Control Engineering articles from June 2005

Control Engineering archives from June 2005

Positioning for the shift.(EDITORIAL)(Manufacturing Execution Systems)(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... For some time now, Control Engineering has devoted considerable ink to the convergence of engineering and IT in manufacturing. Now it appears that vendors are doing more than simply offering products, such as intelligent devices, remote...

DIN-rail industrial UPS: protects from unexpected power disruptions.(product EXCLUSIVE)(uninterruptible power system)
June 1, 2005... SDU DIN-rail uninterruptible power system (UPS) is designed to ensure industrial end-users maximum uptime and total protection from unexpected power disruptions. SDU UPS is said to allow safe and secure mounting on a DIN rail, in a control...

Industrial Ethernet: Powerlink, EtherNet/IP.(technology UPDATE)
June 1, 2005... At least eight organizations represent seven Ethernet protocols targeting industrial networking applications. Here are updates about two Ethernet protocols: Ethernet-Powerlink and EtherNet/IP. Information on other industrial Ethernet protocols...

Temporary slowdown.(market UPDATE)(Control Engineering)
June 1, 2005... Following the sharp fourth-quarter 2004 increase of the Control Engineering composite share price index, the group's valuation reversed course in the first-quarter of 2005, with an average share price decline of 3%. This negative momentum...

Hindsight insight: don't look back. Make insightful manufacturing business decisions faster--with the industry's only combined Production and Performance Management software solution.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... In the manufacturing business, "what should have been" costs time and money. Lots of it. And 20/20 hindsight does zilch for your bottom line. Trade in that hindsight for a window into the future, with Wonderware--the only software provider that...

Graphical system design for machine control: embedded system development for machine control using a single, automated graphical programming tool chain and programmable automation controllers (PACs).
June 1, 2005... Introduction The traditional process for designing embedded machine control systems typically involves multiple stages of development that require specialized electronic design automation (EDA) tools such as state-diagram and flowcharting...

Is legacy producing lag?(opinion SOAPBOX)
June 1, 2005... When it comes to manufacturing, we all want to increase yield, decrease downtime, improve maintainability, and get more data and information from the plant floor. When trying to achieve these goals, have you come to find out that your legacy...

Three-zone security.(IT & engineering INSIGHT)
June 1, 2005... Arrival of the latest Microsoft patches reminds us that it is time to lock the doors and bar the windows in our factories. But Microsoft isn't the only technology company weathering security issues these days. There are security holes in almost...

Interoperable plant infrastructure built with FOUNDATION fieldbus architecture.(Fieldbus Foundation)(High Speed Ethernet)(Flexible function blocks)(F ieldbus H1)
June 1, 2005... Lima, OH -- The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) and International Specialty Products (ISP) demonstrated the full implementation of FF's open, integrated FOUNDATION fieldbus architecture on May 19 at ISP's 1, 4-butanediol (BDO) plant. The event showed...

Industrial Ethernet device shipments.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The worldwide market for industrial Ethernet devices is expected to grow at a 51.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during next five years to more than 6.6 million units in 2009 from 840,000 units in 2004, according to "Industrial Ethernet...

Siemens to acquire Robicon for $197 million.(NEWS)
June 1, 2005... New Kensington, PA -- Robicon Corp, has agreed to sell its assets to Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. for approximately $197.5 million in cash. These assets include Robicon's stock in its subsidiaries in Shanghai, China; High Wycombe, U.K.; Sao...

Cognex buys DVT for $115 million.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Natick, MA; Duluth, GA -- Cognex Corp. reports that it has acquired all outstanding shares of privately held DVT Corp. for approximately $115 million. This price tag includes $104 million in cash at closing and a final payment of up to an...

SERCOS group to specify controller-to-controller communications.(Technical Working Group)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Crestview, FL -- The SERCOS trade organizations have launched a new technical working group to specify a profile for distributed control functions in modular machines and systems. This project will provide controller-to-controller...

SPS Electric Automation America trade show debuts.
June 1, 2005... Rosemont, IL -- Billed as the first North American trade event to focus on electric automation technologies for industrial applications, the first SPS Electric Automation America trade show was held May 23-26 at the Donald E. Stephens...

Primary Industrial Control Index and combined with Adjustable Speed Drive Index.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Sales of industrial control products and systems increased slightly in 2005's first quarter (1Q05), which reflected a 1.4% gain in the National Electrical Manufacturers Association's (NEMA) Primary Industrial Control Index. While this increase...

150 London Underground stations using Wonderware's application server.(Industrial Automation and Information Software)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Lake Forest, CA -- Wonderware reports that its industrial automation and information software was selected by Thales to provide station management systems at 150 London Underground stations. These facilities are maintained by Metronet, which...

SME, AME, Shingo Prize join to set lean certification standard.(Society of Manufacturing Engineers)(Association for Manufacturing Excellence)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Dearborn, MI -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), and administrators of the Shingo Prize are collaborating with industrial and academic participants to develop a new "Lean...

Contemporary Controls continues development with Weidmuller subsidiary.(Heyfra Electronic GmbH)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Downers Grove, IL; Eisleben, Germany -- Contemporary Control Systems Inc. (CCSI) reports that the Weidmuller Group has acquired a majority interest in Heyfra Electronic GmbH (HEG), a longtime CCSI business partner. HEG and CCSI design and...

Emerson's Coriolis flowmeter aids colored ceramics blending.(Micro Motion Coriolis technology)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- Emerson Process Management is using its Micro Motion Coriolis technology to help Euroelettra Sistemi SpA design and implement a skid-mounted blending system for ceramic slip and coloring materials. Euroelettra is an Italy-based...

Arbitrator orders Magnetek to pay $23 million in patent dispute.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Los Angeles, CA -- Magnetek Inc. reports that an arbitrator has decided it must pay $23.4 million in damages to Ole Nilssen as a result of their long-running patent dispute and former litigation. As disclosed in the firm's SEC filings...

Coming soon: HART tutorial series.(The HART Communication Foundation)(HART-enabled devices)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Oak Brook, IL; Austin, TX -- The HART Communication Foundation (HCF) reports that the installed base of HART-enabled devices is the largest of all industrial communication protocols at more than 14 million worldwide, and 70% of all smart...

By the numbers.
June 1, 2005... 4.9 m/s (nearly 16.1 ft/s) maximum speed for two passengers, up to 200 kg total, in the 3,600 kg (7,937 lb) Kuka Robotics Robocoaster. The six-axis robot uses brushless ac drives and has programmable ride sequence and duration, in five ride...

Competitive quotables.(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... Automation correctly applied brings greater efficiency. How to increase competitiveness seems of keen interest wherever I go. Related quotes often are interesting, insightful, and even entertaining. Here are a few gathered recently. ...

Sensors: getting into position; As the saying goes, 'No matter where you go, there you are.' Still, most applications require a bit more precision and repeatability than that, so here's advice on how to select and locate position sensors.(Cover Story)
June 1, 2005... What's the right position sensor for a particular application? It depends on required precision, repeatability, speed, budget, connectivity, conditions, and location, among other factors. You can bet that taking the right measurement is the...

ASICs versus FPGAs: hard-wired, set format of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) contrasts clearly with configurable-chip approaches of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Programmable devices are the current challenger, with hybrid technology seeking a future role.(CHIP WARS)
June 1, 2005... As with other technologies, reports of the demise of ASICs have been premature. Design starts may be down sharply, but ASIC revenues continue to impress, especially in Asia/Pacific regions. Also, alternative hybrid approaches, such as...

Faster prototyping, simulation: rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop simulation systems have helped design advanced electronics control systems for the past 15 to 20 years. Now, new technologies are advancing the use of these systems for accelerated design.(INSIDE MACHINES)
June 1, 2005... New systems allow prototype electronics components to be tested in real time using a simulated environment, reducing the need for expensive or destructive tests. Early prototype systems enabled engineers to test new designs to prove...

What in the world is Sarbanes-Oxley? This landmark legislation is not only making its mark in financial matters, it is extending its reach to the plant floor and beyond.(IMPACT OF REGULATIONS)
June 1, 2005... When the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) became law in the 1970s, a line heard often was "OSHA is not a small town in Wisconsin." Similarly, those faced with implementing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in their plants today might hear:...

Measuring process fluid flow: an exacting task.(RESEARCH FLOWMETERS)
June 1, 2005... To perform properly, instruments for measuring process variables must be specified correctly--a demanding job at best. And when it comes to measuring process fluid flow, many control engineers will tell you that specifying the right flowmeter...

Canbra foods automates batch operations.(application UPDATE)
June 1, 2005... Canbra Foods Ltd. is Canada's largest fully integrated oil seed crushing, refining, processing, and packaging company. Its major products include cooking and salad oil, margarine, shortening, and a line of proteins. Recognized as a leading...

PC-based control delivers the right mix: WCB Ice Cream upgrades the control and mechanics of its ingredient feeders to help clients meet market demands for premium ice cream that include an array of add-ins.(INSIDE FOOD & BEVERAGE)
June 1, 2005... We may all scream for ice cream, but ice cream vendors don't want people yelling for the wrong reasons. In turn, vendors want to deliver what customers want without casting a chill on the bottom line. Achieving that balance is getting more...

Bioterrorism: technology, legislation, and our food supply; The Bioterrorism Act is a pending reality for many food processors, and understanding its requirements is critical to continued operation for affected producers. While compliance may cause apprehension, it also holds potential, unintended benefits for production processes.(INSIDE FOOD & BEVERAGE)
June 1, 2005... Processors and the federal agencies involved in supplying food to the public work hard to protect our food supply from pathogens, contaminants, and outright mischief. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food & Drug Administration...

Point level switch available in sanitary models.(Food & Beverage products)
June 1, 2005... TF-100 Series vibrating level switch provides a reliable, no calibration solution to point level measurement of clean liquids and is available with relay, current, or PNP outputs. Compact 316L stainless steel sensor comes in both standard and...

Temperature indicators for food processing equipment.(Food & Beverage products)
June 1, 2005... + Series digital panel indicators for Part-low and West controller product lines include 1/16- and 1/8-DIN devices that are configurable via plug-in output boards. Modular approach helps curb process monitoring costs by enabling the user to buy...

Connectors for food, beverage processing.(Food & Beverage products)
June 1, 2005... Complete line of connectivity products meets harsh environmental demands of the food and beverage processing and packaging industries. Products use stainless steel hardware, PVC inserts, and cable jackets with over-molding. Rated at IP69K, each...

Software improves production performance.(Products and Software)
June 1, 2005... Pavilion8 integrated software suite helps process manufacturers increase production, reduce variable costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Package combines capabilities for modeling, control, monitoring, analysis, visualization, and...

Math software adds ease-of-use features.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Maple 10 is the latest version of the company's software tool for solving complex mathematical problems and creating rich, executable technical documents. Latest release is said to be intuitive and easy to use while providing an advanced,...

Celeron-based embedded computers.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Four new Celeron-based PC/104-Plus and PCI-104 embedded processor boards are designed around the ULV Intel Celeron Tualatin processor and Intel 815E chipset. SpacePC 1450, 1451, 1453, and 1850 CPU modules are ruggedly designed single-board...

Precision brushless motor control.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... MC73110 motor control IC with precision velocity loop for brushless dc motors is a compact and intelligent single-axis device that operates in internal velocity profile mode, velocity mode with an external velocity command signal, or torque...

Design validation software.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Cosmos 2006 design validation software combines new functionality and ease-of-use features to help companies perform time- and cost-saving analyses from a design's inception to production. Latest release is said to simplify design analysis...

Digital machine/motion controller.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Digital MMC (machine/motion controller) mounts directly in an MMC Smart Drive servo amplifier to control the amplifier in which it resides and up to 15 additional servo amplifiers. Devices are daisy-chained with an RJ-45 connection....

Protect sensitive equipment.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Membrane Vents Series HAP (Higher Airflow and Protection) provides higher airflow and enhanced oleophobic qualities. This means, says the manufacturer, that the "vents" enable sealed electronic enclosures and other products to "breathe" while...

Power-over-Ethernet switch.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Four-port Magnum PS14P PoE Power Source Convenient Switch reportedly is the first industrial-grade switch to offer an IEEE 802.3af standards-compliant way to power and connect small devices such as IP phones, surveillance cameras, wireless...

High-resolution inspection.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... ValuFlex borescope, a portable, flexible instrument delivers bright, high-resolution images of internal or hard-to-reach areas. Suited for inspection of engines and body panels in automotive and aerospace industries; construction equipment and...

High-voltage cable analyzer.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Fusion high-voltage cable analyzer is a fully integrated system that tests wires, cables, and harnesses for electrical conditions such as opens, shorts, miswires, and components within a cable assembly. Eight models are offered, with pin count...

Distribution box for sensor installation.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... D-Box connects computerized controls to sensors and actuators at the machine level quickly and efficiently. Designed to reduce installation and troubleshooting time, device can be used with 8 mm, 12 mm, or 8/12 mm quick-connect cables. It...

Servo driver for motion control.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... EZSV10 dc brush servo driver measures 0.95 X 1.4 X 0.6 in. (24 X 35 X 15.25 mm), smaller than a standard quadrature encoder. Fully programmable controller requires little or no tuning when used with most motors measuring less than 1.5-in. in...

Ethernet-enabled transceivers.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... ConnexNet line of Ethernet-enabled transceivers consists of rugged plug-and-play units that merge the company's RF protocol with the Digi Connect ME embedded device server to facilitate global networking. Hardware/software solution adds...

Machine-vision cameras.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... CSB4000 Series machine-vision cameras extend the scope of CMOS camera capabilities with ultra-high resolution, FireWire or Camera Link output, full-frame global shutter, and window of interest (WOI) functionality. Series includes two monochrome...

Simulator for safety systems.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Visual Flow simulation program, version 5.0, features enhanced Sim4ME thermodynamics, improved reporting capabilities, and more efficient data entry work-flows. Used in the design and modeling of safety systems and pressure-relief networks, the...

Combination insulation test, multimeter.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Model 1587 and 1577 insulation multimeters combine a 1 kV digital insulation tester with a full-featured, true rms digital multimeter in a compact, handheld unit. Device weighs 1 lb and fits easily into a toolbox or on a tool belt. Model 1587...

Multi-axis servo drive has Ethernet interface.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... AX2500 Series servo drive now has Ethernet interface. Model AX25xx-B900 is fully software compatible with the AX2000 Series and provides maximum output in a small space--suitable for control cabinets as small as 300-mm deep. Multi-axis system...

Software for control applications.(Products and Software)(Quanser Inc.)
June 1, 2005... WinCon 5.0 software for Microsoft Windows-based control applications is suited for rapid control prototyping (RCP) and hard-ware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. Software runs The MathWorks Simulink models in hard real time and allows for fast...

ZigBee in real time.(Products and Software)
June 1, 2005... ZMN2400DK developer kit lets network designers evaluate the ZigBee wireless standard in industrial application environments. Kit includes two 2.4 GHz serial interface boards built around the company's high-RF power (100 mW) ZigBee OEM module....

LCD panel computer for SCADA.(Products and Software)(Liquid Crystal Display)
June 1, 2005... ARP-2019 ruggedized panel computer for industrial supervisory control applications supports dual 19-in. LCD screens simultaneously with independent display content. Computer provides VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) and panel...

External USB device server.(Products and Software)(Universal Serial Bus)
June 1, 2005... UBox family of external USB device servers allows many standard, off-the-shelf USB devices to be connected, shared, and controlled over LANs/WANs and the Internet. USB-to-Ethernet interface makes it possible to link products not previously part...

Panel mount, multi-loop controllers.(Products and Software)(Ascon Corp.)
June 1, 2005... Range of industrial controls includes GammaDue Series panel-mount controllers in 1/32 DIN to 1/4 DIN size and DeltaDue Series full-function of multi-loop process controllers. DeltaDue control and acquisition modules operate independently or in...

Access guarding device.(Products and Software)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... PA4600-BB entry/exit access guarding device features "one-box" design with an operating range up to 8 m and response time as low as 16 ms. Low-cost solution for protecting equipment openings to hazardous applications uses two beams spaced 500...

Laser marking edible products.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Database Edible is a patented additive for laser marking edible products such as fresh produce, hard-shelled confectionery, and pharmaceutical tablets. Product removes the need for preprinted labels by allowing a safe, high-contrast image to be...

Low cost packet processing.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Promentum ATCA-7010 packet processing module is said to allow the highest bandwidth throughput available in a single AdvancedTCA slot, reducing the cost of packet processing solutions. Latest addition to the company's family of...

Integrate production, enterprise data.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Incuity Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence (EMI) solution is a second generation enterprise decision-support system for discrete manufacturing, batch, and continuous process production. Software integrates plant floor production data and...

Bidirectional wireless I/O system.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... RAD-ISM-900-BD-Bus bidirectional multipoint-to-point wireless I/O system brings multiple channels of I/O from up to eight remote locations back to one master station. Bidirectional feature lets these devices be used in monitoring and control...

High-resolution line-scan camera.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... Legend LS Line Scan camera is designed for applications that require high-resolution, high-speed scanning such as those in paper, printing, rolled metals, plastics, bottling, and textiles industries. Offered at a special introductory price of...

7-zone temperature/process controller.(Products & software)
June 1, 2005... CN1500 Series temperature/process controller puts the features of up to seven controllers in a single 1/8-DIN enclosure. Input type for each zone is selected independently. Scaling and offset allow current and voltage signals conversion and...

AutomationDirect[R] 2005 catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 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,...

A.C. Current Sensors loop-powered.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... The 420 Series A.C. Current Sensors combine CT and Transducer functions in one compact unit. These sensors are metal cased to resist RFI and generate a 4-20 mA signal proportional to the amperage input. Units rated to 500 volts A.C. and never...

Design guide for optical encoders.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... This Design and Specifying guide provides a comprehensive summary of optical encoders and their accessories. The guide includes detailed design examples with special attention to operation in extreme environments. It includes absolute and...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... 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,...

Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 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,...

FREE NI measurement and control designer resource CD.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... Up to two-thirds of your data acquisition and control application costs are spent on configuration and development time. The Measurement and Control Designer helps you step-by-step to quickly and easily select your measurement and control...

Precision encoders ...(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 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)
June 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...

The digital I/O handbook.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2005... Renowned technical author Jon Titus and the President and CEO of Sealevel Systems, Tom O'Hanlan, clearly explain digital input/output implementation from both a hardware and software perspective. This resource covers a wide range of devices...