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Features

Tips For Unleashing Windows' Hidden Powers
Here are some tips that can unleash Windows' hidden powers---whether you've upgraded to Win XP or not. (PC World)
A Study in Contrasts Between Macs and Windows PCs
Choosing between Apple's new iMac or a Windows XP computer involves more than deciding between stylish white or basic beige. Yes, the differences in hardware are significant. But hardware is only part of the story. Software is where the greatest differences exist. (ChipCenter: WebScan)

News

- New - USB 2.0 Success To Continue---Big Time
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is one of the most successful interface standards in the history of PCs, now installed into aproximately one billion devices. A 220-percent compound annual growth rate is predicted between now and 2006. (Electronic News)
- New - EU Group Certifies Philips' WLAN Card
Philips Electronics says its wireless LAN PC card is the first product meeting the IEEE-802.11a specification to receive CE Mark certification from Consultants Europe. (EE Times)
Direct-to-Disk Interface De-MUXs Data
Here's a description of how data can be stored in channel files in a PC in realtime. The TAXI Direct-to-Disk interface is a special-purpose interface circuit for de-multiplexing of data from a Racal Storeplex (or equivalent) multi-channel recorder onto one or more hard disks that reside in, and/or are controlled by, a PC. (NASA Tech Briefs)
Panasonic, Apple Collaborate on FireWire for Video
Panasonic and Apple are collaborating on the addition of FireWire to upcoming Panasonic tape decks, and support for Panasonic's mini-DV camcorder in a future version of Final Cut Pro, Apple's professional non-linear editing application. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Sony Kit To Turn Playstation Into Linux Desktop
Sony says it will soon release a kit that will turn its Playstation-2 game console into a Linux desktop. Sony is also working on browser, e-mail, and instant-messaging capabilities for the platform. (EE Times)
Hitachi Holds Industry's Fastest Flash Card
Hitachi says it has the industry's fastest flash card. In Ultra DMA transfer mode, an 896-Mbyte card achieves a random write speed of 6 Mbytes/s, and a random sector read speed of 14 Mbytes/s. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Fujitsu Shrinks Fingerprint Sensor for Portables
Fujitsu Microelectronics America develops a tiny fingerprint sensor that's about one-tenth the size, and less than half the cost of, conventional fingerprint sensors. The company hopes to partner with chip and software vendors that are defining PDA and cellphones, such as Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Palm and Symbian. (EE Times)
PC-Based Emulator, Debugger, Browser Toolset To Support New IBM uP
Applied Microsystems Corp. pre-announces its PowerTAP PowerPC-specific developer toolset to support the new IBM 440GP microprocessor. PowerTAP for 440GP targets developers of networking, storage, communications, Internet, and embedded systems. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
TI Melds Stereo CODEC With USB Controller
Texas Instruments claims it has the first stereo audio CODEC with a built-in Universal Serial Bus controller and an internal S/PDIF-compatible I/O terminal. (Electronic News)

Products

- New - Quad DSP Core Aims At Imaging
Oak Technology integrates a quad-processor DSP core with the ARM946E-S CPU. Oak's single-chip targets PC-independent, personal-imaging and printing applications. Simulators support system development and debugging on a PC. (EDN)
FireWire Hard Drive Stores Video in the Field
ADS Technologies introduces an ultra-portable hard drive equipped with a IEEE-1394/FireWire connection that permits video camcorders to relay digital video files directly to desktop PCs. About the size of a PDA, the direct-to-disk drive features a 20-Gbyte IDE hard drive, and a built-in rechargeable battery. (e-inSITE)
Flash Memory Card Reader Fits PC Drive Bays
Addonics Technologies rolls out a Universal Serial Bus flash card reader that can be mounted in any 3.5-inch drive bay of a PC. (Electronic Business)
Optical Mouse Reference Design
Universal Serial Bus component vendor Cypress Semiconductor announces a USB PS/2 optical mouse reference design. Cypress collaborates with Agilent on this design, marrying Cypress�s USB microcontrollers with Agilent�s optical navigation technology. The less-than-$200 reference design kit includes a sample mouse with schematics, layout, and firmware. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Pre-Packaged Machine-Vision Products
Coreco Imaging has formed an Intelligent Products Division that will provide pre-packaged machine-vision products. With application logic and intelligence pre-installed, devices can be configured through a Web browser. (Test & Measurement World)
All-Purpose PCIbus Variable-Scan Frame Grabber
Data Translation, Inc. is shipping a variable-scan monochrome frame grabber for the PCI bus. The board provides up to a 40 MHz pixel acquire rate to accommodate newer, faster cameras. It also packs software for programmable timing, resolution, camera set-up, and video format. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
PC-Based Seamless Design Environment Gets Better
Electronics Workbench integrates its popular Multisim 2001, Ultiboard 2001, and Ultiroute 2001 products in a seamless design environment. The system now supports board design, programmable logic, co-simulation, RF, team design, and computer-aided manufacture. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Windows-Based PCB Design Tools
EDA vendor Cadence Design Systems announces its Orcad Unison Suite, a Windows-based tool for printed circuit board (PCB) designers. The suite includes Orcad Capture for design entry, PSpice A/D Basics for analog and mixed-signal simulation, Orcad Layout for board design, and SPECCTRA 4U for high-density autorouting. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
SanDisk Spins Miniature Big Flash Storage
Flash memory maker SanDisk rolls out its flash-based Cruzer product that holds up to 256 Mbytes, yet is the size of a cigarette lighter. Plugging into a Universal Serial Bus port, the Cruzer will also support cameras, PDAs, and video recorders. (PC World)
Apple Remote Desktop Debuts
Apple Remote Desktop with realtime screen sharing gives you the power to manage Mac systems from anywhere on your network or remotely across the Internet. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
National Semi Drives Bluetooth With OEM CompactFlash Cards
IC maker National Semiconductor introduces Bluetooth CompactFlash card plug-in products for OEM developers. The cards give instant Bluetooth connectivity to PCs and PDAs. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
World�s Smallest USB Headset Connector?
Germany-based Micronas unveils what it says is the world's smallest Universal Serial Bus headset connector. It's small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, yet it integrates a complete audio system. (ChipCenter: WebScan)

Resources

ChipCenter Reference Library
This is your access point for lots of good information covering applications, design tools, consultants, intellectual property, trade shows and standards.
Standards Watch
Here is your access point to the standards world.


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