Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Software Speeds Transformer Design
Modern HV power distribution transformers are complex beasts with demanding design requirements. International Power Engineer says computer-based design software can assist in transformer design and test. The software calculates electrostatic fields based on electrostatic permittivity, saving time compared to previous methods.
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Wind Turbine Recall
What happens when a company installs hundreds of wind turbines, and then discovers turbine blade problems? Clipper Windpower addressed the problem head-on with field repairs of critical components. Two separate problems arose, and both required turbine blades to be field heated as part of the repair process.
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Relays Often Best Option
Despite advances in technologies like programmable logic controllers, relays will be around for a long time. Control Design says that relays excel at voltage conversion, current amplification, and electrical isolation. They also often are a better fit for real-time control applications in terms of cost, performance, and ease-of-use.
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Solder Snags
One popular connection method for surface mount printed circuit board components is soldering. But SMT says solder joints that pass inspection can hide functional degradation of temperature-sensitive devices that occur during soldering. From circuit design on, users must account for the thermal sensitivity of passive and active devices.
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Most Reliable DC Power Supplies
Acopian Power Supplies
Acopian manufactures AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies in every voltage from 0 volts to 30 kV and up to 1200 watts. Consisting of single, dual, triple output, programmable, unregulated, switching, linear, wall mount, DIN rail mountable, mini power supplies, power systems, redundant systems, rack mountable, and high voltage power supplies. Ships within three days.
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Custom Foam Inserts for Electrical Components
Carry Cases Plus
Do you need soft or rigid foam, convoluted or flat foam, diced or die cut foam, stock or custom foam?
Fast turnaround. Make your own case insert with our prototype service. Let Carry Cases Plus help you choose the right foam to protect and organize your products.
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Precision Profiles
C+K Plastics / Valley Extrusions
If you are in need of a custom extrusion for your application, Valley Extrusion has the technical expertise to turn your design or concept into a precision product. In addition, Valley Extrusions offers a wide range of both inline and offline secondary operations.
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High Voltage Relays
Tecknowledgey Inc.
The best choice for high in-rush capacitive make applications. High-voltage reed relays that are perfect for lower voltage long-life applications. Custom high-voltage relays for those specialized applications. Direct high-voltage relay replacements for most Kilovac/Tyco, Jennings, Crydom, Meder, and many Ross Engineering relays.
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Sensors, RFID & Passive Components . . . |
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First Online Bacteria Sensor
Certain bacteria are critical to wastewater treatment processes. Until now, measuring their real-time effectiveness has been impossible. EngineerLive describes how Purdue University researchers developed a sensor that constantly monitors bacteria health. The sensor measures minute changes in chemistry and yields results immediately.
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Super Sensors on iPhone
Apple's iPhone uses three key sensors: an accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, and a proximity sensor. Sensors says the accelerometer has driven the development of hundreds of applications. Instead of developing these apps internally, Apple invited any outside developers to contribute their knowledge and expertise.
If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Sensors & Switches.
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Nanowires Know SARS
A synthetic antibody attached to a nanowire could produce a new breed of electronic virus detectors. Small Times says these detectors could identify SARS and other viruses as well as biological materials. Proteins in viruses bind to the synthetic antibodies, immediately creating a measurable current jump through the nanowire.
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Future of MEMS
This 30-minute podcast is a panel discussion concerning MEMS and nanotechnology in the international marketplace. The ECNmag.com podcast covers the current state of the art and where the industry is going, as seen through engineer's eyes. Among other issues, experts explore the areas of greatest potential for MEMS/Nanotech.
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Automated Wire Winding and Fine Wire Bonding Systems
Itasca Automation Systems, LLC
Itasca Automation Systems provides engineering and manufacturing of custom designed machines which include pin inserting, fluxing, soldering, finishing, taping, hot air bonding, wire stripping, sleeving, heat staking, component assembly, testing, and vision inspection. Itasca Automation also provides bonding of fine wire for RFID's, Micro medical, and electronics products. Visit our Web site at www.itascaautosys.com.
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Transparent Covers Added to ARCA® Line
Fibox Enclosures USA
Fibox expands its ARCA® enclosure product line with the addition of transparent screw covers and hinged covers. ARCA enclosures, manufactured using injection molded polycarbonate, a high-performance plastic, offer customization, robustness, superior chemical resistance, and wide temperature range. ARCA features UL listing, NEMA 4X and IP 66/IP 67 rating, and CE certification.
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Maxcap® Double Layer Capacitors
Kanthal Globar
Maxcap® Double Layer Capacitors (commonly known as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors) can be used instead of a battery for memory backup power or to provide wireless data transmission pulses for remote interrogation. Will support CMOS RAMS and Real Time Clock chips for weeks.
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Solid State Relay
Eurotherm/Action Instruments
Eurotherm's SV Series of solid state relays is a rugged single phase Solid State Relay with ratings from 10 to 75 amps @ 300 VAC and 50 to 75 amps @ 600 VAC. The SV Series accepts an AC or DC logic control input and provides precise zero cross fired on-off control.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
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Manufacturing Jobs Beckon
If you're looking for a U.S. manufacturing job, the timing may be right. ISA says the Institute for Supply Management's index of factory activity rose to 42.8 last month, the highest reading since September 2008. With the job market looking to have stabilized, all the necessary factors for a second-half recovery are beginning to fall in place. On a sobering note, however, any reading under 50 signifies market contraction.
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Sync to the Second
Many techies have a visceral need to see all of their clocks synchronized down to the second. If you fall into that category, the best way to do this is with a radio clock. These clocks only cost about $20-50, and they are available in both analog and digital versions. Once a day, radio clocks receive a time code via a radio signal. These time codes are derived from atomic clocks and are highly accurate.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
Open Source Key to iPhone Success?
The iPhone is a technological marvel filled with innovative electronics, but its open source software model drives its sales. Will open source spell success for future consumer electronic products?
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