Membrane panel uses several switch types
Island™ construction, a new control panel design from Duraswitch Industries, can incorporate the company's patented pushbuttons, rotary and slider type encoders, analog devices, and directional controls. The sealed, flat-panel circuit containing these devices is less than 3-mm thick, yet provides protection against extreme environments. According to Executive VP of Engineering Tony VanZeeland, the design eliminates failure-prone interconnects such as solder, adhesives, or wires, as well as environmental contaminants, such as lead, from the manufacturing process. He adds that laboratory tests with the 3M VHB foam show effective sealing against water and harsh chemicals, and elasticity to accommodate atmospheric pressure changes. Duraswitch Industries:
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Packaging gives relay versatility
Aimed at high-speed switching and sensor applications, the Omron Electronics' G3R-I/O solid-state relay modules have a 1-kHz high-speed response and a toolless snap-in installation that reduces changeout times to seconds. The modules snap into Omron's P2RF-05E socket for 35-mm DIN rail mounting (eliminating direct wiring), which also allows direct replacement of the company's G2R-6 relay, according to Product Specialist for Solid State Relays Dan Nigro. He also highlights, "You can use the G3R-I/O and socket instead of having to use a whole I/O module and I/O PCB having 16 or 32 I/O," thus allowing single, plug-in I/O replacement without affecting other modules. G3R input modules are rated at 100 to 240V ac, 5V dc, and 12 to 24V dc. Output modules are rated at 5 to 24V dc. A red LED on the module top indicates operational status. Omron Electronics:
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Configuration allows compact safety relay
Phoenix Contact's new PSR safety relays come in DIN-rail mountable, compact 22.5-mm (0.89-inch) thick housings. Jerry Sgrignoli, product manager for relays and power supplies, notes the housing is more compact than traditional safety relays due to component positioning within the taller and narrower housing. The relays are 3.5 inches across by 4.5 inches tall, for a smaller overall panel footprint. Developed to rigid European safety standards, the modules meet EN 954-1 Category 4 (redundant contact paths, response in less than 0.5 sec) and the safety circuit is controlled by one or two channels, with or without cross circuit detection. Sgrignoli adds the relays feature "increased isolation between input and output as well as between the normally open and closed contacts." The latter mitigates arcing, which may fail a contact by welding it shut. The devices are designed for emergency shut down and safety applications such as emergency stops, guard-door monitoring, two-hand operation, and safety light barriers. Phoenix Contact:
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