AVX Corporation has enhanced its free SpiCalci Software that guides designers to select the proper switch mode power supply (SMPS) capacitor to match application requirements. The upgraded SpiCalci 5.0 SMPS software incorporates AVX’s newest capacitor technologies, including TurboCap, the rugged MH Series and the expanded MIL PRF 49470 product offering. In addition, the software allows the user to select critical parameters, build a part number, and view charts such as ESR, impedance versus frequency, temperature change versus applied current, and maximum current over frequency.

Frequency control specialist, Euroquartz has released a new ultra-miniature low profile CX18 crystal from Statek, a global leader in quartz crystal, oscillator and sensor technology.

With overall dimensions of 1.55 x 0.95 x 0.35mm and a typical weight of 1.8mg, the new Statek CX18 is the smallest and lightest surface-mount crystal in the world. The CX18 has a target frequency range of 30MHz and higher with samples of 50MHz versions available immediately. The ultra-miniature crystal is housed in a package with glass lid and is available in tight tolerances around 5ppm.

The AVX Corporation has announced new members of its TPM series of multi-anode mirror design tantalum capacitors which offer improved robustness and feature very low ESR – including the industry’s leading performance device.

The D sized TPM 47µF/25V part offers the lowest ESR in industry - just 55mΩ. In comparison, a single anode part in the same package has an ESR of 100mΩ and the E case device (same footprint, bigger case size) the minimum ESR is 80mΩ. Therefore, by reducing ESR by 30%, the new capacitors offer a significant improvement in filtering capability, even to the extent that one part can sometimes replace two standard single anode devices.

AVX Corporation has developed a highly reliable surface mount crystal resonator that provides a nominal frequency of 32.768kHz in a small ceramic package of 3.2mm x1.5mm and a profile of only 0.8mm. Designated ST3215SB, the reflow compatible tuning fork crystal resonator has a frequency tolerance of +/-20ppm, a maximum ESR of 70kΩ and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

Rapid technological advances in medical electronics are generating significant demand worldwide for a range of passive electronic components, capacitors in particular, for use in a growing and diversified range of medical equipment. Two parallel trends are prompting further demand through increased volume requirements of this equipment in both developed and developing countries. First, the prevalence of ever smaller and low cost electronic devices is supporting the development of affordable and portable medical equipment.  Second, a fast developing wireless infrastructure worldwide, is supporting the rapid deployment of low cost, portable medical equipment in telemedicine applications. 

New developments in manufacturing processes and materials technology have led to significant extensions in Syfer Technology’s range of 100V and 200V X7R surface mount MLCCs (multilayer chip capacitors). 

As a result values have increased dramatically, delivering up to double the capacitance in the same size package as previously.

Precision Devices has introduced a new miniature clock oscillator the OC8037 which is targeted at extreme temperature and harsh environment applications. Extreme conditions are ably supported by the new oscillator which provides an extensive range of operating temperatures including -40°C to 85°C, -55°C to 125°C and additional options to support even higher operating temperatures. Aiding the clock oscillators suitability for harsh environments the OC8037 also offers a high shock resistance of 5000g (at 0.3ms, ½ sine) and a high vibration resistance of 10Hz to 2000Hz at 10g.

Vishay Intertechnology has enhanced its 101/102 PHR-ST screw-terminal power aluminum capacitors with larger 90-mm by 146-mm, 76-mm by 220-mm, and 90-mm by 220-mm case sizes, and 13-mm terminals.

Featuring a cylindrical aluminum case insulated with a blue sleeve and pressure relief in their disc, the 101/102 PHR-ST devices are now available in 11 case sizes, ranging from 35 mm by 60 mm to 90 mm by 220 mm. The new large cases sizes allow for additional high capacitance/voltage combinations from 1 F at 25 V to 10,000 µF at 450 V.

Vishay Intertechnology has introduced a new PAT series of AEC-Q200-qualified precision automotive thin film chip resistors with an ESD rating of 2 kV. Designed to meet new automotive industry requirements for temperature and humidity while offering consistent repeatability and stable performance, the devices feature a low standard TCR of ± 25 ppm/°C and laser-trimmed tolerances down to ± 0.1 %.

Providing professional and amateur musicians a means of repairing guitars and pedals in a moment's notice, TT electronics' BI Technologies has developed a guitar and pedal repair kit.
Designated GPK-101, the repair kit includes 12 different 24mm rotary potentiometers for tone and volume replacements.

"For musicians on the road who need to repair their guitars or pedals during shows, or for dedicated hobbyists who like to repair their own equipment, the guitar and pedal repair kit is an ideal solution," said Alain Leon, product marketing manager for BI Technologies. "Including 12 potentiometers with different resistance values in linear and audio tapers, and a variety of shaft styles and bushing diameters, the repair kit is suitable for an extensive range of guitar and pedal makes and models."

Kemet, a leading manufacturer of tantalum, multilayer ceramic, solid aluminium, plastic film, paper and electrolytic capacitors, has announced the release of several new part types in its GR900 high reliability ceramic capacitor series. The new devices offer higher capacitance values for the company’s defence and aerospace customers, while maintaining quality and reliability.

The latest version of Murata's pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor is said to be the world's smallest at just 5.0 x 4.7 x 2.4 mm, enabling the sensor to be used in compact, low profile electronic devices and equipment. The IRS-B210ST01-R1 is also currently the only surface-mount PIR sensor on the market. It features high sensitivity and signal to noise ratio, excellent stability against temperature changes and white light and enhanced RFI immunity.

AVX Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has announced a new low ESR tantalum capacitor range which includes – for the first time – low ESR 330µF/6.3V parts in a C-case (6032-26). Previously, the only low ESR option within this capacitance/voltage (C/V) ratio was only available in the larger D-case (7343-31).

CamdenBoss has launched a new range of polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) fuses for use in a wide range of applications where protection from over voltage/current conditions is required.

The new PTC fuses are available for voltages from 6 to 250V with current ratings from 0.03 to 14A. The radial lead devices come in 5 and 10mm pitch versions with the 5mm types available in bulk or ammo packs, 10mm types in bulk only.

Murata has increased the lineup of its chip thermistor family by adding a new automotive grade series of compact NTC (negative temperature coefficient) chip thermistors.

The NCP****0S** series features operating temperature between -40 and 150C and will be used in high temperature environments such as engine control circuitry.

The NCP****0S** series features wide resistance value and size ranges to maximise design flexibility. The automotive grade parts are available in two case sizes. The NCP15**0S* series is in 0402 case size, including 22 different resistance values between 1.5kOhm and 470kOhm. The NCP18**0S* series is in 0603 case size and features extended resistance range with 21 available values between 100 Ohm and 470 kOhm.

Bel Fuse is to expand its 0ZCx Series of surface mountable Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) resettable fuses. The RoHS-compliant, lead-free and halogen-free Series features Bel's unique polymer formulation to ensure long-life performance and enhanced overcurrent protection in the broadest range of consumer electronics. 

Offered in five EIA/IECQ case sizes ranging from 0805 to 2920, the chip fuses are rated up to 60 VDC with current ratings up to 3A. Chips are specifically engineered to limit the flow of dangerously high current during fault conditions to protect products and systems from overcurrent surges and overtemperature faults.

Specialist RF & Microwave component distributor, Aspen Electronics, has announced the immediate availability of a new range of ultra-stable, ultra-low noise amplifiers, targeted directly at high reliability applications.

Designed and built in the US by Ciao Wireless, the amplifiers in this comprehensive family are available with frequency bands in the range from 1.0 to 2.9 GHz.  Ultra low noise is the key feature of Ciao’s devices with noise figures as low as 0.3dB typical to 0.5dB maximum, depending on model.

Murata has developed a capacitor end termination technology that significantly reduces the risk of damage when subject to bending stress.

The GCJ and GRJ series of MLCCs incorporate the company's new 'soft' termination technology, and are based on Murata's leading GCM and GRM series of MLCCs for automotive (GCJ) and consumer device (GRJ) applications. The GCJ series is AEC-Q200 compliant.

Imaging systems such as scanners currently represent the largest and most vibrant sector of the medical electronics industry. Demand for non-magnetic components is increasing, especially for medical applications such as MRI equipment.  In response UK-based component manufacturer, Syfer Technology, has developed a new range of multilayer ceramic capacitor devices dedicated to the medical market, featuring a copper barrier and tin finish.

The use of conventional nickel barrier terminations is not suitable due to the magnetic properties exhibited by nickel. Silver/palladium (Ag/Pd) terminations have been used in the past, but are no longer viable due to the increase in soldering temperatures necessitated by the use of lead-free solders, as dictated by RoHS requirements. The result has been solder leaching problems for Ag/Pd terminations, making an alternative termination essential.

AVX Corporation has expanded its high-voltage surface mount capacitor offering to include smaller case sizes, higher voltage ranges and higher capacitance values. AVX’s high-voltage ceramic capacitors are now available in case sizes ranging from 0805 to 3640 with voltage ratings from 600V to 5000V and capacitance values of 10pF to .56uF.

CISSOID, a provider of high temperature semiconductor solutions, has introduced a new product in their Planet family of high temperature transistors and switches. Mercury is a High Temperature 80V Small-Signal N-channel MOSFET Transistor with guaranteed operating temperature range from -55°C to 225°C.

Murata has revealed details of key products in what is a diverse technology roadmap for 2010. Key developments for next year include technologies for automotive and consumer electronics, the world's smallest UHF reader/writer module for RFID applications, a new passive device for circumventing open defects in LED lighting, a growing micro-mechatronics portfolio, and two new capacitor technologies.

The AVX Corporation has extended the working voltage range of its RF multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) from 100VDC to 250VDC.  Designated the SQCA Series, the high performance MLCC provides low ESR, high Q, high self-resonance, and a capacitance range of 0.1 pF to 100 pF in a 0605 case size.

AVX Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has expanded its offering of MIL QPL products with switch mode power supply capacitors that meet MIL PRF 49470 specifications.

AVX Corporation has extended its AntennaGuard SPV Series of low capacitance multilayer varistors (MLVs) to include a sub 0.5pF version to minimise signal distortion.

Young Electronics Group has introduced the Nippon ChemiCon ultra low ESR functional polymer capacitor with improved noise absorption and is suitable for digital information appliances, DC:DC converters, voltage regulators, de-coupling applications such as those used on computer motherboards, etc.

AVX Corporation has developed a broadband capacitor that addresses DC blocking issues from 16kHz (-3dB roll-off) to 40GHz by providing low insertion and return losses.  The broadband capacitor is suitable for applications such as semiconductor data communications, receiver optical subassemblies, trans-impedance amplifiers and test equipment.

In the automotive and consumer worlds, major manufacturers are using switch technology to enhance the branding of their products. From the sound of a button on the dashboard or on a cell phone keypad, to the consistent illumination of the dashboard or backlighting of the display, switches play an integral role in continuity of sound, look and feel. In addition to increased brand recognition, more customers are looking for components that are easy to integrate and provide high accuracy.

Vishay Intertechnology has released a new series of tantalum-cased wet tantalum capacitors with glass-to-tantalum hermetic seals.

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new rail-mounted electronic circuit breaker, the E-T-A ESS22-T. Compliant with the machinery safety standard EN60204-1 and particularly useful in process control, the steel industry and power plant technology, it offers selective disconnection and double-pole physical isolation of loads, only disconnecting faulty load circuits in the event of an overload or short circuit.

Crystek's CRBV55CW-1000-2000 RedBox VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) operates from 1000 MHz to 2000 MHz with a control voltage range of 1.0~20.0V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz @ 10KHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically +5.5 dBm.

AVX Corporation has expanded its Zinc Oxide (ZnO) based varistor series to include an 18V-rated version that exhibits a low leakage current of 1µA maximum, which extends battery life in portable devices.

Bourns has said that the company has  expanded its line of fixed resistor products to include a new radio frequency (RF) Power Termination that is the industry’s first Stripline 50 ohm Termination to feature 1000 Watts (W) at frequencies up to 1 gigahertz (GHz). 

Crystek's CPLL58-3900-4300 PLL/Synthesizer operates from 3900 MHz to 4300 MHz with a typical Step Size of 2500 KHz. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the model CPLL58-3900-4300 is housed in a compact 0.582-in. x 0.8-in. x 0.15-in. SMD package, which saves board space.

AVX Corporation has developed a medium power capacitor series that features high frequency operation with the lowest stray inductance of any product on the market. 

Nextreme Thermal Solutions has announced that its OptoCooler HV14 has passed the 3000g
shock test as defined in the MIL-STD 883E Method 2002 Mechanical Shock standard.

TT electronics IRC has extended the qualified resistance range of its thick film MIL-PRF-55342 R level resistors. The TMC Series resistors are now qualified from 1 ohm to 10M ohms for the 1206 style; and 1 ohm to 15M ohms for the 2010 and 2512 package sizes.

Reducing the fuel consumed to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for homes, offices and other premises will play an increasingly important role in reducing carbon emissions to meet the targets originally set at Kyoto and that look likely to be revised later this year in Copenhagen. Although consumers are probably now more in favour of energy-saving technologies than ever before, adoption will depend, as always, on delivering a worthwhile improvement at the right price.

Syfer Technology, has announced extensive additions to its UL and TÜV approved surge and safety capacitor product ranges. Syfer's capacitor solutions for transient and surge protection are used extensively in networked and mains-based electronic equipment, in a wide range of industry sectors, providing valuable protection against lightning strikes and other transient events.

UL and/or TÜV approvals are often a critical factor in component choice for manufacturers supplying to top tier OEMs, service providers and systems builders.

Avago Technologies has introduced a new miniature compact highly integrated GPS low noise amplifier (LNA) that offers superior performance levels. Avago's ALM-1812 integrates a LNA and pre- and post high-rejection filters in a miniature compact package to provide a complete, compact and high-performance GPS RF front-end module that will help simplify the design of a wide range of GPS handset applications. Avago is a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications.

TT electronics Welwyn Components has extended its portfolio of precision resistors with a range of high-voltage planar resistors rated from 5 to 40kV in air. Offering nominal values from 1K0 to 40G, the new PHVP family is available in precision grades to ±0.05%, with temperature coefficients as low as 10ppm/°C. The non-inductive, non-magnetic design delivers voltage coefficients down to -0.05ppm/V.

Frequency control specialist, Euroquartz has introduced a new range of low cost, 3.2 x 2.5mm surface mount HCMOS XpressO oscillators that are available on a three week leadtime for production quantities.

With a wide frequency range from 0.75 to 250MHz and industry standard footprint and pin-out, the new Fox Electronics FXO-HC32 series 3.3V XpressO oscillators are ideal for a variety of applications that require low phase jitter (typically less than 1ps) in an exceptionally compact, cost-effective package. These include microprocessor, DSP, FPGA, SONET and Ethernet environments as well as industrial controllers, test and measurement equipment and storage area networks.

NIC Components Europe has a new product range - the NEXC series. The SMT double-layer capacitors have been designed to provide memory back-up under power failure conditions and are now available from Texim Europe.

The NEXC series offers the first surface mount memory back up capacitor in a V-chip style package equivalent to those packages used for lower capacitance/value combinations. This advancement significantly increases the possible applications for memory back up devices as current SMT packages that are available offer only pseudo SMT packages with unconventional PCB layouts and additional handling issues during production.

Finder has added higher current rated relay interface modules to its broad range of electromechanical products.  The single pole 38.01 and 38.11 are designed to switch electrical loads up to 16A, 250VAC and provide an interface between output limited PLC, BMS and other electronic controllers, and high current loads such as heaters, motors and solenoids.

Modern military aircraft are increasingly reliant on electronics for a wide range of avionics, communications, navigation, life support, weapons system and other mission control functions.

A new highly compact crystal has been introduced by frequency control solutions manufacturer, Precision Devices Inc (PDI). The new C2 crystal consumes only 5.0mm² of PCB real estate with extremely compact dimensions of only 2.5mm (l) x 2.0mm (w) x 0.55mm (d).

As the electronics industry tightens its belt, one segment at least is still shining brightly, literally. The market for LEDs is growing, and while some believe the growth has slowed slightly over the past year, others see it as strong as ever and there is confidence that this boom will continue over the next couple of years at least.

Today the LED and the global photonics industry are two of the hottest topics being discussed in corporate boardrooms and, increasingly, finding a place on Government agendas, as the potential for these emerging technologies are discussed. Things have come a long way since the day in the 1920s when Oleg Vladimirovich Losev looked into his radio set and noticed a faint red light emanating from the diodes.  Despite allegedly writing to Einstein, without reply, a series of evolutionary steps over a thirty year period has taken solid state (LED) lighting from the red glow familiar to users of 70s hi-fi equipment to modern day examples such as the entertainment and stage lighting industry.

High brightness (HB) LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are quickly replacing incandescent lighting in automotive, industrial, home and many consumer electronics applications. By some calculations, the transition from traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to LED lighting could save up to 10% of the total current energy required worldwide.

TT electronics BI Technologies has developed a surface mount dual winding inductor that can also be used as a common mode choke. The HM78D series of inductors are housed in a rugged, cost-efficient package and have excellent current handling characteristics.

The surface mount inductor is also specified for use in SEPIC (single ended primary inductor converter) applications, as well as CD and DVD players, and digital cameras.

Vishay Intertechnology has released three new high-precision CECC-qualified Bulk Metal Foil resistors for demanding avionics, military, and space (AMS) applications. The devices feature a low TCR of ± 2 ppm/°C typical from - 55 °C to 155 °C, 20 °C ref., tolerances from ± 0.01 %, and a load-life stability of ± 0.005 % (50 ppm) at 70 °C for 2000 hours at rated power.

The RS92N, RS92NA, and AN resistors are qualified to CECC standards and display parts-per-million changes in service, as opposed to percentage changes that occur with thick film, thin film, and wirewound resistors.

Linear Technology has introduced an overvoltage protection regulator with overcurrent protection and inrush current limiting for high availability systems. The LT4356-3 is a new option offering latch-off operation under fault conditions, and is the latest member of a family of products designed to suppress high voltage surges and currents to protect downstream electronics from damage.

ACAL Technology has made available new sub-miniature surface-mount crystals which are capable of supporting the growing demand for stable and accurate RF clocking in portable or handheld wireless and other space-constrained applications.

The ACT2016SMX-4 and ACT2205SMX-4 crystals from Advanced Crystal Technology (ACT) and ACAL Technology meet the growing demand for crystals which can provide enhanced long-term stability in ultra-compact packages.

The new Delta FFB 1012EHE from Aerco is a 12VDC axial equipment fan that has a frame size of 100mm x 100mm x 38mm so offering a compromise between the more usual frame sizes of 92 and 120mm allowing optimised cooling of small enclosures.

Wolfson Microelectronics has announced a new single chip mono DAC and speaker amplifier that optimises sound pressure levels (SPL) and maximises intelligibility from low cost speakers, which are typically used in portable navigation devices, mobile handsets, digital radios and conference speakerphones.

austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS5163, a magnetic rotary encoder IC specifically designed to meet stringent automotive requirements in angle sensing applications where more robust IC protection is essential.

The new automotive magnetic encoder IC incorporates both 27 Volt overvoltage protection and -18 Volt reverse polarity at supply pins. It also features an intelligent short circuit monitoring function to protect it against damage under short circuit condition. This makes the encoder IC ideally suited for automotive applications, such as throttle or gas-pedal systems.

C&K Components has developed two new series of pushbutton switches. The AP Series and HP Series are both sealed switches that feature extended life cycles to 1 million and 10 million actuations, respectively.

Both pushbutton switches are ideal for use in the harsh environments of off-road, industrial and medical applications.