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The Read- Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
News
Date of last update as at the top of the list (d/m/yy).
Press releases from your company may be sent to any of the
addresses shown on our Contacts Page.
See Archive Page for earlier news.
Meitheamh - 2008 - June
30/5/2008
Expanding portfolio of wide
format aspect ratio TFT displays - Hitachi Europe - Display Products Group (DPG) continues to enhance and develop
its range of wide aspect ratio LCD TFT displays. Traditional TFT technology and the continued
migration of Hitachišs impressive IPS-Pro (in-plane-switching) technology to industrial and
commercial displays enables Hitachi to offer an expanding portfolio of wide format TFT display
solutions.
Magnetic
levelgauge adds industry's widest assortment of oversized chamber options to handle flashing and
dirty fluids - K-TEK has announced a new array of Oversized Chambers for the KM26 Magnetic
Level Gauge. The KM26 is a rugged, non-contact, liquid level gauge designed for corrosive,
flammable, and toxic environments. The magnetically coupled gauge avoids direct contact with
liquids, thereby eliminating problems with coating, plating, fouling, fugitive emissions, hazardous
material leaks, and dirty or colorless fluids, common with standard sight glasses.
We loved their site introduction! Don't skip it!
Vacuum preparation tutorial for motion control systems is updated and expanded -
Aerotech has recently updated and expanded the Vacuum Preparation section of its Engineering
Reference tutorial. Available online at their website in HTML or in downloadable PDF
format, the section details important design considerations and recommendations for high precision
motion control systems in vacuum levels categorised from low vacuum (10-3 Torr), through standard
(10-6 Torr) to high vacuum (10-8 Torr).
27/6/2008
Industrial Encoders For Dummies® -
BEI and the inimitable 'For
Dummies' brand have teamed up to produce an innovative tutorial guide on industrial encoders. Aimed
at novices and experts alike, BEI Industrial Encoders For Dummies reaches beyond the primer to
provide an interesting, informative and very readable 42 page reference covering optical encoder
technologies and applications.
Over 1
million units installed - In a statement recently Endress+Hauser claimed to be "today's world
market leader for electromagnetic flowmeters!" They have reached the pinnacle over the past 31
years. In May 2008 sales of the devices topped the million mark. The company is celebrating the
occasion by supporting a water project in Mozambique undertaken by the Swiss development
organization Helvetas to the tune of CHF 50,000.
Industrial wireless
technology products - A new range of ZigBee / IEEE 802.15.4 wireless technology products has
been launched in Ireland and Briotain by Nohau. The new products, developed by market leader connectBlue, include
an OEM module and an industrial IP65 Serial Port Adapter. They share the same form factor and
electrical interfaces as other well-known connectBlue Bluetooth and wireless LAN product ranges, and
have been developed to meet the tough demands of industrial environments.
Helping
OEMs make their building automation projects successful - More than any protocol on the horizon
today, BACnet will have much influence on the dynamics of the building automation industry. With
this in mind, Contemporary Controls has
announced a new brochure introducing the CTRLink® line of BACnet connectivity and Ethernet
infrastructure products for building automation.
Accurate monitoring of
hydraulic cylinder displacement - The new Gefran RK Series position transducer uses a contactless magnetostrictive linear
sensor for accurate and reliable displacement measurement in hydraulic applications. The RK Series
is designed for OEM use within the hydraulic cylinder, typically for monitoring and control in
mobile applications, such as earth moving, agricultural and mining equipment.
Controller simulator -
Mynah Technologies announces the release of their Simulated
IO Driver for the Previse INFI 90/Net 90 Controller Simulator. This release allows MiMiC v3
Simulation Software to be used for operator training and software acceptance testing for systems
that use ABB Bailey INFI 90 or NET 90 Controllers. Bailey users who are in the process of control
system modernization using products like Emerson's DeltaV Connect for Bailey can take advantage of
the proven benefits of using MiMiC Simulation for control system testing and operator training.
26/6/2008
Ethernet media convertor with
PoE capability - The new eCon 3011 from Harting is a Fast Ethernet media convertor designed for use in industrial
environments. It performs signal conversion between shielded twisted-pair cable and multimode or
single mode fibre-optic cable, and also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE).
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.
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Save your plant and
machinery from flood damage - Hanwell
Instruments has launched FloodWatch, an innovative new alarm system for alerting maintenance
personnel when there is danger of internal flooding. Ideal for remote locations, as well as
basements, computer rooms and museums, in fact, any location where there may be a danger of flooding
and damage to valuable equipment or data.
Magnetostrictive level
transmitter is simple external mounting & ready to measure - The fastest and most efficient
way to upgrade a magnetic level indicator (MLI) is to clamp a Magnatrol Jupiter 200 magnetostrictive level
transmitter onto its by-pass cage. The installation can be performed under process conditions and
without any modification of the installed equipment.
The unit uses the
electro-magnetic field of the float inside the by-pass cage of the MLI to determine the liquid
level. It launches a high frequency signal over its probe (maximum length 5,7m; longer at
request). The magnetostrictive wire twists at the position of the float. This mechanical motion is
in fact an acoustic signal that will be picked up by the piezo crystal inside the transmitters'
head. The measurement of the transit time between sending and receiving the signal results in a very
accurate level measurement (± 0.4mm). Since the signal has not lost any amplitude, it is capable of
tracking a second float position (liquid interface) with the same accuracy.
New high-power, high-speed 850-nm IR emitters -
Vishay Intertechnology has broadened its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of a new
generation of 850-nm infrared emitters in 5-mm leaded packages. The TSHG5210 and TSHG6210 are
available with +/-10* viewing angle while the TSHG5410 and TSHG6x10 devices are available with a +/-18*
viewing angle. They offer extremely high radiant intensity with the industry's lowest forward
voltage.
![](http://i.dell.com/images/global/corporate/executives/medica_72_index.jpg) New director
elected - National Instruments has announced
that John Medica, former Senior Vice President for Dell and former Senior Director for Apple, was
elected to the NI Board of Directors.
"Throughout his career, John has demonstrated strong business, product and technology leadership,
and I believe these qualities along with John's experience in the PC industry will benefit NI," said
Dr. James Truchard, NI Chairman, President and CEO. "We welcome John to National Instruments and
look forward to his contributions."
![](http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlLA/original/apple-logo1.jpg) Static-analysis
tool support for Mac OS X now available - GrammaTech has announced that CodeSonar 3.1
Enterprise now supports both the desktop and server versions of Mac OS X. "The CodeSonar digs deeper
and identifies serious bugs that other tools miss!"
Pressure
transmitter for transport applications - With the EF6, Baumer's product segment Process
Instrumentation has developed an EMC-safe pressure transmitter suitable especially for transport
applications. It is already applied in the brake system of several high speed trains.
Irish
environmental consultancy joins international firm - Dublin based CSA Group Holdings Limited
has joined leading international environmental consultants SLR Consulting. CSA (which trades as CSA Group and John Barnett
& Associates) provides consultancy services to the energy, natural resources mining/quarrying and
infrastructure markets in Ireland and
internationally. Recent projects for the CSA Group include a study for improving Ireland's security
of energy supply and an economic assessment of carbon capture and storage for Ireland.
25/6/2008
New case for US
flowmeter - The Sonic-Pro™ S3 from Blue-White Industries, is now shipped in a specially designed case. The case
measures 19" (49 cm) wide, 8" (21 cm) high, and 14" (36 cm) deep. The approximate weight, including
the flowmeter is 22 lb. (9.97 kg). The package includes: Hard sided case; the flowmeter; a CD with
instructional manuals in English, Spanish, French and German; all necessary transducer and enclosure
mounting hardware; two sets of transducer acoustic mounting gaskets, one for temporary installations
and one for permanent installations.
Sonic-Pro S3 has the capability to measure fluid flow using either Doppler or
Transit Time methods. Additional S3 features include: Non invasive clamp-on transducers; Custom
Quality metric algorithms and DSP technology; easy reading display with backlit LCD; data is logged
to a standard SD card format supplied with each unit; "Smart" external communications; It
is housed in a NEMA 4X (IP 66) wash down enclosure.
Blue-White Industries support the Instrumentation Signpost with an advert on our Homepage
New name and new mission - The Open
Modular Architecture Control Users' Group (OMAC) is now the Organization for Manufacturing
Automation and Control (OMAC). This name change reflects the evolution of the organization's
mission.The name was recently approved by the OMAC Board of Directors, along with a new mission
statement:
"OMAC is the organization for Automation and Manufacturing Professionals
that is dedicated to supporting the machine automation and operational
needs of manufacturing."
Technology Partner -
Kepware Technologies has been selected as a technology partner for
Itron Inc., a winner of the fourth annual Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards, presented by Managing Automation..
Controller for DC electric fastening -
Stanley Assembly Technologies has introduced the QA Alpha controller for DC electric fastening. The QA
Alpha controller has a bright and bold user interface with newly enhanced process capabilities and
easy-to-use Embedded Toolbox software. It is also compatible with the full range of Stanley® QPM DC
electric tools, from 0.6 to 2000 Nm and higher.
High-speed software
radio PMC module with power meter and beamforming capabilities - Pentek has introduced its
Model 7152, a quad 200 MHz, 16-bit A/D digitizer with a 32-channel digital down converter (DDC)
configured in a PMC format. This high-speed module employs a high-performance, factory-installed
core for users who want to purchase a product with the critical signal-processing functions already
installed and operational. It is well suited for fulfilling the requirements of real-time software
radio, beamforming, signal-intelligence and radar systems.
![order here](http://read-out.net/signpost/dd.gif) Free "Best
Edition Ever" Product CD! - Sixnet has just released a brand new CD which features the entire product line
from their Automation, Industrial Connectivity and Wireless Connectivity divisions, true leaders in
industrial Ethernet solutions.
New in-line ultrasonic
flowmeter - Sierra's new Innova-Sonic® In-Line is targeted to customers as an alternative
choice for typical liquid Mag-Meter applications where high performance and affordable pricing are
important. The ± 0.5% of reading accuracy is as good as any typical magnetic flowmeter, but the
ability to measure down to zero flow and virtually any clean liquid regardless of conductivity sets
this unit apart.
Dual display XMC
graphics adaptor, commercial or rugged - Concurrent Technologies has a
high-performance dual display video/graphics XMC based adaptor. The XM 403/x33 is a high-resolution
XMC graphics adaptor supporting a variety of Digital Flat Panel (DFP) or analog CRT devices in
single or dual display configurations; the DFP and CRT can be driven simultaneously with the same
image or different image sources.
Breakthrough decision
support tool provides users with business insight >from plant data in real time - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the
availability of its breakthrough real-time manufacturing intelligence application, Proficy®
Real-Time Information Portal 3.0, allowing users to gain business insight from plant data in real
time. This powerful application is an incredible resource to provide visibility into plant floor
operations. As a result, it enables real time decision support, continuous process improvement and
enhances the return on current and future IT investments.
DC electronic load suits
battery testing - TTi has updated the LD300
low-cost electronic load to improve its performance at high currents. A low-voltage dropout facility
is provided to protect sources such as batteries from damaging levels of discharge when the source
voltage falls below the user-selectable voltage dropout threshold.
Patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets- ISA has
just published Patents, Trademarks,
Copyrights, and Trade Secrets: What Automation Professionals, Manufacturers, and Business Owners
Need to Know by Wendy Buskop, J.D. This book was written with the
automation professional in mind. It educates the reader about the benefits of patents, trademarks,
copyrights, and/or trade secret and licensing agreements. Equipment, meters, tools, software,
technology, chemical formulations, connectors, controllers, sensors, pumps, engines, their
components, and other related devices are typically the intellectual property of the individual,
company, or group who created them. The book will help owners, managers, and inventors understand
the various types of intellectual property, how to protect the property, retain it as an asset, and
respect the intellectual property of others.
24/6/2008
Redefining real-time factory monitoring -
Aegis Software has released
iMonitor 2.0, a system enabling manufacturers to create their own real-time
dashboards to monitor the enterprise, factory, and lines in real-time
through web browsers. iMonitor offers machine operators, production
managers, and executives the power to create unlimited numbers of
interactive and real-time production tracking, materials, utilization, and
quality dashboards as easily as one would design a PowerPoint slide.
Dual gigabit Ethernet interface - National Instruments
has announced its first high-performance dual gigabit Ethernet interface for PXI Express. The NI
8234 module offers two gigabit Ethernet ports with up to 1000 Mb/s transfer speeds per port for
high-performance machine vision and dedicated LAN/LXI instrument control networks.
23/6/2008
Battery-free wireless condition monitoring -
At the Darnell nanoPower Forum (Costa Mesa, CA US) this month, engineers from Perpetuum and
CAP-XX described how Perpetuum's PMG17 vibration energy-harvesting
micro-generator, together with a CAP-XX supercapacitor, allow wireless sensor system manufacturers
to design battery-free condition monitoring systems that collect and report data on machinery for
improved asset management. They also presented the results of a field trial at the Nyhamna gas plant
in Norway to evaluate the system in a challenging industrial environment.
Pressure and T/C temperature recorder -
MadgeTech has launched the PRTC210, a new thermocouple based pressure and temperature recorder with a 1/8"
NPT fitting. The external thermocouple channel allows for insertion into a pipeline with a
compression fitting, while the 1/8" NPT can be connected to a female fitting. This provides an
instant temperature and pressure response of what is flowing through the pipeline.
Comprehensive enterprise document management and workflow solutions for the lab! -
Thermo Fisher Scientific partners with NextDocs offering comprehensive enterprise document management and workflow solutions for the laboratory. NextDocs Document Management software is powered by Microsoft SharePoint and seamlessly integrates
with MS Office applications. That means NextDocs is easy to learn, easy to use and is significantly
less expensive than outdated legacy document management systems.
New UK web site launched -
Tyco Electronics has launched a new UK web site
for its AMP NETCONNECT Business Unit. Products covered by the web site include the full range of AMP NETCONNECT
cabling infrastructure products from Category 3 telephony to Category 7A
high-end copper systems and optical fibre solutions to meet OM1, OM2, OM3,
OS1 and the new OS2 cabling performance requirements.
Money saving industrial
kit ideal for troubleshooting electrically noisy equipment - Fluke offers a money saving 87V/i410 Combo Kit which combines their
87V Digital Multimeter (DMM) with the i410 Current Clamp in a soft carry case. Saving 29% over
buying the items separately, the kit offers a CAT IV 600V safety-rated, true-rms DMM with unmatched
high performance, accuracy and diagnostic functions especially for adjustable-speed motor drives and
other electrically noisy equipment, together with a CAT III 600V clamp meter for readings up to 400A
AC or DC.
Training
future Kazakh engineers - With world oil prices booming, it has never been more important for
Kazakhstan to produce a continuous stream of highly qualified and motivated engineers to help the
country maximize revenues from this important and increasingly scarce commodity. The Kazakh-British
Technical University (KBTU) in Almaty is providing a variety of Degree, Masters and PhD courses that
will equip the next generation of Kazakh engineers with the skills they need to be employed by both
Kazakh and international energy and energy-related companies. To further improve both the technical
and practical content of the KBTU's Process Engineering course, the University has linked up with
Invensys Process Systems (IPS).
20/6/2008
New pneumatic calibration pumps launched -
AMETEK Calibration Instruments has further enhanced its range of pressure generation products with
the launch of the T-960, T-970 and T-975 pneumatic calibration pumps. The T-900 series calibration
pump is used to generate pressure and vacuum (specific models) for checking, adjusting and
calibrating mechanical and electronic pressure measuring instruments by comparative measurements.
These pressure tests may be carried out in laboratories, workshop or on site at the measuring point.
The Global Green
Revolution - "Because of the time we are living, we want to take a deep look at innovative
green technologies and green growth opportunities for existing industries, entrepreneurs and green
oriented investors." With these words Frost & Sullivan Chairman David Frigstad announced the
executive symposium - The Global Green Revolution 2008: Driving Growth Through Sustainable
Technology and Innovation. The event is a new feature of the 4th Annual Growth, Innovation and
Leadership 2008: A Frost & Sullivan Global Congress on Corporate Growth. The one-day symposium which
will focus on strategies "for seizing real market opportunities for sustainable technology
innovation to drive growth" will take place on 17 September, 2008 in San Francisco (CA US).
19/6/2008
New precipitation sensor
- OTT Hydrometry has a new sensor, known as OTT Pluvio2, for the accurate measurement of rain,
snow and hail, offering significant advantages over traditional instruments. This is the ideal tool
in risk management for flood warnings and other weather related emergencies, particularly those
involving extreme precipitation events.
Keeping cool this summer -
Not only does the Meech Cabinet Cooler keep cabinets and controls cool and free from contamination,
but thanks to the innovative design, it can also help companies make important energy savings. And
that's not all, for the summer months only; Meech is offering companies a special summer saving
price - (I guess that's only for the winter south of the equator!). It is an ideal alternative to expensive and bulky refrigerant cooling systems or fans that are commonly found in cabinets.
3-year warranty on spectrometers -
Spectrometers purchased from Ocean Optics and
its authorised distributors are now covered for a full three years against manufacturing defects -
regardless of application. The warranty covers parts and labour needed to repair manufacturing
defects that occur during the coverage period and also covers the costs of shipping warranty-related
repairs from customers to Ocean Optics and from Ocean Optics back to the customers. This new,
long-term warranty is the first of its kind in the photonics industry
New low pressure
transducer - Gems Sensors & Controls have launched the 3300 series pressure transducer. Based
on the highly successful 3100 series, the 3300 series is characterized by its low pressure ranges,
compact size, absolute or gauge reference and low cost. The new transducers have been designed for
use by OEMs in a variety of applications across a number of different industries. Applications
include pneumatics, autoclaves, chemical sterilizers, liquid storage and distribution, compressors
and anywhere with low pressure requirements.
New high speed imaging
system for laptop operation - Firstsight Vision can now offer a low cost alternative for high-speed imaging for
use with cameras that operate at variable frame rate but do not have their own on-board memory.
Using a codec from Cineform Inc in conjunction with Streampix 3 software from Norpix Inc, it is
possible to record images directly to a laptop disk drive or USB memory stick connected to the
laptop in real time, with a choice of resolution and speed.
Ball contact test probe
handles lateral stresses - The new P945 and P946 solder-mounted probes from Peak Test Services
are based on a new design that uses a ball for the contact area.
Connector insert with new
termination technology - Harting has introduced a new version of its established Han(r) 4 A
connector insert equipped with the new Han-Quick Lock(r) termination technology. The patented
Han-Quick Lock® technique uses a novel spring and actuator configuration which permits quick and
simple termination without the need for special tools. The result is a high-integrity termination
which is vibration resistant and secure enough for extreme applications in industry and
transportation.
"Bridging the Divide between IT and Manufacturing"- conference - This autumn, WBF will host its
bi-annual European Conference at the Condes de Barcelona Hotel in Barcelona, Spain, on 10-12 November.
GPS receiver testing -
National Instruments has announced the
NI GPS Toolkit for LabVIEW, an extension of
the graphical system design environment that expands the NI RF PXI platform
to include multi-satellite GPS signal simulation. Using NI LabVIEW
software to create waveforms that simulate up to 12 satellites (C/A codes in the L1 band), engineers
can test receiver characteristics such as sensitivity, time to first fix (TTFF) and position
accuracy with the NI PXIe-5672 RF vector
signal generator.
New shortform
catalogue published - Emerson Network Power has published a new 2008 shortform catalogue that
covers all standard Astec and Artesyn power conversion products. Containing 64 information-packed
pages, the catalogue is an invaluable source of reference data for electronics engineers and system
developers.
18/6/2008
WiMAX testing - Keithley Instruments now has a set of signal creation and analysis
tools that extend its RF test capabilities to include WiMAX signal testing (presentation).
Live Video Conferencing, interactive training and remote support Easily and quickly -
iQuokka allows you to video conference
live to your colleagues and clients situated throughout the world. All participants will be able to
see, text and talk to each other, use a whiteboard to write on and present with powerpoints. In
addition, you will be able to conduct practical hands-on demonstrations on real equipment situated
thousands of kms away from you such as switching on a circuit breaker or tuning a loop or
calibrating an instrument or controlling a variable speed drive and motor.
Submersible load cell
for tensile and compressive forces is ultra compact - The DDEN Series of load cells from
Applied Measurements measure tensile or compressive forces in underwater locations to a depth of
up to 10 metres, although the unit can be customised to operate in even greater depths. The unit is
unique in its compactness over a wide capacity range. Even at the top end of the capacity rating of
50kN, the unit dimensions do not change AO with a diameter of just 44mm and a length of 65mm.
New chromatography software
for chemical, environmental and academic markets - Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced new ChromQuest 5.0 Chromatography
Data System (CDS) software. ChromQuest 5.0 software provides a new user
interface, data acquisition, data processing and reporting for Thermo
Scientific LC and GC instrumentation, including the Accela High Speed LC
system and all of the configurations of the versatile TriPlus Autosampler.
Waveform creation
software with object-oriented user interface optimised for MIMO - Keithley Instruments has introduced Version 2.0 of its SignalMeister™ Waveform Creation Software, a powerful RF
development tool with next-generation performance and usability. SignalMeister 2.0 features a new,
"object-oriented" graphical user interface (GUI) and is the only waveform creation software on the
market that uses a click-and-drag objects-based approach, allowing RF engineers to intuitively
create basic and complex waveforms using graphical objects. This object-orientated GUI is optimized
for MIMO signals and allows users to visually create a dramatically expanded range of test
waveforms. SignalMeister 2.0 enables the creation of the entire range of signals in accordance with
WiMAX and WLAN wireless connectivity standards and 3GPP and 3GPP2 cellular standards.
Acquisition completed - GE
Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced that it has completed the acquisition of assets of the
MTL Open System Technologies (MOST) product lines including the MTL8000 general purpose I/O,
intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system, and process control technologies.
17/6/2008
Non-contact infra-red
temperature sensor has dual output capability - Calex has another first in the field of infra-red thermometry, their new
PyroCouple series non-contact temperature sensors. This series is a range of high quality, low cost,
compact sensors which measure the temperature of inaccessible or moving objects and materials. They
can measure temperatures from -20°C to 500°C, accurately and consistently, with an
outstanding response time of 240 ms.
SIF technology at Shell Global Solutions In
Amsterdam - The Fieldbus Foundation has conducted a
successful end user demonstration of its FOUNDATION(tm) for Safety
Instrumented Functions (SIF) technology. Held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at
the Shell Global Solutions technology center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
the SIF demo attracted process automation end users and equipment suppliers
from around the world.
GUI software adds
trajectory control, analysis and optimisation tools for complex motion profiles -
Aerotech's new Motion Designer software provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface for
generating, analysing motion trajectories and also improving the performance of complex motion
profiles. The software greatly simplifies trajectory programming and reduces development time where
an exact motion profile, simulating a dynamic environment or real-world conditions, needs to be
generated. Furthermore, applications requiring optimal performance can also benefit with detailed
motion analysis tools and iterative learning control algorithms that reduce following error and
cycle times over multiple runs.
Pressure transducers use
modular design to maximise choice and minimise lead time - Thanks to a modular design, FP2000 pressure transducers can be
configured in thousands of combinations allowing RDP Electronics to offer competitive delivery times
for products custom specified for a wide measurement range, including absolute, gauge and
differential pressure. Pressure range options are from vacuum to 10,000 psi, all with excellent
over-pressure tolerance, a choice of 0.1% or 0.25% F.S. accuracy options, many pressure port options
and electrical terminations plus voltage or current outputs if needed.
Multi-way rotary switch is dust and splash proof -
Switch manufacturer Lorlin Electronics, continues to diversify into new design opportunities for
rotary switches. The extensive range of PT multi-deck, multi-pole rotary switches are now available
with an O-ring seal and waterproof grease sealant between the shaft and brush providing a dust and
splash proof seal between the switch and mounting panel.
Use of damage deterrent
labels will reduce returns and lower costs -
Now available from Lamerholm is a range of innovative, yet cost-effective, labels that can save
companies time and money by providing a cost-effective damage deterrent when shipping goods. The
ShockWatch labels are self-adhesive, highly visible labels that, when attached to the packaging used
to transport objects or artworks, can indicate when a product has been exposed to impact.
New electromagnetic tool combats
today's twin RF design challenges - Vector Fields has released a major new version of its
Concerto software tool for high-frequency electromagnetic design. Although Concerto's developers
already believe the package to offer the fastest-executing solver for this electromagnetic
application area, generic design trends such as a move to higher frequencies and more sophisticated
antennas are leading to much more complex designs.
16/6/2008
60 years
with special offers on industrial maintenance products - Over the years, Fluke has built a
solid reputation for rugged and reliable high performance test tools. With a rich history spanning
60 years in test and measurement, Fluke has become one of the most trusted brands distinguished by
innovation, design, precision and safety. Every Fluke tool speaks volumes about the company's
planning, engineering and application expertise: it shows in every detail from the innovative
electronics and award winning design to the safety engineering and quality of workmanship.
Collaboration to Create LTE, WiMAX RF Testing Solutions -
Keithley Instruments has announced a joint
effort with Azimuth Systems, a leading provider of wireless
broadband test equipment and channel emulators for WiMAX, 4G, and Wi-Fi (Acton, MA). They are working
with Azimuth Systems to deliver critical end-to-end MIMO RF test solutions to mobile handset
manufacturers, infrastructure vendors, and service providers for next-generation LTE and WiMAX
testing.
Certified Integrator
Program - InduSoft has launched the Certified Integrator Program, an
incentive-driven program open to all automation and process control System Integrators who recommend
and develop solutions using InduSoft Web Studio HMI/SCADA software. Any system integrator is
eligible to become an InduSoft Certified System Integrator and participate in the incentive program.
The certification entitles them to discount pricing on runtime licenses regardless of the number of
licenses sold, special pricing on InduSoft products, and free technical training-all without annual
support fees.
High efficiency DC:DC
converter has dual digital control for LED lighting - Powerstax has announced the availability of a new DC:DC
converter for the rapidly growing LED lighting market. This compact high efficiency DC:DC converter
has a wide input range, from 11 to 36VDC, and provides a constant current single output, variable
from 100mA to 2A, to provide power for a single LED through to an array of up to 9.
Latest
issue highlights progress - The latest issue of Industrial Automation Insider, features an
exhamination of Invensys's rising from what many comentators were describing as the grave. As well
as all the usuual and unusual items that effect the Automation world. It is the essential reading for all Automation insiders and outsiders who want to know what's happening in our world!
European Users Conference in Amsterdam - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit
of GE Enterprise Solutions, hosted European customers, distribution partners, system integrators and
solution providers at a 2-day seminar in Amsterdam, the first in a series of Innovation Seminars to
be held throughout the EMEA region in 2008. Aimed at Plant, Operations and IT Management, as well as
engineers and operators, over 170 participants attended presentations by executives and Industry
Managers from around the world with sessions addressing application industries and introducing the
wealth of new software and hardware products recently announced to address those markets.
4/6/2008 to 12/6/2009
- During our holiday period we received the following news stories!
- Digitally automating a Bulgarian pulp mill expansion - Emerson Process Management
announces that it has been awarded a contract to digitally automate an expanded recovery boiler and
fiberline at Svilosa pulp mill, which is located on the banks of the Danube, near the town of
Svishtov in Northern Bulgaria. Emerson will install its PlantWeb® digital plant architecture for the
project that will triple mill output, reduce the plant's environmental impact and improve energy
efficiency.
- A good thing for small plaaces - The new Type 2614A crank angle encoder from Kistler
Instruments is ideal for installations where space is very tight, such as on
road-going vehicles. The small cross section allows mounting where the distance between the
crankshaft pulley and the vehicle body is as little as 35mm. The robust, stainless steel body of
the encoder suits real world applications on both test vehicles and test stands, especially in very
low temperature test chambers.
- Ethernet line extenders support redundant rings and serial connectivity - Westermo Data
Communications has added two products to its innovative Wolverine range of high speed line
extenders. The new units offer the additional functionality of redundancy for Ethernet networks and
connection to serial devices. The DDW-221 industrial Ethernet line extender has the ability to
support redundant rings. The device uses Westermo's unique FRNT (Fast Recovery of Network Topology)
technology. This is the fastest protocol on the market to re-configure a network in the event of a
broken cable, a connector being accidentally un-plugged or hardware failure.
- Application for water & wastewater
applications - Wonderware has
announced the release of the Wonderware IndustryPack for Water & Wastewater designed to enhance
overall productivity in facility operations for the water and wastewater industry. This is the
first in a series of IndustryPacks to be introduced by Wonderware that will focus on specific
vertical market segments.
- Control valves are first to be SIL 3 certified to IEC 61508 standards - Emerson Process Management has received SIL 3
certification of several ranges of its Fisher® valves to IEC 61508 standards. Emerson is the first
control valve manufacturer to have achieved this independent third party certification which
eliminates the need for prior use methodology while proving that Emerson's design process,
engineering and testing fully comply with IEC 61508.
- Demands from emerging economies drive PLC market growth - Strong economic growth in Asia
and Eastern Europe significantly boosted the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market in 2007.
While economic expansion is expected to continue, future growth will be at a slower pace. The
worldwide market for PLCs is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over
the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.
- Overwhelming response to European conference call for papers -
WBF has received a record
number of papers in response to a call for presentations for its 2008 European Conference, to be
held 10-12 November in Barcelona (ES). WBF received more than 55 papers from over 25 countries around the world, including China, India,
Singapore, Brazil, Germany, and the Ukraine.
- First ultra low power transceiver-centric communications controller chip for wireless sensor networks -
GreenPeak Technologies, a leader in battery-free and therefore maintenance-free communication
technology for wireless sense and control applications, today announced the Emerald GP500C
communications controller chip for ultra low power wireless sensor networks.
- 'Best-of-Breed' visualization by SAP research - Iconics, an
award-winning Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and provider of Web-enabled, OPC-based, HMI/SCADA
Visualization and Manufacturing Intelligence software for Microsoft Windows® operating systems
announced its participation in SAP's Future Factory Initiative (FFI).
- Newsletter out - David Spitzer's newsletter for June has been issued with details of the technologies of flow measurement.
- Free download of draft standard - The nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) organisation has released the CiA
401 CANopen device profile for generic I/O modules version 3.0 as draft standard (DS). This device
profile allows connection of digital and analog I/O modules to a CANopen network.
- World's smallest stringpot sensor - The world's smallest stringpot or draw-wire sensor,
the Celesco M150, is available from Variohm EuroSensor. With its miniature conductive plastic potentiometer, robust IP50 rated aluminium housing
and nylon coated stainless steel cable, the M150 can be installed in a volume of less than 20 mm x
20 mm x 10 mm and provides an essentially infinite linear position resolution over measurement range
of 0 - 38 mm with a +/- 1% full scale accuracy.
- Research arm established - Monitran has established Monitran Technology as its formal
research and development arm. The new company will concentrate on the design of innovative products
that exploit the use of new materials, technologies and techniques, particularly where joint
ventures or knowledge transfer partnerships are involved.
- Flow newsletter - The latest edition of Jesse Yoder's FlowTimes - "Your Update on Flow,
Temperature, and Pressure Measurement from Flow Research" - gives
information on the varios studies on flow meter markets and other papers.
- New Nitrogen/Protein analyser for superior
analytical accuracy and increased productivity, an alternative to the
Kjeldahl Method - Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the new Thermo Scientific
FLASH 4000 Nitrogen/Protein analyzer. Designed to offer an alternative to
the Kjeldahl methodology for dedicated Nitrogen and N/Protein analysis in
the food and beverage industry, the FLASH 4000 N/Protein analyzer features a
large sample load (2 grams), ensuring maximum accuracy and reliability of
results and improved productivity capabilities.
- Approval for hygienic level measurement -
With the level switch LSM, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers a hygienic
measuring device available with different 3A approved process connections. It is especially suitable
for the use in the food and beverage industry.
- New
presentations added to website - New Content Added to the MESA Website Knowledge Base More
than 60 presentations from past MESA conferences have been added to the Knowledge Base recently.
- Next generation high efficiency 1A and 1.5A switching regulators - RECOM
has launched it's high efficiency 1A and 1.5A switching regulators. Two years after introducing the 0.5A
R78xx switching regulator family to the market the RECOM engineering team has developed the next
generation of innovative switching regulators. The R-78Bxx-1.0 and R-78Bxx-1.5 series have
efficiencies of up to 95% and are pin-compatible with it's 0.5A R-78xx-0.5-series and with the
common 78xx linear regulators.
- Keynote speaker named - National
Instruments has announced that Andrew Hargadon, the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship
and the Energy Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis, will deliver the closing
keynote address at NIWeek 2008, the premier event for graphical system design scheduled for Aug. 5-7
in Austin (TX US). Hargadon, author of the book "How Breakthroughs Happen: The Surprising Truth About
How Companies Innovate," will share his insights on innovation and how it can meet the Earth's
energy challenges with the more than 3,000 engineers, scientists and educators in attendance.
Security at British Labour Party Conference Thermo Fisher Scientific's
Thermo Scientific ViewpointT Enterprise radiation detection system, successfully inaugurated at the
2007 U.K. Labour Party Annual Conference, is available for wider security markets throughout the
world including first responder, nuclear power, industrial and medical facility protection.
The 2007 Labour Party Conference was held in Bournemouth, Dorset, an event attended by more than
12,000 delegates, media and exhibitors. Responsible for the meeting's overall security, the Dorset
Police chose the Thermo Scientific radiation monitoring system to manage and monitor potential
radiation threats during the conference.
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- New modular eddy current sensor range for high precision/high frequency linear displacement measurement -
Ixthus Instrumentation has launched a new high
precision, non-contact linear displacement measuring instrument from leading eddy current sensor
technology specialist Kaman. The KD-2306 can
measure both ferrous and non-ferrous metal targets with a measurement resolution as small as 0.05 um
and has the ability to perform through non-metallic substrates such as glass or plastics.
- Historian reporter - SyTech
has announced that Canary Labs has selected XLReporter as the reporting component of the Trend
Historian Reporter Suite, their latest software package.
- New website unravels 17th Edition changes - With the new 17th Edition Wiring
Regulations being implemented, Schneider Electric has unveiled a new section of its website, devoted to explaining the new
Regulations and all of the ramifications for electrical contractors, FMs and building engineers. The
site helps to unravel the changes in the new Regulations, highlight training opportunities, allow
visitors to test their 17th Edition knowledge in an interactive quiz and finally the chance to buy a
discounted copy of the full regulations.
- Portable
signal recording and playback instrument streams data at 500 MB/Sec - Pentek has announced its Model RTS 2721 Portable
Signal Recording and Playback Instrument, delivering truly remarkable performance while weighing
only 23 pounds and measuring just 16.8 x 5.7 x 11.5 inches high. With
recording and playback rates up to 500 MB/sec, the unit is well suited for a broad range of
communications and radar applications that require acquisition, down-conversion, analysis,
up-conversion and reproduction of baseband and intermediate frequency (IF) signals.
- Oversee production with a glance -
A large treemap display in the control room shows the performance of thousands of assets with one
glance. Opportunities for improvement pop out as bright red areas in the map. This display, which
is updated with live information from the plant control system, allows everyone in the plant to be
focused on the same goals. PlantTriage treemaps show all control system assets spaced on one screen. Each asset is represented
by both size and color of a rectangle.
- Current sense
amplifier operates from -55°C to 150°C - Linear Technology announces the LT6107, a
Military Plastic grade (MP-grade) high side current sense amplifier specified for operation from
-55°C to 150°C. As an MP-grade device, the LT6107 is guaranteed and tested across the
specified temperature range and is intended to meet the demands of automotive, military and
industrial, and other harsh environment applications.
- New LEDs offer best ever lumens per penny - Marl Optosource has announced a new range of LEDs, using the latest manufacturing
and semiconductor technology to achieve the best ever lumens light output per penny cost of the LED.
- Portable operator training simulator for BP -
Invensys Process Systems has been awarded a
contract from BP Chemicals Limited to build an Operating Training Simulator to be used for the
transfer of process knowledge to operators of their chemical manufacturing facilities. The training
simulator is designed to be a portable "suitcase simulator", so that the instruction can be
conducted at any site around the world.
- 2008 IEEE Joseph F. Keithley Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Electrical
Measurement - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has announced that
Robert G. Fulks is the recipient of the 2008 IEEE Joseph F. Keithley Award in Instrumentation and
Measurement. Fulks,from Maine, is a retired vice president at GenRad and is being
recognized for pioneering developments in automated measurements. The award, sponsored by
Keithley Instruments and in memory of the company's
founder Joseph F. Keithley, recognizes outstanding contributions in electrical measurement and
consists of a bronze medal, a certificate, and an honorarium.
22/5/2008 to 3/6/2008
- During our holiday period we received the following news stories!
All of the leading suppliers of automation and control
products are listed in the online ISA Directory of
Automation. This purchasing guide will save you precious
time and money by making the right companies with the right
products available to you right now.
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- Smart frequency inverter delivers sophisticated motion control capability - Nord Drivesystems has launched a variant of its Nordac SK500 family of frequency inverter drives incorporating sophisticated position control capabilities. Called Posicon, the new functionality supports closed-loop applications with sophisticated motion control features such as the ability to program relative or absolute positioning, synchronising, gearing and S-ramp movement profiles.
- Pharma heads of industry programme announced - The first
Pharmatex conference and exhibition was a
resounding success last year. This year promises to continue in
the proud tradition at the same venue in Cork (IRL) in September. This event is a multi-disciplined
conference and exhibition for the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical industries. This annual
event provides an insight into the future of technology, innovation and corporate strategy within
the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical sector.
The programme for the Heads of Industry has just been released entitled Heads of Industry - Operational Excellence.
- Installing Fieldbus - Many automation engineers are coming face to face with real
fieldbus applications for the first time. Fieldbus is a wonderful technology with many benefits, but
fieldbus installation requires some additional considerations over and above normal 4-20mA projects.
This article (pdf) by Mike O'Neill, Director of MooreHawke discusses some
of those issues, and shows you how to deal with them.
- New analytical variable pressure FESEM - Hitachi High-Technologies has announced the new
SU6600 variable pressure field emission SEM, further increasing its range of high performance
electron microscopes. The SU6600 is characterized by a host of features which allow rapid & accurate
analysis with exceptional flexibility. Key to the performance of the SU6600 is the combination of
the advanced new electron gun and novel vacuum control system.
- 8-Axis motion controller and servo drive in one unit - Designed to meet
machine builders' current automation needs and tasks, the new Technosoft TMC-3D combines a
multi-axis motion controller and a digital servo drive in the same compact unit. Based on the
MotionChip™ technology, TMC-3D controls (via CAN-bus) up to 8 Technosoft intelligent drives
(including itself). Its embedded servo drive is suitable for DC, brushless and step motors up to 640
W (80 V, 8 A).
- Test engineers can now develop faster test systems to increase throughput - National Instruments has announced
NI TestStand 4.1, the latest version of the company's test management
software, which now helps engineers develop faster test systems with multicore processor support.
- Industry's first fully integrated flicker noise measurement system - With the
cost of developing each new semiconductor manufacturing process node escalating dramatically and
time to market pressures increasing, there is no longer room for error in measuring critical
parameters such as flicker noise. Recognizing these market realities and their impact on
semiconductor manufacturers, Cascade Microtech has introduced the EDGE Flicker Noise Measurement
System, the only flicker noise measurement system that is certified to provide accurate measurements
from 1Hz to 30 MHz.
- New low priced pressure transducer - New from RDP Electronics is the RPT Series pressure transducer. The RPT should prove ideal
for a wide range of industrial and research applications where high accuracy at affordable price is
an important consideration.
- Accelerating remote monitoring and control - National Instruments has announced Measurement Studio
8.5 to add test and measurement functionality to the latest Microsoft development environment with a
complete set of .NET class libraries, tools and NI data acquisition driver support for Microsoft
Visual Studio 2008.
- Bringing the industry standard for open automation software development to
a new level -
Sixnet has introduced the first seamless migration path for the tens of
thousands of installed ISaGRAF applications to upgrade to the newest
generation of 32-bit look and feel ISaGRAF applications development
tools. Fully optimized for Windows XP and beyond, these tools form the
seamless path to the emerging 64-bit Vista operating systems of the
future.
- Wireless innovator's new Israeli office gets closer to key IC R&D partners -
LitePoint Corporation announced today it has opened its new support office in Tirat Hacarmel,
Israel.
- Ultra compact pressure transducers -
Ashcroft's new pressure transmitters feature a digital display for local indication and a user
"turndown" capability for re-ranging. Two ultra-compact configurations are now available: GC51 Gauge
and compound ranges to 7500 psi GC52 Wet-wet DP with ranges from 0/4 to 0/400 Inches W.C. and
bi-direcrional ranges.
- Connectivity platform for mobile electronics products now available in wafer-level CSP - QuickLogic's innovative connectivity platform targeting the handheld electronics product market, ArcticLink, is now available in compact wafer level chip scale packaging (WLCSP).
- Partners for communication - Opto 22
has partnered with Kepware to develop and deliver the world's best drivers for Opto 22 products.
- Next-generation Hall-effect current sensor combines high speed and low noise for 50-100 A
current measurements - Allegro MicroSystems Europe has introduced a new high-speed, low-noise
Hall-effect current sensor which offers 3 kV RMS voltage isolation and a low-resistance current
conductor for 50-100 A current measurements.
- Mini-OTDR features enhanced trace quality and long battery life -
The new Yokogawa AQ7275 is a mini-OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) featuring a very high
trace quality, extended battery life, high measurement speed, wide dynamic range, and a number of
new options and accessories.
- AC motor controls -
Most AC motors are started through a standardized control system designed to protect the motor, the
circuit, and operating personnel. Gain an understanding of how a standardized control system is
designed to protect the motor, the circuit, and operating personnel.
- Did You
Know? Humans Can Fly! - Flomerics and Matchstick Productions have released a video on YouTube,
which reveals the complex 3D airflow around a wingsuit that enables human beings to glide through
the air like a bird. The video combines actual footage of human flight in wingsuits with airflow
simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
- Ultralow
supply current monitors ideal for portable electronics - Linear Technology Corporation has
introduced the LTC2934 and LTC2935, ultralow power supply monitors that only draw 500nA of quiescent
current. Battery life is of the utmost importance in portable applications, where it is essential to
reduce the amount of supply current the device draws during normal and standby operation.
![](http://hiddentrails.com/europe/ireland/images/offaly-BirrCastleTelescope.jpg) - Birr telescope control system refurbishment! - Astronomy has always been a
passion of the Read-out editor
and this story from Nick Denbow of Processingtalk is a must for the signpost. Birr locaated almost
in the centre of Ireland was for years the home of the world's greatest
telescope (pic right!) and this has been refurbished completely over the last few years. The control system
by IES.
- Lean production management -
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced
the availability of a new version of its award-winning Proficy Tracker software that helps companies
realise lean initiatives by managing the execution of orders and the related flow of materials.
Proficy Tracker is in use in companies all over the world, managing the tracking and traceability
and discrete operations, such as container management and packaging, of consumer products in
industries from Automotive to Electronics.
- Managed Ethernet switch
range offers flexible communication options - mCon 1000 from Harting is a new range of
managed Ethernet switches that offers a flexible range of communications options for industrial
network applications.
- New version improves plants, ability to drive performance and enhance enterprise applications
- GE Fanuc Intelligent
Platforms has announced a new version of its award-winning Proficy® Plant Applications, one of
the cornerstones of the company's Production Management Software suite. Version 4.4,s powerful new
features decrease a user's time-to-value, making it easier for manufacturers to reach production,
quality and cost objectives.
- The wild, wacky wireless wars drag on! - Who else but Jim Pinto and his views on this topic!
- Early warning of typical faults not provided by traditional overall vibration level monitoring
techniques - The IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has released the patented
Model 682A05 Bearing Fault Detector, an industry exclusive, which senses
impacts within rolling element bearings caused by bearing faults. This type of detection provides
early warning of typical bearing faults such as cracked races, spalling, brinelling, fatigue
failure, looseness, and loss of lubrication. The Bearing Fault Detector uses a patented true peak
picking mechanism that is ultra sensitive to impacts in bearings, and thus provides warning of
problems in their earliest stages of development. This type of warning is not generally provided by
traditional overall vibration level monitoring techniques.
National Instruments has been named as one of the UK's 50 Best
Workplaces in the Financial Times 2008 Best Workplaces Special Report. This is the third
consecutive year that they have appeared in this list, and NI is the only
high technology manufacturer recognised in the list.
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- New Version of Prototyping Platform for Interactive, Hands-On Learning - National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) has announced
NI ELVIS II, the latest version of the design and prototyping platform
that educators worldwide have adopted for hands-on, project-based learning. Based on the powerful
LabVIEW graphical system design software, It gives educators 12
new USB plug-and-play instruments and complete integration with
Multisim 10.1 software for SPICE simulation to simplify the teaching of
circuit design. In addition, educators can use NI ELVIS II with a suite of third-party boards and
curriculum resources to teach control design, telecommunications and microcontroller concepts.
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