In brief

• Data Device Corporation has announced a low-cost resolver-to-digital converter with an accuracy of 1 arc-minute — which it claims is the highest available. The monolithic converters take analogue AC inputs from resolvers and convert them to a digital angular format. The RD-19230FX device has programmable resolution from 10-bit to 16-bit.

• The Japanese motor developer Genesis has produced an efficient motor which, it claims, could double the distance that electrically powered motorbikes can travel on a battery charge. The motor, which combines permanent magnets with electromagnets, is said to deliver twice the starting torque of conventional motors, as well as having a high low-speed efficiency when starting, overtaking and driving uphill. Genesis plans to develop versions for electric bicycles, and for hybrid and fuel cell cars.

• Cambridge Consultants (CCL) has announced a service to develop custom chips for companies operating in areas such as industrial control and instrumentation, which do not have specialist electronics skills. The "system-on-chip" (SoC) technology is said to cut manufacturing costs by up to 60% as well as making products smaller, lighter and more reliable. The chips can handle analogue and digital signals and add capabilities such as wireless communications.

• Sanken has developed a range of compact, high-voltage intelligent power modules for use in three-phase motor drive circuits for applications such as air-conditioning and appliances. The SLA6800 modules, available in the UK from Allegro MicroSystems, incorporate three-phase bridge and driver circuits with protection against undervoltages, overcurrents and over-temperatures. Output voltages range from 250—600V at 1.5—3A.