Electronics-Lab.com Blog

Switch-on, switch-off, change-over, change polarity,… all this is possible with 2-pole push-buttons switches of Unimec series.

If we design a device with push buttons, it is usually advantageous when we can use the same push-buttons, independently on whether we use them for switch-on, switch-off, change-over,… Moreover, at a modification of a given device, a possibility to change the function of a given push-button without its exchange is often highly welcome. Unimec series push-buttons easily meet these requirements for versatility, what probably was a reason why a word „Uni“ is also in the name of this series. The quality of the Unimec series is also guaranteed by the fact that company MEC from Denmark already for 75 years develops and produces top quality push-buttons.

Unimec push-buttons can be used by up to eight ways, as illustrated in the attached diagram. Unimec are available as momentary or latching and also in a standard or a high-temperature version (for operation at up to +160°C). Unimec are also available with silver-plated conacts (for currents from 0.5 mA) and also with gold-plated contacts, for currents already from 0.5 uA. Maximum current of 250mA (up to 500mA in a steady state) allows a universal usage, including a direct switching of many components, like for example latching relays. High-quality plastics, inner parts made of stainless-steel and an IP54 protection give a presumption of a long lifetime of these push-buttons.

Unimec series can be used with various key-caps without or with indication LEDs. Moreover, with the 16.250 adapter it is possible to use a wide spectrum of key-caps from the Multimec series. Detailed information will provide you the Unimec datasheet.

Selected types we keep in stock, upon request we´re able to provide you any other types of the Unimec series. In case of interest, please contact us at info@soselectronic.com.

Switches MEC Unimec switch in up to eight ways - [Link]

The C10988MA-01 sensor from Hamamatsu Photonics is an ultra-compact spectrometer built with Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) technology. Measuring only 27.6 x 13 x 16.8 mm and weighing just 9 grams, the device is intended to be used in portable and hand-held devices where a standard mini-spectrometer would be too large and consume too much power. [via]

The new device features an aberration-corrected concave grating with a very short focal length and blazed grating profile for high diffraction efficiency. The grating is replicated onto a convex glass lens using nano-print technology. Directly opposite the grating there is a dedicated CMOS silicon image sensor with an on-chip slit. This 75 x 750 µm slit is formed in the CMOS chip using MEMS technology. The distance between the sensor and slit is only 1 mm, and the distance between the grating and the image sensor distance a mere 8.5mm. Thanks to its novel design, the sensor offers a spectral resolution of 14 nm in the wavelength range of 340 to 750 nm, making it suitable for a variety of visible light applications requiring a miniaturized spectrometer head.

Ultra-Compact Spectrometer Sensor Targets Visible Light - [Link]

Ashok Bindra writes:

In their most basic form, charge pumps are circuits that generate a voltage larger than the supply voltage from which they operate. Traditionally, charge pumps have been perceived to have limited voltage capability, offering performance that is seen as filling a niche in the range between low-dropout LDOs and switching regulators. Nonetheless, there are benefits that make them attractive for certain applications. For instance, charge pumps deliver higher efficiency with good thermal management and have the flexibility to step up a voltage, step it down, or invert the input voltage. Since they use capacitors to store and transfer energy, charge pumps also are simple to design and do not require an inductor, which can be more costly, has higher output-noise levels, and frequently lowers output-current capability.

Charge Pumps Tackle Higher-Voltage Applications - [Link]

RFduino: A finger-tip sized, Arduino compatible, wireless enabled microcontroller, low cost enough to leave in all of your projects!

The RFduino runs Arduino code and can do everything an Arduino can, plus much more. Using the RFduino USB shield, simply plug the RFduino into a USB port of any computer and use the Arduino IDE to load your Arduino sketch, which automatically begins running on the RFduino.Then you can detach the RFduino USB shield and plug the RFduino directly into your project.

Shrunk down an Arduino to the size of a finger-tip! - [Link]

For ten of you, we prepared samples of the Lantronix xDirect module. It is a complete solution of Ethernet connectivity of a serial device to LAN – directly, without intervention to a device. 

The new module – serial / LAN communication interface incorporated into a cable, brings the most simple possible solution how to connect any device with a serial interface with a DB9 connector (RS232, RS422, RS485) into a LAN and use all advantages of a remote access, data acquisition etc.

xDirect can be powered through a DB9 connector, miniUSB-B connector or also via (Power over ethernet). Similarly like Lantronix xPort, even xDirect contains a built-in web-server enabling access and configuration of a device via a standard web browser on a PC, smartphone or a tablet tablet.

xDirect is available in 3 versions:

● XDT2321002-01-S with the RS232 interface and a power supply adaptor (through a mini USB-B connector)

● XDT4851002-01-S with the RS232/422/485 interface and a power supply adapter

● XDT10P0-01-S with the RS232/422/485 interface and the possibility to be powered via PoE (supplied without a power supply adaptor).

Detailed information will provide you the xDirect flyer, xDirect Quick start and xDirect user guide. In case of interest, please contact us at info@soselectronic.com.

Enhance your device with ethernet while you wait and now also for free! – [Link]

Richard Comerford writes:

The solid-state lighting (SSL) surge has created a concomitant boom market for electronics to drive LEDs in various different applications, ranging from incandescent-replacement light bulbs to architectural lighting to streetlights and more. These new driver ICs and modules do more than simply provide power in the form needed by LEDs. Some devices can perform additional functions that engineers want in designing full-featured lighting system, such as dimming control and thermal regulation. In this article, we will examine some of the latest driver ICs and modules for LEDs, and the choices they offer the designer.

The Latest LED driving ICs and Modules - [Link]

Texas Instruments has introduced two 3-phase, brushless DC (BLDC) motor drivers that allow designers to spin motors in minutes rather than months. [via]

Traditional BLDC motor designs require five to ten components, along with firmware. The sensorless 5-V, 680-mA DRV10866 and the 12-V, 1.5-A DRV11873 cut this component count to one with no firmware required, significantly reducing board space and system costs. The devices also provide the lowest operating voltage and standby current to reduce power consumption by up to 75%.

Spin Motors in Minutes Without Using Sensors - [Link]

A new PCB CAD tool called Razen soon will bereleased on Alpha version – [via]

Razen is a collaborative, scriptable schematic and PCB layout tool. Currently in development, a first alpha release will be available by April.

Razen, a new PCB CAD tool - [Link]

This DC-DC Converter start-up from as low as 330mV input!  Marian Stofka writes:

The bq25504 from Texas Instruments is a good candidate to become a milestone on the road to micro-power management and energy harvesting. A prominent feature of this IC is its ability to start up at a supply voltage as low as 330 mV typically, and 450 mV guaranteed. With an SMD inductor and a few capacitors and resistors, it forms a dc-dc converter with a high power efficiency that is unprecedented, especially in the ultralow-power region.

DC-DC converter starts up and operates from a single photocell - [Link]

MSP430 powerscope, a low power aid – [via]

MechG developed a breadboard scope meter to help him identity and lower power consumption in his projects.

The Power Scope is a meter intended for use on a breadboard to aid in the development of battery-operated devices. It provides dedicated monitoring at the power source so you can quickly see the effects of circuit/software changes on power consumption during development. This frees up your DVM for general diagnostic use.

MSP430 Powerscope – A Low Power Aid - [Link]