Instrumentation & Automation News articles from April 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from April 2003

Touchscreen HMI.
April 1, 2003... The HMI550C 10" color touchscreen HMI offers 256-colors and a 10.4" DSTN display for a cost of $1,495. It includes powerful graphics capability and 8-wire resistive technology. Maple Systems Inc. 808 N. 134th St. SW, Ste. 120, Everett,...

Panel meters.
April 1, 2003... PAX Lite Series of panel meters are designed as a low-cost meter solution for those applications requiring only a readout. It includes features such as NEMA 4X front panel, 0.56" LED display and easy field set-up. Red Lion Controls 20...

Power Connectors.
April 1, 2003... A range of EPIC[R] Pin & Sleeve Connectors conform to IEC 309-2 standards for use in industrial applications. Assembly time can be in as little as 20 sec. North American devices are available in 20, 30, 60 and 100 Amps and international devices...

Color vision sensor.
April 1, 2003... The SpectraCam color machine vision sensor is designed for applications where small color variations are critical, such as individual parts in an automobile door where one model has several variations of white. With this product, the complete...

The buzz about Mesh networks. (Pool's Reflections).
April 1, 2003... It seems everywhere I turn I am reading and hearing about mesh networks. In 2002, this new wireless technology started gaining momentum and since then, the momentum just hasn't stopped. If you haven't heard about mesh networks yet, stay tuned...

Pressure transmitter: HART communications; pressure to 100K PSI. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2003... Model 970 lightweight pressure transmitter can handle pressures as high as 100K psi and features HART communications protocol and microprocessor-based electronics. This allows for simpler system commissioning and start up. Because HART allows...

Intrinsically safe transmitters: measure, display, alarm and output level, pressure and/or flow data. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2003... The FCX Series intrinsically safe, explosion-proof electronic transmitters measure, display, alarm and output level, pressure and/or flow data. Designed for applications ranging from natural gas to cryogenic liquids, communicate in both HART...

Pressure Switch: now with 4-20 mA output. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2003... The Ashcroft[R] N-Series electronic indicating pressure switch provides pressure indication and switch functions as well as a 4-20 mA output signal. By observing the values on an LED display, N-Series users can easily toggle between process...

Pressure sensor: non-clogging; with threshold detection switch. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2003... This digital pressure sensor allows for remote pressure detection and threshold response. It combines the non-clogging technology of this company's pressure sensor with the One Series Electronic Pressure Switch from United Electric Controls...

Pressure gauge: readings in hydraulic systems from 0-15,000 psi. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2003... The DGR-1 battery-operated (14000 hrs. continuous operation), high-pressure hydraulic pressure gauge displays pressure readings in a hydraulic system ranging from 0-15,000 psi. The pressure display can also be changed to read in bar, Mpa, kPa...

Trends in pressure measurement and control. (Pressure Measurement Control).
April 1, 2003... The performance of level and pressure transducers is often conducted by only considering static accuracy, but users must also consider the effects of temperature. Thermal error is usually stated separately from static accuracy; and must be...

Graphic logic controllers: flex network interface; deviceNet master capabilities and more. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... The new LT Series Graphic Logic Controllers (Types B+, D and H) join this company's previously introduced LogiTouch Series of programmable controllers. Type B+ is a combination of earlier Type A and Type PLCs with its built-in 32-point of I/O...

Programmable logic controller: now with local expansion I/O solution. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... D2-CM Expansion Base Controller Module is now offered for this company's DL205 programmable logic controllers. It is placed in the CPU slot of each expansion base and includes PWR, RUN, and DIAG LEDs for system status indication. It is...

PLC control software: enhancements eliminate limits on program and data table size. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... SofiPLC Control Software Version 3.0 software, an open architecture computer-based system, now offers enhancements that eliminate some artificial limits on program and data table size imposed by the logic editor. The company notes that this...

Micro controller: with Ethernet capability. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... The FEC-FC34 micro controller, with its Ethernet 10Base-T connectivity and TCP/IP protocol, offers the system designer the option to link multiple FEC-FC34 units for the purpose of handling distributed processing tasks. When connected to a...

PC-based control system: integrates sequence control, motion profiles and continuous process control. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... The Q Series Automation Platform is a system that seamlessly integrates sequence control, complex motion profiles and continuous process control. The system's capability puts a PC directly on the meaning that the full spectrum of PC software is...

Trends in PLCs. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2003... The convergence of PLC and PC based technology has spawned new control platforms that merge the best of both worlds. The Allen-Bradley Logix[TM] family of controllers incorporates multiple control disciplines and advanced IT based capabilities...

Liquid level sensors: with MIR technology. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Detector line of micropower impulse radar (MIR) liquid level sensors is available in two series. MIR-800 Series sensors feature solid waveguide rods. MIR-900 Series sensors feature fully encapsulated, flexible rods. Both series are...

DC power systems: modular redundant system. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A line of modular redundant dc power systems are designed to eliminate the hassle usually associated with combining power supply outputs for redundancy. It works by plugging in the two cables and connecting the ac input power and load. Input...

I/O modules: eight-channel with HART protocol. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Four new eight-channel analog I/O modules have HART protocols. These modules are specifically designed for seamless compatibility with ControlLogix[TM] and Experion PKS[TM]. They provide full analog capability and the added benefit of HART...

Integrated servo: for motion control applications. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The OEM Series of SmartMotors[TM] is designed specifically for high volume and price sensitive motion control applications. Like other SmartMotors[TM], the OEM Series is an integrated servo that is unique by virtue of its compact frame, network...

Can interface module: includes distributed I/O. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The FP-1300 CAN interface module allows engineers to expand the capabilities of CAN-based measurement systems to include reliable distributed I/O. FieldPoint provides high accuracy, isolated analog and digital I/O modules, adding direct CAN...

Inductive proximity sensors: for use with M5 connector. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Two compact 4-and 5-mm inductive proximity sensors are designed for use with the new ultra-miniature M5 connector. This sensor and connector combination is intended to deliver high performance in extremely tight mounting applications. CE-and...

Reflective mark sensors: with high resolutions. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A line of high resolution reflective mark sensors has better than 0.010 resolution. The compact sensors are suitable for limited space application in bar-code slot readers, time and attendance equipment, paper edge sensing, currency validation...

Industrial Ethernet switch: for harsh temperature ranges. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The EISX9-100T Industrial Ethernet switch can work in temperatures ranging from -40[degrees] to +75[degrees]C. The unit segments the Ethernet LAN into nine collision domains, acting as a "bridge" between data links to produce a larger network...

Digital I/O solution: wireless and discrete. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The RIO-24 is a ready-to-use digital FO solution with 24 bits in an combination of inputs or high-current outputs. The unit is housed in a steel enclosure and interfaces to a controlling computer through a wireless line, USB convener, or an...

Ultrasonic switch: with multi-point configuration. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Model LU07 MicroSwitch[TM] multi-point ultrasonic switch is designed to provide non-contact level measurement up to 49. Each of three relays can be configured on a single setpoint alarm or two latched setpoints for automatic fill or empty...

Digital drive family: high-speed motion control network. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The DRQ110EE Series digital drive family has a SynqNet[TM] interface. SynqNet[TM] is a highspeed, 100Bast-T motion control network that replaces the conventional [+ or -]10 V and encoder interface between controller and amplifier with a fully...

Copper conductors: tinned and silver plated. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A line of plated copper conductors is available. It ranges from tinned and silver-plated copper to various copper alloys that can be used in applications that require high mechanical strength from the conductors. Applications include...

Fiber optic sensors: measure temperatures from 250 to 1500[degrees]C. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... The OS1542 and OS1543 fiber optic sensors are designed specifically for use with the DP1541 two-color emissivity-independent monitor and the associated fiber optic cable assembly. These probes can be installed where mounting room is limited and...

Carbon dioxide sensors: use a modular optical-sensing system. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... These fiber optic carbon dioxide sensors are fluorescence-based optical sensors that measure dissolved C[O.sub.2] in beverages including beer, wine and soda, as well as biochemical and environmental samples such as freshwater and seawater. The...

Fiber optic sensor: with dual digital display. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... The FS-V20 fiber optic sensor amplifier includes a two-color LED digital display that simultaneously displays the light received value and the preset (threshold) value--enabling easy adjustments during operation. Alternatively, other such as...

Fiber optic sensors: programmable via pushbuttons. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... The SU15 Series fiber optic sensors offer glass or fiber optic cable adaptability in a 1/2" (12mm) wide package. Sensitivity is programmable by membrane pushbuttons or by an optical link. Other parameter such as timing functions, logic inputs,...

High-flex sensing fibers: SS jackets withstand abrasion and bending. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... STEELSKIN[TM] plastic sensing fiber feature a DURABEND[TM] multi-core construction and are designed to endure the rigors of a harsh work environment. These fibers can withstand snagging, cutting and abrasion beyond the capabilities of plastic...

Compact, "point-of-use" fiber optic sensors replace bulky sensors. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2003... Smaller, more powerful and more flexible sensing products have replaced large photoeyes traditionally found on automation equipment. Photoeyes were bulky and cumbersome to mount--often incurring damage from collision with the moving components...

Switch mode power supply: with predictive maintenance capability. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The S8VS switch mode power supply provides predictive maintenance to enable cost savings. The unit features a three-digit, seven-segment LED display that displays a lifetime monitor and a run-time monitor. The lifetime monitor shows an estimate...

Flow detector/indicator: with non-intrusive housing. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Using a non-intrusive housing design, the Solids Flow Detector (SFD-2) and Solids Flow Indicator (SFI) provide a signal indicating the flow/no-flow condition of solids and powders in gravity chutes, feeders, and pneumatic pipelines, Both use...

Adjustable Borescope: with a rotating lens. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Swing Prism Adjustable Borescope features a rotating lens that offers 50-degree field of view. It scans through both a 120-degree included arc and a full 360-degree orbital scan. A special control handle allows the user to adjust the prism...

Servo gearmotor: with low backlash. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A new servo gearmotor has a patented design that offers high performance, improved efficiency, high power density, maximum reliability, optimized heat transfer, and smaller package size for industrial applications. It features a low backlash,...

Monitoring equipment: for process machinery vibration. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A family of 4 to 20 m[ALPHA] devices is designed for vibration monitoring of plant and process machinery in all types of environments. Included are vibration sensors, signal conditioners, power supplies, alarm and indicator/alarm modules,...

Plastic enclosures: for the electronics industry. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The SL Series of plastic enclosures is designed for the electronics industry. It has a sleek profile and is suitable for surface mount technology. The design meets UL 94-5VA flame-retardant ratings and features a removable tope with insert area...

Inlet/outlet connector: for hot swapping power supplies. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The 4730 is an inlet/outlet connector that allows for hot swapping of power supplies to a backplane or rear enclosure. A cord connector with IEC C20 inlet on one side and an IEC outlet on the other prevents having to unplug the supply to change...

Panel PC: Modular, PC-based. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The ARP-1615 Cougar Series Panel PC is designed as a fully functional, compact industrial PC. The panel PC supports both Pentium III and Celeron processors for reliable and high-powered performance to tackle the most intensive applications. It...

Inductive proximity sensors: for use with M5 connector. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Two compact 4- and 5-mm inductive proximity sensors are designed for use with the new ultra-miniature M5 connector. This sensor and connector combination is intended to deliver high performance in extremely fight mounting applications. CE- and...

Wireless remote controller: up to 1,000-foot range. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The FST4/R4 is a four-relay wireless remote controller that has a range of up to 1,000 feet with an external antenna or 300 feet with its built-in antenna. The unit can run at up to 10 A for start-stop, emergency latch, momentary, and events by...

Handheld oscilloscope: combines oscilloscope, multimeter and "paperless" recorder. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... ScopeMeter[R] 124 handheld oscilloscope is designed for industrial engineers who regularly need to measure and check waveforms of increasingly complex systems. It simplifies detection of the signal anomalies, dropouts and glitches that cause a...

Temperature calibrator: high stability and uniformity. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Practi-Cal[R] industrial temperature calibrator is designed for temperature calibration in industrial environments. The calibrator is made of all-metal components and has multiple thermocouple connection outputs for added accuracy. The...

Plant Inspection Software: key tool to compliance. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... UltraPIPE NDT Inspection Data Management Software is designed specifically for use by NDT Inspection Departments and affiliated Engineering Resource Departments to reduce costs in managing inspection scheduling, test documentation and analysis....

Multimeter/IR thermometer: temperature measurements built into multimeters. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... These two multimeters offer a built-in, non-contact infrared thermometer. The IR thermometer offers a measurement range from -4[degrees]F to 520[degrees]F (-20 to 270[degrees]C). A built-in laser point targets the area being measured. Typical...

Trends in the pressure test and calibration industry. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Demand to increase throughput while minimizing capital expenditures for pressure test and calibration equipment has driven the development of automatic pressure calibrators with expanded pressure range and performance capability in a single...

Calibration system: +/_0.035% FS accuracy calibration of pneumatic field instruments. (Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2003... The DPC-30 Pneumatic Calibration System works with plant compressed air supply and provides +/_0.035% FS accuracy calibration of pneumatic field instrumentation including valve actuators, P/I transmitters, controllers, gauges, switches and...

Spectrum analyzer: PC-compatible, handheld unit. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Model 2650 is a cost-effective, handheld, PC-compatible 3.3 GHz spectrum analyzer. Weighing 4 lbs, including battery, the compact, versatile, easy-to-use, portable unit is suitable for use in evaluation of W-CDMA, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS,...

Power supply: operates in ambient temperatures. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The new 30-watt RKW Series is a low-profile power supply that operates at full power in ambient temperatures from -10[degrees] to +50[degrees]C with no forced air cooling requirement. The supply also offers universal ac input, compliance to FCC...

Flexible system case: with integral EMC shielding. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... RatiopacPRO is a new series of space-saving multifunctional system cases featuring integral EMC shielding. It is designed for IEEE 1101.10 specifications and to provide system designers with a wide range of economical enclosed 190 subrack...

Thru-bore encoder: with low temperature capability. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Model 260 Thru-Bore Series Accu-Coder Encoder is available with extended low temperature capability. The model's new option configuration allows it to operate in environments as low as -40[degrees]C. Featuring flexible mounting systems, the...

Power supply: with increased thermal performance. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The R65 power supply unit is a 65-watt single output PSU available in an industry-standard 30 x 50 footprint with a 30 percent increase in thermal performance for more reliable operation. The unit is designed for OEMs and end-users involved in...

Heat exchanger: water-to-air unit. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Model WW3500S is a 3,500-watt water-to-air heat exchanger for cooling electronic and electrical control cabinets. With its dual top and bottom water connections, this heat exchanger is suitable for applications where cooling capacities up to...

Force-balance accelerometers: measure wide inertia ranges. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A line of low-cost servo and force balance accelerometers, designated Series SA-107B, is designed for aircraft, industrial, and OEM uses as well as to meet the needs of the growing automation market. Adapted from state-of-the-art aerospace...

Switch/converter: remotely controlled unit. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The QuickSwitch Model 5191 8-Way Fiber Optic Remotely Controlled Switch/Converter acts as a signal source and prevents optical signal loss. Fiber optic-to-twisted pair conversion is built-in. The unit allows access to any one of eight fiber...

Force calibration system: for advanced material testing. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Dead Weight Force Calibration System is designed to calibrate load cells used in advanced material testing machines. It can be used as a primary force standard to ensure accurate load mesurement. Capable of applying forces up to 222 kN, the...

Small diameter probe: for high-temperature calibration. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A new probe is available for high-precision temperature calibration of small diameters. Part of the Series 12001 SPRT for temperature metrology, the new probe offers a 1/80 diameter with Inconel[TM] sheathing. It uses a proprietary sensor and...

USB controller: for LCD text displays. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Model JSB815 connects to any USB port and provides complete control of all LCD text displays that have the industry standard HD44780 controller. The unit provides the control and display power from the USB port, allowing a single small size...

Power distribution unit: 1u slim design. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The 852Q2J22 Interpower[TM] 190 rackmount power distribution unit has a 1U slim design and can provide domestic and international single-phase power to equipment racks. It offers 10 individually switched IEC 60320 Sheet F outlets and a C20...

Color LCD: in two formats. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A rugged TFT color LCD has an 8.40 diagonal display in both VGA and XGA formats for non-PC applications requiring outstanding front-of-screen performance and exceptional durability. Both formats feature an LCD panel, driver Ics, control...

Push-on connector: with twist-free coupling. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Brad Harrison Micro-Push[TM] M12 connector allows twist-free coupling of control components, freeing up valuable assembly and maintenance time for machines and systems. It provides IP64 protection for automation applications that exist in...

Data acquisition system: with DSIT technology. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Larson Davis DSS (Digital Sensing System) is a multichannel, multidrop, high-speed data acquisition system using digital sensor interface transmitter technology to optimize the use of digital technology in structural dynamics and modal...

Servo drive system: for large volume users. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The Intelligent Servo Drive concept is a package of building blocks that allows for the design of custom motion control systems for OEMs and other large volume users. The concept is built around a series of hardware and software modules that...

Industrial-grade switches: for integration into 190 racks. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A new series of industrial-grade KVM switches is designed for integration into a 190 rack, one unit high for controlling up to eight rack-mounted computers. The switches consist of a TFT active matrix LCD monitor with a 105-key keyborad and...

zzzzMiniature circuit breakers: supplemental protectors. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... A full line of IEC and UL compliant miniature circuit breakers and supplementary protectors are designed as an alternative to fuses in machine tool panels, industrial controls, and various automation applications. Designated the FAZ Miniature...

COG transmissive LCD: text and graphics together. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The F-51553 Series of 128 x 64 dot COG monochrome STN transmissive LCD modules feature a 2.80 diagonal area that can display text and graphics together. They provide a wider temperature range than other COG monochrome LCDs. They also provide...

Multivariable transmitter: HART compatibility; expanded measurement range. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... Model IMV25 multivariable transmitter is available with HART digital communications and with a low differential pressure range to extend its measurement capabilities. It provides differential pressure, absolute pressure, and process temperature...

Concentration/density transmitter: continuous, online measurement of liquid concentration. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... The DT301 Intelligent, two-wire, loop-powered "Touche" Intelligent Transmitter performs continuous on-line measurement of liquid concentration and density in industrial process applications. It consists of a capacitive-type differential...

I/O modules: with an IP67 environmental rating for fieldbus protocols. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... Fieldline is a family of I/O modules, with an IP67 environmental rating, that can be implemented on a number of fieldbus protocols including DeviceNet, CANopen, INTERBUS and Profibus DP. Integrated diagnostics provide local indication of bus...

Level transmitter: HART[R] communications; on-step calibration. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... SITRANS[TM] LC500 two-wire transmitter is designed for continuous level and interface measurement, even in the critical conditions often found in the chemical and hydrocarbon processing industries. It has HART[R] communications for remote...

pH, conductivity/transmitter: second-generation fieldbus. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... Model 5081 two-wire, ph, conductivity transmitter is a second-generation FOUNDATION Fieldbus transmitter that is available as a HART[R]-compatible two-wire transmitter. This means a user can completely set up and configure the instrument from a...

Intelligent field devices. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2003... What is an "Intelligent Field Device"? It depends on who you talk to? A device designed to measure a specific parameter and supply realtime diagnostic information concerning the integrity and performance of the measurement loop and a device...

Level transmitters: with broad processor capabilities. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... SmartSonic ultrasonic level transmitters feature a variety of non-contact units and broad processor capabilities. The units provide continuous 4 to 20 mA output and optional RS232/485 communications. BinMaster Box 29709, Lincoln, NE...

Level transmitter: narrow-beam technology. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The 2-Wire SmartSontic narrow-beam ultrasonic level transmitter is designed to be intrinsically safe when properly installed. The narrow-beam technology is accurate in even narrow vessels and flumes, problemapplications for many ultrasonic...

Linear motors: direct drive units. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... Platinum DDL motors provide enhanced performance in electronic assembly applications. Their design eliminates all mechanical transmissions, resulting in a compact mechanical assembly with reduced parts, zero maintenance, high stiffness, smooth...

Level switch: with remote chamber. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The L500C Remote Chamber Level Switch provides a machined, high-pressure "Bottle" housing for mounting outside the tank. The vertically installed device features an all brass or 316 stainless steel body with 316L stainless steel internal float...

Motor controller: in a small footprint. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The 371-0028 brushless dc motor controller provides 1,000 W of power in a small footprint. This servo-amplifier is suitable for closed or open loop velocity and torque control of BLDC motors producing greater than 160 oz-in. at 7,000 rpm. Input...

Flowmeter: uses time of flight technology. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The C-YD50-C compact ultrasonic transit time clamp-on flowmeter uses time of flight ultrasonic technology to measure most any liquid containing less than 40% total suspended solids or aeration. The unit provides easy and low-cost installation...

Monitoring systems: for process valve safety. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... ASCO Valve Monitoring Systems are a combination of visual indicators and network communcications designed to provide improved reliability and safety for process valves, while meeting the rugged requirements of the process industry. They are...

Ethernet switch: connects up to eight devices. (Product News).
April 1, 2003... The ToughSwitch is an 8-port Ethernet switch that exceeds MIL-STD requirements for shock, vibration, and temperature. The unit supports both 10BaseT and 100BaseT Ethernet and is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u Fast Ethernet operaion....