Instrumentation & Automation News articles from March 2002

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from March 2002

Drive with SERCOS interface.
March 1, 2002... The System200 REFUdrive uses the SERCOS interface to expand existing options for connection to Profibus DP, Interbus S and CANopen. Output ratings from 1.5 to 600 kW make the converter suitable for all Bosch Rexroth system solutions and allow...

Industrial pressure transducers.
March 1, 2002... The OMEGADYNE[R] PXO2 are high accuracy, amplified voltage output, industrial pressure transducers. All stainless steel construction and a hermetically sealed case make the PXO2 transducers suitable for harsh industrial environments. The...

Specialized CCTV cameras for machine vision.
March 1, 2002... Designed for machine vision applications, the Alignment Imager/Reader camera is used primarily for component alignment and placement, test and inspection, optical character recognition, dot code reading, or fiducial acquisition. The illuminator...

Wireless, Ethernet & the Web: how will they fit into your manufacturing future? (Pool's Reflections).
March 1, 2002... Last month, I attended ARC's Sixth Annual "Manufacturing Strategies For The Plant Floor" conference. This forum brings together suppliers and users to discuss strategies such as "The Future of Manufacturing", "Emerging Technologies for the...

Data acquisition recorder: offers high data security with remote operation. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2002... This company has launched a high performance data acquisition instrument called the 5000B. This unit, which measures just 210 x 175 x 67 mm, is designed to answer a growing need for "embedded" data management within both OEM systems and...

Data acquisition system: with Modbus protocol & Alarm Limits. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2002... The webDAQ/100[TM] distributed data acquisition device with built-in web server now comes with support for the Modbus factory automation protocol and an optional Alarm Limit feature. The company has introduced version 2.0 firmware for the...

Signal conditioning & expansion modules: for DAQ series cards. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2002... The SignalPro signal conditioning and channel expansion systems support a wide range of transducers such as thermocouple, RTD, strain gages and accelerometers, as well as voltage and current measurements. They are compatible with the company's...

Portable PCs: ease outside data collection. (Data Aquisition).
March 1, 2002... The NBH and NBV full-featured portable workstations offer GigaHertz power in compact, portable carrying cases. NBH Series PCs come with four horizontal drive bays. Vertical bays in NBV Series PCs provide room for larger motherboards and more...

Trends in data acquisition. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2002... The recent releases of paperless or videographic recorders have seen functionality that was previously only available in dataloggers now embedded in a device with both an integral display and removable media. Utilizing newer technologies such...

Digital CMOS camera: for machine vision applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The CDC-100[TM] is a small, high-resolution (1280 x 1024) digital CMOS camera designed specifically for machine vision applications. Roughly half the size and weight of conventional machine vision cameras,...

Industrial computer: for processor-intensive applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The Nd1200[TM] is a powerful industrial computing platform intended for processor-intensive applications requiring high reliability. Powered by a 1.2 GHz Pentium III processor with 133 MHz front-side bus for...

Compact sensor blocks: for three & four wire units. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The Series 270 terminal blocks provide a solution for control panels or junction boxes where limited space and persistent vibration are often present. Front-entry wiring makes the assembly easier and the...

LVDT signal conditioner: DIN rail mountable. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The LDM-1000 signal conditioner is designed for industrial applications requiring the DIN standard rail mount form factor. Suitable for a variety of industrial position control applications, it offers numerous gains, drive voltages and...

Solenoid valve: for micro-dispensing. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The VHS micro-dispensing valve is a high-speed (1200 Hz), two-way solenoid valve designed for applications where size, dispense volume, repeatability and reliability are important. The small size (0.22" diameter) allows placement of the valve...

Distributed control systems: feature major enhancements. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has added new functionality to their CENTUM CS 1000/3000 production control system products. The following enhancements were made to the CENTUM CS 3000 R3.02 and the CENTUM CS1000 R3.02 systems: Integrated software product that...

PROFIBUS Fieldbus Module: for process automation system. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has announced the release of a PROFIBUS Fieldbus Module (PFM) for the APACS+[TM] process automation system. This I/O module enables the system to interface with a broad range of PROFIBUS products, meeting applications throughout...

Ultrasonic sensors: measure from 50 mm to 10 m. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The USDS ultrasonic sensors can carry out measuring tasks under virtually any conceivable condition with a high degree of accuracy. Measuring distances range from 50 mm to 10 m and can be configured using a special software tool and programming...

Data software: eliminates hand writing. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The PocketDataSheet[TM] software package is designed to save time and increase safety while eliminating the task of hand writing data. It turns a standard PocketPC into a hand-held data recorder and digitizer. Users pre-specify the names, units...

Ultrasonic flowmeter: for high-purity flows. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... THe UPT868 flowmeter system uses either traditional tilted-diameter or patented Guided Mode[TM] clamp-on transducers to provide nonintrusive flow measurement of sterile or ultrapure liquids in a variety of industries. Both types of transducers...

Spanner module: connects multiple DeviceNet[TM] networks. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The FDN-DN1 Spanner module provides a means to route data between two PLCs using DeviceNet. It eliminates the need for a high-level control network pyramid by connecting the networks directly. The module appears to each PLC as a standard rack...

PID controller: offers DeviceNet open communications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Series IZC is a DIN rail-mounted, autotuning PID controller that can be used for precise setpoint control of a single control loop, with two independent outputs configurable as direct-acting, reverse-acting or alarm. For use in...

Point[TM] I/O modules offer flexible customization. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has introduced eight new I/O modules for its Allen-Bradley POINT I/O family. Included among the modules are new options for digital, analog, thermocouple and RTD control applications. The modules include: digital modules that offer...

Sealed Hollowshaft encoder: with robust metal hubshaft. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Dynapar brand Sealed Hollowshaft encoders are now available in Size 20 (2") configuration. The Series HS20 mounts directly to machine or motor shafts using a hollow, floating shaft mount and simple, anti-rotation spring tether. Robust metal...

Diaphragm Valves: feature High Temperature Resistance. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has added the Type 314 High Temperature Resistant (HTR) True Union Diaphragm Valve, the Type 319-HTR Diaphragm Valve and the Type 319-HTR Zero Static Valve to its valve product offering. Constructed from virgin, unpigmented...

Machine vision system: embodies Shade Scale technology. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The CV-751 embodies Shade Scale technology to provide users with color recognition and detection approaching that of the human eye. Other developments include the use of ASIC (Application Specific IC) technology for fast pattern search and...

LVDT gaging probes: air-extended, spring-retracted. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The GHX Series of hermetically sealed LVDT gaging probes offer long life and consistent measurement for dimensional gaging, factory automation and similar position measurement applications. The probe shaft...

Keyboard: offers low profile design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has released an ultra-low profile notebook keyboard matrix for OEMs that features a full-travel keystroke and improved key touch. Applications include kiosks, notebook PCs, instrumentation and factory automation. Although the...

Pneumatic linear actuator: alternative to traditional actuators. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
March 1, 2002... The Fluidic Muscle, Type MAS, utilizes the concept of material deformation and flexure to achieve linear motion. It provides designers with an alternative to traditional pneumatic actuators, both in relative size and weight, while also...

Hydraulic cylinders: with large hollow hubs. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
March 1, 2002... These heavy duty hydraulic cylinders feature large hollow hubs for installations where independent linear or rotating motion is required through a hollow piston. A further adaptation is for two stage motion where a second hydraulic cylinder is...

Threaded fittings: feature miniature design. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
March 1, 2002... This series of miniature M3 threaded fittings with captured O-ring face seals are designed for applications where space savings is critical. Configurations include straight barbed tube fittings, elbows, tees, plugs and compression fittings....

Serial Bus system: with Profibus-DP protocol. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
March 1, 2002... This company now offers its FlexSAM Serial Bus system with the Profibus-DP protocol. This widely accepted protocol is designed for high-speed data transfer at the sensor actuator level. The system is a modular communication package that is...

Trends in pneumatic control.
March 1, 2002... The most significant trend in controls for pneumatics is the growth of serial communication systems. In general, serial link systems provide an extremely cost-effective approach when pneumatic valves, either directional or pressure control,...

Liquid level meter: for chemical liquid levels. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The model LE100 liquid level meter is designed to simplify measurement of liquid levels in single and multiple chemical baths. This compact microprocessor based unit features a built-in back pressure sensor capable of measuring levels up to...

Pressure sealed RTDs: in rigid and Spring-Loaded configurations. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... These pressure sealed RTD probes (Spring-Loaded P/N 22421 and Rigid P/N 22314) are available with the company's premium Strain-Free, Wire-Wound sensing elements for operation over the full range from -196 [degrees] to 482 [degrees] C (-320...

Ultrasonic level transmitter: features digital communication. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model LN20 EchoNet[TM] wireless ultrasonic level transmitter monitors and transmits inventory updates via the Internet to the TankLink data and alarm management service. Designed for customer interface, analysis and processing, the...

Limit switches: for a variety of applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Ersce brand limit switches are provided in the most popular industrial sizes, shapes, contact configurations, as well as an innovative series of encapsulated limit switches, available with a connection cable or M12 plug. Their rugged metal...

Enclosures: offer design flexibility. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The ECF 19 [degrees] vertical slope "flat top" consoles offer total design flexibility and provide the additional depth clearance and easy accessibility needed for large equipment such as monitors. Three design options -standard, modified...

Pressure/Vacuum Transducer: non metallic. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model AF Pressure/Vacuum Transducer features a non metallic design for those applications that require a 100% inert environment. It is offered with a number of non metallic wetted materials, a choice of pressure ports and electrical...

Servo drive: provides field networking. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The DC201E25A20NAC is a CANopen digital servo drive designed for use in networking applications utilizing the CANopen communication protocol. The built-in CANopen interface complies with DS301 and DSP402 standards. State-of-the-art DSP...

Thermal mass flowmeter: with tiltable LCD readout. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The enhanced Model GFM is a self-contained thermal mass flowmeter designed to accurately measure the flowrates of gases. A tiltable LCD readout is built into the top of the meter. Readings are in direct engineering units in terms of specific...

Motion controllers: support EtherNet/IP standard. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The RMC motion controllers now support the new EtherNet/IP industrial networking standard released earlier this year. Users can incorporate these motion controllers into distributed systems that combine the performance and widespread acceptance...

Intelligent I/O controller: with 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Ethernet E-Series of high performance controllers has been expanded to include the IOC-7007 I/O controller, which is designed to provide an intelligent solution for handling inputs and outputs. It features a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port for...

Data collection & analysis tool: for data logging & alarm system. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... Alarmware[TM] software, Version 1.57 has been updated to include a data collection and analysis tool for the Catalyst[TM] remote data logging and notification system. With improved navigation and help functions, this software enables users to...

Large display: seen at distances up to 180' away. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The EPAX features a 4" red LED display and can be seen from almost anywhere on the plant floor, at distances up to 180 feet away. The display uses plug-in input modules which allow it to display most any input signal including count, rate,...

Gas alarm system: addressable. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model 1610FB gas alarm system consist of single sensor, redundant gas detection control modules packaged in a NEMA 4X control enclosure. System capacity is up to 16 active channels of monitoring for any combination of toxic, combustible gas...

Flow sensors: connect directly into the pipeline. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... These self-contained, in-line flow sensors are suitable for very low flow rates; they can monitor changes in flow as low as 5 ml/min (0.001 GPM). They can be used for liquids and gases and feature fast response times for use in applications...

Ferrous-only proximity switch: with multi-coil design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] This ferrous-only proximity switch features a multi-coil design for greater stability and long sensing ranges. Part of the efector-m metalworking product line, it offers true ferrous-only sensing for aluminum...

Network Cable Testers: feature portable, lightweight design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model 230A Multi-Network Cable Tester and the Model 231A Deluxe Multi-Network Cable tester are battery-powered cable testers that can be used for testing just about any network cable in fractions of a second. They feature a portable,...

LCD flat panel display: for demanding applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The FPD 7205 is a robust, versatile desktop 20" LCD flat panel display. The internal modular design allows shock-mounting of all critical components including the ac auto-switching power supply. The display accepts standard RGB analog inputs...

Fiberglass enclosures: for maximum corrosion protection. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The DuraBoxx[TM] polyester-reinforced fiberglass enclosures feature a rugged industrial design, chemical and corrosion resistance, plus watertight performance. Suitable for shallow depth areas, they are available in eight smaller sizes in NEMA...

Differential pressure transducers: designed for flow measurements. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... These OEM differential pressure transducers are designed for air flow (ventilation), water flow, anesthetic gas flow, air intake flow, exhaust gas flow, coolant flow, oil flow, fuel flow and product mixing and blending applications. They can be...

Digital force gauges: with 1000 Hz sampling rate. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company has improved their FGE and FGV Series DART digital force gauges to include a faster internal sampling rate of 1000 Hz (previously 35 Hz). These gauges fit the same test stands, fixtures, adapters and mounting plates as the original...

Photoelectric sensor: for difficult, low contrast applications. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2002... This company has announced the new Expert microprocessor-based version of the WORLDBEAM[TM] photoelectric sensor. This sensor solves difficult applications with an advanced microprocessor that differentiates between two received light levels...

Laser sensor: features minute object detection. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The F3C-AL laser sensor features minute object detection capability that allows it to detect a 1 mm target from a distance of 700 mm. Its adjustable sensing capability provides for more accurate sensing within...

Label sensor: detects virtually any label. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The ML 19-Series label sensor detects virtually any label at speeds 10,000 labels per second -including embossed foil. A one-piece, aluminum housing eliminates the need for a separate sender and receiver....

Photoelectric sensor: with Teach-in ability. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The W.1000 photoelectric sensor features the company's exclusive OES II ASIC, which features over two million gates on one 3 x 4 mm chip. The OES II silicon is bonded directly to the circuit board to include...

Selection is the name of the game for photoelectrics.
March 1, 2002... Over the past decade the variety of photoelectrics has increased dramatically. The customer is no longer stuck with the typical through beam photo that may be found on your garage door. Applications are now demanding different shapes such as...

DC temperature controller: features miniature design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model CT325 temperature controller measures only 1 x 1 x 1.5 inches but can control up to 240 watts of heating power. The unit is powered from a single dc supply that provides power to the control electronics as well as the heating element....

Loop powered controllers: with isolated dual limits. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The IS900 current loop controllers require no external power to operate. They have high and low set points that measure and compare the current loop to a set point turning on (or off) the isolated Solid State Relay(s) and LED. They can mount in...

Fieldbus I/O system: features modular design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The 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,...

Remote I/O terminal block: compatible with DeviceNet bus system. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] This company has introduced its newest brick style remote I/O (RIO) terminal block compatible with the DeviceNet bus system. This unit comprises a terminal block base module plus a plug-in DeviceNet...

Screw-clamp connectors: with internal strain relief. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2002... The CA series power connectors feature an integrated strain relief device to ensure reliable, trouble-free, quick-disconnects for OEM, retrofit and repair applications. Designed primarily for industrial environments, the series is also suitable...

Bus system connectors: for harsh industrial environments. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2002... The Tuff-Link[TM] bus system connector products have been developed to meet DeviceNet[TM], Honeywell SDS[TM] and Seriplex[TM] network architectures. Designed for harsh industrial environments, including IP67 washdowns, this family of products...

Power connectors: in pressfit technology. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2002... This company has expanded its filtered sub-D high power connector series TMC by two new male connectors in pressfit technology with the pin configuration 3W3 and, in the coded version, 3WK3. The new connectors feature integrated high quality...

Trends in the connector industry.
March 1, 2002... Decentralized arrangement of peripheral components has become characteristic of all modern industrial control architectures. Easier installation, reduced installation times and increased flexibility have led to the development of modular field...

Industrial computer: features compact design. (Products News).
March 1, 2002... The PITOP 15 industrial computer features the compact design of an operator terminal. It offers the advantages of an operator terminal such as touch operation combined with the advantages of computer technology such as high speed processing,...

Signal beacon: available in 5 different colors. (Products News).
March 1, 2002... The 200 series free standing signal beacon is available in 5 different colors and in varying diameters and dome heights. Diameter range between 57 mm and 152 mm and heights range between 66 mm and 82 mm make the beacon suitable for most any...

Miniature power supply: allows space-savings. (Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors, Intrinsic Safety Devices).
March 1, 2002... This company now offers a power supply unit that measures 3/4" wide and weighs less than 5 ounces, with the capacity to convert a wide range of input voltage to 24 Vdc output. The mini power supply is designed to supply power to small...

Power supplies: compact, DIN rail mount. (Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors, Intrinsic Safety Devices).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] These compact DIN rail mounted switching power supplies are "universal auto-ranging", which means that the same part can be used with 110 Vac or 220 Vac inputs. Available from 5 to 480 watts, the primary...

Single-phase power supplies: feature compact, vertical design. (Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors, Intrinsic Safety Devices).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] The wipos Series power supplies are designed to deliver single-phase switch-mode power in a compact vertical design, making them suitable for space restricted control cabinet applications. Available in 2 A, 5...

Compact power supply: offer 85% efficiency. (Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors, Intrinsic Safety Devices).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] This company has announced the introduction of the new 2 Amp/24 Vdc power supply unit, with an output power of 48 W (Part number 787-912). This DIN rail mountable switch mode power supply features a universal...

Trends in intrinsic safety.
March 1, 2002... Intrinsic safety is a growing trend that is safer, more flexible and less expensive to install and maintain than popular protection methods such as explosion proof. As cost, ease of use and safety have become major concerns for users, intrinsic...

Low-pressure transmitter: with process valve actuator. (Products News).
March 1, 2002... The Ashcroft[R] DXLdp low-pressure transmitter features the SpoolCal[TM] process valve actuator, which allows transmitters in critical airflow systems to be easily validated and calibrated in-place without disturbing process tubes or wiring....

Safety Enclosures: with intrinsically safe terminals. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This company's Increased Safety Enclosures with intrinsically safe terminals are intended for electrical connections within a properly designed intrinsically safe system. They are suitable for areas where ignitable concentrations of flammable...

Liquid level sensor: for sanitary applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Series 7220-S Food Grade level sensor combines the reliability of magnetorestrictive position sensing technology with this company's Stik[TM] sensor packaging in a unique sanitary level-measuring instrument. It features a rugged, all welded...

Differential pressure gauge & switch: explosion-proof. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Model 220 compact and lightweight differential pressure gauge and switch is designed for systems that require explosion-proof gauges and switches. The entire gauge/switch is available with pressure containing elements in aluminum or 316...

Handheld computer: features ergonomic design. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The 2435 handheld computer, constructed around the same rugged industrial design and versatile configurations as the 2400 Series computer, includes a new, ergonomic design that makes it comfortable for day-long use. It features a bright,...

Electrical design software: features enhanced error checking. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... National Manufacturing Week[R] promis.e[R] Version 4.5 electrical design software provides additional functionality for designing and documenting industrial control systems. Among the most prominent changes are enhanced error checking...

Foxboro engineering software simplifies instrumentation and control configuration with FOUNDATION fieldbus. (Automation Excellence Awards).
March 1, 2002... Invensys Process Systems has introduced FoxCAE Version 5.0, an enhanced Windows[TM]-based computer-aided engineering software package for the Foxboro I/A Series[R] system. FoxCAE Version 5.0 supports FOUNDATION[TM] fieldbus H1 segments,...

The latest version of LabVIEW[TM] allows engineers and scientists to control their measurement and automation applications from any location. (Automation and Excellence Awards).
March 1, 2002... A new family of LabVIEW[TM] products from National Instruments integrates the newest version of LabVIEW with modular software components that solve monitoring applications, such as distributed supervisory control and real-time, embedded...

CIMPLICITY[R] Machine Edition software offers integrated machine-based HMI, motion and control technology for real-time collaborative manufacturing. (Automation and Excellence Awards).
March 1, 2002... Further enhancing its line of manufacturing enterprise-wide software, GE Fanuc Automation has introduced CIMPLICITY[R] Machine Edition--an open, integrated development environment for machine-level programming and data acquisition, and...

Fibox Inc. (Exhibitor Highlights).
March 1, 2002... Booth 4717 The CAB line of plastic wall mounting enclosures provides excellent equipment protection in wet or corrosive environments. Available in polycarbonate and ABS materials, the enclosures feature latch or key lock doors and offer a...

Carlo Gavazzi. (Exhibitor Highlights).
March 1, 2002... Booth 4906 The PD60 family of fiber optic sensors and accessories feature a programmable, self-teaching setup, which can be controlled through the keyboard on the amplifier, or remotely by wire. The amplifiers have a 10-30 Vdc power...

Gems Sensors. (Exhibitor Highlights).
March 1, 2002... Booth 7846 The ELS-1150 electro-optic liquid level sensor is less than 1-1/2" long, economical and handles 2500 PSI and 100 [degrees] C applications. Operating temperature range is - 40 [degrees] F to 212 [degrees] F. The sensor is...