Category Archives: News

Semtech RF data transmitter chips

Semtech has released a line of “power and go” inexpensive data transmitter chips. The new SX1240 and SX1242 ISM-band RF transmitters enable true data-in/RF-out capability, with only an external crystal and antenna impedance matching network needed. They simplify design by integrating “power-and-go modes,” which are pre-set for 434 MHz and 868 MHz (SX1240) or 345 […]

IBM’s Watson beats Jeoprady legends

The IBM Jeopardy challenge is over and a new champion has been crowned! Watson, the size of 12 refrigerators, three day total was $77,174. While Ken Jennings, known for winning 74 consecutive games, finished with a total of $24,000. And Brad Rutter, known for winning over $3,000,000 on the show, finished with $21,600. With the […]

UPDATE: ARISSat-1 deployment delayed until July

UPDATE: According to information posted on the arissat.org website on February 13, 2011, the deployment of the ARISSAT-1 has been delayed until July, 2011. Project developers had originally announced that ARISSat-1 (f/k/a Suitsat-2), would be launched and transmitting by February 16, 2011! However, due to unforeseen problems, the actual deployment into space has been delayed […]

Open Source Hardware Logo

The Open Hardware Summit has released Version 1.0 of the Open Source Hardware Definition (OSHW). With this definition they would like to release a logo to be used to brand Open Hardware. Criteria: The logo for the Open Hardware Definition must: * Be easy to print/see on a PCB * Be easy to print/see on […]

Vote in the BeagleBoard open source design challenge

Texas Instruments is conducting a design challenge for students at the University of Texas at Austin to determine the most innovative idea implemented on a BeagleBoard ARM Cortex-A8 processor-based system in the form of a practical application. Ti.com has posted the entries and wants you to vote for your favorite! Voting is open through February […]

STMicroelectronics debuts single-chip positioning device for multiple global navigation systems

STMicroelectronics announces the impending release of Teseo II, a new generation of single-chip stand-alone positioning receivers for Portable Navigation Devices, in-car navigation and telematics applications. These Systems-on-Chips are monolithic devices capable of receiving signals from multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS and QZSS. Listed features include 3rd generation positioning receiver with 32 tracking […]

Microchip expands 32-bit PIC(R) microcontroller line

Microchip Technology Inc. has a new, six-member family of 32-bit PIC32MX5/6/7 microcontrollers that provide performance specs of 1.56 DMIPS/MHz, and integrating Ethernet, CAN, USB and multiple serial communication channels, while offering more cost-effective memory options. Specifically, the family offers 32 Kbytes of RAM and up to 140 Kbytes of Flash. Additionally, design enhancements have been […]

555 Circuit Design Contest

Jeri Ellsworth and company have begun the 555 Contest, billed as the “biggest, newest, most-independently conceived 555 timer design contest the world has ever seen!” They’re searching for original circuits and application using the venerable 555 timer IC. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2011, and a little bird just told us there over $1,600 […]

Microsemi FPGA named product of the year

Hearst Publications’ “Electronic Products” Magazine presented their 2011 Product of the Year Award to Microsemi for their SmartFusion Intelligent Mixed Signal FPGAs. Microsemi Corporation (formerly known as Actel) manufactures the SmartFusion family of intelligent mixed signal FPGAs. The SmartFusion line integrates an FPGA, ARM® Cortex™-M3, and programmable analog, offering full customization and IP protection. A […]

Implantable RFID temperature sensors

Implantable RFID chips have been around for years. Since at least 2004 these devices have been capable of including GPS data, and manufacturers have been researching other measurement capabilities. Implantable health sensors may soon be a real option with the launch by PositiveID of its ‘Wireless Body Platform’. Initially the health sensor system was designed […]