Industrial Factory Automation

Bulgin – an Elektron Technology connectivity brand – has unveiled the latest addition to its rugged Buccaneer range of connectors, giving engineers and product design professionals even greater flexibility in systems design. The all new Buccaneer 6000 Series of waterproof power, signal and data connectors features a unique and easy to use, patent pending push­pull locking system, that connects up to 10 times faster than a traditional screw thread mechanism. This latest addition to the popular Buccaneer range is designed to withstand the harshest environments and meets IP66, IP68 and IP69K standards. The Buccaneer 6000 Series includes data (USB or Ethernet), signal and power versions up to 16A, 277V, and complements the popular screw thread Buccaneer range. Available in fully interchangeable metal and plastic constructions, the body mouldings and pin carriers have been specifically designed to create a robust interface while avoiding damage during coupling. This guarantees a correctly...

Bluegiga Technologies today announced the availability of its line of embedded Wi-Fi modules: Bluegiga WF111 and Bluegiga WF121. The new modules are ideal for embedded applications requiring small, reliable, long range Wi-Fi connectivity in an easy to integrate surface mount package. Both modules utilize Cambridge Silicon Radio’s UniFi® CSR6031 chipset which has excellent RF performance, low power consumption, and compact size. “Bluegiga is very excited to expand our product portfolio to include our two new Wi-Fi modules. Bluegiga has leveraged its extensive experience in developing robust, easy to integrate Bluetooth modules to create what we think will be a compelling alternative to existing Wi-Fi solutions on the market today.” says Tom Nordman, Bluegiga’s VP of Sales and Marketing. Bluegiga WF121 module is a stand-alone Wi-Fi module, providing a fully integrated 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n radio and IP stack in a 15.4mm x 26.2mm footprint. It is designed for embedded applications requiri...

Bivar, a leading specialty provider of LED indication products and solutions, has announced the launch of 4xpress, an online program that enables Bivar to quickly respond to custom light pipe design inquiries. As part of the 4xpress program, Bivar will assess new projects and provide recommendations within two business days or less. The benefit to design engineers is they will now receive critical feedback as quickly as possible to help them determine if a viable light pipe design solution is available to meet their cost and production requirements. Bivar’s light pipes are ideally suited to applications with difficult designs where the LED light source is positioned far from the viewing surface or is obstructed by other components. Bivar’s 4xpress program is targeted to engineers facing this challenge as they design applications for a wide range of markets including medical, industrial, audio/video and security. Before 4xpress, design engineers were challenged not only by difficult d...

TT electronics Components Division today announces that it has secured a contract to develop custom micro inverter/power electronic modules for the hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV) market. The contract with UK based Protean Electric will see TT electronics AB Mikroelektronik design and manufacture these complex modules at its advanced factory in Salzburg, Austria. "The HEV industry is growing at a rapid pace and is set to become a multi-billion dollar market," commented Robert Rehrl, Sales Director at TT electronics AB Mikroelektronik. "The development of the custom modules for Protean is just one example of how our investment in R&D for this burgeoning market has added value to our customer's design." Deciding on the best fit for the customer was the key to securing the contract according to Dr Steve Jones Technical Director at TT electronics Semelab. "The initial enquiry was received through TT electronics Semelab in the UK. However, across the Com...

AB Connectors Ltd has won new contracts worth $90 million over the next five years for the supply of interconnection systems to the US armed forces for use with mobile radio communication equipment. The orders cover two different connector platforms. One is for the Power Off-take for US Military Armoured Vehicles and the other is for the latest US Armed Forces Vehicle Communication Equipment. The new orders have been won by TT electronics' specialist interconnection systems business which is an established supplier to the defence market and is already supplying NATO approved equipment to the majority of the NATO armed forces, including the MoD. TT electronics' interconnection systems business operates from a global manufacturing base supplying the defence, aerospace and traction markets. TT electronics' specialist expertise has been a key factor in winning significant contracts including the interconnection systems for all the new rolling stock for the upgrade of the Lond...

OPTEK receives Industry Leadership, Best Technology Awards from LED journal. TT electronics OPTEK Technology, a leading global manufacturer of LED components and arrays, has received two Innova Awards from LED Journal. OPTEK received first place in the categories of Best Technology and Industry Leadership for its 1-watt LED package and visible LED lab, respectively. "OPTEK strives to contribute to the enhancement of technology in the LED lighting industry, and we developed our visible LED laboratory and the 1-watt LED package in an effort to do just that," said Alan Bennett, vice president of sales and marketing for OPTEK Technology. "We are pleased to accept these awards from LED Journal and will continue to work towards the advancement of LED technology for all of our customers." OPTEK Technology is a leading manufacturer of standard and application-specific sensors using infrared, visible, magnetic and fiber optic technologies focused on applications in office ...

TT electronics plc, a world leader in sensor and electronic components technology, today announces that it has secured a contract to supply speed sensors for the Nano, the radically new minicar unveiled in January 2008 by Tata Motors Ltd, one of India's leading car manufacturers. The sensors will be manufactured by Padmini TT electronics Private Ltd ("Padmini TT"), the joint venture formed in 2006 between TT electronics and Padmini VNA Private Ltd ("Padmini VNA"), in Gurgaon, near Delhi, India. This is one of several contracts with local vehicle manufacturers and automotive component suppliers recently awarded to this new enterprise. "We are delighted with this news which further endorses our strategy of investment in India's thriving automotive industry," said Neil Rodgers, CEO of TT electronics. "Although relatively modest in value terms, we regard this contract as a major breakthrough with Tata Motors and are very pleased to be part of th...

Features and Benefits     Thermal conductivity: 3.6 W/m-K     Thixotropic nature makes it easy to dispense     Two part formulation for easy storage     Ultra-conforming – designed for fragile and low-stress applications     Ambient or accelerated cure schedules Gap Filler 3500S35 is the technology leader in thermally conductive, liquid gap filling materials, featuring ultra-high thermal performance and superior softness. The material is a two-component, cured either at room or elevated temperature. Prior to curing, the material maintains good thixotropic characteristics as well as low viscosity. The result is a gel-like liquid material designed to fill air gaps and voids yet flow when acted upon by an external force (e.g. dispensing or assembly process). The material is an excellent solution for interfacing fragile components with high topography and/or stack-up tolerances to a universal heat sink or housing. ...

High Power Lighting Dielectric HPL is a dielectric specifically formulated for high power lighting LED applications with demanding thermal performance requirements. This thin dielectric at 0.0015" (38μm) has the ability to withstand high temperatures with a glass transition of 185°C and phenomenal thermal performance of 0.30°C/W (RD 2018). Bergquist Thermal Clad HPL is available in scored array circuits, scored singulated circuit, punched singulated parts and in LED standard stars and squares configurations. Applications     High watt-density applications where achieving the lowest     thermal resistance is required     Backlighting     Projectors     LED applications Benefits     Very low thermal impedance 0.02°C-in2/W (0.13°Ccm2/W)     High thermal conductivity of 3.0 W/m-K     High temperature applications     Lead-free solder compatible  ...

Features and Benefits     Thermal conductivity: 1.3 W/m-K     Ultra conformability     Gel-like modulus     Excellent rebound     Decreased strain     Remarkable handling     Electrically isolating Gap Pad® VO Ultimate is a robust, highly compliant product that is ideal for both small and large gap designs. The fiberglass carrier on one side of the material allows ease of rework, excellent handling characteristics and puncture resistance. Additionally the fiberglass carrier has a slight inherent tack, minimizing any shifting during assembly. The conformable and elastic nature of Gap Pad® VO Ultimate allows excellent interfacing and wet-out characteristics, even to surfaces with a high degree of roughness or uneven topography. The construction of Gap Pad® VO Ultimate; one side has high inherent tack, while the other side has minimal tack. This combination is useful for manual and au...

Features and Benefits     Thermal Conductivity: 2.0 W/m-K     Applies very low force on components during assembly     Low volumetric expansion     Excellent chemical and mechanical stability even at higher temperatures     No curing required     Stable viscosity in storage and in the application Liqui-Form™ 2000 is a high thermal conductivity liquid formable material designed for demanding applications requiring a balance between dispensability, low component stresses during assembly and ease of rework. Liqui-Form™ 2000 is a highly conformable shear-thinning material which requires no curing, mixing or refrigeration. Its unique formulation assures excellent thermal performance, low applied stress and reliable long-term performance. Liqui-Form™ 2000 is thixotropic and has a natural tack ensuring it forms around the component and stays in place in the application. Typical Applications Include: ...

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today introduced the industry’s first remote control code learning IC to integrate signal detection and processing into one component. Optimized for universal remote controllers, the VSOP98260 simplifies the code learning process by amplifying and shaping the signal received by the infrared emitter already present in these devices. The VSOP98620 also can be used in tablet PCs and smartphones that are enabled with an infrared emitter. In order to transmit valid commands, universal control devices must learn the modulation frequency and pulse patterns for each appliance being controlled. The most intuitive method for teaching them the correct code is to use the appliance’s remote control, placing it nose-to-nose with the universal controller. When a key is pressed, the infrared emitter transmits the pulses associated with this function and the universal controller receives the code and stores it in memory. Before the...

Azoteq, the world leader in proximity and touch solutions, today announced the release to market of the IQS128. The IQS128 features the unique Azoteq approach that offers both capacitive proximity and touch sensing in the same device using a single antenna. The IQS128 is a cost effective replacement for mechanical switches and optical proximity sensors, offering electrical isolation, unlimited operation and omnidirectional proximity sensing. “The next advance in touch technology is the addition of proximity technology which requires a sensor 100 times more sensitive than existing solutions and Azoteq is first to introduce a single chip solution”, said Dr. Frederick Bruwer, CEO and President of Azoteq. “The IQS128 is the first device to offer a solution to meet FCC SAR (specific absorption rate) requirements for cell phones and tablets to reduce RF power when the device is in close contact to a human” said Kobus Marneweck, VP of Marketing. “The ProxSenseTM family now has over 20 produ...

Azoteq, the world leader in capacitive proximity sensing, announced that their latest generation of proximity and touch controllers can sense capacitive changes as small as 20 atto farads. This sensitivity allows reliable proximity detection of over 300 mm or 12 inches on practical electrodes. One atto farad (1e-18 farads) is one million times smaller than one pico farad (1e-12 farads). Typical competitive devices can detect changes of 0.1 to 1 pico farad. Azoteq combined these breakthrough levels of sensitivity, industry-leading (~1000:1) SNR and RF immunity into cost-effective capacitive controllers. These benefits relax the common design constraints normally imposed on designers, and the automatic tuning algorithm ensures that no calibration is required in manufacturing. This allows designers to use thick overlay materials of up to 50 mm or more, unusual overlay materials such as wood, and touch buttons in extremely small spaces. With ProxSense® a touch key is easily realized with...

Azoteq, the world leader in capacitive proximity sensing, today announced the IQS253, Azoteq’s latest addition to the ProxSense® family of capacitive proximity and touch controllers. The IQS253 sets new standards for proximity and touch sensing, with power consumption of 6 microampere, which is 20 to 50 times better than that of competitive devices. Azoteq is the first to introduce a low pin-count capacitive controller that features projected (mutual) capacitance and self-capacitance in the same controller. The IQS253 uses advanced analog and digital circuitry to achieve unparalleled proximity and touch performance. The high sensitivity enables the IQS253 to work reliably through glass of up to 25 mm thick and achieves proximity detection of up to 250 mm with practical electrodes. The device can operate from 1.8 to 3.6V and achieves power consumption as low as 6 microampere while still sensing proximity and touch. The I2C compatible interface allows full control of the controller fun...

Azoteq, the world leader in capacitive proximity solutions, today announced the release to market of the IQS259. The IQS259 is Azoteq’s latest addition to the ProxSense® family of capacitive proximity and touch controllers. The IQS259 sets new standards for proximity and touch sensing with power consumption of 8 microampere, which is up to 100 times better than competitive devices. The IQS259 uses advanced analog and digital circuitry to achieve unparalleled proximity and touch performance. The high sensitivity enables the IQS259 to work reliably through glass up to 25 mm thick and achieves proximity detection up to 250 mm. The device can operate from 1.8 to 3.6V and achieves power consumption as low as 8 microampere while still sensing proximity and touch. The I2C-compatible interface allows for full control of the sensor functions from a host controller. “Azoteq provides the only proximity and touch solutions that enable designers to achieve first-time success with their design due...

Avery Dennison announced today that the University of Michigan’s solar car, Quantum External link will be wrapped with Avery Dennison’s popular vehicle wrap films when it competes in the 2012 American Solar Car Challenge External link. Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS™ and DOL 1360 were installed on Quantum by TKO Graphix of Indianapolis, Indiana External link. “The wrap is an important improvement to the car. We eliminated a significant amount of weight with the wrap. The vinyl conforms very well to the compound curves of Quantum’s body – and looks just like paint,” said Cole Witte, engineering director for University of Michigan solar car. “We focused on streamlining Quantum over the last two years and shaved off 200 pounds compared to our previous car.” This year, Quantum is lighter than its competitors’ cars that use paint instead of vehicle wraps. Traditional paint weighs about 9 pounds while the Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS and DOL 1360 wrap ma...

Avery Dennison announced today that fashion designer Mark Goldenberg of Israel was awarded the first Avery Dennison Brand Innovation Award for his innovative apparel branding collection at International Talent Support (ITS) in Trieste, Italy. Goldenberg was one of 11 ITS finalists chosen to create an inspiring branding solution for their fashion collection at ITS 2012 by Avery Dennison Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS), a global leader in apparel and footwear solutions and an ITS fashion partner. Goldenberg’s submission was selected as the winner because of its strong, consistent branding connection with his fashion collection. “Mark was able to express himself as effectively on his branding solutions as he did in his collection, while telling a consistent story,” says Tim Voegele-Downing, global creative director at Avery Dennison RBIS. “Branding is essential for young fashion designers in establishing how consumers will interact and perceive their new creative collec...

Autotrol now offers a line of precision coreless DC motors built with an integral  “incremental” encoder. The encoders are produced by Citizen-Micro, a global manufacturer  of precision components. Two types of encoders are available. The  magnetic encoder can be coupled to 13-17 mm diameter coreless motors and the  optical encoder can be coupled to 17-24 mm diameter coreless motors, from  2.4-24 VD volts. Applications range from medical, optical, robotic, industrial and many others. For more information please contact Autotrol’s sales  department at 815-459-3080 (x132).

Autotrol Corporation is proud to report that our motors are used in the bomb disposal robot featured in the critically acclaimed 2009 film “The Hurt Locker”.  The movie, which won the 2009 Best Picture Academy Award, is the story of three members of the US Army’s elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad.  The squad members risk their lives daily as they search for and disarm roadside bombs in the streets of Baghdad in order to try and make the city a safer place for Iraqis and Americans alike.  In one of the first scenes in the movie, the squad is using a small, track mounted robot to investigate a bomb.  This robot is manufactured by one of our customers and it uses two Autotrol 200 Series motors to position it’s camera.  These EOD robots are used when possible so as to avoid risking the lives of American soldiers and the Autotrol motors help to make it happen.

One of the most popular and successful applications for Autotrol motors is in Medical Products.  One customer has recently introduced a high-tech blood mixer with wireless communication and information transfer, built-in bar code scanner, and a proprietary mixing action using an Autotrol 200 series motor.  This unit is proving to be very popular with hospitals and blood banks throughout the world. Another customer has developed a portable lactate analyzer designed for coaches and trainers to monitor lactate levels of elite athletes training in the field with the accuracy and precision of a laboratory analyzer.  Lactate levels can be a direct indicator of oxygen supply to muscles during and after training activities.  This unit also uses an Autotrol 200 series motor which is a DC powered motor mated with a customized gearbox designed to perform exactly in accordance with the demands of the medical devise. Autotrol motors are used in many different types of sophistic...

Autotrol is currently working with several companies whose purpose is to help their customers “go green” to become more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time. One is working to provide the people of the world with the ability to have 99.99% clean drinking water.  The water purification system that they have developed is unique and proprietary. It provides a totally integrated, stand alone and maintenance free system that will provide purified water from any water source. This innovative product will not only provide benefits in third world countries but in developed countries as well.  After all, bottled water is not only expensive but it generates large amounts of container waste. In this application, the Autotrol gear motor provides the driving motion for the filtering medium. Another Autotrol customer has developed a method to grow locally produced high quality food all year round, regardless of external environmental conditions. Their product is a hydr...

ARM, the UK technology leader at the heart of many of today’s electronic devices, today announced that it has invited some of the UK’s leading specialist technology companies – EnLight , Neul, Alertme and AquaMW – to establish the UK’s first industry forum to help shape the Internet of Things. The forum aims to combat what they describe as the ‘Internet of Silos’ - an unconnected world with less value to both consumers and businesses. The forum will drive a blueprint for how technologies associated with the Internet of Things should and could work together to support the 50-billion intelligent devices due to be connected to the Internet by 2020.  This coincides with ARM CEO Warren East speaking on the importance of mobile technologies and the UK’s role in developing this market at the British Government’s Business Olympics event in London from 26th July to 3rd August. The event is timed to showcase the UK contribution to international business during the Olympics, when the world ...

Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, has launched a new double-balanced mixer product which is ideal for microwave and VSAT radios, sensors, test equipment and military & space applications. The HMC1048LC3B is a GaAs MMIC, general purpose, double-balanced mixer that can be used as a downconverter with DC to 4 GHz at the IF port and 2 to 18 GHz at the RF port. This mixer requires no external components or matching circuitry and exhibits excellent LO/RF and LO/IF isolation due to optimized balun structures. The mixer operates with LO drive levels from +9 dBm to +17 dBm and provides a typical input IP3 of 23 dBm. Ideal for downconversion in satellite transponder applications, the HMC1048LC3B is housed in a compact ceramic 3 x 3 mm SMT package. The HMC1048LC3B complements the widest selection of microwave communication solutions available from any OEM. Samples and evaluation PC boards for al...

Applied Motion Products is pleased to announce the addition of eight integrated drive+motors to our line of Ethernet and EtherNet/IP motion control products. The new STM23 models fuse a high performance motion controller with 100 MBit Ethernet communications to a high torque NEMA23 step motor. Connecting to an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix or MicroLogix PLC? EtherNet/IP is also available. The STM23Q-2Ex provides 125 ounce inches of torque, while the longer STM23Q-3Ex produces 210 ounce inches. Both models are available with an optional 4000 count/rev optical encoder, safely housed inside, that can detect and prevent motor stalls using Applied Motion’s proprietary stall prevention algorithm. Our auto tuned digital current control provides smooth, quiet motion, while an advanced anti-resonance algorithm with electronic damping allows for maximum torque utilization, rapid acceleration, and fast settling times. Software applications can communicate with the STM23 in real time,...

Applied Motion Products is pleased to announce the STR2 step motor drive. The STR2 is a compact, digital step & direction drive, great for OEM applications requiring basic step & direction control of a 2-phase stepper motor. The STR2 outputs up to 2.2 A/phase to the step motor, and is compatible with a variety of 2-phase step motors that have been selected to optimize performance of both the drive and motor. The STR2 drive features advanced microstepping performance and sophisticated current control with anti-resonance. Anti-resonance electronically damps motor and system resonances, which improves motor smoothness and torque over a wide speed range. Each STR2 step motor drive operates in either Step & Direction or Pulse/Pulse control mode. Selecting between these two modes is done by moving a jumper located under the cover of the drive. Each STR2 drive can microstep up to 20,000 steps/rev with a 1.8º step motor (1/100 step), and can even microstep the step motor when the...

Did you know that Applied Motion Products’ STAC6-Q AC-powered Advanced Microstep Drive w/ Q Programming and Encoder Input provides the capability to solve encoder following with registration control applications? If your application requirement is 1 HP (750W) or below, requiring high torque at low speed and rotary speeds less than 2000 RPM, consider Applied Motion Products’ STAC6-Q stepper drive. Providing significant cost savings over servo-based registration solutions for high speed insertion, line speed matching, adhesives application and labeling, the STAC6-Q can assist OEMs in maintaining high performance for a wide range of machinery. The STAC6-Q provides a distinct price/performance advantage. The Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in the Q programming environment allows the STAC6-Q to match conveyor speeds based on external encoder inputs wired to the digital inputs of the STAC6-Q. Registration is accomplished by triggering a discrete input and reliably capturing the encoder ...

Our ST5 and ST10, STAC5, STAC6 and STM stepper drives with Q programming are well suited for labeling applications. A product sensor can be tied to one of the digital inputs, triggering a WI (Wait Input) command when the product nears the labeling position. To prevent wrinkling or tearing, the label must be applied at the same speed the product is traveling on the conveyer. The drive measures the conveyer speed using a “master encoder” whose AB quadrature signals feed into the X1 and X2 inputs. The FE (Follow Encoder) command automatically ratios the label speed to the master encoder frequency, and monitors the label sensor, positioning the label at exactly the right location on the product. The Q programming’s powerful math capability can provide additional customization and control. Another option for labeling is to use a basic step & direction drive like the STR2, STR4, or STR8. In this approach another controller in the machine, usually a PLC or proprietary controller, provid...

As the leading memory module maker, Apacer Technology Inc. has long been devoted to the industrial computer field, particularly the embedded systems. Apacer takes the lead by introducing today a memory module featuring high speed, high capacity and low power consumption as well as full compatibility with the 22-nm Ivy Bridge microprocessor platform released lately by Intel. Compared with the mainstream 8-GB DDR3-1333 memory module, Apacer’s high-speed DDR3-1600 memory module dedicated to embedded systems requires a working voltage of only 1.35V, which can be applied into the module either to the fanless design or to the embedded system. Thanks to its 20% higher performance and 11% less power consumption, the module can save considerable power expenditure for enterprise users. In endless pursuit of technology innovation, Apacer’s industry-leading memory module features high speed, high capacity and low power consumption. Dedicated to embedded systems, the memory module boasts high cap...

As cloud computing becomes mature, most enterprises have already regarded this innovative management technology as the key point to building future information architecture so as to meet the needs for the massive data processing. To fully meet the stringent demands for cloud computing, Apacer, the leading memory module manufacturer, rolls out industry-leading enterprise-level 16GB bulk storage DDR3-1600 high-speed server memory module. It uses both internal and external voltage reference(Vref.) circuits, allowing the storage system to directly use external Vref. with high efficiency while eliminating signal noise. It provides powerful computing to process on-going massive data, optimizes cloud computing and storage performance and realizes the most stable server storage environment. This Apacer’s just-launchedDDR3-1600 16GB 2Rx4 ECC RDIMM server memory module is 100% JEDEC compliant and has built-in ECC. Thanks to its outstanding hardware design and advanced processed memory chips, s...

Despite the increase in adoption of SSDs in the industrial computer sector, price remains a major concern. Apacer seeks to address this issue with a quality SSD product. Apacer, one of the world's top ten PC SSD suppliers, has introduced a large-capacity MLC wide-temp SSD with CF and SD interfaces designed for industrial computer systems and automatic applications. Favorably priced, the product employs the vendor guaranteed flash chip, which means it can run stably under industry-level extended-temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C) environments. It stays reliable even at very high or very low temperatures, which makes the SSD a great storage solution suitable for the military, aviation, automobile, oil-well drilling and other industries. Apacer’s next-gen MLC wide-temp SSD includes an CF card compliant form-factor with CFA 4.1 specifications and an SD card supporting the SDHC Class 10 standard. The CF card adopts the standard 50-pin connector; the data transfer mode is up to PIO-6, Multi-Wo...

As cloud computing becomes a mainstream, it is essential for enterprise servers to improve capacities and data transmission speeds. Apacer is taking cloud computing as one of its core areas of development, and has created the SAFD 25A - a SATA 3.0 SSD that boasts both capacity and performance gains to address the needs of this industry. This is a high-end SSD targeted for cloud-based computing, featuring outstanding efficiency, based on high IOPs, and a large storage capacity of 512GB. It aims to optimize data storage variables in cloud computing centers by providing speed within a stable and power-saving operating environment. By using the exceptional features of SSDs suchasanti-shock, anti-vibration, low-power consumption, and high-speed data transmission, Apacer expects to help enterprise servers to improve their data access constraints and, in doing so, take the place of traditional hard drives. This can all be accomplished in tandem with cutting a large amount of the cooling cos...

Diodes Incorporated (Nasdaq: DIOD), a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality application specific standard products within the broad discrete, logic and analog semiconductor markets, today announced the AL5801 linear LED driver. Needing only two additional components, the AL5801 enables designers to simplify automotive interior, signage and general lighting control circuits. Integrating a 100V rated N-channel MOSFET with a pre-biased NPN transistor, this small footprint SOT26 packaged device will drive chains of up to 30 low-power, series-connected LEDs with currents from 20mA to 350mA. The AL5801's open-drain output operates between 1.1V and 100V, ensuring common 12V, 24V and 48V power rails are supported, while the LED current is set using an external low value resistor. By generating a 0.56V reference voltage across the resistor, the driver's internal control transistor helps minimize power losses and ensures sufficient supply voltage margin. Due to the r...

Amprobe Test Tools introduces the ACD-14 PLUS, a 600A clamp-on multimeter with dual display that allows simultaneous reading of amperage and voltage. Its complete set of measurement features makes it an ideal tool for HVAC and electrical applications. The ACD-14 PLUS features thinner jaws than standard clamp meters, allowing access to tight measurement areas while still accommodating conductors up to 28 millimeters. The versatile meter measures AC current to 600A, AC and DC voltage to 600V, capacitance to 3000 µF, resistance to 40MΩ, temperature (with Type-K thermocouple probe), and micro amps for testing flame sensors. It features a continuity buzzer, auto power off, and low battery indication-all in a compact and lightweight size. The ACD-14 PLUS 600A Clamp-On Multimeter with Dual Display comes complete with test leads, bead type thermocouple probe with banana plug, rubber over-molded carrying case and users manual. Optional accessories include the ELS2A line splitter and TL36A hea...

Alps Electric has developed the SSCL Series two-way detector switch with female connector terminal ideal for applications such as door lock and latch detection in vehicles. Samples will be available from May 2012. Alps Electric has developed and produced many automotive components since introducing a fader control potentiometer for vehicles in 1975. Besides characteristics ordinarily demanded of automotive components—shock and vibration resistance, and excellent operability—Alps’ products are recognized in the market for satisfying wide-ranging criteria, including compatibility with automated assembly in customer production lines and consideration of environmental impact. Now Alps has developed the SSCL Series two-way detector switch with a female connector terminal, an industry-first for a lever-type detector switch. The product is ideal for door latch detection. The switch is installed and connected simply by plugging it in (see Fig. 1), and it supports automated assembly. The prod...

Alps Electric has developed the UGXZD–G Series Bluetooth™ HCI*1 module with antenna for automobiles. Mass production is already underway. Today Bluetooth™ technology features in most of the mobile devices that enrich our lives, including smartphones, tablet PCs, and portable music players. Automotive equipment, too, increasingly employs Bluetooth™ to allow connection of devices like smartphones and portable music, enabling activities such as hands-free phone calls and playback of your favorite music inside the car, thereby creating a more comfortable cabin space for users. With more and more people making hands-free phone calls or playing music via portable players in their cars, an increasing number of car audio systems employ Bluetooth™, as car navigation systems have, and there is a growing need for compact modules with built-in antennas for easier installation. Alps has responded to this need by developing the UGXZD–G Series Bluetooth™ HCI module with antenna for automobiles. Int...

Alps Electric has developed the TDGW9 Series DAB*1/DAB+*2/DMB–A*3 tuner for automobiles. Mass production is already underway. Radio makes going for a drive so much more enjoyable. Like television, use of digital technology for radio is advancing, allowing digital audio transmission. Digital radio is spreading around the world. Digital radio specifications differ from country to country. For example, ISDB–Tsb is used in Japan, HD Radio in the United States, and DAB in Europe. Interest in digital radio is particularly high in Europe where the use of multiple standards to enhance services and legislation on the installation of digital radio receivers is progressing. Alps Electric, responding quickly to trends within the European market, has developed and commenced mass production of the TDGW9 Series DAB/DAB+/DMB–A tuner for automobiles. Despite being the industry’s smallest at 45.0 × 30.0 × 9.0mm, the tuner supports three broadcasting standards—DAB, DAB+, and DMB–A. The product is also ...

Alps Electric has developed the TSVN Series Full Segment Digital Terrestrial TV (ISDB–T) Tuner for Automobiles, the industry’s smallest and the industry’s first surface mount type. Mass production is already underway. Television enhances the comfort of a vehicle cabin. In Japan, the installation of digital TV tuners in automotive equipment has been picking up pace ever since analog TV broadcasts ended in July 2011. A cumulative total of 13 million units*1 are expected to be installed by 2013. In addition to characteristics so far demanded of automotive RF equipment, namely high-sensitivity reception and resistance to noise created, for example, by electric mirrors, there is a growing requirement for automotive TV tuners which consume low levels of power to make them suited to hybrid and electric vehicles. TV tuners built into car navigation systems, too, need to be more compact and require a smaller mounting area than ever before since greater sophistication of systems, such as incor...

Alliance Memory is adding to its extensive line of legacy high-speed CMOS SRAMs with two new 8M ICs in the 44-pin, 4-mil TSOP-II and 48-ball, 6-mm by 8-mm TFBGA packages. Featuring fast access times of 10 ns, the AS7C38096A (1M x 8) and AS7C38098A (512K x 16) are pin-for-pin compatible with 4M fast SRAMs, offering twice the density in the same slot. Optimized for commercial, industrial, telecom, and medical applications requiring fast access times, the AS7C38096A and AS7C38098A feature operating currents of 80 mA typical and standby currents of 3 mA typical. The SRAMs operate from a single power supply of 3.3 V, and all inputs and outputs are fully TTL-compatible. The AS7C38096A and AS7C38098A are fabricated using very high-performance, high-reliability CMOS technology, and their current is stable within the operating temperature range of - 40 ºC to + 85 ºC. The devices offer fully static operation and tri-state output, and they feature a data retention voltage of 1.5 V minimum. Samp...

Laird Technologies, Inc., a global leader in the design and supply of customized performance-critical components and systems for advanced electronics and wireless products, today announced it will be attending the 2012 Shenzhen International Internet of Things Technologies and Application Exhibition (IOTE). The exhibition will take place at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, China, August 15-17, 2012. Laird Technologies can be found at booth #A70-A71. Laird Technologies will showcase its industry-leading RFID antenna portfolio with a focus on UHF RFID antenna solutions. These antennas can be utilized in a variety of markets including telecommunications, mobile communications, network equipment, automotive, industrial and instrumentation, aerospace, defense, medical, and consumer electronics.  “As the largest IOTE show in China, this year’s exhibition allows Laird Technologies to showcase our wide range of antenna solutions to several leading RFID OEM’s,” s...

Laird Technologies, Inc., a global leader in the design and supply of customized performance-critical components and systems for advanced electronics and wireless products, today announced it is a recipient of the Best Practices & Innovation in HR Award presented by China Human Resources Management Research Institute. Laird Technologies was one of ten companies to receive the award which was presented at a ceremony in Shanghai, China on June 29, 2012. Laird Technologies received the award for successful implementation of Chinese human resources and payroll management software. Evaluators from the China Human Resources Management Research Institute were impressed by the support from top management for the project along with the company’s flexibility in applying the software across multiple sites.  “We are very honored to be recognized for this project,” said Carolyn Koenig, Chief Human Resources Executive of Laird Technologies. “Our global HR team works hard to ensure we are p...

Siemens Healthcare (NYSE: SI) has announced that the MAGNETOM Spectra 3 Tesla MRI system has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The latest addition to Siemens' internationally renowned portfolio of MRI solutions, the MAGNETOM Spectra system offers premium imaging at a reduced total cost of ownership compared to other scanners in this product range, providing hospitals and radiological institutes with easier access to the highly coveted 3T technology, which yields excellent image quality and rapid scan times. Designed for easy and efficient operation, the cost-optimized MAGNETOM Spectra system is innovative and competitive – two primary goals of the Healthcare Sector's Agenda 2013 two-year global initiative. "Siemens Healthcare is proud to offer the MAGNETOM Spectra MRI system, which opens the door to 3T imaging technology for a wider range of health care facilities than ever before," said Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, vice president ...

Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a bundled solution for the digital entertainment and signage markets. As part of any D-IMager purchase, users are entitled to a complimentary copy of a special Panasonic edition of the Omek Beckon™ Development Suite, providing a complete solution for hardware and software developers looking to equip their devices and applications with gesture-based interfaces. Gesture-based interfaces - which enable users to control devices or software using natural body movements and gestures - are being incorporated into a wide range of devices, including interactive digital signs, medical equipment, arcade game machines and robots, among others. Digital signage is a key target market for the D-IMager, which has the range, durability, and robust light-handling needed for large-scale interactive digital signage applications. With the addition of the Beckon SDK for Panasonic, which is optimized for signage and other interface creator...

Traq3D, a leader in computer simulation for the enhancement of health, physical performance and fitness, announced a successful launch of the next generation TRAZER® system. Panasonic Electric Works' 3D Image Sensing Camera, D-IMager, was chosen as the preferred 3D motion detection device for this state-of-the-art product. TRAZER is a groundbreaking interactive exercise technology that was featured on Oprah®, ESPN® and displayed at Disney's® Epcot. Twelve U.S. patents have been issued to date protecting TRAZER's unique capabilities to deliver unprecedented results for those seeking improvements in their health, fitness and performance. "Conventional fitness machines, such as treadmills, bikes and ellipticals, only exercise the muscle groups that propel us forward. By contrast, TRAZER also exercises the muscle groups that propel us backward, side-to-side, up and down, and that allow us to twist and turn and stop and start. All while engaging the mind as well as ...