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This article introduces the TSL12, TSL13 and TSL14 light-to-voltage converters from Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions. The trio of integrated devices let users select the sensitivity and rise time needed in light-to-voltage sensing and conversion. Each use a single die with photodiode, transimpedance amplifier, and gain-setting resistors and produce an analog output voltage proportional to impinging light intensity. The vendor claims that this integrated version is cost-competitive with discrete approaches for applications such as lighting and ballast control, signage control and paper-edge detectors in printers. The parts offer responsivity of 246, 63 and 12 millivolts and rise-time-parameters of 64, 12 and 4 microsecond, respectively. Operating voltage is 2.7 to 5.5 volts, and typically supply current is 1.1 milliamperes. The converters are available in three pin, side-looking packages and will soon be available in four-pin, surface-mount housings. Prices begin at 59 cents.

Reports on the availability of the paper version of Randall Hyde's "The Art of Assembly Language" from No Starch Press. Presentation of initial programming concepts in high-level assembly; Contents of the book; Information on an accompanying CD; Web site for the online version of the book.

Reports that scientists at the electronics company Xerox Corp. have developed a technique that allows them to print two color images atop one another but view only one image at a time by exposing the paper to different colors of light. Features of the color-management software used in the technique.

Focuses on the various aspects of electronic design. Integration of parts to make them actually work together; Simulation of a paper design; Ability to efficiently route interfaces and decouple the power supply.

Presents several electronic products. Features of the Gigaset 4215 cordless telephone with GigaVoice technology from Siemens; Specifications of the VoicePen DVR from Sims Digital; Components of the PDA Keyboard and Case from Fellowes.

Asserts the need for companies to train beginning circuit engineers to complete a paper analysis prior to letting them work on device models. Anecdotes about the skills of beginning circuit engineers; Shortage of good analog engineers in the US; Mention of the abundance of good analog engineering in Eastern Europe.

Reports on the holding of the PCI Week in San Jose, California from April 19 to May 3, 1996. Call for papers on design-related topics related to Peripheral Component Interconnect computer bus; Applications for half and full-day tutorials; Contact information.

Reports on the 1995 Design SuperCon. Topics of presented papers; Recipients of the high-performance-design awards.

Presents a paper which shows an electronic circuit with signal-variant hysteresis, which compares signals from two voltages. Need for hysteresis to avoid permanent changes; Benefits of the circuit.

The article describes the functions of Spice simulators. Types of tools of Spice simulators for voltage and current sources are independent, dependent, and behavioral. Behavioral sources are said to be the least-used sources but the most powerful. These sources can implement mathematical functions that correspond to those available on scientific calculators. Behavioral sources can also be used to test the mathematical viability of a design before the simulation of the circuit.

The article describes a troubleshooting activity involving a buffered-system clock. The authors and his colleagues observed an occasional small pulse, which made very faint by its infrequent occurrence. They tinkered with the clock by cranking up the timebase and vertical scale to position the brightest trace portions off screen. They found that the problem was caused by placing the card's backplane interface, which buffers three inches away from the connector formed stubs. The problem was solved by respunning the card.

Presents an article about the decline in the demand for fax machines and fax function in the U.S. as of November 2003. Technology pieces that have been made available when the G3 facsimile standard was established; Sales of standard-along single-function or multifunction units in 1989; Reasons for the drop in fax machine sales.