RESOURCES

The Latest in Compliance Engineering Products and Services

EMC Tutorial

The EMCT is a CD-ROM–based electromagnetic compliance training program that provides lessons in designing reliable EMC-compliant electronics. The initial release is composed of two modules. The introduction module presents simplified lumped model concepts for circuit boards and other descriptions of how circuit boards interact with the chassis and cables. The propagation module presents more than 400 screens of text and graphical images that cover EMI propagation and circuit board design. Elliott Laboratories, Sunnyvale, CA; tel: 408-245-7800; fax: 408-245-3499; e-mail: emctinfo@elliottlabs.com; Internet: http://www.elliottlabs.com.

Suppression Capacitor

The LE series of capacitors is suitable for across-the-line noise-suppression applications. The polypropylene film capacitors have a rating of 250/275 V ac at 100°C. The ac power line suppression series features 15 values ranging from 0.01 to 2.2 mF. All models are UL recognized and CSA approved. Okaya Electric America, Valparaiso, IN; tel: 800-852-0122; fax: 219-477-4856; e-mail: sales@okaya.com; Internet: http:// www.okaya.com.

High-Power Amplifier

The Model 5107 is a small high-power amplifier with a minimum linear power of 80 W across the frequency band of 700–3000 MHz, exceeding the requirements of the EMC RF immunity standard C63.4-2000. The solid-state amplifier is suitable for use as a replacement for 1–2.5 GHz travelling-wave tube amplifiers as used in military and automotive testing. Other available power levels are 50 and 25 W. Ophir RF, Los Angeles, CA; tel: 310-306-5556; fax: 310-577-9887; e-mail: sales@ophirrf.com; Internet: http://www.ophirrf.com.

Low-Loss Prepreg

The Speedboard C prepreg is suitable for use as the bonding sheet in controlled impedance, high-speed digital, and radio-frequency and microwave printed circuit boards and modules. The prepreg is constructed of a sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that has been impregnated with thermoset resins. The air space inside the ePTFE is replaced with resin, and the ePTFE membrane becomes the carrier for the resin. The prepreg material features a dielectric constant of 2.6 and a low loss tangent of 0.0036 that is stable over a frequency range of 1 MHz to 10 GHz and a temperature range of –55° to 200°C. W. L. Gore & Associates, Newark, DE; tel: 800-445-4673; fax: 302-737-2819; Internet: http://www.gore.com/ electronics.

Miniature Film Capacitor

A miniature film capacitor offers high current and voltage capabilities in an electrolytic-sized package. The Unlytic UP36 is suitable for decoupling in high-power convertor designs. The capacitor has an extended shelf life and is nonpolar for mistake-proof installation and safety. Other features include a dry construction to eliminate potential caustic electrolytic leakage for increased reliability and safety. The capacitor is available in most sizes and can be specified with voltages ranging from 500 to 1500 V dc, capacitance to 35 mF, and rms current to 22.6 A. Electronic Concepts, Eatontown, NJ; tel: 732-542-7880; fax: 732-542-0524; e-mail: sales@eci-capacitors.com; Internet: http://www.eci-capacitors.com.

DRAM and SRAM Adapters

AccuAdapters for dynamic random-access memory and static random-access memory are pin-to-pin replacements for end-of-life integrated circuits used in telecommunications, machine vision, digital signal processing, networking data acquisition, and high-speed graphics applications. The adapters are fully compatible with monolithic or discrete components and tested to the original device parameters. The adapters consist of a printed circuit board with phosphor bronze pins inserted and soldered to make the interconnection. The pins can be tin, gold, or solder plated, and the components can be built as either a turnkey or an assembly-only device. Accutek Microcircuit, Newburyport, MA; tel: 800-652-7505; fax: 978-462-3396; e-mail: accutek@seacoast.com; Internet: http:// www.accutekmicro.com.

Press-Fit Connectors

A range of 2.54-mm pitch connectors offers high reliability for solderless board-to-board applications. The range includes single and dual in-line modular sockets and terminal strips, available with 4–72 contact positions. The sockets incorporate a gold-plated four-finger contact clip constructed from beryllium copper. The housing has a UL 94V-0 flammability rating. Press-fit tails eliminate the need for soldering while providing a gas-tight termination to a plated through-hole. Harwin, New Albany, IN; tel: 812-285-0055; fax: 812-285-0056; e-mail: mis@harwin.com; Internet: http://www.harwin.com.

Filter Plate Assembly

A line of filter plate assembly is available for both standard and low-profile
designs. Low-pass filter types include C, L, and Pi filters. The preassembled plates eliminate the time and resources necessary to install solder-mount filters and are suitable for difficult mounting requirements. Custom Assembly LLC, Wood Dale, IL; tel: 630-595-4855;
fax: 630-595-6579; e-mail: sales@ phoenixofchicago.com; Internet: http://www.customassemblyllc.com.

Battery Chargers

The BCM series of wide-range battery chargers for nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium topologies includes 12 models for each battery topology and can charge multiple cell packs. The charger features a programmable controller, offering users a choice of three charger pack sizes and four different charge lengths of 1.5, 3, 6, or 9 hours. Enclosed in a black polycarbonate case, the charger weighs 13 oz and has an IEC 320–with-ground configuration. Custom designs are available. Ault, Minneapolis, MN; tel: 763-592-1900; fax: 763-592-1911; e-mail: info@aultinc. com; Internet: http://www.aultinc.com.

I/O Module

The VCM-DAS-2 provides a combination of analog and digital I/O, as well as nonvolatile storage, making it suitable for data acquisition and control applications. All the functions are provided on a single 3.8 ¥ 3.6 in. PC/104 module. The analog input section features 16 single-ended channels with 16-bit resolution and uses a 5-millisecond convertor for fast throughput. The analog output section includes two 12-bit channels that may be jumpered independently for 0–5 or 0–10 V output. The digital I/O section provides 16 lines that feature high-current transistor-to-transistor logic drivers. The two 8-bit ports are byte configurable as inputs only or as outputs with read back. VersaLogic, Eugene, OR; tel: 541-485-8575; fax: 541-485-5712; e-mail: info@versalogic.com; Internet: http://www.versalogic.com.

Coin Cell Holder

A 20-mm coin cell holder is suitable for high-density applications and mounts securely for wave soldering. Once mounted, the holders allow for the installation of the coin cell from the top. After insertion, the cell is retained securely to withstand shock and vibration. Polarized spring contacts ensure proper installation, circuit protection, and low contact resistance. Contacts are spring steel, tin over nickel plate. The slim-line holder has a temperature range from –60° to 293°F. Keystone Electronics, Astoria, NY; tel: 800-221-5510; fax: 718-956-9040; e-mail: kec@keyelco.com; Internet: http://www.keyelco.com.

Electrical Safety Tester

The Hypot III series of hipot testers feature a graphic liquid-crystal display and operator-friendly interface. The display provides detailed messages and user prompts, as well as enabling the inclusion of a verification system. The verification system allows a user to validate the operation of the instrument quickly without the use of external test boxes. When activated, the system prompts the user through the steps required for verification. Functions that can be verified include ac and dc hipot, ground continuity, ground bond, and insulation resistance. Associated Research, Lake Forest, IL; tel: 800-858-8378; fax: 847- 367-4080; e-mail: info@asresearch.com; Internet: http://www.asresearch.com.

EMC Gasket

A series of water-sealing EMC gaskets are suitable for shielding electronics enclosures and cabinets against high frequencies to comply with CE requirements. The gasket is available in a soft, compressible version so that a less rigid construction can be used. In most cases, the gasket can be used without changing construction. The large compression range makes it possible to use a single type for many applications. The gasket is available in a flame-retardant version and an electrically conductive self-adhesive version. Holland Shielding Systems, Dordrecht, The Netherlands; tel: +31 78 6131366; fax: +31 78 6149585; e-mail: info@hollandshielding.com; Internet: http://www.hollandshielding.com.

Snap-Action Switches

The DM series of subminiature snap-action switches features a UL 94V-0 switch housing and actuator button. With a variety of contact ratings, the switches are available with four different actuators, each with two operating force options. The switches offer printed circuit board pin terminations and are suitable for automotive, security, and consumer and commercial appliance applications. E-Switch, Brooklyn Park, MN; tel: 763-504-3525; fax: 763-531-8235; e-mail: info@e-switch.com; Internet: http://www.e-switch.com.

Programmable Logic Controllers

The MicroSmart series of programmable logic controllers includes all-in-one cpu units with 10, 16, or 24 I/O terminals and slim-type cpu units with 20 or 40 I/O points and varying types of output. Each cpu module is equipped with four high-speed counters, an RS-232C port, an analog potentiometer, and other features. The slim types, which have a height of 90 mm and a depth of 70 mm, include a built-in analog input. All of the controllers accept additional expansion I/O modules. Also available is the HMI module, a plug-in liquid-crystal display for accessing menus and editing values. Programs can be stored on optional memory cartridges and transferred between modules. IDEC, Sunnyvale, CA; tel: 800-262-4332; fax: 408-744-9055; Internet: http://www.idec.com.

Miniature SIP Relays

Miniature SIP relays are suitable for use in high-reliability test, measurement, and telecommunications applications in which high board density and long life are key requirements. The relays have pins on a 0.1-in. grid and are available with 5- or 12-V coils. The 9011 series has a volume of 0.0159 cu in., incorporates the RI-70 switch rated at 3 W, and has an external magnetic shield. The 9012 series has a volume of 0.024 cu in., a switch rating of 10 W, and an internal magnetic shield. Both series are available with diode options. Coto Technology, Providence, RI; tel: 401-943-2686; fax: 401-942-0920; e-mail: sales@cotorelay.com; Internet: http://www.cotorelay.com.

Spanner Head EMI Filters

Spanner head EMI filters can be inserted quickly into the chassis and connected by machine lead wire wrap without the use of solder. The lead spacing is 5 mm, and the cylindrical body has a diameter of 4.70 mm, making the filter suitable for compact mounting assemblies. The filter is available with capacitance values from 100 to 5500 pF, with a minimum insertion loss of up to 70 dB at 10 GHz. Tusonix, Tucson, AZ; tel: 520-744-0400; e-mail: sales@tusonix.com; Internet: http://www.tusonix.com.

Static-Dissipative Coating

Licron is a permanent static-dissipative coating that provides adhesion to metal, plastics, paint, and most other surfaces. The coating can be sprayed on tote bins, production benches, brushes, tape dispensers, trash cans, or anything that presents a static problem. The coating operates in 0–100% humidity. Once cured, the coating is durable and will not chip. The coating is translucent and can be used on porous surfaces. Techspray, Amarillo, TX; tel: 800-858-4043; fax: 806-372-8750; e-mail: tsales@techspray. com; Internet: http://www.techspray.com.

Digital Oscilloscope

The Model DL7200 Signal Explorer is a four-channel digital oscilloscope with a 500-MHz bandwidth. The oscilloscope is capable of 2 billion samples per second, and can trigger on and analyze controller-area network (CAN) bus signals. The unit's memory length of up to 16 Mword per channel offers the ability to acquire many frames from a CAN bus, which can be displayed in a binary or hex format. The oscilloscope can accommodate CAN bus rates from 33 kbps to 1 Mbps, as well as standard (11 bit) and extended (29 bit) formats. Options include 100- and 500-MHz differential probes. Yokogawa Corp. of America, Newnan, GA; tel: 770-254-0400; fax: 770-254-1337; e-mail: info@yca.com; Internet: http://www.yca.com.