Intersil's ISL12024/25 real-time clocks feature an integrated factory-set 64-bit unique ID that is read-only and tamper-proof for increased security and reduced footprint and BOM cost.

Intersil's ISL12024/25 real-time clocks feature an integrated factory-set 64-bit unique ID that is read-only and tamper-proof for increased security and reduced footprint and BOM cost. In a tiny 8-lead package, the devices integrate a standard clock, calendar and alarm functions and also feature an I2C communication link that provides a reliable communication channel for the unique ID. The I2C communication interface is universal and communicates with all devices on the board, saving design time and simplifying the entire system.

Continuing the trend towards feature integration, Intersil's micropower ISL12024/25 RTCs are suitable for both fixed and portable applications.

This level of integration benefits the customer by reducing design cost and footprint.

The ISL12025 also adds a CPU supervisor and watchdog timer for greater BOM reduction.

With on-chip timing and crystal compensation, the devices allow tuning of the crystal frequency through the microcontroller for accurate timekeeping.

The ISL12024/25 feature automatic battery backup in the event system power is interrupted and are designed to operate with a wide range of supply voltages from 2.7V to 5.5V and in a battery back-up mode down to 1.8V.

Power consumption in either case is quite low, with typical 800nA in battery mode.

This further enhances the security and reliability of the final product by extending operation in battery mode.

The ISL12024/25 also provide 4Kbits of EEPROM with eight modes of Block Lock control.

Block Lock control allows safe, secure memory for critical user and configuration data by preventing accidental corruption of data.

The EEPROM data retention is guaranteed over 2,000,000 write cycles.

The calendar has separate registers for date, month, year and day-of-week.

The calendar is correct through 2099, with automatic leap year correction.

The 64-bit unique ID is written, verified and locked at the factory, and it is only accessible for reading and cannot be altered by the customer.

The ISL12025 has integrated power-on reset (POR) and watchdog timer functions with five selectable VTRIP levels ranging from a default level of 2.63V to 4.64V, and has a single output for RESETb.

The ISL12024 has an IRQb/FOUT pin that is software-selected to provide alarm IRQb or frequency output FOUT .

The FOUT has four frequency settings: disabled, 1Hz, 4096Hz and 32,768Hz.

The alarm can be set to any clock/calendar value for a match (for example: every minute, every Tuesday or at 5:23 AM on March 21).

The alarm status is available by checking the status register, or the ISL12024 device can be configured to provide an interrupt via the IRQ/FOUT pin.

There is a pulse mode for the alarms allowing for repetitive alarm functionality.

Offering high reliability, the devices feature a data retention figure of 50 years, and an endurance of 2,000,000 cycles per Byte.

With two non-volatile alarms and a repeat mode (periodic interrupts), other key features of the devices include internal feedback resistor and compensation capacitors, 64-position digitally controlled trim capacitor, six digital frequency adjustment settings to +/-30ppm, 512x8-bits of EEPROM, 16-Byte page write mode (32 total pages), single byte write capability, and 400kHz data transfer rate.

Target applications for the devices include utility meters, audio video equipment, modems, network routers, hubs, switches and bridges, cellular infrastructure equipment, fixed broadband wireless equipment, pagers/PDAs, POS equipment, test meters/fixtures, office automation (copiers, fax), computer products, and security-related applications.

Recent product introductions are summarised in the latest 'What's new @AVX' catalogue, available from all local AVX sales offices.

Groundbreaking patented technology and intelligent design have allowed passives specialist AVX to develop a number of exciting electronic component devices in 2006 such as FLEXISAFE Ultra Safe capacitors for high protection against mechanical cracking issues; 2-terminal Land Grid Array capacitors that offer Equivalent Series Inductance similar to 8-terminal IDCs; and CoreCap capacitors that deliver Equivalent Series Resistance down to 3mandnumber8486; at 300kHz. The company also introduced the 9175 series Wire-to-Board Strip connector for connecting individual wires to a single row of contacts using IDC technology, radically reducing assembly time thanks to a dedicated single-wire insertion hand tool. Over 60 product families have been added to the company portfolio in 2006 (amounting to 19,500 new part numbers).

These have been summarised in the latest 'What's new @AVX' catalogue, available from all local AVX sales offices.

The company has succeeded in developing a reputation for innovation and reliable technology over the years, winning five major industry technology awards in the last fifteen months, including product of the year awards for its TACmicrochip, FLEXITERM and OxiCap capacitors.

Contax is to exhibit at Nepcon 2007 with fourteen new products covering a full range of processes including: placement, soldering, dispensing, x-ray and inspection, storage and wire processing.

Production automation system specialist, Contax, will be exhibiting at Nepcon 2007 at the NEC, Birmingham from 15-17 May 2007. On its stand, E40, Contax will be demonstrating 14 products covering a full range of processes including: placement, soldering, dispensing, x-ray and inspection, storage and wire processing. Four new products will be launched on the stand.

These are as follows.

Universal Instruments Genesis GX-11S: the latest in the Genesis range of placment machines is the GX-11S, a high performance system designed for high-mix, low volume environments.

The GX-11S is a single beam, overhead gantry, multi-function system configured with a 7-spindle FlexJet3 and 4-spindle InLine4 HF head with 5kg placement force.

Essemtec FLX2010-MK/MKL: a complete production system for all assembly operations.

This includes the dispensing of glue and conductive adhesives together with the placement of LEDs, or other SMD components and metal domes.

Two models are available, FLX2010-MK which has a placement area of 500 x 300mm or FLX2010-MKL for larger board sizes of up to 800 x 600mm.

Speedline Camalot FX-D: aimed at the mid to high-end market, this highly flexible new dispenser can be used as a stand-alone or in-line system and can be supplied with or without a heat facility.

It can also be reconfigured in the field to meet virtually any change in requirement.

Komax Q-Tools: demonstrated by Contax for the first time in the UK, Komax Q-Tools is a suite of instruments that is fully integrated into the Komax machine operating software.

By employing Q-Tools all the defined test parameters are verified before an operator can run production.

This ensures that the correct materials are used, and to the correct parameters, so dramatically reducing the amount of scrap produced.

In all, Contax will be exhibiting 3 placement systems on its stand.

In addition to the new Genesis GX-11S and FLX2010 MK/MKL, the popular Universal Instruments AdVantis system will also be featured.

For soldering applications, Contax will be demonstrating the Pillarhouse Jade selective soldering system for the first time in the UK.

Furthermore, it will be showing the popular ATF wave soldering machine and Essemtec RO300FC convection reflow oven.

Dispensing systems on show include the new Speedline FX-D dispenser, together with the popular Speedline MPM AccuFlex stencil printer.

For x-ray and inspection solutions, Contax will be displaying the the Omron VT-RNS automatic optical inspection (AOI) system and the phoenix/x-ray nanome/x high resolution x-ray system with CT capability.

Storage products include the recently launched Essemtec CSS4050 SMD tower holding over 500 component reels with automatic retreival and return along with the McDry MCU-301 humidity cabinet.

Finally, a new Komax wire processing system will available on Contax's stand.

The recently announced Alpha 455 'swivel' style crimp-to-crimp machine will be on show for the first time in the UK, and will incorporate the new Komax Q-Tools.

'This will be our best Nepcon ever,' said Mike Rapson, Managing Director at Contax .

'We have a wide ranging selection of products from the world's most innovative and successful suppliers, such as Universal Instruments, Speedline and Komax.

'We are now able to design and provide a full production line for any manufacturer - from small CEMs to large OEMs.

At our stand at Nepcon, we will be presenting a small snapshot of offerings, but will have our consultants available to provide information on all our systems, or advice on any specific production issue,' he said.

A drop-in replacement for common low insertion force connectors makes mis-mating impossible, says Hypertec of its HDL Series of low insertion force (ZIF) connectors.

Hypertac's HDL Series of low insertion force (ZIF) connectors combine high reliability and ease of assembly with mating cycle performance. Designed for use in exacting applications that require a high-quality electrical connection with frequent mating and unmating, the HDL series is a drop-in replacement for commonly used ZIF connectors. Environments such as military and industrial test and measurement, medical, transportation and telecommunications testing are highly intolerant of component and assembly failure, requiring the excellent levels of reliability and repeatability provided by the HDL Series.

The connectors can withstand 10,000 mating cycles, a performance increase of 50% more than standard contact technology.

Rapid mating and unmating is ensured by Hypertac's 180deg half-turn positive locking system and the provision of an extra guide pin eliminates any possible mis-mating.

Two Polarisation keying options allow users to create up to 36 unique keying options, preventing damage to pins and connectors, and hence reducing downtime and enhancing system reliability.

The HDL Series uses Hypertac's proprietary Hyperboloid contact system to achieve a high current rating of up to 4A, low contact resistance of 7m, and low insertion force of just 0.28N.

These self-cleaning contacts also ensure excellent performance under vibration.

Connectors are available with 156, 96 and 60 positions, at a pin pitch of 2.54mm and a contact diameter of 0.6mm.

They are rated for use across the -55 to +125degC temperature range.

As well as providing a dramatic increase in product performance when compared to existing alternatives, Hypertac also offers a flexible and responsive supply chain solution that can guarantee customers access to products when and where they are required.

The HDL Series is available immediately ex-stock via Hypertac's distribution partner Charcroft Electronics.

A shielded version of the modular HyperMod connector from Hypertac meets the emerging needs for high-speed signal interconnections in railway applications.

Hypertac has announced a shielded version of its modular HyperMod connector to meet the emerging needs for high-speed signal interconnections in railway applications, such as the communication networks made available to passengers within coaches. Its shielding effectiveness meets the exacting EMC requirements of railway environments. The HyperMod shielded modular connector was designed to respond to the growing need to protect signals against electromagnetic interference, driven by the growing use of electronic devices in mass transportation.

The continuous increase in transmission frequencies makes equipment more susceptible to such effects.

The shock-proof aluminium shell of the shielded HyperMod is protected by an environmentally-friendly (RoHS-compliant) conductive plating of trivalent chromium.

The sealing gasket, made of conductive elastomer, ensures shell-to-shell continuity.

The two locking devices available, either with a double lever or with screws, compress the seal to establish perfect grounding.