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“Across-the-Line Capacitors”, or X Capacitors, serve a crucial role in many EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) applications. “Across-the-Line” Capacitors suppress electrical noise, provide protection against shock and provide operational insulation. Generally the dielectric of these “safety” capacitors are encased in a flame retardant case.

X Capacitors can be classified into three subclasses: Class X1, Class X2 and Class X3. The most common of these classes are X1 and X2. X1 Capacitors have enhanced impulse ratings and are used where very high transients (or high amplitude sounds) are likely to occur. X2 Capacitors are more often used in more general applications.

Another type of “safety” capacitor that suppresses RFI is a Y Capacitor or “Line-to-Ground” Capacitor. Unlike the X Capacitor, the Y Capacitor is designed to be connected between a current carrying conductor and a grounded conductor. The X Capacitor, on the other hand, is connected between two current carrying conductors or AC lines. Y Capacitors are manufactured in four classes; Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4. The most common are Y1 and Y2.

Both X and Y Capacitors are rated according their voltage and peak pulse voltage. The peak pulse voltage indicates the extreme conditions, such as power surges and lightning strikes, these capacitors are able to withstand. Most household appliances contain X2 or Y2 capacitors. X2 Capacitors are impulse tested to 2.5kV and Y2 Capacitors are impulse tested to 5kV. However, when over-voltage occurs, these “safety” capacitors can fail. “Across-the-Line” Capacitors failure may result in an applications poor performance or a blown fuse but, there is no imminent danger to the user. “Line-to-Ground” Capacitors, however, can result in electrical shock or worse when the ground connection is lost.

Overall, these “safety” capacitors are designed to handle high voltage impulses while protecting the circuit and the user from harm.

Mallory Sonalert, a pioneer in the technology of audible alarms, has announced the launch of their MSE Series Miniature Board Mount Buzzers.

The MSE Series Buzzers are 23 mm wide, 13.5 mm high and are available in 15 different sounds. The MSE Series provides two operating voltage ranges, 7-14 VDC and 16-28 VDC; as well as Loud (85-95 dB) and Medium (75-85 DB) sound levels. Some of the sounds offered by the MSE Series include; a chime, a bird chirp, a siren, a teleringer and a variety of pulse sounds.

Mallory Sonalert believes their MSE Series Buzzers are well suited for applications within the following industries: transportation, medical equipment, industrial controls, material handling, water treatment and restaurant equipment.

For all your audible alarm requirements, contact R&J Components Corp. You will be glad you did. 

Precision Electronics Corporation (PEC) manufactures high-quality industrial and military potentiometers. PEC is able to custom-tailor electrical and physical characteristics to meet your needs without sacrificing quality. For this reason; PEC potentiometers can be found in aerospace, telecommunications and industrial applications. Moreover, PEC products have appeared on the US Government’s Qualified Products List for the past 30 years.

PEC offers several different series of RV style potentiometers. Each PEC RV style potentiometer is manufactured from a hot molded carbon element, comes with a stainless steel shaft and meets or exceeds MIL-R-94. For applications that require a low profile potentiometer, PEC offers their Mil Style RV5. For applications that require a rugged potentiometer, you can choose PEC’s Mil Style RV8. Finally, if high reliability in a compact size is required, PEC offers their Mil Style RV6.

With an increased demand for infrared products across a growing number of markets, FLIR has become a world leader in the design and manufacturing of Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras. Today, FLIR’s thermal imaging products can be found in commercial, industrial and government markets.

Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras:

A Thermal Imaging Infrared Camera renders infrared radiation as visible light, which allows its user to see areas of heat through various barriers. Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras are rugged and are constructed to be heat and water resistant. Many Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras are handheld, however, they may also be mounted to helmets or various equipment; providing the user with a portable and manageable field device.

Who uses FLIR cameras and where?

Commercial applications: FLIR’s thermal night vision cameras may be used for individual consumers, first responders, firefighters, security professionals and OEM’s.

Industrial applications: FLIR’s infrared cameras can be used for building diagnostics, research and development, gas detection, furnace or boiler inspection and other electro-mechanical imaging purposes.

Government systems: FLIR’s thermal imaging cameras may be used surveillance, threat detection, radiation detection, explosives and narcotics detection, perimeter intrusion detection and field-based chemical analysis.

Founded in 1963, Micropac Industries is a diversified, high technology company specializing in high reliability microcircuit multi-chip modules, Hall Effect devices and optoelectronic components/assemblies. Micropac develops and manufactures complete custom designs to meet specific customer applications. For over 50 years, Micropac has served commercial, industrial, military/aerospace and medical industries.

In June 2013, Micropac introduced a new family of Isolated Solid State Industrial Power Controllers (IPC01). Their new isolated controllers combine the functionality of a solid state relay, resettable circuit breaker, and output status monitor all in one convenient panel mount package. This new packaging allows a system integrator to “Switch, Protect and Manage” equipment in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

Micropac’s family of IPC’s offer DC operation up to 400V and 10Amps, AC operation up to 280V and 10Amps, operating temperature between -40°C and +85°C, and short circuit and overload protection.

When designing a new application or redesigning a current application, the Micropac IPC provides the highest level of overload protection, remote power switching and output status reporting; all in one compact, safe and reliable package.

For more information about Micropac and their new family of IPC’s, call R&J Components today.

Established in 1989, SunLED has grown to become one of the world's leading manufacturers of optoelectronic products. SunLED offers an extensive product line that includes; Ultra Bright LEDs, Through-Hole LEDs, SMD LEDs, SMD Displays, Light Strips, LED Displays / Light Bars, Infrared, High Power LEDs and Circuit Board Indicators. With the objective of manufacturing high-quality parts, SunLED also sets out to develop new products that can improve current applications.  

In June 2013, SunLED announced the introduction of Incandescent LEDs. For those wishing to upgrade applications that still use incandescent miniature lamps; SunLED now offers a more durable, more efficient alternative. Moreover, upgrading to an LED component will ensure the lighting in any design does not need to be replaced. SunLED offers their new Incandescent LEDs in a 3mm and 5mm through-hole design with a unique color tone that matches the filament white emitted by miniature lamps.

SunLED is committed to providing the most competitive pricing, the shortest lead times possible and delivering the highest customer service. For these reasons, R&J Components is pleased to be an authorized supplier of SunLED products. Whether you are upgrading a current application or developing a new one, contact R&J Components Corp. for all your LED needs.

Illinois Capacitor (IC) is a leading manufacturer of high performance capacitors including; aluminum electrolytic, metalized film, power film and supercapacitors. All IC products meet the industry’s highest quality standards. As capacitor technology changes, Illinois Capacitor remains dedicated to providing leading-edge capacitors in a broad range of values and offering engineers more options to enhance performance and lower costs.

Today, Illinois Capacitor is pioneering EDLC technology. Known as “supercapacitors,” Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC) provides the highest available capacitance values per unit volume and the greatest energy density of all capacitors. For example, Illinois Capacitor’s DCN series of supercapacitors offers capacitance values up to 3,500 Farads in a very small size. Other advantages of supercapacitors include; long life, low ESR, low heating levels during charge and discharge, high output power and improved safety.

Thanks in part to EDLC technology; utilization of Illinois Capacitor products continues to grow across several markets including; the wireless communications, electronic power technology, energy management, solar and wind power markets.

CIT Relay & Switch manufactures a wide variety of parts that serve the automotive, telecommunications, security, industrial and HVAC markets. CIT’s commodities include both thru-hole and surface mount parts. With years of experience in this market, CIT is able to provide its customers with high-quality products, quick turn-around production and cost effective pricing.

CIT offers relays with multiple contact configurations and switching capacity. For automotive applications, CIT now offers the fused A18 Series relays. The A18 Series has switching capacity up to 40A, accepts industry standard size automotive bladed fuses and has an LED indicator and metal mounting tab with a socket available.

CIT’s switches include, but are not limited to; pushbutton, tactile, toggle and rocker switches. CIT offers its users illuminating options for their pushbutton, tactile and rocker switches. CIT’s RW Series rocker switches offer both single throw and double pole double throw in eight different functions. The RW Series comes in three housing colors (white, black and grey) and has 14 different actuator colors. This series is highly versatile and can be customized to fit nearly any application.

Amphenol RF, a division of Amphenol Corporation, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of interconnect products. Aside from Connectors, Amphenol RF also manufactures Cable Assemblies, Attenuators and RF Switches. For over 50 years, Amphenol RF has served the Automotive, Broadband, Wireless LAN/RFID, Wireless Infrastructure, Military Aerospace and Instrumentation markets. For the purposes of this blog, we will explore the considerations that need to be taken into account when choosing a connector.

Connectors come in several different styles and series. In order to find the most appropriate connector for your application, the most important factors to take into consideration are:

1. The Cable
2. The Frequency
3. The Power and Voltage

It is imperative that the size of the diameter of the connector should closely match the diameter of the cable being used. Properly matching the size of the connector and the diameter of the cable has a direct correlation to its performance. When the two are closely matched the application will perform best, whereas the greater the difference in size/diameter, the worse the performance. Secondly, closely matching the diameter of the connector and cable will minimize reflections.

The Frequency also plays an important role in which style of connector you should choose for your application. “Push-on” or “bayonet” style connectors should be used for low frequencies (typically below 6 Ghz) whereas, “threaded” connectors should be used for high performance, low noise applications.

Finally, power and voltage should be considered when choosing a connector. For example: for high power applications, a large diameter connector should be used.

For over 90 years, Cooper Bussmann has manufactured fuses for the Electrical, Electronics, Wireless, Transportation and Consumer markets. Today, Copper Bussmann sets the standard in circuit protection. As a franchised distributor of Cooper Bussmann, R&J Components Corporation and their experienced product specialists can offer a wide variety of Cooper Bussmann products to help you with your application. Passive components, such as fuses, remain one of R&J Components’ strengths and we will work to cross reference other manufacturer part numbers and offer alternates in order to save you time and money.