New communications options for servo drives - Parker Hannifin has released the latest version of its highly successful Compax3 servo drive family, which features a number of performance and functionality enhancements across the entire range. Comprising servo drives for single axis applications in low and medium power ranges (C3S up to 30A), devices for higher power ranges (C3H up to 155A) and servo drives for multi-axis applications (C3M), the Compax3 range has been used successfully in a diverse range of industrial machine applications, from packaging machinery to automotive test equipment. Changes made to both the hardware and software platforms are designed to improve still further the ease with which the Compax3 can be integrated into any motion control application.

A Series of Unfortunate Reports - "Looking back on the 2008 numbers, it seems difficult to believe that we could be experiencing such a downturn. The 2008 picture, while lacking the phenomenal growth seen between 2006 and 2007, was still a very vigorous market." So says Larry O'Brien, the eminent analyst from ARC Advisory Group in his recent commentary "A Series of Unfortunate Reports".

'If you read the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Report on Business, you are probably already familiar with the Purchasing Manager's Index or PMI report that comes out on a monthly basis that gauges whether the US manufacturing business is generally in a contraction or expansion mode. According to their web site, "In February 1992, the PMI was developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and ISM. The index, based on analytical work by the DOC, adjusts five components of the Institute's monthly survey - new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries and inventories - for normal seasonal variations, applies equal weights to each, and then calculates them into a single monthly index number." Meanwhile, the German manufacturing sector is experiencing its biggest contraction in 12 years. The Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Europe's biggest economy fell to 32.7 in December from 35.7 in November.'

And now for some optimistic news! - Within the last year, Quantitech has recruited Dr Andrew Hobson to provide technical support for gas monitoring equipment, Dr Gareth Pearson for laboratory analysis support and Dr Roberto Lopez-Garcia has now joined the company's service department. He originally studied chemistry at the University of Madrid (ES), but his PhD was gained in coordination chemistry (metal complexes) at the University of Nottingham (GB). Since leaving the academic world he has worked in service, training, research and development in the field of mercury analysis and more recently, working with stack emissions and contaminated land.

Strong trio of industrial automation tradeshows at one time and place! - At Hannover Messe 2009, industrial automation is addressed by no fewer than three major tradeshows: INTERKAMA+ (yes it is still around!), Factory Automation, Industrial Building Automation and MDA - Motion, Drive & Automation. International experts representing every level of industrial and corporate interest will be on hand to show off their latest and greatest innovations and dispense solid advice on the state of the art in industrial automation.

New low power consumption modules for autonomous controllers - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced several new low power consumption modules for use with field control node (FCN) autonomous controllers, a core element of the STARDOM network-based control system. The new modules include a CPU module with embedded I/O and communication ports, a power supply module, and a base module that is half the size of its predecessor.

Providing exciting performance in multiprocessor DSP applications - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the V7875 single board computer, responding to customer demand for 6U VME solutions with increased processing performance, lower power consumption, extensive I/O capability and advanced graphics. VITA 41.3 (VXS) for Gigabit Ethernet across the backplane is also optionally available.

Extend your business reach with multi-screen presentations - TeamViewer offers professionals cutting edge presentation sharing, allowing up to ten viewers to join live online presentations. With browser based, cross-platform TeamViewer V4, businesses can extend their reach by hosting interactive presentations for team members, clients or prospects.

Industry's First Winged Low-Profile, High-Current Inductor with Maximum Frequency to 5 MHz and DCR Down to 0.8 mΩ Typical- Vishay Intertechnology has announced the industry's first winged low-profile, high-current inductor. Designed to be placed on a cut-out PCB, the IHLW-5050CE-01 offers designers a high-current solution using a larger part, without exceeding a profile of 1.2 mm on either side of the PC board.

User-programmable automotive linear sensor offers dual operating modes - The new A1386 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a user-programmable linear Hall-effect sensor IC targeted at applications in the automotive market requiring flexibility and accuracy in absolute position sensing.

Instrumentation selected by Thames Water to perform fast and accurate drinking water analyses - Thermo Fisher Scientific tells us that Thames Water, Britain's largest water and wastewater services company, has chosen their powerful iCAP 6000 Series ICP emission spectrometer for the detection and quantification of trace elements in drinking water samples.

Leading power quality analyser with USB functionality - Outram Research has introduced USB memory drive functionality to its market leading Ranger PM7000 Power Quality Analyser, the industry's only Cat IV 600V Phase A-powered analyser, which can now be installed on-site indefinitely. Only the memory stick needs to be replaced, allowing offline analysis of data and providing users with virtually unlimited memory capacity.

Ultrafast ADC IP - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe has a new ultrafast ADC IP based on the revolutionary CHArge-mode Interleaved Sampler technology (CHAIS) for use in its standard 65nm CMOS process technology. This new high-speed ADC technology provides breakthrough performance levels in a standard CMOS process, enabling the integration of multiple ADCs with tens of millions of gates of signal processing logic and memory on a single chip. Initially targeting use in coherent receivers for 100G optical transmission, the technology is also applicable to high-end test equipment and any other system requiring high-speed data conversion and processing.

Float blocking indication added to float-type flowmeters - The reliability of Yokogawa's Rotameter family of float-type flowmeters has been boosted by the development of a patented float-blocking indication system for the RAMC flowmeter that automatically detects any problems with the free movement of the float.

Primary choice for controller and recorder connectivity - Kepware Technologies has been selected by Yokogawa Corporation as their primary provider of connectivity for their Controllers and Recorders.

PXI 32 Channel Variable Threshold Digital I/O Module - Pickering Interfaces is again expanding its range of PXI modules with the introduction of the 40-412 32-Channel Digital Programmable Threshold I/O Module.

High performance hyperspectral imaging sensor garners industry praise for sensor innovation - SPIE, the international society for photonics and optics, and Lauren Publishing, publisher of Photonics Media, has announced that Headwall Photonics is a finalist for the 2009 Prism Award in the Sensing & Imaging Systems category. The company was recognized for development and deployment of the Hyperspec Starter Kit, an instrument solution comprised of a hyperspectral imaging sensor, image acquisition and rendering software, translation stages, and illumination components that allow customers to rapidly and cost- effectively implement hyperspectral technology in life science and industrial application environments.
The Prism Award honors leading companies and products around the world that demonstrate the highest degree of innovation in the field of photonics.

Visualisation product upgraded - Iconics has released GENESIS32™ V9.13, as well as GENESIS32 V8.05 and the V8 Service Pack 3. This includes both a full installation of v9.13 and the ability to upgrade an earlier v9.x version to v9.13. GENESIS32 V9.13 is now available as an English release as well as an international release. V9.13 provides licensing support for the new ICONICS OPC-UA server and also addresses issues that were open in the V9.12 release.

Sensor reveals secrets of 3,000 year old pottery artifact - Headwall Photonics tells us that their Hyperspec SWIR spectral imaging instrumentation was used by archeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority to analyze five lines of text found on an ancient shard of pottery which dates back 3,000 years in history. The inscribed pottery chard, known as an ostracon, was scanned and imaged utilizing Headwall's high spectral resolution Hyperspec SWIR sensor which provides spectral imaging capabilities in the range of 1000 to 2500 nanometers.
Archeologist finds 3,000-year old Hebrew text (Report on CNN!)

Low flow turbine meter with integral flow computer - Cox Instruments has introduced a version of its LoFlo Series precision turbine flowmeter incorporating an integrally mounted COX 4080 flow computer. This flow measurement system provides enhanced accuracy and linearity in blending, batching, chemical injection and other demanding industrial applications.

Global catalogue distributor of the year! - RS Components has won the 'Global Catalogue Distributor of the Year' award for 2008 from Harting Ltd., the British operation of the leading European supplier of connectors for the electronics, electrical and automation industries.

New delivery models will drive LIMS market growth - Leveraging the success of the Salesforce.com model, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) software-as-a-service (SaaS) will emerge and reshape the LIMS marketplace according to ARC Senior Analyst Paula Hollywood, the principal author of their "Laboratory Information Management Systems Worldwide Outlook" . The worldwide market for LIMS is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the next five years.

C&I systems replacement order placed down under! - Yokogawa Australia has been awarded the contract to replace the control and instrumentation systems at Section B of the Torrens Island Power Station, which is owned by AGL Energy Limited (AGL). The contract is estimated to be worth A$28 million.

Authoritative guide helps select proper materials for industrial environments - The NACE Corrosion Engineer's Reference Book is a valuable tool you'll want to keep close at hand, with numerous tables and charts to assist in understanding how a variety of metals and primary polymers react in different process and industrial environments.
NACE International was originally known as "The National Association of Corrosion Engineers" when it was established in 1943 by eleven corrosion engineers in the pipeline industry.

Mercury in fish - Thermo Fisher Scientific has published a new application note demonstrating the capability of the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series AA spectrometers and Thermo Scientific VP100 vapor generation accessory to accurately detect trace levels of mercury in fish. Mercury is a significant environmental toxin that is capable of entering the marine food chain. The consumption of contaminated fish is the main route of human exposure to mercury, which can prove fatal.

European gearbox assembly line inaugurated - Baldor now offers European customers a fast-turnaround gearbox assembly service. The company has commissioned a dedicated assembly line at its UK manufacturing facility in Bristol, capable of building a wide range of models and sizes from the popular Dodge Quantis family of high efficiency gearboxes and gearmotors. The assembly service enables OEMs, system integrators and system maintainers to obtain custom-configured power transmission products within days. The new service is likely to prove especially attractive to machine builders operating just-in-time manufacturing processes.

Major DCS upgrade in Qatar - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Qatargas, one of the world's major producers of liquefied natural gas, to complete a major automation upgrade at the Qatar Gas 1 facility in the Qatar Ras Laffan Industrial City.

Reading for straitened times Bottom-Line Automation 2nd Edition Paul Martin Learn how to measure and improve automation system performance for the ultimate goal--the bottom line! Bottom-Line Automation, 2nd Edition will help you face the challenge of a global marketplace where every part of the operation must become more efficient to enhance the bottom line.

New Series of Ultra-Miniature SMD IR Receivers - Vishay Intertechnology has broadened its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of a new series of ultra-miniature SMD IR receivers for remote control systems. With a typical irradiance of 0.15 mW/sqm, an ultra-low supply current of 0.35 mA typical at 3.3 V, and a tiny 3.0-mm profile in side view, the TSOP75xxx series devices offer the industry's best sensitivity-to-size ratio.

MID compliant energy meter allows direct 3-phase connection to 65A - The latest MID-compliant energy meter from Carlo Gavazzi is the smallest device in the industry to offer direct three-phase connection up to 65A. Just four DIN modules wide, the EM23 DIN is also simple to use and easy to install, providing comprehensive and accurate measurements for energy cost sharing, cost allocation and utility metering applications.

DCS market in Latin America continues to light the gloom! - The global economy is in rough shape, but for the process industries, developing economies such as Latin America continue to offer some good growth prospects for suppliers that are well positioned to take advantage of them. The Distributed Control Systems (DCS) marketplace in Latin America is one such example. "The DCS market in Latin America will grow at the average annual rate of close to 10% through 2012, reaching a total size of almost $1.5 billion," according to ARC Research Director Larry O'Brien, the principal author of ARC's "Distributed Control Systems Outlook for Latin America".

Four-wire technology for large industrial applications - Schaffner has extended its popular FN 3280 filter family for use in higher power applications. New models are now available rated at 300A, 400A and 600A. Complementing the existing series, the new filter models offer users superior EMC performance, compact dimensions and low leakage current.

Virtual Reference: reduced costs and increased safety for chemical processes - The technology company Andritz, headquarted in Austria, uses Krohne's IFC 300 signal converter with the Virtual Reference option and OPTIFLUX 4000 flow sensors with diameters from DN 10 up to DN 300. The devices are used in lines in which acids are treated, like for example with high grade steel corrosives. Hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and water are blended just before the flowmeter The acids are measured at an operating temperature of 90 Degrees Celsius, under a pressure of 3 bar and at a flow velocity of approx. 1,5 m/s.

Virtual Reference! Many chemical processes involve highly aggressive media. Their range of electromagnetic flowmeters OPTIFLUX with a high chemical resistance, are ideally suited to measure aggressive, toxic and abrasive fluids. Up to now for these applications expensive grounding rings or grounding electrodes made of exotic materials, such as tantalum, nickel or titanium had to be used.KROHNE now offers an alternative to classical grounding: virtual reference. This innovative and patented concept does not require the installation of grounding rings or grounding electrodes.

Primary choice for device connectivity - Kepware Technologies has been selected by Specter Instruments as their primary provider of connectivity to devices in the automation marketplace.

Contract will automate four reactors in both Fuqing and Fangjiashan nuclear power plants - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has been chosen to develop and implement four large-scale, fully digitized nuclear control rooms, equipped with the latest simulation technologies, critical control and safety systems for two new nuclear power plant sites in China. The agreement is worth approximately US $250 million.

New PXI 32 channel variable threshold digital I/O module - Pickering Interfaces is again expanding its range of PXI modules with the introduction of the 40-412 32-Channel Digital Programmable Threshold I/O Module. The 40-412 provides 32 channels of digital output lines that can serve as high or low side drivers.

Lloyd's Register Type Approval will boost the design-in of unique tube connector in marine and offshore equipment - Lloyd's Register has granted Type Approval to the novel high-pressure Phastite tube connection system developed by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin.
Lloyd's Register Type Approval provides unbiased, third party verification of a product's conformity to the producer's specification and relevant national and international standards, and is based on a design assessment and an agreed program of performance testing, to demonstrate the products suitability for use in general marine, offshore and industrial piping systems.

USB Logic analyser with free trial software - StanTronic Instruments has introduced a new logic analyser with astonishing price to performance capabilities. The LA034 LogicPort from Intronix measures just 140mm x 56mm x 22mm and provides a full function logic analyser with 34 channels, a sampling rate of 500 MHz, and a frequency counter. An external power supply is not required, since the unit connects to the USB port of a normal PC. The PC runs a software package, which contains powerful set-ups and measurement functions.

New high-density Ethernet I/O modules interface virtually any analogue sensor to a control network - Acromag has introduced 48-channel I/O units for its EtherStax™ I/O series with a fast 16-bit Ethernet interface for analog inputs from and output signals to DC current/voltage sources or 8B signal conditioning modules.

Drinking water monitors - Intellitect Water has recently delivered the first real-time, in-pipe water quality monitors to customers in both the UK and overseas.
Their Chief Executive, Tony Halker, says: "This is a very significant milestone for the business; the Intellisonde™ monitors have internal dataloggers which enable them to record water quality and flow data continuously. However, the addition of GPRS puts the product in a league of its own; Water Companies can now access continuous data remotely which enables them to improve network modelling and to gain a better understanding of water quality at the point of delivery. Water Companies will now be able to take a proactive approach, using data to continuously refine and improve operational efficiency, water quality and customer satisfaction."

Stabilised control for 30 metre film and TV camera positioning mast - Trio Motion Technology's MC206X motion controller is being used to provide position and stability control for a 30 metre camera mast that provides sweeping high-angle aerial shots for film and TV. The Vortex Aerial Mount Camera System, developed by professional cameraman Matthew Gladstone of Cammotion with the help of automation specialist Machinery Control Systems (MCS), is completely portable and can be rigged and derigged in minutes - making it suitable for a wide range of spectacular shots for outside broadcast and film studio work.

New Hall effect rotary position sensor for extreme motorsport applications - Variohm Eurosensor, the electronic component distributor and manufacturer of specialist sensors and transducers has launched a new 28 mm diameter angle sensor, the Euro-X, aimed specifically at arduous high-duty cycle position feedback applications in all areas of motorsports such as sequential gearbox, throttle and suspension measurement.

Jim Pinto returns! - Included in Jim Pinto's latest eletter, which is his first in 2009 and after his prolonged "bucket-trip" to places he always longed to visit or places that he loves, included his thoughts on returning to the "land of the free!" In the time he was away petrol (gas) had halved in price, a new President had been elected and what the adminstration stubbernly called a recession became a depression variously described as worse that 2000, then 1992, then 1982, then the 1960's - and finally the great depression of the 1930's. As ever he leaps into the foretelling business in our industry under five headings. Industrial Wireless: Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications: Security Services: Complex Adaptive Systems: Disappearing Software: As always a stimulating read!

Evolution of equipment downtime and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) software now available - Wonderware Ireland and UK has announced the release of Performance Software 3.5, the newest evolution of its equipment downtime and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) software, and an integrated module of the Wonderware comprehensive MES and supervisory software solution. Performance Software 3.5 features an ArchestrA technology-based configuration and visualisation, providing a solution that is easy to set up for a single line, but capable enough to support enterprise-level asset performance strategies. The software is ideal for manufacturers that require a comprehensive equipment downtime and efficiency tracking solution that can be easily deployed across multiple plants.

Alignment to improve service - Hach Lange has aligned many aspects of its business with sister company Hach Ultra. The initiative is designed to improve customer service and was formerly undertaken on 1st January 2009; the combined business is now trading under the Hach Lange name.
Incorporating major instrumentation brands such as Orbisphere, Polymetron, Anatel and Met One, Hach Ultra manufactures test and monitoring instrumentation for gas and liquids monitoring in markets such as beverages, petrochemical, electronics, power and life sciences... -

Top trends in T&M for 2009 - As the global economic climate places additional constraints on budgets, test engineers are challenged to identify ways to test devices more efficiently than ever before. National Instruments has identified three trends -
software-defined instrumentation
parallel processing technologies and
new methods for wireless and semiconductor test -
that will significantly improve the efficiency of test and measurement systems in 2009. These trends help engineers develop faster and more flexible automated test systems while reducing their overall cost of test, and companies worldwide and from all industry segments are seeing significant benefits from applying these methods and technologies.

New 3-mm high-power, high-speed 940-nm IR emitter - Vishay Intertechnology has broadened its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of a 3-mm (T1) infrared emitter with performance characteristics comparable to leading 5-mm emitters. The new VSLB3940 940-nm infrared emitter features an on-axis radiant intensity of 65 mW/sr and optical power of 40 mW at 100 mA - which represents about an 8% performance improvement over the larger, 5-mm TSAL6200 in a 40% smaller form factor.

New bio spectrophotometer launched - Analytik Jena has launched the ScanDrop, a new generation of bio spectrophotometer which allows measurement of a comprehensive range of parameters for nucleic acids or proteins from volumes down to 0.3 uL or from standard 10 mm cuvettes. This versatile, modular instrument is available as a microlitre version, a standard 10 mm version or as a combination of both.

Specialist distributor of the year - ACAL TC, formerly Townsend-Coates, is the Wokingham based interconnection specialist division of ACAL Technology: a leading value-added distributor providing specialist design-in, sales and marketing services for international suppliers.

Plant integrity improved with new release - PAS has released PlantState Suite (PSS) 6.2. PSS is a component of the comprehensive suite offered by PAS to ensure safe running operations, maximize operator effectiveness, and eliminate plant vulnerabilities.

New head for process solutions entity - Honeywell has appointed of Norman "Norm" Gilsdorf as president of Honeywell Process Solutions. Gilsdorf was formerly vice president and general manager of the Process Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He replaces Jack Bolick, who retired from Honeywell after 10 years of service, including six years as president of Honeywell Process Solutions. Andrew Bond's in his very excellent publication, IAInsider, comments on the fact that three of the top six process automation companies now has a new chief executive "it's all a ploy by ARC to boost flagging attendance at next month's Florida forum as competitors turn up to see what the new boys look like - or register their interest in any unfilled vacancies." As Francis Urquhart might say 'You may very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment'.

Fieldbus system obtains industry-first approval as FISCO System with redundant power - MooreHawke's ROUTE-MASTER Fieldbus System has a new ATEX approval (FM pending) as a redundant intrinsically-safe fieldbus system permitting the connection of any mix of FISCO and ENTITY devices. This is the world's first fieldbus system approval to offer FISCO compatibility and power redundancy. A ROUTE-MASTER system consists of up to eight Trunk Isolator Modules in a 19-inch rack, each connected to one or more RM100 Fieldbus Device Couplers.

Compact, flexible, rugged industrial grade server - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the IS-110 industrial grade server, broadening the range of compact, flexible, high performance solutions the company offers to customers requiring powerful embedded computing. The IS-110 broadens the GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms server product line - which includes the IS-100 and IS-200 products - and is also supported by the extended (five year) availability and revision control programs first announced for the company's industrial computing solutions in July 2008.

Smart wireless solution monitors remote reaction tank - Emerson Process Management has established a successful wireless network to monitor pressures and temperatures at a remote location in the Nu-West Industries phosphate-based fertilizer plant in Soda Springs, Idaho. The self-organizing Smart Wireless system provides accurate minute-by-minute readings from 16 measurement points on a reaction tank located about 250 feet from the central control room.

Monitor integrates proven prediction and protection modules into a single platform - Emerson Process Management has introduced the CSI 6500 Machinery Health Monitor, the latest advancement of its Smart Machinery Health Management capabilities. The new CSI 6500 allows users to combine protection modules from the CSI 6000 Machinery Health Monitor with new plug-in prediction modules to create a single rack for a complete online monitoring solution. Smart Machinery Health Management is a key component of the PlantWeb(R) digital plant architecture.

Compact modular total Nitrogen/Sulfur/Chlorine Analyzer - Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the TITAN 4000 Total Nitrogen/Sulfur/Chlorine (NSX) analyzer. This streamlined NSX analyzer, up to 60% smaller than competing analyzers, offers users in the refinery and petrochemical markets superior sample introduction and enhanced oxidative combustion performance. Its innovative detectors enable increased analysis speed and productivity, as well as maximum accuracy and reliability of results. Its extensive working range covers total nitrogen/sulfur/chlorine applications from low ppb (parts per billion) to high ppm (parts per million) concentrations.

CD-ROM features best-sellers on control systems documentation and design - The new ISA Documentation Standards and User Resources for Industrial Automation and Control Systems, 2nd Edition CD-ROM features several best-selling reference books on control systems documentation and design as well as widely used ISA documentation standards and technical reports.

Enhanced fluidic system solutions - Gems Sensors & Controls has expanded its fluidic system engineering and manufacturing capabilities for custom, engineered solutions, fluidic modules and integrated sub-assemblies. More and more OEMs are asking for custom pre-assembled solutions that allow them to free up their own resources to focus on their core competencies and help them get their products to market faster.

Hydrostatic pressure Tx ED752 with DX display for pressure control in cooling circuits of nuclear power plants - The pressure transmitter ED752 for hydrostatic pressure measurement in combination with the DX Display offered by Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation is suitable for the pressure measurement in the cooling water circuit of nuclear power plants. Clogging of the filter in the coolant inlet can be detected in time in order to adjust the filter rotation speed.

New smart network switch for automation system - Emerson Process Management has unveiled a new line of smart network switches specifically designed to 'plug and play' within a DeltaV™ digital system network. These switches come completely pre-configured, requiring no setup of the switching functions by the user. In addition, they provide an easy-to-use security feature to help prevent unauthorised network connections to the switch.

New circular connectors for 7/8" applications - A number of new circular connectors have been added to the Harting range of 7/8" devices: a configuration that is becoming widely used in fieldbus applications. The new products include 5-pin versions which are available in straight or angled versions, as well as connectors moulded at one end to allow installers in the field to change the length as needed using Harting's HARAX® quick connection technique.

PMC/XMC Single board computer - Concurrent Technologies announces the release of their latest single-slot CompactPCI® dual-core processor, dual PMC/XMC, single board computer. The PP 452/03x uses a popular mobile dual core processor from the Intel® embedded roadmap, the 1.5 GHz or 1.06 GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor. The board is ideal for low power intensive processing applications where the dual processor cores can access up to 4 Gbytes of soldered DDR2-400 ECC SDRAM at up to 6.4 Gbytes/s. For I/O flexibility there are 2 PMC/XMC sites supporting both front and rear I/O, plus 2 SATA150, 1 RS232, 3 USB 2.0 and dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.

One of the "best MES solutions for life sciences industry." - Elan Software Systems has announced that a comprehensive partnership agreement has been signed with Excellis Consulting Corporation, a company specialising in business and integration services to the FDA Regulated industries. Within the framework of the partnership, Excellis will provide consulting and implementation services to support Elan Software customers. "The XFP-MES suite is recognized by Excellis as one of the best MES solutions for Life Sciences industry." said a spokesman.

Participation in UN global compact! - Yokogawa has joined the United Nations Global Compact. The Global Compact is a voluntary corporate citizenship initiative consisting of ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Yokogawa is the 76th participant in Japan.
The UN Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Wireless technology helps Chevron improve oil field personnel safety and increase production - Chevron's San Ardo, (CA US) oil field operations boosted personnel safety, reduced wastewater discharge, and improved time and strategy for production by utilizing two Emerson Smart Wireless networks to monitor its steam injection process and measure down-hole well pressures.

Multi-channel audio analyser offers HDMI interfacing and analysis - The new APx585 from Audio Precision is the only audio analyser in the world capable of interfacing with HDMI and Blu-ray disc audio. With the APx HDMI option, engineers can now use the same familiar Audio Precision tools to measure HDMI audio quality and audio format compatibility on devices such as surround sound receivers, set-top boxes, HD TVs, and DVD and Blu-ray Disc™ players.

Seven Alarming Ways to Improve Plant Safety, Reliability, and Profitability! Learn how to drastically improve plant safety, reliability, and profitability from this comprehensive resource: Alarm Management: Seven Effective Methods for Optimum Performance. Discover field-proven methodologies that have helped industrial plants around the world improve their alarm management systems.

Safety technologies to be used in tank overspill protection systems - Emerson Process Management has won a contract to install its DeltaV™ SIS safety instrumented system at fuel storage and distribution sites operated by BP Oil across Great Britain. BP Oil selected DeltaV SIS following an evaluation of the available technologies by Trident Engineering Consultants based in Glasgow. The first system will be delivered to BP's oil terminal at Hemel Hempstead (GB), followed by further sites around the country.

North American conference postponed - WBF, the forum for automation and manufacturing professionals, formerly known as World Batch Forum, has announced the postponement of its 2009 North American Conference, due to the global economic situation. The new conference date will be announced later in the year.
OMAC, who's event was to be co-located with the WBF event, recognizes that "training and travel dollars will be in short supply for 2009 and wants to help stretch the value of its members' dollars by providing OMAC expertise at other industry events." As a result, OMAC will not host its 2009 Integration Symposium. -

New family of surface-mount, high-power, high-speed 940-nm IR emitters - Vishay Intertechnology has broadened its optoelectronics portfolio with the introduction of a family of 940-nm surface-mount infrared (IR) emitters featuring significantly higher radiant intensity over standard emitter technologies.

Handheld IR thermometer with USB Interface - The new PyroPen U from Calex Electronics is a pocket-sized infrared thermometer that conveniently clips into your pocket, just like a pen. It will measure temperatures from -20°C to +500°C with a resolution of 0.1° and provide instantaneous, maximum, minimum and average readings in °C or °F. Adjustable emissivity allows the unit to measure different materials and a built-in laser makes sighting simple.

New vision system adds QC to tablet counting..- A new vision inspection system, designed to add a range of quality controls to tablet and capsule counting systems for the pharmaceutical industry, has been launched by Machine Vision Technology. Supplied both with original equipment or retrofitted to existing counting systems, this latest use of camera vision technology has been specially developed by Machine Vision Technology Ltd (MVT) for pharmaceutical applications. Tablet and capsule colour, shape and size can be inspected, defects can be detected and product mixing prevented.

New LCD touchpad Interface added to flow managment system - Emerson Process Management has introduced a new easy-to-use panel-mounted LCD Touchpad interface for its FloBoss™ Flow Manager family of natural gas and liquid flow computers. The LCD Touchpad makes information retrieval, configuration, tuning and troubleshooting faster than ever, without the need for an external local operator interface. The LCD Touchpad is transreflective for high visibility even in bright sunlight and is backlit for night viewing. It is currently available for the new FloBoss 107 Flow Manager.

Single and two-row versions of micro connectors now equipped with 6 to 54 pins - ERNI Electronics has expanded its 0.8mm MicroStac® SMT connector series to include a 10- (single row) and 54-pin (dual row) version. Their advantage is based on a patented hermaphroditic design, a special design requiring only one part number which enables reduced logistic and inventory costs for board-to-board applications. The powerful combination of the miniature construction and its innovative design makes it ideal for extremely compact and demanding applications. The scope of applications is very broad, ranging from sensor technology, medical instruments and mobile communication to automotive electronics, automation engineering, measurement technology, test equipment and building automation.

New infrared sensor offers improved performance in harsh industrial environments - Ircon® has introduced an enhanced version of its Modline 5R Infrared Thermometer with advanced signal detection and attenuation alarming capabilities. The new Modline 5 Series 5R Ratio Sensors are designed for non-contact infrared temperature measurement applications involving harsh industrial environments.

New release supports interoperable SIF devices with powerful fieldbus diagnostic capabilities - The Fieldbus Foundation has just announced new device development solutions for its Foundation for Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF) technology. The latest SIF release includes the Foundation for SIF final Technical Specification package, SIF Interoperability Test Kit (ITK), and updated DD Library with SIF function blocks. These solutions support development of interoperable SIF devices for use in a wide range of industrial plant SIF applications.
The ARC Advisory Group recently issued a new white paper, "Foundation Fieldbus Safety Instrumented Functions Forge the Future of Process Safety," describing Foundation SIF technology.

Environmental cables for servo and spindle motors - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, now has new environmental cables for servo and spindle motors. The power cable connectors have been redesigned to be low profile and the feedback, brake and fan cables now have molded connectors instead of assembled ones.

Tailor-made control solutions based on the modular principle - Hirschmann Automation and Control presented a modular product family for the first time with its new Scalable Mobile Control System at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES exhibition in Nuremberg last year, which can be used for controlling and monitoring machine functions as well as for safe load indicator. The product family includes new controls from the iFLEX series and new iSCOUT operating consoles, which, by way of hundreds of combination possibilities, allow tailor-made solutions at reasonable prices.
We should have reported this earlier but because of prior commitments and/or budgetary constraints we were unable to visit this show in 2008! We learned of this innovation through the excellent Control Engineering Europe newsletter service.

Plug-in machine controller makes switching to Ethernet-based drives almost irresistible for machine builders - Baldor has launched a new plug-in motion/machine control module for its Ethernet-compatible Powerlink drives. The new controller module allows machine builders to eliminate the need for a separate external network controller, along with all of the cabling and panel space that would normally be required. As switching to real-time and deterministic Ethernet-compatible motion control is already proving extremely popular for machinery builders, the additional cost savings offered by this new approach make adoption of the technology almost irresistible.

Smart drives control workflow on Audi's door production line - A whole series of Nord geared motors have been installed to drive a chain conveyor belt system in Audi's advanced production facility in Ingolstadt, where the doors for the Audi A4 and A5 are produced. Few people are visible in this large and highly automated production facility. Instead, large robot arms reach into special containers and remove sheet metal parts. Further along the production line, sparks fly where the welding robots do their work. The article being produced slowly takes shape: doors for Audi's A4 and A5 models.

Newsletter to enhance efficiency and productivity - Superfactory is dedicated to spreading manufacturing and enterprise excellence information with an aim to improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity worldwide. Their January Newsletter has just been issued.