NSN Gamut Blog

Radar systems serve to detect and track objects or weather patterns, making them indispensable in a wide range of scenarios. Their ability to provide precise information about what is present in a surrounding space has made radar systems a staple of the aerospace, automotive, maritime, and military sectors. In this blog, we will explore how radar systems function, their primary components, and the diverse fields where they are applied.

A databus is a type of communication system that has become ubiquitous in modern electronic design, serving as a conduit through which data travels on its way to different components within a device or system. Databuses are integral in systems ranging from simple consumer electronic devices to complex aerospace systems, enabling efficient and organized management of information, addresses, and control signals. This connectivity is crucial in ensuring that components like processors, memory units, sensors, and actuators communicate seamlessly and function as a cohesive whole. In this blog, we will discuss the applications and capabilities of databuses in more detail, as well as cover layered options.

When discussing information exchange within electronic systems, the term "data bus" holds a pivotal role. The data bus is a communication system that enables data transfer between different components within a computer or electronic system. This mechanism is the digital thoroughfare through which automatic data flow is made possible, facilitating seamless communication between various subsystems.

Many take for granted the ability to plug a device into an outlet and receive immediate power. The modern electrical transmission system has enabled the use of numerous appliances and devices, thereby improving the quality of life for each user. Although this system consists of several critical components, the majority of users are only familiar with the power cord, which is the element that delivers electricity from the main supply to the appliance or device. Although all power cords accomplish the same goal of power delivery, they are not universal in their design and compatibility. In this article, we will explore the power cord's history, function, and common variants.

Oil leakage in aircraft is a serious problem, especially in small aircraft from brands such as Piper, Diamond, Cirrus, Beechcraft, Cessna, or Mooney. These aircraft have the potential of facing engine failures, usually resulting from extensive wear and tear over time or misalignment when installed in the factory. The engine of a small aircraft is a delicate and vital part, and to avoid unwanted delays during take-off or landing, you should ensure the engine is regularly maintained to keep it running smoothly. The engines of these small aircraft are usually equipped with piston-driven powerplants which means that they operate through internal combustion. Moreover, a piston engine is used because it requires less space and provides more efficient performance when compared to larger turboprops or gas turbines. However, the design of lightweight pistons and valves can lead to potential spills and leaks during take-offs and landings.

Jack bolts are hydraulically tightened long studs that come equipped with a built-in hydraulic connection, keeping the upper main bearing controls intact. Moreover, they do not pass through the main bearing housing, but do hold their application by applying external hydraulic tension. These fastening components find use in technical applications, electronic connectors, and more.

Within the realm of fastener assemblies, washers are a common component that is very useful for facilitating a load. Typically coming in the form of a thin, disk-shaped plate with a hole, washers may be paired with a threaded fastener such as a bolt or nut in an assembly in order to better distribute its load. While mainly serving to assist with loads, washers may also serve other applications such as preventing galvanic corrosion or acting as a spacer, wear pad, locking device, vibration reducer, and more. As there are many types of washers that one may use when creating an assembly, it is crucial to have a general understanding of the more common variations and their capabilities.

At the altitude range that most aircraft operate in, air pressure and oxygen density is often at a level that is unsafe for humans due to the risks of hypoxia. While some aircraft remedy this situation with portable oxygen systems for crew members and pilots, such methods are less optimal for larger airliners with many passengers. In those instances, the passenger aircraft utilizes pressurization, that being when cabin pressure is controlled to provide passengers with a safer environment that is closer to sea level conditions. As a reliable method that has long kept passengers safe and comfortable during flight, understanding the aircraft pressurization system can be useful for any interested individual or aircraft engineer.

The Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS) was introduced to minimize the risk of mid-air and near mid-air collisions between aircraft. It serves as a last-resort safety net regardless of any separation standards. ACAS II, the most modern version, is a system based on Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transponder signals. ACAS II interrogates the Mode C and Mode S transponders of surrounding aircraft and uses their replies to track their altitude and range, issuing alerts to the pilots as needed. Unfortunately, ACAS II will not detect aircraft that do not have transponders equipped and will not issue resolution advice for traffic without an altitude reporting transponder.

Within a variety of internal combustion engines, the ignition of fuel and air mixtures is made possible through magnetos, spark plugs, and other related components. In order for electrical energy to be transported from the magneto to the spark plug, a component known as an ignition harness is implemented. With wire connections leading from the magneto distributor block to a spark plug, the ignition harness can both serve as a conductive path for energy transfer and for the shielding of components from the stray magnetic fields resulting from standard operations. With the importance that the ignition harness serves for combustion and flight operations, it can be very useful to understand how such components function as well as how to best care for them.

On a standard passenger aircraft, the windows and windshields are designed to withstand a great amount of force throughout a flight while retaining high integrity. As compared to standard glass pane windows that serve many buildings and automobiles, the materials that are used for the construction of aircraft windows consist of various special polymers and plastics to provide high strength. Furthermore, multiple layers of protection may also be present to ensure complete safety.