Instrumentation & Automation News articles from July 2004

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from July 2004

July Automation Excellence Awards.
July 1, 2004... This month's Automation Excellence Awards go to IMI Norgren, Inc.'s FD67 distributed I/O pneumatic system, Mensor Corp.'s 600 APC automated pressure calibrator and Weidmuller's WeiCoS terminal blocks. Go to page 20 for all the details.

Signal conditioner.
July 1, 2004... The sensoRAD[TM] system provides a dependable wireless link between sensors and monitoring systems. The DR9011 RF transmitter accepts analog inputs and switch contacts and transmits the data to the companion DR021 Receiver where the analog...

Operator terminals.
July 1, 2004... PMIvisu operator terminals are configured and operated using PMI-PRO graphics software. All common interfaces for communication purposes are provided. The fieldbus connection can be made via the internal interface. Units are available in 5.7",...

Data acquisition system.
July 1, 2004... The AstroDAQ Xe PC-based data acquisition system can capture 8 analog signals directly to internal hard drive at a sample rate of 200 kHz per channel. Multiple AstroDAQ Xe systems can be stacked for synchronous data capture of up to 64 channels...

H1 Starter Kit.
July 1, 2004... The AT-446 FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 Starter Kit is a complete solution for automation equipment suppliers designed to accelerate their fieldbus development projects. The all-in-one package includes all the tools and documentation needed to...

Real-time virtual chart display software transforms a PC into a virtual strip chart recorder.
July 1, 2004... The Everest VDiS (Visual, Display Software) is a PC-based strip chart display and analysis software package that transforms a PC into a virtual strip chart recorder. Based on the software from this company's Everest Telemetry...

Data acquisition system: up to 200 additional process variables.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The DAQSTATION DX200 Expandable model data acquisition system provides graphical display, alarming, and archiving of up to 200 additional process values sourced from external measurement hardware. In addition to the built-in measurement...

Integrated PLC/HMI: small and standalone machine control.(Products News)
July 1, 2004... The Telemecanique[R] TwidoPack for small and standalone machines integrates the latest version of this company's Twido nano controllers with Magelis[R] XBT-N, a tesxt-based HMI display. The TwidoPack combination starter pack is designed to meet...

Three-phase relay: switches three poles.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The new RZ3A Series three-phase solid-state relay electronically switches three poles up to 75 Amps (RMS) and can be driven by very low input currents, typically available from standard PLCs and temperature controllers. The option of built-in...

Ultrasonic flowmeter: natural and process gas.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... WideBeam[TM] ultrasonic flow measurement technology is designed for natural and process gas. The SonicGas[TM] field clamp-on system 1010GC is suitable for check metering, flow survey verification, and allocation applications. The non-intrusive...

Photoelectric sensors: suit specific needs.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The ML5 Series miniature photoelectric sensors have a sensitivity adjustment potentiometer to customize excess gain and beam characteristics to suit specific application needs. Technology advances also allow the ML5 Series to be manufactured at...

Digital panel meters: sunlight readable.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The Trident digital panel meters feature a user adjustable, sunlight readable LED display. With a NEMA 4X front, the panel meters offer 4-digit. 0.56" 7-segment displays that are adjustable for eight levels of brightness either from the front...

Miniature sensors: detect clear objects.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The OJ line of miniature sensors now includes models with polarized retro-reflective sensing technology that can detect clear objects such as glass, transparent film and see-through bottles. When paired with this company's 50 x 50 mm reflector,...

Oxygen analyzer: new coulometric sensor.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The DF-330 Oxygen Analyzer includes the new solid-state coulometric sensor. Measurement ranges from ppm levels to 100% are possible. In operation, a voltage is applied across the DF-300 oxygen sensor so that oxygen molecules can move through...

Wireless level gauge: no power, no required FCC operation license.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... JOWA Consilium US, Inc. has teamed up with Accutech, a Division of Adaptive Instruments, LLC to introduce the Wireless Resistance Transceiver and the Wireless Base Radio for level gauging. Customized for use with JOWA Consilium's...

Plugged chute detector: suited for heavy granular materials.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... This Plugged Chute Detector provides indication of a blocked chute. If process material stops flowing due to plugged condition, a switch on the detector will alarm, allowing further action such as alerting an operator or shutting down a...

Pressure/level transmitter: for heavy slurries, liquids and vapors.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... The PMC pressure and level transmitter features a flush mounting design that measures pressure of heavy slurries, liquids and vapors. The sensor is a ceramic capacitance unit capable of handling overloads of 10 times on range below 100 psi and...

Trends in level measurement and control.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... The need for tighter process control and a stringent regulatory environment drive process engineers to seek more precise and reliable level measurement systems. Measurement products incorporate an increasing variety of materials and alloys to...

Level transducer: with 10:1 programmable turndown capability.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... The Model 772 re-rangeable submersible hydrostatic level transducer gives the user the ability to turn down the full-scale output of the transducer by as much as 10:1. It uses ASIC technology to fully compensate for sensor errors due to...

Radar level transmitter: now with infra-red programmer.(Level Measurement and Control)
July 1, 2004... The SITRANS LR 400 radar level transmitter for liquids and solids now offers a infra-red handhold programmer that offers easy configuration and improved programming performance, claims the company. It replaces the previous optical-type local...

LCD pushbutton switches: RGB-backlit; integrated control electronics.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... The Third Evolution[TM] SA RGB-backlit, high-resolution LCD pushbutton switches with resolutions up to 64 x 32 pixels are designed for a variety of uses in control panels and operator consoles. The SA switches incorporate red, green, and blue...

DIN rail mount relays: switch high currents for a variety of input voltages.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... The 788 Series plug-able, DIN rail mount relays utilize CAGE CLAMP[TM] spring pressure connection technology for push-in connection of solid wire or ferruled stranded wire and screw driver actuated connection to all wire types. The 788 Series...

Pushbutton switches: panel-sealed; qualify to IP65 of IEC529 standards.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... The YB Series of panel-sealed illuminated and non-illuminated pushbutton switches feature a maximum behind the panel of less than one inch. Power models are rated 3A@125 Vac, 3A @250 Vac, or 3A@30 Vdc. The logic level version is rated 0.4 VA...

The future of circuit protection is intelligence.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... As electronic equipment grows more complex, protecting it from electrical hazards and reducing equipment downtime becomes more complex. A new generation of "Smart" circuit protection is emerging to address the changing needs of equipment...

Safety relays: for process applications.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... The PSR safety relay modules are specifically designed for process applications with optimized startup behavior approval to SIL3/IEC 61508. Until now, according to the company, conventional safety relay modules have had a very high startup...

Snap-action microswitches: integrated plunger configuration.(Switches & Relays)
July 1, 2004... The G3 miniature snap-action microswitches feature an integrated ramp plunger configuration that replaces the need for extra levers and can be used in any number of applications. These UL, CSA, and ENEC listed switches provide low operating...

Multi-function relay: maximizes substation capability.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The SEL-451 simplifies substation automation, control, and protection by combining the functionality of many substation devices. This advanced relay also reduces maintenance costs and enables the use of full substation capacity without...

Laser sensor: large measurement area.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The Big Beam sensor features a large measurement area that provides greater versatility when measuring width and height of solid and opaque targets in numerous industries. The unit is suitable where fast one dimensional measurements are needed,...

Data acquisition system: robust and portable.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The DISC6 is a robust, compact, portable unit offering high performance and precision, is designed for automotive, industrial, laboratory, and mobile applications. It is a flexible, high-bandwidth, front-end system for online PC data...

Flush mount monitor: with aseptic design.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The 2650AC Series HMI solution/Aseptic flush mount monitor has a NEMA 4X aseptic design to fit flush in the wall, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications. A passivated enclosure with beveled edges, and slanted surfaces prevent...

Cabinet enclosures: protect against seismic events.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... Heavy-duty Type 45S cabinets have a high strength-to-weight ratio to support and protect equipment during the full force of a seismic event. The Type 45S cabinets feature cross bracing, back stiffeners, and double-walled extrusions, able to...

Master alarm control system: for secure environments.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The MC3000 has been enhanced to support the DNP3 protocol. The MC3000 is designed for system control in a secure environment. The DNP3 Host protocol enables the MC3000 to achieve standard, open-based interconnectivity between substation...

Data logger: indoor energy monitoring.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The HOBO Micro Station is a low-cost, multi-channel data logger for indoor energy monitoring applications. Designed with a highly flexible system architecture, the Micro Station can accept pulse or analog inputs from a wide range of specialized...

Safety mounting accessory: din rail mountable devices.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The KF-ExDuct is a mounting accessory for intrinsic safety barriers and other DIN rail-mountable devices that increases packing density by 50 percent. The KF-ExDuct can be used in hazardous and non-hazardous applications. It includes...

Trends in accelerometers: primary trends.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... 1. Miniaturization/SMT 2. Commericalization of a wider range of active materials to make the measurements 3. Increasing interest in robust signals to simplify data collection 4. TEDS and "Smart" units 5. Networking 6....

Smart accelerometer: user-configurable analog and digital output.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... This platinum digital smart accelerometer supplies configurable analog and digital output of acceleration measurements in a 2 cubic inch rugged case. Digital output provides compensated and filtered data that can be streamed via RS-485 or...

MEMS accelerometer: based on MIL-STD-883-E standards.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... Alter rigorous and successful qualification, based on recognized standards, MIL-STD-883-E, this company has released for production a new range of high stability MEMS capacitive accelerometers. The SMD MS8000 series are available in +/-2g,...

Accelerometer: with integral cable.(Accelerometers)
July 1, 2004... The Model 786F general-purpose accelerometer with integral cable is suited for submerged, high temperature, or other harsh environments where the use of a connector could introduce contaminants to the sensor, It is hermetically sealed and rated...

Primary Calibration Services: for accelerometers.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... This company is now offering Primary Calibration Services for accelerometers. A laser interferometer offers accurate magnitude and phase response over a frequency range from 5 Hz to 15 kHz and measurement uncertainty of +/-0.2% at 100 Hz. The...

Accelerometer: resists high temperature.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... The 8765A50 accelerometer uses a new PiezoStar[R] crystal element that exhibits an unusually low sensitivity variation over the operating temperature range of-54[degrees]C to 165[degrees]C for improved preciseness. It is a miniature 6.4 gram...

Trends in accelerometers.(Sensor Product News)
July 1, 2004... "Engineers from a variety of industries increasingly need more functionality from a single accelerometer device combined with multiple functions in one package. This is especially important for small applications such as smart portable handheld...

Rugged industrial PC: use in operator consoles with flat panel displays.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... CyBox[R]8 industrial PC provides a system platform for industrial and machine control applications in harsh environments. Designed for use in operator consoles with flat panel displays, it features a solid stainless steel enclosure and an...

Single-chip microcontroller: for electronic flow measurement and motion detection.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... The MSP430FW427 single-chip microcontroller is designed for electronic flow measurement and rotational motion detection and can be used by makers of meters with automated meter reading. It combines all ultra-low power Flash MCU with an...

Pentium EBX computer: synchronizes data acquisition with GPS.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... Based on a flexible Pentium core, the SBC2596 provides a controller in the popular 8" x 5.75" EBX mechanical standard. Up to 32 channels of 16-bit A/D and four channels of 14-bit D/A provide a temperature-compensated data acquisition. In...

Trends in embedded systems.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... "Embedded host USB controllers enable a new era of consumer electronics connectivity for products such as cellular phones, MP3 players, PDAs and digital cameras. USB is an ideal technology because a very large installed base of USB enabled...

Re-programmable board: reprograms via USB for application flexibility.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... MORPH-IC[TM] is a re-programmable board which uses the Multi Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE) interface of FTDI's FT2232C to program and reprogram the FPGA via a USB interface in a fraction of a second, making it suited for...

ETX single board computer: development of semi-custom solutions.(Embedded Systems)
July 1, 2004... This ETX embedded computing board features an Intel M Processor with Enhanced Speed Step Technology that provides computing performance at extreme low power consumption. Supporting up to 1 GB of DDR-SDRAM technology, the memory bandwidth is no...

Back-pressure regulators: consistent back-pressure control.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... These back-pressure regulators provide consistent back-pressure control in a variety of analytical and process instrumentation applications. Available in a variety of piston-type and diaphragm-type designs, all models feature a captured inlet...

Smart TEDS sensors: deliver IEEE 1451.4 configuration.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... Sensors Plug&Play hardware products based on the recently passed IEEE 1451.4 standard for smart Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) sensors is now available from this company. TEDS technology eliminates paper sensor data sheets by digitally...

Wireless data logger: for any variable converted to V/mADC.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... Designed for wireless data logging and wireless on-off control for any variable converted to V/mADC, this TR550 transmitter offers (8) 4-20 mA inputs/outputs and alarms. It can be used as stand-alone wired data logger or as serial link...

New generation of terminal blocks combines both terminal block and plug-in connection.(July Automation Excellence Awards)
July 1, 2004... The WeiCoS (Weidmuller Connection System) combines both terminal block and plug-in connection technology. Prefabricated functional units such as lamps or door controls, mounting plates and switchgear panels can be connected to the existing...

Modular, distributed I/O pneumatic system is suitable for use in fieldbus systems such as DeviceNet and Profibus.(July Automation Excellence Awards)
July 1, 2004... The FD67 distributed I/O system is suitable for use in fieldbus systems such as DeviceNet and Profibus and is intended to simplify and reduce costs of the entire electrical installation of machines and systems in industrial applications. The...

Automated pressure calibrator provides eight pressure ranges in a single unit.(July Automation Excellence Awards)
July 1, 2004... The Series 600 Automated Pressure Calibrator (APC) has two independent precision pressure regulating channels. Each channel can have up to two transducers, and each transducer can pressure ranges. This provides the capability of having eight...

Position sensor: pressure equalized.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The LWX heavy-duty, sealed (IP67) position sensor with all metal housing features a pressure equalization technology to prevent pressure build-up that can occur in sealed rod sensors. The sensor operates in hostile environments where...

Inductive sensors: senses metal objects to 5 mm.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The Q18 proximity sensors join the Q-Pak[R] line of inductive sensors and measure only 18 mm(H) x 18 mmx 29 mm(L). Designed for applications where standard barrel sensors do not work, these sensors come in a one-piece rectangular housing and...

Wireless monitor: replaces wires for information displays.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The TFS Wireless Monitor system effectively replaces the cables for the keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) on a standard PC with a wireless RF communications link. A wireless transmitter is connected to the PC through standard analog VGA,...

Process panel meter: performs high speed math functions.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The PAXDP Dual Process Input Meter is a two-in-one process solution that lets users monitor, scale and display two independent input sources, perform a high-speed math function on the input values, and display the resulting value. It van be set...

Standarized cable: for sensors and actuators.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... A line of high quality, expanded range standardized cable types is designed for sensors and actuators. With five cable types available, and available in yellow, all applications from standard PVC to robotic cables for 360-degree rotation are...

Servo system: pre-programmed touch screen interface.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... PosiDrive[R] pre-programmed servo systems simplify conversion to servodrive, allowing plug-and-play application. There is a multi-axis option that enables up to eight drives to be controlled by one interface. The PosiDrive system features a...

Differential pressure gauge: high S.W.P (3000 PSI); low DP range (0-20" H20).(Product News)
July 1, 2004... Model 142 differential pressure gauge uses a diaphragm to provide complete high side and low side isolation i.e. zero leakage). It extends the differential pressure range down to 020" [H.sub.2]) with accuracy below 0-400" [H.sub.2]O. This...

Infrared sensor: non-contact; portable.(Product News)
July 1, 2004... The LTM-100 non-contact temperature sensor measures temperature in one second and monitors the temperature by holding the measurement button down. The sensor is designed for applications where contact may cause contamination, the operator may...