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Latest Electronics News and Product Design Updates from New Electronics

 
Electronics News

Archive : 17 October 2007 год


08:17Starter kit for STM32 ARM-based Microcontrollers

STMicroelectronics introduced a self-contained, entertaining development package, the STM32 Primer, for the STM32 Flash microcontroller family, which is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core. It includes an user interface, games, and other features to introduce new users to the family, as well as Raisonance software tools for advanced development and programming. The STM32 Primer, a hand-held evaluation and development tool, is designed to provide a fun and easy introduction to the features of the STM32. Its compact, stylized circular design, including a window through which the STM32 chip is visible, is matched with sample applications including two games, access to a dedicated on-line community for sharing resources and experiences, and a RIDE7 integrated development environment.

 Control and navigation through the built-in graphical user interface (GUI), with its 128x128 pixel LCD color monitor, uses MEMS-based (micro-electromechanical systems) position sensing to monitor the forward, backward, left or right tilt of the Primer. These controls enable the user to play the Maze and Breakout games, included among the firmware designed to demonstrate the features and resources of the STM32, as well as to change settings and run test software through the menu system. This new approach to MCU evaluation includes the support of an on-line STM32 community at www.stm32circle.com, providing extensive documentation and resources, downloadable projects designed and submitted by other users, a discussion forum, and – coming soon – a competition for the best STM32 Primer application.

 The device is powered by a battery, which is recharged through one of the two USB connectors – one to connect to a PC for application development, the other to enable the embedded application to communicate with an external USB host. The device programming and debugging capability is provided by Raisonance’s RIDE7 integrated development environment for up to 32 Kbytes of code, which includes an unlimited GNU C/C++ compiler. Additional hardware features include a footprint on the printed circuit for mounting an IrDA transmitter, and pads for adding extra peripherals using spare I/O pins of the STM32. STM32 Primer, ST part number STM3210B-PRIMER, is available now from stock.

 The kit includes evaluation and development hardware with pre-programmed STM32 device, in-circuit debugger/programmer, and software package (RIDE, GNU C/C++ compiler for ARM) to enable in-circuit debugging/programming of a target device; it has a recommended resale price of $32.00.
 

08:14Half-/Full-Duplex RS-485 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX13181E–MAX13184E full-duplex and selectable half-/full-duplex RS-485 transceivers. Packaged in a 2mm x 2mm µDFN. The devices save over 50% board space compared to existing RS-485 transceiver footprints. The small footprint of these transceivers makes them ideal for space-constrained applications such as motor control and portable sensors. The chips include enhanced ±15kV ESD protection (Human Body Model), pullup/pulldown resistors, and a 1/8 unit-load receiver-input impedance, thus allowing up to 256 transceivers on the bus. The MAX13181E/MAX13183E feature selectable half- or full-duplex operation, and the MAX13182E/MAX13184E are configured for full-duplex operation.

 Additionally, the MAX13181E/MAX13182E provide slew-rate-limited drivers that reduce EMI and enable error-free transmission up to 500kbps in environments with high levels of radiated noise. The MAX13183E/MAX13184E, on the other hand, feature full-speed drivers that allow data rates up to 16Mbps. The MAX13181E–MAX13184E operate over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range, and they are available in a 10-pin µDFN package. Prices start at $1.75 (1000-up, FOB USA).

08:12PFC controllers
The BR6000 family of PFC controllers from Epcos has been equipped with a series of additional features. The controllers now offer automatic initialization with identification of the connected PFC system parameters as well as a plausibility test. The number of recorded switching operations and the capacitor operating time can now be reset separately for each stage. This allows the operating life and time of individual capacitors to be separately recorded. Another improvement is the maximum switchable stage output. It is now 100 percent of the installed capacitance, thus allowing immediate correction of even the greatest power factor. Thanks to an additional adapter, the BR6000 controller can be connected to 3-phase grids without a neutral conductor. All thyristor modules from Epcos designed for dynamic PFC may be connected to these PFC controllers with a transistor output.