As expansion of mobile Internet-access capacity is likely to catch up with fast growing demand due to increasing use of smartphones and tablet PCs, Taiwan's telecom carriers and equipment suppliers are urging the National Communications Commission (NCC) to adopt differential charge rates based on use volume to replace the current uniform pricing, according to industry sources.Uniform pricing not only is unfair to users willing to pay more for better quality but also discourages carriers from investment to expand capacities, the sources said. Uniform pricing without limits to use volume has resulted in an unreasonable situation where heavy users of mobile Internet services - 2% of all users - occupy almost 50% of the bandwidth available, the sources cited survey statistics as indicating.Philip Tseng, president for Ericsson Taiwan, and Mike Wang, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao general manager for Nokia Siemens Networks, emphasized the necessity of differential pricing to enable more efficient use of the mobile Internet-access resources.

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and RDA Microelectronics, a China-based RF IC company, have jointly announced that RDA5802N, an FM receiver chip using SMIC's 55nm low leakage (LL) logic process and adopting Innopower Technology's IP solution, is now in risk-production.The device is the result of a collaborative effort between RDA, SMIC and Innopower. RDA developed the chip's design, which integrates an FM stereo radio tuner with synthesizer, IF selectivity and MPX decoder. The product also leverages Innopower's IP solution and SMIC's advanced 55nm LL process technology. The successful joint development provides the RDA5802N with an excellent balance between high performance and low power-consumption that is well suited for performance-driven, power-conscious portable devices, the companies said."We are quite satisfied that SMIC is fully capable of tackling our leading-edge design challenges," said Vincent Tai, CEO of RDA."The success of the chip consolidates SMIC's leadership position as China's advanced technology provider, and demonstrates SMIC's commitment to bringing our clients world-class solutions with more reliability, stability and cost-effectiveness," said Chris Chi, senior VP and CBO of SMIC.

AMD has launched its latest dual-GPU graphics card, the Radeon HD 6990, supporting DirectX 11 and AMD's exclusive PowerTune intelligent technology to enable higher clock speeds and faster gaming.The AMD Radeon HD 6990 can natively support up to five displays using AMD's Eyefinity multi-display technology, with six display support possible via DisplayPort 1.2 components available for purchase later this year.The AMD Radeon HD 6990 graphics cards also feature a dual-BIOS toggle switch, allowing enthusiast gamers to unlock the card and rev up the clocks and voltages for even more performance; as well as AMD's HD3D technology, providing a cutting-edge stereoscopic 3D gaming and movie experience with HDMI 1.4a support.AMD dual-GPU Radeon HD 6990 graphics cardPhoto: Company

National Semiconductor has introduced what the company claims is the industry's first full-bridge pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers to integrate all four primary-side bridge MOSFET gate drivers. The LM5045 and LM5046 are well-suited for delivering higher efficiency and higher power density in quarter-brick and eighth-brick power modules used in a variety of high input voltage communications infrastructure applications.The new LM5045 and LM5046 PWM controllers ease the design of full-bridge topology-based power converters into small-form-factor power supplies by reducing the number of external power components needed with existing full-bridge solutions. The LM5045 contains all of the features necessary to implement a conventional full-bridge topology power converter using either current mode or voltage mode control. For applications requiring zero-voltage switching to minimize electro-magnetic interference (EMI) due to switching noise, the LM5046 contains all the features necessary to implement a phase-shifted full-bridge topology.Offered in small, thermally enhanced 5.0mm by 5.0mm by 0.8mm LLP and 4.4mm by 9.7mm by 0.9mm TSSOP packages, the full-bridge controllers operate on the primary side of an isolated DC-DC converter with input voltage up to 100V. These highly-integrated controllers provide robust 2A high and low side gate drivers for the four external bridge MOSFETs in addition to the control signals for the secondary side synchronous rectifier MOSFETs and an internal high voltage start-up regulator. Intelligent startup of the synchronous rectifiers (SR) allows monotonic turn-on of the power converter, even with pre-bias load conditions. The synchronous rectifier control signals offer independent and programmable leading/trailing edge dead-times between the primary and secondary MOSFET control signals for optimizing efficiency, and the SR signals are limited to 5V for use with digital isolators. Additional features include dual mode over-current protection featuring both cycle-by-cycle current limiting and hiccup mode restart, programmable soft-start, timing for both primary and synchronous rectifiers, programmable line UVLO and OVP, a synchronizable 2MHz oscillator and thermal shutdown.National's new LM5045 and LM5046, together with secondary side FET drivers such as the LM5110, LM5111 and LM5112, provide a complete controller solution to implement a highly efficient, small form factor full-bridge power converter.National's new full-bridge PWM controllers are available now and offered in 28-pin LLP and thermally-enhanced TSSOP packages. Priced in quantities of 1,000, the LM5045 is US$2.25 and the LM5046 is US$2.45.

Gigabyte Technology has announced the launch of the world's first motherboard designed from the ground up for extreme overclockers, the GA-X58A-OC. Its overclocking specific performance design defines a whole new category of enthusiast focused motherboards that introduces never-seen-before tweaking and insulating features.Based on the Intel X58 chipset (Tylersburg) and supporting LGA 1366 socket CPUs such as Intel's new top of the range Core i7 990X Extreme Edition CPU, the X58A-OC takes advantage of all the performance benefits that the X58 platform has to offer including triple channel DDR3 memory support, 6 core 12 thread CPU support, and enough PCIe Gen 2.0 bandwidth to support 4-way CrossFireX and 3-way SLI for the best graphics performance in the world.Gigabyte has listened closely to the overclocking community to make sure the X58A-OC has all of the overclocking features enthusiasts have been asking for, without some of the features that are unnecessary while overclocking, or can negatively impact performance - similar to a stripped down sports car where the aircon, radio, passenger seats, etc have been removed to reduce weight. Layout was a critical aspect of the design, not only in choice of components used, but also spacing of the components so that insulation of the board is as easy as possible, while still maintaining the most efficient data pathways between the various components. Gigabyte is also introducing five new main overclocking features on the X58A-OC that help to push the performance envelope of the X58A-OC even further including OC-VRM, OC-Touch, OC-PEG, OC-Cool and OC-DualBIOS.Gigabyte X58A-OC overclocking motherboardPhoto: Company

Chicago - (Business Wire) - NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 30-inch MultiSync PA301W-BK display and PA301W-BK-SV display with SpectraViewII calibration software and sensor.Ideal for color-critical applications such as photography, retouching, video editing and CAD/CAM, the MultiSync PA301W-BK models offer a robust design with a fully ergonomic stand for added comfort during use. These high-resolution displays feature an impressive 2560×1600 resolution and 10-bit wide color gamut LCD panel that provides the accurate, vibrant colors that professionals require. In addition, the MultiSync PA301W showcases the time-saving features common to the MultiSync PA Series displays, including the ability to load ICC profiles to emulate custom color spaces, as well as offering factory-calibrated digital uniformity correction and five customizable Picture Mode presets."If you're a photographer, designer, videographer, or a serious gamer, then this is a monitor that you'll want to take a good look at," said Bruce Bicknell of Photoshop User Magazine. "The NEC MultiSync PA301W really is a game changer for those of us who need to have the most accurate representation onscreen of our work that we possibly can."One of the more unique features of the MultiSync PA series is the ability to utilize two computers simultaneously through DisplaySync Pro and the integrated USB hub, which functions as a KVM device. Adding to this outstanding feature list, the MultiSync PA301W offers standalone hardware calibration, for simple display calibration without an attached computer."The addition of the MultiSync PA301W to our professional desktop lineup brings even more connectivity and color performance to photographers and other graphics users," said Art Marshall, product manager of professional and medical desktop monitors at NEC Display Solutions. "This flagship display, with its high 4-megapixel resolution, four digital inputs and factory-calibrated color and uniformity, is the new standard for professional graphics, and the praise we've received from the industry has confirmed this.""NEC's MultiSync PA301W delivers the performance and features that professionals demand, including a number of extras that distinguish it in the 30-inch class," said Brian Klug, displays editor at AnandTech. "It performed as expected in our display tests, leading the current crop of 30-inchers in all categories but one."Additionally, complimentary MultiProfiler software, exclusive to the MultiSync PA series, provides easy-to-use control over several features via mouse, including Picture Mode preset, Picture in Picture (PIP) and Picture by Picture (PBP) window configuration. MultiProfiler also allows users to manage the monitor's USB hub and map the various monitor inputs. The loading of ICC profiles by MultiProfiler helps MultiSync PA301W users easily create or adjust color modes. MultiProfiler is compatible with Apple Mac OS 10.3.9 or higher and Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7."The NEC PA301W monitor, with its massive color space, high pixel density, and superb color accuracy, makes my images come alive," said David FitzSimmons of FitzSimmons Photography in Bellville, Ohio. "The SpectraViewII software makes calibration effortless! Using a dual NEC MultiSync PA301W monitor setup for photo editing gives me one spacious screen for viewing thumbnail images and another spacious screen for checking individual photographs at full resolution."The MultiSync PA301W-BK and PA301W-BK-SV include the following features:2560×1600 resolution10-bit active matrix p-IPS panel98.2% coverage of Adobe RGBBrightness of 350 cd/m-square in landscape (250cd/m-square in portrait)Contrast ratio of 1,000:1Internal 14-bit programmable 3D lookup table (LUT)Dual DisplayPort and dual DVI-D input connectorsBuilt-in USB hub (2 up, 3 down) with DisplaySync Pro to control two computers with only one keyboard and mousePicture in Picture and Picture by Picture capabilities, which allow two video signals to be viewed simultaneously in a secondary window configurationICC Profile EmulationColor Vision Emulation, which allows a real-time preview of Type P/D/T color vision deficiencies in support of Color Universal DesignDICOM compatibility for medical review and referral applicationsXtraView+, which provides the widest viewing angles (up to 178 degree) with minimal off-angle color shift4-way ergonomic stand (150mm height-adjust with locking base, tilt, swivel and pivot) with quick-release capabilityAmbiBright ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the displays' brightness based on external lighting conditionsSpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution, which includes software and colorimeter to provide automated monitor matching and calibration for accurate, consistent and repeatable color performance (included with PA301W-BK-SV)Optional accessories include a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable (PA-MDP-CABL) for connecting devices using Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt technology, display hood (90HD30), SpectraViewII software (SVII-SOFT), colorimeter (MDSVSENSOR) and complete SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution (SVII-PRO-KIT)The MultiSync PA301W-BK and PA301W-BK-SV ship with a 4-year limited parts and labor warranty and are now available at an estimated street price of US$2,299 and US$2,549 respectively. Customers who purchase any MultiSync PA Series model by March 31, 2011 can participate in NEC's Made in the Shade promotion, which provides a free hood and cable to registered users.NEC 30-inch MultiSync PA301W-BK LCD displayPhoto: Company

I-Share (USB Cloud) is a unique solution designed by MRT Communication and SyncQuick specifically for file sharing over the Internet. As the Internet becomes more common, the sharing of files such as music, photos, videos and data is being conducted almost every second; however, while existing methods for file sharing such as e-mail, FTP, Windows Live Messenger, Skype or online file downloading services still have their limits such as restricting the number or size of files, or having unfriendly user interfaces, I-Share, which is designed for the general public, offers a new method for sharing data that does not need any set up or registration, and allows sharing among multiple users.Every I-Share device features a unique product identifier code. Users only need to connect their I-Share product to a PC and run the utility software for the instant online file-sharing feature.Host users can update their connection password or the files they wish to share through the I-Share's utility software. Clients users through the utility software can connect to any I-Share product worldwide using the correct password and are able to upload or download files on the host device.The I-Share's unique network penetration technology allows connection between host and clients to be done within only a few seconds. The technology's peer-to-peer (P2P) connection design means transmission speeds depend fully on the users' systems and Internet bandwidth, unlike e-mail and Windows Live Messenger, which will still need to pass through a central server and thus reduce transmission speeds, or FTP, which requires uploading the files before sharing. With the I-Share, users can save time when sharing their content; meanwhile, users also have strong privacy and safety for their data as shared content is stored only on their I-Share station.Photo: CompanyCurrently, the I-Share Station features the latest USB 3.0 interface and is capable of supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drives or USB 2.0-based SD/TF memory cards. In addition to personal data backup, the solution can also become a data sharing center. Below are the models available from MRT:1-bay USB3.0 I-Share Station for 2.5-inch SATA hard drive1-bay USB3.0 I-Share Station for 3.5-inch SATA hard drive2-bay USB3.0 I-Share Station for 3.5-inch SATA hard drive (RAID 0/1)4-bay USB3.0 I-Share Station for 3.5-inch SATA hard drive (RAID 0/1/01/5)USB2.0 I-Share Station for SD/TF flash cardCurrently OS supports Windows XP/ Vista (32/64bit) and Windows 7 (32/64-bit).Test results Installing of host software: After connecting the I-share station to a PC and installing the software, the hardware will automatically connect to a server, and even if the Internet connection is down, it will automatically resume its connection to the server once Internet connection is back on. After connected to clients, the clients' IP data is shown in the status bar. The current version of I-Share can accept connections from up to five clients and the host is only allowed to do one-way sharing.Photo: CompanyModifying Password: The default password for connection is "admin" and user can change their connection password at any time; however, after changing their password, the hosts are required to disconnect for all clients to go into effect.Photo: CompanyChange share directory: After installation of the software, I-Share will create a sharing folder on the hard drive named "Public." Users can switch folders they wish for sharing, but can only switch to another folder on the I-Share drive, and users can only share one folder at any time.Photo: CompanyLanguages selection: The I-Share offers six different languages – Chinese, English, German, Spanish, French and Japanese.Photo: CompanyInstallation of client software: In order to connect to an I-Share device, a PC will need to have installed I-Share's client software as well as having the host's name and password. After starting the client connection, users need to enter the correct host name and password to activate the software.Photo: CompanyUpload/download data: After the client software is successfully activated, shared content on the host appears in the remote host column, while the left column shows the user "My Documents" folder (default setting).Photo: CompanyUsers can freely download or upload any files from or to the Share folder.Transfers can be performed by right-clicking the mouse and select the command, which is quite convenience to operate. Or simply dragging files to the opposite column will also do the jobs.Transfer speed: The author tested the transfer speeds by sending a 1GB file over a local intranet with a 10/100Mbps environment and saw an average download speed of 6.7MB/s and upload speed of 4.9MB/s. The speeds were about the same when sending a 6GB file.Photo: CompanyPhoto: CompanyAs for Internet transmission with a 2M/10M Mbps environment, the author also sent a 1GB file and saw an average download speed of 244KB/s and upload speeds reaching to 236KB/s.Photo: CompanyPhoto: CompanyConclusion: During testing, the product's average transmission speed was about 6MB/s for intranet and about 240KB/s for Internet transfers.Windows Live Messenger or Skype both have restrictions over the transmission of large files, while setting up an FTP server and related accounts are not easy. Therefore, I-Share should be an easy and low-cost solution for average PC users.The installation is simple and GUI is easy to operate; and best of all it has Internet/intranet sharing ability but without any IP setting or registration. This device is highly recommended to the average PC users who have file sharing needs.For more product information please visit www.mrt-communication.com.

Apple has introduced the iPad 2, the next generation of its device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks and much more. The iPad 2 features a new design that is 33% thinner and up to 15% lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. The iPad 2 features Apple's new dual-core A5 processor and includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Apple said the iPad 2 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life. It is available in black or white, features models that run on AT&T's and Verizon's 3G networks, and introduces the iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of polyurethane and leather colors.The iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, which is equipped with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio; and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi. Additional iPad 2 features include a built-in gyro for gaming; HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi plus 3G on AT&T, and HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor.The iPad 2 Smart Cover provides protection for the iPad screen while maintaining its thin and lightweight profile. Designed with a self-aligning magnetic hinge that makes it easy to attach and remove, the iPad 2 Smart Cover automatically wakes iPad 2 when it's opened and puts it to sleep when it's closed, and has a soft microfiber lining to help keep the screen clean. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos and is available in polyurethane for US$39 or leather for US$69 in a range of colors, including a red one which helps support the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie and GarageBand for iPad, both available on the App Store for US$4.99. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe gallery; watch them on their iPod, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV. GarageBand turns the iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing users to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures-even if they don't play a musical instrument.The iPad 2 runs almost all of the over 350,000 apps available on the App Store and there are more than 65,000 native iPad apps available from a range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The iTunes Store gives iPad users access to the world's popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 14 million songs, over 50,000 TV episodes and over 10,000 films including over 3,500 in high definition video. The iBooks app for iPad includes Apple's iBookstore.The iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of US$499 for the 16GB model, US$599 for the 32GB model, US$699 for the 64GB model. The iPad 2 Wi-Fi plus 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of US$629 for the 16GB model, US$729 for the 32GB model and US$829 for the 64GB model. The iPad 2 Wi-Fi plus 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of US$629 for the 16GB model, US$729 for the 32GB model and US$829 for the 64GB model.The iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25; and in many more countries around the world in the coming months. Further international availability and pricing will be announced at a later date.Apple iPad 2 with Smart CoverPhoto: Company

AU Optronics (AUO) is showcasing the latest solar modules with its AC photovoltaic (ACPV) technology, which aims to resolve partial shading issues in metropolitan and residential areas. ACPV tracks the maximum power point and maintain its operation at excellent efficiency under any weather or shading conditions. With a micro inverter attached to the PV module, users will not be required to purchase and install a big inverter, and the solar system can be easily expanded, monitored, maintained and set up, the company said.For safety considerations, the output voltage of an ACPV installation is kept at 240V, only one-third of the traditional PV system output, the company added. As Japan is surrounded by sea, AUO also introduced the EcoDuo PM 240P00 PV module, a product that has passed salt mist corrosion tests by IEC and CNS, and caters to Japan's island-based environment, according to the company.

Epic Communications, Inc (Epicom) has announced that it will target China's TD-SCDMA market with its newly released 3G power amplifier (PA) EPA8100A. Epicom's 3G PA products have been successfully validated on several popular 3G cell phone platforms and data cards, and can be directly dropped in and perform with no need to modify its existing PCB layout.EPA8100A targets all TD-SCDMA/HSDPA platforms and is packaged in industry standard 3mmx3mmx1mm package. It has a built-in 20 dB directional coupler and all matching and biasing circuitries integrated, and is fully compatible with mainstream PAs used in TD-SCDMA mobile phones and data cards from package form factor, pin-out assignments, and performance point of view.Other than China's TD-SCDMA market, Epicom is also entering other mainstream 3G standards of WCDMA/CDMA and upcoming 4G LTE and TD-LTE, through its use of advanced bipolar/pHEMT integrated wafer fab process. In order to foster its leading position in supplying 3G/4G PAs in Greater China, Epicom will devote both product development efforts and FAE/sales resources to support China's TD-SCDMA market.Epicom's TD-SCDMA PA features high linearity and output power, high power added efficiency, low quiescent current consumption, ultra-low temperature sensitivity over voltage gain from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C allowing TD-SCDMA equipped smartphones and/or mobile devices to operate in extreme temperature conditions, digitally controlled power mode operation, as well as 100% compatibility with other mainstream 3G PAs but at a much more attractive performance-to-cost ratio. These features plus localized design, manufacturing, and support provide Epicom the advantages in competing with major PA vendors from both US and Japan.