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 Programmable
MOSFETs offer Electronic Alternative to Trimmer Pots |
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Sunnyvale,
CA., April 10, 1998 -- Advanced Linear Devices, Inc., dual and quad
MOSFET transistors function like trimmer pots but with much greater
precision and solid-state reliability. The first in a family of electrically
programmable products designated as "EPAD®" -- an acronym for Electrically
Programmable Analog Devices, the ALD1108E and 1110E devices are analogous
to conventional MOSFET transistors -- their "on-resistance" however
is electrically programmable by the user. Once programmed, the set value
are stored indefinitely in the device even after power-down. They are
particularly useful in low power, portable applications which require
extreme mechanical durability. ALD EPAD MOSFETs operate from 2 to 10
Vdc, and can be programmed at bias levels ranging from 0.1µA to 3000
µA and voltage ranges from 1 to 3V in 0.1mV increments. They also feature
positive and negative tempco (temperature coefficient) operating current
ranges, with zero tempco at a current level of 68 µA. Tight matching
and tracking between different devices, packages, and lots is easily
achieved by user programming. Typical 10 year drift is less than 2mV.
EPAD technology is fully compatible with conventional op-amps and other
analog components and brings a new level of precision to analog circuit
performance previously available only with the use of precision to analog
circuit performance previously available only with the use of laser
trimming techniques. EPADs can be pre-programmed before insertion, or
in-system using an inexpensive Model E100 EPAD Programming Unit and
Adapter Module. Remote programming is possible, thereby allowing for
circuit optimization in temperature and pressure environments, in encapsulated
modules, and under actual field conditions. EPAD MOSFET prices are less
that $1.00 US in volume. The dual MOSFET device is available in 8 pin
mini plastic DIP, SOIC and ceramic DIP packages. The quad device is
available in 16 pin PDIP, SOIC and ceramic DIP packages. Price of E100
EPAD Programmer is $499. Adapter Modules start at $149 with delivery
available from stock. Advanced Linear Devices, Inc. develops and manufactures
a full line of precision CMOS linear integrated circuits, including
analog switches, D/A converters, voltage comparators, operational amplifiers,
and conventional and EPAD MOSFET transistors. Most standard devices
are available as ASIC cells for the development of semi-custom integrated
circuits. ALD also serves customers through expertise in full custom
design engineering , including device and process development.
Electrically Programmable Analog Devices EPAD® Programmable Analog Integrated Circuits ALD1108E/ALD1110E Sunnyvale, CA August 26, 1998 -- The ALD1108E/ALD1110E represent a new type of precision analog integrated circuit. Based on a technology developed by Advanced Linear Devices, these CMOS devices are analog ICs that function like a traditional MOSFET transistor. They can, however, be electrically programmed to accurately alter threshold voltages, which sets their on-resistance characteristics. The established on-resistance is in turn used to set a precision voltage or current level with the use of external, inexpensive, fixed precision resistors. Once programmed, the voltage and current levels of the ALD1108E and ALD1110E stay permanently set, even during power off conditions, thus requiring no additional circuitry. ALD EPAD devices offer an alternative to conventional trim pots and microcontrol circuitry based trimming techniques. The ALD1108E and ALD1110E offer a simple, low cost, non-volatile means to fully automate circuit trimming. With no moving parts, EPAD electrical programming can be remote and software controlled Programming of EPAD devices is accomplished via the use of an inexpensive ALD EPAD programmer Model E100, an IBM compatible PC (with 386 or higher, DOS 3.0 or higher, Window 3X or Windows 95), an adapter module, and a conventional 15V power supply. Programming is rapid, and is accomplished by setting voltage and current bias values in MOSFET transistors imbedded in the EPAD analog ICs. EPADS can be preprogrammed before insertion into a circuit or after EPADs have become an integral part of the circuit and mounted on a circuit board. This allows for trimming of an entire analog circuit. Different adapter modules and control software are available for use with various EPADs. The control software is compiled in Quick Basic. No software code writing is necessary to begin programming EPADs. It is possible, however, to redo or customize control software to a specific application. The source code for the main module along with its object modules, is supplied with each adapter. These object modules can be embedded inside other user-customized programs written in QuickBasic or C language. The ALD programming system is compatible with other laboratory instruments, and the ease and quickness programming coupled with its versatility, enable EPAD circuit trimming to be useful in the engineering laboratory as well as on the production line. Remote tuning of analog circuits is possible, allowing for circuit optimization in temperature and pressure environments, in encapsulated modules, and under field conditions. Price of the E100 EPAD Programmer is $499. Adapter modules start at $149 . ALD1108E/ALD1110E prices are from $.83 and up, depending on packaging, in quantities of 5,000. The ALD1108E is available in 16 pin PDIP, SOIC and Ceramic DIP packages. The ALD1110E is available in 8 pin mini PIP, SOIC and Ceramic DIP packages. Delivery is from stock. Advanced Linear Devices, develops and manufactures a full line of linear CMOS integrated circuits, including analog switches, converters, comparators, operational amplifiers, and MOSFET transistors. Most standard devices are also available as ASIC cells for the development of semi-custom integrated circuits.
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