Automation Parts

Harwin Maxi Clip Handles 0.7-1mm Wall Thicknesses Harwin has broadened its range of surface-mount EMI/RFI shield clips with the launch of the Maxi clip, which handles protective cans with wall thicknesses of between 0.7 and 1mm. The use of clips reduces assembly time and simplifies rework. Rather than hand-soldering shielding cans to a PCB as a secondary operation, cans are pressed into clips that have been placed during the main automated surface-mount assembly processing. This saves time, reduces errors and scrap, and enables sensitive components to be inspected and, if necessary, lifted and replaced more easily. Supplied in Tape and Reel packaging, Harwin's EMI/RFI clips are targeted at telecoms, datacoms, data processing and in-car entertainment systems. They are proven to help protect sensitive ICs used in applications such as the Bowman Military radio project and automotive Satnav and DVD players.

Synchro/Resolver Boards Available In Two Models United Electronic Industries (UEI) has released DNx-AI-255 synchro/resolver interface boards. The boards are available in two models - one for use with UEI's PowerDNA Cubes and another for rack mounting in a PowerDNR Racktangle or Halfrack chassis. Multiple operating modes ensure compatibility with all standard sensor wiring and excitation configurations, making the boards suitable for a range of rotational position or motion applications. Each board has two fully isolated synchro/resolver channels with independent A/D converters, while each channel offers 16-bit resolution, +/-2.6arc/min accuracy and scan rates up to 4000Hz. The boards are able to operate as a synchro/resolver-input interface or as a simulation-output device - on a per-channel basis. Each of the channels may be configured as a synchro/resolver input with internal or external excitation, or as a synchro/resolver-simulated output. Each simulated output may be use...

Marktech Launches High-Purity InP Wafers Marktech Optoelectronics, in collaboration with Optrans, has introduced high-purity, high-speed InP wafers. The Optrans research and development team has developed a MOCVD process that produces multiple 4in wafers simultaneously, significantly reducing the processing time required to grow InP wafers. The Closed Coupled Showerhead (CCS) technology used in Optrans' MOCVD reactors results in increased production capacities and greater cost savings. InP material provides high operating speeds, low noise, low voltage and high reliability, and is used in photonic and electronic applications. Typical photonic device types include: lasers, photo detectors, avalanche photo diodes, optical modulators and amplifiers, waveguide-based devices, quantum photonic devices, optoelectronic and photonic integrated circuits, as well as devices for optical communications, switching, networking, signal processing and material for solar cells. InP-based High ...

Sager To Stock Electri-Cord Power Cords Sager Electronics has announced that it will begin stocking Electri-Cord power cords. The company has inventoried many of the standard power cords that meet US and international standards. Sager will have an added focus on Electri-Cord's hospital-grade power cords. These power cords are designed specifically for the medical industry and have all of the necessary agency approvals.

SynaptiCAD To Give Away Free Simulator Licences SynaptiCAD will be giving away free six-month licences for its Verilogger Extreme compiled-code Verilog 2001 simulator for a limited time. Verilogger Extreme is claimed to reduce simulation debug time. Free licences will be available for both Linux and Windows versions of the simulator. The company's Verilogger Extreme is being distributed without any code, making it run more than 10 times faster than the other simulators on larger simulation runs. In the near future, SynaptiCAD plans to release a version of Verilogger with full PLI support (currently in beta), as well as support for new Verilog 2005 features such as the encryption/decryption of IP models. This update will also be available free of charge to all customers who take advantage of the free six-month licence offer available now. In the longer term, the company is developing a single-kernel, mixed-language version of the simulator that supports VHDL as well as Verilog. Veri...

Power Supplies Provide Constant Voltage Output Powerpax has introduced a range of waterproof IP67-rated power supplies that are particularly suitable for LED applications, as well as CCTV and access security requirements. The CE and UL safety-approved series meet RoHS requirements and start at 15W, providing a constant voltage output in a case measuring 160 x 30 x 20mm. The 200W constant-voltage unit measures 230 x 118 x 60mm. Powerpax offer a branding service for orders of 100 pieces and over and are also able to modify standard units to meet customers' exact requirements, such as custom lead lengths and input and output terminations. Powerpax also offers 15 and 30W constant-current IP67-rated LED units within the same range. All units are housed in a high-quality aluminum case.

Mean Well Offers Ecopac 2,400W Power Supplies Mean Well has introduced the RSP-2400 series of enclosed 2,400W switching-mode power supplies from Ecopac Power, extending the existing range of RSP power supplies currently available. The new series allows Mean Well to offer a complete high-power product range, covering 500W, 600W, 1,000W, 1,500W, 2,400W and 3,000W. The RSP-2400 uses advanced digital control techniques to increase the flexibility of the power supply. It also reduces the internal part count. For applications that require even higher power, the RSP-2400 can be used with the built-in parallel function to combine with two more units to triple the output wattage. The range of power supplies features a trim function, allowing the output voltage to be adjusted from 20 per cent to 110 per cent of the rated voltage. This is achieved by adding 1-5.5V of external control voltage, providing users with flexibility for designing their systems. As well as the standard functions of ...

Temperature Measurement Kit Works In Remote Areas The Temptrackr multipoint wireless temperature measurement kit from Aspen Electronics is suitable for monitoring the temperature on equipment and installations in remote locations. It can also be used where power and communication to the sensor is restricted. Designed for systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers, the system is claimed to be simple to install and use. It is also portable and offers good performance for real-time in-process temperature sensing. Developed by Vectron International's Sengenuity division and manufactured in Germany, the starter kit contains three passive wireless temperature sensors, capable of measuring temperatures between 0C and +120C from a maximum interrogation distance of 1.78m. The surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based sensors require no power source as they harvest energy from bursts of radio frequency emitted by a wireless interrogator, which excite resonators within each device. ...

Mini-BNC Connectors Increase Wiring Densities A new range of 75ohm Mini-BNC connectors, engineered by Cambridge Connectors to meet 3G SDI video requirements, can increase wiring densities by up to a third. With a pitch of 12mm, compared to the standard BNC pitch of 16mm, the range is suitable for routing and switching equipment used extensively in video transmission networks. Its small size and weight make it suitable for outside broadcasts and similar confined or portable environments. A choice of straight, right-angle and printed-circuit-board (PCB) edge mounting styles is available with the additional option of a two-part version offering the opportunity for PCB hot-swapping. Reflection factors (VSWR) range between 1.04 at 1.5GHz and 1.16 at 3GHz, depending on the configuration. With an operating temperature range of -65C to +85C and a contact mating cycle of 500, the range is fully RoHS compliant and comes with a standard finish of brass/nickel.

Linear Introduces Four-Port PoE Controller Linear Technology has unveiled the LTC4266 four-port power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controller for power sourcing equipment (PSE) needed to provide IEEE 802.3at (25.5W) or proprietary higher power levels. Next-generation PoE applications call for more power to support demanding features, while increasing power efficiency in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, according to the company. The LTC4266 provides up to 100W over four-pair Ethernet cabling and is fully compliant with the new IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard and backward compatible with the prior IEEE 802.3af PoE standard. To help conserve power, the LTC4266 delivers low heat dissipation by using low RDS(ON) MOSFETs and 0.25ohm sense resistors, eliminating the need for expensive heatsinks and providing a stronger PSE solution. The LTC4266 is suitable for a variety of PSE applications, including next-generation switches, routers, hubs and midspans. The low power...

Schaeffler Offers Compact FAG Wheel Bearings The Schaeffler Group's range of FAG wheel bearings is more compact, lighter and offers simplified mounting via a self-centring, axial spur-gear teeth design. A reduction in weight of 10 per cent typically amounts to an overall weight reduction of around 1kg for a four-wheel vehicle. The FAG wheel bearing has a spur-gear teeth design, in which the wheel bearing and axle journal are connected axially rather than radially. This has resulted in a bearing module that is lighter and can be mounted clearance free. Driving characteristics are therefore improved and automotive manufacturers benefit from a simple mounting process and the associated cost reductions. The new FAG wheel bearing with spur-gear teeth is better equipped to deal with the loads that occur during vehicle operation. The spur-gear teeth ensure positive connection between the wheel bearing carrier and the input shaft, which simplifies mounting. The self-centring axial-ge...

Nexans Adds T-shaped Connectors To MV Range Nexans has extended its range of compact medium-voltage (MV) connectors with two T-shaped connectors designed for use with compact switchgear and transformers. The M430TB connector is for use with higher voltages (up to 36 kV) and the M434TB connector is for higher currents (up to 1,250A). Nexans' T-shaped connectors create a compact connection solution, enabling two cables to be connected in the same space required for one cable using a traditional, non-compact connector. As well as being suitable for applications where space is a limiting factor, the Nexans compact connectors also enable users to increase the capacity of an existing installation. The M430TB and the M434TB are separable bolted connectors designed to connect polymer-insulated cable to wind-turbine equipment such as switchgear and transformers. They can also be used for cable-to-cable connections with the appropriate mating parts. A key design feature is the 3mm EPDM...

HBM Torque Flange Has Measuring Range From 200Nm HBM has improved the performance of its T40 multi-purpose torque flange with a new rated measuring range from 200Nm. The T40 is now available with rated torques of 200nm, 500nm, 1kNm, 2 kNm, 3 kNm, 5 kNm and 10kNm. Intended to provide accurate torque measurements, even under difficult ambient conditions, the T40 features identical electrical configuration throughout the series. This allows the torque transducer to be used for a range of applications - from friction performance measurements, applications for engine or gear test benches to chassis test benches - without modifications. The T40 series' compact design means that the torque flange can be easily integrated into a test bench and is insensitive to parasitic loads. Direct mounting of machine elements - without additional joint shafts or couplings - is possible. The T40 does not use slip rings or bearings and is therefore totally maintenance and wear free. The reliability...

Giga-Tronics Software Suits EW Signal Simulation Giga-tronics has announced Automation Xpress (AX) application software for EW signal simulation using the 2400C and 2500B series of Fast-Switching Microwave Signal Generators. The 2400C and 2500B model Microwave Signal Generators, covering 100kHz to 50GHz, have fast switching and low phase noise, suitable for EW signal simulation. With Automation Xpress (AX) software, test engineers and managers can quickly and easily create a variety of test signals, including antenna scan modulation. Automation Xpress (AX) working in the PC environment provides easy setup of signal simulation scenarios for testing EW radar, Elint systems and other defence receivers. AX enables downloads of complex lists and setup and modification of parameters in a familiar, Windows-based application. A comprehensive list mode, command-line interpreter with script and loop capability, and an auto-programming capability are included for developing and debugging Test...

3D CAD Environment Combines Modelling And Design IronCAD has released its IronCAD 3D design solution version 2009, combining modelling and structured design into a single environment. IronCAD has also introduced a 2D design environment integrated within IronCAD that offers mechanical design capabilities to assist in detailing 3D and 2D design data. All new customers buying Ironcad will automatically receive Version 2009 Next Generation. Next Generation provides the combination of IronCAD's design environment with the more conventional history-based structured-design environment, allowing users to choose at an individual part level which process is most appropriate for the particular part they are designing. IronCAD's structure part design allows users to build rigid feature dependant parts with embedded design intent, delivering control over future changes and a predictable structure to the design. With Next Generation, IronCAD offers the customer a choice between Structu...

S Series Shaft Motor Has Combined Linear Encoders The S series shaft motors from Micromech has combined linear encoders, encoder guides and mechanical systems. Shaft motors are direct-drive linear servomotors that consist of a shaft with laminated magnets and cylindrically wound coils controlled by the flow of current. They are a simple construction that use magnetic circuits consisting of permanent magnets and coils. Characteristics of the motors include precision positioning, high and low constant speed performance. The standard versions of most motors including linear motors is that the circuits are made of magnetic iron, while shaft motors are not. This means that there is no adsorption force between the shaft and forcer (coil), thereby totally eliminating cogging. Shaft motors are capable of high thrust, for example 2340N with a single forcer and 9360N using four forcers (parallel plus tandem drive). The 'S' series is very quiet due to the absence of friction and the...

Pittman DC Motors Integrate Neodymium Magnets Pittman 30mm brush-commutated DC motors integrate high-energy bonded neodymium magnets for maximised power density and magnetic-field profile, and a seven-slot straight armature to minimise cogging. The motors also feature a large diamond-turned commutator and copper-graphite brushes to deliver high-current capacity and long-life operation. The Series 8540 brush DC motors offering high torque-to-size performance that is suitable for power-data storage, as well as medical equipment and business machines. The motors (1.181in diameter) are available in three standard lengths: 2.080, 2.552 and 3.025in). They can achieve continuous torque up to 9.3oz/in, continuous power up to 43W, depending on model, peak torque up to 78.7oz/in and speeds up to 6440rpm at continuous torque for standard motors at rated voltages. Their balanced armature minimises noise and vibration; large pre-loaded and heavy-duty ball bearings and supports promote high sh...

Nord Subassemblies Include Gearbox And Motor As part of its range of Nordbloc industrial gear units for torque output from 60,000 to 200,000Nm, Nord supplies modular subassemblies. These comprise Unicase gearbox, motor and coupling with a range of options and accessories. Fully pre-assembled on torsionally rigid motor swing-base or base-frame mountings, the combined units require no complex alignment and are supplied fully tested. The ready-to-install modular gear unit systems are scalable and custom built to suit specific load, mechanical interfacing and environmental specifications for heavy-duty conveying and lifting applications. By specifying a complete subassembly, customers can use the Nord design service to manage all aspects of the application, as well as making system commissioning more straightforward and simplifying purchasing. Each modular system comprises gearbox, motor and base frame with options of elastic or fluid coupling, drum or disc brake, radial or axial fan, ...