September 1 GFCI Protection Deadline
The National Electric Code (NEC) exception that allowed outdoor listed residential HVAC equipment to go without GFCI protection expired on September 1st. If you’re working in one of the 40 states under 2020, 2023, or 2026 code, this impacts you!
You may be concerned about experiencing nuisance tripping on standard breakers. Standard GFCI breakers frequently nuisance trip on inverter-driven and variable-speed equipment due to high frequency leakage current; this is why we recommend Shock Block® SB4000.
Littelfuse Shock Block SB4000 product is a UL 943 listed Class A GFCI that meets NEC 210.8(F) requirements, and works with any panel, so you can meet the code requirement without inheriting the nuisance-trip problem.
SB4000 at a glance:
- Works with any panel
- Designed to be installed for easy access (exterior rated)
- Wiring integrity detection - identifies loss of ground and mis-wire issues
- Verified grounding path on supply side
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HVAC Applications Video
Smarter Pressure Sensing for More Efficient HVAC Systems
Accurate differential pressure measurements are essential to improving HVAC system performance, optimizing energy efficiency, and maintaining indoor air quality. In its HVAC Applications video, Superior Sensor Technology highlights how pressure sensors support critical functions such as air filter monitoring, airflow measurement, duct pressure control, and variable air volume (VAV) systems. Discover how advanced sensing technology helps HVAC manufacturers deliver more reliable measurements, improve system control, and reduce unnecessary maintenance and energy waste.
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Microchip Introduces its First Turnkey Touch Controllers for Buttons, Sliders and Wheels with Parallel Sensing
MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers enable fast touch acquisition and robust performance for complex interfaces, including display-free applications
As appliance and equipment manufacturers look for ways to reduce system costs, many are replacing displays with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using high-end decoration and illuminated capacitive-touch buttons, sliders and wheels. These interfaces often require a large number of touch sensors which can increase acquisition time and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when using conventional controllers. To address these challenges, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has expanded its turnkey capacitive-touch family with the launch of MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers, helping manufacturers create visually appealing, display-free HMIs at lower system cost and with less design complexity. The first in Microchip’s touch turnkey controller portfolio to incorporate parallel sensing for buttons, sliders and wheels, the devices support IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety certification and operation up to 105°C, making them well suited for home appliance, outdoor and industrial applications.
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NexPoint Materials Launches as Standalone Engineering Thermoplastics Company
NexPoint Materials, operating as NexPoint, today announced its launch as an standalone engineering thermoplastics company. The news follows the finalization of its acquisition from SABIC’s Engineering Thermoplastics (ETP) business by Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The new company is built on decades of materials innovation, manufacturing excellence and application expertise. It employs approximately 2,800 people, and operates an integrated manufacturing, technical and commercial network across Europe and the Americas that supports customers where they do business.
The launch of NexPoint marks a new chapter in engineering thermoplastics innovation, with an even sharper focus on customer, supplier and partner collaboration. NexPoint will continue to deliver trusted products, technical expertise and responsive support, with no disruption to ongoing operations, while increasing business agility and streamlining decision making.
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AkzoNobel to Sell Southeast Asia Decorative Paints Business to Nippon Paint for $1.35 Billion
AkzoNobel has entered into binding agreements to sell its Decorative Paints business across Southeast Asia and Australia to Nippon Paint Holdings Co. in transactions carrying a total enterprise value of approximately $1.35 billion (€1.20 billion).
The agreements cover AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints businesses in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Australia. AkzoNobel said it will retain full ownership of its Coatings activities and its Global Business Services organization.
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Application Note from Vitrek
Monitoring Wafer Thickness During Backside Processing for AI and Advanced Packaging
As wafers are thinned for AI accelerators, high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging, meeting a target thickness is only part of the challenge. Uneven material removal, bow, and warp can affect wafers before they reach bonding and assembly—and a single center-point reading may not reveal the problem.
Our new application note explains how the MTI Instruments Proforma 300i and 300iSA can be used at checkpoints between grinding and polishing. You’ll learn:
- Why measurements across the wafer can reveal variation a center-point reading misses
- Where thickness checks fit into the backside processing workflow
- When to use manual point measurements versus semi-automated wafer mapping
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ROHM’s New 2nd Generation Terahertz Wave Oscillation Device Delivers 4 Times Higher Output Power
ROHM has developed a 2nd Generation terahertz (THz) wave oscillation device using semiconductor elements known as Resonant Tunneling Diodes (RTDs). ROHM is making the device available via the RTD-EVK-G2 Terahertz Wave Device Evaluation Kit, which includes a sample device, cable, and evaluation board. The kit enables companies and research institutions to evaluate THz wave oscillation and detection in a compact development environment.
Occupying the frequency region between radio waves and light, terahertz waves combine the penetrating properties of radio waves with the straight-line propagation of light. Because they exhibit unique absorption characteristics for polymers, moisture, and other substances, they are expected to be used in non-destructive testing without ionizing radiation, medical and healthcare applications, and high-resolution radar sensing. However, conventional terahertz systems require large equipment and high implementation costs, making it difficult for new companies and research institutions to enter the field or pursue commercialization.
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