Electronics

Analog input boards

Simultaneous A/D conversion

The APC341 for desktop PCI and AcPC341 for CompactPCI feature 16 different input channels with a ±10V dc range, organized in two 8-channel banks. Designed with eight 14-bit A/D converters that can sample channels simultaneously in 125 kHz, the input boards reportedly can sample one million channels per second for a 1 MHz overall throughput rate. The simultaneous scanning also allows for simultaneous comparison of different measurements. Acromag Inc., www.acromag.com Enter 679

Magnetic switch

Spherical magnet contact

This magnetic switch provides high-voltage contact welding resistance and magnetic tamper/defeat resistance. According to the company, the switch is the only stand-alone ferrous proximity sensor. It features a hermetically sealed steel construction and spherical magnet contact. The magnetic switch may be used in most markets, including security applications replacing door and window sensors. Magnasphere Corp.www.magnaspherecorp.com Enter 680

Relays and optocouplers

Wide voltage range

The Series 859 rail-mounted switching relay terminal blocks and optocoupler terminal blocks are designed with the Cage Clamp Compact spring pressure termination technology and made to accept 22-14 AWG. Available with input voltages of 5, 24, 48, 60, 115, and 170V dc, the relays and optocouplers reportedly may combine different voltages and old circuitry with current industrial control systems. They feature a 6-mm wide housing, five connection points, built-in test points, and custom circuit marking capability. WAGO Corp., www.wago.com Enter 681

Instrumentation modules

Channel-to-channel isolation

The DI-1000TC line of instrumentation modules is designed for use across all temperature-measurement applications including laboratories and heavy industry. Its channel-to-channel isolation feature is designed for use in industrial applications that include the large common-mode voltages typical of grounded thermocouples. They also support synchronization of measurements among connected modules, guaranteeing simultaneous readings. Features include sampling rate of 5 Hz, free PDA software, built-in open T/C detection and high accuracy. Dataq Instruments, www.dataq.com Enter 682

Spring clamp terminal block

Expands circuit design options

The ZSRK2.5 Series panel mount mini spring clamp terminal block is available as a 5-mm width block that allows voltage to be distributed throughout a multipole assembly. Made with a top wire entry design, it features individual snap-together elements or multipole assemblies up to 12 poles. Applications include wire terminations in confined space uses, as in panels, small enclosures, and equipment and machinery housings. Conta-Clip Inc., www.contaclip.com Enter 683

Inverter driver ICs

Simplifies motor drive design

Appliance manufacturers using variable speed motors can reportedly save half the energy and use new features with the IR2136 family of three-phase, inverter-driver ICs. This series is designed to save energy in electronically driven home appliances like clothes washers and air conditioners, as well as light industrial and automotive motor drives. Features of the 600V ICs include COMS or LSTTL compatibility and 120 mA/250 mA output source/sink current. This IC uses cross-conduction prevention logic to eliminate short circuits and automatically clears over-current fault conditions. International Rectifierwww.irf.com Enter 684

Cable assemblies

For automotive telematics

IDB IEEE1394 (Intelligent Data Bus) Consumer Convenience Port connectors consist of hot-pluggable cable assemblies and corresponding PCB-mount receptacles. Cable assemblies are available in lengths up to 10m and in four versions: bilingual plug to beta plug, bilingual plug to bilingual plug, bilingual plug to IEEE 1394 AV plug, and bilingual to IEEE 1394-95 plug. The fully shielded right angle PCB-mount socket is designed to withstand 7,500 mating cycles. Lumberg Inc.www.lumbergusa.com Enter 685

Dc/ac inverter

Powers in-vehicle electrical devices

A 150W dc/ac inverter is available to power in-vehicle electrical devices, like televisions and VCRs. Reportedly the most powerful of its type, the inverter features 300W peak power, low battery warning buzzer, short-circuit protection, shock protection, low key-off current, optional driver-controlled on-off switches, and LED output reader. Applications include portable televisions, VCRs, personal computers and peripherals, and infotainment systems. Designed to meet OEM power and performance requirements, units reportedly help protect appliances from radio interference, electrical fire and other vehicle damage. Omron Automotive Electronics, Inc.www.omronauto.com Enter 686

Digital signal processors

With configurable software control platform

The TDPS1000EVM digital power supply developer's kit features a fully configurable software control platform that includes intelligent fault management, active-in rush control, and digital current sharing, allowing for a single solution to be used across multiple platforms. The DSP kit, based on the company's TMS320C2000 DSP platform, may be used in such applications as telecom switching equipment, high power rectifiers (300W+), network servers, and uninterruptible power supplies. Texas Instruments Inc., www.ti.com Enter 687

Heating blankets

Provide controlled heat-ups

Environmental factors in heating applications require products with the ability to withstand chemicals, moisture and abuse. SRMU silicone rubber heating blankets come in a variety of sizes and shapes, resist radiation, and are a flexible solution for freeze protection, process temperature control and solids melting. As OEM or replacement parts, silicone blankets are reportedly ideal for applications requiring rapid heat up, steady temperature maintenance and uniform heat distribution. OMEGA Engineering, www.omega.com Enter 688

MCR temperature transducers

HART compatible

Adding to the company's family of signal conditioners, these loop-powered MCR temperature transducers come in both a standard head mount version for DIN-B style field installations and a 12.5-mm housing for DIN-rail mounting. Designed with HART compatibility, they convert temperature signals from thermocouples, potentiometers, RTDs, and sensors into 4-20 mA analog signals, powering the signal conversion. Transducers reportedly may be mounted in hazardous areas and feature LED indication for wire break or short circuit diagnostics. Phoenix Contact, www.phoenixcon.com Enter 689

FPC connectors

Secure cable retention

Design engineers can make secure PCB connections in hand-held devices using 6298 Series connectors with a space-efficient, very low profile of 0.9 mm. Units feature front-hinged actuators and connectors that lock flex cables into position, compensating for poor cable retention. Available in 3 or 4-position types, these 0.5-mm pitch connectors accept 0.2-mm flex circuits. With an operating temperature range of -25 to 85C, units are surface-mountable and compatible with automated assembly equipment. AVX Corp., www.avxcorp.com Enter 690

Relay and coupler

Ac switching and control components

The company's Solid State Relay (SSR) and Phototriac Coupler features ac switching and control components for appliance, HVAC, industrial and manufacturing equipment markets. The PC2 and PC3 lines of DIP-4 and DIP-6 Phototriac Couplers offer low power and triggering current as low as 3 mA, in addition to noise immunity. The 8-pin DIP SSRs, with both zero-cross and non-zero cross type, are designed for small power requirements. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americaswww.sharpsma.com Enter 691

Fiberoptic sensor

For direct surface mounting

A miniature fiberoptic sensor designed to be used without an enclosure does not require DIN-rail mounting and features a unique snap-mount bracket and an adhesive-mounting for location flexibility. Reportedly, rugged, lightweight and low profile, the plastic housing and IP67 environmental rating make units ideal for mounting directly on machines. Designed for use with the company's stainless steel sheathed fiber, the system is less bulky than glass fiberoptics. Features include visible light beam, manual adjustment, and 8-segment LED display. Banner Engineering Corp.www.bannerengineering.com Enter 692

Screwless wire connector

Alternative to soldering

The BUCHANAN two-position vertical screwless wire connector, the latest addition to the company's line of board mount wire connectors, provides an alternative to soldered, direct wire-to-board terminations. Connector contacts, spaced on 3.5 mm staggered centerlines and providing a 600V ac rating, have a 2A current rating and may be re-terminated up to five times. Applications for the wire connectors include garage door openers, HVAC controls, security systems, lighting products, vending machines, and gaming products. Tyco Electronics Corp., www.tycoelectronics.com Enter 693