Automation Parts

Toshiba Electronics Europe's ASIC and Foundry Business Unit has announced an intellectual-property (IP) block for the rapid integration of USB functionality into system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Delivering physical layer functionality for USB 2.0, the Toshiba USB 2.0 PHY IP provides a silicon-proven interface between the USB host or device controller and the USB system. The PHY provides all the functionality needed to process the USB protocol and the physical layer signalling for USB 2.0 high-speed (HS) 480Mbps operation, as well as USB 1.1 full-speed (FS) transmission at 12Mbps and low-speed (LS) transmission at 1.5Mbps. SYNC detection, parallel-to-serial and serial-to-parallel data conversion and data recovery are all supported. Toshiba's IP comprises a transceiver module, a common PLL/bias block, digital control logic and 'on-the-go' (OTG) functionality. The common block includes an internal clock generator for accurate HS data transmission. The integrated PLL can o...

Aaeon Unveils Two Diagnostic Medical Stations Aaeon, a medical product manufacturer, has introduced two medical stations: the Onyx-175X and the Onyx-195X. The Onyx-175X/-195X diagnostic medical stations are based on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which is claimed to deliver a performance improvement of more than 100 per cent, compared to systems running on traditional single-core processors. With two cores, or computing engines, the units can simultaneously execute two computing tasks. Each station accommodates one 2.5in (6.4cm) SATA hard disk drive and up to 2Gb DDR SODIMM. The Onyx-175X are the Onyx-195X are equipped with the ATI E2400 MXM Graphic module, which offers powerful graphics performance for any application. The stations are 17in/19in units with 300-nits TFT displays and 1,280 x 1,024 resolutions. These two models have built-in radio-frequency identification (RFID) and smart card reader security. It also features two isolated Gigabit local-area networks (LANs) and fo...

Fujitsu Unveils FCN-078J Socket Connector Fujitsu Components Europe has introduced a vertical, surface-mount DDR2 DIMM socket connector with an enhanced contact design and 0.1mm lead co-planarity. The 240-position FCN-078J-series card-edge socket features a patented split-beam contact structure that improves module mating reliability. As a memory module is inserted into the socket, the twin-contact's wiping action removes dust and flux residue and provides a robust connection between the module and socket, even in high-vibration environments. Dual latching mechanisms ensure correct module retention and removal. The RoHS-compliant FCN-078J uses Fujitsu's own precision stamping and moulding technology to achieve 0.1mm co-planarity before and after reflow. This low-co-planarity specification contributes to improved manufacturing throughput yields. Applications include blade servers, switches, routers, telecom racks and test and measurement equipment to minimise occupied board ...

Intersil Unveils ISL54222A Integrated Circuit Intersil Corporation has introduced an integrated circuit that offers features for portable products where internal USB high-speed ports may need to share a single USB connector. The ISL54222A is also bidirectional and allows the sharing of a host USB port between multiple outputs such as in desktop or laptop computers, portable mini printers or docking stations. It is a single-supply USB 2.0 high-speed multiplexer that can operate from a single 1.8V to 3.3V supply. In addition, the device features human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance of more than 12kV on input/output (I/O) terminals. This combination of low supply voltage and high ESD protection makes the device flexible and robust for applications such as Smartphones, MP3 players, personal navigation devices and digital cameras. The product features internal charge pumps that lower switch resistance and open the USB eye for better performance at 480Mbps. ...

CST Unveils PCB Studio Power Integrity Solver Computer Simulation Technology (CST) introduced the PCB Studio solver module for power integrity analysis at the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco, which runs until 31 July. According to the company, which can be found in Booth 3155, engineers working on the design of power delivery networks will benefit from CST's latest addition to CST Studio Suite. The CST PCB Studio power integrity solver, based on a special 3D FEM approach, helps calculate accurate impedance profiles within a full 3D simulation but in a fraction of the time required by traditional 3D solvers. The PI solver is tightly integrated in the CST design environment and shares the same usability features as the other CST Studio Suite solver modules. It can be integrated in various workflows through a set of high-quality interfaces, which can be used to create 3D models automatically from layout data, including various lumped components. Engineers wil...

Linear Unveils LTC3546 Dual-Channel Regulator Linear Technology has introduced a dual-channel synchronous buck regulator that can deliver either dual 2A outputs or 3A from one channel and 1A from the other, with up to 96 per cent efficiency. Using a constant-frequency, current-mode architecture, the LTC3546 operates from an input-voltage range of 2.25V to 5V, making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion/polymer or multi-cell alkaline/NiCad/NiMH applications. Each output is adjustable from 0.6V to 5V and has turn-on supply tracking. Separate Run and Power Good PINs enable independent control of each channel. The LTC3546's switching frequency can be set at 2.25MHz or is programmable from 750kHz to 4MHz, enabling the designer to optimise efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The combination of its 4mm x 5mm QFN-28 package and its high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint. ...

Intersil Unveils Flexible ISL54230 Octal Switch Intersil has introduced the ISL54230 Octal switch, which is suitable for high-end Smartphone applications. The ISL54230's small size and flexible design enable designers to optimise the routing of the many different types of signals in dual-mode, dual-standby operation phones. It is a quad double-pole/double-throw (DPDT) analogue switch that can operate from a single +2.0V to +5.5V supply. It contains eight single-pole/double-throw (SPDT) switches configured into four DPDT blocks. Each DPDT block is independently controlled by a logic input signal. This flexible configurability provides switching and routing of USB, UART, PCM for Bluetooth Phy, SIM power/data and audio signals between internal chips and external connector pins. In particular, the ISL54230 allows dual-baseband chips to access either of two SIM cards while allowing the unused SIM card to be powered down into a zero-power-consumption condition. Dual USB 2.0 high-sp...

Bumotec Unveils Multi-Tasking Machining Centre To improve productivity for manufacturers of complex components, Bumotec has launched its S191 multi-tasking machining centre. Working within a compact envelope of 410mm x 200mm x 400mm in X, Y and Z respectively, the S191 has an accuracy level of +/-0.0001mm. This works in harmony with a rotational C-axis and a swivelling B-axis with an angular travel of -25 to +120deg and an accuracy level of 0.001deg. The combination of accuracy and multi-axis capability delivers a machine tool with the ability to produce complex of parts to tight tolerances. This makes the S191F suitable for medical, aerospace, automotive, mould and die, and micro machining applications. The S191 is available in four configurations with an F, FL, FT and FTL version available. The S191F and S191FL are multi-axis milling centres, while the S191FTL and S191FT are mill-turn centres with an A-axis that sits under the workpiece as opposed to the W-axis on the S191F and...

GAO Tek Unveils High-Stability Light Sources GAO Tek has introduced the GAO3100 series of light sources, with highly stable output power and wavelengths. This series is ideal for simulating various conditions in the manufacture, testing and maintenance of passive optical components. These light sources conduct high-efficiency testing by using high-accuracy automatic power control (APC) and automatic temperature control (ATC) techniques. They can deliver one to three wavelengths specified by the user, and optical laser types are also available. They provide adjustable optical output power and two communication ports: RS485 and RS232.

Lambda Unveils Fibre-To-Fibre Optical Isolators Lambda Photometrics has announced a line of fibre-to-fibre optical isolators from Optics for Research (OFR). They are designed for use in super-luminescent light-emitting diode (SLED or SLD) applications. These isolators provide high isolation and low insertion loss over broad bandwidths and are available for common SLED wavelength ranges in the 750nm to 900nm region. These isolators use OFR's proven IO-F series optical engine, and two platforms are available for single- or dual-chip SLED requirements. For single-chip SLED applications, the IO-F-SL1 fibre isolator provides high performance over a spectral bandwidth of 70nm. For dual-chip SLED systems, the IO-F-BB-SL2 provides coverage over a 100nm bandwidth. Isolation at the centre wavelength typically exceeds 35dB, and is maintained to at least 20dB at the bandwidth FWHM points for both models. Optical power handling capability is 3W in the forward and reverse directions, and t...

Storch Magnetics Unveils Power Matrix Chuck Storch Magnetics has introduced the Power Matrix electromagnetic chuck, which is claimed to offer up to 132 tons of holding force per square foot for all types of machining applications. Storch Magnetics is an Eclipse Magnetics-authorised reseller. With extreme holding force, these chucks are claimed to allow milling on five faces for high metal removal rates while eliminating vises and h-clamps for faster part setup. Power Matrix chucks are designed to offer multi-point clamping for round, stepped and shaped parts. Parts can be mounted directly to the chuck's face or, for odd-shaped ones, steel mounting blocks can be used that allow the magnetism to flow through them for positive part holding. By eliminating part movement, these chucks are said to allow high metal removal rates, better part quality and a reduction in cutting chatter and vibration for longer tool life. Greater production is also achieved, since multiple parts can be...

AMCI Unveils Stepper Motor Indexer/Driver AMCI (Advanced Micro Controls) has introduced the 6A SD17060E stepper motor indexer/driver designed for Allen-Bradley's Ethernet IP industrial network. This integrated stepper indexer/driver saves money and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate controller in the PLC Microstepping, programmable current output, and anti-resonance circuitry are all standard features To add stepper axes, users simply attach another SD17060E to their Ethernet IP network. Besides connectivity to Allen Bradley's network, the AMCI SD17060E has many features that set it apart from conventional stepper motor drivers. Such features include anti-resonance circuitry that eliminates motor shaft jitter, unwanted vibration and stalling. It also uses vari-step velocity control, providing exceptional smoothness and performance, independent of the user's configured resolution. Smoothness is guaranteed even at the lowest resolutions. Mechanica...