New Products
12/01/2008
Cambridge NanoTech, a supplier of atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems for research and industry, has released the Savannah S300 system, which offers the same combination of ease of use, reliability and experimental flexibility as earlier models in a larger format.
 Cambridge Nanotech’s Savannah S300 atomic layer deposition system can handle up to 300mm substrates. |
The S300 extends the company’s line of ALD tools to handling substrates up to 300mm in size. Like its predecessors (S100/S200), it offers configurations of up to six precursor lines and a compact ozone generator, with an optional “ALD Booster” for low vapor pressure precursors, higher-temperature ALD valves (>200°C), and up to three gas MFCs. An ALD Shield allows excess reactive vapors to form a film before they make it to the pumping system, thus preventing build-up of deposits on the plumbing and in the pump; the shield’s high-conductance, hot-foil design causes gases to deposit until depleted.
CerMet Lab Co. has introduced CerMet-Auto, a ceramic coating nanotechnology formulated to reduce friction which in turn improves fuel economy in gas-powered engines. Microscopic ceramic particles in CerMet-Auto are carried to an engine’s friction zones via the engine oil where they bond to the metal surfaces, providing fuel economy benefits for approximately 60,000 miles of operation.
CerMet nanotechnology has been proven in both diesel-engine trucks and gas-powered passenger car fleets, with fuel consumption savings ranging from 5%-15%. The product is now available to consumers for under $200, in easy-to-use 10ML syringes that allow the liquid to be added to the engine in less time than it takes to pour in a quart of oil. Heat energy generated inside the engine due to friction initiates the ceramic coating process at the atomic level, with full benefits being achieved after ~2,000 miles of driving.
Independent tests have confirmed the fuel-saving benefits of CerMet nanotechnology, including an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) J1321 Type II fuel consumption test that concluded CerMet “demonstrates significant and repeatable improvement in fuel economy.”
Suss MicroTec Test Systems, a supplier of wafer-level test solutions for semiconductor devices, has announced the iVista LC high-resolution digital microscope, providing failure-analysis labs with an advanced microscopy tool capable of delivering high-resolution digital images in conjunction with laser-cutting capabilities.
 Suss Microtec’s iVista LC high-resolution digital microscope. |
The iVista LC digital microscope delivers images with resolution comparable to a 16-megapixel color CCD. A standard laser port is available to mount laser cutters from all major manufacturers. A high-precision, automated objective changer allows the engineer to switch from a magnification used for navigation to a higher magnification for closer inspection and laser cutting. The microscope also includes an optional polarizer/analyzer unit for liquid-crystal thermography applications and enhanced image contrast. For documentation tasks, the user can save the full-resolution image and the multi-view screen.
Several additional software features in the SPECTRUM Vision System are enabled when using the iVista LC Microscope in conjunction with a Suss automated probe system, including multi-view and multi-cam imaging displays. Accurate point-to-point measurement and navigation tools using standard objectives are also provided.
The iVista LC Microscope is available for immediate order; first unit shipments are planned for 1Q09. The system can also be used with a manual probe station or as a stand-alone microscope.
Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a family of inertial sensors designed to enhance the performance, sensitivity, and reliability of next-generation automotive airbag systems. Freescale’s new medium- and high-acceleration accelerometers are engineered to detect a crash by measuring the abrupt deceleration of a vehicle and then triggering airbag deployment.
Freescale’s MMA6222EG, MMA6255EG, and MMA621010EG inertial sensors are based on next-generation high aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (HARMEMS) technology, a proven technology for airbag sensing applications. The accelerometers’ advanced transducer design enhances sensor offset performance and over-damping response, which helps improve system reliability and resistance to high-frequency and high-amplitude parasitic vibrations. The devices are designed to help distinguish airbag system conditions that might trigger a false deployment, such as a door slam or high vibrations during vehicle assembly.
The MMA62xxEG inertial sensors accommodate 3.3V and 5V supply voltage and offer developers the flexibility to use digital or analog outputs. The sensors also support bi-directional self-test and feature a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus for enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Cell Biosciences Inc., a provider of protein detection and characterization systems to life science researchers, has released assay kits for its Firefly 3000 Protein Analysis System, an ultrasensitive nano-immunoassay system that quantifies the phosphorylation of signaling proteins in samples as small as 25 cells.
The new Firefly 3000 Focusing Kits, Detection Kits, and Plate Kits are designed to provide highly reproducible analytical results in a convenient and flexible format. The kits are available with multiple separation ranges and multiple detection antibodies to address a wide range of assay requirements and workflows.
“We are committed to providing innovative whole-product solutions to our customers, and these kits represent a significant step toward that goal,” stated Wilhelm Lachnit, VP of research and development.
Asylum Research has unveiled its new Cypher high-resolution atomic force microscope (AFM) that it says provides more capability, control, and modularity.
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The Cypher AFM achieves closed loop atomic resolution using sensors in all three axes, combining the accuracy and control of closed loop with the power of atomic resolution for extremely accurate images and measurements. Additional capabilities include SpotOn automated laser alignment with a mouse-click, interchangeable light source modules that allow laser spot sizes down to 3µm for broad application and scan mode flexibility, and support for high-speed AC imaging with cantilevers smaller than 10µm. The system includes an integrated enclosure which provides acoustic and vibration isolation, as well as excellent thermal control for image and measurement stability.
SiTime Corp., a manufacturer of MEMS-based silicon timing solutions, has introduced a new family of programmable spread spectrum clock oscillators that are the smallest in the industry and offer the widest frequency range and lowest cycle to cycle jitter.
The first solutions in this high-performance product line are the SiT9001, which offers the industry’s smallest footprint for space constrained applications, and the SiT9002, a differential output programmable spread spectrum clock oscillator. Both devices include an embedded MEMS resonator as the clock reference, which eliminates the need for external components.
“Our new spread spectrum oscillators are drop-in replacements for standard oscillators, which will help our customers to eliminate expensive delays in development and bring their products to market faster,” said Piyush Sevalia, VP of marketing at SiTime. “These programmable MEMS-based oscillators enable users to reduce electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and pass environmental testing without the need to redesign their boards or use expensive metal enclosures.”
Both the SiT9001 and SiT9002 use SiTime’s proven MEMS technology to offer 10× better robustness and reliability than existing quartz-based solutions, supporting longer-life electronics. The devices’ programmability also allows delivery of samples in 24???48 hours and production quantities in two to three weeks.
Thin-film battery manufacturer Infinite Power Solutions (IPS) has unveiled the Thinergy Application Development Platform (ADP), which when coupled with the company’s Thinergy family of thin-film microenergy cell products, lets designers create new microelectronic applications such as perpetually powered and deeply embedded systems.
The Thinergy ADP simplifies the typical lab setup for micro-battery testing and is suited for evaluating the IPS micro-energy cells’ performance, the effectiveness of charging circuits using ambient energy harvesting, and overall system development of the user’s end application.
IPS’ family of thin-film MECs deliver a highly efficient, safe, rechargeable, and powerful energy storage solution in an extremely thin form factor–roughly the size of a postage stamp. IPS’ ADP evaluates and demonstrates its MEC performance advantages over competing solutions while powering the developer’s application. To this end, the MEC’s thinness, power and long life makes it ideal for integration into embedded applications, while the ADP enables the simultaneous development of energy harvesting solutions to create a new generation of autonomously powered micro-electronics systems.