Rapid Electronics has agreed a deal with electromagnetic components supplier Manutech Europe to become the main distributor of its current transformers range and sensors.

The supplier’s SCT series (Split Core) AC current transformer has an excellent reputation for performance, ease of application and energy efficiency. It is available in 50 input ratings, from 1 to 3000 amps. Output is controlled by a precision resistor fixed at the industry standard of 0.333V AC. The transformer is ideal for distributed measurement systems and can be retrofitted into active installations without the need to remove existing cables. It sets an industry standard for interleaving joints and its self-locking mechanism.

The UCT series (Solid Core) current transformer offers excellent performance over a wide ratings range from 5A to 400A. 33 lines are available in five different diameters, offering accuracy to within +/-1% and a less than 1 degree phase angle. Output is controlled by a precision resistor fixed at the industry standard of 0.333V AC. The rugged epoxy encapsulated construction comes with eight feet of twisted insulated wire leads. These solid core CTs require power isolation before they can be slipped over the power cable application.

The range also includes a 24 inch Rogowski coil, a transducer measuring high frequency current pulses. The design and termination of the coil are such that it acts as a current transformer at high frequencies but has very low sensitivity to power frequency current. The Rogowski coil is available in current ratings from 500A to 5000A and comes with its own integrator for ease of installation.

» Contact Details for Rapid Electronics Ltd.

New technology zone features sensor products, suppliers, resources and more

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today launched its new Sensor Solutions Technology Zone, a website dedicated to providing comprehensive sensor design resources for engineers. This new technology zone comes on the heels of a number of other Digi-Key initiatives to provide valuable, cost-saving and timesaving resources for design engineers. The Sensor Solutions Technology Zone is featured on Digi-Key’s website www.digikey.com/technologyzones.

“Digi-Key’s technology zones were created with the intent that design engineers would consider them essential tools and resources in the design process,” said Dave Doherty, Digi-Key’s vice president of semiconductor product. “Our Sensor Solutions Technology Zone is the newest addition to Digi-Key’s growing library of resources designed specifically for engineers. With access to product information, product training modules, application notes and a comprehensive list of the world’s leading sensor manufacturers, we believe our Sensor Solutions Technology Zone will be a destination for engineers when designing new devices.”

The Sensor Solutions Technology Zone provides technical resources for engineers to aid in the selection of various sensor parts including accelerometers/inclinometers, compass/navigational parts, current, environmental, imaging, liquid, positioning, pressure/force, temperature, development tools and evaluation boards distributed by Digi-Key.

A “Sensor Resources” section provides a product guide which lists more than 65 of Digi-Key’s world-leading sensor product suppliers/manufacturers; application notes; 36 sensor product training modules (from Digi-Key’s exclusive library of more than 700 PTMs Online…On Demand®); a glossary of terms; and a parametric search tool to find sensor products available through Digi-Key. Additionally, featured sensors products are updated regularly on the Sensor Solutions homepage.

“Not only will engineers have access to a wide range of product information and tutorials through the new Sensor Solutions Technology Zone, they will also be able to view real-time pricing and availability of sensor products distributed by Digi-Key,” said Tony Harris, Digi-Key’s chief marketing officer. “Engineers can also access sensor design support directly from the Sensor Solutions Technology Zone on Digi-Key’s website. With these resources available at their fingertips, engineers will save time and money when completing their sensor designs.”

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today announced it has signed an agreement with SANYO Semiconductor Corporation (USA) for global distribution.

Digi-Key stocks products from SANYO including discrete semiconductor products, integrated circuits, sensors and transducers. These products are available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

SANYO specializes in integrating analog and digital systems, and has made valuable contributions to several successful systems by developing original analog technology including analog IP, power-saving technology and other circuit technologies. SANYO offers a variety of products such as amorphous solar cells, resource-saving ultra-miniature transistors, unique hard-wired logic integrated chips and thick film integrated chips. With its proprietary technology, SANYO provides solutions for video, audio and other power applications, and allows their miniaturization and reduced power consumption.

“SANYO understands the importance of this opportunity to work with Digi-Key as they focus on selling to engineers and electronic circuit designers,” said President of SANYO Semiconductor Corporation (USA) Kazuto Tanahashi. “With the agreement, we expect to reach a broader customer base, a key to increasing our presence and leadership in the semiconductor marketplace.”

“SANYO is a leader in providing environment and energy related products,” said Digi-Key Vice President of Semiconductor Product Dave Doherty. “We are confident this global partnership with SANYO will benefit our customers around the globe.”

Digi-Key Corporation focuses on providing customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Using leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies, Digi-Key serves a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

ACAL Technology extends to a pan-European distributor for Honeywell Sensing and Control

ACAL Technology has been signed as a pan-European distributor by Honeywell Sensing and Control and will provide technical design-in support on Honeywell’s full product range to customers throughout Europe. The new agreement follows the success of an existing contract under which ACAL Technology provided technical support on Honeywell precision sensors to customers in the UK and Netherlands.

Customers in 11 countries throughout Europe will be able to access specialist local design-in support from local ACAL offices in UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

Steve Carr, European Sales Director, ACAL Technology, comments; “Sensors are a huge growth area and Honeywell’s range covers more than 50,000 products. The combination of ACAL Technology’s expertise in supporting products for use in harsh applications, and the acknowledged reliability of the Honeywell range, will enable customers to reduce their design cycles without compromising the integrity and reliability of their products.”

Honeywell Sensing and Control President, Beth Wozniak, explains, “There is considerable focus on development budgets and customers are under increasing pressure to enhance their products’ capabilities whilst reducing their design cycle. Using ACAL’s specialist expertise is one of the most effective ways of getting highly differentiated products to market quickly and reliably.”

The addition of Honeywell’s pressure, thermal and airflow sensors, as well as rugged and
explosion-proof switches, to ACAL Technology’s linecard will significantly enhance ACAL’s ability to provide industry-leading support and value-added services for customers in the most demanding sectors.

With an expansive New Product Introduction program from Honeywell, there is some truly advantageous product platforms for the market ranging from Honeywell’s wireless monitoring switches, to one of the world’s most stable pressure sensing product range in its new “TruStability™” product platform.

Honeywell Sensing and Control’s full product range includes sensors for pressure, airflow, force, temperature, humidity, hall, position, proximity and current. The range also includes basic, limit, safety and wireless switches.

For more details go to http://www.acaltechnology.com/uk/honeywell3

Expanded sales presence ensures local availability of Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT™)-based glass touch sensor products

Zytronic, the developer and manufacturer of internationally award-winning PCT-based touch sensors, has further strengthened its presence in Italy by signing a new distribution agreement with Camax DS, Srl.

Under the terms of the agreement, Camax will provide local sales support with immediate effect, in its role as master distributor for Zytronic’s range of PCT- based glass touch sensor products, which includes ZYBRID®, ZYPOS®, ZYSWITCH® and ZYTOUCH®. This engagement complements the presence of Zytronic’s existing local distribution partner, ELCAM, which is the main distributor for the company’s PCT-based foil touch sensor products, ZYPROFILM® and ZYFILM®.

Headquartered just outside Milan, and founded in 1979, Camax chose to focus its business solely on the touchscreen market almost 20 years ago. This has enabled the company to provide its customers with a highly experienced and professional sales force that has unrivalled market knowledge, and access to a broad range of component parts to complete ready-to-use touch-enabled systems, including point-of-sale (PoS) units and public information applications. As well as holding stock, Camax also offers maintenance and integration services, plus in-house design on customised projects.

Zytronic’s products are based on the company’s proprietary Projective Capacitive Technology (PCT) touch sensors. PCT comprises a matrix of micro-fine capacitors – each just 10µm in diameter – laminated behind a protective front glass. As the active sensing array is embedded, there are no vulnerable front-face layers or components such as those found in Resistive or Infrared touch sensors which, when exposed to external elements such as moisture and dirt, may sometimes lead to inoperability of the touchscreen.

PCT touch sensors are not affected by scratches, may be sealed to very high levels, preventing water or dust ingress, and are practically immune to the kinds of wear and tear that may affect the performance of other touchscreen technologies in public environments, which makes them a proven solution in a wide range of indoor and outdoor interactive display applications including industrial, hospitality/leisure, medical, self-service, and digital signage.

Depending on configuration, touch can be sensed through glass up to 20mm thick, allowing use behind shop windows, for example, and smooth, pure glass-fronted styles may also be achieved as PCT touch sensors can be designed to eliminate the need for a frame or bezel.

“As a company dedicated to the Italian touchscreen market, we have witnessed the increasing demand in all sectors for high-performance touch-based interactive display solutions, designated for all different types of operating environments,” states Patrice Romano, Managing Director of Camax DS. “We are confident that particularly strong market interest in Zytronic’s PCT-based glass sensor product range will be generated from the medical and industrial sectors, as PCT can be operated with heavy duty and surgical gloves, is highly resistant to strong chemicals, dirt and grease, and is easy to wipe clean.” He adds, “The design flexibility and durability that Zytronic’s product range offers, combined with our technical capabilities and in-depth market knowledge, will ensure that we can continue to deliver the best possible touch solutions that fully support the needs of all our customers.”

Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director at Zytronic, says, “With demand for our PCT products continuing to increase rapidly, it is important that we have strong supply channels in place locally to support our expanding worldwide customer base. With its outstanding experience in touch technologies, and a proven track record of developing new business and supporting existing touchscreen clients in Italy, Camax DS is an ideal partner for Zytronic in this important European market and we are delighted that they will join our growing global network of distribution partners.”

» Contact details for Zytronic Plc

New Omnipolar Magnetic Position Sensors from Honeywell

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it is stocking new product from Honeywell Sensing & Control.

The Honeywell Omnipolar Hall-effect Digital Position Sensors, SS351AT and SS451A, are small, sensitive, versatile sensors that are operated by the magnetic field from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. They are designed to respond to either a North pole or a South pole. With a typical operating point of 85 G at 25ºC (77ºF), the Honeywell position sensors are available in two package styles: the SS351AT in the subminiature SOT-23 SMT, and the SS451A in the leaded, flat TO-92-style package.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Digi-Key’s Worldwide Distribution Agreement with Spectra Symbol

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, and Spectra Symbol today announced the signing of a global distribution agreement.

Spectra Symbol Corp. designs and manufactures custom linear potentiometers. Its position sensors are specifically designed for use in medical, automotive and electronic industries. Spectra Symbol products are in stock and available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites. Additionally, these products will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

“We at Digi-Key are very pleased to announce this new partnership with Spectra Symbol,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key vice president, interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. “Spectra Symbol’s commitment to innovative, quality products is a good match for Digi-Key’s goal of providing our customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness.”

“Spectra Symbol is delighted to partner with Digi-Key, as both companies represent market leaders in their performance and product,” said Daniel Marriott, CEO of Spectra Symbol, “Our Membrane Sensors are available at Digi-Key in lengths from 12.5mm to 1,000mm for medical, high temperature, high cycle and contactless environments. Additionally, Digi-Key will now offer linearity options of 1, 3, and 5 percent, providing the market more membrane sensor options than any other electronics distributor in the world.”

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Contrinex safety light curtains from Aerco set new standards for reliability and cost

Aerco now supplies the new range of safety light curtains from Contrinex that sets new standards in terms of reliability and value for money. Known as Safetinex, the modular design allows fully tested systems to be delivered on a very short time scale.

Contrinex safety light curtains correspond to safety Category 4 (EN/ISO 13849-1) and Type 4 (EN/IEC 61496 -1 and -2) and are designed to be used wherever risks cannot be eliminated through machine design. A person or any part of the body entering a danger zone is detected by the light curtain, resulting in immediate machine stoppage.

Safetinex light curtains consist of a rugged sender and a receiver unit that demarcate the protection zone around the machine and the range comprises models with resolutions of 14mm for finger protection and 30mm for hand protection, with a maximum protective field width of 3.5 and 12m respectively. The maximum protective height is either 1685mm (14mm resolution) or 1822mm [30mm resolution]. The signal processing method used in the Contrinex system ensures very fast response times and maximum safety for machine operators.

All Safetinex models offer a choice between two operating channels to avoid any likelihood of cross-talk between adjacent pairs of safety barriers. Connection is via M12 or M26 connector, short cable (pigtail) with M12 connector or PUR pre-cabled, up to 10m long.

In addition, the product range includes a Category 4 safety relay that can be configured for manual or automatic restart. Additional accessories include mounting brackets, which enable full angular adjustment, and T-bolts that fit into slots along each side of the barrier housing.

» Contact Details for Aerco Limited

Exciting new technology in stock – flat membrane sensor potentiometers

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it is the first major catalog distributor to sign Spectra Symbol Corp. Spectra Symbol designs and manufactures thin, linear, membrane sensor potentiometers.

Mouser’s Spectra Symbol stock includes thin (less than 0.5mm) membrane sensors in standard lengths from 12.5mm to 1,000mm. Sealable up to IP65 the potentiometers can fit next to any movement device to give position feedback. This new technology is ideal for position sensing in the medical, robotic, Arduino, music, industrial, and automotive markets – virtually any application that needs to track position along a linear stroke. Simple assembly requires removal of the wax paper  backing to expose the adhesive and then applying to the desired surface.

Keith Privett, Mouser Vice President Interconnect, Electromechanical, Power, and Test, says, “Spectra Symbol’s new flex membrane sensors enable engineers, gamers, musicians, and robotics groups to create innovative designs that were not possible before. The flat position sensors provide new flexibility with increased performance for the newest designs.”

“Spectra Symbol is delighted to partner with Mouser Electronics in introducing to the world standard lengths from 12.5mm stroke to 1,000mm stroke linear Membrane Sensors. Together, we now provide the world with the most innovative and comprehensive product selection in the Membrane Sensor field,” says Daniel Marriott, President and CEO, Spectra Symbol Corp.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Security and identification comes under the spotlight as Farnell adds new technologies and supports new designs via element14

Security and identification has become the latest market focus area for Farnell. The leading multi-channel, high service distributor has added over 1,900 new devices from industry-leading suppliers to its portfolio to give designers unrivalled choice in this rapid growth sector. Farnell has also made security and identification the focus for the latest issue of its Technology First magazine which includes a range of topical articles to keep the design engineering community up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

Farnell now offers a total of over 6,000 security and identification related products for applications such as CCTV and surveillance, identity and access control, network and data information security and RFID. Key suppliers in this sector include Analog Devices, Freescale, Microchip, Tyco and Molex.

As part of Farnell’s increased focus on security and identification, the element14 technology portal and e-community will feature a dedicated discussion group covering the topic at http://www.element-14.com/community/community/industries/security/ that will provide support and information for design engineers working on new projects.

PDFs and interactive online versions of the Technology First magazine can be accessed via the security link on the Technology First area of the Farnell website. This link also provides access to information on new product introductions, allows visitors to search products by category, and highlights the relevant ‘hotlinks’ to the technical collateral on element14.

“Security and more recently identification have become important sectors for the electronics industry,” said Jamie Furness, Global Head of eCommunity, Farnell. “Through our enhanced range of products from the leading industry names, the element14 technology portal, and our Technology First journal, we can provide the design engineer with the tools and products needed to help them successfully develop and implement their new designs.”

» Contact details for Farnell