Product Design & Development articles from November 2008

Product Design & Development archives from November 2008

Mini size, maximum impact.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... WAGO's (Germantown, WI) newest pluggable connector for modular wiring systems, the 890 Series WINSTA[R] MINI, brings convenient PUSH WIRE[R] terminations to modular electrical wiring. The 890 Series consists of: * 2- and 3-pole variants....

Hydraulic isolation.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... The new Lee IMH Shuttle Valve from The Lee Company (Westbrook, CT) is a miniature and reliable solution to the problem of hydraulic isolation in manifolds. The new valve features: * A compact, non-detented, selective design. * A 5.5-mm...

Unprecedented force: weight.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Miga Motor (Berkeley, CA) has announced the new MigaOne[TM] motor. The MigaOne[TM] is a powerful, but lightweight (less than .5 oz.) linear actuator built directly onto a PCB substrate. The new motor, now being...

Quick on-site assembly.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, the MP 52.2 PowerLine and MP 82.2 HeavyLine chains from Murrplastik (Hatfield, PA) offers a time savings of up to 59 percent per production step during an on-site assembly test, according to the...

Off-center applications.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sherex Fastening Solutions (Tonawanda, NY) has introduced the next generation of fastening technology--a patent-pending rivet nut with internally floating threads called RIVFLOAT[TM]. According to the company, the...

High-performance computing.(First Look)
November 1, 2008... W. L. Gore & Associates (Landenberg, PA) has developed the new GORE[TM] SFP+ Copper Cable Assemblies for the high-performance computing (HPC), enterprise networking and network storage markets. The cable assemblies offer a more reliable,...

I had no idea.(At Issue)
November 1, 2008... Just when I thought I knew what a trade show was, I found out that I had no idea. As I write this, I've just walked miles of trade show floor at electronica 2008 in Munich, Germany. Featuring some nine buildings, each suitable for a show in its...

Speed control.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SmartFan Nimbus-HP from Control Resources (Littleton, MA) is a compact, TRIAC based fan, pump and motor control designed for OEM applications in the HVAC, electronics and indu trial controls markets. According to the...

Video multiplexer.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Pickering Interfaces (Clacton, UK) expands its range of LXI switching solutions with the introduction of the 1 GHz multiplexer. According to the company, the 60-721 features; * Configuration as a 72-channel multiplexer characterized for...

Low insertion loss.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Specifically for LAN applications, EPCOS (Iselin, NJ) has developed magnetic modules for both electrical isolation and suppression of common-mode and differential-mode interference. According to the company, the...

Plug & play.(From the Cover)
November 1, 2008... FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology (Irvine, CA) presents its LSB200 S-Beam Jr. Load Cell with a new USB Digital Interface with 16 bits resolution. FUTEK's USB sensor solution provides: * Plug-and-play capabilities with basic software. *...

For first timers.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... Blue Ridge Numerics announces the availability of CFdesign vl0 for Windows HPC Server 2008, a new solution that allows engineers to "Go Digital," conducting more design studies in less time; saving expensive physical testing for final...

Energy recovery.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... PI (Auburn, MA) offers new E-617 high-power piezo amplifier ideally suited for high-dynamics applications. According to the company, the amplifier features: * Innovative efficient circuitry based on energy recovery technology that reduces...

Accurate control.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mineo (Minneapolis, MN) introduces a new line of temperature instrumentation, including transmitters, controllers, indicators and accessories designed to work with Minco temperature sensors and heaters and variety of...

Customized for combat: JLG's Millennia Military Vehicle offers perspective on integrating new design requirements with current systems in meeting harsh environment applications.(MILITARY: Engineering Answers)(Cover story)
November 1, 2008... For those operating in and designing for military hot zones across the globe, the term "harsh environment" takes on a slightly different meaning. Serving in situations that present extreme weather conditions, little or no down-time and...

Voltage conversion.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Endicott Research Group (Endicott, NY) offers DC-DC converters in a range of output power levels from 0.25 to 25 W. The converters offer: * Availability of 7 different series of DC-DC converters, the output power determining the package...

High accuracy.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Heise[R] DXD digital pressure transducer by Ashcroft (Stratford, CT) delivers the benefits of digital communication. This instrument offers: * A LabVIEW[TM] driver and a powerful new LabVIEW-based utility...

Multi-function modes.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Omron Electronics (Schaumburg, IL) meets counting and positioning needs with a single H7BX multi-function counter that delivers preset and batch counting functions as well as advanced dual counter and tachometer functions. The product features:...

Visually impaired.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Switches Plus (Milford, CT) introduces a new black-and-white double On/Off switch to the range of RoHS-compliant Series 44 industrial controls. According to the company, this product features: * A large, illuminated central lens to indicate...

Nano-sized.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... American Portwell Technology (Fremont, CA) introduces the NANO-8044, an embedded board utilizing the Nano-ITX form factor that is based on the Intel Atom[TM] processor Z510/Z530 and the Intel System Controller Hub US15W. According to the...

Half-chip.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] V*I Chip (Andover, MA) introduces a 120 W, 1/32nd brick footprint BCM[TM] bus converter. The VIB0101THJ features: * A 48- to 12-V surface-mount, non-regulated converter with 94.5 percent efficiency. *...

Air conditioned cases.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EIC Solutions (Warminster, PA) introduces a new line of air conditioned transit cases (patent pending) to safely transport, protect and cool electronics. The cases feature: * A built-in thermoelectric air...

Bi-directional command.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Linx Technologies (Grants Pass, OR) introduces the new MT Series Transcoder IC for bi-directional remote control and command applications. The MT series features: * The ability to perform basic uni-directional functions while allowing...

Spec check/temperature sensors.
November 1, 2008... Spec Check/TEMPERATURE SENSORS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HONEYWELL SENSING & DANFOSS CONTROL Honeywell's R300 Series The...

Fiber-optic.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Beckhoff Automation (Minneapolis, MN) has released 2 new EtherCAT[R] modules for fiberoptic cabling--the EK1501 EtherCAT Coupler and EK1521 junction terminal. The new fiber-optic EtherCAT modules provide: * Networking up to 2 km...

Unique oval shape.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Phaseda (Beaverton, OR) introduces its new design of oval rocker switch series. The oval rockers feature: * Availability in both single- and double-pole versions. * UL, cUL and VDE approvals, and full European Rolls compliance. ...

Boosted performance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... STMicroelectronics (Lexington, MA) introduces its first automotive-qualified 3-axis MEMS accelerometer. The new AIS326DQ device features: * AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive applications. * Compliance with automotive-industry...

Skillful design.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Schurter (Santa Rosa, CA) offers the new TA35 circuit breaker featuring: * An extended operating temperature range of-30[degrees] to 60[degrees]C. * Extended life to 50,000 switching cycles under load. * Narrower trip...

Connection flexibility.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... MEN Micro (Ambler, PA) offers a line of intelligent 8-port Fast Ethernet switches that provides 3 types of front connections (RJ45, M12 and D-Sub) and a rugged design for use in harsh environments. The switches offer: * Consumption of less...

4:1 input.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Murata Power Solutions (Mansfield, MA) introduces its new UEI-series of isolated, wide-range DC/DC Converters in a 40.6 x 50.8 x 10.16 mm design. The converters feature: * An operating temperature range of-40[degrees] to 85[degrees]C. ...

Water resistance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Cherry Electrical Products (Pleasant Prairie, WI) introduces the new KC and KD Series of round, water-resistant rocker switches. The switches feature: * A design with a silicone rubber actuator and snap-fit mounting. * Compliance with...

Energy savings.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Diodes (Dallas, TX) extends its Zetex LED Driver Series with the introduction of 3 new miniature LED drivers. Provided in TSOT23-5 and thermally enhanced DFN6, the integrated ZXLD-1352, -1356 and -1366 deliver adjustable output currents of 350...

Clearly conveyed status.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) introduces EZ-LIGHT[[TM]] Audible and Segmented Indicator Lights for operator guidance and indication of equipment status. The rugged EZ-LIGHT indicators feature: * Multi-colored, long-lasting LEDs for...

Low profile.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Mezza-pede[TM] 1-mm SMT Connectors from Advanced Interconnections (West Warwick, RI) are designed for 1-mm pitch micro board-to-board and flex cable-to-board applications. The screw-machined, low profile...

600 K per hour.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Baumer (Southington, CT) expands the SCATEC sensor family to include the SCATEC-2 Long Range Photoelectric Sensor. The sensors offer: * Specific design for non-contact counting of overlapped paper sheets, newspapers and other flat objects...

Power factor.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... CR Magnetics (St. Louis, MO) introduces a new series of Power Factor Transducers designed to sense the Phase Angle difference between AG current and voltage signals. The new CR6300 series features: * Allowance to correct power factors to...

Extreme environments.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... Absopulse Electronics' (Ottawa, ON Canada) RWR 212 series is a fully encapsulated, 200 W DC/DC converter designed to meet EN 50155 for electronic equipment used on railway rolling stock. The RWR 212 offers: * High levels of isolation. ...

CANopen option.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... QuickSilver (San Dimas, CA) adds a CANopen option to its OEM servo motor controller. CANopen may be configured for peer-to-peer, master or slave, allowing the controllers to share I/O and register with other CANopen enabled SilverDust[TM]...

Major military use.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... ITT Interconnect Solutions (Santa Ana, CA) offers its CA Bayonet Series connectors used with major military programs worldwide. The circular connections offer: * Compliance with VG52934. * An ideal solution for rapid mating and...

PLC component.(New Products: Electronic Components)
November 1, 2008... AutomationDirect (Cumming, CA) introduces the CLICK[R] PLC. The line of micro brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software features: * The ability to function as a complete PLC system. * 8 inputs, 6 outputs....

New manifolds.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... Clippard Instrument Laboratory (Cincinnati, OH) introduces a new series of sub-miniature manifolds for 10- and 15-mm solenoid valves. According to the company, the manifolds feature: * A small size allowing for groupings of valves in small...

Slim enclosure.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... Elma Electronic (Fremont, CA) introduces a new MicroTCA solution in a 3U MicroSlim[TM] design. The 19" rackmount 3U MicroSlim chassis offers: * 12 AMC (AdvancedMC). * 2 MCH (MicroTCA Carrier Hub). * 1 JSM (J-TAG Switch Module)....

Precision-Rolled.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... Danaher Motion (Wood Dale, IL) offers Thomson NEFF[TM] Precision Rolled Metric Ball Screws. Thomson NEFF ball screws feature: * An accuracy of 50 microns/300 mm, with higher accuracies available upon request. * Availability in a range...

Double coating.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scapa North America (Wingsor, CT) introduces Duofoam S4032-PE, S4016-PE, and S4008-PE. The double-coated white polyethylene foam tape is supplied o11 a 4 mm red HDPE release liner. The foam tapes feature: * A...

Connectorized cables.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Phoenix Contact's (Harrisburg, PA) 7/8" MINI SAC cordsets feature official compliance registration to Fieldbus Foundation's FF-844 requirements for H1 Type A cable. The H1 Cable Test Specification is designed for...

Line driver cables.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... CUI (Tualatin, OR) introduces a new series of line driver cables for use with the AMT series of modular encoders. The AMT line driver cables offer: * An on board line driver chip that converts the normal TTL voltage output of the AMT...

Window glazing tapes.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
November 1, 2008... Adhesives Research (Glen Rock, PA) introduces the ARclad[R] 8416 (black) and ARclad[R] 8516 (white) double-sided foam tapes developed to achieve high glazing performance by combining an acrylic adhesive with a strong, flexible foam carrier. The...

Certified first.(From the Cover)
November 1, 2008... Northwire (Osceola, WI) DataCELL FOUNDATION fieldbus cable is the first to be FF-844 certified by the Fieldbus Foundation. This certification assures that the cable is electrically precise and meets FOUNDATION fieldbus type A cable physical...

The Brainstorm.
November 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: What do you feel is of...

Wax pattern printer.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
November 1, 2008... 3D Systems (Rock Hill, SC) announces the ProJet[TM] CP 3000 3-D Production System for the high-speed, high-volume production of RealWax[TM] casting patterns from digital data for foundry prototyping and end-use parts applications. According to...

Foot control.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
November 1, 2008... The LINEMASTER[R] (Woodstock, CT) Clipper Foot Switch is designed with an ergonomic shape and robust cast iron housing for ease of use and long life. According to the company, the Clipper offers: * Availability in either momentary or...

Accurate installation.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
November 1, 2008... Bird Technologies Group (Solon, OH) launches a new addition to its SignalHawk[TM] line of products. The SignalHawk VNA Spectrum Analyzer makes accurate installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of wireless communications systems easy and...

Versatile QMAN.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... Digitaltest (Concord, CA) introduces the versatile QMAN data entry station IRWS. QMAN Version 5 is Quality management software featuring: * Use for data entry at visual inspection workstations. * A checklist that can be provided to and...

Measure low contact pressures.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... Sensor Products (Madison, NJ) announces Pressurex Zero[R], an easy-to-use flexible film that is placed between contacting or mating surfaces to instantly and accurately measure and map pressure magnitude and distribution (photo of a heat sink...

Explosion-proof.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... The compact REX011 series of explosion-proof thermostats from Omega Engineering (Stamford, CT) are design to give highly accurate readings The thermostats feature: * Black anodized aluminum, DIN rail mountable housing. * A design to...

Test tools.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... ASTER Technologies (Cesson-Sevigne, France) introduces a new generation of test coverage analysis tools based on the TestWay analysis tool. According to the company, these new tools include TestWay Express[TM] and QuadView-TPQR[TM]. According...

Unrivaled sensing range.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) introduces long range ML7 Background Suppression (BGS) Photoelectric Sensors. According to the company, the ML7 BGS sensors feature: * A compact 31 x 11 x 23 mm housing. * A...

Level measurement.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
November 1, 2008... Elobau Sensor Technology (Lake Bluff, IL) introduces a new line of level measurement products, including sensors for liquids and bulk solids, switches and level indicators. The level measurement products exhibit: * The ability to supply...

Covering costs: new coating technologies offer efficiency and flexibility for designers.(MATERIAL TRENDS)
November 1, 2008... As assemblies get smaller and faster, designers are faced with new challenges in finding the right coating solution for their specific design. While every assembly is different, flexibility to meet performance requirements and efficiency in...

Halogen-free polymer.(New Products: Materials)
November 1, 2008... Ticona Engineering Polymers (Florence, KY) introduces XFR[R] halogen-free flame retardant polymers--the enhanced Celanex[R] 6842 series with improved processability and equivalent properties that give designers and manufacturers a drop-in...

Toughness & durability.(New Products: Materials)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3D Systems (Rock Hill, SC) introduces the DuraForm[R] PP 100 Plastic, a new sintering material with the toughness and durability of molded polypropylene. Developed jointly with TRIAL Corporation of Kanagawa, Japan,...

Versatile solutions.(New Products: Materials)
November 1, 2008... Bayer MaterialScience (Pittsburgh, PA) introduces its proven family of Blendur[R] polyurethane resin systems to the North American market. According to the company, the Blendur resin systems feature: * High glass transition temperatures...

Robust engineering.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jaeger[R] brand "IA4A/B Series" linear actuators from SKF (Bethlehem, PA) offer robust engineering for performance in AC-powered industrial applications. The linear actuators exhibit: * Enhanced corrosion...

Compact, dynamic, dependable.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... In combination with the ACOPOS drive system, the 8LSA series servo motors from B&R Automation (Roswell, GA) feature: * 19-bit encoders for consistent movements and accurate positioning, 25-bit available. * Availability as multi-turn...

Advanced & precise.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ACS Motion Control has developed a RoHS-compliant version of its SPiiPlus 3U motion controller, the SPiiPlus 3U-HP Series. The motion controller features: * Availability in 4-, 6- or 8- axes versions. *...

Complete system solution.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... SKF[R] (Bethlehem, PA) Mech-Tronix spindles with integral AC motors offer a system package with high power capabilities and variable speed performance. Features include: * A factory-matched drive, chiller, and other component options. ...

Sophisticated motion.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... ACS Motion Control (Plymouth, MN) introduces a stand-alone motion controller providing multi-axis control for simple and demanding applications, the SPiiPlus-LF. The small form factor, 4-axes motion controller features: * Off-board...

Added resolver feedback.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... Delta Computer Systems (Vancouver, WA) offers more rotary motion capability by adding absolute position feedback with a resolver interface module for the multi-axis RMC 150 motion controller. According to the company, the controller features:...

Pro motion.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Performance Motion Devices (Lincoln, MA) introduces advancements its Magellan[R] Motion Control Processor combined with Pro-Motion[R] and C-Motion[R] development software. According to the company, its motion control...

Vacuum technology.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HEIDENHAIN (Schaumburg, IL) offers high quality linear encoders in 3 product versions, the LIF 481V, the LIP 481V and the LIP 481U. The linear encoders exhibit: * Vacuum-compatible PCBs, adhesives and paints...

Powerful motor, small size.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... maxon (Fall River, MA) introduces the RE 8. The small DC motor features: * A diameter of 8 mm. * length of 16 mm. * A weights of less than 4 g. * A motor shaft at only 0.8 mm in diameter, turning only 2 sleeve bearings. ...

Energy savings.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... Stainless Motors (Rio Rancho, NM) introduces a new line of water-cooled stainless steel motors, ranging from 5 to 500 HP. According to the company, tire new motors feature: * Incorporation of an integrated water-cooling technology with the...

Fastening system.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quality Transmission Components (QTC) (Garden City Park, NY) introduces a new series of Modules 0.5, 0.8, and 1 spur gears. The SUS303 stainless steel gears are identified as the SUSL Series, and feature: * The...

Mini SQUIGGLE driver.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... New Scale Technologies (Victor, NY) offers the NSD-1102 dedicated piezoelectric motor driver ASIC for its miniature SQUIGGLE micro motors, the world's smallest linear motors. According to the company, the NSD- 1102 features: * The ability...

Rack & pinion.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... WITTENSTEIN (Bartlett, IL) offers an alpha gearbox/rack & pinion combination for every application. According to the company, the 3 levels of rack & pinion systems are: * Economy for standard linear applications in mid-range/low-cost...

Compatible gearmotors.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... Bison Gear & Engineering (St. Charles IL) introduces its new VWDIR14 AC parallel shaft gearmotors that are with most globally available AC sources. The gearmotors feature: * Utilization of 1/20 HP (37.3 motors which can be conveniently...

Consistency & precision.(New Products: Motion Control)
November 1, 2008... BEI Kimco Magnetics (Vista, CA), a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), introduces a new compact sized, high force, cylindrical Voice Coil Actuator. The actuator features: * A design with high force sensitivity in a lightweight...

Improve collaboration.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CCE (Farmington Hills, MI) adds the ability to transform and rotate components in heterogeneous and homogenous assemblies as well as improved markup collaboration capabilities in EnSuite Version 2. The multi-CAD...

Powerful capabilities.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... Anark (Boulder, CO) introduces Anark Core 2.0--its innovative, automated 3-D CAD transformation platform adding expanded conversion, transformation and automation capabilities to prepare 3-D product design data for visualization, simulation,...

System upgrade.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... COMSOL (Burlington, MA) announces Multiphysics 3.5, featuring: * New Parasolid file format support. * New bidirectional Autodesk Inventor interface. * New solvers, coding, and usability enhancements, many new functionalities,...

Platform independence.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lenze-AC Tech (Uxbridge, MA) announces the configuration and programming software MotionView OnBoard can now be launched front any Window's based web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox--platform...

Thread-Safe.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... Spatial (Broomfield, CO) introduces the Thread-Safe ACIS Modeler, the first commercially available thread-safe 3-D geometric modeling component. The product offers: * Near linear performance scaling on multi-core systems for compute...

Expanded formats.(New Products: Software)
November 1, 2008... Norgren (Littleton, CO) has launched its new CAD (computer aided design) site supported by SolidWorks, offering expanded product ranges and improved navigation as well as utilizing password protection for greater security. According to the...

B2 to B100.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eaton (Eden Prairie, MN) has introduced a new line of flexible rubber hose designed for use with biodiesel B2 to B100 in diesel engines, trucks, buses, agricultural vehicles and off-highway applications. Eaton's new...