No one wants a large power station near their home. Reasons range from aesthetics, to emission concerns, to vague fears. But, small-scale distributed generation units such as fuel cells, photovoltaics, and gas turbines are often installed in densely populated areas without much local opposition. This is one of the reasons for the explosive growth in distributed generation.

While these small units may be less visible, total aggregate emissions from many small units can be significant. ISA reports that concerns over distributed generation emissions led researchers at University of California, Irvine to create a scientific method for predicting the impact of small-scale generators on air quality.

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Limit switch solutions result in cost-effective offerings for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Honeywell offers one of the world's broadest product portfolios of compact, low-cost limit switches. Our switches aim to meet the needs of cost-conscious OEMs in a variety of applications.

View all of Honeywell's products here...

Find it.

Fix it.

Fast!

Fluke Thermal Imagers reduce costs and maximize uptime. Capture images that reveal more with IR Fusion® — merging infrared and visible light images.

Interpower Filtered Sheet J Outlet modules are intended for computer, medical, general purpose, and/or custom indoor type applications. The Filtered Sheet J Outlet Module is configured with an IEC 60320-2-2 Sheet J outlet and a filter. Ratings of 16 A international and 20 A North American at 250 VAC. No minimum order; evaluation samples available.

New Rackmount UPS Enclosure Solutions complete the Eaton power quality offering to deliver a comprehensive data center UPS power management solution. Whether for network or server applications, Eaton offers the cabinet solution guaranteed to save you time and money, providing all the required components and systems for any application.

Phasors are simultaneous voltage, current, and impedance measurements made across the wide area of an electrical grid. These measurements can be used to not only monitor network behavior, but also to predict failures. This T&D World article shows how utilities are working together to use phasor measurements to prevent outages.

The EPA recently released new rules for emissions of soot particles, saying that the new rules will reduce allowable particulate emissions from smokestacks and tailpipes by 50%. Some critics and EPA experts were pushing for tougher standards, but industry officials disagreed, citing huge costs for compliance with more stringent rules.

E-Composites reports that Johns Manville has introduced the first of a new generation of densified chopped strand glass fibers. The material can be used in electrical and electronic thermoplastics applications such as connectors, housings, relays, and switches.

Advantages over current materials include better color matching and best-in-class fiber flow for more effective fiber distribution.

When you think of connectors and conductors, do you think of concrete? Research scientists do, and they are developing many applications for conductive concrete.

Emerging Construction Technologies (Purdue University) shows how conductive concrete is being used to monitor and weigh traffic, heat roads and bridges, detect intruders in buildings, and shield computer equipment from eavesdropping.

Micro Optics Technologies introduces its OCEP, optically-driven communications earplugs, to civilian markets. The wireless earplug is available in headsets and retrofits for helmet systems. It provides clear communication and hearing protection in an easy-to-use package. More information is at our Web site.

Amperite highlights the ST Series with new models and switching modules. All models are CMOS Digital Circuitry, 100% Solid State, and offer continuous load to 10 amperes. The ST Series are of "Hockey Puck Style".

Visit us for more information.

General Atomics Electronic Systems, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of high voltage, high-energy capacitors used in demanding applications in the medical, military, research, and industrial markets. GA-ESI also supplies power supplies, pulse power systems, and other components.
More info...

An extensive range of toroids for 50/60 Hz operation is readily available from 15 VA to 1000 VA with a variety of dual secondaries to choose from. Toroids offer benefits over laminated types with better weight, size, efficiency, assembly, noise, and stray field characteristics. All mounting hardware is included. Custom designs are also welcome.

Research at the University of Maryland's James Clark School of Engineering has revealed that chitosan, a substance found in blue crab shells, can enhance the performance of a new nanoscale sensor system. Photonics.com says that the sensor system can detect small amounts of explosives, bioagents, chemicals, and other dangerous materials in air and water.

Tired of getting spam e-mail trying to sell you fake Viagra? So is Pfizer, and they have initiated an RFID application-verification process to stop it. TechNewsWorld says that Pfizer will apply an RFID label to each bottle of Viagra sold in the U.S. to track Viagra through the supply chain.

As an established and relatively simple technology, circuit breakers would seem ripe for commodization. An article in The Beacon Journal on a planned acquisition of a Chinese circuit breaker manufacturer by Eaton shows that the path to commodization may be Chinese production combined with sales and marketing from well-known established brands.

Google makes software, but they are calling for more efficient PC power supplies. Better PC power supplies help Google because they use many PCs in their server farms. CNET reports Google's call for a shift from multi-voltage power supplies to a single 12 V standard, potentially saving billions of kilowatt-hours each year.

This new Signal Conditioner offers the user higher stability and increased functionality of the analog outputs. It operates from 10-30 VDC, and applications include automobile, testing, R&D, automated gauging, and checking stations. Outputs 4-20 mA, 0-10 VDC, or ±10 VDC. Includes math functions between conditioners.
View all Macro Sensor products here...

Applied Automation Controls is proud to announce distribution of Sprecher + Schuh Control and Motor Protection Products. Sprecher + Schuh has provided reliable control and protection solutions for its customers since 1903. Sprecher + Schuh manufactures magnetic starters and contactors, motor circuit controllers, push buttons, tower lights, disconnects, circuit breakers, and relays.

Coastflex 098 is an ultra flexible, heavy duty, multi-conductor cable designed for continuous flex applications. These products optimize flex life and provide superior resistance to oils, etc. The applications are pick-and-place units, conveyor systems, and automated handling systems. PVC insulation/jacket comes in both a shielded and non-shielded version.

Hasco products are produced in our ISO certified factory, which are RoHos compliant. With over 600 styles and voltages, Hasco offers high quality relays and electromechanical relays. Our Reed Relays can also sit idle for years and not have any contact resistance build up.

Learn more about Hasco.

Earn a top MS in Electrical Engineering online from Drexel University.

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DiceEngineering.com offers thousands of high quality engineering jobs at top technology and engineering companies — jobs for Electrical Test Engineers, Board Level Designers, and Electronic Technicians. At DiceEngineering.com, you can:
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ISA is expanding its online CyberU to offer over 300 courses in the areas of automation, instrumentation, and maintenance. These courses can lead to ISA certification as a Control Systems Technician, an Automation Professional, or an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic. Education and certification can give automation professionals an edge in today’s competitive job market.

Honeywell in Phoenix, AZ seeks a Systems Engineering Leader for Electrical Power Systems with BSEE and 15+ years experience with architecture definition, design, and development of commercial aircraft electrical systems — including power generation, conversion, and distribution. Lead a team of systems engineers that can architect and specify high voltage, variable frequency electrical power systems.

Your faithful correspondent recently attended the 64th World Science Fiction Convention in Anaheim, CA. Highlights included an extended conversation with sci-fi legend Ray Bradbury and a viewing of the main force interceptor car used in the Road Warrior movie. Next year's event will be held in Yokohama, Japan from August 30 – September 3, 2007.

Did you know that new cars contain well over a million lines of software code embedded in various mechatronic components? Scary but true, and a new report from CIMdata discusses mechatronic requirements and use in autos. The report highlights the risks and complexity that result when mechanical components are combined with software-driven electronics.

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