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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Self-calibrating RF simulator The new microprocessor controlled Schaffner NSG 2070 high frequency generator provides comprehensive electromagnetic sus­ ceptibility testing. Although not yet mandatory in Australia, electromagnetic susceptibility tests are often required to be conducted for medical apparatus and also for equipment intended for export. It is also expected that IEC susceptibility standards for mobile phones and other equipment, currently in draft stage, will be introduced in the near future. The Schaffner NSG 2070 comprises a 100kHz-250MHz synthesis­ er, 85 watt power amplifier and a range of coupling options including capacitive coupling networks (CDNs), electromagnetic clamps, current injection probe (CIP) and an external monitoring probe. In anticipation of new IEC standards for equipment such as mobile phones, a pulsed mode of operation is already included. The instrument automatically adjusts the output and creates its own calibration table, using output measurements made at the rate of 900 per decade. An Auto-function calculates and sets the correct frequency sweep rate according to the IEC 1000-4-6 High capacity rechargeable cells Premier Batteries has introduced high capacity nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel cadmium (NiCd) cells to their range. These nickel metal hydride cells are cadmium free and do not suffer from memory effect. The increase in capacity allows for the AF and 4/3AF sizes to increase by 20% in capacity, thus providing 2400mA.H and 3800mA.H respectively. These cells are in constant demand in cellular proce­dure, thus avoiding the need for manual setup and calculation. The test procedure can be interrupted at any time in order to pursue a more detailed examination at a particular frequency and can then be resumed where the test was interrupted. A liquid crystal display and keypad provide access to all functions. Windows-based software provides setup of all front panel functions and options including test customising and se­ quencing. Entire test procedures can be saved and compliance reports can be produced automatically. For further information, contact Westek Industrial Products Pty Ltd, Unit 2, 6-10 Maria St, Laverton North, Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802; fax (03) 9369 8006. phones and note­ book computer packs where extended running time is a distinct advantage. To keep pace, nickel cadmium cells are increasing in capacity at the same rate. AF is now available in 1700mA.H and 4/5AH to 1500mA.H. Although capacities and technology are improving, prices have remained stable. For further information, contact Premier Batteries Pty Ltd, 9/15 Childs Rd, Chipping Norton, NSW 2170. Phone (02) 9755 1845; fax (02) 9755 1354. February 1998  53 New kits from Dick Smith Electronics Dick Smith Electronics have submitted two of their recent kits for SILICON CHIP projects for our inspection. They are the 5-Digit Tachometer from the October 1997 issue and the Heavy Duty 10A Motor Speed Controller from the November 1997 issue. Both conform closely to the SILICON CHIP proto- types and look quite professional in their presentation. The 5-Digit Tachometer has a screen printed front panel with the “window” being part of the artwork for a neat appearance. The Speed Controller has had the lid of the diecast case linished for a better appearance and number of small refinements in the wiring. The most notable of these is the use of spring clip mounting for the IGBT and fast recovery diode which should reduce the possibility of breakdown to the case. Both kits are available from Dick Smith Electronics stores across Australia and New Zealand. Synchronous step-down converter Philips wireless speakers Philips new mini sound system (model FW 780WPRO) features a wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. With conven­ tional audio systems there’s always the problem of cables and where to hide them. But with this system, 54  Silicon Chip the audio signal is radiated on an FM carrier so the speakers are easy to install around the room for good surround sound. The FW780WPRO also features Dolby Pro Logic sound, a three disc CD changer and audio/video remote control. The system re­tails for $1499.00 and is available from stockists around Austra­lia. B.B.S. Electronics Australia has released Harris Semicon­ d uctor’s HIP­5020 Buck Converter which steps down a DC battery voltage of 4.5V 18V to a regulated system voltage of 3.3V or less and delivers up to 3.5A at greater than 90% efficiency. The device integrates two Mos­fets, a half-bridge driver and a 100kHz to 1MHz current mode pulse-width modulation (PWM) con­troller with current sense onto a single chip. In order to assist design engineers using the HIP5020, Harris Semiconductors offers free simulation software. It provides realistic simulations that closely match lab results. Miniature frequency counter with LCD Aceco Electronics Corporation has released the FC2002 Handy Frequency Counter, which covers frequencies from 10Hz to 3GHz in a package around the same size as a cigarette box. It can display frequency and period and has “ Advanced Auto Lockout” which can be set to automatically detect and hold a signal reading. The FC2002 has a backlit 10-digit liquid crystal display and incorporates a 16-segment RF signal bargraph and low battery indication. It has a switchable 50Ω/1MΩ input for the full 10Hz to 3GHz display range and the high speed 300MHz range features 0.1Hz resolution. A switchable filter prevents display of random noise. The FC2002 has a sturdy stamped aluminium case with a black anodised finish. It is supplied with telescoping whip antenna and NiCd batteries to give up to 6 hours operation. For further information contact Computronics Corporation Ltd, Locked Bag 20, Bentley Business Centre, WA 6983. Phone (08) 9470 1177; fax (08) 9470 2844. The QuickDesign Simulation software is available from the Harris Semiconductor Internet site at http:// www.semi.harris.com For further information, contact B.B.S. Electronics Austra­lia Pty Ltd, Unit 24, 5-7 Anella Ave, Castle Hill, NSW 2154. Phone (02) 9894 5244; fax (02) 9894 5266. Hioki earth tester of water pipes), the Hioki 3151 can be used in the two terminal mode, utilising the E and C terminals. Earth resist­ance is measured using the AC phase difference method to provide highly accurate measurements and two frequencies are available to the operator in order to eliminate the effects of circulating harmonic components. For further information, contact Nilsen Technologies, 150 Oxford St, Collingwood, Vic 3066. Phone (03) 9419 9999; fax (03) 9416 1312; Free­call 1 800 623 350; Freefax 1 800 067 263. New microcontroller from Parallax The new Hioki 3151 Earth HiTester is a flexible instrument for making earth resistance tests. The instrument permits the use of the ‘fall in potential’ three-terminal method in which the E terminal is attached to the system ground electrode, the C (current) terminal to the furthest probe and the P (potential) to the roving probe. In systems where the earthing electrode is extensive (eg, through the use Parallax have released their new SX-series 8-bit multi I/O controllers. They have an internal programmable 4MHz oscillator, three-level brownout reset, power on reset, a watchdog timer with its own RC oscillator, multi-input wake-up with optional inter­rupts and a flash EEPROM. All of the SX I/O pins are multi-hardware compatible and can be programmed for input or output (sinking or source up to 30mA) or internal 20kΩ pullup resistors. Some pins may be config­ured as Schmitt trigger inputs, some as analog comparators and others as outputs with symmetrical drive. PCB POWER TRANSFORMERS 1VA to 25VA Manufactured in Australia Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 For further information, contact the Australian stockist, Microzed Computers, PO Box 634, Armidale, NSW 2350. Phone (02) 6772 2777; fax (02) 6772 8987. Flash electrolytics Professional photographic flash equipment requires large high voltage alumin­ ium electrolytic capacitors. They are used as a high voltage reservoir which is dumped into the flash tubes. High energy per unit volume, small dimensions and high flash frequency are the requirements. Thanks to a specially devised anode film, flash electrolytics from Siemens exhibit an exceptionally high CV product. The new flash electrolytics of the Siemens B43405, B43406 and B43407 series have rated voltages between 310 and 500V and capacitance from 120 to 17,000µF. For further information, contact Malcolm Evans, Advanced Information Products, Siemens Ltd. Phone (03) 9420 7716; fax (03) 9420 7275; e-mail passive.comp<at>siemens.com.au SC February 1998  55