Product Times

Electronics Times, Sept 7, 1998 by Tina Walsh

This modular C4x-based product solution allows engineers to scale their design to meet exact processing requirements.

The TIM-SDR integrates the AD6640 70MHz ADC, a Harris HSP50016 narrow-band DDC, a 60MHz C44 DSP, and a 12bit 250kHz DAC on a single-width mezzanine module. The C44 has access to 512Kbyte of zero wait state SRAM and 32Kbyte of EEPROM for ID information or code storage. Four 20Mbyte/s communication ports are available to link to other TIM-40 modules.

Spectrum Signal Processing Tel: 0181 263 2910 Fax: 0181 263 2916 Enquiry Number 538

Monitor line loads

After a detailed feasibility study for the acoustics at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, PCM proposed that a special strain gauged load link transducer should be designed for in-line load monitoring of each of the 28 supporting cables for the system.

The transducers were combined with specially constructed electronic instrumentation, which performed load measurement and overload visual alarm functions.

Each load transducer was constructed for precise load measurement while being required to fit within the existing cable assembly, with the minimum of disruption. PCM also installed the system that required the cable line.

Signal conditioning of each transducer provided a 4 to l OmA, two-wire signal output. The resulting 28 individual signals were routed to an instrumentation console also situated on the acoustic hood.

The instrumentation console provided digital readout of each load transducer, summation of all transducers to give total weight of the hood and a preset alarm facility.

Each alarm can be preset to a particular load and if exceeded will operate a LED display and a remote visual indicator.

This ensures that when additional lighting or audio equipment is being installed on the hood, if the preset weight limit is exceeded, the LED display will immediately alert engineers.

PCM Enquiry Number 550 Tel: 01926 864444 Fax: 01926 864888

Human interfaces aid high-tech talking

Human-machine interface (HMI) products in the latest Magelis range are now available from Contelec Supplies. Manufactured by Telemecanique, the interfaces offer effective communication via a user-programmable text display and, depending on the model, can include a keypad for data entry and function selection.

All types are designed for reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. In addition to having IP65 environmental rating, they have also undergone and passed all relevant EMC tests relating to IEC1311, the specific product standard.

HMI products in the range include XBT-H, XBT-P and XBT-E, which are suited to use in simple applications. The XBT-H terminals have a message display with two lines of 20 characters and include storage for up to 200 messages. These units come with optional service and function keys.

Contelec Tel: 01902 366556 Fax: 01902 635417 Enquiry Number 551

NPT modules provide 1400V performance

The latest non-punch-through (NPT) P-series IGBT modules from Fuji Electric offer 1400V and are targeted at designs up to 575V AC.