ELECTRO-OPTICS BRIEFS

Sept. 1, 2007

LEDtronics introduces sunlight-visible RGB light-emitting diodes

LEDtronics Inc. in Torrance, Calif., is introducing the RGB-1007-001 low-profile, four-leg-through-hole light-emitting diode (LED) that offers red, green, and blue. These LEDs measure 4.9 by 6.5 by 0.15 millimeters, and emit high-intensity light in a viewing angle of 120 degrees. The wavelength of the red diode is 635 nanometers, the green diode is 520 nanometers, and the blue diode is 470 nanometers. Use RGB-1007-001 LEDs with LEDtronics OptiLED light pipes to simplify the spatial relationship between the PCB and remote indicator illumination points. Light pipes channel all of the LED-generated light to the exact location where the light is required. Series RGB-1007 LEDs broaden the illumination options available for back lighting computer panels, car dashboards, handheld instruments like PDAs, and data and telecommunication status indicators. Solid-state design renders LEDs impervious to electrical and mechanical shock, vibration, frequent switching, and enviro nanometersental extremes. LEDs have average life spans of 100,000-plus hours (11 years). For more information, contact LEDtronics online at www.ledtronics.com.

ESL offers fast, rugged fiber to RS485/422/232 interface converter for defense applications

Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL) in Cranston, R.I., is offering the Model 4149 high-speed ruggedized fiber to RS485/422/232 interface converter. Typical operating speeds are 1.5 megabits per second for >RS232-to-fiber conversion and 20 megabits per second for RS485/422-to-copper conversion. The Model 4149 is designed to operate from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius and features protection circuitry on receivers and transmitters for RS232 and RS485/422 interfaces. The unit’s power input is protected from transients and features 3 kilovolts DC isolation to prevent system ground loops. M4149 can be powered from an input range of 9 to 36 volts DC, with models also available for other voltage ranges, such as 4.5 to 9 volts DC and 18 to 72 volts DC. Other features include user-selectable fiber polarity, dual DB9 power connectors (board only) for convenience in bused power applications, TX, RX, and power indicator LEDs. The converter is available as a board only, Model 4159, with front-mounting threaded brackets for rack mounting in embedded applications. This unit is also available in a desktop package with DIN rail-mounting hardware for applications that require an enclosure. For more information, contact Electro Standards Laboratories online at www.ElectroStandards.com.

Goodrich technology on board Missile Defense Agency satellite

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellite, launched in April, uses satellite attitude control technology from the Goodrich Corp. Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) division in Danbury, Conn. Goodrich EOS provided attitude-control components for the satellite, including the company’s star tracker, which provides a small, low power, survivable attitude determination system. The design uses autonomous star identification and attitude determination algorithms that enable a high-level interface with the NFIRE spacecraft. Goodrich EOS is part of the company’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) segment. Goodrich EOS is providing a sensing and actuation suite composed of momentum management technologies, such as reaction wheels, torque rods, and magnetometers to stabilize the spacecraft. For more information, contact Goodrich ISR online at www.oss.goodrich.com.

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