With more exhibitors currently planning to take part than ever before, OSPMA is the only single, dedicated event which provides industry with true open solutions for its processing and manufacturing needs.

"PC-based control systems, together with Scada software, data acquisition, WEE 1451 and soft PLC technology form a new integral part of the event - in addition to the latest smart process solutions for intrinsically-safe areas. All the major fieldbus protocols will continue to be covered, with a particular emphasis this year on Ethernet which every end-user in industry ought to know more about." explains Event Manager Diana Shepstone.

Running from 5-6 October in Hall 3 of the Telford International Centre, OSPMA features a Conference with half-day seminars covering Ethernet, Data Acquisition, Scada software, Soft PLC Technology versus PC-based Systems and Smart Process Control Solutions for Intrinsically-Safe Areas.

Exhibitor Report from the organiser's website.

Harting - featured a number of new fibre-optic interconnection products designed to optimise data rates and minimise electromagnetic interference in industrial networking applications. The AS-Interface - stand showed a completely revamped multi vendor demonstration unit (MVD) including AS-Interface products from every UK member. The MVD for the first time has multiple masters from ifm electronic, Imtex, Pepperl + Fuchs, Schneider Electric and Siemens with a switching facility between them. A valve from new members Stonel and Burkert showed the capability of AS-Interface to work in a process environment. Amongst the other new products on show was a colour LCD MMI. Also available on the stand was be the new FAQ and Safety at Work brochures, plus the current product guide on CD-ROM. Contemprary Controls championed the ARCnet protocol are embracing Industrial Ethernet as a viable network on stand A 30. Hirschmann - has developed BusOuick, a new quick-connection system for field buses, complying with lEC 61158-2. BusOuick is remarkable not only for its quick installation time but also for its user-friendliness. Woodhead Connectivity's - Brad Harrison presented a range of active splitter boxes - specially developed to allow multiple wiring on a Profibus fieldbus for sensors and actuators to be linked together and then connected back to the control system via a single bus cable. Beckhoff - (in Britain, Hayes Control Systems) presented the latest extensions of the TwinCAT automation software. The features are simple synchronisation of drives, central motor control via the PC and all this by means of software via only one fieldbus. The central hardware building block is a communication processor for Profibus, that offers high transfer rates, thanks to advanced PC technology. System Devices Ltd - showed Opto22, a leading supplier and innovator of I/O systems for data acquisition and control, is firmly committed to the Ethernet for its next generation of fieldbus products. Balluff-Multiswitch - showed a wide selection of fieldbus-compatible products, including sensors and connectors, tool and pallet identification systems, Systeme Lauer MMIs, and the latest generation of BTL linear transducers. PBE Systems - launched the CTC PowerStation RS machine control system comprising a rugged yet attractive flat panel display monitor linked to a remote open architecture PC,designed to enhance both the look and functionality of a machine. Phoenix Contact - exhibited the complete range of fieldbus based products and accessories will be displayed. The central focus will be the new range of Interbus host controller cards which are the only Interbus controllers designed for use with the Siemens S7 300 and S7 400 PLCs.

Profibus - featured the first appearance of the substantially enhanced PROFIBUS Product Wall, with exhibits including PLC's from Siemens, Mitsubishi and PEP, digital I/O from WAGO, Weidmuller and Eurotherm, solenoid valve blocks from Norgren and Burkert. A range of PROFIBUS -PA products and interfacing to an Allen Bradley PLC was demonstrated. Visitors to the stand were able to take advantage of a special membership promotion offering a free CD-ROM with full PROFIBUS documentation plus three months free membership. Also available on the stand were the latest PROFIBUS Electronic Product Guide CD-ROM and also the new ProfiSafe brochure. SmartScan - presented the design engineering group responsible for developing many of the Smartscan 6000 range of components for linking to the Safe-Net Integrated Safety System and Smartscan's innovative range of safety components connected onto the SAFE-NET system, including, gate interlocks, safety proximity and photoelectric sensors, light curtains, key switches and push buttons. The LiNet controller is a stand-alone network driver and power supply for the LiNet network nodes. MTE Turck - introduced the new Turck busstop generation of miniature fieldbus connection modules specifically designed to fit inside a machine and provide a variety of connection options to all the major fieldbus protocols. Rockwell Automation - featured a comprehensive selection of PLC and networking solutions, based on DeviceNet, ControlNet and Ethernet. Tellima Technology - launched the revolutionary "Field MarshaI fieldbus interface module. The module allows OEMs to add fieldbus capability to any product instantly! IFM Electronic - demonstrated accurate colour sensing, for both reflective and transparent targets, can be achieved easily and cost effectively with the new QDC family of colour sensors. Keystone - showed a range of AS (Actuator Sensor) Interface valve, actuator and controls packages which can be networked using the two wire AS Interface and linked via a fieldbus gateway to plants' central computers or a higher level Fieldbus. DeviceNet UK,/a> - celebrated its growth to be the leading Controller Area Network (CAN) based system in Britain. Wieland Electric Ltd - promoted the most recent developments to ricos, a fieldbus interface designed to simplify and optimise the connection between PLCs and sensors and actuators.