The new drives from Baldor - the MotiFlex e100 range - can be used in both centralized control and distributed 'intelligent drive' scenarios for example, in both cases with substantial savings in the electrical power components typically required.

The initial launch of MotiFlex e100 provides drives rated for output powers up to 16 A, in five steps of 1.5, 3, 6, 10.5 and 16 A. A selection of higher power versions will follow in 2007.

Compatibility with the Ethernet Powerlink protocol introduces great flexibility into electrical system building. Each drive features an Ethernet hub enabling systems to be built using a simple daisy-chain connection scheme. The high-speed and deterministic Ethernet Powerlink network, operating at 100 Mbits/sec, cuts cabling substantially, and can greatly reduce the costs of building large multi-axis systems. For example, a single Baldor Ethernet Powerlink machine controller can manage systems up to 16 interpolated axes.

In terms of core performance as an AC drive, a Baldor development team has been working for over three years on MotiFlex. The resulting design incorporates a large range of features that serve to liberate high power machinery builders to make savings and improve machine performance.

Each MotiFlex drive can operate independently, or as part of a shared DC bus system. When operating in a shared DC bus system, power regenerated back into any drive during the deceleration phase of an axis may be utilised by the other axes, saving energy costs. As each drive has a local capacitor bank, an external braking resistor is often not required - because the total capacitance of the system may be sufficient to store the energy without reaching the over-voltage limit.

Unlike traditional shared DC bus systems, Motiflex drive systems do not require a separate power supply unit. Instead, the AC–DC converter stage in each drive is capable of supplying power not only to itself, but also to a drive or combination of drives of the same total rating. For many multi-axis applications, this will often mean that the highest-rated drive will be able to power the rest of the system. For many multi-axis systems, this approach almost invariably results in the need for fewer electrical components, and simpler system building, as only one set of contactors, fuses or MCBs, terminal blocks, and one EMC filter is needed for the whole system. Alternative approaches on the market today can require the same AC components for each drive, or the addition of separate power supplies and capacitor banks with fixed ratings that often mean they may be oversized for the application in question.

The drive's control electronics can draw power from the main AC-DC power supply, or from a 24 VDC linking system on the front panel. Using the 24 VDC supply ensures that the control and communications status are maintained if the system is used in an application subject to safety shut downs, where the mains supply is disconnected.

Configuration flexibility has been at the core of the design requirements. Each drive incorporates a universal encoder input (incremental encoder, EnDat, SSI, sincos, multi-turn and single-turn) and built-in I/O (three digital inputs, two digital outputs, a +/-10V analog input, brake control output, plus CANopen and USB ports). A further two 'option card' slots provide an expansion capability that allows users to precisely configure the local attributes of the drive, and/or provide an upgrade path. The choice of expansion options includes analog and digital I/O, resolver feedback, encoder feedback, and fieldbus interfaces including Profibus, Modbus and Devicenet. The CANopen interface and the fieldbus expansion option provide great flexibility to employ the drive as a gateway for interfacing with other machine control systems such as PLCs.

A further unique expansion option for the drive is a plug-in machine controller compatible with Baldor's Mint motion language. This option allows a MotiFlex e100 to be used as a standalone 'intelligent drive', providing a distributed motion solution that can cut hardware costs dramatically. This low-cost Mint card is also Ethernet Powerlink compatible, and will control up to three further daisy-chained MotiFlex e100 drives, providing a low-cost automation solution for many common multi-axis requirements. If more axes are required, Baldor's panel-mounting NextMove e100 controller provides a solution.

One additional feature of the drive's configuration flexibility stems from tools provided with the drive, in Baldor's configuration software, Mint Workbench. Options include configuration wizards, auto-tuning software, and anti-resonance filters that may be used for both rotary and linear servo and vector motors.

The Mint language has been developed over nearly 20 years and today offers a high-productivity development environment for automation applications. Its use of high-level English like commands simplifies program writing and comprehension. These commands include probably the richest motion control programming facilities available worldwide, with 'keywords' that effectively provide templates or 'canned' software functions for common motion/movement related functions. The incredible range of Mint's motion control functions compared with 'open' industry software - greatly simplifies complex machine design projects. The software also comes with its own license-free multi-tasking operating system, and free Active X components for easy connectivity with PCs.

The new drives complete Baldor's range of Ethernet Powerlink products for motion control. Developers can now choose from a portfolio that includes single-phase and three-phase drives, a panel-mounting machine controller suitable for large multi-axis systems and machinery, and a low-cost plug-in board for 'intelligent drive' and simpler applications, plus both linear and rotary servo motors. Many more compatible machine control system components and accessories are available from other Ethernet Powerlink suppliers, providing an advanced and highly economic platform for machine design. More information: http://www.baldormotion.com/epl/

High continuous current ratings in compact, rugged packages. Coils available to your specification anywhere in the range of 6 to 240 volts DC. An additional bridge rectifier enables using coils with AC power.

Silver-plated busbars on 600-amp and higher models prevent oxidation and eliminate the need to prepare connectors for installation.

Weld-resistant, hard-wearing silver alloy contact tips for excellent conductivity and long life. Double breaking design protects against arcing.

Easy to install, and fully field serviceable with genuine Curtis/Albright parts.

Auxiliary contacts. A set of auxiliary contacts (one normally open, one normally closed) mechanically linked to the main contacts.

Magnetic blowouts.Protects against sustained arcs; recommended at 48 volts DC and higher.

Coils for continuous operation.Allow continuous energization of the coil, compared with standard coils rated for intermittent operation (ON time under 70 percent and less than 15 minutes).

Mounting brackets.A wide selection of standard brackets for easy installation anywhere; customized brackets and hardware for special applications are available.

Coil suppression.Diode suppresses voltage spikes when coil is de-energized. Because this slows the contacts drop-out time, resistor/diode combinations are available to minimize this effect.

Enclosed top cover.Protects contacts from dust and other contaminants (not recommended with use of magnetic blowouts).

AC operated coil.DC coil fitted with bridge rectifier for use with AC power.

Large diameter contact tips.Increased surface area minimizes contact corrosion from high switching frequencies.

Lockable mechanism.A manual disconnect switch that – once engaged to the OFF position – can only be rearmed with the supervisor's key.

Metal enclosed contactors.Available for industrial vehicle applications requiring UL-EE rating.

Standard light sources such as bulbs are replaced by LEDs or LED strings in more and more applications now. The ASIC manufacturer PREMA Semiconductor offers the new constant current driver PR4130 controlling up to three LEDs in series. Even if one or two LEDs are disconnected or short circuited, the current and the brightness remain constant, thus providing a high reliability.

The supply voltage of the PR4130 ranges from 10V up to 14.4V or a maximum voltage of 21V for short time. Necessary for operation is only one external resistor, which defines the LED current in a range from 5mA up to 30mA.

Due to the very accurate current control the brightness of the LEDs is very constant and almost independent of the supply voltage and the number of connected LEDs. The PR4130 circuit is compensating the disadvantage of serial LED circuits, that a failure in one LED will lead to the disfunction of the whole string. A Zener diode circuit provides a current flow also with a break of one LED and together with the current control the brightness of all connected LEDs stays smooth and constant also with short circuit or break of one or two LEDs. The Zener diode circuit has been defined for forward voltages of the LEDs of up to 2.3V.

Due to the supply voltage of around 12V the PR4130 is well suited for automotive applications such as drivers for the third high mounted stop light (Center High Mount Stop Light) consisting of a string of more LEDs. In this case several PR4130 can be used in parallel, uniformly distributed current is guaranteed by the current control also at a failure of a single LED. Further applications are decoration light strings with 12V power supplies.

Demanding applications require a keyboard built to withstand maximum abuse in the harshest environments. The customizable Grizzly Xtreme is extremely rugged. Compact, yet full-function, this USB device is completely sealed. Backlit eslastomer keypad provides low light operation and excellent tactile feel.

OVERVIEW

Advanced Input Systems designed this extreme ruggedized keyboard – dubbed "Grizzly" for its survival abilities – to reliably operate in harsh situations. The durable Grizzly Xtreme withstands environmental usage hazards typical of mobile, rugged, and industrial applications. Users no longer need to compromise wear or performance to benefit from extreme keyboard protection and full functionality.

Well suited for gloved applications wand light pressure typing, the Grizzly Xtreme is an elastomer keypad encased in an upper and lower powder-coated die cast aluminum housing. Waterproof, dustproof and chemical resistant, the housing features a gasket sealed perimeter along with an area on the bottom for a Gortex vent. Wear-proof legends on the elastomer are painted and laser etched with "rhino" coating for additional protection. A strong performance advantages comes from the Grizzly Xtreme's ability to operate in low light environments due to LED backlit legends. The single USB cable with sealed strain relief provides a connection to both the keyboard buttons and FSR pointing device. An integrated 10-key numeric keypad adds to the utility. If fixed attachment is preferred, this keyboard contains four mounting points to provide easy system configuration – and to satisfy applications with high vibration problems.

Many keyboard users operate within a set of constraints due to environmental and/or board functionality limitations. The toughened Grizzly Xtreme puts a powerful alternative in your hands

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

• Mobile
• Harsh Industrial environments
• Low light environments
• Rugged computing
• Security

PRODUCT FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Space saving
• 101 key layout
• 10 key numeric keypad
• LED backlight with intensity control
• USB compatible
• Rugged
• Integrated pointing device (Force sensing resistor)
• Excellent tactile feel – light pressure typing
• Low Profile – full size keys
• FCC, UL, and CE compliant
• RoHS compliant
• Meets NEMA 4 requirements, IP67
• Waterproof, dustproof, resistant to most chemicals
• Sealed elastomeric keyboard
• Wear-proof legends
• Powder-coated aluminum upper and lower housing
• Mounting points for fixed attachments
• Low power requirements
• High vibration tolerance
• Customizable legends and colors

SPECIFICATIONS

Mechanical

• Operating force: 185 Grams
• Switch travel: 1.5mm
• Switch life (mechanical and electrical): 2 million cycles
• Mechanical Mounting: VESA MIS-D 100 provided; VESA MIS-D 75 available. M4 x 0.7, 8mm depth

Electrical

• Current: 500 mA (for backlighting)
• Voltage: 5V power provided by USB host

Environmental

• Operating temperature: -30°C to +60°C
• Storage temperature: -40°C to +80°C
• Relative humidity (max non-condensing): 100% RH
• Shock: 3 x 10ms pluses at 50G on each of 3 axis
• Vibration: 2 hours/axis random vibration between 10 and 500 Hz at 5.03 g-rms
• Material: powder-coated cast aluminum housing with silicone rubber keypad
• Flammability: elastomers 94 HB, circuit boards 94 V0, cable 94 V0
• Waterproof: NEMA4 / IP67

EMC

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Immunity: IEC801 EN61000-4-2 6KV direct and 8KV Air
• RF emissions: EN 55022/CISPR 22 class B limits for information technology equipment
• RF immunity: IEC 1000-4-3 3V/m from 80MHz to 2500MHz
• Electrical Fast Transient (EFT) Immunity: IEC 1000-4-4 2000V @ 5KHz

General

• Dimensions: 14.4" x 6.9" x 1.5" (367mm x 175mm x 37mm)
• Weight : 3 Lb, 10 oz (1.66 kg)
• Cable length : 6 ft (1.83m) : type A connector
• LED backlighting: green, nominal color x=.455 y=.541, C.I.E. 1931, intensity >2 candela/meter²
• Warranty: one year limited warranty

Certifications

• Safety: UL 60950-1, CSA, IEC 6950
• Other: CE, FCC B, European Union Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS)

IRVINE, Calif., – Sept. 12, 2007 – Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) has leveraged its strengths by expanding the company's current position sensor product line to include its Crouzet division's miniature and subminiature snap-action switches for the North American transportation market. The new switches feature an industry-first design that includes diagnostic functionality and longer overtravel that provides increased flexibility for design engineers. Targeted for passenger car, commercial vehicle, agricultural, and industrial applications, these switches were fully developed by Crouzet in France and have a proven success rate in European and Asian OEM applications.

The Crouzet snap-action switch products include the V3, V4, and V5 models with various actuators, sizes and termination methods to fulfill diverse application requirements. The featured products in the North American launch are the V5 fully sealed (IP67) subminiature, single break, changeover switches that revolutionize switching technology by providing diagnostic capabilities for switch readiness. Three integrally molded pins on the switch housing accept surface mounted components (SMC) – typically resistors – to allow an inexpensive diagnostic capability on both normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) circuits. This feature allows instant indication of resistance to determine switch functioning readiness, improving safety and system confidence. The standard SMC design also eliminates the need for extra circuit boards to house diagnostic components, offering streamlined packaging for space-critical applications.

Measuring only 14.7mm x 5.4mm x 7.5mm (LxWxH), the V5's external package is dimensionally compatible with competitive packages in terms of fit, but completely differentiated by superior performance features. The V5 out-performs competitive products with 2mm of plunger overtravel (versus a typical 1.2mm overtravel length), current ratings from 1 mA (5v) to 2A (14V), and an extended operating temperature range of -40 to +90°C (-40 to 194°F). With its extended overtravel length, the V5 offers design engineers expanded tolerance flexibility, simplified subassembly design integration, and reduced potential for switch damage. Additionally, the switch can be actuated in multi-directional angles up to 45°, eliminating extra levers or arms that would otherwise be required for actuation, resulting in reduced component costs and smaller overall footprint.

All three Crouzet switches are rated at up to 1 million cycles and are available in a range of pin configurations including, flat, thru hole, right angle, or with integrated and fully sealed wire harnesses that can be custom designed with any mating connector. The V3 and V4 models offer choice of actuators with two to four possible fixing points, depending on model, and higher current carrying capabilities for unique customer applications. CST provides custom-engineered solutions with dedicated actuators, wire harnesses and customer specified mating connectors – all in production validated (PPAP) configurations.

This product launch combines the superior product reliability of the Crouzet line of switches with CST's North American engineering support to provide unique, customized switching solutions. The resulting switch team is comprised of CST sales and engineering support from the new Novi, Michigan offices, and the design engineering and TS-16949 resources from the Duncan Electronics division – an existing leader in position sensing solutions. This combination of sales support and design engineering resources was conceived to provide truly custom switching solutions in OEM applications.

The sales and engineering support roles for the Crouzet line of switches have been thoughtfully and clearly defined to provide prompt and competitive design solutions that require unique packaging. The Duncan division is a fully capable position sensor manufacturer with engineering support that can solve difficult mechanical actuation, packaging and termination issues. "This step allows CST to provide local design support with the globally competitive manufacturing resources necessary to compete in today's switch market," noted Paul Cain Director of Marketing for CST's North American Division for Position Sensors and Switches. "The Crouzet line is an ideal complement to our existing line of position sensors. In many respects, the custom packaging design effort is identical to our existing rotary and linear position sensors, both having to meet the same durability, cost and testing requirements." BEI Duncan also offers complete sensor testing at its Irvine, California headquarters.

The Crouzet V line of snap-action switches complements and expands the company's existing line of non-contacting sensors, which includes NCAPS, Hall Effect and potentiometric position solutions. Pricing starts from $0.25 each in production quantities with delivery in 8 weeks for standard products.