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May 2008
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FEATURED ARTICLE
- Who Tripped the Circuit? The Clear-Cut Case for Branch Circuit Monitoring in Data Centers
PRODUCT NEWS
- Carlo Gavazzi Introduces Re-Circulating Air Cooled ATR Enclosures
- Easi-Set Transportable Precast Concrete Buildings
- New Air Conditioners Designed for NEMA 4 and 4X Enclosures
- Silicon Diode Array Improves Communication Line Protection From ESD and Other Overvoltage Threats
- Southco Key-Choice System Simplifies Access-Control Implementation and Management
- New Surge Protective Devices from 40,000 to 200,000 Amps
INDUSTRY NEWS
- Elma Electronic and DFT Microsystems Partner to Offer SerDes Test Solutions
- Laird Technologies, Inc. and Altron Sign Distribution Agreement
- Active Power Providing Power Protection to Alabama Public Television
- Why the Data Center Building Boom Could be a Bust
- Wago Corp.’s Newly Expanded Headquarters Increase Firm’s Capabilities and Service
EVENT LISTINGS
- Remote 2008 Conference and Expo Preliminary Program Announced
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 Emcor…For Complete Enclosure Systems Solutions!
Emcor provides a total system approach to electronic equipment protection. We start with fully welded frames for superior strength and rigidity. Then we add accessories that are specially designed to integrate into our enclosure systems.
Emcor Enclosures come configured-to-order with all accessories mounted per your  specifications. There is no costly, time consuming assembly as with bolt-together units.
Our 10 Series enclosures provide equipment mounting capacity up to 3,500 pounds. Other models are available to fit virtually any application and or budget.
Strength, design flexibility, and configure-to-order capabilities make Emcor Enclosure Systems your best choice for electronic equipment protection. |
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Who Tripped the Circuit? The Clear-Cut Case for Branch Circuit Monitoring in Data Centers
Eaton Data Center Solutions
A large Internet service provider had spent millions of dollars on reliability measures for its state-of-the-art data center. After all, its data center was its life blood. No downtime was acceptable.
So the infrastructure was bolstered with redundant UPS systems, redundant cooling, redundant generators and redundant power feeds into the AC servers. However, in spite of all these protections, the ISP experienced a lot of unplanned downtime, at the worst times, when Internet activity was at its highest. The trigger was embarrassingly simple: branch circuit breakers were tripping.
Read more at: http://www.equipmentprotectionmagazine.com/images/Eaton-monitoring.pdf |
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Carlo Gavazzi Introduces Re-Circulating Air Cooled ATR Enclosures
 Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions has introduced its 715 series of re-circulating air cooled rugged ATR enclosures. Engineered to protect commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cards deployed in caustic environments, the 715 series is designed to withstand extremes in temperature, vibration, humidity and contaminants.
The 715 series’ re-circulating air cooling system provides a contaminant free environment for COTS convection cooled cards. While functioning as a typical conduction cooled system on the outside, the cooling system for the 715 series uses a re-circulating fan on the inside to transfer circuit card heat energy to the conducting walls. The conducting walls are engineered thermal cores providing maximum heat transfer to the exterior surfaces of the system. For high dust environments, the 715 series provides an advantage over conventional cooling methods since it does not draw outside air in to cool the system.
Featuring a rugged, brazed aluminum frame construction, the 715 Series is available with scalable power options and can be configured to custom form factor requirements for a variety of airborne and vehtronics applications.
Easi-Set Transportable Precast Concrete Buildings
Easi-Set transportable precast concrete buildings offer a lifetime, maintenance-free solution for many applications including telecommunications, equipment shelters, hazmat, pumps and storage. A variety of custom and standard sizes, colors and finishes are available, so buildings can blend with nearby structures. Easi-Set buildings offer a built-in floor, no foundations or footings are required. A level six-inch layer of sand or crushed stone on an approved sub-grade is all the preparation required. They are produced by local manufacturers throughout North America, and can be transported to your site and installed in as little as a few hours.
New Air Conditioners Designed for NEMA 4 and 4X Enclosures
 Kooltronic, Inc. has introduced its Profile Guardian series DP33, DP43 and DP47 panel mounted air conditioners designed to cool the interior of electronic cabinets. With capacities ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 BTU/H, these NEMA 4/4X Rated air conditioners are well suited for both indoor and outdoor applications where weather and corrosion resistance is required.
Epoxy-coated condenser coils and painted galvanized sheet metal in the Profile Guardian models allow them to be used in corrosive and other hostile environments. The NEMA 4X interface makes these models suitable for applications such as processing plants, where Government Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures require routine high pressure wash downs, and electronic systems need to be housed in NEMA 4/4X rated enclosures.
The entire Profile series consists of 13 air conditioners ranging in heights from 17 to 60 inches and capacities from 1,500 to 26,000 BTU/H. Available in 115 VAC and 230 VAC (50 or 60 Hz), with three 480 V models, the Profile series is UL/CUL Listed and uses environmentally-friendly CFC-free R134a refrigerant.
Silicon Diode Array Improves Communication Line Protection From ESD and Other Overvoltage Threats
Littelfuse, Inc. has expanded its SP72x series of SCR Diode Arrays for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other overvoltage protection of telecomm and datacom interface circuits. The SP725 is particularly well suited for protection of microprocessor/logic inputs, data bus lines, analog device inputs and many other voltage clamp applications.
The thyristor-based design of the SP725 silicon diode array utilizes two bipolar SCR/diode structures to protect each of the four inputs (typically external signal or bus lines). Its operation is similar to what is known as a steering diode, but it has lower capacitance and leakage current for a given impulse rating. This means less chance of communication signal distortion.
Each SCR structure is triggered on by any current that biases the SCR into conduction against the supply rails. These internally triggered SCRs offer improved impulse protection compared to conventional diode offerings and will serve a broader range of applications.
Transients are diverted around the SP725 silicon diode array input lines to the power supply rails, or ground. Once the discharge current falls below the forward bias levels, the device stops conducting and returns the input lines to their previous condition. This design can protect up to 30 V and will protect at around one volt beyond the supply rail voltage (V+ or V-). The closest competing device protects only at its breakdown voltage of 18 V.
The SP725 series silicon diode array circuit protection device is available in an 8-lead, narrow body SOIC package, which can be supplied in tape and reel assemblies. It is RoHS compliant and fully lead-free, in contrast to competitive units that still use lead solder for attachment of the IC to heat dissipaters. The SP725 also meets the test requirements of IEC 61000-4-2 for 8 kV direct discharge and 15 kV air discharge. It also meets the requirements of MIL-STD-3015.7 for 25 kV testing.
Southco Key-Choice System Simplifies Access-Control Implementation and Management
 The Southco Key-Choice System provides a comprehensive solution to the common problem of coordinating keylocking latches and key codes to meet end-use requirements. By separating the key code specification decision from the latch specification decision, the Southco Key-Choice System offers flexible options for managing security.
The system provides the ability to install lock cores at multiple points throughout the manufacturing and distribution supply chain in order to eliminate the complexity of tracking key code assignments and offer end users greater choices of key code options. It also provides a more attractive and practical alternative than using external padlocks to manage key codes.
The Southco Key-Choice System encompasses a wide variety of latch styles—including compression latches, push-to-close latches, cam latches, cam locks and multi-point latches. Yet, each latch style accepts the identical range of lock core options, offering the ability to tailor key code assignment to the security needs of the application well after installation of the latch. This also offers the manufacturer the option to bundle multiple latch styles and provide the convenience of a single key.
Practical applications of the system address any combination of keying requirements including master keyed, keyed alike and keyed different key code options. It also addresses applications where access needs to be restricted to a single user or operator. It also simplifies the opportunity to vary shared access and exclusive access assignments including master key management, across a range of units.
This ability to mix-and-match key codes among multiple latch styles answers specific needs across a variety of industry applications. Industrial enclosures and self-service equipment benefit where access to specific compartments needs to be limited to authorized individuals.
New Surge Protective Devices from 40,000 to 200,000 Amps
Phoenix Contact's Valvetrab-SQ surge protective devices (SPD) offer safe, reliable surge protection from 40,000 to 200,000 amps. The NEMA-style product series includes approximately 50 part numbers in three different mountable designs designated by control cabinet (CC), sub-panel (SP) and service entrance (SE) identifiers.
The VAL-SQ CC series offers an economical method of protecting electronic equipment in light commercial, light industrial and residential environments. It has 40,000 amps of surge current rating, and its compact design is well suited for installation in a control cabinet or directly to critical equipment.
A multi-phase SPD and noise filter, the VAL-SQ SP series protects sensitive equipment even in the worst environmental conditions. It can be installed adjacent to sub-panels or directly to sensitive equipment. It provides 80,000 or 120,000 amps of surge current rating per phase.
The VAL-SQ SE series provides maximum surge protection for the service entrance and remote locations in industrial, medical and commercial applications. Available with 120,000, 160,000 and 200,000 amp surge current ratings, it can be mounted near the circuit breaker, reducing connecting leads and improving performance.
In addition to surge protection, the Valvetrab-SQ line includes status LEDs, audible alarms, sine wave tracking filtration and function monitoring. All of the SPDs comply with UL 1449 2nd Edition, 2007 requirements. |
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Elma Electronic and DFT Microsystems Partner to Offer SerDes Test Solutions
Elma Electronic Inc. and DFT Microsystems have partnered to offer high-speed SerDes Test modules for the embedded systems market. The first test module the companies are releasing is the DV3200, designed for the VPX architecture. It is fully compliant to the latest VITA 46.0 base specification and comes in the 6U form factor. The modules can be used to test the true Bit Error Rate (BER) performance for the multi-gigabit per second signals across the serial links. Jitter, timing, voltage, and pattern tests can be generated with the DV3200.
The plug-in modules allow quick and accurate testing, without the expense capital-intensive equipment. With direct plugging to a laptop via a USB connection and user-friendly GUI software, the user can start testing within minutes. As the modules are easy to use and do not require equipment such as oscilloscopes, TDRs, signal analyzers or generators, the SerDes test modules also save on training/personnel costs.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Elma Electronic,” said David Lisk, president and CEO of DFT Microsystems. “We believe that the combination of DFT’s high-density Gbps test modules and Elma’s enclosure platforms and test chassis result in significant productivity enhancements for the entire embedded systems community. Our offerings will enable this community to deal with the SerDes design challenges with unprecedented efficiency and ease of use.”
Laird Technologies, Inc. and Altron Sign Distribution Agreement
Laird Technologies, Inc. has signed a distribution agreement with German-based distributor Altron. Altron’s initial stocking package includes Laird Technologies’ thermal interface, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and signal integrity (SIP) products for all sectors of the electronics industry, including telecommunications, data transfer and information technology, as well as the automotive, aerospace, consumer, medical and industrial markets. The agreement is expected to bring new customers to both Altron and Laird Technologies.
“We are pleased to join with Altron in distributing our products to its engineering customers,” said Monika Arntz, Laird Technologies vice president, Europe. “We believe this agreement is a win-win for both companies and will introduce many new customers to Laird Technologies products.”
“We are delighted to join in a relationship with Laird Technologies, they are a quality oriented supplier in a strong growing market segment,” said Heiko Söhle, Altron managing director. “We can support our customers with a new broad product portfolio and will be able to offer innovative solutions since both companies have synergistic customer bases.”
Active Power Providing Power Protection to Alabama Public Television
Active Power, Inc. has deployed a second 300 kVA CleanSource UPS system for Alabama Public Television (APT). The system protects the broadcaster’s transmitter from power disturbances and also conditions the power, providing voltage regulation and harmonic cancellation. The first system was deployed in the fall of 2006 at APT’s transmitter site in Spanish Fort, Ala. The second system was recently deployed at another transmitter site in Texasville, Ala.
“APT is a network of public broadcast service member stations that serves the entire state of Alabama so transmission interruptions due to power disturbances are simply not an option,” said Gary Rackow, vice president, Americas for Active Power. “Weather or electrical events that cause downtime can result in lost viewers, but also lost sponsorship revenue. In emergency situations, continuous power is critical as state residents rely on APT for important information. Active Power’s CleanSource system protects transmitter sites due to its higher reliability over conventional battery based UPS systems.”
Active Power’s flywheel technology is being used in broadcast applications with systems deployed in more than 20 US states to protect transmitter sites and broadcast studios against power sags, fluctuations and outages. The system is inherently reliable in broadcast environments, particularly during crowbar events. This event is an automatic shutdown method used in many high power transmitters as a safety circuit, which can wreak havoc on a television transmitter. During a crowbar event, an integrated flywheel based UPS system will utilize its bypass in order to help supply the desired current from the lowest impedance source and does so without disturbing the operation of other transmitters on the same circuit.
Why the Data Center Building Boom Could be a Bust
OnPATH Technologies has responded to recent studies forecasting an upcoming data center construction boom. Surveys from organizations such as Campos Research have indicated that up to 50 percent of respondents plan to either expand or build entirely new data centers over the next two years, but all of this construction could be in vain if proper consideration is not given to the physical layer.
“It’s a problem we continually see. Data centers reach the capacity limit of their physical network infrastructure, which is then further exacerbated by planned and unplanned moves, adds, and changes of cables and equipment.” said Peter Dougherty, president and CEO of OnPATH Technologies. “Over time, a rat’s nest of optical and copper networks is inevitably created and companies face the reality of building a new data center or investing even more resources into a bigger version of the same model. Both are done without considering the root issue, and it all can be avoided if the physical layer network infrastructure is properly addressed in the planning stages.”
Cost and ROI are always issues that are top-of-mind with executives, and one thing to consider is that network infrastructure and data center expansion involves more than just the direct costs of new buildings and equipment. “Time to deployment, time to market, cost of downtime, migration time, re-testing, and the impact on worker productivity needs to be accounted for,” continued Dougherty. “It’s obvious that the price of power and real estate is going to continue to increase, so the longer a data center can be efficiently operated, the greater return on investment companies will see.”
Lack of space, power inefficiencies, and increasing disaster recovery needs comprise the main reasons for this building boom, as cited by survey respondents. OnPATH believes better planning and attention to the virtualization of the physical infrastructure layer can extend the lifecycle of data centers to help reduce power, cooling and space needs while improving network automation, asset management, time to market, system testing and disaster recovery.
“So much emphasis has been placed on the virtualization of applications, servers, storage, etc., but companies often don’t consider that they will hit the wall in terms of the physical network connectivity needed to keep all that virtualized equipment running efficiently,” said Dougherty. “Unstructured optical and copper cabling is unreliable and connector and wiring failures will drive up operating costs by physically limiting the ability to scale and consolidate. Unfortunately, what most people do not realize is that studies have shown that a majority of network downtime is due to cabling problems.”
By virtualizing the physical network layer, data centers achieve end-to-end virtualization that will ultimately pave the way for next generation networks, which helps to reduce operation costs, provide an agile and real-time infrastructure, and support green initiatives. As this wave of data center construction continues, companies must consider integrating a virtualized physical layer as part of the groundwork for a longer data center lifecycle, otherwise they will be never fully achieve the benefits from their investments.
Despite potential economic conditions, the pressure for expansion plans and the need to handle more data, efficiently and securely, will not be going away. “Over the last decade, the pace of IT advancement moved so quickly that the focus was on deploying equipment and applications,” Dougherty notes. “Today, it has turned to saving money, increasing efficiency and agility, and extending the life of the infrastructure. Every C-level executive and network operations professional should understand how significantly the physical layer of their network impacts overall operations and how smart planning and implementation of a virtualized network infrastructure can benefit them through multiple generations of technology investments.”
Wago Corp.’s Newly Expanded Headquarters Increase Firm’s Capabilities and Service
WAGO Corp. has expanded its North American headquarters. The expansion, which began in August ’07, has significantly increased WAGO’s product manufacturing and storage capacity from 60,000 sq. ft. to 75,000 sq. ft., complete with 36,000 product locations.
“The increased size of our organization validates to our customers that we are committed to them for the long haul; they can always rely upon us to provide the support that they deserve,” said Wago Corp. president, Tom Artmann. “This expansion allows us to provide the same strong levels of quality and accuracy. Now, we have the added benefit of delivering thousands of additional items from stock.” |
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Remote 2008 Conference and Expo Preliminary Program Announced
The Remote 2008 Conference and Expo program will feature two new session tracks, totaling 50+ sessions, all tailored for the remote site and equipment management market. These new tracks include two days dedicated to cyber and physical security of remote sites, and a small track covering remote smart services. As well as our always popular remote monitoring and remote networking tracks. This is your one stop for new technology, market updates, and remote site solutions. Don’t miss it!
Remote 2008 Preliminary Program Sessions: visit Web site for full descriptions
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June 2008
16-19, NXTComm, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact - www.nxtcommshow.com
August 2008
4-7, NGDC (Next Generation Data Center) San Francisco, Calif. Contact www.ngdcexpo.com
18-21, IEEE EMC, Detriot, Mich. Contact www.emc2008.org
24-27, CableTec Expo, Philadelphia, PA. Contact www.scte.org
Next Generation Data Center
 Aug. 4-7, 2008
San Francisco, Calif.
NEXT GENERATION DATA CENTER, August 4 – 7, 2008 is the only strategic IT event focused on dynamic solutions for the ever-evolving data center. Sign up today and discover real-world, ready-to-deploy solutions to transform every element of your infrastructure—and leverage the latest innovations for advanced storage, networking, consolidation, virtualization, and green power to build a robust platform for long-term business growth and efficiency. Dive into 100+ educational sessions or test-drive the latest in data center technologies and strategies on the exhibit floor. REGISTER NOW for your FREE Exhibit Hall Pass or one of the conference packages at www.ngdcexpo.com!
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