Peregrine Switch Is Designed On Ultra CMOS

Peregrine Semiconductor has announced the PE42440 SP4T (single pole four throw) RF switch. The PE42440, designed on Peregrine's green Ultra CMOS silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) process technology, features broadband RF performance from 50MHz up to 3GHz. The Harp-enhanced switch is said to have best-in-class linearity, making it suitable for general-purpose TRx switching in cellular and 2.4GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands; antenna tuning; and filter-bank tuning/switching in a range of applications, including cellular radios and radio modules; antenna tuning of UHF bands through 3GHz; RFID antenna tuning; 2.4GHz ISM; Femtocells and other industrial applications.

The reflective PE42440 switch delivers an IIP3 of +67dBm and P1dB of 41.5dBm (across the range); insertion loss of 0.45dB; and isolation of 34dB (at 1GHz). The 50Ohm switch handles maximum 33dBm input power (500MHz to 3GHz) with ESD tolerance of 4.0kV HBM on the RFC pin. Additional features include integrated CMOS control logic, decoder for two-pin control that accepts 1.8 and 2.75V control-logic levels, and a low 4.5Ohm series ON resistance.

A single Vdd supply pin eliminates the need for multiple power supplies and power-up sequencing. As with all SOS-based Ultra CMOS RFICs, the device settles fast without gate lag or insertion loss drift and no blocking capacitors are required.

IDC Wireless Interface Mounts Switch Enclosures

Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC) has extended its range of Zigbee wireless-communication products with the introduction of the ZB111 Wireless Switch Interface. Designed to mount directly onto standard push buttons and pull switch enclosures in place of the normal cable-gland entry, the unit will accommodate up to 16 inputs. The ZB111 requires just two AA internal batteries and is designed to act as a wireless end node in Zigbee wireless networks.

These operate at 2.4GHz on a licence-free IEEE 802.15.4 international standard, providing secure and robust two-way communications up to 100m, with network extension via routing over multiple nodes for longer distances. Typical applications for the ZB 111 include push-button stations, pull-cord operation for Andon call and progress monitoring in manufacturing operations, level monitoring in bunkers and tanks, traffic-light control and mobile-plant interlocking.

The ZB range of modules includes Ethernet and serial gateways, routers, micro-controller and handheld devices, providing a comprehensive single source for complete wireless solutions. These range from simple cable elimination to large-scale, site-wide telemetry systems in a distributed control-system architecture.

All of the modules offer a 64-bit MAC identifier, embedded intelligence, battery management and extremely low power consumption. To support the development and integration of the product range, IDC has also developed client-server applications, which include the ZBServer for web-services integration, over-the-air programming, data logging and OPC connectivity for Scada integration.

Navimec Switch Offers Soft-Touch Joystick Function

Foremost Electronics has announced the Navimec switch concept from MEC, offering soft-touch joystick functionality. Navimec switches are available with or without illumination and the non-illuminated versions may be overprinted with appropriate legends. The Navimec switch series is designed for PCB mounting with and may be incorporated in control panels together with the existing illuminated Illumec switches 4A and 4F, offering bright illumination and tactile feel.

Navimec is available in SMD and through-hole mounting, is RoHS complaint and has a life expectancy of 10,000 operations and waterproof sealing exceeding IP67. The keycaps are said to have a hi-tech look and a soft-touch finish is obtained by an elastomer coating.

Adder Releases CCS4USB Command-And-Control Switch

Adder, a developer of KVM switches, extenders and KVM-over-IP solutions, has announced the availability of the CCS4USB command-and-control switch. Command-and-control installations are said to be critical to environments such as law enforcement, aviation, space exploration, power generation and heavy industry. As such, when new equipment is deployed into them, system integrators need the assurance that the equipment chosen will perform reliably from the moment it is plugged in.

The CCS4USB is designed to give control to a single operator across four connected computers. This is achieved by switching keyboard and mouse between the computers to shift control of each computer. The monitors bypass the switch completely, so the CCS4USB can be deployed alongside DVI, VGA, Display Port or any video standard chosen. Integrated USB2.0 switching is powered using Adder's new USB True Emulation technology, which means the device can connect instantaneously to almost any USB interface (HID) device, from graphics tablets and joysticks to touch screens.

According to the company, interoperability is important in a command-and-control environment, where the choice of interface devices could be varied or even custom to a specific application. The CCS4USB switch enables the keyboard and mouse console to work on one computer, while USB peripherals are connected to another. In addition, the audio can be set to continuously play communications from any one of the attached computers.

Users can still switch all connected devices to any one of the connected computers at the touch of a button. The CCS4USB has been designed to work alongside the Adder RC4 remote control, which means that integrators can hide the main unit away in a cable tray or under the desk and still give absolute control over the switch to the user. Using the RC4 also means that users can hide cable clutter away and concentrate on the efficient working environment for command-and-control staff.

Siemens Adds Switch To Vibrating Level Range

The Siemens range of vibrating level switches has been extended with the addition of a switch designed for use in dry bulk solid applications. The Sitrans LVS100 is suitable for applications with high, low or demand levels of dry bulk solids in bins, silos or hoppers. The device can detect the presence of materials with bulk densities in excess of 60 litres, and is ideal for use in industries such as mining, food, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and hazardous applications.

The Sitrans LVS100 has a compact design that can be top, side, or angle-mounted. The rotating enclosures ensure easy installation and wiring, and it can be easily connected to an alarm system or control room. The level switch offers high durability with no moving parts, and is unaffected by external vibrations.

The vibrating fork design ensures the sensing tines are kept clean, reducing the need for maintenance. The stainless steel process connections and rugged aluminium housing provide extra protection against external elements, ensuring a long and reliable service life.

IFM Temperature Switch Has Longer Probe

The latest temperature switch from IFM Electronic has been developed with a longer probe. The setting rings on the TK temperature switch show where to set the output temperature. The desired switching temperature can be set on the bench or in the process.

The Pt1000 element is designed to provide lasting, reliable and accurate sensing of the temperature. Two LEDs indicate the switching status and readiness for operation. The TK is corrosion resistant as its wetted parts are high-grade stainless steel. It is available in five versions, with a temperature setting range between -25 and 140C ( -13 and 284F), with either two separate switch points with fixed hysteresis, or adjustable set and reset points. Operating voltage is 10 to 30V DC and both the outputs can handle 500mA.

Switch-Mode Power Supplies For Automation Control

Balluff has introduced a line of rugged primary switch-mode power supplies, for automation-control applications. The ten-model line includes a range of 24V DC models with single and three-phase inputs. Output current ranges from 0.75A (18W) to 40A (960W) mean there is a size for most applications.

If more power is needed, multiple power supplies can be connected in parallel for additional current capacity. Other features include built-in advanced overload and overvoltage protection, load regulation to +/- one per cent, ripple/noise of less than 50mV on most models and adjustable outputs to compensate for differences in specific control needs.

All models are din-rail mountable. The mean time between failure is specified over 210,000 hours (24 years) while operating at published specifications. The range also includes 5, 12, 15 and 48V models.

Switch Range Suits Safety Applications

Moeller Electric T rotary switches and P switch disconnectors are suitable for use as main, maintenance and emergency-stop switches that can be locked in the off position with up to three padlocks. Moeller Electric T rotary switches and P switch disconnectors are available in ten different basic switch types with several mounting forms and both standard and customised contact configurations. This makes them a compact, convenient, dependable and cost-effective solution for virtually any application involving uninterrupted currents of up to 315A.

Both ranges are available in versions with 400/415V AC23A ratings from 6.5 to 132kW and with uninterrupted current ratings from 20 to 315A. They are suitable for use as main, maintenance and emergency-stop switches rated to IEC/EN 60204 and IEC/EN 60947 and can be locked in the off position with up to three padlocks. They are available in their own enclosures or for mounting in control cabinets, either on the door or rear of the panel with a cover interlock. The T range is also available as motor load switches for changeover, multispeed, reversing and star-delta switches.

T0 switches can be supplied with up to 22 contacts and 12 switching positions and are suitable for many different switching and control functions, such as on/off, hand/auto, changeover, step, coding and instrument selector. Compact TM switches are designed to save space but also to be particularly easy to install and wire. They have an AC23A rating of 3kW and an uninterrupted rating of 10A. Moeller Electric supplies a full range of enclosures for use with its rotary switches and switch-disconnectors.

These enclosures are available in insulated and stainless steel versions with ingress protection ratings up to IP65 and in sheet steel with ingress protection ratings up to IP55, making them suitable for use in the food industry. ATEX-compliant insulated enclosed versions of T rotary and P switch disconnectors are available up to 100A. All types and ratings are approved for use in dust areas, zone 22 and category 3 and all are approved for device group II.