December 2007

Five Strategies for Cutting Data Center Energy Costs Through Enhanced Cooling Efficiency
Until recently, little attention has been given to the cost of energy used by IT systems. But as power consumption and electricity prices rise, energy costs are receiving more scrutiny from senior-level executives seeking to manage dollars. In fact, energy costs have now become one of the driving factors in decisions regarding data center location and design.

Read Full White Paper at: www.equipmentprotectionmagazine.com/images/Emerson_EfficiencyWP.pdf

New Forensic RTX 4-bay TrayFree Enclosure from WiebeTech

The Forensic RTX is the latest in the line of WiebeTech's TrayFree technology storage enclosures. Designed for the computer forensic investigator, this portable, desktop-based storage enclosure allows examination of 3.5 inch drives in either an IDE or SATA write-blocked bay.

Evidence can then be copied onto SATA drives in either of two read/write SATA bays. Each bay offers dual FireWire 800 (400 compatible) ports and a single USB port. Additionally, RTX can be used in the lab or carried to the field with the heavy-duty handle that allows for easy transport.

Write-blocked drive bays prevent data from being written back to the drive. Write-block support is provided via WiebeTech's proprietary write-block technology that offers easy read-only access to suspect hard drives. WiebeTech's write-block technology is compatible with forensic acquisition and analysis software.

TrayFree Technology is available on the three SATA bays, and eases adding drives. Users simply slide in a SATA drive and shut the door, with no screws or trays. All four bays offer a lock for additional security, and the three SATA bays have shock protection for longer drive life. A sturdy aluminum case provides added heat dissipation and rugged durability.

Pelican Introduces Flash Memory Card Protector Cases

Pelican Products is now offering photographers and consumer electronics users a Memory Card Case to keep their precious media dry and secure. With four different insert configurations to choose from, the case is designed to protect all known flash memory card sizes and can accommodate as many as 32 cards at a time. 

Available in black, the Memory Card Cases come standard with a silicon o-ring for a water-resistant seal and streamlined design with a high impact polycarbonate shell that stands up to punishing conditions.

Additionally, they feature a strong latch with corrosion-resistant, nickel plated brass pins that keep the case closed after drops and hard knocks and a shock-absorbing liner that adds another level of protection for the cards. The Memory Card Cases have an MSRP of $24.95 and are backed by the Pelican Products lifetime warranty.

SABIC Innovative Plastics Expands LNP Faradex Compounds to Boost EMI/RFI Shielding of Electronics

SABIC Innovative Plastics has expanded its LNP Faradex family of specialty compounds to help electronics manufacturers achieve lighter-weight, thinner-wall housings with enhanced shielding capability. SABIC Innovative Plastics’ LNP Faradex compounds can deliver better electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding performance without increasing loading of stainless steel fibers, thereby keeping costs and part weight down. Proprietary filler technology not only improves inherent shielding capability of existing loadings, but also increases modulus to enable strong and durable thin-wall parts.

The five new LNP Faradex compounds are alloys of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS). They include three grades featuring non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardants (FR) for compliance with such environmental regulations as the EU’s WEEE and RoHS directives, and other eco labels. The two non-FR grades offer higher impact resistance than previous LNP Faradex compounds. Varieties of other base resins are also available based on customer requirements.

“To help our customers design streamlined electronic devices that can squeeze more functionality into the same space, we have created proprietary technology that actually increases shielding performance without any additional stainless steel fiber, and raises modulus by more than a third,” said Eric Jiang, LNP product manager, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “New LNP Faradex compounds offer EMI/RFI shielding performance without costly secondary operations as compared to typical molded polymeric products, so total cycle time and total system cost reductions are possible. As compared to the traditional metals used for EMI/RFI shielding, new LNP Faradex compounds provide not only design flexibility but also weight reduction while maintaining the required EMI/RFI shielding performance. We expect these products to be widely adopted in automotive applications as well as in housings for electronic devices and telecom applications.”

New Reinforced Thermal Interface Material from Fujipoly

Fujipoly has released its Sarcon GR-Td, a conformable and durable 0.25 mm thick polyester reinforced thermal interface material. Sarcon GR-Td is easy to install and typically does not require adhesive due to its naturally tacky consistency. These inherent material characteristics make it well suited for applications where surface space and surface textures vary.

GR-Td is a economical thermal interface solution that also offers a low thermal resistance due to its thin profile. When placed between a heat source such as a high-performance semiconductor and a nearby heat sink, this Sarcon TIM formulation will transfer heat with a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W/m°K and a thermal resistance of  0.39 °Cin2/W.  This material is suitable for high tolerance die-cut operations and is available in sheets up to 300 by 200 mm or rolls 400 mm by 10 m.

High-Performance Terminal Blocks Save Time, Space

Phoenix Contact’s SPT 5 PCB terminal blocks provide fast wiring of conductors for power applications. A zigzag pin design allows for an unrestricted 600 volt and 35 amp UL capability with a pitch of just 7.5 mm.

The SPT 5 is a fixed, one-piece printed circuit terminal block with a spring-cage wire termination design. Solid conductors and stranded conductors with ferrules can be applied without the use of tools; simply push the conductor into the spring-cage connection. For stranded wires without ferrules, a screwdriver is placed into the actuation shaft to open the contact termination point. The screwdriver remains in the actuation shaft during wire placement to allow “two-handed wiring” by the installer. The result is reduced labor costs and reliable wire terminations.

The SPT 5’s stackable design enables any combination of position sizes. Both right angle and vertical PCB-mount versions are available. Typical applications include the manufacture of power supplies, industrial controls, DC-to-DC converters and drive controls.

Upsite Technologies, Inc. Partners with Quantum Data Systems Ltd. to Distribute KoldLok in Asia

Upsite Technologies, Inc. has announced that Quantum Data Systems (H.K.) Ltd. (QDS), a data center equipment and facilities solution vendor in Hong Kong, China, and Macau, will distribute its KoldLok Raised Floor Grommets.

Upsite’s patented KoldLok Raised Floor Grommets seal cable openings in data centers to optimize the effectiveness of existing cooling equipment and manage the increasing heat loads due to technology compaction and increasing demands on IT performance. KoldLok products provide a airflow and thermal management solution without the need for additional equipment purchases. Upsite’s products and services currently optimize more than 6 million ft2 of data center space, helping data centers reduce their carbon footprint.

Upsite’s KoldLok products have increasing visibility in other parts of the world as well, including Europe where Upsite has recently opened a regional office in Utrecht, Netherlands. With KoldLok and its other patented optimizing products and services, Upsite is dedicated to making a positive impact on EPA estimates that indicate national data center electricity consumption will double by 2011 to three percent of the US total, necessitating the construction of 10 additional power plants.

Active Power Receives Multimillion Dollar Data Center Order

Active Power, Inc. has received an order from its OEM partner Caterpillar for eleven 900 kVA UPS systems. The systems will be deployed at one of the largest collocation data center sites in the US located in Culpeper County, Va. Working with Caterpillar, Active Power will deliver systems totaling eight megawatts to protect the data center site from electrical disturbances. UPS equipment for the multimillion dollar order is to begin delivery in the fourth quarter of this year.

“The flywheel based UPS system is well suited for the customer’s operations and application, providing best in class solutions for meeting their mission critical requirements,” said Jim Clishem, president and CEO. “The fact they chose to deploy this technology is further validation of the field proven technology that is inherent in these systems. Data center operators are increasingly turning to battery-free green technologies that provide an overall economic advantage.”

Altair Nanotechnologies Executes Joint Development and Equipment Purchase Agreement with AES Corp.

Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. has finalized a joint development and equipment purchase agreement related to Altairnano’s battery technology and energy storage products with AES Corp. AES is one of the world's largest power companies, with operations in 28 countries on five continents. 

Earlier this year, AES completed a $3 million strategic investment in Altairnano. Under the terms of the deal, Altairnano and AES will jointly develop a suite of energy storage solutions specifically for AES.  These energy storage products are expected to deliver in excess of 1 MW of power and 500 KWh of energy. 

Altairnano is working with AES to apply these products and systems at strategic points within the electrical grid to more efficiently deal with congestion, peak energy consumption and real-time fluctuations in electricity demand. The quick response time, extended life, and power profile of the Altairnano batteries and energy storage products are well suited to improving performance in these areas with lower environmental impact than traditional generation solutions.

Elma Electronic and MicroBlade to Develop MicroTCA Products Partnership

Elma Electronic Inc. and MicroBlade have announced a new partnership. The two companies will work together to develop MicroTCA products and system solutions. The companies have extensive experience and have collectively participated in all of the MicroTCA Interoperability Workshops. Together, the companies will provide MicroTCA system solutions.

"Mike Franco, the President of MicroBlade, is the chairman of the PICMG MicroTCA Subcommittee and is widely regarded as the father of MicroTCA", said Shan Morgan, VP of Sales for Elma Electronic. “Elma is proud to be partnering with one of the key contributors for the MicroTCA and AMC specifications",

The first product developed together by the two companies is the 1U MicroBox. This unit features thermal performance in an attractive size option for the industry. 
MicroBlade offers the market's first JSM (J-TAG Switch Module) and a line of Power Modules, Programmable Load Modules and AMC modules. MicroBlade also provides MicroTCA design and market expertise through its subsidiary, Signal Stream Technologies.

"Elma is an industry leader in MicroTCA system platforms," said Mike Franco, president of MicroBlade. "Their modular design and creative chassis solutions make them an ideal partner for electronic packaging for MicroTCA."  

Remote 2008
November 5-6, 2008
Atlanta, GA

Remote Site and Equipment Management Magazine is proud to announce that the annual Remote 2008 Conference and Expo will be held November 5-6, 2008 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA.

The two-day international conference will serve equipment and facility managers, communications system operators, designers, developers and integrators interested in learning the latest capabilities and best practices in these rapidly advancing fields. This will provide an opportunity to network with peers, professionals and potential business partners involved in technology solutions serving a variety of applications. See the latest products, services and systems available and discover what's coming next.

New topics of discussion for 2008 will include a fourth session track dedicated specifically to cyber and physical security as it related to remote sites and equipment. Additionally, we will be expanding the topics of discussion of our Onsite Power section of the show by including power protection related topics.

For more Information About Sponsoring and Exhibiting Contact Scott Nash: Scottn@infowebcom.com

For more Information About Speaking Abstract Contact Nick Depperschmidt: Nickd@infowebcom.com