I have resolved several situations with same root cause.. inputs with not enough protection from RF sources.
First...
A CPLD IC (22v10) on a failsaft circuit. It's inputs would pick up enough RF energy from relay contacts (equ. spark gap transmitter) loaded with inductive load. Actually erased the device!.. required 1000pf caps across all inputs for this environment (couldn't put a snubber across the contacts - leaked enough to hold the smart magnetic contactor load "on" , even when contacts opened).. and we couldn't move the relay farther away from the electronics.
Always keep mechical relays / large inductive loads away from the rest of the electronics (if possible)... just asking for trouble when close to each other.
Second...
Battery powered device with GSM transceiver/processor monitoring an external device via a simple contact closure. Reduced the pull up on the contact closure in effort to reduce battery drain (resistor array - 100K) , contact was normally closed drawing current across the pullup. The external circuit - no problem. However, the other three inputs (membrane push buttons with flex cable) would normally be "open". These inputs would close when the GSM transciever transmitted. The RF energy (not that much) would be rectified by the silicon junction on the processor input and pull the input low (randomly).... net result: it "pushed" it's own buttons when transmitting (occasionally)!
Next time , will use ferrite beads on these inputs. This time , changed pull up resistor array to 10K.
In years past we needed to do similar things with PLC input modules that were driven by solid-state proximity-type limit switches. The fault was that the off-state current draw of the switch was enough to convince the sensitive input module that it had a valid input. 7500 ohm, 5-watt resistors across each input solved the problem.
But it was good detective work that found the problem with the transmitter shutoffs.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
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
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
0 
