Status Boards Display Real-Time KPIs

PSL Datatrack's Status Board display system for use with Datatrack software can now be used to provide instant real-time updates of key business operating parameters. Boardroom Status Board's multi-layer charting facility displays information on any aspect of the manufacturing process, combining production data with KPIs (key performance indicators) to give a precise overview of the status of the manufacturing business.

The Datatrack software holds all the data relevant to a production process and customer requirements. Reporting systems deliver information about what manufacturing processes are delivering, which in most busy companies are out of date as soon as they are printed and referred to. Specified by the user, the Boardroom Status Board displays any relevant information for the business.

Displays so far have included: delivery and current WIP values versus budgets; delivery performance - specific and by period average; achieved delivery promises; supplier delivery performance and overdue purchases; and non-conformance analysis.

The displays are said to offer tighter financial control, rigid control of inventory, precise analysis of delivery performance, prediction of potential problems and real-time monitoring of production. Datatrack's Status Boards are tuned to the exact requirements of the user and the system can be updated as requirements change. The system can also be consulted remotely.

DEK OTS Clamping Secures Printed Circuit Boards

DEK has launched its Over Top Snuggers (OTS) substrate clamping technology. Securing printed circuit boards firmly in place ready for processing, the flexible technology is designed to ensure high-quality printing for enhanced end-of-line yield. OTS clamps the board flat before enabling finite snugging and clamp control for precise board location.

The board is pulled down flat to enable a strong vacuum tooling contact and the clamps are then pulled away from the board top face surface to allow close-edge printing. By optimising edge-printed paste deposits, this process enhances yield potential.

The OTS system automatically adjusts for variations in board thickness, eliminating setup requirements between production batches and runs and removing the need for manual intervention. The clamps will also automatically adjust for out-of-parallel boards. The technology uses the Instinctiv V9 user interface software to adjust and store clamp and snug pressure via a touch-screen interface. OTS is compatible with all tooling variants, including DEK's HD Grid-Lok system.

LPC CP1/CP2 Checks Antennas And Circuit Boards

ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a switching coaxial connector for customers that need to verify antenna or circuit-board performance. Designated LPC CP1/CP2 and detailed in a recent application note, the connector delivers an effective solution to passive switching between an internal circuit and external device such as test equipment, or an antenna.

Critical attributes that the connector fulfils for customers include high reliability RF switching, low signal loss of less than 0.3dB, a minimum mating cycle count of 12,000 and return loss VSWR of 1.2:1 at 2GHz. With a frequency range up to 2GHz, the connector is ideal for a variety of applications, including mobile phones, two-way radio, military radio and wireless modems.

A range of accessories is available for connection to the switching coaxial connector in order to address different test requirements. A cold pin minimises RF emissions in unmated scenarios. Further benefits include a low-profile test port of 5.6mm and the ability to address angular and offset misalignment. Also available is a waterproof version, designated LPC SP1, which features a special rubber seal that enables IP67 compliance. A wide range of accessories to complement these connectors is also offered.

UEI DNA/DNR 1553 Interface Boards Added By Adept

Adept Scientific has added the DNA/DNR-1553-553 two-channel, dual redundant, 1553 bus interface boards from United Electronic Industries (UEI). Each board provides two independent, dual redundant bus interfaces for 1553 communication.

The DNA version is compatible with UEI PowerDNA and UEIPAC 'Cubes' while the DNR version is designed for use in UEI's 12- and six-slot Racktangle chassis. Each port may be independently configured as a bus controller (BC), remote terminal (RT) or bus monitor (BM). Designed to function in harsh environments, the DNA/DNR-1553-553 is fully tested for operation from -40C to +85C, 0-70,000ft and can withstand 5g vibration and up to 50g shock.

UEI's Cube architecture is a compact (4 x 4 x 4in or 4 x 4 x 5.8in) Ethernet-based I/O platform. It may be deployed in four different configurations. These are: Ethernet I/O systems slaved to a host PC; standalone data logger/recorder; Linux-based programmable automation controller (PAC); or Modbus TCP-based I/O slave. Each Cube consists of a core module (that holds the processor and network interface) along with three or six open I/O slots.

Users select the deployment option that meets their requirements. Users then match the Cube's I/O configuration to their application by selecting the appropriate boards. More than 25 I/O boards are available. The six-slot Cube provides up to 150 analogue inputs, 192 analogue outputs, 288 digital I/O, 48 counter or quadrature channels, 72 ARINC-429 channels, 24 Serial or CAN-bus ports or 12 1553 channels.