Author Archives: david manners

Maxim’s PIXI

Maxim MAX11300 functional diagram

Maxim MAX11300 functional diagram

Engineers can mix and match 20 ADCs, 20 DACs or 20 High voltage digital I/O pins in any order using the MAX11300, mixed-signal PIXI technology.

PIXI claims to be the industry’s first configurable 20-channel, -10V to +10V high-voltage mixed-signal data converter.

It is for complex applications requiring multiple mixed-signal operations like base stations and industrial control and automation.

Graphical user interface software that comes with PIXI allows rapid drag and drop configuration of the device. Any function can be assigned to any pin.

Select an ADC and connect it to any of 20 pins, select a DAC and connect it to any pin or assign a digital I/O to any pin.

Unlike traditional multichannel data converters, PIXI lets engineers configure the 20 mixed signal input/outputs (I/Os) to optimise a design.

PIXI integrates a 12-bit, multichannel, analog-to-digital converter (ADC); a 12-bit, multichannel, buffered digital-to-analog converter (DAC); and high-voltage analog switches and digital I/Os.

With -10V to +10V, high-voltage range, PIXI enables high-voltage bipolar signals. It provides more design flexibility than any competing data converter.

Each of the 20 mixed-signal I/Os can be configured for the application, so designers can optimise PCB layout. Configuration software enables “drag and drop” setup of the 20 ports. Files can be exported for coding and easily reconfigured as requirements change.

Silego launches new CMIC

Silego SLG46120

Silego SLG46120 block diagram

Silego has launched a new Configurable Mixed-signal IC (CMIC) in the flagship GreenPAK (GPAK) family.

Silego’s GPAK family of NVM Programmable Mixed-signal Matrix devices enables many system functions such as system reset, power sequencing, voltage sensing, interface, and miscellaneous logic while minimizing component count, board space, and power consumption.

The SLG46120V maximizes the GPIO and functionality available in the incredibly small 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.55 mm 10-GPIO STQFN package. This device builds upon the 8-GPIO SLG46110V to expand the range of designs that can be addressed in such a small device.

SLG46120V projects use the GPAK development hardware and GPAK Designer.

“An upgrade path from the SLG46110V, the SLG46120V allows our customers to implement more complex and demanding functions,” says Silego’s Nathan John.s

Target Applications include:
• Consumer Electronics
o Wearables
o Portable: Tablets, Smartphones, Notebooks
o PCs and PC peripherals
• Commercial and Industrial Electronics
o Servers
o Embedded PCs
o Data Communications Equipment

Ultrasonic MEMS microphone from Knowles

Knowles is to manufacture a MEMS microphone supporting ultrasonic bandwidth starting in Q3.

It allows the microphone to assist smartphones and consumer electronics with touch-less gesture recognition, phone-to-phone data transmission, pen input compatibility for handsets and tablets, and 3D positioning input.

To facilitate these capabilities, the new MEMS microphone can receive ultrasonic sound waves above the audible range of humans, up to 80 kHz, and use those waves to triangulate an object’s location and movement. The technology principles are similar to radar or an ultrasound administered by a doctor during pregnancy.

Beyond the ultrasonic mode, the microphone offers four performance modes, including a low power voice activation mode, which is ideal for mobile consumer electronics.

Knowles expects to begin manufacturing in Q3 2014.

Product Details
· Product: High SNR digital bottom port microphone
· Part Number: SPH0641LU4H-1
· Measurements: 3.50 x 2.65 x 0.98 mm

Product Features
· Supports ultrasonic frequencies
· Superwide-band capable
· Lowest power consumption in the market (3x less than other digital microphones)
· Best acoustic performance per square millimeter
· Multiple performance modes (sleep, low-power, standard mode, ultrasonic mode)
· Sensitivity matching for better algorithm performance
· Easier system integration and better RF immunity compared to analog microphones

Technical Data
· Ultrasonic frequencies: Up to 80kHz
· Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Nominal 64.3 dB(A)
· Flat Frequency Response: Up to 20 kHz
· Power consumption: 235µA in low power mode
· Size: More than 20% smaller than other digital microphones
· Sensitivity matching: ±1 dB