Programmable analog ICs used in steering system
6 October 2004
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Field programmable analog arrays (FPAAs) from Anadigm are being used in watercraft steering modules manufactured by Teleflex Canada, where the configurable device helps to reduce component count while providing a high level of design flexibility.
In the Teleflex Canada Seastar steering system, Anadigm's AN121E04 FPAA interfaces to a linear variable distance transducer (LVDT) to sense the position of an hydraulic spool. The implementation provides a highly accurate synchronised demodulator for the steering application while performing offset and phase adjustments for which external components were previously needed.
Part of the Anadigmvortex product family, the 44-pin AN121E04 FPAA works with AnadigmDesigner2 and software configurable analog modules (CAMs) to allow users to greatly reduce the time required to design, simulate, and implement complex analog functions. FPAA technology has the ability to dynamically reprogram the analog functions while the end application is running. This gives the designer the flexibility to implement new features such as auto-ranging and auto-calibration, and also to have the device change functionality sequentially over time to support multiple operating modes. Another way this can benefit the designer is to use the FPAA to connect to multiple analog sensors and provide the appropriate interface circuit using one integrated device.
In the Teleflex application, the FPAA provides a robust analog implementation that avoids the temperature and process drift common to discrete solutions and the up-front costs associated with ASICs. The AN121E04 features include a 100 dB narrowband signal-to-noise ratio as well as an extended bandwidth of DC to 2 MHz, depending on the application. An advanced I/O structure, with four configurable I/O cells and two dedicated output cells, allows the device to be programmed with up to six outputs. For I/O-intensive applications, this means a single FPAA can be used to process multiple channels of analog signals where two or more such devices were previously needed.
With the AN121E04, designers can also implement an integrated 8 bit A/D convertor on the FPAA, and route the digital output off-chip using one of the dedicated output cells.
The FPAA can be programmed using AnadigmDesigner2, a drag-and-drop EDA tool.
Further reading:
High-speed PIN diode
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Vishay’s new high-speed Silicon PIN diode is able to detect both visible and near infra-red radiation over a wide spectrum range from 350 to 1100 nm.
Read more...
Analogue front end for sensor measurements
Electrocomp
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The NJU9103 AFE from Nisshinbo is a tiny analogue front end, with a 16-bit resolution ADC and up to 512 x signal amplification from the programmable gain amplifier.
Read more...
Single-channel software configurable I/O
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
These use cases of the AD74115H include analogue output and input, digital output and input, resistance temperature detector (RTD), and thermocouple measurement capability.
Read more...
Current-sense amplifier with PWM rejection
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Analog Devices’ AD8410A is a high voltage, high bandwidth current-sense amplifier that features an initial gain of 20 V/V and a 2,2 MHz bandwidth.
Read more...
Combining a LPF and ADC driver for a 20 Vp-p signal
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
A mixed-signal ADC driver circuit’s optimum performance depends on multiple variables: the driver’s settling time, the RC filter’s time constant, driving impedance, and the ADC sampling capacitor’s kickback current, all interact during acquisition time and contribute towards sampling errors.
Read more...
Pressure sensor with NextNav certification
EBV Electrolink
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
STMicroelectronics’ LPS22DF pressure sensor has received a NextNav certification, which guarantees performance and reliability for geolocation and other types of applications.
Read more...
Reference design for Raspberry Pi analogue I/O
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Analogue Devices has published a reference design for ±10 V analogue input and ±15 V analogue output for Raspberry Pi platforms.
Read more...
Multi-zone distance sensor with 90° field of view
Avnet Silica
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
STMicroelectronics has revealed a new FlightSense multi-zone distance sensor, with 90° field of view, to bring lifelike situational awareness to applications like home automation, computers, robots, and smart equipment.
Read more...
Six-axis IMU with Qvar sensing channel
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The LSM6DSV16X from STMicroelectronics is a high-performance, low-power six-axis IMU, featuring a three-axis digital accelerometer and a three-axis digital gyroscope.
Read more...
Bidirectional current-sense amplifier with PWM
RS South Africa
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The MAX49925 from Analogue Devices is a bidirectional current-sense amplifier (CSA) with an input common-mode range that extends from -40 to 76 V, making it suitable for 48 V HEV applications where there are large automotive transients.
Read more...
printer friendly version