Electrical/Electronic News

First activation of Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology after carjacking has GM and OnStar pumped

GM and OnStar recently announced the first use of the OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (SVS) service to help safely recover a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe that was carjacked at gunpoint from a subscriber in Visalia, CA. This is the first time that SVS has been activated to help a subscriber in a carjacking situation.

At approximately 3:18 a.m. PDT on Sunday, Oct. 18, Linsday, CA, resident Jose Ruiz and a companion were carjacked by a lone assailant wielding a shotgun. The perpetrator robbed Ruiz and his friend of personal belongings before speeding off in the Tahoe.

Ruiz was able to flag down a police officer to report the incident. He notified them that his vehicle was equipped with OnStar, and he requested that the Visalia officers leverage the service to help recover his vehicle.

Once OnStar advisors verified that the Tahoe had been stolen and that the subscriber had requested assistance, they were able to quickly locate the Tahoe and alert the Visalia officers of its location. Once officers had the vehicle in sight, they requested that Stolen Vehicle Slowdown be initiated. Once the vehicle had been safely slowed to a stop, the suspect then attempted to escape on foot, but was quickly apprehended by officers without incident.

Less than 16 minutes after OnStar was first contacted, Ruiz had his Tahoe back.

“While this was the first time that we’ve used the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service, we have used OnStar in several other cases to help locate and recover stolen vehicles. It’s a valuable tool for our agency,” said Visalia Police Department sergeant Steven Phillips. “In this case, it helped us not only safely recover a vehicle for a local citizen, but also prevented a dangerous high-speed chase and allowed us to quickly apprehend a suspect. It’s a win for everyone.”

While obviously thrilled to have his vehicle back, Ruiz was even more pleased that no lives were lost and no one was injured in the incident.

Since launch in October of 2008, OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service has been deployed 38 times in a wide variety of situations, including rental vehicles, thefts from dealers, and on stationary vehicles in order to prevent a high-speed chase from potentially starting.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states 30,000 police chases occur each year.

How Stolen Vehicle Slowdown works
Once an OnStar subscriber has reported a stolen vehicle to law enforcement, he or she can call OnStar and request Stolen Vehicle Assistance. An OnStar Advisor will use advanced Global Positioning Satellite technology to pinpoint the exact location of the stolen vehicle, which will be provided only to law enforcement.

Once law enforcement officials have the stolen vehicle in a clear line of sight to know conditions are safe, they can request that the OnStar Advisor remotely slow it down. OnStar will then send a signal to the vehicle’s engine, reducing engine power and gradually slowing the vehicle to idle speed while all other vehicle systems remain fully operational including power steering and brakes.

OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown was put into production in October of 2008 and is exclusively on GM vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The service is included in the OnStar subscription that comes standard for one year on eligible Model Year 2009 and newer OnStar-equipped vehicles.

Source: OnStar/GM

Electrical/Electronic Products

High-speed 16 Gb/sec cables

New Madison Cable brand TurboTwin Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables from Tyco Electronics support speeds up to 16 Gb/sec for high-speed connectivity in the computer, networking, and telecom markets. The parallel-pair cable design achieves exceptional performance, consistency between pairs, and consistency between manufacturing runs of cables. In the event of a fire, LSZH cables minimize emission of smoke and toxic gases. These LSZH cables are PVC-free to answer the growing concern about the potential health and environmental effects of PVC. The cables are available in a wire range from 32 to 24 AWG. Individual pairs are foil shielded, with an overall cable shield of foil/braid. They support high-speed applications such as Gigabit/10G Ethernet, InfiniBand, Fibre Channel, SFP, SFP+, and XFP.

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Tyco Electronics

Ultra-low range servo accelerometers

Series A320 linear servo accelerometers offer high-precision measurements from + 0.1 to + 2 g, with full range outputs of + 5 VDC or 4-20 mA. These gravity-referenced, closed-loop sensors can reliably monitor acceleration down to 20 micro g, while withstanding mechanical shock levels of up to 1,500 g. Sensors are housed in a rugged, anodized aluminum alloy case and can be specified with a military-style connector or solder-pin electrical termination. They are fully self-contained and able to be connected to a DC power source and readout or control device to form a complete measurement system.

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Sherborne Sensors

Operator Interface Terminal for industrial process or machine control apps

Watlow, a designer and manufacturer of electric heaters, controllers, and temperature sensors, now offers its customers the Silver Series — a rugged, graphic, touchscreen operator interface terminal (OIT). This OIT is designed for equipment manufactures and end-users who want to provide an integrated and customized interface for their equipment. The OIT offers two models (7- and 10-in. diagonal display sizes) supporting a full set of features including serial and Ethernet communications with multiple controllers. Other features include more than 30 drivers for communicating with Watlow and third-party devices, USB, SD Card, data logging, flexible password security, and multi-language support.

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Watlow

Wrist strap and ground monitor for electronics assembly

The new 3M Wrist Strap and Ground Monitor 773 provides effective workstation monitoring in applications with two metal ground requirements. The monitor grounds and monitors two operators and monitors two metal grounds. The 773 monitor accurately measures ground impedance in automated tools while they are in operation, allowing immediate corrective action to improve production yields. The monitor's real-time communication and audio alarm allows for immediate shut down should impedance values exceed facility standards. Miniature in size, the 773 monitor is easy to install and unobtrusive on the product floor.

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3M Electronic Solutions Division

New linear voice coil housed actuator

A new actuator from BEI Kimco Magnetics features self-alignment of the coil and is manufactured with linear bearings. A flex circuit inside the device also contributes to high cycle operation. Designed in a durable package measuring 2.75 in. (70 mm) in diameter and 5.2 in. (132.7 mm) in length, its large size allows for a peak force capability of 60 lb (267 N). Other key performance characteristics include force sensitivity of 4.56 lb/A (20.28 N/A), stroke of 1 in. (25.4 mm), and continuous force of 17 lb (75.6 N). Fully encapsulated, the actuator can operate in harsh and dirty environments without worry of actuator contamination.

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BEI Kimco Magnetics

LED bulb uses 9 W to replace 50- to 75-W halogens

LEDtronics announces the latest addition to its series of high-power PAR30-style LED spotlight bulbs. The white-body, medium-beam PAR30 LED bulb is made up of five 3-W LEDs and replaces filament-based PAR30 bulbs, combining advanced Light Emitting Diode (LED) technologies, standard 26-mm Edison screw-in base and light optimizing design, producing 337 lumens of vivid warm-white light. The 25-degree-beam PAR30A LED bulb runs on a voltage range of 85- to 260-VAC. Other voltages like 12 VAC or DC are optionally available for qualifying customers.

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LEDtronics

Remote setup and monitoring of sensors and controls

A HawkLink unit collects inputs from Hawk sensors and switches, and relays them to Hawk's central server. The connection between the HawkLink and the server can be made via a cell phone network or over the Internet. At the other end of the link, a technician can log onto the server using a PC running GosHawk software and watch the inputs from the Hawk devices changing in real time. The HawkLink can transfer data in both directions, so the technician can also change the calibration and setpoints on the Hawk devices. Each HawkLink unit is configured before it is sent to a customer, so all of the details of the cell phone or Internet connection are worked out in advance. To complete the connection to the device being monitored, the customer needs to connect just two wires.

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Hawk Measurement

L-com releases new four-port PoE injectors for power/data apps

Wired and wireless connectivity manufacturer L-com has released three new four-port 802.3af PoE injectors to address applications where multiple data/power connections are required. The new BT-CAT5-P4 series injectors feature Industrial grade cast aluminum housings and shielded RJ45 jacks for EMI suppression. The BT-CAT5-P4-4848 ships with a 48-W power supply and the BT-CAT5-P4-4870 ships with a 70-W power supply. The standard model BT-CAT5-P4 does not include a power supply but can be used with a user-supplied AC or DC power supply up to 60 V.

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L-com

Selective wavelength photodiode ideal for automotive apps

The ODD-525W selective wavelength photodiode is designed specifically for the automotive and colorimetry industries, has an active area of .62 mm, and operates between 450 and 570 nm, with a peak sensitivity response at 525 nm. The new photodetector has a spectral bandwidth of 70 nm and features extremely low dark current with no optical filters. Applications include auto light-dimming (both interior and exterior), fluorescence detection, color sensors, and general daylight detection tasks. Hermetically sealed in a standard TO-46 can, the device easily integrates into new and/or existing systems.

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Opto Diode Corp.

High-voltage amplifier has capabilities combo

The new High Voltage Power Amplifier — Trek Model PZD350A — offers wide bandwidth and additional features important in piezoelectrics, electro-optics, MEMS, and other applications in aerospace, defense, biotech, instrumentation, and other industries. This unit also offers: DC stability, well-regulated and controlled AC output signals, and full four-quadrant, class AB, all-solid-state output stages. The four-quadrant, active output stage sinks or sources current into reactive or resistive loads throughout the output voltage range. This is essential for achieving the accurate output response and high slew rates demanded by reactive loads.

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Trek

Mini circuit breaker for the transportation industry

Designed for use with mini-sized terminal blocks, the new 1626 MINI CBE is the first circuit protection device in the market to meet all the requirements of the four SAE J553 type classes (I, II, III, and III) in a miniature package. The 1626 is intended for the protection of 12-V or 24-V on-board electrical systems in passenger cars, trucks, buses, watercraft, and extra-low-voltage wiring systems. Housings are color-coded consistently with industry-standard current ratings of blade fuses. Available in current ratings from 5 A to 30 A with a voltage rating of 12 VDC or 24 VDC, depending on the product type. With a size of only 13.3 mm, the unit can reduce space requirements in fuse boxes up to 30%.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers

New photoelectric analog sensors

New Contrinex Series 3130 analog sensors in size 30 x 30 x 15 mm feature a large sensing range from 10 to 100 mm, excellent temperature stability between -25C and 55C, and outstanding repeat accuracy. The sensing range is independent of the color or surface structure of the object to be detected. In addition, since intermediate digitalization has been dispensed with, resolution of the Contrinex devices is virtually unlimited. The sensors feature a bandwidth of 500 Hz, as well as a voltage (0-5 or 0-10 V) and a current output (1-5 or 4-20 mA) in the same device, thus providing the user with great flexibility. The devices are fully potted, equipped with glass windows, and comply with the degree of protection IP 67.

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Contrinex

Stainless steel tape position sensor

If you are looking for a rugged, industrial-grade sensor suitable for the harsh environments associated with mobile cranes and related construction equipment, check out the new POSITAPE WB17KT stainless steel tape sensors. With measurement ranges of 137, 255, and 393 in., these sensors feature an extremely high service life in a very compact housing. Inside, you'll find a flexible, stainless steel measurement band wound with only a single layer around a cable drum. This drum is coupled to an angular sensing device such as a potentiometer or encoder for an electrical signal. The unit works like a tape measure. The WB17KT series is available with analog 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, or 1 kOhm outputs; either absolute digital SSI or CAN-Bus. Connects to M12 or D8.

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ASM Sensors

New piezo keypads withstand extreme conditions

Schurter’s new metal Piezo Keypads stand up to extreme indoor or outdoor environmental conditions. They are particularly suited for outdoor applications due to their ability to withstand considerable temperature fluctuation ranging from -25C to 85C, as well as meeting the highest seal protection requirements of IP69K. They are impervious to dirt and liquids including dust, snow, sleet, ice, or rain. The keypads mount from the front or rear of the housing. An accessory kit with mounting frame and sealing gaskets provides a seal protection rating of IP68.

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Schurter

Toggle switches and pushbuttons get expanded 3D library

NKK Switches has been working with PARTsolutions, a leading provider of digital parts management technology, for the past year to create 3D CAD models for the majority of the company’s switches, including the popular programmable OLED switches and displays. Nearly 90% of the company’s pushbuttons, toggle switches, rocker switches, tactiles, slides, rotaries, keylocks, tilt, surface-mount, and SmartSwitch product lines are available as 3D models in the catalog. CAD files for remaining products will be made available upon request. 3D CAD models are available in a variety of popular CAD file formats including Catia, I-DEAS, Inventor, Pro/Engineer, SolidWorks, and Unigraphics, as well as universal file formats such as STEP, IGES, and SAT and others.

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NKK Switches

3X thermal conductivity of competing tapes

MH&W International has introduced Keratherm KL 90 highly thermally conductive, double-sided adhesive tape that provides 1.4 W/mK of thermal conductivity — nearly three times higher than other thermal tapes — for more effective heat transfer from hot components to heat sinks. The new tape’s thermal impedance is just 208C-mm²/W (0.32K-in²/W). Keratherm KL 90 tape consists of a ceramic-filled acrylic adhesive film that provides exceptional bonding properties. The tape replaces the use of mechanical fasteners, reducing costs and assembly time. A fiberglass-reinforced version, KL 91, is available for applications requiring higher levels of ruggedness, peel strength, and conformability to irregular surfaces.

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MH&W International

Surface-mount-termination snap-action switch

TS2 subminiature snap-action switches from E-Switch are perfect for the appliance and white goods markets, timing controls, testing and instrumentation, and gaming/vending machines, among others. The small package size of the switch is designed for higher reliability applications, and because of its unique SMT design, the switch will be popular on many board-level applications. Specifications include: 3 million cycles minimum mechanical life, a contact rating of 0.1 A at 125 VAC or 48 VDC, contact resistance of 300 milliohms (initial max) at 5 VDC, and a dielectric strength of 1,000 V for 1 min.

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E-Switch

New compact-size pressure transducers for OEM apps

The sensing element in the new Series GT34XX solid stainless steel pressure transducers consists of a sputtered thin-film bridge network and a unique isolation layer that protects the strain gages. This design provides a rugged package for harsh-environment applications like industrial and automation control systems, compressor control, robotics, industrial OEM equipment, generator sets, off-highway and agricultural equipment, and HVAC systems. Pressure ranges for the series start at 300 psig and extend to 15,000 psig. The internal signal conditioning electronics are industrial grade and EMI/RFI protected. Standard analog ouputs are 4-20 mA, 0-5 VDC, 1-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, and 1-10 VDC. The standard digital output is CANopen. Standard compensated temperature range is -15F to 185F. Standard pressure ports are 1/4 NPT male and G 1/4 male, and the standard electrical receptacle is a M12x1.

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Stellar Technology

Self-contained capacitive touch switches

Wilson-Hurd’s capacitive touch switch features a self-contained system that offers designers a wide degree of flexibility. A broad selection of input choices is available, including buttons, sliders, switches, touchpads, touchscreens, and proximity sensors. In addition, multiple functions can be easily integrated into the design, including LED drivers and backlighting. With reduced board space requirements, the capacitive touch switch has lower cost when compared to other touch technologies.

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Wilson-Hurd