Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new type of magnetically-actuated microrelay they say can be batch-produced using established micromachining techniques. The developer predicts that the devices could have applications in automotive electronics, test equipment, and other areas where low actuation voltages are needed. The devices, smaller than a dime, operate at less than 5V, which would allow them to be driven by digital logic circuits, making them attractive for use in equipment for which higher voltages could be undesirable. The patent-pending devices' contact resistance of less than 100 milliohms and their ability to switch currents of up to 1.2A set a new record for microrelays, says William P. Taylor, their developer. He adds that the devices offer cost advantages over traditional relays, "because they can be produced in groups of a hundred or more at a time." The Georgia Tech microrelays have been tested through more than 850,000 operating cycles without failure. E-mail john.toon@edi.gatech.edu.
As energy efficiency becomes more and more a concern for makers of electronics devices, researchers are coming up with new ways to harvest energy from sound vibration, footsteps, and even electromagnetic fields in the air.
The government wants to study your brain, and DARPA wants to use similar information to give robots true autonomy beyond any artificial intelligence developed to date. Sound like science fiction? It's not.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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