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publicationse-letters and web publications received during week ending 2nd October 2009

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There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

30/9/2009

    PRODUCTNew sensor makes recalibration and maintenance as easy 'as changing a light bulb' - Michell Instruments' I7000 'Hygrosmart' humidity sensor makes the maintenance of their relative humidity instruments quick and simple with no down-time. The interchangeable module incorporates all calibration data and is delivered together with a calibration certificate.

    PRODUCTIndustrial high speed fibre optic IR transmitter - Omega new OS4000 series of industrial high speed fiber optic infrared transmitters have the capability to measure temperature from 200 to 1600 °C (392-2912°F) using three standard optical fields of view and three standard fiber optic cable lengths. This CE compliant product has a very fast response time of one millisecond and adjustable Emissivity from .05 to .99.

    PRODUCTEnhanced sound and vibration software for noise frequency response analysis - National Instruments today announced the release of the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 2009, a comprehensive collection of analysis and signal processing tools for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), machine condition monitoring and audio test applications. The Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 2009 features a new continuous frequency sweep virtual instrument (VI) that greatly reduces the time it takes for engineers and scientists to perform frequency response tests.

    Terry ArdenPEOPLENew CEO appointed - LMI Technologies has appointed Terry Arden as the company's new CEO. He replaces Len Metcalfe who was a founder and CEO from the start of LMI Technologies. Len will remain Chairman and largest shareholder staying actively involved in the industry and success of LMI.

    PRODUCTPico in price - Mega in functionality - StanTronic Instruments claims that the new Arbitrary Function Generator, the G5100A from Picotest, offers astonishing functionality for its price class.

29/9/2009
    APPLICATIONRugged pressure and temperature switches for nuclear power stations - With the series ZPN, ZDPN and ZT, Baumer offers very robust pressure and temperature switches developed especially for the use in nuclear power stations. The pressure switches are suitable for pneumatic or hydraulic control, for power generation safety equipments and for pressurized chambers control. They are resistant to short duration overpressure and show a good vibration resistance. The ZPN can measure a gauge pressure from -1 bar up to 600 bar with a very small intermediate range from -2 mbar up to 10 mbar. The ZDPN measures a differential pressure from 2 mbar up to 120 bar.

    NEWS Skilled work force shortage and the need for maximum asset utilisation drive automation and control solution services in EMEA - A shrinking skilled work force at end-user plants, coupled with the need for maximum asset utilisation, optimised production processes and energy efficiency is driving the demand for ACS (automation and control solution) services across process industries. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan EMEA Automation and Control Solutions Services Market, finds that the market is estimated to expand from $4.43 billion in 2008 to $8.41 billion in 2015, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.58 per cent. The product segments covered in this research are PLCs DCS, SCADA, HMI Asset management (AM) and EMI.

    APPLICATION New universal gateway appliance delivers machine to machine communications - Kepware Technologies announced today that Online Development is the first company to be delivering KEPServerEX with over 100 protocols, in the form of an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix communications module, "Universal Gateway Appliance."

    PRODUCTProven control strategies provide reduced fuel costs lessens environmental impact - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has a new packaged vertical industry solution for advanced boiler control based on Proficy® Process Systems with PAC8000 controllers. This new solution optimizes the operation of utility boilers providing customers with sustainable benefits of reduced fuel costs and emissions lessening their environmental impact.

28/9/2009
    PRODUCT"System Concept" merges IT and automation - Rittal's system concept provides an intelligent modular infrastructure from a single source. Enclosure technology, power distribution, system climate control and electronics through to IT technology, together with engineering tools that have been purposely designed for efficient planning processes are pivotal to this concept.

    PRODUCTThe power of work process management to production experts - without IT support - Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the newest version of its breakthrough work process management solution Proficy(R) Workflow, version 1.2. The new software allows operations experts to create and modify work processes much more quickly and easily without requiring support or resources from IT.

    PRODUCTHigh-performance piezoelectric accelerometer - Endevco Corporation hasannounced the debut of model 12M1B, a high performance, high impedance piezoelectric accelerometer, packaged as a surface mount chip component. The sensor is expressly designed for seamless integration into standard hybrid or SMT electronics packages, along with custom designed signal conditioning units, allowing the engineer to create miniaturized shock and vibration measurement systems in one completely integrated package.

    PRODUCTPowerful asset effectiveness solution helps bridge information gap between operations and maintenance - The Operations Management Division of Invensys has announced the availability of the newest version of the Condition Based Monitoring Solution. This powerful asset effectiveness software solution was developed in partnership between Wonderware and Mtelligence Corp., an endorsed Wonderware partner.

    PEOPLEFormer US Dept of Homeland Security Cyber Czar as adviser - Wurldtech Security Technologies has announced that Greg Garcia, former Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security and Communications with the US Department of Homeland Security, has joined their advisory board.

    PRODUCTNew software to manage configuration of control systems - Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the process and manufacturing industries, today announced that it has signed an agreement with PAS, a supplier of operations and automation effectiveness software, to provide Invensys clients a comprehensive suite of system documentation and configuration management tools and services.

    APPLICATIONThe routine analysis of toy samples for consumer safety verification - Thermo Fisher Scientific has nnounced a new application note to illustrate the capabilities of its iCAP 6200 ICP spectrometer for the analysis of toxic trace elements in children's toys. The dual-view ICP instrument offers pre-optimized sample introduction settings and analysis-ready software method templates. The new application note, entitled "Analysis of migratory elements in toy samples using the Thermo Scientific iCAP 6200 ICP spectrometer," assesses the performance of the unit for the routine analysis of toy samples for consumer safety verification.

    PRODUCTNon-contact angle sensors are now programmable - Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new software application for communication and programming of Contelec Vert-X series non-contacting and contactless angle sensors. As British distributor for the Swiss manufactured range, Variohm offer OEMs (and machine builders?) the ability to reconfigure and customise the sensor curve and output characteristics over its 0° to 360° measurement range.

25/9/2009 24/9/2009
    NEWSUS President visits high-tech classroom - US President Barack Obama visited Hudson Valley Community College in Albany, (NY US) on September 21, to tour a high-tech classroom and give a speech on the economy. The classroom included GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms controllers and operator interface equipment used for the training of tomorrow's technology workers in areas of green technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing, alternative fuels, and installation and maintenance of photovoltaic, geothermal and wind energy systems.

    PRODUCTAbsolute static or dynamic pressure in high temperature environments - Endevco Corporation has announced the availability of the 8540 series , a family of highly rugged, miniature high sensitivity piezoresistive absolute pressure transducers. Their excellent linearity and very high resonance, makes them ideal for measuring static or dynamic pressure within a variety of high temperature applications.

    PRODUCTNew software enables reduced production costs, increased efficiency and just-in-time production - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the newest version of its batch control software, Proficy® Batch Execution 5.5.

    PRODUCTNew RF Vector Signal Generator provides Industry's best Combination of high Throughput and low Phase Noise - Keithley Instruments has upgraded its popular RF Vector Signal Generator line for RF engineers with new capabilities that reduce signal generation times and enhance signal quality. In contrast with competitive signal generators, which typically force users to choose between best signal quality and maximum test throughput, the Model 2920A's no-compromise design combines both capabilities in the same instrument.

    CybersecurityNERC cyber security standards facilitated - Invensys Operations Management has unveiled a comprehensive array of technology and services designed to help clients protect plant assets from cyber attacks.

    PRODUCTPressure transducers incorporate integral displays - RDP Electronics Ltd offers a comprehensive range of pressure transducers which now includes some models with integral displays.

    PRODUCTOTDR for passive optical network (PON) testing - The new Yokogawa AQ7275 PON-OTDR is a passive optical network (PON) version of Yokogawa's highly successful AQ7275 portable optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR). The new instrument is designed to overcome the problems traditionally encountered in FTTH (fibre to the home) networks incorporating passive optical components such as 1 x 32 or 1 x 64 splitters.

23/9/2009
    PRODUCTNo need to fret! - Nord Drivesystems has developed a specialised surface treatment option for hollow drive shafts that resists the formation of fretting rust or friction corrosion - reducing wear and facilitating the easy removal of gear motors for gearbox and motor servicing or replacement.

    PRODUCTTemperature sensors for breath alcohol instrument - The Lion Alcolmeter® 500 is a breath alcohol measuring instrument designed for field use and extensively used by public services and other authorities for fast subject screening to ensure safe alcohol levels, in many instances before a vehicle or dangerous machinery is actually operated.

    PRODUCTInnovative CIF solution improve customer experience - Invensys Operations Management has unveiled new features of its I/A Series® distributed control system (DCS) that enable easier and faster control in the field (CIF). Invensys passed the requirements of the Fieldbus Foundation's Host Interoperability Support Test in August, and has implemented many engineering and performance innovations that go well beyond those requirements to help clients receive maximum benefit from CIF deployment.

    PRODUCTRapid installation rails for fast enclosure configuration - Specifying the right enclosure for the right application can depend on a number of variables such as size, environment and material used. Accessories however, which are used to customise an enclosure, can also play a strategic part in determining its performance. Rittal now offer special interior installation rails for the fast configuration of its AE compact enclosures.

    PRODUCTNew single axis and integrated X-Y stage versions for nanometre level, high speed positioning - Aerotech's ANT series linear positioning stages have long been synonymous with exceptional submicron accuracy and nanometre resolution positioning for high throughput production and test applications such as optical device and sensor manufacture or ultra smooth and precise scanning processes. Now, Aerotech has released its new and improved ANT95 NanoTranslation series which include single axis and integrated dual axis stages that offer 25 mm and 50 mm travel ranges with 1 nanometre resolution and a choice of +/-3.0 microns or +/-250 nanometres certified accuracy classes

    PRODUCTHigh-resolution digitizer product line expanded! - ADLINK Technology has announced the release of an expansion to their digitizer product line with the introduction of three new PCI digitizers, the PCI-98x6 series. The PCI-9816, PCI-9826 and PCI-9846 4-channel, 16-bit high-resolution digitizers offer sampling rates of 10 MS/s, 20 MS/s, and 40 MS/s respectively, complete the ADLINK 98x6 family of digitizers, following the introduction of the their PXI-based PXI-98x6 digitizers in February.

22/9/2009
    PRODUCTOTDR for passive optical network (PON) testing - The new Yokogawa AQ7275 PON-OTDR is a passive optical network (PON) version of Yokogawa's highly successful AQ7275 portable optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR).

    APPLICATIONSoftware for Chinese tobacco company to manage power & energy systems - China-based Hongyun Honghe Tobacco Group Co. Ltd. has selected Wonderware comprehensive software offerings to manage the operations and maintenance of its energy management system. Hongyun Honghe Group is reported to be the fourth largest cigarette producer in the world.

    PRODUCTGaming simulator allows operators 3-D access to process control - Invensys Operations Management has announced the commercial availability of its new EYESim™ virtual reality immersive training solution. The first industrial virtual reality training solution based on first-principle simulation and augmented reality, EYESim technology enables engineers and operators to see and safely interact with the plant and the processes they control.

    NEWS Collaboration addresses demand for HIL avionics Solutions - National Instruments has announced its offering of PXI interface modules for MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429 and AFDX military and aerospace avionics applications as a result of the company's collaboration with AIM, a leading provider of avionics instrumentation.

18/9/2009
    STANDARDSSmart instruments in safety instrumented systemsBlog - An extremely interesting article by Tom Nobes of Sellafield was published in the July edition of InTech. It is a breath of fresh air to see that the nuclear industry takes a genuine Good Engineering Practice approach to validation of configurable instruments, and the paper gives good guidance on appropriate methods.
    publicationse-letters and web publications received during week ending 11 September 2009

    David W Spitzer's e-zine

    Industrial Automation update

    Control Design e-news

    InTech e-news

    Automation Weekly

    ASI Tech News

    ISAExpo e-news

    Flow Control Newsletter

    Control Engineering E&ME Newsletter

    Process & Control

    PLC update

    InTech e-news

    Connections for Growth & Success™ No. 271

    Controlglobal e-news

    There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

    PRODUCT4 channel thermocouple data logger - MadgeTech has just released the QuadTemp2000, a four channel thermocouple logger equipped with an LCD which has a reading rate of up to 4Hz and can store up to 500,000 readings per channel. To maximize memory capacity users can enable or disable channels. For easy identification, each channel can be named with up to a ten digit title.

    NEWSMilking by robot! - LMI Technologies has received its first of several worldwide patents for the use of Time of Flight sensors in livestock management from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

    PRODUCTNew enterprise asset management software - Invensys Operations Management has announced availability of its Avantis.PRO™ 5.0 enterprise asset management (EAM) software for the process and manufacturing industries.

    PRODUCTEnabling real-time plant floor access at all organisation levels - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Proficy® CIMPLICITY GlobalView, a highly scalable application that delivers the power of CIMPLICITY to remote clients enabling real-time monitoring, data analysis and plant floor control from within a web browser.

    APPLICATIONDigital automation creates highly efficient new Bunge rapeseed oil processing plant in Poland - Emerson Process Management's PlantWeb® digital plant architecture has enabled ZT Kruszwica, a subsidiary of Bunge - the world's largest producer of oilseed and bottled vegetable oils - to increase production by 10%, cut maintenance costs by 50% and significantly reduce the use of utilities and raw materials at a new rapeseed oil processing plant in Kruszwica (PL).

    PRODUCTPressure sensors for harsh environments - Three new ranges of high performance, pressure sensors from Kistler Instruments use a new, patented double lip sealing method to eliminate the need for an O-ring seal to ensure accuracy and reliability where extremely high temperature, vibration and shock are likely. Contained in a high integrity housing, the piezoresistive sensing element is isolated from the pressure media by a welded 316L stainless steel or Hastelloy™ diaphragm. Integrated surface mount electronics provide signal conditioning and temperature compensation.

    APPLICATIONRecord project for LIMS in Brazil - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that L.A. Falcao Bauer CTCQ Ltda (Falcao Bauer), a leading South American provider of services for instrument calibration and quality control, has selected SampleManager LIMS (laboratory information management system) for use in its laboratories in Brazil. The new project is the largest LIMS contract for Thermo Fisher Scientific in Brazil to date.

17/9/2009
    EVENTSReport from Worldskillls in Calgary (CN) - This overview is from Canadian publication Manufacturing Automation & AM's reporter Carolyn Yates who talks to various experts about WorldSkills, which took place in Calgary earlier this month.

    PRODUCTBus power - MooreHawke has introduced the TRUNKGUARD® TPS400 Fieldbus Power Supply for general purpose and non-incendive applications.Available models supply 350mA (for non-isolated, energy limited applications) or 500mA (for high current demand applications) of isolated, conditioned simplex (non-redundant) or duplex (redundant) power to up to four segments.

    PRODUCTToolkit adds enhanced ATML functionality to platform - National Instruments has announced their TestStand ATML Toolkit to help engineers reduce development and maintenance time by expanding test system component interoperability and increasing test system documentation.
    The Automatic Test Markup Language (ATML) is an IEEE standard consisting of XML document formats that describe different aspects of a test system.

    PRODUCTNew Zirconium fork meter extends high accuracy measurement to corrosive acids and alkalis - Emerson Process Management now offers its Micro Motion® 7826 Insertion Liquid Density and Concentration Meter in Zirconium for enhanced corrosion resistance. The new Micro Motion Zirconium fork density and concentration meter is designed to monitor inorganic chemicals such as hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid. The new meter is ideal for applications in the chemical and oil & gas industries, as well as clean in place (CIP) processes in the food and beverage sector.

    NEWSDistributor of the year - Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation was recently named Distributor of the Year in the Active Components Product Portfolio category by Elektronik the German magazine for design engineers and technical management.

    PRODUCTData logging software now available - Martel Electronics released a new data logging feature for its popular BetaGauge PI and BetaGauge PI Reference Class digital pressure test gauges. The feature is available in concert with the new BetaLOG™ data logging software application.
    They will be exhibiting at ISAExpo'09

    EVENTSSeries of international events focuses on sustainable business success - Invensys Operations Management has announced that it will host an expanded series of international events focusing on the successful implementation of sustainable best business practices in the manufacturing and industrial markets. OpsManage'09 / WonderWorld kicks off with a North American event, (3-5/11/2009 Anaheim CA US) with subsequent events in other parts of the world including China, Argentina, India, France and Korea.

    PRODUCTWeather-proof enclosures - Wall mounted compact enclosure Rittal have introduced a new compact wall-mounted compact enclosure to their range of CS outdoor enclosures. Constructed from aluminium with a pure polyester coating, the corrosion resistant single-walled enclosure is available in five different sizes offering a flexible system for quick project adaptations.

    PRODUCTLatest software release reaffirms commitment to asset maintenance collaboration - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Proficy® Maintenance Gateway 2.0 to help customers avoid costly equipment failures and reduce asset maintenance costs.

    APPLICATIONOnline sampling and analysis, a necessity, not a luxury - A major overhead for any processing plant is effluent discharge. And, in accordance with the British Water Industry Act 1991, any company having a significant quantity of trade effluent discharge must obtain consent prior to making a discharge to the public sewer network or water course. With consent granted on the basis of effluent composition and any levels exceeded resulting in major fines, the need for accurate, effective and traceable measurement has never been so apparent. 16/9/2009

      EVENTSSound off at Safecomp - Here are some notes from several of the talks taken by the ControlGlobal team who were present in Hamburg (D)!

      PRODUCTIndustrial-grade QVGA TFTs - Anders Electronics has announced the availability of its newest 3.5" QVGA TFT displays. Specially designed for high-end industrial and medical devices, these displays offer excellent optical specifications, superb 3 to 5 year guaranteed availability, and an on-board LCD controller for the portrait model that markedly lowers design complexity and speeds time to market.

      BlogLargest opportunities in process control - Greg McMillan discusses new sensor and valve technologies in his latest contribution to his Modeling & Control blog (which he shares with Terry Blevins).

      APPLICATIONOptimising performance of large scale-cell culture facility - Global biopharmaceutical manufacturer Lonza has selected Emerson Process Management to provide manufacturing operations management software to further enhance the strong performance of plant operations at its New Hampshire (US) facility. Emerson will integrate its new Syncade(TM) smart operations management suite to the existing PlantWeb(R) digital architecture to increase efficiency of Lonza's biopharmaceutical manufacturing and quality assurance functions.

      NEWSHMI partners announced - Invensys Operations Management has announced a number of innovative, strategic partnerships with industry-leading human-machine interface (HMI) hardware manufacturers.

      APPLICATIONNew sensor ideal for ultrapure water applications - The Orbisphere 1100 series optical dissolved oxygen sensor from HACH LANGE is providing major advantages to international service company Serco, in the course of its work to solve corrosion problems within the British power generation sector. The instrumentation has helped reduce maintenance time and service requirements to improve the overall monitoring efficiency of testing carried out under plant conditions.

    15/9/2009
      NEWSBlogCritical infrastructure protection - Cybersecurity With cyber terrorism and critical infrastructure security and protection becoming a major topic in the media, the Wurldtech team is pleased to announce the 15th industrial control system to achieve the internationally recognized benchmark for system security and robustness.

      PRODUCTUS continuous liquid level sensor with multipoint switch capability - Gems® Sensors & Controls™ has launched the UCL-510 Ultrasonic Level Sensor. The compact UCL-510 is suitable for non-contact applications such as industrial water treatment, wastewater management, chemical storage, and many other challenging fluid applications. The UCL-510 offers an innovative solution for challenging fluid measurement with no moving parts.

      PRODUCTFirst to map the automation genome! - Listen as PAS announces the launch of Integrity Automation Genome Software, the first product to provide a universal framework for the aggregation, contextualization, and simplification of data across an entire automation and production management system.

      PEOPLEA visit to a super-geek! - Dick Morley's
TECHSHOCKMany of our readers will realise that we have a special place for independant minds so we were very interested in this account of the meeting of two such persons, Jim Pinto and Dick Morley. Dick who recently appeared at the ISA's Marketing and Sales Summit in Boston, has just published a new book, Techshock, and, as Pinto says, "In typical Dick Morley fashion, the 'Father of the PLC' doesn't hold back expressing his views on a world that is undergoing major technological change."

      WIRELESSLeaders appointed for Wireless Institute - The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute announces newly elected leadership for the Institute's Governing Board. Dan Sheflin from Honeywell was selected as the Institute's first Chairman and Dr. Penny Chen from Yokogawa was selected as the Institute's first Vice-Chairman.

      PRODUCTSelf test on PXI modules - Verification and diagnosis of complex switching operation in a test system has always been an issue, especially in the PXI platform. For this reason, Pickering Interfaces has announced that it is introducing built in self test to select models of their PXI switching modules. This feature is called BIRST™, or Built In Relay Self Test.

      CybersecuritySecurity institute has new member - exida LLC has joined The ISA Security Compliance Institute as a Technical Member.

      NEWSSystem selected for metal furnace plant in China - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced that Sansteel Group Corporation has chosen the company's breakthrough process control system, Proficy® Process Systems for its furnace revamp project in Shanghai. The solution, which is valued at approximately $300,000, will provide critical control for both the metal furnace and the plant utility system, featuring GE Fanuc's PACSystems RX3i controller.

      NEWSTechnology innovator of the year - Wonderware has received the "Global Honors Partner" award from Intermec, a leading provider of mobile data capture and computing solutions including RFID readers.

      NEWS Sanitary standards certification earned by food & beverage automation company - ESE, Inc., has earned 3-A Sanitary Standards certification from 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.,(SSI), a non-profit organization representing equipment manufacturers, processors, regulatory sanitarians, and other public health professionals whose mission is to enhance product safety for consumers of food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products.

      APPLICATIONSensors in space! - Headwall Photonics, the supplier of high performance spectral imaging solutions, has been selected by NEC Space Systems Division of Japan to develop the hyperspectral instrument payload for a Japanese remote sensing satellite.

      PRODUCTOn-line configurator - Accessible from the website, the SOURIAU on-line configurator is a tool enabling users to obtain the part numbers of connectors matching their needs, along with their 2D drawings. The configurator now has a new function: on-line ordering.

    14/9/2009
      EVENTS Industrial security under scrutiny at October show!blog - Sometimes Europeans think that the Americans go overboard with their emphasis on security since the events of September 2001. Nevertheless industrial security which takes centre stage at the show on Wednesday, 7 October will prove fascinating. It will feature presentations by security experts with U.S. Department of Homeland Security experience, as well as a groundbreaking hack and defend tutorial and demonstration on wireless security.

      EDUCATION/RESEARCHEuropean Photovoltaics Lab to advance joint research - IMEC and Kaneka Corporation, the Japanese leading manufacturer of chemical specialties and solar cells, have announced a bilateral cooperation. Under the agreement, Kaneka will incorporate its European Photovoltaics Laboratory at IMEC in Leuven, Belgium. Working in IMEC's facilities and collaborating with IMEC's experts, this will allow Kaneka to further improve its current thin-film solar cells and to develop next generation cells.
      Search for "photovoltaic" on the search engine on our News Blogspot

      U2 Screen
      APPLICATIONU2 connections! - Harting has provided a connectivity solution for the World's first transformable 360° LED screen used on the latest concert tour for the world-renowned rock band U2. I suppose we could say they have the Edge pro Bono!

      PRODUCTNew version of 1200W power supply - The new QPX1200L from TTi is a revised version of the company's PowerFlex regulated 1200 watt power supply unit with extra features including an extended remote control interface option. It incorporates an LXI compliant Ethernet interface that can provide a low-cost alternative to GPIB in many system applications.

      NEWSIncreased focus on electronic design for transportation - Farnell has extended its support for electronic engineers working on automotive, rail and other Transportation applications by adding a large number of Transportation-orientated electronic components to its product portfolio. At the same time the company has made available a wide variety of technical collateral that will help these engineers speed product selection and application development.

      PRODUCTNew quick change cable outlets - Rittal has extended its series of secure isolators with the addition of a range of new NH isolators in sizes 00 to 3. Similar in design to the existing RiLine60 series, the new isolator cable outlets can now be changed from top to bottom within seconds. The position of the cable outlet can be decided upon just before assembly, and inventory costs can thus be halved.

      PRODUCTpH in concrete! - Extech Instruments, a major supplier of test and measurement equipment for the industrial marketplace, announces its new PH150-C ExStik Concrete pH Test Kit with everything you need for pH testing. The PH150-C's flat surface electrode design provides fast and easy on-the-spot pH measurements on concrete, and the kit's waterproof/dustproof design (IP570) floats in water and protects the meter in wet environments.

    11/9/2009
      PRODUCTSee what went wrong! - Longwatch has launched the unique Operator's Console Recorder, a software module that automatically records images being shown on multiple HMI or SCADA operator's displays. The module takes its signals directly from each HMI screen's video software driver, so it records the actual video being sent to the HMI. The software can accommodate video signals from an unlimited number of HMIs to show what operators were watching at the time of an event, alarm or process upset.

      NEWSEnergy technology assets acquired - definitive agreement for, and completed, the sale of certain assets of its energy technology division, including eMAC and uMAC to ELUTIONS.

      PRODUCT New thermo-paramagnetic oxygen transmitter works without drift in hydrogen applications - With the latest thermo-paramagnetic technology from Michell applied to the sensor element of the new XTP600 oxygen transmitter, limitations where hydrogen applications are known to cause significant and unpredictable sensor drift are lifted. The special design of the measurement cell eliminates transmitter drift and deterioration by preventing the hydrogen molecules from diffusing into the sensor.
      What Is RISI and Why Is It Good for Industrial Security? Walt Boyes, Editor of Control, John Cusimano of Exida and Eric Cosman of Dow Chemical talk about the newly formed Security Incidents Organization and its database of cybersecurity incidents, the Repository of Industrial Security Incidents (RISI). Find out what this organization is and how it can help secure your operations. Listen Here!

      EDUCATION/RESEARCHWhite papers for water and wastewater applications - The technical papers section at Controlsoft gives environmentally concerned operations people in the waste and wastewater industry the chance to review solid information that can lead to tighter chlorine control and lower chlorine setpoints, as well as massive cost savings.

      PRODUCTConfigurator allows online selection of customer connector options - Harting has introduced an online configuration tool for its Han-Modular® family of industrial connectors, allowing customers to optimise connector designs to meet their particular application requirements.

      EDUCATION/RESEARCHBritish industry-wide strategy report 2009 - The the 2009 AMIS audit database provides measures of best practice and key performance ratios for all major business sectors in Britain. This report is the analysis of approximately 500 audits, with 55% of results covering four sectors: Pharmaceutical, FMCG, Food and Drink and Chemical.

      PRODUCTPressure transmitter for Sanitary Process Applications - The WIKA SA-11 pressure transmitter has been specially designed to meet the requirements of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With its resistance to chemical cleaning liquids and high temperatures, this transmitter is particularly suited to the conditions of CIP/SIP cleaning processes. The flush all metal diaphragm is directly welded to the process connection to ensure a crevice free seal between the process connection and the measuring diaphragm. A range of aseptic process connections (Clamp, threaded or VARIVENT®) are available.
      Submitted by Instrument Technology the Irish representativers of WIKA

      PRODUCTHall-effect latch IC offers improved switching repeatability in different package options - The new A1222 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an extremely temperature-stable and stress-resistant Hall-effect latch IC that offers improved switching repeatability in applications such as detecting the speed and direction of ring magnets for motor commutation in the automotive, industrial and consumer market sectors.
      publicationse-letters and web publications received during week ending 11 September 2009

      Industrial Networking e-news

      Control Design e-news

      InTEch e-news

      IEN Industrial Equipment

      Automation Weekly

      the IT X-file

      David W Spitzer's e-zine

      ACTC e-news

      InTech e-news

      Control Engineering EME

      Superfactory newsletter

      IEN Industrial Electronics

      IEN T&M

      There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

      PRODUCTAccess and troubleshoot your alarms and events data at no cost! - Alarm and Event management software can be intimidating to configure - especially in the testing and implementation phase of a project. In response to customer requests for a no-cost test tool that can be used to view OPC Alarms and Events, MatrikonOPC has developed and released OPC A&E Explorer. This can be used to instantly access and troubleshoot your Alarms and Events data.

      PRODUCTChinese, German, French, Polish, Japanese and Russian - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' industry-leading Proficy® iFIX HMI/SCADA solution, and its newly-announced iFIX WebSpace, are now available in Chinese, German, French, Polish, Japanese and Russian. This announcement makes the company's best-in-class SCADA software available to businesses around the world providing them with a sustainable advantage in their industry.

      PRODUCTAssembly system expanded with new joining modules - Kistler Instrumentsis expanding its well established electromechanical, press fit joining system with the addition of two new compact NCFH modules with 10 kN and 15 kN nominal joining force to replace the existing 10 kN module. The use of integral piezoelectric force sensors allows a range of measuring range combinations from 1 kN to 15 kN from just two modules.

    10/9/2009
      NEWSHot investment opportunity award in European solar photovoltaic (PV) market - Strange to have two references to PV in as many days. Yesterday we talked about Carlo Gavazzi's PV plant control offering and to day we have this announcement from Frost & Sullivan.
      The 2009 Frost & Sullivan European Solar Photovoltaic Hot Investment Opportunity Award is presented to SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (SolarEdge). The company has a strong focus on Germany, United States, France, Italy, Spain and Japan, all of which have displayed the largest growth potential for solar photovoltaics (PV).

      PEOPLEMajor changes announced - SolutionsPT Limited, an operating company of the Pantek Group, today announced that John Bailey has been appointed Chairman and Phil Gillard moves to the newly created role of SolutionsPT General Manager. John Bailey, who founded the first Pantek Company in September 1985, has previously managed SolutionsPT on a day to day basis. Phil Gillard initially joined the company as Business Development Manager in May of this year.
      John Bailey

      PRODUCTNew Connecting signal conditioned sensor data from 8B modules to Ethernet networks - Acromag's new 16-channel BusWorks module provides an Ethernet interface for a rack of 8B signal conditioners to simplify data acquisition from a broad mix of analog isolation amplifiers.

      PRODUCTSupport for TI's Code Composer Studio 4 - Ashling Microsystems has added support for Version 4 of Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio (CCS) on its Opella-XDS560 Debug Probe.

      NEWSAcquisition creates global leader in wireless data networking solutions - Sixnet has reached an agreement to acquire JBM Electronics Co. a leading provider of reliable networking connectivity solutions.

      NEWSRepresentative agreement signed! - Parker has signed a worldwide representation agreement with the oil and gas systems integrator Proserv Group AS. Tube fittings, valves, manifolds and other components from the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin will become part of Proserv's preferred system building offering.

      APPLICATIONUS city computerises water and wastewater facilities - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, announced that the City of Haverhill, Massachusetts, has chosen the company's breakthrough Proficy(R) Workflow to computerise the city's Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The water treatment plant is a 5 to 12 million gallons per day (MGD) operation that serves approximately 52,000 households. The wastewater treatment plant treats approximately 10 MGD with peak wet weather flow exceeding 60 MGD.

      NEWSOffshore Angola - MTL Instruments has been selected to supply Redundant FISCO power supplies for use on the PSVM (Plutao, Saturno, Venus and Marte) development by BP in Angola's offshore Block 31 oilfield.

      PRODUCTTargetting extreme rugged applications - Adlink Technology has announced availability of the industry's first Extreme Rugged™ system based on the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor. The Ampro by ADLINK™ RuffSystem™ 840 integrates a dual-core processor, RAM, graphics, networking, and PCI Express® expansion in an Extreme Rugged™ enclosure that operates from -40 to +75 degrees Celsius. It is designed for ruggedness and reliability in mission critical computer applications such as military, transportation monitoring and control systems, aviation, and other harsh environments.

    9/9/2009
      STANDARDSFirst standard in industrial wireless series - The ISA-100.11a standard received final approval by the ISA100 committee in July of this year with 81% of the voting members approving, before being passed along to the ISA S&P Board. With the ISA S&P Board approval, the ISA-100.11a standard will now be submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for approval as an ANSI standard, and will be submitted to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for consideration as an IEC standard

      PRODUCTNew versatile modular controller for solar photovoltaic plants - Carlo Gavazzi has announced a new versatile, reliable management and control system targeting small to medium or high power solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. The new controller is designed to enable the plants to meet growing demand for clean sources of energy by maintaining efficient operation, maximising performance and strengthening the Return on Investment.

      PRODUCTNew energy saving software tool handles What-If? scenarios - Baldor has released a powerful new software estimating tool that enables users to evaluate the energy efficiency of electric motors and variable speed drives. Known as BE$T, the Baldor Energy Savings Tool can be downloaded free of charge from the company's website. The software analyses the efficiency and annual electricity usage of users' existing motors, and calculates the cost savings that can be achieved by replacing them with equivalent higher efficiency models.

      PRODUCTModular concept temperature calibration systems - The CS Series from Eurolec comprises two dry block "black body" sources for calibration with a temperature control system and a pocket for a reference thermometer. Model CS173 features a range of +30 to +200°C and model CS174 features a range of 40°C below ambient (approx. -20°C) to +85°C, together with 0.01°C resolution between -19.99°C to + 85.00°C.

      NEWSAsset management and advanced control Honeywell has made an agreement with Australia-based Synengco Pty Ltd. under which Honeywell will license and sell SentientSystem® a suite of advanced applications that optimize operations and provide sophisticated asset management for utility power customers. The SentientSystem solution includes: intelligent sootblowing, combustion optimization, unit optimization, early warning detection, root cause analysis, thermal stress analysis, and plant performance monitoring.

      webstuffCompany growth drives web enhancement - Classic Automation, the international provider of parts, products and services for installed control systems, has continued to experience rapid growth prompting the need for its newly enhanced web site.

      PRODUCTA toolkit that isn't! - Kepware has developed a new Interface to KEPServerEX called CID (Custom Interface Driver). CID is the ideal solution to quickly and easily add proven interoperability to any custom integration projects, from small applications with one deployment, to the delivery of professional solutions and products packaged for deployment industry wide.
      KEPServerEX, the most widely used communication solution for automation, delivers a powerful set of Client interfaces, ranging from the latest OPC Standards, to Native Interfaces; Certified, Tested and Proven with most software applications in the automation market. These Client Interfaces can now be leveraged by any developer.

      EVENTSThe thinking factory! - Self-organising production (SOPRO) will revolutionise the goods manufacturing process in the future. Machines and workpieces, which communicate with one another by means of a chip, learn from one another and allocate their work automatically. This will ensure that production processes become more flexible, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly. The special show entitled SOPRO will be one of the main highlights of productronica 2009, the world's leading trade fair for innovative electronics production.
      Please follow productronica on Twitter

      EVENTS"Path to leak-free instrumentation systems is easy!" - A comprehensive product range for minimising potential leak paths in process instrumentation was unveiled at Offshore Europe in Scotland, by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin - the global leader in motion and control technologies. Innovative solutions for all standard connectivity and functional requirements from the process line to the instrument are available in Parker's range, as a result of an intensive innovation-driven development program.

    8/9/2009

      APPLICATIONpH sensors in wastewater application - A leading global supplier of engineering thermoplastic materials used in diverse markets such as automotive, electronics, building & construction, transportation and healthcare is using Memosens pH sensors in Wastewater and bio treatment facilities. These are monitored by the local Environment Protection Agency and the company carries out regular internal pH calibration checks to ensure measurement consistency and compliance with waste monitoring regulations.

      PRODUCT3-component system for measuring machining forces - A new modular 3-component dynamometer from Kistler Instruments, the Type 9129A, is designed specifically for measuring machining forces up to 8 kN during boring, cutting and turning operations.

      PRODUCTNew extrusion-based production process delivers better quality compression tube fittings - A new production process based on stainless steel extrusions is raising the quality and consistency of industry-standard compression tube fittings - without ratcheting up the costs. The move comes from the leading tube fittings manufacturer, the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin - the global leader in motion and control technologies. The innovative technology is aimed at users in processing markets such as oil, gas and chemicals, where the need for integrity and reliability is paramount.

      NEWSOperator training simulator for world's largest integrated single-site liquefied natural gas plant - Invensys Operations Management has signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to supply a comprehensive operator training, process design and operation optimization solution to Malaysia LNG Tiga Sdn Bhd (MLNG Tiga). This is the third liquid natural gas (LNG) plant located within the Petronas LNG complex in Bintulu, Sarawak, (MY).
      This is the world's largest integrated LNG production facility at a single location, with a total of eight production trains and a combined capacity of approximately 23 million tons per annum.

      PRODUCTThe World's first in-situ self-verifying Dissolved Oxygen Meter - Pi (Process Instruments), is to launch another world's first - the world's first in-situ self-checking Dissolved Oxygen Meter. Combining their award-winning electronics with In-Situ's acclaimed RDO® sensor, Pi believes it has a world beating combination especially when you include the brand new self-checking functions included by the two companies.

      EVENTSLatest generation of optical test instruments on show - Yokogawa Europe is featuring its range of test & measurement instruments for the optical communications sector, including a number of new developments.
      ECOC 2009 - 35th European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication Vienna (A) 21 - 23 September 2009 Stand 601, Hall Z
      See other events on our Events Page

      PRODUCT2 Duo processor and Dual DVI-I graphics - Concurrent Technologies announces a new addition to their VME/VXS critical embedded product based on Intel's latest dual-core processors. The VX 541/06x is a single slot 6U dual PMC/XMC VME/VXS processor board featuring the latest low power high performance dual core processor from the Intel embedded roadmap - the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor operating at 2.26 GHz or 1.86 GHz.

      NEWSAsia regional headquarters in Singapore - Netherlands based company PROCENTEC has joined forces with PROFIBUS and PROFINET experts in Asia to establish a regional PROCENTEC Competence Center. The new operation is responsible for developing and supporting the industry in South Asia, South East Asia and Oceania for the entire range of PROCENTEC products, training and services.

    7/9/2009
      PRODUCTLive turbine health - Monitran Technology has developed a digital signal processing (DSP) unit for the real-time monitoring of turbine blade conditions.

      PRODUCTFlexible DIN-rail modules - With the DIN-rail modules, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers a wide range of signal converters, power supplies and relays. They are suitable for different industries like food and beverage, pharmaceutics and biotechnology, chemistry and petrochemistry as well as for the use with heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. With the FlexProgrammer 9901, the FlexConv series can be easily configured via PC.

    4/9/2009 3/9/2009
      PRODUCTProgrammable universal verbaliser 1/8 DIN panel meter - Omega's new UV1000-PM universal verbaliser is an innovative panel meter that can verbalise and display process signals 0 - 10 Vdc, 0 - 20 mA or 4 - 20 mA, and Type J, K, T, and R thermocouple signals. You can configure/programme the verbaliser through the friendly PC user interface software to specify the input range, display decimal point, analogue input scaling, audible engineering unit, and high/low alarm set point.

      PRODUCTStand-Alone Version of high performance CNC - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of the stand-alone version of its popular, high performance 0i-D CNC. The stand-alone version of the 0i-D, called the 0i-D SA, offers all the great features of the LCD mounted 0i-D but with the advantages of using a FANUC Panel I PC front-end.

      APPLICATIONAdvanced CNC simulation software helps to produce innovative new range of twist drills - CNC multi-axis grinding machines using NUM's NUMROTOplus 3D simulation and control software are helping Miller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH to manufacture a new series of high-performance MAPAL-brand solid carbide twist drills. The new drill tools employ complex optimised profiles to accelerate cutting speeds. This software allowed Miller Praezisionswerkzeuge to visualise and optimise the complex machining process required to produce the new drills in 3D, before putting the new drill range into volume production.

      PRODUCTNew, configurable safety relay - The PNOZmulti Mini is the latest addition to the hugely successful range of multifunctional control systems PNOZmulti from Pilz. With a width of just 45 mm, it is considerably smaller than the 134 mm wide PNOZmulti. Like all this range, the PNOZmulti Mini is easily configured using the proven software tool the PNOZmulti Configurator, with which it is 100 per cent compatible. It was developed mainly for use in stand-alone machines in all areas of engineering.

      PRODUCTPower connector with PushPull locking for device connectivity - Han® PushPull Power from HARTING is a new, extremely compact 5-pole power connector with voltage and current ratings up to 690 V and 16 A, respectively.

      APPLICATIONProtecting the environment by guarding against overspill! - Apollo Adhesives was encountering problems in the measurement of the very low dielectric range of mixed and chlorinated solvents that are stored underground in vessels. They required an accurate and reliable automated measurement system that would provide 'real time' data and give high level alerts to avoid overspill as well as low level alerts to avoid running out of stock. By working in close cooperation with Endress+Hauser engineered a complete measurement and inventory monitoring solution that was fit for purpose and completely satisfied all requirements.

      NEWSEmbedded controller security assurance certification framework approved - The ISA's Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) has formally approved an Embedded Controller Security Assurance (ECSA) Framework. This Framework establishes important foundational definitions necessary for completion of the ISASecure ECSA test specification. It establishes the scope of the ISASecure test specification, and identifies the embedded controller testing approach and high level criteria for passing or failing the ISASecure tests.

      PRODUCTFirst configurable displacer transmitter on the market - The modernized, digital E3 Modulevel® from Magnetrol is an advanced, intrinsically safe two-wire instrument utilizing simple buoyancy principle to detect and convert liquid level changes into a stable output signal. The new E3 Modulevel has modernized packaging, increased functionality, diagnostics, and the capability to configure rather than calibrate the transmitter. The E3 Modulevel supports FOUNDATION fieldbus™, HART®, AMS, FDT/PACTware™ communication protocols.

      NEWSpH Monitor Achieves Prestigious MCERTS Certification - Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology announces that it has been awarded an MCERTS product conformity certificate for its versatile Q45P pH monitor. MCERTS is the British Environment Agency's monitoring certification scheme established to deliver quality environmental measurements. The certification provides customers with confidence in the system's emission monitoring capabilities for the protection of the environment and human health.

    2/9/2009
      APPLICATIONTesting time for business jet - Development and qualification testing of three flap system actuators for the eagerly awaited new Falcon 7X business jet is being performed on a test rig designed and built by Comar Engineering in Wolverhampton (GB)and incorporating an innovative non-contact torque transducer.

      NEWSIndustrial weighing terminal communication drivers - Kepware Technologies has just announced that it has been selected to develop a suite of Mettler Toledo industrial weighing terminal communication drivers. These Drivers will be added to the Kepware KEPServer communications solution, and will be delivered to Kepware's long list of OEMs and resellers.

      PRODUCTCost effective multi-channel transducer signal conditioning systems - RDP Electronics Ltd provide a number of cost-effective signal conditioning solutions, including panel and DIN mounted options for applications using multiple transducers. Where there are a number of transducers in close proximity then a more economic and space efficient solution can usually be achieved by selecting either the RDP Modular 600 or DR7 DIN rail options, rather than using several individual devices.

      APPLICATIONOptimising clean-in-place (CIP) process at its Bavarian brewery - Emerson Process Management's highly accurate four-electrode conductivity sensors are helping German brewer Schneider Weisse to optimize the clean-in-place (CIP) process at its Bavarian brewery. Replacing aging existing sensors with extremely accurate Rosemount® Analytical 410VP sensors has enabled the brewer to optimize the CIP process. This has reduced the total caustic detergent, water and energy being used as well as saving valuable end product. In addition Schneider Weisse is now able to bring production back online quicker enabling a potential increase in total production.

      PRODUCTPizza boxes to take away! - Foremost Electronics, the Essex based specialist distributor of electromechanical components, announces the introduction of a range of 1U, 19" rack mountable "Pizza Box" enclosures.

      PRODUCTFPGA capabilities for distributed I/O - National Instruments today announced new field-programmable gate array (FPGA) capabilities for the NI 9144 expansion chassis. By downloading the NI-Industrial Communications for EtherCAT 1.1 driver from www.ni.com, engineers and scientists can now run National Instruments LabVIEW FPGA code directly on the NI 9144 chassis to execute custom triggering, inline processing and control within an application.

      APPLICATIONGood enough for space - As a major part of its exclusive distribution partnership with NTC temperature measurement specialists BetaTHERM (part of MEAS), Variohm-Eurosensor is supplying space flight approved high reliability thermistors used to monitor critical temperature for extended space flight applications.

      PRODUCTEthernet/IP™ to compact four channel temperature control range - Gefran has added Ethernet/IP communications to its GFX4 and GFXTERM04 multi-channel temperature controllers. The full featured GFX4 family adds Ethernet/IP to a choice of several fieldbus communication options and the four loop temperature controller is available in PID control only or fully integrated versions complete with relays, current transformers and fuses - offering control panel space-saving and reduced installation timescales.

      PRODUCTPeel strength testing for a flexible friend! - Lloyd Instruments has introduced a new test jig for peel strength testing of laminated layers of standard plastic identification cards to international standards. The use of plastic cards is reaching unprecedented levels, with at least one credit or debit card, driving licence, or loyalty or membership card being found in almost everyone's wallet or purse.

    1/9/2009
      PRODUCTNew event logger module provides added SCADA security by protecting data loss - As reported exclusively in the last issue of Read-out (July/August 2009), September First sees the release by Byres Security of its newest Loadable Security Module, the Tofino™ Event Logger LSM - a security logging system created specifically for SCADA environments.

      EVENTSEnergy availability and affordability theme of keynote - John Hofmeister, CEO and Founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy, and retired President of Shell Oil Company will present the opening keynote address at ISA EXPO 2009 (TX US 6/10/2009). Mr. Hofmeister, whose keynote address is titled "Energy Security and Affordability in the 21st Century," will be tackling these two critical concerns for industrial operations.
      See our ISAExpo review!

      NEWSNetwork management solution for US National Grid - ABB will implement its Network Manager™ SCADA/EMS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System) solution in the U.S. for National Grid, a leading energy utility.

      PRODUCTCartesian T-style robots! - Aerotech has introduced a completely new line of Cartesian 'T-style' positioning robots based upon its PRO series medium precision linear positioning stages. The new range, named Cartesius, is a highly configurable positioning system with a single axis base and an open payload work area that suits many automation applications including pick and place, assembly, automated test and dispensing stations.

      PRODUCTAdvanced analytics software solutions utilising process intelligence to maximise plant performance - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced advanced analytics solutions for its software portfolio that are designed to maximize the information that already exists in production operations, extract knowledge from that information and identify the opportunities to solve potential production issues before they impact the process.

      PRODUCTSmallest PIFA ceramic antenna for compact mobile devices - Yageo Corporation has released 3216 PIFA ceramic antenna catering to compact mobile device applications. Measuring merely 3.2mm x 1.6mm (3216) in dimension, Yageo's PIFA ceramic antenna features low profile fitting for multifunctional compact product design and superior signal transmission efficiency up to 90% almost on a par with traditional metal antenna.

      PRODUCTNew 500 MS/s 12-bit digitizer PCI cards record up to 5 seconds - Strategic Test Corp. has announced two new 500 MS/s 12-bit digitizer cards for the PCI bus. The UF3-3242 has 2 analog inputs and can sample at 500 MS/s on one channel or 250 MS/s on both channels simultaneously, while the UF3-3240 is a single-channel card that samples at up to 500 MS/s. Both cards are supplied with 128 MSamples (256 MByte) onboard memory which is unique at this speed/resolution segment. The memory can be expanded to 2 GSamples giving a measurement time of up to 5 seconds on one channel at 500 MS/s. PCI Express versions of the cards will be released later this year.

      PRODUCTIsolated RS485 transceiver integrates isolated power - Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTM2881, an isolated RS485 µModule® transceiver that guards against large ground-to-ground differentials and common mode transients. In practical RS485 systems, ground potentials vary widely from node to node, often exceeding the tolerable range, which can result in an interruption of communications or destruction of a transceiver.


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