Transparent electronics
US researchers at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard are said to have developed an entirely new class of inorganic oxide-based transistors that could be used to make optically transparent electronics that is inexpensive, stable and environmentally benign. Potential benefits include products so cheap that they might allow one-time ‘throw away’ use, as well as better large area electronics such as flat panel screens and flexible electronics that could be folded up for ease of transport. The researchers claim that the zinc-tin-oxide thin film transistors developed are already “further along” than organic or polymer-based types, which all vie to transcend conventional carbon-based transistor materials in new and conventional applications. Advantages cited include a high mobility, chemical stability, ease of manufacture (including near room temperature fabrication) and physical robustness (in particular resistance to scratching and etching).
Refreshing change for DRAM
Elpida Memory claims it has improved the temperature compensation technology used to vary the refresh timings of DRAM devices and reduce power consumption, reports Electronics Weekly (UK). Refresh current can now be reduced by 95 percent at low temperatures, claims the company, by measuring internal variations in temperature in the memory. It also works with the error correction circuits during refresh. The technology could allow DRAM to push into power sensitive applications, including battery powered consumer products, the company added. The first product to include SSR will be a 256 Mbit, 200 MHz DDR SDRAM. The 0.11 µm 66-pin TSOP will support the industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.
Children shouldn’t use mobiles
A series of recent studies seem to indicate that mobile phones could be dangerous if used by children under nine years old. In January a study by the UK National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) called for a “precautionary approach” to mobile phone use–particularly for children–and although not directly claiming there is a definite risk of harm, it does not rule it out either. Earlier research quoted in the NRPB report–according to a report by NewScientist magazine–includes a European study (December 2004) indicating that radiation from mobiles may damage DNA; a Swedish study (April 2004) showing a correlation between mobile phone use and auditory nerve tumours; and Dutch research (October 2003) linking mobile phones to impaired brain function. The NRPB, report, however, insists that all these studies must be corroborated with other research laboratories before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
TV news IS depressing
If you’ve had a bad day at work – don’t go home and watch the news on TV: it will only make you feel worse, is the advice of UK stress researcher Dr Attila Szabo. His study of 170 students at Nottingham Trent University found that watching the news can trigger negative emotions such as depression, confusion, irritation, anger and anxiety that last for at least 15 minutes after viewing no matter what activity you then do. These feelings arise, according to Dr Szabo, “because so many images in the news are shocking and saddening.” The problem is that most TV news stories are “negative” and while, with newspapers, the reader can choose which stories to look at, with television the viewer has to “sit through the whole thing”. Electronics, however, could save the day with the advent of personalised and selectable live TV news feeds courtesy of the latest digital hub and hard disk technology.
iPod shuffle is a bit Flash
Hot on the tracks of the overwhelming success of its iPod and iPod mini devices, Apple Computer has just launched an even smaller Flash memory-based player called the “iPod shuffle” in the US. Available in either 512 MByte (120 track) or 1 GByte (240 track) USB versions, both of these units have a quoted 12-hour battery life and measure just 3.3 by 0.98 by 0.33-in in size. Although the iPod shuffle lacks the display and form factor of its bigger cousins, being about as heavy as a car key makes it “wearable” round the neck or on an arm band thanks to some rather clever accessory options.