Distribution agreement signed with RCL Display

Gleichmann Sunrise expands its LCD display portfolio:
Milton Keynes (UK) - Gleichmann Sunrise will benefit from an agreement which makes Gleichmann & Co. Electronics GmbH the first official pan-European distributor of Hong Kong headquartered RCL Display Limited.
During a management meeting in Stutensee (Germany), Managing Director Norman Wong and Thomas Klein, Managing Director of Gleichmann Electronics, signed corresponding agreements.

See a growing market for high-quality, customer-specific displays in Europe (from left): RCL Display Line Manager Roland Federle, Rafael Boehm, Marketing Manager Custom LCDs of Gleichmann Electronics, Manfred Schwarztrauber, Founder and Owner of the MSC-Gleichmann Group, RCL Display Managing Director Norman Wong and Thomas Klein, Managing Director of Gleichmann Electronics

Founded in 1981, RCL Display already specialized at an early stage on the design and manufacture of innovative and high-quality custom LCDs. In the past 27 years, through its uncompromising quality policy, the ISO 9001, QS 9000, ISO 14001 and TS 16949 certified company was able to establish itself as a sought-after OEM partner of well-known industrial customers and automobile manufacturers. In Dongguan, South China, approximately 2,400 employees currently process more than 500,000 m² glass per year with a continuing strongly increasing trend. “Right from the beginning, we strive to convince with technical superiority, first-class quality and fair prices. This business policy helps us to grow further, even during difficult economic times, because ultimately nothing is more expensive for the customer than bad quality,” says Norman Wong, Managing Director of RCL Display.

As Norman Wong emphasized on the occasion of the signing of the agreement; with Gleichmann Electronics; “We are pleased to have found a partner with similar high quality demands and well-founded technical know-how”. “The design-in oriented business model of Gleichmann Electronics and the many years of experience in the implementation of customer-specific display solutions offer us ideal conditions for an optimal support of customers - from the planning phase right up to the finished product.”

Thomas Klein and Line Manager Roland Federle, stated that RCL Display’s experience in handling all of today’s available LCD technologies, bonding methods and process variants are of significant importance for Gleichmann Electronics. According to Roland Federle; among other things, RCL Display is one of the few manufacturers, which can fulfill the high expectations of customers from the metering sector with respect to lifespan of the display. The company also holds a pioneering role in the current strong demand for 'Enhanced Blackness TN Technology', which essentially was originally solely developed for clients in the automotive industry. “RCL Display excels with simple TN glass in small volumes just the same as with sophisticated display versions in COG technology with special TAB solutions and special backlight requirements. Rafael Boehm, Marketing Manager Custom LCDs of Gleichmann Electronics is also impressed with the flexibility and diversity: “Whether 'Black Masc', 'Dye Fluid' or the availability of different glass thicknesses from 1.1 mm to 0.3 mm - hardly any manufacturer currently offers more variety with constant high levels of quality,” says Rafael Boehm, pleased.

RCL Display’s test laboratories also allow every imaginable form of technical analyses and measurements. Not only contrast ratio, response time, viewing angle and iso-contrast can be measured but also, for example, the thickness of empty and filled cells. The offering is rounded off with extensive temperature and climate tests. Norman Wong and Thomas Klein therefore agree: “Gleichmann Electronics’ many years of design-in experience and the custom design resources of RCL Display offer ideal prerequisites for a successful partnership with benefits for customers.”

Distribution agreement signed with Daewon Europa

Sunlight readable displays from 10.4-inch to 52-inch diagonal screen:
Milton Keynes (UK) - With immediate effect, Gleichmann & Co. Electronics is appointed official central European distribution partner for the sunlight readable displays from Daewon Europa, headquartered in Milan (Italy).

In order to improve the readability in direct sunlight, Daewon Europa relies on a mechanical modification of the front and back polarizer. The results are transflective characteristics, an improved basic brightness and a wider viewing angle. The anti-reflective front glass with UV filter has however, two additional advantages: First of all, damage to the LCD layer is avoided and secondly, a clear readability is guaranteed.

The sunlight readable displays, which have been available since 2006 under the brand name "SolarView” are currently available with diagonal screen sizes from 10.4-inch to 52‑inch and resolutions from 800 x 600 pixels up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. As Kenneth Lee, General Manager of Daewon Europa, emphasized during signing the agreement with Gleichmann Electronics; the broad spectrum of display sizes reflects the constantly increasing demand on sunlight readable displays for different ranges of applications. “Easy to read displays, even with direct sunlight or bright ambient lighting, are gaining increasing importance in our visual society. We are all the more pleased to have found Gleichmann Electronics, a technically capable partner that can already look back on many years of experience in this field.”

Gleichmann Electronics is also confident that the market for sunlight readable displays will further increase significantly within the next few years. According to Gerhard Becker, Daewon Europa Line Manager at Gleichmann Electronics, customer interest in the areas of high-end industrial applications, measuring instruments and public information displays (PIDs) is particularly strong.

"In recent years, we have continually enlarged our product portfolio for these markets. Thanks to the cooperation with Daewon Europa, we are now in a position to address the constantly increasing demand for sunlight readable displays, also with larger panels,” says Gerhard Becker, pleased.

Daewon Europa guarantees availability of its displays for 18 months from the start of production. Data sheets and samples of the displays are immediately available from Gleichmann Electronics. Gleichmann Electronics operates in the UK as Gleichmann Sunrise.

Photo caption:

Want to jointly satisfy the increasing demand for sunlight readable displays (from left): Product Marketing Manager Displays & Systems Gerhard Becker of Gleichmann Electronics, Demco Marketing Manager Se Ho Park, Daewon’s Sales Engineering Manager Gualtiero Testa and Kenneth Lee, Daewon Europa General Manager.

7-, 8,4-, 10,4- and 15-inch TFT Displays with LED Backlight

AU Optronics and Gleichmann Electronics launch product offensive:
Stutensee (Germany), 30. January – In addition to approximately 20 percent less power consumption, TFT displays with LED backlight also have further indisputable benefits compared to models with cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL). For example, they do not require a backlight inverter and therewith also no high voltage, which in turn reduces EMI radiation.

Gleichmann Electronics presents a whole range of these innovative displays in Hall 9, Stand 235 at embedded world 2009. One of the highlights is the 15-inch industrial display G150XG01V2 (built on the G150XG01V1 CCFL model from AU Optronics) with 1024 x 768 pixels XGA resolution and power consumption of less than 10 W. A brightness of 350 cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 700:1 typical together with wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 160° and 140° ensure good readability also under variable light conditions. The operating temperature ranges from 0°C to + 65°C and a supply voltage of 3.3 VDD is required. As with the CCFL version, this display conforms to the PSWG standard.

The new 8.4-inch and 10.4-inch LED backlight versions G084SN05V8 and G104SN02V2 are based on the proven TFT displays G084SN05V7 and G104SN02V1. Thanks to the integrated LED driver, an additional external LED driver board is not necessary. The display can be operated direct via a 12 V supply voltage.

The displays with 800 x 600 pixels SVGA resolution also feature wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 160° and 140°. Compared to the 15 inch industrial display G150XG01V2, the value for brightness of 450 cd/m2 is slightly higher and the value for contrast ratio of 600:1 is slightly less.

The new display family with LED backlight is rounded off by the 7-inch model G070VW01V0 with 800 x 480 pixels WVGA resolution and a power consumption of just 4.2 W.

The 10.4-inch display G104SN02V2 as well as both of the smaller model versions G084SN05V8 and G070VW01V0 are designed for an extended operating temperature from -30°C to +85°C. The lifespan of the LEDs is specified for all displays at approximately 50000 operating hours.

AUO guarantees availability of all products for a minimum of 3 years, which also ensures a long-term project supply. Data sheets of all models are available immediately from Gleichmann Electronics. Samples of the 15-inch and 7-inch displays are scheduled to be available beginning mid-February 2009 and samples of the 10.4-inch model G104SN02V2 and the 8.4-inch model G084SN05V8 beginning mid-March 2009.

7-inch TFT video module in 16:9 format with brightness of 1000 cd/m² and LED backlight

Ideally suited for displaying in video applications exposed to extreme ambient light conditions:
Milton Keynes (UK) – Gleichmann Sunrise presents for the first time a new 7-inch TFT video module HV7011A1 from Hexa-Chain in Hall 9, Stand 235 at embedded world 2009. The display is equipped with LED backlight and features brightness in excess of 1000 cd/m² over the screen surface.

The high brightness and a contrast ratio of 600:1 make this TFT module, in 16:9 format with composite interface, ideal for displaying in video applications exposed to extreme ambient light conditions; for example in automobiles or display windows. The use in such, often also climatically difficult, fields of application is supported by an extended operating temperature range from -30°C to + 80°C. The module requires an operating voltage of 12 V.

A small keyboard PCB with integrated control LED, provided with the module, helps to extremely easily control OSD (on‑screen display) settings and also makes the HV7011A1 an instantly operational plug-and-play solution for both mobile and stationary use.

136 pages of important information about LCD modules

GE Vision Catalog 2009:
Stutensee (Germany), February 03, 2009 – The GE Vision product catalog 2009 contains detailed technical information on more than 120 standard LCD modules from 1 x 8 characters up to panels with 320 x 240 pixels. This catalog is available immediately free of charge from Gleichmann Electronics. Most of the customer-specific modifiable displays are available in all popular LCD technologies. In addition, 22 models are offered with RGB backlight. Furthermore, many graphic modules are also available at attractive prices as a standard product with analog resistive touchscreen.

Moreover, the GE-Oxxxx series of chip-on-glass (COG) LCD modules are a new addition to the 136‑page reference text. These are currently available in five module sizes from 45.2 x 27.0 mm up to 130.2 x 37.6 mm. The displays, equipped with a ST7565P-G controller from Sitronix, feature a low height and are offered with resolutions of 128 x 64 and 240 x 64 pixels as well as 2 x 16 characters. The models, specified for an extended temperature range from -20°C to +70°C, are optionally available in FSTN positive and FSTN negative or in STN blue mode version.

GE Vision offers customer specific modifications starting with volumes of 1000 pieces. These modifications include PCB layout changes, mounting of pin rows according to customer’s specification, special cable solutions or also PCB changes with regard to size and format with additional configuration options. This ensures a high degree of flexibility and design freedom for the user.

The color catalog is available immediately and can be requested as print version by sending an email to spee@msc-ge.com or can be downloaded in PDF format direct from the website www.ge-vision.de.

Gleichmann Sunrise presents 78K0R/Lx3 16-bit MCU family with integrated LCD controller

Standby current of just 1.2 μA when LCD function is activated:
Milton Keynes (UK) – Gleichmann Sunrise presents 12 new 16-bit All Flash^TM microcontrollers (MCUs) with integrated LCD driver in Hall 9, Stand 235 at embedded world 2009. These MCUs are ideally suited for use in battery-operated handheld medical diagnostic instruments, building utility meters for gas, water and electricity as well as applications in factory automation.

The microcontroller series includes 80-pin 78K0R/LF3, 100-pin 78K0R/LG3 and 128-pin 78K0R/LH3 and features an extremely low standby current consumption of just 1.2 μA when the LCD function is activated and the CPU is stopped. This 90 percent reduction of current consumption compared to previous products was made possible thanks to an adjustable internal LCD reference voltage and a capacitive voltage splitting that - unlike conventional systems with LCD resistive network - does not produce any unnecessary cross current.

In addition to the proven 78K0R CPU core from NEC Electronics and the LCD controller/driver circuit, the devices are also equipped with 12-bit A/D and 12-bit D/A converters, various operational amplifiers and up to 128 Kbytes Flash memory as well as 7 Kbytes of RAM. A supply voltage between 1.8 and 5.5V is required for normal operation and also for Flash memory programming.

Due to the high level of integration, not only is the power consumption reduced but also the number of components previously required is also drastically reduced. This reduction of PCB layout area at the same time also reduces the costs for the peripheral logic.

Data sheets with main specifications are available immediately from Gleichmann Sunrise. Samples will be available e/o April 2009 and, according to NEC Electronics, mass production is scheduled to start in October 2009.

36 new 16-bit MCUs with CAN and LIN support from NEC

For more design flexibility and higher performance:
Milton Keynes (UK) – The 36 new 16-bit microcontrollers of the 78K0R/Fx3 series from NEC Electronics (Distribution: Gleichmann Sunrise) were specifically designed for cost-sensitive automotive body electronics applications such as window, seat and door modules or HVAC systems.

The MCUs are based on a high-performance 78K0R core with 24 MHz clock speed, which delivers up to 15 Dhrystone MIPS. A new feature is an enhanced instruction set containing 25 additional instructions.

Furthermore, particular attention was given to the enhancement and optimization of the storage resources. In addition to up to 256 Kbytes Flash memory for the software, the MCU family offers a further 16 Kbytes Flash memory, separated from the program memory, for the EEPROM emulation. Linear memory addressing eliminates the need for memory banking. Fast access times, both to program memory and data memory, enable a high execution speed.

An additional feature of the 78K0R/Fx3 devices is the extended LIN support with automatic baud rate detection and improved timer functionality, which significantly reduces software effort and simplifies the design of complex timer implementations.

To facilitate application development with the 16-bit MCUs of the 78K0R/Fx3 series, engineers can rely on a wide range of field-tested tools. In addition to the IECUBE™ in-circuit emulator, which among other things enables real-time trace and emulation, the offering also includes MINICUBE2™ on-chip serial debugging emulator and flash programmer, PG-FP5 flash programmer and Applilet - an automatic source code generator.

Depending on version, the microcontrollers of the 78K0R/Fx3 series are available in QFN packages, QFPs or SSOPs with 30 to 100 pins. Samples of the first devices are scheduled to be available during the middle of 2009.

NEC: Specially designed for active GPS antennas - LNA with low noise of just 1dB at 27dBm power gain

Stutensee (Germany), February 10, 2009 – Gleichmann Electronics expands its product portfolio with the μPC8240T6N low noise amplifier (LNA) from NEC Electronics. This device is manufactured using a special silicon germanium carbon technology and features a very low noise figure of just 1.0 dB at 27 dBm power gain.

The μPC8240T6N is designed for the GPS frequency of 1575 MHz and can operate with a supply voltage between 1.6 V and 3.3 V. At 2.7 V, the typical current consumption is 6.5 mA. The wide supply voltage range guarantees compatibility with almost all available GPS chipsets. In addition, the μPC8240T6N can significantly improve the sensitivity of GPS receivers.

The small LNA is provided in a 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm x 0.37 mm, 6-pin TSON (Thin Small Out-line Non-leaded) package, which complies with the RoHS regulations. A typical field of application for the μPC8240T6N is active GPS antennas. Data sheets and samples are available immediately from Gleichmann Electronics.

S3F401F – 16/32-bit microcontroller for motor controls

Gleichmann Electronics presents Samsung’s new S3F401F 16/32-bit microcontroller (MCU) in Hall 9, Booth 235 at embedded world 2009. The S3F401F MCU is ideally suited for simple and cost sensitive motor control applications.

The MCU, based on the ARM7TDMI core and clocked at 90 MHz, offers designers in addition to 256 Kbyte flash memory and 20 Kbyte RAM a large number of special motor control peripheral functions such as e.g. fifteen 12-bit analog to digital converters that enable a synchronous conversion of up to three values. Two each 16-bit encoder and 3-phase timers ensure a flexible and precise control of motors. Furthermore, the MCU is equipped with two each buffered UART and SPI interfaces.

The S3F401F is specified for an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C and is provided in a 100-pin QFP. Data sheets and samples are available now from Gleichmann Electronics.

Contact-free switching and detection of 3D movement with the HALIOS® system from Elmos Semiconductor

In electronics almost everything is innovative, but not much is revolutionary. One of these few exceptions is the High Ambient Light Independent Optical System (HALIOS®), developed by Elmos Semiconductor. Whether simple switch functions, light dimming or approach detection/ wakeup, switch design elements on uneven surfaces, control elements in a critical environment, light curtains or indoor surveillance - HALIOS sets new standards in the design of intuitive input or supervision devices. Not only that the sensor system works without any mechanical parts and therefore is completely wear-free, it even recognizes 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional movements through closed infrared-translucent surfaces. External influences such as, for example, exposure to strong sunlight, have no effect. Additionally, by means of self calibration, HALIOS is protected against disturbances caused by dirt or moisture on the housing. Aging and temperature effects are automatically compensated. Electrical influences such as ground planes, nearby signal lines or static charge also have no effect on the signal quality.

The High Ambient Light Independent Optical System is based on a compensation principle similar to an optical bridge. The high sensitivity resulting from this enables the detection of gestures (e.g. movement of a finger or hand) without the use of mechanical elements. The integrated circuit (IC) prepares the signals based on optical reflections to objects to be detected and therefore, allows concluding the position of the object in all three directions in space to the sensor.

Figure1 outlines how the HALIOS principle functions: The transmitting LED - shown in red - beams oblong shaped, amplitude modulated light. By reflection and scattering on the object, a portion of this light returns to the photodiode. A second LED - shown in green (so-called compensation LED) - likewise sends, shielded against environmental influences, oblong shaped, amplitude modulated light to the photodiode. This light is thereby 180° phase shifted to the transmitting light. The light signals overlap at the receiver. When both light streams have the same amplitude, they cancel each other out to a direct signal. This direct or null signal can now be very well amplified.

Unequal amplitudes are detected by the synchronous demodulator. This deviation is fed to the controller, which subsequently adjusts the intensity of the transmitter via the transmission current of the compensation LED. The purpose of this action is that the receiver signal again complements to null.

If the position of the object changes then the portion of light, which reaches the photodiode from the transmitting diode, also varies. To continue to comply with the control condition, the intensity of the compensation LED is immediately tracked by the above already mentioned controller. The adjustment of the compensator serves as output signal and therewith represents a direct measurement for the variance of the surrounding reflection by the influence of the object.

The combination of several of these simple control loops allows the construction of sensors for simple proximity sensing over wide distances right up to complex 3-dimensional input systems. With the HALIOS integrated circuit (IC) E909.05, up to four independent transmitting LEDs and a compensation LED can be controlled. It should thereby be considered that the typical HALIOS application consists of electronics, optic and the associated analysis software. By means of optimal coordination of these components - for example by including additional optical elements such as fiber optics, prisms, lenses, etc. - complex and precise systems can be constructed.

To get started quickly and easily in the HALIOS world, Elmos Semiconductor and Gleichmann Electronics provide a starter kit with example programs. The kit includes an optical head for widereaching, highly dynamic approach detection. An additional head for finger-based 3D inputs is optionally available.

Please contact our product specialists to order the starter kit or if you need more detailed information about the HALIOS system.

ASICs from NEC Electronics and ELMOS Semiconductor – the best solutions from the digital and analog worlds

When it is question of optimization of space, cost, power consumption and/or performance then nowadays, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are generally, both technically and economically the best choice. For example, with the help of ASICs digital or analog circuits, filters, communications interfaces or circuits with high real-time requirements can be realized in the smallest space. At the same time, in the majority of cases the EMI behavior and electrical characteristics of the system are optimized and improved compared to discrete constructed circuits or multi-chip solutions. Another thing that speaks in favor of the use of ASICs: As customer-specific products they guarantee maximum security with regard to product piracy.

Because we know about all of these advantages, we at Gleichmann Electronics have, for many years now, very intensely worked on this topic. In our own two ASIC Design Centers and the Gleichmann Electronics Research Laboratory, no longer only ideas and visions of the customers are put into practice, but also our own inhouse products are designed - such as for example: Time Digital Converters (TDCs) for very accurate time difference measurement or the Hyp_JTAG-Board from Gleichmann Research, currently one of the most flexible and cost-effective FPGA & ASIC development tools available.

Furthermore, with NEC Electronics and ELMOS Semiconductor, Gleichmann Electronics has two ASIC suppliers, which ideally complement each other, working as partners. While the strengths of NEC Electronics are primarily in the areas of digital ASIC, communications devices and ASICs with integrated CPU cores (V850, ARM7, ARM9 or ARM11), ELMOS Semiconductor excels with decades of experience in the areas of analog and MEMS (Micro-Electro- Mechanical Systems). ASIC solutions from NEC Electronics With NEC Electronics, the user can choose between so-called cell-based ICs and gate array/embedded array ICs. Cell-based ICs mean high integration density, extreme computing power, low power consumption values and moderate device costs. In addition to a number of different CPU cores and standard peripheral units such as bridges, timers or serial interfaces, optional DSPs, Ethernet MAC & PHY, memory interfaces, PCI and diverse USB solutions are also available. Depending on the process technology - 0.35 μm up to 0.065 μm - up to 50 million raw gates can be realized with cell-based ICs. Because of their low initial costs and the simple design process, gate array ICs are suitable, for example, as FPGA replacements in small to medium quantities. In this area, NEC Electronics offers four different processes with structure widths between 0.5 μm and 0.15 μm and complexities from 1000 to two million gates, at units prices from 50 Cent. As with cell-based ICs, the integration of different CPU cores is also possible with gate array/embedded array ICs. ASIC solutions from ELMOS The ASIC technology from ELMOS Semiconductor also proves to be extremely flexible. It allows the integration of analog and digital circuits in a device. Whether single elements, such as power drivers, diodes and resistors, or more complex circuit units, such as voltage regulators, analog/digital converters and microprocessors - the combination possibilities are almost unlimited. Furthermore, by means of using the cells as intellectual property (IP), the possibility exists for the user to draw on a multitude of reliable and field-proven peripheral units such as transceivers, DC/DC converters and driver devices.

ASIC solutions from NEC Electronics

With NEC Electronics, the user can choose between so-called cell-based ICs and gate array/embedded array ICs. Cell-based ICs mean high integration density, extreme computing power, low power consumption values and moderate device costs. In addition to a number of different CPU cores and standard peripheral units such as bridges, timers or serial interfaces, optional DSPs, Ethernet MAC & PHY, memory interfaces, PCI and diverse USB solutions are also available. Depending on the process technology - 0.35 μm up to 0.065 μm - up to 50 million raw gates can be realized with cell-based ICs.

Because of their low initial costs and the simple design process, gate array ICs are suitable, for example, as FPGA replacements in small to medium quantities. In this area, NEC Electronics offers four different processes with structure widths between 0.5 μm and 0.15 μm and complexities from 1000 to two million gates, at units prices from 50 Cent. As with cell-based ICs, the integration of different CPU cores is also possible with gate array/embedded array ICs.

ASIC solutions from ELMOS

The ASIC technology from ELMOS Semiconductor also proves to be extremely flexible. It allows the integration of analog and digital circuits in a device. Whether single elements, such as power drivers, diodes and resistors, or more complex circuit units, such as voltage regulators, analog/digital converters and microprocessors - the combination possibilities are almost unlimited.

Furthermore, by means of using the cells as intellectual property (IP), the possibility exists for the user to draw on a multitude of reliable and field-proven peripheral units such as transceivers, DC/DC converters and driver devices.

A particular focus is given to sensor elements. This is where ELMOS Semiconductor’s decades of experience with automotive applications, which must meet the highest technical and quality requirements, is of benefit. In the meantime, in areas such as pressure and inclination sensors, sun angle measurement and rotation rate signal processing, dozens of complete solutions with sensors, analysis electronics and customer-specific housings have been realized.

But, also in the area of actuators ELMOS Semiconductor could, over decades, establish and expand a unique know-how. Typical examples of this are EMV-optimized regulators, solutions for sensorless position detection or measurement of the rotation speed of a DC motor by means of “ripple counting” or Virtuhall.

In addition to a multitude of communications interfaces from the automobile sector - such as CAN, LIN or FlexRay - in the meantime, also new protocols from other sectors, e.g. IO Link, have been realized.

The in-house high-voltage CMOS process enables DC/DC converters with step-up, step-down SEPIC, flyback and additional converter topologies, whereby solutions for both 24 V industrial facilities and 42 V automobile on-board power supplies are offered. By use of special innovative technologies, special converters in the power range from a few mW up to 500 W for segments such as LED lighting, multi-voltage power supplies and power converters can be realized.

You can also use the competence of the ASIC specialists from ELMOS Semiconductor, NEC Electronics and Gleichmann Electronics for your projects. Inform yourself about the various levels of cooperation. From technical consultancy to design-in support right up to undertaking the complete design of your customerspecific ASIC in our own ASIC Center - our experienced product specialists are ready to assist you with help and advice in every phase of your project.

Gleichmann Electronics’ LED lines – with us, every card is a trump

If you are designer that has ever had anything to do with LEDs then you know the importance of consulting competence and in-depth technical knowledge in this field. A LED is not just a LED; this field is especially subject to tremendous technology dynamics. A rash decision for the wrong card and in the end you are left with huge misery.

In order that this doesn’t happen to you, we have looked for five fellow players for you that, without any risk, safely bring you on the winning road. For example, our partner Alder is specialized on illumination with white LED light. If required, special colors and color temperatures are specifically adapted to the applicable project and the specified devices can then be long-lastingly manufactured.

CML offers diverse display elements from small light bulb replacements up to pre-customized LED displays. Some of these are already successfully in use for about 30 years in the field of control panels. However, CML is also reknowed for its innovative LED modules.

Nothing is impossible is the motto of our longstanding partner Everlight. The product portfolio of this manufacturer ranges from the smallest SMD LEDs up to complete LED displays of all types and colors.

A broad spectrum of SMD LEDs as well as wired LEDs and LED displays are the focus of our start-up partner Harvatek. The latest highlights include the smallest commercial SMD LED with dimensions of 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.4 mm, highefficiency high-current SMD LEDs.

Newest member in this round is the company Kingbright, which can already look back on more than 25 years experience in the design and manufacture of LED components. Not least, Kingbright distinguishes itself by high flexibility in the production and in its approach to customer-specific solutions.

You want to know more about the products and service of the respective manufacturers?

Gleichmann Sunrise presents new generation of low-voltage PowerMOSFETS from NEC

SuperJunction1 technology reduces gate charge by more   than 30% despite extremely low on-resistance:
Milton Keynes (UK) - Gleichmann Sunrise has expanded its product portfolio with the addition of new low-voltage-PowerMOSFETs from NEC Electronics. The devices, NP110N04PUJ and NP110N055PUJ, feature a gate charge of just 150 nC with an extremely low R_DS(on) of 1.8 mΩ and 2.4 mΩ respectively.

These two devices are the first low-voltage-PowerMOSFETs to use NEC Electronics’ new SuperJunction1 technology. The advantage of this technology: By adding P-doped regions below the active P-well of the trench cells and reducing the resistance of the N-epitaxial layer through higher doping while maintaining an extremely low on-resistance, the structure width can be significantly enlarged and the gate charge thus reduced. This results in a potential reduction of more than 30%., compared with the UMOS-4 trench technology,

Typical fields of application for PowerMOSFETs, manufactured using SuperJunction1 technology, are those where it is important to switch high currents as efficiently as possible within a short time. These include electric power steering (EPS) and industrial drives in the low-voltage field e.g. in forklift trucks or other battery-operated systems.

The new devices, in a popular D2PAK package, operate with drain-source voltages of 40 V and 55 V. Like all members of the NP series, the new devices are qualified to AEC-Q101, support a channel temperature of up to 175°C and are fully RoHS-compliant thanks to tin-plated leads.

Samples and data sheets of the low-voltage-PowerMOSFETs, NP110N04PUJ and NP110N055PUJ, are available now from Gleichmann Sunrise. According to NEC Electronics, volume production is scheduled to start during the first half of 2009.

GER: Hpe_JTAG - simplifies debugging PCBs with BGAs

Gleichmann Electronics Research presents cost-efficient JTAG tool for easier debugging and testing of PCBs and ICs:
Have you ever had to look for faults on a printed circuit board (PCB) with Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs)? This is particularly troublesome when the signal path that has to be tested is not accessible. Well, don’t worry. We show you how to take a look under your Ball Grid Array and inside your IC using Boundary Scan and Hpe_JTAG.

Let’s refresh our memory and take a quick look at the IEEE Standard 1149.1 ‘Test Access Port and Boundary-Scan Architecture’, released back in 1990. The ‘Joint Test Access Group’ (JTAG) defined a test logic for integration in semiconductor components, enabling self testing, non-intrusive signal observation, as well as testing interconnects between components.

This test logic is uniformly described by the Boundary Scan Description Language (BSDL). BSDL is a subset of the hardware description language VHDL (Very Large Scale Integration Hardware Description Language). For a device to be JTAG compliant, it must have an associated BSDL file.

With Hpe_JTAG, Gleichmann Electronics Research (GER) introduces a tool that makes full use of the specifications and possibilities of the IEEE Standard 1149.1 at a fraction of the cost of expensive high-end JTAG tools, currently with entry-level pricing of less than 400 Euros. When developing this tool, great emphasis has been put on filter functions, the ability to import pin files from FPGA synthesis and automation/extension capabilities via a scripting interface. Besides supporting all obligatory JTAG instructions (BYPASS, SAMPLE, EXTEST), Hpe_JTAG also supports INTEST, provided it is supported by the device. Simply plug in one of the supported JTAG cables, conThis test logic is uniformly described by the Boundary Scan Description Language (BSDL). BSDL is a subset of the hardware description language VHDL (Very Large Scale Integration Hardware Description Language). For a device to be JTAG compliant, it must have an associated BSDL file. With Hpe_JTAG, Gleichmann Electronics Research (GER) introduces a tool that makes full use of the specifications and possibilities of the IEEE Standard 1149.1 at a fraction of the cost of expensive high-end JTAG tools, currently with entry-level pricing of less than 400 Euros. When developing this tool, great emphasis has been put on filter functions, the ability to import pin files from FPGA synthesis and automation/extension capabilities via a scripting interface. Besides supporting all obligatory JTAG instructions (BYPASS, SAMPLE, EXTEST), Hpe_JTAG also supports INTEST, provided it is supported by the device. Simply plug in one of the supported JTAG cables, connect with the target board and you‘re ready to get started!

Using Hpe_JTAG effectively

Some fundamental testing is already performed when initializing the JTAG chain: IDs of the devices in the chain are read and compared to expected IDs specified by the user. If not already available, BSDL files must now be imported.

Hpe_JTAG users can rely on a comfortable graphical user interface for the interactive debugging of PCBs. Moreover, repetitive tasks can be automated via a powerful scripting interface. Figure on page shows the graphical presentation of a JTAG chain containing two devices. Each device is presented by a tab. Changing between devices is achieved by clicking on the tabs. Filter functions allow the user to observe only the I/Os that are currently of interest. For example this could be the configuration bits, if FPGA configuration fails or the clock and reset inputs, if the design shows absolutely no activity. In this context the capability to load pin names from BSDL or pin files (which were generated during the PLD synthesis) comes in handy.

Importing HDL pin names

‘Special Purpose I/Os’ such as configuration or clock inputs can be found easily by simply loading the pin names from the BSDL files of the manufacturer. However, the majority of the I/Os are user I/Os typically just numbered consecutively, for example “IOY0” to “IOYn”. A designer can probably not remember that he/she put the signal TX_CLK on pin W21, but in most cases the signal name indicates the functionality of the signal. For this reason Hpe_JTAG supports importing manufacturer- specific pin files. Typically FPGA designers test their pinouts with dummy designs before going into PCB layout. So it is fair to assume that pinfiles are available at the time a board is powered up for the first time. Hpe_JTAG automatically recognizes all major FPGA vendors and allows importing pin files in the appropriate format. After importing pin files, Hpe_JTAG will know the physical pin location of every I/O of the HDL toplevel entity. Signals of a bus can be grouped together and represented in your preferred format (digital, hex, etc.). The clear signal arrangement immediately answers questions like:

• Is there activity on clock lines or address and data buses?
• Does observation and expectation match; e.g. does a counter count in the right direction?
• Are reset lines active? Are reset values as expected?

Automating repetitive tasks and writing your own extensions

Whenever tasks are repetitive, for example when testing limited lot productions, the user can use the Python based Hpe_JTAG scripting interface to automate tasks. The interface allows any JTAG access: Testing interconnects, setting control signals, Read/ Write accesses to registers Flash or SDRAM, etc. - the variety of application possibilities is effectively almost unlimited. Here are a few examples: An FPGA with N user I/Os combined with Hpe_JTAG could be used as (admittedly very slow) N-channel logic analyzer. If the required sampling rate cannot be achieved with JTAG, the sampled signals could be stored in the FPGAs’ RAM and read out offline with Hpe_ JTAG. Generating a certain response from a device under test requires precise and repeatable stimulus on its inputs. In the case of our example FPGA, the differences between two points in time (time periods) are stored in one RAM and stimulus is stored in another RAM. These RAMs are loaded with Hpe_JTAG and if necessary are modified. This pattern generator is only limited by the width and depth of the memory available on the FPGA. When changing FPGA vendors or transitioning to an ASIC technology the user can reap the fruits of his/her labor. There is no need to become acquainted with new tools, since the proven scripts and solutions are technology independent and can easily be mapped from one technology to another.

Standardized debug interface for internal processes

Besides the application examples described above, the scripting interface could be used as standardized debug interface for internal processes. If actual and nominal condition still do not match after verifying the basic functionality of your board and IC, you may use Hpe_JTAG to monitor external signals, internal Trace-RAMs or complex state machines. Information converging in Hpe_JTAG could then be exported in any format for displaying or further processing. For example the industry-standard Value Change Dump (VCD) format proved to be very useful when exchanging data between various simulators and technologies. Patterns extracted with Hpe_JTAG from your target hardware can be exported in VCD format and displayed and analyzed in simulators or waveform viewers, such as ModelSim. Thus Hpe_JTAG is used to connect the different domains of hardware, software and RTL code.

Did we catch your interest?

Visit http://www.ge-research.com/ jtag.html to download a free simulator and/or demo software. The simulator allows you to become acquainted with the basic functionality and scripting interface of the tool, whereas the demo software will allow access to real hardware. If you have questions about Hpe_JTAG we will be happy to assist you.

batteryuniversity.eu hosts 3-day Seminar and Developer Forum on the topic all around battery technologies

Topics such as current battery technologies and chemicals, reliability and lifespan of batteries, charger technologies, laws and standards, UN transport regulations for lithium batteries, battery test equipment, safety of large rechargeable batteries, protection circuits (switching regulator ICs, safety and connection techniques), battery drives and power management for electric and hybrid vehicles, photovoltaic, fuel cells as well as research and development in the field of mobile power supplies are the focus of the 3-day Entwicklerforum Akkutechnologien (Developer Forum Battery Technologies) - mainly in German language -, hosted by the batteryuniversity.eu of our partner BMZ from April 21 to 23, 2009 in the “Stadthalle Aschaffenburg”, Germany.

On Tuesday, April 21, - training course - professionals will first of all give attendees the opportunity to gain an introduction into the fundamentals of battery technologies or refresh their basic knowledge. During the following two days, specialists from approximately 30 renowned manufacturers and organizations will present the latest technology trends and problem solving. The detailed program of events can be found at www.batteryuniversity.eu.

Combined with the conference is an exhibition, which is open continuously on all 3 days from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM,where attendees can get detailed information and advice from the experts about their new products and technologies.

The attendance fee for the training course is 240 Euros plus 19% VAT per person. For the two-day Experts Forum the attendance fee is 690 Euros plus 19% VAT. per person and for the complete three-day event Developer Forum Battery Technologies is 850 Euros plus 19% VAT. per person. Readers of the Gleichmann Newsletter will receive a discount off the regular fees when they register with Gleichmann Electronics. Reserve your place now at the Developer Forum Battery Technologies.

Personal Profile of Andreas Schwarztrauber – Gleichmann Electronics Research

Learning from the bottom up. True to this motto, Andreas Schwarztrauber gathered almost a decade of international experience in other companies before joining his father’s MSC-Gleichmann Group in 2007.

After completing his studies with a master in electrical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, Andreas got itchy feet and left Germany for an engineering position at Actel Corporation in Silicon Valley in California. After working another four years as an engineer, in the field of microprocessor development tools at Lauterbach Datentechnik, near Munich, he joined Gleichmann Electronics Research (GER) in August 2007. In the beginning Andreas focused on engineering projects and is now moving more towards marketing and sales tasks.

GER is a start-up within the MSC/ Gleichmann group and based in Eching/ Germany and Hagenberg near Linz in Austria. GER develops FPGA and ASIC design tools and was able to win renowned companies like Altera, ARM and Intel as customers for their Hardware Prototyping and Emulation (Hpe) modular platform concept. All development platforms can be extended and used as hardware accelerators to speed-up digital simulations.

In his leisure time Andreas enjoys hiking and motorcycling in Bavaria’s beautiful landscapes. More recently he is also attracted by the likewise beautiful eastern region of Germany, where his fiancée works as zoo director.