Yancey Hai commented, “Our new green factory in India is an important project for Delta. It not only supports Delta's green mission, but it also presents a significant opportunity for our strong growth in India. Delta is well positioned to help this dynamic economy with the latest power management solutions across industries. We are committed to providing energy efficient solutions as well as being environmentally conscious by reducing wastes and carbon emissions across the world.”

Delta’s Rudrapur factory spans 16657.48 square meters of manufacturing space and will manufacture products for power management, display solutions, components, industrial automation, automotive electronics and networking solutions. The factory has been designed and built using environmental conservation measures and it will provide a healthy and safe workplace for employees.

Dalip Sharma, Managing Director, Delta Electronics (India), said, “Energy efficiency and environmental preservation have long been an important part of Delta's mission. The green factory at Rudrapur is an initiative towards the same”. He added, “As a result of this operation, we also anticipate substantial job growth in manufacturing, facility maintenance, delivery and administration.”

The state-of-the-art Rudrapur green factory is Delta's first green factory in India that incorporates eco-friendly energy saving practices and waste management system. It is registered with the Indian Green Building Council and is aiming for the highest green building accreditation. Delta India has made use of various energy efficient technologies. Natural Light Harvesting saves electricity and reduces carbon emission by 36800 Lb every year. Turbo Ventilation saves electricity and saves 55200 Lb carbon emission every year. The solar panels installed in the plant would reduce Green House Gas emission by 5mn Lb. The power factor controller saves 12-15% electric energy by maintaining the power factor at 0.99 instead of 0.85. The linear panel polynum insulation saves electric energy due to minimum requirement of forced cooling. The 37016.6-square-meter factory will provide an ecologically sensitive, energy-saving, waste reducing and a healthy environment for the local population.

The Sewage Treatment Plant has been put up to recycle and reuse of water. It functions on Anaerobic Bacterial action and the water is used for non-contact applications. Storm water harvesting is also carried out to conserve water.

Delta Electronics (India), is responsible for developing business in the SAARC region and is also recognized as the “Centre for Technical Excellence” for South Asia. Delta has an impressive installation base with regional support centers all over India and the SAARC region. Delta Electronics (India), has been awarded ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 certifications by Underwriters' Laboratories, USA, for Quality, Procedures, Environment management and OHSAS 18001 1999.

With the launch of the Rudrapur green factory, Delta demonstrates its vision for a better tomorrow. The green factory endeavors for harmony with nature and the local community. Featured green facts include:

- Approximately 60% of the total area of the factory is open and green to benefit the lifestyle and health of employees

- Low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints reduce toxic emission to a considerable extent

- Solar panels in the building cut usage of electricity and reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions

- Various energy-conserving techniques incorporated in the building design reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in path breaking ways

- Green materials such as brick cova, fly ash, gypsum are maximized in construction

- R 407- an environmentally-friendly gas is used for air conditioning

Dedicated to a greener world and a better tomorrow, Delta’s factory in Rudrapur establishes a new benchmark for preserving the environment.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Delta Group

Delta Group is the world’s largest provider of switching power supplies and brushless fans, as well as a major source for power management solutions, components, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products, and renewable energy solutions. Established in 1971, Delta Group has sales offices worldwide and manufacturing plants in Taiwan, China, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, India and Europe. As a global leader in power electronics, Delta’s mission is, “To provide innovative, clean and efficient energy solutions for a better tomorrow.” Delta is committed to environmental protection and has implemented green, lead-free production and recycling and waste management programs for many years.

More information about Delta Group can be found at http://www.deltaww.com/.

Each automated weather station will consist of:

• Data logging and transmission system

• GPS receiver and transmitter

• Antenna

• Solar panel

• Remote display unit

• Sensors for temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, rainfall, soil moisture and temperature, among others.

Featuring sensors for multiple weather variables, the stations will bring bleeding edge capability to short-term weather forecasting at the local, regional, and national level, said B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave Products Limited. “Precise weather forecasting is of crucial significance to groups such as farmers, fishermen, transporters, traffic controllers, public and emergency service providers--indeed, to anyone whose profession is dependent on or affected by the weather; we see our automatic weather stations as an enabler for India at large,” said Mr Malla Reddy.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Astra Microwave Products

Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Astra Microwave Products Limited (www.astramwp.com) designs, develops, and manufactures components and sub-systems for microwave wireless communications systems used in defense, space, and civilian applications. Prominent customers include, among others, the Defense Research Development Organization, Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, Electronics Corporation of India, the Indian Space Research Organization, Reliance Communications, Ericsson, and Tata Teleservices. In fiscal 2007-08, Astra Microwave gross revenue was INR 1.27 billion on an equity capital of INR 100 million.

Mr. C. E. Fernandes, along with Persons Acting in Concert, who were earlier holding 24.41% of the shares or voting rights in GEI Industrial Systems Limited, have increased their holding to 41.92% (amounting to 59,84,525 shares) through this inter-se-transfer.

“Our order book position is strong, and we have also made significant inroads in the Oil & Gas and Power Sectors. Having a greater say through increase in voting rights is sure to translate into future growth.” said Mr. C.E. Fernandes, Managing Director, GEI Industrial Systems Ltd.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About GEI Industrial Systems Limited

GEI Industrial Systems Limited, an ISO 9001-2000 Company with ASME “U” & “R” Stamp provides Air Cooled Heat Exchangers for Crude Oil Refineries, Petrochemical Plants and LNG and CNG processing stations and Air-Cooled Vacuum steam condensing packages for thermal power stations. GEI was the first Indian company to supply air-fin heaters for LNG re-gasification terminal and processed gas coolers for offshore platforms.

The vast potential present in the power transmission sector has led GEI to create a niche business segment, viz. the GEI Industrial Power Transmission Business Group. With most State governments issuing notification for the use of steam condensers in all power projects, GEI has tremendous scope to penetrate the power sector.

By enabling electronic devices to be simultaneously powered and charged via either an AC-to-DC adapter or through a USB port, the MCP73871 charge-management controller simplifies the charging and powering of today's portable electronic devices. With highly accurate voltage regulation of 0.5%, the new charger extends battery life by allowing the battery to be charged closer to its optimal limit. Additionally, with its integrated pass transistor, the charger eliminates the need for an external FET, and only a few small passive components are necessary. This results in smaller, less complex and less expensive designs.

"Our customers have requested a compact, single-chip charger to meet the needs of today’s advanced portable consumer-electronic devices, many of which now offer traditional wall-plug charging, plus USB port charging and connectivity," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP73871 charger meets these needs, head on. Microchip's battery-charger offering now includes products that provide everything from simple, USB-based battery charging, to complex power-path solutions."

The MCP73871 charge-management controller is ideal for portable consumer electronic products, such as GPS units, phone chargers, toys, cameras, PDAs, Bluetooth headsets, and many more.

Development tool support

Microchip also announced the MCP73871 Evaluation Board today (Part # MCP73871EV), to help engineers get started using the new charger in their designs. The board is available today at www.microchipdirect.com.

Device packaging & availability

The MCP73871 charger is available in a 20-pin, 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package. Samples are available today, at http://sample.microchip.com. Volume production quantities of the charger can be ordered now, at www.microchipdirect.com.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/mcp73871.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The PAT of the Company rose 9.36% to Rs.40.97 Crores, as compared to Rs. 37.46 Crores for the previous quarter ended March 31, 2008. Total Income increased by 14.14%, from Rs.212.03 Crores for the final quarter of the 2008 fiscal to Rs.242.01Crores for the Quarter ended June 30, 2008. Basic EPS stands at Rs.9.31 per share of Rs.2/- each as compared to Rs.8.58 per share of Rs.2/- each for the Quarter ended March 31, 2008.

In June, ICSA was awarded a 20 MW Wind power project by Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. Recently, ICSA secured orders aggregating to Rs. 225.79 crores for supply and erection of Substations and for provision of Rural Electricity infrastructure from various state electricity boards. Deutsche Securities Mauritius Ltd. and the Government of Singapore have increased their equity stake in ICSA.

Commenting upon the results, Mr. Bala Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, ICSA (India) Limited, said, “The results are in line with our target for future growth. The number of orders bagged illustrates our pan-Indian capabilities and the fact that the technology solutions we have developed for the power sector are gaining increasing acceptability.”

ICSA secured design nod for the Automatic Meter Reading Apparatus and Protector for oil and gas pipelines from the Patent Office. ICSA’s solutions for the power sector identify Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses and monitor power consumption using GSM Network.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About ICSA (India) Ltd.

ICSA(India) Ltd is in the business of construction of power transmission lines and substations. Apart from this, the company provides embedded technology for the power sector. The company's product line includes: Intelligent Automatic Reading System, Multiplexer Unit, Distribution Transformer Monitoring System, Substation Controller, Micro Remote Terminal Unit, Theft Detection Devices, and Pole Top RTU. The company has developed products suitable for power utilities in the field of Energy Management, Energy Audit, and Control applications and provides versatile Data Acquisition Systems using GSM, CDMA, and RF.

A Rs. 750 crore company, C&S has core strengths in the fields of Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear, Engineered Power Busbars and Protection Systems for the power, construction and infrastructure sectors. The company has grown at a CAGR of 32% year-on-year since 2002-03, outpacing the industry average of 19%. As demand for power in India is increasing at an annual rate of 8-10%, C&S is well positioned to play a crucial role in managing the demand for safer and larger electrical installations across the country.

“Currently C&S is amongst the highest investors in R&D in its segment and the additional inflow will further strengthen our resolve to continuously upgrade our technologies and facilities to compete with leading multinational companies. In addition, we are actively looking at inorganic opportunities to enhance our products portfolio and market access. GE is a valued investor and understands the dynamics of the Energy and industrial businesses. We have been working actively with GE’s industrial businesses and now we are delighted to have them as an investor in our company.” said R N Khanna, Chairman, C&S Group.

With more than 130 years of global experience and a team of local finance experts, GE Commercial Finance offers companies in India innovative financial solutions to help them grow. According to Vicky Bindra, President & CEO, GE Commercial Finance India, “GE is committed to financing India’s Infrastructure development. C&S offers a range of technologically advanced products that will play an integral part in meeting India’s, if not the world’s, increasing demand for power. We look forward to partnering with them to expand their business and establish a global presence.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About C&S Group

C&S Group is one of the India’s leading manufacturers of power generation, distribution and protection products including Low Voltage Switchgear, Engineered Power Conductors and Protection Relays. C&S through its other JV companies also addresses the markets of domestic switchgear and lighting, diesel generating sets, medium voltage switchgear, alternators and inter connection devices. C&S Group turnover for financial year 2009 is expected to be Rs 1000 crores. The Group has 16 manufacturing plants, which are spread over Noida, Haridwar and Pantnagar, and employs over 2500 people. It has a nationwide presence with 20 sales offices and more than 400 distributors in India. C&S is India’s largest exporter of low voltage switchgear with sales in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.controlsindia.com

About GE Commercial Finance
GE Commercial Finance is one of General Electric's largest "growth engines." With lending products, growth capital, revolving lines of credit, equipment leasing of every kind, cash flow programs, asset financing, and more, GE Commercial Finance plays a key role for client businesses in over 35 countries. The industries served include healthcare, manufacturing, fleet management, communications, construction, energy, aviation, infrastructure and equipment, as well as many others. GE Commercial Finance has assets of over US$335 billion and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA.

The Zyvex nProber is designed and optimized to electrically probe sub-100-nm features on semiconductor devices with increased throughput and ease of use. Camelot works seamlessly with Zyvex’s tool, creating layout views from GDSII or Oasis files, overlaying images on layouts and driving the tool to very accurate X, Y coordinates for device probing and debug. This joint Magma and Zyvex solution allows semiconductor lab and fab analysis teams to more quickly and easily locate potential defects and make corrections faster.

“As semiconductor customers’ process technologies shrink, IC design and manufacturing challenges become more complicated, time-consuming and costly,” said Randy Schussler, general manager of Zyvex Instruments. “By providing our customers with Camelot CAD Navigation Software, we can offer them more accurate, higher-throughput and cost-efficient failure analysis solutions.”

“Zyvex is the industry leader in nanoprobing technology,” said Ankush Oberai, vice president of Magma’s Fab Analysis Business Unit. “The combination of NanoWorks® and Camelot makes failure analysis a greater competitive advantage for our mutual customers.”

Camelot: Industry Standard for Failure Analysis

Magma’s Camelot software system is the next-generation CAD navigation standard for failure analysis, design-debug and yield improvement analysis. Camelot optimizes the equipment and personnel resources of design and semiconductor failure analysis labs by providing computer interfaces and navigation capabilities for more than 50 different types of analysis and test equipment. Its application tools, features, options and networking capability provide a complete, integrated system for fast and efficient investigation and resolution of inspection, test and analysis jobs. Camelot also enables closer collaboration between product and design groups with failure analysis labs, thus dramatically improving time to yield and market.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Y J Lee, VP – IT Business, Samsung India, stated, “In keeping with the global market trends, the Indian Display market too is witnessing a dramatic shift in favour of LCD Monitors .Samsung as the global leader in LCD Monitors, is fuelling this transition in India by continuously launching LCD Monitors that lead in terms of their design, performance and innovative features.” With the launch of the new series of LCD Monitors, Samsung, which is aiming to become a total Display Solution Provider, now has an enhanced portfolio aimed at Home and SOHO customers. The Company already has a strong lineup in Large Format Displays aimed at Public Display locations and Corporates.

Samsung’s just launched T Monitor range not only has the picture quality dramatically enhanced, but its elegant TOC (Touch of Color) design features a hint of amber color naturally blended into Samsung’s traditional piano black bezel frame. Inspired by designs from the automotive and fashion industries, Samsung’s exclusive ‘dual injection technology’ used in the T Monitors eliminates the need for glue or screws to construct the Monitor bezel. The result is a Samsung T Monitor with a clean, smooth finish infused with a hint of a translucent color. The distinctive and stunning design of the Samsung T monitors is well matched by its superior performance features – a dynamic contrast ratio of 20000:1 ; a response time of 2 ms and a Panel that supports 16.7 million colours .Further it is 40% more energy efficient in comparison to other monitors in that it uses only 0.3W of power in Power Off Mode (the world’s lowest standby power) and 34~45 W Power Consumption in operation-mode .The Samsung T Monitors have been launched in 19” , 20” and 22” wide display format and are priced in the range between Rs 12,500/- to Rs 15,500/-

The Lime series of Samsung Monitors are the ultimate communication webcam monitors with V2oIP feature optimized for chatting, video conferencing with 3MP webcam, Speaker and MIC. The Lime series has a soft minimalist design with a black high glossy cabinet and soft curvatures. Packed with a built-in 3MP web camera and digital multi connectivity, the Lime series offer a dynamic contrast ratio of 8,000:1 and a fast response of 5MS. The monitors are bundled with Samsung-ArcSoft “WebCam Companion”, that can allow a user to capture videos and images and video chat. The software also has a unique Motion detection feature that captures video automatically as soon as it spots a motion. Available in 19” , 20” and 22” wide formats , the Lime Monitors are priced in the range Rs 14,000/- to Rs 17,000/-

Launched in 17” and 22” Wide Display format, the Myst Plus Monitor series offers a stylish distinctive design in white and black with crystal deco bar and crisp picture display with a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1 and a fast response time of 5 MS .The Myst Plus series come with HDCP support and a Dual input of D-sub, DVI. While the 17” Myst Plus is priced at Rs 9575/- ,the 22” Myst Plus is priced at Rs 14,000/-. “Most of the new models have been launched in the Wide screen LCD Format , given the dramatic shift in the Indian market towards Wide screen LCD Monitors” , states Mr Sanjay Sharma , VP-IT Business, Samsung India Electronics Ltd.

Packed with a gamut of features and available in sizes ranging from 17” to 22” wide, the new Samsung Monitor series comprises of 8 new models, priced between Rs 9,800/- to Rs 18,000/-. With the launch of these 8 new models, the Company has expanded its LCD monitor range to 15 models in popular sizes ranging from 15.6” to 22”, priced between Rs 8100/- to Rs 18000/-.

In addition, the Company has in its portfolio large screen monitors available in the screen sizes between 24” to 82” , priced in the range between Rs 24,000/- to Rs 20 lacs .

Samsung India today also announced its foray into the Digital Projector market with the launch of its full HD 1080p projector – A800. Designed to offer ultimate picture quality and true to life images, the A800 is powered with DLP 1080p Film Technology with 95% aperture ratio and a fast response time of 16MS , has a stylish and premium dolphin design , 1080p 24 frame true film mode and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. Offering Joe Kane Certified picture quality, the A800 is priced at Rs 350,000/-. The Company plans to further strengthen its Digital Projector offering in the coming months.

The Company today also announced its entry into the Digital Photo frame market by announcing the launch of its 8” Digital Photo frame, SPF-83H in the Indian market. “This Photo frame comes with an internal memory of 128 Mbyte and simple functionality .We will be further strengthening the range by adding our wireless network photo frame in another couple of months”, states Mr Sharma. The SPF-83H is priced at Rs 9,900/-.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$103.4 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of four main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, and Telecommunication Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT LCDs.

Speaking at the Mumbai chapter of the Energy Efficiency Round Table Mr. Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, Schneider Electric Industries SAS stressed the need for energy efficiency and said, “The world will need two times the energy in 2050 as compared to today. It also needs to cut CO2 emissions by two in order to avoid dramatic climatic changes. By becoming energy efficient we can save up to 30% energy, which in turn will help cut down future energy requirements and help bring down the CO2 emissions.”

Stressing the need for energy efficiency, Mr. Chaitanya Kalia, of E&Y India, said, “The available energy sources (oil & gas) are only sufficient to cover the global needs until sometimes after 2030. Energy Efficiency is perhaps the biggest source of energy for the future.”

Achieving energy efficiency requires energy audits, energy efficiency enabling products and energy management solutions. These solutions apply to residential, commercial and industrial buildings & processes which account for nearly 72% of total energy consumption. Through the use of Schneider Electric solutions up to 30% energy saving is possible. The other benefits of having an energy efficient business model include, greater cost savings, increased revenues, branding as a green company and greater worldwide acceptability.

The daylong forums, which have already happened in Delhi & Chennai, have been attended by top officials of leading corporate and consulting houses like Tatas, Honda, SAIL, GAIL etc.

IN 2007, Schneider Electric’s energy efficiency business grew 15% to 3.6 Billion Euros.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Schneider Electric

Global specialist in energy management, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions making energy safe, reliable, efficient and productive in the energy & infrastructure, industry, data centres & networks, buildings and residential markets. With sales of 17.3 billion euro in 2007, the company's 120,000 employees in 102 countries help individuals & organisations make the most of their energy

www.schneider-electric.com

DisplayPort is the new digital display interface technology for computers, monitors and home-theater systems aimed at lower implementation costs and improved video performance. DisplayPort gives manufacturers of LCD panels, monitors, graphics cards, PC chipsets, projectors, peripherals, components, cables, and consumer electronics a next generation digital interface that is designed to replace LVDS, DVI, and eventually VGA.

The Tektronix interconnect MOI specifies a DSA8200 Digital Serial Analyzer and TDR/TDT and S-Parameter support through iConnect® software. This is the only approved single instrument DisplayPort interconnect test solution in the market for passive cables. Testing active cables additionally requires an AWG7102 Arbitrary Waveform Generator and 80SJNB jitter analysis software. Unlike alternative solutions that require expensive, complex instruments and setups the Tektronix configurations efficiently ensure a readable signal reaches the receiver.

"The Tektronix approach successfully performed the needed DisplayPort cable tests,” said Doron Lapidot, director of engineering, Circuit & Design Asia Pacific and EMEA, Tyco Electronics. “The Tektronix solution provides the needed compliance testing with reduced cost and complexity. We’ve selected this configuration as part of our DisplayPort interconnect testing."

“The DSA8200 measurement system provides channel characterization with TDR/TDT and S-Parameter support,” said Ian Valentine, general manager, Technology Solutions Group, Tektronix. “The acceptance of our DisplayPort cable test solution for interconnect testing by VESA and adoption by forward-looking organizations like Tyco Electronics demonstrates the utility and cost-effective advantages of the Tektronix tools and methodology.”

Tektronix has received VESA certification for source, cable, and sink compliance test solutions. “Tektronix is recognized around the world for its leadership in test solutions including DisplayPort,” said Bill Lempesis, executive director, VESA. “These tools enable companies to efficiently test their designs, helping to expedite compliance with the DisplayPort standard. The efforts of Tektronix increase the overall set of tools that companies have available to assist in DisplayPort development and industry adoption.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About DisplayPort
The DisplayPort digital display specification 1.1 was published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) and has been endorsed by major PC manufacturers such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard Company, and others. It promises a scalable, license-free technology that will simplify PC monitors.

Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products, solutions and services for the communications, computer, and semiconductor industries - as well as military/aerospace, consumer electronics, education and a broad range of other industries worldwide. With 60 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks,computing and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix' Web address is www.tektronix.com.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

For editorial queries please contact Emilee/Porag@emilee@prhub.com /poragmoni@prhub.com OR saivenkat.b@tektronix.com

With their low operating-voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and low typical quiescent current of just 300 microamperes (µA), the MCP6V0X op amps can run off two 1.5V cells with full battery utilisation. The devices feature a self-correcting architecture that results in fewer errors, especially at higher gains. Additionally, their rail-to-rail input/output structure enables greater dynamic range. The combined result of these features is better system performance at all operating voltages.

"Microchip continues to leverage its low-power CMOS technology to provide yet another industry-leading op amp family," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP6V0X amplifiers extend our op amp portfolio into the ultra high-precision marketplace, and provide critical intellectual property for continued growth in this area."

Kevin Tretter, senior product marketing engineer with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division, continued, "The MCP6V0X op amps' extremely low offset and rail-to-rail performance provide tremendous flexibility, with regard to gain control and dynamic range. We expect these devices to enable new markets in instrumentation."

Applications requiring low power consumption, low-voltage operation, ultra high precision and low drift can benefit from the performance and features offered by the MCP6V0X op amps. Examples include battery-powered devices and instrumentation used in medical applications (eg sensor calibration for defibrillators and CT scanners); as well as industrial applications (eg high-precision temperature sensing and DC offset correction).

Development Support
Like all Microchip op amps, the MCP6V0X family is supported by the FilterLab Analog Filtering Software Tool and the Mindi Online Simulator Tool. Available for free from Microchip's website at www.microchip.com/filterlab, the FilterLab analog filtering software tool provides full schematic diagrams of the filter circuit with component values, and displays the frequency responses. Also available for free, the interactive Mindi simulator tool (www.microchip.com/mindi) enables designers to quickly generate circuit diagrams, simulate circuits and specify passive components for a variety of power and battery-charger applications. Circuits developed using the Mindi tool can be downloaded to a PC or workstation, and are often ported directly into system diagrams.

Device Packaging and Availability

The MCP6V0X op amps are now available for sampling and purchase. Samples can be ordered at http://sample.microchip.com, and volume production orders can be placed at www.microchipdirect.com. All of the new op amps are available in 8-pin SOIC packages, with the MCP6V02 also offered in a 4 mm x 4 mm DFN package.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Providing a complete short-range IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking solution, the MRF24J40MA transceiver module is surface mountable and can be used with hundreds of 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs). The module is supported by Microchip's PICDEM Z Demo Kit and the ZENA Wireless Network Analyser; as well as Microchip's free ZigBee, MiWi and MiWi P2P (Peer-to-Peer) software-protocol stacks. When combined with these development tools, the module enables designers with little or no RF design experience to design low-power wireless networking products quickly and inexpensively.

"We are excited to now offer PIC microcontroller customers a simple and complete 2.4 GHz wireless link, via our FCC-certified MRF24J40MA module," said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip's RF Products Division. "By combining the transceiver module with one of our hundreds of PIC microcontrollers and our certified ZigBee, MiWi or MiWi P2P protocol stacks, customers can easily and cost-effectively develop short-range wireless networks."

"Having a FCC-certified 802.15.4 module is expected to enable our designers to get products to market sooner," said Dr. Jose Gutierrez, director of Technology Planning with Emerson. "Additionally, agency-certified modules can reduce schedule risk and save Emerson a significant amount of money."

Applications

A variety of wireless networking applications are appropriate for the MRF24J40MA module, such as industrial monitoring and control, home and building automation, remote control, low-power wireless sensor networks, lighting control and automated meter reading.

Development Tool Support

Designers looking to incorporate the MRF24J40MA transceiver module into their designs can do so using the PICDEM Z 2.4 GHz Demonstration Kit (Part # DM163027). The kit includes a pair of development boards with a PIC18LF4620 MCU, along with the ZENA network analyser and wireless network configuration utility. Designers can also download any of Microchip's free ZigBee, MiWi and MiWi P2P protocol stacks from its online Wireless Design Center at www.microchip.com/wireless.

Module Availability & Pricing

Production quantities of the MRF24J40MA module can be ordered at http://www.microchipdirect.com/ today. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/wireless.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The widespread adoption of USB in the personal-computing market has spawned a large development infrastructure and user base. For this reason, embedded designers are rapidly embracing USB as the external connectivity interface of choice in the consumer and industrial markets. Replacing older communications interfaces - such as RS232 - with USB allows engineers to add new functionality to their products while keeping design and manufacturing costs low. Unlike the PC market, embedded applications demand versatility from the interface. Simpler embedded systems may only be required to perform a peripheral role, while others can be called upon to act as USB hosts, or support both roles at various instances. The breadth of Microchip's MCU portfolio gives designers the option to select the appropriate device for their USB application task.

"Microchip's USB product offering in 8-, 16- and 32-bit PIC MCUs expanded significantly during the last few months," said Ganesh Moorthy, executive vice president of Microchip. "The extensive products supported with a single integrated development environment and common software libraries provide customers with an easy migration path to leverage development efforts across many platforms."

Key Features

The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18F14K50 (PIC18F1XK50) are the lowest-cost USB MCUs from Microchip, and build on a broad family of existing USB PIC microcontrollers. They provide a host of features not normally found on inexpensive 8-bit MCUs - enabling the addition of embedded USB into a wide range of applications. The PIC18F1XK50 MCUs include a variety of serial communications interfaces, such as USB 2.0, I2C, SPI and USART; enabling them to transfer data between USB and other embedded serial networks.

The 12-member PIC24F USB microcontroller family is the lowest power (2.6 µA standby current) large-memory (up to 256 KB Flash and 16 KB RAM) 16-bit USB microcontroller family in the world. As the only 16-bit microcontroller family with integrated USB 2.0 device, embedded-host, dual-role and OTG functionality, the PIC24F makes it cost effective and easy to add advanced USB features to embedded designs.

The PIC32 microcontroller family members with integrated USB 2.0 OTG functionality bring more performance and memory to embedded designers, while maintaining pin, peripheral and software compatibility with Microchip's 16-bit microcontroller families. With a maximum operating frequency of 80 MHz, up to 512 KB of Flash and 32 KB of RAM, and USB OTG, the PIC32 USB family members enable lower BOM costs and smaller PCB real estate.

Tools and Support

All of the new 8-, 16- and 32-bit USB PIC MCU families are supported by the full suite of Microchip's world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer. Additionally, separate MPLAB C Compilers are available for all three families.

Microchip also offers a complete online USB Design Center, located at www.microchip.com/USB, where engineers can find everything they need to get started with their USB designs; including tutorials, technical documentation, programming support, development tool and silicon information, circuit diagrams and technical training.

Additionally, designers can download the full source code for Microchip's free USB Host Stack, Device Stack, and Class Drivers (HID, MSD, CDC, Custom). The free USB OTG Stack is currently in beta, with full release scheduled for the third calendar quarter of 2008.

Pricing and Availability

The PIC18F1XK50 MCUs are all available in 20-pin SSOP, SOIC, PDIP and 5 x 5 mm QFN packages. Limited sampling is available now, and volume production is expected to be available in calendar Q3 2008.

The 12-member PIC24FJ256GB1 family is offered in 64-, 80-, or 100-pin TQFP package options, and all are available now for general sampling and volume production.

The new USB OTG PIC32 family member, the PIC32MX420F032H-40I/PT, runs at 40 MHz and features 32 Kbytes of Flash memory, comes in a 64-pin TQFP package and establishes a new low-cost entry point for the PIC32 family with USB. Volume production for the first seven general-purpose members of the PIC32 family is available now. Samples of the USB OTG-capable devices are available today. For additional information on the seven members with USB, visit www.microchip.com/PIC32.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Theannouncement means Microchip now offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit USB microcontrollers, which are the supported by asingle integrated development environment - the free MPLAB IDE IntegratedDevelopment Environment which provides a consistent development platform acrossall PIC MCUs. This offers designengineers a solid migration path to higher levels of performance andfunctionality.

More engineersare taking advantage of USB as astandardized interface to connect with larger computer-based systems, incombination with other standard embedded serial-interface protocols. The PIC18F1XK50MCUs include a host of serial communications interfaces, such as USB 2.0, I2C, SPIand USART; enabling them to transfer data between USBand other embedded serial networks. Additionally, they provide a 10-bit,9-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)and dual comparators with S/R Latch, giving users the capability to process avariety of environmental inputs - from temperature and humidity logging tocapacitive touch-sensing.

"Theintroduction of the PIC18F1XK50 USB family exemplifies Microchip's commitment toremain at the forefront of the embedded marketplace," said Steve Drehobl, vicepresident of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology DevelopmentDivision. "More and more, our customers are making USBthe protocol of choice when connecting their embedded systems to the outsideworld. This PIC18 family allowsthem to add USB to their designsusing a single MCU to perform both the communication and the primaryapplication tasks."

"Microchip'sUSB product offering in 8-, 16-and 32-bit PIC MCUs has expanded significantly during the last few months. Theextensive products supported with a single integrated development environmentand common software libraries provide customers with an easy migration path toleverage development efforts across many platforms."

Additionalfeatures onboard the PIC18F1XK50MCUs include a USB host-detection capability, whereby the MCU can beconfigured to enter SLEEP or any other power-managed mode when a USB connection is not present. The new MCUs can alsobe internally or externally clocked with seamless on-the-fly switching,bringing further power savings to the user. Furthermore, with an operatingvoltage range of 1.8 - 5.5V, the MCUs are designed for use in a wide variety ofoperating environments and power supplies, including batteries, USB interfaces or other power sources.

Device-Specific Features

The PIC18F13K50 has 8 KB Flash and 512 Bytes of RAM memory, whereas the PIC18F14K50has 16 KB Flash and 768 Bytes of RAM.Both devices have 256 Bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage. Low-poweroptions are available for both devices (PIC18LF1XK50)offering 1.8-3.6V operation, with reduced power consumption for extremelypower-sensitive applications.

The new MCUsare well-suited for a myriad of applications - from smart remote controls to USB battery chargers. Examples include applicationsin the Consumer Electronic(battery-operated remote controls, personal mediaplayers, personal computing); Industrial(battery-operated data loggers, industrial machines that currently utilizethe RS-232 protocol, handheld instruments); Medical (patient monitors, dosing pumps, blood gasanalyzers) and other markets.

Development Support

Microchipalso announced two new development kits to help engineers get started using thePIC18FK50 MCUs in their designs.The Low Pin CountUSB Development Kit with PICkit 2Debugger/Programmer (Part # DV164126) includespopulated and unpopulated reference-design boards, a PICkit 2 Debugger/Programmer,a CD with tutorials and other supporting materials. For engineers not requiringthe PICkit 2 Debugger/Programmer, Microchip also announced the Low Pin Count USB Development Kit (Part # DM164127) today. Thiskit includes the reference-design boards, CD and supporting materials, only. Bothkits are expected to be available for purchase in calendar Q3 2008 at www.microchipdirect.com.

Additionally,as with all PIC18F MCUs, the PIC18F1XK50 family is supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2in-circuit debugger and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer. Microchip's free USB software stack can be downloaded from www.microchip.com/USB.

Device Packaging and Availability

The PIC18F1XK50MCUs are all available in 20-pin SSOP, SOIC, PDIP and 5 x 5 mm QFN packages.The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18LF13K50 MCUs; the PIC18F14K50and PIC18LF14K50 MCUs areavailable in 10,000-unit quantities.

Limited sampling is available now, and volumeproduction is scheduled for calendar Q3 2008.For further information, please contact any Microchip salesrepresentative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Website at www.microchip.com/USB.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

TVS Electronics, which currently holds about 40% market share in the DMP segment, expects to see a rise of about 3-4% in the near future with the launch of this product. It aims to touch 45% market share by the year end. The launch of these products is expected to strengthen its hold on the enterprise segment in the market.

The HD Gold series printers come in two models. The first being the HD 250 Gold, a 9pin 80 column printer and the other is the HD 245 Gold a 9pin 136 column printer. Both models are extremely user friendly and are packed with a range of new innovative features following TVS Electronics’ effort to understand the needs of its users.

With the introduction of these printers TVS Electronics continues to maintain its standards by offering products that are “Easy to Operate” and “Hassle Free” which ultimately leads to a simplified experience of printing for the end-user. As their name suggests, the Heavy Duty printers are designed for durability and longevity and are ideal for printing in tough operational environments. The models will be in the price range of Rs. 11, 000 – Rs. 13, 000.

Commenting on the new product, Mr. R. Jaishankar, Head - Sales, TVS Electronics says, “With HD Gold series launch, we have raised the bar of performance in transaction printing and bridged the gaps in customer needs on throughput and reliability. Customer feedback from both the initial trials as well in the first phase of launch has been very encouraging. Surely this HD Gold will set a standard in Indian transaction printing space and all our future products will be on this new platform delighting consumers in their workplace.”

One of the features of HD Gold series printers that stands out is the High Copy Capability. This feature enables users to take upto 5 simultaneous print copies while printing the original document. TVS Electronics is the first to introduce this feature for the 9 pin printer category. The results yielded by this feature are large increase in productivity for industries that require multiple invoices to be printed for a single transaction and a reduction on the burden on the print head as five copies are taken with one single print.

Salient Features:

· High printing speed of 510 cps (HD 250 GOLD) and 570 cps (HD 245 GOLD)

· High performance and technologically superior TVS DURAPINTM Printhead – Delivers unmatched print speeds & superior print quality in all modes of printing.

· Unmatched Reliability – 15,000 POH – Engineered to work in the toughest of environments; designed for high transaction printing loads

· High Copy Capability – 1+5 copies – first time ever from TVS-E; excellent clarity even on the last copy

· Flat Tractor – Ensures smooth paper flow and handling in multipart printing

· Parallel & USB Interface – Connectivity made Simple!

· Printer Stand: Saves space. Ensures convenient stacking of paper

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

TVS Electronics Limited, a part of the 90-year-old TVS Group is one the largest manufacturer of Computer Peripherals in the country. The range of offerings includes Products - Dot Matrix printers, Keyboards, Printing Supplies, Transaction Solutions, and Point of Sale Products (PoS).

TVS-E has a large distribution and service network, which reaches over 450 towns across the country with two National Distributors, more than 200 Regional Distributors and over 3,000 Authorized Dealer Partners. The Company has manufacturing facilities in Tumkur, Chennai and Himachal Pradesh.

Ontrack markets a portfolio of IT solutions from leading suppliers including IBM and HP, as well as software solutions from VMware, Citrix, DoubleTake, CheckPoint, Nokia, Websense, and RSA. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, Ontrack’s revenue was approximately US$13 million. Avnet will leverage Ontrack’s existing footprint and capabilities to build a leading value-added solutions distribution business throughout India. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings and supports Avnet's long-term return on capital goals.

John Paget, president of Avnet Technology Solutions, Global, commented, ‘The opportunity to expand our enterprise IT solutions footprint into the growing Indian market enables us to leverage our scale and scope as a global solutions distributor. The acquisition of Ontrack also compliments our existing Computing Components business in India. The skills and experience of the local team provide an excellent platform for us to build and invest in the fastest growing IT market in Asia that is forecasted to reach US$17 billion in 2009.’

Avnet has had a strong presence in India since 1998 through its Avnet Electronics Marketing Group which is a leading distributor of electronic components servicing a large OEM customer base. With a key office in Bangalore and sales offices in all major locations in the country, Electronics Marketing India serves customers with a broad line card covering semiconductor, passive, interconnect, and electro-mechanical components.

KP Tang, president of Avnet Technology Solutions, Asia Pacific, added, ‘With the acquisition of Ontrack, we are gaining a seasoned and experienced management team that shares Avnet Technology Solutions’ commitment to provide value-added solutions that solve the business challenges of its customers. The current owners, G. Balakrishnan and Naresh Desai, have committed to stay and lead the local Avnet team as we continue to invest in growth initiatives that address the increasingly complex requirements of the Indian market. Building on our recent acquisitions in Singapore/Malaysia and Australia, this investment is further evidence of Avnet’s commitment to be a leader in value-added distribution of IT solutions in the Asia Pacific region.’

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The Samsung Ultra SlimFitTM TVs score on account of their piano glossy Black Cabinets as well as their sleek and stunning form, which is 40% slimmer than conventional Flat TVs, delivering an astonishing Flat Panel profile. Equipped with Samsung’s patented DNIe technology for enhanced image quality, the Samsung Ultra Slimfit televisions come with Super Natural Sound Technology for crystal clear sound and enhanced sound output .

Samsung India has a range of 11 Ultra Slim Fit TVs and 28 Flat CTV models in its product lineup. While the Ultra Slim Fit TVs are priced in the range between Rs.9,600/- to Rs.19,500/-, the Flat CTVs are priced in the range between Rs 6,400/- to Rs 21,500/-.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs.

The UNI/O bus and EEPROM devices were developed in response to market trends toward smaller consumer-electronic products with more features and functionality. With this new bus, only one I/O port is needed for communication between the EEPROM device and the microcontroller (MCU). As a result, a smaller MCU can be used, which reduces overall design size. Additionally, a smaller MCU means that smaller connectors can be used - a single I/O reduces the number of signals needed for communication with the EEPROM - which enables the use of a lower pin count connector.

"Microchip has over 30 years of knowledge and experience in serial non-volatile memory products, which we used to design an entirely new EEPROM family that is smaller and more versatile than any other EEPROM devices on the market," said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip's Memory Products Division." As we saw the need for mainstream serial EEPROM devices that only required a single I/O port for communication, we developed both the UNI/O memory devices and a new single I/O bus protocol to make this new product family a reality."

The UNI/O memory devices' small size and smallest possible I/O resource usage should not be mistaken for lower technology. These devices include advanced features previously only found on larger or more expensive devices, including status registers; software write protection for ¼, ½ or full array; noise filtering, and robust ESD protection for the highest reliability.

With the ability to track the host MCU's serial data rate over the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, most clock frequencies used by the MCU can be supported. Evaluation is simplified because the UNI/O memory devices are available in 8-pin packages with pin-outs that overlay any standard I2C or SPI EEPROM socket. This means that a customer's existing hardware can be used with the available UNI/O software drivers for a quick test.

Key applications for the UNI/O memory devices include portable/handheld and battery-powered devices in the Automotive (air bags, sensors and anti-lock brake systems); Medical (glucose test-strip calibration and various patient-monitoring devices); Consumer Electronic (printer cartridges, rechargeable batteries and PC Cards); and Industrial markets (portable instrumentation and data loggers), among others.

Development Support

The UNI/O memory devices are supported by the new MPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products (Part # DV243003) and the MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer (Part # DV007004).These products are available today, at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

Additionally, software drivers are available for Microchip's PIC MCUs today, at http://www.microchip.com/. Drivers for other popular MCUs are expected to be available in the future.

Part Numbers, Packaging, Pricing & Availability

The 1 Kbit through 16 Kbit devices are offered in two versions - the 11LCXX0 versions operate from 2.5V to 5.5V, and the 11AAXX0 versions operate from 1.8V to 5.5V. All of the 11XX010, 11XX020, 11XX040, 11XX080 and 11XX160 memory devices are available in 3-pin SOT-23 packages; as well as 8-pin PDIP, MSOP, SOIC and 2 x 3 mm TDFN packages.

Samples of the 11XX160 EEPROM devices are available today at http://sample.microchip.com/, and volume-production quantities of these devices can be ordered today at http://www.microchipdirect.com/. Samples of the 11XX010, 11XX020, 11XX040 and 11XX080 devices are expected to be available at http://sample.microchip.com/ in June, and volume-production quantities can be ordered in June at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

CSR’s multimedia BlueCore products are the only Bluetooth ICs on the market to integrate a high performance DSP. CSR has designed BlueCore5-Multimedia to provide exceptional audio performance for stereo headsets with its CODEC providing 95dB SNR. BlueCore5-Multimedia’s flexible DSP architecture allows designers to add additional features to help boost the performance and functionality of their end designs (such as the FM radio in i.Tech’s Clip D-Radio). The BlueCore5- Multimedia radio transmits at +8dBm and receives at -90dBm, which eliminates interference when taking a call. Combined with CSR’s proprietary CVC technology for enhanced audio quality, the Clip D-Radio will provide users with crystal clear sound in spite of surrounding noise.

CSR’s compact and highly efficient Bluetooth technology helped i-Tech design a small form factor headset weighing just 21.5g. By incorporating a high quality OLED display, i.Tech’s headset allows users to see who is calling before they answer as well as enabling browsing between FM radio stations. In addition to displaying missed calls and battery and pairing status updates, the Clip D-Radio includes a dial out function to allow users to store up to ten numbers and let users to setup four favourite radio stations. The Clip D-Radio is also the first Bluetooth headset to feature a three buzzer alert mode to allow users to differentiate between incoming calls and can be recharged easily using a PC USB port.

i.Tech’s Clip D-Radio, benefits from CSR’s high performance BlueCore5-Multimedia technology with enhanced data rate (EDR) for lower power consumption. By collaborating with CSR, iTech has achieved up to seven hours of quality audio streaming time, or up to 150 hours whilst on standby for the radio headset. In support of the latest Bluetooth specification v2.1+EDR, the headset is compatible with both A2DP and AVRCP profiles to enable connectivity to a wider variety of music sources whilst maintaining the ability to easily switch between phone calls and stereo music.

Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Wireless Audio Strategic Business Unit commented, “Audio quality and battery life have always been the most important features of a Bluetooth headset. i.Tech’s Clip D-Radio is a stylish compact design that combines both entertainment and communication in a singular package. Combined with our BlueCore5-Multimedia the Clip D-Radio delivers best in class audio performance whilst its low power design enables long standby and talk times.”

Stephen Ngan, Executive Director of I i.Tech commented, “In designing the Clip D-Radio, it was imperative that the wireless audio quality was of an exceptionally high standard. As leader of the Bluetooth market, CSR was an obvious choice for us and has enabled us to offer our customers a headset that benefits from remarkable design and superior functionality.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About CSR

CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements.

CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com

About i.Tech Dynamic Limited

i.Tech Dynamic Limited (“i.Tech”) was established in 2002 in response to burgeoning opportunities in the digital industry. Equipped with the state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and backed by proven product innovation and development capabilities, i.Tech is able to produce cutting-edge turnkey solutions for the mobile communications market.

With a focus on the production and distribution of mobile companion products and solutions, i.Tech aims to create iconic and innovative devices to make a hit in the market and appeal to consumers with user-friendly interfaces.

CSR’s MusiCore1 technology presents handset makers with the first practical audio processor architecture for phone designs, saving 75 percent of the cost, and over 36mm2 of space of adding a separate audio processor. Handset makers using CSR’s MusiCore1 can, for the first time, have stereo audio along with fully featured Bluetooth on a single chip.

QSound’s mQSynth is a wavetable MIDI synthesiser that supports polyphonic ringtone files, game music and interactive real-time sound events using digital wavetable instruments. mQSynth will also support formats including SMF, SP-MIDI, SMAF, mXMF and JSR135.

MusiCore1 can support decoding of all mainstream music file formats including MP3, AAC, WMA and SBC. The efficiency of CSR’s mature DSP architecture contributes to MusiCore1’s ability to provide a phone with 100 hours of music playback. In addition, MusiCore1 enables sophisticated voice processing in handsets, allowing users to comfortably make calls in noisy environments.

“QSound’s mQSynth engine provides a capability that is directly in line with our own product strategy in delivering the most powerful and complete audio solution for mobile handsets”, commented Felicity Skingley, Product Manager, Mobile Handset Connectivity Business Unit CSR.

David Gallagher, QSound CEO commented, “CSR’s selection of mQSynth as an embedded MIDI synthesiser for MusiCore provides testament to the best in class performance and efficiency of QSound’s technology. It has been gratifying to work with the established industry leader in the Bluetooth market.” Mr. Gallagher added, “The additional availability of QSound’s mQFX, our 3D stereo enhancement solution for multimedia on the MusiCore1 platform provides an attractive, compelling technology and licensing proposition for all leading mobile OEMs.”

Conscious of the limited PCB space of mobile devices, CSR designed MusiCore1 to be even smaller than most Bluetooth chips. Samples of the very compact 3.8x4.8mm CSP or BGA packages are available now and volume production is scheduled to start in September 2008.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About CSR

CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements.

CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com

About QSound Labs, Inc.

Since its inception in 1988, QSound Labs, Inc. has established itself as one of the world's leading audio technology companies. The Company has developed numerous innovative, proprietary audio solutions based on extensive research into human auditory perception. These technologies include virtual surround sound, 3D positional audio, stereo enhancement and MIDI Synthesis for the mobile devices, consumer electronics, PC/multimedia, and Internet markets. QSound Labs’ cutting-edge audio technologies create rich, immersive 3D audio environments allowing consumers to enjoy stereo surround sound from headphones or from two, four and up to 7.1 speaker systems. The Company’s customer and partner roster includes ARM, LG, Samsung, Pantech, STMicroelectronics, Telechips, CSR, Aricent, Broadcom, MITAC, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Sony Vaio and Toshiba amongst others. QSound Labs supports its semiconductor, software and OEM partners globally with offices in Canada, Europe and Asia.

To hear 3D audio demos and learn more about QSound, visit our web site at http://www.qsound.com

The success of CSR’s market leading BlueCore silicon is due to the fact that the company offers the industry’s best Bluetooth technology in terms of size, radio performance and power consumption and is the most highly developed robust and reliable solution available in the market. The dominance is also testament to the fact that CSR continually innovates to keep its BlueCore technology ahead of the competition and this is borne out by CSR winning the most prominent design wins in the industry. CSR continues to develop its Bluetooth technology in a way that drives the technology into new and exciting end-user applications.

“This truly is a remarkable milestone for CSR and for the Bluetooth industry overall”, said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “Reaching the billionth-chip mark illustrates the popularity of CSR’s Bluetooth technologies amongst manufacturers across a wide range of sectors. CSR develops products that address the key issues facing designers such as cost, size and performance and interoperability. The Bluetooth SIG congratulates CSR on reaching this landmark.”

Joep van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer of CSR, commented, “The popularity of Bluetooth technology has revolutionised the consumer electronics industry and CSR has been on the forefront of design in making the adoption and integration of wireless technology easier for OEMs. This is a huge milestone for us and not only highlights the volume that CSR is delivering but also confirms our position and dominance as the leading Bluetooth provider.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About CSR

CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements.

CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com

Consumers' desire for more engaging, easy-to-use and upgradable products is driving embedded designers to add the latest USB OTG capabilities. Some products, such as PCs, operate only in a host role, whereas others - for example, USB Flash drives - operate only as devices. Products with OTG functionality can operate in either role - even auto negotiating which will be the USB embedded host or device when encountering another OTG product. The PIC32 microcontrollers with integrated USB OTG provide designers with the flexibility to add all three modes of USB operation to their products. Additionally, all PIC32 USB OTG family members feature a USB OTG PHY, enabling even lower BOM costs and smaller PCB real estate.

"PIC MCUs have long been the 8-bit microcontroller of choice for embedded USB applications," said Patrick Johnson, director of Microchip's High Performance Microcontroller Division. "With the addition of a new low-cost member to our USB OTG PIC32 MCU family and the production release of our initial seven members, Microchip continues to extend its leadership in the general purpose embedded MCU market with the most complete portfolio of over 500 8-, 16-, and 32-bit MCUs and DSCs all supported under a single development environment."

Example Applications

The PIC32 family of microcontrollers is targeted at a wide variety of embedded applications, including the following examples: Industrial (security systems, power meters, smart-card/bar-code/access readers, instrumentation); Medical (patient monitors, dosing pumps, blood analyzers); Automotive (vehicle dataloggers, radios, tachometers, vehicle tracking); Communication (power-line communication boards, media network controllers, GSM back-up controllers); Appliance (coffee makers, washing machines, fitness equipment, dishwashers, HVAC); and Consumer (GPS modules, home automation, MP3-player interfaces/adaptors).

Development Tools and Software Support

All PIC32 family products are supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB C32 C compiler, the MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger, and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer.

Microchip also provides free source code for USB software stacks and class drivers to enable designers to get a head start on the development of their USB applications. Microchip's free USB Host Stack, Device Stack, and Class Drivers (HID, MSD, CDC, Custom) are available at www.microchip.com/pic32libraries. The free USB OTG Stack is currently in beta evaluation, with full release scheduled for the second quarter of 2008.

The PIC32 family enjoys broad tool support throughout the industry. Complete tool chains are available from Ashling, Green Hills, Hi-Tech and Lauterbach - including C and C++ compilers, IDEs and debuggers. RTOS support is available from CMX, Express Logic, FreeRTOS, Micrium, Segger and Pumpkin. Graphics tools providers include EasyGUI, Segger, RamTeX and Micrium. A full list of third-party support for the PIC32 family can be found at www.microchip.com/PIC32.

USB Starter Board and Development Platforms

The PIC32 USB Starter Board has the same form factor and expandability as the general-purpose board included in the previously announced PIC32 Starter Kit. The PIC32 USB Starter Board is a low-cost entry point into high-performance USB host, device and OTG development. Complementing the PIC32 USB Starter Board is a suite of free, downloadable tools (including the MPLAB IDE and MPLAB C32 C Compiler Student Edition); free software (USB host, device and OTG stacks, and class driver source code); and documentation (application notes, data sheets and a family reference manual). Application expansion boards are also being made available, which plug into the expansion slot on the bottom of the Starter Board. The low-cost PIC32 USB Starter Board (part # DM320003) is available at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

Owners of the Explorer 16 development board can purchase a USB OTG PIC32 plug-in module (part # MA320002) and a USB PICtail Plus Daughter Board (part # AC164131). Both are available for shipment today at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

Pricing and Availability

The new USB OTG PIC32 family member, the PIC32MX420F032H-40I/PT, runs at 40 MHz and features 32 Kbytes of Flash memory, comes in a 64-pin TQFP package and establishes a new low-cost entry point for the PIC32 family. Volume production for the first seven general-purpose members of the PIC32 family is available now. For sample availability or additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit www.microchip.com/PIC32.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

USB embedded host functionality and capacitive-touch interfaces have become critical elements for a large number of embedded designs, driven by the demand for increased user friendliness, upgradeability and expandability. Now, applications that previously required a high-end chip can utilize the cost-effective, low-power 16-bit PIC24FJ256GB1 family to easily incorporate both advanced USB OTG and capacitive-touch functionality. Additionally, Microchip provides complete software support, via free USB class drivers and USB applications. And, the PIC24FJ256GB1 has ample code space for these advanced applications, while providing up to four UARTs, three SPI ports and thee I2C™ ports to expand control capabilities and eliminate the space and cost of support chips.

“Not only does Microchip provide the lowest power large-memory USB 16-bit microcontrollers, but we have the only 16-bit option for adding OTG,” said Mitch Obolsky, vice president of Microchip’s Advanced Microcontroller Architecture Division.

Obolsky continued, “Add to that an integrated capacitive-touch peripheral, the free USB software to get up and running, QVGA graphics support and the industry’s only seamless 8-/16-/32-bit toolchain, and it’s easy to see why Microchip has become synonymous with MCUs among embedded designers across the globe.”

Rarely are designers working on point applications, but rather complete portfolios of end products. To provide the flexibility that this design approach requires, the PIC24FJ256GB1 maintains pin, peripheral and software compatibility with Microchip’s 32-bit USB microcontroller family. To further ease migration and protect tool investments, Microchip’s is the only complete portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit devices to be supported by a single IDE—the free MPLAB® IDE.

Applications such as reading and writing to Flash drives, interfacing to wireless networks, and system updates are all enabled through this complete, cost-effective USB microcontroller family. Other example applications include: Industrial (manufacturing tools, data loggers, scanners, smart displays, gambling-machine peripherals, RFID readers, POS terminals, robot-controller interfaces, industrial timers, gas-flow analyzers, cable-test fixtures); Medical (portable patient-monitoring equipment, analysis equipment, research-equipment automation, glucose meters); Automotive (bus diagnostic tools, vehicle trace recorders [black boxes], ultrasonic sensors, audio and entertainment equipment); Battery-Powered (sensors, portable meters and measurement equipment, security applications, remote controls, home automation); Consumer (business-card scanners, printers, white-board digitizers, voice recorders, uninterruptible power-supply systems, MP3 players, fire alarms, exercise equipment, home security systems, universal remote controls).

Key Features:

• USB Implementers Forum certified for Peripheral and Embedded-Host functionality
• USB 2.0 OTG—supports device, embedded host, dual role and OTG
• Low power—standby current of 100 nA
• Peripheral Pin Select flexible pin mapping
• CTMU peripheral for capacitive touch
• Expanded peripherals—4 UARTs, 3 SPI, 3 I2C ports
• 23 independent timers

Development Tools

All PIC24F family members are supported by Microchip’s world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB C30 C compiler, the MPLAB REAL ICE™ emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger, and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer. Owners of the Explorer 16 development board can purchase a $25 USB OTG PIC24F plug-in module (part # MA240014) and a $60.00 USB PICtail™ Plus Daughter Board (part # AC164131). Both are available today at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

The MPLAB Starter Kit for PIC24F comes complete with everything that developers need to get started, including the USB-powered MCU board, the MPLAB IDE and MPLAB C30 C complier, documentation, sample projects with tutorials, schematics, and 16-bit compatible peripheral libraries. Microchip also provides free source code for USB software stacks and class drivers to enable designers to get a head start on the development of their USB applications. Microchip’s free USB Host Stack, Device Stack, USB OTG Stack, Class Drivers (HID, MSD, CDC, Custom), and File Management software are available now at www.microchip.com/USB. The MPLAB Starter Kit for PIC24F (part # DM240011) is expected to be available in April for $59.98 at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

Availability & Pricing

The 12-member PIC24FJ256GB1 family is offered in 64-, 80-, or 100-pin TQFP package options, and all are available now for general sampling with volume production expected in May 2008. Pricing starts at $3.47 each in 10,000 unit quantities. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at www.microchip.com/usb.

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Embedded engineers must constantly add more functions and capabilities to their designs, without sacrificing cost, space or power consumption. This is driving the demand for MCUs, such as the 16-bit PIC24FJ256GA1 family, that provide larger memory for advanced applications and higher integration to save space while maintaining low power consumption. Additionally, the enhanced peripherals of the PIC24FJ256GA1 family provide up to four UARTs, three SPI ports and three I2C ports to expand control capabilities and eliminate the space and cost of support chips.

"Microchip's latest 16-bit PIC MCUs provide customers with a new level of integration for general-purpose applications. Large code space, low power, and a powerful peripheral set expand the general-purpose capabilities of our cost-effective PIC24F family," said Mitch Obolsky, vice president of Microchip's Advanced Microcontroller Architecture Division.

According to Obolsky, "These are also the industry's only 16-bit microcontrollers, through the integrated CTMU, that enable designers to add capacitive touch capabilities to their designs without adding cost and components to the board design. Combined with our free QVGA graphics library, Microchip offers a complete and easy-to-use solution with which customers can add exciting and compelling user interfaces to their products."

Rarely are designers working on point applications, but rather complete portfolios of end products. To provide the flexibility that this design approach requires, the PIC24FJ256GA1 family maintains pin, peripheral and software compatibility with all of Microchip's general-purpose 32-bit MCU and 16-bit MCU/DSC families. To further ease migration and protect tool investments, Microchip's is the only complete portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit devices to be supported by a single Integrated Development Environment - the free MPLAB IDE.

The PIC24FJ256GA1 family is designed to meet a wide range of design-engineering needs across a broad spectrum of industries, especially those looking to provide an improved user-interface experience. Specific application examples include: Battery-Powered (sensors, portable meters and measurement equipment, security applications, remote controls, home automation); Consumer (home security systems, heating control, audio equipment, fitness equipment); Automotive (vehicle tracking, diagnostic equipment, audio electronics); Appliance (coffee makers, washing machines, dishwashers, HVAC); Instrumentation/Measurement (scales, medical instruments and monitoring); Industrial (building monitor-and-control systems, security/access systems, sensors); Medical (patient monitors, dosing pumps, blood gas analysers).

Key Features:

· Low power - standby current of 2.6 µA

· CTMU peripheral for capacitive touch

· Peripheral Pin Select flexible pin mapping

· Expanded peripherals - 4 UARTs, 3 SPI, 3 I2C ports

· 23 independent timers

Development Tools & Training

All PIC24F family members are supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB C30 C compiler, the MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger, and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer. Owners of the Explorer 16 development board can purchase a PIC24FJ256GA1 plug-in module (part # MA240015), which is available today at http://www.microchipdirect.com/.

A number of PICtail Plus daughter cards and software libraries are available for the Explorer 16 that enable designers to add QVGA graphics support, Ethernet connectivity, a SD/MMC card, speech playback and an IrDA standard connection. Finally, Microchip's 16-bit devices are supported by an increasing number of third-party tool and software vendors.

Availability & Pricing

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"We are pleased to now provide LDOs to the automotive and industrial markets," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "We expect these devices to diversify our customer base as we continue to provide the complete product solutions our customers have come to expect."

Mikhail Voroniouk, product marketing engineer with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division, continued, "The MCP179X LDOs are expected to help Microchip further expand into the ever-growing automotive and industrial markets through their high input-voltage capability and automotive grade voltage-transient protection."

Example automotive applications for the MCP179X LDOs include those where a device is powered directly from the car's battery, such as instrumentation lighting, power windows and locks, electronic accessory power adapters and stereo systems. The LDOs are also well suited for high-voltage industrial applications such as security systems, fire alarms, thermostat controls and sensors, among others.

Packaging, Pricing & Availability

Users can choose between the simple, 3-pin MCP1790 LDO or the full-featured 5-pin MCP1791 LDO, which offers shutdown and power-good functionality. Both LDOs are available in thermally capable SOT-223 and DDPAK packages and can be used over a wide input/output voltage range at full currents, enabling them to support a broad range of application setups.

The MCP1790 is available in a 3-pin SOT-223 or DDPAK package. The MCP1791 is available in a 5-pin SOT-223 or DDPAK package. Samples of both LDOs are available today at http://sample.microchip.com/. Volume quantities can be ordered at http://www.microchipdirect.com/, today.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP179X.

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