Selecting the Proper Circuit Breaker for Your Application
Michael Manning, VP of Engineering, Automation Systems Interconnect, Inc.

A circuit breaker to most design engineers is thought of as a low cost commodity component that usually doesn’t get much attention when designing a new piece of equipment or system. In fact, on many occasions I have heard someone say, “It doesn’t matter I just need a circuit breaker.”  The fact of the matter is a circuit breaker is an extremely important component in every system.  They are used to protect valuable equipment or devices from damage or more importantly they are used to prevent a life threatening system disaster such as fire.

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Optima Releases Command and Communication Consoles
Optima EPS has introduced a new line of command and communication consoles. The consoles may be used in military/aerospace, mobile broadcast, law enforcement/HSS, emergency services or other applications.

Based on standard modules, the console range can be modified to suit most applications and ensures access to critical information in command and control systems. The design of Optima’s consoles accommodates typical floor layout requirements such as straight, L or U-shaped styles. Optional ergonomically designed laminate writing desks provide a comfortable work surface and maximum leg area. With removable sides, rear and top panels, the installation and accessibility of the equipment is fast and easy.

Optima can ruggedize the consoles in various ways. This includes thicker gauge aluminum frames, extra mounting and supports, cross bracing for enclosures, spot welding and T-frame supports.

OtterBox Impact Series Case Keeps BlackBerry Curve Thin and Stylish
OtterBox has introduced a sleek, curve-hugging case for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM). This Impact series skin-style case offers protection in a slim, portable design.  

Recently enhanced to provide even more protection, the Impact series case line now includes a self-adhering, clear film to safeguard the screen of the Curve from scratches, dirt and dust. Durable silicone provides protection and inner coring along the spine and in the corners of the case offers extra shock absorption to dissipate impact away from the device.

Each case includes an installation card for easy application of the protective screen as well as a microfiber cleaning cloth to keep the device and case looking new. Compatible with BlackBerry Curve 8300, 8310, 8320 and 8330 models, this OtterBox Impact series case offers open access to the headphone jack, sync/charge jack, speakers, microphone and camera. All buttons are fully functional through the case allowing users to make phone calls, check email or surf the net with ease.

New 2.45 GHz Cable Ferrites from Leader Tech
The introduction and widespread acceptance of Bluetooth and RFID electronics using the 2.45GHz frequency has prompted the development of a complete line of application-specific ferrites. Because of this Leader Tech has introduced multiple cable-mounted FerriShield Ferrites that are designed to remove unwanted high-frequency interference signals for applications operating with a peek frequency of 2.45 GHz. The frequency-specific Ferrishield Ferrites are offered in several bisected and solid styles to accommodate most round, flat or bundled cable applications.

Control Minimizes Energy Used for Cooling Panels
Exair’s new digital ETC (electronic temperature control) Cabinet Cooler System keeps electrical enclosures cool while minimizing compressed air use. The ETC can accurately maintain a constant temperature that is slightly under the maximum rating of the electronics, permitting just enough cooling for the electronics without going so cold as to waste compressed air.

The ETC incorporates solid state circuitry that detects the slightest change in temperature. A digital readout LED displays the temperature of the electrical enclosure (°F or °C), then displays the user setting when the “push to set” button is pressed. When the setting is exceeded, the cabinet cooler circulates 20°F air through the electrical enclosure to prevent a high temperature malfunction.

ETC models for 120 VAC or 240 VAC are available. The control has a strong polycarbonate plastic housing with sealed membrane push button control that is suitable for use in NEMA 4, 4X and 12 environments. The cabinet cooler installs in minutes through a standard electrical knockout. All systems include an automatic drain filter separator to ensure that no moisture passes to the inside of the electrical enclosure. Cooling capacities up to 2800 Btu/hour are available. Applications include cooling programmable controllers, CNC panels, computer cabinets and variable speed drives.

New Arc-Flash Detection Relay from SEL Minimizes Dangerous Arc-Fault Energy
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) has debuted an arc-flash detection (AFD) capability in the SEL-751A feeder protection relay, providing fully automatic protection against arc-flash events. Without AFD, the arc flash can cause severe personal injury, extensive equipment damage and lengthy system outages. In contrast, AFD interrupts power to the arc flash before it can cause significant damage.
 
The SEL-751A AFD solution uses fiber-optic, arc-flash light sensors to detect the light produced by an arc-flash event. To prevent false tripping, the SEL-751A looks for an over current that coincides with the light flash. When both conditions are met, the SEL-751A sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker in as fast as 2 ms. This fast tripping reduces the damage-causing energy released by the arc-flash event.

New Calmark Torque-Limiting Card-Lok Retainers Prevent Board Damage
New Calmark series 223 and 224 five-piece Card-Lok retainers for cold plate/heat exchanger applications feature a  torque-limiting design that prevents damage to the card-lok or to the board module assembly caused by over tightening.

A standard hex wrench can be used to lock the board module assembly into the cold wall, providing a safe clamping force without the need for a torque wrench. A screw actuated wedge action locks the board module assembly into place for high reliability and maximum shock and vibration resistance. An alignment spring returns wedge bodies to the relaxed position when unclamped. The wedge action design also provides maximum contact between thermal paths on the board module assembly and the heat-sinking surface for maximum thermal transfer.

Calmark Series 223 and 224 Torque-Limiting Card-Lok retainers are available in a wide range of standard lengths, mounting configuration options and finishes. There are also many custom options available, including three-piece assemblies, non-standard mounting patterns and non-standard finishes.

S.I.E. AG Acquires Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions, Inc. Assets
S.I.E. (Systems Industrie Electronics) AG has purchased the assets of Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions, Inc. The newly formed company, S.I.E. Computing Solutions, Inc. will maintain continuity in executive management, the same headquarters, and the same commitment to existing core markets.

"This strategic acquisition will have a positive impact on both our company and our customers,” said Chris Boutilier, president, S.I.E. Computing Solutions, Inc. “It will lead to tremendous opportunities for growth and global expansion. While S.I.E. AG's proven capabilities in the medical and securities industries will strengthen our presence in those markets, our commitment to our core markets, such as military, will remain strong. Our primary priority will be to ensure that our customers continue to experience the highest level of service, uncompromised product innovation, and complete business continuity."

NEMA Publishes New Standards for Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers and Box Supports
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published OS 1-2008 Sheet-Steel Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers and Box Supports and OS 2-2008 Nonmetallic Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers and Box Supports.

OS 1-2008 and OS 2-2008 describe standard configurations for outlet boxes 100 in³ or less, as well as manufacturer specifications for materials, corrosion protection, dimensions of openings, supports, cover screws, markings and provisions for grounding. The standards specify dimensions necessary for compatibility with NEMA standard wiring devices and help manufacturers ensure that box constructions comply with the National Electrical Code as well as UL listing requirements.

The standards were last revised in 2003. Two of the changes made to OS 1 include additional marking requirements for boxes for ceiling-suspended fan support and clarification to marking requirements for clamps furnished as part of a box. OS 2 includes updated definitions, revised requirements for fixture boxes and a modified Table 2-2.

CoolIT Systems Acquires Delphi Liquid Cooling Assets
CoolIT Systems has acquired Delphi Thermal Liquid Cooling’s assets including intellectual property, machinery and equipment. The Delphi acquisition will provide CoolIT the additional mass market production resources to better accommodate the rapidly growing global industry demand for liquid cooled computers. As part of the purchase agreement, CoolIT Systems will be immediately servicing industry giants including Dell and Apple.

“Traditional air cooling is no longer a viable roadmap option for servicing the PC industry’s high performance, heat-producing hardware,” said Geoff Lyon, CEO of CoolIT Systems. “We’ve recognized this and made it our mission to produce advanced liquid cooling systems that embody the reliability and performance characteristics the industry needs for mass market adoption.”

Nextreme And Nucletron Technologies GmbH Agree To Sell Thin-Film Thermoelectric Products In Europe
Nextreme Thermal Solutions and Nucletron Technologies GmbH have entered into a distribution agreement under which Nucletron will distribute Nextreme's thin-film thermoelectric products in Europe. The distribution agreement opens up Nextreme's first sales and marketing channel in Europe.

Nextreme is focused on solving thermal issues that are becoming widespread in the electronics industry. The company manufactures thin-film thermoelectric devices that act as solid-state heat pumps for cooling and temperature control of electronic and optoelectronic components used in a variety of industry applications. The same technology can generate electrical power from waste heat.

"Interest in our technology from the international markets has grown significantly this year," said Paul Magill, vice president of marketing and business development for Nextreme. "Nucletron sees the value in our next generation thermal management products and is excited to represent Nextreme as a distributor."

Chatsworth Acquires Epicenter, Inc.
Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI) has acquired Epicenter, Inc., a provider of data center infrastructure management tools to the enterprise and managed services market. Epicenter provides data center products that address both the growing complexity of managing IT infrastructure spread and the increasing concerns regarding data center operating costs. Epicenter delivers systems that provide the capability for advanced data center performance measurement such as compute per watt. Patented KVM solutions, IP-addressable power distribution units and software are all components of Epicenter’s versatile product set delivering centralized cross platform management of servers, network and storage.

With the integration of Epicenter technology, CPI can now further address today’s urgent customer needs regarding data center power and cooling with one of the most comprehensive solution sets of hardware and software on the market. CPI provides customers with the design assistance, product specification, customization and implementation support necessary for data center infrastructure.

Remote 2009 Conference & Expo IEC 61850/61400-25, DNP3 Workshop
The reality of the world-wide retiring process of the most valuable assets (the senior engineers in the utilities), the aging systems, the companies tightening budgets and lowering sales expectations - could bring some great opportunities for everyone involved in information management of local and remote devices and processes. Less people means less proprietary solutions could be supported. This is the time for a single, internationally standardized and accepted solution: IEC 61850.

In this comprehensive two-day workshop students learn the fundamental concepts and vision of the IEC 61850 standard series. Students compare traditional solutions like DNP3 and the new OPC UA to IEC 61850 and discuss the strength each method offers. All the IEC 61850 standards, their extensions, and many application domains are briefly discussed and the class delves into IEC 61850 real-time and client/server solutions.
Added Attendee Benefits:

Attendees will also receive access to Remote 2009 Conference & Expo morning keynote sessions, networking breaks, lunches, cocktail reception, and the show's expo hall.  

Click Here to Learn More about this Educational Workshop

Download a PDF copy of the March/April 2009 Issue

• New Products and Services
• Specifying Equipment Racks for Seismic Environments
• Preventive Maintenance Can Save You Money and Headaches
• Plastic Electrical Enclosures - Solutions for Extreme Customization
• Selecting the Proper Circuit Breaker for Your Application
• Telecom Company Improves Fiber Optic Network Reliability with
  Surge Suppression Technology
• Remote 2009 Call for Papers

June 2009

8-10, Sensors Expo, Chicago, Ill. Contact www.sensorsexpo.com

10-12, 2009 American Control Conference, St. Louis, Mo. Contact www.a2c2.org

24-26, 17th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation, Thessaloniki, Greece
Contact www.med09.org

2009 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility
August 17-21, 2009
Austin, Texas

Attend the 2009 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility in Austin, Texas at the Austin Convention Center and Hilton Hotel from August 17 – 21, 2009.

10 Reasons Why You Should Attend:

• Top-rated, peer reviewed technical paper sessions
• Special and invited paper sessions
• Workshops and tutorials
• Demonstrations and experiments
• Global EMC University – tutorials with CEU credits
• Exhibitors showcasing the latest EMC products and services
• Fun, imaginative, entertaining social events
• Adjacent modern hotel and exhibit facilities – no shuttles, cabs rides or long walks
• Austin – a destination city that's family-friendly with fun entertainment venues, “The Live Music Capital of the World!”
• The Best Speakers, The Best Papers, Your Best Friends, and The Best Time of Your Life!

Visit our website www.emc2009.org throughout the year for the latest information, videos and news about our symposium.

SMTA International 2009
Technical Conference: October 4-8 / Exhibition: October 6-7
Town and Country Resort and Convention Center
San Diego, CA

Come. Focus. SMTA International 2009
Don't miss the industry's strongest technical program.  Attendees at SMTAI 2009 can look forward to 120 papers, 18 short courses, Harsh Environment Electronics Symposium, Emerging Technologies, Lead-Free Symposium, Contract Manufacturing Symposium, and a special keynote speaker from Jet Propulsion Labs. 

SMTAI attracts the perfect blend of users, suppliers, academics, and technologists, making it the absolute location to learn and do business.  Early Bird rates still available to exhibit.  Get your booth before they are all gone!

SUPERCOMM
October 21-23, 2009
Chicago, IL

SUPERCOMM provides a foundation for the communications industry to explore the technological transformation created by broadband innovation. By creating a world-class platform where global brands showcase the entire broadband continuum, service providers, and enterprise and institutional communication buyers have the ability to identify the solutions enhance their networks and monetize investments in broadband. From enabling technologies to content delivery and next generation applications, SUPERCOMM is the forum where the vision of broadband technology comes to life. SUPERCOMM will showcase the very latest innovations and technologies in next generation services enabling infrastructure networks and will demonstrate how the communications industry delivers fast content, applications and services in a converged world. Register now for SUPERCOMM 2009. October 21–23. Chicago, Illinois.

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