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Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
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News
Date of last update as at the top of the list.
Press releases from your company may be sent to any of the addresses shown on our Contacts Page.
See Archive Page for earlier news.
30/9/04
Brushless servomotors use neodymium magnets for excellent price/performance characteristics - MAE, BM10 series brushless servomotors combine Neodymium magnets and Hall Effect commutation for high performance and competitive pricing for demanding motion control applications in the 500 W to 1.5 kW range. Available in three lengths, each with two winding variants, the standard BM10 has a nominal case size of 100 mm and can deliver continuous torque of 1.6 Nm for the 175 mm length motor, 3 Nm for the 225 mm motor and 4.5 Nm for the 275 mm motor; peak torque, rated at 10% duty cycle, is 6 Nm 12 Nm and 18 Nm respectively. The standard specification includes a 1000 ppr, quadrature encoder with integral Hall Effect sensors; other encoder resolutions, resolvers for position/speed feedback and absolute encoders for sinusoidal commutation are available on request. The modular range can also be supplied with different windings, special shaft configurations, customised gearbox and mounting arrangements. Protection is rated at IP54 and all MAE motors are manufactured according to EN 60034-1: 1995-02.
PennEngineering Motion Technologies (Europe) in Offanengo (I), manufactures a complete range of stepper and servomotors for motion control applications. They are part of PennEngineering Motion Technologies, the leading USA industrial group which includes Pittman, the ISO 9001-certified designer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC servomotors and geared motors for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.
Anniversaries - This year sees the 50th anniversary of two institutions in our industry. The CERN laboratory in Europe was established fifty years ago and still progresses in its examination of the nature of matter and in this examination it has provided mankind with many exciting innovations not least the medium on which you are reading this item - the world wide web. Another anniversary, perhaps less auspicious in the greater world, is the 50th anniversary of Control Engineering Magazine. Michael Babb, the European Editor of this publication has made some thought provoking comments in the latest issue of Processing Talk's newsletter. He states, "...control systems are the backbone of process automation, where they have to be used simply because there is no alternative. But many consultants have publicly stated that in most companies, the control systems are vastly under-utilised resources." Why is this? Read his comments in Issue 47: (28 September 2004), which may be viewed on the website.
Speeding ANSI C development for test and measurement applications - Engineers can now develop their test, measurement and automation applications faster with National Instruments LabWindows/CVI 7.1, the latest upgrade of the stable and proven ANSI C development environment. It introduces expanded integration with the NI software platform, increased design-time and run-time productivity and new user interface controls.
Novel installation approach to extend the life of pH sensors in steelworks effluent - Emerson Process Management and engineers from the Corus steelworks at Port Talbot have collaborated in the development of a novel installation approach for standard pH electrodes. This extends the service life of the site standard pH sensor, the Rosemount Analytical 396P, when monitoring the steelworks effluent tanks, where previously the metal and sulphide ions had very quickly caused electrode poisoning. The approach enables Corus to avoid the need for special electrode designs for this duty, and standardise on the single 396P sensor model across the whole site, reducing cost and spares inventory.
Intelligent power managers - Summit Microelectronics has raised the bar again in intelligent power management devices with the introduction of the SMM766 and SMM764 linkable active POL (point of load DC/DC power supply) controllers. They implement sequencing, margining, and true differential tracking with a unique linking feature that allows up to 30 channels of operation.
Protocol accepted - The ubiquitous Modbus protocol, whose ownership was recently transferred from Schneider Automation to an independent nonprofit organization, Modbus-IDA, has been accepted by the IEC as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS).
More information on our Fieldbus News page
New laser device uses advanced timing and sophisticated signal processing to provide pinpoint accuracy at up to 200 feet - ASI Instruments, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for detection and measurement of dry bulk solids, announced the LaserTrak 200 laser transmitter at MINExpo International 2004, the mining exposition. Designed for measuring bulk solids at distances of up to 200 feet (60 meters), the LaserTrak 200 uses an extremely small wavelength. This means it has virtually no beam divergence and can be narrowly focused even over long distances. The device's all-digital design provides speed and accuracy in a compact unit. An advanced timing system and self-correcting signal processing functions allow it to accurately and reliably make measurements in the harshest conditions. The system can select the true signal even in the presence of dust, as is commonly found in silos of coal, plastics, or grain, as well as in underground mines or quarries.
Transparent process switchover, easy configuration and scalability for improved productivity - The new PACSystems High Availability solutions from GE Fanuc Automation provide a scalable synchronised hot-standby redundant control platform, with transparent process switchover and easy configuration to ensure uptime in essential applications. These new High Availability solutions meet the demands of applications requiring seamless operation and zero downtime - where mere moments of interruption can significantly delay operational flow, create excessive operational costs, or pose a threat to product quality. Developed with their patented, leading-edge technology, PACSystems High Availability ensures not only maximum uptime but also transparent process switchover. This fast switchover has been measured at up to five times faster than other systems with large data transfers in time critical applications, helping users to realise up to 20% more production capacity.
Ensuring power quality - Leonardo Power Quality Initiative (LPQI), the European education and training programme for low-voltage (LV) electrical installation professionals. They join other leading industrial companies (Fluke, Rhopoint Systems and MGE UPS Systems) to support this programme, which provides practical guidance on the identification, measurement and mitigation of power quality problems in LV installations. "LEM supports the concept of educating the market to enable end users to make informed choices about the equipment they buy and is proud to be associated with this leading education initiative on power quality", said Stephanie Horton, UK Engineering Sales Manager, LEM Power Products.
It is hoped to organise seminars on the following dates and venues:19th October - Dublin
9th November - Doncaster
19th November - Leamington Spa
Whether Invensys? - "In April 2003, Heinrich von Pierer the CEO of Siemens said he wanted to play a waiting game - waiting for further faltering at Invensys before making a bid. Well, maybe now Invensys has faltered enough, and the time has come. This week (ended 24 Sept. 2004) there was a flurry of activity, and stock selling, all pointing to Siemens as making a bid." says Jim Pinto in his latest epistle. Watch as it happens on Jim Pinto's weblog
Ethernet redundancy and fast recovery provided! - Industrial Ethernet customers seek a solution to a common problem: redundancy
and quick recovery when industrial networks fail. Whether because of a broken cable, faulty hardware or bad connection, data needs to arrive intact. Contemporary Controls now offers RapidRing technology which provides an automatic backup link in Ethernet networks when wired in a ring topology. RapidRing is available in the company’s managed switch line including the EISX8M, EICP8M or various EISB models.
New add-on! - Sixnet has integrated a new add-on option to their line of Linux-based IPm Controllers and RTUs. The new DNP v3.00 (DNP3) driver implements a SLAVE device function. Product manager, Mike O'Connor states: "DNP3 has become one of the industry standards in the electric utility and water treatment industries for applications in which time stamped event data is required." He continues: "This implementation is fully compliant with DNP V3.00 Subset Definition Level 2, contains many Subset Level 3 features and some functions beyond Subset Level 3. The slave driver has been designed to enable data exchange with all types of I/O in the IPm units. It also maintains the optimum advantage of IPm features while providing full compliance with DNP standards."
Test drive a new PC-based MultiloopProcess and Temperature PID Controller with OPC and HMI - PC-PID LLC announces that the beta release of their multiloop PID controller "pCon with OPC" is now available for download from their website. They think pCon is just perfect - but tell them what you think. This is your chance to try the full-featured version of pCon for free. .PC-PID LLC offers up to 100% discount on the final release of pCon with OPC to their best Beta Testers.
The next-generation Intel Pentium 4 processor-based SBC with 64-bit PCI-X bus, dual GbE and dual display - Advantech launched PCA-6188 single board computer, the next-generation Socket 478 Intel Pentium 4 processor based full-sized single board computer with 800/533/400MHz Front Side Bus. PCA-6188 is designed with the Intel 875P chipset and 6300ESB (I/O controller) to support the most advanced Intel Pentium 4 processors. High speed/high capacity dual channel DDR400 memory, and high performance I/O functions such as dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, AGP 8x graphic controller, serial/parallel ATA ports, and a PCI-X (64-bit / 66Mhz) bus provide advanced throughput. Compliant with PICMG 1.0 specification, PCA-6188 can be used with a wide choice of existing PCI/ISA backplanes and is versatile enough to meet the requirements of any industrial application.
Predictive power for mass flowmeter - Continuing its drive to increase process availability by delivering predictive information for use by personnel running facilities, Emerson Process Management today announced the release of its new Micro MotionModel 2700 Coriolis transmitter that features new density information and PlantWeb Alerts delivered throughout facilities by Foundation fieldbus-based digital communications networks. Emerson began offering PlantWeb Alerts in 2002. The new PlantWeb Alerts are implemented as the Micro Motion Coriolis transmitter senses abnormal conditions and delivers alert information to the DeltaV digital automation system. Detailed information
Two half day seminars - from Core Technology to Connectivity - The AS-Interface UK Association is re-launching itself as the AS-Interface 'Expert Alliance' at the Drives and Controls Show, October 12-14, Telford, where it will be the main feature of the AS-Interface booth.
More on our Drives & Controls Review
New switch for redundancy under extreme conditions - Hirschmann Electronics has expanded its product range with a new four-port redundancy switch - the new Rail Switch Family RS2- 4R. Designed to support both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, the RS2- 4R provides high network availability by means of the common HIPER Ring mechanism. As the switch is designed for operating temperatures from minus 40 to plus 70 degrees, it is suitable for use in extreme climatic conditions, for example in the pipeline sector or in mining.
Light source - A light source that is a combined flux of D2 and tungsten optically coupled to fiber optics with high efficiency (D2W-100) has been introduced by Applied Analytics. The light source is focused onto the tip of a fiber optics via collection optics and not direct couple. The tungsten source intensity can be controlled manually or automatically from an external computer. A filter wheel with four different filters is a standard
feature. The shutter is one of the positions on the filter wheel. The source output can be compensated or uncompensated (to the alpha line) - selective compensation.
High-density switch system development streamlined - National Instruments has announced NI Switch Executive 2.0, the latest version of the industry-leading switch management software that abstracts low-level switch configuration by providing a system-level switch programming interface to test applications. NI Switch Executive 2.0 optimises multimodule integration and high-density switch system development with an enhanced routing engine that delivers 75 times faster design-time performance.
High-speed interfaces for PowerPC development - Now available from Computer Solutions are a range of USB-based interfaces to speed up the development and debugging of systems based on the Freescale (formerly Motorola) PowerPC and ColdFire families.The new products, manufactured by P&E Microcomputer Systems, include USB-based BDM interfaces for the PPC and ColdFire microprocessors and a JTAG interface and development package for the PPC 55xx Nexus family. The USB interfaces represent a major step forward in terms of user convenience, particularly now that some PCs are being supplied without parallel ports. The USB interfaces are between three and five times faster than parallel interfaces, while the PPC unit also offers a wider voltage range (1.8-5 V). Another benefit is that they draw power from the USB Bus rather than from the target
FDA & ISO regulatory update - training sessions - Numerous important items have arisen in FDA and ISO regulations over the summer. Noblitt & Rueland informs us of recent regulatory issues and enforcement issues that may impact on enterprises now and in the near future. They advise that a series of important related training programs to help insure against from severe regulatory enforcement action. San Francisco Bay, Burlingame, California is the location for this important training and they feel that international firms or colleagues may want to take advantage of the favorable currency exchange rates to learn U.S. FDA requirements and issues first hand. These courses are being held at the end of October. They also run inhouse training sessions if required.
DC/DC converter family grows - Artesyn Technologies has added 24V input eighth-bricks and quarter-bricks to its industry-leading Typhoon family of board mounted DC/DC converters. The converters offer unprecedented efficiencies and power densities - setting a new performance standard for the industry.
Extensive new features increase SCADA / HMI developer productivity, and enable hosted remote services - Axeda Systems, leading provider of device relationship management (DRM) software and services, has announced Axeda Supervisor 9.0. Their Supervisor Suite, which includes the new version SCADA/HMI application Wizcon 9.0, is enhanced with many new features that improve application development productivity, extend connectivity options, and increase core platform performance. In addition, this release enables a new set of innovative Axeda hosted services that will leverage the Axeda DRM system to facilitate remote management of SCADA and automation systems, providing online development assistance, and central proactive monitoring of globally distributed systems.
Absolute pressure sensor - The
Piezoresistive miniature low-pressure sensor Type 4005A with M5 connecting thread from Kistler is based on the DCE (Direct Chip Exposure) technology, in which the measuring element is directly exposed to the medium. The piezoresistive silicon measuring element is placed behind a protective screen and provided with a protective coating. In addition to small dimensions, this design achieves superb linearity, minimal hysteresis and an extremely high natural frequency. The sensor can be provided for various pressure ranges between 0 Š 2 bar and 0 Š 100 bar. The sensor operating temperature range is approximately 40 Š 125 °C.
As a result of its small size, small dead volume and high natural frequency, this sensor is ideal for measurements in engine induction systems. If the engine design permits, the sensor can be installed in the immediate vicinity of the valves, a position which allows gas exchange characteristics and quality to be determined very accurately.
Shop Floor and IT - Closing The Loop - "One thing I've notice over the years is the large and growing gap between people involved in instrumentation & automation and IT departments with their business systems and other SAPs. A gap that is very evident in our business where projects arise either from engineering departments or from the heads of IT departments but rarely do they actually talk to each other. IT managers don't want to know about SCADA systems or HMIs and people involved in Automation don't want to hear anything about ERPs etc yet both need to pass information up and down for further processing or analysis." So says Mark Roos of DataWorks in a recent release. They will be presenting a technical talk on the subject in Limerick (IRL) on the 23rd of November 2004 in association with the ISA Ireland. This is obviously an unique opportunity to meet not only with other people involved on the engineering side of the automation industry but also with professionals involved in IT, bridging the human gap as well as the technical gap between IT and the shop floor.
World's smallest hybrid stepper motors - The world's smallest hybrid stepper motors, measuring only 20 mm square, are now available exclusively in the Britain from SmartDrive. The ultra-compact, lightweight motors, manufactured by Tamagawa, are available in 2-phase (3692) and 5-phase (3682) unipolar and bipolar versions, and combine high torque with high-speed response.
Multi-channel module converts sensor signals into serial or fieldbus communications - TeleflexMorse Electronics has released a data acquisition module that is optimised for use in harsh environments. Incorporating a user-configurable A-to-D converter, the multi-channel device transforms the outputs of analogue sensors to serial or CAN fieldbus communications. Called GPSI - for General Purpose Sensor Interface - it provides a data acquisition solution for any application involving extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and exposure to liquids. Potential applications include data acquisition and instrumentation systems in remote and exposed environments such as oilfields, on industrial processing lines, and in automobiles.
Call for papers - ProfiBus UK has issued a Call for Papers for The International ProfiBus Conference to be held June 21, 22 2005. Following the format that proved so successful in the June 2004 Event, the Conference will feature a comprehensive educational programme covering latest developments in ProfiBus and ProfiNet technology including PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive and Profibus PA supported by case studies, an exhibition and technology demonstrations. These will be delivered in 2 main streams: Master Classes for advanced users and Primers for people new to the technology.More on our Fieldbus News Page.
Catalogue covers industrial Ethernet solutions - Harting has produced a new 96-page catalogue covering its comprehensive range of interconnection solutions for Industrial Ethernet. In addition to giving full details of HARTING's range of active and passive network components, system cables, connectors and accessories, the catalogue includes a 16-page introductory section giving general information on Industrial Ethernet standards and applications, plus a glossary of commonly used terms.
High-Speed and High-Precision Adaptive Control - CyboSoft has announced the delivery of a high-speed and high-precision adaptive control solution running on the new National Instruments CompactRIO embedded control and data acquisition platform.
CyboSoft Chairman and CEO Dr. George Cheng said, "Our embedded MFA controllers running in NI LabVIEW Real Time on CompactRIO now offer the first general-purpose, high-speed, and high-precision adaptive control solution on the market."
Another first for NASA - ISA-The Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society will honor NASA with the Advancements in Technology Award at its annual Honors and Awards Banquet on Monday 4 October 2004 in Houston, Texas. This awards ceremony is held in conjunction with ISA EXPO 2004. NASA is receiving this special one-time recognition for its technology achievements that have contributed significantly to advancements in the fields of instrumentation, systems and automation. This is the first time in the Society's history that it's honored an organization rather than an individual. "NASA is known for its technological innovations. Many of which have transferred to our industry, particularly, in the control field with the birth of wireless, sensors, and miniaturization," said Lowell McCaw, ISA president. "We are honored to give this first-time special award to such a distinguished organization."
New Ethernet switches offer advanced management in compact package - Contemporary Controls has introduced the EICP "M" series of compact switches that offer extensive management features for industrial applications where 0 degrees C to +60 C temperatures are expected. The M series is available in an all twisted-pair 8-port model or a mix of twisted-pair and fiber optic ports using either SC or ST-style connectors. Both multimode (1300 nm) and single-mode (1300 nm) fibre optics are supported.
Debug support - Ashling Microsystems has announced the availability of a full set of development tools for the STR7 microcontroller; the ARM7 based embedded controller architecture from STMicroelectronics.
Engineers' Data Book, Third Edition - This book has been substantially updated and contains detailed relevant information on mechanical engineering. It is an invaluable ready reference for core information in mechanical engineering. Since the first edition feedback from engineers and students has indicated that, despite the proliferation of technical information in published and electronic format, there is still a need for a source of core engineering information in a readily available form. This new edition incorporates a general update in all sections and in particular there is an increase in the coverage of basic units, data and engineering rules. Also, the content has gradually been extended to cover vital aspects of structural integrity and reliability of engineering components as these are important current issues in the engineering business.
Guided wave radar level transmitter withstands extreme pressures and highest temperatures - K-TEK has announced the new MT2000 Waveguide Model C8P71. Designed for use with the MT2000 guided wave radar level transmitter, the C8P71 is a robust coupler and waveguide created specifically for high temperature and high pressure hydrocarbon applications. The coupler can withstand extreme pressure and has the highest temperature rating in the industry: 1500psi @ 800degF (103 bar @ 427degC) and 5000 psi @ 100degF (344 bar @ 38degC). The C8P71 directs the radar beam through a concentric waveguide, thus alleviating divergence problems and echoes from tank walls and surrounding structures. The C8P71 has a hermetic seal and is unaffected by vapors (excluding steam), making it especially useful for noxious environments.
Fieldbus network equipment for process control guide released - Get an unbiased look at "ins and outs" of fieldbus network equipment for process control written especially for engineers and end-users! "The Consumer Guide to Fieldbus Network Equipment for Process Control" provides the first completely independent guide to fieldbus network equipment including HART, PROFIBUS, and Foundation Fieldbus.
More on this and other fieldbus news.
Spam wins! - One of the pioneers of email newsletters is that produced by A.T.E. (Advanced Test Engineering) Solutions called The BesTest Newsletter which arrives dutifully on our desk every few weeks. This newsletter invariably contains useful information for the T&M (test and measurement) market. However as it grew and matured with the net it changed from a text only newsletter to one which contained images and logos which are sent over the internet as attachments. Obviously in this day and age this may present problems. Louis Ungar states "We have found that many of you will not open the graphics-filled BestTest Newsletter because of apprehension that you may be downloading something that will negatively affect your computer. Others of you are using Spam detector software that will automatically filter out graphics-filled emails. We could assure you that all of our links are benign, but I am sure that assurance comes from everyone with ill intentions. We have therefore decided that The BestTest Newsletter will not be distributed in its entirety." It will however continue to be published on their website with a reminder emailed to each subscriber instead of the full newsletter. What a pity that such useful resources have to become more difficult to share because of the thoughtless actions of a few "smart alecs".
Digital controller module introduced for cost effective motion controller upgrade for existing motion and automation systems - The NServo digital controller module is designed to provide quick and convenient interconnectivity between Aerotech's award winning Firewire based, A3200 Digital Automation Platform and existing analogue servo drives. The new modules have been developed to facilitate the replacement of function-limited and outdated motion controllers on existing positioning and automation systems by replacing them with the A3200. This not only extends the life of existing production and test equipment but also provides significant performance and upgrade potential at minimal cost when compared to complete system replacement including motor and drive components. Three versions of the NServo are available, interfacing the A3200 with existing Aerotech servo amplifiers, to Aerotech older "legacy" products and to third party servo amplifiers. The NServo is software configurable for connectivity to brushed and brushless servo drives as well as piezo electric and galvo based drive systems. This means that practically any existing motorised positioning system can profit from upgrade.
Platform support - Concurrent Technologies announces their support of LynuxWorks LynxOS 4.0 hard-real-time operating system for Concurrent Technologies range of high performance Motorola PowerPC and Intel Pentium boards for both VME and CompactPCI architectures. Included in the list of boards supported is Concurrent Technologies' latest 1GHz Motorola MPC7455 PowerPC based VME board where LynxOS 4.0 provides support for Motorola AltiVec technology. Vertical markets include defense, industrial automation, medical, aerospace, scientific and telecommunications industries.
A policy of ongoing board support for an operating system enables Concurrent Technologies' customers to encompass rapidly changing projects that require a product family with scaled performance, long life, ease of integration and protection of their software investment.
Leading automotive Tier 1 supplier sites benefits - Tecnomatix Technologies, a driving force in Manufacturing Process Management (MPM), has announced that after the successful completion of a several month-long pilot project, the Cologne-based company Getrag Ford Transmissions has decided to implement the eMPower Machining software suite for the design of production lines at their sites in Bordeaux (France), Halewood (Great Britain) and Cologne.
New corporate identityb for subsidiary - Wessel Energy Cables Ltd, part of ABB, has re-branded to become ABB Cables. A long established manufacturer of energy and telecommunications cabling for the domestic and export markets ABB Cables has a manufacturing site in Longford (IRL) with sales offices throughout Ireland and Britain. Commenting on the re-branding, John Hughes, Managing Director, ABB Cables said; "the decision to re-brand was made as part of an on-going re-structuring programme of the company in our drive to become a world class manufacturer. It will incorporate the company's corporate identity, promotional material, merchandise and a new website. Wessel Energy Cables had carried the same identity for over 25 years and we believed that it needed to be updated and re-enforced. We are delighted with the name change and the new look as we feel it strongly reflects what the company stands for and what we do at ABB Cables."
Decoder launched - Ateme has launched its H.264 decoder for embedded platforms, which follows the PC version. The new encoder/decoder, the Codec H.264, extends the French company's range of multimedia and broadcasting products. Ateme has a 13-year track record in the field of video and audio compression algorithms, including MPEG-4 Simple Profile and Advanced Simple Profile, MPEG-2, JPEG, etc. The version of the H.264 decoder for personal computers has been available since June 2004.
Preparing gas mixtures for analyser calibration using a computer controlled digital gas mixture - Applied Analytics introduces the MIX 1000, a digital gas mixer. The mixer can be controlled from the front panel using the LCD display and a 7 keys membrane keyboard or using a Windows based software via the RS-232 connection on the back. The standard unit provides two inputs and one output but it can mix up to 4 different gases. The software can control gradients and respond to external events via the event driven menu. It also includes a totalizer and averager for better experimental control. Ideal for time based experimental setups.
New PXI instrument combines functionality of LCR meter, 61Ž2-digit multimeter and isolated digitiser - National Instruments new high-performance, multifunction NI PXI-4072 FlexDMM gives engineers the functionality of three common instruments in a single-slot 3U PXI module - a 61Ž2-digit multimeter, an LCR (inductance and capacitance) meter and a 1.8 MS/s isolated digitiser. The NI PXI-4072 FlexDMM brings digital multimeters one step closer to providing universal measurement capability by offering engineers the 20 most common test measurements, including voltage, current, capacitance, inductance, temperature and resistance. By integrating these measurements into one PXI module, engineers reduce test system size and cost, increase throughput and shorten test development time.
Long-running connection means more work in the pipeline - A long-term connection has led to international software control company Transmitton being selected to work on a 235 kilometre gas pipeline project between Bacton in the UK and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The company has been working for gas pipeline operator Interconnector since 1997, when they installed a SCADA monitoring system for supervisory control and data acquisition on the 40-inch sub-sea pipeline - ranked one of the top five most critical service assets in the UK. Interconnector operates and maintains the pipeline for shareholders and gas producers and this latest project, which includes the installation of compression in Zeebrugge, has netted a contract for Transmitton, worth around GBP750,000, and due to finish at the end of next year.
Innovative silicon IP 32-bit processor core comes with royalty-free licence - Cambridge Consultants has launched a novel 32-bit RISC core that brings a new level of code density and power economy to deeply-embedded applications. The XAP3 core is available in Verilog RTL and can be fabricated in under 50,000 gates in a variety of ASIC and FPGA technologies. Unlike many other cores on the market, XAP3's instruction set has been optimized to exploit the code-efficient features of state-of-the-art C compiler technology, substantially reducing memory requirements and power consumption. In addition it supports position independent code and privileged modes, giving IC developers and their users a platform to create more versatile, robust, field-upgradeable products.
Happy birthday - Dietmar Harting, partner of the Harting Technology Group, will be celebrating his 65th birthday on September 15, 2004. At the company's headquarters in Espelkamp, he will be welcoming prominent guests from the business community, as well as representatives of politics and the media to a celebration event. Some 37 years ago, after concluding his studies, Dietmar Harting joined the family-owned and managed company that his parents Wilhelm and Marie Harting had founded 1945 in Minden. The headquarters had put down roots in Espelkamp already in 1950. After the death of her husband in 1962, Marie Harting lead the company on her own. In 1967, her son Dietmar joined the company, providing the additional family support in company leadership she had hoped for.
High speed USB device - Macraigor Systems, an on-chip debug (OCD) industry leader, today introduced usb2Demon, a new high-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 device for JTAG (IEEE Standard 1149.1) or background debug mode (BDM). usb2Demon provides embedded systems developers with the most cost-sensitive, high-performance interface available for target OCD. The usb2Demon application programming interface (API) is fully compatible with industry-leading software debuggers, including the GNU tools suite (GCC, GAS and GDB).
Standards endorsed - A group of leading manufacturing companies and software vendors have endorsed the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society's (ISA) ISA-95 Enterprise-Control System Integration standards and The World Batch Forum's (WBF) Business To Manufacturing Markup Language (B2MML) for the standard's implementation. The companies made their endorsement at a plant-to-business interoperability workshop hosted by SAP, among the world's leaders in enterprise management software, and ARC Advisory Group, a leading manufacturing industry consultant based in Dedham, MA. Workshop attendees also discussed the establishment of an open vendor and user consortium to share knowledge and best practices for plant floor to business integration and to provide compliance certification for use of the B2MML and related standards.
In addition to SAP and ARC, participants included representatives from Apriso, Arla Foods, Datasweep, Dow Corning Corporation, DuPont Engineering, Eli Lilly, Emerson Process Management, Empresas Polar S.A., GE Fanuc, General Mills, Invensys-Wonderware, LightHammer, MPDV, MPR de Venezuela, OSIsoft, Procter & Gamble, PSI Soft, Rockwell Automation, Rohm and Haas, SAB Miller, Siemens, and Yokogawa, as well as representatives from ISA and WBF.
Rapid Adoption Programme launched - Pantek has introduced FactorySuite A2 of its Rapid Adoption Programme for the Archestra Technology based FactorySuite A2 product. Commenting upon the news, Pantek's MD John Bailey said: "I am delighted Pantek is able to make this announcement, clearly, it will be of benefit to many companies in their future purchases of Wonderware products including, of course, InTouch."
This exciting programme consists of three main elements to assist a market where this technology would be of paramount interest and importance: Firstly, the Britain and Ireland list price of the FactorySuite A2 product range has been restructured to encourage the use of Archestra based components with price reductions across the whole range including InTouch version 9.0, which incorporates the Archestra Smart Symbol technology. Additionally, in the price reduction are the new FactorySuite A2 100k IO to 250 IO scalable options, recently announced by Wonderware.
Secondly, to make it even easier to adopt the use of FactorySuite A2, Pantek has introduced a starter programme. Customers who wish to install a trial system on their site, will be provided with the smallest system free of charge, provided that the company agrees to train two of its engineers and take at least one day fast-start consultancy.
Thirdly, Pantek has developed a half day seminar programme to help manufacturers understand how the FactorySuite A2 product can benefit them.
Fast-acting temperature monitoring relays in industry-standard DIN-rail and plug-in module formats - New temperature monitoring relays from Carlo Gavazzi designed for use with PTC thermistor sensors allow multiple sensor arrays to be positioned optimally to protect against thermal damage regardless of the cause. The DTA01 and DTA02 are 22.5mm DIN-rail mounting relays suitable for thermal protection of 3-phase electric motors and generators, and other wound components such as transformers, actuator coils and solenoids, electromagnets, or induction regulators. The DTA02 also provides remote and local alarm reset capabilities, a test button, and LED indication for relay and power supply ON. Two further new relays, the PTA01 and PTA02, have the same functionality and ratings as the DTA01 and DTA02 respectively, but are delivered as 36mm plug-in modules.
Society is active in Nigeria - We have learned that ISA is taking a new shape with the formation of the Nigeria section which will be presented for charter at the ISA Expo in Houston this autumn. ISA District 12 VP (Which incorporates Europe, Africa and the Middle East), Jean Vieille, tells us, "Under the sensible, energic and sustained leadership of Mr Samuel Falese Olukunle, this section is ready to charter only 8 months after the idea was fiorst mooted in January of this year." He continued," I believe that ISA has great relevance in such a major developing country where people are eager to learn and avail of the worldwide networking oportunities provided by our society". This section is already 47 members including 2 students.
Low-cost starter kits for designers - Ashling Microsystems has introduced the Ashling LPC2000 starter kit (ASK-2000), costing $295, for Philips' LPC2000 ARM7-based microcontroller family. The kit includes an evaluation board with a built-in JTAG debugger, an evaluation version of Ashling's Integrated Development Environment (AsIDE) and GNU compiler and an evaluation version (32K code size restriction) of Ashling's PathFinder for LPC2000 source debugger. Together the kit provides all the necessary software and documentation needed to get designers up and running quickly using the LPC2000 microcontrollers.
Optical time-domain reflectometer speeds network installation and testing - The new AQ7260 optical time-domain reflectometer from Yokogawa is a compact, lightweight instrument designed to offer speed, ease of use and efficiency in the installation and servicing of optical communication networks. Weighing only 3 kg and incorporating an 8.4-inch TFT-LCD colour display for easy viewing, the AQ7260 has a large internal memory of 20 Mbyte and two USB ports for connectivity and data transfer. The Telcordia GR196 format is used for data storage. Sampling resolution is 5 cm minimum, and up to 60,000 points can be sampled.
New data logger for remote monitoring of up to 250 channels - New from Techni Measure is the TML data logger used for remote monitoring of up to 250 channels with appropriate switching boxes. The TDS-300 has no internal operating unit, switching box or printer, and communication to a computer is by an RS-232C interface or modem. Unlike other units in the TDS family which can be used as stand alone data loggers including memory and printout, this instrument requires connection to a computer for control and to download the data. This can be accomplished on site with a laptop or via a modem link, and control software is supplied as standard. A scanning speed of 12 points per second can be achieved with high accuracy and high stability, due to the built-in triple integration A/D converter. Bridge excitation is a 2V DC 20mSec pulse, which helps reduce heating effects, especially on low heat conductive materials such as plastics.
New long stemmed meters offer accurate and cost-effective density and viscosity measurement in difficult tank applications - Solartron Mobrey has extended its range of vibrating fork density and viscosity meters with a series of long-stemmed versions, ideal for top-mounted, direct-insertion into storage, mixing and process tanks. With no need for side access or a sample loop, the new products allow cost effective, accurate density measurement in a wide range of traditionally demanding, 'difficult to measure' applications. The microprocessor-based meters use Solartron Mobrey's market-leading vibrating fork technology to measure the density and viscosity of the liquid. They are suitable for monitoring and control duties with liquids in the density range 0-3000 kg/m3 and viscosity range 0.5 to 20,000cst. Applications are wide and varied; examples include interface detection in static tanks, paint mix control and fermentation monitoring.
Gen yourself up! - We mention few publications as being REALLY useful to our discipline, Intech, IAI, and Jim Pinto's broader and thankfully sometimes irreverent look at our industry. (And of course in Ireland modesty forbids us mention Read-out - so we wont!). A publication which has reched us a number of times is a Canadian/Australian co-production. This concotion of fierce Polar Bears and cuddly Koalas is mostly the work of Ian Verhappen and Jim Russel and is a very comprehensive of their sharings from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The quickest way to look at the contents of this publication is to pereuse the contents headings and herec they are:
ICEart - Technical articles related to instrumentation and control.
ICEbus - Information on any of the 26 different bus systems in use in the area of instrumentation and control. The authors however have a definite bias towards Foundation Fieldbus.
ICEfolks - News about promotions and changes people in the Instrumentation Control Engineering
ICEletters - electronic newsletters of potential interest to our readers.
ICEmerge ‹ Mergers and acquisitions in the Instrumentation Control Engineering community
ICEnet ‹ Internet related topics and sites that may be of interest to our readers. In addition to
ICEWEB that is.
ICEnew ‹ Great new technical links
ICEsponsor - Newsletter sponsor recognition. Normally at the beginning and end of the newsletter. These people have kindly contributed to the creation and sharing of this information by offsetting the costs associated with its production and distribution.
ICEtime - Seminars, Tradeshows, Conferences and Events of interest to our readership. (Despite the fact that I am a Canadian, this will not include a listing of ALL the Ice hockey games I know of or participate in.)
ICEtools ‹ Software and offers that will help with engineering design.
Introducing the most advanced hydrocarbon dew-point analyser on the market today - Condumax was originally designed by Michell Instruments in partnership with Shell Research in 1984 to measure the hydrocarbon dew point of natural gas with optimum reliability and accuracy. In the 20 years since its development, Condumax is still recognised by many national and multinational companies involved in the production, storage and distribution of natural gas as the benchmark instrument with which to reliably record the hydrocarbon dew point of natural gas. The launch of Condumax II marks the climax of a three year development programme to enhance the existing Condumax and create the most advanced hydrocarbon dew-point analyser available today. Extensive customer research pin-pointed the areas where the original Condumax could benefit from improvement, and new technologies have given Michell the opportunity to incorporate exciting new features in an instrument that is simple to install and operate.
Installation of filters still in continuous operation after 25 years - Nordic Water's stand opening at the VA Maessan Water and Waste Water Technology fair in Stockholm, Sweden, on the 14 September marks the 25th anniversary of the DynaSand filter. The first ever installation in 1979, further down the east coast of Sweden, at Gunnebo Industries in Vaestervik, is still running. This invention, released in 1979, brought continuous operation to sand filtration, then the only non-continuous unit operation in chemical engineering and water treatment. Back in the 70's filtering was normally accomplished through a sand bed, where operations were interrupted for back-washing of the fouled sand. In the DynaSand filter fouled sand is continuously removed from the filter bed, washed and recycled without interruption to the filtration process.
New software integrates essential technologies for automated test - National Instruments has announced NI TestStand 3.1 test management software, which delivers increased software reuse and test development productivity for design and test integration. NI TestStand 3.1 includes LabVIEW Express technology and LabVIEW Real-Time integration, as well as introducing new features for advanced test execution flow control and auto schedule parallel testing.
Rotary stage provides "best-in-class" 1 arc second positioning accuracy for high-throughput alignment - Aerotech's new and unique ARA125 tangent rotary stage combines non-contact direct drive technology with a very low profile for demanding manufacturing production and inspection alignment applications where exceptionally high positioning accuracy and very low resolution needs to be combined with high speed, rapid acceleration and a compact design.
Design guidance for x-by-wire automative software - Cambridge Consultants has published a technical article providing a useful insight into safety issues posed by the use of software to implement advanced x-by-wire systems on automobiles. Titled 'What Can The Medical Industry Teach Us About Safety?', the article examines lessons that can be learnt from a market that is arguably the first to develop high-volume products with complex safety-critical software.
Download a pdf copy of this paper
One of the innovative top 100 - Industrial interconnection specialist Harting Electric has been awarded the Top 100 quality mark for exceptional innovative performance.
The award is granted in connection with a comparative survey of German companies carried out by Professor Nikolaus Franke of the Vienna University of Economics & Business Administration. Companies honoured in this way are entitled to use the Top 100 quality mark for one year. The award was presented to HARTING at a recent "summit meeting",on the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain.
Ethernet switches reach up to 40 km or more - SixNet has incorporated another new option into their line of Industrial Ethernet Switches. The new "L" option allows a 40 km long haul fiber optic distance instead of the standard 15 km. This option is offered on all SIXNET switches with singlemode fiber ports. Both ST and SC fiber transceivers are available. For even greater distances beyond 40 km, contact SIXNET.
Neighbour's show! - Scotland is the nearest neigbour to Ireland and indeed one of the Scottish languages is a step-sister of the Irish language. The have their Instrumentation SAcotland Exhibition later this week and a flavour can be had of what some exibitors are showing on the Processing Talk Site. Helen Thewlis, MD of Trident Exhibitions, the organisers says, "Launched 10 years ago, Instrumentation Scotland is in the heart of the offshore industry in Aberdeen - the Granite City, and encourages many local industries to exhibit, with their specialised services for the region, and the industry. This year's show has again sold out: almost half of the exhibitors are new for 2004, offering visitors the opportunity to meet both new and established contacts, for 2 days of selling, exchanging ideas and networking. Exhibitors represent product and service providers for the offshore industry plus many other significant Scottish industries, such as power, water, paper and distilleries."
First FMEDA analysis on displacer level transmitters - The smart EZ Modulevel of Magnetrol International is the first displacer transmitter with SIL (Safety Integrity Level) data according to IEC 61508. The FMEDA analysis shows that SIS designers can meet the integrity requirements with the EZ Modulevel up to SIL2. Architectural requirements can be met to SIL1 (non-redundant) or SIL2 (redundant). The smart EZ Modulevel is a 1oo1 (one out of one) level transmitter. The PFDavg (average Probability of Failure on Demand) for a one year proof test interval is 8,94 x10-4. Since the smart EZ Modulevel is equipped with a powerful microprocessor to allow a user friendly set up and diagnostic reporting, the device categorizes as a “Type B” device.
Moters step forward! - Oriental Motor has introduced further improvements into variants within its popular Vexta range of brushless motors. The improvements will have major performance and integration implications for the multitude of applications that this range serves. The company's brushless range includes four variants of velocity controlled, constant torque units: the FBL, HBL, AXU and AXH models. As well as a speed range of between 0.8 and 3,000rpm, they offer a significant size advantage over conventional speed controlled AC motors. A 90W brushless motor is just 57mm long; in comparison, a 60W AC speed-controlled motor is 150mm long.
Conference acts as unique platform for presentation of developments - The international CAN Conference is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary in March 2005. Experts from all over the world and from the most diversified application areas have met for years at this international event, which is going to take place in Rome, Italy this time. The conference, which is sponsored by Lift Report magazine and VGN publishing house, is unique in its target group and offers visitors the possibilities to become acquainted with the latest developments in Controller Area Network. It is also a platform for lecturing on CAN-based research and for exchanging experiences internationally with experts from related work fields.
Rewriting the requirements for orifice plate installation - An innovative engineering design approach has been taken by Emerson Process Management to the standard orifice plate, the most common differential primary element used in flow measurement. Rosemount Conditioning Orifice Plate products deliver +/-0.5% accuracy with only two upstream diameters of straight pipe-run. This patent-pending design makes orifice metering more flexible and better than ever before. The Rosemount 1595 Conditioning Orifice Plate enables the application of DP flow metering technology to measurement points previously considered impossible because of piping configurations. This new Rosemount product delivers accurate and repeatable results downstream of a range of flow disturbances that normally cause swirl in the flow process. Further, the Conditioning Orifice Plate offers an economical way to retrofit existing installations that have experienced poor performance caused by limited straight-run pipe-work.
Practical Application of New Technologies in Today's Industry - ISA Ireland Section has launched its International Conference on the practical uses of new and emerging technology in your industry. This is the ninth conference organised by ISA Ireland where we bring to Irish industry international speakers covering relevant practical topics designed to improve competitiveness and quality in today's quickly changing environment.
High-accuracy speed sensor is ideal for automotive crankshaft applications - The new A1425 from Allegro MicroSystems is a new high-accuracy analogue Hall-effect speed sensor IC with an integrated tracking capacitor and a dual zero-crossing output signal which makes it ideal for automotive crankshaft speed sensing applications using ring magnets.
Pioneering DSP core breaks more ground with new processing modules - Cambridge Consultants has extended the versatility of its ground-breaking adaptive-datapath DSP core - APE2 - with new processing modules for math-intensive embedded applications. These ready-to-use modules facilitate the rapid development of highly-efficient signal-processing data engines for ASIC applications in consumer markets such as wireless, audio and control
Scholarship fund raising drive launched - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the launch of its first annual fund raising drive in support of the James O. Gray - Fieldbus Foundation Scholarship. The program, which will establish a
perpetual $250,000 endowment fund for educational scholarships, benefits students seeking a career in the field of instrumentation, automation and systems technology.
The James O. Gray - Fieldbus Foundation Scholarship Fund honors the memory of James (Jim) O. Gray, a long-time Fieldbus Foundation supporter who passed
away in 2002. Mr. Gray was employed by Invensys/Foxboro for 25 years as sales and marketing manager. He was very active in the foundation since its inception, holding positions with its board of directors, executive committee and U.S. marketing committee.
Loop monitor facilitates partial valve stroke testing - Moore Industries' HIM HART Loop Monitor now has the ability to confirm that the Fisher FieldVue DVC6000 Series Digital Valve Controller is performing a partial valve stroke test to validate proper Emergency Shutdown (ESD) valve operation and, if the test has failed, to alert the user that the ESD valve is stuck. Partial valve stroke testing is an alternative to periodically testing critical ESD valves without completely stroking them, which normally means a disruptive process shutdown.
Hydrogen leak detector is compact, robust and sensitive - The new H2000 from Sensistor Technologies is a compact, rugged instrument using the hydrogen tracer gas technique for industrial leak detection and tightness control. The new instrument is sensitive enough to detect leaks as small as 0.0000005 mbarl/s (millibar-litres per second), and incorporates advanced digital electronics to minimise the need for trimming or calibration. Leak detection using hydrogen offers a number of benefits over alternative techniques such as water baths, pressure testing or mass spectrometry. Hydrogen - normally used in a safe mixture of 5% hydrogen in nitrogen - is not only the cheapest tracer gas available: it is also the lightest and least viscous of all gases, spreading rapidly throughout the test object and seeping quickly through the smallest leaks.
Biggest I&C show in New World returns to Houston - ISA EXPO 2004 returns to Houston, Texas, 5-7 October at the Reliant Center, after a stellar conference and exhibition in 2003 with more than 14,500 in attendance and over 500 companies showcasing their latest technologies, products and services. In addition to its regular line-up featuring the largest and most comprehensive products and services exhibition, two cutting-edge technical conferences, and an exceptional continuing education and training program, ISA EXPO 2004 brings three new symposia to Houston Industrial Network & Systems Security Symposium, Industrial Networking & Communications Symposium, and Productivity & Asset Management Symposium.See also ourISA Review Page
Fieldbus Courses - Profibus UK has announced its Autumn schedule of ProfiBus-related training opportunities on offer at their Competence Center at the Manchester Metropolitan University.Details of courses and how to register on our Fieldbus Events Page as well as on our Events page
Top website again! - In the July issue of Test & Measurement World, the magazine's readers ranked the National Instruments Web site, ni.com, the No. 1 most useful vendor Web site in an annual Web study conducted by Reed Research Group. In the study, "Test Engineers and the Web," readers rated company web sites based on their online technical support, detailed product information, online purchasing features and technically focused content.
Certification for safety clip - In August the TUV Rhineland Group certified the CANopen Safety Chip (CSC01), which was developed by a consortium. The chip is compliant to SIL 3 (safety integrity level) in accordance to IEC 61508, and to SK 4 (safety class) in accordance to EN 954-1 (TUV test report: 968/EL 215.01/04). It is based on the M306AFGTFP step D 16-bit micro-controller by Renesas featuring two independent on-chip CAN modules that are used to achieve redundancy. The CAN transceiver and the CAN cable are not redundant. The external circuitry (CAN transceiver, watchdog, etc.) is not part of the certification.
New marketing manager appointed - Supplier of integrated control and asset management solutions, Transmitton, has appointed Davina Ann Austin as marketing manager. Davina joins from Nottingham-based TEW Engineering Group where she has been part of the marketing team since 2002. As a BSc (Hons) graduate in Product Design, Innovation and Marketing from the University of Derby, her career started at Jasmin PLC, specialists in software and systems integration in the defence and transport sectors. She adds; "I am looking forward to the challenges ahead at Transmitton - being in a highly innovative and specialist business environment will develop and stimulate me to progress marketing in the company".
New training courses enhance online programme Emerson Process Management has introduced eight new courses at the PlantWeb University online learning centre, bringing the total courses available to 46. These new courses outline how to improve plant operational efficiency by using predictive intelligence to increase output and reduce costs. Concise and user-friendly, the courses address each of the areas that affect plant efficiency ‹ quality, throughput, availability, operations and maintenance, safety, health and environment.
New partnership announced - K-TEK, leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation, today announced a new partnership with ASI Instruments that focuses on the detection and measurement of dry bulk solids. ASI Instruments of Texas, is a leader in solids level measurement, specializing in grain processing and milling, as well as plastics manufacturing, aggregates, building materials, and food production. ASI operates throughout North America and South America. Working together, K-TEK and ASI Instruments are collaborating on technology development and sales distribution. K-TEK is focusing on its expertise in liquid level measurement, while ASI is specializing in dry bulk solids applications.
Powerful and efficient way to test Dolby Digital decoders - The OPT-2711 Dolby Digital Generator has been added to the Audio Precision range of audio analysis systems, available exclusively in Britain from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments). The combination of an Audio Precision 2700 series audio analyser and Dolby Digital Generator is the world's fastest, most accurate way to test to the Dolby Digital standard. Now, with the new unit, manufacturing, R&D and verification engineers and technicians can test quickly and accurately to Dolby Digital standards. Audio Precision's exclusive closed-loop system allows completely automated Dolby Digital testing and verification while avoiding the frustrations common to other solutions.