Miniature Guideways
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New is a series of miniature-profile guideways that reportedly make precision motion control economical for tightly packaged applications. The Minirail series is a family of two-row miniature guideways made from stainless steel. A ball-retainer design is said to simplify assembly and maintenance. Applications for the guideways include automated PCB assembly, microelectronics, semiconductor production, metrology, optics positioning, medical/pharmaceutical packaging and analytical process equipment. Schneeberger Inc., Bedford, Mass.
Open-socket Terminators
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New is a line of terminators for high-performance computers using multiple Intel Coppermine processors. These terminators fit in any unused processor sockets, terminating the high-speed buses of these systems to maintain proper operation. The new series of Coppermine Intel processors is manufactured from a 0.18-µm process that allows higher clock speeds. First in the Coppermine series is a 733 MHz Pentium III/733 with 256 K of on-chip cache operating at full clock speed. This terminator reportedly ensures that each data line or clock line “sees” the correct impedance. dataMate Business Unit, Methode Electronics Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Electrolytic Capacitors
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The UTOR series is a new toroidal-shaped aluminum electrolytic capacitor. Its shape reportedly allows for high-ripple current capability, as the core of the capacitor can be cooled by forced air, a heat sink or by fluid convection. This high-ripple current capability will allow for downsizing of many inverters or large power supplies. The capacitors have a rated lifetime of 5,000 hours at 105°C with the full-rated ripple-current applied. United Chemi-Con, Rosemont, Ill.
Dispensing Device
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The model SMD602A-CE is designed to provide consistent dispensing of solder pastes and bonding adhesive. A digital timer reportedly ensures repetitive deposits. The device incorporates an adjustable vacuum transducer that operates a vacuum pick-up pencil for handling and positioning the microcomponents. Five molded pads of different sizes are included. Repeat tolerance for the product is said to be less than 0.5 percent, with cycle speeds approaching 600 per minute. I&J Fisnar Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J.
Robotic Workcell
The Versa Laser is a pre-engineered, fully integrated turntable robotic Nd:YAG laser welding and cutting workcell. It is designed to handle a high volume of small- to medium-sized parts weighing up to 1,000 lb per station. High-speed part-processing is said to maximize throughput and robot utilization for material-flow optimization. The workcell's configuration can be customized to handle a flexible load height, and it is available in three table diameters: 58, 72 and 96 inches. The product also has a safety package with a Class 1 enclosure, light curtains, gate interlocks and fence barriers. Genesis Systems Group, Davenport, Iowa.
Static Surveyor
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The Static Surveyor, item No. 42760, is designed for frequent checks of grounding straps, mats and similar equipment. The product reportedly features a high-speed, 16-segment bar-graph display and shows trends quickly. Users simply aim at the surface to be tested and take the reading. The small pocket size is suitable for field-service use. ESD Systems.com, Marlboro, Mass.
Push-button Switch
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The PushGate is a push-button switch that combines the properties of mechanical and membrane switches. It reportedly addresses the issues of collapsing domes, teasing problems, early failure and inconsistent actuation force associated with conventional membrane switches. The switch, which is said to offer consistent tactile feedback, a low profile and the ability to be environmentally sealed, is suitable for durable front-panel controls in all conditions. DuraSwitch Industries Inc., Mesa, Ariz.
Tantalum Capacitor
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Kemet Electronics, in conjunction with TTI Inc., has launched a new organic polymer tantalum capacitor, the KO-CAP T520 Series. It is said to capture features of multilayer ceramic capacitors, such as low ESR and high-frequency cap retention, aluminum electrolytics, benign failure mode, tantalum technology, volumetric efficiency, surface mount capability and a no-wear-out mechanism. Using this product reportedly can reduce component counts and eliminate through-hole assembly by replacing leaded aluminum capacitors. Kemet Electronics, Fort Worth, Texas.
Control Systems
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MTS Systems has announced its new and updated TestStar Control Systems for material testing. Expansions include the TestStar IIm system for multi-station, multi-channel control, and a new generation of the TestStar IIs system software for single-channel use. The TestStar IIm model reportedly can be configured to control up to four testing stations with a total of eight channels of control. Software enhancements, beginning with an updated interface, make the system's controllers more intuitive and easier to use. MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.
Chip Mounter
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The Create CM301-D Multifunctional Modular Chip Mounter reportedly offers flexibility and productivity for placement of a range of component types, from 0201-in. to large, odd-shaped 90 x 100-mm components. The unit features a dual-beam, four-head design that is said to deliver a component-placement rate of up to 0.8 seconds per tray component. This design enables the front head to place components while the rear head performs pickup and recognition. Panasonic Factory Automation Co., Franklin Park, Ill.
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Image-storage System
Olympus America has introduced a portable image-storage system so compact that it can reportedly be held in one hand. Attached to rigid or flexible borescopes, the DC-10 QwikStore system allows inspectors to view, freeze, store, export and e-mail images easily and conveniently, the company says. The system is suitable for a variety of applications, including in-situ inspections of turbine blades, compressors, hydraulic cylinders, critical welds and other areas. Olympus America Inc., Melville, N.Y.
Bar Solder
New to the Heraeus line of solder pastes, wires, adhesives and related SMT materials is the 63/37 bar solder. Manufactured from virgin metals in an atmosphere-controlled process, the resulting product is said to be low in dross and oxides. In the wave-soldering process, the product reportedly forms uniform crystals that create strong solder joints and connections. The bar solder meets or exceeds the requirements of QQS, MIL, J-STD and ASTM standards, the company says. Heraeus Inc., Cermalloy Div., West Conshohocken, Pa.
Cross-probing
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Now available is SchematicLink, a new feature of the CAMCAD Professional product family. This option links industry-standard schematic files with popular Layout files. It allows cross-probing of signals and components on either the CAE (Schematic) or CAD (Layout) file. The cross-highlite tracks, gates and nets through all schematic pages and all layout layers. This reportedly allows the engineering team to share logical and physical data in one common environment. Router Solutions Inc., Newport Beach, Calif.
SMD Crystal
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The CC5 series is said to be a small true SMD quartz-crystal resonator. The microminiature hermetically sealed package measures 4.1 x 1.5 x 0.85 mm and is currently available in a 32.768 kHz frequency. This product is designed for small hand-held wireless applications such as cellular phones and smart cards. This series requires a drive level of 1 µW with ± 3 ppm aging typical. Frequency tolerance is ± 30 ppm. The component's standard operating range is -40 to 85°C. Other features include shock resistance, vibration resistance and tape-and-reel packaging. Micro Crystal, Div. of SMH (U.S.) Inc., Arlington Heights, Ill.
Dissolvable Spacers
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Wash-Aways are designed to provide consistent spacing between PCBs and components. These organic polymer spacers locate and reinforce PCB components during soldering operations. After soldering, they dissolve in most water-solvent baths, the company says. This reportedly leaves uniform spacing between components and boards, which provides free circulation of air, mechanical protection, filleting and accessibility for inspection, cleaning and conformal coating. Multi-Seals Inc., Manchester, Conn.
Drop-in replacement
To meet demand for straightforward conversions of the high-speed, high-density Xilinx Virtex FPGA, American Microsystems has introduced a new drop-in delay-lock loop (DLL) megacell for its library. The Virtex product line uses a DLL for clock management instead of a phase-lock loop (PLL). This DLL megacell is said to simplify the conversion process when combined with the company's clock-tree synthesis capability to offer a timing-management solution. American Microsystems Inc., Pocatello, Idaho.
Electron Microscope
The HD-2000 200-kV Field-emission Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope is designed to offer high-performance imaging and analysis with a user-friendly graphical user interface. Features include three standard detectors (secondary electron, high-angle annular darkfield and brightfield), energy dispersive spectrometer, electron energy-loss spectrometer and a quick sample exchange. Hitachi Scientific Instruments, Nissei Sangyo America Ltd., Mountain View, Calif.
Power-supply Selection Kit
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A new briefcase-type Power Supply Selection Kit incorporates 11 types of film capacitors in many sizes and styles. It was created to give circuit-design engineers a complete choice of capacitors for power-supply applications for evaluation and testing. Types included represent the spectrum of configurations, film dielectrics, encapsulants and mounting methods, the company says. All are U.S.-made to any applicable MIL standard or industry spec. Electronic Concepts Inc., Eatontown, N.J.
Cleaning Aerosols
Spray No. 805 Clean Jet 100 is new to Sprayway's line of aerosols for home, business and institutional use. This compact, portable source of ultra-clean gas for precision removal of dirt, dust, lint and other particulates is suitable for use in offices, at computer workstations, in art studios and more. It is said to be a nonflammable, ultra-filtered dust remover with jet accuracy, delivering a blast of gas up to 100 psi at 68°F. It reportedly is guaranteed to leave no residue on the surface being cleaned. The product is free of ozone-depleting CFCs. Sprayway Inc., Addison, Ill.
Software
New is Think & Do Software on the Windows-CE Factory Client 2000 Computer. The software will be pre-loaded on the FC2000 and shipped from GE Fanuc's site to end users, OEMs and system integrators. This software, mounted in the FC2000, turns it into an eControl product, allowing communication via DCOM and other technologies to HMI stations, historians, maintenance clients, SCM systems, order tracking and myriad components of the fully connected, Web-enabled enterprise. Factory Client Computers, Div. GE Fanuc, Melrose Park, Ill.
BGA-to-BGA Adapters
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These BGA-to-BGA adapters are designed to address a variety of interconnect issues. They can be used to convert difficult-to-assemble fine-pitch BGAs to footprints that are more compatible with standard manufacturing processes. They also can be used to isolate the fine-pitch, high-performance components from the motherboard, allowing the motherboard layer count to be kept to a minimum. The company offers assembly of the BGAs to the adapter so that handling is limited to a single component that is compatible with automated-placement equipment. Interconnect Systems Inc. (ISI), Camarillo, Calif.
Static Sensor/Air Ionizer Test Kit
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The 718 Static Sensor and 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit are designed to work together to control electrostatic buildup in ESD environments. The static sensor measures voltages up to 20,000 kV on surfaces and reads accurately to ± 5 percent of full measurement scale from a 1-in. distance, the company says. The test kit is a separate option consisting of a charger plate and charger used with the static sensor to verify air-ionizer performance. 3M Electronic Handling and Protection Div., Austin, Texas.
Black Conformal Coating
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Called 9-984-B, this black, solvent-free, light-curing conformal coating is said to cure quickly. Its black color hides the board, components and circuitry. Hard-dry surfaces are available, even under moderate-intensity lights. This new coating has a secondary heat-curing capability, the company says. It is designed to dispense through precision dispensing systems, and it reportedly cures in seconds on exposure to longwave UV and visible light. The length of exposure depends on the light source used and coating thickness. Dymax Corp., Torrington, Conn.
Reflow Oven
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New is the Profile 117 eight-zone reflow oven, which features the Conceptronic's Dynamic Flow Engineering (DFE) for thermal performance, filterless flux management and gas-to-gas cooling modules. It also reportedly can accommodate up to three cooling zones within the footprint of a conventional seven-zone oven. Chamber plenums are said to provide overlapping cones of heat with turbulent gas flow for high-impingement velocities without disturbing board components. The multiport design ensures even distribution of gas velocity within each heating zone, the company says. Conceptronic Inc., Portsmouth, N.H.
Epoxy
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The Polymer System EP39MHT is a two-component system that reportedly cures readily at ambient or more quickly at elevated temperatures. The cured epoxy is a thermoset solid that features physical, electrical and chemical characteristics with resistance to thermal and/or mechanical shocks, the company says. It is said to be 100-percent reactive and does not contain any volatiles. The epoxy is suitable for potting, encapsulation, sealing and bonding applications and can be color-coded to facilitate processing. Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, N.J.
Protective Coating
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HumiShield is a polymer coating that can be applied to a variety of substrates. Its formulation reportedly turns practically any material into a solderable and electronically conductive substrate. Its qualities also make it possible to protect metals from corrosion, the company says. The formulation contains a metallic component that has a magnetic and electronic conductivity that transforms the coated substrate into an EMI/RFI shield. It can be applied to materials as diverse as metal, ceramic, glass, paper and most plastics. HumiSeal Protective Coatings, HumiSeal Div., Chase Corp., Woodside, N.Y.
Board-imaging System
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Sonoscan is now shipping the D-24 populated board-imaging system, which is said to be an acoustic microimaging (AMI) system that nondestructively images mounted components for hidden internal defects. It can scan an area up to 24 x 24 inches (the board itself can be even larger) and uses a new, patented scanning mechanism. Board-mounted IC packages, ceramic chip capacitors and some types of resistors are among the components scanned. The system is reportedly most sensitive to gap-type internal defects such as delaminations, disbonds, voids and cracks. Sonoscan Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill.
PC Power Transformer
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The pin-out pattern for the SPW-3050 low-profile PC power transformer, with VDE #0805 (EN 60950) approval, is identical to the SPW-050 2.5 VA series. Both series reportedly have UL and other safety agency approvals. Users of the SPW-050, or the equivalent from another source, can meet CE Mark requirements for the transformer by substituting this unit. The HIPOT rating for the SPW-3050 series is 4,500 Vrms from primaries to secondaries. Prem Magnetics Inc., McHenry, Ill.
Converters/Accessory Modules
These 2nd Generation DC-DC converters and two accessory modules are used in a circuit that is said to provide hot-swap capability in N+M arrays. The IAM48 (Input Attenuator Module for 48 V in applications) module provides on/off control during insertion and extraction. In addition, the IAM reportedly provides inrush current limiting and, in conjunction with the EMI filter module (FiltMod), transient overvoltage protection. Vicor Corp., Andover, Mass.
Epoxy
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Tra-Bond 223F01 is a thixotropic epoxy system that reportedly couples high thermal conductivity with electrical insulating properties. This rigid material is said to exhibit low shrinkage during cure, making it suitable for encapsulating large areas. It can be used for staking electrical components, diodes, ICs, transistors, precision resistors or capacitors to boards. The product is said to bond to most metals, glass, ceramics, plastics and many other materials. It has a working life of 24 hours. Tra-Con Inc., a National Starch & Chemical Co., Bedford, Mass.
AP
