News Article
Advanced Photonix signs VAR agreement with ACT
The pioneer in III-V compound semiconductor APD and PIN photodiode technology will unite with ACT to provide the T-gauge system for use in terahertz industrial process control
Advanced Photonix Inc. (API) has signed a VAR agreement for its T-Gauge industrial terahertz gauging system, with Automation and Control Technology, Inc. (ACT).
ACT will add features and services to API's T-Gauge sensor technology and the integrated product or complete "turn-key" solution will go on the market.
The T-Gauge measurement system builds on the company’s long history of terahertz products dating back over 10 years with the introduction of one of the world’s first commercial terahertz systems.
Picometrix, a subsidiary of API, is a specialist in tetrahertz technology. The company has also been a supplier of high-speed optical receivers since 1992. Its products address the entire range of 10, 40 and 100 Gbps applications utilising proprietary III-V PIN and APD photodiodes. Bandwidths range from 2 GHz to 60 GHz and cover wavelengths from 700 nm to 1650 nm.
The new T-Gauge system is ruggedised for deployment on the manufacturing floor for quality assurance and process control. The technology is very adaptable to different sensor configurations, including robotic controls, to support many different applications. The resulting innovative gauge will help manufacturers to improve quality and reduce costs.
Charles Totel, President and CEO of ACT states, “The terahertz technology is the next generation of sophisticated measurement sensors that are destined to eventually displace many nucleonic and x-ray sensor applications. This next generation of safe sensors are capable of measuring multiple layer products and providing high precision measurements for each layer of a product. ACT is excited about the opportunity to provide this new technology to our valued customers.”
David Pond, EVP & COO of ACT adds, “ACT delivers complete industrial gauging solutions (measurement, control and data management) which now include API’s revolutionary T-Gauge sensor technology. We are proud to be the first VAR in the world to have integrated and placed into production a terahertz sensor in an industrial multi-layer web based process application.”
Rob Risser, COO of API concludes, “We are pleased to welcome ACT to our growing VAR partner network. Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to reduce cost and improve quality. The industry expertise, application development, and established sales channels capability of our VARs, like ACT, will enable us to more rapidly deliver the improved quality and cost reduction capabilities of terahertz technology to the factory floor in a shorter time horizon.”
The companies are both exhibiting at The International Plastics Showcase, NPE, one of the largest plastics exposition in the Western Hemisphere, in Orlando, Florida from April 1stto 5th, 2012. Both firms will have their full line of products on display. Picometrix will be at booth #32055 and ACT at booth #33066.
