What’s New in Electronics August 2012_R

August 2012 Vol.32 No.3

FORD Accredited EMC Testing

One stop, One test, Global markets

Special Edition Hot Products at Electronex 2012

contents

A.B.N. 22 152 305 336

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August 2012

Chief Editor Janette Woodhouse Publisher Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager Julie Wright Art/Production Tanya Scarselletti, Jeanette Teuma Colleen Sam Circulation Manager Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au Copy Control Mitchie Mullins Advertising Sales NSW, QLD - Liz Wilson Ph: 0403 528 558 lwilson@westwick-farrow.com.au

on the cover 4 Simplifying frequency converter testing 6 Keeping track of data centre functions 17 Electronex - list of exhibitors

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Electronex exhibition

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is the biggest yet

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35 short circuits 38 Generating C code from

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March 2012 Total CAB Audited Circulation (Aust + NZ) 5,989 (90% personally requested) Printed and bound by Pegasus +61 2 8822 0716 Print Post Approved PP247345/00005 ISSN No. 0728-3873 All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

3

on the cover

One stop, one test for global markets All test laboratories are not the same. The only way to test for compliance is to use a fully compliant test facility and the EMC Technologies Group provides the widest scope of ISO 17025 NATA accredited global approval services.

These include: •Radio, EMF, SAR, FCC, CE, C-tick, A-tick, RCM, VCCI + more. No other test house is believed to offer such a wide scope of international recognition; •AS/NZS CISPR 22 up to 6 GHz. All clauses including telecoms ports; •Short range transmitters for FCC, Canada, EU R&TTE; •Electrical safety testing including IEC 60950, 61010 series, 60335 series, AS/NZS 3100 series, 60598 series (lighting), 61347 series (lighting components) and 61558 series (transformers); •Medical devices to IEC 60601-1.0, IEC 60601-1.1 safety requirements and IEC 60601-1-2 EMC requirements; motor vehicle EMC testing - the only Ford approved lab in Australia. All major vehicle manufacturers, ‘e’ mark, E-mark, EU Automotive Directive, ECE Reg 10; railway and rolling stock - testing to EN 50121 series plus systems engineering consultation.

Other approval services include •Military/aerospace: MIL-STD 461, 464, 285, DO 160 (NATA pending).

•Specialist consulting, test plan preparation, tender bids etc; •Telecoms: base station •Simulators covering 2G/3G/4G, GPRS, EvDo, •HSDPA and HSUPA; RF human exposure: •EMF/EMR/EME measurements to AS/NZS2772.2 for compliance with ARPANSA RPS3, ICNIRP, ANSI, R&TTE EMF including NATA accredited predictions; SAR measurements: •ACMA, FCC, IC and EU. Testing to EN50360, EN 62209-1, EN62209-2 and IEEE 1528; •Energy performance: MEPS Testing to AS/NZS4665.1; •Environmental tests including IP to 60529 and temperature; •Calibration: RF field probes to 18 GHz, ESD, EFT, HV surge generators, LISN, CDN, antennas (NATA pending); •Australian/New Zealand gaming machine national standard rev 10.1 - all EMC clauses; competent body: •The only test house competent body for assessment of TCF to ACMA C-tick regulations.

4 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

In another Australian first, the Melbourne laboratory has gained recognition by the Ford EMC group as an approved supplier for testing to the new Ford EMC standard EMC-CS-2009, the only such facility in Australia.

Ford has developed and implemented robust processes to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of the vehicle’s electrical system and subsystems.

Component and subsystem EMC testing must be performed by EMC test laboratories recognised by Ford and the company will not accept test data from any other laboratory.

After considerable investment in time and capital, EMC demonstrated compliance of the ISO 17025 NATA accredited facilities to the Ford technical requirements.

Australian motor vehicle component manufacturers can now test in the company’s Keilor Park labs and avoid the costs of sending equipment and engineering personnel to the US for extended periods.

The company’s test capabilities also include EMC requirements of most other motor vehicle manufacturers including GM, Toyota, BMW, Mitsubishi, Volvo, VW, Daimler/Chrysler and Porsche. Recognised ‘e-mark’ testing is also provided plus the European Automotive Directive 2004/104/EC, ECE Regulation 10 and FCAI (Australia).

The company is now accredited for testing electromedical devices for both EMC and electrical safety to IEC/EN60601-1 Edition 3.

EMC Technologies www.emctech.com.au

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Š iStockphoto.com/ arteno

Measurements

Simplifying frequency converter testing

David Ballo, Agilent Technologies

Frequency-translating components - devices like mixers or frequency converters that shift an input signal from one frequency band to another - are key elements in most RF and microwave systems. They are found at the core of satellite receivers and transponders, radar systems and telecommunication networks While in the past it was often sufficient to only characterise the magnitude response of these components, today’s engineers must also know the phase and group delay response as well.

Having both magnitude and phase information for all of the components of a system means designers can simulate and optimise the overall system performance.

Traditionally, vector network analysers (VNA) have been the tool of choice to characterise the magnitude and phase performance of a mixer or frequency converter. They offer two or four test ports, one or two internal RF sources, fast sweeps (compared with using stand-alone signal sources and a spectrum analyser or power meter) and provide complex data of both reflection (eg, input and output match) and transmission responses.

VNAs can offset their source and receiver frequencies, a necessary capability to test frequency-translating devices.

Typically when using a VNA, two additional mixers are needed to characterise the device under test (DUT). The first mixer provides a signal to the VNA’s reference receiver at the same frequency as the output of the DUT. This signal provides a phase reference for ratioed measurements of phase and group delay versus frequency (Figure 1).

In older VNAs, the reference mixer was also used to phase-lock the internal source to the correct offset frequency. In contrast, modern VNAs use fully synthesised RF sources that do not require a reference mixer to generate the proper stimulus signal.

Calibrating a VNA for these measurements requires both a power reference and phase reference, as well as standard S-parameter calibration standards like an ECal module or a mechanical calibration kit. Power calibration is done using a power sensor.

Instruments like the PNA family of network analysers calibrate all the receivers for the test ports based on a single source-power calibration at port one and the standard S-parameter error terms 6 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

between the ports. Calibrating the phase response of the receivers is most commonly done with a second mixer.

This calibration mixer is used as a characterised through standard, meaning its vector reflection and transmission responses are known. One way to do this is to perform three reflection measurements at the input of a reciprocal calibration mixer with an appropriate output intermediate-frequency (IF) filter, while presenting three different impedances to the output of the mixer/ filter pair.

These impedances can come from open, short and load standards or from an ECal module. From this, the input match, output match and two-way transmission response can be calculated. Using a reciprocal mixer, the one-way transmission response can be determined by dividing the two-way response in half.

While this method is relatively straightforward and has been commonly employed, in practice it is often difficult to find the proper reference and calibration mixers and the appropriate IF filter, especially when a broad range of DUTs must be measured and especially above 26.5 GHz. Providing a local-oscillator signal to the reference and calibration mixers can also be cumbersome, particularly when using older VNAs with no built-in second source. www.electronicsonline.net.au

Measurements

Figure 1. The traditional approach to testing mixers and frequency converters requires a reference mixer to provide a signal at the same frequency as that present at the DUT output, for ratioed phase measurements between the R1 and B receivers.

Figure 2. The SMC+phase set-up is simple, since reference and calibration mixers are not required. Test system calibration is achieved using a power sensor (left), a broadband comb generator (middle) and an ECal module (right) or a mechanical calibration kit.

A simpler alternative would speed up measurement set-up and calibration, making design and test engineers more productive.

One solution to this dilemma is the new SMC+phase method, which was developed for the Agilent PNA and PNA-X series of microwave network analysers. This method eliminates the need for both a reference and calibration mixer when testing the phase or group delay of frequency-translating devices.

Instead of relying on ratios of test and reference signals at the same frequency (which requires a reference mixer), it ratios single-receiver phase measurements done at different frequencies (those corresponding to the DUT’s input and output).

This technique relies on the inherent phase coherency of the fractional-N-based synthesis architecture used in the PNA’s sources. Relative phase coherency is maintained across a frequency sweep by digitally incrementing the phase accumulators embedded in the fractional-N hardware, and by employing synchronous IF detection and digital-signal processing.

At band-crossings, where changing synthesiser-divide numbers cause discrete phase jumps, the phase is mathematically stitched together to maintain phase coherency across the sweep.

Sweep-to-sweep starting-phase variation is removed by normalising one point in the phase sweep to zero, which allows sweep averaging to be employed as an effective noise-reduction technique.

In conjunction with single-receiver phase measurements that eliminate the reference mixer, a new phase calibration method has been developed that eliminates the need for a characterised through mixer. Instead of using a mixer to determine the phase-versusfrequency response of the PNA’s receivers, a harmonic comb generator is used to create www.electronicsonline.net.au

Figure 3. When measuring devices with embedded LOs, the PNA uses a coarse frequency sweep (top) to determine the nominal LO offset. A phase-versus-time sweep (bottom) is used to finetune the estimate of LO offset.

a broadband set of signals with 10 MHz spacing, extending all the way to 67 GHz. The comb generator, which is calibrated by electro-optical methods developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is identical to the phase references used with Agilent’s nonlinear vector network analyser (NVNA).

Once phase calibration is done, accurate measurement of phase deviation and absolute-group-delay can be performed. As with previous SMC measurements, a power sensor is used to accurately calibrate the magnitude-versus-frequency response of the receivers (Figure 2).

SMC+phase measurements can easily be done on devices with embedded LOs that are not locked to the system 10 MHz reference.

The measurements use previously developed search algorithms that tune the PNA receivers to the actual output of the DUT, instead of relying on nominal LO frequencies (Figure 3).

The tracking is done sweep by sweep to keep up with LO drift.

Unlike the modulated-carrier envelope approach to testing DUTs with embedded LOs, the PNA’s method is simple and does not require two RF sources and a signal combiner.

In addition, it enables phase-versus-drive measA simpler alternative would speed urements to characterise phase change versus RF input-power levels, something that cannot be done up measurement set-up and with the envelope method. calibration, making design and With the PNA and PNA-X family of microwave network analysers, mixer and converter test has test engineers more productive. never been easier. The new SMC+phase method uses single-receiver phase measurements to eliminate the need for reference mixers.

Connecting to the DUT is as simple as connecting input and output cables and, if needed, connecting a third cable to the instrument’s built-in second source for use as an LO signal. A new phase calibration method uses a broadband harmonic comb generator as a phase standard to eliminate the need for calibration mixers and their associated IF filters.

The method promises to revolutionise mixer and converter test by providing a simple set-up with fast, accurate results based on easy-to-use broadband calibration standards.

Simple and fast characterisation of mixers and frequency converters makes design and test engineers more productive, helping them decrease time to market and lower the cost of test.

Agilent Technologies Aust Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q671

August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

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newproducts Advisory service

Terminal blocks Three terminal block types for distributing, measuring and switching energy are plug-in combi units with a cross-section area of 10 mm2 and are suitable for distributing energy and for modular switching system constructs.

The PTME transducer disconnect terminal is designed for conductor cross-sections of up to 10 mm². The short-circuit connector is new and automatically establishes a leading current transformer short circuit.

This ensures a high degree of safety and reliability in current transformer measuring circuits. In conjunction with the associated base terminal, incorrect user actions as well as destruction of the connected current transformers can be ruled out.

Signals and data from sensors in the energy management system can be switched using plugin multilevel PT 2.5 terminal blocks. Several bridging options and switching ranges offer flexibility.

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q631

Surge generator The EM Test surge generator type VSS 500N10.3 is specifically designed to generate high voltage transients as required by IEC/EN 61730-2 for safety testing photovoltaic panels.

The generator features the full range of capacities that load photovoltaic panels may represent, offering 7 x different load ranges.

Each range is based on a separate pulse-forming network to comply with the tolerances given in the standard.

As usual for all EM TEST equipment, the device offers manual operation via a front-panel menu with function keys enabling the user to program test routines quickly and accurately.

The cursor allows fast control of all test parameters of the programmed routine, so testing is simplified.

Control software is compatible for use with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 and includes a standards library along with the flexibility to easily generate user-specific test sequences.

Consultant Technology Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q826

8 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

The DO 178 Process Deployment Advisory Service, dedicated model-based design consulting services for DO-178 projects, is for aerospace engineers who want increased confidence that highintegrity applications developed using MATLAB and Simulink comply with DO standards such as DO-178B, DO-178C and DO-331, the Model-Based Development and Verification Supplement to DO-178C and DO-278A. The service educates engineers on the standard, identifies gaps in the current processes, provides a road map to a more optimised process framework using modelbased design, and assists in deploying that road map. MathWorks consultants walk through the following steps as part of the advisory service: familiarisation with existing processes and tools; gap analysis; targeted instruction; hands-on deployment support.

MathWorks Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q009

Particle counter The 985 particle counter is suitable for HVAC and IAQ professionals to verify cleanroom classifications and conduct HVAC filter testing and IAQ commissioning and investigations in hospitals, labs and other sensitive environments.

The instrument features: six particle size channels with a range of 0.3 to 10 Âľm; rugged, ultralightweight, ergonomic design for single-hand operation; in-device storage of 10,000 records for access to historical data; 10 h of standard-use battery life to last a full workday.

The counter has a large 8.89 cm QVGC colour display with backlight and icons plus a large font option for navigation and viewing.

It features configurable settings for the display, sample methods and sample size alarm. Data can be presented in traditional tabular or as a trend graph and exported to a USB memory stick or directly to a PC via a USB or ethernet cable.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q042

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Meet the Cost and Carbon Challenge with Hybrid Power Solutions

newproducts Connectivity relays TE Connectivity’s Schrack series of force guided relays that can be used in robotics and industrial automation applications has been released.

The relays have a high level of relay sensitivity (ratio of input coil power to switching capacity) than others available. New plastic contact materials give increased switching capacity and insulation.

The relays feature four poles with force guided contacts in accordance with EN 50205 standards. These relays are commonly used in applications such as emergency shut-off, process control, machine control, elevator and escalator control, and safety relays.

The range is available with add-on options for enclosure, termination, input, contact arrangement and rating, and are designed to operate in rigorous environments. element14 Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q443

Safety switch The Allen-Bradley 440N-Z SensaGuard non-contact switch with a magnetic integrated latch combines a non-contact interlock switch and door latch into one integrated device.

It replaces separately mounting an interlock switch and door catch in lightweight guard doors. The switch features the latest RFID technology for coding, inductive technology for sensing and output switching signal device (OSSD) safety outputs.

It is available with a coded sensor and actuator to help protect against operators or maintenance personnel defeating the switch, helping to enhance safety. In addition, an LED on the switch provides diagnostic status.

Rockwell Automation Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q452

M2M wireless

DIAdem 2012 is the latest version of the software tool specifically designed to help engineers and scientists interpret and share data.

Analysing and reporting time-based measurement data presents challenges that DIAdem is claimed to overcome with an off-the-shelf solution. It is optimised to operate on large data sets, includes engineering-specific analysis functions, features a powerful drag-and-drop report editor and runs scripts for automating repetitive tasks.

Features include: object-oriented VBScript API for reporting, significantly reducing programming time and effort; performance improvements for reporting, especially for multipage reports and new analysis functions; ability to check for updates to DataPlugins within DIAdem; updated DAC dialog boxes for easier configuration of data-logging applications; added support for LIN and FlexRay databases; scalable background images for 2D charts.

The 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi access point to provide M2M equipment with wireless networking capabilities has been launched.

This industrial-grade wireless access point is the first fruit of B&B’s October 2011 acquisition of Quatech, whose Airborne wireless networking devices feature Wi-Fi connectivity technology to network-enable industrial M2M devices.

The latest product is in two forms: an embeddable module (APMG-Q551) allows original equipment manufacturers to Wi-Fienable their own products so they can either serve as self-sufficient M2M wireless communications hubs or tie into existing wireless networks; an external ethernet access point (APXG-Q5420) provides the same functionality in a ruggedised stand-alone box and adds serial device server capability as well.

The technology allows the access-point-equipped device, whether it’s the external APXG or an OEM’s device fitted with the APMG, to become the centre of its own self-sufficient Wi-Fi network.

The external APXG is equipped with a typical ethernet port, plus two serial ports not typically found on wireless access points.

With the ability to connect and route between any of its ports, the APXG can serve as an access point (handling up to eight simultaneous client connections) or as a bridge (tying Wi-Fi devices into ethernet networks), while simultaneously serving as a serial device server (bridging serial devices into either wired or wireless LANs.)

National Instruments Australia

B&B Electronics

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q344

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Simplified analysis

10 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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newproducts In-flight antenna Cable-based antennas or leaky feeders have been introduced to improve signal propagation without increasing the amount of hardware required on an aircraft.

Suitable for both wide-body and single-aisle passenger aircraft, the antennas provide reliable access to different wireless protocols so passengers can connect to in-flight entertainment, internet servers and email accounts.

Lightning monitoring

The cable-based antennas are installed along the length of the cabin ceiling, and with signal propagation occurring every metre along its length, passengers have reliable access regardless of their location. Signals are transmitted via a signal network computer and outside antenna to satellites that connect to the worldwide network.

Unlike typical broadband technology that requires separate hardware for each type of wireless access, this antenna requires only one set of hardware to service the entire aircraft.

This antenna sends and receives signals in frequencies ranging from 400 MHz to 6 GHz, which makes it compatible with numerous communication standards, including Bluetooth, DECT, DECT2, Global Star, GSM, Iridium Sat, MMS, PDC, TETRA, UMTS, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g, and WiMAX. WL Gore & Associates

The LM-S lightning monitoring system provides online information about lightning strikes in a plant.

The system identifies and analyses all the important parameters of lightning surge currents based on the Faraday effect.

A light signal is used as the measuring medium. The way in which this light signal is influenced provides information about the type and magnitude of the lightning strike.

This information can be used to optimally plan monitoring and maintenance activities. This is especially advantageous for plants and systems in exposed locations such as wind turbines.

The system comprises an evaluation unit with up to three sensors. The sensors are mounted on the discharge conductors that conduct the lightning current. They are connected by fibre-optic cables to the evaluation unit, which communicates with existing supervisory control or management systems via an ethernet interface. The integrated web interface allows access to the most important data of all of the monitored systems via the system’s own network.

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q623

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q629

Ceramic capacitors X8R multilayer ceramic chip capacitors now offer up to twice the capacitance of existing components with the same dimensions.

They are also able to withstand the high operating temperatures of car engine compartments. These advances have been made possible by the development of a new dielectric material that maintains good reliability and thermal characteristics, even in extreme environments.

The devices are available for rated voltages of 16, 25, 50 and cover a capacitance range between 10 nF and 10 µF. They are available in case sizes of between 1005 and 3225, depending on their voltage and values.

The capacitors feature a temperature range of -55 to 150 °C, with a maximum capacitance drift of ±15%.

TDK Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N831

12 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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NEW White Papers

now available online!

Global networks for M2M M2M has a relatively short history, having been around since 2000 when it became apparent that communication between machines carrying out similar functions would be a good idea.

It has since broadened into communication between dissimilar devices, examples being medicine and mining. This eBook explains more about this technology.

Business impact of application performance problems Issues with the performance of business-critical applications can cause deterioration of an organisation’s business performance.

Slow applications that support key business processes can cause revenue loss and a decline in customer satisfaction and employee productivity. To ensure you’re informed, be sure to read this white paper.

Building a storage environment for super-efficiency The growth of stored data is being driven by a need to leverage new data sources (web-based social media, for example) to create new business opportunities. The current ways of managing data in this environment are not sustainable, however, so IT administrators must therefore respond by becoming more efficient.

newproducts Power supplies Contact-cooled AC power supplies from 50 to 750 W will not fail even when things become particularly heated. This is because sealed modules with a cooling plate do not require any air as long as they are installed on the appropriate application surfaces.

Cosel power modules are encapsulated power supplies mounted on printed circuit boards that dissipate the heat they generate exclusively through an aluminium base plate and do not require any additional fans or special flue effects.

These heat-conductive contact surfaces can reach temperatures of up to 100°C before an integral overtemperature trip puts on the brake. The power modules are designed for permanent operation under full load in 24/7 mode.

The TU series of single modules requires an external EMI filter to attenuate line-based faults. The supply range begins with the 50 W module on a ¼-brick space of 37 x 59 mm with a height of 12.7 mm. The range extends from 100 to 300 or 500 W in a full-brick format.

The TUNS basic versions have safety shut-offs as standard for overvoltage, overcurrent and overtemperature as well as a settings range for output voltage and additional remote sensor connections to compensate for voltage drops in the output cables.

The most powerful version with a permanent output of 500 W also has an additional peak power potential.

The current range of DPG/DHS modules has been extended with a plug-and-play-enabled option for the SNDPG module and the SNDHS series. The power modules can be supplied on complete assemblies in the form of a printed circuit board with a filter, fuse and plug or screw connectors on an aluminium base plate.

The user has to only complete the mechanical assembly using the 3 mm thick base plate. This means that robust CE- or UL-compliant AC power supplies with an output of up to 750 W can be produced in minutes. Output modules with 50, 100 or 250 W are supplied from an AC front-end module to correct harmonics with floating output voltages between 3.3 and 48.

Powerbox Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q596

UC: mitigating the risk and reaping the rewards Unified communications is an evolving set of technologies that includes voice, video and mobility among others, and like anything new it brings with it inherent rewards, requirements and risks.

This white paper gives an overview of UC deployment to help you achieve the best results. Download now!

For these and more White Paper downloads, visit www.electronicsonline.net.au/white_papers

Power MOSFETs Vishay has released the first devices in its next-generation D series of high-voltage power MOSFETs. The 400, 500 and 600 V n-channel devices combine low specific on-resistance with ultralow gate charge and currents from 3 to 36 A in a wide range of packages.

The devices’ stripe design - with a smaller die size and terminations - lowers the total gate charge by 50% while increasing switching speed and reducing on-resistance and input capacitance.

The devices feature on-resistance down to 0.17, 0.13 and 0.34 Ω.

The ultralow on-resistance values translate into low conduction and switching losses to save energy in high-power, highperformance switchmode applications. These include server and telecom power systems, welding, plasma cutting, battery chargers, ballast light, high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, semiconductor capital equipment and induction heating.

Fastron Technologies Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q454

14 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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newproducts Lighted sensor

Ethernet switch

The EZ-Light K50 touch allows users to change light from green to red with the touch of a finger, hand or whole palm - with bare hands or work gloves - for bright, clear indication.

The device requires no physical pressure to operate, during pick-and-place operations.

The feedback is clear and shows workers exactly where they need to touch to function properly. The device is available in one, two- and three-colour models.

With a laser-marked surface and a housing rated to IP69K, the unit is durable and, because it is self-contained, the device eliminates the need for an external controller.

The Moxa EDS-G205A-4PoE switches are smart, fiveport, unmanaged full-gigabit ethernet devices supporting Power-over-Ethernet on ports two to five.

The switches are classified as power source equipment, and when used in this way, they enable centralisation of the power supply, providing up to 30 W per port and reducing the effort needed for installing power.

The switches can be used to power IEEE 802.3af/at standard devices, eliminating the need for additional wiring, and they support IEEE 802.3/802.3u/802.3x with 10/100/1000M, full/half-duplex, MDI/MDI-X auto-sensing to provide an economical high-bandwidth solution for an industrial ethernet network.

Micromax Pty Ltd

Madison Technologies

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q599

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q597

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© iStockphoto.com/ Baris Simsek

RF devices

Keeping track of data centre functions Few data centres today keep automatic inventories of their servers and infrastructure components. As a result, many IT administrators are unaware of the current use levels of their server racks and IT infrastructure.

One solution is the use of RFID technology, which offers a way of improving the security and efficiency of data centres.

Which rack houses the server for my ERP systems? Which server enclosures offer sufficient cooling capacity and power supply for installation of another blade?

How much power does a particular device in the enclosure consume at full use? And what are its cooling requirements?

Many administrators have difficulty answering questions like these quickly and accurately, even though they are faced with them daily.

This is due to both the number of server racks and the complexity of the hardware components. Up-to-date and reliable information on the device structure per rack is often hidden away somewhere in Excel sheets or would only be available through a constant and time-consuming process of manual inventory monitoring.

What’s more, manual data entry only provides a snapshot of the data centre inventory. RFID has been used for years to optimise processes in the logistics industry and now provides a means of automating inventory procedures in data centres. Radiofrequency identification enables contact-free detection of objects or people via radio and every system infrastructure includes a passive transponder, a transceiver unit and an IT system that works in the background.

The transponder - a microchip with antenna coil - is integrated into a carrier object and can be read and written using www.electronicsonline.net.au

radio. This tag contains a code to which information (stored in a database) can be assigned and so gives every object a unique identity.

The tag sends information to a reader unit, which forwards the code to a database. Here, a software program decrypts the code and links it to the stored information on the properties of the carrier object.

The system’s knowledge - or intelligence - is not in the transponder itself but in the databases.

Dynamic rack control (DRC) from Rittal is an RFID infrastructure developed specifically for use in The system's knowledge data centres.

It uses the radio technology directly in- or intelligence - is not in the side the rack to log component population of the 482.6 mm (19″) level contactlessly transponder itself but in the and in real time. IT components, eg serv- databases. ers or switches, equipped with RFID tags, send information continuously to an aerial strip installed in the server enclosures.

As the rack is fitted with one sensor per mounting hole, separate data can be accessed for every height unit (U), and so the precise location of every device is recorded immediately and without any contact when it is installed.

The tags also provide basic information on the installed device, such as the manufacturer, type of component, date of installation and software. The tags are permanently assigned to the devices.

If the position of hardware changes, eg, it is moved to a new rack, this information is registered and reported automatically.

As a result, administrators know where every server is installed.

When populating racks with components, administrators all too often rely on rules of thumb instead of taking into account factors such as efficient power supply and cooling. Incorrect identification of component positions and insufficient documentation can have serious consequences if the infrastructure is overloaded through the installation of an additional device.

In the worst case, this can result in complete server failure August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

17

RF devices

and downtimes in a company’s operations. Failure in the server room is particularly precarious for IT service providers and collocation providers who have to fulfil service level agreements for their customers.

Inventory monitoring using RFID technology in data centres helps avoid such downtimes in the IT infrastructure.

Functions for identifying component positions, recording the device type and serial number, and sorting data records and meta data, such as the purchase data and maintenance intervals, are available at the touch of a button.

An automated inventory system with RFID also creates the basis for monitoring, eg, through integration into an infrastructure management software such as RiZone, which is optimised for the physical infrastructure of a data centre.

It also manages infrastructure compoInventory monitoring using RFID nents, such as power supplies in the server technology in data centres helps rack and cooling right down to rack level.

Most of these components have networking avoid such downtimes in the IT capability today and can communicate their infrastructure. status via SNMP or BACnet.

If the RiZone management platform is connected to the Microsoft System Centre Operations Manager (SCOM) for example, the system displays all important alarms and relevant parameters for cooling, power supply and energy consumption on a single user interface.

This makes it possible to manage the entire data centre, ie, services and hardware, from one standardised interface. In addition to improving energy efficiency and reliability, in case of failure this system also makes it possible to relocate applications faster and to find and exchange devices more quickly.

The ability to store key component data on passive RFID tags makes it possible to identify free capacities at the 19″ level of the racks and obtain information on both the installed electric output and using temperature sensors - the climatic conditions.

In this way, a current overview of the components installed in the racks, separated according to device category, power consumption or cooling demand, is available at any time.

The rack configurations can be displayed in the infrastructure management software.

They can be called up as lists or imported/ exported using the XML file format. These data records can then be further processed in external databases and play a key role in simplifying the day-to-day optimisation of data centre operations quite considerably.

This way, every rack can be populated with IT components as efficiently as possible in terms of space, cooling output and power supply. Every extra height unit gained in data centre rooms, which tend to suffer from a chronic lack of space, means improved performance.

Touch panel PC

Switching regulator

iBase’s environmentally friendly RISC-based, touch panel PC system, the MRS -800, is a fanless panel PC based on the Cortex-A8 600 MHz microprocessor, TI AM3517.

The device offers 256 MB of DDR2 memory and onboard 512 MB NAND flash/ SD card for storage. The MRS-800 features the necessary interfaces required for use in many different applications and industries: 1x 10/100 ethernet with optional PoE support, 1x USB, 1x RS232, 1x SD card slot and a 12 VDC-in jack. It has a programmable LED light bar and supports USB OTG (USB on-the-go).

The resistive-touch panel PC is supplied with a black plastic enclosure, and an 8″ TFT display, featuring a 800 x 600 resolution. It can be integrated with a VESA mount support (75 x 75 mm). The stand-alone device supports high-level operating systems such as Linux 2.6.x, Windows CE 6.0 and Android 2.3.

Supporting 3D graphics acceleration, the PC is suitable for a diverse range of applications, including industrial and home automation, POS terminal and kiosk panel usages.

Backplane Systems Technology Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q502

18 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

Rittal Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q653

Mornsun’s second-generation R2 series of its K78 series of regulators has improved ripple, noise and EMI. The K78xx-500R2 series is also suitable for problems with negative voltage applications. When used as a negative voltage device, the series still has a high level of efficiency and low ripple.

The device can operate as either a positive or a negative output voltage regulator and is a drop-in, high-efficiency replacement for the LM78xx 3 pin series of regulators.

R2 series stands for lower power consumption and better EMC performance.

The series meets EN55022 Class A for power and with the 4.75 to 32 VDC ultrawide input range, its efficiency can still be up to 96%.

As a result, this means the device works well in the -40 to +85°C temperature range without a heat sink.

The devices also have short-circuit protection, overload and thermal protection without any extra circuitry or components.

DLPC Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q507

www.electronicsonline.net.au

newproducts Engine control modules

Six Drivven C Series engine control modules, which provide engine researchers with rugged, modular engine-specific I/O for interfacing directly with internal combustion engine subsystems and actuators, are now available.

Using these modules, which are programmed with LabVIEW FPGA, engineers can prototype engine control algorithms without having to create custom hardware or request lengthy code changes.

The module features: LabVIEW FPGA drivers: engineers can easily adjust injection timing and software parameters using an open, intuitive programming language; modular I/O allowing engineers to prototype all the I/O necessary for a production engine controller.

National Instruments Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q343

Ceramic capacitors Vishay has introduced a series of surface-mount multilayer ceramic chip capacitors offering high self-resonance, a high Q factor of ≥2000 and a low dissipation factor of ≤0.05 % for operation in high-frequency commercial applications.

With their low dissipation factor, devices in the VJ HIFREQ series are optimised for filter and matching networks and amplifier and DC blocking circuits. They reduce signal loss and energy consumption in power amplifier modules, VoIP networks, cellular base stations, GPS systems and satellite, Wi-Fi (802.11) and WiMAX (802.16) wireless communication.

The series is offered in 0402, 0603 and 0805 case sizes, with broad working voltages from 25 to 250 VDC and wide capacitance ranges from 1 pF to 1.5 nF. The devices offer tight tolerances to ±0.1 pF, a good ageing rate of 0% per decade and an operating temperature range of -55 to +125°C. Manufactured in noble metal electrode technology (NME) with a wet build process, the capacitors are available with various RoHS-compliant termination finishes.

Future Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q439

Transit racks Erack is a lightweight, 19″ ruggedised aluminium transit rack for electronic equipment, specifically designed for commercial and military applications when protection against physical, climatic and electromagnetic hazards are required, and where weight, strength and portability are critical issues.

The rack's external container has a rim that eliminates the edge extrusion and makes the case stronger, lighter and more resistant to ingress by water and dust.

The internal chassis frame is supported by special mounts which protect against shock and the unit is up to 30% lighter than other rack cases in its class.

It has front and rear access via precision interchangeable lids.

Each lid is secured to the rack body by front-mounted, quarterturn latches (allowing front and rear access when stacked).

Positive location between lids and body is achieved by male/ female extrusions which incorporate a silicon seal giving allweather protection to IP66.

The chassis is constructed from alochromed aluminium alloy, punched with ‘burst holes’ giving enhanced lightness and rigidity. The chassis is mounted on eight elastomeric mounts, fixed to the outer casing by robust anchor plates, which are focused towards the centre of mass of the case, ensuring the electronic equipment is protected against vibration and impact.

The suspended inner chassis can move up to 50 mm independently of the outer container and in any direction. An earthing/ grounding strap is fitted to maintain conductivity between the equipment and the outer container.

Amber Technology Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q340

20 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

www.electronicsonline.net.au

Electronex

Exhibitors with stands booked as What’s New in Electronics went to press included:

Exhibitor

2012 -

list of exhibitors

em bly ex po ele ctr on ics de sig n & ass

em bly ex po ele ctr on ics de sig n & ass

em bly ex po ele ctr on ics de sig n & ass Mon o Vers ion

© iStockphoto.com/ Trout55

iStockphoto.com/ EricHoodEricHood 22 What's New in© Electronics - August 2012

Stand number

Active Components D1 ADM Instrument Engineering A4 Advantech Australia B15 Aerospace & Defence Products D29 Agilent Technologies Australia/ Trio Smartcal C35 Aldec ANZ Pty Ltd B37 Allied Data Systems C26 Altium A61 Altronic Distributors C27 Apex Tool Group A51 Bondline Static Control Solutions C10 DLPC Pty Ltd C4 Electrolube/Hakko (H K Wentworth) C22 Element 14 Pty Ltd B22 Embedded Logic Solutions Pty Ltd D31 Emona Instruments B1 Entech Electronics Pty Ltd B11 ETD Pty Ltd B36 Glyn Ltd C5 GPC Electronics D25 Hammond Electronics Pty Ltd B26 Hawker Richardson C2 Hetech Pty Ltd C25 HW Technologies C11 IMP Electronic Solutions A64 Kobot Systems Pty Ltd C10 Lintek Pty Limited A13 M2M Connectivity C18 Machinery Forum Pty Ltd A13 Marque Magnetics Ltd D27 Mastercut Technologies D32 Mektronics Australia Pty Ltd B5 MG Electronic D9 Mondo Electronics 2000 Pty Ltd A7 M Rutty & Co C15 National Instruments A21 On Board Solutions Pty Ltd D11 On-Track Technology Pty Ltd D20 Photoetch Industries C36 Powerbox C15 Precision Circuits D36 Precision Manufacturing Solutions Ltd & CircuitLabs Ltd A51 Professional Industries Ltd B38 QualiEco Circuits Ltd A16 Reed Business Information D24 Reid Industrial Graphic Products C31 RMS Parts Pty Ltd A9 Rohde & Schwarz Australia Pty Ltd D7 RS Components C14 Satcam RTD Circuit Design A15 Scientific Devices Australia B34 Silicon Chip Magazine B33 Suba Engineering Pty Ltd A10 Tech Rentals D8 Tekmark Australia Pty Ltd D14 Telit Wireless Solutions B10 Upton Australia C11 VGL Allied Connectors C16 Vicom Australia A25 What’s New in Electronics magazine - Westwick-Farrow Media B16 Wurth Elektronik B2 www.electronicsonline.net.au

electronics design & assembly expo

electronics design & assembly expo Mono Version

Electronex exhibition is the biggest yet

Mike Smyth

Where: Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, Sydney When: Wednesday and Thursday September 12 and 13 Open: Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday 9 am to 5 pm Conference: Tuesday 9 am to 5 pm; Wednesday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm; Thursday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

The Electronex Design and Assembly Expo opens its doors at the Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, Sydney, from 12-13 September. This is the third year of the event, which is now 50% bigger than the first exhibition. “This indicates the growing support and enthusiasm for a specialised industry electronics platform showcasing local Australian and New Zealand-based suppliers and distributors of the latest electronic technology for our market,� said Noel Gray, managing director of Australian Exhibitions and Events, organiser of the event.

More than 80 exhibitors will show the latest developments in components and equipment . Visitors and exhibitors will be able to share knowledge, demonstrate and bench test new devices, and have the www.electronicsonline.net.au

opportunity to network and exchange ideas on future industry developments.

Design, electronic and electrical engineers, and scientific, IT and communications professionals are among those expected to attend to see a large range of equipment for test and measurement, R&D, maintenance and service and repair.

Companies such as Agilent Technologies, ADM Instruments, LeCroy, Vicom, Emona Instruments, Scientific Devices, TechRentals, Fluke and National Instruments will be among those showing their new technology and demonstrating solutions.

Electronex is a sponsor of the Future Awards that recognise excellence in the Australian electronics industry. Entries highlight the best products developed to enable the modern lifestyle with awards in these categories: wellness, environment, motor vehicles and transport, industrial, communications and networks, best in design and student. Winners will be announced at a roundtable network function.

As in the previous three years, the SMCBA is holding its international conference in conjunction with the exhibition and again speakers will be giving a variety of presentations.

August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

23

electronics design & assembly expo

On Tuesday at 2 pm, the opening day of the conference, Garry Ferrari of FTG Circuits will talk about high-density interconnect structures, while on Wednesday at 9 am, he will look at PCB deelectronics design & assembly expo sign essentials and updates and on Thursday he will discuss the foundations for reducing costs during a 9 am to 5 pm presentation.

Garry is a director of technical support for FTG in the US and was given the ‘President’s Award’ in recognition of his contribution to the interconnect industry.

Also from America is Dave Hillman, a metallurgical engineer in the Advanced Operations Engineering Department of Rockwell Collins.

He will also be making three presentations starting on Wednesday at 8.30 am with a paper called ‘Package on Package (POP) Technology: Manufacturing Implementation and Solder Joint Reliability’.

On Thursday he will look at the issue of tin whiskers in a presentation beginning at 8.30 am. ‘Case Studies in Non-conformance’ is the title of his final address on Thursday at 1 pm.

Craig Hillman is CEO and managing member of DfR Solutions, an organisation that specialises in design reliability. The first of his three presentations is on Wednesday at 9 am when he discusses a pathway to reliability and the physics of failure.

On Thursday at 8.30 am he looks at ‘Next Generation Technologies in Electronics Packaging and Production’, while at 1 pm on the same day he talks about contamination and cleanliness and methods of developing practical responses to a challenging problem.

Mono Version

Andy Kowalewski, of Premier Technology Training, has a background in avionics and has been a board designer for more than 31 years. He will discuss PCB design excellence on Wednesday at 9 am and will continue with that theme the next day at 9 am.

Terry Clitheroe, of Solder Technologies, is a Master/PC trainer and was an instructor in the RAAF. He will talk about the ‘Dos and Don’ts - Good and Bad Practices - Myths and Reality of Rework and Repair’ when he addresses delegates at 9 am on Wednesday. The following day he will again look at this topic in a presentation beginning at 9 am.

For more information on the conference, contact Andrew Pollock on (03) 9571 2200 or email: pollock@smcba.asn.au.

For more information on Electronex, contact Noel Gray/Anthony Dolan on (03) 96756 2133 or email ngray@auexhibitions.com.au or register online at www.electronex.com.au

element14 - stand B22

Vicom - stand A25

When testing components or circuit boards on the bench or in a system, it is necessary to have clean and stable DC power to help minimise interference and enhance measurement repeatability. element14’s basic DC power supplies have provided such power and the supplies comprise a wide range of programmable and non-programmable supplies that are suitable for R&D, manufacturing and education applications.

Key features of the units include: low noise and good regulation; overvoltage and overcurrent load protection; front and rear output terminals (E3640 models, E3633A and E3634A); GPIB and RS232 control (programmable models).

Vicom will feature oscilloscopes from LeCroy. The WaveAce 1000 has a sample rate of up to 1 GS/s with 2 Mpts of memory in 2-channel models from 40 to 100 MHz. The WaveAce 2000 delivers sample rates of up to 2 GS/s and 24 kpts of memory and is available in 2- and 4-channel models from 70 to 300 MHz.

element14 Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q564

ONBoard Solutions - stand D11 The company will be showing a PCB DFM analysis tool, ValorNPI from Mentor Graphics, that works with all major EDA tool sets, Mentor, Cadence, Zuken, Altium and others.

Users have lower NPI costs as the system enables users to take full control of assessing designs across the whole supply chain covering DFA (design for assembly) , DFF (design for fabrication) , DFT (design for test) and DFE (design for electrical integrity). In total over 700 checks are available to users. By using the power of ODB++ data exchange format and the Valor Part Library, geometric part models (35 million+) available on line, the system allows a ‘get it right first time’ philosophy.

Onboard Solutions Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q557

24 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

Both scopes feature a large 7″ widescreen display, and debug tools such as 32 automatic measurements, waveform maths capabilities, pass/fail mask testing, large internal storage, remote control and waveform recorder.

Integration with LeCroy’s logic analyser and waveform generators provides expanded debug and testing capabilities.

Vicom Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q558

www.electronicsonline.net.au

electronics design & assembly expo

Mondo Electronics 2000 - stand A7

TechRentals

For wire to wire electronics connection designapplications & assembly expo on engines, transmissions, equipment chassis, hydraulic valve banks, inside operator cabs and control cabinets, the DT series is designed for reliability in harsh environmental conditions. The connectors are constructed with thermoplastic housings and silicone seals with either solid-copper or nickel-plated stamped and formed crimp-type terminals which require no special tools for insertion or removal.

Features include: rugged thermoplastic housings; integral connector latches; silicone seals; crimp contacts - gold or nickel, solid; current rating up to 13 A; fail-safe secondary locks; hand insertable/removable contacts; engine compartment rated; meets most harness design requirements; environmental seal; no special tools required.

The standard DT receptacle shells feature internal pin-type contact busbar arrangements that allow common connections from three to 12 using size 16 contacts. Busbars are available in standard nickel or gold to mate with common Deutsch industrial products contacts.

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q591

Mondo Electronics 2000 Pty Ltd

Mono Version

TechRentals - stand D8 The Hioki 3532-50 5 MHz LCR meter has power for maximum high-speed measurements of 5 ms, four times that of current models, making it easy to test sample characteristics in the high-frequency range. The meter is available to rent from TechRentals.

Any four of the 14 supported parameters can be chosen for simultaneous measurement with enlarged display to accommodate situations where the unit is read from a distance.

While monitoring the measurement results, frequency, signal level and other measurement conditions can be changed, enabling effective trial measurements and setting evaluation conditions.

The instrument includes memory for 30 sets of measurement conditions, including comparator values. Some applications are laboratory use for evaluating operating characteristics, production line use or research and development.

Features include: frequency range 42 Hz to 5 MHz; basic accuracy of ¹0.08%; measurement data can be displayed graphically using standard spreadsheet software; includes correlation correction function and interactive touch-panel operation; 14 parameters that can be measured are: |Z|, |Y|, θ, Rp Rs (ESR), G, X, B, Lp, Ls, Cp, Cs, D (tan), and Q.

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q636

National Instruments - stand A21

The latest for the PXI platform and software-defined modular instrumentation, including PXI Express Chassis, high-performance PXI Controllers and modular instruments including the PXIe-5665 vector signal analyser, which has a frequency range up to 14 GHz will be featured.

The release of the PXIe-5665 VSA complements the RF platform including the 2.7 GHz low-cost analyser and the 6.6 GHz products.

FPGA-enabled technologies, including FlexRIO modules, will also feature, consisting of FlexRIO FPGA modules for PXI and PXI Express, and FlexRIO adapter modules, which add I/O to the FPGA. Additionally, with LabVIEW 2012 due to be released in August, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the latest features of this graphical system design software.

The latest version of NI TestStand test management software will also be available.

Visitors will also be able to explore the latest for data acquisition, analysis and reporting, with software tools such as DIAdem 2012, a software tool that can be used to quickly locate, load, visualise, analyse and report measurement data collected during data acquisition and/ or generated during simulations.

Additionally, some of the latest data acquisition devices will also be on display National Instruments Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q585

tel: 08 8240 2244

TekMark - stand D14 Tektronix is introducing what it claims is the first oscilloscope with a built-in spectrum analyser. The mixed domain instrument can capture time-correlated analog, digital and RF signals for a complete system view of a device.

Both the time and frequency domain can be seen in a single glance. View the RF spectrum at any point to see how it changes with time or device state. The instrument is available in four analog channels with 500 MHz or 1 GHz bandwidth models and 16 digital channels and 1 RF channel.

TekMark Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q579

Standard and modified diecast aluminium, metal and plastic enclosures

Visit us on Stand B26, Electronex, Australian Technology Park, Sydney, September 12-13 2012

www.hammondmfg.com www.electronicsonline.net.au

August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

25

electronics design & assembly expo

Active Components stand D1

electronics design & assembly expo

Active Components is a distributor of electronic components, having sold product to New Zealand and Australian industries for close to 30 years. The company specialises in supplying connectors, passives, optoelectronics, cable assemblies and a wide range of other board level components.

Its head office/distribution centre stocks over 5000 items, offering users end-to-end solutions such as forecast ordering and in-house warehousing. The company is also partnered with a group of global suppliers such as Mouser that offers a listing of over three million parts readily available to cover production shortages or urgent prototyping requirements.

As a special collaboration for Electronex, Active will be co-exhibiting with Italian manufacturer Elettronica Rossoni, who will be available to meet customers and field any questions on transformers and wound components in general as the company specialises in producing high volumes of transformers that feature high reliability and low error tolerances.

Mono Version

Active Components Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q637

M2M Connectivity stand C18 Radiocrafts’ RF modules and expansion boards, which suit a variety of wireless short-range applications based on the RC232 protocol, will be on display.

The RC2500HP-RC232 is a compact surface-mounted module for multichannel GFSK/MSK operation in the 2.45 GHz ISM band with an easy-to-use UART interface.

The module includes a range extension LNA and PA and has numerous applications in M2M communication, sensors and control environments.

RC232 is an open standard for automatic meter reading at sub 1 GHz. ,home modems. The expansion boards are designed to integrate into the Sierra Wireless Fastrack Xtend modem, an with full.

Radiocrafts’ protocol RC232 is designed to enable a cable replacement when using ISM band radio modules for transmission.

The RC2500 +20 dBm high-power version is available in same footprint as the 433 MHz (RC1140-RC232) and 915-928 MHz (RC1190-RC232).

M2M Connectivity

GPC Electronics - stand D25 For more than 30 years, GPC Electronics has helped companies of all sizes reduce the risks associated with manufacturing their products.

With manufacturing facilities in Australia, New Zealand and China, the company can provide scaleable, low-cost electronics manufacturing.

It is certified to quality standard ISO9001, environmental standard ISO14001 and the medical products quality standard ISO13485.

GPC Electronics Pty Limited

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q574

Apex Tool Group - stand A51

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q566

Emona Instruments - stand B1 Oscium iOS test equipment takes advantage of the features and touchscreen technology of the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and interfaces via the iOS family’s 30-pin dock connector to create a new category of test equipment called iOS Test.

The range is made up of three instruments: the WiPry-Combo spectrum analyser and peak power meter, the iMSO mixed signal oscilloscope and the LogicScope logic analyser. Software can be downloaded from the App Store for a test drive.

The WiPry-Combo is a 2.4 GHz ISM band spectrum analyser and peak power meter.

WiPry-Combo visualises Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth and remote sensor networks using spectral mode and measures rise and fall time, duty cycle and peak power with the power meter.

The iMSO-104 is said to be the first iOS platform mixed signal oscilloscope. LogiScope is a 100 MHz, 16-channel logic analyser.

Emona Instruments Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q590

26 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

Founded in 1945, Weller has become one of the foremost suppliers of professionalquality soldering equipment, including temperature-controlled irons.

The Apex Tool Group was formed in July 2010 as a joint venture combining two tool manufacturers: Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools. Together the two businesses offer industrial and commercial users a selection of over 30 brands, including Crescent, Gearwrench, Armstrong and Weller.

Apex Tool Group Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q565

www.electronicsonline.net.au

electronics design & assembly expo

Hawker Richardson stand C2 Hawker Richardson is launching the TWS electronics design & assembly expo Automation range of pick-and-place machines, printers and ovens.

Designed and manufactured in Italy, the range is claimed to be one of the most economical surface mount assembly Mono Version

Agilent Technologies/Trio SmartCal - stand C35 Agilent Technologies continues to expand the capability of its X-series of oscilloscopes by offering 1 GHz models for the growing need for higher-bandwidth bench scopes.

Doubling the available bandwidth addresses the top user-requested enhancement for this family. The 2000 and 3000 X-series have features such as WaveGen, which integrates fixed-function and arbitrary waveform stimulus with oscilloscope response measurements.

The company claims to be the first major test-instrument vendor to integrate a function generator with an oscilloscope. This integration is useful for users who want to simplify stimulus-response testing, R&D engineers who need to simulate missing signals and educators who want a simple tool for teaching students about instrument operation.

With the upgraded AWG software, users can capture waveforms and instantly convert them to stimulus files - and even edit the captured waveforms within the oscilloscope.

It’s easy to stress a design by adding noise, changing frequency and amplitude, and adding glitches.

In addition, both the 2000 and 3000 X-series now offer the option to add a 3-digit voltmeter and 5-digit counter that operate through the same probes as the oscilloscope channels.

These measurements are decoupled from the oscilloscope triggering system, allowing engineers to make DVM and triggered oscilloscope measurements with the same connection.

The series has update rates of 1,000,000 waveforms/s and options include a 16-channel MSO, an integrated function generator and hardware-accelerated serial protocol decode.

Agilent Technologies Aust Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q582

Upton Australia - stand C11

solutions available. With 1200 Quadra machines installed globally, this range is believed to be well suited to Australian/ New Zealand electronics manufacturing, whether it be to provide low-volume, high-mix SMT assembly, prototyping or to supplement another line with its highaccuracy precision placing.

Hawker Richardson Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q583

Upton Australia will preview the Metcal Scorpion rework system.

In addition, also on display will be a wide range of other products including handsoldering and rework equipment, convection rework, fume extraction and fluid dispensing.

Several new and upgraded products also will be highlighted.

The MFR-1300 series desoldering and rework systems are the next generation of stand-alone desoldering equipment. Some of the key features include a self-contained pump, twp-in-one ergonomic and flexible handpiece that can be used in either a pencil or pistol style, and a collection chamber with 40% increased capacity over earlier systems.

The power supply features an internal pump combined with Smartheat technology that makes through-the-hole desoldering easy and keeps products safe from board damage.

The improved MRS-1100A modular rework system is an integrated convection rework system for removing and reflowing BGA/CSP and SMT components.

All the company’s brands will be on display including Metcal, OK International, Pace, DDM Novastar & Best’s range of PCB rework and repair kits.

Upton Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q563

28 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

www.electronicsonline.net.au

electronics design & assembly expo

Satcam - stand A15 Since its establishment in 1985, Sydney-based Satcam has been serving the circuit board industry in Australia and New electronics design & assembly expo Zealand and distributing T-Tech products since 1992.

The company will be demonstrating Quick Circuit prototyping producing an opportunity to get answers to all those tricky questions about how it’s done.

Quick Circuit makes circuit board prototyping easy, by removing the unwanted copper from a panel cleanly and precisely by means of a high-speed rotating cutter, drilling the correctsized holes in the right places and cutting the finished board to exactly the right size and shape.

For through-hole connectivity, the company has a choice of Quick Plate for true electroplated copper, or a manual mechanical system.

Quick Circuit models have a range of features including: software-controlled variable spindle speed from 5000 to 100000 rpm; coaxial pressure foot with integral vacuum port for swarf removal; true micrometre depth of cut adjustment with 10 µm resolution; choice of Z-axis drive - solenoid, pneumatically actuated or stepper motor; integrated dust cover/sound enclosure.

Mono Version

Satcam

Rohde & Schwarz - stand D7 The Rohde & Schwarz RTO oscilloscopes are claimed to detect and analyse faster than conventional scopes. The digital trigger system delivers good accuracy and the intelligent operating concept and touch screen make it fun to use.

With an acquisition rate of a million waveforms/s - said to be the highest rate available - the oscilloscopes find signal faults quickly.

They even capture and analyse rare signal details that, until now, have often gone undetected.

Also available are the RTM mid-range scopes with 500 MHz bandwidth. These are suitable for everyday measurements and offer a maximum sampling rate of 5 GS/s and 8 MS maximum memory depth.

As a result, they can display signals accurately, right down to the details, as well as provide high time resolution, even for long sequences.

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q568

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q559

Lintek - stand A13

DLPC Pty Ltd - stand C4

A recent user survey indicated that an additional prototype service is required to complement Lintek’s existing fast-turn prototype service, across the entire spectrum of boards manufactured. It is being introduced at the beginning of September and will be aimed at the standard FR4 fast-turn market to assist users with basic PCB requirements.

This service will be called Lintek Mini Prototype Packaging Service and is specifically designed to meet requirements when only a part of a panel is required, not an entire panel, small/low volume requirements.

The service combines the requirements of different users packaged onto one standard panel, 18 x 24″. Users may buy a panel with a usable area of 8 x 11″.

Production will begin at 9 am every Tuesday, dispatched by Friday, three days later. Orders received after 9 am each Tuesday will be allocated to the following week’s production run.

Mornsun Power has released a 1 A constant current high-power LED driver with a 1.2 A version soon to be available.

The KC24H1000 is a step-down constant current source, with 97% efficiency, an ultrawide input range 5.5-48 VDC, wide output voltage range 3.3-36 VDC max dependent on input voltage for a maximum output of 36 W and a wide operating temperature range -40 to +85°C. The series is available in four models: no dimming, PWM or analog dimming and with both analog and PWM dimming.

The device has remote on/off control, continuous short-circuit protection with output current accuracy ±3%, stability ±1%, low ripple and noise typically 70 mVp-p.

The driver meets IEC/EN 61000-4-2 contact ±4 kV perf criteria B and has good EMS protective features.

It is widely designed to be used for LED illumination applications, such as decorative lighting, specialised control lighting, backlighting, commercial lighting, street and pool lighting, in-house lighting and car lighting.

Lintek Pty Ltd

DLPC Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q562

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q570

We Stock 1000’s of Plastic Parts for Industry • Nylon Fasteners • Screws & Nuts • Washers & Spacers • Rivets & Clips • PCB Hardware • Caps & Plugs • Knobs & Handles • Hole Pugs & Bushes • LED Mounts & Light Pipes • Cable Ties & Mounts 30 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

Available from Hi-Q Electronics Limited

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electronics design & assembly expo

Altronic Distributors stand C27 Altronic Distributors has released the N 2104 electronics design & assembly expo Manson heavy-duty, 12 V battery isolator, designed for use in dual battery systems, eg, a main battery and an auxiliary battery.

The auxiliary can be connected to load, such as a camper fridge, while the main battery is isolated and does not draw current.This allows the user to start a vehicle using the main battery if the auxiliary battery is flattened by the load.

The device automatically connects the auxiliary battery for charging once the main battery reaches the selected voltage and disconnects it from charging when the main battery falls below a selected cut-off voltage.

The isolator may also be used with a single battery operating as a low-voltage cut-out to prevent overdischarge.

The device has a solid state design, has no moving parts, suits most lead acid batteries and has a manual override option.

Mono Version

Altronic Distributors Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q567

HK Wentworth - stand C22

Electrolube is launching a clear polyester resin and showcasing the newest ‘green’ and silicone resin products for the electronics, motor vehicle and industrial manufacturing industries.

The company will launch the PE7500 Clear Polyester resin, a flexible encapsulation resin that provides the performance of polyurethane resins while eliminating the use of isocyanates.

The resin carries no health warnings, thus providing a much safer environment for operators. In addition, it is a low hardness material and allows easy removal of cured material for rework processes due to its ‘digoutable’ properties and translucent amber colour.

With high flexibility at temperature extremes of -70 to +100°C and good electrical properties, the resin provides a solution for low-hazard potting and encapsulation applications.

The SC range of silicone products on show features the SC3001 that is an optically clear and flexible two-part encapsulation compound, developed specifically for the LED industry where optical clarity is essential.

It features low viscosity and good electrical properties and flexibility. It also has good resistance to water and a wide range of chemicals. Resins in the 2000 series include SC2001 - a general potting and encapsulating compound, SC2001FD - a fast cure compound and SC2003 - a thixotropic compound.

Being demonstrated will be the Graco PR70 dispensing machine. This positive displacement air-driven machine will show how two-part materials, polyurethane, epoxies or silicones can be dispensed from a small shot size of 2 cc and upwards at a ratio accuracy of ±1%.

Tank size options are available with stainless steel in 7.5, 30 and 60 L or the polyethylene 8 L. HK Wentworth Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q573

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electronics design & assembly expo

On-track Technology stand D20 Based in Mascot, Sydney, On-track Technology provides electronic manufacturing services.

This year the company has been expanding its manufacturing facility to improve manufacturing workflows and efficiency. This has netted the company 20% more manufacturing capacity.

An ElectroneX special offer gives visitors the opportunity for one free SMT set-up tooling charge valued at $500 with the next new SMT PCB assembly production. To get this offer, visitors must attend the stand and register their name and business.

Aldec ANZ - stand B37 Active-HDL is a Windows-based integrated FPGA design creation and simulation solution that includes a full HDL graphical design tool suite and RTL/gate-level mixed-language simulator. electronics design & assembly expo The design flow manager evokes 90-plus EDA and FPGA tools, during design entry, simulation, synthesis and implementation flows, making it a design creation and simulation platform that supports FPGA devices, from Altera, Atmel, Lattice, Microsemi, Quicklogic, Xilinx and more.

Features include: multiFPGA and EDA tool design flow manager; graphical design entry and editing; Code2Graphics and Graphics2Code; precompiled FPGA vendor libraries; IEEE language support: VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog (Design), SystemC; debugging and code coverage; IP encryption and Xilinx secure IP support; ABV, assertion-based verification (SVA, PSL, OVA); DSP Co-simulation with MATLAB/Simulink; HTML and PDF design documentation; integration with Riviera-PRO and ALINT; HDL code analysis and navigation tool; IP Encryption, Altera IP and Xilinx Secure IP support.

Mono Version

Aldec ANZ Pvt Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q569

On-Track Technology Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q592

GaN on SiC HEMT RF transistors Full design support capabilities have been announced for a family of gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon carbide (SiC), high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), radio frequency transistors from Microsemi Corporation.

The common source GaN on SiC transistors are internally matched for optimal performance and specifically designed for S-band radar applications, making them easier to design-in than unmatched broadband devices.

Peak output power levels range from 110 to 280 W (Class AB), with high power gain and drain efficiency across the frequency band and under pulse conditions specified with a power supply of 60 V. The devices use gold metallisation and eutectic attach to provide high reliability and good ruggedness.

Digi-Key Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q455

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

33

newproducts Video/audio card IEI Technology’s IVCE-C608, a PCIe video/audio capture card, has an 8-channel video/audio input and a total of 240 fps at IVCE-C608 D1 for eight channels (NTSC) solution. The PCI Express interface provides higher bandwidth.

The card is compatible with Windows 7 (64-/32-bit), XP and Linux operating systems. The card supports multiple cards, with up to 128 channels for video/audio input. An optional external 2 x GPIO daughter board supports up to 16 x inputs and 16 x outputs.

The device can be used in many applications across industries, including intelligent transport systems, video surveillance systems and banking security systems.

It can be used in surveillance systems within buildings, airports and general road surveillance. Other applications include face detection, reorganisation and identification.

Bright blue light Osram Opto Semiconductors’ Oslon signal LED is claimed to provide the brightest blue light, using a special thin-film chip. The Oslon Signal emits powerful bright blue light and can be operated at a high current to provide steady brightness.

A luminous flux of 52 lm at 350 mA and its wavelength of 472 nm means it complies with the US and EU standards for signalling, particularly for emergency vehicle lighting.

The package platform of the family, consisting of a ceramic substrate with built-in connecting contacts and a silicone lens, remains stable and resistant to ageing.

The device incorporates high-performance UX:3 chips, which can operate at high performance levels even at high currents. This is an important aspect, as blue signal light is often pulsed and therefore requires even greater luminous power at high currents.

The lens has a radiation angle of 80° and provides a symmetrical light output.

ICP Electronics Australia Pty Ltd

Osram Australia Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N754

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q442

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© iStockphoto.com/ DeepDarkness

© iStockphoto.com/ luismmolina

Cabinets

Enclosures are the first line of defence

© iStockphoto.com/ Brendan Hunter

By their very nature, all enclosures provide protection, to a greater or lesser extent, against contact with the housed equipment and against the ingress of solid objects and water.

Justin Elkins, Hammond Electronics

The relevant international standard is EN 60529, which defines ratings written as IPxx, where the first digit defines the protection against solid objects and the second the protection against water ingress.

The standard sets out the criteria.

•Protection classes for protection against contact and solid bodies •Protection classes for water protection A typical enclosure for general-purpose use might be rated IP54; one for use in hostile environments at IP65; and for use in extreme applications, IP66 may be required.

An IP54 enclosure could be used as a handheld controller for shop floor equipment; an IP65 one for equipment outside; and for housing electronics in areas such as food production, where it will be regularly hosed down, IP66 will be needed.

In general, enclosure manufacturers will use two main techniques to achieve the designed protection level. Satisfactory IP54 sealing is readily achieved by using a tongue and groove construction to the joint between the body of the enclosure and a removable panel or lid.

No gaskets are used. The seal is achieved through the combination of a recess in the base section that mates to the corresponding mirror profile in the lid when the lid is screwed down.

To achieve higher levels of sealing, a gasket between the two mating halves will be required. Typically, gaskets will be one www.electronicsonline.net.au

of two types. Either a silicone gasket will be injected as a liquid into a groove in one of the mating surfaces as part of the manufacturing process; when it self-cures it is permanently affixed to the enclosure.

Alternatively, a separate, preformed moulded neoprene gasket is inserted between the two mating surfaces.

The separate gasket approach has a number of advantages: a metal enclosure can be painted if required without having to mask the gasket area; the gasket can be easily replaced if it is damaged and, again in a metal enclosure, a conductive gasket can be used to give both environmental and electrical screening.

First figure

Scope of protection

0

No protection

1

Protection against contact by the hand with active or internal moving parts. Protection against penetration of solid bodies with a diameter greater than 50 mm.

2

Protection against contact by the fingers with active or internal moving parts. Protection against penetration of solid objects with a diameter greater than 12mm.

3

Protection against contact with active or internal moving parts with tools, wires, etc. of a thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Protection against penetration of solid objects with a diameter greater than 2.5 mm.

4

Protection against contact with active or internal moving parts with tools, and wires greater than 1 mm.

5

Complete protection against contact with live or internal moving parts and protection against harmful dust accumulation. The penetration of dust is not completely prevented, but it may not penetrate in such quantities that the operation of the equipment is affected.

6

Complete protection against contract with live or internal moving parts. Total protection against the ingress of dust.

Table 1

August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

35

Cabinets

Second figure

Scope of protection

0

No protection

1

Protected against vertically falling drops of water

2

Protected against direct sprays of water from up to 15 degrees from the vertical

3

Protected against direct sprays of water from up to 60 degrees from the vertical

4

Protected against water sprayed from all directions: limited ingress that does not affect the equipment operation is permitted

5

Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions: limited ingress that does not affect the equipment operation is permitted

6

Protected against strong jets of water from all directions: limited ingress that does not affect the equipment operation is permitted

7

Protected against immersion between 150mm and 1m for up to 30 minutes: limited ingress that does not affect the equipment operation is permitted

8

Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure: limited ingress that does not affect the equipment operation is permitted

Table 2

To eliminate potential weak spots in the seal, it is standard practice to ensure that the fixings are positioned outside the sealed area so that the integrity of the seal is not compromised by screws passing through or inside it.

The majority of enclosure manufacturers will quote the IP rating of their products as part of the specification, enabling the project engineer to select the most appropriate packaging for the intended application - to inadvertently end up with an ideal enclosure that also happens to be rated at IP67 for equipment that will only ever be used in the office environment could be somewhat over the top.

As always, the best advice is to talk to the specialist enclosure supplier as early in the design cycle as practical; timely advice on the selection of the enclosure frequently saves a lot of development time and money.

Hammond Electronics Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q560

RG6 RG11 RG58 RG142 RG174 RG179 RG213 RG316 LMR series Leaky cables and more ®

U.FL SMA BNC TNC N Type F Type and more

‘LMR ® is the registered trademark of Times Microwave Systems’

Ampec Technologies Pty Ltd

Unit 1, 63-79 Parramatta Road, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Tel: +61 2 8741 5000 E: sales@ampec.com.au W: www.ampec.com.au

36 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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newproducts Cable assemblies

Cable antenna analyser

High speed panel and I/O interfaces now include Eye Speed SFP+ passive cable assemblies and QSFP+ active optical cable assemblies.

Both systems are designed to meet various standards and protocols for high speed performance in telecommunications, data communications and storage area network applications.

The assembly (SFPE series) is compliant with SFP+ standards and has a compact design with one channel (two pair) transmitting up to 10 Gbps (5 GHz) on up to 3 m of 32 AWG twinax copper cable.

The assembly is hot swappable and backward compliant with standard SFP, making it suitable for system maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, it supports various communications standards such as gigabit ethernet and fibre channel.

A right angle connector (MECT series) and cage (SFPC series) complete the assembly and are available together as a kit (SFPK series) with good EMI grounding and shielding.

The QSFPO series meets QSFP MSA form factor specifications and is included in the InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) Integrators' List as being tested and accepted by IBTA, with compliance to InfiniBand architecture.

The lightweight assembly has a small 3 mm diameter optical cable for increased airflow in a rack and a tighter bend radius with cable lengths up to 100 m.

The optical engine embedded inside the cable connector converts electrical signal to optical with four channels (eight pairs) transmitting an aggregate bandwidth of up to 56 Gbps.

The assembly supports ethernet protocols and has a low power consumption of 750 mW.

The Site Master S331L cable and antenna analyser is a sweep tool with 8 h continuous battery life and covers the range 2 MHz to 4 GHz. It shows return loss, cable loss and distance-to-fault measurements.

It has the highest RF immunity of any Site Master. A sweep speed per data point of 1.5 ms (typical) enables identification of intermittent problems in real time.

Samtec ANZ

Anritsu Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N969

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q601

Helping ensure measurement accuracy is the standard built-in InstaCal, which provides fast one-connection calibration anytime, anywhere.

The instrument also features a standard built-in power meter for testing RF power in the field.

Power-saving features such as sleep mode and an auto-display brightness function that reduces the screen’s backlight when the analyser is not in use can extend battery life well beyond the continuous 8 h rating.

The unit is dust and splash resistant, has a backlit 18 cm TFT touch-screen display and weighs under 2 kg including the battery.

More than 1000 files, such as sweeps, set-ups and screenshots, can be stored internally on the analyser that also includes SweepMasters Direct, an online trace delivery system that allows users to capture, upload and deliver traces.

Motor MOSFETs A family of motor vehicle-qualified power MOSFETs housed in a TO-220 fullpak package for applications including BLDC motors, pumps and cooling systems are 55 V planar devices and available as standard and logic level gate drive MOSFETs in N- and P-channel configuration.

They offer a maximum on-state resistance (Rds(on)) as low as 8 mΊ.

The TO-220 fullpak package eliminates the need for additional insulating hardware to simplify design and improve overall system reliability.

Mouser Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q453

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

37

$900,000 to improve mine workers’ skills

© iStockphoto.com/Joe Belanger

Reflecting the shortage of skilled electronics technicians and electricians in the mining sector, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, University School of Engineering TAFE, has been awarded a $900,000 contract to deliver training at Mt Isa mines in Queensland.

The 11-month contract will provide instrumentation training for personnel at Xstrata and Stanwell’s Mt Isa operations and involves improving the skills of 28 workers at the mine and two from the nearby Stanwell power station.

More than a third of the funds, $310,000, is being provided by the state government's Skills Queensland because of a skills shortage for electrical instrumentation recognised in the federal government’s National Skills Needs List.

Training is being delivered jointly by subject experts from SAGE Didactic and RMIT as the Registered Training Organisation at Mt Isa Institute of TAFE. Training started earlier this year and runs until June next year.

Specialist training equipment built by SAGE, some purposedesigned by RMIT, is providing students with an industry-relevant learning experience. RMIT has been delivering instrumentation training for more than 100 years.

The program will focus on upskilling and cross training to meet the skills gap around the support of site automation, process control and instrumentation. Participants will also be provided with mentor support to enhance ongoing workplace learning.

A prerequisite for training is a Certificate III Electrotechnology (Electrician) or an A-class electrical licence.

Component link © iStockphoto.com/ ayzek

Gowanda Electronics is teaming up with its newly acquired sister company, Instec Filters, to provide a broader range of passive electronic components worldwide.

Instec supplies EMI/RFI filters, feedthrough and filter assemblies.

The company was located in California but recently moved its operations to Arcade, NY, near Gowanda in Upstate New York.

Remanufacturing centre opened by Rockwell To service the growing demand for remanufactured equipment, Rockwell Automation is investing in a remanufacturing facility during the relocation of its South Pacific headquarters to Bayswater, Victoria.

Designing the remanufacturing facility and having it custom built allows investment in additional capabilities.

The workshop includes dedicated work areas for each product range with technician workstations for PLC/HMI fault diagnosis and remanufacturing. An additional drives test and repair workshop has been added which, coupled with increased floor space and improved layout, maximises work efficiencies by improved product flow through the centre.

38 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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10,000 MW DC transformer saves power losses ABB developed and tested a 1100 kV ultra-highvoltage direct current converter transformer. It is claimed to break the record for the highest DC voltage levels ever and facilitates an increase in power that could be transmitted efficiently over longer distances.

The Xiangjiaba-Shanghai link, commissioned

by ABB was said to be the world’s first commercial 800 kV UHVDC connection. It has a capacity of 6400 MW and covers a distance of just over 2000 km, making it the longest of its kind in operation.

The new transformer will make it possible to transmit more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) across distances up to 3000 km.

Higher voltage levels allow larger amounts of electricity to be transported across very long distances with minimal losses using HVDC technology. Converter transformers play a critical role in HVDC transmission serving as the vital interface between the DC link and the AC network.

Development of the 1100 kV transformer addressed several technology challenges such as the sheer size and scale, electrical insulation, including bushings, and thermal performance.

Š iStockphoto.com/ Miklos Voros

Supply and demand for LEDs even out

Demand from LCD backlights will continue to dominate LED demand until 2013, when it will reach its peak, according to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Supply/Demand Market Forecast Report.

Last year was challenging for LED makers. After taking off in 2010, the growth in demand from LCD TV backlights reversed course, due to a combination of slower growth in LED backlight LCD TV sales and slower growth in chips used per backlight, due to efficiency increases.

The demand for LEDs in LCD backlights did grow slightly, as use in tablet PCs and strong penetration growth in LCD monitors made up for the drop in demand from TV. Growth was also modest in lighting, as the market penetration of LEDs only grew from 1.4% in 2010 to 1.9% in 2011.

At the same time, many new LED suppliers had entered the industry and were rapidly ramping up production.

Measured in standard units of 500 x 500 micron chip size, supply grew by 41% in 2011, compared with only 10% growth in demand. This resulted in a significant over-supply throughout 2011.

Due to the growing popularity of new, low-cost direct LED backlight designs for LCD TVs, the demand for LEDs in backlights will continue to increase through 2013. While the number of LED packages per LCD backlight unit will peak in 2012, continued growth in penetration of LED backlights will lead to a slight increase in LED demand in 2013.

By 2014, lighting will become the dominant source of demand for LEDs as price reductions and efficacy improvements drive increased adoption.

The penetration of LEDs in lighting will reach 16.8% in 2015, according to the report that also found that spotlights and LED street lights will gain higher penetration in lighting due to government incentive programs, such as the 12th Five Year Plan in China and the LED subsidy policy in Taiwan, as well as continued growth in commercial applications.

LED bulbs and fluorescent tubes are growing in Japan due to government incentive programs and energy-saving consciousness, especially following the March 2011 earthquake.

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

39

newproducts Two-channel scopes

Durst Industries has released the BCS model switchmode chargers in 12 and 24 V in a full range of amps as well as some models in 36 and 48 V. The range is fully automatic being microprocessor controlled to vary the charge rate of all types of batteries into three stages - the bulk rate, the absorption rate and the float mode to maintain the battery in a full state of charge and maximise its life.

The LED display shows the battery’s state of charge.

The 1000B series of oscilloscopes consists of four two-channel models, with bandwidths from 50 to 150 MHz. The series is equipped with a sharp colour LCD that is easy to read even from wide angles and it has up to 16 kpts of memory per channel and its 1 GS/s sample rate provides good signal detail.

All the instruments can display 23 automatic measurements, including those made with a built-in frequency counter. The series is supplied with a go/no-go mask testing capability for precise parametric tests.

The scopes also offer sequence mode that allows users to record and replay up to 1000 occurrences of a trigger for identifying glitches and other anomalies.

USB connections allow them to share and document measurement results while a free educator kit helps teachers and professors teach essential oscilloscope skills.

Durst Motor & Electric Industries Pty Ltd

Agilent Technologies Aust Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q635

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q255

Switchmode chargers

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newproducts Infrared emitter

Ethernet cable

The infrared Mini Midled is 0.9 mm high, but it produces a nar-

Canare Ethernet cable model RJC5E-4P-WJ is capable of transmissions distances up to 110 m according to EtherSound.

The ruggedised Cat5e cable, suitable for non-fixed applications, is supplied with dual PVC jacket and has solid conductors for extended transmission distance.

It accepts Neutrik etherCON and standard RJ45 modular plugs and is RoHS compliant.

Amber Technology Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q020

row and intense beam of infrared light that is said to provide the highest radiant intensity of its size class.

With a radiant intensity of 60 mW per steradian (mW/sr) at 100 mA it is suitable for proximity sensors and light barriers in devices where space is limited.

The radiant intensity (measured in watts per steradian) indicates the optical power within a solid angle and, therefore, defines the intensity of the emitted beam of light.

The advantage of the device is its half-angle of 17째, producing a narrow light beam with a radiant intensity of 60 mW/sr at 100 mA. This is achieved by focusing the light with a metallised reflector integrated into the device.

Osram Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q624

Power distribution A range of powerfast connectivity products, designed to replace hardwiring, provides a modular wiring solution.

Cordsets, receptacles, reducers, reducer tees, field wireables, rotary disconnect switches and power lock devices allow users to configure a custom power distribution system.

The components are UL approved and available in A-size, D-size, M16, M23 and M40, and are rated for up to 40 A. Turck Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q595

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

41

newproducts Ethernet/IP adapters

DA converter

The Allen-Bradley FLEX I/O dual-port ethernet/IP adapters from Rockwell Automation help OEMs connect machines to their customers’ IT infrastructures using a single network. With the dual ports, users can also leverage the adapter to display diagnostics via a simple web browser, helping reduce troubleshooting and downtime.

The adapters support a devicelevel ring topology that provides network infrastructure and fast recovery time, while keeping implementation costs down. DLR infrastructures are connected at the end device versus the switch.

With no need for unnecessary switches and cabling, users can reduce design time and simplify implementation.

The ring also adds a measure of redundancy that is very effective when a connection fails - as a single network failure, such as a cable break, will not lead to the failure of the other devices in the ring. A DLR network can recover in less than 3 ms for a 50-node system.

During this time, the connection between the programmable automation controller and the I/O device is not interrupted. The adapters also support the daisy-chain topology for applications that involve devices located long distances from CPU subsystems.

Maxim has released the MAX5879 multiNyquist RF digital-to-analog converter that delivers a fully digital software-defined radio transmitter, enabling a common hardware platform for multicarrier, multiband and multistandard base stations.

Working with FPGA-based direct digital synthesis, the DAC architecture shifts the functions of the analog quadrature modulator and agile local oscillator used in current architectures into the digital domain.

This eliminates in-phase and quadrature errors, and LO feedthrough, commonly associated with analog upconversion. The device simplifies RF design and improves reliability for base station transmitters.

Selectable frequency response modes support direct RF synthesis of common 3G/4G cellular bands in multiple Nyquist zones from 700 MHz to 2.8 GHz. A single device serves multiple standards such as multicarrier GSM, WCDMA and LTE without compromising dynamic performance.

Rockwell Automation Australia

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q449

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q594

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Mouser Electronics

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Electronics design

Š iStockphoto.com/polygraphus

Generating C code from MATLAB algorithms Arvind Ananthan, product marketing manager, MathWorks

Exploration of design ideas is the foundation of any design workflow.

It helps create compelling products with unique value propositions that separate them from the competition.

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software engineers for implementation. The cost of verifying and updating Generating C automatically (and nearly revisions to accommodate instantly) from MATLAB speeds design exploration and product development requirement changes quickly iterations. becomes prohibitive, often resulting The pitfalls of manual translation stem from differences in the program- in errors and a design that diverges ming paradigms of MATLAB and C. from the original specification.

MATLAB has a succinct syntax and native data types for the vector and matrix processing operations used in embedded signal processing and control algorithms. The equivalent C code requires multiple loops to process individual data samples, resulting in many lines of C code for a single line of MATLAB code.

Equally important, the polymorphic and dynamically typed behaviour that makes MATLAB flexible and easy to use is not readily accessible in the more statically typed C language without detailed programming. These differences make manual translation a timeconsuming and complex process.

Manual translation also results in multiple copies of the same algorithm written in different languages. The engineer must verify that these copies remain equivalent throughout multiple design iterations.

The cost of verifying and updating revisions to accommodate requirement changes quickly becomes prohibitive, often resulting in errors and a design that diverges from the original specification.

Automating translation of MATLAB code to C code overcomes most, not all, of the problems associated with manual translation.

Automatic MATLAB-to-C code generation offers these advantages: • Design engineers spend more time innovating and tuning highlevel algorithms in MATLAB rather than writing and debugging low-level C code; • The equivalence of MATLAB algorithms and generated C code is easily maintained during design iterations;

001001001001 001001001001

For engineers, idea exploration takes the form of prototyping and testing algorithm variations to evaluate their behavioural and functional effect on the final product design.

Such evaluation narrows the set of algorithm alternatives and helps identify the one that eventually make its way into the design of the entire system.

The speed with which an engineer can design and assess algorithm variations is critical to efficient optimisation of the design. The high-level interpreted language of MATLAB is a choice for engineers to express their ideas during design exploration, because it lets them focus on algorithm behaviour instead of low-level programming details.

As product development evolves from algorithm exploration to system design, integration and implementation on hardware, the design specifications are typically translated by hand into a language such as C or C++.

The C programming language has broad popularity and is widely accepted as the language of choice for many development phases including system design, application software development and embedded software implementation.

Often engineers translate MATLAB algorithms to C/C++ code to create stand-alone software prototypes, integrate MATLAB algorithms with other software written in C/ C++ or deliver specifications to embedded

August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

43

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Electronics design

Figure 2.

Figure 1.

Figure 3.

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Figure 4.

Figure 5.

• C code is produced much faster and is free of the errors that are frequently introduced by hand coding.

The automatic translation workflow from MATLAB allows engineers to maintain ‘one truth’ - and elaborate it directly within MATLAB to incorporate implementation details such as specifying data types and sizes of input and output variables.

Design iterations become easier because engineers continue to use the interactive debugging and visualisation capabilities in MATLAB throughout the process.

The cost of producing and verifying handwritten C code can be eliminated for common design workflow uses such as prototyping algorithms as stand-alone executables, integrating algorithms as re-usable libraries and accelerating parts of the algorithm’s execution in MATLAB. Translating MATLAB code to C code (automatically or by hand) involves making decisions on multiple implementation details in the algorithm such as data type management, fixed-point maths support and static/dynamic memory allocation.

Choices made by engineers when working with these details help satisfy various implementation requirements and enable the engineers to manage trade-offs between reducing memory footprint and improving processor use or performance.

As an automatic MATLAB to C code generation tool, MATLAB Coder enables engineers to specify these requirements and make implementation decisions directly within MATLAB. This makes it easier to maintain one reference design and iterate on the evolving design in MATLAB. The following sections of this article describe the recommended three-step workflow that enables engineers to specify the implementation details that are needed to convert their MATLAB algorithms into the desired C code and verify the resulting code against their original MATLAB specification. This workflow is illustrated in the figure below.

44 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

The first step in the code generation process is to prepare the MATLAB algorithms by introducing implementation details and ensuring the code is using the subset of the MATLAB language that is supported for code generation. This subset includes basic operators, numerical computations, standard programming constructs and hundreds of built-in functions.

Implementation details are required to prepare MATLAB code for code generation because MATLAB is polymorphic - the behaviour of its operators and functions adapts to the nature of the input arguments they are operating on.

A result that can be achieved with a few lines of MATLAB may require tens or hundreds of lines of C code. For example, a simple function that multiplies two inputs of any size and data type is a single line of MATLAB code. When coding this in C, the engineer must take into account the size and data types of the inputs as well as whether they are real or complex. This is illustrated in the figure below.

Polymorphism is one reason that MATLAB is a versatile and convenient language for exploring design ideas. When writing C code by hand or generating it with MATLAB Coder, however, engineers must explicitly specify the input sizes and data types for their algorithms. In MATLAB Coder, this can be done through the command line interface or the project UI as shown below.

For the same reason, certain local variables within the algorithm code in MATLAB have to be pre-allocated so the code generation engine knows the sizes and the data types of the variables to be used in the generated code.

Another key step in the preparation process is to check if the MATLAB algorithm code uses only those language features and constructs that support code generation.

The product documentation lists all supported functions and language features.

In the traditional workflow, verifying that the handwritten C/C++ code functionally matches the original MATLAB algorithms is an important and challenging task. www.electronicsonline.net.au

001 Electronics design

Two common approaches are used to perform this functional verification: • Maintain separate file-based test benches and compare the test results for the MATLAB and C implementations; • Integrate the handwritten C code using the MEX API specification so that it may be directly called from within MATLAB and use test benches in MATLAB to exercise the MEX function and verify its result.

While the latter approach is more efficient and streamlined, the task of writing a MEX wrapper function that passes data between MATLAB and the C code can be tedious and error-prone.

If care is not taken to allocate memory properly and perform proper error checking in the MEX wrapper code, then memory integrity violations can occur during the MEX function execution in MATLAB, potentially causing unpredictable results or a crash.

With the automated workflow, the MEX function can be automatically generated from the MATLAB algorithm that has been prepared for code generation. Engineers can use this step to determine if the modifications they made to the MATLAB code in preparation for code generation were sufficient.

Once the MEX function is successfully generated (indicating the preparation step was successful), it can be used to catch any potential design issues that might show up in the compiled code, such as unauthorised memory access or numerical inaccuracies introduced by the C/C++ compiler.

This functional verification step confirms that the MATLAB code is finally ready for C source code generation.

Because the automatically generated MEX functions are compiled versions of MATLAB algorithms, in some cases they may execute faster in MATLAB than the original algorithms, depending on the nature of the algorithms implemented.

After functionally verifying that the MEX functions are equivalent to their source MATLAB algorithms, engineers can turn off memory integrity checks and other options that may slow execution and then regenerate MEX functions that are further optimised for performance.

These functions can then be used in place of the original MATLAB algorithms to accelerate execution.

At this point, engineers may also generate C source code (as .c, .cpp, and .h files) that can then be compiled into a library or a stand-alone executable or integrated into other development projects written in C/C++. The code produced by MATLAB Coder is commented and readable, so that it can be readily understood.

The generated code can be optimised by modifying the MATLAB source code or by adjusting code generation settings that effect readability or performance.

Automatically generating readable and portable C code from MATLAB algorithms is an easy and efficient way to speed up the system design to implementation workflow. Preparation of the code requires introducing implementation requirements, pre-allocating variables and using the supported subset of the MATLAB language.

After assessing the generated C code, MATLAB algorithms can be refined and code can be regenerated in minutes. The results of the compiled code can be verified against the original golden reference MATLAB code. This quick iteration cycle enables engineers to converge on the desired C implementation while letting them work in MATLAB longer.

The result is a sharper focus on more efficient and optimised algorithm creation and less time spent on programming details in a lower level language.

MathWorks Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q650

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August 2012 - What's New in Electronics

45

newproducts LDMOS RF transistors

Mini-ITX motherboard

Two laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor power transistors targeting land mobile radio from Freescale Semiconductor, AFT05MS031N and AFT09MS031N, are designed to meet the next generation of voice, video and data services for first responders through the deployment of LTE networks, as well as the interoperability of P25.

The unmatched 12 V devices offer high gain and efficiency over the entire VHF and UHF frequency bands from 136-941 MHz. For the first time, these 12 V LDMOS transistors incorporate enhanced ruggedness feature of >65:1 VSWR under both overvoltage and 3 dB overdrive conditions, enabling the devices to survive extreme mismatch conditions.

Key features of the AFT05MS031N include: frequency range 136 to 520 MHz; ruggedness - >65:1 VSWR; output - >31 W; high gain - less than 0.5 W drive for rated output power; >70% efficiency.

Key features of the AFT09MS031N include: frequency range - 764-941 MHz; ruggedness - >65:1 VSWR; output power >31 W; high gain - less than 0.6 W drive for rated output power; >70% efficiency.

The iBase Technology MI961 is an Intel H61-based mini-ITX motherboard that uses the LGA1155 platforms 2nd generation Core processor family.

It features integrated graphics and memory controller which increases performance and enables good video with no additional hardware.

The next-generation mini-ITX motherboard provides a full-featured interface, including eight x USB 2.0 ports, two x USB 3.0 ports, four x serial ports and three x SATA II ports. Display connections are for HDMI, DVI-D and CRT while expansion slots include a PCIE(x16) and a Mini PCI-E(x1) slot.

The board also includes iSMART that improves its environmental performance. This feature includes the EuP/ErP power-saving function that limits system power consumption in any off mode, as well as the auto-scheduler that allows start/shutdown scheduling to make systems more energy efficient.

The motherboard is designed for users in the industrial automation, gaming, kiosk, POS and signage markets.

Wireless Components

Backplane Systems Technology Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q625

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N933

Talk to the transformer company that speaks your language.

• Real technical engineering support • Custom Design to the major standards • Make direct replacements of standard parts • One local manufacturing facility • Two company owned China production facilities

And all available to you, so contact:

Designers & Manufacturers of Transformers and Wound Components

www.marque-magnetics.com Ph: +64 9 818 6760 F: +64 9 818 1442 E: info@marque-magnetics.com 11 Culperry Rd, Glendene, Auckland, New Zealand

46 What's New in Electronics - August 2012

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