I/O module now has analog outputs - The new ST-MIX12884 - SixTRAK Combination I/O Module offers 12 discrete inputs, 8 discrete outputs, 8 analog inputs, and 4 analog outputs. It can be used when you have a mix of I/O types, when panel space is limited, or when lowest cost is an important requirement. Up to 20 of these modules can be connected to the high-speed I/O bus of Sixnet Controllers, RTUs, and I/O gateways.

Hong Kong receives safety awards for lightning systems - The Hong Kong International Airport was awarded with the Champion of Technological Achievement Award at the 2004 Occupational Safety and Health Award Forum held in Hong Kong. The Vaisala Precision Lightning Warning System PLWS installed at the airportcontributed to zero lightning injury at the airport in the past year - a safety result that helped HKIA win the Champion of Safety Technological Achievement Award. HKIA also won the Safety Promotion Award and the Safety Promotion Award for its campaign of safety workshops, training, and programs to improve airport safety.

Metal tube VA meters monitor offshore injection systems - Flotech Solutions have designed and supplied special metal tube VA flowmeters for use on oil and gas production wells in high pressure multi-point chemical injection systems made by Haskel International. The Haskel IRCDs (Injection Rate Control Devices) are used in panels or skid mounted systems by most North Sea operators: the choice of an MT3809 Variable Area flowmeter from Flotech was originally based on functionality, reliability and ease of maintenance in the arduous offshore conditions. With no rotating parts, and tolerance to liquids carrying particulates, the MT3809 has proved well suited to this application, after many years of successful service.

Unprecedented, industry-leading 15W/in3 power density and 90% conversion efficiency - Excelsys Technologies has launched a new generation of modular AC/DC power supplies believed to be the highest-efficiency and highest power density configurable products in the world. Known as the Xgen series, the power supplies employ an innovative architecture, based on a master AC/DC powerPac and multiple plug-in DC/DC powerMod output modules.

Robust portable enclosure with 15" touch LCD monitor - Advantech, the world's leading industrial computer manufacturer and automation innovator, today released the CP-150; a robust portable enclosure with 15" touch LCD monitor. With verified rugged and high impact design, the CP-150 provides many flexible and powerful features. Compliant with CompactPCI specification, this all-in-one model is the most pragmatic solution for any mobile application. This is the most compact CompactPCI computer on the market accommodating a 15" super TFT LCD screen for a truly satisfying viewing experience.

New PLC is "simply the fastest rail mounted PLC in the world!" - VIPA's new SPEED7-CPU, PLC system is the fastest rail mounted STEP7 programmable controller in the world. With a minimum cycle time of just 100 micro s, full support for the Siemens' STEP7 instruction set and a scalable memory from 64K to 16Mb, it is certainly set to take the UK automation industry by storm. The SPEED7-CPU has been designed for time critical automation applications with a processing capability of over 50K instructions in under 1ms, far outstripping other PLC's available today with over four times the overall performance of the Siemens S7-416.

New Light on Proteins - A collaboration between the Photophysics Group at Strathclyde University and Glasgow based HORIBA Jobin Yvon IBH Ltd has created new opportunities for researching proteins and immunoassays. In a breakthrough to be reported in Measurement Science and Technology the Glasgow team describe the excitation of protein fluorescence decay for the first time using a light emitting diode (LED). Hitherto, the shortest wavelength for exciting fluorescence with pulsed sources was 370 nm, but the Glasgow team have demonstrated a new limit of 280 nm by exciting the intrinsic protein fluorescence of the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine using 600 ps LED pulses at 1 MHz.
Professor David Birch, Head of the Department of Physics at Strathclyde University, explained how proteins are fundamental to life and how a better understanding of the mechanisms by which each protein folds to a unique conformation could aid disease detection and treatment. Time-resolved fluorescence is one of the techniques assisting this goal as it can track molecular dynamics, but until recently fluorescence decay research required a spark source, expensive laser system or synchrotron. Birch went on to explain how a low cost and reliable source for exciting proteins had been long-waited and that the 280 nm pulsed LED will impact even wider across the disciplines. This is a paper "A new sub-nanosecond LED at 280 nm: application to protein fluorescence".

Low-cost current transducers operating from single +5 V supply - LEM has introduced the HAIS series of low-cost, PCB-mounted current transducers, designed to operate from a single +5V power supply. The new transducers are available with rms ratings of 50A/100A/150A/200A/400A, with a measuring span of up to ±3 x IPN. The aperture accepts bus bars as large as 8x15mm, in a very compact design measuring only 33x29x14mm. The heart of the HAIS series is a LEM ASIC that offers a number of performance improvements, in particular a more extended operating temperature range (-40 to +85deg C) compared to traditional discrete technology.

Growth Strategy Leadership Award in Asia - For exhibiting an outstanding growth strategy in the Asian power plant services market, the Power Service Sector of ALSTOM is honoured with the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Growth Strategy Leadership Award.
Award selection was based on a combination of primary and secondary research. Leading competitors were ranked according to criteria such as ability to grow in a saturated/maturing market; implementation of a unique sales strategy; technological innovation; effective Internet strategy; penetration of new markets through alliances and growth-oriented reorganisation.

USB-to-GPIB Interface Adapter - Keithley Instruments has announced the Model KUSB-488 USB-to-GPIB Interface Adapter. The Model KUSB-488 transforms any computer with a USB port into a full-function, IEEE 488.2 controller that can control up to 14 programmable GPIB instruments.

New 3-phase power quality analysers help pinpoint problems faster, more safely and in greater detail - Fluke has launched a new series of three-phase, handheld power quality analysers with innovative features that enable power quality problems to be accessed faster and in greater detail. The first instruments of their type to meet the CAT IV 600V safety standard, they can measure all phases and neutral on virtually every connection in a low voltage application.

Simple add-on provides seamless upgrade and enhanced functionality - GE Fanuc has introduced the new Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX with FIX Desktop software. This enables users of FIX software to take advantage of the many advanced database and connectivity features of Proficy iFIX, while continuing to view and control their plant-wide processes in their existing graphics environment. This simple add-on is transparent to an existing software infrastructure, allowing users to quickly and cost-effectively enhance their current HMI/SCADA investments without having to re-configure their system. Proficy iFIX with FIX Desktop represents a significant leap forward for users of both software technologies and reflects their commitment to make advancements available to all its customers. GE Fanuc has combined many of the latest features and the mainstream technology of Proficy iFIX with the traditional FIX Desktop that its customers have relied upon for more than 20 years - a convergence that can enhance existing user productivity and extend their capabilities, bringing this entire FIX software user base forward.

Plant-4D spells success for Promaen Piping - Promaen Piping (NL), established in 1990, acts as an independent engineering company providing technical services for the industrial sector. They distinguish ourselves from other firms by their striving for continuous improvement within the organization. Furthermore, their flexible attitude enables them to provide clients with a custom-made package solution. After several successful try-outs, Promaen Piping started using CEA Systems' Plant-4D for detailed engineering of piping projects. Having used it for over three years, "we can no longer imagine working without it". Particularly the possibility to give the customer a 3D preview during the course of the project, the automatic and 100% correct generation of isometrics, material take-offs and bulk lists make Plant-4D a consistent and extremely useful instrument.

"Connections for Growth & Success" just out - If you don't read this email letter your missing an unique insight into the business scene in the great Western Republic. Issue no 165 just out features the following contents:

• E-Voting raises serious concerns for US 2004 election
• Technology innovation will continue to change the world
• Knowledge-based jobs must replace manufacturing jobs
• Global Shifts in a new age - ISA Expo 2004 Keynote
• ISA 2004 Panel Session: Outsourcing - debunking the myths
• eFeedback:
  • Entrepreneurial boom is already in progress
  • Need to invest to develop manufacturing powerhouse
  • Electronic voting - demand a paper ballot

Revolutionary technology ready to improve Australian process industries - Curvaceous Softwarehas appointed Mode2 Technology Pty Ltd of Sydney as its Australian agent for the Curvaceous Suite of software. Headed up by Finn Peacock, a chartered electrical engineer, the company will initially target clients in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria but their license covers the whole of the continent.

Three new IR models provide fast, safe, and accurate measurements on a wide variety of substances and surfaces - Fluke has introduced three new models to its family of handheld infrared thermometers. Created to meet the needs of electrical, plant maintenance, facility maintenance, HVAC/R and automotive technicians, the new, rugged IR thermometers feature pistol grips for easy handling and a single-dot laser sighting system for accurate aiming. They are ideal for non-contact measurement of rotating, electrically live, dangerously hot, or hard-to-reach objects. Their Fluke 63, 66, and 68 IR thermometers have an intuitive user interface, sleek ergonomic design, and single trigger activation for ease of use. When the trigger is depressed and held down, the laser illuminates the spot being measured and temperature readings are continuously updated and displayed on the backlit LCD screen.

Supplier-provided automation services market to approach $15 billion by 2008 - Service is the fastest growing segment of the automation market today, and with good reason. The vast pools of engineering expertise that used to exist at major user companies have shrunk to critically low levels. Many of the automation services that are required throughout the lifecycle of a plant or factory can no longer be performed in-house. Users are looking to the next logical choice for these services - the suppliers that provide them with the automation products, systems, and software that keep their plants running. The worldwide market for supplier-provided automation services is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.1 percent over the next five years. The market was $9.2 billion in 2003 and is forecasted to be close to $15 billion in 2008, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.
"More suppliers today are taking on the task of supervising entire automation implementation projects, acting as the main automation vendor or supplier that coordinates activities between the systems integrators, smaller suppliers, and the user. This simplifies things for the user because the main automation supplier provides a single point of responsibility for the success of the project, saving time and money," according to ARC Research Director Larry O'Brien, the principal author of ARC's "Supplier-Provided Automation Services Worldwide Outlook".

A new configurable serial Ethernet product - The new product from IntelliCom, NetBiter webSCADA Modbus acts as a web interface to one or more Modbus RTU devices. The Gateway holds an embedded web server with web pages inside. By connecting serial Modbus RTU devices to the Gateway it is possible to configure what data (Modbus registers) to be monitored and controlled through the onboard web pages. To get a better view of the application the user can upload graphical images of the installation. The Graphical User Interface is very straightforward and configuration of Modbus registers is easy.

Eurocard-format servo drive offers versatile platform for high-performance machinery - Baldor has released a single-Eurocard drive for brushless AC servo motors, offering a compact and modular platform for building industrial motion control systems. Capable of providing a 5Arms continuous output, the new EuroFlex servo amplifier incorporates advanced features to improve machinery performance. These include a peak output capability of three times continuous current - supporting the demands of high-acceleration linear motors - advanced control of the power stage using space vector modulation for higher motor speeds, and user-programmable digital filtering to combat mechanical resonances.

Low level measurements handbook contains tutorial information on how to make accurate, sensitive measurements - Keithley Instruments, leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, has published an updated version of its popular reference book titled, "Low Level Measurements Handbook: Precision DC Current, Voltage, and Resistance Measurements." The 244-page, sixth edition Handbook describes theoretical and practical considerations involved in the measurement of low DC currents, high resistances, low DC voltages, and low resistances. The Handbook is available at no charge. A variety of chapters in the Handbook have been updated to reflect new measurement techniques for making accurate electrical measurements on today's small devices, many of which are down to nano-scale geometries. Chapter topics discuss proper use and configuration of nanovoltmeters, picoammeters, electrometers, high resistance sources, and low resistance sources.

New distributors for video products appointed in UK - Tektronix has strengthened the UK support and distribution channels for its video product range with the appointment of two specialist distributors. TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) and root6 have been appointed to address the two main sectors of test & measurement usage in the UK. TTi will support the development, manufacturing and service sectors, while root6 will work in the program production sector.

New technology delivers custom motion control solutions - Machine builders and OEMs can now use the NationalInstruments LabVIEW graphical development environment to create customised motion controllers for any platform with their SoftMotion technology. This SoftMotion Development Module for LabVIEW deploys a variety of motion control functions and custom algorithms to any hardware platform based on machine builders' specific application requirements, price constraints and performance needs.

New British building regulations satisfied by a single new multifunction tester - Fluke is offering a new, low-cost Multifunction Tester to complement the Fluke/Robin 1650 Series models introduced in 2003. This model is specially designed to test all the requirements in Brotain's new Part P Building Regulations with one single piece of equipment. Coming into force on 1 January 2005, Part P requires, with some exceptions, all new domestic electrical installations, as well as alterations and additions to existing installations, to be tested by authorised contractors, or inspected by local Building Control, for compliance with BS7671.The new Fluke 1651/Part P Multifunction Tester performs tests of residual current activated devices (RCDs), in addition to the primary tests of voltage, frequency, continuity, insulation resistance, loop impedance, PSC and PFC tests.

Major sales of 3-D atom probes to Japan - Oxford nanoScience announces continuing success in the sale of its 3DAP 3-Dimensional atom probes into Japan. Five of these high value research instruments have been delivered over a 15 month period and a sixth is due for delivery in November 2004. 3DAP is unique in nanoscale materials analysis through its ability to visualise the exact arrangement of atoms in conductive material samples and to simultaneously chemically identify them. This is achieved by evaporating the sample atom by atom and layer by layer, enabling the structure below the surface also to be revealed.

High performance radar level transmitter offers superior reliability at a competitive price - Solartron Mobrey has launched a range of innovative 2 wire loop powered non-contact radar level transmitters, Pegasus. Featuring frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology the new competitively-priced transmitter offers superior reliability to that of other level transmitters and is available with both rod and horn antenna to provide level measurement in a wide range of applications. Pegasus has an operating range of 30m/100ft, and is available in intrinsically safe and explosion-proof designs. A two-wire instrument, supplied in a rugged industrial housing, it is easy to install and maintain.

Free pocket guide on conversions and formulae - "As a professional engineer, I have noticed an absence of a widely available zero cost engineering Pocket Guides on Conversions and Formulae. We have worked hard over the past four months and created a 90 page pocket guide comprising of formulae and conversion factors for electrical, instrumentation and mechanical engineers." So said Steve Mackey of IDC Technologies. They have now put this useful volumn for downloading on their website fotr their customers whether they have attended their engineering training workshops or have purchased their books.
The 90 page engineering pocket guide is broken down into the following sections:

White paper confirms benefits of bus in process automation - A new white paper of the ARC Advisory Group, "The Value Proposition of PROFIBUS in the Hybrid Industries," confirms the benefits of using ProfiBus in process-oriented applications.
More on this and other networks on our Fieldbus News Page

Constant-current boost convertor IC drives up to seven white LEDs - The new A8430 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a non-inverting high-frequency boost convertor IC that steps up the input voltage to provide a programmable constant-current output at up to 36 V from a 2.5-10 V input for driving white LEDs in series.

First wireless design licensing for OEMs - MaxStream has announced Design License Programs for its long-range and low-cost lines of XStream and XCite wireless technology. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can now integrate MaxStream's proven wireless technology into their printed circuit board (PCB) designs for a fraction of the cost of buying radio modules. Through these programs, OEMs can realize a dramatic increase in profit margin as they enhance their product offerings with long-range, frequency hopping spread spectrum, wireless connectivity. Used in thousands of applications worldwide, XTend, XStream and XCite products provide OEMs with robust field-proven technology, added flexibility and higher performance than most wireless chipset offerings.

Robust single probe transmitter for measuring clean and dirty fluid interfaces - K-TEK has announced the new MT2000 Guided Wave Radar Interface Level Transmitter. The MT2000 needs only one probe to measure fluid interface levels in a variety of continuous measurement applications. This simplifies installation and setup, reduces costs, and minimizes maintenance. Using guided wave radar, the device can measure both the top surface (total level) and interface level in tanks containing a variety of fluids, such as oil and water.

Smart phone testing - TestQuest, leader in automated test tools for the mobile and wireless industry, will be demonstrating the latest enhancements to its TestQuest Pro platform at the Smart Phone Show at the London ExCel this week. Featuring increased test automation capabilities OEMs are able to reduce test cycle times, accelerate time to market and reduce costs. The TestQuest Pro Version 5.0 enhancements include Symbian OS software connectivity and Intelligent Text Recognition. The TestQuest Interface for Symbian OS provides connectivity to Symbian OS-based phones and applications, to permit automation of "black box" functional and regression testing. Symbian OS is the global industry standard operating system for advanced data-enabled mobile phones

Precision LCR meter extends to surface-mount components - The LCR400 precision LCR bridge from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is now available with high-quality 4-terminal tweezers for measuring surface-mount components. The tweezers connect directly into the built-in test fixture of the LCR400, with 4-terminal connection being made at the base of the gold-plated jaws only a few millimetres from the tip.

Ireland's international investment rating up two to seven - Ireland is now ranked seventh in the world for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), according to the < a href="http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=3235&lang=1" target="blank">>latest World Investment Report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This study found that Ireland attracted $25bn in FDI in 2003, up 4% on 2002, an increase which pushed us up from our previous position of ninth in the table. This was despite a third consecutive year of falling global investment totals, including a decline of 11% in the EU. Author of the report, Dr Karl Sauvant, commented, "IDA Ireland has been extremely successful in spotting trends and getting the Government to support them". With a continuing trend among US corporations towards off-shoring back-office operations overseas, this country is also well positioned to continue its growth, he added. Last year, more than half of the new shared services centres set up in the EU were located in Ireland. (Source: Irish Emigrant Publications)

Software enhances managed Ethernet switches - Managed Ethernet switches offer great flexibility, diagnostics and optimal use of finite network resources. But configuration of these switches with traditional tools like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is not always so simple. To address this problem, Contemporary Controls and Network Vision are working together so customers can purchase IntraVue as part of the their product offering. They will provide this product as an additional support tool for their expanding Industrial Ethernet product line.