Defense Articles

Delivering up to 3.24 kW of uninterrupted, EMI filtered power, Power Entry Module provides 48 Vdc power and circuit protection at equipment interface of ATCA300 optical transport rack. It offers provisions for hold-up of 4.0 mSec and in-rush current of 5.0 A max. Device is reverse-polarity protected with voltage range of -38 to -75 Vdc, current rating of 60 A max, power output of 2.6 kW, and 40 W power dissipation. Multicolored LEDs on front panel indicate operating status.

Fairview, PA - May 10, 2007 - Spectrum Power Management Systems introduces a power entry module (PEM) compliant to the PICMG ATCA300 PEM specifications providing -48Vdc power and circuit protection at the equipment interface of an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA300) Optical Transport rack. This new PEM delivers up to 3.24 kW of uninterrupted, EMI filtered power to the rack through a combined power and signal distribution backplane connector system.

Spectrum’s PEM provides provisions for hold-up of 4.0mSec and an in rush current of 5.0 Amps maximum. The PEM is reverse polarity protected with a voltage range of -38Vdc to -75Vdc, a current rating of 60A max., 2.6kW power output, 40W power dissipation and a temperature range of -10[degrees]C to 50[degrees]C. The power entry module allows for real time monitoring of system voltage and current, and features multicolored LEDs on the front panel to indicate operating status. The circuit breaker has a visual trip indicator and an accidental “off” feature, and users can monitor the module’s status from remote locations via the I2C serial bus.

Either one or two PEMs can be used in ATCA racks and no external mounting hardware is required. For ideal operation the PEM should be installed in or near the main intake cooling air stream of the rack. Spectrum’s PEM interfaces with the ATCA backplane through a floating, hi-power, multi-contact connector that facilitates power and signaling to the connected equipment.

About Spectrum Control

Spectrum Control, an ISO 9001 and QS 9000 certified company, designs, manufactures and markets a broad line of EMI/RFI filters and power components, power management systems, microwave components, and position sensors and controls.

Spectrum Power Management Systems produces AC and DC power distribution and remote management systems. Products include off-the-shelf SMARTstart products as well as customized products or systems designed to suit specific user requirements. DC power circ uit breaker & fuse interface panels, power outlet strips and data acquisition modules are also offered.

Spectrum Sensors & Controls Precision Positioning Sensors Operation manufactures a variety of precision co-molded conductive plastic potentiometers and position sensors, as well as element segments and cable assemblies. Designs for these potentiometers and position sensors include rotary, motorized, hollow shaft, linear and fader types, as well as custom assemblies. The company’s Advanced Thermal Products Operation produces temperature sensing probes and assemblies, PTC and NTC thermistors and resistive temperature detectors (RTDs).

The Spectrum Control EMI Filters and Components Group produces discrete surface mount EMI filters, resin sealed and hermetically sealed EMI filters, EMI filtered arrays, EMI filtered connectors, ESD/EFT protected connectors, filtered data-com connectors, gaskets and shielding, patch antenna elements, single l ine filters, filtered terminal blocks, power entry modules, power line filters, military/aerospace multi-section filters, and commercial custom assemblies.

Spectrum Microwave is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spectrum Control, Inc. and produces a wide range of microwave components and systems. Integrated Microwave Systems include switchable filter banks, low noise amplifiers, local oscillator multipliers, microwave synthesizers, digitally tuned oscillators and integrated assemblies. Microwave Filters include bandpass filters and duplexers, lumped element filters, cavity filters, waveguide filters, tubular filters, base station products and resonators. Frequency Control Components include a wide range of amplifiers, mixers, voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) and dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs).

For further product information, contact, Len Marsala, Spectrum Power Management Systems, 1900 West College Avenue, State College, PA 16801, Phone: 8 14-272-2737 Fax: 814-272-2701, Email: marsala@specpower.com, Website: www.specpower.com

Analog Devices, Inc. Tuesday announced at Wireless Symposium/Portable by Design a new radio frequency (RF) detector/controller that enables precise, temperature-stable power amplifier control and supports all current and emerging cellular standards. The AD8314 replaces discrete diode detectors and offers wireless designers a single- package, temperature-stable IC solution.

Operating at up to a 2500 MHz operating frequency with 45 dB dynamic range, the AD8314 handles a wide signal range, enabling it to support all current and emerging cellular and PCS standards. Because the AD8314 provides precise, temperature-stable power amplifier control with 0.5 dB accuracy, designers no longer have to adjust for temperature variability during manufacturing, and design time is reduced. The AD8314 also minimizes board area due to 8-pin microSOIC packaging, which reduces required real estate by as much as 50%. With its superior functionality and performance, the AD8314 is an efficient solution for the measurement and control problems that plague RF transmitter designers.

“The AD8314 measures and controls power amplifiers with minimal temperature drift, replacing highly varying discrete diode detectors,” said John Greichen, RF/IF marketing manager, Analog Processing Products, Analog Devices. “Its 0.5 dB accuracy represents a new level of performance up to 2.5 GHz, enabling an RF engineer to design a high performance transmitter. With the AD8314, Analog Devices extends its proprietary portfolio of logarithmic amplifiers for RF/IF measurement and control applications, building off the highly successful AD8313 RF Detector architecture.”

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Pricing and Availability

The AD8314 is priced at $3.95 in 1,000-piece quantities. For additional information on this and other logarithmic amplifiers (including details on a 70 dB, 2.5 GHz log amp, the AD8313), visit www.analog.com/logamps.

With sales of $1.45 billion for fiscal 1999, Analog Devices (NYSE: ADI - news) is a leading manufacturer of precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications. Headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, the company employs approximately 7,800 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, the Philippines and Taiwan. Analog Devices’ stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company is included in the S&P 500 Index.

TS16949 certified Models TAS5414 and TAS5424 4-channel Class D amplifiers deliver 90 percent power efficiency at normal radio listening levels, and overcome EMI through digital PWM topology, gate drive technology, and AM interference avoidance. Two TAS54×4 amplifiers can provide 8 channels of audio. Surface mount devices need only a thin heat sink to spread heat, and on-chip diagnostics simplify radio installation by testing speaker connections created on assembly line.

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New Audio Amplifiers Deliver 90 Percent Power Efficiency for Automotive Audio Systems

DALLAS, Jan. 5 / — Ushering in a higher standard in car audio, Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE:TXN) (TI) announced its first digital amplifiers designed to meet the high reliability and unique requirements of the automotive market. The TAS5414 and TAS5424 Class D amplifiers introduce the power efficiency of digital amplification for automotive audio applications, such as head units and external amplifiers. (See http://www.ti.com/caraudio1.)

Specifically designed for the automotive market, the TAS5414 is a single- ended input amplifier and the TAS5424 has differential input, enabling it to achieve higher dynamic range performance in a challenging board signal routing environment. The two amplifiers let the designer select the optimum solution given their system performance and cost requirements.

The Unparalleled Efficiency

TI’s new automotive digital amplifiers are ultra-efficient 4-channel digital audio Class D amplifiers. At moderate power levels, Class A/B amplifiers provide at most 40-50 percent efficiency (25 percent in some cases). With the TAS54×4 amplifiers, TI delivers 90 percent power efficiency at normal radio listening levels for automotive audio systems. Comparatively, two TAS54×4 amplifiers can provide eight channels of audio, while generating less heat than a 4-channel Class A/B-based system, enabling a whole new class of cost-effective 8-channel audio systems that are lighter, smaller and more power efficient than existing systems. In addition, TI’s new digital amplifiers also can be used with 2 ohm speakers to offer twice the output power of an AB amplifier into 4 ohm speakers, while generating less heat.

EMI performance is very important in automotive applications to prevent interference with control systems. TI has proven EMI performance in home audio applications with its large portfolio of Class D amplifiers; however, these are not suitable for the automotive environment due to more stringent requirements. With these new automotive digital amplifiers, TI overcomes EMI at the source through innovative architecture and process advancements, such as an enhanced digital PWM topology, optimized gate drive technology and patented AM interference avoidance. These advancements make the TAS54×4 TI’s first Class D amplifier to meet demanding automotive requirements, eliminating the need for expensive shielding and other EMI countermeasures, now making it possible for developers to bring the power advantages of digital amplification to automotive applications.

By reducing heat dissipation, the TAS54×4 needs only a thin heat sink to spread heat compared to the large heat sinks and fans Class A/B-based systems require. Radio head units with more functionality or more output channels can now be designed, eliminating the need for expensive external amplifiers and wire harnesses. The surface mount device (SMD) packages do not require mounting brackets and reduce the labor required to install and test these components. Additionally, on-chip diagnostics simplify radio installation by testing all speaker connections, including tweeters, or short circuits created on the assembly line.

“The significant improvement in power dissipation enabled by the TAS5414 and TAS5424 opens up entire new product categories for our customers,” says Jeff Akgul, Digital Audio Business Manager, Texas Instruments. “The TAS54×4 digital amplifiers provide tremendous advantages to automotive manufacturers, as they deliver great sound quality, while minimizing heat generation.”

High Reliability

The TAS5414 and TAS5424 are designed from the ground up to meet demanding automotive quality standards. Thorough simulation, exhaustive analysis and stress testing ensure that devices meet the defective parts per million (DPPM) requirements of automotive OEMs. TI’s new automotive digital amplifiers are TS16949 certified, which is the highest standard for automotive quality and reliability. For an additional charge, TI also offers monitored burn-in during production to eliminate early life failures and improve reliability.

Availability, Packaging, and Pricing

Currently sampling, the TAS5414 and TAS5424 are expected to be available for volume production in late 2006 and are scheduled to be AEC Q100 qualified at that time. Pricing for TI’s automotive digital amplifier packages is listed in the following table:

Providing 12 V output adjustable from 10.5-13.2 V, Model FPS1000-12 864 W power supplies are used for driving non-isolated point-of-load dc-dc converters in distributed power systems. They measure 1.61 x 5 x 11.4 in., can be used individually, or as many as 3 can be mounted in 1U-high 19 in. rack-mount enclosure to form N+1 redundant and hot-swap power system. Features include OR-ing MOSFET switches, 2 variable-speed cooling fans, and 0-70[degrees]C operating temperature range.

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SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2007 - Lambda has launched a 12-volt output version of its popular FPS1000 front-end power supplies for driving non-isolated point-of-load DC-DC converters in distributed power systems without the need for intermediate bus converters. The 12-volt output can be adjusted from 10.5 to 13.2 volts. The new 864-watt model FPS1000-12 complements Lambda’s existing line of 24-, 32- and 48-volt output models.

The FPS1000-12 supplies - each measuring 1.61 x 5 x 11.4 inches - can be used individually, or as many as three can be mounted in an optional 1U-high 19-inch rack-mount enclosure to form an N+1 redundant and hot-swap power system. In addition, they have integrated OR-ing MOSFET switches that will automatically disconnect a faulty supply from the load (or from other paralleled supplies) should a failure occur.

The rack-mounted supplies can have different output voltages (e.g., 12, 24, 32 or 48-volt) when installed in the optional FPS-T1U rack - which provides separate output terminals for each supply - or supplies with the same output voltage will be connected together automatically within the FPS-S1U rack. Up to eight supplies can be combined in a current-sharing arrangement between these racks. In either case, the racks can be zero stacked, with no airspace required above or below because cooling airflow is integral to each supply, from front to rear. Each supply has two variable-speed cooling fans and can operate in temperatures ranging from 0[degrees]C to 70[degrees]C, with some derating starting at 50[degrees]C. Key applications for the FPS1000 series include communications, factory automation, and RF power amplifiers.

For system monitoring, opto-isolated signals are provided - including DC-OK, AC-Fail and Over-temperature - and front-panel LED displays indicate AC-OK, DC-OK or DC-Fail conditions. A remote On/Off control is also standard, as well as remote sense to compensate for voltage drops in the cables that connect the supply outputs to the load. Other standard features include single-wire current-share and an auxiliary 12-volt output (diode ORed). Available options include I2C monitoring of the output current/voltage, internal temperature and alarm status, and front-panel-mounted IEC320 AC power connectors.

All models in the FPS1000 series can operate from a universal 85 to 265VAC, 47 to 63Hz, or 120 to 360VDC. The units are fully RoHS-compliant, carry the CE mark, and meet UL/EN60950-1 safety specifications, as well as EN55022 level B and FCC level B EMC specifications, conducted and radiated.

The FPS1000-12 supplies are available now, with prices starting at $400 each in 100-unit quantities. More information can be found at Lambda’s web site: www.lambdapower.com.

Lambda Americas is a unit of TDK Corporation (NYSE: TDK) and has been a leading global provider of power solutions for more than 50 years. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of AC-DC and DC-DC power products for industrial, medical, telecommunications, data communications, and test & measurement applications worldwide. Additional information is available at 800-LAMBDA-4 (toll free) or 619-574-4400.

Designed to drive high-definition signals on 75 ohm video lines, Models TSH340 and TSH341 operate on single 3-5 V power supply, with capability to drive video signal very close to 0 V. Model TSH340 features internal gain of 6 dB, while Model TSH341 allows gain to be set externally. Featuring gain flatness of 65 MHz with low input voltage noise of 7 nV/sqrtHz, amplifiers are specified for 150 and 100 ohm loads, and are supplied in SOT23-5 and SO8 plastic packages.

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High performance single-supply 300MHz devices drive video signals on 75-ohm lines at close to zero volts

GENEVA, March 9 / — STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a world leader in analog ICs, today announced the introduction of two new 300MHz amplifiers designed to drive very high-definition signals on 75-ohm video lines in high-end industrial and medical imaging systems, and in HDTV-enabled set-top boxes and DVD players. The cost-effective TSH340 and TSH341 video amplifiers feature operation on a single 3V to 5V single power supply, with the capability to drive the video signal very close to zero volts.

The TSH340 is a buffer with internal gain, providing savings both on board space and in the number of components; the gain is set at 6dB to allow the right level of video signal while maintaining good line matching. The TSH341 is an op-amp that uses the same voltage feedback architecture as the TSH340, but allows the gain to be set externally. Both use a very high-speed 0.25-micron complementary manufacturing technology to achieve up to 300MHz bandwidth for only 9.8mA quiescent current.

High slew rates, low distortion and a gain flatness of 65MHz, combined with a low input-voltage noise of 7nV/sqrtHz, make the TSH340 and TSH341 devices an excellent choice to drive DAC outputs on 75-ohm video lines. The amplifiers are input/output negative rail, which allows them to drive the signal to within 60mV of ground — guaranteed by production testing — while operating on a single 5V supply, and enables the video signal to be driven directly from the DAC output without any transition capacitance.

The use of a single power supply, eliminating the need for the negative supply that is usually required, reduces the complexity of applications using the devices and so reduces costs. These are essential and easy-to-use components for high performance video equipment demanding wide bandwidth and high signal purity. The amplifiers are specified for both 150-ohm and 100-ohm loads, and are supplied in the tiny SOT23-5 and SO8 plastic packages.

The TSH340 and TSH341 video amplifiers are supported by an evaluation board kit, optimized for high-speed operational amplifiers, which includes a CD-ROM containing datasheets, application notes, articles and a user manual. They are available in volume now at a price of $1.50 for quantities of 5,000.

Further information can be found at www.st.com/stdlinear

This press release is also available at

www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p1687.htm

….. with links to further information on the TSH340 and TSH341 video amplifiers

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group

STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company’s net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF AFRICAN AMERICANS to the military efforts of the nation began in the colonial era, was conspicuous during the American Revolution, and, with varying degrees of participation, has continued to the present day. The tens of thousands of black men who rallied to the Union cause during the Civil War tended to view themselves as waging a struggle not only for liberation from slavery but also for elevation to first-class citizenship. Their goals would prove elusive, however, because, in the words of one black soldier from Louisiana, “Nobody really desires our success[,] and it is uphill work.”1

Despite the significant accomplishments of the black U.S. military units during the Civil War, there was fierce opposition to allowing black men to serve in the peacetime U.S. Army after the war. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, for example, viewed the “colored troops” only as a source of emergency manpower. Other military leaders believed that African Americans “lacked the intelligence to serve as artillerymen.” The fear of armed blacks remained a concern throughout the South and in the former border states. One Delaware congressman optimistically (and debatably) claimed that blacks were not needed because there were plenty of white men who would “gladly accept” a place in the U.S. Army. Despite such opposition, in 1866 Congress authorized the creation of sixty-seven regular army regiments, six of which would be filled by African Americans-four of infantry and two of cavalry, but no artillery units. Three years later the army consolidated the four infantry regiments into the 24th Infantry (Colored) and the 25th Infantry (Colored), but the two cavalry regiments, the 9th and the 10th, retained their original organization.2 All four regiments were commanded by white officers, and they were assigned to duty in the West and Southwest.3

In July 1870 Congress passed legislation that formally opened state militias to African Americans. By that time black units were already official in Ohio and Rhode Island, and in the following decade blacks became members of state militias throughout the North. In the South a limited number of black militias were formed, with official companies appearing in South Carolina (1873), North Carolina (1874), Georgia (1877), and Alabama (1884). With rare exception the black units were controlled by command structures dominated by white men, endured periods of neglect and persistent discrimination from the state militia organizations, and often suffered from the same racism found in their local communities.4

Few of these black state militia units managed to survive through the end of the nineteenth century. The successful ones owed much to the skills and diplomacy of men such as Reuben Romulus Minis of the black militia company in Mobile known as Gilmer’s Rifles. When Minis died on March 9, 1901, the Daily Register, the leading white newspaper in Mobile, reported his impressive funeral in detail. The Register also eulogized him in an editorial, describing him as a “worthy citizen,” a man of “extreme courtesy,” and one who was “held in high esteem by our people, respected by whites and blacks alike.”5

The son of a Georgia-born woman, Lida Lee, Mims was born in July 1854 in Aberdeen, Mississippi, the county seat of Monroe County and located on the Tombigbee River.6 Although it is not known when he moved to Mobile, he appeared to have entered local politics during the final years of radical Reconstruction. He attended a January 1873 Republican “mass meeting” as a member of the resolutions committee that drafted an endorsement of Gov. David P. Lewis’s fiscal policy.7 He appeared again at the Republican County convention in July 1882 when, as a delegate from Mobile’s first ward, he supported the nomination of Gen. James E. Slaughter for the office of postmaster general at Mobile.8 General Slaughter subsequently received the appointment, and Mims became a letter carrier, a position he held the rest of his life-despite being wounded by eight rounds fired into his legs by an unknown assailant on a dark night in April 1888.9 Although Mims received his federal appointment through the patronage system, the fact that he subsequently retained his post after his sponsor left office attests to his competency in the position.10 An enthusiastic and dedicated Mason, Minis rose to the highest rank in black Freemasonry in the state and held the position of leadership for fifteen years.11

Mims’s most notable achievement was perhaps his successful leadership of Gilmer’s Rifles, the second of three African American companies officially accepted into Alabama’s state militia during the 1880s. Mims was eventually promoted to major and thus became the highest-ranking black officer in the Alabama State Troops. In his capacity as leader of Gilmer’s Rifles, Mims supported Mobile’s black community through challenging times.12

Nineteenth-century Mobile was one of the South’s major seaports, a cosmopolitan city of French and Spanish heritage with a significant number of free and relatively well-educated blacks. Although Creoles of color were not a majority of black Mobilians, they contributed to the city’s cultural diversity by establishing their own fire company, a network of businesses, and numerous social and fraternal organizations. Many Creoles were active in city and state politics, especially during Reconstruction. According to historian Nahfiza Ahmed, Creoles of color may have also contributed to Mobile’s “lack of extreme animosity between the white and black races” during most of the nineteenth century.13 Some of the men of Gilmer’s Rifles were “colored” Creoles, including nearly all the officers, who undoubtedly helped Mims in his efforts to create an efficient military company.

H-S Precision shipped 40 sniper rifles to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in June as part of a contract announced in March. According to company officials, this is the first time the FBI has purchased an off-the-shelf sniper rifle. Previously, the FBI built their sniper rifles.

“We are very proud to have shipped the first of many rifles on the road to fulfilling our contract with the FBI. H-S Precision’s place in the tactical community is elevated by the fact that the Pro-Series 2000 Heavy Tactical Rifle beat out every other sniper rifle manufacturer,” said Todd Houghton, vice president of sales and marketing.

The Pro-Series 2000 HTR, in .308 Winchester, was selected after months of rigorous testing, including a 5,000 round endurance test. According to H-S Precision, the rifle passed with zero failures.

The rifle is made in the United States using components produced by H-S Precision, including a Pro-Series PST25 vertical grip, fully adjustable stock, a Pro-Series 2000 short action with detachable magazine, a Pro-Series 2000 match-grade stainless steel fluted barrel and Pro-Series scope mounts.

The Super mini-Mauser bolt-action rifles from Charles Daly are available in three models: the Mini Hornet (pictured), Mini-Mauser and Mini-Mauser LH for left-handed shooters. Features include a Monte Carlo comb and cheek piece, contrasting pistol grip cap with white line spacers, custom recoil pad and sling swivel studs.

The Red Mist rifle is based on the M1999 short action design and is available in the following calibers: .204 Ruger, .222 Rem., .223 Rem., .22-250, .22-250 Ackley, .243 Win., 6mm/284 and most other wildcats.