Serving the Electronic Design Community Since 1956
Dual Encoder-to-USB Converter Allows PC Data Access
February 17, 2009 7:46 am | Product Releases | CommentsHandling signals from 2 SSI absolute encoders or 2 quadrature incremental encoders, BEI Industrial Encoders’ new Dual Encoder to USB Converter translates encoder position data to USB 2.0 format that can be accessed directly through a PC. The PC interface enables the module to be programmed through the USB port for number of bits with absolute encoders. For incremental encoders, count mode (X1, X2, X4), reset, preset, and
Automotive Relays Demonstrate 40-A Switching Capacity
February 17, 2009 7:34 am | Product Releases | CommentsOffering coil voltages of 6 VDC, 12 VDC, and 24 VDC, CIT Relay & Switch’s A9 Series automotive relays accommodate standard-sized automotive fuses from 3 A to 40 A. The SPST normally-open devices exhibit contact resistance of <50 Ohmmm, max. switching power of 560 W, max. switching voltage of 75 VDC, and a rating of 40 A at 14 VDC. The RoHS-compliant units have electrical life of 100K cycles, mechanical life of
Signal Conditioner Presents Process Application Functionality
February 17, 2009 7:09 am | Product Releases | CommentsPerforming in process applications, Weidmuller’s Wave TTA universal signal conditioner functions as a signal isolator, transmitter, converter, linearizer, and trip amplifier. All common analog DC input types (including temperature, DC, and frequency) and ranges can be accepted, and all output types are settable. Input/output configuration changes are
Power Supply Exhibits Second Variable Output
February 17, 2009 6:51 am | Product Releases | CommentsSupplying a regulated output of 12 VDC at 2 A, GlobTek’s GS-1549 50-W power supply delivers a second variable output from 10 VDC to 100 VDC at 26 W in medical and ITE applications. The 177.800-mm × 76.200-mm × 3.456-mm device accepts universal input from 85 VAC to 264 VAC. The PCB-frame instrument demonstrates
Outlets Serve Power Distribution Units
February 17, 2009 6:34 am | Product Releases | CommentsUsing IDC technology, Schurter’s Series 6610 outlets operate in power distribution units and other equipment where multiple outlets are banked in series. The snap-in devices allow wires to be bussed across the terminals to connect common terminals all at once. The protective back cover prevents electrical shock and serves as a
Brainstorm: Environmental Issues
February 17, 2009 6:28 am | Articles | CommentsWhich green technology has the most commercial potential?
Development Kit Integrates 4.3-Inch Touch Panel
February 17, 2009 5:07 am | Product Releases | CommentsBased on a beta version of the Touch Park framework, Stantum Technologies’ SMK-4.3 multi-touch development kit offers a 4.3" touch panel. The product simulates a mobile device user interface in address book, drawing, picture resize, and gaming applications. The kit uses the PMatrix resistive multi-touch detection platform with
Boundary-Mode PFC Controller Delivers High Efficiency
February 17, 2009 4:44 am | Fairchild Semiconductor | Product Releases | CommentsPerforming in AC/DC power supplies, Fairchild Semiconductor’s FAN9612 boundary-conduction mode (BCM) power factor correction (PFC) controller provides >96% power conversion efficiency. The 16-lead SOIC-packaged component interleaves and keeps 2 power stages at 180° out of phase timing under all
LED Driver Offers Full-Range, Flicker-Free Dimming
February 17, 2009 4:27 am | Product Releases | CommentsTranslating the TRIAC-chopped waveform to a DIM signal and decoding it, National Semiconductor’s LM3445 TRIAC dimmable LED driver (SSLD) enables a full 100:1 dimming range that is said to be uniform and flicker-free. The 10-pin mini SOIC-packaged unit maintains constant current of >1 A to strings of LEDs in residential, architectural, commercial and industrial applications. The device includes a TRIAC dimming decoder, a
12 Digit Counter Provides 40 ps of Time Resolution
February 15, 2009 6:17 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Model 1105 Universal Counter from Berkeley Nucleonics incorporates 12 digits of frequency resolution and 40 ps of time interval resolution. The 1105 offers built-in statistics and math functions that users can utilize when analyzing display mean, min/max, delta, and standard deviations. Scale and offset can be used in compensating for systematic occurrences. Other features include
BGA Socket Intended for 1-mm Pin ICs
February 15, 2009 6:08 pm | Ironwood Electronics, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsDesigned for a 27 mm X 27 mm package size, the CG-BGA-4002 socket from Ironwood Electronics is intended for for 1-mm pitch BGA 676 pin IC’s. Operating at bandwidths up to 8 GHz, the socket features less than 1 dB of insertion loss. The sockets can handle up to 100 watts, and the contact resistance is typically 20 milliohms per pin. The temperature range is -40 C to +100 C. The pin self inductance
DAC is Smallest 16-Bit Device Available
February 13, 2009 9:49 am | Product Releases | CommentsForty percent smaller than standard SOT23 devices, the DAC8411 family of 8- to 16-bit, pin-compatible single-channel digital-to-analog converter (DAC) family from Texas Instruments is now available in the SC70 package. The devices accept a nominal input of 80 uA at 1.8 V, in an acceptable range from 1.8 V to 5.5 V and have a settling time of 6 µs (typical).
Pushbuttons Mount in Tight-Fitting Applications
February 13, 2009 7:41 am | Product Releases | CommentsMeasuring 7 mm H × 7 mm W × 2.5 mm T, NKK Swtiches’ GB2 Series SPST pushbuttons are suitable for high-density PCB, block, or ganged mounting. The momentary-circuit devices present off-center plungers, the Sliding Twin Crossbar contact mechanism, and an OFF momentary ON configuration. The units carry a rating of 0.4 VA max. at 28 V max. with min. recommended mechanical and electrical life of
Explosion-Proof Pressure Sensor Offers Digital Compensation
February 13, 2009 7:16 am | Product Releases | CommentsExhibiting approval per CSA30 (UL1203/FM3615) Class 1, Division 1 and Zone 1 Group IIB Explosion Proof, Groups C and D, American Sensor Technologies’ AST46HA media-isolation pressure sensor applies digital compensation. The compensation and Krystal Bond technology enables the unit to perform in
Clean Coal and Nuclear Funding Cut from Stimulus
February 13, 2009 7:13 am | by Alix Paultre | Blogs | CommentsThis "compromise" is an example of the misguided cuts that have been made in the stimulus package in the name of savings. "Clean Coal" and Nuclear power are among the best alternatives to oil we have, and to cut funding for these important technologies is shortsighted. "Clean Coal" and Nuclear power are among the best alternatives to oil we have, and to cut funding for these important technologies is
