September 1977 Site Map
Details of awards received by the Signpost are here.
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The Read- Out Instrumentation Signpost Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
New product locator. - Mouser Electronics, Inc. is focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies, giving customers an edge and helping speed time to market. Over 1,100 semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer brands use Mouser to help them introduce their products into the global marketplace.
A Complete Overview. - Do you want to learn what PROFINET is and how it works? This short video covers a complete overview of PROFINET. It includes details on the protocol mechanisms, installation, configuration, network components, and more
Temperature sensor for trains. - A new variant of Variohm EuroSensor's well-proven ETP21 series temperature sensor that fulfils the demanding specifications required by the railway industry has been launched. The ETP21R builds upon the pedigree of Variohm’s EPT21 sensors that have gained a solid reputation for value, long life and high performance across many industries including autosports, heavy engineering and hydrogen production. How to check the calibration and linearity of gas analysers - Most commercially available gas blenders utilise mass flow controllers to manage the gases. However, they are not linear in response and therefore also need to be calibrated. For this reason, the Signal Group Model 821S Gas Divider does NOT use mass flow controllers. Instead, the 821S uses a manifold block with ten identical capillaries and a precision pressure balance regulator. From Automation Pyramid to Information Network - The Field Level Communications (FLC) initiative of the OPC Foundation has completed the first release candidate (RC1) supporting horizontal communication between shop floor systems. This is an important milestone to further develop OPC UA as a uniform and manufacturer-independent interoperability solution for industry that fully scales from field to cloud, including communication and information exchange at the control and field levels. (ISA's InTech Plus)
Camera breaks through GigE barrier. - The latest additions to the Teledyne Flir Blackfly S GigE camera lineup – the BFS-PGE-161S7M and BFS-PGE-161S7C deliver a high-resolution sensor in a compact form factor, superior price to performance ratio and exceptional low-light performance. The 16 MP Sony IMX542 (Pregius S series) features back-illuminated sensor pixel (BSI) technology, significantly improved quantum efficiency (QE), reduced pixel sizes, and enables the use of less expensive and more compact optics. Videos of conference available. - The CAN in Automation (CiA) association has announced access to the video-recorded presentations of the 17th iCC. This way, anyone who missed the conference is still able to experience it. Get the link to all iCC videos, including the CiA webinars, presentation slides, and iCC proceedings. Subtle streaks and defects based in colour. - AMETEK Surface Vision is to take part in TAPPICon’s* TechTalk program next month (Aug 2021) before attending the pulp and paper industry conference in October.
Final effluent monitoring. - Meteor Communications has been awarded a multi-year shared framework agreement by Scottish Water for the provision of multi-parameter wastewater quality final effluent monitoring. The contract has an estimated value of £2 million (€2.34m) and follows a competitive tendering process which began in November 2020.
Solar energy from the sea! - In recent years, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is being used in floating solar plants to overcome the maintenance challenges. As one of the initial providers of IIoT-based solutions, Moxa has first-hand experience of the effective use of IIoT to improve operations and maintenance in green-energy projects. Software combines digital measurement data management and SCADA. - Camille Bauer Metrawatt introduces the innovative SmartCollect® SC² HMI/SCADA software for managing data in a user-friendly way. Unlike some other SCADA software tools in this category, SmartCollect® SC² is based on a new state-of-the-art platform with a visually appealing 2D/3D web-based graphical user interface. The simplicity, functionality, flexibility along with the price-performance ratio are convincing.
Gas detection in water treatment. - When choosing a gas detector for use in water treatment applications, engineers should focus on simple, efficient, proven products from a supplier experienced in the provision of end-to-end solutions for this challenging marketplace. Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can offer a wide repertoire of detectors based on a number of effective sensor technologies Indoor air quality. - Ashtead Technology has launched two new air quality monitors that will help building and facility managers to protect people from toxic gases, as well as airborne particles and viral aerosols. How Ethernet technology advances can help process manufacturers - FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, and Profibus International – have worked together to develop a 2-wire Ethernet solution that meets these needs of the process industry. The concept, titled 'Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer' (now known as Ethernet-APL) was established in 2015. Since then, IEEE and IEC standards have been established and the technology has been fully developed. (Control Engineering) Protection for industrial robots. - ABB's 6-axis IRB 1300 industrial robot includes new protection elements that enable it to be used in tough industrial applications and contamination-free production processes, opening new opportunities for increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced cycle times in a variety of industries including electronics assembly, automotive and metals fabrication, amongst others.
Global manufacturing and supply of magnetic components strengthened. - KAMIC Group has announced the establishment of a global magnetics powerhouse with manufacturing in five countries and direct representation in the world's most significant economies. This follows the addition of Talema to ETAL and SIGA in its Magnetics Business Area. Applying cybersecurity standards. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA), with contributing author Pierre Kobes, have released a white paper entitled, "Applying ISO/IEC 27001/2 and the ISA/IEC 62443 Series for Operational Technology Environments." Signal processing software upgrade. - Anritsu Corporation has released of a Signal Processing Software Option-098 adding upgraded functions for evaluating PAM4 differential electrical signals to the BERTWave Sampling Oscilloscope MP2110A. Catalogue of the year. - Mouser Electronics has received 2020 Americas e-Catalog Distributor of the Year, APS e-Catalog Distributor of the Year, and European e-Catalog Distributor of the Year honours from Molex. The global distributor has received the European award for three consecutive years and the Americas and APS (Asia-Pacific) awards for two years in a row.
"Moon landing for engineering" hailed with loud siren blast! - The Danish company Haldor Topsoe, has now ushered in a new era of digital, cooperative engineering with Aucotec's platform Engineering Base (EB). Avionics framework for flight control and vehicle management. - Lynx Software Technologies has announced that Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, has selected the LYNX MOSA.ic™ for Avionics framework as the foundation for its next-generation Perigon™ flight control and vehicle management computer.
Hybrid power and signal. - With the publication of the NWIP (New Work Item Proposals) of IEC 63171-7, TE Connectivity has for the first time presented a hybrid system for Single Pair Ethernet data and simultaneous power supply. The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance supports this proposal from TE Connectivity, as it provides additional power for many applications where PoDL technology (Power over Data Line) reaches its limits. Connecting to Modbus. - Following edgeConnector Siemens for connecting SIMATIC S7 controllers and edgeConnector 840D for accessing data from SINUMERIK 840D controllers, Softing has now introduced edgeConnector Modbus. This Docker Container is suitable for connecting Modbus TCP controllers e.g., from Schneider Electric, Wago, Beckhoff or Phoenix Contact, to industrial IoT applications. edgeConnector Modbus can also be used to collect energy data or other process variables from Modbus-compatible sensors. Measurement and Control Business sold - Emerson announced an agreement to sell its Daniel Measurement and Control Business to Turnspire Capital Partners. Daniel's fiscal & custody transfer systems and ultrasonic flowmeter businesses are not included in the transaction. (ARC Advisory)
IIoT gateway for Industrie 4.0. - Softing Industrial Automation provides controller-independent access to PROFIBUS DP networks with their smartLink HW-DP. Besides HART IP and FDT, data for optimizing processes can now also be made available via an OPC UA interface. In addition, the new smartLink DTM enables FDT/DTM parameter setting for HART devices. Thermal imaging for Ireland and Britain. - AVT Reliability® has announced a partnership with world-leading thermal imaging camera manufacturer Teledyne FLIR. This partnership will enable AVT Reliability to offer industrial clients state-of-the-art cameras and software for the condition monitoring of assets, Wireless test set upgraded. - The MU887002A-007 hardware option to extend the upper frequency of its TRX Test Module MU887002A for the Universal Wireless Test Set MT8870A/MT8872A from 6 GHz to 7.3 GHz has been launched by Anritsu. With this hardware option, the MT8870A /MT8872A now supports RF tests of the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz) used by the IEEE 802.11ax and NR-U standards, helping increase the efficiency of Wireless communication device production lines.
Best practices for industrial wireless - What mix is best mix for industrial wireless applications to support current and future needs, with 5G and 4G versions, 3G and 2G cellular wireless phase outs, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15 Bluetooth, proprietary wireless networks, wireless devices and sensor networks, and standards? Do you know what's being used? What are your policies, procedures, and cybersecurity measures? (Control Engineering) Standard self-latching multipole connectors with alignment key. - The B Series, from LEMO, offers a modular, ergonomic, rugged and reliable circular multipole connector for applications needing quick and secure Push-Pull latching. Making it an ideal choice for test and measurement, instrumentation, medical devices, research and audio/video applications. Firewall routers. - Moxa has introduced the new EDR-G9010 Series, industry-certified all-in-one firewall/NAT/VPN/switch/routers which act as a robust first line of defense for industrial networks in diverse applications such as smart manufacturing and critical infrastructure. The routers offer 10-port GbE performance and defense-in-depth security capabilities to fulfill the needs of bandwidth-hungry applications that require field-proven reliability and multi-layered security. Technical support service. 24hr-7day-365days. - Getting to grips with robotic automation has been made even easier with the launch of ABB's Virtual Assistance support service. The service uses a virtual platform to provide fast access to expert support to help solve technical queries and issues face to face, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. DIN-Rail power supply for marine applications. - The new 24V, 20A DIN-Rail power supply CP20.245-R2 from PULS POwer, is developed for on- and offshore use in the marine and offshore process industries. The marine-compliant power supply meets the high requirements of EMC class B without additional external filters and can be used directly in bridge and deck applications.
Industrial alternator launched. - The LSA 47.3 industrial alternator offers increased efficiency and starting kVA over its predecessor, and also benefits from the implementation of the lastest technologies developed by Nidec Leroy-Somer. Accelerating Process Manufacturing Competitiveness - The Coalition for Open Process Automation (COPA) launched the COPA QuickStart for companies to leverage the Open Process Automation System (O-PAS) standard. Don Bartusiak founder and president of Collaborative Systems Integration LLC has become known as a significant champion of Open Process Automation starting with the compelling presentation at the 2016 ARC Forum in Orlando (FL USA) announcing ExxonMobil next generation multivendor automation architecture initiative. (Bill Lydon - Automation.com).
Protection from laser! - Laser Components Germany are expanding their range of laser protective textiles to include products from JUTEC GmbH. This means that they will also offer active protective devices for the first time.
Fueling post-pandemic prosperity. - The latest edition of AUTOMATION 2021 covers what's available now to manufacturers including Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IIoT devices, edge computing, robotics, and 3D printing. Smaller batteries, single-pair Ethernet, and open communications standards support integration, enabling secure use of IIoT, HMI/SCADA, and other systems. Industrial automation in data centres - This ARC Emerging Market Analysis Report provides a concise analysis of the market for automation and equipment in data centres. This includes information on market size, growth, and key trends pushing and pulling the space. Suppliers are identified and strategy points are discussed. Digital strain gauge signal conditioning modules. - Ixthus Instrumentation has expanded its range of force and load cell instrumentation accessories with two high performance digital strain gauge signal conditioning modules from its USA distribution partner Strainsert Inc. Lock ensures machine safety. - Keyence has introduced a new range of safety interlock switches suitable for a broad spectrum of machine safety applications. Their GS series combines ultra-compact size with innovative design and robust build which makes it easy to design into or retrofit to any machine. It is available in mechanical locking and non-contact versions.
Water management - fantastic opportunity. - The OTT HydroMet solutions, from sensor to screen, enable water managers to meet the needs of disparate stakeholders and enhance water security. Unify data at scale to improve profitability. - Plantweb™ Optics Data Lake, an enterprise-level data management software solution that helps manufacturers reduce data complexity so that they can fully leverage operations data across a production site or from multiple sites to improve profitability enterprise-wide has been launched by Emerson.
Gateway for hazardous environments. - The impeding release of the ICO300-83M: ATEX/C1D2 IIoT Gateway System for Hazardous Environments from Axiomtek has been announced by Impulse Embedded. The ATEX/Class 1 Div. 2 certified rugged fanless gateway system, which has been designed with harsh environments in mind, supports 5G high-speed low latency cellular connectivity in remote locations and combines diverse I/O with flexible communication options. Stop the bus. - Thanks to the wireless and battery-free switch technology from ZF, there are various possible application fields to increase connectivity, flexibility, and convenience. Bus stop buttons are another smart application integrating the inductive RF generator module. The target is to avoid cabling (up to 100m) and expensive maintenance work caused by cable breaks in buses. Monitoring scrubbers. - The LiquiSonic® process measuring system analyzes from Sensotech both concentrations, that of the washing liquid and that of the salt, in real time. This allows exact dosing and adjustment of the washing liquid. One billion in 23 years! - Sensirion the one billion mark this afternoon with an SCD4x CO2 sensor – a major milestone in what is still a fairly short company history.
Four tips to get your process manufacturing facility off the ground. - What do facilities across such diverse markets have in common besides being founded on their process? For one, the costly and painful struggle of getting the project started. Many times, important early stages are executed out-of-order or even too late. Let's look at four recommendations that may seem obvious, but if executed properly, will take some of the pain out of beginning with the next process facility. Award winning catalogue for designers. - Festo has developed an award-winning online catalogue that provides designers with a time-saving tool kit and prepares the way for the creation of an Asset Administration Shell, or Digital Twin, for their machines. OT Cybersecurity Trends and Threats - Industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments face cyber threats from malicious USB devices capable of circumventing the air gap to disrupt operations from within. New research reveals cyber threats aren't just on the rise, they're escalating at a staggering rate. (Honeywell Cybersecurity Research Report)
Communication acquisition. - HMS Industrial Networks has acquired 60% of all shares in the Spanish company Owasys Advanced Wireless Devices S.L. Headquartered in Bilbao with 20 employees, Owasys is a wireless communication company designing and manufacturing products for utility vehicles and industrial machines. Testing quality of photon counters. - Laser Components can now test up to twelve COUNT® photon counters simultaneously for all crucial values using a fully automated measuring station from Swabian Instruments. With this new technology and continuous process optimization, the company has not only succeeded in accelerating the quality control of COUNT® modules but measurement accuracy has also been further improved as well. Customers can be sure that the photon counters operate with the highest precision and the lowest possible error tolerance. Relay for renewable micro-power installations. - Omron Electronic Components Europe today announced a compact, efficient 800VAC / 200A high power relay aimed at power conditioners (PCS) associated with renewable micro power generation as well as inverters and UPS applications. Co-operation for vaccine production. - BioNTech SE and Siemens intend to expand their strategic cooperation. The companies plan to intensify their collaboration for the rapid expansion and creation of production capacity for the Covid-19 vaccine. BioNTech has expressed its aim of establishing new production sites for Covid-19 vaccine production worldwide based on the Marburg (D) plant and its technology, starting with a production facility in Singapore.
"T" is for Three or Triple. - The newAMC ® Series T connector from ODU-Connectors, is even more rugged, sealed, proven reliable and offers unlimited possibilities. "Everything is possible" goes the aphorism, thus the customer may choose locking type, cable connection, size, insert and number of contacts. Three locking options fit on one connector or receptacle part: Push-Pull, Break-Away or Screw Lock. Latest automation Index (June 2021) - In order to share holistic coverage of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various markets, ARC Advisory Group has published latest Automation Index as a Special Report in PowerPoint format. This concise report focuses on the quantitative rather than qualitative aspects.
Push-Pul connector. - The ODU push-pull circular connector portfolio, ODU MINI-SNAP® , with a robust metal housing, a large number of configuration options and up to 500 autoclavable cycles has undergone a further product expansion. The portfolio now includes additional inserts that have been specially designed to fulfill the user and patient protection levels required by IEC 60601-1 (2 MOOP/2 MOPP).
IIoT & Industry 4.0: Fueling Post-Pandemic Prosperity - As the global economy continues to rebound following pandemic-related shutdowns and disruptions, signs are good that many manufacturing businesses, and those who supply and support them, are on a path toward a bright future. According to a recent McKinsey briefing, much is possible: "Just with the technology that is currently available—no unheard-of breakthrough required." 40 years managing lab info! - Autoscribe celebrates 40 years in business this year, making it one of the earliest suppliers of LIMS. HMI safety for tablets. - IDEC Corporation has developed the HT3P Safety Commander to address a growing need for users who want to incorporate modern tablets into their industrial automation systems, but also need to include hardwired emergency stop (e-stop) and enabled functionality. The Safety Commander makes it easy to hold a tablet securely in an industrial setting, for applications like machinery, robotics, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), and production lines. Moisture meter and thermal imager. - Designed to visually scan large areas for moisture issues, air leaks, electrical problems, and more, the FLIR MR265 Moisture Meter and Thermal Imager with MSX empowers professionals to quickly identify and locate water leaks and other moisture issues at the source. |
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The Signpost has been honoured to receive a number of awards.