Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Micro-nukes Closer to Commercialization
Large scale projects lead the nuclear resurgence, but hot-tub sized micro-nukes producing as little as 10 MW per unit may steal the show. Power reports on the three leading contenders for the micro-nuke crown. All are designed for operation with little or no maintenance, and costs for a single unit are as low as $25 million.
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Wireless Covers Minnesota
In area, Minnesota's wireless communications system is one of the largest private systems in the world. T&D World says electrical distribution cooperatives there are connected to a private, licensed 700 MHz wireless broadband IP communications network. RF network substation sites provide coverage via 67 towers.
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Improve Latching Relay Circuit Design
Single-coil latching relays find many applications because they remain at last state when power is removed. Changing relay state requires current reversal. This EDN article explains how to design appropriate circuits. Because the relay doesn't use power under static conditions, the driving circuitry should consume minimal power.
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Wireless Big Screen TVs
Internetnews.com says that big screen TV manufacturers are moving to eliminate cables and connectors for power and signal. Two companies at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas displayed wireless charging systems that use near-field inductive coupling to transfer power from a mat or a wireless docking station.
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Five Questions to Ask Before Buying a Customized Enclosure
Fibox Enclosures
How do you select from the many varieties of standard enclosures? What factors impact cost? How can the engineer design for lowest cost?
What documentation should the designer provide the manufacturer? What happens when unit volumes become large? Fibox helps you specify enclosure customization.
Get answers.
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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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ROHM's PWM Output H-Bridge Driver ICs
ROHM Semiconductor, USA LLC
ROHM offers a full lineup of H-bridge driver ICs featuring compatibility with both analog and digital inputs enabling control via PWM input or microcontroller. P-/N-channel output configuration eliminates the need for a charge pump circuit and external capacitors for the high-side switch. Additional features include multiple protection circuits and pin-compatibility.
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Largest Selection of Resistors Terminations Attenuators
Barry Industries, Inc.
The largest selection of custom resistors, attenuators, and terminations for the military and telecommunications markets.
Sizes .020 in. x .020 in. to .375 in. x .375 in. Resistor values: .1 ohm -150 gigohm; attenuator values: 0.25 dB to 32 dB. Several conductor configurations available, i.e. flip chip, half wraps, and more! Visit www.barryind.com.
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GM Bets Big on Batteries
GM is using money borrowed from U.S. taxpayers to make a big bet on batteries. Financial Post says that GM is building a factory in Michigan to make battery packs for its Chevrolet Volt. The plant will start making lithium-ion packs in 2010 using battery cells made by Compact Power, a division of South Korean-based LG Chem.
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No More Light Bulbs
Organic light-emitting diodes and light-emitting polymers are set to replace light bulbs worldwide. An article in The Engineer says that both technologies use only 20% of the electricity used by traditional lighting. Both also emit a pure white light far closer to daylight than light bulbs, and as a bonus, they are thin and flexible.
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MEMS Slices Golf Scores
MEMS-based mirasol displays find many uses due to low power consumption and visibility in direct sunlight. Small Times reports on a mirasol display incorporated into a GPS-enabled golf course range finder. Golfers use the range finder to gauge distances from ball to target. Hazards are also shown and located on the display.
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MEMS Meter Measures Miniscule Matter
Measuring very low flow rates has always been a challenge for process control engineers. This Control Engineering article says that a new MEMS-based flowmeter can help. The meter has no moving parts, can measure flow rates below 100 ml/min in a wide range of media, and has a response time of less than 50 ms.
For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Sensors & Switches.
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ProgramaCube® Slashes OEM Control Design Cost
ABB Low Voltage Products & Systems
An OEM designer selects a ProgramaCube® control relay from ABB to replace a legacy PLC controller. The resulting custom control system is smaller, 73% less expensive, and 10x more reliable. Backed by a 10-year warranty. Programming time is eliminated; enclosure size, components, and connections are all slashed by 50%.
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Cable Assemblies and Wire Harnesses — Engineered to Your Requirements
Americor Electronics, Ltd.
Americor works closely with our customers and their design/production engineers to understand their specific needs. We highlight every aspect of your cable assembly or wire harness requirements to assure a maximum of function and cost efficiency. In most cases, we find superior components at cost savings.
View all our featured capabilities and products…
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JFETS-Second Source Replacements for Vishay/Siliconix
Linear Integrated Systems, Inc.
Second source replacement for discontinued vishay/siliconix JFETs. Monolithic Duals-JFETS: SST/U401-406 Series, ST/U440-441 Series. Current Regulating Diodes: J/SST500-511 Series. Pico Amp Low Leakage Diodes: DPAD/SSTDPAD Series — Dual, JPAD/PAD/SSTPAD Series — Single
Features include surface mount, thru hole versions, ROHS-compliant versions, special selections available, spice models, and instant availability from factory. Learn more.
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One Size Fits All
Ice Qube Inc.
As your customers' needs change, so can you. 2500, 3500, 4000, and 5000 BTU. One footprint, four BTU ranges. Standard units ship in less than a week! More info...
Ice Qube manufacturers cooling solutions for electronic and electrical enclosures. Learn more about Ice Qube Inc.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
Engineer Your Career
My Perfect Gig, Inc.
My Perfect Gig helps engineers find the perfect career. Use My Perfect Gig's skill cloud to see how your skills stack up in the marketplace. Also, visit us on YouTube.
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Options for Unemployed Engineers
Have you ever had the desire to become an entrepreneur? Many engineers have been laid off during the current recession, with more layoffs sure to follow. Forbes.com looks at how engineers laid off in the last downturn prospered by starting their own ventures. One female engineer started her own software company after being fired from two start-ups. With seed money from her parents, five years later her firm has 400 customers and 42 employees.
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Hydraulic Hybrid Gets 85 MPG
Electric hybrid vehicles may soon be displaced by a superior technology. Design News says that hydraulic hybrids have three main advantages over electrics. First, the gas engine can be run at its sweet spot because hydraulics decouple the mechanical link between the engine and the wheels. Second, vehicles can be run with the engine off. Third, regenerative braking energy is captured more efficiently. And you can add that no batteries are required either.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
Hydraulic Hybrids Race Against Electrics
With all the hoopla about gas/electric hybrid vehicles, a superior technology may be getting lost in the shuffle. Will hydraulic hybrids win the race against electric hybrids?
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