LMS Releases Latest Acoustics Simulation Software

LMS has released the latest version of its Virtual.Lab Acoustics simulation software. Featuring solutions designed specifically for challenging acoustic problems, the latest release of LMS Virtual.Lab Acoustics includes ray tracing for high-frequency acoustics and time-domain BEM, a new time-based method for acoustic problem solving. A core development focus has been to expand the FEM acoustic solver so that it can handle huge industrial tasks, including large noise radiation problems.

This is possible thanks to the Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) technique, which reduces the number of required elements to solve noise radiation problems more efficiently. Other critical work has occurred in the area of LMS's BEM technology, with the addition of a time-domain BEM solver, allowing acoustic engineers to do realistic simulations and gain more insight into time-related acoustic issues. The new inverse numerical acoustics solution helps determine realistic vibration sources for better noise and vibration system optimisation. LMS has also added the patented Acoustic Transfer Vector (ATV) technology to the Fast Multiple BEM (FMBEM) solver.

With LMS's new ray tracing technology integrated in LMS Virtual.Lab Rev 9, acoustic engineers will be able to handle the full audible frequency range, including sound system optimisation in aircraft, train or vehicle interiors. Enhanced for aero-acoustic engineers, LMS Virtual.Lab Aero-Acoustics Rev 9 includes a variety of new features, such as conservative mapping for more accurate predictions, CFD-based quadruples noise sources and improved fan formulation to provide more ways to address flow-induced noise.

Latest Semrock Catalogue Features Four New Ranges

Semrock has published a 76-page, full-colour 2009-2010 master catalogue of optical filters and related products. It contains technical and product notes along with four new product ranges and many new filter products optimised for fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy and other laser analytical instrumentation applications. The new product ranges include the Image Splitting Dichroic Beamsplitters, which offer superb image quality for transmitted and reflected light due to a high degree of flatness.

They feature wide transmission and reflection bands (from 350 to 950nm for every filter). New Brightline multi-laser fluorescence filter sets are designed for advanced microscopy systems (including TIRF and confocal microscopes) and are available for the most popular laser combinations including 488/561nm (ideal for live-cell imaging with GFP/mCherry, for example) and 405/488/561/635nm wavelengths. This edition also features the debut of a range of filters for controlling the polarisation of light.

New Polarizing Bandpass Filters combine an efficient polariser with a bandpass filter into a single high-performance filter. They are available for 405, 532 and 640nm laser wavelength ranges. New near-infrared (NIR) bandpass filters are keyed to popular laser lines in the 1500-1600nm region.

The catalogue also features new products that enhance Semrock's 'no burn-out' Brightline fluorescence filters and sets, including new multiband filter sets, multiphoton fluorescence filters and dozens of bandpass filters and dichroic beamsplitters. Semrock services highlighted in the catalogue include Semrock's same-day shipping policy, rapid custom-sizing in less than one week, and a 30-day no-hassle return policy. All Semrock filters are covered under the company's five-year warranty.

Latest Wordsworth Devices Use Intel Atoms

The Wordsworth division of Steatite, a Microsoft Gold Partner, has enhanced its range of embedded systems with the introduction of new products that utilise the latest Intel Atom processors. The new products include single-board computers (SBCs), embedded systems and panel PCs. The Intel Atom N270 processor brings a range of user benefits to the latest generation of Steatite Wordsworth's products for industrial-computing applications.

The devices offer 1.6GHz CPU power but with low power consumption. High efficiency gives good thermal performance and allows fanless operation. This absence of moving parts helps improve overall system reliability and means that customers do not need to make provision in their design for vents. It also allows equipment to be used safely and reliably in dusty environments. Atom N270 processors are mass-produced devices for the embedded market, which helps make them cost-effective.

A long product life-cycle road-mapped for between three and five years underlines the long-term availability of the processors, giving reassurance to customers that incorporate Wordsworth embedded products in their equipment. Steatite's Wordsworth division has strong in-house technical capabilities that enable specific customer requirements to be accurately met in a short leadtime. If required, customers can buy directly from an online store.

IFM Safety Light Curtains Meet Latest Standards

IFM Electronic has introduced the OY series of safety light curtains, which meet the latest standards. The Machinery Directive, coming into force at end of this year, will require that equipment meets new standards, particularly where safety is concerned. The new standards are already met by IFM's light curtain range.

The range offers safety integrity levels to IEC 61508 and performance levels to ISO 13849. The light curtains and grids in the series are available as Type 2 or Type 4 to IEC 61496 in heights from 160mm to 1,510mm, covering a distance up to 12m. They come in a very slim housing, measuring only 28mm x 30mm, according to the company.

The beams are incorporated right up to the end of the housing, allowing installation without deadband. Available resolutions cover 30mm, 40mm, 50mm and 90mm in the light curtains, while the grids come with two, three or four beams. The series also features simple mounting and a range of accessories, including mirrors, relays for muting and vibration dampers. Connection is made via standard M12 connectors.