E100 Programmer Version 2

Analog Chip Programmer Features Major Improvement in Throughput Speed

Sunnyvale, CA April 16, 1999 -- Advanced Linear Devices, Inc., introduces a faster version of its E100 Analog EPAD® Programmer. The newly released Version 2.0, which has also been updated to run on Windows 3.xx., Windows 95 and Windows 98 operating systems, is capable of average programming times of less than 6 seconds per channel. An enhanced convergence algorithm designed to speed up settling times of the final programmed value is largely responsible for the overall improvement in throughput.

EPAD is a MOSFET semiconductor with electrically settable threshold voltage. As a versatile circuit design element, the ALD EPAD is an analog transistor with built-in permanent memory. Used as an in-circuit element for trimming a combination of analog voltage and/or current characteristics, an EPAD can be remotely and automatically programmed using a PC-based EPAD Programmer via software control. Once programmed, the set DC voltage and current levels are stored indefinitely, even after power-down.

A collection of pre-programmed software templates is included with the E100 Programmer, dramatically simplifying the programming function and use of the equipment . In many cases, simply clicking on a new datasheet template and modifying a few parameters values can adapt a new set of EPAD circuit programming conditions. Universal control software also enables a user to quickly customize programming conditions, with typical EPAD channel programming instructions specified within only three or four lines of simple code. This revised control software permits unusual flexibility and sharply reduces the design engineer's task in using the EPAD programmer.

The ALD E100 Programmer is priced at $499 and includes basic operating software. Specific adapter (personality) modules are required to interface with specific EPAD device family and are typically priced at $199 each. All products are 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, conventional and EPAD( (Electrically Programmable Analog Device) MOSFET transistors. Most standard devices are available as ASIC cells for the development of semi-custom integrated circuits.

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