Microelectronics world news

AMD has rolled out the Ryzen Pro 8040, a series of advanced x86 processors with built-in AI for business laptops and mobile workstations. By leveraging the CPU, GPU, and dedicated on-chip neural processing unit (NPU), the Ryzen AI-enabled processors are able to provide more dedicated AI processing power than previous generations.

According to AMD, these devices are capable of delivering up to 16 dedicated NPU TOPS, or trillions of operations per second, and up to 39 total system TOPS. The premier model in the Ryzen Pro 8040 lineup is the Ryzen 9 Pro 8945H. This powerful processor is outfitted with 8 cores, 16 threads, 24 Mbytes of cache, and a Radeon 780M GPU.

Ryzen Pro technology gives IT managers access to enterprise-grade manageability, as well as chip-to-cloud security. Further, PCs powered by the Ryzen Pro 8040 series will be among the first to incorporate Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

Along with the Ryzen Pro 8040 series, AMD also announced the Ryzen Pro 8000 series of AI-powered desktop processors. Like their mobile counterparts, these desktop processors are built on a 4-nm FinFET process and feature the same Zen 4 architecture.

Both the Ryzen Pro 8040 mobile series and Ryzen Pro 8000 desktop series are expected to be available in PCs from OEM partners, including HP and Lenovo, starting in Q2 2024.

Ryzen Pro mobile product page 

Ryzen Pro desktop product page 

Advanced Micro Devices 

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Aluminum electrolytic capacitors in the SNA and SNL series from Kyocera AVX come in insulated cases with snap-in terminals that ease installation. The devices provide high reliability and high CV performance for use in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications requiring operation at temperatures of up to 105°C.

Well-suited for use in solar inverters, frequency converters, and power supplies, the SNA series of capacitors offers rated DC voltages of 250 V, 420 V, and 450 V. Capacitance values extend from 82 µF to 1500 µF with ±20% tolerance. The devices exhibit an endurance of 3000 hours at 105°C and come in 24 case sizes spanning 22×25 mm to 35×50 mm.

SNL series capacitors provide rated DC voltages of 160 V, 200 V, 250 V, 350 V, 400 V, 450 V, 500 V, and 550 V. Capacitance values range from 68 µF to 2200 µF with ±20% tolerance. SNL capacitors also exhibit an endurance of 3000 hours at 105°C. They are available in 36 case sizes ranging from 22×20 mm to 35×60 mm.

Lead time for the SNA and SNL series of snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors is 20 to 24 weeks. The parts are shipped in bulk packaging.

SNA series product page 

SNL series product page 

Kyocera AVX 

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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• Cadence’s new dynamic duo offers more than 2X increased capacity and is 1.5X faster than the previous generation, enabling the rapid development of advanced chips for generative AI, mobile, automotive, hyperscale and LLM applications
• Palladium Z3 emulator features a new custom Cadence emulation processor that delivers the fastest, most predictable compile and comprehensive pre-silicon hardware debug
• Protium X3 prototyping offers the fastest bring-up times for pre-silicon software validation of billion-gate designs
• Seamlessly integrated flow with unified compiler and common virtual and physical interfaces offers rapid design migration and testing from emulation to prototyping

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDNS) today announced the new Cadence® Palladium® Z3 Emulation and Protium X3 FPGA Prototyping systems, a revolutionary digital twin platform that builds on the success of the industry-leading Palladium Z2 and Protium X2 systems to tackle escalating system and semiconductor design complexity, and to accelerate the development timeline for the most advanced SoCs. Palladium and Protium systems have long been trusted by market-shaping AI, automotive, hyperscale, networking and mobile chip companies to deliver the highest throughput pre-silicon hardware debug and pre-silicon software validation. Targeted at the industry’s largest multi-billion-gate designs, the new Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems set a new standard of excellence, providing customers with more than a 2X increase in capacity and a 1.5X performance increase compared to previous-generation systems, enabling faster design bring-up and shortening overall time to market.

“As generational drivers accelerate the need for system and semiconductor innovation, our customers are facing increasing challenges to power the most advanced applications,” said Paul Cunningham, senior vice president and general manager of the System Verification Group at Cadence. “The third generation Palladium and Protium dynamic duo systems are core components of the Cadence Verification Suite and seamlessly interface with the Verisium AI-driven Verification Platform. The Cadence verification full flow offers our customers the highest verification throughput needed to deliver their hardware innovations to market faster and to support the rapid development of new technologies, such as generative AI.”

The Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems offer increased capacity, and scale from job sizes of 16 million gates up to 48 billion gates, so the largest SoCs can be tested as a whole rather than just partial models, ensuring proper functionality and performance. The systems are powered by the NVIDIA BlueField DPU and NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand networking platforms and maintain congruency when transitioning between the two systems and transitioning from virtual to physical interfaces and vice versa. The Palladium Z3 system accelerates hardware verification, and through functional and interface congruency, models can be quickly brought up onto the Protium X3 system for accelerated software validation.

“The supercharged Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 are built to deliver fast pre-silicon verification and validation of the largest and most complex devices,” said Dhiraj Goswami, corporate vice president, Hardware System Verification R&D at Cadence. “Our innovative custom silicon and system architecture, combined with revolutionary modular compile and debug capabilities enabling multiple turns per day, continues to push the envelope to meet our customers’ needs, allowing them to solve the world’s toughest challenges and enable their next generation of innovations to become a reality.”

“Building efficient, high-performance AI platforms requires sophisticated infrastructure and integration across a full stack of optimized systems and software,” said Scot Schultz, senior director, Networking at NVIDIA. “Accelerated by NVIDIA networking, the next-generation Cadence Palladium and Protium systems push the boundaries of capacity and performance to help enable a new era of generative AI computing.”

With the Palladium Z3 system’s new domain-specific apps, users have access to the most complete offering for managing increasing system and semiconductor design complexity, improving system-level accuracy, and accelerating low-power verification. The domain-specific apps include the industry’s first 4-State Emulation App, the Real Number Modeling App, and the Dynamic Power Analysis App.

“As SoCs become more complex, scalable validation and verification tools that enable massive software testing before tapeout are more critical than ever,” said Tran Nguyen, senior director of design services, Arm. “The latest hardware verification platforms and tools from Cadence are sparking innovation in Arm IP design for AI, automotive, and data center applications, and we look forward to how this will benefit our mutual customers.”

“Delivering on leadership computing products requires AMD to bring together a multitude of pre-silicon solutions and techniques to meet the scale of the verification challenge,” said Alex Starr, Corporate Fellow, AMD. “Cadence Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems add to our capabilities between emulation and enterprise prototyping to improve design productivity and meet time-to-market goals. Our collaboration with Cadence also incorporates the AMD Versal Premium VP1902 adaptive SoC within the Protium X3 system as well as AMD EPYC processor-based host servers qualified for both the Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems to enable high capacity with next-level performance and scalability.”

The Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems are part of the broader Cadence Verification Suite and support the company’s Intelligent System Design strategy, enabling SoC design excellence. The systems have been deployed at select customers, with general availability expected in Q3 2024. For more information on the new Palladium Z3 and Protium X3 systems, please visit www.cadence.com/go/dynamicduo3.

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Deposition equipment maker Aixtron SE of Herzogenrath, near Aachen, Germany has won the German Innovation Award...

Deposition equipment maker Aixtron SE of Herzogenrath, near Aachen, Germany says that in Q3 and Q4/2023 Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA — which makes silicon carbide (SiC) materials and power semiconductor devices — placed multiple-tool orders to utilize its G10-SiC chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system to help further ramp up production for 200mm (8-inch) SiC epitaxial wafers...

Virtual Forest of Bengaluru, India (an electronics design company specializing in motor control and human interface technologies for consumer appliances, fluid movement and mobility) has adopted the GaNFast power integrated circuits (IC) technology of gallium nitride (GaN) power IC and silicon carbide (SiC) technology firm Navitas Semiconductor Corp of Torrance, CA, USA for a zero-emission, 3hp (2250W) solar-powered irrigation pump...

• On track to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2, and partially scope 3, by 2027 with global sourcing of electricity from renewable energy growing to 71% in 2023, from 62% in 2022
• 87% of employees would recommend ST as a great place to work
• 12.2% of net revenues (US$2.1 billion) invested in R&D to support innovation

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, today releases its annual sustainability report, which provides insight into its 2023 performance related to priority environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors that support long-term value creation for all its stakeholders and sustainable growth for its business.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our value proposition, driving benefits for our company, customers, and society. We’re proud of our progress on innovation, resilience, employee engagement and the advancement towards our ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2, and partially on scope 3, by 2027,” said Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO, STMicroelectronics. “Together with our partners and empowered employees, we’re accelerating sustainable transformation in technology and beyond.”

ESG highlights during 2023 include:

• A 45% decrease in GHG emissions for scopes 1 and 2 since 2018 in absolute terms (vs a 40% decrease in 2022).
• An increased sourcing of electricity coming from renewable sources to 71% (from 62% in 2022) and the signing of a significant power purchase agreement (PPA) in Italy to produce 250GWh renewable energy per year (3.75 TWh over 15 years) starting in 2024.
• The reuse, recovery, or recycling of 96% of the Company’s waste (1% higher than in 2022).
• A- scores for CDP water security and climate change.
• 12.2% of net revenues (US$2.1 billion) invested in R&D to support innovation.
• Involved in 195 active R&D partnerships worldwide.
• More than 610 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) events and initiatives (a 35% increase on 2022) reaching over 100,000 students and teachers globally.
• 87% of employees would recommend ST as a great place to work, 4% higher than in 2021 (when we last had a full survey).
• In 2023, the company established a strong focus on setting up voluntary, employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to promote inclusion in the workplace. WISE (Women Inspiring Supporting and Empowering), the first ERG for women, has grown fast, with some 1,400+ members in 60 locations.

In 2023, ST maintained a strong presence in major sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability indices, FTSE4Good, EuroNext VIGEO Europe 120, CAC 40 ESG, MIB ESG, ISS ESG Corporate ratings, Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and received an MSCI ESG Rating of AAA.

The 27th annual report contains highlights and details of ST’s sustainability performance in 2023 and presents the Company’s ambitions and longer-term goals in alignment with both the United Nations Global Compact Ten Principles and Sustainable Development Goals and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). It is aligned with Global Reporting Standards (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Boards (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). A third party has verified this report.

The post STMicroelectronics Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report appeared first on ELE Times.

New flagship in ultra-low-power consumes less, and delivers more at an effective cost

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has introduced a new generation of energy-conscious and cost-effective microcontrollers (MCUs) that can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to previous product generations. This enables less frequent battery replacements, minimizes the impact of discarded batteries, and allows more designs to go battery-freerunning solely from an energy-harvesting system such as a small photovoltaic cell.

In the global pursuit of sustainability, technologies deployed in smart buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) applications are critical tools for managing energy and resources efficiently. At the heart of the smart sensors and actuators making them possible, ST’s microcontrollers manage the processes that collect, filter, analyze, and act, communicating with high-level applications in the cloud. There are billions of these MCUs in action already and the expansion of smart living and working will demand billions more.

“It’s vital that these pervasive devices consume as little energy as possible as they help to minimize waste elsewhere. The new STM32U0 microcontroller series we are introducing today takes this notion to a new level, building on our proven ultra-low-power technologies,” explained Patrick Aidoune, General Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In fact, our new MCUs consume so little power that small devices in some dedicated applications like industrial sensor management can run for twice as long from the same size battery. This comes with the opportunity to add more advanced features and deliver cost-effective solutions for a variety of industrial, medical and consumer devices.”

The new STM32U0 MCUs enable this great leap in energy efficiency through a combination of their state-of-the-art design techniques and advanced manufacturing process. These include extremely low static power consumption in standby mode and superior wake-up performance, enabling the MCU to spend more time in power-saving sleep modes to minimize average energy demand.

One lead customer, in the security-systems market, is using the STM32U0 in security cameras to wake the device when motion is detected and thus enhance surveillance while saving energy. Another has created ultra-long-lasting smoke detectors, while a further application, by Ascoel, is using the STM32U0 to manage power-conscious functions of a water meter.

“Ascoel builds a wide range of innovative electronic devices with a focus on IoT technologies. We are working to design an ultrasonic water meter, with battery lasting for more than 10 years, integrating an LCD screen for real-time data, as well as the necessary security,” said Francesco Cerretani, Senior Software Developer, Ascoel. “We found that the STM32U0 was the perfect solution, supporting our goal to create a low-cost, ultra-low-power, easy-to-install, zero maintenance, precise water meter. When deployed at scale in the customer’s grid, it will improve control over water leakage and contribute to reducing the environmental impact.”

The STM32U0 enhances cost-effectiveness by providing an LCD segment display controller. Devices with an LCD, like Ascoel’s water meter as well as thermostats, smart retail labels, access-control panels, and factory automation can take advantage of this to reduce the cost of their PCB. Additional value-added features of STM32U0 MCUs include numerous analog peripherals like analog-to-digital converters (ADC), digital-to-analog converters (DAC), operational amplifiers, and comparators. There is also an on-chip system oscillator that helps cut the bill of materials to save costs and PCB space.

STM32U0 devices are the first MCUs running on Arm Cortex-M0+ targeting SESIP Level 3 and PSA level 1 focusing on firmware code protection. Certification provides an independent assurance of the STM32U0 security capabilities that product manufacturers can leverage to comply with the coming voluntary US Cyber Trust Mark and mandatory EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED).

Developers can also take advantage of up to 256KB of Flash, package options up to 81 pins, and 56MHz core speed, which are generous specifications for this class of device.

The STM32U0 series is in production now and ST is making the new devices available at an attractive price point starting at $0.68 for 1,000 units. Sample requests and further pricing options are available from local ST sales offices.

For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32u0.

A marketing presentation for the STM32U0 series is available at https://www.st.com/resource/en/product_presentation/microcontrollers-stm32u0-series-product-overview.pdf.

STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

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NeoCortec extended its exhibition outside of its Embedded World booth by installing wireless mesh network nodes across two halls.

For your next chip design, should you select a design-services provider with the ability to create custom fundamental IP blocks, including standard cells and libraries? This article will help you answer this question.

The challenge of improving analog/digital accuracy by preventing amplifier saturation in systems supplied with only a single logic-level power rail has been receiving a lot of activity and design creativity recently. Voltage inverters generating negative rails for keeping RRIO amplifier output circuitry “live” at zero have received most of the attention. But frequent and ingenious contributor Christopher Paul points out that precision rail-to-rail analog signals need similar extension of the positive side for exactly the same reason. He presents several interesting and innovative circuits to achieve this in his design idea “Parsing PWM (DAC) performance: Part 2—Rail-to-rail outputs”.

Wow the engineering world with your unique design: Design Ideas Submission Guide

The design idea presented here addresses the same topic but offers a variation on the theme. It regulates inverter output through momentary (on the order of tens of microseconds) digital shutdown of the capacitive current pumps instead of post-pump linear regulation of pump output. This yields a very low quiescent, no-load current draw (<50 µA) and achieves good current efficiency  (~95% at 1 mA load current, 99% at 5 mA)

Figure 1 shows how it works.

Figure 1 Direct charge pump control yields efficient generation and regulation of bipolar beyond-the-rails voltages.

Schmidt trigger oscillator U1a provides a continuous ~100 kHz clock signal to charge pump drivers U1b (positive rail pump) and U1c (negative rail). When enabled, these drivers can supply up to 24 mA of output current via the corresponding capacitor-diode charge pumps and associated filters: C4 + C5 for the positive rail, C7 + C8 for the negative. Peak-to-peak output ripple is ~10 mV.

Output regulation is provided by the charge pump control from the temperature compensated discrete transistor comparator Q1:Q2 for U1c on the negative rail and Q3:Q4 for U1b on the positive. Average current draw of each comparator is ~4 µA, which helps achieve those low power consumption figures mentioned earlier. Comparator voltage gain is ~40 dB = 100:1.

The comparators set beyond-the-rails voltage setpoint ∆s in ratio to +5 V of:

–∆ = -5 V*R4/R5 for the negative rail = -250 mV for values shown
+∆ = 5 V*R2/R5 for the positive = +250 mV for values shown

Note that the output of the Q1:Q2 comparator is opposite to the logic polarity required for correct U1c control. Said problem being fixed by handy inverter U1d.

Stephen Woodward’s relationship with EDN’s DI column goes back quite a long way. Over 100 submissions have been accepted since his first contribution back in 1974.

 Related Content

• Parsing PWM (DAC) performance: Part 2—Rail-to-rail outputs
• Turn negative regulator “upside-down” to create bipolar supply from single source
• Parsing PWM (DAC) performance: Part 1—Mitigating errors
• Parsing PWM (DAC) performance: Part 3—PWM Analog Filters
• Parsing PWM (DAC) performance: Part 4 – Groups of inhomogeneous duty cycles
• Dual RRIO op amp makes buffered and adjustable triangles and square waves

The post Efficient digitally regulated bipolar voltage rail booster appeared first on EDN.

Infineon designed its newest MCU family to build developers' trust in AI models.

The demand for more efficient power semiconductors is on the rise as businesses adapt to a low-carbon future. Minimizing the overall cost and footprint of the system while enhancing efficiency is a crucial objective that needs to be considered while developing power semiconductor solutions. Intelligent power modules (IPMs) are one such solution that has gained significant attention in the heat pump market. These compact and highly integrated modules provide high power density and advanced control and monitoring capabilities, making them an ideal choice for heat pumps.

The Importance of Heat Pumps

According to Eurostat data, about 50% of all energy consumed in the European Union (EU) is used for heating and cooling, and more than 70% still comes from fossil fuels (mostly natural gas). In the residential sector, around 80% of the final energy consumption is used for space and water heating.

Heat pumps (Figure 1) can deliver heating, cooling, and dehumidification needs and are a proven and sustainable solution for heating powered by electricity. They are an environmentally friendly option for your home and office, helping us move away from fossil fuels to more renewable energy technologies. With global concerns about energy security and climate commitments, heat pumps are emerging as the primary tool for decarbonization in space and water heating systems.

The number of heat pumps installations globally will rise from 180 million in 2020 to around 600 million in 2030, according to the International Energy Association (IEA). At least three times more efficient than traditional fossil fuel boilers, heat pumps are preferred and its installation in individual buildings is forecasted to rise from 1.5 million per month currently to around 5 million by 2030 (Source: IEA). In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits and rebates that can cover up to 100% of the costs, depending on household eligibility.

Figure 1: How Heat Pumps Work The Role of IPMs in Heat Pump Efficiency

Intelligent power modules (IPMs) are crucial in controlling the power flow to inverter compressors and fans in heat pump systems. (Figure 2) These modules adjust the frequency and voltage of power supplied to three-phase motors and contribute to achieving higher energy efficiency standards for compressors and pumps. For example, coolers using IPMs for their inverter systems reduce power by 30% compared to non-inverter systems.

IPMs are prevalent in various applications and systems. Owing to their high level of integration, whether in the power stage, drivers, or protections, IPMs allow for shorter development phases.

Figure 2: Three Phase Heat Pump Block Diagram

onsemi has recently unveiled a new family of 1200 V SPM31 IPMs, setting a new standard for three-phase inverter applications. This groundbreaking technology not only addresses the growing need for energy efficiency but also focuses on reducing system costs and improving overall performance. With new and improved features, the SPM31 IPMs are a game-changer in the heat pump market.

Figure 3: 1200 V SPM 31 IPMs Enhanced Efficiency and Power Density

The SPM31 IPMs incorporate the latest 7th generation of IGBT Field Stop (FS7) technology, making them highly efficient and robust. The well-optimized active cell design and buffer profile, coupled with narrow electrical parameter distribution, eliminates short circuit oscillation in both single and parallel device operations. This technology uses a submicron trench gate cell pitch that increases channel density to reduce the conduction losses. The gate capacitance is optimized for smooth switching waveforms and low switching losses. On the emitter side, multiple FS layers enhance blocking capability and reduce drift layer thickness, resulting in lower conduction and switching energy losses. The FS7 IGBT development focuses on optimizing both Vcesat and Eoff to achieve state-of-the-art device performance.

This technology results in minimized EMI, up to 10% a remarkable reduction in power losses, up to 9% increase in power density, and a 20% size reduction in IGBT chip die size compared to previous generation products. As a result of the improved power density, designers can use a simplified layout to free up valuable space in the heat pump system while improving efficiency. The SPM31 IPMs are available in multiple current rating line-ups ranging from 15 to 35 Amps (A).

Figure 4: SPM 31 IPMs Size Advanced Features for Reliable Operation

onsemi’s SPM31 IPMs come equipped with an array of advanced features to ensure reliable operation. The modules include gate driver ICs and various on-module protection features, such as:

• Under-Voltage Lockouts: The SPM31 IPMs protect against low voltage conditions that can cause unpredictable operation or even damage to the system.
• Over-Current Shutdown: This feature provides protection against excessive current flow, which can cause permanent damage to the system.
• Thermal Monitoring: The SPM31 IPMs can accurately sense temperature, allowing for proper thermal management and preventing overheating.
• Fault Reporting: The modules can detect and report various faults to the system, providing early warning signs for potential issues.

Additionally, the SPM31 IPMs use a direct bond copper substrate (Figure 5), providing superior thermal performance. These features enhance the robustness of the modules and contribute to their suitability for a wide range of applications. The versatility of the SPM31 IPMs makes them an ideal choice for various inverter drive applications including HVAC, heat pumps, variable frequency drives (VFD), industrial pumps and fans, and servo motors.

Figure 5: SPM 31 IPM Cross Section

Alongside the SPM31, onsemi has a versatile IPM product portfolio. (Figure 6)

Figure 6: IPM Applications

The adaptability of these modules showcases their potential to revolutionize multiple industries by providing efficient and compact solutions.

A Leap Forward for Heat Pump Applications

The SPM31 IPMs are a significant advancement for heat pumps. The IPMs provide a compact, high-performance solution that helps engineers design more efficient, reliable, and cost-efficient systems for industrial applications.

The post How Intelligent Power Modules Are Making Heat Pumps Smarter appeared first on ELE Times.

Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has announced the successful evaluation of the submitted semiconductor pilot line proposals and has started negotiations with four consortia, targeting the signing of corresponding agreements later this year. The step aims to catalyse innovation in the region and reinforce Europe’s technological leadership on the global stage...

Vishay Intertechnology Inc of Malvern, PA, USA has introduced new blue and true green surface-mount LEDs in the ultra-compact MiniLED package. Measuring 2.2mm x 1.3mm x 1.4mm, the Vishay Semiconductors VLMB2332T1U2-08 blue and VLMTG2332ABCA-08 true green LEDs utilize the latest ultra-bright indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-on-sapphire chip technology to achieve typical luminous intensities at 20mA of 440mcd and 2300mcd, respectively, which is up to four times higher than previous-generation solutions in PLCC-2 packages...

Singulus Technologies AG of Kahl am Main, Germany (which makes production equipment for the optical disc and solar sectors) has introduced the TIMARIS STM modular high-vacuum sputtering system, which is said to offer significant progress in micro-LED manufacturing. The first TIMARIS STM system has already been sold and delivered...

A new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer aims to open the technology to a larger pool of scientists by making it cheaper, lighter, and easier to use without needing an experienced operator. Its control software—designed to be intuitive with several automated features—makes the set-up straightforward and doesn’t require an expert in EPR spectroscopy to obtain results.

EPR or electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, while quite similar to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, examines the nature of unpaired electrons instead of nuclei such as protons. It’s commonly used in chemistry, biology, material science, and physics to study the electronic structure of metal complexes or organic radicals.

Figure 1 The new EPR spectrometer is modular in design and is smaller, lighter, and cheaper than traditional solutions. Source: Spectrum Instrumentation

However, EPR spectrometers are commonly built around massive electromagnets, so they can weigh over a ton and are usually placed in basements. Bridge12, a startup located near Boston, Massachusetts, claims to have produced an EPR spectrometer that is about half the cost of current instruments and a tenth of the size and weight so that it can be placed on any floor of a building (Figure 1).

The new EPR spectrometer is built around two basic building blocks: an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) to generate the pulses and a digitizer to capture the returning signal. These building blocks are implemented as cards supplied by German firm Spectrum Instrumentation, making the design modular and flexible for end users.

First, an AWG generates 10 to 100-ns long pulses in the 200 to 500 MHz range as required by the experiment, which are then first up-converted to 10-GHz X band range using an RF I/Q mixer and then up-converted to the Q band range. The microwave pulses are then fed into a 100-W solid-state amplifier before being sent to the EPR resonator.

Next, the reflected signal is down-converted to an IF frequency in the 200 to 500 MHz range and sent to the digitizer. Unlike the traditional EPR spectroscopy, where the signal is down-converted to DC, this new approach drastically reduces noise and artifacts.

Figure 2 shows an example of AWG-generated pulses used in an EPR experiment. See WURST (Wideband, Uniform Rate, Smooth Truncation) pulses, which are broadband microwave pulses with an excitation bandwidth and profile that exceeds that of a simple rectangular pulse by far. These pulses facilitate broadband excitation in EPR spectroscopy while heavily relying on the performance of the AWG.

Figure 2 The AWG-generated WURST pulses are displayed in an EPR spectroscopy experiment. Source: Spectrum Instrumentation

The modular design of this EPR spectrometer built around AWG and digitizer cards is integrated into Netboxes, which can be connected to a PC through Ethernet. So, a compact PC can replace a system that is big enough to insert cards, which inevitably leads to a bulky rack solution. As a result, it’s much easier to service EPR spectrometer and replace components in the field.

Another noteworthy design feature of this new EPR spectrometer relates to the much smaller, super-conducting magnet to produce the required magnetic field strength. EPR spectrometers usually use huge, heavy electromagnets to generate intense magnetic fields in the order of 1 to 1.5 Tesla.

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• 64-bit Windows XP driver suits digitizer, AWG and fast digital I/O cards

The post EPR spectrometer and its AWG and digitizer building blocks appeared first on EDN.

At Embedded World 2024, STMicroelectronics showed off a 4 mm x 4 mm NFC reader that balances performance, cost, and power consumption.

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