Sensortechnics, a leading supplier of sensing and fluidic control devices and integrated systems, extends its range of products to include a family of optical liquid level switches. This new product range adds to Sensortechnics' existing liquid level products consisting of submersible level sensors and industrial pressure transmitters. Sensortechnics miniature optical liquid level switches reliably detect the presence or absence of liquid using solid state technology with no moving parts. They are available as basic switches, microprocessor compatible TTL-output devices and high power transistor output versions capable of switching currents up to 800 mA. These new liquid level switches offer different housing options including cost-effective plastic polysulphone and rugged stainless steel versions for corrosive environments. The new point-level sensors provide excellent media compatibility and are suitable for a wide range of applications such as medical equipment, HVAC, compressors, hydraulic reservoirs, machine tools and leak detection as well as food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing. ...

PREMA Semiconductor GmbH has extended its family of LED drivers by a boost driver for solar applications. The new PR4403 drives and controls white LEDs out of one single battery charged by solar cells. It uses the connected solar cells to detect daylight. PREMA designs and produces the ICs in their own fab located in Mainz, Germany. LED solar lamps operate with automatic LED control depending on the ambient light level. The battery is charged by solar cells. Normally this requires several components like Schottky diodes, capacitors, resistors, two or three rechargeable battery cells and a photo resistor. In contrast to this standard solution the PR4403 saves several components, as it is able to drive the current for the white LED out of a single rechargeable battery cell. Also the expensive photo resistor is no longer needed. ...