TechArchive

Original article date: September 1997 Despite its common usage the power relay is rarely seen as a complex and important component.. Schrack’s NORBERT STERL introduces the different contact magnetic and mechanical systems and how to classify them. Using new and advanced contact materials the switching capacity of relays has either been maintained or increased and [...]

Original article date: March 1996 Omron’s John Hickles considers the essential ac-dc power supply technologies and examines some of the features that modern designs can offer. The power supply may not seem the most glamorous aspect of a system design but needless to say most systems would be in serious trouble without one. Feed commercial [...]

Original article date: April 1995 The monitor is the most expensive single component of many computer systems. And there are legal obligations on employers to select prudently. Most monitors are based on the cathode ray tube (CRT) though in the future a number of alternative technologies may appear. There are two technologies called Shadow Mask [...]

Original article date: May 2000 Piezoelectric ceramics hold the promise of a new era of miniaturised devices. But success will depend on finding new techniques for monitoring material degradation The technological importance of piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials is growing, as is the number of applications in the area of sensors and actuators. Often called ‘smart [...]

Original article date: April 1995 A new design guide from Danielson provides useful information on membrane technology. We take a look at the environmental considerations which are covered. The modern membrane switch is a simple but effective concept. Two flexible circuits are held a short distance apart. When pressure on defined key areas pushes the [...]

Original article date: April 1998 An advanced material in a mundane application? Aramid fibres have been trying to break into general manufacturing for many years. Now, an air conditioning system provides the opportunity. Nomex has never been far from the limelight since its introduction in the late 1960s. However, to a large degree, the high [...]

Original article date: November 1996 Energy saving motors cost a lot less over their lifetime but you still have to present a case for the extra initial expense. There’s now some useful software to help out. Power losses in electrical equipment are due to the electrical resistance in conductors and losses in the magnetic material [...]

Original article date: June 1996 Many people will have experienced some problems in the use of rechargeable batteries in both their professional and personal life. KEVIN HALLIGEN at DSB Special Batteries reviews the position. The majority of difficulties encountered with rechargeable batteries in portable applications are a function of poor management crude charging and incorrect [...]

Original article date: March 1998 Touch screen technology: applications and possibilities Gerry Harling international marketing director of Danielson explains the developing possibilities available for industrial touch screen applications. The use of touch screen technology is growing rapidly both in consumer and industrial applications. The world touch screen market is estimated to be increasing by a [...]

Original article date: March 1996 Harry Pettersson Manager for UPS Systems for Fiskars Power Systems looks at power support issues for computers and other sensitive electronic equipment. The standard mains supply is subject to fluctuations voltage transients sags and surges as well as various other types of interruptions including total failure or blackouts. The supplying [...]