Test, Measurement, and Control 28936

Thickness tester

A family of handheld instruments measures coating thickness. The units use the eddy-current or magnetic-induction measurement methods; select models incorporate both methods. Members include the MP0D, MP20, MP30, and MP40, and offer increasingly sophisticated features.

Fischer Technology, 750 Marshall Phelps Rd., Windsor, CT 06095; FAX (860) 688-8496; www.fischer-technology.com .

Encoder

About the size of a pencil's eraser, the MES6 incremental encoder provides 100 pulses of output position control for precise applications.

CUI Stack Inc., 9615 SW Allen Blvd. Suite 103, Beaverton, OR 97005; FAX (503) 643-6129; www.cuistack.com .

Calibrator

The CALYS5 calibrator offers an auto-calibration system in a rugged housing for on-site work. Its 200,000 simulation points provide high resolution for controlling sensors, transmitters, converters, and recorders. The unit can also simulate and measure temperatures and electrical signals.

AOIP Instrumentation, FAX (203) 359-7900; www.aoip.tr .

Thermometers

The Close Focus Raynger(R)MX(TM)infrared non-contact thermometer is designed to provide accurate measurement of small target areas without including unwanted background temperatures.

It incorporates a laser capable of measuring a spot as small as 6 mm at 300 mm distance.

Raytek Corp., 1201 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1820; FAX (831) 458-1239; www.raytek.com .

Infrared camcorder

The ThermoCorder(TM)compact infrared camcorder integrates the company's Alpha(TM)infrared camera with Sony camcorders via the Sony Intelligent Accessory Shoe. The 2.6 lb system can record both visible and infrared images, which users can view on the LCD panel or color viewfinder.

Indigo Systems, 5385 Hollister Ave., Suite 103, Santa Barbara, CA 93111; FAX (805) 964-7708; www.indigosystems.com .

Radiometer

An optical sensing system that measures irradiance in the 300- to 400-nm wavelength range lets the ELC-300 auto-ranging radiometer measure the UV performance of both spot-cure and production process systems. An LCD screen displays the UV output; users can download stored measurements to a PC for system validation.

Electro-Lite Corp., 43 Miry Brook Rd., Danbury, CT 06810; FAX (203) 792-2275; www.electro-lite.com .

Sensor interface

D5000 four-channel sensor-to-computer module converts analog input signals to engineering units and transmits the data in ASCII format to any host with standard RS-485 or RS-232 ports. Users can select baud rate, echo, parity, and other parameters over the module's communications port. The modules can measure temperature, voltage, and current, and perform signal conditioning, scaling, and linearization.

OMEGA Engineering, Box 4047, Stamford, CT 06907-4047; FAX (203) 359-7700; www.omega.com .

Cameras

A family of four board-level color cameras includes three CCD-based models and one CMOS version. The GP-CX-161 and -171 CCD cameras measure less than one square inch, sport a DSP, and are available in several lens styles. The 161 series provides VGA resolution in NTSC or PAL analog outputs; the 171 offers 768 x 494 (NTSC) and 752 x 582 (PAL) resolutions. The GP-CX701 uses a CMOS sensor and has a digital YUV output. The fourth member, the KR651US, incorporates a GP-CX-161 camera in an enclosed case with a USB port. NTSC and PAL outputs are also available.

Panasonic Industrial Co., 2 Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094; FAX (201) 392-6361.

Weight indicator

The UMC300 weight indicator can supply excitation voltage to as many as eight load cells. Features include: selectable primary and secondary units, 3-stage digital filtering, two serial communications ports (one full duplex and one unidirectional 20-mA loop), and front-panel digital calibration and configuration. It comes in a NEMA 4 stainless-steel washdown enclosure.

Interface Inc., 7401 E Butherus Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260; FAX (602) 948-5555; www.interfaceforce.com .

Proximity sensor

Series 700 inductive proximity sensors have rated operating distances between 6 and 40 mm, and can sense aluminum and other conductive metals at equally long ranges. A one-piece stainless-steel housing eliminates weak spots and permeation at the sensing face. Sizes are M12, M18, and M30, which are available in 3-wire N.O. and N.C. configurations.

Contrinex Inc., 215 River Vale Rd., River Vale, NJ 07675; FAX (201) 666-8470; www.contrinex.com .

Flowmeter

Available in portable and fixed versions, an ultrasonic flowmeter provides a turndown ratio of 32:1 while maintaining high accuracy. The fixed model's electronics can be up to 500 ft from the meter. This portable unit features a graphical user interface. Applications include corrosive liquids, oils, oil sludge, and inks.

Aaliant, 150 Venture Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29306; FAX (864) 574-8063; www.aaliant.com .

Moisture analyzer

V Series analyzers measure trace water contamination in corrosive gases. Lower detection limit is 10 ppb of H 2O in matrices of HCl, HBr, and NF 3. Rather than purging the instrument, users evacuate the spectrometer compartment during analyzer setup to eliminate background atmospheric moisture. This procedure reduces setup time from the two weeks required for a high-quality purge to 24 hours.

Midac Corp., 17911 Fitch Ave., Irvine, CA 92614; FAX (949) 660-9334; www.midac.com .

Humidity controller

The Traceable Humidity Controller turns equipment on or off at preset humidities. Users can program the "higher-ON/lower-OFF" and "lower-ON/higher-OFF" settings for any point from 30 to 90% relative humidity in 1% increments. Features include a manual override, rechargeable NiCad battery, and 0.5-inch-high LCD. A grounded receptacle relay turns equipment on/off to 125V ac, 15A, 1,800W, and 1/3 hp. The unit comes with a serial-numbered traceable certificate indicating traceability to NIST standards.

Control Company, 308 W Edgewood, Friendswood, TX 77546; FAX (281) 482-9448; www.control3.com .

Alarm

An audible signal and high-intensity, flashing red LED enable the Sonalert(TM)LSC616N to command immediate attention. The continuous audio signal has a typical sound pressure level of 100 dB at 16V dc at 2 feet, and a frequency of 2.9 kHz plus or minus 0.5 kHz. The LED's viewing angle is 80 degrees. Housed in a black nylon 6/6 case, the panel-mount device measures 1.69 inches in diameter.

North American Capacitor Co., 7545 Rockville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46214; FAX (317) 273-2400; www.nacc-mallory.com .

Height sensor

A CCD noncontact laser height sensor provides high-speed dispense height measurement for delicate substrates, hybrids, and integrated circuits that may be harmed by tactile sensing. The sensor works with the company's Millennium(R)Series M-2000 fluid-dispensing system.

Asymtek, 2762 Loker Ave. W, Carlsbad, CA 92008-6603; FAX (760) 431-2678; www.asymtek.com .

Level sensors

This company has recently added Teflon(R)and Flange Mounted liquid level sensors to its product line. Features include a compact, solid-state electro-optical sensor with integrated electronics, high pressure and temperature ratings, and greater resistance to particulate contaminants in process fluids. Applications include medical equipment, semiconductors, HVAC, pump, machine tool, and on- and off-highway vehicles.

Gems Sensors, 1 Cowles Rd., Plainville, CT 06062-1198; FAX (860) 747-4244; www.gemssensors.com .

Logic analyzer

The GoLogic72 is a 72-channel PC-hosted logic analyzer which operates through an EPP printer port. Its software runs on Windows 95/98/NT and provides two modes of operation, one for simple setup, the other for full control by power users. Features include compact size, transitional timing, eight sequence levels, pattern, edge and range triggering, counters, timers, selective storing, and activity indicators.

Newcomb Company Inc., 6438 University Dr., Huntsville, AL 35806; FAX (256) 837-5221; www.nci-usa.com .

Temperature module

The JSB-440 USB Temperature Module is designed to facilitate general-purpose temperature measurement from any Universal Serial Bus. The module is controlled from a host computer, communicates with DS-1820 temperature controllers, and returns measurements over the plug-and-play USB. Features include the ability to support up to 30 DS-1820 temperature controllers, automatic identification of DS-1290 IDS, and an accuracy to 0.5C.

J-Works, Inc., 12328 Gladstone St. Unit 1, Sylmar, CA 91342; FAX (818) 270-2413; www.j-works.com .

Position sensor

KD-2300(TM)is a variable impedance transducer displacement measuring system. The product provides noncontact measurement for ferrous and nonferrous surfaces, frequency response to 50 kHz, measurement ranges from 0.020 to 2.0 inches, and operates at up to 400F. Applications include product design, fabrication, process control, inspection, and the replacement of air gauges, dial indicators, and micrometers.

Kaman Instrumentation, 1500 Garden of the Gods Rd., Box 7463, Colorado Springs, CO 80907; FAX (719) 599-1823; www.kamaninstrumentation.com .

pH control valve

Designed to meter lime, caustics, polymers, and other chemicals, this valve ensures the proper pH level of influent entering the treatment process. Through the use of pinch valve technology, the product is said to avoid scaling and clogging, while the flexing action of the pinch sleeve can even break up dewatered lime which has plugged the line. Valves are available with either electric or pneumatic actuators.

Red Valve, 700 North Bell Ave., Carnegie, PA 15106; www.redvalve.com .

Pyrometer

The Dyna-Temp(R)pyrometer is said to provide precision, speed, and accuracy for instant temperature checks in industrial or laboratory applications. Standard features include a 1/2-inch LCD display, a self-test diagnostic circuit, and a powder-coated aluminum casing. Options include a thermocoupled five input switch, peak reading with memory, carrying case, and magnetic backing.

Electronic Development Labs, 244 Oakland Dr, Danville, VA 24540; FAX (804) 799-0847; www.edl-inc.com .

Wavelength meter

The Q8326 Optical Wavelength Meter is designed for testing next-generation transmission laser diodes with narrow tolerances for use in high-bandwidth Internet applications. The meter has a sampling rate of five measurements per second, a deviation display function, a wavelength accuracy of plus or minus 2 parts per million, and a measurement accuracy of up to 0.1 picometers.

Tektronix, Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077-0001; www.tektronix.com .

Borescope

This company's new 3-D stereo measuring borescope is designed to measure tiny defects in turbines, compressors, and other components. Stereo measuring is said to reduce or eliminate many of the problems associated with conventional measuring technology, including the need to measure objects from a perpendicular angle. The system can also take multiple measurements from a single image, and can store images for later measurement.

Olympus America, 2 Corporate Center Drive, Melville, NY 11747; FAX 516-844-5620; www.olympusipg.com .

Machine vision

The SMD4 is said to represent the next generation in machine vision for guiding the placement of surface mount devices onto printed circuit boards and other assemblies. The product bring new levels of accuracy and robustness to placement guidance applications, and features a full set of high-accuracy MMX-optimized device location and inspection software tools capable of reliably locating components.

Cognex, 1 Vision Dr, Natick, MA 01760; FAX (508) 650-3333.

Encoders

The 12 mm and 16 mm contacting encoders are designed for level control, tuning, and timer settings for electronic equipment. The products are available with an optional momentary push switch, to add functionality without sacrificing board space. Other features include insulated shafts, 12 and 24 pulses, and detent options.

Bourns, 1200 Columbia Ave, Riverside, CA 92507; FAX (909) 781-5378; www.bourns.com .

Trigger countdown

This company's new Model 5650 Trigger Countdown is designed to extend the triggering frequency range of high-speed oscilloscopes and frequency counters to 16 GHz. The product is a divide-by-8 prescaler circuit which can divide a 16 GHz signal down to 2 GHz for oscilloscope trigger input. Features include extremely low timing jitter pulses, and compatibility with oscilloscopes from other companies.

Picosecond Pulse Labs, Box 44, Boulder, CO 80306; FAX (303) 447-2236; www.picosecond.com .

Microscopes

A range of portable microscopes offers magnifying powers from 20 to 200x and accurately measure lengths as small as 0.0001 inch. A reticle inside the microscope lets users see a scale projected on the viewed object for quick measurements in inches or millimeters. The 11 oz instruments have acrylic bases for use in ambient lighting, and a penlight attachment for use in low-light conditions.

GEI International Inc., Box 6849, Syracuse, NY 13217-6849; FAX (315) 463-9034; www.gei-int.com .

Hydrostatic testing

Hydrostatic tooling is said to offer fast, positive gripping and sealing for production hydrostatic testing and autofrettage of plain end tubing and tube assemblies. The pressure compensated design is reported to assure a constant positive grip during any work or production cycle, and to connect and disconnect easily. Applications include air, water, steam, oil, and other fluids or gases.

Airmo Pressure Technologies, 9445 Evergreen Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55433; FAX (612) 786-4622; www.airmo.com .

Optical sensor

The OD optical displacement sensor is a sensor and measurement sensor in one package. Features include a digital signal processor, and measurement accuracy down to 3 microns, with options from a choice of plastic or metal housings to laser or LED light sources. Applications include smooth and rough surfaces in auto, electronics, semiconductor, and robotics industries.

SICK Inc., 6900 West 110th St, Bloomington, MN 55438; FAX (612) 941-9287; www.sickoptic.com .

Torque reaction sensors

T5100 Series Torque Reaction Sensors are available in a number of mounting configurations with capacities ranging from 0 to 5 in-oz., to 0 to 500 in-lb. When combined with a digital indicator, the company says that resolution can be as high as 0.001 in-oz. Applications include quality control, monitoring the twisting of thin wires used as capillaries, and other automotive, medical, industrial, and commercial industries.

Futek, 10 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618; FAX (949) 465-0905.

Thermometer

Pyrofiber(R)fiber optic, non-contact emissivity correcting IR thermometers incorporate a single digital and two analog outputs, allowing the user to output both emissivity values and emissivity corrected temperature values directly to their furnace process control or PLC. This is said to enable furnace controls to become intelligent through the ability to make dynamic changes to the process based on temperature and material changes.

Pyrometer Instrument Co. Inc., 209 Industrial Pkwy, Northvale, NJ 07647; FAX (201) 768-2570; www.pyrometer.com .

Power controllers

STAR Series(TM)fully integrated programmable solid-state power controllers are now available. The RP-212XX is said to provide a highly competitive solution for power distribution systems. The product is designed with EMI/EMC tolerance, trip protection, real time status reporting, and an optional analog current monitor output to support computer interfacing.

Data Device Corporation, 105 Wilbur Pl, Bohemia, NY 11716-2482; FAX (631) 567-7358; www.ddc-web.com .

Hour meter

The T1100 Hour Meter and Up or Down Counter module features a six digit, seven segment LCD display. Data is stored on powerless non-volatile CMOS EEPROMs, which are small in size and don't require a battery. Other features include low operating current, wide operating voltage and temperature range, high shock and vibration resistance, solid state electronics, and silent operation with no moving parts.

ENM Counting Instruments, 5617 Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60646; FAX (773) 775-5968.

Timer sockets

ES Series relay and timer sockets have been added to this company's DIN rail product line. The products are said to offer finger safe construction and a full line of plug-in modules with diodes offering protection against polarity inversion. Modules are also available with signalling LEDs. Additionally, the products are available in a number of configurations, and are UL recognized, CSA certified, and CE marked.

Custom Connector Corp., 1738 E 30th St, Cleveland, OH 44114; FAX (216) 241-1734; www.customconnector.com .

Position measurement

DIT-5200(TM)true differential measuring systems are said to utilize high-precision eddy current balanced bridge technology to offer high resolution, non-linearity, thermal stability and sub- nanometer resolution. In addition, the design reportedly eliminates the need for summation amplifiers which can add noise and drift. Applications include fast steering mirrors in laser communication, servo control position feedback, stage positioning, and stylus position.

Kaman Instrumentation, 1500 Garden of the Gods Rd., Box 7463, Colorado Springs, CO 80907; FAX (719) 599-1823; www.kamaninstrumentation.com .

Flowmeter

R-series flowmeters are designed to offer the benefits of Coriolis flow measurement technology for general-purpose applications. The units measure mass and volume of liquids, gases, and slurries, have no moving parts, and reportedly don't require recalibration or regular maintenance. They are also said to measure within 0.5% of flow rate for liquids. Four sizes are available: 1/4, 1/2, 1, and 2 inch.

Micro Motion Inc., 7070 Winchester Cir., Boulder, CO 80301, 800-522-6277; www.micromotion.com .

Measuring tongue

Designed for taking small measurements, such as indirect measurements of the mold cavity pressure behind the ejector pin, the Type 9227A miniature measuring tongue is 4x6 mm. In addition to the unit's size, other reported advantages include high sensitivity for plastic injection-molding applications.

Kistler Instrumente AG, 1-888-547-8537; www.kistler.com .

ID solution

AcuReader III(TM)is a high-performance vision system for identifying and tracking wafers and components through the semiconductor manufacturing process. The unit features a Wizard-based interface that guides the user step-by-step through the process of setting up ID applications, and self-configuring the appropriate parameters as it operates.

Cognex Corp., One Vision Dr., Natick, MA 01760; 508-650-3000; www.cognex.com .

Linear sensor

SLS190 is a sealable linear sensor that uses hybrid track technology. According to the company, the design offers benefits for system designers requiring analog position feedback, while providing an affordable solution for large volume OEM customers. The unit is designed to be interchangeable with the company's HLP190 linear potentiometer, but can be specified with a compact shaft option, which reportedly offers a dramatically reduced mounting dimension.

Penny & Giles Controls Inc., 1100 E. Woodfield Rd., Ste.140, Schaumburg, IL 60173; (FAX) 847-995-0838; www.pgcontrols.com .

Oxygen analyzer

CG 1100-RTP oxygen analyzers are designed to improve yields in the semiconductor industry's rapid thermal processing wafer fabrication systems. By detecting oxygen contamination at the parts-per-million level, the unit reportedly maximizes throughput by ending the purge cycle as soon as the oxygen background is acceptable. Other features are a zirconium oxide sensor for accuracy and fast response, and electronic flow control allowing a range of operating pressures.

AMETEK Process Instruments, 37 N. Valley Rd., Building 4, Box 1764, Paoli, PA 19301; 800-473-1286; www.ametak.com .