Apr 30, 2003
The Intus product will be used to decode secure commands transmitted from the ground to vehicles in flight. Intus selected the FPAA instead of discrete components to perform analog filtering in its tone decoder to ensure that performance is consistent across the whole industrial temperature range without any need for manual adjustments. Because the FPAA is based on switched capacitor architecture, where the parameters of the implemented functions depend on the ratio of two capacitors rather than the absolute value of a single capacitor, the implemented corner frequency of the filter shows minimal variation across process and temperature.
�By using the FPAA, we eliminate a tedious adjustment process to compensate for various component tolerances, and we obtain the accurate performance across a wide temperature range that this application requires,� said Bernhard Humpert, design engineer at Intus GmbH. �We get a further advantage because the FPAA is programmable. This gives us much more flexibility in our manufacturing process because the device can be programmed after manufacturing to match customer specifications and can be reprogrammed as needed by the customer.�
Anadigm��s proprietary FPAA technology brings the industry an analog equivalent to the FPGA, allowing complex analog signal conditioning and processing functions to be integrated within an off-the-shelf, pre-tested device. Typical applications include signal conditioning, filtering, data acquisition, and closed-loop control in a wide range of systems where FPAAs are used to replace discrete components or analog ASIC/ASSP devices.
The devices are programmed using the AnadigmDesigner� family of EDA software tools, providing a drag-and-drop interface that allows complete analog systems to be built rapidly, simulated immediately, and then downloaded to the FPAA chip for testing, validation, and a direct move to manufacturing.
�Software support is crucial when using a programmable analog chip, and we found the AnadigmDesigner� EDA tool very easy to work with,� Humpert added. �The AnadigmFilter� tool provided by Anadigm� made it very easy to design a complex filter and to implement it directly in silicon.�
�The Intus tone decoder is an excellent example of how Anadigm� customers are using FPAAs to implement complex analog filtering applications,� said Suhel Dhanani, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Anadigm. �The Anadigm� solution provides an exceptionally easy way to design and implement complex high-order analog filters with the very precise and drift-free characteristics required by customers designing systems for industrial system control, data acquisition, test and measurement, military, and consumer audio market segments.�
In business since 1977, Intus GmbH designs and delivers RF and microwave modules and systems for aerospace, medical, industrial, and instrumentation applications. The company�s worldwide base of customers includes commercial manufacturers as well as R&D organizations and industrial testing institutions. In addition to standard products, Intus develops custom solutions with complete design and development services from concept and definition to production testing and delivery of fully tested systems. The company�s headquarters are located near Munich in Pfaffenhofen, Germany.
A multimedia demonstration of the AnadigmDesigner�2 EDA tool can be viewed at the Anadigm� Web site at http://www.anadigm.com. A trial copy of AnadigmDesigner�2 is available for free download at http://www.anadigm.com/Down_05_a.asp. A complete evaluation kit with a development board, entry-level software, and updated documentation is now available for a promotional price of $199.
About Anadigm�
Anadigm� combines the three most powerful design trends from the digital world (design automation, field programmable ICs, real-time updating) into a platform for analog design, greatly reducing cost-of-ownership for analog signal conditioning and processing functions across many market segments. Founded in January 2000 as a venture-backed technology spinoff from Motorola, the company maintains U.S. headquarters in Campbell, Calif., and European headquarters in Crewe, U.K. For further information, visit Anadigm� on the Web at http://www.anadigm.com.
Anadigm, AnadigmDesigner and AnadigmFilter are registered trademarks of Anadigm.
