Automotive Mobile Audio Video

Optimized for RF power amplifiers in 2.5G and 3G CDMA and W-CDMA mobile phones, 2 MHz PWM synchronous Model MIC2224 features 2.7-5.5 V input voltage with DAC-adjustable output from 0.3-3.6 V. By adjusting voltage applied to RF power amplifier, transmit power can be made to match environmental operating conditions. In PWM mode, MIC2224 supplies more than 600 mA of output current through fully integrated MOSFET switches. In by-pass mode, it sources in excess of 1 A to load.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 8 - Micrel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRL), an industry leader in Power, Connect and Protect IC solutions, today announced the MIC2224, a new high efficiency, 2MHz PWM synchronous buck switching regulator optimized for RF power amplifiers in 2.5G and 3G CDMA and W-CDMA mobile phones. The device is ideal for these single-cell Li-Ion battery applications and meets the most stringent Vout response specifications of next generation cell phones. The MIC2224 is currently sampling with volume quantities available within 10-12 weeks. Pricing starts at $1.91 in 1K quantity.

"The MIC2224 is targeted specifically for the industry's most advanced cell phone needs," said Tony O'Brien, Micrel's director of marketing, power products. "The chip provides the industry's most efficient use of battery power while the 2MHz PWM operation allows for the smallest possible components."

MIC2224's output voltage can be dynamically adjusted with an external DAC to maximize talk time of the cell phone. By adjusting the voltage applied to the RF power amplifier, transmit power can be made to match environmental operating conditions. When close to a base station, output power can be set low, while in weak signal areas, the phone may require increased transmit power to maintain a reliable connection. In maximum power situations, the MIC2224 has a by-pass mode which connects the RF PA directly to the battery, providing maximum current to the load. This internal 40mOhm, bypass switch is automatically activated when the DAC control voltage exceeds a preset level.

The IC features a 2.7V to 5.5V input voltage range with a DAC-adjustable output voltage from 0.3V up to 3.6V. In PWM mode, the MIC2224 will supply more than 600mA of output current through its fully integrated MOSFET switches. In by-pass mode, it can source in excess of 1 Amp to the load. Operating at constant frequency, with a duty cycle ranging from 0 to 100 percent, the MIC2224's 2MHz switching rate and internal control loop are optimized for operation with the smallest possible components. This makes it the ideal choice for space constrained portable appliances.

The MIC2224 is fully protected against output faults and extreme operating conditions by output current limiting in PWM and Bypass modes, and on-chip thermal sensing and shut-down. The chip is available in tiny 3mm x 3mm MLFTM-10L Pb-free packaging.

"The global cell phone market continues to grow, and functionality increases with each new product turn," noted Bob Whelton, executive vice president operations, Micrel. "The MIC2224 enables mobile phone manufacturers to manage challenging battery power requirements while meeting stringent 2.5G and 3G CDMA power specifications with a board space and cost efficient IC option."

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of Power, Connect and Protect IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities located in San Jose, CA with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Visual CE 9 empowers mobile users to create database applications that can be deployed on Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Windows CE device. Data can be downloaded, collected, displayed, modified, and automatically synchronized. Software includes set focus, lose focus, and value change events; custom menu bars; and Wizard to create distribution disks. Image control can display HTML, macros can call other macros, and files can be moved via mEnable wireless connection.

CAMBRIDGE, MA, U.S.A. - Feb 7, 2005 - SYWARE, Inc., announced a new software version, called "Visual CE 9", that empowers mobile users around the world to rapidly create feature-rich database applications-without programming-that can be deployed on any Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Windows CE device - wherever they need to work. Today, tens of thousands of loyal customers in the global Microsoft CE development market rely on SYWARE Visual CE solutions. As a result, developers, and non-technical users, in a wide variety of markets can use Visual CE 9 to mobilize information between the enterprise and the field to rapidly convert PC or paper-based processes into fully mobile applications 10x faster than other market alternatives. Business or user-specific data can be downloaded, collected, displayed, modified and automatically synchronized.

"Competitive solutions that claim to "rapidly mobilize applications" are typically costly, require the user to have a programming background, are not easy-to-use, take too much time to develop, or they force companies to expand IT departments to manage software and data between desktops and servers to devices," said Sy Danberg, President, SYWARE, Inc. "The Visual CE product line solves these problems, while meeting the specialized needs of the mobile user to provide seamless access to essential information on or offline, at any time or place," Danberg added. Visual CE 9 software includes the following new features:

-- Events: set focus, lose focus, value changed

-- Wizard to create distribution disks

-- Custom Menu bars

-- Macros can call other macros

-- Image control can display HTML

-- Search command buttons can do exact match searches

-- Search command buttons no do not have to prompt user from search value

-- Center aligning of controls (in addition to left and right)

-- left/center/right alignment on text controls

-- Image controls connected to text fields and cameras: (SYWARE takes pictures and generates file names)

-- Command button to set focus to a particular control

-- Command button to show/hide some other control

-- mEnable on and mEnable synch command buttons can suppress the dialog

-- Moving files via mEnable wireless connection

-- Import/Export Command buttons allow you to specify filename

-- @serialnumber

-- Cut and paste multiple controls

Pricing & Delivery

Visual CE 9 applications can be created for any Microsoft Windows Mobile, Windows CE, or Pocket PC handheld. Visual CE Lite Edition is priced at $19.99. Visual CE Personal Edition, with full forms design, relational database, and synchronization capabilities, is priced at $129. Visual CE Professional Edition includes all the features of Personal Edition and royalty-free distribution rights and it is available for $399. Visual CE Enterprise Edition it is priced at $599 and includes all the features of the Professional Edition plus SYWARE's Report CE software and an mEnable (wireless connectivity) license. To evaluate or purchase SYWARE products, visit:

About SYWARE, Inc.

SYWARE empowers mobile users to collect data and create feature-rich database applications that can be deployed on any Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Windows CE device - wherever they need to work. Industry or user-specific data can be downloaded, collected, displayed, modified and synchronized, without programming. SYWARE provides low cost of ownership, rapid deployment and return-on-investment without requiring users to expand IT departments to manage software and data between desktops and servers to devices. SYWARE removes obstacles to commerce and enables users to share data seamlessly over wireless, LAN, WAN or Internet connections in a wide variety of market sectors, including healthcare, transportation, government, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace and other markets.

The cornerstone of SYWARE's product line is Visual CE., the award-winning database and forms development tool for Windows Mobile and Windows CE handhelds. A diverse, international panel of industry experts awarded SYWARE Pocket PC magazine's "Best Software Award 2004" in the database category, as Visual CE is used by small-to-medium-sized businesses around the world and trusted by FedEx (NYSE: FDX), ChevronTexaco Corp. (NYSE: CVX), Cargill, Inc., Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) and the U.S. Geological Survey. SYWARE is also the creator of mEnable., a flexible software architecture for real-time wireless access to enterprise data located on corporate servers, and FoneDB., the first database software for Microsoft Smartphone devices.

The Freedonia Group forecasts that the demand for automotive entertainment systems, which includes conventional elements like CD players and radios as well as new technology like multimedia DVD players and satellite radios, will reach almost $10 billion by 2008.

"Our perspective is that we are on the cusp of a whole new range of technologies entering the auto entertainment platform," which is one reason the market is gearing up for an evolution in the next few years, says Lance Ealey, auto analyst with the Freedonia Group.

The steady growth is going to bring new players to the market, predicts Ealey. "The potential changes with these new technologies is going to draw different providers more fully into the automotive realm," says Ealey. "Obviously, the Best Buys and consumer electronics companies will remain big players" but there are sure to be more, he suspects.

Though industry leader Best Buy doesn't separate its sales by division, their mobile electronics business is healthy, according to the company. With installation bays at almost all of their 661 stores, they have 3,200 technicians and Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals (MECP).

The MECP program, which was instituted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), is the only nationally recognized program that certifies mobile electronics installers and sales people on the installation techniques and capabilities of automotive information technology, entertainment, navigation and safety/security systems.

Best Buy also recently showcased two concept cars, a Hummer H2 and a Nissan Quest minivan, to demonstrate how the consumer's ideal mobile experience can be a reality with today's off-the-shelf automotive accessories. Erin MacMillan, a company spokesperson for Best Buy, says they are seeing "a lot of movement around the GPS systems, mobile video and satellite radio." Best Buy currently stocks products from manufacturers like Pioneer, Sony, Rockford Fosgate and, coming soon, Alpine Electronics.

Though more than 270 mobile electronics companies exhibited at the January 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show, including Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Delphi and iBiquity, Ealey explains that as OEMs integrate more entertainment options into the vehicle, it will become increasingly difficult for aftermarket providers to match the level of integration and sophistication that these systems bring with it, especially with higher-end vehicles.

Dealers and OEs will continue to nurture their position in this market, as they have in the past. In fact, CEA market research says that U.S. mobile video factory sales grew 62 percent in 2002. And, more vehicles are beginning to roll off the lot with DVD players and other entertainment electronics as standard or optional equipment.

For example, Cadillac, which premiered a 2005 Escalade with a TracVision low-profile satellite television system at this year's Super Bowl, offers buyers options that include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a seven-inch LCD screen and two sets of wireless headphones, as well as DVD-based navigation systems.

But Ealey believes this doesn't necessarily mean that sales in the aftermarket will not proliferate. "Never underestimate the ability of the aftermarket entertainment system providers to meet the challenge."

One of the goals of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mobile Electronics Division in conjunction with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and other automotive industry associations is moving forward to foster the growth of open standards of aftermarket connectivity for mobile electronics products to allow consumers the opportunity to choose the mobile electronics they want for their vehicle.

Ealey explains that obtaining repair and installation information may be a difficult process because OEMs like to have proprietary systems, and entertainment electronics aren't nearly as standard as on-board diagnostics. "If you are a provider of electronic systems, you have to be sure you can link in and not cause any liability in the system itself." Smaller installation shops may not be able to keep up, leaving most of the growth to the bigger electronics retailers.

The technology research company known as VDC expects that separate multimedia components like video sources, monitors and surround sound processors will lose market share as packaged systems make headway. A report from the company says, "Packaged systems offer more of a mass-market approach than component systems, which are typically sold through audio/video dealers that custom build systems for their customers. At this time, packaged systems are primarily factory or dealer installed, a trend that VDC believes will continue over the next five years."

But besides the standard consumer electronics stores, Ealey believes that large automotive retailers and other aftermarket distributors may begin offering more mobile electronics packages for customers. "Where there is a certain amount of flux in the industry, this is a good time for people to come into the market.

New offering gives enterprises greater choice in secure mobile connectivity. NEW YORK - Nokia (NYSE:NOK) today announced it has expanded its portfolio of mobile connectivity solutions to include a suite of Internet protocol security (IPSec) virtual private network (VPN)-based products for workers who need secure remote access to their corporate networks from mobile devices and remote locations. Nokia's latest IP VPN technology offering consists of four new IP VPN gateway systems, a mobile VPN client, and comprehensive management software. The new offering complements the company's existing mobility solutions, including a variety of proven IP security platforms, an SSL VPN connectivity solution, and other solutions critical to enterprise mobility. Together with Nokia enterprise mobile devices, Nokia IP VPN enables enterprises to more securely connect all of their users, whether in a remote office, working from home, or on the go. Nokia IP VPN incorporates Nokia's patent-pending Meta-Hop(TM) technology to help ensure seamless user connectivity from the mobile device all the way to the application even if a connection is disrupted. With Meta-Hop technology, mobile end-users are able to connect to IP-based applications securely and stay connected via self-learning and self-healing networks that track multiple connection paths to ensure a connection is maintained. Meta-Hop gives enterprises consistent, secure network availability for mobile end-users, while driving down operational costs for management, maintenance and network expansion. The Nokia IP VPN solution is suited for IT managers of growing companies who need to create or extend their connectivity infrastructure to support both mobile and remote office access. Nokia IP VPN integrates easily with IT infrastructure and management systems to provide a seamless mobile user experience, extreme network reliability, and superior price performance. "The workforce is becoming more mobile every day. With Nokia IP VPN, users are no longer restricted to where and how they securely connect to the important information they need. Nokia IP VPN is a win-win proposition for IT and end-users, providing flexible connectivity options for devices of all types, while driving costs down through automated management tools and technologies," said Elie Habib, senior vice president, Security and Mobile Connectivity, Nokia Enterprise Solutions. "We believe our product offering is unique in the marketplace as we provide a total platform package, from back-office solutions to end-user mobile devices, enabling complete voice and data communication for professionals." "Remote access to enterprise data is not limited to desktops and laptops anymore. Nokia IP VPN is designed to ensure secure remote access to enterprise resources, no matter what device is being used to connect," said Charles Kolodgy, research director of IDC's Security Products program. "Well suited for both the wired and wireless worlds, Nokia IP VPN should provide for easy administration of end-user devices, and consistent network availability through Nokia's Meta-Hop technology. Combined with Nokia's SSL VPN offerings, Nokia's portfolio provides enterprises with choice and flexibility when deploying remote mobile access solutions." "We chose Nokia IP VPN products to form the backbone of our global corporate network. Our needs demand a connectivity solution that provides strong features, reliability and support services, while giving us the opportunity to build an integrated mobility solution," said Peter Stewart, IT Director - International, at TI Automotive, a global automotive supplier headquartered in the United Kingdom. "Nokia's IP VPN offering gives us a complete connectivity solution, and will allow us to expand our corporate network to a mobile environment while capitalizing on the market-leading security features and product reliability we need." The Nokia IP VPN offering includes: Nokia IP VPN Gateways Four high-performance, fully integrated VPN systems designed to meet the demands of offices of all sizes. The gateways differ by performance appropriate for the size of the office being connected and secured. The current IP VPN gateways offered include(1): Nokia 100i for mid to large-size enterprise offices: - 310 Mbps VPN performance (AES-256, SHA-1) - 590 Mbps VPN performance with Nokia patented IP Clustering (2-systems, AES-256, SHA-1) Nokia 50i for branch enterprise offices: - 125 Mbps VPN performance (AES-256, SHA-1) - 190 Mbps VPN performance with Nokia patented IP Clustering (2-systems, AES-256, SHA-1) Nokia 10i for small, remote offices: - 75 Mbps VPN performance (AES-256, SHA-1) - 110 Mbps VPN performance with Nokia patented IP Clustering (2-systems, AES-256, SHA-1) Nokia 5i for small offices needing high-speed broadband connectivity: - 75 Mbps VPN performance (AES-256, SHA-1) The gateways are fully interoperable with a variety of networks, including Nokia IP products, former Nokia VPN gateways and other third-party gateways to ensure enterprises maintain their current investments while enabling them to expand with Nokia IP VPN. Nokia Mobile VPN A Mobile VPN Client developed by Nokia for Symbian OS-based mobile devices. Nokia Mobile VPN Client allows the end user to use the mobile network and the Internet to safely connect from the mobile device to the enterprise network. Key features of Nokia Mobile VPN Client include: - Support for Nokia Series 60 and Series 80 business range devices based on Symbian OS including Nokia 9500 Communicator, Nokia 9300, Nokia 7650, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6260, Nokia 7610, Nokia 3660, Nokia 3650, and Nokia 9200 Communicator - Support for legacy and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) based authentication - AES, DES and 3DES for encryption - SHA-1 and MD5 for data integrity - Automatic provisioning of VPN settings for end-users via Nokia Security Service Manager - Automatic policy updates via Nokia Security Service Manager - Automatic certificate enrollment via Nokia Security Service Manager - Integrated with Nokia IP VPN gateways Nokia VPN Manager A centralized, easy-to-use management software developed for Nokia IP VPN gateways and Nokia Mobile VPN clients, using Nokia Security Service Manager. By using Nokia VPN Manager software, enterprises can easily create and update security configurations and policies for gateways and clients. All of the management options are available through an easy-to-use graphical interface. Nokia VPN Manager works with Nokia Security Service Manager, which is designed specifically to address the initial deployment and management of Nokia Mobile VPN client software and policies. Nokia Security Service Manager can manage the PKI related requirements in mobile environments. Key features of Nokia Security Service Manager include: - Lifecycle management of security on Symbian OS-based mobile devices - Provisioning and management of security policies over-the-air - Certificate-based authentication support IP VPN Service and Support Nokia offers global service and support for all components of the Nokia IP VPN solution. Nokia's service and support package fully leverages existing investments, providing past customers with a consistent and reliable security infrastructure. New customers also benefit from Nokia's reputation of quality and performance in enterprise-geared products. Nokia IP VPN is available as of February 2005. The IP VPN offering is priced beginning at U.S. $395. About Nokia Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses.

Four-cycle, 4-cyl Vortec 3000 is available in factory-installed multiport fuel injection gasoline version, and gaseous fuel version with 35 kW genset rating. With MPFI version, fuel injectors are positioned in intake ports of cylinder head and spray fuel on back of intake valves, promoting complete combustion. On high-output gaseous fuel engine, cylinder head combines with 10.5:1 compression ratio, resulting in ratings of 65 and 60 hp at 1,800 rpm with propane and natural gas, respectively.

Factory-Installed MPFI Gasoline and High-Output Gaseous Fuel Versions Now Available

PONTIAC. MICH - GM Powertrain announced enhanced versions of the Vortec 3000 industrial engine for 2006. These versions offer factory-installed multiport fuel injection (MPFI) for a gasoline version and a high-output gaseous fuel version with increased horsepower and torque - and a 35 kW genset rating at 1800 rpm. The engines are designed for a variety of mobile and stationary applications.

The Vortec 3000 engine is the most powerful four-cylinder gasoline engine available in the industrial market. MPFI offers improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, smoother operation and instant starting. With low emissions and smooth performance in a compact package, all versions of the four-cycle, four-cylinder Vortec 3000 deliver the power and torque of many larger-displacement six-cylinder engines.

"The enhancements to the Vortec 3000 reinforce its adaptability and value for any industrial application," said David P. Garrett, engineering manager for GM Powertrain OEM sales.

The addition of factory-installed multiport fuel injection adds convenience to the Vortec 3000 gasoline engine, since the injection system no longer requires OEM installation. And because the injection system promotes hotter, more complete combustion and delivers more precise ignition, idle quality and operational smoothness of the engine are enhanced.

EE-Auto combines OSE Epsilon real-time OS with TCP/IP stack, web browser, flash file system, and development tools, providing platform for Freescale Semiconductor's MAC7111 microcontroller. Occupying 4 kbytes of memory, OSE Epsilon features integrated error handling, context switching speed of 300 nsec, full pre-emptibility, and worst-case interrupt latency of 1 [micro]sec. EE-Auto is available for all MAC71xx processors and runs out of the box on MAC7111 evaluation boards.

EE-Auto's OSE Epsilon RTOS, TCP/IP Stack, Web Browser, Flash File System, and Development Tools Provide Optimal Platform For MAC7111-Based Automotive Control Applications

Telematics Update Conference 2005 - Booth #10

DETROIT--May 17, 2005--Enea today announced the availability of its EE-Auto platform for Freescale Semiconductor's MAC7111 microcontroller. The EE-Auto platform, which combines Enea's OSE Epsilon real-time operating system (RTOS) with an optimized TCP/IP stack, flash file system, and development tools, provides an ideal platform for hosting MAC7111-based automotive infotainment control applications that require small code size and fast, reliable real-time response. EE-Auto is available for all MAC71xx family processors and runs out of the box on MAC7111 evaluation boards, which include an OSE Epsilon demonstration CD and motor control application example.

"Electronic systems are controlling a growing number of functions in modern cars, everything from ABS brakes and engines to telematics," said Michael Christofferson, director of product marketing at Enea. "EE-Auto gives automotive OEMs who are designing MAC7111-based automotive control systems the advanced real-time scheduling, memory management, interrupt processing, I/O and networking functionality needed to reliably manage this complex set of functions."

"The MAC7111's high performance, integrated flash, and versatile I/O architecture make it ideal for tackling compute-intensive automotive applications with tight size and memory constraints," continued Christofferson. "OSE Epsilon's compact size and fast, predictable real-time response make it a perfect fit for the MAC7111, and an excellent platform for hosting sophisticated automotive and telematics applications."

Although it has been known as the "T-Box,*" according to Mark Spain, senior director, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit, that's simply been the internal name of this system. Think of it in the context of the way that everyone used to refer to the Chrysler "LH" cars (which happened so frequently that the company actually designated a model the "LHS"). And while some people might have thought that "T-Box" was in some ways analogous to the "X-Box" gaming system, what's really different here is that whereas there is a Microsoft-delivered physical hardware for the game, with regard to T-Box--now officially known as "Windows Mobile for Automotive"--it is a software platform, although there is a hardware reference design associated with it.

An initial deployment will be deployed by Fiat. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit is working with Samsung Electronics, ScanSoft, Siemens, SiRF Technology, Xilinix, and Magneti Marelli on developing the hardware and software for a low-cost telematics system for the Italian vehicle manufacturer.

Kyle L. Solomon, Automotive Industry manager, Global Automotive, Microsoft, says that the Redmond-based company is undertaking an initiative, "Peak Performance," which has implications for companies going forward the next three to five years. Working from the Microsoft platform that is so pervasive throughout organizations, the Peak Performance program has four aspects, which Solomon describes as "pillars":

*** Operational performance (collecting plant floor information, for example, and using it to improve operations by sharing it with others via SharePoint Portal Server 2003)

*** Supply chain performance (achieving better visibility throughout the supply chain and attaining real-time information)

*** Customer sales and marketing performance (connecting manufacturers, dealers and customers in a seamless manner)

*** Product development performance (providing the means for global, cross-functional collaboration)

Designed to simulate airflow conditions produced while driving, mobile Fahrtwind-Simulator type VQF is suited for use on vehicle fronts, including radiator and car's underside with exhaust system. Built-in tangential fan ensures uniform laminar airflow with exact reproducibility. Also used for climate simulations, unit features air intake from top, internal 90[degrees] airflow deflection, and fully adjustable speed control for simulations up to 100 mph.

SPARTANBURG, SC --- The simulation of the airflow produced while driving is necessary when testing vehicles on test stands, and these simulations should be done as closely as possible to real-life conditions. This means life-like airflow conditions must be produced on the vehicles front including the radiator and the car's underside with the exhaust system.

To do this, the LTG Fahrtwind*-Simulator with built-in tangential fan perfectly meets the strict requirements and ensures a uniform laminar airflow with exact reproducibility. Significant space reduction is achieved through air intake from the top and a 90[degrees] airflow deflection inside the unit. The units, which can also be used for climate simulations, are provided with a fully adjustable speed control and are designed for a simulation range of up to 100 mph (almost any speed can be built, 125 mph is the fastest we have built to this point).

The mobile Fahrtwind-Simulator type VQF, already being used with great success by leading car manufacturers, is available in different models ready to plug in with integrated or separate operating panels and continuously electronic adjustable air outlet level to perfectly match any vehicle from sports cars to off-road truck/SUV. Various pre-programmed simulation programs may also be used with an optional remote control. This fan technology is also available as a simple fan or blower without the Fahrtwind mechanism and electronics.

All "Code of Federal Regulations" and "FEE Automotive Engineering/EWG/ECE" requirements are met.

In-vehicle "infotainment" systems are spreading like wildfire and, as more consumers want to bring their home-style electronics into their cars, the growth won't stop any time soon. The proliferation of devices like GPS systems, video and digital music players and the like has given manufacturers cause to look for ways to integrate these systems with significant storage capacity in the form of Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

Toshiba Storage Device Division, which currently commands more than 80% of the automotive HDD market, says that a breakthrough recording technology-known as perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR)-will have a great impact on the ability to increase storage capacity for automotive applications and meet the growing demands of consumers.

In addition to the GPS navigation systems and satellite radios already commonplace on many of today's cars, other digital technologies that are suggested to be possibilities include time-shifted radio recording/ playback; rear-seat gaming/programming via downloads from cable or satellite; and digital video player, digital camera and complete PC functionality. And all of them will be able to run simultaneously using a single HDD.

In the United States, the first wave of automobiles featuring factory-installed, HDD-based digital solutions including entertainment and navigation will hit the road in model year 2007. It's reported that nearly every major car manufacturer is working to design HDD-based systems into their 2007 offerings.

Imagine being able to watch a television show, access the Internet, use Microsoft Office suite, and listen to your complete music library from the driver's seat of your car. That vision has been four years in the making for Los Angeles-based VeaLink Inc., makers of the networking multimedia console that incorporates all of those elements and more.

Unveiled at the Extreme Autofest in Pomona, California, in October 2004, VeaLink is the brainchild of cousins Ryan Russell, 28, and Ray Cahill, 27. The multimedia console--which the pair first installed in a friend's car--runs on Windows XP and features touch-screen monitors that allow for navigation between a CD/MP3/DVD jukebox, television programming, FM radio, GPS system, and the Internet.

With some of their own money and a $15,000 cash infusion from a private investor, Russell and Cahill, an exercise-science major, spent the next four years creating a prototype. They began selling the product in the fall of 2004. "From that point, we were able to generate enough direct sales to keep us afloat," says Cahill, the company's vice president, who credits early exposure at the Extreme Autofest with helping to create buzz for the new product.

With five employees and an expected $350,000 in revenues for 2006, VeaLink has toured with the Dub Magazine National Car Show and Concert Series, and been installed in the magazine's executive edition 2006 Chrysler 300. The system has also been featured on MTV Cribs and on Outdoor Life Network's Rock the Boat series, which included a customized version of the system for two speedboats.

Russell, who directs product design and development, while Cahill handles sales and marketing, says an in-house tech team handles most of the product manufacturing. Larger orders are outsourced to a contract manufacturer. VeaLink is sold wholesale to specialty automotive retailers nationwide, and the price ranges from $1,800 to $2,800, depending on the options selected.

Looking to establish relationships with retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City, Russell and Cahill say their biggest challenge is overcoming the ghosts of mobile consumer electronics vendors whose products didn't live up to expectations.

Designed to meet demand for music and photo storage, 2 GB miniSD Memory Card is suited for mobile phones with megapixel cameras and music player functions, and is able to store up to 35 hours of music. Card offers max writing speed of 5 MB/s and includes CPRM advanced copyright protection function. Unit's primary application is mobile devices with miniSD slots, but it can also be used in standard SD slot with adapter.

High Capacity miniSD Card to Be Marketed Worldwide to Meet Growing Demand for Music and Photo Storage in Mobile Devices

IRVINE, Calif., and TOKYO, May 24 / -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., (TAEC)* and its parent, Toshiba Corporation, today announced an expanded line-up of large capacity miniSD Memory Cards with the introduction of a 2-gigabyte (GB)(1) capacity card. The miniSD Card is much smaller than a standard SD Memory Card but delivers increasingly large capacity. Its primary application is in mobile devices with miniSD slots, but it can also be used in standard SD slots with an adapter.

"As mobile phones increasingly offer high-resolution cameras and support for digital music, demand is growing for a small, versatile, high capacity storage device for images and music. For the growing percentage of cell phones equipped with a miniSD Card slot, Toshiba's new 2GB card addresses these requirements," said Brian Kumagai, business development manager, NAND Flash, for TAEC.

With the addition of the new 2GB miniSD Card, Toshiba will expand a product line-up that already extends up to 1GB.

Key Features

1. The 2GB storage capacity is ideal for mobile phones with megapixel cameras and music player functions(2) and is able to store up to 35 hours of music(3).

2. Maximum writing speed of approx. 5MB/s(4)

3. Adopts CPRM(5) advanced copyright protection function

Specifications

Name of Product: 2GB miniSD Memory Card

Maximum Write Speed: 5MB/second

Compatible Interface: SD Memory Card standard compatible

Power Supply Voltage: 2.7 - 3.6V

Compatible Standard: SD Memory Card standard compatible

Exterior Dimensions: 20.0mm(W)-21.5mm(L)-1.4mm(T)

Weight Approx.: 1g

Pricing and Availability

The Toshiba 2GB miniSD Memory Card will be available in June 2006 priced at $109.99.

SD Memory Card.

Winegard Company has recently established DATA TECH, LLC, a new company dedicated to mobile Internet antennae products. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, DATA TECH will develop technologies and associated products that deliver Internet and data communications within the domestic and international mobile markets.

"Just as the Internet has transformed modern day living over the last 15 years, mobility of the Internet and all of its applications will revolutionize the 21st century for business and consumer alike," states Randy Winegard, President/CEO of Winegard Company. "We are excited to be at the forefront of this market."

DATA TECH will launch its first product, a nomadic/mobile Internet antennae system designed for virtually any satellite send and receive platform, in the fall of 2004. This flagship product, available in a .74, .75, and 1.2 mobile antennae solution, will provide a user-friendly environment with rapid signal acquisition, and will be in full compliance with all FCC regulations for sending and transmitting in a mobile environment.

"Mobile Internet technology is all about the freedom and affordability of high speed communication, anytime, anywhere," says DATA TECH President Reed Brown. "People are constantly on the go and are in continual need of access to information. We will be offering these products to Winegard's recreational vehicle and automotive customers, and to newer market segments as well."

"The mobile aspect of these new antennas provides unlimited opportunities such as remote news gatherings, mobile command centers, mobile medical centers, mobile broadband and video conferencing for all industries, with new applications being created every day," adds DATA TECH Vice President Chuck Uhl, a veteran of the satellite industry for more than 30 years.

While Winegard is already widely recognized as the leading producer of off air and satellite antennae systems, the formation of DATA TECH will help secure its place as a worldwide mobile VSAT antennae system provider, by offering two-way, real-time IP, video, voice, audio, and data communication for specialty applications.

Recoton Corporation, a global consumer electronic accessory, loudspeaker and car audio company, said that it had signed an agreement with Rosen Products LLC of Eugene, Oregon.

Rosen Products supplies in-vehicle entertainment systems to the OEM and aftermarket channels. This agreement provides for the creation and manufacturing by Recoton Corporation of various customized components such as 900 MHz wireless transmitters and headphones that utilize Recoton Corporation's proprietary technologies, the company said.

These products will be part of in-vehicle entertainment systems designed and supplied by Rosen for SUVs and mini-vans manufactured by General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler. They are also developing systems for foreign made automobiles.

These systems generally consist of a Flat Panel Display (FPD) TV screen, a videocassette recorder, an overhead console, a video game interface, an FM modulator to access factory installed audio and a complete wiring harness for manufacturing point or local dealer installation.

Robert L. Borchardt, President and CEO of Recoton Corporation, stated, "We are extremely pleased to have created products for use in automotive applications that apply our 900 MHz wireless proprietary technologies to wireless headphones and transmitters. We recognize in-vehicle entertainment systems as a dynamic emerging area of the car audio business and we anticipate a substantial growth trend in automotive accessory products in the near future."

Two cars shriek to a stop at a red light: a luxury Mercedes-Benz S600 and a Ford Taurus. As an onlooker, can you guess which car will boast a better sound and navigation system in the near future? You might be surprised at the answer, because luxury car technology will soon be available to more frugal consumers.

D2B SmartWire, developed and introduced in 2000 by Communication and Control Electronics Ltd. (C&CE) in Guildford, U.K., uses an unshielded twisted pair of copper wires to carry audio, video, navigation and communication data throughout the vehicle. The wire, which is similar to the Ethernet cable that connects a computer to a network, replaces more expensive fiber optic cables in upscale car audio systems.

The wire, which is both less expensive and easier to repair, was designed to offer the same functionality and quality found in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class to midrange priced vehicles. Now a luxury audio and video system does not have to come at a luxury price, says C&CE.

SmartWire was developed as part of the Digital Data Bus (D2B), the networking protocol for automotive multimedia communication systems. C&CE worked with Philips Electronics NV, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and Becker GmbH in designing the protocol. The SmartWire chip, manufactured by C&CE, is what allows automakers and suppliers to design D2B systems that use copper wire rather than fiber optics. To date, all D2B systems are optical but by 2003-'04, SmartWire is expected to be standard equipment in some midrange vehicles, says Paul Nickson, chief technology officer for C&CE.

There are drawbacks to using fiber optic cable: It is difficult to package, requires specialized installers, is too expensive for high-volume cars and, significantly, has "minimum bending requirements," meaning the transmitting capabilities can be ruined if bent too much. This is especially where D2B SmartWire becomes a more practical choice. In the crowded vehicle interior it can be bent over, under and around other components that would be obstacles to fiber optics.

What's your price for a little peace and quiet on the motorway? Delphi Automotive Systems figures it's in the range of $1,500, which may sound outrageous until you consider that a lot of optional equipment (navigation systems and all-wheel drive, for instance) can cost as much or more.

On the Internet (www.delphiauto.com), Delphi is selling its seat-top Rear-Seat Audio Video System for $1,495, which includes a headset and 7-in. (18-cm) flip-up screen that delivers remarkably clear images from the DVD player that also accommodates CD video and audio CDs.

The unit also has standard video inputs, making it compatible with video game stations such as Sony's popular PlayStation (purchased separately).

At first glance, the hard-shell plastic console appears oversized and clunky, measuring 21-by-14-by-10 in. (53-by-36-by-25 cm). A Ward's editor tested the unit shoehorned in between two youngsters in the back seat of a Ford Mustang. If they were uncomfortable, they didn't complain about it.

They did get frustrated, however, with the mess of wires that tangled easily. With two children, there are at least four wires - one for each set of headphones, one for the video game controller and one for the AC power line running to the cigarette lighter on the dash. They cost more, but the cordless headphones are a worthy investment.

What's nice about the Rear-Seat Entertainment System is that it's portable, and you don't have to pay $30,000 or more for a minivan or SUV to get a backseat entertainment system installed as an option at the factory.