Building a prototype, procuring parts, and fabricating a printed circuit board using traditional methods are challenging, time-consuming steps in the design of wireless products. This innovative free service allows engineers to design a wireless prototype within minutes, then instantly link to Avnet to order and purchase a customized prototype.
National’s WEBENCH(TM) design environment saves engineers 50 to 60 hours per design, said Bill Stacy, vice president, Wireless Division, National Semiconductor. By linking with Avnet to offer custom wireless prototype boards via a seamless online e-commerce environment, we will continue our leadership by again dramatically reducing the design time for new products.
EasyPLL is an exciting new Web-based tool that will allow customers to speed the component selection and design-in process. It is also a great example of an innovative partnership between a distributor and a supplier that leverages the resources and skill sets of both parties, said Joel Levine, vice president / director, RF & Microwave Product Business Group, Avnet Electronics Marketing. With EasyPLL, customers will benefit from the technical value-added expertise provided by National Semiconductor as well as the component sourcing and design support from Avnet. The combination allows National and Avnet to meld design tools and evaluation boards into one powerful offering.
The process begins on National’s WIRELESS.NATIONAL.COM Web site, featuring WEBENCH 2.0, the industry’s first end-to-end online design tool set. After creating and optimizing a design using National’s powerful EasyPLL (Phase Locked Loop) simulator, an engineer can link to Avnet to order a complete bill of materials (BOM), have it assembled, tested, and shipped in five days.
Design engineers like B.Thomas Pier, senior laboratory technician of the Eaton Corporation’s Innovation Center are experiencing the time savings first-hand. Pier says of the EasyPLL tool: It was easy to use and was very helpful to receive the boards so quickly. I would make use of the online tool again.
The EasyPLL Web-based tool is also optimized for use on National’s new LMX23xxU series of ultra-low power dual phase locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizers, the latest addition to National’s industry-leading family of PLLatinum(TM) PLLs for wireless applications. This new family is pin- and software-compatible with the current LMX23xxL family of PLLs, provides easy upgrade, and consumes up to 43 percent less power. Lower power consumption creates a higher level of performance for cell phones – including longer handset talk and standby time, as well as longer battery life, and lower handset weight and size.
National Semiconductor is the world’s No. 1 supplier of PLL frequency synthesizers. PLL circuits are used in cellular and cordless phones, wireless Local Area Networks, Set Top Boxes, Global Positioning Systems, and other advanced wireless designs. PLLs help keep a device locked on to a radio frequency, ensuring clear, strong, reception and transmission of wireless signals.
