LIN communication devices include integrated voltage regulation & watchdog functionality
May 14, 2013 3:44 pm | Melexis | Product Releases | CommentsThe local interconnect network (LIN) bus continues to see widespread adoption in the automotive world. This robust, cost-effective communication protocol allows implementation of many basic networking functions in sub-systems previously considered to be uneconomical for smart actuators and controls.
25 MBd digital optocoupler device achieves 3,750 VRMS signal isolation
May 14, 2013 3:06 pm | Product Releases | CommentsAvago Technologies announced a new dual-channel bi-directional 25 MBd digital optocoupler device, the ACSL-7210. The device is a dual-channel high speed digital optocoupler optimized for bi-directional industrial communication networks using high speed protocols such as PROFIBUS fieldbus and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).
PCAP LCDS ideal for rugged industrial-strength applications
May 14, 2013 2:55 pm | Product Releases | CommentsSharp Microelectronics of the Americas (SMA) announced the addition of multi-touch PCAP (Projective Capacitive Touch) displays to its all-LED backlit TFT LCD line up. The two new panels are 7.0-inch and 10.4-inch diagonal, with additional sizes expected in the future, including a 4.3-inch (diagonal).
Silicon diodes offer ‘soft’ switching and low reverse recovery charge
May 14, 2013 2:44 pm | Power Integrations | Product Releases | CommentsPower Integrations introduced the LQA200 series of 200V diodes. The company’s Qspeed high-performance silicon diodes are based on merged-PIN technology that offers ‘soft’ switching and low reverse recovery charge (Qrr). This unique balance of features enables high-frequency operation and permits the use of small, inexpensive magnetic components....
50 watt dimmable LED power supplies feature a universal 100- 277VAC input
May 14, 2013 2:28 pm | Calex Mfg | Product Releases | CommentsGreen Watt Power announces the introduction of the GLCD 50 Watt constant current dimmable LED power supplies. The dimming options for the GLCD 50 include 0-10V, PWM and external potentiometer. All models feature a universal 100-277VAC input with nominal output current values of 500mA, 700mA, 1.05A, 1.4A, 1.75A, 2.1A and 2.8A.
Common-mode chokes offer highly effective noise suppression characteristics
May 14, 2013 10:31 am | Product Releases | CommentsCentral Technologies introduces its new line of compact sized SMD Wire-wound Common Mode Chokes. These products offer highly effective noise suppression characteristics with almost no effect for high-speed differential signals. Compact sized at 1.25mm Length x 1.00mm Width x 0.8mm Height for CTCM01F series....
Instrument determines night visibility and day visibility of road markings
May 14, 2013 10:19 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe ZRM 6006 is a simple-to-use, budget-priced, entry level, compact instrument for determination of night visibility (RL) and day visibility (Qd) of road markings as well as ambient temperature (°C/°F) and relative humidity (rH%) combined in one compact instrument. Apart from the power switch there is only a large measuring button.
Syria’s Internet silence could happen to us
May 14, 2013 10:08 am | by Stephanie Carmichael, Contributor | Blogs | CommentsOn Tuesday, May 7, Syria disappeared from the Internet. It went offline in a targeted act of censorship, yet the blanket of silence fell over the entire country. While severe government crackdowns often happen halfway across the globe, the ripple effect is spreading farther all the time.
Combo MEMS inertial sensors motor their way to brisk growth in the automotive market
May 13, 2013 3:55 pm | News | CommentsCombo microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for automotive applications are off to another exhilarating ride this year as revenue continues to climb, spurred by rapidly accelerating use in car safety systems, according to an IHS iSuppli MEMS & Sensors Report from information and analytics provider IHS
Universal, digital sensor output driver includes 3.3-V sensor supply
May 13, 2013 3:22 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe icHaus universal digital output driver iC-DX3/DXC3 enables compact sensors to be equipped with NPN, PNP, push-pull, and IO link-compatible output driver options. From an input voltage of 8 V to 30 V an integrated linear regulator provides the sensor electronics with a stable +3.3 V voltage and 10 mA
SMT advanced bus converter promises to save board space
May 13, 2013 2:34 pm | Ericsson Power Modules | Product Releases | CommentsEricsson introduced a new surface-mounted version of its second generation of digital Advanced Bus Converter (ABC) products, called the BMR456-SI. This high-efficiency, digitally controlled DC/DC converter is compliant to full surface-mount manufacturing processes, and
Engineering Newswire 37: Boeing makes hypersonic history
May 13, 2013 9:24 am | Videos | CommentsThe Boeing X-51A WaveRider unmanned hypersonic vehicle has achieved the longest air-breathing, scramjet-powered hypersonic flight in history. Last summer, an infestation took control of the Harvard robotics laboratory. The situation posed no need to call an exterminator, for this demonstration featured the first controlled flight of an insect-sized robot inspired by the biology of a fly.
Respect for trial & error, & success
May 13, 2013 9:14 am | by Alan Nicol, Executive Member, AlanNicolSolutions | Blogs | CommentsThere are many ways we transform questions and uncertainty into confidence, new products, or innovative solutions. Experimentation and trial is one that many seem compelled to avoid. Give respect to the power of trial and experimentation, and to its risks. Right now I’m working on a project with a friend of mine and it strikes me how differently we approach the development of our vision.
Nowhere to run
May 13, 2013 9:04 am | by David Mantey, Executive Editor, PD&D | Blogs | CommentsKarma certainly is a swift vixen, isn't she? I was a few hours removed from editing Meaghan Ziemba’s column, Smartphone Shakes, for the latest issue of Wireless Design & Development magazine (PD&D’s sister) when I was retelling the story of her troubles following an incident involving a barroom toilet and her smartphone — nothing pairs well with such sleazy settings, particularly electronics.
Starter Kit speeds up choosing and commissioning the optimum drive
May 10, 2013 11:06 am | Product Releases | CommentsWith its new StarterKit, Nanotec Electronic is helping companies choosing and commission the optimum drive. Various motor settings can be tested, and different operating modes such as open loop and closed loop can be
Encoders and inclinometers have J1939 interface
May 10, 2013 10:52 am | Fraba / Posital | Product Releases | CommentsPOSITAL announced its inclinometers and absolute rotary encoders are available with J1939 communications interfaces. (The J1939 protocol was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers for use in heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, fire trucks and construction machinery. The protocol
Connector features 16 auxiliary positions & selective mate keys
May 9, 2013 4:23 pm | Anderson Power Products | Product Releases | CommentsAnderson Power Products announces a new addition to their multipole connector selection with the release of the new SB Smart connector. The SB Smart is designed to meet the connection needs for high power storage batteries which are integrated into a larger system or where batteries require monitoring & control circuits.
Benchtop power supply satisfies a wide range of applications between 60V/20A and 20V/50A
May 9, 2013 4:11 pm | Saelig Company, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsSaelig Company has introduced the QPX1200SP - a 1.2kW DC bench-top power supply featuring PowerFlex regulation, designed to meet the need for flexibility in the choice of voltage and current. It offers voltage and current combinations for a very wide range of applications between 60V/20A and 20V/50A.
Low noise power
May 9, 2013 3:28 pm | by M. Simon, Technical Contributor | Blogs | CommentsI recently designed a low power, low noise, power supply for digital work. The nominal output voltages as designed are +5 volts and +3.3 volts. One hundred and fifty milliamps each. With a lightly regulated five volt supply for powering LED back lights.
Arduino-based robot ideal for hobbyists and school projects
May 9, 2013 12:04 pm | Global Specialties | Product Releases | CommentsGlobal Specialties today introduced the AAR Arduino Robot. The AAR Arduino Robot is a small autonomous mobile robot which is perfect for those new to the robotics world and also for experienced Arduino fans. Great for both hobbyists and for school projects.
Mid-power LEDs achieve up to 140 lm/W efficacy
May 9, 2013 11:51 am | Philips Lumileds | Product Releases | CommentsPhilips Lumileds introduced the LUXEON 3535 2D, which combines two LED chips in a package to enable reduction in LED count and cost of designing retrofit lamps, consumer downlights and diffuse industrial lamps. Its efficacy of 140 lm/W is achieved for cool white light at 4000K and minimum 80 CRI. The new
Engineering Update #10: Smart home robots & the printable bionic ear
May 9, 2013 11:20 am | Videos | CommentsThis episode of Engineering Update from ECN is brought to you by Mouser Electronics. In this week's headlines: Honda has recently announced that it is teaming up with Japan's Sekisui to design model households using smart technologies. So far, the robotics program has created humanoid robots and a personal mobility vehicle.
Booster pack lets users jumpstart and explore sensor fusion applications
May 9, 2013 9:50 am | Texas Instruments | Product Releases | CommentsTexas Instruments announced the Sensor Hub BoosterPack for its Tiva C Series TM4C123G LaunchPad. This plug-in daughter card that allows ARM Cortex-M4 MCU developers create products with up to seven types of motion and environmental sensing capabilities. The board and software enables
Compact vane axial fans deliver airflows up to 283 CFM
May 8, 2013 3:23 pm | Product Releases | CommentsOrion Fans has developed a new series of small, powerful vane axial (VXC) fans for harsh, high-static pressure environments for medical, networking and telecom equipment. Designed to deliver airflows of up to 283 CFM in a compact package...
Backplanes designed for speeds from 3.125 Gbaud/s to 6.25 Gbaud/s
May 8, 2013 3:10 pm | Product Releases | CommentsPixus Technologies has announced new 3U OpenVPX backplanes in 5-slot and 6-slot sizes. The 5-slot OpenVPX backplane from Pixus features a mesh topology. The versatile backplane topology and slot size makes it an attractive choice for many development systems.


