Xicor Introduces Family of Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers For Embedded Applications; Devices Allow for Automatic Output Compensation by Using Sensor Lookup Tables.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2003 Xicor(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:XICO), a leading supplier of analog mixed-signal integrated circuits A mixed-signal integrated circuit combines analog circuits with digital signal processing (DSP) circuits on a single semiconductor die. An integrated circuit that includes both analog and digital circuitry (but no DSP), like a 555 timer, is generally not considered a mixed-signal , today unveiled three new Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers, the X96010, X96011 and X96012. These devices are targeted at various applications that include PIN diode A PIN diode is a diode with a wide, undoped intrinsic semiconductor region between p-type semiconductor and n-type semiconductor regions. A PIN diode obeys the standard diode equation only for very slow signals. bias control, RFPA RFPA Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 RFPA Russian Family Planning Association RFPA Radio Frequency Power Amplifier RFPA Radio Frequency Palatal Ablation RFPA Request for Project Approval bias control, temperature compensated process control, laser diode A semiconductor-based laser used to generate analog signals or digital pulses for transmission through optical fibers. Both laser diodes and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are used for this purpose, but the laser diode generates a smaller beam that is easier to couple with the smaller core bias control, fan control, motor control and a variety of sensor signal conditioning Imagine feeding the output of a temperature sensor, which is in millivolts, to an Analog-to-digital converter to be processed. Is it possible for the Analog-to-Digital converter to process such a minute voltage amplitude? The answer is probably no. or data acquisition applications. Each of the devices contain various combinations of the following functions: an 8-bit analog to digital converter (ADC (1) See A/D converter. (2) (Apple Display Connector) A peripheral connector from Apple that combines digital video display, USB and power in one cable. ), temperature sensor, voltage reference A voltage reference is an electronic device (circuit or component) that produces a fixed (constant) voltage irrespective of the loading on the device, power supply variation and temperature. , 8-bit digital to analog converters (electronics) Digital to Analog Converter - (DAC) A device which takes a digital value and outputs a voltage which is proportional to the input value. Typical uses include digital generation of audio signals or conversion of a bitmap image to a signal to drive a CRT. (DAC See D/A converter and discretionary access control. DAC - Digital to Analog Converter ), current output generators and nonvolatile lookup tables with datapath selection to either internal or external data converters. Register control of DAC full scale output, reference and sensor input selection and DAC sink or source mode enables versatility for signal conditioning applications.
Features/Functions Table
Device Title Feature/Functions
--------- ------------- -----------------
Internal External VREF General
Temperature Sensor Input/Output Purpose
Sensor Input EEPROM
Sensor
Conditioner
X96010 with Dual No Yes Yes No
Look Up Table
Memory and
DACs
Temperature
Sensor with
X96011 Look Up Table Yes No No No
Memory and
DAC
Universal
Sensor
X96012 Conditioner
with Dual
Look Up Table
and DACs Yes Yes Yes Yes
Device Feature/Functions
--------- ------------------
Look Up Table Organization # of Current DAC Full Scale
Output DACs Control
X96010 Dual Bank Dual Ext
X96011 Single Bank Single Int
X96012 Dual Bank Dual Ext/Int
Ext = External, Int = Internal
These devices are ideal for applications in which the implementation of independent, non-linear compensation curves are used to automatically control programmable current sources. The programmable current source outputs can be used for sensor bias current, programmable voltage sources, electronic loads, amplifier gain and offset control, or function generators. "The Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers provide innovative solutions that can be used to map complex conditions such as temperature, pressure, speed or position into digitally compensated curves that translate to an output current. The nonvolatile look-up tables can be programmed once or can be periodically modified to account for systematic errors and component variations. Once the compensation curves are defined and loaded into the lookup tables, the device can run independently without using a microcontroller, making the devices ideal for embedded applications," stated Tony Ochoa, product marketing manager. These devices operate in extended temperature range from -40 degrees C to +100 degrees C and operating voltages from 3V to 5.5V. Production samples for the X96010, X96011 and X96012 are currently available in 14 pin TSSOP TSSOP Thin Shrink Small Outline Package TSSOP Thin Scale Small Outline Package packaging with 1k unit prices starting at $2.40. About Xicor Xicor designs, develops and markets high performance analog mixed-signal integrated circuits used in communications, computing, networking and industrial applications. Xicor's Mixed-Signal Products include data conversion products, power management integrated circuits Integrated circuits Miniature electronic circuits produced within and upon a single semiconductor crystal, usually silicon. Integrated circuits range in complexity from simple logic circuits and amplifiers, about 1/20 in. (1. , application specific standard products and interface devices. Xicor's programmable analog mixed-signal components regulate, control, convert and manage various voltages and currents through the use of a serial interface and internal EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) A rewritable memory chip that holds its content without power. Although EEPROMs spawned flash memory, EEPROMs are byte addressable at the write level, whereas flash chips must erase a block of bytes before rewriting. . Xicor products, corporate and financial information are readily available on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. Statement Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks may include the impact of competing products and pricing, timely design acceptance by our customers, timely ability to ramp new products into volume production, industry wide shifts in supply and demand for semiconductor products, and other risks detailed from time to time in Xicor's SEC filings. "Xicor" is a registered trademark and "XDCP" is a trademark belonging to Xicor Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. |
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