Flight test instrumentation master class - Show organizers of Aerospace Testing, Design & Manufacturing Expo Munich, in cooperation with PCB Piezotronics Aerospace & Defense division, are offering a 2-hour, reservation-only master class, "What Every Data User Needs to Know about Flight Test Instrumentation Systems", facilitated by Dr. Patrick Walter, Professor of Engineering, Texas Christian University, and Senior Measurement Specialist, PCB Piezotronics. The Master Class will be held during Aerospace Testing, Manufacturing & Design Expo Europe, which runs from April 15-17, 2008 in Munich (D).

Calibration service extended - Kistler Instruments is extending its British calibration service to users of pressure transducers and gauges from other manufacturers. Until now, their UKAS accredited laboratory has focused it's calibration services on their own make pressure sensors but is now able to offer its services for all makes and types of gas and hydraulic pressure transducers and gauges together with associated signal conditioning equipment.

Improved performance from temperature calibrators - Ametek Calibration Instruments has announced that its range of Jofra ITC dry block temperature calibrators now offers improved accuracy, stability and radial homogeneity (temperature variation between holes on the multi-hole inserts). This range features 3 models covering temperature ranges -23 to +155°C (ITC-155), +33 to +320°C (ITC-320) and +33 to +650°C (ITC-650).

News of standards and standard development! - Standards e-News is a periodic report on the latest developments in the world of automation standards from ISA, the Instruments systems and automation society.
See also our Standards Page

Sealed version of linear motor driven gantry system - Aerotech has introduced a sealed version of its AGS series linear motor driven, X-Y gantry system. The innovative design is aimed at applications where process produced debris or environmental conditions may inhibit performance of bearings and linear motors or compromise sensitive measuring components. The complete system would typically include all drive and control electronics, cable management and customer supplied services, granite or composite machine base, and operator interface.

Strategic planning session planned! - The Automation Federation Board of Directors will engage in its third annual strategic planning session in April to discuss the accomplishments, developments, and future plans of the umbrella organization. The Federation members WBF, OMAC, WINA and ISA have been focused on the critical industry issue of workforce development, and The Federation has started to establish a strong footprint on Capitol Hill as the voice of automation.

Camera range - Firstsight Vision is now offering the recently announced C3 range of CCD digital cameras from JAI. This family of cameras is based on JAI's new Core Camera Concept (C3), featuring, Advanced, Basic and Compact models. The common design philosophy means that all models are available with GigE Vision interfaces, making it very easy to switch from one camera to another to meet specific application and work environment needs without changing cabling or software. All C3 cameras share the same control and configuration methods for easy integration. This approach fits perfectly with Firstsight Vision's aim to provide the best vision technology for OEM's and Integrators. Some models are also available with CameraLink or Mini-CL interfaces.

Addressing energy conservation management applications - Wonderware has announced the integration of i.LON SmartServer from Echelon with Wonderware System Platform 3.0 software. Echelon worked in conjunction with Munich Software in Germany to develop a technology interface. The interface enables the Wonderware and Echelon applications to work in conjunction to address energy conservation management activities across a wide range of commercial and industrial facilities. The integration of i.LON SmartServer with the Wonderware System Platform 3.0 delivers a single software platform for real-time operations management functions. It enables customers to achieve energy savings, -improved safety and reduced maintenance costs.
Wonderware Ireland support the Signpost with an advert on our Home Page

28/2/2008

Health check program for operators of global critical infrastructure - Wurldtech™ Security Technologies has launched the Achilles™ Industrial Cyber-Security Health Check program. The Achilles™ Health Check is designed to provide a quick assessment of current cyber-security readiness according to industry leading methodology and recommended practices in addition to providing a blueprint for future security implementations.

Two new controller ICs for intermediate bus converter (IBC) applications - Vishay Intertechnology has announced two new controller ICs for intermediate bus converter (IBC) applications that are the first such single-chip devices on the market to integrate high-voltage (75-V) half-bridge MOSFET drivers with a 1.6-A peak current driving capability, as well as a full range of current monitoring and control features.

New international product manager appointed - Meech International has appointed David Rogers as International Product Manager for its comprehensive range of industrial static control solutions. No stranger to Meech and many of its customers, David has been working at the company for the past 13 years in a technical sales support role. This new position will see him use his applications expertise and product knowledge to promote the continued development and growth of Meech's static control systems throughout the world.

Pressure Transmitter with progamming interface - Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers the pressure transmitter E610 with a universal programming interface for the FlexProgrammer 9701. The tool enables direct configuration at any standard PC via USB-Port as well as remote configuration.

Ethernet graduate level courses - Contemporary Controls' IEU now offers its first graduate level course entitled Object Modeling a Physical BACnet® Device. "With the addition of this course and more in the future, the IEU participant will be better prepared for the working world of Ethernet," says Sales Manager Joe Stasiek.
With the increasing migration of Ethernet on the plant floor and in building automation systems, comes the realization that knowledge is essential. Because of the rapid changes in this technology, the individual will need to learn more than the basic Ethernet principles.

IR wireless communications - Vishay Intertechnology continues to broaden its optoelectronics portfolio with the release of Courier-115™ a royalty-free wireless software protocol for devices that are based on the Texas Instruments (TI) ultra-low power MSP430 microcontroller (MCU) platform. Targeting the data logger, personal biometer, and industrial metering markets, Courier-115 provides the basis for simple and fast infrared communication supporting data rates up to 115kbit/s. Courier-115 and any of Vishay's infrared transceivers enable extremely low-cost, proprietary wireless communication in products like glucose meters or water meters.

Graphics controller enables hi-tech dashboard in futuristic Artega GT Sports car - FME's MB86R01 graphics controller codenamed 'Jade' plays a crucial role in enabling a state-of-the-art instrument panel in the futuristic Artega GT sports car.
Artega is not only the name of the car but also of the company, set up by Klaus Dieter Frers, CEO of paragon. The idea was to design a sports car for the future that is able to take advantage of the latest technologies without any of the brand expectations and history that can restrict well-known and established manufacturers. The entire car is crammed with technological advances, with a reconfigurable LCD instrument panel utilising FME's 'Jade' graphics controller.

Award-winning software architecture management solution delivers support for large scale re-architecting, SOA, and SQL Server databases - Lattix announced the release of its newest solution, Lattix 4.0 at Embedded World (Nürnburg (D)). This solution includes powerful new functionality to enable architects, developers and managers to visualize, re-architect, test, and communicate the architecture of their complex software systems.

Transducers put to test in the depths of the North Sea - The challenge of taking a standard DCW submersible transducer and subjecting it to immersion 300 meters under the North Sea to capture test data proved no problem for RDP Electronics.

26/2/2008

New test method for density testing with hand-held instruments - Anton Paar has introduced the DMA 35n Ex Petrol. An easy to use, portable density meter specifically designed for testing of petroleum products and biofuels in the field. It allows fuels to be tested during the transfer process rather than sending them to a laboratory, saving time and money.

Non-contact pedal position sensors - Gill Sensors' range of non-contact position sensors includes products that are ideal for use on foot pedal applications. Many electronic vehicle manufacturers (predominantly in the sweeper/scrubber market) currently use a Gill position sensor to monitor their accelerator and/or brake pedal with great success. The sensors use their own patented inductive technology, with no moving sensor parts. As there is no contact between the sensor and the moving pedal the mechanical life of the system is unlimited, ideal for this type of application where the duty cycle is high.

Heat sinks added to product range - Schaffner has added the Seifert Electronics range of high efficiency heat sinks to its product range. Established in 1965 Seifert Electronics offer standard and custom solutions for cooling components and modules. The product range encompasses single component PCB mounted heat sinks through to high-performance, fan cooled heat sink assemblies and liquid coolers. Manufacture takes place in their own 4,500m DIN EN 9001:2001 certified facilities.

Switch mode USB power manager - Linear Technology Corporation announces the LTC3566, the latest in a family of compact next-generation, multi-function power management solutions for Li-Ion/Polymer battery applications. The LTC3566 integrates a switching PowerPath™ manager, a stand-alone battery charger, a 1A high efficiency synchronous buck-boost regulator, an ideal diode and controller, plus an always-on LDO, all in a compact, low-profile 4mm x 4mm QFN package.

SMS alerts! - Hanwell Instruments has launched the new AlarmWatch auto dialler. As part of the new Watch range, AlarmWatch uses Hanwell's own proven GSM modem technology to offer a truly stand alone system that is suitable for use in even the most remote locations. The new AlarmWatch is ideal for a host of applications that require a reliable and cost-effective alarm system. Typical applications include tank level alarms, system failures, power failure monitoring and remote alarms.

Damage reduced at steelworks - A problem many factories have to deal with when running a fleet of forklift trucks is finding a system that can deter driver abuse and therefore minimise damage. Nissan Forklift Wales provides and manages 26 trucks at the CELSA Steelworks in South Wales (GB) and was asked to find a solution to this exact problem. Nissan Forklift Wales had to look no further than the Lamerholm ImpactManager, an easy to use, off-the-shelf solution that detects impacts and records event details such as date, time and driver ID.

German start-ups in the spotlight - analytica 2008 is being held in Munich (D) from April 1 - 4. It is the world's most important trade show for marketable products and solutions in the analysis, laboratory-technology and biotechnology sectors. It also serves as a presentation platform for new companies. For the first time ever, analytica is working with Germany's Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (BMWi) to promote select start-ups from Germany. At the "Made in Germany" joint exhibit, 20 small companies will have a chance to present their business ideas and innovations to an international audience of trade professionals.

Industry's 1st 3D laser scanner for real-time, non-contact volumetric measurement of bulk materials - K-TEK, has announced the LM3D and LM2D laser scanners, a new family of products for non-contact volumetric measurement of bulk solids. The LM3D is the industry's first real-time, three dimensional volume scanner profiler for bulk materials in silos or stockpiles. The LM2D is a real-time, non-contact volume scanner for conveyor-based materials that provides an accurate, easy-to-use, and maintenance free alternative to belt scales.

Industry publications support manufacturing IT forum - Leading industry publications, including Automation World, CONTROL Magazine, InTech magazine, Managing Automation and Manufacturing Business Technology, are participating in the ISA Manufacturing IT Forum, which will be held in Cleveland, (OH US), 20-21 May.

Three new oscilloscopes - Three new models have been added to the Yokogawa DL9000 Series of mixed-signal oscilloscopes (MSOs). The DL9705L, DL9510L, and DL9505L complement the DL9710L model released in 2007.The DL9705L is a 32-channel instrument with a bandwidth of 500 MHz and a sampling rate of 5 GS/s; the DL9510L has 16 channels, a bandwidth of 1 GHz and a sampling rate of 5 GS/s; and the DL9505L has 16 channels, a bandwidth of 500 MHz and a sampling rate of 5 GS/s.

PED-certified proportional relief valve offers 'universal' protection solution for process instrumentation - Parker Instrumentation has developed a PED-certified, proportional relief valve for process instrumentation applications, with the ability to provide protection over an extremely broad 150 to 6000 PSIG (10.3 to 414 bar) pressure range.

Compact 16-port industrial Ethernet switch - The new Harting eCon 2160-A is a compact, robust and cost-effective industrial Ethernet switch that allows the connection of up to 16 Ethernet ports in a very small space.

Interfaces for industrial control systems - National Instruments has announced new PCI and PXI PROFIBUS interfaces to add compatibility and flexibility to industrial systems. PROFIBUS is an industrial communications bus with more than 20 million installed nodes worldwide in manufacturing, process control and automation applications. With the new interfaces, PROFIBUS engineers now can integrate NI LabVIEW software into benchtop, real-time and device test PROFIBUS networks.
More Fieldbus News

Product of the year! - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms have announced that its robust HMI/SCADA solution, Proficy™ HMI/SCADA CIMPLICITY 7.0, and its industry-leading Production Management discrete manufacturing execution solution, Proficy Tracker, have been awarded the prestigious Product of the Year award for 2007 from Plant Engineering magazine. These awards are voted on by the readers of the magazine.

New HMI fully launched - VIPA has now fully launched its new TOUCHcontrol Panel range that combines a family of 8.40/00 to 12.10/00 SVGA colour screen HMIs with its ultra-fast SPEED7' PLC to provide a single HMI and logic programming environment that is powerful enough to handle small to medium sized automation tasks. SPEED7 Technology is the fastest hard PLC available in the world and programmable from VIPA,s own WinPLC7 or from Siemens STEP(R)7. The integration of PLC and HMI also provides an expandable battery backed work memory up to 512 Kbyte and support for MMC cards for program and data storage.

4mm x 4mm dual full-bridge Piezo driver generates its own high voltage - Linear Technology has a highly integrated dual full-bridge Piezo driver, capable of driving two Piezo motors at up to 40V. Each Piezo driver and the boost converter can be independently turned on or off.

Pressure transduces for hars environments - Gefran has launched its new TPFADA series industrial pressure sensors for use with particularly dense or high-viscosity fluids such as oils, rubbers, pulps, and chemicals where traditional transducers with an internal diaphragm are unsuitable. Reliability in the harshest environments is ensured by an extra-thick diaphragm: the TPFADA series is based on the extensimetric measurement principle with bonded strain gauge on stainless steel (INOX 17-4 PH).

New open frame air bearing stage provides the definitive specification for through-aperture step and scan positioning - With its open frame design, Aerotech's ABL3600 air bearing, linear motor driven X-Y positioning stage is aimed at semiconductor fabrication and test, scanning microscopy and other demanding scan and position applications requiring a large working aperture and perfect precision. Specifications for the 250 mm x 250 mm travel stage include a calibrated positional accuracy of +/- 1 micron, a resolution range between 1 and 200 nanometres, and scanning speeds to 200 mm/sec. Delivered as a completely tested and customer ready motion sub system with an integral granite base and full cable management, the ABL3600 can be customised with wafer chucks or other customer-specific fixtures.

Record visitor attendance at Birmingham show! - As the Birmingham NEC closed its doors on this year's successful co-located manufacturing events MEDTEC UK, Mtec, Machine Building Drives & Automation, IPOT, 3C and Practical Vacuum & Semiconductor Processing - which attracted 6,109 visitors - a new door in the UK event calendar was opened with the launch of Advanced Manufacturing UK as an exciting new event for 2009.
See our mtec Review for this and other reviews.

Innovation Timeline! - If you are a history buff, you might be interested in the new GE.com feature, celebrating 130 years of innovation. An interactive timeline highlights GE's history of product development, as well as advertising and company information.

3G Transmit System - RF Micro Devices has announced general market availability of the RF6280 3G transmit system, a flexible 3G multi-mode solution designed to simplify and accelerate implementation of multi-band and multi-mode 3G handsets and mobile device platforms.

Open comms hit lightning speed - Industrial Ethernet is about to take a paradigm leap forward with a ten-fold increase in communications rates to 1Gbps(gigabit per second) with the release of a new open communication standard by the CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA). Called CC-Link IE (Control and Communication Link Industrial Ethernet), it is the first completely integrated gigabit Ethernet network for industrial automation. Launched by the CLPA, it defines the new threshold for open standards for Industrial Ethernet.

Third edition of wireless networks resource announced - ISA recently announced the third edition of its popular book, Wireless Networks for Industrial Automation by Dick Caro. Available in digital format, this book includes the increasingly popular wireless application Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) topic and also provides a clear, unbiased view of the emerging wireless communications market. Caro's goal is to help keep readers up-to-date with the wireless market so they can make better decisions on the timing and strategy for implementing wireless networks for automation projects.

New, rugged 2000A true-RMS clamp meters - Fluke, has introduced the Fluke 353 and Fluke 355 true-RMS Clamp Meters for accurate readings up to 2000A in industrial and utility applications, without the need to disconnect equipment. The rugged design and CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V safety ratings offer excellent protection in high voltage applications, enabling the checking of new installations, troubleshooting and the taking of accurate measurements on UPS and variable frequency drives with noisy loads.

Facelift give rise to greater choice, flrxibility and performance - Nematron Europe has announced the introduction of additional system unit options for its popular Formula Series. The new options, including a range of Intel Core TM Duo powered systems, give rise to greater choice, flexibility, performance and cost-effective configurations.

Cellular data solutions - Sixnet has introduced the BlueTree Wireless (Cellular) Industrial Modems. Cellular connectivity is the wireless counterpart to Ethernet and cellular data is the open systems alternative for wireless communications. With cellular, data paths are continuously connected and move the same IP data packets that travel through your Ethernet cables.

Aircraft battery test system for flight line support - Intepro Systems will be launching its new IBT700 battery test system for aircraft at the Aerospace 08 exhibition in Munich (D), April 15-17. Cyclic charge and discharge of Lithium Ion batteries is critical for the safe and reliable operation of these batteries, especially when used in fail-safe installations in aircraft.

High-Side Power Monitor Measures Both Current and Voltage up to 80V - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4151, a high side power monitor that measures current and input voltages from 7V to 80V. The LTC4151 utilizes an internal 12-bit ADC to continuously measure both high side current and input voltage to give a true power reading.

Versatile TOC analyser - The Multi N/C series of catalytic combustion analysers from Analytik Jena have been designed for the fully automatic determination of bound carbon (TIC/TOC, TC, NPOC, POC) and/or total nitrogen (TNb). With TOC and TNb determined simultaneously, the Multi N/C series meets the requirements of DIN-EN, USEPA, ASTM, FDA and USP standards.

A joint initiative to bring science and technology to life through art and design - Addictlab and IMEC are launching a new call for ideas and visions on future applications of emerging technologies in the field of art, design , architecture, fashion, communication, environments, health and well-being. After a first successful collaboration researching visual, conceptual and more practical ways of communicating about nanotechnology, a new call will take it one step further into the world of emerging technologies and their applications, with a focus on the emerging invisible (a-material) production, where benefits are perceptions centred.
The Addict & IMEC partnership is also aimed at creating a brand new international platform for creative views on nanotechnology applications and ideas. An international jury will select a winner for each application domain and announce it during a public event in 2009.

Current mode synchronous boost DC/DC converter - Linear Technology has announced the LTC3537, a 2.2MHz, current mode synchronous boost DC/DC converter with integrated output disconnects plus an LDO. The LTC353's boost converter's internal 600mA switches can deliver output voltages as high as 5.25V from an input voltage range of 0.68V at start-up (0.5V when running) to 5V, making it ideal for Li-Ion/Polymer or single/multicell alkaline/NiMH applications.

Thumbs up from Scandanavian fieldbus group - The Fieldbus Foundation Swedish marketing committee (FF SW MC) is delighted with the successful start to its 2008 training and marketing schedule. Established in October 2007, the group is committed to promoting the adoption of Foundation™ fieldbus technology throughout the Swedish market through a range of activities including supplier training sessions, trade show participation and end user training seminars.
More about fieldbus on our Fieldbus page.

New USB non-contact IR temperature sensor - Calex has a new PyroUSB Non-Contact Infra-Red Temperature Sensor. This all-new sensor connects directly to a PC via a USB cable (included) and operates without the need for any additional hardware interface or power supply.

New benchmark for large drives - Silverteam will be using the Drives & Controls show to launch the high power versions, 160kW to 400kW, of the Hitachi SJ700 variable speed drive - small and medium sized version having been introduced in 2007. The SJ700 is a radical development of drives technology, it being the first off-the-shelf unit with integral easy sequence programmable functionality (EzSQ) as standard.

Screw-in probe for push-back testing - The new P206/G Series from Peak Test Services is a screw-in probe for the push-back testing of wire harnesses and connectors.

New in-cylinder transducer offers reliable position sensing - Penny + Giles has launched a new in-cylinder linear displacement transducer for small bore mobile and static hydro-pneumatic actuators. The ICT050 provides reliable, fit-and-forget position sensing of the cylinder rod in actuators with strokes up to 500mm. It is a robust, non-contact transducer that works on an inductive coil principle, with virtually infinite resolution and is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200*C and working pressures up to 500Bar.

I/O communications options added to thermal mass flow meters, mass flow controllers, and pressure controllers - Brooks Instrument announces Foundation™(TM) fieldbus (FF) I/O communications options for its thermal mass flow meters, mass flow controllers, and pressure controllers. FF is in growing in demand for the life sciences, chemical, petrochemical, and process industries. Brooks thermal mass flow controllers are the first and only devices of their kind to offer this important communications option.
More about fieldbus on our Fieldbus page.

Thinking of retiring? - Top Ten Signs You Are Headed for Retirement 10) It takes more time to analyze your portfolio than your assignment. 9) Wasting time in meetings seems like good practice for wasting time in retirement. 8) Your grandkids need a control figure. 7) You need more time to read and send jokes by email. 6) You need to spend more time with your kids to refresh your computer skills. 5) The only exercise you get is walking to the coffee machine. 4) Your manager is half your age. 3) Your manager asks, "What do you really do?" 2) You buy a boat. 1) You need to save the Everglades. From: The Funnier Side of Retirement for Engineers and People of the Technical Persuasion By Gregory K. McMillan and illustrated by Ted Williams ISBN: 978-1-934394-28-1 Publisher: ISA

Configurable temperature transmitter - With the FlexTemp series, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers configurable temperature transmitters communicating either with a standard 4 to 20 mA output or a HART 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.

New precision DC products Extend PXI platform for semiconductor validation test - National Instruments has announced its first PXI source measure unit (SMU) and the industry's highest-density PXI switches. These products further enhance the PXI platform for use in precision DC applications, such as semiconductor parametric tests and electronic device and component validation.

Automation Applications in Bio-Pharmaceuticals Resource - ISA recently announced its practical guide to the bio-pharmaceutical industry entitled "Automation Applications in Bio-Pharmaceuticals" by George Buckbee, P.E. and Joseph Alford, Ph.D., P.E., CAP.

Transducer meets high pressure and high temperature challenge - Transducer specialists RDP Electronics Ltd have developed a special version of their well-proven LIN series of displacement transducers, designed to withstand the extreme operating environment experienced in autoclaves. Working in collaboration with a major research institute, RDP has developed a special version of the LIN transducer suitable for submersion and capable of working at temperatures up to 450*C and pressures of 200 bar.

New high accuracy RTD - Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PXI products with the introduction of the high accuracy Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) simulator. The 40-262 is an 18 channel variable resistor module designed to simulate the operation of PT100 and PT1000 RTD's with unprecedented resolution and accuracy in the PXI form factor.

Process Automation Hall of Fame - This month every year Control announces the new class of inductees to the Process Automation Hall of Fame. This year's class joins a group of luminaries in the art and practice of automation in the process industries (see The Process Automation Hall of Fame at the end of this article). We are proud to introduce you to three men who have had a significant impact on what we all do every day.

Low voltage hot swap controller with adjustable current limit - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4218 Hot Swap(TM) Controller for protecting boards with load supply voltages ranging from 2.9V to 26.5V. When a board is plugged into a backplane, large inrush currents can create a glitch on the load supply causing other boards on the bus to malfunction. The LTC4218 enables safe board insertion and removal from a live backplane, using an external N-channel pass MOSFET in the power path to limit the inrush current during power up.

Need technical "Know-how?" If you are looking for an extensive range of quality technical engineering manuals for your work, then look no further than the new IDC Technologies' 2008 Book Catalogue. There are over 120 manuals giving easy-to-follow information that you can apply in everyday situations including troubleshooting, problem solving, maintenance and the fundamentals and best practice in all areas of engineering.
A pdf copy of the full-colour brochure

1x64 splitter added to planar waveguide range - Omron Components Business - Europe has extended its range of compact bi-directional PLC splitter modules for Passive Optical Networks with a new 1x64 version. Their P1C planar waveguide devices are ideal for FTTx Passive Optical Networks, DWDM and CWDM systems, optical cable TV and other outside equipment applications. The new 1x64 version complements the existing 1x4, 1x8, 1x16 and 1x32 splitters already available.

New location for analyser provider! - Enabling advanced process characterisation at sub-65nm - Keithley Instruments has made a partnership with Stratosphere Solutions (CA US), a provider of innovative parametric yield improvement solutions for integrated circuit manufacturers. This partnership will address advanced process development and monitoring using an Array TEG (test element group) technology.
Parametric process variation at the sub-65nm level is posing significant challenges to design and test engineers as IC manufacturers seek to produce ever-smaller devices.

Harmonic/flicker measurement software complies with updated standards - A new version of the harmonic/flicker measurement software for the Yokogawa WT3000 precision power analyser has been released to comply with new international power-quality standards. The new 761922 harmonic/flicker measurement software has been developed in response to new regulations for harmonic current over 16 A, which will be enforced as a low frequency EMC test from February 2008.

Energy monitoring system - ThePowerSupplyShop are offering a cost effective, intelligent, networked energy monitoring system that can monitor the energy usage of an office, workshop or single piece of equipment. Companies wishing to reduce their energy bills can monitor their running costs in real-time and immediately see the effects of different energy tariffs and operational changes. The PowerSupplyShop EMS may be installed on an existing IT network or a single PC or Laptop and the free operating software will work with any Windows® based system.

Useful resources - We've come across two very useful resources in the last few days. The first from the indefatigable Steve Mackey of IDC Technologies is a collection of complimentary software which would be of use to engineers and technicians. They have put a excellent list of over 120 programs on their site. The list has been broken up into Electronics/Data Communications/Electrical Engineering/General Engineering/software utilities/Office Freeware/ etc.
The second is an on-line calculator site which includes many calculators for measurements we have heard of and more of measurements we perhaps haven't! Its called Calculatoredge.
We've put links to both permanently on our Education, Training and Research Page.

Corporate members now welcome - OMAC (the Open, Modular, Architecture Control User Group) has just announced its new Corporate Membership Program, and invites companies to join. The OMAC Corporate Membership Program is designed to provide a value-added proposition for its members by providing a communication and collaboration mechanism. Click "Membership" on their website.

New location for analyser provider! - Applied Analytics, provider of process analysers and sampling systems for a variety of production and environmental applications; primarily for the chemical, petrochemical, power generation and pharmaceutical industries, announced the location of its new headquarters in "historic Concord Massachusetts" twenty miles northwest of Boston (US).

New high power DC system drive reduces footprint by over 50% - The Parker SSD Drives Division of Parker Hannifin has extended its popular DC590+ family of DC system drives with a new and even more compact version, called Frame 6. The new Frame 6 drive has a far smaller footprint than previous models, making it one of the smallest devices on the market and reducing the space required in control cabinets by over 50%. In addition, the new drive is easy to install and configure, helping customers improve both their productivity and profitability.

Visual information engineering committee member - Firstsight Vision Director, Mark Williamson, has joined the committee of the Institute of Engineering and Technology's Visual Information Engineering technical and professional network (TPN). The scope of this network covers all aspects relating to the generation, processing, communication, understanding and presentation of visual information. This includes image processing, machine vision, pattern recognition and computer graphics.

Largest ever Coriolis flowmeter for high capacity custody transfer applications announced - Emerson Process Management has launched the new high capacity Micro Motion® ELITE® Coriolis flowmeter that is ideally suited to address the demands of fiscal custody transfer applications. Combined with its unmatched measurement and reliability performance, the new Micro Motion meter is the largest ELITE Coriolis ever introduced, perfect for challenging, high flow measurement.

After a longish break Jim Pinto is getting in his stride and his periodic e-letter is winging its way to all subscribers. It is well worth glancing to.
This issue discusses Control's top automation companies with his own prescient comments; his pointers for 2008, Technologies & Markets shows his insights and how he sees things progressing during the year; is green the next big thing and comments on his visit to his homeland as hee discusses Traffic in booming Bangalore. See his latest issue on his website.

Graphical modeling facility added - PlantTriage's new visual modeling tools result in better dynamic process models. Better models give better all-around analysis resulting in optimal PID Tuning, accurate simulated response to upsets, accurate response to process noise, and better robustness analysis. The new drag-and-drop modeling puts the engineer in control of the model fit.

Revolutionary addition to range of portable spectrometers - A2 Technologies is to showcase an exciting new addition to its innovative new range of FTIR spectrometers at PITTCON 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. Weighing only six pounds, the innovative light-weight analyser can be fully operated using only one hand and is also capable of handling Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) applications for users in the general laboratory.

Portable masurement performance with USB digitisers, digital multimeter extended - National Instruments has released the NI USB-5132/5133 digitisers and the NI USB-4065 61/2-digit digital multimeter (DMM). These small, lightweight instruments feature bus-powered and plug-and-play operation, which makes them ideal for portable, benchtop and OEM applications. They are also shipped with NI LabVIEW SignalExpress LE, an interactive measurement workbench for quickly acquiring, analysing and presenting data, with no programming required.

New investment increases service levels to provide unrivalled 24-hour permanent magnet motor repair facilities - As a major expansion of its permanent magnet motor repair and certification service, Anstee Ware have taken delivery of two Siemens UTE 2000 test rigs for running and testing brushed and brushless servo motors, feedback devices, brakes and motor components against manufacturers, original specifications.

New plug improves reliability of card edge connections - The Harting AdvancedMC™ Plug has been developed to further enhance the contact reliability of the connection of AdvancedMC™ modules and MicroTCA™ backplanes.

New waterproof key lock switch is mains rated - Lorlin Electronics announces the addition of a new model to their range of key lock switches. The New WRLM miniature key operated lock switch is waterproof to IP66 and IP67 and the switch module is safety approved to EN61058 by DEMKO (part of UL) and is flame retardant to UL94 V0. The WRLM is a two-part construction for ease of assembly, the lock is inserted into the panel from the front and the mains switch module snaps on from the rear.

New solution for turbomachinery control - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released of new input and output (IO) modules for turbomachinery control applications. These new modules are being released as part of the CENTUM VP integrated production control system. The new IO modules provide powerful features for the high-speed control and protection of turbomachinery.
More about the launch of the CENTUM VP System.

Unprecedented speed and processing performance key to high-end control applications - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has a new PACSystems RX3i CPU320, which incorporates the Intel 1 GHz processor to provide unprecedented speed and performance. The CPU320 is ideal for applications where the processing power of the current controller has been pushed to the limit. In addition to the increased performance, the CPU320 has 64Mbytes of user memory available.

New test solution uses software - Tektronix has built its newly released TekExpress SATA (Serial ATA) automated compliance test solution on National Instruments' TestStand test management software. This gave Tektronix an open, flexible development platform that facilitated the implementation of the TekExpress compliance test automation framework for Serial ATA and other complex serial data standards.

Dew point transmitter certified by ATEX and FM - Michell Instruments have received confirmation of the accreditation by FM Approvals for the intrinsically safe version of their Easidew Transmitter. In addition to its ATEX certification, this allows the Easidew TX I.S. to be used in hazardous area applications within the USA.

Using the media effectively! - The Scott Partnership has been asked by the organizers of Pittcon 2008 to present a short-course entitled "Using the Media for Effective Communication." The course is to focus on using the media to achieve business objectives and will take place over half a day during Pittcon 2008, New Orleans (LA US) on the afternoon of 5 March 2008.
Places will be limited so early pre-registering for this course is reccomended.

New PR maanager - Zetes, the system integrator of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and persons, has appointed Sarah Dheedene as its Corporate PR Manager. In this capacity she will be in charge of all corporate communication for Zetes, in all the countries where the company has a presence. She will also serve as the company's main press contact.

High profile power station equiped with a high quality, customized calibration facility for maintenance workshop - Beamex have recently been contracted by Scottish and Southern Energy (GB) to supply their world-class calibration solution for Peterhead Power Station - Scotland's largest power station capable of creating 2407MW from North Sea Gas. They have supplied their powerful Beamex® MCS100 Calibration Workstation incorporating panel mounted pressure, electrical and temperature calibration instrumentation, automatically controlled pressure and temperature sources, digital multimeters, soldering equipment, air amplifier and vacuum generator built in to a robust, heavy duty workbench.

Size and reliability clinch marine power application - When EPC labs, manufacturers of shipboard Thermal Graphic Recorders and Data Acquisition Systems needed a custom power supply fast, they found it from Excelsys. A visit to the simple to use online power supply configurator on the website soon confirmed that Excelsys had a viable solution. Taking the unique part number provided by the configurator EPC contacted the nearest Excelsys distributor who was able to assemble and configure the power supply to EPC,s custom voltage and current needs. The supply was then dispatched within 24 hours using the distributor,s stock of modular, off-the-shelf components.

New laser device measures any solid surface at any angle with narrow beam, no beam divergence, and no false echoes - K-TEK has announced the LM80 laser transmitter for non-contact level measurement and positioning. Designed for a variety of applications, it measures position over very long ranges, at distances up to 500 feet (150 meters), and accurately measures level at distances up to 100 feet (30 meters). Whether handling plastics, coal, grain, or aggregates, it can measure any solid surface at any angle. The small wavelength of the laser means a narrower beam with virtually no beam divergence and, therefore, no false echoes.

New website launched - Flow Technology has launched a new website providing quick, easy access to world-class liquid & gas flow metering and calibration solutions. The site offers comprehensive product and application information at the click of a mouse. It is organized in a clear, intuitive manner and is designed with the needs of flow meter users in mind.

Growth strategy supported by two new appointments - System integration specialist Hima-Sella has appointed Richard Shaw as Account Manager and Mick Stevens as Manager, Technical Support Group as part of growth plans for 2008. Richard Shaw joins Hima-Sella from Transmitton. Mick Stevens is appointed as Manager of Hima-Sella's Technical Support Group and joins from JCB.

Plant floor communications for Oracle manufacturing applications - Kepware Technologies has announced that its KEPServerEX Product will provide manufacturing plant floor execution data to Oracle's manufacturing applications, which are part of the Oracle® E-Business Suite.
In another announcement we learn its KEPServerEX has been selected by readers of Control Engineering Magazine to receive the Engineers' Choice Award.

New plug-in, single phase voltage quality recorder - Fluke has introduced the VR1710 Voltage Quality Recorder for single-phase power quality troubleshooting and preventative maintenance applications. Designed as an easy-to-use solution for detecting and recording power quality problems, it is a single-phase plug-in voltage quality recorder that can help maintenance and facilities personnel in utilities, industrial environments and large service organisations to maintain the power quality essential to business operations.

Transient shocklogger - MadgeTech has announcedx the TSR101, a tri-axial, transient shock data logger. The unit is ideal for applications requiring characterizing of environments such as packaging and fragility assessment (drop testing), break and crash testing, and shipment validation.

Precision turbine flowmeter - Cox Instruments has introduced the HP Series precision turbine flowmeter. Available in a wide range of sizes, and featuring MS33514 end-fittings, the HP Series is a rugged meter designed for demanding, high-pressure applications. It performs accurate liquid flow measurements across a wide flow range. The meter is rated for pressures up to 5,000 psig (continuous), 7,500 psig (proof), and 25,000+ psig (burst). It offers accuracy of +0.25 percent of reading, and response time of 2-3 mS or faster.

New current transformers enhance flexibility & safety - Carlo Gavazzi has updated its existing portfolio of current transformers with new devices offering enhanced safety for a wider range of applications. The CTD series comprises four new models - one for cables and three for bus-bars - providing measurements from 40 to 1600A. They are compatible with all the company's energy management products and digital panel meters, and suitable for both motor control and power control centres.

Communication interface for industrial recorders and data-acquisition equipment passes ODVA's conformance test - Yokogawa Electric Corporation's recently developed EtherNet/IP compatible communication interface for industrial recorders and data-acquisition equipment has passed the ODVA conformance test - a first in this field. Based on the EtherNet/IP protocol that is gaining acceptance as an industry standard, this interface eliminates the need for dedicated software to connect data-acquisition equipment with other devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) or temperature controllers, thus simplifying system development.

RF Safety - 'EMF Worker' the new EMF safety training package from Radhazononline is now available. Brand new content provides information on a number of different EMF hazards from telecoms to industrial applications to radar and more. Information on the fundamentals of EMF energy, health effects, safety guidelines, monitoring equipment, and common EMF hazards is included. The package concludes with a section of questions and a new key feature; a printable course completion certificate.
A full demo version can be viewed free of charge by Logging-in here
See also our Safety page

A new study, The World Market for Ultrasonic Flowmeters, 3rd Edition. has just been completed by Flow Research. Previous editions were published in 2001 and 2003. Jesse Yoder of Flow Research says, "We broke the mold for this new study, which has substantially more segmentation than appeared in earlier studies!" While the study contains standard segmentation such as clamp-on, insertion, and spoolpiece, it then goes on to provide subsegmentation of these categories in areas such as line size, industry, and fluid type. All the categories are divided by seven geographic regions, including China and the Middle East and Africa.

Low cost OEM pressure transducers - The Pi600E Series Pressure Transducers from Applied Measurements Limited have been specifically designed to meet the needs of medium to high volume users seeking a balanced price/performance ratio. Available in pressure ranges from 0-5bar to 0-200bar the Pi600E has a stainless steel body housing a ceramic diaphragm and ASIC conditioning electronics. The pressure connection is BSP male with the option of electrical connection via an integral cable or a miniature DIN type plug and socket.

Compact temperature sensor and transmitter - With the TE2 range, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers a compact temperature sensor system which is available with a built-in transmitter. The TE2 can be configured individually according to customer needs. It can be supplied with a variety of industrial and hygienic process connections.

Hall-effect switch features low power consumption for battery-operated applications - The new A1171 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an ultra-sensitive micropower Hall-effect switch with latched digital outputs and either unipolar or omnipolar actuation. It features operation at low supply currents and voltages, making it ideal for battery-operated applications in portable or handheld communications and computer equipment.

ISA100 Wireless Committee Assesses New Standards Work in Factory and Discrete Automation - ISA100, the Wireless Systems for Automation standards committee, recently formed an interest group for wireless networks in factory and discrete automation. A teleconference was held with participants representing automation equipment vendors and users interested in understanding where wireless networks may be applied in different environments.
See also our Wireless Page