Defense Articles

Technical solutions provider Chronos Technology Ltd, in conjunction with amplifier and subsystems designer and manufacturer OPHIR RF, has launched two new products into the UK.

The products are a 120 Watt power amplifier and a 200 Watt power amplifier named the 4060 and 4061 respectively. Both amplifiers are aimed at the telecomms system provider market and base station component manufacturers.

Nowadays camcorders are used for more than just filming home movies. A large community of amateur videographers now film short clips to put on web sites such as ‘Google video’, ‘You Tube’ and their own personal sites. Some of these are purely for entertainment while others are for information purposes e.g. local history societies interview people for their memories of the locality.

The quality of modern camcorders and computer based editing systems combined can produce excellent visual results which are often let down by poor quality sound. The main reason for this is that the built-in video microphone is usually too far away from the people being filmed.

At the time of filming, our ears, eyes and brain work together to effectively suppress the reverberation and other unwanted sound sources in the room to allow us to hear what someone is saying, what we hear is different to what a microphone ‘hears’.

This is where external microphones are required, the closer a microphone can get to the subject, the quieter other unwanted sounds effectively become.

If at this stage you don’t have any external microphones then the best advice for getting good quality sound from the built in video microphone is to get your camera as close to your sound source as possible i.e. about 3 feet away, however you might still hear some camera motor noise. If you are taking videography seriously then it’s best to wear closed-back headphones so that you only hear what will be on the audio tracks.

Usually camcorders have a built in stereo electret microphone which can either be unplugged from its socket or there are external microphone sockets and some means of switching between them and the built in video microphones. An A/V socket is usually available for plugging in an external audio mixer.

It might be necessary to buy a ‘stereo plug to two mono sockets’ lead so that you can make full use of the two tracks that are available on most camcorders.

Presenter

If your presenter needs to be mobile then it would be best to buy or rent a radio microphone kit (make sure you get a kit that has a small battery powered receiver - not a large mains powered one), this allows a lapel microphone (usually omni pickup characteristics) or a plugged in handheld microphone (usually cardioid pickup) to be permanently close to the presenter’s mouth. The lapel microphone is usually worn on a tie, suit lapel or shirt, try to avoid placing it on a shirt collar since this picks up too much sound from the throat, which sounds un-natural.

If the presenter is always static and fairly close to the camera at all times then an electret ‘line microphone’ can be worn connected via an extension lead, which should be framed out of shot.

Ever wonder what goes into the making of your new gadget? Electronic circuits are composed of individual transistors formed with resistors and diodes on a piece of silicon. The individual components are commonly connected using aluminum “wires” on the chip’s surface. This process results in the formation of IC, or integrated circuits. These ICs contain millions or just several transistors. ICs are responsible for the creation of video games, computers, digital watches, and most of today’s high tech gadgets.

ICs are usually grouped in two: analog/linear and digital/logic. But most sophisticated ICs combine digital and analog functions in forming a chip. As examples, digital chips sometimes include an analog/linear voltage regulator, while some analog chips include built-in digital counter. Combining integrated circuits is usually done to improve performance or add new features to a product such as giving counters time delays which are usually possible only with timers. These chips come in numerous different packages. In the present, the most popular and usual kinds are varieties of the DIP (Dual In-line Package). Ceramics or plastics are the usual components of standard DIPs with pins ranging from four to 100. Metals are also used for making DIPs but most manufacturers opt to replace these with more cost-effective plastic DIPs.

Despite the popularity of combination ICs and DIPs, there are still demands for separate integrated circuits. Analog ICs’ output and input voltage levels vary greatly in a broad spectrum. But despite these variations, output voltages are still directly proportional to input voltages which form a line graph. This is why analog ICs are termed linear. There are different types of analog ICs but the most popular and common types include voltage regulators and operational amplifiers. Voltage regulators alter voltages applied to inputs into variable voltages. Standard voltage regulators have excess transistors for the chips to manage driving loads that need added power than a standard op-amp is capable of. Most of these voltage regulators have metal tabs or include metal packaging to aid in radiating excessive heat out of the chips. Special linear ICs that include op-amps, like phase-locked loops and audio amplifiers, are made for TV, radio, computers, and telephone communications. Operational amplifiers are often considered as the most useful and versatile. Although their designs are basically intended for doing mathematical operations, they also amplify differences in voltages and signals of the inputs.

Digital integrated circuits are composed of “gates” regardless of the complexity of designs. These gates function like switches that turn on and off. A digital IC contains several gates and an IC with two input gates is usually referred as a logic gate. Increase in inputs and gates increase the ability of an IC to perform logical operations. As a result, digital ICs are often used in information transfers and exchanges. ICs are just small components of average devices like computers. But these devices rely on the efficiency of these ICs to function.

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-11 May 2007-New family of amplifiers for broadband RF and IF applications released by WJ Communications(C)1994-2007 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

WJ Communications Inc (NASDAQ:WJCI), a designer and supplier of radio frequency (RF) products and solutions for the wireless infrastructure and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader markets, has announced the launch of a new family of broadband amplifiers, the WJA amplifier family.

The company said that the WJA broadband amplifiers offer up to 20 dB of gain and an output IP3 up to 43 dBm, while consuming 60-90 mA from a +5V supply. The amplifiers are reportedly suitable for existing and next-generation cellular (CDMA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, W-CDMA and WiMAX) infrastructure, CATV and other wireless applications.
According to WJ Communications the new amplifier family includes both RF and IF devices, offering high linearity and low current. The WJA series can be operated from +5V supply, and have P1dB of 20 dBm, 15 and 20 dB of power gain and OIP3 of 35-43 dBm.

The RF (WJA10xx) and the IF (WJA15xx) amplifier series are the first WJA amplifiers to be introduced. Both amplifiers are broadband products, housed in a small, RoHS-compliant and SOT-89 surface-mount package.

The WJA10xx and WJA15xx amplifiers are currently sampling and are scheduled for production in July 2007. No pricing information was available.

HUDSON, N.H. — Micronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOIZ) announced today that as a result of successful shipments of prototypes, its subsidiary Stealth Microwave has booked substantial preproduction orders to supply high performance WiMAX power amplifiers for integration into Airspan Network’s base stations.

WiMAX is an emerging technology that offers the performance and versatility of the popular Wi-Fi hotspots, but on a macro scale. With equipment designed for telecom operators, WiMAX networks intend to bring ubiquitous service for wireless data, video and voice over coverage areas similar to current cellular networks.
David Robbins, President of Micronetics, stated, “Stealth Microwave’s expertise in meeting the performance needs of next generation base station manufacturing creates a promising outlook for the usage of our linearized power amplifiers as the 802.16 WiMAX standard develops in the next few years. ”

“Developing products that meet emerging IEEE standards, such as 802.16, reflects our strategy to provide high performance enabling technology for long running commercial programs.”
Micronetics manufactures microwave and radio frequency (RF) components and integrated subassemblies used in a variety of defense, aerospace and commercial applications. Micronetics also manufactures and designs test equipment and components that test the strength, durability and integrity of communication signals in communications equipment. Micronetics serves a diverse customer base, including Aerosat, BAE Systems, Boeing, EADS, Honeywell, ITT, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, NEC, Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, Raytheon, Southwest Research, Teradyne, Tektronix, Thales and UTStarcom. Micronetics also operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Enon Microwave, Inc.; Microwave & Video Systems, Inc.; Microwave Concepts, Inc. and Stealth Microwave, Inc.
Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. The accuracy of these statements cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to a variety of risks, including but not limited to the success of the products into which the Company’s products are integrated, internal projections as to the demand for certain types of equipment, competitive products and pricing, the success of new product development efforts, the timely release for production and the delivery of products under existing contracts, access to financial resources, future economic conditions generally, as well as other factors. The information in this release should be reviewed in conjunction with Micronetics’ Annual Report for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

It doesn’t take much to get started in the DJ biz. You can liven up a party with a playlist on your iPod and some powered speakers, or with a PC full of music and a streaming device. But that’s still a step or two from being a real DJ; a pro knows the audience and knows the music. If you intend to DJ an event such as a wedding or other large gathering, your job is to create a mood with music, adjusting the tempo as the event goes on. Here are a few tips on how to keep the crowd happy and groovin’.

The Beat Goes On Disk jockeying evolves into a true art form when you can get people dancing and keep them dancing. For that, the usual song-to-song delay is unacceptable. At the very least, you need two music sources, such as CD players or iPods, and a cross-fader that lets you move smoothly from one song to the next. But the real art is beat-matching as you cross-fade, so that the dancers are barely aware of song transitions. This was originally (and still is) done with vinyl on turntables, but technology always finds a better way, especially when it means not having to lug milk crates full of vinyl or CDs.

What You Need

You can do a DJ gig with nothing more than your laptop and a pair of speakers with built-in amplification. While a few titles dominate the software scene, there are at least 20 to choose from. PCDJ is the dominant commercial title, with three versions increasing in sophistication and ranging in price from $50 to $430. PCDJ does an on-screen simulation of two decks, where you cue up your songs, typically from a playlist. You can search for songs while a track is playing and can drop them into the list to handle requests. PCDJ also does automatic beat measurement and beat-matching for smooth transitions.
Pump It Up

Amplification is an essential hardware element. Many modern public-address speakers have amplifiers built in. They are typically a pair designed to be mounted on a tripod for good room coverage. Your system should include a microphone channel so you can make announcements and whip the crowd into a frenzy.

A time-honored rule of thumb in sizing public-address systems is 1 watt for each person in the room. But wattage alone doesn’t determine how much sound you can project—there’s also the number and size of the speakers in each enclosure. Most PA enclosures have a 12- or 15-inch round speaker in each enclosure for the bass and lower midrange and a molded horn for mid to high frequencies. The best are biamplified, with a separate amplifier for each speaker. A pair of 12-inch speakers is adequate for small to medium venues (50 to 150 people), with costs ranging from $500 to $1,500 per pair. For larger venues, you’ll need a pair of 2-by-12s or 2-by-15s. Popular brands such as JBL and Mackie are rugged, reasonably light for their size, and powerful; they are typically priced around $1,000 to $3,000.

Finally, backup is critical. You should have a fallback system, even if it’s just a cheap MP3-capable CD player and a couple of MP3 players with some appropriate playlists. Cables break. Mics get dropped. Be prepared.

The Digital DJ

At the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas is Tryst, a stunning night club with indoor and outdoor dance floors and some of the best music mixes ever to make a rump shake. Up in the DJ booth, you’ll often see DJ Justin Hoffman at the controls, scratching records and working the fader. But if you look closely, you’ll see he’s also using his Apple laptop.

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.