Design News back issues from November 2008:
Off-Amps, What the Heck Are Off-Amps? Op Amps with No Power Applied, of Course.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By John Ardizzoni Q. What kind of performance (pick a parameter, it could be input impedance or any other op amp specification) can I expect from your amplifier- when the power is off? A. This may seem like a strange question, but as the title says, 'Strange stories ...
Instrumentation Moves from the Lab to the Factory Floor.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Analog circuitry eases the transition Portable. Battery-powered. Wireless. While these terms usually describe the latest consumer products, they are the enablers for taking laboratory-grade instrumentation into the factory. ...
Power Management Relies on Packaging.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Improvements seal the deal for performance The power that can be managed by power management circuitry is directly related to its packaging characteristics. Processing and semiconductor technique improvements turn out to be ...
Hard Truths.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Geoffrey C. Orsak Energy efficiency must be our top priority Hard to believe, but there I was, a 'let's make a difference' engineer, sitting with the big oil club in a paneled room in downtown Washington, DC. That old Talking Heads lyric kept buzzing between my ...
The Case of the Stealthy Silicon.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Kenneth Russell, Professor Emeritus, MIT, Cambridge, MA Silicon is primarily known as the basis for most computer chips, but it is also valuable as an alloying element, notably in transformer steels and a wide range of aluminum-based alloys. This column tells of an unusual ...
Energy Plans Diverge on Oil.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By John Dodge, Editor-in-Chief On Oct. 6 at MIT, the top energy advisers for both John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in a debate over who has the best energy plan (you might be reading this post-election). Design News' Web Editor Regina Lynch was there ...
Best of the Engineering Marketplace.
Nov 03, 2008 ... Compiled by Elizabeth M. Taurasi and Sasha Brown-Worsham Omega's OM-Microlite Elizabeth M. Taurasi, Sasha Brown-Worsham Small data logger The OM-MICROLITE from OMEGA ENGINEERING offers a convenient way to monitor and record temperature, while ...
Capturing the Wind.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Charles J. Murray, Senior Technical Editor, Electronics Engineers are looking at batteries, pumped hydro and compressed air as a means of storing power from renewable sources Sometimes, the wind doesn't blow. Sometimes, the sun doesn't shine. That's why ...
Who Will Make All the Wind Turbines?
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Joseph Ogando, Senior Editor, Motion Control & Automation The wind is everywhere, but not so the design and manufacturing expertise needed to make the high-tech machines that harvest energy from the wind In what has to be one of the biggest ironies surrounding ...
Ethernet Powers Growth.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Terry Costlow, Contributing Editor Power-Over-Ethernet is predicted to have a significant market impact, doubling its already-solid acceptance over the next few years. Providing power, as well as connectivity using existing wiring, it makes it simpler to install Web cameras, ...
Patients Can't Hide Anymore.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Terry Costlow, Contributing Editor Tracking personnel, patients and equipment is critical for both keeping medical facilities safe and cutting costs. CenTrak Inc.'s InTouch Care Real Time Location System pinpoints people and equipment to sub-room levels using RF technology ...
Getting a Charge While Cruising Norway.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Terry Costlow, Contributing Editor While Chevy's Volt gets tons of attention, Norwegian supplier Th!nk is ramping up production of its City electric vehicle for urban areas. Limited production has begun in Norway, with plans to offer vehicles in London, Paris, Milan and ...
Gearbox Efficiency Adds to Tesla's Mileage.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Terry Costlow, Contributing Editor High efficiency is critical in all vehicles, but it's especially important when you make a battery-powered sports car that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 sec. Tesla Motors' Roadster also goes 244 miles per charge now that it uses a ...
Case# 129 Remember-It-All Electronic Etch A Sketch.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff One of the frustrations of the Etch A Sketch is its temporary nature. You put in all that time learning to draw and your little brother (or spouse) bumps you and it's all gone - your great art is lost forever. Rakesh Reddy has a gadget-based solution - the ...
Energy-Efficient PC Monitor.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Rob Spiegel, Contributing Editor Computer maker Lenovo has produced an energy-efficient addition to its ThinkVision line of PC monitors. The new displays come in a number of sizes and use 30 to 60 percent less energy than previous ThinkVision models ....
Texas-Size Wind Farm.(E.ON Climate and Renewables)(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Rob Spiegel, Contributing Editor The energy company E.ON Climate & Renewables has opened the first two phases of its wind farm in Roscoe, TX. The wind farm can now generate 335.5 mW of electricity, enough to power more than 100,000 homes. Once all four phases are completed in ...
Consumers Won't Pay for Green.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Rob Spiegel, Contributing Editor Consumers won't pay the green for going environmental. According to research firm Yankelovich, fewer consumers are willing to pay more for green products despite continued interest in the environment. The report shows that Echo Boomers (16 to ...
Stability - The Ultimate Limit to Performance.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Kevin C. Craig We all experience with amazement every day the power of feedback control to improve the performance of a tremendous range of technological systems. Feedback control is at the heart of every modern mechatronic system and simultaneous optimization of the control ...
Sensors Deliver Real-Time Info on New Minnesota Bridge.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Charles J. Murray, Senior Technical Editor, Electronics Sub-structure, super-structure incorporate strain gauges, accelerometers Using a complex array of more than 300 sensors, engineers say they can now remotely monitor the structural health of the new I-35W ...
Lab Instruments Monitor Structural Health.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Charles J. Murray, Senior Technical Editor, Electronics Systems offer real-time access to structures over the Internet Using a graphical system design platform and programmable automation controllers, engineers created a real-time system that was used for ...
Naval Hovercrafts Specify Improved Fasteners.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Doug Smock, Contributing Editor, Materials and Fastening Newly developed system is described as vibration-proof, reduces downtime The U.S. Navy is using a new vibration-proof fastening system designed to dramatically reduce maintenance and improve performance of ...
World's Strongest Robots Clash.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Joseph Ogando, Senior Editor, Motion Control The battle for title of 'World's Strongest Robot' escalated at IMTS 2008 The battle for the title of 'World's Strongest Robot' escalated at the recent IMTS 2008 Show (http://designnews.hotims.com/22267-534 ), which ...
SAP PLM 7.0 to Get the View from Right Hemisphere.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Beth Stackpole, Contributing Editor, Design Tools Deep Server integration lets users dynamically generate visual product information from ERP systems As part of a major upgrade to its Business Suite enterprise software (http://designnews.hotims.com/22267-536 ), SAP ...
What Lean is Not: A Rant.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Kevin Gingerich, Director of Marketing Services, Bosch Rexroth Corp. - Linear Motion & Assembly technologies Div. It's a 'relentless pursuit' that requires your participation Lean is not easy. It's not easy to understand. It's not easy to implement. And it's ...
Embedded Design.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Mike Santori, National Instruments' Business and Technology Fellow Field-programmable gate arrays increase efficiency National Instruments' Business and Technology Fellow Mike Santori discusses how field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are changing the way ...
Oversample to the Extreme.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Jon Titus, Contributing Writer My previous Tips column, 'Oversample on Purpose,' (DN 10.20.08, http://designnews.hotims.com/22267-523), explained how averaging oversampled data can improve the resolution of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A delta-sigma converter also ...
Machine Tools Talk over the Web.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Joseph Ogando, Senior Editor, Motion Control MTConnect allows machine tools to share process data without the need for proprietary software Machine tool power users for years have used proprietary communication protocols and custom software to mine valuable process ...
Focus on Energy and Intelligence.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Al Presher, Contributing Editor New drive products target power efficiency, better control New drive products are literally at the crossroads in the latest control systems, offering both expanded control capabilities and more sophisticated support for different ...
Delivering More for Less.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Stepper drives lower costs Stepper drivers/controllers continue to make their mark on factory automation by offering a low-cost alternative to hydraulics and pneumatics, and price/performance to compete with servos in selected applications. But ...
Distributed Intelligence.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Drives are delivering on the promise of distributed control Product design for new servo drives is focused on lowering costs, more compact footprints and options that combine flexibility with ways to implement distributed motion control solutions ....
Efficiency & Connectivity.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff ac drive offerings emphasize more sophisticated operation Energy efficiency, network connectivity and a consistent focus on ease-of-use are the priorities for new ac drives and inverters. Providing sophisticated control functionality and advanced ...
Networking and Simplicity.(ethernet communications)(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff New drives emphasize Ethernet protocols and ease-of-use Sophisticated control functionality and advanced software tools are key parts of new product offerings and trends in variable frequency drives and inverters. One of the most important trends ...
Focus on Solutions.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff New automation and motion software tackles problem-solving As automation software has matured and control products have become increasingly dependent on quality software, suppliers have responded with more and better software solutions. The focus ...
Machine Control Moves to the Next Level.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Al Presher, Contributing Editor Higher levels of integration, Ethernet options, compact designs and PACs enhance offerings Controller solutions are moving through an evolution in role and functionality, as suppliers continue to add integrated capabilities for ...
PACs in the Forefront.(programmable automation controllers )
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff New automation controllers expand machine control functionality Makers of programmable automation controllers are strengthening their platforms for motion, logic and HMI control with an array of new offerings. With smaller controllers utilizing ...
Focus on Servo Control.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Multi-axis controllers emphasize performance and connectivity New servo motion control platforms are making it easier to implement multi-axis systems utilizing Ethernet and software standards such as IEC 61131 to create new options for machine ...
Compact and Cost-Effective.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff I/O controllers advance state-of-the-art using processing power New I/O controllers are pushing the performance envelope in implementing logic control on machines, combining I/O functions and automation control software into effective solutions ...
Motion Building Blocks.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Solutions for OEM applications focus on performance Modular motion control and microprocessor-based motion components have been the building blocks of intelligent motion control for a long time. But as technology has advanced, component-level ...
Editor's Letter.(Editorial)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Joseph Ogando, Senior Editor, Motion Control & Automation jogando@reedbusiness.com Despite the Economic Slump, the Motion Control Market Is Poised for Some Growth The general motion control market, while certainly not immune from the ups and downs of the global ...
Encoders Provide Accurate Position Data.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Techniques vary for suppliers to increase system accuracy The choice of linear or rotary encoder is rather obvious from the application. If knowing the position as soon as power is applied is important, an absolute encoder is another obvious ...
Go With the Flow.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Fluid power suppliers work to meet customers' demands In terms of special customer requirements in the fluid power area, the pace seems to have accelerated within the past year. 'Requests for low power consumption, higher ...
Moving Heavy Loads.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Hydraulic systems handle the toughest jobs When precise position control is required, hydraulic control is preferred over pneumatics, especially if high pressures are required, since air is a compressible fluid. With its force multiplication ...
Fluid Connectivity.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Techniques vary but no leakage is the goal With fluid control, critical system aspects include couplings, disconnects and sealing techniques. Although the components are different, the goal of each of these items is ease of accomplishing the task ...
Air-Powered Linear Motion.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Pneumatic actuators deliver more For low-noise and clean linear motion, pneumatic actuators provide the solution for many industries. New designs include integrating two cylinders into a single housing and three-position actuation in a single ...
An Open and Shut Case.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Pneumatic valves do more to meet application requirements Depending on the application, a pneumatic system could require valves suited for small space, long life or survival in harsh environments. Special application requirements in the process ...
Clearing the Air.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff That's only part of air preparation equipment's job What do customers want in a Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) today? One study by Norgren provides some interesting results. Customers want high quality, outstanding performance, a smaller ...
Mechatronics & Advanced Motion Control.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Call it what you will, the systems' approach is driving higher performance In the area of motion control, some people's reaction to mechatronics can be, 'What's that?' even though they are implementing the methodologies behind the ...
Pushing the Limits for Performance Improvements.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Tough times demand tough components and flexibility Increased throughput is the goal in any manufacturing operation. That's business as usual. 'What we're seeing now is more specialized applications - people really trying to push ...
Hold It!
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Coupling and clamping techniques support application requirements Various techniques are required for precise positioning in motion control systems. While zero backlash would be a common requirement, other system criteria could dictate high-speed ...
More Than Just Linear Motion.(linear actuators are application friendly)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Added benefits make linear actuators more application friendly Precise linear motion requires a variety of technologies to satisfy the broad range of application requirements. Added capability that addresses the system requirements of specific ...
Geared up for Action.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Gearbox designs address unique application requirements The ruggedness a gearbox requires for a long life certainly depends on the application. Reflecting different design approaches, manufacturers provide increased ruggedness capability. Unique ...
Precise Linear Motion.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Lead screws deliver more through integrated design Additional functionality integrated in the design allows lead screw manufacturers to satisfy customers' requirements in unique ways. With any integrated design, users can expect more than they ...
Combining Forces.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Al Presher, Contributing Editor Motor technology moves toward higher levels of power efficiency, networking and integration with machines Motor technology is moving ahead with higher power efficiency, servo motors with integrated electronics and a continuing ...
Servos Gain Market Share.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Servo motors capitalize on larger axis count systems and lower feedback costs One impact of OEM machinery builders moving to networked automation is more axes that utilize high performance, closed-loop control. Suppliers agree usage of servo ...
Finding Their Niche.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Steppers offer unique solutions for motion control Stepper motor technology continues to use fundamental price and performance advantages to find application successes. As an alternative to servos on the one hand and hydraulic/pneumatic solutions ...
Application-Specific Solutions.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Motor packages offer specialized capabilities and unique benefits Specialty motors provide unique technology and distinctive features that meet the needs of particular types of motion control projects. Often these motors are custom-engineered to ...
Motors in Small Packages.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Miniature product designs benefit from micro motor technology With the current emphasis in new engineering designs on smaller, more compact products, there continues to be a growing need for micro motors. And of course, the need for more torque ...
Focus on Fundamentals.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff dc motors put the emphasis on dynamic performance The latest trends in dc motors come back to the fundamentals of the overall motor package. Suppliers are focusing on compact sizes, improved power density in the same physical package, integration ...
Linear Performance.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Smooth, precise operation and ready-engineered alternatives Advanced linear motion technologies offer an effective option for applications that might traditionally utilize rotary motors, ballscrews and other mechanical motion devices. New linear ...
System Inputs.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor Control systems require rugged and reliable sensors Unlike other electronic equipment, sensors mount in the application environment. For factory applications, this immediately demands some level of ruggedness. Sensing in automotive ...
Sensing Pressures up to 10,000 PSI.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Ruggedized is just the start Withstanding pressures up to 10,000 psi or more certainly qualifies a pressure sensor as rugged. That range can be required in oil and gas operations, test stands and industrial OEM applications, but is below the ...
Sensors Cope with Harsh Environments.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Design News Staff Ruggedness provides a first level requirement for many position sensing applications For position sensing in tough factory conditions, the sensor must come in its own protective enclosure to withstand the rigors of the application, as well as ...
The Case of the Cobbled Contractor.
Nov 17, 2008; ... By Myron J. Boyajian, President, Engineering Consultants Safety equipment is often a quiet sentinel, waiting to protect life or property. Safety equipment, improperly called into action, can have just the opposite effect. The Scene of the Crime At a ...
TV Shows and Dinner Guests.(Editorial)
Nov 17, 2008; ... By John Dodge, Editor-in-Chief We recently finished a survey called The 21st Century Engineer in which we asked Design News' readers what's changed in their professional lives. Besides important questions about technologies they use and changing job functions, we had some fun ...
Best of the Engineering Marketplace.(Steinmeyer Inc.,Fibox Inc.,Omega Engineering Inc.)
Nov 17, 2008; ... Compiled by Elizabeth M. Taurasi and Sasha Brown-Worsham Fibox Introduces Two New Enclosure Sizes Elizabeth M. Taurasi, Sasha Brown-Worsham Added to the ARCA(TM) Series Offered in 18 x 16 x 10 and 16 x 14 x 8-inch sizes, chemical-resistant ...