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Electronics
By Design News Staff -- Design News, July 7, 2003
Battery fuel gauge
For lithium-ion, lithium-polymer
A fully integrated battery fuel gauge for single-cell lithium-ion and lithium-polymer battery packs is reportedly the first available. An integrated BQJunior chip reduces time and total cost of implementing a battery-gauge system in portable applications such as cellular handsets and PDAs. The device measures the battery's charge and discharge currents, voltage, and temperature using an analog data converter and voltage-to-frequency converter. BQJunior includes a single-wire communications port. Texas Instruments, www.ti.com Enter 623
Solid-state relays
Hockey-puck package
Series S3P solid-state relay uses cage clamps to attach the spring connectors and are designed to control up to 10A ac loads on voltages to 440V ac. Called the hockey-puck package, S3P relays include connectors and measure 1.87 x 1.75 x 1.14 inches. Relays weigh 3.527 oz each. Teledyne Relays, www.teledynerelays.com Enter 624
Digital DC ammeters
Instantly measure dc current
LED digital ammeters offer dc current readout from 1 to 2,000A. The DCA5-20PC series ammeters scale, digitize, and display outputs of standard 50 mV or 100 mV dc shunts. They are self-contained and include buffered inputs, scaling circuitry, display drivers, dc/dc power converters, and screw-style terminal blocks, in 44 models. DATEL Inc., www.datel.com Enter 625
PC/104 standoffs
For various PC makes
PC/104 and PC/104-Plus bus drives are no longer limited by space. A series of standoffs, in nickel-plated brass or nylon, is offered for more than 100 different modules. Each module is a self-stacking pin and socket bus that eliminates the need for backplanes and card cages. Applications include computer power supplies and multi-board stacks. Keystone Electronics Corp., www.keyelco.com Enter 626
SIP modules
Tip and ring protection
SIP circuit protection modules combine fuses, over-voltage protectors, and resistor networks in a vertical-mount SIP configuration to save PCB space. The modules feature 1.25A SMP fuses, and Telcordia/Bellcore GR-1089 for tip and ring protection. Applications include lightning surge withstand and power cross protection of telecom circuits. Devices include ISDN and analog telephones, answering machines, fax machines, modems, and switches. Bel Fuse Inc., www.belfuse.com Enter 627
Ionizing blower
Standard air filter housing
The shockless Model 935 blower provides ionization up to 6.5 ft over a large area. Model 935 includes ionization head with integrated fan system, a front grille, air filter housing, and optional filter media. Reportedly offering a high volume of ionized air onto the target, Model 935 is used in applications like film winding, vibratory bowl feeders, and injection molding processes, and other situations where static is a problem. Meech Static Eliminators, www.meech.com Enter 628
Programmable controller
Links factory floor processes
The model 750-841 Ethernet TCP/IP programmable fieldbus controller features 100 Mbits/s Ethernet, IEC 61131-3, and open architecture software. Standard features include 32-bit RISC processor, 512-kbyte program memory, 128-kbyte data memory, and 24-kbyte retentive memory. Store programs in flash memory and eliminate the need for battery replacement. This industrial controller supports enterprise systems including HTTP, HML, SOAP, DHCP, DNS, FTP, SNMP, SMTP. WAGO Corp., www.wago.com Enter 629
Molded cordsets
Custom lengths, packaging available
Molded, NEMA 6-15P cordsets are available for equipment rated to 15A with service of 250V ac. Interpower™ cordsets allow designers to reduce the clearance behind and under equipment since they are terminated with three different angled IEC connectors. Interpower Components, www.interpower.com Enter 630
Serial EEPROM
Up to 8 devices on one bus
Reportedly an industry first, a 512-kbit I2C™ compatible EEPROM is available in a 0.9-mm package. This DFN package is designed for low-power applications including cell phones, caller id, set-top boxes, pagers, Bluetooth™, and other wireless accessories and consumer electronics. Each microchip features PMOS electrically erasable cell process technology and high-speed versions have a bus speed of 100 MHz. Microchip Technology Inc., www.microchip.com Enter 631
PCB terminal blocks
Pluggable versions available
COMBICON Compact PCB terminal blocks that include screw-and-spring technologies are available in 5.0- and 3.5-mm pin spacing. The PT Series is a wire protector-style screw terminal block whose pluggable version mates vertically and horizontally. The CPT1 Series is a spring technology alternative to screw blocks, and it accepts 16 AWG solid or standard wire. Applications include building automation, security and alarms, fire protection equipment, access control, lighting, HVAC, and elevator controls. Phoenix Contact, www.phoenixcon.com Enter 632
Quad-band transceiver
Supports 850, 950, 1800, and 1900 MHz
The POLARIS Total Radio™ transceiver with quad-band and direct conversion capability offers GSM and GPRS applications. Quad-band radio solutions offer the flexibility to develop a single platform for dual-, triple-, or quad-band handsets. Units include a mixed signal processor, power amplifier module with integrated control, and one of two available receivers. The transceiver exceeds all European telecommunication standards institute specifications. RF Micro Devices, www.rfmd.com Enter 633
Pressure transmitter
Set while in or out of operation
The E610 programmable pressure transmitter and electronic switch offers parameter programming with 3 configuration menus. This unit measures pressure by ceramic element and offers analog and open collector outputs. Programs can be set during operation or at rest, and displayed in bar or psi. Units are ergonomically designed. Output response time is 5 to 500 ms. Elettrotec s.r.l., www.elettrotec.com Enter 634
Position sensor
Connects to standard LCD displays
A modular, magnetostrictive position sensor, the EP2 includes shielded wire connections and electronics. Features include a waveguide sensing element, metal application housing, output signal connection, ground connection, and external position magnet. Determine application length by matching the machine's range of motion with the sensor's active stroke length. Mounting feet and screws are optional. MTS Systems Corp, www.mtssensors.com Enter 635
DC/DC converters
Replace larger units
Giga series eighth-brick dc/dc converters deliver up to 25A of total output current, without a heatsink. This product offers a narrow footprint, but the same pin out as a standard quarter-brick. Features include input voltages of 35-75V and outputs of 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.5V. Units require only 60% of the board space of quarter-bricks, but reportedly perform on a par with most 25-30A quarter-bricks. SynQor Corporation, www.synqor.com Enter 636
Voice, data storage
Easy device migration
The ISD5108 ChipCorder features 4-8 minute voice record and playback, digital data storage, selected sampling rates between 8-4 kHz, and sound file recording with related data files. A voice prompt can be stored with associated text for display on an LCD. Users choose recording duration and tradeoff for sound quality/duration. Applications include security, industrial, and automotive. Winbond Electronics Corp. www.winbond-usa.com Enter 637
GSM/GPRS transceiver
Reduced space usage
The Aero I transceiver integrates components including all RF and IF voltage-controlled oscillators, loop filters, clock coupling capacitors, and all VCOs. Reportedly reducing component count by 85% and board space by 75%, the multi-band GSM/GPRS transceiver simplifies design and performance. It is fully compliant with GPRS Class 12 and uses the same circuitry and software as its predecessor. Silicon Laboratories, www.silabs.com Enter 638
Test system kits
144 combination offerings
Customizable test system kits for light current voltage characterization of laser diodes offer all-in-one solutions for measurement. Features include two-channel photo detection, selectable photodiode detector types, optional laser diode mount, and up to two temperature controllers. Applications include laser diode manufacturers, telecommunication system OEMs, contract manufacturers, optical storage devices, industrial printing, defense electronics, and others. Keithley Instruments, www.keithley.com Enter 639
CPU module
No moving parts
Transient voltage suppressors provide ESD protection in the fanless PC/104-PLUS single board computer. The product includes 10/100 Ethernet, AGP video/flat panel, industrial I/O, and disk-on-chip. Applications include medical, transportation, automation, military, and other OEMs. Power-saving and reliability, combined with no moving parts, are reported product benefits. The 350 MHz Celeron® version operates at 38% less power than the Pentium® III equivalent. VersaLogic Corp., www.versalogic.com Enter 640
Terminal block
Meets VDE requirements
Featuring an easily terminated, gas-tight connection, the AST021 Springcon® terminal block ships wire-ready. The product reportedly provides automatic adjustment to any wire size, while keeping constant contact resistance. UL, CSA listed, the terminal accepts AWG 20 - 28 and is rated to 150V at 8A. Units are available from 2 to 24 poles. RIA Connect; www.riaconnect.com Enter 641
Electromechanical relays
Low-profile, 0.1-inch grid
Miniature surface-mount relays use a butt-lead mounting system and offer practical surface-mount solutions to relay problems. The Series GRF100 and GRF103 non-latching electromechanical relays feature a ground shield that insulates each lead to ensure contact-to-contact and pole-to-pole isolation. RF signal repeatability over the frequency range is improved, as are high-frequency signal fidelity and performance. Relays are hermetically sealed for shock, vibration, temperature, and ESD resistance. Teledyne Relays, www.teledynerelays.com Enter 642
Rocker switches
Rated for 50,000 operations
The CWT Series of molded-rocker switches offer designers solutions for limited spaces. Where power-rated, cost-effective, and versatile switches are needed, this series reportedly offers aesthetic value in a single-pole, double-throw configuration. This on/on rocker switch is rated for a resistive load of 6A at 125V ac, 3A at 250V ac, and 4A at 30V dc. The rocker switch with an angle of throw of 30 degrees can accommodate one or two solid 18-gauge wires. This product is recommended for panels 0.030-0.079 inches thick. NKK Switches, www.nkkswitches.com Enter 643
Powertrain sensor
Better than stainless steel
A threaded powertrain sensor using Stanyl® material is designed to replace stainless steel, with improved performance. The plastic part is injection-molded in one step, while the metal version must be machined. The sensor retains the flange-clamping force on the O-ring in the powertrain. Benefits include high-tensile strength, high sheer modulus, and increased toughness in harsh environments to 320F. Stanyl also resists engine oil and fuels. Wabash Technologies, www.wabashtech.com Enter 644
Spacer component kits
Various sizes, materials
A line of spacer and standoff kits carries an assortment of brass, aluminum, and nylon components in ¼-, ½- and 1-inch lengths. The mix and match spacers/standoffs are ideal for prototype, production, maintenance, and replacement applications. Each kit is a 15-compartment cabinet with clear plastic prelabeled drawers. Cabinets mount on each other for stacking. The stock sizes are the most-frequently used components and materials required by engineers. Keystone Electronics Corp., www.keyelco.com Enter 645
Ethernet servers
Static or dynamic IP addressing
Usable on nearly every Ethernet network, the iServer can take a dynamically-assigned IP address from a DHCP server. Designers can assign static IP addresses, if necessary, through its serial connection. Engineers can select RS-232 or RS-485 communications from the configuration web page. iServer connects to the network using a standard RJ45 connector. OMEGA Engineering, www.omega.com Enter 646
Backlight driver
For handheld device applications
To answer demand for thin, uniform illumination and better readability, the company introduced the D368 EL/HBLED driver. The single-chip dual driver combines one low-profile inductor with a minimum number of external components to meet light source requirements. The driver reportedly saves board space in cell phones and other handheld devices, operating at 3.0-6.5V dc and allowing direct conversion from batteries. Durel, www.durel.com Enter 647
Liquid level sensor
Detects in thickest viscosities
High-viscosity media sensing can be a problem for some sensors, but not for the dual-mode levelprox, the company reports. A DIP-switch-selectable echo mode detects levels in products like yogurt, which can form a film that fools some sensing equipment. Applications for the stainless steel sensors include high-pressure and high-temperature equipment in dairies, breweries, wastewater, chemicals, oil storage, and pharmaceuticals. TURCK Inc., www.turck.com Enter 648
Jog lever switch
Supplied on reels, tape
The B6J jog lever switch is reportedly first in the industry to offer confirming feedback in three directions. With a 2.3-mm actuator, the switch offers scroll up, scroll down, and select. The B6J is assembled into products by automatic insertion machines, rather than the manual placement of conventional switches, and has a service life of 100,000 operations or more. Applications include CD, DVD, MP3 players, cell phones, and PDAs. Omron Electronics Inc, www.omron.com Enter 649
Digital cameras
Uses Windows® applications
A series of digital cameras reportedly takes imaging, photometry, and colorimetry to a new level. ISENSE cameras are designed on 16-bit automatic data capture technology and are cooled to -22F, for maximum measurement sensitivity. Options include a charge-coupled device sensor, with resolution to 6.3 million pixels. ISENSE is self-contained, including control and analysis software. ELDIM, www.eldim.fr Enter 650
Industrial Ethernet system
Connectors have 360° shielding
Real-time Ethernet on the factory floor is reportedly possible with the use of etherMATE™ industrial interconnection system. The system operates on 10Base-T or 100Base-T and provides a total M12 - 8 pole connectivity, compliant to RJ45-M12 bulkhead interface adapter and cord set. The housing is resistant to contamination and shock to IP67. The cable is oil- and UV-resistant and noise-immune. Lumberg Inc., www.lumbergusa.com Enter 651
Voltage suppressor
Bi-directional ESD protection
An 0402 case size, this USB series transient voltage suppressor is available for designers needing miniature, surface-mount devices. Applications include computer I/O, USB, and infrared ports; links, RF links; and keyboard and mouse circuitry. The USB series, withstands many strikes and reportedly eliminates soldering problems. The product offers sub-nanosecond response time. AVX, www.avxcorp.com Enter 652
Heat sinks
Linked, soldered fins
CoolFin™ heat sinks are designed to cool Pentium® 4 processors operating at speeds of 3.06 GHz and higher. Stamped fins, linked and soldered, provide superior cooling, the company says. Copper inner fins and aluminum outer fins offer fast, complete cooling. A range of fin pitches, geometry, materials, and thicknesses is available. Molex Inc., www.molex.com Enter 653
DIN-rail enclosures
Snap-on assembly
DIN-rail connector enclosures are available with integrated, snap-on clips. Fully insulated and compact, the LDG-S series offers pluggable or screw terminals, in 22.5- or 45-mm widths. Each has an integrated ventilation slot. Closed, unventilated versions are available, as are grounding options and customized colors. ERNI Electronics, www.ernicomponents.com Enter 654
Inductive sensor
Bright output LED
Low-profile sensors allow easy mounting in small spaces. An 8-mm, ultra-low, flat-pack inductive sensor mounts with a single screw, requiring 4-mm depth. Features include anodized aluminum IP67 housing, 10-30V supply range, an M8x1 connector, integrated reverse polarity, and short circuit protection. The unit senses up to 2 mm away. Baumer Electric Ltd., www.baumerelectric.com Enter 655
Crystal oscillator
Reduced footprint
The FOX923E temperature-compensated, voltage-controlled crystal oscillator is half the length of previous versions. Operating on frequencies 13 - 26 MHz, the oscillator is reportedly ideal for applications like portable and wireless devices. The operating temperature range is -20 to 75C; voltage range is 2.85 - 3.15 VDD; frequency stability is -2.5 to 2.5 ppm over the temperature range. Fox Electronics, www.foxonline.com Enter 656
IP phone system
USB interface, various controllers
IP phone applications benefit from the TNETV1050 processor, reportedly a complete system on a chip. The unit features increased data and instruction cache memory, and more on-chip RAM. Units include a specialized dual-channel, 16-bit audio codec and Ethernet subsystem. The platform can be used with the company's upcoming 802.3af-compliant interface. Texas Instruments Inc., www.ti.com Enter 657
Global positioning system
For automotive applications
A global positioning system receiver with baseband digital signal processing logic is available for mobile navigation products. The RF8009 receiver reportedly simplifies product designs and accelerates time to market. Improved signal processing, high accuracy, smoothed navigation, and excellent receiver sensitivity are improvements to prior products, the company says. The receiver has a 38 × 38 mm footprint. RF Micro Devices, www.rfmd.com Enter 658
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