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Electronic Design V26 N07 19780329

FOR ENGINEERS AND ENGINEERING MANAGERS - WORLDWIDE

MARCH 29 , 1978

'True' true rms doesn't cost an arm and a leg anymore. An ac DVM costs less than $1000, thanks to a special IC thermal converter. The meter includes dB

readings - with three references to pickfrom-autorangingand an analog nulling or peaking meter. A linear analog output comes too. Get more details on p. 97.

We've put it all together In one spaceIcost saving package.
We namd ft Mf.'PI ... our multi function trimmer. This revolutionary
concept combines cermet trimmers and fixed resistors into a single prepackaged circuit. A consolidation of functions has been designed into a new product line of cost-effective DIP components.
All trimmer applications require a fixed resistor to either divide a voltage or limit a current. The nine MFT trimmer models will functionally satisfy almost any trimmer application.
SAVES SPACE - MFT trimmers drastically reduce PC board space required for the peripheral components of a linear IC.
SAVES TIME - MFT trimmers reduce the time and cost of designing circuits. It also saves production time as MFT trimmers are compatible with DIP automatic insertion equipment. And, there are less components to purchase and handle.
SAVES MONEY - MFT trimmers lower total "on-board" component costs. In addition, MFT trimmer DIPS are compatible with automatic test equipment, reducing inspection costs.
INCREASES PERFORMANCE- Temperature tracking is better than discrete components ... 50 ppm/ °C. Trimmers/Resistors are manufactured simultaneously on a common substrate. MFT trimmers are more reliable as a result of pre-tested circuitry and reduction of connections.
The sealed multi function trimmers are available in nine configurations of the multiple trimmer and network combinations. Call or write today for your MFT trimmer catalog.
TRIMPOT PRODUCTS DIVISION, BOURNS, INC., 1200 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507. Phone: 714 781-5204. TWX: 910 332-1252.

' ·

Sundial courtesy of Franks Ant1Que Clock Shop, San Jose. califomia
The World's First LED Displays Yon CanView in Bright Sunlight.

Now available from Hewlett-Packard are displays designed for high ambient conditions. These seven-segment

displays optimize the contrast between the digit segments and the background. A specially designed P-N

junction and larger top contact metallization permit operation at high peak currents. This feature enhances display

light output and permits strobed operation of long display strings. Combined with proper filtering these

displays can be used under high ambient lighting as bright as 10,000 footcandles! !!

Available in High Efficiency Red and Yellow, the HDSP-3530/4030 series are designed for use in outdoor

terminals, gas pumps, airplane cockpits, instruments, weighing scales,

agricultural instrumentation and point-of-sale terminals.

The High Efficiency Red (HDSP-3530/3730 Series) displays

are priced at $2.05* (7.6mm/ 0.3") and the Yellow (HDSP-4030/4130 Series) displays are $2.25* (10.9mm/ 0.43") in quantities of 1000.

H E WL ET T

PACKARD

For immediate delivery, call any franchised HP distributor. In the

U.S. contact Hall-Mark, Hamilton/ Avnet, Pioneer-Standard , Schweber,

Wilshire or the Wyle Distribution Group (Liberty- Elmar). In Canada,

01803

call Hamilton/ Avnet or Zentronics, Ltd. ·u.s. Domestic Prices Only.

1507 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304
For assistance call : Washington (301) 948-6370, Chicago (312) 255-9800, Atlanta (404) 955-1500, Los Angeles (213) 877-128 2

CIRCLE NUMBER 2

Ei.ECTRONtc D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

MIL-SSR UPDATE
Another SSR first from Teledyne!
o. e('lO- 1,~··
p.e"'''"'-~..es -t;O

Experience, design know-how, and advanced solid state relay technology bring you another industry milestone with Teledyne's M640 Series - the first solid state relays to receive QPL approval to MIL-R-28750:
M28750/5 (Teledyne P/N M640-1W) M28750/6 (Teledyne P/N M643-1W) M28750/7 (Teledyne P/N M643-2W)
These SSAs have already established a high reliability record that spans a broad spectrum of switching applications for both airborne and ground support equipment. Our M640 Series features all-

solid-state circuitry utilizing hybrid microcircuit techniques in a hermetically sealed T0-5 package. And they're available with bipolar output for AC or DC loads up to 60mA/40V and DC outputs for loads up to 300mA/40VDC or 100mA/250VDC.
For complete specification data, contact your nearest Teledyne Relays sales office listed in EEM, Gold Book or Electronics Buyers' Guide. You'll find we have the experience, products, and technical support to meet all your SSA needs - including a quick reaction capability to design SSAs specifically for your application.

TELEDYNE'S MILITARY SSAs
A. P/N 683-1 DC SSR DIP package, with output rated at 600mA/50VDC
B. P/N 682-1 AC SSR DIP package , with output rated at 1 A /250VAC
C. P/N M640-1W Bl-polar SSR Mil P/N M28750/5. T0-5 package, with bi-polar (AC/DC) output rated at 60mA/40V
D. P/N M643-1W DC SSR Mil P/N M28750/6. T0-5 package, with output rated at 300mA/40VDC
E. P/N M643-2W DC SSR Mil P/N M28750/7, T0-5 package , with ouput rated at 1OOmA/250VDC
F. 652 Serles AC Power SSR Output rated at 25A/250VAMS

.._~TELEDYNE RELAYS
3155 West El Segundo Boulevard, Hawthorne, California 90250 Telephone (213) 973-4545
CIRCLE NUMBER 3

NEWS
23 News Scope 26 Speed's up in 'fast' transistors, but it's not the only improvement-An
Electronic Design special report. 42 VLSI devices are on the way-and the first ones will be memorable. 50 High-end µPs don't exist, are hard to define, but they're coming. 59 Washington Report

TECHNOLOGY
66 Schottky or high-speed pn rectifiers? Schottky devices have low forward drops, but pn rectifiers offer higher reliability and lower cost.
72 Boost high-voltage de outputs: Pair a TV-proven cascaded voltage multiplier with a switcher to ease high-voltage power-supply design.
76 Measure SCR parameters automatically. Avoid manual adjustments with a circuit that pins down ho Id ing current and other characteristics.
82 Evaluate UV EPROM data retention to get the best unit. By applying some simple tests you can easily determine temperature-related problems.
86 Ideas for Design: Get a controlled delay and ramp with a single CMOS inverter package. Plotting routine produces compact, high-resolution graph. Send out analog data on the same line that supplies power to a v/f converter.
92 International Technology

PRODUCTS

97 lnstrum~ntation: True-rms measurements come of age as r>ew DV\1

cuts pn e e. us

100 Instrumentation: Serial-data analyzer preprograms all functions .

114 ICs &Semiconductors: DAC simplifies µP interface; it acts like

a memory location.

116 ICs &Semiconductors: Fastest monolithic aid delivers 8 bits in 50 ns.

118 ICs & Semiconductors: Speedy math circuits perform both multiply

and divide. 106 Micro/Mini Computing

119 Power Sources

110 Modules & Subassemblies

122 Components

112 Packaging & Materials

124 Data Processing

DEPARTMENTS

63 Editorial: Today's dreams. Tomorrow 's reality?

7 Across the Desk

133 Employment Opportunities

126 Application Notes

140 Advertisers' Index

127 Bulletin Board

140 Information Retrieval Card

128 New Literature

Cover: Photo by Dudley, Hardin and Yang, Inc. courtesy of

John Fluke Manufacturing Co.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN is published biweekly except 3 issues in July by Hayden Publishing Company, Inc.. 50 Essex St., Roche ll e Park, NJ 07662. James S. Mulholland Jr.. President. Printed at Brown Printing Co ., Waseca, MN Controlled circul atio n postage paid at Waseca , MN and New York, NY, postage pending Rochelle Park. NJ. Copyrightc 1978. Hayden Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved . POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to ELECTRONIC DESIGN . P.O. Box 13803. Ph ilade lphia.
PA 19101.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

TBE FIRST 70 VOLT TRANSISTOR

THE8063.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
+35V

2N3055

-IN

Vout

( @+32o-v3

) amps

+IN

2N3789

-35V
THE MONOLITHIC ICL 8063 HELPS DELIVER THE POWER IN 5 AMP OR HIGHER APPLICATIONS.

If your present power transistor driver circuit board looks like this ...
We can help you make it look a lot more like this.

LOSE DISCRETES. GAIN DESIGN TIME. With the ICL 8063's, you'll spend more time designing systems - and less time designing circuits. And, by having the ICL 8063 perform the amplifying, regulating, buffering and protective functions, you'll increase reliability, reduce space requirements, and, lower system costs.
ONE MONOLITHIC 16 PIN DIP.
· Converts op amp outputs into ± 30V out; lOOMaout.
· Safe operating area and short circuit protection are built-in.
· Built-in ± 14V regulators allow you to supply local op amps (or other l.C.'s) without adding extra power supplies.
· 500K n input impedance with R BIAS equal
to 1 Meg n.

MONOLITHIC POWER DRIVER:

THE ICL 8063 HAS THE RIGHT PRICE.

Qty

0-7o0 c

-55°Cto+l25°C

1000

$1.49

$1.79

$6.00

Plastic DIP

CERDIP

(ICL8063CPE) (ICL8063CJE) (ICL8063MJE)

COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR OP AMPS AND POWER TRANSISTORS. The ICL8063 operates from inputs generated by 99% of the op amps in use today ... regardless of technology. The ICL8063 also operates from inputs generated by timers, comparators, and waveform generators. Further, it will drive 99% of the power transistors with breakdown voltages up to 70 volts. And last, the ICL8063 provides built-in low voltage power supplies.

A COMPLETE POWER AMPLIFIER MADE EASY. The addition of only two external power transistors, bias and current limiting resistors, and compensation capacitors to the ICL 8063 produces a system capable of safely delivering over
2 amps at 24V ( z 60 watts) to any resistive,
capacitive, or inductive load. You now have a circuit that will not only drive solenoids, motors, coax cable, speakers, etc. -you also have a circuit with built-in safe-operating area and shortcircuit protection.

INTERSIL: THE SOURCE. As leaders in precision analog device technology, we can offer you a broad range of operational amplifiers, analog switches, comparators, regulators, waveform generators, ·and timers you name it. And now, we offer the ICL 8063 universal power transistor driver amplifier.

SEND FOR ONE. FREE. If you'd like to try the ICL 8063 in your appli-
CIRCLE NUMBER 4

cation, we'll help you. Just complete the coupon, attach it to your company letterhead, and return it to us.
INTERSIL SALES OFFICES:
CALIFORNIA: Sunnyvale (408) 744-0618, Carson (213) 532-3544 · COLORADO: Denver (303) 750-7004 FLORIDA: Fort Lauderdale (305) 772-4122 · ILLINOIS: Hinsdale (312) 986-5303 · MASSACHUSETTS: Lexington (617) 861-6220 · MINNESOTA: Minneapolis (612) 925-1844 NEW JERSEY: Englewood Cliffs (201) 567-5585 · OHIO: Dayton (513) 866-7328 ·TEXAS: Dallas (214) 387-0539 CANADA: Brampton, Ontario (416) 457-1014
INTERSIL FRANCHISED DISTRIBUTORS:
Advent/ Indiana · Alliance · Arrow Electronics CESCO · Century Electronics · Component Specialties · Components Plus · Diplomat/ IPC Diplomat/ Southland · Elmar Electronics Harvey/ Binghamton · Intermark Electronics Kierulff Electronics· LCOMP ·Liberty Electronics · R.A.E. Ind. Elect. Ltd. · RESCO Schweber Electronics · Sheridan · Zentronics
r-----------------

Analog Division - Linear Integrated Circuits

10710 North Tantau Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014

Tel: (408) 996-5000 TWX: 910-338-0171

&.:.&.::a::.1.:&.=.a.;.a;:;;;.11.._-.i

(800) 538-7930 (outside California)

Gentlemen: I think you've got something there. Send me a free sample* of your power transistor driver amplifier. _ _ ICL8063MJE; _ _ ICL8063CJE; _ _ ICL8063CPE;

_ _ App Notes and Data Sheet. _ _ Send me your new 20 x 24 Bertrand Russell poster.

Company _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Address---------------------City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ _ __

*To qualify for a free sample, attach this coupon to your company letterhead.

Sample offer val id for the first 1000 industry requests received within 60

days of publication. One per person.

ED03 2978

ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY DECISION MAKERS: Publisher
Will iam Maass

6 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRESENT
LED MOUNTING SYSTEM

Editors
Editorial Offices 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 (201 ) 843-0550 TWX: 710-990-5071 (HAYDENPUB ROPK) Cable: Haydenpubs Rochellepark
Editor-in-Chief George Rostky
Managing Editors: Ralph Dobriner Michael Elphi ck

CLDPLDTETM
PAT. PENO. U . a FOREIGN

Senior Associate Editor Stanley Runyon
Associate Editors: Sid Adlerstein Nicholas Bodley Dave Bursky Morris Grossman Gene Heftman Andy Santoni Max Schindler

Contributing Editors: Peter N. Budzilovich , Jules H. Gilder, Sidney Moskowitz, Nathan Sussman

Editorial Field Offices
East
Jim McDermott. Eastern Editor P.O. Box 272 East hampton , MA 01027 (413) 527-3632

1. EASIER TO INSTALL - Simple 2-step mounting requires no tools. Just snap
CLIPLITE into panel hole and insert LED. That's all there is to it.. . . installs in just 6 seconds!
2. LOWER ASSEMBLY COST - including installation and labor, you save 20%
per unit.

West
Dick Hackmeister, Western Ed itor 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 414 Los Angeles , CA 90045 (213) 641-6544 TWX- 1-910-328-7240
Dave Barnes, Western Editor 465 S. Math ilda , Suite 302 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 736-6667

3. 100% GREATER VISIBILITY - CLIPLITE provides 180 degrees visibility
using a point source LED and is 5 times brighter than normal diffused LED. Comes in 5 colors, red, amber, green, yellow and clear.

4. SECURE LED MOUNTING - No LED back-out.

5. TOTAL LED PROTECTION - CLIPLITE completely encloses LED.

6. MOISTURE SEALS - No more worries about spilled liquids or water damage.
No more logic failures due to static electricity .

Cliplites are also available in Incandescent and Neon models. SPECIAL OFFER!
PLACE YOUR TRIAL ORDER TODAY

Special Pricing ~or Trial Order Only

ED3·8

PLEASE SHIP: D 100 CLIPLITES $10.00

D LITERATURE

NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ COMPANY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _

Editorial Production
Marjorie A. Duffy, Production Editor James Keane, Copy Editor
Art
Art Director, William Kelly Richard Luce, Anthony J. Fischetto
Business Manager
Thomas E. Vachon
Production
Manager, Dollie S. Viebig Nancy Hurey
Circulation
Director, Barbara Freundlich Senior Assistant, Gail Stone
Information Retrieval
Paula Greenleaf

ADDRESS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -_ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE _ _ __ _ __ ZIP _ _ __ _

· 1..1101 IHIU1H I

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
P.O. BOX 986 EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 90245 (213) 822-4727

CIRCLE NUMBER S 6

Advertising Promotion
Director, William Hussey Assistant, Judith Nappo
Reprints
Maxine Sassano
ELECT RON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Aeross the desk

Not that much money in aerospace design
Your News Scope article, "Electronics in Cars must be as Reliable as in Space" (ED No. 25, Dec. 6, 1977, p. 22), drew my attention. While I agree with the conclusion drawn by Eugene Karrer, (Vice President and General Manager of Ford Motor Co.'s Electrical and Electronics Div.) I believe his reference to aerospace engineering is misleading and unfair to the space industry.
You reported: "Karrer noted that aerospace designer can spend huge amounts of money to build a protective environment for his electronics as well as a fully redundant backup system." I take umbrage with the phrases "huge amounts" and "fully redundant." To the best of my knowledge, there have never been huge amounts of money that the aerospace designer could spend on building protective environments for his electronics, nor have there been fully redundant backup systems.
Based on my experience as an aerospace engineer over the past 25 years on such manned spacecraft programs as the Skylab and the current Shuttle, I believe that low cost has been one of the main drivers. Certainly, on the Shuttle Program it is the principal driver, consistent with adequate safeguards for crew life, vehicle integrity and operability, and mission success.
As a matter of fact, use of existing off-the-shelf, commercially available hardware was the first major consideration in selecting the necessary electronics equipment. The electronics for the data systems do not, in fact, have fully redundant backup. There are very few redundant black boxes in that system.
Daniel Riegert NASA Engineer Johnson Space Center Houston, TX 77058

Misplaced Caption Dept
After working all day on that photomask, all you've drawn is the power bus?
Sorry. That's Piet Mondrian's "Composition with Yellow," which hangs in the collection of Jan Tschichold, Basel, Switzerland.
Ideas too elaborate?
Aren't the two Ideas for Design on automobile voltage regulators (ED No. 15, July 19, 1977, p. 100, and ED No. 25, Dec. 6, 1977, p. 100) rather elaborate?
The shop manual for the 1965 Rambler (AM-65-4003) shows a simple voltage regulator that uses only two transistors, one zener, one thermistor and several resistors. Simple regulators like these have been working on my two Ramblers for the last 12 years.
Furthermore, both Ideas for Design feature outputs that are almost independent of temperature. But my shop manual explains that the Ramblercircuit thermistor causes the output voltage to rise when the temperature falls: A higher voltage is needed to charge a lead-acid battery when it's
(continued on page 20)

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, NJ 07662. Try to keep letters under 200 words. Letters must be signed. Names will be withheld upon request.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

DIP ISOLATORS
DIP ISOLATORS

OPTRON's complete line of optically coupled plastic DIP isolators offers immediate availability of standard devices for almost every application . . . plus competitive pricing, high reliability and excellent customer service.
Check these features and choose the device best suited for your application.

GENERAL PURPOSE A full selection of DIP isolators with transistor and darlington outputs to match all popular industry standards. Current transfer ratios range from 2.0% to 500%.
HIGHVOLTAGE ~
For applications requiring an interface with high volt-
age circuits, select the OPI 6000 DIP isolator with a 300 volt output
transistor.

AC OPERATION The OPI 2500 DIP isolator
features two input LED's operating in inverse parallel and is ideal for applications where the LED is driven from an AC line.

CUSTOM SELECTION If your application demands

"something a little differ-

ent," OPTRON specializes

in DIP isolators to meet

special customer requirements.

For reliability data and technical specifications on OPTRON's complete line of plastic DIP isolators, contact your nearest OPTRON sales representative or the factory direct.

@ OPTRON, INC. 1201 Tappan Circle Carrollton ,Texas 75006,u SA
TWX-910-860-5958 214/242-6571

CIRCLE NUMBER 6 7

What engineering about using micro

Microcomputers are changing the competitive picture in hundreds

of industries, in thousands of applications.

Designers are using microcomputers to create new products,

even new markets. Microcomputers are breathing new life

into existing products and providing competitive

advantages in both price and performance.

For management, there's an added chal,

lenge. What's the most profitable way to take

advantage of the microcomputer revolu,

tion? Should you start from scratch,

dedicating time and resources

to component,level design?

Or should you take

advantage of fully

assembled and

tested "corn,

puters,on'a'

board"?

You didn't

have a choice until

just two years ago.

That's when we intro,

duced the first single board

computer. Like "super cornpo,

nents," single board computers have

made it easy to add intelligence

to any system.

Sheer economics is one reason why.

Up to 1,000 systems a year, you're money

ahead with single board computers. That's

based on a tradeoff formula that carefully con,

siders amortized development and testing expenses,

as well as direct material and labor costs.

Then, when production volume makes it more eco,

nornical for you to switch to components, we'll provide all

you need to do the job yourself-manufacturing drawings, pc

artwork and a volume source for

all the essential LSI components.

Time saved is another important

reason single board computers make 1000 sense. You're into production sooner,

without time spent developing the

Cost systpeemr ....__ _ _ _ _.....___

computer sub,system. Your engineers can go directly to the design of

Systems per year

application,dependent hardware.

managers should know computers profitably.
RMX,80TM Real,time Multitasking Executive gives you a head start in software development, without the need to reinvent system software for every application. lntellec:1i1 our microcomputer development system, speeds application soft, ware development. It puts PL/Mand FORTRAN,80 (ANS FORTRAN 77) high,
level programming languages and a macro, assembler at your command. And supports full text editing, relocation and linkage capability. Jn,Circuit Emulation, with symbolic debugging, provides a diagnostic window into your prototype to speed and simplify system development. Our growing selection of iSBCTM products gives you the flexibility to tailor a system to your specific application, without compromise. Choose one of our five single board computers, starting at $99.* There's a full selection of memory expansion boards, communication interface boards, digital and analog
1/0 boards, mass storage systems and a high speed math processor. Or you can
start with one of our packaged System 80's. You're assured of the highest reliability when you build your system around an
Intel single board computer. For example, MTBF for our iSBC 80/10 is 91,739 hours at 25°C. Ask for your copy of our iSBC Reliability Report.
There's also ~he security of Multibus:M the multi,processing bus architecture we developed for single board computers. Multibus has become such a widely accepted industry standard that today there are over a hundred Multibus,compatible products available from 42 independent com, panies. And Multibus is your guarantee of compatibility with future Intel iSBC products. Get started with our comprehensive iSBC System Configuration Kit. It's a catalog of Intel single board computer products, with detailed configuration instructions and worksheets to help you define the optimum iSBC solution for your needs. For your kit, or for on,site assistance in configuring and pricing your iSBC system, contact your Intel representative or distributor. Or write: Intel Corporation, 3065 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, California 95051. Telephone: (408) 987,8080 . In Europe contact: Intel International, Rue du Moulin a Papier, 51,Boite 1, B,1160, Brussels, Belgium. Telex 24814. In Japan contact: Intel Japan, K.K., Flower Hill,Shinmachi East Bldg. 1,23,9, Shinmachi, Setagaya,ku, Tokyo 154. Telex 781,28426.
inter delivers.
FOR ISBC CONFIGURATION PLANNING KIT CIRCLE NUMBER 7
FOR PRICING AND CONFIGURATION ACCT. CIRCLE NUMBER 8
*iSBC 80/04, domestic U. S. price, 100 quantity.

CHOOSE THE DEVICE YOU NEED FROM 310 TYPES

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Now Litronix offers an opto-electronic device for virtually every application. Over 300 LED displays, LED lamps, optoisolators, IR emitters, photodetectors and photo-voltaic cells. And more are coming every month.
You will find advanced products not available anywhere else. As well as widely-used standard devices at highly competitive prices.
Some highlights:
ALPHANUMERIC LED DISPLAYS.
Character sizes from 0.16" to 0.50" in end-stackable arrays of 1 to 4 red characters including an intelligent display that interfaces just like a RAM to µP buses.
DIGITAL LED DISPLAYS.
Green, yellow and red digits. Nine sizes from 0.1" to 1" high. In DIPs of 1 and 2 digits. On PCBs of 2 to 6 digits with edge connectors. Both light-pipe displays with

very wide viewing angle and low-cost reflector displays. 70 different types.
LED LAMPS.
Red, orange, yellow and green lamps. T-1, T-1% and axial packages. Arrays of 2 to 10 lamps. With panel mounting clips. Lamps that flash on/off. Constant brightness lamps. Voltage-indicating lamps. 58 different types.
OPTO-ISOLATORS.
One, two and four-channel optoisolators. Current transfer ratios up to 320%. Isolation voltages up to 5000v. Transmission rates as high as 4 megabits/sec. 15 JEDEC types. 25 different types in all.
IR EMITTING DIODES.
From medium to very high power. Beam widths from 6° to 60? Hermetic and nonhermetic T0-18

size. Miniature with axial or radial leads. 30 different types.
PHOTO-DETECTORS.
Photo-transistors and photo-diodes with acceptance angles from 6° to 73? Hermetic high-reliability devices and low-cost nonhermetic devices. T0-18 packages, ceramic packages and miniature radial lead configurations. Arrays of 2 to 10 detectors. 47 different types.
PHOTO-VOLTAIC CELLS.
Silicon solar cells. Sensitivity from .04 microamperes to 2.8 microamperes. Twelve different types available.
SEND FOR FULL CATALOG.
Contains 32 pages on all devices in the product categories above. Phone your local distributor or contact Litronix at 19000 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014. Phone (408) 257-7910.

litronix
AN AFFILIATE OF SIEMENS
THE LIGHTS FANTASTIC

CIRCLE NUMBER 9

EL1TTRON1c D ESIGN 7. March 29. 1978

lew cost saving devices tor computer perlpheral manutacturers.
STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS' FAMILY OF MOS/LSI CIRCUITS.

Cassette
USRT COM 2601

Communications
UART COM 2017/2502/6402 USRT COM 2601
Baud Rate Generator COM 50161504615036/ 5026/
8046
Multi-Protocol USRT COM5025
ASTROCOM 1671

Printer
Character Generator CG4103
Static Shift Register SR5015
Shift-right/left shift Register SR5017 / 18

·Floppy Disc Controller

Keyboard Encoders KR2376 / 3600

Floppy Disc

CRT Controller CRT5027
Character Generator CG5004
Character Generator/ Attributes CRT8002

Keyboard

CRT

Now, with SMC's standard computer peripheral MOS/LSI circuits , most standard peripheral functions can be "plugged-in". Design is easier. Products are more reliable. Assembly is faster - and that keeps cost down. For details on our standard devices or for custom LSI requirements call today.

CIRCLE NUMBER 10

CLECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, M arch 29, 1978

A way to sharply reduce power loss in switching power supplies.

Replace P-Ns with TRW's all-new Dual Schottky Power Diode
TRW's new SD-241 puts two Schottky power diodes in a single T0-3 package.
Ideal for rectification of center-tap transformers supplying 5Vdc or less and up to 20A ... and for commutation/flyback of current where peak inverse voltage does not exceed 45V.
With a forward voltage drop of only 0.6V {at 20A}, the SD-241 will give you up to twice the efficiency of two P-Ns and cut your heat sink requirements in half.You 'll save space, lower your circuit costs and increase the reliability of your 50-150W switching power supplies.
For complete details of this new way to save power and boost efficiency in your switching power supply design , send us the coupon now.
T R WPOWER SEMICONDUCTORS ANOTHER PRODUCT OF A COMPANY CALLED TRW
r--- --- ----- ----- - - -------- ---,
TRW Power Semiconductors An Electronic Components Division of TRW Inc. 14520 Aviation Boulevard, Lawndale, California 90260
Please send me complete data on TRW'a new SD-241 Dual Schottky Power Diode.
Name
Company Name
Position
.__________CA_ditdy_res_s ____________St_ate_____Z_ip___ED__I ________.

CIRCLE NUMBER 11

E1.ECTRON1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Compare our SOA and Es1b to theirs and you'll understand
why our high current/voltage
·transistors work.

High voltage a~d high chur- ~

Sat· Operating Area

rent specs aren t enoug · f-~

If you've ever specified _,.j ~N' :sJ '

transistors above 50 amps,

~~~

~ "0 ·· H

only to find they fail on the r'

~ CS: ::s.J

job, you know how high- 1-5 current specs may actually be .::..

~IS~. r-.~. 'm·

iii: miTslheadtingth. e ru

. is,

un1ess

you

see

the SOA and Estbspecs ,

~:p~~~i:A:fgg~3
1~-:-·

there's no way of knowing

'00 c

~,0m.
·~ ,...,.. 11 1' 0·1

whether a high-current device

l.1Iil ~"~~~~ '.i "~oo!''L"

Tf.hey, on the other hand, must trst mount their chip on the
package, then test to determine if it's shippable.
Delivery and prices. Our catalogs come com-
plete with prices ... we don't
believe in secrets. While our initial device
b r h l h' h ·
cost may es ig t Y 1g er, m the long run we believe you'll

has the guts to withstand a surge, and not blow out.

Es1b 2.5 Joules

find that it's less expensive to use transistors that keep on working.

That's why we publish both

We rely on direct factory-to-

our Safe Operating Area and and electrical conductivity customer contact to ensure

Es1b specs.

and yielding the highest re- I 00% responsiveness, backed

We want you to see pre- sistance to second breakdown

cisely the kind of super-

wi'th

the 1owest

v, CE

<sao

Thet.r

aulprebaydythbeuifllte,xipbriel-ittyestoefdcahnipds

ruggedness you can expect smaller chips use thin alumi- ready for whatever electrical/

from PowerTech-and only num-metalizing with fragile,

PowerTech-high-current current-limiting wires (Q.UIS packaging requirements you

tra~sistors. Compare our Estb have s.olid copper posts).

may have. But see for yourself: call for

ra~mgs, from.1.5 to

Which wo.uld .you rather ? further information and ap-

6 JOUl~s.'. agamst

have your c1~cmt depend on. plications assistance: Sales

the m1ll1J<?ules

And we don t st~p the~e. To Engineering, PowerTech, Inc.,

or ~npubhshed hra1.gtmh-gvsoo1tfago~t/her
current devices.

guarantee rapid dehve~y, weonpraen-m·motuegnrt.ao1umr oc1hyi-p
copper heat smk so we

0L~_ea01w2· n(F2, a0Nilre)Lw7a9w11en_r5sA0ey5v0e0.n7u4e1,0F., air

Copper makes the difference.

can categorize and pretest the module at high currents to insure maxi-

We use extra-

mum reliability prior to

heavy copper-

ThickEsn~uitcdeCr-oBpapseer mounting in the pack-

metalizing on our bigger, Metalizing age of your choice (again

beefier chip:- thereby

I 00% tested to the most

assuring maximum thermal stringent MIL/AERO specs).

PowerTech, Inc.

"BIG IDEAS IN BIG POWER"

CIRCLE NUMBER 12

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

GUARDIAN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY-1550 W. Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607-312/243-1100

CIRCLE NUMBER 14

Intel delivers the Make the move now

Now's the time to replace those 2102 lK designs with Intel's higher density

2114, the most widely sourced 4K static RAM. The 2114 is already less expensive

at the board level than the 2102. You'll save power without compromising speed.

And best of all, we're delivering the 2114 in volume. We can ship

up to 10,000 parts within one week of receipt of order. ..,....~,...- There's a full range of design solutions in the 2114

family. It starts with our 1Kx4 2114,

for the highest possible density and

modularity in an 18;pin 4K static

RAM. Then there's the 2114L.

Same pin;out. Just as fast. But 30% lower power.

For simplified designs in microcomputer;based systems,

we're delivering the 20;pin 2142. It's the way to go when

you want 2114 performance, but need an extra chip select

and output enable. The output enable function

cuts parts requirements in microcomputer

systems by eliminating bus contention.

All our 4K static RAMs

inherit the ease of use

and low overhead of our

industry;standard lK

2102. You don't need a clock, refresh or set;up

int~ f~ILE

timing. You

"''el ....

don't even need

Rel.,.F_RA_GILE

ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

2114 in volume.
to 4K static RAMs.

pullup resistors or output gating. Our 4K static RAMs operate at TTL levels

on a single +SY supply, and have buffered three,state outputs.

We guarantee identical access and cycle times on these parts, so you can

surpass the performance of clocked static RAMs. For example, you can achieve a

data rate of 20 megabits per second with the 200 nanosecond 2114,2 or 2142,2

parts. That's twice the data rate of clocked RAMs with a 200 ns access time.

Intel specs guarantee that even at high throughput rates you'll need less than

half the power of first generation static RAMs. You can take advantage of 2114 and 2142 economy
and Intel's production availability by ordering directly

1nte11Kx4 Mos sTAT1c RAMs Accesslime& lcc(max)
cycieo:~dmaxJ ®~~&'"2:axJ

from: Al
Hami1to

mac nhI \v

Stro net,

uHma,rvCeoy,mIpnodnuestnritaS1pCeocimalptioense, nCtrsa, mer,

2114-2 2114L-2 2142-2

200ns

1oomA 70mA 1oomA

Pioneer, Sheridan, Wyle/Elmar, Wyle/Liberty,

2142L-2

1omA

L.A. Yarah or Zentronics. Or ask your Intel salesman how you can get an assembled and tested card, the Intel Memory System in,7000. It gives you up to 16K words on one card, up to 528K in

2114-3 2114L-3
2142-3 2142 3
L2114 2114L
~~:~L

300ns 4sons

1oomA 70mA
1oomA 7
omA 100mA 1omA
1 ~~~~

one chassis.

Our entire selection of static RAMs are in the Intel 1977

Data Catalog. For individual data sheets on the 2114 or

2142 components or the in,7000 static RAM memory

system write: Intel Literature Department, 3065

Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051.

In Europe: Intel International, Rue du Moulin

a Papier, 51,Boite 1, B,1160 Brussels, Belgium.

Telex 24814. In Japan: Intel Japan K. K., Flower

Hill,Shinmachi East Building 1,23,9, Shinmachi,

Setagaya,ku, Tokyo 154. Telex 781,28426.

infel.delivers.

CIRCLE NUMBER 16

Eu:.CTRON1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Across the desll
(continued from page 7}
cold. And the regulator circuit is installed near the battery, so that the battery's temperature is sensed. Test specs given in the manual show that the regulator's output should be 14.6 to 15.5 V at 0 C and 13.6 to 14.4 V at
120 c.
Incidentally, some of the old relaytype regulators also contained such temperature compensation.
Marriott Dickey 113 Hillcrest Dr. Orinda, CA 94563
Negative exponents gone
I would like to call attention to some errors in Michael I. Distefano's otherwise useful article, "Adjust FerriteCore Constants to Suit Your Coil Design Needs" (ED No. 24, Nov. 22, 1977, p. 154). Eq. 3 should read
L = 41TN2~ (lQ-9)/C1 , if L is expressed in henries. In the article, the minus is missing from the nine exponent. Similarly, the derived expression for AL also should have a negative-exponent nine.
In addition, although the result, Eq. 4, is correct, the integral expression for C1 for a uniform toroid should be
1
C1 =
Jrr21·_27h_Tr dr
not the expression shown. Core constant C1 is characteristic of the reluc-· tance of a core; thus, it should bei handled like resistances connected in parallel. Consequently, you must sum, or integrate, the reciprocal quantities of C1 in the example of the torroid shown in Fig. 2a.
Keith L. Williams Project Engineer
Adams Electronics Division of Tracor 16 Charles St. Bangor, MI 49013.
Ed. Note: Reader Williams is correct. Negative signs are missing from both Eq. 3 and the expression for Au

Also, the equation for C1 was intended to be printed as
J (C1)-1 = r2 [27rr/(h .dr))-1,
r1 an integration of reciprocals. In this form it retains its graphical parallelism with the preceding equation,
n
C1 = ~ d/Ai,
i=l which, however, applies to series-connected sections of a core. Again, this is a case of missing negative exponents. Seems our printer has an aversion to minus signs.
But to point up how easily you can make an error, reader Williams' integral expression for C1 has the limits r1 and r2 reversed, which he can't blame on the printer. That's only an editor's privilege.
More unloaded-board testing than you think
I read "Testing Circuit Cards Can Be a Monstrous Job" (ED No. 24, Nov. 22, 1977, p. 64) with great interest and was disappointed that your only reference to unloaded-board testing was that of Hughes Aircraft, whose contribution to this area of testing is less than 10% in any year. There are at least 10 other companies involved in this area.
ES·P has been supplying this type of equipment as well as interconnect verification for cables, backplanes, and complex aircraft for 10 years.
Harold F. Gainey President
Electronic Systems and Programming Inc.
3355 W. El Segundo Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250.
99% good
In "Try a Wien-bridge Network..." (ED No. 3, Feb. 1, 1978, p. 80), Eq. 10 should read
b(R1)
3(2 -b)
Otherwise, nice! Albert E. Hayes, Jr., PhD Consulting Engineer
778 Town & Country Rd. Orange, CA 92668

SALES OFFICES
ALABAMA Pen-Tech Assoc . Huntsville (205) 533-0090
ARIZONA Intel Corp. Phoenix (602) 242-7205
BFA Corp. Scotlsdale (602) 994-5400
CALIFORNIA MAC-I Berkeley (415) 843-7625
MAC-I Cupertino (408) 257-9880
MAC-I Fountain Valley (714) 839-3341
Earle Assoc . San Diego (714) 278-5441
lnlel Corp. Santa Ana (714) 835-9642
Intel Corp. Sherman Oaks (213) 986-9510
Intel Corp. Sunnyvale (408) 738-3870
MAC-I Woodland Hills (213) 347-1374
COLORADO Intel Corp. Denver (303) 373-4920
Mountaintek Evergreen (303) 674-5255
CONNECTICUT Intel Corp. Danbury (203) 792-8366
CMA Corp. Fair Haven (203) 789-1013
FLORIDA Pen-Tech Assoc. Deerfield Beach (305) 421-4989
Intel Corp. Ft. Lauderdale (305) 771-0600
Pen-Tech Assoc . Maitland (305) 645-3444
Intel Corp. Orlando (305) 628-2393
GEORGIA Pen-Tech Assoc . Atlanta (404) 955-0293
ILLINOIS Dytek-Central Arlington Heights (312) 394-3380
Intel Corp. Oakbrook (312) 325-9510
IOWA Technical Reps. Cedar Rapids (319) 393-5510
KANSAS Technical Reps. Lenexa (314) 888-0212, 3, 4
MARYLAND Mesa, Inc. Rockville (301) 881-8430
Glen White Assoc. Timonium (301) 252-6360
Intel Corp. Timonium (301) 252-7742
MASSACHUSETTS Intel Corp. Chelmsford (617) 256-4131
CMA Inc. Waltham (617) 894-7000
MICHIGAN Lowry and Assoc . Brighton (313) 227-7067
Intel Corp. Southfield (313) 353-0920
MINNESOTA Intel Corp. Bloomington (612) 835-6722

MISSOURI Technical Reps. Hazelwood (314) 731-5200
NEW JERSEY Intel Corp. Edison (201) 985-9100
NEW MEXICO BFA Corp. Albuquerque (505) 292-1212
BFA Corp. Las Cruces (505) 523-0601
NEW YORK Measurement Tech . Great Neck (516) 482-3500
lnlel Corp. Hauppauge (516) 231-3300
T-Squared Pitlsford (716) 381-2551
Intel Corp. Poughkeepsie (914) 473-2303
Intel Corp. Rochester (716) 328-7340
T-Squared Syracuse (315) 463-8592
NORTH CAROLINA Pen-Tech Assoc . Highpoint (919) 883-9125
OHIO Lowry and Assoc . Cleveland (216) 464-8113
Intel Corp. Dayton (513) 890-5350
Lowry and Assoc. Dayton (513) 435-4795
Intel Corp. Euclid (216) 289-0101
OREGON ES/Chase Beaverton (503) 642-2732
PENNSYLVANIA Intel Corp. Ft. Washington (215) 542-9444
Q.E.D. Electronics Hatboro (215) 674-9600
Lowry and Assoc. Pills burgh (412) 922-5110
TEXAS Intel Corp. Dallas (2t4) 241-9521
Mycrosystems Mktg. Dallas (214) 238-7157
Intel Corp. Houston (713) 784-3400
Mycrosystems Mktg. Houston (713) 783-2900
UTAH Mountaintek Salt Lake City (801) 266-9617
WASHINGTON ES/Chase Seattle (206) 762-4824
CANADA HDQTRS.
Ottawa (613) 232-8576
Multitek Ottawa (613) 226-2365
EUROPEAN HDQTRS. BELGIUM
Brussels Tel: (32-2) 660 30 10 Telex: 24812
ORIENT HDQTRS. JAPAN
Tokyo Tel: (03) 426-9261 Telex: 781-28426

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Intel's new in-7000 static memory system with Word/Byte Control delivers speed, convenience and design flexibility. It's the easiest way to get our high-density 2114 4K static RAMs into your system.
The in-7000 is a complete static memory with interface and control logic contained on a single 10.8" x 8.175" printe<;I circuit card. The system requires only a +SY power supply, is TTL compatible, and needs no refresh. You can choose from two versions, differing only in speed: the 7000, with a
read and write cycle time of 250 ns; and the 7001 (350 ns). The basic in-7000 card is available in four 16K configurations: 16K x 12, 16, 20 or 24 bits. Two chassis models are also available. The in-Minichassis can house six in-7000 circuit
cards, and the in-Unichassis has a 32-card capacity. A unique feature called Word/Byte Control gives you
the design flexibility to standardize on the in-7000 for all your systems applications. Word/Byte Control allows the Byte Control inputs to be used either

for reconfiguration or byte data control. In the Word

mode, the Byte Control inputs select either or both halves of a word, effectively reconfiguring a

16K x 24 card to 32K x 12; a 16K x 16 card to

32K x 8; and so on. In the Byte mode, any combination

of three bytes in a 24-bit word may be selected

by the Byte Control inputs.

Get Intel 4K static RAMs into your system now

with our in-7000. Phone your local Intel sales office or

use the coupon below.

_rdel;.J'Drs. ·1I nl+'e'

& y~

CIRCLE N UMBER 17

r--- - --- ------------- - - ---,

Intel Memory Systems

ED 3/29/78

1302 N. Mathilda Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Phone(408)734-8102

Send me more information on Intel's in-7000 static memory system. Name_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

Positio ~---------------Company_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~
Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City, State, Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Callme~--~-------------
L----- ----- - - --- - ------- -- ~

''Our new 2114-based memory system g1· vesyou

a head start with

4K static RAMs!'

"~di~~'~};\~\~-'-~~-

VACTEC Photodetectors
The lndustrys l3roadest Line Provides More Semiconductor Detectors for More Design Applications
Vactec serves manufacturers of a wide rang e of mode rn electronic products. Pictured are a few examples. All these devices are both made and sold by Vactec, including complete lines of LDR 's (photoconductive cells, CdS and CdSe); silicon solar cells, as well as silicon high speed and blue enhanced cells ; NPN phototransistors and darlingtons ; opto-couplers (LED/ LOR, lamp/ LO R and neon/LOR) ; selenium photovoltaic cel ls ; silicon photodiodes, blue enhanced and PIN ; and custom C-MOS an d bi-pol ar IC's. Write fo r techni cal bulletins on the types that su it your requireme nts. Or send your app lication, and Vactec will recommend the right cell fo r the job.

Vactec, Inc.
2423 Nort hline Industrial Blvd . Maryland Heights . Mo . 63043 (314) 872-8300

CIRCLE NUMBER 66

·
·

Electronic Organs
LED or lamp / L OR Vactrols for audio, and Cd S cells for swell pedal controls.

Cameras and Projectors
CdS or blue enhanced silic on phot od1odes for automatic shutter t1m1ng , aperture servo systems for automatic pro1ector focus ; and slave flash controls

Triac Motor Controls
A special Vactrol gates a triac for forward and reverse motor operation as in hospital b eds.

LED Watches
Ph o toconductive or photot ra nsistor c hip co nt rols LED brig htness

Dollar Bill Changers
Silicon photovoltaic ce l ls ana lyze optical characteristics.

Machine Tool Controls
High-speed photovoltaic cells or transistor arrays help compu ter control repetitive opera t io ns. non-contact se nsing , and counting and weighing .

Telephone Equipment
Neon / LOR Vactrols sense rirging . Direct a-c coupling , slow LDR response isolates electronics from noise.

Scientific Instruments
Bl ue enh anc ed silico n or sele n ium ph o tovo lt aic ce ll s d e tec t so lut ions d ensitometri c ally for p rec ise blood ch emistry and ot her anal yses.

Newsseope
MARCH 29, 1978

Fast-blowing PROM fuses may not grow back, either

Future PROM fuses may blow faster and cleaner, and leave 10-times wider gaps than most fuses in use today. And their material may be more resistant to later regrowth than gaps produced with the nichrome, titanium-tungsten, and polysilicon fuse materials currently used in PROMs. The reason? A bipolar PROM technology, reportedly as fast as or potentially faster than conventional Isoplanar.
The technology, developed by Advanced Micro Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, combines platinum silicide, a hard, inert fuse material with active-load circuits on a low-power-Schottky chip.
The new approach employs feedback-controlled programming circuits and sense amplifiers, and on-chip voltage and temperature compensation. Both techniques, first borrowed from ECL technology for use in AMD's RAMs, are being applied to PROMs for the first time to stabilize access times and other performance parameters over wide ranges of voltage and temperature.
More than 2-billion fuse-hours of life testing without a single fuse-oriented failure have shown platinum silicide's resistance to regrowth, according to Robert Lutz, the bipolar memory engineering manager who is responsible for developing the new technology.
The platinum silicide fuse produces typical gap lengths of 1 to 3 microns, compared to 0.1 to 0.2 microns for nichrome, still the most widely used fuse material, says Lutz. Since the gaps are 10 times longer, the field or gradient to produce regrowth is 10 times less. Moreover, platinum silicide, although a good electrical conductor, is much harder, less ductile, and more inert chemically than nichrome or titanium-tungsten. These factors also help retard regrowth, or "whisker," forma tio ns .
Recommended programming time for the platinum silicide fuse will be 50 microseconds, compared to two milliseconds for typical nichrome PROMs. This much faster time will speed pro-
fa ECTRON1c DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Platinum silicide fuse link spans opening atop nonconductive nitride step. Gap results when surface tension draws back molten fuse material.

duction significantly for large-storage

PROMs .

The platinum-silicide-link material

has advantages over other conven-

tional materials as well. Polysilicon,

which is doped with phosphorus for

PROM use, does not have the silicide's

chemical inertness, and thus may have

lower long-term stability. Avalanche-

induced migration, an approach that

creates links during programming

rather than blowing them, is tied to

gold-doped processes, which are less

suitable for extremely high-speed

high-density designs, says Lutz.

The first products to use the new

technology will be AMD's generic

PROM family, to be available early in

the second quarter of 1978, led by a 4-
k (512 x 8) with maximum access times

of 60 ns over commercial temperature

and voltage (0 to 75 C, 5 V ± 10%) and

90 ns under military conditions (-55

to 125 C, 5 V ± 10%). Corresponding

access times for smaller units are 50

and 60 ns for 512 X 4, 45 and 60 ns for

256 x 4, and 40 and 50 ns for 32 x 8.

For time, space and power savings

in pipelined µPs, AMD will offer anoth-

er 4-k version with dual output reg-

isters.

The only other registered PROMs

will be available soon from Monolithic

Memories Inc. of Sunnyvale CA . These

will be based on titanium-tungsten

technology.

CIRCLE NO. 316

Spec group may speed up military device approval
High-reliability, military-approved versions of large-scale integrated circuits will be available much sooner if a committee of manufacturers, users, and testers of the devices writes the chip's spec sheet. That's the hope of RCA's Solid State Division, Somerville, NJ, and its alternate sources for 1802 CMOS microprocessors-Hughes and Solid State Scientific.
"If the 1802 went through the traditional procedure, we would look for 12 to 18 months before it's released," says Gene Reiss, engineering manager for MOS high reliability !Cs at RCA. "We're hoping a precoordination workshop will cut that to four to six months -three months if we're lucky."
Usually, an IC manufacturer seeking approval to mil standard 38510 writes a list of specifications and submits it to a government agency like NASA or one of the military services. That agency, in turn, submits the forms to a clearinghouse agency like the Rome Air Development Center or the Defense Electronic Supply Center, which calls for comments. Give-and-take on various aspects of the spec may stretch the time even more. The final spec sheet may come from DESC as much as a year later.
"But the government is recognizing that the problem is becoming increasingly complex because of the increasing complexity of the devices," says W. Richard Scott, manager of the parts engineering group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. JPL is writing the test procedure for 1802 microprocessors and their peripheral circuits, and is a member of the committee that is precoordinating the acceptance procedure for the devices.
Besides the three manufacturers, users like NASA, Sandia, and General Electric, and test labs like Macrodata are characterizing the 1802.
First DIP nickel-cadmium batteries for PC power
The first standardized DIP nickelcadmium batteries for standby power on PC boards have arrived. Introduced by General Electric's Battery Business Department (Gainesville, FL), under the trademark of DataSentry, this family of batteries contains µP-80 cells, now the smallest sealed cylindrical cells in GE's line.
The DIP configuration eliminates all
23

- --
1Ds, ataC~!A!n.t!-nI··
the special accommodations-clips, brackets and angles-needed in the past to ensure secure and stable board mounting.
The batteries are rated 70 mA-h for a 15-mA load. With a small semiconductor memory drawing only 10 µA, the battery will keep the memory's contents for almost three months. At 0.5 A, a larger memory will hold for more than 5 minutes.
The batteries will be offered in voltage modules of 2.4 or 3.6 V. With this modular approach, a system designer will be able to put together almost any voltage he needs.
Primary customers, according to GE, will be OEM memory and microprocessor users. In quantities of 100 to 999, the 2.4-V units sell for $2.76 and the 3.6-V, $4.14.
CIRCLE NO. 317
New radiation standard for insulating materials
The first international radiation standard for insulating materials has been released by the International Electrotechnical Commission, which prepares world-wide standards in the electrical and electronic fields. The standard, IEC Publication 544-Part One, is called the Guide for Determining the Effects ofIonizing Radiation on Insulating Material,s-Radiation Interaction.
The document also offers an international guide to dosimetry terminology and provides ways to determine and calculate insulating materials that have exposed and absorbed radiation dosages .
For more details, contact the International Electrotechnical Commission, 1, rue de Varembe, Geneva, Switzerland.
µP-based DVM offers a bundle of information
A digital voltmeter available in 5-1/2 and 6-1/2-digit versions uses a microprocessor to convert raw data into more useful units of measure and to generate statistical information. Able to measure resistance as well as ac and
24

de voltage, the voltmeter can even be programmed to operate unattended for up to 96 hours.
The voltmeter is designed and built by Schlumberger's Solartron Electronic Group Ltd. of Hampshire, England, and is marketed in the United States by Guildline Instruments Inc. of Elmsford, NY.
Nine programs are built into the voltmeter. With these, input data can be multiplied by a 6-digit number and offset from zero to convert into units of measure such as psi or mph. A third program linearizes input data according to standard J, K, R, or T-type thermocouple curves for direct readout in degrees. The instrument can also calculate ratios and read out directly in decibels, and can calculate power and read out in watts.
The programs also yield statistical information. The microprocessor can calculate the deviation of any reading from the average, and can determine the variance and standard deviation of a series of readings, as well as recall the number of readings taken.
A real-time clock program sets times for starting and stopping a sequence of readings over a 96-hour period, and sets the frequency of readings. Other programs set limits and store minimum and maximum readings.
Calibration of the instrument's circuitry against internal standards is automatically performed every 10 s.
The 5-1/2-digit version of the voltmeter, Model 9575, is priced at $2995 and the 6-1/2-digit version at $3995. The processor is an option for $990. Other options include digital interfaces: BCD, binary, RS-232, and IEEE-488.
CIRCLE NO. 318
Mirror takes twinkle out of astronomer's eye
While the twinkle of stars has been romantic to lovers and poets, it's been downright maddening to astronomers trying to view stars through the earth's turbulent atmosphere, which puts the twinkle there in the first place.
Now, Jeffrey Everson a physicist at Itek Corp., Lexington, MA, has employed a unified approach to the design of a multielement piezoelectric mirror, which compensates for star twinkle better than earlier models.
The device, described this week at the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers' Technical Symposium East in Washington, DC, is a sandwich-type, multielement

MIRROR SURFACE
piezoelectric substrate with a glass mirror element bonded to it.
The variation in starlight as the star twinkles is monitored by a photosensor system connected to the deformable monolithic piezoelectric mirror in a closed loop. This corrects, in real time, for the aberrations caused by the air's turbulence.
Everson's improved device has a higher frequency response than earlier models. For piezo-mirror elements used in astronomical applications, the response has been typically below 1 kHz. But Everson has raised this from 10 kHz to as high as 60 kHz by dampening undesirable resonance modes, which prohibit operation in those ranges. As a result, these mirrors can now be used for the first time in closedloop systems in high-powered las~rs to maximize the power density in the laser's target area.
According to Everson, the piezoelectric mirror is typically 2 to 3-in. in diameter. Holes are drilled into the piezoelectric substrate (see Figure). A 3-in. disc might have as many as 100 of these holes. A common electrode is deposited on the upper side of the piezosubstrate while individual electrodes are deposited onto the upper inside ends of the holes.
When a voltage is applied to one of these multielectrodes, the surface in the vicinity of that electrode is displaced, which produces mechanical deformation of the glass mirror at that point. By feeding the numerous holes with varying voltages, wavefront aberrations can be compensated for.
Bubbles store 2Mbits
A magnetic bubble memory that stores two-million bits of information in garnet chips has been delivered to the Air Force Avionics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
The memory and associated electronics were developed by Texas Instruments' Central Research Laboratory in Dallas, under contract to the AFAL's Electronic Technology Division.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

New Metoxilite MINl-STIC rectifiers are now available at competitive commercial prices. We have retained the superior technology and premium materials developed for aerospace programs. Stable electrical characteristics are maintained through Semtech's unique internal design. Ideal for high voltage high density packaging, these multi-junction devices are used successfully in single as well as polyphase high voltage rectifier circuits.
Not epoxy! Our rectifiers are cased in Metoxilite.
To provide rugged minimum sized devices, metal oxides (Metoxilite) are fused directly to the junction pin assembly at high temperatures to form non-cavity hermetically sealed, monolithic rectifiers. Thermal expansion characteristics of Metoxilite are matched with the internal structure allowing
ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

the rectifiers to withstand extreme thermal shock. Designed for use in encapsulated or oil environments.
Used in CRT Power Supplies.
Our fast recovery multi-chip devices are especially designed for high voltage multipliers used in TV receivers and monitors .
Q ·m -
-~-= -
Type : FM50, 75 , 100 & 150 PIV: 5,000, 7,500 , 10 ,000& 15,000V Average Rectified Current@25' C:
25 & 10mA Static Forward Voltage ,1OmA@25' C:
10 & 20V Reverse Recovery Time (Max .): 300ns Case Size (Max.):
FM50 & 75 ; .300"L x .120"0
FM100 &150; .400"L x .120"0
CIRCLE NUMBER 19

X-Ray Equipment applications.
Our Sub-miniature High Voltage Rectifiers are used in X-Ray equipment. These devices form the building blocks for.high voltage sticks such as the " X-WAY STIC " developed by Semtech.
- ~-
Type : SH75 & SH100 PIV @25 ' C: 7500 & 10,000V Average Rectified Current @55' C in Oil : 200mA Static Forward Voltage ,1OOmA @25' C: 12V O.C. !:!locking Voltage @25' C: 7500 & 10,000V Case Size (Max .): .450"L x .160"0
1975 NATIONAL SBA SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-21 11·(213) 628-5392 ·TWX: 910-336-1264 CHICAGO: (312) 352-3227 · OALLAS: (214) 234-6523 OAYTON: (513) 274 -8356 · FLORIDA: (305) 644·54D4 MARYLAND: (301) 937 -007D· NEWYORK/NEWJERSEY: (201) 964-9305 SAN FRANCISCO: (415) 494-011 3 · SEATILE: (206 ) 455-4807 CAN ADI ANSALES: Avotronics. Ltd. (416 ) 493-9711 EUROPEAN SALES: Bourns AG Zug, Switzerland (042) 232-242
25

News
Speed's up in 'fast' transistors,
but ...

Speed isn't the only plus in switching and wideband linear transistors.
Maturing bipolar technologies and new processes like ion implantation, new structures like VMOS and new materials like gallium arsenide are making transistors more stable and powerful as well as faster.
But that's still not all. Designing circuits is easier now than even a short year ago because the specs are more pertinent. This data improvement, though by no means universal among device manufacturers, is evident in every fast-transistor application area.
Spurred on by the advantages of smaller size, lighter weight and higher efficiency, switching power supplies continue to replace linears. And what makes these supplies work? Fastswitching power transistors.
In power switching, transistors-especially for switching power supplies -are now usually specified for inductive as well as resistive loads. But, at least one power-switching-transistor producer insists that resistive-only switching information is all anyone needs. Others still manage to forget that power switches work into inductive loads in switching power supplies. And some still don't specify switching behavior at any of a device's limits.
Fast-not loose
Then along comes RCA, which now guarantees 800-ns rise and fall times and 4-µs storage time at simultaneous voltage, current and temperature limits-for both clamped-inductive and resistive loads. Switching times for the 5-A RCA 8767 and the 15-A TA 9114 families are guaranteed at junction temps of 125 and 100 C, respectively.
Well aware that there's no correlation between switching times at room
Sid Adlerstein Associate Editor
26

Capillary soldering in Amperex's Bux transistors forces out all the air from between the chip and its header for a thermal-stress resistant bond.

temperature and switching times at higher temperatures, RCA has recently developed and designed its own highte mperatu re testing apparatus. Though the engineering details are still secret, what it does isn't. The new equipment tests each device's switching times with the junction temperature, collector current, clamped voltage for inductive turn-off (V CEx), and collector-to-emitter voltage (V cEo) with the base open-all at their respective maximum values.
For further insurance against the dissatisfaction with power-switchingtransistor reliability voiced by switching-power-supply designers in the last two years, RCA tests for collectorleakage current (IcEv) using 650 V.
Another safeguard that helps weed out devices weak in the field-intensity departm>ent is testing the 5-A units from 100-V supplies. Lower potentials, like the commonly used 10 and 20 V,

don't expose weak units before they find their way into equipment.
Where do RCA's power switching transistors get their combination of speed and ruggedness? From their semiconductor structure-a multiplelayer-epitaxial-collector and diffusedbase affair-and also from proprietary metalization, which gives high conductivity. And to top everything off, their full passivation won't deteriorateeven at high temperatures.
Not surprisingly, then, 5, 10 and 15A versions of these devices are imminent as JEDEC-registered "2N" devices. The MIL-approved ones will combine a VCEO of 400 V and a VCEX of 480 V in the same devices.
But improved fast-switching transistors are coming from many other sources. For the last four years, for example, Solid State Devices Inc. has been making fast-switching power transistors by the multiple-epitaxial
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

TRIPLE

This micrograph shows the interdigitated chip (left) of Delco's fastest power switches, the DTS515-520 family.

The triple-diffused-mesa structure (right) balances fal ltime and gain against energy-absorbing capability.

process. The company's latest, the 1843, is its most powerful. The 1843 has a VCEO of 350 V and handles continuous collector current of 30 A.
Faster and more powerful switching transistors continue to be introduced by Kertron. The past year has seen the KS 6200, KS 6300, KS 6400 and KS 6500 series, which combine double-diffused planar epitaxial and rf technologies to produce 10 to 20-A devices with rise, storage and fall times of 40, 150 and 50 nanoseconds, respectively.
Switches crowd the floor
Older series of KS transistors (Kertron has been making fastswitching power transistors since 1969) handle 0.5 to 2 A with laminationrattling 30-ns rise and fall times plus 100-nanosecond storage times.
And there are more Kertron switches on the way. In six months to a year, expect fast 5 to 10-A devices both in npn triple-diffused high-voltage and in pnp planar-rf versions. In the more distant future, the fruits of improved silicon-wafer proc~ssing and other dopants than the gold or platinum now used in Kertron's transistors. may mean even faster power switches.
Right now, however, 14070 series of 80 to 120-V npn switching transistors from Semicoa can handle rivers of continuous collector current, up to 70 A. And they also boast mighty secondary-breakdown energy ratings (Es1b) of 140 mJ. These double-diffused planar devices have graded-collector regions . Their times for 50-A switching are blazing; rise, storage and fall times are 500, 500 and 100 ns, respectively. No wonder Semicoa has trou hie finding magnetic components to match the speed of its transistors.
EL ECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

After eight years of using just the planar double-diffused, epitaxial-collector process for its power-switching transistors, General Semiconductor Industries is now concentrating on adding C2R (charge-control-ring) technology. This process adds the surface stabilization important for high-voltage operation while another feature, an interdigitated emitter, improves both gain and current-handling capability. All these improvements are evidenced in the GSDS50020, a 50-A, 200-V device with a typical 50-A saturation potential of only 0.5 volts.
Next on the list from GSI will be a wedding of C2R and a triple diffusion . A high safe-operating area should come from the triple diffusion. High speed and high current-handling ability plus low saturation voltages should result from the C2R processing.
Triple diffusion has made its mark already in other fast-switching lines. One example, the 6500 series of npn planar triple-diffused transistors from TRW Power Semiconductors, offers VCEO ratings from 350 to 450 V. Geared
c2R surfaces add high VCEO to Genera I Semiconductor Industries' doublediffused epitaxial XGSR series of fast power bipolar transistors.

for off-line, 20-kHz switching supplies, these transistors pass continuous currents of 10-A and their switching speeds are 0.5 µs for rise and fall times plus 2 µs for storage. Commercial versions go from $3.55 to $7.71 (100 to 999).
Late this year, TRW plans to introduce three more series of power switching transistors. These will handle 15, 12 and 3 A at 400 V.
Another triple-diffused bipolar transistor family, the 8-A UMT 1008 from Unitrode, has a proprietary Barrier design. This prevents the normal current shift, from the emitter's periphery to its center, during the crucial turnoff period. In conventionally-structured high-voltage power-switching transistors, this shift degrades both the turn-off time and the Es/Ir
Aided by its Barrier, the UMT 1009 rises in 270 ns, stores for 1200 ns, and falls in 170 ns, when switching 5 A. So with only the simplest base-drive circuitry, this transistor switches offthe-line at 25-kHz.
Not only that, but the 1009 handles 5 mJ of Es/b· Because the transistor itself can absorb this energy, it is suitable for many inductive-switching uses, without a clamping diode.
The UMT 1008 bipolars are triplediffused mesas with glass passivation. They have been in production for 18 months. Later this year Unitrode will expand the line of Barriers to include 3 and 12-A versions.
Late last year, the newest member of Westcode Semiconductors' triplediffused npn series was introduced. This powerhouse WT 5214 from the semiconductor division of England's Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co., boasts a VCEO of 550 V and continuous collector current of 10 A. Its full-rated switching times are 2.5 µs for the rise, 4 µs for storage and 2.2 µs for the fall.
27

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le
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1l1c~";J~"Collector

Curren.I
: I

Power-transistor switching characteristics from TRW Power Semiconductors are based on 10 to 90 % current

values for resistive loads (a). Inducti ve switching (b) t imes are measured to and from the clam ped-load voltage.

Westcode is aiming an active development program at producing fast switches with 20 to 260-A capability. Of these, the 20-A types should be here by the end of 1978 and the 120-A types are expected about a year later.
Glass-passivated triple-diffused mesas have become available from Amperex in the last year. In its Bux series of npn switching transistors, a capillary-soldering technique reduces the thermal resistance between the chip and its header, which increases the permissible power dissipation. Thus the Bux 81, which arrived last September, has a VCEO of 450 V, a continuous collector current of 10 A and a typical 5-A fall time of 300 ns.
Switch floods of current
Silicon Transistor Corp. is looking forward to higher current and voltages in its double-epitaxial mesa and planar switching transistors in 1978. Also in the future at the company are high-

voltage, fast-switching pnp's. Currently, the newest switching transistor at STC is the 2N6547, a 400-V, 15-A unit with 10-A switching characteristics of 0.7, 4 and 0.8 microseconds, respectively, for rise, storage and fall times.
Though PowerTech's PT-4500 npn transistor handles 100 A of continuous collector current, the company considers its PT-3523 transistor even more important. This triple-diffused npn handles only 50 A, but that goes togeth-
er with a VCEO of 400 V. And the E s/b is an impervious 2.5 J. This Goliath is nimble though-it switches 30 A with 0.5 µs rise and fall times plus only 1.5µs of storage delay.
Ever since 1962, Solitron has been making planar epitaxial power-switching transistors, like the 2N2657-8 for 20-kHz operation. Since 1976, the company has been producing devices with higher VCEO (up to 500 V), higher collector current (up to 20 A) and lower total resistive-switching speed (between 2.1 and 3.4 µs maximum) by the triple-

diffused planar process. Currently, Solitron is developing both higher-voltage pnp's and higher Es/b devices.
VMOS: power-switch power
But even with all these performance improvements, bipolar power-switching transistors may eventually be replaced by a newcomer onto the power-device scene-the power VMOS FET. Originally offered in 1976, only in T0-3 and T0-39 package and ratings of up to 2 A and 90 V by Siliconix, they have recently become available in a less-expensive plastic T0-202. By midyear, Siliconix plans to introduce higher-current VMOS FETs that are rated at 100 W and T0-3-packaged for 100, 200 and 400-V operation.
Fairchild, which is also producing VMOS FETs, has been second-sourcing Siliconix devices since late 1977.
Power VMOS FETs use a vertical Vgroove metal-oxide-semiconductor structure that increases both the cur-

"'Pll

N + SI

N + 81

Extending the base metalization into a field plate alters the collector-base field in shallow-diffused h igh-speed npn power switches . Charge-control rings (C2R), acting as

N+
©
depletion rings, block mobile-oxide charges for re liab ility. Diffused-p depletion rings (b) don't stop the charge migration. Neither do n+ channel-stop rings (c).

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

PEOPLE WHO KNOW RELAYS COUNT ON STRUTHERS· DUNN
FOR TIME DELAY

New Design Concept

The Struthers-Dunn line of standard tdrs was achieved by combining a proven hybrid solid state timing module with the entire line of standard general purpose relays. In most cases the module fits within the existing relay cover, and therefore does not affect unit size or ease of mounting .

Imagine, more than 6000 combinations of timing, voltage , contact arrangement and

Broad Selection

mounting . New concept permits any standard general purpose relay to be equipped with built-in time delay function. Standard off-the-shelf models are U.L. recognized. Hermetically sealed models meet the requirements of MIL-R-83726. It adds up to the most complete

line available anywhere.

Design Flexibility

The versatility of these timing modules offers a wide variety of alternatives when the control circuit must include time delay. Instead of searching for a timer to fit the circuit , simply choose the type of relay you want with the assurance that it is available with time delay capability .

Reduce Costs

The new tdrs will cut costs in many applications. 11, for example , a system now uses a conventional electromechanical timer and a separate relay as many circuits do, the
designer may substitute a single tdr and cut his component cost in half. Cost of mounting and wiring the component is also reduced.

5 Standard Voltages & Sockets

Forget previous voltage iimitations . Our tdrs are available for all standard voltages from
12 VAC to 240 VAC and from 12 voe to 125 voe . Plug-in models available for most
common sockets : Octal , square base , miniature or 12 pin rectangular plugs with quick connect, solder , printed circuit or front connect terminals.

6 Timing &Setting Range

Standard off-the-shelf models offer seven different timing ranges with adjustable setting : 0.1-1 second , 0.2-2 , 1-10, 3-30 , 6-60 , 18-180 and 30 to 300 seconds . Settings are available three ways : Fixed (factory preset) , knob adjustable or remote adjustable
from acentral control panel .

Reliability

These tdrs incorporate two time-tested components-electromechanical relays and solid state timing modules . Thus there is no weak link to cause premature failure . Repeatability of± 3% at 20 to 25°C and± 10% accuracy within voltage and temperature range is assured . Life

expectancy is 50 million mechanical operations or 500 ,000 operations minimum at full load .

Transient & Polarity Protection

Time delay operation is protected for transient voltages as long as 5ms duration with
exponential slope from 0 volts to 20 microsecond peaks of ± 2000 volts . DC models are inverse polarity protected . Tdrs will not operate with polarity reversed , but will function normally once wiring is corrected.

Another added operational protection . With our on-delay relays , false transfer of contacts is prevented should the voltage be interrupted during timing cycle. With off-delay relays, if
False Contact Protection control switch closes during delay period, timing resets to zero and contacts do not transfer.
9 Full timing is assured when control switch opens again .
Dependability and know-how , that 's what you get from more than 50 years experience .
.. 1 0 You, too, can count on a relay line-up with unmatched diversification . We provide solutions
Total Relay Capablllty to control problems with ten key relay functions : General Purpose, Latch Sequence, Sensitive , Reed , Solid State & Hybrid , Motor Control , Military, Special Assemblies and , of course, Time Delay.

. .. we're in TOTAL CONTROL

STRUTHERS-DUNN,. INC.
PITMAN, NEW JERSEY 08071
Manufacture" of llelay· and Solid State Control· Telephone,609·589·7500 TWX,510·686 ·75!0

CIRCLE NUMBER 20

Laa Vegas Convention Center, M1y 2, 3, 4 See our dlv1r1lfled line of rel1y1 at Booth 031

Available Through 140 Stocking Distributors Canada : Struthers-Dunn Relay Div., Renfrew Electronic Marketing, Ltd.

BASE LEAD

EMITTER CONTACT METALLIZATION

BASE LEAD

BASE LEAD
SI Oz

,EMITTER ' LEAD

P BASE EPITAXIALLY GROWN

Fast epitaxial-base switches (a) control resistivity and base width for low saturation V. Double-expitaxials (b) produce

fast 500-Vcrn transistors. Diffused anular guard rings keep channel leakage low in fast planar transistors (c).

rent and power capability of MOSFETs (see "Don't Trade Off Analog-switch Specs," ED No. 15, July 19, 1977, p. 56). Additionally, VMOS FETs retain the desirable characteristics of conventionally constructed MOSFETs:
· Switching times under 10 ns. · No storage delay (all conduction is via electrons). · No thermal runaway or secondary breakdown. · High input impedance. In MOSFETs, current flows via majority carriers (electrons) only. So, delays due to charge injection and conduction by minority carriers (holes), inherent in bipolar transistors, don't exist in MOSFETs. Before VMOS came into being, the current and power-handling capabilities of the other FETs were low (see "Look Out, Power Transistors: Here Come the Power FETs," ED No. 22, October 25, 1977, p. 30). High internal impedance was another MOSFET limitation. Up to now, the best power FETs have been limited to on-resistances between 1and2 n. But Tl's entries into the VMOS FET derby reportedly have much lower on-resistances. There must be something to VMOS FETs. Yet another supplier is coming on board . lntersil expects to be strongly in the business with at least six device families to be introduced this year alone. Among these: a 10-A, 90 to 100V model, whose 400-MHz ft allows switching to a 0.3-n on-resistance in under 100 ns; another device will have a 400-MHz fv but this one will standoff 400 V. And smaller 0.5-to-1 A units are expected with 1.2-GHz f;s .
It's raining linear data
Like fast-switching transistors, fast linear transistors are easier to design with , thanks to improved data. Micro-
30

"Choice" is the byword at Silicon Transistor Corp . You can select the device you need from over 1000 metal-packaged devices. These bi polars cover currents ranging from 50 mA to 100 A and collector potentials from 20 to 800 V.

wave and rf-device producers have worked to alleviate the frustration-if not outrage-of high-frequency linearcircuit designers over nonexistent specifications for S-parameters.
Across the frequency spectrum, new linear spec sheets simply abound with polar plots of all four S-parameters. And many data sheets go so far as to tabulate the S-parameters, so now you don't even have to find the right circle.
Up at the stratospheric Kµ band, NEC's NE388 GaAs metal-epitaxysemiconductor (MES)FET features tabulated S-parameters. At X band, NEC's 244, also a GaAs MESFET, offers both charts and tables of such parameters. At L and S bands, both charts and tables characterize NEC's npn NE021, SGS-ATES's pnp BFT 95 and Microwave Associates' npn

MA42110 and MA42160. Down in the uhf and vhf ranges, AEG-Telefunken's BF 679T and BF 479T present their Sparameters on polar plots.
But as with switching transistors again, it takes more than better device characterization for fast linear transistors to meet the performance demanded from new linear circuits. Obviously, better devices are the answer. And the answers keep coming.
It's pouring linear devices
Since 1970, dual-gate MOSFETs ha\·e been Texas Instruments' response to the noise, distortion, and stability shortcomings of bipolars for rf amplifiers and mixers in receivers. The second gate isolates input from output -without neutralization. The result is
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Choose from three new op amps with

high slew rates. One specifies the

i du ' I

· e 4 ·ffll

The next time you find yourself searching the

specification tables for a high-performance op amp,

be sure to search ours. You'll find a broad offering-

more than 60 models, each with package and

temperature options. You'll also discover

three new entries, one of which is likely

to provide that exceptional spec you

need.

)

e 40;

If low noise is critical to your de-

sign, then you need our new SE/

NE5534. There's not another op

amp around with better noise

performance. With i~t

noise specified at 4nV\/Hz

at 1 kHz, this device can

drive a 600-ohm load.

Great for quality audio

equipment and instrq-

mentation/control cir-

cuits. Our quiet per-

former also offers a

generous 10-MHz bandwidth

µsec slew rate.

When you compare the SE/NE5534 with stan-

dards like the µA 741 and LM307, you'll find that it of-

fers superior performance-spec for spec. This out-

standing op amp is internally compensated for gains

equal to, or greater than, 3. And if you want to opti-

mize frequency response for unity gain, capacitive

load, low overshoot, etc., you can do so easily with an

external capacitor.

Two For High Slew. For those designs demanding high slew rates, you should look into our super-fast performers-the SE/NE530 or SE/NE538. Internally
compensated, both of these devices have excellent input characteristics. The SE/NE530 is a superior rereplacement for any device in the µA741 family. Withhighslew rates of 18V/µsec (+1 gain) and 25V/µsec (-1 gain)-plus a small-signal bandwidth of 3 MHz-this op amp is a veritable workhorse for numerous applications. Selecting it over a 741-type device translates to improved performance, greater design flexibility and reduced inventory.
SE/NE538, you get c slew at a minimum gain of +5/-4. This guaranteed speed comes without power penalty, as maximum supply current required is just mA. If you're using op amps like the µA 741, LM3()1A or BiFETs, you could be getting better performance with our 530 or 538.
ove up to better op amp performance. Move up 'gnetics. For complete details, use the coupon he-
w or contact your local Signetics distributor.
!i!!JDlliC!i
a subsidiary of U.S. Phillps Corporation

Signetics Corporation

811 East Arques Averue

&myv.re,Ca6fornia 94086
r------------------- ~408/739-7700 , To: Signetics Information Services, 811 E. Arques Ave.,

P.O. Box 9052, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Please send technical data and sample(s) for the

following op amp(s):

0 Low-Noise SE/NE5534 0 High Slew SE/NE530

0 High Slew SE/NE538

0 My need is urgent; have an applications specialist

phone me at once: (

ext._ __

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Title _ _ _ _ _ __ Company _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Division _ _ _ _ _ __
Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ms _______

City

State ___ Zip _ __

b .t:CTRO 1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 197 8

I'm also interested in any other op amps you offer for this

-------------------~ L application:
CIRCLE NUMBER 21

EDJ29

SOURCE

GATE

AWMINUM

Si Oz n+

\
--'\:-

P- (BODY)

n- EPITAXIAL LAYER

Packaging limits power in Microwave Associates ' MA 42110 npn transistors. At 25 C, devices inside 509, 510 and 511-type cases dissipate 450, 1200 and 750 mW, respectively.

n+ SUBSTRATE

DRAIN
In vertical-MOS transistors current flows perpendicularly to the plane of the chip, rather than parallel to it as in conventional MOS structures. This gives VMOS higher current density, lower capacitance and saturation resistance.

better-than-bipolar stability. Also, the second gate is a convenient terminal for signal mixing and gain control.
Tl's two latest dual-gate families, the 3N225 and the C3T225, offer high gain together with low noise-plus a low third-order-intermodulation product-all the way up to 1 GHz.
A device is expected from TI later this year that could end up being first choice for mixers-a high frequency

MESFET. This device will have an even lower third-order product than the dual-gate MOSFETs, which will help mixers tremendously, especially when they suffer overloads.
But bipolar linear transistors aren't fading from sight by any means. For rf amplifiers that work into the GHz range, AEG-Telefunken has two new complementary bipolar transistors, the pnp BFT 95 and the npn BFW 92. At 500 MHz, these planar devices have typical noise figures of 1.7 and 4 dB.
Up in the microwave region, SGSATES has a new bipolar device, the BFT 95, for wideband amplification up to 1.5 GHz. The T plastic-packaged pnp uses epitaxial-planar construction,

with a proprietary silicon-nitride passivation to minimize parasitic capacitances. At 1 GHz, the unit's maximum noise figure is 2.5 dB .
For even lower-noise amplification from 0.5 to 4 GHz, Microwave Associates' MA 42160 series of npn planar epitaxials boasts 1.5 dB maximum noise at 1 GHz. Implanted arsenic emitters assure consistent performance from unit to unit.
Ion implants also help reproduce consistently the shallow structure of Aertech's low-noise 4-GHz ABT 7700, the newest of this TRW division's bipolars. The implanted emitter stripes are less than a micron wide. For stability, oxide isolation is used to minimize the collector-base capacitance.
Highly reliable platinum-silicide/titanium / platin um/gold metalization forms the low-resistance contacts to emitter and base. The layers are deposited by rf sputtering and delineated by rf sputtering and etching.
All this effort produces devices with consistent minimized-noise-figures of 1.7 dB and associated gains of 12 dB at 2 GHz. At 4 GHz, the minimized

The Schottky gate is only one micron long in Aertech 's AFT 2000 GaAs FET (left). A titanium/platinum/gold bonding pad mixes intermetallic compounds at the aluminum gate. Recessing the gate (bottom right) permits thickening of the epitaxial layer under source and drain contacts to reduce contact R.

AUJMINUM SCHOTTKY GATE

EXTENDED GOLD GATE BONDING PAO

EPITAXIAL BUFFER LAYER Cr-OOPED SEMI-INSULATING GaAa SUBSTRATE

CJ
GLASSIVATION

c:J GOLD

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Premium performance ·and proven dependability from
two more Avantek transistors.

150 mW Output Power,

10 dB Gain@ 2 GHz

AT-3850

Output Power .s Input Power
"'ce . 10\1, IC . JS mA
~ .------.----.---.--..------.

The AT-3850 combines platinum

silicide contacts, diffused emitter

ballasting and gold metallization e

over 1 µm thick for high gain and qi 20t--- - t --f--7e--- t - ---t medium power capability. At 3 GHz, ."·

-~~- it's linear Po= 100 mW and it

can dissipate 700 mW continu-

ously at 25°C case temperature. 10'----'--_..__......___......___.

Pin' dBm

2.8 dB Noise Figure,
8.5 dB Gain @4 GHz
AT-4680
The AT-4680 features an arsenicdoped 0.5 µm emitter structure for very low NF and high associated
ain through 6 GHz. At 2 GHz, NFopt= 1.8 dB, GNF=l3.6 dB and Gmax = 18 dB. It's
70 mil package fmax = 15 GHz.
s hown actua l size

Circles of Constant Gain and Noise Figure (V CE '"' 10 V , IC · 3 mA, F "' 4 GHz)

All Avantek transistors are gold

metallized, hermetically

~ packaged and 100% tested

for hermeticity and both

RF and DC performance.

They are shipped quickly

__..,..... from a stock of over four

million finished chips.

Avantek 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95051, (408) 249-0700.

CIRCLE NUMBER 24

E1.1:CT RON 1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

EMITTER E°LECTRODE BASE ELECTRODE

METALLIZATION (Pt-Si/Ti/Pt/Aul POLYCRYSTALLINE SILICON

Microwave stepped-electrode transistors (a) from NEC reduce base-to-collector capacitance and base resistance with a virtually-zero gap between emitter junction and

base metalization. In conventional , fast, linear structures (b), usual production mask-alignment tolerances limit interelectrode spacings to approximately 1.5 microns.

noise figure rises to only 2.7 dB and its associated gain is 9 dB.
Above 4 GHz, GaAs FETs are all by themselves. GaAs electrons have higher mobility and saturated velocity than silicon electrons. This allows GaAs FETs like Aertech's AFT 2000 to deliver minimized noise of 3 dB and associated gain of 8 dB at 8 GHz, and 4 dB each at 12 GHz.
Of course, for any sort of consistency at these mysterious frequencies, GaAs FETs must be cleverly designed and carefully constructed. In the AFT 2000, for example, an aluminum Schottky gate, only one micron long, controls the current in the epitaxial 0.3 µm thick GaAs channel. To make room for a heavily-doped thick epitaxial layer beneath the source and drain contacts, Aertech recesses its gate. The thicker layer reduces both source and drain contact resistances and so improves the performance of this GaAs FET.
Both the channel layer and a nearlyintrinsic buffer layer are deposited epitaxially on a chromium-doped semiinsulating GaAs substrate. The buffer layer minimizes carrier traps between the active layer and the substrate, which reduces the noise figure.
Quality makes the magic work
To avoid forming intermetallic compounds-such as the notorious "Purple Plague"-at the aluminum-gate contact, Aertech first bonds the gold lead to the gate to a titanium/platinum/gold pad. Only the pad is then connected to the gate contact. The source and drain contacts are goldgermanium alloy with titanium/platinum/gold metalization.
To prevent foreign particles from shorting the gate to the drain or source, the FET's active area is glassivated,
34

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Vos = 4.0V -

l---+-~~~~~--~+-~~--~........-...,__--+-----115

-...(

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~ y/

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NOISE FIGURE
Vos· 3.5V

l l 1 ......... ......__, 1.0L--""~-'-~..._~.._~...__...~_._~

100

los '" loss>
GaAs FETs feature low noise in the 2-to-12-GHz range. This HFET-1001 from Hewlett-Packard couples a noise figure of 2.5 dB with a available gain of 16 dB under 4-V and 60-mA drain-to-source bias conditions.

which also stabilizes the device. With all this care comes reliability.
Reliability, in microwave power transistors, is almost a religion at NEC. The company's intimate relationship with Japan 's telecommunications industry (NEC is often called, "Japan's Western Electric") has led to recent breakthroughs in three microwave-transistor areas:
· Packaging, that lowers cost while maintaining reliability.
· Kµ and X-band stable GaAs MESFETs.
· Inherently reliable stepped-electrode (SET) bipolars that deliver 5 W at 4.2 GHz.
In packaging, NEC's Micro-X process performs die attaching, bonding and

hermetic sealing automatically. And even though the devices are metalized with expensive platinum-silicide/titanium/platinum/gold for reliability, the high-volume process lowers cost significantly. For example, only last year an NE 64535 transistor, packaged in conventional metal-ceramic, cost over $100. This year's Micro-X version costs $17. Other Micro-X devices sell for as little as $1.25 (100 qty).
Though they cost little, these transistors have nothing to be ashamed of in performance. The NE 64535 boasts low noise: Its tuned noise figure at 500 MHz is 0.7 dB and 1.8 dB at 2 GHz. It is wideband: Its crossover frequency is 8.5 GHz. It delivers high gain: Its associated gain at 2 GHz is 17 dB.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Don't limit llastak's naw tona dialers
81111 tone receivers to the telephona.
Limit u..n ta your imaginatioa1.

Applications for Mostek TONE IITM integrated tone dialers and the new MK 5102 integrated tone receiver are limitless. These two CMOS integrated circuits now create a multitude of possibilities for digital communications and control applications. Previously, these applications were impractical
because of system design complexity and the resulting high system cost. But now, with encoding and decoding functions integrated onto single IC's, you can unleash your imagination.
Start with these facts: Mostek tone generators and tone receivers use the economical TV color crystal for reference. Both operate using the worldrecognized TOUCH TONE* DTMF system. Both meet or exceed most standards for stability, distortion and timing. Both are microprocessor

compatible and are in volume production today. Additional features of the MK 5102 include 5-Volt
± 10% power requirement latched three-state outputs with data valid strobe, low pre-filtering requirements and superior talk-off protection - all in a 16-pin package. The MK 5087 through MK 5091 TONE IITM dialers provide simple, low-cost solutions for a wide variety of circuit designs ranging from fixed supply to direct phone line applications.
There's more information on Mostek's communications products. Contact Mostek at 1215 West Crosby Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006. Telephone:(214)242-0444. In Europe contact Mostek

G Telm ephbonHe:, W e s t G e r m a n y M O S J E I (

(0711)701096.

' Touch Tone is a reg istered trademar1< of AT&T.

CIRCLE NUMBER 23

In GaAs FETs, NEC has just begun offering two n-channel standouts: The NE 388, with a 0.5-micron Schottkybarrier gate; and the NE 244, whose gate is 1 micron long. These 55-GHz maximum-oscillation-frequency FETs are respectively useful at 20 GHz {Kµband) and at 12 GHz (X-band). Their high-frequency noise figures are something to shout about-1.3 dB at 4 GHz for the 244 and 2.5 dB at 8 GHz for the 388. These devices come in either of two metal-ceramic packages or as a chip.
For reliable bipolar transistors with 5-W outputs at up to 4.2 GHz, NEC is now delivering units of a line of SET devices. This structure, developed at the Musashino Electric and Communications Labs of Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Co., reduces base-collector capacitance and base resistance by making a "virtually-zero gap" between the emitter junction and the base.
Microwaves demand the most
Also, the SET devices are made of several separate chips in the same package. Though previous attempts to make one transistor from several chips in the same package suffered from the effects of uneven power sharing-poor power output, high heat generation and wide impedance changes-the new SETs have overcome this with internal matching networks between the chips.
An example of how well the technique works is the NEM 4205, which, in its beryllium-oxide hermeticallysealed stripline package, delivers its 5 W at 4.2 GHz with 4-dB gain and 25% efficiency. And with all this performance comes reliability-reportedly orders of magnitude greater than other devices in this range.
Microwave-transistor designers at NEC foresee band saturation continuing to push up the operating frequencies of wireless-communication systems. More nonmilitary-satellite ground stations for data transmission and home TV are expected to contribute to the heavier traffic. For these, the crystal-ball gazers at NEC's American representative, California Eastern Laboratories, predict 1983's GaAs FETs will have noise figures lower than 1.5 dB at 12 GHz.
For now, low-noise microwave-transistor seekers can get the bipolar AT-4691 from Avantek. Th:ese hermetically-sealed-alumina stripline devices have typical noise figures of only 0.8 dB at 4 GHz over a collector-current range of 2.5 to 20 mA...
36

Need more information?

Not every manufacturer of fast transistors has been cited in this report, nor has every fast transistor made by each of these suppliers been described in detail. For additional information circle the appropriate number on the reader service card and consult the GOLD BOOK.

AEI Semiconductors ltd .. Carholme Rd .. Lincon, UK

0522-2992. W.W. Reid.

Circle No. 501

Aertech. 825 Stewart Dr.. Sunnyvale, CA 94086. (408) 732-0880. John Archer. Circle No. 502

Amperex Electronic Corp. . Providence Pike, Slatersville, RI 02876. (401 ) 762-3800. Tom Perry. Circle No. 503

Amperex Electronic Corp., Hicksville. NY 11802. (516) 931 -6200. Marty Burden . Circle No. 504

Avantek. 3175 Bowers Ave.. Santa Clara. CA 95051 . (408) 249-0700. William Berridge.
Circle No. 505

California Eastern Laboratories Inc., I Edwards Ct..

Burlingame, CA 94010. (415) 432-7744. Jerry

Arden .

Circle No. 506

Central Microwave. 1232M Harvestowne Dr., St. Charles. MO 63301. (314) 441-1455. Circle No. 507

Communications Transistor Corporation , 301 lndl

Way. San Carlos. CA 94070. (415) 592-9390. M.J.

Mallinger.

Circle No. 508

Delco Electronics Di v., 700 E. Firmin St. , Kokomo , IN 46901. (317) 457-8461. Larry Nix. Circle No. 509

Dexcel. 2285C Martin Ave., Santa Ana . CA 95050.

(408) 244-9833.

Circle No. 510

Dionics Corporation , 65 Rushmore St.. Westbury , NY 11590. (516) 997-7474. G.R. Seaton.
Circle No. 511

Fairchild Semiconductor. 464 Ellis St.. Mountain View. CA 94042. (415) 962-5011 . C.J. Stoll. Circle No. 512
Ferranti Electric Inc.. E. Bethpage Rd.. Plainview. NY 11803. (516) 293-8383. B. Kutny. Circle No. 513

Ferranti ltd ., Holl inwood, Lancashire OL97JS, Eng-

land . 061 -681 -2000. C. Hill.

Circle No. 514

Fu1 itsu Ltd.. 2-Chome 6-1 Chiyoda-ku , Tokyo, Japan .

(03) 163211. S. Hara.

Circle No. 515

Fujitsu America. 1251 W. Redondo Beach Blvd .. Gardena , CA 90247. (213) 538-3397. Circle No. 416

General Electric. Semiconductor Products. Elec-

troni cs Park, Bldg.7 Rm. 237. Syracuse, NY 13201.

(315) 456-2568. Rey Harju .

Circle No. 417

General Instrument Corp.. Semiconductor Products

Div.. 600 W. John St., Hicksville. NY 11802. (516)

733-3333. G.S. Stein .

Circle No. 418

General Semiconductor Industries Inc.. 2001 W. 10

Place. Tempe, AZ 85281. (602) 968-3101. James

R. Williams.

Circle No. 419

Hewlett-Packard. 1501 Page Mill Rd .. Palo Alto, CA 94304. (415) 493-1501. R. Berg. Circle No. 420
Hitachi ltd ., 5-1 1-Chome Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku , Tokyo 100. Japan . 03-212-1111. T. Takahashi. Circle No. 421
1nt;;~~~o~~:vic~M3li9~%n1i~ AC',;;;1;o~:.nfi~

International Rectifier . Semiconductor Div.. 233

Kansas St.. El Segundo. CA 90245. (213)

678-6281. N. Cleere.

Circle No. 423

lntersil Inc., 10900 Tantau Ave.. Santa Clara. CA

95014. (408) 996-5406.

Circle No. 424

ITT Semiconductors, 74 Commerce Way, Woburn. MA 01801. (617) 935-7910. W. Riner.

Circle No. 425

ITT Semiconductors. Maidstone Rd .. Foots Cray. Sidcup, Ken t. England. 01 -300-3333.
Circle No. 426

Kertron Inc., 7516 Central Ind . Dr.. Riviera Beach. FL 33404. (305) 848-9606. Anne~Tr~~i~1~~427

Lambda Electronics. Power Semiconductors Div..

121 Intl. Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78410. (512)

883-6251. M. Simon .

Circle No. 428

Microwave Associates Inc.. Corporate Advanced Div.. South Ave.. Burlington. MA 01803. (617) 272-3000. T. B. Ramachandran . Circle No. 429

Microwave Semiconductor Corporation. 100 School

House Rd .. Somerset. NJ 08873. (201) 469-3311.

Richard Moffett.

Circle No. 430

Motorola Semiconductor Prod. Inc.. P.O. Box 20912, Phoenix. AZ 85036. (602) 244-6900. Lothar Stern .

Circle No. 431

Narda Microwave, 75M Commercial. Plainview, NY

11803. (516) 433-9000.

Circle No. 432

National Electronics. P.O. Box 269. Geneva. IL

60134. (312) 232-4300.

Circle No. 433

National Semiconductor Corporation, 2900 Semi-

conductor Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051. (408)

732-5000. C. Signor.

Circle No. 434

NEC America Inc., 3070 Lawrence Expwy., Santa
Clara , CA 95051. (408) 738-2180. S. Kirimoto. Circle No. 435

NEC Microwave Semiconductors. P.O. Box 915. Burlingame, CA 94010. (415) 342-7744. Jerry (lrden.
Circle No. 436

Panasonic Co.. Industrial Components, I Panasonic

Way. Secaucus. NJ 07094. (201) 348-7000. J.

Dillon.

Circle No. 437

Philips Inds. , Electronic Components and Materials Div.. Eindhoven . Netherlands. Circle No. 438

Plessey Microsystems. Plessey Semiconductors.

1674 McGaw Ave, Santa Ana , CA 92715. (714)

540-9945. D. Chant.

Circle No. 439

PowerTech Inc.. 0-02 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn , NJ 07410. (201) 791 -5050. Alex M. Polner. Circle No. 440

Power Tech , 9 Baker Court. Clifton. NJ 07011. (201 )

478-6205.

Circle No. 441

RCA Solid State Div., Somerville, NJ 08876. (201 )

685-6255. Dale Baucher.

Circle No. 442

Semicoa. 333 McCormick Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (714) 979-1900. Robert Boughan. Circle No. 443

SGS Ates Comp. Electronic Spa, Via C Olivetti 2,

Agrate Brianza, Milan. Italy. 039-650-341. Carlo

E. Ottaviani

Circle No. 444

SGS-Ates Semiconductor Corporation. 79 Massasoit St., Waltham. MA 02154. (617) 891 -3710. Ruben Sonni no.
Circle No. 445

Sh igoto Industries ltd., 350 Fifth Ave.· New York, NY

10001. (212) 695-0200.

Circle No. 446

Shindengem Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd .. New-Ohtemachi Building, 2-1 2-Chome Ohtemachi. Chiyoda-Ku . Japan. 03-279-4431. M. Asahiya. Circle No. 447

Siemens Corporation. Components Group, 186

Wood Ave. S.. lselin, NJ 08830. (201) 494-1000.

E. Young.

Circle No. 448

Silicon ix Inc.. 2201 Laurelwood Rd.. Santa Clara . CA 95054. (408) 998-8000. Gary Hess. Circle No. 449

Silicon Transistor Corporation , Katrina Rd .,

Chelmsford . MA 01824. (617) 256-3321. William

Schramm.

Circle No. 450

Solid State Devices Inc.. 14830 Valley View Ave.. La Mirada . CA 90638. (213) 921 -9660. Dee Peden. Circle No. 451

Solid State Scientific. Commerce, Montgomeryville,

PA 18936. (215) 855-8400.

Circle No. 452

Solitron Devices Inc., Semiconductor Gp., 1177 Blue

Heron Blvd .. Riviera Beach, FL 33404. (305)

848-4311. Mike Giraud.

Circle No. 453

Sprague Electric Co.. 645 Marshall St.. North Adams. MA 01247. (413) 664-4411. S. L. Chertok.
Circle No. 454

Teccor Electronics, 1101 Pamela Dr.. Euless. TX 76039. (817) 267-2601. R. L. Saunders. Circle No. 455

Teledyne Crysta Ionics, 147 Sherman St. , Cambridge. MA 02140. (617) 491-1670. Raymond Moore. Circle No. 456

Teledyne Semiconductor, 1300 Terra Bella Ave.,

Mountain View. CA 94043. (415) 968-9241. C.

Bigelow.

Circle No. 457

AEG Telefunken Corporation . 570 Sylvan Ave..

Englewood Cliffs. NJ 07632. (201) 568-8570. Man -

fred R. Duebner.

Circle No. 458

AEG-Telefunken Serienprodukte AG. Geschaftsbereich Halbleiter. Theresienstrasse 2, Heilbronn D-7100. Germany. (07131) 8821. Mr. Neuhauser. Circle No. 459

Texas Instruments Inc., P.O . Box 5012, Mail Station

84, Dallas, TX 75222. (214) 238-2011. (214)

238-2481. Dan Garza.

Circle No. 460

Thomson CSF. Semiconducteurs Sescosem, 50 rue

JP Tim baud. Courbevoie 92. France. 788-5001. E.

Codechevre .

Circle No. 461

TRW Semiconductor, 14520 Aviation Blvd., Lawndale, CA 90260. (213) 679-4561. Jag Chopra . Circle No. 462

Unitrode Corporation, 580 Pleasant St.. Watertown, MA 02172. (617) 926-0404. Frank Brunner.
Circle No. 463

Varian Associates Inc.. Electron Device Group, 611

Hansen Way. Palo Alto. CA 94303. (415) 592-1221.

B. L. Algood.

Circle No. 464

Watkins Johnson. 3333 Hillview Ave.. Palo Alto. CA 94304. (415) 493-4141. K. Kennedy.
Circle No. 465

Westinghouse Brake & Signal. Chippenham, Wilts SN 15 !JD. Great Britain . David W. Beattie.
Circle No. 465

Westinghouse Electronic Corp, Semiconductor Div.,

Youngwood, PA 15697. (415) 925-7272. R. G.

Freuler.

Circle No. 467

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

lo
Here's a new, fast-switching 50 Amp, 200 Volt Transistor with no surprises.

We designed our new 50 Amp, 200 Volt fast-switching power transistor to eliminate all the surprises . .. when you design it into
your circuit, and afterward, too. We're proud of it, and rightfully so. Our unique c2R "'technology went into it to make it a true 50 Amp device. We believe it has the fastest switching speed and the lowest collector saturation voltage of any high-voltage, high· current transistor available. Typically, at the 50 Amp level, it has a total switching speed of less than 1µSec, and a collector satura· tlon volta~e of just 0.6 Volts. VCEO is a full 200 Volts. And, the 50 Amps 1s continuous collector current. Peak is conservatively rated at a full 75 Amps. We could call it a 75 Amp transistor...
others would . .. but we prefer to call it like it is. We've been doing
that ever since we started making transistors. You'll find, too, that the high switching speed and low saturation
** GENERAL
¥ ~ SEMICONDUCTOR
® INDUSTRIES, INC.

voltage give you both higher efficiency and cool running. Cool running means increased reliability, and longer life. That's true of this device and the rest of our broad line of C2R power transistors. It's inherent in the design. And, they behave the way you expect them to, time after time, because our process remains the same. No chan~es from batch to batch, or over the years. No surprises after you ve designed them in.
No matter which C2R transistor you choose, from 1 Amp to 50 Amps, and up to 450 Volts VCEO· you can count on maximum performance for your transistor dollar. You 'll get high gains, low saturation voltages, low thermal losses, low leakage currents .. . with no surprises. For complete information, call or write General Semiconductor Industries. c·R"' is a registered trademark of General Semiconductor Industries , Inc.
Fro111 t111 makers
of Tran1Z·""'
""'Triaiid"e"m"a'r'k" " . " General Semiconductor Industries , Inc .

2001 West Tenth Place· P.0. Box 3078 ·Tempe, Arizona 85281 · 602·968·3101 ·TWX 910·951>-1942

CIRCLE NUMBER 22

Bow to uneomplleate rour resistance.

1/8 watt, 1/4 watt, 1/2 watt-take your choice of three power ratings from one small (.250" x .098"), precise metal film resistor. It's easy with Dale's CMF-55.
The 3-in-1 capability of the CMF-55 plus its complete RN-55 qualification to MIL-R10509 gives you the versatility to fit a multitude of applications. You gain all of the advantages of the so-called "universal resistors" including the ability to reduce your inventory, lower your purchasing costs and save on board space. In fact, the CMF-55's lower TCs (to 25 PPM) and tighter toler-

ances (to 0.1 %) make it the closest yet to the "universal resistor".
The CMF-55 is competitively priced and ready to ship from either distributor or factory stock. Sounds great. But what if you need a higher working voltage, higher ohmic value, a higher power rating, a tighter tolerance or tighter T.C.? Dale has the answer. The fact is that Dale backs the CMF-55 with the industry's broadest line of film resistors. Simple or special, we can uncomplicate your resistance. Send for CMF-55 Test Report today.

For price and delivery Information,
contact your Dale Representative
or Phone 402-371-0080.
DALE ELECTRONICS, INC., Box 74, Norfolk, NE 68701
A subsidiary of Tha Lionel Corporation In Canada: Dale Electronics. Ltd.
In Europe: Dale Electronlca GmbH, 8 Munchen 60, Falkweg 51, West Germany
CIRCLE NUMBER 26

Eighteen months ago, we announced the start of a whole new family of 20-pin parts.
We told you that the 20-pin configuration not only made better packages-it made better ideas.
We told you all about 8-bit low-power Schottky buffers, registers and decoders.
Remember? "Perfect for use with 8-bit 8080-type microprocessors - as well as
2900, 4-bit bipolar slices. No more trying to manage too-much 24's and notenough 16's:' Well now we have new ALU's, counters, sequencers and more. Fasten your seatbelt.

ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

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For more pictures, just open your Advanced Micro Devices' Schottky and Low-Power Schottky Data Book. Or ask and we'll send you a beautiful wall chart, suitable for framing.
Advanced Micro Devices
~
Multiple technologies. One product: excellence. 901 Thompson Place, Sunnyvale, Californ ia 94086
Telephone (408) 732-2400
CIRCLE NUMBER 85

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. · France: S11ic 314-lmmeuble Essen. 20 Rue Saarinen. 94588 Rungis Cedex. France, Tel: (1) 686-91 -86; Garmany: 8000 Munchen 2, Herzog-Heinrich-Strasse 3, West Germany, Tel: (089) 539588: United Ki ngdom: 16 Grosvenor Place, London,
SWl , England, Tel: (01) 235-6380; Belgium: 412, Avenue de Tervuren, B.P. 9, 1150 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: 32-2-771 .99.93.

Et.1::cTRoN1c D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

News

VLSI devices are on the way-and the first ones will be 'memorable'

Are you ready for a 4-Mbit bubblememory chip, a 256-kbit ROM, a 256kbit CCD memory, and a 65-kbit dynamic RAM? These phenomenally high-capacity devices, now moving from the drawing boards to the development labs, are at most one to two years away from production, experts say. And these will just be the support chips for the even more complex microprocessors and digital peripheral chips that are on the drawing boards today. Every advance in processing, lithography, circuit design, and layout geometry is being exploited to pack more circuits on every new chip.
But the impressive accomplishments in high-density !Cs-better performance at lower power and everdiminishing cost-are not limited to digital circuitry. There are also many developments in analog products such as op amps, codecs, multiplexers and a/d converters.
"For eighteen years now, the complexity available in the most complex integrated circuits has about doubled every year," says Gordon Moore, president of Intel, Santa Clara, CA. "But I don't believe the industry can continue at quite that rate; I think the slope of the curve is changing to something like half that. Nevertheless, doubling every two years still leads to remarkable product possibilities."
Memory products afford the easiest density increase since their patterns are regular and repetitive. But in all other product areas companies are becoming design-limited, though not by the ability to make ICs. Laying out random-logic chips with 25,000 to 30,000 transistors per chip-verylarge-scale-integration-is a very formidable design process.
Dave Bursky Associate Editor
Dave Barnes Western Editor
42

This 175 x 228-mil, 65-k CCD memory from Fairchild fits an industry standard 16-pin DIP. To reduce cell size, parallel data are shifted by eight-phase ripple clocks generated on-chip.

So, either memories will predominate the top end of VLSI, because of their regularity, or someone will have to come up with a way of getting regularity throughout a random logic structure.
Repetition pays
New IC layout geometries are needed, based on parallel processing and regular, repetitious circuit patterns, according to Ivan Sutherland, director, and Carver Mead, professor of computer science at the California Institute of Technology. They assert that computer science has grown up in an era of computer technologies in which switching elements have been expensive and wires have been cheap. Integrated-circuit technology reverses the cost situation by making switching elements essentially free and by making the wiring the only expensive com-

ponent. In an integrated circuit, the "wires,"
actually conducting paths, are expensive because they occupy most of the space and consume most of the layout time. Between ICs, the wires, which may be flat conducting paths on a PC board, are expensive because of their size and delaying effect.
The many competing forms of MOS and bipolar technologies all have a place in the future of VLSI. Calling 121 the ultimate technology, Siegfried Wiedmann, research staff member at IBM's Yorktown Heights Lab in New York, projects that when 5-micron design rules give way to the 3-micron design rules, a 16-kbit 121 bipolar memory can be put on a 5-mm square chip, and will have 50-ns access times and 100-ns cycle times. 12L also has low defect density, which leads to higher yield, Wiedmann points out, and makes it easy to mix all circuit types

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

on the same chip-linear, high-speed digital, and special types.
"We'll see a thousand bipolar gates per chip with 400 to 500-picosecond stage delay in 1980, compared with today's 300 gates per chip and 700 to 900 ps," says Motorola's Bill Howard, vice-president of the IC division. "And with bipolar's high speed, ability to interface to the outside world with
rugged powerful drivers, and 50 n out-
puts, I see bipolar doing special jobs like driving electromechanical transducers, sensing very small signals, and providing voltage protection, better than the other technologies can."
Even when a system is based on the low-power technologies like NMOS or CMOS, Howard says, they need to be interfaced to the real world and pro- · tected from the environment in which they work. "So bipolar can be like the shell of a walnut-the tough layer that shields a more vulnerable interior, in this case high-impedance, low-power MOS devices."
One potential competitor in the bipolar speed range, even at high densities, is CMOS/SOS (silicon-on-sapphire), which is emerging after several false starts. "We've seen 150-ps delays -and better, for short-channel devices, with CMOS on sapphire," says RCA's Andy Dingwall. "It's a dielectrically isolated structure, which results in minimum capacitances."
While bipolar dynamic RAM cell sizes are expected to drop from 3.3 to 1.1 square mils with the change from 5-micron to 3-micron design rules, today's NMOS cell size is already down to 2.7 square mils, and Dick Pashley, manager, Static RAM development at Intel, sees HMOS, the Intel version of scaled-down NMOS, giving a 64-k static RAM by 1984 that is only 215 mils square. The 16-k static at that time will be only 120 mils square, he predicts. "And I think scaled NMOS can give us the lowest internal gate delay within the chip, of any technology," Pashley asserts.
The RAMs are coming
When it comes to RAMs, technology has started to play leapfrog with itself. Just as companies are starting to deliver production quantities of the 16k dynamic RAM, one company, Fujitsu of Japan has announced a production 64-k RAM . Dubbed the MB8164, the RAM will be available in sample form this spring and in production quantities in the fall.

The MK 3872 single-chip microcomputer from Mostek retains commonality with
the 3870, but packs twice as much RAM and ROM on the chip. RAM capacity
is 128 8-bit words, ROM is 4032 x 8.

This close-up of a portion of the transfer gates of the TIB0103 bubble· memory chip from Texas Instruments shows the path through which bubbles enter and leave the storage area. The 92,304-bit memory fits in
a 14-pin DIP, 1 x 1 x 1/2 in.
Organized as 65,536 X 1 it uses conventional photolithographic techniques to put 150,000 circuit elements (transistors, resistors and capacitors) on a 33,500 square-mil chip-not much larger than Fujitsu's 16-k RAM. Typical access and cycle times are 110 and 300 ns, and power is 250 mW operating and 10 mW standby, from 7-Vand -2V supplies.
The chip uses the same basic technology as Fujitsu's 4-k and 16-k RAMs, a double-poly embedded field oxidation process, but makes use of 2-µm line widths and channel lengths.
However, says Intel's Moore, "making a large RAM is actually a two-part job. The first part is simple engineering, the other is getting the design to the point where it is the most economical way to make a RAM." While the first part is possible today, for future memories such as a 256-k RAM, the

second half is still several years away. To get to that economical fabrication
stage, some companies are exploring production techniques such as electron-beam and X-ray lithography so line widths can be reduced. Other techniques such as device scaling are also being used. And since scaling requires that all device dimensions within a chip be reduced, there will be room for more transistors in the chip. And since the transistors will be closer, both speed and power reductions are possible.
However, such "economical" techniques, while promising, are also still unproven for a large-scale production program. As sizes decrease, some hitherto neglected device parameters that are size dependent must be considered.
The factors that brought density increases over the past eight years cannot be counted on for comparable increases in the future, according to Tom Klein, National's manager of memory development. According to Klein, the 120-fold density improvement for memories since 1970 can be broken down as follows: Design and process innovations contributed more than a 13-times improvement; larger fabricated wafer areas contributed a fourtimes improvement; and smaller feature sizes and tighter alignment tolerances contributed only 2.2-times improvement.
In Klein's opinion, continued improvement due to the first factor will slow down, since the memory cell is getting close to its theoretical limits. Wafer area will continue to increase at a gradual rate. And, as the log-linear

ELECTRONI C DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

chart on p. 46 shows, feature-size decreases will have to be revolutionary, not evolutionary, to support continued increases in bit density.
Improved high-resolution photo resists and dry etching techniques will help reduce feature size. But Klein believes that electron beam and X-ray lithography for direct writing on wafers have both tactical and economic hurdles to overcome before they can make an impact on high-density integrated-circuit technology.
However, Klein does foresee improvements in technology for defining optical patterns that will yield a five to eightfold increase in batch density over the next five to eight years.

Other limiting factors
Defining what he considers the main pacing items that control the rate of progress of VLSI in memories, Tom Longo, Fairchild's chief technical officer, observes: "My biggest concerns are the interconnects on the chip, the packaging problems, and the testing methods. In the next two years, I think we will see three levels of interconnect -perhaps using double-poly as in the RAMs-appearing in logic for the first time."
Three or four years from now, Longo goes on, three-layer metal will start to show up in bipolar chips. There will need to be some innovations in logic; more programmable chips are assured, and maybe arrays of processors on a chip, with some redundancy. Parallel processors for added performance are also a distinct possibility.
In testing, however, Longo isn't sure that the industry is keeping up. "We may have to put dedicated test pins on more chips in the future."
While Longo thinks error detection and correction will become part of memories, he also notes: "The reliability of the advanced technologies has consistently surprised the experts. The Government actually predicted a 17minute MTBF for one famous supercomputer, based on 200,000 subnanosecond ECL gates and 65,000 1-k ECL RAMs. And I can tell you it runs orders of magnitude longer than that, without a hitch."
The push for more and more density isn't confined to memory design by any means. Microprocessors and specialized peripheral circuits are also being squeezed. Intel, using its high-density MOS process called HMOS has developed its next microprocessor family,
44

With more than 17,000 transistor equivalents on a 205-mil·square chip, Intel's UPl-41 master chip takes on a variety of peripheral-controller jobs, depending on ROM or EPROM program. The latest version, the 8294 Data Encryption chip, is a slave processor for the 8080, 8085 and 8048.

starting with the 8086. With 29,000 transistors on a chip, it is not only one of the densest circuits to date, it is also one of the most complex.
There are actually two processors on the chip, and microprogrammed instructions of the processors permit both 8 and 16-bit operations and multiply and divide routines. Because the chip uses HMOS, on-chip propagation delays are low and clock rates can be raised to 8 MHz. As a result, most instructions can be executed in less than a microsecond. High-speed performance such as this will be more commonplace as similar processes are developed by other manufacturers.
This 4·k static CMOS RAM from Harris, the HM-6514, contains 27,000 transistors and at 31,000 square mils, is about 15% larger than higherpower n-channel memories.

For an alternative, American Microsystems, in Santa Clara, CA, offers its VMOS technology. Building MOSFETs vertically instead of laterally, much smaller devices can be fabricated, thus yielding improvements in density and speed. Although not ready to talk about any forthcoming processor products, AMI is hard at work developing some custom VMOS processors for selected customers, and has already announced some fast static RAMs and large ROMs, the largest being a 64-kbit ROM.
Bipolar technology's integrated injection logic (12L) is finding much wider use in processor design. Fairchild's Microflame, a 16-bit microprocessor that can execute the Nova minicomputer instruction set, uses a form of 12L patented by Fairchild called PL (Isoplanar 12L). Texas Instruments (Dallas, TX) though, has had an 121 version of its 16-bit microprocessor, the SBP9900, available for about a year.
Fairchild is also experimenting with PL in memory arrays, and expects to have a 16-k dynamic RAM available shortly. Following closely behind will be a 64-k RAM-a bipolar memory with the density previously attainable only with NMOS.
Ferranti, in Bracknell, England, has its own bipolar process called collector diffusion isolation. But CDI does more
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ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

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.... ~
Il l / . Ul - j
,.. >---+---+--+- -!--lp:"7~£....:;jf+--+--!
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NOTES' 11) Theoretical limit, current wafer and feature sizes . (2) Theoretical limit, assuming continued improvements in
wafer size increase and feature size reduction. (3) Theoretical limit, assuming constant rate of wafer size
increase and an incrt!asing rate of feature size reduction . 14) Increase due to design and process innovations. 151 Increase due to feature size improvement . (6) Increase due to wafer size .
National Semiconductor projects memory yield per silicon wafer processed, for three possible futures.

A proprietary lsoplanar 12L process permits 10 MHz operation of the 9440 microprocessor, software-compatible with the Nova minicomputer from Data General. This 27,000-sq-mil chip from Fairchild includes about 3000 gates.

;;; zoa x100 H -:;;,,,,L.'---::;;1.--""='' - - - +
0

UG'' OIHI

,. ...
11111) WAFEROl.t.METEA

l.OO~ IUO"I
111111

Wafer size will continue to be im· proved at an essentially constant rate , according to National Semiconductor. This chart shows increasing maximum and economic die sizes as a function of wafer diameter and time.

than permit high-density bipolar circuitry. It provides the density of CMOS with performance close to that of FL.
As more and more circuitry is compressed into a chip, power constraints may make CMOS a key technology for VLSI. Double-poly self-aligned silicon· gate CMOS is currently being produced with logic functions that yield on-chip speeds equivalent to low-power Schot· tky.
To demonstrate the ability of CMOS to compete with NMOS, Harris Semiconductor (Melbourne, FL) has recently introduced a low-power (50 µA) highspeed (200 ns), 4096-bit static RAM, which is available as 4-k X 1 (HM-6504) or as 1-k X 4 (HM-6514). Further, Harris indicates that CMOS functional
46

density is far superior in some cases, and that CMOS can challenge n-channel densities by using NANDs, NORs, dynamic logic, and transmission gates.
As a matter of fact, Intersil, a company deeply involved with CMOS technology has gone one-up on the ultraviolet er:isable PROMs by developing a CMOS 4096-bit UV EPROM. The IM 6603 and 6604, organized as 1024 X 4 and 512 X 8 bits, respectively, both operate from a 4 to 11-V supply and dissipate a mere 10 mW when accessed at a 1-MHz data rate.
Although the CMOS EPROMs are not as large as the currently available 16-k NMOS units offered by several companies, they're even smaller when compared to the 32-kbit UV EPROM recently announced by Texas Instruments. Pushing the EPROM technology to its current limit, TI has developed a 5-V, 4-k X 8 EPROM. Of course, TI won't be alone in the arena for longIntel and other companies that have the 5-V EPROM technology will have their versions out shortly.
Bubbles: nonvolatile but alterable
Meanwhile, back in the labs, a completely different type of memory is being readied for production by at least 10 companies. The magnetic-bubble memory offers not only the nonvolatility of EPROM, but also the alterability of a read/write memory.

Furthermore, bubble memories. will compete on a cost basis with conventional rotating magnetic memories in 1980, when competition among the majors, notably TI, Rockwell, Intel, and National Semiconductor, drives the price below 0.05¢ per bit.
The capability of bubble technology in the near future is indicated by a 1million-bit chip demonstrated by Rockwell International in 1977, and 4million-bit chips under development at IBM in San Jose. The Rockwell chip, a hefty 10 mm X 9.5 mm, uses 1-µm minimum lithographic features, producing bubbles of 1.8-µm diameter on 8 µm centers, and using half-disc (Char) propagators to move the bubbles along. Rockwell has demonstrated operation at bit rates up to 300 kHz over a range of - 25 to 75 C.
But even smaller bubbles with 0.5 µm diameters are being investigated in the lab today. To achieve significantly higher density than Rockwell has already demonstrated in C-bar devices, E-beam or X-ray lithography and perhaps single-level masking structures will be required, according to Emerson W. Pugh of the IBM Research Center. The half-disc or C-bar bubble structure requires about 63 squares per cell (a square is the area of intersection of two perpendicular lines, each having a width equal to the minimum lithographic feature size). And two unconventional magnetic bubble structures,
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With a chip area of 43,000 square mils, the Harris 16-k bipolar PROM, HM-7616, has 20,000 transistors and over 17,000 fuses. Passive isolation, shallow devices, and multilayer metal contribute to its speed.

still at the development stage, require even less space.
These unconventional structures are contiguous disc (CD), with six squares per cell, and the bubble lattice file (BLF), with eight squares per cell. While CD and BLF appear to be more attractive than conventional bubble devices or CCDs, Pugh points out that the future of these unconventional high-density bubble approaches is uncertain because of unanswered questions concerning processing complexity and yield.
In contrast to the bubble devices, charge-coupled memories, such as the Fairchild 65-kbit chip, require an area of about 12 squares per bit. However, developments are under way to reduce device size so that a 256-kbit CCD will be available by 1980.
Rockwell's John L. Archer, who now heads the bubble memory products business group observes: "The competition coming from CCDs is not as strong as we might have expected. CCDs could make immediate inroads into established RAM markets if they had a fourto-one cost advantage per bit. But, every time the CCD manufacturers get to a two-to-one cost advantage, the RAM vendors borrow the same techniques and keepthatgapfrom widening.
Analog as well as digital chips are taking advantage of new process tech-
48

nologies. Some recently developed circuit-design techniques often solve familiar analog problems in a new, digital way.
On the analog side...
High-order NMOS sampled-data ladder filters have been produced at the University of California at Berkeley. These filters realize long time constants in a small silicon area, and minimize the filter's sensitivity to component variations. Replacing the need for large accurate capacitors by the use of small capacitors with accurate ratios, the design provides a fifth-order Chebyshev low-pass filter in a die area of about 600 square mils. The measured characteristics include 0.11-dB passband ripple, 3400-Hz bandwidth, and maxim um stop-band rejection of 80 dB.
Operational amplifiers for implementing these filters take up about 400 square mils using 10-µm features. Monolithic-capacitor ratios can be very precisely controlled in NMOS technology. Since all capacitors are fabricated simultaneously, first-order process variations cancel, and the temperature and voltage coefficients are identical. This technique is well suited for designing monolithic high-performance filters requiring no external trimming. With modern NMOS technology, many

filter sections can be realized on a

single chip.

Meanwhile, the problem of decoding

telephone dialing tones has been moved

from the analog domain and solved in

the digital by a CMOS tone-decoder

chip from Mostek (Carrollton, TX). In

the past, sets of eight filters were used,

whether LC filters, active RC filters,

PLLs, or mechanically tuned reeds.

But Mostek's monolithic approach sub-

stitutes a triple detection digital

algorithm that requires only two inex-

pensive band-splitting filters outside

the chip: Yet it adequately rejects the

noise and speech, and detects tone

frequencies that are within 2% of the

nominal values stored in ROM.

As a matter of fact, the distinctions

between analog and digital !Cs are

rapidly disappearing in telecommuni-

cations and in data-acquisition and

conversion systems. So much so, that

analog and digital circuits are being

combined on the same chip (see ED No.

4, Feb. 15, 1978, p. 26).

Moreover, newer circuits can handle

higher voltages. Now some products

can directly drive plasma displays-

handling voltage swings of 100 V or

more on a monolithic chip. This is no

easy feat, but today it is possible-

companies like Texas Instruments and

Dionics (Westbury, NY) have solved

some of the problems of putting com-

plex digital functions and drive

capability on a single chip.

Still, the future is far from problem-

free. According to Intel's Moore:

"Electron-beam per se is absolutely no

cure-all. In fact, it's easier for me to

see a whole bunch of new problems that

we'll have to live with, as we go to

higher resolution. Learning to write

narrow lines is no more than the tip

of the iceberg.

"For example, today with 4-µm lines,

we like to align the whole wafer to 1-

µm accuracy; so when E-beam gives us

1-µm lines, we'll want to have quarter-

micron, or at worst half-micron align-

ment accuracy. But from the data I

have seen, the stability of the silicon

surface through the whole process may

not be that good, itself."

What all this means, to Moore, is

that either a good deal more must be

learned-either how to cut down the

instabilities of silicon, or how to use

electron-beam writing with local align-

ment, so that the whole wafer doesn't

have to remain stable.

"Either of those is a major new

technology," notes Moore-"A lot more

major than just learning how to write

those narrow lines."

··

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

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ELECTRO IC DESIG 7, March 29, 1978

News

High-end µPs don't exist, are hard to define, but they're coming

The high-end microprocessor doesn't exist yet. That's one of the few points panelists could agree on at the "HighEnd Microprocessors" panel session conducted at the 1978 International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco. As a matter of fact, they even had a hard time defining exactly what a high-end microprocessor will be and do. Still, based on predictions from the speakers, a general description emerges. A high-end microprocessor will
· Perform greater than a half-million instructions per second.
· Have an address space greater than a megabyte.
· Contain wide data paths on the chip (typically 16 bits wide).
· Handle a wide variety of data types with a very flexible instruction set.
Such a product isn't available just yet, but the speakers all feel that with technology improving at such a rapid pace-circuit complexities doubling every one to two years-it won't be long before such a microprocessor is available.

(AXI (BX) (CXI (OX)

SI DI

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CONTROL. TIMING. AND STATUS LOGIC

1----LOCK

QSO,QSt

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ROIGTO. HOLD

CLK

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The processor of the future?
What will all these theorized improvements lead to? To start with, the high-end microprocessor is expected to be consumer-oriented, in that it will have a high level of hardware and software reliability, with an architecture appropriate for the execution of high-level software. The processor will also have an efficient subroutine-call protocol, good block-oriented instructions, at least three levels of system control (supervisor, kernal and user), several privileged instructions (Halt, Wait, etc.) and special memory-management features.
Not only that, but with technology advancing, on-chip gate delays for ICs
Dave Bursky Associate Editor
50

Using a dual-processor architecture, the 8086 handles bit, byte and dual-byte operations and performs multiply arid divide algorithms. Intel's HMOS process lets the unit operate at clock rates to 8 MHz and perform most of its instructions in less than 1 µs.

will drop from the current 2.5 ns to about 350 ps, predicts Larry Lopp, LSI facility manager of Hewlett-Packard (Cupertino, CA). And, while gate delays are dropping, the number of gates on a chip will be increasing-from today's 10,000 to about 1 million by 1982.
Warming to the subject of improved reliability, panelists foresee internal parity checking, self-testing, special trap routines, internal limit registers, "sanity" timing algorithms and more status information. And with the better reliability will come more dis-

tributed processing over serial channels, possible signal-processing features and higher speeds.
High-end processors will even be used as associated-processing systems, according to Carver Mead, professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences, of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He believes that most current machine architectures are out of date for such use and that newer architectures will have some form of intelligence in the memory system itself. As the computer systems get larger, smaller and smaller
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

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They want devices that are easier to develop their systems around and that offer specialized features like a/d converters and display interfaces. But, as some audience participants pointed out, most single-chip microcomputer vendors are not addressing that area.

P-TYPE

The basic stratified-charge memory device developed by Dr. Darrell Erb permits high-density memory arrays. Densities of up to 256 kbits are possible without straining the limits of optical technology.

portions of the over-all memory are being used during every operation. So the memory will be used in other applications.
The greatest problem in any associative or distributed system, though notes Colin Crook, group operations manager, micro products of Motorola (Austin, TX) is how to decompose the problem to be solved by the system. The microprocessors now used for multiprocessing provide only a three time improvement in processing performance. To obtain better performance is not a matter of just using more processors, but of either adjusting the hardware so that processors don't tie up master buses or possibly even going to associative processing.
Solutions on the way
Although no final solution exists, almost to a man the speakers believe that the next generation of large microprocessors will have 16-bits with large amounts of on-chip RAM and ROM. Tom Miller, strategic marketing manager of Texas Instruments (Houston, TX), envisions a microcomputer CPU with 32 k of program memory-all on one chip. The biggest problem, as he sees it, is that the number of pins available on a processor's package is limited, typically to 40.
TI, of course, has introduced the 64pin ceramic and plastic packages for its family of 16-bit processors. Additional techniques such as signal multiplexing and multifunction pins will provide solutions to some of the limitations.
Another possible solution is a singlechip microcomputer, which was brought out at a session devoted to "Single-chip Microcomputers and their
52

Applications." Because the memory is on-chip, pins normally used to provide address information can now be used for other purposes-110 control lines, serial communications, display driving, etc.
In fact, single-chip microcomputer systems have already started one trend, according to Tom Longo, microprocessor chief technical officer of Fairchild Camera and Instrument (Mountain View, CA)-enormous ROM space. By 1985, in fact, a CPU system and 256 kbits of memory will reside together on a single chip, Longo predicts.
The market for single-chip systems, though, is cost-sensitive, cautions Ron Eufinger, Microprocessor Application Engineer for Rockwell International (Anaheim, CA). Costs per function are going down, but the number of functions on a chip are going up. So the over-all cost of a single-chip system won't change by much. For example, the Rockwell 6500/1, a single-chip version of the 6502 microprocessor, will contain RAM, ROM, I/O and CPU, and cost under $10 in production quantities.
As in last year's panel sessions (see ED No. 7, March 29, 1977, p. 26) lack of standardization between processors and instruction sets was a sore point with users in the audience. However, as Adam Osborne, President of Osborne and Associates, Berkeley, CA, points out, product designers really shouldn't care about the instruction set -they should want a low final cost. Not only that, but he feels that there is really no hope of standardizing onechip microcomputers since there is really no economic reason to do so.
Users in the audience didn't agree.

Help is on the way
Although this year's ISSCC didn't unveil any super microprocessor or microcomputer products, some rather interesting devices were introduced during the panel discussion. At the high-end microprocessor session, Intel provided some idea of what its powerful 8086 processor will be like.
The 8086 will offer a complete set of 8 and 16-bit signed and unsigned math operations, including multiply and divide; plenty of memory-reference instructions, including 24 addressing modes; extended address-space capability of over 1 Mbyte; position-independent code, which can be relocated dynamically, and byte, word or string operations.
Using a highly pipelined architecture, the 8086 speeds up internal operation by holding six instruction bytes queued in an internal register. Typical execution times at an 8-MHz clock rate range from 0.25 µs for a register increment/decrement to 2.1 µs for a worst-case memory to register operation.
Inside the 8086 are two independently controlled "processors." One, called the bus-interface unit, controls the instruction queue. The other called the execution unit, performs the instruction.
Over at the single-chip microcomputer panel session, TI introduced CMOS versions of its TMSlOOO 4-bit processor products. Some offer better 1/0, more registers, and higher clock speed, among other improvements, while others are simply equivalent versions with just the lower operating power of CMOS. Typical operating power for the TMSlOOOC and TMS1200C, and llOOC and 1300C, is 15 to 25 mW and drops to 15 µWon standby. Subroutine nesting has been increased to three levels and maximum clock rates can now reach 1 MHz. Units can operate from supplies of 3 to 6 V.
Bipolar µPs speed up
In a paper at Session 15 of the conference, Japanese engineers from Nippon Tel-Tel in Tokyo announced the development of a subnanosecond, 8-bit
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Sprague...Prime source for

HIGH-VOLTAGE, HIGH-CURRENT INTERFACE ICs
Sprague Source Drivers are "high-performance" integrated circuits targeted for low-level logic applications requiring interface to solenoids, MUXed LEDs, lamps, vacuum fluorescent displays, stepping motors, telecommunications relays, triacs, SCRs, PIN diodes, and other high-level peripheral loads. Inductive-load drivers incorporate internal diodes for suppression of voltage transients. All types have input current-limiting resistors for compatibility with standard logic families.
· Type UDN-2956A and UDN-2957A 14-lead DIP designs are customarily used for switching the ground side of telecommunications relays (usually -48V). Positive input and "enable" levels activate the output load.

· Series UDN-2980A 18-lead DIP devices are 8-channel source ICs for general applications, including MUXed LEDs (segmentdriver/common-cathode; digit-driver/common-anode), lamps, relays, solenoids, motors, triacs, etc. An appropriate logic "1" on the input switches the output "on"; an input inverter buffers the high supply voltage from the logic circuitry. A prime application is the replacement of current-sinking ICs which may experience logic malfunctions associated with high ground currents (IR buildup) or ground noise.
e Type UDN-6118A and UDN-6128A 18-lead DIP devices are
intended for vacuum fluorescent display interface. A positive input signal causes the driver outputs to switch high. Internal pull-dOINl1 resistors minimize component count as well as reduce
circuit cost.

Application
Type Number Sustaining Voltage Source Current No. of Drivers
Input
Engineering Bulletin

Telecommunications Relays, PIN Diodes, & General-Purpose Power

UDN-2956A

UDN-2957A

80V

500mA

LEDs, Relays, Motors, Lamps, Triacs, Solenoids, & General-Purpose Power

UDN-2981A/83A UDN-2982A/84A

50V (UDN-2981A) 50V (UDN-2982A)

aov 80V (UDN-2983A)

(UDN-2984A)

500mA

6-15V

29309

29310

Vacuum Fluorescent Display Segment and Digit Driver

UDN-6118A

UDN-6128A

85V

40mA

6-15V

29313

For application engineering assistance on these or other interface circuits, standard or custom, write or call George Tully or Paul Emerald, Semiconductor Division, Sprague Electric Company, 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester, Mass. 01606. Telephone 617/853-5000.

For Engineering Bulletins and a 'Quick Guide to Interface Circuits', write to: Technical Literature Service, Sprague Electric Company, 347 Marshall Street, North Adams, Mass. 01247.

FOR FAST INFORMATION, CALL YOUR NEAREST SPRAGUE SALES OFFICE:
ALABAMA, Sprague Elec!flc Co . 205/ 883-0520 ·ARIZONA, Sprague Electric Co . 6021279·5435 ·CALIFORNIA, Sp1ague Elec111c Co , 213/649-2600 Wm J Purdy Co . 415/ 347-7701 KCE Corp , 7141278·7640 ·COLORADO, Wm J Purdy Co . 303/7n1411 · CONNECTICUT,SpragueEleetnc:Co 203/261·2551 · DIST. OF COLUMBIA , Sprague Elect11c Co \GM sales only) 20213377820 ·FLORIDA, Sp1ague Eleetnc Co . 305/ 831 ·3636 ·ILLINOIS, Sprague Electric Co . 3121296-6620 0 Dolan Sales. 312/ 286·6200 · INDIANA, Sprague Elec!llc Co . 317/253·4247 · MASSACHUSETTS, Sprague EleClllC Co 6171899-9100 Sprague Eleet11c Co . 413/664·4411 · MICHIGAN, Sp1ague ElecUIC Co 517/787-3934 · MINNESOTA, HMR. Inc . 61 2/921} 8200 · MISSOURI , Spiague Eleclr< Co . 3141781-2420 · NEW JERSEY, Spiague Eleclr< Co. 201/696·8200 S~ague Eleclr< Go . 6091795-2299 Tunkle Sales Inc.. 6091795·4200 ·NEW MEXICO, Wm J Purdy Co. 5051266-7959 ·NEW YORK , Sprague Elect11c Co.. 516/ 5494141 Wm Run. Inc . 914/ 698·8600 Sp1aoue Electric Co . 315/ 437-7311 Ma1·Com Assoc1ates. 315/437·2843 ·NORTH CAROLINA , Elect1omc Market1no Associates . 919/ 722·5151 ·OHIO, SpiagueElecUicCo. 513/866·2170. Electronic Salesmaste1s.lnc .800/ 362·2616 ·PENNSYLVANIA, Soiaoue Electnc Co . 215/467 ·5252; Tunkle Sales Inc . 2151922-2080 ·TEXAS, Sp1ague EleclrlC Co . 214/235· 1256 · VERMONT, Ray Penon & Co , Inc .617/762·8114 · VIRGINIA, Sp1aoue Eletllic Co . 703/463·9161 ·WASHINGTON, Sprague Elect11C Co . 2061632-7761 · WISCONSIN , 0 Dolan SaleS. 414/ 482·1111 ·CANADA (Ontario), S~ague Elecll < ol Canada. lid . 416/ 766-6123 ·CANADA (Quebec ), Sprague Eleclr< ol Canada. lid . 514/~J.9220

4SS ·7 136RI

SPR'1Gue· Gerleral

I ...__T_H..E;.._M..;A...R...K;.._OF _REL_IABI_ LITY__._

-ca~.le Q subsidiary

··· and you tltougltt we only make great capacitors.

CIRCLE NUMBER 32

ELECTRON IC D ES IGN 7, Ma rch 29, 197 8

DOPED POLY-Si RESISTOR

Au !INTERCONNECTION!

Pi S1 !INTERCONNECTION!

the RAM uses a four-transistor NMOS cell design with polysilicon load resistors. A combination of CMOS and npn bipolar devices are used on the output buffers to provide a three-state buffer with minimal power drain.

P - SUBSTRATE

With internal propagation delays of less than 1 ns per gate, the polysilicon selfaligned process used by Nipon Tel-Tel permits the design of a bipolar 8-bit microprocessor on a 177-mil-square chip.

bipolar processor. Built using polysilicon self-aligned (PSA) techniques and three-layer metalization, the 4.5 X 4.5 mm2 chip contains 1600 gates and uses a -3.3-V supply. The processor's internal ALU can perform six binary, six decimal and 16 Boolean functions. Housed in a 120-pin package, the processor draws only 1.43 W.
The PSA technology for fabricating this processor permits the lateral size of every element in the polysilicon layer to be reduced uniformly by thermal oxidation. And, the high resistance of polysilicon, which is needed to fabricate low-power LSI devices, is available in the same layer as the first interconnect. So no area is required for resistors in the transistor-array substrate. The three layers of interconnect consist of polysilicon, and then two layers of electroplated gold.
Microprocessors won't be the only thing to grow in the future. For example, memory densities may be quad-

rupled in size without straining the optical techniques in use today, promises Dr. Darrell Erb, an independent consultant. A dynamic RAM cell structure that Erb calls a stratified charge memory offers nondestructive read capabilities and has internal gain, eliminates the need for high-gain sense amplifiers, typically used in dynamic RAMs .
Cells are expected to be about 10 X 15 µm, typically, and eventually about a third the size of conventional dynamic-RAM cells. As a result, memory circuits may get to be as dense as 256 kbits per chip.
Other memory developments include a super-fast CMOS 4-k static RAM and a read-mostly 1-k memory. The static RAM, developed by Hitachi Central Research Laboratory in Japan, has a 4-k X 1 organization, an access time of 43 ns and an operating power of less than 100 mW. Built from a combination of CMOS and bipolar technologies,

The ovonic memory exists
Another memory, developed by Burroughs Corp. at its San Diego facility, uses amorphous memory switches in a 256 X 4 array. The circuit acts as a very fast read-only memory or as a very slow read-write memory. Access time for read operations is 15 ns; for write operations, the time increases all the way to 15 ms.
Intended to be used as a reprogrammable ROM, the circuit can be switched between memory states by the use of current pulses. The ovonic-memoryswitch element uses a phase change as the memory storage mechansim. Each memory cell consists of an OMS in series with a Schottky diode. The OMS itself consists of a layer of chalcogenide glass sandwiched between the first and second layers of chip metalization. Composed predominantly of tellurium and germanium, the glass exists in both amorphous and polycrystalline states. In the amorphous state, its resistivity is about 105 Q-cm and in the polycrystalline state the resistivity drops to about 0.1 rl-cm.
All is not bigger and better in the future. In fact, today's microprocessors face a speed penalty of about 10:1 each time a signal must be buffered and connected to real-world peripherals. Four more years of design will just make that margin worse-delays are expected to increase to 30:1 as devices get smaller. And, testing these speedy devices will get harder to do-more complex tests must be done, and at higher speeds...

Space diversity should open up K band to phone satellite links

Interstate telephone calls will roughly double to 9-billion per year by the mid 1980s, and the best way to handle the increased traffic is K-band (19 and 29-GHz) satellite links. There's a catch, though . Dense rainstorms attenuate Kband microwaves severely. However, spacing two antennas a few miles apart, and switching a satellite link to the antenna with less rain above it
54

should overcome the problem. Dense rainstorms don't cover a large geographical area, so it's quite unlikely that both antenna sites would be drenched at once.
At present, nobody knows exactly what effects rain would have on geographically separate sites at K band. To find out, GTE Labs, Inc., and the University of South Florida have set

up an experiment in Tampa, FL, in conjunction with the General Telephone Co. of Florida and the U.S. Army Research Offices, Research Triangle Park, NC. Tampa was chosen for its infrequent, but extremely dense, small-area rain cells and severe thunderstorms.
In this experiment, there are three sites spaced about nine miles apart in
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

If you stop and think about it, the function of any generator should be to make your job easier. When we at Dynascan designed our new Model 3010 function generator, that's exactly what we had in mind.
How did we achieve this? The 3010 was designed inside and out to be convenient and fast to use, and to provide years of trouble-free operation.
The 3010 generates all of the popular waveforms you 're most likely to need, at only $175. In addition to generating square, sine and triangle wave outputs, the unit offers a fixed TIL square-wave output. Sine-wave distortion is less than 1% and triangle-wave linearity and square-wave symmetry are a near perfect 99%. A convenient row of reliable pushbuttons provides fast, error-free selection of the appropriate range and output waveform.

The stable voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) of the 3010 is varied on each range by the front-panel frequency control, or the VCO external input. A 0 to 5.5 volt ramp applied to the VCO external input will provide a 100:1 output frequency change. In this way, the 3010 can be used as a sweep generator for response tests. Other features that will help your job run smoothly include: .05% stability, a variable DC offset control for engineering and quality control applications, a convenient tilt-stand handle, and a detailed 38-page operations manual.
Because the B&K-PRECISION Model 3010 covers from 0.1Hz to 1MHz in six ranges, you 'll probably be able to use it in more applications than you first guessed. These include IF response tests, test-instrument linearity measurements, transducer tests and digital clock-pulse substitution.

For a chance to have your day run a little smoother, contact your local B&K-PRECISION distributor for immediate
delivery or a demonstration .

~DYNASCAN ~CORPORATION

6460 West Cortland Street, Chicago, llllnols 60635 · 312 / 889-9087 In Canada: Atlas Electranlcs, Ontario· Intl. Sis: Empire Exporters, Inc.. 270 Newtown Road, Plalnvlew, l.I., NY 11803

CIRCLE NUMBER 33

@stone
VERSATILE THERMISTOR
PROBES
Get quick response for sensing temperatures of gases, liquids and surfaces with 23 thermistor probe styles and configurations. Probes with stainless steel tips can be ordered in lengths from 1" to 4", giving you an extra dimension to customize certain standard probes. Other features include: Sensitivity ... highly sensitive to minute temperature changes ... fast response. Temperature range . . . can withstand temperatures from -50 °C to
2so·c.
Resistance values ... from 1K to 1 meg at 25 °C ... also miniature discs and rods of 100 ohms to 1 meg at 25 °C are available. Tolerance on resistance ... ± 20% at 25°C is standard; ± 10% and ± 5% or tighter tolerances if desired. Low-cost series ... three inexpensive probes to answer many requirements.

This K-band antenna picks up 19 and 29-GHz beacons on Comstar satellites to measure the effects of weather on signal strength and polarization . A feedhorn behind the main dish looks down at a third reflector in the "box."
a triangular array. Each site has a receiver and an antenna like the one in the photo. The antennas pick up microwaves at 19 and 29 GHz that are sent from beacons on the two Comstar synchronous satellites. Signal strength and polarization are measured and correlated with local weather.
Starting in May, time-lapse photos

of a color-PP! weather-radar display at a local TV station will provide detailed, calibrated pictures of the shape, intensity and movement of local rainstorms. These details will be correlated with the beacon data. The experiment will run for at least two years to accumulate enough data to ensure the reliability of the statistics.
Results of the experiment are expected to confirm that two antennas will be enough, and tell how far apart the antennas should be, according to Dr. Lee L. Davenport, Vice President and Chief Scientist of GTE, Stamford, CT.
If K-band links can't be used to handle the increased traffic, the alternatives would be more microwave relay towers or more satellite links, operating at lower frequencies like 4 and 6, or 11 and 14 GHz. The problem is, satellite links at 4 and 6 GHz use relatively costly 105-ft dishes. Finding a good site for more dishes of this size isn't trivial. Good supporting foundations are needed, there's a lot of potential interference from existing terrestrial 4 and 6-GHz links, and not everyone wants a big dish next to his backyard.
With K-band, on the other hand, the main reflector of an antenna needs to be only about 8 ft in diameter. With a dish that small, an antenna can be located in all sorts of places, even city rooftops. K-band provides four times the bandwidth of lower-frequency systems, and even five times, if the FCC permits. (Present systems handle

Catalog TP-739
... gives details on 23 probe styles and ordering information. Circle reader service card.

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Thermistor Division St. Marys, PA 15857 814/ 781-1591 ·Telex 91-4517
CIRCLE NUMBER 34
56

Control station for K-band propagation experiment includes 19 and 29-GHz receivers, antenna control panel and a minicomputer.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

36,000 phone calls at once.) What's more, K-band frequencies aren't occupied by existing terrestrial systems, so there's no interference.
Present plans are to use 19 GHz for "up link" and 29 GHz for "down link." Polarization multiplexing will be used to double the capacity of the available bandwidth. Depolarization crosstalk, which is a problem in analog systems, isn't expected to bother these links, which will be digital.
The antenna (see photo), which is made by GTE Sylvania, Needham, MA, is designed for propagation measurements, rather than for an operating link. It has very low sidelobes and -40dB cross-polarization. Its beamwidth is slightly less than 0.3° at 29 GHz, and gain is 54 dB. The main reflector (with the boresight telescope hole in it) is 8 ft in diameter, while the off-axis secondary is 3 ft across. The feedhorn, which is behind the main dish, looks down at a tertiary reflector inside the boxlike structure. This reflector permits the feedhorn to look down, which means that a window that covers its opening stays dry. Raindrops on the window would absorb the microwaves and invalidate the measurements.
So far, the antenna hasn't needed re-aiming to keep it pointed at the satellite, because the satellite's stationkeeping has been very good-within ±0.05 degrees.
The beacons transmit only a few milliwatts; with the distance involved (over 20,000 mi) and small antenna size, a narrowband (a few Hz) receiver is needed for sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. The receivers use AFC, which means that when a site is blanked out by rain, the local oscillator has to search for the beacon frequency once the rain clears. The search is slow at such a narrow bandwidth, but in the Tampa experiment, another receiver is still "seeing" the beacon and sends its frequency to the blanked site to speed up reacquisition tremendously.
Digital beats depolarization
Polarization multiplexing permits a given frequency band to carry two sets of signals that are kept separated by transmitting them with rf polarizations 90° apart. Most of the time, the signals stay separated, but periodically there is crosstalk when they become depolarized, apparently when they pass through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. The Tampa experiments include polarization measurements to find out more on this phenomenon...
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

But the technology that created them is···
along with all the other capabilities you'll need for custom LSI from design through production.
Silicon Systems specializes in custom LSI ... it's not a sideline. We're interested when others aren't because we've lowered the volume
at which custom IC's become cost effective. Over the y~ars we ha:-'e developed the world's most advanced IC design
capability. A proprietary system, created in our own computer lab
helps u~ solve design problems in any technology-TTL, SCHOTTKY,
EGL, I L, LINEAR, PMOS, NMOS, CMOS, whatever is best for you . Our custom IC's are used in talking calculators, traffic controllers, code generators, garage door openers, automotive instrumentation, etc.
Are your products ready for state-of-the-art custom LSI?·
For more information, phone or write Jim Meyer, (714) 979-0941 at 16692 Hale Ave., Irvine, California 92714.
Silicon Systems
incorporated
CIRCLE NUMBER 35
57

Circuit Breake1

CIRCLE NUMBER 36

KEPCCJ®

KEPCO, INC. · 131-38 SANFORD AVENUE· FLUSHING, N.Y. 11352 U.S.A. · (212) 461-7000 ·TWX #710-582-2631 ·Cable: KEPCOPOWER NEWYORK

Washington report

John Rhea, Washington Bureau

Supersonic cruise missile eyed for 1986
The Air Force is accelerating development of a second-generation, supersonic cruise missile and may have it in operation by 1986, Lt. Gen. Alton D. Slay, deputy chief of staff for research and development, disclosed during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee.
The new cruise missile, as yet not approved by the Pentagon for engineering development, is called the Advanced Strategic Air Launched Missile (ASALM). It is being considered as a backup weapon in case the present cruise missiles, which are subsonic and lack electronic countermeasures to fool enemy radars, prove vulnerable to Soviet air defenses.
''The ASALM missile is a highly flexible weapon that will have both air-toair and air-to-ground capability," Slay testified. ''The air-to-air capability will contribute to the defense of our bomber and cruise-missile-carrier force against airborne threats. In the air-to-ground mode, the speed and small size of ASALM should allow the missile to penetrate heavily defended targets."
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, and Martin Marietta Aerospace Corp., Orlando, FL, are competing in the initial development stages. The Air Force plans to award contracts to both firms next year to build prototypes for flight testing.
Funding for ASALM this year is $37.2-million, with $13.1-million of that "specifically earmarked" to accelerate development, according to Slay. The Air Force is requesting $48.5-million more in fiscal 1979. However, if ASALM goes into production, it could become a multibillion-dollar program.

Flying command post program faces interruption

Cuts in the funding of the Air Force's E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post threaten to bring the program to a halt next year and increase costs. The aircraft is considered essential to national security because it permits national authorities (including the President) to command American forces from the air should the United States be under nuclear attack.
Prime contractor Boeing is due to deliver the fourth of the militarized 747 jumbo jets in April, 1979, but with present funding levels will have no work until after a Defense Systems Acquisition Review Council (DSARC) meeting on E-4 production in August of that year. Nor will its electronics subcontractors, which include the Collins Division of Rockwell International, E-Systems, RCA and Burroughs.
Boeing has already delivered three E-4A aircraft in which the airborne command and control equipment has been transferred from the present EC-135 flying command posts. The fourth aircraft is being built to the E-4B configuration with the additions of radiation-hardened electronic circuits, more advanced communications and aerial refueling ability.
The issue before next year's DSARC is whether to retrofit the first three E-4As to the B configuration and buy a fifth E-4, also a B model. (A sixth aircraft, an E-4B, is also envisioned, but that issue will be taken up later.) The Air Force is projecting $233-million to fund the retrofits and $135-million for the new aircraft in its fiscal 1980 budget, but has requested only $32-million for fiscal

E LECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

1979-all of it in the research and development category. Pentagon sources say this means the program will come to a halt after the
fourth aircraft is delivered next April and won't be able to start again until fiscal 1980, which begins October, 1979. In addition to disrupting the contractors, this program interruption may actually drive costs up. The Pentagon currently estimates the six aircraft will cost $760-million, which would make the airborne command posts, at $126.7-million apiece, the most expensive aircraft in history. Air Force sources have estimated the final costs may reach as high as $900million, or $150 million each.
Air Force, Navy cooperate on new air-to-air missile
The Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is intended to replace the Raytheon AIM-7 Sparrow now used by both the Air Force's and Navy's fighter aircraft. The AMRAAM will be faster than and have twice the effective range of Sparrow, which is listed as having a speed of mach 4 and a range of 15 to 31 miles. The new missile is also supposed to have launch-and-leave and multiple-target capability, two features missing in the Sparrow, and to be particularly effective at low altitude and in an electronic-countermeasures environment.
However, Congress denied funds for AMRAAM for this fiscal year and has been skeptical that the two services need a replacement for Sparrow. Still, the Air Force and Navy are each requesting about $13-million in next year's defense budget so that they can start funding companies to build testing prototypes.

Earth-resources satellite launch delayed again
Development delays on the multispectral scanner (MSS) planned for the Landsat D earth-resources survey satellite have caused the launch date to be slipped back another six months, from early 1981 to later that year, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The reason is that development of the satellite was funded this year, fiscal 1978, but funds for development of the MSS were held up until fiscal 1979 to determine whether it is needed as a backup for the thematic mapper, also planned for the Landsat series.
The recently launched Landsat C satellite has a five-channel MSS and highresolution (40 meters), return-beam vidicon cameras that NASA estimates will permit the satellite to return 20 to 25% more data than previous Landsats.

Capital Capsules: The Air Force is asking for $1-million in seed money in the new defense
budget to study a replacement for the 0-2 and OV-10 forward-air-controller
aircraft used in Vietnam. The program, known as FAC-X, is intended to produce an all-weather aircraft for spotting targets behind enemy lines. The money sought will be used to evaluate advanced avionics....The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is investigating an approach to improving the reliability of militarized integrated circuits by providing a nitride layer on the chip as a sealant and then using plastic encapsulation for mechanical protection. Militarized ICs cost on an average four times as much as commercial high-reliability devices, but have half the failure rate. DARPA's goal for the new circuits is 20% more cost but for one-tenth the failure rate.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Sangamo presents the"DesignerLine'!..the mostcomplete selectionofaluminum electrolytic
capacitorsinthe industr)'

Sangamo's "Designer Line" opens the door to a world of new design options for you. It's the industry's most complete line of capacitors for switching power supplies.With features and performance characteristics never before available from a single source.
The "Designer Line" includes five capacitor types for the input side ... ten for the output side. All backed by Sangamo's reliability and technical expertise.
And we help still more.With engineering assistance and innovative application ideas whenever you want them.
Write for specs (refer to Catalog numbers included in listing, right), or
call for a no-obligation consultation. Sangamo Capacitors Division, Box 128, Pickens, SC 29671; phone (803) 878-6311; TWX: 810-397-2496; 'Thlex: 57-9441.

Input Capacitors

Features:
· High voltage-150/200/250V
·High capacitance-to 7400 µF at 200V
· *Fourier compensated ripple current ratings to 10 amps at 85°C
·Operating temperatures to 125°C
· Up to 2,000 hours life at maximum temperatures

Types Available

Tump. Range to:

DCM Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2231F

500 Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2236G

066 Computer Grade-85°C/CAT. 2241C

057 Premium Grade-105°C/CAT. 2244A

557 Premium Grade-125°C/CAT. 2240C

·Requires contact with Sangamo Engineers for special application assistance.

Output Capacitors

Features:

Types Available

Tump. Range to:

· Low impedance to 100 kHz · High capacitance to 465,000 µF

500R Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2236E 100 Power Pack-105°C/CAT. 2271C

· 10 kHz to 100 kHz ripple current ratings to 40 amps
·Operating temperatures to 125°C
· Symmetrical tolerance for capacitance and ESR
· Up to 2,000 hours life at maximum temperatures

101 Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2272A 101X Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2272A NEW! 139R Thermal Pack-85°C/CAT. 2273 300 Premium Grade-105°C/CAT. 2260A 301 Premium Grade-105°C/CAT. 2260A 301A Premium Grade-105°C/CAT. 2260A 057 Premium Grade-105°C/CAT. 2244A

557 Premium Grade-125°C/CAT. 2240C

CIRCLE NUMBER 37

The Teledyne JFET Report
Talk about a matched pair!
Just 3mV gate source differential Qff-the-she!f.
It's our new series of N-channel dual monolithic J-FETs. And its available off the shelf with a gate source voltage differential of only 3mV.
That's right. Off the shelf. Never before has the designer been able to buy a device this closely matched without paying extra, and running the risk of delivery delays or defaults.
Not only do you get the close match, you get a lot more besides. For instance:
· CMRR: 100 dB minimum ·Input Impedance: IG less than 25 pA ·Noise: 10nV/ -{Hz Typ@ 10Hz · gos: less than 1 µ.mho ·Choice of hermetic T0-71 or 8-pin
miniDIP with symmetric pinout for automatic insertion.
Typical applications for our new 2650 series of dual monolithic N-channel JFETs include low and medium frequency amplifiers, low noise input amplifiers, differential amplifiers, impedance converters, precision instrumentation amplifiers, and comparators.
For complete technical information, design assistance, or evaluation samples, contact us at the address below, or call Howard Bogrow, (415) 968-9241.

"11~TELEDYNE SEMICONDUCTOR
1300 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, California 94043 · (415) 968-9241
SALES OFFICES: DOMESTIC : Salem, N. H. (603) 893-9551 ; Stony Brook , N.Y. (516) 751-5640; Des Plaines , IL (31 2) 299-6196 ; Los An geles , CA (213) 826-6639; Mountain View, CA (415) 968-9241 INTERNATI ONAL: Houn slow, Middlesex, Eng land (44) 01-897-2503; Tien gen , West Germ any 7741-5066; Kowloon , Hong Ko ng 3-240122; Tokyo, Japan 03-403·81 41
CIRCLE NUMBER 38 62

Eu:CTKON IC D ESIG 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

Edltorlal
Today's dre~ms. Tomorrow's reality?
My friend Roy was helping prepare me for a television interview on consumer electronics. He lent me two digital watches-a calculator/watch that he took about 20 minutes to explain, and a stop watch/watch that took another 10 minutes.
After a stretch of additional conversation, Roy said he had to be moving along and, without thinking, glanced at his wrist. No watch. I had all the watches-his two digitals, and my analog. So he borrowed mine and, as he was adjusting it on his wrist, I leaned over, pointed to the face, and advised: "Now the small hand. . ."
Well, we chuckled because I'm normally not that quick with spontaneous remarks. It often takes me hours to prepare them.
Later, in a more serious mood, I began to think of ways our technological revolution had already affected us and of ways it may affect us tomorrow.
Take the digital watch again. You can buy one for less than $10, though it started at $1500 only seven years ago. Already, this seven-year-old has begun changing the way people talk. People now tell you the time is 3:45 (or 3:46) instead of a-quarter-to-four. And tomorrow's dictionaries may carry "clockwise" as an archaic term.
Or take the calculator. You can buy one for less than $10, though it started at $395 seven years ago. Only a year later, Keuffel & Esser quit making slide rules. What a staggering thought. At one time, slide rules seemed an extension of our hands and K&E, the slide-rule king, seemed not to be a company but an institution.
And tomorrow? How will technology change the way we talk, the way we think, the way we live? Certainly some of tomorrow's commonplace will be today's undreamed of. But many of tomorrow's wonders will come directly from today's ideas. Your ideas.
We'd like you to share them with the rest of the electronics community. If you've an idea on something we'll see tomorrow-even if our technology isn't quite ready-send me som~ words about it. If I get enough interesting and challenging ideas, I'll publish a selection in these pages so that all of us can admire them. And dream of tomorrow.
GEORGE ROSTKY
Editor-in-Chief

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

250 MAXIMUM REVERSE CURREN

Com ..

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~., 200 ~~ 100

pet1t1ve 00-5 Devi<*l , '

- MBR7S45

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June\iol\ 'fe1'1\P8'a\ufe: · C

A new high in temperature handling capability that removes traditional design restrictions ... adds a 25°C reliability factor ... minimizes the possibility of thermal runaway.

Until now, only the temperature limited Schottky has kept switching power supplies from operating at high ambients, and gaining a big increase in power ratings.
Now, International Rectifier's "830 Process" removes the heat related design restrictions of yesterday. You can add a 25°C reliability "guard band" to existing designs now using 150°C rated devices. In new designs, heat sinks can be smaller or current ratings can be higher. Take your choice.
Industry's highest junction temperature rating
New 175°C junction temperature Schottkys are the product of IR's new "830 Process': which produces a junction temperature capability 25°C higher than any other devices available (Figure A). At a given case temperature, you'll get more current and full rated voltage, or conversely, more reliability.
A five-fold decrease in reverse current leakage
As plotted in comparison to other available types in Figure B at left, IR "830" Schottkys exhibit a five-fold improvement in reverse leakage at given junction temperatures. Note the maximum leakage of 50ma versus 250ma for competitive devices at 45V and 125°C. With lower leakage you can design for higher

temperature operation ... with a significant reduction in the possibility of thermal runaway.
No voltage derating vs. case temperature
Because of high leakage, it has been necessary in the past to derate voltage as case temperature increased. Not now. The "830 Process" junction carries rated voltage out to 175°C. The design advantages are obvious. See Figure C.
20% guaranteed transient voltage capability
Most manufacturers do not publish transient voltage ratings let alone guarantee them. The new "830 Process" 45V devices are guaranteed to withstand 20% repetitive transients, or 54V, without failure.
Contact your local IR Field Sales Office or Distributor, or contact us directly for complete data and test samples. "830 Process" Schottkys are a major development that you have probably been waiting for. They're here!
International Rectifier
II \ jR I ... the innovative semiconductor people

233 KANSAS STREET, EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245 · (213) 322-3331 · TWX 9190-348-6291 · TELEX 66-4464 CIRCLE NUMBER 65

Teehnolog~

Schottky or high-speed pn rectifiers?
The choice isn't easy. Schottky devices have low forward drops, but pn rectifiers offer higher reliability and lower cost.

Which rectifiers are better-the Schottky or the older high-speed pn units? Judge for yourself. The rectifiers listed in Table 1 are typical comparable units, and all are housed in D0-5 cases. The Schottky units have 20-to-50-V reverse-voltage ratings and the pn units, 200 V. Like most Schottkys, the types A and B are limited to 125-C maximum case temperatures, and a few, like the type C and the pn units, operate to 150 C.
Schottky power rectifiers have come of age. Their forward voltage drops are low, and their metal-tosemiconductor interfaces, constructed like the old point-contact diodes of earlier radio days, have no minority carriers. Thus, reverse recovery time is fast, and the Schottky units can operate at high switching speeds. But, unfortunately, Schottky reverse-voltage capability is lower than that of pn rectifiers; they're not as reliable; and they cost more.
Fast-switching pn power rectifiers, however, have served reliably for many years, especially in "freewheeling" diode applications in switching regulators.1·2·3 Switching-regulator power supplies, fast becoming the most popular type, especially in computers, are highly efficient, small and light. The rectifiers used in such supplies must operate efficiently at 20 to 60 kHz.
The most common way to get fast reverse recovery in pn rectifiers, and thus fast switching, is by golddoping the junction. The gold reduces the minoritycarrier lifetime. But this speed improvement usually must be traded off for increased forward-voltage drop, Vr, even though a thinner wafer and lower-resistivity silicon can somewhat offset the higher Vrof the gold.
Forward drop: least ambiguous spec
Forward-voltage drop, a major factor determining rectifier efficiency, is the most clearly defined of all the rectifier specs. Even so, Vr can be measured in many ways. The Vr values in Table 1 are the peak
Paul Meisel, Manager of Application Engineering, FMC Corp., Semiconductor Products Div., 800 Hoyt St., Broomfield, CO 80020.
66

instantaneous forward-voltage drops for a single halfcycle pulse of 60-Hz current. Taking such instantaneous measurements prevents temperature changes from affecting the measurements. Although rectifiers are compared often at 25-C case temperatures, this value is not a practical operating temperature. Measurements made at 100 to 150 Cgive more valid results.
At most operating current levels, the Vr of a pn rectifier decreases as the temperature rises towards the maximum recommended value. Nevertheless, Schottky rectifiers, at the same current and temperature as pn units, always have lower forward voltages. Note, however, that the forward voltages vary considerably among manufacturers (see Table 1). Generally, Schottkys have between O.l-and-0.4-V lower values than comparable pn rectifiers. In the table, however, at 150 A, notice the small Vr difference between manufacturer A's Schottky and the FMC pn unit at 25 C. Thus, look at manufacturer's claims carefully. It's even wise to make your own measurements.
The maximum current rating of a rectifier, although often specified at a 25-C case temperature, depends ultimately upon the maximum allowed junction temperature-about 200 Cfor silicon. Since the maximum current times Vr is the allowed power dissipation in the rectifier, for an allowed junction-to-case temperature drop of 175 C (200-C junction to 25-C case temperature), the maximum current is
Imax = 175 8Jc/Vr,
where 8Jc is the junction-to-case thermal resistance in °C/W.
Maximum current ratings of D0-5 Schottky rectifiers are generally close to those of pn rectifiers of the same class, despite the Schottky lower Vr· The lower Schottky power dissipation is offset by a lower allowable junction temperature-ranging from 150 to 175 C. Unfortunately, this lower-temperature spec makes a Schottky rectifier more vulnerable to failure than an equivalent silicon pn-junction unit at the same power dissipation.
Another spec where the Schottky falls short is in
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

REVERSE CHARACTERISTICS 25°C
+

J
0 .......
<l 0 E 0
Nl

------
MFGR . A 35 V SCHOTTKY

10 V /DIV

REVERSE CHARACTERISTICS 100 °C
+

.......
<l 0 E

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

IOV /DIV

REVERSE CHARACTERISTICS 125°C

~1
.......
~ 0
0
1 N

MFGR. B 20V SCHOTTKY

SCHOTTKY IOV/DIV

> 1

.0......

<l E

I >

.......

<l E

+
1 >
0 ~
E 0
0 -
l

FMC D621 PN DEVICE 50 V/ DIV
FMC D621 PN DEVICE 50V/DIV
FMC D621 PN DEVICE 50V /DIV

1. Reverse-current characteristics are strongly affected by temperature. Schottky reverse leakage (a) is higher than that of pn units (b), especially at low reverse voltages.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Pn units have a sharp "knee" beyond which leakage current rises steeply, and therefore should be operated well below the knee.
67

Diode forward voltage drop

Forward current
11

25 c

Forward voltage drops-V1
125 c

..
150 c

Types

50 A 100 150

0.577 0 .8 1 6 1.062

0.524 0.635 0 .742

0.548 0.653 0.747

0 .9 1 8 1.009 1.077

0 .558 0.720 0 .829

0.456 0.594 0 .669

0.433 0.569 0.677

0 .795 0.908 1.000

0.410 0 .549 0.657

0 .762 0 .882 0.969

Types A. B and C are Schottky rectifiers made by different manufacturers; D is an FMC 0621 pn-type rectifier. All types are in D0-5 packages Temperatures are case temperatures.

di/di
I1m·p - l--·rr----t

30 Vdc CONSTANT VOLTAGE SUPPLY
IA l1m +·i - - - -...

Cl I µ.F
300V

I Ade
FROM CONSTANT CURRENT SUPPLY

2. Many methods are used to measure reverse character· istics. The latest JEDEC method (a) is most widely recognized, but many manufacturers use the older vibrator-

input method (b), where forward current (If) is set to IA and the reverse voltage (Vf) is 30 V, so you can't always directly compare the specs among manufacturers.

its reverse-voltage capability. Rectifier reverse characteristics are usually measured on a 60-Hz, V-1 tracer. And pn rectifiers are classified into voltage ratings of 50 or 100-V steps.
Rectifiers segregated by reverse voltage
For example, in the 1N3899 through 1N3903 series of pn types, the 1N3899 has a reverse de blocking rating of 50 V and the 1N3900, 100-V. The 1N3901 at 200 V to 400 V for the 1N3903 are in 100-V increments. Schottky units, however, because of their low reverse· voltage ratings, are usually classified in steps of 10 or 20 V.
Of course, reverse-voltage ratings shouldn't be exceeded. But even when the rectifier operates within its rating, reverse voltage causes heating in direct proportion to reverse leakage current. Here, gold· doped pn units suffer again. Gold doping not only
68

raises Vr, but also produces considerably higher reverse current for a given reverse voltage than you get with undoped but slower rectifiers. This loss can be considerable: A typical reverse-voltage and current spec for a fast-switching pn rectifier is 200 V and 10 mA at 150-C case temperature.
Though gold-doped fast-switching rectifiers usually have somewhat lower reverse-voltage ratings than standard silicon units; nevertheless, the fast pn reverse-voltage ratings are still much higher than in Schottky power rectifiers. Typically Schottky reversevoltage ratings range between only 20 and 50 V. Reverse leakage is high-about 100 to 200 mA at 125 C.
But the low forward-voltage drop of Schottky units makes them eminently suitable for today's highcurrent, low-voltage (5 to 15 V) supplies, where the Schottky low reverse-voltage ratings are no drawback. Figs. la, lb and le illustrate 1-V (current-voltage) curve tracings of leakage current versus reverse volt-
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

> 0
........ c:X
N

50 ns/OIV
JEDEC TEST r 1=50A di/dt=50A/,u.s

50 ns/OIV

........

c:X

FMC 0621 200 V

CLASS 25 °c

50 ns/OIV
IA FORWARD - 30V REVERSE TEST REVERSE CURRENT LIMIT - IA

50 ns/OIV

> 0

........

c:X

I()

FMC 0621 200 V

CLASS 25°C

50 ns/OIV
3. Reverse recovery time is strongly affected not only by forward current, di/ dt, and temperature, but also by how you measure it. The results of using t he JEDEC method
ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

50 ns/OIV
of Fig. 2a with an If of 50 A and di/ dt of 50 A/µs, (a) an d t he resu lts of the method of Fig. 2b with an If of 1 A and
vf of 30 v (b) show the differences.
69

age for typical Schottky and pn devices at 25, 100 and 125 C.
Schottky reverse characteristics generally vary widely among units and manufacturers. But some units are more consistent than others, especially at elevated temperatures. Note that at low reverse voltages, the reverse-power losses are higher in Schottky units than pn units. Reverse-power loss in pn rectifiers is relatively negligible, when operated at reverse voltages lower than the sharply defined "knee" in the reverse-current curve (Fig lb). The "knee" defines the maximum reverse-voltage rating.
This high reverse voltage is an important advantage of pn units. For a given operating voltage, pn units are therefore more likely to be more reliable than Schottky units, because pn operation usually is further from the maximum reverse rating.
Reverse-recovery: most ambiguous spec
Forward-voltage drop is the least ambiguous of a rectifier's specs, but reverse-recovery switching time seems to be the most ambiguous. Reverse-recovery time comparisons based solely on manufacturer's data sheets are difficult at best and usually impossible. Many interrelated factors figure in making such timing measurements, but manufacturers seldom spell them out. What it boils down to is this: You just can't pick what seems to be the fastest unit only from data on spec sheets. You must consider how the speed was measured.
The recovery time of a rectifier depends not only on the rectifier's minority-carrier lifetime, but also on the circuit that is commutating the unit, the forward current before commutation, the di/dt during the transition from forward to reverse bias and the rectifier's temperature.
Recovered charge, which is part of the reverse current, is directly proportional to forward current and temperature, so recovery time increases as these factors increase. And an increase in di/dt usually causes a slight decrease in recovery time, but this effect is difficult to measure and usually ignored. Two circuits, among many commonly used to measure reverse-recovery time (trr), are shown in Figs. 2a and 2b, but the latest JEDEC commutation-testing circuit (Fig. 2a) now is accepted most widely.
Charge stored during forward conduction in the junction and bulk silicon of a pn rectifier must be "swept out" by the external circuit when applied voltage reverses. Reverse-current spikes generated during recovery time can be quite large, and contribute substantially to losses, especially at high frequencies. Also, these large spike amplitudes and di/dt can produce high voltages in inductors, which in turn create annoying noise or even damaging transients.
Because of their high-frequency operation (20 kHz and higher), switching power supplies suffer con-
70

siderable loss of efficiency when spike losses are high. Also, switching power supplies generally "noisy" become even greater offenders when spikes coming from the reverse-recovery of rectifier become excessive.
While Schottky devices don't have minority carriers to clear, they do have high capacitance-in the range of 5000 to 8000 pF-well above the 250 pF maximum for fast-switching pn devices. Unfortunately, the effects of capacitance are almost indistinguishable from those of minority carriers.
Figs. 3a and 3b show reverse-recovery-time plots made by the two measuring methods of Figs. 2a and 2b at 25 C and also at the limit temperatures of 125 or 150 C. The ringing in the recovery "tail" results from unavoidable circuit inductance and capacitance. Note that at 25 C and low forward current, Schottky and pn recovery times are very similar. At high temperatures and currents recovery times are still close, but the minority carriers in pn rectifiers increase their effect faster than in the already high Schottky capacitance. As a result, the Schottky units enjoy a small advantage with less recovery time and lower peak reverse currents.
But this slight advantage of lower reverse current at high temperatures and high forward current may make just the difference if you want to squeeze another percent or two of better efficiency out of your power supply and reduce transient problems.
Efficiency is the acid test
Of course, the final argument rests in making measurements in a working circuit. In a commercial 1-kW, 5-V switching-regulated supply equipped with eight, 35-V Schottky rectifiers, the Schottkys were replaced with 200-V pn devices. At 100-A output, the original circuit with Schottky units was determined to be 3% more efficient than with the pn replacements. Such a difference is typical, but an even greater difference could have been observed had the manufacturer of the power supply used Schottky units with lower forward drops, which were readily available.
However, both pn and Schottky devices are still being improved. Although, today, pn devices have higher reliability and lower cost-often worth a tradeoff for the few percent higher efficiency of Schottky units-tomorrow, Schottky units may also have competing cost and improved reliability. But then, pn devices may get lower forward drops and higher efficiencies...
References
1. Galloway, J .H., "Application of Fast Recovery Rectifiers," A pplication No te N o. 200. 38, General Electric Co., Syracuse, NY, 1965.
2. SCR Applications Handbook, Internationl Rectifier Corp., El Segundo, CA, 1970, Chapter 10.
3. Von Zastrow, E. E., and Galloway, J. H., "Commutation Behavior of Diffused High Current Rectifiers," Application Note No. J00.4.2, General Electric Co., Syracuse, NY, 1965.
CIRCLE NUMBER 40 ....

The failure. A 16 W overload causes this 1/2 W carbon film resistor to burst into flame . The initial failure mode is a short circuit, causing even more current to be drawn as shown on the meter.

The successful failure. The TRW 1 W rated BW-20F (1 /2 W size) stays cool and fuses quickly and safely under identical power surge conditions. The failure mode, as shown , is an open circuit.

A failure your circuit can live with.

Failsafe, Fusible, Wirewounds Offer Built-In Circuit Protection.

Cool wirewounds like our BW failsafe series have a dual personality.
They provide stable resistance to normal operating current . But at specific overloads , they open circuit like a good fuse . So, as shown above, they'll protect your circuit from excess heat and fire in places where severe fault cond itions are encountered.
The BW fa ilsafe series , UL listed per Document 4~2 . 2 , can save cost by el iminating the need for both resistor

and fuse. Save space , too , because they 're about half the size of standard 1 and 2 W devices.
Depending on your specific circuit parameters, other TRW film and wirewound resistors can be engineered to meet your requirements.
For more information on resistors your circuit can live with , contact TRW/IRC Resistors , an Electronic Components Division of TRW, Inc ., 401 N. Broad St. , Phila., Pa. 19108. Tel. 215-922-8900. Telex : 710-670-2286.

TRW1Rc RESISTORS
ANOTHER PRODUCT OF A COMPANY CALLED TRW

Teehnolog~

Boost high-voltage de outputs:
Pair a TV-proven cascaded voltage multiplier with a switcher to ease high-voltage power-supply design.

Make a simple, compact and efficient high-voltage supply by feeding a square wave into a cascaded voltage multiplier. Such multipliers, now used extensively for television receivers, owe a lot of their effectiveness to reliable and economical high-voltage diodes and capacitors. Not only that, but high-frequency square waves, with moderately high voltages at power levels high enough for a supply, are now available from the low-cost and dependable circuits developed for switching power supplies.
For the circuit in Fig. 1, the square-wave frequency (f) is directly proportional to the de input voltage. The transistors, Qi and Q2, act only to switch from one half of the center-tapped primary to the other half. This switching creates a voltage square wave across the secondary. This square-wave output is then fed into the multiplier cascade.

Everything affects performance

The performance of the multiplier depends mainly on four distinct factors:
· The square-wave frequency. · The number of stages (N). · The capacitance (C). · The output current (I). To gauge the impact of each of these, examine the generalized N-stage multiplier in Fig. 3. Each twodiode two-capacitor stage doubles the peak input voltage, E. Theoretically, the cascade output is 2NE. Actually, this output is reduced by the load drop,

AVL· the ripple drop, AV"' and the drop across the diodes, AVd:

Vout = 2NE -AVL -AV, - AV<l.

(1)

Of these, AVd -generally the least significant-can be approximated by rounding the diode's peak-inverse rating to the nearest upward kV, multiplying the result by 1.5, then multiplying again by the number of diodes in the multiplier (2N). For example, using · diodes with 4-kV peak-inverse ratings:
Vd ~ 4 x 1.5 x 2N
= 12N V.

15kVdc
1. The cascade multiplier at the secondary raises the 3kV input to 15 kV. Transistors Qi and Q2 in the primary circuit, switch the applied 15-V de source from one half of the primary to the other at 20 kHz.
For a more accurate value, the diode's forward drop should be measured at the full-load current, and the value for this drop multiplied by 2N.
A more significant quantity, AV,, is given by: AV, = (l/f) (1/C1 + 2/C2 + ... + N/CN).
For equal-value capacitors, AV, = N(N + l)I/(2fC).
The capacitors nearest the input are most responsible for the ripple. So, make the Nth capacitance N times C1, the (N- l)th capacitance (N-1) times C1 and so on, so that:
AV, = NI/(fC1). The third factor, that reduces the output, AV L· is the most complex. This loading drop is the sum of each capacitor's loading drop. For the N-stage multiplier in Fig. 2 with all capacitors equal:
AVL =AVN + AV N-1+ . . . +AV1 where A VN = IN/(fC). A VN-1= [ I/(fC)] [ 2N + (N-1)]. A V1 = [ I/(fC)] [ 2N + 2(N-l)+ ... + 2(2) +1]. As a result:
N
AVL = ~ N(2N - 1) I/(fC)

Dr. E.H. Borneman, General Manager. Scientific Components, 350 Hurst St., Linden, NJ 07036.
72

( 2N3 + __If_ + _lL ) + ( _ I )

fC ·

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

As with ripple, the capacitors nearest the input affect !::.VLmost. So again, selecting capacitance values such that CN =NC,, CN-i = (N-1) C1, etc., produces the lowest total drop: AVfL = N2 I/(fCi).

2. An N-stage cascade multiplier has a theoretical output
of twice the number of its stages (2N) times the peak input
voltage (E). Actually, the output is reduced by the load
drop, the ripple drop and the diode drop.

Cascading indefinitely won't help

For large value of N, !::.VL increases rapidly. So,

cascaded multipliers do have practical output-voltage

limits-no matter how many stages you use.

To determine the maximum output voltage for any

number of stages, set Eq. 1 equal to zero and differen-

tiate it with respect to N. For simplicity, ignore the

last two terms, t:.Vr and t:.Vd. Then:

V max

= 2NE - [ 2/(3N3) ] [ l/(fC) ] .

dVmax/dN = 2E - 2N2I/(fC)

= 0.

Now you can get the optimum number of cascaded

stages from the following expression:

Nopt = (EfC/I) 'h.

(2)

Where capacitance decreases, going down the string, as a multiplier of C1 the optimum number of stages:

Nopt = EfC1/I.

Again, today's multipliers are limited by their capacitors, which are usually high-voltage ceramics. The maximum-voltage-and-capacitance combination, available in production quantities, is about 1000 pF at a 20-kV rating. Also, today's circuits operate at 25

20 15

10 9 8 7 6 No PT 5 4
3
2

y17
y [7

4 5678910

f·25kHz, C·IOOOpF E ·IO kV

N ~
~

30 40

80 IOO

30 40 50 60

3. The curve for the optimum number of stages,
(N opt) versus current (I), shows that the number of stages
decreases with load current. The curve for maximum
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

150 300
output voltage (V max) versus number of stages shows that the output increases with the number of stages-briskly at first-then more slowly.
73

kHz. Although higher-frequency components are

available, RFI reduction becomes a problem at higher

switching frequencies.

The limits for f and C used in Eq. 2 give N opt as

J a function of I:
Nopt -- [ 104 V x 25 x 103 s- 1 x 109 F

'h (3)

I A

= 0.5/ II" In Fig. 3, a curve for Nopt versus I, derived from Eq. 3, shows that for a load current of, say, 30 mA, the optimum number of stages is three. The maximum

output voltage then is:

V max = 2X3Xl04 -

[ 2/(3X33) ) (30Xl0- 3) --------
25Xl04 X 10- 9

= 6Xl04 - 2Xl04

= 4Xl04.

The maximum output voltage is then four times the

peak input voltage, E. The ripple voltage, for this case

is only 3.6 kV. Values of Vmax for the conditions of Eq. 3 are shown on a separate curve in Fig. 4. If you

use N=lO and I=2.5 mA, then Vmax = 130 kV.

E=l kV(pk),
Vout = 15 kV, and
IL = 50 µA.
Obviously, the least number of stages that can be used is eight. This gives 16 kV as the maximum theoretical voltage (2NE):

2NE -Vout = 16 kV - 15 kV = 1 kV .

So, let t:,.VL be 1 kV (ignore D.Vrand t:,.Vd) and solve

for C:

v !::,. L

(2/ 3)N3I/(fC)

1 kV,

from which
c = (2/3) N3(I/f) v !::,. L = 0.67X83 X50Xl0- 6

2Xl04Xl03 V 857 pF.

This multiplier would then require eight cascaded stages using 1000 pF (rated 2 kV).
If you want, you can compensate for t:,.Vr and D.Vd:

Let's be practical
Take a case, where the capacitances and N must be determined for the following realistic conditions:
f=20 kHz,

D. Vr = NI/fC = 8 X 50 X 10- 6/ (2Xl04 X 10- 9),
= 20 v. tivd = 2 x 8 x 2 x 1.5
= 48 v...

-CIRCLE NUMBER 4 1

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Wow! Now you can multiply··· or
multiply and accumulate
in70nsec

c:
g>

E IN
"O
Q)
c:
Cl
cen:
:...i.
0
~ x
~ IN
a. E
0
(.)
en
·a 3:
I-

,---------
1
I

-------1
TDC 1008J
I
LSP

19 MSP

I II

IL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ JII I

CLOCK

XTP

(EXTENDED

3 STATE

PRODUCT)

PRE LOAD

ADD/SUB

ACCUMULATE

TDC 1008J
70 ns, 8 bits-$70 in 100's

· Controllable addition or subtraction in accumulator
· Round control
· Bipolar TTL monolithic technology
· Power dissipation of 1.2 watts
·Zero hold time ·Two's complement or
unsigned magnitude

· Accumulator preloadable
· Cost effective as a 70 nsec multiplier
·Multiply-accumulate in 70 nsec
· Ideal for complex multiplying and filters (including FFTs)
·(Coming soon : 16 bit multiplier/accumulator)

Let us show you how you can add functions, simplify the design ... and reduce total circuit cost. Available from stock from Hamilton/ Avnet or contact your local TRW Electronic Components field sales office or call us at (213) 535-1831 , or send the coupon.

r--------------------------1 TRW LSI Products An Electronic Components Division of TRW Inc.,
P.O. Box 1125 Redondo Beach , CA 90278
Please send data sheets on the new TDC 1OOSJ 70 ns, 8x8 bit parallel Multiplier/Accumulator.

NAME

COMPANY

DIV/DEPT

MAIL CODE

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP ED- 3

L--------------------------~

TRWLst PRooucrs

... for Digital Signal Processing

CIRCLE NUMBER 42

E11·.CTRON1 c DLStGN 7, Ma rch 29, 197 8

Teehnolo·~

Measure SCR parameters automatically.
Relieve the boredom of manual adjustments with a circuit that pins down holding current and other characteristics.

An automatic electr onic circuit can easily, quickly and accurately measure an SCR's holding, latching and gate currents, its gate voltage, and its forward anode-to-cathode voltage. Currents can go as high as 500 mA and the measurement can reach 5 V. The circuit, slightly modified, can measure other SCR characteristics.1 The automatic feature relieves the tedium of repeated manual adjustments, a common annoyance when measuring holding and latching c u r r e n t s .2·3
Before starting the measurement of holding current, make sure mode switch 81 is in the posit ion marked IH(Fig. 1). The pushbutton "start" switch is open, a nd the "sensitivity" switch, 83, is in position 1. The input and output states of the gates, Gi (i = 1, 2, .. ., 14), are indicated in the column marked "Quiet" in Table 1.
The SCR under test is not in conduction, then-it isn't supplied with anode voltage (relay RY-1 is deenergized), and triggering pulses from the output of gate Gs, wh ich is permanently at ONE, don't reach the SCR gate.
Note that the output of op amp 4 is zero because capacitor C2 isn't charged. And FET 2 is in cut-off since the voltage at the comparator output and at point Bis 5 V.
Getting started
To start the measurement, simply press 82. The outputs of the R-S flip-flop will change state, and change the output state of gate G1 from ZERO to ONE . The SCR is then triggered by pulses produced by the multivibrator via gate Gs and transistors Ts, T1 and T6· The voltage at point B is kept at 5 V until relay RY-1 energizes and supplies 15 V to the anode of the SCR.
At that moment-and before the SCR fires-the input and output states of the gates look like those in the column marked "Start" in Table 1. As soon as the SCR fires, the outputs of both the comparator and poi nt B become zero and the input-output states of
Dr. E.C. Servetas, Grou p Leader, and C.J. Precas, Tec hni ca l Assistant, Electro nics Di v., Nuc lear Resea rch Cente r, Greek Atomic Ene rgy Commission , Atti ki , Athens, Greece.
76

Table 1. Gate states for the three circuit modes.

Quiet

Start

Measurement

Gate

Inputs

Output R

R Output

G1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

G2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

G3 1

0 1

0 0

Multivibrator

G5 x 0 1 x 1 x x 0 1

G1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Ga 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Gg 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

G10 0

1 0

1 1

G11 1

0 1

0 0

G12 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

G13 0

1 1

0 0

G14 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
L: Left. R: Right, X: Don't care

the gates change (see the col umn marked "Measurement" in Table 1).
Now comes the holding-current measurement. Gate Gl4 supplies a 5-V step to the input of op amp 1, which in turn gives a - 15-V step. FET 1 is cut off, C1 is no longer "shorted," and op amp 2 starts to integrate the -15-V step.
The voltage at the output of power transistors T3 and T4 is found with :
VAK(t) = 15 - J~ kdt = 15 -kt; t(o, tH),
where k is a constant t hat depends upon t he RC value of the integrator, and TH is the period of measurement . The curve corresponding to the relationship is indicated in Fig. 2, and is shaped like the curve of the vo ltage applied to the SCR's anode.
At the same t ime, transistor Ts energizes FET 2 (because of the zero voltage at point B) so the SCR
EL ECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

sn\1Start I Gz

\ \ \
L

7
I

NOTE: ANDI & NORI ARE HS 7400 AND 7402 1 RESPECTIVELY.

1. This automatic measuring system starts at the press of a button (S2). Results are registered on an external DVM.

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

small \/\/anders
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HICD-maxon
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MAXON DC MOTOR
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THIS FEATURE HAS A HIGH POWER TO VOLUME RATIO , GIVES A VER Y LOW MOMENT OF INERTIA AND A HIGH EF FICIENCY OF MORE THAN 80% ACCORD ING TO APPLICATION AT MINIMAL ELECTRICAL ENERGY LOSS.
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MAXON DC MOTORS OFFER ULTRA SMOOTH TORQUE , FAST RESPONSE , QU IET RUNNING , LOW STARTING VOLT· AGE AND A WIDE VOLTAGE RANGE . THEY ALSO HAVE LINEAR VOLTAGE, SPEED AND TORQUE CHARACTERISTICS, ENABLING THEM TO BE CONSIDERED IN A VERY WIDE FIELD OF APPLICATIONS.
THE RANGE ALSO INCLUDES MOTOR TACHOGENERATOR ASSEMBLIES, AND A CHOICE OF GEAR HEADS.
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IM1000 UNIVERSAL PROM PROGRAMMER

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The IM1000 sells for $1695 . Personality Modules $330. Contact us for a demonstration by our nationwide representatives. TEL: 301 / 340-7505
IVI International Microsystems, Inc. 638 Lofstrand Lane Aoekville, Md 20850
CIRCLE NUMBER 44 78

Table 2. Typical SCR parameters measured at 25°C

IGT

Vor

VAK

(mAI

(volts! (voltsI

VAK=15V VAK=15V VAK=15V VAK=15V

SCR Open gate Open gate Rt=IOOn RL=lOOn lf=.15A

2N1599 3.2

5.5

2.6 .64

.82

2N4172 27.0 46.9 24.0

.75

.83

2N688 11 .5 17.1

6.8

.92

.75

2N6173 9.7 17.2

7.7

.68

.73

2N6169 17.6 35.0 16.4 .70

.76

f15V
x:
~
iS' ~
1..J
~
VH

TIME

- tH

2. The voltage across the SCR is derived by integration . Holding current is measured over period tH.

anode current passes through resistor R1 and charges capacitor C2 at the input of follower op amp 4. A DVM then measures the voltage across C2 at op amp 4's output.
At this point, the SCR anode current gradually trails off and at time tH the SCR cuts off. FET 2 is cut off when the voltage at point B suddenly changes to 5 V. Capacitor C2 remains charged at VH· and is proportional to holding current IH. The holding cur-
rent is then found by dividing VH by R1 = 10 n.
Finally, the sudden 5 V at point B produces a negative pulse at the output of gate G3, which changes the state of the R-S flip-flop. Relay RY-1 then deenergizes, the output of gate G14 becomes zero, the integrator capacitor "shorts," and the SCR turns off. The measuring system returns to its "Quiet" state. Table 2 shows some typical results...
References
1. Tani, Tatsuo, et al, "Measuring System for Dynamic Characteristics of Semiconductor Switching Elements and Switching Loss of Thyristors," IEEE Transactions on Indus trial Applications (USA), Vol. lA.11, No. 6, Nov.-Dec., 1975, ~· 720-7.
2. Murray, R., Jr., Editor, Wes tinghouse Silicon-Controlled Rect~fi,er Designer's Handbook, Youngwood, PA, April, 1964.
3. Grafham, D.R., and Hey, J.C., Editors, SCR Maual, 5th Edition, General Electric, Syracuse, NY, 1972.
CIRCLE NUMBER 45 ....

designed in accordance with IEEE Standard 488, represents another Ansley engineering breakthrough in lower installed cost mass termination technology. Ansley's BLUE MACS Ribbon Connector series terminates to standard 50 mil pitch cable which provides complete compatability with all the other connectors in the system. The Ribbon Connector incorporates all the BLUE MACS benefits, including the 4-point TULIP ® contact for maximum termination reliability, and a one-piece design for fast, low cost assembly and positive cable-to-contact alignment. This line is added to our complete family of "D" Series connectors now available from stock in 9, 15, 25 and 37 pin configurations. In addition, we offer a wide variety of UL listed jacketed cable for external use with these connectors. This allows you more freedom when selecting connectors for future design. All connectors are available with a broad selection of mounting hardware to various strain relief configurations. For the full reliability/cost effectiveness story and technical data, call or write:
l&BI Ansley The mass termination company. T&B/Ansley Corporation · Subsidiary of Thomas & Betts Corporation 3208 Humboldt St. · Los Angeles, CA 90031 · Tel. (213) 223-2331
TELEX 68-6109 ·TWX 910-321-3938 CIRCLE NUMBER 46
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Unimpeachable sources.

L
. t'.:
'

" J
L: t'.:

L: !'.:

c !'.: L: L:' "

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For an outside reference, consult the6039A
To select from 1 to 40 MHz in two ranges with 0.1 Hz resolution (low range) or 1.0 Hz resolution (high range), look to the 6039A. Perfect for auto-test systems, as a receiver stimulus generator, or as a replacement for local oscillators in receivers! Use your own external 5 MHz reference, or opt for ours, built-in. Base price: $3995.*
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FOR LITERATURE CIRCLE NUMBER 47
FOR DEMONSTRATION CIRCLE NUMBER 48

Eu:CT Ro 1c D t SIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 197 8

7503-8006 81

Evaluate UV EPROM data retention
to get the best unit. By applying some simple math and tests you can easily determine temperature-related problems.

With over a dozen manufacturers of ultravioleterasable PROMs, a good way to determine a unit's quality is to measure its ability to retain data under varying external conditions, such as temperature. Of course, when you use any memory ICs, you would like to know that the data they hold will be retained no matter what the power supply or temperature does. But this is especially critical for UV EPROMs since stored data can readily be eliminated if the stored charge dissipat.es.
Data loss occurs most rapidly at elevated temperatures-so much so that memory degradation increases at an exponential rate as temperatures go up. However, you can turn this fact to an advantage, by performing accelerated testing to determine how well a UV EPROM will retain its data under normal conditions.
To guarantee that the data-retention capability is influenced by as few outside factors as possible it is essential that each unit to be tested be completely erased and then thoroughly programmed according to the manufacturer's directions even before you begin to test the memory chips.
To determine retention, use MTBF
When an EPROM produces an incorrect output, you can say it failed. The mean time between failures (MTBF) then becomes a good measure of the retention capability, or reliability, of an EPROM. MTBF, in this case, refers to the amount of time that may be expected to elapse from the beginning of life until the first failure. From here on, a failure is defined as a loss or alteration of one or more bits of stored data.
The MTBF of a device is a function of the number of units being operated or tested, the elapsed time of the test and the number of failures that occur. For example, if 100 units are tested for 1000 hours and two failures occur, the observed MTBF is 100,000 hours divided by the two failures, or 50,000 hours.
Actually, failures tend to be distributed randomly over time. The confidence level that 50,000 hours is the true MTBF and that one or more additional
Robert Woods, Manager, Quality and Reliability Assurance, Electronic Arrays, 550 E. Middlefield Ave .. Mountain View, CA 94043.
82

failures will not occur in the next few hours is low. For this reason some statistical treatment is usually performed to provide a more realistic MTBF at a specified confidence level.
One of the most common ways to figure MTBF statistically is the Chi-square distribution, tables for which are available in any standard handbook of statistics. The associated MTBF formula is simple:
MTBF = 2T/x2, where T is the number of device hours (number of units x test time), and X2 is a value selected from the excerpted portion of the Chi-squared table shown.
To use the Chi-squared table, first determine the number of degrees of freedom, n, which is solely a
I04
I
voo·o
v
I
~eo·c
I/
I 300°C
0.00I7 0.0018 QOOl9 0.0020 O.OOZI o.oozz
RECIPROCAL OF ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE (·K"1)
1. By plotting the log of"the MTBF against the reciprocal of the absolute temperature, you get a linear graph. The slope is the failure-acceleration factor.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

function of the number of failures, f, and equal to 2f
+ 2.
In the example that had two failures, n=6. Look up the value of X2 for six degrees of freedom. The column in the table is determined by the confidence level you want. Normally used values in the semiconductor industry are 60 and 90%; however, to keep things conservative, pick a 95% confidence level. Thus, the value of X2 is 12.592.
You can now calculate, with 95% confidence, an
MTBF of no less than 2 x 100,000/12.592, or 15,883
hours-less than one-third the observed MTBF of 50,000 hours.
Another term frequently used in reliability predictions is the failure rate-which is nothing more than the reciprocal of the MTBF. Thus, the failure rate of the devices tested in the example is 1/15,883 or 6.3 X 10-5· Or you can multiply the value by 105 and express it as 6.3% per 1000 hours.
Armed with the MTBF and failure rate, you can quantify the effect of external conditions such as temperature on your data reliability. If tests are conducted at two or more temperatures, for instance, the MTBFs at specified confidence levels can be calculated and the results plotted (MTBF vs temperature). Remember: The thermal effect on reliability is exponential. Your best plot will be the log of MTBF vs reciprocal of absolute temperature.

Run some tests

Now that you have the basic formulas, take a typical

test situation to see what UV EPROM reliability looks

like. The graph shown in Fig. 1 was generated from

tests run on three test lots of EA2708 8-kbit EPROMs

at 200, 280 and 300 C:

Lot 1: 14 units programmed and stored at 200 C

for 1198 hours; no devices lost data. MTBF at a 95%

confidence level is 5599 hours.

Lot 2: 30 units programmed and stored at 280 C

for 24 hours; one device lost data. MTBF at a 95%

confidence level is 151.8 hours.

Lot 3: 24 units programmed and stored at 300 C

for 19.25 hours; two devices lost data. MTBF at a 95%

confidence level is 73.4 hours.

The plot of the MTBFs follows the well-known

Arhennius relationship, which states that tem-

perature accelerates failure rate by a factor, F, such

that:

F = exp ([E/K][(l/T1) - (l/T2)]),

(1)

where F is the acceleration factor, expressed as the

ratio of MTBFs at two temperatures, Eis the thermal-

activation energy expressed in electron volts, K is

Boltzman's constant (8.63 X 10-5 eV/°K), T1 is the

lower of the two temperatures expressed in °K, and

T2 is the higher temperature, also expressed in °K.

As a result, E is the value that determines the

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

failure rate (MTBF) acceleration factor between any two temperatures. It also describes the slope of the curve in Fig. 1. Since the MTBFs have been empirically determined in each of the three lots, F can be found. And E can be determined by reversing the equation. Reshuffling the equation, to solve for E, you get:
E = (K/[(l/T1) - (l/T2)]) ln(MTBF1/MTBF2). (2) Plugging in the values for the MTBFs at 300 and 200 C, you get E = 1.014 eV. To verify this answer, use the calculated value of E and compute the MTBF at the 280-C point. Substitute these values in Eq. 1, and F becomes 36.379. Now MTBF2 can be determined from the following relationship:
MTBF2 MTBF /F, or MTBF2 = 5599/36.379
= 153.9 hours. The result is very close to the empirically calulated value for Lot 2.
Don't jump to conclusions, however: The activation energy determined in this example describes the effect of temperature on one type of EPROM's data retention. This value is associated with a specific combination of failure mechanisms that relate directly to the processing steps involved. Don't assume that the value applies to another device type, another manufactur-

Sample Chi-squared table

0.75

O.!IO

0.!15

O.t7S

O. t t

O.tts

1.323

2 .706 3.841

5.024

6.635

7.17t

2 3 4

2 . 773 4.108
5.llS

4.605 6.251 7 .779

......5.Hl
7.IU

7.371 t.341 11.145

t.210 11.345 U.277

10.597 12 .131 14.MO

6 ,626

t.236 11.011 12.133 U.086 H .750

7.841

10.645 12.592 14.44t H.112 11.541

t .037

12.011 14.067 H.OU 11.475 20.211

10.219

U.362 U.507

20.0to 11.ns

'10

11.31t 12.54t

14.684 H.tlt U.tl7 11.307

117t·;0"23' 20.40

21.166 U.ZOt

U.51t u.111

U.701

17 .275 lt.675 21.tzo 24.715 2'.757

14.145

11.549 21.026 23.337 2'.117 21.1H

15.t84

lt.112 U.362 24.736 27 .611 zt.llt

17 .117

21.064 23.615 26.119 29.141 31.Jlt

11 . 245

22.307 24.996 27.411 30.171 32.IOl

19.369

23.542 26.296 21.845 32.000 34.2'7

20.41t

24.769 27 ,517 30 . ltl 33.40t u.111

21 .605

ZS . tit 21.169 31.526 34.I05 37.U6

22 . 711

27.204 30.144 32.152 36.1t1 51.511

23.121

21.412 31.410 34 . 170 37.566 lt."7

24.'35

29.615 32.671 35 .479 31.'32 41.401

26.039

30.IU 33.924 36.711 40.219 42.796

27 .141

32.007 35.172 31.076 41.631 44.111

21.241

33.196 36.415 lt . 364 42 . tlO 45,559

2t.Jl9

34.312 37.652 40 .646 44 . 314 46.921

30.435

35.563 31.115 41.923 45.642 41.290

31.521

36.741 40.113 43.194 46.963 49.645

32.620

37 .916 41.337 44 .461 41.271 50.H3

33 .711

lt.087 42.557 45.722 49.511 SZ.336

34 .-

40.156 43.773 46.979 50 .192 53 .672

35.117

41.422 44.915 41.232 SZ . ltl 55 .003

36.973

42 .515 46.194 49.480 53 .416 56 . 321

,,33
34

31.051 lt.141 40 . 223

43.745 44.903 46 .059

47 .400 41.602 49.IOZ

50 ,715 51.tM 53.203

54.776 56.061 57 . 342

57.641 51.964 60.275

,.36
37
"40
41

41.304
42.30
43.462
""·'" 45.616
41.692

47.211 41.363 49 .513 50.MO 51.IOJ
SI.Mt

50.991
51.192
" ·"" 54 . 571 "·"' 56.942

54.437
"·"' 56.196
51.120 59.342
60.561

51.619 59.192 61.162 62.421 63.691
64.950

61.511 62.IU 64.111 65.476 66.766
61.0SJ

47.766

54.0!IO 51.124 61. 777 66.206 69.336

41.840

55.230 59.304 62.t!IO 67.459 70.616

4t.tU

56 . 369 60.411 64 . ZOL 61.710 71.193

50 . 915

57.505 61.656 65.410 69.957 73.166

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Custom-designed for complex applications.

Our special-design resolvers are today performing on missiles, aircraft, submarines, radar and satellite systems.
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AMERICAN ELECTRONICS, INC.
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CIRCLE NUMBER 49

uzww 107 ;0;: z
u 0
I
Ill
"'
~ I06
~ ti ~
::Ii
DEVICE HOURS AT 200° C
2. This nomograph of MTBF at 100 C vs hours at 200 C can be derived from the MTBF at 200 C multiplied by the acceleration factor.
er's EPROM or any other device attributes. However, the techniques used are universally applicable.

Custom Services for the Device You Need
When your vendor parries your request for a transistor, diode or microcircuit of peculiar constraints, or refuses to modify the standard device you need to meet tough military requirements, give us a call. Our special services - including special processing, special testing, and special packaging-Jet you design exactly the device you need. No need to compromise. Call (617) 491-1670.
- TELEDYNE CRYSTALONICS
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CIRCLE NUMBER 50 84

Use the data to good advantage
You are now in a position to use the data generated to predict memory !ifetimes at normal operating temperatures. Using the same EPROM as a model, you can find the acceleration factor from 200 C to 100 C (70-C ambient with a 30-C rise in junction temperature) with a thermal activation energy of 1 eV:
F = [exp (1/8.63 - 10- 5)]([1/(273+100)] - [1/(273+200)]) = 711.8.
The MTBF at 100 C and a 95% confidence level is, thus, 5599 X 711.8, or 3.99 X 106 hours (455 years) -a failure rate of 0.025% per 1000 hours. By plotting MTBF against device hours, as in Fig. 2, you can determine the EPROM reliability. For example, if 10 units are tested for 100 hours at 200 C and one failure occurs, the abscissa of the graph is entered at 10 x 100 (1000) hours, and the ordinate value corresponding to one failure can be read out-about 1.5 X 105 hours (the MTBF at 100 C with a 95% confidence level).
Using the same graphic procedure you can easily construct a graph that relates any two temperatures. Just bear in mind the following relationships:
MTBF = 2T/X2 MTBF1 = (F) (MTBF2) = (2T2/X2)(F). With the acceleration factor calculated by the Arhennius relationship, the appropriate values of device hours and the Chi-squared value can be entered to provide the points for the graph...
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

yYdyne~ M-340 ~on. It meets UL standards for fire-retardancy.*
And Bivars standards for performance.

When Bivar, Inc., of Santa Ana, California, wanted to introduce a new line of PC board card guides, they looked into Monsanto's line of Vydyne® nylon resins. They required a material with good fire-retardant characteristics for the computer and instrumentation fields . Good enough to meet UL standards. Rigid enough for the application . Yet flexible enough for the rerequired snap-in insertion feature.
Vydyne M-340 by Monsanto was the answer. It has a UL rating of 94V-O down to 1/64 of an

inch, 94-SV down to 1/32 of an inch. Vydyne M-340 also offers natural lubricity for easy card insertion and a distinct color for easy identification as a fire- retardant.
The fact is, Monsanto standards for Vydyne M-340 are high enough to meet UL standards, and high enough to meet yours.
For information, write : Monsanto Plastics & Resins Co., an operating unit of Monsanto Co., Dept. 804, 800 N. Lindbergh
Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63166. VY DYNE ® NYLON RESIN BY MONSANTO
CIRCLE NUMBER 5 1

Monsanto

*These UL numerica l fl ame spread rat ings are not intended to reflect hazards presented by t his or any other material under actual f ire conditions.

Ideas for design

Get a controlled delay and ramp with a single CMOS inverter package

One CMOS inverter package with an RC circuit makes a simple time-delay circuit. Furthermore, you get a controlled turn-on rise time, ~.
The circuit's delay time is given by
t0 = R(C1 + ~) · ln 2 = 0.693 R(Ci + 4),
and the rise time of the turn-on ramp is given by
tR = 2R~.
These equations allow you to get predictable and accurate designs with a very wide range of component values and operating conditions.
Diode D1 rapidly resets the circuit when the input goes low. Of course, the diode can be omitted, which will lengthen the turn-off time. Or, the diode can be reversed, which will produce a fast turn-on but delayed turn-off.
The equations assume infinite gain for the three cascaded inverters during transition. If less-than-ideal waveforms with rounded edges are acceptable, a single gate can replace the three cascaded gates to make an even simpler configuration.
D. R. Morgan, Senior Engineer, General Electric Co. , Electronic Laboratory, Syracuse, NY 13201.
CIRCLE No. 311

------------. I

I _ _ _ _ _ CM0~4~1- _ _II

OUTPUT

INPUT

INPUT OUTPUT

'
I I

............. ii

...............

I ,

I i

L
I I
L

You can accurately predict the delay and rise time of the output of this simple CMOS delay circuit.

Plotting routine produces compact, high-resolution graph

A special but simple routine written in BASIC can plot over 1000 points with a resolution better than 1% (see graph and program). Ordinary software routines for plotting graphs on conventional printers usually have limited resolution and number of points, or else the printers end up using miles of paper.
The graph is a typical plot generated by the BASIC routine, and you must draw a pencil line through the
86

digit printed in each column. Your line should touch an individual digit at a point which corresponds to its numerical percentage value. For example, your pencil crosses the digit 5 at 50% of the 5's height (roughly in the middle); it touches a 9 at 90% of the 9's height, or just about at the top.
The line is thus an accurate analog of the trend of the plot. Each digit represents the least-significant
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

If you need

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with custom dials,

cases, accura'*

tracking, resistance,

response time, 9r

practically any

combination of.

SMOKE INDICATOR

unusual specs...

Buy Tripletts designed-for-you
Panel Instruments

I 10

I 1 1 I Ill 11 11111 ' · · 20 M · "4(1" 6(1 100

Although we stock some 1369 different styles, sizes and types of standard panel instruments, a very large proportion of our customers buy custom instruments.
Because they need:
custom dials reading in such units as pH, roentgens, mm Hg, rpm, %, inches.
custom cases square, round, rectangular, edgewise (horizontal and vertical), wide, narrow, shallow.
custom accuracy to within 1/ 2 % with mirror scales and knife-edge pointe.rs.
custom tracking to match the specific needs of-existing or new instrument designs.

custom resistance for low circuit loading with tolerances as low as ± ]% .
custom dampin g to meet stringent electrical and vibration requirements.
For instance, one of our customers had us design and manufacture a custom instrument to replace - in every detail of physical and electrical specifications - one which he was using on a delicate piece of medical instrumentation. Rejects from his previous source had risen to over 20% . He rejected only 3 of the first hundred we shipped-with almost negligible rejections from the many hundreds we've shipped since.
What custom panel instrument specifications do you need to make your
CIRCLE NUMBER 52 FOR INFORMATION

product more reliable, more accurate, more rugged and - in the long run - less expensive? For quick, dependable delivery of small quantities of Triplett's "designed-for-you" panel instruments, contact your Triplett Sales/Service/Modification Center. For prototypes or production quantities, contact your Triplett representative. He 'll put you in touch with our Instrument Designers/Engineers who'll help you analyze the problem and suggest the optimum cost/result solution.
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BLUFFTON, OHIO 415817
Manufacturers of the World's most complete line of V-0 -M's

CIRCLE NUMBER 2B FOR FREE DEMONSTRATION

Ideas for design
value of the point on the curve. To find the total height of any point, add the value of the ordinate number at which the digit occurs to the digit itself. The graph can show 150 increments in only a 3-in. height.
Notice that the graph contains a discontinuity every 15 steps. That's because the BASIC compiler is limited to a 15-bit word, but no values are missed and only a slight gap appears in the presentation. Also, since the BASIC compiler doesn't print leading zeros, a graph with only the values 10, 20, 30, etc. simply won't plot. To overcome this, the routine replaces the zeros with ones; accordingly 10 becomes 11, 20 becomes 21, and so on, which for most purposes introduces negligible error.
To try this routine, statements 200 through 380 of the program allow you to produce composite sinusoids. With a baseline of 75, the routine generates the number of sine waves specified and sums them. You answer the question WIDTH IS? with the number of values you want computed. Similarly, you answer PERIOD? with the number of values you want before the sinusoid repeats. An answer to the question START? allows the sine waves to be started at any point in its cycle.
Colin J. Shake::;peare, Westinghouse Canada, Ltd., Box 5009, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L 7R 4B3.
CIRCLE No. 312

I"°TY'E
140

I.SO 120

110

100

tKl

4"0°

20 10

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xxxxxxxxxx

l>O

140

IJO 120

110 100

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xxx xxxxxxx
xxxx xxxxxx

1. In this plotting technique, not only is the digit printed in each column the least-significant digit of the plotted point, but a pencil line drawn through the digit provides an accurate analog of the trend.

-HAS

>LUA/PLOT

>LIST

t!~ HEM '!HE l'OLLONING NAMES AHc USEIJ IN 1liE PLCl'JTl1HJ ROUTINE

8d HEM

t!\I HEt< At!,8tl,Ct!,08·110RIZ AXIS VALUES

90 HEM All,t!\l,C9,0\I· OUTPUT PRINT RcGISTEH5 9~ HEM U\1-CllUIHcH l'OR 15 WOHU ULO..:i<

96 HE1~ LI · S<:ALE VALUE CSTAH'fS M 1~0)

\17 HEol

91! HEM N· TOTAL SI.le Or VE<:TI>H IO UE 'Ll>TfED

I 00 REM II , l l , IJ, 14, · <.;OUllIERS FOil PLOTfi NU

I 02 REM

I 05 HEM PI· START OF 64 WOHlJ dLOCK

110 REM P4· SIAH1' Or 15 llOHD tlLOC.(

II 5 HEM 04· cND Or 15 ··OHU ULOCK

1lO HEM

125 RE>I I I · TEMP 5'HJllAUE rOR OUTPUT VALUE
IJO HEM I2· EXPOi<Errr Or ounur VALUE I 3~ tlEM X9· AllSWEH rROM KeYUOARD m UUES1'10rl

140 HEM

14~ REM

190 HE>! MVErOH/o\ UENEHAIION ROUTINE S'fA'IE·IEN'J'S 200 THRU 380

195 REM

lOO UllA UCIO),VCIO),WCIOl,IC<OOOl

20 I MAI 'f·ZEH

20t! P1HN'l"'MEAN VALliE ·75"

llO DEMANlJ "WIU'fH 15",N
UO UEMANlJ "NUMtlEH m: SINEWAVE5 15",Z

225 MAI SILE TCNl

<130 FOR I ·I "JU Z

<135 lJEMAllU "PERIOD",UI

240 DcMAI·D "A 1~PLI 'J'Ul)E", VI

245 IJEMAt~O "5TAtl1"',HI

26U UCIJ·ul

270 VCl)·VI

280 nCIJ·,11

l\IU NcXT I

300 fl)H J·I 'fiJ CN l

310 FOH l·I TO Z

J20 'f(J)·'J'CJl+VCll·51NCl·Pl/UCll·CJ-l+~CJ)))

330 1iEX'f I

J4< I<J )·'fCJl+75

344 'f<Jl=T<Jl+0.5

J45 'fCJl·IN'fCICJJ)

3~0 It' TCJ l>O GOTO 370

J60 ICJl=O

J7u NEXT J

m 374 X9=0
J75 lJcMAHIJ "TYPE I

PRll<I VALUES, OR TYPE 0",X9

317 II' X9·0 Go'fl> 3000

3t!O MAI Ptlil<f I I

1900 REM

lllOS REIA

1910 REM 191~ REM
I \120 HEM
3000 X9-0
~ggi ?~~~eo"6,f.:6 ~4{ig PLOT '!HE GtiAPH, OH IYl'E 0'', X9

300tl LET All,B9,C9,Ull·O

m ( J020 FOH 11·1

cu-1 )/oO)+I

JOJO Pl·l+60·Cll-1)

3040 Ll·l~O

m 30>0 l'OH 12·1

30o0 l'OH 13 · I TO 4

3010 P4·Pl+l5·C IJ-1)

JCldO II' P4>H VOTO 3280

J0\10 CJ4·P4+14
J 1oo It= 04<H ocrni 3120

3110 04=N

3120 G9·0
3130 t'OH (4·P4 TO 04

JI ~O IF TC l4l<Ll 00 IO 32 '/0
Jl60 Jl=TC 14>-LI
3162 IF Tl<9 uvm 3165
316·J Tl=\I

3165 IF Tl<> 0 UOTO 3170
316c. Jl=I 3110 Hl4l=-I

3 I oO 'f2·14-v'Y

31tl~ Tl=Il·IO~T2

Jl>IO 00 TO 3200,J220,J240,3260 ON IJ J200 All=A9+'fl

J20o A8=P4
J<i o uo rn 3210 n2, J2<0 B9=dll+II
B8=?4

J2JO GO IO 32 /0

3240 <:9=C\l+TI

3<4~ C8=?4 32~0 GO TO 3270 J2o0 D9=D9HI

J2o5 DB=P4

3270 G9=U9+1

J.!7.! 1<EX'f 14

3.!80 llEXi' IJ

32110 ?Hl1ffU51NG 3300,LI ,A9, 09 ,C9,D9 3JUQ l#d ff HNHw########### ###~###6#-dff### #########dd##~g
3JIO AY,U9,<.;9,U9=0

3J<O Ll=Ll-10

3JJO NEXT 12

#.,.. JJ40 PHlli'fUSINU 3341,A8,88,C8,D8

3341 · t111111 xxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxx~xxx 11uu xxxxxxxxxx o u

3J4~ A8,08,<:tl,IJ8=0

3J>U 1·EX'f I I

J400 EUil

2. Statements 200 through 380 of this Basic pro· gram produce printouts of composite sinusoids. Starting from a baseline of 75, the routine generates the number of sine waves specified , and sums them.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

T +
-V· I ~
TR2

PoTWheirE...

Manufacturing switch-mode power supplies? Inverters?
Converters? Want to simplify transformer and filter design and
fabrication? Then take a closer look at one of our latest accomplishments. Series EC-
Power E Cores in 3C8 material A transformer operating at high flux densities and high frequencies should be screened to minimize extern.al fields and radiation. The
usual method is to use a pot core design or an I and U core
combination . But the Power E · Core design offers you the
advantages of both the pot core and I and U combination.
First, the round center leg makes stri~ winding easy and insures a
high copper or space factor, and the lowest DC resistance . Second,
the winding geometry is configured for low-leakage
inductance. And ...

We guarantee the minimum flux density, at 100°c. will be 3300 Gauss. And a maximum loss of 100 milliwatts/cm3 at 16 kHz, at 100°c. and 2000 Gauss. The new core line has been IEC standardized in four sizes: Types EC-35, EC-41, EC-52 and EC-70, covering transformer throughput power to 1 Kw. We have slotted the cores to accept a mounting bracket that eliminates the assembly problems of the squarelegged lamination cores. You also can choose a standard bobbin or PC bobbin for printed circuit board mounting. Series EC-Power E Cores are fully described in the new Ferroxcube Linear Ferrite Catalog. For your free copy write or call: Ferroxcube Division of Amperex Electronics Corp. 5083 Kings Highway Saugerties, N.Y 12477
(914) 246-2811

FERRO KC UBE
A North American Philips Comp any
[[J··

CIRCLE NUMBER 53

E 1.t:l'TRON 1c D 1-:s1GN 7, M a rch 29, 1978

Ideas for design

Send out analog data on the same line that supplies power to a v/f converter

A voltage-to-frequency converter can change your

analog input voltage into a linearly proportional pulse

train of short duration, and then transmit this data

on the same wires that supply the converter's de

power. For 3µs of each time period, the Teledyne 9400

v/f converter (see figure) shorts out its supply lines

to allow data to be sent from a remote site to analog

or digital displays. At 100 kHz, the supply line is down

for 30% of the 10-µs period. But as frequency is

lowered, down time decreases, so at 1 kHz the line

is down only 0.3% of the time.

To ensure that the power supply is not overloaded

during the shorting period, connect a 1.5-kn resistor

at the supply's positive terminal. This limits current

to 10 mA from a 15-V supply. In addition, the 9400

is kept within its output power rating, and the supply

does not see a dead short. At the converter end, a 1-

µF capacitor keeps the device energized while power

is down, and a diode prevents the capacitor from being

discharged. Since a 9400 draws only 2 mA, 1 µF

ensures a stable supply voltage (only 6-mV ripple).

You can pick off the pulse train on the line side of

the 1.5-kn resistor for conversion into either an analog

or digital signal. If you want to display an analog

output, use a 9400 in its frequency-to-voltage mode.

Over-all linearity is about 0.03% when v/f and f/v are

used, and 0.01% for v/f alone.

Michael Paiva, Product Marketing Manager, Tele-

dyne Semiconductor, 1300 TerraBellaAve., Mountain

View, CA 94043

CIRCLE No. 313

ANALOG DISPLAY

TELEDYNE
. . - - - - - . . . 9F4/0V0

DIGITAL DISPLAY

- - - - - FCROEQUUNETNERCY

1918

r--------- REMOTE SENSOR --,

I I

...-........ _ _ I _....~._.._.,

8-15v..------.
~~~k....--t+

TELEDYNE

9400

I ANALOG

V/F

II -INoP-UT---'-_-.-..-.4-_--_-+ __.-...'.,___._ _ ___._--1

LI ---------= ------1I

DC POWER SUPPLY

Analog data and de power share this voltage-tofrequency converter's supply lines. During a 3-µs interval , the power line Is shorted , which allows data to pass from the converter to displays.

IFD Winner of November 22, 1977
Dan L. Vogler, President, Lintech Electronics, P.O. Box 25124, Albuquerque, NM 87125. His idea "Precision Peak-to-peak AC-DC Converter Built with Single-supply Op-amp Circuit" has been voted the Most Valuable of Issue Award.
Vote for the Best Idea in this issue by circling the number of your selection on the Reader Service 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 your IFD describing a new and important circuit or design technique, the clever use of a new compo nent or test equipment. packaging tips, cost-saving ideas to our Ideas for Design editor. Ideas can only be considered for publication if they are submitted exclusively to ELECTRONIC DESIGN. You will receive $20 for each published idea , $30 more if it is voted best of issue by our readers. The best-of-issue winners become eligible for the Idea of the Year award of $1000.

ELECTRONIC DESIGN cannot assume responsibility for circuits shown nor represent freedom from patent infringement.

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

~
in disc capacitors

Any Lead Va iati nYou Need

At Centralab we are concerned with the same things you are - performance, reliability, on-time delivery. But any ceramic disc capacitor supplier can say that. We go that critical step further; we give you a choice of leads to help you cut your manufacturing costs.
Our standard leads include stand-off types to prevent solder damage; snap-in types to avoid fall-out during assembly; short leads for low profile; long leads for those hard-toreach placements.

We'll go even further. On minimum OEM order, we'll make any lead configuration (under 31/2 ")you need. Just tell us your manufacturing problem; we'll give you a costeffective answer.
And don't forget our tape-and-reel packaging for automatic insertion.
Cost savings in use. That's the competitive
edge you get from Centralab. The Centralab Edge.

· CENTRALAB/USCC Electronics · GLOBE-UNION INC.
7158 Merchant Ave., El Paso, TX 79915 C915l 779-3961
CIRCLE NUMBER 54

International teehnolo1~

Torque stays the same in variable-speed motor

An "inside-out" shunt-wound de motor overcomes a conventional problem: how to change speed without varying the torque inversely. The inside-out machine, developed by Professor D. A. Bell at the University of Hull in England, provides a constant torque for varying speeds.
With a standard shunt-wound de motor, the speed depends on the counter-EMF generated in the armature windings. Reducing the field excitation (current) lowers this backEMF, and the armature rotates faster to return the EMF to its former value. But this speed increase reduces shaft torque.
If the voltage across the armature conductors could be increased, the armature current and torque could also be increased at the higher speed. Bell's motor does exactly that with stationary peripheral windings that correspond to the armature windings.
In Bell's configuration, the exciting field is developed by a rotating field assembly that has a winding or a permanent magnet. This field is surrounded by stationary windings that, like the armature, have back-EMF voltages induced into them that are proportional to the rotor speed (see Fig.).
The speed can be adjusted not only by varying the excitation voltage, but also by switching the stationary coils in series or parallel.
But in Bell's motor the maximum torque is independent of the switched configuration and hence the speed. The torque is proportional to BJv, where B is the magnetic flux density, and Jv is the current in the stationary windings and also their physical volume.
In a simple two-pole version, current is fed to the field winding via brushes

-CURRENT REVERSES EVERY HAlf CYQ.E

STATIONARY "ARMATURE"-.:

ROTOR

WINOINGS

}-----;;F-;(LD"_____ l

g I I ·

WINOINGS

I
I

5
:I
~I ul

I L

oc
APPLIED VOLTAGE

150

300

.ee- 100 s...
il;

0
~

/ / /
,,,,/
, I;
/

200 ~

0
~

100

°0:
~

/STATIONARY WINOINGS

IN PARALLEL)

18 24 30

APPLIED VOLTAGE ( V )

and slip rings. The rings are also connected to a commutator. Current from the commutator reverses every half cycle and is picked off and fed to the stationary windings.
A 2:1 speed ratio of series-to-parallel stationary-winding connections has been demonstrated experimentally for supply voltages of up to 16 V. Moreover, the basic concept can be extended to multipole machines. By using several of the switched windings on a machine, a range of speeds can be provided for a given torque.
For more information contact: Jim Strutt, Computers, Systems and Electronics Group, NRDC. Kingsgate House, 66-74 Victoria St, London SWlE 6SL

Laser + fiber optics = acupuncture, skin probe

A helium-neon laser and a fiber-optic probe are combined to provide a therapeutic system that can be used for acupuncture and treatment of larger
92

skin areas. The laser/probe, developed by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH, and called "akupLas," uses a Siemens HeNe laser with a 1-mm beam

diameter and a power output of 2 mW. Despite the low power, the laser's
red-light wavelength of 632 nm passes readily through skin, which is most transparent in this wavelength region. The 2 mW of laser energy has been found to penetrate between 3 and 10 mm, depending upon skin characteristics.
The laser beam is guided via an optical-fiber hand probe that can be placed directly on skin points that are important in acupuncture treatments. To treat larger areas of the skin, the laser's output power can be increased to 100 mW. The laser light may be applied up to 60 seconds.
Phone calls, color TV travel side by side
The world's largest-capacity undersea cable system a 250-nautical-mile link between Rome, Italy, and Palermo, Sicily, successfully carried color TV signals alongside 1800 telephone calls in system tests. The NGltype system, manufactured and installed by Standard Telephones and Cables, Ltd., of London for the Italian public telephone system, is a 45-MHz system that can carry a maximum 5520 simultaneous telephone conversations.
The color test signals were, by arrangement with the Italian PTT, transmitted in a band set aside from the 1800, 4-kHz telephone channels. The TV signals were produced by 625-line PAL pattern and waveform generators.
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

High eapaeitJ, hidh sensitivity units ean be driven by TTL ud DTL.

For example: The minimum operating power for a single side stable type is 80mw, for a latching type 40mw.

· Aromat R Relays are available in 1 Form C contacts which can carry a high current capacity of 1 Ampere 20 watts, and are capable of resisting welding at higher inrush currents. The dry circuit type, which can switch current as low-level as 100uA, is available in addition to the power type.
· In addition to the standard, there are 1 coil and 2 coil latching types, which are useful for logic circuit design as a memory component.
· Not only can they be automatically wave soldered on PC boards with a high density of electronic parts, but they are simple to clean with most degreasers and detergents without affecting maximum contact reliability.

Contact Your Aromat Representative or Distributor Today.
Aromat Corporation:
250 Sheffield Street Mountainside, NJ 07092 (201) 232-4260
Mid-Western Office:
311 Lively Blvd . Su ite 1 Elk Grove , IL 60007 (312) 593-8535

Western Office:

Relays for Advanced Technology
More than 22 million R Relays in service around the world .

Aromat 22010 S. Wilmington Ave. Su ites 300 & 301 Carson , Calif. 90745

··

Member of Matsushita Group (213) 775-3512

CIRCLE NUMBER 55

I )J(l)\V0PROGRAMS
You can program every commercially available PROM on a Data 1/0 Programmer. What does that mean to you? First of all, it means design freedom. You can incorporate state of the art microprocessor and PROM technology in your
designs with the assurance that the Data I/O PROM Programmer will meet your needs.
Second, it means security. You'll be able to designate second and third source PROM suppliers and know that you can program their devices.

THEMAIJ·. Third, it means money. You won't have to purchase, or build, a new programmer every time you use a new PROM. You'll also be able to shop for best supplier prices. If you'd like more good reasons for selecting a Data I/O universal PROM Programmer, send for our free PROM Programming Handbook. Simply contact Data I/O Corporation, P 0. Box 308, Issaquah, WA 98027. Phone 206/ 455-3990.
CIRCLE NUMBER 27

Renl'em From GE

Short or long-term instrument rentals give you flexibility and economy.
GE has over 9,000 instruments available for immediate ship ment: o Tek Scopes o Biddle Megger Insulation Testers o H-P Signal Generators o Honeyvvell Oscillographs o Complete Data Systems o Esterline Angus Recorders o GE Chart Recorders o Modems o Communication Terminals ...all calibrated to the manufacturer's specs.
We have over 100 Sales/Service Centers.

and one of them is near you . In addition to maintaining our Rental Inventory, they can also repair and calibrate your own equipment.
Don't borrow someone else's GE Rental Catalog. Call collect (518) 372-9900 or your nearest Sales/Service Center.
(((Quick-renlill®
1nnrumenu

ALA. BIRMINGHAM (205) 925 -3101 · ARIZ. PHOENIX (602) 278-8515 or 8516, TUCSON (602) 294-3139 ·CAL LOS ANGELES (213) 642-5350, SAN FRANCISCO (415) 436-9260 ·COL DENVER (303) 371 -1260 ·CONN . SOUTHINGTON (203) 621 -4059 · FLA. JACKSONVILLE (904) 751 -0610 ·GA. ATLANTA (404) 457-5563 · ILL CHICAGO (219)933-4500 · IND. INDIANAPOLIS (317) 639-1565 ·KY. LOUISVILLE (502) 452 -3311 ·LA. NEW ORLEANS (504) 367 -6528 ·MD. BALTIMORE (301) 332 -4700 ·MASS . BOSTON (617) 396-9600 Ext. 160, SPRI NGFIELD (413) 781-1111 ·MICH . DETROIT (313) 285-6700 Ext. 208 ·MINN. MINNEAPOLIS (612) 522-4396 ·MO. KANSAS CITY (816) 231 -4377.ST. LOUIS (314) 965-7115 · N.J. CLIFTON (201) 471 -6556 · N.Y. BUFFALO (716) 876 -1200, SCHENECTADY (518) 385-2195 · N.Y.C. CLIFTON , N.J. (201) 471 -6556 · N.C. CHARLOTTE(704) 525-0311 ·0H, CINCINNATI (513)874 8512, CLEVELAND (216) 523 -6382,TOLEDO (419) 691 -3501 ·OR. PORlLAND (503) 221-5101 ·PA. PHILADELPHIA (609) 424 -4450, PITISBURGH (412) 462-7400 ·TEX . DALLAS(214) 357 7341 , HOUSTON (713) 672-3570 · VA. RICHMOND (804) 232 -6733 ·WASH . SEAITLE (206) 854-0211 · W.V. CHARLESTON (304) 345-0920 ·WISC. MILWAUKEE (414) 744-0110 · PUERTO RICO PONCE (809) 843-4225.

GENERAL. ELECTRIC

CIRCLE NUMBER 56

fa~CTRON I C D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

New produets
True-rms measurements come of age as new DVM cuts price, eases use

Fluke Manufacturing Co. , 70011 220th St. SW, Mount lake Terrace, WA 98133. (206) 774-2211. P&A: See text.
Thanks to a breakthrough in a monolithic true-rms converter, the Fluke 8920A ac DVM undercuts all others in cost, while packing in features that used to be optional or even unattainable. Its $995 price tag includes autoranging, decibel readings-
with three selectable references-ac +
de readings, an analog output, and an analog "trend" meter for nulling or peaking adjustments.
To put the 8920A into perspective, bear in mind that Hewlett-Packard's 3-1/ 2-digit 3403C sells for $2600, with dB readings and autoranging optional at $315 and $156, respectively. Ballantine Laboratories offers two 4-1/ 2-digit meters: the 3620A and the 3630A. The 20A costs $1595 without dB, which isn't available, and $1890 with optional autoranging. The 30A includes dB and autoranging in its $2450 price. And Boonton's 3-1/ 2-digit 93AD includes programmability for $1485, but dB readings and autoranging are optional at $165 each.
The Fluke meter provides seven voltage decades, ranging from 2 mV to
ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

700 V. Its lowest calibrated reading is 180 µ V, its highest 700 V. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 20 MHz (at a full-scale crest factor of seven), with several restrictions: 1 MHz is the top frequency on the 200 and 700-V ranges, 2 MHz is the limit on the 2-mV range. An annunciator light warns of the limited bandwidth in the 2-mV decade.
On the 8920A's dB function, autoranging effectively spans a 132-dB range. Decibels can be read in three ways-a feature found on no other DVM. In the dBm reference-impedance mode, readings are referenced to any of 12 selectable impedances between 50
and 1200 n. In the relative-dB reference
mode, any voltage input can be made the 0-dB point. And in the dBV-reference mode, the 0-dB point corresponds
to 1 V at 1000 n.
Fluke specifies the ac accuracy of the 8920A as a percentage of reading, instead of sticking with the more prevalent two-part spec, for which it deserves credit. Until all DVMs are so specified, compa,ring accuracies remains tricky. Fluke's best accuracy of 0.5% occurs at midband; at other frequencies, and on the 2-mV and 20-mV

ranges, accuracy fades , until it reaches a worst case of 5% at the frequency
edges. Accuracy of ac + de measure-
ments varies from 3% to 30%, again depending on input frequency and range. And with pure ac inputs, decibel accuracy stays between 0.1 and 0.5 dB.
Although the HP3403C costs almost three times more than the 8920A, it goes down to 2 Hz (slow mode) and up to 100 MHz in input frequency , at a full-scale crest factor of 10 beyond 25 Hz. It can measure de alone, ac alone or
ac + de. And it handles 10 µ V to 1000 V
in input level. But the HP's dB reading is referenced to a front-panel pot calibrated at just one point. And since the 3403C's six decade ranges run from 10 mV to 1000 V-and since its accuracy is stated as a percentage of range ± a percentage of reading-its accuracy relative to the Fluke unit isn't easily stated.
Unlike the Fluke and HP units, which use thermal rms conversion (HP's is a thermopile arrangement), the Ballantine and Boonton units convert with calculating techniques. The Ballantine 3630 spans 1 Hz (slow mode) to 1 MHz on ac, with a $250 option
(con tinued on page 98)
97

CIRCLE NUMBER 57

for Low-Level
Oata Scanning

Perfect for low-level scanners and multiplexers! Cato's new CR-3250 ultra lowthermal EMF reed relays include 2 low thermal contacts plus a third for guard switching ... all specially conditioned and tested for reliable low-level switching. Relays are graded and priced according to magnitude of thermal offset; you pay for no more accuracy than you need! Write for new Bulletin MR-10.3.

[~ DCOTO-COIL

COMPANY, INC.

' '

59 Pavilion Avenue

Providence, R. I. 02905

Tel : (401) 467-4777

CIRCLE NUMBER 58
98

GOOD TOOLS!

Self-Adjusting
Wire Stripper
Unique - just squeeze and pull! Many narrow blades close in around the wire, automati cally providing the corr ect opening and the right ten sion . Operator adjustment not needed to change from one wire size to another. Requires no special "feel" nor getting used to. Strips clean without nicking the conductor.

Lab Vacuum
(Minivac)
Cleaner
>
Just the thing for clean rooms , production and assembly lines , service and repair shops, model shops and labs . For business machines , computers , getting eraser crumbs out of typewriters . Variety of nozzles and brushes, and special nozzle that gets into every nook and cranny . Internal filter keeps dust and dirt inside the vacuum .

Mini Soldering

Irons are

Low Voltage

Soldercratt Model 6A miniature low-voltage production

soldering iron is designed for versatile microcircuit and

fine instrument work . It is 6 in. long , weight y, oz .. and , when

provide controlled temperatures of 700 Fat 6 V. If you can

see it , you can solder it - pencil size . Heat is generated

entirely within the tip which provides maximum efficiency

and faster heat recovery.
.,. · · ·o<f o , ' t>·
-F/a-Ec- - - - - - - - - - Electronic Tools & Test Instruments
..:. .:.

~ mv-.t7534Atol1Aven11e

11fSTlllMEN1

Nomi Hollywood CA 91605

C{WPAN~
~ '1111Dfll~SCO

(21319832535

CIRCLE NUMBER 59

INSTRUMENTATION

(continued from page 97)

stretching the bottom end to a low 0.1

Hz. It also measures de alone, ac alone
or ac + de. Full-range crest factor of

the 30A is just 5:1. Like the HP unit,

the 30A has six voltage ranges span-

ning 10 mV to 1000 V, its front-panel

dB reference control is calibrated in

one detented position, and its accuracy

is given with the two-part spec.

The Boonton 93AD covers the same

frequency range as the Fluke, but only

about half the voltage span-300 µ V to

300 V. Its dB function comes with one
fixed reference-50, 75 or 600 n. And it

can't measure de or ac with de levels

present. "Basic" accuracy of the 93AD

is 1% of reading± 1 digit. But the 93AD

includes a digital outpr..t, an analog

output (as does the HP), an analog edge

meter, and remote programming in its

price. These are optional or not offered

on the Fluke and HP DVMs.

In other key areas, the competing

meters stack up as follows: The HP is

the fastest reader at 4 readings per

second (fast mode, 25-Hz bottom limit),

the Ballantine 30A places second at 3

readings per second, and the Fluke

trails at 2.5 readings per second. The

Boonton spec sheet doesn't show any

numbers. However, the Fluke and HP

numbers are display rates. For best

accuracy, there's a wait-or response

tim e-of 1 second for the HP 3403C's

fast-mode, 1.6 s for the Fluke 8920A

and 1 to 2 s for the Boonton's fast mode.

Ballantine's response time is listed as

300 ms. Remember, in the fast mode,

the lowest input-frequency spec de-

teriorates.

Input-loading characteristics-an

important error source-differ among

the three units. Check the spec sheets

for the full story. And while you're at

it, check for other differences-like

tempcos and calibration intervals

needed to maintain rated accuracies.

The 8920A comes with isolated BNC

inputs (the analog output comes only

with the BNC version) for use at the

higher frequencies. At lower frequen-

cies, a floating banana-jack version

(8921A) is available that can handle up

to 500 V of common-mode voltage. The

package, new for Fluke, measures

4X7X12-1/2 in., and allows piggyback

interlockable stacking with similarly

packaged instruments now in the of-

fing at Fluke. Delivery takes 90 days.

Fluke

CIRCLE NO. 304

Ballantine

CIRCLE NO. 323

Boonton

CIRCLE NO. 305

Hewlett-Packard

CIRCLE NO. 306

EL ECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

The right PROM Programmer makes the iob simple.

Pro-Log's Series 90 means simple PROM programming.
Microprocessor control reduces operating steps and guides operators through the few steps that remain. The Series 90 verifies PROMs as they're being programmed and automatically weeds out bad or marginal parts. Separate sockets for master PROM and copy PROM protect your master PROMs from accidental programming. Users never need to calibrate a Series 90 .

This comparison guide makes selecting a programmer simple.
We've got a free full-color comparison guide to help you evaluate the leading PROM programmers side-by-side. Call or write for your copy. Pro-Log Corporation, 2411 Garden Road , Monterey, CA 93940. Phone (408) 372-4593 .

Simple means flexible, reliable and safe.
A Series 90 is a complete yet versatile programmer. It consists of a single master control unit, a plug-in PROM personality module and options.
The master control unit handles any of our personality modules. There are modules for all major MOS and bipolar PROMs and for some one-chip micro-

processors. The personality modules come in individual , generic family, or gang versions. Options include CMOS RAM buffer (to 4K bytes), TIY, parallel interfaces, paper tape reader, U.L. listed erase light, check-sum option, and RS-232 (terminal or modem) interface with Auto-baud.
Master control units are backed by a two-year parts and labor

warranty, PROM personality modules by aone-year warranty.
Pro-Log'sprogrammers are U.L. listed for your safety.

Microprocessors at your fingertips.

CIRCLE NUMBER 60

Eu:CTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

INSTRUMENTATION
Serial-data analyzer preprograms all functions

Hewlett-Packard, 1501 Page Mill Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94304. (415) 856-1501 . P&A: See text.
Troubleshooting data-communication networks is easier than ever with Hewlett-Packard's 1640A Serial Data Analyzer. The instrument comes preprogrammed, so you don't need special programming skills to work with it.
The 1640A sits passively on an RS232C(V24) interface, and monitors and records both transmit and receive data. Or it becomes active-it can simulate a computer, modem or terminal, and interact with the network under observation.
Suppose a terminal is suspect. The 1640A can "play computer" and exercise the terminal; or it can "play terminal" and reply to the computer when addressed. And that's not all. The 1640A can even simulate a modema handy, often requested, troubleshooting feature.
To avoid programming, the 1640A provides a keyboard-controlled "menu" selection of all preprogrammed triggering (trap), format and simulation modes. The menu guides you through all operating choices, so you don't have to worry about which parameters to set or which combinations not to set. Initial settings can be recalled any time for review or modification. If you press
100

the wrong key, the 1640A not only says so, it tells you how to get out of the situation.
In the monitor or simulation modes, the 1640A can operate in full-duplex, half-duplex or simplex, on two or fourwire links. Transmission is synchronous at up to 9600 bits/s or asynchronous, with a choice of 15 internal clock speeds to 9600 bits/s, including standard. European speeds. Data can be composed of five through eight bits, plus a parity-checking bit, in ASCII, hex or EBCDIC. Or you can replace EBCDIC with BCD, Selectric, Baudot or whatever.
The 1640A can capture up to 2048 characters in any combination of transmit and receive. A 1024-character buffer generates messages for the simulate modes. Data are trapped and displayed in real time, with transmit data displayed in video, and receive data in inverted (black on white) video on a 10 X 13-cm CRT. Full-duplex data are shown as interleaved characters in proper timing relationships.
Five triggering modes give the HP analyzer strong trapping power. You can set the 1640A to trigger:
· On any eight-character sequence, including "don't care" states.
· On any control-lead positive state. · If and only if an error occurs.

· On a specified time interval between any two events up to six seconds

apart (<T, >T, O<T<6).

· On an external event.

The trigger can start or end the

display mode. Or trigger occurrences

can be counted continuously until you

stop the analyzer. Then, the last 2048

characters are retained, and the total number of triggers is displayed.
Another mode, data suppression,

lets you retain only data that you want. For example, you can suppress null~,

idles or syncs. Or you can suppress "all

but the trigger plus n characters,"

where n is selectable from 0 to 99.

In the simulate mode, you can define

a message of 1024 characters, which can be divided into as many as 11

blocks. Moreover, you can edit text

without re-entering the entire mes-

sage, and copy, or learn, both transmit

and receive data for use in simulated

messages.

For more simulation, a patch-panel

matrix, located at the top of the 1640A,

interconnects the analyzer to the in-

terface. Thus, the interface can be

tailored to simulate various terminal

or computer configurations.

The matrix offers another benefit. Although a "rose may be a rose may

be a rose," in the data-comm field the

so-called RS-232C standard is more like

a marigold, with its endless variations.

With the matrix, you can adjust to your own hybrid RS-232. Mylar overlays can

be punched for each configuration.

Many other features are included in

the 1640A's $5800 price, and several

interesting extras are offered. For in-

stance, with the HPIB option (about

$500), the 1640A works with a pro-

grammable calculator to give branch-

ing, data manipulation, automatic or remote measurements. With optional

PROMs, up to eight different menus or

test patterns can be entered auto-

matically with a rear-panel pushbut-

ton.

The HP analyzer does have competi-

tion. But the less expensive boxes don't

do as much. And though there are units

that do more, they cost twice as much and usually require programming.

Among the contenders are instruments

from Spectron (Moorestown, NJ), Halcyon, (Campbell, CA), and United Systems/Digitec (Dayton, OH).

Deliveries start in April.

Hewlett-Packard Halcyon

CIRCLE NO. 307 CIRCLE NO. 308

Spectron

CIRCLE NO. 309

United Systems/Digitec

CIRCLE NO. 310

EL ECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

· Full control over S1gnal measure01ent
paraft\eten=h1gh measuring accuracy

· 80,520, and 1000 MHz Timer/ Counters
· Measure single period, period average, time interval and time interval averaging, frequency, multiple frequency ratio and pulse totalizing
· 20 mV sensitivity
· Accurate trigger level setting with external monitoring and tri-state indication
· Gate monitor output to show measuring intervals
· Adjustable trigger hold-off
· PIN Diode attenuator to eliminate counting errors The Philips PM 6620 Series of Timer/ Counters
with 3 models, 4 time bases and 7 options makes it possible for you to select the specific model that will make your most demanding lab measurements easier and more accurate.
~Test & Measuring ~Instruments

You can choose a trigger hold-off which ignores

false stop pulses such as those generated by contact

bounce or ringing... and high stability time bases...

and such options as BCD and analog outputs, IEEE

Buss, internal battery and rack mounting. Prices

start at $965.00.':'

~·U.S. Domestic price only.

For immediate information, use our toll-free Hotline number: (800) 631-7172. New Jersey residents, please call collect (201) 529-3800. Or contact Philips Test & Measuring Instruments, Inc.

In the U.S.:
85 McKee Drive Mahwah, NewJersey07430
Tel. (201) 529-3800

In Canada:
6 Leswyn Road Toronto, Canada M6A 1K2
Tel. (416) 789-7188

PHILIPS

CIRCLE NUMBER 61

INSTRUMENTATION
Digital thermometer has 0.5° accuracy

This self-instruction course

uses proven programmed instruction

methods to teach you BASIC ... the most

popular and widely used higher level pro-

gramming language. With the help of this

course, you'll learn all the formats, com-

mands, statements and procedures ..·

then go on to actually apply them with

"hands on" experiments and program

demonstrations on your own or any avail-

able computer. And unlike other courses

or books on BASIC, we teach you problem

solving as well as programming so you

can apply what you learn. Self-evaluation

Quizzes and exams guarantee that you un-

derstand every detail and when you finish,

you may take an optional examination to

qualify for a Certificate of Achievement

and 3.0 Continuing Education Units

(CEU 's), a widely recognized means of

participating in non-credit adult education.

I 1--------.. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: If for any reHon you are dissatisfied, Heath Company will refund the full purchase price of the course.
I ..-fAijHmEATrHn.ltjt.g HEATH co., Dept. 511-392

·-1i-1ii111.-lllllli1·i·11.lil-- Benton Harbor, Ml 49022

I I YES Please send me your EC-1100 BASIC I I Programming Self-Instructional Course.

I My D check D Money order for $_ _ _ Is I I enclosed. Or please charge to my D VISA/

BankAmericard D Master Charge
II Account#

I Exp. Date

M.C. Code #

II Signature (necessary to send merchandise) ··

I NAM
I ADDRESS

(please print)

I I I

I CITY

I STATE

ZIP

· ORDER TODAY - PRICE GUARANTEED

THROUGH APRIL 25, 1978 ONLYI

1...____________ 1I Price Is mail order F.O.B. Benton Harbor, Ml.
I ..I Price subject to change without notice.

Mid-Continent Communications, 1103 Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 64075. (816) 625-4 765. $155 (display), $25 (probe); 2 to 4 wks.
The Digitemp 100 digital temperature meter measures temperature
from -55 to +150 C with an accuracy
of ±0.5°. Temperature is displayed to 0.1° resolution on a 0.33-in. LED display. An electronic touch-control switch turns power on and off. Power is supplied by a 9-V transistor battery or a 110-V-ac adapter. When operating on battery power, an automatic adjustable power shut off prevents accidental discharge of the battery.
CIRCLE NO. 324
Dual-mode logic probe has 5-ns response
Logical Technical Services, 71 W. 23 St., New York, NY 10010. Graha1n Gross (212) 741-8340. $110; stock.
The LP313 dual-mode logic probe has a 2-Mn, 12.5-pF input impedance and a 5-ns, 200-MHz response. A threecolor LED display and compact packaging make this TTL/CMOS probe easy to use with hard-to-reach chips. Pulses are stretched to 100 ms and displayed by a transition LED, or may be latched-on using the memory.
CIRCLE NO. 325

102

Data generator spews out 400 Mbits/s
Tau Tron, 11 Esquire Rd., North Billerica, MA 01862. Jim Hanley (617} 667-3874 . $8740; 10 to 12 wks.
The Model DG-400YH programmable word generator operates from 1 bit/s to 400 Mbits/s and provides a 1V, 500-ps rise/fall time signal in NRZ or RZ mode. The unit may be programmed for 4 words of 16 bits each, 2 words of 32 bits, or 1 word of 64 bits. True and complement data are simultaneously available. RZ or NRZ formats are individually selectable on each data channel.
CIRCLE NO. 326
Tester for ECL devices gives 10-ps resolution
Teradyne, 183 Essex St., Boston, MA 02111. Fred Van Veen (617} 482-2700. See text; 26 wks.
The S357 pulse parametric subsystem is an add-on to the J325 digital IC test system. The tester provides 10ps resolution over a 0-to-20-ns range and has fully programmable pulse sources with voltage resolution of 1 mV from 200 mV to 2 V. Pulse parameters are automatically and independently calibrated at their programmed values. Automatic deskew software corrects for system errors down to 50 ps. Time intervals are also automatically calibrated against NBS-traceable delay lines in the system. The system permits si ngle-socket functional de and pulse-parametric testing of devices with up to 48 pins. The S357 subsystem is priced at $215,000.
CIRCLE NO. 327
35-MHz scopes give dual traces
Tektronix, P. 0. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077. (503) 644-0161. $11551$1435.
The dual-trace T932A oscilloscope has a 35-MHz bandwidth at 2-mV/div sensitivity and the T935A adds in a delayed sweep. Each model includes a differential display mode, full sensitivity X-Y, ac or de trigger coupling, variable trigger holdoff, ch 1, ch 2 or composite triggering and selectable chop/alternate display modes. The CRTs are 3.2 X 3.9 in. and the instrument size is 10 X 7 X 18.7 in.
CIRCLE NO. 328
ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

CIRCLE NUMBER 62

FOR INFORMATION ONLY CIRCLE NUMBER 64
ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

FOR DEMONSTRATION ONLY CIRCLE NUMBER 91
103

Advanced Micro Devices is in the PROM business. And what an opening!
II
II
II
104 Eu:crnoN1c DESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

THE FAMILY.
There's a 256-bit, a lK, a 2K and a 4K with output latches. Choose open-collector or three-state outputs. All have the same electrical characteristics. All are programmable from the same card set.
Are they fast? Are they fast! Just take a look at the chart.
Performance and reliability? MIL-STD-883 for free. Designed for military performance. Enough said.
And with every AMD PROM, you get one small miracle: After almost two billion fuse hours of testing, the fuse failure rate is zero. Zip. None.
The magic ingredient is platinum-silicide. ·The programming is fast. The yields high. And the long term reliability is excellent.
ANOTHER FIRST.
In the family you'll find an Am2977 4/ 75 , the world's first 512 x 8 registered PROM.

Make room for it. 35% less room. It's a 22-pin part. It's 35% smaller than 24-pin counterparts.
Here's yet a third first: easy pipelined microprogramming. The Am29774/ 75 .has edge-triggered full master/ slave registers built right into each output, eliminating an external 20-pin octal register and saving another 20% in board area.
All this means is that the next time you need high performance PROMs, call The First Family.
Call Advanced Micro Devices.
Advanced Micro Devices
~
Multiple techn ologies. One product: excellence . 901 Thompson Place. Sunnyvale. Californi a 94086
Teleph one (408 ) 732-2400

CIRCLE NUMBER 86

ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

105

MICRO/ MINI COMPUTING
Industrial control unit doubles as learning aid

-0 ~

... .

~ J-t-rt-t-~:rt-=-t-~~C I

Motorola, P.O. Box 20912, Phoenix, AZ 85036. Chuck Kastner (602) 244-3103. $295; stock.
The DS14500A 2-board industrial control system combines a programmable logic controller with an ancillary I/O simulator that serves as a system development tool and demonstration unit. The system serves as a learning tool to acquaint designers with the power of a 1-bit MPU and, thereafter, as a dedicated functional control system. As a functional system the 1/0 simulator is replaced by the actual 1/0 devices for the working system. The system has 15 inputs and 16 outputs and contains a RAM holding 128 ICU program instructions.
CIRCLE NO. 329

Cassette cleaner renews Philips-style cassettes
Innovative Computer Products, 18360 Oxnard St., Tarzana, CA 91356. Lewis Whitaker (213) 996-4911. $300.
The Model 100 digital-cassette cleaner is compatible with all Philipsstyle cassettes. The cleaner uses a longlasting blade that removes partially imbedded or surface particles of foreign contamination. In addition to the cleaning blade, the device uses a cleaning and conditioning solution on a pad. The pad and solution removes oils and submicron size particles from the tape surface.
CIRCLE NO. 330
106

Disc controller handles up to 20 Mbytes storage
Dynus, 3198 GAi;portLoopDr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Paul Files (714) 979-6811. $2500; 4 wks.
The Model DI-C03 moving head disc controller directly interfaces with LSI-11 backplanes and provides control for up to 20 Mbytes of on-line storage for standard 1500 or 2400 rpm disc drives. The controller uses DEC-approved circuit drivers and receivers along with an eight-word FIFO buffer for DMA latency. In addition, the device includes two additional address bits for up to 128 kwords of direct addressing. A DMA transfer rate of 6.4 µs/word, cartridge capacity of 2.5 to 5 Mbytes and double-frequency recording on 2315 or 5540-type cartridges are provided.
CIRCLE NO. 33 1
CMOS RAM board stores 8 kbytes
Process Compilter Systems, 750 N. Maple Rd., Saline, MI 48176. (313) 429-4971. $795/$995; 4 wks.
The Model 1814 memory module contains 8 kbytes of CMOS RAM and has a 450-ns memory cycle. The module has built-in battery back-up and charger to retain information for a minimum of seven days. The basic module has 4 kbytes of RAM installed with sockets provided for an additional 4 kbytes. A second version has a full 8 kbytes of RAM installed.
CIRCLE NO. 332

Moderate-price µC has big-system features
Computer Systems Unlimited, P. 0. Box 870, Milpitas, CA 95035. (408) 262-6271. $9220.
The Zycon III microcomputer achieves big-systerri features at a moderate price. The standard system contains a 24 X 80 high-resolution CRT and controller with character intensification, blinking, underscoring and reverse video. Using a 63-key alphanumeric keyboard, 16-key numeric and cursor cluster and 8-key alternate action pad, the system can support the use of high-resolution graphics and scientific or foreign alphabets. A 32-k RAM is expandable in 16-k increments to 65,536 bytes and is usable as either an 8 or 16-bit word memory. Also included are dual floppy discs with an intelligent controller. An 8085A processor board has space for an extra 6-k of EPROM, a TTY port, eight levels of interrupt, and special logic for an 8-channel bus controller.
CIRCLE NO. 333
Boards isolate digital inputs to protect µC
Burr-Brown, International Airport Industrial Park, Tucson, AZ 85734. C.R. Teeple (602) 294-1431 . $295 and $355; stock.
These single-board microperipherals accept 24 digital inputs and isolate microcomputers from voltage, transients and other malfunctions. Model MP710 or MP810, with an on-board power supply, operates with dry relay contacts and the MP710-NS or MP810NS with voltage input and wet relay contacts. Each group of eight inputs is isolated from other groups and from the computer bus for up to 600 V de. In the MP710-NS and MP810-NS, isolation between inputs is 300 V de. Because each input is isolated, the voltage to each line is not critical and ground loops are eliminated.
CIRCLE NO. 334
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

There's a lot going on these days above the 300 MHz range ... and there's a lot going on in Microwaves .
A decade or so ago, microwave engineers were the " plumbers" of this industry. They worked in small groups in a machine-shop type atmosphere. Today it's different.
The machine shop is gone - replaced by a solid-state environment. The separate worlds are coming back together.
Even if your work involves frequencies below 300 MHz, don't

you owe it to yourself to.keep up to date with what's happening in microwaves? Every month Micro Waves magazine delivers a balanced editorial package of news, technology and products for microwave specialists. It's FREE to qualified subscribers (who also receive our annual Product Data Directory - an invaluable aid in product sourcing) .
To obtain an application form for your free subscription , just circle the number shown below on your Reader Service Card.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH
~MICROWAVES

FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS WHO QUALIFY

GD JUST CIRCLE

ON READER SERVICE CARD

MICRO/ MINI COMPUTING
Terminal develops and debugs 8080 systems
Hewlett-Packard, 1507 Page Mill Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94304. (415) 493-1501. $6950.
A program development terminal, Model HP 13290B, aids programmers who develop, test and debug programs written for 8080-based systems. With debug/assembler software that is loaded via tape cartridge into the RAM of the µP-controlled terminal, a programmer displays and changes an 8080's registers and any portion of a user-written program. Equipped with 64 kbytes of 400-ns RAM and 22 kbytes of ROM, the terminal takes programs of up to 44 kbytes.
CIRCLE NO. 335
Connector device reduces glitches on S-100 bus

Multiplexer board saves space in minis
Custom Systems, 2415 Annapolis Lane, Minneapolis, MN 55441. Dave Clinton (612) 553-1112. $1800; stock.
Slot-Saver II is a general 1/0-multiplexer board for Data General and Data General-emulating minicomputers. The board reduces the number of slots required for controller interface boards in minicomputer chassis. A user can employ a minicomputer with a smaller chassis at a lower cost. Included is all the necessary control logic on a 15 X 15-in. PC board to provide four channels of asynchronous multiplexing, a real-time clock, system console CRT plus a second serial port and a line-printer interface.
CIRCLE NO. 337
Small briefcase contains portable µC
Adaptive Systems, P.O. Box 1481, Pompano Beach, FL 33061. (305) 942-4000. $1000 to $3000.
The portable microcomputer is contained within a small briefcase and delivers full operation for 8 h using a self-contained battery with charger. Data can be stored up to one year in the standby mode. The system has two 40-key keyboards, an 8-digit display and other control switches. Clocking speed is 4 MHz with a 12-bit word size. The language is PDP-8 compatible and most instructions are single-cycle execute. Pricing depends on memory size.
CIRCLE NO. 338

32-word ROM plugs into PDP-11 slot
Computer Extension Systems, 17311 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77058. Gary Wagner (713) 488-8830. $285.
The ROMll-32 read-only memory plugs directly into the DEC PDP-11 small peripheral controller (SPC) slot. The memory is functionally equivalent to the DEC M792 PROM and is configured around two fusible-link 32 word by 8-bit PROMs of the 8223 type. The PROM ICs can be programmed to customer specs at no charge. The quad board operates from the existing PDP-11 power supply.
CIRCLE NO. 340
Flexible-disc drive meets MIL·E-16400

Extensys, 380 Bernardo Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040. EdHartnett (415) 969-6100. $79.50; stock.
The Glitch Grabber, a printedcircuit card mounted circuit, maintains clean signals on a noisy S-100 bus. The device plugs into any open slot on the S-100 bus and uses a self-regulating transistor network to control voltages and modify circuitry to handle less or more voltage. The circuitry activates only when the glitch is there, so that bus signals are not loaded.
CIRCLE NO. 336
108

Emulation units check 8080A and 6800 µPS
Computer Automation, 18651 Von Karman, Irvine, CA 92713. Doug Cutsforth (714) 833-8830. See text.
Two logic simulation systems emulate the operations of the Intel 8080A and Motorola 6800 microprocessors. The Capable 4812 is a stand-alone logic simulation system, priced at $71,000, and it consists of a minicomputer, 96 kwords of memory, emulation software, disc drive, documentation and support. The Capable 4852 provides a lower cost simulation capability by sharing processor and memory with a testing system. Priced at $33,900, it incorporates emulation software and expansion of the tester memory to 96 kwords.
CIRCLE NO. 339

Miltope, 9 Fairchild Ave., Plainview, NY 11803. (516) 938-9500.
The DD 400 flexible-disc drive meets MIL-E-16400 and employs MILM-38510/MIL-STD-883 Class B micrologic. The drive provides over 3 Mbits of on-line storage on interchangeable floppy-disc media (over 6 Mbits with optional double density). Compatible with the IBM 3740, each diskette provides 77 data tracks with 3200 bits/in. data packing (6400 double density). Track-to-track access is accomplished within 6 ms.
CIRCLE NO. 341
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

' , -
RUN PWR AUX

MODULES & SUBASSEMBLIES
Touch-pad memory dialer mates with all phones
Teledial Devices, 8 Fairchild Court, Plainview, NY 11803. Paul Jacobs (516) 822-7631. $90; stock.
The Model TD-lOA memory dialer, a self-contained touch-pad dialer with a programmable memory, works with all rotary and tone-telephone systems. The device dials twice as fast as a rotary system with no circuit modifications. The features include: ten 20digit programmable-number storage; ability to "pre-dial" a telephone number without lifting the handset; last-number redial by a single key· stroke; automatic dialing and call cancelling by pressing a single button. The unit has programmable pulsing speeds of 10 or 20 pulses/ s and break-to-make pulsing ratios of 2:1 or 3:2.
CIRCLE NO. 342
Crystal oscillator drives 10 TTL gates

Fast a/d converters come in 8 to 12-bit models
Dynamic Measurements, G Lowell A ve., Winches ter, MA 01 890. $230 to
$JOO.
Type 2813 ultra-high-speed a/ d converters permit throughput rates of 1.33 MHz (8-bit), 1 MHz (10-bit) and 0.5 MHz (12-bit). Twelve-bit models with 0.4-MHz and 0.25-MHz throughput rates are also available. Max linearity and differential linearity is ±1/ 2 LSB. Nonlinearity tempco is below ±10 ppm/° C (5 ppm/° C for 12-bit models). Outputs are DTL/ TTL compatible and unipolar or bipolar inputs are selected by pin connection. The modules are in metal cases measuring 2 X 4 X 0.4 in.
CIRCLE NO. 344
V/f converters allow digital transmission
Solid State E lectronics, 15321 Rayen St. , Sepu lveda, CA 91 343. Ed Politi (213) 894-2271. $268; 4 to 7 wks.
The 400VF series of voltage-to-frequency converters converts analog data or control signals to digital form for transmission over long distances. Once received, the data are in a form where the data can be sampled and totalized on an electronic counter for direct readout, converted to a digital binary code or converted back to de. An a log-to -frequency resolution is 0.001% on a 1-s sampling counter or 0.0001% on a 10-s sampling counter.
CIRCLE NO. 345

12-bit a/d converts fast
Hybrid Systems, Crosby Dr., Bedford, MA 01 730. Larry Lauenger (61 7} 275-1 570. $199; stock.
The ADC593-12 is a high-speed, 12bit a/ d converter that operates in 3.5 µs (typical) and 4 µs (max) conversion time. The model has an accuracy of ±0.0125% and a 250-kHz throughput rate. Four selectable input ranges and three digital-output codes provide versatility. Th e gain tempco is ±300 ppm/° C. The converter has a differential linearity of ±1/2 LSB and is monotonic from 0 to 70 C. The size is 2 X 4 X 0.4 in.
CIRCLE NO. 347
Digital output boards for µCs handle 10 W
isolated digital output microperipheral

Conner- Winfield, W. Chicago, IL 60185. (312) 231-5270. $30 to $40; 8 w ks.
The Model S15R5 hermetically sealed DIP crystal oscillator drives 10 TTL gates at any fixed frequency from 3.5 to 25 MHz. The total frequenc y tolerance is ±0.01% from 0 to 70 C. Rise and fall times are less than 10 ns. The oscillator is in an all-metal welded package that measures 0.82 X 0.52 X 0.2 in.
CIRCLE NO. 343
110

Double-balanced mixer covers 2-decade range
A nzac, 39 Green St. , Waltham, MA 02154. Jim Leonard (617} 899-1900. $39; stock.
Model MP-152 is a double-balanced mixer with greater than a two-decade frequency range (10 to 1500 MHz). The T0-8 plug-in package boasts typical isolations of 40-dB at midband for LOto-rf and LO-to-i-f. The conversion loss at midband is typically 6 dB. Singlesideband noise figure is within 1 dB of conversion loss. Input for 1-dB compression is 0 dBm typical. Two-tone intermodulation ratio is 85 dB at 500 MHz, with a - 30-dBm input for each tone and 50-MHz i-f.
CIRCLE NO. 346

Burr-Brown, P.0. Box 11400, Tucson, AZ 85734. C. R. Teeple (602) 294-1431.
$295/$475. Digital-output systems, with 16 or
32-channels, plug into Intel SBC 80 and Intellec MDS µCs. Memory-mapped MP801 (16-channel) or MP802 (32channel) systems are on a single board and provide all control and timing circuitry. Channels are implemented by dry-reed relays that handle up to 10 W. The relays isolate output channels from the computer bus (to 600 V de) and from channel to channel (300 V de). The systems are treated as memory by the CPU; eight channels occupy one memory location. Outputs can switch inductive loads.
CIRCLE NO. 348
ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

__,,,,.,~-----~;l~---=:~~~~~~=:--li------~ Includes
VOM,DVM
Descriptors

Datel9

Battery·

PoW'ered Breakthrough

Model DM-3100U1 DPM
·True balanced differential inputs · 3 1/2 digit Liquid Crystal Display ·User-installed mA, 0 , mV ranges ·Includes VOM, DVM Descriptors:
mA, mV, kO, AC, DC ·Operates from 5 to 8 Vdc @
6 mA or 9 to 15 Vde @ 3 mA
~69 (singles)

@ D'*JEL
~ SYSTEMS, INC.

1020 Turnpike SI , Gan1on. MA 02021

TEL (617) 828-8000 / TWX 710-348-0 135

· Sanla Ana , CA (714) 835 -2751

· LA Exchange (213) 933·7256

· Sunnyvale. CA (408) 733-2424

· Ga11hersburg , MD (301 J 840-9490

· Houslon. TX(713)932 - 1130, 1132

· Irving , TX (214) 256-4444

· Tokyo, Japan 793 - 1031 , Osaka. Japan

(06) 354-2025 · Andover. UK (0264)

51055 · Pans. Fr 620-06 -74

· Muenchen. W Ger (089) 776095

CIRCLE NUMBER 70

E u ·cTRON IC D ESIGN 7, M a rch 29, 1978

Ill

SIEMENS

PACKAGING & MATERIALS
Cable-tying hand tool for right or left handed

Backpanel systems meet MIL-C-28754 spec

Economy

DIP

Series 8270
Elco Pacific, 2250 Park Pl. , El S egundo,

Tantalum

CA 90245. (213) 576-3311. The Series 5460 metal-plate and
Series 8270 press-fit backpanel sys-

Capacitors

Thomas & Betts, 36 Butler St., Eliz-

tems have blade and tuning fork contacts that meet the MIL-C-28754 spec. The Series 5460 has 0.1 and 0.125-in.

abeth, NJ 07207. (201) 354-4321. $8.99; contact spacing. The assembly consists

stock.

of a 0.08-in. aluminum plate with nylon

A lightweight hand-operated cable- insulators pressed into the hole pattern

tying tool, WT-2, installs cable ties up and the contacts pressed into the nylon

to 0.301-in. wide and 0.053-in. thick. insulators. The Series 8270 has 0.1-in.

This shirt-pocket-sized tool is made of spacing and consists of a two-sided or

high-impact plastic and steel and is multilayer PC board, 0.125-in. thick,

convenient for both left and right- with contacts pressed into plated-

handed operators. The tool cinches up through holes.

the tie with a squeezing action and then

CIRCLE NO. 358

/
I \

cuts away excess tail when twisted 180 degrees.

CIRCLE NO. 356

Siemens new ST841 and ST842 Sub-miniature Epoxy Coated Solid Tantalum Capacitors are the economical answer to Tantalum Capacitor applications. Features: · Capacity Ranges from 0.1 µf
thru 680µF · Tolerances of 5, 10, or 20% · Eight categories from 3 to
50 Volt · Lead Styles of straight or
"Lock-in" crimp · Lead Spacings of 0.1 or 0.2
inch are available · Manufactured in U.S.
Siemens Corporation
Components Group 186 Wood Avenue South lselin, New Jersey 08830
CIRCLE NUMBER 71 112

Machine feeds, crimps loose contacts

Device forms transistor leads at high speed

VIP Industries, 246 Knickerbocker Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503. Ed Nemeth (201) 345-5800. $3975; 4 wks.
VIP crimping machines orient, position and feed loose cylindrical connector contacts without the use of tapes or bandoleers. The device automatically drops the contact into a crimping nest. As the stripped wire is inserted into the contact, a slight downward pressure on the wire by the operator activates the crimping die. A trained operator can crimp 1000 pieces/ hr.
CIRCLE NO. 357

Kras, 9.9 Newbold Rd. , Fairless Hi lls, PA 19030. Jack Demore (215) 946-8180. $8900; 6 to 8 wks.
Model 5328 pin-circle forming machine lead straightens and reforms pins on T0-99 or other transistors with circular pin arrangements from 0.2-in. up to any required diameter. The device also cuts the leads to any desired length. The parts are loaded manually or automatically and off-loaded by an air cylinder to a slotted track. With manual load, the machine forms 1000/h, and with automatic load and offload, 2000/h. Dies are interchangeable for different pin counts or circles.
CIRCLE NO. 359
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

complc:te, 12-Bit Microcircuit Data Acquisition
System

Datel has it...

g z
~
"

g
0
. ~

§i~ H
~;;h
4038383?

DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM HDAS-18
MAO· IN "SA

12 11 10 ·
:c ~ ~' MUK AODfUSSOUT

· · 11 ,. 11 14 13

!uP ;~~! IPAOOIUSS IN I~

HDAS-16& HDAS-8
.,. 16 Channels, Single-Ended (HDAS-16) .,. 8 Channels, Differential (HDAS-8) .,. 12 Bits Resolution .,. 50kHz Throughput Rate .,. Internal Instrumentation Amplifier .,. Three-State Data Outputs .,. Military and Commercial
Temperature Range available .,. 62-pin Miniature Package .,. Priced at $295.00* (1-9)
·u .S.A. domestic prices only

Datel's HDAS- the first complete 12-bit data acquisition system in a single, miniature package. Using thin-film hybrid fabrication , it challenges modular data acquisition systems on performance and price. Its excellent performance and reliability are also available in versions for full MIL-Spec operation over - 55 to +125C . The HDAS 62-pin package measures only 2.3 x 1.4 x 0.24 inches (58 x 36 x 6 mm) .
1020 TURNPIKE STREET. CANTON . MASS. 02021 TEL. (6 17) 828-8000 / TWX : 7 10-348-0135 / TELEX : 924461

Santa Ana (714 )835-2751 . (LA ) (213)933- 7256 · Sunnyvale. CA (408) 733-24 24 · Gaithersburg. MD (301 )840-9490 · Houston . (713) 932-1130 · Irving , TX (214) 256-4444 OVERSEAS DATEL (UK) LTD - TEL ANDOVER (0264) 51055 · DATEL SYSTEMS SAAL 620-06-74 · DATELEK SYSTEMS GmbH (089) 77- 60-95

CIRCLE NUMBER 63

E1 ~.cTRO 1c DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

11 3

/Cs & SEMICONDUCTORS

DAC simplifies µP interface; it acts like a memory location

Advanced Micro Devices, 901 Thompson Pl. , Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Ron Ma1:fil (408} 732-2400. P&A: See text.
Able to mate with any microcomputer system, the Advanced Micro Devices 6080 d/a converters contain the data-bus input latches as well as special addressing and encoding circuitry to handle almost any microprocessor I/O requirement. Currently, there are no other available converters that offer such a versatile interface. Configured to act like a memory location, the Am6080 has Write, ChipSelect and Enable logic built-in. The only external components needed are a reference, a current-setting resistor, and, if desired, an output op amp for a voltage output.
The Am6080 converter accepts 8-bit inputs and delivers current outputs in 160 ns. The reference current can range from 40 µA to 4 mA; however, most data-sheet values are guaranteed when the reference current is set to provide a 2-mA full-scale output current. Operating in a two-quadrant multiplying mode, the converter's reference input has a bandwidth of 1 MHz, and can handle a full-scale transition in just 250 ns.
Two versions of the converter are available. The 6080, housed in a 20-pin 300-mil-wide DIP, delivers a differential-analog output and has four control lines-MSB Select, Data Enable, Write, and Chip Select.
The 6081 offers more control, comes
114

in a 24-pin DIP and contains two additional control lines-Status Enable and Output Select-as well as a second pair of differential outputs. The dual differential outputs are internally multiplexed by signals generated from the Chip Select, Write, and Status Enable inputs.
Converter outputs are differential: For the 6080, the sum total of both the Io and thelo outputs is 2 mA, with either output line able to handle the full 2 mA. Similarly, the 6081's four outputs are set up as differential pairs. The 101 and 101, and the 102 and 102 outputs both handle 2 mA.
With its dual outputs, the 6081 can be used in dual-function applications -either to replace two d/a converters or to function as ad/a converter part of the time and as part of an a/d converter the rest of the time.
All popular coding formats can be input to the 6081-binary, complementary binary, sign-magnitude, complementary sign-magnitude, straight offset binary, one's-complement offset binary, offset binary and two's-complement offset binary. The sign-magnitude capability of the 6081 makes it a 9-bit converter (8-bit plus sign).
Except for the sign-magnitude forms of the coding, all the same codes are available on the 6080.
Input codes can either be permanently hardwired or programmedin when the system is initialized. All digital inputs and outputs are TTL,

CM08 and NMOS-compatible. Datahold time can be as little as zero since the on-chip latches can be made transparent. Typical data-set-up time and write-pulse width are both 30 ns, with a maximum of 80 ns.
Both the 6080 and the 6081 provide up to 4.2 mA of current output, although most specifications are guaranteed at 2 mA. The high-impedance output has a compliance from -10 to +18 V.
Converters require both a +5 V and a -5 to -15 V supply. Power consumption ranges from 86 mW (for ±5-V), to 160 mW (for +5, -15 V). In addition, two nonlinearity grades are available for each converter-either 0.1% or 0.19% of full scale. The full-scale temperature drift for all versions has been kept to 5 ppm/°C.
Both the 6080 and 6081 are available in six models-three for each nonlinearity grade. The 6080 has the 6080ADM, ADC, APC, DM, DC and PC. The "A" versions have 0.1 % nonlinearity and the other three have 0.19%. The DM suffix indicates a -55 to ·+:125-C operating range and a ceramic DIP case. The DC suffix specifies 0 to 70 C with a ceramic case, and PC signifies 0 to 70 C and a plastic DIP. The 6081 family is similarly numbered.
Prices range from $5 for the Am6080PC to $19.50 for the Am6081ADM, in 100-unit quantities. Delivery is from stock.
CIRCLE NO. 301
HV power transistors switch fast
Solitron Devices, 1177 Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404. (305) 848-4311 . $2.25 to $4.50 (100 qty); 3 to 4 wks.
SDT 40301 through 40305 are highvoltage, fast-switching planar power transistors that handle 5 and 10 A. The VCEO ratings are from 150 to 350 V at 10 mA and hrE is 20 to 80 at l e of 2 A. Saturation voltage at 2 A is 300 mV and fall time is 500 ns at 2 A. Units are housed in T0-3 cases.
CIRCLE NO. 360
ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

Raytheon. · · gives you both low power and high-speed in one package. The SPROM

Raytheon has them both, standard PROM's and the new power-switched PROM's (SPROM). Just plug them into any existing large PROM array and you can reduce the overall power consumption by more than 50%.
Look over the table and see for yourself that Raytheon offers you more. If you need detailed information, give us a call. Raytheon Company, Semiconductor Division, 350 Ellis Street, Mountain View, CA 94042 (415) 968-9211

STANDARD PROM

SPRDM·

TEMPERATURE ND. OF DRGANI·

PRICE

RANGE

BITS IZATION PINS OUTPUT PART NO. TAR MAX. 100+ PART NO TU MAX. 100+

O- 70°C

lK 256 x 4 16 OC 29660 DC 70 $ 2.75 29662 DC 60 $ 3.30

1K 256 x 4 16 TS 29661 DC 70 $ 2.75 29663 DC 60 $ 3.30

2K 256 x 8 20 OC 29600 DC 75 $ 5.20 -

2K 256 x 8 20 TS 29601 DC 75 S 5.20 -

2K 512 x 4 16 OC 29610 DC 55 $ 5.00 29612 DC 60 $ 6.00

2K 512 x 4 16 TS 29611 DC 55 $ 5.00 29613 DC 60 $ 6.00

4K 512 x 8 20 4K 512 x 8 20
44KK 551122 xx 88 2244 -55 - ·125°C 1K 256 x 4 16
1K 256 x 4 16 2K 256 x 8 20 2K 256 x 8 20

OC 29620 DC 65 $10.00 29622 DC 70 $12.00

c b· ·· IN "' Nl:'X'""" TS 29621 DC
oTSc

65 510.00 29623 DC 70

$12.00

OC 29660 OM 80 S 5.75 29662 OM 75 $ 6.90

TS 29661 OM 80 S 5.75 29663 OM 75 S 6.90

OC 29600 OM 90 $12.00 -

TS 29601 OM 90 $12.00 -

2K 512 x 4 16 OC 29610 OM 70 $11.00 29612 OM 75 $13.00 2K 512 x 4 16 TS 29611 OM 70 $11 .00 29613 OM 75 $13.00 4K 512 x 8 20 OC 29620 OM 80 $21 .00 29622 OM 85 $25.00

c b··· N 1=x,... 4K 512 x 8 20

a 4K
4K

512 512

x x

24 24

TS 29621 OM
oc
TS

80 $21 .00 29623 OM 85

iN· ~ JIYl 1\:1

$25.00

*A SPROM is a PROM with a built-in power switch. By de-selecting the SPROM, a power savings of up to 70% can be achieved.

SEMICONDUCTOR DIVISION

CIRCLE NUMBER 74

Eu:CTRo 1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

115

ICs & SEMICONDUCTORS
Fastest monolithic a/d delivers 8 bits in 50 ns
I NMINV
~LINV fCONVERT

a conversion in about 50 ns. However, they require about 10 times the power and anywhere from three to 10 times the space.
The TDC1007J is more than fast enough for television systems requiring conversion rates four times the color subcarrier frequency (14.32 MHz for U.S. video and 17.73 MHz for PAL and SECAM systems).
For the speed, expect to pay a stiff price-$485 if you're purchasing in 100 to 499 quantities. Delivery is from stock to two weeks.
CIRCLE NO. 302

CMOS circuit acts as smoke detector

Solid State Scientiffo, Montgorn-

eJyville, PA 18936. (215) 855-8400.

$1.00.

The SCL 5331 is a CMOS IC for use

in ionization-type smoke detectors.

Suitable for either 9-V battery or line

operation, the device draws less than

7 µA at 9 V and the required input from

DIFFERENTIAL COMPARATORS (255)

the ionization chamber is 1 pA max. The circuit minimizes the number of external components needed and in-

cludes such on-chip functions as low-

TRW LSI Products, P.O. Box 1125, clock. In addition, the reference input voltage detect, horn driver, status in-

Redondo Beaoh, CA 90278. Willard can also be used in a multiplying mode, dication for flashing a LED every 40

Bucklen (213) 535-1831. P&A: S ee text. so AGC functions can be performed. sand I/O for use with multiple detector

Setting the fastest pace yet for

Input jitter-or aperture uncertain- systems. The IC is in either a T0-100

monolithic analog-to-digital convert- ty-has been kept to ±50 ps. Differen- can or 14-lead DIP.

ers, the TDC1007J can perform 20- tial phase is 1° greater than the theo-

CIRCLE NO. 361

million conversions per second. The 8- retical minimum, and the differential

bit converter from TRW contains 255 gain error is 1% above the calculated

differential comparators, a resistance minimum. Both offset and gain errors

ladder and an output buffer latch. can be trimmed to zero.

256 x 4 static RAM

Conversion typically takes 33 to 40 ns,

Since the converter is a speedy available in CMOS

but the guaranteed minimum is 50 ns. bipolar, it is pretty power-hungry-

Converter-input impedance is 5 kn drawing about 2.5 W from its +5 and Motorola, 3501 Ed Blues tein Blvd.,

shunted by 300-pF capacitance. A low- -6 V supplies. The additional peripher- Austin, TX 78721. (512) 928-2600. $5. 00

impedance buffer amplifier should be al circuitry required by the converter to $5. 75; stock.

used on the input to optimize the should demand about 1 W more.

The MCM145101 MOS circuit is for

matching of source to converter, but

Due to its specially designed pack- uses requiring ultra-low power, fully

direct analog inputs of 0 to -2 V can age, the converter can operate at tem- static, 5-V random access memories.

be handled. All digital inputs and out- peratures ranging from 0 to 70 C. With The memory, organized as 256 four-bit

puts, though, are TTL compatible.

the built-in heat sink, the converter's words, has separate data inputs and

To make the converter fully func- 64-pin DIP measures 3.25 in. long X 1 outputs. Battery backup for nonvol-

tional, external components such as a in. wide X 0.5 in. high.

atility is enhanced by the part's ability

-2 V reference and a Start Convert

While no other available monolithic to retain data at a power-supply level

signal are required. However, since the a/d converter even comes close to the as low as 2 V. Speed selections are 450

converter performs a full parallel con- TDC1007J's conversion speed, some to 800 ns.

version, it doesn't need an external modular 8-bit converters can perform

CIRCLE NO. 362

116

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Thceomputer magazi.ne

for the curious

Computers Challenge America's Cup by Eben Ostby D A Beginner's

Guide to Penpherals : Input / Output Devices Your Mother Never Told

You About by Leslie Solomon and Stanley Veit D Computer Country :

An Electronic Jungle Gym for Kids by Lee Felsenstein D The Best Slot

Machine Game Ever by Tom Digate D Th e Micro Diet : Better Health

through Electronics by Karen E. Brothers and Louise L. Silver D Come

Closer and We Won'tEvenHave to Talk by Avery Johnson D The Kitand I,

Part Four : Testing, Testing by Richard W. Langer D Computer Models

in Psychology by Joseph Weizenbaum D Micro , Micro on the Wall, How

Will I Look When I Am Tall? by Stuart Dambrot D Copycat Computer by

Tom Digate D Talk Is Cheap by Hesh Wiener D Project Prometheus :

Going Solar with Your Micro by Lee Felsenstein D BASIC from the Word

GOTO by Eben Ostby D Ch1pmaker, Ch1pmaker, How Does Your Crystal

Grow? by Sandra Faye 0 The Kit and I, Part Three : Personality Plus by

Richard W . Langer 0 Make Me More Music, Maestro Micro by Dorothy

Siegel 0 Wings in Wind Tunnels : Computer Models and Theories by

Joseph Weizenbaum 0 What Is a Microcomputer System.' by Leslie

Solomon and Stanley Veit 0 Maintaining Your Micro by O.S. (The Old

Soldier) 0 Time Shan·ng on the Family Micro by Barry Yarkon 0 The

Wordslinger : 2200 Characters per Second by Stuart Dambrot 0 Light

Fantastic : The Kinetic Sculpture of Michael Mayock by Tom Moldvay

and Lawrence Schick 0 From Bombs to ROMs by Lavinia Dimond D

Guard against Cn"b Death with Your Micro by Jon Glick D Home

Computers: The Products Amen.ca May Never Know It Needs by Martin

Himmelfarb 0 Putting Two and Two Together by Tom Pittman 0 The

Wonderful Dreams of Dr. K by Hesh Wiener D The Kilobyte Card :

Memon·es for Pennies by Thorn Veblen 0 The Unlikely Birth of a

Computer Artist by Richard Helmick 0 Scott Joplin on Your Sci-Fi Hi-Fi

by Dorothy Siegel 0 Building a Basic Music Board by Eben F. Ostby D

The Compulsive Programmer by Joseph Weizenbaum 0 The Very Best

Defense (a short story) by Laurence M. Janifer D Chart Up and Flow

Right by Eben F. Ostby 0 Computer Wrestling : The Program of

Champions by Lee Felsenstein D Forget Me, Forget Me Not by Avery

Johnson 0 PLATO Makes .Learning Mickey Mouse by Elisabeth R.

Lyman 0 Charged Couples by Sandra Faye Carroll D Xeroxes and

Other Hard Copy off Yottr CRT by Bill Etra D The Kit and I, Part Two :

or Power to the Computer by Richard W. Langer D How Computers

Work by Joseph Weizenbaum 0 Personally Yours from IBM by Eben F.

Ostby D A Payroll Program for Your Small Business by Robert G. Forbes

n n 'Al ,., _,._·,, .. A.- ,., 1t,f,.,J ,., ... r--ri..:.. J.... , t ...,..., i;-...1...,.""''"·;"

;\,f,,,...,.,..._, Mo"'""._'

Every monthly i11ue keeps you abreut of the latest microcomputer applications for home, school, and office. Written by profe11ional1 who know how to present microcomputing in a lively, readable, and understandable fuhion, ROM is fun. ROM is instructive. ne tutorials make ROM understandable for the beginner. ne ideu stimulate the expert. ROM is everything you ever wanted in a computer magazine.

Look what you've been mi11ing without your monthly ROM!

Plus columns by Ted Nelson, Andrew Singer, Bill Etra, and A. I.

Karahmer' OD Artificial Intelligence, ne Future, ne Human Factor

in Computing . ... Plus practical software, listings, documentation,

new peripherals, interfaces, games . ... And more, much more . ..

even a centerfold to pin up above your computer.

~---------------------,

" V . . . . .·l ·1I

ROM Publications Corp. Route 97, Box ED

coMPUTER APPL1cAr10Ns FOR LIVING

Hampton, CT 06247

Name

Addre11

City

State

Zip

U.S.A.: DOne year $15 DTwo years $28 Dilree years $39 Canada I: Mexico: Please add $2/yr. additional postqe Europe I: South America: Please add $12/yr. additional postqe

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L!I~~allo~4-6~eek~o~delivery. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ j

ICs & SEMICONDUCTORS

Speedy math circuits perform both multiply and divide

Z W AL U

Z W

BUS

INSTllUCTION

SEQUENCER

LOAD CLOCK

CONTROL

n -lill Hll,H ·SPUD ALU
TO SH IFT MUX

Monolithic Memories, 1165 E . Arques A ve., Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Shlomo Was er (408) 739-3535. P&A : See text.
For the first time, 16 or 8-bit multiply and divide capabilities have been put into single chips. The circuits are the 16-bit 67516 and the 8-bit 67508 from Monolithic Memories, which perform multiply operations in just 800 and 400 ns, respectively. Divide operations require a minimum 2 and 1.2 µs, respectively. Using a modified Booth algorithm, the circuits can work on either fractional or integral-number representations.
Both multiplier/ dividers operate on two's complement 16 or 8-bit numbers. Both perform 16 different multiply operations, some of which include positive and negative multiply, positive and negative accumulation, and multiplication by a constant. They also do both single and double-length addition in conjunction with the multiplication.
The big news, however, are the divide options. They allow single or double-length division, division of a previously generated number, division by a constant, and continued division
118

OVERFLOW

DATA BUS

of a remainder or quotient. Requiring just a single-phase clock
with a 100-ns minimum period, the timed-sequence multipliers load operands and present results over bidirectional 16 or 8-bit data buses. A 3-bit control field determines the operand loading, result outputs, and general control of the units. Results can be rounded if desired, and an Overflow output indicates whenever a result is outside normally accepted number ranges.
The math ICs are built with lowpower Schottky technology and operate from a single 5-V supply. The 16bit device requires less than 1 W, the 8-bit less than 0.75 W. Both are TTLcompatible. Control-bus lines require less than 1 mA of input current, while data-bus 1/0 lines have three-state capability and can sink up to 8 mA for a logic-low level.
Although about half a dozen other multipliers are available, none of them also offers the divide capability. Some of the multiply-only units, though, are faster than the 67516 and 67508 from Monolithic Memories-the MPY-8 and MPY-16 from TRW (Redondo Beach,

CA), for instance, perform their 8 and

16-bit multiplication in less than 100

ns. Other available parallel units in-

clude the 25S05 (a 2 X 4-bit multiplier)

from AMD (Sunnyvale, CA) and the 8-

bit, 100-ns 67558 from Monolithic

Memories.

For serial/parallel operation, some

slower units are available-the

25LS2516 and 25LS14 from AMD, for

instance.

Available in both commercial and

military-temperature ranges, the Mon-

olithic Memories multiplier/ dividers

are housed in 24 and 16-pin DIPs,

respectively.

In 100-unit quantities, the 16-bit de-

vice goes for $120 and the 8-bit unit

costs $64. Delivery is from stock.

Monolithic Memories CIRCLE NO. 320

AMD

CIRCLE NO. 321

TRW

CIRCLE NO. 322

Op amp boasts low offset voltage drift
Precision Monoli thics, 1500 Space Park Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95050. Donn Soderquist (408) 246-9222. $2. 75 (100 qty); stock.
When nulled at 25 C with a 20-kfl potentiometer, the average input offset-voltage drift of the OP-05CP op amp will not exceed 0.4 µ V/ °C and the maximum drift is 1.2 µV /° C. Untrimmed offset voltage is typically 0.3 µ V at 25 C. Gain is 120,000 (min) and noise is 0.65 µ V pk-pk (max) from 0.1 to 10 Hz. Units are housed in 8-lead plastic DIPs.
CIRCLE NO. 363

P-i-n diodes make good rf switchers
KSW Elec tronics, S. Bedford St., Burlington, MA 01803. (617)273-1 730. $0. 34 to $9.50 (JOO qty); 8 w ks.
Nine types of p-i-n diodes are useful for rf switching because of their low
series resistances of 0.5 to 1.5 n and
corresponding capacitances of 2 to 0.2 pF. Types KS2243 and KS2244 are glass packaged, while the KS3522 is in plastic. The lowest possible capacitance is in the KS9302. The KS9342 and KS9343 types have a minority-carrier lifetime of 15 ns.
CIRCLE NO. 364
ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

POWER SOURCES
Cost-effective switcher produces 200 W
Kepco, 131-38 Sanford Ave., Flushing, NY 11352. Pau l Birman (212) 461-7000. $299; stock.
The RMK size "C" switching power supplies produce 200 W at from 5 to 28 V. The RMK is a fully enclosed unit with built-in EMI filters, overvoltage protection, current limiting, soft start, remote on/ off control and the efficiency (75% typically) of a 25-kHz switcher on a single PC card. Size "C" modules are 4.06 X 5.125 X 8.75 in. and weigh 5.25 lb.
CIRCLE NO. 365

Multi-output switchers keyed to add-on memories
Powertec, 9168 DeSoto A ve., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Larry Keenen (213) 882-0004. $650 (100 qty); 12 wks.
The Model 8D436 multiple-output switcher provides voltages keyed to semiconductor add-on memory use. Adjustable output voltages of +5, + 12 and -5 V de are rated at 50, 10 and

1 A respectively. All outputs may be loaded from 0 to 100% rated current. The regulation-band limits provide outputs within 1.5% of the voltage setting when subjected to 93 to 125-V ac input variations, temperature from 0 to 55 C, static load-current variations and drift for 8 hr after warm-up. Ripple and noise to 30 MHz does not exceed 1% pk-pk. The size is 12 X 5 X 8 in.
CIRCLE NO. 368

Power modules yield 250 mA to 2 A at 5 V
Modular Power Converters, RFD Box 441 , Fremon t, NH 03044. (603) 642-591 3. $32 to $59.
With an input voltage of 105 to 125 V ac, the four power modules in the single 5-V de series offer 250-mA, 500mA, 1-A and 2-A outputs. Regulation is 0.05% for line and 0.1% for load. Overvoltage protection at 6.5 V is included. Dual 12 and 15-V units offer 100, 200 and 300-mA outputs with 0.05% line and load regulation. Ali are short-circuit protected, have 1-mV rms ripple plus noise.
CIRCLE NO. 366
Line conditioners wipe out noise and spikes
Pilg1-im Elec tric, 29 Cain Dr., Plainview, NY 11803. John Alden (516) 420-8989. $169 to $327.
The Voltector Series-5 ac-power conditioners protect minicomputers and other sensitive equipment from powerline noise and high-energy transients. The devices provide both common and transverse-mode protection against rf noise, surges, spikes and transients. Substantial attenuation of frequencies above the line frequency is provided and 2500-V spikes are limited to safe levels. The units are rated at 5, 10, 15 and 20 A at 120 V, from 50 to 400 Hz.
CIRCLE NO. 367
EL ECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

HIS 0.01 % ACCU RAT~ VFC NEEDS JUST ONE EXTERNAL RESISTOR
TO MATCH TTL/CMOS LOGIC!
Here's the first hybrid IC ... the first complete V/F-F/V converter that requires only a pull -up resistor to match logic. RC network design and assembly problems are eliminated.
We've taken our popular VFC32 and added laser trimmed offset (less than 0.1mv); stable, laser trimmed thin-film resistors; a low leakage ceramic capacitor; a low drift NPO ceramic capacitor and put it all in 14-pin plastic and metal packages.
VFC42: ±0.01 % max non- linearity at 0- 1Ok Hz. VFC52: ±0.05% max non-linearity at 0-1 00kHz . You select the VFC and one resistor ... can we make it any easier for you? Priced from $10.90 in 100's. Bu rr-Brown , P.O. Box 11400, International Airport Industrial Park , Tucson, Arizona 85734 , Phone: (602) 746-111.
BURR-BROWN
IEIEll
Putting Technology To Work For You

CIRCLE NUMBER 77

119

Check your memory system design requirements.
Low power drain in both active and standby conditions Fast access times TTL compatibility in/out High noise immunity Full temperature ranges for military, industrial, and commercial Guaranteed data retention

120

E1.t:eTRON1c DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

NowcheckHarris for 18 CMOS RAM options that provide just that.

r Type Number

l Organization

Pins

Speed*

Power*

Replaces

HM-65088 1K RAM HM-6508 1K RAM

1024 x 1 1024 x 1

140ns

25 µW

74C929 Equivalent

200ns

250 µW

2125/93425 Pinou1

HM-650801K RAM

1024x 1

250ns

5mW

HM-65188 1K RAM

1024 x 1

140ns

25 µW

74C930 Equivalent

HM-6518 1K RAM

1024 x 1

200ns

250 µW

HM-65180 1K RAM

1024x 1

250ns

5mW

HM-65018 1K RAM

256x4

170ns

25 µW

5101/2101 Pinout

HM-6501 1K RAM

256x4

240ns

250 µW

HM-65010 1K RAM

256x4

300ns

5mW

H M-65518 1K RAM

256x4

170ns

25 µW

74C920 Equivalent

[HM-6551 1KRAM

256x4

240ns

250 µW

i-fM-65510 1K RAM

256x4

300ns

5mW

f;M-65618 1K RAM

256x4

170ns

25 µW

2111 Pinout

HM-65611K RAM ~ M-656101K RAM

256x4 256x4

240ns

250 µW

300ns

5mW

HM-65628 1K RAM

256x4

170ns

25 µW

2112 Pinout

HM-65621K RAM

256x4

240ns

250 µW

HM-65620 1K RAM

256x4

300ns

5mW

*Access Time and Standby Power Specified at 5.0v, 25°C Maximum

YOUR CMOS RAM OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!
For complete specifications, call the Harris Hot Line, or write Harris Semiconductor Products Division, P.O. Box 883, Melbourne, FL 32901

HARRIS HOT LINE!
1-800-528-6050, Ext.455
Call toll-free for phone number of your nearby Harris sales office. a uthorized distributor or expedited literature service.

Harris Technology... Your Competitive Edge

ELECTRONI C D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

CIRCLE NUMBER 79

HARRIS
SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS DIVISION
A DIVISION OF HARRIS CORPORATION
12 1

COMPONENTS
. . Micromini pots use
0-ring seal
.,

Boums Inc., TrirnpotDiv., 1200 Columbia Ave., Riverside, CA 92507. (714)
781-.5J20. $4.46 (1000 qty); stock to 4 1oks.
Model 3391 and 3392 sealed microminiature, single turn potentiometers use an 0-ring to provide a dust and moisture resistant seal. The pots have axial or radial leads and clockwise or counterclockwise tapers. An optional switch with positive detent and linear or nonlinear tapers are available. The size is 0.172-in. dia with a height of 0.1 in.
CIRCLE NO. 369

VACUUM RELAYS. WHAT THEY CAN DO, AND
WHAT WE CAN DO.
Over 30 years ago, ITI Jennings invented a series of vacuum relays to help solve high voltage relay problems in the 2 to 20 KV operating range. What we developed was a vacuum relay that offers extremely high withstand voltage (on the order of 1000 V/ MIL). switching speeds from 6 MS, and continuous current ratings from 8to110 A RMS with operating frequencies from DC to 76 MHz. And, every vacuum relay has sealed contacts that maintain low resistance throughout its long. maintenance-free life.
The vacuum relay is ideally suited for digitally tuned RF communications gear. antenna tuners and couplers, radar pulse forming networks. power supply safety grounding. and many other demanding applications-ranging from airport runway lighting systems to oil well drilling control panels.
ITT Jennings is the world's leader in the development of vacuum relays. We can offer you the widest selection, the best availability, and the most experienced engineering and testing staff in the business. To find out more about our line of vacuum relays. contact us at 970 Mclaughlin Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122. (408) 292-4025.

Reed relays give choice of three packages
Elec-Trol, 26477 N. Golden Valley Rd.,
Saugus, CA 91350. (805) 252-8330. $1 .61 to $1.80; 6 to 8 wks.
Tri-Pack reed relays are offered in three package configurations: open, enclosed, and fully sealed. The units are 1.25 X 0.35 in. and have a maximum contact rating of 10 W, 200 V and 0.75 A. They are available in lA to 5A, lB, 2B, lAlB and 2A2B contact forms. Both standard and sensitive coil voltages range from 6 to 48 V de.
CIRCLE NO. 370
Bright LEDs replace unbased incandescents

JENNINGSITT VACUUM TECHNOLOGY FOR TOMORROW...HERE TOOAY. CIRCLE NUMBER 75

Data Display Products , 303 N. Oak St.,
Inglewood, CA 90301. (213) 677-6166. $L21 (1000 qty); stock to 5 wks.
The UB181 series of LEDs is available in red, amber and green and have variable terminal spacing so that they may replace unbased incandescents. The LEDs fit PC boards where the holes are apart as much as 5/8 in. By replacing unbased incandescents you can get the same brightness with 10 times the lifetime at only half the current requirement. At a drive current of 20 mA, the LEDs put out typically 50 med (red), 35 med (amber) and 24 med (green) with a clear tinted encapsulation. The lamps have builtin resistors for various voltages from 2.4 to 28 V de or ac.
CIRCLE NO. 371
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

LED indicators sealed in aluminum cases
Minelco, 135 S. Main St. , Thomaston, CT 06787. (203) 283-8261. $31$4 (100
qty).
Model 1600 and 1610 LED indicators are sealed in aluminum cases for service in hazardous areas. The indicators, threaded for front-panel mounting, are secured with a lockwasher and hex nut. Model 1610 has an "O" ring for effective panel seal. Red, amber and green colors are available with clear or diffused lenses. High or standard-intensity LEDs can be specified.
CIRCLE NO. 372
Mini toggle switches meet UL and MIL-5-8805

WHETHERYOU'RE COUNTING

ONETHING EVERY NOi AND THEN

DR FIVE HUNDRED MILLION

EVERY SECOND,THIS CHIP

CAN HELP YOU DD IT BETTER MD

SAVE YOU MONEY, TOO.

It's the LS7031 6 decade MOS up

And it has power-saving features which

counter with 8 decade latch and

make it suitable for portable instruments.

multiplexer.

Leading zero blanking and leading zero

It can count up to 5MHz on its own blanking override. Overflow outputs for 6,

over its entire range of 4.75V to 15V. 7, or 8 decades.

It's the only MOS chip that allows you Our customers-including some of the

to attach prescalers and count up to 500 biggest manufacturers of frequency

MHz.

counters in the business-tell us it's the

But it's also so efficient and inexpen- best counter chip they've ever seen.

sive that you'd do well to consider it

We think you'll agree. Let us tell you

when you're counting things that go a lot more about it. Contact Ron Colino at

slower.

(516) 271-0400.

LS7031 · BLOCK DIAGRAM

TEC, 2727 N. Fairview A ve., Tucson, AZ 85705. (602) 792-2230.
Construction and materials of TEC miniature toggle switches comply with UL spec 1054 and MIL-S-8805. The switches have nickel-plated brass handles and threaded or plain brass bushings with nickel-plated finish. Lubricated plastic actuator slides provide a smooth operating feel. The housing is molded thermoset plastic. An optional epoxy seal gives added protection from outside contamination.
CIRCLE NO. 373
Blower delivers 515 cfm from 19-in. package
McLean Engineering Lab, 70 Washington Rd., Princeton, NJ 08550. Pete Stewart (609} 799-0100. $121; 8 w ks.
Model 1EB980B Sidewinder blowers (blower wheels mounted sideways) deliver 515 cfm from a compact 19-in. package. The airstream is 17-in. wide, which provides a wide distribution of filtered air across the entire system width. Slow blower speeds and high back pressures result in low noise levels.
CIRCLE NO. 374
EL ECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

IF YOU COULD HAVE DESIGNED THIS CIRCUIT, WE CAN EXPAND YOUR FUTURE

We design and build MOS / LSI circuits.
Mostly we do custom circuits. When we have any spare time, we do standards. Outstanding standards like this one .
Our custom customers cut right across the industrial spectrum. We're in everything from musical instruments to satellites.
We're at the forefront not only of our own technology, but of everybody else's.

Right now we're a comfortable-size outfit, but we're growing. Fast.
And we need a few good men and women. To grow with us.
If you came with us you'd be doing some of the most exciting creative work being done today. Give it some thought.
Then call Al Kaplan, Vice President at (516) 271-0400. Complete confidence of course.

CIRCLE NUMBER 95
123

true
,_,p DC/DC CONVIRTIRS
SAVE YOUR
CHIPS...
.. .AND
YOUR
INPUT
SOURCE The U, CU Series
~ INPUT PROTECTION : Over/Under Voltage Shutdown-Standard
~ CHIP PROTECTION: Clamped Logic Outputs
~INPUT RANGE TO 4:1 : 9-36V .. .18-72V ... 28-90V
~ UP TO 25 WATTS OUT: Singles-Triples-Quads
See Us in EEM and Gold Book
CIRCLE NUMBER 82 124

DATA PROCESSING
Mass storage available for Xerox computers
Telephile Computer Products, 17131 Daimler St. , Irvine, CA 92714. (714) 557-6660. $77, 880; 25 wks.
Matchmaker II is a mass storage facility for Xerox computers. The storage is built around a µP-based device controller that can be used with disc drives and tape transports to provide billions of bytes of mass storage. The facility is plug compatible with any Sigma series computer, 5 through 9, and the total system can be expanded in modular increments. Up to eight devices can be connected to a single host computer. For maximum fastaccess storage, 317.5-Mbit Winchester storage modules are normally specified. Drives can be combined in any mixture, along with 800/ 1600 and 1600/ 6250-bits/ in tape transports to serve as on-line active or off-line backup storage.
CIRCLE NO. 376
Punched-tape system fits on desk top

CRT terminal has 2000-char memory
Ann Arbor Terminals, 6107 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, Ml 48103. Sarah Freeman (313) 769-0926. $1200; 8 wks.
The Model 400E is a compact TTYcompatible terminal that contains a 2000-character memory. The display format is 24 lines by 80 characters, with an additional line of memory that can be accessed in either roll or scroll modes. Blink, dim and reverse-video are standard as are RS232 interface and RSl70 video output for driving auxiliary monitors. A 72-key detachable keyboard generates the full 128-character ASCII set. The unit measures 15 X 14 X 13.6 in. plus keyboard.
CIRCLE NO. 378
Brighter CRT improves viewing of terminal
Hewlett-Packard, 1507 Page Mill Rd. , Palo Alto, CA 94304. (415) 856-1 501 . $14 75.
An advance in electron gun design increases the brightness of a 96 X 119mm random-plotting electrostatic display to a minimum of 500 cd/ m2· Option 530 of the Model 1332A CRT display is three times brighter to improve visibility in high ambient lighting. The brightness is specified at 2.5 mm/µs writing speed and 60 Hz refresh rate, with a spot size of 0.38 mm.
CIRCLE NO. 379

Remex, 1733 E. Alton St. , Irvine, CA 92713. (714 ) 557-6860. From $1900; 8 to 13 wks.
The Model 8050 desktop punchedtape systems are available in reader/ perforator or perforator-only configurations. The perforator operates at 50 char/ s and the circuitry includes a 128-byte buffer to allow true asynchronous operation in a parallel mode or burst operation up to 1200 baud in the serial mode. The reader processes standard 5, 7 and 8-channel tape and six/ eight-channel typesetter tape in both directions at a rate of 300 char/ s or up to 2400 baud with the serial interface.
CIRCLE NO. 377

Control interface unit enhances printer
Sheldon-Sodeco Printer, 4 Wes tches ter Plaza, Elmsf ord, NY 10523. (914) 592-4400. $210.
A printer control interface for PRseries 15 and 21-column impact printing mechanisms uses an F8 3-chip microcomputer set. The Model 4-621-9205 accepts ASCII serial, ASCII parallel (8bit), RS-232 or BCD parallel (4-bit) data entry formats. The control and interface board contains a ROM character generator, a full-line buffer, timing control, full handshaking facilities, selectable parallel or serial speeds to 2400 baud and related logic to interface and control the printer mechanisms.
CIRCLE NO. 380
CIRCLE NUMBER 81 ...

Our 50-watt switch. ~:a: The lowcost alternative.
Switch up to 7 times the power of a similarsize reed switch with our new axial-travel switch. Handle inductive loads without arc
suppression. Just like triacs. Buy the 50-watt version with tungsten contacts
for only 33~ in quantities of 25,000. Or the 25-watt model with standard contacts for even less. Call or write for details on the ATS.
EAC Electronic Applications Company 4918 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte, California 91734
213/442-3212 TWX 910/587-3351
913
~dl.lMg New ~ ~ Reflobr/JJ[f
PVROFILM
Engelmann Microwave Co. - Affiliate of Pyrofi/m Corporation 60 S. Jefferson Road · Whippany, N. J. 07981 · (201) 887-8100

Applieation notes
Time interval instruments
Three application notes discuss important aspects of precision time-interval measurements and generation. Each of the notes details the measurement set-up with appropriate block diagrams and includes special measurement considerations for that application. Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, CA
CIRCLE NO. 381
Interlacing LED displays
Simple methods of interfacing LED alphanumeric displays with microprocessors, including the 8080, Z-80 and 6800 are included in a brochure. Litronix, Cupertino, CA
CIRCLE NO. 382

Smoke suppressants
An eight-page brochure presents a comprehensive series of questions and answers about flame and smoke suppressants for filament winding, pultrusion, casting, hand lay-up, resin induction, spray-up and continuous-panel production. Solem Industries, Atlanta, GA
CIRCLE NO. 383
Multipliers
A log/linear circuit, which achieves extremely low noise and distortion, is described in "Log/Lin Multiplier." The IC development is described from the initial concept and breadboarding to computer analysis, layout and integration. Interdesign, Sunnyvale, CA
CIRCLE NO. 384
0-rings
A 140-page 0-ring catalog includes a base-polymer selection guide and installation-design data. Minor Rubber, Bloomfield, NJ
CIRCLE NO. 385

Breadboarding
Electronic prototyping, development and testing hardware are described in a 12-page catalog. Continental Specialties, New Haven, CT
CIRCLE NO. 386
Battery charger
"Current Limited and Voltage Regulated Battery Charger" provides details on how a circuit is designed to properly rejuvenate a 44 A-h lead-acid battery from fully discharged to fully charged in three hours. Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX
CIRCLE NO. 387
Photometer/radiometer
The characteristics and applications of the Model J16 digital photometer/radiometer are described in a sixpage brochure. The brochure lists application notes, covering subjects from testing medical equipment to measuring laser output. Tektronix, Beaverton, OR
CIRCLE NO. 388

Yours free,from
Engelhard: Four helpful, fact-packed books on how to save time, trouble, money ... with unique electrical contact products and capabilities available only from Engelhard. Look into the many advantages of our RAISEOLAY®permanently bonded contact strip, for example. Check our high quality, solderable, formable ECON-0-CLAD® contact strip. Consider our firmly bonded, close tolerance ECON-0-TAPE®coil strip, ideal for high-speed automation. And don't forget our Total PERFORMANCE in electrical contacts, contact assemblies and contact materials. It all adds up to the very best ... in research, design, manufacture, service ... to help you profit with better contacts. Write or call (617) 695-7811 for your free books today.

···
126

ENGE&H.ARD

ENGELHARD / PLAINVILLE EN GEL HARD INDUSTRIES DIVISION E N GELH ARD MIN ERA LS a CHE MICALS CORPO RATION
ROUTE #152 , PLAINVILLE , MASS A CHUSETTS 02762 An Equ·I Opportunity Employer

CIRCLE NUMBER 87

ELECTRONIC D ES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

Bulletin
board

Intel's 8080A microprocessor has become the first µP to win approval as a military-standard device.
CIRCLE NO. 389
Philips Test & Measuring Instruments has reduced prices on four pulse generators. The PM 5712, reduced in price from $895 to $850, is a 10-V pulse generator. The PM 5715, reduced from $1115 to $1050, is a 50-MHz pulse generator. The PM 5716 50-MHz, 20-V pulse generator has been reduced from $2245 to $1995. The PM 5771, originally $2245, has been reduced to $2195.
CIRCLE NO. 390
National Semiconductor's plasticpackage INS8080AN µP is now listed at $9.98 (1-24 qty. ) reduced from $15.50 each. In 100-up quantities, the device is $7.10 reduced from $10.80.
CIRCLE NO. 391
Monolithic Memories and Raytheon's Semiconductor Div. have agreed to alternate-source certain of each other's proprietary bipolar LSI integrated-circuit products.
CIRCLE NO. 392
Motorola is upgrading its high-speed ECL-logic lines to the LSI era by gradually phasing out the MECL II line (MClOOOO and MC12000 series) and increasing the emphasis on new LSI capabilities, supported by the existing MECL lOk line.
CIRCLE NO. 393
Communications Transistor Corp. (CTC) has lowered prices on its balanced transistor line by 5 to 15%.
CIRCLE NO. 394
Prices of Texas Instruments basic Model 770/1 intelligent terminal and the Model 770/2 with built-in thermal printer have been reduced. The quantity-one, U.S. domestic price of the Model 770/ 1 has been reduced from $6400 to $4995 and the Model 770/ 2 has been reduced from $7500 to $6095.
CIRCLE NO. 395
EL ECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

Our best is typical of our entire line
Regardless of price-and there is a wide range at Bliley-each of our components is designed and made for total reliability in its intended application . Think about that the next time your budget threatens your design parameters. Then, tell Bli/ey about your requirements . Meantime, update your files with our new catalog C/ AR . It's yours for the asking .
Quartz Crystals · Crystal Oscillators
BULEY ELECTRIC COMPANY
2545 West Grandview Boulevard, P.O. Box 3428, Erie , PA. 16508 Tel. (814 ) 838-3571 TWX 510-696-6886
CIRCLE NUMBER 84
Save Your Copies of
Electronic Design
in handsome
library files or binders

Keep your valuable copies neat and organized for ready reference.

Each rugged case or binder holds half a year's issues. Richly covered

in dark green leatherette and embossed with 16K gold lettering -

-------------------------- a handsome and practical addition to your bookshelf or desk.

Ma il to: Jesse Jones Box Corp., Box 5120. Philadelphia, Pa. 19141

; Please send me:

Library Cases at $4.95 each ; 3 for $14; 6 for $24, postpaid . II

_ _ _ Binders at $6.50 each ; 3 for $18.75; 6 for $36, postpaid.

I (Add $1. each outside U.SA. to cover add itional postage and handling )

I Check or money order (U .S. funds) for$_ _ enclosed .

I Name (Print)

I I Title I Company
I Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 I City/Province

I State/Country I Zip or Postal Code No .

I I

=.=:!!!: l - _ _ _ _ _ _!!1!!!!.c!!:_g=~

_ _ _ _ ~~ ~!.:e!:_l:_!e~y.:._

127

New literature
Oscilloscopes
A specification folder describes accessories to extend the measurement capabilities of the company's products. Described is a complete line of voltage, current, temperature, FET, generalpurpose modular, and logic probes. Tektronix, Beaverton, OR
CIRCLE NO. 396

Transistors
Descriptions, parameters and part numbers for the company's line of high-power transistors, rectifiers, thyristors and assemblies can be found in a 20-page product guide. Westinghouse Electric, Youngwood, PA
CIRCLE NO. 397
Bridges
Single-phase bridges rated at 10, 25, and 35 A to 1000 V are highlighted in a four-page bulletin. General Instrument, Discrete Semiconductor Div., Hicksville, NY
CIRCLE NO. 398
Semi replacement guide
The 1978 300-page ECG Semiconductor Master Replacement Guide and Catalog cross references, in alphanumeric order, more than 137,000 industry part numbers to the Sylvania ECG semiconductor line. The guide costs $2.95. GTE Marketing Services, West Seneca, NY
CIRCLE NO. 399

Wire and cable
Technical data, specifications, useful tables and ordering information on e lectronic-instrument wire, thermocouple wire and thermocoupleextension wire and cable is given in a 64-page catalog. Delco Wire and Cable, Bristol, PA
CIRCLE NO. 403
Rms-to-dc converter
Analog Dialogue contains application notes on a monolithic rms-to-dc converter that is laser-trimmed to 0.2% maximum error. Design notes include six pages on analog-signal handling to preserve IC-converter speed, resolution, and accuracy. Analog Devices, Norwood, MA
CIRCLE NO. 404
Function generators
Specifications for function generators, waveform generators and frequency synthesizers are detailed in a 66-page catalog. Exact Electronics, Hillsboro, OR
CIRCLE NO. 405

DATA ACQUISITION
SYSTEMS

Tustin manufactures a wide variety of off-the-shelf Data Acquisition Systems utilizing a building block approach. Possibly one of our standard systems will fulfill your requirements. If not, because of the flexibility of our systems, we should be able to provide you with a non-standard unit with minimal engineering costs. We have provided systems with a combination of the following features:

· ± 10.0 MV to ± 10.0 Volts Full Scale · 8 - 16 Bit Analog-to-Digital Converters · ±0.01 % Full Scale Accuracy · Scan Rates of 1O Hz/Ch to 1.0 MHz/Ch.
· 1 to 1024 Channels · Instrumentation Amplifier per Channel -
width @ 140 DB CMRR · Active Filters - 2 to 12 poles · Simultaneous Sample & Hold Amplifiers · Digital-to-Analog Converters · Signal Conditioning

100 KHz Band-

CIRCLE NUMBER 89
128

Tustin has established a solid reputation based on:
· Reliability · Specifications · Flexibility · Delivery
Contact us before you buy your next Data Acquisition System.
TUSTIN
ELECTRONICS COMPANY
1431 E. St. Andrews Place Santa Ana, California 92705
(714) 549-0391
ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Satellite communications
A 16-page brochure describes the company's capabilities in satellite communications from providing earth-station products, to installation of complete earth stations on a turnkey basis. California Microwave, Sunnyvale, CA
CIRCLE NO. 406
Flexible disc drives
An eight-page brochure highlights a famil y of flexible-disc drives. Pertee Computer, Chatsworth, CA
CIRCLE NO. 407

Nylon bushings
Insulated bushings, strain reliefs, hole and vent plugs, cable and wirefastening devices, cube taps, terminal bushings, adapters, assembly tools and lab kits are described in a 24-page catalog. Engineering data, application and installation instructions are also included. Heyman Manufacturing, Kenilworth, NJ
CIRCLE NO. 412

Discretes and hybrids
A broad ra nge of discrete, hybrid and monolithic products-data-acquisition and computer I/ 0 systems; data-conversion products; operational, isolation and instrumentation amplifiers; active filters; analog circuit functions; and modular power supplies-are described with essential specs in a 76page catalog. Burr-Brown, Tucson, AZ
CIRCLE NO. 413

Tantalum capacitors
Performance applications and mechanical characteristics for microminiature tantalum capacitors are listed in a four-page brochure. A total of 41 parts in five case sizes is described. Corning Glass Works, Corning, NY
CIRCLE NO. 408
Tools
Hard-to-find tools are described in a 152-page catalog. Jensen Tools and Alloys, Tempe, AZ
CIRCLE NO. 409
Recording charts
Precision-engineered recording charts for a variety of instruments are described in a 16-page brochure. The bulletin offers a description of accessories available, such as ink, pens and recording styli. Bristol Div., Acco, Waterbury, CT
CIRCLE NO. 410
Semiconductors
Three short-form semiconductor catalogs are available. "Micro-miniature Semiconductors and Silicon Networks," a 24-page booklet, covers Micro-E and SOT-23 miniature encapsulated semiconductors. "Rf Diodes and Transistors," a 20-page booklet, includes capacitance tuner diodes, Schottky-barrier diodes, radio-TV-i-f low-noise uhf/vhf and power transistors . "Opto-electronic Devices" covers instrument photocells, phototransistors, photodiodes, solar-power modules and cells, and bipolar photoswitches. Ferranti, Chatterton Oldham, OL9 8NP England.
CIRCLE NO. 411
EL ECTRONI C DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

Designing a measurement and control application without al I the facts makes as much sense as trying to pole vault with a yardstick. You need information . All of it. From Airpax. And the only way to get all our information is to get all our catalogs. Not just Meter and Pick-up catalogs, but our Tachometry catalog , too.
Tons of tachs
If a designer needs anything he needs quality and variety in his tachometry. You get it with Airpax. Our Tachometry catalog lets you pick and

choose from dozens of configurations, including digital and analog instrumentation. All of it is engineered to overcome trouble areas like vibration , noise and rt interference. So send for our free Tach catalog. Then you 'll have the whole story.
Airpax El ec t ro nics . Incorpo rated 6801 West Sun ri se Bou levard Fo rt Lauderda le . Fl orida 33313 305 / 587 / 11 00
A Division o f North A m e ri can Philips Controls Corporation

If you haven't got our Tachometry catalog, you haven't got the whole story.

<(I
CIRCLE NUMBER 90 129

S E M I PACK®
is the answer!
What was your question?

SEMI PACK is the standard multi· function power semiconductor building block for controlled and
non-controlled systems. Standard circuit configurations are:

-o

L..,L

0 +

I ~.

ANTI-PARALLEL PAIRS

! ~~ - o

,....

HALF.CONTROLLED BRIDGE

=~.

- o ~ ...,
HALF-BRIDGE

0 '--114·1---o -
+

FREEWHEELING DIODE

SEMI PACK is a modular concept, electrically isolated and mechanically compatible for simple assembly into single and three-phase bridges such as ...
· HALF CONTROLLED
· FULLYCONTROLLED
· DIODE BRIDGES
· AC CONTROLLERS (2 to 4 wire)
Module rating: 25 to160.A: per device to 1600 PIV. Typical applications include: phase and inverter motor controllers, electrical heating and lighting controls ...

JEDEC registration UL recognized.

For further information or technical literature write or call ...
Tel: 603 883-8102
"MAXl.SEMIPACK OON available.

SEMIKRDl\I
INTERNATIONAL INC.

A MAJOR DESIGNER AND MANUFACTURER OF POWER
sars. DIOOES. AND MULTIFUNCTION ASSEMBLIES
OF SEMICONDUCTORS
P.O. Box83 Hudson, NH 03051
CIRCLE NUMBER 83
130

Electronic oesian Electronic Design

ELECTRONIC DESIGN'S function is:
· To aid progress in the electronics manufacturing industry by promoting good design. · To give the electronic design engineer concepts and ideas that make his job easier and more productive. · To provide a central source of timely electronics information. · To promote communication among members of the electronics engineering comm unity.
Want a subscription? ELECTRONIC DESIGN is circulated free of charge to those individuals in the United States and Western Europe who function in design and development engineering in companies that incorporate electronics in their end product and govern ment or military agencies involved in electronics activities. For a free subscription, use the application form bound in the magazine or write for an application form .
If you do not qualify, paid subscription rates are as follows : $30.00 per year (26 issues) U.S./Canada/Mexico, $40.00 per year (26 issues) all other countries. Single copies are $2.50 U.S. and all other countries. The Gold Book (27th issue) may be purchased for $30.00 U.S./Canada/Mexico, and $40.00 all other countries.
If you change your address, send us an old mailing label and your new address; there is generally a postcard for this in the magazine. You will have to requalify to continue receiving ELECTRONIC DESIGN free.
The accuracy policy of ELECTRONIC DESIGN is: · To make diligent efforts to ensure the accuracy of editorial matter. · To publish prompt corrections whenever inaccuracies are brought to our attention. Corrections appear in "Across the Desk." · To encourage our readers as responsible members of our business community to report to us misleading or fraudulent advertising. · To refuse any advertisement deemed to be misleading or fraudulent.
Individual article reprints and microfilm copies of complete annual volumes are available. Reprints cost $6.00 each, prepaid ($.50 .for each additional copy of the same article), no matter how long the article. Microfilmed volumes cost $23 for 1976 (Vol. 24); $30 for 1973-75 (Vols. 21-23), varied prices for 1952-72 (Vols. 1-20). Prices may change. For further details and to place orders, contact Customer Services Dept. University Microfilms, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. (313) 761-4700.
Want to contact us? If you have any comments or wish to submit a manuscript or article outline, address your correspondence to:
Editor ELECTRONIC DESIGN 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Advertising Sales Staff Susan G. Apolant Sa les Coordinator
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 Robert W. Gascoigne Thomas P. Barth Stan Tessler Constance McKinley 50 Essex St. (201) 843-0550 TWX: 710-990-5071 (HAYDE NPUB ROPK)
Philadelphia Thomas P. Barth (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 (312) 337-0588
Los Angeles 90045 Stanley I. Ehrenclou Burt Underwood 8939 Sepulveda Blvd . (213) 641-6544
Texas Burt Underwood (2 13) 641-6544
San Francisco Robert A. Lukas 465 S. Mathilda , Suite 302 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 736-6667
United Kingdom-Scandinavia Constance McKinley 50 Essex St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 Phone: (201) 843-0550
Europe W. J . M. Sanders S.l.P .A.S. Raadhuisstraat 24 - P.O. Box 25 1484 EN Graft-de- Ryp , Holland Tel: 02997-1303 and 3660 Telex: 13039 SIPAS NL Telegrams:SIPAS-Amsterdam G. Nebut Promotion Presse Internationale 7 ter Gour des Petites Ecuries 75010 Paris, France Telephone: 5231917. 1918. 1919 Dieter Wollenberg Erikastrasse 8 D-8011 Baldham/ Muenchen Germany Telephone: 0 8106/4541 Robert M. Saidel Technimedia In ternational Vi a G. Fara , 30 20124 Milan , Italy Tel : 65.72.765 Telex: 25897 Utid ioma
Tokyo Haruki Hirayama EMS. In c. 5th Floor, Lila Bldg., 4-9-8 Roppongi Minato-ku , Tokyo. Japan Phone: 402-4556 Cable: EMSINCPERIOD. Tokyo

~ABP

·=·¥

ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

quickad1

New and current products for the electronic designer presented by their manufacturers.

Electronic oesiun

FIGARO GAS SENSOR TGS is a gas sensitive semiconductor. When combustible gas is absorbed on the sensor surface, a marked decrease of electrical resistance occurs. Major features of the sensor include high sensitivity, long term reliability and low cost. The applications are: GASLEAK ALARM, AUTOMATIC FAN CON-
TROL, FIRE ALARM, ALCOHOL DETECTOR, etc. Figaro Engineering Inc., North
America Office-3303 Habor Boulevard, Suite D-8, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626 Tel: (714) 751-4103 Telex: 678396

GAS SENSOR

181

Free New catalog contains over 34,500 quality power supplies from the world's
largest manufacturer, Power/Mate Corp. Power Supplies for every application in-
cluding submodulars, open frame, vari-
rated, encapsulated, laboratory & system. All units UL approved and meet most
military and commercial specs for industrial and computer uses. Power/Mate Corp., 514 S. River St., Hackensack, NJ
07601 (201) 343-6294

POWER SUPPLIES

187

NEW "PLATFORM CONNECTOR" MOUNTS ANYWHERE ON PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
& CARD EDGE LOCATION ISN'T NEEDED. For fast assembly production usage in consumer electronic, communications and industrial control products. Contacts on .156" centers. Minimum withdrawal force 2.5 ozs. Twin terminations design for wave soldering to circuit board provides
approximately 50 % more current capac· ity. METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC., 1700 Hicks Road, Dept. PR, Rolling Meadows,
IL 60008. (312) 392-3500.

PLATFORM CONNECTORS

183

400 IDEAS FOR DESIGN, Volume 3, ed. by
Morris Grossman . Brainstorm with the experts! Volume 3 of 400 IDEAS FOR DE-
SIGN conta ins the best selections from Electronic Design that were published between 1971 and 1974. You'll find a wide range of ideas from very complicated to
simple, but unique, approaches. #5111 -5, 348 pp., $13.95. Circle the Info Retrieval Number to order your 15-day exam copy. When billed, remit or return book with no obligation. Hayden Book Co., 50 Essex
St., Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662.

IDEAS FOR DESIGN

197

FORM YOUR OWN MAGNETIC SHIELDS When you need only one or two magnetic shields, save time and money by shaping your own. All it takes is a scissors and our improved Eagle alloys for magnetic shielding. We'll gladly help. Check the card in
this publication and we'll send full details on Eagle foil and sheet stock. Eagle Magnetic Co., Inc., Box 24283, Indianapolis,
IN 46224 317/297-1030.

MAGNETIC SHIELDING

184

LED Switches from AMP give you immediate and continual visible indication of switch and circuit operation. Diagnosis is
simpler. Servicing and downtime are re duced . And installation is easy. They have a cycle life of at least 7,000 cycles per pole and are really rugged. For more
information, call AMP Customer Service at (717) 564-0100. Or write AMP lncor· porated, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

LED DIP SWITCHES

185

· · · · · · · · · ·

Overcurrent Protector, manual reset elimi· nates fuse replacement. Convenient panel mounting. 19 fractonal ratings from 0.1 to 5 amp. Other models up to 400 amp. Trip-free and fool -proof, UL and CSA approved . High qua lity, low cost $1.49 ea . in 1000 lots. E·T·A Circuit Breakers, 7400 N. Croname Rd ., Chicago, Ill. 60648. Tel: (312) 647-8303. Telex: 253780.

STAMPED CIRCUITS look like etched cir· cuits, but they're not. They're stamped -and cost less. One oz., 2 oz., and up to 4 oz. copper available on all conventional PC board materia ls. Rogers Co rporation, 5259 Minola Drive, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 (404) 981 -9830

FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZERS. GenRad of-

fers the best combination of low-phase

noise, fast switching speed and price.

Frequency range portant features:

is de to 500 non -harmonic

MHz. spurs

Im>-

80 dB down; a-m, fm and pm capabilites;

built-in search sweep; programmable

(BCD parallel) frequency control; and op-

tional resolution to 0.1 Hz. GenRad, 300

Baker Ave., Concord, MA 01742, (617)

369-8770.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

186 MEKTRON

182 FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZERS

188

uick od1

New and current products for the electronic designer presented by their manufacturers.

IEEE 488 CONTROLLER FOR MICROCOM·
PUTERS. The ZT 80, a self-contained intelligent controller, interfaces IEEE 488 bus instruments and peripherals to Intel
SBC 80 (Single Board Computer) or MOS (Development Systems). ZT 80 fits in one SBC/MOS card slot and has a 1 KByte shared memory area to store programs
and data . ZT 80 has complete controller, talker and listener capability. $9SO (unit qty), Seit-test option $7S; Stock. ZIATECH Corporation, 10762 La Roda Drive, Cuper-
tino, CA 9S014. (408) 996-7082.

GPI B CONTROLLER

189

NEW PRODUCT · UNIVERSAL 6 DIGIT COUNTER-TIMER-CLOCK. IT counts up,
down, stores, presets, compares, resets, sets off alarms, measures speed, time, length, volume, levels, frequency, rpm and DOES NOTHING if you tell him so, all with one SINGLE l.C. It is available through our WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION
NETWORK after it has been BURNED-IN for lSO HOURS and passed ALL the TESTS. PRICED at $79 unit quantity. IMC, 4016 E. Tennessee St., Tucson, AZ 8S714 (602) 748-7900

COUNTER-TIMER-CLOCK

190

Free 1978 Catalog of Recorder Products.

Complete description of all Memodyne incremental and continuous digital cassette recorders, data loggers, transports, universal readers and high speed record-
ing system with illustrations, block diagrams, mechanical dimensions and tim· ing sequences are contained in this new

catalog. Accessories, supplies, cassettes and a price list are also included. Write for your free copy! Memodyne Corporation, 38S Elliot Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02164 (617) S27·6600

FREE RECORDER CATALOG

191

RUBIDIUM OSCILLATORS Series FRK are ultra stable, reliable, light (2.9 lb) small (4x4x4.S") and ideal for navigation/posi-
tion location and communication systems. The unit provides 10 MHz; S and 1 MHz optional. Long-term stability lxlQ-11 / month, short term lxlQ·"/100 sec. avg times and extremely low noise. Available commercial and MIL (radiation hardened)
EFRATOM CALIFORNIA, INC., 188Sl Bardeen Ave., Irvine, CA 9271S · (714) 7S2-
2891

OSCILLATORS

192

STOCK CASES AND ENCLOSURES, OVER
600 SIZES, ranging from 4" x 4" to 13" x 13". Depth variatio,ns to 12" in
increments of Ya". Laminated Formica®-
mahogany-Formica® construction for ut-
most strength and attractiveness. Prices from $3S. to $8S., less quantity discounts. Choices of hardware. Modifications if required. Prompt off-the-shelf ship-
ments. W. A. Miller Co., Inc., 36 Mingo Loop, Oquossoc, Maine 04964. (207) 864-3344

STOCK CASES/ENCLOSURES

193

Product for the month of March series 388 conductive plastic, series 389 cermet, potentiometer - rotary switch - push pull or momentary switch. All modules operated by a single shaft, in a package only 1/2" square by 1 3/16 of an inch deep, available with many terminal configurations. Unit cost one thousand piece quantities series 388, $3.8S; series 389, $4.00. For further information contact your local representative or Clarostat Manufacturing Company, Inc., Washington Street, Dover, New Hampshire 03820
SERIES 388-389 POTENTIOMETER 194

CHIP THERMISTORS combine small size
with relability and low cost. R @ 2s0 c
son to soon ±10% to ±1%. INTER· CHANGEABLE tolerances ± 1°C, ± .S°C or ±2°C. Point matched interchangeables
to ± 1%. HYBRID CHIPS and PROBES to your specs. WESTERN THERM IS T 0 R CORP., 3S4 Via Del Monte, Oceanside, CA 920S4. (714) 433·4484. TWX 910·322·
1983

THERMISTORS

195

UNIVERSAL JUNCTION UNIT . . . for three devices, RS232C or current loop.
... Six switches provide all 63 intercon· nects that are possible between three 1-0 devices. LED's indicate data flow. . . . . . . Designed to provide circuit com· patibility and easy data routing between different manufacturer's devices. . . . . . . $3SO (1·4) from DIGITAL LABORATORIES, 600 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02172 (617) 924-1680

3 PORT RS232 & 20 MA LOOP

196

PROGRAMMING PROVERBS FOR FOR· TRAN PROGRAMMERS, H. F. Ledgard.
These 26 unique "proverbs," or rules and
guidelines, are specially designed to help FORTRAN programmers upgrade the qual ·
ity of their work. Comes with many sample
programs. # S820-9, 144 pages, $6.95 . Circle the Info Retrieval Number to order
lS-day exam copy. When billed, remit or return book with no obligation. Hayden
Book Co., SO Essex Street, Rochelle Park, N.J. 07662.

PROGRAMMING PROVERBS

198

Electronic nas1an (recruitment and classified ads)

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD - CALL RECRUITMENT HOT LINE 201-843-0550

LATE CLOSING DATES
Electronic Design is mailed every two weeks. Because of its timeliness, personnel recruitment advertising closes only two weeks before each issue's mailing date.

luue
Date

Recruitment Closing Date

Malling Date

Apr. 12 Apr. 26 May 10 May 24 June 7 June 21 July 5 July 19

Mar.17 Mar. 31 Apr. 14 Apr. 28 May 12 May 26 June 9 June 23

Mar. 31 Apr. 14 Apr. 28 May 12 May 26 June 9 June 23 July 7

Camera-ready film (right reading
negatives, emulsion side down) or camera-ready mechanicals must be received by deadline. Or. if you wish us to set your ad (typesetting is free)
simply pick up the phone and call our RECRUITMENT HOT LINE:
(201) 843-0550

PLACE YOUR AD AT ONLY ---S55---
PER COLUMN INCH IN

NUMERICAL CONTROL ENGINEER
You're Going To Love Houston! It's Warm, It's Beautiful, It's Growing

In Houston , Texas , NL Atlas Bradford, a growth-oriented division of NL Industries. has an outstanding opportunity for the individual with 3 to 5 years experience as a N/ C Engineer. 2 years experience on G.E. 550TXcontrolsandthe ability to trouble-shoot N/ C problems to the component level as well as diagnose systems problems are also required. Electronics degree is beneficial. This position provides an excellent income commensurate with your experience, a generous benefits program that includes a full insurance program, pension plan , educational assistance, and complete relocation assistance. plus outstand ing opportunities for both professional and personal growth . In addition , you'll find the lifestyle in Houston to your liking with excellent housing , schools. shopping and many outstanding cultural activities.
Interested candidates possessing the above qualifications should forward their resume and salary history to:
Industrial Relations Department

Atlas

P.O. Box 15197

Bradford Houston, Texas 77020

All replies held in confidence.
We Are An Equal Oppo rtun ity Employer M/ F

U.S. and Overseas Employment with U.S. Foreign Service
The Department of State is recruiting experienced engineers for careers in the field of technical security. Applicants must be willing to accept world-wide assignments. Starting salary range is $17,231 to $22,381 plus housing and other appropriate allowances while overseas.
S.S. or M.S. in electrical/electronic engineering, and 3 to 5 years professional experience are required. American citizenship, excellent health and ability to qualify for a high level security clearance are also necessary. Send completed federal employment form SF-171 and resume to:
OFFICER, EMPLOYMENT BRANCH EMPLOYMENT DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20520
An Equal Opportunity Employer

E 1.1-.c n oN 1c D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

133

r-------------m

I I I I I I I I I

ENGINEERS Design, Development, Testing
Due to the rapidly expanding use of electronic systems for convenience, entertainment and control devices, and the increasing sophistication of automotive electrical systems, Ford Motor Company has immediate

I I I I

opportunities offering excellent career development for graduate

engineers .
Responsibilities will include areas of design, development release to production, and testing of components and systems in the areas indicated below. Positions offer excellent starting salaries and comprehensive

I I

employee benefits program. These positions are located in the Dearborn ,

~i;;~~;ENT II ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR Qualified candidate will have a MSEE or Ph.D. with specialization in I physical electronics plus four to seven years experience in circuit design and process technology for bipolar and MOS large scale

integrated circuits .

ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER
We have a cha llenging pos1t1on rn the Controls Desrgn field working with elec tronics. electrica l, pneumatic, and micro-processor technologies. We design and manufacture control systems for the pet rochemical p1pel1ne transm issions industry, utilit y industries and turbo-machinery
Prefer a candidate with a BSEE. 2 to 3 years experience or recent graduate Company located in central Ohio 1s on an outstanding growth pattern offers stab le pos1t1on with excellent pay and complete benefit programs
If you are qual1f1ed for a chal-
lenging pos1t1on with a top quality
organization send resume and sa lary h istory to

I co~x~e~~c~~n~n~l~~!~~~t~I I circuit design, integrated circuit

Cooper Energy Services

I I I

ELEdcsr RoNlctclncrulryoEsl6NERtechniques.
Experience with design rules and limitations, semiconductor wafer fabrication , knowledge and skill in the interface/circuit/process
nS'tEONG1NEERctronic design.

I I

Manager Salaried Personne l North Sandusky Street Mount Vernon . Ohio 43050

Equal Opportu ni ty Emplo yer M F
1-====R=&=o==~

Experience in test procedures and test programs to determine
functional and durability performance of senso r fuel control feedback System .

I PR0DUCT DESIGN ENG INEER Qualified candidate will have design and development experience in

one or more of the following : · Digital and analog servo-control systems

· Small mechanisms, electro mechanical devices, hydraulic and pneumatic valves and actuators, and electronic

I I
I

packaging · Digital hardware and software design
· Vehicle instrumentation , packaging of gages, clocks , warning lights , etc.
·Small motors for vehicle applications
For immediate and confidential attention, please send your resume to :

I 1 I

~ . I Electr1'cal and Electron1'c D1'v1's1'on Product Engineering Office P.O. Box 2053, Rm. B-094

DESIGN QC/ AQ
1 Conf·dent·al screen>ng aga·nst Nauonal
I ~:£~~:.A:LEEAESvEE~A~C1~sKING OF A

C ALL TOLL FREE 24 HOU RS

1-800 -821-2210 xsos

1
I

( on Mo . 1-800-892-7655)

A&D cir cuit Des..

. ..... s21.21K

IC Des ign .... . .......... St6·25K

MDiiacgronoprsotcice PsSgOmI gap. ps. .

. ... ..Ss2t90·-23D9KK

MCmF -pFllreIcmtroagneicGPekngg

· · ..Ss2ts0-239oKK

FMOinRiT-cRoAmNp.u.t er Ar ch

. . .. Sst270··3206KK

I I

Med Frectronics NDTF
com m svs Des

.. St8·27K .St6-28K
s1s-2sK

Ralph Stevenson. VP

JIM KING

1 438 Gulf Life Tower ~=J=a=ck=s=o=n=vi=lle='=F=1o=r=id=a=3=2=2=01~

TRANSFORMER ENGINEER
eAxupdeiorieanncde.poFwuellr dbeesnigenfit.s4 &yeapresnmsioi nnimaunmd

profit sha';,~~~o~~~";J 10:
1I L---v:A::L:L5E:::1f6=r5r6:f:E1:~:~:~-63:J:y051:1:5:08~2-.1

EEE Building
I Dearborn, Michigan 48121

IL - - - - - - - - - - - - - An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F _

Help your
Heart··. Help your Heart Fund

134

E11 crRONIC D ESIG 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

EFFORTLESS . . .
If you 're ready to move on with your career, it can be a lot easier than you expect. We are the members of
~.l~~iNlanta~ntIe~l
who work extensively with electronics industry leaders. The compan ies we service have many openings and pay for us to search you out. Send your resume to the office nearest you. Then sit back and relax while we do the work.
BURTON PERSONNEL SERVICE 300 Walker Bui lding 120 Boylston Street Boston. Massachusetts 02116
(617) 482-1950
ANDERSON -TAYLOR P.O. Box 21 Exton. Pennsylvania 19341
(2 15) 363-1600
PETER A. KECHIK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1420 Renaissance Drive Park Ridge , Illinois 60068
(312) 298-1148
STAFF DYNAMICS. U.E. 26 Sixth Street Stamford , Connecticut 06905
(203) 324-6191
CAREER SPECIALISTS. INC. 4600 El Camino Real . Suite 206 Los Altos . California 94022
(4 15) 941-3200
BRENTWOOD PERSONNEL ASSOCIATES Electronic s Division 1280 Route 46 Parsippan y. New Jersey 07054
(201 ) 335-8700
190 associa tes interna tionally

The Boeing Company in Seattle , Washington , has a variety of challenging career opportunities for experienced engineers on a wide-range of programs.
Enjoy the relaxed life-styles and unspoiled beauty of the Pacific Northwest in the " Nation's Most Liveable City." You won 't find a better opportunity to combine career growth with a pleasing environment. We 'd like to hear from you it you have a BS degree or higher in engineering or computer science and experience in any of the following areas :

D AUTOMATED TEST INSTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT D COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN D COMPUTERS AND DISPLAYS DESIGN D DIGITAL CIRCUIT DESIGN D ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC TEST D ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND PROCESSES D ELECTRONIC PACKAGING DESIGN D ELECTRONIC PARTS EVALUATION D FLIGHT/ MISSION / SYSTEMS TEST D GUIDANCE AND CONTROL ANALYSIS D NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION D OPERATIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT D SOFTWARE/COMPUTING SYSTEM DESIGN AND
ANALYSIS D SOFTWARE /COMPUTING SYSTEM TEST AND
EVALUATION D SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE D TEST SYSTEMS SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT D TEST PROGRAM PLANNING D SYSTEMS DESIGN ANALYSIS D SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION D WIRING AND CONTROL DESIGN

Candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected candidates will be offered an attractive salary, comprehensive fringe benefits package , and relocation allowances.

Send your resume to The Boeing Company, P.O. Box 3707-LML, Seattle, WA 98124.

An equal opportunity employer.

llllE'IA'li
Getting people toge th er

E1.1:cTRoN1 c DES IGN 7, March 29, 1978

135

ENGINEERS
RCA Consumer Electronics
... is interviewing for Engineering positions requiring experience in one or more of the disciplines listed belo w . Successfu l candidates wi ll work on TV and other products or related systems planned for the consumer market.
· TV SYSTEMS · POWER & DEFLECTION · SIGNAL PROCESSING · TUNER DESIGN · DIGITAL SYSTEMS · MICROPROCESSOR APPLICATIONS · IC - LINEAR AND DIGITAL
(Consumer Products) · AUTOMATIC TEST EQUIPMENT
DEVELOPMENT · AUTOMATION TECHNIQUES · MECHANICAL DESIGN -
Electronic Products · MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
& PROCESSES
Openings are all degree levels. Competitive salaries and benefits. Send resume to: Professional Employment , M.S. 6-207 , RCA Corporation , 600 N. Sherman Drive , Indianapolis, IN 46201 .
ncn
We are an equal opportunity employer F/ M.

DYNALECTRON CORPORATION
Dynalectron is seeking candidates for immediate and an ticipated openings in the A lbuquerque area :
Electrical Engineer
Must have a MSEE, w ith a minimum of six years in digital logic design, D/ A and AI D. micro-processor systems. minicomputer/ display system integration for work on R & D infrared, electro-optics laser instrumentation system . Fortran IV, basic and machine language programming for problem systhesis, diagnostic routine and data processing. Responsibilities to include design , analysis , brass board . packaging , parts and subassembly, specific testing procedures and documentation .
Electrical Engineer
MSEE with a minimum of six years 1n analog / servo systems design. continuous and discrete time control sys tems. positive and negative feedback loop techniques, regulator circuits. power supply,low noise amplifier d es ign . RF tech niqu es. generalized video systems and associated expenence in digital interface and data processing techniques Responsib1 l1t1 es to include design . time domain ana lysis. brass board . packaging . parts and instruments spec1 f1 cat1ons. testing procedures and documentation .
Electrical Engineer
BSEE with five years experience 1n fir e control systems for modern aircraft weapon systems.
Mechanical Engineer
BSME with three years experience 1n an applied research laboratory. Work experience should include gas dynamics. vacuum technology . optics . control instrumentation and high pressure gas sys tems.
Systems Safety Engineer
BS in Science or Engineeri ng with eight years experience 1n Systems Safety Engin ee ring 1n R & Dand testing ac t1v1t1 es . Experienc e sho uld includ e PHA. OHA and FTA.
Mechanical Technicians
Associate degree 1s desirable . M1n1mum of two years experience in high pressure gas handling and /or cryogenic systems as well as pipe or tubing layou t ability. We lding . mach1n1st and elec trical backg round is desired .
Quality Assurance Inspectors
Associate degree desired with a minimum of five years experience in aerospace/ aircraft quality control in areas of elec tro-mechanical systems. cryogenic systems and high pressure tubing . Must be familiar with MI L-l-45208A . M IL-0-9858A . ASPRVI I and ASPRXIV .

Constance McKinley
RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING MANAGER ELECTRONIC DESIGN
50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, New Jersey 07662
(201 ) 843- 0550

I'm interested in placing recruitment advertising in Electron ic Design

Issue - - - - - - - - - Size of ad

D My copy is enclosed

D I need more info rmati on

Name

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a resum e of work history, experience and sa lary requiremen ts to :
Dynalectron Corporation

Personnel Department

P.O. Box 18068

KAFB Branch

,....................- I
lm-++T-i+.
I

Albuquerque, NM 87115
US C111zensh1p Required We are riti Eqllal Oppor1un11y Employer M F

Titl e
_________________ Company __________________ Address
___ City ---------State ____ Zip

,,,I'

I Telephone

L------------------~

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD
CALL THE RECRUITMENT HOT LINE 201·843·0550

136

Eu ·CTRON IC DES IGN 7, Ma r ch 29, I978

UkreSeeking~
Who Are SpeCial···
At HUTCHINSON we· provide a variety of unique products for some of the best known names in the industry-chemically etched and milled parts which are used in computer and medical applications. Our ultra modern facilities are located in a clean air setting just an hour from the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul ,and our company growth is reflected by the profile of our engineering staff: agQressive, energetic, innovative. We're currently seeking to build for the future. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER: The individual we're seeking will hold responsibility for the development and improvement of mechanisms and light machinery. Our ideal candidate must be able to work as an independent project engineer as well as advanced management. INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER: Will involve development of work standards for computerized applications. A BSIE or BSME with five years' related IE production and operating program experience in a sophisticated light manufacturing environment is required . To apply please submit letter or comprehensive resume with salary history, or call (collect) 612-879-2371 . Verne Meyer
IE£:
40 W. Highland Park Hutchinson, MN 55350 An Equal Opportunity Employer
LOGIC DESIGN
ENGINEER
At CRAY RESEARCH INC., we design, build, market and support Super Scale Computers used in scientific
applications. We currently have an outstanding opportunity for a Logic Design Engineer.
The candidate we are seeking will have primary responsibilities for covering the specification and design of custom interfaces to the CRAY-1 computer.
Preferred candidates have a BSEE or equivalent experience. A minimum of 2 years' logic design experience, and familiarity with IBM, DEC CDC, 1/0
design . This position offers excellent growth opportunities, salary and company benefits. Send resume and salary
history in complete confidence to:
Don Hable CRAY RESEARCH INC. Manufacturing Division
Industrial Park Chippewa Falls, Wisc. 54729 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F
- .. . . . . . . .c:~~4V' RESEARCH, INC.
Electronic oesian
BRINGS YOU THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF QUALIFIED EOEM ENGINEERS AND ENGINEERING
MANAGERS ANYWHERE AT THE LOWEST COST ANYWHERE!
ELECTRONIC D ESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

SOLID CAREER OPENINGS WITH HEATH
Share Our Strong, Continued Growth and Expansion

You know us for our quality Heathkits-and for our reputation for "doing things right." Our progress story goes far back, and prospects are very favorable for the years ahead.
SOFTWARE

_._._

DOCUMENTATION WRITER

An effective, proven technical writer needed to write Heathkit computer systems operations manuals and applications procedures . A B .Sc .CS or equivalent is required. Candidates must be familiar with LSl11 / PDP-11, software and applications programming , higher level languages, and operating
systems , principles and techniques.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Broad Assignments
Several positions open requiring demonstrated ability to write operating systems, utilities, interpreters, compiler software; 8080 or PDP/ 11 systems background helpful. Opportunity to do applications for new personal computers, a rapidly growing product. Calls for BS or advanced degree in CS, or equivalent.
WRITERS, TRAINING
Create Learning Programs
Inviting chance to use your writing, training , or teaching skills and background in electronics. Unusual room to develop courses and individual learning materials. Technical writing or training experience required .

Salaries are competitive, with excellent benefits additional. Our ideal location is a pleasant, small community on Lake Michigan , 90 minutes from Chicago.

Please sE>nd resume in confidence , or phone collect to Ken Smith . (616) 982-2673.

HEATH COMPANY
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/ F

JR. & SR. ELECTRONIC
ENGINEERS
If you are a BS, MS or PhD in EE or computer science with 0-7 years experience, we would like to talk to you . You are in desperate demand by electronic firms throughout the country. MAKE YOUR MOVE WHILE YOU ARE STILL YOUNG AND MOBILE.
Predictions indicate 1978 to be the most dynamic year in a decade for engineering employment. NOW IS THE TIME TO LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR YOUR FUTURE. Don't regard your present position as a temporary holding pattern or a place to wait for a lucky break. Present positions are the action base for future moves .
RCI is a technical search firm with an outstanding reputation representing a broad base of nationwide clients serving the Electronics industry. If you are interested in advancing your career, call us or send your resume or a brief hand written description of your background including present salary and geographic preferences in confidence to:
Search Director-Room D
Regional Consultants Inc.
213 West 9th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
513/579-1513
Rt·tm'H' llllll)[ El:"O Clwfll\ 0 11 /i
137

SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERS
Everybody knows that NCR means Computers and Term inals. But, everybody doesn 't know that NCR has a Microelectron ics Division . Our division of NCR is re.sponsible for designing and developing the unique custom devices used in most NCR systems. We do this because we can do it. We know what LSI is all about; we know how to achieve reliability , and we know what "yield " means.
We developed ou r own mic roc omputer ch ip set that contains elect ·cally alterable ROM 's, non-volatile RAM 's, SDLC Commun ications, and direct memory access. And , it operates in a multi-processor environment.
We do all this because we have a competent technical staff, advanced equipment in a modern facility and the backing of a $2-billion-a-year corporation .
Now we are growing - to do even more . To do th is, though , we must add to our staff. We need
· Design Engineers: BSEE (MSEE preferred)
w ith 2-3 years experience in dig ital circu it design including computer aided design.
· Test Engineers: BSEE (MSEE preferred)
experienced with microprocessors and computer based test systems.
· MOS Process Engineer: BS (MS prefer-
red) in Engineering Physics or EE, plus experience in P and N channel. A sound understanding of solid state sem iconductor physics for process and device analysis is requ ired for th is manufacturing position .
· QA Engineer: BSEE plus experience in
MOS/ LSI technology , innovative and thoroughly grounded in advanced QA techniques and digital circuit design . Th is is not an ordinary QA responsibility; it requires development skills and experien ce.
Take the time to explore your career. And spread the word-NCR means complete systems . . . and Microelectronics.
Reply in confidence to:
T. F. Wade, Manager Personnel Resources Microelectronics Division NCR Corporation 8181 Byers Road Miamisburg, Ohio 45342

~
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING: ~M~ FIRST IN TRUE 32-BIT MINIS
FIRST IN REAL TIME SOLUTIONS
FIRST IN CAREER OPPORTUNITY
ALLIN FORT LAUDERDALE

We're pu tlmg more bytes t o wor k in a r eat time environment

than anyone else m the industry For almost 2 dec ades. we've bred

a family of pacesetting systems. culminating in the first true 32-bit

super mm1 not a bridge -the -gap syst em from 16 bit architecture.

but a true 32-bit machine with ncher instruction sets and larger

directly addressable memory

This kmd of presence means opportuni ty is here . now .along

with the r esources to really make a name fo r yourself If being on

the cu tting edge of technology. surrounded by year round warmth

and swaying palms sounds inviting. consider the many ways avail·

able for you to grow at Systems Engineeri ng

W e w elcome the professional who 1s highly motivated tn the

direction of creativity. fresh c oncept uahzation. and imaginative

problem ·solvtng 1n state -of-the -art design and software develop-

ment of small to medium real time systems

' CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR ~I

Senior Level . With Program

~ Management Capability. We require experience, ability and effectiveness
2 at aH levels of managemen t in nego tiating , drafting . en forcing, and
i administering fixed-price government and industrial contracts and

.,/ knowledge of ASPR. and computer systems . Background 1s essential in

~ either legal, business. or engineering areas. Some travel.

PROJECT ENGINEERS BSEE and experiencewithjobcostingof
custom computer systems.

PROJECT LEADER BSEE and minimum of four years experience
as Group Leader involved tn 1ob costing for custom computer systems .

MICROPROGRAM MER Minimum of one year design experience 1n
FIRMWARE design. Work involves state-of-the-art advanced concepts.

SENIOR ENGINEERS (DIGITAL) Four years experience '"
LOG IC DESIG N. Mic roprocessor or CPU experience highly desirable. Work involves Custom Systems Group.

SOFTWARE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR Twoormoreyears
teaching compute r so ft ware courses in industry or academia . Must have knowledge of ASSEMBLY and FORTRAN language.

MTS PROGRAMMER (DISTRIBUTIVE SYSTEMS) Must
have thorough knowledge of Assembly language programming and some backgrou nd in FORT RA N. Real Tome and in ter-CPU COMMUN ICATIONS and Data Base expenence preferred.

MTS PROGRAMMER (DATA BASE DESIGN) D/ BGenera-
tion sof tware experience for data acqu1s1tion and applications programs. Asaemblers and FO RTR A N required .

MTS PROGRAMMER (CUSTOMER SERVICE) M1n1mum
of three years 1n ASSEMBLY and FORTRAN LANGUAGE Programming
background in Real-time and applications environments. Customer
contact experience desired. Some travel.

TECHNICIANS DIGITAL 1/ 0 and CPU experience desirable Woll
work closely wi th digital design engineers. Two years experience tn troubleshoo ti ng..and testing preferred .

DESIGNER Three to ten years experience 1n electro-mechanical
design for a computer manufacturer

SYSTEMS offers top start111q salanes. relocation to beau tiful Fort Lauderdale, a full-range benefits program including dental insurance. savings/ retirement plan and 100% tu1t1on refund . and the opportunity to work and advance your career in a stable and stimulating professional environment For 1mmed1ate and co nfidential cons1dera11on . please forward resume or detailed letter of information . 1nctud1ng current annual compensation to
MR. FRED BRILLANTE, Dept. ED

KEEP ELECTRONIC DESIGN'S GOLD BOOK HANDY WHEN YOU CALL
138

ENGINEERING LABOAATORIES
6901 West Sunrise Blvd., Fort LaudarUle, Florida 33313
Recruitment Ads Pull
ELECTRON IC D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

Establishing goals that challenge your ability ... creates a sound begin· ning. Advancing beyond those objectives. .. instills pride.
At Northrop Defense Systems Division, a leader in advanced Electronic Countermeasure technology , we provide the guidance and professional freedom necessary for creative problem-solving and maintaining our leadership in the state- of-the-art.
If you are a Design Engineer with the following qualifications and possess a strong drive toward self-fulfillment , we invite you to consider an exciting career at Northrop.
*BSEE, familiar wi t h design for AGE test equipment.
*Minimum of 5 years experience in Digital Desi!Jn, using TTL-DTL, MOS and micro-processor in designing and testing computers.
*Design of Tuning Unit Analog and digital circuits. Familiarity with RF component interface circuits.
*Minimum 5 years experience in analog and/or digital design. Familiarity with microwave components preferred.
*PROJECT ENGINEER with analog/digital circuits and microwave components experience.
In addition to the opportunity to join one of the finest engineering teams in the nation, we offer an excellent salary /benefits program. Qualified individuals are invited to send brief letter or resume in confidence, to :
Director-Design Engineering Department EM
NORTHROP CORPORATION
Defense Systems Division 600 Hicks Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
An equal opportunity employer m/f

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKEA CORPORATE CONTRIBUTION TO THE AD ·COUNCIL
The Advertising Council is the biggest advertiser in the world. Last year, with the cooperation of all media, the Council placed almost six hundred million dollars of public service advertising. Yet its total operating expense budget was only $914,683, which makes its advertising programs one of America's greatest bargains . . . for every $1 cash outlay the Council is generating over $600 of advertising.
U.S. business and associated groups contributed the dollars the Ad Council needs to create and manage this remarkable program. Advertisers, advertising agencies, and the media contributed the space and time.
Your company can play a role. If you believe in supporting public service efforts to help meet the challenges which face our nation today, then your company can do as many hundreds of others-large and small-have done. You can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Advertising Council.
At the very least you can, quite easily, find out more about how the Council works and what it does. Simply write to: Robert P. Keim, President, The Advertising Council, Inc., 825 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
l!tJI ~, A Public Service of This Magazine & The Advertising Council.
The cost of preparation of this advertisement was paid for by the American Business Press, the association of specialized business publications. This space was donated by this magazine .

2 RECRUITMENT ADS FOR THE PRICE OF 1

ELECT RO IC D ESIGN 7, Ma rch 29, 1978

139

spill· proof power
for every stand-by emer-
gency need
Our batteries are truly Carefree. They won't spill, never require maintenance, built with duel covers end they're completely recharge· able. We've got practically all sizes, but If you need e unique configure· tion that Isn't on our shelf, we can probably build It for you. Call us. We're prompt and we're Carefree.
EAGLE~ PICHER SINCE 1843 EAGLE-PICHER INDUSTRIES, INC. Commercl·I Products Department ED P.O. Bo· 130, Senec·, Mo. 64865 Telephone (417) 776-2258
CIRCLE NUMBER 88 40

Advertiser's inde#

AMP, Incorporated ................. 131 Advanced Micro Devices. 39,40,41,104,105
Airpax Electronics, Cambridge Division ..... . ........ . 129
Allen Bradley Co...... . . . . . . . . . . . . 48A American Electronic Laboratories,
In~ ..... .. ....... ...... ...... . ... M Aromat. ..... .... . ..... . ..... . . .. ... 93 Avantek, Inc.............. . .......... 33

MicroWaves.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Miller Co., Inc., W. A....... . . . . . .. . 132

Monsanto Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Mostek Corporation..... . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

NEC Micro computers, Inc.. . .. .. . . . 48D

Optron , Inc......... .. .. ... . . ...... . .. 7

Bliley Electric Co....... .. ........ . . 127
Bourns, Inc., Magnetics Division. . . . . . . . . . . Cover II
Burr-Brown Research Corporation...................... 119

CTS Corporation.................... 79 Camb~n .. . . .. ........... .. .... .. ... 74 Centralab/ USCC......... ... ... .. ... 91 Cherry Electrical Products Corp. . . . . . . 47 Clarostat. ... : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Continental Specialties
Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Ill Coto Coil Company, Inc.............. 98

Dale Electronics, Inc.. ...... . . .. . .... 38 Data General Corporation .... .. ...... 45 Data 1/ 0 Corporation .. . .. .... .... 94,95 Date! Systems, Inc........... 109, 111 ,113 Digital Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Dynabyte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Dynasca n Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Eagle Magnetics, Inc...... . ......... 131 Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc... . . . .. . . . 140 Efratom California, Inc.............. 132 Electronic Applications Co.......... . 125 Engelhard Industries &
Chemicals Corporation............ 126 Essex International, Inc...... . . . ... . . 103 E-T-A Circuit Breaker .. . . .......... . 131

Ferroxcube Corporation .............. 89 Figaro Engineering, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., John ........... 81

Gen Rad .... . ...... . ..... .. . . ... . .. 131

General Electric Company,

Instrument Rentals ..... .. ..... . .... 96

General Semiconductor

Industries, Inc............. . ....... 37

Gold Book, The.. .... .. .....

Gould, Inc., Instrument

Systems Division .. . .... ... .... . .... 49

Guardian Electric Manufacturing

Company................... . ... . . 16

Harris Semiconductor, A Division of Harris Corporation................ .. 120, 121
Hartwell, Corp.. . ....... . ..... .. ... . 125 Hayden Book Company, Inc.... . . 131,132
Heath Company.................... 102 Hewlett-Packard.... ..... . ............ I
Hico, Horizons International. ... . . . . .. 78

IMC Magnetics Corporation ......... 132 ITT Jennings ....................... 122 Intel Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9.18, 19
Intel Memory Systems............. 20,21 International Microsystems .... . ....... 78 International Rectifier. ............ 64,65 lntersil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,5

Kepco, Inc.. .................... . . .. 58

Keystone Carbon Company...

LSI Computer Systems, Inc.......... 123 Litronix, Inc. ..................... 10, 11

*Matsuo Electronics of America, Inc.. 103 Memodyne Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Methode Electronics. Inc... ... . . .. 131

*Philips CD / Elcoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Philips ELA / MCR . .. . ....... 108, 110, 112 Philips Test & Measuring
Instruments, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IOI Power/ Mate Corp ...... .. .......... 131 Power Tech, Inc............ .. . ...... 14 Pro-Log Corporation . .. . ....... . ..... 99 Pyrofilm Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
RCA Solid State Division ..... . Cover IV Raytheon Company,
Semiconductor Division ..... .. .... 115 Rental Electronics, Inc . .. ....... 48B,48C Rogers Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 ROM Books.......... . ...... .. .. . . 117
Sangamo Weston, EMR Telemetry Division .... .. .... . 61
Semiconductor Circuits, Inc......... . 124 Semikron International, Inc.. . . . . . . . . 130 Semtech Corporation ........ . .. .... .. 25 Siemens Corporation..... . ... . .. . ... 112 Signetics Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Silicon Systems, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Sprague Electric Company .. ..... . .... 53 Sta ndard Microsystems Corp.......... 12 Struthers-Dunn, Inc.. .. . ...... . . . . . . . 29
T & B/ Ansley Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . 80 TRW/ IRC Resistors,
An Electronic Components Division of TRW, Inc.............. 71 TRW/ LSI Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 TRW Power Semiconductors, an Electronic Components Division of TRW, Inc....... . ...... 13 Teledyne Crystalonics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Teledyne Relays, A Teledyne Company.... . . .... .. . .. 2 Teledyne Semiconductor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Telvac ..... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Thermalloy Company . .... ...... . .... 98 Triplett Coporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Tustin Electronics Company. . . . . . . . . 128
Union Carbide, Components Department. . . . . . . . . . . 17
United Systems Corporation.. . . . . . . . 103 Unitrode Corporation...... . . . . . . . . . . 15
Vactec, In c.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Visual Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Western Thermistor Corporation.. . . . 132
Ziatech . . . .... . ... . . ............. . . 132

RECRUITMENT

Atlas Bradford ... . ..... .. ...... . .. . 133

Boeing ........... ... ..... . ....... . . 135

Cray Research ..................... . 137

Dynalectron Corp.................. . 136

Ford Electrical & Electronic Div.... . 134

Heath Company ................... . 137

Hutchinson Industrial Corp ..... . .. . . 137

NCR.

. ..... ... . . ..... . ... . . 138

Nort!irop .. ... ........ .... .. . .... . . 139

RCA ............................. . 136

Regional Consultants.. . .. . . .. ... ... . 137

Systems Engineering Laboratories .... . 138

U.S. Dept. of State........... .. .. .. 133

ELECTRONIC DESIGN 7, March 29, 1978

IF YOU'RE WAITING FOR SOLDERLESS BREADBOARDS TO BE
FASTER, EASIER, MORE VERSATILE AND LOWER-PRICED...

Incredibly inexpensive. EXPERIMENTOR solde rless sockets begin at $5.so· :s4.oo· for the 40 tie -point quad bus strip). A spool of solder costs more.

Mix and match. Use large and sma ll c hips in the same ci rcuit without problems. There are two sizes of EXPERIMENTOR sockets with 0.3" and 0.6" cen ters.

Full fan-out. A CSC exclusive. The only so lderless breadboa rd soc ket s with full fan -out capa b1l1t1es for microprocessors and other larger (0.6") DIP's.

Microprocessors and other complex circuits are easy to develop. Each EXPER IMENTOR quad bus gives you

...................~

four bus lines. By combining quads ,

8-, 12- and 16-line address and data

buses can be created, simplifying

::omp lex data /address circuits.

Infinitely flexible. C1rc u1ts can go in any direction, up to any size. All EXPER 1MENTOR sockets feature positive interlocking connectors that snap together. Horizontally and /o r vertica lly. And unsnap to chan ge a ci rcui t whenever you wish .

Easy Mounting. Use 4-40 sc rews from

the front or 6-3 2 self-tapping screws

from the rear. Insulated backing lets

you mount on any surface.

~;; ; ;

~ :..M;·:

EXPERIMENTOR 350. $5.50* 46 five-

· ::

point term inals plus two 20-point bus strips. 0.3"centers ; 3/a x 3112 x 2".

EXPERIMENTOR 650. $6.25* 46 five -

point terminals plus two 20-point bus

2'~·," 3 1
strips. 0.6" centers; /a x 3 1\2 x

. · ···· · ·· ·· ·

.·..·.·.·..·....·.·1.·.· .·..·.~ ·.-··....·· ..·.··.

EXPERIMENTOR QUAD BUS

· · · fl · · __--STRIP. $4.00 * Four 40-point

bus strip s. 3/a x 6 x 31.".

Designat ed t ie-points. S1m pl 1fy translati on from bread -
board to PC-boards or w1r1ng tab les

- - - - - EXPERIMENTOR 600. $10.95 * 94 five-point termi nals plus two 40-point bus strips.0 6" centers;% x 6 x 21/ ·"
Accepts all standard components. EXPERIMENTOR sockets con form to an 0.1" grid and are DIP compa tible . Also accept IC's, transist ors .diodes. LED 's, resistors , capacitors. transformers, pots. etc.

Eas.Yhookup. Components push in and pull out in stan tl y. Use # 22-30 solid AWG wire for 1umpers.

Rugged, dependable construction. Sockets are constructed from abrasion resistant materials and wit hstand 100°C. Ea ch one feature s non -co rrosive nickel -silver contac ts.

EXPERIMENTOR 300. $9.95· 94 f1vepoint termina ls plus two 40-point bu s strips. 0.3" centers; 3/a x 6 x 2".
·

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Discover today how solderless breadboard ing can save time and money on every circuit you build . Get

acqua inted with EXPERIMENTORTM socket st and how they si mpl ify ci rcuit design, assembly and test in g.

Elim inate the hassles and component damage of sol dering. No special hardware or jumper cables

requ ired , eithe r. And the price is so low, it's hard to believe.

··order today. Call 203-624-3103 {East Coast) or 415- 421-8872 {West Coast) : 9 a.m.-5 p.m. local time.

Major credit cards accepted. Or see your CSC dealer. Prices slightly higher outside USA:·
= 5 = CONTINENTAL SPECIALTIES CORPORATION

t u .s . Patent N o 0235.554

70 Fulton Terrace, Box 1942, New Haven, CT 06509, 203-624 -31 03 TWX 710-465-1227 WEST COAST: 351 Californ ia St., San Franc isco, CA 94104, 415-421 -8872 TW X 910-372-7992
GREAT BRITAIN : CSC UK LTD., Spu r Road , North Feltham Trading Estate, Felth am, Middlesex, England, 01 -890-8782 ln t'I Telex: 85 1-88 1-3669 CANADA: Le n Finkle r Ltd .; Ontario

" Manufa c turer's recommended resale
c 1977. Continental Specialties Corporati on

CIRCLE NUMBER 231

New BiMOS CA3290. Low-cost single-supply dual comparator.

BiMOS does it again-

.- ·

creates new performance at

cost-effective prices. The new

RCA CA3290 dual comparator

LIC beats Bipolar on performance

and Bifet on prices.

vx·r;t,_=-:: Compare comparators. When it comes to accuracy, l;ompare the high input impe-

01 02

l'JO -.A

dance/low current of BiMOS with that of Bipolar: 50 picoamps input

vs. at least 25,000. This means

the CA3290 can be coupled directly to high-impedance sensors.
Check prices.

Then compare the prices of our new CA3290 voltage comparator in

any quantity you need. At a fraction of Bifet costs, the BiMOS comparator is

better at sensing small signals close to ground potential. Because its com-

mon mode input voltage includes ground.

And you have the added convenience and flexibility of two single-

supply comparators in one package with operation up to 44 volts.

Let us give you the details as well as information on how you can

make your own first-hand evaluation of the 3290.

Contact your RCA Solid State distributor. Or contact RCA Limited/

Solid State, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Phone: (514) 457-9000.

RCA Linear IC experience is working for you.
CIRCr.E NUMBER 232

ROii

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