Strategy of automation publication outlined - The International Society of Automation announced today the editorial strategy for the print, digital, and online content of its technical publication, InTech magazine. In addition to daily and weekly digital and online content, ISA will publish 6 print issues of InTech magazine in 2010. The first issue of the bimonthly print publication will be published in February.

Elemental detection range extended for tabletop microscope - Hitachi has a new, custom designed Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) for their TM-1000 Tabletop Microscope that now extends the range of lighter elements that can be detected from Sodium Na (Z 11) down to Boron B (Z 5). Qualitative and quantitative measurements can be made using the new QUANTAX 50 from Bruker on the full range of elements from Boron B (Z 5) up to Americium Am (Z 95)

High precision pan & tilt camera positioner complete with built-in motion controls - Aerotech has launched a new pan & tilt positioner with integrated drives and motion controls for high-end camera security, surveillance and defence applications. The APT series was developed through Aerotech’s extensive design and manufacturing expertise in gimbals, optical mounts and motion simulators for military, aerospace and government research.

Partners for weighing and force measurement - Vishay Nobel and Schneider Electric have entered into a strategic partnership through Schneider Electric's Collaborative Automation Partner Program (CAPP). Vishay Nobel will support Schneider Electric worldwide with weighing and force measurement technology.

New PXI Flex DIO FPGA card - Expanding on its successful line of 3U PXI dynamic digital I/O cards, Geotest now offers a user-configurable FPGA 3U PXI card that features 160 digital I/O signals for specific application needs. The new GX3500 employs the Altera Cyclone III FPGA that supports clock rates up to 150 MHz and features over 55,000 logic elements.

Global B2B processing and fluid handling marketplace opens - JAZD, the leader in online B2B directory service platforms, and Grand View Media, publisher of Processing Magazine and Flow Control, announced today their new online processing and fluid handling industry marketplace – ProcessFlowDirect, is now live and open to buyers.

Instrumentation partner in Northern Ireland -

Finnish partnership to protect water quality - Intellitect Water has announced a new distribution partnership with Finnish environmental services company Sarlin for the highly innovative Intellisonde™in-pipe water quality monitors. This unit is designed to provide efficient access to water quality data and will now be distributed in Finland exclusively by Sarlin.

ELVIS enters the building! - National Instruments ongoing relationship with the University of Manchester has continued to develop with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering’s purchase of twenty NI ELVIS (NI's Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite) units for a laboratory within the faculty. These systems will be used for teaching analogue and digital electronics undergraduate course modules, as well as project-based work.

Lean production initiative reduces costs - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announced that SABIC Innovative Plastics is implementing the company’s breakthrough work process management software system, Proficy® Workflow in its Lexan factory in Bergen op Zoom (NL) SABIC Innovative Plastics will use the system to connect and organize people and work processes to drive Lean production initiatives – easing decision making on the plant floor and reducing costs.

Need for real-time data drives fieldbus adoption in Europe - New analysis from Frost & Sullivan on the European Fieldbus Market, finds that the market is expected to earn revenues of $760.27 million by 2015 from $448.00 million in 2008. The need for real-time data and increased plant availability offered by fieldbus devices are to drive the market in future. The technologies covered in this research are highway addressable remote transducer (HART) fieldbus, foundation fieldbus H1, profibus, modbus, and others.

Low-cost electric actuator market - Festo has entered the low-cost electric actuator market with the launch of a unique toothed belt drive axis which marries cost-optimised design rules with precision engineering. Costing 65 percent less than Festo's popular EGC series high performance electromechanical axes, the new ELGR toothed belt axis sets a new price-performance standard for the motion control industry.

Safety Integrity Level Selection - Systematic Methods Including Layer of Protection Analysis by Marszal & Scharpf This reference demonstrates the application of quantitative risk analysis techniques and tools to the problem of safety integrity level selection. They distill essential theory into a format that the average control systems engineer can quickly apply. This is not a generic theoretical dissertation, nor a comprehensive treatment of the topic of quantitative risk analysis. It is a focused process for applying simple, yet powerful, tools of quantitative risk analysis specifically to the problem of selecting safety integrity levels for safety instrumented systems.

Integrated Safety: Has its Time Arrived? -

Position monitor, extends safety and performance gains - Emerson Process Management announces expansion of its Smart Wireless solutions family with the release of the Fisher(R) 4320 wireless position monitor. Beyond its wireless advantages, the 4320 monitor is the first and only linkage-less device to provide accurate position feedback. The 4320 monitor uses industry standard WirelessHART™ communications.

New infra-red temperature sensor with RS485 Modbus interface - Calex has an innovative new range of compact infra-red pyrometers with built-in digital communications for easy systems integration The new PyroBus series is designed to measure the temperature of inaccessible or moving objects and materials, from -20°C to 500°C, accurately and consistently, with an outstanding response time of 240 ms.

High- spec CTD logger - The new OTT CTD is a professional datalogger for the measurement of water level, conductivity and temperature. With a memory capacity of 4MB (approx. 500,000 values) and capable of running on alkaline or lithium batteries, this high-specification instrument is capable of operating unattended for long periods.

Revolutionise data transfer from protocol to protocol - Interfacing systems using multiple protocols has never been so easy and quick. The new Message Manager module (ILX56-MM) from ProSoft Technology bridges automation controllers from different sources as it has never been done before. Traditionally, communication between PLCs requires (small) modifications to be done in each PLC program, often in several locations on the plant floor (repeatedly, new machines come with new PLCs), and often with multiple programming packages (because each PLC vendor has his own programming environment). With the new Message Manager configuring the data transfers only requires... a few clicks!

Enhanced precision in 280 W dual power supply - TTi has upgraded its well known EX354D bench power supply to improve its precision. The new model, the EX354RD, has 4-digit meters for both voltage and current along with switchable remote sense terminals.

The true integration between ATE flying probe and boundary-scan test - Aiming to further enrich its range of solutions for the test and repair of electronic boards, Seica, in partnership with Temento Systems, has developed the FlyScan module as a new approach to the integration of the boundary scan technique and flying probe test systems.

Debug probe now available - Mistral Solutions, a leading provider of complete technology solutions and professional services in the embedded space, and Ashling Microsystems, a leading provider of embedded debug tools, have announced the availability of the Ashling Opella-XDS560 Debug Probe from Mistral.

Equipment condition and performance-monitoring solutions for Canadian nuclear utility - Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the process and manufacturing industries, today announced that Bruce Power, Canada's first private nuclear generating company and the source of more than 20 percent of Ontario's electricity, has selected Wonderware(R) software solutions to help manage Bruce Power's equipment condition and performance monitoring (ECPM) project.

Enabling business results in as little as 30 days - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms have a rapid-impact, fully-packaged solution helps customers uncover inefficiencies, improve flexibility, and discover cost-out opportunities during challenging economic times

Next generation of robotics platform - National Instruments has new version of its intuitive drag-and-drop software that powers the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kits for retail and education. With this system, children as young as 9 years old can design their own robots using new features such as colour recognition, Bluetooth support and additional robot models that offer children more options to express their creativity.

CISPR- compliant digital EMC/EMI receivers - TESEQ has introduced the Narda PMM 9010, a fully digital receiver covering the frequency range 10 Hz to 6 GHz. The PMM 9010 is the cornerstone of a system which grows together with the users' needs.

Level switch with cooling neck for high temperatures -

Radar goes HD! - VEGAPULS radar level transmitters are evolving into the 'plics(R)plus' generation. Using latest, ultra-fast, efficient microprocessors, means the new radars can see 5 times higher definition 'echo' detail with increased accuracy. Improved signal processing delivers quicker level output changes, down to 250m/s.

Programming compatibility in pulse generation! - Quantum Composers now offers an easy upgrade option for SRS DG535 customers. Customers can now use their existing SRS DG535 programming language when upgrading to Quantum Composers' 9520 series. They now provide SRS Command Set Compatibility as a firmware option. This will aid customers in transitioning their programming software from the DG535 to the more fully featured QC9520.

Exceptional Process Control Opportunities -
This presentation shows how advances in measurements, valves, and control can make a dramatic difference in important applications such as bioreactor, compressor, exothermic reactor, and neutraliser control.
This is a presentation made by Greg McMillan to the Boston ISA Section (MASS US) earlier this month. The slides and Greg's voice over was recorded and amalgamated by Jim Cahill, Marketing Manager and "Chief Blogger" at Emerson Process Management in Texas.

High performance, OpenVPX 3U VPX-REDI board - Concurrent Technologies has introduced a leading edge high performance 3U VPX-REDI single board computer based on Intel's latest dual-core processors. The TR 501/36x is designed to comply with the OpenVPX VITA 65 standard, and utilizes the 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SL9400 processor and the Intel® GS45 mobile class chipset both from the Intel® embedded roadmap, ensuring long term availability.

One-stop shop for automation and control knowledge and networking opportunities! - ISA Automation Week, a new event next year, will feature intensive educational and applications-based technical conference sessions delivered by subject matter experts. Discrete and process automation professionals will have a chance to learn techniques and solutions for creating more efficient, productive, and economical manufacturing processes. ISA training courses and standards meetings will also be held concurrently, making ISA Automation Week a one-stop shop for automation and control knowledge and networking opportunities.
ISA Automation Week: Technology and Solutions Event: 4-7 October 2010 at the Westin Galleria Complex in Houston, (TX US)

Industrial air velocity/temperature transmitter/indicator - The FMA1000 Series industrial air velocity and temperature transmitter/indicator is designed and manufactured by Omega. It displays air velocity as well as air temperature.

A new breed of USB controlled instruments use PCs for the information screen and operation panel - The days are now over when oscilloscopes heated up labs all around the world due to there high power consumption. With the availability now of USB on virtually every PC and laptop, the space needed for a digital oscilloscope has shrunk to just the size of a match box. Computers are now standard tools for every employee so why should you spend extra money duplicating displays, power supplies and buying boxes with expensive knobs and buttons on?

Peracetic acid monitor for effective control of disinfection systems - Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology Inc (ATi) has launched the Q45/85 Peracetic Acid Monitor. Peracetic acid (PAA) is an extremely strong oxidiser that is employed in a wide range of industries for the disinfection of systems and equipment. This new Peracetic Acid Monitor enables on-line measurement of residuals of PAA in disinfection systems.

Very high capacity 1000 ton load cells for large structure testing - RDP Electronics Ltd have an extensive range of load cells including the Model MPB which can now be provided for loads of up to 1,000 tons. These very high capacity load cells have been deployed on oil-rigs and for measurements on high structures and testing of very large structures.

Current sensor features 120 kHz bandwidth, high-voltage isolation and integrated overcurrent detection - The new ACS710 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a 120 kHz bandwidth, high-voltage isolation current sensor IC that provides an economical and precise means for current sensing applications in industrial, commercial and communications systems.

New Vice President and General Manager of Californian facility - Brennan Industries has appointed William Kozman as vice president and general manager of its Irvine (CAUS). facility, where he is responsible for sales and profitability growth of Brennan in the southern California, southern Nevada and Arizona markets. He will also be responsible for the warehouse facility management.

Versatile new proximity switches - Gems Sensors and Controls has announced the launch of a new range of magnetically actuated proximity switches for a wide range of customer applications. Versatile, low cost and compact, these new switches are hermetically sealed for long lasting performance and easy installation.

Systems integrators added tp partner programme - Invensys Operations Management has announced the addition of several endorsed systems integrators (SIs) to its Wonderware Partner Ecosystem Program. Endorsed SIs are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to superior solutions and service for Wonderware customers, as well as for building a strong business practice around delivering solutions built on Wonderware software.

Metal versions of connectors now available! - HARTING is now also offering rugged metal versions of its PushPull industrial connectors, covering all three sizes in the PushPull connector range, offer a high degree of protection to all types of oils and greases, as well as solvents, in industrial environments. In addition, the improved shielding effectiveness of the metal versions makes them the ideal choice for applications with high EMC requirements

Precision power analyser for transformer testing - The new Yokogawa WT3000T is a precision power analyser specifically targeted at the needs of the power transformer industry. Based on the company's highly successful WT3000 instrument, the new instrument combines exceptional accuracy and long-term stability with the ability to carry out measurements at low power factors: a challenging area for transformer manufacturers.

Ultra low-noise remote charge converter - Endevco Corporation (Endevco®) has announced the launch of new model 2771C-XX, an ultra-low noise remote charge converter (RCC), designed for use with charge output piezoelectric sensors within mechanical system health monitoring, nuclear power plant/regenerative energy and environmental testing applications.

Torque sensors are compact, sensitive and robust - Kistler piezoelectric torque sensors have an extremely wide measuring range and are adaptable to match most configurations making them especially suited to manufacturing process monitoring. The sensors are available with measuring ranges +/-1, +/-10, +/-25, +/-200 and +/-1,000Nm and all are suitable for torques from approx. 0.001 Nm.The torque sensors are supplied calibrated for 100 % and 10 % of the measuring range with additional calibration ranges available as an option.

Project Management Tools and Tips Practical Project Management - Learning to Manage the Professional is by current ISA President G.W. Cockrel. If you're a project manager in the instrumentation and automation fields, you know the pressures to perform faster, better, and cheaper. Yet, if you're like most technical professionals, you've had little or no training in project management. Starting with an overview of what every project manager needs to know, this authoritative book defines each unique phase of a project and then provides practical knowledge in areas such as budget and cost estimates, contracts, negotiating, team building, scheduling, and choosing project management software. It even devotes special attention to often-neglected, but important project completion and closeout activities, including tips for how to write and make the most of final project reports.

New OPC server - Kepware Technologies has released version 5.1 of its award winning KEPServerEX OPC Server. New Features include an OPC-A&E Interface, new Drivers for Automation Direct and Mettler Toledo plus the "The OPC Server Toolkit that Isn't" - The Custom Interface Driver. 18 other drivers have been enhanced.

Company continues its plan to enhance Operations Management flagship software package - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Proficy® DataMart version 2.0 as it continues to evolve the capabilities of its Operations Management Software suite. Proficy DataMart 2.0 offers an enterprise-reporting platform for all the manufacturing intelligence within Proficy Plant Applications and dramatically expands the ad-hoc reporting capabilities of the family both at the plant and enterprise levels.

Web tension control technology to in coating pilot plant - Vishay Intertechnology has provided a web tension measurement system to Western Michigan University (WMU) for use in its Coating Pilot Plant. WMU's Coating Pilot Plant, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a leading research center for papermaking, coating, printing, and recycling.

Enabling manufacturers to choose the right display enhancement for their unique needs - Anders Electronics has announced the launching of its new line of TFT display enhancements. Adding further value to the company's UMR range of intelligent embedded display platforms, the new line includes the option of display enhancement solutions in addition to a choice of resistive or capacitive transparent touch input sensors.

New systems for ever more demanding requirements - The electronics manufacturing sector constantly demands flexibility, miniaturisation and new processes. These demands are reflected in the core areas of the productronica 2009 trade fair: printed circuit board and circuit carriers, cable manufacturing technologies, component mounting technology, soldering solutions as well as measuring and testing engineering. Under the motto "Innovation all along the line" 1126 exhibitors and 24 additionally represented companies will present their solutions to meet modern-day challenges at the world's leading trade fair for innovative electronics manufacturing to be held from 10th to 13th November 2009.

First Industrial Ethernet Switch to Bring True Enterprise-class Networking to Harsh Environments - Sixnet has announced its new EL228 industrial managed Ethernet switch platform. As the newest addition to Sixnet's full line of industrial switches, the EL228 is the only product in its class that combines the reliability, redundancy and ruggedness required for demanding industrial environments, with true enterprise-class networking capabilities.

Synchronous step-down LED driver delivers over 20A of continuous LED current - Linear Technology has just announced the LT3743, a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter designed to deliver constant current to drive high current LEDs. The device's 5.5V to 36V input voltage range makes it ideal for a wide variety of applications, including industrial, DLP projection and architectural lighting

Slim line power supplies with universal input power and global approvals - Acromag now offers a space-saving series of power supplies with universal input power and worldwide industry approvals. The PS5R-S Slim Line series of power supplies includes nine models ranging from 10W to 240W of power. Space-saving 10W and 15W supplies require only 22.5mm on a DIN rail. 240W units are only 80mm wide. All models are UL508 listed and UL1604 approved for Class I Div 2 hazardous locations. The series also qualifies for Acromag's 2-year extended warranty.

Integrated solutions for first ultra-mega power plant in India - Invensys Operations Management has announced that it has signed a U.S. multi-million dollar deal with Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Limited, to provide end-to-end integrated services and solutions that will fully optimize India's first ultra-mega 4000MW power plant. Located in Mundra in the Gujarat Sate of India, it will be India's largest coal-fired power plant when completed in 2013.

Next-generation wireless ECG patch drives joint research activity - Terepac Corporation, an emerging leader in electronics miniaturization, packaging and assembly, and IMEC, a leading European research center in nanotechnology, announce their collaboration on novel packaging technologies for flexible electronics. The initial driver for this synergistic shared research relationship is a next generation wireless ECG system, developed in the Human++ Program at Holst Centre, Eindhoven.

Rotary position sensor - A new rotary position sensor suited to price sensitive industrial and automotive applications for harsh and extended temperature range environments has been launched by Variohm EuroSensor. The SP5000 from Novotechnik uses field-proven conductive plastic technology in a compact IP67 rated high-grade plastic housing and is available in a choice of 104, 117 and 120 degree electrical angles.

Linear positioning stage added - Aerotech has added a further ANT series linear positioning stage series to its ultra-high precision nano Motion Technology (nMT) range. The new ANT130-L brings higher load capacity and increased travel of up to 160 mm but maintains the nMT range hallmark characteristics of exceptional precision, rapid acceleration, high speed and 1 nanometre resolution - all prerequisites for today's high throughput alignment and measurement applications involving large area nanometre level structures.

Waterproof PSUs - Excelsys Technologies, technology leaders in high efficiency power supply design, introduce a new range of products for professional LED lighting applications. The constant current output LXC series and the LXV constant voltage series offer up to 300 watts of output power in extremely compact, rugged IP67 enclosures.

Digital drive interface added to range - Trio Motion Technology has added a SERCOS II digital drive interface to its new MC464 Motion Coordinator range. The MC464 SERCOS interface allows OEMs and automation systems integrators to benefit from advanced 64-bit multi-axis motion and machine control performance, and include application matched drive and motor technologies from a wealth of SERCOS equipped products available from many manufacturers.

Machine restored to full productivity - MasterControls and Southern Technical Services have jointly retrofitted a Gleason 782 gear hobber with a new CNC control system from NUM. The machine is used by a large aerospace components manufacturer in Chihuahua, Mexico, to produce spur, helical and crown gears with complex profiles. Prior to the retrofit, the machine's control system had become increasingly unreliable, resulting in high maintenance overhead and unacceptable downtime.

New method for identifying marijuana cannabinoids in baked goods is faster, easier to use and requires less sample preparation - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a new method for identifying marijuana cannabinoids in baked goods that is faster, easier to use and requires less sample preparation. Using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC/MS), the application tests baked goods samples obtained from a local state police forensic laboratory

Flow meters for steam flow - Racine Vortex has released their RNS Series (Insertion) and RWS Series (Wafer) Vortex Steam Flow Meters. The meters are suitable for measuring non-condensing steam and saturated process steam at pressures up to 150 psi. Leading applications include boiler monitoring and other energy-related uses, as well as building and facilities management.

Diaphragm and peristaltic pump liquid chemical feed systems - Blue-White has developed a versatile, lightweight skid system which can be ordered with either FLEX-PRO® Peristaltic Metering Pumps, or CHEM-PRO® diaphragm metering pumps.

The end of an era signals many changes at the International Society of Automation -

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 16th October 2009 Control Design News InTech e-news Automation Weekly Flow Control Newsletter Control Engineering EME SuperFactory Newsletter 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!

Rugged I.S dew point transmitter with ATEX certification - Michell Instruments has added to its range of Easidew dew-point transmitters with the Easidew PRO I.S., a rugged, intrinsically safe transmitter suitable for use in the natural gas, petrochemical and process industries where a rugged transmitter is required. A natural progression from the Easidew TX I.S., the Easidew PRO I.S. is certified by ATEX for use in hazardous area zone 0, as well as for use with galvanic isolators.

Interface with fibre optic connectors - The embedded communication module, Anybus-S for Profinet, combines a Profinet interface with IRT functions according to the Class C standard. The intelligent communication module is based on the ERTEC-200 technology from Siemens and includes all analog and digital components for an effective Profinet IO interface with IRT features, including an integrated 2-port real-time switch. The physical network connection is made via two SC-RJ fibre optic connectors.

New brochure for contactless rotary sensors - Penny + Giles, has announced a new SRH Contactless Rotary Sensors brochure. Complete with technical information, including a selection guide for ordering the various models and features, the free brochure is available in print and online.

Device Couplers receive three major FM approvals - The TRUNKSAFE TS200 Fault-Tolerant Fieldbus System from MooreHawke, the fieldbus division of Moore Industries, has received three major certifications through Factory Mutual (FM).

industry's first PEEK bodied sensor - nvensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the process and manufacturing industries, has introduced a family of high-performance, disposable pH sensors in the widely used 12 mm form factor. The new Foxboro(r) brand PH12 Series includes the process industry's first polyetheretherketone (PEEK) bodied sensor, making it the most durable 12 mm pH sensor available anywhere.

Sensor hones in on sharp operators! - We discussed Emerson's Charms in a recent blog and now we add a bit of sparkle in this release from Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology! Torque sense at University of Greenwich! Risk is being driven out of the use of heavy duty diamond cutting tools thanks to a [euro]800,000 EU-backed research programme at the University of Greenwich near London (GB), to determine the true operating characteristics of such equipment.

Hired emissions analyser checks gas rig in Burma - Following the installation of a turbine on a natural gas rig off the coast of Burma, it was necessary for Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery (SITL) to analyse emissions from the turbine and a hired Testo 350 XL emissions analyser from Ashtead Technology proved ideal for the application.

The new Instrument Specification Forms: An ISA20 Industry Implementation CD-ROM will make it easier for you to specify and procure instrumentation by giving you templates listing, and providing space for, all principal descriptive options.

No-Limits SCADA: A Case for Unlimited Tags and Clients - Tags and clients are easy things to measure, and so they are made scarce in the pursuit of profits. An argument could be made that this is an efficient way for these software vendors to measure the value of the systems that they sell, and to the extent that it is an efficient system, this is true. However, any systems integrator or facility manager will tell you that the value of a system is not in the sum of its tags, nor in the number of clients. The true value of an industrial software project is much more difficult to measure, and is individual to every facility. The result is that only those projects whose true value is greater than or equal to the cost of the required tags and clients get implemented.

High-performance oscilloscope family - The Yokogawa DLM6000 mixed-signal oscilloscope is the flagship product in a new family of high-performance digital oscilloscopes featuring bandwidths up to 1.5 GHz, memory of 6.25M points per channel, an intuitive graphical user interface and a number of advanced analysis features.

Predictive alerts prompt action to deal with flow disturbances and installation issues before they affect measurement performance or cause unscheduled downtime -

New applications opened up by non-contact angle sensors - Whether for axial offsets, excessive torque or the necessity for transmissive measurements, conventional angle sensors - despite their refined state of development - are not suitable for all applications. It is therefore hardly surprising that non-contact rotary sensors with offset magnetic transducers represent a virtually perfect alternative in a large number of fields, with impressive benefits.
A paper from Variohm

First hygienic direct drive linear motor makes waves in wash down - Copley Motion Systems will launch a new high performance direct drive linear motor at SPS/IPC/Drives this year in Nuremberg that is constructed entirely from stainless steel for use in the most demanding industrial environments. The ServoTube Hygienic is constructed from precision machined austenitic stainless steel, with a smooth hygienic design that is free from dirt traps and suitable for use in the most demanding and corrosive industrial or aseptic environments.

Uncompromisingly safe equipment - Rittal Communication Systems has addressed the market requirements for optimum protection for system technology in enclosures that are requested for public safety digital networks. They have designed a WK4 enclosure that immediately overcame all hurdles in an external institute test during the first presentation.

New partnership - Kepware Technologies has been selected as a supplier to Moxa, to deliver Kepware's IT and Infrastructure Suite for use with the full line of Moxa Managed and Unmanaged Ethernet products. Moxa had a large and impressive stand at the recent ISAExpo.

ProfiNet brings benefits of AC890 drives to Ethernet users - Parker Hannifin has launched an open Ethernet-based networking communications module for its AC890 range of drives. For the first time, PROFINET makes the power, performance and functionality of the 890 family available to users operating Ethernet based process applications. In addition to supporting the seamless integration of all fieldbus systems, the module protects against unauthorised access, and ensures safe operation.

Request for information for wireless backhaul/backbone network - The ISA100.15 Working Group (WG15) is seeking technical presentations from wireless backhaul/backhaul providers that will form the basis for the Working Group's recommended best practices and standards considerations for interoperability of wireless backhaul/backbone networks, wireless sensor networks, and wireless devices usable by the process automation industry.

Switch on with your iPhone! - ML Electronics has announced a low cost home LED lighting control system for 'retro fitting' into existing standard housing as a replacement for, or enhancement to, conventional lighting. A key feature of the system is that the same 24 VDC supply lines that power the LEDs are used for the control signals, using a unique protocol developed by them.

Off-the-shelf image sensor for machine vision - Belgian startup CMOSIS is to introduce its first off-the-shelf hi-res CMOS image sensor product at Vision 2009 (3 - 5 November 2009 in Stuttgart,D - Hall 4, Booth D 78). The new CMOSIS CMV2000 image sensor is specifically designed for demanding machine vision applications. The 2.2 Megapixel (2048 x 1088) sensor features a pixel size of 5.5um x 5.5um and is equipped with a novel low-noise global shutter.

First research project aimed at improving industrial cyber security - In an announcement earlier this month Wurldtech™ Security Technologies, a leading provider of industrial cyber security testing and certification solutions for critical infrastructure industries, and steward of the newly created industrial cyber security research institute, revealed the first research project designed to help improve cyber security education and awareness amongst IT and automation professionals working in the energy industry. This will be the first in a series of online learning courses developed and approved by end-users and delivered through the centre's information sharing exchange and online knowledge portal.

Developing e-gas technology - Invensys Operations Management has announced that it has reached a multi-year agreement with ConocoPhillips, the third-largest integrated energy company in the United States, to provide dynamic simulation for the development of ConocoPhillips' proprietary E-Gas technology.

New plant in china marks 20 years investment - LEM continued its worldwide investment programme by opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing site and offices in Beijing (CN). The company has been active in China for 20 years and since 1998 it has had a fully owned company in Beijing.

Changes at rental company - Ashtead Technology has announced two new appointments within their recently created Instrument Division. Alan Hasson has replaced James Carlyle as Manager of the company's European head office and James Carlyle has been promoted to the newly created world-wide role of Business Development Manager. The Instrument Division supplies equipment into the test and measurement market, predominantly specialising in rentals.

Robust alpha-numeric keypads for outdoor use - Foremost Electronics has introduced the AK-206 range of rugged metal keypads for outdoor applications. The AK-206 keypads feature two rows of either numeric or alpha-numeric (telephone keypad) buttons and offer a robust, vandal resistant, waterproof switching solution for secure door-entry systems, industrial control, security and emergency systems.

Improving dynamic performance and throughput for high-dynamic micropositioning systems - Aerotech's new ETM (Enhanced Throughput Module) combines sensor measured micro-displacement and a user friendly GUI that identifies and helps to reduce unwanted machine base and frame motion in high precision, high performance positioning systems. By optimising point to point move settling times and minimising dynamic position errors for high speed contouring, the ETM allows high and ultra-high resolution positioning systems to realise improved throughput and enhanced parts quality.

Hazardous area safety systems employs "ground breaking" technology - The new generation of Earth-Rite hazardous area static grounding systems from Newson Gale incorporates many innovative and practical features which advance safety, reliability and ease of use in all hazardous areas. In the world-wide chemical and process industries, Earth-Rite static grounding systems are already well established as a key protocol for preventing fires and explosions occurring from electrostatic (spark) discharges during transfer, processing and handling of flammable or combustible liquids, gases and powders.

Handheld 3 GHz counter has extended resolution -

A powerful intelligent plug-in minidrive with CANopen interface - PIM3605 is a new, pluggable intelligent minidrive from Technosoft, particularly adapted for motion control applications where space is critical. Manufactured with simple pins, the drive has an architecture that allows for faster assembly and installation, letting the user insert the drive in seconds. Its miniature size & weight (67 x 43 x 20 mm, 27 g) allows it to be placed inside the machine or near the motor. The drive controls brushless, DC, linear or step motors up to 180 W (36 V, 5 A) continuous and 600 W (36 V, 16 A) peak power.

Bringing wireless technology to contact electrical measurement - Fluke has introduced the industry's first digital multimeter with a detachable wireless display. The new Fluke 233 Digital Multimeter (DMM) uses a wireless transmitter to immediately send measurements to the detached display, improving safety and increasing productivity for industrial and commercial electricians and electronic technicians.

Environmental sensors make smart buildings more comfortable - Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of sensors to measure environmental variables including CO2 levels, humidity, temperature and airflow. The new CGES sensors complement the company's existing offerings to provide complete solutions for energy management, HVAC and smart building applications.

Monitoring at biomass plants should be 'future proof' - The recent rise in approvals for the construction of renewable energy plants burning biomass has highlighted the need for specified monitoring equipment to be both cost-effective and flexible. Quantitech Director Dominic Duggan explains: "Whilst biomass power represents an important part of the (British) Government's strategy to produce energy from renewable sources and to reduce waste to landfill, a debate on the role of such facilities in climate change continues. It is therefore important for monitoring systems to be 'future proof' - to be able to measure new parameters in subsequent years, such as greenhouse gases."

Control technologies to deliver flexible, reliable solutions for utilities - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms tells us that PowerSecure, headquartered in Wake Forest, (NC US), has selected the company's industry-leading PLC families to be a part of its solution to meet utilities' stringent requirements for the protection and control of distributed generation systems. They provide utilities and utility customers with solutions for demand response, distributed generation, SmartGrid, and power system infrastructure, engineering and maintenance

JTAG probe's success - Ashling's Opella-XDS560 JTAG probe, launched in Q2 2009, is already proving to be a big hit with Texas Instruments (TI) developers. This is a high performance JTAG Debug Probe supporting all TI platforms. The product has been successfully verified by TI in India and US.

Co-marketing agreement - Working together to add mutual value for their customers, Aaeon Systems and InduSoft have signed a co-marketing agreement. This relationship enables both companies to present a collaborative marketing effort showcasing their respective products to customers.

Servo-controlled insertion machine speeds production of automotive throttle assemblies - TQC Ltd has developed an innovative machine for pressing pre-formed metal inserts into the body of a plastic throttle body adaptor moulding. The machine fully automates the entire insertion process - including checking insert depth - and uses closed-loop position and torque servo-control techniques to ensure consistent accuracy and quality.

8000 drivers available! - National Instruments has announced more than 8,000 instrument drivers available through the NI Instrument Driver Network (IDNet) that make it easy to connect and control stand-alone instruments. IDNet is the industry's largest source of instrument drivers and easy-to-use software optimised for instrument control, including NI LabVIEW, LabWindowsTM/CVI and Measurement Studio for Microsoft Visual Studio. This network, which includes more than 500 new drivers added since April 2009, offers instrument drivers to connect to both NI instruments and stand-alone instruments from more than 325 vendors.

Raising the bar for machine vision software! - Industrial Vision Systems has launched NeuroCheck 6.0, the most capable machine vision software suite available today. Reengineered from the ground up on the Microsoft .NET framework by sister company NeuroCheck GmbH, NeuroCheck 6.0 offers dramatic improvements in inspection processing and manufacturing integration as well as support for the latest high-resolution colour digital cameras and multi-core CPUs.

More efficient MRO with new particle detector - Parker Hannifin has developed an innovative particle detector, designed to increase the efficiency and cut the cost of maintenance, repair and overhall applications. The Icount PD on-line analyser offers simple integration with existing plant via M16 test points, making fast and accurate cleanliness monitoring of lubricants and similar fluids more affordable and accessible than ever.

First rate, fully friendly,... less costly - The new Model R82, 26 GHz Two-wire non contact Radar Transmitter from Magnetrol is a high performance, yet low-cost level transmitter based on the concept of Pulse Burst Radar. Short bursts of 26GHz microwave energy are emitted and subsequently reflected from the liquid level surface. Liquid level is then calculated by applying the user's tank height and sensor Offset values.

Gas monitored on wireless tour - ISA 100-11 won approval a few weeks before ISAExpo 2009 and on the day before the show a tour of the Arkema chemical plant near Houston (TX US) showed a multi vendor application which was installed just days after the approval and is fully ISA100 compliant. Gas monitoring from Gastronics featured as one of the applications.

Desalination plant control systems order - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has received an order from the Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water to replace the control systems for the boilers, distillation units, and auxiliary facilities at the Shuwaikh Seawater Desalination Plant.

Detectors receive international safety & performance certifications - Senscient ELDS (Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy) Series 1000 and 2000 Open Path gas detectors have obtained the FM Global certification covering both USA and Canadian installations. Senscient ELDS technology is the first and only laser-based open path gas detector to be certified to this highly challenging Performance Approval Standard.

Certified static grounding systems - Newson Gale has released the next generation of ATEX, IECEx and SIL2 certified Earth-Rite® hazardous area static grounding systems. This incorporates newly developed monitoring electronics and a new operator interface that are situated in a modern and universally approved IIC explosion proof enclosure.

New data acquisition systems measure up to 128 Channels in a 16 by 9 by 9 cm system - National Instruments today announced the NI cDAQ-9174 four-slot and cDAQ-9178 eight-slot NI CompactDAQ chassis, which are advanced versions of the popular NI CompactDAQ chassis released in 2006. The two new chassis build on the functionality of the original chassis by adding a four-slot option; the ability to take mixed-sensor measurements at different rates; two built-in, external BNC triggers; and four advanced counters.

Certified for use Down Under - All of Monitran's Group I intrinsically safe accelerometers and velocity transducers have been approved by certification body Simtars to ANZEx for use in mining applications throughout Australia and New Zealand. This certification is in addition to the (EU) ATEX and (International) IECEx approvals these sensors already possess.

Packaging workgroup announces newly developed PackML implementation guide - The OMAC Packaging Workgroup (OPW) has announced the development of the P&G PackML Implementation Guide. This implementation guide has been created to aid software developers in achieving a clean and efficient implementation of PackML.

New software offering makes the power of package available at all levels of the organization - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced the availability of its new Proficy(R) iFIX Embedded software that extends the reach of the Proficy iFIX 5.0 solution to include machine panels, embedded controllers and specialty devices. Proficy iFIX at all levels delivers significant savings in application development time and ensures everyone on the team is making decisions based on the same system and data.

Leadership team strengthened - Invensys Operations Management has added two prominent business leaders to its executive team. Dr. Ravi Gopinath and Teemu Tunkelo have joined Invensys as regional presidents for Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe/Russia/Africa (EURA), respectively.

Torsional stiffness measurement systems - The Modular 600 from RDP Electronics is a fully featured microprocessor instrumentation system providing complete flexibility and expandability, accepting inputs from up to 164 channels and is available in either free standing or rack form. It can be tailored to measure most engineering parameters including torsion and data can be output in spreadsheet format for detailed examination and analysis.

Real and virtual attendance at conference -

High definition thermal imagers deliver 320x240 resolution - Fluke has introduced the Fluke Ti32 and TiR32 Thermal Imagers, the first industrial grade, high-performance imagers on the market to incorporate a powerful 320x240 sensor to provide high-definition, strikingly crisp, detailed images for under #7,200 (approx [euro]7900). Their superior image quality helps to identify even the smallest temperature differences that could indicate problems.

Coming of age! - Machine building has become much more complex, and according to Baldor it's the software aspects of projects that are almost invariably the determining factor in successful outcomes. The assertion comes as the company's Mint motion control language reaches its 21st birthday. Created by the British start-up Optimised Control - now part of Baldor Electric - to provide open programming for motion control hardware, the Mint language has proved the enduring factor in the company's success.

DIN 41612 connectors offer higher contact density - Harting has expanded its range of DIN 41612 connectors with the addition of two versions which offer increased contact density for use with small printed circuit boards.

USB power meter range change - TTi has extended its range of USB RF and microwave power meters with the release of the TTi-Satori ST265. The new instrument pushes the frequency limit for high dynamic range USB power meters up to 26.5 GHz so that it now covers a frequency range of 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz.

Supporting video software - New video software from Longwatch enables operators to view Wonderware trend displays and archived video simultaneously, and move the video and trends forward or backward with a cursor.

Breakthrough work management software! - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced its breakthrough work process management software enabled for use by utilities for SmartGrid solutions. With Proficy(R) Workflow, utilities can digitize and orchestrate work processes to achieve coordinated, efficient and reliable power delivery.

Flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometers - Thermo Fisher Scientific has published a new application note illustrating the superior analytical capabilities of the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series range of atomic absorption (AA) spectrometers for monitoring multiple trace metals in rice products. This powerful range of AA instruments allows quick and easy optimization for precise flame and furnace analyses of nutritional and toxic elements in rice products at parts per million and parts per billion levels.