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Component Specifier
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
As SMT matures and its end products continue to shrink in size but grow in capability, manufacturers are constantly in need of components that satisfy demanding footprint, reliability and placement requirements. Modern manufacturing techniques are useless if a board's components are out of date, perform poorly or fail to satisfy end-user requirements. To assist manufacturers in this search, SMT Magazine presents Component Specifier, a product section designed to spotlight state-of-the-art active, passive, odd-form and interconnect components.
ACTIVEWafer Scale CSPXtreme CSP reportedly is ideal for RF/wireless applications and can be used in a variety of applications from baseband functions such as microprocessors, DSP and memory, to RF functions such as power amplifiers, VCO and LNA. Three new versions of the company's CSP technology have been introduced: Electroplated CSP features ball heights of less than 200 µm; Ball Placement CSP features ball heights greater than 200 µm; and the Single Mask CSP, said to be the most economical, is available in limited design configurations.Unitive Advanced Semiconductor Packaging, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
32 Mbit SRAMThree new 32 Mbit synchronous SRAMs represent the highest density available in a single package. The WED2ZL361MS-BC and the WED2ZL361MV-BC are 2.5 and 3.3 V versions, respectively, of 1 M x 36 bit NBL (No Bus Latency) synchronous SRAM. The components are designed to sustain 100 percent bandwidth. All three products are available in speed ranges from 100 to 166 MHz, reportedly ideal for high-end networking applications such as gigabit/terabit ethernet, ATM switches, add/drop multiplexors and optical switches.White Electronic Designs, Westborough, Mass.
PASSIVEHigh-voltage Power ConversionThe new TOPSwitch family, capable of delivering up to 250 W, reportedly integrates a high-voltage Power MOSFET, PWM control, fault protection and other control circuitry onto a single chip. Features include soft-start, for minimum overshoot and lower component stresses at start-up; frequency jittering for low EMI; wider-duty cycle for smaller input capacitors; zero-load regulation capability; very high light-load efficiency for low standby consumption; and hysteretic thermal shutdown for automatic fault recovery.Power Integrations Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.
Chip Scale PackagingChip scale packaging is now available in a series of integrated passive networks that reportedly can be configured for a wide range of line termination and EMI/RFI filtering functions. These functions are designed to meet the demands of wireless voice and data communications where high-density and high-frequency performance is critical. The low-profile packaging is said to give the devices an ultra-short signal path, resulting in lower parasitic inductance, which, in turn, reduces the signal delays and "ground bounce" effect that can erode high-frequency performance.International Resistive Co. Inc., Boone, N.C.
Frequency Translation ModuleCTM5100 Frequency Translation Module reportedly translates external references into any digital frequency protocol, outputting a clean, stable, low-jitter signal. The component, fully compliant with Bellcore Stratum 3 and ITU-IT standards, accommodates two reference sources (primary and secondary) via programmable inputs, both typically at 8 kHz. Features include alarm outputs, programmable holdover mode in the absence or loss of signal, forced free-run mode, and edge-triggered inputs.Champion Technologies, Franklin Park, Ill.
Integrated Diode NetworksA full line of EMI/RFI RC Schottky diode networks reportedly perform in high-speed data transmissions to reduce wave reflections and signal ringing that may cause detriment to system performance. The networks feature multiple terminating lines per package, and the resistance range for the series is 10 Omega to 10 KOmega, with a capacitance range of 10 to 100 pF. The diode capacitance is 5 pF. Applications for the networks include AC termination, EMI/RFI suppression, impedance matching, and the reduction of distortion and transmission line effects.KOA Speer Electronics Inc., Bradford, Pa.
Cooling TechnologiesThe OptoTEC line of complete telecom cooling solutions includes new thermoelectric coolers (designated ET) and expanded packaging and testing capabilities. The line features a new class of thermoelectrics built with tin-antimony solder, which melts at 232°C. The expanded cooler line now includes thermoelectrics constructed with three different solder temperatures, 138°, 232° and above 270°C, reportedly resulting in maximum flexibility for packaging temperatures, in addition to reliable operation for different temperature extremes. Options available in the product line include wire-bondable posts or pads, aluminum nitride ceramics, custom metallization patterns on the ceramic, and more.Melcor Corp., Trenton, N.J.
LEDsTwo styles of SMT LEDs feature the unusual combination of a built-in domed lens on top of a flat-bottomed carrier. Compared with conventional LEDs that emit light over a wide angle of 130 to 180°, the new LEDs focus the light to a narrower 50° angle of emission, reportedly increasing the light intensity seen by the observer, without requiring separate, additional lenses or light pipes. These LEDs are said to be ideal for display or backlighting applications, as well as for status or circuit fault indicators, as keyboard post lighting, in medical diagnostic circuits, or anywhere a focused light source in a surface mount package is desired.Lumex Inc., Palatine, Ill.
Miniature ResonatorClaimed to be the world's smallest resonator, the new CSTCR series (4.5 x 2.0 mm), is used in the clock circuit of a microcontroller IC and will replace the CSTCC series (7.2 x 3.0 mm). Aside from greater miniaturization, the CSTCR also offers gold terminals, making it suitable for conductive glue mounting, and operates over the frequency range of 4.00 to 7.99 MHz. The series is lead-free and has improved temperature and aging characteristics, reportedly making it suitable for demanding automotive (-40° to 125°C) applications.Murata Electronics North America, Smyrna, Ga.
Touch-sensitive SwitchA new, front-mounting, touch-sensitive switch is fully sealed against harsh environments, operator abuse, vandalism, and extreme washdown or submersion. The solid-state Series 75 CT 1B device has no moving parts or electrical switch contacts, features a 20 mm diameter active area made of nickel plated brass, and mounts in a standard 22.5 mm hole. The switch reportedly is a rugged alternative to piezoelectric, capacitance and touch-screen approaches for a variety of indoor and outdoor public access, process control and transportation applications.EAO Switch Corp., Milford, Conn.
Bluetooth RF ModulesThree digital short-range RF modules for wireless communication between portable consumer devices, the new line of Bluetooth components reportedly are optimized for notebook and handheld application but may be employed in any device that uses Bluetooth technology. The products include a 15.1 x 13.9 x 2.2 mm 0dBm power RF module for cell phone applications; a 33.7 x 16.0 x 2.2 mm 0dBm device for PDA and handheld computing devices; and a 32.0 x 19.5 x 2.2 mm 20dBm for notebook and portable PC applications. All three comply with Bluetooth specification version 1.0b, operate in the 2.4 GHz band, and support both voice and data communications.Taiyo Yuden (U.S.A.) Inc., San Jose, Calif.
INTERCONNECTSMA ConnectorsA new family of SMA connectors, which reportedly meets the RF connector needs of applications including process controls, PC/LANs, wireless systems, telecommunications, base stations and microwave systems, is now available in industry-standard 50 Omega versions. The connectors are offered in more than 40 styles and configurations including crimp, clamp, PCB mount, chassis mount and buckhead mount, as well as a wide variety of standard and custom plating alternatives. These connectors meet all industry standards and are tested for operation across the frequency range of DC to 18 GHz.Methode Electronics Inc., Union, N.J.
Integrated Magnetics/Connector ModulesThe belMag family of shielded RJ-45 connector modules with integrated magnetics for 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet applications now includes surface mount products. Interfacing with a broad spectrum of LAN transceivers, both the new SMT version and through-hole belMag connectors have met the requirements of Contech Research, an independent evaluation firm specializing in connector assessment. Claimed to be ideal for use in a wide range of applications such as adapter cards, hubs, concentrators, motherboards, bridges, routers and point-to-point links, the connector family consists of modules in three configurations: only LAN magnetics (isolation transformers and common mode chokes); magnetics and a 2 kV capacitor; and magnetics, capacitor and termination resistors.Bel Fuse Inc., Jersey City, N.J.
Backplane InterconnectMPI>SI (Side Interface) is a new PCB backplane interconnect (patent pending) with a signal-to-ground ratio of 8:1 that reportedly achieves signal speeds higher than 3 Gb per second with no measurable crosstalk. The innovation brings the traces of the daughtercard to the narrow side of the PCB before connecting them directly to the backplane with a grid of metallized particle interconnect (MPI) columns. Incorporating the MPI technology into the side of a standard daughtercard gives manufacturers of high-speed servers, routers and workstations a new level of performance from backplane system architecture, as well as doubling the contact density per row and eliminating mechanical connectors from the backplane, the company says.Thomas & Betts Corp., Memphis, Tenn.
Surface Mount Pin ReceptaclesSurface mount pin receptacles, discrete sockets that permit leaded components to be plugged into SMT circuits, now are offered on tape-and-reel. Originally designed for cellular phones, their versatility reportedly can be applied to many other applications, such as edge card connectors and PDAs. The receptacles are supplied on tape per EIA-481 for assembly with industry standard pick-and-place equipment. Thirty-five sizes of contact to accept pins ranging in diameter from 0.012 to 0.102", as well as square and rectangular component leads are available.Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Data ConnectorUltra-SCSI-II Shielded Connector reportedly combines data, control and power in a compact connector for use in high-speed SCSI-II data storage applications. Features include 68 shielded SCSI-II data contacts, rated at 1 A each; 14 user-control contacts located on 0.100" centers and four power contacts rated at 4 A each on standard 0.200" centers. Contacts are made of phosphor bronze, copper or brass. High-temperature thermoplastic construction provides for high-volume reflow soldering operations.Ranoda Electronics Inc., Tracy, Calif.
SCART ConnectorsK-SCART series connectors now are available in right-angle, vertical and stacked configurations. Designed to be compatible with video applications in the European marketplace, contact resistance is reported at 20 mOmega. The stamped pins are phosphor bronze, said to provide better contact retention, and the body is PBT thermoplastic, UL94V-2 rated. Mounting options include non-threaded inserts and board locks.Kycon Inc., San Jose, Calif.
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Good Things in Small Packages Ferrite Bead Supply Affects Time-to-Market
Ferrite beads are essential to shielding radio frequencies (RF). Yet, they often are overlooked in the design of electronic components, sometimes until the last moment. Small and inexpensive, ferrite beads are considered a "commodity" like salt. But ferrite beads are neither readily available nor generic. Each has a specific frequency that enables it to act as an RF choke and to provide inexpensive but highly effective RF shielding, parasitic suppression and RF decoupling at specific high frequencies.
As a result of this "commodity" assumption, manufacturers can find themselves in a situation in which they need a massive amount of ferrite beads, only to find that they will not be available from their supplier for months. The lack of ferrite beads in needed frequencies can, in turn, halt production of a new or existing product for whatever amount of time it takes to locate the needed supplies.
Brian Nowaske, operations director of Mag. Layers USA, a Costa Mesa, Calif.-based firm that designs, manufactures and markets high-quality passive components for EMI/EMC applications, notes that the most costly delay in the industry right now is on product shipments. Many ferrite bead suppliers require lead times that prove to be much too long for many customers. In some instances, the customer's product design changes, outmoding bead specifications even before a shipment arrives.
Nowaske suggests several solutions to the supply problem. First, "You need to know where your products ferrite beads in this instance are made. There are a lot of distributors in the supply chain who position themselves as manufacturers by creating brand names through private labeling products that somebody else manufactures for them. So, when it comes to promising deliveries, they are not really in control of their own production and could let the customer down."
If a customer is dealing with a supplier who is a distributor rather than a manufacturer of ferrite beads, the standard lead time can be between 20 to 24 weeks for product, rather than the 8 to12 week lead time for manufacturers such as Mag. Layers.
Nowaske adds that lead times of 8 to 12 weeks are not unreasonable, so secondly, customers should ask for them. If the supplier is unable to meet the requirements, customers should continue looking for a supplier who can. Finally, Nowaske suggests that manufacturers ask potential suppliers who their customers are. This will provide an idea of the supplier's overall acceptance in the marketplace, as well as indicate their quality levels and manufacturing capacities.
If manufacturers follow these guidelines, time-to-market can be improved significantly. For more information, contact Mag. Layers USA via email at sales@maglayersusa.com, or on the Internet at www.maglayersusa.com.