Exceptional electronics Distributor in Europe.

The 2024 Full Service Distributor of the Year and 2024 Semiconductor Distributor of the Year awards are a testament to the outstanding partnership between TTI Europe and Vishay, which has resulted in the delivery of top-tier products and services to customers.

Philippe Masson, Senior Director Sales Distribution EMEA (Vishay), Felix Corbett, Director Supplier Marketing (TTI), Annika Schneider, Key Account Manager Sales Distribution (Vishay), Markus Walz,Business Development Manager & Jörg Frödl - Director Product Marketing Europe (TTI)

“TTI Europe’s dedication to providing comprehensive services across our entire portfolio, including semiconductors and passives, has significantly enhanced accessibility and competitiveness,” says Philippe Masson, Senior Director of Sales Distribution at Vishay. “We sincerely thank the entire TTI Europe team for its exceptional support and are thrilled to present them with the 2024 Full Service Distributor of the Year award.”

“Furthermore, TTI Europe’s outstanding achievements in distributing our MOSFETs, diodes, and optoelectronics have been remarkable,” continues Masson. “Their expertise and dedication have greatly contributed to our success, and we are proud to honour them with the 2024 Semiconductor Distributor of the Year award.”

“It is a great honour to receive these two important awards from Vishay,” says Felix Corbett, Director Supplier Marketing Passives & Discretes, TTI IP&E Europe. “The awards recognise the close collaboration and engagement between our two companies in providing best-in-class products and services to our customers.”

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@ttiinc @VishayIndust @Publitek #Electronics #Europe

Measurement amplifiers upgraded & expanded.

The BLH Nobel has added  PROFINET support, Factory Mutual (FM) approvals, and French and German language accessibility for its industry best-selling G5 Series measurement amplifiers (G5 Series).

The new PROFINET support module for the BLH Nobel G5 Series allows the modern, user-friendly measurement amplifiers the necessary flexibility to keep pace with the very latest Industrial Ethernet automation standards in Asia and Europe. The module may be plugged into the back of the G5, in the same manner as its Ethernet IP module. This next-generation PROFINET support further allows the end user to create seamless end-to-end, integrated processes and network interface configurations, with fast and secure data exchange. G5 Series measurement amplifiers offer continued ease of calibration and remote access with common field busses, with intuitive user-friendly setup via web browser or keyboard. For customers based in the United States and Canada, the addition of FM approvals provides added assurances that G5 Series measurement amplifiers meet only the highest standards for property loss prevention and safety. They further allow the G5 Series to be used within an increasing series of control and process industry applications where such approvals may be required. Additional full language support in French and German, including complete menus and software, join the existing English and Swedish versions. Short form manuals are available in all four languages.

G5 Series measurement amplifiers from BLH Nobel combine standard interfaces, a modular design, and onboard integral web servers, in support of advanced weighing and process control applications. They offer streamlined commissioning and calibration; reduced operations and maintenance costs; and advanced communication protocols for optimized system efficiencies, including remote diagnostics, parameterization, backup and maintenance functions. A February 2017 firmware upgrade (v1.3.0) added new capabilities such as flow rate calculation, enhanced diagnostics, excitation current measurement and supervision, along with updated Fieldbus data mapping, and an EtherNet/IP interface. Panel mount versions of the G5 Series were further certified “legal for trade” in May 2017, per EN45501:2015 and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), for R76 Class III or IIII single-interval industrial use criteria (NTEP approvals pending). Other features may be available upon request. Please consult BLH Nobel for details.

For more than 40 years, the BLH Nobel brand of VPG has specialized in the design, development and manufacture of high-quality and high-accuracy process weighing and force measurement technologies and related control systems. BLH Nobel load cells maximize accuracy and minimize the effects of mixing, agitation, and temperature changes within critical process stages. BLH Nobel products and customized solutions are designed to comply with stringent requirements in the food and beverage, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment, process, mining, steel, and offshore industries. The brand further offers a wide variety of communication protocols for seamless integration within complex production lines. It also supplies system solutions, products, and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. Each BLH Nobel custom solution is derived from more than 40 years of engineering expertise, gained from across thousands of successful applications.

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto 

Miniature Sensors for force, displacement, pressure, strain and acceleration.

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group, industry experts in the design, development, and manufacture of resistive-foil sensors for high-precision strain measurements, has introduced a new range of miniature, lightweight hybrid sensors, offering cost-effective force, displacement, pressure, strain and acceleration measurements within high-volume OEM and test applications.

Design of the new Micro-Measurements hybrid sensor range incorporates the brand’s own renowned precision foil strain gages, adhesively bonded to flat substrates, constructed of either metal, composite, or polymer. Hybrid sensors are manufactured by VPG using the same high-volume production equipment as those used to create its precision strain gages. The result is a cost-effective family of strain-gage based hybrid sensors with consistent batch-to-batch performance characteristics. Customers may further incorporate an optional miniature signal amplifier, as either a stand-alone component or attached to the sensor. Hybrid sensors may be attached via mounting holes with choice of screws, spot welding, or clamping, thereby eliminating adhesive bonding requirements. The hybrid sensors are further optionally available with pre-attached lead wires and connectors, for simplified customer handling without soldering requirements.

New hybrid sensors can effectively support a variety of high-volume OEM consumer product, process control, automotive testing, non-critical medical device, educational research, and industrial requirements. Typical consumer product applications include appliances, sporting equipment, hand tools, and lawn and garden equipment. Process control applications include HVAC, liquid-level sensing, motor control, and vibration monitoring. Automotive testing applications include passenger weighing, foot-pedal pressure, seatbelt tension, emergency braking, suspension control, and engine monitoring. Medical applications include pumps, respirators, and other non-critical devices. Industrial applications include elevators, tank monitoring, bearing insertion, safety systems, gas and liquid cylinder pressures, and load monitoring.

@Strain_Gage @VishayIndust #PAuto 

Strain gauge for PCB testing!

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group has announced the global market introduction of its S5198, a miniature rectangular planar rosette strain gage pattern for printed circuit board (PCB) testing, incorporating Advanced Sensors Technology.

PCB’s remain among the most essential components of today’s automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronic products. Industry trends continue toward the adoption of RoHS compliant assembly technologies, including lead-free soldering techniques. At the same time, next-generation manufacturing processes are calling for thinner board designs and newer laminate material types. Both trends have increased PCB failure risks, due to added potential for over-flexure in the manufacturing process. With many PCB assemblers operating under customer specified strain levels, any over-flexure can lead to interconnection damage, premature field failures and product returns. As a result, manufacturers are increasing supply chain requirements for PCB mechanical stability testing.

Offered in two unique strain gage designations (C5K-XX-S5198-350/33F and C5K-XX-S5198-350/39F), the Micro-Measurements S5198 pattern provides precise strain detection with minimized non-uniform PCA strain gradient effects, along with reliable operation to +200°C. An industry best-in-class resistance specification of 350 Ω, as compared to the 120 Ω typical industry standard, reduces the unwanted self-heating and heat dissipation effects commonly found among substrates with poor heat conductivity, such as PCB’s. A reduced overall footprint, with grid length of just 0.36 millimeters, facilitates ease of target board placement and integration. The S5198 pattern is further supported by pre-attached high-performance Teflon® insulated flexible thin cables, consisting of three twisted wires per grid. The wires are color coded, stripped and tinned for ease of PCB wire routing and connection to data acquisition systems. In addition to PCB testing, the pattern is suitable for ball grid array (BGA) component testing, spherical bend testing, mechanical shock testing, PCB flexures, and in-circuit testing (ICT). The S5198 is RoHS compliant and is utilized in accordance with IPC–JEDEC 9702, IPC–JEDEC 9704, and JEDEC JESD22-B111 standards.

The Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors Technology portfolio includes linear, shear and circular strain gages, in individual, half- and full-bridge configurations and in ranges from 350 Ω to 20 kΩ, with added flexibility in mounting options. Application of this VPG proprietary technology improves grid-to-grid tolerances and matching over traditional strain gage manufacturing techniques, enabling better sensor performance. In the case of full-bridge gage configurations, all intra-bridge connections are integrated directly into the pattern itself, eliminating the need for traditional intra-bridge soldering. The addition of gold-plated solder pads improves solder-joint reliability, while reducing the risks of solder pad oxidation prior to lead wire attachment. These processes further ensure the close matching of grid-to-grid thermal characteristics and bridge circuit thermal output cancellation specifications, both of which are essential to strain gage measurement accuracy.

 #VPG #Testing 

Weight indicators upgrade!

The VPG Transducers brand of VPG has released a next-generation upgrade for its industry best-selling Intuition Series weight indicators.

Originally launched in 2016, the fully modular Intuition Series offers reliable, versatile general-purpose weight indication, in support of a variety of commercial and industrial requirements. The indicators combine large six-digit LED and LCD displays, weighing and counting modes, along with an array of advanced features and communication interfaces, including multiple hardware and software options. The result is a truly scalable, flexible and user-friendly weight indicator solution.

Each new standard feature of the next-generation Intuition Series is derived from direct customer feedback. Increases in onboard ALIBI memory capacity now allow for the paperless storage of up 100K individual weighing records, from the previous 10K. Units are available with CE mark, as well as with International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)/EN45501:2015 compliant “legal for trade” certification. The Series now offers seamless compatibility with most industry standard digital load cell interfaces. A seven-function keyboard with 12 numeric keys has been added, as well as a digital I/O, consisting of four dry relay outputs and two opto-isolated inputs. These improvements allow for greater ease of operation, with simplified calibration and instrumentation setups. Two series ports (RS232) have been added for enhanced printing and networking functionality, as well as a full RS485 duplex interface. A plug-and-play setup now allow for various option cards to be easily added or removed, facilitating increased “on demand” customization capabilities. Both a battery housing and charger board, as well as a mounting bracket, have been added. With these and other new features, Intuition Series weight indicators can effectively support process weighing batch functions of up to eight steps, with choice of local or remote display capabilities. Other additional new features include piece counting mode, time and date stamp, and user and operator password protection.

Intuition Series weight indicators are expressly designed for ease of field service. To ensure their survivability in harsh environments, their full modular hardware and software infrastructure underwent two full years of rigorous field testing prior to release. Nearly every module or component within the Intuition Series, whether electronic or mechanical, is easily field replaceable. This includes, among others, the power supply, A/D, CPU, and communication interface. In addition to their durability and long service life, Intuition Series weight indicators include full diagnostic capabilities, 100% customizable hardware and software, and custom labeling capabilities. Typical applications include process weighing, bulk weighing, batching, and weighbridges. They may be specified within virtually any commercial or industrial weighing application where visual indication accuracy is of concern, and particularly, those with “legal for trade” certification requirements.

 @VishayIndust #PAuto

Extensometer for vehicular safety applications.

The VPG Transducers brand of Vishay Precision has announced the global market introduction of its Model 182 extensometer, a specialty high-performance strain gage-based force sensor, expressly designed for industrial, EN15000 and EN280 compliant off-highway vehicle and equipment safety applications.

The Model 182 extensometer accurately measures deformation, or changes in the length of a solid structural body, with a 500 μƐ full-scale sensing range and necessary redundancy for EN15000 and EN280 compliance in safety applications. Its robust design consists of a high-quality strain gage sensing element, housed in a highly corrosion resistant coated alloy steel, with mounting via two bolt holes (M10 12.9 required). Units are IP67 rated for dust and moisture protection, ensuring their continued reliability and repeatability in demanding environments. Multiple output choices, including mV/V, 4-20 mA and 0-10 V, are available as standard, along with alternate connection options. For vehicle safety applications, customers can select from either a CAN Open or SAE J1939 protocol, with further choice of a DT or M12 connector. Please consult VPG Transducers for details.

Typical applications for the Model 182 include off-highway vehicle, telescopic handler and lifting machinery measurements. The extensometer is especially well-suited for applications where safety and device stability are of critical importance for operator injury risk mitigation and prevention, including where stringent vehicle compliance with EN15000 and EN280 standards may be required. It may be further specified for the accurate onboard vehicle machinery and chassis safety monitoring of construction equipment, scissor lifts, boom lifts, forklifts, and materials handling equipment. Here, the extensometer effectively supports various lifting and loading scenarios, including overload measurements.

 @VishayIndust #VPG #Transportation

"Legal-for-trade" certified weighing.

The BLH Nobel brand of Vishay, has announced that its G5 Series panel mount measurement amplifiers (G5 PM Series) are now certified “legal-for-trade” via firmware upgrade, as per the very latest standards set forth by EN45501:2015 and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

In global commercial applications where product is sold by weight, a legal requirement exists for all associated weighing equipment, whether individual scales or a full pre-pack line, to be “legal-for-trade” certified. Such certifications confirm that associated instrumentation has undergone the necessary stringent testing to ensure its total conformance to uniform global accreditation standards. This further ensures that it is sufficiently accurate for its intended commercial weighing purpose.

With the BLH Nobel “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade, the G5 PM Series can now support all non-automatic weighing applications, in full compliance with EN 45501 and OIML R76 Class III or IIII single-interval industrial use criteria (NTEP approvals pending). The measurement amplifier offers secondary functionality as a long-term onboard data storage device, without the need for a stand-alone printer. Units can accept any traditional load cell input signal with a 0.4 μV minimum verification scale interval, and with maximum potential intervals set at 10,000. Initial device storage capacity exists for up to 50,000 individual text records, allowing for up to 500 separate files of 100 records each. Each file name is assigned a unique identification number for tracking purposes.

Other new functions afforded by the BLH Nobel G5 PM Series “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade include full language support in both English and Swedish, along with a modern and user-friendly visual indicator, audit trail counter, legal lock function, easy calibration, remote access with common field buses (setup via browser or keyboard), and associated trade and management task functions. The firmware upgrade also allows the G5 PM Series to serve as a next generation drop-in replacement for the now-obsolete Model TAD3. Model TAD3 was the brand’s previous indicator solution for legal weighing applications, with new G5 PM Series units occupying an identical footprint to that of the legacy model. The G5 PM Series is available with a full complement of standard and custom load cells from the BLH Nobel portfolio, along with full applications engineering and troubleshooting support. To obtain a copy of the correct firmware upgrade version for “legal-for-trade” compliance, please contact BLH Nobel.

Originally launched in February 2016, the G5 Series measurement amplifier combines standard interfaces, a modular design, and onboard integral web servers. It offers streamlined commissioning and calibration; reduced operations and maintenance costs; and advanced communication protocols for optimized system efficiencies, including remote diagnostics, parameterization, backup and maintenance functions. A recently released firmware upgrade (v1.3.0) added new capabilities such as flow rate calculation, enhanced diagnostics, excitation current measurement and supervision, updated Fieldbus data mapping, and an EtherNet/IP interface. The G5 Series is just one in a family of advanced process control instruments from BLH Nobel, designed to support the measurement requirements of comprehensive weighing systems.

Typical applications for the BLH Nobel G5 PM Series include process weighing and control, weighing force measurements, high-speed dynamic measurements, and factory automation. Expanded applications now afforded by the “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade include coil weighing; steel plate commercial weighing; offshore fish farm pellet weighing; fine-grained concentrates weighing for the mining industry; and virtually any other commercial weighing application requiring EN45501:2015 and OIML certifications. Units are also fully CE marked.

For more than 40 years, the BLH Nobel brand of VPG has specialized in the design, development and manufacture of high-quality and high-accuracy process weighing and force measurement technologies and related control systems. BLH Nobel load cells maximize accuracy and minimize the effects of mixing, agitation, and temperature changes within critical process stages. BLH Nobel products and customized solutions are designed to comply with stringent requirements in the food and beverage, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment, process, mining, steel, and offshore industries. The brand further offers a wide variety of communication protocols for seamless integration within complex production lines. It also supplies system solutions, products, and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. Each BLH Nobel custom solution is derived from more than 40 years of engineering expertise, gained from across thousands of successful applications.

@BLHNobel #PAuto 

Strain gauges.

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay, has launched its Quick-Turn program, offering R&D quality strain gage samples to its worldwide customer base, with deliveries in as few as seven working days, depending on pattern complexity.

As longtime industry experts, they understand that the proper integration of strain gages into any application is an iterative process. This process can require the evaluation of multiple strain gage patterns, prior to arriving at a “best fit” solution. In the case of strain-gage based transducer designs and product prototypes, for example, the testing and evaluation of multiple strain gage patterns is an essential aspect of achieving optimum system performance. For experimental stress analysis, strain gages which address challenges of geometry, space constraints, or installation efficiencies can be designed to exact customer specifications with fast deliveries. With these and other needs in mind, the goal of the Quick-Turn program is to facilitate expedited customer access to a variety of strain gage samples, allowing for the full support of any required technology evaluations prior to final integration.

Strain gages offered under the Quick-Turn program include full series of most catalog patterns, including optional features, as well as bespoke designs. Samples are offered in quantities of either four packages, consisting of five strain gages per package; or 20 packages, consisting of one strain gage per package. All samples feature the same quality, materials, design, construction and performance as standard catalog products. Their sole distinguishing feature is a packaging designation of “R&D Samples.” For strain gage pattern designs to exact customer requirements, sample costs are included in the setup fee.

To obtain Quick-Turn samples, customers are invited to forward application details to the Micro-Measurements in-house technical sales and applications engineering team at mm@vpgsensors.com, or to contact their nearest authorized sales representative. The longtime technical experts at Micro-Measurements will collaborate directly with the customer on a “best fit” solution, based upon either existing strain gages, or a design to unique requirements.

@Strain_Gage #PAuto #VPG

Strain Gauges and Ceramic Cements for extreme temperature applications.

A new line of free-filament wire strain gages and ceramic cements, expressly designed for extreme high-temperature environments has been introduced to the global market by the Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group.

The new free-filament wire strain gages allow for high-reliability measurements of both dynamic and limited-static strain, at much higher temperatures than have been traditionally possible with conventional bonded strain gage designs. The gages, offered as the ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series, can accurately measure dynamic strain values in temperatures up to +1900°F (+1038°C), as well as limited-static strain to +1500°F (+816°C). They offer excellent oxidation resistance, along with improved bond strength, as compared to traditional free-filament foil gage designs.

Each series offers unique application advantages, depending upon specified parameters. In applications where a compensating grid is used to achieve limited static strain measurements, for example, the iron-chrome-aluminum alloy ZWH-Series is recommended. In applications where optimal fatigue life is desired, the Nichrome-V alloy ZWN-Series is typically specified. And finally, where requirements call for a combination of highest possible oxidation resistance and highest temperature measurement capabilities, the platinum-tungsten alloy ZWP-Series is recommended.

All Micro-Measurements ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series gages are RoHS compliant and feature a free-filament wire construction, along with a series of integrated, welded 0.003-inch (0.076 mm) diameter lead wires. A high-fatigue wire (Option Z) is available upon request. The gages offer 120-ohm resistance and are packaged with a fiberglass reinforced segmented tape carrier, which holds the grid and lead patterns intact during installation. They are bonded using either ceramic cement or Roxide flame spray. Among the new Micro-Measurements high-temperature ceramic cement offerings are the WC-16, NCC-3, and HG-1. The WC-16 ceramic cement offers best compatibility with new ZWP-Series free-filament wire gages, while the NCC-3 offers an environmentally friendly and RoHS compliant alternative to ceramic cements containing hexavalent chrome. The HG-1 ceramic cement offers high-performance bonding with steel and superalloys.

Recommended accessories for the new ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series include the Model 700 welder and hand-welding attachment, both available from Micro-Measurements, for ease of cable welding to gage leads. Typical applications for the Series include extreme high-temperature strain measurements in chemical plants, power plants and nuclear environments, as well as the testing of gas turbine engine blades and components, automotive exhaust and transmission systems, in-chamber environmental testing, and spacecraft propulsion systems.

@Strain_Gage #PAuto @VishayIndust

Option for high-temperature experimental stress analysis.

Micro-Measurements®, part of the Vishay Group, have a new, optional pre-attached Teflon leadwire for its CEA- and WK-series strain gauges, Option SP35, in support of high-temperature stress analysis requirements to +400°F (+204°C).

A key benefit in the specification of pre-cabled gages for stress analysis is their efficiency during installation. With this new option, Micro-Measurements has extended this benefit into higher application temperatures. New Option SP35 includes ten feet (three meters) of 30-AWG, twisted, etched Teflon leadwires (330-FTE). The etching ensures that any protective coatings applied over the installation will bond and seal to the cable. Gauge leadwires are pre-attached via solder to the CEA- and WK-series strain gages, allowing them to support specific requirements to +350°F (+177°C) and +400°F (+204°C), respectively. Their three-wire quarter bridge configuration cancels any potential cable thermal output which may occur in response to temperature changes.

Option SP35 is ideal for the support of higher temperature stress analyses of automotive and aerospace components, or of any other structural material. It is particularly useful for higher temperature composite materials testing, eliminating the need for soldering on the test article, and thus the possibility of heat damage to sensitive surfaces.

In addition, Option SP35 has no impact on strain gage resistance tolerance or strain range specifications, allowing for continued seamless integration into the application environment. At the same time, it offers a viable leadwire solution with simplified installation requirements. With these combined features, Option SP35 now allows a customer to specify both Micro-Measurements CEA- and WK-series strain gages into an expanded number of higher temperature applications, particularly those where the limitations of traditional pre-gaged vinyl insulated cabling had previously limited their use.

@Strain_Gage #Pauto @VishayIndust

Weighing in with new website!

The BLH Nobel brand of Vishay Precision Group has launched a new mobile responsive website .

The fresh, new customer-friendly design of the site exemplifies the VPG brand's commitment to continuous quality improvements across all product and service offerings. This extends into website redevelopment which allows for the subsequent timely publication of high-quality, up-to-date technical product and market data, along with significant enhancements to onsite content search, to include both solutions- and applications-based findings. Direct communication links to sales and customer service may be found on virtually every page of the new site. Site translations into four languages, including French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Swedish, are planned for later this year.

Beyond these new features and functions, site users may now locate suitable process weighing and force measurement solutions directly from the homepage, via any one of six main sectional tabs: Markets, Solutions, Products, Case Studies, Support, and Contact Us. The Products tab allows the user to filter and sort by desired model features and parameters, with added benefit of a “related products” feed. The Support tab includes real-time access to product manuals and software downloads. An expanded News section includes real-time corporate announcements and technical notes, in addition to the very latest product releases. The Contact Us tab includes an interactive sales map, from which users may locate their nearest authorized sales representative via a series of dropdown menus, further organized by region.

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto @VishayIndust

Industrial force & weighing!

The BLH Nobel brand, of the Vishay Precision Group, has introduced the new G5 family of weighing instruments, the latest generation of the company's modular high-speed systems for industrial weighing and force measurement applications.

Featuring a new hardware platform with extensive communication capabilities, the G5 family increases speed and performance, offering intuitive operation, easy calibration and advanced diagnostics. Leveraging the flexibility of the BLH Nobel G5 units, industrial plants can easily meet today's complex application demands while adapting to tomorrow's evolving requirements.

These instruments support a wide range of industrial applications, including process weighing and control, force measurement, factory automation, high dynamic force measurement, and high-speed batching/blending systems.

Through a built-in Web server, the G5 instruments speed up setup and simplify parameter changes, enabling remote operation from any PC or mobile device with a Web browser and Ethernet connection. Weight and status are instantly displayed alongside other parameters and diagnostics information via user-friendly operator interface.

Within the G5 family, there are two different mounting options: a panel-mount version for 24 V DC or 115/230 V AC operation and a rail-mount version for 24 V DC operation only. The panel-mount version comes equipped with a 4.3-inch high-resolution color screen that increases visibility and enables easy navigation through parameter settings and menus. For operators who do not require a screen, the rail-mount instrument offers a powerful yet cost-effective alternative.

Many industrial communication interfaces are supported, including Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, FTP, HTTP, Profibus, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Modbus RTU, as well as the traditional RS485 and analog outputs. Users can configure the G5 digital I/O signals according to their discrete control requirements. Software upgrades can quickly be made in the field using an SD card. Custom software designed to customer requirements for special applications is available upon request. Parameter backup and restoration is made easy via the G5's USB port, SD card, and internal memory.

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto @VishayIndust

Weight Indicators With Large LED/LCD Displays.

Two new weight indicators featuring large six-digit LED and LCD displays have been introduced from VGP Transducers. Combining weighing and counting modes with an array of advanced features and communication interfaces, the Intuition 20i and Intuition 22i provide versatile solutions for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

For truck, bench, floor, and counting scales, the Intuition 20i and Intuition 22i drive up to 10 x 350 Ω load cells (4/6 wires), while their built-in counting modes are optimised for inventory control applications. The units support batching up to eight batched steps for process weighing and local/remote display capabilities and alibi memory — capable of retaining the last 10,000 transactions — for any application involving legal for trade weighing.

Each of the instruments released today features two programmable RS-232 serial ports for printing and networking and is available with optional Ethernet, USB 2.0, and RS485 serial ports. The Intuition 20i and Intuition 22i feature ticket printing with gross, net, and setpoint customisable up to 300 characters, while a real-time clock option allows for automatic data and time storage to clearly document all printout records. For weighing multiple transactions, the units offer an accumulation capability with an armed print function for summing the total weight. When the gross weight is at zero, the user can enter a preset tare value.

With its LED display, the Intuition 20i is optimised for outdoor applications in sunlight, while the LCD display of the Intuition 22i is ideal for indoor low-intensity-light environments. The units are available with rechargeable batteries providing up to 18 and 42 hours of operation time, respectively, while their rugged IP67 stainless steel enclosures enable operation in harsh environments. Two password protection levels allow both the user and operator to access the instrument's setup and configuration menu. For easy operation, calibration, and setup, both instruments are available with seven-key standard keyboards and 19-key numeric keyboards.

The reliable and robust Intuition 20i and Intuition 22i are based on a proven hardware and software modular structure that has undergone outdoor field testing for two years. Due to their modular architecture, the units are designed for simple servicing. Nearly every module in the system — whether electronic or mechanical, such as a power supply, A/D, CPU, or communication interface — can be easily replaced in the field. The instruments include full diagnostics, offer 100 % customisable hardware and software, and can be custom labeled.

VPG Transducers is fully committed to supporting the Intuition 20i and Intuition 22i in the event of any quality issues and is dedicated to continuing the development of the units' hardware and software platform by adding new features based on market demand. For example, an update will soon be released that features a digital scale interface.

 #VGP #PAuto #Transportation

Data Acquisition System

Vishay Precision Group has announced that its Micro-Measurements brand has introduced a new data acquisition system featuring a scanner with eight software-configurable input channels with RJ-45 connectors. The System 8000 StrainSmart® Data Acquisition System can accept signals from strain gages or strain-gage-based transducers, thermocouples, or high-level voltage sensors. Strain gage channels support full-, half-, or quarter-bridge configurations, and offer built-in precision completion for 120 Ω, 350 Ω, and 1000 Ω bridges.

The System 8000 is intended for static and dynamic test and measurement applications. System scanners may operate independently, or up to 16 scanners can be used concurrently for a maximum of 128 channels. Each channel's data is processed in a modern 24-bit digital signal processor, and filtering is performed using finite impulse response (FIR) multi-stage filters. This provides excellent noise rejection, stability, and unsurpassed measurement accuracy. Sampling rates are 1000, 500, 200, 100, and 10 samples/second.

All channels in the system are sampled simultaneously. Each of the 24-bit analog-to-digital converters over-samples data at a rate of 128k samples/second and provides high-quality, low-noise data (without the need for signal averaging) at rates up to 1000 samples/second/channel.

The scanner communicates with a host PC running over an IEEE-802.3u 100Base-TX or an IEEE-802.3 10Base-T Ethernet network. Micro-Measurements StrainSmart software, available separately, is optimal for configuring, controlling, and acquiring data from the System 8000. The system also includes a Programmer's Reference Kit, which provides documentation, programming examples, and instrument drivers to assist with custom software development.

An optional system voltage calibration card gives users the ability to perform a system-level calibration of the entire measurement circuit without the need to return the System 8000 to the manufacturer or metrology lab. The card allows the system to be calibrated (gain and offset of each channel) under actual operating conditions, thereby minimizing errors due to environmental conditions.

The System 8000's scanner offers compact dimensions of 10.2 in. by 11 in. by 1.7 in. (260 mm by 280 mm by 44 mm). Its aluminum-alloy enclosure provides superior strength and durability, and minimizes RF emissions and susceptibility. A rack-mount kit is also available.

Embedded loadcell for offshore! A first!

The BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems brands of Vishay Precision Group have released the LCAMP, a new embedded load cell transmitter for offshore applications.

The ATEX Ex ia IIC rated LCAMP transmitter is embedded in BLH and Nobel load cells. It is the industry's first such device that can be serviced and replaced in the field and that allows the transmitter and load cell to be replaced independently of each other without affecting system calibration. The unit output is two-wire 4 mA to 20 mA and supports HART protocol for calibration and system diagnostics of both the load cell and transmitter.

The LCAMP features a combined error rate of less than ±1% of RO, NAMUR compliant error signaling, an input voltage range of 10.5 V to 42 V DC, and IP 68 ingress protection when mounted in a load cell.

The unit is operational within a second from power-on. Fully-redundant units as well as other customizations are available.

The LCAMP connects through an M12 connector or a fixed-cable connection and is specified for operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.

Process weighing video

New VPG process weighing video highlights features and capabilities of G4 modular instrument for weighing and force measurement

The VPG Process Weighing division of the Vishay Precision Group,  has unveiled a new video highlighting the features and capabilities of the G4 modular high-speed instrument for weighing and force measurement and control applications. Based on more than 60 years of experience, BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems have developed the G4 for multi-channel operations and for today's communications requirements. The new five-minute, animated presentation provides a 3D view of the instrument, allowing users to see exactly how to set it up and use it.

Click pic to visit video page!

The video "G4: State of the Art Instrument for Weighing and Force Measurement" demonstrates the G4's easy-to-use interface and the optimal visibility provided by the unit's 5.7 inch color touchscreen and graphics display. Viewers can see how six different hardware modules can easily be added to or replaced on the instrument according to customer or application requirements.

By equipping the unit with single- or dual-channel modules — or two-channel, high-speed modules with sample rates up to 800 updates per second — the instrument can provide up to eight weighing or force measurement channels, all synchronized to improve performance in industrial environments. To increase I/O communication, the G4 can be equipped with I/O modules featuring eight digital inputs and outputs, in addition to a single or quad analog output for PLC-based control systems.

The G4's wide variety of communication interfaces for industrial applications are also highlighted in the video. USB, Ethernet, and Serial communication are standard on the CPU module, and fieldbus interfaces can be changed easily via a plug-in module. Ethernet with Modbus TCP and the Ethernet/IP protocol support process monitoring and control in addition to remote set-up by a browser application on a PC or mobile device.

The video concludes with a discussion of the G4's many weighing and force measurement applications, from single or multiple tank weighing to batching and web tension. Through the Windows® CE operating system, the VPG Process Weighing division can tailor software to fit the needs of any application for process weighing or force measurement.

Fieldbus protocols expanded

The VPG Process Weighing division of the Vishay Precision Group has expanded the fieldbus protocols of its BLH-Nobel Weighing Systems G4 family of multichannel weight/force indicators to include the EtherNet/IP open communications protocol. This new capability allows the instruments to communicate with other industrial control systems and their components, such as a programmable automation and logic controllers or I/O systems.

VPG's G4 instruments offer high speed and performance for industrial applications, such as process weighing and control, force measurement, Web tension measurement and control, automation, force vector calculations, high dynamic force measurement, and high-speed batching/blending systems. The units are certified to link to a wide variety of communication interfaces, including Profibus, DeviceNet, Modbus/RTU, USB, RS485, RS232, Modbus/TCP, and now EtherNet/IP.

This family is offered with four base mounting options: DIN rail (RM), panel (PM), desktop (DT), and harsh environment (HE). The IP65-rated G4-PM, DT, and HE are equipped with a 5.7-inch color touch screen and graphic display for quick, easy operation and simple parameter changes. The screen displays up to four weight/force channels simultaneously, allowing the user full control of multiple process vessels. The IP20-rated G4-RM is intended for blind applications and requires a PLC/DCS interface.

The G4-PM, DT, and HE accommodate up to six different, easily installed modules for advanced performance, more functional channels, custom applications, or repair, while the G4-RM can be equipped with up to three modules. The modular nature of the units provides customers with a highly flexible, upgradeable, single instrument system capable of weighing up to eight independent vessels or scales. For Web tension applications, up to six zones can be monitored simultaneously with the G4-RM. By providing the largest scale capability available, the G4 units offer very economical solutions, as each can replace multiple instruments from other manufacturers.

The G4 units can be configured for either 24VDC or 115/230VAC operation. Software upgrades can be downloaded from VPG's website and transferred to the instruments via a standard USB port connection. Custom software designed to customer requirements for special applications is available upon request, and is easily accommodated by the units' Microsoft® Windows CE® software platform. Remote access via a standard Web browser allows for simple set-up, monitoring, and diagnostic tests.

European agreement completes global representation deal

RS Components has further strengthened its relationship with Vishay following the completion of a European distribution agreement.  The new agreement means that RS now formally represents Vishay around the globe through three regional agreements.  Vishay is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components.

RS holds a stock profile of over 11,000 Vishay products, available online for next-day delivery.  The range features a vast selection of passive components, including tantalum, aluminium and film capacitors, variable, power and thin film resistors and magnetics, alongside a growing semiconductor portfolio featuring mosfets, power ICs and analogue signal routing switches.  Vishay products are being supported by RS through a Brand microsite in the Electronics Centre, which brings together product, market and application guides as well as data for the full range of Vishay components.  Full Vishay range and application details can be accessed.

Chris Page, Electronics General Manager, for RS commented, “This European distribution agreement enables us to bring Vishay’s market leading products to our global customer base.  The world class online engineering tools and support provided by RS together with our unrivalled customer reach is continuing to attract the world’s leading component manufacturers.”

Philippe Masson, Director Sales Distribution Europe from Vishay continued, "Vishay is delighted to be extending its relationship with RS throughout Europe.  RS provides design engineers with a proven online technical resource and has a reputation for outstanding customer support making them an ideal partner for Vishay’s unmatched portfolio of discrete semiconductors and passive components.”

RS Components is the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc.