[Cover Story] Camera Phones Drive Imaging Technology

Over 70 million cell phones are in use in Japan today, and most are expected to be camera-equipped models in the near future. Cell phones with cameras have become extremely popular, and are rapidly replacing older models. In 2003 the first models with megapixel imaging devices will appear; optical component manufacturers are developing new devices that are smaller, cheaper, and more sensitive. The camera phone is quickly becoming the technology driver for imaging systems.

[Technology Analysis] Blue LED Manufacturers Ready to Compete

Bringing a cumbersome technology lawsuit to its conclusion, two major patent holders -- Nichia Corp and Toyoda Gosei Co, Ltd of Japan -- recently decided to reconcile their differences. Equipment manufacturers, keen to start using blue LEDs in their products, have applauded the decision. Now Japanese, Taiwanese and US manufacturers are competing to develop not only blue LEDs, but also white LEDs.

Guidelines for Computer-Based High-Speed Measurements

High-speed data acquisition presents new challenges to a designer or user of a computer-based measurement system. When you need to measure signals with frequencies that exceed 1MHz, nearly every part of your system -- from the analog front end to the computer bus -- can affect your ability to properly and accurately capture measurements. In this article, National Instruments presents a general overview of measurement systems, and takes a look at the analog, digital, and software components of a system.

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