Technical Innovations
High-bandwidth communications via Cannon
  ITT Industries, Cannon claims that the PHD 38999 and Poseidon PHD systems are suitable for military, avionics, and industrial applications as an answer to the increasing demand for lighter connectors that are capable of delivering increased bandwidth. |
ITT Industries, Cannon's new line of harsh-environment connectors for its PHD (photonics high-density) multi-channel optical interconnects system includes the environmentally sealed PHD 38999 for military and avionics applications and the Poseidon PHD for industrial and other commercial applications. The PHD system is for next-generation high-bandwidth communications systems and data communications equipment.
According to Jay Betker, Director of Business Development and Engineering, Fiber Optic Products at Cannon, the fastest growing segment in the optical interconnect market is multi-channel high-performance interconnects, with industry projections of double-digit growth over the next five years as dense wavelength, division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment is rolled out into optical networks. "The PHD system is specifically targeted at this growth market as it delivers solutions to systemic problems with existing optical interconnects," said Betker. "Its performance addresses the requirement that interconnections in a communications system minimize their impact within the critical optical link."
The PHD system applies optical technology that uses light instead of copper to enable the rollout of DWDM optical networks that can transmit data up to 40 GB/s. The system uses small form-factor LC optics to accommodate packaging of dense optics into both new and existing Cannon connector products. It is designed to be compatible with photonic switching systems such as micro-electromechanical system hardware and other carrier network and central switching systems.
The 38999 and Poseidon PHD products combine cost-effective components with proven military-grade designs to improve signal integrity and overcome the limitations of existing severe environment fiber-optic connection systems, claims the company. The Poseidon system for industrial applications provides sealed, ergonomic multi-channel optical solutions suitable for industrial controls, robotics, and factory automation. The compact connector is available in composite plastic or metallic shell material options. According to Betker, the 38999 system is "the most cost-efficient military-grade optical connector on the market today." The 38999 is available in metallic shell material options that include nickel-plated aluminum, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and specialty alloys.
Both products use Cannon's ceramic ferrule technology that is "at the heart" of the PHD system. The PHD terminus system can deliver optical performance matching or exceeding tuned LC performance with either multi-mode or single mode fiber.
- Jean L. Broge
TI transponders for anti-theft applications
 DST+ transponder technology from TI-RFid stores identification data on all keys assigned to a vehicle to prevent theft and fraud. |
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology used in many applications, among them being the identification of products for supply-chain and livestock management, for retail transactions through services such as Speedpass and E-ZPass, and for access and tracking of vehicles. The global automotive RFID market leader, the Radio Frequency Identification Systems business of Texas Instruments (TI-RFid), has introduced a new generation of its secure RFID transponders that can be easily adapted to off-highway equipment for anti-theft immobilizer applications. Called DST+ (Digital Signature Transponder Plus) and embedded into vehicle keys, the new RFID transponders improve vehicle security by using sophisticated fraud-prevention diagnostics information and a mutual authentication encryption algorithm.
The transponder's technology addresses the growing issue of insurance fraud by storing the vehicle's anti-theft information on all keys assigned to that vehicle. It could help insurers that might suspect fraud when an owner reports a vehicle is stolen and claims to have all of the keys associated with the vehicle, when in reality he/she has duplicated a key and given it to a complicit thief. Currently, there is no way to authenticate the keys to the vehicle unless the vehicle is available or if the manufacturer has created a database.
Using the DST+ transponder, stored data could include the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), a time stamp when each key was made or when new keys were added, the number of times new keys were programmed, and the total number of unique keys made for the vehicle. DST+ transponders are compatible with TI's DST immobilizer, the high-security transponder that uses challenge/response encryption and mutual authentication, and next-generation passive entry systems.
The logistics flow to support the DST+ technology begins with TI configuring the transponder and programming/locking the serial number and manufacturer code. The system or key supplier then programs one "issuer" key per OEM or vehicle model. At the end of the vehicle manufacturing line, the engine management/vehicle security system is programmed with encryption key, VIN, time stamp, key number, current number of authorized keys, and the number of "learning procedures" the system has performed.
Engineering design samples of TI's DST+ transponders are now available, with full production scheduled to begin by the end of 2002.
- Kevin Jost
Tint mix system from NCP
  The DynaMatch tint mix system from NCP Coatings is claimed to improve production finishing for large and small commercial or industrial coating applications through the use of a one-tint line in a variety of industrial bases. |
NCP Coatings, Inc., claims that its new DynaMatch tint mix system simplifies custom paint purchasing, fulfillment, and color-formation processes through the use of one set of 16 high-pigment loading pastes, cost-effectively allowing for accurate color matching in a variety of bases. The family of NCP bases includes standard alkyds, chain stopped alkyds, silicone alkyds, acrylic enamels, alkyd acrylic bakes, polyester bakes, acrylic urethanes, polyurethane, and textured polyurethane. The system also includes a variety of primers, catalysts, reducers, and additives to complement the bases.
Randy Terrill, Technical Director of the NCP Coatings Laboratories, believes that using one set of tints in many different types of paint results in consistent color matching from one product to the next. "With conventional paints and coating, there is (usually) one set of tints for urethanes, one for alkyds, one for epoxies, etc.," said Terrill. "As a result, it is unlikely to get accurate color matching for a job that requires multiple types of coatings. With the DynaMatch tint mix system, all of our bases are formulated to use the same tints in the same quantities to match a specified color. The high-pigment loading of these tints provides for better coverage with lower dry film thickness, (allowing) for a more efficient finishing process."
DynaMatch distributors carry only the clear and white bases of each type of paint they choose to supply to their market, along with the system's high-pigment loading tints. The customer's desired color must first be determined by using a sample of any given standard, such as when an alkyd enamel is needed in a specific color. The distributor can then match that color, generate a formula, and mix up the finished product. Terrill emphasizes the "simplicity and efficiency of using one set of tints" because the above process applies to all the bases in the DynaMatch family.
An integral part of the tint mix system is the X-Rite Color Master system. A formulation database was created within the X-Rite "mother" system located at NCP. The database consists of all the color strength information associated with the DynaMatch tints and bases, and can be easily transferred to any distributor outfitted with the X-Rite system. Each DynaMatch distributor is outfitted with a portable spectrophotometer, the hardware necessary to support the X-Rite software, and the DynaMatch formulation base.
- Jean L. Broge
