See Archive Page for earlier news.

30/6/03

Display graphical process data over Ethernet, Internet and wireless connections - Control Technology,manufacturer of automation controllers that integrate motion control, I/O, user interfaces, and enterprise connectivity, has released the iPanel Series of Web Enabled touchscreens. Additionally, CTC is releasing CT HMI software, which can be used to graphically display process data with or without the iPanel touchscreen. Together, iPanel and CT HMI can be used to graphically display data over corporate Ethernet, Internet or wireless networks, enabling users to manage plant floor devices from office, home or field locations.
Critical instrumentation guidelines - ISA's recently published standard, ISA-TR91.00.02-2003, Criticality Classification Guideline for Instrumentation, helps engineering, operations, and maintenance personnel establish an instrumentation classification program and eases the design and maintenance of reliable operating facility instrumentation. The performance of instruments to monitor and control directly affects product quality within an operating facility. Equally important is that these processes could become hazardous to employees, the community, and the environment if control is lost.

New driver introduced - Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation manufacturer of Test & Measurement Instrumentation since 1963, has introduced a comprehensive LabVIEW 6.0 driver for the Model 555 Digital Delay / Pulse Generator. LabVIEW, the leading platform for Virtual Instrumentation architecture, is a product of National Instruments. The driver has been endorsed by the National Instruments Software Engineering Department, having complied with a strict set of criteria. Virtual Instrumentation (commonly called VIs) has enabled users to run remote testing, or testing using many instruments from a single control panel on a PC.

Free, downloadable Application Notes - Fluke has made available on its website, free, downloadable Application Notes for its handheld colour and monochrome oscilloscopes. Offering detailed techniques for market specific applications and giving advice on the use of specific functional capabilities, the Application Notes will guide busy service and maintenance technicians in the best practice of the portable Fluke ScopeMeters. The Fluke Application Notes target the electrical market with 'Measurements on UPS systems...' and 'Measuring short interrupts on the mains...'. Advice for industrial technicians is contained in Notes that include 'Easy capture of in-rush currents...', 'Verifying hydraulic control system operation...' and 'Injection moulding machine measurements...'. Specific functions offered by the ScopeMeters are covered in, for example, 'Counter measurements...' and 'Pulse width triggering...'.

Slimmer relay for industrial control - A new slim-line industrial relay, only 5mm wide, has been introduced by Omron aimed specifically at programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other industrial backplane type applications featuring arrays of relays. The 5mm pitch of the new Omron G6M relay makes it ideal for high density mounting. Other key features of the new relay include a highly efficient magnetic circuit design, which improves sensitivity by some 40% compared with an existing style. Power consumption is also low, at 120mW, with consequent reduced heat output from banks of the new relay. Omron is offering the style with a single-in-line (SIL) pitch. The G6M carries UL, CSA and VDE approval, and satisfies IEC61131-2 and IEC61010 requirements.

Multifunction pressure gauge - BD Sensors' multifunction pressure gauge DS200 is a combination of a precise pressure transmitter, intelligent pressure switch with digital display. Applications are from hydraulics to pneumatics. It is suitable with all media compatible with stainless steel. For applications different process connections are available.

Measuring aeration flow - BKW Instruments a major distributor of Rosemount measurement instrumentation in England, has sold Mass ProBar flow measurement systems for installation on the United Utilities Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works. The Mass ProBar is a combination of the Rosemount Annubar averaging pitot tube flow element, and the Rosemount 3095MV MultiVariable flow transmitter, both products of Emerson Process Management. Andrew Rice-Jones. Electrical Engineer at Mowlem Johnston Construction, the contractors on site, said the main factors in the choice of the Rosemount Mass ProBar system were the ease of installation and the consequent cost savings. "The one housing that incorporates measurement of the three variables (pressure, DP and temperature) eliminates the need for stock of each sensor type, and eliminates a lot of wiring on site. The output is a single 4-20mA signal proportional to the mass flow. All this coupled with only one pipe entry needed, eliminated a lot of potential leak points. The Mass ProBar gives us the high accuracy measurement we need."
Security standards for I&C - ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society is to serve on the Homeland Security Standards Panel (HSSP) of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ISA's participation will focus on critical infrastructure protection, consistent with the establishment in 2002 of standards development committee ISA-SP99, Manufacturing & Control Systems Security. This committee's work encompasses the development of practices and standards intended to preclude unauthorized access and changes to real time process control and manufacturing operations and systems through their interfaces to external systems. These practices pertain to automation and control systems and equipment across all sectors of the manufacturing and processing industries, including power and utilities, chemicals and petroleum refining, food and pharmaceuticals production, and automotive and other discrete parts manufacturing.
This announcement coincidently occurs as we have set up a page to examine cyber-security
Celebrating 10 years of providing global support - The HART Field Communications Protocol has served as a leading process communication technology for smart instruments since 1990. Today, well over two-thirds of all smart instruments communicate using HART and more than 12 million HART-capable devices are installed worldwide. This year, the HART Communication Foundation (HCF) celebrates 10 years of providing worldwide support for the HART Protocol. "The HART Communication Foundation has played a major role in establishing HART as todayâs global standard," says HCF Executive Director Ron Helson. "The technology support, enhancements, and management that the Foundation provides have enabled the HART technology to become and remain the world leader in process communication."
Innovative pressure regulation system solves problems of re-routing petrochem/chemical sample emissions from atmosphere to flare stacks - Parker Instrumentation has launched an innovative turnkey solution for connecting continuous process analyzers into flare disposal systems. Designated the Vent Recovery Panel, the system dynamically protects petrochemical and chemical analyzers against the pressure fluctuations encountered in flare headers - providing a constant pressure test environment that eliminates any need to vent to atmosphere.

Fully automated high-definition, progressive scan, and PC format video testing available in a single measurement set - Tektronix has announced the world's first fully-automated component analogue video signal analyser that measures high-definition, progressive scan, and PC format signals for consumer video equipment manufacturers, video network operators, and others that require fast and repeatable testing. Consumer electronics designers are incorporating advanced television signal formats and need to quickly and accurately test their products' ability to support these signals. Their new VM5000HD automated video measurement set provides users with a fully automated system that saves time, speeds development, and improves product quality by simplifying and standardising testing. The VM5000HD provides fast, accurate, and repeatable video measurements in 1080i, 720p, 480p, and SXGA formats utilising multiple industry-standard video parameters, without the need for complicated instrument set-ups, algorithm selection, time-consuming manual measurements or tedious results correlation.
How safe is your security? - When the

"On January 25, 2003, the SQL Slammer Worm adversly affected the Bulk Electric System controls for at least two entities. I believe the conseqyuences of the Slammer Worm incident in January 2003 effectively point to the potential risk to the electric industry of inadequate cyber security." Chuck Noble, Information Security ISO New England

terrible tragedy of the Twin Towers occured almost two years ago the reactions all over the world were mixed and varied, compassion and sorrow and solidarity with the citizens of New York were eveywhere. In America of course the reaction was very intense and not always agreed with by her allies. One of the things that was initiated was the setting up of a new department of state called "Homeland Defence". This department has as its aim the ensuring that the integrity of the US is never again violated. One of the areas to be examined is of course the whole area of communications and with the advent of the internet business has rarely if ever been more dependent on technology. This is available at the touch of a button to most users of keyboard devices but in connecting up to this wonderful resource users are also exposing themselves to danger, sometimes, indeed mostly without realising it since it is widely believed that having a firewall is a sufficient protection.
The philosophy behind Verano's new Industrial Defender mantains that this is not so. That although a firewall may be an adequate defence in the IT area of a business it is rarely if ever a protection for the control systems which thuse provide an access route for control network intrusion into the system of a company. There is a real danger here for utilities, mission critical industries as well as for process industries that could be eliminated by using this suite of programs - the first such suite commercially available.

CCD detection systems - Jobin Yvon, Optical Spectroscopy Division, introduced its Symphony line of CCD array detection systems recently. These detectors have been designed for extremely low signal level detection, or ultra high-speed acquisitions required in time domain spectroscopy. Compatible with all high-quality, scientific grade CCD chip formats, the Symphony detector is an indispensable tool for current and future spectroscopic applications.
X-ray specs' could change the rules in hostage, terrorist, urban warfare,earthquake and rescue situations - Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL) has successfully demonstrated a radical new type of radar technology that can 'see through walls'. The low frequency radar has the ability to detect the location and movement of people inside buildings, or simply breathing beneath rubble. A unique detection technology can provide plan and elevation views of internal spaces, in a form which is optimized for portability. CCL now plans to turn its proof-of-concept demonstrator into products for military personnel and emergency services in situations such as sieges, urban warfare, fire and rescue.

Collaboration to provide end-to-end M2M solutions - Sony Ericsson and Comtech have signed a collaboration agreement focussing on the delivery of M2M applications across TCP/IP networks. The combination of Comtech technology and the Sony Ericsson M2mpower Business Solution enables customers to rapidly implement cost efficient end-to-end M2M solutions. Sony Ericsson and Comtech technology gives the customer the end-to-end solution through utilisation of Comtech OEM modules, software and service products.
Added temperature compensation boosts audio performance - A new class of MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) with built-in temperature compensation for enhanced audio performance has been developed by Sanken Electric (Allegro Micro systems in Europe) in conjunction with the Pioneer Corporation. Known as LEXAM (Legend of Excellent Audio MOSFET), the new range not only offers highly accurate and responsive temperature compensation through the use of an on-chip diode: the devices also feature built-in push/pull circuitry that eliminates the need to trim the idling current in audio amplifiers using external components.
New series of inclinometers and accelerometers - Sensorex, a subsidiary of the ACES group since 1992, is noted for its manufacture of inertial measurement systems, using the most innovative detection technologies. Its proven double skill in sensors and micro-electronics enables it to offer compact, sturdy products, particularly resistant to extreme environments. With the new 46000 series, Sensorex confirms its position as European leader in this field. The accelerometers of new 46000 series are available in two ranges, with measurement ranges of +/- 2 g and +/- 10 g. The inclinometers come in 4 ranges with measurement ranges extending from +/- 5¡ to +/- 90¡. (Their website is nice too!)

Your visit counts - The latest figures for visitors to the site are now listed. There has been some change since these were first inaugurated and we are now using a much more reliable method of counting and reporting these visits. Hits are recorded but so our individual visits and page impressions. The system called Urchin is the latest from our site host Vario. Together with our new internal search engine, powered by Pico are helping the Read-out Instrumentation Signpost to provide our visitors a better service. See our Statistics pages

Novel laser technique detects strain in human body to improve lifespan of artificial joints - A highly innovative non-contact strain measurement system developed by Loughborough University (GB) spin out Laser Optical Engineering aims to improve the performance and lifespan of artificial joints for millions of patients worldwide. The company will be exhibiting at Laser 2000 in Munich from 23 - 26 June (stand B1611).

Standard footprints - Artesyn Technologies and Emerson's Astec Power division today each reached a second source licensing agreement with Texas Instruments(TI) to standardize leading technology for high performance power converters, ensuring interoperability and customer design flexibility. These agreements promote pin-compatible, advanced non-isolated, point-of-load plug-in power modules for wireless infrastructure, optical switching, networking, storage and industrial systems that use digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and microprocessors.

Budget DMMs for professional electricians and field service technicians - Botech AB, the software development company for web-based supervision, has released the Linux version of their web-based SCADA system, Greyhound’. Since 1998 Botech AB has continued to connect buildings and processes to the Internet.
Air protocol analyser - The new ABiT AP-4000, available exclusively from Yokogawa, is an air protocol analyser for testing the latest third-generation UMTS (W-CDMA) mobile communications systems. The AP-4000 conforms to the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) FDD specifications for user equipment, and is equally suited to use as an interoperability tester, a development tool for the testing and verification of protocols, and for field analysis and diagnostics. New HSE Packet Analyzer Toolkit Professional Now Available - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the release of the High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Packet Analyzer Toolkit Professional (AT-442). The new professional version toolkit will help instrumentation developers take advantage of the growing, worldwide industry demand for HSE devices.
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New software version helps companies increase production efficiency - Honeywell Industry Solutions has introduced the latest release of Business.FLEX PKS, a suite of software solutions that enable significant and sustainable production performance improvements for process industries. Improvements to Business.FLEX PKS applications in v.120 enable process industries personnel to make better business decisions and improve execution. The product efficiently unifies business goals and production automation, and in turn improves decision-making processes, helping users achieve faster execution and increased manufacturing flexibility.

Helping technology companies win and keep customers - The MTL Instruments Group has announced the creation of the MOST business unit. MOST, short for MTL Open System Technologies, has been established to provide open hardware and software technology-based components for use in the most demanding real-time system applications. Users can choose one or several of these field-proven components for their control system needs, "snapping" them together to create sophisticated control systems. OEMs can now be offered DCS functionality at PLC prices whilst control system partners can reduce development expense and achieve a faster time to market.

Advanced control in process industries -= Late last year a new company was founded by a group of technical people with significant experience in the area of advanced control and optimization. The company's objective is to improve the performance and profitability of process units in the chemical and refining industries. Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) is a technology independent company providing a full range of services from expert consulting to turn-key project services. Their consulting and project services team is by far the most experienced team in the design, development and implementation of advanced control and optimization systems, having extensive experience in refining, gas processing, olefins, chemical and polymer control and optimization projects. They have bases in Houston and Britain.
New fluorescence lifetime micro-mapping system - Jobin Yvon offers a new SPEX fluorescence system, giving you the capability of mapping the fluorescence characteristics of samples down to the micron scale. Mapping information on fluorescence intensity and picosecond/nanosecond lifetimes can be accumulated automatically by programming the movable stage. Fitting of single or multiple lifetimes, as well as lifetime distributions, are also possible. The system can be fitted with photomultipliers in the UV-VIS-IR range, or with a CCD detection for fast acquisition of complete spectra. All the sensitivity and high performance you normally associate with SPEX brand products are of course retained.

Complete range of connectivity solutions for industrial Ethernet - Harting has introduced a complete range of connectivity solutions for industrial Ethernet systems.

Wireless gateways link field and bus - Westermo's Elpro 105U range of wireless gateways and 10 modules for applications in industrial plant, can now offer improved security for industrial users. The addition of Polynomial Encryption Security Protocol (PESP), a 64-bit soft-key data encryption algorithm, provides highly effective protection against industrial espionage, hackers or anyone intending malicious damage. The encryption technique is based on Internet standards so is capable of providing high levels of protection on a local and global basis. The range communicates in the 458MHz and 868 MHz licence-free bands and is designed to provide wireless connectivity between digital and analog devices in the field and DOS, PLC and SOADA systems. The equipment can also be used as a wireless bridge to pass data between industrial networks based on incompatible protocols.
New submersible industrial accelerometer goes to any depth - Monitran has released the new MTN1 1000W, a compact industrial accelerometer which can operate completely submerged to a depth of 100 metres making it ideal for vibration monitoring of underwater pumps, roll bearings in the continuously wet conditions of paper mills and applications where rotating machinery is experiencing outdoor weather conditions. The new vibration sensor is much smaller than previous models being a considerable 45% less in size and weighing just 120 grams.

Power measurement software - LeCroy has just introduced PMA2, its next generation PowerMeasure Analysis Software. Designed for use with their WavePro 7000 series and WaveMaster digital oscilloscopes (DSOs), it provides unique tools so that power conversion engineers can quickly and easily view and analyze signals from switched mode power converters, such as power supplies, power semiconductors, motor drives, electronic lamp ballasts, and uninterruptible power supplies. Using either the original PMA1 or PMA2 packages, design engineers can measure peak power, plot instantaneous power vs time, safe operating area, total energy dissipation, real and apparent power, and other important power conversion measurements using LeCroy oscilloscopes from 350 MHz to 6 GHz in bandwidth.
Latest in flow guides published - More from the indefatigable collusion of Spitzer and Bowes, "The Consumer Guide to Differential Pressure Flow Transmitters" provides the first completely independent guide to differential pressure flow transmitters, ranked by performance, by model, and by supplier. This guide will be indispensable for designers, engineers, owners and end-users of flow measurement systems. Now you can see where your transmitter ranks, and use this guide to help choose your next flowmeter.