FDT Group chairman announced -

New IR analysers for biofuels - Quantitech is launching two easy-to-use mid-infrared analysers for biofuels analysis aimed at production facilities and fuel blending at distribution centres. The instruments have been specifically designed for on-site analysis and can be operated by users having limited or even no knowledge of infrared analytical techniques.
The first - the InfraCal Filtometer - is a low-cost, single wavelength analyser that is ideal for measuring the blend ratio of biodiesel in diesel fuel or ethanol in petrol.
The second instrument, the InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer, is a spectral range analyser capable of monitoring more than one component.

New blog on Make2Pack and ISA88 aims to increase manufacturing efficiency - A new blog, hosted by Control Engineering, focuses on increasing efficiency and profitability in manufacturing. Blog topics will center on the development and implementation of WBF Make2Pack, ISA88 Part 5, and related standards efforts. The blog, titled "Standard Profits: Make2Pack and ISA88," encourages readers to ask questions and make suggestions to help the standard's development, and to offer advice on implementation and gaining a competitive advantage.

Update automates work notification to improve maintenance productivity and operational excellence - Emerson Process Management has released the AMS Suite Work Notification capability that uses the predictive intelligence in plant assets to prioritise critical alerts, and automatically generate work orders to enterprise asset management (EAM) systems such as SAP and MAXIMO for instruments and valves, as well as mechanical and process equipment. AMS Suite is Emerson's family of best-in-class predictive diagnostic software applications.

Improve measurement accuracy and reliability - National Instruments has announced the release of LabVIEW SignalExpress 2.5, the interactive measurement software that simplifies the acquisition, analysis and presentation of data from hundreds of data acquisition devices and instruments. Built on LabVIEW graphical programming, it delivers an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop environment for configuring data-logging and instrument control applications. The latest version of LabVIEW SignalExpress introduces several performance improvements including a Project Analyser to help engineers and scientists identify and address common measurement mistakes. It is also available in fully localised French, German and Japanese versions.

Solution for micro measurement and control - The latest D5/25HK unguided linear displacement transducer announced by measurement specialists RDP Electronics is ideal for gauging and positioning applications where space is restricted and micron accuracy is required. Using the well-proven linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) principle delivering infinite resolution with absolute measurement, it provides accurate information over its linear range of 1.3 mm.

BASIC AND ADVANCED REGULATORY CONTROL: SYSTEM DESIGN AND APPLICATION 2ND EDITION Harold L. Wade Learn the practice of process control for the wet process industries! The 2nd edition of Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application stresses the study of real, imperfect processes rather than system theory, and gives guidance on how engineers can best apply their own experience, intuition, and knowledge of the particular process.

New headquarters for interlocking specialists - Work has started on a new £3 million state of the art headquarters in Wolverhampton (GB) for market-leading safety interlocking specialists, Fortress Interlocks. Due for completion in March 2008 the 2,800 sq m project includes a contemporary two-storey office building plus a steel-frame production and warehouse facility designed to enhance work practices and provide an improved working environment for the 56 people currently employed.

Safety and hazards - Hazardous Area International Newsletter is an unique publication specifically for hazardous areas at risk of ignition. The October issue has just been sent and includes legislation updates, comment, products & services round-up editorial.
See also our Safety Page.

Resource for jewellers - A new on-line resource is now available for jewellers, providing them with up to the minute information on the latest digital technology for the manufacturing and production of jewellery, commemorative and decorative items. It explains and reviews new technologies such as CAD, Rapid Prototyping, CNC machining, Laser Scanning and Engraving machines.

Beta testing success for security solution - MTL and Byres Security Inc. are pleased to announce the Tofino™ Industrial Security Solution has successfully completed Beta testing and is available for purchase. This Industrial Security Solution offers SCADA and process control companies a layered security solution for their industrial systems by deploying low-cost security appliances directly in front of each control device (or group devices) that needs protection.
See also Security Appliance has achieved Foundation-level Mu Security Industrial Control (MUSIC) Certification
This was reporterd briefly in our ISA EXPO'07 Review

High-speed SPI Host Controller option - Underscoring its commitment to the mobile market, QuickLogic has added a SPI (serial peripheral interconnect) Host Controller to its customer specific standard product (CSSP) functional library. The SPI interface gives mobile device designers a low pin-count alternative to SDIO or mini-PCI for implementing high speed connections to wireless modules and other popular peripheral functions.

Unique approval - OMC Scientific are an Irish company and leading service provider to the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and electronics Industry in Ireland. As the sole provider of Bioquell's RBDS (Room Bio Decontamination Service) using their patented HPV technology OMC Scientific are delighted to announce that the Rapid Review Panel in the Britain have decided to upgrade the technology to Category One status.
The Rapid Review Panel was set up by the UK Department of Health in 2004 to facilitate the review by an independent panel of infection control experts of products / technologies which could be used to combat Healthcare Acquired Infec- tions (HCAI's) - or "Superbugs" - in NHS Hospitals. There is currently no equivalent group in Ireland.
In December of 2004 the panel Bioquell's HPV technology Category two approval for use in NHS hospitals and requested that further, in use, studies be carried out. Today after evaluating the result of studies carried out over the past 3 years the panel have decided to upgrade the approval to Category One.
This is the highest level of approval available to any product or technology and independently proves its effectiveness at combating the spread of HCAI's. Currently Bioquell are the only decontamination technology to have received this level of approval.

Newly updated edition of technology reference manual issued - The HART® Communication Foundation (HCF) has just announced the release of a new revised edition of The HART Field Communications Protocol--A Technical Overview. Originally referred to as the "Blue Book" by Romilly Bowden, the recently updated manual is a technical introduction and integrators guide that describes and explains the main features of the HART Protocol.

Industry's first high-performance, long-life pH/ORP sensor available for a broad range of processing applications - Emerson Process Management has introduced the Rosemount(R) Analytical PERpH-X 3500 high-performance pH and ORP sensor, the industry's first general-purpose pH sensor that includes advanced technologies for longer life in difficult processing applications, providing a lower total cost of ownership. The Model 3500 is the newest member of the PERpH-X family and is designed from the ground up to provide superior performance in the most aggressive fouling applications. It combines the high performance of the complete PERpH-X pH sensor family with the convenience of a wide range of mounting options making it ideal for use in numerous industries and processing applications.

Certified Solid State Relays! - Crydom has produced the first solid state relays available on the market with UL approved short-circuit current ratings (SCCR). These relays facilitate industrial control panel builders' efforts to comply with the new article 409 from NEC and the latest version of UL508A, both request SCCR marking, by providing them with pre-approved ratings for SSR/fuse combination.

Sanitary pH sensor for food and pharmaceutical applications - A new sanitary pH sensor designed to minimise contamination in applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries has been introduced by Yokogawa Europe. The new pH3A sensor has been developed by Pfaudler - a world leader in the technology of corrosion-resistant materials - in conjunction with Yokogawa and combines Pfaudler's unique enamelling technology with Yokogawa's extensive knowledge of pH measurement and electronics.

New comprehensive online resource centres for cement, metals, minerals and petrochemical industries - Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded its comprehensive range of online resource centers with the addition of two new web entry portals for X-ray instrumentation and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). The new resource centers provide essential tools and information for both existing users and industry professionals interested in X-ray and OES applications. Specifically designed for the metals, minerals, cement and petrochemical industries, the comprehensive new web resources enable users to easily find information and support these applications.

Powerful in-vehicle computing platform with over 5 times the normal shock and vibration resilience - Over the past few years increasing competition in the logistics and transportation industries have resulted in a number of developments for these companies. In addition, rising fuel costs have forced many to devise methods of more efficiently coordinating their shipping fleets. The question was how to get this technology into a small and rugged enough system to withstand the unforgiving 24 hour operation in often harsh environmental conditions. The answer is Nematron's new 800 Series Embedded System designed specifically for vehicle operation and highly mobile applications by .

Modbus I/O Units for easy SCADA Integration - Available from Audon Electronics is a new range of low-cost Modbus based remote IO units which provide a simple way of integrating analogue or digital signals to supervisory SCADA systems. There are several models in the range from voltage, current, thermocouple and PT-100 inputs, voltage and current outputs and digital and relay I/O. Supplied with the IO Studio configuration software. The optional DAQ Studio software can be used to provide a data acquisition, trending and alarm management interface for the PC. Also compatible with all SCADA packages such as DAQFactory.

Wireless communications for automation GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the introduction of its new TranSphere Wireless communications products for automation needs. This offering includes extended range IP networking, wireless IP/Ethernet connectivity, and Ethernet and serial communications radio modem solutions. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is also introducing the TranSphere Wireless remote I/O for analog and discrete I/O signals.

Standards progress - Part of ISA's work includes the formulation of standards. Progress has been reported in the following areas.
ISA99: Security for Industrial Automation & Control Systems
ISA12: Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Locations
ISA104: Electronic Device Description Language - EDDL
Perhaps one of the most valuable individual benefits of ISA (Instrument Systems and Automation Society) membershp is access to all ISA Standards free of charge.

PAM to grow 10.8% annually... - The worldwide market for Plant Asset Management (PAM) systems is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% over the next five years. The market was $1.4 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to be over $2.4 billion in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, "Plant Asset Management Systems Worldwide Outlook."

Hand-held precision fibre-optic cleave tool - The AMP NetConnect Business Unit of Tyco Electronics has introduced a hand-held precision fibre-optic cleave tool which provides precision quality cleaves with the feel and robustness of a full-scale precision cleaver at an exceptionally competitive price.

New capabilities brochure published - Network With Us is the title of Contemporary Controls' NEW capabilities brochure. Sales Manager Joe Stasiek says this document provides a compact presentation of the 32-year growth of CCSI in the design, manufacture, and support of networking products. You'll learn that besides standard ARCNET® hubs and Ethernet switches, we provide protocol-aware routers to meet the requirements of the building automation marketplace.

Wireless applications coming to light - "Go fish!" advises Jim Montague of Control. "Wireless case studies are scarce, so it's ironic that Emerson, Honeywell, Invensys and others are coming up with them.
See our Wireless Page

Ability to rebrand products unmatched in the industry - To enable OEMs to be more effective in driving solutions for customers, GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has included a wide range of unique features specifically designed for OEMs and their specialized needs in the recently announced Proficy® HMI/SCADA - iFIX 4.5. These enhancements provide comprehensive monitoring, control and data management for companies worldwide.

Electrical Technical Manuals IDC Technology provides Easy-to-follow books, full of examples of situations and solutions to problems that will apply to your everyday work. Practical Power Systems Protection for Engineers and Technicians gives the fundamentals of electrical power protection, identifying and rectifying the different fault types, performance of simple fault and design calculations and working with protection system components (including fuses/transformers/circuit breakers). Practical Distribution and Substation Automation (incl. Communications) for Electrical Power Systems is designed to familiarise readers with all aspects of distribution and substation automation, from the different levels of substation integration and automation to the components and architecture of typical systems. The varied approaches promoted by different substation automation vendors are identified and detailed and the advantages of each are outlined. The characteristics and operation of the Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) are examined, and a practical checklist is provided of the optimum ways to implement this technology in your next project. Practical Power Distribution helps evaluate the advantages of modern state-of-the-art switchgear protection for your applications, including preventative maintenance information. Starting with an explanation of fundamental practical power distribution topics, you will also learn how to determine short-circuit ratings quickly and effectively, correctly utilise and protect power transformers and consider power factor correction for your work environment. Practical Power System Harmonics, Earthing and Power Quality- Problems and Solutions Commencing with a review of the fundamentals of power quality and EMC, this book examines the procedures for design and installation for earthing and neutral systems. The common problem of noise is reviewed and some misconceptions in this area discussed. Surge and transient protection is looked at with practical steps outlined to minimise or even eliminate this problem. Hereafter the book focuses on harmonics and how to minimise them. A practical discussion on power conditioning then follows and is rounded off with realistic case studies covering a wide variety of industries ranging from manufacturing and process control to telecommunications.

What Does the Future Hold for Non-Ethernet Based Industrial Device Networks? - Future prospects for traditional, non-Ethernet based industrial device networks look increasingly narrow as industrial Ethernet continues its migration into lower levels of the industrial automation hierarchy. Growth in shipments of traditional industrial device networks will continue through the end of the decade, but the rate of growth will slow from the double-digit annual gains witnessed to date, to more modest single-digit increases. The worldwide market for traditional industrial device networks is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% over the next five years. The market totaled over 12 million nodes shipped in 2006 and is forecasted to total close to 23 million nodes in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study - "Industrial Device Networks Worldwide Outlook".

Remote configuration of PLCs - IntelliCom has announced the NetBiter® Serial Server that provides remote configuration of Rockwell PLC's over Ethernet, LANs or the Internet. The gateway makes a transparent connection between standard RS Logix 500 Windows tools and the Rockwell PLC's; ControlLogix, MicroLogix, CompactLogix, SLC-500 and PLC-5 using DF1. The system works completely transparent and does not affect with the installation in any way. This provides instant access to remote installations 24/7 without traveling to the sites, which saves time and money.

Enhanced version of safety instrumented system - Yokogawa has launched an enhanced version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system, ProSafe-RS R1.03. To meet the latest safety instrumentation needs of the oil, petrochemical, and other industries, the remote optical communications capability has been enhanced and a digital output module and a simulation test function have been added to this new version.

Drives and Motors Provide More Intelligence to CANopen - All Technosoft intelligent drives and motors now support CANopen communication. Embedding motion control, drive and PLC functionalities in a single compact unit, these drives cover all type of brushless, DC, linear or step motor applications from 25 W (45 V, 0.5 A) up to 3 kW (325 V, 10 A). The motors (brushless and stepping) integrate power electronics, controller, position sensor and interface in one compact unit with basic local digital and analog I/O signals. These new generations of Technosoft products offer the powerful CANopen communication option to motion automation builders who use the CANopen DSP 402 standard.

Bimetal Thermometer for Heavy Industry - With the TBHI, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation is extended by a robust stainless steel bimetal thermometer specially designed for the heavy industry. This every angle version measures temperature ranges from -70°C up to 600°C.

Three-channel constant-current LED driver with PWM brightness control for large display applications - The new A6281 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a three-channel constant-current LED driver IC with an on-chip oscillator for simple programmable brightness control. It is ideally suited to driving clusters of red/green/blue (RGB) LEDs in applications where the cluster forms one pixel in a large display or a lighting fixture.

New versions of precision dosing pump - ProMinent Fluid Controls, has announced an automatic deaeration version of its popular Delta precision dosing pump, together with two new models for the continuous dosing of volumes as small as 5 ml/hr. The new deaeration facility makes the Delta the only pump of its kind which can automatically degas when gas is detected in the pump head. This makes it ideally suited to dosing fluids which easily outgas, such as sodium hypochlorite.

Faster field communications - Emerson Process Management has released its 375 Field Communicator 2.0. This major upgrade to the 375 Field Communicator provides significant benefits to both new and existing users by delivering faster and more robust capabilities for configuring and troubleshooting HART(R) and Foundation fieldbus devices. By decreasing the startup time and increasing the battery life through improved power management, users can be assured that their 375 Field Communicator is always ready for immediate use in the field. Users also gain more in-depth diagnostics for Foundation fieldbus devices and an expanded fieldbus user interface.

One piece solar connector is field-mountable - The Lapp Group has introduced a new connector designed specifically for use in solar power-based installations. The Epic® Solar is a field-mountable connector developed to make the task of installing photovoltaic systems much simpler. These connectors provide a quick and error-free method of connecting solar cables on site. The connector consists of a single, complete component with no parts to lose or fit incorrectly. Installers need only crimp the cable and connect the wings for a perfect connection.

New biodiesel quality analyser - Aspectrics has extended its biodiesel portfolio offering with the launch of the new Aspectrics Biodiesel Quality Analyzer 1000 (BQA 1000). Designed to provide fast and efficient results, the new analyzer incorporates the revolutionary Aspectrics EP-NIR technology, a robust sampling interface and an easy to use graphical user interface.

Unique diagnostics module launched - MTL have launched the new F809F Diagnostics Module for use on FOUNDATION fieldbus™ networks that offers a unique overview of the physical layer status by being installed as a fieldbus device.

SBC for harsh operating environments - For harsh operating environments Concurrent Technologies introduces a low power, conduction-cooled, 3U CompactPCI® single board computer (SBC). The TP 402/351-RC uses the latest mobile dual core processor and server chipset from the Intel® embedded roadmap - combining the performance of the 1.5 GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor with the Intel® 3100 server chipset interfacing up to 4 Gbytes of soldered DDR2 ECC SDRAM.

Dope testing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that the China Doping Control Center (CDCC) has selected Thermo Scientific instruments and software for its sports testing program at the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing.

Switch probe for rear assembly - Peak Test Services has introduced a new version of the P201/G switch probe that has been specially designed for rear assembly in applications such as multi-level modules and fixtures.

Intelligent extruder plans its own growth! - A bench top extruder developed at Bradford University is able to collect data about its own operation and to determine a wide range of characteristics of the material with which it is working. Most of the intelligence is provided via a digital TorqSense torque sensor, from Sensors Technology, which uniquely collects data via a radio signal rather than being hard wired to the extruder, and passes it onto a computer for analysis.

New mini accelerometer targets light structures - The new Type 8278A miniature, high temperature, high impedance accelerometer from Kistler Instruments is designed for use in testing lightweight structures with minimum mass loading. The single axis sensor comprises an annular shear piezoceramic element in a hard-anodised aluminium housing. At only 700 mg, the Type 8278A is light but highly robust, it operates over a wide temperature range of minus75°C to plus 180°C and can survive mechanical shocks of up to 10,000g.

New feature boosts level measurement reliability even in complex, demanding tank or open channel installations - Emerson Process Management has announced new software for its family of Mobrey MSP non-contacting ultrasonic level transmitters. The upgrade features an enhanced false echo rejection capability which allows reliable operation in complex infrastructures where tanks and channels contain static obstructions such as stay bars, ladders or weld beads.

Joint effort to help engineers and scientists easily create integrated T&M solutions - National Instruments and Anritsu have announced a joint effort to develop LabVIEW Plug and Play and LabWindows/CVI instrument drivers for Anritsu test instruments. The companies are working together to make it easy for engineers and scientists to combine the popular LabVIEW graphical development platform and the proven LabWindows/CVI ANSI C integrated development environment with Anritsu RF and wireless communications test instruments.

I25V, 2.2A(IOUT), 2.8MHz Step-Down DC/DC Converter in 3mm x 3mm DFN Linear Technology has announced their LT1938, a 2.2A, 25V step-down switching regulator packaged in a 3mm x 3mm DFN. The LT1938 operates within a VIN range of 3.6V to 25V, making it ideal for 12V and unregulated wall transformer inputs. Its 3.1A internal switch can deliver up to 2.2A of continuous output current at voltages as low as 1.265V. Switching frequency is user programmable from 300kHz to 2.8MHz, enabling the designer to optimize efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. Its 3mm x 3mm DFN-10 package and high switching frequency, which keeps external capacitors and inductor small, provides a very compact, thermally efficient footprint.

Industry's first PXI express system timing controller - National Instruments has announced the latest additions to NI timing tools including the industry's first PXI Express timing and synchronisation controller and a PXI module that synchronises PXI systems over GPS, Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) and IEEE 1588. With these new products, engineers can achieve improved synchronisation and timecode capabilities in PXI systems, which is important for synchronising multiple systems, precisely timestamping events and improving measurement accuracy in automated test and data acquisition applications. These new timing features are integral to the development and control of large distributed systems such as particle accelerators and high-energy physics systems.

A first for China! - The HART Communication Foundation (HCF) announces the registration of the first Foundation verified HART-compliant device to be manufactured by a company in China. Chongqing Sichuan Instrument Co. of Chongqing, China, has successfully tested and registered their FlowMaster MFC series flowmeter with the Foundation.

Successful EMEA end user and marketing conference - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) held its second combined EMEA User and Industry Association Consultation Meeting and EMEA Annual Marketing conferencein London (GB) last month Thirty five delegates participated in the three day event including representatives from major users of Foundation™technology and industry associations, together with members of the FF EMEA Executive Advisory Council (EMEA EAC), the EMEA Steering Committee and the global FF End User Advisory Council (EUAC).

FREE Voltage Detector - For a limited period, Fluke is offering a free Fluke LVD2 Volt Light to purchasers of a Fluke 561 Multipurpose Thermometer. The Fluke 561 offers both non-contact infrared (IR) and contact temperature measurements, suitable for HVAC and general industrial maintenance: the Fluke LVD2 is a non-contact AC voltage detector and LED flashlight combined in one convenient pen-style tool.

Tiny box computer - A new boxed fanless PC has been introduced by Trident, which provides an easy mounting solution by including both VESA and DIN Rack mounting options, making this an ideal solution for the Industrial Automation/Process Control and Digital Signage markets.

White paper alert! - We've mentioned before the service offered by Walt Boyes' ControlGlobal.com to the automation professional. His latest White Paper Alert features three papers from Siemens (DCS or PLC?), Advantech (Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms) and Mynah Technologies (3rd Generation Simulation Solves Process Industry Challenges).

Simulation software for vibro-acoustic analysis and design - ESI Group has announced the release of VA One 2007. This is the next generation of ESI Group's vibro-acoustic analysis software and provides a complete solution for simulating the response of vibro-acoustic systems across the entire frequency range.

Optocouplers' temperature range extended - Vishay Intertechnology has announced the release of optocouplers in long-body, low-profile 4-pin and 5-pin surface-mount SOP-6 mini-flat packages with a new extended temperature range of -40°C to +110°C. The TCLT family of optocouplers offers the higher isolation voltages of larger packages, while providing board space savings to designers.

Space-saving connector combines four power and four signal contacts - The new Han® K 4/4 connector from Harting is a combination power/signal connector which combines together four power and four signal connectors in a single Han® 10B construction size housing.

Open comms go lite for simple control system - A new version of the CC-Link Open fieldbus has been developed specifically for applications where the I/O is distributed as a low density widespread network. Named CC-Link/LT, typical application would include sensor networks around a processing plant, environmental data collection, machine sensing and actuating control systems.
More on this on our Fieldbus News Page

Operator training simulator project at one of the largest U.S. LNG terminals - Invensys Process Systems has been awarded a contract to provide an integrated training simulator for control room operators at the Trunkline LNG terminal in Louisiana (US). The SimSci-Esscor operating training simulator will be used for the initial training or retraining of control room operators, operating supervisors and other equipment operators. The simulator comprises training on all aspects of terminal operations, such as start-up, shutdown, normal operation, and possible terminal process upset situations.

Funding secured for vibration energy harvesting generator - Perpetuum, the manufacturer of vibration energy harvesting devices, has completed a £5 million funding round backed by Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF), Quester, and Top Technology. The investment is to be used to support Perpetuum in commercialising its vibration energy-harvesting generator.

New group formed to ensure a cohesive set of standards and harmonisation - ISA, MIMOSA, the OPC Foundation, the Open Applications Group and WBF have established OpenO&M, a cooperative forum where members can work together to solve automation challenges through standardization and harmonization of industry guidelines.

Global distribution deal signed - Digi-Key Corporation and Airpax have announced that the companies have entered into a worldwide distribution agreement. One of the fastest growing distributors of electronic components in the world, Digi-Key Corporation ships products to more than 140 countries.

New capabilities for family of RF signal generators and analyzers along with new signal analysis software - Keithley Instruments has released the industry,s leading 4X4 MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) RF test system for R&D and production testing of next generation RF communications equipment and devices. Keithley,s MIMO RF test system consists of its new Model 2920 Vector Signal Generator (VSG) and Model 2820 Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA), Model 2895 MIMO Synchronization Unit, and powerful MIMO Signal Analysis Software.

For merit! - Emerson Network Power was named Meritorious Performance Supplier for Power in Sun Microsystems' 2007 Supplier Awards program. The Supplier Awards recognize companies that make outstanding contributions to Sun's record of delivering superior technology, quality service and excellent value to its customers.

MicroSite for new water level sensor - OTT Hydrometry has created a new micro-site dedicated to their new CBS Compact Bubbler Sensor. The new site has an interactive 3-D user interface that provides visitors with a very clear understanding of how the sensor works, where it is located and for which applications it has been designed.

4 new communication drivers and enhancements to 24 existing communication drivers and components - Kepware Technologies has announced the release of its latest KEPServerEX product. KEPServerEX now includes new communications drivers delivering support for WeatherBug for Automation, Fisher ROC, Fisher ROC Plus protocols, and a Memory Based driver for simulations.

Robust pressure and temperature measuring devices - With the TED/YTED and ETTN/YTTN ranges Baumer offers within the product segment Process Instrumentation robust measuring instruments for pressure and temperature control for process management. The totally stainless steel devices are suitable particularly for severe industrial environments.

Integrated positioning inverter motor and drive combination is ideal for simple motion control tasks - The SIEIDrive KFM 05 is an integrated inverter duty motor with frequency inverter drive, encoder feedback and axis I/O suitable for simple, low power, single axis motion control applications. The compact unit includes an RS232 port for programming, parameter set-up and diagnostics using Gefran's E@syDrives PC based configuration software as well as an optional Profibus-DP interface for full axis control.

USB Relay Units need No PSU! - The UDIN range from Audon, are a low-cost range of USB relay, digital I/O units for desk-top, panel or industrial DIN rail mounting. They feature mains rated relays capable of switching mains 3A and fully opto-isolated digital inputs. They do not require any external PSU. All units come with both Virtual Com port drivers so that they can be used with most legacy software packages or with a .DLL for direct programming. Supplied with cable, test programs and programming examples.

Free PACTwareTM - FDT/DTM capability - Magnetrol has decided to offer full and free DTM capability to all its customers. Most Magnetrol transmitters have been equipped for some time to work with DTM's. This allows the customer to troubleshoot and configure units from distance using PACTwareTM (or other FDT Frame programs). These advantages can also be exploited over internet and e-mail, involving top specialists from all over the world to help solve a field problem without dismantling a field instrument. The effectiveness in getting users up and running quickly and efficiently has persuaded Magnetrol to promote the use of its DTMs and offer this capability for free.

Local show a success! - The recent Instrumentation South and Displays Technology South exhibitions, from Trident Exhibitions, that took place in Reading (GB) last week, have come to a successful conclusion. Supporting the growing trend towards highly focussed regional shows, these events proved very popular with exhibitors and visitors alike and overall attendance for both shows was in excess of 340 visitors from throughout the Britain and overseas who saw 60 exhibitors showing and demonstrating test, measurement, data acquisition, control instrumentation, displays technology systems and equipment.
The Instrumentation Series of Regional Exhibitions also includes Instrumentation North at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds, 9th - 10th April 2008 and Instrumentation Scotland & Offshore Systems, Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, 3rd - 4th September 2008.
These and many other events are listed on our Events Page

Photoelectric sensor range offers longest range with lowest power - Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a new range of photoelectric sensors representing state of the art in terms of range, power consumption and user features. The new PD30 range covers most sensing tasks in a compact package, offering detection range previously only achievable with much larger devices. In addition, they embody a variety of new user features, such as a dust alarm output, remote teach input, full- and half-mute functions, aimed at simplifying setup and reducing down-time.

European Process Management Academy - ARC Advisory Group will host their fourth annual Process Management Academy (PMA), on January 28-30 in Düsseldorf, Germany at the MARITIM Airport Hotel. PMA is a highly educational event specifically designed for professionals in the process industries, including Power, Food & Beverage, Chemical, Oil & Gas, and Pharmaceutical.

New electromagnetic modelling tool puts 'optimal design' within reach of all - The latest release of the well-known electromagnetic simulation tool, Opera, adds sophisticated model parameterisation and scripting capabilities. These facilities make it much simpler to perform 'what if?' investigations, to speed up the virtual prototyping of electromagnetic equipment. Every variant of Vector Fields' new Opera release, version 12, from the lowest-cost 2-dimensional simulation package to the full 3-dimensional modelling suite, benefits from these features. A breakthrough tool for optimisation is also optionally available, which will automatically seek the best solution for single or competing goals.

Simulation Driver for open Modbus TCP/IP - Mynah has developed a MiMiC Simulation Driver that allows IO and process simulation for devices that support the Modbus TCP/IP protocol. This is significant for the MiMiC user because the driver provides: High-speed simulation for Modbus controllers, quick and easy setup using commercial Ethernet networks and world-class simulation for devices supporting Industrial Ethernet. This simulation driver allows non-intrusive simulation for controllers that support Modbus TCP/IP protocols such as Schneider Quantum PLCs and HIMA SIS PLCs. It takes about 15 minutes to configure and simulate Modbus registers.

It's not just the calls that get through first time - Providing state of the art telecommunications solutions is the aim of systems innovator Redwood Technologies. The company, with headquarters in Britain and additional offices in Europe, Africa, Asia and the USA, ships its hardware and software around the world and it is vital that this critical, yet sensitive equipment arrives at its destination undamaged and ready for installation. Rather than leaving anything to chance, Redwood has incorporated a damage deterrent programme into its dispatch process. All consignments leaving the warehouse are identified with a ShockWatch packaging label and photographed showing the impact detection device intact.

Slim line Ethernet switches go everywhere! - SIXNET advises that the Slim Line Series of Industrial Ethernet Switches can be used in even more applications and locations! These managed and unmanaged switches now carry the hazardous location certifications: UL1604, CSA22.2/213 per CUL (Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C, D); EN50021/EN60079-15 (Zone 2) and ATEX Group II, Cat 3 (Zone 2). Plus they are available for special order with a wide operating temperature range of up to -40 to 75°C, making these switches ideal for indoor and outdoor applications alike.

Miniature accelerometer weighing 0.20g for vibration screening of circuit boards, disk drive mechanisms, PDA's & mobile phones - PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has introduced Model 357A19, a very miniature charge output accelerometer, designed for performing shock and vibration studies in space-restricted locations and on small, lightweight structures. The unit occupies a 0.11 x 0.16 x 0.27 inch (2.8 x 4.1 x 6.9 mm) envelope, and weighs a mere 0.007 ounces (0.20 grams), for minimal mass loading of a test article. The unit connects to laboratory-style charge amplifiers or in-line charge converters, which condition an output signal for recording or analysis.

New interface card for communications - GE Fanuc Automation has announced the availability of the new QuickPanel View Interface Card for Data Highway Plus. This new release allows GE Fanuc's industry-leading QuickPanel View line of visualization products to communicate with Allen Bradley's Data Highway Plus local networks.

Historian for VARs and OEMs! - Wonderware has announced that it has launched a version of the Wonderware Historian specifically for value-added resellers (VARs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The new version is called "Wonderware Historian - OEM Edition" and is optimised for the OEM/VAR. It enables customers of Wonderware software as well as other vendors' HMI/SCADA products to reduce commissioning times and respond faster to maintenance needs.
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More from remote - Cost and convenience are the two biggest advantages of going wireless over wired. Now B&B Electronics gives you even more. Zlinx wireless remote I/O's from B&B Electronics are the reliable, easy-to-install answer to reach even the most remote sensors. Simply install a pair of Zlinx I/O nodes and your remote analog and digital sensor values will be replicated on the local node, integrating seamlessly with your existing control system, with no software changes.

Control system contract for supercritical coal-fired power plant in India - Yokogawa India has received a contract from National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (NTPC), India's largest power utility, to supply an automation and control system for a new supercritical coal-fired power plant project in Bihar state. This contract is estimated to be worth 11.8 million US dollars.

New paperless recorders - Yokogawa has launched the MV1000 and MV2000, two new paperless portable recorders that feature a greatly increased number of input channels and more memory than earlier models.

Outstanding multifunctional TOC analysis - The Multi N/C series of catalytic combustion analysers from Analytik Jena offer extraordinary versatility for TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and TNb (Total Bound Nitrogen) measurement. The novel design provides a TOC measuring range from 2 ppb up to 30000 ppm without dilution and a fully integrated double furnace for the analysis of solids or liquids.

LVDT 0.25% accuracy, Ex-stock to 4 weeks delivery - Recent improvements to the design and manufacturing methods for the LVDT range from Applied Measurements have resulted in improved accuracy and quicker delivery. They are now able to offer the option of 0.25% accuracy and a maximum delivery of 4 weeks. There are three main types, Miniature, Economy and Industrial. Each of these types is available in several mechanical and electrical configurations.

Float switch for marine hazardous area applications - A new Mobrey magnetic float switch from Emerson Process Management is the first float switch to combine ATEX and marine approvals in one standard product.

Norwegian marketing committee established - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the establishment of the Fieldbus Foundation Norwegian marketing committee (FF-NO MC) to promote the adoption of FOUNDATION™technology throughout the Norwegian market through a wide range of end user focused activities including training seminars, discussion forums and trade show participation.

Solutions for automotive companies - GE Fanuc Automation has announced that it and solution provider Wipro Technologies, the global IT services business of Wipro Limited will work together globally to provide the automotive industry with solutions in the Production Management area. This relationship will provide significant value to customers looking to integrate their Production Management and ERP systems by leveraging Wipro,s knowledge of GE Fanuc Production Management solutions and their expertise in ERP.

Digital recorders provide secure, adaptable process data management - Invensys has introduced a line of digital data recorders that collect and manage process variable information to optimise process production and regulatory accountability. The Foxboro 6100 Data Management Series incorporates advanced digital technologies to provide ease of use, high security and adaptability to a wide range of production processes, including batch applications.

Harvesting power from your plant! - Perpetuum has launched the intrinsically safe ATEX version of the industrial PMG17 vibration energy harvester, for safe working in Zone 0, 1 or 2 environments. The microgenerator that enables wireless, battery-free sensing for condition monitoring and asset management applications has been given an ATEX EC-Type Examination Certificate and a IECEx Draft Certificate of Conformity. These certificates, when combined with pending QA certifications, will allow Perpetuum to supply the PMG17 to its customers with Ex ia IIC T4 markings.

Lifecycle management program to provide customers with an optimal maintenance solution - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released the Lifecycle Management Program, an integrated package of solution services that optimises maintenance by tailoring it to the customer's equipment lifecycle. This program meets diverse needs by creating a lifecycle plan for each customer's system, and, based on it, selects and combines the most suitable services from a variety of options.

Radar level gauges now licence exempt - Until now, all radar level gauges needed to be registered and licensed for use in Britain. The complete range of VEGA level gauges for solids or liquids level measurement in tanks, vessels, hoppers and silos can now be used without a licence there. This is in accordance with latest OFCOM Guidance Notes - OfW 366 Radar Level Gauges, the use of Radar Level Gauge equipment. This also covers all existing VEGAPULS radar transmitters in use.

Software solution aids downtime/overall equipment effectiveness - Wonderware has announced Equipment Performance Module (EPM) 2.0 software, a significant update to its software solution for customers needing to track, analyse and improve equipment, line or plant downtime and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). It is built on the recently acquired Factelligence technology from the Invensys Cimnet acquisition.
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GreenPeak Technologies

Name change rejected - The ISA's delegate conference narrowly defeated a motion to change the name of the society from ISA - The Instruments, Systems and Automation Society to The International Society of Automation. The proposal strongly recommended by the executive board of the society required a two thirds majority and and failed to reach thiss taarget by around 2% of the total poll. In fact had those who abstained voted for the motion it would have carried. Arguments put forward agains the move seemed to relate to the definitions of the term automation given by the board before the ballot leading to a doubt that the "traditional and core" terms of the society such as "Instrument" and "measurement" did not appear to be adequatly in the term as defined. ISA President Huffman declared that they would work on this during the next twelve months and try to explain their position more clearly.
Walt Boyes Comments

Communications computer business acquired - Emerson and Motorola, have announced that the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Emerson will acquire Motorola's Embedded Communications Computing (ECC) business for $350 million in cash. Motorola's ECC business, which had 2006 revenue of approximately $520 million, will strengthen Emerson's position in the $6 billion-and-growing merchant embedded computing industry. Upon completion of the transaction, Motorola's ECC business will become part of Emerson Network Power. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

System integration with safety systems - Emerson Process Management has recently integrated the DeltaV process control system with HIMA H41q and H51q safety systems using Mynagh's VIM over Modbus TCP/IP protocol. This integration is significant because the Modbus TCP/IP protocol allows for faster and more voluminous data transmission between HIMA safety systems and DeltaV process control systems using MYNAH's VIM. The VIM provides the Modbus TCP/IP Master interface to simulate the DeltaV serial cards, providing the speed of an Ethernet network with the reliability of Modbus.
Read the HIMA/DeltaV/VIM/ Modbus Integration Application Note (pdf)