Product Design & Development articles from January 2008

Product Design & Development archives from January 2008

Simultaneous machine, motion control capabilities.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] System Semiconductor presents their new M3000 motion control IC, which utilizes an integrated mixed signal system-on-a-chip architecture to combine ruction and motor control building blocks. This IC simultaneously...

Combining servo drive, motor specifications.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lenze-AC Tech recently unveiled MotionMatch sizing software for their servo drives and motors--combining MotionMatch motor sizing and MotionView drive configuration software. The company feels this can take all the...

Dust segregation drives accuracy.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... Omron Electronic Components offers their new D6F-P MEMS flow sensor that incorporates a double-cyclone patented dust segregation system (DSS).The DSS helps ensure accurate operation in dusty environments by keeping particulate away from the...

Intel embedded computer speeds up automation.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the UNO2176 Intel[R] Pentium[R] M 1.4 GHz/Celeron[R] M 1.0 GHz embedded automation computer, which supports pre-configured Windows XP embedded operating systems...

A purity-focused pressure sensor solution.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... American Sensor Technology's MEMS-based AST4900 SS pressure sensor is being positioned as an answer for applications relating to the measurement of gases and liquids in high-purity applications. Utilizing Krystal Bond[TM] technology, these...

Expanded range, simplified photoelectric sensor integration.(First Look)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Keyence Corp., the PZ-G Series of high-power, self-contained threaded photoelectric sensors can provide detection distances of up to 40 M, higher response speeds and simplified installation. The sensor...

Because "there are no reruns in Vegas".(At Issue)
January 1, 2008... I was faced with a great problem in putting this column together Attending the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas exposed me to numerous product innovations and technologies that inspired a myriad of thoughts that I wanted to express, and...

Splined output shaft.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Helac Corp. now offers an expanded T20 Series product line. The T20 Series, a replacement solution for Helac's HS Series rotary actuators, features a splined output shaft that is supported by internal tapered roller bearings. According to the...

Debris protection.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The ATS 165 linear stage from Aerotech is offered for applications requiring debris protection and medium travel, mid-tier positioning performance. The ATS165 provides additional load-carrying capability with larger bearings and a wider...

Clean-running timing belts.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... New PowerGrip[R] TruMotion[TM] timing belts from Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument incorporate a polymer-free nylon tooth facing for clean-running performance. According to the company, features include: * A new durable facing,...

New military, medical applications: when close doesn't count: with the help of customized motion control components, new surveillance and weapon aiming systems have achieved the accuracy levels their environment demands.(MOTION CONTROL: New Application Technology)
January 1, 2008... Efficiency is a common goal, whether the reference is manufacturing operations or energy consumption. But even more important than automation equipment or fuel mileage is the ability to more accurately and efficiently address hostile situations...

A place at the table: how new linear weight bearing capabilities expanded X-ray table functionality.(MOTION CONTROL: New Application Technology)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Arcoma is one of the world's leading providers of automatic X-ray equipment. However, in re-designing one of their flagship products, the Arcoma mobile imaging table, they encountered a significant design obstacle....

Variable capacitance accelerometer.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Endevco introduces the model 7290D variable capacitance accelerometer with onboard, microprocessor-based temperature compensation. The company states that the 7290D, designed to provide very high thermal stability,...

Programmable DC power supplies.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Xantrex Technology has launched the new Sorensen XG Series of programmable DC power supplies. According to the company, features include: * Power that reaches up to 850 W. * Up to 12 available models ranging...

Memory options.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Microchip Technology has expanded their low pin count 16-bit digital signal controller (DSC) portfolio with the addition of 3 dsPIC33F general-purpose family members, which offer increased memory options for a range...

An integrated measuring and guiding system.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Schneeberger introduces a miniature guideway that provides precision distance measurement in a compact, durable system, according to the company. The MINISCALE miniature guideway offers measuring and guiding capabilities in a single integrated...

Standalone multi-axis motion controller.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... ACS Motion Control has developed an advanced, standalone multi-axis motion controller that provides high resolution and high-speed motion without compromising accuracy and throughput. Designated the SPiiPlus SA Series, this motion controller...

Electric actuators.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... According to RACO, their new Ball & ACME screw electric actuators provide a limitless array of alternatives for any application, including environmentally friendly replacements for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. Additional specifications...

Smaller compression springs.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lee Spring has expanded their stock compression spring offering to include designs that fit into smaller assemblies. Lee's new REDUX wave springs can replace conventional round wire compression springs in...

Pumping clean liquids to abrasive fluids.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Moyno now produces 331/344 Series motorized progressing cavity pumps for general utility pumping applications-from clean, clear liquids to abrasive fluids. According to the company, these compact pumps offer: * The ability to handle flows...

Motors.(Spec Check)
January 1, 2008... SpecCheck/MOTORS PORTESCAP BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY The 22V28 Series DC Packaged in 1.6" and 2.4" motor produces 4.2 W (40 and 60 mm) square bodies, ...

ESD protection chips.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... OnChip Devices has announced a low-capacitance ESD protection chip to support the HDMI[TM] 1.3 specification. The High-Definition Multimedia Interface[TM] is the standard digital interface for high-definition consumer electronics. According to...

Bonding solutions.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Adchem Corp. offers a range of bonding solutions that, when coupled with SABIC Innovative Plastics Noryl resin, serve a variety of applications. A range of Adchem tape products have been tested with the Noryl resin family, including both rubber...

In-line manifolds.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The new aluminum in-line manifolds from Clippard Instrument Laboratory feature a bottom T-slot design that allows for fast and secure installation. Clippard's Push-Quick fittings are available with 4, 6, 8 or 10 stations, and provide access for...

Text overlay.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Digital View has added a text overlay feature to their SVH-1920 advanced high-definition LCD controller, which merges video and informational text onto a single display. Text sequences are delivered via a controller serial port and can be...

Angular contact.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... SKF's[R] single-row angular contact ball bearings feature high radial and axial load capacity, high-speed capabilities and a 40[degrees] contact angle to meet performance requirements in centrifugal pumps. The bearings are engineered for...

Low-power single-chip demodulator.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Fresco Microchip now offers the FM2050, a low-power single-chip demodulator for high-quality universal analog terrestrial, analog cable and DVB-T digital television broadcasts. The FM2050 provides: * A compact system solution without...

The Brainstorm.
January 1, 2008... The Brainstorm is a new section of Product Design & Development where we talk with industry leaders to get their perspective on issues critical to the overall design engineering marketplace. In this issue, we ask: How are the needs and...

Versatile, aesthetic hot-melt adhesive.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... PAM Fastening Technology offers a hot-melt adhesive that applies a strong, clear finish bond to a variety of materials and substrates. According to the company, the UX8012 acrylic hot-melt adhesive incorporates: * The ability to be used on...

Non-contacting rotary Hall Effect sensor.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... BEI Duncan Electronics introduces the 9360 non-contacting rotary dual-output Hall Effect sensor. Designed with Duncan's second generation of Hall effect chip technology, the new device features 360[degrees] rotation capabilities, in addition...

Unmanaged Ethernet switches.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] AutomationDirect's new line of Stride[TM] industrial-grade unmanaged Ethernet switches and media converters is built for industrial environments. Designed specifically for PLC, HMI and drive users, the new line...

Integrated microcontrollers.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Freescale Semiconductor has added 30 highly integrated microcontrollers (MCUs) to the company's 8-bit S08 portfolio. These MCUs provide embedded designers with a choice of 8-bit options supporting 5-V operation, advanced motor control and an...

Toggle and pushbutton switches.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... CIT RELAY & SWITCH now offers the BST and BSP Series toggle and pushbutton switches to provide design engineers with versatile, multiple-function toggle and momentary pushbutton switches. Features from CIT s new product additions include: ...

Flat brushless DC miniature motors.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Portescap's nuvoDisc[TM] is a new family of flat brushless DC miniature motors. The new family features: * A 32 by 11.7 mm footprint. * A high-speed slotless design that reduces vibration and eliminates cogging to provide smoother...

PLC and HMI equipped with improved processor.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The new Vision 130[TM] from Unitronics is a DIN, all-in-1 PLC and HMI equipped with optional Ethernet, all improved processor and diverse I/O options. With 6 different models and the ability to adapt to most TCP/IP/serial protocol, the Vision...

Tough thread sealant.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Anti seize Techno now carries Tuf-Set[TM] and Sol-Set[TM] thread sealants. Tuf-Set is a high-performance HVAC blue pipe-thread sealant. Sof-Set is a semi-smooth, thread-sealing compound formulated with special ingredients to provide superior...

High-performance thermometers and transmitters.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The OS 550A Series of high-performance thermometer/transmitters from Omega Engineering offers a variety of temperature ranges and optical fields of view. According to the company, the OS550A also offers: * 3...

Cable tie-mounts and hooks.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... PEM[R] self-clinching cable tie-mounts and hooks from PennEngineering provide secure attachment points for mounting wires and cables to electronic chassis or enclosures. The company says all PEM TY-D[R] hardware can install quickly and...

High-load slides.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bimba Manufacturing now offers Electric Ultran high-load slides. According to the company, the slides achieve a new level of performance,with higher positioning accuracy, smoother "operation and facility for...

Offset tubular grip handles.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J. W. Winco has added inch-size offset tubular grip handles to their product line. According to the company, the handles combine a higher strength extruded aluminum tube with zinc die-cast, black powder-coated legs...

Jacket-stripping machine.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The JacketStrip 8400 from Schleuniger is a jacket-stripping machine for large cables with tough insulations. According to the company, the JacketStrip 8400 features: * 4 rotary blades that allow high-precision centering of the cable and...

Reconfigurable System on Chip.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The IM3910 from Imsys is the newest member of the Reconfigurable System on Chip family--RSoC[R] products. According to the company, the IM3910's high energy efficiency and ability to deliver a sustained throughput of 83 MB/sec. makes it an...

More CAD support.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... Based on IntelliCAD[TM] and Open Design technologies, CADopia 8 software is now available from CADopia. Major features of the software include: * DWG 2007/2008 support. * Increased image support. * A multi-language character set....

Enhanced automated CAD data transformation.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... Anark Corp. recently announced the latest release of the Anark Core[TM] Platform. According to the company, Anark Core 1.1 offers several enhancements to the automated CAD data transformation software system, including direct support for three...

Ease of use, performance and system integration.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has developed Version 5.1 of Proficy[R] Batch Execution, which is highlighted by new features that focus on ease of use, performance and system integration designed to improve the design, maintenance and operation...

Optical engineering.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... Photon Engineering recently released the 6.1 version of their optical engineering software--the FRED 6.1 Series. According to the company, FRED is an advanced 3-D CAD optical engineering software program capable of simulating the propagation of...

Re-engineering 3-D data.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... Lattice Technology recently unveiled a range of new updates to the Lattice product family. The company's XVL products offer a wide range of applications that allow both engineering and non-engineering users to reuse 3-D data in both interactive...

CAD/CAM integration.(New Product)
January 1, 2008... With the release of hyperMILL[R] V9.7, OPEN MIND Technologies can now offer SolidWorks[R] users an integrated solution with Pro/ENGINEER[R] Wildfire[TM], Autodesk[R] Inventor[TM], thinkdesign[R] and hyperCAD[R] 2007.1. Users of these software...

A captive hybrid.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Haydon Switch & Instrument's 28000 Series (size 11) double-stack captive hybrid linear actuator is the latest addition to the company's hybrid motor line. According to the company, the product showcases: * A...

Latest liquid gap-filling solution.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Bergquist Company has released their latest liquid gap-filling solution--the Gap Filler 1500, which is a silicone-based, 2-component, room or elevated temperature cured product. As dispensed, this material is...

Magnetic linear motion encoder ICs.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] austriamicrosysteins has launched the AS5305, a magnetic linear motion encoder IC aimed at linear motion and off-axis rotational measurements. According to the company, the AS5305 is a complete system-on-a-chip,...

Large-headed ergonomic pushbuttons.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... EAO now offers an ergonomic switch design with their range of large-headed pushbuttons. According to the company, the pushbuttons address the hazards associated with an industrial task, enabling operators to work in easier and safer conditions....

Up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Placid Industries recently unveiled their high-capacity magnetic particle clutches and brakes with up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque. These clutches and brakes are suitable for payout and rewind tension control, load simulation (for testing motors...

Facilitated fine control.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Placid Industries presents their constant-current power supplies for electromagnetic brakes and clutches. These power supplies provide: * Manual control of output current via a potentiometer or a 0- to 10-V...

Smoother slip torque.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Placid Industries now offers precision-tensioning hysteresis brakes that feature a patented Cog-Buster to automatically smooth slip torque. According to the company, frictionless torque is produced by internal magnetic fields rather than...

EtherCAT-ready embedded PCs.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Beekhoff Automation introduces the CX1010 embedded PC. With a 500-MHz Pentium[R] MMX-compatible processor, it offers an EtherCAT-ready CX1010 CPU that * Bundled TwinCAT PLC software and a Windows operating system. * TwinCAT automation...

Expanded Emerald servo drives.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Continuing to expand the Emerald Series motion control product line, Industrial Indexing Systems has added 2 new servo drive products to the family. Both new servo drives feature a direct 440-VAC input and are...

Self-aligning nuts.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SPS Technologies now offers a selection of self-aligning nuts that are highlighted by: * A 6[degrees] to 8[degrees] maximum float. * Availability in sizes from #10 through 1.5". * A structure typically...

Safety I/O modules with IP.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Rockwell Automation has released the Allen Bradley CompactBlock Guard I/O on EtherNet/IP, a safety I/O module that features EtherNet/IP connectivity. Additional features include: * The ability to use the industry-standard EtherNet/IP...

Single-pin high-voltage connectors.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The Series 100 single-pin high-voltage connector from GES Electronic & Service is available in 10 versions. The connector features: * A voltage range up to 90 kV. * Current load capabilities up to 50 A. * Optional versions ranging...

Turning to new screw technologies: although their role is a basic one, expanded application potential has translated to new ball and roller screw specifications and capabilities.(MOTION CONTROL: Ball & Roller Screw Enhancements)
January 1, 2008... Ball screws and roller screws can serve as One of the most efficient and costeffective solutions for applications where precision linear drive systems are required. These anti-friction assemblies transform rotary action into smooth, accurate...

Industrial variable-speed pumps.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Fluid Metering presents their industrial variable-speed pump (IVSP) for industrial and process applications. The IVSP boasts of: * A high-torque 3-phase drive. * A 3-digit LED display control module. * The ability to handle a range...

Programmable-output pressure sensors.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from TURCK is their programmable-output, high-accuracy pressure sensor, which allows users to select the output as either 2 switch points or a 4 to 20 mA analog output with 1 switch point. The switch points are...

Colorless stereolithography resins.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Building on their patented clear resin technology, DSM Somos recently announced the commercial availability of WaterClear[R] Ultra, a highly clear, colorless stereolithography (SL) resin. According to the company, color comparison testing...

Cold-rolled steel frame packaging.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... CPS Technologies now offers TO-250 type packages, which consist of a cold-rolled steel frame with hermetic seals made of alloy #52, or copper cored alloy #52 pins in a compression glass seal or ceramic terminal. These hermetic microelectronic...

Automotive-grade motor controller ICs.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Allegro MicroSystems introduces 2 new automotive-grade (temperature- and voltage-rated) 3-phase BLDC motor controller ICs, the A3930 and A3931. According to Allegro, these control ICs simplify the system design and lower system cost by...

Anodized aluminum XY linear stages.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... New from Steinmeyer is their high-precision KT310-210-DC XY linear stage. Manufactured from high-strength anodized aluminum, the table offers: * A travel of 200 nnn in both axes with a positioning accuracy of 5 pro. * A...

Hundreds of custom inserts.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Tri-Star now designs and manufactures hundreds of custom inserts. With a minimum order of 1,000 pieces, the company collects information from customers on the application, installation method, strength requirements and component material...

Dual-axis servo control modules.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Control Technology recently released the M3-40A dual-axis servo control module. The M3-40A is one of more than 40 specialized modules for I/O, motion control and communications that may be installed in the Blue Fusion Model 5300 automation...

Quick installations in confined spaces.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from Coleman Cable is a new unjacketed bundled cable with 2 Category 5e and 2 RG6 Quad cables. According to the company, this unjacketed combination cable provides a costeffective solution for quick installations...

Miniature slide switches.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... C&K Components has developed a series of miniature slide switches with an extremely low profile. Designated the JSM Series, the 1-pole surfacemount slide switches feature an actuation height of only 2.5 mm (.098"). Available in single-, double-...

Industrial sealed lead-acid batteries.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... GC Electronics has added a new line of industrial batteries to their list of product families. The new line of GC sealed lead-acid batteries comprises more than 75 models with outputs of 4-, 6-, 12-and 24-V in capacities ranging from 1.2 to 230...

Compressor-based air conditioners.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EIC Solutions now offers compressor-based thermoelectric air conditioners. According to EIG, the air conditioners feature: * Availability in 1,000 to 24,000 BTU/hr. ratings. * A range of configurations for...

Proximity sensors.(Spec Check)
January 1, 2008... SpecCheck/PROXIMITY SENSORS TURCK FESTO CORPORATION M8 miniature picoprox[R] The Festo SME-8M/SMT 8M sensors incorporate proximity sensor is intended ...

Stable target detection.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... According to Keyence, their GV Series digital CMOS laser sensor uses a. newly developed, DATUM algorithm to stably detect targets that conventional sensors cannot reliably detect. The GV, an optical triangulation sensor, detects shiny targets...

IEC programming motion logic controllers.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... New from Bosch Rexroth is the IndraMotion MLC motion logic controller. According to the company, the MLC controller uses standard IEC programming controls rather than proprietary programs for robotic functions. This allows for greater...

Small diameter connections for leak testing.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... FasTest has a new connector available for leak test applications. The new ME001 style connector is quickly connected to diameters as small as 0.015". According to FasTest, new features include: * A compact 0.84" OD that can mount in limited...

Hardened-steel precision shafting.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LEE LINEAR[R] now incorporates new production techniques to produce their hardened-steel precision shafting. LEE's case-hardening process employs a custom-built magnetic frequency generator allows for precise control...

Absolute continuous position feedback in extreme conditions.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) GEMCO[R] 953S Series VMax[TM] linear displacement transducer from AMETEK Automation & Process Technologies is designed to offer absolute continuous position feedback under...

Bridging the micropositioning/nanopositioning gap.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... According to PI, their NEXACT[R] ceramic linear motor actuator bridges the micropositioning/nanopositioning gap, and combines high forces and long travel ranges with sub-nanometer resolution in a small package. Additional features include: ...

Serial communications expansion cards.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Red Lion Controls introduces the XCRS serial communications expansion card for the Data Station Plus and Modular Controller product series. Both series come standard with 3 serial communication ports, and the XCRS expands this connectivity by...

Jameco Electronics.(Distributor Data)
January 1, 2008... ... has expanded their offering of LED components from CML Innovative Technologies, a miniature lighting solutions supplier. CML offers a wide selection of miniature lighting systems and components for a large range of markets and applications....

Master distributors.(Distributor Data)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... an electromechanical, interconnect and passive components distributor, now offers Carlo Gavazzi's DIN-rail SPD Series switching power supplies. Ideally designed for automation applications, the SPD Series...

Mouser electronics.(Distributor Data)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... recently expanded Cooper Bussmann's power management device portfolio to include their Coiltronics[R] coldcathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) inverter transformers, DR Series shielded power inductors, OCTA-PAC and...