Product Design & Development articles from May 2009

Product Design & Development archives from May 2009

Revolutionary & robust.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Revolutionary & Robust maxon motor's (Fall River, MA) MILE is an inductive encoder in which the contrast is generated with eddy * 64 pulses at up to 120,000 RPM. * 3 channels. * Line driver and...

New windings.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lin Engineering (Santa Clara, CA) introduces the new 4418 NEMA 17 stepper motors. The 4418 series features: * Availability in stack lengths from 1.17" to 1.58". * The ability to customize the motor...

Surface mount.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Connor-Winfield's (Aurora, IL) XH7 and XH9 High Reliability Series are 5- x 7-mm surface mount, LVCMOS, fixed frequency crystal controlled oscillators. The XH series features: * 2.5- or 3.3-V operation. *...

Integrated current protection.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ON Semiconductor (Phoenix, AZ) introduces the NCP362--an overvoltage protection (OVP) device with integrated current protection and high speed electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. Features include: * 20-V...

Next-gen low power.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Microchip Technology (Chandler, AZ) announces its next-generation low-power PIC microcontroller (MCU) families with nanoWatt XLP eXtreme Low Power Technology. Key features includes: * 3 new 8- and 16-bit MCU...

Anti-vandal.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... E-Switch--Lamb Industries (Minneapolis, MN) announces the PV8 anti-vandal switch. The new anti-vandal switch features: * An electrical life of 50,000 cycles min. * A contact rating of 2 A @ 48 VDC. * A dielectric strength of 2,000...

Versatile automation.(First Look)
May 1, 2009... QC Industries (Cincinnati, OH) has released the new Automation Series AS40 and AS65 low profile belt conveyors. Automation Series conveyors offer: * High speeds with a single-piece extruded aluminum frame and feature tool-less belt...

I'm coming for you Bossman.(At Issue)
May 1, 2009... I have caution tape anda barricade in my cube. Now if only I knew more about mutiny; I suppose that it would be more of a coup... I' was reading up on the latest forms of nonviolent protest in the workplace and stumbled across an...

Timeless wireless: remote wireless sensors use lithium batteries to achieve more than 25 years of service life, leading to increased reliability and reduced maintenance costs.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... From RFID electronic toll tags mounted on car dashboards, to AMR/AMI utility meters that monitor water or energy consumption at homes and offices, to remote sensors that track the whereabouts of products in transit, remote wireless sensors are...

Power input connector.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Altech (Flemington, NJ) Power Distribution (APD) System introduces a flexible solution for busing common power to multiple electrical components. The modular APD system enables easy addition or removal of...

Dual axis tilt.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Fredericks Company (Huntingdon Valley, PA) announces availability of their new TrueTILT Dual Axis Wide Angle Electrolytic Tilt Sensor. The new TrueTILT represents a breakthrough in dual axis tilt sensor...

MeshConnect.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) (Santa Clara, CA) announces that its MeshConnect family of 802.15.4/ZigBee wireless products now supports Synapse Wireless' SNAP technology. Both MeshConnect integrated circuits (ICs) and MeshConnect...

Sealed to IP67.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... APEM Components (Haverhill, MA) releases the IS Series pushbutton produced in a "desert tan" color to accommodate specific military applications. At the request of a military subcontractor, APEM produced its IS series pushbutton to satisfy...

Fanless touch panel.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Advantech's Industrial Automation Group (Cincinnati, Ohio) introduces the TPC-1780H, a 17" SXGA TFT LCD fanless touch panel PC with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. The TPC-1780H provides 1 data bus extension slot. Features...

Data acquisition.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CyberResearch (Branford, CT) MXGE motherboards provide 1 PCIe x16 slot, 4 PCI (5V) slots, 1 ISA slot, and 1 more slot that supports either PCI (5 V) of ISA expansion boards. Additional features include: * 4 USB...

10 MV resolution.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Opto 22 (Temecula, CA) has released the SNAP-AIPM-3 analog input module for measuring and managing 3-phase AC power usage. The SNAP-AIPM-3 mounts on a SNAP I/O rack and measures volts AC RMS and amps AC RMS. Features...

Expanded memory.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... Galil Motion Control (Rocklin, CA) offers the new RIO-471x2 Pocket PLC that provides expanded program memory, variables, arrays and programmable PID control loops. The new RIO-471x2 provides: * 6 programmable PID loops. * 400 lines of...

Large Button.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... Phaseda (Beaverton, OR) introduces its RL3-2 rocker switch series. The large button style rocker switch has both single-and double-pole versions. Features include: * UL, cUL and VDE approvals. * RoHS compliance. * A UL-rating at...

Bright & waterproof.(From the Cover)
May 1, 2009... Floyd Bell's (Columbus, OH) new Turbo Light is a small IP68 panel-mounted LED indicator. Additional features include: * An approximate 1" x 1" footprint. * A NEMA 4X seal. * A low-profile with output up to 1,600 cd/[m.sup.2]. ...

Oscillators.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... Fox Electronics (Fort Myers, FL) expanded its line of small form factor, low voltage oscillators with the 1-V F200 Series in a 2.5- x 2-mm* package. Features include: * Current draw of 2.5 mA. *A standby function that reduces the...

Never say "never": ClearCount Medical Solution's SmartSponge System is the first FDA-cleared RFID product to both count and detect sponges during surgery--and its design is almost completely driven by the user.(MEDICAL: Engineering Answers)
May 1, 2009... "Never event"--a term defined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as preventable injuries and infections in patients that occur during hospital stays and, as of October 2008, incidents for which CMS and a number of private...

Gate drive.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TT electronics BI Technologies (Washington, DC) has developed a family of gate drive transformers in miniature surface mount packages. Designated the HM42 Series, the transformers provide: * 1,500 VDC isolation....

Fast acting.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... Tyco Electronics (Menlo Park, CA) introduces a new line of fast-acting, high-current chip fuses. The chip fuses help provide overcurrent protection on power supplies, servers, communications equipment, voltage regulator modules and other...

Fanless design.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Phoenix Contact (Middletown, PA) introduces a new line of configurable industrial PCs. ValueLine industrial PCs are available in a wide range of models, screen sizes and CPU choices to match the ValueLine PC to a...

3G connectivity.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... Digi International (Minnetonka, MN) introduces the Digi Connect WAN 3G IA, a third generation (3G) Wireless WAN router for secure primary and backup connectivity to remote devices in severe environments. Features include: * High-speed 3G...

Liquid tight cord grips.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sealcon (Englewood, CO) introduces cable management components consisting of liquid tight cord grips and circular connectors. Features include: * M16, M23, M27 and M40sizes. * Dome, flex, elbow, EMI/RFI,...

Adjustable DC output.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AutomationDirect (Cumming, CA) has extended its RHINO line of power supplies to include NEC Class 2 plastic-housed low-profile switching supplies in 5-, 12- and 24-VDC adjustable output models. Features include: ...

Microsize, micropower.(New Products: Electronic Components)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UltraVolt (Ronkonkoma, NY) offers microsize and micropower high-voltage power supplies. The new lines features: * Low ripple. * Tight line and load regulation. * Programmable output. * Output...

Static pressure.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
May 1, 2009... NOSHOK (Berea, OH) offers a spectrum of Manifold Valves, including a full line of 2-Valve Static Pressure and Liquid Level Manifolds. All NOSHOK Valves are 100 percent Helium leak tested to 1 x 10-4 ml/s for guaranteed performance and...

High cycle life.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spartan Scientific's (Boardman, OH) Series 3510 2-way, 2-position solenoid/air operated pilot valve uses the latest materials, providing the user with the highest quality and smallest size per Cv of flow. Features...

High flows.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
May 1, 2009... KNF (Trenton, NJ) introduces the type NPK04 micro-miniature swing-piston pumps with high-performance and compact solutions to transfer, evacuate of compress air. Features include: * A 2.5" length. * Free flow rates up to 4 LPM. *...

Real-time configuration.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ASCO (Florham Park, NJ) introduces its 8262/8263 Series 2-way direct acting solenoid valves with increased AC and DC pressure ratings and real-time online configuration and ordering. Features include: * Modular...

True linearity.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
May 1, 2009... iQ Valves' (Melbourne, FL) electronically controlled proportional flow control valves provide true linearity in the medical equipment and alternative fuel industries. Designed for high frequency response, long life and low hysteresis, the...

The Brainstorm.
May 1, 2009... 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: What is the minimum...

Wilbrecht Ledco.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new CRM series is a rugged IP66 sealed rear mount LEO indicator for use in harsh conditions or outdoor applications. The indicator rear mounts in an 8 mm (.315") hole and is available with internal resistor and...

Bivar.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ORCA series of Super Flux LEDs is an expansion of its LEDs designed for use on standard PCBs. The new ORCA series enhances its capabilities with greater luminous intensity, higher power efficiency and additional...

Bridgelux.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Premier Farnell's Newark stocks Bridgelux's innovative LED Array products developed specially to provide lamp and luminaire manufacturers with a solution for simplified system level integration. Color N/A ...

Optek Technology.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The OV4Z Optimal IV Star Series LEDs are offered in mono-color er RGBA packages and feature a recessed die design that houses 4 LED chips under a 5-mm optical-grade water clear lens. Color...

Cree.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Xlamp XP-E LED comhines lighting-class performance and reliability of the XLamp XR-E LED in a package with an 80 percent smaller footprint The Xlamp XP-E LED suits applications with wide viewing angles,...

Luminus Devices.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SST 50 White PhlatLight LED is the first 5.5 W monolithic large-chip LED in a surface-mount package. The SST 50 is designed to integrate directly with existing LED lay-outs and enable the next level of...

Osram.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Advanced Power TopLED Plus is the new optimized white LED designed for architectural and retail lighting. Color White Tones From 2,700 to 6,500 K Current Up to 0.5 W Voltage 27 lm (100 mA/5,100K) ...

Dialight.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring a high-impact, UV-stabilized lens material, the 657 Series rugged right-angle LED panel mount indicator is highly suitable for outdoor applications and uses. Color "Cool White" light Current 25 ma...

Luminus Devices.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CSM-360-W PhlatLight LED is designed specifically for general lighting applications. The CSM-360-W combines the benefits of large monolithic chips in a multi-chip configuration to deliver a Chip-an-Board LED...

Cree.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The XLamp MC-E LED is a lighting-class multi-chip LED that provides 4 times the flux as XLamp XR-E in the same footprint, without compromising thermal performance. XLamp MC-E reduces LED system cost by reducing...

Lumex.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AstraLED RGB is an innovative high-power LED that combines cost and space savings with superior performance. Color Red/Green/Blue Current N/A Voltage 300 mA/350 mA/350 mA Intensity -8 lm/25 lm/20 lm...

E-Switch.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TL1290 illuminated right angle tact switch offers applicability in consumer electronics, audio/visual, medical, testing and instrumentation, telecommunications and computer/servers/peripherals, among others. ...

DDP.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 120MBLS-X-CX, a 120-VAC line voltage lamp, reduces power consumption and maintenance costs. Color Red/Amber/Blue/Green/White Current N/A Voltage 130 VAC (Max) Intensity 15 lm (Typical Lens...

OSI Optoelectronics.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dual LEO series consists of a 660 nm (red) LEO and a companion IR LED such as 880/895, 905 or 940 nm. Used for ratiometeric measurements such as medical analytical and monitoring devices, they can also be used in...

Rohm.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SML-L1 and SML-J1 series of side-view and top-view (respectively/ high-output surface-mount LEDs are designed to provide autofocus flash functionality and auxiliary lighting in law Tight conditions far...

Para Light.(SpecCheck/LEDs)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Enhanced Power Edge Emitting LED (EP204K-150A1) features a peak wavelength of 590 nm with a 100[degrees] viewing angle. Color Yellow Current 150 mA Voltage 2.2 V (Forward) Intensity 4,000 mcd...

Hold your position: making your position sensors smaller, faster, more powerful and rugged, with a little wireless communication on top.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... When considering the best sensor for a speed and position application, there is no clear choice with regards to contact vs. non-contact technology. The particular performance and price requirements of the application often dictate the...

Wireless interface.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEI (Goleta, CA) Industrial Encoders introduces the SwiftComm Wireless Interface for SSI absolute encoders. Using SSI communications protocol at the transmitter and receiver end, users can connect the wireless...

Closed-loop control.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PI (Auburn, MA) extends its line of piezo stages for super-resolution microscopy. Features include: * A low profile of 20 mm. * Low-cost piezoresistive sensors. * Software support for leading image...

Frictionless motion.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Way Air Bearings (Aston, PA) announces the launch of a new line of radial air bearings for use in precision rotary motion applications. The new modular components are positioned in combinations of 3 to 4 segments...

Steel Motors.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stainless Motors (Rio Rancho, NM) introduces a new series of stainless steel motors for marine applications that are resistant to salt water environments. Features include: * Motors range from 1/2 to 5 HP. *...

Zero cogging.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schneeberger (Bedford, MA) introduces a linear motion driven actuator, P3. The P3 features: * High speed and acceleration up to 5 m/s @10 g. * An integrated coil/carriage for optimized thermal performance....

Small form factor.(New Products: Motion Control)
May 1, 2009... Precision Motion Controls (San Jose, CA) introduces the SMD drive, a small form factor microstepping drive with dimension of 4" x 3" x 1.5". Features include: * 3 states controls: charging, discharging, circulating. * Up to 8 A current...

Dimensional stability.(New Products: Materials)
May 1, 2009... DSM Somos (Elgin, IL) announces USP Class VI approval for their WaterShed XC 11122 resin. The WaterShedXC provides: * Clarity. * Durability. * Dimensional stability. * Water-resistance. * Usability in the medical device...

Thin profile.(New Products: Materials)
May 1, 2009... PACOR (Bordentown, NJ) have partnered with Aspen Aerogels to distribute and fabricate revolutionary insulation materials made from nano-porous aerogels. The materials feature: * Service temperatures from -273[degrees] to 649[degrees]C. ...

Thread check.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kaman's (Colorado Springs, CO) Universal ThreadChecker is an application-specific sensor system designed to check for thread presence/absence. ThreadChecker discriminates between a threaded and an unthreaded hole or...

Piezo-resistive.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
May 1, 2009... EPCOS (Iselin, NJ) has developed a compact packaged sensor for barometric pressure measurement. With dimensions of only 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.9 [mm.sup.3], the new pressure sensors open up application perspectives, especially for portable electronics....

Ultra low power.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
May 1, 2009... Sporian Microsystems (Lafayette, CO) introduces a family of ultra low power 3-axis accelerometers. Designed for high C applications, the devices feature: * Piezo ceramic technology. * 3-axis sensing. * Low power * 2 to 5 VDC...

Fluid characteristics.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Burger & Brown Engineering (Grandview, MO) introduce tracer electronic flowmeters that display flow, temperature, BTU's/min and fluid characteristic indication or turbulent flow. Switching Tracer flowmeters show the...

Captive-screw design.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Penn Engineering (Danboro, PA) introduces new PEM C.A.P.S. that access hardware and incorporate a captive screw and plastic colored cap in a spring-loaded assembly to promote secure attachment and enable subsequent...

Reliable bond.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... 3M (St. Paul, MN) introduces 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fasteners with high strength adhesive. Dual Lock reclosable fasteners feature: * 3M VHB Tape technology for adhering on contact to HSE and most LSE plastics, metals and powder coated...

Spring hinges.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Guden (Ronkonkoma, NY) announces new, stronger spring hinges to their line of industrial hinges and hardware. Spring hinges are ideal for applications that require holding doors and lids in an open or closed...

Connectors.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sullins Connector Solutions (San Marcos, CA) released the RDPS Series of card edge connectors for superior durability in high-temperature, harsh environment applications. The RDPS Series features: * A material...

Flex & dome.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Interpower Corporation (Oskaloosa, IA) announces dome types of metric strain reliefs. Features include: * O-rings included for Ingress Protection (IP) rating. * Nickel-plated brass dome versions that are...

Low lateral stiffness.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] R+W America (Bensenville, IL) introduces the latest collection of standard bellows coupling designs for applications requiring torque ratings from 15 to 10,000 Nm. Features include: * Compensation for axial,...

Prevent ingress.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (Fort Wayne, IN) launches its new range of Mechanical Face Seals. Engineered for rotating applications in demanding environments, the seals can withstand wear and prevent ingress of harsh...

Enhanced drainability.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... Swagelok (Solon, OH) DR series radial diaphragm valves feature enhanced drainability and system compatibility. The single body valve design with a boreline seal minimizes entrapment areas Features include: * A wide range of configurations...

Adjustable jaws.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heyco Products (Toms River, NJ) announces a new Pneumatic Hand Air Tool designed to speed installation of their nylon hose clamps. The hand air tool features: * Adjustable jaws to accommodate a wide range of...

Organic polymer.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
May 1, 2009... Multi-Seals (Manchester, CT) introduces Wash-Away dissolvable spacers designed to provide consistent spacing between printed circuit boards and PCB components. The organic polymer spacers: * Locate PCB components during soldering...

Metal carriers.(From the Cover)
May 1, 2009... The Gortrac division of A&A Manufacturing (New Berlin, WI) offers a custom Metal Line of carriers that utilizes standard components customized to any specifications. Features include: * Availability in a variety of plastic, metallic and...

High-def digital video processing board.(Distributor Data)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mouser Electronics (Mansfield, TX) has reached a global distribution agreement with eInfochips (Sunnyvale, CA), a company that offers of Chip/ ASIC, embedded systems and software product development tools. Mouser's...

Specialized ICs.(Distributor Data)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Digi-Key (Thief River Falls, MN) has expanded its distribution contract with Honeywell to a global agreement. Honeywell Precision Sensors (Plymouth, MN) is a supplier of specialized integrated circuits for aerospace...

Embedded device servers.(Distributor Data)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Avnet Memec (Phoenix, AZ) and device networking semiconductor provider Connect One (San lose, CA) have signed a distribution agreement. Connect One's iChip and embedded device servers are now available from Avnet in...

Starter & development kits.(Distributor Data)
May 1, 2009... Newark (Chicago, IL) is now stocking Cypress' (San Jose, CA) CY3267 PowerPSoC evaluation kit and CY3268 PowerPSoC demonstration kit. The kits feature: * The ability to evaluate the single-chip solution for both controlling and driving...

A resilient breed: engineers are the cornerstone of this nation's economic recovery and you can succeed with a good idea, a good work ethic and a good plan.(Final Thought)
May 1, 2009... The level of pain one might feel from this recession is dependent on which end of the axe you are experiencing. If it's the blade, the pain is great. From the handle, maybe you are suffering from more psychic pain than fiscal pain. What is...