What's New at Congress 2002
Pressure transducer
Viatran Corp.'s 45 Series digitally compensated pressure transducer is the firm's most-accurate pressure transducer (0.05% FSO) for industrial test applications. Temperature range is -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F), and standard response time is less than 4 ms. The unit has a 38-mm (1.5-in) diameter, internal calibration, electronic linearization, and optional outputs, as well as alternate electrical connectors and pressure ports.
3-D interactivity
Vicon Motion Systems' CAD with 3-D visualization software allows designers and engineers to interact in digital environments. The subject wears highly retroreflective markers, 3-D head-mounted display, and data gloves. The system captures the subject's 3-D data points and tracks movement. Ergonomics, visualization, and human factors software programs are used to verify human interaction with product design. Virtual training and maintenance can be accomplished concurrently at the design stage.
Liquid-crystal pigment
Wacker Silicones' Helicone HC special-effect pigments create innovative, optically variable color effects based upon liquid-crystal-modified organic molecules. Interference effects cause reflection of a certain spectral component of the incident light, with transmission of the remainder; there is no absorption of light in the visible spectrum. A base color undergoes a strong shift toward short wavelengths as the viewing angle changes or narrows. The pigments and the optical enhancer HELIPLUS additives have created a formulation space in which the synergy of these materials allow opportunity for reduced cost while developing spectacular and unique appearance and performance characteristics. Rather than relying on color development strictly from the pigment itself, the appropriate use of the technology allows for greater color impact due to reflectivity and particle spacing.
Programmable power supply
The 6-kW (8-hp) XDC Series from Xantrex is a high-power, programmable dc power supply. The device has an embedded controller that provides menu-driven auto-sequencing capability, which allows the user to enter and save complex test sequences via the front panel without requiring external computers or software. It provides 20% more power than competitive 5-kW (6.7-hp) units and offers up to 10 different test programs, each with up to 99 voltage-level steps varying from milliseconds to days. The unit comes in a 133-mm (5.25-in) high rack package for benchtop, production test, ATE systems, and OEM applications.
