L : CZL LvL L\i lLl LL Li Ye LI i^LeLL November 2DD5 £3.70 www. elektor-eleotronics.co.uk Yes that's right, down-town, down under in Sydney Australia. We are a bunch of electronics enthusiasts who sell a great range of goodies through our FREE 400 page catalogue (see below) - don't be frightened! You can purchase on the Net from us 24/7/365 through our secure encrypted system* Post and packing charges are modest and you can have any of 8,000 4- unique products delivered to your door within 7 - 10 days of your order* Some specific products are shown below. Theremin Synthesiser Kit j. KC-5295 £17.50 + post & packing The Theremin is a weird musical instrument J that was invented early last century but is still used today. The Beach Boys' classic hit ^ Good Vibrations Featured a Theremin. By L/y moving your hand between the antenna and the metal plate, you create strange sound effects like in those scary movies! Kit * Includes a machined, silk screened, and pre drilled case, circuit board, all electronic components, and dear English Instructions. 9VDC power supply required tMapiin *GS74R£9>99). 3 Stage FM Transmitter Kit KJ-B750 £5.80 + post & packing The circuit board may /onS % measure just f 9“ Jl 2 T '(U xt*06 XW), but it can LjUfJ I transmit signals over half a mile in the open. It has flexible power requirements, with 6 to 12VOC input voltage {50 a 9V battery would be suitable). Jt is quick to build, and fun to use. Kit supplied with circuit board, electronic components, and clear English instructions. Remote Control Extender KC-5209 £6.70 + post & packing Get the Video Quality you Paid for] KC-539G £29.00 + post & packing Copy protection Is put in place on videos and DVDs for a good reason, but this robs you of the true high quality reproduction that it is capable of* Get the quality you paid for and strip out these annoying signals' It supports composite and S- video signals and can be configured for NTSC or PAL format. Kit in dudes case, circuit board, alE electronic components & dear English instructions. Note: ■ Some SMD soldering required. Many households have two or more TV sets which are linked to a single VCR via antenna cable. The problem is, yog can't directly control the VCR from another room in the house. So, if you want to fast forward or freeze frame the action, you have to get up and walk to the other room to where the VCR lives. Not any more! This amazing kit will let you control a VCR or hi-fi system using a remote control from another room in the house. It picks up the signal from the remote control and sends it via a 2-wire cable to an infrared LED located close to the VCR or IR receiving equipment* The kit is a breeze to construct and win work with virtually any remote control system. The Jaycar kit is complete with case, silk screened front panel, FCB, hardware plus all electronic components. A 9VDC power luppjy tMaplin "G574R £9.991 and a 2-wire cable are required. rtav rat Caution. During signal conditioning, this unit removes copyright protection. Piracy is a crime & Jaycar Electronics takes no responsibility for its potential for unlawful use. 9 VAC power supply required (Map tin ?GU09K £9.991 We Stock Independent Electronic Boost Controller >4s. KC-5387 £23.20 + post & packing Change between 2 completely different boost maps at the ,v> flick of a switch. * Map across a » ‘ jSMV maximum of 64 ■ different engine loads. Boost curve selection is via a I mti. dashboard switch, and it is all programmed using the Handheld Digital Controller - KC-53B6. Kit supplied with PCS, machined case, and all electronic components. Suitable for EFi and engine management systems only. KC-53B6 £23,75 + post & packing Used to program the ^ Independent Electronic im 7~7~~ '.rj-mL Boost Controller circuits It features a — PPyT^ 2 line backlit ! 1 1 LCD, and easy to use push buttons, it - l Qj 'Pa fi ^ hi Is designed as an BWL1 interface and display, and is not required for general adjuster functions after they have been programmed. Kit supplied with screen printed and machined case, a quality solder masked FCB with overlay,, backlit LCD, and all electronic components. Requires serial interface lead 5ft D25 plug to plug Uaycar Cat. WC-7502 £2.30) RIMOU control SXTINPER KITS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS Electronic Components, Sub-Assemblies & Electronic Kiis Audio & Visual Equipment & Accessories Computer & Telecoms Accessories Burglar Alarms & Surveillance Equipment Lighting Products & Accessories Gadgets & Unique Gifts Post and Packing Charges: Order Value Cost £20 - £49.99 £5 £50 - £99.99 £10 £100- £199.99 £20 £200 - £499.99 £30 £500+ £40 Max weight 12lb (5 kg) - heavier parcels POA. Minimum order £20. Log on to ectronics.co.uk/elektor r FREE catalogue! (Monday - Friday 09.00 to 1730 GMT + 10 hours only) For those who want to write: 100 Silverware r Rd S live rwa ter NSW 2128 Sydney AUSTRALIA rLU r*»; , / Jpr-* 1 y i ] |g [ ■ f . 1 ;) Hi™ 10 W Hf § V tJ r ( ! A ,7 n Jiff m 1 ^ — A . t W 45 11 k -^^■1 it jl t\ , IX /L //_ MICROCONTROLLER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS from Breadboarding Systems Make PtCmicro® development easy with the EasyPlC3 - only £99! )iMaaamnaaai ■ it '-A _ - *■» JfcJNPI ■ - # i-s f ~ ■ LJ KPS] -4 __ . b 5? The new EasyPlC3 Development Board combines a versatile development experiment board with a built-in USB programmer. With its wealth of on-board 10 devices and support for virtually all 8 : 14 : 18, 28 and 40-pin PlCmicro^ microcontrollers in the 10F. 12F, 16F and 18F families, we re certain you won't find a more ver- satile high quality board at such a low price. The EasyPICS Development Board is supplied with USB pro- gramming; power cable, programming software and useful example programs. EasyPIC3 Development Board features: * High quality development experiment board with built-in USB 2.0 high-speed programmer. * Programming software compatible with Windows operating systems including 2000 and XP. * Comes with a F1C16F877A microcontroller but compatible with virtually all 8, 14, 18, 28 and 40- pin PICmicro" devices in the IGF, 12F. 16F and 18 F families, * On-board I/O devices including switches, LEDs, seven-segment displays, potentiometers and RS- 232 interface. Now also features USB and PS/2 keyboard interface connectors. * Provision for easy fitting of optional DS18S20 temperature sensor, and LCD and GLCD dis- plays. * All I O lines available for off-board expansion. * Wide range of optional add-on boards available including ADC, DAC, EEPRQM, Compact Flash, MMC/SD, Keypad, RTC t RS-485, CAN and IrDA, Additional add-ons available soon. * Powered from your PC's USB port or optional mains adapter. * Supplied with example programs written in assembly language, BASIC, C and Pascal. Also available are similar boards for the 8051, AVR and dsPIC, each at the same great price of £99 including UK delivery and VAT — please telephone or see our website for further details. • Supplied with Microchip Technology's MPLAB development software and demonstration versions of MikroElektronika s mikroBASIC, mikroC and mikroPascai compilers. Learn about microcontrollers with our EasyP!C3 Starter Pack - just £149! We've taken the EasyPIC3 Development Board and added a 16x2 character LCD display, 128x64 graphical LCD, DS18S20 temperature sensor. RS-232 serial communications cable and our own easy-to-follow microcontroller tutorial to form a complete and self-contained Starter Pack — everything you need io learn about and experiment with microcontrollers! With this pack you will quickly become proficient in microcontroller programming and interfacing. Please see our website for full list of covered topics. Make programming easy too with mikroBASIC, mikroC and mikroPascai Three incredibly easy-to-use yet powerful compilers for PiCmicro 1 ' microcontrollers, each featuring a user-friendly code editor, buiit-in tools and routines and source-level debugger. Supplied libraries facilitate rapid development and include ADC. CAN, Compact Flash. EEPROM, Ethernet, Graphic LCD, i 2 C, LCD. 1-wire. PWM, RS-485. sound, SPI, USART, USB routines and many more. mikroBASIC and mikroPascai— £99 each, mikroC— £149. Call 0845 226 9451 or order online at www.hreadhoarding.oo.uk All prices include UK delivery and VAT. Major credit and debit cards accepted. Secure online ordering. Software on DVD! ading the way This issue of Elektor Electronics is very special indeed, being the first in our 30-odd year history in pub- lishing to come with a free DVD in the full print runJ A treasure trove to electronics enthusiasts, the 'Kalei- doscope' DVD contains almost 30 electronics CAD programs from nearly all great players in the field. It sure took us a lot of work, emails and phone calls, but we finally suc- ceeded in getting approval from all leading manufacturers far the distri- bution of their programs on the DVD you'll find secured on page 1 3 in this issue. These days it is hard to think of electronics design without the help of a computer. You could be draw- ing a schematic, simulating a circuit or taking the project through the board design and testing phases. Most of the software products on the DVD cover all three steps, be it within a single package or by means of separate but interlinked programs. Of course, every pro- gram as its own strength and weak- nesses, while users will (and should be allowed to) have their personal preferences. Our DVD allows you to form a well-founded opinion on just about anything available today for CAD in the ever widening field of electronics. As an extra, we've also thrown in a couple of tools for related design aspects like front panel designing. Switch off the doorbell, pull the phone cord and make sure there's plenty of food and drink available for a couple of days of very intense PC use while you sample, browse and try out the programs on the DVD r We're looking forward to read your findings, please let us know! Programs for schematic capture, board designs (PCBs) and simulation are now indispensable tools for anyone seri- ous about elec- tronics design. This issue jg comes with a frt free DVD packed with demo, evalua- tion, trial and complete versions of all popular E-CAD pro grams. The DVD on page 1 3 allows you see what program is best suited to your requirements and applications. There are three other design besides the familiar type impedance and low output impedance. In this article we find out what these other types can offer in terms of bandwidth with the help of a few essential circuits. 34 Voltage Mode or Current Mode? Jan Buiting, Editor Volume 31 November 2005 no. 348 From 35 years publishing experience v/e can confirm that it's difficult to make modern tech- nology accessible to everybody. But the best comes to those who wait ... join us to discover the numerous possibilities that E-Blocks offer! Microcontrollers are particularly hard for beginners to program. Graphical user interfaces help to show interde- pendencies, but they have their limitations. We look at a couple of systems and some simple application examples. 24 34 44 40 58 70 74 50 64 6 8 9 10 12 22 77 78 know-how From Concept to Reality Voltage Mode or Current Mode? Programming in Pictures hands-on Remote Control by Mobile Phone Synchronous Servos Mini Project: Solid-state Turn Indicator Design Tips Parallel-poll Flasher for Elekfar Flash Micro Board PICAXE controls Nokia 3310 Display Former!/ a tobacco tin Labtalk: Right-angle LEDs technology Electronic Building Blocks Delphi for Electronic Engineers (9) Colophon Mailbox Corrections & Updates News & New Products Kaleidoscope News & New Products Sneak Preview infotainment Retronics: Close encounters with a fossil Guizz'Away (14) Thousands of OBD cables and connectors in stock Custom cable design and manufacturing Lowest prices • Online ordering ■ Ship worldwide Contact us online: www.OBDCables.com ■ sales(a)obd2cables.com we have uouv OfeP cable, we cai^ help ljov H~ l Verified Your price conscious PCB supplier CIRCUITS Online Price calculation Online Ordering Online Order tracking Online 24/24H and 7/7D a la carte pooling for prototypes and smalt series from 1 till 1.000 pieces from 4 working days onwards up to 6 layers - wide range of technological capabilities - up to 20 layers - from 1 piece onwards -from 2 working days onwards www.eurocircuits.com / > MEGApool pooling for series 250* 500 or 1.000 pieces medium series at prices of MEGA series lektoc leo ronios Volume 3 1 , Number 348.. November 2005 ISSN 026S 45 : 9 Elektor Electronics aims at inspiring people to master decrronics at any person- al level by presenting construction projects and spotting developments in elec- tronics and information technology. Publishers: EJetoor Eeclrortcs (Pubfeh^). RQ. Beet 190. Tunbndge V^s TN5 7WY EngbraL [0) 1 580 200657. tat (+44) (0) ! 5 2Q06I.6- ^ i s tnyn newsagent. bookshops- and eascfcot'irCs OjufeR or on sub- hj^5&qsi. £ fefetor Sectrofics s pdstehed 1 1 tsnes s year vvtth a ckx&'e Tss-e • ■ , ■ u -...r LHder Ere :■ ' Ere z :- J . the mspz _ e -a i :: : sred n — c - c - Gerr-ar Er- l' j:&- :r: _ : zr "z edlcnz r e -E7EC re s or : - rrc =hsn 11 cou'rres International Editor ' irrlf-Z E : i ’l-£" " Editor: sr E^z~£ . :: :: ■ . e - e : r : ■ :e :: international editorial staff: e. liz: ■ eI-.-'ZE _ -e: :i el_-i ' ar a i » z*. e? Reece " eog r Design staff: Cs, a L 1 ..-_e 1_.. . Fhu lx e ezze : : ■ s .Vara vs -r Editorial secretariat: -lv*rg Henodte . s_zr es: r - ’ a m Subscriptions: .M d,v :-2 zez. :e arc Jv-f 1 :ie 1 ::i = i" • 1 e : : :e: _ :e _ . r. ” 1 "HE 1 ; e~ : If::— •: 5E 1 202^57 11. i; : : E/r.i i_. •• *_• rr .. 1 ::tE and :e tt,-e e t : . e " " _ re : : : _ : _ 1 :e ' : " Heatl Office: b.v. RG. Bor 75 NL-£i90AB Eeei; Tre NEinsrfep^k lis: —1 -l-ll-"’— - ~a= —1 -l- 1~I 6. Distribution; Seymour, S6 (StevTnan Stress. London WIP 3LD, UK Advertising: ■H jsc r rzerritc ra r’sd e lerr : :r: - : .. 1: : : Lar : Crertaeir Sunrev KT16 9.-9, F“: r la: - . - - -- L C "Hid---"" = a — — I -llli-’^l E"“ e ■ : ;e 1 h-io^rr. : : a :: frtEtrret: ■ r, - . • r — er i .;t — -r,£:“. i:^£ 'i:a: i i a r a.i me: : : International Advertising: ihe laeerrc.-er iii'eEE ze -ez: l - e~T" ■ -iE " i -' T r r '’.a - g talas and :a. d r--.. ±va : , 2 l 2 on Copyright Hotice T>SFr^,d^r^ ^^^ iirfi<:nt* g37in ^ phftfr^anh=: pfjjF EFfi rim jt boerd pn ^cH t Jis ed ic^^ejd cmnis, dales. CCMlOf'h. ssiws^e ..ta.rpef = amd atodie tjaS pub- : : : . . iin ei :: . ‘ : : : ■ " - - : r _ iwlbe i^pfodocedtjrtrsfiSfiiiE^ m 5ny «bnn orb/any mcsi% mdui^^photicec^^ FEtZMt&tSi whefe or written pefmikiSft fern the Piibi'ssafi. 5bchwT£l£&i{iaim- utEi cfeo be coined sny pat c# Baa piMcsLcn is stored in a retrieval ofay nsiifft. : -iv 'j :■:= a ■::: • m-: : “-•• Avw ntzt yirpja respoftsoKly feir feSing t z zz~~ ~ . 7 _ p z=-^} or cere - r r I'azibft Tbs an&rrjsaan ci gfnc f ly ivs had intended to amp-ay a smalt crcufl (Figure 1). the WAHz Frequency Metis front the 2005 Double Summer Issue, using each program. Mowed by. if pos- sible,, a desci of the correspsslng boad, posrSy even usng ciiiaytaamatl and uafo- rouf :ng. This hope turned out to he fusl o drecm due fa the time thui would hove been required to undertake ecrfi program and create lbs missing components one hy one, finding ihot that ibey did no! exist. Thai sure would have given [he advantage to ibose pre-grants for FCG design only [Ike Loyal PCS, because ml we wanted fa da was design a baaid in manual mode. So, we were farted to change our plan 0:id prep a*-e instead, screendumps of certain examples ihat tome with the various software pack- ages. Haw many limes hove you asked ourself, where ton I find d smell simple pro- gram lhal can moke a printed circuit quickly and hove it etched within on hour? Thanks fa I he con teals of this DVD, you now have plenty of choices. Still, vie did not went to completely obanrkn our original idea mi invite you, cur rseders to parlidpate to this venture: Get going with the programs you find interesting {including ihe ones you may already know), using the schematic In Figure I as a starting point. A dedicated page is available an the fMtor f tectfonhs website where you can report your findings with I he program[s] of youF choice. | We also welcome feedback from professional users of the various PCB ^ design programs. L — — — — » — — » O L£3t Figure 1. Here is Ihe small schcmolk thnt we would have liked lo submit la each of the schematic capture and _ PCB design programs on this DVD. 1 8 Vie do not intend to discuss each program on Ihe DVD in areni detail Rainer, we lotus on problems and peculiarities encountered during installation and practical * use. We also give you special lips; oliowing you to form your own opinion by trying them out and help you decide for yourself which one is the most appropriate lor n your objectives. Lets look Qi ihe programs on the DVD to alphabetical cider, using the first letter of the company name or, if there ore several programs, the name of the program itself n fo number of companies herring token ihe name of I heir program cr rice-verso), — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — J Spies n 6.0 Sprint layout 4.0 Abacom kindly sent us a CD-ROM with a demo of all versions of all of their programs, and even created a program launch interface. Just enter the Abacom directory and click on the Start icon to launch the demo. SPIan, version G.O, is used to produce schematics. Toe Zoom page function is used to make the entire schematic reappear on the page. The creation of a component list only takes a few seconds and a components search is very easy and fast. Modifying the components is simple, possibly because the possibilities are limited. The Sprint Layout board design pro- gram will not impress those who are used to "large' programs, such as Pads Layout or OrCAD Layout, but it is a very easy way to make one’s own trace design. Placing various pads (several pad models are available) and traces is easy, as is editing. Since we wanted to limit ourselves to programs related to schematic capture 14 and board design, we transferred all of the other demos into a separate subdi- rectory called 'Extras', If you would like to try something other than sFian or Sprint Layout, all you needtodois to move the relevant file(s) from the Extras' directory to the corresponding main directory located above it (Aba- com\Demo\). Circuit Creator Circuit Creator is a set of programs including Board Creator, Boute Cre- ator, Symbol Creator , Logic Creator , and View Creator , plus a set of docu- mentation, including a .pdf manual of no less than 364 pages. If the docu- mentation Is faithful, the entire design process is covered: schematic capture, creating interactive symbols, circuit simulation and automatic router design. In the schematic capture phase, the zoom is not progressive and uses several steps. There is also another, better version. Platinum, fea- turing a simulation option. The com- mands are not very sophisticated, but none the less efficient. The simulation program, Spice CREATOR, also from AMS, is presented to you in the Extras .•'Simulators folder. LayolPCB 10.0 The program installation is the same no matter which language is selected, English, Dutch, or French. The installa- tion is done in the wink of an eye. due to the small size of this program, hardly 2.5 MB. Despite its simplicity of use, this pro- gram Is really worthwhile. The netlist generated by a schematic capture pro- gram may be used to establish the required links. The 0.000 i-mm internal resolution is useful when designing high-resolution boards. An DRC (Design RuteChecker) is avail- able online. This small program is easy to test and use to successfully create one's own PCB designs, BAE 4.3.0.347 BAE (Bartels AutoEngineerL ) is a set of programs for schematic capture, PCB design and to ASIC /integrated cir- cuit design. There is a version for Windows and one for Linux, Installation does not present any prob- lems. taking just a few seconds, due to the size of the program. Once installa- tion is finished, you will be asked if you want to go to demo mode or to schematic capture only. It Is easy to pass &om demo mode to schematic mode by replacing the router cfg con- figuration file with the schema. cfg file (but that implies license ownership, which beyond the scope of this article), BAE is clearly a profes- sional program that has already evolved over sev- eral years. The structur- ing of a project is well done. It goes from schematics to pan place- ment and then attempts auto-routing. Each time, a new panel is opened within the triple- panel (screen) layout. Manipulating the compo- nents is self- evident „ Board bl of the sysdem o.ddb p raj ect is very representative. The auto-router demo is impressive (260 intercon- nections in less than 30 s on a 1.8-GHz system — the world has really changed since fast CPUs and large memories came about). That is a comment often heard when one sees the actual power of the auto-routers f even if we let auto-place- ment do its thing, the auto-router has no problem inserting the interconnec- tions in the little space left between the components, QrCAD 10.0 Demo If the name of the company itself is not very meaningful to our readers, the name OrCAD has a great ring. OrCAD was one of the first schematic capture programs to appear on the market, at least twenty years ago. At about 175 MB ORCAD is the largest suite on the Kaleidoscope DVD. It inte- grates several modules, one of which is OrCAD Capture for schematic cap- ture and OrCAD Layout for PCB design. One of the strengths of the OrCAD approach is sharing data over the entire process, a solution that we find on more and more programs, with retroactive editing. As soon as we have a netlist we can execute place- ment of components and their routing. These commands, the product of opti- ons mg u t il I s at ion exp erience over time, have almost become the stan- dard in the profession. This demo version of OrCAD 10.0 includes a demo version of OrCAD Uni- son Ultra with CIS option, it offers the following functionalities: • OrCAD Capture, one of the most pop- ular schematic capture tools in the world with a CiS option (Component Information System) offering options for powerful searching, capture, and analysis of manufacturer specifications of components * PSpice A D, oners sophisticated sim- ulations for analog and mixed signal environments - OrCAD Layout with SPECCTRA, PCB design, backed by the router which is the industry standard. We extracted the file that is on the DVD. All you need to do is launch the setup. A few facts about the company and a few mouse clicks down the line, and the program is installed, Reading the documentation on the Internet may give your firewall a hard time. You need to search for examples in the sub- directory \tools\xxx\samples —where the xxx will depend on what it refers to: capture, layout, etc. We ll let you savour the pleasure of discovering it yourself. CADint PCB 2.11.15.0 This large program (close to 15 MB) from CADint (Sweden) in the 3.70,1 version installs with no problems. The demo version is similar to the others, somewhat limited, especially with respect to back-up. The possibilities for the schematic capture section are very substantial. You may he surprised to see that the various models are not drawn on the grid in such a way that there is a progressive shifting of lines as the connection studs drift, but as soon as the grid is turned off, we no longer have this parallax prob- lem. A number of com- mands are intuitive. CADint PCB also has a PCB design section capable of powerful functions such as auto- mat ic via generation, manual routing with optional Bezier curves, calculation of trace length and correspon- ding impedance, pin and group swap. Free to all academic institutions. Eagle 4.15 Eagle (Easily Applicable Graphical Lay- out Editor) from CADSoft exists in Ger- man and English; there is also a version for Mac and another which works in Linux. The current version is 4.15. Eagle is a complete program integrat- ing a schematic editor, a PCB editor and an auto -router — all in the same user environment. This avoids having to convert the netlists in order to get from schematics to the PCB design, whose maximum size, in the profes- sional version, is 1,6 m square, at 0.1- micron resolution. At first, opting for the German version shows up at the user interface level and the Help menus, but not the stan- i 1; 2005 - tMkrT electronics 15 daid program commands, still in Eng- lish. This should not bother our read- ers. Eagle is a highly appreciated program all over the world due to its high-per- formance Light version. We did not try the Mac version or the Linux version. DesignWork Professional Version 4*3*1 The version presented on the DVD also supports simulation and VHDL. The installation goes smoothly. The interesting thing is that we have direct access to examples which clar- ify the capabilities of the program. We also have the option of importing a certain number of third-party formats* Components are placed directly; you just need to move it inside the window and place it on the work surface. You will need some time in order to scroll through the 1,000 components that make up the total list* Placing the connections is extremely simple, just dick on the first pin and there you go, the wire at the end of the cursor, to the destination pin. Documentation is provided. EPD Windows 7.2.31 This Edainnovation software has the special ability of working with an AutoCAD engine. You will be requested to enter a license when you launch EPD Windows for the first time* To do that, you will need io be online, or it may be possible by telephone* The system automatically creates the body of the message with the serial number. As a general rule, you will receive a response with the evaluation license file for 15 days called EPDWINDEMO,p\vd within 24 hours* You need to transfer it to the program directory (typically C:\Fro gram Files \CAD DESIGN SOFTWARE ac ad) where you will give it a new name, CDS.PVJD. When restarting the pro- gram, ignore the error message and continue. The environment is very unusual. The graphics are surprisingly sophisti- cated. The entire program seems powerful and at an industrial level, but no doubt requires an approach other than the one we are used to for this type of pro- gram. When reducing the size of the window you are working in, the program auto- matically recentres the object. Fortu- nately, there are a good number of examples on which to practice and gain experience. Design Suite 8.1 Who does not remember the good old Ulticap and Ultiboard from the late 80s? They have really evolved since; acquired by Electronic Workbench, a simulation specialist, it is very popular in colleges and was itself recently taken over by National Instruments, Strategic alliances are being concluded and are moving ahead at a fast pace* Electronic Workbench is proposing a derao version of their Design Suite 8. 1 software. It integrates four programs: Mill tic ap for schematic capture, Multi - sfm for simulation, Ultiboard for FOB design, and Ultiioute for routing. You are required to enter some per- sonal data during installation before being able to continue. The program makes sure your profile is updated. The installation proceeds smoothly. Two options open when starting the program: Multjsim 8 and Ultiboard 8. The countdown, of the number of days in use begins as soon as the installa- tion is terminated. You have 45 days. The program automatically proceeds to verify that the program is current. It then opens automatically. Tne work area is attractive. Placing the parts is simple* Select, confirm and then place. Placing the interconnec- tions is even easier — click at the start and click at the end. The program incorporates powerful tools like a digital oscilloscope io dis- play signals during a simulation. The probes provide precious informa- tion about what’s happening m real time where the probe is connected (vir- tually). if only for the number of examples offered, this is a superb demo. Tne second program, Ultiioute, as one might suspect from its name, is a high performance router, and a peoermil one, too. He at Elektor we have been asked many times which software our designers use. Well, they are Ultiboard and QrCAD fans, having used exten- sively customised versions of these programs for close to twenty years to design Elektor’ s superb PCB boards that are well-renowned in the industry. FreePCB 1 .2 This program comes in the form of a compressed file which is self-extract- ing. You must extract it hi an optional directory Enter the sub directory Vbm of the directory thus created and launch the program. As the name indicates, it is a PCB design program, it is used to import and export net list 3 and to use rats nests. The manual is in .html format and easy to access. Although it is a simple program, hav- ing function key reminders simplifies use. The digital keys are intuitively placed. 16 Target 3001! V 12 Here we have the exclusive honour of presenting the most recent version of this mult ifunct ion software, version 12. Unfortunately, we were not able to test it, the file literally arrived 1 hour before the Kaleidoscope DVD went into mass -production. We are ref erring to version VI 1 which you can run by clicking on the icon car/1 L Target 3001! does not contain modules. Rather, it is a program integrating schematic capture, simulation, PCS design, auto-routing, auto -placement, CEM analysis, and even front panel design. The version presented here is a version iimired to 100 pins /blocks, two layers and the simulation of 30 signals. It should be noted that the developers of this software authorise free distribu- tion of the demo version,. It is however not allowed to use the software for commercial purposes. Do not be alarmed by messages announcing that the software only lasts six months... The program offers a large number of examples giving a good idea of its capabilities. It is true that the limit of 100 pins is relatively restrictive. CirCAD '98 4.20t This one, too, installs with no problem under Windows. CirCAD shows tech- nology as it existed about ten years ago t as the original creation date indi- cates. It is not simple to obtain a zoom... Once you have discovered the tech- nique, it is rather impressive to see what could be done at the time. Remarkably each pin has its own num- ber, so there should be no more excuses for connection errors. Opening a reference window lets you zoom pre- cisely on the desired area. A.mong the interesting aspects of Cir- CAD we found "reverse engineering which allot vs you turn a scanned image of a PCB all the way back to a schematic! KiCAD KiCAD is an Electronic CAD suite com- prising several programs; * KiCAJJ project management utility * EESchema (Schematics) * PCBNEW (Printed Circuits) * CVPCB used to create the associa- tion list for PCBNEW indicating con- nections between components appear- ing on the schematic (s) and the corre- sponding modules (physical form) for the printed circuit , - OE REVIEW (view GERBER files). The program comes in zipped format and should be extracted into a sepa- rate directory, an ope radon which takes a certain amount of time, consid- ering the size of the of the relevant files. Next, we enter the directory that we created and start BB5chema.exe for schematic entry. As they show on the screendump, there are some relatively complex schematics,,. There is even a 3D viewing option — superb! Just move the mouse to any spot on the board surface to see it turn in space and see the components in 3D. The board’s centra of gravity is identified by an axis. Different executables exist for Linux and Windows (98. XT, NT), The files generated by the various operating systems are perfectly com- patible between one system and another. Proteus 6.8 Proteus is a complete software tool, composed of ISIS for schematic capture and ARES for PCB design. ISIS The examples available are interesting, an EPROM programmer and emulator. The work surface is well thought out, all of the necessaries are within reach: Components, General View, etc. Worth the detour, especially since the prices are reasonable. ARES You will need a bit of patience before being able to use the PCB design pro- gram. The quantity of subdirectories that the Labcenter Electronics directory 7 con- tains is impressive. You need to go into the subdirectory Proteus 6 Lite SAM- PLE SvSchematic & PCB Layout to find ail the necessary. Any new manipula- tion causes the (annoying) hourglass to appear. The autorouter demo is impressive, although professional users might have some reservations that a non- specialist might not notice. Proteus, in its complete version, can simulate an enormous number of com- ponents, LEDs and LCD displays using Atmel and Microchip controllers. McCAD Schematics MAC PCB-ST As you can guess from its name, a ver- sion for Mac computers exists. As far as we know, this was one of the first or the first CAD program written for the Mac. Given the growing success of Windows, a version for the PC was added later. When re que sting the pro- gram Inst allat ion execution, you will see two executables and one docu- ment appear. Begin by reading the lat- ter, Install the schematic capture pro- gram, then the one for PCB design. This operation runs smoothly. Then you will find five tools, from Schemat- ics to PCB-ST, also to include PakEdit, Schematic Tools and Gerber 2, We begin in ‘life’ mode. The familiarisation process for the schematic capture program is quick due to the simplicity of the commands and available functions. The capacity of the PCB design pro- 11 /2GD5 - Victor e led i erics 17 INFO & MARKET KALEIDOSCOPE program not imposing constraints. Winschem can also serve as a basis for transfer to IVinTVpon, the program used to make the printed circuit. ^NinTypon is the module for drawing or making a final copy of a printed circuit drawing. Help bubbles in conjunction with keys help speed up the familiarisa- tion process, Winiypon can be used as a PCB design tool, pure and simple, but it is also possible to access it from the Winschem schematic capture soft- ware for data transfer. PCB Designer 1 .3.3 FOB Designer is one more old-fash- ioned’ program, not much bigger than 400 kB. The installation only takes a few seconds, opening a new design takes little more time than that. Its only function, as its name indicates, is that of a PCB design program. You sim- ply place the components as you like needed. MerliPCB Here, we find a very spe- cial program — not exactly a schematic capture program, but a design program that works under Corel Draw version 7 and up. As a number of our readers have one of the gram is quickly exhausted. Eventually it will report that too many windows are open, and finally crash. Good documentation is sadly missing even for basic things like IC shape placement {however, a large .pdl file exists with 368 pages for schematic capture, we really feel the Mac influ- ence there). PCB elegance 3.0 The installation goes quickly. No exam- ple is available to get an idea of the final result. The familiarisation process requires some time but then the moves are logical. Toe components are gently placed on the grid. Working on the components is simple, in the traditional way — with a few shortcuts to sped up things. Clicking on * repaint ' from time to time brings back colour to the grid. The block diagram can be used to pass from one module to another and clarifies interconnection issues. This is a general pro- gram that gives the impression of having the ability to build interest- ing things. It comes with a lot of documentation — and a lot of it is ulator that can be found in the Extra/ Simula tors directory of this DVD. It's a good idea to start with a large screen since there is no way of mini- mizing either the Help screen or the Control Panel (it’s ail or nothing). The program offers a huge number of pos- sibilities. Several examples help you understand the programs options. The system checks to see if there is a new version. Easy-PC also provides a Reverse Engi- neering function, going back from a PCB design to a schematic. Other new features include a 3D dis- play and a verification feature to see if sufficient space exists between two superimposed boards, a Push-aside function that, as its name indicates, pushes aside r parts so that you can squeeze in an or her, and Track Neck- ing that automatically reduces the width of a trace when it must be connected to a thinner block. 1.6.0 Simple installation with no problems. Program start-up is illustrated by a nice little PCB. This is a program for designing FCBs only. If we can believe the examples offered, this program can handle very complex PCBs (one of the lesser examples Is an SLID with 248 contacts). Pad2Pcd Version FCB123 2.1 versions of tins program, we included Merlin PCB Designer on the Kaleido- scope DVD, WinSchem 6.1 WinTypon 6.1 This is a set of software in French for our French readers. We will not spend too much time on it. Winschem is the module for creating and preparing final copies of electronic schematics. Users are given a lot of freedom to design their schematic, the and then interconnect them with the traces. Please note that this works for double-sided designs. The available options are primitive but how many printed circuits were created this way? You have to opt for the widest zoom if you want to centre the pads well, lasy-PC 9.0 Number One Systems oner you a demo version of Easy~PC for Windows Schematic Capture & PCB Layout , as well as a demo version, in version 2.0, of Easy -Spice, an A/D mixed-mode sim- Installing PCB 123 is very easy. There are two shortcuts on the desktop, • PCB 123 Schematic , the schematic capture program and * PCB123 Layout V2 t the printed cir- cuit design program. PCB 123 Layout offers several basic models for the PC 104 and the Rabbit, in particular. Editing is enabled with automatic acti- vation of the component or the trace that is found just under the cursor. One click on the part makes all of the rele- vant information appear. 18 dsktor electronic' U/2DQ5 3.0.nF uuun 20 V5 : i i- 12 12 V VS+ PCBEditor Version 3.0 There is a setup available to install the program. This demo version does not allow you to save files. If we can believe the About page, development was finalised four years ago in 200 L Placing the component forms is accom- plished without problems. SMD com- ponents are even placed automatically on the underside of the board. Placing connections is easy to do. The traces have different angles., depend- ing on the distance to be covered. An angle of 45 : is used for die shortest, at l/20th of an inch. Documentation is found in close to 75 well- organised pages. The professional edition can handle larger work surfaces — 32 x 32 inches instead of 15 x 15. The system requirements are very modest. 10 MB HD space, works in Windows 95, 93. NT. 2000 but also on XP as we were able to confirm. The PCB Editor Help function is well- designed and can be activated directly. Ranger XL Ranger2 XL Launch Autorun or, if you prefer, the setup. You will see a double installa- tion option. You should start by read- ing the README file since it contains some very interesting information. If you have any installation problems, you always have the possibility of going into the corresponding directory and launching the setup of the relevant program. Using these two programs is simple. Open a new project and search for the forms of the various components used. The most important examples cannot be edited within the limitations or these demo versions. Nothing like having a bit of fun while familiarising oneself with a program, BoardMaker 3 The installation is quickly completed. Libraries can only be installed once the program is installed (and that seems logical). This process overwrites the library files installed during installa- tion of the principal program. Familiari- sation with the program is smooth. It is easy to modify the size of the work surface by playing on the edges of the central panel. Moving the board design works pre tty smoothly. A lot of thought has gone into tool symbol fonts. Opening a second project in parallel with the first one causes a brutal pro- gram shutdown, forcing you to start the whole thing up again (this may be due to insufficient memory. The sym- bol fonts are relatively bold, but you have direct access to edit them. If you get too close to the work surface edge, the view shirts, which is suiprisLng if not annoying. You can open the schematic by enter- ing directly. Several demo examples help to visualise how the program functions. A large manual is online. Impressive! Alas, no online Help. EDWinXP 1.40 The Swedes at Visionics sent us a CD- ROM with the latest version of their product, EDWinXR version 1.40. We put it on the DVD. The Autoran.exe file has some errors during program instal- lation. A better option to use is Eetup.exe. If T during installation, you should get one or several messages telling you that some file could not be copied, don't panic, just click on Restart to continue. The installation process takes some time due to the size of the program but it is a visual delight . Vutrax 12.5c The installation is somewhat complex, using DOS windows. Installing close to 2 t GQD files is not restful. The program interface shows its age but doesn’t interfere with utilisation. Tne directory of examples is well-stocked. The traces are not as fine as they might be with Windows but then a number of our readers, we know, do not have Windows! The Help file is very large. Using the program requires getting used to. CtrHZ. allowing you to undo your steps, is a useful function. Do not bother to change the destina- tion directory if you don't want to encounter terrible problems. Pressing during activation of an option opens an explanatory window. Closing the program takes you back ro the principal Menu from which we can choose what we would like to do and the choice is grand! CADStarExpressZ.O CadStarExpress from Zuken requires entering your password. Installation is completed smoothly, you can even get by without entering your personal information. The trial version is limited to 300 pins and 50 components Launching the program automatically opens a .pdf file of about twenty pages of instructions. It is no doubt worth the time to print it out in order to follow it step-by-step and create your first schematic and printed circuit that can be viewed even in 3D, Tne program always opens with the project last handled. There is an impressive number of Undo's in order to re-establish a situa- tion bungled by a series of not to clever manipulations. As in most programs, the ohm symbol is difficult to display and is replaced by an E, Example 3 , based on the 80C552-4 microcontroller is impressive. Compo- nent rotation is possible at an accuracy of 1/lGQOth degree! The PCB design works well. One can see that this is a professional program. 1 I/20Q5- el deter electierits 19 KALEIDOSCOPE Extras Besides !he different programs we have discussed in Inis article.. there are others ihnl do no! fit inlo ihe defined framework of PC design l schematic capture software but seemed interesting enough lo deserve to be on tbs DVD. V/e gave ihem their own direr- lory: ficto. Lei; mention some of them here. Asiatas supplies symbols for OrCAO Capture and Pspice; Pslm6 J libraries, a Powersymtedi simulator, another [ram Humber One, HyperLynx from Mentor Graphics, etc. and loslfy, we should not forget la merman a recent version of the Acrobat Reader to enable you lo read oil of fee wonderful .pdf files accompanying many o! I he programs. The Extras directory has a very French feel, as ihe majority of programs we received came (ram that counlry. We leave yau lo discover ihem on your awn, A missed opportunity? Some companies we addressed preferred lo decline our offer to pul iheir programs on the DVD,, mainly for Sechnical reasons. Among these companies was Allium [ex-Protel}. We did include Ihem in Ihe list of links, however for the soke of completeness. We would have liked la further garnish our Sim- ulator section hut some of Ihe large companies like PsPice and BSSpice did simply nol respond to our invitation e-mails. 8 Ihmk you's The author would like to thank Codeace Design Systems.. Inc, for allowing tlekior ffec- fjonia lo distribute Or CAD software with this printed issue. A hearty thank you oho goes lo all of the other companies, even if they did no! reguest formal recognition. Reeders will find the lisl in the fee below, entitled 'Where to find 'rvhol\ As o matter of course, some programs will be available in o new version by ihe lime n this article and the accompanying DVD appear. Some companies put out weekly updates ! * Undoubtedly the besl solution if you would like to know more about any one of these pro- | grams, is to hove a look al their website. Please refer to the h\ of Internet addresses and n if you have no! found the response there to oil of your questions, yau can send an e- moil to the address indicated an the website, to the conloct closest to you geagraphi- “ colly (preferably locally, to avoid language problems). We cannot guarantee that all of the programs will work on all machines. We verified y them an several PCs in our offices and lab with no major problems. Vie, the editorial staff, obviously await your e-moils and other correspondence pro or 8 against one ar analher program. Be inquisitive and. lime permitting, explore the vari- ous programs gathered on this DVD. You moy have d few surprises! * Whea*e fl© find what? Abacom WTAwobocom online.de/ Niche Software wv/w,mche.{o.uk/ AMS www. advanced ms i nc. co m/ Number One Systems VAVw.n umber onexom/ Ask Atoms vrww.osicatttnis.com/ OrCAD (Cadence] wvjW.o rc ad xom/d own 1 o ad $ .a $ ox Baas www.bnas.nl Pad2Pad www.aad2uad.com/ Bartels AutoEngineer vA'n'r. b me .ie/ba e/h a e/ PCB123 wmotbl 23xom CADInt PCB wwwxacfinfcse/ PCB Editor w7Av.waldherr.com/ ] CADSoft vr.vw.cadsoft.de/ Seetrax wwwxeetTaxxQ.uk/ CHAD www.ho loDbase.com/ Target 3001 ! httu://ibfriedrichxom/ DesignWorks www.cauilQno.com/ Tsien www.isien.info/ Edainnavation vAW.edoinnovo3ion.com/ VisTontx www.vi5ioniaD.se/ Electronic Workbench Europe www. electronic svra rkbench.com/ Vutrax YAAY.YlffrOXXO.uk Friedrich (Bureau) www.ibfriedrtch.com/ Zuken wvAv.iuken.com Free PCB www.frfiejKbxom/ KiCAD ht1o://iuMice.uif-Qrenoble.fr/kicGd/ Lobcenter Electronics VA'iW.fa bee nter.co.uk/ Other interesting links for companies that do not Lay ol PCB yavw. haas.nl appear on the DVD* MtCAD v/vav. mccad.com/ Altfum vA’Av.Qliiumxam/pcad/ 1 Mentor Graphics VrVrw.mentorx om/o ro d urts/o tb/p ad s/ Ariadne vA'A'/xa d-ul .de/hf m/a rio d n e-sf o rl.hlm Merco electronics htfo:///www.me rto.nl/ Circuit Maker wviw.circuitmakerxom/ Merlin PCB yayw.q eociiies.com/ M erliPC B/ Pulsonix wvav. u ul so n ixx om/index.asp Mkrefec wm microbe, f r/1 vclech /tel e.hl m The PCB Designer YAAvxcddesi qn.com/ 20 s f =ktcr clcrtrcTiio - 1 1/2005 com EASY To Use! Very LO W Cost! Extremely FAST Turnaround! Layout Software uAD our free CAD software your two or four layer PC boards ID us your design with just a dick: CftIVE top quality boards in just days Lichfield Electronics Tel: (01543) 256684 Web: www.licbReldeiectrotucs.co.uk m A postcard radio hil ur mtaiitinv 1 3 CB ’.'.fin dWids. capacitor built in tuning coil. Tuning plate, liar piece and wire No Soldering rtcuirod £ 4.99 Valve Radio Transistor Radio Using the same basic design A radio using the ZN'4 S4 IC. 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Hal Time Multitasking OS with a free run time licence. “iEE Unlimited email support./ fwww.cms.uk.com see our web site for full details CAMBRIDGE MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEMS LTD Unit 17-18 Zone # D r Chelmsford Rd. Ind. EsI Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XG Telephone: 01 37 1 875644 email: sales@cms.uk.com 1 1/200S - efeidtfr dedrenlG KNOW-HOW AMPLIFIERS Ilia many appGicc fions ordinary opanps are outf er jrmec by their more exotic cousins Von Thomas UBmuller and Ulrich Tietze There are three other designs of opatnp besides the familiar type with high input impedance and low output impedance, in this article Ulrich Tietze (co-author of a well- known book on circuit design) and Thomas UBmuller find out what these other types can offer in terms of bandwidth with the help of a few essential circuits. 34 PfiotEgmph: courtesy Ana r :g D elites What would electronics be like without operational amplifiers? Almost every electronic device that uses ana- logue circuitry will contain one or more of these compo- nents, It is hard to believe that the first opamps were con- structed from valves: as in so many things, developments were led by military requirements, for example in appli- cations such as controlling the aim or guns during the war. The first commercial opamps did not come onto the marker until 1952. The valve opamp designed by George A, Phil brick Researches was fitted with an octal socket (see photograph). Shortly thereafter the first opamps mode from discrete transistors were produced. The First integrated opamp was the pA702, designed for Fairchild by Robert Widlar. It was first available in 1962. Six years later came the pA741. which has maintained a hold on the market ever since. These Important devices are now produced in their millions, and ihey are used In applications ranging from audio and video amplifiers to active niters and sensor signal conditioners. There are four basic types of operational amplifier: the device can have a high or o low input impedance inverting input and a high or a low output impedance output (see Figure 1). The most widely-used type, familiar to practically all electronics engi- neers, is the voltage-mode, or W r type. This has a high input Impedance and a low output impedance (the non-inverting input has a high Impedance an all device variants). In many circuits, how- ever, one of the alternative types, called 'CC [current-mode], 'VC' (volt- age-focurrent, or transconductoncej or OA (current-tovoltage, or iran- simpedance) amplifiers, can offer a significantly higher bandwidth. We shall now examine this claim in more detail with the help of a cou- pie of simple circuits. Let's build an opamp First of all we shall show how the four types of operational amplifier can be constructed from basic blocks. To moke the comparison os fair as pos- sible we shall use the same components in each case. We decided to use □ technique, common in CV- and CGtype operational amplifiers, called push-pull class AB (ataa known os current on demand ] operation. Figure 1. The tour different types of operational amplifier shown schematically. i vv It: : - : Figure 2. In class AB push-pull operation the valfoge- made amplifier uses only two different bask blocks: a voltage follower and a current mirror. A 3 voltage fo " ►%■£?■ b current rr f -c: CK'il 1? Figure 3, Internal circuit of the voltage follower and current mirror. 35 KNOW-HOW AMPLIFIERS Figure 4. Model of a leal volt- age-made operational amplifier, The drfferen- lid gain is determined by resistors r s In I Ns impedance converter at the input and by the Impedance at the high- impedance point. As we can see From Figure 2 r there are only two basic circuits that we need: a voltage follower and a current mirror. The innards of these circuits ore shown in Figure 3. The two complementary voltage followers form the neces- sary differential amplifier at the input to the opomp. The signal is taken in the farm of a current drawn from the power supply from the voltage followers to the current mirrors. The advantage of push-pull doss AB operation when compared to a conventional differential amplifier is that, despite the low quiescent current, almost arbitrarily large peak currents can be obtained. A consequence of this rs that there is na slew rate limit. The output of the two current mirrors is the high impedance point of the cir- cuit, If necessary, a capacitor (called a compensation capacitor j may be connected to ground from this point. The final part or the operational amplifier circuit is a volt- age follower which provides o low impedance output. Voltage mode under the microscope... A voltage-mode operational amplifier is characterised by high-impedance Inputs and a low impedance output. It operates as a valla ae-confrolled voltage source. The ideal amplifier exhibits a gain of A D ~ U 0 / L/p - » (Infinity). ReaE opamps hove a differential gain of between 10 3 and 1 OA From the model of a real amplifier (Figure 4) we can see that the differential gain is determined by the imnscondudance resistances r s = 1/5 in the impedance converter at the input and by the impedance at ihe high impedance point. To investigate its bandwidth the operational amplifier is connected as shown in Figure 5. The feedback resistors have values R^ = R] = 100 12. This gives the circuit a aain of ■H-J* A - 1 + %/ R ] = 1 + 100 Q/ 100 ft = 2. Without a compensation capacitor we get considerable overshoot in the step response of this amplifier, and so we connect a compensation capacitor to the high imped- ance point. This succeeds in suppressing overshoot but, unfortunately, also reduces ihe bandwidth of the circuit. The frequency response of the circuit is shown in Figure 8. ... and current mode A current-mode operational amplifier hos a low-imped- ance inverting Input and a high-impedance output. Exactly as with other types of operational amplifier, the non-inverting input has a high impedance. The model is shown in Figure 6. Another common name for this type of amplifier Is diamond transistor , which derives from the similarity of its behaviour to that of an ideal bipolar transistor. Commercially-available current-mode opera- tional amplifiers include the MAX435 and MAX436 from Maxim. The well-known OPA660 from Burr-Brown is sadly no longer produced, but comprehensive documen- tation is available on the Internet: see the links below. To use a current-mode operational amplifier as a non- inverting amplifier, it con be connected In the same way as a voltage-made opamp with negative voltage feed- back: see Figure 7, This circuit arrangement is also 36 drktcr clcrtrcfilri- 1 1/2005 called direct Feedback'. In aur simulation we set = 200 Li and = 100 O. The gain h again given by A = 1 + ff N / 2 R } = 1 + 200 Q / [2 x 100 Q] - 2. The cutoff frequency of the voltage amplifier can be determined from Figure 8, An alternative arrangement for constructing a non-invert- ing amplifier from a current-mode opamp uses the opomp's ideal transistor properties. It can be connected in an emitter-follower configuration with negative current feedback (Fig ure 9). Here the resistor values are = 200 Q and Rf = 1 00 Q. The gain is then Figure B. Frequency response of the amplifiers. Shown ore a voltage-made opamp with compensa- tion taporl tar (green], a current-mode opamp with direrl feedback (red) and a rurrent- made opamp with cur- rent feedback (blue), A - Jf c / fl E = 200 Q / 100 o = 2. This arrangement is termed current feedback'. The band- width is similar to that achieved using negative voltage feedback [see Figure 8) As well as the amplifiers we have described here, we have also simulated a VC opamp and a CV opamp, which we can construct from the same basic blacks. Again, we examined the bandwidth of each circuit; we have collected the results iogether in the Table. There are only small differences in bandwidth between the vari- ous amplifier configurations. Voltage-mode and VC opamps require o capacitor to correct the frequency response, thus ensuring stable operation of the amplifier. Which is the best opamp to use in an integrator? An important operational amplifier circuit is the integra- tor, It finds practical application in, for example, filters ( biquads ), Figure TO shows the circuit of an integrator using a voliage-made operational amplifier, which con operate at a frequency of up to 2 MHz. Above that fre- quency is a region where the gain increases again (see Figure II], The reason for this behaviour can be seen from the equivalent circuit (Figure 12), Capacitors C and Ci are effectively a short-circuit to high frequencies. A voltage divider is thus formed by R and r Qr giving on output voltage of U o = r o / + r o) 4- The current-mode operational amplifier can be connected as an integrator as shown in Figure 13. As the fre- quency response clearly shows, the bandwidth of this cir- cuit Is much greater than that of the voltage-mode integra- tor. The upper frequency limit is around 24 MHz (see Fig- ure I 1), Also, there is no frequency range over which this configuration exhibits differentiating behaviour. This is because the parasitic capacitance at the high imped- ance point of the current-mode operational amplifier is connected in parallel with the Integrator capacitor and does not cause a parasitic pole on the frequency response. In summary we can say that the current-mode operational amplifier is much better suited to use in integrator circuits than the voltage-mode apomp; firstly, its bandwidth Is some ten times greater, and secondly, it does not exhibit differentiating behaviour at higher frequencies. And finally: a filter Finally we shall look at the frequency response of a sec- ond^order Butterworth low-pass filter. The filter was Figure 9, A current-mode opamp connected as an ideal Ironsislor In on emit ter- follower configuration with negative current feedback: R( ~ 200 I>, R|=10D£L Figure 10. Circuit of an integrator using o voltage-mode operational amplifier. — Woparrc — -GCepasp Figure 1L Characteristic curves of integrators realised using voltage-mode (green) and current - mode (red) opamps. The ru/renl-mode circuit Is dearly superior. Figure 12, Equivalent circuit of an integrator constructed from a voltage-mode opamp. Capacitors C and C] are effectively short circuits at high frequencies. 1 1/2905 -ebUof electronics 37 KNOW-HOW AMPLIFIERS Band with comparison Amplifiers based on different opamps Amplifier Bandwidth W 32.1 MHz VC 49.4 MHz CV 59.1 MHz CC (direct feedback) 58.1 MHz CC (current Feedback) 29.5 MHz realised using voltage-mode integrators (see circuit in Figure 14] and with current-mode integrators [see cir- cuit in Fig ure 1 5). An ideal niter was used as a bench- mark. The cutoff frequency chosen was f c - 3 MHz. Look- ing at the frequency responses (Figure 1 6] we can see that the filter using voltage-made integrators [green curve] soon departs from the ideal characteristic (blue curve]. At Frequencies above 30 MHz the filter is no longer usable. The integrator filter using current-mode operational ampli- fiers (red curve) follows the ideal characteristic more closely than the filter using voltage-mode integrators; It is suitable for use with frequencies up to 100 MHz. Conclusion The conclusion is that a normal voltage-mode opera- tional amplifier is adequate for most applications. In par- ticular, when used as an amplifier, the difference between the types is not great as long as the same circuit configuration is used. In integrators and integrator filters, however, current-mode operational amplifiers outperform voltage-mode opamps in respect of bandwidth by a fac- tor of around ten. Figure 1 6. Characteristic c in ves of the low-pass filters. The integrator filter using current-made operational amplifiers (red) follows the ideal characteristic (blue) mare closely than the volt age- mode integra- tor tiller (green), and h suitable for use with frequencies o! up to TOO MHz, lafc Met -535t lJJHKf vafrtt tctttt uat — V-i oa Kv — f -p til. -3 (B6G151-1) Reference Ttefze, U. ond Schenk C_: Electronic Circuits: Handbook for Design and Application, Springer, ISBN 3-5405G6G8-X / 0-387-50608-X Web links w.w. -eenme5.com /anniversary/ dssigridossics/oganip.html htfo: // an. wikipedia, ora / wiki /Operational amoltf [er w,y.y. uGQuefpb -Ca /- ontcon / gadn ets- / 74 } *7 A 1 . h i m I htto://fGcu5Ji.com/l[fe ^an/sbcciQZl ''>bcuQ71 ,cdf 38 ditlor ! 1/2005 New B 2 Spice V5 Our hottest Spice ever New 8- Spice Version 5 has a!! the power and functions you expect from a professional Spice package, hut without the high cost: * Real design flexibility with over 30,000 models, unlimited circuit size and a huge range of new virtual instruments * New Circuit Wizard saves time by auto-generating many designs for you * Sweep all parameters for any component and simulation hype with the powerful new Scenario Editor * Live Circuit feature allows values to be adjusted while simulations are running, displaying the results in real time Professional standard Spice simulation for just £229 + VAT. 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Unfortunately, GSM modules are fairly expensive so the idea comes to mind of using a discarded or obsolete mobile phone you may have lying around somewhere. The above functionality is within reach with the present circuit. The mobile phone is linked to it via the connector normally used for an external micro- phone and earphones {some restricting conditions apply in this respect, see the inset). If your old mobile employs a prepaid card (Le., it is not on subscription with a telco) then it allows the worldwide remote control to be implemented inex- pensively. After all, you then only pay for the call on the calling phone, not the receiving phone. 40 elekl&F ehrtfcnks - 11/2005 The overall complexity of the circuit is greatly reduced by the use of a PIC microcontroller The addition of a speech synthesizer chip allows the control unit to return spoken inform a- tion to the user on the g allin g phone. The system The schematic of the Remote Control by Mobile Phone is given in Figure 1. The connector for the headset is plugged inro the mobile phone and die wires to the earphone pieces are con- nected to the input of a DTI v IF decoder 1C type 8870 (TGI). Toe received sig- nals are amplified by T1 and then applied to pin RB2 of the central micro- controller, a PICI6F84 (IC2). DTMF stands for dual-tone multi-fre- quency, a tone coding/ decoding sys- tem that : s been in use on wired tele- phone sets for almost 30 years now. Each key on the DTMF keypad is linked to a combination of two ( non- dam on i call y related) tones in the audi- ble range. At the receiving side, the tone pahs are decoded into the match- ing number (0-9, # T T ). For our applies Lion, the mobile phone is set to auto -answer mode. In operation, the PIC micro will continuously monitor the level at RB7 (pin 13}* A ring signal will wake up the PIC from its sleep state and cause it to activate the speech chip (IC3) which supplies a ’spoken' message to the mobile phone via the microphone connector of the headset* At the calling end, the user hears the tvelcome message and is prompted to enter the system password (MSG-1), The level of the audio signal may be adjusted on preset P2_ The selection of spoken text stored in the speech chip is determined by the logic state of control lines A6 f A7 and AS* Next, the program running inside the PIC will wait for certain DTMF tones entered by the user on his/her phone (mobile or landline)* The received DTMF signals are decoded into the matching numbers by ICi, which supply binary output information on outputs G1-G4, with output STD (pin 15} bagging reception of a valid code to the PIC, Having received a valid 4-digit pass- word (which is being compared to the one stored in the PIC’s memory), the system will request a function code (MSG2). Depending on the information received in response to MSG 2, the micro will pull its RB5 control line logic Low or High, This signal enables a relay to switch a suitably wired up electrical appliance in your home to be switched on or off (for example, a cof- fee machine or the central heating). The relay may be a solid-state device (which allows direct control from RB5), or a traditional solenoid-based switcher that's controlled via a transistor buffer. The action executed at the receiving side is confirmed with a spoken mes- sage (MSG4 or MSG5). Tile speech chip contains yet other text messages (MSG3. MSGS and MSG7) lor the pro- cessing of situations ‘out of the ordi- nary 1 . The speech chip The spoken messages are supplied by a type ISD2512Q speech synthesiser which has storage capacity for about two minutes worth of speech. Differ- ent memory areas inside the 18025120 Figure L The circuit contains just three ICs: a DTMF decoder, □ PIC micro looking after the internal control functions, and a speech chip. If 2005- ciEkbrckrtronks 41 HANDS-ON REMOTE CONTROL Figure 2, Copper track layout and component mounting plan of the PCB designed for the remote control. Be sure to use sockets for the ICs, as the PIC hos to be removed during recording of the spoken messages. p— — — — — — — — — — — —— — — - ; COMPONENTS I Resistors: I R1 = 3901