Orion Fans Launches AC & DC IP69K Rated Fans

Orion Fans has launched AC and DC versions of their IP69K rated fans. The IP69K range is designed to withstand high temperatures and high-pressure wash-downs of up to 80°C of water and cleaning chemicals. The IP69K rating offers the maximum environmental protection for electronics, ensuring no damage to occur and that no contaminants will enter the fan motor.

The IP69K AC and DC fans are rigorously tested by having 80°C high pressure water being sprayed from 4 angles, every 30 seconds at only 4-6 inches away from the fan.

The IP69K was originally designed for vehicles that required intensive cleaning, such as concrete trucks. This makes it ideal for other applications that require protection against dust, high temperature and high-pressure liquids to eliminate mould, bacteria and the spread of germs.

This includes applications where hygiene and cleanliness cannot be compromised, such as food and beverage processing, medical cleaning of surgical equipment, monitoring equipment and other devices, and other industries such as Industrial, Marine, Mining, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, and Wastewater.

“Orion Fans continues to evolve product lines to feature this new IP69K protection level. This ensures that our fans will continue to provide consistent reliable service over years of cleaning and exposure to harsh environments. Through lower cost due to reduced downtime, and a broader range of applications, Orion Fans is committed to providing thermal management solutions that keep your operations running,” said David Luna, Vice President Marketing at Orion Fans.

Orion AC DC IP69K Fans are available in the following sizes:

IP69K rated AC fans: 180mm-280mm frame sizes

IP69K rated DC fans: 60mm-172mm frame sizes

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Digi EX15 Cellular Extender

The Digi EX15 LTE is a cellular extender that offers assured gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity for businesses where network downtime is not an option. When combined with a dedicated wireline connection, the Digi EX15 ensures ISP connectivity, maximum uptime and completely continuity for devices that must be ‘always on’. This is vital in industries such as Retail, with devices like mobile kiosks, digital signs and POS systems.

Dual connectivity/failover is offered on top of the primary LTE connectivity. Additionally, the serial port can be used to provide out-of-band (OOB) management for remote, off-premise equipment.

The Digi EX15 remote mounting kit includes a battery pack for site surveys (to determine signal availability), a PoE injector for remote powering options, and a variety of mounting accessories designed to ensure the Digi EX15 is optimally placed for the strongest cellular reception.

There is an upgrade option for swappable 4G LTE plug-in modems and dual SIM support.

Features:

  • LTE-certified Digi CORE® LTE plug-in modem
  • Scalable cellular technology allows you to match speeds to applications and future proof your network
  • Optimised connectivity to any Ethernet device
  • Battery pack for site survey to identify optimal signal strength placement
  • Multiple mounting options and accessories
  • Serial port for remote, out-of-band management
  • Securely deploy, monitor and control devices with Digi Remote Manager®
  • Zero-touch provisioning and cloud management

Install in Minutes Where the Cellular Reception is Strongest

Digi EX15 LTE cellular extenders can be used as a primary 4G/LTE data connection or as a backup network solution to streamline business continuity. By adding Digi EX15 to your network, any Ethernet device can utilise fast and convenient cellular data, and Digi EX15 can be located or mounted where the cellular reception is the strongest.

Upgrade with Swappable 4G LTE Plug-In Modems and Dual SIM Support

A suite of Digi CORE plug-in LTE modems allows customers to select the cellular connection that best meets their speed, budget, fallback-network and geographic requirements. The modular nature of the Digi CORE plug-in modem helps mitigate technological obsolescence by allowing customers to upgrade to newer LTE standards without replacing Digi EX15. When there is a need for faster connectivity users can simply upgrade their LTE modem while protecting the investment in their Digi EX15.

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Power Access Control Systems Using Microchip mPoE

Access control systems are used to monitor and manage access to premises. They provide quick access to authorised personnel and deny access to those otherwise. This is its conventional purpose. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, access control systems features have advanced to enhance the health and safety of a premise. This is done by:

  • Ensuring a strict number of occupants in a premise at a certain time, such as an office, retail space, etc.
  • Granting contactless entry/exit and eliminating the physical touch points
  • Trigger ‘no mask’ alarms using camera-based systems
  • Restrict access to infected people or those who have not completed their quarantine period

What Powers These Systems?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables the delivery of safe and intelligent power along with data over standard Ethernet infrastructure to install IP-based systems quick and easily.  Many access control systems have the option to be powered by PoE.

A few advantages of using PoE to power access control systems are:

  • PoE technology is an international power standard that delivers safe, low-voltage DC power and eliminates dependency on the AC infrastructure, as well as specific regional plugs
  • Cost savings from eliminating the need for separate data and power infrastructures, searching for AC outlets or certified technicians
  • Able to connect quickly and seamlessly in any location
  • No need to physically plug/unplug the power; the control is centralised, and the power can be reset remotely
  • Power delivered over the standard Ethernet network is technically safe however it will not power up until a valid PD is detected, thus, protecting non-PoE devices

Microchip multi-Power over Ethernet (mPoE) is the key to efficient, cost-effective and reliable power in network access control systems:

  • Quick, seamless installation: plug-and-play solutions for zero time to market in the most demanding environments
  • High power: deliver up to 90W of power, enabling most comprehensive access to control devices to be powered by PoE
  • Diver applications: supports a wide variety of applications using single-ports to 24-ports, indoor, outdoor and industrial rated solutions
  • Backward compatibility: leveraging a uniquely designed algorithm, the solutions are compatible with pre-standard devices while supporting all IEEE® PoE standards
  • Regulatory compliance: Microchip mPoE midspans and switches go through the necessary worldwide certification and safety approvals
  • Vendor agnostic: supports a variety of access control terminals already in the market

Microchip mPoE offers a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of PoE solutions comprised of PoE ICs and PoE systems (midspans/injectors and switches).

Testing GaN to Failure to Create Devices More Robust Than Silicon

Presenting the ‘Testing GaN to Failure to Create Devices More Robust Than Silicon’ webinar on January 26th at 16:00 GMT as part of EPC’s How to GaN series. This session will focus on the latest results of extensive reliability testing of eGaN FETs and ICs.

What you will learn

  • A physics-based lifetime model with supporting evidence to project the lifetime of an eGaN device under gate stress over all voltages and temperature ranges.
  • A first-principles mathematical model to describe the dynamic RDS(on) effect in eGaN FETs from the basic physics of hot carrier scattering into surface traps. This model is most useful for predicting lifetimes over all voltages and temperatures in more complex mission profiles.
  • Field reliability data generated over a period of four years and 226 billion hours of operation, most of which are on vehicles or used in telecommunication base stations.

Presenters and panelists will be available following the presentation for a live Q& A session.


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

All registrants will be entered for a chance to win a copy of GaN Transistors for Efficient Power Conversion, Third Edition.

Click Here to Register Now

Extended Lead Times and Shortages in 2021

The combined uncertainty of Brexit and COVID-19 resulted in limited industry forecasts for 2021; one thing that became evident was the component shortages and extended lead times. By the end of 2020, not only was it reported that some customers were experiencing extended lead times of over 20 weeks, but it was likely to increase.

Our suppliers and franchises have worked with us to ensure that we have, and continue to maintain, continuity of supply; our buffer stock programmes remain robust.

For other components, we have a dedicated Sourcing and Obsolescence Solutions (SOS) team to assist with allocation issues. Our SOS team have successfully sourced countless components so far, providing service to several blue-chip companies in Mil/Aero, Oil & Gas, Medical and Transport.

We only used global-assured sources (all approved to AS9120) and class-leading anti-counterfeit procedures following stringent validity checks conducted on ERAI database.

We Can Help With:

  • Hard-to-Find Components
  • Component Shortages
  • Obsolete Parts
  • Lengthening Lead Times
  • Component Electrical Re-Testing
  • Long Term Storage of Devices

Please get in touch if you have any concerns to see how we can help regarding electronic component shortages or click here to find out more about our Sourcing & Obsolescence Solutions services.

Computer engineer holding microchip for detailed analysis on the foreground

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Powering Embedded Wireless Solutions with Energy Harvesting

On Thursday 28th January at 09:30am GMT, Solid State Supplies, in conjunction with e-peas, will be holding a seminar to show how ‘Energy Harvesting’ can benefit the customer and the environment in the reduction of batteries: the Powering Embedded Wireless Solutions with Energy Harvesting free virtual workshop.

What is Energy Harvesting in IoT?

Many consumers and industries developing IoT devices face the challenge of having to evaluate the pros and cons of either using batteries or to plug-in their devices for power. Although batteries are much more convenient choice than plug-in charging, batteries can pose issues of time and cost when they need replacing in the field; this is where Energy Harvesting technologies are an effective solution.

Energy harvesting used in IoT devices means that devices can be recharged by ambient sources that surround them. e-peas Ambient Energy Manager (AEM) PMIC Family is an integrated energy management circuit that extracts DC or AC power from different types of ambient energy harvesters to simultaneously store energy in a rechargeable element and supply your system with two independent regulated voltages.

 Ambient energy sources:

Photovoltaic (Indoor and Outdoor Sources)

Thermal

Vibration (Constant Frequency Mechanical)

Radio Frequency (Very Low Power)

What you will learn

  • How Energy Harvesting can potentially remove batteries from designs
  • Reduce expensive field maintenance
  • Give batteries longer life
  • Help reduce global waste
  • The design of greener products; UK designers can access the inovate fund

Click Here to Register for Free

Image source: e-peas

Silicon Labs Free Bluetooth Workshops 2021

After a series of successful hands-on Virtual Bluetooth Workshops last Summer, we are pleased to announce that Silicon Labs will be hosting new Bluetooth workshops throughout 2021 due to popular demand; the first session will be on the Silicon Labs BG22 Thunderboard.

Silicon Labs will be offering a complimentary BG22 Thunderboard to attendees*

On Tuesday 19th January 2021, Silicon Labs will be hosting the first free Bluetooth workshop based on the BG22 Project series. In this 90 minute session, Silicon Labs will cover different challenges that developers may face when building new Bluetooth designs.

Dates & Times: 

The first session is January 19th, 2021 at 09:00 AM GMT/10:00AM CET. Sessions will continue to take place monthly on every third Tuesday throughout 2021. Click here to register for free.

The BG22 Workshop

Learn new ways to integrate Bluetooth connectivity into your next project with the help of Silicon Labs expert engineers. Each project session will explore and solve challenges developers often face when building new Bluetooth designs. These solutions will be demonstrated using Silicon Labs ultra-low-power and secure EFR32BG22 Bluetooth 5.2 SoC. 

Attendees will have access to live Q&A and 1:1 support to assist in completing the documented and recorded exercises. Registrants are encouraged to follow along with your own Silicon Labs’ BG22 Thunderboard, available to all registrants. 

Live Workshop Session Agenda

  • Topic introduction: 10-15 minutes
  • Lab exercise: 60 minutes
  • Extended time for Q&A and technical support: 45 minutes
  • Technical support offered throughout the 2-hour session

What You’ll Experience

  • Technical training delivered by Silicon Labs experts
  • Live Q&A chat throughout session
  • Dedicated technical support rooms for 1:1 troubleshooting 

Click Here to Register for Free

*Free Silicon Labs BG22 Thunderboard

A complimentary BG22 Thunderboard is available to all registrants who have not attended a previous BG22 workshop and will be shipped after registration and address verification is complete (does not apply to partners and Silicon Labs employees). 

Microchip Capacitive Touchscreen Controller

World’s First Safety-Certified Capacitive Touchscreen Controller Family from Microchip

As standard, emergency stop and unlock buttons are safety mechanisms in home appliances (e.g. ovens, hobs, washing machines, tumbler driers, etc.) are necessary help reduce the risk of fires and floods in homes.

Microchip’s maXTouch MXT336UD-MAUHA1 new family offers IEC/UL 60730 Class B pre-certified solutions that meet functional safety requirements whilst eliminating the need for a separate emergency stop or unlock buttons on touchscreen appliances. They are the only touchscreen controllers to offer pre-certified, Class B firmware on the market.

The touch controllers offer a unique safety feature that enables the system to shut off through an intuitive soft button on a touchscreen. This removes the requirement for an external stop/cancel button, and associated microcontroller (MCU). The maXTouch MXT336UD-MAUHA1 also allows an appliance to detect a touchscreen/appliance failure and shuts down automatically through self-testing capabilities. For example, if the glass on an electric hob breaks, the touchscreen will darken and shut off the machine – minimising any accidental damage in the home.

The number of touch-enabled home appliance is growing; the MXT336UD-MAUHA1 family is progressing in this direction, offering OEMS reduced costs and improving time-to-market with this simplified, single touchscreen interface.

The family consists of three controllers: the MXT112UD-MAUHA1, the MXT228UD-MAUHA1 and the MXT336UD-MAUHA1; each of one these fulfil various screen size requirements, ranging from 2 to 8 inches.

“Due to the risk of house fires caused by home appliances, appliance manufacturers must add functional safety to their machines, and Microchip’s MXT336UD-MAUHA1 touchscreen controller family is already certified for these required safety standards,” said Fanie Duvenhage, Vice President of Microchip’s Human Machine Interface business unit. “Integrating Class B certification into our touch controllers eases the design and qualification process for touch enabled appliances, ultimately putting safety first, while reducing costs and enabling modern user interface solutions.”

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Improving Display Visibility Outdoors with Optical Bonding

What is Optical Bonding?

Optical bonding is the process where the gap between the LCD panel and module is filled with a layer of optical-grade adhesives, bonding the two together. Whereas traditionally, there is an air gap in between the glass and the LCD panel which can cause glare and reflection from direct sunlight, and enable moisture to penetrate, causing condensation.

How Does Optical Bonding Improve Display Visibility?

The adhesive causes the transmission of light to be increased; this reduces refraction and results in a clearer display. Eliminating the two reflective surfaces significantly decreases the reflection of light. This will result in higher visibility across different lighting environments.

The improved display quality results in increased outdoor readability by up to 400%, high durability, prevents condensation and increased resistance to extreme temperatures.

Benefits

  • Increased outdoor visibility by up to 400%
  • Provides impact and vibration resistance
  • Increased durability and strength from the extra layer
  • Prevents condensation and internal dust build up
  • Increases resistance to extreme temperatures
  • Enables thinner displays by eliminating the air gap between the LCD and front surface

IEE Optical Bonding Process

IEE offers optical bonding for any size display; with their in-house bonding and lamination facility, the latest techniques are used to reduce costs, improve production lead-times and production rates, and give you consistently high-quality displays through direct control of the critical process steps. IEE utilises the DuPont™ Vertak® bonding process; a UV stable adhesive technology that allows direct LCD bonding from a 1.5″ to 30″ active display area.

Step 1: Dispense and Cure the Dam

Step 2: Dispensing of Adhesives and Plasma Fill

Step 3: Placing Substrate and Spot Curing

Step 4: UV Oven Curing

We can offer you custom-sized displays tailored to your requirements that are ideal for Military and Transportation. Speak to one of our experts to find out more.

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The New Robustel R1511

Robustel R1511 Lite-Industrial IoT Router

Robustel has announced the release of the R1511 Lite-Industrial IoT Router. The Robustel R1511 is part of the R1510 series; a range of powerful Industrial routers that deliver high-speed, wireless connectivity for IoT devices, with automatic failover to ensure ultimate stability and reliability.

The Robustel R1511 is a cost-effective 2G/3G/4G/LTE router with a dual Ethernet port (LAN + WAN), paired with advanced software functionalities, making it the ideal choice for entry-level IoT gateways suitable for most industries.

Features:

  • Dual Ethernet and choice of RS232 or RS485 port
  • Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP Gateway built-in
  • Ethernet, Wifi and 4G internet connection options with auto-failover
  • Free cloud management platform: Robustel Cloud Manager Service (RCMS)
  • Fully programmable Linux environment with excellent SDK Documentation
  • ‘Smart Reboot’ for enhanced roaming SIM management
  • RobustVPN provides fixed IP address on ANY SIM card
  • Full SMS control for diagnosis and recovery from data network problems
  • Very small footprint for space-constrained applications
  • Wall-mount and DIN-rail mounting options available

Robustel R1511-P Embedded 4G/LTE Router

The R1511P is a cost-effective small footprint board. It offers Ethernet WAN, Wifi WAN and 4G WAN interfaces that can all be independently configured in our powerful onboard Operating System – RobustOS.

View the Robustel R1511-P here

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