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PRODUCT SHOWCASE New synthesiser from Yamaha Yamaha Music Australia has recently released the first synthesiser to employ Virtual Acoustics (VA), a sys­tem which generates waveforms by way of a computer model of the actual instruments. Virtual Acoustic Synthesis simulates in software the complex vibrations, resonances, reflections and other natural acoustic phenomena that occur with a real acoustic instrument. The VA model simulates the effect of an instrument being blown, plucked, bowed or hit, responding to subtle changes in lip shape, air pressure and playing technique. The first Virtual Acoustic Synthesiser, the Yamaha VLl (standing for Virtual Lead), features a VA subset called S/ VA (self-oscillating VA). S/VA is ideal for simulating instruments that vibrate through the continuous application of a constant pressure, namely wind and bowed string in­struments. It has no oscillators, no preset waveforms, no samples and in fact, none of the sound generation concepts employed in conventional synthesisers. New pressure sensor in a DIP package Sensym has released a new se­ ries of low cost, temperature com­pensated, solid state pressure sen­sors in a DIP package. They are intended for applications where automated board mounting, calibrated span and offset (0°C to 50°C), stability, reliability and low cost are important design requirements. The pressure ports allow easy connection via standard plastic tub­ing. The devices are available in either absolute or gauge configurations in the following pressure ranges: -1, 5, 15, 30 and 100 psi full scale. The output of the de­vices is ratiometric to the supply voltage and operation from any DC source up to +20 volts is accept­able. The SDX devices feature an integrated circuit sensor element and laser 88  Silicon Chip trimmed thick film ce­ramic housed in the solvent resist­ant DIP package. All SDX parts are calibrated for span to within 3.5% and provide a zero pressure out­ put offset of ±1mV max. For further information call NSD Australia on 008 335 623 or (03) 890 0970. The VLl is equipped with a 49-note keyboard with 2-note polyphony and an integral breath controller. It provides the performer with control over the subtle nuances which affect the instrument's timbre, such as the ef­fects of note-to-note transitions and breath or reed pressure. Since VA stores mathematical models of real instruments, this data can also be used to create virtual instruments that couldn't exist in the real world – a bowed saxophone or blown violin, for example. Creating new instruments is simply a matter of defining the appropriate characteristics, its size and shape, the type of reed or bow, the length of the sound column, and so on. Using a combination of the keyboard, breath controller, foot ped­als or other controllers, a musician can then play the instrument as expressively as if it physically existed. For further information, contact Yamaha Music Australia by phone on (03) 699 2388, or fax (03) 699 2332. Development tools for PIC16 microcontrollers Parallax makes affordable development tools for the PIC16Cxx micro­ c ontrollers from Microchip Technol­ogy. Parallax's tools include assem­blers, programmers, downloaders and simulators that work with IBM PC compatibles running DOS. The Parallax PIC assembly language offers both 8051-style mnemonics and Microchip's instruction set. Programs are written on the PC using any text editor, then assembled and programm ed into a PIC. The programmer blank checks, reads, verifies and programs PICs. The programmer's two LIF sockets accept all 18- and 28-pin DIP parts for the PIC16C5x, PIC16C71 and PIC16C84. ZIF and SOIC adaptors are also available, as well as a DIP adaptor for the new PIC16C64. The downloader speeds prototype development by plugging in place of a PIC16C5x in the target system, and runs at 8MHz. Substituting the down­loader for a real PIC allows rapid code testing without the user having to re­move, erase, program and replace ac­tual chips. The new TrueFlight programmer/ downloader supports the newer PIC16C71 and PIC16C84. Using a pro­ d uction part and an on-board flash UV eraser, TrueFlight quickly pro­grams and erases PIC16C71s. The EEPROM-based PIC16C84 is erased electrically. Using either chip and a cable connected to the target system, TrueFlight functions as a 20MHz download er. The simulator models a PIC16C5x in software on the PC, showing regis­ters, flags, the stack and pins. The simulator can be stepped, breakpoints can be set, and a watchdog timer ena­bled. Most of the-registers can be al­ tered by the user during simulation. For more information contact MicroZed Computers, PO Box 634, Armidale. Phone (067) 72 2777 High speed recorder from Yokogawa A new floppy disc based high speed transient recorder featuring 1Mb of acquisition memory has been released by Yokogawa. Designated the model ORM1200, this recorder complements Yokogawa's recently released memory card recorder, the ORP1200. The ORM1200 can be connected directly to voltages from millivolt lev­els up to ±500V and a wide range of thermocouples. 4, 8 or 16 input chan­nels may be fitted, with an optional further 16 logic channels available. Similar to the ORP1200, the ORM1200 incorporates the benefits of a pen recorder, oscilloscope, memory recorder and an XY recorder in one portable unit. A real time electroluminescent display capable of Newtrik A2 audio test instrument Amber Technology has announced the new Neutrik A2 audio test & service system, a high per­formance, comprehensive 2-chan­nel test and measurement instru­ment featuring a wide range of analysing/sweeping/graphics func­tions, a versatile signal generator, oscilloscope and graphic printer in­terface. The Newtrik A2 provides all the instrument functions re­ quired for audio testing applica­tion in recording studios, broad­ c ast stations, consumer electronics servicing and audio equipment manufacturing. The A2 has a clear "one button­ one function" keyboard with a large, easy to read LCD graphic display, enabling complex tests to be per­formed without reference to the manual. The A2 also transfers graphic and text hard copy of all measurements to any Epson, IBM or HP compatible standard printer. Featuring two balanced, fully dif­ferential inputs, the A2's analyer section can simultaneously meas­ ure level, crosstalk, level-ratio and phase in fully automatic THD, IMD, noise, wow and flutter, scope, drift and spectral analysis modes. The integral 2-channel digital storage oscilloscope is self triggered, auto scaling and auto ranging, and is equipped with a time-base optimising algorithm. The generator section features DSP technology to provide the high­ est quality signal accuracy and clar­ ity and delivers crystal controlled pure sine wave (20Hz to 100kHz), square wave, white/pink noise, multi-tone and warbled signals. The generator may be swept in frequen­cy and amplitude, with selectable start/stop and sweep parameters. A 400Hz high pass (hum and noise elimination) filter, 22Hz to 22kHz bandpass filter, and a CCIR 468-3 noise weighting filter are included as standard, together with a wow and flutter weighting filter. Other standard or custom filters are available on request. Measurement results are displayed on a 256 x 128 backlit graphics LCD display. Featuring large, easy to read characters, the display also provides dual bar graphs to display amplitude of the two input channels. Display scaling is auto­matically adjusted to the amplitude swing of the measured values. The oscilloscope displays two traces (original signal and residual) in the THD mode, or both input channels otherwise. An inbuilt Centronics interface provides output to a wide variety of standard printers. The optional RS232 serial interface facilitates full remote control of the A2 from a PC, employing Neutrik's AS03 control software. Designed to run on IBM XT, AT and compatible computers, the AS03 software provides en­hanced measurement functions for the A2 Audio Test & Service Sys­tem. AS03 features a window con­trolled user interface with mouse support on-line help for ease of operation. For further information, contact Amber Technology Pty Ltd, Unit B, 5 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest, 2086. Phone (02) 975 1211. June 1994  89 1GHz digital real time oscilloscope Tektronix has announced the world’s first 1GHz Digital Real Time (DRT) oscilloscope, the TDS684A. The TDS684A’s real­time data acquisition capability stems from its use of proprietary sampling technology, which ena­ bles the scope to sample data at 5 gigasamples/second on all four channels showing input waveforms exceeding 50Hz without envelope effects is standard. Chart output is by a 200mm thermal array, which can record input signals or reprint memory data in A4 or A5 size for hard copy filing or transmission by fax. Data logging without chart output beyond the ORP1200s' internal 128Kb per channel is possi­ble by logging the captured data to the standard 1.44Mb floppy disk. Data is stored in MSDOS format, and can be read by most PC compatible comput­ ers, or reviewed on the ORM1200s' screen. For further information, contact Yokogawa Australia. Pty Ltd, Centrecourt D3, 25-27 Paul St, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 805 0699 or fax (02) 888 1844. Deluxe car sound system from Kenwood Kenwood has released the System X905, comprising the X905 cassette­ tuner with CD control, P705 Digital Signal Processor and C705 Multiple CD player. 90  Silicon Chip simultaneously. This per­mits the TDS684A to capture highly complex, non-repetitive sig­nal events associated with ad­vanced digital systems at the scope’s full 1GHz bandwidth. The TDS684A achieves its 1GHz performance without any compromises. With its 15,000 points record length, the scope can ac­quire up to 3 microseconds of data at the The heart of the system is the X905 cassette-tuner CD changer controller that controls up to two C705 multiple CD players plus other Kenwood products that incorporate the company's proprietary "Bus Line System" or K-Bus connection. The P705 Digital Signal Processor offers the effects of Concert Hall, Jazz Club, Stadium, Dance Hall, Church and Surround, recreating the ambi­ence of these large venues within the confines of a car. Front and rear chan­nels can also be individually adjusted for the correct ‘surround’ level. One touch selection of equalisation curves allows for pops, loudness, vocals, live house, classic or flat. fastest sweep speed. Full performance is available at all am­plitude settings and input imped­ances. In addition, the TDS684A provides 25 automatic measure­ ments and better than 50 pico­second measurement accuracy for swift, accurate measurement of sig­nal parameters. The TDS684A also has the full range of features provided by its predecessor, the Tektronix TDS644A digitising oscilloscope, including a high-resolution NuColor (TM) monitor for easy viewing of multiple waveforms and associated measurements and parameters. A graphical user interface that incor­ porates more than 100 different icons to make the TDS684A’s ca­ pabilities easy to learn and use; Tektronix’ proprietary Tristar (TM) digital signal processor for performing waveform maths in real time, including FFT; plus exten­sive date documentation capabili­ties, including the ability to store waveforms on a 3.5-inch DOS for­mat floppy disc in a number of standard desktop publishing for­mats. The third component in this sys­tem is the C705 which Kenwood claims to be the world's smallest 10 disc CD player. The C705 uses 1-bit DAC technology and employs the com­pany's proprietary CPDC or Clear Pulse Drive Circuitry. The C705 is designed for boot installation and can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position. The System X905 can be bought as a system or as individual components: X905 cassette-tuner/CD controller, RRP $1499, P705 Digital Signal Proc­ essor, RRP $1199 and the C705 Multi­ple CD Player, RRP $1099. For further information and your nearest Ken­wood dealer, phone (008) 066 190.