Two rugged software radio PMC modules with unprecedented performance and density - Pentek has announced a new family of rugged software radio modules with two of Pentek's leading-edge, GateFlow FPGA IP cores installed on its recently introduced Model 7141 Dual Channel 125 MHz 14-bit A/D and 500 MHz 16-bit D/A Transceiver. As an added benefit, because the IP cores are pre-installed by Pentek, the end user is completely free from any FPGA development tasks.

Industrial wireless systems - Wireless systems and wireless technologies have advanced to the point where stable, robust, and secure networks are ready for deployment in industrial settings. As such, professionals crossing many disciplines (e.g., process, automation, IT, controls) come face to face with understanding the implications and opportunities that such wireless networks may provide to them and their plant. The ISA 100 training course from ISA over the most relevant details associated with industrial wireless systems with an emphasis towards how the various technological choices coexist, interoperate, and interact with each other. 
See also our Wireless Page!

New module delivers optimised performance for high-bandwidth measurements in automated test applications - National Instruments has announced a significant bandwidth increase in its digitiser offering with the introduction of the NI PXI-5154 digitiser/PC-based oscilloscope, expanding the family of more than 20 high-speed, high-resolution and high-channel-count products. The dual-channel, 1 GHz PXI-5154 digitiser offers up to a 2 GS/s real-time sample rate (20 GS/s equivalent-time sample rate for repetitive signals), making it ideal for acquisition and characterisation of fast, nanosecond-edge speeds. Equipped with the deepest onboard memory in its class of up to 256 MB per channel, the digitiser also provides high sustained sample rates over extended data capture windows.

Scientific Computing 2008 readers' choice awards - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that five of its informatics and software solutions have received Scientific Computing 2008 Readers' Choice Awards across four categories: LIMS, bioinformatics, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Thermo Fisher Scientific won more awards than any other company.

IS measurement systems to order - Installation of items to the ATEX standard is required where there is or may be the presence of gases, mists or vapors which may be explosive. The service RDP Electronics offers is the supply of transducers, amplifiers and barriers, design and installation drawings plus safety documentation for the entire measurement system.

Safety at Olympic venues in Beijing - China Earthquake Administration (CEA), the leading governmental body managing the country's earthquake preparedness and disaster mitigation, has selected a structural health monitoring (SHM) solution developed by TheNational Instruments Alliance Partner CGM Engineering based on the NI LabVIEW graphical system design platform and NI CompactRIO programmable automation controllers. The systems are designed to aid engineers in conducting structural health research on seven recently constructed megastructures in China including both of the main venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics - the Beijing National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center.

Filter adaptors for D-Sub connectors - Harting has introduced a new range of male and female D-Subminiature filter adaptors for effective electronic noise reduction in sensitive applications such as high-speed digital broadcasting and industrial test equipment.

Pollution control systems order for Romania's largest power plant - Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that a consortium led by its Austrian subsidiary, Yokogawa GesmbH Central East Europe, has received an order from Austrian Energy & Environment, a major plant manufacturer, to supply electrical equipment and instrumentation for the flue gas desulphurisation systems at the Turceni thermal power plant in Romania. This contract is estimated to be worth 26 million euros.

New Ultra-thin computer for hazardous locations - Nematron supplies the ePC-Series of Industrial Computers with Class 1 Division 2 Hazardous Location Rating. With an Ultra-thin profile and support for Celeron M and Core Duo performance the ePC is ideal for demanding HMI/SCADA applications. There are currently three display sizes in the series 15", 17", and 19", all are available with 5-wire Analogue Resistive touch-screens and IP65/NEMA front panel environmental protection. With an ultra-thin panel depth of less than 75mm (3.0") on the 15" unit they are particularly effective in harsh environments with space critical installation and especially hazardous locations, such as off-shore Oil Production Platforms.

Device coupler test spec. released - The Fieldbus Foundation has just released the final FOUNDATION™ Device Coupler Test Specification (FF- 846 FS 1.0). This specification is designed for coupler manufacturers to perform a standard set of tests against their implementation.
Further details and more fieldbus news on our Fieldbus News Page

Tiny dual hot swap controller for optical networks - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4224, a compact, low voltage Hot Swap™ controller for protecting boards and backplanes that use two 1V to 6V voltage supplies. Systems, including fiber optic networks, will benefit from the simplified control with independent turn-on and adjustable ramp of the two supplies. In recent years, multisource agreements like XENPAK have defined fiber optic transceiver modules that provide transmission rates up to 10Gbits/sec over distances as long as 80km. Since then, more versatile definitions like X2 or Xpak have emphasized smaller form factors for space-constrained applications.

Space-saving power supplies use less energy - The new PL series from TTi is a range of linear regulated laboratory power supplies with a very small bench footprint. They incorporate a phase-controlled pre-regulator to limit heat dissipation and reduce energy consumption.

Expanded partner ecosystem with new innovation partner programme - Wonderware has announced the expansion of its current partner programs and partner ecosystem with the introduction of the new comprehensive Wonderware Innovation Partner Program. This comprehensive partner program was developed in response to customer and partner demands for increased collaboration in the delivery of innovative, yet sustainable real-time operations management solutions for a wide range of vertical industries.
Wonderware support the Signpost with a banner advert on our Home Page.

Change management solution enhancements to deliver lower total cost of ownership and to help meet regulatory compliance goals - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Version 5.8 of its award-winning Proficy™ Change Management solution. The upgrade provides customers with features that deliver lower total cost of ownership by tracking changes to critical assets. The web-based features of the software make the Change Management client easy to install, deploy and to maintain.

New faster website provides online power supply configuration - Excelsys Technologies has gone live with a brand new website. Offering visitors fast access to products or bespoke solutions the new website can be found at www.excelsys.com. A button on the home page takes customers to the EXCELerate Wizard which offers the ability to configure application specific power supplies online and purchase from their nearest authorised distributor.

New ESD simulator Is compact and cost effective - TESEQ has announced the introduction of its latest hand held ESD simulator. The new NSG 434 is a compact and cost effective solution for air discharge testing up to 8KV and contact testing up to 6KV. Offering a saving of up to 30% over higher performance models the NSG 434 will provide testing to meet around 95% of all commonly required standards.

Digital Modbus pressure transmitter with very fast response time - The Modbus Fast Response pressure transmitter EC6, developed by Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation on special customer request, stands out due to its extremely fast response time of only 1msec. For the first time, a very fast, robust and fully configurable pressure measuring device can be provided for applications communicating over Modbus such as pressure test benches and water treatment or gas generation units.

PLC runs BASIC and Ladder - The CUSB range from Audon Electronics are low-cost open-frame PLCs based on the CuBloc core processor running both BASIC and Ladder-logic programs. There are 3 models in the range, CUSB-22R, CUSB-30R and the CUSB36R. These DIN-rail mount PLC's have a different mix of I/O, but all have mains relay outputs, opto-inputs, analogue inputs, PWM outputs, counter/timers, simple connections to a LCD and keypad and two RS232 ports. These can be easily reconverted for RS485 multi-drop use and the CUSB can be programmed for use as both MODBUS master or slave.

Switching solutions expanded - Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of switching solutions with the introduction of a new PXI module, the 40-736, capable of switching communications signals carried on 100 ohm differential pair cables.

Image fusion technology enhances surveilllance capabilities - Firstsight Vision can now offer Image Fusion technology from Waterfall Solutions to allow visible waveband and thermal images of the same field of view to be merged to provide far more useful surveillance information from the scene than either of the individual images. The technique analyses incoming video in order to maximize scene detail and contrast in the fused output image. Compensation can be made for misalignment of the sensors.

All of the benefits of an LVDT with a 4-20mA output - With more than forty years experience in the design and manufacture of LVDTs RDP Electronics has over the years also been involved with significant advances in external control systems, including the widespread adoption of the 4-20mA, 2-wire interface. In recognition that a majority of controllers utilise this, they now offer this output option on a wide range of transducers, either directly or in conjunction with a simple external module.

Father of BACnet! - Among the many newsletters we receive at the Read-out office, both by email and via ordinary post is that of Contemporary Controls' "Control Network." The latest issue for May-June 2008 has an interesting supplement called "The Extension," and this issue has George Thomas's interview with Mike Newman, "Father of BACnet." It is always interesting and sometimes useful to read the thoughts and attitudes of our pioneers.

"Suffice it to say that BACnet is the result of an incredible group of dedicated professionals who simply didn't know when to quit." H. Michael Newman

ATEX Certification for industrial pressure indicators - AMETEK Calibration Instruments has announced that the JOFRA range of IPI Industrial Pressure Indicators is now ATEX and CSA certified for use in potentially explosive environments in the field or in calibration laboratories. ATEX is the primary intrinsically safe standard in the European Union, while CSA refers to relevant Canadian and USA standards.

Chinese show continues expansion - Two months before analytica China 2008 opens its gates the organisers are reporting record-breaking participation. With 350 exhibitors from 18 countries, the number of companies will be approximately 25 higher than it was at analytica China 2006. Exhibitors will occupy 17,000 square meters of exhibition space, which is nearly a 50-percent increase over 2006. Some prominent speakers have already confirmed that they will participate in the analytica China Conference and the Sino-German Symposium, which is being held at the same time as the analytica China Conference for the first time ever.
The show is scheduled for Shanghai from September 23 - 25, 2008, i.e. at the same time as IFAT China, the trade fair for environmental protection.

Compact, multifunctional dew point transmitter for measurements down to -80°C Td - The new dew point transmitter Series EE371 from E+E Elektronik enables dew point temperature measurements in the range from -80 to +60°C (-112/140°F).The auto-calibration feature and the specifically for these applications designed dew point sensor element provide outstanding accuracy and very good long-term stability. Wettability, fast response time and high resistance against chemical pollutants are the main features of this sensor element HMC01, developed by E+E Elektronik in thin film technology.

Automation personal are well paid, challenged and have fun! - Building on a highly successful launch earlier this year, IDC's Advanced Diploma in Industrial Automation is now attracting enquiries for the last intake of 2008. Registrations for this course close in September. Studying via online distance learning, students in this year's two previous intakes are based in various countries including Canada, Australia, the UK, South Africa, France, and Argentina.
Steve Mackay Technical Director of IDC Technologies notes that "there is a critical shortage of automation, instrumentation and control engineers around the world now due to retirement, restructuring and rapid growth in new industries and technologies." He said that a career in industrial automation can be well paid, challenging, but ultimately enjoyable.
You can register on the IDC Tecnology site and go to eLearning.

New version of steady-state simulation improves chemical processes - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has released the newest version of SimSci-Esscor's PRO/II software, a steady-state process simulator used to design, analyze and improve chemical processes. In addition to the numerous infrastructure upgrades and enhancements that address the emerging needs of the hydrocarbon and chemicals processing industries, PRO/II simulation software can now be used on Microsoft Vista Enterprise & Business operating systems, and IPS has provided an updated install procedure and support for Microsoft Office 2007.

Just published - The Pharmatex conference programme has just been published. This annual conference, the first of which was held last year, is a multi-disciplined conference and exhibition for the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical industries. It provides an insight into the future of technology, innovation and corporate strategy within the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical sector. It solicits the views and experiences of international and local business leaders and advisors to create a roadmap for the industry over a rolling ten-year period. The conference investigates the challenges and opportunities the sector faces, and benchmarks Ireland's performance as a centre of excellence within the global pharmaceutical economy.
Read-out organised a track on Industrial Wireless during the 2007 Pharmatex and will be involved in another track on Industrial Communications this year.

Partner for expanding device communications offerings - Kepware Technologies, has been selected as the primary provider to extend device communications options for Wonderware's System Platform 3.0 product beyond Wonderware's own line of device communications servers.
Wonderware supports the Instrumentation Signpost with a banner advert on our Home Page.

Course addresses the requirements of "Achieving BACnet® Compliance" - Contemporary Controls has announced a new virtual Industrial Ethernet University (IEU) graduate level course entitled Achieving BACnet Compliance. This course continues the discussion of object modeling by addressing the requirements for achieving BACnet compliance.
The course reviews the BACnet interoperable building blocks (BIBBs), the BACnet Standard Device Profiles, BACnet International, the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) Mark, and provides an example of a Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS). Using a PICS statement, an individual can determine the capability of a device and its compliance level. The course also discusses the importance of Plugfests as a convenient method for vendors to test-drive their products before actually incurring the expense and effort of a formal conformance test. -

News of automation standards - The ISA's Standards e-News is a periodic report on the latest developments in the world of automation standards. The July Issue has just been published.

Whether you are an engineer, manager, control systems integrator, student, or educator, you will turn to this book again and again for highly detailed, yet easy to read information on the major topics of automation. A GUIDE TO THE AUTOMATION BODY OF KNOWLEDGE, 2nd Ed by Vernon L. Trevathan

Enterprise integration to be highlighted - ISA EXPO 2008 will feature enterprise integration as one of six technology exchanges, offering technical conference sessions and open-to-all briefings by industry experts delivered to attendees on the exhibit floor.
As is usual the Signpost is publishing a (p)review of ISA EXPO 2008 and we welcome contributions from exhibiting companies.
There are also the opportunity of placing a limited number of reasonably priced linked advertisment boxes on this review page.

Siemens to expanding in Ireland! - Siemens is to create an additional 60 jobs in its IT Solutions & Services division in Cork City. The company's expansion is due to its growing business and recent contract wins. The new positions are for highly skilled technical and network specialists.

Communicating with RS232 Instruments: ASCII Character Codes When you communicate with an instrument over RS232, you often have to send it a string of characters. It is not always obvious how to enter some of these but a table in Windmill Software's July Newsletter should help. For instance, when a carriage return is needed you enter decimal 013 or hexadecimal 0D into your serial communications software - comDebug or LabIML for example.

New high efficiency power supply - Designed as a 1U solution, this new 275 watt ruggedised external power supply from Powerstax offers more than 90% efficiency, measuring just 250 x 95 x 44 and typically weighing 1.6Kg. For desk-top applications non-scratch feet are available. Using an external power solution offers system designers the benefits of reducing equipment size, removing heat and reducing any possible EMC concerns in sensitive equipment.

Water waste and environment under scrutiny! - The organisers of WWEM 2008, the Water Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring event in Telford (GB) in November, have announced that the Conference line up is complete, the Workshop schedule is almost full and almost all of the major players in the testing, monitoring or analysis of water and wastewater have already reserved exhibition stands.

New industry-leading OES and XRF automation software - Thermo Fisher Scientific has further strengthened its automation software solutions with the introduction of their ARL SMS version 6. Based on the recently released OXSAS analytical software for their Optical Emission (OES) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers, the ARL SMS version 6 features a common software platform covering both the instrument and automation solution. The new Graphic User Interface is designed for ease-of-use and features common audit trail, system monitoring software and integrated contextual help. This novel standardized system ensures minimal training is required for users in the metals, mining and cement industries.

Low voltage dual DC/stepper motor driver ideal for portable battery powered applications - Allegro® gas a new low voltage dual full bridge motor driver designed to drive one bipolar stepper motor or two DC motors. This new device is part of Allegro's low voltage motor driver series targeted at portable battery- powered applications. Each output channel in this new device is rated at 1 A with an operating supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 9 V. Key features include fixed off time PWM current control, low on resistance DMOS outputs and a peak current flag output.

First rugged single board computer to feature advanced Freescale® MPC8640 and MPC 8640D Processors - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms today confirmed its leadership in bringing the latest technology to its customers with the announcement of the VG6, which features the MPC8640 and MPC8640D low power Power Architecture® processors launched by Freescale Semiconductor, today.

New board features the 45nm Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor based platform - Concurrent Technologies has released one of the first critical embedded products based on Intel's 45nm process technology and the latest DDR3 memory devices. The PP 512/06x a single slot 6U CompactPCI processor board uses the latest high performance mobile dual core processor from the Intel embedded roadmap, the 2.53 GHz Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T9400. The board is ideal for CPU intensive processing applications whereby the processor's dual cores can access up to 8 Gbytes of on board DDR3 dual channel SDRAM at up to 16 Gbytes/s.

Industry's most durable magnetically actuated level switch - K-TEK has announced the MS41, the industry's most durable, magnetically actuated electric switch. The MS41 features a compact, dual-compartment design that isolates the 10 A DPDT (double pole, double throw) switching mechanism from the environment. Electrical connection is made through a hermetic seal within the enclosure that protects the internal mechanism from moisture and heat damage over an extended period of time.

Expanding test data management and visualisation - National Instruments has announced the release of DIAdem 11.0, the latest version of the interactive software for managing, analysing and reporting test data. DIAdem 11.0 adds sensor data mapping for 3D CAD models to simplify the visualisation of high-channel-count systems. It also streamlines large-group test management with automatic conversion and scaling of engineering unit sets. Additionally, NI DataFinder Server Edition 2.0, a software solution that works with DIAdem to extend test data management to large groups or departments, introduces support for user security management and integration with an electronic archiving system.

Dissolved ammonia monitor enables effective control of wastewater systems - Analytical Technology's recently launched Q45N Dissolved Ammonia Monitor achieves continuous, on-line monitoring of wastewater. Continuous monitoring of ammonia in wastewater is becoming increasingly important for plant operations and process control. Analytical Technology's dissolved ammonia monitor enables companies to effectively control the levels of ammonia in their effluent.

Don't touch! The shaft is turning! - The RWT310/320 series of TorqSense Rotary Torque Sensors from Sensor Technologyis now available in a full range of sizes from 1Nm to 10,000Nm, so can be applied to virtually any size of system where precise yet simple torque monitoring is required. And these are complemented by TorqView, a software programme that generates a virtual instrumentation display of the output from a TorqSense transducer that can be run on any computer.

Representation in Spain - In order to satisfy the market needs and the increasing demand of test solutions in Spain, Pickering Interfaces has announced a distribution agreement with TEMAI Ingenieros, an engineering company with large experience in electronics equipment development and test solution provider. The agreement was signed to create a direct sales and technical support channel for Pickering technology and products for the Spanish territory.

Management changes at international fair group - By mutual consent with executives at Munich International Trade Fairs, former Managing Director Hans-Joachim Heusleris t leave Munich International Trade Fairs and take over as Managing Director of Bayern International (Bavarian Bureau for International Business Relations). Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, former Managing Director of Bayern International, has been appointed Managing Director of Munich International Trade Fairs.

Keynote speaker announced - Paul Sereiko, President and ISA Water and Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium on 6 August 2008 at the Doubletree Castle Hotel in Orlando, (Fl US).

Vertical IO offers greater plant lifecycle savings - Emerson Process Management announces the release of the DeltaV™ VerticalPlus I/O carriers which extend the benefits of DeltaV vertical I/O to DeltaV SIS, providing flexible installation, increased I/O density, and better thermal management for both DeltaV and DeltaV SIS applications.

Metal push/pull connectors open up new applications - Harting has introduced metal-cased versions of its compact and versatile Han® PushPull range of connectors, opening up new applications for the devices in industrial networks.

Arbitrary waveform software can import from other instruments - The latest version of Waveform Manager Plus, the arbitrary waveform creation and editing program from TTi, supports importing of waveforms created by other instruments such as oscilloscopes. The import function supports any waveform that can be described by a set of Y-axis data points, regardless of their format - which can be fixed point, floating point or exponent format, positive or negative, with any amplitude and resolution.

New handheld IR thermometers with colour-change display for alarm indication - Calex Electronicshas released a new ST640 series of handheld infrared thermometers. These ergonomically designed units provide users with a wide range of features, including a novel backlit LCD display that changes to red when the measured temperature reaches either of the user-adjustable HIGH and LOW alarm limits. There is also an audible alarm to make sure that the user is in no doubt when the target has reached one of the pre-set temperature limits. These features combine to make scanning large areas for hot or cold spots quick and easy.

Control valve market to exceed $6billion - The worldwide control valve market enjoyed yet another year of historic double-digit growth between 2006 and 2007. Strong revenue growth is expected to continue at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% over the next five years. The market reached $4.8 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to exceed $6.4 billion in 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, "Control Valve Worldwide Outlook"

Spectroscopic ellipsometer with integrated reflectometry module - The UVISEL+ RM from HORIBA Jobin Yvon, extends the capability of the UVISEL with a new independent Reflectometry Module (RM) that can be mounted on its goniometer. The low cost RM module is available either as an option or as an upgrade for all current models of the VISible and NIR UVISEL Spectroscopic Ellipsometers as the module is simply connected to the Xenon lamp and monochromator of the UVISEL via two optical fibres.

Pharmaceutical and life sciences innovation award - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that it is the winner of a Microsoft Corporation 2008 Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Innovation Award in the Discovery and Product Innovation category. The award honors best-in-class companies that have made the most innovative use of Microsoft-based solutions for breakthroughs in business processes and practices throughout the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. Together with AstraZeneca, Thermo Fisher Scientific is pleased to be acknowledged for their contributions to advancing science.

Acquisition extends digital plant architecture and complements valve and instrument ranges -

Hygienic Pressure Measuring - Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers the electrical pressure transmitter of the ED 701 series with a range of new features. Therefore the ED 701 is now also highly suitable for hygienic pressure measuring in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

A stout first for Guinness! - Guinness' St James Gate brewery in Dublin has become the first Irish manufacturing plant as well as the first brewery, world wide, to achieve AMIS (Asset Management Improvement System) gaining the rare accolade 'World Class Operational Excellence' status. It was in 2004, that the Guinness continuous improvement team, asked management consultancy MCP to perform its AMIS Benchmarking Audit and help deliver the AMIS programme. MCP was chosen from other contenders because of their experience in delivering over 4000 improvement and training programmes, world wide. Sláinte!

Long-time employee and customer advocate takes lead role - Control Technology the leading manufacturer of automation controllers that integrate motion control, I/O, user interfaces, and enterprise connectivity, has appointed Thomas N. Schermerhorn as the new President of CTC. He joins CTC from Acushnet Company, manufacturer of world-leading Titleist® golf balls.

High efficiency 100-150 watt AC-DC power supply - Emerson Network Power has launched a high efficiency 100-150 watt ac-dc supply that features both ITE and non-patient contact and non-patient critical medical safety approvals. The new LPS103-M power supply is a compact open-frame design; measuring just 2 x 4 inches, with a height of only 1.29 inches, it has a typical full load efficiency of 88 percent and a power density in excess of 14 watts per cubic inch. The supply is primarily intended for use in information technology equipment (ITE) and light industrial systems, as well as for equipment intended for non-patient contact and nonpatient critical use in low power medical, dental and laboratory applications.

Analysis fair in Hanoi - Munich International Trade Fairs is hosting a new exhibition called analytica Vietnam. The International Trade Fair for Analysis, Biotechnology, Diagnostics, Laboratory Technology and Services with analytica Vietnam Conference will celebrate its premiere at the Hanoi International Center for Exhibition (ICE Hanoi) in Vietnam from March 18 - 20, 2009. This Exposition is the first exhibition of its kind to serve as a platform for the rapidly growing Vietnamese analysis industry.

Management Buyout of major rentals entity - Ashtead Technology, a leading high-technology rental equipment supplier, is delighted to announce that its management team, with backing from Phoenix Equity Partners, has successfully acquired the business in a €120.2 million management buy-out from Ashtead Group plc. The buyout was led by Andy Doggett, Managing Director and Andy Holroyd, President of North American operations.

Tablet computer for portable, harsh environment applications - Glacier Computer has added an XP-based rugged tablet computer, the Ridgeline, to its forklift and mobile line of harsh environment industrial computers. The unit is a 10.4" rugged tablet with integrated touch screen interface. The unit was designed and tested to withstand repeated 3' drops to concrete as well as IP 65 sealing mandates. Each unit comes with integrated 802.11 a/b/g radio, Bluetooth, numerous I/O, and many hard drive options. Users can input data via touch or pen. Special software allows for signature capture and character recognition.

Hygienic terminal range - Trident has added a new range of Smart Terminals featuring anti-bacterial plastics, addressing hospital wards, catering, industrial and other environments where high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are a requirement.

New cabling infrastructure products catalogue issues - The new AMP NETCONNECT EMEA product catalogue for 2008 has been released by Tyco Electronics. The catalogue covers the full range of AMP NETCONNECT cabling infrastructure products, ranging 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.

Displacement and velocity sensors - Control systems designers will find that the MTS Temposonics RP and RH magnetostrictive position sensors, from RDP Electronics, offer the perfect solution for accurate, absolute position and velocity measurement. They are available with a choice of single or dual versions offering dual position measurement, or position and velocity. Integrated electronics give options for analogue voltage or current output. An optional programmer enables field adjustment of zero and span set points. Ranges between 50 mm to 7,600 mm are available and include LED sensor diagnostics.

Size your valves on-line! - Assured Automation's automated valve configurator uses a powerful, rules and constraint-based configuration and pricing management technology to deliver complete solutions quickly and accurately. The online configurator assists specifying engineers, stepping them through the process, guiding the engineer to select compatible options for optimal pricing. The online configurator has helped Assured Automation distinguish itself as a key supplier of automated valves, accessories and actuators.

Robust Investments Boost Low Power AC Drives Market - Strong growth continued in 2007 for the Low Power AC Drives market due to robust investments in manufacturing and infrastructure industries worldwide. The worldwide market for Low Power AC Drives is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% over the next five years. The market was over $7 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to be nearly $11 billion in 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, "Low Power AC Drive Worldwide Outlook, Market Analysis & Forecast Through 2012".

Workshop on sample maanagement and drug delivery testing - RTS Life Science will host a workshop at the IQPC 4th Annual Compound Management & Integrity Conference (CMI) in Philadelphia (PA US) in September 2008. It is entitled "A Workflow for Compound Management." The session will be lead by David Harding and Chris Walsh of RTS Life Science, as well as representatives from RTS' customers, Lilly Research Laboratories and Schering-Plough Research Institute. RTS Life Science will also exhibit its comprehensive range of compound management solutions.