Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Sensors Stop Shutdowns
Power plant uptime can be increased by monitoring equipment operation via sensor networks. This Power article looks at several case studies to show how sensor monitoring and analysis can reveal problems before they occur. At one 600 MW plant, low hydrogen pressure detection in the generator avoided potential overheating and shutdown.
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Phasors Find Faults
Installing phasor measurement units (PMUs) in electric transmission and distribution systems and monitoring PMU information can detect problems and prevent outages. This T&D World article shows how to deploy PMUs. It can take 12 months to install new PMUs, but converting existing relays to dual-function relay/PMU devices can be faster.
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Field Mounted Manifolds Save Money
Connections from pneumatic valve solenoids to the valves are greatly eased when the valve manifold is moved from the control cabinet to a point near the pneumatic process. This MotionControl.com article shows how field-mounted valve manifolds eliminate long tubing runs, cut wiring costs, and reduce delayed pneumatic responses.
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Making PCB Test Connections
There are six ways to remove solder mask and make test connections to a microstrip trace on a printed circuit board: scraping, milling, grinding, microblasting, chemical stripping, and ultraviolet illumination. This EDN column recommends a scraper with a rounded blade. Given the right blade curvature, scrape a path just wide enough to reveal the test trace.
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New Attenuator Relay Design
Teledyne Relays
The A152 relay from Teledyne Relays has demonstrated numerous advantages in RF switching. Reasons include:
• High isolation between the signal path and the control voltage
• Low insertion loss of relay contacts
• Insertion loss repeatability of ±0.1 @4.5 GHz
• A large bandwidth, allowing usage from DC to 5 GHz
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Pfannenberg USA Offers COMPLIMENTARY Sizing Software
Pfannenberg Inc.
Pfannenberg USA offers a COMPLIMENTARY HTML-based Pfannenberg Sizing Software (PSS) that helps size filterfans, cooling units, A/W HE, and heaters for electrical enclosures. The PSS software accounts for both indoor and outdoor applications and can assist in calculating the heat dissipation within a cabinet, component by component.
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International Journal of Electronics — Free Sample Copy!
Taylor & Francis Group
The International Journal of Electronics publishes original papers in experimental and theoretical aspects of electronics. The journal recognizes the importance of emerging technologies and encourages papers on new areas, such as electronics for micromachines, mesoscopic devices, molecular electronics, superconducting electronics, and vacuum microelectronics. Download your free sample copy today!
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Transparent Covers added to ARCA™ Line!
Fibox Enclosures
Fibox expands its ARCA enclosure product line with the addition of transparent screw covers and transparent hinged covers. Stylish ARCA enclosures, manufactured using injection molded polycarbonate, a high-performance plastic, offer ease of customization, robustness, superior chemical resistance, and wide temperature range. UL-Listed and NEMA 4X rated, in standard sizes to 18 x 16 x 10 in. D.
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Sensitive Sensors
A production technique for carbon Nanotubes could yield sensors up to 1,000 times more sensitive and 10X faster than conventional ultramicroelectrodes sensors. ISA says researchers at the University of Warwick's Department of Chemistry use chemical vapor deposition and lithography to create disc-shaped single-walled carbon Nanotube based ultramicroelectrodes.
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Programmable Capacitors Power Wireless
AeA, the high-tech trade association, selected RF-MEMS capacitors as their product of the year in the semiconductors category. The digitally programmable RF capacitors are used in programmable antennas, programmable matching networks, complex tunable front-end filters, and other tunable active RF devices for fixed and mobile wireless devices.
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MEMS Sensors Save Half
New MEMS-based vibration sensors are smaller than piezoelectric-based competitors and 50% cheaper. EE Times reports on a sensor chip using MEMS accelerometer technology to track vibrations in industrial equipment at frequencies up to 22 kHz. Two side-by-side MEMS mechanisms act as differential accelerometers to cancel common mode noise.
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Microchip Aids Analysis
The UK's Dolomite created a custom glass MEMS microchip with multiple reaction chambers. Small Times says that scientists will use the microchip to control specific chemical reactions. This will help engineers design Nanoparticles for specific purposes such as synthesizing silicon based fluorescent Nanoparticles to label biomolecules for diagnostic assays.
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High-Power Motor Drive Modules
M.S. Kennedy Corp.
The M.S. Kennedy Corp introduces its new 4800 Series of high-power motor drive modules that meet the rigorous environmental requirements of aerospace applications. 600 V and 1200 V parts are available with current ratings up to 800 A. Operating temperature range is -55 to +125° C.
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10 Million Timers and Controls Ready in Two Days Max
ABB Low Voltage Products & Systems
The fastest way to specify and receive control relays: timers, voltage, current, phase loss, level control, alternating, HVAC/R, vending. Leading USA supplier, reliable designs, 10-year warranty, support worldwide, and UL-CSA-CE-RoHS. Typical and hard to find functions included via ProgramaCube®. Designers, specifiers, mechanics, request a copy today.
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Resistors for High-Stress Applications!
HVR Advanced Power Components, Inc.
Bring us your resistor problems! Our bulk resistor technology provides:
• Surge Energy
• High Voltage
• Non-Inductance
Our scalable technology ranges fractional watts to megawatts, standard parts or custom designed to your system.
• Medical electronics
• Industrial controls
• Pulsed power
Visit us at http://www.hvrapc.com for the full story!
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Tork Introduces the Only Pool and Spa Panels Listed UL1563
NSI Industries LLC
Tork has redesigned the pool/spa panel for the 21st century with numerous patented and unique features, reduced add-on material costs, and less time to install — isn't that what everyone wants? Compact, elegant, and best of all, safe. Tork offers the durable cost-effective panels you've been waiting for! Add the listing under the new 2008 UL Standard, and it's a sure bet: Tork continues to be the leading industry innovator — now in pool and spa panel engineering.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
Re-Engineer Your Career
Dice
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
• Post your resume and let employers find you
Search now.
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Love means never having to say you're sorry. But, being an exec for a big company means saying it all the time — even though the statement may be awash with insincerity. This Control Design editorial column exposes the unfortunate trend of insincere apologies by big corporations. The author thinks it would be a much better idea if they just didn't screw up in the first place.
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Adults Only Science Fair
It's a blend of crafts, engineering, science, and technology. And many high-tech professionals long for the days of the high school science fair. Maker Faire capitalizes on this nostalgia by hosting grown-up versions of science fairs in San Mateo, CA and Austin, TX. Projects displayed at the most recent event in San Mateo included fire-breathing robots, wearable computers, and giant motorized cupcakes.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . Join a Conversation About This Month's Topic...
U.S. Students Smarten Up
Studies show that U.S. high school students are dumber than their counterparts in Asian and European schools, but U.S. high tech industries are world beaters. Are U.S. universities the key?
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