Seminars
2008 Minnesota Arrowfest Engineering Seminars will be held at Eden Prairie Center, AMC 18 Movie Theatre, 4000 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Cost: Free. However, we will be collecting Food Shelf Donations.
Arrowfest Exhibition starts immediately afterward.
9:00AM–10:15AM Seminars Track I
- Jump Drive Your Design With NXP ARM Microcontrollers With Integrated USB Host and Device Interfaces, Presented by Chris Guarneri, NXP Semiconductor
- Whether you call them jump drives, thumb drives, flash drives or simply USB drives, they are everywhere and can easily be part of your next design. Data logging, parameter storage and field upgrades are just a few of the application possibilities. Course content includes flash drive basics, hardware design, software stacks and working demos of how your design can: Behave like a flash (USB mass storage) drive, Integrate a flash bootloader, Read a flash drive using the USB OTG controller and a free Host stack. Each class participant will receive our FREE USB device and Host stacks.
- Integrated Sensor Designs, Presented by Honeywell Sensing and Control
- With reductions in sensor size and improved IC capabilities, the ability to integrate smaller, more intelligent solutions into customer applications has become a real option in the electronic design cycle. The ability to integrate calibration, signal filtering and self-diagnostics enables a shorter design cycle, improved manufacturing and the possibility of vendor reduction through the elimination of discreet components. The option to incorporate multiple sensing technologies, such as pressure and temperature, into one package reduces the number of components and eases integration. We will discuss design considerations such as data transformation, signal filtering, A to D conversion, self-diagnostics and other key parameters. We will also review the potential benefits that result from a more integrated sensing approach.
- Graphical User Interfaces & Robotic Vision, Presented by Mark Ackerson, Freescale Semiconductor
- Learn how to implement Graphical User Interfaces using standard LCD displays into your embedded products ... this session will go through LCD technologies & topologies ... attendees will learn about LCD display types and interfacing to Common System Architectures using Graphical User Interfaces ... discussion on the tradeoffs of software and hardware implementations as applied to the embedded space ... Demo's will include Multimedia (Flash Media) Movie playback , an IP Camera , the PDK development tool, and a Computer Vision / Recognition demo.
- How to pick a MOSFET- Interpreting the Mysteries and Fine Print in MOSFET Data Sheet, Presented by Steve Goldman, Infineon Technologies
- Selecting the right MOSFET for an application still can be confusing. This presentation will focus on understanding the application requirements for optimum performance for some typical low and high voltage switching power supply applications, and then decoding what data sheet parameters are relevant, and which are critical. We'll take a detailed look at the matter of measurement conditions and how they affect making specification comparisons. This can be critical to making an "apples to apples" comparison, and one relevant to the application requirements. If Mark Twain were alive today, he'd probably rephrase his old saying, to something more relevant about "liars, damn liars, and data sheets". We'll give you the information and methodology you need to cut through the fog and pick the right part for your next design.
- Implementing DSP Systems in FPGAs and ASICs, Presented by Altera Corporation
- Digital Signal Processing, or simply DSP, is a technology that is rapidly finding effective and efficient usage in advanced and common applications. Find ways to eliminate the challenge of moving from the processing system concept, to algorithm development, to implementation. Creating system architectures can be realized whether you need concurrent processing, sequential processing, or hybrid processing capabilities in your system. In this seminar, we will look at the DSP capabilities in terms of theoretical and practical application including High-performance and High-utilization Systems, Embedded Soft Core DSP, and Advanced Blockset reality for your evolving DSP world.
10:30AM–11:45AM Seminars Track II
- ARM7 vs Cortex-M3, Presented by STMicroelectronics
- During this seminar, we will discuss the differences between the Cortex-M3 core, ARM7TDMI core, and the ARM9 core as it relates to microcontroller applications. We will then discuss the Cortex performance enhancements and improved peripherals being used today in real world applications. Live demos will be shown. Note that the ARM Corporation & STMicroelectronics will be presenting.
- Designing with Optical Isolators, Presented by Tom Edwards, Avago Technologies
- This course, presented by Avago Technologies, will focus on designing with optical isolation. Five main design topics will include: isolation for industrial motor control, medical isolation designs, optically isolated solid state relays, analog isolation design considerations and isolation for digital data and control signals. In addition to these specific design topics the basic principles of optical isolation, isolator design and regulatory requirements will be discussed. New technologies enabling extremely low drive current, ultra-high common mode rejection and extended high temperature operation will also be highlighted.
- Liquid Crystal Displays and Their Architecture, Presented by Toshiba and Rob German, Arrow Electronics, Inc.
- This session will describe the structure and process of LCD construction. A discussion of the techniques of altering the optical characteristics through process, enhancement films, bonding, polarizer films and backlight technologies. Session will include a market trend analysis and discussion of size and resolution for various applications.
- Constant-On-Time Control in Switching Regulators, Presented by Jonathan Jank, National Semiconductor
- Constant On-time (COT) Buck Regulators have a wide appeal for a variety of applications because they are simple to implement. They don’t have poles and zeroes to compensate, and are flexible in terms of output voltage and switching frequency. In this presentation, we will discuss how COT works, its advantages/disadvantages, and why you should be using it in your next Buck design.
- Solid State Disk Drive Technology Update, Presented by Marti Miller and Mel Foster, Intel
- Learn about exciting new breakthroughs in Solid State Drive technology, performance, and cost. Learn about the applications for Solid State Disk Drives for Embedded and Enterprise environments. An overview of the various Solid State Disk Drive form factors and interfaces will be discussed. Several Solid State Disk Drives available from Intel will be highlighted during the discussion.
12:30PM–1:45PM Seminars Track III
- Design Robust and Reliable Networked MCU’s with CAN for Industrial Applications, Presented by Jeff Waldman, Renesas Technology America, Inc. (RTA)
- Today’s industrial applications require more and more bandwidth and reliability than ever before. CAN provides easy implementation, reliability, and expandability in one simple architecture. The topic of discussion will focus on the features and benefits of the CAN architecture and how they relate to industrial applications. In addition to the CAN specification this course will also discuss the features and benefits added by adopting CANopen and DeviceNet specification.
- Meeting the Challenge of Implementing Low Power RF Solutions in a Noisy Environment, Presented by Atmel
- The proliferation of wireless devices causes many challenges to the engineer hoping to deploy an RF-based product. The unpredictable presence of emitters such as microwave ovens or cordless phones and attenuators such as walls or water can impact the range and coverage of a wireless system. This presentation describes the issues to be faced in the ISM bands typically used for 802.15.4 and discusses strategies to overcome them. A review of the varying RF protocols that build on the 802.15.4 standard is also included
- Embedded Application Development Using Microsoft NET Micro Framework, Presented by Bob Blumenscheid, Digi International
- .NET Micro Framework is Microsoft’s newest embedded development environment. It brings sophisticated development tools to and eliminates many of the complications of traditional embedded development. JumpStart Kits for .NET Micro Framework combine .NET Micro Framework support with ARM-based embedded modules. A live demonstration using JumpStart Kits will show how to develop an application using .NET Micro Framework, and Microsoft Visual Studio.
- Digital Power: You Don’t Have to Write Code! Presented by Mark Pearson, Texas Instruments
- Texas Instruments (TI) offers complete solutions for digitally controlled and/or managed power subsystems - from AC/DC to point-of-load. In this session, you will learn about two solutions from TI: the UCD9080 Power Rail Sequencer and Monitor and the UCD9240 Point-of-Load (POL) DC/DC solution. Application examples demonstrate how easy it is to configure the devices using an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface), reducing engineering effort. Digitally controlled power management ICs provide configuration, monitoring, and supervisory functions, which extend to full loop control.
- How to Work With Data Converters, Presented by John Kruse, Analog Devices, Inc.
- Picking the right data converter can be an art form. This class will discuss D/A and A/D Architectures, reading between the specifications, errors, and timing concerns. We will finish with choosing the right converter. Op amps next to the converter will be bonus material
- Methods for Enabling End-to-End Supply Chain Management in a Multiple Company / Supplier Environment, Presented by Peer Stephenson, Executive Vice President, One Network Enterprises
- Peer Steffensen joined One Network to build the business in Europe. Prior to One Network, Peer Steffensen worked for i2 Technologies for 6 years in various roles from Alliance Director to running the largest vertical, Hi Tech, in Northern Europe. Previously Peer held sales and marketing leadership roles at IBM for more than 8 years, bringing IBM into the ERP services business.
2:00PM–3:15PM Seminars Track IV
- Killing the Mechanical Interfaces – Capacitive Sensing Technology, Presented by Dave Van Ess, Cypress Semiconductor
- Technology guru Dave Van Ess will provide an entertaining and enlightening look at Capacitive Sensing technology. From proximity sensing to futuristic user interfaces, capacitive touch sensing technology is enabling product features like never before. This workshop will cover the practical theory and implementation of Capacitive Sensing technology. Attendees will gain important first-hand experience and learn how to bring elegant, reliable, and easy-to-use Capacitive touch-sensing functionality to your next design.
- What is Industrial Ethernet and Why Use It? Presented by Chuck Dawson, Phoenix Contact
- This presentation is intended for the individual who needs a basic understanding of what Industrial Ethernet really is and why it’s being used. The seminar topics will include: The evolution of proprietary bus systems, Network Protocols, The basics of Ethernet, What is Industrial Ethernet and why do we need it, The OSI Model and how Industrial Ethernet uses it, What are the applications and who is using it.
- Getting Started with Embedded Linux, Presented by TimeSys
- This presentation is designed to aid the developer in determining if Linux is right for their project and to provide software managers with an understanding of the rewards and risks of using open source software. Topics covered in this presentation include the basics of open source licensing and the obligations, the different parts of an embedded Linux development platform and how they work together, and the debugging and deployment options that exist and when they work best. In addition, attendees will be briefed on common pitfalls that first-time Linux users frequently encounter and how to avoid them.
- What Every Design Engineer Should Know About AC-DC Power Supplies, Presented by Tim Cassidy, SL Power
- This presentation will focus on unraveling the mystery and frustration surrounding the identification --- and often the development ---- of AC-DC power solutions. It will include in-depth discussion of relevant elements that are critical to the selection of the best power supply for your company’s project. It will identify the key elements of the datasheet --- Airflow, MTBF, EMC and EMC Immunity. The discussion will include detailing EMI limits and distinguish the major differences between open-frame and external power solutions as well as answer the question: Why do power supplies fail in my system when the manufacturer claims they pass? There will also be a broader examination of global regulatory issues and standards. With the global buzz about “going green”, this session will help you understand the critical nature of safety standards and initiatives and their impact on your product development budget and timeline.
- LTSPICE, Presented by Bob Rynkiewicz, Linear Technology
- This seminar is an introduction to Linear Technology’s free, fully featured, SPICE compatible, LTSPICE simulation software. We will be discussing the following topics: Getting Started: Part selection, schematic capture, etc., Changing Discrete Components, Running Simulation, Probing and Waveforms, Importing Components, Running Efficiency Reports/Thermal Analysis.
- Intro to Electronics -- Basic Electronic Concepts, Terminology and Industry Standards, Presented by Paul Jaeger, Arrow Field Application Engineer and Michael Clauson, Arrow Field Sales Manager
- This class will explain basic electronic devices, concepts of electronics, and their associated terms. You may not be able to design circuits after the class; but you will walk away with a better understanding of what is being purchased and why some devices cost more than others.
