The Kynix Blog - News Room

NTT Electronics (NEL), a leading supplier of coherent Digital Signal Processor (DSP) solutions to system and module manufacturers worldwide, announced shipment of industry's first 20nm 100G Long-haul/Metro coherent DSP to customers. Substantial reductions in size and power consumption of the new Low Power DSP (LP-DSP) enhance scalability and flexibility of cost-effective 100-Gbps long-haul and metropolitan networks.The new 100G LP-DSP product NLD0640 has three-chip functions successfully integrated into a single chip consuming 70% less power and footprint as compared to the previous generation 40nm DSP product NLD0629, which additionally required OTN Framer and transmitter MUX chips to achieve the same functionality. This is an important milestone for the industry made possible by NEL's ongoing collaboration with Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM). The new chip leverages Broadcom's industry leading 20nm signal-processing-enhanced mixed-signal technology and integrates the DSP core of the widely deployed NLD0629.The new LP-DSP provides full coverage of operation modes; the lowest power 80km ZR mode, the power-managed metro mode for distances up to 1200km, and the full function long-haul mode for reaches over-2000km. The LP-DSP with less than 20W power dissipation enables smaller size second generation coherent 100G modules, including a family of C Form-factor Pluggable (CFP) and CFP2 analog coherent optics (ACO) modules."We are strongly committed to pioneering innovation in the coherent DSP market through our robust partnership with Broadcom." said Haruhiko Ichino, NEL Executive Vice President and General Manager of Broadband System & Device Business Group. "Our novel LP-DSP has already been shipped to over ten customers, who are designing their product families. We look forward to deployment of our product in early 2015 thereby providing value to the end customers by maximizing the number of 100G ports per system.""The combination of industry-leading coherent DSP technology and Broadcom's industry leading 20nm signal-processing-enhanced mixed-signal technologies provides a compelling solution for the next generation LH and metro coherent platforms," said Lorenzo Longo, Broadcom Vice President and General Manager of Physical Layer Products (PLP). "We are excited to see our collaboration with NEL enabling economies of scale for mass deployment of 100G in metro and long-haul networks."Reference:CHIPI-X10CHIPCAP-R-50-TUBECHIPCAP-D-50-TUBE

As humans, we sniff out different scents and aromas using chemical receptors in our noses. In technological gas detection, however, there are a whole host of other methods available. One such method is to use infrared lasers, passing a laser beam through the gas to an adjacent separate detector, which measures the degree of light attenuation it causes.TU Wien’s tiny new sensor now brings together both sides within a single component, making it possible to use the same microscopic structure for both the emission and detection of infrared radiation.“The lasers that we produce are a far cry from ordinary laser pointers ,” explains Rolf Szedlak from the Institute of Solid State Electronics at TU Wien. “We make what are known as quantum cascade lasers. They are made up of a sophisticated layered system of different materials and emit light in the infrared range.”When an electrical voltage is applied to this layered system, electrons pass through the laser. With the right selection of materials and layer thicknesses, the electrons always lose some of their energy when passing from one layer into the next. This energy is released in the form of light, creating an infrared laser beam.“Our quantum cascade lasers are circular, with a diameter of less than half a millimetre,” reports Prof. Gottfried Strasser, head of the Center for Micro- and Nanostructures at TU Wien. “Their geometric properties help to ensure that the laser only emits light at a very specific wavelength.”“This is perfect for chemical analysis of gases, as many gases absorb only very specific amounts of infrared light,” explains Prof. Bernhard Lendl from the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics at TU Wien. Gases can thus be reliably detected using their own individual infrared ‘fingerprint’. Doing so requires a laser with the correct wavelength and a detector that measures the amount of infrared radiation swallowed up by the gas.“Our microscopic structure has the major advantage of being a laser and detector in one,” professes Rolf Szedlak. Two concentric quantum cascade rings are fitted for this purpose, which can both (depending on the operating mode) emit and detect light, even doing so at two slightly different wavelengths.One ring emits the laser light which passes through the gas before being reflected back by a mirror. The second ring then receives the reflected light and measures its strength. The two rings then immediately switch their roles, allowing the next measurement to be carried out.In testing this new form of sensor, the TU Wien research team faced a truly daunting challenge: they had to differentiate isobutene and isobutane – two molecules which, in addition to confusingly similar names, also possess very similar chemical properties. The microscopic sensors passed this test with flying colours, reliably identifying both of the gases.“Combining laser and detector brings many advantages,” says Gottfried Strasser. “It allows for the production of extremely compact sensors, and conceivably, even an entire array – i.e. a cluster of microsensors – housed on a single chip and able to operate on several different wavelengths simultaneously.” The application possibilities are virtually endless, ranging from environmental technology to medicine. 

Manufacturer of humidity, temperature and flow sensor solutions, Sensirion, offers an on-package filter membrane option for selected humidity sensors in the SHT3x series. The SHT3x membrane is a PTFE film that protects the sensor opening from water and dust according to IP67.It thus allows sensor use under harsh environmental conditions, where spray water and high exposure to dust is challenging for accurate sensor performance.The membrane cover is attached to the sensor package by a double-faced adhesive tape, which is designed to stay on the package over the lifetime of the sensor. The whole package withstands multiple reflow cycles.Due to minimal package volume and the membrane’s high water vapour permeability, the response time of the relative humidity and temperature signal is identical to the value achieved by the uncovered sensor. Although the membrane option provides perfect protection against water and dust ingress according to IP67, it does not in general prevent contamination from volatile chemicals. All SHT3x sensors can be ordered in tape and reel packaging; the reels are delivered in sealed antistatic ESD bags.All humidity sensors in the SHT3x series feature increased intelligence and reliability. Their functionality includes enhanced signal processing, two distinctive and user-selectable I2C addresses and communication speeds of up to 1MHz. The DFN package can be integrated into a broad variety of applications, thanks to its footprint of 2.5x2.5x0.9mm3 and the wide supply voltage range of 2.4-5.5V. As with all Sensirion sensors, the SHT3x is based on the unique CMOSens Technology, which integrates the sensing element and read-out electronics on a single chip, enabling high production volume at an exceptional price-performance ratio.Reference:HIH-4010-001HIH-5030-001HS1100HIH-4030-001 

Omron Electronic Components Europe is launching a new dust sensor module, offering four times greater sensitivity compared with other LED dust sensors on the market. The higher performance and greater sensitivity of the sensor will allow tighter pollution control as well as the creation of more effective air purifiers and similar systems. Omron’s Dust Sensor is able to detect particles as small as 1 micron, less than half the size of the PM2.5 standard for fine particulate matter in the atmosphere.It also features a high air throughput, of around 6 times that of established alternatives, giving improved sensitivity of response to changes in the environment.Commenting, Gabriele Fulco, European Product Marketing Manager Sensors, Omron said “Controlling air pollution including emissions from vehicles as well as cigarette and other smoke is a major concern for city authorities and building managers alike"."It is only possible to control what can be detected, so Omron believes it is making a major contribution to the environment and public health by launching this new, highly sensitive dust sensor.”The new Omron dust sensor is highly compact, sized just 50mm x 45mm x 20mm – giving it an overall size of 20% less than popular alternative solutions. The sensor is part of a growing range of Omron solutions for HVAC and other environmental systems.They include the D6F-PH MEMS pressure sensor and the velocity sensors D6F-V which incorporate a Dust segregation System (DSS). The design of all Omron sensors guarantees very sensitive and temperature compensated measurement of air for a precise HVAC control.Reference:GP2Y1+GP2Y1010AU0FDN7C3CA006SM-PWM-01C

Developer of force-sensing technology, Peratech, is aiming to give users of smartphones and tablets a more intuitive user experience while unleashing more creative opportunities for product and app developers by adding new ways for consumers to interact with their devices. The most recent forecasts indicate that shipments of smartphones will exceed 1.5bn units in 2016 with tablet shipments expected to reach at least 240m. Peratech is working with several well-known manufacturers of these devices to add QTC force sensors to multiple surfaces on their products. The sensors, which are supplied in the form of a polymer membrane as thin as 50µm, can be applied under displays, along the edges and on the backs of handheld consumer electronic devices. They can be configured to sense X-Y position through touch and applied force in the Z-axis. There are single-touch and multi-touch versions.Sensors used under a display can sense the force applied across the entire screen and compute the touch pressure for individual zones or functions. Alternatively, they can provide discrete pressure buttons in regions that match the graphical user interface layout. Home buttons can be made multi-functional and wear-prone dome switches replaced with a force-sensing button where a light touch of the finger gives a quick wake up to check the time or messages and a firmer press reads the fingerprint and unlocks the phone.QTC sensors work under most surfaces. When applied to the sides and/or back of a smartphone, they sense the user’s grip and the amount of pressure applied, which can be used to control basic functions or apps. In addition, the back of a smartphone or tablet can be configured as a single- or multi-zone touch pad, opening up many more options for gaming input and interaction. On the device edges, QTC sensors may be used as switches and volume or brightness controls. Here, cutting holes in the case is eliminated and it’s easier to make products more robust and waterproof.Peratech CEO, Jon Stark, commented: “Adding a third dimension – force – to the user interface of a smartphone or tablet, and being able to do that anywhere on the surface of the device, offers designers infinitely greater opportunity to differentiate their products. They can become more creative with the interactions they provide, as can app developers, while at the same time making devices more intuitive and responsive”.Reference:FSG15N1AFS20-5-0-0000-1500FC2231-0000-0010-LFC2231-0000-0025-L

How many users get exasperated when their hard drive slows down? We've all found ourselves annoyed and feeling stressed watching that little spinning wheel. Will it ever stop? Usually the problem is with the hard drive. More often than not has been cluttered with all sorts of unnecessary information either malicious or otherwise. At the extreme, the hard drive becomes so corrupted that a data recovery specialist is needed. However if you keep your hard drive healthy, it can serve you well for many years.Delete your temporary files.The first port of call when your hard drive slows is to delete your temporary files. Internet browsers store these temporary files on your hard drive in an effort to speed up performance. Often they are not needed and many users never delete them. Potentially this can mean than hundreds of thousands of unnecessary files are indexed and stored on your hard disk drive. You can also remove files from your recycle bin that you are sure you want to be deleted forever. These simple actions will create a little bit more space in the data areas. Next time you attempt a read or write, there is much less ‘clutter' for the heads to work through. The result – a faster hard drive! You can always setup an automatic delete function through the operating system, weekly or monthly.Partition your hard drive.Partitioning your hard drive can reduce the risk of files being corrupted by viruses. Viruses are responsible for many performance issues and are very difficult to get rid of. Make sure your hard drive is organised by storing frequently used files and programs near each other. This also boosts the speed of your hard drive. It uses short stroking technology to minimize head repositioning delays. Although this greatly increases speed and performance it also decreases the capacity so is not always the best option, especially if you are nearing full capacity already.Install good anti-virus and anti-Trojan software.All of us understand the need for anti-virus software but how many know the difference between viruses and Trojans? Anti-virus software will not detect Trojans and these are primarily responsible for slow hard drives. Routinely run ‘on demand' scans from various different anti-Trojan applications and be sure to keep your anti-virus software upgraded.   Defrag your hard drive.Defragmenting your hard drive increases the efficiency. Ordering all the blocks and rationalising the free space is a little like tidying up your garage. Next time you need to find something, it won't take you nearly as long! You can use specialised software easily found on your machine which looks at the physical location of the files on your hard drive and optimizes those files so the computer doesn't need to search around to find the information it needs. MyDefrag is a free program that once set up will run at least every other week to ensure that your hard drive is kept running effectively.Upgrade!Sometimes it's simply hardware issues which are affecting the speed of your hard drive. This means you need to just upgrade. Do some research into your current hard drive as well as other popular ones. Consider upgrading to a high efficiency hard drive, or consider an solid state drive（SSD）.ReferenceKY259-SFSA128GV1AA4TO-I-NC-216-STDKY259-SFSA128GM1AA4TO-I-NC-616-STDKY259- SFSA128GV1AA4TO-C-NC-216-STD