Auma Plug Cover Increases Space For Cables

Auma has developed a cover for plug and socket connections for electric actuators and controls. The S-105 cover provides more space for cable gland/conduit assembly. Increased interior capacity makes cable connection easier and accommodates thicker cabling. Based on Auma's modular actuator design, the cover, which is 15mm higher than the company's previous model, is compatible with its predecessor version, ensuring that early generation products can be incorporated.

As standard, Auma actuators are equipped with a plug/socket connector for motor and control cables. Auma said that the advantage of this type of connection is that, once connected, wiring remains undisturbed, even if the actuator has to be removed from the valve. This plug cover is designed for all Auma weather-proof and explosion-proof actuators with or without controls.

Toshiba Cameras Capture HD Images In Space

Eight of Toshiba Imaging's ultra-compact IK-HR1S high-definition cameras were recently used to film a 60-second commercial of a living-room chair as it was carried into space by a helium balloon. The balloon flights were launched from a Nevada desert and ascended to 98,268ft (18.6miles) altitude before breaking apart and falling back to earth.

The IK-HR1S cameras' compact size (1.75in x 1.75in x 3in) and the HD-SDI video output capability with switchable 1080i/720p scanning options made them suitable for this project. The custom-built camera rigging had Toshiba's miniature HD cameras attached to the frame. The lightweight apparatus, with a full-sized model chair made from biodegradable balsa wood, was less than 4lb.

Also attached to the rigging frame were four GPS systems to record altitude (accuracy was within 4m), longitude and latitude, and to monitor, via a computer satellite system, the location of the camera rig once it had fallen back to earth. The high-definition footage captures the space chair from launch to upper atmosphere, where the space rig reached the low pressure/temperature at the edge of space, and the helium balloon expanded (from its original 8ft diameter to more than 24ft) before shattering.

Schneider Unveils Space-Saving Enclosures

Schneider Electric has introduced a range of floor-standing enclosures designed to offer a combination of space-saving features, flexibility and ease of installation. The Spacial SF/SM range has a design that can help reduce the time and cost of putting together an enclosure solution. A key feature of the design is the inset door that reduces the footprint of each enclosure. Enclosures can be coupled in any direction, which enables multiple configurations, with integrated panels optimising available space.

With eight captive screws per panel, installation time is minimised and doors and panels can be mounted by one person. The Spacial SM range is available in 45 different sizes and comprises two parts: a body and a welded back. This body construction is able to withstand admissible loads up to 600kg. Spacial SF products are available in 65 sizes, which have a profile that features high inertia and a framework that withstands loads up to 1,000kg. The Spacial SF range is available with a kit to enable the creation of more than 600 configurations.

'As part of the Spacial range, we also offer electronic support tools enabling standard enclosures to be configured to suit the installed devices in any application, which saves time in the selection process,' said Adrian Walker of Schneider Electric. With a robust design based on a profile that forms the framework, the enclosures are offered as standard in RAL7035. A range of sizes and versions is available with accessories designed for quick and easy cabling. All products meet IP55 regulations and have been independently tested in accordance with the IEC 62208 standard.

Linear Receiver Subsystem Reduces Board Space

Linear Technology has introduced the LTM9003 wideband RF-to-digital receiver subsystem. The system includes a high-performance 12-bit, 250Msps analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), a bandpass filter, intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier and a high linearity RF downconverting mixer. The integrated Umodule receiver reduces board space and development time for wireless basestations implementing PA linearization with digital predistortion (DPD). The LTM9003 harnesses years of signal chain design experience and offers it in an 11.25mm x 15mm Umodule package.

DPD addresses the most significant source of power consumption in a basestation: the PA. Powerful digital algorithms correct nonlinearity in the power amplifier, allowing it to operate at a higher average power level without generating excessive distortion. A single 20W PA without DPD may run at less than 10 per cent efficiency, meaning greater than 200W of power consumption. Due to the number of power amplifiers in a basestation, the savings are significant to the operating expense (OPEX) of the service provider.

Digitising the fifth or even seventh order harmonics requires a very wide bandwidth, low noise receiver with an exceptionally flat passband. The LTM9003 includes a 125MHz bandpass filter that exhibits less than 0.5dB passband ripple across the entire band. The noise floor of the receiver chain from the RF input to the LVDS digital output is just -147.3dBm/Hz, which is well below that of the PA. Since DPD is a feedback loop, the receiver (also called a transmit observation path receiver) benefits from low latency; a faster loop leads to better efficiency in the PA and therefore even lower power consumption.

The ADC in the LTM9003 has just five clock cycles of latency and the absolute delay through the filter is just 2.7ns. The LTM9003 is packaged in a space-saving LGA package, utilising a multi-layer substrate that shields sensitive analogue lines from the digital traces to minimise digital feedback. Supply and reference bypass capacitance is placed inside the Umodule, tightly coupled to the die, providing a space, cost and performance advantage over traditional packaging. With no external capacitance required, the LTM9003 consumes approximately one-fourth the space of discrete implementations.

Camera Head Ideal For Space-Critical Applications

Toshiba Imaging Systems Division has added the miniature remote CMOS IK-HR1H camera head to its high-definition (HD) camera suite. It can be configured with either of two camera control units (CCUs): the IK-HR1CD and the IK-HR1CS. The ultra-small, lightweight remote camera head is approximately 1.18 x 1.37 x 1.41in and weighs 1.76oz (without lens).

Toshiba's 1/3in CMOS sensor is said to be ideal for imaging applications where space is critical and the remote head can be linked to the CCU via a standard, power-over- camera-link (PoCL) cable. Two output versions of the IK-HR1H are available to deliver added flexibility. The IK-HR1CD camera control unit offers a DVI-I with 720p/1080i/1080p and the IK-HR1CS CCU features an HD-SDI with 720p/1080i video signal outputs.

With the optional auto and manual white balance controls plus optional auto and manual electronic shuttering, the cameras are well-suited for scientific/life sciences, microscopy, and diagnostic imaging. Other applications that require a small, flexible, high-performance HD camera include specialty broadcasting, reality television and sports, microscopy, industrial video/inspection, and aviation.

Proportional Valve Saves Space, Weight And Power

Lee Products has introduced a miniature proportional valve that helps designers to make smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient products. Compared with traditional solenoid-type proportional valves, the Lee proportional valve saves space, weight and power consumption in analytical machines.

The Lee valve uses shape-memory wire technology to vary flow and provide actuation, as opposed to a spring. When a current is applied, the shape-memory alloy-wire heats up in the valve and changes shape; this causes deformation and results in the valve opening up in proportion to the current applied. This eliminates the need for a magnet, coil wire or steel armature; these are typically used in traditional miniature solenoid valves.

This makes the design suitable for designers of portable, hand-held battery-powered instruments such as gas detectors used in OEM, medical, laboratory and similar applications, including: mass flow controllers, blood-pressure cuff monitors, ventilators and oxygen concentrators. These Lee proportional-valves are suitable for use with non-corrosive and non-flammable air or gases. These are two-way NC configuration valves.

They weigh 1.2g, have a maximum power consumption of 1.5V DC (battery powered) and a current draw of 600mA (max). They have a flow capacity of 8 SLPM at 15psig, operating pressure of 15psig and operating temperature-range of 40 to 105F (4.4 to 40.46C). The valves are constructed from elastomer FKM with wetted materials, including polycarbonate, brass, elastomer, PEEK, 316 SS, Flexinol and epoxy.