Product News
Sensors to detect virtually anything
New range of photo-electric sensors launched
The new Osiris range of photo electric sensors from Telemecanique has been designed to detect virtually any material, object or person.
More than 500 products are avail-able, providing the solution to practically any detection problem, including the more difficult ones: transparent or reflective materials, low-contrast colour marks, objects against a light background. The most reliable operating systems are used: thruÕbeam, reflex, polarised reflex, diffuse and diffuse with background suppression.
Conforming to IEC, UL and CSA Standards these products will detect objects at distances between 1mm to 100meters. With IP67 protection and operation between -25 and +55¡C, they have been carefully designed to withstand harsh Industrial environments.
To help select the ideal product for your application the product range is divided into three main groups.
These groups are:
- Optimum Osiris: incorpora-ting the principal photo-elec-tric detection functions into industry's favourite enclosures, these cost-effective products have been optimised for the most commonly encountered sensing applications and are ideal for use on standard machines, produced in large quantities.
- Universal Osiris: offering, in addition to the basic functions, a host of advanced features such as stability LED, alarm output, test input, timers etc. These products are truly multi-purpose. Their versatility means that just one sensor may be used as a service replace-ment for a number of different types, allowing machine per-formance to be maintained whilst reducing maintenance stock requirements.
- Application Specific Osiris : for those particularly difficult sensing requirements. These products will resolve problems associated with long operating ranges, registration mark detection, restricted mounting space etc.
Y2K Compliance:
Wonderware has announced that all components within its FactorySuite industrial auto-mation software packages are Year 2000 compliant. Distributed by Pantek Ltd, the FactorySuite provides a unique opportunity for customers to easily upgrade older factory automation applications to full compliance without having to completely re-engineer the applications.
"Since we introduced our first Wonderware InTouch man-machine interface (MMI) software in 1989, we have always provided a simple application upgrade capability for users who wanted to deploy the newest versions and features of our software," explained Joe Cowan, Wonderware vice president of sales and marketing. ÒThis meant that whenever one of our customers purchased a new version of InTouch and launched an application developed under a previous version, the software would enable them to recompile the application automatically, in just minutes, for use with the new software version.
"Our new FactorySuite software modules provide this same easy way to upgrade legacy applications and since they are fully Year 2000 com-pliant users will now be able to assure that their previous applications developed in any previous Windows versions from the Windows 2.0 of 1989 to the Windows 3.11 and Windows for Workgroups applications of 1996 will be Year 2000 compliant upon upgrade to FactorySuite usage" he said.
The costs for completely redeveloping existing applica-tions are incalculable and could run into the millions for most companies. This is a critical issue to plant managers and to Information Systems (IS ) department managers because users of competitive HMI systems may not be able to do this. Anyone using DOS or earlier 16-bit Windows versions of their HMI pro-ducts have never been able to upgrade application programs with just a few mouse clicks, so they will be forced to develop completely new applications from scratch if they wish to make use of the Year 2000 compliance in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95.
The FactorySuite is an integrated set of Windows NT-based application development modules used to configure factory automation systems for supervisory control and data acquisition; PC-based machine and process control; production management and work-in-process tracking; flexible batch process management; a real-time relational database; Internet and intranet remote application viewing; and several hundred I/O servers to connect applications to plant floor control, sensor and actuation devices.
"Year 2000 compliance is expected to be a multi-billion dollar headache for the global computing community be-cause most software does not take into account the looming turn of the century in the date formatting of software systems. Since most applica-tions use only two digits each for day, month and year references (e.g., 11.11.97 for todayÕs date), this will cause massive problems when we reach the year 2000 because computer software wonÕt know if a date reference is to the year 1900 or 2000 and systems will crash" Cowan said. "The problem has been solved in many programs, such as with MicrosoftÕs newest operating systems and with our FactorySuite applica-tion software, by changing to using expansion or encoding techniques to facilitate four-digit year designations.
"No one else has provided such a simple and easy way to upgrade legacy factory automation systems as we have provided in all the modules of our FactorySuite packagesÓ Cowan added. ÒWe are the only automation software supplier to provide this capability across multiple application spaces."
Frequency Converter
The new frequency converter from PR Electronics (Manotherm) combines great flexibility with an attractive price level.
The new frequency module 5225 is easily configured as re-gards sensor type, input signal, trig level and output signal by means of PR electronicsÕ pro-gramming kit PReset 5905C.
The input can receive signals from standard pulse generators such as flow meters, tacho generators, inductive proximity sensors etc. Max. input signal 200,000 Hz.
The module has 1 digital input and 2 digital outputs and 1 analogue output.
By means of PReset the function can be chosen to perform i.a division, multi-plication, frequency watch, period measurement, frequency generator etc.
One of the new interesting functions is the fact that the pulse signal can be divided to the digital output and at the same time get an analogue output signal. The analogue output can be programmed within the ranges: 0-20mA/0-10VDC with a max offset of 50% of the span.
Write 7109 on card
Smart in-head Temp Tx
The SEM 210, Status InstrumentsÕ (PJ Boner) new smart universal temperature transmitter, was recently launched.
This instrument is an ideal choice for all temperature measurement applications, this in-head temperature transmitter accepts any commonly used temperature sensor, slidewire transducer or millivolt signal and converts the output to the industry standard 4-20mA. It features high accuracy and stability and is easily programmed for sensor type and range. A software package running under Windows on a PC communicates via an interface adaptor down to the same pair of wires that carry the 4-20mA output signal - this enables re-programming or interrogation, whilst the transmitter is connected in an existing loop. IsolAtion is featured as standard, rated at 500Va.c. r.m.s.
Write 7111 on card
The dawning of a new gauge
The new DigiGauge from British Rototherm (Bentley) is the latest development in the evolution of the humble pressure gauge.
The combination of tried and trusted fundamental dial gauge design principles together with the latest microprocessor controlled, ultra-low-power consumption solid state electronics has resulted in a robust, technically advanced instrument design - which due to its IP67 sealed stainless steel construction and excellent measurement perfor-mance, far exceeds current industry norms.
Pressure ranges are available from vacuum to 400 bar with a standard accuracy typically better than ±0.25% fsd on all ranges - compar-able with an analogue standard test gauge but with significantly higher resolution.
Write 7112 on card
Beer monitor
The compact Paar DSRn 427 Beer Monitor is highly accurate and can easily be installed in the production line by means of an in-line fitting.
Density, sound velocity, and temp-erature measurements of this trans-ducer are sent to their mPDS 200 controller, which is compact, easy to use, and contains a powerful combi-nation of dedicated software and computing power. Together they can determine the % alcohol, real and apparent extracts, original extract and degree of temperature for up to 31 different types of beer.
The controller has a large and easy to read display, automatic surveil-lance and adjustable upper and lower alarm limits, analogue outputs for connections to closed loop con-trollers, recorders, or remote displays, and an RS232 interface. There is an input for a CO2 signal, such as PaarÕs 2000 CO2 Analyser, which can be used for compensation purposes.
Write 7114 on card
High speed
National Instruments (IMEX) has launched the DAQDIO 6533 family of high-speed (up to 20 Mwords/s on the PCI bus), low cost digital I/O interfaces. This family includes the PCI-DIO-32HS, the AT-DIO-32HS, and the DAQCardª-6533 interfaces for PCL, ISA, and PCMCIA PCs, respectively. All contain 32 lines of digital I/O that users can integrate into a wide variety of applications, including high-speed digital communications; high-speed pattern generation; digital monitoring and control; digital test of electronic circuits; and on/off control of annunciators, fans, lights, motors, and switches.
All these boards use the custom DAQ-DSC ASIC for increased capabilities and improved reliability. NI-DAQ¨ driver software is includ-ed with each board so users can quickly integrate these high perfor-mance interfaces into applications using other DAQ hardware. All are compatible with LabVIEW¨, Lab-Windows¨/CVI, Component-Works¨, and the companyÕs other virtual instrumentation software products.
Write 7115 on card
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Inside Front
" A new era in Industrial Automation" is an article first of a series on software from Wonderware.
News from the Net
This is becoming a feature in each issue giving the latest news as on our News Page.
Exhibition News
ISATech'97
The ISATechÕ97 was the first of its type ever staged. The format comprised training sessions in the Morning and a thematic exhibition in the afternoons. A single entrance fee entitled the visitor to attend any of the training sessions and seminars and also the exhibition itself. Most attendees felt that the new format was useful and the next ISATech in 1999 is eagerly awaited. The show next year will revert to the more conventional trade show format.
Safe partnership! - Phoenix Contact and MTL Instruments have formed a partnership to bring the number one worldwide supplier I/O bus system (according to a recent ARC report) and. the number one in intrinsically safe I/O to provide
a high performance networked solution to safe I/O applications. This joint solution is to provide the process I/O and communication required to meet the wide spectrum of process control applications today.
Communications for OEMs - Another launch was the Universal Communications System (UCS) by SS-Technologies of Ontario. UCS is a low cost interface for connecting OEM products to industrial networks. It represents a departure from the conventional approach to network interfaces for this type of product. Rather than integrate hardware and software directly into the productÕs control system, UCS places the network protocol support on a bolt-on module, relieving the OEM of the necessity to create and maintain infrastructure for a communications program.
Multiple announcements from OA - A packed press confer-ence heard a breathtaking review of advancements being made by ObjectAutomation software products planned for full release in the first quarter of 1998 (which are all detailed on their web site www.oa.com). They have purchased ICT Software GmbH of Munich (D), and under the name ObjectAutomation GmbH these offices will house developmental, marketing and sales teams for the rapidly expanding European market. they also announced strategic partnerships with six important industry leaders.
Java Control and Automation framework - The JAVA Control and Automation Framework (JCAF) is described as an industry driven initiative to bring innovative implementations of Java technology to the process control and automation industry. JCAF, from Sun Microsystems , is a marketing and engineering initiative focussed on technology adoption, pilot projects, and market education, to expand the scope of the Java Automation API initiative launched in 1996.
One-half million nodes per annum - By year end 1997 1.5million ARCNET nodes will have been shipped most of them scheduled for use in industrial Networking applications. 40% each will be shipped to the Us and Japan while the growing European Market will have 20%.
Pass for FF - Fieldbus Foundation announced that two ÒmasterÓ and two ÒbasicÓ communications stacks supplied by member companies had passed the Foundation fieldbus confor-mance tests. With the completion of these tests, Foundation-registered communications stacks will now be made available for use by device developers in their fieldbus devices. The rigor and completeness of their product registration programme is claimed to be unique in fieldbus technology. The test suite was designed specifically for the Fieldbus Foundation by the internationally recognised Fraunhofer Institute in Karlsruhe.
Irchem'97
The Irchem show in Cork this year was very well supported and there was a buzz about it that we havenÕt heard at exhibitions in Ireland for A good while now. Our friends at Creative Photography went round with a camera and took some shots some of which we reproduce in this issue.
Next year in Ireland
ISA IrelandÕ98
April/May Date and venue to be confirmed
Instrumentation IrelandÕ98
14/10/98 - 16/10/98
Venue RDS Dublin
Organisers: SDL 01 4900600
Instrument People
Siemens Birthday Competition!
In a competition to mark the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Siemens, Jim Hickey, Controls Contract Manager at Douglas Electronics Systems Limited achieved second place prize in a special Customer Innovation Competition organised by Siemens.
Jim's proposal in relation to the development of a cost effective "Hot" Back Up PLC System was judged to be one of the most innovative ideas from over fifty entries received from Siemens customers throughout Ireland.
The new President of EFIMA is Otto Kwak of the Netherlands. EFIMA is the organisation of European IBC exhibitions.
Peadair Ashe has recently joined P.J. Boner and Company in their sales department.
John Gilliland has joined Manotherm and replaces Bob Livingston who has retired after many years with the company, primarily involved with the Northern Ireland end of the operation.
The Automation Engineer responsible for Variable Stepped Drives in the Irish market for Schneider Electric (Telemecanique) is Frank Bolger.
Ronald H. Dick was elected President elect Secretary of IS - the international society for measurement and control at ISATechÕ97 in Anaheim (USA) earlier this month. He is manager of the Instrumentation laboratory and the Instrumentation Design and Data Validity Groups at Pratt & Whitney, Florida.
The ISAÕs Ireland Section recently announced the result of elections for their 1997/8 Committee. The members are, Billy Walsh, President (UCC), Declan Lordan, President-Elect (Douglas Electronics), Aidan Howard, Past President, (PM), ƒamon Creech, Secretary (Janssen), Dave Oliver, Treasurer (MurphyÕs Brewery), Fiacre Bracken, Standards & Practices (Novartis), Brian Curtis, Newsletter (Jacobs Engineering), Bob Shine, Education (FçS), Alan Edwards, Technical Programme (CG Services), John Lotty, PR, (Marathon), Tom OÕHanlon, Exhibitions (Acorn), Brendan OÕConnell, Membership (ProsCon), Eoin Ó Riain, Webmaster (Readout). Also on the committee are John Sweeney (Eli Lilly), John Farrell (Proscon) and Eoin Galvin, (Pfizers).
ISA England Section have elected Mark Howarth of PEEK Measurement as their president for 1997/8. President-elect is David White of FGH Controls.
Pioneering journalist
We are sad to record the recent death of Donald McDonald at the age of 64. He started the first computer magazine in Ireland, Irish Computer, and his company has a stable of publications (including AMT magazine) and events. Ar dheis DŽ go raibh sŽ. May he rest in peace.
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