FTDI are pleased to announce the availablity of two new development modules based on the VNC1L Vinculum embedded USB host controller IC. Using FTDI's Vinculum firmware, the VDRIVE2 can be used to add USB Flash disk connectivity to virtually any system, allowing files to be written directly to a USB Flash disk. The VMUSIC2 module provides all the functionality of the VDRIVE2, but uses an extended version of FTDI's VDAP firmware with a VLSI VS1003 IC to allow MP3 file playback directly from a USB Flash disk. The VDRIVE2 module provides an easy solution for adding a USB Flash disk interface to an existing product.  Only four signal lines plus 5V supply and ground are required to be connected.  Using the Vinculum VDAP firmware, the VNC1L’s I/O interface can be selected between the serial UART or SPI using the on-board jumper pins. 

Datasheet VMUSIC2
Datasheet VDRIVE2

PLX Technology announces the industry's first eight-port, eight-lane and five-port, five-lane switches. The two new devices also set record-low power consumption levels down to 0.8W, and are offered in the smallest package at 15mm x 15mm -- ideal for designing into today's space-constrained PCB real estate. These low-cost switches represent PCIe standards penetrating the price-sensitive embedded and consumer markets.The PLX® ExpressLane™ PEX 8509 (eight lanes, eight ports, 1.2W) and PEX 8505 (five lanes, five ports, 0.8W) switches offer feature-rich PCIe connectivity attributes garnered from its third-generation architecture. This architecture features the company's industry-leading proprietary Cut-Through design that dramatically lowers latency (118ns for the PEX8509, 138ns for the PEX 8505) for maximum switch throughput, three integrated on-chip Hot-Plug controllers, true peer-to-peer functionality, and highly flexible and configurable ports.

Overview

Silicon Laboratories introduced the Si84xx complete family of digital isolators.  These devices offer the world’s fastest throughput, highest integration and lowest power consumption. The 3-channel and 4-channel parts are available in a 16-pin wide body SOIC package and the 2-channel and 1-channel are available in an 8-pin SOIC.

Si844x datasheet

Supertex introduced the HV610, a 32-channel, serial-to-parallel converter with high voltage, push pull outputs. The IC is well suited for driving high-speed printers and LCD displays. The HV610’s outputs can be individually controlled, set to high or low, or set to a high-Z state, providing useful versatility in applications requiring fast shift register and data shifting speeds. The IC features four data shift registers, directional data loading control, operating output of +50/-40 volts, and CMOS/TTL compatible inputs.

Datasheet: HV610

Teridian Semiconductor Corp. expands its well-received 73S12xx family of dedicated controller-based ICs for smart card readers with the introduction of the 72S1217F 8-bit PINpad smart card reader System-on-Chip (SoC), and the 73S1209F and 73S1210F turnkey smart card reader ICs. These three new family members extend the success of the 73S1215F, which enabled the industry's first USB-connected smart card readers. The 73S1217F is a single-chip PINpad smart card reader with power management features and USB and serial connectivity, ideally suited for handheld PINpads, critical in e-banking and digital identification for corporate and government ID applications, and USB-connected peripherals. The 73S1209F and 73S1210F ICs are state-of-the-art, self-contained smart card reader ICs ideally suited for set-top-box, wireless internet device (WiMax smart phones and home gateways), payphone, point of sales terminal, vending machine, and residential meter applications.

Overview : Smart Card Terminal Controllers