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.
Please scroll
down for more detailed information about each of these products, and other
significant products and component news over the past
month.