EE Times says that budget cuts are focusing the Pentagon on near-term solutions. This is good news for suppliers of electrical components for two reasons. First, the Pentagon is pressing contractors to shift their focus from research to procurement. Second, most procurement expenditures will go towards electronic components such as sensors and networks.

The search is on for off-the-shelf technologies needed to link commanders with troops. A prime example is the all-encompassing concept of network-centric warfare where sensors can pick up and parse threat data, fuse it into useful information, and deliver it via ground and space networks to field commanders.

Multi-Contact's newly patented AxiClamp lead termination system offers an extremely simple and rapid way to attach electrical connectors to cables without the need for expensive crimp tooling. One AxiClamp size accepts a range of cable sizes, and in the event of a cable breakage, AxiClamp equipped connectors can be reused.

VTI provides shielding and gasketing solutions for EMI/RFI/ESD problems. Shield/protect your electronic device by vacuum plating/metalizing your plastic electronic enclosure with an aluminum conductive coating. Low resistance and point-to-point conductivity. High shielding attenuation. Low cost metalizing mask to insure mask line compliance.

New! Ilinx RS-232/422/485 and fiber converters boast superior isolation for rugged industrial applications. Isolated data ports. 10-48 VDC operation. 2000 V I/O, 10-48 V isolated power supply. DIN cases. CE approved. Pending: UL Cl1 Div2; CSA. B&B Electronics: Your serial and data communication experts.

The new PC3365 Series rack mount power distribution unit (PDU). This new series is available in both North American and European configurations. The 19 in. rack mount PC3365 Series is 2U (3.5 in.) tall. The power input is located on the rear through an attached 15 ft power cable along with the power output.

Controlling electricity demand based on pricing is a long-held dream of utilities, consumers, and even regulators. But POWERnews reports that successful implementation of demand response is elusive. Barriers include regulatory hurdles, a lack on incentives for utilities, and technical challenges such as deploying smart meters on a widespread basis.

China needs power now, so it is beginning development of the world's first commercial modular, high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactor. EngineerLive reports that the reactor will be powered by graphite balls packed with tiny flecks of uranium rather than with the conventional white-hot fuel rods used in existing nuclear reactors.

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Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) switches have the low losses, high isolation, and high linearity of relays, but they are smaller, use less power, and are cheaper. Are they right for your switching application? Read this in-depth analysis of MEMS plusses and minuses at the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Web site.

Want to learn more about MEMS? Subscribe to GlobalSpec's monthly e-newsletter MEMS Technology.

Fiber optic lens-based sensors need ancillary components such as lenses, filters, and detector arrays. MIT scientists have developed a better alternative: mesh-like webs of light-detecting fibers. These fiber constructs can measure the direction, intensity, and phase of light. Potential applications range from improved space telescopes, to clothing that provides situational awareness, to light-activated touch screens.

At IPC Printed Circuits Expo, APEX, and the Designers Summit, the premiere conference and exhibition for the electronics manufacturing industry. Find new technology, meet new suppliers, network with experts, learn from new research papers, and return to your company with new business prospects.

This conference will take place in Los Angeles, CA, on February 20-22, 2007.

V-Infinity's 1 W and 2 W DC-DC converters are the ideal building blocks for on-board distributed power systems. Over 1000 models available, with SIP, DIP, or SMT power supplies. Isolation voltages of 1000, 3000, and 6000 V DC, and all RoHS compliant.

Many models available through Digi-Key.

Basler Vision Technologies announced today the addition of 30 new GigE Vision and GenICam compliant cameras. The Basler 'scout' and the Basler 'pioneer' series cameras are among the first in the industry to comply with the official GigE Vision standards.

It seems that Popeye is not the only one with a spinach sensor. Consumer Affairs reports that Dr. Raj Mutharasan, professor of chemical engineering at Drexel University, has developed a prototype sensor that will detect E. coli bacteria in spinach and other foods. The handheld device is reportedly easy to use, quick with results, and accurate.

Deutsche Post in Germany envisions a future where RFID labels are so cheap, they will become the primary method of identifying mail. As reported by physorg.com, the PARIFLEX project funded by the German research ministry is developing RFID tags with ultra-flat displays that can be read by humans and by electronic means.

Product Design & Development reports that recent NFPA 70: National Electrical Code changes require control panels, industrial machinery control, and HVAC equipment to have a Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR). The first step is to determine the SCCR for all components between the panel’s main disconnect and the control transformers.

Perhaps you've heard of energy harvesters — devices that seem to grab power from thin air by converting light or kinetic energy to power. This Wikipedia reference and its accompanying hyperlinks show how advances in energy harvesting are creating new applications like truly wireless sensors that don't need a power source connection.

Carlo Gavazzi's new line of RPY industrial electromechanical relays offers economical 16 and 10 A switching in 1 through 4 pole changeover configurations.

The relays come standard with a test button, indicating LED and a wheeling diode is optional for DC coil versions.

When it comes to finding the right magnet for controlling a manufacturing process, handling ferrous products, or holding them securely in place, Bunting's stock electromagnets offer a practical solution. Low maintenance and adaptability to a vast number of applications give Bunting Electromagnets an edge on mechanical work-holding equipment.

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:
  • Find jobs in your area of expertise
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Bend Research in Bend, OR, a contract research and development firm, is looking for an Engineer/PLC Programmer who can design, program, and commission automated systems in the pharmaceutical industry. Experience in robotics, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and AutoCAD desired. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally. Bachelors in Engineering, Systems/Control preferred.

There may be a lack of young professionals in automation, but one organization is doing more than just yapping about it.

ISA reports that they are encouraging students and those just beginning their careers to work and stay in automation by sponsoring events such as the Young Automation Professionals (YAP) FEST.

Bacteria found in a South African gold mine could help solve two big environmental and energy problems. Environmental News Service reports that the bacteria use radioactive uranium to convert water molecules into energy. Another interesting feature of the bacteria community is that it is apparently millions of years old and self-sustaining.

Completely powered by solar? Check. Movement provided by ion propulsion? Check. Will visit remote realms of the solar system? Check. Is this an excerpt from a Sci-Fi novel? No, it is the Dawn spacecraft. Visit Space Daily to see how Dawn will use a host of leading edge technologies on its upcoming mission to the beyond.

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