Award for demand creation.

Anglia Components has been named STMicroelectronics^* ‘UK Demand Creation Distributor of the Year 2021’, the award recognises Anglia’s exceptional performance for the second year in a row. The award presentation was made in person by Iain Currie, Managing Director UK & Ireland at STMicroelectronics when he visited Anglia in April.

LtoR: John Bowman, Marketing Director, Anglia, Ben Clarke, Sales Account Manager, Iain Currie MD UK & Ireland, Andy Hurman,FAE and Market Development Manager with STMicroelectronics Andrew Pockson, Divisional Engineering Manager, Anglia, John David, UK and Ireland Sales Manager, STMicroelectronics and Rebecca Oakley,Product Marketing, Anglia.

Commenting on the award, Iain Currie said, “Demand creation, or identifying opportunities where our innovative technologies can benefit customers, is one of the most essential aspects of the work of our distribution partners, and it is an area in which Anglia truly excels. We rigorously analyse demand creation performance for the whole of our UK network, assessing the opportunities identified and the business that followed. Anglia has a clear lead on this measure, and we congratulate their team on their hard work, dedication and standout service.”

John Bowman, Marketing Director at Anglia said, “Our relationship with STMicroelectronics has been strong and fruitful since we first engaged back in 1998. We are thrilled to receive this accolade from ST, which is one of the world’s largest and most innovative semiconductor manufacturers. We invest strongly in our Field Application Engineering (FAE) and Account Management teams, and this award reflects the energy and calibre of the Anglia team.”

^*Headquartered in Geneva, STMicroelectronics is one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, delivering solutions that enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology.

@angliaLive @angliaComponent @ST_World @NeeshamPR #PAuto #Electrics #Electronics

Welcome goodies!

Schneider Electric is giving away a free welcome goodie pack to all electricians who sign up or log into mySchneider on the web and complete their profile information.

This ongoing offer has already seen 2,000 welcome packs sent out, with approximately 500 of those being given to electricians in the last couple of months.

mySchneider web aims to provide the electrical community with one-stop-shop access to training, tools and business advice, as well as exclusive discounts and special offers. After completing all profile details, electricians will automatically be upgraded to ‘Premier Partner’ level – with further benefits including a badge for branding and invitations to focus groups.

Nico Van Der Merwe, VP Home & Distribution Britain and Ireland at Schneider Electric, said “We are delighted to offer electricians a free welcome pack through mySchneider. Our mySchneider electricians are the beating heart of the electrical industry and we are constantly striving to come up with ways that we can support them. I hope they enjoy the packs!”

Sign-in or Log-on here

@SchneiderUKI @SchneiderElec @teamlewisglobal #Electronics #Pauto 

White sockets.

The successful Dual DC Power Socket is now available in white to facilitate design into medical, domestic and personal electronic products. The white Dual DC Sockets, from Cliff Electronics,  are available with solder tag or 90° PCB mounting and both feature on-board switch contacts. Matching white power leads also available to provide OEMs with complete power connection solutions.

John Hall, Director of Cliff Electronics, comments; “Our patented Dual DC sockets have been a great success and we are pleased to be able to offer them in white to increase the markets available to us. We are leaders in the design, development and manufacture of connectors for power and audio markets and supply major international OEMs. This is an excellent example of the benefits of being UK manufacturer which allows us to respond quickly to our customer’s needs.”

Designed for portable and rechargeable products CLIFF’s unique, patented and highly successful dual socket is rated at 12V/5A and accepts both 2.5mm power plugs, which are standard in the USA, as well as 2.1mm plugs used in all other markets. Being able to accept the two most common power connector plug sizes used worldwide simplifies system design and manufacture and offers OEMs reductions in inventory and suppliers.

#CliffElectrics #PAuto @proactivefleet 

Multifunction installation kit

Fluke UK is offering a set of accessories to purchasers of a Fluke 1654B Multifunction Installation Tester, all bundled at a very low price.

The complete Fluke 1654B Limited Addition Kit contains the Fluke 1654B, a Fluke ES165X Earth Spike Test Kit, a Fluke TLK290 Flexible Socket Probe Set, and DMS 0100/INST Data Management Software which uses the 1654B’s captured results for data recording, offers easy-to-use administration and reporting in compliance with BS7671 IEE 17th Edition Wiring regulations and provides printing of test reports compatible with a range of standard certificate requirements.

The extended memory 1654B Multifunction Installation Tester is designed for high productivity testing and verification of virtually all electrical wiring installations in domestic, commercial and industrial applications to meet the latest BS7671 IEE 17th Edition wiring regulations, while offering smooth DC-sensitive RCD type B testing and milliohm resolution for loop and line testing. The Fluke ES165X Earth Spike Test Kit enables easy earth resistance testing using the 3 wire connection method and auxiliary earth spikes, and the TLK290 Flexible Socket Probe Set is designed for use on motor and 3-phase sockets while offering CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V, 8A safety.

The Fluke 1654B Multifunction Installation tester shows two measurements at once on a dual display. This can show PEFC/PSC and loop impedance results in parallel negating the requirement to run the tests separately, more than halving the test time of some loop testers. It also features a high-current loop test which gives extremely fast measurements when testing in circuits where no RCDs are being used. It offers both non trip and the high current test so the user can select depending on the application. In addition there is fast voltage measurement between L-N, L-PE and N-PE using the mains cord, with no need to change measurement connections.

There is a PASS/FAIL indication for RCD test results, and a variable RCD current mode for customised settings. Requiring no separate batteries, a slim probe with test button supplied with the tester enables initiation of a test without the need to access or reference to the front panel when probing hard to reach points. An Earth Volt Touchpad detects earth voltages raised above 50V to indicate potentially dangerous situations.

It is compact, lightweight (less than 1.2 kg) and has a padded neck-strap to free testers’ hands for testing. For ease of use, a rotary dial clearly indicates which function is selected, and provides access to all functions in one place to avoid complex multi-level menus, so that even after a long period of non-use the tester remains intuitive to use. A large display with backlight uses clear symbols and has an exceptionally wide viewing angle for easy and safe readings. The unit has detachable standard 4-mm leads that can be replaced if damaged or lost, and which require no customised special connectors. A Zero Adapter ensures easy, reliable and accurate test lead and mains cord compensation. The adapter can be used for all kinds of mains plugs and test accessories like probes and alligator clips.

Slip sliding away -

OEMs and machine builders are now spoilt for choice – Festo launches two new series of precision mini-slides – one pneumatic, the other electric

Festo's new EGSL electric precision mini-slide is ideal
for applications demanding short and precise moves,
and has a repetition accuracy of ±15 microns.

Festo has launched two new series of mechanically compatible precision mini-slides – one pneumatic, the other electric – enabling OEMs and machine builders to mix and match different drive technologies with impunity. Both series of slides feature hardened steel guide rails, which are precision-ground together with the body after assembly, and use caged re-circulating ball bearings between the rails and the hardened steel slide. The overall effect is that the body and the slide jointly form the guidance system, conveying an exceptional level of rigidity to the design.

Both series of slides provide exceptionally fast and accurate positioning capabilities; all DGSL series pneumatic slides have a repetition accuracy of ±10 microns, while all EGSL series electric slides have a repetition accuracy of ±15 microns. The slides are ideal for applications demanding short and precise moves, and their low profile and mounting flexibility – they can be ‘piggybacked’ and oriented in any aspect, including vertically – makes them especially suitable for use where space is limited. Principally intended for use in handling and assembly automation, both types of slides are likely to prove popular in the food processing and packaging industries, as well as in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Festo’s DGSL series pneumatic slides are available with a choice of eight different sizes, from 4 to 25, and nine different stroke lengths – from 10 mm to 200 mm – depending on the model. The slides are double-acting, with the larger models capable of advancing and retracting at speeds as high as 0.8 m/s. The size 25 slide can produce up to 483 N of force when fed from a nominal 6 bar compressed air supply.

All DGSL series slides use an innovative piston technology that incorporates the guide tape and sealing element, together with an embedded magnet for position sensing purposes, in a single compact component. This results in less friction and air leakage, leading to steady and smooth movement, better speed constancy, and a long working life. The slides also all offer a choice of three types of end-position cushioning – hydraulic, elastomer and adjustable elastomer – which can be set up very easily from one side of the unit’s body.

The new EGSL series electric slides offer users a choice of four different sizes, from 35 to 75, and five different stroke lengths, from 50 mm to 300 mm, depending on the model. The slides’ exceptional rigidity means that they can easily tolerate bending moments; two slides can simply be bolted together to form a cantilever axis, and all their surfaces feature centring rings to remove shear loads from the mounting bolts. The size 75 slide – which is large by any standard – can accommodate a horizontal load of up to 14 kg, and can generate up to 450 N of feed force.

All EGSL slides are capable of accelerating at up to 25 m/s2, and can achieve speeds as high as 1.3 m/s. To help put these figures in context, this typically means that a 200 mm EGSL-45 slide with a 6 kg payload can accomplish a complete positioning sequence in under 250 ms! The slides’ ball screw spindle is completely enclosed, rendering it impervious to contamination, and three of the four models offer a choice of spindle pitches to further simplify applications matching. The ball screw features an integral magnet, enabling inductive sensors or reed switches mounted on the outside of the slide’s body to be used, and easily adjusted, for position sensing purposes. 

EGSL electric slides are fully compatible with Festo's range of stepper and servo motors and controllers, and can also be used with third-party motors; Festo also produces a comprehensive range of motor mounting flanges and couplings, as well as slide mounting plates, axial mounting kits, optional cover kits and steel sensor flags for these slides.

Festo has also developed a powerful PC-based software tool, backed by native CAD models, to help machine designers and other potential users make best use of electric drive technology such as the EGSL slides.

Flexible AC current probes measure up to 2000A

GMC-I PROSyS has extended its range of non-invasive current measurement probes with the MICRO-flex ACP 2005 and the ACP 2015, providing a convenient, flexible and accurate means of measuring AC currents from 200 mA to 2000A, with no requirement for disconnecting or breaking into primary circuits.

The MICRO-flex ACP 2005 measures AC current in three switched ranges, with full-scale values of 20, 200, and 2000A, making the unit ideal for monitoring currents in Power Quality and Energy management applications and in any mains-powered device, electric motor, or uninterruptible power supply. It provides an output, in each range, of 0 – 2.0V full scale, simplifying connection to any digital multimeter, oscilloscope or chart recorder. The probe features accuracy of ± 1% of reading.

It uses the Rogowski coil principle to measure AC current. Integrating the signal from the coil yields an output that accurately represents the primary current. The design of the MICRO-flex allows measurements to be made in confined spaces that afford only limited access. In the ACP 2005 the detection coil takes the form of a thin, 6 mm diameter, flexible assembly; the user opens the loop, passes it around the primary conductor and re-connects it to the probe head. An advanced coupling design ensures consistent closure of the loop, and totally repeatable results.

A Rogowski coil is air-cored and free from saturation and circuit-loading problems: the principle is noted for its linearity and accuracy. In the ACP 2005 measurement error due to off-centre conductor positioning within the magnetic loop is only ± 2% of reading: linearity across the range is within ± 0.2% of reading. Three model variants, with differing magnetic loop lengths, cater for primary current conductor diameters of 50, 70 and 100 mm. Frequency response of the ACP 2005 is from 20 Hz to 100 kHz. The ACP 2015 also offers all of the same facilities and extends the frequency range to 1 MHz. With the ACP 2015 driving a digital storage oscilloscope, switching losses in power-semiconductor circuits can be examined in detail. Both series have fast response and faithfully reproduce rapid changes in the measured current.

The probes carry safety approvals to EN61010-2-032 600V CATIV and can be used in hazardous areas; they offer a maximum safe voltage rating of 1000 V, ACrms or DC. They can be powered from two AA alkaline batteries, or an external supply of 3V at 100 mA, and the integrator unit measures 110 x 65 x 23 mm.

Expanded range of connectors

Expanded range of connectors for industry specific applications includes the Electroless Nickel 62 and Helios connectors for renewable energy applications

RS Components has considerably expanded its Amphenol connector portfolio. The introduction of 650 new devices has expanded the total Amphenol range available from RS to over 9,000 products available direct from stock for next-day-delivery.

The enhanced connector portfolio includes medical, military, renewable energy, industrial, data and audio technologies creating one of the broadest ranges of Amphenol products held in-stock for electronic design engineers. The range expansion includes 127 new D-Sub connectors, Alden Pulse-Lok connectors designed for the medical industry, Helios connectors suitable for
renewable energy applications and is complemented by a range of connectors developed for harsh environments and industrial purposes.

The full Amphenol range is available in both RS standard package and industry-standard packaging formats, ready for direct insertion into automated production facilities. All products are supplied in flexible quantities allowing customers to order the quantity they need and avoid unnecessary stock-holding costs. Customers can also achieve larger discounts when ordering higher quantities.

Commenting on the launch, Amphenol European Distributor Managers, Serge Veld of InfoCom Operations and Tim Griffin of Mil-Aero & Industrial Operations stated, “As a global organisation RS is able to meet the needs of all varieties of customer making them an ideal distribution partner for Amphenol. Together RS and Amphenol offer an unbeatable quality of service backed by superb technical support and we are excited by the commitment made by RS to increase the range of Amphenol components available to its customers.”

Chris Page, General Manager, Electronics for RS Components continued, “Amphenol are one of the premier connector brands that electronics design engineers and buyers look to when developing their latest applications. We are delighted to be increasing our Amphenol portfolio to provide our customers with a comprehensive range at competitive prices and with market-leading service.”

The Amphenol range from RS is available online, where customers can link directly into the product range, supporting technical information and select and order.

Protection from electrostatic charge

Various solutions have been developed for protection from electrostatic charge and to combat it effectively. One major problem exists where a plug-in board has been tested immediately prior to insertion into a live system under hot-swap conditions. Rittal now have alternative solutions to combat the discharge under these circumstances.

A new ESD discharge facility effectively removes all built-up charge from the front panel of the plug-in board and rapidly brings the panel to protective earth potential. Achieved via a heavy duty contact embedded in the guide rail, which is in permanent electrical contact with the chassis, the new system has been tested to IEEE1101.11 and UL1950 to 30 Ampere capacity. Initially designed as a rear I/O guide rail for 80mm assemblies, the high current discharge contact and associated guide may also be used for front mounted panels where excessive static build-up is likely.

The new guides include the facility to safely discharge any remaining static or operational charge (such as that stored in capacitors) from boards being inserted into the system directly following a test under power. For this, an additional grounding clip is fastened to the guide rail in the direct path of the PCB which needs to be designed in accordance with IEEE guidelines.

Additionally, the guides have chambers at the front for the insertion of coding keys to prevent incorrect board insertion when used in conjunction with IEEE type lever handles on the plug-in board / front panel. When used at both the top and bottom of a 6U board/front panel combination, these provide almost 4100 different coding variants.

New EMC emission field probes

TESEQ has introduced two new USB/RS232 electric field probes. The PMM EP-600 and EP-601 active broadband field probes benefit from a true spherical symmetrical dipole configuration.

Sampling at a rate of 22S/s to 0.03S/s depending on filter settings, the probes six monopole sensors sample data simultaneously on an X-Y-Z axis. The digital filter can be preset from 2.3 to 28Hz or low pass as required by the specific application requirements.

Their small size and excellent RF characteristics make the PMM field probes ideal for all EMC/EMI applications (chambers and TEM/GTEM cells), biology, materials research and wherever fast and accurate measurements with negligible or minimum interference of the probe to the field under measure are essential.

Extremely lightweight and compact, the EP-600 and EP-601 weigh only 25 grams and are just 50mm wide. The miniaturised, optically-coupled broadband electric field probes also feature a high performance, high reliability 3V, 5mAh Li-Mn battery that can last up to 80 hours before recharging. A full recharge takes only 48 hours.

With a wide frequency range of 10 kHz to 9.25 GHz, Teseq’s new electric field probes are a high performance solution for GTEM systems and EMC radiated immunity testing. The EP-600 has a vast dynamic range of less than 1 V/m to 140 V/m, while the EP-601 ranges from less than 1 V/m to 500 V/m. The field probes also profit from excellent isotropy, typically 0.3 dB at 50 MHz with values to 0.5 dB.

Operating in a temperature range of -10ºC to +50ºC, the PMM field probes can show a temperature reading accurate to 0.1ºC. Probes are connected fibre optically via an optical RS232 converter followed by a USB RS232 converter to the PC.

The supplied PC software provides a display of field, temperature and battery voltage measurements that are accurate to 10 mV. Filters, sampling rate and frequency can also be set with the PC software. The internal data memory stores the serial number, calibration date, calibration factors and firmware version.

In addition, each probe is supplied with a 10 m fibre optic cable; optical RS232 adapter and USB RS232 adapter; PC Utility Win-EP600 to display total field and setup; and a battery charger. Optional accessories include a 20 m fibre optic cable, 40 m fibre optic cable and a programmable switching box with 10 inputs for increased functionality.

National Instruments at Advanced Manufacturing

mtec Stand 320
National Instruments measurement and automation hardware and software products work seamlessly together to meet the application requirements of scientists and engineers, irrespective of business or industry sector. With a proven track record and over 30 years of experience and a large and knowledgeable UK based support team, National Instruments has brought the concept of virtual instrumentation and graphical system design to reality.

National Instruments is transforming the way engineers and scientists design, prototype and deploy systems for measurement, automation and embedded applications. Over the past 30 years, NI have pioneered the concept of virtual instrumentation; the idea of combining open, intuitive graphical programming software with powerful modular hardware to give unparalleled flexibility in the design and implementation of user-defined systems. By adopting this approach, engineers and scientists at more than 30,000 companies annually simplify development, increase productivity and dramatically reduce timescales. From testing next-generation gaming systems to creating breakthrough medical devices, NI customers continuously develop innovative technologies that impact millions of people.

Visit stand 1320 in the MTEC hall to experience the latest NI product innovations in virtual instrumentation and graphical system design through modular hardware, powerful software, and advanced COTS (custom off-the-shelf) platforms.

Do More with LabVIEW 2009: Parallel Programming, Wireless Technologies, and Real-Time Math

Now, more than ever, the tools you use must be flexible and evolve quickly to changing environments.

NI LabVIEW 2009 is a platform-wide software update with new features for taking advantage of parallel multicore and FPGA (field-programmable gate array) based architectures as well as new capabilities for programming wireless sensors and mathematical algorithms in real-time hardware. The latest version of LabVIEW 2009 adds programming and productivity features to drive more efficiency and performance into your applications, helping you do more with evolving PC and embedded technology platforms.

New and Advanced Technologies Products and Technologies to be Showcased at MTEC by National Instruments:
New WSN Platform Delivers Reliable, Low-Power Wireless Measurements
The NI wireless sensor network (WSN) platform provides a complete remote monitoring solution that consists of NI LabVIEW graphical programming software and new reliable, low-power wireless nodes for remote measurements.

Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, the NI WSN protocol supports mesh routing, which means a WSN router can relay measurements from end nodes to a central gateway. If a primary router is unavailable and an alternate router exists, the protocol automatically routes measurements through the alternate path. Operating for up to three years on just four AA batteries the NI WSN platform offers reliable connectivity from a gateway to end nodes at a distance of up to 300m line of sight or further using mesh networking,

Generic 4 channel 16 bit analogue input nodes are available alongside more specialist nodes such as the 24-bit thermocouple node and all closely integrate with LabVIEW to simplify and accelerate system configuration and deployment by delivering a drag-and-drop programming environment. LabVIEW also facilitates the ability to deploy code directly onto the nodes creating standalone embedded data-loggers with user defined decision making capabilities.

The combination of LabVIEW and NI WSN measurements provides a reliable, low-power system for remote monitoring, environmental monitoring and resource monitoring applications.

Flexible Technologies for Data Acquisition, Test, Measurement and Automation

NI's position holds the position as world leader in DAQ, new enhancements in counters, advanced timing, and parallel software execution are enabling cutting-edge applications across the globe and cementing this position for years to come. Data acquisition applications frequently involve multiple types of analogue, digital, and counter measurements and can consume hundreds of megabytes per second. Featuring NI-STC3 timing and synchronization technology, X Series DAQ devices for PCI Express and PXI Express are the most advanced DAQ devices ever designed by NI.

Leveraging this advanced technology NI has also released for MTEC this year a new generation of CompactDAQ for USB applications in every industry. With over 60 different modules the popular C Series platform gives the CompactDAQ unimpeded I/O versatility while with four 32-bit counter timers, external triggers and the ability to run modules at different rates, CompactDAQ elevates USB DAQ to new heights in power, versatility and affordability.

PXI, the open, rugged PC-based platform for test, measurement and control, is the perfect system for high performance measurement, parallel test and advanced automation systems. Through modular instrumentation, engineers can choose from a wide variety of measurement, signal generation, RF, power, and switch modules, and then configure the instruments in software to meet their specific needs. Based on Compact PCI, PXI supports measurements from high resolution DC to 6.6GHz RF, making it an ideal platform for high performance applications. See the latest modular hardware on display including the new NI FlexRIO product family which provides flexible, customisable I/O for NI LabVIEW FPGA.

NI Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) and Machine Vision
On display at this year’s event is the NI CompactRIO PAC which combines real-time and FPGA technologies to deliver high-performance in a small, rugged industrial control and acquisition platform. This architecture combines:

• Reconfigurable I/O to provide the reliability of dedicated hardware circuitry and the performance of true parallel execution
• Real-time embedded processors for stand-alone and distributed deterministic operation with a built-in web-based human-machine interface
• Industrial hot-swappable analogue and digital I/O modules for direct connection to industrial sensors and actuators.

For the first time, you can add imaging capabilities to your CompactRIO system! With NI Vision Development Module 2009, you can now deploy imaging libraries to both deployment targets, as well as acquire compressed images from IP cameras with the latest NI-IMAQdx image acquisition driver. The vision capabilities on CompactRIO are ideal for autonomous robotics, industrial monitoring, and embedded medical device applications.

Also on display at Advanced Manufacturing 2010 will be the latest additions to the NI Smart Camera family. The NI Smart Camera is a high performance, low cost embedded device that combines an industrial controller with an image sensor. It integrates seamlessly with NI vision software to offer image processing directly on the camera, making it ideal for applications such as locating parts, inspecting packaging, verifying assembly and reading 1-D and 2-D codes.

See more on exhibits at Advanced Manufacturing 2010 covered by Read-out for the last ten years!

Alternative energy and high efficiency influence product range

Farnell has selected the alternative energy sector as its latest focus market. The emphasis in this area of high importance has seen the leading multi-channel distributor add over 1,000 new products targeted at applications in alternative energy and high efficiency product design. Suppliers include leading industry names such as Microchip, ST Microelectronics and Tyco plus niche suppliers such as Advanced Linear Devices. The new additions take Farnell’s total number of products in this sector to over 5,000.

The latest issue of the company’s informative Technology First Journal looks in detail at alternative energy through a range of topical articles and features. Additionally, the element14 technology portal and e-community will feature a dedicated discussion and information group covering the topic to provide support and information for design engineers working on new projects.

Alternative energy encompasses areas such as wind power generation, hydro power and solar energy as well as less publicised techniques such as harnessing vibration and thermal energy to produce electricity. High efficiency is crucially important in the electronic circuitry that supports alternative energy systems to ensure that a minimal amount of the power generated is wasted in the form of electrical losses. The company also recognises that when considering the wider electronics market, components that have low power consumption or support energy efficient design, are crucial in helping engineers in the development of end products that have low total cost of ownership and deliver environmental benefits.

Lynn Ma, Technical Marketing Manager-Europe, Farnell said: “The development of alternative energy sources and the efficiency of both industrial and consumer electronics equipment remains under the spotlight as globally we seek to address the unsustainable rate at which the world’s natural resources are being consumed. The electronics industry has a key role to play in the development of effective systems to support alternative energy generation and energy efficient design as a whole. Through our focus in this area we are seeking to simplify component selection and sourcing and speed the design process for our design engineering customer base.”

New RF outlet

Sale of RF Product Line

Keithley Instruments has signed a definitive agreement with Agilent Technologies to sell substantially all of its RF product line to Agilent.

“Because we have placed a high emphasis on profitability in fiscal 2010 and beyond, we concluded that we could no longer continue to support our significant investment in RF measurement products, and should instead focus on growing our core business,” stated Joseph P. Keithley, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The impact of the economic downturn changed the expected timing of the returns we were anticipating from our RF product line, extending them beyond a time-frame that we were willing to continue to support. We are pleased that Agilent will be assuming this product line. Both Keithley and Agilent will work to provide high quality service and support through the transition for our customers using these products.”

Subject to the completion of customary closing conditions, it is anticipated that the transaction will close around November 30, 2009. Following the closing, it is anticipated that the majority of the RF team will become Agilent employees. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will transfer substantially all of the assets associated with the RF product line and Agilent will assume certain related liabilities. Agilent will provide global sales, service and support for the existing RF product line.

The Company expects to receive cash proceeds of approximately $9 million and to realize a pre-tax gain in the range of $2.5 to $3.5 million during its first quarter ended December 31, 2009, as a result of the sale.

The Company’s sales and earnings guidance provided on November 17, 2009 remains unchanged as a result of this transaction. Based upon current expectations, the Company is estimating sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which will end December 31, 2009, to range between $23 and $27 million and earnings before taxes to range from a loss to a profit, excluding the impact of the gain on the sale of the RF product line. The Company’s strategic focus is on managing the Company to ensure profitability in the short-term that will continue into the long-term. As a result of the significant cost reduction actions the Company has taken since September 2008, including the discontinuance of its S600 product line and the anticipated sale of its RF product line, the Company has lowered its annual break-even sales point to approximately $90 million, depending upon gross margins.

“Keithley remains committed to serving the challenging materials, device, and process measurement requirements that enable innovation within the electronics industry. As part of our initiative to improve our profitability in fiscal 2010, we made the decision to focus on growing our core business. We remain committed to supporting our customers in the semiconductor, wireless, precision electronics, and research and education industry segments, serving applications in research, development and production. The divestiture of our RF product line enables us to increase our focus on our core technologies and we intend to expand our efforts to leverage these strengths in support of new growth opportunities such as energy efficiency related devices and materials,” stated Keithley.

PSU

Triple output linear power supply

Calex has announced the availability of the 3.15.1000 linear power supply. The 3.15.1000 provides a low noise, highly regulated +5 V and ±15 V output for a total of 8 W of output power. The rugged, epoxy potted construction of the 3.15.1000 makes the unit ideal for use in a wide variety of sensitive analogue circuitry applications utilising operational amplifiers, function modules and data conversion circuits.

The 5 V output of the 3.15.1000 provides up to 1 A and the ±15 V outputs provide up to ±100 mA. The output voltage accuracy is ±1.0%. Line and load regulation is ±0.2%. Noise and ripple is very low at 2 mV RMS. The 3.15.1000 can be powered by 100, 115, 220, 230 and 240 V AC. The model features foldback current limiting short circuit protection so the unit can be shorted indefinitely without damage. The case temperature operating range of the 3.15.1000 is -25ºC to +50ºC. The case size is 89 x 64 x 40 mm and uses an industry standard pin-out making the unit a suitable alternative for replacing problem or obsolete models from other manufacturers.

The 3.15.1000 is available with two optional mounting kits that provide solder lug or screw terminal connections. The MK215-022 provides solder lug connections and measures 109 x 108 mm. The MK215-08BDV provides screw terminal connections and measures 112 x 93 mm. Units are available from approximately four weeks. Contact us for pricing on the 3.15.1000 as well as the two mounting kits.

LEM in China

New state-of-the-art manufacturing site in China
LEM celebrates 20 years in China

LEM continued its worldwide investment programme by opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing site and offices in Beijing (CN).

Beijing LEM Electronics Co., Ltd, is a fully owned subsidiary of LEM. The new site covers an area of 10,000 m2 with a total production area of 6,000 m2. Incorporating the latest manufacturing technology it is heated and cooled by a geothermal 300 KWA heat pump. Air quality at the flow-through plant is controlled by the introduction of fresh air via a heat exchanger and it is fully ESD protected. “After excellent growth in both production and sales for LEM in China, we are opening this new facility to ensure our continued development in the global markets”, said Paul Van Iseghem, President and CEO of LEM Group. “The new facility strengthens our capability to manufacture the high-quality electrical components that enable our customers worldwide to leverage our components in their systems for motor controls and inverters in the industrial, traction, energy & automation and automotive markets”.

The company has been active in China for 20 years and since 1998 it has had a fully owned company in Beijing. The opening ceremony was attended by leading Chinese and European officials including Mr. Lin Xiangyang, Vice Head of Beijing's Shunyi District; Mr. Claudio Mazzucchelli, Head of Section Swiss Business Hub; Mr. Liu Jinkui, General Manager of Linhe Industrial Zone; Mr. Peter Troesch, President of SwissCham Beijing; Mr. Zhang Ming, Vice General Manager of China Environrnmental Protection Company; Mr. Liang Yongyin, Party Secretary of Steel Structure Project Company of China XinXing Construction & Development Company.

The 20th anniversary of LEM in China was also celebrated with a display of Chinese dragons and dancers.

Wireless T&M

Remote display multimeter brings wireless technology to contact electrical measurement

Fluke has introduced the industry’s first digital multimeter with a detachable wireless display. The new Fluke 233 Digital Multimeter (DMM) uses a wireless transmitter to immediately send measurements to the detached display, improving safety and increasing productivity for industrial and commercial electricians and electronic technicians.

The Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter gives users ultimate flexibility in difficult test situations. By simply sliding the wireless display out of the meter body, the user can place the display where it is most easily seen, up to 10 metres from the point of measurement, while putting the meter in the best position to take measurements. The low-power, 2.4 GHz-ISM Band wireless signal that transmits measurement data is resistant to electromagnetic interference. The radio transmitter automatically turns on when the display is removed from the meter and off when the display is re-attached. The removable display is magnetic and has a flat bottom, so it can be conveniently mounted or placed on a flat surface where it can easily be seen. When the display is attached, the Fluke 233 operates as a conventional multimeter.

The Fluke 233 will measure up to 1000V AC and DC and up to 10A. It offers a 10,000 microF capacitance range, measures frequencies to 50kHz and captures min/max and average readings automatically. It features a 6,000-count display and includes a built-in thermometer that enables users to take temperature readings easily without carrying a separate instrument. An auto-off feature maximises battery life. The Fluke 233 is safety rated for use in CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V working environments.
Designed for both convenience and safety, the Fluke 233 makes it easier to take measurements in hard-to-reach places, or make measurements in machines or panels that are physically separated from a limit or isolator switch. It is ideal in areas where the operator cannot be close to the active measurement point, like clean rooms or hazardous areas. Making measurements without holding the meter can help users improve their visual focus on their test probes and work more safely.
The detachable wireless display lets the user:

• Find a comfortable position to view and record test data, even when the test location is hard to reach or in a dirty or noisy environment.
  
• View readings when the test point is across the room, or in the next room.
  
• See test results even when the meter is hidden behind an equipment enclosure.
  
• Run tests and read results at a safe distance from shock and arc flash hazards, moving machinery and other dangers.
  
• Separate the tasks of positioning the meter and reading test results, so the user can devote full attention to each job and work more safely.