BRIDGEPORT, CT – Alpha-Core Inc. has introduced Model HBC-2 Turns Counter, a high precision instrument that counts the number of turns of magnet wire in toroidal and other types of closed core transformers, of both low and high frequency designs. It also measures the turns-ratios between primary and secondary windings of all types of transformers, checks continuity, and will detect the presence of shorted turns.
Depending on the core material in the transformer (silicon steel, powdered iron, amorphous cores or ferrite cores), the operator can select a test frequency of 2.5 KHz, 12.5 KHz or 50 KHz. A range selector of 1:1 or 1:2 ratio allows the tester to count up to 1999 turns or 3998 turns respectively. For a higher number of turns, two, three or more test turns are used.
The Model HBC-2 has an LED readout for instant display of the number of turns when testing toroidal transformers or to display the transformation ratio when testing E/I lamination type transformers.
Transformers up to 15 lbs can be placed on the instrument table. Heavier transformers can be tested on the bench using extension test leads.
WALLINGFORD, CT – Amphenol Industrial Operations, a manufacturer of high reliability connectors, now offers a RoHS-compliant series of filter connectors that removes electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Unlike other options that redesign PCBs to incorporate filtering, Amphenol's Amphe-dB industrial filter connector is installed at the entrance of a device, reportedly providing a clean signal where the information enters or exits. This helps to ensure EMI will not affect the device's other components and allows it to operate properly.
The Amphe-dB is customizable for many applications through various filtering options and shell configurations. Its filter technology can also be incorporated into many of Amphenol's industrial connectors.
PALO ALTO, CA – Agilent Technologies Inc. has released Genesys 2006.07, the latest version of its RF and microwave design software in Agilent’s Eagleware product line. The release is said to include enhancements and additions that make the job of RF and microwave design easier.
The enhanced optimization in Genesys 2006.07 reportedly includes improved modeling for faster solution convergence. Eye diagrams, now a standard part of Genesys, help analyze complex RF modulated signal performance and analyze digital signal interferences. New examples and learning tools are also included, such as tutorials for creating datasets, scripting and equation writing.
“Our customers have asked for simplification of common tasks and enhancements such as faster optimization, more models and additional menu items,” said Frank Vincze, product manager with Agilent’s EEsof EDA division. “We are very encouraged by the positive response we’ve gotten regarding this latest release that speeds and streamlines our customers’ design flow.”
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada – Optiwave Systems Inc. has released OptiBPM 8, the latest version of its waveguide optics design suite. The release reportedly contains new mode solvers for circular fibers, powerful optimization engines and an increase in simulation performance. OptiBPM 8 uses advanced LP and vector mode solvers for circular fibers. These meshless fiber mode solvers find modes using a transfer matrix method in cylindrical coordinates. Other new features are said to include intelligent optimization engines, the ability to import DXF and GDSII mask file formats, and a simulation engine performance boost where OptiBPM 8 is said to run 50% faster than previous versions.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the new release of OptiBPM 8," said Jan Jakubczyk, president and CEO of Optiwave. "We have a strong international base of users that require advanced simulation tools to meet their current research needs. We are proud to be an established supplier that offers innovative software products which meet research and development mission-critical objectives."
SHANNON, Ireland – PCB-POOL has introduced a real-time service where customers can watch the progress of their boards through each manufacturing stage. With Watch “ur” PCB, customers can log into their personal account and view high-resolution photographic images of their current order. Previously, customers would receive a PDF file of the data prior to production. The problem with such files is that they do not show the actual PCB manufacturing image, they are only drawings, so potential errors and faults are extremely difficult to spot.
Using theWatch “ur” PCB production monitoring service, customers can have pictures of their boards sent to them as a Zip file. On request they can even be informed by e-mail whenever there is a new picture available to view.
TORONTO, Ontario, Canada – Sirit Technologies’ OEM modules are “RFID-enabling” board-level building blocks that are designed to be embedded and integrated within OEM devices and finished products such as handheld/portable data terminals, label printers and cashless payment terminals.
The modules are said to complement the core functionalities of these products by providing them with the ability to function as RFID readers/writers. They have been designed into and serve as the core RFID technology for a wide range of RFID offerings from tier-1 OEMs, as well as OEM channel partners/integrators.
Sirit offers a broad range of modules to support RFID frequencies [UHF (902-928 MHz), HF (13.56 MHz), LF (125 / 134.2 kHz)], tag protocols (EPCglobal, ISO, proprietary flavors), data collection methods (RFID, barcode), and performance requirements.
