Components: Racks, power, surge protection, lead-free seminar

Recent developments in the component area include 19-in. frames for rack-mounted equipment, a power management system with secure browser-based access, dc/dc converters, surge protectors, and free seminars on lead-free electronics manufacturing. Related companies include Bud Industries, Lantronix, MicroPower Direct, MTL Surge Technologies, and Vitronics Soltec.

Seismic Racks have an overall size of 84.06-in. high x 26.06-in. wide x 32.75-in. deep. Standard finish is black texture.

Bud Industries Inc . offers Seismic Racks, which are welded, reinforced heavy-gauge steel racks with the maximum level of seismic protection for equipment–tested and certified to Telcordia’s (formerly Bellcore) Zone 4 requirements for 1200# equipment load. They feature an open frame with four adjustable 19-in., panel-width mounting rails per EIA-310 requirements, four 4-in. dia. cable access holes in the top of the rack, and one 9.5-in. square cable access hole in the bottom. Available panel space is 19 x 78.75 in.Pricing starts under $1,140. Optional solid side panels, solid steel doors, Plexiglass paneled doors, and certified seismic anchor kits also are available. These assemblies can consist of any combination of the frame and options. Lantronix Inc . SecureLinx SLP gives system administrators 24/7 control over power for servers, switches, routers, or any equipment in a rack, from anywhere, as if they were in the same room. The device saves time and money by eliminating the need to send personnel to the data center to attend to power management problems or perform routine server management functions. To prevent overloads caused by a sudden in-rush of current when equipment is powered up, the SLP provides ability to power-up devices in a predetermined sequence. This can ensure a more steady power draw. Cost is under $1,000. MicroPower Direct LF100ED Series dc/dc converters are available in 11 models; they’re rated at 1 W and surface mountable. They are said to have miniature size, high-performance features, and low cost, ideal for space-critical board-level power distribution applications. Other features include dual outputs, a low-profile case, 1,000 V dc input/output isolation, 3.3, 5, and 12 V dc inputs, and operation to–40 °C.

MTL Surge Technologies MA3100 Series surge protector can carry a partial share of lightning surge current.

MTL Surge Technologies MA3100 Series offers compact and affordable products for coordinated surge protection to IEC 61312 and is rated according to the IEC 61643 standard, with DIN-rail mounting, the company says. Class I is rated to withstand a 60 kA impulse (10/350 ms), single-pole width of 18 mm; Class II is rated 45 kA (8/20 ms) single and multi-pole widths (single and three phase); and Class III offers RFI/EMI filtering and “excellent levels of surge protection,” the company says.

Vitronics Soltec helps get the lead out with its “2005 lead-free soldering invitational seminar tour” in 22 cities in North America, April through June. Attendance is free to qualified attendees. The program covers wave, reflow, and selective soldering processes. Jeroen Schmits, president of Vitronics Soltec, urges electronics manufacturers to prepare now for the impending lead-free deadline. “The EU directive 2002/95/EC calls for a ban on the use of lead in electronic products by July 1, 2006. Hundreds of facilities worldwide, even in many countries outside of the EU, have already converted their production to lead-free and have been operating that way for a considerable time. It’s important for electronics manufacturers to begin conversion now to remain competitive in the world markets,” Schmits says. The seminar tour is based on the company’s “5 Steps to Lead-Free Implementation” program, which began in 2001. For more information and schedule, visit the Web site .

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

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.