Control components: heat sink, IDC, inverter, power supplies

Control components, the pieces that go into making larger products for automation, controls, and instrumentation, sometimes can be difficult to classify. What can be considered a stand-alone product in one application, could be applied as a component of a larger system in another setting.

By Control Engineering Staff

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Control components, the pieces that go into making larger products for automation, controls, and instrumentation, sometimes can be difficult to classify. What can be considered a stand-alone product in one application could be applied as a component of a larger system in another setting. However you see these products as means to meet your application needs, here are some recent introductions that might be of some help: circuit-board heat sink; insulation displacement connection systems; miniature power inverter; high-voltage, multi-channel, rack-mounted power supply; and switching power supplies.

Low-profile, high-performance heat sinks for power modules overcome limits of conventional heat sinks: Advanced Thermal Solutions ’ powerIce heat sinks are low profile, high-performance devices that optimize thermal management of PCB-mounted power modules in spatially constrained applications having inadequate airflow. Using the patented ATS powerIce heat sinks enables circuit designers to achieve higher PCB performance levels compared to conventional, larger-sized heat sinks, which may have excessive spreading resistance. Said to be ideal for bypassed and unducted flow conditions, these heat sinks save space, and their light weight helps reduce costs by eliminating the need for supplemental mechanical mounting clips. The heat sinks are priced as low as $4 each for high-volume purchases, and small quantity pricing is higher. Custom designs can be provided. Delivery lead-time is 4 to 6 weeks.

Samtec further “ruggedizes” IDC systems: A new locking cap option for Samtec IDC (insulation displacement connection) systems on .050 in. (1,27mm) pitch (FFSD/FFMD Series) and 2mm (.0787 in.) pitch (TCSD/TCMD Series) has been added as a standard option for increased reliability and to prevent accidental unmating due to vibration or other causes. Samtec IDC systems are polarized and available as plugs or sockets with mating ejector headers. All popular sizes are available, and typically assemblies can be provided in seven working days from receipt of order. Both the .0787 in. (2 mm) and 1,27 mm (.050 in.) pitch systems feature Samtec’s Tiger IDC contacts for the ultimate in reliability with a precision stamped multi-finger Beryllium Copper contact. Ejector headers with Phosphor Bronze pins are available in through-hole, surface mount, and right-angle solder tail designs. Pricing begins at 15-20 cents per mated line.

A saves space for low-profile, cost-Effective 12 V dc power: JKL Components Corp . developed an ultra-miniature 12 V fixed output dc-ac power inverter, measuring800Vrms output voltage; 105 kHz output frequency; 150 mA input current, 4mArms output current; and 25 C° operating temperature.

Application possibilities range from inspection of bore scopes and pipes to operation in any constricted environment where space is an issue. Used with a small CCD camera and a fluorescent lamp, for instance, it would permit video detection of weld and seam integrity, location of obstructions, and other quality assurance functions. Eliminating the need for high-voltage cable reduces cost and simplifies the entire inspection process. Pricing begins at $9 in quantities of 1,000, with delivery from stock.

Multi-channel high-voltage rack-mounted power supplies: UltraVolt Inc. offers HV Rack, a new, high-voltage multi-channel rack-mounted product, increasing convenience and functionality, compared to other options. It features preset before and during bias and super-bright digital display readouts for use in high-ambient-light conditions, multiple output channels, local and remote controls, and universal ac input. The HV Rack also offers constant-voltage-regulation/constant-current-regulation auto-crossover and simultaneous voltage and current monitoring of all channels. The company says, “this level of functionality has never been available in the rack mount power supply market.” It is configurable with up to 4 independent channels, each ranging from 0 to 62 V through 0 to 40 kV between 4 and 250 watts. Each channel is individually controlled, enhancing usability. Furthermore, the HV Rack’s modular design allows for quick delivery, benefiting those with strict time limitations.

Switching power supplies: Yes Controls introduces its new line of fully enclosed, switching power supplies, each UL listed and CSA approved, ranging from 5-48 V dc, and 1.6-10A. Comprised of four families, 45 W, 75 W, 120 W, and 240 W, the line features twelve DIN-rail mounted models, measuring only 2.19 in. (55.5 mm) to 3.94 in. (100 mm) along the rail. All models feature CE marking in compliance with applicable EMC directives.The four families are UL 508 approved, eliminating the need for current derating in UL 508 applications. The 45 W, 75 W, and 240 W switchers offer dual universal inputs, 85-264 V ac, 47-63 Hz or 120-370 V dc. The 120 W switcher provides two switch selectable V ac inputs, 88-132 and 176-264, 47-63 Hz.

All models feature line and load regulation of 0.5% and 1%, respectively. Working temperature range varies by family, -10 to 50 C° for the 45 W family, -10 to 60 C° for the 75 W and 120 W families, and -10 to 70 C° for the 240 W family. Each power supply features screw type, touch proof terminals for personnel safety. Terminals are said to be easy to wire and provide secure, reliable connections. All supplies have over-voltage protection, and overload and short-circuit protection with automatic recovery. This feature eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to replace fuses in the event of a load fault. Overall efficiency, ranging from 72% to 85% at rated load, minimizes heating. An LED indicator on the front of the unit provides status verification for the operator.

—Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, editor in chief, MHoske@cfemedia.com