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| The latest information on Electrical &
Electronic Components
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February 8, 2008
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In this issue of the Electrical & Electronic Newsletter from
Machine Design there are articles on Piezoelectric force sensors,
the advantages of wireless even for short distances, and cell phone
sensors that detect radioactivity.
The highlighted products are miniature prox sensors, laser distance
sensors, and linear-displacement sensors.
Be sure to check out the industry update to take the Machine
Design salary survey and a linear motion components survey.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!
-- Julie Kalista
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Piezoelectric Force Sensors
Some materials generate an electric charge when placed under
mechanical stress. For example, a 2-kN force properly applied to a
cubic-centimetersized quartz crystal produces over 12.5 kV. Voltage
created by an applied stress is called piezoelectricity. Unlike strain
gages that can measure static forces, piezoelectric force sensors are
mostly used for dynamic- force measurements such as oscillation, impact,
or highspeed compression or tension. Any force applied to the
piezoelectric sensing element produces a separation of charges within
the atomic structure of the material, generating an electrostatic output
voltage. The polarity of the voltage generated depends on the atomic
structure of the material and the direction in which the force is
applied.
Full Article
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Keystones PTFE Terminals
 Offering
quality connections for high density.062 to .093 (TH) PC Boards.
Superior electrical, mechanical, thermal chemical properties. Shock &
vibration resistant. Operation is from -85 F(-65 C) to +400 F(204 C).
Top & bottom mounting plus feed-thru mount on chassis, PCB's & panels.
Insulated bushings made of high grade, white Teflon with Tin Plated
Brass electrodes. Other colors and platings offered. Click kec@keyelco.com or
call (800) 221-5510 or (718) 956-9800.
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Going the (Short) Distance With
Wireless
Wireless sensors and networks can make sense even over short
distances. The operator of a major water park had to monitor the water
level in its tank for a performing whale, a critical factor in keeping
the beast healthy. Unfortunately, the cable from the level sensor ran
for about 10 ft beneath a heavily traveled public walk that was
regularly drenched by the splashing whale. When the cable failed, which
was frequently, it had to be dug up and replaced, inconveniencing the
public and adding to operational expenses. Eventually, a manager got the
bright idea to use wireless modules to send data about 20 ft, and
walkway excavations stopped.
Full Article
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Cell phones defend against
terrorism
Radiological dirty bombs pose a considerable threat, especially in
metropolitan areas with dense populations. Researchers at Purdue
University hope to minimize the threat with a network of cell
phones equipped with sensors that can detect and track radiation. Cell
phones already have global positioning locators, so a phone network
could serve as a tracking system. "The network of sensors will be
small, portable, and cheap, eventually will be built into laptops,
personal digital assistants, and cell phones," says Ephraim Fischbach,
physics professor at Purdue. Tiny solid-state radiation sensors are
already commercially available. "Cell phones would just require
additional circuitry which wouldn't add much bulk," according to
Fischbach.
Full Article
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Miniature prox sensors
The M8 miniature picoprox sensors feature the company's Uprox+
technology that provides compact housings with sensing distances greater
than ferrite-core sensors, especially when sensing nonferrous metals.
The sensors sit in 316 stainless steel and have weld-field immunity for
use in harsh- duty environments. An integrated predamping protection
function reduces the sensor's metal-free mounting area, which lets
traditionally flush-mounted sensors be recessed by half a turn for more
mechanical protection. Nonflush-mounted sensors can be embedded in metal
up to the outer edge of the thread on barrel-style sensors and on all
four sides of rectangular-style sensors. The sensors are available with
extended 2-mm sensing ranges for flush-mount versions or 6-mm ranges for
nonflush applications. All sensors are three-wire dc, 10 to 30 Vdc, with
pnp normally open or closed, or npn normally open versions.
More Information:
Turck Inc.
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Laser Distance Sensor
The GV Series digital CMOS laser sensor uses a Datum algorithm to
detect targets that conventional sensors cannot. The
optical-triangulation sensor detects shiny targets with multiple
reflections, light-absorbing materials, such as black rubber; and target
presence or absence based on surface qualities or target height and
provides a GO/NG output. The Series has four IP67-rated sensor-head
models with detection ranges of 45, 130, 450, and 1,000 mm. The Datum
algorithm uses an innovative calibration technique where the received
light waveform pattern from a target or background is used to set upper
and lower received light limits. Three detection modes are selectable:
Edge hold detects sudden changes in workpiece height; surface detection
detects the nearest surface, and a clamp function that ignores targets
too close to the sensor head. A sensor's panel has a dynamic
multisegment-bar LED display. The number of individual LED bars that
display red or green confirm the instantaneous detection status.
More Information:
Keyence Corp. of America
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Linear-Displacement Sensor
The GT sensor, a redundant version of the company's G-Series
Temposonic sensors, measures critical variables by means of two or three
independent , functionally, and identical measurement systems in a
single pressureresistant housing. Each measurement system contains a
basic sensor element and evaluation electronics with separate output
signal and supply voltage. The elements sit in a stainless-steel pipe
for direct stroke measurement in hydraulic cylinders. A pressure rod
installs into an industrystandard cylinder end-cap and pistonrod
assembly. A position-magnet marker, secured to the piston head, travels
along the sensor rod without making contact. This system provides
accurate and reliable rod-position feedback. GT sensors provide 0.02%
linearity, 0.01% repeatability, and 25 to 1,500-mm stroke length.
Additional features include a 70-mm hex electronics housing, 10-mm
measuring rod, and standard mounting.
More Information:
MTS Systems Corp, Sensors Div.
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Introducing Engineering TV, an innovative online video
program by engineers for engineers. Twice a week, each 5-8 minute
episode shows cutting-edge technology in
action and looks behind the scenes as today's engineers shape tomorrow's
breakthroughs. Brought to you by the Penton Media Design and Electronics
Engineering groups.
View
Videos
Rev up your interdisciplinary design skills
What happens when a microcontroller turns on a power FET, sending a
current pulse to a motor coil that develops a magnetic field which turns
the rotor shaft, advancing a timing belt that drives a pair of nip rolls
suspended on bearings in a web-processing operation on a form, fill, and
seal machine installed on a potato chip line at a Frito Lay plant in
central California? And how can you be sure that the encoders, prox
sensors, and other feedback devices you plan to use will accurately see
and report every relevant motion, machine state, and process condition?
And will the signals get through the networks fast enough, without being
corrupted, giving the controllers time to execute their algorithms as
intended? It's a lot to think about, and it only scratches the surface
of what many engineers grapple with today. If you happen to be one of
them, then the place for you — where you can find answers and meet
others with similar concerns — is www.Mechatronic-Design.com.
Backed by some of engineering's top information sources including
Machine Design, Electronic Design, Motion System Design, and Power
Electronics, Mechatronic-Design.com is the interdisciplinary engineer's
desktop, toolbox, library, and lifeline in one easily accessible
place.
Find. Learn. Apply.
Mechatronic-Design.com.
Experience National Instruments Technologies From
the Comfort of Your Own Computer!
 With more
than 200 on-demand webcasts, videos, interactive
tutorials and demos available for users of any experience level, it is
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available from National Instruments.
Begin your search here with a collection of
webcasts specifically chosen for design and automation engineers.
CAD Library offers advanced CAD Resources
The Machine Design CAD
Library, includes millions of configurable 2D and 3D CAD models
of
components and assemblies downloadable for easy use in new and existing
designs. Our models are in native CAD formats. No translation
required!
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Sponsored
by:
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UPCOMING IN-PERSON EVENTS
Design-2-Part Shows are America's longest running and most trusted
events for sourcing custom parts and services.
Ten shows covering the country offer OEMs, engineers and purchasing
personnel the opportunity to meet job shops and
contract manufacturers face-to-face.
Linear Analysis Training Class
February 11-15, 2008
Students will be shown demonstrations of how to set up, analyze, and
investigate typical structures. Workshops let students put this new
knowledge into practice. The important features of the FEMAP GUI are
introduced and, at the same time the essentials of Nastran are explored.
Emphasis during the class is on the construction of proper analysis
models, and the effective use of the various solution types. Additional
troubleshooting techniques are discussed, as well as the various types
of common error messages generated by NEiNastran. The objective of this
class is to give a solid grounding in FEA basics and good practice to
enable the student to carry out real world linear static analysis.
UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Power Transmission Technologies:
The Advantages and Applications of Belt Drive Solutions
Sponsored by Gates Corporation
DATE: February 19th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET
Today's designers choose from a variety of technologies for
transmitting power in mechanical systems. With increasing demands to
optimize systems for efficiency, noise, package size and low
maintenance, choosing the right power transmission technology for the
job is a challenge. Brent Oman with Gates Corporation will share his
knowledge about selecting power transmission solutions. The presentation
will review the pros and cons of different technologies and demonstrate
the various capabilities of belt drive systems in particular.
Click here to register!
 Customization for the Competitive
Edge
Sponsored by PTC
DATE: March 5th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET
As customers shun the "take it or leave it" mentality of mass production
in favor of customized product development, industrial manufacturers
respond by offering more and more product options and variants.
Launching a product that can be configured to customer needs may add a
competitive edge and improve customer satisfaction, but it can also lead
to lower profits, increased costs, and strained engineering resources.
For many manufacturers, the solution is modular product design. This
webinar reviews the benefits of modular design - both for your customer
and your internal organization. We also walk the viewer through
important organizational challenges of implementing modular product
architecture, which should be considered when deciding whether or not it
is the solution for you.
Click here to register!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design
webcasts.
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It's salary survey time!
Find out how you stack up against your peers when it comes to income
and workload by taking a few minutes to fill out the 2008 MACHINE DESIGN salary survey.
Your response, and the replies of other readers, will show where you fit
in among other design professionals, as well as help MACHINE DESIGN
magazine better serve you as an information source. The results will be
highlighted in our salary survey article in the April 24 issue.
Responding to the survey automatically enters you into a drawing for a
prize. To qualify for the drawing, please fill out the survey by Friday,
Feb 15.
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Contact Information
Editorial questions: Julie Kalista
216-931-9458
Advertising/sponsorship opportunities: Virginia Goulding
216-931-9893
Machine Design
1300 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
©2008 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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