Mini Cori-Flow Sensor Measures Low Flow Rates

Bronkhorst Cori-Tech has released a new model in its series of compact Coriolis Mass Flow Meters/Controllers for accurate measurement and control of low flow rates. The Mini Cori-Flow M12 instruments are suitable for measurement and control for liquid-flow and gas-flow applications. The design of the miniature Coriolis sensor is said to feature superior response time and high accuracy, irrespective of changing operating conditions with regard to pressure, temperature, density, conductivity and viscosity.

The effective turndown is no less than 1000:1, with easy, onsite possibility for the user to re-range the instrument to their requirements. The Mini Cori-flow has a IP65 weatherproof housing and is available with approval for use in hazardous areas. The instruments offer integrated PID control and close-coupled control valves or pumps, constituting very compact Coriolis mass-flow control loops.

Mini Cori-flow features state-of-the-art digital technology, offering standard analogue and RS-232 communication, optional fieldbus interfaces and additional functions such as alarms, totaliser (to measure fluid consumption) and batch dosing. Both fluid temperature and density are available as secondary digital outputs. Typical applications include research laboratories, food and pharmaceutical industries, analytical installations, micro-reactors and anywhere requiring accurate, fluid-independent mass-flow measurement or dosage of very small flow rates.

LT3070 Linear Regulator Has Low Dropout Voltage

The LT3070 is a digitally programmable Linear regulator said to have the lowest dropout voltage, lowest noise and fastest transient response of any monolithic 5A LDO currently available. Dropout voltage at 5A is 85mV and output voltage noise at 5A is 25uVRMS over a 10 to 100kHz bandwidth. The LT3070's 1MHz unity-gain bandwidth, coupled with its minimum 15uF ceramic output capacitance, provides 30mV of overshoot/undershoot in response to a 4.5A output load step, saving bulk capacitance, space and cost.

It is suitable for efficiently powering low-voltage, high-current devices such as FPGAs, DSPs, ASICs, microprocessors, sensitive communication supplies, server/storage devices and post-buck regulation applications. The LT3070's output voltage is digitally programmable from 0.8 to 1.8V in 50mV increments. Accuracy is tightly specified at +/-1 per cent over line, load and temperature. A digital margining feature can adjust system output voltage in increments of +/-1, +/-3 or +/-5 per cent, said to be advantageous during a system development debug.

A Powergood flag indicates if output voltage is in regulation or the device is in UVLO and the flag also provides an early warning indication of a thermal fault. The LT3070's input supply-voltage range is 0.95 to 3.0V and its bias supply voltage ranges from 2.2 to 3.6V. The bias supply provides gate drive to the internal NMOS pass device. Multiple LT3070 devices can be easily paralleled for higher output current and to spread heat across a PCB.

A tracking feature can control a buck regulator powering the LT3070's input. This tracking function drives the upstream buck regulator to maintain the LT3070's input voltage at VOUT + 300mV, minimising power dissipation. If output voltage is dynamically changed, the tracking function automatically adjusts the output voltage of the buck regulator to maintain efficiency. Internal protection circuitry includes UVLO, reverse-current protection, precision current limiting with power foldback and thermal shutdown with hysteresis. The LT3070 is offered in a thermally enhanced, low-profile (0.75mm) 28-lead 4 x 5mm QFN package and both E and I grades operate from -40 to 125C junction temperature range.

Crystek Unveils Low-Loss RF Co-Axial Cable

Crystek has introduced a range of low-loss RF co-axial cable assemblies featuring rugged stainless-steel solder-clamp construction and attenuation of 0.36dB/ft at 18GHz. The LL142 series cable is said to offer shielding effectiveness of greater than -110dB with an operating temperature range of -55C to +85C (extended range of -55C to +125C available through special order).

The cable offers a minimum bend radius of 0.8in and is available in stock with SMA male to SMA male connectors as well as Type N and TNC connectors. Crystek's stocking distributors also support a large variety of RG174 and RG316DS cables in a variety of configurations.

Test Set Gets Bluetooth Low-Energy Testing Option

Anritsu has introduced a Bluetooth low-energy testing option that allows designers and manufacturers of Bluetooth products to conduct radio layer testing in compliance with Core Specification 4.0. With this option, engineers can use the MT8852B to complete a test script covering Bluetooth basic rate, enhanced data rate and low-energy measurements in <15 seconds by pressing a single key. The Bluetooth low-energy measurement option adds six low-energy test cases to the base MT8852B test set.

These test cases can be run as part of a test script to simplify creation of test programs and reduce test times. Bluetooth low-energy measurements are performed directly on the MT8852B, which controls the DUT using defined HCI or two-wire control commands. For development applications, the MT8852B low-energy measurement option is supplied with a PC application that displays low-energy reference test packets in graphical format, as well as providing clear pass/fail status for all supported measurements against the specified limits.

This facilitates the identification of the causes of any device failure during the critical design and development stages. Bluetooth low energy is ideal for applications that require occasional data transfer from devices that run for over a year from a single-button cell battery. Typical applications include sports and fitness devices such as heart-rate monitors, as well as medical products such as blood glucose meters and industrial sensors.

Chip Is Compliant With Bluetooth Low-Energy Spec

Broadcom has announced that its latest-generation Bluetooth combination chip is compliant with the ratified Bluetooth low-energy version of the Bluetooth technology specification. The Bluetooth low-energy specification enables an ultra-low-power implementation of Bluetooth technology, making the technology increasingly applicable for wireless medical and fitness monitoring devices that necessitate long battery life.

With Broadcom's dual-mode implementation, OEMs can extend these new Bluetooth low-energy applications to smartphones and other devices while also enabling an array of existing Bluetooth functions with a single chip.

Torex Introduces High-Gain Low-Noise Amplifier

The XC2404 two-stage low-noise amplifier (LNA) from Torex Semiconductor has been developed using a 0.13m CMOS process, which results in a power consumption figure of 12mW (Fixed Bias mode). The XC2404's noise figure is 0.94dB at 1.6GHz making it suitable for use with noise-sensitive GPS applications. The device achieves a gain of 26.5dB.

The XC2404's operating voltage range is 1.14V-1.26V (1.2V typical) when operating in Fixed Bias mode. For applications that have higher power supply rails such as 1.8V or 2.85V, the XC2404 can be used in a Self Bias mode by attaching an external Rbias resistor on the input side to give added flexibility. The XC2404 also offers easy output matching to 50W. It is available in an ultra-low profile USP-8A01 package measuring 1.5mm x 1.5mm x 0.6mm.

Prysmian Releases Afumex LSX Low Fire-Hazard Range

Prysmian's Afumex LSX low fire-hazard range has been developed to address the specific needs of modern building services. It is designed for power and lighting circuits where a screened low-smoke halogen-free cable is required. BASEC approved to BS8436, it meets all the requirements of the 17th edition wiring regulations for installation in thin walls and partitions, among other applications. Afumex LSX is a robust yet lightweight cable that is compact and inexpensive.

AT32UC3L MCU Features Low-Power Technology

Atmel has introduced the 32-bit AT32UC3L AVR32 microcontroller with Picopower low-power technology and embedded capacitive touch-controller peripheral. The AT32UC3L provides less than 0.48mW/MHz in active mode executing real-life applications. The device is also the first 32-bit microcontroller to feature a built-in capacitive touch interface, making it suitable in a range of embedded applications. Atmel's Picopower technology enables the AT32UC3L to operate on less than 1.5uA with the 32KHz real time clock active, and below 100nA with all oscillators stopped.

The device features Atmel's 1.6V technology, which keeps the device fully operational in systems with supply-voltages ranging from 1.62 to 3.60V. The AT32UC3L's built-in capacitive touch peripheral unit makes capacitive touch as easy as incorporating another peripheral. The device supports capacitive touch buttons and sliders and the hardware support enables the addition of capacitive touch to the application, with no additional software overhead. The capacitive touch hardware also allows the microcontroller to wake up from sleep on touch.

Atmel's QTouch technology provides a robust touch solution with a high signal-to-noise ratio that improves the system's design margin, increases EMC performance and raises ESD tolerance. It is ideal for applications where reliability is required, such as consumer user interfaces, industrial and automotive applications and those where high moisture-levels are present. The AT32UC3L includes a new flash-security technology called Flashvault. Flashvault allows the on-chip flash to be partially programmed and locked, creating secure on-chip storage for secret code and software intellectual property.

Code stored in the Flashvault will execute as normal, but cannot be read, copied or debugged. This allows a device with Flashvault code protection to carry a piece of valuable software such as a math library or an encryption algorithm from a trusted location to a potentially untrustworthy partner where the rest of the source code can be developed, debugged and programmed. The AT32UC3L also introduces Atmel's Peripheral Event System for the first time on a 32-bit microcontroller. The system allows peripherals to send signals (events) directly to other peripherals without involving the CPU.

By offloading to the peripheral event system the repetitive task of forwarding these events, the CPU will drastically reduce the time-consuming handling of interrupts. This will free up more time for the CPU to handle other tasks in the application and often allow the CPU to remain longer in one of the AVR32's many energy-saving sleep modes. The UC3L has a clock system with clock-failure protection, frequency meter, real time clock with calendar mode, a precision crystal oscillator tuner and accurate digital frequency locked loop. The peripherals include a nine-channel 12-bit ADC and eight-channel analogue comparator.

The device is the first microcontroller from Atmel to feature an eight-bit PWM output on every I/O pin. Atmel's AVR32 UC3L is supported by the AVR32 Studio integrated development environment used for Atmel's AVR32 product line. It is available for free on Atmel's website. IAR's Embedded Workbench also supports AVR32 devices. Debugging tools include Atmel's Avrone, STK 600 Starter Kit, and JTAGICE mkII on-chip debugger. Samples of the AT32UC3L are available now.

Terminal Blocks - Entrelec By ABB Low Voltage

For over 50 years, Entrelec® By ABB Low Voltage has been one of the leading manufacturers of terminal blocks, with products in use all over the world. All terminal blocks are manufactured using only the highest quality materials and carry UL, CSA, VDE, IEC and other worldwide approvals. Entrelec® by ABB offers space savings, industry standard DIN rail mountable terminal blocks and a variety of colors, functions and connection technologies that customers demand.

Product Offering

• Accessories
• Mini Terminal Blocks
• AMS 500 Marking Systems
• PCB Connection Devices
• ATEX Terminal Blocks
• PLC Wiring System
• Blocks for 5.08mm Connections
• Power Terminal Blocks
• Cable Management System
• Screw Clamp Terminal Blocks
• Distribution Terminal Blocks
• Specific Terminal Blocks
• IDC (ADO) Terminal Blocks
• Spring Clamp Terminal Blocks
• Test Connectors

The industry’s most identifiable termination technologies are:

• Screw Clamp technology remains the most popular in connection devices.
• Spring Clamp technology is a fast growing standard in screw-less connection.
• IDC (insulation displacement connection) technology is the newest, fastest, and most innovative of screw-less connections.

In addition to general purpose terminal blocks, Entrelec® by ABB offers definite purpose products such as Distribution, 5.08mm connection, Power, Mini, ATEX , and Railway terminal blocks to satisfy the specialty needs of their customers. Terminal Blocks entrelec® by ABB's dedication to its customers is proven by offering FREE software to assist in rail design and operating a 24 hour hotline for orders.

Markets and applications include:

• Process Control
• Large and small panel building
• Machine Tool
• Energy/Utility
• Railway/Transport
• Chemical/Petrochemical
• HVAC
• Ship Building
• Building Automation
• Instrumentation
• Utilities
• Automobile

Sensirion SLQ-HC60 Sensor Measures Low Flow Rates

Sensirion AG, based in Stafa, Switzerland, has launched a flow sensor for flow rates below 100ml/min. According to the company, the SLQ-HC60 fills a gap in its existing range of products for precise measurement in the low-millilitre range. Inexpensive mechanical solutions, such as small paddlewheels, do not adequately meet the requirements of many applications.

Sensirion has now filled the gap between sensors for high flow rates and its own line of microsensor products for the microlitre and nanolitre ranges. The SLQ-HC60 water-resistant flow meter operates without moving parts and grants high reliability and media compatibility, according to the company. Flow rates below 100ml/min can be measured for a range of media.

The detection of bubbles in the microlitre range is also possible. The MEMS-based sensor device is designed for use in automated systems. This small, highly sensitive flow meter enables precise measurement of dynamic flow rates with a response time of less than 50ms. The SLQ-HC60, with a protection rating of IP65, requires a supply voltage of 24V and provides a 0-10V analogue output signal.

Media separation ensures that liquids can only come into contact with glass, Peek and Tefzel during the measuring process. The straight flow channel of the SLQ-HC60 has an inside diameter of 1.8mm and can be connected to 1/8in or 3mm plastic hoses via threaded couplings.

Threebond Develops Low-Temperature Chip Bonder

The TB2217H low-temperature cure chip bonder from Threebond offers curing at 80C and addresses an array of chip bonding issues for manufacturers and rework facilities. This single component epoxy offers ease of handling by syringe and full compatibility with automated dispensing systems to enable chip retention on PCBs going through multi-station lines and wave soldering equipment.

By offering a low cure temperature of 80C with a 220s cure time, TB2217H can eliminate possible damage to heat-sensitive components while at the same time offering a high-speed snap cure of 60s at 150C where needed. Whether applied by syringe or print system the TB2217H offers an air-bubble-free solution to component retention with dispensing speeds in excess of 30K dph, good dot shape and without stringing and tailing.

Prior to curing it provides excellent tack strength ensuring no component movement or loss during population and handling, while after curing it exhibits exceptional bond strength with various types of component materials, claims Threebond. TB2217H is compatible with the DEK Proflow Direkt imaging system and is available in DEK Proflow cassettes.

Other packaging available includes a range of syringe styles, Fuji, EFD, Iwashita, Panasonic, as well as cartridges. It is suitable for either pneumatic, (time/pressure system), or positive displacement dispensing systems (helical screw system), or dispense jet systems. Similarly it may be used in a wide range of print type systems.

Motortronics VMX Series Low Voltage Soft Starters

Flexibility of Control, Multiple ramp profiles, Pump-FlexTM Decel, process control timers and advanced motor protection make Motortronics VMX Series Soft Starter adaptable to a wide variety of AC motor applications, no need for add-on modules or costly auxiliary devices.

Compact packaging has become critical in more and more electrical installations. The VMX Series meets this need without compromising features and ratings. By using a highly engineered packaging design and the latest generation microprocessor, all the control and protection features you need are in the VMX Series. Narrow and shallow dimensions are perfect for integrating the VMX Series into motor control centers (MCCs), pump control panels, and retrofit starter enclosures.

Integral Bypass Contactors are standard on all sizes and provide maximum efficiency of panel space while maintaining the Motortronics reputation for being able to soft start most any load. The VMX Series is the only fully integrated, compact, world-class design offering uncompromised power and control capabilities.

Power Components 6 SCRs in inverse parallel pairs for full phase angle soft start control 1600V PIV rating on all units RC snubber for dv/dt protection of each SCR pair	Jog Dry contact closure selects a non-ramping Jog function at an adjustable torque
Line Voltage Range 200 to 600 VAC, 3 phase +10% -15% on all units, 50/60Hz	Kick Start 10 - 100% starting torque for 0.1 - 2 seconds
Current Ratings 18 - 1250A depending on unit selection Range of each unit is 50-100% of maximum	Pump-Flex™ Deceleration Ramp Fully adjustable to match field conditions: Begin Decel setting, 0 - 100% of line voltage Decel ramp time, 1 - 60 seconds End Decel setting (Off ), 0 - 1% of Begin setting
AC Supply Voltage User supplied 120VAC +10% -15% tolerance, 60Hz Optional 240VAC 50Hz control available	Restart Delay Timer (Sequential Start Delay) Programmable time delay 1 - 999 seconds after loss of control power for staggered restarts
Overload Capacity (% of motor FLA) Standard Duty: 350% for 30 seconds, 1.0 SF Heavy Duty: 500% for 30 seconds, 1.15 SF	Time Clock Controller 24 hour/7 day time clock to provide automatic start Up to 7 start events per day Select operation from 1 through 7 days per week Run time determined by process control timer
Bypass Contactor Standard on all units Standard Duty: Shunt rated bypass Heavy Duty (Across-the-Line) line start rated bypass	Process Control Timer (choice of either) Minimum Run (Batch) Timer 1- 999 minutes Runs until time expires, resets only if expired Resumes and finishes if stopped or power is lost Permissive Run Timer 1- 999 minutes Only allows operation during active run time
Start/Stop Control Choices 2-wire Run-Stop using dry contacts 3-wire Start/Stop with built-in seal in contact N.C. Interlock input (dry contact) for remote devices	RS-485 Serial Communications Up to 247 starters per link Modbus RTU protocol built-in Full programming over the serial link Programmable remote starter control
Ramp Control Choices (4 built-in) Voltage Ramp Voltage Ramp with Current Limit CLT© Closed Loop Torque Ramp (Current Ramp) Current Step (current limit only) Ramp times adjustable 1 - 120 seconds Current Limit adjustable 200 - 600% of FLA	Operator Interface Tactile feedback keypad Easy to read LED display Run and fault status indicators
Dual Ramps Select via dry contact closure between any combinations of the above	Electronic Shear Pin Protection Trip level: 100 - 300% of motor FLA with trip delay
Start & Run Protection Two programmable overload trip curves allow for the thermal capacity required to start the load while providing motor overload protection needed during the run time. Start: Programmable for Class 5 - 30 Run: Programmable for Class 5 - 30, enabled when starter detects motor is "At-Speed" Reset: Manual or automatic, selectable via programming. Remote reset available.	Motor Duty Cycle Protection Back-spin/coast-down, starts-per-hour or minimum time between starts lockouts. Restart delay after a power failure.
Real-Time Thermal Modeling Continuously calculates motor operating temperature even when the motor is not running.	Short Circuit Trips at 10x unit current rating during run. Checks for shorted load prior to each start.
Retentive Thermal Memory Remembers the thermal condition of the motor even in the event of a power brown-out or black-out when power is restored. Extrapolates motor temperature using a real-time clock.	Shorted SCR Locks out on any single shorted SCR (defeatable) or can provide shunt trip function if multiple SCRs short or bypass contactor is welded closed.
Dynamic Reset Capacity Overload will not reset until thermal capacity in the motor is sufficient for a successful restart. Starter learns and retains this information from previous starts.	Metering Monitors phase current, ground current and motor thermal capacity.
Motor Temperature PTC thermistor input can also be used for E-stop or external overload relay.	Phase Loss Trips on phase current or voltage loss
Equipment Ground Fault Residual current method with adjustable trip delay.	Phase Rotation Phase rotation trip can be set to A-B-C, A-C-B or disabled.

Students Race Low-Carbon Fuel Vehicles

Among the teams entering cars in the low-carbon fuel category are the University of Hertfordshire with a hydrogen-powered car and Oxford Brookes University with a parallel hybrid. Teams from across the world have entered the Formula Student competition, which is backed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and takes place at Silverstone the weekend after the British Grand Prix This year, for the first time, there is a category for cars powered by low-carbon fuel.

Formula Student is aimed at building future engineering talent and there are five different classes that can be entered. Those taking part design and manufacture a single-seater racing car. Among the teams entering cars in the low-carbon fuel category are the University of Hertfordshire with a hydrogen-powered car and Oxford Brookes University with a parallel hybrid.

Robin McGill, Chief Executive of the IET, said: "Environmentally friendly fuels are the fuels of the future and it's for this very reason that the IET has pushed to have a low-carbon vehicle category in the competition". "We have been a partner in Formula Student for three years and recognise the vital role the competition plays in promoting careers and excellence in engineering".

With three weeks to go, both teams are gearing up for the challenge. It is the 11th car that the University of Hertfordshire has entered in the competition. The team of nine students, who are all final year MSc students, is looking to build on the previous years' results of 7th and 5th.

The Hertfordshire car is hydrogen powered with an adapted 250cm3 internal combustion engine. Leader of the Hertfordshire team, Professor Howard Ashe, said: "The students are keen to take part in the competition as they are only too aware that it provides them with hard to come by real world practical and business skills". "It helps them to gain valuable team working and individual skills". "It also gives them an appreciation of real world skills".

"Now that their exams are over, the team are working all day, every day, including working into the night, to ensure the car is fit for purpose for its launch on 3rd July". The Oxford Brookes team is entering an electricity-powered parallel hybrid car. The team is led by James Larminie and it's the seventh year that the university has taken part in the competition. Made up of undergraduate and postgraduate students, the team is currently busy putting the finishing touches to the car.

ABB Installation Contactors

ABB Low Voltage Installation Contactors are designed according to international standards (IEC), European standards (EN) and French standards (NF CUTE, DIN-VDE, BS).

We consider 2 types of "Installation Contactors" for different applications : "Normal " Installation and "Day-Night" Installation. They are essentially used in automated building equipment, industry and offices for terminal circuit controlling less than 40 kW AC-1 (incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, convectors heating, batteries, regulation systems, ovens, drying systems), small motors controlling less than 15 kW AC-3 (ventilation, air conditioning, pumping, watering, automatic systems) and unbalasting systems in energy management (possibly enslavement from clocks, unballasting relays, telebreakers, thermostats).

Mounting

• Mounting on rail DIN 35 mm (EN 50022) for switchboard.
• Mounting depth: 58 mm
• Width included from 1 to 3 modules (1 module = 17.5 mm)
• The magnetic circuit design ensures a completely silent operation, the coil is supplied by AC (type ESB 20) or by an integrated diode rectifier (type ESB 24, ESB 40, ESB 63)
• Terminals are delivered in open position
• Protection against accidental direct touch
• Extensions 2, 3,or 4 poles depending on the ratings, without built-in auxiliary contacts

Accessories

• 2-pole auxiliary contacts for type ESB 24, ESB 40, ESB63 (addition of one 2-pole block type EH 04 .. for module).
• Sealing cover
• Distance piece