New universal cantilever shelves from METCASE enable electronics equipment without built-in 19-in fittings to be added to racks or cabinets quickly and easily. The new 2U shelves are DIN 41494 and IEC 60297-3 compliant. They are candidates for a wide range of applications including networking and communications equipment, industrial computers, sound and studio systems, laboratory…
It’s hip to be square-wheeled
Square wheels–or more precisely, those with a sinusoidal circumference–have several advantages over conventional round wheels. So say the inventors of what is probably the world’s only square-shaped commercial wheels. Devised by the start-up firm called Shark Wheel in Orange County, Calif., the wheels already are used on skateboards. Shark Wheel just released its second square-wheel-equipped…
Electronic enclosures have matching stations for data transfer/charging
Wearable, handheld and modular plastic enclosures can now be specified with optional docking stations for charging and data transfer. Applications include medical and therapy devices, diagnostics, biometrics, test and measurement, communications, data collection, sensors, automation, IoT/IIoT and Industry 4.0. BODY-CASE (IP 65) is a wristwatch-style case that can also be worn on a lanyard or…
Nuclear fusion: Always 10 years away
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler When I was a college freshman I had the opportunity to take a guided tour of KMS Fusion. KMS was one of the first private companies that tried to build a fusion reactor. That tour was a bit more than 50 years…
The top ten programming languages
Job postis for computer programmers reveal which programming language skills are in greatest demand. Leland Teschler • Executive Editor Every year, a software bootcamp web site called Coding Dojo announces the top programming languages based on what employers are looking for from applicants. For its study, Coding Dojo looked on a job site called Indeed…
Book review: A plain explanation of every day engineering
Engineering in Plain Sight, by Grady Hillhouse, No Starch Press Perhaps the best way to describe Engineering in Plain Sight is as an answer to the question, “What am I looking at?” If you’re like me, you have family members and acquaintances who think your engineering degree automatically allows you to be fully acquainted with…
Ultra-wideband proximity sensors enable power-saving interactivity in smart appliances, chargers, smart locks
An upgraded ultra-wideband (UWB) proximity sensor enhances LCD screen lifetime, increases interactivity and gives devices an automated, power-saving mechanism. Its approach detection feature lights the display immediately upon approach and turns it off automatically once a person leaves the detection zone. Through contextual awareness, the device knows your intentions and is ready when you are. […]
Inductive position sensors optimized for EV motor control
The LX34070 IC has been purpose-built for EV motor control applications. It includes differential outputs, fast sample rates and features that make it functional-safety-ready for ISO 26262 compliance in the Automotive Safety Integrity Level–C (ASIL–C) classification. “The LX34070 inductive position sensor enables lighter, smaller, more reliable motor control solutions that meet stringent safety requirements, reduce […]
Advanced HMI enclosures and suspension arms
New options and accessories are now available for ROLEC’s wide range of advanced HMI/panel enclosures and modular suspension arms for industrial electronics. They are candidates for a wide range of applications involving displays, touchscreens and flush integration of PCs. Applications include Industry 4.0, IoT/IIoT and Smart Factory automation. ROLEC’s premium multiPANEL (IP 65) and designer…
Who’s reading your email?
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler There was a brouhaha recently on Twitter and Reddit regarding the Dutch telecom company KPN. Some of KPN’s central network equipment was made by the Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei. An investigation found that Huawei had uncontrolled and unauthorized access to the…
Control knobs cater to menu-driven electronics
OKW’s elegant rotary/click control knobs now feature a new, improved design with greater illumination (option). Ergonomic CONTROL-KNOBS are candidates for the central element for menu-driven electronics – typically for devices manufactured in high volumes. Applications include measuring and control; medical, wellness and laboratory technology; HVAC; communications; Smart Factory and building control systems. These soft-touch tuning…
Portable signal simulator works with jet engine vibration measurement/balancing systems
The 1520 Signal Simulator and Calibrator offers market-leading WiFi connectivity, ergonomic and visualization features, and up to 10 hours of battery life. Designed to support MTI Instruments’ proven jet engine vibration measurement and balancing systems, the portable signal simulator brings laboratory-grade accuracy directly onto the flightline and to the test-cell. The unit features a rugged,…
Teardown: Inside an industrial absolute encoder
If you go to the Wikipedia page on absolute encoders, you’ll find descriptions of these devices mentioning multiple code rings, glass or plastic discs, and configurations of sliding contacts arranged so each contact wipes against a metal disc at a different distance from a turning shaft. Actually, you’d be hard pressed to find any of […]
Portable engine balancing system for business and regional jets
The PBS eXpress aircraft engine vibration analysis and balancing system is designed to optimize small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines, commonly utilized in regional jet, business jet and general aviation. The PBS eXpress runs advanced algorithms to record vibration and speed and generate a one-shot balancing solution. The portable system features intuitive setup and operation as…
Standard and customized 19-in rack cases, mini-racks, desktop and portable instrument enclosures
Metal electronic enclosures specialist METCASE has invested a six-figure sum in new hi-tech equipment to further enhance quality, accelerate production and drive innovation. Three new state-of-the-art CNC punching, forming and milling machines are helping METCASE to create the next generation of standard and customized 19-in rack cases, 19-in mini-racks, desktop and portable instrument enclosures. METCASE’s…
The real reason for hiring engineers
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler Ask most people about the role of engineers in the economy and you’ll get back answers that mention technology research and new ideas embodied in patents. That’s certainly the image you could come away with if you examined some of the undergrad…
Interesting tech at SAE’s WCX 2022 exhibits
The SAE’s WCX World Congress Experience was billed as where the engineering community convenes on mobility’s biggest hurdles from mass deployment of electric vehicles to developmental timelines for autonomous vehicles to understanding of global supply chain constraints impacting the automotive industry. We had a chance to peruse the WCX exhibits and kick the tires on…
New 19-in enclosures meet latest DIN 41494, IEC 60297-3 standard
All METCASE 19-in standard and customized enclosures now conform to the latest DIN 41494, IEC 60297-3 standard for the mechanical structure of electronics equipment. Level 1 of the standard covers the dimensions of Eurocard modules. Level 2 sets out the width in HP (1 HP = 5.08 mm) and height in U (1U = 44.45…
The physics of failure
Failure models and estimates of useful product life have grown increasingly more accurate thanks to a better understanding of how devices and materials degrade under stress. Leland Teschler • Executive Editor Back in the early 1970s, a college classmate of mine told an interesting story about his summer job running production-line tests for a manufacturer…
The perils of dodgy engineering research
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler Engineers looking for information about how heat treating affects the tensile strength of hardened steels may stumble onto a journal called Multidscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures. It published a paper in 2010 by researcher Ali Nazari that analyzes failures of high-strength…
EMI shielding kit includes fingerstock EMI gaskets in various shapes, sizes, and finishes
The Ideas KIT02 kit provides design and EMC engineers with a broad selection of products to quickly address a multitude of shielding and EMI concerns. The KIT02 includes fingerstock EMI gaskets in various shapes, sizes, and finishes. Fingerstock gaskets are used as ESD contacts or for highly effective EMI shielding in the gaps of enclosures…
Automotive relays handle up to 80 A
Automotive Relays range from low current up to 80 A with voltage ranging from 6 Vdc to 72 Vdc. PC pin and quick-connect mounting methods offer multiple choices for the design engineer, along with the option of mounting tabs in plastic and metal. Automotive relays can be found in just about every car, truck, tractor,…
Canting kit works with extruded aluminum enclosures
A canting kit for the SMART-TERMINAL extruded aluminum enclosures further enhances their stability when used as desktop housings. SMART-TERMINAL is a stylish and sophisticated handheld, desktop and wall-mount enclosure for peripheral and interface equipment; office and communications technology; safety engineering; biometrics; medical and laboratory technology; automation, Smart Factory and Industry 4.0; gateways; measurement and control…
When the big bang happens in the lab
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor Back in the dark ages of my undergrad career, I heard about a classmate enrolled in second-semester freshman chemistry. One of his lab sessions left oily carbon muck in the bottom of a test tube that wouldn’t come out. In his attempts to clean the test tube,…
Product lit: Enclosures and tuning knobs for medical devices
OKW has expanded its already-extensive range of products for medical electronics. There are now 42 different enclosure models and six ranges of tuning knobs. OKW’s new Enclosures & Tuning Knobs For Medical Equipment brochure covers an offering that spans more than 3,000 different products. Applications include wireless/wired remote controls; emergency systems, monitoring and signaling devices;…