News

First test of autonomous, zero-visibility landing system completed

Stratasys uses its own DDM technology to make 32 parts for its new machine

World's smallest linear motor now 40% faster, 50% stronger

Researchers developing device to predict proper light exposure for human health

Technical Specs: Tiny IC regulates RGB luminaire
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have long been present in low-voltage equipment, providing everything from backlighting to front-panel status indication. With the advent of high-brightness LEDs, they have started to threaten the territory previously guarded by the filament lamp. This article describes the design of an RGB LED driver that can run directly off the mains. It is based on austriamicrosystems' AS3691 4-mA x 400-mA current sink that controls the feedback node of three Power Integrations DC/DC converters.
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Design Essentials: Making the transition to solid-state lighting
LEDs have been around for many years, but for use as replacements for incandescent bulbs or fluorescent fixtures, the transition to solid-state lighting (SSL) has been slow. Not only is cost an obstacle, but the technology also poses quite a few challenges to both the designer and end user. For the fixture manufacturer wanting to make the switch from incandescent bulbs and fluorescent fixtures, however, many new tools are available.
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Has Your Bottom Line Sprung a Leak? An air leak just 1/8-inch in diameter can cost you $2,000 a year. Replace your motion applications with the Exlar Tritex Series—an actuator, servo amplifier and position controller—all in one. Eliminate compressors, hoses, pipes and valves, with electronically-controlled speed and force—plus easy set-up. Save time and money in 2008 with Tritex. Visit Exlar to learn more.

Simple block pressure sensor shows loads of promise
Blocks of carbon nanotubes can be used to create effective and powerful pressure sensors, according to a new study by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Taking advantage of the material's unique electrical and mechanical properties, researchers repeatedly squeezed a 3-mm nanotube block and discovered it was highly suitable for potential applications as a pressure sensor. No matter how many times or how hard they squeezed the block, it exhibited a constant, linear relationship between how much force was applied and electrical resistance.
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Wheels: NASA, Goodyear developing non-pneumatic moon/Mars tire
Goodyear, the innovator of run-flat tire technology on Earth, is working with NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to significantly evolve the technology and take its capabilities to the rest of the universe. Part of a funded program by NASA's Innovative Partnership Program (IPP) to develop non-pneumatic tires for use first on the moon — and eventually on Mars — the IPP Seed Fund was established to advance key technologies to meet critical needs for NASA's missions.
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