Newsletters
How to manage creative types (with a minimum of fuss)
April 17, 2013 1:14 pm | by M. Simon, Technical Contributor | Blogs | CommentsThe First Mate and I were discussing this Harvard Business Review article the other day, and I noticed a lot of allusions to myself. The article is about how to manage creative types. There are seven main points (numbered), but I'm only going to comment on a few.
Tailored bar module ideal for research and development
April 17, 2013 9:47 am | Product Releases | CommentsDILAS offers a 120 Watt, high-brightness and high-efficiency device from a tailored bar (T-Bar) based, 976nm, 100-micron, 0.22NA fiber-coupled module. Through the optimization of semiconductor chip structures and optical parameters, DILAS’ T-Bar architecture delivers high beam quality....
NFC antennas ideal for integration into point-of-sale terminals
April 17, 2013 9:40 am | Pulse Electronics | Product Releases | CommentsPulse Electronics Corporation announces a new catalog selection of ferrite-loaded, stamp, and wire-on-carrier near field communication (NFC) antennas. These products are ideal for integration into point-of-sale terminals, security and access control panels, transportation payment devices, and consumer electronics.
CNET update - U.S. Navy uses laser to take down drone
April 17, 2013 9:16 am | Videos | CommentsOn this edition of the CNET update, the Navy plans to put the first laser weapon on a ship, the Galaxy Note 8 rivals the iPad Mini, and Starbucks offers a new way to get iTunes freebies. Check out more here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-33692_3-57578725-305/u.s-navy-uses-laser-to-ta...
Single-channel CMOS driver designed for FET microwave switches and attenuators
April 16, 2013 4:58 pm | M/A-Com Technology Solutions, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsM/A-COM Technology Solutions introduced a new single-channel CMOS Driver for microwave switching applications. The MADR-009269 is a high-performance, single-channel CMOS Driver that is used to translate TTL control inputs into complementary gate control voltages for GaAs FET microwave switches and attenuators.
Schools should take a pass on essay grading software
April 16, 2013 4:16 pm | by Chris Warner, Executive Editor | Articles | CommentsOne of the joys of high school and college was receiving my blue essay book back from my teacher or professor. I couldn’t wait to read their comments in the columns of the book, especially when one of my essays was laden with jokes or sarcasm. But that was often a two-way street, as when my thesis statement would indicate my essay was going to go in a direction my instructor found dubious.
DoD cancels “participation trophy” for drone pilots
April 16, 2013 4:03 pm | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | Blogs | CommentsThe DoD has finally backed down. And I applaud their decision. Following months of negative feedback, the DoD has officially scuttled the Distinguished Warfare Medal. The DWM — intended for drone operators — would’ve ranked ahead of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart (two combat decorations) in the order of precedence.
Why the government should ban cellphones while driving
April 16, 2013 10:28 am | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsThis term “nanny state” is an interesting one. It’s a term people throw out when they feel the government is infringing on their right to do something stupid. Frankly, if people could be trusted to police themselves, we wouldn’t have any laws at all.
Glasses read to the blind
April 16, 2013 9:14 am | Videos | CommentsA unique pair of eyeglasses developed by a Florida International Univ. (FIU) student team could revolutionize the lives of the blind, enabling them to walk into a library or a store, pick up any book or a can of soup and read it. The Eyetalk concept, initially conceived for a student competition in social entrepreneurship...
Reference design remotely locates image sensors up to eight meters away
April 15, 2013 4:40 pm | Lattice | Product Releases | CommentsLattice Semiconductor Corporation announced the Sensor Extender reference design that offers a low-cost approach to remotely locate image sensors up to eight meters away from the image signal processor (ISP) and transmit and receive video signals at resolutions that range up to 720p60 and 1080p30.
VCO operates at 6400 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.3 Vdc to 4.7 Vdc
April 15, 2013 4:30 pm | Product Releases | CommentsCrystek’s new CVCO55CXT-6400-6400 Coaxial Resonator Oscillator (CRO) is a coaxial-based VCO with an internal proprietary frequency doubler. The CVCO55CXT family’s frequency doubling, 2X fundamental technology reaches new performance levels of lower phase noise and much lower harmonics over the competition, while achieving lower current consumption in the process.
Network cube enclosure available in compact size
April 15, 2013 4:16 pm | New Age Enclosures | Product Releases | CommentsNew Age Enclosures announces the release of a sleek new enclosure called “The Network Cube”. Identified as part number S-202010, the compact design measures just 2.0” in length, 2.0” in width, and 1.0” in height. The term Network Cube was chosen as its size is an ideal fit with coaxial plugs, Ethernet interface, and as an RF interface node.
Connection system protects the user from DC arcing during mating and unmating
April 15, 2013 3:49 pm | Anderson Power Products | Product Releases | CommentsAnderson Power Products announces the launch of the Saf-D-Grid Ultra Short Receptacle. The Saf-D-Grid connection system protects the user from DC arcing during mating and unmating. This innovative design enables the safe connection of DC electronic devices to a DC micro grid powered by high efficiency DC sources.
Power supply features maximum output voltage up to 280VDC
April 15, 2013 3:06 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe series of constant current (CC) models of the high-voltage output (maximum output voltage up to 280VDC) with IP65/67 design for customers’ choices and with the efficiency up to 91%. This series are built-in two-stage PFC circuit to achieve the EU harmonic interference limited of lighting products requirements EN61000-3-2 Class C (load> 50 to 55%)....
Compact IRED ideal for gesture detection
April 15, 2013 2:37 pm | Osram Opto Semiconductors | Product Releases | CommentsThe new infrared (IRED) Oslon black SFH 4716S from Osram Opto Semiconductors is one of the most powerful IREDs on the market, with an optical output of 1030 milliwatts (mW) and a beam angle of 150 degrees. It offers perfect illumination at a range of a few yards/meters and is ideal for gesture detection systems....
LED roof-mount light includes manual controls
April 15, 2013 2:16 pm | Larson Electronics Llc | Product Releases | CommentsLarson Electronics Magnalight released the RFM-LED-7 roof mounted, pan and tilt LED light. Equipped with a handle and shaft suited for most standard vehicles, this roof mounted LED light can be positioned quickly and easily by operators from inside their vehicle.
PXI multiplexer solutions rated up to 2A
April 15, 2013 2:03 pm | Product Releases | CommentsPickering Interfaces is expanding its range of low cost PXI multiplexers with the introduction of the 40-635, a single slot 3U PXI module providing a range of cost effective multiplexer (MUX) configurations for general purpose test applications.
We all need Google Fiber
April 15, 2013 1:16 pm | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | Blogs | CommentsAlmost a year ago, Google launched its first broadband internet network, Google Fiber, in Kansas City (the Kansas and Missouri versions both), with speeds that severely overshadowed currently-available cable and DSL providers for a fraction of the cost. Consumers were able to sign up for 1 gigabit download speeds for a mere $70 a month.
Two-Watt UV LED promises energy and space savings
April 15, 2013 10:13 am | by Lumex, TitanBrite, UV, LED, solid state lighting | Lumex Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsLumex announced the launch of its TitanBrite 2W UV LED. Available in a standard 405nm wavelength (purple), it is asserted to provide twice the power output of standard high power LEDs for a wide range of applications. The TitanBrite 2W UV LED (SML-LXL8047UVC Series) is said to
Connectors allow 10,000 mating cycles
April 15, 2013 9:53 am | Product Releases | CommentsGlobal Connector Technology expands its industry leading range of vertical Micro USB2.0 connectors with the launch of two new B type products. An SMT type with cap allows fully automatic pick and place and a thru hole version with extended leads for use with .062” thick printed circuit boards.
Computers are the new Freud of dreams
April 15, 2013 9:25 am | by Stephanie Carmichael, Contributor | Blogs | CommentsWe use computers for just about everything: communicating, avoiding long lines at the mall, and even ordering pizza. Thanks to new research, their presence is extending beyond our waking lives. It might sound like something out of science fiction, but scientists have discovered a way to use computers to read people’s minds.
Silicon Valley has nothing on manufacturing
April 12, 2013 5:45 pm | by David Mantey, Executive Editor, PD&D | Blogs | CommentsManufacturing floors don’t have Lego stations and pool tables — and yes, OSHA may take issue with throwing empty cans from the mini bar into the same bin as the scrap metal from the lathe, but that doesn’t mean that the industry has any fewer engineers flocking to it.
Potentiometer switch offers dual-control options in single-unit space
April 12, 2013 4:03 pm | Electro-Mech Components | Product Releases | CommentsElectro-Mech’s new SW44884 potentiometer switch assembly offers both rotary and push-on functionality for maximum operation control, and features a clear light pipe shaft for front-panel illumination. The compact all-in-one unit saves valuable panel space in applications where there are tight design limitations.
Wireless non-contact switch increases flexibility, reduces maintenance costs
April 12, 2013 3:44 pm | Honeywell | Product Releases | CommentsHoneywell announced it has expanded its Limitless Wireless Solutions portfolio with the introduction of its new Limitless Non-Contact Switch WLS Series. The new WLS Series switch uses non-contact technology, enabling the device to actuate based on the presence or absence of magnets installed on a customer’s device – making it suitable for harsh operating environments.
ADC offers excellent AC and DC performance with true bipolar input range
April 12, 2013 2:40 pm | Mouser Electronics, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsMouser Electronics is now stocking the industry's smallest true bipolar +/-5V, 18-bit analog-to-digital converter from Maxim Integrated. MAX11156 SAR ADC offers excellent AC and DC performance with true bipolar input range.
