Magnetostrictive Technology Offers Resistance to Shock and Vibration
MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division's Temposonics linear-position sensors provide high speed, accuracy and durability in the harsh environment of metal forming and shearing press applications. The magnetostrictive sensors are embedded inside the hydraulic cylinders controlling movement of the machine platens that press the metal into sheet form. The MTS sensors are a well suited choice for customers who need a solution that offers high performance and superior repeatability for many operations where high vibration and shock loads exist.
"Today, as manufacturers and users demand better part quality, repeatability and shorter cycle times, our sensors are favored because of their high resolution and responsiveness," said Temposonics marketing manager, Matt Hankinson. "Our high-speed R-series SSI position sensors are fast and accurate, making them a suitable choice for a wide range of industrial machinery applications, including metal forming."
The R-series' improved response and accuracy result in higher machine performance and part quality. The rugged, reliable construction results in reduced maintenance and down time, while high shock and vibration tolerance and quality EMI and noise immunity ensure trouble-free operation. The sensors also enable customers to store pre-set configurations for a wide variety of sheet metal shapes and sizes, reducing startup and changeover times.
Using the new smart sensor product platform, MTS is able to provide improved performance and capability set in the R-series SSI sensor along with improved reliability and durability, all in a smaller package and at a lower cost.
The SSI output of the R-series sensor product is fast, with an optional data update rate of 250 msec synchronized with an external control clock, regardless of stroke. MTS' proprietary synchronization technology guarantees the most accurate position output while minimizing inherent system-related delays to produce smooth, precise control. MTS also offers two additional output options for the SSI sensor - one that measures the difference between two position magnets and one that measures velocity.
The R-series SSI product features position sensing resolution as low as 1 micron (0.00004 in), which can be adjusted at the factory or in the field. For most applications the standard RH (rod-style typically used in hydraulic cylinders) and RP (profile extrusion-style for easy machine mounting) sensors are used with the standard-type sensor magnets. However, for higher accuracy requirements, an internal linearization option is available to improve the sensor's non-linearity specification within +/- 20 mm. Even better sensor accuracy is available, (+/- 10 mm), when using a special proprietary magnet matched to the sensor.
Temposonics hydraulic-style sensors are pre-configured at the factory by model code designation. For most applications, no adjustments are required for normal sensor installation and operation, but if sensor parameters need to be changed on-site, the sensors are easy to program using one of three options - handheld or cabinet-mounted pushbutton programmers or PC software programming kits depending on the user's needs.
Using external serial communication for monitoring and programming, there is no need to open the sensor's electronics housing. Furthermore, simple diagnostic feedback like "normal operation OK", "missing magnet" or "supply voltage out of range" are indicated by built-in, dual-colored LEDs easily seen on the end of the sensor. Serial communication and the status LEDs ensure the sensor electronics remain factory-sealed to maintain the highest product reliability possible.
Some machines use encoders for measurement, which make them much more fragile and vulnerable to harsh operating conditions. The magnetostrictive technology employed by MTS Temposonics sensors eliminates wear and guarantees the best durability and output repeatability.
austriamicrosystems Presents AS7620, Industry’s First 32 V 500 ma Buck Regulator with  Integrated Dual Power Monitor
austriamicrosystems has expanded its DC-DC converter portfolio with the AS7620, a hysteretic, high efficiency 32V step-down regulator in a 4 mm by 4 mm MLPQ 12-pin package. Well suited to maximize up-time of utility metering, sensor interface and other industrial motion control and battery-powered data-acquisition equipment, the AS7620 provides both, early-power-fail warning and power-good signals to microcontrollers that cannot afford to lose critical data during a power failure or brown-out condition.
The AS7620 DC-DC regulator is optimized for industrial 24 V applications and delivers up to 500 mA. Available with a fixed 3.3 V output or adjustable output voltage between 1.2 V and VIN, the device features a wide input voltage between 3.6 V and 32 V and offers a high efficiency rate of up to 93 percent. Additionally, an integrated 100 percent duty-cycle extends operation in low-dropout conditions. A pin-selectable peak current limit optimizes inductor selection, reducing component size. Built on a hysteretic architecture, the AS7620 is a power miser when it comes to minimum and partial load operation, operating on less than 37 μA when delivering 500 μA of output current and consuming approximately 100 μA at 10 mA output, which allows for smaller ho ld-up capacitors or extends operating battery life for portable analyzers.
“austriamicrosystems’ AS7620 is the first in a series of high-voltage step-down converters that addresses thepeculiar needs of industrial 24 V applications, and is industry’s first 32 V-stepdown converter to provide simultaneously an early-power-fail warning and power-good signal in a compact, thermally efficient package, hereby eliminating external comparators and reducing board space,” said Matjaz Novak, marketing director, Industry & Medical at austriamicrosystems. “When the lights go out, the AS7620 shines with its low operating current and extended supply voltage range that includes a low-drop-out mode to keep that microcontroller running until its supply voltage falls below the 90 percent power-good threshold.”
The AS7620 DC-DC converter allows a wide range of low profile inductors and ceramic capacitors and does not require any compensation. Soft-start, current limit and thermal shutdown make this converter fail-safe. During shutdown the current draw is reduced to 1 μA.
The AS7620 DC-DC converter is available now in a 4 mm by 4 mm MLPQ 12-pin package and is specified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C for ambient conditions.
Adams Introduces Rubber-Coated, Neo, Round Base, Magnetic Assemblies
Adams Magnetic Products Co. introduces its Neodymium Round Base (Neo RB) magnetic assemblies with rubber coatings. Adams engineers and fabricates this rare earth magnetic material into steel-encased assemblies and applies a protective rubber coating that resists rust and scratches.
Typical uses for these powerful, compact, portable, magnetic assemblies include: antenna mounts;
holders for vehicle flags, signs and banners; bases for work lights and emergency lights; and as fasteners within point-of-purchase displays, exhibits and retail fixtures.
“Adams’ Neo assemblies already are up to 32 times stronger than individual ceramic magnets. Our rubber-coated products offer nearly three times the shear strength of much larger, coated assemblies,” said Craig Myers, Adams’ national sales manager.
“Adams is one of the first companies to work with Neo assemblies and our experience allows us to quickly supply assemblies with durable finishes and versatile mounting holes to insert a bolt, hook or clip,” said Myers. “Our high-quality Neo RBs combine one of the strongest magnetic materials, with our most popular magnetic assembly shape, and a protective rubber coating for long-lasting, reliable performance.”
Adams’ “Neo” Round Base products with stud and standoff pieces have a pulling force of 20-, 32-, or 105-pounds. Encased in steel, they are available in standard black rubber coating and in diameters of 1.677, 2.574 and 3.471 inches. Additional sizes and strengths may be specified.
Micronas Introduces Hall-Effect Sensors With PWM and SENT Interfaces Enabling Reliable Data Transfer in Harsh Automotive Environments
Micronas, a supplier of innovative application-specific IC system solutions for automotive and consumer electronics, has released two new members of its varioHAL family of fully-integrated Hall-effect sensors with digital interfaces enabling robust and reliable data transfer in harsh automotive environments. The HAL 2830 and HAL 2850 both include a microcontroller, a temperature sensor, advanced on-chip compensation and a digital output format. The HAL 2850 features a PWM (Pulse-Width Modulated) interface, while the HAL 2830 has a SENT interface used particularly for low-cost automotive sensors in high-noise environments.
Electrical noise, static, is severe in automotive applications, especially under the hood. An accurate sensor is of little use if its output does not reach the microcontroller accurately. Since electrical noise primarily affects the amplitude of a signal, one way to insure accurate results is to use the width of the signal to represent the value being measured. The HAL 2850 uses pulse-width modulation; this pulse is sent to the system microcontroller and its width is measured with a counter-timer module, a common feature of virtually all microcontroller designs. Variations in amplitude due to noise are ignored.
The HAL 2850 can be programmed to send pulses as slow as 30 per second, or as fast as 2,000 per second. This wide range allows the system designer to tailor it to the system needs. A slower update rate may suffice for slowly-changing variables such as temperature and reduces the overall load on the microcontroller. A faster rate may be required for fast-changing variables such as pressure.
The HAL 2830 takes this a step further. It uses the SAE J2716 SENT standard to transmit sensor information, again using the time between pulse edges to represent the sensor value. SENT improves on traditional PWM techniques by providing a reference calibration pulse at the beginning of the signal, and a checksum at the end to detect errors. The HAL 2830 also includes a sensor-status signal as well as the measured value. SENT can replace lower-resolution methods using 10-bit A/D converters and PWM techniques and provides a simpler, low-cost alternative to digital busses such as CAN or LIN. SENT is used particularly for low-cost automotive sensors in high-noise environments.
Both the HAL 2850 and HAL 2830 offer 12-bit accuracy. The increased accuracy helps designers manage power train applications more precisely, thus reducing pollution and improving fuel economy. Internally, both devices are fully digital and can be programmed with a 12-bit customer serial number, The devices have industry-standard open-drain outputs, but offer slew-rate control on these to reduce EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) problems. In addition, the HAL 2830 offers a temperature measurement capability.
"The HAL 2830 and HAL 2850 combine the advantages of Hall-effect sensors with proven digital error-correction and compensation techniques, and now we have added high-reliability signal transmission methods," said Peter Zimmermann, market manager Automotive at Micronas. "Putting it all on one chip creates a low-cost, high-accuracy solution that will help meet the next generation needs for power train applications such as engine management and steering torque."
The HAL 2830 and HAL 2850 sensors are produced in a submicron CMOS technology already proven in automotive applications. Like all members of the varioHAL family, the HAL 2830 and the HAL 2850 feature a temperature-compensated Hall-plate with spinning-current offset compensation, an A/D converter for the Hall-plate and an A/D converter for the temperature sensor. The temperature compensation uses an advanced second-order algorithm and can be calibrated by the user in-system for greater overall accuracy. All processing is done digitally via a RISC processor and an EEPROM memory with redundancy and a lock function for the calibration data. The devices have protection circuits on all pins. In addition, for high-volume applications customers can develop their own firmware variant according to the desired behavior of the device.
Along with the HAL 2830 and HAL 2850, Micronas offers an easy-to-use application kit containing a programmer board, LabVIEW programming software and the necessary source code. Key application variables such as sample rate, magnetic field range, sensitivity, offset, and the temperature coefficients of sensitivity and offset can be adjusted by programming the non-volatile memory. Programming is done via BiPhase-M telegrams. The sensor is programmed through its output pin; no additional programming pin is needed.
The HAL 2830 and HAL 2850 are offered in a TO-92UT package rated for use from -40 to +170 degrees Celsius. Pricing and availability vary with model.
New Thomson Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing Bearings Deliver High Speed, Repeatable  Operation in Extreme Temperature Environments
Danaher Motion introduces Thomson Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing bearings. These Ball Bushing bearings feature all steel construction for rust and corrosion resistance, while providing maximum system rigidity in the most challenging application environments, including vacuum, ozone and mild radiation, even in temperatures up to 600ºF (315ºC). Machine builders will benefit from extended service intervals and longer bearing life, increased machine reliability and reduced service and support costs. When combined with Thomson stainless steel 60 Case shafting the shaft life is also extended when compared to conventional shafting. Most sizes are available with same or next day delivery.
Thomson Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing bearings deliver steady state travel speeds up to 10 ft/s (3 m/s) and accelerations to 450 ft/s2 (150 m/s2), without the use of derating factors. Derating factors can result in the need to specify larger, more expensive bearings to deliver the same level of performance that is achieved with smaller Thomson Stainless Steel MultiTrac Ball Bushingbearings. They also have a coefficient of friction as low as 0.001 to allow machine builders to use smaller, less expensive motors, belts, gears and ball screws in their machines when replacing high friction, plain bearings.
Thomson Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing bearings are available in 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.625, 0.75 and 1 inch sizes as standard, with adjustable, closed and open configurations. They feature industry standard dimensions for direct interchange with competitive and legacy applications. Two accuracy classes provide immediate improvements in system positioning and repeatability, while a self-aligning pillow block housing facilitates easy installation and use.
When combined with genuine Thomson 60 Case shafting they deliver even longer life and higher load carrying capacity when compared with conventional linear bearings, allowing users to reduce component size for reduced space requirements and system costs.
Thomson Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing bearings are available from local stock in Europe and North America, with worldwide availability from more than 1,800 authorized distributors. Many Ball Bushing bearing products are available for same or next day delivery in North America, subject to stocking levels.
Hitachi Enterprise Hard Drive Establishes New Performance and Capacity Standards
Assuming the reins as the enterprise hard drive performance and capacity leader, Hitachi today announced the Ultrastar 15K450. The new drive uses perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology to deliver 450 GB of storage, currently the highest available capacity in 15,000 RPM enterprise-class hard drives. The Ultrastar 15K450 is a well suited solution for mission-critical server and storage applications, such as online transaction processing, intensive database queries and other multi-user applications.
The Ultrastar 15K450 is a performance leader, with Hitachi tests indicating a 30 percent improvement in sequential throughput over its predecessor. The drive features average seek times as low as 3.3 milliseconds and the fast rotational speeds reduce average latency time to 2 milliseconds, enabling customers to access data more quickly and efficiently. The new drive will ship with either 3Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or 4Gb/s Fibre Channel (FC) interfaces.
The Ultrastar 15K450, which is built on a mature design platform to ensure greater reliability and reduced qualification times, offers a host of industrial-strength technology for proven reliability in mission-critical, server-class environments. Technologies such as fluid dynamic bearing motors deliver a low acoustic rating and improved data integrity, and Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) technology anticipates disturbances that can occur in multi-drive configurations and counteracts them. In addition, the Ultrastar 15K450 uses Hitachi’s patented head load/unload ramp to minimize integration induced drive damage.
“With the higher capacity and performance of the Ultrastar 15K450, enterprises are able to address their throughput requirements using fewer drives, which reduces three things; the cost of ownership, the datacenter’s footprint and overall power requirements,” said Dean Amini, director, Enterprise Market & Strategy, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. “Coupled with our intensive testing and quality assurance process, the Ultrastar 15K450 offers the highest available performance and reliability for mission-critical computing environments.”
Harbin Electric Experiences Robust Growth for Its Permanent Magnetic Linear Servo Motor
Harbin Electric, Inc., a manufacturer of customized linear motors, motor/controller automation systems, automobile specialty micro-motors, and other special motors, has announced that its permanent magnetic linear servo motor developed jointly with the Linear Motor Research Institute of Zhejiang University for the food industry is experiencing robust volume growth.
The motor was developed for use in food/meat slicers for US based Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), a Fortune 500 company. ITW is a diversified and value-added manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables for customers around the world.
Harbin Electric began product development with ITW in 2006 and delivered products in small quantities throughout 2007, leading to a recent order of 6000 units. This order, which amounts to more than 10 times the 2007 sales volume for this product, is expected to generate approximately $1.5 million in revenues. The company expects to start shipments to ITW in May and complete the order within three months.
"We are extremely pleased with this order from ITW," Harbin Electric's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tianfu Yang said. "It further validates our R&D vision, strategy and investments as well as our ability to develop and manufacture world-class products for highly demanding global customers."
"In another demonstration that we are winning customers with our strong product development capability and high quality products, we are enjoying a similar experience with our patented Tower Type Oil Pump. After completing product development in 2007 we delivered 13 units to our first customer during that year and we now expect to deliver a minimum of 200 units in 2008," said Yang.
This cylindrical permanent magnetic linear servo motor for meat slicers is the first linear servo motor developed by Harbin Electric. The product utilizes synchronous motors with intelligent dynamic coil design and rare- earth permanent magnetic materials. This technology allows the motor to move back and forth with higher precision and lower thrust variation. Compared to other motor systems used in meat slicers, this permanent magnetic linear servo motor is simpler, smaller, lighter, faster, more efficient, and delivers higher precision and reduced maintenance cost. The linear servo motor can also be applied to many other products such as medical devices, high precision instruments, digital control machines, office equipment such as printers and copiers, and other equipment that requires high precision and low thrust variation. Harbin Tech Full Electric Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Harbin Electric, and Professor Yunyue Ye, the head of the Research Institute of Linear Motors of Zhejiang University and an independent board member of the Company, jointly own the patent for this technology awarded by the State Intellectual Property Office of China.
New Low-Voltage Full-Bridge Brushless DC Motor Driver with Integrated Hall 
Allegro MicroSytems, Inc. has introduced two new full-bridge motor drivers designed to drive low-voltage brushless DC motors in applications that require rotor speed control and fast rotor start-stop cycles. A high density CMOS semiconductor process allows the integration of a Hall element, an H-bridge output driver and PWM speed control logic into a monolithic IC. This fully integrated single-chip solution provides enhanced reliability including reverse battery protection and output short circuit protection. The small package outline and industry leading low profile make this device well suited for use in applications where printed circuit board area and component headroom are at a premium.
Commutation of the motor is achieved by use of a single integrated Hall element sensor to detect the rotational position of an alternating-pole ring magnet. Low-voltage design techniques have been employed to achieve full device functionality down to 1.8 V VDD. The voltage applied to the PDC pin is used to externally control the maximum speed of the motor by adjusting the internal PWM duty cycle of the output driver.
Allegro’s A1444/A1445 devices employ a soft-switching algorithm to reduce audible switching noise and EMI interference. The A1444 and A1445 have different, selectable internal PWM Duty Cycle options to accommodate a wide range of motor designs by controlling the state of the PDC input pin, providing external control. The externally controlled speed regulation and braking functions can be used to create motor designs with faster acceleration and stopping times. Each device has a braking function enable pin that also includes a micro power sleep mode for battery management in portable electronic devices. This feature allows for the removal of a FET transistor for switching the device on and off. The devices are optimized for vibration motor applications that require fast start-stop cycles, as in cellular phones, pagers, and hand-held video game controllers. These devices can also be used for low power fan motors rated at 5 V.
Targeted at the communication and consumer markets, Allegro’s A1444 and A1445 motor drivers are available in a lead free (leadframe plating Nickel Palladium) 6-pin MLP micro-leadframe package for surface mount assembly. The underside of the package also features an exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. They are priced at $0.58 in quantities of 1,000 and have a 6-8 week typical lead-time to market. |
