eNewsletter

June 2010

MEDER electronic, Inc. – Adaptable Automotive Liquid Level Sensors
All trucks and automobiles currently utilizing internal combustion engines have fuel tanks.  To the driver of the fueled motor vehicle, one of the most important instruments on his front panel is his fuel gage. It is important that the gage provides an accurate reading of the fuel level.  To properly measure the fuel, some form of instrument must exist inside the fuel tank.  To survive this environment and make accurate measurements is not an easy undertaking.  To supply the reliability and assurance of accurate fuel readings, Reed Sensors are being widely used because they operate reliably and accurately for billions of operations, while presenting an economical solution.

The LS05 Series Liquid Level Sensors is the most diverse level sensor yet, combining hundreds of standard options ranging from switching power and connectivity to fluid types and number of liquid levels.  The LS05 housing stem, constructed of V2A stainless steel can vary in length up to 6.5 feet long and hold any number of magnetic floats with a minimum spacing of 1.5” between them.  The LS05 can be mounted to the top or bottom of a tank or reservoir using a number of different mounting options.  Its stainless steel housing will withstand high pressure up to 12bar and temperatures up to 200°C when coupled with stainless steel floats.  Choose from any MEDER KSK or OKI Reed Switch up to 1000 Volts and 10 different magnetic floats to produce single, multiple or continuous output signals.

For more information visit http://www.meder.com/us_fuel-level-multi-sensor10.html

MTS C-Series Model CR Sensor Meets Demands of Off-Highway Machines
The new Temposonics C-series Model CR Rod and Cylinder sensor from MTS Systems Corp, Sensors Division finds early adoption in an increasing number of off-highway machine designs.  The cost-optimized Model CR sensor integrates MTS' standard Model CS or CM sensor inside a tough and rugged (2 mm) thick steel mechanical package ready to protect the sensor from the mechanical pounding and environmental scourges seen by off-highway machines.  The heavy-duty packaging and non-contact technology, along with its design for minimal modification mounting, makes the CR sensor a quickly adoptable yet reliable alternative to other rod-and-cylinder style sensors that migrated from indoor purposed packages.

"We wanted to offer a package that was more substantial than those in the existing marketplace and we feel that we have achieved that with this heavy steel package," said Jesse Russell, product manager, MTS Sensors.

"These sensors are being designed into tough wear-and-tear environments where embedded technologies may not be the best option due to speed of adoption, fit or performance.  Now, we have a quick, externally mounted sensor solution that can meet those needs while providing a non-contact technology that assures long-term operation despite repetitive movement in challenging environments."

Commonly, equipment designers had specified sensors like potentiometers in applications such as steer-by-wire, machine leveling, body control, suspension control, boom positioning and other machine member position-control requirements. They found that potentiometers don't have the durability due to their thinner, lighter materials.  In addition, potentiometers are a contact technology that is affected over time by repetitive motion in dirty, abrasive, wet applications that accelerate wear.  Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) also need guided, maintained clearance to the core that can be worn away in that environment. In both, sensor wear eventually deteriorates the performance level of the equipment.

Employing proven magnetostrictive, absolute, non-contact position sensing technology modules, the Model CR sensor contains an internal non-contact piston-mounted magnet on a rod that extends and retracts to measure motion.  The Model CR package features a (2 mm) thick housing, stiff (12.5 mm) rod and is IP 67 rated, making it capable of withstanding a variety of harsh-environment applications.  The versatile mechanical package of the Model CR enables easy bolt-on installation via the integrated M10 x 1.5 stud and rod end or with optional swivel studs or ball ends.

The Model CR Rod and cylinder sensor is available in two analog models, a 5 Vdc supply ratiometric output version and 12 Vdc supply reference voltage output version.  Additionally, the 12 Vdc model features protection from over-voltage and reverse connection, EMC protection for both emissions and immunity and the option to be operated at 5 Vdc, at which point its output becomes ratiometric.  Contact the factory about serial digital model availability.

Featuring a linearity of up to ±0.15 mm and sensor repeatability of ±25 microns, the Model CR is available in six standard stroke ranges: 72.3 mm, 109.3 mm, 148 mm, 186.3 mm, 217.3 mm and 250.1 mm. Connection is made using a three-wire, one-meter cable with 24 or 18 AWG wire.  Operating temperatures range from -40°C to 75°C.

Gowanda Introduces QPL Military-Approved RF Inductors
Gowanda Electronics, a designer and manufacturer of precision electronic components for RF and power applications, introduced its MLRF1010 RF Inductor series.

Gowanda’s MLRF1010 series is QPL approved to MIL-PRF-83446/04. The series provides surface mount inductors with inductance from .01 to 27 uH, Q Min from 22 to 60, SRF MHz Min from 22 to 2700, DCR Ohms Max from .06 to 6.9 and current rating DC mA from 120 to 1270. The small size of the MLRF 1010 series is unique in the industry at 0.100 by 0.100 inch (2.54 x 2.54 mm).

The MLRF1010 series was designed for RF applications in military, aerospace and defense communities. This includes use in communication, guidance and security applications, as well as in radar, test & evaluation, and special mission applications or wherever designs require QPL-approved inductor components with the performance offered by the MLRF1010 Series.

Gowanda introduced this MLRF1010 series, which expands the company’s QPL offerings, in response to ongoing market demand for more QPL-approved inductor suppliers.

Technical information about the MLRF1010 Series is available at the company’s website:

The MLRF1010 inductor components contain ferrite cores, have an operating temperature range of -55°C to 130°C and are available in tape and reel packaging.

Bunting Expands Selection of Magnet Products
Bunting Magnetics Co. has expanded the inventory of products now available for purchase online at www.buntingmagnetics.com. The new products consist of additions to the Bonded Neodymium, Sintered Neodymium, Samarium Cobalt, Alnico and Ceramic Magnet product lines. The selection includes more size and shape options for block, disc, plug and ring style of magnets. In addition, Bunting has added a wide variety of magnetic catches, magnetic doorstops, and holding magnets to its offering.

“These new additions further complement the vast number of industrial magnets and magnetic products that we carry in stock,” said Don Lindstrom, Bunting general manager for the Magnet Materials Division. “We want to be the source for the full spectrum of magnets in the world…any magnet, available at any time. This expansion of our inventory brings us closer to that goal.”

The new magnet products include several new grades. The grade of a magnet helps determine the strength of the magnetic characteristics within that magnet type. The number of different magnets now offered number over 1,300 unique part numbers, most all in stock, ready for immediate shipment

As part of the product launch, Bunting is offering a 3 percent discount on all magnet products which are ordered online by credit card.

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Announces New Ultra-Sensitive Dual-Channel Quadrature Hall-Effect Bipolar Switch
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has released a new dual-channel, bipolar switch with two Hall-effect sensing elements, each providing a separate digital output for speed and direction signal processing capability. The Hall elements are photolithographically aligned to better than 1 µm. maintaining accurate mechanical location between the two active Hall elements eliminates the major manufacturing hurdle encountered in fine-pitch detection applications. The A1230 is a highly sensitive, temperature stable magnetic sensing device well suited for use in ring magnet based, speed and direction systems located in harsh automotive and industrial environments.
 
Allegro’s A1230 monolithic integrated circuit (IC) contains two independent Hall-effect bipolar switches located 1 mm apart. The digital outputs are out of phase so that the outputs are in quadrature when interfaced with the proper ring magnet design. This allows easy processing of speed and direction signals. Extremely low-drift amplifiers guarantee symmetry between the switches to maintain signal quadrature. The Allegro patented, high-frequency chopper-stabilization technique cancels offsets in each channel providing stable operation over the full specified temperature and voltage ranges.
Additionally, the high-frequency chopping circuits allow an increased analog signal-to-noise ratio at the input of the digital comparators internal to the IC. As a result, the A1230 achieves improved digital output jitter performance that is critical in high performance motor commutation applications. An on-chip low dropout (LDO) regulator allows the use of this device over a wide operating voltage range. Post-assembly factory programming at Allegro provides sensitive switchpoints that are symmetrical between the two switches.

The A1230 is available in a plastic 8-pin SOIC surface mount package (L) and a plastic 4-pin SIP (K). Both are available in a temperature range of –40°C to 150°C. Each package is lead (Pb) free, with 100 percent matte tin plated leadframe. Both the A1230LK-T and A1230LLTR-T are priced at $0.92 in quantities of 1,000.

Balluff Introduces the New Standard for T-Slot Magnetic Field Sensors
Balluff has expanded their line of magnetic field sensors with the introduction of the BMF 235, designed to fit a wide variety of T-slots.  Cylinder positions can be detected on virtually any aluminum walled pneumatic cylinder with integral T-slots including short stroke cylinders and grippers.  The GMR electronic sensor features extremely short 23mm housing and an ultra bright LED for easy diagnostics.

The BMF 235 easily drops into the T-slot from above and is secured using a standard screwdriver or an Allen wrench.  The sensor installs flush in the slot with nothing protruding for safe secure mounting in space restrictive applications.  A cable clip is provided with the sensor for strain relief and ease of cable routing.

This mini-sensor features high accuracy, short overtravel and low hysteresis.  The BMF 235 is available in PNP normally open and normally closed versions in a tough IP67 housing, each with cable or pigtail M8 or M12 connectors. 

MAGNETICS 2011 – Call for Presentations Deadline July 23rd

Why Should You Give A Presentation At Magnetics 2011?

• SHARE your latest advancements in magnetic applications, technology and materials with industry-leading companies!
• SHOWCASE your work to decision-making professionals!
• BE THE FIRST to get your magnetics advances into the appropriate hands – and minds!

Submit your abstract for consideration in the program by Friday, July 23, 2010.   

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

SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT FOR:

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

SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL:
The basis of the proposal or the presentation may not be the promotion or marketing of a product.
Please Note: Proposals and Submissions will be accepted only electronically by email. Send your proposal in the body of your email letter and include supporting material and complete presentations as attachments.
**All submission guidelines must be included for abstract consideration. Visit the conference Web site for complete submission guidelines.

Submit abstracts to Heather Krier at heatherk@infowebcom.com or 720.528.3770 x129.

Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring?
Contact Sue Hannebrink at sueh@infowebcom.com.

Magnetics 2011 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.

In 2011, the Magnetics Conference will be co-located with the Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference. We feel this addition to be a natural fit, one that will provide added benefit to attendees, exhibitors and sponsors of both these world class events.

Rare Earth Trade Group Doubles Membership, Adds General Motors and Other Key Stakeholders
The Rare Earth Industry and Technology Association (REITA) is more than doubling its global membership, adding General Motors Corp., Great Western Minerals Group Ltd., Global Tungsten & Powders Corp., Rare Element Resources Ltd., Iowa State University, University of Delaware and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The new members join charter members Molycorp, Inc., General Electric Company, Arnold Magnetic Technologies Corp., Electron Energy Corp. and the Colorado School of Mines.

The addition of General Motors to the association underscores the growing recognition by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of the importance of ensuring reliable supplies of the rare earth materials and permanent magnets that are used in applications such as hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles and many other technologies.

“REITA’s membership base is broadening and now includes companies from Canada, the UK and the US that are involved in mining, downstream manufacturing and OEM sectors, in addition to top-shelf research and academic institutions,” said Keith Delaney, REITA’s executive director.  “This significantly strengthens REITA’s reach just as our nation’s policymakers are increasingly focused on rare earth supply chain issues.”

Arnold Magnetic Technologies and LLNL Collaborate On Passive Magnetic Bearing System
Arnold Magnetic Technologies (Arnold) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have signed an agreement to start working together on a passive magnetic bearing system initially intended for bulk storage flywheel energy storage systems, but one that may also be transferable to other applications.

This collaboration combines research and analysis performed by LLNL’s Richard Post, who has many years of experience in magnetic theory and a large portfolio of resultant inventions, along with Arnold’s more than 70 years of industry experience and expertise in design and manufacturing of high performance magnets and precision magnetic assemblies.

Passive magnetic bearings are currently used today, in limited quantity, in uninterruptible power supplies, such as flywheel energy storage systems, as well as couplers, motors, compressors, generators, magnetic levitation transportation, and even medical devices.

They have many advantages over “active” magnetic bearing systems, which employ electromagnets. In contrast, passive magnetic bearings, as developed at LLNL, do not use electromagnets, and therefore neither require electrical power for operation nor the complicated sensors and control circuits that are required to stabilize an active magnetic bearing system.

“The main purpose of this collaboration is to combine the efforts of an industry leader and a national laboratory in order to improve the passive magnetic bearing technology available today. This could lead to highly efficient solutions for other alternative energy systems like wind turbines and electric vehicles,” said to John De Leon, who is a business development engineer at Arnold.

Post and others at LLNL also are enthusiastic about the collaboration because of the opportunities it brings for the commercialization of new ideas that have come out of research projects at the Laboratory.

“Dick Post’s passive magnetic bearings bring energy efficiency to a new level of sophistication,” said Annemarie Meike, a business development executive at LLNL. “The world rolls on bearings and these passive magnetic bearings have the potential to render a broad range of technologies commercially viable through mechanical and energy efficiency.”

Upon completion of the design and construction of the passive magnetic bearing system, which is estimated to take about six months, both LLNL and Arnold will have prototypes for testing and demonstration to potential users. The work is being performed under a demonstration Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

6/27 - 6/30
PowderMet 2010 - MPIF/APMI International Conference on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials
Hollywood (Ft. Lauderdale), FL

Download a PDF Copy of the Summer 2010 Issue of Magnetics Business & Technology Magazine

Features & Columns:

• Spontaneous Thoughts: A Three Pronged Approach
• Understanding Permanent Magnets
• Global Permanent Magnet Industry 2010 - 2020
• R&D: Children’s Cancer Center Magnetically Lengthens Nine-Year-Old’s Leg as She Grows

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