Anyone who uses a large number of single-pole and two-pole relays with high contact ratings should consider the RQ relay from Idec Electronics.
Anyone who uses a large number of single-pole and two-pole relays with high contact ratings should consider the RQ relay from Idec Electronics. Suitable for PCB mounting, although small, the RQ relay has an ideal contact rating of 12A for the single pole and 8A for the two pole. A special single-pole 16A power relay version is available.

The matching SQ socket for DIN rail mounting has a simple locking and release lever, marking strip and space for plug in LED/diode modules.

RQ relays are UL and c-UL recognised, TUV approved and CE marked.

Coils options cover 24, 115 and 230V AC and 12 and 24V DC.

Ecomatem connectors are an enhancement of the C16-1 Series and as a result they are 100% compatible with one another.
The Ecomatem Series from Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics comes with a flexible cable outlet range. The connectors are an enhancement of the C16-1 Series and as a result they are 100% compatible with one another. Immediately obvious is this range’s new design.

The interlocking-parts have been ergonomically shaped and are dirt resistant, enabling mating and de-mating of the connectors under extreme environmental conditions.

The cable-housing comes with its robust metric trapezoidal thread (to DIN) which not only creates higher ‘pull-off’ forces for the cable clamp but also promotes quicker assembly times.

The new cable outlet offers a clamping-range to suit cables of between 6 and 12.5mm in diameter.

This has been made possible by an innovative cable clamp, which has been equipped with long flexible fins.

Instead of requiring three different variants, as with the previous range, Ecomatem covers it with just one version.

Another new feature is the receptacle housing.

Instead of the previous oval flanges, the Ecomatem series has been made with a circular design.

Also, on the housing of the receptacle there is a fastener allowing a protective cap to be fitted.

On the previous style the protective cap required an additional screw on the mounting wall.

This is not be required on Ecomatem.

The Ecomatem product range comprises male and female receptacles, male and female cable connectors, both in straight and right-angled versions.

Contact layouts are 3+PE and 6+PE, with screw, solder and crimp termination.

Radsok is the latest high-current contact from Amphenol.
Radsok is the latest high-current contact from Amphenol. Despite its slight build, it is amazingly stable, and one 10mm contact can carry roughly 300A. Furthermore, you can plug in the robust unit thousands of times.

Mating forces can be matched to specific customer requirements.

Because of the fully automated pressing and bending techniques used in the manufacture of Radsok, Amphenol is able to offer cost-effective production parts.

Radsok contacts are not only available for high-current appliances, but also where there is little transition resistance (typically in measurement engineering) or where high vibration stability is required, such as the automotive, railway and machine industries.

Radsok contacts are made from a stamped grid that has been twisted into a hyperbolic form.

The large surface area of the contact grid allows a contact coverage between the male and female connectors of up to 65%.

Radsok contacts are available in the standard sizes of 3.6mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm.

Nearly every size in between is available on request.

Amphenol has already developed a number of standard products with Radsok contacts.

One of these is the two-pole Quickmate that has been introduced into DC applications such as photovoltaic and battery powered systems.

The Boardmate family, with its press fit contacts, allows high current contacts to be used on circuit boards.

A flexible and versatile remote control device is now available from Idec. The device, which includes a modem for data connection, is also able to execute commands which have been received via SMS.
Idec has developed a flexible and versatile remote control device. It includes a modem that allows data connection but is also capable of executing commands which have been received via SMS, and then sending notification messages. This new device has come to enrich the range of GSM devices available from Idec and that, according to the first reaction of the market, is destined to a great success.

The EL35.005 is a real concentration of technology: built around an integrated dual band GSM Siemens TC35i engine, in addition to providing the modem function it features a number of clean contact and digital input lines, as well as a quantity of relay outputs, an RS232 serial port and an expansion bus on an RJ45 socket - more than enough for a wide variety of possible applications.

The features of the EL35.005 mean that while being suited also for domestic use, the plastic body of the device is ideal for the assembly on DIN rail, and hence its use in industrial application.

The supply voltage is from 9V and 30V DC and is protected from short-circuits and filtered, as a guarantee for good conditions of power supply.

The heart of the system is a high quality integrated TC35i dual band GSM engine that offers unquestionable guarantee of efficiency and reliability.

Of course, as with all GSM devices, it needs to be equipped with a SIM Card.

In order to complete the installation, the device must be connected to a small antenna, through an SMA connector which is placed on one side of the housing.

While installing the device it is important to verify the presence of sufficient GSM signal.

If the signal in the area where the device is to be placed is low, it is possible to use the optional magnetic-base antenna, which can be connected through a cable and allows the antenna to be mounted up to 2.5m from the EL05.005.

An LED indicator on the device notifies you of the connection to the GSM network.

The RS232 serial port uses an RJ45 socket (short circuit protected).

Through this socket it is possible to establish a remote connection, for example, with a personal computer or with a PLC, so as to establish a data connection, to unload information or to perform remote programming operations.

For example, if the EL35.005 is connected to a station of environment monitoring, it can send all the data to the collecting centre through its modem function.

In terms of digital inputs, the base unit of the EL35.005 device is equipped with 4 clean-contact inputs, which can be actuated by a switch or external relay or similar device; the input lines are also protected.

The base unit is also equipped with two digital input lines with 0-5V AC (opto-coupled) that can be actuated for example by electronic switches.

Finally, the base unit is also equipped with an expansion bus using a second RJ45 socket.

Through this socket it will be possible to add different types of expansion units, directly powered by the base unit - up to two input expansion modules, each having 8 signal inputs (these inputs can be of the clean contact type, or 0-5V digital, or mixed); and an output expansion having 8 output relays (which can be mono-stable power relays or signal relays).

According to the type of output, the expansion will be or will not be powered directly by the base unit.

These expansion units allow the basic unit to operate simultaneously up to 10 relays outputs and up to 22 input lines.

The system is safeguarded by a four-digit password that will be chosen by the user.

After establishing the password, the next step is to set the operations that the EL35.005 is required to perform.

Each of the ten relay outputs can be used to operate something from a remote location: users can activate the roof windows of the commercial green house, activate the gates to you home or factory, switch on the heating of their country house, or give the go to the air conditioning, start the sprinklers to water the golf greens, or pull the rolling shutters up or down.

There is no limit to the operations that can be managed, provided that they control the electric signal.

It will be sufficient to connect the output terminals of the relays to the control line of the equipment to be remotely operated (it should be remarked that the EL35.005 should not be used as a ’switch’ to be placed on the power line of the equipment, but it should be used to activate the power circuit).

After the above is done, the system will be ready to operate.

In order to activate the chosen equipment, it will be sufficient to send an SMS, composed of the password, and a simple code, a series of ‘1s’ or ‘0s’.

The’1′ code will turn on the equipment that has been associated with the corresponding relay, while the ‘0′ code will turn it off.

It will also be possible to command all the output relays simultaneously through a single SMS message.

The system, after receiving the command, will execute it and will respond by sending an SMS with the indication of the status of each of its outputs.

In case of power failure, the EL35.005 will not create any problems; no operation or re-programming will be needed, as all commands are automatically memorised by the system, and when the power is re-established the EL35.005 will restore immediately the last status of on or off that had been commanded.

Up to 22 input lines can be used to monitor any type of situation or equipment.

There is no limit to the type of operations that can be kept under control, provided that they can be monitored by sensors or switches capable of emitting an electric signal of on or off.

For example, it will be possible to verify the reaching of a certain temperature or of a certain level of liquid in a tank, or the switching on of a light, or the passing of somebody or something through a gate.

To each of these input lines it will be possible to associate an SMS message.

For example, if at the reaching a temperature of 20C inside a commercial green house a sensor (a thermostat, in this case) will open or close a contact connected to one of the input lines, automatically a certain SMS will be immediately sent to a designated phone number.

The text of the SMS as well as the phone number to which it has to be sent are chosen by the user.

The programming of the notifying SMS can be made through the serial port using the dedicated programming software or by using the AT commands, or even by sending a command SMS to the device.

In addition to the monitoring of particular situations, the EL35.005 can be used also as a system to send safety and security alarm messages, keeping however in mind that an SMS message may be sometimes not as immediate as a phone call.

Programming and managing the EL35.005 is made easy and more convenient by using Celsoft5 software.

It is an innovative program that enables you to control your EL35.005 device through its RS232 serial interface.

Celsoft5 has a simple and intuitive graphic interface, and gives an easy approach even to inexperienced users.

Programming becomes extremely easy, and it is possible to format the SIM card in a few steps and without the need of a mobile phone.

Cannon’s Grommet D range of D-subminiature connectors is now available from ITT Electronic Components.
Cannon’s Grommet D range of D-subminiature connectors is now available from ITT Electronic Components. A cost effective and high-density rectangular connector system, Cannon Grommet D is equipped for the most extreme environmental conditions. Superior sealing is provided by silicone rear grommets and interfacial sealing, equipping the Cannon Grommet D to operate reliably even when immersed in water or corrosive liquids.

A unique fluorosilicone grommet seals all the wire leads entering the rear of the connector while the interfacial seal ensures there is no possibility of leakage between the mated plug and receptacle.

Stainless steel shells are optional, providing excellent resistance against corrosion.

In construction terms, the Cannon Grommet D comprises a shell and insulator with copper alloy contacts.

These are high-quality machined contacts with heavy gold plating supporting the very highest level of integrity in the mated connection.

The interconnect has a contact retention of 40N minimum, after 10 insertions.

Cannon Grommet D is built to withstand high voltages, with average flashover ratings of 1000V (from sea level to 20,000 feet) and 500 (50,000 to 70,000 feet).

The contacts have a maximum current-carrying capability of 5A.

The connector is specified with an operating temperature range of -65 to 150C.

Standard densities range from 9 to 50 pins, and high density versions vary from 15 to 78 pins.

Cannon Grommet D can be used in markets as diverse as aviation, marine, chemical/petrochemical processing, medical devices, food processing, automotive and heavy industrial equipment.

For PCB applications, Cannon Grommet D pin connectors are available with pre-loaded, non-removable contacts for board termination.

In this case, sealing is accomplished by applying epoxy to each contact cavity and to the shell.

Variants are available that comply with the RoHS Directive.

The CS1204 Series is a momentary SPST surface mount tactile switch with ultra-low-profile 0.8 and 1.5mm high actuator options.
Available now from CIT Relay and Switch is the CS1204 Series momentary SPST surface mount ultra-low profile 0.8 and 1.5mm actuator height tactile switch. This newest addition to the CIT line offers both a flush tactile surface and an extended surface. Designed with an electrical life of 100,000 cycles using silver-plated stainless-steel contacts, the SPST CS1204 series has an operating temperature ranging from -40 to +85C, and is available with actuation force options of 1.57 and 2.55N.

Overall switch dimensions are in a compact, space-saving package of 5.25 x 5.25mm.

Switch electrical ratings are 50mA at 48V DC.

All switches in the CS1204 series offer a stainless-steel cover, silver-plated stainless-steel contacts and silver-plated phosphor bronze terminals.

Typical applications for the CIT Relay and Switch CS1204 series surface mount, tactile switch include test and measurement equipment, telecommunication, computer and peripherals, consumer product, handheld devices and automotive diagnostic equipment.

The QT511 is a new enhanced version of the Quantum Research QWheel chip.
The QT511 is a new enhanced version of the Quantum Research QWheel chip. The new TSSOP chip is targeted primarily at portable applications, featuring low power consumption, enhanced operation under difficult sensing conditions and adds the facility to place a button in the centre of the scroll wheel without triggering false ‘wheel’ detects. QWheel touch wheel technology is like a ‘capacitive potentiometer’, where the wiper is a finger.

The electrode consists of a simple resistive ring element placed behind the plastic panel; three capacitive QT sensing channels are connected to this ring, and the signals processed to 7bit of absolute position.

The result is output on an SPI serial interface.

The device can be set to sense through panels up to 3mm thick, and even through gloves.

The entire circuit with the electrode ring can be fabricated on a single-sided PCB for very low cost.

In many cases the technology is less expensive than mechanical equivalents, and in all cases is more reliable.

The QT511 is ideal for control panels in personal electronics, appliances, shaft encoders, automotive controls, or almost any consumer product where you need a knob or rotary control (brightness, volume, temperature, power, menu selection etc).

The QT511 uses a very simple circuit with no external active components or moving parts.

Unique features of the QT511 include: full self-calibration with drift compensation to compensate for slow changes due to aging or environmental conditions; ‘proximity wake up’ function detects hand movement up to 50mm away; powered by mere microamps from 2.5-5V; uses spread-spectrum signal acquisition for high immunity to external noise sources and ultralow RF emissions.

When placed behind glass or plastic, the circuit creates a smooth, sealed, nearly indestructible rotary touch control that can replace virtually any mechanical encoder or potentiometer.

It does not require a hole or knob and therefore has no service or maintenance problems.

Applications include menu selection, volume, lighting, position, temperature and speed controls.

Market sectors include consumer electronics and appliances, audio, HVAC controls, communications, toys and games, industrial controls, aerospace, military and automotive controls.

The QT511 is available from stock from Saelig at $2.38 (5000-unit).

Also available is a $95 evaluation board E510 which uses included QSlide PC software to demonstrate touch position.

The QT160 IC is a self-contained digital QTouch chip capable of six channels of proximity or touch sensing.
The QT160 IC is a self-contained digital QTouch chip capable of six channels of proximity or touch sensing. It can be used to create capacitive ‘glass touch’ keys through insulating materials up to 100mm thick. The parts require only one common, inexpensive capacitor per channel in order to function.

The option-selectable toggle mode permits on/off touch control, for use in application such as a light switch, for example.

The chip offers patented adjacent key suppression (AKS) to suppress touch from weaker responding keys, allowing only the dominant key to detect.

This solves the problem of large fingers overlapping tightly spaced keys or water films over several keys.

AKS affects only electrically adjacent keys.

A novel sync feature allows designers to create even more keys using multiple QTouch devices, synchronising them without cross-interference.

‘Sync’ can also be used to synchronise one or more parts to the line/mains frequency to suppress interference.

Also available is E160, a $75 six-key evaluation board designed for testing QT160.

It includes six keys with backlighting to indicate touch on each key.

The keys are made using copper rings in a PCB under a thick, clear plastic panel.

Switches are provided to allow setting of the QT160’s option pins.

The QT160 is available from stock from Saelig, the US distributor for Quantum Research UK, at $1.82 (10,000-off).

NL Series ultrasubminiature bicolour illuminated switches contain two embedded, independent LEDs, with any colour combinations of red, green, yellow or blue.
CIT Relay and Switch introduces the NL Series ultrasubminiature bicolour illuminated switch. On the cutting edge of technology, this switch contains two embedded, independent LEDs, with any colour combinations of red, green, yellow, or blue. At only 2mm in height, this surface mount switch is designed to work in tandem with other low profile surface mount components where height and space is at a premium.

The switch offers a 150 degree LED viewing angle, and is ideal for use in medical, consumer, instrumentation, computer and computer peripheral, handheld, remote, camera products, and wherever applications require subminiature switching combined with illumination.

The NL Series offers an electrical rating of 50mA at 24V DC and an electrical life of 30,000 cycles typically.

With a 160g force solid detent tactile feedback, the NL Series is available with actuator travel of 0.5 +/-0.2mm.

Contact resistance is less than 50mohm initially and insulation resistance is greater than 100Mohm initially.

Dielectric strength is 100V RMS minimum.

All materials in the NL Series are RoHS compliant.

Both the actuator and the base are composed of liquid crystal polymer, the housing is Nylon 9, contacts are silver-plated phosphor bronze with terminals of silver-plated brass.

KMX series switches are suited to a multitude of applications requiring a comfortable, miniature, robust keypad with a long life.
A new range of low-profile keypad tact switches is available from ITT Electronic Components. Combining high performance, usability and robustness, the KMX series offers users a pleasant, tactile feel together with a very fast switching response. At only 0.58mm thick, the KMX series employs an extremely slim switch design.

Normally open, the switches close with an audible click, a robust mechanism that is certified for 250,000 cycles.

The long travel distance also supports a better feeling for the user than a standard keyboard.

With area dimensions of 4.3 x 4.1mm, the KMX series also saves PCB space compared to dome array- and keyboard-style interfaces.

Each KMX series switch attaches to the board via four gullwing terminals, providing good coplanarity and reliability.

The KMX switches also use standoff terminals, which leaves a lot of space under the switch for PCB traces.

Switches are available with or without an actuator built-in to the assembly (the KMX1 and KMX2 parts, respectively), a feature that provides a better-centred actuation.

Each switch incorporates a ground pin for ESD protection.

Gold and silver contact plating options are supported and the device is compliant with the RoHS Directive.

The KMX series switches are suited to a multitude of applications requiring a comfortable, miniature, robust keypad with a long life.

These include: PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, cameras and keyfobs.

It can also be used in systems requiring a custom keyboard interface.