Each week, the editor of Planet Analog finds technical items of interest and highlights them in this “Also of Interest” feature. In addition, we also provide an archive of recent weekly Planet Analog Newsletters, viewable as pdf files; see the list at the very bottom.
The “Also of Interest” listing is the embodiment of our belief that engineers are interested in exploring topics which are not directly related to their jobs, but which will broaden their knowledge and sometimes spur further innovative and creative approaches.
Among the publications we check are IEEE Spectrum , Machine Design , Design News , Laser Focus World , Photonics Spectra , NASA Tech Briefs (in its various manifestations), Microwave Journal , RF & Microwaves , and Physics Today —and there are others, as well.
Consider these items as online “extras”, and worth a look and a few minutes of your time. (Please note: there are also links to the past weeks' editions of this feature, in the “Navigate” box to the right.)
Also of Interest:
- Soft plasticizer-free grades of hydrophobic TPU material with Shore hardness ratings as low as 62A are highly elastic and extremely hydrophobic; hav a low specific gravity, high memory, and low hysteresis; and exhibits optimal processing and adhesion properties:
“Innovative Soft Thermoplastic Urethanes for Medical Applications,”
Medical Design Briefs , February 2012 - Designing a reliable circuit that employs a voltage reference requires a more detailed look at device parameters than most data sheets provide:
“Are We Focused On The Wrong Reference Parameters?,”
Power Electronics Technology , February 2012 - To create reliable weighing scales, designers must understand the basics of load cells:
“Weighing-scale design: Measure signals accurately,”
Test & Measurement World , March 2012 - The approach of the solar maximum is an urgent reminder that power grids everywhere are more vulnerable than ever to geomagnetic effects:
“A Perfect Storm of Planetary Proportions,”
IEEE Spectrum , February 2012 - A laser could ionize a distant puff of air and thus safely detect the fumes from buried explosives:
“Using Lasers to Find Land Mines and IEDs,”
IEEE Spectrum , February 2012 - Effective grounding and shields work on solid engineering principles; no wizard hats, no witchcraft — just sound mathematical and logical processes that can resolve or reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems:
“Eliminating EMI in motion systems,”
Machine Design , February 9. 2012 - They are traditionally high-wear items, thanks to their usual task: converting high-speed, low-torque power from electric motors into the low-speed, high-torque power needed by machinery:
“Getting the most out of gearboxes,”
Machine Design , February 9. 2012 - There's a good chance your home operates at lower current levels than a Chevy Volt or a Nissan Leaf:
“High Voltage Amps Up the Automobile,”
Design News , March 2012 - Companies are tying service operations into Product Lifecycle Management, expanding the reach of the end-to-end design processes:
“PLM Syncs Up With Service,”
Design News , March 2012
Recent Planet Analog Newsletters (click to see as a pdf):
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