31/1/2008

Excitement mounts here for annual rally - C&L Industrial will continue to sponsor Richard and James Whelan as they enter the West Coast Rally Championship 2008 after driving into an overall third position in the 2007 West Coast Junior Rally Championship. The thrilling Galway International Rally takes place in Galway over this weekend!

Current transducers with unit offering current output - LEM has added to its LTS range of current transducers designed to operate from a single +5V power supply. The LTSP model measures positive and negative AC, DC and pulse currents on printed circuit boards and provides a current output instead of the voltage output provided by the other units in the family. This allows the LTSP to detect currents up to at least 14 times the nominal current.

Air pollution course - Dr Andrew Hobson of Quantitech will be among the speakers at the University of Leeds' Industrial Air Pollution Monitoring course on 5 March 2008. The three-day event will feature Dr Hobson delivering a talk entitled 'Design and Application of FTIR to Monitoring Pollutants' as part of a theme on common instrumental analysis techniques. FTIR has become an extremely popular monitoring technology because as a multi-component analyser it is able to monitor today's requirements and any others that may occur in the future.

China Subsidiary recognised as full-service contract manufacturer - Contemporary Controls (Suzhou) Co. Ltd (CCC) has established itself in the contract manufacturing industry which is expected to maintain a 15% to 20% annual growth rate. Plant Manager Basile Waite said CCC is a full-service contract manufacturer. "It just made sense to expand our facility's production capability and expertise," he explained. "We made the decision to foster a relationship with other customers looking to save money and time, and whose quality standards are similar to our own."

Talk person walks! - Andy Pye has joined Fisher Marketing. Andy has been well known for many years as editor of several engineering titles, including Design Engineering, Engineering and most recently Industrial Technology. At the end of the nineties Andy turned his attention to the developing online publishing sector, as co-founder of the Pro-Talk business, which was sold to Centaur Media in 2006. "Having spent 18 months helping Pro-Talk bed in at Centaur, I'm delighted to be joining Fisher Marketing, a com- pany with whom I've had so many dealings in the past, and it will be great to keep in touch with all my friends and colleagues in the technical media." Andy will focus on both print media and online marketing projects.
In more publishing news from England Suzanne Gill is leaving as editor of Automation and Neil Mead, Editor of Factory Equipment, will take over from her. Suzanne is joining the international confectionery title Kennedy's Confection.

High Efficiency 78 Watt External AC-DC Power Adapter - Emerson Network Power has further expanded its portfolio of ac-dc power adapters with the launch of a high efficiency 78 watt model. The new AD80 power adapter features a universal 90-264 Vac input - enabling it to be used anywhere in the world - and produces a single, fully regulated 24 V output capable of delivering up to 3.25 A continuously.

Foundation Fieldbus 2nd Edition - Foundation Fieldbus, 2nd Edition, a 125 page softcover book, is written by control systems engineers with extensive FOUNDATION(TM) Fieldbus installation experience. It features a wealth of background information, tips, tricks, and items to note when installing, maintaining or troubleshooting an FF system.
ISBN/ID: 978-1-55617-964-8; Publisher: ISA; Authors: Ian Verhappen and Augusto Pereira.

High performance sffordable control - The T2550 PAC from Eurotherm is a high performance, affordable control unit that maximizes ROI by offering automatic dual redundancy options to guarantee process efficiencies and protect against controller or communications failures. This powerful, cost effective unit now also uniquely provides secure data recording with dual redundancy at point of measurement.

$$$

Not all and gloom as leading instrument pioeer reports profits! - News from the world bourses and stock markets has hardly been uplifting, so it is good to report a good news story. National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) has announced record quarterly revenue of $205 million, up 13 percent year-over-year and the company's best year-over-year revenue growth quarter for 2007. This was the midpoint of NI guidance of between $200 and $210 million.

Isolated programmable hockey puck - - "This is the one transmitter you need to stock for all your maintenance needs." Using your PC and the available software simply program this transmitter, from Enercorp, for any one of 7 RTD or 13 thermocouple types or customize the calibration linearization at up to 40 points to fit none standard transmitter outputs. The output signal can be inverted and can be programmed to be linear with temperature or linear with resistance or mV input.

High-speed IR linescanner for process noncontact temperature measurement - Raytek has a new MP150 High-Speed Infrared Linescanner. This exciting new product provides one of the fastest and most complete noncontact temperature measurement solution on the market today, specifically designed for modern, high-speed manufacturing processes.
Raytek are exhibiting at mtec 2008

UK Distributor stocks now included in website inventory search - Schaffner is now offering visitors to their website the ability to check stock availably live. Most of their British distributors now make their stock profiles available directly on the website allowing customers to click-through to make sales enquiries or online purchases.

New T&M product guide - Keithley Instruments has released its 2008 Test and Measurement Product Guide. This handy product guide offers details and specifications on Keithley's general-purpose and sensitive sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF switching and measurement, data acquisition solutions, semiconductor test systems, and optoelectronics test hardware. Tutorials simplify choosing solutions for specific applications. To request a free copy go to Keithley's 2008 Test and Measurement Product Guide, visit their website.

Complete motor control kits with floating-point DSC - Technosoft announces the new MxK28335 DSP Motor Control Kits family based on the TMS320F28335 floating-point digital signal controller (DSC). From basic starter kits to most sophisticated professional kits with complete source code application examples and function libraries, these kits offer a wide range of excellent tools for the design of DSP-based motor control applications. The kits have a modular structure; you can easily upgrade from a simpler kit to a more powerful one, as your project's complexity requires it, by adding new software / hardware modules.

European sensor engineering team strengthened - Omron has brought Masashige Fukumoto to Munich (D) from the factory in Kurayoshi (J), to offer his design insights to European customers, and to assist in the development of customised solutions to address local applications. At the same time, it has appointed Andreas Barth, a touch sensor expert with a background in semiconductors and software development tools, as European touch sensor specialist. Both will work alongside Jens Vogt, market development manager - sensor products.

New turbine flowmeter website launched - Cox Instruments has announced the launch of a new website offering expanded product and application information for its precision turbine flowmeters and related flow electronics.

Vnet/IP unanimously accepted as IEC Standard - The Vnet/IP control network protocol for process automation developed by Yokogawa Electric Corporation has been unanimously accepted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a part of international standard IEC 61784-2 Ed.1.0.

New automotive sensor detects high intensity - The Automotive Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has released new Model 106M160 high intensity ICP® acoustic microphone, designed for measuring airbag deployment noise and total impulse of an inflation event occurring inside of an automotive cabin. The unit offers sensitivities of 79.8 mV/kPa (550 mV/psi); a measurement range of 189 dB (57.2 kPa); 96 dB (1.4 Pa) resolution; and frequency response of 0.05 Hz to 20 kHz filtered output, tailored to the human ear. It survives higher intensity signals, up to 216 dB, that would damage most condenser microphones beyond their 3% distortion limit.

Secure software! - MadgeTech has released their Secure Software, to aid in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. With high data and user security and traceability features, the MadgeTech Secure Software adheres to standards in which electronic files are considered equivalent to paper records. This advanced software incorporates features such as electronic signatures, access codes, secure data file, and audit trail.
See our 21 CFR Part 11 Page

"One-Core" technology powers next generation IS isolators - Product has the ability to utilise existing Ethernet structured wiring - Contemporary Controls' BAS Remote has been upgraded to support the Modbus/TCP protocol in addition to BACnet/IP. Any Modbus/TCP client can read the BAS Remote inputs and write the BAS Remote outputs. The BAS Remote also acts as a Modbus router. A Modbus/TCP client can also communicate with 2-wire Modbus-RTU or Modbus-ASII devices which are connected to the Modbus (MB) port of the BAS Remote.

Start-ups and research enterprises present trend-setting new developments - Analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology are key components in the range of exhibition sectors and themes at analytica 2008 (Munich (D): 1-4/4/2008). The world's leading trade fair for this sector has a special platform for showcasing their innovative potential. The InnovationsArea will allow some 40 companies and research organizations to present trend-setting exhibits that clearly document the rapid pace of progress in this industry. The Technology & Innovations Forum features free lectures for trade visitors on each day of the fair.

The New WINA Board President: Ian McPherson, Apprion Vice President: Dave Kaufman, Honeywell Vice President, Marketing & Communications: Steve Toteda, Dust Networks Secretary: John Jacobs, 3eTI Treasurer: Randy Klassen, OMINEX Past President: Hesh Kagan, Invensys

New team of leaders at industrial wireless body - The Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance, WINA, today announced the 2008 strategic leadership team elected to the Board of Directors. Serving as WINA President, Ian McPherson, will lead the organization in its efforts to develop and promote educational programs that communicate the benefits of industrial wireless.
Marketing & Communications VP Steve Toteda of Dust Networks was one of the speakers at the Pharmatex Conference (Wireless Track) in Cork last September.
Our Wireless Page

Number one environmental consultancy - RSK Group has acquired 130-person environmental consultancy and building materials authority STATS, further underlining its ambition to become Britain's number one company for "one-stop-shop" environmental support services.
It is the latest development in a strategic expansion programme that saw RSK acquire six companies in 2007 and 'building envelope' consultancy and testing company Building Sciences earlier this month!

Selling the cool! - Control's Managing Editor, Nancy Bartels, suggests we talk to the same folks who sell the kids cereal, skateboards, video games and other cool products. They're the ones who understand how to reach this demographic and convince them that something is "cool" - even a career in automation.

"One-Core" technology powers next generation IS isolators - MTL has introduced its next generation intrinsic safety isolators using its innovative "One-Core" technology. Intrinsic Safety (IS) interface specialists MTL are introducing two new IS isolator ranges that will meet the vast majority of current and future user applications. The backplane mounted MTL4500 and DIN-rail mounted MTL5500 series represent the next-generation in IS isolator design. Both ranges are unique, being based on a proprietary "One-Core" technology that makes for the extensive use of automation in manufacture. This ensures the highest quality and availability whilst maintaining maximum flexibility at lowest cost.

Avoid rising costs of helium leak detection - Industrial equipment manufacturers and their suppliers contending with skyrocketing helium costs can now obtain gratis assessments by InterTech Development Company's Testing Applications Laboratory on whether helium leak test methods can be replaced by customized mass flow leak test methods without sacrificing accuracy. This service is especially geared to help identify applications with leak test requirements in the 0.01 sccm range and for leak testing heat exchangers such as radiators that can be successfully handled by expert techniques applying mass flow leak test methods.

High performance, preconfigured industrial wireless I/O - Westermo Data Communications has released a new range of compact wireless I/O modules to provide unidirectional communications over long distances and in demanding industrial applications. The RM-105L single I/O radios are available individually or as matched "ready to install" pairs, with either dipole or whip antennae. The units are preconfigured and therefore can be installed without the requirement for a laptop or programming tools. Simply by pressing a button on the receiver unit it is possible to create a wireless I/O link.

New website launched - Emerson Network Power, global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™, has launched a new website that is dedicated to embedded power conversion products. The website brings the company's Astec and Artesyn product brands together for the first time, making it home to one of the largest portfolios of ac-dc power supplies and dc-dc converters in the world.

Technology leadership award announced - CyboSoft has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the recipient of its 2007 North America Technology Leadership Award in the field of Industrial Automation. The award recognizes CyboSoft for the outstanding performance and technological advances of its patented Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) Control technology.

New generation PAC controllers - HardwarePT, a division within SolutionsPT has announced it is now marketing and providing full technical support for Advantech's latest generation of PAC controllers - designated ADAM-5550KW. This robust series allows users to build complex systems with advanced control, communication, data logging, and signal processing capabilities.
Solutions PT advertise Wonderware on our Home Page.

NASA contract for advanced static analysis technology - GrammaTech has been awarded an additional $600,000 to an existing NASA contract for developing advanced static-analysis technology. The new NASA-funded technology will advance the state-of-the-art in static-analysis testing of high-assurance software and help NASA increase software reliability.

Switch resource - The Abacus Group is enhancing its European switch capabilities with the establishment of "Abacus Switch" as a pan-European switch design resource, supported by more than 30 specialists and by twenty of the world's top manufacturers.

Standardise your control systems documentation - Control System Documentation: Applying Symbols and Identification, 2nd Edition improves communications by providing standardization of control systems symbols and identifications.
Ideal for engineers, managers, salespeople, technicians, and students, this book brings together in one place most of the symbols and identifiers that are related to instrumentation, subjects them to objectively critical review, and gives practical examples of their application in the form of sample P&IDs and numerous examples of symbols and tagging concepts.

Fire protection technology for the valve actuators in Russsian plant - Intertec is supplying over 100 fire protection cabinets to support Emerson Process Management's instrumentation solution for the new hydrocracker complex at the Kirishi oil refinery near St Petersburg (R). The cabinets will provide the valve actuators with a minimum of 30 minutes of protection against fire, so that the plant's emergency shut down systems and services can quickly isolate and minimise damage, to protect employees, assets and environment.

Low profile, high speed rotary stage provides solution for compact positioning spindle applications - Aerotech has released a new low profile, high speed rotary stage that offers a compact alternative to traditional positioning spindles. Capable of a top speed of 2500 rpm and with a fundamental angular resolution of 3.6 arc-sec, the ADRH 100 features backlash and cog free, direct-drive servo motor technology with a directly coupled precision encoder for excellent servo bandwidth and maximum stiffness.

Wireless: slow burn or big bang - That is the arresting title of Patrick Raleigh's item in January's Process Engineering following last month's launch of the Emerson smart wireless architecture in Vienna last month.
See our report Emerson Process Management turbowaltzes wirelessly in Vienna!

Test tools catalogue available now - Fluke has announced the availability of its 2008 Test Tools Catalogue. The free, 116 page, full-colour catalogue contains the latest information about the continuously expanding line of rugged and reliable Fluke test tools, together with useful application articles of interest to engineers, technicians and troubleshooters. A free copy may be requested via the Web site.

Connector module includes 12 crimp contacts for power and signal transmission - The Han® Q 12/0 from Harting is an industrial connector module incorporating 12 crimp contacts, allowing power and signal connections to be combined in a single compact unit.

Transducer measures tension and compression forces in confined spaces - For applications when space is limited, such as fluid power transfer, hydraulic piston monitoring or structural development tests, then the Model 3124 from RDP Electronics Ltd could prove the answer.

Conduction-cooled VME dual PMC/XMC SBC, 1.5 GHz Intel core 2 duo - For harsh operating environments Concurrent Technologies introduces a VME64 single board computer supporting a dual-core processor, IEEE 1101.2 conduction-cooling and dual PMC/XMC sites. The single-slot VP 417/031-RC uses the mobile dual core processor and server chipset from the Intel embedded roadmap - combining the performance of the 1.5 GHz Intel(R) Core™ 2 Duo processor with the Intel(R) E7520 server class chipset interfacing with up to 4 Gbytes of soldered DDR2 ECC SDRAM at up to 6.4 Gbytes/s.

New key lock switch saves panel space - Lorlin Electronics has added a new model to their range of key lock switches. The SKL miniature key operated lock switch has a barrel diameter of just 12mm making it ideal for small control panel applications such as vending machines and office equipment. This key lock switch offers a single pole AO single throw action and has contacts rated at 24V AD or DC at 0.5A. The switch has a minimum life expectancy of greater than 20,000 operations and is finished in bright chrome with a stainless steel capped bezel. The nickel-plated brass keys operate a radial cylinder with four pin tumblers and may be inserted and removed in locked and unlocked positions as required.

Partnership and rebranding deal - SyTech has announced a partnership with ELUTIONS to re-brand its flagship product XLReporter as Excel Reporter. The product provides the key layer of technology that enables automatic, background report generation using MS Office Excel. Excel Reporter is fully compatible with MS Vista and all other Windows operating systems. Support for the Office Excel family has been extended to Excel 2007 using the new Office Fluent user interface.

Detect O2 presence and levels in medical and pharmaceutical applications - To accurately measure oxygen in packaging and other enclosed containers, Ocean Optics has introduced the RedEye™ Oxygen Patch. Using a combination of proprietary sensing material and optical sensing technologies the non-invasive patch enables quick readings of the presence or absence of oxygen, as well as provides quantitative measurements. Accurate measurement of oxygen concentration can have critical implications in medical and pharmaceutical applications-it can assure patient safety in point of care analysis and respiratory settings or indicate a sterile seal on surgical instruments and drug packaging

Addition to range of spectrometers to be launched - A2 Technologies, the innovator and manufacturer of portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers will showcase an exciting new addition to its innovative new range of FTIR spectrometers at PITTCON 2008, (New Orleans LA US: 2-7/3/2008). Further extending its range of portable FTIR spectrometers, A2 Technologies will be launching a revolutionary handheld portable FTIR spectrometer specifically designed for field-based surface analysis applications.

Technology helps to reduce footprint, and cut programming time to just 2 weeks - Ethernet-compatible Powerlink motion and machine control hardware is at the heart of an innovative new automatic cell for manufacturing tubular automotive parts, developed by Unison. The Powerlink system controls four axes of motion, plus the I/O needed for the continuous operation of the process, and made a major contribution to the rapid development of the cell, and its exceptionally small footprint. The tube-bending and end-forming processes, and general operational control of the cell, are handled by the Powerlink system, based on the NextMove e100 machine controller from Baldor.

Supporting development of energy efficient designs for a sustainable future - Recognising the growing importance of energy efficient products and design, Farnell has enhanced its range of products and online technical resources in this area in order to support design engineers in developing end-to-end energy efficient solutions. The increased emphasis has seen the addition of over 3,500 new product lines from leading suppliers and innovators in energy efficient technology including TI, Maxim, International Rectifier, and Analogue Linear Devices.

One in a hundred! - FORTUNE magazine has released its annual ranking of the US's top 100 companies to work for, listing Austin (TX US) - based National Instruments as number 79. This is the ninth consecutive year National Instruments has made this '100 Best Companies to Work For' list. The annual survey polls employees from companies nationwide about the quality of their corporate cultures.

New operator interface panel - Nematron Europe has released the PowerView 8000 Operator Interface Terminal. This hardware builds on the successful PowerView 500 platform and brings PC like expansion to Operator Interface Terminal applications. Focusing on the growth in small system expansion needs, the PowerView 8000 is a veritable Goliath.

Global distribution agreement - Digi-Key Corporation and Wurth Electronics Midcom, have just announced that the companies have signed a global distribution agreement. Wurth Electronics manufactures passive components for automotive, industry, and telecom applications.

Pneumatic valves switch to piezo - Hoerbiger-Origa has updated its pneumatic switching and regulating valves with several new versions added to the existing range; pilot-operated, in-line and manifold directional control, and NAMUR Interface. The range is actuated by a new 'P8' piezo pneumatic pilot valve, which offers a number of advantages over conventional solenoid control.

Leak detection and repair symposium - The ISA's 8th Annual Fugitive Emissions - LDAR Training and Symposium is sceduled for San Antonio (TX US; 1st April 2008).This event will bring focus to the business of compliance in today's complex leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements, methods and management. Industry experts in leak detection and repair will discuss real-world implementation, improvement, and optimization of LDAR programs.

Multimedia CD-ROM introduces automated calibration solution step-by-step - The Beamex® Integrated Calibration Solution improves the quality and efficiency of the entire calibration system through faster, smarter and more accurate management of all calibration assets and procedures. Beamex calibrators, workstations, calibration software and professional services form the most integrated, automated calibration system available. Now the company has released a Multimedia CD-ROM that introduces their integrated calibration solution step-by-step. calibration process.

Camera coverage extended - XenICs, Europe's leading developer of innovative infrared image sensors, has developed a special chip thinning technology for extending the coverage of its proven SWIR cameras XEVA and XS into the visible realm. Both camera models can now capture a total wavelength area of 0.4 µm to 1.7 µm. These extended, innovative optical features are based on the removal of the InP substrate from the thermoelectrically cooled InGaAs sensor array. Instead of 125 µm, as in the standard layout, the new chip, after removing the InP substrate, now is only 5 µm thick.

Controllers now support electronic camming - Control Technology has released a new version of QuickBuilder™ software for Control Technology's Model 5300 line of controllers. This new version supports precision electronic camming motion, enabling designers to replace mechanical cams with servo axes that provide more precise and flexible machine control. This new feature supports position-based cams as well as time-based splines on Model 5300 motion modules.

Access to advances in the science and engineering of measurement and automation - Being an ISA Member just got more valuable! Every ISA Member now gets free online access to ISA Transactions, a leading and respected quarterly journal covering the latest advances in the science and engineering of measurement and automation.
Covering the entire breadth of measurement and automation topics featuring techniques and products, ISA Transactions keeps research and development personnel from academe and industry up to date with the most recent developments in analysis, design, application, and tutorial.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice, ISA Transactions delivers simplicity of technique, credible demonstration, fundamental grounding, and connectivity to the state-of-the-art in the areas of measurement and automation.

New connector developments for rail applications - At Infrarail 2008 (Birmingham GB: 11-13/3/2008), the Harting Technology Group is featuring a broad range of interconnection solutions for the modern rail industry, including connectors for power and signal transmission as well as industrial Ethernet components to support new networking technologies.

Serving the North of England - Trident Exhibitions has announced details of the next Instrumentation North exhibition in Leeds (GB: 9-10/4/2008). This event is part of their industry-leading Instrumentation series of regional shows for the latest in test, measurement, data acquisition and control instrumentation. The other events are Instrumentation Scotland & Offshore Systems, Aberdeen (3-4/9/2008) and Instrumentation South and the co-located Displays Technology South, taking place in Reading (7-8/10/2008).

Service provider selected for new industrial cyber security tool - Wurldtech™ Security Technologies, a leading provider of cyber-security solutions to SCADA, process-control and critical infrastructure worldwide, has been named by ISA as an approved service provider to support users of the newly launched Control Systems Cyber Security Self Assessment Tool (CS2SAT).

Paper call! - The 2008 WBF European Conference (Barcelona ES: 10-11/11/2008) have now issued a paper call. This year's conference theme, Bridging the Divide between IT and Manufacturing, is intended to provide attendees with insight into topics such as ISA88, ISA95/B2M Integration, and ISA99; production business process modeling; production related to KPIs; Product Lifecycle Management; lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and production automation; Service Oriented Architecture (SOA); and the human and organizational aspects of MES.

Training body decides on demonstration standard - Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, announced today that it was selected by the OPC Training Institute as their preferred demonstration product for use in OPC hands-on training workshops.
The latest generation of Kepware's OPC server technology, KEPServerEX, was designed to allow users to quickly setup communications from equipment to control and business systems via a wide range of available "plug-in" device drivers and components. The OPC Training Institute (OPCTI) will use these OPC products and technology in their training classes and webinars, especially when demonstrating OPC server functionality and device connectivity.

"Where Brands Perform" is the theme of new 1000-plus page reference book - Leading cable solutions provider, Lapp Group, announces the publication of its 2008 main product catalogue, a 1000-plus page cable reference book that will find wide interest among users of all types of cables and cable accessories. The new catalogue, which has the theme "Where Brands Perform", provides comprehensive details about every Lapp product including full technical data, applications information and ordering criteria. The new catalogue features many new products including a control cable for use in very cold environments, a new rubber sheathed cable designed to withstand the twisting associated with wind turbines and a cable for roof to cellar solar panel applications.

Energy efficient and space saving DC UPS - PULS UK announces launch of an energy efficient and space saving DC UPS for industrial control systems. The UB10.245 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) controller works alongside any standard 24VDC power supply or power bus and with one 12V battery can provide no-break power and protect against voltage fluctuations. The UB10.245 UPS features two outputs, 24VDC for control systems, valves etc. and 12VDC for modems, remote telemetry or control networks. The 12VDC secondary output is generated by a high efficiency DC:DC converter within the UPS.

New CENELEC President elected! - Dietmar Harting, personally liable partner of Harting KGaA, Honorary President of the ZVEI (German Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers' Association), DIN President and DKE Chairman (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE), was elected President of CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation last December. He follows Dr. Ulrich Spindler of Möller Holding GmbH, Dietmar Harting is the second German President in succession.

Ethernet Value Proposition at the Device Level Shifting from Openness to Commonality - Industrial Ethernet's migration into the device or I/O level of the automation network hierarchy signals its continued march downward in the enterprise architecture. The worldwide market for Ethernet-based devices and I/O is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.5% over the next five years. The market size totaled over 1 million nodes in 2007 and is forecast to increase to over 3 million nodes by 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, "Ethernet-based Device Networks Worldwide Outlook."

Individually configurable temperature transmitter - With the FlexTop series, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers configurable temperature transmitters communicating either with a standard 4 to 20 mA output, a HART or a Profibus PA interface. The devices are suitable for the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical and biological technologies, chemical and petrochemical industry as well as for heating, ventilation and air condition applications.

High Efficiency USB Power Manager & Li-Ion Battery Charger Delivers 700mA to System Load from USB and OV Protection - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4098, an autonomous high efficiency power manager, ideal diode controller and battery charger for portable USB powered devices such as media players, digital cameras, PDAs, personal navigators and smart phones.

New US office will support expanding North American client base - Invetech has opened a new 15,000 square foot facility in San Diego, California to support the expansion of its client base in North America.

Fastest spectrometer yet! - For applications that monitor high-speed chemical and biochemical reactions, Ocean Optics has produced its fastest spectrometer ever. The USB2000+ Miniature Fiber Optics Spectrometer can transfer 1000 scans per second into memory when connected to a computer via the high-speed USB 2.0 port. The spectrometer can measure optical properties within a wavelength band of 200 - 1100 nm. It can be equipped with a custom selected fixed grating which disperses the light to the 2048-element CCD array detector, producing results at a resolution to 0.35nm (FWHM - Full Width at Half Maximum - a measure of image sharpness).

Exporters link into open comms - As the strongest fieldbus protocol in Asia, CC-Link, has over 850 compatible products made by partner companies, and approaching 4,000,000 installed nodes. So European control companies, OEMs and machine builders need to have CC-Link capabilities if they are serious about exporting to the world's fastest growing manufacturing region.

SQL Export Utility for materials test and control software - Lloyd Instruments has introduced an SQL export utility which can be added to its powerful NEXYGENPlus materials test and control software. The new utility allows the automatic export of data from tests run using NEXYGENPlus to an SQL database. NEXYGENPlus may be used with any of the company's 'Plus' range of materials testing machines (1kN-150kN).

Industrial Cyber Security Now! - WBF's webcast Industrial Cyber Security Now! (20th Feb 2008) features presenters Bryan Singer and Eric Cosman show that cyber security for industrial automation does not have to be an arduous and confusing task and there are solid and performance driven mechanisms by which security can be evaluated, implemented, and improved.
Industrial Cyber Security continues to be an emerging challenge for automation and process control users. With awareness of vulnerabilities on the rise, upward trends in incidents, and increasing attention from governmental legislative bodies, insurance companies, and industry regulators, today's automation customer is being asked to perform tasks and report results on a discipline that is often quite confusing to those involved. The ISA99 standard has recently completed two important works on this subject, with another document due very soon, and continuing work that is breaking new ground and changing industry. This session will discuss the current state of the standard, what guidance is available, what it means to industry, and how to go about implementing these documents within your environment.
See also our Cyber Security Page

Temperature Transmitter Market to Reach $386 Million by 2012 - Driven by a stronger emphasis on plant asset management (PAM) and safety applications, the worldwide market for temperature transmitters is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over the next five years. The market was $281 million in 2007 and is forecasted to be over $386 million in 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, Temperature Transmitter Worldwide Outlook.

Wireless discrete transmitter introduced - Emerson Process Management has expanded its Smart Wireless solutions family with release of the Rosemount 702 Discrete Wireless Transmitter. Most process plants have hundreds or even thousands of discrete points that are not connected to the control system due to the high cost of wiring. As a result, users are not able to access valuable data about the performance and safety of their plant. This unit installs and commissions quickly, and provides users with a cost-effective way to access this information.

Choosing the right industrial wireless network - Implementing wireless technology in your industrial facility is a strategic choice with many aspects to consider. This white paper, from Control and Honeywell, discusses topics such as security, functionality, applications, and scalability; and addresses questions to think about as you make the decision to implement wireless technology.

Compact panel poyentiometer - Vishay Intertechnology has announced a new long-life, compact panel potentiometer with a high 2-W power rating, low temperature coefficient, and high operating torque. This device Offers High 2-W Power Rating at 70°C, High Operating Torque of 4.25 Oz-Inch, and Cermet Resistive Element For Greater Reliability and Robustness in Industrial Control Applications

High speed IR linescanner for process noncontact temperature measurement - Raytek has a new MP150 High Speed Infrared Linescanner. This exciting new product provides the fastest and most complete noncontact temperature measurement solution on the market today, specifically designed for modern, high-speed manufacturing processes.

Commitment to security compliance - Wurldtech™ Security Technologies, a leading provider of cyber-security solutions to SCADA, process-control and critical infrastructure industries worldwide, is proud to announce it has become a Technical Member of the ISA Security Compliance Institute, an organization of industrial technology vendors and end-users dedicated to establishing specifications and processes for testing and certifying control systems products.

Wolves at the Security House Door(s) - In the December issue of Control, Eric Byres discussed the flaws in the "bastion" model of cyber security. Savvy IT departments don't use this one-firewall-fits-all model for the total corporate intranet, much less for the plant floor or the control room. It provides a dangerous single point of failure that just begs the hacker to get breach it, and once it has been broken through, it leaves the entire system vulnerable.
See also our Cyber Security Page

User's Conference - ExperTune and TiPS have announced their 2008 User's Conference, themed "Common Sense Automation". The conference will be held April 23-25, in Houston, (TX US) and offers training, case studies, and roundtables, including a host of notable speakers. The conference will focus on delivering actionable strategies to corporate and plant-based process control engineers, technicians, and managers.

PROFIBUS: A POCKET GUIDE Ron Mitchell PROFIBUS: A Pocket Guide provides a basic overview of ProfiBus operations, installation and configuration, wiring schemes, troubleshooting, and tips and tricks. Also useful for engineering management seeking a summary understanding of PROFIBUS. Illustrative figures and technical tips are provided for quick reference.

Missed the Symposium? - The 2007 OMAC Integration and Interoperability Symposium, held last November have now put the presentations, summary report, and picture gallery online. This is your opportunity to review the presentations you attended at the symposium or if you weren't able to attend, check out what you missed!

Rugged Flat Panel Monitors - Reaffirming the company's position as a leader in the development of robust display solutions for deployment in difficult environments, Computer Dynamics, part of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the SeaBrite™ family of flat panel monitors. Resistant to shock and vibration, and designed to fulfill the demanding requirements of the marine industry for reliability with their wide operating temperature range and rugged, anti-corrosion mechanical design to provide optimum operability, SeaBrite monitors are available in a remarkably wide range of nine screen sizes from 8.4 inch through 23.1 inch. Typical applications include radar / ARPA systems, navigation / ECDIS systems, automatic identification systems (AIS), monitoring / surveillance systems, and yacht / ship automation.

FM approvals allow the tough, rugged I/O system to be used virtually everywhere - The NCS (NET Concentrator System®) industrial I/O system from Moore Industries "The best BGA test socket in the world" - Cascade Microtech today announced that it has won a Global Technology Award for its Grypper(TM) ball grid array (BGA) test socket. Sponsored by Global SMT & Packaging magazine, the awards were delivered at Productronica in Munich last month to surface mount technology providers worldwide.

Technical resources now reach more - ISA has announced that it has partnered with Knovel Corporation to provide ISA content to subscribers of Knovel's online technical reference collection.

It can take just 30 seconds to find the perfect connector - To make it easy for customers to quickly specify the most suitable product for their application, Lapp has introduced a connector finding facility called "Connector Selector". According to Lapp,s Matt Ansell, this online facility is the first of its kind and joins the "Cable Selector" facility introduced earlier this year when the company announced its remodelled website.

Hybrid connector handles both Ethernet and power - The new Harting PushPull Hybrid connector integrates Ethernet and power connections into a single compact unit for ease of installation in industrial machines.

Automotive-grade Hall-effect linear current sensors offer high accuracy - The new ACS714 and ACS715 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe are a range of automotive-grade Hall-effect linear current sensors combining high accuracy with excellent voltage isolation. The new devices are designed to provide economical and precise sensing solutions for AC and DC currents in automotive applications such as motor control, load detection and management, switched-mode power supply control, and overcurrent fault protection.

Learn about RFID! - Abhisam Software have announced an absolutely free e-learning course on RFID technology. This course explains the basics of RFID technology without going into too much of jargon and can be downloaded by anybody, without any restrictions. Unlike some of the other such "free" courses, this is a fully functional course with rich graphics, Flash videos and animations and interactive exercises. It is not a tired rehashed Power Point presentation, nor a "text -only" bookish course.
RFID means "Radio Frequency Identification Technology."
Abhisam Software support the Signpost with an advert on our Safety Page

Software package provides test and simulation for CAN/FMS systems - The PCAN-FMS Toolkit from Computer Solutions is a new software package designed to carry out test and simulation functions on the CAN Bus Fleet Management System (FMS) protocols used by truck and bus manufacturers.

Screw-in probe for testing wire harnesses and connectors - New from Peak Test Services, the P205/G Series is a range of screw-in test probes for testing wire harnesses and connectors.

"Three-Component Dynamic Force Sensors" - PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has announced the release of a new capabilities brochure, entitled, "Three-component Dynamic Force Sensors." The brochure highlights specific sensors and instrumentation for force limited vibration testing; measuring input forces for modal analysis and structural testing; assessing biomechanical ability; monitoring cutting tool forces; studying machine and engine mounts for imbalance or noise; and recording impact forces during drop and crash testing.

More about flow - Flow Research have updated their Flow CD to include recently published articles, along with updated overviews of their more recent studies. Updated versions of this invaluable resource my be ordered from the website.

Fluid-free pressure transmitters - Gefran's new IMPACT series fluid-free pressure transmitters are designed for use in high temperature environments of up to 350°C for applications such as melt pressure feedback on plastic extruders used in food and medical industries. With no mercury or oil filling, the RohS compliant range uses latest MEMS technology to produce a silicon on insulator (SOI) sensing element that allows a process contact membrane of up to 15 times the thickness of traditional melt pressure sensors.

New parallel test and parametric die sort features for higher throughput - Keithley Instruments has announced the availability of ACS (Automated Characterization Suite) V3.2 software for semiconductor test and characterization at the device, wafer, and cassette level. Version 3.2 further enhances the powerful automation capabilities of ACS integrated test systems by adding more powerful multi-site parallel test capabilities, results binning for die sort applications, new wafer level plotting capabilities, and support for their new Models 2635 and 2636 System SourceMeter® instruments with 1fA current measurement resolution.

Sound and vibration tools for interactive, configurable data acquisition and analysis - National Instruments has announced the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite Version 6.0 and the newest 16-channel data acquisition module for sound and vibration, the NI PXI-4495. The Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 6.0 is the most comprehensive National Instruments collection of analysis and signal processing tools for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); machine condition monitoring (MCM); and audio test applications.

Flawless start-up - Invensys Process Systems recently celebrated the flawless startup of a comprehensive enterprise control system at the ExxonMobil Port Allen Lubricants Plant in Louisiana. The InFusion-based system makes extensive use of Microsoft.NET and other advanced technologies to provide functional integration from the plant's SAP enterprise resource planning system (inventory, order/shipments, etc.), through batch process control, and on to final packaging and shipping operations.

Breather for enclosure - Cinch Connectors has introduced a breather option for the ModICE Modular Integrated Connector Enclosure system. Ideal for designs in the commercial vehicle market such as On Highway, Agricultural, Construction and Recreational applications, the ModICE is manufactured for performance and quality with an emphasis on satisfying the needs of today's rugged sealed connector enclosures.

Gauntlet thrown down for power controllers - Eurotherm has thrown down the gauntlet to other power controller suppliers with the launch of its new range of EPower Controllers. From the hardware to the software, every part of EPower Controller design has been driven to meet today's three fundamental customer requirements: flexibility, efficiency and peace of mind.

High efficiency 50Watt and 100Watt external ac-dc power adapters - : Emerson Network Power has launched two new series of high efficiency external ac-dc power adapters. These latest additions to the company's rapidly-expanding portfolio of Astec ac-dc power adapters produce fully regulated outputs, and feature a universal 90-264 Vac input, enabling them to be used anywhere in the world. The new 50 watt AD50 series power adapters produce a single 12 V output and can deliver up to 4.16 A continuously, while the new 100 watt AD100 series models produce a single 48 V output and can deliver up to 2.08 A continuously.

Flow meters and flow controller compoany sold! - Emerson has sold its Brooks Instrument unit on December 31, 2007, to American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV, L.P. (AIP) for approximately $100 million in cash. AIP is a private equity investment firm that applies an operational approach to building and improving middle-market companies.

New DIN rail mounting fully isolated strain gauge amplifier for industrial applications - Measurement specialists RDP Electronics have introduced a new DR7DC strain gauge amplifier. Fully isolated, the DIN rail mounted DR7DC is designed for simple integration into industrial systems, avoiding potential earth loop noise problems and is fully compliant with European Directives and regulations for EMC and electrical safety. Using well-proven space-saving surface mount electronic circuitry the DR7DC should offer many years of reliable service.

Users choose the best products and finest service - For 16 years, Control magazine has produced the only unaided product poll in the process automation market. Yet again, this comprehensive list of the selections their readers have made are now available.

Testers meet the latest revisions to the IET Code of Practice - Fluke has announced that its 6200 and 6500 Portable Appliance Testers (PAT) feature all the required tests necessary to comply with revisions to the IET Code of Practice which come into force in 2008. The two, rugged, all-in-one Fluke PAT Testers verify the electrical safety and operation of electrical appliances. Designed with ease-of-use as the primary consideration, they satisfy the requirements of contract testing businesses of all sizes. Designed for very high throughput, the Fluke 6500 Portable Appliance Tester is a fully automatic PAT tester with pre-set and user-programmable test sequences and professional test modes. The Fluke 6200 PAT Tester greatly simplifies manual testing by incorporating a dedicated key for each test sequence, and provides a cost-effective solution for lower volume requirements.

Easily serviceable stations for hazardous areas - Easy serviceability was one of R. Stahl HMI Systems' major design goals in developing its Open HMI series of panel PCs. These units enable very comfortable maintenance on location, since the enclosure may be opened right within the hazardous area to allow for a selective replacement of specific modules.

British distribution network beefed up - Carlo Gavazzi UK is improving the service it provides to its end customers in the east of England with the appointment of Greenbrook Electrical Ltd to its 1st Choice distribution network.

Intelligent optimisation tool makes design perfection an achievable reality for all electromagnetic equipment - A new intelligent design optimisation tool for Vector Fields' electromagnetic modelling and simulation software will automatically find the best solution to a design problem, even if a user specifies several or even competing objectives. Auto-optimisation tools are not new, but they usually require manual intervention if the globally-optimal solution is to be found, and the simulation times involved often make such a process impractical. This new intelligent tool - Optimizer - automatically selects and manages multiple goal-seeking algorithms to eliminate the need for manual intervention, and to make optimisation feasible in virtually all design cases.

USB-controlled RMS RF power meter - National Instruments has announced the company's first USB-controlled true RMS RF power meter, which provides a highly flexible solution for automated test, measurement and monitoring applications in a small footprint.

Carbon nanotube tool innovator names Director of Sales and Marketing - Surrey NanoSystems has appointed Duncan Cooper as its Director of Sales and Marketing. With 25 years' experience in semiconductor industry, he brings a wealth of know-how to the young company as its new breed of tools for growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at low temperatures moves from R&D labs to commercial fabrication.

Contract development services on show! - Invetech will be showcasing its entire integrated contract development and manufacturing services at LabAutomation, (26-30 January 2008: Palm Springs, CA US). In addition, Invetech are also sponsors of the show.

New web portal - Analytical Technology (ATi) has recently launched a new, easy-to-use website. Containing information on the full portfolio of ATi's water and gas monitors as well as support information, the new website has been created to provide their customers with the knowledge they need to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Top ADC and DAC module goes industrial - In response to popular industrial demand for its power-house DAQ module, Sundance Multiprocessor Technology have created a new version of the best-selling SMT370, reengineered into an industrial variant.

Direct-drive goniometer stages provide the speed, stability and angular positioning precision for high throughput production - Aerotech's ANT-20G goniometer stages provide a compact, high speed and high throughput solution for single or multi-axis angular positioning and alignment applications where free access is required at the central point of rotation. Aimed at the optical component industry and also suited to large scale laser and X-ray diffractometry systems, the range features a unique curvilinear direct-drive brushless servo motor that provides cog-free smoothness, solid in-position stability and zero backlash performance.

New guy for sales and applications team for South of England - Gefran UK Ltd, the British subsidiary of Gefran SPA, the Italian sensor, motion control, automation components and systems manufacturer, has strengthened its sales and applications team with the appointment of Jon Bawden as its new Area Sales Engineer primarily responsible for customers the South of England.

Upgrade for major Norwegian gas treatment plant - Hima-Sella has been awarded an £6m contract to renew some of the major safety equipment at the Karsto gas plant in southern Norway. The contract is awarded by StatoilHydro on behalf of operator, Gassco. StatoilHydro is assisted by MW Kellogg as the EPCA contractor on the project, as it has been on three previous expansions at this facility. This work follows on from a #1m contract successfully completed in 2004. Major work should be finished in 2010 with the project scheduled for completion in 2012.

Swedish test equipment provider joins electrical power instrument group - Electrical test and measurement equipment manufacturer Programma Electric AB has joined the Megger Group, the global supplier of instruments for electrical power applications. Programma was previously part of GE Energy.

Cyber security standard and report - A new US National Standard (ANSI/ISA-99.00.01-2007) and an update of a widely used technical report on cyber security technologies (ANSI/ISA-TR99.00.01-2007) have been published by and are available from ISA at a cost of $115.00 each.
Since the beginning of 2007 all ISA standards are available free to members.

Collaboration to improve manufacturing productivity and competitiveness - The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to begin formal collaboration discussions focused on the identification of projects and opportunities to improve manufacturing productivity and competitiveness.

Digital DC drives provide a modular solution for high performance industrial automation - Gefran's SieiDrive TPD32 Digital DC Drives combine a wide range of power ratings and an integrated field regulator for maximum flexibility with optimal control and efficiency. A comprehensive selection of optional functions, fieldbus interfaces and application packages are available to provide a competitive and modular high performance solution for demanding industrial speed and position control applications. Automation applications covered by the CE, UL and cUL approved range includes conveyor drives, converting and extruding machinery, machine tools, packaging machinery, wire drawing, punch presses and rolling mills.

Simultaneous LCD & video output for handheld devices - Handheld product developers can now add simultaneous video output without sacrificing battery lifetime or burdening the host application processor. The solution - developed by QuickLogic and Chrontel - has already been adopted by a leading smart phone manufacturer and may be customised easily to match a wide range of design needs required by other adopters.

T&M news - Many years ago - sometime in the past twelve! - we drew visitors attention to the Besttest site where they had - and still mantain - a large list of T&M instrument suppliers. They also produce a bi-monthly newsletter and the January 2008 Besttest Newsletter has just arrived at our mailbox. Maybe you should be on their mailing list!
It along with many other interesting periodicals are listed on our Publications Pages.

Safety & instrumentation - The Safety Control and Instrumentation Systems Conference, organised by IDC Technologies and scheduled for Singapore (12/13 March'08), will focus on delegates being active participants throughout the 2 days. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in interactive discussions and interviews with all presenters. The aim of this interaction is to avoid the dialogue and one-way presentation style formats that so often occur.