron Electronic Distribution Manager for connectors are available for energy effi cient design and Components to develop a Omron Components said online from RS”. maintenance of buildings. complete offer for design “RS has spent a great effort engineers to use, with a and huge investment in To learn more about As energy effi ciency continues to dedicated Omron web our partnership. With the the Omron Electronics be a dominant industry trend for portals, plus implementation expansion of the weblinks, range available from RS, Electronic Design Engineers, go to of buy-it-now web referral dedicated Omron portals including all the new rswww.com/energyRSource and links from the Omron and range developments, introductions, go to fi nd out how RS can help ensure that website to RS and expansion specifiers of our products www.omron-rs.eu. the design environment is as energy If you’ve got a strong opinion and would like the opportunity to of the Omron product range can be confident that the effi cient as the latest application get on your soapbox, write it up in around 300 words and email available from RS. widest range of Omron designs being worked on. it to [email protected]

04 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 05 RS EDP & ARM mbed make proof of concept supersonic

The RS generic Embedded Development Platform (EDP) now supports mbed, the new online development tool for rapid prototyping with ARM .

part of its roadmap for the need for a large initial investment rapid proof-of-concept work can take As EDP going forward, RS is in a suitable compiler, for example. advantage of this online approach to establishing a close partnership with Even the developer’s workspace is reduce design-start costs and quickly ARM aimed at allowing developers maintained online, giving engineers acquire knowledge and code. In to take full advantage of ARM’s the freedom to login from anywhere addition, customers will also be able web-based mbed embedded without needing to ensure access to to use the baseboard with the latest development concept. project documentation stored locally. Cortex-M0 microcontrollers targeting In addition, mbed development ultra low-power applications, when RS has added mbed processor is independent of the developer’s these become available. modules supporting the ARM7 chosen platform – whether PC, and Cortex®-M3 architectures to or Mac. EDP Explained its range of available modules for Embedded design projects typically EDP. This gives EDP users access Developers can also access the aim to have a proof-of-concept to the industry’s first online platform mbed online library of functions. ready early in the project lifecycle. for fast, low-risk prototyping This provides an API-driven approach This requires some basic hardware, of ARM based to coding, and pre-written drivers which is usually obtained by systems. are also available saving developers purchasing an evaluation board from learning microcontroller hardware the processor vendor or from a third- The EDP and mbed concepts are details. Each peripheral also has the party developer. However, hardware ideally matched. ARM’s mbed benefit of a turnkey “Hello World” modifications may be required, and module containing the microcontroller example to quickly verify correct the project must usually absorb has a 40-pin DIP form factor designed functionality. RS is taking a leading the full purchase price. Such kits to allow the microcontroller I/Os to be role in further development of mbed are rarely re-usable in subsequent connected to a solderless prototype by working with ARM to provide projects, either because the board or a through-hole printed circuit resources dedicated to writing right features are not provided board (PCB). The module connects production-ready drivers. This will or the technology may have to the EDP baseboard via an adaptor quickly increase accessibility for been superseded. board that, together with the 40-pin developers to high-quality functions mbed module, makes up the EDP optimised for the ARM Cortex A more cost-effective approach is to mbed Command Module. With embedded processor family. work using a modular development the module connected, programs platform that can also be reconfigured are downloaded by dragging and Another benefit of mbed throughout the longer term to meet dropping the program binary in the development is access to a large requirements for initial hardware in same way as using a Flash USB drive. online community of developers future projects. The EDP fulfils this sharing code and resources through concept. It provides a baseboard Perhaps the most powerful aspect mechanisms such as the mbed into which are plugged processor of mbed-based development is its Cookbook online repository, wiki modules and special-function fundamentally online nature. Many and the mbed forums. modules as required by each project. of the programming resources and This provides a trusted platform, project-management functions Developers combining the EDP suitable for long-term use, developers need to call on are mbed Command Module with EDP maintained in “the cloud”, removing application modules to complete Continued page 08 >

06 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 07 wireless development. Users can also build their own modules, if required, by referring to the EDPCON bus specification. High Reliability

A key challenge facing embedded- systems developers is to build drivers for each of the functions to be implemented. The time taken to write and debug a driver, at the proof-of-concept stage, can delay the project; particularly if the driver will not work. Later in the project, it may be necessary to develop certain drivers further to achieve the full connectors of 140 and 100 pins functionality and robustness. each, called EDPCON1 and EDPCON2 respectively. The EDP EDP solves both of these challenges motherboard also solves issues by including all necessary drivers for such as inter-module and inter-EDP each function. Moreover, the drivers system communications, using are written from the outset to be available interconnects such as production ready. Hence, developers I2C and CAN. can progress their projects without debugging drivers at the initial < Continued from page 07 Plug-in Command Modules hardware stage or refining the drivers This architecture allows a wide for production later in the project. which will not only save purchasing variety of processor modules, based numerous development kits but on various microcontrollers, to be EDP Hits the Open Roadmap will also save the time to make built by mapping the device I/O pins By introducing EDP, RS has delivered any adaptations. onto the EDPCON1 and EDPCON2 a solution that enables today’s connectors. The microcontroller design engineers to meet the then appears to be a virtual CPU increasingly acute cost and time- Configurable Baseboard to another I/O device fitted on the to-market demands on embedded The EDP baseboard, or bus, such as a digital or analogue systems design. As a common motherboard, is an Extended peripheral module. It is possible platform, the EDP reduces design Eurocard size (220 x 100 to map almost any microcontroller and construction times from weeks mm) board that provides four to this format. The first Command to days. Project cost savings are when you need it most identical “stations” for the plug Modules to be introduced for EDP achieved by removing the need in modules. The motherboard have supported the Infineon XC167, to purchase and adapt to multiple allows microcontrollers and I/O STMicroelectronics STR9, and manufacturer-specific development Datamate, the 2mm pitch cable to cable, devices to communicate through the Microchip Plug-in Module for kits. Ultimately, EDP sets developers a standardised interface similar to microcontrollers and dsPIC devices free to try more new ideas and cable to board and board to board connector PC/104 or STE buses. However, (PIC-PIM) spanning 8-bit, 16-bit and push boundaries to create more family from Harwin, is designed to perform whereas PC/104 and STE tend 32-bit families. successful, highly differentiated to support only power-line, data, products. A new, two-station EDP in harsh operating conditions, surviving address and control signals, Plug-in Functional Modules baseboard will be introduced in the the EDP interface supports Of course, since the EDP is near future, to further reduce the extremes of shock, vibration & temperature microcontroller applications by also conceived to provide a configurable cost of building initial embedded- – yet the cost per contact is that of an catering for specialist pin functions platform for proof-of-concept work, systems hardware. relevant to typical 8, 16 and 32-bit its success is also dependent industrial, commercial device. microcontrollers. There are three on providing a diverse range of I2C channels, two CAN channels, peripheral functions that are also in RS is also inviting participation an SPI port, and various signal- EDPCON-compatible modules. The in the EDP developer measurement and signal-generation first modules to be developed as community from academic peripherals. There are also groups part of the EDP programme include institutions. Universities of pins to support interrupts in analogue and digital I/O modules, a interested in gaining access to response to external events, communications module, and two development kits for research making the right connection groups of pins able to create motor-control modules. and teaching can contact us at pulsetrains, others dedicated [email protected] to motor control, I2S, memory The EDP modular concept lends itself cards and many other common to the development of an increasing microcontroller IO types. Advanced range of application modules going interfaces such as SD/MMC are forward. RS is actively pursuing also supported. development of new modules; recent announcements include a All of these signals are contained new SD Card module and plans To see more on the EDP within two 0.8mm dual-row for modules to enable EDP-based go to rswww.com/edp 08 eTech - ISSUE 2 rswww.com/harwin PRODUCT PRODUCT nEWS nEWS

TEKTROnIX  CURREnT MEASUREMEnT FCI - FFC & FPC High sensitivity current probes for accurate power COnnECTORS and load analysis. Ever extending options for fl ex circuit FFC/FPC TDK-lAMBDA - 300W MEDICAl n The TCP300 and TCP400 series AC/DC Current Measurement connectors. POWER SUPPlY family is a highly advanced current measurement system for 300/400 Watts, digital power solution today’s current measurement needs. Tektronix current probes n FCI, a leader in fl ex FFC/FPC for medical applications. provide industry-leading measurement sensitivity to a minimum connectors continue to bring you of 1mA, which is critical for accurately measuring low level unique solutions that give you the footprint and the quality level n TDK-Lambda has introduced their new digitally currents and frequency components. When connected to you need for your application. 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10 eTech - ISSUE 2 See more online - Over 5,000 new products are added at rswww.com/electronics every month eTech - ISSUE 21 11 Lowest R in TO-247 Package* DS(on)

N-Channel MOSFETs With performance improvement of up to 50% over competing devices, the new TO-247 B R I @ 25˚C Qg typ MOSFETs from International Rectifi er can Part Number VDSS DS(on) D (V) (mΩ) (A) (nC) help extend battery life in motor applications, Just add improve effi ciency in solar inverter systems, IRFP4004PBF 40 1.7 195** 220 and deliver the wattage required for high power IRFP4368PBF 75 1.85 195** 380 Class D audio systems. WIRElESS! IRFP4468PBF 100 2.6 195** 360 Applications • High Power Synchronous Rectifi cation IRFP4568PBF 150 5.9 171 151 • Active O’Ring IRFP4668PBF 200 9.7 130 161 • High Power DC Motors Trends in consumer electronics oft en create a climate of expectation in IRFP4768PBF 250 17 93 180 • DC to AC Inverters • High Power Class D the wider electronics market, and so * Based on data compiled October 2008 it is with wireless communications. It ** Package limited Features would be really hard to buy a laptop • 40V to 250V in TO-247AC Package without WiFi and all but the simplest • Industrial grade, MSL1 mobile phones now come with • RoHS compliant Bluetooth as standard. Since the pieces of electronics that most customers Your FIRST CHOICE for Performance use most oft en now have wireless connections, there is an increasing expectation that all the rest of their personal gadgets and professional tools will off er no less.

THE POWER MANAGEMENT LEADER For more information visit us at rswww.com/IR Continued page 14 >

12 TITlE nOVEMBER 2009 eTech - ISSUE 2 13 Modules are a highly competitive market, and prices“ are coming down all the time. Many use Chip-on-Board technology, so that the complete module ends up coming in as small as - or sometimes smaller than - the packaged IC. John Fairall Director, RF Solutions ”

< Continued from page 13 products based on all of the major standards, help the developer, they are best avoided need to do is squirt data in and RF comes out,” Energy Harvesting for high volume designs, where the team and his advice is that developers shouldn’t by development teams without RF design according to Fairall. A particularly neat idea is to harvest energy has access to the appropriate expertise. In task of adding wireless necessarily adopt any of them. “The major experience. “RF design is full of pitfalls, and from the surrounding environment to power most cases, modules offer the shortest time The communications to a system benefi t of choosing an independent standard unexpected things like the density of the Proprietary solutions a wireless link, eliminating the need to use to market and the lowest design risk, usually may appear daunting, with the RS website is that it offers access to a wider market. For fi breglass mounting board can be a real issue,” A wide range of low-power applications just a batter altogether. This makes the system with no or very little penalty in terms of size, listing support for no less than eight different a system where you control both ends, all says Fairall. “A reference design simplifi es the need simple point-to-point or networked entirely maintenance-free and reduces costs power consumption and bill of materials cost. standards, as well as several proprietary four of the major standards will burden you development for a suitably qualifi ed specialist. communications, that can be run from a by eliminating the need for wires of any form. Truthfully,the latest modules make it easy to alternatives. Which of these multiple with features and performance that you don’t Those choosing this path should either lean on battery. Such applications include alarm and EnOcean GmbH develops and manufactures incorporate a wireless link into almost any alternatives is the best for any given project, need, and will probably be more costly than a the supplier for enough application support to security products and home automation. Using such self-powered wireless sensors, which electronics product at low cost and with little and what are the implementation challenges? proprietary solution,” he says. troubleshoot their design, or expect to hire in a proprietary solution leaves the developer harvest heat or light from the environment, design effort. a consultant to advise on its completion.” This in complete control of the whole system, or the energy used for example to depress a The candidates He continues, “However, if your product requirement probably makes the discrete path eliminating the commercial and technical switch to generate enough electricity to allow For the purposes of this discussion, we’re needs to communicate with a laptop or to uneconomic for products with volumes of less downsides of allowing customers to introduce the transmission of a short pulse of control data. going to assume that the requirement is for surf the web through an access point, then than 10,000 pieces per annum. third-party products into the mix. Their self-powered wireless switches consume wireless communications with a range of wireless LAN is a great idea. If it needs to Texas Instruments SimpliciTITM network about 50 µWs for a complete command which 10-100m, with the capability to penetrate solid connect to a , Bluetooth would In truth, though, with the outstanding module protocol is one example of the low-power RF takes less than one millisecond, and has a range objects. For short range line-of-sight data or be an excellent choice. Similarly, ZigBee is solutions currently emerging, there is little need protocols available for simple, small RF of 300 meters in the open. If this sounds too remote control applications, there is a range of building critical mass in home automation, to brew your own. Fairall continues, “Modules networks (less than 100 nodes). Designed good to be true, take a look at the Trial Pack solutions based on infra-red that can be readily sensor networks and remote metering, and are a highly competitive market, and prices are for easy implementation with minimal offered by RS (stock number is 189-065). accessed. Longer range connections normally RFID is widely used in logistics. If these are coming down all the time. Many use Chip-on- microcontroller resource requirements it require the use of the cellular infrastructure, your target markets, and interoperability would Board technology, so that the complete module runs out-of-the-box on TI’s low-power Conclusion which is a whole subject in its own right. be attractive to your customers, then that ends up coming in as small as or sometimes microcontrollers and RF transceivers. Despite For a great many customers looking for a On this basis, the main alternatives are should drive the decision.” smaller than the packaged IC.” the modest resources required, SimpliciTI simple point to point or point to multipoint link, WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID or proprietary network protocol supports peer-to-peer a proprietary protocol offers the simplest and solutions. According to John Fairall, Director Implementation Modules can be highly confi gurable, with communication, the option to use an access lowest cost solution. The major standards, WiFi, For the latest information on of the company RF Solutions, the main All of these technologies are offered as parameters including frequency selectable by point to store and forward messages and range Bluetooth, ZigBee and RFID are only needed if wireless technology available parameters to consider are power, physical discrete components or modules. Although the customer. Some offer standard RS-232 extenders to extend the range of the network the market demands them. Either way, it is only from RS, visit the Electronics Centre size, range and data rate. RF Solutions offers vendors usually offer reference designs to interfaces. “With the smart versions, all you to four hops. worth considering discrete implementations at rswww.com/electronics

14 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 15 IGBT IGBT High-side A bright future for Q1 Q2 IGBTs DC supply AC-out (Solar Inverter, L1 C1 battery) C2 L2 AC-out IGBT IGBT Q3 Q4 Low-side renewable IGBTs The potential for photovoltaic solar energy is high but requires careful design consideration in order to energy Fig.1 The solar-power inverter taps high voltage IGBTs in attain maximum efficiency. a full-bridge topology

in general due to the removal of a single point of failure (typically 50 or 60Hz). This effectively means Conservation is now outweighs the higher unit price over the that, during the positive half-cycle, Q1 is pulse- high on the global agenda and as part of the system’s lifetime. width modulated at 20kHz while Q4 remains overall drive for efficiency, the momentum on (Q2 and Q4 are off) and, similarly for the behind alternative forms of renewable energy Both centralised and distributed topologies negative half-cycle, Q2 is modulated and Q3 is growing. One of the most viable and buoyant have their merits but both share the need remains on (Q1 and Q4 are off). Clearly, the technologies is solar power derived from for efficient inverter technology. Without an characteristics of the high-side and low-side photovoltaic cells. There are now numerous efficient inverter, any gains made through IGBTs differ based on this architecture, so it is examples of how PV energy can be employed; improving the system’s performance could important to choose devices from a supplier from portable phone chargers, to arrays of be in vain. However, the requirements of who understands these requirements. solar roof panels generating enough energy to the inverter(s) used will differ based on the supply a home or small business. topology and it is here that the technology International Rectifier’s (IR) portfolio of IGBTs within the inverter plays a key role. and MOSFETs provides for this scenario, The latter is the subject of much interest at as Figure 1 shows. For the high-side IGBTs, the moment, as efficient installations are The input voltages to the inverter will depend switching time is crucial and so selecting a fast capable of supplying surplus energy back into on the topology chosen and, in turn, the switching IGBT can minimise switching losses. the power grid under the right circumstances, efficiency of the inverter will depend on its A new range of IGBTs launched recently thereby providing not only a form of renewable design based on those system requirements. by IR, the 600V Trench IGBTs, have been energy for the owner, but also a modest return It is well established that insulated-gate bipolar optimised for high-side switching at 20kHz on investment. However, along with much transistors, or IGBTs, offer advantages for this and target inverters used in uninterruptable interest there is also much debate, as the type of inverter design. These devices present power supplies (UPS) and solar panel inverters. deployment of PV technology is susceptible the best of field effect transistor (FET) and In fact, using these devices can deliver up to to losses at various stages in the power chain. bipolar junction transistor (BJT) technologies in 30% efficiency gains in these applications. To combat this, manufacturers throughout the a single device; allowing them to be controlled supply chain are becoming polarised over the by a voltage, as with a MOSFET, but offer the The low-side devices need not be optimised best system architecture to implement. higher current-passing capabilities of BJTs. for switching speed in the same way and in As a result, their use in power delivery has this application the recommended devices The power generated by solar panel arrays is increased rapidly and while there is now a would be standard speed IGBTs, constructed a direct current and so using PV technology wide range of IGBTs to choose from, it is clear from a planar process as opposed to the to supply an AC voltage at mains power levels that one size does not fit all applications. This is trench devices used for the high-side. These requires a DC-AC inverter. A debate rages illustrated not only by the differences between devices have been optimised for low speeds over how best to implement the inverter inverters within a centralised or distributed and low conduction losses and therefore technology: Centralised or distributed? topology, but the optimised selection of the represent the most efficient solution. IGBTs within those inverters. With a distributed approach (which is gaining The use of PV solar panels is increasing rapidly, favour over the more traditional centralised To create the AC waveform, the DC input yet the technology offers a great deal of topology) a dedicated inverter is positioned from a solar cell or battery passes through a scope in terms of efficiency improvements. close to each solar panel’s output. The main full-bridge inverter, as shown in Figure 1. This Developing more efficient inverters is a critical benefit of this approach is that no individual requires four high-voltage IGBTs; Q1 and Q2 stage in the advancement of PV technology, as cell’s performance can negatively impact (referred to as ‘high-side’), and Q3 and Q4 well as other forms of renewable energy. the overall system’s performance – a major (referred to as ‘low-side’) transistors. criticism of the centralised approach. While the duplication of inverters does carry a higher One technique to create the AC sine wave cost, advocates of the distributed approach is to pulse-width modulate the high-side For more on IR’s portfolio of IGBTs argue that the increased efficiency coupled transistors, at 20kHz, and commutate the low- and MOSFETs for PV technology, with the improvement in system reliability side IGBTs at the desired power grid frequency go to rswww.com/ir

16 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 17 In our increasingly portable world, reducing power consumption, weight and cost confl icts with the need to provide a sophisticated user interface on even the COnnECT  COnFIGURE  simplest measurement or test system. The COnTROl YOUR SERIAl DEVICES mobile phone industry is a wonderful proving ground for new technologies that can Serial data is still used for many industrial and Features reconcile these confl icting requirements, and machine control tasks, but with demands • RS422 Full duplex. RS485 4 wire full duplex for greater control and remote access the or 2 wire half duplex with Autogating, OlED display technology is the latest idea growth in Ethernet usage continues apace. automatic control of data direction that was pioneered in this market and is now Brainboxes have the solution with a simple • Support for 5,6,7, or 8 data bits for to install Ethernet to serial converter which maximum system compatibility being off ered to the general display user. allows RS-232 or RS-485 based control • Support XON/XOFF software fl ow control systems to transmit data via a local Ethernet and parity bits network and even further. • Ethernet port is auto-sensing 10/100Mbit with normal or crossover operation The ES-357 Ethernet to Serial device server • Power input range from 5-30Vdc making provides access to one RS232 and one it suitable for all applications RS422/485 serial port via any Ethernet • Compact dimensions - 90x62x25mm network. With support for data transfer baud (not including mounting ears or connectors) rates up to 230,400, coupled with software support for multiple network protocols For datasheets and to see the full including DHCP, TCP, IP and HTTP it delivers range of serial data solutions for OlED – uncompromising performance. Brainboxes available visit rswww.com the backlight-free and search for ‘668-5506’. display option METCAl MX-5000 SOlDERInG SYSTEMS OlED explained active matrix OLED display is The new MX-5000 Series Soldering and More power. With nearly double the OLED is an emissive typically 50µs versus 25ms of Rework System is the next generation of power of its predecessor, the MX-5000 MX-5041 PRECISIOn TWEEZERS, technology, each pixel emitting LCD, meaning full motion-video the trusted Metcal Soldering Systems that time to recovery increases production SOlDERInG AnD REWORK SYSTEM its own light – so when it is is smoother and greyscale will enable you to increase productivity rates and throughput. Combines both the Metcal Advanced™ Hand- off, it produces no light and rendition is far superior. and process control for a wide range of piece and the Precision Tweezers Hand-piece, consumes virtually no power. applications with these new features: Improved ergonomics. A new Metcal users get maximum application fl exibility for Unlike backlit LCD displays lower cost Advanced™ Hand-piece for soldering and soldering and reworking the widest range of therefore, OLEDs produce a OLED manufacturing capacity rework is carefully designed to decrease surface mount components. true black, and their contrast globally is limited, and the operator fatigue and enhance the operator RS Part number: 675-0701 ratio is much higher, typically displays are manufactured in manual dexterity. 10,000:1 compared with 400:1 much lower volumes than LCDs Despite its higher price and other issues such as shorter MX-5051 SOlDERInG, DESOlDERInG for an LCD display. They are at the moment. Accordingly, lifetimes, OLED adoption is growing rapidly. iSupply forecasts Greater process control. SmartHeat® AnD REWORK SYSTEM also brighter, partly because OLED displays are currently an eight-fold increase in take-up between 2009 and 2015 and Technology in every MX-5000 means that For unmatched rework versatility, the MX- they don’t require the polarizers sold at a premium to LCD LG has announced a 15” TV using OLED instead of TFT LCD. soldering and rework are always performed 5051 addresses through-hole desoldering, which fi lter out up to half the products. The manufacturing Designers can keep abreast of this new technology and evaluate at safe, controlled temperatures. general soldering, and SMD rework light from the backlight with an process is in fact simpler it in their own project with the expanding RS range of displays applications. The system incorporates the LCD display. though, so eventually, they are from the world’s leading OLED manufacturers including 4D MX-5010 SOlDERInG Metcal Advanced Hand-piece and the Metcal expected to be much lower in Systems, Bolymin, CMEL, Powertip and Univision. AnD REWORK SYSTEM DS1 Desoldering Hand-piece. Aesthetically OLED is better cost than other comparable Confi gured with the Metcal Advanced™ RS Part number: 675-0704 than LCD. OLED not only display technologies. One RS now offers displays, both active and passive matrix, Hand-piece, this system is highly effective achieves increased brightness variant, Polymer-OLED can spanning a range of sizes (0.79” to 7.6”) and resolutions for soldering applications including: lead-free, and contrast, but offers a much be printed onto almost any (64x48 to 800x480). high mass components or boards, thermally wider viewing angle - up to 170 substrate with inkjet printer sensitive components requiring low operating degrees up/down and left/right, technology, meaning ultra-thin temperature, high volume production compared to 150 degrees on displays become achievable, soldering and touch-up soldering operations. all but the most advanced TFT with the potential for roll-up See the latest displays and evaluation kits online RS Part number: 675-0691 LCDs. The response time of an displays in the future. at rswww.com/electronics

18 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 19 scaling, to the point of a Deep Sleep state, where the clock can be stopped completely. Through these low power modes, the is now capable of operating at levels comparable with other processors targeting deeply embedded applications. ARM, of course, has always pioneered low power technology, which may, in part, account for its success in mobile phones. As its architectures have increased in performance, it has striven to maintain that reputation but it is clear that the application software has a signifi cant impact on the overall system performance.

Soft ware Developing software for an Atom is, arguably, much simpler than developing software for other deeply embedded processors, because it is Windows-compatible. This means it can run the same used by the majority of desktop computers, so porting an application developed on a PC to an Atom based hardware platform should be relatively straightforward. It does require that the OEM purchases a Windows licence for every unit deployed, however, which may not be commercially viable. But there is an alternative. Windows Embedded Standard is the componentised version of Windows XP and is comprised of around 12,000 individual software components. This allows for an optimised software environment which contains only those components necessary for a given application, making the platform more reliable. Windows Embedded Standard also carries a lower licencing fee than a desktop product (although there are restrictions on how it may be used).

The eco-system surrounding the ARM architecture is much larger in terms of solutions targeting embedded applications and so offers potentially even more scope for an optimised solution. This, coupled with the vast number of semiconductor vendors supporting the ARM architecture, may present a more attractive solution for OEMs targeting the embedded engineering sector, ARM and Intel deeply embedded applications, many of which fall in to the industrial Within are rarely considered competitors because ARM is a sector – an area where the Intel architecture has seen some success in RISC based architecture and, predominantly, they are active in different the form of Single Board Computers (SBCs). application areas. But with the increased interest in 32-bit architectures within the deeply embedded space, ARM and Intel are now competing SBCs VYInG against each other and a vast number of other potential solutions, for a Applications within the industrial sector are the ‘sweet spot’ for SBC wide range of applications. vendors, but it’s interesting to learn that until the advent of the Atom processor, Intel devices didn’t support the industrial temperature ARM offers a large family of processor cores, which have been licensed specifi cation. This meant that Intel based SBCs for industrial applications by over 40 partners – the majority of which are semiconductor vendors. needed to either be screened for compliance with the industrial As a result, an increasing number of ARM-based microcontrollers are temperature specifi cation, or be cooled – both of which represent an FOR YOUR appearing on the market, covering a range of processing performance increased cost. However, the Atom is the fi rst Intel IA-32 processor to and peripherals. ARM also has a reputation for being a low power be supplied to industrial temperature specifi cation, which means its solution, which in the embedded space always features high won the use in SBCs has escalated. Such as the offering launched by RS from ‘must have’ list. Congatec and AValve.

Under these conditions, how can a processor developed for the desktop ARM based devices are developed by semiconductor vendors to meet ATTEnTIOn computing sector hope to compete? The answer is it couldn’t, which the industrial specifi cation, making them much more accessible in this is partly why Intel developed the Atom. While it retains the same IA-32 application area. Many vendors support their ARM implementations instruction set, the Atom has a number of features that make it more with hardware and software development kits. Choosing the right 32-bit architecture for your applicable to the embedded market. By considering the demands of the market, the relative merits of both the Atom and an ARM solution can When choosing a 32-bit processor architecture, there is an increasing next embedded development now presents be identifi ed. number of vendors competing for the same design wins, many an even wider challenge. of which will be ARM based, many of which may use proprietary Power core. Only one will be Intel based, but with its renewed focus on Until relatively recently, the question of power meant different things embedded applications, the Atom deserves to be compared against to Intel and ARM; for the former it meant processing performance, for the rest. Ultimately, while ARM, Intel and others continue to develop the latter it meant battery conservation. Today, neither company is in leading edge solutions for the embedded space, it is the engineering any doubt that low power operation is important. Both companies now community at large who will remain the winner. implement voltage and frequency scaling technology, Intel calls this SpeedStep technology and in the Atom this has been further extended Visit rswww.com to see the latest ARM development kits, to what it calls ‘enhanced low-power states’ (C1E, C2E and C4E). These ATOM processors and ATOM based SBCs from Cangatec are sequentially more extreme states of frequency and core voltage and AValve.

20 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 21 The big FPGA houses enthuse about their fl agship high-performance devices to anyone who will listen, but innovations among the low and mid-range devices have much more to off er engineers tackling general-purpose designs. The word FPGA encourages CPLD properties such as high pin-to-pin on production boards against alternatives The thoughts of hugely complex performance and instant-on functionality. such as ASSPs and microcontrollers. In devices offering the ultimate in resources Lattice, for example, has positioned its addition, new generations of development and performance to a minority of specialist LatticeXP architecture for high-volume, low- tools, including fast-starter kits, evaluation designers able to exploit them. But behind cost applications by using a combination boards, application-specifi c boards and the fl agship silicon, mainstream FPGAs are of SRAM and Flash technology and reference designs are also emerging to Fleet a competitive design option for general- optimising the feature set to include further reduce the barriers to FPGA design purpose applications demanding low confi gurable serial and parallel ports, on- starts in the general-purpose space. power, low cost and high performance. PLLs, embedded block RAM, and a Family-specifi c kits such as ’s Low- behind the combination of logic-only and combined cost Spartan-3A development kit, as FPGA vendors are competing hard to logic/RAM blocks. well as application-oriented products such conquer general-purpose markets. as the Altera USB-Blaster™ kit, usually Each of the major suppliers – Xilinx, There is also a noticeable difference in provide everything the designer needs Altera and Lattice – is positioning security mechanisms, compared to high- to get started. They also take advantage low-cost, low-power device families performance devices typically featuring of each vendor’s well-established and supported by easily accessible on-chip AES encryption/decryption. robust FPGA design software, which Flagship development kits allowing Techniques such as Xilinx’s Device DNA walk engineers through a methodical and engineers to implement design-level security provide lower-cost easy to understand sequence to complete relatively straightforward protection against threats such as reverse the design. designs benefi ting from engineering, cloning, tampering, or the fast time to market overbuilding. Device DNA, using principles A key characteristic of the new breed of and effi cient lifetime- similar to those of a cash machine development tools supporting the latest management achievable transaction, is designed specifi cally to be ultra-competitive FPGA families is a low through FPGA-based design. effective in cost-sensitive, high-volume purchase price. The selling prices allow applications. Connectivity is a central many of these kits to be ordered without Features Philosophy aspect of many embedded designs, and requiring purchase authorisation, effectively Features conceived to target the enormous bandwidth requirements can range from making access to FPGA technology as variety of cost- and power-sensitive low-data-rate serial communications, easy as starting a microcontroller design. opportunities in industrial, scientifi c, through industrial Ethernet speeds, to medical and some consumer applications Gigabit Ethernet and higher. Flexible Unprecedented Accessibility include specialised on-chip functions, connectivity is a known FPGA strength, Low-to-mid-range FPGAs are now more power-management features, and low-cost and families such as the Xilinx Spartan-3 accessible than ever for general-purpose packages. Whereas the largest FPGAs and LatticeXP2 families deliver high applications. RS supports engineers require multiple power rails to support bandwidth per price by supporting looking to take advantage of these features diverse system-on-chip functions, today’s high-speed I/O standards such as LVDS in new designs, by increasing access general-purpose devices such as the Xilinx enabling off-chip communications at to general-purpose devices, simplifying Spartan-3A and Altera Cyclone® IV families high Mbit/s rates. purchasing even for small quantities, and simplify power distribution by operating supporting low-cost starter kits from all the from only two power rails thereby helping For applications requiring higher major FPGA vendors. to save cost, engineering time and board bandwidth, Altera’s Cyclone® IV family space. FPGAs are regarded as being and Xilinx Virtex-6 provide integrated relatively heavy users of power, but transceivers enabling communication at up FPGA vendors are closing the gap using to 3.125Gbit/s suitable for protocols such innovations and process improvements. as Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express, Serial RapidIO® and XAUI. At the same time, A key characteristic of the As a result there is now a growing body Altera claims that Cyclone IV consumes new breed of development of general-purpose FPGA devices that up to 30% less total system power “ provide a viable upgrade path for CPLD- than comparable devices requiring based designs. In the past, designers an external transceiver. tools supporting the latest ultra- have had to balance the extra fl exibility competitive FPGA families is a and performance of an FPGA against low-Cost Tools factors such as higher cost and complexity. By optimising device performance, Our FPGA range is growing rapidly. low purchase price. But designers can now get the best of features and cost, FPGA vendors have Go to rswww.com/electronics to ” both worlds without trading valuable delivered silicon that can compete for slots see the latest additions. 22 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 23 be determined, and the signals more designs can utilize the 3, which has a 0.1% voltage choices in how a design can can be read by an oscilloscope money savings from using these reference. In this case, the be accomplished and allows effectively turning the analogue devices as systems-on-chips. external reference is not needed. for unique methods to solve front end into a reference design. The ADC can use the internal a problem. The thermocouple If the design effectively uses a A digital cooking thermometer reference for measurement so example discussed shows how mixed-signal microcontroller to is a good example of how new the designer does not need to various levels of mixed-signal condition the analogue signal high-precision mixed-signal worry about accounting for the microcontrollers can solve then it renders that design into a microcontrollers can provide a additional setup to accurately an issue, and how the newer black box situation. A competitor concise solution over previous read a thermocouple, which generations allow an even trying to determine how an generations. In this example, is shown in Figure 2. If the more simplifi ed design. analogue signal is being handled a type K thermocouple will be device being used also has Mixed-signal microcontrollers only sees the input into the used for the temperature probe, a high-resolution ADC, then are becoming more prevalent The Joy of Precision Analogue: device and has no insight into the which provides an output of the amplifi cation stage can be in a wide variety of designs, and components used, how they are ~40µV/ºC. Since the output is removed since the conversion the latest generation of these interconnected, or their settings. small for the range needed, a will provide enough granularity devices, with their increased Good designs utilize novel very precise reference is required of the signal. The Cypress PSoC analogue performance, validates True System- methods to solve a problem; to accurately capture the signal. 3 device has a 20-bit Delta- this growth. smart designs employ novel The thermocouple output is Sigma ADC which can measure means to protect their IP. an absolute measurement, a 1.0V range signal down to so a cold junction reading 1µV. The use of a high-precision on-Chip Another benefi t of certain mixed- is required as well, which is mixed-signal microcontroller signal microcontrollers, such as performed by a thermistor (as a allows designers to spend less Cypress’ PSoC 3 and PSoC 5 thermistor provides a ratiometric time on the design, as it is less devices, is that they solve worries measurement). complicated. This in turn saves Performance on routing signals. When board space and money. laying out traces on a PCB, Previous generations of mixed- By Aaron Gl Podbelski, senior product marketing engineer, designers need to take signal microcontrollers required Overall, new generations of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. careful consideration of the use of some external mixed-signal microcontrollers noise-inducing signals components to properly measure allow designers to simplify As systems increase in complexity, and properly shield a thermocouple. Because their designs, protect their IP, sensitive ones. the internal voltage reference reduce the need for external engineers have a need to incorporate The software tools inside of older mixed-signal components, and increase more components, both analogue used to program these microcontrollers is accurate to the amount of value they are RS has a wide and digital, into a single device while devices automatically route 3% on average, an external receiving from a device. The range of mixed signal all the internal signals to provide precision reference is required. A increased quality of the analogue microprocessors now maintaining the integrity of the design. the optimal integrity for analogue 0.1% accurate voltage reference components in these devices available. To fi nd out more, new mixed-signal microcontrollers signals, so a system designer is commonly used for this provides designers with more visit rswww.com/electronics has more time to focus on other purpose. The voltage reference are emerging which integrate more portions of the project. is used as a scale reference point precision analogue components than chip. By incorporating ADCs, and is fed into the controller’s previous generations. Utilizing these next Previous DACs, comparators, mixers, In general mixed-signal ADC as well as into the Thermocouple generations of mixed-signal amplifi ers, fi lters, and voltage microcontrollers allow for thermocouple input. The ADC generation mixed-signal microcontrollers microcontrollers allowed for an references a single mixed- cost savings in a design. The then alternates between reading Thermistor 14-bit ADC Processing allow for designs which reduce BOM increased level of integration in a signal microcontroller can be integration of ADCs, DACs, the thermocouple and the voltage Amp Core costs, save board space, protect IP, design, but often those featured the complete analogue front comparators, amplifi ers, reference in order to provide analogue components did not end of a design and the control mixers, voltage references, a proper reading. Because the 0.1% VREF and provide more fl exibility for change have enough precision for many system. A design could have the analogue MUXs, etc., provide thermocouple’s output is small, Previous Generation Mixed throughout the design process. now designs. Low-end analogue input of two sensors, amplify a BOM reduction. As a device an amplifi er may be used to Signal Microcontroller mixed-signal microcontrollers have designs benefi ted from the and condition the signals, then incorporates more commonly increase the signal depending integration, but mid- and high-end quantify them to be displayed used analogue components, then on the resolution of the ADC. Figure 1: Block diagram of a thermocouple reading based on less ADCs with a precision upwards of 20-bits, designs still required external on an LCD that is directly driven the external components are The output of the thermistor precise mixed-signal microcontrollers. amplifi ers with lower off set voltages, analogue components. Newer by the device. An example of obviously not needed and money is read as a thermal reference generations of mixed-signal this would be a temperature is saved. In the same respect, and the output of the and 0.1% voltage references. microcontrollers have improved compensated gas meter, a design as these components are no thermocouple is added to Thermocouple their analogue components, and which would be a complete longer on the board, the PCB can this measurement. Figure 1 therefore are allowing mid- and system-on-a-chip. be reduced in size to save more shows this setup. Thermistor 20-bit ADC Processing some high-end designs to take money. Additionally, with fewer Core advantage of the benefi ts of a One of the main benefi ts of using components on the board, routing For the new mixed-signal device incorporating both digital a mixed-signal microcontroller is simplifi ed, allowing a designer microcontrollers the setup for and analogue signals. is analogue IP protection. A to worry less about noise issues measuring a thermocouple’s 0.1% VREF complex analogue design which with traces and spend less output is far simpler. Some Next Generation Mixed The more capable the mixed- uses individual components design time. As mixed-signal of these mixed-signal Signal Microcontroller signal microcontroller is, can be reverse-engineered microcontrollers start to increase microcontrollers have a highly the more likely the design by competitors. The list of the precision and accuracy of the accurate voltage reference, Figure 2: Block diagram of a thermocouple reading base on new high can be a true system-on-a- components used can easily included analogue components, such as Cypress’ PSoC precision mixed-signal microcontrollers.

24 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 25 DESIGn DESIGn TIPS In ASSOCIATIOn WITH TIPS

the tone control has a steeper response. C1 C2 Components R9 and C4 have the same

68p 180n functions for the mid frequency control as R3 R4 P2 R5 R6 and C7 for the low and high controls. C3 10k 2k2 2k2 has the same function as C2, but fi lters the 10k lin. C8 high frequencies much later. Together with R6 2 k 68p C4 it sets the range of the mid control. In the

Part 2: Power in the Pocket P1 15 R12 1 end, the control ranges of the mid and high IC1A 1M 3 adjustments are not only determined by, for R1 R2 6 example, the ratio of P3 to R7 and R8, but the 10k R13

3 R9 7 other components in the feedback circuit also log. 100R

3k IC1B 220k 7 5 play a role. That is why the ratios between 4k P3 and P4 to R7/R8 and R10/R11 are greater C7 C4 than would be expected from the actual POCKET PREAMP IC1=NE5532 R7 6n8 P3 27n R8 control ranges. The low tone control has quite +9V 1k5 1k5 a wide bandwidth, because we assume C9 10k lin. R10 R11 that small loudspeakers will be used. If this 100n 8 C3 tone control is going to be used with a larger 1k 0 IC1 1k amplifi er and speakers, a larger value for C2 C10 4 4n7 100n C5 P4 C6 may result in a better sound. Output resistor -9V R13 prevents problems in the event 27n 10k lin. 27n 080278 - 11 an excessive capacitive load is connected.

Power supply Figure 1. The preamplifi er is quite straightforward for a volume control with triple-band tone control. The power supply is symmetrical. This way we can avoid relatively large coupling capacitors and their detrimental effects on sound quality. amplifi er stage (IC1a) is non-inverting and has a and R5 determine the minimum and maximum The disadvantage is that a negative supply gain of 4 times as calculated from: control range respectively. The maximum gain voltage is required. The easiest solution is a for example is: circuit that inverts the positive power supply. R3 / R2+1 (P2+R5) / R4 We selected a DC/DC converter from Maxim, At a supply voltage of ±9 V, a signal of more the ICL7662 (see Figure 2). This IC works as a than 1 V (i.e. a little over 1.2 Veff) can be and amounts to about 5.5 times (15 dB, DC). charge pump and can operate with voltages processed without distortion, when the tone R6 is necessary so that the other frequencies up to 20 V. Pin-wise and functionally the IC is Ton Giesberts (Elektor labs) controls are in their centre positions. It will can be adjusted with P3 and P4. C7 primarily compatible with the more common ICL7660, be obvious that when either the high or the determines from which frequency the high low tone control is at its maximum value, tone control operates. C5 and C6 ensure that Continued page 28 > The PWM power stage discussed in the previous edition of eTech can be used the maximum permissible input signal is a lot smaller at only 300 mV (for the applicable perfectly well on its own. But a matching preamplifi er with power supply would frequencies, of course). At this point the output complete this amplifi er nicely. That is why this edition’s Mini Project presents of the tone control is just below the point of C9 C11 9V being overdriven (but it will already overdrive C5 the sequel: the Pocket Preamp. R1 8 10u 100n the power amp, so take care!). L1 63V 0 7 V+ 1 OSC TEST 100n 100k 8 4 R3 2 The operation of the tone controller is not all 10uH CAP+ IC2 7 R C3 5 C10 C12

DIS 1k VOUT R2 diffi cult to understand. The part around IC1b ICL7662CPA 9V C1 IC1 10u 63V 10u 100n 6 3 4 D 6 In the previous edition of this series of articles something wrong with the loudspeakers. is an inverting amplifi er with three feedback 9V 9V THR OUT CAP- LV L2 63V

Main Specifi cations 100k R4 GN 100n we described a small PWM amplifi er. What A control range of 12 dB means that, circuits connected in parallel for the tone 2 TLC555 3 1mH • 3-band tone control TR 1k C7 C8 is missing from this are tone and volume because of the relatively limited power of the control. Resistor R12 ensures that the output C2 CV 1 5 4u7 4u7 controls. Since most people are spoilt these • Symmetrical supply output stage, there is an imminent danger cannot swing to the power supply rail in the 100p 63V 63V days with surround sound systems equipped of overdriving it, particularly for the low and event of contact bounce by the wiper of P2. • Compact C6 with an equalizer as an absolute minimum, middle frequencies. After all, an increase of Incidentally, R1 functions in a similar way for 8

7 V+ 1 • Connector layout matched OSC TEST 100n 12 dB implies an increase in power by a volume control P1. C8 and C1 suppress RF 2 we made this preamp with a 3-way tone CAP+ IC3 to associated boards C4 5 control, instead of the more customary factor of 16! (high frequency) interference. VOUT ICL7662CPA 10u 63V 4 D 6 bass/treble control. CAP- LV GN

more than enough, because our ears are more The circuit P2 is the bass control. C2 determines the 3 Tone control sensitive to mid-range frequencies. The circuit The volume control (P1) is connected directly frequency range that will be controlled. Simply 080278 - 12 The tone control has an adjustment range of will also remain reasonably straightforward to the input of the preamplifi er (see Figure 1). put, at higher frequencies, C2 effectively shorts ±12 dB for the low and high frequencies and with these values. If these adjustment This is the best place to prevent the tone out P2. The amplifi cation is then determined by Figure 2. A voltage converter is used to convert a single power supply voltage ±9 dB for the mid frequencies. The latter is ranges are too small then there is very likely control stage from being overdriven. The fi rst the ratio of R5 and R4. The ratios of P2 to R4 into a symmetrical power supply.

26 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 27 DESIGn DESIGn TIPS TIPS

< Continued from page 27 Test results quite large; ±20 % is typical, and inevitably is as compact as possible. For a reliable Component list Component list The most interesting test results for the has an effect on the frequency ranges and mounting option you could consider a couple which can operate up to 10 V (the ‘A’ version tone controller are of course the individual maximum and minimum gains. With multiple of plastic supports with slots. The boards can Preamplifi er board Power supply board can handle voltages up to 12 V). These parts frequency response curves for the tone channels the individual deviations can result in then be mounted one above the other. The can also be used here without any problems. adjustments. Figure 3 shows the maximum, audible differences. If you have the opportunity best order is the power supply board at the The biggest advantage of this is the simplicity; minimum and neutral positions (the positions to check whether the individual channels of bottom, the tone control above that and the only two external capacitors are required. of the bass and treble controls remain stereo potentiometers are matched then it power amplifi er at the top. A small disadvantage is that the output unchanged). In the neutral position a slight is certainly recommended that you do this. voltage is not regulated. attenuation of less than 1 dB at 20 kHz can be With more than two channels, the use of (080278-1) seen. This is mainly caused by RF suppression rotary switches with multiple poles may be The unloaded output voltage is equal to the capacitors C1 and C8. At 20 Hz the variation in considered, but this is an expensive solution. input voltage, but negative. As the output gain is ±14 dB (±12 dB at 40 Hz) and at 20 kHz Kit set current increases the output voltage will it is about ±12 dB. Construction of the three boards As indicated in the parts list, you can order reduce however. To increase the stability of The connections for the three boards have the bare printed circuit boards for this the output voltage two ICs are connected in The distortion with an input signal of 0.5 V is been placed in the same positions as much project from www.thepcbshop.com. parallel. If you load a single IC powered at 9 V less than 0.005 % (1 kHz, 22 kHz bandwidth, as possible. The output of the preamplifi er is with a resistance of 100 Ω, the output voltage volume control to maximum, tone controls to in the same corner as the input to the power drops to about –4.6 V. With two ICs in parallel this drops to only –6.3 V. With your preamplifi er as a load the output voltage drops only 0.35 V (the NE5532 draws about 7.5 mA). You could +15 also use other opamps that have a lower +12 current consumption, but their quality is often inferior; the NE5532 is an +10 excellent audio opamp. +8 +6

In our prototype we initially connected four +4 ICs in parallel, but with three or four not Resistors Resistors d +2 much more is gained. There was however a B R1 = 220kΩ (159-004) RS P/N R1,R2 = 100kΩ (151-303) RS P/N strange effect: the ripple in the output was r +0 R2 = 3.3kΩ (157-480) R3,R4 = 1kΩ (157-446) found to vary slowly between a minimum A R3 = 10kΩ (150-928) -3 and a maximum value. This was caused by R4,R5 = 2.2kΩ (151-088) Capacitors the asynchronous operation of the internal -5 R6 = 15kΩ (151-145) C1,C5,C6,C11,C12 = 100nF ceramic, oscillators. In addition, the frequency of this -7 R7,R8 = 1.5kΩ (151-094) lead pitch 5mm (0.2”) (652-9995) power supply ripple was 10 kHz so it could -9 R9 = 4.7kΩ (151-000) C2 = 100pF, lead pitch 5mm (0.2”) become audible. That’s why the ICs are R10,R11 = 1kΩ (157-446) (405-7662) -11 driven with an external clock furnished by a R12 = 1MΩ (151-123) C3,C4,C9,C10 = 10µF 63V radial -13 555 IC. The frequency of the 555 is set to R13 = 100Ω (157-610) electrolytic, lead pitch 2.5mm (0.1”) -15 40 kHz, so that the ripple at 20 kHz is just 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k P1 = 10kΩ potentiometer, (521-3504) outside the audible range. An advantage is Hz 080278 - 13 logarithmic (361-7033) C7,C8 = 4.7µF 63V radial electrolytic, that the inductor in the output fi lter can be P2,P3,P4 = 10kΩ potentiometer, lead pitch 5mm (0.2”) (520-1040) much smaller, which results in a much smaller linear (361-7033) Figure 3. The curves show the eff ects of the diff erent maximum settings of the tone control. resistance loss for this coil. The inductor we Inductors used for L2 has a rated series resistance Capacitors L1 = 10µH axial (vertical mounting) of 12 Ω. L1 and L2 are standard axial noise (lead pitch 5mm / 0.2”) (191-0481) neutral). The current consumption of the entire amplifi er. The power supply connections of suppression chokes, which are fi tted upright C1,C8 = 68pF ceramic (653-0030) L2 = 1mH axial (vertical mounting) circuit is 56 mA at 9 V, 12 mA up on the PWM the preamplifi er are in the same place as the here. The latter is also true for the four resistors C2 = 180nF polyester / MKT (334-209) (191-0712) amplifi er by itself. With an 8Ω loudspeaker power supply outputs of the power supply in the circuit; this saves space. C3 = 4.7nF polyester / MKT (312-1661A) and the amplifi er overdriven slightly, the board. The 9-V input of the power supply board C4,C5,C6 = 27nF polyester / MKT Semiconductors current consumption peaks at about 162 mA. is looped directly to the two connections for We won’t dwell on the circuit around the 555. (312-1447A) IC1 = TLC555 (DIP-8) (638-942) This really is too much for a 9 V battery. With the power amplifi er. The position of these It is the standard astable confi guration. IC1 C7 = 6.8nF polyester / MKT (622-4145) IC2,IC3 = ICL7662CPA+ (DIP-8) multiple channels we therefore recommend corresponds to the power supply connections drives the clock inputs of the two converters, C9,C10 = 100nF polyester / MKT (Maxim IC) (207-0118) that you use an AC power adapter. of the power amplifi er. On the power amplifi er, each via a 1 kΩ resistor, to prevent potential (463-1765) next to the power supply connections, there problems at power-on (risk of latch-up). The Miscellaneous During the tests we didn’t actually use are also the connections for the power supply ripple across the fi lter capacitors C7 and C8, Semiconductors PCB # 080279-1 potentiometers for the tone controls, but switch (S1). This is only for the power amplifi er. which are connected in parallel for a lower IC1 = NE5532 (DIP-8) (810-188) (www.thepcbshop.com) instead went for rotary switches and resistors. It is better to insert a switch in series with the series resistance, is almost completely This is because the interest is mainly in the input to the power supply board. You can then removed by output fi lter L2/C10/C12. On an Miscellaneous performance at the neutral positions and at the short out the connections for S1. oscilloscope only a very small amount of PCB, # 080278-1 upper and lower limits. So, each potentiometer the switching frequency of the power (www.thepcbshop.com) is reduced to two resistors and a rotary switch. Mounting holes were deliberately not included amplifi er can be seen. The tolerance of potentiometers is usually on all three of the boards so that everything

28 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 29 Essentials Essentials

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30 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 31 The (Hidden) Power Behind the Test System

Engineers typically feel the latest using several power supplies. Smaller is Better current at lower nominal levels. Thurlby removed by applying impractical levels However, models offer Agilent’s latest products include robust To save desk space and help engineers Thandar Instruments (TTi) has responded of fi ltering. Mixed-mode architectures little pressure to renew some important benefi ts and valuable fault-detection capabilities, as well as work more effi ciently, Hameg has designed to this by emphasising user-interface feature in power supplies from most their trusty laboratory new features that help to reduce setup guaranteed specifi cations for its benchtop, its range to allow engineers to use one enhancements that help engineers achieve leading vendors. power supplies. Although and execution time and provide greater modular and application-specifi c PSUs, PSU to fulfi l as much as 85% of the a valuable increase in control over the TTi has further developed this topology control and fl exibility for testing modern giving engineers a high level of confi dence general-purpose power supply instrument. The user interface of TTi’s new for its PowerFlex range, which uses a digital oscilloscopes assemblies. in the latest equipment. requirements they deal with on a daily PL series of PSUs, for example, has been modifi ed form of mixed-mode regulation and function generators basis. Its HMP family comprises four designed to satisfy customers’ wishes for to provide higher levels of current when are frequently upgraded Design priorities for modern electronic As another example, showing how the units, offering two- and three-channel equipment combining the stability of digital the voltage is set to lower values. This products are changing, and these changes latest units can respond automatically confi gurations, in 200W and 400W classes, control with the simplicity and speed of is valuable for powering advanced, to test high-speed, affect the expectations placed on laboratory to protect the device under test (DUT) capable of supplying up to 40A. This traditional analogue control knobs. These high-performance equipment such as feature-rich new designs, PSUs. The consolidation of functionality in the event of a fault, the fuse-linking approach will allow some companies to provide true analogue control knobs but motherboards and rack-mount cards into ICs to reduce product size and cost and capability included in Hameg’s range of provide a PSU cost effectively on each also implement internal digital circuitry populated with low-voltage processors. engineers believing “they to add extra features, is increasing the need laboratory PSUs caters for boards having engineer’s desk. This can save the need to to perform functions such as locking don’t make them like this for engineers to perform actions such as interdependent power domains. In a laboriously retrieve and return equipment voltage and current settings at the press of Conclusion anymore” can be happy device characterization and validation on motor-control system, for example, if a from storage and will help companies a button to provide optimal security and While tried and tested equipment has its the bench. There is also a trend towards short circuit causes one supply rail for the avoid accumulating a large assortment of stability. Another important digital function attractions, engineers risk underestimating to connect the board to portable and battery-powered equipment, driver bridge to shut down, it is desirable different power supplies. allows users to defi ne the output-voltage the contribution that modern laboratory the same PSU that has which is increasing the importance also to turn off the complementary supply. adjustment range. The instrument also PSUs can make to improving effi ciency, served the department for of accurate measurement of power The PSU can be programmed to shut down On the other hand, buyers facing many then confi gures the control knob response streamlining test design and execution, consumption. these two rails while continuing to supply diverse requirements need fl exibility and automatically so that one full turn of the saving capital expenditure and, ultimately, 20 years or longer. the controller board to and so allow the choice. Agilent, for example, can offer over knob will span the entire user-selected reducing time to market for new Precision Power circuit to be tested. 200 confi gurations including benchtop DC range. This function, called V-span, generations of products. Multiple output channels allow the PSU to supplies such as the single-output 601X, allows engineers to create a voltage be connected to modern boards that often Moreover, with the growth in markets 603X, 606X, 65XX, 66XX families as well source that is adjustable over a very have several power domains operating at for alternative energy sources, an as its N5700/N8700 compact, high-power small range, if required. different voltages, for example to supply increasing number of engineers need to system supplies in a variety of standard power-electronic components, analogue be able to test devices such as solar cell U sizes. This is one of the widest Mixed-Mode Regulation voltage rails, ICs operating from a variety of assemblies. PSUs such as the Hameg power-product ranges in the industry, PSU manufacturers have implemented voltage levels, or devices with independent HMP series cater for this growing need conceived to satisfy as many customers’ mixed-mode regulation to deliver core logic and I/O voltages. The latest by allowing users to create complex V/I needs as possible. the best aspects of both linear and models deliver a signifi cant advantage profi les specifi c for each cell. The ability to switching principles. On the AC side, a over many older types by providing more simulate events such as brown-outs or the Enhancing Usability compact switching regulator performs fl exible over-voltage and over-current injection of voltage or current peaks, or to Most of today’s circuit boards operate from effi cient bulk power conversion. In the protection capabilities. PSUs offering individually program current versus time generally lower voltages than previous DC output channels however, precision independent over-voltage and/or over- behaviour for any channel, also allows generations. As far as laboratory PSUs linear regulators are used to produce a To see the full range of laboratory current settings, for individual outputs, engineers to create robust tests for are concerned, more precise control is stable, accurate voltage free of switching PSUs available from RS, visit allow engineers to power boards without battery-charging circuits. necessary to maintain stable voltage and harmonics that could otherwise only be rswww.com/electronics

32 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 33 Graphical display is a winner for Powelectrics

A well structured user interface which makes imaginative Commenting, Glenn Jarrett use of a fl exible graphical display can be a huge advantage said, “To maintain the rate of innovation for which our in the market, as Powelectrics found when they launched industry is justly famous, Metron2, an aff ordable telemetry outstation and the fi rst of it is crucial to encourage its kind to feature a graphical display. The design netted young men and women to enter the electronics the company a signifi cant global contract with a major engineering profession. multinational – and won its designer, Oliver Start, the Young These awards play a key part in recognising the Engineer of the Year award, sponsored by RS, at the British crucial role that they play.” Engineering Excellence Awards. He continued, “Oliver Start took the Metron 2 project from concept, developed them into prototypes, and brought to production a reliable and functional telemetry just a few years of graduation highly innovative solution According system offering a great user and joining the company is an that is already showing great to Powelectrics Sales Director experience can now be realised at exceptional achievement.” commercial potential. He is David Oakes, the achievements low cost.” Powelectrics consulted an excellent example of in the design of the Metron2 extensively with users at all Powelectrics made extensive the kind of young engineer were twofold. “Traditionally, levels at the fi nal design of the use of the RS next day delivery we need to encourage industrial products requiring menu system and the layout of service during the prototyping in industry.” installation have a poor level of information on the display, a point phase of the Metron2 project. user feedback, which means which particularly impressed the that the installer is working BEEA judges. According to Dave Oakes, almost blind. The LCD graphical “Like all designers, we explore display on the Metron2 makes Glenn Jarrett, Head of many alternative options before the commissioning process clear Electronics Marketing from RS, specifying the display and other and simple, using a logical menu congratulated Oliver Start on his key components. Slow arrival of system. The display also offers success in the awards saying, samples can be a huge frustration local access to measurements if “The user interface and other – and can add considerably to required.” he said. “At the same features conceived by Oliver the time to market over the time, Metron2 is designed to and developed by him to a tight life of a project. With RS, we can compete at the price sensitive budget gave Powelectrics a be absolutely sure that anything end of the GSM/GPRS telemetry signifi cant advantage. Achieving we order from stock will be market. It proves that a compact, a design of this quality within with us the next day.”

eTech - ISSUE 2 35 Quantum is the key to beat fraudsters By Richard Nock, Bristol University

The growth of Internet-based commerce has highlighted security limitations in card transaction systems, leading to improvements in cryptographic standards and techniques. However, the currency of conventional cryptography is computing power; with enough computational ability, the key can be broken to enable fraudulent transactions.

such project aims to perfect the key’s security is not dependent on communication channel is via light. The bits with matching bases is now the Key, implementation whilst improving bit rate One a new generation of security computational difficulty and computational Bristol system communicates through free and Bob shall transmit which ones matched and key/basis storage space. systems for card transactions. In this article, time, QKD effectively takes the breaking of space, but an optical fibre could be used. back to Alice, again not transmitting the Bristol University PhD student Richard key codes out of the realm of the quantum The system must also have a classical actual data. My next goal is to reduce the size and cost Nock describes his work with the Faculty computer and also provides a means for the channel, which could use a standard of the QKD system, in which Alice currently of Engineering’s Professor John Rarity communicators to detect an eavesdropper such as Ethernet/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, The error rate is how we verify the QKD measures around 10cm x 12cm and Bob is and Dr Naim Dahnoun on the university’s in the quantum channel whilst generating RS-232 or similar, to carry non-secure channel is secure. Due to the physics of in a 19 inch rack mount case. The new Bob Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) project, a key. This will allow banks and institutions communications. light, if an Eavesdropper (Eve) is passively will be reduced in cost and size by building which aims to provide a basis for secure to combat many types of fraud, including looking at the photons, she will disturb a DSP & FPGA based implementation. RS e-commerce capable of resisting attacks “Card Not Present” frauds, by enabling Light is encoded such that there are their state, losing any data encoded upon is providing development environments using aggressive code-breaking algorithms. secure communications and money four polarizations 0°, 90°, 45° and 135°. them. Hence Eve’s presence increases the for the chosen DSPs, the Texas Instruments transfers using guaranteed-secure keys The 0° and the 90° polarizations are the error rate. Another exploit would be for C2000 and OMAP. The time is approaching when ultra- between the two parties. rectilinear bases with 90° representing a Eve to replicate a Bob receiver, and then miniature processor circuitry will begin to logical zero and 0° representing a logical retransmit photons to the real Bob. It is still too early to predict exactly follow the rules of quantum physics, rather Quantum Key Distribution one. In a similar fashion 45° and 135° This would also introduce more errors when a QKD system could be viable at than those of classical physics. At this My PhD is in researching and creating the are the diagonal bases with 45° and as Eve’s receiver will have to choose the consumer price points. Practically, current point, quantum algorithms such as Shor’s technologies required for making a QKD 135° representing logical zero and one receiving basis randomly, which will also cryptography offers adequate security at algorithm will be able to perform number- system plausible for consumer markets. respectively. Alice transmits random bits, increase the error rate. By monitoring of the a relatively low cost; hence QKD remains crunching tasks such as those used to break The final aim of the research is to have a on random bases, and Bob receives by also error rate, we can ensure the bits we have largely an academic pursuit. In reality, security keys much more quickly than the system where QKD transmitter chipsets selecting at random the basis to measure between Alice and Bob are secure. however, the race between QKD and computers we know today; this will make could be embedded in phones, PDAs and in. After transferring a sufficiently large quantum computing is happening now, conventional cryptography obsolete almost other smart devices, to communicate with number of bits Alice uses the classical Research Objectives and the outcome is critically important to overnight. a corresponding receiver in Quantum channel to transmit the bases she used to Current development is on an FPGA and commerce and finance worldwide. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) allowing Bob. Bob then analyses the received data, Microcontroller-based Alice, and a Bob Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) anyone to generate secured keys for use discarding data where they did not select receiver comprising an FPGA and an systems establish a different currency for with facilities such as online shopping. the same bases. Alice should also release Embedded PC running Linux. Building cryptography, based not on computing part of the actual data she sent such that on earlier work by researchers in the If your university is interested power but on the physics of light. QKD A typical QKD system consists of the QKD Bob can estimate an error rate. This subset department, I have implemented some in working with RS and would provides a means of generating a perfectly Transmitter, usually called Alice, and the of the key is then discarded as it has been improvements to the Alice transmitter like more information, email secure key between two parties. Because QKD receiver, known as Bob. The Quantum on a classical open channel. The remaining aimed at enabling a smaller, lower-cost [email protected]

36 eTech - ISSUE 2 eTech - ISSUE 2 37 Digital Oscilloscopes COnnECTORS FOR REnEWABlE Mixed Signal MSO Xs-A 400 MHz – 1 GHz 4 Ch. + 18 Digital Channels EnERGY 10 Mpts/Ch Renewable and sustainable electrical and electronic systems From are oft en characterised by high levels of DC current and the need WaveSurfer Xs-A £ 9255 for low energy losses. These requirements pose specifi c challenges 200 MHz – 1 GHz when it comes to developing interconnect and electromechanical up to 5 GS/s products for this market. In expanding its 35,000 strong portfolio of connectors from 70 suppliers, RS has introduced a number up to 10 Mpts/Ch of solutions aimed at this application area.

WaveJet 300A From 100 MHz – 500 MHz £ 5785 Energy effi cient lighting / VDE strain relief and should up to 2 GS/s Lighting in commercial and feature a safety clip that prevents domestic buildings uses a lot of unmating without the appropriate 500 kpts/Ch electricity and there is growing tool to meet NEC 2008 standards. interest in using LEDs as an The systems need to be low loss, energy effi cient and long lasting so that as little as possible of the WaveAce 100/200 light source. RS is supporting this hard-won renewable electricity is From application with a new family of dissipated as heat downstream 40 MHz – 300 MHz Tyco hermaphroditic blade and of the panel. Multi-Contact is £ 1965 receptacle wire-board and board- a market leader in this fi eld. up to 2 GS/s board connectors, supporting the Its solutions meet IEC 60529 increasingly popular strips of LED for protection of the contacts up to 20 kpts lights that are being produced to against accidental touching when give effect lighting and to replace unmated. A recently introduced fl uorescent tubes. Rated at 6A innovation is a plug that interrupts From and 125VAC/DC, they are ideal the fl ow of current when for this class of applications. withdrawn and activates an anti-arcing circuit. £ 850 High DC Currents Sustainable systems such as electric and hybrid cars require small, light and cost-effective connectors that can cope with the very high DC currents. Tyco the manufacturer has extended and the inverter, often linking offers a broad range of multi-point the range with new versions multiple panels in the same The New Oscilloscope Experience contact systems that meet these addressing the needs of the installation. The requirement RS is continuing to expand specifi cations, from the cost latest applications. here is for a low loss, easy to use it’s connectors portfolio effective AMP MCP system to push in – pull out connector that to address renewable higher performance interfaces Solar energy meets the demanding safety and energy and many other with larger number of contact Solar energy is another environmental requirements of new applications. points. The Tyco Kilovac range of growing market with exacting this application. Each connector Visit rswww.com/electronics hermetically sealed contactors requirements to meet. Solar panel needs to be well protected to fi nd a solution that rswww.com/lecroy (relays) has been used in electric installations feature a series of against UV radiation and water addresses your specifi c vehicles for many years, and connectors between the module alike, have the required UL/ DIN requirements.

eTech - ISSUE 2 39 LUNCH LUNCH BREAK BREAK

Daily No. 1478 Easier 18 8 10 8 14 11 Name: a PS3 Slim 120GB Job Title: 7 16 19 with our killer sudoku Ship-To-Number: Tel: WIN 13 23 17 How to play: E-mail: As with standard sudoku, every row and column and 3 x 3 square must contain the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. 11 12 13 10 8 Send your completed Sudoku to: The grid is composed of shapes with a dotted outline. RS Components Ltd, eTech Team, DPN 24, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 9RS. All entries must be received by 1st June 2010 and the At the top of each shape is a number, this signifies 5 21 9 17 winner will be notified by the end of June 2010. the sum of the cell. For example; if there is a shape composed of two cells with a ‘3’ in the corner, Terms & Conditions: the total of those cells is ‘3’. From that you can This competition is being run by RS Components Ltd. To enter the 8 4 competition, all information on the entry form must be supplied. tell that the values of the cells must be ‘1’ Entry is free, no purchase is necessary. It is the responsibility of and ‘2’ or ‘2’ and ‘1’. the participant to gain permission from his/her employer to enter this competition. The prize is as stated. No cash alternatives are 12 10 13 10 It is not permitted to repeat a number in a available. The competition is open to all RS Components catalogue shape. If you have a sum of 8 across three cells, recipients, except employees of RS Components or their families. The closing date for entries is 01/07/2010. The date of the draw this cannot be ‘2’, ‘4’, ‘2’ as the ‘2’ is then repeated will be in the month of August 2010. The winner will be selected at in the shape. 9 18 12 13 random by RS Components and will be notified by 1st September 2010. Responsibility cannot be accepted for lost entries, damaged No numbers are placed in the grid to start with, unlike in normal or delayed in transit to the porters address. Illegible, altered or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Details of the prize winner sudoku; however you can work out every number with no guesswork 9 17 can be obtained from the promoter after the date of the draw by but applying logic alone to reach the unique solution for each puzzle. sending an SAE to RS Components, eTech Team, DPN 24, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 9RS or by visiting www.rs-components.com/etech. Copyright (c) 2009, killersudokuonline.com Correctly match these IT-terms with the following descriptions: General technology fun Quiz

AMAZONED STORAGE CAPACITY EQUAL TO 200,000 BRITISH LIBRARIES 1 What does html stand for? What home video title released Only one of the stable chemical 4 7 EXABYTE LOSING ONES JOB TO ONLINE BUSINESS by Artisan Entertainment became elements is named after a person, a. the first publicly available DVD- which one? BETAMAXED 2 QUERY WORDS PRODUCING ONLY ONE RESULT 18? (That is, the first two-sided, dual-layered disc.) a. 2 The world’s most powerful particle SPAMISH SOFTWARE REQUESTING A THANK YOU REPLY accelerator is the LHC, what does a. this stand for? 8 What temperature is the same in CLICKS AND MORTAR UNIT DEFINED AS 0.127mm OF MOUSE MOVEMENT Celsius as Farenheit? a. 5 What classic screen actress MEATSPACE LARGE DATABASE TRAWLING co-invented spread-spectrum a. wireless technology? GOOGLESTALK REGISTERING DOMAINS ONLY A FEW KEYSTROKES FROM POPULAR SITES 3 What is the full name for the international protocol standard a. What corporation was the first to for lighting control? 9 TYPOSQUATTING WHERE YOU SUBSTIUTE WORDS TO AVOID WEB STOPS I.E V!AGRA move to Silicon Valley in 1938?

a. MICKEY USING GOOGLE TO FIND FORMER FRIENDS 6 What does pdf stand for? a.

DATAMINING REAL LIFE AS OPPOSED TO CYBERSPACE a. 10 Who invented the Integrated Circuit in 1958? POSTCARDWARE BUSINESSES TAKEN OVER BY ONLINE PRESENTATIONS

a. GOOGLEWHACK OVERTAKEN BY SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY

40 eTech - ISSUE 2 Answers can be found at www.rs-components.com/etech eTech - ISSUE 2 41 InDUSTRY nEWS

Fraunhofer ISE develops new photovoltaic technologies

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed new methods and cell concepts for the manufacture of n-type silicon solar cells. As a result, higher effi ciencies and power production levels are also possible for commercial solar cells. The prototype exceeded an effi ciency of 23 %.

Fraunhofer ISE’s group manager Dr. Martin Hermle explains the difference between the new technology and current products. “Most commercial silicon solar cells are currently p-types, but the new n-type silicon used for the novel solar cell structures developed at ISE has better properties for photovoltaic electricity production, such as greater tolerance for most impurities. In practice, there are two options: either greater effi ciency, or lower manufacturing costs because you can use less expensive silicon.” In addition, p-type Czrochalski (Cz) silicon suffers from light- induced degradation, which does not occur with n-type silicon.

Silicon solar cells consist of two areas with in using n-type solar cells, in which the effi ciency is 23.4 % on 2x2 cm² – the highest different thicknesses for different conduction: emitter is on the side facing the sun, was the effi ciency ever reached for this cell type. n stands for negative, p for positive. The thicker passivation of the emitter, which was usually layer, the substrate material, is considered the doped with boron. Such surfaces cannot Christian Schmiga, project leader in the group base and determines the cell’s type – such as be optimally passivated with conventional for high-effi ciency silicon solar cells, has also p-type for conventional solar cells. Such cells layers, such as silicon oxide SiO2 or silicon reached 18.2 % effi ciency on 12.5x12.5 cm² have a p-type base and a thin n-conductive nitride SiNx. In collaboration with the Technical by using much simpler process stages close layer – the emitter, or the charge carrier. In University of Eindhoven, the problem of front to industry practice, including a screen printing n-type solar cells, the emitter is p-doped, passivation was solved through the use of process to apply the aluminum alloy emitter. either through boron diffusion or the addition aluminum oxide Al2O3. of aluminum. Fraunhofer ISE continues to further develop Jan Benick, who is working on his doctorate process technology for n-type solar cells so For some time, experiments have been in the group for high- effi ciency silicon solar that industrially manufactured silicon solar conducted on n-type silicon as a base cells, managed to develop a highly effi cient cell cells can reach effi ciency rates exceeding material, but production technology was very process especially for n-type cells that uses 20% quickly. complicated. For instance, the main problem boron diffusion to make the emitter; the

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