Instrumentation & Automation News articles from April 2004

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from April 2004

Web-enabled HMI.
April 1, 2004... G3 HMI Series family of operator panels offers up to five communications ports, as well as next-generation software and a built-in gateway to web-enable virtually any device. The HMIs deliver remote access, monitoring and virtual operation via...

Fieldbus Device Couplers.
April 1, 2004... TG200 Fieldbus Device Couplers reduce specification effort for systems integrators and wiring workload for field installers, by enabling fast and easy connection/disconnection of FOUNDATION[TM] Fieldbus and PROFIBUS-PA devices into fieldbus...

Vision Sensor.
April 1, 2004... The LightPix Vision Sensor can be used for color extraction and detection inspection and side and corners detection and measurement. It is an ultra-compact, Color C-MOS Photoreceptor that provides 352 x 288 pixels resolution, network capability...

Clean-In-Place sensor.
April 1, 2004... Model #3142B Clean-In-Place (CIP) sensor provides non-intrusive temperature measurement in sanitary tanks. The sensor, attached inside a welding spud via a CIP sanitary clamp, is easily removed without the need to disturb the mounting hardware....

Calling all risk takers.(Pool's Reflections)
April 1, 2004... Please stand up and identify yourself. Only "out-of-the-box" thinkers may apply. What I am getting around to saying is that I would like to hear from IAN subscribers on the innovations and risks you are taking at your manufacturing facility to...

Data acquisition boards: for PXI platform.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The XH Series High Speed Data Acquisition Boards and the XM Series Multifunction Analog I/O Boards for the PXI platform offer DSP-based performance and accuracy at a price starting at $795. The new data acquisition boards provide a glitch-free...

Control panels: Windows CE-based.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... A new generation of Windows CE-based control panels combines the functions of a PLC and an operator panel in one compact and powerful unit. By eliminating the need for separate operating and monitoring devices, a reduction in cost, machine...

Gas analyzer: with Foundation Fieldbus.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Rosemount Analytical MLT Multi-Component Gas Analyzer has built-in FOUNDATION[TM] Fieldbus communication technology. A component of PlantWeb digital plant architecture, the enhanced product allows users to view the process and all of the...

Pressure transducers: submersible.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The PXM79 Series of submersible pressure transducers is suitable for liquid level and depth measurement. Its stainless steel housing and Inconel diaphragm make it suitable for immersion in most industrial fluids. A 15-meter (50-foot) vented...

Digital pressure test gauge: accuracy of digital technology with simplicity of an analog gauge.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... The BetaGuage PI Digital Pressure Test Gauge combines the accuracy of digital technology with the simplicity of an analog gauge. It offers a menu-driven display, with minimal text and intuitive functions, allowing it to be used worldwide...

Pressure transducer: with 316 stainless steel housing.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... The P255 pressure transducer, with 316 stainless steel housing, is an upgraded design of this company's ceramic capacitive P155 sensor. Specifically designed for pressure measurements of 0-15 to 0-1000 psi, this sensor has a ceramic diaphragm...

Pressure transmitter: fixed range, 316 stainless steel.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... Model 831 D differential pressure transmitter has been added to the 831 Series of fix-range pressure transmitters. The Model 831 D is an all stainless steel transmitter for harsh conditions that is suitable for such applications as non-vented...

Intelligent pressure sensor: advanced technology, modular system.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... Type SDE1 intelligent pressure sensor and pressure switche is a low cost modular system for pressure measurement, monitoring and sensing. Simple commissioning of the sensors is ensured via simple menu prompting or via a new type of double...

Pressure transducer: carries an ingress protection rating of IP67.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... The Ashcroft KM10 pressure transducer offers compact size, over-pressure capabilities, all-welded construction and EMI ratings (100 volts per meter) making it suitable for monitoring refrigerant compressors in HVAC systems. It can also be used...

Trends in pressure sensing.(Pressure Measurement & Control)
April 1, 2004... Across many industry segments today, the rise of remote monitoring is dramatically increasing the use of pressure sensors for liquid level measurement. Pressure transducers offer an excellent yet affordable method of expanding capabilities of...

Free 2004 NI measurement and automation catalog.(Advertisement)
April 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...

Reduce costs with free measurement and control designer CD.(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Up to 64 percent of your process or manufacturing application costs are spent on system configuration and development tine. In addition to hundreds of development resources, the FREE CD helps you select the best software and hardware for your...

Machine vision and scientific imaging booklet and CD.(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... See how easy it is to create automated inspection applications. Request National Instruments Machine Vision and Scientific Imaging Booklet and CD today. This booklet covers popular software functions and how to apply them; product information...

Free 2004 PXI product guide.(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... National Instruments PXI product guide is a complete catalog and technical reference for building measurement and automation systems. The guide features detailed product information, a tutorial on the PXI and CompactPCI specifications, a PXI...

Free DIAdem evaluation CD.(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... National Instruments Didem is an interactive tool for mathematical and visual data analysis, report generation, task automation, and data management. NI DIAdem provides a unified environment for rapid transformation of test data into the result...

Data loggers: four-channel outdoor/industrial model.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... Two new data loggers have been added to the HOBO U12 family of high-resolution, direct-USB data loggers. The new loggers include the HOBO U12-006 four-channel indoor, and HOBO 1J12-008 four-channel outdoor/industrial that accept up to four...

Thermal switches: flexible mounting; harsh environments.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... Snap-Stats thermal switches are easily mounted to sense the temperature of pipes, hoses, and containers. Clamps are stainless steel and switches are environmentally sealed. Several switches may be positioned anywhere on the clamp, providing...

Computer-on-a-module: embedded FPGA technology.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... A new embedded computer-on-a-module has a 250,000-gate field programmable gate array (FPGA) that gives system designers the flexibility needed to add functionality to the resources already onboard. In many cases, designers can load existing...

Motors: 1/4 to 10 hp.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... Automation Direct has joined together with Marathon Motors to offer Marathon's microMAX motors. Ranging from 1/4 to 10 hp, the motor line is offered with dual 230/460 Vac voltages and a base speed of 1,800 rpm. When using a high-end drive,...

pH/ORP controller: single or dual input.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The W305 single- or dual-input panel mount pH/ORP controller offers the flexibility of adding a second sensor rather than a second controller. A simple sensor calibration process saves time, and the digital inputs for each sensor input channel...

Laser sensor: large field of view.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Big Beam laser sensor features a large measurement area that provides versatility when measuring width and height of solid and opaque targets. It is designed for fast one dimensional measurements such as on production lines. In operation,...

Vortex shedding meter: no moving parts.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The CoolPoint[TM] vortex shedding meter is designed for monitoring flows of water, water-based machine coolant, and water/glycol. Repeatability is +/-1% of actual flow. The flowmeter has no moving parts. CoolPoint is available in pipe sizes...

Photoelectric sensors: no need for external amplifier.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The ML3 series of thru-beam sub-miniature photoelectric sensors provide response times faster than 1 millisecond with ultra-miniature housings of 22 x 8 x 11 mm, making them suitable for space-restricted applications. Thru-beam models offer...

Videographic recorders: 18 analog inputs.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Datagraph II modular videographic recorders allow 18 analog inputs or a mix of analog and digital I/O cards. They are designed for monitoring, recording, and evaluating processes in a variety of applications including lab, chemical,...

Current monitor: self-powered.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The DIA53 Series current monitoring relay is self-powered and capable of monitoring up to 100 A ac with an isolated transistor output. In many applications, it is required to know if a load is active or not and provide this information to an...

Level transmitters: all-digital design.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The SureShot family of laser level transmitters features an all-digital design that uses an advanced timing system and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The transmitters let users select true signals, even in the...

Automation software: supports OPC specifications.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The OPC ToolSuite[TM] is an automation and visualization software that includes support for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2002 and 2003. The toolkit allows users to quickly develop OPC servers as well as ActiveX OPC clients that conform to the...

Industrial controller: integrate completely scalable PLC solutions into a range of equipment.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... The IndraControl L Industrial Controller works in combination with the IEC61131-3 compliant software platform, IndraLogic, to give you a integrated, completely scalable PLC solution for a wide range of equipment and applications. The...

Programmable logic controllers: now offers two temperature input modules.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... The DL105 and DL106 PLCs are now offered with two temperature input modules The F0-04THM four-channel input module features 0.1 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit resolution. The module automatically converts Type E, J, K, R, S, T, B, N or C...

PLC critical control module: minimizes time to detect unsafe process conditions.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... The eXcelerated Crtical Control Module (CCMx) is an enhanced version of the QUADLOG Safety PLC's Critical Control Module (CCM+). The CCMx features expanded memory capacity and is capable of scanning program logic 2 to 4 times faster than the...

Trends in programmable logic controllers.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... "Today's controllers can do so much more than the PLCs of old. For example, they can manage a variety of applications--discrete, motion, process, safety, etc.--which saves development time and investment capital. They also act as a data server...

Web enabled controller: monitor, control, upgrade processes via internet access.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... The Blue Fusion[TM] line of web enabled automation controllers now features a built-in web server that enables us, to securely monitor, control and upgrade processes via Internet access. Multi-unit expansion racks enable users to control larger...

PLC on a chip: can be embedded into sensors, drives, valve assemblies, etc.(Programmable Controllers)
April 1, 2004... The "PLC on a Chip[TM] is a single chip programmable logic controller which is easily programmed by EZ LADDER PC-based software featuring ladder diagram and function block programming. It can be embedded into OEM products such as sensors,...

Laser displacement meters: patented confocal technology.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... The LT-9100 Series of surface scanning Laser Cofocal Displacement Meters is said to be an industry first in laser measurement technology. The meters combine a patented active cofocal measurement system with a surface scanning mechanism to...

Trends in displacement sensors.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... Qualilty demands continue to increase. Greater precison and control will be required at every step of the manufacturing process because bad parts will simply no longer be tolerated. Sensors will be an increasingly important factor in achieving...

Displacement transducers: with integral electronics.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... The WA-Electronic series of inductive displacement transducers provides a 0-10 Vdc output signal through it's in-line electronics, Models include plunger and spring-loaded probe configurations. The transducers' design allows its package length...

Position transducers: backlash-free precision, M 12 connector.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... The LWG Series of position transducers with standard M 12 connector, combines linearity to +/-0.05% with resolution better than 0.01 mm. These potentiometric transducers feature backlash-free pivot heads to provide free movement required in...

Position sensors: programmable sensor set-up.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... The Temposonics[R] G-Series linear position sensors include fully programmable sensor set-up and complete diagnostic capabilities. In addition, the G-Series offers improved magnetostrictive sensing performance and is fully compatible with...

Linear position sensors: linear sleeve bearing for harsh environments.(Displacement Sensors)
April 1, 2004... Series 330 AC-AC Gaging LVDTs provide linear feedback in working ranges from +/-0.005" to +/-1.0" for applications involving rapid displacement changes such as part inspection, thickness measurement, creep or extension testing, surface...

Miniature web server: collects data from remote locations.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The PicoServ miniature web server is designed to "web-enable" both new and existing systems and equipment. Users can use a standard web browser to monitor, control, or collect data from remote equipment via the Internet or a local area network...

Test data software: reduces reporting time.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... DIAdem 9.0 is the newest version of an interactive software for managing, inspection, analyzing and reporting test data. DIAdem provides a unified environment for transforming test data into the information needed to drive engineering...

Flowmeter: connects to any alarm.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Tracer[R] Switching Flowmeter incorporates a programmable SPDT switch for connection to an alarm or peripheral equipment. The unit is programmed using onscreen menus to set high or low flow limits and/or high or low temperature limits. Any...

Customizable instrument panel: replaces up to four gauges.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The engage[TM] IV customizable microprocessor-based instrument panel can be easily programmed to monitor, display, and control numerous vehicle functions in a single integrated package. It can be used in industrial and commercial vehicles,...

Accelerometer: $89.00; sealed.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... Model 6050 vibration sensor or accelerometer stands only 1.5" high and is constructed of 316 stainless steel, with a welded hermetic seal and a 1/4-28 mounting stud. It has a 2 Hz-20 KHz frequency response (3 dB) with a 100 mV/g sensitivity....

Self-contained gage head: digital output device.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The GC-485 gage head is a self-contained and packaged digital output head. It is available in five bipolar measurement ranges with standard strokes from [+ or -] 0.050 to [+ or -] 10. The unit's single-ended 8.5 to 30 Vdc input and two-wire,...

Safety relay: switches up to 10 amps.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The forcibly guided G7S-E safety relay can switch up to 10 A of current. The higher rating makes the relay appropriate for a wide range of applications, including direct switching of small motor and solenoid loads. The relay can save controller...

DC speed controls: low input voltages.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The 123D and 13DV DC speed controls operate on input voltages ranging from 12 to 36 Vac and provide output currents ranging from 150 mA to 5.5 Amps (10.0 Amps with suitable heat sink). These controls are designed for applications where cost and...

Machine storage module: with integrated electronics.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Han ID-Module is an addition to the Han-Modular Series. It contains integrated electronics with data storage capacity of 128 bytes. The module provides non-volatile memory for decentralized storage of process parameters and coding of...

Flow switch: 1/10 GPM to 300 GPM.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... Model F-109 flow switch can sense or control adjustable flow rates from 1/10 GPM to 300 GPM. Used for machine cooling, instrument cooling, batch mix, and flow controls, this flow switch is resistant to shock and vibration. It is made of...

Accelerometer: self-amplifying, self-contained.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Model 8201 accelerometer is a self-amplifying and self-contained accelerometer with the output and signal and input power carried on a single coaxial cable. The low impedance output signal can be recorded directly on tape or monitored with...

Hart multiplexer: reduces power consumption.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The MUX2700G HART[R] Multiplexer provides 32 single channels for connection to "smart" transmitters or control devices, while supporting HART standard digital communication. It is fully compatible at the interface level with all previous...

Line-interactive UPS: universal input.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The SUP Series universal input line-interactive UPS offers an LCD display and an advanced two-stage battery charger The Series is available in 700VA and 1kVA models. The line-interactive UPS can accept a universal input. It will accept 120 Vac...

Time-to-digital ASIC: precision strain gage measurement.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The ACAM PS02 is a time-to-digital ASIC for precision strain gage measurement. It supports two full bridges or four half bridges to span a greater number of advanced scale applications. It provides low current draw and fast update times, CMOS...

Process controller: two-channel unit.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The 5863A CoMo Net process controller is a two-channel unit for DIN rail mounting that is operated by a standard Web browser via Ethernet on a PC or Web terminal. The unit accepts sensor data and can be adjusted to control and monitor a wide...

Data cable: exceeds SAE requirements.(Products News)
April 1, 2004... The DataCell 1939[TM] SAE CAN-BUS data cable meets and exceeds the SAE J-1939/11 physical and functional specification. The cable features controlled impedance and a high velocity of propagation at 78%. It is convolution-free with a round...

Industrial PC: for controllogix platform.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The PC56 is an in-rack industrial PC for Allen-Bradley's ControlLogix platform. Driven by a powerful 266 MHz Pentium II processor, the PC56 supports the many applications available in Windows (NT, CE, 2000, XP) environment. The PC56 is a...

Servo motor: 1 Nm of torque.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The SM3416 NEMA 34 size integrated servo motor produces more than 1 Nm of torque for low cost integrated motion control. Housed in a fully integrated package, with all the positioning electronics, driver circuits and the encoder built into a...

Diagonal LCD: chip-on-glass construction.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The F-51451 Series of 8.10 diagonal LCDs feature economical chip-on-glass construction, minimum 50,000-hour lamp life, and are available in two display modes. Applications include POS and price scanner terminals, copy machines, musical...

Machine vision systems: industrial plant applications.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... NetSight II integrated machine vision systems are designed for rapid deployment in plant floor applications. These robust industrial vision systems offer a range of advanced performance capabilities in a compact (80 x 70 x 30), cost-effective...

Ethernet Gateway: for foundation[TM] fieldbus.(Intelligent Field Devices)
April 1, 2004... The FG-100 FF is a compact gateway between four FF H1 networks and FF HSE. The FF Linking Device meets protection class IP20 and is DIN rack mountable. It is powered by 24 Vdc and supports Ethernet 10 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s. The FG-100 complies...

Fiedlbus segment protectors: for use with DeltaV system from Emerson.(Intelligent Field Devices)
April 1, 2004... These Fieldbus Segment Protectors, for use with Emerson's DeltaV system, connect non-incendive and general-purpose fieldbus devices to a fieldbus trunk, while providing short circuit and overload protection for up to eight spurs. They mount...

Hydrostatic level transmitter: available with 4-20 mA HART[R] Or Profibus-PA.(Intelligent Field Devices)
April 1, 2004... Cerabar M PMP 45 hydrostatic level transmitter with a sanitary tank spud can be used by the food and beverage industry as a retrofit or easy upgrade in applications involving milk silos, day tanks and holding tanks in the dairy industry. It is...

Stand-alone IP67 I/O: simplifies network and I/O wiring connections.(Intelligent Field Devices)
April 1, 2004... Fieldline machine mountable I/O solutions, with an IP67 environmental rating, can be implemented on a number of fieldbus protocols including DeviceNet, CANopen, INTERBUS and Profibus DP. Fieldline has been designed with the latest installation...

2-wire temperature transmitter: incorporates HART[R] protocol.(Intelligent Field Devices)
April 1, 2004... The Mp82700H Smart 2-Wire Temperature Transmitter is small enough (1/7" diam x 1"H) to fit standard (DIN B) small connection heads. It features HART[R] protocol; universal input (13 TCs, 9 RTDs, voltage and ohms); total isolation (500 Vdc);...

The true promise of fieldbus ...(Product Series)
April 1, 2004... As we in the industrial automation industry have learned, the true promise of fieldbus lies, not in one-time wiring cost reductions for field devices, but in timely and accurate information about the ongoing health and performance levels of...

Network converter: Ethernet switching technology.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The 302MC Industrial Media Converter offers the "state of the art" Ethernet switching technology in a unique compact size. Measuring two inches wide and weighing less than one pound, the 302MC provides a smaller footprint, conserving space in...

PC-based control backup: transfers data from one controller to another.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... TwinCAT Backup is a tool which allows easy transfer of all critical data from one PC-based controller to another. With the TwinCAT Backup identical PC hardware is not necessary. For example, on PC could have an ISA Profibus card or DeviceNet...

Pressure transmitters: for OEMS; 1.0 to 400" of [H.sub.2]O.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The 20300 Series differential pressure transmitters are designed as a low cost, OEM alternative in HVAC, pharmaceutical, industrial and wafer fab applications. They measure differential pressure in the range of 1" to 400" in [H.sub.2]O at a...

Level sensor: Ultrasonic; for harsh environments.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The LPU-2127 Loop Powered Ultrasonic Level Sensor is designed for tank/bin continuous level measurement and environmental monitoring in harsh environments. The LPU-2127 is not affected by the color/translucency, dielectric constant, specific...

Valve terminal: interface to fieldbus systems.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The CPX Modular Electrical Terminal is a universal peripheral solution designed specifically to serve as a means by which standard valve terminals can be interfaced directly to Fieldbus systems, or to implement additional I/O capacity in...

Vortex flowmeter uses Differential Switched Capacitor (DSC[TM]) Sensor Technology for advanced mass measurement of steam in one, easy-to-use instrument.(April Automation Excellence Awards)
April 1, 2004... The PROline[R] Prowirl 72 and 73 vortex flow measuring device uses a patented Differential Switched Capacitor (DSC[TM]) sensor technology for measurement reliability in varied steam, gas and liquid applications--as well as in hazardous areas....

Monochrome touchscreen all-in-one controller uses a single software package.(April Automation Excellence Awards)
April 1, 2004... Horner APG's new LX280 is the first touchscreen to be added to this company's line of Operator Control Stations (OCS). OCS combines a traditional controller, programmed ladder logic, operator interface, I/O and networking into an integrated,...

A new family of I/O processors, a new controller, and two software packages have been added to Opto 22's product line.(April Automation Excellence Awards)
April 1, 2004... Opto 22, Temecula, CA, recently introduced several new products for industrial automation--the Linux-based SNAP I/O family of I/O processors; the SNAP-LCE controller; ioControl 5.1, the latest version of its control programming software and...

Solenoid valves: integrated power management circuit.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... RedHat Next Generation solenoid valves integrate a power management circuit into the solenoid. They use 2 W of power and provide the same performance as a 17-W ac solenoid valve. Benefits may include low power draw, simplified wiring, built-in...

Operator interfaces: animation, trending in a small size.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 400 and PanelView Plus 600 operator interface terminals offer all of the standard pre-configured elements available with larger PanelView Plus models, but in a smaller size. The terminals provide users with...

Transmitter: pressure sensing device.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The Ashcroft A2 transmitter lets users select from a wide variety of configurations to meet virtually every application need for engines, compressors, turbines, pumps, and other common, heavy industrial equipment. Where applications include...

Ethernet rail switch: provides 14 ports.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The RS2-16M family of managed industrial Ethernet switches was developed for applications where the need exists to create high availability, Fast Ethernet LAN's with media redundancy. It provides connectivity for factory, process and...

Measuring/alignment kit: uses precision laser beam.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... A flatness measuring and alignment kit allows machine beds, rollers, web assemblies, x-y stages, and mechanical slides to be precisely checked to 0.0005" for flatness and then adjusted. The use of a narrowly focused laser beam and new digital...

Servomotor: increased power density.(Product News)
April 1, 2004... The TG2300-Series NEMA 23 Frame Brushless DC (BLDC) Servomotor offers peak torque of 574 oz-in, with peak current of 70 amps and continuous power density of 7.5 watts/oz for quick acceleration and deceleration of heavy loads at up to 7200 rpm....