Process Development
that achieve a 0.52dB noise level - the lowest currently available in a SiGe
transistor, it is claimed. The transistors are produced on an expitaxial
bipolar process.
The noise figures compare with those available from the much more expensive
gallium arsenide (GaAs) technology. The new transistors are targeted for use
in ultra-high-frequency low-noise amplifiers (LNA) as used in wireless local
area networks (WLANs) and global positioning systems (GPSs).
Samples of Toshibas second-generation SiGe transistors will be available in
March 2003, with production quantities set to be available in September
2003.
Samsung Electronics has produced a system-in-package (SiP) aimed at
next-generation mobile phone and handheld applications.
The module contains an ARM-based processor, NAND flash and SDRAM. The ARM
processor is Samsungs 203MHz S3C2410 with an ARM920T core and the memory
devices each have a 256Mbit capacity. The NAND flash is intended as a boot
loader.
The processor includes USB host and device support for connection to PCs,
printers, removable storage and other handhelds. The processor also has
support for the new SDIO (secure digital input/output) protocol.
National Semiconductor and Validity are partnering to develop a fingerprint
imaging security solution for smartcards, remote controls, notebook
computers, cell phones, PDAs, key fobs and other devices.
National will provide analogue technologies, chip design expertise,
investment capital and high-volume manufacturing. Validity will provide its
patented off-chip fingerprint image acquisition technology called Validator.
"The investment, manufacturing and technology partnership with National
Semiconductor will allow Validity to bring a high-volume product to market
within a year," says Fred Benkley, president and CEO of Validity.
The Validator measures finger pressure, speed and position, and creates an
image of a fingerprint. The users finger never touches silicon so there are
no wear or static discharge issues.
Security is dramatically enhanced due to a swipe-sensor design that leaves
no latent fingerprints on the device. The system is driven by National
Semiconductors 16bit microprocessor and analogue-processing unit with 288
scanning channels. It generates a 12.5mm-wide image at resolutions up to
500dpi.
National Semiconductor will manufacture chips for Validator at a fab in
Maine on a 0.25micron CMOS process. The companies expect to ship samples to
customers late in 2003 or early 2004.
