http://usdigital.com/news/ US Digital designs and manufactures optical encoders, inclinometers & motion control components. Our complete product line includes either absolute or incremental optical encoder & inclinometer products, stepper motors, PC interfaces, digital readouts, sw en-us Copyright 2008 US Digital. support@usdigital.com Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:57:56 PDT Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:57:56 PDT In house http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss/ News http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-in-anaheim-ca-for-atx-west You are cordially invited to visit the US Digital booth at ATX West in Anaheim, CA, February 9-11, 2010. US Digital will be exhibiting our newest hollow bore absolute encoder, the HBA4 as well as our other optical  encoders, inclinometers and more in Booth 4479. We look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your current motion control needs and applications. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the ATX West Exhibition, or to set up an appointment with a motion control specialist. Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to see you in Anaheim! Automation Technology Expo West Booth 4479, US Digital Anaheim Convention Center 800 W. Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 EventsWed, 16 Dec 2009 08:15:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/usd-nominated-for-csp-today-award October 26, 2009 - US Digital Nominated as a Finalist for the CSP Today Awards, Sevilla, Spain US Digital was nominated as a finalist in the CSP Today Awards in the category of Best Applied Research and Development in CSP, for the recently released T7 Absolute Inclinometer . Other categories included CSP Innovation, CSP Competitiveness, Best Increased Dispatchability Solution, and Best Commercialized Technological Innovation. Voting takes place on November 11th, 2009, at the 3rd Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit in Sevilla, Spain. Find more information about the CSP Awards and summit at CSPToday.com NewsThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:48:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-at-sps-2009-in-nuremberg You are cordially invited to visit the US Digital booth at SPS / IPC Drives Electric Automation in Nürnberg, Germany, on 24 -- 26 November, 2009. US Digital will be exhibiting our encoders, inclinometers and sensors in Halle 1, Booth #1-129. We look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your current motion control needs and applications. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the SPS / IPC / Drives Exhibition, or to set up an appointment with a motion control specialist. Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to see you in Nürnberg! SPS / IPC / Drives / Electric Automation Halle 1, Booth 1-129, US Digital Messezentrum Nürnberg Karl-Schönleben-Strasse 90471 Nürnberg EventsTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:26:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-t7 US Digital is proud to introduce our latest innovation: the T7 absolute inclinometer. The T7 is an absolute inclinometer utilizing a unique solid-state sensor to give high accuracy tilt readings over a full 360 degree range. Typical Applications Elevation control of heliostats and PV modules Parabolic trough tracking feedback Fresnel lens tracking feedback Product Features Full 360 degree range, single axis ±0.1 degree accuracy from 0C to 70C 0.01 degree resolution Sealed against dust and water (IP-67 rated) RS232 version allows up to 15 T7s on 100 feet of cable -10 to 70 Degrees C Operating Temperature US Digital CAN version allows up to 64 T7s to be networked USD-CAN supports 700 feet (213 m) maximum cable length The T7 is available with either a RS232 or USD-CAN interface. The RS232 version supports up to fifteen T7s on a single cable. US Digital's CAN protocol allows a network of up to sixty-four T7s to be connected to a single host. Power for each T7 is supplied over the network cable. The host accesses the T7-CANs through US Digital's low cost CANA-232/CANA-485 adapter module. This module allows the host to access each T7 on the network using simple serial port commands. A Windows demo application is provided for displaying the angles and temperature as well as setting operating modes, orientation, zero position, damping / averaging time, direction, and more for every T7 on the network. Additionally, a Windows DLL gives the user a set of simple functions to read and write data to a network of T7s. Visit Booth 3039 at Solar Power International to see a live demo of this new T7 Inclinometer! T7 pricing starts at $225.00 for single units and is $176.54 for 10 units. US Digital products are sold direct for easy ordering and fast shipment. View and configure the T7 » Press ReleasesWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:35:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-at-solar-power-international Visit US Digital at booth #3039 Solar Power International is the largest U.S. business-to-business solar conference and expo. Produced by the top solar industry associations, SEIA and SEPA, Photon International magazine calls Solar Power International "the most important US solar event of the year." It features sessions on markets, policy, finance, and technology advances as well as 650+ exhibitors, and more than 25,000 attendees from 90 countries. With top-notch keynote addresses, 200+ speakers, more than 65 breakout sessions and workshops, this is the premier place for expanding your business opportunities and networking with solar industry leaders. Solar Power International 2009 October 27-29, 2009 Anaheim, California, USA SolarPowerInternational.com EventsTue, 14 Jul 2009 08:04:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-hba2 US Digital is pleased to announce the release of its latest Absolute Encoder hollow bore encoder, the HBA2. The HBA2 is based upon US Digital's very successful 12 bit A2 absolute encoder platform which has been incorporated into a large bore bearing assembly with a tether anti-rotation mounting arm. The large bore design allows the encoder to be easily attached to shaft diameters ranging from 6mm up to 0.750" and tether mount bolt circles of 2.50" up to 5.00". The hollow bore and tether design replaces the traditional method of using a flexible coupling and subsequent encoder housing support systems of the past. Now with the HBA2 encoder, providing absolute position of a rotating shaft becomes a simple task. HBA2 pricing starts at $383.00 for single units and is $279.21 for 100 units. US Digital products are sold direct for easy ordering and fast delivery. Product Features 12 bit single turn absolute encoder Hollow bore design tolerates run-out Programmable zero location Low cost Industrial duty 6805 series bearings Analog output option available Programmable resolution Programmable CW or CCW count direction -40 to 100 deg C operating temperature Two year warranty View and configure the HBA2 » Press ReleasesTue, 07 Jul 2009 15:32:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-e8p US Digital is pleased to announce the release of its latest encoder in a line of high performance, low cost solutions for motor feedback applications: the model E8P. The E8P is specifically designed to fit on NEMA Size 11 motor frames and provides incremental encoder feedback information. The E8P's unique collet style, push on hubdisk assembly eliminates the need to rely upon the set screw to retain the code wheel to a shaft. Standard bore sizes range from 3mm up to 7mm; single ended and differential outputs are readily available. If you have a size 11 stepper motor which requires encoder feedback, the E8P is the ideal product for your application. The E8P pricing starts at $33.95 for quantity 1 and is $16.95 at 100 units. US Digital encoders are available to ship the same day if the order is received before 1:00pm Pacific Time. View and configure the E8P » Press ReleasesThu, 30 Apr 2009 16:15:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-in-new-york-for-atx-east You are cordially invited to visit the US Digital booth at ATX East in New York, NY, June 9-11, 2009. US Digital will be exhibiting our encoders, inclinometers, sensors and more in Booth 3342 . We look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your current motion control needs and applications. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the ATX East Exhibition, or to set up an appointment with a motion control specialist. Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to see you in New York! Automation Technology Expo East Booth 3342, US Digital Jacob K. Javits Convention Center ( Map ) 655 W. 34th St. (West 34th Street at 11th Avenue) New York, NY EventsMon, 16 Mar 2009 16:13:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/2008-year-in-review This past year has been a year of changes and exciting opportunities. Please take a minute to enjoy some of our events from 2008. Although it appears we only like to have fun at US Digital, we actually do work. NewsTue, 27 Jan 2009 07:59:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/motor-drive-automation-systems-2009 Visit US Digital at Booth 106. The 2009 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference is focused on the latest advancements and economics in electric motor, drive & automation technology. Topics discussed will include new motors, drives & automation systems, system design and integration for optimum performance, power systems efficiency, new components and materials, advancements in electronics and control, testing systems and techniques. Sessions will also cover market and financial aspects such as demand, supply and pricing outlook for motors, drives, controls, materials and components as they relate to total system economics. Serving OEM design engineers and product developers that integrate motors, drives & automation systems into their products and equipment; developers and manufacturers of motors, drives and integrated systems; component, material and technology providers. US Digital began in 1980 in Los Alamitos, CA when founder David Madore could not find an encoder that would meet his design criteria. As a design engineer for a medical ultrasound company, he became aware of the obvious need for optical encoders that were practical, simple, reliable and available off-the-shelf. US Digital created their first incremental encoder and revolutionized the motion control industry with its user-friendliness and pricing. The original model is still in production today, along with a host of newly engineered products based on the same philosophy of practical, simple, reliable and ready to ship same day. David relocated his family and the company to Vancouver, Washington, USA in 1990 and set up shop in his home for two years. US Digital developed an ecommerce strategy in 1995 built by creating and hosting usdigital.com and establishing a host of key domain names such as encoders.com and inclinometers.com. usdigital.com is a comprehensive website, providing in-depth information, and pricing for all products. To accommodate rapid growth, US Digital has relocated twice, most recently in June of 2006 to the former headquarters of Nautilus, Inc. "With the help of technology leaders such as US Digital, Motor & Drive Systems 2008 is turning out to be fantastic event for the motor and drive market," said conference chairman Jeremy Martin. "Our attendees and exhibitors alike are excited about the possibilities these events will offer, which include great networking opportunities and the chance to build lasting business relationships with numerous contacts in multiple markets." Conference information and program Register online EventsWed, 17 Dec 2008 16:35:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-in-anaheim You are cordially invited to visit the US Digital booth at ATX West in Anaheim, California, February 10-12, 2009. US Digital will be exhibiting our encoders, inclinometers and sensors in Booth 4477 . We look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your current motion control needs and applications. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the ATX West Exhibition, or to set up an appointment with a motion control specialist. Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to see you in Anaheim! Automation Technology Expo West Booth 4477, US Digital Anaheim Convention Center ( Map ) 800 W. Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 EventsWed, 17 Dec 2008 16:18:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/thank-you-n252rnberg-attendees US Digital had an incredible experience in Nürnberg at the SPS / IPC Drives Electric Automation show. The opportunity to visit with clients and meet industry experts was the highlight of our time in Germany. Thank you to all who stopped by to introduce yourselves and for the gracious welcome as we embarked on our first overseas venture. We look forward to continuing the motion control conversations that began at SPS / IPC Drives; please feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or needs. We look forward to serving you. EventsMon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/us-digital-holiday-closure U.S. Digital will be closed for the Holidays on the following dates: Thursday and Friday November 27th and 28th, and Wednesday December 24th through Friday January 2nd.  Unfortunately this means that we will not be able to take any orders during this time.  If you have already placed an order that you expect to receive during this time, we will be shipping these orders early. NewsWed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-in-nuremberg You are cordially invited to visit the US Digital booth at SPS / IPC Drives Electric Automation in Nürnberg, Germany, on 25 -- 27 November, 2008. US Digital will be exhibiting our encoders, inclinometers and sensors in Halle 1, Booth #1-129 . We look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your current motion control needs and applications. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the SPS / IPC / Drives Exhibition, or to set up an appointment with a motion control specialist. Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to see you in Nürnberg! SPS / IPC / Drives / Electric Automation Halle 1, Booth 1-129, US Digital Messezentrum Nürnberg Karl-Schönleben-Strasse 90471 Nürnberg More info: Web site or PDF . EventsTue, 18 Nov 2008 10:02:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/events/us-digital-at-atx-east-2008 We were proud to be a part of the East Coast's largest event for automation solutions, Automation Technology Expo East. Our president David Madore was at the event, and talked with Design World about our product line (video below). EventsTue, 05 Aug 2008 07:41:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-usb4 US Digital is proud to introduce our latest USB interface product, the USB4. The USB4 is a high speed USB data acquisition device with multiple input and output types along with advanced triggering functions. USB4 Product Features: Four Incremental Encoder Inputs Eight Digital Inputs Four 12-Bit Analog Input Channels Eight Digital Outputs Four 12-Bit Analog Output Channels High Speed USB 2.0 Interface 32 MByte FIFO Comprehensive Programming Information and Examples All communication between the USB4 and the host PC is sent over a USB interface. The USB4 is compatible with USB 2.0 hubs, allowing multiple USB4 units to be used with a single PC. To handle continuous streaming of data over USB to the host PC, the USB4 has a 32Mbyte FIFO to buffer the captured data when the host PC or USB bus is busy. US Digital provides a CD with all the software and documentation needed to use the USB4. A library with a detailed Application Programming Interface is provided so users can develop their own applications; additionally, the CD provides several examples that demonstrate how to use the FIFO, how to log data, etc. For programmers who prefer lower level control, a register based interface and documentation is provided so the USB4's internal registers can be configured at the bit level. The USB4 is available to ship the same day as ordered if the order is received before 1:00 P.M. Pacific time. The USB4 is covered by US Digital's two year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. View and configure the USB4 » Press ReleasesThu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/the-new-us-digital Dear Valued US Digital Customer, We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing US Digital as your motion control product provider. As our customer, you are truly valued and we're always looking for ways to make your experience with US Digital even better. With that in mind, we are implementing changes that will help to streamline your experience as you seek out motion control solutions. Here are some of the improvements to be released June 30th, 2008: Our pricing structure has changed. We have added additional break points for quantity based discounts to ensure you are receiving the best value for the volume which you are ordering. Our product nomenclature has changed on some of our products. Our overall goal is to make the product nomenclature more intuitive, helping you to select the options needed for your specific application in a way that is straightforward and consistent from one US Digital product to the next. This modified nomenclature does not reflect a change in the product, only in the nomenclature. For a list of product-specific nomenclature changes, see our Reference section. A small selection of our products and options have been discontinued to allow us to focus on new innovative technology. In many cases there are alternative products that we can recommend. We are releasing a brand new version of our website that aims to bring an increased aesthetic and functional experience to our customers. We are very excited about our new website as we have improved usability, content, product photos, search capabilities, and provided a simple, yet effective product selection guide -- just to touch on a select few of our efforts. In addition, online ordering will be available in the next few months, allowing you to place orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are as always committed first and foremost to our customers and welcome any questions that you may have in regard to these changes, so please feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or issues you may have. We welcome your feedback and look forward to continuing to serve your motion control needs. Looking forward to serving your motion control needs, Chief Operating Officer Press ReleasesFri, 27 Jun 2008 13:12:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/events/employee-appreciation-day Employee Appreciation Day @ US Digital. EventsThu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-x3m Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of our new Dual-Axis Solid State Inclinometer, the X3M. The X3M utilizes MEMS technology to sense tilt angles over the entire 360 range. The X3M is incredibly flexible, with three different mounting orientations, in any resolution between 1 and 9000 CPR, and offers a selectable damping value to suit the customers needs. "Absolute Quadrature" provides absolute data using standard quadrature signals. Additional variations of the X3 will be released over the next two quarters. These include a quick-and-easy tilt switch and a more advanced inclinometer that offers a PC serial interface and fully programmable configuration. Typical applications include heavy construction equipment, dredging machinery, mining equipment, solar farms and warehouse automation. Press ReleasesMon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-e7p Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of our newest OEM optical kit encoder, the E7P . The E7P is a patent pending, quick assembly, incremental, optical kit encoder that offers resolutions of 180 to 720 CPR with either single-ended or differential outputs. The E7P was designed as a big brother to the E4P encoder and offers higher resolutions, a wider range of shaft diameters, and mounts to additional bolt circles. Popular mounting bolt circles of 0.750", 1.280" and 1.182" along with motor shaft sizes of 3mm to 10mm are available to make mounting of the E7P extremely quick and simple. The E7P is ideal for stepper motor motion control applications where cost is of the utmost importance. Other applications for the E7P are brush style servo motor feedback, robotics, pick and place machinery, X-Y tables and CNC machine tools. Additional Documentation E7P Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesWed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/new-bolt-circles-for-mounting-the-mae3 Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of two bolt circles for mounting the MAE3 : 1.280" and 1.812". The MAE3 is an absolute magnetic kit encoder that provides shaft position information over 360 of rotation with no stops or gaps. This magnetic encoder is designed to easily mount to and dismount from an existing shaft of 2mm to 1/4". The MAE3 will now mount to 0.750", 1.280" and 1.812" bolt circles. Industry standard shaft lengths of 0.220" and 0.500" are both available on the MAE3. Custom Sizes US Digital is in the business of solving motion control problems and looks forward to providing the most useful and versatile product on the market. If there are additional bolt circles or shaft lengths that should be added to the MAE3, please contact our Technical Support department. Additional Documentation MAE3 Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesWed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-mae3 Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of its new miniature absolute magnetic kit encoder, the MAE3 . The MAE3 is an absolute magnetic kit encoder that provides shaft position information over 360 of rotation with no stops or gaps. This magnetic encoder is designed to easily mount to and dismount from an existing shaft of 2mm to 1/4". The MAE3 is available with an analog or a pulse width modulated (PWM) digital output. Analog output (MAE3-A) provides an analog voltage that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. Analog output is only available in 10-bit resolution. PWM output provides a pulse width duty cycle that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. PWM output is available in 10-bit (MAE3-P) and 12-bit (MAE3-P12) resolutions. The MAE3 will mount to a 0.750" bolt circle. Two additional bolt circle sizes will be released within the next quarter: 1.280" and 1.812". Industry standard shaft lengths of 0.220" and 0.500" are both available on the MAE3. Custom Sizes US Digital is in the business of solving motion control problems and looks forward to providing the most useful and versatile product on the market. If there are additional bolt circles or shaft lengths that should be added to the MAE3, please contact our Technical Support department. Features RoHS compliant Low cost Miniature size Available with Analog output and PWM output 10-bit or 12-bit resolution Applications Motor position sensor Camera pan-tilt position sensor Rotary valve position sensor Rotary air duct valve position sensor Studio lighting position feedback Additional Documentation MAE3 Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesTue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-ma3 Vancouver, WA - Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of its latest miniature absolute magnetic shaft encoder, the MA3 . The MA3 is a miniature rotary absolute shaft encoder that reports the shaft position over 360 with no stops or gaps. The MA3 is available with an analog or a pulse width modulated (PWM) digital output. Analog output (MA3-A) provides an analog voltage that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. Analog output is only available in 10-bit resolution. PWM output provides a pulse width duty cycle that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. PWM output is available in 10-bit (MA3-P) and 12-bit (MA3-P12) resolutions. The accuracy is the same for both resolutions, even though the 12-bit version offers higher resolution. Next Generation US Digital continually seeks to improve our products by making them smaller, faster, more accurate, and lower cost. We found a way to make the current MA2 even smaller by changing the connector from 4-pins to 3-pins. This new product became the MA3 and only has a diameter of 0.48". This next generation MA3 product is recommended for all new designs and applications. Features Low cost Miniature size Available with Analog output and PWM output 10-bit or 12-bit resolution Applications Front panel control Camera pan-tilt position sensor Rotary valve position sensor Rotary air duct valve position sensor Studio lighting position feedback Additional Documentation MA3 Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesWed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/ed3-upgrade Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce an upgraded version of our low cost ED3 digital display. This upgrade offers significant enhancements over the previous version, including a more intuitive menu system and several new features, all for the same low price. Tachometer Mode A new velocity (tachometer) display mode was added to the ED3 product. The display will now report the encoders velocity in revolutions per time or counts per time. The existing Counter mode function is the same, and the parameter setup has been improved through an easier-to-use user interface. The tachometer is specifically designed to work with two channel quadrature type encoders and can sense direction as well as velocity. Display Resolution The Counter and Tachometer display resolution was changed from six digits to seven digits. The scale factor parameter also has the same seven digit resolution. User Interface The method for modifying the mode parameters was changed from numeric and bit-flag fields to alpha-numeric scrolling selection windows. The user will no longer need to refer to the manual to set the operating parameter values; each parameter value is described with a text title. Additional Features: Seven 0.5" high numeric digits with blue backlight Bidirectional counting Programmable scale factor and decimal position Displays signed values from 0.000001 to 9999999 Isolated SPDT relay output with programmable set points Applications: Tachometer Position display Distance display Digital level display Speed zone alarm indicator Additional Documentation: ED3 Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesWed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PDT http://usdigital.com/news/press-releases/introducing-the-ma2 Vancouver, WA - US Digital is proud to announce the release of its latest absolute encoder, the MA2 . The MA2 is a 10 bit miniature absolute magnetic shaft encoder that provides 1024 unique positions per 360 of shaft rotation. The MA2s magnetic single chip sensing technology makes it ideal for applications existing in harsh environments. The MA2 is available in two output versions, Analog and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The analog version outputs a voltage that is proportional to the absolute shaft position. The PWM output version outputs a 1024 Hz signal whose duty cycle is proportional to the absolute shaft position. The MA2 is a miniature encoder less than 5/8" in diameter and just over one inch in length, including the shaft and bushing. Absolute encoders have traditionally been larger, more expensive, and more complex than incremental encoders. In contrast, the small size, low cost, and simplicity of the MA2 now provides absolute position feedback for a new spectrum of applications that would otherwise be impractical. With useful, quick turnaround and exceptional customer service, US Digital is setting a new benchmark for low cost encoders. US Digital is continuing to engineer a high speed version and a 12 bit version that should be available during the first quarter of 2007. Features: RoHS compliant Low cost Miniature size 360 contact less rotational absolute position encoding Available with Analog output and PWM output 10 bit - 0.35 absolute resolution Applications: Human interface Robotics Office products Factory automation Power tools Additional Documentation: MA2 Data Sheet (HTML) Press ReleasesWed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST