Climbing robot challenge tests UBC students

Transcription

Connectors, Power Supplies, Enclosures, Sensors
RATED #1
Excellent
Website
the news and products journal for the electronics industry www.canadianelectronics.ca
November 2011 V.26 I.6
Featured products
802.11ac SigGen software
Agilent Technologies has introduced
a 160 MHz analysis bandwidth option
for its PXA signal analyzer and Signal
Studio software for 802.11ac signal
creation. The software enables the
creation of 802.11ac waveforms with
BCC or LDPC channel coding, all
MCS codes, and single- or multi-user
MIMO up to four streams.
www.agilent.com
Climbing robot challenge
tests UBC students
Multidisciplinary engineering team building By Mike Edwards
S
PM# 40065710
econd-year Engineering Physics students at the University of British Columbia have one course in their program that’s both a credit and a competition.
Every year, the UBC Engineering Physics
Project Lab holds a contest in which groups
of students compete to build a prototype robot that can complete a certain task. In the
process, they test a variety of ideas, which require plenty of engineering and design skills
from electronics to machining.
Jon Nakane, Lab Director of the Engineering Physics Project Lab, said that the
challenge this year was to build a robot that
could scale a wall created for the task, and
then rappel down the wall to the finish line.
None quite made that final step, but one robot managed to reach a very good height on
the wall (watch video: http://ow.ly/6RTtY).
“The students have six weeks of fabrication time, which follows on from formal labs
that teach them about design processes, electronic circuits, motor driving circuits, as well
as structures and drive mechanisms that they
6 W power supplies
The GlobTek GT-41134 series of 6 W
wall plug-in power supplies includes
interchangeable blades for North
America, Europe, Australia, China,
Korea Class II, S. Africa and Argentina.
www.globtek.com
Continued on page 10
Wi-Fi sensor system
When the Going
IP67 Rated
Connectors
Gets Tough. CONEC
Brampton Ontario
Tel. +1 905 790 2200
Fax +1 905 790 2201
E-mail [email protected]
www.conec.com
Your choice
for harsh environment
applications.
Omega has introduced wSeries wireless transmitters for analog voltage and
current, temperature, humidity and
barometric pressure, that communicate via 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi. Alarms can
be sent via text message or email if variables exceed a predetermined set point.
www.omega.ca
Untitled-2 1
2/24/09 8:37:41 AM
CANELECT_1111_Layout 1 10/10/11 10:51 AM Page 1
Where Do I Go for Automation Products?
omegamation.com, of Course!
Your single source for process measurement and control products!
Où puis-je trouver des produits d'automatisation?
Sur
omegamation.com, bien entendu!
Votre source unique en produits de mesure et de contrôle des procédés
Excellent Response to Starting/Stopping/Reversing in Wide Variety of Industrial and Commercial Applications
Excellente réponse pour le Démarrage/l'Arrêt/Fonctionnement inverse dans une grande variété
d'applications industrielles et commerciales.
Stepper Motors
Moteurs pas à pas
OMHT Series/Série
Starts at
Á partir de
$
55
Plusieurs
grandeurs
offertes!
Frame Sizes from
NEMA 11 to 34
Grandeurs variant
de NEMA 11 à
NEMA 34
Visit/Visitez omega.ca/omht_series
© Rainer Plendl/ Dreamstime.com
Stepper Drives
Entraînements pas à pas
NEMA 12 Consolets
Petites consoles
0.075" Carbon Steel
NEMA 12
1240i
$360
Seams Continuously
Welded and Ground
SCE Console
Smooth, No Holes
Series/Seríe
or Knock-Outs
Starts at
À partir de
Acier de carbone 0.0075 po
$105
Joints à soudure continue
et meulée lisse, sans trous
ni pastilles
Visit/Visitez
omega.ca/sce_console
Power Supplies DR Series/Seríe
Alimentation
Starts at
Visit/Visitez
omega.ca/
dr_series
À partir de
$120
Visit/Visitez omega.ca/1240i
Non-Metallic Fiberglass
Enclosures
Boîtiers non-métalliques en
fibre de verre
Visit/Visitez omega.ca/om-amu
FREE!
te
g ra tu i
e
Wide Rang
r
to
o
M
of
Sizes!
OM-AMU
Series/Seríe
Starts at
À partir de
$56
!
Variable Speed DC Control
Commande CC à vitesse
variable
OMDC-250
Series/Série
$299
Visit/Visitez
omega.ca/
omdc-250
NEMA 12 Continuous Hinge
Enclosures
Armoires NEMA 12 à charnière
continue
Visit/Visitez omega.ca/sce-screw
SCE-CH
Series/Seríe
Starts at
À partir de
$37
Over 150 Full Color pages covering 7 product
categories in automation, sanitary, temperature,
electric heaters, wireless/data acquisition, pressure
and flow
Plus de 150 pages en couleurs couvrant les 7 catégories de
produits suivantes; automatisation, sanitaire, température,
éléments chauffants électriques, acquisition de
donnée/sans fil, pression et débit
For Sales and Service, Call TOLL FREE
976 Bergar
Laval, Québec
Canada H7L 5A1
pour les ventes et le service - composez
SM
Dilbert © United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
© COPYRIGHT 2011 OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
© COPYRIGHT 2011 OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. TOUS DROITS RESERVES
Contents
4 Comment & Trends
Conec Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,11
Digi-Key Corporation . . . . . . 1,5
Elma Electronic Inc . . . . . . . . . 10
Advisory Board Brief:
Reduce your counterfeit risk
Fischer Connectors . . . . . . . . 17
Mark Borkowski:
Tips for selling your company
GlobTek Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Harting goes direct in Canada
Electro-Fed’s economic outlook
Rapid prototyping from OCM
Agilent power supply story contest
Satellite to provide rural 4G access
UBC robot student challenge creates
engineering team building
Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . 24
Director’s Chair:
RIM shot heard ‘round the world
7 INDUSTRY NEWS
Cover story
AD INDEX
Hammond Manufacturing . . . 23
NPT Rice Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ODU-USA Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
OKW USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Omega Engineering Inc . . . . . . 2
Payton America Inc . . . . . . . . 13
Radian Heatsinks . . . . . . . . . . 13
Features
Schurter Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
11 Power Supplies
TDK-Lambda . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Poor factory power backup can lead to plant floor disasters
The Dow Chemical Company 14
12 battery technologies
Stefan Hald of Varta Batteries explains solutions to counterfeiting issues
14 Sensors
RFID safety sensors play key role in machine guarding
This Month on
15 semiconductors
CanadianElectronics.ca
Ensuring higher accuracy current sensing through SenseFETs
Exclusive online Blogs
Microsystems Blog:
Nick Deeble says innovation
is alive & well in Canada
Battery University Blog:
connector
products
Page 16
enclosure products
Page 18
motorS & motion control
Page 20
power
supplies
Page 19
Isidor Buchmann examines
Lithium-ion safety concerns
Editor’s choice
Page 21
visit www.canadianelectronics.ca
When online, launch the digital edition of CE and view
videos related to content where you see this icon.
www.canadianelectronics.ca November 2011 Canadian Electronics 3
Comment & Trends
Director’s chair
Advisory Board Brief
RIM shot heard ‘round
the world
By Dr. Michel Jullian
Chairman of the Board of Advisors
OCM Manufacturing
michel.jullian@
ocmmanufacturing.com
B
oy, did Research in Motion have egg on its face last month. And by extension, so did
Canada when the vaunted BlackBerry Messaging network came crashing down.
Jim Balsillie, co-CEO at RIM, has offered a $100 gift certificate for the BlackBerry
app store to placate users and announced the new BBX operating system, but will that
really help stem the negative vibe around the company?
RIM is still the darling of our tech sector, a shining light in the firmament that once held Nortel
Networks. But in the cutthroat global mobile communications market, that local glow could easily go
dark or move to a shinier part of the world.
Recent talk in the financial sector has been rampant with speculation that the company could be
sold, thereby potentially taken out of Canadian hands. Since Ottawa did not deem to protect Nortel
from a wholesale patent asset sale, would it perform an about face for RIM? After all, it moved to
protect the potash industry in Saskatchewan from foreign ownership.
The Cantech Newsletter (www.cantechletter.com) decided to run with the RIM patent sale
angle, but found many disparate views on the cash
Mike Edwards
value. With an estimated
2,000 patents registered at
Editorial Director
the U.S. Patent Office, Canmedwards@
tech found the value range
annexweb.com
anywhere from $2.5 billion
to $40 billion, depending
Where were you when
on who was interviewed (see
page 8 for its findings).
the BBM network
Certainly RIM’s recrashed?
freshing of its handhelds in
the past few months has attracted some new buyers and
prompted existing customers to upgrade. But you have to figure that the BBM network failure has
frightened off even more.
As if competing with the legacy of Steve Jobs, Apple’s iPhone 4S, wasn’t going to make RIM’s life
any easier…
Please join in me in welcoming Klaus Pirker ([email protected]) as the new publisher of
Canadian Electronics. He is well known in the manufacturing sector from his association with Manufacturing Automation magazine since 1993.
You can now follow me on Twitter @cdnelectronics. Get the latest Canadian Electronics updates,
retweets and some engineering fun stuff, too!
the news and products journal for the electronics industry www.canadianelectronics.ca
D I G I TA LE D I T I O N
November 2011
Please go online to canadianelectronics.ca to fully explore and enjoy the Digital
Edition of Canadian Electronics. This user-friendly new format, with every item linked to
other websites and videos, will help you get even more invaluable design engineering
information from Canadian Electronics.
Interactive stuff
CE
4
Notice that as you move your mouse over certain parts of the magazine or over the video
player and 3D buttons, in some editorial stories and in some advertisements, a grey box
appears. That means you are one click away from a website or linked rich media.
Canadian Electronics November 2011 www.canadianelectronics.ca
Reduce your risk:
counterfeiting is here
to stay
W
ith offshore sourcing and assembly
now an indelible part of the global
manufacturing mix, the opportunities for counterfeit electronics
components to make their way into the supply chain
are on the rise.
In January 2010, the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), conducted a comprehensive study on the issue. Their report found that the number of counterfeit incidents
reported within the Department of Defence (DOD)
had more than doubled between 2005 and 2008, from
3,868 incidents to 9,356.
No one is immune to
the problem, including
manufacturers and suppliers
of all sizes
No one is immune to the problem, including lowvolume, high-mix manufacturers (LVHM) and suppliers of all sizes. As the BIS report states: “Even the
most reliable of parts sources have discovered counterfeit parts within their inventories.” A 2007 study by
Oneida Research Services, Inc. estimated that, “From
5 to 20% of electronic components in distributors’
supply chains are probably counterfeit. Counterfeits
cost industry up to $100B per year.”
The BIS report highlights the challenge: “The
need for obsolete and out-of-production parts, coupled with regulation requirements to procure parts
based on the lowest quoted price, has also made it difficult to locate secure and legitimate sources of supply. To satisfy its requirements, DOD has relied on
non-traditional supply sources for electronic parts.
This has created opportunities for counterfeits to enter DOD inventories and electronics systems.”
By being proactive, OEMs can work with their suppliers and contract electronic manufacturers (CEM) to
substantially reduce their risk. Forecasting one’s need
for components 6 to 12 months in advance enables
manufacturers to bond inventory with suppliers.
Even when economic conditions make forecasting orders very difficult, OEMs can work closely
with their CEMs to reduce other practices that make
them vulnerable to counterfeit. By including designfor-manufacturing (DFM) review early in the design
process, OEMs can ensure that their designs avoid
common supply-chain risks such as single-sourced
parts, obsolete parts, parts being phased out by suppliers, and so on.
Comment & Trends
Thinking of selling your
electronics company?
D
emographics dictate that as many as 80% of small business owners will either sell or
pass on their businesses to heirs over the next 10 to 15 years. There are many ways to
free up a significant amount of the wealth tied up in your business, but how do you
complete this transfer and incur the least amount of tax?
“Owners of small manufacturing businesses are generally experts in their fields but
likely unaware of the intricacies of orchestrating a tax efficient sale,” said Michael Soble of the Reynolds
Soble Group at CIBC Wood Gundy.
“And they may not have a professional advisor, like a lawyer or accountant, who is familiar with all
of the options.”
One often-overlooked strategy is the use of a Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA).
Properly structured and implemented, it will drastically reduce the overall tax impact of a sale and
provide a creditor-proof, flexible and tax-efficient pension plan.
Business sales typically involve assets or shares. Most owners prefer to sell the shares and gain access to the $750,000 lifetime capital gains exemption, while purchasers prefer buying the assets. The
tax treatment on each type of sale is different, but an RCA is particularly useful when the sale involves
the assets.
The rules surrounding the establishment, funding, ongoing management and withdrawals
from an RCA are complex, but to summarize:
• An RCA is established under the rules of the Income Tax Act, and allows a company to make tax
deductible contributions on behalf of key employees to build a retirement pension.
• The contribution guidelines are generous (compared with RRSP limits) and actuarially determined based on income and years of service.
• Funds are not locked-in as they would be in a normal pension plan, they are creditor protected;
withdrawal rules allow for flexibility in terms of timing and amounts; and there are few investment restrictions.
“The bottom line is that once the
RCA is reasonably funded (which can
be from the proceeds of a sale of asMark
sets), there is a great deal of flexibility
Borkowski
as to how the money can be invested,
[email protected]
the amount and the timing withdrawals, and even passing along RCA assets
A Retirement
to spouses and other beneficiaries,” said
Compensation
Soble.
Arrangement could
Here’s a simple example. Assume
be your way to a
the following:
• Business assets sold for $3, million flexible pension plan
net proceeds.
• A $3 million RCA contribution is determined to be reasonable under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.
• If there is no RCA, the owner will bonus this out, pay tax personally and invest the remainder.
• Investments earn 5% annually.
• The owner requires $190,000 per year, net of taxes, for the next 10 years from his investments,
or from the RCA.
With no RCA, sale proceeds are $3 million, personal taxes (Ontario) are almost $1.4 million (46%),
Ontario payroll tax is $58,500 (1.95%), the balance after tax is almost $1.6 million and annual withdrawals are $190,000.
With an RCA for a single person, there are no personal taxes and no payroll tax with a balance of
$3 million and annual withdrawals are $190,000. It is the same for an RCA that adds a spouse, both in
after-tax dollars. But the gross that must be withdrawn from the RCA each year is higher since it’s subject to full taxation. For a one-employee RCA, withdrawal of $321,486 less tax of $131,486 = $190,000
net. With no RCA, withdrawals are mainly from after-tax income. After 10 years, the balance for no
RCA is $67,322, $334,504 for a one-employee RCA and $704,096 for an employee plus spouse. (The
employee plus spousal RCA assumes equal T4 income from the company over the years.)
“We are seeing more opportunities for RCAs pop up in connection with business owners as they
start to actively plan for selling their businesses,” said Mike Reynolds of Reynolds Soble Group.
Establishing an RCA is complex and requires specialist input in the areas of tax, actuarial review,
accounting and investment management, so there has to be enough dollars involved to make it worthwhile. However, the potential benefits are huge: immediate and future tax savings; significantly increased retirement income; and, estate planning flexibility in the future.
Mark Borkowski is president of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions, a mid market business brokerage
working with Canadian business buyers and sellers. He can be contacted in confidence at
[email protected] or www.mercantilemergersacquisitions.com
6
www.canadianelectronics.ca
VOLUME 26 NUMBER 6 November 2011
Published by
Annex Publishing & Printing Inc.
240 Edward Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3S9
Phone (905) 727-0077 Fax (905) 727-0017
EMAIL: [email protected]
Editorial Director: Mike Edwards - [email protected]
Online Editor: Daniel Comand - [email protected]
Contributing Editor: Rob Colman - [email protected]
Editorial Advisory Board
Denis Jacques - President, CEO Agilent Technologies Canada
Dr. Michel Jullian - Advisory Board Chair, OCM Manufacturing
Paul Kempf - Vice President, Silicon, Research In Motion
Julia Elvidge - President Chipworks Inc.
Mark Tayles - President, EnablerTech
Dr. Ian McWalter - President and CEO, CMC Microsystems
Nicholas Deeble - Deeble Sales Management Inc.
Publisher Klaus Pirker
Art Director Graham Jeffrey
Advertising Sales:
Nigel Bishop - [email protected]
Roger Heritage - [email protected]
Ron Salmon - [email protected]
Peter Tams - [email protected]
Account Coordinator:
Alice Chen - [email protected]
Director Manufacturing Group:
Nigel Bishop - [email protected]
President:
Michael Fredericks - [email protected]
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT # 40065710
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESS
TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 530, Simcoe ON N3Y 4N5
Printed in Canada
ISSN 1187-6026
Circulation:
Subscriber Customer Service Representative
Marie Weiler - [email protected]
Ph: 866-790-6070 ext 211 • Fax: 877-624-1940
Mail: P.O. Box 530, Simcoe ON N3Y 4N5
Subscription Rates:
CANADA - 1 year $40.00
U.S. - 1 year $70 US
FOREIGN - 1 year $105.00 US (Airmail)
Canadian Electronics is published six times a year for electronic engineering
management, design, purchasing, service, research and other technical
personnel employed in manufacturing electronic equipment, systems or
components, using electronic equipment in their operations or incorporating
electronics into end products.
Occasionally, Canadian Electronics will mail information on behalf of industryrelated groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to
you. If you prefer not to receive this information please contact our circulation
department in any of the four ways listed above.
The contents of Canadian Electronics are copyright by ©2011 Annex Publishing
& Printing Inc. and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written
consent.
Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy,
completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all
liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon
information in this publication.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada
through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF)
for our publishing activities.
Members of
Industry News
Harting establishes subsidiary in Canada
The Harting Technology Group in North America has established Harting Canada, Inc. in Saint
Laurent, QC. By establishing this direct presence
in the Canadian market, Harting says that it recognizes the importance of its Canadian customers
and assumes a larger role in helping them maximize their competitiveness.
connection technologies.
“Now that we have boots on the ground (in
Canada),” said Rolf Meyer, president and CEO of
Harting, Inc. of North America, “we want to persuade the Canadian market to see Harting in a different light – not only as a leading innovator and
brand, but also as a local partner that delivers the
best value proposition: quality, price, reliability
and longevity.”
Harting has also introduced industry veteran
Claude Gravel as Canadian sales manager. In the
past, Gravel has led sales efforts with AMP/Tyco,
Molex and Edac.
www.harting.ca
OCM Manufacturing adds quick prototyping service
Rolf Meyer (left), president and CEO, Harting, Inc. of
North America, and Claude Gravel, Canadian sales
manager, Harting Canada. (Courtesy PR-Toolbox.)
The announcement coincides with the 25th
anniversary of Harting in the United States. As
a pioneer in the industrial connectivity markets,
the Germany-based, privately-owned Harting has
historically focused on building strong relationships with its customers and while developing its
POTTAWA – OCM Manufacturing, a contract electronics manufacturer (CEM), has announced the launch of a dedicated prototype
development service, ProtoSnap, said to promise the quickest, most efficient turnaround
times for electronics prototypes. With staff
and new equipment now dedicated to the fast
turnaround of prototypes, OCM is extending
its end-to-end service offerings.
George Henning, president at OCM, said:
“I am very excited about the launch of ProtoSnap. With the investments we have made in
process and equipment, we can deliver speed
and quality.
“We are excited to provide clients with dedicated electronics prototyping resources and
the advantages of design-for-manufacturing
feedback at the prototype stage.”
The new ProtoSnap service offers rapid
turnaround so that designers can get going
on design verification and testing. Focused
on speed and quality, the service also includes
feedback to help designers ensure that produc-
tion versions of their boards are faster and costeffective to manufacture.
Dedicated staff and equipment will ensure high quality
and rapid turnaround on electronics prototypes, says
OCM president George Henning.
Interested customers can contact an OCM
Program Manager for details, at (800) 2683961.
www.ocmmanufacturing.com
Economic conference forecasts slow growth
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Canada’s manufacturing
economy is likely to experience slow growth over
the next year or two, leading economists told the
recent Electro-Federation Canada 2012 Economic
Forecast conference.
The conference attracts the top Canadian executives in the electronics, electrical and automation sectors looking for 2012 budget intelligence
information.
In her Global Economic Outlook presentation, Maureen Farrow, president of Torontobased Economap Inc., said that a “lack of governance” in the Europe and U.S., has contributed
greatly to the economic crisis. “They have to get
sovereign debt off of the balance sheets. Unless
the Martians come down to buy it up,” they will
have to do it themselves.
While Canada’s debt burden isn’t too bad,
Farrow said that real GDP growth in Canada will
be affected by slowed global growth and probably
hover in the 2% range through 2013. Conference
organizers and attendees noted that Farrow has
an accurate track record during the 14-year span
Maureen Farrow, president of Toronto-based Economap
Inc.: Canada could afford another round of stimulus.
of the conference.
She also said that “Canada could afford another
round of stimulus and lower interest rates,” and
that it “will take better part of decade for the world
economy to dig out.”
Farrow added, “corporations are minting money (in the trillions),” but the group is not inclined to
invest because its confidence is not there. She sees
corporation as increasing dividends to stockholders
and/or going the route of more mergers and acquisitions to maintain profits.
Jayson Myers, president and CEO, Canadian
Manufacturers & Exporters (www.cme-mec.ca)
presented Outlook for Canadian Manufacturing
and predicts a slow pace of growth through the rest
of the year and 2012.
“Canada has to compete on specialized production, not low cost manufacturing or high volume,”
said Myers. Equipment that is built in Canada is
facing foreign companies asking for financing as
credit tightens elsewhere, he added.
Myers pointed out some of the challenges Canadian manufacturers are now encountering, such
as the “Buy U.S.” policy and delays due to customs
inspections. “Shipments should be pre-cleared for
smoother border crossings” where trucks just have
to make rolling stops.
www.electrofed.com
Industry News
Digi-Key and LS Research sign
global distribution agreement
Electronic components distributor
Digi-Key Corp. and LS Research
have signed a global distribution
agreement.
Mark Zack, Digi-Key VP Semiconductors.
Mark Zack, Digi-Key’s vice
president of Semiconductors said,
“We are pleased to sign this worldwide agreement. With the company’s
deep history and unmatched experience in wireless product design, LS
Research can offer our customers the
best in radio module and gateway solutions.
“Our agreement with Digi-Key
enables LS Research to bring over
three decades of wireless product development and innovative
module solutions to a broad global
customer base,” said Bill Steinike,
president of LS Research.
“Together, Digi-Key and LSR
will enable customers to get their
products to market faster by providing them with tested and certified
wireless module solutions and the
latest innovations in supply chain
management.”
LS Research is a developer
of turnkey wireless systems with
product development, EMC testing & certification and RF modules. LS Research’s module offering includes FCC/IC certified
and ETSI tested WiFi, Bluetooth,
802.15.4, and ZigBee 900 MHz,
2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz (WiFi) devices, antennas, ProFLEX and
ModFLEX modules.
www.digikey.ca
www.lsr.com
Agilent Technologies announces Test
of Time Power Supply story contest
Contest prize is the Agilent N6705B dc power analyzer.
Agilent Technologies has announced
its Test of Time Power Supply contest, designed to highlight the longstanding use of Agilent dc power
supplies. Two grand prize winners
will be selected by age of the power
supply and its life story use.
Engineers who are currently
using a vintage instrument are invited to write a short story about
their dc power supply, telling how
the instrument has been used over
the years and how they are using it
today to overcome test challenges.
“Agilent has 50 years of power
supply expertise and more than 250
basic and high performance pro-
grammable dc power supplies,” said
Kari Fauber, marketing manager,
Agilent System Products Division.
Entries will be judged on the
age and the life story of the power supply. Two grand prize winners – one picked by Agilent and
one voted by participating engineers – each will receive an Agilent
N6705B dc power analyzer (www.
agilent.com/find/n6705) and three
modules of an approximate value
of US$11,000.
Deadline for entries is February
29, 2012. Contest details are at:
www.agilent.com/find/
powercontest
What are Research in Motion’s patents worth?
2011: The year of the patent wars.
According to the Cantech Letter, this year,
virtually every large technology company in the
world has felt the effects of patent mania, from
Apple blocking the release of Samsung’s Galaxy
Tablet in the EU to Google’s purchase of Motorola Mobility, to the sale of Nortel’s wireless
patents to a group that included Apple, Microsoft,
Sony Corp and Ericsson.
Waterloo, ON’s Research in Motion occupies a
particularly hot corner of the patent debate. As little
as eighteen months ago, trying to place a value on
RIM’s patents would have been a strictly academic
exercise. But with the company reeling from increased competition in the handset space, a botched
launch of the Playbook tablet, and a stock trading
at five year lows, the debate has gained relevance, as
RIM may be in a very weak position to fend off the
actions of activist shareholders such as Carl Icahn,
who is recently rumored to be buying the stock.
Research in Motion currently about holds
about 2,000 patents with the U.S. Patent Office.
While there is no doubt the value of these patents would be an important consideration in measuring the company’s potential selling price to a
suitor such as Microsoft or Motorola, assessments
of the value of these patents varies wildly.
Canaccord Genuity’s Mike Walkley, for one,
thinks the number is less than the $4.5 billion
Nortel’s patents recently fetched. “RIM did not
8
Estimates of the value of Research in Motion’s patent
portfolio vary widely, says the Cantech Letter.
build wireless networks and was not an industry
pioneer” said Walkley. “As such, we do not believe
RIM’s portfolio is more valuable than Nortel’s,”
Walkley also believes that the super-premiums
being paid are unsustainable and IP purchases
will flatten out, price wise now that Google has
acquired Motorola Mobility.
But Kris Thompson of National Bank Financial thinks that Google’s acquisition of Motorola
Mobility and the surprising $4.5 billion for number for the acquisitions of Nortel’s patents works
the other way, and actually sets a floor for the price
of RIM’s patents. He now believes they could be
worth as much as $10 billion. Thompson thinks the
breakup value of RIM could be significantly higher
than its current market cap, which recently dipped
under the $20 billion mark. Thompson says the
value of the company’s current business even if it
becomes a “niche enterprise business and perhaps a
fringe consumer segment,” would generate annual
cash flow of about $1.5-billion. He therefore values
the business at $15-billion. Thompson gets to $18
billion by adding $3-billion for cash and investments, leaving the value of the patents to push the
price well over its current market cap.
Coming in at the low end of the scale is Peter Misek of Jeffries and Company who has just
completed an in-depth assessment of the tangle
that is mobile handset IP. Misek says Research in
Motion’s patents are worth just $2.5 billion. RIM
“has very few important patents covering LTE
technologies.” he said. Like most analysts, Misek
believes LTE patents are particularly valuable.
LTE is an acronym for Long Term Evolution, a
4G wireless broadband technology.
If you’re looking for strength in this area,
however, don’t look at the company that has
made RIM’s life miserable for nearly three years,
Cantech Letters concludes. Misek said Apple “could
be stronger in wireless.” The real 4G leaders, explained Misek, are LG, which holds 23% of key
patents, and Qualcomm, which holds 21%. Misek
estimates that RIM, by comparison holds just 1%.
www.cantechletter.com
Industry News
Proton rocket carrying Xplornet
4G broadband satellite
SMTC acquires electronics
manufacturer ZF Array
TORONTO – Manufacturing services company
SMTC Corp. will spend $10.6 million to acquire
and integrate ZF Array Technology Corp., which
makes electronics equipment and provides systems integration services.
SMTC will pay up to $9.1 million to acquire
ZF’s shares, including $2.4 million that can be
earned during a two-year performance period, the
Toronto-based company announced Thursday.
SMTC also anticipates $1.5 million in onetime integration costs to integrate the two companies’ nearby plants in San Jose, CA.
ZF, which also has operations in China, provides services to telecommunication, wireless
and life-science equipment manufacturers.
www.smtc.com
MARKHAM, ON – ViaSat-1, North America’s
first 4G broadband satellite, was launched into
geosynchronous orbit last month. Engineered to
provide ubiquitous broadband access in Canada,
ViaSat-1 will allow for previously unavailable
speed and bandwidth economics, and will offer
Canadians in its footprint, which includes many
remote areas, the opportunity to get a broadband
connection that is truly fast and affordable.
ViaSat-1 can support customer download
speeds of up to 25 Mbps, and its capacity is
greater than the capacity of all current North
American broadband satellites combined, with
the ability to provide broadband service to 1.5
million customers in North America. Xplornet
Communications Inc., Canada’s leading provider of rural broadband, has purchased 100%
of the Canadian Ka-band capacity on the satellite, and will use that capacity entirely for rural
broadband. Together with the planned launch
of a second, similar 4G satellite in 2012 and
with its national fixed-wireless 4G network,
Xplornet will effectively end Canada’s urban/
rural digital-divide.
The satellite launch was from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the world’s largest
A Proton-M rocket launched a new 4G satellite to be
used by Xplornet. More images are at http://ow.ly/73kG2.
Photo courtesy of International Launch Services (ILS).
operational space launch facility, and the site of
the historic launch of the first manned-spacecraft
which propelled Yuri Gagarin into orbit fifty years
ago this year. The satellite will be stationed in
geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km
– high enough to get a clear view of the vast Canadian geography it will be serving later this year.
www.4gsatellite.ca
WATCH what’s going on in the industry at
canadianelectronics.ca
Video highlights at CanadianElectronics.ca demonstrate both new product
introductions and distribution trends affecting the electronics sector
LED drivers for LCD panel
backlighting from Lambda U
Robot gets assist for automating
hockey stick testing
Festo Mobile Mechatronics
Lab demos electric drives
Arrowfest offers electronics
designers in-depth seminars
TDK-Lambda, courtesy its Lambda
University online training service,
demonstrates the company’s ALD
Series LED drivers for LCD panel
backlighting.
http://ow.ly/76UXd
Hockey Robotics is a company that
has pioneered the concept of robotic
testing for the hockey industry. It uses an
advanced hockey stick testing robot and
MapleSim math software.
http://ow.ly/76Xt4
Rich Dirker, Electric Drive Specialist,
Festo Inc., details the various electric
drive material handling options available
from Festo on its touring Mobile
Mechatronics Lab.
http://ow.ly/76Y3z
Terry Dietrich of Arrow Electronics
Canada explains how the fourth edition
of Arrowfest Toronto offers designers
more in-depth training with extended
seminars and a supporting exhibition.
http://ow.ly/770rk
Cover Story Feature
Continued from page 1
Multidisciplinary
engineering
team building
at UBC design
competition
can incorporate in their prototypes,”
Nakane explained.
“We had 14 teams competing this
year working in groups of 3 or 4.”
Supporting the second-year students in the lab are two core instructors, including Nakane, and three
graduate teaching assistants. Occasionally senior students in the program will also provide assistance. The
second-year students “are learning to
structure their time” in preparation
for future challenges at school and in
the working world.
Adding to the
competitive challenge
was a ban on discrete
h-bridge driver chips
in the students’
designs
About 90% of the electrical contents are supplied to the teams as basic components for their designs, according to Nakane. “During the first
10
6 weeks of the course, we give them
relatively structured electronics labs
to learn circuit design principles: analog/digital inputs to microcontrollers,
analog filtering circuits, pulse-width
modulation, and H-bridge design.
“During the design/build phase
for their robots, some groups will
find a need for some more obscure
parts – analog/digital MUXs, sensors/emitters that we don’t normally
provide – which they tend to source
themselves. The brains of their robots
are our TINAH boards, our in-house
designed shield for the wiring board
(see board:
http://projectlab.engphys.ubc.ca/tinah/) –a close cousin of
the Arduino platform – that is based
on an ATMega128.
“The board allows students to
prototype their electronics systems
quickly, while still giving them access
to the underlying AVR code that they
can modify themselves if they need
to.”
The program receives “a great educational discount and sales support
from Newark/element 14, and they’ve
been great about providing prizes for
our top 3 or 4 teams at the competition for at least 6 years. It’s been fantastic to have their support over the
years, we’re very appreciative,” added
Nakane.
“Agilent was able to provide prizes
for our winning robots – really nice
digital multimeters for the four members of the winning team.”
“Most groups planned out their
electronics on paper designs, and
some used the student version of Ea-
Two years after completing this three-month summer course and competition, UBC
engineering physics students will begin working on real-world projects – designing
solutions for clients – with faculty members and industry partners. Photos courtesy
Daniel Lu.
gle CadSoft to help work with planning out their electronics circuits.”
Adding to the challenge for the
student was a ban on discrete Hbridge driver chips in their circuit designs. “We wanted students to understand the underlying features inside
of an H-bridge, and to see how you
can go from 4 mechanical switches to
4 MOSFETs to a up to a discrete Hbridge driver.
“In many ways, we’ve purposely
limited their components to learn the
basic skills, while keeping them informed that other options exist. For
example, we use the TL082 op-amps,
which are not rail-to-rail, and the
MOSFETs that we supply (IRF5305,
HUF75321) are high-current and
don’t operate under these conditions
with a direct 5 volt line from the microcontrollers, so that students will
develop good debugging skills and
recognize electronics problems early
on.”
Students design the mechanical assembly side of their projects in
SolidWorks 3D modeling software
where they learn much about how
they will fold and bend the material
they are working with. “It’s like sheet
metal origami,” said Nakane. “All of
the motion control programming was
done from scratch, with some of the
physical motions worked out using
SolidWorks to ensure that linkages
would work and clearances would be
maintained.
Metal fabrication instructions
from SolidWorks can be output to an
in-house waterjet cutting table, the
Omax 2652 JetMachining Center,
which is suitable for short-run part
production, prototype development
and just-in-time manufacturing. It
has a 40 hp direct drive pump and can
work parts in a variety of materials,
including titanium and stainless steel.
Both the cutting table and 3D
modeling software were added to the
program around 2008. “Because of
the number of rapid design iterations
that are possible now, this has had
the biggest impact on the students
to learn and given them better takeaways,” explained Nakane.
Although challenges like the
climbing robot are fun, there’s a
greater purpose to the work. Two
years after completing this threemonth summer course, these same
students begin working on real-world
projects with faculty members and industry partners. They are put to work
designing solutions for clients.
“For instance, we’ve had a few
projects with the B.C. Cancer Agency,” said Nakane. “They have a lot of
experts there who understand what
they need a technology to do, but
they don’t necessarily have the knowledge to make the device that they are
looking for. That’s where are students
come in.”
The students have worked with
medical device companies in the
province, as well as other industries
interested in building automation
into their operations.
The prototyping course, however,
gives students an early taste of what
they might be capable of. And the
competition that takes place at the end
of the course is one of the few times
that family and friends can see what
the students are working on. “No one
wants to come out and see them do
math,” joked Nakane. For more about
the program, visit projectlab.engphys.
ubc.ca/phys253/competition-2011/.
This article included files from contributing
editor Rob Colman.
Power Supplies feature
The importance of proper
distributed power protection
Part 2: Disruptions can impact PLC and RTU operation
Reliable Connectors
for Reliable Systems
CONEC
Embedded
Series
Tower and rackmount Falcon
SSG Series 1.5kVA UPS.
O
ther than lost productivity due to
poor electrical power sources, the
full ramifications of the unreliable
operation of a PLC or RTU may
not be fully understood. Safety often is of primary concern.
For example, there was the case of asphalt
manufacturing facility where the asphalt was being heated and mixed in a 200,000-gallon hopper.
The entire mixing process was controlled by
a SCADA system. Normally 200,000 gallons of
asphalt were dumped through doors located on
the bottom of the hopper after the mixing process
was completed. However, a power disturbance disrupted the normal PLC operation. This caused the
primary and secondary safety latches securing two
large maintenance doors located on the side of the
hopper were released allowing the doors to open.
The cleanup operation cost the company over
one hundred thousand dollars.
In another example, a major soft drink bottling
company was experiencing high voltage transients
that were randomly affecting the accuracy of a
PLC dedicated to controlling the filling of beverage bottles. As the bottling process was completely
automated and unattended, the improperly filled
bottles would not be detected until a final quality
control inspection.
This would require the entire bottling production run to be scrapped and recycled. The resulting
cost due to scrap and lost productivity was astronomical. It took the company over six months to
track down the problem and resolve it.
The disruptive and costly power problems can
be avoided. Installing active power conditioning or
on-line UPS units ahead of equipment controlling
the key production processed discussed is an effective solution. Both kinds of technology will operate from a very wide ac voltage range (+/-20% or
greater) and provide a tightly regulated ac output
voltage with in +/-2% of the nominal line voltage.
Further, active power conditioners and on-line
UPS units continuously regenerate new, clean sine
wave ac power devoid of generator frequency shifts,
high voltage transients and harmonic distortion.
As these solutions can simply be installed in locations throughout the production facility, where
they are needed, they are an easy, cost-effective
solution. The on-line UPS has further advantages.
It will power key factory automation equipment
during a loss of utility power allowing for the safe
shutdown of processing equipment to a known
state. During the startup of an auxiliary generator,
the on-line UPS will also provide seamless power
during the utility to generator transition.
Most on-line UPS products on the market incorporate internal valve regulated sealed lead-acid
batteries that are rated for use over a 0º to 50ºC
range. The wide temperature range UPS has been
designed incorporating batteries having up to a -60º
to 80ºC rating. Both battery types have a downside;
their service life is greatly reduced when used in
temperatures above 30ºC. The manufacturer stated
service life of a UPS battery may be five years; however the manufacturer states when operated in a
55ºC environment the service life will be reduced to
less than six months, after which it must be replaced.
As a solution to this problem some on-line UPS
companies offer high capacity ultra-capacitor based
storage banks that can support a UPS backup runtime of up to a few minutes. These capacitor banks
have a service life of 15 to 20 years and do not deteriorate when continuously operated in high temperature environments.
Another consideration in selecting an active
power conditioner or on-line UPS is its communications capabilities. State-of the art SCADA systems typically supports MODBUS over Ethernet
communications interfaces and protocol. To assure
a proper implementation the conditioner or on-line
UPS must support this communications scheme in
one form or another. It is often desirable for the
conditioner or on-line UPS to notify a PLC, RTU
or the main SCADA system of a utility loss, out of
parameter voltage conditions or an equipment failure status.
This is Part 2 and the conclusion of an article contributed by Falcon Electric. You can read the entire article at http://ow.ly/73pNp.
PC/104 and PPC/104plus
C/1
C/10
/104p
04p connectorss
04plus
press fit and solder termination
with press-fit
AMC high speed backplane connector
for 12,5 Gps data rates
with internal shielding
CompactPCI
p
connectors
47W23/38W23
47W23
/38W23 and
24W9 /26W11 types
The CONEC embedded
connector series covers
the wide range of specified connectors used in
todays embedded computing applications:
• MicroTCA
• Advanced TCA
• CompactPCI
• PC/104 and
PC/104plus
• DIN 60603-2 Eurostyle
125 Sun Pac Blvd.
Brampton, ON Canada L6S 5Z6
Tel: (905) 790-2200
Fax: (905) 790-2201
For Conec Stocking Distributors
please visit
www.conec.com
www.falconups.com
CONEC.indd 1
2/9/09 8:58:53 AM
battery technologies feature
Battery authentication security measures
Part 2: Solutions can outwit counterfeiters By Stefan Hald
T
o safeguard the integrity of their batteries, OEMs require a battery security
mechanism that produces a different
data stream every time the host chal-
lenges it, in order to defeat a counterfeiter’s oscilloscope. This can be implemented today using
standard ICs and proven security algorithms.
The basic operation of such a challenge-andrespond scheme involves the generation of a random data stream by the host (see Figure 2). This
random data stream is communicated to the battery, which then performs a transform function on
the data stream using a secret key held by the battery and the host. The battery then sends back the
transformed data stream to the host. Meanwhile,
the host performs the same transform function on
the random data. If the two values provided by the
battery and the host match, the battery is authenticated and the host permits it to function normally.
This scheme ensures that the data streams
passing between host and battery are different
every time, so capturing them on an oscilloscope
does not facilitate counterfeiting.
Figure 2: operation of challenge-and-respond
battery authentication scheme.
the most secure forms of
challenge-and-respond
scheme use this algorithm
The secret key used in the transform operations is a code hidden on the host device and the
battery pack’s security IC. This secret is the source
of the device’s security, which means the OEM can
use a public authentication transform algorithm –
such algorithms are proven to be extremely safe
from attacks on their integrity.
The most secure forms of challenge-andrespond scheme today implement the SHA-1/
HMAC algorithm, which is widely used for authentication of online banking transactions and
Virtual Private Networks. Here, the transformation of the host’s ‘message’ to the battery results in
a condensed ‘message digest’.
This security scheme operates in two stages
(see Figure 3). First, the host uses its secret key
to read a 128-bit encrypted ID stored on public
memory in the battery’s security IC. It then generates a 160-bit random challenge and transmits it to
the battery’s security IC. This then uses its 128-bit
ID, stored as plain text (i.e. unencrypted) in private
memory, to transform the random challenge and
produce a message digest.
At the same time, the host performs the same
transform function on its random challenge, using
the decrypted ID it has just acquired from the battery.
If the battery’s and the host’s message digests
match, the battery is allowed to operate normally.
As before, the security resides in the secret key,
which the host holds. But the advantage of the
SHA-1 algorithm is that it generates a large 160bit challenge: this produces 2,160 possible results,
and this is a large enough number to make counterfeiting impracticable. In fact, the scheme is
more vulnerable to human exposure than technical, through the inadvertent or deliberate release
of the secret key by staff at the OEM itself.
This high-security circuit can be implemented
in a battery pack using a dedicated security IC –
such devices typically cost less than $1.50 in vol12
Canadian Electronics November
2011 www.canadianelectronics.ca
1/13/11 12:31:40 PM
Untitled-10 1
Figure 3: operation of high-security authentication
scheme using SHA-1/HMAC algorithm.
ume. The implementation of such a scheme also
entails a small extra production cost, as a special
test routine will need to be developed and run in
the factory.
Consumer electronics OEMs have strong reasons for using custom batteries, which enable smaller, sleeker end products with longer operating time
between charges. The size of the reputational and
warranty-redemption costs that could arise from the
widespread use of counterfeit replacement batteries
is, in practice, impossible to quantify exactly.
What is certain is that extremely secure authentication technology can be applied to battery packs
at a cost per unit of just $1-$1.50. The level of protection afforded to batteries is the same as that applied by banks to the millions of transactions carried
out on the internet every day – and that is certainly
enough to deter attempts by non-approved battery
vendors to copy original batteries.
Stefan Hald is Field Applications Engineer (Power Pack Solutions), VARTA Microbattery GmbH. This is Part 2 of his article;
to see the entire story, go to http://ow.ly/73ymz. www.varta-microbattery.com
battery technologies feature
Hybrid and electric vehicle battery design
MapleSim models can be used for hardware-in-the-loop simulations By Maplesoft
O
ne of the most important components of a
hybrid-electric or fully
electric vehicle is the
battery itself. Having a good virtual
model of the battery is essential so that
both battery behavior and the physical interaction of the battery with all
the other components are properly
reflected in the model.
Because the battery plays such a vital role in the vehicle, capturing these
interactions is essential to designing
an efficient, effective electric vehicle.
Dr. Thanh-Son Dao and Aden
Seaman are working with Dr. John
McPhee, the NSERC/Toyota/Maplesoft Industrial Research Chair for
Mathematics-based Modeling and Design, to develop high-fidelity models
of hybrid-electric (HEV) and electric
vehicles, including the batteries. They
chose MapleSim1, multi-domain
physical modeling and simulation software from Maplesoft, because they
have found the symbolic approach in
MapleSim to be an effective way to
develop simulation models that have
fast real-time speeds for hardware in
the loop (HIL) testing and very high
fidelity compared to models created in
conventional modeling tools.
Lithium-ion batteries are a good
choice for electric vehicles, as they are
light and provide more power than
other common types of batteries of
the same size and weight. Batteries in
vehicles are subject to periods of high
current draw and recharge and large
temperature variations, which can
have a significant effect on the performance and lifespan of the batteries.
To capture these effects, Dr.
McPhee and Seaman needed a model
of lithium-ion battery chemistry over
a wide state-of-charge range, widely
varying currents, and various temperatures. Starting with the electric
circuit battery model of Chen and
Rincón-Mora3, they implemented
the components in MapleSim, using a custom function component to
represent the nonlinear relationship
between the state of charge and the
electrical components.
They modified the battery equations to simulate a battery pack that is
composed of series and parallel combinations of single cells. Next, they developed a power controller model in order
to connect the battery pack to a motor.
They then incorporated a one-dimensional vehicle model into the model.
The simple vehicle model drives
on an inclined plane, which is in turn
The system equations for this multi-domain model of a hybrid-electric
vehicle are generated automatically by MapleSim, and are accessible to the
researchers for analysis and improvements to the design.
controlled by a terrain model. A drive
cycle model was included to control
the desired speed of the vehicle. The
resulting differential equations, generated by MapleSim, were simplified
symbolically and then simulated numerically.
The team used MapleSim to develop a multi-domain model of a series HEV, including an automatically
generated optimized set of governing
equations. The HEV model consists
of a mean-value internal combustion
engine (ICE), DC motors driven by a
chemistry-based NiMH battery pack,
and a multibody vehicle model.
They chose a Ni-MH battery because of its widespread use in hybridelectric vehicles and used a chemistrybased modeling approach that captures
the chemical and electrochemical
processes inside the battery. With this
modeling approach, they could modify
the physical parameters of the battery
as needed to meet their overall design
requirements for the vehicle. The battery was modeled inside MapleSim by
placing the governing equations of the
battery processes directly inside MapleSim custom components.
MapleSim automatically generated an optimized set of governing
equations for the entire HEV system,
which combined mechanical, electrical, chemical, and hydraulic domains.
Simulations were then used to
demonstrate the performance of the
developed HEV system. Simulation
results showed that the model is viable
and, as a result of MapleSim’s lossless
symbolic techniques for automatically
producing an optimal set of equations,
the number of governing equations
was significantly reduced, resulting in
a computationally efficient system.
This HEV model can be used
for design, control, and prediction of
vehicle handling performance under
different driving scenarios. The model
can also be used for sensitivity analysis,
model reduction, and real-time applications such as hardware-in-the-loop
(HIL) simulations.
www.maplesim.com
ntitled-4 1
5/21/10 10:49:21 AM
sensors feature
RFID safety sensors for machine guarding
Tags or transponders contain a 32-bit, read-only identifier By Tim Cicerchi
M
achine safety systems
play an important role
in factory automation.
Machine
guarding
ensures that the machine is safe for
operation. Doors and gates are protected with mechanical safety interlocks, which use a key or tongue to
determine if they are open or closed.
Magnetic safety switches are used
as well because of their sealed, lowcost design and their ability to be
mounted in very wet and dirty environments. Although RFID has been
available for 30 years, it hasn’t been
DOW Ecolibrium helps yOu
meet regulatOry requirements
WithOut missing a beat.
™
used in safety systems until recently. A
trend in new machine designs now incorporates non-contact RFID safety
systems rather than mechanical safety
gate switches or magnetic sensors.
RFID safety sensors operate using different principles. This low
frequency, 125 kHz system uses
three standard RFID components
for operation: the tag, which attaches to a movable gate or sliding fixture, the read head, which is
mounted so that it will read the tag
in the safe position, and the controller, which determines the safe integrity of the entire system.
In her hands, it’s the world.
In your world, tough regulatory requirements are on their way. But you’re ready to meet them without
missing a beat.
✧ DOW ECOLIBRIUM™ bio-based plasticizers are phthalate-free and RoHS compliant. In
the wiring and flexible-PVC plastic components you make for personal electronics, they provide the same
performance, feel and flexibility as the materials you’re using now, while meeting current requirements for
flame resistance, and pending regulations for safer end-of-life disposal.
✧ DOW ECOLIBRIUM. In the face
The mounting of the tag in
relation to the read head must be
considered for proper operation.
of regulatory requirements, the beat goes on.
ecolibrium
www.dow.com/ecolibrium
®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
Tags or transponders are battery free and contain a 32-bit, readonly identifier. Every delivered tag
is guaranteed unique. This ensures
that when the system is initially setup, a teach procedure will link the
tag information to a specific read
head. Once that tag is read by a specific read head and the data is verified, the system can be made safe.
No other tag/read head combination is allowed once taught.
The read head is a simple ring
antenna that communicates with the
tag. Read ranges up to 15 mm allow
the tag to enter the read field from
any direction. This differs from
older magnetic safety systems where
independent contacts can switch independently when targets move in
from the side. Read heads can also
be conveniently located up to 30
m from the controller without any
degradation of signal strength.
The controller is the brain behind the RFID safety sensor technology. Users can choose to connect
one read head or as many as four
read heads to control the module. It
internally multiplexes the read heads,
which allows all read heads to be run
in close proximity with one another
without mutual interference.
Tim Cicerchi is Product Manager at
Pepperl+Fuchs ([email protected]). www.pepperl-fuchs.us
HM730w&c_deco_earbuds_ce.indd 1
14
10/18/11 11:29:01 AM
semiconductors feature
SenseFET high accuracy current sensing
Effects of component temperature variation must be taken into account By Wharton McDaniel
T
he need for more precise sensing of load
currents is becoming increasingly important in modern power system design, in
order to maximize efficiency levels, extend battery life and safeguard component parts
against damage.
Employment of current sensing MOSFETs or
SenseFETs can circumvent issues arising for the
other methodologies. In such devices, a small number of individual power MOSFET cells are devoted
to current sensing by isolating their source connections and bringing them out along a separate pin.
As only a small proportion of cells are isolated
for sensing, the current flowing through the main
source channel remains approximately equal to the
load current while a smaller, known proportion of
this current flows through the sense channel.
To measure current accurately using a sufficiently large sense resistance, the design engineer
must model the entire SenseFET circuit as a resistor divider comprising the device’s bulk drain resistance, plus the source wire resistance and RdsON
values for the main channel and sense channel.
In addition, the effects of component temperature variation between individual SenseFETs must
be taken into account when calculating sense resistor
values. With increasing sense resistor values, measurement accuracy becomes more dependent on the
SenseFET’s RdsON for the main channel. This can
vary by as much as 30% from component to component and 40% over de-rated operating temperatures.
Virtual ground sensing, using an op-amp, enables more accurate current measurement, particularly when a larger sense voltage is required.
The op-amp’s non-inverting input is connected to
ground, and its inverting input is connected to the SenseFET’s sense terminal, as shown in Figure 1 (inset). Thus
the sense connection is held at virtual
ground, with the same potential as the
source.
For this scenario, the following sensing equations hold:
VSENSE = -ID * n * Rf
Rf = VSENSE / ID * n
ID = -(VSENSE / Rf) * n
Where n is the SenseFET current
mirror ratio (number of cells in the sense
channel relative to the main channel). In
this way, virtual ground sensing enables
a larger sense signal without requiring
a large sense resistor value to alter the
behavior of the SenseFET’s. However,
a second inverting op-amp is needed to
produce a positive output.
A virtual ground sensing circuit may be built
using a network of discrete op-amps and resistors,
which increase bill of materials costs and lengthen
time to market. Alternatively a SenseFET controller
chip may be used, which provides an integrated solution that combines a virtual ground sensing network
as well as the gate drive circuitry needed to control
the SenseFET.
Figure 2 describes how ON Semiconductor’s
NTMFS4854NS SenseFET can be connected to
a suitable controller chip, such as the ON Semiconductor CAT2300. The CAT2300 generates
the gate drive signal for the SenseFET and also
Figure 1: illustrates virtual ground sensing, while
Figure 2 shows control of the SenseFET using a
suitable companion chip.
integrates precision current sensing circuitry that
monitors both SenseFET channels.
To maximize accuracy the SenseFET provides a
direct Kelvin connection to its main source metallization. Without this, any voltage drops caused by
load current flowing in the ground connection add
to the sense voltage and alter the division of current
between the sense and main channels.
Wharton McDaniel is Product Marketing Manager for Power
MOSFETs, ON Semiconductor.
www.onsemi.com
If you purchased LCD panels and/or televisions, computer monitors or laptop computers containing
LCD panels, in Canada, between September 2001 and December 2006, your legal rights could be
affected by a class action settlement.
Background
Class proceeding lawsuits have been initiated in Ontario, British
Columbia and Quebec alleging that the defendants conspired to
fix prices for LCD panels (the “LCD Proceedings”). LCD panels are
liquid crystal display panels or screens.
Settlement Approval Hearing
A settlement has been reached in the LCD Proceedings with
Epson Imaging Devices Corporation (formerly known as Sanyo
Epson Imaging Devices Corporation) (“Epson”). Pursuant to the
settlement, Epson has paid Cdn $1,200,000 in exchange for a full
release of claims against it and its related entities relating to the
pricing of LCD panels and products containing LCD panels. Epson
has agreed to provide cooperation to the plaintiffs in pursuing
the LCD Proceedings against the remaining Defendants. The
settlement represents a resolution of disputed claims. Epson
does not admit any wrongdoing or liability.
A motion to approve the Epson settlement will be heard by the
Ontario Court in the City of London on December 2, 2011 at 10:00
a.m., the British Columbia Court in the City of Vancouver on January 26, 2012 at 9:00 a.m., and the Quebec Court in the City of
Quebec on December 7, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. At these hearings,
the Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec Courts will determine
whether the Settlement Agreement is fair, reasonable, and in the
best interests of settlement class members.
Settlement class members are entitled to file written submissions
and/or appear and make submissions at the settlement approval
hearings. Settlement class members who wish to exercise either of
these rights must submit written submissions postmarked no later
than November 22, 2011. Detailed instructions regarding the process
for making submissions are available online at www.classaction.ca.
Opting Out
The deadline to opt out (exclude oneself) of the LCD Proceedings
expired on April 10, 2011.
Claiming Part of the Settlement Funds
The settlement amount is being held in an interest bearing account for the benefit of settlement class members. The calculation and timing of the distribution of the settlement funds will
be determined by further order of the courts. Once the court has
approved the method for distributing the settlement funds, further
notice will be published and posted online at www.classaction.ca
regarding how the settlement funds will be distributed and the
claims process.
Class Counsel
The law firms of Siskinds LLP, Sutts, Strosberg LLP, Camp Fiorante
Matthews and Siskinds Desmeules s.e.n.c.r.l. are class counsel in
the LCD Proceedings. Their contact information is available online at www.classaction.ca.
Class Counsel legal fees and disbursements must be approved by
the courts. Class Counsel will collectively be requesting that legal
fees of up to 25% of the Epson settlement funds, plus disbursements and applicable taxes be approved by the courts and paid
out of the Epson settlement funds.
Further Information
Further information about the class action and the Settlement
Agreement is available online at www.classaction.ca or by contacting Class Counsel toll free at 1-800-461-6166 ext. 2455 or by
email at [email protected].
This notice has been approved by the Ontario, British Columbia and
Quebec courts.
connectors products
Snap-in panel-mount connector
Binder-USA has expanded its series 620 snap-in panel-mount receptacles
to now offer dip solder contacts. The snap-in receptacles are designed with
a plastic shell with an outer diameter of 11.5 mm. The connectors are IP67
rated when properly installed and mated.
www.binder-usa.com
Sensor actuator line
Panel feed-through
terminal blocks
BlockMaster Electronics has introduced a line of panel feed-through
terminal blocks. The blocks allow
the designer to completely isolate
the electrical elements of his product
from the EMI/RFI or other outside
electronic interferences. The BlockMaster MPT Panel Feed-Through
series is useful for design opportunities in medical imaging, motor and
robotic motor control generator sets
and other high power switching outputs that will meet domestic and international EMI/RFI requirements,
the company says.
CONEC SAL series sensor actuator circular connectors are available in a variety of overmolded
sizes and styles, including M12,
M8 and 7/8 in. The connectors
are sealed to IP67 and IP69K
requirements, with specific configurations designed especially
for the industrial automation and
food/beverage industries, and
can operate at extreme temperatures up to 125ºC.
www.conec.com
Distributed modular I/O
for industrial Ethernet
Passivated RF connectors
Crystek has released its line of RF
connectors to its distribution network. The company supports a full
line of passivated stainless steel RF
connectors – SMA, TNC, N-Type,
2.4 mm, 2.9 mm (K) – in jack, plug
or bulkhead styles. Crystek currently offers connectors that are
designed to be mated with cables
from Semflex, IW and Harbour. In
addition, 18 GHz, silver-plated copper coaxial cable is available in bulk
quantities.
www.blockmaster.com
Balluff distributed modular I/O
can be used in a cost effective
way to replace standard slice I/O
and distributed I/O solutions,
the company says. Offering IP67
protection and industry standard
connectors, many types of control data can be collected. Using
standard 3-conductor cables, up
to 4 slave devices can be connected to each master block,
which communicates over the
industrial Ethernet network to
the controller.
www.balluff.com/io-link
CE
www.crystek.com
Compatible terminal blocks
Integrating Springcon technology in a reflow compatible housing, the AST23X series of terminal blocks from RIA Connect
feature a compact forty-five degree design in 3.5 and 5.0 mm
centerlines. Tool-less operation is achieved with the use of solid
wire up to 16 AWG. UL and VDE approvals are pending. Free
samples are available.
www.riaconnect.com
M23 circular connectors
Weidmuller has introduced a modular M23 connector line featuring
circular connectors for signal, power and hybrid (signal and power) applications – designed for use outside the cabinet in machine and industrial automation applications. The M23 connector line includes signal
connectors ranging from 6 to 19 poles, along with a 6-pole (5 +PE)
power version, and a hybrid connector with 4 power contacts and 4
signal contacts.
Composite shell circular
connectors
www.weidmuller.ca
Connectors for underwater applications
ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a series of interconnect products developed for underwater environments, including marine and naval applications. The waterproof CIR Marine Bronze series connectors
meet IP67 specifications when mated, and are manufactured from an
aluminum-bronze alloy that also contains iron, nickel, manganese and
lead, making them resistant to rust and corrosion. The connectors are
said to offer fast coupling/uncoupling with an audible “snap-in” lock.
www.ittcannon.com
The API Technologies Spectrum
Control product line now includes
the composite connector series. The
composite connectors feature shells
fabricated from high grade thermoplastic. Designed to displace traditional metal connector shells for
substantial weight reduction, the new
addition to the Spectrum Control
product line offers composite shell
versions of its circular connectors in
MIL-38999 series III and IV, available EMI filtered or unfiltered, the
company says.
www.specemc.com
16
fischer UltiMate
TM
UltiMate Connections for
Harsh Environment
New Original Series
Q
Rugged design for harsh environment
Q
Excellent sealing IP68/69K even unmated
Q
Extremely robust mechanical keying
Q
Miniature and ultralight design
Q
High pin density
Q
High shock and vibration resistance
Q
Operating temperature: -55°C to +135°C
Q
Push - pull locking system
Q
Easy Fischer cable assembly solutions
www.fischerconnectors.com
Fischer Connectors, Inc.
1735 Founders Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Tel: 800.551.0121
Fax: 678.393.5401
[email protected]
Untitled-4 1
4/12/11 10:12:34 AM
enclosures products
Floor-mount Type 4 enclosure
Pentair Technical Products has announced the addition of four 18-in.
deep models to its Hoffman two-door,
floor-mount Type 4 enclosures, Bulletin
Number A4L3. With the addition of the
new models, the line includes solutions
for an even wider range of applications.
Featuring a UL Type 4 rating, the enclosures are suitable for use in indoor or
outdoor environments.
Thermoelectric cooler
Pentair Technical Products announces the McLean Thermoelectric Cooler for cooling electronic components
in small indoor or outdoor electronic
enclosures. Operating on Peltier effect technology, McLean Thermoelectric Coolers deliver 60, 100 or
200 W of cooling for applications including telecommunications, battery
cabinets, industrial enclosures, security systems and more. The compact
coolers feature no refrigerant, compressors or filters. The 24 and 48 Vdc
coolers are CE- and UL-recognized,
and available in 13 models.
www.hoffmanonline.com
Case provides watertight protection
Crenlo has announced the addition of the Emcor Rolling Transit Case. Made from a polycarbonate mold,
the case is designed to withstand abuse in tough environments, while the two-stage telescoping extension
handle and in-line wheels offer easy transportability of
sensitive electronic equipment. The transit case
can be purchased empty and used for carrying
cables and cords, or it can be purchased with
one of two polyurethane foam insert options, a
cubed, layered option or a solid, layered option.
www.mcleancoolingtech.com
www.crenlo.com/enclosures
Web Locators
16:28
CAN08a_MIN
Page 1
ENCLOSURE SOLUTIONS
innovative electronic enclosures
17/3/09
16:16
Page 1
W!
17/3/09
NE
CAN09a_TEK_OVIP
Explosion-proof
enclosure heater
Chromalox has introduced the
Chromalox XPMC explosionproof enclosure heater designed
to provide freeze and condensation protection in small spaces.
The XPMC features an anodized aluminum body protecting
a Chromalox cartridge heater
and is CSA certified for hazardous locations (Class I, Div. 1 &
2, Groups B, C, and D). The
compact design is suitable for
use in panel manufacturing, gas
analyzers, petrochemical processing, pump houses and motor control centers that require
an explosion-proof solution to
controlling temperature and
condensation.
www.chromalox.com
NEW!
OV-IP
MINIMET INSTRUMENT CASES
Sealed pocket remote enclosures with
one, two, three or four buttons!
Small aluminum instrument enclosures:
• Stylish design in eight standard sizes
• Recessed front & rear panel apertures
• Removable base panel for easy access
• Anodized or painted front panels
www.tekoenclosures.com
TEKO ENCLOSURES
Phone: 800-965-9872
For more information visit:
www.metcaseusa.com
OKW Enclosures, Inc.
Phone: 800-965-9872
TERMINAL ENCLOSURES
Fast-action wall
mounting enclosure
OKW has added a fast-action
mounting kit for the ART-CASE
series of plastic electronic enclosures. This range is used in a variety of applications that require
the units to be mounted on walls,
ceilings, partitions, vehicles, machine housings and other equipment. A special mounting device
that clips into the cut outs provided on the base or bottom lid
has been developed.
Modern terminal enclosures with large front panel
for keypads, LCDs and touch screens!
TM
TM
OKW ENCLOSURES, INC.
Phone: 800-965-9872
www.okwenclosures.com
18
www.okwenclosures.com
OKW ENCLOSURES LTD
KW_CE_Feb_10.indd 1
1/28/10 12:06:10 PM
Power supplies products
Power redundancy modules work with MOSFETs
The Auto Current Balancing (ACB) technology of the QUINT ORING devices from Phoenix
Contact doubles the service life of redundantly operated power supply units by utilizing both power
supply units to the same extent. The modules work with MOSFET instead of the conventional
Schottky or silicon diodes. The load current is automatically distributed symmetrically. This is said
to result in up to 70% energy savings in comparison with conventional solutions.
www.phoenixcontact.ca
4 W switching supplies
At 4 W or less, the Bias Power BPW
4 series micro-size switching power
supplies are available with single or
dual output. The power supplies
have an 85 to 308 Vac, 50/60 Hz
universal input and a no-load power
consumption of <30 mW. Operating temperature range is -30º to
70ºC. Units meet EN 55022, Class
B; FCC Part 15, Class B as well as
UL/CSA and EN Product Safety
(ITE).
Medical-certified power supplies
TDK-Lambda Americas has released a range of
medical-certified ac-dc external power supplies with
output power ratings from 90 to 110 W. The supplies are EISA and CEC Efficiency Level V compliant. The DTM110-C series operate with a universal
ac input of 90 to 264 Vac (47 to 63 Hz) and include
PFC. Typical operating efficiencies
are greater than 85%. Available
output voltages include 12,
13.5V, 15, 19 and 24 V.
www.biaspower.com
T9
compact, easy to
mount circuit breaker
resists dust and water
www.us.tdk-lambda.
com/lp/
Miniature, PCB mount
5 W, ac/dc units
MicroPower Direct has introduced the MPB-05S series, line
of open frame, 5 W ac/dc power
supplies. Seven standard models
operate from a universal input of
85 to 264 Vac, providing regulated
single outputs of 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15,
18 or 24 Vdc. Standard features
include filtering to EN55022
Class B, input/output isolation of
3,000 Vac, and low leakage current. The series has a Class II input (IEC61140). The MTBF (per
MIL HDBK 217F) of the MPB05S is greater than 200 kh.
www.micropowerdirect.com
250 W dc/dc converter
The BAP 190 series dc/dc converters from Absopulse deliver 250 W continuous output power
from a conduction/convection-cooled package
with a 132 x 64 x 300 mm footprint. The series
uses the field-proven topology of the BAP 180
family, but has a 50% higher power density. The
standard stock versions have two output terminals: a Redundant via a built-in redundancy
diode, and a Direct, which bypasses the redundancy diode. They can be used in Redundant
or Direct operation, depending on application
requirements. On the Redundant output, these
converters can be used for redundant parallel
or N+1 operation. The Direct output can be
used for monitoring, precision regulation or to
achieve higher efficiency. The 125 Vdc input version (90 to 145 Vdc standard range) is available
with 24 or 48 Vdc standard outputs. A Form C
output fail alarm is included in this design.
www.schurterinc.com/new_cbes
Schurter‘s T9 series resets the industry standard
for fuseholder style Circuit Breakers for Equipment
- single pole thermal circuit breaker
- slim fuseholder style body
- fits a variety of panels with 3 different mounting styles
www.absopulse.com
Transformer series expanded
Fulham has expanded its line of solid state, dimmable PONY halogen
electronic transformers from 60 and 75 W models to 60, 75,
150 and 300 W linear and 300 W circular units. The 12 V
50/60 Hz transformers operate multiple dimming and nondimming MR16 and MR11 lamps to stated wattage, provide short circuit/overload/thermal protections, operate
at 50ºC maximum ambient temperature, and use cURus
components (UL recognized components).
• front mounting snap-in fits 0.8-2mm panel thickness
• rear mounting snap-in fits 0.5-3mm panel thickness
• rear mounting threaded neck fits 3/8” cut-out. Comes with
metal nut or plastic nut to meet China RoHS. Optional IP65
protection cover available.
- rated currents 3-16A
- press to reset trip indicator
- approved to UL 1077, CSA C22.2, IEC 60934, GB 17701
www.fulhamcanada.ca
motors & motion control products
Multi axis motor control motherboard
System for photovoltaic
module production
EPOS2 36/2 drive/controller motherboards from Maxon Motor are said to make product development faster
and easier, giving the designer either a standalone multiaxis motor controller or one that can be integrated into
the final product as a sub board. Starting with 11 nodes
connected together via CAN-Open, the unique snap
apart construction allows for quick multi-axis customization on a single board.
www.maxonmotorusa.com
EasyHandling from Rexroth is a
modular set of matched electrical,
mechanical and pneumatic components suitable for photovoltaic
module production. The system offers custom solutions and standardization for numerous handling tasks
along the module production valueadded chain. Ironless linear motors
position cells and panels with superior precision and high synchronization quality. A form-fit connection
method simplifies construction and
assembly, while software assistants
reduce commissioning time.
4 mm linear servomotor
Nippon Pulse America has introduced the 4
mm linear shaft motor. The 4 mm shaft diameter, a small forcer size (10 x 10 mm), a total
weight of 9 g, and strokes as long as 40 mm
make the unit a suitable replacement in piezo
type applications. The motor is quiet due to
the absence of friction since the only mechanical contact section is the linear guide and the
coreless construction of the unit eliminates
cogging, the company says.
www.electromate.com
www.boschrexroth.ca
Adjustable frequency drives
Magnetek, Inc. announced the availability of its IMPULSE Series 4
adjustable frequency drives. The IMPULSE G+ Series 4 can be used
as an open-loop vector or V/F crane control for traverse motions or
mechanical load brake hoists. The IMPULSE VG+ Series 4 can be used as
a closed-loop flux vector crane control
specifically designed for non-mechanical load brake hoists and high performance traverse motions.
Inverter drive
BEI Kimco Magnetics brushless dc motor Model DII36-125000A is suitable for a down hole oil exploration application.
The motor measures 3.6 in. in outer diameter and 12.5 in. in
overall length. High-energy samarium cobalt magnets is incorporated to ensure high efficiency operation, survive the extreme temperatures, and for improved corrosion resistance. A
proprietary hall sensor support structure and advanced cable
strain relief system was developed to achieve reliability under
the extreme conditions. The housing design allows the motor to be filled with oil to compensate for the high pressures.
Lenze Americas has introduced the
compact 8400 motec inverter drive,
said to be equipped for all drive functions and scaled to deliver energy
efficiency in material handling applications. The IP66 enclosure, with its
modular design, encases three units
– the drive, communication and wiring units. Available in a power range
from 0.37 to 3.0 kW, the unit can be
mounted either on the geared motor
or wall-mounted for space savings in
the control cabinet, reduced shielded
motor cable length and expedited
commissioning. When employed
with asynchronous motors, the drive’s
“VFC eco” mode permits the motor
to be operated in partial load.
www.beikimco.com
www.lenzeamericas.com
www.magnetekmh.com
Brushless dc motor
36 mm linear actuator
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions has
released a new version of its 36 mm
G4 linear actuator. The 36 mm unit
with the integrated size 14 adaptor
plate allows the user to replace existing hybrid units easily by using the
same bolt pattern and pilot surface.
Assuming the high resolution of the
hybrid style actuators isn’t required,
the 36 mm can-stack with a size 14
adapter plate provides the performance and life of the more expensive size 14 units.
www.haydonkerk.com
Design platform for
3-phase motor drives
Texas Instruments has introduced an isolated amplifier and a delta-sigma modulator that enable “best-in-class” shunt-based current measurement in motor control and green energy applications. The AMC1200
isolated amplifier and AMC1204 delta-sigma modulator allow designers
to increase accuracy, temperature stability and immunity to magnetic
fields in equipment such as ac drives, solar inverters and uninterruptible
power supplies.
STMicroelectronics has introduced new resources to simplify
design and speed up development
of energy-saving intelligent motor drives. Intelligent drives enable improved energy ratings, but
present complex design challenges and historically have required
expensive processors such as
digital signal controllers. ST’s advanced STM32 microcontroller
family and ready-to-use firmware
building blocks for intelligent
drives are said to help designers
overcome these challenges.
www.ti.com/amc1200-pr
www.st.com
Combination isolated amplifier/delta-sigma modulator
20
editor’s choice products
Universal device programmer
Oscilloscope measures
power FETs
The GALEP-5 from Saelig is a palm-sized programmer said to double as a fast production programmer in ganged arrays, while its JTAG debugging capabilities enable
it to be used for microcontroller development. The unit is a universal programmer
for a wide range of device types: EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, serial EEPROM, NV-RAM, LPC, FPGA, PLD, EPLD, GAL, PALCE, PIC, Microcontroller
(MCU). More than 60,000 device algorithms are currently supported.
www.saelig.com
Rohde & Schwarz has developed
an oscilloscope that it says ensures
high-signal fidelity when measuring the dynamic “on” resistance of
power FETs. Also said to provide
fast overdrive recovery, low frontend noise, and the highest effective number of bits (ENOB) in its
class, the R&S RTO series allows
users to overload the scope without distorting the measurement.
www.rohde-schwarz.us
MEMS microphone for
natural voice control
STMicroelectronics has expanded its
sensor portfolio with the MP34DT01
top-port MEMS microphone. Housed
inside a 3 x 4 x 1 mm package, the device employs a patent-pending technology that allows designers to place
the microphone membrane closer to
the acoustic portal on the top of the
package with a substantial increase in
performance and no penalty in size.
www.st.com/mems
Cables for fibre-optic
sensors
Omega has introduced the E32
series of shock and vibration resistant cables for fibre-optic sensors.
The CE compliant product can
withstand temperatures to 350ºC,
comes in through-beam or reflective sensing style to adapt to design
requirements, are cut-to-length
for custom field installations and
features side-view sensing heads
for right angle detection.
www.omega.ca
teardown garage feature
MacBook Pro notebook exposed as
virtual clone of iMac
More similarities than discrepancies between
Apple products By Chipworks
I
n March this year, Apple announced a new
generation of MacBook Pros to the market,
starting at $1199 (as of May 16th) and up to
twice as fast as the previous generation.
We got our hands on a 13 in. MacBook Pro,
featuring a 2.3 GHz processor, 2 GB 1333 MHz
DDR3 RAM, 320 GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, as
Special attention was paid
to chips that are generally
unheralded in the
spec sheets
well as Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology. Similarly priced is the 21.5 inch iMac featuring a 2.5
GHz processor, 512 MB of 1333 MHz DDR3
memory, a 500 GB (7200 rpm) hard drive, and also
equipped with the Thunderbolt port. Despite having slightly better tech specs, the iMac is priced the
same (at time of writing) as the MacBook Pro. Since
the decision for many is one of portability over a
bit more power, this makes sense and reflects good
product management practices. But also because
of the substitutability of the two computers, we
thought it might be interesting to compare them
on a silicon level – with attention to the chips that
go unheralded in the spec sheets. (Note: we didn’t
do a physical teardown on the iMac; we are using
The Thunderbolt port, created in cooperation with Intel, permits data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps.
data from iFixit for that device.)
Processor – Different Chips
The MacBook Pro’s new processor is a 2.3 GHz
dual-core Intel i5, also known as “Sandy Bridge,”
which delivers up to 2x faster performance over the
previous generation processor. The device also has
3 MB of shared L3 cache. Package markings on this
device are: BD82HM65/SLJ4P/E108A530/’08. As
previously mentioned, the processor found inside
the iMac is the slightly faster 2.5 GHz quad-core
Intel Core i5-2400S, with 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. For those who like to
compare such things we like Passmark
Software, cpubenchmark.net
Don’t miss out
on your next issue of
Canadian Electronics
Sign up for your
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s free!
Connectors & Cable, LEDs
& Optoelectronics
Here’s how:
For fastest service visit
and click the subscribe button
the news and products
cts
journal for the
e el
e
electronics
le
ectronics
c
industry
try
tr
rry
y www.canad
www
www.
www.canadiane
ianelect
ianelec
lectronics.ca
tro cs.ca
June/July 2011 V.26 I.4
FEATURED PRODUCTS
or
Faster
aster debugging tools
Tektronix has announced
faster debugging versions of its DPO7000C
series
scopes and new 4-, 6- and
8-GHz models in the MSO/DPO/DSA70
000C
series. The company also
announced
its expanded support for
MIPI testing
with new serial decode
solutions for
MIPI Alliance’s CSI-2 and
DSI specs.
Fill out the form below and fax
it back to us at 1-877-624-1940
www.tek.com
Tackling aerospace and
defense test & measu
measure
remen
mentt
A
Building greater assurance
in system readiness By
Mark Sunderland
PM# 40065710
gilent Technologies has
a goal to more time
to focus on their goals such
provide the military the
as fultesting exex- filling today’s mission
pertise, products and
and managing transiservices that tion to
the next.
enable their clients to focus
fo
ocus on projects
projects and
As
As system technology
programs, and although
becomes more
missions evolve, the complex,
assuring
constant element it to protect
those who go High-performance readiness gets tougher.
in harm’s way.
test equipment must be
available to test state-of-the-art
Success stems from a
systems,
system and
variable
i bl blend
d
bl d of to avoid the
people and technology
costs of obsolescence, advanced
– and as technology
technology has to be available,
becomes more complex,
supportable
so too does the chal- and
affordable.
lenge of assuring readiness.
Over a brief period and
Through Agilent’s expertise
in different venin measurement science and test processes,
clients have
Continued
Complementary MOSF
MOSFETs
The 30 V, 450 mA CMUDM7004
CMUD
(N-Channel) and
a
CMUDM8
CMUDM8004
(PChannel) MOSFETs
MOSF
SFETs
E in an SOT-523
SO
package from Central
Cent
ntral Semiconductor.
Semicon
The complementary
complementarry devices
pr
provide
a
variety of options for
for applications
applicati
including load/power
load/powe
wer switching, dc-dc
conversion and servo
se
motor control.
con
www.centralsemi.com
www
on page 11
CONEC IP6 Rated
Connectors
Brampton Ontario
Tel. +1 905 790 2200
Fax +1 905 790 2201
E-mail [email protected]
Untitled-2 1
2-stage EMI line filter
Schurter has announced
series FMBB
NEO EMI filters for one
phase systems
that consist of three different
2-stage
filter designs (Design C,
Design D and
Design F). All designs are
said to offer
high insertion loss performance.
www.schurterinc.com/new_emc
Name:___________________________________ Job Title: ______________________
www.dpncanada.com
Company:_______________________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________ Prov: ______ Postal Code: __________________
Fax: ________________________________ Tel: ________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: __________________
What is the primary or MAIN business activity at this location? PLEASE “✓” ONE ONLY!
MANUFACTURING
❏ 01 Computers, Related Equipment
❏ 02 Instrumentation
❏ 03 Communications Equipment
❏ 04 Industrial Electronics
❏ 05 Components
❏ 06 Consumer Electronics
❏ 07 Aerospace/Military
❏ 08 System Integration
22
❏ 09 Other Equipment Incorporating
Electronics
❏ 10 Other Manufacturing/Processing
NON-MANUFACTURING
❏ 11 Telephone, Telegraph, Satellite
Communications
❏ 12 Radio, (CA) TV & Related Broadcasting
❏ 13 Power Generation & Public Utilities
❏ 15 Transportation Service
❏ 16 Independent R&D, Consultants
❏ 17 Federal Government
❏ 18 Provincial & Municipal Government
❏ 19 Distributor, Representative
❏ 20 Education, Hospitals, Libraries
❏ Others Allied to the Field
__________________________
Thunderbolt Port – Same
One of the most talked about new features of this generation of MacBook Pros
is the new Thunderbolt port. This technology, developed by Intel with technical
collaboration from Apple, allows users to
connect high resolution and high speed
units to a single port to transfer data, at
rates up to 10 Gbps. The iMac also features this new technology.
Book Pro was the SMSC USB2513B USB controller. This device is part of SMSC’s USB251x family
of high performance, low power, small footprint
USB 2.0 hubs for PC, embedded, and consumer
applications and features three downstream ports.
Package markings on this device are: SMSC/
USB25138/01046-A2P10/8J144327K/ASE-JW. A
similar device by SMSC was also found in the iMac,
the SMSC USX2061.
Memory – Different
Eight Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR-H9C DDR3
SDRAM chips were found inside the MacBook
Pro. According to the device’s datasheet, this device is a 2,147,483,648 bit CMOS Double Data
Rate III (DDR3) synchronous DRAM, ideally
suited for the main memory applications that
require large memory density and high bandwidth. A Hynix SDRAM was found in the iMac
as well. Four H5GQ1H24AFR T2L 1 Gb DDR5
SDRAM chips were found on the computer’s
GPU.
Also found in the MacBook Pro was an
LE25FU106B manufactured by Sanyo. This is a
CMOS IC serial flash memory device with package markings: 25FU106B/0HKLX.
In the iMac, a CMOS multipurpose flash
(MPF) by SST, the 39VF200A, was found on the
circuit board.
Ethernet Transceiver – Same
Found in both the MacBook Pro and
iMac is the BCM57765B0KMLG integrated gigabit Ethernet and memory
card reader controller by Broadcom.
This device features an integrated
10/100/1000 BASE-T transceiver, and
an integrated 5-in-1 memory card reader. Package markings found on this device in the MacBook Pro are: Broadcom
logo/ BCM57765B0KMLG/UN1050
P20/113163 3 W.
Audio Controller – Same
Another repeat device used by Apple in both computers was the 4206BCNZ audio controller by
Cirrus. Package markings on this device, found
in the MacBook Pro, are: CIRRUS/4206BCNZ/
C2CY1051/MAL.
Certainly, when looking at the silicon level, we
found many similarities between the MacBook Pro
and iMac.
USB Controller – Similar
Found on the circuit board of the Mac-
More details are available at http://ow.ly/5Tktc.
www.chipworks.com
hammondFP.indd 1
1/21/09 9:23:57 AM
You work in all kinds of conditions,
so should your spectrum analyzer.
Only Agilent analyzers give you benchtop
performance in a lightweight MIL-PRF
28800F Class 2-compliant handheld.
Including a rugged design with no fans
and no vents for tough field environments.
So even in worst-case conditions, you
can perform at your peak.
That’s thinking ahead. That’s Agilent.
Handheld Spectrum Analyzers (HSA)
Key Specs
N9344C
Frequency
N9342C
N9340B
1 MHz - 20 GHz 1 MHz - 13.6 GHz
100 kHz - 7 GHz
100 kHz - 3 GHz
DANL
-155 dBm/Hz
-155 dBm/Hz
-164 dBm/Hz
-164 dBm/Hz
Sweep time
< 0.9 s
< 0.7 s
< 0.4 s
< 0.1 s
Weight with
battery
3.6 kg
(7.9 lbs)
3.6 kg
(7.9 lbs)
3.6 kg
(7.9 lbs)
3.5 kg
(7.7 lbs)
Agilent and our
Distributor Network
Right Instrument.
Right Expertise.
Delivered Right Now.
© 2011 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
800-732-3457
www.testequity.com/agilent
N9343C
View online HSA video demos
Download demonstration guides
www.testequity.com/Agilent_HSA
u.s. 1-800-829-4444
canada 1-877-894-4414

Climbing robot challenge tests UBC students

Transcription

Similar documents

Electric Go-Karts The exciting way to learn power electronics

w w w . a n t h e m A V . c o m

LIFEPAK 500 Maintenance Checklist

ERL-0631-GD PR

please click here for the entire story

DOS SD-STD-02.01 K12 L3 ASTM F2656 M50 P1

Lambourgini Murcielago Ride On Car Manual

Battery Guide V3

Mega Plexxus Instruction

Electronics

special topic: people power partnership