Honeywell wireless limit switches, now available in the UK from Aerco, provide a high degree of flexibility, ensure more system uptime and offer a comprehensive range of standard options with a high level of system security while significantly reducing wiring, installation, commissioning and maintenance costs.

Conforming to the international IEEE 802.15.4 standard and featuring a 16-bit address and 128-bit AES security key, these wireless switches will provide presence and absence detection in remote parts of all types of machinery and will prove invaluable in all applications where wiring is not practical. Up to 16 switches can be networked and simply reconfigured while issues with wire connection integrity on moving equipment are eliminated as is the need for wires, conduit, strain relief, clips, connectors and connection boxes.

The switches connect using 802.15.4 RF 2.4 GHz standard radio bands and radio connection is license-free and global with WPAN 802. 15.4, 2.4 GHz. The communication range is up to 304 metres.

RoHS compliant and with full EMI immunity these new switches will find use in applications such as valve positioning, conveyors, cranes, jib and skew positioning, lifts, material handling door positioning, presses and CNC equipment.

Advantech’s EKI-2000 and EKI-7000 series offers engineers in transportation, energy management and plant automation the market’s most robust, feature-rich and cost-effective industrial communications solution

Alpha Micro Components today announced that it has added the EKI-2000 and EKI-7000 series of industrial Ethernet switches from Advantech Co., Ltd. to its range of industrial communications (iCom) solutions. Advantech’s portfolio of industrial communication products for PC-based automation are ideal for engineers working in the transportation, energy management and plant automation sectors and offers the market’s most feature-rich, reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Ideal for easily managing applications from a central office or local site, the Advantech EKI-7000 series is a portfolio of managed redundant industrial Ethernet switches which allows users to expand their industrial network quickly and cost-effectively. Its rugged industrial-grade design assures reliability and stability. In addition, Advantech has utilised its X-Ring technology within the EKI series which ensures the fastest recovery time (<10 ms), further increasing the reliability and speed of network infrastructures. Furthermore, the X-Ring technology provides the fastest redundant ring recovery time (<10ms) to secure data communication and reliability.

The EKI-2000 series is a series of cost-effective managed industrial Ethernet switches designed to support fast Ethernet. They also come equipped with Advantech’s X-Ring technology which enhances their reliability within industrial communication networks. This provides users with an easy solution for establishing a redundant Ethernet network with the ultra high-speed recovery time of less than 10ms. Furthermore, they have been designed to support advanced network standards which allow users to optimise network performance and security while reducing maintenance costs.

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director of Alpha Micro Components, commented: “The addition of Advantech’s EKI series greatly enhances our product offerings for engineers working in the transportation, energy management and industrial automation industries. Advantech has established itself as a global leader in industrial communications solutions for PC-based automation by consistently engineering products that combine a wide range of features and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, their solutions provide engineers with confidence and peace of mind knowing they have been designed with the reliability, stability and robustness demanded in the harshest industrial environments.”

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Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest electronic components and technologies, today announced it is the first distributor to announce stock on the Infineon ISOFACE™ 8-Channel Isolated High-Side Driver.

The Infineon ISOFACE™ Coreless Transformer 8-Channel Isolated High-Side Driver family of devices are fully protected multi-channel high-side power switches providing galvanic isolation for digital output interfaces. The ISOFACE ISO1H8xxG isolated 8-channel high-side driver is intended for driving any kind of resistive, inductive, or capacitive load, addressing the exact requirements in industrial automation systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers, Distributed Control Systems, and Industrial PCs. With complete system integration of the digital interface, coreless transformer, and power stage, these Infineon ICs can be directly connected between the microcontroller and independent power loads. Also, fully protected high-side switches with diagnostic output for over temperature make the ISOFACE an extremely rugged device. Learn More

Mike Scott, Mouser Vice President of Active Products, says, “Our customer base expects Mouser to stock the newest semiconductor products so they have immediate availability for their next-generation designs. This new ISOFACE Driver family from Infineon is another example of why designers rely on Mouser for new product information and availability.”

With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser offers customers the latest, most technologically advanced components for their newest design projects. Mouser Electronics’ website is updated daily and searches over 6.7 million products to locate over 1.7 million orderable part numbers available for easy online purchase. Mouser.com also houses an industry-first interactive catalog, data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.

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The 1505 series is a new grip control from Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems (MSI) available in the UK from Aerco. Configurable for single cursor control or with a combination of joysticks and momentary, rocker and rotary switches; the 1505 grip is a compact and comfortable control ideal for many demanding applications.

The most commonly specified component for the 1505 grip is MSI’s miniature force joystick that is ideal for precise thumb control. MSI invented the force joystick using a control technology that provides improved tracking in turbulent environments with fine, reliable motor control by thumb or forefinger while minimising operator fatigue. Also available on the 1505 grip is MSI’s patented Hall-effect mini displacement joystick that offers reliable operation and precise return to zero through its non-contact sensing design.

Stand-alone, fixed, tethered or insulated versions in two- and three-axis controls are available in both right and left hand configurations, a wide variety of styles and ten switch and control configurations.

1505 grip controls are comfortable, have a rugged, cast-aluminium construction and are used extensively in military and aerospace applications for target and optical controls, weaponry and FLIR (forward looking infra red) radar, cursor and unmanned control systems.

» Contact Details for Aerco Limited

Imagine a World without Wires with Honeywell’s Limitless™ WGLA Series Global Limit Switches – Available at Mouser

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it is stocking the Honeywell Sensing and Control Limitless™ WGLA Series Global Limit Switches.

The Honeywell Limitless™ WGLA Series Global Limit Switches combine the best of MICRO SWITCH™ global limit switches with the latest off-the-shelf wireless technology. The Honeywell Limitless series can be used for position sensing and presence / absence detection in remote monitoring applications where wiring or wire maintenance is not physically possible or economically feasible. The Honeywell Limitless WGLA Series Global Limit Switches are based on 802.15.4 point-to-point communications and can be configured to potentially allow up to sixteen devices to communicate with one receiver module. To learn more, visit http://www.mouser.com/honeywellwgla/.

Keith Privett, Mouser’s Vice President of IEP and Test, is impressed with the Honeywell Limitless WGLA Series Global Limit Switches, “Every bit as reliable as wired switches, the Limitless Wireless Global Limit Switches allow flexibility and cost saving advantages not seen before. Going wireless for industrial and transportation limit switching means major cost savings through the elimination of installation and commissioning costs, control-wire breakage, connector integrity problems, as well as reducing long term maintenance costs.”

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

IP56 or IP65 compliant rockers and pushbuttons ideal for medical, automotive and outdoor power equipment

Now available from Aerco is the new range of sealed, waterproof rocker and pushbutton switches from Cherry Electrical Products that is available with a wide choice of pole, throw and switch options making it highly suitable for a wide range of applications from vehicles and outdoor machinery to medical equipment. All switches in the range are IP56 or IP65 rated for water and dust resistance, are RoHS compliant, competitively-priced and are available in numerous AC and DC ratings.

There are seven rocker switches and one pushbutton switch available. The KD and KC series, are IP56 rated and designed to fit panel cut-outs of 20.2mm diameter while the KR series are miniature rocker switches for panel cut-outs of approximately 19.80 x 13mm There are also four different series of larger oblong rocker switches in different actuator styles all with an IP56 protection rating and with 6.35mm quick connect terminals.

For applications requiring a round pushbutton solution, the KF series is IP65 protected and is available in five different ratings, both AC and DC, and in SPST and DPST versions.

» Contact Details for Aerco Limited

Mouser has the New C&K Components AP Series Sealed Industrial Pushbutton Switches

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it is stocking new product from C&K Components. The C&K Components AP Series Sealed Industrial Pushbutton Switch is ideal for harsh environments, offroad, industrial, medical, transportation, gaming, and military applications.

The IP67 sealed Industrial Pushbutton Switch from C&K Components has a life cycle of a million and is available illuminated, nonilluminated, threaded, and snap-in mounting.

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Global Distribution Agreement with Vitesse Semiconductor

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 Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation today announced the signing of a global distribution agreement.

Vitesse is an industry-leading provider of advanced semiconductor solutions for Carrier and Enterprise networks worldwide. Vitesse ICs address high-speed communication needs by providing a broad portfolio of Ethernet transceivers, switches and MACs, transport processing products, as well as signal integrity, physical media devices and physical layer devices. More than 50 Vitesse products are now stocked by Digi-Key and are available for immediate ordering from its global websites. These products will be featured in future Digi-Key print and online catalogs and are designated with a Digi-Key icon on the Vitesse website.

Dave Doherty, Digi-Key vice president, semiconductor product, said, “We are certain Vitesse’s next-generation network solutions will be of significant interest and appeal to the design engineers who rely on Digi-Key for the newest and most innovative products. Digi-Key is very pleased to partner with Vitesse Semiconductor and add its products to our portfolio.”

“As Vitesse’s extensive portfolio of semiconductor solutions continues to grow so does our need for outstanding distribution partners,” said Tony Conoscenti, vice president of product marketing for Vitesse. “It is with pleasure that we are joining forces with Digi-Key to offer our solutions to a broader customer base, while making their selection and use easier for design engineers and our customers worldwide.”

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Sealed detection, waterproof tactile and new DIP switches added

TTI, Inc., the global distributor of passive, interconnect, relay & switch and discrete components, has annonced several additions to its available range of switches from its Supplier Partner, Omron, including a new compact, sealed detection switch featuring a self-cleaning slide contact, a new waterproof tactile switch and an extended range of DIP switches.

The new Omron D2QW detection switch features a sliding contact mechanism that can wipe foreign bodies and contamination such as silicone out of the switch area to ensure reliable operation. The sliding mechanism also offers silent operation. This remarkably compact and rugged product is sealed to IP67 standard, and features twin contacts to further enhance the reliability of the switch. The D2QW has a travel of 3.7mm, plus an additional 2.2mm of over travel, simplifying system design. The rated life of these switches is 500,000 operations at 14V DC, 10mA, or 200,000 operations at 30V DC, 100mA. It has a footprint of 13.3 x 9.2mm and a height of 9.3mm above the M3 mounting.

Also new is the waterproof B3SL tactile switch, a compact, high quality device featuring IP64 sealing and a rubber plunger that gives high quality tactile feel to the operator. Ideal for consumer white goods and computer peripherals, these switches are just 6.2mm square and 5.1mm high. The B3SL is suitable for wave soldering.

Omron has extended its range of DIP switches with a new family of piano type components, in surface mount and through hole form. The devices are ideal for telecommunications applications, set-top boxes and industrial systems alike. Based on an industry standard 2.54mm pitch, Omron’s new DIP switches feature a self cleaning structure with gold twin contacts for maximum reliability. Both the surface mount (A6SR) and through hole (A6TR) formats are offered in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 pole configurations, with a choice of two operating lever lengths. The new piano style complements the existing Omron range of slide DIP switches, offered with 1-10 poles, again with gold plated contacts and a self cleaning mechanism. Omron also offers rotary (A6R, A6A and A6V) DIP switches. All Omron DIP switches conform to RoHS regulations, and are supplied on sticks for automatic placement. The slide switches are available in washable form with a seal tape.

Comments John Sandy, TTI’s European Director Supplier Marketing, Switches: “Omron’s commitment to switch research and development is impressive, and is allied to a strong technical support resource in Europe. Omron’s European Switch Engineering Centre offers a full customisation service on these new devices and other Omron detection switches.“ Staffed by a specialist engineering team drawn from Omron’s Japanese switch factories as well as the European market, the Centre works with mid to high volume customers, undertaking modifications ranging from the development of an alternative lever, to redesign of the case, terminals or wiring harness.

» Contact Details for TTI Inc.

Relay catalogues are specific to type and include easy selection guide for purchasers

Available from specialist distributor Switchtec, the 2009 Hongfa relay catalogues showcase the complete range of relays from this high quality manufacturer. Literally packed with information, the catalogues are a great help for designers, specifiers and buyers who need to quickly and easily access information about any relay in the vast Hongfa range.

The A4, full colour catalogues are very useful to people working in a wide range of industries and sectors including PCB manufacturers and suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, OEMs, manufacturers, panel builders, and the automotive and aerospace industries.

The five catalogues each cover a specific range of Hongfa relay products namely, general purpose, solid state, automotive, hermetically sealed and relay sockets.

The 376 page general purpose relay catalogue includes the sub-miniature 1A, HF23 relay up to the large 200A HFE6 latching relays. New to the 09 catalogue are the HF115FP with its built in LED and test button, the HF13F now being available in a 3-pole version, the plug-in HF157F relay and the HFE12, 120A latching relay.

The solid state relay catalogue Includes the miniature HFS2 MOS relay up to the large 3 Phase HFS24 SSR and is 88 pages long. New to the 09 catalogue are the HFS32 plug in SSRs and the HFS28 dual AC output relay, together with all of Hongfa’s SSR accessories.

The automotive relay catalogue is 122 pages long and includes PCB and plug in relays, from the popular HFV4 30/40A plug in relay to the miniature twin relay HFKD with two relays in one housing. New to the 09 catalogue are the HFV9, with its extended temperature range of 125degC and the automotive relay modules, available as flasher control, wiper control and delay relays.

The 134 page hermetically sealed relay catalogue includes Hongfa’s TO-5 and half crystal can hermetically sealed relays. New to the 09 catalogue is the Hongfa cube, half cube, 2/5 cube and 1/5 cube relays.
The relay sockets catalogue includes the 6mm wide 41F series socket and the popular 8, 11 and 14 pin plug in relay sockets. New for the 2009 catalogue is the inclusion of the 118F PCB socket for the HF118 power relay. This catalogue is 70 pages long.

Simple to use, the catalogue has a photo of each relay listed. It also shows each relay’s dimensional layout and its footprint. Full technical information is provided including ratings, configuration, voltage, pitch options, and other technical details.

An easy to use selection guide is positioned at the front of each catalogue. Each product listing also has a typical application section that shows suggested applications for each style of relay.

» Contact Details for Switchtec Ltd