Electronics Weekly – Pasternack Programmable Attenuators, Synopsys Automotive SoC Testing & More

New products from Hitachi, Microsemi, Pasternack, RS Components and Synopsys.

Hitachi Autonomous Driving Safety System

(Image courtesy of Hitachi.)

(Image courtesy of Hitachi.)

Hitachi has announced that it has developed One Fail-Operational technology, a technology that it says is essential for the realization of Level 3 autonomous driving. If one core component of an autonomous driving system such as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is damaged and becomes unable to function, this technology is designed to transfer some functions to other components, enabling the vehicle to temporarily continue to drive autonomously, and safely and smoothly transfer control of the driving back to the driver. Hitachi Automotive Systems aims to commercialize this technology by 2020.

The technology consists of a system with redundant architecture. When a core component is damaged and ceases to function during autonomous driving, the technology uses methods such an emergency circuit to prevent partial functionality, and transfers some functions to other components related to autonomous driving, enabling the autonomous driving system to continue to function.

Additional technical specifications are available on Hitachi’s website.

Microsemi Secure Time Stamps for Physical Security Networks

(Image courtesy of Microsemi.)

(Image courtesy of Microsemi.)

Microsemi has introduced the SyncServer S80 server integrating a GPS antenna, receiver and Network Time Protocol (NTP) timing server into a single environmentally hardened unit suitable for outdoor installation with physical security systems.

The device can be used to synchronize timing for IP security cameras, Access Control Devices, or operate as the master clock for time display networks common to transportation like railways and airports, secures accurate time to reduce network exposure to vulnerable public time servers or external attacks such as denial of service (DoS).

The network-ready SyncServer S80 is designed for integration into existing physical security networks and serves as the primary source of accurate time for the essential time stamps on security video footage. Equipped with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), the device connects into an existing PoE infrastructure that runs power, timing and video feed through a single cable.

For more information, visit Microsemi’s website.

Pasternack Relay Controlled Programmable Attenuators

(Image courtesy of Pasternack.)

(Image courtesy of Pasternack.)

Pasternack has released a series of relay controlled programmable attenuators that offer accurate and stable performance with low harmonic distortion (IMD) and cover multiple RF frequency bands down to DC. They are popular for use in military and commercial satellite and ground communication systems, telecommunications and automatic test equipment.

Pasternack’s six models of relay controlled programmable attenuators cover frequency bands from DC to 2000 MHz with attenuation levels ranging from 0 to 127 dB. Depending on the model, attenuator designs have 6 to 8 relay bits with attenuation steps ranging from 0.25 dB to 64 dB for precise tuning capability. Typical performance includes low insertion loss ranging from 0.8 to 3.5 dB, attenuation accuracy of +/- 0.5 dB and input power up to 1-watt CW. In addition, models are offered in 50 and 75 Ohm configurations and feature bidirectional performance capability.

Information concerning pricing and availability can be found on Pasternack’s website.

RS Components Pressure Sensor Evaluation Kit

(Image courtesy of RS Components.)

(Image courtesy of RS Components.)

RS Components has announced availability of a development kit from Honeywell that enables the simple evaluation of sensors. The Honeywell SEK001 sensor board does not require the development of code before receiving sensor measurements, enabling developers to start testing and prototyping right away.

Suitable for sensor demonstration, testing and evaluation purposes, the SEK001 is essentially an Arduino shield board, which can interface a chosen individual sensor to the Arduino Uno (Rev3) microcontroller board. The selected sensor can either be mounted directly on the SEK001 board, or alternatively connected via leads enabling the sensor to be tested in adverse environments, or in a prototype product for proof-of-concept testing.

For more information, visit RS Components’ website.

Synopsys Functional Safety Test for Automotive SoCs

(Image courtesy of Synopsys.)

(Image courtesy of Synopsys.)

Synopsys has introduced a validated built-in-self-test (BIST) and repair IP product to enable designers to achieve stringent levels of functional safety for automotive system-on-chips (SoCs). The solution includes the ASIL D Ready Certified DesignWare STAR Memory System, STAR Hierarchical System, and DFTMAX LogicBIST software qualification kit, as well as ARC HS processors, providing test and repair of memory and logic blocks with automatic test integration and validation of analog/mixed-signal IP.

Synopsys’ functional safety test solution utilizes an industry-standard IEEE1500/1687-based infrastructure to reduce integration risk and offers multiple configurations to balance SoC test time, floor planning challenges and system constraints. The package includes test and repair capabilities for on-chip and CPU/GPU memories, logic blocks and analog/mixed signal IP.

For more information, visit Synopsys’ website.


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