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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Self-calibrating RF simulator
The new microprocessor controlled
Schaffner NSG 2070 high frequency
generator provides comprehensive
electromagnetic sus
ceptibility testing. Although not yet mandatory in
Australia, electromagnetic susceptibility tests are often required to be
conducted for medical apparatus
and also for equipment intended for
export. It is also expected that IEC
susceptibility standards for mobile
phones and other equipment, currently in draft stage, will be introduced
in the near future.
The Schaffner NSG 2070 comprises
a 100kHz-250MHz synthesis
er, 85
watt power amplifier and a range of
coupling options including capacitive
coupling networks (CDNs), electromagnetic clamps, current injection
probe (CIP) and an external monitoring probe. In anticipation of new
IEC standards for equipment such
as mobile phones, a pulsed mode of
operation is already included.
The instrument automatically adjusts the output and creates its own
calibration table, using output measurements made at the rate of 900 per
decade. An Auto-function calculates
and sets the correct frequency sweep
rate according to the IEC 1000-4-6
High capacity
rechargeable cells
Premier Batteries has introduced
high capacity nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) and nickel cadmium (NiCd)
cells to their range. These nickel
metal hydride cells are cadmium
free and do not suffer from memory
effect.
The increase in capacity allows for the AF and 4/3AF sizes
to increase by 20% in capacity,
thus providing 2400mA.H and
3800mA.H respectively. These cells
are in constant demand in cellular
procedure, thus avoiding the need for
manual setup and calculation. The
test procedure can be interrupted at
any time in order to pursue a more
detailed examination at a particular
frequency and can then be resumed
where the test was interrupted.
A liquid crystal display and keypad
provide access to all functions. Windows-based software provides setup
of all front panel functions and options including test customising and
se
quencing. Entire test procedures
can be saved and compliance reports
can be produced automatically.
For further information, contact
Westek Industrial Products Pty Ltd,
Unit 2, 6-10 Maria St, Laverton North,
Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802; fax
(03) 9369 8006.
phones and note
book computer
packs where extended running time
is a distinct advantage.
To keep pace, nickel cadmium
cells are increasing in capacity at
the same rate. AF is now available in 1700mA.H and 4/5AH to
1500mA.H.
Although capacities and technology are improving, prices have
remained stable.
For further information, contact
Premier Batteries Pty Ltd, 9/15
Childs Rd, Chipping Norton, NSW
2170. Phone (02) 9755 1845; fax (02)
9755 1354.
February 1998 53
New kits from Dick
Smith Electronics
Dick Smith Electronics have
submitted two of their recent kits
for SILICON CHIP projects for our
inspection. They are the 5-Digit
Tachometer from the October 1997
issue and the Heavy Duty 10A
Motor Speed Controller from the
November 1997 issue. Both conform
closely to the SILICON CHIP proto-
types and look quite professional
in their presentation. The 5-Digit
Tachometer has a screen printed
front panel with the “window”
being part of the artwork for a neat
appearance.
The Speed Controller has had
the lid of the diecast case linished
for a better appearance and number
of small refinements in the wiring.
The most notable of these is the
use of spring clip mounting for the
IGBT and fast recovery diode which
should reduce the possibility of
breakdown to the case.
Both kits are available from Dick
Smith Electronics stores across
Australia and New Zealand.
Synchronous
step-down converter
Philips wireless
speakers
Philips new mini sound system
(model FW 780WPRO) features a
wireless subwoofer and wireless
surround speakers. With conven
tional audio systems there’s always
the problem of cables and where to
hide them. But with this system,
54 Silicon Chip
the audio signal is radiated on an
FM carrier so the speakers are easy
to install around the room for good
surround sound.
The FW780WPRO also features
Dolby Pro Logic sound, a three
disc CD changer and audio/video
remote control. The system retails
for $1499.00 and is available from
stockists around Australia.
B.B.S. Electronics Australia has
released Harris Semicon
d uctor’s
HIP5020 Buck Converter which steps
down a DC battery voltage of 4.5V 18V to a regulated system voltage of
3.3V or less and delivers up to 3.5A at
greater than 90% efficiency.
The device integrates two Mosfets,
a half-bridge driver and a 100kHz to
1MHz current mode pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller with current
sense onto a single chip.
In order to assist design engineers
using the HIP5020, Harris Semiconductors offers free simulation software. It provides realistic simulations
that closely match lab results.
Miniature frequency counter with LCD
Aceco Electronics Corporation has released the
FC2002 Handy Frequency Counter, which covers
frequencies from 10Hz to 3GHz in a package around
the same size as a cigarette box. It can display frequency and period and has “ Advanced Auto Lockout” which can be set to automatically detect and
hold a signal reading.
The FC2002 has a backlit 10-digit liquid crystal
display and incorporates a 16-segment RF signal bargraph and low battery indication. It has a switchable
50Ω/1MΩ input for the full 10Hz to 3GHz display
range and the high speed 300MHz range features
0.1Hz resolution. A switchable filter prevents display
of random noise.
The FC2002 has a sturdy stamped aluminium
case with a black anodised finish. It is supplied with
telescoping whip antenna and NiCd batteries to give
up to 6 hours operation. For further information
contact Computronics Corporation Ltd, Locked Bag
20, Bentley Business Centre, WA 6983. Phone (08)
9470 1177; fax (08) 9470 2844.
The QuickDesign Simulation software is available from the Harris
Semiconductor Internet site at http://
www.semi.harris.com
For further information, contact
B.B.S. Electronics Australia Pty Ltd,
Unit 24, 5-7 Anella Ave, Castle Hill,
NSW 2154. Phone (02) 9894 5244; fax
(02) 9894 5266.
Hioki
earth tester
of water pipes), the Hioki 3151 can
be used in the two terminal mode,
utilising the E and C terminals. Earth
resistance is measured using the AC
phase difference method to provide
highly accurate measurements and
two frequencies are available to the operator in order to eliminate the effects
of circulating harmonic components.
For further information, contact
Nilsen Technologies, 150 Oxford St,
Collingwood, Vic 3066. Phone (03)
9419 9999; fax (03) 9416 1312; Freecall
1 800 623 350; Freefax 1 800 067 263.
New microcontroller
from Parallax
The new Hioki 3151 Earth HiTester
is a flexible instrument for making
earth resistance tests. The instrument
permits the use of the ‘fall in potential’
three-terminal method in which the
E terminal is attached to the system
ground electrode, the C (current) terminal to the furthest probe and the P
(potential) to the roving probe.
In systems where the earthing electrode is extensive (eg, through the use
Parallax have released their new
SX-series 8-bit multi I/O controllers.
They have an internal programmable
4MHz oscillator, three-level brownout
reset, power on reset, a watchdog timer
with its own RC oscillator, multi-input
wake-up with optional interrupts and
a flash EEPROM.
All of the SX I/O pins are multi-hardware compatible and can be
programmed for input or output (sinking or source up to 30mA) or internal
20kΩ pullup resistors. Some pins
may be configured as Schmitt trigger
inputs, some as analog comparators
and others as outputs with symmetrical drive.
PCB POWER
TRANSFORMERS
1VA to 25VA
Manufactured in Australia
Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd
9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077
Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231
For further information, contact the
Australian stockist, Microzed Computers, PO Box 634, Armidale, NSW
2350. Phone (02) 6772 2777; fax (02)
6772 8987.
Flash
electrolytics
Professional photographic flash
equipment requires large high
voltage alumin
ium electrolytic capacitors.
They are used
as a high voltage
reservoir which
is dumped into
the flash tubes.
High energy per
unit volume,
small dimensions and high
flash frequency
are the requirements.
Thanks to a specially devised anode
film, flash electrolytics from Siemens
exhibit an exceptionally high CV
product.
The new flash electrolytics of the
Siemens B43405, B43406 and B43407
series have rated voltages between 310
and 500V and capacitance from 120
to 17,000µF.
For further information, contact
Malcolm Evans, Advanced Information Products, Siemens Ltd. Phone (03)
9420 7716; fax (03) 9420 7275; e-mail
passive.comp<at>siemens.com.au SC
February 1998 55
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