Product Design & Development articles from August 2008

Product Design & Development archives from August 2008

Small motor dynamometer system.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... Sensor Developments (Orion, MI) now offers a complete small motor dynamometer system. The new system features the company's high performance in-line rotating torque sensor and a computer-controlled low torque/high speed hysteresis brake,...

Night vision.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... DDP (El Segundo, CA) has designed an LED backlighting solution that is compliant with night vision imaging system (NVIS) devices for aviation and military applications. The assembly uses 2 SMT LEDs to create a 28 VDC PCB array that offers a...

Existing XBee compatibility.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... Digi International (Minnetonka, MN) has introduced new versions of ConnectPort X gateways, XBee adapters and development kits that are compatible with its existing XBee and XBee-PRO 802.15.4 embedded RF modules. Digi's 802.15.4 family includes:...

Misalignment compensation.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New PEM[R] floating access hardware from PennEngineering (Danboro, PA) introduces a captive screw assembly for permanent installation into panels of any hardness with the capability to compensate for up to .060"...

Motion control design.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... Pro-Motion[R] motion control set-up software from Performance Motion Devices (PMD) (Lincoln, MA) now offers OEM machine designers a new set of advanced software features for motion control design. Pro-Motion offers: * An axis wizard which...

Mechanical system integration.(First Look)
August 1, 2008... Danaher Motion (Santa Barbara, CA) has introduced MechaWare 3.0, a mechatronic toolkit that seamlessly integrates mechanical systems and control software design, according to the company. Designed as a special purpose "tool-kit" for motion...

When evil genius is simply evil.(At Issue)
August 1, 2008... Part of it comes from rooting for the Other times it's simply a deep-rooted appreciation for that little touch of anarchy which reminds us all of how good it feels to bend or break from society's norms. You know who I'm talking about--it's that...

Latest embedded technology.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... American Portwell Technology (Fremont, CA) introduces a new motherboard with the latest Intel[R] platform for embedded applications. Portwell's WADE-8067 (Mini-ITX form factor) is built with the 45nm Intel Core[TM]2 Duo processor T9400 and...

Low power 802.15.4.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meshnetics (Dresden, Germany) introduces the new ZigBit 900, an ultra-low power 802.15.4/ZigBee RF module for Sub-1 GHz ISM band. The module comes bundled with the ZigBee PRO mesh networking software and is ideal for...

Compact pressure.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... A new pressure sensor from Kistler Instrument (Amherst, NY), series 4007B, is designed for elevated temperature evaluations and R&D studies in harsh environments where space is a consideration. According to the company, the sensor exhibits: ...

Tiny and compatible.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Linear Technology (Milpitas, CA) introduces the LTC2631, a family of pin- and software-compatible 12-bit, 10-bit and 8-bit DACs in a TSOT-23 package. DACs in such packages are ideal for fine tuning bias voltages. According to the company,...

The eighth brick.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Murata Power Solutions (Mansfield, MA) introduces a new series of cost-effective eighth-brick DC/DC Converters. The fully isolated (2250VDC) UCE series is available with fixed output voltages from 1.5 to 12 V, output current to 40 A and output...

High accuracy under pressure.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Omega Engineering (Stamford, CT) introduces the Model PX409 Series High Accuracy Pressure Transducers. According to the company, these transducers offer: * A 0.75" diameter package. * A micromachined silicon sensor that delivers...

Customized for performance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Temperature Product Group of Measurement Specialties (MEAS) (Hampton, VA) introduces disk, bead and chip thermistors, temperature probes and thermopiles. The temperature sensing products are available both as...

Great things, small packages.(From the Cover)
August 1, 2008... Yaskawa Electric America (Waukegan, IL) introduces the new J1000 AC drive. The compact drive takes up 70 percent less space and offers quality, reliability and performance. Features include: * A reduction in the number of parts, resulting...

High integration.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Providing 24 constant-current outputs capable of driving RGB LEDs at up to 80rnA, the STP24DP05 from STMicroelectronics (Lexington, MA) performs the work of 3 conventional 8-output drivers within a compact TQFP48, 7 x 7 mm footprint. According...

Blue box.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elma Electronic (Fremont, CA) introduces the blu!box MicroTCA enclosure. The unit is a 19" rackmount system in a 5 U height. According to the company, features include: * High-performance cooling. *...

Crystal Controlled.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Connor-Winfield (Aurora, IL) introduces its new family of 5 x 7 mm Temperature Crystal Controlled (TCXO) and Voltage Controlled Temperature Compensated Crystal Controlled Oscillators (VCTCXO), for use in $3...

Radio-ready.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Phoenix Contact's (Middletown, PA) new radio-ready NEMA 4X enclosure simplifies the installation of industrial wireless radio modems and small RTU devices. According to the company, RAD-SYS-NEMA4X-900 offers: * A 24 VDC power supply. ...

Maximum switching.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Panasonic Electric Works (New Providence, NJ) announces a new high current version TX relay ideal for thermostat applications. According to the company, the TX-TH offers: * 7.5 A max switching current for inductive loads rated at 100,000...

Multiplexer capabilities.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Pickering Interfaces (Grants Pass, OR) introduces a new PXI module, the 40-736, capable of switching communications signals carried on 100 ohm differential pair cables. The 40-736 is a flexible multiplexer designed for switching signals carried...

Custom choppers: fame speeds up the design process as OCC continues to push the envelope.(Engineering Answers)
August 1, 2008... For Jason Pohl, it's all in the custom-wheels. As the senior designer at Orange County Choppers explains, wheels are so prominent on a motorcycle that they define the look of the bike, making them one of the most important parts of to...

Low voltage drive.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Allegro MicroSytems (Worcester, MA) introduces a new low voltage dual full bridge motor driver designed to drive 1 bipolar stepper motor or 2 DC motors. According to the company, features include: * Output...

Monitor and control.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... The new series of wireless DIN Rail monitoring and control devices from Omega Engineering (Stamford, CT) is compatible with a range of Omega wireless sensors including the UWTC, UWRTD, and Z series. According to the company, the wiDR...

Point-to-point data acquisition.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... The DR9011 wireless transmitter from Wilkerson Instrument Company (Lakeland, FL) provides analog and contact closure data transmission to a companion DR9021 where the data is recovered. According to the company, the transmitter features: *...

High reliability, high cycle.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sullins Connector Solutions (San Marcos, CA) introduces a comprehensive series of male edgecard connectors designed to simulate 0.062" (1.58 ram) thick daughtercards. According to the company, these new products...

New power.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology (Irvine, CA) introduces the IAC 180 Power Supply Kit for the CSG110 Amplifier. This IAC 180 Power Supply Kit is ideal for those who want to power the amplifier from an AC Power Outlet. The kit uses screw...

High efficiency power supply.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Emerson Network Power (Columbus, OH) launches a high efficiency 100-150 watt ACDC supply that features both ITE and non-patient contact and non-patient critical medical safety approvals. According to the company, the new product exhibits: ...

Simple Wi-Fi transition.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Laird Technologies (Delaware Water Gap, PA) introduces a new 802.11 wireless LAN processor modules providing a wide range of AT commands and web configuration to make the Wi-Fi transition simple for M2M...

Efficient control.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... Beckhoff Automation (Burnsville, MN) introduces the new KL2791 Bus Terminal for single-phase AC motor speed control. The KL2791 enables direct connection of small 1 A, single-phase motors rated 120 V, 60 Hz. According to the company, the bus...

Bi-colored illumination.(New Products: Electronic Components)
August 1, 2008... The CL1200 Series from CIT Relay & Switch (Maple Grove, MN) provides design engineers a versatile LED illuminated switch for use in a variety of applications. According to the company, the switch offers: * Thru-hole, right angle and surface...

Harsh Duty.(From the Cover)
August 1, 2008... Specifically designed for optimal performance in harsh duty applications, The Lee Company (Westbrook, CT) introduces the 440C Lo-Lohm Chek[R], a field-proven check valve constructed entirely of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. According to...

Compatibility and versatile options.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... GF Piping Systems (Tustin, CA) introduces Signet DryLoc pH/ORP Sensors, Models 2724--2726. According to the company, the sensors feature: * A DryLoc connector manufactured with corrosion resistant gold-plated pins that is part of the...

Cushioning & gasketing.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... Pres-On (Addison, IL) adds a new line of high-density, open cell urethane foam tapes with excellent cushioning characteristics to isolate vibrations. According to the company, the Pres-On U6000 tape offers: * Coating on one-side with...

Company couple.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... Qosina (Edgewood, NY) now offers innovative quick disconnect couplings for reliable, secure and leak-flee connections from Colder Products Company (St. Paul, MN). Qosina maintains an extensive inventory of medical quality components to meet...

Self locking.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The two-part, all steel construction D-locknut, from Asymmetric Fasteners (Hackettsown, NJ) locks in any position on the bolt or threaded shaft regardless of clamping force. According to the company, the locknut...

Cleanable.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... Fluid Transfer (Philipsburg, PA) offers 2 helpful solutions to achieve the ease of cleaning with a new line of Sanitary Ball Valves. According to the company, valves feature: * Easy disassembly for cleaning and quick reassembly to get them...

Photoetching Technology.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... Fine MicroEtch Screens made from stainless steel are now manufactured by Tech-Etch (Plymouth, MA) using photoetching technology. Photoetching enables designers to specify a straight hole or a tapered hole, which facilitates liquid filtration...

Custom dimple shields.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fotofab (Chicago, IL) now offers RF and board level engineers the design flexibility to solve tough issues on congested circuit boards with custom dimple shields. The dimpled, snap-fit lid features: * Component...

Eliminate all stress.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
August 1, 2008... C&M (Wauregan, CT) has designed a hard/soft strain relief that eliminates all stress and strain from the electrical conductors' termination points. According to the company, the new design is engineered with an anti-twist function as well as...

Superior properties.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) (Bedford, OH) introduces its Performance Silicon Carbide (SIC). SiC utilizes an advanced manufacturing process in both ultrapure and low electrical resistivity grades, outperforming conventional materials in...

Coatings for superior performance.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reynard Corp. (San Clemente, CA) introduces high-precision coating Galvanometer mirrors that are appropriate for the most demanding commercial and military applications. According to the company, Galvo mirrors...

Polycarbonate alternative.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... FLEXcon (Spencer, MA) has introduced DPM[R] CVE, the newest addition to its DPM line. The product is a UV-resistant velvet-embossed polyolefin film over-laminate for outdoor durable labels. According to the company, the new product offers: ...

Keeping it together.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... Master Bond (Hackensack, NJ) recently unveiled its Supreme 11AOHT 2-component room temperature-curing epoxy adhesive with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties. Master Bond believes the Supreme 11AOHT grants: *...

Epoxy performs.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (Manchester, CT) now offers Uni-form epoxy pre-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature. When heated, Uni-forms melt and cure, forming a consistent seal. Close tolerances and consistent viscosity ensure...

Near-identical simulation.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Objet Geometries (Billerica, MA) introduces Durus[TM], an addition to its FullCure[R] line of photopolymer materials simuk lating plastics. DurusWhite, FullCure430 addresses a broad range of applications requiring...

Strong stock, stiff platform.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... Quadrant's (Reading, PA) new Semitron MDS 100 machin-ing stock is a strong, stiff platform, according the company. Additional features include: * Applicability in test sockets for semiconductor test and package equipment, fixtures for...

Eco-friendly flame resistance.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... Ticona Engineering Polymers (Florence, KY) announces that Meritec (Painesville, OH) is specifying inherently flame resistant Vectra[R] liquid crystal polymer (LCP) to ensure its connectors for the electronics j industry will comply with...

Flexible product line.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Walton Plastics (Walton Hills, OH) introduces Flexible Polyurethanes (TPU) to its line of PVC extruded sheet and rolls. According to the company, Flexible Polyurethane features: * Superior durability and...

Medical grade materials.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quickparts (Atlanta, CA) has announced the availability of specialized medical grade materials for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Cast Urethane Molding. Materials being offered...

Custom operation.(New Products: Materials)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LEE LINEAR (Piscataway, NJ) offers custom precision machine special shafting operations. Using state of the art tooling, experienced machinists perform: * Threading. * Holding tight tolerances. *...

Eliminating iterations: upfront CFD helps BittWare automate trial and error for hybrid board design.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work," said Thomas Edison of his attempts to invent the first incandescent light bulb. Edison's evident exaggeration doesn't diminish his central point: It takes a lot of trial...

Technically graphic.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Corel Corp. (Ottawa, ON) introduces Corel DESIGNER[R] Technical Suite X4 technical graphics software. Created to address the technical illustration workflow, the suite enables users to create technical documentation,...

Increased access.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... The Numerical Algorithms Group (Lisle, IL) offer design engineers the new NAG Toolbox for MATLAB. The Toolbox gives users access to more than 1,300 additional math and statistical algorithms within the MATLAB environment. NAG Toolbox for MATLAB...

In examining ways to improve energy efficiency in product design, do you think more attention should be paid to component composition or power supply/fuel?(THE BRAINSTORM)
August 1, 2008... Art Stewart AuthenTec Vice President Wireless Product Line www.authentec.com As a semiconductor component supplier for consumer electronic products, we have to maximize power efficiency and lower the power consumption of...

Added functionality.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... The new Version 4 of Teamcenter[R] Express software from Siemens PLM Software (Piano, TX) is now available. Teamcenter Express is the collaborative product data managent (cPDM) component of the Velocity Series[TM]. According to the company,...

CAD transformation.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... Anark Corp. (Boulder, CO) has released Anark Core 2.0, its automated 3-13 CAD transformation platform, which adds expanded conversion, transformation and automation capabilities to prepare 3-D product design data for visualization, simulation,...

Designing for patients: medical machine redesign looks to comfort patients while making technicians' lives a little easier.(Engineering Answers)
August 1, 2008... When it comes to any hospital experience, not enough stock can be placed in ensuring an experience that offers a patient comfort and peace of mind. While medical equipment serves its purpose determining a patient's prognosis, and attempts to...

Connectors.(Spec Check)
August 1, 2008... SpecCheck/CONNECTORS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JST CORP BINDER-USA ZE Series Connector was The shielded M8 right- ...

Wiki-format.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... Spatial Corp. (Broomfield, CO) has announced the availability of 3-D ACIS[R] Modeler and 3-D InterOp Suite Release 19 (R19). The geometric modeling kernel and multi-CAD interoperability components deliver key capabilities for developers...

Think solid.(New Products: Software)
August 1, 2008... solidThinking (Troy, MI) has launched its latest version for Windows and Mac users worldwide. According to the company, solidThinking version 7.6 incorporates many distinctive features, including: * An unlimited interactive construction...

Vibration measurement.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
August 1, 2008... IOtech (Cleveland, OH) has added 2 powerful new products to their vibration measurement portfolio. The 600 Series dynamic signal acquisition product portfolio was expanded with the addition of a 10-channel, 24-bit, simultaneous sampling USB 2.0...

Compression & tension.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
August 1, 2008... Brookfield Engineering (Middleboro, MA) introduces the New CT3 Texture Analyzer. This new generation instrument now includes both the traditional Compression Mode and a new Tension Mode. The large vertical work area of the CT3 is ideal for...

Laser marks.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Automated Laser Corp. (Fort Wayne, IN) introduces the LSG-10 Laser Marker. According to the company, the LSG-10 is the next generation of Automated Laser Corp.'s high speed CO2 laser markers and features: * A...

Resistive measurement.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... The AMSABS 3A for roller guideways from Schneeberger Linear Technology (Bedford, MA) now combines proven magneto resistive measurement technology with an absolute digital interface. * Safe magneto-resistive sensing to calculate absolute...

3 elements for harsh environments.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... Dynapar (Gumee, IL) introduces the compact AcuroTM XR absolute encoder. According to the company, the new encoder incorporates 3 important design elements that make it ideal for harsh application: magnetic technology, oversized bearings and...

Precision gearhead.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A custom-made maxon precision gearhead is the ideal solution for a motor that is powerful enough for motion, but has too high a speed and too low a torque. Maxon (Fall River, MA) precision motors offers an extensive...

Valve automation.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... Hayward Flow Control Systems (Clemmons, NC) now offers a range of pneumatic valve actuators and related control options for a diverse range of valve automation applications. According to the company, the corrosion-resistant pneumatic actuators...

Precise positioning.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... The DGSL from Festo Corp. (Hauppauge, NY) is designed as an ultra-precise slide for positioning or as an easy pick and place system. According to the company, additional features include: * An integrated bearing system with an accuracy of...

Inductive linear encoder.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The LMI-100 series of inductive encoders from AMO Corp. (Granite Bay, CA) consist of a stainless steel linear scale tape and non-contact encoder head. Features of the IP67-rated (fluid submersible) system include:...

Spline shaft.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... Kerk Motion Products (Hollis, NH) has expanded its Kerk Spline Shaft Series with the introduction of its new stainless steel option. The Spline Shaft Series can now be manufactured in 304 stainless steel on its SS2 through SS8 Series spline...

Valve automation.(New Products: Motion Control)
August 1, 2008... With the introduction of the SRS5M/WM, the benefits of Caged Technology are available in a miniature LM Guide. THK (Schaumburg, IL) Caged Technology employs a synthetic resin cage with a patented curvature that cradles each ball and separates...

Fractional & metric framing.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 80/20 (Columbia City, IN) offers aluminum T-slotted framing systems in both fractional and metric sizes, with a total of 66 different profiles. According to the company, the T-slotted profiles consist of 7 families...

Black sun.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... The new EXTER Sun Readable from Beijer Electronics (Schaumburg, IL), features a unique viewing performance for an intuitive HMI solution for outdoor environments. It offers readable displays in all light conditions, essential for complete...

Duplex deal.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL) (Cranston, RI) introduces the new QuickSwitch Model 6212 ST Duplex 10-Position Fiber Optic Switch with Remote Control. According to the company, features if the IP Addressable network switch includes: ...

Eliminate risks.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Contrinex (Old Saybrook, CT) Safetinex safety light curtains are used wherever risks cannot be eliminated through machine design. A person or any part of the body entering a danger zone is detected by the light...

Industrial panel PC.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech (Cincinnati, OH) introduces a versatile Industrial Panel PC, the IPPC-6172A. The IPPC-6172A features: * A 17" SXGA TFT LCD with an Intel Pentium M/Celeron M processor...

Foot switches.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
August 1, 2008... Delcom Products (Port Chester, NY) has released a new line of USB HIDcompliant foot switches that emulate a key board key. According to the company, features include: * Support for most key codes including modifier keys such as ALT, CTRL,...

Prototyping & production.(Distributor Data)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Newark (Chicago, IL) has announced that it is now the exclusive North American distributor of UK-based manufacturer Dataman (Orange City, FL). Dataman's range of universal, specialized and gang programmers--that are...

Beagle board.(Distributor Data)
August 1, 2008... Passionate open source developers and hobbyists can now realize their creative design ideas without being restricted by hardware development tools, lackluster performance capabilities, high power consumption or stifled design environments. Open...

Power management solutions.(Distributor Data)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Power-One (Camarillo, CA), a provider of power conversion and power management solutions has signed a global distribution agreement with Mouser Electronics (Mansfield, TX). Mouser will stock a variety of products...

EEPROM Family.(Distributor Data)
August 1, 2008... Mouser Electronics (Mansfield, TX) is now stocking the UNI/O[TM] Serial EEPROM Family from Microchip Technology (Chandler, AZ). The UNI/ O[TM] devices are supported by the MPLAB[R] Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products and the MPLAB[R] PM3...

The inventor and the new product developer: new product developers have to figure out how to become better inventors.(Final Thought)
August 1, 2008... I have always avoided the term "inventor" just to keep an arms distance from the nutcase label--you can probably tell from my heavily doctored picture that it wouldn't take much for me to slip into that category. When someone asks what I do, my...