Product Design & Development articles from September 2008

Product Design & Development archives from September 2008

Tactical computer.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quantum3D (San Jose, CA) and Alta Data Technologies (Rio Rancho, NM) have announced the successful validation testing of Quantum3D's newest Thermite tactical visual computer to the SAE AS15531 MIL-STD-1553, AS4111...

8-Slot Backplane.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... Elma Bustronic (Fremont, CA) has developed a new size for its line of VXS Backplanes. The 8-slot VXS Backplane features: * 1 hub slot. * A design that fits in most 4U high horizontal mount enclosures. * Compliance with VITA 41.0...

Vivid images.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech (Cincinnati, OH) introduces the IPPC-7157A, a 15" XGA TFT LCD Pentium D (up to 3.2 GHz)/Pentium 4 (up to 3.8 GHz)/Celeron D (up to 3.06 GHz) Industrial Panel PC. According to the company, the new...

Zero-bezel.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new 1900L and 2200L high resolution LCD touch monitors from Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems (Harrisburg, PA) are the first zero-bezel wide-aspect ratio touch monitors with a 100-percent useable surface area....

Piston & cylinder sets.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... Airpot's (Norwalk, CT) new line of adaptable piston and cylinder sets is constructed using a graphite piston/borosilicate glass cylinder combination in which each piston is selectively matched to fit the cylinder with close clearances....

Integrated display.(First Look)
September 1, 2008... Panasonic Electric Works of America (New Providence, NJ) has released a new digital air flow sensor, the FM-200 series under the SUNX brand. The FM-200 series bi-directional digital flow sensor offers: * Usability with air or Nitrogen gas....

Don't worry, you're employable.(At Issue)
September 1, 2008... Part of my daily routine consists of trolling through websites and news sources, looking for fodder on all things design engineering--I'm like a sponge (at least I feel more comfortable using that comparison rather than "news junky"), I take it...

Controlled compact mobility.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Molex (Lisle, IL) introduces a new series of microSD card connectors that help control card ejection in mobile and compact devices. According to the company, Molex's new models feature: * A rating at 0.5 A and 10 V. * Metal shielding...

Interface boards.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... United Electronic Industries (UEI) (Walpole, MA) has released the DNx-AI-254 LVDT/RVDT interface boards. According to the company, the boards feature: * Availability for use with UEI's PowerDNA Cube or for rack-mounting in a PowerDNR...

Stand up to abuse.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... American Sensor Technologies (Landing, NJ) offers the Model AST 4600 Explosionproof Pressure Sensor Transducer/Transmitter for use in hydrogen service and other hazardous applications. According to the company, the product features: * A...

Small fuse, high performance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schurter (Santa Rosa, CA) introduces the first 1206 chip fuse with rated current values up to 25 A. According to the company, the new slow-blow UST 1206 provides: * High melting I2 t values for impressive...

Modular solution.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms (Charlottesville, VA) introduces the DSC-2300 Series high performance signal conditioning systems. The DSC-2300 features: * A 3U, 16-slot rack-mountable chassis. * A smart...

Consistent performance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raycap (Liberty Lake, WA) has received approval from Underwriters Laboratories to mark its Strikesorb 40-mm and 80-mm surge protection device (SPD) modules as UL 1449 3rd Edition Safety Standard certified. According...

Pack 5 amps.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Hasco Relays (New Hyde, NY) introduces the SPDT Hasco Relay. According to the company the relay offers: * A .62" (L) x .43" (W) x .44" (H) footprint. * The ability to switch a current of 5 A with a 2 A option. * Coil voltages...

Fingernail-size.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AirDio (Taiwan) manufactures a fingernail-size wireless communication system that enables WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, digital video broadcasting--terrestrial/handheld, ultra wideband, and WiMAX. According to the company,...

Electronic controllers.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eaton (Eden Prairie, MN) has added of a line of electronic controllers and corresponding programming software. The programming software, Eaton CONTROL F(x)[TM], will be used to program the Eaton EFX electronic...

Getting a grip: how a new industrial robotic gripper design helped improve product quality and foundry worker safety.(INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: Engineering Answers)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Both the people and machinery that keep foundries running have to be able to work in a very hostile environment. One of these areas is testing molten metal such as steel, aluminum and custom metal formulations. These...

4:1 input.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Murata Power Solutions (Mansfield, MA) introduces its new UEI-series of isolated, wide-range DC/DC converters. According to the company, the series offers: * 50 to 60 W of power output. * A standard 40.6 x 50.8 x 10.16 mm (1.6" x 2" x...

Fused tantalum capacitors.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... AVX Corp. (Myrtle Beach, SC) has developed a family of fused tantalum capacitors that feature an internal fuse to protect against short circuits and damaging high DC leakage currents. According to the company, the capacitors offer: * The...

Integrated expansion.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ACS Motion Control (Plymouth, MN) expands its configurable machine and motion control product offering with 9" and 11" enclosures for 2-to-4 axes. The MC4U 9" and MC4U 11" high performance control systems integrate...

High-speed optics.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Omega Engineering (Stamford, CT) introduces its new OS4000 series of industrial high speed fiber optic infrared transmitters. The transmitters exhibit: * Capability to measure temperature from 200[degrees] to 1,600[degrees]C. * 3...

Cable redundancy.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The Compact Link Selector by B&R (Roswell, GA) was developed for connecting POWERLINK controlled nodes. According to the company, the device structure follows proven X20 philosophy. Features include: * A 62.5 mm width. *...

Ultra subminiature.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... CIT Relay & Switch (Maple Grove, MN) CL1101 Series is a high quality, versatile tactile switch available in standard package quantity of 1,500 pieces on tape and reel. The single-pole, single-throw momentary surface mount switch offers 2...

Dependable emergency switch.(From the Cover)
September 1, 2008... Switches Plus' (Braeside, VIC, Australia) rugged 44 Series emergency stop switches provide rapid, positive response. According to the company, the switches feature: * Opening and closing with a push on the oversized, bright red actuator,...

Plastic ball valve.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Hayward Flow Control Systems (Clemmons, NC) offers a choice of electric valve actuators, and control panels/systems for a range of valve automation requirements. According to the company, the electric actuators feature: * Availability in...

Voice-capable alarms.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Floyd Bell (Columbus, OH) now offers the new high-quality Announcer[TM] Series of digital alarms. According to the company, the alarms offer: * The ability to play a pre-recorded audio message for up to 10 s at an average of 85 dB. *...

Small, bright lights.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Cree (Durham, NC) presents a new standard for lighting-class LEDs with the introduction of the XLamp[R] XP-E and XP-C LEDs. The LEDs have the smallest footprint in the industry for lighting-class LEDs, according to the company. The XLamp LEDs...

Oven stabilized.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The Connor-Winfield (Aurora, IL) Oven Stabilized Crystal Controlled Oscillators (OCXO) series and Voltage Controlled Oven Stabilized Crystal Controlled Oscillators (VCOCXO) series are designed for use in applications requiring stabilities of [+...

Scientific Automation.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... To provide high precision measurement devices in small housings, Beckhoff Automation (Minneapolis, MN) introduces the new EL3602 EtherCAT[R] I/O terminal. According to the company, the EL3602 offers: * A new generation of high precision...

Oscillating Stability.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Fox Electronics (Fort Myers, FL) offers HCMOS oscillators. According to the company, the oscillators offer: * 2.5-V operation. * Tighter stability options of 15 ppm (F547), 10 ppm (F549) and 8 ppm (F54S). * Phase noise of-140...

Integral piloting.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The new HydraForce (Lincolnshire, IL) SVCL aud SPCL series valves provide integral piloting or load-signaling in a solenoid-operated on/off or proportional cartridge valve. According to the company, the valves are an efficient and compact...

Advanced graphics.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Aitech Defense Systems (Chatsworth, CA) offers flexible, high performance 3-D graphics and imaging functionality available in a single, low-power PMC. Based on the ATI M9 graphics processor, the new M590 multi-standard graphics and video PMC...

Geotechnical data loggers.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... CAS DataLogger (Chesterland, OH) introduces the new dataTaker DT80G and DT85G geotechnical data loggers. The new GeoLoggers provide a versatile solution for geotechnical applications. According to the company, the data loggers feature: * A...

Expansion resources: Tim Barber, Senior Vice President of Design Chain Business Development for Avnet Electronics, offers some insight on how distribution can help expand a global presence.(GLOBAL DESIGN: Q & A)(Interview)
September 1, 2008... Q: From your perspective, what steps should a designer take when bringing a new product to a new geographic marketplace? How might this change for a mature or existing design? A: As companies look to these emerging markets, they need to...

Configurable adapters.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sealevel Systems (Liberty, SC) introduces the SeaLINK.SC and SeaLINK+2. SC. According to the company, the USB to serial products offer: * 1 or 2 serial ports that are software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or...

Space-saving design.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... TURCK (Minneapolis, MN) introduces the new IMS interface module that provides a cost-effective solution for analog signal conversion. According to the company, the IMS interface module features: * A 6.2-mm width. * The ability to...

Military power.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Vicor (Andover, MA) introduces the M-FIAM9 (Military Filter Input Attenuator Module), a new DC front-end module that provides EMI filtering and transient protection. The module enables designers using Vicor's Maxi, Mini, Micro Series 24 V and...

Octo-LED.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lumex (Palatine, IL) introduces a new line of surface-mount devices that represent the first commercial technology to combine surface-mount technology (SMT) with the features and capabilities of through-hole, leaded...

Charge intelligently.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Microchip Technology (Chandler, AZ) introduces the MCP73871 charge-management controller--a Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charger with an intelligent charge management feature that enables simultaneous AC-DC-adapter or USB-port charging and powering of...

Highly integrated.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... By providing 24 constant-current outputs capable of driving RGB LEDs at up to 80 mA, the STP24DP05 from STMicroelectronics (Lexington, MA) performs the work of 3 conventional 8-output drivers within a compact 7 x 7 mm footprint. According to...

American-made.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Asahi America (Malden, MA) has developed a line of corrosion-resistant actuators. The Series 79 Pneumatic Actuators for quarter turn ball and butterfly valves offer: * Accurate and dependable control. * Output torques from 60 to 17,000...

Liquid level.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Whitman Controls (Bristol, CT) manufactures a complete line of liquid level switches including side-mount and vertical-mount models. According to the company, the switches offer: * Availability in high performance models and a combination...

Alternating plug-in relay.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The Schneider Electric Relay Competency Center (Palatine, IL) introduces the Square D[R] 8501KA series alternating relay. The product offers: * A unique design for applications that require a device to provide switching capabilities to...

Center tap.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Model 4283-1250 Series Hi-Voltage Transformers from Datatronics (Romoland, CA) provide a means of driving high impedance loads requiring up to 2,500 VDC. They are application-specific devices, which can be...

Multi-magnet capabilities.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... MTS Systems (Cary, NC) Sensors Division's Temposonics[R] linear-position sensors provide precision and increased productivity in plastic injection molding machines. According to the company, the sensors offer: * The ability to generate up...

Custom services.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Control Resources (Littleton MA) now assists OEM clients with design and manufacturing needs. According to the company, services include: * Smartfan[R] technology. * Concept to prototype through production...

Attractive antenna.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Antenna Factor (Merlin, OR) introduces a 2.45 GHz version of its LP Series antenna family. According to the company, the series offers: * A compact, low-cost, cosmetically attractive antenna solution. * 1/4-wave. * Direct mounting...

Flush diaphragm.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Stellar Technology (Amherst, NY) offers the Model FT260 miniature pressure transducer. According to the company, the all-welded stainless steel sensor features: * A flush diaphragm introducing zero dead volume to the fixturing. * A...

Minimal creepage.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Everlight Electronics (Carrollton, TX) introduces 4-pin SSOP phototransistor optocouplers. According to the company, the optocouplers feature: * A low-profile (2-mm) package. * High isolation voltage (3750 Vrms). * Minimum...

Illuminated button.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... APEM Components (Haverhill, MA) introduces the LPI series illuminated pushbutton switches. According to the company, the LPI features: * A large actuator surface and light actuation force designed to be compliant to the Americans with...

RF output.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Raditek (San Jose, CA) introduces a Synthesized Phase Lock Oscillator. According to the company, the Synthesized PLO exhibits: * A solution to generate RF output frequencies not harmonically related to the reference that can be set to 100...

Should the U.S. employ RoHS-like standards for imported products?(THE BRAINSTORM)
September 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: Mark A. Kohorst ...

Speccheck/cordsets.
September 1, 2008... Spec Check/CORDSETS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] INTERPOWER Continental European cordsets used in various countries throughout the world are available in various...

Surge protection.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Littelfuse (Des Plaines. IL) introduces tile 0501 Series surface-mount 1206-size fuse, specifically designed to provide fast-acting protection for high-current voltage regulator modules and DC-to-DC converters. According to the company, the...

Extreme operation.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Digi International (Minnetonka, MN) introduces a line of wired and wireless device networking solutions designed for reliable operation in hazardous environments. The product line includes the Digi Connect[R] WAN IA cellular ronter, XTend[TM]...

Easy jump.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Automation Systems Interconnect (ASI) (Mechanicsburg, PA) introduces a new line of DIN rail-mounted IEC terminal blocks, EZ Jump Terminal Blocks. According to the company, the terminal blocks feature: * A design around an easy-to-install...

Reliable identification.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The Multi-Code Reader from ifm elector (Exton, PA) is designed to read 2-D Data Matrix Codes and 1-D bar codes in high-speed industrial automation applications. According to the company, the multi-code reader exhibits: * The ability to...

OEM pumps.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KNF (Trenton, NJ) manufactures specialized OEM pumps and compressors used in analyzers, medical instruments, printers and industrial process equipment. According to the company, additional services include: *...

Touch sensing.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Avnet (Phoenix, AZ) and Cypress Semiconductor (San Jose, CA) have upgraded the Spartan[R]-3A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Evaluation Kit. The upgraded kit includes the addition of Cypress' CY3217 (MiniProg)...

Compact & rugged.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Johnson Electric (Vandalia, OH) introduces TH-Contact[R] TE1 Emergency Stop Switches. According to the company, the rugged IP65-sealed switches offer: * Availability with illuminated or non-illuminated mushroom cap diameters of 25-, 30-...

More reliable, less complex.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Timken Company (Canton, OH) has introduced a new M15 Modular Magnetic Encoder that provides reliable feedback to keep motors and factory-automated equipment running longer, even in harsh environments. According...

Reliable bulk power.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... Murata Power Solutions (Mansfield, MA) introduces its CEF400-112C series, a new 400 W, single output AC/DC switching power supply for distributed power architecture (DPA) designs requiring reliable 12 V bulk power. According to the company, the...

Better control resolution.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Visi-Trak (Valley View, OH) has announced its high-speed, high-resolution, linear position & velocity sensor system (#A40-HR 20P) and position controls for harsh industrial environments. The rugged, high-speed sensor...

4-port device.(New Products: Electronic Components)
September 1, 2008... The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech (Cincinnati, OH) introduces the EKI-1524 Serial Device Server, the latest addition to the EKI-1500 family. According to the company, the server features: * The ability to allow up to 4...

Micro medical devices.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dynamics Research's (Andover, MA) Metrigraphics Division introduces a new family of micro-induction coils designed for use in implanted medical applications and traditional biomedical devices. According to the...

Comprehensive expertise.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) offers an array of advanced lighting solutions for vision systems. Lighting products are available in 5 different color options, with an array of filters, diffusers and mounting...

Accurate measurements.(New Products: Test & Measurement)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Teledyne Hastings Instruments (Hampton, VA) introduces a new family of mass flow meters, the 400-I-Series. According to the company, the instrument features: * A linear laminar flow element allowing for accurate...

Higher load capacity.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TOPBALL[R] slide products from NB (Wood Dale, IL) offer 27 times more travel life to automation equipment, machinery, optical and measuring instruments. According to the company, TOPBALL[R] slide products feature:...

Smooth & accurate.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... New from THK, (Schaumburg, IL) the LC Linear Guide Ball Bushing offers high accuracy, smooth motion and high load capacities. According to the company, the LG features: * A rotation prevention function, where 4 rows of circular are grooves...

Step-to-step resolution.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... The ALS130H Series linear motor stage from Aerotech (Pittsburgh, PA), with its sub-nanometer resolution, bi-directional repeatability, and low-velocity performance is the solution for high performance test, measurement, inspection and other...

Regulate your speed.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MINI-K[R] model Kinechek[R] from Deschner (Santa Ana, CA) offers: * Usability in applications requiring a small, lightweight feed control, and handheld drill operations. * A leak-proof design and full...

Custom made.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... Torque Transmission's (Fiarp, OH) offers a Custom Right Angle Gear Box that contains a standard array of drives in each right angle gearbox line, along with components such as timing pulleys, idler shafts and keys, satisfying a wide spectrum of...

Rugged encoder.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Dynapar (Gurnee, IL) Acnro XR 12-bit absolute encoder is designed utilizing magnetic technology. According the the company, it features: * A magnetic engine. * Oversized bearings to handle high axial...

Right angle power.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... To meet the needs of OEMs, Bison Gear & Engineering (St. Charles, IL) introduces its new VWDIR03 right angle fractional horsepower gearmotors designed as Von Weise Drop-In Replacements. According to the company, the Bison VWDIR03 offers: *...

Prevent contamination.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pacific Bearing Company (Rockford, IL) introduces its brand new line of linear actuators. According to the company, the PL, MT and MX series linear actuators feature a seal to prevent contamination. The PL series is...

Industrial interfaces.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... Myostat Motion Control (Ontario, Canada) now provides Ethernet and CANopen interfaces for the CM1 and CM2 Cool Muscle line of integrated servo systems. Moving beyond MODBUS, the CANopen interface provides: * A standardized DS402 protocol...

Servo benefits.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... Applied Motion Products (Watsonville, CA) introduces SV Series Servo Drives. The SV series are compact 5" x 3" x 1.75" programmable OEM servo drives. Additional features include: * Protection against over and under voltage, over-temp, motor...

Zero translation.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... Developed for precision optical positioning applications the LFA-1012 Linear Focus Actuator from Equipment Solutions (Sunnyvale, CA) features: * A patented zero-translation tangential flexure for high speed travel. * A clear aperture....

Powerful pumping.(New Products: Motion Control)
September 1, 2008... The EHE Series Chemical Metering Pumps from Walchem (Holliston, MA) are one of the most powerful electronic metering pumps available. According to the company, the EHE pumps feature: * Outputs to 20 GPH. * Pressures to 150 PSI. *...

Protect critical components.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
September 1, 2008... The Lee Company's (Westbrook, CT) new IMH Insert Style Screens are last chance safety screens designed to protect critical fluid control components against rogue contamination in high volume industrial and automotive applications. According to...

On-board electronics.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
September 1, 2008... Eaton (Eden Prairie, MN) has added the KBFDG5V-10 2-stage proportional directional valve with on-board electronics and main stage spool feedback to its line of Vickers[TM] products. According to the company, features include: * A design...

Strain relieving.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
September 1, 2008... Heyco Products (Toms River, NI) introduces the new Snap-In Cordgrips for cord and cable strain relief in limited clearance applications inside electrical cabinets and product housings. According to the company, the cordgrips exhibit: *...

High Flex.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
September 1, 2008... W. L. Gore & Associates (Elkton, Md.) supplies GORE[TM] Camera Link[R] High Flex Flat Cable for use in Infini Flex[TM] Cable Assemblies manufactured by Intercon 1, a division of Nortech Systems and global supplier of machine vision analog and...

Consistent actuation.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
September 1, 2008... Humphrey Products (Kalamazoo, MI) introduces a new MINI-MIZER valve. According to the company, the valve exhibits: * A working temperature rating down to -50[degrees]F (-45[degrees]C) with the ability to function in a range from...