Electronics Automation

Samwha Electric UK is offering an extended range of large can standard snap-in electrolytic capacitors.
Samwha Electric UK is offering an extended range of large can standard snap-in electrolytic capacitors. The general-purpose series is now available in values up to 100,000uF and, for some values, with extra low profiles. The Samwha Electric HC Snap-in Terminal Standard Series offers capacitors in a range from 56uF up to 100,000uF 6.3 to 500V DC for temperatures up to 85C.

The terminals have a standard 10mm pitch.

While the maximum case size diameter is 40mm, some of those in the 160 to 450V range are available with profiles as low as 20mm.

For example, a 120uF 450V capacitor measures just 355mm diameter x 20mm high and will withstand ripple currents up to 0.75A RMS at 85C and 120Hz.

All capacitors up to 200V are solvent proof and the series is available direct from stock from Samwha Electric UK.

Epcos now offers a special series of aluminium electrolytic capacitors designed for the coarse suppression of automotive generator interference.
Epcos now offers a special series of aluminium electrolytic capacitors designed for the coarse suppression of automotive generator interference. Within the last twenty years the output of the generator in an average automobile has more than quadrupled to around 2kW. However, the rated capacitance of the starter batteries has remained constant during the same period and has in some cases even been reduced.

This means that the natural EMI suppression effect of the battery on the automotive power supply system can no longer be ensured.

Whereas the AC capacitance of the battery, in the range between 2 and 3F, used to be high enough to attenuate generator harmonics or voltage peaks sufficiently when loads are switched on and off, additional measures are now required.

The new capacitors have a capacitance of 4700uF at a rated voltage of 25V.

Their range of operating temperatures extends from -55 to +105C.

At a rated current of 5.2A at 105C, they can attain a service life of 10 000 hours.

Their low self-inductance of only 10nH is a particular highlight.

Variants are available with prefitted cables and connectors and screw terminals on the can base as well as with snap-in terminals.

Epcos has just released a new product survey catalogue giving details of its entire range of components.
Epcos, one of the world's largest suppliers of passive components, has just released a new product survey catalogue giving details of its entire range of components.

Simple product selection tables are designed to help the engineer quickly find the exact component required for an application.

The range is all-inclusive offering a single location for components to meet most electrical and electronic applications in the consumer, industrial, telecommunications and automotive industries.

Epcos, one of the world's largest suppliers of passive products has just released a new shortform catalogue detailing its comprehensive range of electrolytic capacitors.
Epcos, one of the world's largest suppliers of passive products has just released a new short form catalogue detailing its comprehensive range of electrolytic capacitors.

The catalogue enables 'at a glance' reference to the complete range of products, to help design engineers select the most suitable product for their application quickly and easily.

Capacitance values of Epcos aluminium electrolytic capacitors range from 0.1 to 68000uF, and voltages from 6.3 to 500V.The range includes screw terminal, soldering pin, three pin terminal and snap in terminal types for applications as diverse as SMPS, lamp ballasts, automotive, traction control and flashlights.

MacroChip resistors have a noninductive design combined with a low voltage coefficient.
Bringing precision high voltage capabilities to the benefits of surface mount, Ohmite's new MacroChip resistors have a noninductive design combined with a low voltage coefficient. Designed with thick film on alumina substrate technology, the resistors are available in precision tolerances, high voltage ratings, and high resistance values. The low profile planar package is designed for use on light magnification systems in avionics, medical instrumentation, voltage regulators and power supplies.

The Macrochip series have Pd Ag terminations and J-bend terminals for applications where shock and vibration is likely to be encountered.

With a resistance range of 100ohm to 5000Mohm, power rating of 0.5 to 2.0W and a voltage rating of 2.0 to 10.0kV, the range has a very wide operating temperature of -55 to +180C.

Radial leaded metal plate resistors range in power from 2 to 10W, and in resistance value from 0.01 to 2.2ohm in both 5 and 10% resistance tolerances.
Stackpole Electronics has introduced the MPR Series of resistors, new radial leaded metal plate resistors with low resistance values. These resistors have a ceramic flameproof case and are completely RoHS compliant. The series ranges in power from 2 to 10W, and in resistance value from 0.01 to 2.2ohm in both 5 and 10% resistance tolerances.

The MPR Series features a noninductive metal plate resistive element that is both robust under high current loading and noninductive.

The ceramic case is completely flameproof and the radial leads have a standard 10mm standoff to aid in heat dissipation without overheating the circuit board and surrounding components.

This packaging offers a 10W-rated part in the same basic dimensions as most standard 5W open metal element resistors.

'Many applications with current sensing requirements can't allow for an exposed metal resistance element for various reasons', says Stackpole Product Engineering Manager Kory Schroeder.

'This series combines the desirable properties of a solid metal element, such as robustness and low inductance, with a flameproof ceramic casing'.

'The smaller size saves space and material cost compared with similarly rated metal element products'.

The MPR Series of resistors is ideally suited for all types of power supplies, voltage regulation, many automotive systems and controls including engine controls, white goods, power tools, test and measurement equipment, signal analysers, electronic meters and scales, and many medium to large portable battery powered devices.

SpotComponents announces a new distribution agreement with Yageo Corporation, a Taipei, Taiwan-based components supplier.
SpotComponents, an Internet-based authorised distributor of electronics components, announces a new distribution agreement with Yageo Corporation, a Taipei, Taiwan-based components supplier. SpotComponents has been appointed by Yageo to distribute its passive components, including all of its surface mount capacitor and resistor products. These components are now available on the company's web portal - SpotComponents.com.

'We are excited about the global opportunities that this agreement creates for SpotComponents,' says Tim Herring, president of SpotComponents.

'Yageo passive component users will now be able to use SpotComponents' unique intellectual property to find Yageo components and equivalents to most competitors' part numbers while at the same time checking availability and pricing'.

Initially, SpotComponents will distribute Yageo's products only in the United States and Canada.

However, SpotComponents intends to support shipments world-wide in the near future.

SpotComponents, a member of NEDA (National Electronics Distributors Association), uses their proprietary software to sell high-quality, franchised products from top passive manufacturers.

All parts, including the new array of Yageo components, carry a full warranty.

In addition to matching exact part number requests, SpotComponents offers instant quotes, cross-referenced parts, alerts and other useful tools.

Customers may also upload lists of competitive part numbers or merely free-form text descriptions to receive a quote for Yageo equivalents.

In cases of incorrect, partial or discontinued part numbers or when only descriptions are entered, the SpotComponents system offers the buyer the most logical options to choose from based on design requirements.

The addition of the new supplier parts brings SpotComponents' total inventory availability to more than one billion pieces, including hundreds of part types.

Camden Electronics has announced that its entire catalogue of products is now available online at the company's web site, with full technical specifications and drawings now included
Camden Electronics has announced that its entire catalogue of products is now available on-line at the company's web site. The company's web site has recently been upgraded to include the latest information on Camden's extensive ranges of PCB terminal blocks, fuses and fuseholders, batteries, LEDs, miniature switches, interface modules, enclosures, IC and PLCC sockets and relay bases. Full technical specifications and drawings are now included for all catalogue products enabling engineers to obtain up-to-the-minute data on thousands of components.

Camden will be developing its web site further over the coming months with the addition of a news page to highlight new product launches and company developments and a further section covering products from ERSCE that include key tongue actuated safety switches and EN418 compliant control stations designed for use in safety systems on factory equipment and machinery.

Camden Electronics, based at St.

Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of PCB terminal blocks, fuses and fuseholders, sealed lead acid batteries, LEDs, miniature switches, interface modules, enclosures, IC and PLCC sockets and relay bases for the electronics, telecommunications, lighting, and electrical industries.

Morgan Electro Ceramics has providing materials expertise and piezoceramic components for Debiotech's latest infusion pump, IV Expres
Swiss-based Debiotech specialises in the research and development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic medical devices. It works with industrial and manufacturing partners, education institutions and suppliers to develop products based on breakthrough technology. One such partnership is with Morgan Electro Ceramics who has been providing materials expertise and piezoceramic components for Debiotech's latest infusion pump, IV Expres.

IV Expres is a miniature lightweight infusion pump that accurately dispenses medication and fluids, such as morphine and nutrition, into a patient's circulatory system.

Measuring just 14.0 x 4.3 x 5.8 cm and weighing only 380 grams, it can be used at home, for example clipped to a wheelchair, or in a hospital or alternative care facility.

A key safety feature of the pump is an 'air-in-line' detection system, which monitors for the presence of air bubbles in the fluid.

'Accurate detection of air bubbles is vital in maintaining the health and recovery of patients,' says Ary Saaman, QA Director, Debiotech.

'Air embolisms can lead to serious complications in blood flow and the heart's operation'.

There are other technologies that are used to detect air bubbles such as infrared.

However, research undertaken by Debiotech showed that for small compact devices, such as the IV Expres, ultrasonic technology provides the most accurate and reliable detection.

Morgan Electro Ceramics was chosen to work with Debiotech because of its materials expertise of piezoceramic sensors for the medical sector.

The sensors use Morgan Electro Ceramics' PZT 5A piezoceramic, a material which is known for its mechanical and electrical properties.

'The sensor works on the principle of a switch,' explains Tony Beswick, General Manager, Morgan Electro Ceramic.

He continues; 'Two pieces of PZT, tuned to a frequency, are carefully aligned opposite each other, each side of the infusion line'.

'An electric current is passed to one piece - the transmitter'.

'This sends a signal through the infusion line and fluid to the other PZT - the receiver'.

'If there is fluid in the infusion line between the sensors then a signal is received, but when air passes through a reduced signal is received'.

'This change in signal generates an alarm, alerting the user that an air gap is present, and the pump automatically stops infusion'.

Morgan Electro Ceramics was also chosen for its customised manufacturing capability of complete sensors and the company now produces more than 4000 of the fully assembled IV Expres sensors every year.

Parts are shipped to Delphi Medical Systems who are the license holders of the IV Expres and have rights to manufacture and market the product.

'We needed a partner that could provide both initial technical expertise and a value added manufacturing capability,' says Saaman.

'The assembly of the IV Expres sensor is an intricate process'.

'Each sensor is potted in a special housing to protect it from any potential external electrical signals and interference'.

'Morgan Electro Ceramics was able to deliver on both counts and we were extremely impressed at how quickly everything was in place'.

Resistance to wear and its inherent stability make ceramic an ideal material for a wide range of medial applications from implants to surgical tools.

Morgan Electro Ceramics works with many leading medical device manufacturers, providing them with technical expertise and ceramic components for applications including ultrasonic imaging, surgical cutting and bone growth simulation.

Pace Components has acquired the Electronics Division of CTP Wipac.
One of the interesting things about today's UK manufacturing scene is that, while it appears to be shrinking, there will always be some intrepid organisations who are prepared to swim against the tide and look towards acquisition as means of securing their future stability and, together with that, an increase in their market penetration. Pace Components is one such organisation and, as a part of its overall expansion plan, the company recently acquired the Electronics Division of CTP Wipac, a well-established engineering unit situated close to Pace's Buckingham offices and ideally placed to assist development plans. Initially, Pace will operate the new division from within its current premises, but the idea is to relocate the entire operation (incorporating Pace Components and its supply and distribution arm Power Magnetics) at a new factory as soon as is practical.

All the CTP Wipac key personnel have been taken on to the Pace payroll, and their expertise, together with machinery and tooling, will assist greatly in enhancing the manufacturing and service aspects of the Pace operation.

Adrian Sturgess, Managing Director of the Pace Group, is clearly delighted by the acquisition.

'In these times of fierce competition', he said, 'much of it from the Far East, we need to stay ahead, and I see this being achieved by constantly increasing our range of capabilities, adding to the number of skilled personnel, and looking forward to modest expansion'.

'That way', Sturgess continued, 'we will be in a secure market position, ready to meet tomorrow's demands'.

Surface mount tantalum chip capacitors combine high temperature operation capability and higher basic reliability for applications such as automotive electronics on or around the engine.
A new high temperature tantalum chip capacitor is now available from components specialist AVX. The THJ surface mount series combines high temperature operation capability and higher basic reliability for applications such as automotive electronics on or around the engine. With an operational temperature up to 175C, up from the previous 150C rating, reliability of devices is maintained at 0.5% per 1000 hours at 85C, with 0.1ohm/V circuit impedance at 0.5VR.

The THJ series offers a capacitance range between 0.1 and 150uF, a voltage range between 6 and 50V and is available in case sizes A, B, C and D.

Meeting AEC-Q200 automotive requirements, parts can nonetheless also be used in industry such as down hole drilling and in avionics applications such as engine control electronics.

Stackpole Electronics has introduced a new TO-220 style power film resistor capable of handling up to 20 Watts at case temperatures of 25C.
Stackpole Electronics introduces a new TO-220 style power film resistor Stackpole Electronics has introduced a new TO-220 style power film resistor capable of handling up to 20 Watts at case temperatures of 25C. The non-inductive design allows for single screw mounting to a heat sink and is available in ohmic values from 0.05 ohm to 10 Kohm. Designated the TR Series, the product features film resistors in the common TO-220 style power package.

The molded case is isolated from the resistor itself, which allows for easy mounting to a heat sink.

The product is non-inductive with excellent electrical and environmental stability.

Tolerances down to 1% and TCRs as low as 50 ppm will meet even the most stringent power resistor requirements.

The TR 20 size, because of its lower power rating, does not require a screw hole for heat sink mounting.

The TR 25 and TR 30 both have screw holes to provide a reliable and predictable bond to a heat sink.

'Stackpole continues to focus on providing one of the broadest resistor offerings in the market,' says Kory Schroeder, Product Engineering Manager at Stackpole.

'The TR Series compliments our expanding power resistor offering, and provides the market with another alternative for the TO-220 style, which is not widely available'.

'With Stackpole's short lead times, focus on customer service, competitive pricing and excellent distribution network, we can offer customers supply chain solutions not currently available for this type of product'.

The TR Series of resistors are ideally suited for high-speed switching power supplies, voltage regulation, load resistors for pulse generators, snubber circuits, power amplifiers, UPS systems, frequency balancing and conversion, and many types of power supplies and industrial grade controls.