Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Automation Powers Power Plants
One big change in power generation in recent decades has been modernizing automation systems. This Power article describes how automation components and software have evolved to meet the needs of plant operators. The most value of modern automation systems is delivered by software applications, not hardware components.
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Predict Power Pole Problems
Wooden power poles represent a huge investment and a point of serious failure for electric utilities. T&D World says an innovative device allows Georgia Power to test poles and predict failures before service interruption. The device applies a small pressure to a pole and measures the resulting deflection to determine pole strength.
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SMT Connectors Pass the Test
Demanding applications call for innovative designs. Such was the case when a 1.0 mm-pitch surface mount telecom connector failed a mixed flowing gas (MFG) test. SMT reports on a new connector with the same footprint that passed all thermal shock, shock/vibration, cyclic humidity, high-temperature life, and MFG tests.
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Programmable Relay Simplifies Stocking
Most users stock several overload relays for petrochemical, mining, water, and wastewater applications. Control Engineering says a solid-state overload relay can solve stocking problems by offering motor protection, control, and monitoring capabilities in a single device. Protection type and level is configurable for each use.
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MSK Developing Rad Hard Motor Drives for Space Use
M.S. Kennedy Corp.
The M.S. Kennedy Corporation is developing radiation-hardened motor drives for use in space applications such as satellites, planetary exploration vehicles, and launch vehicles. These motor drives are constructed with rad hard components and utilize hybrid microcircuit assembly methods to minimize size and weight while offering very high performance and reliability. Learn more.
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Sample Our LED Mounting Time Saver Solutions
Visual Communications Company, Inc.
LED mounting hardware, lightpipes, lenses, and LED cable sockets. Contact us for a complimentary sample of our LED mounting solutions. We have thousands of parts and part combinations that can meet your exacting requirements for mounting LEDs. Visit us here for a complete look at our LED mounting solutions.
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Amphenol Sine Systems AT and AHD Connector Series
Power & Signal Group
Amphenol Sine Systems, a global leader in interconnect solutions for the heavy equipment, agricultural, automotive, and other demanding interconnect architectures, introduces its AHD Series™ Connectors and its AT Series™ Connectors. Both series are high-performance, cost-effective alternatives to existing standard products industry-wide, including 6 and 9 pin connectors.
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Solar Panel Connector: Helios H4 from Amphenol
Amphenol Industrial
Amphenol Industrial now offers the low-loss 4 mm Helios H4 connector for photovoltaic systems; it features a locking design to meet NEC 2008, and improved gasket materials to enhance reliability for long-term use in any environment. The connector includes a TUV-compliant, touch-proof casing for increased product and user safety as well.
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Sensors, RFID & Passive Components . . . |
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Someone Stealing Your RFID Data?
RFID chips are replacing magnetic card stripes in passports and in credit, debit, transit, healthcare, and employee ID cards. The RF Edge says hackers are taking notice and using the non-contact nature of RFID to steal info. The best solution is to carry each RFID card in its own shielding sleeve.
For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Material Handling.
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Best Practices for Power Factor Correction
Power companies may charge industrial customers when electrical demand affects their utility power factor. Customers can compensate by adding power factor correction capacitors, but take caution. This white paper shows how to add power factor capacitors to a plant power distribution system without affecting other components.
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Halve Semiconductor Circuit Size
Two of the big names in the industry, IBM and Applied Materials, have agreed to work on a project to manufacture 22 nm logic and memory chips. The San Jose Business Journal says UAlbany's NanoCollege and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will participate in the project to make a quantum leap from today's 45 nm circuitry.
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China Chips in to Intel
In the past, Intel jealously guarded its microprocessor technology. But FT.com says the company has agreed to partner with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), the world's largest chip foundry, to produce its Atom microprocessor. Intel hopes TSMC can help it penetrate the smart phone and consumer electronics markets.
If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Appliance Technology.
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Up to 800 W in an Open Frame Power Supply
LHV Power
The HTK series power supplies consist of four power levels, 300 W, 400 W, 600 W, and 800 W. The design of the HTK series mounts the heat sinks on the PCB; because of this, a chassis is not required. If space is tight in your application, then the open frame version may be your solution. Learn more.
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Are You Using UL-Recognized Components?
Underwriters Laboratories
End-product manufacturers that sell products in North America favor UL-Recognized components as a way to streamline their product's certification process and speed-to-market. UL Marks are readily accepted by: OEMs, retailers, consumers, and other U.S. and Canadian third-party certification organizations.
Exhibiting at Hannover Messe, Germany.
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CWIEME Berlin 2009
CWIEME Ltd.
Visit CWIEME Berlin 2009, the largest display of Coil Winding, Electrical Manufacturing Equipment, and Electrical Insulations Materials under one roof in the world. Scheduled for May 5-7, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.
Over 575 exhibitors from 40 countries — a growth rate of over 14.5% in the last year and over 814% since 1996.
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Tweezer Meter = One-hand CR SMD Readings
Extech Instruments Corp.
The affordable Extech RC100 SMD Tweezer Meter permits rapid, accurate, one-hand readings of chip components (SMDs). 4000 count display shows readings for resistance, capacitance, and diode test. The RC100 functions in relative mode for zero or user-supplied reference. Accuracy down to 1.2%/R, 3.0%/C. Convenient slide cover protects tweezers in storage.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
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The Path to Success
Some career paths such as law and medicine are determined based on formal training. However, many tech industry employees come to their jobs via more circuitous routes. Until recently, few engineers actually plan their education and career path around automation. This Control magazine article discusses how most all automation industry folks come to their jobs via indirect routes. More importantly, it also tells why they typically stay in the industry for decades.
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Online Engineering Calculator
Electrical and electronic engineers often need to solve equations for design projects. The Web site Calculatoredge is a great tool for many engineers as it provides an online calculator for hundreds of common engineering equations. Need to find the velocity of sound? Just enter the temperature, the Gamma and the Gas Constant — and get instant results. Areas covered include Civil, Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Structural, and Chemical Engineering, Physics, Ceramics, Oil & Gas, and Finance.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
A Tech Career Path
Most engineers don't follow a career path laid out in college. Are you working in a technical area defined by formal education, or did you come to your job in a more interesting fashion?
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