Product Design & Development articles from July 2008

Product Design & Development archives from July 2008

Added switch durability.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... Linemaster (Woodstock, CT) offers the Lektro-Lok foot switch with a heavier, steel-painted housing designed for simplified use and a longer life. Additional features of this rocker style switch include a mechanical interlock that prevents both...

Touch panel consumes less power.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... New from Advantech (Cincinnati, OH) is the 8" VGA TFT LCD touch panel computer with an Intel Celeron M1 GHz fanless processor that consumes less power. Spindle-free or HDD modules are available to mesh with the given application. Additional...

Smaller footprint, more accurate flow control.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from Lee (Westbrook, CT) is the 2.5 mm miniature press-in flow restrictot orifice comprised of 303 stainless steel, which they position as being more economical, reliable and accurate. Lee feels that because the...

New input board expands cube capabilities.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To complement their PowerDNA Cubes and RACKtangle I/O chassis, United Electronic Industries (UEI) (Walpole, MA) recently unveiled the DNA-AI-211 analog input board with: * 4 fully isolated, IEPE/ICP[R]...

Cost-conscious connection flexibility.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from Phoenix Contact (Middletown, PA) are bus couplers for providing flexible IP20 and IP65/67 EtherNet/IP I/O connectivity. Features include: * Integrated I/O concept to help lower installation costs. *...

Expanded mechatronic control compatibility.(First Look)
July 1, 2008... Yaskawa Electric America (Waukegan, IL) recently unveiled the MotionWorks IEC Mechatronic Control System with features that include: * Full compatibility with the global programming standards specified by IEC61131-3 and PLCopen. *...

Democary, at what price.(At Issue)
July 1, 2008... July 4, 2008 marked the 232nd birthday of the United States of America--a country which proudly looks back on founding principles embedded with the core democratic feature of equality. Even as a proud American, I have to wonder if sometimes we...

Ultra-low power.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... GreenPeak Technologies (The Netherlands), introduces the Emerald GP500C communications controller chip for ultra low power wireless sensor networks. The Emerald GP500C is a IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliant chip available with extreme low...

Radio frequency transceiver module.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Microchip Technology (Chandler, AZ) introduces the MRF24J40MA FCC-certified RadioFrequency (RF) transceiver module. According to the company, the new module features: * 2.4 GHz unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM)...

Improvements to a 13-bit family.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Renishaw (Hoffman Estates, IL) upgrades its 13-bit magnetic rotary encoder-on-chip to higher speeds, better noise control, improved time delay and accuracy, plus unique performance tailoring capability. According to the company, the product...

Strength in numbers.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... EAO (Milford, CT) introduces Series 04 and 14 stainless steel switches for control panels that need extra protection against impact, vandalism, dirty environments and harsh operation. The stainless steel switches offer: * Availability as...

High performance pressure transducer.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Omegadyne (Sunbury, OH) introduces the PX5000 Series, a pressure transducer for high performance, reliability, and ultra high long term stability in real world applications such as automotive and flight testing....

Wired or wireless connectivity.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Vaisala (Woburn, MA) now offers its HUMICAP[R] Humidity and Temperature Transmitter Series HMT330, MMT330, and PTU300 and the Vaisala DRYCAP[R] Dewpoint Transmitter Series DMT340 with Ethernet connectivity through wireless or wired networks....

Absolute position values.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Fraba Posital (Princeton, NJ) introduces an OPTOCODE encoder series that is certified by the UL. The rotary encoders provide real-time, absolute position values without using backup batteries and after being moved in a powered-off state....

Combined pressure & temperature sensor.(From the Cover)
July 1, 2008... Kavlico (Moorpark, CA) introduces a new combined pressure & temperature sensor for use with the natural refrigerant R744 (C[O.sup.2]) for mobile air conditioning systems. Features include: * 17-4 PH hermetically sealed stainless housing....

Fault protection.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... AutomationDirect's (Cumming, GA) line of DirectLOGIC option modules includes new fault-protected output modules designed for the DL205 PLCs. The F2-16TDxP 16-channel current output modules are available in sinking and sourcing configurations....

Medical connection.(New Products: Eletronic Components)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new GORE Rx100 Cable and Interconnects from Gore (Elkton, MD) offer a solution to multi-modality sterilization medical cable and interconnects. The Rx100 Cable and Interconnects are designed for use with the most...

Six degrees of freedom.(New Products: Eletronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Analog Devices (ADI) (Norwood, MA), expands its iSensor[TM] intelligent sensor product family with a six-degrees-of-freedom (6 DoF) inertial sensor. The ADIS16365 IMU (inertial measurement unit) features: * The ability to detect small...

High flexibility.(New Products: Eletronic Components)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Allegro MicroSystems (Worcester, MA) introduces a new 4-channel high-side MOSFET control/driver IC to complement their existing automotive MOSFET pre-driver family. Allegro's A3942 is designed to drive 4 N-channel...

Easy graphics.(New Products: Eletronic Components)
July 1, 2008... EarthLCD (San Juan Capistrano, CA) has added the miniature ezLCD 3.5" to its family of programmable color TFT LCD Modules. Featuring EarthLCD's 10X Series, the new ezLCD-103-EDK's built-in intelligence speeds development time for product...

Hazardous locations.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... LPU-2428 Loop Powered Ultrasonic Level Sensors from Automation Products Group(APG) (Logan, UT) are now cCSAus certified for use in Class I, Div. 1, Groups C and D, and Class I, Zone 0, Group IIB hazardous locations. According to the company,...

Easier power transistors.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Schurter (Santa Rosa, CA) introduces its PSDM series for increased efficiency in driving power transistors (IGBT/ MOSFET) in DC-to-DC converters. The Power Stage Drive Modules can replace complex discrete circuitry with an integrated solution....

Ramp/soak temperature/process controllers.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Omega (Stamford, CT) introduces the 1/16 DIN Ramp/Soak Temperature/ Process Controllers CN6201 Series. According to the company, features include: * A front panel with a dual display and splash- and dust-proof design. * Support for...

Enhanced range.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Beckhoff Automation (Burnsville, MN) introduces new models in its Ethernet TCP/ IP controller family. Beckhoff's BC9000 and BX9000 series Ethernet PLCs for the Bus Terminal I/O system are now complemented with the new BC9120, BC9020 and BC9050...

Embedded device server.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Digi International (Minnetonka, MN) introduces Digi Connect ME 9210, a high performance embedded device server. The Digi Connect ME 9210 enables OEMs to add secure Ethernet connectivity to products. According to the company, the new device...

Push-pull plug.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... A new VARIOSUB Push-Pull plug connector system from Phoenix Contact (Middletown, PA) has a plug-and-play positive locking system to provide IP67 protection. The plug is designed for Industrial Ethernet and PROFINET applications and the...

Illuminated switch.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... CIT RELAY & SWITCH (Minneapolis, MN) introduces the NL Series Ultra-Subminiature Bi-Color Illuminated Switch. According to the company, the switch features: * 2 embedded, independent LED's, with any color combinations of red, green,...

Enclosures.(Spec Check)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fibox enclosures The stylized ARCA enclosures offer ease of customization, robustness, superior chemical resistance and wide temperature range. Some of the newest features include transparent screw covers, as...

By George, they've got it: this award-winning iPod speaker system is taking performance to the next level.(WIRELESS: Engineering Answers)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Although the efforts of a design engineer often entail long hours, lack of recognition or appreciation and constant battles with cost, time and resources, at least you can take solace in the fact that complacency...

Ultra-low capacitance technology.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... ON Semiconductor (Phoenix, AZ) expands its off-chip ESD protection portfolio with 2 new devices: the ESD7L5.0D and the NUP4212. The products have been designed using ON Semiconductor's integrated ESD protection platform to enhance clamping...

Extreme environments.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Micronor (Newbury Park, CA) introduces its new TD 5207 non-metallic fiber optic rotary, encoder for use in extreme electromagnetic environments. According to the company, the encoder: * Is all optical, totally passive and intrinsically...

A world first.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Murata Electronics North America (Smyrna, GA) introduces the world's first 1.0uF 0.9 x 0.6 mm 2 element capacitor array. Ideal for reducing surface area, the new 0302-sized capacitor array boasts the popular 1.0[micro]F static capacitance. The...

No phase errors.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Microstar Laboratories (Bellevue, WA) introduces a new data acquisiton processing board, MSXB 075, that eliminates ground currents and phase erros. According to the company, the board features: * Isolated analog...

Full-brick power modules.(New Products: Electronic Components)
July 1, 2008... Lambda (San Deigo, CA) extends its PFE series of AC-DC full-brick power modules with the PFE500F including active current-share and remote on/off. The new PFE500F versions provide an AC-DC board-mounted solution with an output power of up to...

Sorting samples: automated tube handling system promotes accurate human fluid analysis.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... When clinical lab scientists research and analyze human fluids to develop new drugs, find cures, prescribe treatment or solve crimes, they require samples not compromised by contamination, infection or mis-identification. In most clinical...

Long, easy life.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Maxon (Fall River, MA) introduces the EC-max 2-wire motor with ironless winding of System maxon. According to the company, the motor offers: * Stainless steel motor housing that, when combined with metal flanges, provides a high degree of...

Versatile line.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Pacific Bearing (Rockford, IL) recently release a new line of linear actuators. According to the company, the line includes 3 series with distinct features. The MT Series, the most versatile in the line, features: * 1 exterior design. ...

Digital piezo stage controller.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... PI (Auburn, MA) introduces a new E-712 digital piezo stage controller designed for demanding accuracy and dynamic-performance requirements of multi-axis piezo nanopositioning systems. Other features include: * Up to 50 kHz sensor update...

Direct-drive technology.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Nanotranslation Crossed-Roller (ANT-LX) stages by Aerotech (Pittsburgh, PA) incorporate direct-drive technology for robust, accurate, and high-speed positioning necessary in mass production of precision devices. According to the company, the...

Integral drive.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Simplify installation and promote smooth, quiet and efficient operation over a wide speed range with MCG[R] brand "MA34000 Series" brush less DG motors with an integral drive from AMETEK Technical de Industrial Products (Kent, OH). The...

Ruby and Sapphire.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bird Precision (Waltham, MA) offers a unique series of laser drilled, wire lapped Ruby and Sapphire orifices. According to the company, Orifices and filters feature: * A variety of stainless, brass and plastic...

New intelligent stepper driver.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Outside-the-box designs for motion control can now utilize the "CNC-in-a-box" concept of intelligent modular motion control products offered by OES (El Paso, TX). The Model MC-225A Dual Axis Stepper Drive platform provides a CNC control system...

Double stack.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Haydon Switch & Instrument (Waterbury, CT) introduces the 28000 series (Size 11) doublestack non-captive hybrid linear actuator. According to the company, the new size 11 double stack non captive hybrid linear actuator includes: * A lead...

Insulated battery straps.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Keystone Electronics (Astoria, NY) now offers high performance, pre-wired, and competitively-priced 9 V Insulated Battery Straps, designed to connect most 9 V batteries in series or in parallel. Keystone's design features: * Polyethylene...

Highest efficiency levels.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... WEG Electric Motors (Suwanee, GA) offers a family of WMagnet permanent magnet synchronous motors and specially developed CWF-09 variable speed drive frequency inverters. The new motors feature: * Outputs from 20 to 200 *...

Multi-axis controllers.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... ACS Motion Control (Plylnouth, MN) has developed a family of motion control modules for all digital motion control. The SPiiPlus HP Series exhibits: * PC-based, stand-alone or rack mounted multi-axis controllers that support...

Heavy duty.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Amacoil/Uhing (Aston, PA) introduces the model RG80 linear drive supplying up to 800 lbs. of side thrust for heavy load linear motion applications. The drive features: * "Rolling ring" linear motion engineering...

Multi-axis designs.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... Copley Controls' (Canton, MA) high power density Accelnet Micro servo drive mounts directly onto OEM circuit boards and delivers 6 A peak at 90 V for brushless and brush-type servo motors. Board mounting simplifies wiring and power...

Infinite life.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Macro Sensors (Pennsauken, NI) introduces a new series of 3/4" (19 mm) diameter, hermetically sealed position sensors offering an infinite cycle life. According to the company, the the LP 750 Series Linear Position...

XYZ-axis stages.(New Products: Motion Control)
July 1, 2008... MISUMI USA (Schaumburg, IL) introduces over 40 new additions to its established line of XYZ-axis stages for machine builders and other designers of high-precision motion systems. Many of the new stages offer a precise linear ball guide system...

3-D laser confocal microscope.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new VK-9700 Color 3-D Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope from Keyence (Woodcliffe Lake, NJ) combines the capabilities of SEMs and non-contact profilometry with the simplicity of a conventional microscope....

Revolutionary screen protector.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
July 1, 2008... NuShield (Newton, PA) introduces NuShield AMTM, an anti-microbial protective film that protects against scratches, glare/sunlight, and germs. According to the company, the protective film features: * A combination of anti-glare and scratch...

QuickStart kits for rapid design verification.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
July 1, 2008... The MDrivePlus product line with a integrated motion technology combining motor, driver, controller and encoder by Intelligent Motion Systems (Marlborough, CT) introduces QuickStart Kits for the entire product line. According to the company,...

3-D printing additions.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
July 1, 2008... Symmetry Solutions (Brooklyn Center, MN) has become an official vendor of Z Corp. 3-D printers and scanners. Z Corp. is a manufacturer of 3-D high-definition printing and scanning hardware, which produce full color physical prototypes from...

Smart displays, web services.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
July 1, 2008... The IPdisplays family of smart LED displays have onboard microprocessors driven by a Services Oriented Architecture (SOA), and provide Web services and XML technologies. This approach offers significant benefits, including: * The ability...

Simulation Software vs. Performing an Actual Test: When is it appropriate to choose one over the other?(THE BRAINSTORM)
July 1, 2008... Dr. Ronald L. Hollis, P.E. Quickparts.com Inc President & CEO www.quickparts.com This is an interesting question that continues to be relevant in all areas of product development. My particular perspective is the transition...

Hearing aid design: GN ReSound uses realistic simulation from SIMULIA to optimize product performance.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... Imagine you are working in an office at an average noise level of 40 decibels (dB). Now put the loudest rock band in the world (about 130 dB and a 90 dB difference) next door and try to carry on a normal conversation. Seems impossible, but that...

Project integration.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clarizen (San Mateo, CA) recently launched a vertical market strategy with its new open API in the newest version of its on-demand proiect management software. Clarizen 2.1 provides project managers with a...

Unified vision.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... PTC (Needham, MA) introduces ProductView 9.1 visual collaboration software. The software allows users to adapt to their changing visual collaboration needs without having to install different tools or develop custom integration. (ProductView...

On the same page.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... Adobe Systems (San Jose, CA) recently released Adobe[R] Acrobat[R] 9 software, a significant upgrade that transforms the process of creating and sharing electronic documents. According to the company, new features include: * The capability...

Landmark design.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maplesoft[TM] (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) introduces its pilot version of MapleSim[TM], a high-performance multi-domain modeling and simulation tool. According to the company, MapleSim offers: * The ability to...

Design freedom.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... Siemens PLM Software (Plano, TX) recently released NX[TM] 6 digital product development software, providing features driven flora Siemens PLM Software's recently announced synchronous technology. According to the company, the key NX6...

100+ enhancements.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... The Version 2008 of Microwave Office design environment by AWR[R] (El Segundo, CA) includes more than 100 enhancements and changes to the user interface to increase its flexibility for the user. According to the company, the software features:...

Generic Motion Control.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... In its new "Generic Motion Control," B&R (Roswell, CA) combines anthropomorphic robots, complex CNC 3-D processing, multiple linked axis movements and single-axis positioning in one system. In particular, path control with CNC functionality...

Beta plug-in for Rhino.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... Bunkspeed[R] (Los Angeles, Ca) introduces the beta release of its HyperShot[R] plug-in for Rhinoceros[R]. The stand-alone HyperShot application uses Bunkspeed's technology for real-time photographic rendering to operate in conjunction with the...

Brakes & clutches.(Spec Check)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PLACID INDUSTRIES AC TECH The large magnetic The new Intorq Long Life particle clutch has an ...

For first timers.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... New from Blue Ridge Numerics (Charlottesville, VA), the CFdesign v10 upfront CFD software focuses on further shortening the learning curve for first-timers while adding industrial-strength problem solving capabilities to the engineering...

Color-based quality inspection.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DALSA Corp. (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) recently announced iNspect Color, a new version of the iNspect software package for DALSA's line of Vision Appliances. DALSA's Vision Appliances are embedded machine vision...

Parallel processing.(New Products: Software)
July 1, 2008... With its new TransMagic R7 SP2, TransMagic (Westminster, CO) introduces parallel processing technology, a new JT read/write add on translator, major CAD version support and other usability features. According to the company, the software...

Thin envelope.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... Universal Air Filter (Sauget, IL) has developed a reusable clamshell or thin envelope air filter frame allowing customers to replace only tire air filter media. According to the company, the frame exhibits: * A design to fit into tight...

Vision system applications.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... Northwire (Osceola, WI) has introduced a new cable assembly product line--Endurance. The new product line includes cable assemblies for vision system applications. The line includes: * Endurance CCXC Analog Video cable assemblies that meet...

Locknuts with non-metallic inserts.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... SPS Technologies (Jenkintown, PA) offers a complete line of ESNA[R] aerospace locknuts with non-metallic inserts in a wide range of configurations. According to the company, the locknuts feature: * A red nylon material suitable for...

Compression latch.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With its new 1-081SL Compression Latch, DIRAK (Chantilly, VA) offers a compression range of up to 12 mm. The compression range can be modified depending on the length of the cam. Standard cam heights are 22 and 28 mm...

Self-clinching fasteners.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new series of 6 2-page spec sheets profiles the complete line of PEMSERTER[R] presses for installing self-clinching fasteners by Penn Engineering (Danboro, PA). Each sheet provides an overview, features and...

Field-installable.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... Amphenol Industrial (Sidney, NY) offers the SurLok, a RADSOK-based, field-installable compression lug with higher ampacity, lower insertion force and higher cycle durability. Amphenol's SurLok features: * Applicability in projects that...

Louvered plugs.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... Heyco Products (Toms River, NJ) offers a new line of louvered plugs for through-hole ventilation applications. According to the company, the louvered plugs exhibit: * Accommadation to mounting hole diameters from .875" to 3.000", (22.2 to...

No problem complexity.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
July 1, 2008... Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL) (Cranston, RI) has designed hundreds of custom fiber optic data network cables to meet exact specifications, including ultra high density fiber optic ribbon and trunk cables as well as custom octopus cables...

Rapid cure: an update on anaerobic thread treatment.(New Products: Materials)
July 1, 2008... Typically used to augment the seal or holding force of a mechanically joined assembly, anaerobic adhesives are used as threadlockers, thread sealants and retaining or gasketing materials. When designed into an assembly, these adhesives can...

Exceptional thermal stability.(New Products: Materials)
July 1, 2008... Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) (Bedford, OH) has found a new application in the solar panel industry for its semiconductor-grade 99 percent alumina ceramic. OEM Oerlikon Solar has selected the company to supply precision engineered,...

Acquisition adds to portfolio.(New Products: Materials)
July 1, 2008... Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) (Indianapolis, IN) has been acquired by Berwind Corp. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Berwind is an investment management company with a diversified portfolio comprised of successful manufacturing and service...

Unprecedented impact resistance.(New Products: Materials)
July 1, 2008... Ticona (Florence, KY) Engineering Polymers introduce a new Hostaform[R] long glass fiber acetal copolymer (POM) for better performance than standard reinforced thermoplastic polymers. Ticona designed Hostaform POM for use in structural...

High-speed laser sensors.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The versatile, high-speed LJ-G Series 2-D laser sensors from Keyence (Woodcliffe Lake, NJ) accurately measure the surface profile of targets in the X and Z directions. According to the company, the laser sensors...

Gold plated.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
July 1, 2008... Servometer[R]--PMG (Cedar Grove, NJ) introduces Gold Plated Bellows Contacts, an alternative to spring loaded type test pins for the next generation of high frequency test applications. According to the company, the bellows are manufactured...

360[degrees] measurement.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
July 1, 2008... Baumer (Southington, CT) has introduced the MDRM/MDFM non-contact magnetic sensors. Reliable and maintenance-free, these compact sensors can measure 360 degrees of rotation without a dead band, according to the company. Additional features...