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The Lead
How I learned to stop worrying and love “killer robots”
June 18, 2013 1:19 pm | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | Blogs | Comments
Unmanned weapons systems (aka, "killer robots") have the power to reduce collateral damage and save lives, and we should support and encourage their development, not preemptively ban them and set disproportionately high ethical standards as a function of their deployment.
The Army’s version of Facebook
June 18, 2013 1:57 pm | by Stephanie Carmichael, Contributor | Blogs | Comments
Facebook. We use it every day to stay connected with family and friends and, well, to snoop on...
HotSpot Episode 14: Wearable technology: When will it arrive?
May 29, 2013 9:14 am | Videos | Comments
So the wearable tech revolution seems to keep getting delayed, first with Google Glass and now...
A smarter way to toughen up military high-tech
May 28, 2013 12:58 pm | by Bruno Chaigneau, Application Engineer, Parker Chomerics | Articles | Comments
Procuring military equipment has become an extremely difficult task. Not only is there constant...
USB-powered universal chip programmer features compact dimensions and minimal weight
June 18, 2013 4:38 pm | Saelig Company, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsSaelig Company, Inc. has introduced the Dataman S6 Programmer which is the successor to the world's best-selling handheld device programmer, the Dataman S4. The Dataman S6 is a USB powered universal 48-pin chip programmer with compact dimensions and minimal weight and is ideally suited to field / mobile engineers requiring fast programming speeds and the latest features.
Linear ICs support a magnetic input sensitivity range of 2.0 to 4.0 mV/G
June 18, 2013 4:26 pm | Allegro Microsystems, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsAllegro MicroSystems, LLC adds two new factory one-time programmable (OTP-ROM) linear ICs to their existing portfolio. These devices eliminate the need for customers to optimize/program the devices for their finished sensor assemblies. Allegro’s A1388 and A1389 architecturally have the ability to support a magnetic input sensitivity range of 2.0 to 4.0 mV/G....
FPGA family provides low total system cost
June 18, 2013 3:54 pm | Microsemi Corporation | Product Releases | CommentsMicrosemi Corporation unveiled its IGLOO2 field programmable gate array (FPGA) family for industrial, commercial aviation, defense, communications and security applications. The non-volatile flash-based IGLOO2 FPGAs have the highest number of mainstream FPGA features....
3D printing is the future of the military
June 18, 2013 3:47 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Articles | CommentsAside from offering up the world’s least-appetizing pizza (protein cheese layer anyone?) and a way to eliminate illegal poaching, 3D printing might play a vital role in the future of the military. Though the technology is not nearly advanced enough to make a significant impact right now, the Navy is looking to 3D printing as a potential money saver for the future, according to an article published in the Armed Forces Journal.
Position sensors serve subsea measurement systems
June 18, 2013 3:36 pm | Macro Sensors | Product Releases | CommentsMacro Sensors introduces a line of submersible LVDT Position Sensors for use as part of subsea measurement systems. Macro Sensors LVDTs are proven to offer reliable measurement and feedback for continuous monitoring. The SSIR 937 Series Submersible LVDT Position Sensor is now a standard design available from stock for fast turnaround.
Optocouplers intended for motor controls, industrial inverters, and induction heating equipment
June 18, 2013 12:49 pm | Renesas, California Eastern Labs | Product Releases | CommentsRenesas Electronics and California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) introduce three isolated gate drive optocouplers which were specifically designed to meet the demanding isolation requirements of motor controls and drives, industrial inverters and induction heating equipment.
Double-break electrical circuit certified to EN61058
June 18, 2013 12:31 pm | Microprecision Electronics, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsMicroprecision is introducing a variation of its industrial high current switches of the MP200 series. The new MP220 has a single pole double break electrical circuit, which allows to double break two independent electrical circuits up to 10A/250VAC. The MP220 uses a fast snap action mechanism to change from break to make position.
Army harnesses sun to reduce casualties from sniper attacks
June 18, 2013 12:20 pm | by Edric Thompson, CERDEC Public Affairs | News | CommentsThe U.S. Army is harnessing the elements to help reduce casualties from sniper attacks on forward operating bases. The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's research laboratory and aviation missile and communications-electronics RD&E centers
Researchers solve mystery of X-ray light from black holes
June 18, 2013 12:10 pm | by Eurekalert! and Johns Hopkins | News | CommentsIt is a mystery that has stymied astrophysicists for decades: how do black holes produce so many high-power X-rays? In a new study, astrophysicists from The Johns Hopkins University, NASA and the Rochester Institute of Technology conducted research that bridges the gap between theory and observation by demonstrating that gas spiraling toward a black hole inevitably results in X-ray emissions.
LED designed to offer consistent brightness
June 18, 2013 10:31 am | Osram Opto Semiconductors | Product Releases | CommentsMultifunctional devices such as tablets, ultrabooks and even smartphones need high brightness levels and good color rendering without draining the batteries too quickly.
ICs designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained bulb applications
June 18, 2013 10:28 am | Power Integrations | Product Releases | CommentsPower Integrations introduced its LYTSwitch-0 ICs, a new series of devices within the LYTSwitch family, offering a unique combination of simplicity, reliability and efficiency. LYTSwitch-0 ICs are ideal for cost-sensitive, non-isolated, non-dimmable GU10 bulbs and other space-constrained bulb applications.
Brushless DC motor well-suited for precision equipment
June 18, 2013 9:51 am | Product Releases | CommentsPITTMAN Motors has introduced its latest offering in a broad range of DC brush and brushless motors. The BI-05 Series slotless brushless DC motor is designed for maximum precision and performance in a package size perfectly suited for precision equipment such as surgical and dental tools....
Google Glass meets “smart” health
June 18, 2013 9:24 am | by Stephanie Carmichael, Contributor | Blogs | CommentsGoogle Glass is a huge step forward, but trendy eyewear isn’t everything. Sometimes, you gotta think about health. “Smart” eyewear has just collided with smart vision correction — and no, I’m not talking about the prescription-based versions of Google Glass that are in development.
Rugged LCD monitor ideal for industrial applications
June 17, 2013 2:33 pm | Stealth Computer Corporation | Product Releases | CommentsStealth.com has released a new 26" Panel Mount LCD monitor, featuring a high definition widescreen 16:9 format with 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080). The Stealth model SV-2600W-PM is Stealth's largest rugged industrial monitor to date. The LCD is environmentally sealed to NEMA 4/IP65 specifications....
Module designed for high-speed applications
June 17, 2013 12:53 pm | Product Releases | Commentstrans data elektronik presents the latest generation of the tBL-tde Basic Link RJ45 module. The tBL-RJ45 module, available in two different versions, offers the optimal solution for every network environment. Thanks to slim tBL cable termination blocks, pre-assembling is possible.
DC/DC converter offered in high temperature H-grade & high-reliability MP-grade
June 17, 2013 12:23 pm | Product Releases | CommentsLinear Technology announces the high temperature H-grade (-40°C to 150°C junction temperature) and high reliability MP-grade (-55°C to 150°C) version of the LTC3115-1 in a 20-lead thermally enhanced TSSOP package. The LTC3115-1 is a synchronous buck-boost converter that delivers up to 2A of continuous output current....
150 watt LED light designed for high-bay lighting installations
June 17, 2013 10:38 am | Larson Electronics Llc | Product Releases | CommentsLarson Electronics has announced the release of a 150 watt LED light designed for high bay lighting installations that provides output comparable to a standard 400 watt metal halide light in a smaller fixture that uses half the power. The GAU-HB-30X5W-1227 LED High Bay Light is lightweight and compact in size yet produces 14,790 lumens of light output....
Connectors equipped with solder bucket contacts for fast, efficient cable assembly
June 17, 2013 9:38 am | Harting, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsHARTING is expanding its space-saving har-link metric product range by adding a version equipped with solder bucket contacts for fast, efficient cable assembly. This version is particularly effective in prototyping, development and small production runs. Based on 2.0 mm contact spacing, the har-link interface range offers compact, reliable, robust interface connectivity.
Cloud platform accelerates chip design workflow, now offers Altera's Quartus II
June 14, 2013 10:06 am | Product Releases | CommentsPlunify announced the immediate availability of Altera Quartus II for designing with Stratix, Cyclone and Arria devices. Quartus II is recognized as an easy-to-use software platform for programmable logic design. The new relationship with Altera marks the production availability of
Enclosures for harsh environments ... they might surprise you
June 13, 2013 4:38 pm | by A.D. Horn, Rittal Corporation, www.rittal.us | Articles | CommentsThe usual response to the idea of a “harsh environment” is to envision the salt spray of a drilling rig, dirt, grease or debris. But in today’s evolving world of “high tech,” the definition of harsh isn’t always what it used to be. An environment most people would consider far from harsh, almost sterile, can be extremely susceptible to contamination....
What feature or trend will become hot technology in automotive infotainment the next year?
June 13, 2013 3:35 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsWhat feature or trend will become hot technology in automotive infotainment the next year? The next wave of innovation in automotive infotainment will center around connectivity and personalization. As more cars are enable to connect to cloud based applications via the internet, more features will be added allowing passengers to engage with their social network, update location and access specific content.
What's next for near field communications? Engineers speak out
June 13, 2013 3:23 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsHere at ECN we're always looking for the "next big thing" and this month we're focusing on near-field communications. NFC only seems to be increasing in popularity and usage across the electronics board, but we want to know what's happening in your labs and on your benches.
Recessed enclosures provide unique protection for your system design
June 13, 2013 3:21 pm | by Justin Moll, Vice President, US Market Development, Pixus Technologies | Articles | CommentsMany signal processing, analytical, and diagnostic instruments are utilizing Eurocard-based enclosures that are recessed. With higher signal frequencies and lots of cabling, the incentive to recess an enclosure continues to increase for many applications. There are many benefits to this type of design....
PIC32 adapter board aims to simplify graphical display prototyping
June 13, 2013 2:17 pm | Newhaven Display International | Product Releases | CommentsNewhaven Display and Digi-Key have developed a new PIC32 adapter board, the NHD-3.5-320240MF-PIC EVAL BOARD. This display adapter provides the designer with a color resistive touch LCD (NHD-3.5-320240MF-ATXL#-T-1) and hardware interface for
Touch-panel PCs feature up to 2GB DDR II memory and 4GB DOM
June 13, 2013 2:12 pm | Saelig Company, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsSaelig Company has introduced the SP-0L Series of economical, entry-level industrial touch panel PCs equipped with Intel's Atom N270 CPU and 945 GSE & ICH7M chipset on a 3.5" Single Board Computer form factor, and 1GB (up to 2GB) DDR II memory and 4GB DOM.
