Control Engineering articles from August 2005

Control Engineering archives from August 2005

Upturn insight.(EDITORIAL)(Editorial)
August 1, 2005... General media outlets have been buzzing with news that manufacturing is back as a major economic driver in the U.S. Recent reports on this "trend" could be found in the Wall Street Journal citing U.S. Census Bureau data about increases in...

Multimedia PLC touchscreen.(product EXCLUSIVE)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... EZCE Touchpanel from EZAutomation division of AVG features Microsoft CE .Net 4.2 and multimedia capabilities in a diskless computer with more than 50 PLC drivers. Prices start at $799 for a 6-in. monochrome unit and range up to $2,799 for a...

Scripting for CE devices.(product EXCLUSIVE)
August 1, 2005... Web Studio v6.1 from InduSoft (IWS 6.1) introduces VB scripting for Microsoft Windows CE-based devices and Web browsers. Latest release to the SCADA software package also adds a new trending tool, sophisticated screen translations, an advanced...

Protect control systems from the Internet: 3 options.(technology UPDATE)
August 1, 2005... The plant control system would seem to be one of the best-protected computer networks from those who might seek to do harm. It is typically so removed from the Internet that hackers and viruses should have a difficult time finding the control...

Honeywell tilts more I/O points into smaller, cooler space.(technology UPDATE)
August 1, 2005... To give users more I/O and control functions in less space, Honeywell Process Solutions recently launched its first new hardware platform in 15 years. Experion R300 Process Knowledge System (PKS) features a redesign of Honeywell's automation...

Whirlpool upgrades with servo motor/drive retrofit.(application UPDATE)
August 1, 2005... A retrofit kit helps upgrade a production line and get things moving quickly, says Michael J. Smith, engineering supervisor of Whirlpool Corp.'s Plastics Operations in Evansville, IN, commenting on a recent retrofit project. Facing...

Software development capability.(IT & engineering INSIGHT)
August 1, 2005... Last month's column introduced the Capability and Maturity Model Integrated and its five maturity levels related to software development: 1. Initial 2. Managed 3. Defined 4. Quantitatively managed and 5. Optimized. Organizations at high...

Acquisitions, mergers picking up steam in U.S., worldwide.(NEWS)
August 1, 2005... Oak Brook, IL -- A new surge in mergers and acquisitions seems to be underway this summer among many companies in or related to the control and automation field, according to an informal analysis of news items gathered by Control Engineering....

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
August 1, 2005... * An incorrect gasoline savings amount was calculated in the "Think Again" editorial, "Money in the right places," Control Engineering, July '05, p. 30. Mark Hoske, editor-in-chief, reports that the 15-mpg difference between the most...

Controllers advance micro-manufacturing.(academic VIEWPOINT)
August 1, 2005... I recently spent several weeks abroad studying micro-manufacturing in a U.S.-government-sponsored technology review. The goal was to assess and understand what is happening globally in micro-manufacturing. The final report is being generated;...

By the numbers.
August 1, 2005... 4 automakers lead the most fuel-efficient list (eight EPA size classes) as of July 12 at www.fueleconomy.gov. They are BMW (Mini Cooper), Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Oak Ridge National Laboratory www.fueleconomy.gov 23 RFID products and...

Free and easy wireless, RFID.(Editorial)
August 1, 2005... Hype around wireless and RFID technologies might suggest you can: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Connect a wireless transmitter and receiver and get information without conduit or work orders--a do-it-yourself, nearly no-cost, unbudgeted...

RFID on the production line: engineers are using radio-frequency identification (RFID) to enable plant-floor applications, often with help from databases and software. Here's how RFID works and gives users real-world advantages and savings, such as better visibility, tracking, and quality control.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2005... Talk is cheap, but radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and tags are still relatively expensive. This is especially true if the tags are applied on a close to per-item basis and if they're not reused. So, when Wal-Mart told its top 100...

Down the block, or half a world away, manufacturers are benefiting from Eaton's XT line.(Eaton Electrical)
August 1, 2005... In developing countries around the world, there is a boom in manufacturing going on, and it is bringing with it the construction of "green field" manufacturing facilities and major upgrades to aging, outmoded plants. Consequently, there are...

Mixer-dispenser redesign automates changeover: incorporation of a new controller, servo motors and drives, and operator workstation in a central unit allows Automated Process Control to modernize one of its principal products with fully automatic operation.(INSIDE MACHINES)
August 1, 2005... When planning to upgrade the control functions on its popular polyurethane resin dispensing equipment, Automatic Process Control (APC), based in Union, NJ, sought to increase the dispenser's functionality and precision, simplify operator...

Thermography improves predictive maintenance: understanding capabilities of modern thermal imaging can streamline maintenance operations and help prevent catastrophic failures.(INSIDE MACHINES)
August 1, 2005... Thermal imaging, also known as thermography, has always been a powerful predictive maintenance (PdM) tool because it can detect incipient failures in nearly all types of mechanical and electrical equipment. Now, high-performance, infrared (IR)...

Five-axis machining center design: developing high-speed, high-accuracy machining centers for use in a variety of industries required Moore Tool to create an original design for the product line and employ a detailed, dynamic analysis of the machine, control, and servo drive system.(INSIDE MACHINES)
August 1, 2005... When Moore Tool set out to build a five-axis, high-speed machining center for use in the production of critical components in the turbo machinery, mold and die, scroll compressor, and medical markets, the challenge was to ensure the machines...

Adjust quality in real time: in closed-loop process control, controllers can make changes as needed to keep the process close to a quality setpoint. Discrete applications often measure quality offline, stop the process, make changes, and toss a bin of out-of-spec scrap. Is this disparity ending?(AVOID SCRAP)
August 1, 2005... In discrete applications, automation systems and quality control systems are often separate, producing a time lag between quality analysis and actual production. Wouldn't it be great to monitor quality information in real time and feed...

Presence detection crosses industry borders.(RESEARCH: PROXIMITY SENSORS)
August 1, 2005... Advances in sensor technology have been a driving force in factory automation, most would agree. Interfacing the real world and analog/digital input to control processes has never been more applicable to a wider range of automation functions...

Flat-panel monitors for demanding use.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Sentinel Series rugged flat-panel monitors withstand harsh environments to provide reliability in demanding military and industrial applications. Monitors are available in 10.4-in., 15-in., 19-in., and 21-in. display sizes with anti-reflective...

Servo amplifier connects via FireWire.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Ndrive MP digital servo amplifier is an ultra compact, high-performance discrete-drive option for the Automation 3200 motion system. Device is 41-mm wide by 141-mm high by 107-mm deep and can drive brushless, dc brush-type servo motors and...

No heat sink calculations.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... CoolTech Series DIN rail solid-state relay is based on GN SSR technology and has a "true" 40[degrees]C load-current rating. Other features include epoxy-free design and direct-bond copper (DBC) substrate. Design eliminates the stress placed on...

VFD cables are strong, round.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Series V enhanced design variable frequency drive (VFD) cables have a round, symmetrical geometry to improve cable performance and electrical characteristics and make installation easy, secure, and air/water tight. Cables use non-hygroscopic...

AS-interface analog modules.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Actuator Sensor (AS) Interface G4 analog modules have two 0-20mA current outputs, two 4-20mA current inputs, two 0-10V outputs, or two 0-10V inputs. Units are field mountable and suited for rough conditions. Connection to the outputs or...

Integrating utility networks: proper control network architecture can simplify integration of third-party, utility-specific applications and reduce development costs for future system extension opportunities.(supervisory control and data acquisition)
August 1, 2005... Companies involved in energy or energy-related transmission and distribution are finding that the lifecycles of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems are not as long as they once were, due to rapidly developing technologies...

Refinery expertise preservation: new technologies and processes are pivotal in bridging the knowledge gap between this generation of workers and the next for many companies in the refining industries.(INSIDE ENERGY)
August 1, 2005... Some skeptics have expressed doubt about the reality of the problem refiners face in an aging workforce. But industry leading operating companies, think tanks, and government groups are increasingly recognizing that after decades of turmoil...

Nuclear plant revisits control system and maintenance strategies: replacing a turbine control system and automating a hazardous inspection process are two parts of a plan to give Pacific Gas & Electric's Diablo Canyon facility years of failure-free, safe operation.(INSIDE ENERGY)
August 1, 2005... The Diablo Canyon installation consists of two 1,100-megawatt pressurized water reactors. This type of reactor pumps highly pressurized water within a primary loop through the reactor core, heating it to temperatures that can exceed 600...

AC drive with robust power ratings.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... E-trAC X4 ac drive is designed for hostile environments. IP66-rated contamination-proof enclosures have cast alloy frames and polycarbonate covers that exceed NEMA 1, 12, and 4X standards. Available in models from 1-10 hp with 114, 230, 460,...

High-flow diaphragm pump.(Products & software)(Rietschle Thomas)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Model 4002 miniature diaphragm pump incorporates an elongated, oval-shaped diaphragm with a larger-than-conventional surface area to produce higher flows than a similarly sized pump with a standard diaphragm. Slim, lightweight oil-less pump is...

Linear motion from stepper motor.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Linearstep stepper motor offers linear motion in a rotary size package. Available with outside dimensions of 25 X 35 mm, the motor's linear shaft movement reportedly allows design of a simple system at less cost than conventional rotary stepper...

Square LEDs provide high-brightness color.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... OVF Series high-current Super-Flex LEDs come in white, blue, green, amber, red/orange, and red in 7.6 [mm.sup.2] four-pin through-hole packages with water clear lenses that provide viewing angles from 40 to 120 deg. Intended to provide a...

Pentium-M node computer is fanless, dust tight.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... BoxPC-128 is designed for factory automation, facility monitoring, machine automation, and environmental monitoring applications. Fanless node computer uses an Intel Pentium-M low-power processor and features six high-speed USB 2.0 ports,...

Industrial process modeling software.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Process Modeler is a software tool for creating predictive models of product properties, production, and process events. Models are typically used as "virtual sensors," property predictors, and as a foundation for model-based closed-loop...

Managed switches boost network reliability.(Products & software)(ET-9MS line)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... ET-9MS line of industrial Ethernet managed switches feature automatic switchover on detected failure (ring topology) and now support Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN). VLANs segregate network...

Integrated software flexibility, performance.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Ansys version 10.0 software offers advances in performance, ease-of-use, interoperability, and coupled physics technology, such as fluid structure interaction (FSI). Latest release builds on and is compatible with current version 9.0. It uses...

Measuring barometric pressure.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Intersema MS5534B Series pressure sensor comes in a package 9 X 9 mm square. The SMD-hybrid device has a piezoresistive pressure sensor and an ADC-interface IC. It measures from 0-1,100 mbar (0-110 kPa) and has a temperature range of -40-125...

Vision sensing lighting options.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Lighting options for vision sensing applications include red, white, blue, green, infrared, and fluorescent as well as laser targeting models and specialty diffusers. The company's PresencePlus vision sensors power many lights directly. Site...

Strobes for washdown, vehicles.
August 1, 2005... Compaxx 117 Series strobes are low-profile signals for industrial washdown applications or on tow motors and other vehicles. Four inches tall, they are made with a shatter-resistant polycarbonate fresnel lens that intensifies and transmits a...

Bus terminal coupler, controller.(Products & software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Ethernet TCP/IP BC9100 bus terminal controller and BK9100 bus coupler for the bus terminal I/O system feature an integrated 2-port switch to simplify cabling between Ethernet stations and reduce wiring. BK9100 bus coupler connects the Ethernet...

Single, dual output dc/dc converters.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... B1000ERW Series of single and dual output 10 W dc/dc converters is part of the "budget saver" family of power products. Reportedly designed to combine 10 W of output power, a compact industry standard package, high performance features, and low...

Durable pressure switches.(Products & software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Goldtech switch line comes in pressure, vacuum, or differential models. They use a conventional snap action switch and include options such as multi-barb port connections, orifices, bleed holes, and mounting configurations. Switches are factory...

Terminal block line expanded.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Expanded line of IEC terminal blocks reportedly offers wider variety, higher current ranges, and more options than previous models. They are designed, manufactured, and tested for applicable UL, CSA, and IEC standards and are rated for Code 1,...

Sanitary use pressure transmitters.(Products & software)
August 1, 2005... Family of pressure transmitters for use in sanitary applications include Models 360, 363, and 364, which meet 3A standards for sanitary instrumentation and are designed for markets including food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical...

Integrate safety, standard automation.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... Allen-Bradley DeviceNet safety scanner and I/O device let manufacturers place safety and standard devices on one network, simplifying control system design in complex applications, such as those in automotive, semiconductor, packaging, and food...

For critical analysis, reporting.(Products & software)(Loop-Pro product suite)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Loop-Pro product suite version 4.1 includes enhanced process control monitoring, analysis, and reporting capabilities intended to help customers eliminate costs from production defects and process shutdown by providing early identification of...

Calibration management software.(Products & software)(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2005... ProCalV5 version 5.4 calibration management software manages device engineering records, schedules and tracks calibration activities, and provides electronic distribution of critical notifications, reminders, and alerts. Enhancements to the...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... AC Power Distribution & Control Systems domestic/int'l configuration systems; OEM's & system integrators. Product is rack mounted & provides: circuit breaker protection, EMI/RFI filtering, spike/surge protection, remote power on/off,...

Intelligent Predictive Maintenance.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... White paper on "Intelligent Predictive Maintenance" explains how intelligent firmware from Bosch Rexroth helps achieve the full potential in machine diagnostics and preventive maintenance, including an "early warning system" that predicts the...

Precision encoders ...(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Encoder Products Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... EPC's new 104-page catalog features in depth descriptions of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand Encoders from Encoder Products Company. The catalog features a full line of incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide...

2004 full-line signal conditioning catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... New 240 page catalog of Instrument Class[R] industrial signal conditioning, data acquisition and data communication products that protect and condition critical signals from RTDs Thermocouples, Load Cells and other sensor devices. Includes DIN...

Heat exchangers.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... Air-to-air and air-to-water heat exchangers remove heat from sealed electronic enclosures, panels, and cabinets for indoor and outdoor applications. Ten times more efficient than air conditioning, with no maintenance. Nema 12 units are stock...

Sealevel product catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... Product catalog details Sealevel Systems' diverse selection of serial and digital I/O devices including Low Profile PCI, PCI, Ethernet to Serial Servers, USB to Serial and Digital, PC/104, RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converters, and PCMCIA Cards....

AutomationDirect[R] 2005 catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... AutomationDirect's 2005 free catalog offers 5500 industrial automation products for incredible prices. The expanded 1800-page volume features product descriptions, photos, technical information and price lists for PLCs, AC drives/motors,...

Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
August 1, 2005... Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories Catalog 2011-170 page catalog featuring split-core and solid-core current transformers, potential transformers, electrical transducers for AC and DC applications, signal conditioners,...

Safety PLCs.(back to BASICS)
August 1, 2005... When is a PLC a safety PLC? Generally, a safety PLC is a programmable logic controller designed for use in mission-critical or safety-related applications; if a safety PLC fails, it does so without endangering people or processes. ...

Buying Smart Guide.
August 1, 2005... This Control Engineering Buying Smart Guide redesigns our annual print "Control & Automation Buyer's Guide" to better address how engineers and manufacturing managers are specifying and buying products today. Brief, to-the-point articles...

I/O devices.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... Given that I/O devices tie together all elements of a control network, primary buying considerations are pretty basic: Does the I/O equipment support the fieldbus protocols and signal types needed? That sounds simple, but there's a dizzying...

Programmable logic controllers.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... When buying a programmable logic controller (PLC), it's best to use TLC--technology and language considerations. Because a PLC is a type of computer, one factor in any budget should be the cost of developing an application on the chosen PLC--an...

Servo motors.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... For servo motors, it's not location, location, location. It's position, position, position--or more accurately position and force or torque. The two together determine a servo motor's cost and suitability for a particular task. Generally,...

Photoelectric sensors.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... Photoelectric sensors are typically available in at least nine or more sensing modes, use two light sources, are encapsulated in three categories of package sizes, offer five or more sensing ranges, and can be purchased in various combinations...

Precision encoders ...(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Encoder Products Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... EPC's new 104-page catalog features in depth descriptions of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand Encoders from Encoder Products Company. The catalog features a full line of incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide...

Vision systems.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... Although machine vision systems long have been a common fixture in electronics and semiconductor industries, dropping prices of components and integrated systems as well as improved performance are making them even more attractive additions to...

Operator interfaces.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... The days of manual pushbuttons, analog meters, and clipboards to control, track, and record plant floor conditions are rapidly drawing to a close. Today, operators are able to exercise control and record operational history via modern, operator...

AC drives.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... Adjustable-speed drives deliver precise speed control to motors in a variety of applications to make optimal use of consumed energy. Among the many benefits motor users can achieve through use of drives are lower power demand on startups,...

Flowmeters.(2005-2006 BUYING SMART GUIDE)
August 1, 2005... Flowmeters, which measure the amount of liquid, gas, or vapor flowing through pipes or troughs, are used in virtually every type of industrial process. While flow measurement is an ancient practice, dating back to at least 5,000 B.C., the past...

Suppliers.(Directory)
August 1, 2005... Use this section to find contact information for suppliers. Find many more at www.cesuppliersearch.com A Aaeon Electronics Inc. www.aaeon.com Aalborg Instruments & Controls LLC www.aalborg.com ABB Automation Inc....