See Archive Page for earlier news.

31/1/00

• New Portable PXI/CompactPCI Chassis Integrates User Interface - Instrument manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users can now build fully integrated, customised instrumentation systems to solve a wide variety of data acquisition and test and measurement applications. National Instrument's PXI- 1020 is a fully self-contained instrument platform with an integrated 6.4 in. LCD display, pointing device, and CD-ROM drive that are adjacent to eight PXI/CompactPCl slots.
• International standards newsletter highlights fieldbus developments - The IEC newsletter, Just Published is issued every two weeks. The current issue dated 28th January 2000 carries details of the IEC 61158: New international standard on fieldbus as well as some new protocols on PLCs and calibration and testing. This publication is sent by email, published on the web and is also sent by ordinary post to subscribers.

• Postion sensors at Drives & Controls - Position sensor manufacturer ASM will be exhibiting many new products including a new family of position sensors that can be programmed for offset, range and 4-2OmA or O-lOv output. Also, in addition to incremental and absolute encoder outputs, there are new options including RS232, CANbus, Profibus, Interbus S and SSI outputs, as well as a range of "mechanics only" position sensors designed exclusively for OEM's to fit their own encoders, potentiometers and other interfaces. Ranges vary from 50mm to 40m. Also being shown is the new AWS Angle Sensor which is now available in a programmable version allowing the user to select range, offset and O-lOv or 4-2OmA.
• International database for measurement - Measurement-related questions and disputes, including those that can hinder global commerce, may soon he resolved, thanks to an international database of measurement comparisons from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) headquartered in France. and the US based National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• Sensors at show - Bosch will be exhibiting its full range of sensors at MTEC 2000, the Sensors, Measurement, Instrumentation and Control exhibition (16th/17th Feb 2000). One of the highlights of the display will be the 'Lambda' oxygen sensor used for measuring oxygen content, for instance in exhaust gases. The sensor uses an output signal which is both stable and in sensitive to interference as well as being suitable for extreme operating conditions.
• Chemical delivery capabilities integrated in Europe - Kinetics has extended its ability to deliver turnkey flow control systems in Europe through its Fluid Systems Group with the addition of Unit Instruments' mass flow controller operations. The new integrated European structure now combines both instrument and flow control system development and manufacturing, allowing the group to respond rapidly and efficiently to the needs of the region's semiconductor and high-purity industries. Both companies are part of USFilter Corporation.

• Irish IT Education specialist acquires PTS - Global Knowledge, the information technology education specialist with offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Galway, has acquired the US-based PTS Learning Systems, a provider of technology-led learning solutions for mission-critical business applications.

• Steering committee meeting - The OPC European Steering Committee meeting will be hosted by Automsoft International in Dublin, Ireland on the 23rd February, 2000.
• Weighing Systems with Data Acquisition - PROCES-DATA has been producing components for industrial weighing systems for many years. The range includes weight transmitters, weight displays and weighing terminals, amongst many other fieldbus components for process automation. All these units are capable of communicating with each other, as well as with PCs, using the integrated P-NET fieldbus (BS EN 50170/1, IEC 61158/4). They are therefore able to operate as a complete weighing system, and as part of an overall control system.

• Bridging the Enterprise Gap - A statistic not generally known is that the second biggest exporter of software in the world is Ireland! This was pointed out today at a press function which officially launched an innovative software product in Ireland and Britain. Automsoft International was founded in Ireland in 1997 to develop database software that would bridge the gap between plant floor monitoring, control systems and higher-level enterprise systems. The result is RAPID (Real time Access Plant Information Database) Historian, developed as the world's first dedicated time and batch data archive and the only such product to be entirely based on an object oriented database core. This rapidly growing company has offices in Britain and America as well as distributors in many other countries throught the world.
• New Orleans to host worldwide attendees with emphasis on information exchange and training - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that it will hold its 2000 General Assembly in New Orleans on March 29, in New Orleans. Based on the theme, 'Working Worldwide...lnteroperable, Accepted and Growing," the event will be a comprehensive seminar, information exchange and technical training opportunity - in a single location - for end users considering or planning the installation Foundation tieldbus in their plants and factories.

• Interactive learning in advanced process control - Since the European launch of LearnWARE , computer-based training packages from P&L Automatik, they have become an invaluable set of training tools for industry, notably within the packaging, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, electrical and automotive sectors. LearnWARE is sold in more than 14000 licences since the beginning of 97.
• Change of show date - The ISA Ireland Section have changed the date of their annual table-top show and associated conference to 17th April 2000 in Cork City. The original date clashed with the C&I show (9th May) in England.

• Siemens to buy Moore Products - Siemens continues to build up its international operations in process automation. The Siemens Automation and Drives Group (A&D) reached an agreement today (January 17) with the shareholders of the Moore Products Corporation (NASDAQ: MORP) via the US company Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., with the aim of purchasing Moore. In the context of a public tender offer Siemens will make a cash offer on January 21 for all outstanding Moore shares. The total value of the offer is in the region of 170 mill. US$ (Euro 168 mill.). Moore has annual sales of around 168 mill. US$ (Euro166 mill.) for the year 1998 and approximately 1200 employees and is one of the leading US companies for process control systems and instruments.
• Job cuts feared in Europe - ABB Alstom Power, the global power generation equipment company created last year by the Swiss-Swedish ABB and Franco-British Alstom, is planning to cut up to 10,000 jobs over the next two years according to a reported in yesterday's Finacial Times of London.It is reported that the Brussels-based company believes the reduction in its workforce of 55,000 is necessary to boost profits, which have been hit by a worldwide slump in orders for steam turbines and over-capacity in the industry. Nearly all the job cuts are reportedly likely to take place in Europe, mainly in France and Germany where the company has some of its largest plants.

• New website includes free software - Giving users across manufacturing and processing, service and distribution industries more than just full details of advanced tank gauging and remote stock monitoring systems, software, probes and accessories, TM Technology's new website offers every 'visitor' a free, full copy of its Unicon 2 conversion software.

  Do you use the News Groups? - We sometimes forget this useful forum available free on the net. Recently a query from an instructor in the Industrial Training Authority of Ireland (FÁS) attracted over 100 responses on the sci.engr.control news group. The subject was a crushing machine for cans and the final response from the instructor as follows "Many thanks to all who contributed on this topic and what an amount of replies. We read every single one (nearly one hundred) and weighed (no pun intended!) up all the replies. Among all the very good ideas was a constant and strong view on using a simple air jet to blow the can to the next location if it is light but otherwise eject the can. This seems so simple and cost effective and so we have now incorporated it into our design. I have had a team of engineering students design and soon to build the machine."

• Course in real-time operating systems - The course provides an introduction to the theory, structure and practice of real-time operating systems. Particular emphasis is placed on issues related to embedded applications, nevertheless this course is still of significant value to engineers developing non-embedded real-time projects. The course covers the basic concepts, practical issues and commercial implementations of modern operating systems. Approximately 50% of the time is given over to lectures, the remainder being split between course workshops and practical demonstrations. The course will be held in Hungerford, Berkshire on 22nd-23rd February 2000 is 2 days in length and run by Feabhas.
• Come home invite to technology workers - With demand for IT professionals showing no sign of decreasing,Enterprise Ireland has confirmed that its Opportunity Ireland programme will run for a further 12 months, until December 2000. While the initial aim is to encourage Irish people working abroad in the software and electronics sectors to return home, the programme also promotes Ireland as an ideal location for entrepreneurs seeking to set up new businesses. "There will be an increased focus on attracting IT professionals with entrepreneurial skills," said Opportunity Ireland programme manager, Jackie FitzGerald. "As well as encouraging people to return to fill important roles within existing companies, we want to reach people with the vision to establish new businesses and create additional opportunities."
• New digital filter in upgraded product range - Kemo, the British manufacturer of electronic filters for signal conditioning in data-acquisition and instrumentation systems, is featuring a new real-time digital filter at m-TEC (Birmingham, GB 16 - 17 Feb 2000).

• New fire and gas Zone Module is universal - ICS Triplex has announced a new, universal zone module that extends the functionality of its flagship Trusted TMR critical control and safety system to include Fire and Gas (F&G) applications. The 40 channel F&G Zone Module provides fault tolerant monitoring of any 0-24mA gas detector in addition to any low voltage digital signal with line monitoring such as flame, smoke or heat detectors and manual alarm callpoints. To give maximum flexibility, any or all of the 40 channels can be programmed as outputs, for example for extinguishant release or reset of fire and other alarm functions. Channel status indication on the module is provided by tri-colour channel by channel configurable LED's. Because the function of each channel can be configured by the user to suit the required ratio between signal types, the new ZIM can be matched closely and cost effectively to each application.

• Win a prize! - For your chance to win a copy of the book, "Practical Robotics," by Bill Davies, visit: http://www.automationmag.com/contest/cntst10.html. This contest will stay at the Canadian Manufacturing AUTOMATION Interactive web site until February 15, 2000.
• New Pentium III controllers bring the latest in desktop PC technology to embedded computing -
  National Instruments has announced a series of embedded PXI/CompactPCI computers featuring Intel Pentium III processors for maximum computing power and faster system performance. The high-performance PXI-8170 Series controllers package the latest 700 MHz and 450 MHz Intel processors into the compact 3U Eurocard size. The controllers operate with all PXI and CompactPCI peripheral modules and are available with Windows 98 or Windows NT installed. PXI-8170 controllers are also available with preloaded National Instruments application software including LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI.
• RS232 Communications Using Mains Power-lines - Westermo Data Communications has developed the PD-O1, a modem designed for sending RS232 data over mains AC power-lines, using the Lonworks protocol. The PD-O 1 is plugged directly into the mains power network, making it ideal for low-cost and fast installations. Uses could include temporary communication during construction, or low-cost telemetry to a roof-top location, to name just two applications.
• Ultra-high purity specialist for Europe appointed - Graham Johnson has been appointed by Parker Hannifin as European Product Marketing Manager for the company's range of precision tube fittings, valves and components for ultra high purity (UHP) industries such as semiconductor, bio-pharrn and chemical processing.

• FPO link masters multiple PLC applications - A valuable addition to Matsushita Electric Works' PLC family, the FPO I/O link unit allows for exchange of I/O and data registration information between a master and up to 32 slave stations. Interfacing via RS485, the unit provides a low-cost communication system for larger scale applications where remote control is required. The I/O link unit can communicate to distances of up to 700m at a rate of 5OOkbps.
• Modbus-equipped ruggedised Ethernet data acquisition module opens the way to innovative OPC network architectures - Solartron has enhanced its recently launched Ethernet-interfaced isolated measurement pod (IMP) with the addition of Modbus connectivity and protocols. Designated the 5000 IMP, this ruggedised module provides a Modbus interface to 20 multifunction analogue channels alongside an Ethernet interface, making it ideal for wide-area process control and equipment monitoring under hostile environmental conditions. Control engineers can now integrate existing Modbus and IT process control networks and add high-precision data acquisition front-ends with ease.
• Video graphic recorder - The new video graphic recorder Eco-Graph from Endress+Hauser is highlighted by its unusually good price/performance ratio. Due to this it is not only a technological but also economical alternative to standard paper recorders.

• Testing PR and VC devices - Endevco has announced a new version of its portable accelerometer calibrator that features an option enabling testing of piezoresistive (PR) and variable capacitance (VC) type devices.
• Memory product manufacturer adopts USDATA's Xfactory MES - USDATA Corporation, a leading supplier of integrated manufacturing software solutions, today announced that Kingston Technology, the world's leading independent manufacturer of memory products, has selected USDATA's Xfactory¨ manufacturing execution system (MES) for immediate implementation in its Fountain Valley manufacturing facility.
• New Acquisition - Endress + Hauser has acquired the German analytical supplier Staiger Mohilo. Financial details were not disclosed. Staiger Mohilo manufactures process analyzers for turbidity, sludge levels and volume, ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate measurement in water & waste applications.
• PC-based Control - Confused and mystified by the terms surrounding automation control? What is the buzz about PC-based control? The first topic of the year on the Steeplechase So What? page explores the "What!" of PC-based control and flow chart programming. More importantly, it will help to understand the reasons why PC-based control can be used successfully to increase productivity.
• Data acquisition web server - D@wis from Eltex of Swedan is a system for data acquisition, supervision, reporting and control with a web based user interface. It can communicate through Ethernet/Internet/intranet. The server acquires and stores measured data from connected I/O units. It can be connected in an Ethernet network to Internet/intranet. It can also communicate through a modem or GSM telephone. An authorised person can access the information in the server and control it from any computer with Internet/intranet access. The server can also send alarm messages through any suitable communication system.
• New analytical sensors - The new Model Hx338 and Hx348 pH sensors from Fisher-Rosemount feature the new "Tri-triple" reference technology that protects the sensor from poisoning ions that can cause a false pH reading. The new dissolved oxygen Model Hx438 and Gx448 sensors offer a specially formulated, proprietary membrane material made of reinforced steel for longer sensor life.

• Bill Gate's abdicates - In a surprise move yesterday the CEO of Microsoft has stepped down to take a role in the product development side of the business.

• Falling prices and expanding application penetration to unleash heightened demand for variable speed motors - The European market for variable speed motors has finally begun to prosper acording to "The European Market for Variable Speed Motors," a new study by Frost & Sullivan. After a long period of unexpectedly low interest, the market has started to advance more strongly in many European regions as the potential customer base displays a higher level of user awareness and acceptance.
• HP off-shoot launches in Ireland - Agilent Technologies, the offshoot of Hewlett-Packard, has established a separate Irish operation under general manager Kevin Sweeney. The new company will be based in separate offices beside HP's existing sales and services headquarters in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Agilent will have Irish revenues of some $30m and currently employs 18 people. Worldwide the company employs 42,000 people. Agilent designs and manufactures test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, as well as semiconductor and optical components.

• Automation Division gets new manager - Andrew Myers has been appointed by Lumberg UK as Sales Manager for the Automation Division. Andrew has 22 years of experience with interconnect technology, in a number ofsenior positions from product management and product engineering to sales management and general management Andrew joins Lumberg from Cambion Electronics, where he spent ten years specialising in interconnection products.
• Quality Control Software available On The Web - Oualitv Wizard V1.O can now be obtained speedily and without fuss via the web, from Wizard In formation Systems. This software, constantly under development, is easy to use, versatile and has been designed by quality professionals for implementation within manufacturing industries worldwide. It is now possible to download the current version of Wizard's Ouallty Wizard software, using Visa or Mastercard for payment from www.wizinfosys.com. A must for ISO 9000 companies, Ouality Wizard's automated methodology, combined with Wizard's wealth of experience in real-time manufacturing software will help provide llnks to manufacturing software, and thereby simplify documentation.

• New North America Sales Manager - Rod Vaca has joined PC Soft International as PC Soft's Regional Sales Manager for North America. This marks the 22nd employee PC Soft International has hired within the last six months. PC Soft's intention is to hire another 60 employees by June, 2000.
• New interconnection solutions for drives and Fieldbus applications - At Drives & Controls (14 - 16 March 2000 in Telford, England), connector manufacturer Harting is featuring a number of interconnection products aimed at the drives and industrial automation sectors.
• Unique tube fitting provides high-reliability solution for DuPont nylon plant - DuPont UK Ltd has standardised on Parker CPI tube fittings for a major upgrade to its nylon plant in Middlesbrough (England). The company is installing around 14,000 fittings on the advanced DCS-controlled instrumentation network, because of the way CPI's unique single-ferrule design has been shown to combat corrosion, leakages and problems stemming from misassembly.

• New additions to stress analysis data acquisition system - Following its recent introduction, System 6000 has proved an outstanding success, encompassing enhanced hardware and software which is ideal for stress analysis, structural and materials testing. In addition to the development of a new Piezoelectric Sensor Card and an upgraded version of StrainSmart Software, Measurements Group UK Limited have just announced the release of the new portable version of their Stress Analysis Data Acquisition System.
• Latest in the New Generation of EXA Analysers - Yokogawa Europe announces the release of the latest EXA Analyser -- the 2-wire EXA SC202 for industrial conductivity or resistivity measurement. Offering the same "look and feel" and ease of use, as it's popular predecessor, SC202 provides enhanced flexibility and performance through 2-way communications.
  Information from their Irish representative Irish Plaqnt and Process Control IPP
• New intelligent temp MODBus conditioner - Red Lion has introduced the new ITMS4037 Intelligent Temperature to MODBUSTM Conditioner, with alarms, for many process applications. The ITMS accepts a wide range of temperature sensors and will handle thermocouple, RTD, mV or resistance signals and convert them into a resister format that can be read using either ASCII or RTU MODBUSTM protocol.

• New version of MES enhances large manufacturers' performance and agility _ USDATA Corporation has announced that in December it began shipping the latest release of its innovative Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Xfactory¨. Xfactory version 1.4 gives manufacturers of all sizes the ability to track and improve production processes "on the fly." Version 1.4 is designed specifically to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability for even the most demanding, large-scale, production processes.

• New Catalogue arrives -
  The new Sontay catalogue is the most comprehensive ever from this specialist in building management, measurement and control company. It is available in print, CD_ROM and from their web-site.
• LCD Monitor solutions are scaleable and modular for lower cost-of-ownership - Sequoia Tekelec is introducing an advanced monitor technology for OEM designs. The Morpheus LCD-based display system offers a range of integrated solutions from 8.4 to 12.1 inch diagonal, which are readily configured to the needs of individual projects, customers and applications. Simplified mounting, modular servicing and longer service intervals help to reduce cost of ownership throughout the unit life.
• Single-board computers offer 3U CompactPCl solution at low cost - The Industrial Systems Division of Tekelec Europe is introducing a range of CompactPCl single-board computers ideally suited to cost-conscious industrial and embedded systems. These new CPU boards are among the first product introductions following Tekelec's recent distribution agreement with Inova Computers.

• C++ for Real-Time Developers - A course for engineers with knowledge of C who may wish to move to C++ in a real-time/embedded environment is to be held in England next month. Unlike other courses, this course not only covers the language basics, it also incorporates real-time specific issues such as interrupt handling, concurrency and embedded programming. The course is also significantly different in that it uses target hardware (Hitachi SH2 based system) during the case study. Fifty percent of the course is spent on practical work with is split between PC based programming and target programming. The organiser of the course is Feabhas Training in Real-Time.

• Controlling stepper motors - Some new products for controlling stepper motors are included in the newly completed Warners Robotics' web site. They finished the code for multiple axis linear interpolation in September of 1999 and placed it on a Pic microcontroller called the EBG 4A. With the EBG 4A up to four Stepper Motors from the serial port of your PC may be controlled.

• Predictions and Possibilities - is a philosophical view of the new year, century, millennium through the eyes of Jim Pinto. Always worth a read.