Low-g accelerometer

Delphi Corp.'s all-silicon low-g sensor measure linear acceleration has a programmable range from ±0.75 to ±3.0 g. The accelerometer module combines a sensor and integrated circuit (IC) in a 20-pin package. Its capacitive sensing element is produced by MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology. The signal-conditioning IC is produced by a high-voltage CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) process. Operating from a single 5-V power supply, the accelerometer features self-diagnostics that simulate actual acceleration when the power is first applied or requested by the system controller. The sensor is applicable for vehicle stability systems, rollover detection, inclination or theft detection, industrial controls, and robotics technologies. Delphi also produces a high-g accelerometer, which is used on remote sensors or arming sensors for restraint systems.

Large-cell ultracapacitors

The TC2700 is a 2700-F ultracapacitor from Maxwell Technologies that caches 8400 J (6200 ft•lb) at a nominal voltage of 2.5 V for industrial, UPS, hybrid-electric vehicle, and fuel-cell applications. The 57 x 155-mm (2.2 x 6.1-in) device is charged from and used in conjunction with a primary power supply such as a battery, fuel cell, or generator. The ultracapacitor's electrostatic-storage capacity can cycle hundreds of thousands of charges and discharges without performance degradation. The TC2700 is the first of a family of new products from Maxwell based on proprietary material science and a simplified design, resulting in an 80% reduction in material costs and a high-speed automated assembly with standard winding equipment for high-volume production.

Barometric pressure sensor

Designed for high-volume applications, Kavlico's P4050 barometric pressure sensor was developed specifically to withstand the hostile, high-vibration, and broad temperature ranges found in off-highway engines and drivetrains. It has a pressure range of 5.8 to 15.95 psi (40 to 110 kPa) and operates on a 5-V dc power supply that provides a 0.5 to 4.5-V dc output. The sensors use piezoresistive technology for repeatability, stability, and accuracy. The rugged composite housing can withstand operating temperatures of -40 to +125°C (-40 to +257°F), as well as high-shock and electromagnetic-noise environments. The sensor can be mounted to the vehicle integrally with the wiring harness or connected by a user-supplied bracket assembly.

Monitoring/control system

The D'Mac digital monitoring and control system from Siemens VDO Automotive can integrate up to eight vehicle-function inputs, critical alarm warning systems, and long-term data archiving. The system was designed primarily for off-highway applications such as remote cab-to-engine locations with long wiring harnesses, equipment with wiring routed through articulation points, equipment panels with limited space, and equipment requiring systems monitoring for operator pre-warning and shut-down alarms. Engine and chassis data is displayed on its 2.75-in square LCD monitoring screen, which is suitable for space-constrained cabs. D'Mac uses CAN bus technology for simplified installation and reduced wiring harness requirements.

LED relay

Accepting an input signal from a variety of devices, the annunciator target relay (ATR) from Electroswitch will illum-inate a bright LED to indicate a trip event and send signals to activate up to two other devices within the system. These devices include alarms, LORs, or other relays. Once a trip signal has been detected, the ATR will latch on, keeping the LED lit until it has been manually reset. The target LED is designed for over 100,000 h, available in a variety of colors, and replaceable from the front of the unit. As a solid-state device, it has an inherently shorter trip-response time than electromechanical designs. The initial product senses voltage and has an operating range or 37 to 140 V dc.

Programmable control devices

The RC2001 from Bosch Rexroth features five electronic control units (ECU) that differ according to the number of inputs and outputs. The product features a real-time operating system that is the basis for application programming with BODAS (block oriented design of application software). A standardized modular programming library enables re-use in other applications. Onboard flash memory allows easy downloading of programs from a PC. It also features service tools and test programs as well as measuring adapters and test boxes for start-up and service.