Galil Motion Control introduces its RIO-471x0 Pocket PLC. It's smart, compact, low-cost, and packed with I/O — 32 digital I/O and 16 analog I/O in a 3.9 in. x 4.3 in. x 1.3 in. package. Powerful RISC processor for fast I/O handling and logic control. Just $295 in single quantity.

The new RIO includes ±10 V analog I/O, 500 mA isolated outputs, program memory with multitasking, PID process control loops, timers, counters, Web interface, Ethernet10/100Base-T, and more. Use stand-alone or network multiple RIOs. Intuitive commands or use Galil's Ladder Interface Software. Download a data sheet or call Galil at 800-377-6329 to speak to an application engineer.

View our "Intelligent I/O Control" tutorial to learn more!

ITW Switches' sealed, rugged ActiveMetal™ switches are now available in die cast Zinc housings. These switches use the same proven solid-state technology as existing ActiveMetal switches while offering designers and engineers a lower cost option in a sealed, touch-sensitive switch.

All ActiveMetal switches are dustproof and waterproof (IP68), and shock, vibration, and vandal resistant, with virtually unlimited service. They are available in 5 VDC or 10 V-24 VDC input voltages and digital or open collector outputs (momentary or latching). ActiveMetal switches exist in 19 mm, 22 mm, and 30 mm sizes and 316 Stainless, 6061 anodized Aluminum, PPS plastic, and now Zinc die cast materials.

With over 18,800 products available for same-day shipping, Pasternack's catalog has the industry's broadest offering of in-stock RF, microwave, and fiber optic components.

Pasternack's 2009A catalog has the new products you need, including Precision Test Cable Assemblies, QN connectors and cable assemblies, and our LFU cable assemblies, compatible with all Hirose U.FL™ ultra-miniature connectors. We've also added new 10GB Duplex Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies.

All products are available online at www.pasternack.com. See real-time pricing and inventory, get technical datasheets, even build and order custom-length cable assemblies using our Cable Assembly Wizard for shipment the same day you submit your order. Additional Pasternack product info available here.

Humidity is quantified and defined by several different parameters: relative humidity, dewpoint, mixing ratio, absolute humidity, enthalpy, wet bulb, ppm, and partial pressure. Which term you utilize depends on several factors such as your industry, what information you need, the measurement environment, desired accuracy, etc.

For good measurement practice, Vaisala offers several tools to help convert and quantify humidity parameters:

• Download our white paper, "Humidity Conversion Formulas"
• Subscribe to Vaisala's Knowledge NewsLetters
• Vaisala's Humidity Instrument Catalog

Questions: call 888-VAISALA (888-824-7252)
or e-mail instruments@vaisala.com.

"Explanation of Linear Guides," a technical tutorial detailing the basic structure of the linear motion guide. Topics include: a linear guide rail, a linear motion block, and balls as a roller bearing element. Depending on the accuracy and load requirements, a single linear guide or two parallel linear guide configurations can be used. To meet a wide range of requirements, different elements can be combined with basic structure; i.e., adding seal plates to a linear block as contamination-protection accessories for use in clean room environments. Additional types of linear motion guides include linear shafts and single-axis actuators.

Epilog makes permanent metal/plastic marking easy and affordable with the FiberMark system. A 12 in. x 24 in. engraving table and open-architecture design allows for permanent markings on a variety of items and materials using virtually any Windows®-based software. Mark barcodes, data matrix codes, serial numbers, or logos on steel, titanium, aluminum, engineered plastics, ceramics, and more!

Epilog's FiberMark system helps you:

• Strengthen ID processes
• Improve quality control
• Enhance traceability

Learn more and receive FiberMark samples here!

Researchers are looking to put micro-robots to work as internal surgeons. The hope is that some of these tablet-shaped robots could perform certain gastrointestinal operations without injuring the patient's body. The process would begin with the swallowing of individual parts of the robot, which would then self-assemble into a more powerful system to perform the task. The feasibility of such an operation is currently being tested in artificial stomachs.

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Nanobots are indeed taking a fantastic voyage at the École Polytechnique de Montréal. Researchers there have succeeded in attaching microscopic beads to naturally magnetic bacteria, and steering the bacteria through a person's body using an MRI machine. The hope is to replace the beads with cancer-killing drugs for direct delivery to malignant tumors.

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Power Solutions Inc. is now offering its new INDUSTRIMOD™ family. This product family includes the EASYMOD®, MINIMOD™ 20 to 350 W universal AC input, and DCMOD™ 24 or 48 VDC input switching power supplies. Available in industrial grade temperature range of -40° C to +85° C; all units are 1U high maximum.

MSK has developed a line of high-power motor drive modules for use in harsh environments, including aerospace and defense. Rated at up to 1,200 V and up to 800 A, these modules survive HAST, thermal cycling from -55 to +125° C, and operate reliably in high shock and vibration environments.

Perpetually powered data acquisition? You heard right. GE Energy has recently developed wireless sensors with an endless power supply. The sensors harvest and use vibration energy from the very machines they monitor. How? The system uses a micro-generator to transform vibrational energy into serviceable electrical energy. It also stores that energy in a super-capacitor; during peak operational phases, there will still be enough power for data measurement and transfer.

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In the not too distant future, surgeons may be depending on welding as opposed to suturing to close incisions and heal wounds. The breakthrough medical concept involves spreading a biological glue (actually a unique albumin protein) on two sides of an incision, then heating it to just the right temperature with a carbon dioxide laser. The end result is a hard shell that seals the wound from pathogens and speeds healing.

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