Control Engineering articles from February 2004

Control Engineering archives from February 2004

The flexible core.(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... As the manufacturing sector continues to reflect the overall economy by showing regular, positive gains, some wage a battle of words over how the dark forces of unbridled capitalism are slowly but surely killing U.S. manufacturing. To them I...

50 * 25 * 10 years ago.(History)(Calendar)
February 1, 2004... This page offers a look back on a variety of interesting items from Control Engineering's past issues, highlighting content from 50, 25, and 10 years ago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] September 1954 Supermarket computer calculates...

Where's the disconnect?(Academic Viewpoint)(Matlab provides engineers with tools for a wide variety of controls and modeling topics)
February 1, 2004... Control applications have changed significantly in the past decade from PID, CNCs, and PLCs to systems running advanced control algorithms, sporting sophisticated GUIs and built-in intelligence, and offering an extremely high degree of...

Nematron shareholders ok planned sale to third party.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Ann Arbor, MI -- Nematron Corp. reports that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a plan to sell the company's assets to an undisclosed third party for $12.6 million, including an assumption of its liabilities. Following the...

DCS market in China expected to grow 15% annually.(News)(distributed control system )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Dedham, MA -- The distributed control system (DCS) market in China is expected to grow at a 15.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the next five years from $531 million in 2003 to a projected $1.07 billion in 2008, according to a new...

ABB selling part of its oil, gas and petrochemicals division.(News)(Vetco Gray, ABB Offshore Systems )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Zurich, Switzerland -- ABB recently agreed to sell the upstream part of its oil, gas, and petrochemicals division to a newly incorporated company formed by a private equity investors' consortium, including Candover Partners Ltd, 3i, and J.P....

Market update: good news for controls in 4Q03.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Finally, we have a quarter that looks like everything has turned upward. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached the magic 10,000 plateau in the fourth quarter of 2003 (4Q03), and the NASDAQ reached its equally magic 2,000 level. Both indexes...

Spectrum Signal Processing stays independent; lays off 40 staffers.(News)(restructuring plans)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Burnaby, B.C., Canada -- Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. recently conducted a strategic review, and decided to remain independent, while tightening its focus and restructuring its operations to achieve profitability. Spectrum had talked with...

ABB extends distributed control system.(News)(Industrial System 800xA Extended Automation )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Wickliffe, OH -- ABB recently launched its long-awaited automation system built on its Industria[l.sup.IT] solution. Industrial System 800xA Extended Automation encompasses functionality beyond the essential process control offered by ABB's 800...

OEM develops enhanced rolling ring winding system.(News)(Amacoil Inc, Alternate Mechanical Drives )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Aston, PA; Atlanta, GA -- Amacoil Inc. reports that one of its OEMs, Alternate Mechanical Drives (AMD), recently developed and introduced a level winder that improves winding accuracy by integrating inexpensive sensor technology with Uhing...

Sarla Technologies acquires Synapse Systems.(News)(Sarla is part of Parekh Group of India)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Pittsburgh, PA -- Sarla Technologies reports that its U.S. subsidiary has acquired Synapse Systems LLC, the former engineering division of Gray Matter Systems LLC. Synapse is a North American control, software development, and automation firm...

Methode Electronics closing two plants; takes merger charges.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Chicago, IL -- Methode Electronics Inc. recently reported that it intends to take an after-tax charge of up to $0.12 per share during its remaining 2004 fiscal year. This charge will include approximately $1.8 million for costs associated with...

Eaton buys Ultronics, electro-hydraulic valve technology.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Cleveland, OH -- Eaton Corp. has reached an agreement to buy Ultronics Ltd. (Cheltenham, U.K.) and its advanced electro-hydraulic valve system technology. The acquisition includes Ultronics' design center in Cheltenham and a sales and...

Opto 22 introduces new controller, processors, software.(News)(Snap-LCE controller; Snap OEM family of I/O processors; and ioProject suite of automation and data acquisition software)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Temecula, CA -- Opto 22 recently launched three major solutions: Snap-LCE controller; Snap OEM family of I/O processors; and ioProject suite of automation and data acquisition software. Opto 22 manufactures and develops hardware and software...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2004... Power[not equal to]energy. Inadvertently, the units of energy and power (rate of using energy) were confused in the third- and second-to-last paragraphs of "Sugar mill is 'sweet' application for medium-voltage drive," Application Update,...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2004... QSI Corp.'s Qterm-G70 graphics terminal with power over Ethernet technology was misspelled in the "Product & Software" section on page 49 and on the cover of Control Engineering, Dec. '03.

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2004... A headline about Magnetrol International's Eclipse Model 707 two-wire, loop-powered radar level meter was misspelled in Control Engineering's Editors' Choice Awards supplement, Jan.'04, p.S12. The headline should have read "Loop-powered radar...

10 reasons to use panel or schematic design software.(Technology Update)
February 1, 2004... Just as computer-aided design (CAD) software offers many advantages over a drafting board, computer-aided engineering (CAE) software specifically for electrical or panel design tops generic CAD software. Advantages include faster and more...

Top articles of 2003.(Think Again)
February 1, 2004... From our reader survey last year, we know that 83% of subscribers read every issue or most issues, up from 70% three years prior. In case you missed some, below are a few of the leading 2003 articles accessed last year at Control Engineering...

The wireless I/O world: wireless can save time, material, and labor over hardwired networks, but some wireless I/O solutions also save on configuration, programming, and other requirements of WLANs and fieldbus-based systems. Here's how users simplify and implement wireless to best meet their needs.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... Just because you can't see large sections of an industrial network doesn't mean they aren't there. Wireless networks need much of the same TLC as their hardwired and twisted-pair counterparts, even though caring for a wireless system means...

Got field-oriented control in your servos? If so, flaunt it. Many servo manufacturers offer field-oriented or vector control for brushless servo motors, but with much less publicity than for induction motors.(Servo Control)
February 1, 2004... Field-oriented control--sometimes called flux-vector control--is a method that enables highest performance from permanent magnet (pm) synchronous (or brushless servo) motors throughout their speed range. FOC algorithms model the...

Upswing underway.(Trade Shows)(the National Manufacturing Week 2004 will feature over 1,000 exhibitors)
February 1, 2004... Six trade shows, 1,000 exhibitors, 220 conference sessions, a rally for U.S. manufacturing, 14 railroad cars, an opening day concert, and numerous pavilions, keynotes and other special features will ignite National Manufacturing Week 2004, Feb....

Innovations drive recovery at NMW 2004.(Trade Shows)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... Thousands of useful and innovative products, technologies, and solutions will be highlighted at NIAS and NMW. Some of the most significant will include: * New PACSystems RX3i controller from GE Fanuc features a patented portable control...

Object-oriented programming: a primer: as a control engineer, you likely have some knowledge of software and of programming. With the growing use of object-oriented code in today's software applications, this brief introduction should help remove any mystery.(How To)
February 1, 2004... The seeds of object-oriented programming might be traced back to the concept of the API (application programming interface). An API is basically a piece of paper that defines a set of subroutines and the behavior an application can expect to...

Feature rich, under-utilized.(Focus Process Automation Systems)
February 1, 2004... Be it new or old process automation systems (PAS), available features and capabilities are well suited for the applications, say 72% of survey respondents. Unfortunately, 48% of respondents are only using 50% to 75% of available features and...

Visual replaces manual.(The Voice of Experience)
February 1, 2004... The Harley-Davidson V-Rod is one of the hottest and most sought after motorcycles introduced in recent memory. Sporting a liquid cooled, 115-hp, 1130 cc, 60[degrees] V-Twin Revolution engine (developed in a joint venture with Porsche), a...

Web services for manufacturing.(IT & Engineering Insight)
February 1, 2004... Last month, I recommended using loosely coupled and asynchronous interfaces for systems that must be robust in the face of failures, especially the temporary loss of communications or temporary unavailability of systems. Fortunately, there is a...

SPC, management software.(Products & Software)(Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd.'s eM-Insight data source-neutral tolerance management and statistical process control)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... eM-Insight data source-neutral tolerance management and statistical process control (SPC) product lets a company share and distribute parts inspection data throughout the organization. Secure, Web-based data access model enables engineers to...

Process control software.(Products & Software)(Matrikon Inc.'s ProcessACT advanced process control software)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... ProcessACT advanced process control software solution is intended for the design, development, simulation, and implementation of process control applications. Data acquisition, analysis, and modeling tools handle even complex control problems;...

Embedded Linux on SBC.(Products & Software)(WinSystems Inc.'s PC/104, EBX, and STD Bus single board computers )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... PC/104, EBX, and STD Bus single board computers now have Red Hat Linux embedded on them. Powerful, robust, and low-cost operating system is suited for extremely small, embedded applications. Embedded Linux systems include a Web server, Telnet...

Switch for drive technology.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Digital speed switch DS 93 uses a microprocessor to evaluate the pulses from rotary encoders and switches, passing up to three programmable speed thresholds, either in the rising or falling direction. Parameter setting is reportedly easy,...

Infrared thermometer.(Products & Software)(Omega Engineering Inc.'s OS-XL 2D infrared thermal imaging thermometer features)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... OS-XL 2D infrared thermal imaging thermometer features a 64-element thermopile array sensor. Non-contact measurement device lets the user view and verify subject on the LCD screen while simultaneously measuring temperature at 64 points....

Dual PID module.(Products & Software)(Red Lion Controls Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... CSPID2 dual PID module designed for the Red Lion modular controller offers drag-and-drop configuration and downloadable PLC drivers in a high-density, 32-zone/single node module for dedicated PID control outside the PLC. Module makes...

Handheld protective enclosures.(Products & Software)(Rose+Bopla Enclosures' BG Series with ATEX certification )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... BG Series of handheld enclosures is now available with ATEX certification (EX II 2 G/EEx e II). Suited for gas monitors, data loggers, and calibration hand-sets, the enclosures come in 3 sizes: 180, 220, and 380 mm. The 180 and 220 mm sizes are...

Ruggedized display heads.(Products & Software)(White Electronic Designs Corp.'s Extended temperature display heads)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Extended temperature display heads satisfy the needs of ruggedized display application requirements. LC050 and LC056 displays, designed at 5 in. and 5.6 in. diagonal measurement, feature sunlight readable head assemblies with backlighting for...

Color verification, ID system.(Products & Software)(X-Rite, Inc.'s VeriColor high-resolution color verification and identification system)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... VeriColor high-resolution color verification and identification system is designed to reduce color errors in manufacturing assembly and sorting operations. System combines the non-contact advantages and durability of industrial color sensors...

Laser measurement sensor.(Products & Software)(Omron Electronics LLC's Z500 laser measurement sensor)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Z500 laser measurement sensor combines a wide-beam laser (4 to 45 mm width, depending on the model) and a two-dimensional CCD to conduct accurate 2-D measurements in a single procedure. Sensor uses a Class II or IIIb visible red laser and...

Low-cost kit encoder.(Products & Software)
February 1, 2004... Mercury M1500 low-cost digital output kit encoder contains all signal conditioning and interpolation electronics within the sensor head. System provides quadrature output at the sensor to make it suitable for high-noise environments. Device is...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... ACPower 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,...

New industrial vibration sensors catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(IMI Sensors, a Div. of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.'s industrial vibration monitoring instrumentation )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... IMI Sensors, A Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc., introduces a new, comprehensive catalog of industrial vibration monitoring instrumentation. Products featured include a full line of rugged accelerometers, 4 to 20 mA vibration transmitters,...

New 40 page Automation Solutions brochure.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... Aerotech is pleased to announce the availability of our new brochure Automation Solutions for the Automotive, Machine Tool, Assembly, and Packaging Industries. The 40-page, color brochure presents Aerotech's multitude of motion control and...

General purpose relays.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... Kuhnke's relay catalog summarizes general purpose relays and introduces some of the latest innovations in the relay field. Highlighted is Kuhnke's Modular Family of relays which include Universal 10A, tube type, Ice Cube and PCB Interface...

Baghouse Controller.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... B-PAC[TM] Series of Baghouse PLCs and Diagnostic Controllers seamlessly integrate intelligent filter cleaning, pressure sensing, particulate monitoring, auxiliary sensing (such as fan amps, temperature, airflow) and a wide range of control...

New isolated analog signal conditioning catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Dataforth Corp.'s )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... New 230 page catalog of high quality isolated analog and digital I/O modules to protect and condition critical industrial data acquisition and control signal from RTDs, Thermocouples, and other sensor devices. Includes Instrument Class[TM] DIN...

DASYlab--no programming required.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... This easy-to-use data acquisition software package for Windows PCs will allow you to collect data from a wide variety of data acquisition devices, including IOtech, Omega Engineering, National Instruments, and many more. Documentation and...

PCI bus migration.(Products & Software)(Measurement Computing Corp.'s PCIM-DAS16JR/16 lets users of CIO-DAS16JR and CIO-DAS16JR )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... PCIM-DAS16JR/16 lets users of CIO-DAS16JR and CIO-DAS16JR migrate applications to the PCI bus. PCIM board offers connector compatibility with CIO versions, provides the same input ranges and maintains identical digital I/O capabilities....

Platinum Series process oxygen analyzers.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Delta F Corporation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Microprocessor controlled with as low as 3 ppb sensitivity. Exclusive Non-depleting Sensor with NIST Traceable Factory Calibration and 5-year warranty eliminates frequent recalibration and periodic sensor replacement. Enclosures for Class 1,...

Electrical design software demo CD.(Product & Literature Showcase)(ECT International, Inc)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Multi-media demo CD-ROM illustrates the functions of Promis-e electrical control system design software. Trial version also included. Powerful AutoCAD add-on has schematic design functions including auto ID assignment, auto cross referencing...

New in 2003.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... 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,...

Operator interface terminals.(Product & Literature Showcase)(QSI Corporation's )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... QSI Corporation manufactures rugged handheld and panel-mount operator interface terminals for OEMs, for vehicle and industrial applications. Products include character and graphics terminals that are program-mable, customizable, CE certified,...

Precision Encoders ...(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... 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...

Free 2004 NI measurement and automation catalog SVI II -smart valve interface.(Product & Literature Showcase)
February 1, 2004... The National Instruments catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools. You will find everything you need from product...

Compact flash alarm.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... LC09/10 Strobe Alert amber flash alarm brings immediate attention to process conditions. Alerts occur at 1-second intervals. Device mounts directly on any Flowline compact relay enclosure and can be actuated by any Flowline level switch, flow...

Energy saving steam traps.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... ECONOline series of steam traps is designed to maximize energy savings in a compact design. Available in three styles--thermostatic capsule, thermostatic bimetallic, and thermodynamic disk--the series fits all universal connectors and requires...

Self-tuning controllers adapt.(Back to Basics)
February 1, 2004... Adaptive control technology encompasses a wide range of mathematical and empirical techniques that allow a feedback controller to automatically update not only its next output, but its entire control strategy to accommodate changes in the...