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Connectors: Know about Glow?
Since successfully addressing the well publicized issues created by the RoHS and WEEE directives on the restriction of hazardous substances, the connector industry is now facing a new challenge -— Glow Wire. Although the IEC 60335-1 standard is primarily relevant in Europe, North American companies need to comply in order to service their global customers.
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Decoration: Bright Ideas
Alternatives to traditional electroplated chrome have hit the market that can achieve the material’s bright and glossy look without the negatives usually associated with electroplating. The timing couldn’t be better.
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Kingbright
The 0.25mm Ultra-Thin 0603 SMD LEDs (APG1608 package) features an ultra-thin design (1.6mm x 0.8mm x 0.25mm) with wide viewing angle of 120 Deg. The LEDs are available in blue (470nm), green (525nm & 571nm), yellow (589nm), orange (605nm), and red (631nm).
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ETCO
ETCO Specialty Terminals featuring dual gauge materials can combine two functions that were previously unavailable in a single part, such as a rigid tab or connector with a formable “ear section” mating end.
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Microchip
Discover Microchip’s comprehensive motor control solutions, which feature 16-bit digital signal controllers, free software, development tool discounts, technical training and more!
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International Appliance Manufacturing is an annual technical review and available to individuals involved in the design or manufacturing of household appliances.
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Controls & Displays: Responsive Refrigeration (July 2008)
With global energy prices soaring to record high levels and no end in sight, appliance manufacturers struggle to find innovative and effective ways to improve energy efficiency. Among the most energy-consuming and expensive of all appliances are compressor-based heating and cooling systems. These include living space heating, cooling and comfort control equipment, as well as refrigerators and freezers that are present in millions of households and businesses throughout the world. And that is why any efficiency improvements to compressor-based equipment can have a significant impact on both the end-users and society as a whole.
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Connectors: Know about Glow?
Since successfully addressing the well publicized issues created by the RoHS and WEEE directives on the restriction of hazardous substances, the connector industry is now facing a new challenge -— Glow Wire. Although the IEC 60335-1 standard is primarily relevant in Europe, North American companies need to comply in order to service their global customers.
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Electronics: Digital Multitasking (June 2008)
Appliance technology has evolved significantly over the years, and two trends are merging to fuel the next round of appliance evolution — digital motor control and digital sensor processing. Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) are at the confluence of these trends, and they enable digital sensor processing, digital motor control and power factor correction to be implemented on a single chip.
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Gas Technology: Fire It Up Fast (July 2008)
Reliable ignition is the top priority for design engineers developing gas appliances, and is of utmost concern for other functions such as marketing, sales, quality assurance, and field service. Until recently, the designers of gas appliances had to choose between two on-demand ignition technologies: spark and hot surface. Now there is a third choice, a system that utilizes a low-voltage, resistive-wire coil that can be adapted to different burner systems. This adaptable technology has emerged as a strong alternative for designers seeking a higher level of ignition reliability.
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Decoration: Bright Ideas
Alternatives to traditional electroplated chrome have hit the market that can achieve the material’s bright and glossy look without the negatives usually associated with electroplating. The timing couldn’t be better.
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Motors & Pumps: Airing the Options
For engineers designing pressurized air or vacuum systems, it’s important to understand that no single air-pressure or vacuum technology is optimal for all applications, as illustrated by the comparisons shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. To help narrow down the choices, engineers can peruse charts for flow, pressure, and vacuum that are widely available from pump manufacturers. Before starting the process, however, it is helpful to be acquainted with the chief characteristics of the most common pump technologies used by equipment designers.
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Quality & Standards: The Efficiency Equation (May 2008)
The refrigeration industry currently has a
number of standards and methods of measurement in place to provide a helpful
guide for determining the energy efficiency of equipment. These methods, such
as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), allow engineers to compare different
compressors and operating conditions, ultimately finding a combination that
fits the application at hand.
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Software: Speedy 3D
In today’s business climate, flexibility drives the ability of product manufacturers to stay competitive. As the costs of labor, materials and transportation fluctuate, manufacturers must continually assess the profitability of their design and supply chains. Consumer trends and new manufacturing processes further compel them to seek innovative ways of bringing new products to market quickly and efficiently.
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