xsense logo gif                                           Nov 2011, Vol 2 Issue 12 

 

IN THIS ISSUE
NEW! Technical Spotlight on Temperature Sensors
NEW! Micro Switch V15W Series Watertight Miniature Switches
Hamlin Reaches Milestone in the Sensor Business
Honeywell Barometric Pressure Transducers for AWOS
BUD Enclosures Fiberglass NEMA Boxes
Sealed Pushbutton Switches from APEM
X Tronics News!
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What would you like to see in the next issue of X SENSE?

NEW to X SENSE! 


X Tronics is committed to helping our customers solve applications by providing expert technical solutions for critical sensing & switching requirements.


We are now extending our knowledge to our readers by adding a "Technical Spotlight" article to our newsletter.

 
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Toll-Free: 1-866-413-2971

The end of 2011 is fast approaching and as we approach the end of November, we all need to start thinking and planning for the Holidays and New Year celebrations.

This is a milestone year for X Tronics, as we finish the year, we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary. 

In appreciation of our customers and in celebrating our 10th year anniversary, we will be giving away some prizes
. Please keep your eye on the next couple of issues in order to have the opportunity to win these prizes.
    

You will also notice a new feature in our newsletter. A Technical Spotlight will now be featured in every issue

 
For more information on X Tronics and the manufacturers we represent, please visit our website: www.xtronics.ca

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, feel free to unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.



 Claude Hajji  View our profile on LinkedIn

NEW!  Technical Spotlight  

 

TEMPERATURE SENSORS  

 

Temperature Sensors 

 

There are three types of Temperature sensors most commonly used today, Thermistors, Thermocouples and Platinum RTDs.  

 

 

 

  

 

In general, if cost is a primary requirement, then Thermocouples provide the most economical means of temperature measurement over the widest temperature range. If Precision is the primary requirement, then both Thermistors and Platinum RTDs provide a more accurate means of absolute temperature measurement, however this is over a narrow temperature range.

  

This table shows a comparison of the key parameters to consider when specifying a Temperature Sensor:

 

Temperature Sensors Table
 
Thermocouples

With Thermocouples, there are other requirements to consider including the atmosphere, environment (corrosiveness) how much pressure or vacuum etc... These and other factors will determine the choice of material used and the construction of the sensor. In Addition thermocouples require a reference junction. The output voltage of a T/C is approximately proportional to the temperature difference between the measuring (Hot) junction and the reference (Cold) junction. This is known as the Seeback Coefficient. Thermocouples, are available in different combinations of metals or calibrations. The four most common calibrations are J, K, T and E. There are high temperature calibrations R, S, C and GB. Each calibration has a different temperature range and environment.

Platinum RTDs

Platinum RTD elements are available in two types of constructions: thin film and wire wound.

Thin Film

Thin-film RTD elements are produced by depositing a thin layer of platinum onto a substrate. A pattern is then created that provides an electrical circuit that is trimmed to provide a specific resistance. Lead wires are then attached and the element and the assembly coated to protect the platinum film and wire connections.


Wire Wound

RTD elements also come in wire-wound constructions. There are two types of wire-wound elements: those with coils of wire packaged inside a ceramic or glass tube (the most commonly used wire-wound construction), and those wound around a glass or ceramic core and covered with additional glass or ceramic material.

 

Thermistors   

 

Thermistors are thermal resistors - a resistor that changes its resistance with temperature. Technically, all resistors are thermistors - their resistance changes slightly with temperature - but the change is usually very small and difficult to measure. Thermistors are made so that the resistance changes drastically with temperature so that it can be 100 ohms or more of change per degree!

 

There are two kinds of thermistors, NTC (negative temperature coefficient) and PTC (positive temperature coefficient). In general, you will see NTC sensors used for temperature measurement. PTC's are often used as resettable fuses - an increase in temperature increases the resistance which means that as more current passes thru them, they heat up and 'choke back' the current, quite handy for protecting circuits!

  

Honeywell temperature product offering :  

http://sensing.honeywell.com/index.cfm?Ne=2308&ci_id=154358&N=3185&la_id=1

 

 

NEW!  V15W Series Watertight MICRO SWITCH

 MICRO SWITCH™ V15W Series 

 

 

The MICRO SWITCH™ V15W is a miniature-sized basic switch designed for harsh-duty, wash down areas.  

 

 

 

 

 

Rugged yet precise, the series provides machine control for turning circuits on and off. The V15W can be used in a wide range of challenging environments and is designed for applications requiring electrical ratings from 0.1 A to 10 A. Standard in the V-size package, the V15W is watertight to an IP67 rating (with wired leads). Choose the V15W when you need accurate repeatability in a compact, lightweight, and long lasting basic switch. The V15W Series features a variety of straight, roller, simulated roller, and special actuators to choose from (connectors on lead wires also available).


More information:  

http://sensing.honeywell.com/index.cfm/ci_id/159188/la_id/1.htm

   

 

Hamlin Reaches Massive Milestone  

 

Long-standing sensor expert Hamlin Electronics has delivered its 300 millionth safing sensor since it created the market in 1983.

Hamlin Sensors 

The company supplies a range on non-contact and 'smart' sensors for driveline and engine management systems and developed the first Reed Switch technology, commonly used in airbag deployment systems and seatbelt pretentioners.

 

Since developed by Hamlin, 300 million vehicle safing sensors have been shipped with no recorded instance of failure or uncommanded deployment in an accident situation.

 

Simon Pitkin, Director of Global Sales and Marketing, said: "This is an important milestone in Hamlin's history and testament to the reliable and innovative products we have developed.

 

"Hamlin is continually striving to advance the technology we offer and I am positive there will be many more milestones such as this in the future."

 

In addition to manufacturing safety sensors Hamlin is working extensively in the engine management field, developing technology to measure speed, direction

and movement as well as optimising an engine's performance in terms of emission control.

 

View the website: http://www.hamlin.com/sensor.cfm

 

 

Honeywell Barometers for AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) Applications


Honeywell Pressure Transducers for AWOS

Outstanding Accuracy and Stability

 

Honeywell high precision pressure sensors and precision pressure transducers offer outstanding features and benefits for a variety of applications. With over 40 years of experience designing and fabricating Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) piezoresistive pressure sensors and precision pressure transducers, Honeywell offers advanced pressure sensing solutions that deliver unparalleled accuracy and stability.

 

The Honeywell family of Precision Pressure Transducers combines proven silicon sensor technology with microprocessor-based signal conditioning to provide an extremely powerful, accurate and stable pressure transducer.

 

Why Honeywell's Precision Pressure Transducer?

 

Full-Scale Accuracy & Unparalleled Features

High Accuracy: Achieves ±0.05% Full-Scale, Including Temperature Effects Over -40 to +85° C

Flexibility/Range of Features: 13 Different Pressure Units, Digital & Analog Outputs, User can Input Offset & Span Calibration

Custom Full-Scale Ranges

Technical Support & Expertise

 

The AWOS requirements for barometric pressure transducers are as follows:    

  • Quantity: Two barometers per AWOS system
  • Pressure Range: 17.58 - 31.53 inHg
  • Error (RMSE): 0.01 inHg
  • Error (max): 0.02 inHg
  • Resolution: 0.001 inHg increments
  • Average Differential Accuracy: 0.01 inHg
  • Maximum Drift with Time (RMSE): 0.01 inHg in 6 months
  • Maximum Drift with Time (max): 0.02 inHg
  • Temperature Range (Indoors): +5 to +40°C
  • Temperature Range (Class 1, Outdoors) -35 to +55°C
  • Temperature Range (Class 2, Outdoors) -55 to +55°C

 

OTHER APPLICATIONS:     

  • Air Data Computers
  • Altimeters
  • Cabin Air Pressure
  • Engine Test Systems
  • Flight Test Systems
  • Meteorology
  • Flow and Pressure Calibrators
  • Instrumentation and Analytical Equipment
  • Research and Development

View more information:
http://www.pressuresensing.com/


BUD Enclosures Fiberglass NEMA Boxes 

 

Bud Fiberglass NEMA Boxes


Design Features:
  • Durable and easy to machine Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
  • NF version features stainless steel screw type lid closure
  • NFL version features stainless steel latch type lid closure
  • Provides outstanding  protection against corrosion   
  • Chemical resistant and impervious to dents
  • Designed to meet NEMA 1, 2, 4, 4X, 12, 13 and IP65 specifications
  • Stainless steel hinge, screws, and wall mounting brackets
  • Includes power coated 14 ga. steel removable inner panel
  • UL listed and tested to UL508-4X requirements (NFL latch closure version pending)
  • Finish: Light Grey

View the video:



View the technical specifications:


 

Sealed Pushbutton Switches from APEM

 

IA Series Pushbutton Switch APEM

Resistant to dust and frost

 

The IA Series actuator consists of a polyuretahne membrane which depresses when the switch is actuated. The sealed push button switch features include an IP67 front panel seal, a low profile 'soft feel' actuator, a 16mm dia bushing and wire leads. IA pushbutton switches offer protection from dust, sand, water and other contaminants. Electrical life: 1 million cycles.

 

 

 

 

View Specifications: http://www.apem.com/pdf/IA.pdf

 

View other switch products: http://www.apem.com/pushbutton.html

 

 

X Tronics News!  

 

  X Tronics Holds SolaHD Power Seminar

Power Seminar Aug 25 2011

 

On August 25th, X Tronics, along with SolaHD, held a power training seminar at the Courtyard Marriott in Vaughan. The Seminar focused on Power Supplies, Power Conditioning and Power Back up Systems.  

 

This is part of a series of Seminars that will be presented beginning in 2012 on a quarterly basis. The technical nature of these seminars makes it an ideal way to update and learn what is new in Sensing, Switching and Power Technology.  

 

Attendance is free of charge and the seminars are generally from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Seating is limited to 25 people.

 

Keep an eye for the next opportunity to learn about  Wireless Sensing technologies.  

  

Visit the SolaHD website: http://www.emersonindustrial.com/EN-US/EGSELECTRICALGROUP/BRANDS/SOLAHD/Pages/solahd.aspx 

  

 

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