Designfax articles from January 2000

Designfax archives from January 2000

SATs, Socials and Solar Vehicles.
January 1, 2000... We're going to let you in on a little secret that doesn't get a lot of play in the national media -- not all high school kids are "slackers" or walking vendettas waiting for the first opportunity to open fire. Actually, it was 10 years ago...

Common Sense 2000.
January 1, 2000... "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." - Thomas Paine, Common Sense, Philadelphia, January 1776 If Thomas Paine were alive today, he might think it time for a "Common Sense Sequel" or a rethinking and retuning of life...

Pick A Card.
January 1, 2000... The small black electronic device pictured here is part of a motion control system, but is not an element of the amplifier, the controller or the power supply. It is, in fact, a complete stand-alone system servo controller and amplifier. ...

Honeywell Corp.
January 1, 2000... Kent Displays, Inc, Kent, OH, has teamed up with Honeywell Corp. and DARPA to develop a mil-spec e-book. Using Kent's cholesteric display (ChLCD) technology, the "mile-book" will acquire maps, GPS data and other information; then, once the...

MotorUp Corporation.
January 1, 2000... Just over 25 years ago Polaroid introduced the first fully automatic, motorized folding SLR camera that would eject self-developing, self-timing color prints. The battery used for the SX-70 was a unique flat package that produced 6 volts,...

High-performance 8-bit microprocessor.
January 1, 2000... The Rabbit 2000 is ideal for Systems that require a low-cost microprocessor with extensive software capability, offering an alternative to 16- and 32-bit processors. On-chip peripherals include 4 serial, ports, glueless memory and I/O inter...

A-to-D converter.
January 1, 2000... The ADS8321 is a low-cost, 16-bit analog-to-digital converter developed specifically for industrial data acquistion and instrumentation systems. Requiring only 4.5 mW when operating at full sampling rate (100 kHz), the device features a...

Switched filter log amp.
January 1, 2000... The Model 0-SDU-2127 assembly provides independently-controlled. TTL-selectable bandwidths of 3 MHz. 12.5 MHz, and all-pass response at 160 MHz center frequency for each of two insolated channels. Each channel has a log video output with...

Charge management IC.
January 1, 2000... Targeted for portable electronics applications such as cellular telephones, PDAs and digital cameras, the BENCHMARQ bq2057 series linear Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Ics integrate a number of battery management features into an 8 pin package. The...

Integrated data-bus terminal.
January 1, 2000... The Enhanced Mini-ACE series of communication terminals serve as interfaces between a host processor and a MIL-STD-1553 bus. Configurations include RT only and BC/RT/MT versions with 4K words of internal RAM, AND 64K-word-internal RAM with RAM...

Data acquisition on a chip.
January 1, 2000... Offering a convergence of high-performance data conversion, program and data flash memory and an 8-bit microcontroller, all in one package, the ADuC824 MicroConverter also provides a programmable sigma delta converter. Low power demands make...

Ultra-miniature 1W DC/DC converters.
January 1, 2000... Standard features of the LF100S series of SMT-mountable, single output converters include input/output isolation of 1000 VDC, efficiency up to 82%, and output power protection. Eight models operate from input voltages of either 5 or 12 VDC, and...

Single chip parallel port device.
January 1, 2000... The QRX 1284X2 chip provides complete IEEE 1284 parallel port line filtering and termination in a single 28-pin QSOP package. In each chip there are 17 capacitors. 17 pull-up resistors and nine termination resistors. For each of the 17 signal...

Sub-miniature oscillators.
January 1, 2000... Designed for portable, telecom, data and test equipment applications, the 312BE temperature-compensated crystal oscillator has low-profile packaging with a ceramic base and metal cover. Frequency range is 12,600 to 19.800 MHz, and the frequency...

New Milestones Along the Alternative Highway.
January 1, 2000... Several designs continue quest for cleaner motive power Our love affair with our vehicles is no longer a matter of individual choice. It's become a cultural tradition, rather like the litany "finish college, find a partner, settle down" has...

Steel locknuts.
January 1, 2000... PEM Type SL TRIDENT self-clinching threaded steel locknuts provide permanent load bearing threads in aluminum or steel sheets as thin as 0.040 in./1mm. They are offered in 4-40 through 1/4-20 and M3 through M6 thread sizes. Upon installation...

Push on bolt retainers.
January 1, 2000... This push-on bolt retainer functions as a locking washer in applications where screws and bolts must be securely retained prior to final assembly. The Shakeproof Bolt Retainer is simply pushed down on a screw or bolt to hold it tightly in...

Socket screws.
January 1, 2000... Socket head cap screws, shoulder screws, flat and button head socket screws, set screws and dowel pins are available in a wide variety of materials including: AERMET 100, H-11, MULTIPHASE alloys, Alloy 718, AEREX 350, A286, M254, titanium and...

Knurl pins.
January 1, 2000... This knurl pin design is effective for use in assemblies requiring thin PCB substrates, and is helpful when designs call for the improved thermal characteristics of a thin PCB and high pinretention strength. Designed to complement the company...

Acrylic mounting tapes.
January 1, 2000... This family of pressure sensitive acrylic mounting tapes includes double-coated, solid acrylic mounting tapes and double-coated foam tapes. The systems possess a uniform, high tack acrylic adhesive that provides a superior bond to a variety of...

Shoulder screws.
January 1, 2000... This company's precision shoulder screws, used as close tolerance spacers and bearing surfaces in many applications, are available at lower pricing. The screws come in a variety of English and metric dimensions in materials including brass,...

Anti-static masking tape.
January 1, 2000... HumiTape HT600 is particularly useful for work on static-sensitive military and electronic assemblies. The tape contains no silicones and is resistant to solvents. It contains no chemical release coat, so it can be removed without leaving a...

Push rivet.
January 1, 2000... Rivet PPR-10 is designed to fit either a square or a round hole, making it a universal part. It is recommended to fit a 0.250-in, diameter hole or a 0.220-in, square hole, with a panel thickness range of 0.140- to 0.200-in. Made of nylon...

Molded precision fasteners.
January 1, 2000... This company's molded fasteners in advanced materials solve tough engineering problems such as ESD, acid and chemical resistance, and microwave transparency. The series includes machine screws, cap screws, nuts and more in standard sizes and...

Advanced connector technology.
January 1, 2000... This company's electromechanical and electronic components and systems for process, industrial and factory automation systems are listed in a free 68-page catalog. Covered are 3200 variants of circular and rectangular DIN connectors; passive...

Touch screen.
January 1, 2000... This resistive touch screen lasts for 100 million touches, as recently proved by a sumulated finger actuation touch test. The combination ot the touch screen and its new SC4 controller offers significant advances in reliability. The controller...

LED warning light.
January 1, 2000... This direct incandescent BeaconLED safety warning lamp protects equipment, prevents injury and safeguards personnel by emitting a vivid glow. It can be incorporated into standard industrial warning light fixtures and holders. It supports all...

Miniature solenoid.
January 1, 2000... The Bieron 8CN0929 C-frame miniature pull type solenoid has been developed for solenoid-operated devices in battery-powered portable equipment computer peripherals, and business equipment looking or security applications. The solenoid will...

Snap lock capacitors.
January 1, 2000... By using a new crimped lead configuration, these "Snap-lock" devices can be anchored to circuit boards more securely than equivalent capacitor's with standard leads. This is very beneficial in multiple handling cycles. The SRM capacitors...

Inverter platform.
January 1, 2000... The MB Series provides an even lighter and smaller unit (than the MC Series) to power liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that are backlit by multiple cold cathode fluorescent tubes (CCFTs). The MB inverter, which can power as many as 10 CCFTs, is...

RF shielding.
January 1, 2000... This new line of photo-chemically etched RF shielding cans has a patented, easy access removable cover. This unique design allows users to quickly replace or repair internal components without damaging the surrounding shield. An etched line on...

High sensitivity relay.
January 1, 2000... This NAiS brand SX relay has low level switching capacity and is ideal for measuring instruments or other devices where a stable contact resistance is required Static contact resistance during initial and electric life tests is max 100 m[omega]...

Terminal strips.
January 1, 2000... The Cage Clamp Compact 869 Series connects 28 12 AWO wires and, has as current rating of 24 amps with a rated voltage of 500V. The block strips are ideal for use in electrical appliances and small" terminal boxes. They also combine the...

Power entry module.
January 1, 2000... Perfect for switch mode power supplies (SMPS), the PMM switches equipment and peripherals on/off simultaneously. Compact and cost effective, the integrated unit includes a 1- or 2-pole switch, AC inlet, outlet and optional 2-position voltage...

Moisture resistors.
January 1, 2000... These power moisture chip resistors designed for harsh environments are ideal for use in engine controls, navigation systems, and other applications where circuits are exposed to excessive moisture or humidity that can damage components. These...

Ultrathin inductors.
January 1, 2000... This new line of Power Wafer inductors meets the height restrictions of PC cards and other low profile applications. The first is the new LPO2506 surfacemount power inductor series with an above-board height of just 1.19mm and a footprint of...

Circuit protection device.
January 1, 2000... The 2.6A 1812 Series surface mount, positive temperature coefficient (PTC), resettable circuit protection device was specifically designed to protect multiple USB ports, With 0.050 ohms maximum on-board resistance, it offers the lowest...

Driver ICs.
January 1, 2000... These three new vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) driver ICs reduce cost by eliminating excess circuitry in automotive instrumentation systems, where the system microprocessor has sufficient pins to control driver ICs. The CS1084, CS1085, and...

Miniature SMD crystal.
January 1, 2000... This low cost, ultraminiature SMD ceramic crystal is ideal for use in portable and wireless applications as well as PCMCIA cards, and other situations with limited space and budget. The FX532A crystal measures just 5.0 x 3.2mm with a profile of...

Reed relays.
January 1, 2000... This series of micro SIL reed relays requires less than half the mounting area of conventional reed relays, for use in ATE systems, measurement equipment, and medical-, telecommunications- and security-systems. The relays measure just 0.59- x...

Fuel cells offer clean power generation, high efficiency.
January 1, 2000... Recent alternative fuel research may change power supplies Research into alternative energy sources is coming out of the lab and into practical applications that are already beginning to have an impact on the future of the world and its...

New class of hydride compounds may provide inexhaustible energy source.
January 1, 2000... Recent research has led to the announcement of a new field of hydrogen chemistry, which may provide a fundamental new energy source. The process, derived theoretically and confirmed empirically by BlackLight Power Inc., Cranbury, NJ, is not...

Solar energy and compressed air engines power up auto industry.
January 1, 2000... The application of harnessing sunlight to produce electricity may be moving slowly, but it hasn't been left in research tabs or in small-scale applications. The first large-scale solar power initiative for the auto industry is supplying Ford...

Cold fusion.
January 1, 2000... 10th anniversary update It's been 10 years since Drs. Pans and Fleishmann set the scientific world on end with their claim to producing fusion at room temperature with a simple tabletop apparatus. Not only did their news send physicists...

Traveling at the Speed of Lightness.
January 1, 2000... The small, custom-build shops of the auto industry actually provide two products -- unique, specialized vehicles to the discriminating enthusiast, and a test station for design technologies. Vehicles are designed based on sound, tried industry...

Coaxial valves.
January 1, 2000... These industrial-grade solenoid coaxial valves replace conventional motor-driven valves for the control of liquids, gases, vacuum, and a variety of media with pasty, gelatinous, aggressive or abrasive properties. COAX coaxial valves incorporate...

Single valve manifolds.
January 1, 2000... Two in-line single valve manifolds have been added to the EV/ET Valve line. The 15491-1 Valve Pilot Adapter has 1/8 NPT fittings to install between the valve and cylinder, with the air supply attached to a 10-32 threaded inlet port. The 15491-2...

Rotary vane pump.
January 1, 2000... For use in liquid media applications, the F-Series rotary vane pumps have precise internal tolerances and features that ensure the lowest possible operating noise. No rubber parts reduces compatibility problems. The design also prevents leakage...

Shutoff valves.
January 1, 2000... The G-Series valves, available in shutoff, needle or check types, have been engineered for a wide range of applications. A choice of 8 dif-ferent seal materials should suit most applications, for temperature ranges of- 65 [degrees] to...

Upgraded pumps.
January 1, 2000... Several aspects of this company's K series of pumps have been upgraded. Maximum pressure capabilities have been increased from 2500 to 3000 psi continuous. New features include a reinforced cover; individually cast, reinforced gear plates; and...

Servo-drive peristaltic pump.
January 1, 2000... A panel-mount drive for 313D and 501RL pumpheads has been introduced. The drive consists of a high-torque brushed DC servo motor, coupled to a zero-backlash gearmotor for ultra-quiet operation. A choice of three gear ratios allows speeds up to...

Hydraulic cylinders.
January 1, 2000... A line of short stroke hydraulic cylinders are available for space-limited applications where all fluid lines and fittings are isolated from the work area. Fluid passages are located within the user's structure, and connect to the cylinders...

Thermoplastic ball valve.
January 1, 2000... Manufactured from PVC, CPVC, PP or PVDF, the Type 21 Ball Valve is offered in sizes of 1/2- to 4-in. Pressure rating for sizes up to 3 in. is 230 psi, and 150 psi for 4 in. (150 psi for PP, all sizes) at 70[degrees]F. The Type 21 has double...

Heated valve.
January 1, 2000... Designed for use in the semiconductor process, the HPS Jalapeno LoPro valve develops a minimum internal temperature of 150[degrees]C. By heating the valve, condensed byproducts of a process can exit as a gas. These poppet-style valves, smaller...

Pressure/vacuum pump.
January 1, 2000... The Micro Air "C" Pump is available for OEM pressure and vacuum applications. The pump delivers flow rates up to 9.5 1pm, maximum pressure of 14 psig, and maximum vacuum of 19 in. Hg. A long-life version uses a precision, coreless DC motor for...

Diaphragm vacuum pump.
January 1, 2000... The Model N813AN(BLDC) is an oil-free vacuum pump package that provides a 13 1pm flowrate with an end vacuum to less than 2 mbar. The two-stage unit combines a structured, molded diaphragm and high-speed check valves with a brushless DC motor....

Solenoid-operated pump.
January 1, 2000... Four models of the self-priming SV500 Series of solenoid-operated pumps handle a broad range of industrial liquid dispensing and metering applications. All pumps can be electronically controlled, with outputs ranging from 3 to 1500 microliters...

Rating changes for 2-way NC valves.
January 1, 2000... Up-rated pressure ratings have been announced for the Series 50-Model 52, 2-way, normally closed valves. Now UL approved, the re-rated valves' maximum operating pressure differential has been increased by more than 50%, with burst pressure at...

Acrylic molding & extrusion compound.
January 1, 2000... Four new grades, with maximum impact performance and the optical clarity expected from standard PMMA, have been added to the. Acrylite Plus impact acrylic molding and extrusion compounds product line. These compounds can be injection molded or...

Spray polyurethane systems.
January 1, 2000... Baytec SPR spray elastomers are two-component liquid systems for applying a protective polyurethane membrane to a variety of substrates, including metals, wood, fabrics, concrete, and polymer foam materials. Three systems are available, with...

Rubber masterbatches.
January 1, 2000... Keiprox XL is a dynamically vulcanized product series, providing compounders with a cost-effective route to produce thermoplastic vulcanizate compounds (TPVs). Thc products are precrosslinked and require no additional Vulcanization. compounders...

Thermoplastic elastomers.
January 1, 2000... VersaDamp 2000 materials are olefinic dynamic vulcanizates, patent pending. They feature durometers ranging from 35 to 75 Shore A, and have broad energy-absorption capabilities (peak loss factors rang ing from 0.75 to 0.15) as well. They are...

Frosted resin.
January 1, 2000... Plexiglas Frosted acrylic is an impact acrylic resin for light cover, refractor and lens applications. The resin may be used in extrusion, profile, and molding processes to produce two-sided, frosted, textured surfaces. It provides 84% light...

Vinyl/elastomer blends.
January 1, 2000... Flexalloy OR vinyl/nitrile rubber blends provide exceptional oil resistance plus rubberlike properties, a combination previously available only in more costly copolyester TPEs and in thermosets such as EPDM and NBR. Apex vinyl/thermoplastic...

Wear components.
January 1, 2000... These custom-engineered wear components, including chain-and belt-guides in various shapes and sizes, are machined from a wide variety of thermoplastics including polyolefins, polyamides, Delrin, PEEK, Ultem, Torlon and Teflon. Capable of...

Plastic sheet products.
January 1, 2000... Versadur sheet products offer a selection with performance characteristics that withstand the challenges of industrial environments. They include polypropylene, FRPP, PVC Type I and II, HDPE, CPVC, and PVFD. These materials were developed to...

Ultrasoft thermoplastic elastomer.
January 1, 2000... J-Soft is a line of ultrasoft styrenic block copolymer (SEBS) TPE compound that offers a translucent, bondable, non-toxic "Jello-like" material with exceptional strength and elongation for a broad spectrum of product applications. The line is...

PVC foam extrusions.
January 1, 2000... Norex foam extrusions provide a fast and economical solution to many sealing applications. Supplied in long spooled lengths, it is ideal for, high production runs. This closed-cell PVC foam creates an excellent seal against light, dust and...

Breathing on MARS.
January 1, 2000... Tiny Orifice to Help Sustain Human Life As we go to print, the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is taking high-resolution images of the Red Planet in search of the missing Mars Polar Lander. Flight controllers are continuing their attempts...

Textured powdered coating.
January 1, 2000... Textra is a powder coating designed for metal substrates. This technology provides a uniform appearance even when film thickness varies. It is offered in a full range of gloss and texture profiles. Textra simplifies the process of sorting and...

Rocker switches.
January 1, 2000... The KG series of switches is designed for safety of operation under extreme environmental conditions -- like those experienced by off-highway vehicles in the building, construction, and agriculture fields -- as well as many other tough...

Pushbutton switches.
January 1, 2000... The SIRIUS 3S family of metal and plastic 22mm pushbuttons is watertight IP67-rated. These low-profile pushbuttons fit securely in a 22mm hole, requiring no notching or holding to keep them from rotating after installation. An installer merely...

Plugs and connectors.
January 1, 2000... These 15 A plugs and connectors feature the exclusive PermaLock terminal with locking collar overleaf that "locks up" as the contact tang tightens down on the wire, virtually eliminating the need to ever retighten the terminals. The clamp...

Pressure sensor.
January 1, 2000... The P571 is a high-stability, small-diameter, stainless steel sensor designed for use in pressure transducer and pressure measurement applications. Its thin-film metal strain gauge circuit enables variation of 0.1% per year. Options include...

Gears with integral hub fastener.
January 1, 2000... This series of 0.5, 0.8 and 1 Module 303 stainless steel spur gears feature the Fairloc integral hub fastener. Elim-inating marred shafts, the Fairloc permits frequent phase adjustment, timing and position adjustment. The 20 degree pressure...

Polyurethane elastomer.
January 1, 2000... Merethane 4721 is a two-component, low-viscosity polyurethane elastomer that has been specifically designed for potting cable connectors where excellent resistance to salt water and fuel oils is needed. Applications include potting keypad...

Sleeve gear couplings.
January 1, 2000... These C-type couplings provide up to 2.5 million lbs-in (282, 000 Nm) of torque handling capacity. They are 60 percent of the size and 50 percent of the weight of flanged-sleeve gear couplings with comparable torques. Offered in 14 standard...

Fluoroelastomer.
January 1, 2000... This dense fluroelastomer compound, with a hardness of 75 [plus or minus] 5 Shore A, can be used in many applications including specialized, intricate, and hollow profiles. Features include resistance to chemicals, solvents, high heat, flame,...

Gear couplings.
January 1, 2000... Steelflex grid couplings combine the high-load capacities of a gear coupling with the flexibility of an elastomer design. Available in 25 sizes and 11 types, these couplings can accommodate capacities to 847,429 Nm (7.5 million lb-in), and...

Extended Travel Linear Positioners.
January 1, 2000... These positioning stages are now available in lengths up to 2 meters for extended travel. They feature large recirculating bearings and the company's patented AutoFlex Technology, which offers a unique flexure design that automatically adjusts...

PTFE tape.
January 1, 2000... The 600 series of tapes is used for wire and cable wrapping in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries, where control of static electricity is critical. The tape can also be wrapped around mandrels to produce flexible hoses that...

Pressure clamps.
January 1, 2000... The Tight-Seal line of clamps for tubing and hose fasten on connectors, pumps, glassware, and filtration units. They are made of chemical-resistant nonconducting nylon. Temperature range is 32[degrees] to 194[degrees]F. This one-piece reusable...

Spray dry nozzles.
January 1, 2000... The TDL series of twist and dry nozzles operates at 200-5000 psi for flow rates between 8.94 to 1,570 gph. The TDL series allows flow rates down to 2.86 gph, and provides a locking mechanism to keep components securely in place during assembly...

Reducing connectors.
January 1, 2000... This line of barbed reducing connectors is molded without a parting line and a sharp barb trail end to minimize the possibility of failure. Unlike multiple barb fittings that can allow the tubing to bridge between the barbs, this single barb...