Designfax articles from June 2001

Designfax archives from June 2001

Environmentally-Friendly SUVs?
June 1, 2001... Competition shows these kids are alright... Design teams comprised of engineering students from 15 universities have reengineered full-size sports utilities vehicles in Future Truck 2001, a 4-year competition aimed at developing alternative...

The Gestalt Editorial -- Quick-Change Artists.
June 1, 2001... Richard--A funny thing happened as we were preparing for this issue. Kim--See, our original plan was for an entire issue focusing on the Semiconductor Industry (which, by the way, would have been the first single-topic-specific issue in...

Current Event.
June 1, 2001... Power-Factor-Corrected Front Ent Module "Power supplies just aren't, well, sexy," notes Kris Budinger, who happens to be CEO of Online Power Supply, Englewood, CO. How right he is. Few components are as homely as that unimpressive box that...

AB Mikroelektronik.
June 1, 2001... An advanced electronic technology to integrate power electronics in high temperature automotive applications was announced by AB Mikroelektronik, Salzburg, Austria. A new technique to produce hybrid circuits, known as "Patchwork" technology,...

Electro Standards Laboratories.
June 1, 2001... For companies who have had to trim lab facilities, or are too small to support in-house testing, Electro Standards Laboratories, Cranston, RI, has developed a collaborative testing and experimentation platform for electric motor and power...

Micirosealing.
June 1, 2001... Passivation processing provides wafer-level hermetic protection A Manufacturing Technology Program within the US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Manufacturing Science and Technology Division is studying a protective semiconductor...

Wavelength sensor.
June 1, 2001... This detector, part no. PSS-WS-7.56, is a silicon device that can determine the wavelength of light with a spectral resolution of 0.01 nm. Operational in the 450 to 900nm range, the unit has a 2.75 x 2.75mm sensing area (7.56[mm.sup.2]) with...

Signal conditioner.
June 1, 2001... Designed to work with any manufacturer's LVDTs, this 24V DC-operated, LVC2400 LVDT signal conditioner is DIN-rail-mountable and permits user selection of either 0 to [+ or -]10 VDC or 4 to 20mA DC output. Macro Sensors. Pennsauken. NJ.

Fiber optic amplifiers.
June 1, 2001... For photoelectric sensing requiring high-speed, small-target capabilities in harsh environments, this company supplies FVDK 10 single-channel amplifiers with various performance options as well as modular FVDK 31 Series for applications using...

Current transducer.
June 1, 2001... Operating on the principle of maintaining zero magnetic flux in a toroidal core, Model 867-400 Danfysik current transducers have a precise 2000:1 current ratio with output of [plus or minus]200mA for a [plus or minus]400mA current.

Magnetic reed sensor.
June 1, 2001... Designed to operate in harsh environments as position or limit switches and as end-motion detectors, these compact sensors are offered in 4 magnetic sensitivity classes, providing 400V switching.

Capacitive sensors.
June 1, 2001... For part detection or level-sensing applications, M18 compact capacitive proximity sensors are IP67-rated with short circuit protection and a temperature rating of -30[degrees] to 70[degrees]C. The sensing distances for the flush-mount version...

Water detection sensor.
June 1, 2001... Suitable for semiconductor washing applications, the UZN10 series water detection sensor has strong beam power to pass through not only translucent containers, but also opaque containers.

VOC sensor.
June 1, 2001... The EPD-PhoCheck-TM5000 photo-ionization sensors find and monitor volatile organic compounds. The hand-held sensor data logs 4000 readings, detects down to 10 ppb, features visible and audible alarms and is intrisically safe. The unit has a...

Compact current transducers.
June 1, 2001... DIN-rail mounted MCR-S 1/5- and 10/50-UI(SW)-DCI transducer modules accept AC, DC or distorted current wave forms, using hall-effect sensors to accept currents between 0-11 and 0-55A.

Pressure transducer.
June 1, 2001... Used in wafer polishing applications. CE-listed modular MB-10000 series high-level output transducers offer infinite resolution in pressures ranging from vacuum to 3000 psi, with [+ or -]0.25% accuracy over 10-million cycles.

Position sensor.
June 1, 2001... Low-cost 98-E series sensor elements replace fully-packaged potentiometers. They include rotary or linear configurations with dither life up to one billion cycles, infinite resolution and linearity of [+ or -] to 3%.

In-line amplifier.
June 1, 2001... The Model DV-05 inline amplifier for strain gauge transducers operates between 20[degrees] and 180[degrees]F, and has a relay-buffered shunt calibration circuit which allows span adjustment without requiring a known input.

Pressure sensors.
June 1, 2001... Designed for hostile marine environments, high shock- and vibration-resistant sensors are available in pressure ranges from 0.5 psid to 8000 psi sealed gauge, gauge or absolute. Sensors are EMI/RFI protected, have high overpressure capability...

Analog prox.
June 1, 2001... Ultralinear triple-switchpoint analog inductive proxes provide three programmable switchpoints that can be set up anywhere along a 1 to 5mm sensing range, and make external analog switching devices unneccessary.

Position sensor.
June 1, 2001... 7820 series ultra-compact sensors are available in through-beam, retro-reflective, diffuse-reflective and convergent beam modes. They are waterproof with an IP67 rating and are CE-certified. All models have a response time of 0.35ms and are...

Pressure tranducers.
June 1, 2001... Available in pressure ranges between 0.3 and 5000 psi, CTU9000HP piezoresistive transducers produce 4-20mA output signals from within 0.86-in. dia. Stainless steel housings. Sensortechnics Inc, Dublin, CA.

Ultrasonic sensors.
June 1, 2001... Self-contained, non-contact US-50 sensors are adjustable for 420mA output, and are rated NEMA 4X, suitable for sensing plastic pellet levels in large silos. A remote controller/sensor is also available.

Current transducer.
June 1, 2001... The EU2B5303 current-to-voltage transducer converts primary current--up to 200A, 50-400 Hz--to a programmable 0-10 VAC control or instrument voltage. The transducer provides simple interface with process controllers, alarms and data acquisition...

Thermal sensor.
June 1, 2001... Model S667 Thermal Tab RTD temperature sensor is sealed against moisture for wet or immersed environments, including wafer wash-down. Response time is less than 2s. The sensor is rated to 155[degrees]C and has a silicone-rubber insulated body...

Power transducers.
June 1, 2001... CR6200 series transducers are available in different styles to measure single-and three-phase systems for active or reactive power. They are calibrated for 60 Hz at levels up to 50A and 500V. They monitor AC power to produce a calibrated 4 to...

Load sensor.
June 1, 2001... LB210 series load measuring pins are mounted into machines in place of normal shafts and fitted with strain gauges that allow them to produce a signal proportional to the measured load. Ten standard ranges are available between 0.25 and 140...

Pressure transducer.
June 1, 2001... Suited to applications with low pressure ranges, the Ares series of pressure transducers is designed to measure clean dry air common to HVAC applications, flow monitoring and medical applications such as breath and neonatal monitors. Each...

Position sensing system.
June 1, 2001... The SMU-9000 noncontact position sensing system is customized to fit OEM-specific requirements. Sensor resolution, measuring range, linearity and thermal stability can be customized for optimum performance and price. Full scale calibration with...

Sensing and Control handbook.
June 1, 2001... This guide is directed towards electrical control engineers and machine designers in the semiconductor and electronic component industries. Readers are instructed which sensor to use for particular applications, with substantial product detail...

Liquid level transmitter.
June 1, 2001... Submersible IN-LLT/IN-LLT JUMO transmitters are two-wire 4-20mA loop powered, with a maximum loop resistance of 750[omega] when using a 24VDC power supply. Accuracy is within [+ or -]5% FS when being operated within 0-80[degrees]C temperature...

Inductive precision sensor.
June 1, 2001... The 20mm-long IPS05/4608KS inductive sensor has a sensing distance of 0.9mm [+ or -]10% for a mild steel target and 0.35mm sensing distance for an aluminum target. There is excellent repeatability and hysterisis of better than 1 micron....

Integrated Hall-effect Sensor Chips.
June 1, 2001... Hall-effect sensors are used to detect speeds and positions without physical contact. Unlike traditional mechanical systems, such sensors are immune to mechanical wear, vibration, dirt and varying temperatures. However, using two Hall sensors...

Switching to Light Speed.
June 1, 2001... Moving production from semiconductors to fiber optic (editor's note: As of this writing, the Malaise of the New Millennium hasn't yet abated in the high-technology Industry. The news reports each day the closings and layoffs, the NASDAQ and...

Cabinet air cooler.
June 1, 2001... Protecting electronics from high external temperatures while maintaining sound levels of only 60 dBA at 3 feet, this compact air conditioner features internal muffling and an external sleeve for added insulation. It stands 5.2 in. high for...

Compact PCI enclosure.
June 1, 2001... Series 709 cPCI enclosures are designed to meet harsh shock, vibration, electromagnetic, thermal. humidity, and other requirements of rugged/military environments. They accept COTS single board computers.

Terminal enclosures.
June 1, 2001... Compression molded from fiber-glass-reinforced polyester resin, TFG series safety enclosures have 3mm-wall sections that provide explosion protection and corrosion resistance in temperatures between -20[degrees] and 40[degrees]C.

VME system chassis.
June 1, 2001... The S21 rackmount chassis has 12-and 21-slot versions for 32/64-bit VME and VME64 extensions. It provides uniform cooling using negative pressure flow through large plenum-directed passages.

EMI shielding.
June 1, 2001... Replacing tape attachment gaskets, CLIPSHIELD clip-on gaskets provide 55 to 120 dB from 200 MHz to 10 GHz shielding, depending on selected elastomer material. Standard and custom sizes are available.

Auto-latching door systems.
June 1, 2001... Designed to fit new or existing. EMI/RFI-shielded enclosures, these user-friendly systems provide enhanced sealing qualities and shielding performance with quiet, pneumatically-operated latching devices. The door has been cycle tested up to...

Enclosure engineering website.
June 1, 2001... This website has been redesigned to include photos, diagrams, selectrion guides, PDF files testing procedures and technical articles of enclosure solutions, updated on a regular basis.

Hand-held enclosures.
June 1, 2001... RC35-9VB/2AA enclosures include customizable keypads, membrane switches, displays, overlays, identification legends and logos. Cases consist of impact-resistant ABS with molded-through color.

Operator-interface enclosure.
June 1, 2001... The CC4000 OI modular enclosure system provides aesthetics, design flexibility, ergonomic positioning and ease-of-specification. Standard components are available in a variety of mounting configurations, body styles and sizes. Designed to...

Carbon steel enclosures.
June 1, 2001... Ten groups of NEMA Type. 4 and Type 12 rated enclosures are UL- and CSA-approved. Over 200 products range from small wall-mount units to large, free-standing double-door enclosures.

Thermoplastic enclosures.
June 1, 2001... With the strength of stainless steel, these thermoplastic enclosures resist dirt, water, oil, grease; corrosive chemicals and salts. Light-weight, machinable and durable construction lowers installation and overall costs.

Heat exchanger.
June 1, 2001... The Model 727 liquid-to-air, copper fin-and-tube heat exchanger measures 24- x 24- x 2.6-in. and is capable of dissipating 330 watts for every 1[degrees]C difference between water and air entering the heat exchanger. A lightweight durable...

Modular Enclosures for Process Control in Manufacturing.
June 1, 2001... Enclosures surrounding equipment for monitoring, measuring and controlling continuous industrial manufacturing processes must be flexible and expandable to adapt to constantly changing requirements. Modular units with flexible features and...

Turning in the Light.
June 1, 2001... Rotary fiber-optic control provides EMI immunity in ship guidance systems The Azipod system is now in use guiding cruise ships for several large cruise lines. Manufactured by ABB in Finland, it involves an electric propulsion drive with...

Linear ball bearing assemblies.
June 1, 2001... Available in one-piece lengths of 12- to 24-in., and two piece construction in lengths from 28-to 48-in., these high-precision units provide flatness and straightness of [+ or -]0.0002 in. per in. Travel covers the full length of the shafts....

Guided slides.
June 1, 2001... Exceptionally tolerant of torsional and direct side loads in limited spaces, GS Series slides are for use in semiconductor, packaging, and other related automation operations. Configured to individual end use requirements from standard...

Positioning stages.
June 1, 2001... A line of stages meets fiber optic manufacturing requirements for alignment, attachment and component manufacturing processes. They are equipped with either a brushless servo motor, for high force and smooth motion at speeds below 50 microns...

Anti-backlash nuts.
June 1, 2001... Both the XC-3700SH and XC-5000SH Short Body nuts feature ActiveCAM technology to achieve zero backlash and consistent, minimal drag torque. Their reduced length promotes greater usable stroke distance, and plastic construction means they can be...

Zero-backlash gearheads.
June 1, 2001... The PSA-G line of harmonic drive gearheads can be supplied with low outgassing or non-lithium grease for cleanroom, wafer handling and semiconductor manufacturing. Available in standard gear ratios from 50:1 to 100:1 these rugged units handle...

Wafer Cleaning System.
June 1, 2001... provides safety and technological advancements to the industry SpeedFam-IPEC, Inc. (SFI), Chandler, AZ, is a leading OEM for Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) capital equipment. SFI designs, develops, manufactures, and supports CMP...

AC servo system.
June 1, 2001... This SERCOS-compatible PV-Series 15A drive and matching 100W motor, in combination with the company's AML software-based controller, has excellent capabilities for electronic camming and gearing, registration correction, programmable limit...

Brushless micro servo drives.
June 1, 2001... The PC3400 series offers intelligence at five power levels, ranging from 2.5-20A and up to 7.6 kW of continuous power. Coupled with the PMB motor family, the drives meet semi-conductor industry criteria.

Digital AC drive system.
June 1, 2001... Combining an ultra low inertia motor with digital drive technology, the S series provides similar accurate positioning, high speed and torque as a stepper, and is compatible with commercial PLCs.

High torque motor/driver.
June 1, 2001... This NEMA 17 integrated product offers the simplicity of a motor with on-board electronics without the expense of an indexer on each axis. The 1.8-degree Mdrive 17 motor accepts up to 14 resolution settings from 1/2 to 256 microsteps per step....

Fine-tuning Semiconductor Production.
June 1, 2001... Two linear motion elements redesigned to meet industry parameters Specialized machines for semiconductor industry tasks, ranging from wafer polishing to wire bonding, must meet demanding performance specifications and require particularly...

Servo amplifiers.
June 1, 2001... This company introduces a line of compact PWM servo amplifiers for use in semiconductor manufacturing. Supply voltage ranges from 20 to 80 VDC, with up to 20A peak output current.

Pneumatic cylinder.
June 1, 2001... Compatible with NFPA standards, DNA-series double-acting cylinders feature grooves for sensor mounting and a burnished piston rod, that resists corrosion. Various diameters and stroke lengths are available.

Stepper motor controller.
June 1, 2001... The NPMC5O232104 controller uses a PC 104 Bus to provide 2-azis stepper motor control with high pulse rate capability (4.9M pps) for microstepping. Other features include S-curve ramp up and ramp down, encoder feedback inputs and linear...

Hydraulic cylinders.
June 1, 2001... Miniature Hi-Energy series LS-EP-FL short stroke hydraulic cylinders are flange-mounted for space-limited applications where fluid lines and fittings are isolated from the work area. The cylinders are rated 3000 psi.

Linear guides.
June 1, 2001... Mini-Rail Ball Rail and Plane Rail systems offer versatile miniature guide rails. Ball Rails' sizes range from 7mm to 20 mm, achieving speeds up to 5 m/s. acceleration up to 250 m/[s.sup.2] and loading from 860 to 7900N.

Bearing seal.
June 1, 2001... For use in its line of roller bearings, the company introduces heat- and chemical-resistant, spring-loaded Viton "M" seals. They withstand various oils, chemicals, fuels are acids in temperatures up to 400[degrees]F.

Locking collar.
June 1, 2001... Combining the advantages of a standard taper busing with a keyless locking device, Ring-lok locking collars can be used in v-belt pulleys, timing pulleys, couplings, sprockets and sheaves. Unlike conventional taper bushings, these steel...

Servo motor.
June 1, 2001... A variety of windings for NEMA 17 brushless DC servo motor integrates with all three-phase servo amplifiers. With quick acceleration and deceleration, the motor achieves no-load operation to 8,000 rpm with peak power output up to 250 watts....

Linear slide.
June 1, 2001... Mounting to the back of rolling ring linear actuators, L4 linear slides counter radial forces and torque created by imbalanced loads. Speed is up to 13 ft/s, with travel up to 16 ft. Axial thrust is up to 300 lbs with [+ or -]0.005 in....

Gas springs.
June 1, 2001... Lift-strut/counterbalance nitrogen gas springs are rated between 200 and 20,000 lbs, and are designed for push, pull or heavy-lifting action. Load balancing force is adjustable, reducing load requirements in machinery.

Motion processor.
June 1, 2001... The Pilot MC3110 controls motion in single axis brushless servo motors. The 132-pin surface mount CMOS chip is powered by 5V. The host microprocessor drives the processor through an asycnchronous bi-directional serial port, allowing users to...

Encoder.
June 1, 2001... AG626 DP Multi-turn Absolute Profibus Encoder is a 25-bit absolute angle encoder with Profibus interface whose programmable functions include resolution, presets and offsets. The encoder transmits (up to 12 Mbaud) position value, diagnostic...

Single-use cylinder.
June 1, 2001... This line of cylinders is suited for applications requiring extreme high-G linear motion on a one-time-only, single direction basis. It is an excellent choice for remote locations, as it doesn't depend on electrical or fluid power motive...

Micro drive.
June 1, 2001... Designed as a modular unit for both wall-mount and IEC motor-mount installations, ACS 160 drive is a self-contained standard NEMA 4 (IP65) micro drive. Able to respond to input signal changes in 5 milliseconds, the drive covers a 1/2 to 3 HP...

Servo, linear and motion control family.
June 1, 2001... All controls feature Windows base setup and full auto tuning. wizard. These controls are designed to compliment the brushless servo motors and linear motors.

Linear encoder.
June 1, 2001... Model MT linear encoders provide 0.0006-in, resolution with an incremental 5V TTL guadrature output. The IC is attached to a long-life bearing that slides in an aluminum housing with a 1.5- by 1-in. cross-section.

Mini rotary speed sensors.
June 1, 2001... This line of cylindrical high-speed mini-sensors features 5000 Hz switching frequency for detecting rapidly-moving metallic targets located on rotating shafts or high-speed assembly lines.

Positioning tables.
June 1, 2001... This company provides a series of positioning tables with crossed roller bearings and ball screw drive, increasing load capacity and cycle time. Table travel ranges from 2- to 12-in., and supports loads up to 840 lbs and moments up to 860...

Semiconductor Design Resources.
June 1, 2001... Even though the semiconductor market is in another of its recurring dips, designers continue to push for new capabilities and higher throughput in anticipation of a late-year recovery. On the up side, this provides many designers with the...

Oil-free DC diaphragm pumps.
June 1, 2001... These dry process pumps combine a patented structured diaphragm and high-speed multi-port valve technologies with brushless DC motors to provide compact performance and efficiency. They are available in a range of pumps to 2.8 scfm, featuring...

Disc pump.
June 1, 2001... The SP Series of disc pumps is designed for sanitary applications in the food, beverage, dairy, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. They can achieve capacities from 2 to 3000 gpm, and discharge pressures to 800 feet. A variety of models...

Inert pneumatic pump.
June 1, 2001... Air operated and available fabricated from all PTFE wetted parts, these pumps are compatible with sludges, acids, alkalis, solvents, emulsions, resins, powders and aqueous solutions. Applications include semiconductors and more.

CE standards compliant metering pumps.
June 1, 2001... Model QG is designed for low flow rates from 0.015 to 512 ml/mm. Model QD has a high speed drive with flow rates from 4 to 2200 ml/mm. Model QSY synchronous drive has a range of 0.18 to 92 ml/mm.

Gear pump.
June 1, 2001... The 1000 Series offers maximum flow rates of 0.50 gpm, maximum pressures of 200 psi and maximum fluid temperature capabilities of 180[degrees]F. Three sizes of PPS polymer gears are available. Motor options are either 12 or 24 VDC.

VPV pump.
June 1, 2001... The Whisper pump VPV 16-80cc is a variable displacement vane pump in a direct-coupled pump-to-motor arrangement. Direct coupled pumps and motors use hardened spline technology for long life, and are rated for 3000 psi continuous service.