Automation Parts

Trenze FPGA Micromodules Suit Harsh Environments Trenz Electronic launched its TE0320 series, a range of FPGA-based industrial micromodules for harsh environments and pervasive deployment. TE0320s integrate a Xilinx Spartan-3A-DSP FPGA, a USB 2.0 microcontroller, 128MB DDR RAM (32-bit wide), 4MB Flash memory for configuration and operation, and switch-mode power supply for all onboard voltages. A lnumber of configurable I/Os are provided via standard board-to-board connectors. Customised versions, as well as modules with industrial-grade components are available on request. Combined with their carrier boards, they are suitable for educational and research activities. Software for SPI Flash programming over USB, as well as reference designs for high-speed data transfer over USB are included.

Teseq Upgrades Integrated Immunity Test Program Teseq has announced an upgrade to its AutoStar integrated immunity test management program. New features include an overview runtime mode, live battery control, automation developer's kit connectivity and a completely rewritten sequencer. The AutoStar 5.0 accommodates a range of testing needs with pre-programming for more than 1,000 tests and a standards database updated to incorporate the latest revisions of many manufacturer standards, including several 2008 standards. The sequencer allows the user to build complex test sequences in situations with complicated testing requirements and generate a full test report of the entire sequence. Sequences are easily stored and can be run with custom dialogues or no user interface at all. Operators can fine-tune the battery level in 100mV steps via the live single-click battery adjustment for standards that require tight tolerances on battery voltage during the test run. The immunity tes

Concurrent SBC Complies With OpenVPX VITA 65 Concurrent Technologies has introduced an ultra-low-power 3U VPX-REDI single-board computer (SBC), the TR A40/30xRC, designed to comply with the OpenVPX VITA 65 standard. The TR A40/30xRC utilises the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor Z530 and the integrated Intel System Controller Hub US15W, both from the Intel embedded roadmap. The board supports up to 2GB DDR2-533 soldered SDRAM and a variety of I/O interfaces, including a CANbus interface, yet maintains a typical power requirement of less than 10W. The RC-Series TR A40/30xRC is a VPXREDI Type 1 Two Level Maintenance conduction-cooled board with support for Built In Test (BIT). The TR A40/30xRC SBC provides a flexible PCI Express (PCIe) OpenVPX backplane fabric interface that can be configured for several OpenVPX slot profiles from 8x1 PCIe ports through to 2x4 PCIe ports. This fabric flexibility makes the board suited for systems with direct wiring between slots on the backplane and for sy

Cypress Announces IP Elements For PSoC 3 Cypress Semiconductor has announced the availability of over 30 intellectual property (IP) elements for its PSoC 3 programmable system-on-chip architectures. The embedded design resources include example projects, application notes and solution overviews, all of which enable engineers to quickly implement designs using the PSoC Creator integrated development environment (IDE). The IP elements help engineers to quickly design with features of the PSoC 3 architecture such as the direct-memory access (DMA), analogue peripherals and communication interfaces. These elements also provide design examples for using PSoC 3 power management, LCD segment display, CapSense buttons and sliders.

Keithley Hosts Capacitance-Voltage Testing Webinar Keithley Instruments will host a 45min online seminar entitled 'Semiconductor Capacitance-Voltage (C-V) Testing Fundamentals'. The seminar will be broadcast on 29 October at 15:00 CET, to enable engineers based in Europe to participate in the live event. The webcast is free to attend, but registration is required. The seminar will introduce the topic of C-V measurements as they relate to semiconductor device and materials characterisation. It is recommended for engineers who are new to semiconductor materials and device testing and those that want to refresh their knowledge of the subject.

Austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS5245, a magnetic rotary encoder IC designed to address automotive requirements such as reliability, accuracy and safety. Based on Austriamicrosystems' stacked-die technology, the AS5245 provides best phase matching capabilities. No additional temperature compensation, calibration or shielding against external magnetic stray fields is needed. The digital angle data of the AS5245 is provided as a simple serial interface or as a PWM signal. In addition, an incremental quadrature output mode with an improved interpolation algorithm can be enabled and permanently programmed with a resolution of 10 or 12 bit. An internal voltage regulator allows the AS5245 to operate at 3.3 or 5V supply within a wide ambient temperature range of up to 150C. The AS5245 is available in a lead-free QFN 32 package.

Cadence Printed Circuit Board Has New Features Cadence Design Systems has released its Cadence Allegro and OrCAD printed circuit board (PCB) software with a range of new features. The Allegro and OrCAD PCB Design Release 16.3 allows engineers to miniaturise the footprint of their end product and reduce the number of physical prototype iterations. This release addresses increased functional and interconnect density through improvements for rigid-flex routing, extended high-density interconnect (HDI) rules, 3D viewing of PCBs and asymmetrical clearance for RF circuits. Extended micro via stacking rules allow users to create the most difficult HDI designs, while multi-line curved bus routing that hugs the flex outline accelerates the creation of rigid-flex designs. An integrated 3D PCB viewer gives designers visibility into components and HDI micro via breakouts, eliminating unnecessary iterations with mechanical design teams. The Allegro PCB RF Option also helps engineers to reduce t

Quantum Releases Upgrade For Pulse Generator Quantum Composers offers a firmware upgrade option for the legacy Stanford Research Systems DG535 pulse generator, allowing the user to use existing programming language as Command Set Compatibility. This will aid in transitioning programming software from the DG535 to the more fully featured and higher throughput QC9520. The majority of these commands perform identically to the SRS equivalent instrument functions, and several capabilities actually extend the functionality and/or the limits of the SRS equivalent capabilities. The 9520 Series provides solutions to generate and synchronise multiple pulses and triggers for a variety of applications. For automated test sequencing, all common computer interfaces, such as RS232, USB, GPIB and Ethernet, are available. The 9520 Series provides up to eight fully independent, digitally controlled channels with width, delay, and rate and amplitude control on each output.

NI Digital Video Analyser Tests Multimedia Devices National Instruments has introduced NI Videomaster 3.0, a PXI-Express-based digital video analyser for validation and production testing of multimedia devices. Videomaster simplifies the testing of multimedia devices by using configurable measurement steps within NI TestStand test-management software to automate a full suite of video measurements. By taking advantage of the efficient, configurable performance of Videomaster 3.0, multimedia test engineers can significantly reduce development costs and decrease overall test time. The PXI Express digital video analyser makes it possible for engineers to test multimedia devices with High-Definition Multimedia Interfaces (HDMIs). The solution supports the analysis of HDMI signals with Full HD resolution up to 1080p/60Hz, High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and deep colour with up to 12-bit colour depth. The Videomaster digital video analyser solution also includes more th

PI Online Learning Centre Has Instructional Videos Power Integrations has launched PI University, an online technical learning centre featuring practical instructional videos on power-supply circuit design. The PI University courses offered each week will demonstrate new approaches to designing, specifying and testing efficient power supplies. PI University Season One covers a range of power-supply design topics, including bringing up a power supply for the first time; identifying and troubleshooting problems; complying with energy-efficiency standards; and measurement and testing techniques. A video will be released each week throughout January 2010. Courses currently available include: Testing Compliance to Energy-Efficiency Standards; Fixing a Flyback Supply with No Output Voltage; and Techniques for Measuring Efficiency Power Integrations. Each IC includes a 700V power Mosfet combined with control and protection circuitry on a single chip. Features include current limiting

Comsol Announces Multiphysics 4.0 Beta Edition Comsol has released the beta edition of Comsol Multiphysics 4.0, its multiphysics modelling and simulation environment. Version 4.0 delivers the Comsol Desktop, a new user interface that is designed to allow users to easily build and run simulations. 'With the new Comsol Desktop environment, we're making it easier for more engineers to apply multiphysics to more applications,' said Svante Littmarck, president and chief executive of Comsol. 'The Comsol Desktop streamlines the modelling process for a broad user base. 'This unified interface is built for cross-disciplinary applications and is quick to learn,' he added. The Comsol Desktop allows the user to organise the work flow and gives a clean overview of the modelling process. Users can set up the desktop's appearance using its docked window placement capabilities that include the main menu, model builder and a help desk, as well as settings, messages and g

Optitex Presents Textile Industry Webinars Optitex will host a series of webinars for current users of CAD software and other parties interested in the fashion and textile industry. The webinars provide an opportunity for anyone interested in the latest CAD technology and the many ways it can streamline workflow. The webinars will provide information for those in the fashion and textile industry looking to increase profits during pre- and post-production phases. Participants will be provided with knowledge to enhance speed, accuracy and fit when working with CAD software. Participants can review topics such as 3D design and fit, nesting, marking and animation, while acquiring tips to maximise the usage of their current software. Optitex specialists will lead the series of webinars from 28 October 2009 until 24 March 2010.

Dynamic Systems Releases Tracking Software Dynamic Systems has announced the release of a low-cost WIP (work in process) software program based on bar code technology, called Checkmate WIP Lite. The release of WIP Lite is targeted at manufacturers who want to know who is assigned the job, where it currently is in the plant and how long it has been in that location. The work order can be tracked to department, task or employee; multiple jobs may be assigned to the 'badge'; and time frames may be set for each task and reported when overdue. The tracking software is said to provide: a reduction of late jobs; the ability to identify bottlenecks; an improvement in productivity; and increased customer service. Dynamic Systems provides bar code systems including a tool and equipment management system with a maintenance scheduler, inventory control, time and attendance and job costing.

Veolia Chooses Eaton's Arcon For Switchgear Safety EMS has selected a design based on Eaton's Moeller Modan modular switchboard system for a critical application at the Selchp energy recovery plant owned by Veolia Environmental Services. Additionally, as Veolia Environmental Services is committed to ensuring high safety levels, it was decided that the switchboard should be fitted with an Arcon arc-fault protection system. This system was developed by Eaton's Moeller business and is approved by VDS Schadenverhutung, an independent international accredited and notified authority for safety technology. Veolia Environmental Services' new switchboard, which replaces an existing board that could no longer meet current operational needs, supplies power for the aero condenser installation that underpins the operation of the cooling towers at the company's Selchp plant in south London. The plant incinerates 400,000 tonnes of waste per annum and uses the heat produced t

TUV Hessen Offers Pre-Shipment Inspections TUV Hessen is now offering its pre-shipment inspections independent from a quality control. The TUV inspectors control completeness and packing of the goods before despatch to make sure the articles arrive safely. The pre-shipment inspections can be adapted to meet the requirements of the destination country/customer. TUV Hessen can perform quality or production control, keep an eye on timelines, confirm the conformity of goods with standards of the destination country, as well as manage the whole supplier side of the project management. The company has a large pool of qualified experts from different fields of expertise and access to an international network of branches with several offices on each continent. The third-party function of TUV Hessen is said to signal reliability to prospective customers when this inspection is included in tenders and offers.

Gavazzi Sensors Measure Environmental Variables Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of sensors to measure environmental variables including CO2 levels, humidity, temperature and airflow. The CGES sensors complement the company's existing offerings to provide complete solutions for energy management, HVAC and smart building applications. The devices can be used to control humidity level in wet climates, improving comfort and discouraging the growth of mildew. Standards introduced by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers define a maximum CO2 level of 1000ppm; and the ASHRAE 62-1989 norm has been widely adopted in countries including Sweden, France and Japan as well as the USA. CGESCO2 sensors use non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to provide measurement ranges 0-2000 or 0-5000ppm. Using an auto-calibration procedure to compensate for drift caused by ageing, the sensors are designed to provide traceable high accuracy and long-term

Taegutec Introduces Turning Chip Breaker Insert Taegutec has introduced the FC double-sided turning chip breaker insert that is said to be ideal for light to finishing turning applications. The FC chip breaker provides good chip control at low feed rates and small depths of cut making suitable for finish-machining operations. The FC chip breaker has a 3D serration on the cutting edge to reduce the cutting forces and extend tool life. The specially designed chip breaker geometry will offer effective chip breaking in both turning and facing operations on carbon and alloy steel. The range is available in CNMG, WNMG, DNMG, TNMG and VNMG inserts with a capability of operating at feed rates from 0.05-0.4mm/rev at 0.2-2.5mm depth of cut. The FC chip breaker is suitable for carbon steel and alloy steel with good performance on mild steel, low-carbon steel and low-carbon alloy steel. To further expand its turning line and in accordance with increasing market demands, Taegutec has expanded

Go LED Worklights Give 50,000 Hour Illumination Go Distribution has introduced to Australia rugged portable LED worklights designed to provide 10 years or more of optimum clarity and reliability, or 50,000 hours of outstanding illumination. The cordless Hemipro High Power Worklights incorporate high-power LEDs in work lights originally designed for the professional automotive repair market, making them suitable for use in resources including industrial, construction, energy, engineering, water, waste water and safety tasks. Using two or three high-power LEDS, the Hemipro two- and three-LED work lights provide powerful beams that, respectively, equal or exceed the light area intensity of a 60 or 75W beam, according to the company. The lights have a hemispherical lens design that refracts the LEDs into a clean, bright and wide beam. The lens design captures and transfers the LED light into a 70deg beam, while eliminating hot spots, dull areas or halo rings. Designed to provide high

Schroff Dehumidifier Protects From Condensation Schroff has launched a dehumidifier system that is designed to remove moisture from the air within an enclosure to protect electronic and electrical components from condensation. Manufactured by Hoffman, the H2OMIT system consists of a compact thermoelectric dehumidifier and a corrosion-resistant vent drain. The dehumidifier unit features a high-impact ABS shell measuring 152 x 140 x 146mm and can be installed in the bottom of the enclosure or mounted on a DIN rail with a plastic hose connecting it to the vent drain. The vent drain, which is available in stainless-steel and polyester versions, allows the accumulated water to escape and also functions as an air-pressure equaliser, reducing the likelihood of temperature-induced vacuums that could draw moisture into the enclosure. Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, the H2OMIT system helps to prevent corrosion-related problems such as overheating, arcing, sparking and short

ESAB Explains How To Improve Welding Productivity At Schweissen und Schneiden 2009 in Essen, Germany, ESAB provided an exhibition newsletter entitled 'Let's Talk Productivity' that explains the link between quality and productivity. The newsletter, which was available free to those who visited the ESAB stand, explained how real productivity gains in welding and cutting must come from more than just cost-cutting exercises. The company said fabricators need to recognise that quality is the key to real productivity gains, reducing the overall cost of fabrication and boosting output potential. Nazmi Adams, global marketing director at ESAB, wrote: 'Low-quality products can be a false economy, resulting in further expenditure elsewhere that makes the initial savings pale into insignificance. 'These hidden costs can take the form of higher failure rates - made worse by products that are tricky to use and which may not have been designed for the job.' ESAB's ex

Power Jacks Actuators Enable A-Frame Manipulators Power Jacks supply Omega Foundry Machinery with actuators that provide the clamping action to enable A-frame electric manipulator to function. The manipulators are designed, built and supplied as mechanical handling devices for flask and flaskless moulds within foundry production lines worldwide. The manipulator device lifts, lowers, rotates, pivots, positions and closes different types of sand moulds up to 1500kg. The moulds come in a range of sizes and the actuator can securely hold clamped any of the sizes for which the manipulator is dedicated. Clamping pad options on a mould manipulator provide secure clamping and accommodate simple pick and place operations and/or additional box pivot functionality. The single phase actuator with parallel mounted motor configuration and integral limit switches occupies a small space envelope. Its 7kN load capacity delivers ample performance in various stroke lengths sufficient to accommodate

Lumasmart Temperature Monitor Is Smart-Grid Ready Lumasense Technologies has announced the release of the Luxtron Lumasmart winding hot-spot temperature monitor. Transformer winding hot-spot temperature is a critical parameter required to manage the loading, life and reliability of transformers. Common devices, such as winding temperature indicators (WTIs) or electronic temperature monitor's (ETMs), try to simulate or calculate this temperature. The only true measurement of this parameter is attained using fibre-optic sensors fitted directly into the transformer's windings. The Lumasmart builds on the ruggedness, reliability and stability of its predecessors, such as the WTS-22 and Thermasset2. The Lumasmart is a smart-grid ready winding temperature hot-spot monitor. For the operator, the touch-screen display on the Lumasmart offers easy-to-use trending tools, graphics and alarm configurability to customise the Lumasmart product to exactly fit their needs. In addition,

Solidprofessor Announces Update Training Course Solidprofessor has unveiled its 2010 series of on-demand Solidworks content, beginning with Update Training 2010. This course is designed to help users get the most out of their Solidworks upgrade by providing an in-depth review of each enhancement and how to best use it. Lessons cover all of the fundamental changes to sketching, parts, features, assemblies, detailing, drawings, sheet metal and weldments, as well as new shortcut techniques such as mouse gestures and rapid dimensioning. The latest release includes lessons for Solidworks Premium add-ins such as routing and simulation, as well as new and improved tools such as Sustainabilityxpress and Simulationxpress. Update Training can be purchased as a standalone course or as part of a subscription to Solidprofessor Standard, Professional or Premium. For more details on the options available to subscription customers can visit the Solidprofessor website.

Cooling System Could Save Energy Costs A cooling system launched by data centre design-and-build company TKR Data Centres, could save a UK-based enterprise around GBP370,000 a year in energy costs. The company commissioned TKR to design and construct a proof of concept for the cooling system, named Cryocentrix, within a test area of its data centre. The results were successful and the system is now being made available industry wide. 'Extensive testing and verification of performance took place over several months as adjustments and refinements were made to enhance the performance of the systems and controls,' said a spokesperson from TKR. 'A PUE of between 1.1 and 1.52 was achieved in a variety of conditions. 'If these methods were applied to the whole of the data centre, savings in the region of GBP370,000 per year in energy costs could be anticipated,' added the spokesperson. This level of efficiency is achieved by reducing the power consumed by all element

Terminal Block Features Internal Jumper System Wago Corporation's 805 Series side-entry PCBs are designed to simplify wiring via push-in and push-button-actuated terminations. Available in standard 2-pole to 24-pole configurations, the 805 Series PCB blocks feature 3.5mm pin spacing for conductors AWG 24-16 and are UL/CUL certified at 300V/10A. The 805 Series also offers an internal factory-installed jumper system for commoning, conserving conductor capacity in high-density applications. The 805 Series PCB blocks reduce wiring times via push-in terminations for solid conductors or stranded conductors with ferrules. Terminating stranded conductors is also simple: depress the on-unit pushbutton with a screwdriver to open the clamping unit, insert conductor and release. Conductor entries are 0deg (parallel to PCB), and an optional test port provides hands-free troubleshooting with direct contact to current bar for accurate readings. Ultra-compact spring pressure connection techn

Exhibition Includes Hinges, Handles And Gaskets Custom-made hardware components, including hinges, handles and gaskets, will feature at the Fastening and Assembly Solutions Exhibition on 29 October at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham. The fast-paced development and continued introduction of new hardware continues to meet the needs of manufacturers and installers of cabinets, enclosures, equipment housing, road and rail vehicles, guarding, street furniture, packaging machinery, storage equipment, process and production lines, HVAC, display equipment, and so on. Exhibitors include FA Parkes with its ranges of locks, handles, hinges, gas springs, gasketing, accessories and rod sets. The products are supported by a customising and kitting service. Dirak will highlight some of its Snap-Line products that allow for assembly without tools. Snap-Line elements such as hinges, handles, locks and latches can snap-in to a housing panel or door to provide a secure and vibration-proo

Evologics Exhibits Subsea Modem Technology At Inwatertec 2009, Evologics will exhibit its developments in underwater acoustic communication and positioning with an emphasis on security features of the S2C acoustic modem and USBL antenna. Evologics is addressing the wireless underwater communication challenges confronting naval defence. The company has developed an acoustic modem (R-Series of S2C modem, available in various models to meet different needs) that opens up potential applications for improved subsea monitoring, subsea production systems, operation of robots, AUVs (and ROVs) and for wireless acoustic networks. The modem is claimed to provide excellent reliability in ocean and offshore applications.

Permabond Offers Alternative To Welding Permabond is offering a range of high-performance adhesives for use in place of welding. Permabond has reported that laboratory testing and customer feedback show positive results for its latest adhesive. The adhesive has the ability to withstand high temperatures (such as those experienced during the powder coating process) and the seamless aesthetic appearance of welding after parts have been powder coated. Please click on the 'receive a brochure' link at the right-hand side of the page to obtain further information about replacing welding with adhesive.

Wittenstein Gearhead Suits Space-Restricted Apps Wittenstein has developed the V-Drive+ Servo Worm Gearhead that meets requirements for resource-efficient servo applications and is predestined for applications where space is restricted. Circumferential backlash has been reduced to a defined minimum by optimising the special concave-profile teeth. The concave teeth also assure consistently high positional accuracy, giving up to 50 per cent more torque. The V-Drive economy series with a circumferential backlash more than 8arc/min is available as an economical alternative to the V-Drive+. This gearhead family is based on the concave-profile tooth principle, which unites high torques with efficiency unrivalled by other worm gearheads, the company said. The V-Drive Economy range is suited to applications requiring less precision.

ETES Presents Scottish Manufacturing Event European Trade and Exhibition Services (ETES) has announced Manufacturing Technology Scotland, an event demonstrating the latest in manufacturing, assembly and industrial sub-contracting. Located at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow, the show will provide a showcase for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing expertise. On 11 and 12 November, around 150 of Scotland's leading manufacturing enterprises will be exhibiting a broad range of products, technologies and services geared to the needs of the Scottish manufacturing industry. Around 10 per cent of the UK's aviation industry is based in Scotland, and the region is home to a large number of high-tech manufacturers and sub-contractors dealing with defence, oil and gas and pharma-bio. Electronics assembly accounts for nearly half of Scotland's manufacturing output, with nearly a third of the EU's computers and notebooks made there every year. Al