C&K Components has developed a family of right-angle pushbutton-type switches. Designated the ELUM Series,
the switches are available with or without LED illumination, and feature three
different snap-on cap covers. The pushbutton switches will reportedly
eliminate the need for a separate LED and light pipe on a PCB.
"The compact design of the ELUM switches… saves space on the PC board,
enabling product miniaturization and greater on-board functionality,
said David Webber, company products manager.
The company states that the switches feature a 6mm profile, are
available in both through-hole and surface mount configurations, and
have self-cleaning contacts. Product ratings range from 0.01mA to 250mA
and 20mV to 50VDC, with claimed RoHS-compliance, are compatible with
high-speed reflow soldering processes, and have a 30,000 cycle life
expectancy.
The Model 930 oven features an electrically heated, 500°F inert atmosphere used for liquid flow solder masking in a nitrogen atmosphere.
Workspace dimensions measure 38" W x 38" D x 38" H. 30 kW heaters are
installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements; a 1500 CFM, 1-1/2 HP
recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow. Features 4" insulated
walls, aluminized steel exterior, Type 430 stainless steel interior and an
automatic door switch. Includes a pressure regulator, flow meter, pressure
gauge, inner oven walls closing directly against a 1/2" thick silicone
rubber door seal, air jacket on the inner oven, blower shaft seal, positive
latching door hardware, adjustable offset door hinges, outlet with pressure
relief, and interior seams welded gas-tight. Oven wall penetrations are equipped
with compression fittings.
Synplicity Inc. has released new product capabilities for its Confirma ASIC/ASSP Verification Platform.
Confirma is an integrated prototyping package combining hardware and
software tools designed to help customers overcome ASIC verification
challenges. The Confirma Platform includes the company’s Certify tool, and the Identify Pro TotalRecall software, which reportedly provides full visibility into a design under test. The product also includes the company’s High-performance ASIC Prototyping System (HAPS), for prototyping PCBs.
According to Andy Haines, Synplicity marketing VP, “Nearly all of
today’s ASICs are being prototyped…by stitching together hardware and
software from different vendors. Going forward, we will continue to
offer a comprehensive, integration solution through our Confirma
Platform”
Trident Industrial Inkjet has announced the launch of its 256Jet-D
inkjet printhead. The printhead features durable stainless steel
construction that reportedly allows for printing of a variety of
direct-write printable electronic applications with up to five times
the resolution of screen printing.
The company reports that the product is designed for printing traces,
contacts, embedded passives and components on a PCB, as well as for the
printing of flexible photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries in other
applications.
"As an additive process, inkjet is a very attractive option for direct
write, printable electronics," explained Steve Liker, Trident business.
"It allows manufacturers to print exactly the amount of material they
need, exactly where they need it, saving significant time and expense
when compared to subtractive printing methods that waste valuable
printing materials."
The 256Jet-D nozzle plate can reportedly be easily removed, cleaned and
reassembled, and users can purchase multiple interchangeable nozzle
plates to print different drop volume sizes using one printhead. The
product is available in two models, with drop volume ranges of 5 to 40
picoliters and 50 to 80 picoliters in size.
The printhead’s inert stainless steel construction has a claimed
resistance to the corrosive alkaline and acidic materials often used in
the deposition of printable electronic components. The printhead can
reportedly be heated to 70°C and jet fluids up to 30 cps, and print
materials with double the viscosity of traditional inkjet systems. The
product has a claimed lifespan of 90 billion firings.
Ansoft Corporation has released Nexxim v4, the company’s circuit simulation software, and Designer v4,
its integrated schematic and design management software. The company
reports that the products include statistical analysis and transient
simulation capabilities that allow engineers to simulate high-speed
serial channels, which reportedly eliminates prototype iterations that
require additional test equipment, and multiple spins that delay
time-to-market.
Nexxim v4 features VerifEye, a new methodology for eye analysis of
serial links using statistical methods that maintain accuracy while
offering reductions in run time as compared to other transient methods.
Designer v4 allows dynamic links to the company’s electromagnetic field simulation tools HFSS, SIwave and Q3D Extractor.
Camfil Farr has produced the MERV 8 30/30 (minimum efficiency reporting value) air filter, that claims to extend the productive service life of high-efficiency filters used in microelectronics and other cleanroom environments.
The product has a claimed low initial resistance, a low maintained resistance to airflow, and the lowest average pressure drop of any MERV 8 filter. The company promises a 25% increase in efficiency.
The filter reportedly has earned five stars on the ECI (Energy Cost Index) the industry's highest performance ranking, and can be used in cleanroom areas and support spaces. The product uses all mechanical filtration, rather than electrostatic, and maintains consistent, high removal efficiency throughout the filter’s life.
The filter is rated by Underwriters Laboratories as a Class 2 or 1 filter, and is available in 2” and 4” configurations.
The product also meets the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council (LEED) in terms of efficiency, energy savings and reduced disposal impact.
