Electronics

Monitor backlighting

Low cost, maximum efficiency

SolidState™ CCFL backlight assembly for 15-inch desktop thin film transistor (TFT) LCD monitors uses the company's MicroLens™ technology, which precision molds light extraction features into the panel. The technology also reduces the number of light management films required, while increasing brightness by as much as 25%. The backlighting assembly can be supplied in high volumes ranging from 120k/month to 450k/month. Global Lighting Technologies, www.glthome.com Enter 615

Firewire device

Fast and far

With the 1394b (FireWire) Device, consumer, computing and audio/video applications can, according to the company, reach higher speeds and greater distances. Capable of speeds up to 800 Mbps, the TSB81BA3 three-port bilingual physical layer device is compliant with the approved version of the IEEE 1394b specification. It reportedly not only doubles the speed, but increases communication distances up to 100m for high speed data transfers and multimedia networking. Applications include computers, server networks, au-dio/visual hard disk drives, musical instrument controllers, and home networking for audio/visual distribution. Texas Instruments Inc., www.ti.com Enter 626

Precision micro-ohmmeter

For measuring resistance and voltage

Including thermal emf compensation and temperature compensation, the HHM518 Precision Micro-Ohmmeter is used for four-wire resistance measurement from low values up to 50 kV, with reportedly excellent accuracy. It also measures dc and ac voltages and ambient temperatures. It is battery-powered, but is fitted with a removable stand and powered by an external ac charger. OMEGA Engineering www.omega.com Enter 627

Exhaust pressure sensor

Helps meet EPA emission standards

This pressure sensor, with reportedly high accuracy (1%), monitors and controls pressure with a ceramic capacitive sensing technology. The sensor utilizes a number of internal features engineered to withstand high temperatures and pressure pulses along with tolerance for high- soot and acid-rich media found in engine exhaust. Available in a pressure range of 6.5 to 90 psi. the sensor has standard features including over-voltage, reverse polarity, short circuit, and EMI/RFI protection. Kavlico www.kavlico.com Enter 628

Neutral density filters

Varied light intensity

These 12 neutral density filters are designed to vary light intensity uniformly through a broad spectrum range, for use in color imaging, astronomy, and microscopy. Filters achieve density ranges between 0.01 and 2.5, or transmission of 0.32 to 97.5%, via thin-film metal coatings with 0.01 to 2 density values. Rolyn Optics Co. www.rolyn.com Enter 629

VF Converters

Rugged drop-in replacements

A new series of compact dc to ac/dc converters, used to power vacuum fluorescent displays in security access terminals, gaming machines, appliances, consumer electronics, and automotive displays, provides rugged, US-made drop-in replacements for imported converters. The E2598VF converter, part of the new series, measures 1.25 inches x .93 inches with a low profile of 0.545 inches. It offers an input voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5V dc and two negative dc output voltage ranges of 21.6 to 26.4V dc (-V1) and 27.9 to 34.1V dc (-V2). Endicott Research Group, www.ergpower.com Enter 630

Power amplifier

For use in 802.11b/g applications

Designed for high-performance WLAN applications in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHZ frequency band, the RMPA2453-251 power amplifier is optimized for 802.11b and g applications. With internal matching on both input and output to 50 ohms, the low-profile 16-pin, 3 x 3 x 1-mm package minimizes external component count and next-level PCB space. The RMPA2453-2512 requires a single positive-supply operation and has an integrated power detector with 20 dB dynamic range. Raytheon www.raytheon.com Enter 631

Transmissive LCD modules

Wide operating temperature range

The F-51553 series 128 x 64 dot COG (chip-on-glass) monochrome STN transmissive LCD modules feature a 2.8-inch diagonal area that can display text and graphics together. The modules provide a wider temperature range (-20 to +70C) and greater temperature stability through use of a liquid crystal fluid with a flat voltage vs. operation temperature. Designers can reportedly specify the desired interface type since the module supports serial as well as parallel interfaces. Optrex America Inc., www.optrex.com Enter 632

Latching relay output module

Provides fail-safe control

By latching the last output contact state before power is lost, the G-1AMPx-LTCH Latching Relay Output Module provides fail-safe control. It is reportedly compatible with industry standard I/O mounting racks for G-Series, G4, G5, and C4 type modules and is available for 5V, 12V, 15V, and 24V logic operation. Special features include Power to the Set/Reset Relay coil(s) only applied for 3 msec when changing the output state. The LED indicator operates from an auxillary set of relay contacts internally to give the "real-time" indication of the output state. Brentek International Inc., www.brentek.com Enter 633

BCF sensors

Superior noise immunity

The new ac version Noise Immune Capacitive Sensor features a fixed oscillator frequency combined with a rectifier filter reportedly providing superior noise immunity over the competition. Regardless of sensitivity adjustment, the fixed oscillator allows the sensor to maintain a constant frequency. The sensors are available in 18- and 30-mm plastic barrel housings for dc and a 30-mm plastic housing for ac. TURCK Inc., www.turck.com Enter 634

Heater assemblies

Fits in tight locations

Providing moderate, controllable heat in economical and low-profile designs, the expanded element heater assemblies reportedly lower costs and simplify installation. With aluminum, copper, or stainless steel plates, plate dimensions up to 22 x 72 inches are possible. Applications for these heater assemblies include warming electrical enclosures in harsh environments, warming vehicle batteries in cold weather, and warming trays for the food service industry. Minco Products Inc., www.minco.com Enter 635

Wiper/washer control

L-series combines reliability and performance

The Wiper/Washer Control, keeping in step with the needs of the transportation industry, has reportedly sleek aesthetics to integrate into most any dashboard design. Features include robust packaging that protects critical components and flexibility to meet a variety of customer requirements, while controlling several functions through the use of one single control product. Carling Technologies, www.carlingtech.com Enter 636

Registration mark sensor

Detect any color

The Mark-Eye™, a pulse-modulated photoelectric registration mark sensor, detects color marks on most transparent and translucent packing materials on a continuous web. The sensor is useful on form, fill, and seal machines. Features include easy setup and adjustment with the push of a button, operation on 10 to 30V dc, and mark detection as small as 1/32 inch wide by ¼ inch long. Tri-Tronics Inc., www.ttco.com Enter 637

Pluggable circuit breaker

Re-settable circuit protection

A pluggable thermal circuit breaker, for the Series 282 DIN rail mount Cage Clamp terminal blocks, is suited for protection of power distribution systems, automation systems, and process control applications. Combining the circuit breaker with the terminal blocks reportedly ensures the reliability of a secure, maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant connection. It reduces wiring time, which saves money. For rapid trouble-shooting, the plug-in circuit breaker features a push-button reset. WAGO Corp., www.wago.com Enter 638

Pressure switch

Powerful, compact

The Series 7000 pressure switch measures, controls, and switches pressures up to 3,000 psi. It is available in corrosion-resistant thermoplastic or stainless steel, and incorporates standard 1/8 inch MNPT or ¼ inch MNPT process connections, and optional 7/16-20, G1/4, or ¼ BSP threads. Applica-tions include food and beverage. Barksdale, www.barksdale.com Enter 639

Mini sensors

Compact and compatible

CSM 1 / KT 3/LUT 2 Mini Sensors, the new mini series of color, contrast, and luminescence sensors meet color and design demands with their identical housings and connection technology. The sensor identifies, sorts, and checks objects based on their color. For reflective target objects, the sensor has an easy-to-use 2-point teach-in on marks and backgrounds, high contrast resolution, and integrated switching threshold adaptation. SICK Inc., www.sickoptic.com Enter 640

Subminiature oscillators

Breaks size versus frequency barrier

Optimized for optical network interface cards (NICs), the SEL381x Series of extended frequency LVPECL crystal clock oscillators features an extensive frequency range of 25 to 670 MHz and stability as tight as ±20 ppm. The oscillators offer a space-saving solution with compact size, comprehensive frequency range, and variety of stability options for Gbit and 10 Gbit Ethernet. According to the company, the 10 Gbit Ethernet devices also benefit from the optimized performance at 156.25 and 312.5 MHz. Saronix, www.saronix.com Enter 641

Eight-slot chassis

Delivers precision timing

The PXI-1042 chassis, with eight slots, is used for automated test and data acquisition applications. It offers a low-jitter internal clock and external clock connectors for precision timing and synchronization. An eight-slot backplane with high output power supply, integrated cooling, and compact structural design suits it for bench-top or rack-mounted test and control systems. National Instruments, www.ni.com Enter 642

Ac inverter

For harsh weather

Resisting dust and forced water or chemicals, the MV-4X AC inverter's NEMA 4X/12 and IP66 ratings make it suitable for tough washdown or dust-tight environments. The user operates the inverter by using the front panel with a quick-start keypad, and viewing the LED display for easy setup and programming. Available in 230V ac, 3-phase from 1/2 to 10 hp, and in 460V ac, 3-phase from 1/2 to 15 hp, it is made for the food and beverage industry, mixers, machine tools, and pumps. Omron Electronics LLC, www.omron.com Enter 643

Data acquisition and recording

For SIGNATEC PDA500 Wafeform Digitizer

The GIGAMEM2-500—500-MHz 8 bit scope card with 256 Mbytes to 8 Gbytes—is reportedly the highest capacity 500-MHz data acquisition and recording solution. It digitizes and records one or several channels simultaneously in real-time. Application areas include digital oscilloscopy with deep acquisition memory, test benches for signal acquisition/recording and playback, telecommunications, defense, electronics intelligence, radar, ultrasound, cryptography, video recording, and arbitrary function generation. Horizon Technologies, www.horizon-tech.fr Enter 644

Illuminated pushbuttons

Brighter LEDs

Designed for use in YB, LB, and KB series of illuminated pushbuttons, the cost-effective LEDs offer a reportedly brighter light source and good energy efficiency. LEDs with built-in resistors are available in 5V, 12V, and 24V ratings. Available in red, green, or amber, the LEDs allow light to radiate further and illuminate the full face of the pushbutton cover. Various models feature PC adapters in single-pole or double-pole configurations, with straight-PC or right-angle mount for single-pole options. NKK Switches, www.nkkswitches.com Enter 645