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Rugged photoelectric sensors see up to 4 meters

Automation-Direct has added AchieVe FDM series 12-mm tubular photoelectric sensors that offer a rugged metal construction, high IP67 protection ratings, and sensing distances up to 4 m. These sensors feature selectable light-on/dark-on operation, a 10- to 30-VDC operating voltage range, potentiometer or teach-in button sensitivity adjustment, and a fast 1-kHz switching frequency. Highly visible red LED models are offered with the polarized reflective sensing style, while infrared models are available in diffuse and through-beam styles. Lots of applications. Three-year warranty.
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Engineer's Toolbox: Critical inspection of airplane parts with a SVS-Vistek 10GigE camera

Manufacturers of aviation engine components are being impacted by Industry 4.0's emphasis on quality control, which is challenging them to rethink outdated processes and to embrace new technologies. A new system developed by researchers in Italy uses a Kuka robot, a SVS-Vistek 61-megapixel 10GigE camera, and AI to detect defects in honeycomb aerospace parts faster and with more accuracy.
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What's new in MATLAB and Simulink?

Release 2024b from MathWorks offers hundreds of new and updated features and functions in MATLAB and Simulink including several major updates -- including 5G Toolbox, Simulink Control Design, System Composer, and more -- that streamline the workflows of engineers and researchers working on wireless communications systems, control systems, and digital signal processing applications.
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COTS-based space-ready orbital systems

Aitech Systems' solutions can meet the growing demands for shorter development times and lower costs among satellite buses, subsystems, and payloads. Using a Space Digital Backbone (DBB) approach, which provides a flexible, scalable communication pathway for the increasing number of Internet of Things technologies being implemented into space missions, the company provides a selection of space-rated subsystems for common space platforms including: Earth observation, communications, power control, navigation, and robotics.
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Circuit breakers have magnetic module option

SCHURTER has upgraded its 2-pole classic TA35 and TA36 thermal circuit breaker models with an additional, optional magnetic module. From now on, no additional fuse is required when using a thermal-magnetic type. Depending on the application, the magnetic modules are available either with a slow- or a fast-acting characteristic. Both models are designed for snap-in mounting and with finely graduated rated currents. A variety of colors and lighting options make the designer's choice easier.
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All about magnetic rotary encoder

The precision and reliability offered by modern rotary encoders are essential in many product categories. These include robotics, machine tools, printing presses, motion control systems, medical equipment, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and automotive. Learn all about magnetic rotary encoders -- and important developments in the technology's future.
Read the full Avnet article.

High-res image sensor for automotive ADAS and AD

OMNIVISION has expanded its TheiaCel™ product portfolio with a new OX12A10 12-MP high-res image sensor for automotive cameras. This sensor, with the highest resolution in its line, improves automotive safety by eliminating LED flicker regardless of lighting conditions. It is ideal for high-performance front machine vision cameras for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD).
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Durable, full redundant angle sensors for automotive and off-highway

Novotechnik's new RSK-3200 Series angle sensors are designed for harsh automotive and off-highway applications. Measurement range is 0 to 360 degrees, and the temperature range is -40 to 125 C. This unit's built-in coupling accepts D-Shaft, with shaft customization available. The sensors are sealed to IP 67 or IP 69k depending on version. RSK-3200 Series sensors are extremely durable with MTTF of 285 years for each of the two channels! Applications include throttle control and EGR valves, transmission gear position, and accelerator position. Very competitive pricing.
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Great design: Handle with integrated lighting/signaling

Signaling and indicator lights, switches, and buttons -- elements that hardly any machine can do without. The new JW Winco cabinet U-handle EN 6284 integrates all these functions into a single, compact element. The new U-handle is designed to enhance the operation of systems and machines. It features an integrated button and a large, colored, backlit area on the handle. These elements can be used individually or in combination, providing a versatile tool for system control and process monitoring that can be seen from across the room.
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World's most popular 3D multisensor metrology systems get next-gen addition

Offered in two benchtop and two floor-model options to handle nearly any size part, the SmartScope M-Series systems from Optical Gaging Products usher in the next generation of enhancements in image accuracy, optics, and throughput to the world's most popular 3D multisensor video measurement platform. SmartScope M-Series features fixed optics with a 20-megapixel camera and proprietary Virtual Zoom, combined with advanced sensors, illumination, and accessories, to achieve class-leading optical measurement speeds. Lots more features.
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SOLIDWORKS Tips: 3 easy ways to focus on your model

SOLIDWORKS Elite Applications Engineer Alin Vargatu demonstrates his top tips for focusing on your model: finding planes the easy way inside your assembly with the Q key, breadcrumbs, and a better way to use the component preview window. Very helpful. Lots more tips on the SOLIDWORKS YouTube channel.
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Push-pull transformer drivers for automotive power supplies

Nexperia's AEC-Q100 qualified, push-pull transformer drivers (NXF6501-Q100, NXF6505A-Q100, and NXF6505B-Q100) enable the design of small, low-noise, and low-EMI isolated power supplies for a range of automotive applications such as traction inverters and motor control, DC-DC converters, battery management systems, and on-board chargers in EVs. Also suitable for industrial applications such as telecommunications, medical, instrumentation, and automation equipment.
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Mini linear position sensor for drones, robots, aero, more

H. G. Schaevitz LLC, Alliance Sensors Group is now offering a miniature, lightweight LZ SERIES linear position sensor product line utilizing LVIT Technology™. These sensors are designed for tight spaces that require excellent stroke-to-length ratio. They are contactless devices for use by drones, OEMs, aerospace, robotics, factory automation, or assembly machinery applications where precision in position sensing is crucial.
Learn all the specs.

What is a Heatric Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger?

According to Parker Hannifin, "A Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger is a robust, corrosion-resistant, high-integrity plate-type heat exchanger manufactured using diffusion bonding." Learn about the technology and why Heatric, a Parker brand, "can manufacture a unit up to 85% smaller and lighter than traditional technologies such as shell and tube heat exchangers."
Read this informative Parker blog.

Tech Tip: Mastering sheet metal bend calculations in Onshape

Mastering bend calculations in sheet metal design is a key skill that can impact the accuracy and manufactur-ability of your designs significantly. Explore the various options available to become a pro in this Onshape Tech Tip: K Factor, bend allowance, and bend deduction, with guidance on when each should be used. You may learn something even if you don't use this software.
Read the Onshape blog.

Wi-Fi, 4G LTE hits battlefield; homeland natural disaster response will also benefit

By Amy Walker, U.S. Army, PEO C3T, Fort Bliss, Texas

The Army is introducing the power of 4G to the battlefield, providing coverage that stretches across a forward operating base so Soldiers can access mission information from their smartphones, not their desks.

The 4G LTE infrastructure is part of a new collection of advanced commercial technologies, including coalition and first-responder capabilities and Wi-Fi for command posts, that answer Soldiers' demands for tactical network systems delivering increased bandwidth and enhanced capabilities in smaller packages.

"Soldiers and commanders in tactical operations centers need more bandwidth for data-intensive tasks like sending large PowerPoint files, maps, and full motion video," said Lt. Col. Joel Babbitt, product manager for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, or PdM WIN-T, Increment 1, which is responsible for fielding this new equipment. "The transformational nature of these technologies is increasing situational awareness and effectiveness for Soldiers at all echelons."

The Army fielded the Tactical Network Transmissions, known as TNT, equipment package for the first time to the 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion to support the Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, 14.2 at Fort Bliss, Texas. NIE 14.2 was the seventh in the Army's series of semi-annual evaluations designed to integrate and mature the tactical network in a relevant operational environment.

Soldiers from B Company, 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, evaluated the new command post 4G LTE/Wi-Fi system (network stacks) at Army's Network Integration Evaluation 14.2, at Fort Bliss, Texas, May 7, 2014. [Photo Credit: Amy Walker, PEO C3T]

 

 

 

 

As their name suggests, the expeditionary nature of ESBs requires agility and advanced communications capabilities. These units are flexible and modular in nature, so they can support a vast range of missions in the most austere regions. They primarily support other units that don't have their own communications equipment. ESBs can support higher headquarters at corps and division, but they also have smaller teams to support units within a brigade combat team, or when needed, to provide network support for natural disaster relief efforts or other emergencies around the world.

The Army is providing the new TNT equipment collection to significantly increase network capability and throughput while reducing size, weight, and power to help ESBs become leaner, more versatile, and rapidly deployable. Some of the TNT equipment is also scheduled to be fielded to National Guard units for improved communications during civil support such as natural disasters.

Among the multiple capabilities provided by the TNT equipment is Wi-Fi coverage for the tactical operations center, removing some of the cables that tend to clutter command posts, and allowing Soldiers to roam from their desks so they can be more effective. In addition, a 4G LTE infrastructure, which covers the entire forward operating base, allows Soldiers to use their secure network on the battlefield via smartphones, and in the near future they will be able to use laptops and tablets with the capability as well.

"Commanders can just pick up their cell phones and directly call or text anyone they need to within the radius. It's a much faster line of communication," said Cpl. Michael Bullis, B Company, 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, who operated the equipment at NIE 14.2. "On the software end, Soldiers have a centralized knowledge base on their phones, and the Army will continue to add apps to provide a more realistic view of what is going on in operations."

As part of the TNT effort, the Army married its 4G LTE/Wi-Fi system with a National Security Agency encryption solution, Commercial Solutions for Classified. It uses the same encryption technology as the commercial Internet, enhanced for military purposes, enabling the Army to avoid research and development costs to incorporate this advanced technology. TNT is the first DoD program to utilize Commercial Solutions for Classified for military utility.

The Army's new Tactical Network Transmission equipment collection includes the new command post 4G LTE/Wi-Fi system (4G LTE/Wi-Fi antenna is seen left) and was evaluated at Army's Network Integration Evaluation 14.2, at Fort Bliss, Texas, in May 2014. [Photo Credit: Amy Walker, PEO C3T]

 

 

 

 

"Medics can use the 4G phones in forward operations, with apps like 'patient tickets,'" Bullis said. "They put the information directly into their phone while they are right there on the scene, instead of having to come back, or give the information to someone over a radio to type it in."

The TNT technologies also include the Tropo Lite terminal, nick-named "Tropo in a can" by Soldiers, because of its transit-cased deployability. Tropo Lite bounces microwaves off the atmosphere for high-speed transfer of large volumes of data between sites and over mountains -- providing an alternative to expensive satellite communications.

TNT also includes a smaller, more transportable line-of-sight radio system, called "TRILOS," which significantly increases throughput over legacy radios, increasing throughput from 16 Mbps to 200 Mbps.

"Having more throughput means faster and more reliable services, and in wartime it is critical for a commander to send his message quickly," said Capt. Levelle Moore, B Company commander, 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.

This spring's NIE included increased joint and coalition force participation, and to help support the coalition aspect of the event, the TNT package introduced the versatile Mission Network Enclave, known as MNE. Within 10 minutes, this network stack can be reconfigured to provide tactical access for one of four different networks: the coalition network, Secure Internet Protocol Router, Non-secure Internet Protocol Router, or commercial Internet and phone service. This flexibility enables MNE to support either coalition operations or civil support, such as first responders in disaster relief efforts.

The system's integrated radio-bridging and cross-banding solutions provide seamless interoperability among disparate radio nets that previously could not communicate. The need for this type of capability was made evident by communication lapses such as those that occurred during Hurricane Katrina relief, when first responders could not communicate between agencies.

"MNE is going to be great because we may be called to support a natural disaster or an emergency around the country, like Hurricane Katrina or Sandy," said Maj. Rickie Meers, operations officer for the 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. "MNE is going enable us to integrate all the different civilian agencies and combine all of their different radio systems and frequencies to be able to talk quickly between each of the agencies, and with everyone out there. That is invaluable."

The Tropo Lite, a transit case-based tropospheric (tropo) scatter communications system, was assessed at Network Integration Evaluation 14.2 in May to replace the Army's current truck and trailer-based system. Tropo systems shoot microwaves instead of satellite radio frequencies, allowing for secure, high-speed transfer of large volumes of data between sites and over terrestrial obstructions such as mountains. [Photo Credit: Amy Walker, PEO C3T]

 

 

 

 

Along with increased capability, high priorities for the Army include ease of use and reductions in size, weight, and power, and Soldiers in the field are beginning to notice significant improvements as technology evolves. Before the turn of the century, electronic devices like televisions were large and cumbersome, and it took a lot of effort to move from location to location. But fast forward to 2014, and movies are being watched on smartphones and tablets. As technology continues to evolve, it's going to make missions easier on Soldiers and their units, Moore said.

Additionally, today's Soldiers have grown up in a digital age and are often found teaching their parents how to operate the remote. The Army is working to make new technologies such as TNT more intuitive and easy to operate, which will also ease Soldier burden, he said.

"Soldiers are used to having some of this technology at home, so they just pick it up and can use it right away," Moore said. "These new capabilities are going to be an asset in the long run, and the Soldiers are excited about receiving this equipment."

Published July 2014

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