Electromechanical Technology Advances

To cope with challenges from solid-state designs, electromechanical products stress innovation, as well as performance

Randy Frank, Contributing Editor -- Design News, October 6, 2008

Providing the finishing touches for traditional or advanced electronic and electrical systems, electromechanical components include switches, relays, thermal solutions and more. Each of these categories has competition from solid-state technology.

In the switch area, integration of features that have not been possible in the past are literally changing the face of switches. These switches provide more of a systems' approach and functionality that truly differentiate the switch and an end-product that uses it.

For relays, solid-state design continues to make inroads in industrial applications. A new solid-state relay is shown in the Relay subsection, along with two mechanical relays with improved capabilities.

Perhaps no area shows the divergence of technology as well as the thermal solutions area. From a strictly mechanical perspective, Cooler Master's Hyper Z600 passive CPU Cooler shows how an exotic design can avoid fan noise. Measuring 127.28 x 127.28 x 160 mm, the unique spacing and interlacing of the aluminum fins maximizes surface area. In addition, six, 6-mm diameter heat pipes allow the Z600 to passively cool CPUs running up to 89W. For higher-power applications, two 120-mm fans can be added to opposing sides of the heat sink in a push-pull configuration to obtain maximum heat extraction.

Midé Technology Corp.'s Piezo Fan demonstrates mechanical motion for cooling generated by applying line voltage from a regular wall outlet to the company's piezoelectric material. The flexible piezo technology produces repeatable and reliable motion. For applications with noise restrictions or limited space, the solid-state solution provides an intriguing alternative.

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