eReport

April 2008

Adams’ EDGEMAG and MATCHMAG Offer Nearly Seamless Connections
Adams Magnetic Products Co. adds EDGEMAG and MATCHMAG magnetic strips to its new line of “MAG” branded flexible magnetic products. EDGEMAG holds side-to-side as well as front-to-back, while MATCHMAG matched pole strips are well suited for face-to-face applications.

“EDGEMAG essentially erases any visible seams between graphic panels, which is wonderful for displays, signage, POP promotions and other applications where clean, clear presentation is vital,” explains Craig Myers, Adams’ national sales manager. “For face-to-face applications, MATCHMAG offer an ideal solution, especially when steel is not part of the overall design.”

Both products are available in 0.060-inch by 0.50-inch by 100-foot long rolls with or without adhesive. MATCHMAG also offers 1.00-inch widths. Specify either product as “A/B” for easily mixing and matching the direction of alignment without contending with repelling forces.

Like other flexible magnets available through Adams, EDGEMAG and MATCHMAG adheres and remains flexible at temperatures as low as -40ºF and as high as 160ºF. Adams offers a wide range of other flexible magnetic strips and sheets, pre-cut sign blanks, high-energy strips and shapes, cardholder and c-profile holders, or as write-on/wipe-off strip rolls. A full selection of surface laminates, thicknesses, widths, lengths and custom shapes also are available.

In addition to EDGEMAG and MATCHMAG, Adams’ line of “MAG” branded flexible magnetic products includes PRINTMAG magnetic sheets with inkjet compatible surface, MAGBOND and MAGSTEEL magnetic receptive materials, and METERMAG meter-wide sheeting.

Enpirion DC-DC Converter Quiets the Competition with its Low Noise
Enpirion has released a 600 mA synchronous buck converter with an integrated inductor, delivering low output ripple in a 3 mm by 3 mm by 1.1 mm QFN package. The complete solution requires two MLCC capacitors for a solution footprint of 22 mm². Enpirion’s low noise devices are critical for today’s RF, analog and high-speed digital applications where switcher noise can limit data throughput and cause failure in spectral compliance.

As with all of Enpirion’s switch-mode converters, the new EP5368QI part features a proprietary low loss integrated inductor, PWM controller, MOSFETS and compensation network. This high level of integration simplifies design, contains noise and reduces part count and size. The device has a 4 MHz switching frequency and achieves up to 94 percent efficiency. It provides 600 mA of continuous output current over the industrial temperature range and 700 mA over the commercial temperature range.

This device offers very low radiated noise (EMI), low conducted noise and low output ripple. Enpirion’s level of integration localizes the high frequency noise associated with switch-mode DC-DC converters, keeping it inside the package and not on the customer’s PCB. The converter also uses voltage mode control to achieve high noise immunity and superb load matching to today’s sub-90 nm semiconductor process technology.

Enpirion’s newest 600 mA DC-DC converter is currently designed into a number of platforms. It is well-suited for a broad range of mobile and wireless broadband applications, including (but not limited to) smart phones, wireless data cards, portable gaming devices, navigation systems, personal media players, and advanced mobile processors.

The EP5368QI is available now, and pricing is set at $0.98 for quantities of 10,000 parts.

MTS Sensors Level Plus Transmitters Provides Accuracy, Repeatability in Bio Waste Tank Applications
MTS Systems Corp. Sensors Division's M-Series Level Plus liquid-level transmitters are now being used in bio waste tank applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Unlike radar, the magnetostrictive sensors' accuracy is not compromised by the foaming found in the tanks, providing fool-proof, continuous measurement that eliminates both damaged tank equipment and allows for more efficient pick-up and transport of waste.

"In this application, foaming can interfere with the liquid-level measurement if the technology cannot differentiate between liquid and foam," said Lee Aiken, product marketing manager, MTS Sensors.  "With the M-Series transmitters, the float is weighted to pass through the foam and sit on the liquid, so the user will always know when a tank needs to be emptied."

The M-Series transmitters provide product level, leakage detection and temperature data all from one sensor, so there is no need for multiple openings at the top of the tank. Requiring no calibration for the life of the transmitter and maintaining accuracy regardless of temperature changes in the vessel, the magnetostrictive transmitter provides the most accurate and reliable measurements available.

MTS liquid-level transmitters are designed for easy installation and low maintenance, and non-contact, liquid-level sensing is achieved with absolutely no wear to the sensing components.

The Level Plus M-Series line of liquid level transmitters includes the MG, MR, MC420 and the USTDII.  Each transmitter utilizes Temposonics technology to provide the superior accuracy despite changing environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature, gas layering, foam, or dielectric constant.

The MG and MR transmitters monitor the product, interface, and temperature all from a single process opening.  Both are I.S.- and XP-approved.  The MG's output can be either Modbus or DDA, a proprietary ASCII-based protocol.

The Modbus protocol also provides volume measurement with the usage of up to 100-point strapping tables and temperature correction according to API standards.  The output for the MR is one or two 4-20 mA loops with HART.

The MG and MR are available in lengths up to 300 inches in a rigid stainless steel pipe or with 3A-approved sanitary pipes.  Both are also available in a stainless steel flexible hose, up to 480 inches long for the MR and up to 720 inches long for the MG.

The MC420 is an economical solution for customers needing a 4-20 mA analog transmitter with HART.  The USTDII is targeted at the underground storage market with its ability to output product, interface, and temperature.  It is available with the DDA output in lengths to 149 inches. Both the MC420 and the USTDII have received I.S. approval.

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Introduces a New Family of Extremely Low Noise, Programmable Linear Hall-Effect Sensors
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has released a new family of linear Hall-effect sensors that are fully programmable with low noise and a very high bandwidth. The A1360/1/2 devices are well suited for use in high frequency, current sensing applications due to the extremely low noise (as low as 8 mV (p-p)), flat temperature coefficient (0 %/°C) and high bandwidth capability (typically 50 kHz). These devices also boast Allegro’s first 1 mm thin, 4-lead SIP (KT-package), which allows for extremely small gaps in various concentrator and C-core systems to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity.
The accuracy of these devices is enhanced through the programmability on the output pin of the device. A capacitor to ground on the Filter Pin of the A136x can be used to tune the device bandwidth in a range from 50 kHz to less than 100 Hz. These ratiometric Hall-effect sensors provide a voltage output that is proportional to the applied magnetic field. The quiescent output voltage is user adjustable to 50 percent (bidirectional) or 10 percent (unidirectional) of the supply voltage (VCC). Each device has a guaranteed, programmable, sensitivity range: 0.7 to 1.4 mV/G (A1360), 1.5 to 4.5 mV/G (A1361) and 4.5 to 16 mV/G (A1362).

The features of this linear Hall-effect family make these sensors well suited for high accuracy requirements in automotive and industrial current sensing applications. Device specifications are guaranteed over an extended temperature range, -40°C to 150°C.

Allegro’s A1360/61/62 devices are supplied in a thin 4-lead SIP (KT) package. They are priced at $1.28 in quantities of 1,000 and have a 14 to 16 week typical lead-time to market.

Variable Finger Snap-On EMI/RFI Shielding Gaskets Offer Improved Attenuation
Tech-Etch continues to support the EMI/ RFI shielding gasket market with the “V” series of Variable Finger Snap-on BeCu gaskets and is pleased to announce that in response to growing customer demand has more than doubled capacity for these very popular gaskets. By reducing the number of full Snap-on fingers on a strip, the shielding effectiveness of the “V” series is increased, since there are fewer gaps to close. EMI/RFI shielding effectiveness is up to 100 db attenuation. Each gasket is offered in five different finger, or slot, patterns and snap-on mounting provides fast, secure installation with high durability. The “V” series is well suited for bi-directional applications, requires only a low closing force and closes gaps as small as .02”. Item numbers 187V32FXx, 250V37FXx and 282V60FXx are available configured to custom lengths. These Variable Snap-on gaskets are in stock for immediate delivery and free samples are available.

Release Offers New Capabilities and Streamlined User Interface for the Design of Electromagnetic Devices
Ansoft Corp. has released Maxwell v12 and RMxprt v12. Maxwell is the company's electromagnetic field simulation software used for the design and analysis of 3D/2D structures, such as motors, actuators, transformers and other electric and electromechanical devices common to automotive, military/aerospace and industrial systems. RMxprt is a specialized software program dedicated to the design of electric machines.

Maxwell v12 includes a new 3D electric transient solver that solves time-varying electric fields due to a transient disturbance, such as lightning strikes on electrical equipment. The new version also is equipped with advanced model healing capabilities. This productivity feature will automatically identify and resolve potential problems with geometry imported from popular CAD systems and streamline the solution process.

Additionally, the Ansoft next-generation desktop architecture has been added to the Maxwell 2D solvers. This intuitive, easy-to-use interface offers many new usability enhancements, including advanced 2D modeling, powerful scripting capability and enhanced post-processing.

RMxprt has been upgraded with a new capability to solve three-phase non-salient synchronous machines, automated project setup for Maxwell and a new wire library allowing motor designers to study the effects of various wire types of a design prior to physical prototype creation.

Maxwell v12 and RMxprt v12 are available for Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Server 2003 Standard Edition, XP Professional x64 Edition, Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition, Red Hat Enterprise Linux v3
(32 and 64 bit) and v4 (32 and 64 bit), SuSE Linux Enterprise Server v9 (32 and 64 bit) and Solaris versions 8, 9 and 10.

Last Day to Register for the 2008 Magnetics Conference and Save $200!
Must Register by April 4, 2008!
This two-day conference will be held May 15-16, 2008 in Denver, Colo., and is a leading global event within themagnetics 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.

• Register by April 4, 2008 - $795     • Register after April 4, 2008 - $995

The 2008 Magnetics Conference will focus on the latest advancements in magnetic applications, technology and materials. Serving OEM developers of products that utilize magnets and magnet systems, design engineers, OEM developers involved in EMC technology and magnetic effects, magnetics manufacturers and integrators, and material suppliers in the magnetics industry.

Come a day early and attend one of our pre-conference workshops

Register Now!

Interested in Sponsoring or Exhibiting?
Contact Joan Nelson for more information at joann@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x113.

Day 1: Thursday, May 15 at 2:40 PM

Non Contact Inspection Applications of Magnetoresistive Sensors
Rezaul Karim, Senior Scientist, RMD, Inc.
Recent advancement of Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) sensor technology has many applications in instrumentation and equipment development. AMR (Anisotropic Magnetoresistance), GMR, TMR (Tunneling MR) and MTJ (Magnetic Tunneling Junction) sensors have opened up a wide range of applications pertinent to the measurement of small magnetic fields. While the main thrust of GMR technology lies in the Disk Drive Recording industry, the technology has widespread use in a wide array of devices ranging from Current Switching Devices to MEMS sensors used in automotive, space, compass and guidance applications. Currently there is great interest in the measurement and mapping of small magnetic fields in many areas of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. This presentation will focus on the non-contact and non- destructive applications as related to the Electronics Industry and Non-Destructive Testing.

Day 2: Friday, May 16 at 2:40 PM

Single and Dual Air Gap Rotary Voice Coil Motors
James B. Money, President, JMA Development
Discover the design and manufacturing of single and dual air gap rotary voice coil motors suitable for use in small form factor external hard disk drives where high capacity and performance along with ultra-low power consumption is essential.

Please visit http://www.magneticsmagazine.com/mag_conf08_program.htm#advanced to view the conference program.

AK Steel Announces April 2008 Surcharges For Electrical and Stainless Steels
AK Steel has advised its customers that a $375 per ton surcharge will be added to invoices for electrical steel products shipped in April 2008. April 2008 surcharges for the broad range of stainless steel products that AK Steel produces can be found on the company's web site at www.aksteel.com.

AK Steel's surcharges are based on reported prices for raw materials and energy used to manufacture the products, with the February 2008 purchase cost used to determine the April 2008 surcharges.

Magnum Magnetics Launches New Web Site
Magnum Magnetics Corp. has launched its redesigned Web site to be a resource for companies using flexible magnetic material to make a wide range of business- to-business and direct-to-consumer products.

"The new site is a valuable tool for those who currently use or who are considering using flexible magnetic materials," explains Ruth Wyckoff, marketing representative for Magnum. "It features improved navigation, more in-depth product information, printer profiles for selected printers and more."

"We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of printers using our materials," says Allen Love, president. "For years, printers could not use magnetic materials in their printers, but our particular line of flexible magnetic materials was designed specifically for offset, screenprint, flexo, inkjet and digital printers, such as Indigo and iGen."

NanoBioMagnetics Issued US Patent
NanoBioMagnetics, Inc. has received its first patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, Method and Apparatus for Improving Hearing, is based on the use of magnetically responsive nanoparticles implanted in the organs of the middle ear to drive tissue vibrations in the amplification of sound.

The technology was the first demonstration of the nanomechanical movement of tissue and operates in principle much like a typical commercial electromagnetic hearing aid. Development and validation was done during 2002 to 2004. The company now will move the technology through commercialization partnerships.

Statistics of the National Institutes of Health indicate sensorineural hearing loss affects approximately 28 million Americans. The technology covered by today’s patent has the potential to move hearing aid systems to smaller and totally implantable hearing devices, achieving more favorable patient economics performance and compliance.

 “Miniaturization of hearing devices through ever smaller electronic components is part of an emerging trend based on applying nanotechnology to human healthcare needs,” said Charles Seeney, CEO and Founder of NBMI, and co-inventor on the patent.

A companion technology, based on the targeted delivery of bioactive materials to the inner ear, continues under development. The company also has in progress major research collaborations assessing the tumor-specific delivery of cancer therapeutics, research for which is ongoing at the M D Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

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