We examined 30 free analog circuit simulation packages to see which of them is appropriate for real circuit analysis and design work. Leland Teschler • Executive Editor Blogs and online forums catering to engineers often mention all kinds of free packages and services aimed at circuit designers. Trouble is, a lot of these free resources…
Most engineers aren’t innovators
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler You’ll frequently find pundits today equating engineering with innovation. Typical observations: “The foundation of a nation’s common innovation infrastructure is its pool of scientists and engineers available to contribute to innovation throughout the economy,” from Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter and…
Slim electromechanical plug-in relays and sockets sport screw and push-in terminals
Electromechanical Plug-In Relays come with screw and push-in terminal sockets and accessories that include busbars, retention clips, ID tags, and protection module. The slim, compact design of the RPYS is ideal for electronic and automation panels with limited space. Its 13-mm-wide footprint saves customers more than 30% of utilized space when compared to other industrial…
Enclosures for wearable and wall-mounted electronics
Body-contoured ERGO-CASE enclosures now offer an even wider choice of options. They can be worn on the wrist or arm, clipped to a belt or pocket – or wall mounted for easy charging and data transfer. Comfortable ERGO-CASE is ideal for mobile data recording, medical and laboratory electronics, measuring technology, IoT/IIoT, storage and sales logistics,…
NEMA stainless enclosures target hygienic applications
The new HYJ Series 304 stainless steel enclosures are designed for use in manufacturing areas where maintaining hygiene standards and avoiding contamination build-up are critical considerations. They meet UL 508A Type 3R, 12, 4 and 4X, NSF – ANSI 169 and IEC 60529 IP69/IP69K. They withstand regular high temperature, high pressure washdown and there are…
Instrument enclosures come in custom colors
New instrument enclosures can be specified in custom colors–even in low volumes. Options range from trim and bezel highlights to bespoke colors for the whole enclosure. TECHNOMET desktop and portable instrument enclosures are candidates for medical and wellness devices, test and measurement equipment, industrial control, peripheral devices and interfaces, switchboxes, communications and laboratory equipment. They…
Multi-line low-voltage dataline filters for MRI & shielded rooms
A series of dataline filters for MRI rooms and other shielded areas now includes filters for triple and quadruple lines, and the original single-line filter has been redesigned for more secure mounting and simpler connection to terminal blocks. Part of ITG Electronics’ F2779Y002L Series, the portfolio additions reliably filter both common and differential mode noise…
Test controller features compact footprint, 5 kHz loop rate
The Moog Test Controller is a 1-to-500-channel system that controls and collects data from any hydraulic or electric test rig. Moog’s engineers designed the controller for tests including airframe components, automotive sub-assemblies, engine components, and full-scale structural checks. “The Test Controller core modules are identical hardware for traditional automotive and aerospace applications, so we simply…
Data modeling/visualization software addresses factory automation tasks
The Brightware Insights software application focuses on delivering manufacturing process improvements through data analytics and easy to interpret visualizations, available on the edge and in the cloud. Brightware Insights is the second offering in Bright Machines’ growing product portfolio. It complements the existing Brightware Studio offering (launched in September 2021) by driving actionable insights that…
Industrial automation software features real-time networking, AI-based predictive maintenance
The Lattice Automate solution stack for industrial automation systems features new real-time networking capabilities, AI-based predictive maintenance, increased processor performance and scalability, and more flexible configurations. Lattice also announced the release of an updated version of the Lattice Propel™ embedded design environment to simplify the development of industrial automation systems with improved performance and added…
IP68/NEMA 6P plastic enclosures offer flexible mounting, protect against moisture and dust
The DPS and DPH Series of heavy-duty plastic enclosures give designers exceptional flexibility in installing printed circuit boards and other components. The enclosures have provisions for mounting panels in the base, cover, and anywhere between via mounting channels. “The new series offers designers the flexibility they want and the protection they need,” said Blair Haas,…
Unrealistic expectations for PHEVs
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, recently convened in Scotland. Perhaps unsurprising to cynics, soon after COP26 came an analysis from the Washington Post that found a significant gap between the amount of greenhouse gases countries say…
Out-door capable IO-LINK control box simplifies integration, customization
An outdoor-capable E-BOX control unit for the IO-Link interface uses standardized M12 plugs so users can easily integrate the E-BOX control unit into new or existing IO-Link systems. The E-BOX IO-LINK makes it possible to integrate switches and key switches for simple control tasks in any field bus. Easily connected and individually parameterized, the IP65-rated…
Flush-mount pushbutton features shallow mounting depth, stylish design
The MSS Metal Line Switch is a flush-mount pushbutton with a very shallow mounting depth and stylish design. Sporting a multi-color side-ring illumination, the MSS provides the user with visual feedback from the side in addition to the front. The greater coverage allows for lateral status indication, which may be especially desired from a distance.…
Overload current-control module features super-thin form factor
An upgrade of the LOCC-Box module allows completely tool-free installation in the control cabinet. Instead of the cage clamps that are usually used, LÜTZE uses the future-oriented Push-In technology and therefore offers a much greater clamp gauge. Conductor gauges up to 2.5 mm² with and without ferrules are possible and can be connected easily. Ergonomically…
Limit-switch mounts are highly adjustable
A new Limit Switch Mount, the LM-1, solves the long-standing problem of mounting a snap-action switch while also providing a large amount of adjustment. The mount accommodates both miniature and standard snap-action switches. Specifically, it will fit snap-action switches with: #4 (0.112in/2.84 mm) or #6 (0.138 in/3.5 mm) mounting holes and a mounting hole spacing…
Smart lidar targets collision avoidance, smart navigation for mobile robots, port automation, warehouse logistics apps
The new M1 Edge 2D LiDAR sensors paired with Quanergy’s QORTEX Aware perception software is an integrated software and hardware solution designed to automatically collect, analyze, and interpret LiDAR point cloud data for a wide variety of industrial applications without additional programming. The M1 Edge smart solution includes compact, lightweight LiDAR sensors with extremely accurate…
Improved instrument enclosures now more customizable
The UNIMET and UNIMET-PLUS desktop and portable instrument enclosures now feature new improved bezels – enhancing their aesthetics and making them even more customizable. Design engineers specify UNIMET and UNIMET-PLUS for a wide range of applications including medical devices, test and measurement, industrial control, peripherals and interfaces, switchboxes, communications and laboratory equipment. The enclosures’ new…
Forza Integrated Production Services achieve practical yields for back-side illumination sensors
Forza Silicon — a business of AMETEK and leader of advanced image sensor and mixed-signal integrated circuit designs for imaging applications — recently used its Integrated Production Services (IPS) to enable the production of high-speed image sensors that employ back side illumination (BSI) technology. While BSI sensors have been available for more than 10 years…
Heavy-duty joystick platform simplifies customization process
The JOYSCAPE platform for heavy-duty off-road and special-purpose vehicles and equipment found in agriculture, construction, mining and more platform features a robust, compact standard design base that can easily be customized with harsh environment control components to meet most any application requirements. RAFI integrates buttons, rocker switches, thumb joysticks and rotary encoders into JOYSCAPE joysticks…
Tactile switches target consumer electronics, office equipment, and industrial apps
Tactile switches boast industry-best lead times and are candidates for a variety of consumer electronics, office equipment, and industrial applications, CUI Devices’ tactile switches are housed in compact 6×6-mm packages with actuator heights from 2.5 mm up to 17 mm and lifecycle ratings up to 100,000 cycles. These tactile switches feature SPST circuits, surface mount…
Basics of printed circuit board milling machines
Specialized machines designed for prototyping printed circuit boards can drastically speed up development efforts. Leland Teschler • Executive Editor Examine advice columns online pitched at engineers and you’ll often see posts advocating an investment in a milling machine specifically designed to produce prototype circuit boards. Engineers who use these machines point to benefits that include…
Did you foresee Facebook?
Teschler on Topic Leland Teschler • Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler Back in the dark days around the end of the year 2002, the NASDAQ-100 had dropped 78% from its peak, and the country was in the middle of a recession. Many early dot-com companies had run out of capital and gone bankrupt.…
New sizes for designer table-top enclosures
OKW has added a new 125 size to its elegant EVOTEC range of designer table-top plastic enclosures. Designers specify tough but soft-contoured EVOTEC for applications including measurement and control, IT, IoT/IIoT, gateways, medical, laboratory and environmental technology. The new EVOTEC 125 size has a smooth flat top. This two-part enclosure features a robust tongue-and-groove design.…
Sub-miniature SMT pushbuttons offer momentary function
The TL2233 series is a surface mount pushbutton switch with momentary function. The sub-miniature size switch measures 5.80-mm-sq x 7.90-mm H. It features long electrical life – 10,000 cycles, DPDT contact arrangement and robust PCB soldering pads for a secure connection and is wave solderable. The TL2233 series provides 100 A @30 Vdc rating, 1.90-mm…