See Archive Page for earlier news.

29/8/01

• Solutions for Growing Internet Appliance Market - Applied Data Systems, leading developers of RISC-based application-ready solutions, demonstrated three Java Virtual Machine (JVM) packages running on ADS' StrongARM based system at Boston's LinuxWorld this week. "We work closely with a wide range of JVM and JDK packages with various OS combinations that run on our low powered application-ready systems to support the needs of the information appliance and portable markets," said Robert Olsen, Company CEO.

• Hybrid Fieldbus connector adds shielded copper twisted-pair version for interference-free transmission - A new version of Harting's Han-Brid(R) hybrid Fieldbus connector allows the interconnection of shielded copper twisted-pair wires in addition to power cables and fibre-optic links. The new connector is designed to meet the increasing need for signal security in bus systems featuring the decentralised control of field components. The use of this connector not only provides interference-free signal transmission but also leads to reduced installation times and ease of maintenance.
• New vice President - America Sales - Innoveda, Inc provider of software and services for the design of advanced electronic products, has announced the appointment of David F. Rhodes as vice president of The Americas Sales, responsible for guiding all of InnovedaÕs direct and indirect sales activities in the Americas. The appointment was made by Ken Bado, InnovedaÕs executive vice president.

• New technical book resource in C&I - SearchEng has been developed by ABT Control Systems Ltd to provide a focal point for Electrical, Automation, Control and Instrumentation Engineers on the internet. They have included sections for Control & Instrumentation, Electrical Distributors and Technical Recruitment.
• Safety Automation Newsletter - Here is a useful newsletter published by exida.com. This company delivers the techniques, tools, training, coaching, and consulting needed by operation companies, engineering companies, and solution providers to achieve the most cost effective safety and high availability automation systems.

• An analytical winner - In January, to celebrate the launch of the 1055 Dual Channel Analyser from Rosemount Analytical, a competition was launched to locate the oldest original Rosemount 1054 Analyser unit that was still operational, with appropriate pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen or chlorine sensors. Tony Lister, QA Manager at Lowe Engineering in Leeds was the winner, and he was presented with a new 1055 monitoring and display unit by Glenn Wright of Rosemount Analytical UK Sales. Lowe Engineering manufactures and supplies liquid and gas analysis systems, typically built into a fully fined skid. It was a 12 year old low level conductivity measurement system that won the prize, but that unit is still fully functional: Lowe will use the new Dual Channel analyser for evaluation purposes on a new design of a multi-sensor waste water monitoring system.
  Fisher Rosemount (Emerson Process management) are advertisers on the Fieldbus Page.
• Latest Freeze Dryers Use Versatile Control System With Touch Screen Display - Bristol (South West England) specialist scientific equipment manufacturer Severn Science has launched a new range of laboratory freeze dryers, called the Lyoscience range. The dryers feature a powerful touch screen control panel, which offers the operator clear, unambiguous displays and high levels of control functionality. The equipment uses a control and monitoring system based on the Eurotherm Visual Supervisor, a powerful multi-function control and display product, which in effect is a process controller, data logger, setpoint programmer and interactive touch screen display in one unit. It is compact, simple to use and is capable of performing both continuous and sequential control functions.
• Modular Concept Temperature Calibration Systems - Eurolec, manufacturers of electronic temperature and pressure instruments, has launched an exciting, versatile low temperature calibration source. This instrument (CS172) has been designed to incorporate a Ôblack bodyÕ and six probe holes of varying sizes in a dry block. This inclusive design concept permits the user to check the temperature of both non-contact infrared thermometers and conventional electronic probe/contact type thermometers. There is a temperature controller with a display and resolution of 0.1 0C. Peltier devices enable the block to be cooled as well as heated. The temperature range is 400C below ambient to +750C which complements their existing unit (range +300C to ±2000C).

• 3-phase motor selection guide - Baldor has published a 28-page selection guide to IEC-frame, three-phase 50Hz AC motors, incorporating an overview of the EU's new electric motor efficiency standards. A wide range of premium-efficiency motors are detailed, spanning D80 to D315 IEC frame sizes (0.75 to 185kW), and divided into 'Eff 1' and 'Eff 2' categories to help selection. Useful performance data such as efficiency and power factors at different loads is included, to help specify the optimum motor. The guide also includes details of other three-phase IEC motors not covered by the new efficiency classifications, including explosion-proof motors for Class 1 and Class II atmospheres.

• Configuration platform for many final control elements - The TROVIS-VIEW software, from Samson, provides a platform for the configuration of many of their devices, making the setting of all functions and parameters child's play. It is modelled on the Windows world and gives access to device-specific modules which contain options for setting characteristic functions, parameters and authorization classes for certain device types. The range of currently available device modules is continuously extended. The demo version is included on the free Product CD which can be ordered via the Internet on Samson homepage.
  Samson are exhibiting at Interkam 2001 next month
• "Hottest" company! - Some good news in the software sector USDATAs, supplier of process and manufacturing software solutions, announced that it has been named as one of Start Magazine's ÒHottest Companies of 2001Ó. Selected from more than 100 entries, Start's editorial staff chose this year's "hot" companies based on their overall product excellence and ambitious focus on continuous improvement. The editors of Start Magazine singled out USDATA based upon the companyÕs experience as a provider of software and services that give enterprises the knowledge and control needed to perfect the products they produce and the processes they manage.
• Ireland's biggest chemical, pharmaceutical and process engineering exhibition now has virtual exhibition - IRCHEM, Ireland's biggest and most comprehensive exhibition for the chemical, pharmaceutical and processing industries, takes place from 18th to 20th September, at the Cork Greyhound Stadium, Bishopstown. If youÕre in engineering, management, IT, quality assurance, environment, research, training or maintenance, attendance is a must. Featuring product launches and live demonstrations, over 160 suppliers will be represented. A FREE admission seminar programme will also run each day of the show. Their new Virtual Irchem Exhibition, is sponsored by cadcoevolution.com.
• New-patented signal conditioner with superior temperature measurement - MicroStrain, Inc. , the designer and manufacturer of micro sensors has released a new line of signal conditioners for use with its line of microminiature, subminiature, and non-contacting displacement transducers (DVRT's). The new linesÕ superior performance is achieved through the use of patented circuitry that allows one coil to replace what previously required two.
• Setting the Trend for European Innovation - The "2001 European Innovation Scoreboard", which is published next month, responds to an explicit request of the Lisbon European Council of March 2000 (see Conclusions. It is a tool to compare innovation performances between the US, Japan and the European Union as a whole as well as among EU Member States. Commissioner Liikanen will be in the Innovation hot seat when the Innovation Scoreboard is launched at a press conference slated for September 2001. In addition to winners and also-rans, the Innovation Scoreboard will provide an insiders' guide to key innovation indicators throughout Europe. In addition, it will be a good opportunity to see how the EU matches up to Japan and the US in terms of Innovation. Businesses throughout Europe are keen to innovate: the Scoreboard will show what factors contribute to successful innovation climate. Business leaders, SMEs and financial analysts will be keen to understand and learn from the figures on which the Innovation Scoreboard is based. Here is the The preliminary version from October 2000.
  Broad policy lines for enhancing innovation in Europe are presented in the paper Innovation in a knowledge-driven economy adopted by the Commission last September.

• Multi-million Euro birthday party! - Netherland's based FCX Ubel & Ventil is celebrating its 80th anniversary in style following the announcement of a major multi-million Euro order for flow control solutions and products for LyondellÕs new $1 billion petrochemical plant. This is a world scale grassroots petrochemical facility.
• Making sense of colour - A compact and cost effective solution for colour recognition in industrial applications is now available from sensing specialist Vydas International Marketing. LOGIPAL III colour sensors, manufactured by Baumer Electric are able to detect the finest nuances in colour. The colour sensors in the Series 22 compare a taught colour with the colours that follow in a split second and pass on the matching factor to the control unit through a digital output. The unbeatable compactness of the LOGIPAL III sensors allows a professional problem free installation even in extremely restricted spaces in machines or plants.
• Conference programme - The full conference programme for SoC for a Connected World (15th & 16th October 2001, Palais des Congres, Lyon France) is now available on-line. This year's event features two separate conferences, dealing with IP/System on Chip and Bluetooth issues and featuring presentations from leading companies and some of the industries top figures. The conference will also include a one-day RF tutorial on amplifier design for Bluetooth applications run by Besser Associates.
• Sensing systems at show - Promess will be bringing several new developments in In-Process Sensing Systems to the Assembly Technology Expo (2-4 October Rosemount, IL, USA). Motorized Torque Transducer systems with non-overloadable torque transducer is a complete system, windows driven, ready for plug and play for in-process torque control or test. Complete turnkey solutions for the seating industry in certifying every rivet in a seat frame and in addition, testing the torque condition of the seat adjustment, all in the same cycle.

Worm dodging leads to change in publishing programme! - We read in the latest issue (August 2001) of Controls Intelligence & Plant Systems Report that they have dodged six attacks of the SirCam worm. In view of this and also the treat of the CodeRed virus they have decided to adjust their publication schedule so the the next issue will spotlight the internet including the rampant hackers and new technology standards.
In passing we would remark that we in the Signpost have also been subjected to attacks of this particular worm which though a bother had no possible impact since all our computers are Macintoshes from Apple and immune to this particular, indeed to most, virus. However we would recommend to all our visitors if they receive unexpected attachments especially if they are acompanied by either no message or by one which seems to offer advice or be a response to somthing you wrote which you cannot recall, there is no better thing to do with it than to unceremoneously dump it.

• The Problem-Solving Capping Valve - One of >SVC's (Stainless Valve Company)' customers has struggled for almost a decade with ball valves used as capping valves. This customer is now using an SVC Capping valve since last year and is happy to have made the change. The capping valve is a 400 mm valve used in a system, which is running at 450 psi pressure and 450 deg F. Using wood chips the lignin is melted and in the solidification binds sludge in the production of pellets. The customer has used these valves as blow down valves at the outlet of the digester. The SVC blow valve is the only valve found to work in that application.
• New UV cure black ink - Willett, manufacturer and provider of coding solutions, has launched a new UV curable pigmented black ink. This new ink will complement the existing wide range of application specific inks designed to match the needs of the customer. The UV cure ink can be used in a variety of applications and industries, where the product is to be exposed to certain chemical processes. These include alcohol wash in Pharmaceutical or Electronics industries or chemical cleaning of Automotive components during or post manufacture.

• Multifunction test and measurement applications made more efficient - Engineers now can expand their measurement capabiIities in LabWindows//CVI, Microsoft Visual Basic, and Visual C++ with National Instruments Measurement Studio 6.0. With new features, such as powerful hardware integration capabilities, improved visualization and analysis tools, and superior Internet connectivity, engineers can build robust measurement systems more efficiently than ever before.
• Testing in the US Navy - TestMart has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Defense Naval Inventory Control Point to develop and operate a private e-commerce marketplace for the General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE) division. This new private marketplace will feature a variety of high demand products from more than 30 key test and measurement suppliers such as Agilent, Tektronix, and Fluke.
• Free workshop to launch new network - The Future in Control and Supply Chain Integration is the title of a free workshop on Tuesday, 11 September 2001in London. It is targeted at "Engineers who combine vision with an understanding of what the latest control technology can offer, together with communication skills to translate the benefits in terms which investors and managers can understand. Engineers who can then deliver robust, reliable, cost-effective solutions to an appropriate quality, on time and within budget. Such people donÕt grow on trees, they need help and support, particularly in smaller businesses where there is not a critical mass of colleagues to offer advice, help and encouragement when the going gets tough, but the skills that can be developed through real and virtual networking." These are the people who are helped by IEE's CAST Professional Network (Control & Automation Systems Technologies), the launc of which will be marked buy this event.
  

  New poem published - Jim Pinto publishes a new work by an anonymous Honeywell employee who sent it to him with the cryptic note: Feel free to pass it on - just don't let on where you got it please - I've got a family to feed Wait, what's that? There's a banging at my door!! It's the HR police!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! The poem is entitled The Wreck of the Mike Bonsignore.

• Hydraulic test - The latest models from Hydrotechnik, the 3050 and the 5050, are the results of several years of product development following customer feedback and they are set to surpass all previous standards of hydraulic testing. The new features and advantages of the 5050 include greater memory, more storage locations, easier data transfer, real-time graphic displays and more advanced trigger functions. A full list of improvements and new features can be found on the enclosed comparison sheet. The 3050 is its little brother featuring many new useful functions, and is an excellent low-cost unit.
• New auto titrator for fluorescence studies introduced - A new titration attachment, compatible with all SPEX spectrofluorometers, is now available from Jobin Yvon. The AutoTitration Injector is used for running automated and batch titrations with precisely controllable and programmable aliquot sizes and mixing speeds.
• Eastern Europe Needs Help and Offers Opportunity in a Dismal PAS Market - A recently updated study from ARC Advisory Group reviews the significant structural changes taking place in the European Process Automation Systems (PAS) market as automation systems continue to evolve. The PAS market for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMA), which was nearly $3 billion in 2000, will reach close to $3.5 billion by the end of 2005, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2 percent, according to "Process Automation Systems Worldwide Outlook for EMA" market study.

• Trade Association leads with mini-trade fair for industrial networks There have been comments elsewhere about the demise of the I&C exhibition and conference in Britain owing to a combination of apathy and bad management. The AS-interface UK Trade Association, taking the bull by the horns, is to hold a mini-trade fair next March 2002, dedicated to AS-interface networking technology in March 2002, featuring themed applications demonstrators, company mini-booths and a seminar designed to introduce the length and breadth of latest AS-i solutions.
  See also the News Section of our Fieldbus Page

• Standardised installation system for industrial networks - Han-lnduNet from Harting is a new concept in standardised installation systems for industrial networks and power distribution in plant and machinery. The requirement for open systems has created the need for standardisation of bus protocols and device profiles. Han-lnduNet extends this standardisation philosophy into the complete installation.
• Ultra light SMT coaxial connectors keep a low profile - New SMT coaxial connectors from Flint Distribution enable 2.5mm high PCB-mounted connections, and are amongst the lightest in the world. The UFL series connectors, which are suitable for signals up to 3 GHz, feature a receptacle of mass 15.7 mg with a choice of plug assemblies for applications using 0.8mm single-layer shielded or 1.32mm double layer shielded cables. The 0.8mm and 1.32mm plug and centre contact assemblies have a mass of 53.7 mg and 59.1 mg, respectively.
• Vibration - "The Measurement machine" - 0R38, the top of the OROS range of noise and vibration analyzer, is the answer to all measurements needs. It relies on open analysis architecture with the ability to increase hardware resources and analysis combinations. 0R38 NVGate runs parallel plug-in analyzers such as multiple FFTs, 1/n Octave CPB analysis, order tracking, and overall level. All data is processed simultaneously in real-time by the analyzers. In the same way, analyzed time signals can be simultaneously recorded for post-processing or as a safety backup. Recorded data may be thoroughly post-processed into the software.
• Weathering the arctic chill - The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has recently used Michell InstrumentsÕ Dewmet S.D. dewpointmeter in atmospheric physics studies on expedition in the Arctic. The Dewmet S.D. system uses cooled mirror technology to measure moisture content accurately and reliably. The dewpointmeterÕs extremely quick response to changing environmental conditions, rugged design to withstand adverse conditions and wide effective measurement range Ñ from -500C to +900C Ñ make it an ideal tool for climate monitoring in the Arctic.
• Economical networking cabinets combine superior ventilation and flexible design - Hoffman's new Networking Cabinets provide continuous cooling and ~streamlined installation/reconfiguration for LAN, WAN, phone and voicemail equipment. Vented top and bottom panels, combined with a louvered rear door, create a Òchimney effectÓ that facilitates positive airflow internally. The cabinets provide 46 rack units and can be easily adapted for different applications.
• Fused IEC Mains Filter With Series/Parallel Voltage Selector - Developed for equipment to be used in international markets, the Timonta FKA/FKB series is a range of single-phase compact mains filters with a series/parallel voltage selector. The single or dual fused filters can accept either 5x2Omm fuses or 6. 3x32mm US fuses, simply by specifying the relevant fuse drawer. The mains filters are extremely compact and yet incorporate higher inductances than those fitted in most lEG filters, providing a high level of attenuation.

• Are Users Giving Up Pressure Transmitters? - The adoption of pressure transmitters deteriorated precipitously in 2000 as users increasingly looked to other technologies to tackle measurement problems. "The resilient pressure transmitter market that lumbered along for years with little change was caught by surprise as the Dot Com Crash ended the decade long economic expansion, accelerating the contraction," said Wil Chin, ARC Director of Field Devices and author of Pressure Transmitter Worldwide Outlook, a recently updated study from ARC Advisory Group. "1999 was a poor year followed by a bad 2000 that resulted in the first decline in decades of over 1% in shipments."
• Relative Stability Index Allows Comparisons From Different Conditions - ExperTune's loop summary table now includes a stability index column. This lets you easily compare the relative stability of the PID tuning from several different sets of test data along with PID values, process model dead time, gain, lag time, RRT and Quality of fit. The Relative Stability Index helps the user find the best test data based on the conditions by comparing different stability indices. It also allows for comparing test data from a series of tests done under similar conditions
• Euro1.27m investment by software company - eModular Solutions, part of the Transtest Group have announced a new round of investment of Euro 1.27 Million from a investment consortium comprising Mayfair Venture Capital, Enterprise 2000 and Shannon Development. Transtest specialise in Business Process Automation software. The software applications suite covers areas such as Compliance Management; Document Management & Automation; Training and Development, Customer and Supplier Management. The products are Microsoft Office compatible and can be implemented on a network or as web implementation on company intranets and extranets. Installations to date include Leading edge solution providers such as Veritas Software and Meteor.
• Successful show start with 320 exhibitors and 17,000 visitors - The premiere of electronicAmericas, the InternationalTrade Fair for Componentv Assemblies, Electronics Production, Laser Technology and Technical Optics in Sao Paulo, was a complete success. A total of 320 exhibitors from 26 countries presented products and services at the Imigrantes Exhibition Center last May. 17,000 visitors attended the fair, which had 21,000 square metres of exhibition space. The show is organised by Messe Muenchen.
• Black out features on web site - An innovative touch by Electrical Instrumentation Services Ltd of Zambia, is the ability to download pictures of a total eclipse of the sun. Maybe little to do with I&C but hay we are allowed to enjoy ourselves sometimes!

• New European Marketing Director - Tomas Berghaell has joined Planar Systems Inc., one of the worldÕs leading suppliers of high-quality display solutions, as European Marketing Director, based in the Britain. In this role, he will be supporting the strategic positioning of the company as a value-added systems partner in Europe and the rest of the World. From 1994 to January 2001, Tomas Berghall worked for Tektronix Europe. During the last three years, he was responsible for the expansion of European business as a Regional Business Development Manager within the companyÕs Measurement Business Division. Previously, he worked as the European Marketing Communications Manager, and the Marketing Manager for the UK and Scandinavia.
• Electrical testers show true potential - A new generation of electrical safety testers specifically designed for measuring the protective conductor resistance, insulation resistance and leakage current of electrical equipment is available from Metrix Electronics. Manufactured by Muller and Weigert, the VDE 0701 and VDE 0702 testers incorporate the vely latest in instrument technology to provide a fast, accurate and reliable means of performing electrical safety tests.
• Relative Humidity/ Temperature Transmitter - Manufactured by Omega, the new range of HX93A economical transmitters provide continuous on-site monitoring of relative humidity and temperature. The device utilises a thin film polymer capacitor to sense relative humidity, and a Platinum 100Q RTD to sense temperature. A stainless steel mesh type filter protects the sensors. It has a measuring range of 0 to 95% RH and -20 to 750C, with an accuracy of ±2.5% RH & O.60C. The output is a linearised 4-2OmA or 0-1Vdc. The unit is powered by a 6 to 3OVdc unregulated supply. This unusually low minimum voltage of 6V allows the use of large impedances for longer wire runs and current output models can be mounted virtually any distance from the readout device.

• New website - Check out Analytical Spectral Devices' (ASD) new website. "Check out our Science Center and create your own MyDocuments page and start collecting all kinds of useful information."

• Batch offering expanded - Wonderware Corporation, part of Invensys, has announced that the InBatch batch management module in its FactorySuite 2000 automation system has expanded its capabilities to address the simplest to the most complex batch processing applications found in food processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and speciality chemicals.

• New 1000V voltage and continuity tester - Fluke has introduced a new model Category III voltage and continuity tester with probes designed specially for the UK market. A fully automated instrument, the user simply probes the circuit to obtain readings of AC or DC volts, or he receives an audible indication of an open circuit.

• Interfacial forces measured with thin film - Sensor Products Inc., has introduced Pressurex , a tactile force indicating sensor film. This sensor is useful in assessing compression magnitude and distribution between any two mating or impacting surfaces in both manufacturing process control and machine/component inspection and calibration. Pressurex is a valuable aid in R&D and QC/QA for assessing pressure distribution between gasketed and flanged interfaces, components, tools or machines, welding heads, and determining drawing pressure in dies. Applications include material lamination and impact forces, electronic component packaging, metal and ultrasonic welding, roller nips, clutch and brake plates. In general, any application that needs visually detailed analysis of stress between two surfaces can benefit from PressurexÕs capabilities.

• Top Customer Support Site - >National Instruments is one of the 10 best Web support sites of 2001, according to industry experts. The Association of Support Professionals (ASP) announced this week its Top 10 list, which includes National Instruments, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Symantec among others. Expert judges evaluated NIÕs ability to deliver technical support over the Web based on content, ease-of-use, knowledgebase, personalisation features, and interactivity.
  An additional piece of information on this goahead company is the fact that America's Fortune Magazine has named National Instruments as one of the 100 best companies to work for there.
• Single slot system controller for high performance CompactPCl © solutions - Concurrent Technologies has announced the released of its latest high performance CompactPCl system slot controller Ñ the PP CPI/P3x. This board introduces the latest draft standard of PICMG2.16 (Packet Switching Backplane) which is an ideal introduction to switched fabric applications, and IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface). As a system controller, the PP CPI/P3x supports the PICMG 2.1 Hot Swap Specification. The board can also be used in satellite mode (stand-alone mode) for applications not requiring the CompactPCl backplane except for providing power.

• Intelligent drive provides motion-plus-I/O solution for innovative hot-wire cutting machine - A new hot-wire expanded polystyrene (EPS) cutting machine from Xycorp is introducing automatic set-up to an industry sector which has difficulty dealing with small-batch manufacturing - increasing throughput by 25% or more. The innovation, known as the Wiredroid, eliminates time-consuming manual adjustment, and is based on a novel intelligent drive from Baldor.
• "After 20+ years, we all deserve a new look !" - The PB-5 from Berkeley Nucleonics Corp., sets a new standard for nuclear pulse generators. It offers full digital controllability with a built-in ramp generator for linearity testing. It provides tail and flat top pulses with outstanding integral linearity and extremely low amplitude change with temperature. The PB-5 is capable of testing the stability, linearity and resolution of the mostdemanding spectroscopy circuits and instrumentation. It is the successor to the industry standard, PB-4.