Instrumentation & Automation News articles from February 2005

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from February 2005

Vision Sensor.
February 1, 2005... The LightPix Vision Sensor provides 352 x 288 pixels resolution, network capability via RS-485 port, six digital inputs, five digital outputs (Sourcing/Sinking), and white LED light source built-in. No programming knowledge is required. ...

Wall-mount cabinets.
February 1, 2005... This line of wall-mount swing-frame cabinets suit both electrical wiring and electronics applications. Locks to the front and rear doors permit the whole frame to swing clear of the wall to simplify installation and maintenance. Six standard...

Microcontrollers.
February 1, 2005... The TMS470 platform of ARM7-based general purpose processors are based on the 32-bit ARM7 Thumb extension debug module multiplier interface core (ARM7TDMI[R]) and offers up to 60 MHz performance for general purpose applications that include...

Hot trends in automation.
February 1, 2005... This month's "Hot Trends In Automation" is all about Multivariable Transmitters. The article, based on interviews with experts in the field, looks at the different multivari-able transmitters, discusses the tradeoffs among them and between...

Genchi-Genbutsi.(Pool's Reflections)
February 1, 2005... At the end of January, I attended the annual ARC Strategy Forum. This year, the focus of the Forum was on "Performance Driven Manufacturing". The Forum gathers both suppliers and users under one roof to discuss the "state of manufacturing" in...

Multi-turn encoder.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The HMT25 multi-turn absolute encoder has an electronic reset capability. Unlike manual resets (buttons or switches), an electronic reset can use system software for initialization. This capability improves machine set-up time, especially in...

USB devices.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The USB-6008 and USB-6009 USB data acquisition devices, starting at $145, provide easy connectivity for data logging and environmental monitoring applications. Both devices ship with free, ready-to-run data logging software. The devices deliver...

Flow rate/totalizer.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The IT400 flow rate/totalizer offers pushbutton menus and a rotary switch to control numerical displays. Refresh rate is up to 0.5 seconds. The IT400 can have separate unit displays for flow rate indication and totalization, temperature...

Crane Scales.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Xpress Crane Scales, for material handling applications, have a capacity from 250 to 10,000 lbs. They have a 360-degree movement of working loads and wireless remote control for use in shipping and receiving environments where communication...

Flow control valves.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... These combination needle and check valve flow controls are typically used to control air flow from air cylinders, thereby controlling the speed at which the piston strokes, either while extending or retracting, depending on their location in...

Process Calibrator.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The MicroCal P20 Pressure Documenting Calibrator allows calibration and testing of pressure process instrumentation such as pressure transducers and transmitters, switches, relief valves, and analog pressure gauges. The handheld documenting...

Pentium 4 SBC.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... The PCA-6187 series Pentium[R] 4 full-sized single board computer has a 800/533/400 MHz FSB (Front Side Bus). It is designed with the Intel[R] 865G chipset that supports the advanced Intel[R] Pentium[R] 4 processor with HT (Hyper-Threading)...

PCB-mount counters.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The Model K192 PCB-mount counter is one member of a new line of counters and timers. It is suitable for portable devices, vending and gaming machines, printers, and copiers. It can be used for simple counting or length- and distance-measurement...

Enclosure air conditioners.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... TopTherm air conditioners, for electronic enclosures used in industrial and IT environments, keep the inside enclosure temperature at a constant, desired level, independent of ambient conditions. Other features include remote diagnostics and...

Strain Gage to PLC converter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Model 8555 DIN-mount Strain Gage to Frequency converter takes strain gage or load cell signals and converts them to a pulse for input into the high-speed counter of a PLC. It accepts a 0 to 50 mV differential or single ended signal and coverts...

Flowmeter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... OPTIFLUX family electromagnetic flowmeters consist of nine flowmeter models covering a wide range of applications in the water and wastewater, chemical, pulp and paper, and pharmaceutical industries. The models feature 3 x 100% diagnostics,...

Industrial recorder.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The [micro]R10000 is the latest addition to the [micro]R series of advanced industrial recorders. It features a large display and Ethernet compatibility. The recorder's large full dot matrix VFD display improves the display of measurement data...

Ethernet switches.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The EISB B-Line of industrial Ethernet unmanaged switches provides up to 24 ports of connectivity in a 1.75" DIN-rail space. In the same physical space, the switches can be scaled down to 16 or 8 ports depending upon user-application to enable...

Trends in terminal blocks.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... In nearly all types of industrial control applications, installed costs are a paramount concern with respect to terminal block decisions. Of course material costs are important, but associated labor costs should also be a major consideration....

Power Distribution Terminal.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... This Power Distribution Terminal can be used with this company's Power Clamp terminal blocks to simplify wiring when using large conductors to eliminate voltage drop in industrial applications. The use of larger conductors can make wiring to...

Terminal block system.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... CLIPLINE Complete is a system that allows screw clamp, spring-cage, auto-spring and insulation displacement connectors to work with one another via a dual bridge system which accepts the same push-in jumpers and accessories. The system is...

Screwless terminal block.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... This line of screwless terminal blocks include feed through, double-level, one-to-two connections, knife blade disconnect, and screwless ground terminal blocks,along with a line of accessories. Feed-through terminal blocks connect two wires...

Terminal blocks.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... This line of UL Recognized ceramic terminal blocks are designed for high temperature applications up to 1112[degrees]]F (600[degrees]]C) and are rated up to 65A. Compact and space saving, these terminal blocks can be used for wire connections...

Terminal blocks: the WKFN 1.5 Fasis 1.5[mm.sup.2] DIN Rail Terminal blocks are designed for space confined automation and control applications, such as CNC machine tool, robotics, ATE, material handling, cranes/lifts and industrial equipment.(Terminal Blocks)
February 1, 2005... The WKFN 1.5 Fasis 1.5[mm.sup.2] DIN Rail Terminal blocks are designed for space confined automation and control applications, such as CNC machine tool, robotics, ATE, material handling, cranes/lifts and industrial equipment. A key feature of...

HMI software.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... InteractX OEM HMI software is available in the latest version, Version 1.91, which includes ActiveX tool enhancements, a boost in run time performance and more than 20 updates to the free communications drivers with every system. There is no...

Magnetostrictive sensor.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... The Tempsonics[R] ER magnetostrictive sensor comes in a "rod and cylinder" style linear design for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder and machine positioning applications. The sensor is designed as a replacement for linear potentiometer...

Pressure sensors.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Series 121 industrial, dynamic ICP[R] pressure sensors detect very small pressure fluctuations in the presence of high static background pressures. Typical applications include the detection of dynamic pulsations, surges, leaks, water hammer,...

Accelerometer calibrator.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The VC 110 accelerometer calibrator provides traceable calibration of accelerometers for both sensitivity and frequency response. It offers measurement of frequency response, a built-in signal conditioner with a transducer sensitivity display,...

Digital multimeters.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... Slightly larger than a credit card, PM Series digital multimeters offer user protection with UL safety ratings up to CAT III at 300 V and CAT II at 600 V. The meters are 3/8" thick and weigh less than 3 oz with an oversize display. Each meter...

Flowmeter.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... This ultrasonic flowmeter is designed to simultaneously monitor flow rate and detect fluid temperature of water in a variety of process control applications. The meter measures approximately 4" x 4" and mounts directly in pipes that are 1" in...

What's happening with multivariable transmitters.(In Automation)
February 1, 2005... Multivariable transmitters--combination devices that measure several (usually three) process variables and derive an output from the combination--have been around for a decade or more. When the first units that measured differential pressure,...

Light curtains.(National Manufacturing Week 2005)
February 1, 2005... PSENopt safety light curtains and light barriers can be used for finger, hand, and body protection in a range of industrial applications. The muting function on the PSENopt--total or partial--is integrated directly, as is monitoring of the...

Foundation[TM] fieldbus cables.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... These FOUNDATION[TM] fieldbus cables are now rated for Open Wiring. This rating applies to standard 490 and 496 cables which meet the specifications for fieldbus Type A physical media as defined by IEC 1158-2 and ISA-$50.02. Type ITC cable, or...

Graphics printer.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... IPP144-40-G industrial thermal printer is designed for PCs, PLCs, DPMs, etc. and allows graphics or bar codes to be printed along with text in various languages or custom characters. Housed in a DIN sized metal case, this intelligent printer...

Uniterruptible Power Supply.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Galaxy 4000 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is designed to meet the stringent power demands of critical data centers and industrial facilities. Featuring Digital Power Quality Management along with advanced IGBT technology that eliminates...

Flat panel display technology, evolving like razors?(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... The sleek flat panel display is ubiquitous within industry today, having finally displaced the bulky CRT in performance, ease of use, and cost. But just as when safety razors (anyone remember?) were replaced by cartridge razors, the seemingly...

Touch panel computer.(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... The TPC-60S is a Windows CE-based 5.7" QVGA STN LCD display computer that can be used as a factory floor operator interface terminal in machine automation, intelligent transport systems and food manufacturing. The front panel is NEMA 4/IP65...

Touch computer.(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... The 1525L 15" Liquid Crystal Display, fanless all-in-one touch computer offers a choice of IntelliTouch surface-wave or AccuTouch five-wire resistive touch technologies. Integrated options include a three-track Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) and...

Touch screen displays.(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... This family of touch screen displays comes in three standard sizes--15", 17" and 19"--each with resistive or capacitive touch screen technology. All three models are available in desktop, rack-mount or panel-mount configurations. Designed for...

Digital panel meter.(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... Model LPM digital panel meter offers RS-232 I/0 and loop power capability. It can be used as a stand-alone or as part of a SCADA/DCS/UC system. Using nanotechnology and power-saving componentry, the digital panel meter incorporates an ASIC, a...

Outdoor Display Modules.(Special product report: displays, annunciators & touch screens)
February 1, 2005... High-Bright Touch Display Modules have been added to this company's Allen-Bradley[R] PanelView[TM] Plus operator interface and VersaView[R] CE industrial computer families. Designed for easy reading in bright locations and NEMA 4X rated for...

Color detection sensor.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The SUNX LX-100 digital mark and color detection sensor offers Mark mode and Color Mode detection with a 4-digit digital display that enables numerical sensing control and minute settings. The Mark mode automatically selects a single color from...

Servo amplifiers.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The all-digital Accelnet[TM] Micro servo amplifiers drive servo positioning motors in industrial automation. The amplifiers fit on the same printed circuit board as automation system interface, control, and power supply circuits. Compact design...

Constant Flow Valve.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Dymatrix Constant Flow Valve (CFV) is designed to maintain constant flow with changes to both up and down stream pressures and is suited for blend applications since it effectively reacts to supply pressure changes. The CFV controls flow rates...

Ultrasonic sensor.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This analog ultrasonic sensor offers accuracies of +/- 0.002" or 0.05% of range, whichever is greater, at 25[degrees]C. It has a built-in temperature compensation target that monitors and compensates for air temperature 50 times per second. The...

Pressure switch.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Model 1000 solid state pressure switch measures gases and liquids compatible with stainless steel and is suitable for industrial, hydraulic, refrigeration, off-road and agricultural applications such as boiler controls, HVAC, filtration, and...

Temperature controller.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Series 4000 multi-functional temperature controller features proportional temperature control and noise-immune analog circuitry to meet the needs of most thermal processing applications. Other features include filtered digital displays, 25-turn...

I/O networking adapter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The modular IP67 EtherNet/IP adapter for ArmorPoint[TM] I/O from Allen-Bradley[R] lets you share information across the enterprise, separate and isolate power inputs and outputs, and distribute I/O. The adapter features a D-keyed M12...

Portable chromatograph.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The Voyager[TM] portable gas chromatograph identifies common VOCs in air, water and soil onsite. It includes an analytical engine composed of a built-in three-column configuration and a miniaturized Photoionization Detector/Electron Capture...

Development platform.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The PICDEM[TM] Z2.4 GHz Demonstration Kit supports the ZigBee[TM] standard protocol for wirelessly networked control and monitoring applications. The platform accelerates custom design by providing hardware and a free ZigBee protocol software...

Check Valves.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... INSERTA[TM] ICT Thread-In Type Check Valves with external SAE threads can be inserted in manifolds, subplates, flanges or integrated valve systems. The design eliminates external leak points associated with line mounted check valves. These disc...

Optical switch.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... For machine and automation applications requiring a non-contacting sensor, the OPB200 Series slotted switch is packaged in an opaque grade of injection molded polyester, which is designed to increase the reliability by minimizing the assembly's...

Wall-mount chassis.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The IPC-7220 industrial computer chassis is a next-generation wall-mountable high capacity industrial node solution for ATX motherboards. Specifically designed for factory floors and other harsh industrial environments, the IPC-7200 is suited...

Weighing indicator.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The E1010 weighing indicator has achieved a NEMA 6/4X rating from UL. It is resistant to pressure washing, as well as impervious to corrosive moisture, dust and airborne particles and demands of outdoor applications. Housed in a stainless steel...

Photoelectric sensors.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The BOS 21M line of photoelectric sensors is housed in identical, standard dimensional metal housings and is suited for a variety of automation, assembly, robotics and packaging tasks. Dimensions for all versions are 42.5 x 50 x 15 mm. The BOS...

Power supply module.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The DLP-PU series DIN rail-mount power supply can connect two power supplies in 1+1 redundancy. Applications include process control and critical monitoring equipment where downtime would cause manufacturing delays. The DLP-PU accepts up to two...

HMI software.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Version 4.06 of Infilink-HMI[TM] operator interface software includes the ability to import windows from other projects, edit users in run mode, import animated GIF images and new telephoney and text-to-speech scripting. The Text-To-Speech...

USB-to-RS232 interface.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The E5805A USB-to-RS232 interface is designed for connecting up to four test instruments from the USB port on a PC notebook or desktop. It provides direct connection of up to four RS232 instruments or devices at baud rates up to 230 kb/s per...

Trends in pH sensors.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... Continuous efforts to reduce costs combined with advances in sensor technology support a growing demand for rebuildable sensors. Recent developments include robust, reuseable Ryton or CPVC bodies with interchangeable pH measuring electrodes,...

Temperature/humidity transmitter.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... The iTHX transmitter lets you monitor and record temperature, relative humidity and dewpoint over an Ethernet network or the Internet with no special software except Web browser. It connects to an Ethernet Network with a standard RJ45 connector...

Psychrometer.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... Designed for HVAC, mold prevention/remediation and plant maintenance applications, this series (Models RH300, RH350 and RH401) of psychrometers all feature simultaneous viewing of wet bulb, dewpoint, relative humidity and air temperature in...

pH electrode.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... The InpHO[TM] probe provides pH measurement with a safe, non-glass solution. It is suited for harsh applications such as salt solutions, viscous sludges and slurries, or wide-ranging pH, temperature and pressure environments. version suitable...

Portable hygrometer.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... The PM880 portable hygrometer has received certification from Baseefa (2001) Ltd. For ATEX II 1G Eex ia IIC T3. The PM800's intrinsically safe design allows users to measure moisture in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. The system...

Thermo-hygrometer.(ph, Moisture & Humidity Sensors)
February 1, 2005... The TRH-CA digital thermo-hygrometer measures relative humidity and temperature as well as calculates and displays either dewpoint or wet bulb temperature. Handheld or attached to your belt, the TRH-CA provides up to 40 hours continuous...

Level transmitter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Model SST submersible level transmitter offers a 0.69" diameter housing allowing the unit to fit small-bore applications. Designed with a 316 stainless steel diaphragm housing, the transmitter indicates the level of a liquid by continuously...

Level switch.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Binatrol[R] diaphragm switch is used to detect the point level of powders and bulk solids in storage bins. It can also be used to detect plugged conveyor chutes. The Binatrol[R] is flush mounted to the vessel and is non-intrusive. It is...

Enclosure.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This Euro-Cage enclosure, designed for critical applications, meets current IEEE1101.10/IEEE1101.11 specifications, MIL-Specs for shock and vibration and EMI/IEC rack mount standards. The D+1600 Series enclosure features solid aluminum...

Laser sensors.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The DLS-200 series of single point, laser displacement sensors are suited for thickness measurement, profiling, positioning and other applications in most industries that require a sensor with a long stand-off and measurement range. Offset...

Vision software.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The PresencePLUS[R] vision software suite now comes in nine languages including English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. This version is not limited to a translation of just...

Lab monitoring system.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This Networked Data Logger system uses a facility's existing computer network to deliver real-time, alarm, and historical information to any PC desktop with minimal wiring and setup. A centralized and fail-safe alternative to chart recorders,...

PMC module.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This PMC graphics mezzanine card gives system designers and integrators a way to include high-resolution 2D/3D graphics into systems that accommodate PMC cards, such as VMEbus, CompactPCI, and PXI systems, or even bus-independent systems. The...

Trends in controller communications.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... Today, FOUNDATION fieldbus is specified in the design and retrofit of major industrial installations worldwide. Leading global end users of FOUNDATION fieldbus now report significant gains as a matter of record. Engaging Fieldbus Foundation...

Limit controller.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... The SA100L 16th DIN limit controller with optional DIN rail mounting socket, provides circuit protection in those processes with safety concerns or where product may be affected in an "over or under temperature" condition. The SA100L is...

Temperature Controller.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... The RFS Din Rail Mount Temperature Controller is designed for electrical panel mounting, and thus has no integral display. Parameters are accessed via a Modbus[R] RS-485 network. Designed for temperature control in plastic extruders, injection...

Temperature/process controllers.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... Series M10, M400 and M5000 temperature/process controls fit 1/16 DIN--48 x 48 mm space requirements for thermal control applications including plastics, food processing, furnaces, packaging and environmental chambers. The M10 and M400...

Level transmitter.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... SITRANS LR 2000 radar level transmitter is now available with PROFIBUS PA that conforms to the PROFIBUS Profile Version 3, Class B standard. It can be programmed with this company's SIMATIC Process Device Manager (PDM) software for...

Submersible level transducer.(Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters)
February 1, 2005... Series CTU9000CS submersible level sensor offers measurement for low level ranges from 3.3 feet of water (1.5 psi) FS. Due to its outside diameter of only 21.8 mm, the sensor can be used in small-diameter probe tubes or tanks with small...

Laser alignment system.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The Rotalign[R] ULTRA shaft/coupling alignment system features a backlit color screen and backlit keyboard for any working condition, day or night, indoors or out. Intuitive navigation guides the user through any alignment task from simple...

Pressure sensors.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The 50S Series of amplified pressure sensors--from 1 to 100 psi--are calibrated and temperature compensated using ASIC technology. They reach an overall accuracy (including temperature effects) of +/- 0.5 to +/-2% FS span, and can be used with...

Interface terminal.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The QTERM-Z60 graphic operator interface terminal with touch screen graphics comes with one switch-selectable serial port. It can communicate via EIA-232, EIA-422, or EIA-485. The unit has a QVGA, 320 x 240 pixel, 256-color STN color LCD...

Computing Platform.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The SEL-3351 Substation Computing Platform is designed to replace office-grade PCs in substation environments. The SEL-3301 Protocol Gateway is designed for connecting older and newer equipment. It is a customized solution that includes...

Power supplies.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Designed for industrial and embedded rack system applications, the DRL Series of DIN rail-mounted enclosed switching power supplies feature a cage-covered package with snap-on DIN rail mounts. The units are suited for use in size-restrictive...

LVDTs.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This line of spring-loaded AC/DC-operated LVDTs is designed for dimensional or position measurement in automotive factories, forges and foundries (large shaft TIR measurements), metal fabricating shops, paper and/or plastic film plants,...

LCD monitor.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Designed for mobile applications, the LCD-702 7.2" TFT LCD monitor provides a high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and has an A/V input, two video inputs, a built-in stereo speaker, and a stereo earphone output. The brightness, color, and volume...