Electronics Automation

Sager Electronics has added a number of new products from Honeywell Sensing and Control to its line card.
Sager Electronics has added a number of new products from Honeywell Sensing and Control to its line card. These key products such as monitoring devices, switches, sensors, lighting and control products are sold into many markets including industrial, transportation, agricultural and construction equipment. 'Sager has had outstanding success with our product line'.

'It is a natural progression to extend their product authorisation to include the Hobbs, Fasco and Electro product lines', said Canda Carr, Global Distribution Strategy Leader of Honeywell Sensing and Control.

'Sager's customers have come to rely on Sager Electronics and Honeywell Sensing and Control for excellence in technology, products, and service'.

'By expanding the available product offering, we are able to bring the full complement of Honeywell S and C products to new and existing customers', stated Craig Sanderson, Vice President, Product Marketing.

Rather than spend money on Christmas cards, TTI Europe has opted to donate the equivalent sum, and an additional amount, to UNICEF.
This year TTI Europe decided to do things a little differently. Rather than spend money on Christmas cards, the connector and passive specialist opted to donate the equivalent sum, and an additional amount, to UNICEF. Says Glyn Dennehy, VP and Managing Director of TTI Europe: 'We were sure that everyone would prefer to support UNICEF in its efforts to improve conditions for people, particularly children, in the poverty-stricken countries of the world'.

TTI Europe is one of a small number of companies that have replaced traditional Christmas card wishes with festive e-greetings in an attempt to cut waste.

The papermaking trade is one of the highest users of energy in industry and is blamed for huge timber consumption and the discharge of millions of gallons of toxic waste every year.

Maxwell Technologies will work with Kromberg and Schubert to incorporate Boostcap ultracapacitors into a highly efficient, low-cost, engine starting system for cars.

Maxwell Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kromberg and Schubert, a leading global supplier of wire harnesses and electrical and electronic components to the automotive industry, outlining terms of an alliance to incorporate Maxwell's Boostcap ultracapacitors into a highly efficient, low-cost, engine starting system for cars. Dr Richard Balanson, Maxwell's President and Chief Executive Officer, said that extensive testing and analysis confirm that an ultracapacitor-based starter power node located in close proximity to the starter will not only improve starting performance, but also enable reductions in system cost, complexity and weight. 'Incorporating ultracapacitors to relieve the battery of the demanding short-duration, high-current, starting load provides several benefits, including extending battery life, downsizing the battery and reducing cabling', Balanson said.

'Kromberg's wire harness and electronic systems design expertise and established relationships with automakers around the world make it an ideal development partner for this kind of system'.

Arthur Kurz, Manager Electronic Integration, said that ultracapacitors' burst power capabilities, cold temperature performance and long cycle life make them particularly well-suited for vehicle starting.

'Automotive batteries store a great deal of energy, but must be over-sized to deliver current rapidly enough for acceptable starting performance, and their ability to deliver such current drops off sharply when the temperature approaches freezing', Kurz said.

'Ultracapacitors store less energy than batteries, but can deliver ample current for starting at temperatures as low as -40C, so a system combining batteries and ultracapacitors provides a superior solution'.

Kurz pointed out that many newer automotive designs place the battery in the trunk area, which requires running a heavy, rigid, expensive, 70-90mm copper cable the length of the car to provide sufficient starting current.

However, he noted that a system employing a small ultracapacitor-based power module located near the starter can be charged by a lighter, flexible, less expensive, 16-25mm cable.

'In addition to providing faster, more reliable starting, this ultracapacitor-based design reduces heavy, expensive copper cabling and allows for a less complex wiring scheme', Kurz explained.

'Our calculations show that the system will pay for itself by lowering wire harness cost and reducing the size and extending the lifetime of the battery, as well as contributing to improved fuel efficiency by lowering vehicle weight'.

Balanson said that Maxwell continues to work directly with transportation and automotive OEMs as well as other Tier 1 suppliers worldwide to design and develop innovative energy storage and power delivery solutions.

'We continue to focus on establishing Maxwell as the leading and lowest-cost producer of ultracapacitor products and aligning ourselves with leading OEMs and system integrators such as Kromberg to achieve the broadest possible penetration of these key strategic markets globally', Balanson said.

Hittite Microwave has announced four products that use its high frequency LH5 leadless hermetic SMT package, which is ideal for high reliability, space and military applications.
The HMC441LH5 is a 7 to 15.5GHz GaAs MMIC medium power amplifier, providing 15dB gain and +21.5dBm of saturated power at 25% PAE. This 50ohm matched amplifier requires no external components, and the internally DC blocked RF I/Os make this an ideal linear gain block or driver amplifier. For up-convertor and down-convertor applications from 7 to 14GHz - the HMC141LH5 - is a passive double-balanced mixer featuring LO to RF and LO to IF isolations of 35dB, IF bandwidth of DC to 2GHz, and input IP3 of +23dBm.

The HMC424LH5 6bit GaAs MMIC digital attenuator is rated from DC to 13GHz, and provides monotonic attenuation from 0.5 to 31.5dB, in 0.5dB steps.

The HMC424LH5 requires a single control line per bit and offers excellent attenuation accuracy of +/-0.3dB.

The HMC344LH5 is a non-reflective GaAs MMIC SP4T switch featuring 42dB isolation, and 1.8dB insertion loss.

The HMC344LH5 is rated from DC to 12GHz, and the integrated decoder requires only two control lines.

Screening to Mil-PRF-38535 (Class B or Class S) is available on each of the above products.

High-power RF capacitors suit applications requiring high-frequency operation into the low gigahertz range and high-temperature operation up to 200C.
CDE Cornell Dubilier introduces high-power RF capacitors for military/aerospace and commercial radios and transmitters, CATV, automotive and medical RF generators and other applications requiring high-frequency operation into the low gigahertz and high-temperature operation up to 200C. These robust capacitors are metal clad in silver plated metal cases to enable ultra-low inductance terminations and heat spreading for high power operation. The mica and Teflon dielectric systems assure very-low ESR to greater than 1GHz and exceptionally high ripple current capabilities and stability in subminiature sises.

All styles are nonmagnetic and are right for use in critical NMR MRI applications.

These Type MCM and MIN capacitors were previously manufactured by Semco.

CDE acquired Semco and is now manufacturing the 16 variations of both SMD and through-hole, subminiature, metal clad configuration mica and Teflon capacitors.

CDE is a leader in film and mica capacitors, and the MCM and MIN capacitors are now being fully characterised for s-parameters and high frequency Q so that customers can more easily design them into RF applications.

Many ratings are in stock.

Voltage ratings are from 300 to 1000V DC; capacitance is from 1 to 1500pF in tight tolerances from +/-0.5pF.

Cornell Dubilier has been approved by the Defense Supply Center Columbus as a qualified provider of CLR79 and CLR81 wet tantalum capacitors.
Cornell Dubilier acknowledges receipt of approval by the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) as a qualified provider of CLR79 and CLR81 wet tantalum capacitors. The approval is for R-level reliability (0.01%/kh) and voltages from 25 to 125V DC. The R level approval is in addition to the M and P levels which were received in 2004.

CLR79 is listed as MIL-C-39006/22 and CLR81 as MIL-C-39006/25.

The Type CLR79 is similar to Cornell Dubilier's commercial Type TAT, and CLR81 is similar to Cornell Dubilier's Type TAX.

Both types have hermetically sealed cylindrical tantalum cases with a special double-seal construction.

Types CLR79 and CLR81 are widely used in avionics applications because of their high energy density and ability to withstand the rigours of outer space.

These types offer up to 15 times the capacitance of a solid tantalum capacitor in the same size and voltage.

Capacitance ranges from 1.7 to 680uF, voltage from 25 to 125V DC, and operating temperature is -55 to +125C.

Stackpole Electronics is expanding its FAST programme to include high frequency surface mount inductors, including the AL thin film precision inductor series and the WL wirewound inductor series.
Stackpole Electronics is expanding its popular FAST programme to include high frequency surface mount inductors, including the AL thin film precision inductor series and the WL wirewound inductor series. SEI previously introduced the FAST delivery service for its wirewound, current sense and thin film resistors. SEI Product Engineering Manager Kory Schroeder explained the reason for the expansion of this programme.

'The SEI FAST programme has been extremely successful'.

'With our recent expansion into high frequency inductors for wireless applications, it made sense to offer these products through our FAST programme'.

'As design cycles continue to shorten, we feel there is a market need for this service'.

The SEI FAST programme features guaranteed three-week deliveries on the AL and WL series for quantities up to 25,000 pieces.

SEI is also one of the few companies to offer 1000-piece reels, and can offer tolerances down to 1% or +/-0.1nH on the AL series'.

''SEI has long been known for its excellent customer service and reliable deliveries', commented Chief Operating Officer Jamie Mullane'.

''The SEI FAST programme adds to the services we provide and demonstrates our commitment to exceeding customers expectations'.

'We also stand behind our commitments - if we do not meet the committed three week delivery, the products are free of charge'.

Niobium oxide and tantalum capacitors manufactured by AVX provide high capacitance performance in audio applications.
Niobium oxide and tantalum capacitors manufactured by AVX provide high capacitance performance in audio applications. Delivering a clear and rich flow to headphones and speakerphones, the parts realise the low frequency response demanded by high quality audio equipment. OxiCap niobium oxide capacitors combine non-burning features and low-failure rates, presenting enhanced safety, reliability and performance in high-end audio applications such as flight audio systems.

A COTSplus version is currently under development for military radio.

NOJ OxiCap series (C case size, 220uF/4V) is widely used for audio applications in game consoles, notebooks, and entertainment systems.

Unlike aluminium devices, niobium oxide parts do not suffer from dry out, which typically occurs at continuous operating temperatures of between 40 and 85C.

Offering an MTBF in the range of 200 to 500khs, OxiCap performs 100 times better than aluminium electrolyte capacitors.

For space-constrained applications requiring high capacitance devices, T-case tantalum TLC series capacitors offer a capacitance of 220uF, a rated voltage of 3V and a maximum height of 1.2mm.

The T case is suitable for slim portable devices (PDAs, mobile phones, and similar handheld equipment).

Tantalum is often preferred to ceramic in audio applications as high CV MLCC capacitors have an associated piezoelectric effect, causing unwelcome noise at audio frequencies.

Thanks to high capacitance stability with temperature and applied DC voltage, tantalum technology is suitable for low and middle frequency coupling.

AVX tantalum and OxiCap capacitors are capable of withstanding three times reflow profile up to 260C.

Farnell InOne has received a special award for demand creation from Panasonic Industrial Europe.
For the second year running Farnell InOne has been presented with a special award by Panasonic Industrial Europe, one of the industry's largest suppliers of standard and custom electronic components. The distributor award for demand creation was recently presented to Farnell InOne by Andy Cranke, Panasonic UK, Ireland and Northern Europe Distribution Sales Manager, in recognition of the continued sales growth and excellent customer service levels achieved. An extensive range of Panasonic products is available to customers through Farnell InOne, including passives, relays, fans, switches and batteries.

In a challenging market the distributor's sales growth of Panasonic products currently stands at 16.4%.

Andy Cranke, Panasonic Europe Distribution Director comments: 'This award for 'demand creation and sales growth' is thoroughly deserved by Farnell InOne for an impressive second year'.

'It is the result of strong commitment from all involved and continued focus on new product additions and marketing initiative'.

'Our thanks go to all Farnell InOne staff for their individual contribution and we look forward to continued sales success between our companies'.

Ferdinand Leicher, Director of Electronic Design and Product Management, Europe and Asia Pacific at Farnell InOne comments: 'Having worked with Panasonic for over ten years, we have developed an in-depth understanding of customer requirements and how these can be met by the Panasonic range - the award is a direct reflection of this as we have driven unrivalled sales'.

'Panasonic has again recognised Farnell InOne's achievement and ongoing commitment to developing the best possible services and partnerships with our customers and suppliers, and is a fitting tribute to our team of hardworking and dedicated staff', concludes Leicher.

Ohmite has produced what it reckons is the industry's first thin film power resistor in heatsinkable packaging.
Ohmite has produced what it reckons is the industry's first thin film power resistor in heatsinkable packaging. The TK/TN Series also offers other major advantages over existing TO-220 products, namely, low resistance values down to 0.03ohm for current sense applications and low cost. The use of thin film technology enables Ohmite to offer customers enhanced performance advantages such as being extremely stable (low TCR), low noise (parasitic capacitance and resistance), excellent high frequency performance and high accuracy (tight tolerances).

The 15 and 20W heatsink dependent devices have resistance ranges of 4ohm to 10kohm and 10mohm to 10kohm, respectively.

The Ryton case is fixed to a black anodised aluminium heatsink.

Ohmite also provide a recommended mounting bracket kit.

Free educational seminars explain the impact of the RoHS legislation and sister directive, WEEE.
In the aftermath of the RoHS deadline, Farnell InOne has announced the latest series of free, educational seminars in its School of RoHS roadshow. Farnell InOne's RoHS guru, Gary Nevison, will be topping the bill at two UK dates in Crawley and Leeds in September, where he'll be running an interactive session on the impact of the RoHS legislation and sister directive, WEEE. The first session, which will also provide a refresher for those relatively new to RoHS, will take place at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley, West Sussex, on 13th September 2006.

Topics will include an update on exemptions, due diligence, when a single market directive is not a single market directive, processes to support compliance, plus much more on RoHS.

Nevison comments: 'These events are just the latest in a long line of presentations Farnell InOne has undertaken in Europe this year, including Electronics Yorkshire's Business Means Compliance conference, 'Lead Out' in Barcelona, the NEEDS conference and an AFDEC RoHS Update conference, where we spoke about due diligence in detail'.

'Farnell InOne is dedicated to helping design engineers understand every element they need to know about RoHS'.

'Taking our expertise on the road provides the opportunity for us to help people everywhere with specific queries and concerns'.

High-power thick-film resistors meet requirements of customers in the telecomms, consumer electronics and computer sectors.
Easby Electronics has a new range of high-power thick-film resistors from Yageo Corporation, currently ranked as the world number one in chip resistors. The product range of 2512 2W, 1206 0.5W and 0805 0.25W are all RoHS compliant and aim to meet the diversified applications and miniaturisation requirements of customers in the telecomms, consumer electronics and computer sectors. 2512 2W and 1206 0.5W, already on pilot run, are primarily suited for applications including notebook computers and power supply solutions.

0805 0.25W caters to 3G mobile phones and wireless communications applications featuring industry leading resistance values up to 100ohm, ten times more than commonly found in the market.