This is only a preview of the June 1996 issue of Silicon Chip. You can view 23 of the 96 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments. For full access, purchase the issue for $10.00 or subscribe for access to the latest issues. Items relevant to "A High-Performance Stereo Simulator":
Items relevant to "A Low Ohms Tester For Your DMM":
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Items relevant to "Automatic 10-Amp Battery Charger":
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
New range of DMMs from Tektronix
There are three major features of
the new DMM800 series “true RMS”
digital multimeter range just released
by Tektronix. These are high accuracy
(up to twice that of competing brands),
high resolution (up to 10 times) and,
according to Textronix, lower prices.
The DMM800 series is the company’s new flagship range, designed
specifically to meet the needs of
electronic design engineers and
technicians.
The family consists of the entry level
DMM830, mid-range DMM850 and
the high-end DMM870. All offer a full
range of industry-standard features
–voltage, current, resistance, capacitance and frequency, and incorporate
the new TC8129/8131 chip set, for
which Tektronix has exclusive rights.
This chip set is the first full featured,
autoranging, autocalibrated DMM A-D
converter, offering complete DMM
functions and the highest resolution
and accuracy available on the market
today: 4¾ digits or 40,000 counts and
0.06% basic DC volts.
The DMM850 and DMM870 feature
BassBox®
Design low frequency loudspeaker enclosures
fast and accurately with BassBox® software.
Uses both Thiele-Small and Electro-Mechanical
parameters with equal ease. Includes X. Over
2.03 passive crossover design program.
$299.00
Plus $6.00 postage.
Pay by cheque, Bankcard, Mastercard, Visacard.
EARTHQUAKE AUDIO
PH: (02) 9948 3771 FAX: (02) 9948 8040
PO BOX 226 BALGOWLAH NSW 2093
82 Silicon Chip
dual numeric displays, allowing sim
ultaneous measurement of two functions without switching (eg voltage
and frequency). These models can
also time stamp (labelling minimum
and maximum values during measurement), as well as measure temperature directly in degrees Fahrenheit
or Celsius.
The DMM870 also features high/
low limit setting, with a beep to warn
when measurements exceed user-set
limits, along with a peak-hold function, holding and time stamping even
very short mode (1ms) events.
All three models are true RMS
meters that feature adjustable auto
power-off, memory store/recall and
a durable water/dust resistant casing. Each meets IEC, UL and CSA
standards and comes with a 3-year
warranty.
Prices are $399 for the 830, $449
for the 850 and $499 for the 870. For
further information, contact Tektronix
Australia, 80 Waterloo Rd, North Ryde,
NSW 2113. Phone (02) 888 7066, fax
(02) 888 0125
Ghost killer chip for
consumer products
Cancellation Reference signal.
Suitable for both PAL and NTSC,
the MV52661SP chip provides the
first cost-effective means of reducing
ghost
ing in consumer devices. The
52-pin DIP-package chip contains a
4fsc burst-lock clock generator, a sync
separator, a clamping circuit for digital signal processing, an analog video
switch and a 10 bit D-A converter, along
with a timebase error detector circuit to
detect channel change or VCR signal.
For further information, contact Mit
subishi Electric; phone (02) 684 7777.
Mitsubishi Electric has announced
the release of the M52661SP, the first
anti-ghost pre-processor chip for tele
visions, set-top boxes and VCRs.
According to Mitsubishi, use of their
chip in conjunction with an adaptive
filter chip (made by Oren Semiconductor) and a standard 8 or 9-bit video
A-D converter, makes it possible to
dynamically cancel multipath ghosts
– if the TV station transmits a Ghost
TDK’s first global
PC Card
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is more
than likely that it contained advertising which
is now out of date and the advertiser has
requested that the page be removed to prevent
misunderstandings. Please feel free to visit the
advertiser’s website:
www.emona.com.au/
TDK has introduced the
first legal “international” PC
data/fax modem card, the
DF2814, giving computer users the freedom to call up data
from other computers, send
and receive faxes without a
fax machine, check e-mail
and even surf the Internet
both here in Australia and
overseas.
Usable in up to 17 countries, the PC Card (which
used to be called PCMCIA)
supports V.34 (28,800bps)
data, 14,400 fax, MNP5 and
V.42 bis data compression
protocols, and MNP2-4, V.42
and MNP 10 error correction
protocols. It is also compatible with the existing V.FAST
class and will automatically
fall back to slower speeds as
required.
When used overseas, country selector software allows
the user to select the appropriate telephone system.
Its default power-up is the
country of origin, avoiding
faulty setup.
The card plugs directly into an PC
or Apple Power Book sporting the
appropriate PC Card slot. As well as
the international business traveller,
the card is ideal for SOHO and remote
access applications.
Fast charger for
lithium-ion batteries
The bq2054 fast charge IC from
Benchmarq now optimises the charging of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.
The bq2054 incorpo
rates a pulse-
width modulator (PWM), on-chip
reference, charge timer, and status
indicators to provide a full-features
lithium ion charge controller. The
PWM frequency is set by an external
resistor-capacitor network.
The bq2054 is suited to switch
mode designs and may be configured
for linear or gated current regulation.
In use, the device terminates charging
when the current falls below a userselectable minimum current limit. For
safety, it also inhibits charging when
the battery voltage and temperature
are outside set limits. A user-selectable maximum charge time is also
available.
Also possible are multiple LED
display options for charge status
and fault conditions; user-selectable
time-out and minimum current charge
termination; battery temperature and
voltage qualification before fast charge;
and fast charge suspension with temperature fault.
For further information, contact
Reptechnic, 3/36 Bydown St, Neutral
Bay, NSW 2089. Phone (02) 9953 9844.
June 1996 83
Complete mixer
on a chip
Active matrix liquid
crystal displays
Philips has just appointed Amtex
Electronics as sole Australian distributor for its range of FPD active matrix
liquid crystal displays. This range of
Active Matrix LCDs uses Thin Film
Diode (TFD) technology which is
simpler and more reliable than the
current TFT technology.
Ranging in size from 2.8 to 10.4-inches, with an 11.3-inch version soon to
be released, these LCDs are designed
for industrial, transportation, medical equipment and defence-related
applications.
For further information, contact
Amtex Electronics on (02) 805 0844;
fax (02) 805 0750.
KITS-R-US
PO Box 314 Blackwood SA 5051 Ph 018 806794
TRANSMITTER KITS
$49: a simple to build 2.5 watt free running CD level input, FM band runs from 12-24VDC.
•• FMTX1
FMTX2B $49: the best transmitter on the market, FM-Band XTAL locked on 100MHz. CD level input 3
stage design, very stable up to 30mW RF output.
$49: a universal digital stereo encoder for use on either of our transmitters. XTAL locked.
•• FMTX2A
FMTX5 $99: both FMTX2A & FMTX2B on one PCB.
FMTX10 $599: a complete FMTX5 built and tested, enclosed in a quality case with plugpack, DIN input
•connector
for audio and a 1/2mtr internal antenna, also available in 1U rack mount with balanced cannon
input sockets, dual VU meter and BNC RF $1299. Ideal for cable FM or broadcast transmission over
distances of up to 300 mtrs, i.e. drive-in theatres, sports arenas, football grounds up to 50mW RF out.
FMTX10B $2599: same as rack mount version but also includes dual SCA coder with 67 & 92kHz subcarriers.
•
AUDIO
Audio Power Amp: this has been the most popular kit of all time with some 24,000 PCBs being
•soldDIGI-125
since 1987. Easy to build, small in size, high power, clever design, uses KISS principle. Manufacturing
rights available with full technical support and PCB CAD artwork available to companies for a small royalty.
200 Watt Kit $29, PCB only $4.95.
AEM 35 Watt Single Chip Audio Power Amp $19.95: this is an ideal amp for the beginner to construct;
uses an LM1875 chip and a few parts on a 1 inch square PCB.
Low Distortion Balanced Line Audio Oscillator Kit $69: designed to pump out line up tone around studio
complexes at 400Hz or any other audio frequency you wish to us. Maximum output +21dBm.
MONO Audio DA Amp Kit, 15 splits: $69.
Universal BALUN Balanced Line Converter Kit $69: converts what you have to what you want, unbalanced
to balanced or vice versa. Adjustable gain. Stereo.
•
•
••
COMPUTERS
I/O Card for PCs Kit $169: originally published in Silicon Chip, this is a real low cost way to interface
•to Max
the outside world from your PC, 7 relays, 8 TTL inputs, ADC & DAC, stepper motor drive/open collector
1 amp outputs. Sample software in basic supplied on disk.
PC 8255 24 Line I/O Card Kit $69, PCB $39: described in ETI, this board is easy to construct with
•onlyIBM3 chips
and a double sided plated through hole PCB. Any of the 24 lines can be used as an input or
output. Good value.
19" Rack Mount PC Case: $999.
•• Professional
All-In-One 486SLC-33 CPU Board $799: includes dual serial, games, printer floppy & IDE hard disk drive
interface, up to 4Mb RAM 1/2 size card.
PC104 486SLC CPU Board with 2Mb RAM included: 2 serial, printer, floppy & IDE hard disk $999; VGA
•PC104
card $399.
KIT WARRANTY – CHECK THIS OUT!!!
If your kit does not work, provided good workmanship has been applied in assembly and all original parts
have been correctly assembled, we will repair your kit FREE if returned within 14 days of purchase. Your
only cost is postage both ways. Now, that’s a WARRANTY!
KITS-R-US sell the entire range of designs by Graham Dicker. The designer has not extended his agreement
with the previous distributor, PC Computers, in Adelaide. All products can be purchased with Visa/Bankcard
by phone and shipped overnight via Australia EXPRESS POST for $6.80 per order. You can speak to the
designer Mon-Fri direct from 6-7pm or place orders 24 hours a day on: PH 018 80 6794; FAX 08 270 3175.
84 Silicon Chip
Analog Devices’ new SSM2163 is
a complete 8-input audio mixer on a
chip. It accepts eight audio channels,
provides control of volume in 63 1dB
steps and can mix individual channels to either the right, left or both
outputs. The SSM2163 employs an
industry-standard three-wire serial
interface and one data output terminal
to daisy-chain multiple SSM2163s for
high-end multi-track audio systems.
A single mute pin, when driven by
a micro
processor reset signal, will
silence all eight audio channels simultaneously.
The SSM2163 is a companion to
Analog Devices’ family of stereo codecs and provides excellent audio
quality. Signal-to-noise is -82dBu
(0dBu = 0.775V RMS) with an additional 10dBu of headroom, resulting
in a total dynamic range of 92dBu.
Total harmonic distortion plus noise
is .007% at 1kHz with all levels set
for unity gain. This mixer-in-a-chip
can be powered by a single (+5V-14V)
supply or dual (±4V to ±14V) supplies
and is available in 28-pin plastic
New range of filters for 3-phase
variable speed motor drives
Schaffner has a range
of filters for 3-phase
industrial frequency inverters. The new FN258
series have a voltage
rating of 480V, meeting the requirements of
variable speed motor
drive manufacturers and
users around the world.
The new filter is the first
Schaffner component to
meet EN133200 – the
new harmonised European standard for this
product sector –in addition to the USA’s UL1283.
The new filter is available in a family of nine variants to cover a current range from 7-180A, simplifying
the task of making variable frequency drives (VFDs)
comply with EMC regulations. A standard temperature
rating of 50°C obviates the need to derate specifications to match actual working conditions in countries
such as Australia.
For further information, contact Westinghouse Industrial Products, Locked Bag 66, South Melbourne,
Vic 3205. Phone (03) 9676 8888; fax (03) 9676 8702.
DIP and SOIC packages.
The SSM2163 is suited for automating many computer audio systems,
from high-end multimedia work
stations to low-cost PC sound cards.
Other applications include professional audio mixing consoles, broadcast
equipment, intercom and paging
systems and musical instruments.
For further information, contact
Hartec, 205A Middleborough Rd, Box
Hill, Vic. 3128. Phone 1 800 335 623.
Windows software
for robots
Procon Technology has released
Windows software capable of controlling robotic kits. Complete source
code is provided for VisualBASIC for
Windows version 3 or greater. The
supplied routines may also be used
by other Windows-based languages.
The Windows Robotics software an
be used to control motors, switches,
lamps, electromag
nets and buzzers.
You could program automatic responses to change light, temperature
or motion as detected by sensors.
Extending the control of the screen
to actual machines and robots enhances the computer’s learning environment in problem solving, science,
maths and logic.
The Fischertechnik interface unit
provides eight digital inputs, two
analog inputs and four bidirectional
motor outputs. The unit connects to
any IBM-PC parallel printer port and
allows a second unit to be attached
for a total of 16 digital inputs and
eight motor outputs (or 16 lamp/relay
outputs). The analog inputs may be
used with potentiometers (for position
control), light dependent resistors
(for measuring light), thermistors
(for measuring temperature) or other
resistive devices.
The Windows Robotics software
costs $45. For further details contact,
Procon Technology, PO Box 655,
Mount Waverley, Vic 3149. Phone (03)
9807 5660; fax (03) 9807 8220.
Electronics Workbench
software upgrade
The popular “Electronics Workbench” software which allows users
to simulate analog and digital circuits
as well as test equipment such as
an oscilloscope, function generator
and spectrum analyser on a PC, has
now been updated with the release
of version 4.
This new version expands the selec-
PCB POWER
TRANSFORMERS
1VA to 25VA
Manufactured in Australia
Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd
9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077
Ph (02) 476-5854 Fx (02) 476-3231
tion of analog and digital components
available to users. Real world models
which make all active components
selectable by part number, as found
in standard data books, have been
extended.
For more information, contact Emona Instruments on (02) 519 3933 or
SC
fax (02) 550 1378.
Scan Audio Pty Ltd
June 1996 85
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