Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Areva Reaps Billions
Investment in power generation facilities continues despite worldwide recession. Power says French nuclear giant Areva recently landed a number of new contacts; one a €5 billion contact to enrich uranium from French Électricité de France. It also signed an agreement to build two nuclear reactors in the Maharashtra state of India.
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Billions for Transmission Lines
It appears the U.S. stimulus bill will include billions for electrical transmission lines. Platts reports the U.S. House of Representatives approved $25 billion in tax credits for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and power storage technology and transmission. The bill has $11 billion for 'high technology' electricity transmission.
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Ethernet Connects Motor Drives
What's the best way to connect motor drives to plant control and monitoring systems? Ethernet tops the list, and that's the reason for launching a plug-in motion/machine control module for Ethernet-compatible drives. The controller module saves panel space and cabling by eliminating a separate external network controller.
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Wireless Still Needs Connectors
Wireless communications and telecommunications have cut industry demand for certain types of connectors. But vendors specializing in connectors used at wireless junctions can still benefit. Components in Electronics describes how one vendor helps wireless firms cut connector inventory by offering connectors covering a wider range of cables.
For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Wireless Technology.
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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 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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New, Glow Series LED Indicator Lens
Visual Communications Company, Inc.
The GLO Series lenses are made from a unique thermoplastic material that diffuses a LED's light output and dramatically reduces "hot spots". The result is a clean, hi-tech glow that evenly distributes the light along the lens surface and can be viewed from nearly any angle. Contact VCC today for a complimentary sample.
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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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Temperature Measurement Secrets Revealed
This white paper shows how to measure temperature accurately and how to determine required temperature ranges. It also covers the device types that best measure different temperatures, and tells if temperature instruments require certification. The paper focuses on electronic temperature measurements. (A short registration may be required.)
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Intel to Invest $7 Billion
Everyone wants to be a market leader, but few have the courage get there by investing during a recession. The New York Times reports that Intel will spend $7 billion over the next two years to expand chip factories in the U.S. These facilities will produce a new line of less expensive and more energy-efficient chips.
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Nanocars Race Ahead
Perhaps the most interesting MEMS machine is the nanocar. This ISA article traces the brief history of nanocars — from inception in 2005 to their current status. New measurement techniques show how much the cars move. The next step is to control movement by adding more wheels, and maybe by creating 'nanotracks' or roads.
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Creating Energy from Vibration
Wireless sensors obviate the need for wires to transmit data, but the sensors still require power wiring. Wiring can be eliminated via batteries, but a better solution is micro-sized energy harvesters in wireless sensors to replace or charge batteries. Energy harvesters convert ambient vibration, light, or heat energy into electricity.
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Faster, Safer, Smaller UL489 Molded Case Breakers
ABB Low Voltage Products & Systems
ABB's latest breaker innovation delivers a new range of UL489 listed MCCB circuit breakers, up to 1200A, providing the lowest let-through, the highest interrupting capacities, in the smallest package. Tmax Breakers offer thermal magnetic or advanced electronic trip units plus universal accessories, increasing flexibility and safety, and lowering maintenance cost.
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Get Control of Your Plant's Assets
Ferraz Shawmut
The Fuse Control program is a powerful combination of circuit protection products and services that helps you pinpoint obsolete fuses, duplicate inventory, and potential hazards in your circuit protection. Get the edge you need to mitigate arc flash hazards, achieve code compliance, and reduce inventory by 25% or more.
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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 bersions, ROHS-compliant versions, special selections available, spice models, and instant availability from factory. Learn more.
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Shamrock Contactors, Overload Relays, and Accessories
Burns Controls Company
Burns Controls Company is in its 37th year of providing Automation Technology and Controls. Established in 1971 by Pat Burns, Sr. as a one-man operation, Burns Controls has grown into a multi-million dollar company and is recognized as a leading source for electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic products to many leading companies worldwide. Read more.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
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Saving Staff in the Recession
Until the last few months, it has been hard for industrial firms to recruit technical personnel. With the slowdown, you look for cost-cutting or other design improvements in existing products. Perhaps you even get started on offerings that will be important when business picks up. Now that techies are more available, it's also important to staff and train correctly during the slowdown. This Control Design cover story tells how machine builders are putting a priority on maintaining and even expanding staff during these tough times.
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Think Global, Buy Local
When times get tough, who will be the most willing to work with you — and not simply sell to you? During tough economic times, it often makes sense to buy from local suppliers. This can apply to individuals as well as corporations. This Plant Services article shows how to do just that if your home base is the U.S., but the concepts presented are applicable to just about any country with a significant manufacturing base.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
Buy Local or Buy Best?
Many tout the advantages of buying local. But is the public interest served by purchasing locally made goods, even when better value products are available from other sources?
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