ISL12057/8/9 RTCs Aid Design Of Utility E-Meters

Intersil has introduced three tiny razor-thin real-time clock (RTC) products that are ideal for low-voltage and portable applications. Intersil's ISL12057/8/9 devices simplify the design of utility E-Meters, multi-function printers, digital photo frames and many other devices. The smallest of these breakthrough products, the ISL12057 and ISL12058, require just 2 x 2mm, a 73 per cent reduction in board space against their closest competitors.

At only 0.55mm thick, these eight-lead devices are 45 per cent thinner than similar products on the market. The ISL12057 is available in a 2 x 2mm eight-lead uTDFN plastic package, which offers enhanced ruggedness and durability in portable applications. For added design versatility, the devices are also available in a 3 x 3mm eight-lead TDFN and popular MSOP and SOIC package choices. In addition, the ISL12058 offers package choices in the 2 x 2mm uTDFN, 3 x 3mm TDFN, eight-lead MSOP and eight-lead SOIC options.

The ISL12059 is available in the industry-standard SOIC package. With operation from 1.4 to 3.6V, these RTCs are ideally suited for battery-powered portable applications such as remote utility meters, copy/fax/scanner/printers, digital photo albums and hundreds of other applications. The real-time clock and calendar use an external 32.768kHz crystal that tracks time by date, year, month, week, hour, minute or second. Multiple selectable alarms allow a flexibility of alarm choices, with outputs for beepers or lights.

The calendar is accurate through 2099, with automatic leap-year correction. The two-wire I2C interface in the ISL12057/8/9 is widely used around the world, which simplifies design-in and enhances ease of manufacturability. The ISL12057/8/9 range of products is Pb-free (RoHS-compliant), pin, and software-compatible with legacy devices for easy design-in.

Shooting School Uses Kubota Utility Vehicles

Two Kubota RTV900 four-wheel drive all-terrain utility vehicles are being used at the West London Shooting School to transport clays and traps around the site. Framed by vast, man-made hills in Northolt, Middlesex, just 12 miles from the centre of London, the school gives lessons in clay and game shooting as well as gun fitting. Founded in 1901, it delivers around 6,000 lessons a year and hosts a variety of corporate events including activity days.

Its two Kubota RTV900 utility vehicles replaced a pair of Kawasaki Mules, which were proving increasingly expensive to maintain. Roddy Richmond-Watson, one of the School's directors, said: 'As the maintenance costs for the Kawasaki vehicles were proving far higher than we liked, we looked around for alternatives that would be more economical to run. 'We needed a simple and reliable light utility vehicle with low pressure that would not damage the ground, as we like to keep the site as tidy as possible and don't want any ripped up surfaces,' he added.

The West London Shooting School uses a Worksite and a Recreational RTV900, which is complete with an effective camouflage finish. Their chief role is to transport clays and traps around the 50-acre site in their hydraulically tipped rear cargo boxes. These have a load capacity of 500kg (1,100lbs) within internal dimensions of 1.32m wide x 1.18m long x 0.29m deep (52in x 47in x 11.4in).

Both vehicles, capable of carrying two people in their bench seats, also take maintenance equipment, tools and materials around the site. West London Shooting School said that it is impressed with the RTV900's three-range variable hydrostatic transmission system (VHT). This is actuated by a single foot pedal that gives infinitely variable forward and reverse travel up to a maximum speed of 25mph. In action, Kuka said that VHT delivers rapid acceleration, excellent traction across all surfaces and impressive hill-climbing ability thanks to the use of an additional hydrostatic assist motor that 'kicks in' when climbing a slope, instantly delivering more torque to the drive wheels.

It also provides dynamic braking for safe, controlled hill starts and descents without having to rely solely on the vehicle's brakes. Both vehicles were supplied by Kubota Tractor and Groundcare equipment dealer George Brown Implements of Chesham. The West London Shooting School's head groundsman, Billy Rimell, said: 'The Kubota RTV900s are extremely reliable and easy-to-use utility vehicles that do everything we ask of them quickly and efficiently.

'The dealer comes along twice a year to service them and between his visits we never have any problems,' he added. Designed and built on tractor technology, the RTV900 is a rugged all-terrain utility vehicle. It is powered by a Kubota 22HP three-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine, which is easily accessible for servicing. Where required four-wheel drive can be de-selected for reduced tyre wear and enhanced fuel consumption when driving on firm surfaces.

With its transmission system, advanced automotive type suspension and power steering, it is claimed to offer the highest ground clearance in its class. There are four RTV900 variants to choose from - General Purpose, Recreational, Worksite and Street Legal models - all of which are rugged machines, making them suitable for the most demanding sites and applications. In addition to its RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle, Kubota provides a range of compact tractors and ride-on mowers, as well as sub 50HP tractor vehicles.