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Showing posts from July, 2010

Master Bond Develops Two-Part Polymer System

Master Bond has developed the EP31 two-part polymer system, which provides adhesion to a variety of substrates, including many metals, plastics, rubbers, ceramics and glass. The system offers good adhesion with a lap shear strength exceeding 4,600psi, a peel strength surpassing 40pli, a tensile modulus of more than 410,000psi and a flexural strength of more than 13,000psi. Resistant to many chemicals, including water, oil and fuels, the EP31 is also an excellent electrical insulator, according to the company. The EP31 has a versatile cure schedule and can cure at room temperature or more quickly at elevated temperatures. Other characteristics include a Shore D hardness of greater than 75 and low shrinkage upon cure. It is processed with a 3:1 mix ratio by weight and has a service temperature range of -60F to +250F. Available in both black and optically clear, the EP31 is sold in half-pint, pint, quart, one-gallon and five-gallon containers. It is also available as a non-drip version

Michell Sensors Control Humidity Levels In Pools

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The WM33 and WM261 relative humidity sensors from Michell Instruments can be used to keep swimming pools dry. The high levels of humidity caused by the water vapour and heat in indoor swimming pools can create a nightmare for facilities managers. Without effective dehumidification and ventilation systems to keep the air dry, indoor pools face attack from a host of humidity-related problems such as mould and corrosion - as well as complaints from visitors that it is uncomfortable. Failure to keep control over levels of humidity may eventually cause structural damage as the warm air carries the moisture into the walls and ceiling. When combined with chlorine from the pool chemicals, the humid air becomes highly corrosive, attacking both metal and concrete. When controlling the humidity levels of the air in a pool room, the surface of the pool itself acts as a giant humidifier each time the dew point of the air falls below the temperature of the water. Without effective dehumidification

Canned Motor Pumps For The Petroleum Industry

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A range of heavy-duty canned motor pumps suitable for applications in the petroleum, chemical, gas and oil refinery sectors is now available from Michael Smith Engineers. The Nikkiso-KSB API 685 canned motor centrifugal pump is designed to be compliant with the American Petroleum Industry specification API 685 for seal-less centrifugal pumps. The pumps can be used for transferring hydrocarbons, liquids with a low boiling point, liquefied gases, heat transfer media and also liquids containing solids. The pumps, which provide flow rates up to 360m3/h and heads up to 220m, are designed for system pressures up to 40 bar and can withstand nozzle moments and forces four times higher than required by API 685. The pumps have centreline supported casings and include wear rings located on the casing as well as the casing cover, helping to minimising maintenance costs. The pumps incorporate an automatic thrust balancing system that allows the bearing/thrust washer to function at minimised thrus

Boulder Releases Enhanced Quazar HPDVR Platform

Boulder Imaging has released Version 4.1 of its Quazar high-performance digital video recording (HPDVR) platform, designed to meet a variety of recording and analysis needs. This latest version features eight new capabilities to provide an even more optimised user experience than its 4.0 predecessor, according to the company. According to Carlos Jorquera of Boulder Imaging, the company will demonstrate Quazar 4.1 at the Full Motion Video Conference, which is scheduled to be held in Washington DC on 9-10 September. Quazar 4.1 features: advanced de-interlacing; per-input and global timestamp offset and overlays; secure export for the sharing of recording data; complete recording destination customisation with built-in metadata to automatically create custom file names, directory structures and recording destination options to define the directory structure and file name; global settings to enable the customisation of Quazar options and the ability to have them populated across all of t

TFT Displays Suitable For Industrial Applications

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Exor's new low-cost HMI display series, suitable for use in industrial applications, is available from Servo2go. The Effectiview (eV) Series comprises high-performance, high-quality TFT touch screens that are said to be simple to mount. Features include: offline simulation; onboard Ethernet; IP65 sealing; free software for first-time buyers; new LED backlight designs; and single programming software for all eV touch TFT screen models. Display sizes range from 3.5in to 12.1in (8.9cm to 31cm).

Igus Energy Chain System Ideal For Confined Spaces

Igus has developed a compact energy chain system that is suitable for applications in the field of robots as well as in special machine construction, medical apparatus and rides at amusement parks. Staying close to the axis, the Twisterband TB30 is a cost-effective system that can guide energy, data and other media safely through 3,000deg at high rotating speeds with little wear. Rotating movements in confined spaces also occur with handling, lifting and assembly equipment, as well as in test and trial jigs. A further possible area of application is in wind power systems, where the turbine blades have to be controlled through the main support, which must also be free to turn. Previously, where demanding rotary movements were required at very high loads, energy chains with reverse bending radii (RBR) were commonly used. Justin Leonard of Igus UK said: 'With RBR systems, circular movements of up to 540deg are possible. 'Unfortunately, the installation space required is usually

White Paper Discusses Multilayer Piezo Actuators

PI Ceramic has released a white paper on the development and test of reliable multilayer piezo actuators, which are suitable for use in challenging motion control applications. Piezoelectric multilayer actuators have been used in fields as diverse as injection valves for combustion engines (speed) and atomic force microscopy (precision). These types of actuators have been in use for about two decades and reached maturity several years ago, according to the company. Continuous improvements are based on long-term tests and the exact knowledge of the environmental operating conditions and failure modes allows users to push the limits of this technology even further. The paper describes the development and lifetime tests of ceramic encapsulated actuators under different operating conditions (DC and AC). The actuators are comparable to polymer-coated piezo ceramic actuators in long-term tests. The white paper also discusses equations and graphs for lifetime calculations under different op

Vydas Releases RoHS-Compliant Ultrasonic Sensor

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Vydas has released an ultrasonic sensor for applications such as liquid-level control, mechanical positioning, roll-diameter measurement, asset tracking and remote monitoring. The new Massasonic M-320 series RoHS-compliant ultrasonic sensor, which is also suitable for web loop/break monitoring, automatic filling, packaging, bulk-level control, paper and plastic-film processing applications, complements the established M-300 series. Manufactured by Massa Products, the M-300/320 ultrasonic sensor design incorporates ultrasonic and microprocessor technology to provide low-cost, precision, non-contact distance measurement for factory automation or industrial process control. Massa produces ultrasonic transducers that operate in air for industrial applications and has designed different types of transducers offering a variety of electro-acoustic characteristics for use in a number of applications. The new, lower-cost MassasonicT series M-300/150, M-320/150 (range 2.5M) and M-300/95, M-320

Memosens And Liquiline Improve pH Data Reliability

An agrochemical producer has improved pH data reliability, decreased downtime and boosted production by migrating its existing pH analysers to Endress and Hauser's Memosens and Liquiline platforms. Maintenance labour was reduced by 50 per cent and consumable usage was cut by 60 per cent, resulting in savings of more than USD450,000 (GBP295,000) per year. The agricultural chemical manufacturer produces and supplies agrochemicals for worldwide markets. The manufacturing plant uses pH measurements to monitor and control reactions at more than 30 locations in utilities, incinerators, scrubber effluents, pH quench tanks and wastewater final effluents. Additional pH measurement and control locations are used in chemical synthesis reactors on recirculation lines to confirm and/or control pH for chemical synthesis. Depending on the criticality of processes, some pH measurements required closer attention and more maintenance than others. For example, the 80 units installed in the phosphat

ECM Solution Targeted At Process And Power Sectors

Bluecielo ECM Solutions has released Meridian Enterprise 2010, its latest engineering content management (ECM) solution for owner and operators primarily within the process and power industries. Bluecielo Meridian Enterprise provides powerful asset information management functionality to companies mainly within the process and power industries looking to optimise plant safety, economic efficiency and regulatory compliance. The company's solutions are intended to optimise business processes in which engineering data is crucial, with a focus on the entire management-of-change process, collaboration with contractors and suppliers and providing as-built technical documentation to operations and maintenance. The Bluecielo Meridian Enterprise 2010 release provides enhanced functionality in practically every aspect of its asset information management capabilities. Features include a new user interface and improved usability. Access to the Meridian Enterprise environment through Microsof

Micromech Introduces Multi-Axis Controller

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Micromech has introduced the Turbo PMAC Clipper, a cost-effective multi-axis controller from Delta Tau, a provider of multi-axis programmable motion control solutions. Based on the Turbo PMAC2 CPU, the Turbo PMAC Clipper provides a single board with four-axis servomotor or stepper-motor control with 32 digital input/output (I/O) points and a choice of Ethernet or RS232 communication ports. It is expandable to eight axes with a small daughter board. By combining multiple functions such as motion control, high-speed communication and I/O management on a low-cost single board, the Clipper controller improves performance and reduces the overall cost per application, according to the company. On a single board, features include: four axes of simultaneous control (with as little as 0.1ms update time), expandable to eight axes; axes that are independent or co-ordinated in any combination; the multitasking of up to 16 motion programs and 64 asynchronous PLC programs; a high-level programming

Enhanced Rack For Portable Satellite Equipment

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CP Cases has increased the resilience and portability of its lightweight, 19in (48cm) Satrack rack solution for portable satellite equipment. Enhancements include new elastomeric mounts for increased resistance to shock and vibration damage in transit and a new internal chassis made from high-performance aluminium alloy, increasing resilience in the field. The same internal chassis is used across the entire range of CP Cases' racks, reducing the waiting time between order and fulfilment. Suitable for use by flyaway news gathering teams that need electronic equipment to arrive at their destinations when they do, the Satrack was originally developed in consultation with Vislink in 2008 to meet project requirements for a protective rack solution to house portable satellite equipment while conforming to IATA constraints for commercial-airline checked-in baggage. The Satrack, with the frequently used 4U x 480mm internal chassis, weighs 8kg, allowing an additional 24kg of equipment to

Servo Drive Provides Motion Control For DC Motors

Inmoco has launched a compact, high-power, PCB-mounted DC servo drive to provide high-performance motion control for sinusoidal, trapezoidal and DC motors. Measuring 110 x 75 x 30mm, the Trombone, from the Elmo Simpliq Line of servo drives, operates directly from a mains power source of up to 400VDC or 750VDC and delivers up to 7kW of continuous qualitative power. The Simpliq Trombone is ideal for integration into any motion system, either single- or multi-axis. The Trombone offers high power density and integrates vector-control sinusoidal commutation, advanced filtering and velocity-gain scheduling for enhanced dynamic performance. These features, plus programming flexibility, Canopen networking and a range of feedback options, make the Trombone ideal for reducing the size, weight and the overall installed envelope of servo systems. Combining advanced motion control with real-time networking capabilities and delivering a range of feedback and I/O options and programming capabilitie

Henkel Produces Structural Adhesive Selector Chart

Henkel, a supplier of technologies for cosmetics, transportation and packaging applications, has produced a selector chart to enable users to choose the best structural adhesives for their tasks. The circular device allows users to select which substrates need to be bonded and then provides a list of Loctite, Teroson and Macroplast brand adhesive products that are most suitable for the job. The company has also launched a dedicated website (www.360bonding.com) for those seeking additional information about structural bonding applications using epoxies, acrylics, polyurethanes, modified silane and silicone technologies.

Multi-Beam Coupling Available In Various Materials

Huco Dynatork's Multi-Beam coupling can be used as a method of accommodating any combination of axial motion and angular and parallel misalignment. The company is able to manufacture this coupling from a broad variety of materials. Although aluminium and stainless steel are the standard materials of manufacture for its ex-stock range, Huco Dynatork also supplies the Multi-Beam in nylon and acetyl for the food and chemical industries. For a lightweight coupling with high fatigue life and strength, the product is available in titanium. This is suitable for the aerospace, instrumentation and medical equipment sectors as it provides manufacturers with a standard solution for demanding applications. Another development has been the introduction of the Multi-Beam in Victrex Peek. Initially designed for use in high-voltage capacitors, this product is now available to any manufacturer that needs to prevent voltage leakage across the drive. This special polymer is characterised by exc

System Controls Variables In RO Water Treatment

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A multifunctional control system, such as Burkert's MXControl 8620 multi-parameter controller, automates the control of process variables in RO water treatment systems. In some cases, the controller is able to reduce control and measuring instrumentation costs to almost half. Simple monitoring and control functions, as well as the gathering of data, are integrated into one compact and easily configurable control unit, with its integrated display and five soft-touch keys for the setting and display of all important variables and parameters. Through parameterisation of a number of control values, via an SD card slot and a USB or Ethernet port, the 8620 is especially adapted for process monitoring and chemical control systems. A configurable PC software helps adapt the controller to many types of process requirements and applications. Data such as flow rate, pressure, pH/ORP, conductivity, O2, Cl2, water level and temperature can be displayed, controlled, recorded and transmitted. T

Customised Lenses For Nuclear Applications

Resolve Optics is offering a custom OEM design and manufacture service for nuclear camera and sensor manufacturers requiring non-browning fixed-focus or zoom lenses optimised to their applications. Owing to the difficulty in finding off-the-shelf radiation-resistant lenses that meet the need for specific focal lengths, larger image formats, high resolution, ruggedness, a wide zoom range or greater compactness, more manufacturers are considering a lens custom-designed to fit their required applications. Resolve Optics designs and manufactures production quantities of radiation-resistant lenses and optical products to strict quality and target price guidelines. All optical elements within the company's radiation-tolerant fixed-focus designs are made using cerium-oxide-doped glass or synthetic silica, enabling them to withstand radiation doses of up to 100 million rads without the degradation of performance. All Resolve Optics non-browning lenses provide high image resolution and mi

Microstick Enables Design With Microcontrollers

Microchip's Microstick development board provides a complete solution for designing with its 16-bit PIC24H microcontrollers and dsPIC33F Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), in a 20 x 76mm footprint. The Microstick offers an integrated USB programmer/debugger and can be used standalone or plugged into a prototyping board. It is populated with a socketed microcontroller that can be easily swapped out. The Microstick works with the PIC24HJ64GP502 16-bit MCU and the dsPIC33FJ64MC802 DSC, which seamlessly blends DSP and MCU resources into a single architecture. Software support includes the same free MPLAB IDE and software libraries that work with all of Microchip's 8/16/32-bit PIC microcontrollers and DSCs. Additionally, the dsPIC33F DSCs are supported by the free demo version of Microchip's Device Blocksets for the Matlab language and Simulink environment, which work seamlessly within the MPLAB IDE. This combination of tools and free software provides a platform for experimen

CUI Offers AC/DC Supplies For Consumer Electronics

CUI's power line, V-Infinity, has added 10 and 15W models to its VOF series of low-cost open-frame AC/DC power supplies for use in ITE, industrial and consumer-electronics applications. The VOF series has a low no-load power consumption of less than 0.5W and efficiencies up to 83 per cent. The VOF-10 and VOF-15 provide continuous output power and universal input (85-264V AC), and are offered in 3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24 and 48V DC output voltages. The VOF-10 measures 2.6 x 1.8 x 0.9in, while the VOF-15 measures 2.8 x 1.9 x 0.9in. Protections for over-voltage and over-current conditions are included.

Power Management For Portable Consumer Electronics

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The WM8321 offers a flexible single-chip power-management solution for low-power portable consumer applications such as smartphones, e-book readers, netbooks and portable media players. The subsystem features four programmable DC-DC synchronous buck converters - which deliver high performance and efficiency across a range of operating conditions - and 11 LDO regulators - four of which are low noise for supplying sensitive analogue subsystems. The integrated one-time programmable (OTP) memory controls the converter and regulator start-up sequencing and voltages, as well as the sequencing of GPIOs and system blocks. In addition to the OTP memory, the WM8321 features an Instant Config Interface, which allows multiple start-up sequences to be tested via an external EEPROM. Once the optimised start-up has been verified, it can be submitted for writing to the OTP, ensuring that the system will power up first time. Another advantage of the WM8321 is the QFN package, which is customised to p

Touch Sensor Enhances Gaming Table Interfaces

A 10.4in version of Zytronic's Zybrid customisable touch sensor is being employed by gaming machine manufacturer Shuffle Master to enhance the user interfaces of i-Table electronic card table. Utilising six networked touch-enabled player displays and an additional dealer station, all embedded in a full size gaming table, the i-Table combines an efficient and intuitive electronic betting interface with the human interaction of a live dealer. It can quickly switch between a selection of different card games, with Blackjack, Baccarat, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em all being supported. Automation of the betting process via the touch interface permits improvements in game security, accuracy and speed. This results in an estimated 30 per cent increase in the number of rounds played per hour. It also means that less dealer training and fewer staff are required, as well as removing the possibility of dealing errors, chip theft, dealer/player collusion, or card manipul

IR introduces ULDO Devices For Space Applications

International Rectifier (IR) has launched a series of high-current, ultra-low dropout (ULDO) RAD-Hard hybrid linear voltage regulators for space applications such as satellites and launch vehicles. IR has developed a control IC and bypass transistor for the ULDO range, which are suited for use in power-restricted applications requiring high density. The space-level screened devices, designed for point-of-load and post DC-DC power conversion, offer a dropout voltage of 0.4V at full 3A load. The regulators feature a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) CMOS Regulator IC, latch-up and SEU immunity, as well as TID and ELDRS testing in excess of 100 Krad, with negligible effect on regulation tolerance. The devices provide fast transient response, timed latch-off over-current protection and internal thermal protection, and on/off control via shutdown pin. The ULDO devices' adjustable regulators provide output voltages as low as 0.8V, compatible with the newer FPGA used in space equipment.

Subrack Allows Multiple Electronics Mounting

Rittal is offering the Ripac Vario subrack for mounting multiple board electronic solutions in 19in (482.6mm) racks, as the range is easily upgraded from standard to EMC after it has been completed. This will provide over 40dB of shielding effectiveness at 1GHz for incoming and outgoing protection. For a simple upgrade, users can add top and bottom covers, a rear panel and gaskets to ensure good electrical and mechanical contact between adjacent surfaces. The Ripac Vario EMC subracks are also available on short lead times, along with EMC front and rear panels, and a range of accessories.

Branched PV Cables Enable Solar Array Connection

Branched photovoltaic (PV) cables from Multi-Contact enable the fast, easy connection of solar arrays, as well as decreased assembly times, reduced costs and increased reliability. The continuous main cable also allows fewer connections, reducing contact resistance. The high-quality cables are produced to order, with customers specifying cable and branch lengths, branch spacings and power ratings. They are available with Multi-Contact's MC3 and MC4 connector types, and customers can specify different cable ratings for the main and branch cables. The cable used is Multi-Contact's chemically cross-linked Flex-Sol-XL solar cable, which has a usable lifetime of 25 years or more. The complete system offers IP67 environmental protection. The cables are supplied rolled, bundled and/or sealed in plastic film, depending on their length, and need only to be unpacked and connected at the installation site. For relatively large installations with regularly spaced PV modules, the cables

LED Provides Drop-In Replacement For Halogen Bulbs

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Available from Marl, the 4.5W Citizen CL-L251 delivers 290 lumens of light output at a colour temperature of 3,000K, with colour rendering of Ra85 - equivalent to a standard 20W MR16 halogen. The range is available with colour temperatures up to 5,000K, delivering up to 425 lumens from 4.5W. The CL-L251 has a luminous efficiency of up to 106 lumens per watt, compared with 16 lumens per watt for a halogen light. Since the drive voltage of the CL-L251 is 9-10V, the LED can be packaged as a drop-in replacement for a standard halogen light. In addition to the direct cost savings, the Citizen CL-L251 is designed to provide significant indirect energy and maintenance-cost reductions. The LED light is said to emit much less waste heat than halogen, reducing the load on air conditioning. It also provides a typical lifetime of 40,000 hours or 4.5 years continuous use, compared with 4,000 hours for a MR16 halogen light.

Roband Launches Power Supply For Defence Market

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Roband Electronics has added the RO-MIL-2213 power supply to its compact military-specification DC-DC converter range. The RO-MIL-2213, which is supplied in 3.3V and 5V output versions, is capable of delivering a 20A output current from a 76.3 x 38.2 x 10.2mm package. The high-efficiency, high-power-density single-rail unit comprises an isolated, high-frequency, pulse-width-modulated push-pull converter. While it is specified to operate from a nominal 28V supply, this versatile power supply will accept an input-voltage range from 12-40V (5V output version) and 14.5-40V (3.3V output version). Options include an 80V input-surge capability and a variant that will operate from an input as low as 9V. External synchronisation is also available as an option. The RO-MIL-2213 operates over the military temperature range without de-rating. It is unconditionally stable and does not require additional external components for correct operation. A remote-sense facility is provided to compensate fo

Processor Enables Smooth Design Migration

Toradex has launched the Colibri Tegra T20 processor, which is fully pin compatible with the current Colibri product range and allows existing customers to smoothly migrate designs. Based on the latest Nvidia Tegra T20 Cortex A9 MPCore (dual core) processor, the Colibri Tegra T20 offers increased CPU performance through dual cores operating up to 1.0GHz and supports 1080p HD video playback, with a range of display resolutions up to 1,920 x 1,080. The processor's ultra-low-power Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) also offers 3D rendering capabilities for advanced graphics applications. On-board memory will include 256MB DDR RAM and 1GB flash.

Fischer Provides Connectors For Heart-Lung System

Fischer has supplied connectors for use in Maquet's Cardiohelp 9.4kg hybrid pump/oxygenator, to be used in intensive care, interventional cardiology and intra- and interhospital transfer. When designing this system, Maquet's engineering team required products that facilitated the creation of a heart-lung assist system that is so light and small that it can be carried by one person and used in a helicopter or vehicle. Fischer's connectors were selected due to their secure connections, durability and lightness, which were needed in order for Cardiohelp to provide an extracorporeal support for the patient's circulation and respiration, and guarantee adequate gas exchange to prevent heart and/or lung failure.

Teseq Test System Gets Telecom Surge Module

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Teseq has upgraded its NSG 3060 with a simple waveform module that generates an open circuit voltage test pulse of 10/700us to test ports intended for connection to symmetrical communication lines. The telecom surge module - the TSM 3751 - is used in configuration with standard test modules, including EFT and combination wave, to provide testing configurations specifically suited to users' applications. The TSM 3751 enhances Teseq's NSG 3060 test system, which features a modular architecture to cost-effectively meet the needs of basic as well as sophisticated test laboratories. The module is said to easily fit into the NSG 3060 to provide a fast and convenient test setting that allows users to select source impedance from either 15ohms or 40ohms by simply pressing a button on the generator's colour LCD touch screen. It can also be placed into an expansion housing controlled by the generator's touch screen or via the Win 6000 software. The surge module adheres to sever

Switching Power Supply For Backplane Applications

Contech, a division of Calex, has launched the PC60 series of AC/DC switching power supplies suitable for ruggedised backplane applications. The PC60 series offers 60W of output power in an encapsulated case. The optional DIN-rail mount and easily accessible terminal blocks gives it the versatility to be used as a power solution in an assortment of applications. The PC60 series offers output voltages that range from 5.1VDC to 48VDC, with efficiencies up to 84 per cent. The series also has output over-voltage protection. The units are encapsulated with a thermally conductive potting compound in a plastic resin and fibreglass case that meets UL94V-0. The enclosed case has external terminal blocks for ease of connection and is chassis mountable. Adding an optional accessory DIN-03 base plate easily converts the chassis mount case to a standard DIN-rail mount. The PC60 series is rated for 3000 VAC isolation, is UL approved, and is RoHS compliant.

FPGA Ideal For Next-Generation Space Systems

Xilinx has launched a high-density, radiation-hardened reconfigurable FPGA for withstanding radiation environments encountered by applications such as low Earth-orbiting satellites. The FPGA is also said to be ideal for systems supporting interplanetary missions. The off-the-shelf Xilinx Virtex 5QV FPGA is claimed to offer the industry's highest-density performance and integration capabilities for complex systems that would otherwise require rad-hard ASIC devices with their high development costs and long lead times, or traditional one-time programmable (OTP) solutions. The combination of rad-hard and re-configurability enables a reduction in risk to critical programs by allowing minimal-cost, last-minute design changes and even redesigns after launch. The FPGA is one of the ways Xilinx is addressing the programmable imperative that system developers face given the high-cost and risk of custom chip development and rigorous demands for higher-performance and integration. The V

Advantech Unveils Industrial-Grade ATX Motherboard

Advantech has introduced the AIMB-780, an industrial-grade ATX motherboard with an LGA 1156 socket supporting the latest Intel Core i7/i5/i3/Xeon/Pentium processors. Intel 32nm Core i7 and Core i5 7xx series processors are quad-core central processing units (CPUs) with integrated memory controllers. The 45nm Intel Core i5 6xx and Core i3 series processors are dual-core CPUs featuring integrated graphics and memory controllers and Intel HD graphics with DX10 support. The AIMB-780 also supports Intel server-grade Xeon 34xx series processors with ECC DDR3 support and is capable of Sata Raid 0, 1, 5 and 10 to ensure reliable storage and system protection for network-intensive applications. The motherboard comes with high connectivity and expansion options, including one PCIe x16, one PCIe x4, one PCIe x1, four PCI expansion slots, four serial ports, 14 USB 2.0 ports and six Serial ATA II 300MB/s connectors. One of the serial ports supports RS232/422/485 with hardware auto-flow contro

BASF Walltite Specified For BRE Retrofit Project

Walltite spray foam insulation from BASF Polyurethanes UK has been used at the BRE's Victorian Terrace retrofit project in Watford. BASF in partnership with the BRE is helping to transform a disused Victorian stable block into a 21st century living and exhibition space. The Victorian Terrace demonstration project aims to bring about a step change in the housing agenda by highlighting the significant contribution refurbishment can play in reducing UK carbon emissions and encouraging industry to raise standards of practice. Walltite was spray applied to one of the walls in the presentation room which when finished, will house a permanent exhibition of the products used on this project. The wall here was very unstable so a number of structural repairs had to take place before removing all the existing plaster. Walltite was then sprayed directly onto the rough, bare brick substrate without the need for primer or levelling coat to a thickness of 100mm. The strength of Walltite helpe

Rockwell And Cisco Develop CPwE Architectures

Rockwell Automation and Cisco Systems have collaborated to develop Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) architectures to support and accelerate network convergence. The companies have also teamed up to provide education, design guidance, recommendations and best practices. The new resources, comprising the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and Cisco's Ethernet-to-the-Factory, provide users with the foundation to deploy the latest technology by addressing topics relevant to both engineering and information technology (IT) professionals. They also address the cultural and technical challenges of Ethernet network convergence between IT and engineering. The two companies are publishing phased releases of deliverables to provide solutions (such as documentation, products, technology and services) to address convergence between industrial and enterprise networks. The release of Version 2.0 of the 'Design and Installation Guide', which is available for download from t

Online Analyser Accurately Measures Trace Nitrogen

The new Servopro Plasma online analyser from Servomex is suitable for use in ASU production, argon purification plants, speciality gas laboratories, process control and chemical plants, for example. The new analyser, which is also ideal for use in gas management systems, welding gas control, helium liquefaction plants, truck loading and pure gas bottling, builds on the technology platform of its predecessor to offer new enhancements for the accurate measurement of trace nitrogen in argon or helium. Using the company's plasma emission detector to provide accurate and stable measurement, the Servopro Plasma can continuously measure nitrogen in pure argon for argon production in cryogenic air separation plants and can also be configured to measure nitrogen impurities in pure helium and argon for gas bottling applications and speciality gas laboratories. The analyser offers users three standard ranges of 0-1ppm, 0-10ppm and 0-100ppm and an automatic ranging feature that changes the

Cenfra Assesses Vale Of Mowbray Expansion Plan

Cenfra has carried out an in-depth analysis of a planned expansion project using bespoke discrete event simulation technology for the Vale of Mowbray, a manufacturer of pork pies. The Vale of Mowbray identified that it would need new equipment and a site extension to keep up with demand but was unsure how these changes would be integrated with existing production. The company approached Cenfra to carry out an assessment of its current factory processes and to look into its proposed plans to ascertain if it was making the most out of its investment. Cenfra created an interactive 3D computer model of the proposed factory layout, which included technical details on the existing production equipment to evaluate and quantify the benefits and implications of integrating new equipment on a 'virtual scale' without creating any disruption to current manufacturing operations or the need for complex spreadsheets and speculative guesswork. From the numerous 'what-if' scenarios ca

WWEM 2010 Event To Feature Gas Detection Zone

This year's WWEM environmental monitoring conference and exhibition, primarily targeted at the water sector, is set to feature a new gas detection zone. Traditionally focusing on environmental monitoring, the event will now also highlight airborne industrial hazards and risk assessment across all industries, with the participation of the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM). Hazards include accidental exposure to low oxygen levels in confined spaces and to toxic, flammable or explosive gases. Products will be displayed by Alphasense, BOC, BW Technologies, Clairair, Crowcon, Cryoservice, Draeger, Gas Data, GfG, GMI, GSS, Honeywell Analytics, Infratec, Ion Science, JMS, Linde, Quest Technologies, RAE Systems, Sensidyne, Shaw City, Sperian Instrumentation, STG and Trolex. WWEM organiser Marcus Pattison said: 'The main objective of the new gas detection zone is to provide visitors with access to all of the available technologies for both portable and fix

Netherlocks Website Details Valves And Interlocks

Netherlocks has launched a new website and brochure providing details about its valve safety and interlocking systems, which are said to operate effectively even in extreme conditions. A new 'downloads' section helps visitors to find the new brochure, as well as product datasheets, official certificates and fill-in forms for correct specification when ordering certain safety products. There are dedicated sections for core safety product ranges in Process Interlocking, Valve Control, Lock-Out/Tag-Out and Position Indication. These contain information about the products, various applications they are useful for, technical details, frequently asked questions and references from existing clients about past installations. The new brochure features advice, services and products from Netherlocks.

Registration Opens For Particle Summit Event

Malvern Instruments has announced that registration is now open for the Particle Summit, a forum enabling users of particle characterisation technology to learn more and to connect with others. Sponsored by Malvern Instruments, the Particle Summit will take place on 20-21 October 2010 at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, near Boston. It is suitable for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge in the fields of particle and molecular characterisation and will feature an informative and practical programme. As well as two days of presentations and case studies, an optional pre-conference workshop on 19 October will cover the basic principles of particle characterisation. The 15 speakers will include Dr James Adair of Pennsylvania State University; Dr Danny Chou of Genzyme; Bill Kopesky of Particle Technology Labs (PTL); Dr Martin Muschol of South Florida University; Dr Kevin Powers of the Particle Engineering Research Center at Florida University; Dr Paul Sojka of Purdue University; and

Suction And Blast Hoses Work In High Temperatures

Flextraction has launched a range of suction and blast hoses for use in high-temperature applications involving aggressive solids or gases and in chemical, manufacturing de-dusting and suction plants. The hoses, depending on the type and size, vary in weight, flexibility and compressibility to meet a variety of requirements. The suction and blast hoses operate in temperatures from -200C up to +1,100C. The thermoplastic polymer hoses are suitable for use in applications where the maximum temperature is +125C. The steel hoses, meanwhile, can be used in temperatures up to +400C and the stainless-steel hoses can operate in temperatures up to +600C. For better thermal insulation, multiply-constructed hoses using alternating special high-temperature webbing and special insulating materials are effective up to 1,100C over short periods. The new range includes the VA 471 Teflon, double-layer, ultra-lightweight, compressible hose, which is designed for use in applications where operating temp

Aston Martin Race Cars Use Tyre-Pressure Monitor

Aston Martin Racing ran Beru F1 Systems' Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on its Nurburgring 24-hour race entries for the second year in a row. The system was used on Aston Martin's V12 Vantage race car and the new Rapide model. The TPMS provided Aston Martin's race engineers and drivers with accurate tyre pressure and temperature data throughout the race. James Shingleton, applications engineer at Beru F1 Systems, said: 'The TPMS is being increasingly used by motorsport teams to improve both performance and safety. 'The TPMS allows engineers to better understand tyre behaviour during usage. 'By closely monitoring tyre pressure and temperature, race engineers can optimise vehicle performance and tyre wear, while the system's puncture detection algorithms provide drivers with a warning of damaged or deflating tyres, giving them time to reduce speed or stop safely and preventing further damage to the tyre,' he added. The TPMS comprises one electr

Controller For Mobile And Off-Highway Applications

Parker Hannifin has launched a programmable hydraulics controller for use by original equipment manufacturers and system integrators for the development of mobile and off-highway equipment. Designated Iqan-MC3 and forming part of Parker's Iqan range of motion and control products, the new device enables both safety and operational functions to be controlled from a single module; this results in reduced system design and build times and improved machine performance, safety and productivity. According to the company, manufacturers of mobile and off-highway equipment used in the production and development of safety systems are increasingly requiring components and software to be certified to accepted functional safety standards, such as EN ISO 13849-1 or IEC 61508. The new Iqan-MC3 module, used in conjunction with Parker's dedicated Iqan Studio Software Tools, allows both operational and safety functions to be programmed, controlled and monitored through a single controller. T

PoE Switch Enables Wireless-Device Communication

Aaxeon has released the LNP-1002G Lanolinx Industrial Unmanaged Gigabit Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Switch, which enables communication with wireless devices such as access points and IP phones. The LNP-1002G is an unmanaged 10-port Gigabit Industrial Ethernet switch with 8 10/100TX ports and 2 combo ports. The combo ports can either be 10/100/1000TX or Gigabit fibre using an Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) module. This configuration provides the user with the flexibility to use fibre or copper ports for the uplink. Each of the eight 10/100TX ports supports the new 802.3af PoE standard and can provide up to 15W at 48V DC. An Extended Operating Temperature model (LNP-1002G-T) with a temperature range from -40 to 80C is also available for extreme temperature applications.

Tyco Enters Commercial Lighting Collaboration

Tyco Electronics and Redwood Systems have announced a strategic collaboration to pioneer Redwood's new lighting platform in the commercial lighting market. The platform - a lighting system that fuses intelligent control, communications and power delivery into an integrated, networked system - is designed to make smart lighting simple and cost effective, and provide users with expanded ways to visualise and optimise their buildings. The system, which operates on both LED technology and traditional fluorescent and halogen technology, estimates energy savings up to 75 per cent for standard building lighting. Tyco will collaborate with Redwood on a comprehensive solutions package for integration into the system. The package will provide the foundational infrastructure necessary to enable the lighting system. such as commercial-premises structured cabling systems, circuit-protection devices and interconnect systems. The platform is composed of three discrete elements that work in

Expo Canopy Made With Flexible Beta Yarn

The World Expo Center's entrance pavilion includes a large structural membrane canopy made with AGY's Beta yarn, which provides flexibility and strength for large-scale architecture. The Beta yarn consists of very fine glass filaments (4um) that are twisted and plied into yarn bundles. 'We supply the raw, non-combustible Beta yarn to Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, who weaves it into a wide-width [120in] structural fabric and then coats it with a proprietary PTFE formula,' said John Mancinelli, North East sales manager at AGY. 'The finished membrane product, called Sheerfill Architectural Membrane, enables the construction of buildings with stunning architectural profiles,' he added. Saint-Gobain chose AGY's Beta yarn because it retains strength both during and after rigorous processing, and because it retains the flexibility to be bent or folded without losing strength. 'The secret is our very fine Beta glass filaments - they are the smallest dia

RJW Repairs Rotary Assembly Using Spiral Welder

Rewinds and J Windsor has used a spiral welder to repair a rotary diverter lock on a oil seed food-processing company's conveyor handling system. RJW fully cleaned and inspected the assembly, which was made of 316L stainless steel and measured 2.5m long and 500mm in diameter, and made detailed measurements. An ultrasonic test was completed to out to ensure the shaft was structurally sound, with no inherent flaws or cracks. The detailed inspection had found that the drive end bearing diameter was bent and worn, and the non-drive end also showed signs of wear. RJW carried out the following work on the assembly: prepared failed non drive end diameter; machined true and prepared drive end diameter (full length); set up in spiral welding machine and welded using 316L welding wire and externally approved welding procedures; all stainless steel heat treatments covered during the process; set up shaft and proofed machine; carried out dye-penetrant inspection; finished machine and keyway

Adept Shows Robot For High-Speed Packaging

Adept will be showcasing its Quattro s650H robot for high-speed automated packaging applications at the Propak China 2010 event in Shanghai on 14-16 July 2010. The technology will be demonstrated in a high-performance, flexible small-product handling system designed by the company's partner Austong Intelligent Robot Technology. Austong will be demonstrating a high-speed parts-handling and packaging system utilising the Adept Quattro s650H robot with integrated vision guidance and inspection. The s650H parallel robot is designed for high-speed manufacturing, packaging, materials-handling and assembly applications, and is said to be the only robot in the world that features a four-arm rotational platform. The design is said to deliver maximum speed, maximum acceleration and exceptional performance across the entire work envelope. Powerful compact controls and embedded amplifiers also make installation easy, while reducing work cell and overall factory footprint requirements. The

Gast Offers Air Dryers For Industrial Facilities

Gast's Jun-Air range of high-purity, heatless desiccant air dryers for use with the company's cabinet compressors enable water-vapour removal in a range of industrial and commercial facilities. The devices feature a new system that combines the filter and desiccant in one easily exchanged, externally fitted cartridge, to simplify maintenance. The iQdryer's design incorporates new, patented technologies and modern materials to deliver pulse-free, high-quality compressed air with increased reliability, lower running costs and simplified maintenance procedures. The dryer also meets high-purity standards and delivers air in accordance with ISO 8573:1-2001, Class 2 dirt (1um) and Class 2 water (-40C pressure dew point), and has a maximum working pressure of 12 barg (174 psig). Features include high-tensile extruded aluminium columns containing twin-dryer chambers anodised for corrosion protection; a pressure-maintaining device that ensures desiccant bed velocities are contro

Synergy Provides Seal Refurbishment And Repairs

Synergy Engineering, representing Nash Mechanical Seal Services, can now offer refurbishment and maintenance repairs for mechanical seals and rotating equipment on a local level. The company also now supplies Nash's Fluiten mechanical seal range. Synergy Engineering manufactures mechanical seals for chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and drink, energy, paper, marine and wastewater applications.

Mayr Introduces Vertical-Axis Braking Solution

Mayr Power Transmissions has unveiled the Robaa-topstopa, a fully sealed drive-side-mounted safety brake suitable for any vertical- or gravity-loaded axis. Designed to meet the demands of EN ISO13849-1, the compact and lightweight Robaa-topstopa can be retrofitted to existing servo systems to prevent uncontrolled vertical movements in a power-off or emergency-stop situation. The Robaa-topstopa is available as a single- or double-circuit brake with either a shaft output to connect to a gearbox or an integrated plug-in coupling to enable connection directly to a ballscrew. Available in three standard sizes ranging from 12Nm to 170Nm, the Robaa-topstopa is said to offer safe and reliable braking even with the motor removed. With a housing sealed to IP54 and flanges that can be adapted to any application, the Robaa-topstopa provides a simple, safe and economical vertical-axis braking solution, according to the company.

CAE Package Helps Engineers Solve Resin Problems

Flow Science is offering a computer-aided-engineering (CAE) package aimed at solving the complex problems surrounding the development and production of products using thermosetting resins. Thermosetting resins, with their high adhesive and structural strength and thermal and chemical durability, are used in semiconductor devices, generators, transformers and switches, coils and other components for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, printed circuit boards and MRIs. The new Flow-3D Thermoset package is intended to help engineers overcome the challenging problems presented by materials in the production process. Working with Hitachi and Terrabyte of Japan, which collaborated on the development of this customised version of Flow-3D, Flow Science can now offer engineers seeking to tackle these difficult problems an advanced tool to produce accurate predictions of void formations, incomplete filling, overfilling and gold wire deformations.

Newport Stages Provide Backlash-Free Rotation

Newport, a provider of laser and photonic solutions that make, manage and measure light, has launched precision rotation stages for applications that require bidirectional positioning. The URS50BCC and URS50BPP precision rotation stages feature 360deg continuous motion. The low-cost stages feature a small, 50mm footprint. The URS50BCC and the URS50BPP provide backlash-free, continuous rotation with a high meantime between failures of up to 20,000 and very low wobble. Both stages offer 6um eccentricity and simple integration, according to the company. The URS50Bs feature a two-part bearing design with pre-tempered steel gears and bearings to ensure precision and long-life motion positioning. The URS50BCC, the DC-motor version with index pulse for precision homing, is suitable for demanding applications that require bidirectional positioning. The more economical URSBPP stepper-motor version is suitable for less demanding yet precision rotation applications. A cable is included with e

Transmitters Certified For Use In Hazardous Areas

Endress and Hauser's M-class Deltabar M PMD55 transmitter and its Cerabar line of pressure transmitters have Atex, FM, CSA, NEPSI and IEC Ex certifications for use in hazardous areas. The Deltapilot M has Atex, FM, CSA, drinking-water (NSF, KTW and ACS) and NACE approvals. The new M-class range of transmitters, manufactured in the US, makes it easier for legacy plants to upgrade to digital communications systems such as Hart and Wirelesshart, according to the company. It can be difficult for a plant to upgrade all of its transmitters at one time, but the M class allows users to install instruments on an as-needed basis. M-class transmitters incorporate 4-20mA two-wire analogue outputs with superimposed Hart 6.0 digital communications. Remote operation is available via a Hart Field Communicator handheld terminal or the wireless Field Xpert personal digital assistant (PDA) with an integrated 3.5in (8.9cm) touch screen. The transmitters can also be configured with Endress and Haus

Siemens Launches EMPP Vertical Mill Drive

The Siemens Industry Drive Technologies Division has launched a Flender vertical mill drive that can be used to crush raw material and cement in the building-materials or coal industries. The EMPP (electrical motor and two planetary gears) vertical mill drive prevents load surges arising from short-term power interruptions and optimises performance between drive and mill, enabling power ranges to be expanded to 15MW. Reliability is also enhanced through a reduction in the number of components susceptible to faults. The EMPP vertical mill drive features a newly developed motor in which the gear housing is built in under the planetary gear. The power transmission features a permanent magnet synchronous motor with an efficient cooling system and the drive is controlled by a frequency converter. This ensures maximum running smoothness combined with optimum grinding results for varying operating conditions, according to the company. Vertical mills are commonly used to crush raw materi

Entry Plate Allows Multiple Cable Combinations

For applications that require a range of cables to enter a junction box or enclosure, Hylec-APL has introduced a cable entry plate that can speed up the wiring process and cut costs. The plate can be built up using a range of pre-formed push-fit IP65 cable entry options, allowing custom combinations of cable entries in one enclosure. 'The idea is to avoid situations where many different-sized holes have to be drilled and a large number of odd cable glands fitted,' said Terry Spriggs, product marketing manager for Hylec-APL. 'Intended mainly for OEM customers and large-volume users, the plates fit into frames that can be screwed to bulkheads or larger enclosures, allowing very fast entry for a large number of cables,' he added. To help customers design the entry plate, Hylec-APL has added a free 3D online configurator to its website. This free application allows users to customise and visualise the Design-A-Flange, choosing various cable entry options and adding any ne

Inertial ADC Suits High-Temperature Environments

ETL Inertial Aerosystems has introduced a high-temperature 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter from Honeywell for use in applications such as deep-drilling operations and jet engine control systems. The HTADC 12 is designed to enable reliable measurement and control in high-temperature environments. The technology is claimed to offer four times better resolution than competitive offerings. This device is a monolithic, 12-bit, 100,000 samples per second converter. The product can sustain reliable 225C operation for up to five years and 300C for one year. The input of the HTADC 12 allows interfacing to sensors for data-conversion applications. The direct input supports 0V to 2.5V signals and includes an on-chip buffer to allow for full 5V input signals. The outputs are 12-bit parallel, two 8-bit parallel and serial. The switched capacitor charge redistribution DAC architecture does not require a sample and hold input stage. It is applicable for both multiplexed systems that switch f