As the industrial sector remains on its growth path, component manufacturers continue to develop new products that meet the high reliability specs required by these markets -- meeting higher operating temp ranges as well as withstanding high shock and vibration and a variety of harsh media. 

As IHS analyst Robbie Galoso recently noted: "While the field may not sound as sexy or attention-grabbing as some of the more popular markets around, like wireless or consumer, there is no underestimating the power or sheer breadth of its applications, ranging from home automation to the medical field, to energy, to aeronautics and military purposes, and much more." Key growth markets include building and home control, aerospace, medical electronics, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing process automation. Component suppliers also see growth opportunities in transportation.

Here are several recent examples of new components taking aim at these growth markets across a variety of component sectors, including passives, electromechanical, interconnect and semiconductors.

Because of their extremely high temp ratings, first up are the passive components. KEMET recently launched its High Voltage-High Temperature (HV-HT) Series of 200 degrees C, surface-mount ceramic capacitors in a C0G dielectric. Delivering high performance at extreme temperatures, the HV-HT capacitors are said to offer greater volumetric efficiency over competitive high temperature precious metal electrode (PME) and base metal electrode (BME) ceramic capacitor devices. Applications: Harsh industrial environments in down-hole oil exploration, aerospace engine compartments, geophysical probes, under-the-hood automotive and defense markets.

Also suitable for down-hole drilling and on-engine automotive applications is Coilcraft CPS' (Critical Products & Services) AT549RBT cored-spring inductor. This passive device features an "extreme" temperature rating of -55°C to +300°C. It also can withstand a 40 second reflow at 350°C.

Another passive component for automotive applications is Murata Americas' RCE Series of monolithic ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). The radial, lead- and halogen-free capacitor series complies with both the AEC-Q200 requirement and the ISO7636-2 surge test. It's housed in a small package, measuring 3.6 x 3.5-7.7 x 13 mm, and provides a rated voltage of DC25V - 1kV, a capacitance range of 1.0pF - 22µF, and an operating temperature range of -55°C to125°C.

In the sensors world, Macro Sensors LVDT linear position sensors may be used to replace proximity sensors in the automated control systems of hot air, heat staking machinery used in the manufacture of thermoplastic assemblies. What makes these sensors tough? The HSER 750 Series sensors are hermetically sealed, making them impervious to dirt and other corrosive elements. In addition, sensor coil windings are sealed against hostile environments to IEC standard IP-68 while the housing, bore liner, and end washers are TIG welded, providing a hermetic seal free from oxidation-producing faults that may cause leakage.

Another switch for harsh environments comes from Honeywell Sensing and Controls. The three new series of pressure switches -- the HP Series, HE Series and LE Series -- provide high burst pressure ranges, up to 2 million life cycles and IP67 sealing for higher durability and reliability. Applications include a variety of industrial and transportation (such as heavy-duty construction and agricultural machinery) industries. In addition, the pressure switches are available in a variety of ports, electrical terminations and compatibility with a variety of media, which helps simplify the design-in process, eliminating tooling costs and reducing manufacturing and labor costs.

We also have one extreme rated connector. Amphenol Industrial Products Group offers the MAX-M12 data link connector that meets the SAE J2839 and IEC 61076-2-101 specifications. This interconnect is suited for heavy equipment, rail mass transit, mining, and process control as well as in applications that require high-speed data transmission. Designed to meet high vibration and temperatures ranging from -55°C to 125°C, the connector maintains a current rating of 4 A. All versions of this high-speed connector are IP67 or above rated, making them dust and water proof, as well as resistant to high pressure and high temperature wash downs.

In the semiconductor space, we have two examples of very high-reliability products. First up is Linear Technology's LTC3638, a 140-V input-capable high efficiency buck converter that delivers up to 250mA of continuous output current.  It operates from an input voltage range of 4V to 140V, which makes it suitable for telecom, industrial, avionic and automotive applications. The devices are available in industrial, automotive, and military temperature versions.

America Semiconductor offers a series of 50-watt Zener diodes in a wide voltage range of 6.8 V to 200 V. The 50-W devices provide voltage regulation protection in a variety of applications including alternative energy, oil drilling, power grid, welding, HVAC, and transportation. Offered in a ruggedized, hermetically sealed DO-5 package, the Zener diodes are precision manufactured to withstand adverse operating conditions such as shock and vibration, and are constructed to promote good clamping ability, said American Semiconductor.