Instrumentation & Automation News articles from January 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from January 2003

January Automation Excellence Awards.
January 1, 2003... This month's Automation Excellence Awards go to ifm efector's Controller-E, AS-i master and PLC integrated into a compact housing, National Instrument's Compact FieldPoint that takes LabVIEW software into harsh environments and Banner...

Intelligent digital indicator.
January 1, 2003... The DM3600 6-digit intelligent digital panel meter features TFML (Transfer Function Module Library) software. TFML allows the DM3600 to be instantly customized for specific applications. Status Instruments, Inc., 456 Park Ave., Scotch...

Industrial PC.
January 1, 2003... The 3612T flat panel computer is an all-in-one computer used for many factory applications. It features keypads, integrated mouse, an external drive, and more at a lower price. Xycom Automation, Inc., 750 North Maple Rd., Saline, MI 48176....

Photoelectric sensor.
January 1, 2003... E3Z-LS diffuse photoelectric sensor offers both foreground and background suppression. The background suppression (BGS) function handles applications where the background can cause false detections. Foreground suppression (FGS) is used with...

Microcontroller.
January 1, 2003... The C8051F040 is a highly integrated mixed-signal Flash microcontroller with CAN connectivity suitable for industrial control, smart sensor, and data acquisition applications on a multitude of CAN networks. A pipelined 8051 CPU, delivering up...

Proprietary protocols just don't seem to fit in today's automation environment. (Pool's Reflections).
January 1, 2003... Standards and protocols play as much of a role in industry as the hardware and software that mimic them. Standards and protocols are a good thing. They keep things in check for you, the engineer, who is applying the technology. In the past,...

Temperature transducers: with HART compatability; mount in hazardous areas. (Temperature Measurement & Control).
January 1, 2003... This family of loop powered MCR temperature transducers converts temperature signals from RTDs, thermocouples, potentiometers and sensors with linear mV characteristic curves into 4-20 mA analog signals. The family is available with HART...

Pyrometer: Dual Channel; optional RS-232 interface. (Temperature Measurement & Control).
January 1, 2003... The DCP Dual Channel Pyrometer with optional RS-232 computer interface can be used with both type K and J thermocouples. The optional RS-232 computer interface allows the recording of temperature readings and direct download to any PC for data...

Instrumentation modules: for temperature measurements. (Temperature Measurement & Control).
January 1, 2003... The DI-1000 family of PC-based instrumentation now includes the DI-1000TC line of instrumentation modules designed for temperature measurements using thermocouples. The Model DI-1000TC can be used across the entire spectrum of temperature...

Temperature transmitter: All-In-One. (Temperature Measurement & Control).
January 1, 2003... Type 8400 "All-In-One" temperature transmitter/switch incorporates a transmitter, indicator, controller, ON/OFF relay and Asi control in a single device. Designed to fit any pipe with 1/2" FNPT, the Type 8400 measures fluid temperatures from...

Listening to the customer pays ... (Temperature Measurement & Control).
January 1, 2003... Our vertical market customers are asking us to design and manufacture infrared products specifically for them," said Raytek Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Musbach. "An example is the new AutoPro[R] infrared...

High-flex cable: for harsh industrial environments. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The L-FLEXX 690 high-flex cables for harsh industrial applications are flexible, small diameter, 600 V/90[degrees]C rated, Polyurethane jacketed control cable. The cable is designed for applications that require long-life continuous flexing and...

Limit control: protect equipment from over-temperature. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The ETR-9040 limit control protects equipment, materials and personnel from over-temperature process conditions, A true back-up system can be put in place when this control is used with a dedicated sensor and contactor. Universal input allows...

Gas detector: H2S and 40 other gases. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... UniTox[TM] sensors employ a universal transmitter compatible with sensor modules for monitoring of over 40 different gases including Hydrogen Sulfide. The loop-powered universal transmitter is combined with different sensor modules specific to...

Accelerometer: adapts to acceleration ranges. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... Providing electronics designers with an economical means of sensing low-g acceleration, this manufacturer has developed a high performance, one-axis accelerometer with captive readout for the sensor market. The sensor system combines the...

Level transmitter: Smart, HART device. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... Model L4620 Smart 2 RF Impedance Two-Wire HART Level Transmitter can be used as a stand-alone device, can be used in conjunction with hand-held computers or configures and can be used with DCS and computer-based process control systems. It is...

Temperature sensors: modular systems cuts repair time. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... Sensor Box[TM] consists of a modular system of sensor elements, accessory parts and tools--everything needed for a maintenance technician to build a variety of replacement temperature sensor assemblies quickly and easily on-site. Sensor Box can...

TEDS PDA: read and write TEDS data. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The Model 400A75 TEDS PDA enables reading and writings TEDS smart transducers, using a Palm[TM] m105 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). TEDS are mixed mode (analog/digital), self-identifying transducers that contain fields that fully describe...

Pressure transducer: integral LCD display. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... Model 227INT pressure transducer is designed with an integral rotatable 3 1/2-digit LCD display for 360 -degree viewing and is available with an integral 1.125" Down-Mount "C" Seal or "W" Seal interfacing base. Model 227INT is intended for...

Data acquisition recorder: additional 4 channels of scope acquisition. (Recorders & Data Loggers).
January 1, 2003... The Dash 8X portable data acquisition recorder can simultaneously capture 8 analog channels to an internal drive at a sample rate of 200 kHz per channel and 4 scope channels at a sample rate of 10 MHz per channel for a total of 12 channels of...

Data acquisition system: for mobile PC computing applications. (Recorders & Data Loggers).
January 1, 2003... DATAQ-CF2 compact flash card turns handheld Pocket PC computers and Windows' laptops into universal data acquisition systems. It includes Pocket PC "Test Panel Software" which provides the ability to analyze, store and view data. The easily...

Ethernet-enabled video recorder: various communications options. (Recorders & Data Loggers).
January 1, 2003... SIREC[TM] D family of video recorders offers operational flexibility with various communications options, including Modbus over Ethernet, RS-232 and RS-485. The recorders also have embedded web servers, allowing visualization of the recorder...

Trends in recorders & data acquisition. (Recorders & Data Loggers).
January 1, 2003... To boost productivity, industrial users of recorder and data acquisition products are focusing on solutions that are easy to use and network. We are seeing users move away from paper-based data recording to electronic data recording, which...

Paperless data recorder: FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. (Recorders & Data Loggers).
January 1, 2003... The Memo-Graph S paperless data recorder is designed specifically to meet Part 11 (FDA 21 CFR Part 11) requirements. It features a safe, electronic signature with user-related ID/Password combination. Process reliability is assured as stored...

Wireless tank farm system: tank level inventories; no wiring. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The Wireless Tank Farm system monitors multiple tanks with a 7-mile radius from a tank farm operator workstation. Internet connectivity enables it to monitor the tank farm from any computer connected to the Internet or Intranet. The workstation...

Direct to PC wireless transceiver: with alarm I/O. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The TR400 Transceiver is designed for low cost, short range, medium data rate communication between two devices having Serial I/O and requiring Remote Control (on-off) of a process whether in a safe or hazardous area. The TR400 is available in...

Digital recorder: features hot swappable. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The TK200 supports up to 1.6 Terabytes of storage per module, for combined capacity of 3.2 Terabytes. By recording to one module and then to the next and subsequently replacing filled modules with fresh modules, in a hot swappable mode, the...

Shielded cable: DeviceNet network applications. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The 7896A is a "thick" CL1 Type TC DeviceNet cable that allows end-users to put more power on the network and realize more installation flexibility though a more robust rating. The cable is designed for cable tray use and can occupy the same...

Electrostatic transducers: for dusty, harsh environments. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The new open-face electrostatic transducers expands the range of applications of electrostatic transducer technology by minimizing the potential of dust and other powdered material from interfering with performance, making it suited for...

1/32 DIN controller: with analog retransmission. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The PXR3 1/32 DIN controller now includes 24 Vac/dc power supply and analog retransmission options in addition to its RS-485 communications, digital input, timer function, dual outputs, and programmable alarm options. The controller offers a...

Multiple loop controller: DeviceNet[TM] temperature control interconnectivity. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The D8 Series of controllers offers PID control of up to eight loops and DeviceNet[TM] compatibility, all within a 1/8 DIN package. Compliance with ODVA and Semiconductor SIG specifications make the D8Series simple to integrate into systems...

Open DCS controller: LINUX-based. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... SixTRAK[TM] open DCS, LINUX-based controller provides 5 Ethernet and 3 serial ports and advanced programming capabilities making it suitable for process control, SCADA or Distributed Control System applications. For most applications, no...

Stepping motor control: stand alone or interact with a PC. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The VXM is a complete control/indexer/driver/power supply with an RS232 interface and can be used interactively with a PC or run stand-alone. It includes a microcontroller that digitally controls motor phase switching and all other interface...

PID controller: with all red led display. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The SA201 32nd DIN PID controller/indicator with large, all red dual displays is designed for close vertical or horizontal mounting to conserve on panel space. The internal assembly can be removed from the front case for easy inspection and...

Embedded wireless communications system: with modem connectivity. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The radio-frequency based system consists of the XE 900 Smart Transceiver (ST) and the XE 924 Base Access Point (BAP). Together these networks elements provide a convenient and cost eddective complete netwrok solution to linking up to eight...

Proximity sensors: use ASIC sensor technology. (Proximity Sensors).
January 1, 2003... The 6.5, 8 and 12 mm diameter inductive proximity sensors are the first offering from this company using a new programmed ASIC sensor technology that will replace more costly IC technology commonly used in inductive sensor products. The new...

Proximity switches: directly sense metal objects. (Proximity Sensors).
January 1, 2003... The MK2 Series Ferromagnetic Metal Detection sensors are single component devices which sense magnetically conductive materials directly without the need for two separate magnet and sensing elements. Designed for mounting from the front or...

Proximity sensor: for harsh environments. (Proximity Sensors).
January 1, 2003... SUPERPROX[R] Model SM900 proximity sensor uses high frequency sound instead of light making it virtually unaffected by changing light conditions or colors, clear glass, dirt and dust, splashing food, caustic cleaning solutions, frequent...

Proximity sensors: air operated; no moving parts. (Proximity Sensors).
January 1, 2003... These two air-operated proximity sensors include one that is a no-moving-part air jet device and the other that is a magnetic actuated valve. The air jet proximity sensor is a non-contact, no-moving-part sensor, capable of detecting the...

Risk free level detection using proximity Sensors. (Proximity sensors).
January 1, 2003... Designers of storage systems for hazardous and sanitary media have struggled with safe, accurate means of level detection. Pilot holes for existing sensing solutions inherently pose risk, either by breach or contamination due to residual media...

Operator interface terminal: multi-vendor connectivity. (Operator Interfaces & Workstations).
January 1, 2003... The next generation of Allen-Bradley[R]'s PanelView[TM] operator interface terminals is called PanelView Plus and is a part of a unified suite of platforms available with Rockwell Automation ViewAnyWare[TM] strategy. This terminal enables OEMs...

Graphics terminal: Ethernet-enabled; object-based programming. (Operator Interfaces & Workstations).
January 1, 2003... The QTERM-G75 is an Ethernet-enabled graphics terminal that features a list of hardware features including a 640 x 480 color TFT graphics LCD (211 x 158 mm)(10.4" diagonal); 10Base-T Ethernet with TCP/IP support; touch screen with optional PS/2...

Operator interface: built-in Ethernet connectivity. (Operator Interfaces & Workstations).
January 1, 2003... The OP7200 eDisplay is a C-programmable operator interface/HMI that offers rugged I/O, built-in Ethernet connectivity, and optional MD and touchscreen capabilities. The unit's 10Base-T Ethernet facilitates remote diagnostics, control and...

Trends in operator interfaces. (Operator Interfaces & Workstations).
January 1, 2003... The operator inter by ease of use, practicality and low cost. Interfaces are becoming more common in control applications and users expect simple installation, programming, and maintenance. Users also expect added features such as recipe,...

Industrial PCs: for the factory floor. (Operator Interfaces & Workstations).
January 1, 2003... The KS Series of NEMA 4X Industrial Panel PCs offers a waterproof, corrosion-resistant, stainless steel chassis, with hard anodized cast aluminum heat exchanger. Designed for hostile environments, the KS Series includes options such as...

Metrology software: automated calibration procedures. (Industrial Automation Software).
January 1, 2003... MET/CAL[R] Plus Version 7.0 software suite is designed specifically for metrologists who need accurate, automated calibration procedures. Intended to meet the demands of calibration labs, it allows metrologists to conduct procedure development,...

EC 61131-3 programming software: makes distributed control easy. (Industrial Automation Software).
January 1, 2003... A fully-compliant IEC 61131-3 programming software tool is now being offered for this company's Programmable Fieldbus Controller. Designated WAGO-I/O-ORO 32, the software tool allows end users to develop PLC applications in all six programming...

HART configuration software: manage HART-based device networks. (Industrial Automation Software).
January 1, 2003... CONF401 is a configuration software package enabling a desktop PC to serve as a full-featured configurator and device manager for HART instruments. Designed to run on Microsoft Windows and UNIX platforms, the CONF401 software provides a...

HMI software: supports Microsoft Visual Basic[R] for Applications 6.3. (Industrial Automation Software).
January 1, 2003... The release of GENESIS32[TM] Version 7.0 of this company's HMI visualization and SCADA product supports Microsoft Visual Basic[R] for Applications (VBA) 6.3, used in Microsoft Office[R] XP, and includes several new product modules and over 400...

Trends in vision sensors and companion software. (Industrial Automation Software).
January 1, 2003... The trend in machine vision and companion software is towards smaller, faster, easily integrated, easy to use, and most importantly "reliable" machine vision sensors and software. The ability to tolerate real world changes in factory conditions...

Multi-channel recorder: records up to 416 channels. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... The DastarNet XE combines a full range of signal conditioning built to withstand industrial environments, plus writer output, real-time display and continuous storage to disk or optional removable drive with simple yet powerful software. ...

Monitoring device: for analog and digital signals. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... WebAlert[TM] is a stand alone monitoring device that lets users enable their installed process control equipment and provides on-line access using a standard web browser. Featuring six analog (4-20mA) inputs, two digital inputs, and one dry...

Flowmeter: for compressed air. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... Model 10A Compressed Air Flowmeter is designed for compressed air applications because it has a very wide turndown and measures directly in SCFM units without pressure or temperature compensation. SCFM is required to calculate compressor...

Industrial pressure gauges: from general purpose to miniature. (Product News).
January 1, 2003... These stainless steel industrial pressure gauges monitor vacuum and positive system pressures up to 15,000 psi. The product line includes a broad selection of gauge models and options. From general purpose to miniature, low pressure, and solid...

High-speed AS-I master and backlit LCD display can operate as powerful PLC or transparent gateway to a higher level network. (January Automation Excellence Awards).
January 1, 2003... ifm elector inc., Exton, PA, has announced the Controller-E, a high-speed AS-I master and PLC integrated into a compact housing. The Controller-E can be used as a gateway to higher-level bus systems or as a stand-alone PLC. Controller-E fully...

New family of I/O modules and controllers takes Labview software into harsh industrial environments. (January Automation Excellence Awards).
January 1, 2003... Compact FieldPoint, from National Instruments, Austin, TX, is a family of 20 I/O modules and three intelligent controllers that extends the reach of LabVIEW software to harsh environments such as embedded machine control, industrial data...

Full-function vision sensor is offered for under $2300. (January Automation Excellence Awards).
January 1, 2003... PresencePLUS Pro[TM] is a new camera-based visual inspection sensor offered by Banner Engineering Corp., Minneapolis, MN, that carries a price tag of under $2300. Like larger, more complex and expensive systems, PresencePLUS Pro captures images...