Instrumentation & Automation News articles from June 2002

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from June 2002

Enclosures.
June 1, 2002... Ten new enclosure models have been added to the INLINE[R] Instrumentation Enclosure Series. The enclosures are designed to meet the specifications of new I/O devices including Allen Bradley Point I/O. Enclosures are available in five widths...

Servo motor controller/amplifier.
June 1, 2002... The S100 low cost, stand-alone servo motor controller/amplifier is one of a family of modules designed to control position, velocity and torque of dc brush type motors using a 16-bit microprocessor with a 200 microsecond update rate. The S100...

AC/DC instrumentation power supplies.
June 1, 2002... DMS-PS-CM Series of AC/DC instrumentation power supplies are suited for driving modern transducers, digital panel meters, operational amplifiers, and data-acquisition components in complex, multiple-instrument applications. These power supplies...

Defending the medium, marketing in a down economy. (Pool's Reflections).
June 1, 2002... It seems to be a year of nostalgia. American Bandstand celebrates its 50th Anniversary, NBC--its 75th and IAN--its 50th. All media has changed over the years but a lot has remained the same. Each month in this column, I talk about events and...

Oscilloscope families: for electronic design. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The TDS2CMA communications module extends functionality by enabling communication with other instruments, peripherals, or systems through RS-232, GPIB, or a parallel printer port. An operator training kit provides education about the features...

Infrared thermometer: for dangerous contact areas. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Created to meet the needs of electrical, process, plant maintenance, facility maintenance, HV AC/R, and automotive professional, this infrared thermometer features a laser beam for easy aiming and is ideal for measuring rotating, electrically...

IP Transmitter: programmable. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The IP[X.sup.2] Programmable Current-to-Pressure (I/P) Transmitter converts a current signal to a pneumatic signal allowing an electronic based system such as a DCS, PLC, or PC to control a pneumatic actuator, valver or damper drive. The...

Temperature and process controllers: available in three models. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Available models for the temperature and process controllers include a limit controller with two mechanical relays and universal inputs, a temperature controller with two mechanical relays, one 4-20 mA output and thermocouple and RTD imputs;...

RF/Serial Transceivers: for wireless communication. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Series TR300 RF/Serial Transceivers are designed for plug&play applications of PC to PC wireless communication. Its housing is designed to attch to the wall of a monitor and connect directly to the DB9 Serial Port of the PC. The screw-in...

Flow switch: more physically robust. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The FS-4 flow switch has been re, designed to be more physically robust, ensure better set point consistency and improve environmental moisture resistance. Molded from high-performance Ryton[R], the FS-4 now has robust inlet/outlet port hubs. A...

Linear motor: high foce per volume. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The 4020-2 direct drive brushless DC motor incorporates the key elements of this company's tubular linear motor design which includes a single integral linear moving shaft. The simple rotor structure of alternating polarity neodymium-iron-boron...

Color sensor: with three color recognition. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The BFS-26K color sensor uses an optoelectronic sensor that has a unique receiver to measure the red/green/blue component of the reflected light in a single processing step. Its integrated, pulsed white light source eliminates the need for...

AS interface bus connection: for all-in-one sensing package. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... An AS-interface (AS-I) bus connection has been added to the company's line pf flow, level, pressure and temperature transmitters/switches. The AS-I is a two-wire cabling method that carries power and data to multiple process points. Its...

Programmable controllers: include Web browser interface capabilities. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Users of the PLC-5[R] product line can now more easily view, access and manage process data, as a result of new Web browser interface capabilities. Enhancements to the Ethernet PLC-5 controller line provide a built-in, HTML-based human machine...

Pressure switch/gage/transmitter: menu driven; several ranges. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The SGT[R] electronic pressure instrument functions as a dual set point switch with adjustable deadbands, a gage with continous indication up to 150% URL, and an analog 4 to 20 mA transmitter with 5:1 turnsown. Intuitive and descriptive menu...

Pendant Station Controller: eliminates cables and cords. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Pendant Station (PS) Controllers have been designed to provide safe, efficient and accurate control of overhead cranes. They incorporate remote control technology inside a modern ergonomic pendant controller. The unit is ragged, lightweight and...

Noise Immune Capacitive Sensor: immune to industrial noise. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... These Noise Immune Capacitive Sensor or "BCF" sensors incorporate a filter principle that makes them immune to most industrial noise. This principle involves a fixed oscillator frequency combined with a rectifier filter. The fixed oscillator...

Proximity switch: ferrous-only. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This ferrous-only proximity switch features a multi-coil design that provides greater stability and the longest sensing range in the market, claims the company. The new switch, part of this company's metlworking product line, offers tree...

Pressure/temperature data logger: with software for reporting. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The Ebro[R] data logger records pressure and temperature regardless of humid or freezing conditions and can also record during a process, in transport or in storage. Software produces user-friendly reports. Available in a stainless steel...

Integrated radio and I/O module: designed to eliminate cable and conduit. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The MCR-RAD utilizes spread spectrum frequency hopping techniques to guarantee a license free, interference free link between remote devices and the control room. Costly cable and conduit runs on new projects or retrofitting of existing systems...

Computer Workstation: pre-assembled; seven sizes. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Based on the design of the PROLINE[R] Modular Enclosure, this company is now offering the PROLINE Gold Series Computer Workstation Enclosure. The full-featured, pre-assembled enclosure is designed to protect computer systems in industrial...

I/O modules: with front accessible rotary addresing switches. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The new line of DeviceNet[TM] I/O modules features front-accessible rotary addressing switches and features M12 connectors. These blocks are configured to handle either 816 inputs (PNP or NPN) or 8 outputs, with an output rating of 2 A per port...

Radar Level Gauge: suitable for both safe and hazardous areas. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The BM 702 Radar Level Gauge is suitable for Division 1 (intrinsically safe) and Division 2 (non-incendive--no barrier required) hazardous areas as follows: Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D....

Portable PLC: for test labs. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The OM-LMPLC is a flexible I/O controller that is designed for test labs performing on/off cycling tests. All user interactions occur through the front panel of the OM-LMPLC. The front panel has only two buttons, a key switch, a connector and a...

Hybrid stepping motors: available in two frame sizes. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The PK Series miniature stepping motors are currently available in two frame sizes: 1.1" squared and 1.38" squared. The 1.1" squared frame size produces high torque density and is available in lengths of 1.26", 1.57" and 2.03". These motors...

Microprocessor based controller: for web control. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The Dancer control system is a microprocessor based controller designed for high precision and easy operation. It feature a PC based setup and calibration that eliminates potentiometer adjustments. Other features include the RSD 100 digital...

Subminiature pressure transducers: for general purpose applications. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The Smart Transducer Series offers Robitech, Inc. 240 Andover St., Wilmington, MA 01887. 978-657-6143. www.robitech.com Reply #232 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Rugged LCD displays: withstand shock and vibration; sunlight readable. (Operator Interfaces).
June 1, 2002... GDR series flat panel displays, available in 12.1" and 15.1" sizes, offer a brightness from 250 nits to sunlight readable 800 nits and shrug off 1 g vibration at frequencies from 5 to 150 Hz and 18 g shock. Front panels on all models are sealed...

Operator interface: open platform; industrial environments. (Operator Interfaces).
June 1, 2002... The PanelMate ePro operator interface offers an open platform in a ruggedized industrial package. Ethernet connectivity and OPC client/server support allow ePro to communicate using various protocols, including Allen-Bradley, GE, Modbus,...

Web-enabled embedded controller: web page server; GUI; and touchscreen. (Operator Interfaces).
June 1, 2002... The EtherSmart[TM] Controller incorporates an Internet-ready embedded micro-controller, a 1/4 VGA display/touchscreen and an operator interface in one compact unit. The operator interface features a GUI Builder for rapid screen development. The...

Industrial workstation: 15" 200 nit display; waterproof touch pad. (Operator Interfaces).
June 1, 2002... The TL-WS 815 industrial workstation is equipped with a 15" high brightness TFT LCD (1024x768 resolution at 36 bits color), which is dust/water resistant and compliant with the NEMA 4/IP 65 protection. Features include a waterproof touch pad...

Operator interface quandary. (Operator Interfaces).
June 1, 2002... With the plethora of hardware and software options on the market today, it is no wonder the customer is confused when shopping for an operator interface terminal. After answering the all-important build vs. buy question he/she is faced with...

Counter/timer/clock: single mainframe covers most applications. (Counters, Timers & Totalizers).
June 1, 2002... Model 270 predetermined, presettable, quadrature input up/down counter, timer and clock with RS232/422 is a versatile instrument offering a plug-in modular concept for DPM's. A single mainframe covers most applications. Priced at $125 in...

Timer/counter: replaces 2/3 standard timers in one unit. (Counters, Timers & Totalizers).
June 1, 2002... Model 385 controller incorporates three easily set preset times or counts with a built in totalizer that accumulates the number of completed cycles. This design with its dual DPDT relays can replace two or three standard timers in one unit. An...

Counters/timers: for space constrained applications. (Counters, Timers & Totalizers).
June 1, 2002... The Veeder-Root MicroMITE Series sub-miniature counters, timers and panel meters feature terminals for panel and circuit board mounting and a remote reset input. MicroMITE counters come in three models measuring from 0.7 x 1.08" to 0.96" x...

Timers: with power relay output. (Counters, Timers & Totalizers).
June 1, 2002... The TG Series timing controls now have relay output ratings up to 20 amps/1.5 hp or 30 amps SPST or SPDT Timing function options include: delay on make, delay on break, interval recycle, single shot, anti-short cycle and custom controls. Any...

Functionality and delivery drive innovation. (Counters, Timers & Totalizers).
June 1, 2002... OEM's and system integrators are insisting on increased timer and counter functionality, smaller, lower cost designs and shorter lead times. In reaction suppliers offer universal, multifunction timers & counters. The extra, unused functions...

Flow switch: detects liquid and gaseous flow. (Flow Sensors).
June 1, 2002... The T21 thermal differential switch, capable of monitoring flow, detects liquid and gaseous flow. Available in SS316L and Hastelloy C with insertion lengths from 2 to 120", it can monitor flows as low as 0.5 ft/sec (for gases). The unit can be...

Flow transmitter: automatic scaling of analog output. (Flow Sensors).
June 1, 2002... The SI1004 flow transmitter is designed for most liquid and gas applications. The sensor provides automatic scaling which, with the push of a button, adjusts the unit's 4 to 20 mA output to the low and high flow values in a user's application....

Flow switch: physically robust; moisture resistant. (Flow Sensors).
June 1, 2002... Design changes have been made to Gems' FS-4 flow switches. Molded of high performance Rytron[R]R4 plastic, the switch now has more robust inlet/outlet port hubs. A more uniform thickness around the internal port threads enables the FS-4 to...

Turbine flow switch: low flow dosing, batching applications. (Flow Sensors).
June 1, 2002... Engineered specifically for use in low flow, small dimension applications, the 2100 turbine sensor provides accurate readings in two flow ranges, 0.1 to 1 gpm, and 0.8 to 10 gpm. The injection-molded PVDF body and ceramic bearings provide...

Multivariable vortex flowmeters offer low cost-of-ownership. (Flow Sensors).
June 1, 2002... Using cost-of-ownership rather than initial cost of an instrument as the selection criteria for flowmeters improves profitability. The growing popularity of multivariable vortex flowmeters can be attributed to this decision-making practice....

Engineering tools and motion modem modules: add power and performance to Micro PLCS. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The EM241 Modem Module expands the functionality of the S7-200 Micro PLC. The EM253 Position Module is an S7-200 special function module that generates the pulse trains used for open loop control of the speed and position for stepper motors or...

DC speed control: with closed loop feedback. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The MD Series MICRO-DRIVE is a compact, programmable DC speed control, with digital closed loop feedback and LED display for motors rated ti 2 Hp. The MD Series digital closed loop drive system can control speed to [+ or -]0.5 rpm of set speed,...

Thermal flow transmitter: for air and gas flow applications. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The TA2 Thermal Dispersion Mass Flow Transmitter for air and gas flow applications uses a compact integral explosion proof electronics. The instrument is designed to meet the needs of the process industry. A display provides measurement of the...

Relay modules: take up less panel space. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The new MICROSERIES relay modules feature a width of 6.1 mm and require very little space on the TS35 DIN rail. They offer a choice of connection technologies and a release and retaining mechanism for quick and easy wiring, mounting and...

DIN controller: with DIN rail mounting socket. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The SA100 16th DIN controller with an optional DIN rail mounting scket allows for quick and easy mounting. Maintenance is simple as the unit can be separated from the socket. It has two methods of determining PID constants. Self-tuning monitors...

Positioning system: provides point to point moves. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... ZeroTrack is an integrated linear motion system. The ZT2 is a 2" travel stage which provides point to point moves of 5 nanometer and ultra smooth move velocities. It uses a linear encoder, a low power zero backlash drive and kinematic linear...

Portable stroboscope: for diagnostic inspection. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The Palm Strobe is a digital stoboscope featuring a removable, recharable battery pack and provides apparent stopped motion for diagnostic inspection of rotating or reciprocating machinery. Plam Strobe provides resolution of 0.1 RPM and...

Pressure switches: for hazardous locations. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The 9600 Series explosion proof compact switches meet product requirements for hazardous and volatile locations. They are intended for use in Division 1, Class 1 and Class 11 hazardous and volatile locations. Capable of handling high pressures,...

Magnetic encoder: for harsh environments. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2002... The Series EK6210 line of magnetic encoder kits, for large shaft, high performance applications in harsh environment, is typically used in vector control of ac motors engine testing, machine tool spindles, and sensing and positioning of large...

AC Inverter: for tough washdown environments. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2002... The MV-4X AC Inverter's NEMA 4X/12 and IP66 ratings allow it to resist dust and forced water or chemicals, making it suited for tough washdown or dust-tight environments. The inverter is encased in a water and dust-tight enclosure so that users...

Motion, vision, and I/O system: 32 axes of synchronized motion control. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2002... The Automation 3200 motion, vision, and I/O system is capable of 32 axes of synchronized motion through one interface. The company has designed the current platform to be expandable to 62 axes of synchronized control. Work done on the...

Motion control software: accelerates motion control development. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2002... Motion Assistant is a new development tool that automatically generates LabVIEW[TM] code and improves development productivity. This tool helps build applications that use motors and positioning devices and is for use in a variety of...

Trends in motor/drive technology. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2002... Almost all original equipment manufacturers and end users want their machines to run faster for increased throughput, perform with greater precision for less waste and better quality, and operate reliably to reduce downtime. Working to achieve...

Loop calibrator: HART compatible. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The handheld UPS III loop calibrator is designed as a test tool for process control loop troubleshooting, testing and calibration in the field. It is compatible with HART[R] and CE compliance to EN61326-1. Measure source range for the UPS III...

OEM keyboard kits: features surface mount design. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... A new line of surface mount OEM keyboard kits feature an ABS polycarbonate frame with threaded stud mounting and zero footprint design. They are easy to set up through plug and play, and the kits require no driver software or extra programming....

Development environment: ActiveX-based. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... VisionPro[TM] is an ActiveX-based software development environment that speeds the development of advanced vision applications. Suitable for users who need to minimize development time, it provides a flexible, graphical programming environment...

Signal conditioners: accept a variety of input signals. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This new universal programmable analog signal conditioner can be programmed to accept a wide range of input signals and produce a wide range of output signals, thereby eliminating the need to stock a variety of signal converters. The...

Modular Field Bus I/O system: reduces installation times. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The new EASi/oN Modular Field Bus I/O system provides network designers and installers with a flexible, tool-free means to connect peripherals and other components used in industrial automation. By combining plug-in bridging blocks, power feed,...

PCB terminal blocks: offer alternative connections. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The 253 Series printed circuit board terminal blocks provide several conductor connection positions. The compact, 253 Series PCB blocks feature two push wire connections, one parallel to the PCB, the other perpendicular. The design of the 253...

Strain gage Interface Card: for single strain gages in a three-wire circuit. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The new AP814 Interface Card is specifically designed for single strain gages (quarter-bridges) in a three-wire circuit. It provides eight measurement channels on a single module slot that is 0.8" wide. The AP814 allows eight strain gage...

Environmental monitor: feature optically isolated I/O. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Designed for remote telemetry and control applications, the RUG5 RTU is used for water, wastewater, petroleum, weather and environmental monitoring. It communicates over radio or phone lines with internal modem, or RS232 port using CRC secured...

Embedded control system: expandable. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This company has added Ethernet connectivity, an economical keypad/LCD and a smaller backplane as new options for its Smart Star modular embedded control system, which provides designers with flexible control solutions for a variety of...

Wireless IP Bridges and Repeaters: extend effective ranges. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The AIR-NET[TM] Wireless IP Bridges and Repeaters now offer medium-distance Internet Communication Linkages for global WEB/VPN Broadband Access from remote, portable and mobile PC Stations. These RF bridges can extend the effective ranges...

Static pressure probe: for pressure transducers. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This company has added an integral static pressure probe for duct mounting to its Model 267 Series of low differential pressure transducers. Constructed, of sturdy extruded aluminum, measuring 7.8" long and 1/4" in diameter, the probe is...

RF development tools: rapid wireless connectivity. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This set of RF development tools includes a combination of complete transceivers plus RF integration support that enable manufacturers without RF expertise to rapidly integrate wireless connectivity into industrial products or processes. The...

Pushbutton switches: includes a line of metal devices. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This pushbutton and switch offering has been expanded to include a complete new line of NEMA 30 mm metal devices. The models include momentary flush, extended and mushroom pushbuttons in red, green, and black and color coded contact blocks for...

Interface Module: views process data. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The WebView I/O, WVC 16 WebView Communications Interface Module is the heart of the WebView I/O System. It adds functionality above and beyond the normal signal conditioning features. This powerful combination allows the user to view process...

Mass flow controller: with integrated set/read electronics. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The new Model 810S Mass-Trak[R] features a stainless steel flow body, a single-sided 24 Vdc power input, and integrated display and setpoint control to simplify flow control of corrosive and toxic gases. The instrument's large internal diameter...

Nano controller: uses ladder logic programming. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The ZEN nano controller's 70 mm x 90 mm x 56 mm compact size allows for installation in almost any location for a variety of simple control applications. It features flexible expansion, with up to 3 I/O expansion modules that can be added to...

Digital I/O cards: for PCI bus. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The KPCI-PIO32IOA and KPCI-PDISO8A isolated digital I/O data acquisition cards for the PCI bus provide a solution for high level digital sensing and switching applications (up to 60 V and 350 mA) that are beyond the capacity of traditional...

Pressure transmitters: for hazardous environments. (Pressure Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters).
June 1, 2002... Non-Incendive 430 Series pressure transducers and transmitters is offered in three models: Series 433--5 V transducer, Series 436--10 V transducer, and Series 435--a 4-20 ma transmitter. All three models feature broad process pressure ranges...

Pressure transmitter: 30 configurations in one unit. (Pressure Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters).
June 1, 2002... The TW-3M programmable pressure transmitter provides 30 configurations within one unit to reduce inventory and related downtime costs. It accepts six different input analog signals and five different analog output signals, resulting in 30...

Pressure transmitters: CSA-certified. (Pressure Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters).
June 1, 2002... The PT-420 HAZ Series industrial pressure transmitters is CSA-certified for use in Class I, Div. 1, Group B, C, C; Class II, Group E, F, G' and Class III Type 4X hazardous locations. They feature a conduit connection with a terminal strip for...

Pressure transmitters: high-pressure applications. (Pressure Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters).
June 1, 2002... Two new in-line gauge pressure transmitter models have been added to Honeywell's ST 3000 pressure transmitter line. The two new models available for high-pressure applications requiring measurements from 0 to 10,000 psig (0 to 690 bar), are the...

Electronic pressure switch operates on two wires. (Pressure Controllers, Regulators & Transmitters).
June 1, 2002... Customers requiting the reliability and diagnostics of electronic instrumentation, while retaining the wiring convenience of electro-mechanical devices that need no external power, have led to the development of the innovative One Series 2-Wire...

Web page guide.
June 1, 2002... www.turck.com TURCK Inc. * Proximity/Pressure/Temperature Sensors * Cordsets & Connectors * Flow Monitors * Intrinsically-Safe Fieldbus I/O Systems & Interface Modules * Zener Barriers www.omega.com Omega Engineering, Inc ...

Emerson launches Intellution's infoAgent, a web-based tool for enterprise-wide access to production information. (Automation Excellence Awards).
June 1, 2002... Emerson Process Management has announced the commercial availability of Intellution's[R] infoAgent 1.0--a web-based tool for accessing, analyzing and reporting key production data in a jargon-free format that's relevant for each user throughout...

Next-generation Field Lite Windows-based handheld computer is designed for demanding field environments. (Automation Excellence Awards).
June 1, 2002... The newest version of the Field Lite mobile computer is a lightweight, Windows-based handheld computer tailored for field use. New features include a 400 MHz AMD K6-2 processor, a full-size docking station with two battery chargers and several...

Remote display offers long distance connections for industrial applications. (Automation Excellence Awards).
June 1, 2002... Inova Computers, Hyannis, MA, has introduced a remote display for industrial applications, including real-time display in harsh environments. This high-speed distributed digital system is based on this company's GigaSTaR high-speed data link...

Hollowshaft encoder: with metal hubshaft. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... These sealed hollowshaft encoders are Available in Size 20 (2 inch) configuration. The Series HS20 mounts directly to machine or motor shafts using a unique, hollow, floating shaft mount and simple, anti-rotation spring tether. Robust metal hub...

Pressure transducer: up to 600[degrees]F. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... The 8540 series of high temperature pressure transducers and available in five ranges and measure in excess of 500 psia. They operate continuously up to 500[degrees]F (260[degrees]C) and to 600[degrees]F (316[degrees]C) for up to four hours....

Bus System Connector Products: designed for industrial environments. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This new line of Tuff-Link Bus System Connector Products developed was developed to meet DeviceNet[TM], SDS[TM], and Seriplex[TM] network architecture. Designed for harsh environments including IP 67 washdowns, this Tuff-Link family of products...