eReport

 October 2007

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Magnos Magnetic Clamping System

Schunk, Inc. is expanding the workholding product range with a new line, the magnetic clamping technology. Magnetic workholding used in conjunction with the Schunk UNILOCK quick-change pallet system guarantees the user maximum flexibility and a reduction of set-up times hence set-up costs.

The advantage of magnetic workholding is that efficient five-sided machining is possible at very high holding forces, without any interfering contours of the clamping device. Pole extensions that act as workpiece support allow the user to position different workpieces rapidly and precisely thus improving the productivity of the machine.

With Magnos, Schunk relies on the innovative technology of electro-permanent magnets, which require only a small amount of electricity to activate and deactivate the magnetic field. A uniform clamping force is possible thanks to the poles’ quadratic geometry. Reliable clamping, even during rough machining, is assured by the high holding forces of the magnets. Different pole sizes of 50, 75 and 100 mm are available, enabling the holding forces to be tailored to individual requirements.

When combined with the Schunk UNILOCK quick-change pallet system, the magnetic clamping plates can be equipped with the UNILOCK clamping pins. Such flexibility in production opens the door to countless possible applications.

“LDO Killers” Help Developers Meet Energy Star Requirements
Enpirion’s High-Efficiency Switch-Mode Devices to Replace Inefficient Linear Regulators

Enpirion, a supplier of integrated-inductor DC-DC converters, has introduced its 2-amp buck-mode device. Featuring Enpirion’s integrated inductor technology, the EN5322QI incorporates high power density, with low noise, low part count, high performance and dramatic ease of design. Dubbed the “LDO Killer,” the 2A EN5322QI is a suitable replacement for inefficient linear regulators to meet Energy Star requirements.

With the recent introduction of EPA Energy Star 4.0, developers of Energy Star certified products need to meet new, stricter design requirements. The new requirements effectively eliminate linear converters as viable solutions for regulating power. The Enpirion part solves the noise, size, cost and other historical objections to the use of switchers, paving the way for across-the-board replacement of inherently inefficient LDOs (Low Drop Out regulators).

“Enpirion’s ultra-integrated approach to switch-mode regulation makes it a no-brainer for engineers to toss out linear supplies that dissipate wasted energy by design,” said Ashraf Lotfi, Enpirion’s president and CTO. “Designers have been waiting for switchers that are viable replacements for LDOs and now that day has finally arrived.”

The EN5322QI’s tiny footprint, low part count and ease of design make it a near drop-in replacement for inefficient linear converters. The part comes in a 6 mm by 4 mm by 1.1 mm QFN package and integrates all converter functionality, while requiring only a single input and single output ceramic filter capacitor. The converter integrates MOSFET switches, control and compensation and the inductor, all in a low profile package. The device has a wide 2.4 V to 5.5 V input range and has a VID programmable output range from 0.6 V to 3.3 V. The EN5322QI is capable of sourcing a continuous 2 A over the entire industrial temperature range.

With a total solution footprint of less than 60 square millimeters (60 mm2), the EN5322QI delivers a power density of more than 70 watts per square inch, giving it one of the highest power densities of any switch-mode DC-DC converter ever made. Power density is ever more important as the number of features and functions increase, while equipment form-factor continues to shrink.

Key to the high power density is Enpirion’s high frequency silicon. Most power semiconductor devices exhibit high switching loss, which limits the frequency at which they can operate. High frequency enables the shrinking and hence integration of the magnetics. Integration of the magnetics confines the high-frequency switching currents which cause the noise and EMI; historically the bane of switch-mode DC-DC converters. Integration of the inductor also greatly simplifies the design process.

The EN5322QI uses a type III voltage mode control scheme. As a result of the very high switching frequency, the EN5322QI has superior transient performance and the control scheme provides excellent load matching to the sub 90 nm loads such as advanced processors, FPGAs and complex ASICs.

Parts are sampling now, with pricing set at $2.23 in quantities of 1,000 pieces.

New Low Vibration Cryogen-Free Probe Station

Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. has released a low vibration cryogen-free micro‑manipulated probe station to its full line of cryogenic, superconducting magnet-based, electromagnet-based, high vacuum and load-locked probe stations.

The new CCR-based probe station provides efficient temperature operation and control with a 4°K cryogen-free closed cycle refrigerator, eliminating the operating expense of liquid cryogens. The probe station operates over a standard temperature range of 4.5°K to 350°K, providing excellent temperature stability of 10 mK throughout the full-scale temperature range. An optional interchangeable high temperature sample holder extends the high-end temperature limit to 475°K. Control heaters on the sample stage, 2nd stage cold head, 1st stage riser and radiation shield provide the probe station with fast thermal response and rapid warm-up for sample exchange — sample exchange cycle time is <3.5 hours.

Careful design consideration was taken to provide a low vibration, user-friendly tool. Integrated vibration isolation and damping prevent mechanical vibration from affecting measurement performance. Sample stage vibration is limited to <1 micron throughout the full-scale temperature range.

The CCR-based probe station is user configurable with up to six ultra-stable micro-manipulated probe arms, each providing precise 3-axis control of the probe position to land the probe tip accurately on device features. Proprietary probe tips in a variety of sizes and materials minimize thermal mass and optimize electrical contact to the device under test (DUT). Probe tips are thermally linked to the cold head to minimize heat transfer to the DUT.

For increased versatility, options include a high temperature sample holder, higher magnification monoscopes, vacuum turbo pumping systems, and fiber optic probe arm modification.

Honeywell has introduced of the HMC6343 Digital Compass Solution, a miniature, tilt compensated, chip-scale electronic compass designed to deliver performance advantages for commercial and industrial applications.

The HMC6343 provides a new level of chip-scale integration and the ease-of-use required by circuit designers for drop-in circuit board solutions. The sensors, application specific integrated circuits and a microprocessor are fully integrated and housed in a miniature package.  With a better than three degrees heading accuracy, the HMC6343 offers precision compass capability at a very low cost.

“Honeywell’s Anisotropic Magnetoresistive (AMR) technology and innovative packaging techniques combine to deliver a precision tilt-compensated compassing solution,” said Tamara Bratland, director, Magnetic Sensors, Honeywell Defense and Space.  “The HMC6343 offers the simplest compass solution available today in a complete, ready-to-use, 9 by 9 by 1.9 mm LCC package.  It provides designers a smaller, lower cost product that enables a wider variety of pointing and compassing scenarios from previous Honeywell designs.”

The HMC6343 operates from a 2.7 to 3.6 volt supply range that is well suited for battery portable products.  The I2C digital data interface used allows for simple two-wire transfer of compass heading and tilt information. 

Under typical conditions, the HMC6343 can produce better than +/-3 degree heading accuracy readings and +/- 1 degree accuracy pitch and roll angle readings.  This integrated circuit combines 3-axis magnetoresistive sensors and 3-axis MEMS accelerometers with the required analog and digital support circuits, plus complete compassing firmware for an electronic compass solution.

Adams Magnetic Products Introduces Meter-Wide Flexible Magnet

Adams Magnetic Products Co. adds meter-wide sheeting to its selection of flexible magnetic products. The new offering accommodates customers' increased use of magnetic materials as large graphic panels for signs, displays, presentations and exhibits.

"The sizeable width lessens the likelihood that our customers have to print graphic files as overlapping tiles and then carefully match the tiles' seams as they piece them together," said Craig Myers, Adams' national sales manager. "It also works well for customers' with smaller projects. Multiple die-cut jobs can fit across the meter-wide magnet allowing for them to be printed all in a single pass."

The meter-wide flexible magnetic sheeting has been successfully tested for use on several digital printers including Mimaki JV3-75SPII, Mutoh Falcon II outdoor and Roland Soljet Pro II V SC-545 EX.

Made of thermoplastic material, the flexible magnets can be bent and flexed without affecting their performance. Adams' meter-wide (39.37-inch) flexible magnet is available in 50-foot rolls. It is just 0.03-inches thick with an indoor adhesive surface, or 0.035-inches thick with a white matte vinyl surface. The reverse surface has a natural, dark brown appearance.

Allegro Introduces a New Three-Phase Brushless DC Motor Pre-Driver
Designed for Lower Current Applications

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has introduced a new three-phase brushless DC motor pre-driver targeted at the office automation, telecommunications, consumer and industrial markets. It is designed with outputs for a direct high current gate drive of an all N-channel power MOSFET three phase bridge with a maximum supply voltage of 38 V. It also includes, Hall element inputs, a sequencer for commutation control, fixed off time pulse width modulation (PWM) current control and locked rotor protection. Output current is scalable with the choice of external MOSFETS. Enable, direction and brake inputs can be used to control the motor, speed, position and torque. Output speed can be regulated using FG1 (once per each Hall transition) and FG2 (once per Hall A transition) outputs.

The external MOSFETS can be PWM’d with the enable input or with the internal PWM current regulator. In both cases Allegro’s A4931 synchronous rectification feature will turn on the appropriate MOSFET(s) during current decay to reduce power dissipation.

The A4931 uses cost efficient Hall elements with noise filtering to prevent false commutation signals. A 7.5 V regulated supply output is provided to power the three Hall elements. Internal circuit protection includes thermal shutdown with hysteresis, under voltage lockout, locked rotor and dead time protection. Special power up sequencing is not required. Operating temperature range is –20°C to 105°C.

Allegro’s A4931 is supplied in a 5 by 5 mm 28 lead QFN package with exposed thermal pad. This footprint package is lead (Pb) free with 100 percent matte tin leadframe plating. It is priced at $1.00 in quantities of 1,000 and has a 10 to 12 week typical lead-time to market.

2008 Magnetics Conference Call for Presentations

Want to share your company's expertise at the 2008 Magnetics Conference?
This two-day conference is a leading global event within the magnetics market, bringing together worldwide magnetics experts. This is a once-a-year opportunity for professionals in the magnetics market to assemble and discuss the latest magnetics developments.

Submit your abstract for consideration in the program by Friday November 16, 2007. We are looking for presentations focused on the latest advancements in magnetic applications, technology and materials.

Full-conference registration fees will be waived for all confirmed speakers.

SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT FOR:
Subject areas to include, but not limited to:
• Testing & Instrumentation • Magnetic Materials • Power Electronics • EMI / EMC / Shielding
• Magnetic Assembly & Mfg • Brakes • Motors • Data Storage • Nano Magnetics • Ferrites • Sensors &   Motion Control • Metrology • Electro-Magnetic Software • Magnetic Components • Magnetic Equipment • Specialized Coatings & Adhesives • Biomagnetics • Superconducting Magnets • Cryogenics

Other Areas of Coverage to Include:
Materials Pricing & Economic Development
New Frontiers in Magnetics Research & Development
Emerging Technologies that utilize Magnetics

Visit the conference web site at http://www.magneticsmagazine.com/mag_conf08_callforpres.htm for abstract submission requirements and guidelines.

Contact Heather Krier at heatherk@infowebcom.com or 720.528.3770 x129 for more information.

Measurements from the Edge: Magnetic Properties of Thin Films

Materials researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), together with colleagues from IBM and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have pushed the measurement of thin films to the edge—literally—to produce the first data on how the edges of metallic thin films contribute to their magnetic properties. Their results may impact the design of future nanoscale electronics.

Ferromagnetic thin films of metallic materials, ranging in thickness from fractions of a nanometer to several micrometers, are layered in patterns on a substrate (such as silicon) during the manufacture of many microelectronic devices that use magnetic properties, such as computer hard drives.

While methods for measuring the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic thin films have existed for some time, there currently is no way to define those properties for the edges of the film. On a relatively large-scale device, this doesn’t matter much. However, as microelectronic components get smaller and smaller, the edge becomes a bigger and bigger fraction of the surface, eventually becoming the thin film’s dominant surface and the driver of its magnetic character. (Shrink a disk by half and the top surface area is reduced by a factor of four while the length of the edge is only halved.)

A research team from NIST, IBM and MIT recently demonstrated a spectroscopic technique for measuring the magnetic properties of the edges of nickel-iron alloy thin films patterned in an array of parallel nanowires (called “stripes”) atop a silicon disk. The researchers beamed microwaves of different frequencies over the stripes and measured the magnetic resonances that resulted. Because a thin film’s edge resonates differently from its center, the researchers were able to determine which data—and subsequently, which magnetic behaviors—were attributable to the edge.

In its first trials, the new technique has been used to measure how the magnetic properties of the thin film edge are affected by the thickness of the film and the processing conditions during the stripe patterning. Data gained from the study of stripes with widths of 250 to 1,000 nanometers will be used to predict the behavior of similar structures at the nanoscale level (100 nanometers or less).

Innovator Award to Berkeley Lab's Joe Gray for Improved Breast Cancer Screening

A grant totaling almost $8 million has been awarded to Joe Gray, director of the Life Sciences Division of the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in the form of an Innovator Award from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP). Through BCRP, DOD is the second largest funding agency for breast cancer research in the world.

Gray leads a multi-institutional team with collaborators from the Breast Oncology Program at the University of California at San Francisco, the University of California at Berkeley, other members of Berkeley Lab's Life Sciences Division, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The goal of their project, as originally conceived by Gray and Laura Esserman, co-leaders of UC San Francisco's Breast Oncology Program, is to greatly improve breast cancer screening and reduce mortality from breast cancer.

All cancer screening programs seek to reduce mortality by detecting and treating cancer as early as possible, and by identifying and completely removing precancerous lesions surgically before they develop into tumors. Screening programs have helped dramatically reduce incidence and mortality from colon cancer and cervical cancer. But for breast cancer, screening based on mammograms has been less successful.

"Current mammographic screening strategies do not seem to be detecting the lesions that are precursors to the most invasive breast cancers," Gray said. "Genomic studies by my colleagues and I have identified two subtypes of breast cancers that are far more likely to be lethal and which can be identified by their characteristic gene products. Yet standard mammography techniques apparently are not finding the precursors of these subtypes before they become malignant."

Other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) promise increased sensitivity for detection of early disease and for lesions whose increased metabolic activity is characteristic of cancer precursors. However, both MRI and PET require further development to target metastasis-prone lesions.

A second need is the ability to accurately map the full extent of a precancerous lesion or tumor once it has been identified, so the surgeon can be confident of removing all cancerous cells. Although some metastasis-prone lesions can be identified by their shapes or protein characteristics, no distinguishing physical characteristics have been found for other lethal types. What's required is improved imaging of the tissue in which the lesion or tumor occurs, based on its peculiar pattern of gene expression.

"Our goals in this project are to improve both these processes anatomical imaging that can identify the precursors of the most lethal breast cancer subtypes, and sensitive histopathologic detection to precisely map the potentially lethal lesions at the cellular level," said Gray. "We plan to develop MRI, PET, mass spectrometry imaging and other techniques that can detect specific gene-expression signatures the tell-tale protein products of these subtypes on the basis of individual cells."

Someday, the screening process that Gray and his colleagues envision will identify individuals at high risk for breast cancer using high-throughput analytical methods such as blood tests and measurements of breast volumetric density. Individuals identified in this way will then be assessed using new imaging technologies, which will pinpoint any lethal precursor lesions by their molecular characteristics. To map these lesions with precision to insure successful surgery, tissue sections will be imaged using mass spectrometry to find cells that express the genes specifically associated with the most lethal cancer types.

Getting Down To Specifics, Cell By Cell
For cell-specific anatomical imaging, Gray and collaborators Matthew Francis of UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab, Jim O'Neil and Scott Taylor of Berkeley Lab, and James Marks of UC San Francisco will investigate PET and MRI using agents carried in viral capsids. Capsids are the shells of viruses whose RNA genomes have been removed; the capsids are used to carry reagents that increase image contrast. The outside of the shells will be ecorated with antibodies specifically targeting the protein gene products characteristic of the lethal cancer subtypes.

In addition, the researchers will consider quantum dots, nanocrystals that have been modified to bind to specific molecules and fluoresce when illuminated by a laser, or to increase the strength of MRI signals when combined with marker atoms. Laura Esserman, Karla Kerlikowske and Nola Hylton at UC San Francisco and Damir Sudar at Berkeley Lab will also explore ways to improve conventional MRI and x-ray mammography by developing digital imaging algorithms that can better recognize metastasis-prone lesions.

For sensitive histopathologic detection -- the precise mapping of lesions and tumors -- Gray will work with Marks and Richard Baehner of UCSF and Frank Chen of Berkeley Lab to develop in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques to identify protein products typical of the genomes of the most lethal cancer subtypes. In collaboration with James Felton at Livermore, they will analyze these molecular signatures by scanning the tissue sample with an ion beam to knock off constituent molecules, which differ by mass; this "secondary ion mass spectrometry" of the tissue section will reveal even single cells that carry the lethal genotypes.

Better screening for the most lethal subtypes of breast cancer will catch more of these cancers before they metastasize, increasing the odds that the lesion or tumor is entirely removed in surgery. Gray and his colleagues are also investigating drug treatments aimed at the newly identified lethal subtypes, in addition to treatments based on nanoparticles carried in lipids, and nucleic acid constructs that could prevent potential cancer cells from becoming immortal. These approaches to treatment will benefit greatly from improved anatomical and histopathological imaging strategies.

Gray notes that this project is based on work carried out over the last decade in the Breast Oncology Program at UC San Francisco under the auspices of the Bay Area Breast Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). Notification of Gray's new grant, designated a Fiscal Year 2006 Innovator Award, was first recommended for funding in June of 2007 and recently confirmed with the completion of a contract between the Department of the Army, the University of California and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Self-Assembling 'Magnetic Snakes' Point To New Electronic Devices

“Magnetic snakes” with unique dynamic and magnetic properties that may usher in new generations of recording media, conductors and microfluidic devices have been created by researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.

The undulating, snake-like patterns are created when magnetic micro-particles floating on water are exposed to an alternating magnetic field. These magnetic “snakes'” are spontaneously created from short chains of magnetic micro-particles as a result of the competition between magnetic and hydrodynamic forces. Their internal structure and magnetic ordering can be effectively tailored by adjusting the external magnetic field.

The birth and existence of the “snake” is driven by pattern-induced waves on the water surface, said Alexey Snezhko, who developed the process along with Igor Aronson, Maxim Belkin and Wai-Kwong Kwok, all from Argonne's Materials Science Division. Strong induced vortex flows on the surface of water complete the rich hydrodynamic picture of the self-assembled magnetic snake.

“The self-assembled materials that automatically arrange themselves into useful patterns in a controlled electric and magnetic field environment have tremendous potential as components in micro- and nano-scale devices,” Snezhko said.

The magnetic self-assembly phenomena may be used to make the next generation of magnetic recording media or transparent conductors based on self-assembled conducting networks of magnetic micro-particles. Magnetic snakes may also lead to new micro-fluidic devices for bioanalysis in which an alternating magnetic field can be used to assist transportation of micro-particles through micro-channels in biochips.

Curtiss-Wright Acquires IMC Magnetics Corp. Expands Leadership in Commercial Aerospace Controls

Curtiss-Wright Corp. has acquired the stock of IMC Magnetics Corp. for approximately $37.5 million in cash. IMC produces solenoids, fans, motors and specialized products for numerous aerospace, commercial and industrial applications. The business will become part of Curtiss-Wright's Motion Control segment.

With a portfolio of more than 7,000 different solenoid and solenoid valve designs, IMC's products are used by leading OEMs in a variety of applications such as fuel control systems, engine bleed, landing gear, wheel brake systems and aircraft hydraulic directional controls. Additionally, the company's strong capability in fans and motors has produced multiple designs and products such as DC brushless fans, induction motors, tube axial fans, vane axial fans, centrifugal fans and blowers and mixed flow fans.

"The addition of IMC Magnetics expands Curtiss-Wright's leadership in the integrated sensing arena," said Martin R. Benante, Curtiss-Wright chairman and CEO. "IMC brings exciting new technology and further diversifies our product offerings in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Their operations will also provide an additional manufacturing resource for numerous products in our portfolio."

Electron Energy Corp. Awarded Department of Energy STTR Contract

Electron Energy Corp. (EEC) has been awarded a small business technology transfer research (STTR) grant by the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop high temperature magnets for traction motors used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids.

EEC was selected to meet Phase I requirements of a seven-month, $100,000 grant. Jinfang Liu, Ph.D., director of Technology at EEC and an internationally recognized researcher in rare earth magnet materials and systems, will be the principal investigator. EEC will collaborate with the University of Delaware on the project, led by Dr. George Hadjipanayis, the Richard B. Murrey Professor of Physics and Chair of the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Delaware.

“This research will ultimately lead to advanced motors for hybrid electric vehicles and other permanent magnet motor and generator applications that are more efficient, affordable and competitive,” said President Michael H. Walmer. “We also hope to this research can help decrease dependence on sources of energy derived from fossil fuel, and reduce the purchase and operating costs of electromagnetic devices and vehicles.”

Eddy current losses in motors reduce their efficiency. Higher performance motors for hybrids and other applications need high temperature permanent magnets with reduced cost, eddy current loss and higher coercivity. EEC’s innovative technical approach will lead to the reduction of eddy current loss in permanent magnet motors without sacrificing magnetic performance utilizing nano technology.

“In addition to working with the DOE to develop high performance permanent magnets for HEV motors, EEC continues to develop magnet materials for microwave amplifiers, inertial guidance systems, motor and generator and other applications in the aerospace and military markets,” said Peter C. Dent, EEC director of Sales and Marketing.

Magnetics Business & Technology Launches Knowledge Center

The MB&T Knowledge Center is a place you will find the latest information and resources for the magnetics industry including white papers, webinars, archived articles, market reports, training courses, standards/regulations, industry links, literature & books, R&D and a calendar of events. Check back often as we are continually updating the content. http://www.magneticsmagazine.com/m-knowledgecenter.htm

Please send new information or content to be posted in the Knowledge Center to Heather Krier at  heatherk@infowebcom.com.

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