File Info : application/pdf, 168 Pages, 91.10MB

Electronic Design V24 N06 19760315

FOR ENGINEERS AND ENGINE ER ING MA NAGERS

MARCH 15, 1976

The first four-trace portable scope brings new capabilities to field measurements. With a weight of only 21 lb and a power drain of just 29 W, this 50-M Hz unit lets

you compare simultaneously two sets of differential signals. With an optional battery, you can get 5 hours of continuous operation. Learn the details on page 111.

What Every Designer or Specifier Should Know About RESISTOR NETWORKS!
A wise man once said, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link".
That phrase says as much for electronic circuitry today ... as it originally did for the value of the individual quality of man. For example, the failure of a single tiny printed conductor path in a resistor network can cause the failure of an entire circuit ... or system.
Bourns doesn't want that to happen to one of your circuits. For that reason, we want to share some "inside" information about the design and manufacture of thick-film networks ... so that you can be a more knowledgeable and more selective specifier.

1. Lead Termination
Failure

u ~ J6~~T ~

During Bourns initial design program, customer interviews indicated fhat commonly used "lap joint" and "butt joint" lead termination designs were subject to failure due to weakening of the solder termination during PC board wave soldering operations, and in-circuit heat cycling and vibration. These design-types depend heavily on solder alone for both mechanical and electrical bonding of leads to the substrate.
With this in mind, Bourns engineers developed the " Krimp-Joint1"' " lead frame termination design to protect customers from this hazard.
Bourns Krimp-Joint leads are firmly crimped onto the network element, much like a vise grasps a piece of lumber. To "cinch" the electrical connection, a special high temperature, reflow resistant solder is also used.

3. The Packaging

· EPOXY

LAP

CEMENT -;:11"···~~

JOINT

HOLES FOR EJECTING EPOXY
Various types of DIP packaging are utilized of wh ich the molded and " sandwich " types seem most common. One problem that frequently occurs with the sandwich types is delaminating. This happens when air in tiny voids remaining in the epoxy filler (bonds the substrate to the sandwich "lid " ) expands in hot operating environments to the extent that the package comes apart and fails .
Bourns Krimp-Joint networks are encased in a homogenuous molded thermoset plastic package, which is highly heat resistant. Both 14- and 16-pin DIP models are machine insertable, and are avail able in handy cartridge packages.

2. Krimp-Joint Eliminates "Edge-Arounds"

EDGE-AROUND CONDUCTOR PATHS

" Edge-around" thick-film printing techniques are required by some designs
to electrically connect the network circuit - printed on the horizontal surface of the substrate - to pin leads which are always " butted " to the edge
of the substrate, or are " lap-jointed" to the opposite side of the substrate. The latter condition exists with lap-joint designs when more complex thick film circuits are executed which require printing on both sides of the sub-
strate (such as resistor/capacitor networks, dual terminators , special ap-
pl ication circuits, etc.). Edge-around printing leaves a natural conductor path weakness on the fine edges of the substrate, resulting in the possibility of a very " tenuous " connection . Such connections are subject to
failure after exposure to heat cycling , shock, vibration , etc., and can result in an open circuit condition . Sometimes an intermittent condition results , which makes fault diagnosis more difficult.

BUTI-JOINT DESIGN

Since most packages are not tested at full rated power during manufacturing QC, weak edge-arounds sometimes pass final tests ... and then burn-out (like a fuse), when subjected to full power in an operating circuit.
Bourns Krimp-Joint mechanically contacts both top and bottom surfaces of the resistor network substrate, resu lting in a strong, posi-
tive connection between pin lead and both sides of a network circuit . No edge-around paths are required .

4. Power
Bourns uses a high-copper alloy lead material to enhance power dissipation capacity. Other materials - ferrous and brass alloys - do not have comparable performance. Furthermore, there is potential for rust with the ferrous alloy material. The highcopper alloy costs us more . .. but we think your satisfaction is worth it.
5. A Good Coat Is
Important THIN ORGANIC COVERING
Our little network package must " weather" the homo sapien as well as the electrical environment. Example? Some users report that marking the top of thinly coated networks actually changed internal resistor values. With the tight board spacing found in most equipment cabinets, components occasionally get scraped when boards are inserted and/ or removed . Customers report that some thinly protected networks have shorted-out or opened under these conditions. Bourns networks wear a heavy coat of molded plastic to weather the homo sapien climate.
FREE SAMPLES
Try the Bourns " Krimp-Joint" Resistor Network Design . Write to us on your company letterhead telling us
1. current manufacturer's part number you are now using,
2. what resistance values you need . .. and we will send samples for your evaluation. We 'll also include a complete data packet, with a handy cross-reference guide.

BOURNS, INC., TRIMPOT PRODUCTS DIVISION · 1200 COLUMBIA AVENUE , RIVERSIDE , CALIFORNIA 92507

CIRCLE NUMBER 284

/
/

c>.

- --"c5l ;:::..
- CD
.l\J :::C> ......

' ·

PSC · 2

PSC-3

PSC ·4

PSC·6, 8

TWO-WAY. THREE-WAY. FOUR-WAY. SIX-WAY AND EIGHT-WAY POWER SPLITTER/COMBINERS

Model No.

Freq. range (MHz)

Isolation between outputs Insertion loss
(dB) typical (dB) (typical)

Unbalance <b (deg) Amp. (dB

Price (Quantity)

Model No.

Freq. range (MHz)

Isolation
between outputs Insertion loss
(dB) typica l (dB) (typical)

Unbalance

Price

<b (deg) Amp. (dB) (Quantity)

PSC 2·1
zsc 2·1
ZMSC 2·1

0.1·400

PSC 2·2
zsc 2-2

0.002·60

ZMSC 2·2

PSC 2·1W 1-650 ZSC2·1W ZMSC2·1W

PSC 2·1·75· 0.25· 300

MSC2·1 0.1-450

l PSCJ 2-1 .. , 1·200
ZSCJ 2·1 PSCQ2·90 55·90

Two·w·y o0

0.4 above

3dB split

s 01

9.95 (6·49) PSC 3·1

1·200

=~:::~J;:~11_

zsc 3-1
ZMSC 3·1

0.3 above

3dB split

0.1 $19.95 (6·49) $34.95 (4·24) $44.95 (4·24)

PSC 3-2
zsc 3·2
ZMSC 3-2

O.Q1 ·30

0.5 above

0.20 $14.95 (6·49)

3dB split
25 1r~~i

tl29.95 (6·49) 39.95J!;-4fil.
0.05 $11.95(6·49)

PSC4·1 ZSC4·1 ZMSC4·1

0.1·200

0.4 above 3dB split

zsc 4·2 0.002·20
0.1 $16.95 (6·24) ZMSC4·2

33 30

l I TWC>·w·y 180"

03.d6Babsopvliet

2.5

Two·w·y SIO"

average of

.15

I$19.95 (5·49) $34.95 (4·24)

1.0 $19.95 (5-49)

PSC 4.3
zsc 4.3

0.25-250

ZMSC 4.3

I I PSC6·1

1·175

coupled outputs less 3dE
0.3

l PSC 8-1

0.5-1751

Three-ny 00

0.4 above

4.8 split

0.25 above

4.8 split

Cl' Four·w·y

0.5 above

6dB split

0.45 above

6dBSJJ1it

0.5 above

6dB split

Slx·w8YCI'

30 30

0.75 above
I I 7.8dB split
Cl'l Eight·w·y
l 0.8 above 9dB split

I 4
l 3

0.1 $19.95 (6·49) $34.9514·24)
$44.95 4-24.i_
0.1 $29.95 (6·49) $44.95 (4·24) $54.95 (4·24)
0.1 $26.95 (6·49) $41.95Jt· 24) $51.95 4·211.
0.1 $64.95 (4·24) $74.95 (4·24)
0.1 $23.95 (6·49) $38.95 (4·24) $48.95 (4·24)
I 0.2 $59.95 (1·5)
0.2 1$59.95(1·5)

o· .. COMMON SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL MODELS : Impedance all ports, 50 ohms . ·Except 75 suffix denotes 75 oh m s VSWR:l .1· 1.2 typi ca l Nominal phase

difference between output ports ,

Except J suffix denotes 180° Q denotes 90" Delivery from stock; One week max.

For complete product specifications and U.S. Rep. listing see Microwaves' "Product Data Directory,"

Electronic Designs' "Gold Book" or Electronic Engineers Master "EEM"

World's largest supplier of double balanced mixers
...., M. . c· . L bMCL
lnl- lrCUltS a Oratory '-'rl

837-843 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (212) 342-2500 lnt'I Telex 620156 Domestic Telex 125460

A 01v1s1on Sc1e nt1f1 c Com p onen t s Corp

International Representatives: [l AUSTRALIA General Electronic Service s. 99 Alexander Street. New South Wales . Australia 2065 ; O ENGLAND Dale Electronics . Dale House . Wharf Road, Frimley Green . Camberley Surrey; O FRANCE S. C. I.E .· D. I. M. E. S.. 31 Rue George · Sand . 91120 Palaiseau. France ; 0 GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Industrial Ele c tron ics GMBH . Kluberstrasse 14. 6000 Franklurt / Main , Germany ; 0 ISRAEI Ve c tronics , Ltd ., 69 Gordon Street, Tel-A viv, Israel ; O JAPAN Densho Kaisha . Ltd .. Egu c hi Building , 8- 1 1 Chome Hamamatsucho Minato- ku . Tokyo ; 0 EASTERN CANADA B. 0 . Hummel . 2224 Maynard Avenue . Utica . NY 13502 (3 15) 736-7821; 0 NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG: Coimex. Veldweg 11 , Hattem. Holland. O NORWAY Datamatik AS, Ostensjoveien 62, Oslo 6, Norway
n US Distributors: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Ca in-White & Co.. Foothill Office Genier. 105 Fremont Avenue , Los Altos . CA 94022 (4151 948-6533 ;
0 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA Crown Elect roni cs. 11440 Coll ins Street, No . Hollywood. CA 91601 (2 13) 877-3550

CIRCLE NUMBER 3

ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

NEWS
19 News Scope 24 Major solar-cell programs strive to lower cost ,
improve efficiency-An Electronic Design special report. 34 Portable color TV camera's size and power drain are cut in half. 39 Washington Report

TECHNOLOGY

47 MICROPROCESSOR DESIGN

60 FOCUS on Photodetectors T 1s detailed report gives the specifying engineer the knowledge he needs to clear the confusion in selecting and using photo·

detectors. Discussed are the various kinds of detectors, the characteristics of

each, what tradeoffs to make d

ly s f d p oducts.

70 Consider CCDs for a wide range of uses. Existing charge-coupled-device

products encompass image sensors, high-density memories and analog-signal

processors.

82 Plug a programmable calculator into your system and enjoy computer-like

performance. But take care to ?Void some computer-like problems.

90 Need rf-tight enclosures? Observe these six rules to optimize enclosure

seam design . They ensure meeting tough specifications on radiation leaks.

96 Tadashi Nakamura Of lse Electronics Speaks On Developing Your Engineers.

102 Ideas for Design:

Build a glitchless microprocessor clock with only a two-chip divider.

Automotive charging regulator gives overvoltage and undervoltage warnings.

Power-supply regulator simplified with Norton op amps.

108 International Technology

PRODUCTS

111 Instrumentation: 50-MHz portable oscil'loscope lets you compare four signals.

134 Modules & Subassemblies: Data-acquisition modules keep costs low and performance high.

116 Packaging & Materials

140 Data Processing

123 Power Sources

144 Discrete Semiconductors

126 Components

146 Microwaves & Lasers

132 Integrated Circuits

DEPARTMENTS

57 Editorial: The Reward

7 Across the Desk

153 Bulletin Board

148 Application Notes

158 Advertisers' Index

149 Evaluation Samples

160 Product Index

150 New Literature

160 Information Retrieval Card

Cover: Photo courtesy of N. V. Phil ips' Gloeilampenfabrieken ,

Eindhoven , the Netherlands.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN is published biweekly by Hayden Publishing Company. Inc.. 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park. NJ 07662. James S. Mulholland Jr., President. Printed at Brown Printing Co.. Waseca, MN . Controlled circulation
postage paid ·at Waseca, MN and New York, NY, postage pending Rochelle Park, NJ. Copyright © 1976. Hayden
Publishing Company, Inc. All right reserved. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to ELECTRONIC DESIGN, P.O.
Box 13803, Philadelphia. PA 19101.

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

·t

~9 "I

Jl~J'tA1

A~\ I

,,L'~(,

. ''

110 devices

buffer memory

Introducing the HP 9825 .with vectored priority interrupt, direct memory access, live keyboard,
multidimensional arrays, buffered l/O...
That's big-system
computing performance.

The all-new 9825 Computing Calculator: a very versatile, very powerful device for high-speed problem -solving and for interfacing applications. Consider these performance-oriented features :
Vectored priority interrupt allows virtually simultaneous processing of multiple jobs. It's easily programmed to suspend processing, gather or send data and messages to instruments and peripherals, then automatically return to the original job.
Live keyboard lets you
interact with the system while a program is running to examine or change program variables-or even perform keyboard calculations.
Up to 400k transfers per second direct memory
access provides minicomputer speeds which allow real-time data acquisition and data tr~nsfer with high -speed devices .

High-speed, 250k byte tape cartridge with 6-second average access time permits rapid processing of data and loading of programs.
Multidimensional arrays allow you to organize data logically, thus saving program space and execution time. A 20 x 20 matrix can be inverted in 10 seconds.
Buffered 1/0 increases throughput by providing a programmable software buffer between the program and an external device.
Memory load and record allows you to suspend processing whenever you want and store the complete contents of memory on tape -including data and pointers -for continuation later on.
High level language (HPL) offers you power and efficiency for handling equations, data manipulation,

and input/ output operations. Yet it is easy to learn and use.
Other features and capabilities enhance 9825 performance and versatility: for example, upper and lower case alphanumerics on both the display and printer; interfacing to any of eight HP calculator peripherals through three l/O slots, and up to 45 different instruments via HP Interface Buses.
Simultaneous processing of several diverse jobs.
Say you're using a 9825 to control an instrument test stand , and acquiring data from it at speeds in excess of 1000 bytes a second; then printing the results on the new HP 98668 Thermal Line Printer. At the same time, the same 9825 can also be processing and plotting a statistical problem. And through the 9825's live keyboard , you can check the

progress of either program and even change parameters if you desire. It seems the 9825 is doing all these operations simultaneously, thanks to its speed, buffered 1/ 0 , and interrupt capability.
Unexpected performance from a computing calculator
All this performance comes in a 26-pound , 5" x 15" x 19" package. Yet, with all its power and computer-like features , the 9825 still retains the friendliness and simplicity of a calculator. You don't have to be a programmer to get performance out of a 9825; nor do you need to be a systems expert to do interfacing applications. When you know all the facts, we think you'll agree the 9825 is a great buy. Write for your free copy of the 16-page 9825. brochure, or call your local HP sales office for more information.

HP computing calculators put the power where the problems are.

lift HEWLETT PACKARD
Sales and service fro m 172 offi ces 1n 65 co untnes.
P 0 Boll 301 Lo11e1ana Cotoraao 80537
CIRCLE NUMBER 4

Johanaon Manufacturing C'a'poratlon Rockaway Valley Road
Boonton, New Jersey 07005 (201) 334-2676 lWX 710-987-8387
CIRCLE NUMBER 5
6

Sr. Vice President, Publisher
Peter Coley
Editors
Editorial Offices 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 (201) 843 -0550 TWX: 710-990-5071 Cable: Haydenpubs Rochellepark
Editor-in-Chief George Rostky
Managing Editors: Ralph Dobriner Michael Elphick
Associate Editors: Dave Bursky Samuel Derman Morris Grossman John F. Mason Stanley Runyon Michael Shunfenthal Edward A. Torrero
Contributing Editors: Peter N. Budzilovich John Kessler Alberto Socolovsky Nathan Sussman
Editorial Field Offices
East Jim McDermott, Eastern Editor P.O. Box 272 Easthampton, MA 01027 (413) 527-3632
West David N. Kaye, Senior Western Editor 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 510 Los Angeles , CA 90045 (213) 641-6544 TWX: 1-910·328-7240
Jim Gold , Western Editor 1454 Burrell Court San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 246-6094
Editorial Production
Marjorie A. Duffy, Production Editor Tom Collins , Copy Editor
Art
Art Director, William Kelly Richard Luce Anthony J. Fischetto
Production
Manager, Dollie S. Viebig Helen De Polo Anne Molfetas
Circulation
Manager, Barbara Freundlich
Information Retrieval
Peggy Long
Promotion, Creative Layouts
Manager, Albert B. Stempel Maxine Correal Nancy Gordon (Reprints)
ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 6. Ma rch 15. 1976

Calculator problems with parentheses
I would like to comment on a letter by George Fergus (ED No. 26, Dec. 20, 1975, p. 13 ) which in turn commented on my letter (ED No. 20, Sept. 27, 1975, p. 7 ) regarding two types of problems with some calculators that employ algebraic notation with parentheses.
The moral of my original letter was that regardless of which scientific calculator you buy-whether RPN or algebraic-you must take the time to learn its features and its quirks.
Calculators with parentheses loudly proclaim that you can enter a problem exactly as written without regard to the normal calculator convention that calculations are done in the order in which they are entered. Taking that advertising claim to the letter, one enters the
= problem ( ( s / 4 ) 3) 3 . ( ( 4 / 2 ) 3)3 and promptly obtains the wrong answer. Adding yet another set of parentheses, as Mr. Fergus suggests, doesn't help because most such calculators only permit two sets of nested parentheses, and also because one then must go against the advertised procedure of entering the problem exactly as written.
The problem stems from the ambiguity of the yx (or xY) key. Is it a function like a sin or log (which merely operates cm the number displayed ) ? Since the x1 procedure is done by using a log and then the antilog, one would intuitively expect the former; unfortunately, most calculators treat it as the latter.
In my mind, this is an unsatisfactory solution that can only lead to errors, as in the above ·example. By way of comparison, it is interesting to note how computer languages such as FORTRAN solve

this dilemma. In a given assignment statement, the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are done from left to right, whereas exponentiation is done from right to left! Hence, exponentiation is always done only on the quantity just before the exponentiation symbol. It is treated as a function of the preceding quantity, not as an operation. Calculators should operate the same way.
Peter A. Stark 196 Forest Dr. Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Misplaced Caption Dept.
"Try a little reverse Polish ."
Sorry. That's Winslow Homer's "Croquet Scene,'' which hangs m The Art Institute of Chicago.
Correct terms, incorrect terminology
You included one of our news releases on Eccoband 60 C in " ew Products" (ED No. 25, Dec. 6, 1975, p. 125 ) . We appreciate this, but an error was made in the transition from our copy to your copy: Volume resistivity is measured in ohm-cm as we expressed it in our copy. It is incorrect to say ohm / cm.
Eino J. Luoma Publicity Manag er Emerson & Cuming, Inc. Canton, MA 02021

Electronic Design welcomes the opinions of its readers on the issues raised in the magazine's editorial columns. Address letters to Managing Editor, Electronic Design, 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662. Try to keep letters under 200 words. Letters must be signed. Names will be withheld on request.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

The finest
lighted pushbutton
switches and indicators are
also the easiest to install
PRESSLITE
-----
Snap!
D Snap-in instant panel mounting D Choice of sizes, colors, and
lens styles D Flush or barrier configurations D Re-lampable from front of panel. Lighten your decisions contact .
ILLUMINATED PRODUCTS INC.
A subsidiary of OAK Industries Inc
2620 Sou th Susan St.. P.O. Box 11930 San ta A na. Cali fornia 927 11 Tel: (7 14) 540-947 1 · TWX910 - 59 5-1504
OD n
COMPONENTS GROUP CIRCLE NUMBER 6
7

HOW ACTION PINS WORK. AMP Action Pins incorporate a spring section to give a higher degree of compliance than ever before possible. The diagonal measurement of the spring section -before insertion-is larger than the hole diameter (Fig. I). When the Action Pin is inserted, the two opposing spring members readily compress, and after insertion, exert a force sufficient to effect a gas-tight interface with the plated-thru hole walls (Fig. 2). Yet their rounded corners prevent rupture of the plated-thru hole. They come with a variety of configurations: card-edge contacts, .0252 feed-to and feed-thru posts, and SEM (NAFIstyle) two-piece receptacleand-blade contacts. All are compatible with wrap-type terminations or I/0 connections.
AMP ECONOMATE panels are made to your specifications and consist of two elements: the pc board-either two-sided or multi-layer with plated-thru holes-and the AMP ECONOMATE Action Pin contacts.
ECONOMATE I card-edge contacts, and ECONOMATE II two-piece receptacle-and-blade, SEM (NAFI-style), contacts both feature snap-on housings for maximum maintainability of panels. Posted panels feature .0252 feed-to and feed-thru posts for automatic, semi-automatic, or manual point-to-point wiring. All types hold costs to a minimum through AMP's high-speed automated assembly process.

most. They won't br or damage the plate ultimate in reliability
When it comes to panels,
is. Get the whole story. Call
AMP Incorporated, Harrisbd
SEE US AT PARIS INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS SHOW, FRANCE
~NIP INCORPORATED CIRCLE NUMBER 7

lt's4K! It's fast! It's static! It's a whole
R system!

It's all of those and more, much more. It's our new Microram 3400N - a 32K x 16 or 18 bit memory system using our own SEMI 4402, 4K STATIC RAM components ... the only production 4K STATIC RAM 's available today. The 4402 is fast , with a worst case access time of 200 nsec. And .. . it's second-sourced, of course !
The Microram 3400N is form , fit, and functionally compatible with all core and NMOS members of the Micromemory family , and is completely contained on a single printed circuit card . Optional features include chassis and power supply . The Microram 3400N is immediately available with a worst case access time of 275 nsec.
Call your nearest EMM sales office and discover how " The Memory Company" can give you system building block flexibility , 4K to 32K, core or NMOS.
Emm sEM/
A subsidiary of Electronic Memories & Magnetics Corp. · 3883 North 28th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85017 (602) 263-0202

EMM OFFICES : WESTERN REGION, Regional Office, San Francisco (408) 247-9711 , Los Angeles Area (213) 644-9881 , Orange County Area (714) 639-5811 : EASTERN REGION . Regional Office. Boston (617) 861-9650, Chicago Area (312) 297-7090, New York Area (516) 423-5800, Cleveland Area (216) 842-8920; INTERNATIONAL OFFICES , European Headquarters, United Kingdom (01) 751-1213, West Germany (089) 714 .30.40.
REPRESENTATIVES : Gentry Associates, Orlando (305) 894-4401 . Huntsville (205) 534-9771 , Burlington, N.C. (9 19) 227-3639. In Canada : Cantec. Toronto (416) 457-4455. Montreal (514) 620-3121 . Ottawa (613) 225-0363. In Sweden : Svensk Telein dustri , OB-890435. In Great Britain /I reland . MEMAC Whitchurch (029 664) 36617/B. In Neth erl ands / Belgium. Famatra . Benelux 076-133457. In Norway. Henaco A/S (02) t5 75 50. In J apan. N1ssho Elect ronics (03) 544-8396.

CIRCLE NUMBER 8

E LECTRON IC D ESIGN 6. M a rc h 15, 1976

Connections were much simpler 200 years ago. Torch the fuse and the cannon fired .
Supplying the vital spark that makes a modern weapon system do its job is a lot more complicated.
That 's where we come in. For many years, primes and OEMs for military and aerospace products have depended on us to provide the vital links in their electronic systemsflat cable, etched circuitry, connectors, and total interconnection systems.
Our high-rel connections have to be the best. They're used in systems like Phoenix, Maverick, Lance, Minuteman, AWACS, F-14, F-15 , Space Shuttle, Viking , Sonobuoy, F-4, A-7, Condor, Standard Missile, F-18, AAH , Cruise Missile, F-8 , Trident, Hobo, Sprint and many more.
To learn how we can serve your interconnection needs, contact Jack Maranto or Dave Cianciulli : Hughes Connecting
Devices, 171 SO Von Karman
Ave ., Irvine, CA 92714 . Or call (714) 549-5701.
Hughes Connecting Devices

...ID 25 J8l1'S I U grown to be lots more than a great resistor supplier.
Dale is the efficient way to get a lot of things done at once. In addition to being the industry's most complete source of discrete resistors, we're strong, and getting stronger, in trimmer potentiometers, inductors, transformers, connectors and thick film networks. As a result, your man from Dale ·is better equipped than ever to help you save time and cut project costs. How old we are really doesn't matter, it's what we can do for you right now that counts. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

T-Pots
Check the price and performance on our low profile 700 Series and 3/e" single turn 100 Series. We'll match them against anyone in the industry... and we're ready to deliver al! popular values from stock. See EEM, Gold Book or our full line catalog for complete details on Dale trimmers including Mil. Spec. models or call 402-564-3131.
Connectors
Working with displays? Dale ES Connectors expand to fit your special designs without burdensome tooling costs. And Dale also has a sol.id line of budget-stretching edgeboards that provide .100" and .156" spacing at low cost per contact. Rack and panel and umbilical styles, too. Ask your man from Dale or call 605-665-9301 .

Networks
Compare our DIP and SIP thick film networks with Beckman, CTS, et al. You'll find we have the facilities and the know-how to help you use networks to their best advantage. Our lineup of standard, military and custom thick-film circuitry is described in a brand new brochure. To get it, circle the Reply No. or call 402-371-0080.
Inductors
Take a look at our growing line of epoxy molded and roll-coated chokes and toroids (MIL-C-15305D and MIL-T-27). Check the price and the extra reliability of our IR Series against the varnish-coated choke you're now using. Need low-cost industrial transformers? Our laminated PL Series offers models to 25 watts. Details begin on Page 179 of the catalog our rep is ready to deliver:.

The best in resistors ... and a lot more
DALE ELECTRONICS, INC., 1300 28th Avenue, Columbus, Nebraska 68601 A subsidiary of the Lionel Corporation
In Canada: Dale Electronics Canada Ltd. · In Europe: Dale Electronics GmbH, 8 Munchen 60, Falkweg 51 , Wes( Germany
OUR COMPLETE PRODUCT LINE CAN BE FOUND IN ELECTRONIC DESIGN'S GOLD BOOK.

Why is the 280 at·99@!

our fastest selling ·_multimeter ever?

Ever since we introduced the 280 last year, sales have been breaking records.
The reasons are easy to understand. The 280 is a battery-operated portable, full-feature digital multimeter at less than the price of a pre-

cision analog meter. The 280 features a large three-digit LED readout, automatic polarity indication, automatic decimal point placement and out-of-range indication. The 280 is fully overload protected for reliability and has an industry-standard input impedance of 10 megohms for all voltage ranges.
It has High/Low power ohms ranges for accurate in-circuit measurements, not available on most analog meters. And digital accuracy (1 % typical for DCV; 2% for ACV and ohms, except 2.5% on highest ranges) and digital resolution (1mV, 1µ.A, 0.1 ohm)-not available on any analog meter.
No compromises on range either-DC and AC voltage ranges to 1OOOV, DC and AC current ranges to 1000mA and ohms ranges to 10 megs.
Our fastest seller ever? We're not surprised. In stock at your distributor.

PRODUCTS OF DYNASCAN
1801 W. Belle Plaine · Chicago, Ill inois 60613 · (312) 327-7270

CIRCLE NUMBER 11

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

···t !P·A· ··AWtttll·· A& ······~ ·· ···· WA7·

·Real portability : Single trace model PM3225 is only 8 pounds 2 ounces Dual _trace model PM3226 is only 9 pounds 1O ounces

·Convenient compactness : PM3225 : 5.4" H x 10.2" W x 12.4" D and PM3226 : 5.4" H x 11 .9" W x 12.4" D

·Sensitivity : 2mV/div at 15 MHz bandwidth

· 8 x 10 division screen

·Complete triggering facilities : Auto, line, External, TV line or frame ·Automatic DC balancing and drift control

· Logical layout of operating controls for quick error free setup A most logical and convenient internal layout for optimum servicing

· Prices that put genuine professional scopes easily within your budgets

Human engineering .. . ease of operation ... logical panel layout. Philips attaches great importance to this subject by maintaining the largest industrial

design center in the western world. Here many of our test and measuring instruments, including oscilloscopes, are not only designed, but exhaustively

tested by typical users. By filming the method by wh ich the instruments are used, a truly objective user-oriented evaluation is achieved. The layout is

designed with group controls that fall naturally to hand. Cable connections are placed away from oscilloscope displays and functional controls. Special

contoured knobs and pushbuttons are designed to give the user unambiguous touch control. . These special design considerations, plus versatile performance

specifications, are the reasons more and more engineers and technicians look to Philips for the test equipment required in today's complex electronics.

To obtain further information about these new Phil ips oscilloscopes, use our toll free Hot line number 800 645-3043. New York State residents

call ( 516) 921-8880 collect.

· In the United States :

·In Canada :

Philips Test & Measuring Instruments, Inc.

400 Crossways Park Drive

6 Leswyn Road

Woodbury,NewYork 11797 (516)921 -8880

Toronto, Ontario M6A 1 K2 (416) 789-7188

FOR INFORMATION CIRCLE #241

FOR DEMONSTRATION CIRCLE #242

PHILIPS

Let's talk about solving communications problems between your microprocessor and
your system.

Just determining whether or not you have an 1/0 problem can be a major undertaking .. .I know, I've been there too. We call communication with the microprocessor "handshaking," but sometimes information transfer, especially across an 1/0 port, reminds me more of "armwrestling." Analysis of data transfer across an 1/0 port can be very tricky. The microprocessor and the peripheral may have independent system clocks, or the peripheral may be asynchronous. There may be a parallel-to-serial data transformation, or vice-versa. The systems may require a common trigger to interact properly. How do you verify all that? And how do you determine that the instructions are being received and executed properly? About the only way I know that you can really be sure everything is working right (without spending an excessive amount of time) is to look at it on an HP 1600S Logic State Analyzer. Then it doesn't matter whether you have independent system clocks going. Or whether part of the system is asynchronous. The HP 1600S lets you display two separate tables of data on one
16

Microprocessor Address Bus, Data Bus and 1/0 input and output data are displayed
simultaneously on the HP 1600S screen.
screen, so you can look at program flow right alongside the input and output states of the 1/0 port. That way there's no question about correct sequencing-or about data flow in either direction.
Confidence in your system design and operation will be high. I mean, when you can actually look at all those data buses, read their information flow, and see that it's all perfect- that's confidence!
What's more, if you do find a problem, 'lhe HP 1600S will help you pinpoint it more quickly than any other way I know. It can help you put an end to armwrestling within your microprocessor systems.
The HP 1600S, at $6800*, is one of the biggest timesavers you'll ever find. You should learn more about it. HP has arranged a number of seminars around the country to make that possible. Find out how you can attend the one in your area by calling your local HP field engineer. He can also supply you with complete spec sheets and application notes detailing the use of
CIRCLE NUMBER 12

mapping for troubleshooting minicomputer and microprocessor systems. You'll discover an exciting new concept in digital troubleshooting.
*Domestic U.S.A. price only.

. --
:'~ t ·:: -

:j·

- . :"'"'::::";;~= .. ~ ..

'jJ.J ..., ..,

..,, : · · !I
-IJ"'} .J .,,
-
''"''
HEWLETT"' PACKARD
Sales and service from 172 offices in 65 countries.
1501 Page Mill Road, Palo Ano. California 94304
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

O.K., you guys, back to the old
drawing board.
It's a whole new ball game. And just when you'd made all your panel lamp decisions, right? But Monsanto's patented nitrogen doping process for GaAsP on GaP substrates has improved the light-emitting efficiencies of our LED lamps so dramatically that every good designer will want to take another look.
Monsanto has T-1 and T-1 % replacement lamps in standard red color (improved significantly over last year's red LEDs) and new bright red which is unbelievably bright. Red. Plus green, yellow, and a dazzling new orange. In two lens choices and two lead lengths. And all improved, as you can see on the chart.

BRIGHTNESS
IMPROVEMENT

Model Number Color

Size

Luminous Viewing Intensity Angle

51748* Orange T-1

5.0 med

90°

52748* Green T-1

1.0 med

90°

53748* Yellow T-1

4.0 med

90°

57748* Red

T-1

5.0 med

90°

5152** Orange T-1 %

40.0 med

28"

5252** Green T-1 %

15.0 med

28"

5352·· Yellow T-1 %

45.0med

28°

5752·· Red

T-1%

40.0 med

28"

*Also available with 1" lead lengths. low profile (.138" high) lens, and 1800 viewing angle.
··Also available with 24° and 65° viewing angles.

Last year there were some sockets that demanded filament lamps, despite their inherent failure-and-replacement problems. Bright was needed, and damn the torpedos.
This year you just might find the bright you need in a shake-rattle-and-roll-proof LED lamp. Come and see.
If you can take the time, you just might be able to add a lot of T to your MTBF.
So it's reset to zero, folks, if you want the best indicator lamps (and widest choice of functional differentiation colors) in your gear.
For product information, circle the service number or call your local Monsanto man. Or write Monsanto Electronics Division, 3400 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304.
Putting innovation to work.

tL1M1ceoosmncpsieaannncytoe. :

CIRCLE NUMBER 13

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

!6A

IBIBRAL OPTOBLBCTROllC CODPLBRS,

~
Ht 1A Coupler
· Transistor output · Patented GE Glass Isola-
tion used on all H 11 Series Couplers. Yields industry's highest CTR and isolation voltages · All popular "4N" types · UL File E51868
65¢*

~
H74A, C Couplers
· Compatible with 7400 Series T2 L
· H74A Transistor output · H74 SCA output up to
400V · Guaranteed over 0-70°C
87¢*

~
Ht 1C Coupler
· SC R output up to 400V, 6 models
· Marriage of G.E.'s SCA and Optoelectronic technologies
· For use in sol id state relays
· ULFileE51868
95¢*

~
Ht 1B Couplers
· Darlington output · 500% CTR with 2500V
isolation · 200% CTR @0.5mA
input · Po pular " 4N" types · UL File E51868
83¢*

~
Ht 1D Coupler
· 300V Transistor output · 20% min. CTR with
2500V isolation · Performs many reed re-
lay functions
$1.36*
*Recommended Resale 10,000 lot quantity
11The Best Costs No More 11

~
Ht 1AA Coupler
· INDUSTRY'S FIRST AC Coupler
· 2 LEDs in inverse parallel for AC to logic interfacing
· For telecommunications
$1.43*

16B

EL ECTRONIC D ES IGN 6, March 15, 1976

ILBCTBIC llTBBBDPTBBS, BBITTBBS, DBTBCTOBS

· 4 models offer "no contact" switching
· T ransistor and Darlington versions
· Fo r use on: - shaft encoders - cou nters - lim it switches - keyboards - position sensors
$1.21 *

· 4000V RMS isolation
· H 15A tran sistor output
· H15B Darl ington output
· For: - pulse transformer replacement - thy r istor triggeri ng - logic interfacing
· UL File E51 868
$1.10*

/I H17 Matched Pair
· Industry's lowest cost
matched emitterI
detector pa ir. · Transistor or
Darlington outputs · For genera l purpose
" no contact switching" applications
$1.05*

L14 Detectors
· 13 models · Choice of T 0-18 metal
or T0-92 p lastic package · Transistor or Darlington
configuration
L14 Plastic 28¢* L14 Metal $1.00*

LED Infrared Emitters
· 6 models in T0-18 metal packages
· Flat and curved lens configurations
· LED55C - the industries highest power output LED
· 150°C operating capability
$1.30*

* Recommended Resale 10,000 lot quantity

Competitively priced and available from any authorized GE distributor.

Semiconductor Products Department. Electronics Park 7 -49. Syracuse. New York 13201

GENERAL.ELECTRIC

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

16C

Hu~
l~~·couplers
wti1le they last.

1~ Opto-coupler Sale

No kidding. Right now, for a limited time only, you can buy any of these very fine medium-isolation optocouplers from Fairchild for l<i: each. Is there a catch? Yes indeed.
The catch.
For every quantity of lct optocouplers, you must purchase an equal quantity of our terrific new GfassofatedTM high-isolation 5kY and 6kY opto-couplers.

Fairchild SkV and 6kV Glassolated'" Opto-couplers

Device
FCD810C FCD810D FCD820C FCD820D FCD825C FCD825D FCD830C FCD830D FCD831C FCD831D FCD836C FCD836D

CTR
10 % 10 % 20% 20 % 50 % 50 % 20 % 20% 10 % 10 % 6% 6%

Isolation
5kV 6kV 5kV 6kV 5kV 6kV 5kV 6kV 5kV 6kV 5kV 6kV

1K Price($)
.60 .85 .75 1.00 .85 1 05 1.00 1.20 .90 1.10 .85 1.00

Subs11tut1ons of other coupler prOOucts may be allowed Your Fai rchild Representative has details

160

Fairchild Phototransistor Coupler
MCT-2 MCT-2 E MCT-26
H11A2 H11A3 H11A4
IL-1 IL-12 IL-15 IL-74
TIL 111 TIL112 TIL 11 4 TIL 115 TIL 116 TIL118
MOC1000 MOC1001 MOC1002 MOC1003
4N25 4N26 4N27 4N28

Second Source to
Monsanto Monsanto Monsanto
General Electric General Electric General Electric
Litronix Litronix Litronix Litronix
Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas In struments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments
Motorola Motorola Motorola Motorola
Industry Industry Industry Industry

Expensive? Not at all. In fact, at these prices, you can see why we're selling all our old couplers for just l<i: apiece.
Who wants a mediumperformance opto-coupler anymore when they can get a highperformance coupler with twice the isolation -at the same kind of low, low price ?
CIRCLE NUMBER 1 S

This offer cannot be repeated.
So hurry. Get your lct optocouplers while they last. Because once they·re gone, they·re gone. This special lC Sale ends May 31, 1976. And the minimum factory order of our 5kY and 6kY optocouplers is £1,000.
For smaller quantities, contact your nearest Fairchild Sales Office or Representative for the name of the participating franchised Fairchild Distributor nearest you.
Semiconductor Components Group, Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp., 464 Ellis St., Mountain View, CA 94040. (415)493-3100. TWX: 910-379-6435.
fAIRCHIU>
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6. March 15 , t976

AllOTHER NYTH EXPLODED:
All solenoids are NOT created equal.

- - - . . - New uni-Guard II molded bobbin and coil covers are Val ox® 420 SE-0 . .. to meet or surpass all U/ L and CSA component recognition requirements; also meet tough U/ L flammability spec 94V-O.

New Uni-Guard II construction minimizes wear by holding concentricity between plug and plunger ... and minimizes double seating .

Lugs are press fitted and ultrasonically welded to bobbin to withstand
eight pound pull test.

New Uni-Guard II coil cover gives snug, pro-
!tecting fit, yet leaves space for addition of thermal cutouts or diodes.
Dual endplates on model shown
l improve mechanical strength and magnetic efficiency.
Bright Nickel plated plunger for low friction, corrosion resistance.

Endplates are swage formed and _ _ _ _ _ _.._t_ _,.,_
staked to field piece to provide continuous magnetic flux field for most efficient operation.

Only Guardian solenoids have new Uni-Guard®II molded bobbin and coil covers that give you savings of up to 25% ... with at least 25% longer life. How long? Up to 5 million operations. This new construction is
now available on nearly all Guardian box frame and U-frame solenoids. Including pull type, push type and solenoid switches. All have .187" or .110" QC lug or solder lug termination for easier, faster, less expensive installation . And Guardian has more types available from stock than anyone else.
Variations and options? Get them from Guardian . Return springs, plunger configurations. anti-bottoming or silencers. voltages, termination , mounting, coil finishes ... you spec it and Guardian's ready to produce it.

Let the Guardian Angel show you why Guardian is No. 1 in solenoids. Send for your free copy of this 72 page catalog .

. S , ' Th is mark 1nd1cates r ecogn111on unde1 the comoonen1
~ program o f Underwn1ers Laboratories Inc
GUARDIAN®
GUARDIAN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO. 1572 West Carroll Ave ., Chicago , Illinois 60607 · 312 / 243-1100

CIRCLE NUMBER 14 1

Interested in network variety? Select from a spectrum of 347 standards.

Allen-Bradley has the popular configurations you need . Pull-ups, Pull-downs. Line Terminators. Networks to complement Core Memory Sense Amplifiers. TTL to ECL Translators. 0-Pad Attenuators. All styles available from your Allen-Bradley Electronic Distributor. Call for specs or check your EEM Catalog . If you need specials, contact your local Allen-Bradley district office for fast turn-around . Ask for Publication 5840. A-B is an experienced twinfilm manufacturer, i.e. precision thin film and thick film .

t4M,~~
as a special feature.

~o\~~Cl/Ua/

... room for more

iii ,, ,f\ =!;iii~~

resi stors, higher \ rpeoswisetar nracteinvgasl,uleasrg. er

1
-m:~~~
for visual inspection.

eo&+
aids orientation and indicates
number of pins. Blue-14 pin; green-16 pin .

Quality in the best tradition.
f.l:) ~!,:~!t~;~;~RADLEY Milwaukee, Wisconsi n 53204 EC111
CIRCLE NUMBER 142

THEE
in your future

United Detector Technology has an eye for your light

integrity verification.

detection problems. With our extensive line of stan dard photodetectors and years of experience in custom detector design. even the most puzzling and unusual requirements are quickly satisfied.

Standard and special purpose arrays for inspection and quality control. This " POP- EYE" array scans bottles for flaws prior to resealing .

Technical Depth in Schottky. Planar Diffused and Mesa technologies has enabled UDT to develop
solutions to hundreds of applications w ith standard

PhotopsTM light to voltage converters. Hybrid PIN silicon

photodiodes with FET op amps to drive analog meters.

recorders or digital displays.

and custom electro-optic devices.

General purpose photodiodes with areas to 6 cm 2 ·

lengths to 12". capacities as low as 2 pf/cm 2 · and rep

Unique devices such as the special Schottky barrier. 360° rates over 100 MHz.

detector shown here. Six active areas. located symmetrically around the sphere. provide position information by sensing the intensity on various segments.

We set the standard in the fabrication of new custom detector devices and yet we offer over 50 catalog products. We want to hear about your requirement. be it special or standard.

Spot-continuous position sensors, single and dual

Write or call today. Ask for our catalog . The eye of

axis. for numerical control . alignment and surface

your future is at UDT.

Im.I

CIRCLE NUMBER 14

UNITED DETECTOR TECHNOLOGY. INC.

· ·
New hermetic dual-in-line package offers superior thermal characteristics... automatic insertion...improves reliability.

Say good-bye to linear circuits in T0-99 cans. Welcome a new packaging milestone.

Thermal ch1r11cterlstlcs (typlcel operellonel amplifier)

PARAMETER

T0·99 PACKAGE JG-PACKAGE UNIT

But you pay no more for all these advantages. Tl's linear devices in the JG-package are

Tl's new hermetic 8-pin ce- Thermal Impedance OJ·A

210

106 5

"C/W

priced the same as equivalent

ramic dual-in-line l i n e a r Max . Dissipation @70"C

384

package.

Max. Dissipation@ 12s·c

120

Operating Junction Temp ..

The innovative JG-package TJ@SOOmW & TA = 25°C

130

with superior thermal char- TJ@300mW&TA = 70°C

133

744

metal-can functions. Herme-

232

ticity and space requirements

are the same. The JG-pack-

102

age has also passed all mili-

acteristics provides substantially improved device reliability over the old T0-99 can, as the derating curve illustrates. Under identical oper-

Typlal functions 1nll1bl1 In JG p1cltlg1

High Performance Op Amp Differential Comparator Universal Timer Dual Op Amp

SNC52101AJG/SN72301 AJG SNC52111JG/SN72311JG SNC52555JG/SN72555JG SNC52558JG/SN72558JG

tary requirements of Mil-Std883 and data is available on request.
For more information on the linear circuits avail-

ating conditions, chip junction temperature in the new 8-pin C-Dip may be as much as 50°C cooler than in a

General Purpose Op Amp Dual Peripheral Driver Dual Peripheral Driver

SNC52741JG/SN72741 JG SNC55451 JG/SN75451 JG SNC55452JG/SN75452JG

All Tl linear products offered in 8-pin Plastic are also available 1n 8-pin C-Dip-JG .

able in the new dual-inline package, contact your nearest authorized TI distributor. Or write Texas

metal can (see box for more details). your installation costs. Another Instruments Incorpo-

As with all dual-in-line packages, saving: The non-conducting ceramic rated, P. 0. Box 5012,

the JG-package can be automatically base eliminates the need for M/S 964, Dallas, Texas

inserted in p.c. boards which will cut insulators.

75222.

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS

INCO R PORATED

63005

MARCH 15, 1976

Components conference will focus on new hybrid uses

New applications of hybrid technology to solid-state devices will be featured at next month's Electronic Components Conference in San Francisco. The conference will be held April 26-28 at the Jack Tar Hotel.
Key papers in the hybrid area will include discussions of the following:
· A new kind of low-cost, crystal-controlled clock oscillator with superior frequency stability.
· A hybrid MOS-LSI package design that protects the circuits against 6000-V discharges.
1· A realistic look at the cost and technical factors to be considered in selecting the optimum hybrid design.
In a Session V paper entitled, "A New Type of Crystal-Controlled Clock Oscillator," H. D. Hinnah, vice president of CTS Knights, Inc., Sandwich, IL, will report on a new approach to clock oscillator design.
"Instead of using the standard AT-cut cuystal we're using a dual monolithic-coupled resonator as the frequency-control element," Hinnah told ELECTRONIC DESIGN in an interview.
"It's actually a dual resonator on the same crystal blank with _acoustic coupling between them. That's a technique currently used in multiple monolithic-crystal filters. The oscillator can operate over a wide temperature range, has excellent symmetry and fast rise and fall times.
"The frequency stability of the new design is superior to standard AT units because it is used as a resonant transformer that allows one to work into the low input and output impedances of commercially available digital circuitry.
"With standard AT crystals," Hinnah explains, "such loading degrades the crystal stability and

tends to introduce marginal startup problems.
"With our monolithic-coupled resonator, a 74SOO Schottky gate, and a couple of resi.stors we have a reliable, low-cost unit, that works in the 3-to-30-MHz range," he adds.
A Session II paper entitled; "Hybrid Protection Devices for ·MOSLSI Chips" will present solutions to a major failure problem with MOSLSI circuitry-electrostatic discharges. The paper is by F. H. De La Moneda, D. E. Debar, K. P. Stuby, and C. L. Bertin, all of IBM's Systems Communication Division, Manassas, VA.
The main concern of protectivedevice design has been to produce monolithic structures with excellent voltage-clamping characteristics. But according to the authors these requirements can be relaxed to increase the maximum overvoltage that a chip can handle.
One new monolithic clamping structure to be described gives 1000 V more protection than conventional clamping designs.
In the IBM design this protection is extended to o¥er 6000 V by use of a spark-gap configuration that is fabricated on the chip-carrying module. The protection does not incur added cost, nor does it decrease circuit reliability.
A Session V paper entitled "Application-Oriented Hybrid Technology" will present specific guidelines for selecting hybrid technology.
"Often the selection is determined by personal bias rather than by cost or technical requirements," says R. E . Gardner, the paper's author and supervisor of hybrid microcircuit applications for the Autonetics Group of Rockwell International, Anaheim, CA.
Gardner's advice is based on extensive experience with thin-film,

thick-film and cofired devices. (In the latter, the ceramic and conductor pattern are fired at the same time. )
In an interview, Gardner outlined some key points for ELECTRONIC DESIGN.
"Precision analog circuitry generally requires the thin film process," he said. "Thin-film techniques produce high-precision resistors. But where a wide range of resistor values are needed on the same substrate, the use of thick film may be advisable.
"With thin film you can achieve finer line width so this technique is useful at higher frequencies, such as for microwave ICs.
"For small quantities, thin film is least costly. Thick-film processes are readily automated, and for quantities on the order of 500 or so it has the lowest cost. Cofired devices have the highest tooling costs, and 200 to 1000 units are required for you to break even."
Video system has high program-store capacity
A video teaching system that can l'ecord and transmit still color pictures and sound at a high rate of speed for storage and playback has been developed for use in learning centers and homes. It uses a combination of digital coding and multiplexing to store up to 60 different half-hour programs on a standard hour-long videotape cassette.
Called Rapid Transmission and Storage, the system was invented by Dr. Peter C. Goldmark, president of Goldmark Communications Corp., Stamford, CT.
Through the use of digital coding, up to 30 programs can be selected from a single tape. They can be shown simultaneously on as many as 30 sets, using a Mark I version of the system developed for multiple-classroom instruction.
Use of the Goldmark system will enable public broadcasting stations to transmit as many as 2800 different half-hour lessons during an eight-hour nonbroadcast period, such as early morning hours, when the station is normally off of the air.
For the home viewer, a recording attachment that is expected to cost about $300-a Mark II version-

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

will enable an individual to select study programs and record them during sleeping hours. Lessons can be erased and tape re-used.
The Mark I version will be introduced in the fall of this year in six community-college districts across the United States.
A principal reason for the high information-packing density is the use of slides and still pictures. Motion can be introduced into the scenes when required, but it reduces the recorded-lesson time. The use of stills also cuts production costs by about 90 percent.
Goldmark Communications has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Electronic Publishing, Inc., to produce course text and picture material in collaboration with individual college design teams.
Airborne computer may cut consumption of fuel
An airborne computer-based management system under development could cut airline fuel expenditures by 2 to 5 percent, according to. its developer Simmonds Precision Instrument Systems Div., Vergennes, VT.
The "Performance Management System" is an airborne computer programmed with the performance characteristics of the aircraft. Real-time data presented on a control-and-display unit enable the flight crew to get maximum aircraft performance with minimum fuel consumption from take-off to landing.
The system is designed to help the pilot manage the aircraft by indicating optimum take-off thrust, angle of attack, cruise speed, altitude and other factors. In addition, the system would enable the pilot to predict the effect of alternate speeds, altitudes, temperatures and other variables on fuel consumption.
A company spokesman said if used by all major airlines, the system could save at least $100-million a year.
Edge-board connector protection is discussed
Two layers of gold, at least 100microinches thick, can provide a

good way to protect edge-board connectors against variation in the contact resistance, according to Robert Wasson, staff engineer at the IBM Systems Product Div., Endicott, NY.
"Contact resistance variation is the most common failure mechanism in edge-board connectors," he told last month's National Electronic Packaging and Production Conference in Anaheim, CA.
If the contacts have at least 100 microinches of gold applied in two layers-a layer of soft gold over a layer of hard gold-the connection will last a long time without variation. Not only does the gold provide protection against oxidation, but ·thel hard layer also provides resistance against rapid wear.
Many connectors have a lifetime of only 5 to 10 insertions, Wasson noted, but the user rarely knows when the connector's contact resistance changes, or what has gone wrong to make it change.
He cited IBM's "workhorse" SLT computer-edgeboard connector as an example of a very reliable make. Selectively plated, it has about 5 to 10 mn when new. Over a lifetime of 50 insertions, the ce>ntact resistance does not vary more than 10 mn, Wasson said.
For consistent connections, he feels 150 to 200 gm of insertion force are ideal.
16-bit µ Ps increase in speed .and density
A 16-bit NMOS microprocessor that competes in speed with bipolar systems was unveiled at last month's Se>lid-State Circuits Conference. Also on view was a 16-bit CMOS µP built on a single chip.
Both designs were developed by Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co. of Kawasaki, Japan.
The NMOS micro was described by Kenji Yoshida in the paper, "A 16-bit LSI Minicomputer." The mini employs a kind of bit-slice microprogrammable configuJ;"ation. A single-chip Arithmetic Control Unit (ACU) teams up with four Bus Control Units (BCUs) and an external control ROM. The result is a system that operates at speeds more typical of CPUs employing standard bipolar circuits than of a MOS / LSI version.

"The system's architecture overcomes processing constraints," said Yoshida, who cited several speedenhancing features. First, the control ROM is external to the ACUas in DEC's LSI-11 mini-so the memory can be made large enough to contain virtually any instruction set. In the system described a 117instruction set, based on the company's TOSBAC-40 minicomputer, was used.
Second, fetch and execute operations of microinstructions are pipelined, as in Intel's 3000 bipolar micro slice. During execution of one microinstruction, the fetching of the next microinstruction is carried out simultaneously. This technique allows a 300-ns cycle time even when relatively slow microprogram ROMs are employed. Further speeding CPU operations is special fast-carry logic contained in the ACU.
Both ACU and BCUs are housed in 42-pin packages. The relatively small package was made possible by the use of a single-bus configuration and a microinstruction word length of only 11 bits.
The CMOS µP was described by Kenshi Manabe, who delivered the paper, "A C2 MOS 16-bit Parallel Microprocessor." The unit employs clocked-MOS circuitry (hence the term C2 MOS) to minimize the number of active elements without reducing system functions. Specifically, the use of a dynamic ROM for the .µP's instruction decoder and control circuit avoids the need to reduoe the number of basic instructions.
The CMOS .µP responds to 72 basic instructions, and it has an instruction execution time ranging
from 10 to 26 µs (with an 8-MHz
input signal ). The chip employs standard aluminum-gate technology, and dissipates about 5 mW, not including drivers. Packaging in a 28-pin DIP is possible because the memory-address register is external to the µP chip.
Other features include three levels of interrupt-request; inputs and the capability for multiple-interrup t handling. Addressing modes consist of direct, indirect, indexed, immediate and pointer.
Though not available now, Manabe said that the CMOS µP might be offered for a unit cost in the range of $30 to $40 .

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, -1976

PACKAGING/SWITCHES/READERS
1441 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92701 Phone 714/835-6000 Also stocked and serviced in North America by G. S. Marshall , R-A-E, Zentronics.
CIRCLE NUMBER 16

DEVICE
7207 7209

1-10 MHz +1,212,217,10(217)

10 kHz-10 MHz

+1,23

PACKAGE
14 pin DIP 8 pin DIP

PRICE 1000+
$2.50 1.50

Major solar-cell programs strive to lower cost, improve efficiency

A major national effort is currently underway by many companies, universities, and private organizations to develop solar-cell technology as a potential largescale energy source.
The U. S. Government's Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) plans to spend more than $20 million in 1976 on solar cell development alone---a fourfold increase over 1975's outlay. Other branches of the government, as well as a number of private industries, have committed additional funds.
The major technological objectives of this far-reaching program are:
· To lower the capital cost of solar-cell-generated electricity from today's figure of about $25,000/ kW to less than $500 / kW in 1985-by developing new mass-production manufacturing processes for solar cells and for complete solar-cell arrays.
· To produce single-crystal silicon in large quantities at low cost.
· To maximize the performance of today's solar cells by means of new photovoltaic materials and by cell-design innovations.
· To foster the growth of the solar-cell industry in this country, and to develop photovoltaic technology to such a level that eventually a significant fraction of the nation's total electrical power will be produced by this method.
Solar cells come down to earth
Consuming no fuel, generating no waste products, and oprating
Samuel Derman Associate Editor
24

1. Long continuous ri bbons of silicon crystal grown at Mobil Tyco Labs may lead to mass-produced low-cost solar cell arrays.
virtually without attention for long periods of time, photovoltaic solar cells have become the object of renewed interest by leaders in government and industry.
Their greatest single application to date have been in the space program, where the cell's high initial cost is outweighed by its desirable features and demonstrated ability to supply steady power to orbiting spacecraft. NASA's Skylab, launched in 1973, carried an array of 147,840 individual 2 x 4-cm solar cells-the largest concentration of photovoltaic power ever borne aloft.
Weighing 5060 lb, the array was

capable of generating approximately 11.5 kW. A slightly smaller solar-cell array ( 11.3 kW) was carried aloft by the 1973 Apollo telescope.
On a more mundane level, solar cells are currently finding use in a large number of terrestrial applications, especially where relatively small amounts of reliable electric power are needed at remote or inaccessible sites.
Typical uses are found in navigational buoys, telephone repater stations, and roadside call boxes. Along the Atlantic City Expressway in New Jersey, 96 roadside radio-telephone call boxes run on rechargeable batteries ; the recharging is done during daylight hours by solar cells. Cells can also be mounted aboard small boats to charge their batteries.
SES Inc., Newark, DE; and Solar Power Corp., Wakefield, MA, are both currently marketing solar cells for boat applications.
Other current uses for solar cells include supplying power for children's toys, and more recently, for charging the batteries in LEDdisplay wristwatches. Edmund Scientific Co., Barrington, NJ, offers individual cells for use by experimenters.
The total electric power generated nationally by all solar-cell applications is small. It is estimated to run currently at a level of hundreds of kilowatts, less than the power used by a medium-sized office or apartment building. The goal of ERDA however is to increase this figure by many orders of magnitude---to such a point that by the year 1985 solar cells will be providing more than 500 MW (peak power) nationally.
Even more significant, by 1985
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

solar-cell arrays would be fabricated at such a rate that the 500MW figure would also represent t he yearly national increase in solar-cell generating capacity. .
Large-scale uses proposed
Of the variety of possible methods for large-scale solar-cell application, the following three schemes have been frequently proposed :
1. The first possibility would see solar-cell arrays placed on individual buildings, either by mounting them on the outside, or by making them an integral part of t he bui lding's exterior. Such an installation could supply an average daily output of up to 5000 kWh. In comparison, the average single-family home today is estimated to require 500 kWh of electricity per day; the figure for an apartment in a multiple-family dwelling is half that amount.
2. Another arrangement would be to construct large, central generating stations similar to those existing today. Instead of consuming fossil or nuclear fuels, however, the new stations would derive their power from vast arrays of solar cells. The central station would operate mainly as a collection point.
This system would require equipment, first for converting the solarcell current to ac, then for stepping up the voltage, for transmitting the power, and for distributing it. Such installations might vary in size from 0.5 to 25,000 MWh average daily output. To generate 500-MW peak power using solar cells of 10 percent efficiency would require an array of many hundreds of thousands of cells covering approximately 2 sq. mi .
3. The third and most unusual possibility is to position large arrays of solar cells in geosynchronous orbit, 35,800 kilometers above the earth. The collected power would be transmitted to groundbased receiving stations by microwave beams.
First proposed by P. E. Glaser in 1968, this scheme has recently been brought closer to reality. Late last year a joint engineering group from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, and Raytheon Co., Waltham, MA, announced the successful microwave transmission

of 30 kW over a distance of 1.5 km ("Wireless Power-Transmission Test Aims at Harnessing Sun One Day," ED No. 25, Dec. 6, 1975, p. 32 ) .
Despite technical advances, this scheme must yet come to grips with a myriad of problems-among them, the cost of orbiting the enormous amount of material required. Questions have also been raised about the possible environmental impact (notably the effect on the earth's ozone layer ) by the great

by the incident radiation. Optimum efficiency requires the silicon to be very pure, and as structurally uniform as possible.
Efficiency is but one aspect that must be considered. Cell life is another. According to Drs. David Redfield and George Cody of the RCA Sarnoff Research Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, silicon has an almost indefinite life in terrestrial solar cells.
But single-crystal cells are expensive to produce because of the

2. Solar-cell arrays are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the output voltage and current desired. Each cell ge nerates a bout 0 .5 V.

number of space flights that may be necessary.
An abundance of solar cells
To provide some means of classifying the many types of solar cells now available in the rapidly growing photovoltaic field , experts in the industry generally divide present-day devices into two broad categories: those made with a single silicon crystal and "all other types." Single-crystal cells are given special status because of the advanced state of development of single-crystal silicon technology and because of their greater efficiency and demonstrated reliability.
Solar-cell efficiency is defined as the ratio of the cell's electrical power output to the power carried

cost of preparing the pure silicon crystal from the raw material. Current costs average about $2000 per square meter of array, when purchased in quantities above 400 m2.
"All other types," the second major solar-cell category, may be divided into two branches, one group consisting of thin-film cells, and the other group made up of the rest.
Of the thin-film cells, the one most technologically developed is the cadmium sulfide/ copper sulfide cell. This device, discovered in 1954 by D. C. Reynolds, typically is made by joining a very thin (1 µm ) layer of copper sulfide to a thicker layeT (50 µ,m ) of cadmium sulfide. The copper sulfide is the active layer, the material in which the charge

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

carriers are generated. A serious disadvantage of the
cadmium sulfide/copper sulfide cell is its short life. Serious deterioration is often observed after two or three years, primarily due to the effects of water vapor and oxygen.
However, since these cells offer the advantage of low cost, a num-

ber of organizations are working intensively to improve their operation.
An array of cadmium sulfide solar cells 0.25 m2 in area and generating a peak of 300 mA at 12 V currently sells commercially for about $100.
Another thin-film solar cell, still

in an early stage of development, is made of polycrystalline silicon. Polycrystalline silicon is less expensive to produce than single crystals because the need for perfect uniformity is no longer present. Moreover, thin-film silicon cells have the potential of being mass produced.

Here's how solar cells work

Among the many design factors that solar-cell manufacturers must consider, three stand out: the type of material used, its purity, and its structural uniformity. The reasons are to be found in the physics of solarcell operation. Here is a brief, and necessarily simplified, review.
A layer of p-type semiconductor formed on an n-type wafer will resuit in a p-n junction at the interface (see figure) . If the junction has been carefully manufactured so that the atomic crystal-lattice structure remains continuous across the interface, an internal electric field will be formed across the junction.
If solar radiation falls on one face of this p-n "sandwich" the light will be absorbed by the material through which it passes. The absorption process generates electron-hole pairs (free charge carriers) in ·the material. This free-charge generation occurs only if the energy of the light is higher than the energy gap of the semiconductor material-that is, higher than the energy binding the electrons.
The particular charge carriers that ultimately become the solar cell's output current are the minority carriers, electrons generated within the p-type material, and holes generated in the n-type material.
The internal electric field at the p-n jµnction is of such polarity that any minority carriers that happen to be in its vicinity are swept across the junction by the electric field. This continuous process of removing the minority carriers at the junction results in more minority-carriers existing within the semiconductor than at the junction.
As a result, these carriers'

N-TYPE SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER

BASIC CONSTRUCTION OF P-N JUNCTION SOLAR CELL

average direction of flow is always toward the junction, where they are collected. Replacement carriers are being continuously generated by the absorption of the incident light. This process builds up excess charge, causing a potential difference to exist between the p-type semiconductor and the n-type. For presentday· silicon semiconductors this vol.tage is about 0.55 to 0.60 V.
When the outer surfaces of the p and n-type materials are electrically connected to a load, a current will flow.
Electrical contact is made to the materials as follows: On the surface closest to the light, a grid of fine wire or other type of conductor is deposited; this forms one terminal of the cell. Connection to the material on the opposite side of the junction can be made via a metal film covering the outside face.
Not all the photo-generated charge carriers are collected. During the time it takes the charges to physically traverse the material and reach the junction a fraction of them (about 10 percent) recombine. Recombination reduces the available output current.

The rate of recombination (inverse of the carrier lifetime) is determined by the relative amount of impurities in the semiconductor and by any imperfections in the crystal. The lower the percentage of impurities and the more uniform the crystal, the longer the lifetime of the free charges and the greater their probability of being collected.
Because the incident solar light is not monochromatic but covers a range of colors or frequencies (frequency is directly proportional to energy) it turns out that some portion of the solar spectrum provides more energy than is necessary to form electron-hole pairs. This excess energy is wasted as far as the photovoltaic process is concerned, ultimately going into heating the semiconductor.
When silicon is illuminated by solar light about 50 percent of the energy entering the silicon is lost by this process.
The combined effects of heating loss and recombination loss are a major cause of the relatively low average efficiencies - on the order of 20 percen~ of solar cells.

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15. 1976

SEMTECH NEWS
Published from time to time by SEMTECH CORPORATION · 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 I Phone: (805) 498-2111

Maximum Power in a Mini Package!

Semtech technology once again sets the standard for semiconductors! Now, a new generation of Voltage Regulators and Transient Suppressors for protection of delicate logic circuits and sophisticated power supplies, providing protection against voltage transients In airborne ·equipment as well as suppression of relay coil and contact noise.
The smallest package in the industry and with power ratings up to 1500 watts Is available now thanks to a breakthrough in junction technology, combined with the proven metoxilite (metal-oxide) coating and superior non-cavity monolithic high temperature bonded construction I

LOW DYNAMIC IMPEDANCE VOLTAGE REGULATORS "ZENERS"

These new devices offer significantly lower dynamic impedance. Lower impedance means improvement in regulation ripple reduction and transient protection.

1 watt

1N5559A,B thru 1N5589A,B.

Nominal Voltage: 6.8 to 120 V (±5%)

Low Reverse Leakage

Dimensions (max.): Body .070"D x .165"L

3 & 5 watt

-Leads .031 "D x 1.25"L

SX6.8 thru 120

Nominal Voltage: 6.8 to 120V (±5%) Low Reverse Leakage

Dimensions (max.): Body .140"D x .165"L

Lead .040"D x 1.1 O"L

- - - - --·-.-il---- - -- - -
5 watt
1N4954 thru 1N4984 Nominal Voltage: 6.8 to 120 V (±5%) Low Reverse Leakage Dimensions (max.): Body .140"D x .165"L
Lead .038"D x 1.1O"L
· 1Owatt
SY6.8 thru 120 Nominal Voltage: 6.8 to 120 V (±5%) Low Reverse Leakage Dimensions (max.): Body .165"D x .165"L
Lead .040"D x 1.1O"L

Contact factory for complete specifications.
EL ECTRO NI C D ESIGN 6. Ma rch 15 . 1976

CIRCLE NUMBER 18

Bl-POLARITY TRANSIENT SUPPRESSORS

At last, a single chip device providing symmetrical transient voltage protection. Voltage
- matching to 5% in either direction. Protection
for A.C. and D.C. circuits.
500 watt Peak Pulse Power

L 10A, 20A, 30A, 39A, 51A, 60A. 82A, 100A

and 110A.

Nominal Voltage : 10 to 11 OV

Dynamic Impedance (max.): 1.5 to 70 Ohms

Dimensions (max.) : Body .140"D x .165"L

---·. --- ·---

Lead .031"D x 1.25"L

1500 watt Peak Pulse Power

TS 10A, 20A, 30A, 39A, 57A, 60A, 82A, 100A

and 110A.

Nominal Voltage: 1Oto 11 OV

Dynamic Impedance (max.): 0.7 to 35 Ohms

Dimensions (max.): Body .165"D x .165"L

Lead .040"D x 1.10"L

1975 NATIONAL SBA SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

652 Mitchell Road , Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498·2t 11 , (213) 628·5392 I TWX : 910·336-1264
CHICAGO : (312) 352-3227 DALLAS : (214) 387-3551 FLOR IDA: (305) 644-5404 MARYLAND: (301) 424·6663 NEW JERSEY: (201) 654-4884 SAN FRANCISCO: (415) 494-0113 EUROPEAN SALES HOO: Bourns AG Zug,
Switzerland .(042) 232-242
27

As shown in the table, the efficiency of polycrystalline thin-film silicon cells is lower than for single-crystal cells. The efficiency of polycrystalline cells is a function of their grain size which in turn depends on the process used in making the cells. Thin-film silicon solar cells have not yet been manufactured commercially.
Of the types that are not thinfilm cells-the final solar-cell category-the gallium arsenide cell currently offers the greatest potential. It has demonstrated one of the highest efficiencies of all presentday solar cells, and can be operated at higher temperatures than silicon cells.
A variety of other cell types are also under serious study. In particular, Schottky-barrier (metalsemiconductor) junctions are being investigated because of the relative ease of constructing them and their potential low materials cost. These devices have not yet gone beyond the laboratory stage.
Efforts to shrink costs
In order for solar-photovoltaic

energy to successfully compete with conventional energy sources, experts estimate that the present cost of generating photovoltaic energy must drop from today's $25,000 per peak kilowatt to $500 or less. To achieve a cost reduction of this magnitude, the government is encouraging a large number of investigators to pursue a wide variety of approaches.
One way to cut costs is to reduce the price of the raw material and to use as little of it as possible. Another way is to devise massproduction techniques for manufacturing and encapsulating entire cell arrays.
Current procedure8 involve the costly hand assembly of arrays
from solar cells approximately 1 x 1
in. This method would be prohibitively expensive for the vast solarcell installations envisioned for the future.
For silicon cells one way to minimize the cost is to cut the amount of silicon needed, by using thin films, rather than single crystals. Evaporation and chemical-vapor deposition (CVD ) are among the methods currently used to produce

Terrestrial efficiencies of present-day solar cells

Cell type Single-crystal silicon
Polycrystalline silicon

Efficiency
<_%)
13 . 14

Comments
Commercially available; lab models reported to have higher efficiencies; maximum
practica I eff. is 21 %; high
reliability . Laboratory devices only.

a) Large grain size b) Small grain size Copper sulfide/cadmium sulfide
Gallium arsenide a) Single crystal

7·8 4
6 . 7
14 . 15

Grain size, 3 to 4 mm dia'.-
Grain size, 3 x 10·4 to 5 x 10·4 mm dia .
Commercially available; polycrystalline; maximum practical eff. is 10% ; efficiency of commercial units is 3·4%; reports indicate relatively low reliability.
Laboratory devices only;
Maximum practical eff. about 21 %.

b) Polycrystalline Cadmium telluride
Cadmium sulfide/indium phosphide Schottky-barrier Types

5-6 12

No current data available.
Laboratory devices only; current work is mainly in Europe.
Laboratory devices only; single crystal.
Laboratory devices only.

a) Metal oxide/gallium

arsenide

b) Other Schottky devices Up to 10%

N ote: Data for maximum practical efficiency include cell·improvement features such as surface
texturizing, anti-reflection coatings, carrier lifetime improvement processes, etc.

thin films. Thin-film polycrystalline silicon.
however, is less practical for solar energy conversion than singlecrystal (thicker) silicon. There are two reasons:
First, silicon requires a thickness of at least 20 p.m to absorb most of the incident sunlight, and films this thick are not easily produced by evaporation or CVD.
Second, thin films of silicon are polycrystalline in structure. The grain boundaries of the polycrystalline material shorten the lifetime of the minority-charge carriers that are photo-generated within the crystal, thus lessening the available photocurrent.
Despite these disadvantages, the lower cost of thin-film silicon cells still makes them the subject of great interest.
Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, TX; RCA Corp., Princeton, NJ; and Motorola, Phoenix, AZ, are three firms currently investigating methods to develop automated processes for mass production of complete silicon-solar-cell arrays.
One of the crucial phases of this program is still in the development stage. It is a detailed study of cost tradeoffs with respect to all the other tasks in the silicon-cell program. There may be, for example, silicon-crystal shapes that are easy to grow but that may not fit readily into an automated-array manufacturing scheme.
Among the many early engineering decisions that must be made is the size of the basic solar cell to be used in the array, since millions of such cells will have to be produced. Circular or hexagonal cells about 6 in. in diameter, or ribbon silicon cells 3 in. wide (length undecided ) are being considered, a Texas Instruments spokesman reports.
A step-u p in array production
Under contract from ERDA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, is overseeing the Lowcost Silicon-Solar-Array P ro.i ect. JPL is coordinating a large number of contractors in an attempt to produce arrays in great quantity.
According to project manager Robert Forney ·of JPL, a major part of the effort is aimed at developing processes and facilities for producing solar-grade raw silicon by 1985 for less than $35 / kg-
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15 , 1976

--+----+--+---+-----+--+- -+- _j_ +

~~--+-

+ +

...

I t

I I !

-I

-=--=--=-1--+--+- - --+-I-+-'-+1---+1----1-f

......

... ...

...

-+-

- - ...
+ +- t- - r - + - +

t-~+-+---4-

+----+-- ~- + -+-_._-+-+-l---1--+----+---l

+ +

+
... +

+ +

:4t ... +

...

+ ...

... +

t-"----1

·-i= +

++ +.-+--

+ + + +

...

t +

++ +

+ +++ +

+-
+ ++

-+++-++-+

++~~++-+

+ +-- +

+ +

+- + ---

.......

+ + + -+ ---+- .,...__ -

+ +

+ + -+ +

... + ... + + ++ +

+ +

~ ::: R~ ~~~~ H:<

+ ++ + +
4+ t
+ +

+ One of them, our MM5270D, has dropped to +- $12.0Q in q~tities of 100 or_mo~e . Klld tirat'?
just the MM52f70D. So why don't you write for the new pric~s on all qur 4K'. RA~S? And find
t btuttaht°Ji:"oSng4nifaiclpmSte~mslbcre;~\kthrdo1·: rt1aanry~is? 2900 Semiconductor Drive:Santa Clara.CA 95051. (4 8) 732-5000 -r--+---+

-t--+---l---+--+--+---+--+----1--i---+--+--+--+- t---4---+--+----+-......... _.___.. t ... J-----+---t-- + +- -+- -+--+---+- -+--+--+--+

-+- t

slightly more than half the current price. At the same time, processes and facilities are being developed for manufacturing large-area silicon sheets at an aimed-for-cost of less than $1.60/ft2· (Current costs are about $28 / ft2 . )
Development of economical encapsulation techniques and materials is also proceeding, with a goal of ensuring a lifetime of more than 20 years for solar-cell arrays. Present costs of processing silicon wafers and sheets into solar-cell arrays-including encapsulation-

While many crystals can b.e cut from such an ingot, the process of sawing and polishing involves loss (kerf loss ) of the expensive, already-refined silicon. It also adds labor costs.
The Czochralski process has been extensively used for the past two decades in the semiconductor industry; its technology is now highly developed.
The second method, more amenable to mass-production techniques (see Fig. 1), is the edge-defined film-fed-growth (EFG) technique.

distribution and density. One of the difficulties encounter-
ed by the EFG-ribbon process is that concentrations of impuritiesmostly silicon carbide-are introduced by the carbon die. These macroscopic islands of impurities, known as inclusions, produce an effect similar to that of crystalstructure imperfections. That is, they reduce the lifetime of the minority-charge carriers and lower the cell's output current.
Dr. Glenn Cullen, head of the Materials Synthesis Group at RCA, reports that progress is being made on developing an alternate approach-the Stepanov Method-to growing silicon ribbon from a die to l'educe the number of inclusions.

45o OBLIQUE VIEW

45o OB LI QUE VIEW ROTATED UP

3. Etching t he silicon surface results in lower reflection and improved absorption of the incid ent s·unlight.

are abouit $140/ft2 · The goal of the project is to bring the cost of the
finished silicon solar-cell array to
under $1.60/ft2 by 1985. Techniques and necessary equip-
ment are being developed also for low cost, mass production of complete solar-cell arrays.
Under another part of the program large quantities of solar cells would be purchased each year to encourage competitive manufacture, Forney explains. Purchases for 1976 are expected to total 176 kW of electrical generating capacity.
There are currently two methods for growing large crystals of silicon. The conventional, or Czochralski, method uses a "seed" of pure silicon crystal dipped into a bath of the molten material. A large ingot of relatively pure silicon crystal can be grown by this method.

This method, still in the early stages of development, produces a single, continuous crystal of silicon ribbon as much as 65 ft in length, by allowing molten silicon to· solidify as it passes through a carbon die.
Mobil Tyco Solar Energy Corporation, Waltham, MA, reports typical speeds of growing ribbon silicon as 0.75 to 0.80 in. / min, with growth speeds of up to 2 in./min in experimental units. Their silicon ribbons are 1 in. wide and 0.008 to 0.010 in. thick.
Recent reports describe the efficiency of EFG silicon-ribbon cells as ranging from 8 to 10 percent under conditions of solar illumination above the earth's atmosphere.
Current work in EFG-silicon ribbon includes efforts to improve the purity of the silicon, and attempts to reduce and control the defect

Design innovations abound
The methods available to improve solar-cell operation seem at times to be limited only by the imagination of the experimenter. Each innovation, however, brings with it not only progress but problems, and the tradeoffs between the advantages and the disadvantages are not always easily discernable. For example:
One technique currently being investigated is the use of optical concentrators-such as lenses-to focus sunlight and thereby reduce the required amount of cell area. As the optical material's unit-area cost is less than the cost of equivalent cell material it would seem at first that this approach would offer economic advantages for largescale arrays.
However, this method requires that the system continuously track the sun, a procedure that involves a moving mechanism, and all its attendant problems-including wear, energy for motors, and need for lubrication.
Further, such a system unavoidably operates at a higher temperature, a factor that can seriously affect the life of the cell. Repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the cell's wire-grid overlay can cause it to peel away from the underlying semiconductor. This introduces series resistance and lowers the cell's operating voltage.
On the other hand, a higher temperaiture isn't necessarily all bad. It allows for the design of a photovoltaic cell in combination with a solar thermal collector that has a

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

RSAL Making data move is the name of the game in today's switched UNIVE or dedicated line networks. If you're moving it at any speed up
MODEMS to 2400 BPS, Universal Data Systems has the proper modem for reliability, economy and efficiency in your system. UDS has more than 20,000 modems in active field service, and that total is growing by more than 1000 units per month. Our product line includes CMOS 201s, plus 103s, 202s and the multiple-modem RM-16 which contains up to 16 units in any configuration mix you desire. In addition to our products, we're extremely proud of our customer service. Check us out: Call us on the telephone. You'll like what you hear.
lli universal daba susbenrii 4900 Bradford Drive · Huntsville, Al abama 35805 · Telephone (205) 837 ·8100 · T WX 810·726·2100
CIRCLE NUMBER 20

liquid or gas flowing through pipes mounted behind the cell to carry away the heat. The combination can provide not only electricity, but also thermal energy for home heating.
Solar-energy consultant Dr. Martin Wolf, a professor of electrical engineering and science at the University of Pennsylvania, estimates that up to 60 percent of the incident solar energy can be captured with such a scheme.
When large concentrators are used for installations where the combination of solar cell and thermal converter is impractical, cooling the solar cell becomes mandatory. RCA reports successful results with passive radiant coolers, which simply radiate the cell's heat into the air. Using such devices, solar-cell temperature rises of only 10 F have been recorded even with sunlight concentration factors of up to 1000.
Solar concentrators in a variety of forms are being investigated at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, where experimental concentrators have been built that do not require tracking. Although these merely enhance the concentration of sunlight, significant enhancement factors-up to seven-have been reported.
Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, reports progress in work with the photovoltaic-thermal conv;erter combination. These use solar concentraitors to concentrate the sunlight and raise the temperature of the circulating fluid (usually water) to up to 200 F.
Even higher temperatures are possible, Sandia researchers explain, by using solar tracking with concentration factors up to 1000, and with different fluids for removing the heat. The solar cell must be optimized for operation at these higher temperatures because its efficiency generally decreases as the temperature rises.
Other facets of cell improvement currently being investigated include:
· Antireflection coatings to enable more of the incident light to enter the cell.
· Texturizing the front surface. This procedure uses chemicals to etch the surface on which the light falis, and produces a myriad of

microscopic pyramids on the surface ( Fig. 3) . Two benefits result. First, surface reflection is reduced by more than half. Second, multiple internal reflections occur, thereby allowing more light to be absorbed.
· Reducing the total area covered by the wire grid on the semiconductor surface facing the light.
The less surface covered, the greater amount of light entering the cell. Improved metal masks made by photo-resist techniques have made it possible to reduce the wire grid's average coverage from a figure of 10 percent five years ago, to today's range of 5 to 7 percent.
· Designing the physical structure of the cell to produce multiple internal reflections.
This is accomplished by tapering the thickness of one of the semiconductor elements (the one away from the light). Such a technique causes the light to undergo multiple passes through the semiconductor material thus increasing its absorption.
· Manipulating the density gradient of the semiconductor's added impurities (dopants ) in order to create a "back surface field."
Surfaces and ohmic contacts in a solar cell generally produce effects similar to those of crystalgrain boundaries; that is, they reduce the cell's output current by acting as sites for the premature recombination of the photo-generated charge carriers.
In a back-surface-field cell an internal electric field (in addition to the one at the junction) is created at the back surface of the semiconductor. Such a field acts to prevent the charge carriers from recombining at the surfaces.
Accelerating the technology
Before photovoltaic power can be accepted on a wide scale, the problem of energy storage must also be solved.
Solar cells generate little or no power during nighttime or cloudy days. Such conventional energy storage techniques as storage batteries are available, but are also relatively expensive. More exotic energy schemes are under consideration by the Conservation Research and Technology Division of ERDA.

These include using massive flywheels, storing compressed air in caverns, and pumping water to a higher elevation. In the latter case, during periods of darkness the stored water can fall to a lower J.evel- into an abandoned mine, for example-driving an electric generator in the process.
Many of the numbers projected for the solar cell program are staggering. According to some estimates, to achieve a photovoltaic generating capability of 40,000 MW-about 10 percent of today's national electrical output-would require covering 800 square miles with solar cells (assuming an efficiency of 12 percent).
This would use about 1 million tons of solar-grade silicon. In discussing these numbers, Drs. David Redfield and George Cody of RCA suggest that the Arab countries might be well advised to sell their oil and hoard their sand. · ·

Need More Information?

The following is a representative list of firms presently manufacturing commercial solar cells. Many other companies, orgianizations and universities are currently engaged in related research and development work.

M7 Inc., 210 Campus Dr., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. (312) 255-7796. Circle No. 591

Optical Coating Lab., Inc., Photoelec-

tronics Group, 15251 E. Don Julian

Rd., City of Industry, CA 91746. (213)

968-6581.

Circle No. 592

Sensor Technology Inc., 21012 Lassen

St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. (213) 882·

4100.

Circle No. 593

Solar Energy Systems, 1 Tralee Industrial

Park, Newark, DE 19711. (302) 731-

0990.

Circle No. 594

Solar Power Corp., 23 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880. (617) 246-2355.
Circle No. 595

Solar Systems Inc., 8124 N . Central Park, Skokie, IL 60076. (312) 676-2040.
Circle NQ. 596

Solarex Corp., 1335 Piccard Dr., Rock· ville, MD 20850. (301) 948-0202.
Circle No. 597

Spectrolab Inc., 12500 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342. (213) 365-4611. Circle No. 598

An October, 1975 report by

the Energy Research and De-

velopment Administration

(ERDA), Washington, DC

20545 listed 52 organizations

that recently submitted bids for

ERDA-sponsored R & D work

in solar-cell technology.

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Call Sprague First!

DIP MULTIPLE TANTALUM CAPACITORS

DIP MULTIPLE CERAMIC CAPACITORS

DIP TANTALUM/CERAMIC CAPACITOR ASSEMBLIES

DIP RESISTOR/CAPACITOR
NETWORKS

Solid-electrolyte tantalum capacitors with 2 or 4 sections per package. 8- or 16-pin configurations. Standard ratings are 6.8 µ.F @ 3SV, 1Sµ.F@ 20V, 22µ.F@ 1SV, 33µ.F @ 10V. Capacitance tolerance, ±20%. Operating temperature range,
-SS C to +as c. Write for
Bulletin 3S42 or circle 1S1 on reader service card.

Monolythic® construction . . alternate layers of ceramic dielectric material and metallic electrodes are fired into a solid homogenous block. 2, 4, 7, or 8 capacitor sections per package. Standard ratings, 18 pf to 0.1 µ.F @ 100V. Capacitance tolerance, ± 20% . Write for Bulletin 6242 or circle 1S2 on reader service card.

Solid tantalum and Monolythic® ceramic alternating isolated sections. Choice of 4 or 8 sections per package. Standard tantalum ratings, 6.8 µ.F @ 3SV, 1Sµ.F @ 20V, 22µ.F@ 1SV, 33µ.F@ 10V. Ceramic ratings .01 , .047, .1 µ.F @ 100V. Cap. tol. , ±20%. Write for Engineering Bulletin 6642 or circle 1S3 on reader service card .

(1 al 3 designs)
Metanet® metal-film resistors and Monolythic® ceramic capacitors in bypassed pull-up, R-C coupling, speedup, and active terminator networks. Resistor ratings, 100 to 6800!1 with 12SmW power dissipation. Capacitor ratings, 100 pf to .01 µ.F @ 1DOV. Write for Engineering Bulletin 6612 or circle 1S4 on reader service card.

DIP MULTIPLE METAL-FILM RESISTORS

DIP PRECISION RESISTOR
NETWORKS

DIP MULTIPLE PULSE TRANSFORMERS

DIP TAPPED DELAY LINES

Noble metal film resistors encased in protective glass. Choice of 7 or 8 resistors per 14- or 16-pin package.
Resistance values, son to
100,000!1. Power dissipation, 12SmW. Standard resistance tolerance, ±S%. Op-
+ erating temperature range ,
- ·SS C to 70 C. Write for Bulletin 7042 or circle 1SS on reader service card.

(1 al 5 designs)
Noble metal film resistors in pull-up, pull-down , interfacing, and terminating configurations, for applications requiring repetitive resistance patterns. 14- or 16pins. Up to 28 resistors per package. Individual resistors from SO to 100,000Q. Dissipation, 12S mW. Write for Bulletin 7042 or circle 1S6 on reader service card.

(1 af 2 designs)
Four transformers in 16pin package. All cores have exclusive protective coating. Inductance values from 10 to 1000µ.H. ET product values of S volt-µ.sec. Choice of four turns ratios ... 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1. Operating temper-
+ ature range, 0 C to 70 C.
Write for Engineering Bulletin 40400 or circle 1S7 on reader ·service card.

Lumped constant delay lines ... ideal for timing and pulse synchronization circuits. 14- or 16-pin packages with delays of SO, 100, or 1SO nanoseconds at a characteristic impedance of
1oo n. Working voltage ,
·+ SO VDC. Operating temp.
range , 0 C to 70 C. Write for Bulletin 4S004 or circle 1SB on reader service card.

Popular Types Now Available OFF-THE-SHELF From Your Sprague Industrial Distributor.

For complete technical data, write tor any of the above-mentioned Engineering Bulletins to: Technical Literature Service,
Sprague Electric Company, 347 Marshall Street, North Adams, Mass. 01247.
THE BROAD-LINE PRODUCER OF ELECTRONIC PAJlTS

SPRJIGUE "
THE MARK OF RELIABILITY

ELECTRON IC D ESIG N 6, March 15 , 1976

NEWS

Portable color TV camera's size, power drain halved

FROM A "Pl P" OF A "DIP" TO INDUSTRY'S LARGEST SELECTION OF
MINIATURE ROTARY SWITCHES
2-24 POSITIONS 1-24 DECKS
Others Promise RCL Delivers!
Call Ou r Hotline Fo r Name Of Your Local Representat ive Or Stocking Distributor.
(201) 374-3311
RCL Electronics
General Sales Office:
700 So. 21st Street Irvington~ N. J. 07111
CIRCLE NUMBER 22
34

A new hand-held color-TV camera designed around standard CMOS, MOS and bipolar chips is half the size and weight of similar cameras-and draws about half the power.
The "Microcam" was developed by Renville H. McMann, Jr., now president of Thomson-CSF Laboratories, Stamford, CT, and by Clyde Smith, director of audiovisual engineering at Thomson, in a joint two-year effort with the CBS television network.
The Microcam consists of an 8lb. optical head and a 3-lb. hip pack (see photo) t hat contains most of the electronic circuitry. T.he head, which has the lens sys.tern and three 2/ 3-in. Plumbiicon color-camera tubes with a prisrm beam splitter, has only the deflection circuitry and video pre.amplifiers for the Plumbicon.
"The reason we partitioned t he electronics between the head and the hip pack, was so charge-coupled photo devices with better performance and reliability cou ld be used when they become avai lable. Then you could simply replace the camera head with a new one using the CCDs. The hip-pack electronics will remain intact," says McMann.
"We're using RCA's digital CMOS to memorize control functions in the camera as well as to reduce power drain," he adds. "These control functions are stored in CMOS latches and are fed to CMOS d/ a converters to generate control voltages.
"The CMOS remembers control functions such as video gain and color balance between the red, blue and green channels. Once these controls are adjusted they are controlled automatically'."
A small nickel-cadmium battery is incorporated into the e'lectronics pack so that if the camera i.s disconnected from its main bat-

Use of standard ICs helped reduce the Microcam color TV camera to half the size and weight of . com peting units.
tery supply t he CM OS memory retains the control settings .
"For the camera sync generator, National Semiconductor MOS devi-ces are used, and for the 3.58MHz color-signal-encoder circuitry we use bipolar an alog mu lt ipliers from Motorola," McMann says.
Minimizing t he power drain of the camera was a p·rime objective because t he· weight of two cameras is the same, when one camera draws twice as much power as the other, the operator also has to carry twice the weight in batteries . The Microcam uses 2.5 lb. of nickel-cadmium batteries for an hour's operation.
The camera uses a switchingtype power supply with a constant frequency and a variable-width duty cycle. It has an exceptionally high efficiency of 92 % oveir an input range of 10.4 to 20 V.
The came-ra output is f ed through a 75-ohm cable to a color monitor, a po·rtable tape recorder or a microwave backpack transmitter. · ·
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15. 1976

You do enough hard work already, don't you? Besides, you're covered. Plessey semiconductors manufactures the best IC's for the radar OEM: the new SLSSO, low noise wideband amplifier with external gain control; the new SL541C, high-speed video amplifier; the new SL1521, second-generation replacement for the widely accepted SL521-both are limiting amplifiers incorporating low level video detection; and the SL530, monolithic true log IF/RF amplifiers. Most are available to Mil Spec temperature ranges. There's a reason Plessey is the world leader in radar IC's: nobody else.comes close in performance and Qualitv. Take a look:
SL1521-Limiting Wideband Amplifier for 160 MHz Strips voltage gain 11.5 min/12.5 max
Frequency range 10-300 MHz Maximum rectified output at 120 MHz 0.95 mln/1.05 max
Noise 3 dB

SL550-Low Noise Wideband Amplifier Wide Bandwidth 200 MHZ LOW Noise 2.2 dB at 100 MHZ
Gain control Range 25 dB Gain 40 dB
output Voltage 0.5 v r.m.s.

SL541C-High-Speed Video Amplifier

High Slew Rate Fast settling Time

175 V/µS
1% in so ns

Open LOOP Gain 70 dB

Wide Bandwidth DC to 100 MHZ at 20 dB Gain

verv Low Thermal Drift 0.02 dB/°C Temperature

Coefficient of Gain

Now, maybe you have slightly more than a

normal amount of healthy scientific curiosity.

O.K.we·re ready for you. Write or give us acall, and

we'll Quickly send you all the supporting evidence.

Read and believe.

· ~~!!. s~~!!~~~~79. TWX:910-595-1930; Cheney Manor.Swindon Wiltshire. England, Tel: (0793) 6251.Telex: 449637; West. Germany, Tel: 811 3516021. Telex: 5215322; France,Tel: 727-4349, Telex: 62789; Italy, Tel: 3491741. Telex: 33245 ; Sweden.Tel: (08l 23 55 40. Telex: 10558.

CIRCLE NUMBER 23

I ou!rein

take the work out of yo IFdesi

If resistor networks aren't already in your life, they
should be. Why? Because in many cases they offer very
significant cost savings over using discretes. Networks are less expensive, in overall use, because they cut assembly time, save a lot of precious board "real estate;' and significantly reduce procurement, inventory, and quality control costs.
Why should you look to Beckman? Well , not just because we pioneered DIP resistor network packaging and have become one of the world leaders in making resistor networks, but also because our huge, modem facilities, with highly automated network manufacturing equipment, assure you of uniform, reliable high quality

thick- or new thin-film Dual In-line Packages (DIPs), thick-film Single In-line Packages (SIPs)- including new 6- and IO-pin types- flatpacks, and customs.
And also because we offer hundreds of standard networks available fast through local Beckman distributors -off-the-shelf and in volume.
Our four ways-to-go-DIPs, SIPs, flatpacks , and customs - mean a dependable, one-source answer for all your resistor network needs.
On the next page is a small sampling of our standard RESNET '" Iine, representing hundreds of available models. Look into it, and we think you'll find that the great age of the discrete resistor- with only rare exceptions - is about past.

Beckman®
HELIPOT DIVISION

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Here are some typical examples of our extensive RESNET line. Many additional network types are also available. (All resistance values are in ohms; DIP/SIP prices are based on 1,000-piece quantity, flatpacks on 500piece quantity.) (1) DIP RESISTOR NETWORKS
.,...e eck .,.,, an - llQQ-l·R'22K
·

~ Thin-Film Series 699 If your
design factors call for even closer tolerances than those offered by our thickfilm networks, consider our thin-film DIPs. · 50 ppm/°C tempco · 0.5% stability/l,000 hrs. · Negligible voltage coefficient · < -50 dB noise Schematically, our thin-films are identical with Model 899-3. Stock resistance values are: 100, 200, 500, IK, 2K, 5K, IOK. 20K, 50K and IOOK.
(2) SIP RESISTOR NETWORKS

Series 78317841785-5 Stock Resistance Values (R../R..) Sl/130 162/260 220/330 121 /195 180/390 330/390
330/470
Low-Profile Series 764
· 8-pin low-profile package - 0.200" max. height
· Automatic insertion compatible · ±2% (or ±2 ohms) resistance tolerance · 0.180W (764-1), 0.200W (764-3),
0.125W (764-5) resistor power rating (+25°C) Resistor network configurations and stock resistance values identical to Series 784-1, -3 and-5.
(3) FLATPACKS

Thick-Film Series 899/898
· 14-pin (899) and 16-pin (898) configurations
· Automatic-insertion compatible · Thick-film reliability and performance · ±2% (or :!:2 ohms) resistance tolerance · 0.15W (898/899-1 , -5) or 0.250W
(898/899-3) resistor power rating (+25°C)

899-1 13 resistors Price: $.61

ffHHHI 899-3
7 resistors Price: $.59

Serles 899 Stock Resistance Values

22 110 510 2.7K 12K

24 120 560 3K 13K

27 130 620 3.3K I5K

30 150 680 3.6K 16K

33 160 750 3.9K ISK

36 ISO S20 4.3K 20K

39 200 910 4.7K 22K

43 220

IK 5. IK 33K

47 240 I.I K 5.6K 47K

51 270 l.2K 6K 68K

56 300 l.3K 6.2K IOOK

62 330 I.SK 6.SK 150K

68 360 l.6K 7.5K 220K

75 390 I.SK S.2K 330K*

S2 430 2K 9. IK 470K*

91 470 2.2K IOK

100 5001 2.4K llK

tS99-I only · S99-3 only

Similar val ues available for Series 898-1and 898-3

899-5 Line Terminators Price $ 1.12
Serles 899/898-5 Stock Resistance Values (R../R.): 180/390 220/330 330/470 220/270 330/390

High-Power Series 783nB4n85
· 8-pin and new 6- and IO-pin configurations
· Automatic insertion compatible · :!: 2% (or:!: 2 ohms) resistance tolerance · 0.17W to 0.5W resistor power rating
(+25°C)
785-1 9 resistors Price: $.42
784-3 4 resistors Price: $.37

Series 78317841785-1 Stock Resistall<:e Values
100 470 1.5K 4.7K ISK S2K 33 120 500 I.SK 5.6K 22K IOOK 39 150 510 2K 6K 27K 47 180 560 2.2K 6.SK 33K 50 220 680 2. 7K S.2K 39K 56 270 S20 3K IOK 47K 68 330 IK 3.3K I2K 56K S2 390 1.2K 3.9K 15K 68K

Serles 783n841785-3

Stock Resistance Values

22 120 680

33 150

39 180 l.5K

47 220 2.2K

50 270 3.3K

56 330 4.7K

68 390 6.SK

100 470 IOK

15K 22K 33K 47K 68K IOOK

783-5 Line Terminators 6 pins, 8 resistors Price: $.51

R2 R2 R2 R2

Serles 889
· Lowest profile (0.065" max.) for critical board height and multilayer applications
· ±2% (or±2 ohms) resistance tolerance · 0.6W package power rating · 0.150W (889-1), 0.250W (889-3)
resistor power rating (+ 25°C)

889-1 13 resistors Price $5.40
J

889-3 7 resistors Price: $5 .40
ii

RR R RRR

AA A AA AA

R RRRRA A

Ju JU J ~ ~ JJJ

Serles 889 Stock Resistance Values IK 2K 3.3K 4.7K IOK

(4) CUSTOM NETWORKS
Need something special? We can build practically any kind of network you require .. . fast.
Our large staff of applications/design specialists - all heavy in experience - can mix resistance values on the same substrate. Or give you capacitor networks, or diode networks, or resistor/ capacitor or resistor/diode combinations. Even shorting bars.
You see, we're not just a leader in standards, we're also a front-runner in custom specials. So, ask us. You'll like the answer.
To order, or for more information and free evaluation samples, call your nearest Beckman Helipot distributor. Or phone (714) 871-4848, Ext. 1776.

CIRCLE NUMBER 24

E L ECT RON IC D ESIGN 6, M arch 15, 1976

LED Super-Brights

Ideal replacements for incandescents!

Here come the LED Super-Brights ... red, amber and green. Their high brightness (SO MCD @ 20mA - typical clear red) make them the perfect cost and power saving replacements for incandescents. Available with built-in resistors for all popular voltage ranges.
PCB LED's - Horizontal or vertical viewing .. . optional built-in resistor for SV applications.
Bi-Pin (Tl-3/4) LED's - Ideal for dead front panel applications, e.g. DEC's PDP Series computers.

Midget-Flanged (Tl-3/4) LED's - Direct replacements for incandescents in panel light and switch applications.
Replacement Lenses - Specially designed for use with Midget-Flanged LED's.
There's lots more too, S_end for our Catalog today: Data Display Products, 5428 W. 104th Street, Los Angeles, Ca. 90045, (213) 641-1232.
We're the original "little light" people.

: l l l laTa DISPL8Y PRODUCTS · ··

CIRCLE NUMBER 25

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Defense R&D chief warns of Soviet technology gains
In hi.s plea for full approval of the Defense Dept.'s $10.9-billion research, development, test and evaluation budget for fiscal year 1977, Dr. Malcom R. Currie, director of Defense Research and Engineering, is buttressing his arguments with some sobering assessments of Soviet progress in military weaponry.
Unless the US takes action, he says, the Soviets could achieve dominance in deployed military technology in the 1980s. · Although the US is generally ahead at the moment, Dr. Currie says the U.S.S.R. has developed two new classes of satellites for ocean surveillance,
possibly for target information to be used by missile carrying ships or
attack submarines'. "One of these (satellite) systems uses active radar," Dr. Currie reports.
"We have no similar system." He is also advising Congress that the Soviets have an integrated com-
mand-and-control system and an electronic warfare system not matched in the US and certainly not in NATO.
The reason the Soviets are behind the US at all, Currie says, is because they were late in understanding the significance of IC technology and computers, a failure they are trying to remedy by importing technology from the west. The Soviets, he notes, have surpassed the US in the area of hf radio-wave p'ropagation.

Rumsfeld gets good reviews from Pentagon
The Pentagon's apprehension about Donald H. Rumsfeld's being named Secretary of Defense is rap,idly fading, particularly after his performances before the armed services committees on the Hill.
Anticipating a Congressional fight to cut the administration's proposed defense budget-possibly by as much as $5 billion-the services were wor-
ried about their new chief's ability to slug it out with such groups as the
Senate's powerful Budget Committee. But, thus far, Rumsfeld has fielded questions crisply and confidently.
His replies are also detailed, showing he's done his homework and has a sound grasp of the facts.

Are uhf, vhf and FM radios a hazard to your health?
During the next two years the Environmental Protection Agency will be checking the intensity of broadcast radiation from uhf and vhf television transmitters, and FM radio transmitters, in major American cities.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

The EPA uses a special van, manned by a three-man crew, to find out how much electromagnetic radiation is present in populated areas and whether it constitutes a health hazard. From 14 to 18 locations will be surveyed in each city. The data will go into a small computer in the van, where it will be correlated with medical data. The result will be used to determine whether environmental criteria are required to control those nonionizing, radiation sources.

More competition, fewer specs for contractors
If Congress goes along with the comprehensive government procurement policy proposed by the Office of Management and Budget, you can look for some significant changes in the way major weapon systems are developed, and the way Congress, the Secretary of Defense, military departments and government contractors operate.
According to Sen. Lawton Chiles (D-FL), chairman of the Senate subcommittee on Federal spending practices, efficiency and open government, the new policies "will go to the heart of cost overruns, contractor bailouts and poor performance results in defense weapon programs."
Among the changes called for in the OMB proposal are: · More extended competition between contractors up through system demonstration; · Elimination of specifications so detailed as to stifle innovative technology; · A clear, early Defense Secretary-level decision on the roles and missions of the military dep·artments with regard to specific we·apons. Chiles predicts that Congress will adopt the new policy without major changes. The executive agencies, he says, are lukewarm to the proposal.

Labor decries loss of jobs because of imports
Although Government statistics point to improvement in the unemployment rate, organized labor is continuing to press for revision of the Trade Act of 1974. Paul Jennings, president of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (AFL-CIO), says that the act has failed to halt the loss of jobs in the electrical and electronics industries caused by imports.
Jennings told the Senate Finance Committee that the act enables more than 100 underdeveloped countries and territories to export products duty free to the US. Specifically mentioned were television sets and electronic components.

Capital Capsules: The Air Force's Avionics Lab is seeking interested parties to per-
form field experi_ments to quantify the radar parameters associated with snow on the ground. The electromagnetic characteristics of interest are backscatter, attenuation per foot, phase distortion (as a function of frequency), polarization incident.... The Navy's Training Equipment Center in Orlando, FL, is sounding out firms with a capability to design and develop an advanced multiband SAM radar system. . . . The National Bureau of Standards has issued a user's guide to its new Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF II). NBS scientists say extreme ultraviolet radiation, such as produced by SURF, has ·possible applications in the fabrication of miniaturized electronic circuits and lasers.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Get Tektronix TM500 versatility 1· na counter/DMM combo
*U.S. Sales Prices FOB Beaverton , Oregon .

I ,I

I -I

+-I -, I ,

DC SOSA / OM S02 for only $1900

When you plug in a TEKTRONIX DC 505A Universal Counter alongside a DM 502 Digital Multimeter, you get more than a 225 MHz counter and a full-function DMM. The TM 500 Mainframes that receive these plug-In modular Instruments feature a common interface circuit board, allowing the instruments to work together and with other instrumentation. For example, with the interface connections set up, you can read counter trigger level on the DMM at the touch of the INT (internal) pushbutton. Touch INT again, and you have separate and simultaneous universal counter and DMM capability. Among other exarflples: A TM 500 counter/DMM combo can work with the TEKTRONIX 31 ;53 Programmable Calculators for applications such as obtaining data from mechanical measurements.
The 10 nanosecond clock rate of the DC SOSA Universal Counter ($1395) means you get single shot resolution to 10 nanoseconds in period or time interval measurements ... and resolution to 100 picoseconds on
repetitive events when you set the averaging to 1o· cycles. A single func-
tion switch selects FREQUENCY (channel) A, PERIOD (channel) B, RATIO A;B, TIME A+B, WIDTH B, EVENTS A DURING B, and TOTALIZE A. Flip the slide switch on the front panel to CH A or CH B to read channel A or B trigger level on an adjacent TM 500 digital multimeter connected through the rear Rlug-in interfacing, or on other instruments, such as an oscilloscope, through the tip jacks on the front panel. The OM 502 Option 2 Digital Multimeter ($325) measures ac and de voltage and current, dBm, dBV, and resistance. Temperature ($125 more) can be read In °F and °C. A single front panel switch selects all ranges. A pushbutton called dB provides dB readout of ac functions in lieu of ac voltage or current, and the INT pushbutton selects the input available at the rear plug-in interface (trigger level from an adjacent DC 505A counter or any other voltage routed to that point). But the DM 502 is even more versatile: Internal jumpers provide readout in dBm or dBV
> and FET input 1000 Mn or 10 Mn input on the two lowest de voltage
ranges. And the temperature probe lets you check for abnormally operating components in tightly packed circuitry.
The TM 500 Product Line includes mainframes with 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 compartments. Plug the DC 505A and DM 502 into a TM 504, 4-compartment mainframe ($180) for the equivalent of a monolithic instrument offering exceptional capabilities . . . the DC 505A/DM 502 Combo $1900. Utilize the additional compartments for later expansion, selecting from the total TM 500 line of more than 30 plug-in instruments including signal sources, power supplies, oscilloscopes, and more.
Contact your local Tektronix Field Engineer for a DC 505A / OM 502 demonstration, or write Tektronix for the TM 500 Catalog containing full specifications and applications discussions.
Write to Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton , Oregon 97077. In Europe write Tektronix Limited, P.O. Box 36, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

TEKTRONIX@

committed to technical excellence

FF- OORR

TECHNICAL DATA DEMONSTRATION

CIRCLE CIRCLE

#281 # 282

Simplify your equipment design and reduce assembly costs with this broad selection.

1. PCB Terminations can be provided

2. Standard PC Board section

on any conventional Oak rotary

switches, 12 and 24 position , with

switch - the most extensive line in the industry-(W' to 25/16'' diameter

PCB terminations are tooled for volume production.

sections) .

A NEW CATALOG

Detailing Oak PCB switch products and

capabilities has just been published . Write

for your free copy . .. or call our toll free

number: 800-435-6106.

llAI~ l11th1stries l11c.

SWITCH DIVISION/cRvSTAL LAKE, 1LuN01s soo14
TELEPHONE: 81 !5 · 459 · !5000 · TWX : 910 · 834 · 3353 · TELEX : 72 · 244 7

CIRCLE NUMBER 27

3. Custom designs to meet special applications, including switching built directly into the PC board are readily supplied.
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Look what you get when Tektronix builds a 50 MHz portable

somH'i~ ai~i:lp
\

TEKTRONIX 455-$1695

And the 455 offers the quality, reliability, and service you expect from Tektronix.
If your application requires higher bandwidth and/or storage, the high performance TEKTRONIX 400 Series offers 6 other outstanding portable oscilloscopes. Bandwidths include 100 MHz, 200 MHz, and 350 MHz. Also offered are a fast transfer storage model capable of displaying single-shot, 100 MHz signals and a split screen , bistable storage model.
For a no obligation demonstration of how the 455 and other TEKTRONIX Portable Oscilloscopes deliver performance, convenience , and cost effectiveness for your

application , contact your Tektronix, Field Engineer. Or for

complete information write : Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500,

Beaverton , Oregon 97077. In Europe write : Tektronix

Limited, P.O. Box 36, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel

Islands.

lm;I

T E K T R O N I X@

committed to

technical excellence

-U.S. Sales Prices FOB Beaverton , Oregon
FOR TECHNICAL DATA CIRCLE #245 FOR DEMONSTRATION CIRCLE #246

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15, 1976

Introducing Unitrode's new high-efficiency power rectifiers.
Ifyou're building switching power supplies, chances are you've had problems with efficiency, voltage or temperature. That's why we came up with our new line of low-cost industrial power rectifiers.
Now you can enjoy advantages likeHigher efficiencies. Made possible by a very low forward voltage drop (typically. 7 volts under maximum operating conditions) and extremely fast recovery times (forward: typically 15ns, reverse: typically 30ns). Ratings that are second to none. 25 amps in a D04, 30 amps in a T0-3, and 70 amps in aD0-5. All three products are available to 150 volts. Low thermal resistance. Less than l .5°C per watt for our D04, .8°C per watt for our T0-3, and only .6°C per watt for our D0-5. High junction temperature. Maximum temperature of 175°C for greater system reliability. Rugged mechanical construction. Designed to dramatically increase the useful life of your particular power supply.
What all these advantages add up to is a lower overall cost for your entire system.
Best of all, our industrial power rectifiers are competitively priced and are available in any volume you need. For complete specs, circle our number on the reader service card, or drop us a line. Unitrode Corporation, 580 Pleasant Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02172.

OJJJ UNITRODE

CIRCLE NUMBER 29

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15. 1976 .

3.0 6.0 9 .5 ,2 .0 ,, .0
25 .0
2.6 5.4
,s,..5o
,5 .0 23 .o
2 .2 3 .5 6 .0 ;.5 ,o .O ,6.0
, .s
3 .0 5 .0 6.5 9 .5 ,4.0

zso
22 .9:> 39 .00 4s .50 62 .00
; s .OO
,05 .00

1oO zSO

$,,3.00 $ 92.00 $ s5 .oo

Second generation CMOS microprocessors rival performance of n or p-channel units

If you are thinking of using a CMOS µP because of its low power dissipation, you may be hesitant because they're not as fast as the NMOS units and don't have a second source. Hesitate no more. RCA (Route 202, Somerville, NJ 08876. 201-722-3200) has developed its second-generation µP, an 8-bit, single-chip design that's faster than RCA's original two-chip version (CDP1801), which was introduced over a year ago. The new CDP1802 will be alternate sourced by Intersil (10900 Tantau Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014. 408-257-5450), and a wide range of memory and I/ 0 circuits to simplify microcomputer-system design will be introduced along with the 1802.
The new µP comes in either a + 5 or +15-V version, with execution times of 3.75 and 2.5 µs, respectively. These high speeds are directly competitive with the n or p-channel microprocessors currently available. Fetch time

is 1.25 µs and execute times are either one or two cycles of 1.25 µs each.
You can update your present system if you're presently using the COSMAC 1801 µP, because the 40-pin 1802 is completely software compatible with the 1801. Many new
( continued on pa,ge 48 )

$230 bipolar µ P kit sells for $100
Signetics (811 E. Arques Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086. 408-739-7700) offers a bipolar microprocesspr kit-valued at $230-for $100. The kit contains all the components needed to design a high-speed, 8-bit microcomputer or controller. The 12-chip kit is built around the company's N3001 microprogram-control unit (MCU) and the N3002 central-processing element (CPE) . The N3002 features a pace-setting cycle time of 45 ns.
Each kit contains one N3001 MCU, four N3002 CPEs, one high-speed look-ahead carry generator, three 2-k PROMs (256 x 24 bits), one 8-bit bi-directional I / 0 port, two quad bidirectional bus transceivers, and an introductory manual.
CIRCLE NO. 501

µ P interface gives printer users added flexibility
With a new programmable microprocessor interface, users of Centronics' family of printers gain the flexibility of remote and/ or direct-connect operation. Because the unit is under firmware control, a wide variety of functions can be performed by a single hardware design. Only program changes are needed to change operating modes. Centronics (Hudson, NH 03051. 603-883-0111) offers the unit for $1325. Delivery is 60 days.
CIRCLE NO. 502

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, Ma rch 15 , 1976

MICROPROCESSOR DESIGN

( conti nued f rom page 47)
instructions are also available with the 1802, though. Its increased speed is due to the use of self-aligned silicon-gate technology that permits faster, more compact circuits.
For orders of 100 or more, the full-voltage version, the CPD1802D, costs $36.50, and the low voltage unit, the 1802CD, costs $23.50.
Several memory and input/ output circuits are also being introduced with the 1802. They are the mask-programmable CDP1831 and 1832, 512 x 8 ROMs; the 1824, 32 x 8 RAM; the 1821, silicon-on-sapphire 1024 x 1 static RAM; the 1822, SOS 256 x 4 RAM; and the 1852 latching byte I/O circuit. Devices soon to be released include a universal asynchronous receiver/ transmitter (UART), a multiply/ divide unit, a 3-bit latch/ decoder, a bus buffer, a 128 x 8 RAM, a 256 x 4 RAM, a programmable bit I/O and an analog-to-digital converter.
The 1831 ROM interfaces directly with the µ,P and in ·each memory cycle the ROM compares its address with the multiplexed address lines to determine whether or not to respond. If it does respond, it generates a signal that can disable the RAMs. This permits you to eliminate bank-switching circuits.
The other available ROM, the 1832, is

CDP 1802 ARCHITECTURE
pin-compatible with the Intel 2704 PROM. All the other memory circuits are designed to operate directly with the µP.
Prices for the RAMs and I/ 0 circuits in 100-up quantities are $21.25/ $24.45, $28/ $32.25, $9.50/ $10.50 and $8.35/ $9.25, for the 1821, 1822, 1824 and 1852, for the CD and D versions, respectively. Prices for the ROMs depend upon the masking and the quantities ordered, but are said to be industry-competitive.

µ C development systems also prepares program PROMs

A self-contained, general-purpose microcomputer system is designed for 8080A program development. The system, called PDA-80 and developed by NEC Microcomputers (Five Militia

Dr., Lexington, MA 02173. 617-862-6410), requires only an interactive terminal to make it a powerful aid for developers and designers of microcomputer
( conti nued on page 50 )

The MIKE 3 is a good example of the flexibility of the modular micro approach. An optimal small system - yet fully expandable. Athree-board version, the AT813, includes the Model ··· 471 CPU board (with 8080A) ; memory board with 8080 Monitor PROM , 512 bytes RAM (expandable to 2K PROM , lK RAM) ; console board with keyboard , six LED digits; connectors; and Manual . . . only $395. (Manual alone, $35 .) Priced at $149. in quantities of one, with 8080A, the 471 CPU features:

· 3 interrupt levels (8-level priority interrupt board optional)

· Automatic hardware exit from masked interrupt after set interval
· Controls for one DMA channel (8-level prioritized DMA control optional)
· Power bus drivers for system expansion

c~:l!J
martin research 3336 Commercial Ave.

· 8080,6800,80081/0addressmodes Northbrook . IL 60062 (312) 498-5060

CIRCLE NUMBER 31

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Yes, your installation costs can go down . .. while data integrity
goes up. That's because the MICROMUX remote transmitter

Beduco data acquisition orrors··.

cut wiring costs··· con11erts analog signals to
frequency-coded, time multiplexed digital data ...

.with MICBOMUX TM near the source. This greatly reduces
problems of line loss and noise inte1ference. Built in safeguards eliminate common-mode noise

and detect open sensor or transmitter/receil>er lines. You get accurate,

reliable information at the MICROMUX receiverfor computer input.

How do you sa11e? MICROMUX cuts wiring needs

by 94 % . Each remote transmitter is housed in a N EM.A 4 case

and transmits up to 16 channels of data over a single

11·ire pair-at distances to 5,000 feet. You can connect from one to four

remote units on a single receiver for 16 to 64 channels.

And with additional recei11ers M /CROM U X can be further expanded

to 512 channels on one computer communication in terface.

Calculate the wire savings M / C R OM UX would pro11ide

in your plant. It could easily be more

than the $2,790* M IC R OMUX price.

We have other data acquisition

systems too. Our SDM860 module family lets

you custom build your own 8- to

256-channel multiplexed system. And our analog

I I 0 systems inte1face popular

microcomputers to the analog world. A host of

other amplifier and converter products

provide building blocks for whatever data-

acqu isition system you have in mind.

Get all the details on M IC R OMUX and on

our other systems and modules,

contact Burr-Brown, International

Airport Industrial Park,

Tucson, Arizona 85734. Telephone

(602) 294- 1431.

*Price of one 16-channe/

I· ·I BURR-BROWN II

CompltJto dntn 11eq11isition sol11tions

, CIRCLE NUMBER 32

"ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15 , 1976

MICROPROCESSOR DESIGN
(continued from page 48)
~~~~
systems. The PDA-80 also supports a high-speed paper-tape reader/ punch.
The system can erase and program NEC's electrically alterable PROM (µPD454D), and its front-panel lights and switches give finger-tip control over emulation and debugging routines. The panel lets you single-step through any program, either by instruction or machine cycle, and to display and examine the contents of the seven internal registers in the processor, as well as the program counter, the stack pointer, or memory.

The internal registers displayed can be changed either by system software or the front panel. In addition, break points in the program loops can be inserted either through the terminal, or through the PDA-80 front panel.
The capability of the PDA-80 to electrically erase and program a PROM elirriinates the need for a large inventory of blank PROMs and speeds up changes in programs already imbedded in PROM.
The Program Development Aid is not limited to teletypewriter terminals, but can accept an interactive device that operates at speeds from 110 to 1200 baud (10 to 120 characters per second). The console interface is speed selectable without software modification, and accepts either an EIA RS-232, or 20-mA current loop device.
The PDA-80 system includes a µCOM-8 central processing unit (µPD8080A processor, 2-MHz· clock, address drivers, input bus receiver, output bus driver and peripheral logic) ; up to 56-k bytes of RAM and up to 16-k bytes of PROM; baud rate selectable interface for terminals ; and system software on punched paper tapes. The
system comes in a cabinet that measures 18 x
11 x 9 in. and operates from 117 V, 50/ 60 Hz, although 100 and 230-V line inputs are available as options. The PDA-80 costs $4095 and is available in 30 days. The µ.P454D 256 x 8-bit electrically erasable PROM costs $26 (100-up).
CIRCLE NO. 503

Wire-wrappable packaging assembly accepts 8080 and 8080A
A wire-wrappable packaging assembly for interfacing with Intel 8080 and 8080A microprocessors is offered by Garry Manufacturing (1010 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08902. 201-545-2424). The board fits the standard Intel processor rack, and it includes two I/ 0 connectors to mate with external wiring. A UL-approved assembly, the Garry entry is available on 4-to-6 week delivery at prices ranging from $1.50 to $1.00 per chip-position.
CIRCLE NO. 504

CPU-emulator simplifies development of 6800-based systems
The DICE/ 68 µ.C-development aid provides users of Motorola's 6800 µ.P and Exorciser system with the capability of in-circuit emulation. The new design/ debug tool from Digital Electronics (2126 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710. 415-548-2944) also includes such systemcontrol features as status indicators for data and address busses.
The 40-pin DICE/ 68 adapter plugs directly into the 6800 µ.P socket on your own hardware. By using the full range of diagnostic aids available through Motorola's Exbug operating
(continued on page 52)

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Nobody ever made a 4K static RAM Family.
Until today.

Advanced Micro Devices announces the Am9130 and Am9140. They do things that have never been done before.
Look at it this way:

There have always been a lot of static RAM's. And 4K RAM's. But there's never been a 4K static RAM family.
Until today.

Look:

Fully static-no refresh required .

Single 5V power supply.

High speed: Access times to 200 nanoseconds

Two organizations for flexibility: Am9140-4K x 1

Am9130-1Kx4

All input and output logic levels identical to

TTL-full 400mV noise immunity.

Low power dissipation :

700mW maximum (~ power per bit)

350mW typ

compared to 2102)

High output drive: 3.2mA@ 04V Full military range available :
- 55° C to+ 125° C ambient DC standby mode reduces power dissipation
by 80%. Memory status signal indicates when data are
valid , allows improved overall performance and , simplifies timing (optional at no extra cost) . MIL-STD-883 , of course .

Like the picture? Send for the family album.

Advanced MOS;LSI

Advanced Micro Devices· 901 Thompson Place, Sunnyvale, California 94086 ·Te lephone (408) 732-2400 · Distributed nationally by Hamilton/Avnet, Cramer and Schweber Electronics.

CIRCLE NUMBER 33

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, Ma rch 15 , 1976

MICROPROCESSOR DESIGN
(continued from page 50)
system, you can debug a 6800-based prototype, complete with RAM, ROM, I/ 0 circuitry and two-phase clock. Hardware debugging can begin immediately after a block memory has been allocated to the prototype system.
The DICE/ 68 CPU-emulation technique effectively extends the Exorciser system bus onto the prototype bus. Thus all user-memory and I/ 0 interfaces on the prototype can be accessed readily through Exorciser software. No special interfaces or test devices are needed.
The DICE / 68 system consists of two electronic assemblies, plus interconnecting flat cable and the 40-pin adaptor. One assembly is a PC card designed to plug directly into the Exorciser; this card connects through flat cable to a system-status console. Lights on the panel give visual indication of the status of address and data lines on the system bus. Controls on the console permit single stepping through the control program, and the initiation of an interrupt, system halt or a reset. Also, a microstep feature can be used to review the status of the system bus during all sub-cycles of a previously executed instruction.
The new development aid costs $795. Delivery is stock to 4 wks.
CIRCLE NO. 505

Modularized microcomputer system permits high flexibility
The µ,P Series microcomputer system designed by Wyle Computer Products (3200 Magruder Blvd., Hampton, VA 23666. 804-838-0122) has major subsystems on individual logic cards. This gives the designer flexibility in configuring memory and I/ 0 structure.
The µ,P Series can interface to the Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-11, which allows the PDP-11 to exercise full control over the microprocessor address, control and I/ 0 busses. This feature along with a proprietary microprocessor on-line development system (MODS) and cross-assembler allows the user to completely develop and debug microcomputer software using the larger system. A RAM/ ROM memory module is available for program development directly on the microcomputer system. In addition to configuration as a stand-alone device, the µ,P Series communications features permit the microcomputer system to function as a remote data acquisition or control device under the supervisory control of a host computer. Modules in the µ,P Series include: an 8080A CPU; up to 64 k of RAM in 1 and 4-k increments; an analog I/ 0 that includes an 8-channel, programmable-gain, 8- or 12-bit a/ d converter, an 8-channel programmable-gain differential amplifier and an 8- or 12-bit differential d/ a converter; and a digital I / 0 which offers a choice of an RS-232-C interface for remote serial communications, a general-purpose instrument bus per IEEE Standard 488-1975 or an 8-bit buffered I / 0. Also available are such features as priority interrupt, DMA, PDP-11 control interface, and PROM programmer. The µ,P series CPU module costs $170 and memory modules start at $100 for a 1-k RAM. Other modules start at $30.
CIRCLE NO. 506

µ P emulator directly replaces 8080 for debugging
The MM80, an 8080 µ,P emulator, can directly replace the µ,P in a system. It allows you to examine, alter and control any 8080-based system. The Icebox, as the MM80 is called, plugs directly into the 8080 socket and requires no special design considerations.
The unit weighs 16 lb and can be expanded with software and hardware options, such as PROM programmers, memory expanders and custom software. The MM80 contains a ROM-resident one-pass assembler, is available from Ramtek Corp. (292 Commercial St., Sunnyvale, CA 94086. 408-735-8400) and costs $3950.
CIRCLE NO. 507

CIRCLE NUMBER 34 ._

The Keithley 168 Digital Multimeter gives you every key performance feature offered by other first-line 3%-digit DMMs.
But only the Keithley 168 gives you 4 extra features-all useful and all at a competitive price. Compare our 3% with the others and you 'll come to an inescapable conclusion: the 168 is the best buy in 3%-digit DMMs.

For $315: a superior DMM

For openers, you get a rugged , reliable, easy-to-

read , general-purpose, 5-function DMM with more

ranges than you 'll normally need. Measure from

1100000mviocrltosvdoelt,s to ~

100 microvolts to

500 volts ac, 100

milliohms to 20

megohms, 100

'-=======-~--

nanoamps to 1 amp, ac or de. Basic accuracy is

0.1% . All modes fully overload protected. The

168 brings Keithley quality to general-purpose

measurement.

4 extra features, no extra cost.

· Automatic ranging gives you the most accurate

reading , with decimal in the right place, faster than

you could do it with switches. Saves you time every

time you make a measurement.

· HI-LO Ohms lets you turn on a semiconductor

junction to see if

imtsegaosuordeoarn

in-circuit

resistance
without turning on '-=========='-'

a semiconductor.

· 2-terminal input for all measurements on all

functions. You can't get it wrong. Terminals

accept banana plugs, alligator clips, spade lugs

or bare wire.

· Lighted function indicator so you know precisely

what you 're measuring, instantly.

Surprise: more valuable features. That's not all. We've packed even more value into the 168. Optional battery pack that you buy now or add later. Patented A-D converter to simplify circuitry. No-nonsense, full-year guarantee on parts, workmanship, and specs-including accuracy.
Convenient calibration instructions right inside the cover. Light weight for easy portability.

Full complement of accessories.

Use these optional accessories to make your

DKeMitMhleeyve1n68more ~

versatile: Wide-

range RF probe.

Test lead sets. Clamp-on

'------'---__..;.;==-===~

ammeter. 50-amp shunt. High-voltage probe. Carrying case. Rack mount kit.

Now the logical choice. The 168 is out-front in value. And its backed up by our reputation for quality. Don't you wish all decisions were this easy?
Ordering a 168 is easy, too. Just contact: Keithley
Instruments, 28775 Aurora Road, Cleveland , Ohio 44139. (216) 248-0400. Europe: D8000 MUnchen 70, Heiglhofstrasse 5, West Germany. (089) 7144065.

DMMs for all your needs. We know you have a variety of measurement requirements. So we offer a growing family of DMMs to meet your appl ication and price objectives. Send for our Selector Guide.
180: 4 Yz-digits, 30 nV sensitivitY.

17t 4Yz-digits, wide ranging 5-functions .

KEITHLEY
The measurement engineers.
CIRCLE NO . 297 FOR A DEMONSTRATION, NO. 298 FOR TECHNICAL DATA.

CIRCLE NUMBER 36

ELECTRON IC DESIGN 6. March 15. 1976

The Reward

In his "Entrance Fee," Alexander Woollcott

tells of the cadets at Saint-Cyr who decided it

would bring great honor to their school if one

of them could spend the night with Cosette, the

most desirable woman in France. But Cosette

would require 5000 francs-an astronomical

sum.

With a stroke of genius worthy (their Com-

mandant said later) of a Marshal of France,

. · ·

one of the young men brought forth the idea

of a lottery. Somehow, with the aid of great

self-denial, urgent letters to maiden aunts, and

other desperate appeals, each of a thousand boys

was able to raise five francs. The lottery winner sallied forth to Cosette,

for the honor of the school.

The following morning, Cosette learned from the lad how a poor student

could afford 5000 francs-a figure that must have looked to him like the

National Debt. The story of the lottery moved her deeply. "Let it never

be said that Cosette is not a woman of sentiment," she told him. "For this

honor that the boys of Saint-Cyr have paid me," she added, "you shall pay

nothing. Not a sou."

And she returned his five francs.

Woolcott's story has entertained countless readers. It's unfortunate that

he did not tell the story of Ken, a talented, hard-working engineer. Ken

loved engineering and was deeply grateful to his employer for providing

the opportunity to show his eng.ineering prowess. In time, Ken proved his

worth by developing a dramatic product that was the envy of all around

him. It was obvious, even from the start, that the product would bring

power and glory to his company-and money, too.

On reviewing Ken's contribution, his boss recognized its value and

wanted it known that Ken's contribution would never be forgotten. "As a

token of our appreciation for the patent rights you are about to sign over

to us, Ken, we want you to have this." And he gave him a dollar. "But

that's not all. You've worked loyally and untiringly and we think you

deserve a holiday. The company is going to give you the rest of the year

off. With full pay."

It was December 30th.

GEORGE ROSTKY
Editor-in-Chief

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

NOW CHOOSE.FROM
HIGH·VAI I JE DELCO

We've added three new ways to save you money on NPN triple diffused silicon power Darlingtons. Delco Electronics' new DTS-4010, 4025 and 4026 are high powered yet practically priced and give you exceptional energy handling value.
Delco power Darlingtons' triple diffused mesa construction gives them outstanding peak power handling capability (as shown in the graph of clamped inductive switching). The reverse biased switching data shown illustrates the high energy handling capabilities of these units.
And Delco Darlingtons can be purchased with t0ff grouping for improved current sharing in parallel operation.
The planar DTS-2000 is a T0-92 Darlington
58

and is applied in driver circuits designed for the referenced 2 and 10 hp induction motor speed controls. Five low voltage power supplies in the control circuit for this application use our DTS-1010, 120 V cEo Darlingtons.
All Delco Darlingtons bring you the space saving design flexibility you expect from Darlingtons, PLUS Delco's proven high energy handling capability.
Select any Delco Darlington up to 600 V cEo and contact your Delco distributor for complete application and device data, prices and prompt delivery.
Specify Delco Darlingtons for power at practical prices.
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6. March 15, 1976

TEN HIGH·ENERGY, DARLINGTON$.

NOW AVAILABLE FROM THESE DISTRIBUTORS IN PRODUCTION QUANTITIES.

ALABAMA, Birmingham Forbes Distributing Co., Inc. (205) 251-4104
ALABAMA, Huntsville Powell Electronics (205) 539-2731
ARIZONA, Phoenix Sterling Electronics, Inc. (602) 258-4531
CALIFORNIA, Gardena Bell Industries Electronics Distributors Div. (213) 321-5802
CALIFORNIA, Goleta R.P.S. Electronics, Inc. (805) 964-6823
CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles
Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (213) 685-5511
CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles
R.P.S. Electronics, Inc. (213) 748-1271
CALIFORNIA, Palo Alto Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (415) 968-6292

CALIFORNIA, Sunnyvale Bell Industries (408) 734-8570
COLORADO, Denver Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (303) 371-6500
CONNECTICUT, Norw-alk
Harvey Electronics (203) 853-1515
FLORIDA, Clearwater Diplomat /Southland (813) 443-4514
FLORIDA, Miami Springs Powell Electronics /Florida (305) 592-3260
ILLINOIS, Elk Grove Village Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (312) 640-0200
ILLINOIS, Skokie Bell Industries Electronics Distributors Div. (312) 282-5400
INDIANA, Indianapolis Graham Electronics Supply, Inc. (317) 634-8202

MASSACHUSETTS,

OHIO, Dayton

Billerica

Pioneer /Dayton

Kierulff Electronics, Inc.

(513) 236-9900

(617) 935,5134 (617) 667-8331

PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia

MASSACHUSETTS, Newton
The Greene-Shaw Co., Inc. (617) 969-8900
MICHIGAN, Livonia Pioneer /Michigan (313) 525-1800
MINNESOTA, Minneapolis
Stark Electronics Supply Co. (612) 332-1325

Almo Electronics (215) 698-4000
PENNSYLVANIA, Pittsburgh
CAM/RPG Electronics (412) 288-2600 (412) 782-3770
SOUTH CAROLINA, Columbia
Dixie Radio Supply Co., Inc. (803) 253-5333
TEXAS, Dallas Sterling Electronics

MISSOURI, Kansas City (214) 357,9131

Walters Radio Supply, Inc. (816) 531-7015

TEXAS, Houston Harrison Equipment Co., Inc.

MISSOURI, St. Louis LCOMP-St. Louis (314) 647-5505
NEW JERSEY, Cinnaminson
Wilshire Electronics /Philadelphia (609) 786-8990 (215) 627-1920
NEW JERSEY, Clifton Wilshire Electronics/New Jersey (201) 340-1900 (212) 244-8930

(713) 652-4700
TEXAS, Houston Sterling Electronics (713) 627-9800
WASHINGTON, Seattle Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (206) 763-1550
IN CANADA: ONTARIO-Toronto Zentronics Ltd. (416) 787-1271

NEW MEXICO, Albuquerque

OVERSEAS: EUROPEAN INQUIRIES:

Sterling Electronics (505) 345-6601

European Parts & Accessories Marketing Group

NEW YORK, Binghamton Harvey Electronics (607) 748-8211

General Motors Continental Plant 2, Noorderlaan, Postbus 9 B-2030 Antwerp, Belgium

NEW YORK, Buffalo

ALL OTHER OVERSEAS INQUIRIES:

Summit Distributors, Inc.

General Motors Overseas

(716) 884-3450

Operations

NEW YORK, Farmingdale Parts & Accessories Dept.

Wilshire Electronics /Long Island (516) 293,5775
NEW YORK, Freeport

767 Fifth Avenue New York, N .Y. 10022 (212) 486-4412

Milgray/New York

(516) 546-6000
NEW YORK, Woodbury Harvey Electronics (516) 921-8700 (212) 895-9260
OHIO, Cincinnati

Delco Electronics Regional Sales Offices Union, New Jersey 07083 Box 1018 Chestnut Station
(201) 687-3770

United Radio, Inc.

Van Nuys, California 91404

(513) 761-4030
OHIO, Cleveland Pattison Supply Co. Ind1,1strial Electronics Division

Box 2968 (213) 988-7550
General Sales Office 700 E. Firmin, Kokomo, Ind. 46901

(216) 441-3000

(3 17) 459-2175

CALIFORNIA, San Diego Kierulff Electronics, Inc. (714) 278-2112

MARYLAND, Baltimore RESCO /Baltimore (301) 823-0070

CALIFORNIA, San Diego R .P.S. Electronics, Inc. (714) 292-5611

MARYLAND, Beltsville RESCO /Washington (301) 937-5890
CIRCLE NUMBER 38

Division of General Motors

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Photo detectors are among both the simplest and most complicated of discrete semiconductor devices. They are simple because of what they do-they merely convert light to current or voltage-but are complicated beoause their operating characteristics depend on optical, electrical, physical and often on mechanical parameters.
Once the design engineer knows what has to be done and how much he can spend, he usually will know what major category of device he needs. But even then, depending on particular parameters, several different devices might work for the same application.
Phototransistors ,are widely used
Phototransistors-along with their close cousins, photo-Darlingtons-are by far the most popular of all photodetectors. Since they are essentially transistors, the photon-generated current is multiplied by the current gain of the device. Photosensitivity for a given light level is thus 100 to 500 times higher than for a photodiode. Over-all performance characteristics are pretty standard : voltage shoulid be 50 V or less; current capability i's 1 to 50 mA; and typical speed (rise and fall time) is 2 to 100 p..s.
Some basic tradeoffs involve active-area size, use of a lens, speed and gain. Generally, large area devices are used for high sensitivity at low light levels, or for high-output-current applications; small-area devices are used wh~n high speed is a requirement. But sometimes the mechanical structure can become a variable parameter that's difficult to deal with in calculating device sensitivity.
For example, suppose a device with an active
John Kessler Contributing Editor
60

area of 25 mils2 provides the speed required for your application. You decide to add a lens to increase light sensitivity. But a slight misalignment of the lens can prevent any light from falling on the active area of a small device, and use of an aperture presents a mechanical variable that is difficult to calculate precisely. One solution is to test the system at the breadboard stage.
A recurring problem is that an engineer fails to specify the exact spectral irradiance (mW/ cm2 ) under which the device will be used. As a result, when buying a device he may be misled by the manufacturer's stated value for the light current. He may believe the phototransistor to be extremely sensitive when the irradiance-biasing condition is actually the controlling factor in sensitivity.
Fairchild makes all its phototransistor and photo-Darlington measurements at a standard radiant flux density of 5 mW/ cm2 ; National Semiconductors Ltd. us·es 10 mW/ cm2 and other companies use 20 mW/ cm2· The source color/ temperature ratings usually can vary from 2800 K to 2870 K without greatly affecting the value of the collector current.
However, color temperature can vary from 1825 K to 3533 K, depending on the filament of the lamp. If you are using a GaAs LED emitting at 900 nm there will be no correlation at all between the manufacturer's figure for sensitivity (based on the color temperature of a tungisten wire) and your own.
To get a rough estimate of the difference between a tungsten source emitting at 2870 K and a LED emitting at 900 nm and 5 mW/ cm2, figure on obtaining about three times as much current with the LED-because the light is emitted in a narrow spectral range where silicon is most
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

See the light around 520 nm with CdS photoconductive cells, or toward 670 nm with CdSe cells. Vactec makes

a complete line of both types-shown above arranged by ascending surface area.

sensitive---as from the incandescent. But even here you have to be careful: there
are two types of GaAs LED sources available: vapor-diffused (which emits at 900 nanometers) and the liquid epitaxial LED (which shifts the wavelength to about 940 nm). Although the 940nm device is not centered on the peak sensitivity of the phototransistor, its over-all efficiency will provide a better match, current for current. And so the 3 :1 figure applies only to the vapor-diffused source.
Because of the confusion over the sensitivity specification, Motorola lists the current output for specific light intensitles. The company specifies light current instead of ·having the customer do the calculation. For example, a customer
usuaJ.ly calculates S = I/ H (where S = mA/
Let the sun shine in on these photovoltaic cells and you can power buoys, VHF/UHF repeaters, railroad signal controls-any remote application where power is not readily available. These solar cells are made by Solar Energy Co. For increased current, connect in parallel; for increased voltage, connect in series.
E L ECTRONI C D ESIGN 6, Ma rch 15, 1976

mW/ cm2, I= mA, H = mW/ cm2). Motorola's
method: I = S x H = mA.
There are three other ways to avoid getting confused over sensitiv.ity specifications: (1) be sure of the color temperature of your device, or if it's a LED, determine its spectral irradiance; (2) while you're still in the breadboard stage, buy limit samples of the phototr.ansistor you think will do the job, and test them out; (3) buy emitter-sensor matched pairs from the manufacturer; that way yo11 are assured a g:iven LED current will result in a given current in the phototransistor.
Should the manufacturer make the match?
Until recently manufacturers have been wary of developing matched emitter-sensor packages as standard products. They felt the market for such devices was quite selective and that a standard combination wouldn't satisfy a large enough number of customers. That feeling is changing now.
General Electric has two emitter-sensor pack-· ages: its Hl7Al phototransistor and LED, and its Hl7Bl photo-Darlington and LED. Texas Instruments sees the sensor-emitter combination in a single pack!age as a major application trend. TI has 17 sensor-emitter combinations both as single elements and as arrays.
Most companies offer LED emitters that are spectrally matched to a sensor, but most of these operate at dist ances measured in inches; Skan-AMatic, however, has a matched LED-phototransistor pair (the L33007 and P33001) that can operate without pulsed electronics over distances as great as 3 ft. In a pulsed mode, the units oan operate over distances as great as 25 ft.
61

For high-reliability applications, Spectronics offers hermetically sealed phototransistors in a T0-46 case, with a round or fiat lens (SD-5443 and SD-3443), matched to Spectronics infrared LEDs (SE-5455). Optron, another high-reliability V'endor, will design and build emitter-sensor pairs for specific applications.
Clafrex engineers see this development being
taken one step further. They expect detectorI
emitter functions to become an integral part of I Cs.
For the new Mallory electronic ignition system General Electric supplies a small optical package that replaces the points in the distributor. William H. Sahm, consulting applications engineer .at GE, says the LED and phototransistor are not only optically and electrically matched, but also form a temperature-compensated combination. They are both in hermetic packages that permit them to operate over a temperature range of - 40 F to +140 F.
In the ignition system, the emitter and sensor face each other; a oup~shaped rotor fits in the gap between them and over the cam in the distributor. As the cam revolves, the rotor continuously breaks the beam of light, replacing conventional points.

wide range of parameters under which they operate. For example, maximum voltage (reverse bias) can range from 1 V to 2000 V for some avalanche photodiodes (APDs) ; current cap~ bility is typically 50 to 200 µA at 200 mW/ cm2, but speeds of less than 1 ns can typically be obtained with p-i-n photodiodes.
The photodiode is simply a pn junction operated with a reverse bias. Its seooitivity problems are the same as that of the phototransistor, except that the current levels are lower because there .is no built-in amplification. Instead of the hundreds of microamps or milliamps available from phototransistors, diode photocurrents under the same conditions run to several microamps. While the spectral response of photodiodes-like

Consider the application
In some applications it is important to maintain a phototransistor's collector-to-emitter current within a very tight range. In a smoke detector, for example, one might be inclined to go to a tight, double-ended spec to be sure that particles between the light source and the sensor are readily detected. But Doug Schmieskors, product marketing manager at Falirchild Semiconductor, says an inexpensive phototransistor such as the FPT-110, which has no upper limit on its light current, can do the job if the deSJigner uses a potentiometer to set a fixed threshold level.
Position sensing is another major application in which phototransistors perform well. Usually there is ample light available to detect the position of such an object as the armature of a distributor in a car, or the position of a gear tooth on a wheel. In these applications the specs that oause the most diffkulty are those for the optical portion of the system. As we saw earlier, a lack of focus or alignment can easily cancel out the advantage of using a sensitive detector.
Photodiodes offer performance diversity
If the main characteristic of phototransistors and photo-Darlingtons is their uniformity of performance, the distinguishing characteristic of silicon photodiodes is their diversity and the
62

Silicon phototransistors, such as these from Clairex, are the most popular of all photodetectors. Phototransistors offer low power requirements, high reliability, small size, TIL/ DTL compatibility, and are easily interfaced with integrated circuits.
that of phototransistors-peaks at about 850 nm, the usable spectrum ranges from 300 nm out to 1600 nm.
In general, photodiode specifications are not confusing, but to select an optimum device, especially for high performance, the system designer must understand some tricky tradeoffs. There are six basic parameters, in addition to signal-tonoise ratio and gain, that should be considered :
· Capaci tance of the pn junction. Because of the reverse-bias the capacitance falls as the operating voltage increases until a point is reached when the device is fully depleted. Then the capacitance is independent of voltage, and you have a truly p-i-n device. Thus, for lowest capacitance you need a high enough operating voltage. The trad~off i's that as the operating voltage increases, so does noise and ·dark current.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15' 197 6

· Dark current. This is a function of the area of a device; the larger the area, the more dark current. It is measured in amperes, and increases with applied voltage. The noise resulting from dark current is shot noise.
· Quantum efficiency. Of all the solid-state photodetector devices, photodiodes have the highest quantum efficiency (the ratio of electrical current to incident light)-approaching 95 percent.
· NEP. Noise Equivalent Power simultaneously accounts for quantum efficiency, or responsivity, and noise. NEP is the amount of light you have to shine on a detector to produce a signal equal to the noise level. The lower the NEP, the more sensitive the dev.ice. If NEP is used as a criterion for selecting a photodiode, the designer should also specify the wavelength, the test frequency and the band\pass around the test frequency. Vendors often omit this important information.
· Responsivity. It is more practical to convert electrons to amperes and photons to watts, rather than deal with quantum efficiency. But the value of responsivity (A/ W) is a function of wavelength, applied-bias voltage, frequency and temperature. All these parameters should be called out when a value of responsivity is given.
· Detectivity. Since you get more noise as the area of a detector increases, NEP naturally tends to be worse with a large-area device. Detectivity provides a figure of merit that's independent of the area. It is defined as NEP/ active area (in cm2 ). Thus the higher the detectivity, the more sensitive the detector.
Problems in specifying photodetectors still remain even if one understands the terminology and the important tradeoff.s. According to Dr. Paul Wenland, president of United Detector Technology, "In low-light-level detection, the combination of both detector and amplifier parameters to obtain maximum performance is often misunderstood, which leads to mistakes in the specification of detector parameters."
The problem often involves attempts to compare photometric and radiometric terms. Specifications in foot-candles, foot-lamberts and millilamberts are sometimes confusing to a designer trying to equate such measurements with a microwatt reading. There are really no direct equivalents because photometric specifications are based on what the human eye can see rather than on a measured electrical signal.
Use photodiodes for linearity
In addition to the gain offered by phototransistors, they differ from photodiodes in another important way. Because the phototransistor depends on its current gain for over-all sensitivity,
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

there is a built-in nonlinearity: gain increases with increased light current. But with photodiodes, no nonlinear mechanism is involved; so photodiodes are usually followed by a good linear amplifier to preserve the over-all linearity.
A number of photodiode makers are integrating silicon photodiodes into a T0-99 or T0-5 transistor can along with internal feedback resistors and a low noise, low bias-current operational amplifier. The obvious advantage of this kind of packaging is to reduce the noise and capacitance that would otherwise be induced on a connection between the amplifier and the photodiode.
With the Bell & Howell 539 series, for example, the internal resistors are small, shielded and
Meriting attention are these photodiodes, which are readily adaptable for data acquisition systems. The Rl 100 made by Meret gives TIL logic level signals out. It packs a transimpedance amplifier and voltage com· parator, along with its photodiode.
physically close to the amplifier-thus providing low noise. System gain can be programmed through the use of external resistors. Output polarity, gain, offset adjust, response compensation, etc., can be programmed. Applications vary from light measurement to phototypesetting.
Other manufacturers that supply similar photodiode/ detector packages include EG&G Inc., United Detector Technology Inc., Integrated Photomatrix Ltd., RCA and Electro-Nuclear Laboratories, Inc.
For fiber-optic communications systems, Meret has detector/ amplifier combinations in T0-5 cans that operate over a spectral range of 360 to 1150 nm at up to 50 MHz. Meret's RllOO incorporates detector, amplifier, coupling network and voltage comparator in a T0-5 can. It is also probably the only such device on the market that provides TTL digital output for a light-signal input. With the
63

RllOO and a digital LED connected to it by a fiber-optic pipe, you can build a complete digital system. Commercial and private plane manufacturers are using these photodiode assemblies for actuation systems and equipment readouts.
In some systems designers need large-area detectors or quadrant detectors (four detector elements on one substrate). For large-area detection they turn to Schottky-barrier photodiodes. One reason for going to Schottky devices is that sensitivity can't be obtained over a large area

0.1 microinch of movement across a small area.

Just a brief warning about Schottky photo-

diodes : Most suppliers indicate that they should

not be used at temperatures above 130 F, or at

light levels higher than 10 mW/ cm2·

Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) provide the

highest speed solid-state photodetection with the

maximum signal-to-noise ratio. But these devices

are still (after more than eight years) in the

development stage. Texas Instruments, RCA's

Electronics Components Division, and General

Electric all have APDs available for engineering

evaluation.

Internal avalanche multiplication in the APD

is almost noiseless, making the device 10 to 15

dB more sensitive than a p-i-n photodiode. But

this sensitivity comes at the cost of temperature-

compensating circuits to stabilize the gain, and

a high reverse bias (200 V to 400 V or more)

to obtain a current multiplication of about 100.

The table below compares some of the param-

eters of p-i-n photodiodes vs APDs:

Paramet er

P-i-n photodiodes APDs

Spectrum (nm)

400-1200

600-1200

Responsivity (A/ W)

0.66

Rise time (ns)

Price ($)

5-100

30-200

Because APDs are still developmental, potential

users should always discuss a proposed system

with a supplier before starting the design. Such

a discussion should clarify trade-offs between

active area and dark current; and between pack-

age design and cost and performance.

Emitter-detector pair from Skan-A-Matic detects a beam at a distance of up to 3 ft. between the LED and the phototransistor.
with a pn junction because the diffusion depth cannot be uniformly maintained. The Schottkybarrier structure avoids this problem by using a step junction in the form of a thin layer of evaporated gold on the surface of the silicon.
With this technique companies such as United Detector Technology are making standard devices with active areas in strips as long as 4 in., and special devices with strips as long as 12 in. For extraordinary accuracy in position..,sensing equipment UDT has three standard Schottky-barrier photodiodes: the FC/ 10 (with an active area of 1 cm2 ), the FC/ 25 (with an active area about 2 cm2 ), and the FC / 50 (active area 4 cm2 ).
Higher accuracies are obtained with smallerarea devices, but linearities are much the same with all sizes. The FC/ 10 can resolve. 0.1 mil movement with linearities of a few tenths of a percent. With special devices, UDT can detect
64

Photoconductive cells for low cost sensitivity
When it comes to sensing visible light levels that are very low, and where speed is not a factor, the photoconductive cell turns out to be the cheapest and most sensitive photodetector. Photoconductors will produce a usable signal with light levels as low as 0.0001 fc and in volume they cost as little as $0.37. Typically used for smoke detectors, for light meters in cameras, and for operating street lights, the photoconductive cell is a device with conductance that varies with the amount of light energy striking the cell.
The most widely used photoconductive cells consist of aluminum-oxide ceramic substrates coated with a layer of cadmium sulphide or cadmium selenide. Among the more undesirable characteristics of photoconductive cells is their "memory" or dark-current history. This causes a hysteresis-like effect in the illumination-vs-resistance curve.
The magnitude of the effect depends on the illumination level at which the cell is stored. It is very minor when the cell is used at illumination levels above 5 fc, but does become a severe prob-
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

lem below 0.1 fc. The effect can be corrected by1 the use of a bridge circuit, or by maintaining a constant low level of illumination.
Photoconductors are usually sensitive throughout the visible region of the spectrum. The response peaks at 500 nm for CdS and at 700 nm for CdSe. However, Vactec president, Monroe D. Levy, says his firm has developed CdS devices that, "when used with a well-blocked interference filter, are capable of excellent sensitivity down to 250 nm, with good response time and stability." Clairex, Hamamatsu and National Semiconductors Ltd., make broad ranges of photoconductors whose parameters can be shifted to meet specific requirements.

David M. Jones, marketing manager at OCLI, says that when designers use LEDs as a light source for photovoltaics they often don't consider the lack of uniformity of the spectral emissions over a given area for some LEDs. This lack becomes critical when apertures are placed between

Photovoltaic devices generate power
Photovoltaic cells are pn devices operated at zero bias. They are self-generating. ·With one lead connected to the p and one to the n region, light shone on the device produces an output voltage. Most commonly made of silicon and selenium, photovoltaics can also be made of germanium, gallium arsenide, and experimental compounds such as polycrystalline cadmium suphide deposited on a substrate of single-crystal indium phosphide.
Since the photovoltaic cell operates at zero bias voltage, noise is very low and sensitivity is good. Photovoltaics are ideal for low-frequency applie:ations (such as photometry, spectroscopy, and some medical electronic instruments) where speeds of 1 to 100 µ,s are satisfactory.
Photovoltaic devices are also inexpensive, because yields tend to be high and the structure does not have to withstand high operating voltages. Price usually depends upon the area of the device because of the raw material cost. The memory problem discussed earlier for photoconductive cells, applies to selenium photovoltaics, too, but is very slight with silicon photovoltaics.
Photovoltaics can produce a logarithmic response (when the external impedance is high compared with that of the diode) or a linear response (when the external impedance is very low).
The cells can be manufactured in practically any size or shape. For increased circuit current, the cells are connected in parallel; for greater voltage, they are connected in series.
Photovoltaics can be tailored to meet a variety of special requirements. Their spectrum can be shifted from the near-infrared to the blue region. At 400 nm blue-enhanced silicon detectors, such as those made by Vactec, produce four to five times the current of a conventional silicon photovoltaic cell. These detectors are useful for colorimetric instrumentation.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Watching brightness levels is the job of NSL's 200 series CdS/Se photocells. The combination of materials offers the speed and sensitivity of CdSe and the stability of CdS. These photoconductive cells operate over a spectral range of 630 to 690 nm-also well suited for detecting light from GaP and GaAsP emitters.
Phototubes from Hamamatsu such as these can produce gains of 100 to 100 million. Used for very low light level detection where good signal-to-noise ratios are important, their best sensitivity is at about 400 nm.
65

the LED and the detector; if the aperture lines up with the portion of the LED light beam that emits less energy, detector output will be less than expected.
Today there is a growing interest in photovoltaic cells as solar batteries. In designing solarenergy systems, not only are photometric and radiometric specs important, but the effects of weather, the angle of declination of the sun, and the amount of solar radiation available in different regions are all factors to be considered.
A general guideline for determining the size of a solar cell panel, according to a Solar Energy Co. spokesman, is to determine the average current used by the load over a time span of one year. The recommended panel should be capable of producing 10 times the average load current, and no less than seven times the average load.
Phototubes detect low light levels
For very low light-level detection over broad areas, where good signal-to-noise ratios are important, the phototube still finds its leadership unchallenged. Its major advantage over solidstate counterparts is the ability to amplify current without adding much more than 20 percent to the noise of the signal. The major disadvantage is the requirement for 300 to 2500 V in order to produce gain. That gain can range from 100 to 100 million. The costs also run high-from about $200 to $10,000 per tube.
One of the most confusing specs is anode sensitivity, a measure of gain in which a high value does not mean a better signal. As the gain goes up, the inherent stability of the tube decreases and the dark current increases. Worst of all, the amount of noise due to ion spiking in the tube starts to be a controlling factor. The net result is a decline in the signal-to-noise ratio.
According to Ralph Eno, vice-president of Hamamatsu Corp., "you don't need any gain above 5 x 105 from the tube because at that point you can count almost every electron emitted from the cathode."
Quantum efficiency of phototubes, compared with silicon devices, is quite low. It is defined as the number of cathode electrons per incoming photon. The best is 30 to 35 percent at the peak sensitivity of about 400 nm. As the light moves toward the limit of about 1100 nm, the quantum efficiency drops-fast-to less than 5 percent.
The most recent development in phototubes is the special-wavelength cathode, according to Eno. "It results from the requirements of laser technology in applications such as point-of-sale terminals where maximum efficiency at the wavelength of the He-Ne laser is required." ··
66

Need more information?

The manufacturers and product s mentioned in this r eport r epresent a small sample of the scope and diversity of photodetectors available. F or further information, circle the appropri ate information r etri eval number s. More vendors a nd some data sheets may be found in ELECTRONIC DESIGN's GOLD BOOK. The code letter s after each company define, ver y r oughly, the vari ous product lines : photomultiplier tubes (A ), photot ransistors, photo-D arlingtons ( B ), photodiodes ( C), photoconductive cells ( D ) , a nd photovoltai c cells (E ) .

Ampere x Elec . Corp., 230 Duffy Ave ., Hicksville , NY 11802.

(516) 931-6200. (D. Steen) (A)

Circle No. 521

Bell & Howell Control Prods. Div., 706 Bostwick Ave ., Bridge-
port, CT 06605 . (203) 368-6751. ( I. lsdale) (C) Circle No. 522

CBS Labs Div., Columbia Broadcasting, 227 High Ridge, Stamford, CT 06905 . (203) 327-2000. (W . E. Glenn Jr.) (C) Circle No. 523

Cetron Elec. Corp., 715 Hamilton St., Geneva , IL 60134.

(312) 232-4140. (T. R. Sweet) (C)

Circle No. 524

Clairex Elecs., 560 S. 3 Ave., Mount Vernon , NY 10550. (914)

664-6602. (G. F. Smith) (B , D)

Circle No. 525

EG&G In c., Electro-Optics Div., 35 Congress St ., Salem , MA 01970. (617) 745-3200. (J. Murachver) ( B, C, D) Circle No. 526

Elec. Micro Sys. Inc., 1672 Kaiser Ave ., Santa Ana , CA 92705 .

(714) 549-2295.

Circle No. 527

Electro Nuclear Labs In c. , 62 Fourth Ave ., Waltham , MA

02154 . (617) 890-5400. (F. Perry)

Circle No. 631

EMI Gencom Inc., 80 Express St ., Plainvi ew, NY 11803. (516)

433-5900. (F. Belasco) (A. C)

Circle No. 528

EMR-Photoelectric, P.O . Box 44 , Pri nceton, NJ 08540. (609)

799-1000. (H . K. Yingling) (A)

Circle No. 587

Energy Elec . Prods Corp. , 6060 Manchester Ave ., Los Angeles, CA 90045. (213) 670-7880. (E . Bache r) (C) Circle No. 529

Fairchild Semiconductor, 464 Ellis St. , Mounta in Vi ew, CA

94042. (415) 962 -5011. (J . Duffy} (B, C)

Circle No. 530

Ferranti Electric Inc., E. Bethpage Rd. , Pla i nview, NY 11803.

(516) 293-8383 . (B, C)

Circle No. 531

General Electric Co., Space Technology Prods ., P.O. Box 8439 , Philadelph ia, PA 19101. (215) 962-4000. (E) Circle No. 532

General Electric Semiconductor Prods., Elecs. Park Bldg. 7-49, Box-1122, Syracuse, NY 13201. (315) 456-2798 . (B , C) Circle No. 533

General Electric Tube Prods., 316 E. 9 St .. Owensboro, KY 42301 . (502) 683-2401. (J. N. Holeman ) (A) Circle No. 534

General Sensors Inc.. P.O. Box 231 , Athens, TX 75751. (214)

675-5229. (B)

Circle No. 535

Hamamatsu Corp.. 120 Wood Ave., Middlesex, NJ 08846 . (201 )

469-6640. (R . Eno) (A, C, D)

Circle No. 536

Harrison Elecs. Corp., 20 Smith St., Farmingdale, NY 11735.

(516) 283-7990. (B . Schreiner) .

Circle No. 537

HEI Inc., Jonathan Industrial Center, Chaska , MN 55318.

(612) 448-3510. (R. Hasselman) (B, C)

Circle No. 538

Hewlett-Packard , 1501 Page Mill Rd ., Palo Alto, CA 94304 .

(415) 493-1501. (B, C)

Circle No. 539

Hoffman Engineering Corp., 183R Sound Beach, Old Green-

wich, CT 06870. (203) 637-1719 . (B, C)

Circle No. 540

Infrared Inds., 62 4 Ave ., Waltham, MA 02154. (617 ) 890-

5400. (G. Davidson) (C)

Circle No. 541

lnnotech Corp., 181 Main St., Norwalk, CT 06851. (203 ) 846-

2041. (R. W. Ahrons)

Circle No. 542

Instrument Technology, Box 381 , Westfield, MA 01085. (41 3)

562-5132 . (D . Carignan ) (A)

Circle No. 632

Integrated Photomatrix Inc., 1101 Bristol Rd .. Mountainside,
NJ 07092 . (201 ) 233-6010. (P. J. W . Noble) (C) Circle No. 543

International Light Inc., Dexter lndl. Green, Newburyport, MA

01950. (617) 465-5923. (R. Ryer)

Circle No. 544

ITT Electro Optical Prods Div., 7635 Plantation Rd .. Roanoke , VA 24019 . (703) 563 -0371. (J . C. Kylander) (C) Circle No. 545

Lindly & Co. Inc., 248 Herricks Rd .. Mineola, NY 11501. (516)

746-6505. (V. A. Mateyka)

Circle No. 546

Litek Inc., 2143-1 Wyandotte St., Mountain View, CA 94043.

(415) 965-4338. (C. W. Kanaule)

Circle No. 547

Litronix Inc.. 19000 Homestead Rd .. Cupertino, CA 95014.

(408) 257-7910. (B. Santos) (B)

Circle No. 548

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Meret Inc., 1815 24 St ., Santa Monica . CA 90404 . (213) 828-

7496. (P. Pitino) (C}

Circle No. 549

Micro Components Corp ., 99 Bald Hill Rd ., Cranston , RI 02920. (401) 737-3200. (C. Grandmaison) (C) Circle No. 550

Monsanto Elecs Div. , 3400 Hillview Ave ., Palo Alto, CA 9 43 04 .

(415) 493-3300. (R. Schweikher) (B, C)

Circle No. 551

Motorola Semiconductor Prod. Inc., P.O. Box 20912. Phoeni x, AZ 85036. (602) 244-6900. (H . Koski ) (B. C) Circle No. 552

M 7 Inc. Optoelecs Group, 210 Campu s Dr .. Arlington
Heights, IL 60004. (312) 255-7796 . (K. D. Cox) (C) Circle No. 553

National Semiconductors Ltd., 331 Cornelia , Plattsburg h, NY 12901. (518) 561 -3160. (D . F. Clifton) (B , C) Circle No. 554

North Coast Optical Sys., P.O. Box 6812, Santa Rosa , CA

95406. (707) 727-7283. (J . E. Drake) (C)

Circle No. 555

Optical Coating Lab . Inc., Photoelecs Group, 15251 E. Do n

Julian Rd .. City of Industry, CA 91746. (213) 968-6581.

(D. M. Jones) (E}

Circle No. 556

Optics Technology Inc. , 934 Charter, Redwood City, CA 94063 .

(415) 364-3830. (K. P. Yeisley)

Circle No. 557

Optron Inc., 1201 Tappan Circle. Carrollton, TX 75006. (214)

242-6571. (C . E. Bates) (B . C)

Circle No. 558

Penn Key3tone Corp., 14 Division St .. An sonia , CT 06401.

(203) 734-3301. (E. M . Parker)

Circle No. 559

Photobell Co., 12T East 22 St., New York . NY 10010. (2 12)

674-2121.

Circle No. 560

Plessey Semiconductors, 1674 McGaw Ave ., Santa Ana , CA

92705. (714) 540-9979. (D. Chant) (B, C)

Circle No. 561

Quantrad Corp., 139 Illinois St.. El Segundo , CA 9 0 24 5.

(213) 322-1452. (R. L. Fox)

Circle No. 562

Quantrol Elecs., 1822 Mills Ave ., El Paso, TX 79901. (915)

532-4651. (E.K. Chamberlin)

Circle No. 563

Radiation Devices Co ., P.O. Box 8450, Baltimore, MD 2 1234 .

(301) 665-2764. (C)

Circle No. 564

Raytheon Co., lndl. Components Op., 46 5 Ce ntre St .· Quincy,

MA 02169. (617) 479 -5300.

Circle No. 565

RCA Industrial Tube Div., New Holland Ave. , Lan caster, PA
17604. (717) 397-7661. (E. McDonough) (A, C) Circle No. 566

Rec ognition Systems, 15531 Cabrito Rd ., Van Nu y s, CA

91406. (213) 789-4264 . (Abe Armoni ) (C)

Circle No. 567

Ret icon Co r p. , 910 Benicia Av e. , Sunn y vale, CA 94086. (408)

738-4266. (C)

Circle No. 568

Santa Barbara Research Center, 75 Coromar, Goleta, CA

93017 . (805) 968-3511. (P.J . Granke) (C)

Circle No. 569

Sc ientifi c Technology Inc., 1201 San Antonio Rd. , Mountain
Vi ew , CA 94043 . (415) 965-0910 . (D. Per sen ) Circle No. 570

Semiconductor Technology Inc., 124· 14 22 Ave., College Point, NY 11355. (212) 445-4466. (F.G. Seigel) Circle No. 571

Sensor Technology Inc., 21012 Lassen St .. Chatsworth, CA

91311. (213) 882-4100. (W .E. Wilson) (C)

Circle No. 572

Shigoto Ind. Ltd ., 350 Fifth Ave ., New York, NY 10001. (212)

695-0200. (M . Rubin) (B, C)

Circle No. 573

Siemens Corp ., 186 Wood Ave. S., lselin, NJ 08830. (201 ) ·

494-1000. ( B . Mayer) (B, C, E)

Circle No. 574

Sigma Instrument Inc., 170 Pearl St .. Braintree , MA 02184 .

(617 ) 843-5000. ( R. McMahon)

Circle No. 575

Siliconix Inc.· 2201 Laurelwood Rd ., Santa Clara . CA 95054 .

(408) 246-8000. (L. Lynberg)

Circle No. 576

Skan·A· Matic Corp.· P.O. Box S, Elbridge, NY 13060. (315)

689-3961. ( P. Mims)

Circle No. 633

Solar Energy Co., 818 18th St. NW, Washington. DC 20006.

(202) 347-4568 . (G .O. Hamilton) (E)

Circle No. 577

Solar Systems Inc., 8124 N . Central Park . Skoki e. IL 60076.

(312) 676-2040. (W. E. Hegberg) (E)

Circle No. 578

Spectrolab Inc., 12500 Gladstone Av e.. Sy lmar, CA 91 342.

(2 13) 365-4611 . (R.L. Westlund ) (C)

Circle No. 579

Spect r oni c s Inc., 830 E. Arapaho Rd ., Richardson , TX 7 5080.

(2 14) 234-4271. (J .D. Crownover) ( B, C)

Circle No. 580

Tex as Instruments Inc., P.O. Box 5012, Mail Station 84 . Dallas, TX 75222 . (214) 238-2011. (C. Clough ) (B. C) Circle No. 581

Un ited Detector Technology, 2644 30 St ., Santa Monica , CA

9 0405 . (213) 396-3175 . (P. Nelson) (C)

Circle No. 582

Vactec, Inc., 2423 Northline Industrial Blvd. , Maryland Heights, MO 63043 . (314) 872-8300. (D. Hartl ey) (C) Circle No. 583

Valtec Corp ., 99 Hartwell St., W. Boylston , MA 01583 . (617)

8 3 5 -6 0 8 2.

Circle No. 584

Varian Associates, 611 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, CA 94393.

(415) 493-4000. (J . Heldack) (A)

Circle No. 634

Ve rsitron, 6310 Chillum Pl. NW , Washington , DC 20011. (20 2)

88 2-8464 . (D.C. Sherrick)

Circle No. 585

Xe r con Inc., P.O. Box 554 , Port land , OR 97207. (503)

2 9 2 -4 4 3 6 .

Circle No. 586

ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Dia light sees a need:
(Need: The widest choice for your every application.)

559-0101 -001 MOUN TS IN o.2so·· HOLE

l
0.28 1" OIA.

SNAP-IN MOUNT

t ..j ~ 0.188" MAX.

0.190"" OIA.

I ~

468.· , .

~· 0.050·· ""·

MAX.

.275"

MIN.

558-0101 -001 MOUN TS IN 0.156"" HOLE

. 558 and 559 SERIES Available in

red, green or yellow LEDs, with and without integral

current limiting resistors . Snap-in mounting requires no

additional hardware. Straight terminals suited for wire-

wrapping and/or soldering. Low power requirements-

15 to 20mA. In 1000-lot quantities each

558-0101-001 .. $.33.

559-0101-001 .. $.33.

559-0101-003 MOUNTS IN 0.250" HOLE

~ ,~:~~: .· ·!~.·

SNAP-IN MOU NT

558-010 1-003 MOUN TS IN 0.156"" HOLE

558 and 559 SERIES Available with

6" wire leads, these red, green or yellow LEDs are de-

signed for quick positive insertion in 0.031" to 0.062"

panels. Compact design allows high density packaging.

In 1000-lot quantities each

558-0101-003 ·· $.75.

559-0101-003 .. $.71.

Dialight, th e company with the widest

cho ice in swi tches, LEDs, indi cator lights

and readouts , looks for needs . .. your

needs . . . and then they develop solutions

for your every application. No other com-

pa ny offers you one-stop shopping in al l

these product areas. An d no other com -

pany has more expe rience in the visual

display field. Dia li ght helps you do more

with these products than any other company in the

business, because we are speci alists that have done

more with them. Talk to the speci ali sts at Dial ight first.

/JIALIGl-IT You won't have to talk to
anyone else. Send for you r

free new copy of Dial ight's current catalog.

Dia1ight , A North American Philips Co mpany 203 Harrison Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. 1123;
(212) 497-7600

See Dialight.

CIRCLE NUMBER 39
67

A little success story with holes in it...
Holes of almost any shape and size. Up to 10,000 holes per square inch, in pieces as thin. as o. 1o inch. Holes, slots, and channels, as small as o.oos inch. And with tolerances as close as ± o.oo 1 inch.
We're talking about Corning FOTOFORM® and FOTOCERAM® materials. Unique, photosensi· tive materials that can be precision-etched, machined, cut, milled, chamfered, ground. lapped. polished, sealed to glasses or ferrites. And even metalized.
The real beauty of FOTOFORM and FOTOCERAM materials is they offer you engineering flexibility-the flexibility to do it your way.
And at Corning, your way is the only way. That's why we developed FOTOFORM and FOTOCERAM materials. They may help you write your own success story. We'll help. We're the Fotoform Products Group, Corning Glass Works, Corning, New York.
You ought to get to know us better. Find out more about FOTOFORM and FOTOCERAM materials. Write, under your letterhead, for a free sample depicting the 1776 Bennington Flag and complete specifications to:
FOTOFORM Products Group Dept. ED·36
Corning Glass Works, Corning, New York 14830 (607) 974-8583
CORNING
CORNING GLASS WORKS

Write for free sample today!

CIRCLE NUMBER 40

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

ptical switches tailor d to fit.

Clairex offers a choice of standard and custom switches with hermetically sealed components.

Don't make your design to fit an optical switch.

Let Clairex® make the optical switch to fit your

design.

You can get two standard sizes with gap widths

of .100 in. or .250 in. Or we'll make ttiem to any

width or size you specify.

We seal both the LED and phototransistor in

hermetic cases for long life in

the harshest environments.

Then pretest each switch to make sure it works. The

Clairex standard switches

lenses or windows are glass,

shown actual size .

not plastic, to reduce dust

pickup. (Lenses position the

light beam more accurately,

preventing false signals from

stray light.) Outputs are

compatible with T2L inputs.

Sensors are either phototransistors or photodarlingtons.
You can forget about friction wear, switching "noise", and contact bounce. The two switch heads are completely isolated. Switching time can be as short as 5 microseconds - impossible with mechanical switches.
Tell us what you need. We'll develop the solution. With Clairex, you get the best in opto-electronic components - photodarlingtons, phototransistors, photoconductors, opto-isolators. Write Clairex Electronics at 560 South Third Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York 10550. Or phone (914) 664-6602.

CLAIREX ELECTRONICS

CIRCLE NUMBER 41

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Consider CCDs for a wide range of uses.
Existing charge-coupled-device products encompass image
sensors, high-density memories and analog-signal processors.

Announced only six years ago, CCDs today span virtually the entire range of the electronics industry. The charge-coupled devices are being used as image sensors, analog-signal processors and high-density memories.
Basically, CCDs are shift registers for analogcharge signals. The registers are formed by a string of closely spaced MOS capacitors.' The amazing versatility of CCDs stems from the fact that they can store and transfer charge signals that have been introduced either electrically or optically.
As self-scanned photosensor arrays, CCDs provide rugged solid-state image sensors. Because they have potentially higher storage capacity than n-channel MOS RAMs, CCDs are also leading contenders for high-density block-oriented semiconductor memories. And in the area of analog-signal processing, CCDs can be used for electronically variable delay lines, recursive and transversal filters, signal correlation, multiplexing and signa,l reformatting.
Image sensors limit pick-up noise
The ability to detect optical signals allows CCDs to be constructed into very effective selfscanned image sensors. These sensors can store and transfer the detected charge image under the control of clock pulses, yet remain free of unwanted switching-transient pick-up-a unique characteristic. The clock pick-up is thus limited to a single output stage, and can be filtered out readily from the video signal. The operation principle of charge-coupled image sensors appears in Fig. 1.
The optical image can be applied either from the top side through the semitransparent polysilicon gates, or from the bottom side, if the silicon substrate is made thin enough. During the optical integration period, the clocks are adjusted to form stationary potential wells-one for each optical resolution element. At the end of the inte-
Walter F. Kosonocky and Donald J. Sauer, Members of the Technical Staff, RCA Laboratories, Princeton, NJ 08540.
70

DOPED POLYSILICON GATES
P-SUBSTRATE
POLY Si-GATES

OUT I

OPTICAL. INPUT
1. Charge-coupled 'sensors detect optical images either from their top side, through semitransparent polysilicon gates (a), or from their bottom side-back illumination -through a thin substrate (b). In either case a floatingdiffusion or floating-gate on-chip amplifier detects the sensor's output.
¢, --------------+-----.
¢z
TRANSFER GATE

2. Line-image sensors continuously integrate the optical input through an array of photosensors (a). Resolution can be increased by a factor of two with a dual CCDchannel construction (b) .
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

cpl A

PHOTOSENSOR ELEMENTS PHOTO SENSITIVE ARRAY

~OUT2

OUTPUT REGISTER

3. The interline-transfer system-one way to make areaimage sensors-employs parallel arrays of line sensors and nonilluminated registers. The combination leads into

a single output register. The image is detected as two vertically interlaced modes. The sensor can be operated in either a high-resolution or standard-TV interlace mode.

gration time, the accumulated charge packets representing the integrated optical input shift
down the CCD register to be detected by a single
output amplifier. To prevent image smearing, the optical integration time should be much longer
than the total time required to transfer the de-
tected image from the sensor. All charge elements use the same amplifier, so
nonuniformities (a problem in optical arrays in which each sensor element uses a separate amplifier) are avoided. Also since only the clock frequency outside of the video bandpass is used for this transfer, clock pick-up doesn't present the problem that it does in x-y scanned arrays. There, one of the clocks occurs at a horizontal line frequency and cannot be removed by simple filtering.
The output of an image sensor is usually detected by a floating-diffusion or a floating-gate
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Table 1. CCD area-image sensors

No. of
Elements
Vertical x
Horizontal

Type

Commercially

(See note) Available

Fairchild

100 x 100 190 x 244 IT, BCCD (380) x (488)

Yes Yes (Under Development)

RCA

320 x 512 FT, SCCD Yes

400 x 400 FT

(Back-

Illuminated)

Bell Labs 475 x 496 FT, SCCD No

100 x 100 CID

Yes

200 x 250

(As Cameras

Only)

Note: IT-Interline Transfer System FT-Frame Transfer System CID-Charge Injection Device

PHOTO SENSITIVE
AREA
TEMPORARY STORAGE AREA
4. The frame-transfer system leads to area-image sensors that can be illuminated either from the top or the back of the substrate. The sensor employs a separate photosensitive area and a separate image-storing area.

on-chip amplifier (Fig. lb). The amplifier generally has a very low input capacitance--on the order of 0.1 pF-which results in a high sensitivity and large dynamic range, especially for buried-channel devices operat.ing below room temperature (0 to - 40 C). At room temperature, however, sensitivity is limited mainly by local variations in dark current.
Constructing line-image sensors
Line-image sensors with nonilluminated CCD registers have the construction shown in Fig. 2. The optical input can be continuously integrated by the linear array of photosensors. During operation, the detected line image is periodically transferred in parallel to an opaque CCD register, where it is read-out serially. In a dual CCDchannel line-image sensor (Fig. 2b), the optical resolution doubles for the same dimensions of the CCD elements.
The construction of CCD line-image sensors requires a relatively small silicon surface area. Hence quite sophisticated, high-resolution devices can be fabricated with present CCD technology. Fairchild's entire family of line-image sensors -including a 1728-element CCD-is typical of the level of sophistication now available.
CCD area-image sensors can be constructed either as an interline-transfer or a frame-trans-

CCD201 100 x 100 ELEMENTS

CCD211 l90 x 244 ELEMENTS

5. The resolution required of area-image sensors depends on the application. Shown are images detected by Fairchild's CCD201. a 100 x 100-element array (a),
72

and the company's CCD211, a 190 x 244-element array. Fairchild also manufactures a family of line-image sen sors that include a 1728-element unit.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15, 1976

6. The improvement rendered by blooming control can be seen in RCA's 320 x 512 frame-transfer sensor (a) .

Uncontrolled blooming produces the impaired image shown as a reference (b).

fer system. The interline-transfer system (Fig. 3) can be thought of as a parallel array of line sensors and nonilluminated registers all leading in parallel into a single output register. The optical image is detected by vertical lines of photosensitive MOS capacitors formed with transparent polysilicon gates. Vertical line sensors are separated from each other by opaque vertical CCD registers. Two photosensor elements can be read by one stage of the vertical register. Thus the image is detected as two vertically interlaced fields.
Two interlace modes are possible--a highresolution and a standard-TV interlace mode. The high-resolution inode has a 1/ 30-second optical integration time for each field. Once every 1/ 60second, one field transfers into the nonilluminated registers. Then, the entire detected image shifts down uniformly (at the rate set by clock A) and transfers into the output register a horizontal line at a time. The horizontal lines then transfer out of the output register (at the rate set by high-frequency clock B) before the next horizontal line shifts ·in.
The standard TV-interlace mode has a 1/ 60second optical integration time for each field. Charge signals detected by two adjacent photosensors combine into a single charge at the vertical CCD registers. Thus the standard-TV mode effectively overlaps photosensor elements in the vertical direction. In contrast, the highresol ution mode has contiguous photosensor elements in the vertical direction.
Because of opaque, vertical CCD registers, the interiline-transfer system has noncontiguous photosensor elements in the horizontal direction, and it cannot be illuminated from the back side of the array. The frame-transfer system, though, can be illuminated either from the top or back
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

of the substrate (Fig. 4). The optical image is detected by a separate photosensitive area of CCD registers. If we assume a TV format with 1 /60~second field time, the image is transferred into the opaque temporary storage array by clocks A and B during the vertical blanking time -900 µ,s.
From the storage array, the image shifts down one horizontal line .at a time into the output register and transfers out at the rate set by highspeed clock C. The time available for parallel loading of the output register corresponds to the horizontal-line retrace time of 10 ,µ,s. This leaves 50 µ,s for the read-out of the horizontal line from the output register.
The frame-transfer sensor has contiguous photosensor elements in the horizontal direction and overlapping photosensor elements in the vertical direction, when operated in a standardTV interlace mode. The effective position of the photosensor elements shifts up and down hy onehalf stage of the vertical CCD registers (between the two interlaced fields), thereby effectively doubling the vertical resolution of the image sen<>or.
When the frame-transfer image sensor is made as a surface-channel CCD, it can be operated with a so-called accumulation mode of blooming control: During the optical integration time, each charge-detecting potential well is surrounded on all four sides by accumulation (charge recombination) regions. These tend to confine blooming -a serious impairment of a CCD image-due to high-intensity localized overloads.
For operation with an optical shutter, the imaging area of the frame-transfer system can be extended to the full area of the device. The frame-transfer system can also be operated in a time-delay-integration (push-broom) mode: Charge transfers in the parallel section are syn-
73

Synchronously clocked serpentine loop memory

SPS random addressable memory

1/0
NL -BIT SERPENTINE CCO REGISTER LDOP
0

N,
1. Average access t ime = 2 f,
2. For N. « N,, structure can be built with very long registers for operation at low standby power at low clock frequency
3. Capable of operation with widest range of data rates
4 . Requires large clock power at maximum data rate and large capacitance external clocks
5. Not suitable for very high packing density construction

Synchronously clocked random addressable loop memory

1/0 1. Average latency time = UN,

I\. No-BIT CCO
"-...::REGISTER LOOP
®

= 2 . Min. avg. latency time= 64 µs at N, 256 f, = 2 MHz
3. Short random access time to any loop (< 500 ns)
4. Requires high power for oper· ation with minimum latency
5. Min. dark cu rrent sensitivity allows wide range of bit rates
6. Requires 2 to 4 large capaci · tance external clocks
7. On-chip clocks are not practical
8. Packing density limited by size of signal regeneration stages

7. CCD memories employ one of four different structures .
The synchronously-clocked serpentine loop (a) operates with the widest range of data rates, and the synchronously-clocked random-addressable loop (b) permits short access to any loop. A serial-parallel-serial version (c) of the latter permits the highest packing density. The Laram , or line-addressable random-access memory (d) , combines short access and high bit rate with low power.

--
SERIAL-PARALLELSERIAL (SPS) LOOPS
0

1. Avg. access time

2. Min. practical average access time about 100 µS

3 . Number of transfer stages

between signal regeneration
=N + M

(a) Allows large loop size

(N x M)

(b) Restricts the min. data

T rate due to dark current 4 . Suitable for on-chip clocks

because the large capacitance

clocks operate at low clock
frequency fP = Mf,

5 . Memory organization with highest packing density when parallel registers of the SPS
cells are: (a) Interlaced 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1, increasing packing
density by a factor of 2, 3 or 4, respectively. (b) Operated in electrode-
per-bit clock mode, improving density by up
to a factor of 2.

Line addressable random access memory (Laram)

N-BIT CCO LINE

1. Random access to any CCD line
(a) Avg. access ti.me = UN
(b) Min. practical access time = 12.8 µS at N = 128, f, = 5 MHz

2. Number of stages between regeneration = N

3. Only one CCD line register can be clocked at a time by an addressable on-chip clocl:
driver

4. Laram is capable of short ac-

cess time and high bit rate at

low power

OUT

5. Most sensitive CCD memory

system to dark current-lo-

cal spikes are not averaged

6. Requires the most complicated CCD technology and tends to give the lowest pack-
ing density

chronized with the motion of the image, and the device operates as a sensitivity-enhanced lineimage sensor.
Makers of area-i mage sensors
Development of CCD area-image sensors began at several companies only four years ago. Since then commercially available units have arrived with resolutions comparable to those of television, and full TV resolution has been reported by Bell Laborator:ies and Fairchild.
74

Recently announced or reported CCD areaimage sensors are summarized in Table 1. Also included is the charge-injection device (CID),· since it can be considered a type of CCD x-y addressable-image sensor. The performance of the Fairchild 100 x 100 and 190 x 244 interlinetransfer CCD image sensors appears in Fig. 5, and Fig. 6 illustrates the blooming-control characteristics of the RCA 320 x 512 frame-transfer CCD image sensor.
Charge-coupled image sensors constitute the largest LSI devices available. For example, the
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

I
w
/

WEIGHTING h

2 Xk

FACTOR k ' - W -

8. The split-electrode tap-weight technique simplifies construction of fixed-weight transversal filters.

FLOATING

OUT

GATE

9. Signals can also be tapped wiffl floating gates, anct
weighted and summed with source followers. The block

diagram of a variable-weight transversal filter (a) can be realized by the scheme shown (b) .

Fairchild 1728-element CCD line-image sensor measures almost one inch in length, and the RCA 320 x 512 CCD area-image sensors extends over 1/ 2 x 3/ 4 in. of silicon.
Available CCD line.,image sensors can provide 200 line/ inch resolution on an 8.5 in. page, and available area-image sensors can be used for a variety of ·medium-quality closed-circuit TV systems. The next generation area-image sensors should extend performance to full TV resolution and to broadcast-quality TV cameras.
CCD memories: 65-k bits now and getting larger
The first CCD memory products appeared last year. Both Fairchild and Intel .introduced units with storage capacities up to 16,384 bits / chip. Bell Northern Research (BNR) also has developed a 16-k CCD memory chip. Though not commercially available, the BNR memory employs a design approach that can be used to achieve even higher packing density. The largest CCD memory -a 65-k chip--has recently been reported by Mnemonics.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15. 1976

To store digital signals in these devices, charge signals must be periodically refreshed, or regenerated. The construction of signal-refreshing stages follows procedures similar to those used in dynamic MOS memories. The over-all design of different memory chips reflects the emphasis placed on one or more of the following: clock power, access time, chip overhead for peripheral circuits, frequency range, temperature range, and the number of CCD clock phases.
Four different arrangements can be used to form the basic memory (Fig. 7). In the synchronously clocked serpentine configuration, all the bits in the memory array are clocked at the same frequency (fc). The number of bits between regenerating amplifiers (N R) depends on either transfer efficiency or the lowest operating frequency desired in the standby, or idle, mode of operation. The number of bit~ between the data input and output (Nd determines the average access time.
At the maximum data rate, the serpentine arrangement requires high clock power, since all bits in the memory array are clocked at the same
75

frequency. This type of system can be constructed either in the form of a single serpentine loop or a number of parallel loops. The Fairchild CD450 memory, for example, employs nine parallel 1024bit serpentine loops.
Another memory organization that clocks all bits at the same frequency is the random-addressable loop memory in Fig. 7b. The CCD registers in each loop can be arranged in a serpentine pattern with a signal-regeneration stage at each end. The content of one register can be read-out serially, though for high data rates this serial mode requires high clock power.
Also available is a parallel low-power mode, in which the output is read out by random-addressing a number of parallel loops during the interval between the clock-shift cycles. These advance data in the parallel loops by one bit location at a time. The maximum number of random-addressable outputs possible for one cycle is limited by memory-refresh time. This type of memory resembles a refreshable RAM with a CCD loop at each bit location. The main limitation of this system is its high clock-power requirement when data are shifted at a high rate to achieve a short access time.
However, both a high data rate and a relative-

ly low clock power can be achieved with the serial-parallel-serial (SPS) random-addressable memory (Fig. 7c). Each SPS block consists of M parallel registers (each storing N bits) and serial input and output registers. A high clock freqency (fJ is applied only to the serial registers.
Most bits, which are stored in the parallel registers, are clocked at a low clock frequency
(fp = f j M). The total number of bits stored is
equal to N x M, while the total number of transfers between signal-regeneration stages is equal to the sum of the transfers through one serial register and one parallel register.
For very high packing density, the SPS blocks can be constructed with more than one parallel register for each stage of the serial register. They can use electrode-per-bit clocking (ripple clocking) in the parallel registers. For example, a 2-phase CCD reg.ister operated with a 4-phase ripple clock will store three data bits in two register stages. However, a large number of clocks is required for the operation of such a high density SPS configuration. Practical memories of this type must be designed with on-chip timing circuits and clock drivers, as in the Bell Northern Research 16-k memory.
Similarly, the line-addressable random-access

Table 2. High-density CCD memories

Company Model (Bit Size)

Fairchild CD460 (16k)

Intel 2416 (16k)

Bell Northern ·Research Fairchild

CC16Ml (16k)

CD450 (9k)

Organization
Operating Modes
Power Supplies (V) External Clocks
Data Rate, Per I/ 0 (MHz)
Average Acces Time (µ. s)
Refresh Time (ms)

4 Blocks Of 32 128-Bit Registers 4 Data I / 0 Read , Write Read/ Modify /Write, Recirculate -5, +5, +12 1 @ 120 pF 1 @ 15 pF 0.5 to 5.0
12.8
2 (halt) 10 (recirculate)

Temperature Range ( ° C)

0 to 55

Chip Power (max)

200

Ext . Clock Power (max) 97

Standby Power

(mW)

Interface

All TIL except clocks

Chip Size (mils)

201 x 219

DIP Package

(No. Of Pins)

Process

NMOS, BCCD

64 256·Bit Registers , 1 Data 1/0
Read, Write, Read/ Modify/ Write , Shift -5, +12 2@ 500 pF 2@ 700 pF 0.1 to 2
96
1.2 (9-µ.s max shift) interval) 0 to 70
300 230
24
All 12 V except enhanced TTL Data In
143 x 237
18
NMOS, SCCD

4 4096-Bit Registers , 4 Data I /0
Read , Write, Recirculate
-5, +5, +12 2@ 60 pF
1to10
200
4
Oto 70
340 86
200
Al l TIL except clocks and WE
136 x 169
16
NMOS, SCCD

9 1024-Bit Registers , 9 Data I /0
Read , Write,
Read I Modify /Write ,
Recirculate -2.5, +5, +12 2@ 400 pF
0 .05 to 3
170
2.5
Oto 55
265 345
31
All TIL except clocks
135 x 200
18
NMOS, BCCD

ELECTRONIC D rSJGN 6. March 15. 1976

memory (Laram) developed by Fairchild is only practical because clock drivers have been incorporated on the chip (Fig. 7d). The memory achieves a very short access time.
The Laram consists of an array of M CCD lines (registers) each storing N bits of data. The CCD lines operate with one common de-bias clock phase and a separate clock phase applied to each line under the control of an address decoder. When the Laram array is unselected it stores data in the stationary wells of the CCD lines. To periodically regenerate--or recirculate-the data and to perform a read or write operation, a clock pulse train must be applied to the selected tines.
The Laram's very short access times at low clock power result from its transferring data at high rates from only one CCD register at a time. The price paid for the short access is a higher sensitivity to dark-current spikes and a higher storage area/ bit than the previously described SPS system.
Comparing different memories
The performance characteristics of representative CCD memories appear in Table 2. The Fairchild CCD 450, a synchronously clocked kilobyte device, is organized as 1024 words by 9 bits. It contains nine 1024-bit registers that are shifted in parallel by two clock phases. Data 1/ 0 is handled with nine bidirectional TTL-compatible data lines that have three-state output buffers. The device has a typical data-rate range of 50 kHz to 3 MHz.
A signal-refreshing stage appears every 128 bits, at each corner of a serpentine arrangement that reverses the direction of charge transfer in adjacent channels. The minimum data rate of 50 kHz corresponds to the maximum time of 2.56 ms between refresh stages. The CCD 450 uses a buried-channel ion-implanted barrier structure for the CCD registers and an n-channel, silicongate Isoplanar structure for the MOS circuitry.
The Intel 2416, a synchronously clocked, 16,384-bit serial memory, consists of 64 recirculating shift registers of 256 bits each. Any one of the 64 shift registers can be accessed by means of a 6-bit address input. The 256-bit register consists of two 128-bit registers in series. and a refresh amplifier at each end.
The 128-bit registers are formed by multiplexing two adjacent 64-stage CCD channels, so that the data rate around the shift-register loop is twice the frequency of the four-phase CCD clocks employed. After a shift operation (half-clock period) the contents of the 64 registers at the current bit location are available for nondestructive
ELECTRONIC' DESIGN 6. March 15 , 1976

reading, and/ or modification. 1/ 0 functions are accomplished in a manner similar to that of a 64bit dynamic RAM, between shift operations.
One shift operation must be performed every 9 µs .in order to satisfy the refresh requirements of the 2416. This interval corresponds to a maximum time between refresh amplifiers of 1.2 ms. The 2416 has a maximum serial data-transfer rate of 2 Mbit/ sec, and an average latency time to any bit of less than 100 µs. The chip employs Intel's high-voltage n-channel silicon-gate MOS process and a double polysilicon-gate CCD structure.
The Fairchild CCD460, also a 16,384-bit memory, contains four parallel Laram blocks of 4096 bits each. Each Laram block consists of 32 128bit CCD shift registers, or lines, that can be randomly addressed by an on-chip clock decoder. Each 4096-bit block also has a separate TTLcompatible input and three-state output.
The access time to any 128-bit line is 200 ns, and the data rate is variable from 0.5 to 5 MHz except in the read-modify-write mode, which has a maximum data rate of 3 MHz. Fo,r the maximum data rate of 5 MHz the average access time to any bit within the line is 12.8 µs. The device requires one external clock with 120-pF capacitive loading, and one clock at 15 pF. As in a RAM, each line must be addressed at least once within the refresh time.
The 16-k chip w.ith the highest packing density has been developed at Bell Northern Research. The BNR CC16Ml measures 136 x 169 mil2. It has a storage-area cell density of 0.57 mil2/ bit and an over-all chip density of 1.4 mil2 / bit. The memory has a so-called condensed SPS organization-an SPS construction with 2 :1 interlacing (two para1lel channels for each stage of the serial registers) and 4-phase-electrode/ bit clocking of the parallel registers.
The BNR CC16Ml is divided into four 4096-bit blocks. Each block has a separate TTL-compatible input and three-state output. Each 4-k-bit block consists of two multip,lexed 2048-bit condensed SPS loops that provide a maximum data rate of 10 MHz when the high-speed serial registers of the SPS structure are clocked at 5 MHz. The chip includes differential sense amplifiers and on-chip clock and timing circuits. It requires two external clocks with 60-pF capacitive loading each.
The Bell chip has three modes of operation: read, write, or recirculate. In the read or write modes, the 4-k block can be interconnected into larger serial-data blocks with no sacrifice of the maximum data rate. At the maximum rate of 10 MHz, the average access time to a random bit
( con t i nued on pag e 78 )
77

within the block is 200 µ,s. CCD memories are usually intended for appli-
cations involving data storage in large blocks where aocess times of 100 µ,s or so can be accepted. The price per bit for CCD memories is expected to drop to 1/ 2 to 1/ 4 that of n-channel MOS RAMs, their major competitors.
An example of a CCD memory that is already price competitive with NMOS RAMs is Intel's CCD Memory System, designed to replace magnetic drum memories and small-to-medium-capacity disc memories. The MV-65-8 memory support card contains 131,072 bytes of storage and costs 0.25¢/ bit.
Present projections for CCD memories in two to four years are 0.01 to 0.02 ¢/ bit. However to remain price-competitive with 16-k MOS RAMs -several are expected this year-CCD memories can be expected to move up to 65-k and larger capacities.

voltage to the MOS load device. Fixed-weight transversal filters in development
include the following: filters for var.ious spreadspectrum communication applications, radarpulse compression and bandpass filters, and chirp-z transform filters for spectral analysis. The most advanced devices are an 800-stage CCD bandpass filter and a 500-stage chirp-z transform filter, both reported by Texas Instruments.
Recursive filters (Fig. 10), which include both feedback and feedforward, have been reported by General Electric. The filters employ bucket-&igade devices as the delay sections. In another d~ velopment, a general-purpose two-pole recursive filter using CCD delay lines has been reported by

Analog-signal processing
In the area of analog-signal processing, CCDs promise lower costs, lower power requirements, and in some cases, better performance than conventional digital techniques. CCDs are generally expected to become much cheaper than digital filters because (1) CCDs eliminate the need for a / d and d/ a conversion, and (2) a single CCD filter can replace a large amount of digital hardware.
Fixed or electronically variable delay lines for video or audio signals represent one of the most direct and obvious applications of CCDs. Since the CCD delay line samples the input signal once every clock cycle, signal bandwidths approaehing fc/2 can be achieved. The electronically variable delay is obtained by varying the clock frequency.
Other signal-processing functions that can be performed conveniently with CCDs include these: multiplexing and demultiplexing, time synchronization and time conversion (compression and expansion), frame storage and various types of frame-format conversions. Transversal filters, with fixed and variable weights, represent perh;:i,ps the most effective charge-coupled devices for processing of analog signals.
Signals at each CCD delay-line stage can be tapped, weighted, and summed by the technique shown in Fig. 8. The split-electrode weighting and summing approach is a very effective way for construction of transversal filters with fixed weights. Another approach employs floating-gate signal tapping and source-follower weighting and summing (Fig. 9). Signal weighting can be varied by external or on-chip control of the gate
78

Vour

FEED- FORWARD WEIGHTING FACTOR

10. Recursive filters can be built to include both feedback and feed-forward.
Westinghouse. In this filter, a group of three ROMs in combination with a/ d converters store the feedback and feedforward coefficients. Unlike transversal filters, which can have only a finite impulse response, the use of feedback by recursive filters results in an essentially infinite impulse response. Therefore, a high-quality bandpass recursive filter can be designed with only a small number of delay sections.
The trend in CCD signal-processing devices is toward custom units with ever more support circuits on the chip. An example of this is an 800element bandpass transversal filter recently reported by Texas Instruments. The filter contains clocks and input and output signal-charge amplifiers. · ·
Reference
1. Kosonocky, Walter F. and Sauer, Donald J _, "The ABCs of CCDs," Electroni c Desi gn, April 12, 1975, pp. 58-63.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15' 197 6

Microcomputen.
to make the make-or- decision.

LSI-II
1S6Y·8zJ/Tt.1/I0/I'<' BCOFPll/NeDfl.

PER. UNff70711L ft 63'1

When you're through comparing costs - which should wind up about the same considetthese additional facts:
Make your own micro and you waste up to a year just developing your product for market. Buy an LSI-11 and you don't.
Make your own micro and you have to maintain your own field service for it. Buy an LSI-11 and you don't.

Make your own micro and you get a dedicated machine you have to chuck next time you improve your product. Buy an LSI-11 and you don't.
Make your own micro? Buy an LSI-11. For the complete story, call 800-225-9480 (Mass. 617-481-7400 ext.6410). Or write: Components Group, Digital Equipment Corp., One Iron Way, Marlborough, MA

01752. Canada: Digital Equipment of Canada, Ltd. Europe: 81 Route de l'Aire, 1211 Geneva 26, Tel. 42 79 50.
' In IOO's. Prices apply to U.S.A. only.

ELECTRONIC D ESIG N 6. March 15 , 1976

CAN THE ARALDO SWITCHES SYSTEM PASS THE HARRIS

The Harris Personality Test

asks important questions about the

behavior pattern of your system.

In doing so, it'll help you determine whether

your analog switches and multiplexers are

as trouble-free as they should be. Of

course, our own popular pin-for-pin com-

patible CMOS switches and multiplexers

will be used as the standard of comparison.

Why not see how your system measures

up (Test results on opposite page).

Does your system have a

latch-up problem that it can't

cope with?

W'th the Harn.s 1

HARRIS SILICON DIOXIDE

devices I you have

SOURCE i lSOlLATION DRAIN

~ GATE \
DRAIN

GATE ' . .OURCE

nothing to worry

N· P- N· P· N- P· ~g[~g,~LLINE

about. They're prob-

lem-free. That's be-

CONVENTIONAL CMOS

cause each MOS

transistor on the

chip is surrounded

by an insulating

layer, so no four-layer parasitic SCR's

could ever be created .

Does your system ever feel

restricted on the sequence

of power?

If it does, your system may

II have a slight disorder. The Harris analog switches and

multiplexers never feel any restriction on

sequence of power. And that goes for

signal application or removal as well.

Does your system compro-

mise its performance to

achieve latch-free operation?

Harris has no such malad-

11 justment. Leakage currents, capacitances, AC crosstalk

are equal or better

than the best of ~ -·60r---t-----""'~

the other brands. And switch pa-

~3~ -·-a20ot--·-f-+----+--'-"~"'k.±::-:----++-=-"-"-i+..-.:----------1i

rameters are es- ~ .··t=t=::t~~=:i~

sentially indepen-

"L· 100"--+--'---+----+---+-----i

dent of analog level. 1 IO IOOFREOU:NCY -~~· IOOK '"

Does your system need extra

support in order to give you

on-board resistor-diode

protection in all digital address

II inputs? (In order to prevent failures

during the handling of loose PC cards.)

Harris doesn't need any. We have all the

support we need on the same device.

Do your systems' digital

address inputs have severe

negative resistance charac-

teristics in their personality?

I I Many times <-200

this can

!~z -150

a cause double trigger- ~
ing or oscillations with -100

,... Ld' BURIED LAYER CMOS

TIL drive. Harris is free ~ -so

of this personality defect. ~

~ HARRIS CMOS

-' LOGIC INPUT VOLTAGE

Do your systems' supply cur-

rents sometimes get very

high when they shouldn't?

I I You can count on Harris supply currents to remain low, even

when switching at 100 KHz rates!

~~---+----~-I--#-~

;t E
~ 250

;::

~mi-----+------#--~~

:> ~
150
u

STANDARD CMOS

·1---..,.. ffi
;t 100 1 - - - - - + - - - -.

!OK SWITCHING FREQUENCY - H~

WHERE TO BUY THEM: OEM SALES OFFICES: CALIFORNIA: Long Beach. (213) 426-7687; Palo Alto. (415) 964-6443 FLORIDA: Melbourne. (305) 724-7430 ILUNotS: Hinsdale, (312) 325-4242 MASSACHUSETTS: Wellesley Hills. (617) 237-5430 MINNESOTA: Minneapolis, (612) 835-2505 NEW YORK: Endwell , (607) 754: 5464: Melville, l.I . (516) 249-4500 OHIO: Dayton. (513) 226-0636 PENNSYLVANIA: Wayne. (215) 687-6680 TEXAS: Richardson , (214) 9031 .
SALES REPRESENTATIVES: ARIZONA: Scottsdale. (602) 948-5590 CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, (213) 870-9191 ; Mountain View. (415) 961-8121 ; San Diego. (714) 565-9444 COLORADO:
Denver. (303) 773-0666 FLORIDA: Boca Raton. (305) 395-6108; Oviedo, (305) 365-3283; Tampa, (813) 933-3183 ILUNOIS: Elk Grove Village, (312) 640-1850 KANSAS: Wichi1a , (316)
943-6221 MARYLAND: Randallstown. (301)922-1248 MASSACHUSETTS: Lawrence. (617)685-7973 MICHIGAN: Farming1on (313)476-2446 MISSOURI: Hazelwood. (314) 731 -5799;

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15' 197 6

AND MULTIPLEXERS IN YOUR PERSONALITY TEST?

Do you find that your system has more burnouts from voltage transients than it should for its age? Harris devices are much more immune to those kind of things. In fact, we invite you to test our devices side-by-side with yours in the usual breadboard environment, and you'll see what we mean. Does your system feel insecure because it can't offer you extra protection in critical situations?
II For example, in a system where multiplexer input signals come from outside the equipment and the signal lines could pick up induced voltage spikes, static electricity, or have signals present when the MUX power is off. Well Harris feels very secure with its Hl-506A/ 507A/508A/509A Overvoltage Protected Multiplexers which can withstand up to + 35 volts continuously or over 1000 volts momentarily on an analog input. The internal protection networks not only prevent system damage, but prevent the
PROTECTED MULTIPLEX SWI TCH
overvoltage spikes from appearing at the MUX output. As a result,the only tradeoff is added ON resistance, which you'd have to create externally to protect any other MUX. So, if you need overvoltage protection, Harris can give it to you. On the chip, featuring the same low leakage currents

with inherent low error, but without additional cost. If protection is not your problem , then you can choose from the
industry's largest selection of switches and multiplexers, which retain all the other personality traits.

ANALOG CMOS DEVICES AND MULTIPLEXERS
Data based on information available 1/ 1/ 76

PRODUCT DESCRIPTI ON HARR IS
MULTIPLEXERS:

SILICONIX

ANALOG INTERS IL DEVICES

FOR MORE INFORMATION CIRCLE NO. ON REPLY CARO

Over voltage

protected

16 Channel

. 8x2
8

. 4x2

Hl-506A Hl-507A Hl-508A
H l-509A

DG-508 DG-509

601 602 603 604

non-

Non-protected ,

protected

lowron

16 Channel 8x2 8
4x2 ..

Hl-506 Hl-507 Hl-1818A
Hl-1828A

DG-506 DG-507

IH-5060 AD7506

605

IH-5070 AD7507

606

AD 7501·

607

/ 7503

AD7502·

608

SWITCHES

Dual DPST

Hl-1800A

609

Ouad - SPST(6000)
750 : Dual SPST Quad SPST
SPST Dual SPST
SPOT Dual SPOT
DPST Dual DPST
DPDT 4PST 300 : Dual SPST Dual DPST SPOT Dual SPOT DPDT 4PST

Hl-200 Hl-201
Hl-5040 Hl-5041 Hl-5042 Hl-5043 Hl-5044 Hl-5045 Hl-5046 Hl-5047
Hl-5048 Hl-5049 Hl-5050 Hl-5051 Hl-5046A Hl-5047A

DG-200 DG-201
(150 0)

AD7516 AD7519

DG-200 AD7513

610

AD7501·

611

/ 7511·

IH 5040

612

IH5041

613

IH 5042

614

IH 5043 "AD7512·

615

IH 5044

616

lrl5045

617

IH 5046

618

IH 5047

619

IH 5048

620

IH 5049

621

IH 5050

622

IH5051 *not pin for 623

pin inter-

624

changeable 625

Test score results. If you 've answered "yes" to any of the Harris Personality Test questions about your system ,then maybe it's time you talked to a Harris distributor or representative.We offer a complete line of analog multiplexers and CMOS switches. Available now. All with healthy, trouble-free
constitutions.

m ~~~

P.O. Box 883, Melbourne, Florid a 32901 (305) 724-7412

Kansas City, (8t6) 76t-6543 NEW JERSEY: Keasbey, (5 t6) 567-5900 NEWYORK: Albany, (518) 489-7408or4777: Huntington Station, (5t6) 567-5900 NORTH CAROLINA: Raleigh, (9 t9) 828-0575 OHIO: Cleveland, (2t 6) 83t -8292; Dayton, (513) 890-2150 OREGON: Beaverton, (503) 643-t 644 PENNSYLVANIA: Allison Park. (4 t2) 487-4300; King of Prussia, (2 t 5) 265-0634 TENNESSEE: Shelbyville, (6 t5) 684-4544 TEXAS: Dallas, (21 4) 69t-4592: Houston, (713) 66t -3007 VIRGINIA: Falls Church, (703) 534-t673, Lynchburg, (804) 237-4740 WASHINGTON: Bellevue. (206) 454-0300 CANADA: Montreal , (5t 4) 626-6723: Ottawa, (613) 749-0740: Toronto . (416) 676-1042
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS: Ham11lon/Avnet: The Harvey Group, Inc.: Schweber Electronics: R.V.Weatherford Company.

EL ECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15. 1976

Plug a programmable calculator into
your system and enjoy computer-like performance. But take care to avoid some computer-like problems.

The programmable calculator now offers an attractive alternative to the use of the minicomputer or microcomputer as a system controller. Modern programmable machines approach the power of a dedicated mini. And several manufacturers-Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Wang, Keithley and others-provide peripheral controls and extensive 1/ 0 capability that need a minimum of software.
For the engineer who needs flexibility, the computer approach seems the most desirable. Yet the problems of interfacing and software are often difficult, time consuming .and unpredictable. The high-level languages available in minicomputers generally call for a large memory and, in addition, may not be applicable to many machine control uses. Assembly or machine-language programs of microcomputers are at least as unwieldy and are generaHy unsuitable for many industrial uses.
Tasks such as gathering and processing data, controlling numerical-input equipment, operating test equipment and providing terminal services are ideal for the calculator.

Computer-like performance--at a price

Such capability tends to be expens,ive, however,

and supplier specifications can be confusing.

Each vendor's product uses its own high-level

language so that the age-old computer problems

of "how much memory" and "which benchmark

programs" can also plague you with calculator

systems.

As an aid in specification consider the follow-

ing factors :

· Peripheral capabilities.

·· System speed.

· Programming language.

· Storage requirements.

· Data input and output.

Other important vendor support, pr

factors ogram

sineccluurditey,dofcaucimlietinetsatiaonnd'

Robert Green, Consultant, 2971 Magliocco #10, San Jose, CA 95128.
82

CALCULATOR HP9820
CASSETTE TAPE
HP UNIT
LINE PRINTER HP
DIGITAL PLOTTER HP
COUPLER
* REQUIRED INTERFACE
*" REQUIRED INTERFACE AND FUNCTIONAL
CIRCUIT DESIGN - DATA AND COMMAND SUSSES --- SIGNAL MEASUREMENT LINE ( 10, 40)

DIGITAL VOLTMETER

DIGITAL*

PICOAMMETER ~

KEITHLEY

I I

VOLTAGE SOURCE

-I

VOLTAGE

SOURCE

J CURRENT**

SOURCE

TAPE

TRANSPORT
KENNEDY WRITE ONLY

-i I

- l - 0 SWITCH MATRIX* I PERIPHERAL**

CONTROL

-v:::.;)

BEEPER*

1. Typical calculator-controlled system measures circuit parameters, performs calculations, plots curves.

environmental requirements, maintenance and, of course, total system cost.
A typical system, using a Hewlett-Packard 9820 algebraic-language calculator, characterizes semiconductor devices and performs wafer parameter measurements on a wide variety of MOS circuits (Fig. 1). The system consists of the calculator, two HP voltage sources, a digital voltmeter and picoammeter, a user-designed current source, a 40 x 10 crosspoint matrix and appropriate controllers.
Peripherals include an external cassette tape unit, a digital plotter, ·a nine-track, write-only tape transport and a thermal line printer. The calculator controls part of the system directly and handles the rest through an HP 2575A coupler (Fig. 2).
The thermal line printer functions mainly in wafer-measurement routines; combinations of other peripherals handle device measurements. For instance, the plotter can record point-by-
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

CALCULATOR

PERIPHERAL

BUS

------

TERMINAL PRINTER CRT

MAG TAPE CASSETTE
DISC CARO READER

PLOTTER VECTOR CRT
DIGITIZER

INSTRUMENT - - - - - - WI STANDARD
INTERFACE

INTERFACE

INSTRUMENT

1----- COUPLER I

TO INSTRUMENTS,

CONTROLLER BUS EXPANDER,___ _ _

TRANSDUCERS, CONTROLLERS,

ETC

DATA INTERFACE
MODEM

1--~~ TO OTHER
COMPUTING SYSTEMS

2. It's the ability to communicate with a wide range of peripherals that makes the programmable calculator so universally useful.

3. Simplest calculator system, for machine control, is comprised of just one input port and one output port.
point data and, at the same time, show best-fit curves or theoretically expected results.
The DVM can monitor any instrument that delivers an analog output. Thus, in conjunction with a standard capacitance meter, the system can measure a MOS C-V characteristic. And, of course, the calculator can prescale or convert data to normalized, logarithmic or other functional units.
An operating system forms the first part of the program. Each user keeps his programs on ca:ss·ette tapes, in addition to the library of common test programs. When the system isn't testing, the calculator can perform general data analysis.
Extensive peripheral control is possible
If any one feature makes the programmable calculator a candidate for system control it is the machine's ability to communicate with external
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

devices (Fig. 3). These include instruments, graphic equipment, transducers, computers and computer· components, relays and other programmable equipment. If you consider the calculator as a mini, it is easy to realize the potential of such an approach.
For machine-control applications, a simple system may suffice (Fig. 4). Here, a minimum of one input port and one output port are needed so that the calculator can provide the required feedback. In existing calculators, this input/ output path may be through a peripheral interface device that communicates with the calculator's peripheral-control bus.
For instance, Tektronix uses such a peripheral concentrator for its Model 31, and Hewlett-Packard offers a coupler adapted from its computer line for the company's 9800 series calculators.
Recently, however, the IEEE issued an interface standard-IEEE 488-which is a step toward direct calculator communi.cation. But, even with the standard, bus expanders and other interfaces prnbably will be necessary.
Most systems aren't as simple as that shown .in Fig. 4. Sev·eral inputs and outputs may be required, even for applications that call for hard copy or terminal readout of current situations or actions. Especially in data acquisition, output devices such as tape units, cassettes, line p-rinters, computer interfaces and CRT displays become essential.
Most calculator I/ 0 activities are serial in nature: the system samples inputs, does calculations, then performs output functions. The speed of the sys.tern i·s greatly affected by the I / 0 operations at the interfaces, but because of their general nature these interfaces are usually slower than one might desire. Also critical to the operating speed is whether the calculator stops while it waits for the completion of both interface protocol and peripheral activity. You must consult the vendor to learn the various cycle times for his equipment as it communicates with its peripherals.
Be cautious at the interface
Most applications end up with at least one peripheral device or instrument that doesn't have a vendor-supplied interface. In that case you must obtain the oomplete interface specifications from the supplier (before purchase if possible) to pin down the complexity of the required outboard electronics. Depending on the equipment, there may be protocol options that can boost system speed-for example, in cases where a complete handshake cycle isn't required. Waiting for a peripheral to reply can use a lot of time and may not contribute to a more reliable system.
The general-purpose output devices provided
83

COUPLER SIGNALS MEASURE ENABLE
DATA READY DATA DIGITS (BCD)
RANGE (BCD) SIGN
FREE RUN SYSTEM GROUND

ISOLATION

SIGNAL CONDITIONING

r- --,----,

J 1t I

I ,,.....,1--------;

13 I -=-

_[_

}

)
I
J
I

I I I

L_--=:J __ I_ - _J

INSTRUMENT GROUND AND SUPPLY(S)

INSTRUMENT
KEITHLEY 445
DIGITAL PICOAMMETER

4. In a typical instrumentation interface, a coupler is sues a measurement command, then waits for a data-

ready response. The free-run signal lets you use the instrument without the calculator.

DONE (OPTIONAL)

INTERNAL CLOCK

FUNCTION ENABLE
4 INSTRUCTION
B X ADDRESS
4 Y ADDRESS
4
5. System speed can be boosted in various ways. Here,
in a switching-matrix subsystem, extra circuitry lets a

ADDRESS

COUNTER

.------,

1--------+-__,_s_ _ _ _s_T_R_oB_E_,1

BANK SET I CLEAR SINGLE SET/CLEAR
SET I RESET

I 40'10 I

~-~-~ 6

I I

SWITCH MATRIX

SELECTOR

'------' 4 I

I
~

MATRIX I DEVICE

- ALL CLEAR

SYSTEMS .J LINES

INSTRUMENT -1:~

LINES

single command connect to more than one switch. This arrangement greatly speeds system operation.

by most vendors can be thought of as a collection of programmable switches, the outputs of which are loaided with BCD characters arranged in groups of four. With such an arrangement, problems can arise if the most significant bit must be programmed to ON. While most calculators provide the hexidecimal values A through F, the machine may not be able to store these values in numeric registers or directly calculate the values.
Programs that determine the states of the BCD groups must then contain complex algorithms to generate the appropriate calculator output. Grouping the outputs by threes in octal may help, although it is certainly easier if the proper character can be calculated directly. Consult the vendor to see how to best handle this type of output.
In addition, you might find that various input/ output interfaces handle only a limited character set. Particularly if designed for instrument con·trol, the characters may include only numerics, plus and minus, E (exponent) and others, such as decimal, comma and blank. Again, it is im-
84

portant to have a complete interface description before you purchase equipment.
One important difference between calculators and minicomputers is the speed of execution. The calculator is generally slower, for several reasons. First, the calculator is (or was) originally designed for relatively slow human operation. Second, the machine operates with what can be considered a high~level language, with consequent time-consuming overhead.
Finally, many programming functions-program packing, line labeling, memory allocation and editing, among others-generally take time to execute. Consequently, the execution time may be longer than you'd like.
How fast does it go?
To see what execution time you'll get, ask the manufacturer for functional operating times or enlist his aid in constructing a suitable benchmark program, one that gives typical execution times. Remember that I/ 0 time should be simu-
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

lated, since it can be significant. Note also that a calculator's execution times
depend on its configuration. For instance, the HP 9820 can use either of two plug-in ROMs to control the system coupler. One ROM makes it easy to program and oonnect a plotter. However, this ROM is somewhat slower than the other, which doesn't give as much emphasis to the plotter.
Another, more obscure, aspect of system speed is the time required to program and to load previously written programs. Much time is usually spent in constructing and checking out programs. Either you can load directly with the keyboard or you can use off-line methods, like cards or paper tape. Restrictions on program input vary with the calculator and don't necessarily apply to data input. Features such as trace mode allow faster program debugging and more efficient editing.
Most calculators offer some sort of permanent program storage to avoid the problems of power loss. Cassette tapes and PROMs are among the most convenient of these; magnetic cards are among the least convenient because of the greater possibility of misloading and the longer loading time.
Checked-out software can be changed to firmware for permanent storage--an attractive feature for a prnduction-line, calculator-controlled, system (Tektronix, for one, offers such a PROM programming service.)
One not-so-attractive feature is that each calculator manufacturer offers his own programming language. In fact, language can vary with different models from the same manufacturer or even with variations of the same model. The choice of a language depends on the projected task of the system plus the capability of the user. Also, one machine may win over another in the amount of programming (and thus machine storage) required for peripheral control.
For semiconductor devices much of the work involves algebraic manipulation of data. Logic functions, subroutine capability, labeled branches-all are invaluable .in the construction of programs. Time permitting, you should work out a benchmark function to determine firsthand the difficulty of programming and the amount of machine storage you'll need. In addition, should you require several similar systems, don't forget to investigate possible common-language capabilities that will permit program sharing.
Subroutines simplify programming
Some thought should be given to generating an operating system base program. Although this
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

sounds difficult and time consuming at first, it is Likely you'll be able to construct without difficulty a simple set of basic instructions.
Use of the calculator's 1subroutine capability greatly simplifies user programming. For example, in the setting of proper relays in a switchpoint matrix, you can wr.ite a thre~line subroutine in which you have only to specify the proper connections. The subroutine then generates all of the proper input/ output functions.
In another case, a complete test sequence is called simply by specifying the device configuration and then calling the subroutine. Subroutine capability is common in minicomputer-controlled systems, and demonstrates the power of the calculator with only a small amount of programming ·effort.
Of course, an operating system does consume available storage. A built-in language on the other hand, is mostly invisible to the user (except for some ROM requirements on some machines). The control software for the semiconductor test system takes 86 out of about 1400 available storage registers, leaving over 1300 registers for program and data storage.
Overhead is relatively small in this maximummemory machine. However, in a minimum-memory machine, nearly one-third of the calculator's memory is consumed, so you must trade off between programming convenience and available program area.
As with other computer systems, the calculato.r user is at odds with available program storage. Because of the various existing languages, .the estimation of actual requirements is not straightforward. The safest approach (although not the least expensive) seems to call for the maximum available memory size. But additional memory can represent a large fraction of the total expenditure.
How much memory?
The HP 9810 and Tektronix 31 machines separate program and data-storage areas so that an estimation of program length and the number of required variables is an immediate guide to the needed hardware. The 9820's language doesn't correspond on a key-to-key basis to the amount of memory requ.ired. However, this machine packs the program portion into the storage area without wasted space. All registers not used for program storage can hold variables on a value-perregister basis.
Another programmable unit, the HP 9830, uses BASIC language, and its memory size is given in bytes. So bytes, registers, program steps or data registers-take your pick.
85

In addition to the operating memory, most caJculators can acces·s tape memories for program and bulk-data storage. Some can even access disc memories or computers. The penalty for using these media is slow response time; tape units take time to find and loaid data.
Program linking with tape i·s also possible for low-speed requirements, which means the calculator can fill itself with a program segment, execute that segment, return data to the tape, and then load-.in another segment. Magnetic tape can also be used to store frequently used routines and, by use of the editing capabilities, to assemble a program.
One disadvantage of tape loading is that the calculator can perform only a rudimentary check on data accuracy. Thus a bit error can result in the execution of an unwanted function or in the loss of critical information. On the HP built-in cassettes, however, a Checksum routine gives some assurance of program accuracy.
Most calculators come with a keyboard for input and with a multidigit display for the dataoutput port. Obviously the display leaves no permanent record and so is not sufficient for most applications. If for no other reason than program listing, you'll need a hard-copy capability. Commonly found are the paper-tape printer, with about 16 characters, per line and thermal printers with about 80.
The tape output is generailly simple to use. However, with large amounts of data, tape can become unwieldy. The thermal line printer is often more practical, though there may be some restrictions on its use. For example, the HP 9820 can't provide a program listing for the line printer. A difficulty with thermal printers is that the copy tends to fade and darken with age. The paper also is sensitive to environmental conditions and is difficult to reproduce on standard copying machines.
Many output units are available
·Other output devices include teletypewriters and CRT displays with vector capability. One CRT unit, from Tektronix, provides a hard copy of the tube display.
Data outputs can be formatted and listed with headings and other labels, much as with computer outputs. The form of the data-fixed or floating point--number of digits, and decimal placement are all programmable. Features such as these allow direct composition of reports and summaries, and the display of mess·ages. Notifying the operator for some action can be accomplished with the display, with a printer or w.ith audible devices.
86

Probably one of the most useful output devices is the graphics display (plotter or CRT), which shows large amounts of data in an easily comprehended format. Much of the busywork of scaling and labeling is implemented within the calculator firmware so that programming is relatively simple.
One example: the plotting of measured MOS weak-inversion characteristics on a log-linear graph, with the calculator computing device parameters and plotting theoretical curves on the same graph. Other applications include histogram and scatter plots of large numbers of samples.
Among additional output methods are mag-

0PERATING SYSTEM {

21 : V, WRT I 1-

22 : FMT"@4E CW 40",Zl-

"'ZZi'ZlZlmzi.~-- 23 READ 1,8,C 1-

I""

24 FMT FIXED 6 0, FIXED 2.01-

25 B· IE3·C-B 1-

26 RTN !-

~ EXA- MPL- E . - MEA- SUR- E VO- LTA- GE - ANO- PU- T

--vAWfOIVIDEO BY 250 IN REGISTER IOO

PRUOSGERRAM
LANGUAGE {

_ _ tzzzmz.mz.~

100· GSB VI-

- READ VOLTMETER

101 8/250-RIOOl--SCALE READING

END

6. With an operating-software approach to program de· sign, little training is needed to write test programs.

netic tape for entry into other computing systems; cassette storage for further processing on the calculator; paper tape; disc storage; and modems.
Data to the calculator are entered when the program requests it, or when you interrupt processing to change a variable. Or data enter automatically under program control. At this date, no calculator offers an external interrupt capability save through the keyboard or by program interrogation. Halting a progl'am with the keyboard can disrupt the sequence of operation.
Depending on the input device, either numerics or alphanumerics are entered. There may be restrictions on the destination of the input, however, especially with alpha. Most transducer or instrument outputs are simply numbers, sometimes formatted with scientific notation or range code. Since the input to the calculator is character-by-character, you must give the machine the proper format; BCD and ASCII are the most common. Scaling, units conversion and decimal placement are executed on most systems by simple input ·statements.
Other important data input devices include magnetic tape and cassette, external terminals, digitize~s. paper tape and card readers. ···
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Solld state laser breakthrough: CW output at room temperature!
You get at least 5 mW of continuous lasing in a solid state package. RCA's new AIGaAs CW injection lasers have a rise time of less than 1ns-allowing modulation rates beyond 100 MHz.This plus small source size (13x2 µ.m typical) and 820 nm wavelength make the C30130 and C30127 well suited to optical communications. facsimile. fiber-optic transmission, document reading. flying spot scanning. RCA also offers complete solid state systems (C30125 and C30131). which include a regulated DC power supply and a thermal stabilization network.

New PMT looks for oll at temperatures as high as 150°C.
To help geophysicists in their search for oil and minerals, RCA has produced new. long-life photomultipliers designed for repeated cycling at temperatures up to 150°C (302°F). They're being operated at depths as far down as 20.000 feet. These tubes can take the heat because of a special bialkali (NaKSb) photocathode.The l" dia. C31016G for gross counting systems meets MIL-STD-8108. Larger
sizes Pis, 1112 and 2" for differential counting systems.

RCA lowers the bloom In S-T camera tubes. New SI target the key.
RCA has developed a new target that limits charge leakage between diodes. The result: bloom is dramatically reduced to provide more picture information in the presence of bright highlights.You can get low-bloom plug-in replace-
ment versions of the popular l" 4532 S-T vidicon series and 4804 silicon intensifier target (SIT) camera tubes.

Low-cost IR emitting diodes from RCA: 940 & 1060 nm types.
When you think IR for fire and smoke detection, auto ignition, sorting. counting or reading - think RCA. Our mass-produced. off-theshelf diodes have high power outputs (see table) and can replace many types you may be using. Other GaAs emitters have outputs from 1.1 to 3 mW at 940 nm. 20 to 50 mA drive. Packages to suit your needs. And our 1060 nm lnGaAs emitter has typi<:;al rise time of less than 10 ns with a minimum continuous output of 100 µ.W. making it an excellent simulator for Nd : YAG systems. f"""=:==~

.19 "dia . OP·ll~

p~~

~-)

CW<Pitit

?kw<Ot

!OO nt4~ 1.4~

IOOOX

SG/009 SG!Oo9/F

3. 5mlV~.

.:u,..W?fp

SG/009A SGI009A/F

7mW~.

50mW?ja

Circle 291

Circle 292

If electro optics can solve your problem. remember: EO and RCA are practically synonymous. No one
offers a broader product spectrum. Or more success in meeting special needs. Call on us for design help or product information. RCA Electro Optics. Lancaster. PA 17604. Phone 717-397-7661.

Circle 293
ROii

E L ECTRON IC D ESIGN 6. Ma rch 15 , 1976

Circle 294
87

Why does our graphic data 7 different plug-in modules!
variety of applications.

The Honeywel I Model 1858 gives you a choice of seven different plug-in signal conditioning modules for maximum flexibility . One of these, our Honeywell 1887, provides simultaneous input signal conditioning for magnetic tape and graphic recording or serial record and playback from tape to the Model 1858 .
Compact? Our Honeywell Model 1858 is an unbelievably sho'rt 8% inches high, including plug-in signal conditioning and internal paper take-up. The 65-pound-light 1858 is easy to take anywhere ; you

can use it in a rack, on a table, on the seat of a car or plane .
You 'll also appreciate the total convenience offered by the Model 1858, with its 18 channels (expandable to 32) , each with de to 5,000 Hz response (15 kHz squarewaves) and without amplitude restrictions for superior recording capability . What's more, the 1858 also allows you to get up to 7-inch trace amplitude for all channels , allowing for common baseline recording ... the most useful and accurate record available .

For complete technical specifications, call or write: Lloyd Moyer, Honeywell Test Instruments Division, P.O. Box 5227,
Denver, CO 80217, (303) 771-4700.

SENS MV/OIV
~o

TRACE
ZERO
.._~.,..NORM

200
1 BAL VAR·..;· TRIM
CAL

Model 1881-HGD High-Gain Differential
Amplifier

SENS V/OIV

TRACE

REV ZERO

1 OFF

NORM

.2. 20

100 .1 BAL

VAR ~·TRIM

POS

CAL

Model 1882-LGD Low-Gain Differential
Amplifier

Model 1883-MPD Medium-Gain Differential

TRACE
Model 1884-IFM Interface

TRACE

OFF

REV

· BAL

SENS.

1885 SGC

Model 1885-SGC Strain Gage Control
and Amplifier

FOR LITERATURE REQUEST-CIRCLE # 295

Model 1886-TCU Thermocouple/Control and
Microvolt Amplifier

TRACE

SENS V/ DIV

4i POS VAR ·\Al

Model 1887-TCD Tape-Compatible Differential Amplifier

acquisition system have Soyou can use it for awide

1881-HGD-A high-gain , floating and guarded de amplifier. Accepts low-level input signals of from ± 1mV to± 1V/div at common mode voltages up to ±300V.
1882-LGD-A low-gain , floating and guarded de
amplifier. Accepts input signals of from +1OOmV to
± 1OOV/div to a maximum of 300V , and at common mode voltages to ±300V.
1883-MPD-A medium-gain, differential de amplifier. Sensitivity is from ±50mVto ±1V/div.
1884-IFM-Adapts to inputs from existing or unique signal conditioning units to the 1858 system . Module is single-ended to ground and consists only of a voltage-to-time converter to convert the analog signal to the PDM format required by the Model 1858.
1885-SGC- For strain gage signal conditioning. In addition to signal amplification , provides for gage excitation and balance as well as "dial-in" voltage

substitution calibration and suppression of the input
signals . Sensitivity is from + 1mV to ±100mV/div. Calibration and suppression range is + and -1 to
100mV.
1886-TCU - For thermocouples or other low-level signals . High sensitivity range of from 100 µ,V to 50mV/div , dial-in voltage substitution calibration and suppression are provided. Thermocouple compensation units for standard thermocouple types are available as accessories .
1887-TCD-A high-sensitivity , wide-gain range differential ampl ifier designed to simultaneously provide input signal conditioning for the 1858 and instrumentation-type magnetic tape recorders. Convenient front-panel switch selection al lows parallel record ing on the 1858 and the tape recorder , or serial playback recording from the tape recorder to the 1858 . Recordings to 100 kHz , beyond the 5 kHz frequency capabi Iity of the 1858, can be recorded at high tape speed and played back at a lower speed.

Need rt-tight enclosures? Observe
these six rules to optimize enclosure seam design. They ensure meeting tough specifications on radiation leaks.

If you design, specify, select or approve housings for electronic equipment that must meet specifications on radiation leakage, such as the MIL-STD-461A RE02 test for the frequency range 14 kHz to 10 GHz, make sure the enclosures' seams conform to the six important rules of good design.
Strangely, commercial shielded rooms are prime examples of what should not be done. They violate two important rules (Rules 1 and 2).
Shielded rooms often use the poorest type of seams and typically do nothing to minimize the number and length of seams. They usually provide only about 40 to 50 dB per seam of shielding effectiveness with simple overlap-type seams, only 3/ 8-in. wide.
Much wider seams are needed, so most shielded rooms must use double walls. Their metal thickness is not inadequate-it's usually more than adequate. The rooms need two seams in series to prevent gross leakage and achieve the generally required more than 100-dB isolation over a wide range of frequencies.
Illustrative of a good seam is the example of a paint-can lid installed in a test-panel (Fig. 1). The performance of such an installation is shown in Fig. 2.
This example illustrates most of the rules of good seam design :
· Circular seams enclose a maximum amount of area with a minimum perimeter-minimizes potential sources of leakage (Rule 2).
· Seams have a desirable zero vertical height -reduces radiation, especially at low frequencies (Rule 3).
· Seams have a labyrinthine interface that forces radiation to follow a broken path to get through the seam-minimizes transmission, since radiation tends to follow straight lines, especially at high frequencies (Rule 4).
· Curved seams are much better than straight searps-avoids any substantial length of seam in parallel with the polarization of radiating wave.
Robert 8. Cowdell, Collins Radio Group, Rockwell International, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
90

This reduces the pos·sibility of leakage (Rule 2). · Seams are closed over the lid's full perimeter
-fits tightly with pressure uniformly distributed about the circle (Rule 5).

1. A paint-can lid installed in a test panel is an example of a good rf seam design.

iii 100

s:! 80 l----+----1~-+---+---+----+----l

ffi

SHIELDING AGAINST

~ &Ol----+---+-1--IN_C~ID_E_NT_H-~F_IE_L_DS-+---+--~

~ 4o 1----+--1----1--~N~O=TE=S-· ~Ll~D~M=AT=E~Rl~AL-·~T~IN~-~

COATED COLD ROLLED

i5 ~ 201---F- + - - - - l - - - t -

STEEL, 0.012 INCHES THICK

·MEASURED DATA

100

IMHz

100

IGHz

FREQUENCY

2. High shielding effectiveness against both magnetic and electric-field leakage results from the good seam characteristics of the paint-can lid (Fig. 1).

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Rule 1. Use the widest possible seams.

Wide seams improve the contact between mating surfaces. Even an extra 1/ 8 in. can make the difference between a good design and a poor one.
Screw holes in the middle of a seam can cut the effective width by more than half. Instead, use externally mounted pull-down clamps or screws, if at all possible. If you must use screws, don't put them along the center of the seam wall. Grounding them helps, though the leakage path
still exists.

/ ~ t"'~t I

,,"'

(" -"----"

I I
Ii--.~

DO INCREASE THE WIDTH OF SEAMS

I 1~~ -~ 00 f IN~IOE SEAMS I I

Rule 2. Minimize the number and length of seams.

The more seams you have and the longer they are, the greater will be the number of potential sources of leaks. And long seams can leak at low frequencies, especially when wave polarities are parallel to the seams. So reduce the number and length of seams where rf sealing is required.
A curved seam path reduces the probability that incident radiation is polarized parallel to the seam over any substantial portion of its length. Such paths reduce the chance of direct radiation passage through the seam.
The best designs are those with no seams, such

SHORTENING SEAMS LOWERS THE FREQUENCY OF POTENTIAL RADIATION
DO SHORTEN SEAMS
as a deep-drawn enclosure with a front panel attached by a brazed, solid seam.

Ru·ie 3. Minimize the height of s·eams.

Seam gaps, even when filled with rf gaskets, can leak. Wide seam gaps allow leakage at low frequencies; seam heights appear electrically even larger at low frequencies and act as slot radiators.
The DO example uses a retainer along the side of the seam to hold the gasket material so the height between mating surfaoes is a mimimum when the seam is closed.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

GASKET MATERIAL

DO MINIMIZE THE HEIGHT OF CLOSED SEAMS

DON'T PLACE THE GASKET IN SERIES WITH THE METAL
( continued on page 92 ) 91

( continued from page 91 )

There GoesYour Reputation --Up In Smoke.

Here's how to protect ·compact-diameter, your product, your cus- .157" ; length, .457" (extomer-and yourself! elusive of leads)

Just add MICROTEMP ' ·economical - priced as safety thermal cutoffs low as 9!1:

to your plans . The millions · proved reliable in millions already in use a_r_e your of on-the-job applications

assurance of pos1t1ve, _yet · installation ease lowcostprotect1on against assorted term i nati 0 n s overheating _caused. by mounting packages and ' malfl!nct1ons in electrical insulations are available c1rcu1ts and components.

MICROTEMP is a reliable , accurate, easy to install, "one shot" thermal limiter. Because of its patented desi9n and construction, it wont derate. And, it's unaffected by age or
extended use.

Recognized under the Component Program of Un-
derwriters' Laboratories, Inc. UL File #E40667A.
CSA and BSI Certificate
#5041 approved . Recognized by MITI and VOE .
Military approval.

Compare this data:

· wening tolerance -
: te0~perature range - ~
58to242 ° C.(136
to468 °~

Rule 4. Design seams with a labyrinth interface.
Radiation tends to travel in straight lines, so a broken path in the seam interface will cause energy to be deflected and absorbed, and result in attenuated leakage.

LABYRINTHINE INTERFACE
1'-_/ f--'~~~TI:.3"'°'

c :J
L :=i CURVED SEAM

RADIATIO!!, POLARIZATION!

LEAKAGE PATH

DO USE LABYRINTH INTERFACES

STRAIGHT SEAM DON'T USE STRAIGHT SEAMS

Rule 5. Design the seams to mate tightly.
Tightly torqued bolts can produce waves in the surface of overlapped enclosure walls. This can allow a significant amount of leakage. It's better to use fewer bolts with a stiffener plate, and arrange the fasteners to gain maximum flatness when the seam is closed.
If sufficient flatness can't be obtained, then use rf gaskets to fill the openings. This is one of the instances where gasketing is justified.

TIGHTLY TORQUED BOLTS

For additional information, check the reader service card, or call or write:
'·'·' MICRO DEVICEScoRP. 1881 Southtown Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45439 Ph: (513) 294-0581 Telex: 28-8087
CIRCLE NUMBER 47
92

Rule 6. Avoid multiple-plane seams.
Corners of enclosures, where three planes meet, are extremely difficult to shield. Inevitably an opening appears along the seams. Most equipment enclosures avoid this problem by brazing, or the use of solid metal-to-metal corners.
Commercial shielded rooms partially solve the problem by use of end caps. But even with caps, it is difficult, if not impossible, to pull a tight corner seam for all three planes. · ·

LEAKAGE

~CORNERS DIFFICULT TO SEAL

ELECTRONIC D ESIG N 6, March 15 , 1976

If you spend more than 20 minutes picking a P.C. connector

It's your guide to the broadest line of printed circuit connectors made by any single manufacturer. We have just about everything and in more combinations and more depth than anyone - more types of contact terminations, insulator materials, mounting styles, contact designs, types of plating.
Send for our catalog. Browse through it and you'll discover that picking out the right printed circuit connector for your job is as simple as it should be.

Quick delivery. And you can get your hands on our con-
nectors, too - in a hurry if need be. We keep a large inventory; so do our distributors.
Our "Whatever-you-need-we've-got" department.
As you can guess, we have a lot of tooling filed away. Our production engineers have a unique talent at taking an existing bit of tooling, fiddling with it, and turning out a "custom" connector that's exactly what you need Your extra cost is only a modest set-up charge ... a long way from a full retooling cost.
Use the coupon.

...you don't have this

catalog.

NAME:
I ------- 1 TITLE: ----------------TELEPHONE_ ·
I COMPANY: I ADDRESS: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1 --- 1 CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE· _- - - - - Z I P _ ·

I ~Y!k!og:JI Viking Industries,lnc./21001 Nordhoff Street hatsworth, CA 91311 U.S.A. / (213) 341-4330/ DATACON DIVISION - - - - - - - - - CIRCLE NUMBER 48

E L ECTRON IC D ES IGN 6, Ma rch 15, 1976

''We're switching from EEM to
''The GOLD BOOK provides more data and our sales offices recommend it."
North Atlantic Industries, which invented the Phase-Angle Voltmeter almost two decades ago, joins the growing list of companies moving to the GOLD BOOK. Sales Manager Peter G. Wittenberg, who is a working group member of DOD's DEFENSE SCI ENCE BOARD TASK FORCE on "Electronic Test Equipment," reports he has selected the 1976-77 GOLD BOOK for his catalog pages. Among the items he will feature are three new products : Digital Phase-Angle Voltmeter/Ratiometer, Angle-Position Indicator with LSI that provides improved performance and reliability at lower cost, and S/D and D/S conversion modules. "This past year," Mr. Wittenberg says, "We've received many inquiries here and abroad just from our listing in the GOLD BOOK. And they're all top-grade inquiries." Mr. Wittenberg says this prompted him to make a thorough analysis of electronics directories. "As a result," he says, "We'll be in the GOLD BOOK as our main directory promotion this year. It's being used by engineers and engineer managers throughout the United States and overseas."
The GOLD BOOK is first in every important editorial comparison!
First in number of product headings in the Product Category. GOLD BOOK has 5182. EEM has 3335. First in number of pages in the Product Directory. GOLD BOOK has 542. EEM has 255. First in number of pages in the Trade Name Directory. GOLD BOOK has 33. EEM has 24. First in number of pages in the Manufacturers Directory. GOLD BOOK has 397. EEM has 338. First in number of manufacturers listed. GOLD BOOK has 6771. EEM has 3300. And on top of all this, GOLD BOOK rates are lower than EEM rates by far.
Source: 1975-76 Editions
Electronic Design/GOLD BOOK

the GOLD BOOK this year"
- says Peter G.Wittenberg Sales Manager
North Atlantic Industries
Join the parade to the GOLD BOOK It can work for you!
·Hayden Publishing Company, Inc.· 50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662 · (201) 843-0550

CHALLENGES TO THE ENGINEER WHO MANAGES

Tadashi Nakamura Of lse Electronics
Speaks On
Developing Your Engineers

There's no single mechanism for helping engineers grow and become more productive. That's because there are many kinds of engineers, all with different interests, motivations and outlooks. It's obvious, for example, that the outlook of the engineer who has just come out of school will be markedly different from that of the person who has been designing for many years-the man, for examp,le, who knows when to apply a quick pragmatic solution to a problem and when to apply a laborious theoretical ainalysis.
There are other factors besides age. You have basic research engineers, product-development engineers, quality-control engineers, production engineers. Unless you orchestrate their efforts properly, they may all incline to sing their own songs. The basic research engineer, for example, tends to think only in terms of some dramatic new discovery. He wants to create something new, something that never existed. He forgets about cost. The production engineer doesn't care what the product is; he just wants to manufacture it as quickly and smoothly as possible, and at lowest cost. The quality-control man wants to be certain that the product meets its specifica-
96

tions with an adequate margin. But all groups should have a common objective--making the company profitable. They must all help the company make money.
The extent to which an engineer contributes increasingly to the company's profit is a measure of his growth.
Every engineer should be in a position to make his greatest contribution to the company and, in so doing, der.ive the greatest personal satisfaction. But the company must help him. If the company unwittingly sets ·up barriers, the engineer's development is slowed and his contribution is reduced.
As one might expect, an important part of any P'rogram to help develop engineers should involve improved communications. That absolutely does not mean increased memo writing. That's not necessarily real communications.
We use several techniques. First, we have two committees, the Technical Committee and the Product Development Committee, that meet monthly. A major part of the work of the Tech-
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

nical Committee lies in developing future products while the Product Development Committee is mainly concerned with getting recently developed products manufactured and delivered to customers as effectively as possible.
Now committees in themselves can be meaningless, and meetings can . be worse, unless all people who have a stake in the decisions are involved and all know that they can discuss things freely, then act decisively once decisions are reached. The Product Development Committee, for example, includes managers from engineering and from marketing.
If an engineer thinks he has a bright idea for a new product, a marketing man might be able to discourage him if he feels the product won't sell. Or the marketer might try to modify the engineer's thinking along lines that might give the product a greater chance of success. Similarly, engineering might easily quash an idea from marketing for a product that can't make it economically.
But that's just part of the communications picture. There's another part that's more important, but more subtle. That involves human relations. If human relations are poor in a company, you can be certain that lots of things will go wrong.
For example, when a product is developed in the laboratory and moved into the factory, the factory people will often find many ways to make sure that the product won't work and can't be manufactured. They're not interested in having their routines changed with a new product on the line, especially a dramatic new product.
So they tend to work against the product rather than with it. The people who designed the product are strangers to them, so it can take a long time before that product really gets roUing on the production line. The factory people, almost unconsciously, will find ways to slow things down. But if human relations are good the factory people can really help a great deal in making the product work.
Of course, everybody is in favor of good human relations. But how do you get it?
We have found one important ingredient-fluidity. We maintain a great deal of fluidity in our organization; we try to make it easy for people to move around. We don't want to see a person locked forever in one position. This has many benefits.
Take the case of Dr. Kiyosumi, who was in charge of developing our flat multi-digit fluorescent display. When the R&D phases of that development were completed, Dr. Kiyosumi moved to the factory to take charge of its production. He stayed with the factory engineers for more than
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

a year until all the production kinks were ironed out and these displays were rolling smoothly off the production line. Then he returned to the laboratory to work on newer developments.
Dr. Kiyosumi understands that display more thoroughly than anybody does because he spent so much time developing it. So he was able to guide the production people in getting it manufactured most effectively. He knew exactly which compromises were permissible without affecting performance. That's an obvious advantage.
But also, it develops closer communications between the factory people and the R&D group. The factory people get to know the R&D people as human beings, and they get to like them. So they want to help the R&D people, not hinder them. This is part of human relations.
If you assume, as I do, that people will like each other when they get to know each other, then you can readi1ly see ho1w shifting people around improves communications and thus improves the cooperation towards a common goal. Now let me show you a third element in our efforts to help people develop·.
We want to develop our younger engi· neers so that they can become senior engineers-not just older engineers.
1n most companies the responsibility of the superv.isor is to have his department run smoothly and effectively. In our company, we place an additional burden on the shoulders of the supervisor. We give him responsibility for the education of our younger engineers. Every once in a while I ask our senior engineers to write reports on the progress of the junior engineers on their staff.
This serves two goals. It keeps me informed on the progress of our younger engineers. Second, it puts pressure on the senior men to spend at least part of their time educating the junior engineers. I take a very active interest in our younger engineers because I feel that's where the future of our company lies. We have about 50 engineers at Ise and I feel development of the younger ones is extremely important. I stay very close to them and reaid the reports about them.
In addition, I read all engineering reports because I can get insight into an individual and his thinking from the reports he writes. These reports can often be a first sign that I should work more closely with an individual, particularly .if he is misplaced in his job or is going in the wrong direction.
Now there's still another factor that concerns us greatly. The heart of any electronics company, of c:our,se, is engineering. And the heart of what you always want from engineering is a new
97

Who is Tadashi Nakamura?

Younger men plead fo1· 1·cst when they try to keep pace with 53-year-old Tadashi Nakamura, chairman of Ise Electroni cs Corp.- a man with boundless energy, whose mind is as restless as his body. His professional life started at the age of 20 when he graduated from the Nagoya In stitute of T echnology and joined Kobe Kogyo, which was s ubseq uently acqu ired by Fu.iitsu. At these companies he spent most of hi s time designing cathode-ray tubes so he learned a lot about phosphors.
That knowledge proved usefu l when he im·ented the fluorescent display, which became the foundation stone for hi s founding of Ise Elec-
troni cs Corp. 10 years ago, .i ust three yea rs after
a dissertation on electroni c di splays won a doctorate for him from Osaka University. The fluorescent display is by no means Nakamura's only innovation; he holds some 50 patents.

It's no surprise that akamura named his company after his home town, a lovely resort . city with a population of 100,000. He and his ancestors have been living in Ise for 14 generations. One of the problems of having a company in a reso rt city is that it's difficult to find techni cal people. And yet, Ise El ectronics has succeeded in attracting good engineers from Nagoya, a city of 2,000,000, 120 km away, and from Osaka, a city of 4,000,000, 150 km away.
These engineers have helped Ise Electronics grow to the point where, in its 1974 fiscal year, it enjoyed a sales volume of $15,000,000, a number that Dr. Nakamura hopes to double in 1975. Th e company was s uffici ently attracti,·e to draw the intere t of Noritake, a company with a volume of $120,000,000. Noritake, one of the world's lead ing manufacturers of fine chinaware, acquired Ise a year ago.

idea. I feel you get more new ideas and better new ideas if you look for them actively. I spend lots and lots of time with our president, Mr. Takafumi Kurata, trying to encourage our people to develop patents and other new ideas that can be useful to the company.
This encouragement takes the form of cash awards, among other things. When a patent is filed, the engineer responsible for it gets cash. When a patent is granted, he gets more cash. When the patent is used by the company, and starts develop1ing profits for the company, the engineer gets still more cash.
And everybody knows it. So there's a wellknown incentive for thinking about new ideas. We don't pay just for patents. We make cash
98

awards for "know-how" ideas that may not be patentable. We have been quite successful. We have about 120 Japanese and international patents already granted and another 400 or so that we've applied for.
So you see, we've developed several techniques for helping our engineers develop. We have regular meetings in which they communicate with each other and with others in the company. We have a fluid organization that allows people to
move from one group to another. Vve charge
senior engineers with the responsibility of helping to educate junior engineers. And we have cash incentives for good ideas. All these factors help our engineers grow, so they help our company grow. ··
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6. March 15. 1976

Point by point, line by line:

See why our lowest-cost Graphics package
has no competition.

Our 1024 X by 780 Y viewable points

4923 Digital Cartridge Tape Recorder

separate Graphics from mere

for low-cost, off-line storage.

graphing. The price has never been

Why wait for graphics? Let

lower. ButTektronix' new 4006-1

graphics wait on you . See what

provides the same superior informa-

our fine-line , full-line graphics can

tion capacity that has made us the company for all your graphics needs.

mean for your applications . Check out the whole story and all the

We'll throw you a curve. Tektroni x will prices right now with your local

graph circles around the competition . Tektroni x Sales Engineer. Or write :

Now, thanks to our new low priced 4006-1, we ' re in the same ballgame with mere alphanumeric terminals.

Tektronix, Inc. Information Display Group P.O. Box 500

Graphics to gain. Nothing to lose. Add the graphics extra at an everyday price : $2995 or $150 a month on a two year lease . Alphanumerics? Up to 2590 on screen characters . Plus a spectacular package that includes confirmed compatibility with most

Beaverton , Oregon 97077
·-TEKTRONIX® CIRCLE NUMBER SO

mainframes through proven interfaces

and time-tested software packages.

And expert maintenance that follows

you all over the world.

Plug-in peripherals standing by. Like
our 4631 Hard Copy Unit for up t
4006-1'swilb8~N 11·

Build a glitchless microprocessor clock with only a two-chip divider

If you're using Intel's 8008 or 8008-1. microprocessor, the circuit .in Fig. 1 can save you from the headache of trying to avoid glitches in your clock phases caused by propagation delays and rise and fall times.
To generate clock pulses properly with conventional flip-flop dividers and decoders, you would need many IC chips, but the dual binary-up counter and dual D flip-flop in Fig. 1 can do the job with only two CMOS chips-an SCL 4520A and an SCL 4013A.
The oscillator in the circuit uses a colorburst crystal that has a 279-ns clock period. For the 8008, dividing by eight results in a 2.23-µ,s period. Flip-flop FF,, serves as a state decoder.
During a transition from binary counts five to six, the Q, outP.ut of counter CA clocks its Q2 output into the Q output of flip-flop FFi (Fig. 2). This signal, in turn, .is clocked into the Q output of flip-flop FF" by the next clock pulse to generate a reset pulse for both the counter CA and flipflop FF2· At the end of this reset pulse, a count of ONE is clocked into C8 ·
Counter Cs resets when Q, of counter CAgoes

HIGH again, two clock periods later. Note that the Q" output of CA remains HIGH for three counts and LOW for five counts to generate the

cf>l phase. The Qo output of counter Cs generates

the cf>2 phase by staying HIGH two counts and

LOW six counts.

After taking into account the propagation de-

lays of the counters and flip-flops-a typical delay

time .is 70 ns at 25 C-you will have the follow-

ing :

Pulse width of cf>l

900 ns

Pulse width of <{>2

600 ns

Clock delay from <f>l to <f>2

210 ns

Clock delay from <{>2 to <f>l

520 ns

~otal :::::

2230 ns

To convert the divider circuit to divide by

seven for use with the 8008-1, clock the FF1 flip-

flop with the Qo output of counter CA instead

of Q,.

Sam Deus, Design Engineer, Multisonics, 3300 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon, CA 94583.
CIRCLE No. 311

SCL - 4520A - OUAL BINARY UP - COUNTER
SCL - 4013A - OUAL D FLI P - FLOP

s71 o 1 2 3 4

~279 ns

1. A glitchless microprocessor clock needs no decoder gates and only two ICs in its divider circuit.
102

FF,-o

n n.____

FFz· O

n- RESETS CA MO FFI

FF2-a
c8-o0

1 cf> 2

200

I
ns--l

Ir--

I 1

I I

I r----T~223,u.s--,

-J 1 1

:--· ~520ns

~ 600 ns

2. With the use of a 3.58-MHz tone-burst crystal, the divider circuit provides an output clock period to the microprocessor of about 2.23 µ,s.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Now our expandable line offers DC to 4 million bits per second!

We offer PCM capability. in addition to Direct and FM electronics. in three of our recorder/ reproducers. There's the 7 to 14 channel Sabre Ill and the 28/ 32 channel Sabre V. both IRIG allband portable recorders; and the Sabre IV. a 7 to 48 channel laboratory recorde0eproducer.
In addition our line includes the new Sabre VI which offers superior performance plus ultraportability. and the Tandberg TIR-115. a 4-channel. FM, 25-pound system.

Those basic five recorders are actually an almost unlimited line because each is designed and built to adapt to an amazing variety of functions .Just tell us what you want one to do!
For information write: Sangamo Electric Company. Data Systems Division. P.O . Box 3347. Springfield. Illinois 62714. Area Code 217. 544-6411. Telex 406-461. Sales and service representatives worldwide.
SANGAMO RECORDERS
THE INNOVATORS IN TAPE INSTRUMENTATION

CIRCLE NUMBER 53

Automotive charging regulator gives overvoltage and undervoltage warnings

An automotive voltage regulator that uses an LM124 quad op-amp warns the driver of improper battery-charging conditions. The circuit has the following features :
· An overvoltage warning circuit that blinks a red warning light on the dashboard. Amplifier A2 of the quad package operates as a threshold detector and A, as a low-frequency oscillator.
· An undervoltage warning circuit that brightly lights the same red warning light. Amplifier A1 senses the undervoltage.
· Linear temperature compensation, which adjusts the charging voltage as the ambient temperature changes. Voltage Vbe of Q. serves as the sensing signal.1
· Internal regulation by use of an LM340-8, 8-V regulator.
The internal regulator buffers the quad op amps from overvoltage and transients. Though the LM124 can operate over a .supply range of 3 to 30 V, the tempsrature oompensation circuit

needs a stable regulated supply for accuracy. Today's American cars use alternators that are
self-current-limiting and thus don't need overcurrent protection. However, for use with a generator battery-charging system, such as in a VW, an overcurrent detector control circuit is required in series with the generator armature. Also, the VW generator field must be grounded to be energized. Thus the field circuit is modified -the circuit with Q.A replaces Q,n-and the leads to input terminals 9 and 10 of A" must be interchanged.
Reference
1. Loe, J. M., "Linear Temperature Sensor Uses Only a Single Transistor," Electronic Design, Feb. 15, 1970, pp. 86-87.
. John Okolowicz, Senior Electrical Engineer, Honeywell Inc., 1100 Virginia Dr., Fort Washington, PA 19034.
CIRCLE No. 312

IGNITION SWITCH

-------------,

12V

' . . . . - - - - - , I

I MJEllOO

Q-;e - - - - - -1 1DARLINGTON I DIA

MJEI090 DARLINGTON

uI I

I
I

I
TO DOMESTIC :

TOVW GENERATOR
FIELD

I
I

AUTO FIELD

:.J I QI A

-I

L ___

I L

__:Ij

,.--=------- - --- --

EXISTING WARNING
LAMP (BUNKS FOR OVERVOLTAGE,
ON BRIGHT FOR

Al TOA4 ' LMl24

I Rll
11ok

UNDER VOLTAGE I DISCHARGE

DETECT

r -L---~---------------------

RCA I

Rl3

403471

Q2 I

IOk

IOM

---------e-v------------------------·I ----

UNDERVOLTAGE l

1 Rl6 IOk I .-------------t----'-16_ 4

~ ~

I Rl7 3.74k

C3 ..,.

I I

OVER-.ULTAGE DETECT

L':... _- - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - ..,'-"'Vlr---.-v""""-----"N'..--.

R21

IOOk

R24

I I

..,.

IOOk

·RE~ Ra FROM
ALTERNATOR EQUIPPED VEHICLES OR CHANGE Q2 ANO Q3 10 CARRY GREATER CURRENT

LI ------------ LOW FREQ. OSC. ------

Alternators on American autos are self-currentlimiting, but a generator charging system needs
104

the current·limiting circuit, shown in the lower-left corner, to protect the battery.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Even the best equipment budget can

REI stocks over 8,000 fully checked-out

only go so far. And at the price you pay for

test instruments, and they're ready whenever

electronic test equipment nowadays, that's not you are. For the full story on renting, as well as

very far at all.

our low prices, send in the coupon for prompt

Unless you rent your equipment from delivery of our free illustrated catalog ... or call

REI.

us now for your inunediate requirements.

When you rent from us, there's no large _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

l cash ?utlay. You pay only for the time you have I your mstruments, and you return them when I you're through..So you ~ever have to spend

Rental Electronics, Inc. 99 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, Mass. 02173 Please send me your free instrument rental catalog:

I II

your money on idle eqwpment.
I Getting more for your money is just one I reason for renting from REI. Immediate de-

Name Company

- Title - - - - II

livery is another. We have over $10 million in
I - - - - - - - - - - - - - I inventory in fully stocked centers around the I country. And, when you have short-term needs,

Address City

State

Zip

you can rent equipment for just as long as you LTel. Number

need it, and make it pay for itself.

-------------

Rental Electronics, Inc. ®

A P-EPSICQ LEASING COMPANY
Burlington, MA (617) 273-2770 ·Gaithersburg, MD (301) 948-0620 ·Oakland, NJ (201) 337-3757 · Ft. Lauderdale, FL" (305) 771-3500 ·Des Plaines, IL (312) 827-6670 ·Dallas, TX (214) 661-8082 ·Mountain View, CA (415) 968-8845 ·Anaheim, CA (714) 879-0561 · Rexdale, Ontario (PLC Leasing Ltd.) (416) 677-7513

CIRCLE NUMBER 54

IDEAS FOR DESIGN

Power-supply regulator ·simplified with Norton op amps

Operational amplifiers can aid in simplifying power-supply-regulator design by eliminating many components required in the usual circuits. However, for best performance conventional op amps need a plus/ minus power source; a singl~ ended supply causes problems, because of common-mode voltage limitations. By use of a Norton op amp, the common-mode problem disappears.
In t he design in the figure, four Norton amplifiers in the same IC package are paralleled for added current capability. Adjustment of variable-

resistor R1 allows the designer to choose the current at which the regulator output will current limit. A value of about 68 .fl provides a 4-A limit, which represents about the maximum capability of this circuit with the components shown. The 0.01-JLF feedback capacitor limits the circuit's high-frequency response and prevents oscillations.

Mike Hadley, CMOS Applications, Motorola

Semiconductor Products Inc., 3501 Ed Bluestein

Blvd., Austin, TX 78721.

CIRCLE No. 313

IZV lk

MC3301

IM 0 .0 l f " F
IZV

5V ZENER

VOLTAGE
ADJ

500k

MJE3055

v..,,
0-IOV

Design of a medium-performance regulator is simplified with use of Norton operational ampli-

tiers . Both the output voltage and current limit are adjustable over a wide range.

IFD Winner of November 8, 1975
Peter Lefferts, Design Engineer, MS 220, National Semiconductor Corp., 2900 Semiconductor Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051. His idea "Power-Failure Alarm Operates a Loug Time on a Single 1.5-V Cell" has been voted the Most Valuable of Issue Award.
Vote for the Best Idea in this issue by circling the number for your selection on the Information Retrieval Card at the back of this issue.

SEND US YOUR IDEAS FOR DESIGN . You may win a grand total of $1050 (cash)! Here's how. Submit you r IFD describing a new or important ci rcuit or design t echnique, th e clever use of a new co mponent or t est equipment. packaging tips, cost·saving ideas to our Ideas for Design editor. Ideas can o nly be consid ered for publication if th ey are submitted exclusi vel y t o ELECTRONIC DESI GN . You will receive $20 fo r each published idea, $30 more if it is voted best of issu e by our readers. The best-of-issue winners become eligible for the Idea of the Year award of $1000.

ELECTRONI C DES IGN cannot assume responsibility for circuits shown nor represent freedom from patent infri ngement .

106

ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 6. March 15. 1976

Who provides the industry's broadest line of electronic packaging hardware ... including
Logic Panels?

SAE does! And we offer several types of panels to choose from. Our standard 8186 Series accommodates up to 180 device patterns and accepts a variety of 1/0 connectors. The plug-in version is compatible with other industrysupplied modules, and contains 122 contacts in the 1/0 connector section.
Features include machined socket terminals with closed entry contacts; a double-sided board with power and ground planes, and pin spacing for almost any IC configuration.
Our EX700 Series supports dual-in-line ICs, discrete components, etc. in a modular, high-density configuration (a third greater than conventional panels). It comes in almost any IC pattern for extra design flexibility, and a plug-in version with an 80-pin 1/0 connector is also available.
A total ground plane concept provides a much lower ground impedance characteristic, resulting in excellent noise immunity. Power distribution is through bus-bar interconnection, and/or through direct power and ground input terminals.
And if we haven't described one you like, we'll be pleased to quote a custom panel to your specifications including ECL and Schottky logic. Our new 128 page packaging handbook gives complete details. It also describes our other family of logic panels and our entire line of electronic packaging and interconnection hardware.
CIRCLE NUMBER 55

EX716

First European µP system features low-cost simplicity

The first general-purpose microprocessor developed in Europe has been produced at General Instrument's Glenrothes, Scotland division. Called the Series 8000, the family consists of five devices developed from a two-chip system originally produced for a European end-user.
The major features are simplicity and low cost. Attractive to firsttime microprocess<>r users is the low cost of prototyping equipment.
The minimum configuration is two chips: the LP8000 CPU and the LP6000 program-storage unit, both second-sourced by AEG-Telefu!1ken in Germany and SGS-Ates in Italy. To these, General Instrument has added the LP1030 clock generator, the LPlOOO memory interface and the LP1010 input/output circuit. The latter two devices

replace the mask-programmed LP6000 in low-volume applications and program development.
The LP8000 CPU contains 48 accessible 8-bit registers, and for most Series-8000 applications no additional random access memory will be required. There is no provision for interrupts but rather a strong emphasis on I/ 0 capability.
The two-chip system has 48 l/0 lines available for driving displays, interfacing to keyboards, and so on. The LP6000 contains 1-k by;tes of program storage in addition to the program counter, two 8-bit I/0 ports and a four-worddeep hardware stack for subroutine nesting. Initial cost of the two-chip system in quantities of 100 or more, is under $60.
Users of the LP8000 include the British Post Office.

TV camera can operate over wide light range

A solid-state TV camera that can operate over 24 hours, from bright sunshine (105 lux) to dark night conditions (l0-4 lux), has been developed by the Danish company Jorgen Andersen Ingeniorfirma S/A. The camera-the J AI 730 SIT-has a silicon-intensifier target tube combined with a fully automatic brightness control

circuit. In the optics tube a thermostatically controlled heater eliminates condensation on the front glass.
A standby mode is provided in which the beam current is switched <>ff and time from standby to operation is less than 2 seconds. Resolution is 650 lines and the output is composite video.

Atomic pacemaker has a 10-year lifetime

A cardiac pacemaker powered by a nuclear battery has been developed at .the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, Oxfordshire, England. While con-

ventional pacemakers with chemical batteries must be surgically replaced about every three years, prolonged trials indicate that the Harwell uni.ts could have an im-

planted lifetime of more than ten years. The nuclear batteries are essentially thermocouples heated by a nuclear source consisting of under one-fifth of a gram of plutonium oxide enclosed in a shockproof metal case.
Electrolytic capacitor has high stability
A long-life aluminum electrolytic capacitor has been developed by N. V. Philips' Elcoma Div., Eindhoven, the Netherlands, for use in switched-mode power supplies for decoupling of steep pulses in digital circuits and for energy storage in pulse systems. The capacitors have high capacity-voltage products and low high-frequency impedances that enable them to withstand substantial ripple cur-
rents.
Low-inductance-wound foils are emple>yed to give negligible parasitic inductance, and the multiple cathode and anode terminations are brought out at the top of the winding, thereby reducing electromagnetic radiation. The etched anode foil is made of 99.99% pure aluminum and the anode and cathode foils a1'e separated by a tissue spacer with a low specific resistance. The oxide layer is not attacked by the electrolyte, ensuring high stability and operation over a wide temperature range.
Capacitance values up to 150,000 µ,F are possible at rated voltages up to 63 V. Operating temperatures range from -40 C to +85 C. A 150,000 µ,F, 6.3-V capacitor can handle a maximum rms, ripple current of 21.3 A at 85 C with an impedance of only 3.5 mn at 20 kHz.
CIRCLE NO. 31 5

108

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

New ''Cricket''sub-miniatures: Interchangeability plus full 6 amp rating.

Cutler-Hammer introduces a broad new line of quality sub-miniature switches whose specifications meet industry standards for size, terminal spacing and bushing height. They're rated 6 amps. They're fully interchangeable. They feature high torque bushings. They're competitively priced. And they're available right now. For more information on new, interchangeable sub-miniature switches, call your Cutler-Hammer sales office or Stocking Distributor. Just ask for "Cricket."

Flat Lever. Designed for comfortable, finger-tip
""Pi control. Keyed
bushing prevents switch rotation.
I

Watertight. Toggle or pushbutton. "O" ring seal shuts out dirt and moisture. Keeps switch mechanism dry in adverse environments.

Mod Cap. White, red and black colortipped caps let you choose and vary your operational coding.

Lever Lock. Locks in position to assure precise control of vital or sensitive functions and equipment. No accidental operation.

Rockers. Sub-panel or snap-in. Variety of
paddle or low-profile styles. With decorative bezels. Also with L.E.D. for illuminated funct ions.

Wire wrap. Gold plated terminals in .750 and .964" lengths to satisfy power or dry circuit requirements.

Printed Circuit. Toggle or pushbutton. Fits standard printed
circuit board mounting dimensions. Right angle and vertical
mounting.

Standard. Toggle or pushbutton. One to four
poles. Eight circuits. Two decorator cap styles in a variety of colors. Dry
circuit capability, too.
iI Switch to No.I

CUTLER-HAMMER
SPECIALTY PROD UCTS DIVISI ON. M ilwaukee. Wis. 53201

CIRCLE NUMBER 56

A.rmw-11 /Alrrnibmrr illmllm~~
eliminate costly band soldering.
Only Arrow-M manufactures gas-filled plastic sealed relays , proven to have top reliability over a long life. They're applicable from very low level to high capacity contact loads and maintain highly stable contact resistance, even after long use.
Now here's the really big news: by using Arrow-M Amber Relays on your PC board and using automatic wave soldering, you can substantially reduce your labor costs. And since Arrow-M Amber Relays cost less than sealed metal can relays, the savings are even greater.
Arrow-M Amber Relays . When you want maximum reliability and maximum savings. And only Arrow-M makes them .

Type KE

Relays for advanced technology.
For more information on exact specifications of
our Amber Relays, write or call your
nearest Arrow-M office .
Arrow- M Corporation 250 Sheffield St.
Mountainside, N.J. 07092 (201 ) 232 -4260 Western Office:
22010 South Wi lmington Ave. Suites 300 & 301
Carson , California 90745 (213) 775 -3512

Arrow·M

CIRCLE NUMBER 57

1 10

EL ECTRONIC . D ESIGN 6, Ma rch 15, 1976

50-MHz portable oscilloscope lets you c,ompare four signals

Philips T est & Measuring Instruments, 400 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, NY 11797. (516) 921-
8880. See text.
The first four-trace portable oscilloscope-the 50-MHz PM3244 from Philips Test & Measuring Instruments-does more than let you look at four signals simultaneously. With it, you can combine the inputs in various modes without changing probes. You can also trigger either the main or delayed time base from v·arious sources, internal or external, without moving probes.
Thus you can look a·t each channel-A, B, C or D-by itself, add channel A to channel B, add C to D, invert B or D, combine modes, and so on. You also have the option of displaying the traces in either a chopped or alternate mode. All this with just the push of a button.
Triggering the main sweepwhich ranges from 50 ns/ div to 0.5 s / div--ean be done from any Y- · axis signal, from a composite signal, from the line frequency or from an external source.
The delayed time base (50 ns to

1 ms per div ) triggers immediately after the set delay period. Or after delay it can be triggered by any selected source, independently of the main trigger. Again, all you do is push buttons.
Perhaps more significant than the PM3244's versatility is that you can do all signal manipulation and triggering in the field: the 9.5-kg scope offers up to five hours of battery operation with the optional pack.
The Y axes of the Philips scope have four identical amplifiers, arranged on one board in a symmetrical four-quadrant layout. Sensitivity of the vertical inputs can be varied from 5 mVI div ito 2 VI div in nine steps (1-2-5 sequence). An uncalibrated control provides a vernier between the steps.
Rise time of the input amplifiers is 7 ns, and the input impedance of all four channels is 1 Mn across 15 pF. Coupling can be ac or de.
Other key specs of the Y-axis amplifiers include a drift of less than 0.3 div/ h at 20 C (af·ter a 15-min. warmup ) and a tempco of

60 µVI °C. Cross talk is li sted at less than 35 dB in chopped mode for all attenuator settings.
You can also use the unit in an X-Y mode. Here, the horizontal amplifier provides a 3-dB bandwidth of 1 MHz and a deflection of 450 mVI div when the external connector is used. However, the vertical attenuator coefficients apply when any of the four Y channels are used for X deflection.
For those interested in making photographic records, the writing speed of the PM3244 is specified
at a fairly fast 750 om/ µ,s. To get
that number, Philips used a Steinheil M5 scope camera with an aperture of fl 1.2 and an obj.ect-to-image ratio of 2. The film used was 10000-ASA Polaroid 410, with no prefogging.
The useful 'screen area of the
3244 covers 8 x 10 cm. The rec-
tangular-mesh CRT (10-kV accelerating potential ) comes with P31 phosphor as standard.
How Philips managed to pack so much into a 31.6 X 15.4 x 41-cm case makes an interesting design story. Keys to the impressive packaging lie in the compact, switching power supply, the central vertical amplifier board, the Philips' "cold-switching" technique and, of course, extensive use of I Cs and multitransistor arrays. Only 15 % of the instrument's 21 lbs is borne by the mechanical structure.
Cold switching, 'a technique found in other Philips' scopes, separates all electronics and controls. The controls handle de Ievels only, but not analog or low-level signals. Thus, only simple rotary switches -with one or two decks-are
needed, and both electronics and controls can be grouped for optimum physical packaging.
First deliveries of the Philips PM3244 are expected in late spring. The price? Just $2500. CIRCLE NO. 301

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

111

INSTRUMENTATION
Solid-sta'te totalizer offers 12,000 cpm
Waugh Controls Corp., 9001 Fullbright Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311. (213 ) 998-8281. $45 (100 ) .
Minicounter 11 solid-state counter with eight-digit LED display and compact housing of only 24 X 48 mm is priced as low as $45 in

100-piece quantities. Model 428 features silent operation and counting speeds of 12,000 counts per minute. Battery connection retains counting during power outage and unit is available with or without reset. Counts are received from either switch closures, voltage pulses of 4 to 50 V pk-pk amplitude or pulses from standard TTL, DTL, or CMOS logic.
CIRCLE NO. 306

Ti me base lets scope compute, display Lit

The Proven
Price ter
Analogic's ''Single Chip'' Digital Panel Instrument
Less Than
$6900
(in OEM quantities)
Who else, but Analogic, the world's largest manufacturer of DPls could have set the pace 18 months ago with the first and most advanced "single chip" DPI. The AN2538 is a line-powered 3% digit DPI ... with an 18 month proven (thousands in operation) market performance and dependability. It has the lowest failure rate ever achieved in a 3% digit DPl-enhanced by a 96-hour, 50°C burn-in cycle. Its monolithic circuitry allows exceptionally cool (5°C rise) operation over-10° to +60°C. Autozeroing. High CMRR/NMRR for noise and ground loop immunity. Extremely low bias current. These and other features all add up to usable ±0.05% accuracy. Universal power transformer (100V, 117V, 220V, 240V, all ±10%, 47-63Hz).
For complete data on the AN2538 or on any of our 16 types of DPls contact Bob Shipione at (617) 246-0300, for your local Analogic sales office or stocking distributor, or write today: Analogic Corp., Audubon Road, Wakefield, Mass. 01880.
.!\l'b'ALDGIC®·
.. .The Digitizers
CIRCLE NUMBER 58
112

Tektronix, P.O. Box 500, B eaverton, OR 97077. (503) 644-0161. 7B80, $725; 7B85, $875.
An oscilloscope that computes and digitally displays time intervals along with the waveform being measured is the result of adding the 7B80 time base and 7B85 delaying time base to the company's 7700, 7800 or 7900 Series mainframes. Delta time-delay mode differs from previous scope operation by creating two controllable intensified zones, computing the time difference between them, and digitally presenting this value on the CRT. The operator can view either the main sweep with its two intensified zones or the two delayed and expanded sweeps, or all three waveforms along with the digital measurement.
CIRCLE NO. 307
Counter-timer gets the 'smarts'
Ballantine Labs, P.O. Box 97, Boonton, NJ 07005. (201) 3350900. $695; 4-6 wks.
Model 5500B universal counter/ timer features automatic microprocessor-controlled circuitry. The instrument provides 10 modes of operation including frequency measurement capability up to 118 MHz. The automatic resolution and autoranging features make the unit suitable for ATE systems use. The ROM used in the Model 5500B's self-programming circuitry is said to greatly simplify and reduce the number of control lines and commands needed from the ATE system controller.
CIRCLE NO. 308
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Function generator works nine ways

Strip-chart recorders offer 3 or 4 pens

Krohn-Hite, Avon Industrial Park,

Avon, MA 02322 . (617) 580-1660.

$695; 60 days .

Model 5300 function generator

offers nine modes of operation . I n-

cluded are an exponential ramp

fu nction for logarithmic sweep-

ing, pl us separate waveform and

r a mp outputs, pulse, sweep and

burst modes and external voltage

control of main output frequency.

T he exponeKtial sweep, in conjunc-

tion with the linear sawtooth, en-

ables semilog plotting. In external

and sweep modes, the freque ncy

range extends from 0.0000·3 Hz to

3 MHz.

CIRCLE NO. 309

Multipen recorder overlaps up to 6 traces

Houston Instrument, One Houston Square (at Cameron Rd.) , Austin, TX 78753. ( 515 ) 837-2820. Start at $3200; 30 days .
The OMNIGRAPHIC HR-40 ser ies are 3 and 4-pen strip-chart recorders with a fu ll 10-in. ( 250 mm) r.ecord ing span. Each pen covers the total chart width. Writing distance between channels is only 2 mm. The recorder uses disposable fiber-tip cartridge pens, available in four colors. Full-scale response is 1/ 4 s. The sprocketed paper drive has 16 switch selectable chart speeds. Two interchangeable plug-in pen axis modules are avai lable: a 12-range, 1mV to 10-V module or an 18-range 0.5-mV to 200-V unit.
CIRCLE NO. 320

Selective level meter resolves 10 Hz

Chessell Ltd., Broadwater Trading Estate, Southdownview Rd., Worthing Sussex, BN14, SNL, England.
Series 320 continuous-trace, mult ipen chart recorder offers fu lly independent pen crossover covering the entire chart width of 250 mm (10 in.), each trace in a contrasting color. Featured are modular construction and a choice of from one to six channels, single or ten-speed electronic chart drive and high / low individual channel alarms. There is a range of more t h an 300 plug-in signal-conditioning units, each with isolation and electronic linearization.
CIRCLE NO . 310
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Siemens, 186 Wood Ave. S., Is elin, NJ 08830. (201 ) 494-1000. $5395.
Selective measurements of transmission parameters in the 1-kHzto-18 .6-MHz frequency range are made by the D2008US. The meter is dedicated to in-plant applications for multiplex, L-Carrier, WLEL, radio, etc. Features include: 10-Hz frequency resolution, 0.02-dB expanded scale resolution. SSB (phase jitter) output, and a built-in monitoring speaker. Also included are a C-message equivalent, 1.74-kHz effective noise bandwidth filter, an 80-Hz pilot pick-off filter and an optical search indicator (hit or spurious tone detector) .
CIRCLE NO. 321
CIRCLE NUMBER 59 ·

Add 3-D to any X-Y display or oscilloscope for only $147.00 (basic DC-500 KHz system). The 6100 Series of 3-D Modules come with bandwidths from DC-500 KHz up to 5 MHz. The modules generate aerial and geometric perspective, 360° rotation, interposition, depth of focus, and binocular (stereo) depth cues. The entire image is described by ± lOV full -scale analog voltages. Since the 6100 Series of 3-D Modules are analog by nature, it provides full compatibility with analog systems. When used with digital systems, the 6100 Series is placed at the CRT, X, Y inputs.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS ON REQUEST Optical Electronics, Inc., manu· factures a complete line of OP AMPS, analog function modules, 3-D displays, and ultrasonic imaging systems.
OEI
OPTICAL ELECTRONICS INC.
P. 0. BOX 11140 · Tucson, Arizona 85734 PH. !602) 624-8358 · TWX (910) 952-1283
CIRCLE NUMBER 60 114

INSTRUMENTATION
Pulse gen delivers super fast rise times
E-H R esearch Labs, 513 11th St., Box 1289, Oakland, CA 94604. ( 415) 834-3030. $5995; 30 days .
This special-purpose pulse generator, Model 125B, features rise and fall times ( 10 to 90 % ) of 200 ps, or less, and less than 500 ps, respectively. Output amplitude is - 10 V (fixed ) into 50 n and rep rate is 10 Hz to 1 MHz in 10 ranges. Distortion is less than 5 % pk-pk.
CIRCLE NO. 322
It's a DMM, supply and calibrator-all in one

50-MHz pulse generator drives CMOS circuits
T ektronix, P.O. B ox 500, B eaverton, OR 97077. (503) 644-0161 , $1250; 6 w ks.
Model PG 508T 5-MHz pulse generator provides the high-level output required to drive CMOS (20 V in a ± 20-V window to hi-Z and 10 V to 50 n ) . It features a control error light that warns of improperly set switches or variable controls. Both the high and low levels of the output waveform are independently controllable. It has a true 50-n output. A three-state trigger light indicates proper external triggering. And selectable 50-n or 1-Mn trigger/ gate input lets you use a lX or lOX scope probe with the PG508T.
CIRCLE NO . 324

Counter-timer comes in pieces-you build it

Delristor Ltd., 21 Windsor St., Uxbridge, Middlesex, England.
The Digical is claimed to be the first hand-held portable instrument to combine the functions of de calibration, simulation, measurement, check and test. The unit performs all functions with just two terminals and is a precision voltage and current generator, voltage, current and resistance multimeter and constant voltage/current power su pply. Featured are 25 ranges and a 0.31-in., 3-1 / 2-digit bipolar LED display. The Digical generates 10 µ V to 100 V (at up to 100 mA ) and 10 nA to 100 mA (at up to 100 V). Weight, including the selfcontained battery pack, is 5.51 lb and size is approximately 8.8 x 2.5 x 4.7 in.
CIRCLE NO. 323

B eco Inc., P.O. B ox 67, Wirtz, VA 24184. (703) 483-9258. $279 (kit ) .
UN IC 2001 counter-timer measures frequency from 1 Hz to 120 MHz, period from 5 s to 10 ns, and has automatic ranging and decimal positioning, automatic trigger lev1, variable display rate and blink-store and hold-time display modes. The UNIC can be used as a totalizer to 99,999,999, to measure elapsed time (start-stop ) to 115 days and, with various special function cards, can be interfaced with a computer. It can perform computational functions, like rpm, and can be usd as a high-low limit alarm in go-no-go testing.
CIRCLE NO. 325
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

The Right DMM Decision Means Five-Function Autoranging
for only $225*

Introducing HP's 3476A DMM
The price is a big story in itself. But performance and reliability play a large part too. Take a look at the 3476A:
Autoranging- a big plus in a low cost DMM. It lets you concentrate on the point of measurement. .. minimizes reading errors . . . and speeds readings too. All readings are made directly in volts, kilohms, or amps-on an LED display. And there's a rangehold button to speed and simplify repetitive measurements.
Five functions - all the functions you want and need in a low cost DMM. Simply push the appropriate button to read AC volts, DC volts, AC or DC current, and ohms. There' s no worry about polarity or zero .. . they're both automatic.
Advanced design - both circuit and packaging. And both contribute to high reliability. One circuit board contains all the electronics.
Act ual Size

Tantalum nitride on sapphire processing allows replacement of all front end precision resistors by a single chip. That means greater reliability and better temperature stability. Of course it's input protected.
Convenient size -just right to hold in your hand ... take with you in a brief case ... or use on your bench. , An optional carrying case and probe kit let you hang the instrument from a strap for "no-hands" operation. The "A" version ($225*) operates from the AC line for lab use. And for portable applications, the "B" version ($275*) has built-in batteries and recharging circuitry.
The 3476A is backed by HP's service organization ... another big plus for a low-cost DMM. With these prices and features , why not put your hands on the 3476A for your 3-1/2 digit measurements? Your local HP field engineer can tell you how.
*Domestic U.S.A. prices only .
HPDVM'sthe right decision
095152

34 76A DIGITAL MULTIMETER
HEWLETT· PACKARD POWER

RANGE

Sales and service from 172 offices in 65 countries.
1501 Page Mill Road, Palo Allo, California 94304
CIRCLE NUMBER 61

PACKAGING & MATERIALS
Rare-earth magnets ·available as powders
Hitachi Magnetics Corp., Edmore, MI 48829. ( 517 ) 427-5151. See text; stock.
Rare-earth magnetic powders, when formed into permanent magnets, have residual inductions of up to 8600 gauss (Hicorex 90).

The powder, a sintered rare earth (cobalt) , can be compressed and have a tensile strength of 5000 psi. The Hicorex 90 has an energy product of 18 and the Hicorex 95 a product of 14. The material has a required magnetization field of 30,000 Oersteds and a recoil permeability of 1.05 or 1.1 for the Hicorex 90 and 95, respectively. The cobalt powder costs $50 / lb in lots of 50 lb and drops to $14.50 for lots of 10,000 lb.
CIRCLE NO. 326

Display bezel installs easily, without tools
RMF Products, P.O. Box 413, Batavia, IL 60510. (312) 898-4571 . $0.65 ( 1000-up) ; stock.
A bezel and filter for digital l'eadouts can cut costs since it uses slide-in, snap-in construction and can be installed without tools. The bezel will display two 0.6 in. or up to five 0.3-in. digits through a 2
x 13/ 16-in. viewing area. Standard
colors include a black bezel and red, yellow, green or clear filters. Other bezel and filter colors are available on special order.
CIRCLE NO. 32 7

A matching line of switches is available from Carlingswitch , Inc. West Hartford, Conn. 06110.
CIRCLE NUMBER 62
116

Power and manual wiring tools good for 5 gauges
V ector Electronic Co., 12460 Gladstone A ve ., Sylmar, CA 91342. ( 213 ) 365-9661. See text; stock.
A family of wrapped-wiring tools includes "dual-way wrap-nstrap" tools, dual-way unw1·ap tools, and a rechargeable power driver. Post sizes of 0.025, 0.028,
0.045 in. square or 0.031 x 0.045
in. can be handled and wrapped with wire in sizes from No. 22 through 30. Only two shanks are required for the five wire gauges and three post sizes as compared with most competitive tools, which need one shank for each post and wi11e size. The rechargeable battery-operated drivers weigh 9 oz. The Pl60-4R driver costs $45.68, has right-hand rotation for wrapping; the P160-4L costs $55 and has left-hand rotation for unwrapping. The manual P160-2A dualway wrap-n-strap· tool, which costs $7.95 can wrap 26 to 30 gauge wire on 0.025 in. posts. The heavier duty P-160-6 for $15.25 ' can wrap 22 to 26 gauge wire on 0.045 in.
of 0.031 x 0.062 in. posts. Both
tools will strap in either the right or left-hand direction. With a wire spool assembly for pin strapping, Models P160-2A-1 and P160-6-1 cost $12.45 and $19.95, respectively. The P160-1A (for 0.025-in.-sq. posts ) and P-160-7 (for 0.045-in.-
sq. and 0.031 x 0.062-in. posts)
manual dual-way unwrapping tools will unwrap wires originally wrapped in either direction. Either tool costs $9.50.
CIRCLE NO. 328
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

VV1iafs yourdesign Problem...
Unit-size? Complexity? Reliability? Packaging?,Field seritce?
Multi-component handling?
Garrett hybrid
·microcircuits are the solution.
Garrett custom engineering can meet your requirements with hybrid mi croelectronic technology,
performance-proved in consumer, indu strial, and military products.
Our high-volume production capability, which encompasses thick film , thin
film , component attach of discretes or chips, and automated testing , allows you to order
just one micro device instead of many separate components. Reduces your material-handling and labor costs . And increases efficiency.
Whatever your hybrid microcircuit requ irements, contact the one reliable source that offers maximum
In performance at minimum cost. Garrett. Send us
your design specs for fast re spo nse on price quote and delivery. Contact: Manager, Microelectronic Sales,
Garrett Manufacturing Ltd ., 40 Voyager , , j
Court North, Rexdal e, Ontario, Canada. · · · M9W 4Y3. Tel. (416) 677-9790.
The Garrett Corporation One of The Signal Companies llJ
lhey solve the problem
CIRCLE NU M BER 63

PACKAGING & MATERIALS
IC test clip now has improved body size
' ' /f ' '')',
ITT Pomona Electrnnics, 1500 E.

9th St., Pomona, CA 91766. ( 714) 623 -3463. $5.75 ( unit qty.) ; 1 wk.
A revised version of the company's Model 3916 "dip clip" is wider and longer than its predecessor and uses polycarbonate thermoplastic for insulation. The 3916 can clip onto 14 or 16-lead DIPs and permits hands-free testing. Contacts are spring-tempered nickel silver, while the hinge pin and compression spring are stainless steel.
CIRCLE NO. 329

Silver-filled epoxy
has R of only 0.0001 n
Formulated Resins Inc. , P.O. Box 508, Greenville, RI 02828. ( 401 ) 949-2060. For 10 to 49 packages: From $1.25 /2 gr; stock.
A silver filled conductive epoxy, CCR-4100, has a resistivity of less than 0.0001 n-cm. The epoxy has a shrinkage of 0.003 in.f in., a tensile strength of 9500 psi and an operating temperature range of
- 50 to 170 c.
CIRCLE NO. 330
Diode mounting clamp has 10,000 lb pressure

Designing solid state t'lecommunication equipment?

Let Tecnetics convert your 48VDC power source.

Tecnetics high efficiency power converters are the reliable and cost effective way to convert 48VDC power sources into usable power for solid state devices.
Tecnetics offers a wide range of 48VDC input power converters with outputs ranging between 5 and 48VDC and power up to 150 watts . All are super reliable, too , because Tecnetics is a high technology company that has been supplying the telecommunications industry with converters since 1958.

We pioneered numerous technological advances including pulse width modulation techniques which enable us to achieve extremely high efficiency in our power supplies.
Features of our 48VDC power supplies include full input/output isolation, overload protection, remote error sensing and input filters to reduce conducted EMI.
For full specifications on these and over 300 other power supplies, write for our new 1976 catalog .

48VOC POWER SUPPLIES FROM TECNETICS

SERIES
3150-48 3100-48 3050-48 3025-48 9525-48

POWER Watts
150 100
50 25 25

OUTPUT

SINGLE(S) DOUBLE(D) TRIPLEllJ..
s s s

VOLTAGE
voe
5- 48 5-48 5-48 .

5-48

S,D,T

5-24

EFFICIENCY
High High High
~gll
Std .

DIMENSIONS
Lw H

IN. IN.
6 4 6 4 4 4
4 4 4 4

IN .
2.25 2.25 2.25
2 1.5

PRICE RANGE U.S.$
1to9
500 450 425
395 250,295,365

1000

S,D,T

5-24

Std .

3.5 2.5 0.96 115,125, 140

1600 1300 1100

S,D .T

5-24

S,D ,T

5-24

Std . Std . Std .

3.5 2.5 0.96 2.35 2.125 0.84 1.75 1.50 0 .65

89 ,99 ,109 79 ,89 ,99
49 ,55

tecnetiCS ~he Power conversion Specialists P.o. Box 910,

1625 Range Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302 (303) 442-3837 TWX 910-940-3246

CIRCLE NUMBER 64
118

Wak efi eld Engineering, 77 Audubon Rd., Wakefield, MA 01880. ( 617 ) 245-5900. $10.30 ( 100-up); stock.
The series 145 mounting clamp is designed to hold compression type SCRs and diodes. It is claimed by the company to be the first clamp to provide 10,000 pounds of clamping pressure. Included among the clamp's features is a cantilevered force indicator which gives high-aocuracy readings of the clamping force. Each 0.07 in. increment denotes 2000 lb of pressure, with a maximum of 10,000 lb available. The crossbar/ stud portion of the clamp is coated up to the threads with a minimum thickness of 0.02 in. of epoxy compound. This insulation is rated Class B, for 40,000 h of operation at 130 C, or for shorter times up to 180 C, with a minimum breakdown voltage of 500 V ac per mil.
CIRCLE NO. 331
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

JOIN OUR BME-KAP'" SAVINGS PLAN

SAVE 303 TO 503 ON THE COST OF MONOLITHIC
CERAMIC CAPACITORS
This major cost saving is the result of our new BMETM capacitor technology. We've eliminated precious metals entirely from the electrodes and terminations of our BMETM capacitors. No precious metals means lower cost. So now we offer you our complete line of monolithic ceramic capacitors - BME ChipsTM, BME RadialsTM and BME AxialsTM - at a genuine savings of 30 % to 50 %.
This significant reduction is not based on a momentary drop in precious metal prices. This is a long-term solution due to the replacement of precious metals by non-noble metals which are not subject to the same dramatic cost spirals.
SAVE WITH RELIABILITY
Our BMETM capacitors have not sacrificed the inherent electrical· and mechanical Ceramolithic® quality. Their reliability can be demonstrated by the extensive test procedures to which they have been subjected. Write to our Applications Engineering Department for complete test reports.
SAVE WITH DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
Now you can seriously consider monolithics to replace micas and tantalums. Our BMETM capacitors feature non-polarity, a wide range of capacitance value, low leakage, high volumetric efficiency, availability in chip, radial and axial packages at prices competitive with mica below IOOOpF and tantalum up to 2.2J.tF.

TYPICAL SELLING PRICES PER UNIT QUANTITIES OF 5000 OR MORE

BMETM " J" DIELECTRIC (COG)
J thru JOO pF, 5 %, 50WVDC 1000 pF, 5%, 50WVDC
BMETM "S" DIELECTRIC (X7R )
.OJ µ. F, 20 %, 50WVDC . J µ. F, 20 %, 25WVDC 1.0 µ. F, 20 %, 25WVDC
BMETM " R" DIELECTRIC (Z5U )
. I µ. F, +so -20 %, 25WVDC .47 µ. F, +so -20 %, 25WVDC 1.0 µ. F, +so -20 %' 25WVDC 2.2 µ. F, +so - 20 %' 25WVDC

BME-ChipTM
5. J¢ J2 ¢
BME-ChipTM
3.5 ¢ 9¢
52¢
BME-ChipTM
5 .7 ¢ 13 ¢ 19¢ 35¢

BME-AxialTM 6.S¢ 16¢
BME-AxialTM 5.S¢ J6¢
BME-AxialTM S.S ¢ 16.5 ¢ 27 ¢

BME-RadialTM
7.5¢ J6 ¢
BME-Radia lTM
5 .S¢ J4 ¢ 73 ¢
BM E-Radi alTM
S.S ¢ 16.5¢
25 ¢ 49¢

JOIN THE USCC/CENTRALAB BMETM CAPACITOR SAVINGS PLAN
Get all the details today. Write on your company letterhead for your concise Savings Plan Price list your pass book to the lowest monolithic ceramjc capacitor prices available. Compare it with anyone else's price list and see.

Remember, USCC/ CentralabQuality, Volume, Savings.

- USCC/ Centralab Electronics Division · Globe-Union Inc.
4561 Colorado Boulevard · Los Angeles, Ca. 90039 (213) 240-4880

CI RCL E NUMBER 65

EL ECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, Ma rch 15, 1976

119

PACKAGING & MATERIALS

Aluminum heat sinks

Adapter plug widens DIP

hold plastic transistors leads from 0.3 to 0.6 in.

Sub-micron size powders offer improved operation
Aremco P roducts, P.O . B ox 429, Ossining, NY 10562. ( 914) 7620685. P&A: See text.
Extremely fine high-purity powders are available in the submicron size range. Sub-micron powders have chemically greater reaction rates due to large surfacearea-to-mass ratios, reduced settling rate in fluid suspensions which yields substances requiring much Jess agitation and greater density and hardness in flame or plasma spray coating and casting formulations. The available powders include 99.8 % aluminum, 99.8 % aluminum carbide, 99.9 % barium titanate, 99.7 % boron carbide, 99.9 % cobalt oxide and many more. Small quantities are available from stock and pricing ranges from $75 to $125 per pound, depending upon material, purity and quality.
CIRCLE NO. 332

Aham, 968 W. Foothill Blvd. , P.O.
Box 909, Azusa, CA 917012. (213 )
334-5135. $0.11 (5000-up ); stock. The series 371 aluminum heat
sinks are designed to hold plasticcase transisfors. Model 371 is available with tabs and mounts vertically on a PC board. The Model 371 without tabs, measures 1.19
x 1 x 0.5 in., will hold one or
two devices and is used where a low profile heat sink is specified.
The Model 373 measures 0.776 x 1 x 0.5 in. and can hold one de-
vice. The heat sinks can dissipate 16.6 C/W and come with a black finish unless otherwise specified.
CIRCLE NO. 333

Garry Manufacturing Inc., 1010
Jersey A ve., New Brunswick, NJ
08902. (201) 545-2424. $1.50 to $4.50; 2 to 4 wks.
An adapter plug permits the use of 0.3-in. wide ICs in sockets with 0.6-in. row spacing. The plugs are available for 18 and 24-pin ICs, and will accommodate both flat leads and round leads with diameters of from 0.016 to 0.019 in. The adapter plugs include a printedcircuit pattern that interconnects the 0.3-in. and 0.6-in. patterns and permits' reduction on a fixed , printed-grid pattern.
CIRCLE NO. 334

SY OR :!:ISY POWER ·
FORPCB~S

tlATCHEDOR DISSIMILAR DUAL OUTPUT

Mount these mini power modules, as small as 2.3" x 1.8 " x 1.0", directly on printed circuit boards to save space and simplify wiring. Ratings at 5 volts from .250 to 2.5 amps; at ± 15 volts from .025 to .5 amps. Short circuit protected. Prices start at $24. Guaranteed 3-day shipment.
CIRCLE NUMBER 161 120

Select the combination of matched or dissimilar outputs that you require. Hundreds of ratings available, from 1.5 to 150 volts. Outputs are isolated, and may be used in the same or opposite polarities. Acopian's 3-day shipment promise applies for any combination.
CIRCLE NUMBER 162
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Part spacers come

in 148 different sizes
l · 1"

Sefl·· 901
: !902

':&· ~~· OD
()85 "

·'

()20-380

~:: 040·'·· ::.~

.187

. ___,,.,,.,

Contact cement bonds

Rf c~nnectors designed

permanently in seconds for 50-n impedances

Bivar Inc ., 1617 E. Eding er Ave.,
Santa Ana, CA 92705. (714) 5475832. S ee text.
Made from natural nylon pei:
MIL-M-20693A, a line of permanent spacers provides a wide selection of tubular spacings for PC board mounting of discrete devices. Four basic I.D. / 0.D. combinations with thicknesses ranging from 0.02 through 0.38 in., with 0.01 in. increments are available. There are 148 standard units to choose from, and special thicknesses are also readily available. A typical part, the 902-070 (0.032 in. I.D., 0.125 in. O.D. and 0.07 in. thick) costs $10/ 1000, in 10,000 pc lots. Delivery is from stock to 2 weeks.
CIRCLE NO. 335

T escom Corp., Instrument Div ., 2600 Niagara Lane North, Minneapolis, MN 55441. ( 612) 546-4351. See text; stock.
Zipbond I, an alpha cyanoaclate adhesive, bonds materials in just seconds. Almost all materials, whether similar o'r dissimilar, can be joined together in permanent unbreakable bonds. The adhesive requires no mixing and is easily dispensed from a safe, soft-plastic bottle. Bonding or fusion takes place when pressure is applied between the two surfaces which are to be bonded. A sample 1 oz. bottle is available for $10.
CIRCLE NO. 336

Amphenol, RF Div ., 33 E. Frankli n St., Danbury, CT 06810. (203 ) 7439272. $2 ( 1000-up); 8 w ks.
A series of medium-sized coaxial connectors has constant, 50-0 impedances. This Series of SC connectors is qualified to MIL-C39012/35 through 42. The devices are true crimp/ crimp connectors, in that cable affixment of both the center contact and the outer ferrule is accomplished using the MILM-22520 die sets and the company's twin hex _crimp tool. Straight plugs, angle plugs and straight jacks are available for 214, 225, 393, 142B and 400 RG /U cables. Also offered are bulkhead jacks and panel receptacles for panel mounting. All have captivated contacts and T eflon insulation.
CIRCLE NO. 337

RACKtlOU·T POWER
···T060AtlPS

GUAIRDAA·YTEED
I-SHIPME·T

Designed for mounting in standard 19" RETMA cabinet racks, these power supplies are available in 76 different output ratings from 1 to 50 volts, and from 5 to 60 amps. Regulation, ±0.05% or better; ripple, 1 mv rms or better. Options include metering and overvoltage protection. Shipment, 9 days after receipt of your order.
Corp., Easton, Pa.18042 Tel: (215) 258-5441
CIRCLE NUMBER 163
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March i5, 1976

,..,F.=O._W,E:.R,..,
Every power module listed in the Acopian 48-page catalog is shipped within 3 days of order. Guaranteed! Miniaturized supplies, narrow profile and plug-in modules, premium performance models, and a wide choice of other types are described in detail. Ask for your copy.
Corp., Easton, Pa . 18042 Tel: (215) 258-5441
CIRCLE NUMBER 164
121

Once our EPROM is on board, it's there for keeps. You don't

have to take it off to erase, program or reprogram. All it takes is

a single high-voltage programming line, while all the other lines

remain at TTL levels.

Instead of stocking a mass of different boards, now you can

inventory a few common ones and

personalize them later.

This on-board programmability

is a huge advantage for our S6834,

the latest member of the AMI

microprocessor family.

Another version, the S5204A, ~

gives you the same bonus as a second source to National's MM5204. But it's a lot faster.

JAlp~_i1Ji l_

j ~

*-1 Both AMI parts have other

features that mean a big difference in

your system's performance. Yougetthe

- fl l

benefit of a dense 512x8-bit organization. The 8.- 'ii-

i 575 ns access time makes it speed compatible with l

the AMI 6800. And the P-Channel SiGate

~ fi i ..

process delivers an EPROM you can trust.

In fact, every spec makes our EPROM worth pinning down:
512x8-bit organization Single high-voltage pin for programming All l/O lines TTL compatible for read and program operations Less than one minute programming time for all 4096 bits 575 ns access time UV light erasable Static operation: no clocks
Three-state data outputs
Standard power supplies: +5V, -12V
P-Channel Silicon Gate process Hermetic package
For an EPROM thats going nowhere, it's certainly got a lot going for it. And its available now from your local AMI sales office, distributor or represen-- tative. Give him a call. ~ Then welcome our
~ -=$' EPROM on board.
stiatn'sdard
a~IMII®

AMERICAN MICROSYSTEMS. INC

CIRCLE NUMBER 66

122

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

OurEPROM
ishereto stay:
SALES OFFICES
Manhattan Beach CA· (213) 379-2452 San Jose CA· (408) 249-4550 Altamonte Springs FL· (305) 830-8889 Elk Grove Village IL· (312) 437-6496 Norwood MA· (617) 762-0726 Livonia Ml· (313) 478-9339 Minneapolis MN · (612) 559-9004 Monsey NY· (914) 352-5333 Cleveland OH · (216) 292-6850 Ambler PA· (215) 643-0217 Richardson TX· (214) 231-5721
DISTRIBUTORS
ALTA ELECTRONICS: Utah-Salt Lake City (801) 486-7227
ARROW ELECTRONICS: Minnesota-Bloomington
(612) 888-5522
CENTURY ELECTRONICS: New Mexico- Albuquerque (505) 292-2700 Utah-Salt Lake City (801) 487-8551
INTERMARK ELECTRONICS: Washington-Seattle (206) 767-3160
SCHWEBER ELECTRONICS: California-Costa Mesa (213) 924-5594
and (714) 556-3880 Connecticut-Danbury (203) 792-3500 Florida-Hollywood (305) 927-0511 Georgia-Atlanta (404) 449-9170 Illinois-Elk Grove Village (312) 593-2740 Iowa-Cedar Rapids " Lorenz Sales"
(319) 393-0100 Maryland-Rockville (301) 881-3300 Massachusetts-Waltham (617) 890-8484 Michigan-Troy (313) 583-9242 Minnesota-Edina (612) 941-5280 New Jersey-Somerset (201) 469-6008 New York- Rochester (716) 461-4000
Westbury (516) 334-7474 Ohio-Beachwood (216) 464-2970 Texas-Austin (512) 837-2890
Dallas (214) 661-5010 Houston (713) 784-3600 Canada-Mississauga, Ont. (416) 678-9050
SEMICOMP CORP: California-Newport Beach
(213) 971-5253 and (714) 833-3070
STERLING ELECTRONICS: Arizona-Phoenix (602) 258-4531 Louisiana-Metairie
(504) 887-7610 Massachusetts-Watertown (617) 926-9720 New Jersey-Perth Amboy (201) 442-8000 New Mexico-Albuquerque (505) 345-6601 Texas-Dallas (214) 357-9131
Houston (713) 627-9800 Virginia-Richmond " Meridian" (804) 335-6521
R.V. WEATHERFORD CO .: Arizona-Phoenix (602) 272-7144 California-Anaheim (714) 547-0891
Glendale (213) 849-3451 Palo Alto (415) 493-5373 Pomona (714) 623-1261 San Diego (71 4) 278-7400 Colorado- Englewood (303) 761-5432 New Mexico-Albuquerque (505) 842-0868 Texas- Dallas (214) 243-1571 Houston (713) 688-7406 Washington-Seattle (206) 243-6340
REPRESENTATIVES
ARNESON ASSOCIATES: Oregon-Beaverton (503) 643-5754 Washington-Seattle (206) 762-7664
BARNHILL FIVE: Colorado- Denver (303) 426-0222
BENEKE & McCAUL: Missouri-Grandview (816) 765-2998
CANTEC REPRESENTATIVES , INC .: Ontario-Ottawa (613) 225-0363
HADDON ASSOCIATES: California-San Diego (714) 565-9445
HECHT, HENSCHEN & ASSOCIATES, INC .: Arizona- Phoenix (602) 275-4411
LOWREY & ASSOCIATES: Michigan-Brighton (313) 227-7067
PRECISION SALES COMPANY: New York-Syracuse (315) 458-2223
REP, INC .: Alabama - Huntsville (205) 881 -9270 Georgia-Tucker (404) 938-4358
AIMii®
AMERICAN MICROSYSTEMS. INC.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

POWER SOURCES
High-voltage supply delivers 150 W

·=--:·--· ~

-· . .. .!.,.";""'-
I -··· t · -·

. -·°""PO"'~""""'

B ertan Associates, 180 Miller Pl., Hicksville, NY 11801. ( 516 ) 4333110. $875; stock-4 wks.
Model 210-03R, the first unit in a new series, provides an output of 0 to ±3000 V de at 50 mA. Standard features include digital voltage controls, front-panel voltage and current metering, remote voltage and current monitoring, remote voltage and resistance programming and reversible polarity. Regulation and ripple are 0.001 % and tempco is 50 ppm/° C. An optional capability is available for remote digital computer programming of the high-voltage output via either 4-decade BCD or 16-bit binary TTL-compatible input.

CIRCLE NO. 338

Dual-output switchers work at 78% efficiency

Etatech, Inc., 187-M W. Orangethorpe, Placentia, CA 92670. ( 714) 996-0981. $325 ( 100) fully r eguLated; 4-6 wks.
The AA Series of dual-output switching power modules provide 120 W at voltages of ± 12 V de ( Model AA12ROS5 ) and ± 15 V de (Model AA15ROS4 ), with power densities of· 2.2 W / in3 and 45 W/ lb at minimum efficiencies of 78 % . The standard model provides a fully regulated (0.2 % line-load combined) positive output and a semiregulated (0.1% line +2.5 %/A load) negative output. Units also feature short-circuit/overload and input overvoltage protection (both with automatic recovery) and remote error sensing. Size is 4 x 6 X 2-1 / 4 in.
CIRCLE NO. 339
CIRCLE NUMBER 67 ~

Aerospace Optics make this the only miniature
pushbutton switch that is Sunlight
Readable
Illuminated Pushbutton Switch
Tested and Proven
Only Vlvisun 20/20 legends are readable In a light .ambient of 10,000 footcandles (sunlight). When the lamps are not energized the hidden legend characters are not discernable in a 10,000 foot-candle ambient (sunlight).
· Switches are designed in accordance with MIL-S-22885
· Single or multi-color legend option · Individual unit or matrix mounting options · Momentary or alternate pushbutton action
available with SPOT, DPDT, or 3PDT switches ·Companion sunlight readable annunciator available (without switching) · 1. 2, 3, or 4 separate messages · Messages available in green , yellow, red . or white · Designed for low power consumption (5, 12, 14 , 18 or 28voltsavailable) · Lamps replace from front without tools
AEROSPACE OPnCS INC.
7112 Burns Street, Dept. 33, Fort Worth, Texas 76118 (817) 284-2293 (Ext 33) Telex 75-8461
Researchers, Designers and Manufacturers of Sunlight Readable Lighted Displays

POWER SOURCES
Switcher module meets MIL specs
Abbott Transistor Laboratories, 520() W. J eff erson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016. (213) 936-8185. Start at $395; 10 wks.
UUN-15A series of dual-output power modules converts 115 V ac, 400-Hz input power to 25, 50, or

100 W of regulated de power at ± 15 V. The series operates over the full military temperature range
of - 55 to + 100 C. Regulation of
de input voltages is to 0.3 % over the fu ll input range of 115 V rms ± 10 %. Load regulation is 0.5 % , no load to full load at constant input voltage. P ARD ( ripple and noise ) has been reduced to 25 mV rms, 100 mV pk-pk over the temperature range of 25 to 100 C.
CIRCLE NO. 340

Switcher power density reaches 1.4 W/in.J

This is a rack-full of counter capability.

HP's new 75 MHz Timer/Counter is easily held in your hands. Take a look at the front panel: Never before has there been so much counting capability in such a small package at such a small price. Seven other modules snap on to convert to other instruments - including a DMM - or to connect to the HP Interface Bus.

Features include: 1 nsec time

interval averaging · autoranging of

frequency, frequency ratio, period

average, time interval avsirage

· full complement of triggering con-

trols, monitor LEDs · preset ECL

and TTL thresholds · an astonish-

ingly low price of only $910* total

for 5308A module with 5300B

mainframe.

·oomestic USA price only.

02503
124

Sales and servi ce from 172 offices In 65 countries .
1501 Paoe Mill Road , Palo Allo. California 94304
CIRCLE NUMBER 68

T echnipower, BenrusCenter, Ridg efield, CT 06877. (203 ) 431-1300. $510.
EF/ EFE 300-W power supply series offers models with outputs between 4.5 and 30 V de with currents up to 50 A. Featured in this new product line are power densities up to 1.4 W /cu-in. and 80 % efficiency. Overvoltage protection, remote sense, remote turn--0n/ off control, power-fail detection and parallel operation are all standard for this series.
CIRCLE NO. 341
Open-frame supplies targeted for OEMS
ACDC Electronics, 401 Jones Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. (714) 7571880. $22.95 to $106 (250); stock.
Called the EC series, this new line of open-frame, low-cost power supplies includes over 50 models ranging from 2 V at 3 A to 24 V at 10 A. Dual and triple-output models are also available. The EC series is mechanically and electrically interchangeable in form, fit and function wi·th other open-frame power supplies that meet accepted industry standards. They meet UL requirements and feature quick disconnect or solder combination terminals, adjustable overvolitage protection (optional ), 115/ 230-Vac input connections and hermetically sealed, metal-case transistors.
CIRCLE NO. 34 2
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

There's a reason we make so many types of precision resistors.
You need them. - ..,-
Established Reliability Metal Glaze. Per MIL-R-39017, 55182 and program specifications.

Precision Metal Glaze TM. Rugged performance at low cost. An industry standard for semiprecision and precision film resistor applications.
Precision Metal Fiim. Excellent high stability performance in a wide variety of sizes and specs. S level MIL-R-55182.

Precision Power Wlrewound. Best available power-to-size ratio from Y2-1 OW. Tolerances to 0.1%, TC < 20ppm.
- -~~ ~~- ~~ -

Precision High Voltage, High Res 'J.. ·

, -t' .

high voltage load stability; 1.5-20KV, to 500 Megohms ± 1%.

Ultra-Precision MARTM. Bulk property metal film . Rugged molded construction. Broad resistance range, high frequency response with TC's and tolerances to 2ppm and .01 %.

Precision Power Metal Glaze. 3W rating in a molded RW69 size. Runs cooler than wirewound. Has excellent frequency characteristics.

Precision Power Metal Film. Excellent powerto-size ratio, 1-5W ratings. High frequency response. Tolerances and TC 's to 0.1 %, 25ppm.

Precision Film Resistor Networks. 7,8,10 and 12 bit A2A ladders replace up to 27 discretes. Other precision TaN-Film TM networks available.

1nw

I ' \ '~

I ~ ( \ {)

Most types available from your local distributor. Or, for the broadest choice in resistors for all types of applications, write or call TRW I IRC Resistors, an Electronic Components Division of TRW, Inc., 401 N. Broad St. , Phila., Pa. 19108. Tel. 215-922-8900.

TRW1RCRESISTORS

We gi

ice.

CIRCLE NUMBER 69

COMPONENTS
DIP solid-state relays withstand 2000 V ac

New sockets fit
wedge-based lamps
, .A J,1
~

Trimmer capacitors offer insulated shafts

C. P. Clare & Co., 3101 W. Pratt A ve ., Chicago, IL 60645 . (3 12 ) 2627700. $7.20 ( 1000 up); stock.
Series 203 solid-state DIP relays, said by C. P. Clare to be the smallest of their kind available, are now offered with upgi-aded load and dielectric-withstanding voltage ratings at no increase in price. The series now includes two models that feature a 240-V-ac load rating as well as the original 140-V-ac rating. Both models provide dielectric-withstanding voltage ratings of 2000 V ac, increased from the Series' original 1500-V-ac rating.
CIRCLE NO . 343

Christiana Industries Corp., 6500 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626 .
.(312) 465-6330. T ypically $0.10 ( OEM qty).
A new line of sockets for the ever-expanding number of all-glass, wedge-base lamps is now available with either wire leads or solder Jugs and a variety of standard mounting brackets. The CIC-9000 series sockets are for either T-3-1/ 4 or T-5 low-voltage lamps and are molded from a flame-retardant material. Terminals are electrotinned and metal parts are cadmiumplated . Brackets can be custom produced to specifications.
CIRCLE NO . 344

Voltronics Corp., East Hanover,
NJ 07936. (201 ) 887-1517. Typical
$3.40 to $3.55 (5 00 up); 10 days for samples, production 3 to 5 w k s.
A full line of multiturn trimmer capacitors with insulated extended shafts features tuning screws that only rotate and don't move in and out. Thus the metal shafts can be extended for front-panel tuning like a potentiometer. Typical types include a 60-pF glass capacitor with 34 turns and a 14-pF air capacitor with 10 turns. The trimmers are sealed with "O" rings that can withstand 40 psi of water pressure and provide stability under difficult environmental stresses.
CIRCLE NO . 345

CIRCLE NUMBER 70
126

CIRCLE NUMBER 7 1
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

TT Electronics, Inc., 2214 S. Barry Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064. (213)-478-8224. $59 (unit qty) ; 2 to 3 wks.
Bandpass filters are available for any frequency from 100 to 500 MHz. These filters are intended for 50-n source and load terminations. Any bandwidth from ± 1% to ± 10 % may be specified. The typical stopbands for the narrowbandwidth types are - 30 dB at 0.8 and 1.35 times the center frequency. Filters of this type are used for the rejection of harmonics and noise adjacent to the passband.
CIRCLE NO. 346
RFl/EMC filters recogn iz~d by UL

Don't puzzie over how to achieve a higher level of analog output accuracy in your O:..to-A designs. Turn to Crystalonics' new ultra-low on resistance switching transistors.
Used independently or as complements, the 2N6566 and 2N6567 NPN/PNP silicon epitaxial junction switching transistors will transform almost any low level digital signal to precise digital input voltages, with extremely low signal loss.
The only registered switching transistors of their kind, these devices also feature low offset voltages, low Ceb, super-low
leakage and 50 volt

collector-to-base, emitter-to-base breakdowns.
When you're faced with the need for higher accuracy in your 0-to-A converters, design-in Crystalonics' 2 ohm switching transistors; they're too good to resist!
Samples available.
Or for greater design freedom, we can provide military grade microcircuits combining switches and a ladder network in one compact package.
Send for our Transistor and Hybrid catalogs, or for immediate design assistance call Alan Alaimo, Jack Senoski or Richard Antalik.

,;. ...
...... '\. 1· "' \.o' .., ,,, N1 1 I"t""' ~,'·;~':1~ ~· \ H

·· .~ ·' I ·"

RF Interonics, 100 Pine Aire A ve ., Bay Shore, NY 11706. (516) 2316400. Under $3.00 ( OEM qty) .
Designated the RF5400 Series, a line of RFI/ EMC filters has current ratings from 1 to 30 A, voltage ratings of 115 V ac and 250 V ac and is listed under the com ponent-recognition program of UL. The filters are available with a variety of terminations including wire leads, solder lugs and threewire power receptacles.

We're at your elbow to ease your design.
_.,~TELEDYNE
CRYSTALONICS
147 Sherman Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02140 Tel. 617-491-1670 ·TWX 710-320-1196

CIRCLE NO. 347

'ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

CIRCLE NUMBER 72
127

I
f~
. 1
·

MEET
OURfAMilY.
of sltiEldE<I
! ''blAck
I l>oxES''
Almost 10 years ago (1966 to be exact) we introduced our first
two series of shielded electronic enclosures. They became an
overnight success. Since then the demand for different sizes,
shapes and applications has increased our family to ten
series of models, each with a noise rejection greater than 70db.
Sizes range from 1.50" x 1.13" x 0.88" to 4.13" x 2.68" x 6.0"; in blank versions or with a complete choice of coaxial connectors; painted or un-
painted ; with or without printed circuit card guides; with mounting flanges or bottom mounting
plates. All models supplied with aluminum covers and
mounting screws.

AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE ELECTRONIC PARTS DISTRIBUTOR
ITT POMONA ELECTRONICS p: 1500 East Ninth St., Pomona, Calif. 91766
Telephone (714) 623-3463. TWX : 910-581-3822
CIRCLE NUMBER 73
128

COMPONENTS
Chip tantalum capacitor comes in eight sizes
Sprague Electric Co ., North Adams, MA 01247. (416) 664-4411.
The new Sprague Type 194D Midget chip tantalum capacitor is avai lable in eight sizes. Capacitance sizes for the lowest working voltage, 4 WV de, range up to 100 µ,F; at the highest working voltage, 50 WV de, the maximum capacitance is 4.7 µF. The capacitors can be reflow-solder attached to substrates at temperature up to 300 C for 3 min without significant deleterous effects. Operating temperature is - 55 to 125 C. The tandard end terminations are nickel caps with a gold electroplate.
CIRCLE NO. 348
Alco Electronic Product, 1551 Osgood St., North Andover, MA
01845. ( 617) 685-4371. $3.33 (500
up ) ; stock. New miniature rotary switches,
the MRC series, are provided with adjustable stops and turret terminals suitable for hand-wired or PC applications. Terminals are permanently molded into the diallylphthalate base to prevent solder flux or other contaminants from damaging the switch interior. The switches are available with 1-to4 poles. AIL models have a 36-degree detent action with stops adjustable from 2 to 10 positions, and they are supplied in two shaft styles :
1/ 8-in. dia x 0.75 long with screw-
driver slot or 5/ 32 in. with a blackphenolic knob that has a white hairline. Contacts and terminals are silver; common terminals are silver-plated brass; switches are rated 500 mA at 125 V ac with a minimum life cycle of 10,000 operations.
CIRCLE NO. 349
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

General-purpose relays handle 10-A loads
: ·~
American Zettler, Inc., 16881 Hale Ave., Irvine, CA 92714. (714) 5404190. $2.65 (1000-up); stock.
The TEC-1270 series of generalpurpose relays has 10-A contacts, in 1, 2 or 3PDT configurations. Either ac or de coils are available with ratings of up to 220 V. The relays are UL approved and have terminal spacings of 3/ 16 in. in · air, and 3/8 in. over a surface, as required for motor controllers by UL 508. Protection against dust and mechanical damage is afforded by a clear polycarbonate dust cover. Mechanical life is greater than 100 million operations. In a circuit board arrangement, seated height of the unit above the board is 1.971 in.
CIRCLE NO. 350
Clutch/drag brake has adjustable drag torque
Vernitron Corp., 300 Marcus Blvd., D eer Park, NY 11729. (516) 5865100. About $20 (10,000 up); 10 wk.
The P-63 Series of clutch/ dragbrake units for computers, peripherals and tape drives has adjustable drag torque that allows the clutch to be used as a drag brake. Torque is 3 oz-in. minimum and operation voltage can range from 24 to 28 V de. The input drag torque is 0.2 oz-in. maximum and 0.05 oz-in. minimum. The brake unit can operate over 0 to 120 F and has a fast response at speed up to 2000 rpm.
CIRCLE NO. 351
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Eliminate them with Airpax Electromagnetic
Circuit Protectors
with patented Inertial Delay
Many circuit protector applications involve a transformer turn-on, an incandescent lamp load,
or a capacitor charge from a de source. Each of these applications have one common factor: a steep wave front transient of very high current amplitude and short duration. This takes the form of a spike, or a single pulse, and is the cause of most nuisance tripping associated with circuit protectors.
Airpax circuit protectors, with patented inertial delay, assure positive protection without nuisance tripping by providing tolerance of
short duration inrush currents without decreasing steady state protection . This does not affect standard delay curves and trip points.
Just another example of Airpax "application -oriented" engineering.
Get the full story on Airpax electromagnetic circuit protectors . Write for Short Form Catalog 2013.

AIR PAX Airpax Electronics CAMBRIDGE DIVISION Cambridge, Maryland 21613 Phone (301) 228-4600

Type 209 (E-Frame)

Other Airpax Divisions:

CONTROLS DIVISION , Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33313, Instrum ents for Industry

AMERICAN DATA, Huntsville, Alabama 35805, TV Products

CIRCLE NUMBER 74
129

COMPONENTS
4-digit display panel features high brightness
National Electronics, Geneva, IL

60134. (3 12) 232-4300. $29 (100
up); stock. The NL-1284 Plasmac display
panel is a four-digit, 0.25-in.-character-height gas-plasma panel designed specifically for applications requiring high brightness and readability under high-ambient lighting conditions. Brightness is 0.28 ft-L to 400 ft-L; temperature range is - 40 to 85 C; and power is only 80-mW nominal for four digits at 50-ft-L brightness.
CIRCLE NO . 352

Angular transducers provide de output

You cant beat our high voltage ceramic
capacitors' quality. .. at any price!

Experience can't be bought at any price and with over 30 years in the design and manufacture of high voltage ceramic capacitors, Murata has experience that 's unsurpassed in the field. This experience has made Murata the world 's largest producer of high voltage ceramic capacitors and generated a reputation for quality and performance second to none. What 's more, our line covers virtually every high voltage application requirement. Check some of the brief features listed below and we 're sure you 'll want to

know more. Our complete information package is yours for the asking. Write or call today. DH, OHL, DliG Types. For Power Supplies and Power Distribution Systems: 10-30 KVDC WV. 40, 50 & 60 KVDC WV also in DH . 5005,000 pF. Z5V, YSP & N4700 Temp. Char. Epoxy Resin Encapsulation.
OHR Type. For Color TV Doublers and Triplers: 500-1 ,000 pF. 10, 12
and 15 KVDC WV. Z5P &. N4700
Temp. Char. Extremely Low Noise Level. (Higher Capacities are also available.)

CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Rockmart, Georgia 30153 Phone: 404-684-7821 · Telex: 54-2999 · TWX: 810-766-1340
CIRCLE NUMBER 75
130

Ast1·osystems, Inc., 6 Nevada Dr., Lake Success, NY 11040. (5 16 ) 328-1600. $375 ( 1 to 4 ) .
Durapot de-to-de angular transducers are intended as replacements for precision potentiometers where life, accuracy and friction are problems. This rotary device uses electromagnetic coupling to measure angular position. Internal electron ics perform all the necessary conversions from an external de input to a de output that is proportional to shaft rotation. An internal precision de-reference voltage is also available. The unit has an infinite resolution, an accuracy of 0.05 % and 360 degrees of continuous rotation with a dead band of only 0.02 degrees.
CIRCLE NO . 353
Optical encoders resolve 1024 pulses/revolution
Disc Instruments, Inc., 1024 E. Baker St., Costa M esa, CA 92626.
( 714 ) 979-5300. $99 (8 1) , $125
( 82 J; stock. The Rotaswitch Model EC 81
(single-channel output) and Rotaswitch E C 82 (dual-channet output) optical encoders can resolve up to 1024 pulses per revolution at speeds to 5000 rpm. The encoders are accurate to ± 2.5 minutes of arc. Both models use LED sources for maximum service life, precision instrument bearings, and solar cell s as light sensors. Outputs (logic 1) range from 5 to 15 V . The encoders weigh only 6 oz., have diameters of 2.75 in. and lengths of 1.88 in . They have drilled faceplates for easy mounting and 0.25in. diameter shafts for interfacing.
CIRCLE NO . 354
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

COMMUNICATION FIBEROPTICS

CABLES AND DATA LINKS

LOW LOSS < 1odBtKm
Single Mode Multimode (N.A.- .20)
Graded Index Step Index
MEDIUM LOSS 20 to
40 dB/Km
Multimode Step Index (N.A.-.30)
Single Fiber Channels or Bundles

HIGH LOSS < 400 dB/Km
Multimode Step Index (N.A.- .56)
Various Cable Diameters and Fibers per Cable
ALL CABLES ARE:
DuPont HYTREL(!) Sheathed DuPont KEVLAR® Reinforced Easily Strippable Color Coded

SINGLE CHANNEL AND MULTl-CHANNEL CABLES AVAILABLE

Optical Signal Communication by Dual Lightguide with Two LED-Photodetector Units. Lightweight Link Provides High Transm ission Capacity, Electrical Isolation, Maximum Security, and Eliminates Electronic Interference

VALTEC CORPORATION
WEST BOYLSTON, MA 01583 617-835-6083
CIRCLE NUMBER 76
10 amps of switching in a1"cube

Call (617) 685-4371 for technical assistance, samples and pricing information.

CIRCLE NUMBER 77
ELECTRO NIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 . 1976

AU6AT ~c

Series19 Relay. One of the most compact and reliable relays you'll ever use.
In just one cubic inch , the remarkable Series 19 relay combines the advantages of min iaturization with a capacity to handle heavy switching loads . Result : more performance in a smaller overall package. Yet the cost is low - less than $2.00 each in 100piece quantities.
Contact arrangement is SPOT. Rating is 10 amps, 28 vdc or 115 v, 60 hz . Available coil voltages range from 3 to 24 vdc .
Consider the Series 19 relay for low level to 10 amp switching applications such as remote control , alarm systems and similar industrial and commercial uses .

Send for information now!
I I NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS CONTROLS CORP.

Frederic k, Md. 21701 ·( 301 ) 663 - 5141 FOR IMMEDIATE NEED CIRCLE #271 FOR INFORMATION ONLY CIRCLE #272

13 1

· Instant 20 millisecond startup · Uses only 2 watts DC Power · Guaranteed 10,000 hours · .002 Hz to 7 Hz bandwidth · Zero to 50° per second range
These solid state, single axis angular rate sensors can be used as direct replacements for small diameter rate gyros in many of today's advanced guidance and control systems ... including autopilots, radar and helicopter stabilization systems, and hundreds of other instrumentation applications. They're hermetically sealed, rugged , and insensitive to acceleration and vibration . They provide output signals of ±2.5 VDC. 3-axis Models and units with ranges up to 3000°I sec. also available. Write Humphrey, Inc., Dept. ED 376 , 9212 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123. Phone (714) 565-6631
WRITE FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS BULLETIN
Describes various circuits that can be added to sensor to allow use as angular position , rate, or acceleration transducer.
Manufactured under license from Hercules, Inc., U. S. Patent 3,500,691
CIRCLE NUMBER 79 132

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
Mini DIPs hold Schmitt triggers
Sprague Electric Co., North Adams MA 01247. (416 ) 664-4411. $1 .25 to $1.35 (100) .
A series of Schmitt-trigger ICs comes in 8-pin miniature DIPs. All devices in the new ULN-3300M se-
ries operate over the - 40 to + 100
C temperature range. Supply voltage is 2.2 to 6 V, and the units can withstand a continuous voltage reversal without damage. Devices feature either complementary or zener-diode clamped outputs.
CIRCLE NO. 355
256-bit MNOS memory comes fully decoded

"off the shelf"
a rugged, well constructed, high quality switch
from Capitol it has the
same solid reputation as our custom ordered switches

SP-310

SINGLE POLE

DOUBLE THROW

CONTACT

SQUARE BUTTON, NON-ILLUMINATED

Contacts: Palladium rated at 3 amp, 110VAC, non-inductive

~ ! 1 J 1 l 1 /1f 1 / 1 l 1 f 1 f 1 j ~4 -. 1

r ~-::\~"";t

r - - - - - - - e; - - - --
j l - - - et -
~h-+.r+-t-t-y-o;-,.~-y+~y.,..,~ I

~.!jO...--~='t>--'l'-~_..~...,I :.

Nitron, 10420 Bubb Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014. ( 408) 255-7550 . $10 ( 100); samples from stock.
The first commercially available fully decoded MNOS nonvolatile memory-the NCM 7040-is organized as 64-words of 4 bits each. Six address and two mode inputs electrically control data reading, storing, and erasing. A P-MNOS circuit, the 256-bit NCM 7040, retains data indefinitely, even with the power supplies disconnected. Other features include nondestructive readout, single word alterability, standard ± 15-V power supplies, three-level outputs, and compatibility with CMOS and TTL product families.
CIRCLE NO. 356

11on·1 COlllT.UH,fO·ll!tUCllPOlllCI J llllCllAlllOl .UtlOll 111Ullot1Ull5 Wl111 l'OllT!H lDUOUf HTWUll .-01 ) I UTIOMI n»H
We manufacture top quality push button and lever circuit selector swits;hes single switches or banked assemblies. Write for our catalog.
Representatives in principal cities.
CAP.llDL SWITCHES
THE CAPITOL MACHINE & SWITCH CO. 87 NEWTOWN RO. DANBURY, CONN. 06810
(203) 744-3300
CIRCLE NUMBER 80
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

12L counter operates at 5.5 MHz

' COllPLETE CIRCUIT CARD WITH AMY

Pless ey S emiconductors, 1674 McGaw Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. ( 714) 540-9979. $10.56 ( 100) .
A four-decade, fully programmable PL counter, the SP8210, operates at speeds up to 5.5 MHz and has a typical power consumption of 10 mW, compared with 3.5 MHz and 30 mW for a competing CMOS device. The SP8210 may be programmed to divide by any number from 11 to 15,999. Outputs and inputs are TTL-compatible, and the device will operate with supply voltages down to 1 V.
CIRCLE NO. 357
A/d chip set counts to ±40 k
lntersil, 10900 N. Tantau Ave., Cwpertino, CA 95014. ( 408 ) 9965000. $9 ( 1000) .
A two-package microcircuit pair, the 8052A and 8053A, provides the circuitry for an analog-to-digital converter capable of up to ± 40,000 counts. Each chip comes in a 14pin DIP. The 8052A provides signal-conditioning circuits, including buffer amplifier, integrator, comparator and voltage references on chip. The 8053A provides the a/ d switch network, plus switch drivers, on chip. With a few standard components, the analog pair can form a complete family of DVMs having full-scale ranges of ± 200 mV to
±4.00 v.
CIRCLE NO. 358
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

SOLID STATE IMAGE SENSOR
Of course, as with most "freebies", there is a catch to it.
Our "C" series solid state image sensors offer 128, 256, 512, 768 and 1024 elements in a single ceramic DIP with an optical quality quartz window. They require a two or fourphase clock drive and will provide analog video at up to 400:1 dynamic range. That is, if you are an expert in both analog and digital design.
However, when you purchase one of these arrays (in the U.S., at single-unit prices.) and get our RC100 series card set with it free, you'll be on the air with a complete operating system the day you get it. All you need is a power supply and an oscilloscope to admire the results. Up to 400:1 dynamic range, 2 KHz to 2MHz scan rate and a sampled and held "box car" video output.
You can mount the array with its detachable card directly behind a lens remoted from the motherboard without any reduction in the dynamic range and end up with a complete page reader, facsimile or non-contact measurement and inspection system.
And here is the catch! You'll like our approach so much, you'll be buying our arrays in large quantities before you know it. And you won't get any more "freebies". You'll have to build or buy the card yourself.
We know what we're doing when we invest over $300 in you.
RE~f ICOf'I®
910 Benicia Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94086 (408) 738-4266 · TWX: 910-339-9343
CIRCLE NUMBER 81
133

MODULES & SUBASSEMBLIES

Data-acquisition modules keep costs low and performance high

ANALOG DATA. 16 CHANNELS, 75 kHZ RATE
Datel Systems, 1020 Turnpik e St. , Canton, MA 02021. ( 617) 828-8000. P&A: See t ext.
By taking advantage of hybrid circuit construction, Date! Systems has developed a series of data-acquisition modules with throughput rates of 75 kHz. They cost about half as much as equivalent speed modules and are slightly smaller.
The MDAS-16 is a 16-channel subsystem and the MDAS-8D is an eight-channel unit. The MDAS-16

TRI -STATE OUTPUT DATA TO MICRO COMPUTER BUS, 12 BIT RESOLUTION
handles single-ended inputs and the MDAS-8D handles differential inputs. Both units provide 12-bit resolution and relative accuracies of 0.025 % . Three-state logic outputs are used to ease module interface with mi ·cro and minicomputer busses.
Included in the modules are the multiplexer, sample-and-hold amplifier, a / d converter and all programming logic. You need only provide the de supplies and the digital-

sequencing logic that cycles the multiplexer. Both models can be connected, via pin strapping, for input ranges of 0 to 5, 0 to 10, ±2.5, ±5 or ±10 V.
All MDAS units are pin-compatible with such competitive models as the 6912 and 6812 from Analogic (Wakefield, MA ) , the SDM 850 and 851 from Burr-Brown (Tucson, AZ ), and the DT1600 series from Data Translation ( Concord, MA ) .
The throughput rate of the MDAS units is not the highest of all-Analogic and Data Translation offer systems that have a 100kHz throughput-but they cost almost twice as much. Analogic's 6912 costs $595 and the Data Translation DT1610 costs $695, compared with the $295 for the MDAS systems.
If you don't need the high speed offered by these units, lower throughput-rate units are available at costs approaching those of the MDAS. You can also get units with resolution lower than 12 bits. Data Translation, for instance, offers 8 10-bit conversion systems.
All modules offer a 100-Mn input impedance. The MDAS systems are
housed in 4.6 x 2.5 x 0.375-in.
cases while the other units are all
in a 4.6 x 3 x 0.375-in. case.

Date!

CIRCLE NO. 302

Analogic

CIRCLE NO. 303

Burr-Brown

CIRCLE NO. 304

Data Translation

CIRCLE NO. 305

11 WIL.L 8Q\JAR.E: YOUR;. ROOT, ~OOT AND R,-t\ls='E" L.fovF? R'A1i0~
AND MUtrrPL'{ i.,iou~ WHATf_Vf.f1;..

7li'JALOG</
1'HE. A-733 1§1 A i\1UL.TIPL£
FUNC"'frON MODULE PROG!?AMMED 1'0 MUL..!1PLY DIVID~, SQlwtE. R06f. SQUARE, SQVAR.E OF A ,ZA.110. AND
RAAE YOUR9 ~-ATIO'> TO AW
ARBll!ZARh' FOWER,. INPU/q FROM 100 MV-ro 10V CAN f3E
PROCE~S'ED wrn-1 MAXIMUM
OVTPVT ERR.OR. OF LE~S' /HAN 0 5% OF FULL gcALf.
··=IAl(f 11HOME10 MOfHEFij. · · O0U,..U..l.5,C(.f5.\1(.r:lJlLrln-.l C'lIONSCl D2R4P4O-RoAsIoEo> /Z20 COL.EMA.¥, SM/Pl CLAl:4 OI 95060

CIRCLE NUMBER 82

134

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Ise introduces five new ways to make
the competition
tum green.

Your competition probably already thinks they're using the perfect display in whatever it is they make. Let them keep thinking it. While you prove them wrong with a new Itron display. They're designed to make the competition turn green. Which also happens to be the color of the segments.

All 17 of them on the 17-digit Itron. All 5 on the FG-512Al. Next comes an Alfa-Numerical Itron. A Linear-Analog Itron. And a Digital Clock Itron. Five ways to be heartless if you put a little heart into it.
ifron®

Alfa-Numerical Display

FG209M2
ef =10V ec = eb = 40Vp-p ic=10mAp-p ib=8mAp-p Wd . 205mm Lg. 40mm Segment9mm

Instruments & Large Calculator Display
F6512A1
ef = 3.5V ec =eb =24Vp-p
ic=4mAp-p ib = 3mAp-p Wd. 100mm
Lg. 40mm Segment 12 mm

F6179F2
ef=7V ec = eb = 35Vp-p ic=7mAp-p ib = 5.5 mAp-p Wd.170mm Lg. 40mm Segment 9.5 mm
Digital Clock Display

FG425A1
ef = 5.5V ec =eb =35Vp-p ic = 8mAp-p ib=6.5mAp-p Wd . 140mm Lg. 59mm Segment 25mm

Linear Analog Display

ii'iiftiiiiiOI-'~,

F6120S1
ef = 55V ec=eb=35Vp-p ic = 4mAp-p ib = 0.2mAp-p Wd.140mm Lg. 40mm Segment 8 mm

NORITAKE CO., LTD.

Electronics Office (U.S.A.)

Electronics Division

22410 Hawthorne Blvd . Torrance California 90505. 1-1. Noritake-Shinmachi. Nish1-ku. Nagoya-City.

U.S.A.

Japan .

Phone: (213) 373-6704 .

Phone: NAGOYA (052) 561-71 11 .

Telex : "230674910"

Telex J59738 NORITAKE

ISE ELECTRONICS CORP.

London Office
clo NORITAKE (UK) LTD Nontake House 2. York Street WlH 1 Be . England Phone (01)935-7543 Cable "'LUCTUAL" LONDON
Muenchen Office
clo NEUMULLER GmbH 8 Muenchen 2. Kartstrasse 55 West Germanv Phone 592-421 Telex 522106

Hong Kong Office Room 1403 Sh1ng Loon Bldg 24- 26 Stanley Street. Hong Kong Phone 5-232420 Telex HX83151
Taipei Office 72-9 SEC 2. JEN Al AO , Ta1pe. Phone 351 -0293 Tele1t 11176

CIRCLE NUMBER 83

E L ECTRO NIC D ESIGN 6, M a rc h I :i, 1976

135

Select One ...

One of these tachometer generators is suited to your application. We offer them in two-bearing and single-bearing versions, no-bearing.overhung versions and in sealed housings for use in environments containing oil and hydraulic fluids. Outputs range from 2.6V/1000rpm to 45V/1000rpm; brush life up to 100,000 hours-that's over ten years!
FREE CATALOG of rotating components available.
Be Selective, Turn To ...
SERllO-TEK®
PRODUCTS COMPANY
1086 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 · 201-427-3100
Servo-Tek of California, Inc. 8155 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91402 · 213-786-0690
CIRCLE NUMBER 84

SAM® IS THE LOWEST PRICED
READERYOU CAN
BUY. BUT YOU DON'T
GET SHORT CHANGED.

You could spend a lot

mor sti II

enofot rgaettaaplleorfeSaAdMer·sand

quality features. SAM clips

along at 300 cps, has our

sure-footed dual sprocket

drive and our state-oHhe-

art fiber optic light source

and photo transistor read

head. We can make SAM do

all this and save you money

because we do things differently.

4 This is the plain, brown wrapper SAM comes in .

The more you know about punched tape equipment, the better you read us.

JTum1CCTIVJr~TIK

250 CHANDLER STREET. WORCESTER. MASSACHUSETIS 01602, U.S.A. (617) 798-8731

CIRCLE NUMBER 85 136

MODULES & SUBASSEMBLIES
Sequence controllers have 12 or 16 outputs
Purroo Mfg. Co., 1495 Sierra Creek Dr., San Jos e, CA 95132. ( 408 ) 2582200. $115 (3 012 ); $135 (3 016 ); stock.
The SC3012 and SC3016 sequential controllers provide timed sequential control of up to 12 or 16 outputs, respectively. Both models may be set to control fewer loads without cycling through unused outputs. The sequence rate can be set between 5 and 120 s, while duration can be set between 0.1 and 4 s. Other ranges are also available for both controls on special order. Each output can handle up to a 1-A load at 110 V ac. The controllers are all solid state with rugged steel frames and are designed for mounting in any NEMA enclosure that measures at least 8
x 10 in. Neon lamps on the con-
troller panel show which output is energized at any time.
CIRCLE NO. 359
Fast a/d converter series has low drift
Intech, 1220 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051. ( 408 ) 244-0500. From $350 (unit qty); stock.
The A-851 family of a / d converter modules is claimed to use an improved successive-approximation technique that provides very fast conversion with 1/ 2-LSB linearity. The family's two basic models are the A-851-10, which has 10-bit resolution and a conversion speed at 1.5 µ,s, and the A-851-12, with 12-bit resolution and a speed of 2.5 µ,s. Both A-851 models are self-contained and can operate without adjustments, however, external potentiometers may be added to trim offset and gain. Maximum quantizing and nonlinearity errors are ± 1/ 2 LSB each and the maximum differential noninverting error is less than ± 1/ 2 LSB. Temperature drift is also low, ± 10 ppm/°C maximum for offset and gain, and ± 20 ppm/° C maximum for nonlinearity. Power supply sensitivity is ±0.01 %i1%. Both models are supplied in 2 X 4 X 0.4-in. cases and weigh 4 oz.
CIRCLE NO. 360
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Precision references housed in 14-pin DIPs

Analog D evices, Rte. 1 Industrial Park, Norwood, MA 02062 . (617) 329-4700. From $10 (100-up); stock.
The AD2700 series of ± 10 and - 10-V precision references are housed in 14-pin DIPs. They include the AD2700/ L which operates over - 55 to 125 C and has a ±0 .03 % total maximum error guaranteed from - 25 to 85 C. Its load regulation over the O-to-20mA range is ±0.004 % . The military versions of the precision reference, the AD2700/ U and the AD2700/ U/ 883 with screening to MIL-STD-883A, 5004.2, Class B, have been improved to ±0.03 %, - 0.05 % total maximum error over - 55 to 125 C. The AD2701 offers identical specifications, versions and prices to those of the AD2700 , but with a - 10.000-V output. The third precision reference, the AD2702, provides a ± 10.000-V output (10 mA max. ) with identical specifications and versions as the other references.
CIRCLE NO. 361
Multiplying DACs have response range of 1 MHz
Dyr1J<J,mic M easurements, 6 L oweU A ve ., Winchester, MA 01890. ( 617 ) 729-7810. $225; 2 wks.
The 2000 Series of multiplying d/ a converters has a 1-MHz full power response range. Their feedthrough is less than 1 LSB, typical, at 1 MHz. These converters provide two-quadrant multiplication
out to + 10 V and four-quadrant
multiplication (to 400 mV typ. ) near the origin. The units supply 40 mA at ± 10 V and have an out-
put impedance of less than 0.1 n.
By strapping pins, output ranges
of 0 to + 10, ± 5, and ± 10 V are
available.
CIRCLE NO. 362
"ELECTRONlC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Sure, there are limitless practical applications for Repco 's RF links. But one of the characteristics of creative engineers

is to develop commerical applications while jiving around with

off-the-wall ideas.
We'd like you to enter our Undiscovered Genius Contest. The payoff is 12 fantastic prizes for our 6 winners and 6 runners-up .

If you 're one of the six winners , you'll receive a Texas ~
Instruments SR51 calculator - retail value $149.95. S. i'.·!'!' /
runners-up win Texas Instruments SR50 calculators - ' l.

retail value $99.95 .

f./,c

1
But just for entering , we ' ll send you a bright button .',' ",
which identifies you as an Undiscovered Genius. It also makes a neat, semi-deadly frisbee on days there 's nothing

.much doing around the lab.

Just draw a quick sketch or diagram illustrating your clever (but workable) idea incorporating Repco's RF links on an 8 Y2"

x 11" sheet of paper and sign it. We absolutely will not

appropriate or use your idea in any way except for advertising purposes. Your entry constitutes permission for us to use your drawing in our advertising .

Please send your entry directly to Repco , and for further

information and contest details pull reply card in this magazine . Contest expires April 30 , 1976.
·decision of judges is final· limit one entry per person· void where prohibited by law, or where

taxed· all entrants will be notified of winners· employees of Repco , Scope , Inc .. or their

advertising agency are not eligible (darn!) · and all prizes will be awarded .

Don 't delay ... enter now, and become an undiscovered

genius!

~,!~~ted

L - - - - - - - ..I P.O. Box 7065, Orlando, Florida 32804 · (305) 843-8484 CIRCLE NUMBER 86

137

MODULES & SUBASSEMBLIES
Hybrid voltage regulator handles up to 5 A
Solitron Devices, 1177 Blue H eron Blvd., Riviera B each, FL 33404. ( 305 ) 848-4311 . From less than $20; 2 wks.
The hybrid de voltage regulators in the CJCA series have 5 A current ratings and output voltage ranges from ±8 to ±56 V. Each regulator has two versions-one

for positive and one for negative applications. The positive voltage units over the CJCAOOl and CJCA007; the negative, CJCA002 and CJCA008. These regulators will operate from - 55 to + 125 C, and are rated for 50 W at 25 C. These regulators include a constant-current source, which provides current-mode regulation automatically, as well as current limiting. They are housed in hermetic, 8-lead, lowprofile T0-3 cases.
CIRCLE NO. 363

l\feasureincoming passive components
and make it pay.

Right away.

Not only does our 1 kHz LRC meter at $1400 (U.S.A.) cost less than

half as much as similar instruments, its accuracy is 0.25% (plus 1

---- ~o

L '

C G POWER

digit) and it is automatic (no manual balance). Wide ranges make it versatile. Add all this to ESl's reputation for reliability, and you get payout and profit. Right away.

The rest is bonus: · Four terminal measurements:
Lead resistance, leakage,

+19 75

Automatic Balance At0.25%

environmental effects are

Precision

no problem.

· Ranges: 200µH to 200 H for L, 200

pF to 200 µF for C, 2000 mfl to 2000 kf! for R, 2000 nS to 2000 mS for G.

· 31/2-digit display has overload blanking to prevent false readings.
· Set only range and function, the rest is automatic.
· Four terminal fixture available for sorting.

Rear Panel Bias Analog Output

Sorting Fixture
There's more to this fast payout story. Ask for Jim Currier, Electro Scientific Industries, 13900 N.W. Science Park Drive, Portland, OR 97229, phone 503/641-4141 .

CIRCLE NUMBER 87 138

Low-power d I a converter
accepts 12 bits
Hybrid Systems, Crosby Dr., Bedford, MA 01730. (617 ) 275-1570. From $115 (1 to 9) ; stock to 4 wk.
The DAC347-LP-MIL is a 12-bit general-purpose d/ a converter designed for low-power operation. The. unit has a power dissipation of less than 150 mW, is housed in an 18-pin hermetic DIP and is available with either MIL-STD-883 level B or C processing. Model
+ DAC347-LP-MIL has an input
range of 0 to 10 V; a G version is available for ± 10-V inputs. Some key specifications include: linearity error from - 25 to + 85 C is ±0.05 % FSR max. and from - 55 to +125 C is ±0.1 % FSR max. The settling time is 10 µ,s and power supplies are ± 15 V at ± 4 mA.
CIRCLE NO. 364
Synchro transmitters provide difference angle
Computer Conversions Corp., 6 Dunton Ct., East Northport, NY 11731. ( 516) 261-3300. $400 (prod. qty.) ; 4 wks.
The SCDX series of synchro control differential-transmitter modules can directly replace conventional electro-mechanical transmitters. The modules measure 2.6 x 3.1 x 0.82 in. and have standard aocuracies of ± 4, ± 15 or ± 30 minutes of arc. They simultaneously accept synchro or resolver inputs of 11.8 or 90 V, 400 Hz or 90 V, 60 Hz, and 14, 12 or 10-bit binary digital data. The output delivers the sine and cosine of the difference between these two input angles. Standard output voltage is 7 V rms and the output impedance
is 10 n max / - 90 °. The converters
typically reqmre + 15 V at 90 mA, - 15 V at 25 mA and + 5 V at 75 mA. Available operating temperature ranges are 0 to 70 or - 55 t-0
+85 c.
CIRCLE NO. 365
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

DRIREED SWITCHES
·Quality controlled I precision
construction
· Microminiature Sub-miniature, Miniature, Intermediate sizes Any Quantity
AND DR/REED SWITCH PRODUCTS

LOW-PROFILE PUSHBUTTON SWITCHES
·Single or ganged
· ·Momentary, alternateaction , and illuminated units
· Long life, dependable · Patented design
eliminates magnetic interference

D.l.P. DRIREED RELAYS
·Positive action-6 to
26 VDC coils · Contact ratings to 200VDC · Gold alloy or rhodium
as contacts
· 5 x 1 operations at rated load
· Low cost-high reliability

Available from Stock or Custom Designed for Your Application

ELe-cTRe Write for Catalogs Matthews Ave.,
cmtrols, incapcroted Canton, Miss 39046 (6011859-5511/TWX (810) 990-0938

CIRCLE NUMBER 88

· Please write us on your letterhead for det;11led information
~~ 'D~ {fe.,Ltd.
5 5 2 Yutenp Mequro ku lokyo Jap;in TEL 711 6656 TELEX 0246 8107
CIRCLE NUMBER 89
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Reduce ECL system noise with off-board voltage and ground distribution.
MINI/BUS®does it ···
Benefits of Rogers Mini/Bus start with design time (lots less for PC boards with ECL circuits) and keep going: · Eliminate cost of multi-layer
boards · Give higher packaging
density · Reduce system noise For design data, details of the many versions of Mini/Bus (full card matrix, vertical strips, horizontal strips), and data on why Mini/Bus reduces noise and lowers costs, contact Ray Jodoin at:
Rogers Corporation
Chandler, AZ 85224 (602) 963-4584
CIRCLE NUMBER 90
139

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
The lntecolor®8001
A Complete 8 COLOR Intelligent CRT Terminal
$1,995*

"Complete" Means · 8080 CPU· 25 Line x 80 Ch aracter/ Line · 4Kx8 RA M · PR OM Software ·Sockets for UV Erasable PROM · 19" Shadow Mask Color CR Tube · RS232 1/ 0 · Sockets for 64 Special Graphics· Selectable Baud Rates to
9600 Baud· Single Package· 8 Color Monitor · ASCI I Set ·Keyboard· Bell· Manual

And you also get the lntecolor· 8001 9 sector Convergence System fo r ease of set up (3-5 minutes) and stability.
Additional Options Available: ·Roll ·Additi onal RAM to 32K · 48 Line x 80 Characte rs/Line · Li ght Pens ·Limited Graphics Mode · Backgro und Color · Special Grap hic Characters ·Games

*Quantity 100 (Unit Price $2,495.)

®/SC WILL MAKE A BELIEVER OUT OF YOU!

lntelllgent Systems corp 4376 Ridge Gate Drive, Duluth, Georgia 30136

"®

Telephone C404l 449-5961

CIRCLE NUMBER 91
Hanover makes markets Afresh every year

DATA PROCESSING
Printer for µ Ps is low cost
The Binary Corp., 2680 B ayshore Frontage Rd., Mountain View, CA 94040. ( 415 ) 965-9590. $395 (100
up) .
A low-cost, high-speed printer for microcomputers, the Binary MP-01, can operate asynchronously at any speed up to 160 char / s. The unit is self -contained a nd is based on a Sharp electric-discha r ge printer, which prints on 20-column , 2-1/ 4-in. paper. The 64-character set includes t he full alphabet, all digits and s ome special symbols.
CIRCLE NO. 366
Panel displays octal data and addresses

· Refuse collection, disposal

· Domestic electric installations

and utilization

and equipment

· Propulsion engineering

· Specialized electrical processes

Including Installation engines

and processing

· Construction equipment

· Electronic components and

· Building materials and compo-

assemblies

nents, prefabricated and system · Research and technologies

building

· Measuring, testing, controlling

· Machinery for building materials and ai..tomatlon

and concrete blocks

· Telecommunications

· Catering, coin-operated

· Surface treatment

machines

· Cleaning and maintenance

· Office and Information systems

of property

(Ce BIT)

· Transport

· Chemicals, rubber and plastics · Advertizlng

technology

· Tools

· Steam and heat

· Decorative consumer goods

· Iron and steel, non-ferrous

metals, foundry products · Electric lighting

EXPOCLIMA

· Production and conversion of electricity
· Distribution of electricity

European Spec1al1sed Exhibition for Re fr igera tio n, Air· cond1tion1ng Air-han dl ing an d Ory ing

Schenkers International Forwarders, Inc., One World Trade Center, Suite 1867, New York, N.Y.10048, Tel. 212432-3000

CIRCLE NUMBER 92 140

Control L ogic, Inc., Nine T ech Circle, Natick , M A 01760. ( 61 7) 6551170. B egins at $250.
A low-cost address and data-display panel (ADDP ) provides octal readouts of both busses for M Series microcomprnter systems. The ADDP can display t he latch bus in L-Series systems as well. The upper "DATA" display shows t he contents of the data bus ( D7-D 0 ) as a 3-di git octal number. The middle " P AGE" display shows t he contents of A13-A8, t he page number section of the address bus. The lower "WORD" display shows t he contents of A7-A0, t he word number within a 256-byte page of memory.
CIRCLE NO. 367
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Data-processing m1m aims at first-time users
NCR Corp., Dayton, OH 45479. ( 513 ) 449-2150. Start at $17,900.
A general-purpose data-processing system designed mainly for first-time computer users, the new NCR 499 is a successor system to t he NCR 399 minicomputer. A basic 499 system includes a 12 kbyte miniprocessor, an integrated, bidirectional, 75-character-per-second impact matrix printer, a magnetic-tape-cassette transport and forms handler. A standard 10-key numeric keyboard is used for numeric data.
CIRCLE NO. 368
30-Mbyte disc system sells for under $10,000

WHENEVER YOUR NEED IS
+ o--1~-
YOU NEED

Datum, I nc., 1363 S. State Colleg e Blv d ., Anaheim, CA 92806. (714 ) 533-6333. S ee text.
A 10-platter, moving-head disc system adds low-cost storage capacity to Data General Nova and Eclipse, Digital Computer Controllers D-116, and Keronix IDS-16 mini computers. Designated the 4091-N, the disc drive and controller sells for $9995 in unit quantities-sign if i can tl y below the $15,000 to $16,000 price of comparable units. The unit has a stor-
age capacity of 30 x 106 bytes
with a recording density of 2200 bpi. Average random access time is 55 ms ; data are recorded on 20 surfaces at 100 tracks per inch with 203 tracks per surface. Transfer data rate is 312 kbytes per second; write frequency is 5 MHz ±0 .3 % . Storage media are IBM 2316-type disc packs, which rotate at 2400 rpm.
CIRCLE NO. 369
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

DC OUTPUT SCR REGULATED POWER SUPPLIES

HIGH EST-EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY LOWEST-COST, SIZE, RIPPLE

POWER OUTPUT
I soow
aoow
10
j 1600W
2400W
I 2500W
sooow
30
) 10000W
TO 60KW

SIZE PRICE

0 TO 7.SV UP TO 600V DC

0 TO .75A UP TO 3000A DC

3.50H 3.SOH 5.25H 7.00H 7.00H 8.75H 12.25H TO 41 H

425 -500 500-650 750-850 900-1100 1200-1600 1500- 2300 2300-2900
T09500

I ELECTRON IC

fFoR'DE'TA1L"Eo iNFO'RMArioN'SE'No

I NAME~---------
I MEASUREMENTS I NC. COMPANY _ _ _ _ __

405 ESSEX ROAD NEPTUNE NJ 07753
TELEPHONE 201-922-9300
TOLL FREE
800-631-4 298

I TITLE--------STREET--------
I - - 1 C I T Y - - - - - STATE
.,L.Z :H:IEP ___ --- _- ___ :JI

CIRCLE NUMBER 93
141

this Mil-Spec
CUSTOM
RELAY
SOCKET
f o r a p p I i cat i o n to VRC-77 ground control rugged communications system. Meets required Military specifications.

DATA PROCESSING
Table-top plotter turns out 34-in. artwork
California Computer Pro ducts, 2411 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801. (714) 821-2541. $8700.
This drum plotter, the CalComp 836, is intended to replace the CalComp 563 drum plotter, a unit claimed to have set the industry standard in low-cost, 30-in. plotting for over 15 years. The new plotter's advantages include quietness of operation and plug compatibility for on-line operati<Jn with any minicomputer or computer having an asynchronous EIA RS-232-C connection or a CalComp standard 500 series interface. Table-top size is 51 in. by 18.75 in., drawin.g speed is 1.97 in./ s and increment size is 0.004 in.
CIRCLE NO. 370
OEM line printer controlled by µ P

32-k bit add-in memory .offered on one board
Dataram Corp., Princeton-Hightstown Rd., Cranbury, NJ 08512. ( 609 ) 799-0071. $1980 (32 kb); 30 days.
DR-716 is an add-in, singleboard, 32-k bit core memory system for use with Interdata's Model 50, Model 70, 7/16, 7/32, and 8/32 minicomputers. A 16-k bit version is also available. By means of an internal jumper, the 716 can be set to operate at either 750-ns or 1-µs cycle time. Parity is available at no additional cost. The board is completely pin-compatible with Interdata memory.
CIRCLE NO. 372

Matrix printer spews out 125 lines/min

Request more information and FREE SAMPLES of this or similar items ... representative of Eby capabilities.
/EW
HUGH H. EBY CO.
4701 GERMANTOWN AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA. 19144 (215) 842-3000 a division of REDM Corp.
E tos
CIRCLE NUMBER 101 142

A xiom Corp., 425 E. Green St.,
Pasadena, CA 91101. (213 ) 684-
22/. 6. $965 ( 1-9 ); stock.
The EX-800 series of electrostatic line printers is designed sp-ecifically for OEM use. There are three models-20, 40 or 80columns-and each comes equipped with a microprocessor-controlled 64-character ASCII interface and power supply. Users may specify parallel or se1·ial-up to 12,000 baud-data entry, with or without RS232C. A combination FIFO/ RAM input buffer can store up to 160 characters of multiline information to allow continuous printing of most serial data. Maximum print speed is 2 lines/s to produce a high contrast printout of 5 x 7 dot-matrix characters.
CIRCLE NO. 371

----
Okidata Corp., 111 Gaither Dr.,
Moorestown, NJ ·08057. (215 ) 5466537.
A new 132-column matrix printer is said to offer significantly greater speed at substantially lower prices than competitive models. The proprietary print head uses constant-curre~t drivers plus 22 pin drivers instead of the standard seven or nine found in other models. The unit comes as a desktop or pedestal-mounted model that
produces 132 columns of 5 x 7
matrix characters ait 125 lines per minute or 256 characters per second continuously with no limitation on the duty cycle. It is available with OEM parallel and RS232 serial interfaces.
CIRCLE NO. 373
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

MJiMxfilOptics
flClllWUi'!ILM' "°'~~NC)
~~~

FREE
Fiber Optics Catalog

Features the complete AO line of fiber optics

products-from Inspection Fiberscopes and

Light Guides to llluminators, Image Conduits,

Faceplates and Custom Components. Includes

the four newest remote inspection fiberscopes

now available.

Describes the principle, technology and tech-

niques used to make flexible light and image

/JC) transmissions a proven, practical fact. Write today
for your FREE copy of the AO Fiber

Optics catalog to American Optical

Corporation, Fiber Optics Division,

Southbridge, Mass. 01550.

American

Optical

CIRCLE NUMBER 102

FOR SALE

New and Used
Computer Equipment

In Part or Whole Lot

3 each

DOC Fixed Head Disk Drives Model 7312-84 Capacity: 15.7K bits Access Time: 8.5 miloseconds Cost: $19,800 each

2 each

Diablo Moveable Head Disk Drives Model # 43 Capacity: 50,000K bits Access Time: 38 miloseconds Cost: $5,065 each

5 each

CFI IBM 5440 Type Disk Packs Cost: $125 each

Prices On All Items Are Negotiable

For Further Information Contact:
J. P. Childress P. 0. Box 36827 Houston, Texas 77036 A/C 713-777-1381 Ext. 562

CIRCLE NUMBER 103
E L ECTRON IC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Precision on the Inside Makes it Work. As a design or product engineer,
it has to be frustrating to design a product and then encounter problems with a seemingly " insignificant" part.
At ITT Thermotech we care about the inside of your product and manufacture precision plastic parts with a long life that help keep your product running, whether " insignificant" or critical.
Another real plus to you is that ITT Thermotech is an U.L. recognized source.
So, if you're looking for precision on the inside, contact ITT Thermotech. Since we are a full service molder we can also assist you from design through manufacture and delivery of the finished part(s).
Beauty is not only skin deep.
JI~~ THERMOTECH 1202 South Fifth St.· Hopkins, MN 55343 · 612/938-7671 3200 Tyrone Blvd· St. Petersburg , Florida 33710 · 813/ 347-2 191
CIRCLE NUMBER 104
143

Bring your photodiode
problems to C tron.

DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS
GaAs FETs operate at up to 8 GHz as amplifiers
t tc ·

Nobody has more experience in specialized photodiode applications than Cetron. o·ur designers have helped countless customers to solve their application problems. Some needed only the proper usage of our standard photodiodes ... . others required our years of knowhow to come up with a high performance, specialized design that would do the job.

Talk over your application with one of our experienced sales engineers. Whatever your problem, we can help you to select a reliable photodiode that will meet your exact specifications.

Check the reader service number or call Cetron to receive our Rapid Reference Data Catalog.

n LfT'1iON°

SPECIALISTS IN PHOTODIODE DESIGN & MANUFACTURING FOR OVER 40 YEARS.

m ELECTRONIC CORPORATION 715 Hamilton St. Geneva, llL 60134 (312) 232-4 140

CIRCLE NUMBER 105

'" " " ' 6<iH
Fujitsu Components Div., 1-1 Shinbashi 6 chome Minato-ku, T okyo Japan. $740 ( FLC08) , $980 ( 15) $1200 ( 30 ) ; stock.
Three specially-designed, n-channel GaAs Schottky-barrier FETs, the FLC series, are intended for common-source applications. They can be used in Class A microwave linear power amplifier and oscillator applications at frequencies up to 8 GHz. Power outputs at 4, 6 and 8 GHz for these units are: 3, 2.4 and 1.() W for the FLC30 ; 1.5, 1.2 and 1 W for the FLC15; and 0.8 , 0.7 and 0.6 W for the FLC08. The FETs are housed in hermetically sealed metal / ceramic packages.
CIRCLE NO. 374

· · ·
Whatever your hard-copy need - alpha-numeric/digital printout; multi·copy; multi-color; ordinary calculator paper/pressure· sensitive tape; card, label, fan-folded forms, sales slip, - one of our 12 basic field-proven impact printers will suit you perfectly. Products of Shimshu-Seiki, world-famous for a decade of reliability. Choose up to 21 columns, up to 42 characters/column, 3.4 Iines/sec printing speed. Lowest sample prices . Phone Floyd Makstein, V .P. Marketing, or w'rite . ..
~ C. ltoh Electronics, inc.
~ ~ SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS DIVISION 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (2121 573-9466. Telex : WUD 12-5059
CIRCLE NUMBER 106
144

Laser diodes operate continuously a1 35 C
RCA, Solid State Div ., Route 202, Somerville, NJ 08876. ( 201 ) 7223200. $350 ( C301027) ; $375 ( 130) ; $1950 ( 125) ; 5 to 30 days.
Two continuous-wave injection laser diodes, types C30127 and C30130, are capable of continuous or high-duty-cycle operation at case
temperature of up to + 35 C. The
C30127 is supplied in a hermetically sealed OP-4A package and the C30130 in a geometrically-centered OP-12 package. Also available is a laser system, type C30125. It consists of a laser diode, a regulated de power supply and a closed-loop temperature stabilization system. Both the C30127 diode and the C30125 system provide a minimum power output of 5 mW at 820 nm while the C30130 di.ode has a slightly higher minimum power output of 6 mW at 820 nm. All three devices have a source size of typically 12 x 2 ,µ,m, and can be modulated at frequencies up to and beyond 100 MHz.
CIRCLE NO. 375
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6. March 15, 1976

Fast switching SCRs block up to 1200 V
International R ectifier, S emiconductor Div., 233 Kansas St., El Segundo, CA 90245. (213 ) 6786287. P&A: See text.
The 250 RL series of 450 A rms, fast-switching inverter SCRs has blocking voltages of up to 1200 V. Maximum turn-off time, and typical turn-off time with feedback diode, is 60 µs. The cases of units in the 250RL Series conform to JEDEC outline T0-118. Typical cost for the 250RL50 is $67.80 in 10 to 99 quantities; delivery is 4 weeks.
CIRCLE NO. 376
Electro-optic design kit has 6 photodetectors
United Detector Technology, 2644 30th St., Santa Monica, CA 90405. (2 13 ) 396-3175 . $245; stock.
The Light Kit, an electro-optics designers assortment, contains six silicon photodetectors, a silicon photodetector slide rule and design manual. The photodetectors include: the PIN lOCAL/ PR, a 1 cm2 Schottky barrier photodiode with continuous radiometric calibration curve and mountable photopic filter for CIE correction ; the PIN SC / 10, a continuous, dualaxis, Schottky barrier position sensing photodiode; the PIN 125, a lensed, planar-diffused photodiode for photovoltaic operation; the PIN 8LC, low-capacitance, large area, Schottky-barrier device for fast response requirements; the PIN lOD, 1 cm2, general-purpose, planar-diffused photodiode for photoconductive and photovoltaic use and' the PIN 020, a low-noise, isolated, planar-diffused photodiode for low-light-level . applications.
CIRCLE NO. 377
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Optical de'tectors with amp come in T0-99 case
B ell & Howell Control Products Div ., 706 Bostwick A ve., Bridgeport, CT 06605. (203 ) 368-6751. $48 ( 1 to 9) , stock to 4 wks.
The 539 Series of optical detectors combines a planar-diffused silicon photodiode, a 100-MHz gainbandwidth product op amp and a

gain determining resistor-all in a T0-99 package. The detectors operate from ± 15-V supplies. Diode areas of 0.8 or 5 mm2 are available with gain resistor of 30, 50 or 100 kn. Responsivity for a tungsten (2870 K) illuminant ranges from 7 to 22 mV I µ W and rise times from 28 to 90 ns. Dark offsets of 8 to 11 mV are typically present over the O-to-70-C operating range.
CIRCLE NO. 378

DANA INTRODUCES THE SMART
COUNTER.
Series 9000: World's First Microprocessing Timer/Counter.
The Dana Series 9000 is smart enough to make your work a lot easier. Microprocessing controls provide all the features of a premium timer/counter, a reciprocating counter and a calculator. Plus interfacing options and operating capabilities never before available in one instrument. The Dana Series 9000 Microprocessing Timer/ Counter goes so far beyond all other counters it takes a whole brochure just to explain its capabilities. Ask for it. It's the smart thing to do. Dana Laboratories, Inc., 2401 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92664, 714/833-1234.

IDIAln!RI@
Others measure by us.

FOR PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION CIRCLE # 289

FOR LITERATURE ONLY CIRCLE #290
145

PROFESSIONAL
DISCOUNT PRICES
AVAILABLE ON

~Texas

Instruments

Engineering

Calculators

PHONE TOLL-FREE
800-638-8906
FOR THE CURRENT LOW DISCOUNT PRICE OF THE LATEST MODEL TEXAS INSTRUMENTS CALCULATOR OF YOUR CHOICE

Texas Instruments SR-52

Programming power from Texas

Instruments. Easy hand held

programming for scientists. en-

gineers, students - anyone who

works with advanced mathemat-

ics. Check these features: 224

program locations, 20 address-

able memory registers, 23 pre-

programmed key functions, in-

direct addressing, permanent

program storage on magnetic

cards.

Texas Instruments SR-56

More power from Texa s lnstru-

ments. Hand held key program-

mable calculator. 100 program

steps, 5 program levels (u p to

4 levels of subroutine may be

defined). Easy single ste p edit-

ing. Main features include 26

preprogrammed key functions,

10 addressable memory regis-

ters, algebraic logic and 9 lev-

els of parentheses.

Pc 100 Lock down printer; for a

hard copy of you r result s;

step by step listing of program s. or "debug-

ging" programs. The PC-100 printer may be

used with the SR-56 or SR-52.

OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE
SR-SOA, SR-51A, Tl 2550 11 , Tl 250011, Tl 5100
All THE FAMOUS TEXAS INSTRUMENTS ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS ARE AVAILABLE AT DISCOUNT PRICES Ma i l and phone orders accepted. Master Charge and Ban kAmericard accepted. Add $2.50 per unit for shi pping and handl ing. Maryland residents add 4% sales tax.
Use our toll free phone: 800-638-8906 (Maryland re sidents phone: (301) 340-7200) to order or for current discount quotations on the lead ing brand s of electronic calculators: Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Pac kard, Rockwell, Ricoh, Kingspoint, Corvus, Novus, and many more .
THE GUARANTEE
10 day money back trial. If you are not completely satisfied you may return the Texas In· struments calcula tor you ord~r within 10 days for a cash refund or charge cancellation. In addition Texas Instruments Inc. and Capital Calculator Co. Inc. warrant each ca lculator for a period of one year against defective parts and workmanship.
Capital Calculator Company ~
701 East Gude Drive Rockville, Maryland 20850

CIRCLE NUMBER 108
146

MICROWAVES & LASERS
25-50-MHz circulator fights intermodulation
Microwav e Associates Inc ., 850A Stewart Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 . ( 408 ) 736-9330. $365; 30 days.
A low-band circulator-for the 25-to-50-MHz frequency range-presents a practical alternative to existing methods for combating low-band transmitter intermodulation problems. The intermodulation-eliminating device is available for use with both high and low-power transmitters. It provides an isolation of 22 dB and an insertion loss of only 0.75 dB.
CIRCLE NO . 379
Laser system measures to± 1/2-microinch

Amp outputs linear power at400 MHz
Amplifier Research, 160 School House Rd., Souderton, PA 18964. (215) 723-8181. $900; stock to 30 days.
Th e Model 4L class-A amplifier has an instantaneous bandwidth of 400 MHz, and can provide over 4 W of linear and greater t han 7.5 W of useful power. The solid-state unit doesn't require tuning or special driv·e sources. Gain of the amplifier is typically flat within 1 dB , and it can be varied from 20 to over 36 dB by means of a frontpanel attenuator. Harmonics are down at least 23 dB below the fundamental frequency at 4 W of output power. Noise figure is typically 9 dB. Input VSWR is 1.5: 1 maximum; when a 50-Q load is used .
CIRCLE NO. 381

R ecognition Systems, 15531 Cabrito Rd., Van Nuys, CA 91406 . (2 13 ) 785-2179. $40,000 ; 120 days.
An automated optical-computer inspection system measures photomasks to microinch accuracy at four times the speed possible with manually operated equipment. Called MAME (Microinch Accuracy Measured Electo-optically), the system uses Fourier-transfo1~m optics and a minicomputer that analyzes the diffraction patterns produced by each line or gap inspected on the mask. Typical accuracies of ± 0. 75 % can be obtained on a 100-microinch line. The system can detect variations as small as ± 1/ 2 of a microinch in a line only 60 microinches wide. MAME displays dimensions in microinches or microns on a TV viewing system, and it can accept positive or negative masks up to 5 in. square, a size range that covers wafers measuring from 3/4 to 4 in.
CIRCLE NO . 380

Compact 4-way dividers work to 500 MHz
M errimac Industries, Inc., 41 Fairfield Pl., W est Caldwell, NJ 07006. (201 ) 228-3890. PDF-4E-50: $75; stock to 30 days.
Small li ghtweight four-way power dividers-the PDF-4E seriescover the frequency range of 50 kHz to 500 MHz, and feature high isolation and uniform output characteristics. Housed in flatpacks, the devices are designed for mounting to stripline and P C boards, and they meet or exceed MIL-STD202 environmental and physical conditions. Representative of the series is the Model PDF-4E-50, covering the 2-to-100 MHz frequency range and featuring - 6dB coupling and 30-dB isolation . Other characteristics include: amplitude balance of 0.2 dB, phase balance of 1°, insertion loss of 1
dB , impedance of 50 n, VSWR of
1.3 :1, and power rating of 1 W with matched loads. Units in the series measure 0.4 x 0.83 x 0.83 in. and weigh 8 grams.
CIRCLE NO. 382
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6. March 15 , 1976

THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
Memory overflow problems can now be a thing of the past. The EM-30 Extended Memory System eliminates the necessity of redesigning your programs as a result of ERROR 2.
~~ You can now economically expand the read/write memory \!iJil capacity of your 9830 to a full 32K bytes. ~~ You can easily work with large arrays of data without resorting \!iJil to peripheral storage. ~~ With the EM-30 you are assured of full compatibility with all \!iJil software, peripherals, and HP ROM options. /.~ The EM·30 is a direct plug-in replacement for HP memory and \!iJil you can install it in minutes with just a screwdriver.
The HP9830A* already approaches the power of a minicomputer. The EM-30 Extended ~emory System significantly furthers the dimensions of this versatile machine by giving you minicomputer memory capacity with desk-top convenience. For as little as $4,230 you can expand a fully loaded 15K byte 9830 to 32K bytes. You can integrate the extended memory capability of the EM-30 into the 9830 without changing any of your existing programs.
The design of the EM-30 Extended Memory System is based on proven 4K RAM chips for low power requirements and high reliability. All units have passed .extensive tests to ensure that they are consistent with the high quality and reliability that you expect from HP products.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Send us a list of your ROM's, options and peripherals and we will send you a cassette containing a collection of appropriate commercial programs. Your name will be added to a growing list of 9830 users who are interested in a mutual exchange of programs and techniques. For additional information circle the reader number or call us collect.
lnfo'lek Sy11'len11s ~~
\fiJiJ 733 E. Edna Place · Covina, Calif. 91723 (213) 966-7431 · TWX 910-584-1812
CIRCLE NUMBE!! I 09
Rose
New. BeautUuL Quality. Standards.

CIRCLE NUMBER 11 O
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Rose Enclosures, made spec!1ically tor electronic

use, culminate years ot design, engineering and

production experience. Extra high quality, preci-

sion-tinished units provide tunctional protection,

easy access, excellent esthetics. Available mate-

rials: Lexan, Aluminum, Polyester and ABS. Clear

Ei plastic covers with Lexan and ABS. A competi-

tively-priced stock ot Rose Enclosures is main-

tained in Belding,

C!lllla 'I.ft ft.T

Mich. tor immediate 51~ &~

shipment. Contact us at ( 616) 794-0700.

BFOTl-fERS 11'.C.
Belding. tvktigan 4aso9

C!RCLE NUMBER 111
147

ourat's

A QUICK QUIZ ON MAGNETIC SHIELDS

Who has the most complete mag-
netic shield facility in the
U.S.?

How many ways can a magnetic
shield be fabricated?

Who gives you
design help, prototypes, drawings, testing and qual-
ity assurance?

How many layers
of .004" Hipernom foil will attenuate a 4
~e::~~~,'~~1~8!

Why are Amuneal magnetic shields
cooked 22 hours in 99.9% dry hydrogen?

What is "Mu" anyway?

Answers: 1. Amuneal; 2. six; spot welded, heliarc welded, drawn, spun, wrapped or hydroformed; 3. Amuneal; 4. two layers; 5. to restore the optimum magnetic shielding properties of the metal destroyed during fabrication; 6. the Greek letter denoting permeability, the ability of the shield to carry the field. For all the answers, send for your free Magnetic Shield Source Book today.
~ODO (]]OD@~ D
MANUFACTURING CORP. 4737 Darrah St., Philadelphia , Pa .19124 Telephone: 215-535-3000 CIRCLE NUMBER 112

SPECTRONICS SKV OPTICAL ISOLATORS
IN 6-PIN DIPS

Spectronics offers the first 5KV isolator in the popular

6-pin dual in-line package. These components are directly interchangeable with standard industrial 6-pin

isolators.

Circle # 131

LOW-COST PHOTODETECTORS & LEDS

Spectronics provides industry's largest selection of standard off-the-shelf detectors and LEDs . Direct replacements for such popular industrial types as GE, Tl, Monsanto and Motorola.
Circle # 132

STANDARD OPTICAL SWITCHES

Six, low-cost off-the-shelf optical switches are available as direct replacements for such popular devices as the H13A1, A2: H1381 , 82: MCA 8, 81 and MCT 8, 81 . Both phototransistor and photodarlington versions are furnished.
Circle #133
. for you!

CIRCLE NUMBER 134
148

Application Notes
Thermal rms converters
Designers are given an operational description of the Model 4131 thermal rms-to-dc converter element as well as specific circuit details for several applications in a six-page application note. The note, complete with circuit diagrams and performance curves, starts with an analysis of the static and dynamic behavior of the wideband monolithic converter and uses models to develop the transfer function. Burr-Brown, Tucson, AZ
CIRCLE NO. 383
Guard circuitry
The appEcation and use of guard circuitry with attention to increasing the accuracy of measurements of DVMs, digital thermometers and calibrators are discu ::;sed in a bulletin. Detailed diagrams show how to connect guard c ircuitry for different measurement conditions. John Fluke Manufacturing, Mountlake Terrace, WA
CIRCLE NO. 384
PROM guide
"The PROM User's Guide," a 26-page booklet, gives information on selecting and using PROMs and the equipment available to support PROM users. It includes an introduction to PROM technologies, covering both MOS and bipolar PROMs, and a cross-reference guide to PROM manufacturers. Pro-Log, Monterey, CA
CIRCLE NO. 385
Vacuum system analysis
A detailed theoretical study of vacuum control systems analyzed by computer solutions to the nonlinear equations governing system performance ·is given in a fourpage bulletin. MKS Instruments, Burlington, MA
CIRCLE NO. 386
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15 , 1976

Evaluation Samples ·
Contact springs
Gold-plated contact springs come in diameters from 0.037 to 0.125 in. and lengths range from 0.043 to 0.142 in. Due to very light spring rates, force requirements of 0.04 oz per 0.001 in. of travel are available. Servometer Corp.
CIRCLE NO. 387

Bushings
The B-468-343 nylon bushing used for mechanical protection of shafts and protection of electrical wires and cables has a 1/ 4-in. profile and protrudes less than 118-in. into a chassis. It has a 17/ 32-in. head dia., an 11/ 32-in. inside dia. and is designed for a 15/ 32-in .-dia. mounting hole. Heyman Manufacturing.
CIRCLE NO. 392

Fuse clip
The MC-27 fuse clip is made of beryllium copper, heat treated after forming for maximum spring properties. The clip is designed to accommodate a 1/ 4-in.-dia. fuse and is available in electro-tin or gold plating. The clip has a current rating of 10 A and a contact r·esistance of less than 5 mn. Components Corp.
CIRCLE NO. 393

Contacts
Rivet-type contacts for electrical connectors and circuit boards are produced by cold forming. Wire diameter is from 0.03 to 0.093 in., length to 0.56 in. Parts with nailtype heads, depressed or cup-type heads, extended shanks and chamfered ends are available. Art Wire & Stamping.
CIRCLE NO. 388

Silicon rectifier bridge
The PK rectifier bridge is rated at 10-A continuous, 150-A surge and is available in voltage ratings from 50 to 800 V. The bridge is housed in a cylindrical case that has a diameter of 0.89 in. and is 0.3 in. high. Leads are wire. Electronic Devices.
CIRCLE NO. 389
MOS/LSI sockets
24 and 28-position versions of the company's zero insertion fo,rce sockets feature self-ejection of the LSI module, positive lock in the loaded LSI position and zero axial force during the loading cycle. Molex.
CIRCLE NO. 390
PVC foam tape
A double-coated, pressure-sensitive PVC foam tape for mounting. holding, cushioning and sealing applications is coated both sides with a durable press-on adhesive. Adhesion is unaffected in any weather or temperature. The Mutual Paper Co., P.S.I. Div.
CIRCLE NO. 391
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Newport's new logic-powered DPVMs have the largest display in the smallest space ...
starting at $65.00*
The models 213 and 216 offer 2000 and 6000 count capacity respectively. Four ranges of voltage are available for each unit. The DIN standard case and cut-out permits mounting without occupying precious front panel space. The depth, including the connector, is 71 mm. Newport's DPVMs will replace your edgewise analog meter with bright 13mm (% inch) LED digits easily read from a distance. Low power consumption and low parts count, plus Newport's ten years experience, add up to real reliability you can count on.
·OEM quantities
OTHER OUTSTANDING FEATURES: · Differential input · Common mode voltage isolation · Bias current <1 nA ·One watt power consumption · Dual slope average value · DIN standard case · Bipolar ranges · Automatic zero · High 50/ 60Hz NMR · 3-wire ratio standard · 4-wire ratio (optional) · Character serial BCD output (optional)

NEWPORT LABS630 East Young Street Santa Ana, California 92705

Phone: (7·14) 540-4686

NEWPORT

CIRCLE NUMBER 114
149

The m:jginal open-chassis power supply
125,000+ units in the field: your assurance of quality and reliability

DPS Series
:::Three models produce 0.8-3.5 amp at 5-24 Vdc
::: Operate on 105-125 or 210-250 V, 47-63 Hz
:::Regulation: ± 0.25% line and load ~::Easy mounting :::UL listed

Thumbwheel switches
Miniature 8 and 10-position thumbwheel switches are described in a 24-page brochure. Both sealed and enclosed types are described. Full electrical and mechanical specifications are provided. AMP, Harrisburg, PA
CIRCLE NO. 394
Disc drive
The Series 700 head-per-track disc drive is illustrated in a fourpage brochure. General Instrument, Rotating Memory Products, Hawthorne, CA
CIRCLE NO. 395

See EEM for complete specs and 110 stocking distributor locations
FREE!
Catalog and Designer's Handbook -includes specs and tips for designing with Tele-Dynamics power supplies and line regulators

111111lllTELE·DYNAMICS i::=::c1

525 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington , PA 19034 (215) 643-3900
An equal opportunity employer M/ F Tele-Dynamics

6535

CIRCLE NUMBER 11 5
150

Opto-electronics
Standard silicon and blue-enhanced photovoltaic cells, blue-enhanced photodiodes, and p-i-n photodiodcs are covered in a 12page guide. Also shown are CdS and CdSe photoconductive cells, seleniu m photovoltaic cells, npn phototransistors and photo-Darlingtons and opto-isolators. Vactec, Maryland Heights, MO
CIRCLE NO. 396
Components
Over 2500 items, including computers, music synthesizers, motors, special I Cs, chips, relays, keyboards, alarms, LEDs, etc., are listed in a catalog. Prices are included. World Wholesale Electronic Supply, Hathorne, MA
CIRCLE NO. 397

Optical industry directory
"The Optical Industry & Systems Directory 1976" is a two-volume set that includes a 420-page buyer's guide and a more than 300-page encyclopedia dictionary. The set costs $35. The Optical Publishing Co., Inc., 59 Bartlett Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201
INQUIRE DIRECT
Freq conversion modules
Application information and design suggestions for v/f and f/v converters are given in an eightpage folder. Dynamic Measurements, Winchester, MA
CIRCLE NO. 398
Relays
Reed, general-purpose, sensitive, · power, hybrid and solid-state relays are covered in a 24-page catalog. Also included are opto-isolators and photoelectric control components. Sigma Instruments, Braintree, MA
CIRCLE NO. 399
High power amplifiers
Solid-state Class-A linear highpower amplifiers for general rf and microwave laboratory test applications are featured in a twopage data sheet. Microwave Power Devices, Plainview, NY
CIRCLE NO. 508
LEDs
Nine data sheets describe discrete LED lamps and panel-mounting hardware. Each sheet details a separate CM Series, showing features, optical specs, dimensional drawings and electrical characteristics. Key tradeoff characteristics are displayed in graph form. Chicago Miniature Lamp, Chicago, IL
CIRCLE NO. 509
IC technology textbook
The 7th edition of the "Basic Technology" textbook on ICs is written to provide an in-depth look at the industry and the latest IC production techniques. The 600page volume contains over 500 photographs, figures and charts. The book- costs $150 plus shipping. Integrated Circuit Engineering, 6710 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 211, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
INQUIRE DIRECT
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

i****B**i*c**e*n**t*e*n**n**i*a*l**i**

Issue i

i aecironic11es111 4

i** JU~

i**

t* SUPPLY

* ;

t LIMITED

;

t* * We've saved a limited number of ; * * copies of the unique 254-page February * * 16th Bicentennial issue of Electronic * * Design. It traces the historic and tech-
t no logical developments of the electronics :
* * industry from the Colonial period to * * today. * * In a message from the White House
t published in the 8 icentennial issue, :
* * President Ford commends the issue as * * "a special part'' of our nations's 200th * * anniversary.
t If you'd like an extra copy as a :
* * momenta of this historic event, we'll * * be happy to provide it at $4.
t Hurry! When the supply runs out :
* * you' II have to wait another hundred * * years for anything like it!

*t* ---------------** Bicentennial Issue

* * Electronic Design

* * Hayden Publishing Company, Inc.

* * 50 Essex St., Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662

* * * t

Please send me __ copy (copies) of Electronic Design's February 16 Bicentennial issue at $4 each. I enclose my check for

* * * :

***********ACTN*iodatmdlm*erpeeas*sny************************

ELECTRO NI C D ESIGN 6. Ma rch 15. 19 76

· IT'S PORTABLE
FOR BENCH OR FELD...
COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT, (Only 2% lbs with ba!!eries.) Fits in any tool box or tube caddy. DROP-PROOF with tough Cycolac~ case that will stand up to any field use. BURN-OUT-PROOF up to 2000V DC . Saves you from costly downtime.
VERSATILE 3-WAY POWER: Standard "C" cells, rechargeable " C" cell Nicads or line operation. (No special built· in , recharger pack. Standard "C" cells for the DVM32 for true portability.I And you'll get up to 10 times the battery life with the DVM32 , using the patent pending auto-off that turns off the bright L.E.D . displays between measure· ments. The DVM32 is truly portable.

· IT'S COMPLETE
FOR ANY JOB...
Most ponable DVM's sacnfice functions, features. or accuracy. Not the DVM32. HIGH ACCURACY Accurate with full 3lS digit readout, .5% of reading accuracy and l 5Meg n input impedance. COMPLETE FUNCTIONS AND RANGES : From lmV to 1999V DC , lmV to lOOOV AC rms, .1 ohm to 19.99 Meg n and luA to 1.999A, AC , and DC, plus Hi and Lo power ohms. The DVM32 . . . complete and versatile mea suring capabilities in a truly portable meter.
IN STOCK NOW AT YOUR LOCAL SENCORE FULL LINE DISTRIBUTOR

backed by SENCORE'S 100% MADE RIGHT LIFETIME GUARANTEE

~~N,,.....,.~~~ 3200Sencore011ve , S1ou~Falls , SD . 57107

~ I::::.

' - - ' '---" ~ c;;;;. Phone I 605 339·0100 TWX 910 660 0300

CIRCLE NUMBER 116

Telephone (312) 498-2300 3455 Woodhead Drive, Northbrook, Illinois 60062
CIRCLE NUMBER 117 15 1

'1tou7'4# ?ltaSJMt4!
Think in terms of complex shapes: gears, cams, bobbins, rotors. thin sections ... whatever turns you on.
One of these Magnalox applications may trigger an idea for you. If you 're already thinking injection molded magnetics, call Xolox. We have good news for you!
® Biasing a reed switch by
making the bobbin a permanent magnet eliminates the usual separate magnet. This improved the design and lowered cost.
@ Combining a solid state
switch and a magnetized rotor gives you a position/speed sensor with digital output from OC to 100 Kilohertz. (Up to 30 pulse/ inch of rotor dia.). Curves and data using Honeywell or Sprague switches available.
© A single Magnalox molding
with integral poles makes a simple reed switch commutator. The one illustrated was formerly produced using two separate horseshoe magnets and a die-cast holder.

SEND FOR DETAILED BROCHURE AND XOLOX
DATA SHEETS

CIRCLE NUMBER 1.19

·· /
Power advantage . . . economic advantage. Get full details on the energy
future . . . new Gates
rechargeable, sealed lead-acid batteries. Send today for our free, informative brochure containing exclusive battery
features, application information, ratings and specifications. Find out what this new third-generation energy cell could mean to
your design work.

Yes! I would like to know more about these new energy cells. Please send free information.

Title_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Company_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Address·-----------------

City, State, Zip1_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Mall to: George Sahl,

Gates Energy Products, Inc.

~tttt~ 1050 S. Broadway, Denver CO 80217 ~/' '""~ 11

38 ED

Where the energy future is now _

CIRCLE NUMBER 120
152

SOLDER TERMINALS
low prices, fastest defivery, highest quality... and more standards in stock than anyone!
More than 25 years of know-how, the broadest line of standards in the industry, a complete selection of plating options ... it all adds up to savings in costs and on-time deliveries everytime . Got a special? Send us your print and we ' ll respond instantly with price and delivery information that will please and surprise you. Call us today.
PRECISION METAL PRODUCTS CO.
41 ELM ST.. STONEHAM . MASS. 02 180 Telephone: (Area Code 61 7) 438 -3650
Cl RCLE NUMBER 121

.. ti'~

SH!e1~~~~!e~!~~~~a~~!~!,~~~~~Jo~Yl:Jlj

() Shigotolndustries Ltd.
350 Fifth Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10001 I (212) 695-0200/Telex 224219 One of the World's Largest Manufacturing Importers

CIRCLE NUMBER 122
EL ECTRONI C D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

NEW LITERATURE

Discrete semi chips
Discrete silicon transistors, diodes and zener diode chips for use in thick and thin-film hybrid circuit applications are shown in an eight-page catalog. Sprague Electric, North Adams, MA
CIRCLE NO. 510
Gaussmeters
Analog and digital gaussmeters plus optional accessories are described in an eight-page brochure. RFL Industries, Boonton, NJ
CIRCLE NO. 511
Components
650 pages of components from over 90 manufacturers are assembled in the Cramer Buyer's Guide. Items ranging from semiconductors to meter~. batteries and tools are included. Cramer Electronics, Newton, MA
CIRCLE NO. 512
IC components
Descriptions, dimensions and part numbers for all major categories of IC and DIP components are included in a 56-page catalog. .Circuit Assembly, Costa Mesa, CA
CIRCLE NO. 513
Linear interface circuits
A 36-page revised and updated linear integrated circuits brochure describes over 130 circuits that bridge the gap between otherwise incompatible devices and device families to ease the development of high-performance electronics systems. Motorola, Semiconductor Products Div., Phoenix, AZ
CIRCLE NO. 514
Potentiometer handbook
"The Potentiometer Handbook" contains nine fact-filled sectionsfrom an introduction to pots to packaging guidelines. The 320-page illustrated handbook costs $14.50. For more information on this handbook circle the number below. Bourns, Riverside, CA
CIRCLE NO. 51 5
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

During a special promotion, purchasers of Hewlett-Packard's HP65 fully programmable pocket calculators will receive $195 worth of applications software free. The offer is good until April 30, 1976 in the domestic U.S. only.
CIRCLE NO. 516
Diablo Systems has announced two optional features for its HyType II serial printers-"Paper-Out" and "Ribbon-Out" signals-designed to· help users get higher efficiency and printer use.
CIRCLE NO. 517
Precision Monolithics has taken major steps to increase availability of its Superior Second Source 1408A/1508A d/a converter. The device was specially designed to provide all the benefits of the 1408/ 1508 with the addition of faster settling time (250 ns ) and lower power consumption (157 mW) .
CIRCLE NO. 518
Motorola and AMI have announced that their second-source agreement on the M6800 family of components is extended for a period of two years.
CIRCLE NO. 519
NCR has announced software designed to simplify and speed the development of on-line systems using the NCR 796-031 visual displ.ay terminal. The software is designed to overcome two difficult problems: design of CRT screen formats and interfacing to an online communications driver.
CIRCLE NO. 520
ECSSL is Electronic Associates' integrated hybrid programming system that provides for equationoriented specification of continuous system simulation models and the automated setup, checkout and operation of modern hybrid computing equipment.
CIRCLE NO. 588

.
--""O
""O
:II ""cO: ro
·-r
.I:
~ " !
~
C"i' .
E
8
z ~
.,;-;;;
"C
· bcO:
i:"E
8~
0
tJ)
CIRCLE NUMBER 123
153

Design Data from Manufacturers
Advertisements of booklets, brochures, catalogs and data sheets. To order use Reader-Service Card t Advertisemt'nt)

GIANT FREE CATALOG

New 172 ·page catalog! Packed with l,OOO's of hard -tofind buys in Optics, Science, Electronics. Loaded with optical, scientific, electronic equipment available from stock. Rare surplus buys . Many "one-of-a-kinds". In genious scientific tools. Components galore: lenses, prisms, wedges, mirrors, mounts, accessories. lOO's of instruments: pollution test equipment, lasers, comparators, magnifiers, microscopes, projectors, telescopes, binoculars, photo attachments, alternate energy sources. Shop, save by mail! Request free Catalog "DA".

Edmund Scientific Co.

CIRCLE NO. 274

America's Largest Science-Optics-Electronics Mart

300 Edscorp Bldg., Barrington, New Jersey 08007 (609) 547-3488

Real Time Spectrum Analyzer Provides Simultaneous On-Line and Averaged Displays

50335 RTA

Dual Spee/rum
Ditplagt

The new SD335's built-in scope and dual memory display in stantaneous (on-line) frequency spectra with averaged spectra (up to 1024 ensembles) from 0.06 Hz to 50 kHz, while overall RMS level of input data appears at right of screen . Its 500-line resolution, 10 analysis ranges, greater than 60 dB dynamic range, and 5-digit readout of frequency and amplitude (linear or log) provide instant identification for even the smallest signals hidden in noise. Unique harmonic cursor automatically places an intensified dot on each integer harmonic of a selected fundamental component. SIMULPLOT feature allows simul taneous viewing and X-Y plotting under complete analyzer con trol. Instrument is specially designed for noise, vibration and
communication systems analysis.

Spectral Dynamics Corporation
P. 0. Box 671, San Diego, CA. 92112 (714) 565-8211

CIRCLE NO . 275

Electronic Design
ELECTRO NIC DESIGN'S function is:
· To a id progress in the electr oni cs manufacturing industry by promoting good design. · To give the electronic design engineer conce pts a nd ideas that make hi s job easier and more productive. · To provide a central so urce of timely electronics information. · T o promote communication a mong member s of the electroni cs engineering community.
Want a subscription? ELECTRO NIC DESIGN is sent free to qua lifi ed eng ineers a nd engineerin g managers doing design work, super vising design or set ting standa rd s in the Uni ted States a nd Western Europe. F or a free subsc ription , use the application form bound in the magazine. If none is included, write to us direct fo r an app li cation fo rm .
If you do not qua lify, you may take out a paid subscriptiun fur $30 a year in the U.S.A. , $40 a yea r elsewhere. Si ng le copie are $1.50 each .
If you change yo ur address. send us an old mailing label a nd your new address; there is generall y a postcard fo r this bo und in the magazi ne. You will have to requalify to continue r eceiving ELECTRO NIC DES IGN free.
The accuracy polic~ of ELECTRO?\ re DESIGN is: · To make diligent efforts to ensure the accuracy of editorial matter. · To publish prompt corrections whenever inacc uracies are brought to our atte nti on. Corrections appear in " A cross the Desk." · To encourage ou r r eaders as r espo nsible member s of our business comm unity to report to us misleading or fraudulent advertising. · To refuse a ny advertisement deemed to be mi slead ing or fraudul ent.

Are you using the # 1 training courses in electricity & electronics?

BASIC ELECTRICITY and BASIC ELECTRONICS
By Van Valkenburgh , Nooger & Neville, Inc.

Derived from the COMMON-CORE Training Program initially developed for the U.S. Navy , these unique texts are now about to enter their third decade of use in schools , ind ustries , and communication utilities . They continue to be exemplary training texts in their subjects. Carefully integrated illustrations comprise almost half the course material. These perform a remarkable job of visualizing complex theory and applications. Readers are able to grasp essential concepts right away without having to wade through pages of wordy explanation . Thorough, comprehensive coverage. Available in separate paperbacks or one cloth volume . Write for FREE brochure .

Hayden Book Company
50 Essex St. Rochelle Pk, N.J. 07662

CIRCLE NO. 276

154

Mi cr ofi lm co pies are ava ilabl e of complete volumes of ELECTRO NIC DESIGN a t $19 per volume, beginning with Volume 1, 1952 through Volume 20. Reprints of individual articles may be obtained for $3.00 each, prepaid ($.50 for each additional copy of the same art icle) no matter how long the article. For furth er deta ils and to place ord er s, cont11rt the Customer Services Department, University Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Mi chi ga n 48106 telephone (313) 761-4700.
Want to contact us? If you h ave a ny comments or wi sh to submit a ma nuscript or a rti cle outline, addre"ss your correspo ndence to:
Editor ELECTRO l\"IC DESIGN
50 E ssex Street Rochelle P a rk , N.J . 07662
ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 6. March 15 , 1976

Electronic Design
Advertising Sales Staff Tom W. Carr, Sales Director
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 Robert W. Gascoigne Daniel J. Rowland 50 Essex Street (201) 843-0550 TWX: 710-990-5071
Philadelphia Thomas P. Barth 50 Essex Street Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 (201) 843-0550
Boston 02178 Gene Pritchard P.O. Box 379 Belmont, MA 02178 (617) 489-2340
Chicago 60611 Thomas P. Kavooras Berry Conner, Jr. 200 East Ontario (312) 337-0588
Cleveland Thomas P. Kavooras (Chicago) (312) 337-0588
Los Angeles 90045 Stanley I. Ehrenclou Burt Underwood 8939 Sepulveda Boulevard Los Angeles, CA (213) 641-6544
Texas/Oklahoma Burt Underwood (Los Angeles) (213) 641-6544
San Francisco 94040 Robert A. Lukas 3579 Cambridge Lane Mountain View, CA 94040 (415) 965-2636
London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Seoul Malcolm M. Thiele Wood Cottage, Shurlock Row Reading RG 10-QE, England Phone: Shurlock Row 302 & 619 S.T.D. 073 581
Sanders B.V. Raadhuisstraat 24 Graft-De Ryp, Holland Phone: 02997-1303 Telegrams: Euradteam-Amsterdam
Ha~uki Hirayama Electronic Media Service 5th Floor, Lila Bldg., 4-9-8 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Phone: 402-4556 Cable: Electronicmedia, Tokyo
Mr. 0-kyu Park, President Dongbo Intl Corp.World Marketing C.P.O. Box 4010 Seoul , Korea Tel. 76-3910/3911 Cable: DONGBO SEOUL Telex: EBKOREA K27286
f.. ABP
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

Send us 2 Bucks*
r -Get a sample
Miniature
SOLID STATE
BUZZER L

U'l ERf\5Fl_\llEf\

with big, rich sound

High reliability in a compact electronic buzzer. 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 volts. Very low current consumption; no arcing contacts, no RF noise.

Write for bulletin ED-376 today!

KOLIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
Manufacturers of Electronic Warning Signals and Alarm Devices

59-B3 West Pondfield Rd.

Bronxville, N.Y. 10708

(914) 961-5065

Telex: 137453

·st. 99 list; lower in quantity

CIRCLE NUMBER 124

15A. " 125V.
SGL WABER®
~ ~

· CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION

· EXCEEDS NEC REQUIREMENTS

· HELPS MEET OSHA STANDARDS

Send For FREE CATALOG

SGL WABER Electric

SGL A division of

INDUSTRIES, INC.

303 HARVARD AVENUE Westville, N.J. 08093

CIRCLE NUMBER 125

classified ads ·

1anuFacturers representatives
Air Moving Devices & Equipment
Manufacturers Representatives to sell Air Moving Devices to Electronics, Business Machine and Aerospace Markets in:
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Southeastern &Middle Atlantic States
Representatives with prior experience in air moving or those presently handling electromechanical devices for sale to above markets. Must be able to sell to both engineering and purchasing personnel. Principal is an established leader in air moving product lines seeking to expand its marketing force. An equal opportunity employer mIf
Write stating background and interest to:
BOX #CK
HAYDEN PUBLISHING COMPANY 50 ESSEX STREET
ROCHELLE PARK, NJ 07662
155

quickad1

New and current products for the electronic designer presented by their manufacturers.

HIGH Q MULTILAYER CAPACITORS fea ture very high quality factors at microwave frequencies. Offered in three stand· ard sizes: .050 x .040, .080 x .050, .125 x .095. Capacitance values from 0.1 pf to 1000 pf with close tolerance and voltages to 1000 VDCW. Johanson/Monolithic Di· electrics Div., Box 6456, Burbank, Ca. 91510, (213) 848-4465 .

MULTILAYER CHIP CAPACITORS

251

MINIATURE IRONLESS ROTOR DC MO· TORS offer efficiencies to 80 %, low in · ertia , rapid response and high starting
torque . 24 and 12 voe models available .

Motor t ime constants are 17 and 23 MS respectively. Rotor torque is 100 and 50
gem and starting torque 600 and 230 gem ,
respectively. 12 voe units can be ordered
with either a sin gle or extended double shaft. Tach versions also available. For reel
and capstan drives, chart and pen drives, etc. North American Philips Controls Corp.,

Cheshire, Conn . 06410. (203) 272-0301.

IRONLESS ROTOR

254

STANDARD IC PANELS, Available right
now from AMP. And they're backed by
AMP technical assistance that's second to none. Universal 1 thru 8 bay assemblies and 30 x 60 position with 1/0 sockets or edge card fingers. Call (717)
564-0100, or write: AMP Incorporated, Harrisburg, Pa. 17105.

STANDARD IC PANELS

257

PROTOTYPE YOUR OWN FLEXIBLE CIR· CUITS Exacto knife , sol de ring iron , plu s our kit make all c1rcu1ts sh own -a nd mo re! Kit includes sheet of 1 oz. copper conductors on 1 m il polyimide fi lm , plus match ing sheets with about 15 connector patterns. lOO 's of comb inatio ns possible . ... Ea sy instructions , parts list, dim ens ional draw· ings in cluded . Flexible Circu it Kit , $25 from stock. Rogers Corporation , Chandler, AZ
85224 (602) 963 -4584.

FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS KIT

252

,\ / \,

0- \_

\ \,

~
0 \

ULTRA-HIGH SPEED QUAD ANALOG GATE The CAG-49 functions as four analog switches for the price of two. Features include: four switches in one compact package; ton , typ. 12 nS; low on resistance, typ. 35 ohms. Ideal for high speed store and hold and sign analog gating applica tions. Samples on request. Price: $85., 1-99; $62 ., 100-999. Teledyne Crystalonics, 147 Sherman Street, Cambridge, MA. 02140. (617) 491 -1670.

CAG-49 QUAD ANALOG GATE

253

LOW COST PENDULUM CP17-0601 -l provides vertical references for mon itoring and control of pitch and roll angular displacements. Replaces expensive vertical gyros for many instrument and control system applications. Potentiometric output; hermetically sealed; fluid damped; range of ±45°; resolution less than 0.20° ; linearity within 0.5; total error band of ± 1 % full scale. Wide range of models available. Humphrey, Inc., 9212 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123. Tel. (714) 565 -6631

PENDULUM

255

Low Cost Decade Divider: The AD1802 low cost divider offers decades of 10,000:1, 1,000:1 , 100:1 and 10:1 in 14 QIP ("D") , FLATPAK ("F") and in a 4.064mm x 5 .334mm chip ("C") . Operating range
-55°C to + 125°C with " S" (0.1% ) and
"U" (0.01 % ) ratio accuracies. Optional processing to MIL-STD-883A, Class B. Price "S" in lOO's (DIP) $2.80. Analog Devices, Norwood, Mass. 02062 617-3294700.

LOW COST DECADE DIVIDER

256

SPEED LEAD BENDING OPERATIONS. Cut costs by 50 % ! Fast, exact, thumbwheel control adjusts to precise measurements. Match pointers with eyelet holes in circuit boards by adjusting knurled wheel with thumb, automatically spacing bends for insertion of component into boards. All axial lead components accommodated .
From 1; 2 " x l1h " long with max. distance
between inside of bends of 1.725". Harwil Co., 903 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica , Ca. 90401. (213) 394-4710.

COMPONENT LEAD BENDER

258

Vector's Multi-Mod Cases For Packaging Excellence-Beautiful satinized aluminum with continuous internal slots for screwless mounting of circuit boards. Low priced painted or anodized models from stock, beginning at $3.09. Widths from 1.6 in . to 4.5 in . for panels from 2 .20 in . x 3 .70 in . to 9.88 in . x 6 .50 iR . Write Vector Electronic Co., Inc., Dept. MM , 12460 Gladstone Avenue, Sylmar CA 91342 .

MULTI-MOD CASES

259

Low-cost tape reader is fast-up to 300 cps-and quality-built. Dual sprocket drive, a state-of-the-art fiber optic light source and photo transistor read head. Simplicity of design makes it easy to adapt to specific OEM requirements. Decitek, 250 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602 (617) 798-8731

SAMSl TAPE READER

260

over 500
systems, detectors, controls, sounders, tools, locks,
supplies

FREE ALARM catalog. Huge selection of hard-to-find security equipment from stock. Highest qual ity burglar-fire systems, supplies, to protect home, business, industry: motion detectors, infrared beams, ultrasonics, radar, magnetic con tacts, smoke & heat .detectors, controls, door switches, bells, sirens in 96 factfilled pages wit.h technical details, dia grams, notes . (Outside U.S. send $1) . Mountain West Alarm , 4215 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 263-8831.

SECURITY ALARM CATALOG

263

DIGITAL SIGNAL ANALYSIS, S. Stearns. Contains the most recent advances, brandnew design material, and a comparison between continuous and digital systems, making it an ideal master reference to today's signal processing techniques and systems. #5828-4, 288 pages, $18.95. Circle the Info Retrieval Number to order 15-day exam copy. When billed, remit or return book with no obligation. Hayden Book Co., 50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662.

DIGITAL SIGNAL ANALYSIS

261

Small, high capacity Type V air variable capacitors. Printed circuit and panel mount types mount in less than 0 .3 sq . in. Rotors and stators machined from solid brass extrusions provide reliability and stability. Metal parts are silver-plated and lridited . Ceramic is steatite. High torque (2-1/2 to 10 oz./in .) Low temperature coefficient (+50 ±20 ppm /° C) . Uniform delta C and voltage characteristics. E.F. Johnson Co., Waseca , Mn ., 56093 . (507) 8 3 5 -5 2 2 2

TYPE V CAPACITORS

264

ALTERNATE SOURCE DC-DC CONVERT· ERS. Three watt DC-DC converters are now available in the most popular configuration from Reliability. Inputs of 5, 12, 24, 28 volts DC and outputs of 5v @ 600 ma, ±12v @±125 ma, and ± 15v @± 100 ma. Reliability, Inc., 5325 Glenmont, Houston, TX 77036. Phone 713-666-3261.

Scott T Transformer. 11870: 60HZ, 90v, L-L in. l. lx2 .lxl. l. 50460 : 400 HZ , 90v, L-L in. 7 /8xl -5 / 8xll/16. 50642 : 400HZ, l l.8v, L-L in. 7 / 8x5 / 8-ll/16. 10472: 400-HZ , ll.8v, L-L in . 3/4xl -l/2x3/8. All with 6v RMS sine & cosine output. MAGNETICO, INC.. 182 Morris Ave., Holtsville, N.Y. 11742 516 -654-1166.

DC-DC POWER SOURCE

262

TRANSFORMER

265

Advert iser .f wishing t o reserve Quick Ad units sh o 1dd note the I o 11 o win g m echanical requiremenrs: Specs-Sllpp/ y g lo ssy photo of product and approximate/y 40 words which will set no m ore than 10 lines of 34 characters each . AFTER SUB MISSION N O COPY CHANGES C A N BE A CCEPTED . Qllick Ads cost only $325 per in sertion , le.u for f requen cy advertisers.
RATES:
lx $325
7x $300
13x $275
19x $270
26x $265
39x $260
52x $255
104x $250

Advertiser's Index

Advertiser

Page

ACDC Electronics ............... .. ....... ...... 46 AMP, Incorporated .................... 8, 9, 156
Acopian Corp. ···-······················-120, 121 Advanced Micro Devices.................... 51 Aerospace Optics, lnc......................... 123 Airpax Electronics, Cambridge
Division .. .... .......... ....... ...... .. ... .......... 129 Alco Electronic Products, Inc........... 131 Allen Bradley, Electronics Division.. 16D American Microsystems, lnc....... 122, 123 American Optical Corporation............ 143 Amuneal Manufacturing Corp........... 148 Analog Devices, Inc...........................156
Analogic Corporation ---------··--·-·-·-····- 112 Arrow-M Corp. ..................................110

B & K Products of Dynascan............ 14 Beckman/Helipot Division..............36, 37 Bourns, Inc., Trimpot Products
Division ....................................Cover II Bunker Ramo, RF Division......Cover III
Burr-Brown Research Corporation.... 49

CTS Corporation ·-·-···-···--·--·····-- -----···· 56 Capital Calculator Company.............. 146 Capitol Machine & Switch, Co.,
Inc., The ·················-··--·--··········-·----- 132 Cetron Electronic Corporation............144 Childress, J. P. ················--·····--·---·--··-- 143 Clairex Electronics, A Division
of Clairex Corporation.................... 69 Continental Rentals Div.,
Continental Leasing Co., lnc........... 113 Corning Glass Works, Electronic
Produ<;ts Division ·-··-··-·········-····--···· 68 Cutler-Hammer, Specialty
Products Division ·······-·-----·- ------ -----109
Dale Electronics, lnc....................... 12, 13 Dana Laboratories, Inc....................... 145 Data Display Products........................ 38 Datatex Corporation .. .... .... .. ...... ... ..... 147 Decitek ................ ... ...... .... ..... ...... 136, 157 Delco Electronics, Division of
General Motors ... .......................58, 59 Dialight, A North American
Philips Company ........ .................... 67 Digital Equipment Corporation.......... 79

EECO ·······- ····-·--··--·-·······-···-·····------·--- 21 EMM Semi, A Subsidiary of
Electronic Memories & Magnetics Corp. ............................ IO ESl/ Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. .................................................... 138 Eby Co., Hugh H ........... ...................... 142 Edmund Scientific Company................ 154 Elec-Trol, Inc........... ............................126 Electro Controls, lncorporated.......... 139 Electronic Design ... ...... ............... 151, 159 Electronic Measurements, lnc...........141
Fairchild Semiconductors.................. .. l 6B Fiberoptics Division of Vallee Corp... 131
158

Advertiser

Page

Garrett Corporation, The.................... 117 Gates Energy Products, lnc............... 152
Gold Book, The ........ 94, 95, *120, *121
Guardian Electric Manufacturing
Company .......... .... .... ...... .... ............ 16C

Hanover Fair ...................................... 140 Harris Semiconductor, A Division
of Harris Corporation................80, 81 Harwil Co................................. .......... 156 Hayden Book Company,
Inc. ........................................ 154, 157
Hewlett-Packard ............4, 5, 16, 115, 124 Honeywell Test Instruments
Division ... ... .... ..................... ......... 88, 89 Hughes Aircraft Company,
Connecting Devices ......... :.............. 11 Humphrey, Inc................... .... .. 132, 156

ISE Electronics Corporation.............. 135 ITT Pomona .... .................................. 128 ITT Thermotech ................................ 143 Illuminated Products Co..................... 7 Infotek Systems .................................. 147 Intech, Incorporated ........................... .134 Intelligent Systems, Inc....................... 140 Intersil ..............................................22, 23 Itoh Electronics, Inc., C ..................... 144
Johanson Manufacturing Corp. ··----·- 6 Joh~~n/ Monolithic Dielectrics
D1v1s1on ......... ............................... .... 156 Johnson Company, E. F..................... 157

Keithley Instruments, Inc. ..............54, 55 Kolin Industries Inc. ............................ 155

Magnetico, Inc. .................................. 157 Martin Research ................................ 48 Micro Devices Corp. ........................ 92 Microswitch, A Division of
Honeywell ...................... .......... 100, 101 Mini-Circuits Laboratory, A
Division of Scientific Com-
ponents Corp. ··----·-·-·-······················ 2 Monsanto Company .......................... l 6A Mountain West Alarm ...................... 157 MuRata Corporation of America .... 130

National Semiconductor Corporation 29 Newport Laboratories, Inc. ................149 North American Philips Controls
Corp. ·-·--·-···--···························- 131, 156
Oak Industries, Inc. ............................ 42 Optical Electronics, Inc. .................... 114
*Philips Industries, Test and Measuring Instruments Dept.......36, 37
Philips Test & Measuring Instruments, Inc. ........................................ 15

Advertiser

Page

Plessey Semiconductors ............ .......... 35 Precision Metal Products, Inc. ..........152

RCA Electro Optics ............................ 87 RCA Solid State ........................Cover IV
RCL Electronics, Inc. ..................... ... 34 Reliability, Inc. ......................... ..... ...... 157 Rental Electronics, Inc. .................... 105 Repco, lnc. .................. ........................ 137 Reticon ......................................... ... .... 133
Riken Denshi Co., Ltd.........................139 Rogan Corporation .......... ................. .15 I Rogers Corporation ................. ... 139, 156

SGL Waber Electric, A Division
of SGL Industries, Inc. ............ .... 155 Sangamo Elt'.C~r!c Company, Data
Systems D1v1s10n .. .......... .................. 103 Semtech Corporation .......................... 27 Sencore ...... .................... ...... ......... ....... 151
Servo-Tek Products Company .......... 136 Shigoto Industries, Ltd. .................... 152
*Sodeco SAIA LTD ..... .................. ..... 105 Sorensen Lighted Controls, Inc......... 116 Spectral Dynamics Corporation ........ 154 Spectronics, Incorporated .................. .. 148 Sprague Electric Company ......... ..... ...... 33
Stahlin Bros., Inc................................. 147 Stanford Applied Engineering, Inc..... 107

TRW/IRC Resistors, an Electronic Components Division of TRW Inc. .............. .... ... ........ ................... .. 125
Tecnetics, Inc. .................................... 118 Tektronix, Inc. ...... ..................41 , 43 , 99 Teledyne Crystalonics .............. 127 , 156
Tele-Dynamics, Division of Ambac .. 150 Texas Instruments, Incorporated........ 18 Todd Products Co. ... .................. ... .. .. 153

USCC/ Centralab Electronics Division, Globe-Union, Inc. ........ 119
United Detector Technology, Inc. .... 17 Unitrode Corporation ....................44, 45
Universal Data Systems .................... 31

Vactec, Inc. .. ... ..................................... 53
Vector Electronic Co., Inc. ................156 Viking Industries, Inc. ........................ 93

Wavetek San Diego, Incorporated......

Xolox Corporation .......... .... .... ........ .. 152
* Advertisers in non U.S. edition
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 6, March 15, 1976

We want to
break up your marriage.

You and your SMA suppliermaybe you've been a twosome long enough.

Now there's an alternative-Amphenol SMA's. You can't get better SMA connectors than Amphenol SMA's. They operate at all microwave frequencies up to 25 GHz. RF performance and mechanical integrity comply with MIL-C-39012. The re easy to assemble with either crim p or solder connections. And our quality will give you a change of heart: all shell and body parts are gold-pl ated stain less steel. The center contact is gold-pl ated beryllium-copper. The dielectric is solid TFE, making Amphenol SMA's completely interchangeable with your present source.
Our price will make you want to change partners. When you hear our price, you'll know Amphenol SMA's are the best va lue around . So ask for a quote.
There's a big selection of popular types. Incl uding styles fo r cable mounting, flange and bulkhead mounting, and stripline mounting. We also offer between-series adapters.
And Amphenol SMA's are available. Wherever you are. Your Amphenol Industrial Distributor can fix you up with the SMA connectors you need, by giving you fast off-the-shelf service. He's close to you (there are over sixty Amphenol Industrial Distributors-nationwide). Give him a ring (on the phone, not the finger). Or for more information, write or call us: Bunker Ramo RF Division, 33 East Franklin Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810. (203) 743-9272 .

ZWhen you can connect it and forget it... thats quality
AMPHENOL CONNECTORS FROM
CIRCLE NUMBER 285

BUNKER RAMO

What's new in solid state ...
The RCA180011P has :,~hat.Y.ou Y#ant: CMOS, · ~1mpl1c1t>' loY# cost.

Unlike the typical 8-bit .microprocessor, the RCA 1800 COSMAC has simple architecture. Which makes it easy to understand. And low in cost. Yet it offers tremendous flexibility-thanks · to powerful built-in 110 and an ability to accept virtually any 1/0 device.
Memory economy
Simple architecture allows compact1-byte instructions: less to store, less to fetch-which means fewer bytes to buy. Individual instructions don 't need addresses because registers act as pointers. One even acts as a built-in DMAan RCA first.
Sysi em cost effectiveness
How many other microprocessors give you the economy of one power supply? And a sin~e phase clock? With RCA 1800 you can use 3-15 V unregulated and save weight as well as money.

CMOS adaptability
Low power comes, of course, as a CMOS dividend. So does wide supply tolerance, allowing battery operation. You also get -55°C to + 125°C operation, minimizi11g cooling costs. And tolerance of noise up to 45°/o' of supply voltage, typical.
These, plus comprehensive design support, are good reasons why the RCA 1800 series is coming on strong. Reasons why you should consider it now-for applications of today and tomorrow.
For more information, contact your local RCA Solid State distributor. Or RCA.
Write: RCA Solid State. Box 3200, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 ; Ste. Anne de Bellevue 810, Canada; Sunbury-on-Thames,U.K.; Fuji Bldg. ,Tokyo.Japan.
ncn

110 COMMANO
x

16 BfTS · 8 BITS 4 BITS

CIRCLE NUMBER 286

Acrobat 11.0.23 Paper Capture Plug-in