ASAP Parts Unlimited Blog

Color is one of the most important aspects of light, and it can serve a variety of important roles within industrial and scientific applications. By determining the color of a particular item or material, one may be able to effectively evaluate its properties. Additionally, color sensing can also permit the filtration of infrared or ultraviolet light as needed for the benefit of certain applications or systems. As technology continues to advance over the years with constant breakthroughs in science and manufacturing, color sensing has reached new heights in its potential. To help you better understand the importance of color sensors and color sensing in general, we will describe how it works alongside the common applications of such devices.

DIN rails are rail mounting systems that permit the secure attachment and assembly of electrical and industrial control products, allowing for various circuit breakers, terminal clocks, and electronic enclosures to be organized with ease. With global standardization of size and manufacturing, DIN rails can be used across multiple industries to secure all compatible products. Whether one is organizing electronic components within an aircraft or for a business, it can be highly beneficial to be aware of the various types of DIN rails that one may use, ensuring that the correct types are procured for a given assembly of components and devices.

Printed circuit boards (PCB) are common to countless electronic devices, coming in the form of miniature assemblies with ICs and other components that facilitate standard operations. As PCB technology has continued to become more advanced and compact, the amount of heat generated per unit area has greatly increased. To best combat heat that can be detrimental to sensitive components, heat sinks are used for dissipation. For the most optimal cooling, thermal paste and thermal pad materials are implemented.

Switches are electrical components that are common to countless assemblies, serving to disconnect or connect the conducting path within an electrical circuit. Consisting of contacts that are managed by a knob or actuator, switches may come in many different configurations to facilitate varying operations. Tactile and touch switches are two common variations, both of which allow for a process to be carried out when the switch is touched or pressed. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between each switch type and their use, allowing you to better understand their functionality and importance.
 
A touch switch is one of the most simplistic types of tactile sensors, allowing for operations to be carried out with a simple touch. Generally, these buttons may be found on systems such as lamps, wall switches, and various computer terminals. Additionally, touchscreens are also composed of touch switches.

FireWire cables are a specialized type of data transfer wiring option, providing transfer speeds that far surpass other components. Often found in applications ranging from simple computer processes to the operation of military aircraft, FireWire cables remove requirements for multiple cables as they are very versatile and highly performing. In this blog, we will discuss the general functionality and roles that such wires play, allowing you to see if they are a good fit for your particular needs.

When searching for data transfer components that are unmatched by the competition, FireWire cables are a perfect option. While presenting a higher price point as compared to standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cables, FireWire cables are beneficial for their increased performance and may transfer both power and data at the same time. With such capabilities, one may reduce the amount of wires present within an assembly, ensuring easier management and the mitigation of various hazards. FireWire cable options also help match transfer speeds with power supply capabilities, benefiting applications related to audiovisual devices and television sets.

Whether applied in aircraft or employed for industrial applications, temperature management systems and the components that comprise them are integral for many regulatory functions. Often found in the form of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) or thermocouple (TC), both temperature sensor types are broadly versatile, but come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages when implemented within various applications. To get a better understanding on how thermocouples and resistance temperature sensors work based on industry demand, we will go over their common functions and differences that set them apart.

Radio frequency amplifiers, or RF amplifiers, are components that are capable of boosting low-power radio-frequency signals. Such devices may be beneficial for a number of applications, often serving to drive a high power source, drive a transmitting antenna, or to excite microwave cavity resonators. With many devices relying on such components, an equal number of types have come about with varying characteristics and designs. To help you make the best decision for your particular needs, we will provide a short overview of a few of the most common RF amplifiers that accommodate transceivers, transmitters, antennas, and more.

An impeller is a type of rotor that is often implemented in compressors and pumps in order to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid. Motorized impellers in particular are fan impellers which are fixed to the rotor of an external rotor motor, meaning that they can operate with lower bearing loads and minimal vibration. Motorized impellers also have the ability to serve as a rotating heat sink, ensuring that heat is well dissipated for optimal cooling. With the combination of multiple roles into a single assembly, a motorized impeller serves as an advantageous device for applications in which space is a concern.

Rheostats are variable or adjustable resistors used to divide voltage in applications that require the adjustment of resistance in an electrical circuit. Similar to potentiometers, rheostats are commonly used in applications that call for variable control for higher amounts of voltage. In this blog, we will discuss the construction, operation, and applications of rheostats.

A force sensor is a device used to measure the forces that act on an object. In general, force sensors measure tensile and pressure forces in addition to elastic deformations. However, there are many variants in which force can be measured and determined by the sensors. When determining what type of sensor is best for a certain application, factors such as desired measuring range and expected accuracy are the primary criteria to consider. If a precise value within a small range is needed, the more receptive the force sensor you will need. In this blog, we will discuss the main types of force sensors, how they work, and their benefits.