Vishay's integrated IR emitter and sensor ADC

A few days ago, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE ticker symbol: VSH) announced the launch infrared emitter photodiode, signal processing IC and 16-bit ADC integrated into small size 4.85mmx2 The .35 mmx0.83mm surface mount package fully integrated proximity sensor --- VCNL3020, expand its optical electronic portfolio. Space-saving VCNL3020 support easy-to-use I2C bus communication interrupt function, the the integrated transmitter driver can expand the sensor's detection distance.

16 bit effective resolution of VCNL3020 device during proximity detection can well resist crosstalk, a mechanical grating does not need to be added between the emitter and detector. Only detect objects within 100mm performance compared with other products, Vishay this sensor uses 10mA ~ 200mA (10mA increments) programmable LED drive current, the detection range is extended to 200mm. Using integrated transmitter driver to drive an external transmitter, the detection range or even more than one meters. Meanwhile, VCNL3020 modulated on the transmission signal, having excellent resistance to ambient light.

The device interrupt function of the sensor to be able to work independently, until the occurrence of a programmable threshold event, and then wake up the microcontroller. This helps consumers to reduce their consumption of software to reduce power consumption by reducing the polling traffic between the sensor and the microcontroller.

VCNL3020 can be used as a touch screen panel lock proximity sensor for smart phones , touch screen phones , PDAs, GPS units and digital cameras and other mobile devices, to achieve the purpose of saving power. The device can also be used as computing, industrial equipment and display optical switch.

Device standby current is only 1.5μA, the power supply voltage of 2.5V to 3.6V I2C bus voltage of 1.7V to 5V. Sensor Operating temperature -25 ℃ ~ +85 ℃. VCNL3020 comply with RoHS, samples will be provided with November 2012, mass production in March 2013, supply period of eight weeks for larger orders.

VISHAY Profile
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Fortune 1,000 companies listed on the NYSE (VSH), is the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, MOSFET and infrared optoelectronic devices) and passive electronic components (resistors, inductors, capacitors) one of the largest manufacturers. These components can be used in the industrial, computing, automotive , consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, power supply, and medical markets in almost all types of electronic devices and equipment. Its product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and "one-stop shop" service have made Vishay a global industry leader.

Apollo Dual Sensor Carbon Monoxide Hydrogen Sulfide

Alphasense now offers a compact, dual gas sensor which allows designers to reduce significantly instrument size and cost. The sensor provides a unique approach to the dual gas sensor in both its size and working electrode configuration. The use of a high capacity filter over the Carbon Monoxide working electrode eliminates Carbon Monoxide cross sensitivity to Hydrogen Sulfide.

D2 Specification Carbon Monoxide Channel:
1) Resolution: 1ppm
2) Response time: t90(S)<25s
3) Range: 1000 ppm
4) Zero current < +/-6
5) Sensitivity: 34–55nA/ppm @ 22C, 400ppm CO
6) Linearity: 40ppm
7) Overgas limit: 5,000ppm

D2 Specification Hydrogen Sulfide Channel:
1) Resolution：0.25ppm
2) Response time: t90(S)<30s
3) Range: 100 ppm
4) Zero current < +/-0.6
5) Sensitivity: 90–150nA/ppm @ 22C, 20ppm H2S
6) Linearity: -9ppm
7) Overgas limit: 400ppm

Company Info: Apollo Co., Ltd is a high-tech company mainly dedicated to optic fiber communication, Laser Technology, sensing & automatic control, and network technology, with branch offices and services sites around the world.

Apollo Electronics has been an excellent total sensor supplier, we provide our customers with perfect sensing products and total solutions in many fields . Apollo Electronics serves as the product agent in China for global vendors and provides technical support services for them.

Apollo Electronics is a quite large professional agent for S&C component in both mainland China and Hong Kong area. Apollo Electronics has 9 years of agency experience for S&C products, with technical background sales providing strong technical support to customers. The deep and good relationship established with China clients make Apollo Electronics to be the best channel for selling products in China.

Lithium Battery Manufacturers Accused of Price Fixing

The high cost of batteries has been the prime criticism against calls for electric vehicles (EVs) to replace conventional petrol-powered vehicles on the world’s roadways. Presently, car buyers pay a $10,000 to $20,000 premium for EVs over conventional gas vehicles, largely due to the cost of lithium batteries. This costly premium has hindered EV sales and cast doubt on the future of long-term demand.

The results of a 2011 Pike Research poll show that 40 percent of respondents would be "extremely or very interested in purchasing [a highway-capable plug-in electric vehicle] assuming the price were right." The study points out that "price sensitivity is an issue that continues to loom over the [EV] industry, as survey participants' willingness to pay was much lower than the prices currently planned by automakers."

In recent weeks, the high cost of lithium batteries has become the subject of a series of lawsuits targeting high-profile Japanese and Korean battery manufacturers, including Panasonic (NYSE:PC,TSE:6752), LG (NYSE:LPL), Sony (NYSE:SNE,TSE:6758), Samsung (LSE:BC94), Sanyo and Hitachi (TSE:6501), which together control the majority of the global battery market. In 2011, the worldwide market for batteries was reportedly worth $14 billion and is expected to total $16 billion for 2012.

While the class-action lawsuit brought against failing lithium battery maker A123 Systems (OTC Pink:AONEQ) has dominated battery investment news headlines of late, as of October 23 of this year a total of 10 lawsuits against the world's leading battery manufacturers had been filed in US courts, according to a report in the New Jersey Law Journal. The lawsuits allege that over the past decade the companies and their American subsidiaries have actively conspired in a price-fixing scheme that has resulted in consumers paying much more than they should for lithium batteries and the electronic devices they power, such as laptops, cell phones and digital cameras.

The plaintiffs claim that the price-fixing scheme first began in late 2001 or early 2002 following a nearly 50-percent drop in lithium-ion battery prices brought about by new competition entering the market. The dramatic price slide allegedly drove the world’s leading battery suppliers to enter into a price-fixing agreement that led to an almost 66 percent drop in battery production. The plaintiffs believe this scheme is responsible for the dramatic rise in battery prices seen over the past 10 years.

The allegations aren't far-fetched. Electronics companies have been the subject of several price-fixing investigations conducted by the United States and the European Union in recent years. For example, in December 2011, eight LCD panel manufacturers, including LG, Sharp (TSE:6753) and Samsung, agreed to pay a combined $388 million settlement after being found guilty of price fixing, which drove up purchase prices on screens and the products containing them from 1999 to 2006. The litigation was first brought to court in 2007 following an investigation by the US Justice Department.

The plaintiffs in the current lawsuits "assert the alleged battery price-fixing scheme has similar features: a highly concentrated market, controlled by Asian corporations; pricing pressure exerted by equipment manufacturers; rapid commoditization of new technology; and pricing behavior inconsistent with a competitive market," wrote the New Jersey Law Journal's Mary Pat Gallagher.

Although the lawsuits center on the personal electronics industry, news of the pending litigation has sparked discussion among EV market watchers, including Digital Trends' Jacob Joseph, who pointed out that "breaking up a potential price-fixing racket in lithium-ion batteries could be a significant development for EVs … prices have been predicted to fall for lithium-ion EV batteries over the next decade, but with sales of EVs falling well short of the high expectations of just two years ago and automakers rethinking their EV strategies, a decade from now might already be too late to save the EV. Should these suits trigger a worldwide drop in lithium-ion battery prices, the potential is there for an EV market which is competitive with standard gasoline-powered cars."

Any improvements in the medium- to long-term demand picture for electric vehicles bodes well for overall demand in the lithium market, making the outcome of these class action lawsuits something lithium resource companies and their investors will want to track. Lithium Investing News will continue to follow developments as well, so stay tuned for updates.

Source from: http://resourceinvestingnews.com/45890-lithium-battery-manufacturers-accused-of-price-fixing.html

High Price iPad mini is due to the touch screen?

I believe most iPad mini majority of fruit powder disappointed it the price of $ 320, a full $ 130 higher than other direct competitors. For the price of Apple iPad mini in charge of marketing Phil Schiller some note

The following is the full text of the article:

I believe most iPad mini majority of fruit powder disappointed it the price of $ 320, a full $ 130 higher than other direct competitors. The release of the iPad mini ago, the news that the price of this product will be between $ 249-299. For the price of Apple iPad mini in charge of marketing Phil Schiller some refute the the iPad mini than Google Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire Series you a lot of argument, that consumers will choose a quality product.

Schiller is correct. IPad mini much higher price than the competitors want to, but it makes the market or success, but Apple Why did you choose this pricing it? The real reason is related to production issues with the touch screen of this device (at least for the moment so).

The current the iPad mini 7.9-inch screen production is very low, while production from each side of the screen are very expensive. According to the the Taiwanese electronics Times reported, "Apple iPad mini choose the pricing of $ 329 mostly low productivity because of the the product the GFA touch screen panel technology ...... DITO film sensor can not be mass production which is why the iPad mini than other use OGS or G / G structure 7-inch tablet is 40-50% more expensive. "

Also reported, said the news from the industry, the touch screen of the GF2 the iPad mini module is only $ 5 more than 9.7 inches iPad on the cheap. The iPad mini profit is relatively low, which is why Apple had decided to give this device is priced at $ 329, because only through this way they can control the demand to protect their profit margins.

LED industries drive the development of the switching power supply

Intelligent home network consumer electronics industry is the main demand of the universal switching power supply industry. Growing as incomes and the changing lifestyle of Chinese residents in a substantial increase in demand for consumer electronics products, China has become one of the world's largest consumer electronics market. With the continuous development of the consumer electronics industry, China has also emerged in a number of consumer electronics giant. China's local enterprises, through the accumulation of many years, the formation of a strong manufacturing capacity, and has a strong brand influence. The growing demand of the downstream market switching power supply will drive the rapid development of the industry.

In addition, with the lower cost of LED luminous efficiency and life span increase, coupled with the advantages of energy saving and environmental protection, has become a trend to replace traditional light source LED street lamps and other applications. LED technology rapid growth and continuous improvement of product characteristics, LED street lamps and other lighting field demonstration program in countries gradually expand in recent years, the more rapid development of the field of LED lighting. The rise of LED lighting will broaden the application of the switching power supply, and promote the development of new switching power supply, LED lighting potentially huge market space has brought new opportunities to the switching power supply manufacturers.

Downstream industrial products enhance the performance, but also the new requirements of the switching power supply products, such as the emerging LED lights its drive power requirements of almost demanding. The power supply manufacturers need to increase technology investment, the introduction of advanced equipment, and constantly improve the technological content of products, development of new products. Leading technology vendors through the development of new products, you can obtain a higher level of profitability, continued investment in R & D and equipment, and maintain a superior position; the same time, enhance the technical content, but also raise barriers to entry in the industry, to avoid the industry vicious competition and safeguard the healthy development of the industry.

Thermostat works

Vapor pressure type

The bellows action is applied to the elastic force of the spring , the spring is knob by the control board of the control, the capillary tube on the outlet of an intake air of the air conditioning machine room, the temperature of the return air chamber circulation react. When the room temperature up to the set temperature, the temperature-sensitive agent in the capillaries and bellows gas expansion, the switch contact connected to the bellows elongation and to overcome the force of the spring , the compressor operation, the system refrigerant, until the room temperature further reduced to the set temperature, the temperature sensing package gas contraction, the bellows contracts, together with the spring action, the switch is placed in the OFF position, the motor of the compressor circuit is cut off. This repeated action, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling the room temperature.

Electronic temperature controller

Electronic thermal controller (resistive) is measured using resistance temperature sensing method, commonly used platinum wire, copper, tungsten, and semiconductor (thermistor) temperature resistance, these resistors have their own excellent indeed point. Most home air conditioning sensor based on thermistor. Thermistor type thermostat is made ​​according to the principle of a Wheatstone bridge (left) is a Wheatstone bridge. On the BD ends connected to the power supply E, according to Kirchhoff's law, when the electrical resistance of the bridge R1 × R4 = R2 × R3 is when the potential of the two points of A and C are equal, no current flows between the output terminal A and C the size of the resistance of a thermistor R1 with the rise or fall of the ambient temperature changes, so that the balance of damage, the AC output current. Thus, when constituting the thermostat can easily select the appropriate thermistor to change the temperature adjustment range, and the operating temperature.

TinySwitch-II-based micro-switch power optimization design

Series products for less than 23W low-power, low-cost and efficient switching power supply. For example, in the IC card paid watt-hour meter miniaturized switching power supply module, mobile phone battery constant voltage / constant current charger, power adapter (Powersupplyadapter), microcomputers, color TV, laser printers, video recorders, camcorders and other high-end household appliances the standby power supply (Standbypowersupply), also apply to ISDN and DSL network terminal equipment.

TinySwitch-II is easy to realize the optimization of the switching power supply design. Its switching frequency up to 132kHz, high-frequency transformer allows EE13 or EF12.6 of miniaturization cores and achieve high power efficiency. TinySwitch-II has a frequency jitter characteristics, only an inductor (You can also use two small resistors) and two capacitors in the output power less than 3W or less efficient acceptable to EMI filtering. Even in short-circuit conditions, do not need to use high-power rectifier.

Typical applications of 1 TinySwitch-II

1.1 2.5W constant current / constant voltage output of mobile phone battery charger

Mobile phone battery charger TNY264 (IC1) consisting of 2.5W (5V, 0.5A) AC wide range input circuit, as shown in Figure 1. RF fuse resistors. 85V ~ 265V AC VD1 ~ VD4 bridge rectifier, and then through the inductance L1 and C1, C2 consisting of π-type filter, the DC high voltage UI. R1 is L1 damping resistor. The use of the a TNY264 frequency jitter characteristics, and allows the use of a simple filter and low price of the security capacitor C8 (Y capacitors) can meet international standards suppression between primary and secondary conductive electromagnetic interference (EMI). Even under the most adverse circumstances the output capacitive load grounded shield to the increase in high-frequency transformer, able to effectively suppress EMI. Spike voltage protection circuit of a clamp diode VD6, capacitor C3 and resistor R2, can drain power MOSFET off limits in the safe range. IO lower than 500mA of output current, the voltage control loop work, the current control loop due to transistor VT cutoff does not work. At this point, the output voltage UO optocoupler IC2 (LTV817) LED's forward voltage drop (UF ≈ 1V) and the regulator VDZ regulator value (UZ = 3.9V) to jointly set, that of UO = UF + UZ ≈ 5V. Resistor R8 to the regulator to provide a bias current, so the VDZ stable current IZ close to a typical value. Secondary voltage via VD5 C5, L2 and C6 rectifier filter, the +5 V output voltage.

2.5w constant voltage and constant current cell phone battery charger

TinySwitch-II high switching frequency in the output rectifiers VD5 off the reverse recovery process will produce switching noise, easy to damage the rectifier. Although both ends in VD5 and on resistive and capacitive components in series of RC snubber circuit switching noise to play a certain extent, but the effect is still not ideal, Moreover, it will result in power loss in the resistance. The solution is in the secondary rectification filter series a bead.

Beads (Magneticbead) in recent years, the advent of an ultra-small amorphous alloy magnetic material, the case of two materials with ferrite. Similar to the commercially available bead appearance with plastic diode, tubular shape, but switch to magnetic materials package within small inductor and made to wear a wire. Dimensions of the common beads Φ2.5 × 3 (mm), Φ2.5 × 8 (mm), Φ3 × 5 (mm) and other specifications. Beads for chip switching power supply inductance is generally a few to tens of μH. The DC resistance of the beads is very small, and generally is 0.005Ω ~~ 0.01Ω. Usually noise filter can only absorb noise, are passive suppression; the bead role is different, can inhibit the generation of switching noise, therefore belongs to the active suppression-type, which is the fundamental difference between the two. The beads can be widely used in high-frequency switching power supply, video recorders, electronic measuring instruments, and a variety of very strict noise requirements of the circuit. The filter inductor L2 in Figure 1, on the selection of a 3.3μH the beads, can be filtered off VD5 switching noise generated in the reverse recovery process.

Transistor VT, current sense resistor R4 and optocoupler IC2 current control loop. When the output current IO is close to 500mA due to the voltage drop across R4 is elevated, so that the emitter voltage of transistor VT UBE also will increase, VT into the enlarged area, the current control loop starts to work, the output was constant current characteristics. Even if the output is short-circuit fault occurs, making IO ↑ UO → 0V, VT and optocoupler LED work properly able to maintain the total pressure drop of approximately 1.2V resistors R6 and R4. R3 is the base current limiting resistor.

1.2 15W PC, standby power circuit

An output power of 15W of the PC, the standby power supply circuit shown in Figure 2. The power supply provides two outputs: a main output of +5 V, 3A; auxiliary output compared to +12 V, 20mA. The total output power of 15.24W, power efficiency is higher than 78%. Circuit using two integrated circuits: the TNY267P type miniature monolithic switching power supply (IC1), SFH615-2 linear optocoupler (IC2). DC input voltage is 140V ~ 375V, this corresponds to the case of the AC input voltage is 230V ± 15% or 110/115V times of voltage input. The use of the TNY267P the undervoltage detection automatic restart and high-frequency switching characteristics, allows the use of smaller size, lower price EE22 high frequency transformer core. TNY267P chip is used in the form of a DIP-8 package, it can filter the output filter capacitor slowly discharges caused by auto-restart, burrs formed on the output voltage waveform. When the input voltage is below the undervoltage value, TNY267P automatically shutdown, play a protective role; work only when the input voltage is above the undervoltage threshold only. R2, R3 undervoltage threshold setting resistor. The total resistance of the two selected 4MΩ undervoltage threshold is set to DC 200V rectified DC high voltage UI must be higher than 200V in order to turn on the power. Once the power is turned on, it will continue to work until the UI down to 140V before shutdown. This lag shutdown characteristics, may be a standby power supply to provide the required holding time (Holdup).

The primary side auxiliary winding by VD2, C2 rectifier filter, +12 V output voltage, and power to TNY267P through R4. Work properly when TNY267P internal drain driver current source also stop charging on external bypass capacitor to reduce static losses in the meantime. R4 = 10kΩ, elect to bypass end to 640μA of the current, slightly higher than TNY267P current consumption, the excess part will be the chip internal zener clamp voltage of 6.3V security.

The secondary rectifier filter output of VD3, C6 and C7. L and C8 constitutes a rear stage filter mainly used to filter out the switching noise. When the output is short-circuited, automatic re-start circuitry limits the output current increases, and filtered out of VD3 overshoot voltage. By the optocoupler IC2 (SFH615-2), the regulator VDZ 5V output detection, R5 bias current to the regulator.

2 circuit design points

2.1 Use Caution

(1) The DC input voltage of the UI the minimum UImin may 90V to design. Enter a wide range of voltage (85V ~ 265V), the capacity of the input stage of the filter capacitor C1 according to the scale factor of 3μF / W to select; For example, when the output power PO = 10W, C1 = 30μF. For fixed voltage input AC 230V ± 15%, the ratio coefficient can be 1μF / W.

15w PC, standby power circuit

(2) In order to reduce losses and improve power efficiency, should adopt the secondary-side rectifier Schottky barrier diode (SchottkyBarrierDiode, abbreviation SBD), referred to as the Schottky diode. Such tubes have positive pressure drop (UF ≈ 0.4V), power loss, short reverse recovery time (trr can be as small as a few ns), etc., suitable for use as a low-voltage, high-current rectifier or freewheeling.

(3) Select the output power of a larger TinySwitch-II chip, helps improve the power efficiency. In the circuit shown in Figure 2, for example, select the TNY267 when the lower limit of the power efficiency is 78%; using TNY266 TNY264 sequentially reduced to 76%, 74%.

(4) In a particular application, the TinySwitch-II in the maximum output power over the thermal environment (including ambient temperature, cooling conditions, ventilation, and a power supply using the sealed or open type, and other factors), the size of the high-frequency transformer cores, work ways of design (continuous mode or discontinuous mode), the power required to change the condition of the minimum input voltage, the input stage of the filter capacitor, the forward voltage drop of the output rectifier.

(5) TinySwitch  II to filter out the the audio noise produced by the high-frequency transformer. Allow using the general structure Impregnation transformer, and may also be without adhesive bonding between the core. When the switching power supply with the load mitigation audio interference, TinySwitch  II by not continuously decreases the limiting current value, in order to filter the audio noise.

(6) in Figure 1 the LTV817 type linear photocoupler, available PC817 or PC817A instead. Their technical parameters are basically the same, the current transfer ratio CTR = 80% to 160%, and the reverse breakdown voltage U (BR) CEO ≥ 35V.

(7) In the circuit shown in Figure 2, standby power if select TNY266P chip, output power is reduced to the 10W. Optional EE16 type high frequency transformer core, and can also remove the filter capacitor C7.

2.2 PCB design points

TinySwitch-II chip PCB component layout, as shown in Figure 3, where the unused undervoltage protection resistor. The design of printed circuit board must note the following:

TinySwitch-II of the original layout of the printed board

(1) The following TinySwitch-II copper clad laminates not only as a source pole location, also to cool them. Figure 3 shadow area should be large enough to ensure good TinySwitch-II and rectifier cooling chip junction temperature below 100 ° C.

(2) The bypass the end capacitance CBP and the input filter capacitor C1 single point grounding method must be connected to the source terminal. Connection C1, the primary circuit of the high frequency transformer and TinySwitch-II should be as short as possible Jie.

(3) primary clamp circuit for limiting the turn-off of the peak voltage on the drain. Available R, C, VD type clamp circuit to achieve, also with 200V regulator or transient voltage suppressor (TVS) clamp the drain voltage. In any case, should the clamp components to the high frequency transformer and TinySwitch-II is the shortest distance.

(4) If the undervoltage sense resistor resistor as close as possible to the EN / UV end, in order to reduce the induced noise. Also need to consider the pressure value of the the undervoltage detection resistor R2 and R3. Select (1/4) of the resistance of W, generally can withstand the 200V voltage (refer to the continuous pressure, hereinafter the same); the resistance of W (1/2), the pressure value compared to 400V.

(5) Safety capacitors (Y capacitors) should be installed directly in the primary filter capacitor positive and secondary public land (Back end) between the maximum electromagnetic interference suppression and common mode surge voltage.

(6) the optocoupler to TinySwitch-II of the EN / UV end and the distance of the source should be kept as short as possible to reduce noise coupling. EN / UV pin to the optocoupler distance should be less than 12.7mm, the distance to the drain should be greater than 5.1mm.

(7) In order to improve the regulator performance, is connected to the secondary winding, the secondary rectifier, the secondary filter capacitor of the loop must be kept short. Secondary rectifier pad area must be large enough to ensure that the heat of the rectifier diode can be dissipated in a timely manner in the case of output short.