Lake Shore Revamps Probe Station Product Line
Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. has redesigned their line of cryogenic micro-manipulated probe stations. The streamlined product portfolio includes table-top, field upgradeable, superconducting and electromagnet-based, full 4-inch wafer and closed cycle refrigerator based probe stations. These new designs provide greater flexibility and expandability by providing in-field upgrade paths, ensuring the probe stations keep up with demanding, ever changing research requirements.
The table-top series is a low cost, high performance probe station available with up to six micro-manipulated probe arms operable from 4.2 K to 475 K. Optical access through the sample stage allows backside sample illumination and facilitates optical transmission experiments. A low temperature option to 3.2 K delivers the performance of more expensive probe stations in a compact, table-top design requiring minimal lab space.
The field upgradeable series is available with up to six micro-manipulated probe arms operable from 4.2 K to 475 K. Standard features include multiple radiation shields optimized to minimize cryogen consumption, ±5° sample stage rotation, the ability to reduce potential for condensation on the device under test (DUT) while the system cools and a heavy duty welded steel stand. Configurable to meet current research needs, upgrade features are available as needs change. Field upgradeable options include temperatures down to 1.5 K, high vacuum to 10-7 torr, and load-lock. The high vacuum option ensures that condensation does not accumulate in the sample environment during cool-down. The load-lock assembly allows sample exchange without warming the radiation shields or breaking vacuum, resulting in increased sample throughput; it also allows samples to be exchanged under controlled environmental conditions.
The superconducting magnet series provides either a 2.5 T vertical or 1 T horizontal field and are operable from 4.2 K to 400 K. Built on the same platform as the field upgradeable series, they provide the same standard features as well as options including high vacuum and 2 K base temperature. These options can be added in the field or at the factory to increase functionality.
The electromagnet series provides a 0.55 T horizontal field and is operable from 5 K to 400 K. This is the only cryogenic electromagnet-based probe station available with optional 360° sample stage rotation. The probe station allows you to take field dependent measurements at ambient temperature, reducing dependency on liquid cryogens (which are only required to cool the DUT).
Lake Shore’s full wafer probe station series provides the ability to probe any point on a full 4-inch wafer and features a temperature range extending from 4.5 K to 475 K. The closed cycle refrigerator series provides efficient cryogen-free temperature operation from 4.5 K to 475 K, eliminating the operating expense of liquid cryogens. Excellent temperature stability of 10 mK and vibration limited to <1 µm is achieved throughout the temperature range. Multiple control heaters are optimized to provide the probe station with fast thermal response and rapid warm-up for sample exchange.
Vishay Releases Three New X2 EMI Suppression Film Capacitors with Increased Voltage  Rating to 310 VAC
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has released three new X2 electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression film capacitors with an increased maximum mains voltage of 310 VAC and a wide range of lead pitches and capacitance values.
While most standard EMI suppression film capacitors provide a voltage rating of 275 VAC to 305 VAC, Vishay’s new MKP 339 X2, MKP 338 2 X2 and MKP 336 2 X2 devices offer designers an increased voltage rating while continuing to meet safety approvals and maintaining the same compact dimensions.
Utilizing the latest film technology to offer lead pitches from 7.5 mm to 27.5 mm, capacitance values from 1 nF to 4.7 μF, and a permissible DC voltage of 630 V, the capacitors are optimized for standard across the line applications (50/60 Hz) in power supplies, electronic ballasts, EMI filters, CRT and LCD TVs and monitors and white goods.
Climatic tested according to EN 60068-1 (55/110/56/B), the encapsulation of the devices consists of a flame retardant UL-class 94 V-0 plastic case, which is epoxy resin sealed. Supplied loose in box or taped on ammopack or reel, the lead (Pb)-free capacitors are RoHS-compliant and feature tinned wire leads.
Samples and production quantities of the new X2 EMI suppression film capacitors are available now, with lead times of 8 to 10 weeks for larger orders. Pricing varies by capacitance value and lead pitch.
Bekaert Improves Rotatable Sputtering Technology
New Magnet Bar Achieves High Levels of Coating Uniformity
Bekaert has introduced its adjustable magnet bar AMB v3.0 for horizontal and vertical applications. The magnet bar enables user-friendly optimization of layer thickness uniformity and improves material utilization efficiency. Layer thickness can be tuned with a central adjusting mechanism that optimizes magnetic field strength at the target surface. Extremely robust, the AMB v3.0 provides great stability with a full application target range.
Using the AMB v3.0, target utilization will increase and the cross corner effect will be significantly reduced. Fundamental research and revolutionary design work of the mechanical constructions have lead to the magnet bar offering high repeatability.
Adaptable AC Inverter's for Reliable Large Area Glass Coating
Bekaert's INV 400 MF AC inverter (35 kHz) is part of the unique solution for sputter electronics for large area glass coating. DC power supplies next to the coating line are connected via economical DC cables (and thus leading to less EMC issues) to the new inverter which gives the flexibility to generate AC in the cathode.
The dual-cathode sputtering inverter uses a DC power supply to prevent anode contamination, particularly in reactive sputtering where dielectric materials are deposited. It also adapts to each situation so there is limited interruption of the process in a variety of sputtering methods, whilst alternation of targets between cathode and anode cleans the surface, ensuring stable deposition rates over long periods.
Self-detecting arc handles scenarios with early response and the self-seeking frequency controller are highly efficient because of low power losses. Reliable switching means low downtime and its modular structure allows easy maintenance. Special attention was given to the way of arc handling, to minimize the energy during the arc and the restoration of the plasma afterwards. The controller is designed to operate autonomously: no operator tweaking is required to get the process running. Being physically located close to the sputtering process gives unique possibilities for faster and more adequate interactions in order to better control the plasma.
New Rotatable Sputter Targets
Bekaert has extended its range of rotatable sputter targets with materials for the deposition of TCO layers used in PV cells (e.g. thermal sprayed AZO rotatable target, Zinc Oxide doped with Aluminum oxide (1-2 wt%)).
“Because of our innovative technological vision and intensive R&D, as well as our in-depth understanding of customer applications and fast worldwide customer service, we lead in automotive and architectural rotatable sputter solutions. With the development of the INV 400 and Magnet bar AMB v3.0 we have further sharpened our competitive edge,” said Koen Staelens, Product Market manager of Bekaert Sputter Products. “Our dynamic philosophy and approach will drive our entry into the PV market because we have the right customized sputter hardware solutions and rotatable sputter target materials for the photovoltaic market. Since Glasstec is the world‘s largest trade fair for the glass industry it is simply the number one platform for presenting our advanced technologies to a global audience.”
Eriez’ XPL SafeHold Line of Magnets Offer a Powerful Solution for Lifting Both Flat and Round  Materials
Eriez’ SafeHold XPL magnets allow users to lift either flat or round materials using the same magnet. SafeHold XPL magnets are now available in six models with capacities ranging from 400 to 5,000 pounds for flat materials and 300 to 4,000 pounds for round materials.
Constructed with Erium 3000 rare earth magnet material, SafeHold XPL magnets are small, lightweight and feature a powerful magnetic force. The XPL series is well suited for many machine shop operations, including the loading and unloading of machining centers. With XPL magnets’ internal on/off changeover mechanism, there is no scratching of the work surface when loading/unloading.
Operating SafeHold XPL magnets is quick and easy, therefore fewer helpers are required. These magnets can lift and transfer steel and iron without slings, hooks or cables.
Since the XPL series requires no electricity, the potential of a power failure interrupting operation is eliminated. The continuous rare earth magnet provides the power until the magnet is turned off, so there isn’t any costly DC power supply or hassles of charging or replacing batteries.
XPL-30/24 and XPL-50/40 are the newest additions to the XPL series of SafeHold permanent lifting magnets. The new magnets extend the XPL line capacity by more than double.
The XPL-30/24 has a capacity rating of 3,000 pounds on flat materials and 2,400 pounds on round material. This magnet can handle round material from 4 inches to 15 inches in diameter.
The XPL-50/40 has a capacity of 5,000 pounds on flat material and 3,700 pounds on round material. It can handle material ranging from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.
Other magnets in the SafeHold line include XPL-4/3, XPL-8/6, XPL-15/9 and XPL-24/16. Several SafeHold magnets can be combined to conform to the specific shape and weight of complex work pieces.
All magnets in the SafeHold line are versatile, durable and safe. According to Eriez, when properly installed and operated, SafeHold magnets provide greater safety than other mechanical material handling devices.
Many XPL SafeHold magnets are part of the EriezXpress program, a service that streamlines the order-to-ship process by simplifying product ordering, modifying inventory control and designating a dedicated team to make it all happen. Upon credit approval, orders received at Eriez-USA by 4:00 p.m. will be processed and shipped the next business day.
Magnetostrictive Sensors Provide Reliability and Durability in Harsh Environments
MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division is providing its mobile hydraulic magnetostrictive sensors for the SHM high wall mining (HWM) system. The sensors replaced externally mounted pressure switches, infrared switches and string potentiometers throughout the system because the magnetostrictive technology proved to be more durable and reliable in the harsh mining environment.
"Our engineers did some research on MTS Sensors' Temposonics technology in cylinders and they seemed to be the best option," said Stewart Myers, engineering manager, SHM, located in Beckley, W.V. "They allowed us to do away with expensive string pots, cable encoders and switches, and the MTS sensors are a better choice because they can be embedded inside the cylinders, making them more reliable and longer-lasting."
SHM's HWM system is a self-contained, highly productive, cost-efficient, high wall coal mining system. The system, which is operated and maintained exclusively on the surface, mines parallel entries, rectangular in section and up to 1,000 feet or 305 meters deep. SHM's HWM is the first practical high wall mining system that can mine parallel entries to predetermined depths.
The HWM is capable of mining coal seams ranging from 30 inches to 16 feet in thickness and to depths of up to 1,000 feet. The ability to mine this range of coal seam heights is accomplished by fitting interchangeable cutterhead modules to the HWM for low, medium or high seam mining applications.
Throughout the equipment's original design, externally mounted pressure switches, string potentiometers and infrared switches were providing feedback on position, but were often less than accurate due to harsh operating conditions that caused sub-par performance in components. MTS' RH series and MH series sensors replaced parts in nine different cylinders in the SHM equipment. MTS' sensors utilize magnetostrictive technology to provide the most accurate and reliable results in linear position sensing.
Before the installation of the MTS sensors, the problem areas for equipment operators and technicians were numerous, but were easily addressed with the magnetostrictive sensors:
• The high shock and vibration of the mining environment caused dust and water to seep into the externally mounted sensor originally used in the shear cylinder, requiring quite a bit of maintenance. Maintenance needs have almost been eliminated by using embedded MH sensors instead.
• The steering cylinder, traverse cylinder and PTM cylinder were compromised due to the use of string pots, which often failed in harsh winter conditions. The embedded MH sensors have proven to be reliable in the same conditions.
• The base frame latching cylinders and base frame locking cylinders were crudely detected with pressure switches. The embedded MH sensor provides accurate positive feedback indicating where that cylinder is at any point in time.
• The powerhead latching cylinder was using infrared switches which would often cause a work stoppage so operators could clean off the lens. By replacing the infrared switches with embedded MH sensors, downtime was mitigated and productivity increased.
• The sump cylinder, which strokes 22.5 feet, was using a cable encoder that needed to be replaced once or twice a month because the cable was repeatedly pulled through 22.5 feet and susceptible to water, dust, ice and cable kinks, resulting in high incidence of downtime for maintenance and repair.
"Switching to MTS magnetostrictive sensors may have reduced our cost," said Myers, "but I know it's saved our customers money, especially in downtime. Downtime on these machines is huge--revenues can be in the tens of thousands of dollars per hour in these machines, so if they go down, it's costly."
The MH sensor, which is used in the shear, steering, base frame latching, base frame locking, and powerhead latching cylinders in the HWM, provides rugged housing and built-in electronics, a pressure-proof sensor pipe that protects the internal sensing element, and a position magnet. Along with high shock and vibration ratings, the sensor has 200 V/m EMI protection.
Designed for cylinders two inches in diameter (or larger), the MH sensor now provides a measuring range of two to 98 inches (50 to 2,500 mm) while maintaining high levels of accuracy and repeatability.
The RH sensor, which is used in the sump, PTM lift and PTM traverse cylinders in the HWM, features improved precision, with position sensing resolution as low as 1 micron (0.00004 in). The resolution is factory-or
field-adjustable from 1 to 100 mm. A built-in measurement non-linearity correction improves the sensing accuracy to as low as +/-10 mm, depending on the mechanical application package. The R-series sensor, with current or voltage analog outputs, has options for programmable dual position and/or velocity channels with a maximum velocity range of up to 10 m/sec, (400 in/sec.), and velocity resolution as low as 0.1 mm/sec, (0.004 in./sec.).
Bodine Electric Company Develops Proprietary Brush-Life Sensor for DC Gearmotors and Motors
Bodine Electric Co. has developed a new brush-wear monitoring system for its popular line of 42-frame permanent magnet DC (PMDC) gearmotors and motors. OEM versions of the type 42A products are now available with built-in electronic brush-wear sensors. This proprietary sensor system is fully integrated into the motor housing.
The special sensors indicate when either of the brushes is nearing the end of their useful life. This unique sensor system allows OEMs to electronically monitor brush wear to effectively maintain uninterrupted operation of these PMDC gearmotors or motors. In addition, it eliminates the guesswork in brush maintenance and inspection.
Gearmotors and motors that are equipped with this new feature can also accommodate a built-in magnetic encoder, and built-in EMI filtering. Bodine Electric is in the process of seeking patent protection for this new technology. PMDC motors and gearmotors that feature this proprietary design are only available from Bodine Electric Company.
Terry Auchstetter, Manager of Custom Solutions and Business Development at Bodine Electric said, “This is the sort of value-added and innovative design engineering that sets Bodine apart. One of our customers approached us with the challenge of monitoring brush-wear and motor life in a battery- and solar-powered application. We took care of the motor solution with this new technology, and the customer integrated the sensor feedback into his control system.” This sensor system is also well-suited for remote monitoring of PMDC gearmotors or motors, especially when you don't have a person standing next to a machine all day.
New Surface Mount and Radial Leaded Inductor Ranges Help Engineers Reduce EMI in Power Applications
Murata Power Solutions has enhanced its radial lead and toroidal surface-mount inductor portfolios with the addition of four new ranges of RoHS compliant components. The introductions comprise over 50 new part numbers that reinforce Murata Power Solutions’ reputation as a provider of industry-leading magnetic products.
The 1500 and 1900R series are general purpose radial leaded inductors suitable for providing filtering in low to medium current applications such as those found in power supplies. The 4200 and 4300 series of toroidal surface-mount inductors meanwhile are designed for use in switching AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converters. Their low-profile design makes them ideal for use in designs where component height is restricted.
Both the 1500 and 1900R series offer low DC resistance. The 1500 series is available with current ratings up to 16.2A IDC and inductance values that range from 1.0µH to 1.0mH. The 1900R series is rated to 7.8A IDC with inductance values of between 4.7µH and 100mH. Custom parts are available on request. Both ranges are supplied in cartons of 40, are fully compatible with RoHS soldering systems and have backward compatibility to Sn/Pb solder processes. Operating free air temperature range is -40ºC to +85ºC.
The 4200 and 4300 series toroidal surface-mount inductors have compact overall dimensions with a maximum overall height of less than 0.39”. Both ranges utilize UL94 V-0 package materials, are pick & place compatible and meet J-STD-020C reflow requirements with backward compatibility to Sn/Pb soldering systems. The toroidal construction of the new inductors aids design engineers by helping minimize EMI issues. The 4200 series has a current rating of up to 15.4A IDC and a choice of inductance values between 1.27µH and 17.6µH. The 4300 series comprises parts with inductance values ranging from 2.1µH to 4.0µH and a maximum current rating of 22.4A IDC. Operating temperature for both ranges is -40ºC to 125ºC.
Pricing is between $0.87 and $1.69 for a quantity of 1k. |
