============================== Microwaves & RF UPDATE MWRF - www.mwrf.com November 17, 2005 ============================== Greetings and welcome to your personal copy of Microwaves and RF UPDATE e-newsletter. Please see below for address-change or subscribe/unsubscribe instructions. Today's Table of Contents: 1. Of Collaboration and Consolidation 2. Microsemi to Acquire Advanced Power Technology 3. RF SoC Supports Implantable Glucose Monitor 4. CST Now Shipping CST MICROWAVE STUDIO Software 5. Keithley Contest Winner Rewards Cal Lutheran University 6. VXI Technology Selects Agilent's I/O Library Suite 7. Meca Launches Microwave Isolators/Circulators 8. EPX Microwave Releases First Switch Catalog 9. Happenings - Conferences ************************ ADVERTISEMENT **************************** Taking Performance To a New Peak - 4500B Boonton introduces the new 4500B Peak Power Analyzer which has been totally redesigned from the inside out. This meter is changing the way the industry views and analyzes RF data. Some of the key features include: 8.4-inch TFT color LCD display, 100 ps timebase resolution, automatic peak-to-peak, delay-by-time and delay-by-events triggering, and many more. Visit our site for more information: http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB3:49027F ******************************************************************* *************** 1. Viewpoint *************** Of Collaboration and Consolidation Yet another pair of companies has announced their plan to merge resources, as the high-frequency industry continues its trend of consolidation. Certainly, the acquisition of Advanced Power Technology (APT) by Microsemi should result in a single entity that is financially stronger than either of the former companies and, for customers, a single source for a wider array of analog, mixed-signal, and high-power semiconductors. The trend has been most visible this year in the computer-aided-engineering (CAE) side of the business, notably with Eagleware's acquisition of Elanix, Agilent's followup acquisition of the combined Eagleware-Elanix, and Computer Simulation Technology's addition of APLAC. Don't forget the many acquisitions that have helped to build Ansoft, such as McNeil-Schwendler and Compact Software. Consolidation generally results in a stronger remaining company, but less competition. Is it a good thing for this industry? Share your thoughts with me at mailto:[email protected]. JACK BROWNE Technical Director ************* 2. News ************* Microsemi to Acquire Advanced Power Technology Microsemi Corporation announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Advanced Power Technology (APT), expanding its portfolio of analog and mixed signal devices in the RF marketplace for defense, aerospace, and medical applications. Under the terms of the agreement, APT shareholders will receive $2.00 US per share in cash and 0.435 shares of Microsemi common stock for each share of APT common stock. According to Patrick Sireta, Chairman and CEO of APT, "We are very pleased to join Microsemi's team. This business combination will result in a very powerful value proposition to customers, investors, and employees." The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is subject to regulatory approval and an APT shareholder vote. It is expected to close at the beginning of the second quarter of Microsemi's fiscal 2006 business year. Advanced Power Technology ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAB:49027F Microsemi Corporation ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAE:49027F ********* 3. News ********* RF SoC Supports Implantable Glucose Monitor Integrated-circuit (IC) supplier AMI Semiconductor (AMIS, Pocatello, ID) has developed a low-power system-on-chip (SoC) solution for a new implantable glucose monitoring system developed by DexCom. The application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) transmits information from the implanted sensor over the 402-to-405-MHz medical implant communications service (MICS) band reserved for implantable devices. According to Kirk Peterson, AMIS wireless product manager, "Our ASTRIC technology with its quick start oscillator proved crucial to reach the very low power consumption allowed for the RF communication." The specifications for the AMIS solution were developed in close collaboration between the engineering teams at DexCom and AMIS and required extremely low power consumption due to implant longevity and size restrictions. The total average current drain from the battery is less than 3 microamperes. The AMIS SoC includes a 32-kHz oscillator, current and voltage references, high-precision analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital filtering, and sensor bias running at 100-percent duty cycle, and a low-duty RF section. Andy Rasdal, president and CEO of DexCom, notes "The performance of the AMIS solution is very impressive, considering the ultra-low power consumption requirements and other unique features of the device." AMI Semiconductor ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB7:49027F DexCom ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB5:49027F ********* 4. News ********* CST Now Shipping CST MICROWAVE STUDIO Software Computer Simultation Technology (CST) has announced the latest version of its three-dimensional (3D) time-domain electromagnetic (EM) simulator, version 2006 of the CST MICROWAVE STUDIO. The new version features a major redesign in the architecture and new functionality. The software uses the CST DESIGN ENVIRONMENT as a common access point to the company's solver technology, and simplifies the comparison of models and cosimulations through a new multi-document interface. According to Jonathan Oakley, vice-president of sales and support for CST of America, the new version is the culmination of many years of research and development into the most efficient and accurate computational solutions to 3D electromagnetic problems." He added that the new software version offers "an unrivalled time domain solver, a state-of-the-art frequency-domain solver, and an even more powerful CAD interface" help design engineers to increase their design throughput. The new version supports easy coupling of EM simulation with circuit and thermal analysis, a complete tetrahedral frequency-domain solver, an improved interface with Cadence Allegro, automated cosimulation with the Advanced Design System (ADS) software suite from Agilent Technologies, a new distributed computing scheme to minimize data transfer time, and JEDEC-compliant automated bond wire creation. CST --- http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CBA:49027F ********** 5. News ********** Keithley Contest Winner Rewards Cal Lutheran University Giving is better than receiving, according to Dr. Ira Goldberg of California Lutheran University (CLU). After winning a test system as part of a promotion sponsored by test-equipment supplier Keithley Instruments (Cleveland, OH), Dr. Goldberg (Professor of Chemistry and Physics at CLU) turned around and donated the test system to his favorite university. The Keithley equipment included a model 2015 total harmonic distortion digital multimeter, model 2701 Ethernet-based data acquisition system, model 2700 data acquisition system, and two model 7700 switch modules, is now being used in CLU's Chemistry and Physics labs to help shorten the time it takes to collect and analyze data. Researchers can collect experimental data and send it to a computer for immediate analysis and then gain online access to data at their desks for review and reporting. As Dr. Goldberg noted, "Keithley equipment is particularly well-suited for these applications because of its easy set-up for computer networking. This is especially important in our new physics-bioengineering research program, which is multidisciplinary and requires several different laboratories to address a particular problem." Eventually, this equipment will be interfaced with Keithley instruments in other CLU labs, including those in the new physics-bioengineering building. Keithley Instruments ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB0:49027F ************************ ADVERTISEMENT **************************** The search for happiness... Are you a company looking for a good engineer? Or an engineer looking for a good company? Find the right match, at http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAF:49027F ******************************************************************* ********* 6. News ********* VXI Technology Selects Agilent's I/O Library Suite VXI Technology has selected the Agilent I/O Libraries Suite as the standard I/O platform for its LXI products. The software simplifies and accelerates the process of connecting test instruments. It supports automatic detection of instruments connected to a personal computer, automatic interface configuration, and verification of connected instruments that mix Ethernet/LAN, VXI instruments, GPIB, RS-232 and USB, as well as a variety of software environments from multiple vendors. According to Jon Semancik, business development manager for VXI Technology, "By developing around Agilent's open I/O libraries, we are able to provide our customers with an industry-standard VISA layer, ensuring a forward-looking platform for application-software developments." He added "our LXI products and Agilent's I/O libraries also allow our customer base to develop complete test solutions in virtually any programming language." LXI combines built-in measurement science and PC-standard I/O connectivity of rack-and-stack instruments with the modularity and size reduction of cardcage-based systems. The LXI standard provides a basis for long life-cycle instrumentation implementations that are not limited by bandwidth, software or computer-dependent architectures. Agilent Technologies ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB1:49027F LXI Consortium ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAD:49027F VXI Technology ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB2:49027F ********* 7. News ********* Meca Launches Microwave Isolators/Circulators Meca Electronics (Denville, NJ) has announces a series of RF/microwave isolators and circulators with coaxial connectors. Available with both Type N and SMA connectors, the components operate at frequencies from 0.8 to 8.0 GHz. Insertion loss ranges from 0.4 dB at the lowest frequencies to 0.6 dB at the highest frequencies, with maximum VSWR of 1.35:1 for all models. Isolation ranges from 20 dB at the lowest frequencies to no less than 17 dB from 2 to 4 GHz. For more information on the isolators and circulators, visit the company's web site. Meca Electronics ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB4:49027F ********* 8. News ********* EPX Microwave Releases First Switch Catalog EPX Microwave has announced a new catalog with details on a complete line of electromechanical switches for applications from DC to 26.5 GHz. The components include single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switches; single-pole, multithrow switches; double-pole, three-throw switches; and transfer switches. The switches are available with a variety of different connector types and actuator voltages, as well as a long list of options that include status indicators, TTL drive, and internal terminations. For a copy of the free catalog, visit the company's web site. EPX Microwave ---> http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAC:49027F ******************************* 9. Happenings - Conferences ******************************* Automatic RF Techniques Group (ARFTG) 66th Microwave Measurements Conference December 1-2, 2005 Marriot Hotel, Washington, DC http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB6:49027F International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) December 5-7, 2005 Hilton Washington Hotel Washington, DC http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CA7:49027F IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium January 17-19, 2006 San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CBB:49027F RF & Hyper March 21-23, 2006 CNIT La Defense, Paris, France http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CA6:49027F CALL FOR PAPERS IMAPS International Conference on High-Temperature Electronics (HiTEC 2006) May 15-18, 2006 Hilton of Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CA9:49027F ************************ ADVERTISEMENT **************************** For the most complete directory of microwave companies and products, visit: http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB9:49027F ******************************************************************* Read past issues of Microwaves and RF (MWRF) UPDATE e-Newsletter: http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CB8:49027F MICROWAVES AND RF (MWRF) UPDATE e-NEWSLETTER CONTACTS ==================================================== Technical Director: Jack Browne mailto:[email protected] Associate Editor: Laurie Collins mailto:[email protected] Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: Paul Barkman at 1-908-704-2460 or mailto:[email protected] ==================================================== SUBSCRIBER INFO ==================================================== To subscribe click here: http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CAA:49027F To unsubscribe click here: http://news.mwrf.com/u?id=A16E8FA232AD0B5BBD26D1D0D982C863 ==================================== If you need assistance in updating the information you have provided to Penton or if you have questions or comments about our privacy policies, please click on the link below. http://news.mwrf.com/t?ctl=19CA8:49027F ==================================== Copyright 2005 Penton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Microwaves & RF 45 Eisenhower Dr., 5th Floor Paramus, NJ 07652 USA