See Archive Page for earlier news.

• World-wide seminars on emanufacturing - USDATA and Compaq will hold a worldwide joint Seminar Series next month on the impact of collaborative eManufacturing. The U.S. portion of the series will feature the keynote address by Julie Fraser from Industry Direction, a recognized expert in manufacturing operations, e-business issues and applications. Register here.
  The U.S. seminars are scheduled in Atlanta (November 7), Detroit (November 9), Los Angeles (November 14) and Chicago (November 16). Seminars will also be held in France, Germany and the United Kingdom but we have no dates.
• Measurement and control show in England - Mtec 2001 is poised to break new ground in the sensing, measurement and instrumentation industry. Under one roof there will be the exhibition with its core of sensor products and those used in conjunction with them; the Technology Transfer Zone, which links today's products with tomorrow's innovations; and the Sensor and Transducer Conference which provides a unique insight into the technological future of this highly dynamic industry.
• Sold! - ICS Group has announced the sale of its US subsidiary Max Controls to Neles, part of Metso Corporation, for an undisclosed sum. A specialist in fossil fuel power plant control, Max Controls has substantial business in India and China as well as the US, and has local offices in the UK, Spain and India. The sale will help focus on the strengthening of the Global operations of ICS and Transmitton.

• New IEC inlet filters cut costs - Progressive design and manufacturing initiatives from market leading Schaffner have resulted in the introduction of a new series of IEC 950 compliant inlet filters. The FN9221 series offers significant cost savings over traditional devices while maintaining high specifications.
• SWE Newsletter - The October newsletter of the SWE - International Instrument Users Association has been published. This organisation is formed by the UK's Evaluation International (SIREP), France's EXERA and in the Netherlands WIB. The newletter may be viewed on the WIB site.

• Software with expanded capabilities - Fisher-Rosemount has announced immediate availability of the 5.0 release of Asset Management Solutions (AMS) software. AMS a key component of the PlantWeb field-based architecture changes the way plants manage intelligent devices by supporting plant personnel in device configuration, calibration, and diagnosis of equipment problems. Customers can now gain access to an increased number of field instruments which have been fully integrated into online AMS software. In addition the 5.0 release increases the maximum tag count, adds support for more calibrators and multiplexers, and enhances the client/server functionality. Also included is the ability to create value-added enhancements by using OLE for Process Control (OPC), the standard which enables information sharing among software applications using MS Windows technology.
• Portable unit calibrates/simulates thermocouples - Latest enhanced version of the Cropico DP6 portable thermocouple calibrator/simulator is linearised for the ten most popular thermocouple types, with accuracy better than +/- 0.1degC at +20 degC and 1microV resolution. Its display may be scaled in C, F, K or mV and automatic reference junction compensation is provided with the option for manual value entry. Suited to laboratory or service use, the unit's rechargeable battery gives over 15hr continuous use.
• Samble gas cooler - Equipment manufactured in the so-calleed Euro Zone are particularly attractive on the basis of cost these days. The ISA-Analytik Gas Cooler is one such item. It is manufacture to strict German prodution standards, including NAMUR. Its features include: Micro-processor controlled, extremle compact design (3HE half 19"rack); communication via RS232; flexible software compatibility; remote diagnosis and maintenance; extensive self-check and safety functions and visual fault indication.
• Multifunction switches - Steeplechase Software, Inc., announced that Lear Corporation's Traverse City Michigan plant has selected its leading PC-based control software for the automated production of Lear multi-function switches. The Steeplechase controlled assembly system produces an output of more than 8,000 multi-function switches per day. The multi-function switch is located on the steering column of a car, and controls windshield wipers, intermittent wiper delay, hazard lights, headlight beam selector, and turn signal operation. Lear provides leading automotive manufacturers with switches for most vehicle applications, such as rotary switches, push-button switches, lighting switches, and the single and dual-stalk multi-function switches.

• Trends in precision motion control - The precision motion control market has undergone a considerable technology shift over the last year, according to Eliza Rawlings of Baldor. Among the hardware trends in what is traditionally a very conservative market, machine builders and automation OEMs are now re-furbishing or upgrading machine designs with single-box 'intelligent drive' products, very strongly designing-in linear motors, and employing Windows platforms as front ends in ever increasing numbers - this year with an extremely rapid shift towards PClbus. On the software front, there's a stronger than ever take-up of fieldbus networking.
• New catalogue cast light on new products - Featuring the new IL2000 SpectroCubeTM Spectroradiometer, International Light offers their free 2001 color catalog describing radiometers, photometers, spectroradiometers, detectors, filters and input optics. Components are combined to form systems covering a wide rang of UV-Vis-IR applications. Detailed product and application descriptions, Specifications, spectral and spatial response curves are included.
• New pharmaceutical plant - The French pharmaceutical group Valois is to establish a IR7m facility in Ballinasloe in Ireland.
  From Professional Ireland published by Irish Emigrant Publications.
• 5 1/2 digit DMM incorporates limits comparator - The model 1906 from Thuriby Thandar Instruments is a 5_digit auto/manual ranging multimeter with a scale length of 210,000 counts, a resolution of 1 microV, 1 mOhm and 1 nA, a basic DC voltage accuracy of 0.012%.

• Low power CompactPCl with 850 MHz Pentium III performance - With the new compact CP603 board, PEP Modular Computers is setting a new milestone in the performance of CompactPCl CPUs that are capable of the highest demands of computerintensive applications in Industrial Automation, Image Processing, Military, Telecommunications, Internet and Medical applications. Using innovative technology for the highest levels of integration this robust design is ideally suited for harsh and rugged industrial environments with -25degC to +75degC extended temperature options.
• Strategic alliance to create next-generation telemetry products - SBS Technologies, Inc., Computer Group, has announced a strategic alliance between SBS Technologies, Inc. and Lumistar, LLC to cooperatively distribute and support a selected set of products for telemetry solutions. Both companies will jointly develop a digital bit synchronizer daughterboard for SBS compatible products based on a core design exclusively licensedc by Lumistar from IN-SNEC. SBS and Lumistar will pass through their standard 2-year warranties for the selected products.

• New additions to rapid termination system - New Pg-9 panel feedthroughs and M8 and M12 sensor connectors have been added to the Harax rapid termination system from Harting. This system, based on insulation-displacement technology, combines the advantages of connectors and conventional cable glands. The new additions to the range are specifically aimed at simplifying the installation of sensors and actuators in the industrial automation environment.
• New catalogue with motion control solutions - Motion Solutions, a new, comprehensive motion product catalog from GE Fanuc Automation, is an information-packed guide to GE Fanuc's complete line of motion control system components. The 64-page catalogue details their new S2K Series motion controllers, servo amplifiers and motors, stepping amplifiers and motors, machine control stations, operator interfaces, and motion software with specifications, color photography, and illustrations for easy reference.
• New president elected in world body - Professor Michael Bruns has been elected as president 200 - 2002 of World-FIMA. He is head of development at Axiva GmbH in Frankfort and is a board member of NAMUR. His is also a member of the INTERKAMA board. He succeeds Walter Rampini, president of BIAS to this important position. World-FIMA represents some 15 trade firms in the area of Instrumentation and controls on three continents - Asia, Europe and Latin America.
• Latest test and inspection platforms to set industry standards for speed, repeatability and ease of use - At Electronica 2000, Teradyne will display powerful new inspection and test equipment, including the European exhibition debut of the new Optima 7300 AOI system, and the Javelin 1004 Flying Prober.

• Honeywell bought by GE! - Interesting week! The British press came out with the story that Siemens was preparing a bid for Honeywell IAC - the industrial automation division of Honeywell. About mid-week, Michael Bonsignore, Chairman & CEO of Honeywell declared that Honeywell IAC was NOT for sale. The very next day, news broke that Honeywell in its entirity, was being merged with United Technologies. On Thursday, the United offer became less attractive when their stock-price declined. On Friday, United backed off because Honeywell was considering other offers and they had no wish to be in a bidding war. On Saturday, it was clear that GE had made an offer that couldn't be refused. Here's the story in the Wall Street Journal
  Basic research done by Jim Pinto - here are his Honewell prognostications, which, like all his contributions are provocative.
  

• Continued growth - National Instruments today announced record revenue for the third quarter of 2000, as revenue grew by 24 percent and net income climbed 33 percent. "Record revenue of $102.2 million for the third quarter was fueled primarily by increased demand for our newer products and system solutions based on our PXI platform," said James Truchard, NI President and CEO. "With the launch midquarter of LabVIEW 6i, we were pleased to see our LabVIEW customers upgrade at record levels. This reinforces our vision that Internet technologies will play a leading role in next-generation solutions for measurement and automation."

• Evaluation version of hyperKernel real-time subsystem released - Nematron Corporation has released a new "try before you buy" version of its proven HyperKernel real-time subsystem for Windows NT. HyperKernel allows developers to create real-time, deterministic applications using the standard Microsoft C/C++ compiler. Applications then run concurrent with Windows NT so that the real-time application is unaffected by the operating system. HyperKernel is currently used in thousands of applications requiring speed, predictability and reliability, including industrial control, telecommunications, transportation control, medical systems, and consumer electronics.

• Integrated Solutions For High-Speed Board Design and FPGAs at BIAS - Innoveda, formed by the recent merger of Viewlogic Systems, Inc. and Summit Design, Inc., is using the Italian showcase of BIAS 2000 to demonstrate its integrated environments for high-speed board design, exploration and verification; and FPGA design and synthesis. (Stand No A11 Pad 12).

• New instrumentation manifolds offer compact, vertical configuration - The new VC series manifiolds unveiled by Swagelok are a new line of compact instrumentation manifolds that includes 2-valve, 3-valve and 5-valve (double bleed) configurations for process measurement and control. "We have incorporated a number of features that European customers favour, including a compact, vertical configuration; transmitter connections according to DIN 1921 3-B3; and PTFE stem packing with Grafoil or UHMWPE as options," said Jerry Bahnij, product specialist, chemical market. They are available with 1/2 NPT or lSO/R228 process connections and DIN 1921 3-B3 or MSS SP-99 flange instrument connections. All metal components, including trim, are made of 316 stainless steel for extended corrosion resistance and service life.
• Measuring Flow - Measuring process flow is not always an easy task. However, many applications only require these comparatively 'low-tech' solutions according to this item from Manufacturing.Net's informative weekly newsletter.
• New website opens up the world of sound and vibration - Sound and vibration specialist, Bruel & Kjaer has launched a new website on the Internet, opening up a world of sound and vibration for visitors. The new site offers a wealth of resources for engineers involved in the sound and vibration field.

• Biggest I&C show this year - BIAS 2000 the largest show with over two and a half thousand exhibitors is scheduled for 7th to 11the November. For the first time The Instrumentation Signpost will be attending this show so look out for us.

• Fittings star in underwater TV! - Submersible TV Surveys has standardised on Parker's high-integrity A-LOK tube fittings for its range of advanced ROVs (remote operated vehicles). The fittings - which are typically the single most common component on these undersea vehicles - are essential for reliable operation, and feature unique tube gripping techniques which combat the high shear forces encountered in ROV operations.
• New SE Module Connects Micro and Nano Controllers to Ethernet - The VersaMax SE form GE Fanuc, is a versatile, cost-effective programmable logic controller accessory that enables Ethernet connection via the serial port on a controller. The new VersaMax SE complements GE Fanuc's growing line of controllers, including the recently released VersaMax Nano and VersaMax Micro controllers. The VersaMax SE allows users to solicit and send information, upload/download programs, and monitor and control devices over Ethernet.
• Low-cost digital multimeter - The 3225 bench digital multimeter is now available from Black Star Instruments in battery-powered or mains-powered (3225MP) versions. Despite its low cost, the unit features a full professional specification. DC voltage can be measured up to 1000 V and AC voltage up to 750 V with a maximum resolution of 100 microV. DC and AC current ranges are available up to 10 A with a maximum resolution of 100 nA.
• High-Parallel Functional Test - Teradyne has introduced the Ai7-Series Analog Test Subsystem for advanced mixed-signal functional testing. The Ai7-Series provides high-throughput testing for complex mixed signal modules, boards and boxes using a tester-per-pin analog testing architecture. A breakthrough in hardware design, each of the Ai-710's 32 analog channels contain 6 independent instruments resulting in 192 test instruments for a single VXI C-sized slot, the highest density available in VXI today.

• Europe's first Cyber Champion Award - Taoiseach (Head of Government of Ireland) Bertie Ahern was honoured in Europe's first ever Cyber Champion Awards for his work in overseeing the introduction of Ireland's new copyright and e-commerce laws, recognised as the most advanced in Europe. The new copyright legislation permits surprise searches and introduces stiff penalties for software theft. It is due to come into force in November, while the e-commerce Act, which gives legal recognition to e-signatures and econtracts, became law in July. The Business Software Alliance presented the Taoiseach with the award.
  From The IE Professional published by The Irish Emigrant

• Come in number 89! - "Steeplechase Software, Inc. has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the US by Inc. magazine, which today released its annual ranking of the Inc. 500, the comprehensive guide to America's fastest-growing private companies. Steeplechase Software, Inc., the leading PC-based control company, is ranked #89 on the list. The Inc. 500, scheduled for publication October 17th, is an exclusive report on the companies and CEOs who are changing the face of American business. Noteworthy alumni include such household corporate names as Microsoft, Timberland, Dominos Pizza and Patagonia." This is word for word from Steeplechase's press release and who are we to rain on their parade? Congratulations and well done y'all!

• New VP for R&D - Jerry McCann has joined Triconex as Vice President of Research and Development. Jerry will be principally responsible for the exploration and growth of existing and future Triconex product lines. Before joining Triconex, Jerry was Vice President of Engineering in the Metals division of the Honeywell Corporation. Prior to that, he held the position of Director of Engineering and sat as a member on the Product Development integration team for Measurex.
• The decline of automation? - The ever-provocative Jim Pinto's article has produced a lot of discussion. People who discuss are encouraged to read the article!
• Acquisition builds on synergies - Datac, a turnkey solutions provider in the SCADA, telemetry, and process automation arena has acquired RealFlex, a division of Thermo Electron and a manufacturer of measurement instruments that monitor, collect, and analyze information for a broad range of industries. DATAC, a long-time VAR for RealFlex, is launching a new range of products for migration of existing RealFlex systems into the Microsoft Windows environment. The acquisition is expected to generate new business opportunities and build on existing synergies with the Datac companies. Datac expects the transaction to produce a broad range of benefits for RealFlex customers, including improved quality, accessibility, development, and support.
• Partnership empowers fast problem solving for DeviceNet - Synergetic Micro Systems. announced today that Interlink BT has agreed to a distribution alliance for Synergetic's FactoryCOMM . Tools product line. The first product to be covered by this agreement is Synergetic's DeviceNet Detective, which was launched last December. This is a hand-held DeviceNet network diagnostic tool, specifically designed to increase manufacturing productivity by reducing network downtime.
• Name change - Onix Measurement Ltd has changed its name to Thermo Measurement Ltd. This reflects the globally recognised link between the companies in the Thermo Electron group.

• New portable pressure calibrators - - Two new portable low pressure (LP) calibrators based upon the latest versions of their industry standard DPI 600 Series, to simplify a variety of low pressure commissioning, maintenance and calibration applications in the field, workshop or laboratory have been launched by Druck. Featuring an inductive type sensor from Druck group low pressure specialists Effa SA, the portable low pressure calibrator type DPI 610 LP and it's fully self-documenting counterpart the DPI 615 LP, both offer pressure ranges from +/- l50mbar down to +/- 2.5mbar full scale with an accuracy of 0.05% of span as standard. A true differential measurement system is used, which for low pressures provides the best isolation from environmental influences. This permits operation in either differential or gauge modes, dependent upon user preference.

• 4-way miniature ball valve provides high temperature crossover capability - Parker Hannifin has launched a new 4-way miniature ball valve designed for the crossover control of two fluid streams. A unique one-piece seat and packing design eliminates the potential leak path problems associated with the expansion and contraction of individual components found in competitive valves. It additionally allows the valve to work over a much wider temperature range than has been available to date. With a range of -54 to +149degC (-65 to +3OOdegF), the new valve is extremely versatile and capable of high-performance routing/directional control of media in chemical, petrochemical, oil, gas and other industrial applications.
• New head of sales and marketing - Eliza Rawlings will manage Baldor's sales and marketinbg operations in Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia and Benelux. She has also global responsibility for their Mint motian controllers and servodrives manufactured at their English operation.

• Papers please - A Call for Papers is now available for the 1st Annual Emerging Technologies Conference, to be held in conjunction with ISA 2001. The conference is a new forum for researchers throughout the world to come together with industry experts to report and seek support for research and developing ideas. Research and industry participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and get the latest updates on developing technology.

• New alarm software - SCADAlarm 5.0 from Wonderware is a Windows-based telecommunications link to industrial automation software systems that provides real-time intelligent alarm notification, data acquisition and remote control from a multitude of telecommunication devices. This new version includes more than 25 new features and enhancements not found in earlier versions. Full life cycle document control for regulatory compliance - DocCompliance is a complete, enterprise compliance management application designed exclusively to manage the full lifecycle of regulatory controlled documentation. Fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, DocCompliance was developed by Qumas in accordance with the latest regulations while incorporating industry best practices The unique architectural design of DocCompliance fully leverages your existing technology investment while delivering a fully compliant system exclusively designed for your industry.

• Record number of links added - The month of september showed the biggest number of links added to the various pages of the signpost. You may see them listed alltogether on our New Items Page.

• Automated coil handling system for major steel rolling mill - In the Ijmuiden (Netherlands) plant of the Corus Group, a merger between Koninklijke Hoogovens NV and British Steel plc, hot-rolled steel coils are transported using a fully automated system. The entire electrical engineering and automation system for a major part of the plant was provided and commissioned by General Electric, with the drive and control concept coming from GE Industrial Systems and the automation technology from GE Fanuc.
• Expanded website gives user experience of fieldbased architecture - The truly revolutionary results being obtained from the proven PlantWeb field-based architecture are explained on an expanded and enhanced website from Fisher-Rosemount: www. PlantWebHome.com includes case histories and testimonials from process automation plant customers: real engineers and businessmen spread across various territories.
• New Multi-Function USB Unit is Versatile and Easy To Use - The new, compact, Microlink 751 from Biodata is both versatile and easy-to-use. It plugs into the PC's USB (universal serial bus) port and includes the Windmill 5 software suite for Windows. It provides 32 digital inputs and outputs, 8 counters and 16 analogue inputs for voltage, current, thermocouples, strain gauges and pressure transducers. Eight Microlinks can be connected to the computer at once and Biodata offer free technical support for life.