29/9/2006

Emotive approach to show! - Productronica is taking an emotive approach. For the first time in its history, the world's leading trade show for electronics production will be using a portrait of a woman as its key visual for posters and brochures.
From 13 through 16 November 2007, Productronica will be bringing together the world's leading companies and innovative start-ups ­ both as exhibitors and as attendees ­ in Munich (D).

DVD ROM support is added to flexible low-power IDE interface device - QuickLogic Europe has added native DVD ROM support to its IDE interface device for embedded processors. The companion device - called QuickIDE - provides programmable control and interface capability between an embedded processor and IDE-based hard disk drives (HDDs) and DVD ROM drives. Additionally, the device now supports dual IDE/ATA-based devices, with one master and one slave, allowing simultaneous interfacing to a DVD ROM and HDD.

Scandanavian distribution agreement reached - Indutrade Flow Technology Group (IFTG) and Krohne have signed a distributor agreement. According to the contract, IFTG receives the exclusive right to distribute the whole Krohne product range in Denmark, Finland and Sweden for the next five years. The contract with IFTG replaces the agreement with Fagerberg, a branch of IFTG. Stephan Neuburger, Managing Director of Krohne, says: "We are glad that we were able to ensure that our customers in Scandinavia get the best solutions for their processes using Krohne measurement instrumentation. IFTG, which has an enormous standing in these countries is the ideal partner to realize our business strategy."

Ultrasonic Flowmeter Market to Reach $434 Million by 2010 - Propelled by strong growth in the oil & gas industry, which has begun to shed its conservative stance on field device technology, the worldwide market for ultrasonic flowmeters is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% over the next five years. The market was $275 million in 2005 and is forecasted to be over $434 million in 2010, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

Compact camera - XenICs, a leading developer of innovative infrared image sensors based in Leuven (B), has introduced the XEVA-FPA-2.5-320 digital imaging camera. In one easy to operate and compact configuration, the new XEVA-FPA-2.5-320 combines the HgCdTe detector head consisting of a four-stage thermoelectrically cooled (200K) focal plane array (320 x 256 pixels) with all the necessary control and communication electronics, using the latest low-noise circuitry with built-in controller for highly stable operating temperature. The XEVA-FPA-2.5-320 camera covers the SWIR realm 0.85 to 2.5 µm, operating PC-driven or stand-alone from one single 12V/5A power supply.

New permeation tester - The new oxygen permeation tester for plastic bottle and closed package from Systech is the first to be designed specifically for the purpose, rather than as an add-on to an existing film tester. As a result, the Model 8700 provides the fast and reliable testing demanded by current high-speed production methods. The standard instrument can test up to eleven items at the same time with each test station being individually selected and controlled. The control software runs on any Windows platform and is intuitive and simple to operate making the need for training minimal. Typically, results, even for barrier coated PET bottles, are delivered in less than twelve hours, rather than the three to four days taken by previously available testers.

Software menu! - Catapult has launched the release of "MENU for iFIX", a complete navigation system add-on for the Proficy iFIX control system from GE Fanuc. Navigation using MENU is immediately intuitive, with familiar functions like "Back", "Forward", "Favorites" and "Home" as standard. Users can add navigation links to standard iFIX functions like Workspace configure, Database Manager and Mission Control. They can also include standard iFIX operations, for example alarm horn on/off, open picture and print picture. Menus can even be configured to start VBA scripts. On top of all of these functions, users can build in navigation to any iFIX pictures in their system.

New product on show! - At the 2006 Electronica Exhibition, TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is showing a number of innovative test & measurement products for the first time at a major European exhibition. A major new product is the PSA1301T: a handheld RF spectrum analyser which sets a new low price point for such products. As well as being lower in cost, the PSA1301T is considerably smaller and lighter than other RF spectrum analysers currently available. Despite this, it offers a high-resolution (480 ( 320 pixel) backlit colour TFT display.

Strategic preferred system supplier - Yokogawa has been selected by Air Liquide Engineering, Champigny (F), as a strategic preferred system supplier of Process Control Systems for their air separation units and syngas (HYCO) systems. This agreement can be used by all Air Liquide affiliates. Yokogawa products and services covered by this new agreement include the CENTUM CS3000 integrated production control system, the ProSafe-RS safety system, software solutions, and system integration engineering and maintenance services.

Economic growth and industrialisation to support expansion of EMEA power, distribution and temperature control equipment rentals market - Backed by a positive industrial and construction outlook across the region, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) power, distribution and temperature control equipment rentals market is poised for strong growth. Such trends will be reinforced by improved standards of living across EMEA, which will spur demand for temporary power and temperature control equipment in the coming years. Frost & Sullivan finds that the EMEA Power, Distribution and Temperature Control Rentals Market earned revenues of $1.1 billion in 2005 and estimates this to reach $1.7 billion in 2012.

Helping plant managers get their plants In control and keep them in control - ControlSoft announces the release of InTune version 5 software. INTUNE v5 is a non-intrusive plant management and process control predictive maintenance tool that combines process control monitoring with powerful diagnostic and tuning features. InTune's Performance Improvement Suite helps companies achieve their goals in any of five core areas: (1) increasing plant productivity, (2) reducing energy consumption, (3) improving consistency of product quality with less waste, (4) increasing plant engineering and maintenance productivity, and (5) supporting continuous improvements, such as with Six Sigma.

Patnering system joined - Ashling Microsystems has joined the MontaVista Software partnering program. MontaVista Software has developed a global partner ecosystem designed to enable customers to select from a broad range of third party complementary products and solutions. The comprehensive ecosystem includes technologies and solutions that are interoperable with MontaVista products as well as integration services.
Ashling Microsystems (founded in 1982) is a privately held international Embedded Software Development Tools company. Ashling designs and manufactures In-Circuit Emulators, JTAG/BDM Emulators, Smart Card development tools, Source Debuggers, Integrated Development Environments, Development Boards and Software Quality Assurance tools.

Keynote speaker - Pantek, who market and support Wonderware products in Britain and Ireland, today announced details of a further keynote address to be given at their User Conference and UK WonderWorld event being held in Northamptonshire (GB) on the 31st October & 1st November. Peter van Vliet, Director of Business Development for the Applications and Solutions Management group at SAP AG will provide a keynote address entitled "Wonderware & SAP: Closing the gap between the Enterprise & the Shop Floor."

Low-cost debug interfaces for processors - Macraigor Systems has announced availability of its usb2Sprite devices for Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.'s, ColdFire and DSP 56300 families of microprocessors. The usb2Sprite provides embedded design engineers with a low-cost USB 2.0 interface to the on-chip debugging features of these processors. Macraigor's OCDemon family of products offers the industry's most advanced, yet price-sensitive, solution for designing, debugging and programming embedded hardware and application software.

Another birthday! - For transducer specialists RDP Electronics, 2006 marks the 40th anniversary of the company's foundation. Advances in technology at that time made integration of electronics possible and transducers simpler to use. Today RDP are recognized not only for their highly reliable, accurate and cost effective transducers and measurement systems, but also for expert advice in helping customers select the right products for specific measurement tasks.

Cost effective upgrade for legacy system offered - GE Fanuc Automation Solutions has supplied an Industrial PC ready loaded with SCADA software to provide a very cost-effective solution for replacement of a legacy system controlling the purification of coolant water at a major power station.
Mark Cheshire, Director of Nova Controls - a specialist system integrator for industrial and commercial clients around the world, explained why the company had specified a bundled solution from GE Fanuc: "Our client's water purification system was controlled by a SCADA system which had been in operation for at least 12 years and was nearing its end of life. The most cost-effective solution was to purchase an industrial PC which was pre-configured, with its operating system and SCADA already loaded. GE Fanuc provided us with the tools to convert the existing system to Proficy HMI/SCADA ­ Cimplicity, so then we had only to load this application. It all provided a quicker and simpler route, with one order placed from a single source, and with the one supplier for maintenance requirements."

RFID in Manufacturing can boost productivity - The ability of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to make the tracking and managing of assets more efficient and make inventory more visible offers an ideal solution for companies seeking to improve their manufacturing performance. At the same time, as companies strive to tighten their brand security and protect their products from counterfeiting, RFID is emerging as the optimal solution to safeguard valuable products throughout the supply chain. Frost & Sullivan finds that the European RFID Markets for Automotive, Aerospace and Industrial Manufacturing generated revenues of $23.7 million in 2005 and estimates this will reach $109.3 million in 2012.
European RFID Markets for Automotive, Aerospace and Industrial Manufacturing B968 -11

400% Growth in 5 years leads to new premises - Having outgrown its former home at Don Valley, Sheffield, TBG Solutions has now opened its new office in Barlborough Links, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.  Pete Zogas, National Instruments Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, officially opened the new premises at a ceremony attended by TBG's key customers. Founded in 2001, TBG specialise in the integration of LabVIEW and National Instruments modular measurement and control hardware into PC-based test and measurement applications

Solutions division and two new industrial computer ranges to be unveiled at show - Read-out Signpost advertisers, Amplicon will exhibit at Electronica 2006 showcasing a totally new solutions division and two new industrial computer ranges, Ventrix-W and Impact-E. Located on Stand 746 in Hall A6, they have chosen Electronica to unveil to the industry the exciting next step in the company's development following a press launch in October.
Ventrix-W: The Ventrix range of rackmount industrial computers is the flagship of the Amplicon range, based on PICMG compliant single board computers (SBCs) and backplanes. This architecture provides excellent expansion capabilities with a guaranteed product-life of five years. The new Ventrix Workstation (W) range comprises 4U PICMG 1.3 compliant SBC-based rackmount industrial computers constructed from heavy-duty cold-rolled electroplated steel. The new range boasts new features which include, 83/84 key sliding keyboards with integrated track and two mouse buttons, and the flat multi-media 6.4" TFT LCD with 680x480 resolution.
Impact-E: The Impact industrial computers incorporate industrial motherboards to offer the consistency in compatibility and revision control normally associated with SBCs. The new Impact-E range has a small, compact and fanless rugged design, ideally suited to a variety of embedded applications. Powered by Intel Celeron M processors, these computers provide the performance necessary for high speed and intensive tasks. Manufactured from selected high-quality industrial components, the Impact-E series is an ideal cost-effective solution for use in harsh environments and critical 24/7 operation.
Amplicon advertise on our Acronyms Page

New linear power supply - Calex Electronics has announced the latest additions to its range of highly successful linear power supplies, the new 52000 and 53000 series chassis mount models. The 52000 series of regulated power supplies offers single and dual output models, with fixed and adjustable outputs. The available output voltages range from 4V DC to 48V DC with output currents of up to 1A. Models with adjustable outputs are short circuit protected and fixed output units can have the outputs short circuited for a maximum of three minutes.

Touch panel HMI range expanded - VIPA's TouchPanel range of HMIs has expanded to include enhanced features for improved integration with its wide range of PLC and PC based solutions for factory, process and building automation systems. Now supplied with the Windows CE 5.0, open architecture XML operating system in a choice of the Core or Professional Plus versions, the TouchPanel range has options of MoviconX or zenOn 6.20 program editors and now includes high speed CAN (ISO 11898-2) in the 5.7" and 8.4" colour TFT versions as an alternative to Profibus DP which is available throughout the range.

Motion and machine control systems offer advantages for automated packaging and processing machine applications - Aerotech's A3200 Automation Platform is a software only, 32­axis distributed motion control system that runs on standard Windows based PC's and combines tightly synchronised motion with a selection of "soft" machine control modules for HMI, Vision and PLC. Using the non-proprietary IEEE-1394 Firewire protocol, the controller provides a fully deterministic, high-speed, distributed control architecture in combination with Aerotech's Ndrive servo amplifiers which independently process position and velocity motion updates at 20 KHz servo loop closure rates, with power ratings up to 100 A peak current. Multi-axis packaging machine operations such as fast registration or "virtual line-shaft" based synchronisation are easily undertaken with all motion commands accessed in C, C++, Visual Basic or in AeroBASIC - a rapid prototyping development language based on RS-274 G-code. Alternatively, the optional Ncontrol SDK software development kit may be used to program the unit with Windows based ActiveX components, C++, VB and .NET class libraries that help to reduce programming time and effort.

GigE Vision and GenIcam Technology Day - Firstsight Vision is offering a superb opportunity to find out more about GigE Vision and Genicam Technology, the two new standards that will be a huge influence on the way that machine vision cameras are interfaced in the future. A free technology briefing will be held in Oxfordshire,(GB), Wednesday, 22nd November 2006.
Firstsight Vision is part of the Stemmer Imaging Group, who were founder members of the groups that have been working on both standards under the auspices of the European Machine Vision Association.

DIN-mounted modems - ideal for remote industrial plant monitoring - The Telemodem2 family is ideal for remote industrial plant monitoring and Jekyll Electronic Technology, who designed and manufacture the product, have listened to the needs of plant engineers and can now supply these rugged modems with DIN-rail fixings. With years of proven experience in harsh industrial environments, these modems provide the perfect solution for efficient remote data acquisition at an affordable price.

Process control, even on a small scale - Online concentration measurement of even the smallest volumes of a few milliliters is now a matter of course. Anton Paar has launched the new L-Dens 313 density transmitter, an attractively priced instrument for continuously measuring the density and concentration of liquids, whether at large production plants or on a small scale. The L-Dens 313 density transmitter automatically calculates the temperature-compensated density, °Brix, °Plato, % alcohol, API gravity or other customer-specific values as required. The measuring results are displayed directly on the instrument and can also be transferred for data processing via standard interfaces.

Product guide for devices, software, literature and services published - CAN in Automation (CiA) is publishing the CAN Product Guide during this month. The online catalog is specialized in products that by topic do not belong in the CANopen Product Guide or the J1939 Product Guide. Listed are CAN-Layer-2 products, DeviceNet devices and devices with manufacturer-specific software. This includes hardware and software products as well as literature and services to do with CAN.

Portable soil testers in high demand - Quantitech, suppliers of the InfraCal portable TOG/TPH analyser has reported high levels of interest in the device for contaminated land investigations, following revised advice from the Environment Agency. The Qualification Requirements for Chemical Test Data on Contaminated Soils under Policy Number: 307_03, state 'The use of in-situ testing to complement MCERTS laboratory analysis can significantly improve the quality of site investigation and can reduce the cost of both site investigation and remediation. It can be used for improved targeting of conventional sampling, better spatial delineation of contaminated areas, and the development of conceptual site models. Although only MCERTS accredited data can be used to support regulatory decisions the Environment Agency recognises that in-situ testing has an important supporting role to play.'

Rugged IP67 connectors introduced - SixNet is pleased to announce its new line of IP67 industrial Ethernet accessories. These super rugged, IP67 and military-tough accessories are the ideal match for their new IP67 Ethernet Switches. They're easy to field-install, with no tools required!

High performance RoHS compliant single board computers - Concurrent Technologies has announced their latest range of high performance RoHS compliant CompactPCI single board computers (SBC) - the PP 410/03x family. To give the latest high performance processing, the boards feature the low power dual core processors from the Intel embedded roadmap: the 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo L2400 processor and the higher performance 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo T2500 processor. The PP 410/03x can access up to 4 Gbytes DDR2-400 ECC SDRAM at up to 6.4 Gbytes/s. And for I/O flexibility there are two high performance PMC sites supporting both front and rear I/O, three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, PICMG 2.16 (Ethernet fabric), PICMG 2.9 (IPMI) and PICMG 2.1 (hot swap). The PP 410/03x can operate as a system controller board, a peripheral board or as a satellite board (blade). This combination of high performance data processing and a wealth of I/O ensure that the boards are ideal for intensive data processing applications within the telecommunications, defense, security, telemetry, scientific and aerospace markets. Extended temperature variants are also available.

Joint initiative to build next generation synthetic instrument - BAE Systems, National Instruments and Phase Matrix (PMI) today announced a joint initiative to develop a PXI Express-based synthetic instrument for military and commercial RF and microwave applications. PMI is currently developing a 100 KHz to 26.5 GHz family of downconverter modules in a 3U PXI Express-compatible format to support PXI RF and microwave applications. BAE Systems, a leader in synthetic instrument systems, plans to build a next-generation synthetic instrument based on the new downconverter module family, using National Instruments PXI Express chassis, controllers and intermediate frequency (IF) digitiser modules as well as National Instruments LabVIEW graphical development software for host and FPGA-based signal processing.
Synthetic instrumentation, a subset of virtual instrumentation, combines modular hardware such as upconverters, downconverters, digitisers and high-speed I/O with a software platform to create user-defined test and measurement systems. The synthetic instrument these three companies are developing, for example, makes it possible for engineers to stream high-bandwidth RF and microwave data across the high-speed PXI Express bus directly to a processor for application-specific analysis.

Blog for wireless design industry - Keithley Instruments, leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, is sponsoring a Weblog, or Blog, designed exclusively for engineers working in the wireless industry. The Wireless Blog informs visitors of the latest technical and business developments in the wireless industry, including information on technical breakthroughs, wireless communication standards, and general industry developments and their impact on testing. Visitors to the Blog will find links to a library of white papers and Webcasts, as well as announcements of upcoming conferences and events of interest to the wireless industry. The Blog is coordinated and hosted by Wireless Design and Development magazine.

Alarm notification solution via GSM - Control-See Software Solutions has just announced that one of the world's largest chipset producing companies based in the USA has selected Control-See's alarm notification solution ­ U.C.ME-OPC for one of their plants in the middle east. In this project, U.C.ME-OPC, operating as a Windows service, is communicating with GE's Cimplicity SCADA/HMI software via OPC. Once an alarm is triggered, U.C.ME utilizes a cellular GSM modem to send SMS (Text message) to the cell phones of the appropriate personnel. Once alarm is received, it is acknowledged by sending a text message back to the U.C.ME system.

Growth triggers move to larger facility - Classic Automation, an international provider of parts, products and services for installed control systems, has experienced rapid growth that has prompted the need for the company to move to a larger facility. The new building is approximately 15,000 square feet. The company purchased the building in August 2006, and will have fully transferred operations to the new location by the middle of October. The new facility is located at 795 Monroe Avenue, in Rochester, New York (USA).

Digital valve positioner offers operating versatility and fast commissioning - Flowserve, global provider of fluid motion and control products and services, announces the launch of the Flowserve Logix 3400IQ Foundation Fieldbus digital valve positioner. The 3400IQ features a new FISCO-compliant user interface board, improved potentiometer, piezoelectric technology, and host interoperability to provide operating versatility and fast, easy and accurate calibration.

Ethernet hub for Powerlink applications - The Harting EHB 67-10 TP05 Ethernet Hub is designed for use in industrial network configurations such as Ethernet Powerlink systems where Ethernet switches are not essential. The new product makes the installation of multiple 10 Mbit/s or 100 Mbit/s Ethernet ports in the industrial environment fast and simple by facilitating any kind of network configuration.

The control of carbon emissions will boost automation and control solutions revenues in the power generation sector - The European Union's (EU) commitment to reduce carbon emissions across EU member states is likely to support increased investment in more environmentally friendly power generation systems. Accordingly, the implementation of the Emissions trading scheme in 2005, which has provided power plants and factories with allowances related to permissible carbon dioxide levels, is gaining importance and this is projected to be an significant driver for automation and control solutions (ACS) in the European power generation sector over the next few years. Frost & Sullivan finds that revenues from Automation and Control Solutions in the European Power Generation Sector, which reached $1,272.4 million in 2005, are estimated at $1,595.7 million by 2012.
From Automation and Control Solutions in the European Power Generation Sector

10 channel data logger - The GL200 from Talisman Electronics is a compact and highly portable data logger ideally suited for in field use by scientists, engineers and technicians. It has 10 isolated input channels which are individually configurable for interfacing to thermocouples, humidity sensors or voltage inputs.

First worldwide to be certified by BSI to Petroleum and Natural Gas Quality Standard TS 29001 - Following a rigorous assessment, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has certified Emerson Process Management's quality systems engineering facility in Leicester (GB), as meeting the requirements of PD ISO/TS 29001:2003. Emerson is the first organisation worldwide to be certified by BSI to this standard, detailed as 'Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Sector specific quality management systems - Requirements for product and service supply organisations'.

Technical conference and exhibition in London - National Instruments UK & Ireland is hosting NIDays 2006, its popular, annual professional development conference for engineers, in association with the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology), at the home of the IET, Savoy Place, on Tuesday 31st October 2006.  Hundreds of engineers, scientists and industry experts from across the UK and Ireland will gather at this free, one-day multi-track event to learn how the latest developments in computer-based measurement and automation increase productivity and lower cost through virtual instrumentation. NIDays offers hands-on training, in-depth technical sessions covering the latest in test, control and design ­ including new National Instruments LabVIEW 8.20, the 20th Anniversary edition of its award-winning graphical system design software, and NI CompactDAQ, its new USB data acquisition platform - and demonstrations of innovative uses of virtual instrumentation.

Digital receiver board with high-speed A/D and installed FPGA dual-channel digital downconverter eliminates FPGA development tasks - Pentek, industry pioneer of board- and system-level technology, today released the newest member of its popular GateFlow installed-core products, Model 6821-422. Based on the popular Model 6821 215 MHz A/D Converter VME with dual Virtex-II Pro FPGAs, it includes a factory-installed wideband digital downconverter (DDC) IP core. This DDC is a highly optimized dual-channel version of Pentek's GateFlow IP Core 422 tailored precisely to the various resources of the board.

European conference confirms renowned keynote speakers - WBF announced the confirmation of industry expert keynote speakers for the 2006 European conference at the Elewijt Center in Mechelen, Belgium on 13-15 November. Martin Zeller (Bayer Technology) will deliver a detailed evaluation of batch data analysis on Tuesday, 14 November, and Lou Pillai (Pfizer) and consultant Dennis Brandl will address information model framework for manufacturing science on Wednesday, 15 November.

Smoke detector IC with interconnect and timer features - The A5338CA from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a low-current CMOS integrated circuit incorporating all of the required features for an ionisation-type smoke detector. The device is designed to comply with Underwriters Laboratories Specification UL217. The device features a networking capability that allows up to 125 units to be interconnected so that, if any unit senses smoke, all units will sound an alarm. In addition, special features are incorporated to facilitate alignment and test of the finished smoke detector.

USB wireless evaluation kit - New from Low Power Radio Solutions, the wireless systems specialist, is a USB controlled evaluation kit for their market leading "Easy Radio" plug and play wireless modules. "Easy Radio" is already established as the fastest way to get wireless projects into production, without extensive RF or programming knowledge. These new USB drivers allow direct connection and control from any PC. The kit contains all you need to connect your choice of these modules direct to a PC for rapid evaluation or product development, 2 USB boards, 2 USB cables, 2 antennas (433, 869 or 915MHz) and a CD with EXE programme software, USB driver and data sheet.

Show sets new records - AnalyticaChina 2006, which is being held in Shanghai for the third time during this week, has set new records with regard to exhibitors and exhibition space. 270 exhibitors from 18 countries are expected to participate in the fair, and half of them are from countries other than China. The AnalyticaChina Conference will also be more international than ever: Nearly half of the approximately 40 scientific presentations will be made by researchers from abroad.   

Manufacturing execution system solution chosen for its modularity, commercial availability and support of industry standards - GE Fanuc has announced that Evergreen Solar, a developer and manufacturer of solar power products with its proprietary string ribbon technology, has chosen a Proficy™ Plant Applications Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solution for its EverQ production facility currently under construction in Thalheim, Germany. EverQ GmbH is a joint venture between Evergreen Solar, German solar cell manufacturer Q-Cells AG, and silicon and wafer manufacturer Renewable Energy Corporation ASA.

Remote control and monitoring via your mobile phone - The Audon Electronics GSM-8000 is a low cost solution to Remote Control and Monitoring via your mobile phone. The GSM-8000 can monitor 8 analogue and 8 digital switch inputs. A SMS alarm message can be sent when inputs exceed preset limits. The user can also interrogate the inputs through SMS messaging. The GSM-8000 also has 8 relay outputs which can be activated via SMS and used to switch lamps, pumps, heaters etc. The GSM-8000 is complete with an LCD display for local status display, keypad and built-in Dual Band Modem.

One of BusinessWeek's 'Best Places to Launch a Career' - BusinessWeek magazine has ranked National Instruments No. 14 among its top 50 employers for new college graduates. The inaugural "Best Places to Launch a Career" ranking incorporates input from leading university career services directors and more than 37,000 undergraduate students, with information on companies' pay and benefits, corporate culture and training opportunities. BusinessWeek cited the ongoing National Instruments commitment to training opportunities as a key factor propelling NI to the top of the list, which includes some of the world's largest and most successful companies.

New DDMs announced - Extech Instruments has launched an innovative family of 12 digital multimeters, comprised of the 300 Series, the 400 Series and the 500 Series. With powerful and exclusive built-in features and functions combined with rugged designs, Extech offers a multimeter for any application. Their 300 Series of dual function digital multimeters features built-in AC voltage detection. Easy-to-operate and conveniently-sized, Extech’s 300 Series is ideal for basic electrical troubleshooting.. Featuring a non-contact voltage detector combined with a fully-featured digital multimeter, the user can quickly and conveniently check for the presence of a live circuit prior to attaching the multimeter's test leads to the device under test. Extech's 300 Series includes three models: the EX310, EX320 and EX330.

Metrology service achieves ISO 17025 accreditation - Keithley Instruments tells us that its Metrology Services Group is now accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the single most important metrology standard for test and measurement, by the A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation). This latest accreditation expands the list of Keithley certifications by industry-recognized standards for quality such as ISO 14001 and ISO 9001.

New IS loop calibrator - GE Sensing, marketed by Classic Technology, have a new high performance yet simple to use test tool for process control loop troubleshooting, testing and calibration in the field. The rugged, hand-held UPS III IS loop calibrator is an ATEX and IEC approved addition to the widely established Druck/Unomat UPS Series of test instruments. For use in hazardous areas to II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 (-10oC ¾ Tamb ¾ +40degC) the measure/source range for the UPS III is 0 to 24mA with 21V loop power available when needed. In addition, 0 to 50Vd.c. can be measured for loop diagnostics and voltage output instrument maintenance. 0.015% of reading accuracy (10 times better than a typical DMM) includes 12 month stability and temperature effects, this is coupled with 0.001mA display resolution to provide optimum measurement certainty for even the most demanding applications.

Test software for digital broadcast and mobile WiMAX applications - Now that we are on a WiMAX broadband system ourselves this release means more to us at the Signpost! The Test & Measurement Division of Yokogawa Europe has introduced four new software products for testing digital terrestrial broadcast and mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e OFDMA) systems. The new software comprises two signal analysis and two signal generation utilities, which are plug-ins for Yokogawa's existing multi-format OFDM analysis and generation software. The signal analysis software is typically used in combination with the Yokogawa VN7100 wideband modulation analyser, while the signal generation software is typically used in combination with the VB8300 baseband signal generator.

Rotary air-bearing positioning stage has ultra-high precision, high speed and high torque - With its brushless direct-drive motor, integral precision encoder and an air bearing design combining high stiffness with exceptionally low axial, radial and tilt error motion, Aerotech's new ABRS series rotary stage represents the ultimate in high precision angular positioning with the added advantage of a very low vertical profile to combat stack-height related errors in multi axis positioning systems.

Support Center Practices certification awarded for fourth consecutive year - Invensys Process Systems has announced that the company's Foxboro, Massachusetts-based Global Product Support group has achieved certification under the prestigious Support Center Practices (SCP) certification program for the fourth consecutive year. SCP certification quantifies the effectiveness of customer support based upon a stringent set of performance standards representing best practices in the industry. Successful re-certification demonstrates an on-going commitment to high-performance standards.
Invensys Process Systems' Global Product Support group provides first-line technical support for Invensys' Avantis enterprise asset management system customers, Foxboro industrial automation customers , SimSci-Esscor simulation and optimisation customers , and Triconex safety and critical control system customers. The group also provides first-line technical support for Invensys' recently introduced InFusion enterprise control system.

Sales and marketing team expands - Sudhir Patel is the latest recruit to join the sales and marketing team at rail control and asset management solutions company Transmitton. He joins from Optical Networks Limited in Southampton where he was previously sales manager. Sudhir is no stranger to Transmitton, having worked at the Ashby-based firm from 1996 - 2000, before moving south. In his new role as product manager, he will support the sales and marketing team with rail integration projects that use OTN, a fibre optic communications 'backbone'. Sudhir's appointment is perfectly timed given Transmitton's appointment this month as UK distributor for OTN in the UK rail market.

Call for papers - ProfiBus UK has issued a Call for Papers for its annual ProfiBus User Conference to be held at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire (GB) on 26th and 27th June 2007. The excellent feedback that was obtained from the 2005 and 2006 conferences clearly indicated that the conference should continue to focus on the User community. Consequently the 2007 conference will concentrate on the real issues of implementation, maintenance and management of ProfiBus and ProfiNet systems.

DeviceNet driver for control applications - National Instruments has announced the release of NI-DNET 1.5, the latest driver software for plug-in NI DeviceNet interfaces. In addition to providing high-level, easy-to-use functions for rapid application development, this upgrade introduces two significant new utilities, the DeviceNet Configurator and the DeviceNet Analyser. These two tools provide National Instruments DeviceNet users with the functionality they need to easily develop a solution for DeviceNet network control.

Flowmeters in the Three Gorges Dam - In 2001, after a successful bidding process, Krohne was chosen as provider for electromagnetic flowmeters for the Three Gorges left bank power station. Because of the customer's complete satisfaction both with the meters and the back-up service, the company was not requested to undergo another bidding process, when instruments for the Three Gorges right bank power station were procured in 2005. The order was placed directly with Krohne. In the field of measurement equipment of the whole Three Gorges project, this favour was only granted to two companies, a fact underlining the high quality standard that Krohne is able to deliver. Altogether, more than 350 sets of Krohne 4080 K electromagnetic flowmeters are installed in ththis whole project , ranging from small sized DN20 to larger DN600 instruments. Because of potentially polluted water and the danger of deposits at the electrodes, Krohne provided flowmeters with special self-cleaning electrodes.
After completion in 2009, the Three Gorges Dam in Central China will be the largest concrete dam in the world, spanning more than a mile across the Yangtze River, and measuring more than 600 feet in height. The electricity created by the dam's 26 hydropower turbines is expected to equal that of 18 nuclear power plants (approximately one ninth of China's total output of electricity).

Internal release adaptor safeguards personnel - Safety specialist Fortress Interlocks has introduced an Internal Release (IR) adaptor for the company's amGard range of modular safety gate switches. It provides an internal release function for safety and access key installations. The IR adaptor is compatible with a Fortress Stop, a non-solenoid gate switch that will switch off the safety circuits.

Leading German PLC designer and manufacturer expands Irish and British relevant automation industry information - A new website aimed at serving the specific needs of the Britain and Ireland automation industry has been launched by VIPA GmbH, manufacturer of innovative PLC and PC based solutions. (Though one wonders how the presence of so many UK flags on the site will impress their Irish customers!) The website covers regularly updated information on VIPA's modular DIN rail and PC slot mounted, centralised and decentralised, automation systems with performance capability ranging from low-cost entry level PLC's to full featured, price-competitive advanced machine controllers.

Web gateway starter-kit - The NetBiter webSCADA web Gateway is an industrial serial to Ethernet gateway. It gives remote access to serial devices over Ethernet, Internet, LANs, Telephone modems, GSM and GPRS. The gateway contains built-in features for alarm handling (SMS, E-mail, SNMP), data logging and web-based data access. More details from IntelliCom

Integrated turbine compressor control and emergency shutdown systems to be implimented at largest ammonia plant in Egypt - Invensys Process Systems will implement five Tricon triple modular redundant (TMR) systems for integrated turbine compressor control (ITCC) and emergency shutdown (ESD) at a new plant being built for Egypt Basic Industries Corporation (EBIC). The anhydrous ammonia plant, at Ain Sokhna in Egypt's Suez Industrial Zone, will produce a planned 2,000 metric tons per day and will be the largest ammonia plant in Egypt. The complex will include a pipeline connecting the plant to storage tanks and a dock area at Sokhna Port. The plant is being designed, built and operated by Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR).

Divestiture announced - Gow-Mac Instrument Co., the manufacturer of high performance analytical instruments, has just announced that it has completed the sale of the assets of Gow-Mac Instrument Co. (Ireland) Ltd. to a non-disclosed Irish interest. The board of directors of each company has approved the transaction. No financial details of the sale were released.

Secure acquisition! - Verano has announced the acquisition of the Managed Security Division of e-DMZ Security, LLC. This acquisition allows them to provide complete security life-cycle solutions.  Together with PlantData and the new acquisition, Verano is launching Industrial Defender Co-Managed Security.  The new offering will benefit any industry that requires SCADA and control environment full life-cycle security, including power transmission and distribution, water distribution and treatment, mass transit and power generation. It will also lend itself to the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Innovative industry-leading CNC/servo technology at show - GE Fanuc Automation,leading supplier of computer numerical controls (CNC) and related products, showcased hardware, software and machine tool productivity solutions at this year's IMTS 2006 conference this week at the McCormick Center in Chicago. Their booth contained impressive groupings of new product demonstrations from GE Fanuc, Fanuc LTD, and Fanuc Robotics including their next generation of CNC products ­ the Series 0i-C, the 16/18/21i, the Power Mate i, and the 30/31/32i ­ and servo technology.

New materials testing interface set to transform the technique - Lloyd Instruments has announced the launch of NexygenPlus, a new software interface for its range of 'Plus' and EZ Series materials testing machines. NexygenPlus acts as the hub of the materials testing system, linking all components together to allow the operator to control and monitor all aspects of the system from a single interface. NexygenPlus is characterized by its extraordinary ease of use and versatility, for setting up tests, acquiring and displaying results, automating procedures, linking tests into production line control systems, exporting data to other programs and reporting results. In addition, the software includes a video capture and a unique stills capture system. Traceability and high data integrity are provided by integral security and audit trails, which allow systems to be configured to help manufacturers meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.

Assessing the quality of power according to EN50160 standards - Fluke has extended its range of 3-phase power quality loggers with the Fluke 1740 Series. Designed to simultaneously log up to 500 parameters for up to 85 days, the new series helps to uncover intermittent and hard-to-find power quality issues for technicians troubleshooting and analysing power distribution systems. Each compact instrument is supplied with powerful software and triple-range current probes. These Three-Phase Power Quality Loggers offers rapid plug-and-play setup for analysing disturbances, validating incoming power compliance, capacity verification before adding loads, and energy and power quality assessment before and after improvements. The unit takes its power from the system being logged in installations up to 660V.

New low profile joystick handle for chest packs and robotics equipment - Penny + Giles is pleased to announce a new handle for its popular JC2000 joystick controller. Designed specifically for remote operation chest packs and robotics equipment, the HL handle measures just 57mm in height providing OEMs with a low profile that enables greater flexibility of design and increased durability of equipment.
Penny + Giles is part of Curtiss-Wright Controls Integrated Sensing, a business unit of Curtiss-Wright Controls.

Ethernet servo drives help to redefine the speed of food tray sealing - Ethernet-compatible servo motor drives are underpinning a breakthrough in the speed and flexibility of food tray sealing. The availability of this new generation of networked motion control technology provided the platform for Ishida to re-think its machine control system architecture and achieve step-change improvements in speed. Instead of the combination of servo and pneumatic actuation axes used on previous machines, Ishida's latest QX-1100 tray sealer employs servo motors throughout, controlled using Baldor's Ethernet-compatible MicroFlex e100 drives. The speed and predictability of movement provided by the servos allows Ishida to dramatically accelerate the throughput for this form of food processing automation, allowing sealing speeds of up to 200 trays/minute - up to twice as fast as many existing solutions.

New digital counters require no setup - Carlo Gavazzi is adding to its family of programmable digital counters, designed for use in industrial applications where the users have to frequently change and display pre-determined values. The FKA03-Counter from Carlo Gavazzi, which can be flush mounted, provides an un-complicated method of counting from 0 up to 99,999,999 and is suitable for use wherever slow counting is required. The new device is operational from -10 degrees C up to +55 degrees C, with the input voltage range expanded from 10 to 260VAC/DC enabling a maximum count frequency of 30Hz.

Twin connector system offers flexibility in industrial installations - The new Han-Modular Twin industrial connector from Harting allows the company's Han modular inserts to be combined in a new compact hood and housing system, offering space-saving as well as significant handling advantages in servomotor systems and related industrial installations.

DA Servers provide new connectivity options - Wonderware has just announced the release of its new DA Server for connectivity to General Electric (GE) programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This new advanced device connectivity server uses GE's Service Request Transfer Protocol (SRTP) to provide real-time, configurable read-and-write access from Wonderware software to GE PLCs.
Wonderware products are distributed and supported in Britain and Ireland by Pantek

This is the anniversary of the terrible happenings in New York in 2001. May all those caught up directly in these events and subsequently find peace in their hearts.

Serial to Ethernet adapter - Westermo Data Communications has released a low cost, high specification Ethernet to serial adapter to connect existing serial equipment and devices to new Ethernet networks. The EDW-120 is a serial to Ethernet adapter that provides connection to Ethernet networks for legacy RS-232 devices. Two EDW-120 units can be used to create a simple point-to-point link or multiple units can be linked to form a simple one to many Ethernet network. The unit enables almost any serial device to interface through a new or existing Ethernet network.

Excel specification forms on CD - ISA now provides new, easy-to-use form templates that automate the creation of forms compliant with the standard ISA-20-1981, Specification Forms for Process Measurement and Control Instruments, Primary Elements and Control Valves.

Next generation remote terminal unit - Lee-Dickens Sitewatch MIDI Remote Terminal Units are intelligent microprocessor based devices for monitoring and controlling equipment at remote sites. The Sitewatch MIDI 8 from Lee-Dickens represents the next generation of class leading RTU's used primarily as part of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) or a telemetry system. The MIDI 8 uses the same distinctive IP65 rated moulded enclosure as the previous model, but the use of the latest compact surface mount technology and RoSH components has freed up space for a number of additional features. These features include a broad range of interchangeable networking communication options including PSTN (fixed line modem), GSM and LAN Ethernet communications. The unit also has a transient to transmitter logic (TTL) interface that enables off the shelf modems to be used. This means a GSM or Ethernet modem can be easily swapped should it fail or the communications method need to be changed. The modems and radio transceivers are powered from the RTU itself and supported by standby batteries should mains power fail.

Acquisition enhances position of wireless enterprise automation company and expands global market presence - Elutions has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Supervisor Holdings Ltd, the parent company of Wizcon Systems with offices in France, the Netherlands and Britain. "As the premier wireless enterprise automation company, we're excited about the benefits of this acquisition to our customers and the advancement of wireless control and monitoring technologies," said Dan Collins, co-founder of Elutions. "We will now be better able to provide global solutions that help our customers dramatically reduce energy costs and optimize the performance and utilization of their fixed and mobile assets."

USB 2.0 compliance test solution based on high-performance digital oscilloscopes - The new Yokogawa busXplorer -USB is a compact USB 2.0 compliance test solution based on the company's DL9240/9240L family of high-performance digital oscilloscopes. Consisting of a USB compliance test fixture and test software, the new product takes advantage of the oscilloscopes' wide variety of trigger and analysis functions to offer a system for carrying out highly automated USB compliance tests. It is designed for use with a probe such as the wide bandwidth PDB2000 differential probe, wide bandwidth PBA2500 active probe, or 701933 current probe.

Function generators with output to 3 MHz and built-in frequency counter - TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has introduced a revised version of its TG300 series of function generators, now housed in the company's latest 2U high bench instrument case. The TG300 Series is a range of three function generators with a maximum frequency of 3 MHz and simultaneous digital display of frequency and level. The top two models of the series (TG320 and TG330) also have an external frequency counter mode which utilises the full width of the display to provide up to 7.5 digits of resolution. The frequency range in this mode is from 5Hz up to 120MHz, and the input sensitivity is better than 50mV rms.

High security lock switch limits access - The latest new product from Lorlin Electronics is the DSL Mains Lock Switch. Fitted with a high security key switch mechanism the DSL is intended for safety and security applications or where control by authorised users only is essential. Manufactured at Lorlin’s own factory in the UK the DSL lock switch is a rugged design, simple to mount and RoHS compliant. The lock is mounted to the panel from the front and the electrical switch snaps on to the back of the mechanism. The high security key is a dimpled design, which operates a 6-pin lock with a 90° movement. The key may be inserted into the lock either way up and withdrawn in both the locked and unlocked switch positions.

Protecting trade union from strikes! - An integrated lightning and surge protection system has been supplied by Dehn at the headquarters of the Communication Workers Union in London (GB). The headquarters building, which was officially opened by British PM Tony Blair in 1997, houses 200 employees along with a host of IT and communications systems including 200 PCs, nine servers, various printers and peripherals, and telephone systems.

Low-Speed CAN connectivity for automotive applications available - National Instruments has released a new CAN communication module for the National Instruments CompactRIO platform. The new NI 9852 module provides direct connectivity to low-speed/fault-tolerant CAN networks, and is a powerful addition to the high-speed CAN connectivity that CompactRIO already offers, further establishing CompactRIO as an ideal platform for in-vehicle measurement and control applications. The CompactRIO programmable automation controller (PAC) is a rugged, reconfigurable control and acquisition system designed for applications requiring high performance and reliability. The system combines an open, embedded architecture with small size, extreme ruggedness and hot-swappable industrial I/O modules. Commonly used for body electronics in the automotive industry, low-speed/fault-tolerant CAN networks communicate through two wires. Low-Speed CAN networks have short cable distances and slower communication speeds, making it possible to transmit data asymmetrically over just one bus line instead of two.

USB DAQ unit has flexible I/O - Available from Audon Electronics is the LabJack U3 low-cost USB multifunction data acquisition and control device. The U3 has 16 "flexible" inputs which can be configured for any mix and analogue, digital input or digital output making for a very versatile general purpose DAQ unit. The U3 is supplied with a wide range of FREE Data logging software and examples for use with most programming and DAQ packages. The LabJack U3 can have up to 16 analogue inputs available on the flexible I/O lines. Single-ended measurements can be taken of any line compared to ground, or differential measurements can be taken of any line to any other line. Analogue input resolution is 12-bits with an input range of  0-2.4 volts. Optional signal conditioning adaptors are available that can condition the inputs to 0-5V, 0-10V or 4-20mA.

Redundant fieldbus system switches automatically to backup segment, avoiding process shutdowns - The TS Series TrunkSafe system from MooreHawke, a division of Moore Industries, provides a cost-effective, highly reliable method for maintaining continuous communication between a control system and instruments on a Foundation fieldbus H1 segment. In the event of a failure on a fieldbus segment, TrunkSafe makes it possible for the control system to switch immediately and automatically to a redundant path. This helps prevent the loss of a complete segment, the shutdown of associated plant or equipment, and potential catastrophic process failures.

Quick response centre in the Netherlands - Flowserve, provider of fluid motion and control products and services, announces the opening of its Quick Response Center (QRC) in Moerdijk, Netherlands. The Moerdijk QRC is a fully equipped, regional sales and service center that provides complete sealing solutions and superior, localized customer support.

Two-piece non-contact temperature sensor - The new VL miniature infrared temperature sensor from Calex Electronics is designed to offer maximum flexibility in the smallest possible package. This advanced sensor has an ultra-compact sensing head for use in the most confined of spaces, and a separate electronics unit with a backlit LCD display. The VL can measure temperatures from -40ºC to 700ºC with a response time of just 180ms. It has a narrow 10:1 field of view, and adjustable emissivity so can be configured to measure most materials. Each unit offers a choice of either 0/4 to 20mA, 0 to 5V or type J or K thermocouple outputs allowing them to be used with virtually all process control instrumentation.

Radical new design of tube fitting - Assembled by means of a simple push-fit operation, the new fittings provide permanent connections for fluid systems operating at up to 20,000 PSI / 1,379 bar. For permanent connections, and these elevated pressures, system builders would typically use either welded or 'cone and thread' style fittings, which are time consuming and expensive to install. Compared with these products, Parker Instrumentation estimates that its new Phastite fittings could reduce installation costs by a factor of 90% or more.

New Kevlar-protected ethernet cabling - SixNet has introduced its new CAT5E cable and cordsets (part # ET-RJF5E). Its high reliability, superior ruggedness and Kevlar protection make it a perfect choice for any industrial or military application. SixNet declares that this will give you the assurance and peace of mind that your connections will be reliable for years to come. Save time and money by making low cost "box-to-box" cable connections - no conduit needed! This Kevlar reinforced cable is super strong, yet highly flexible for easy routing. It is designed to resist UV, water and microbial penetration.

Muck spreading! - Agricultural contracting companies often encounter problems in relation to accounting for the services they provide to their customers. The classic example is that of spreading liquid manure on fields using slurry tankers. The ability to obtain reliable information about the amount of liquid manure distributed has long been something that was missing. Krohne has an exciting new solution for this problem. Their Optiflux electromagnetic flowmeter makes it possible to reliably determine the quantity of slurry spread, allowing the volume in cubic meters to be accounted for precisely and correctly. With a nominal diameter of DN80, it ensures that only a specified quantity of slurry is spread on each hectare of land. The system does not restrict the cross-section of the pipe, meaning that the measurement is not affected by the presence of solid material such as straw in the slurry. A PFA liner is used to guarantee that the system is able to withstand the harsh environments encountered with this type of application.

Power quality tools avalable for rent in Europe - Livingston, a long time key rental partner for Fluke industrial test and measurement tools, has now expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of Fluke's Power Quality tools. These include all the latest Fluke products for three-phase systems - the Fluke 1740 Series Power Quality Logger and the Fluke 1735 Power Logger, and the handheld Fluke 435 Power Quality Analyser and the Fluke 1760 Power Quality Recorder, both offering IEC 61000-4-30 Class A-compliance.

Power quality application DVD to help prevent downtime - And while we're talking about power quality Fluke has announced the availability of a free, educational DVD, which focuses on the best use of power quality tools to prevent equipment failure and downtime in industrial applications. This new DVD, 'Power quality in industrial applications', provides an overview of the basics of power quality, a summary of the type of problems caused by poor power quality, tips on how to perform power quality inspections, and which tools to use. Actual examples of how power quality problems have been diagnosed and corrected are also provided.
To request a copy of the Fluke Power Quality Application DVD free of charge, as well as for more information about Fluke power quality tools visit www.fluke.co.uk

Support for oscilloscopes - National Instruments has announced support for the newly released Tektronix TDS1000B and TDS2000B Series of digital storage oscilloscopes in NI SignalExpress Tektronix Edition, an interactive PC-based measurement software design and test engineers use to quickly acquire, analyse and document measurements on the benchtop without programming. With USB plug-and-play capability, SignalExpress Tektronix Edition makes it easy for engineers to connect to and control Tektronix instruments from their PCs.

Controlling exothermal reactor temperature - CyboSoft, developer of Model-Free Adaptive control technology, has introduced a new Model-Free Adaptive controller - the MFA XRT controller to control the temperature of exothermal reactors.
Reactors are major operating units in the chemical industry and reactor temperature control is an industry-wide problem. Most reactor temperature loops are either poorly controlled with PID or manually controlled. This new MFA innovation can have a big impact to the chemical industry and enable the users to achieve safer operations, higher product quality and yield.
This unit may be seen at ISA Expo 2006 in Houston

Connections - Optimised design ensures process compatibility and long-term reliability - Harting has introduced a new family of surface-mount D-Sub connectors whose design has been optimised to provide compatibility with modern assembly processes as well as long-term reliability. A combination of stamped terminals and a specially designed insulator is used to achieve 100% co-planarity, resulting in a robust device capable of withstanding all normal handling processes. Die-cast brackets offer a large solder area on each side of the connector to add significant physical mounting resiliency. In addition, they control the centre of gravity to ensure perfect stability of the connector throughout the reflow solder process.