Instrumentation & Automation News articles from March 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from March 2003

Web-access software.
March 1, 2003... CIMPLICITY[R] DataViews[R] software allows users to access critical data via a standard web browser. Using Thin Client technology permits graphical visualization and control of single- and multiple-machine production. GE Fanuc Information...

Industrial relays.
March 1, 2003... This line of industrial relays is available in 24 Vdc, 120 Vac and 240 Vac coil voltages. The relays feature bifuricated contacts for low current switching capability. Relay sockets are DIN-rail mountable.. AutomationDirect[R] 3505...

Web inspection system.
March 1, 2003... The SmartView[R] web inspection system used for detecting and classifying defects in papers, metals, nonwovens, and other materials now has expanded data access capabilities. OPC data access ensures real-time inspection control and data access...

Wireless controllers.
March 1, 2003... The TR110 series of wireless controllers feature "virtual wire" operation for industrial applications. "Virtual wire" means that you get out of the controller exactly what you put in. As long as the input signal at the transmitter is TTL/CMOS...

Bringing legacy systems forward in today's economy. (Pool's Reflections).
March 1, 2003... I know that it is difficult to talk to management about updating legacy systems in your plant. It's the economy--it's the economy cries management. Don't backoff! Legacy updates and even whole new plant architectures are a very necessary part...

Data-transmission unit: both automatic and manual. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The DTU-3 is a data-transmission unit that provides a reliable method for DNC plus the ability to collect machine events, both automatic and manual, in one shop-hardened Ethernet device. The unit is the third generation of a family of...

RTU: with Modbus capabilities. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The OL4228 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) extends the OptiLogic family of RTUs to systems using Modbus communications. Any Modbus/TCP capable, PC-based application can now interface with the complete line of OptiLogic Ethernet I/O modules. Modbus...

Single board computer: for any network environment. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The PCM-9578 single board computer has the ability to accept Celeron[R] or Pentium[R] III/512K processors up to 1.26 GHz and supply 3 or 4 10/100 Mbps Ehernet ports making it suited to any network application. The SBC can be used as a triple...

Bar-code reader: using laser scan technology. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The ultra-compact BL-600 Series is a high-performance laser scan bar-code reader. Weighing 115 g, the unit operates at 500 scans/sec. Using polygon mirror scanning technology, it provides twice the reading area and incident reading angle of...

Portable data acquisition system: combines functions of DAT/AIT recorders, oscillographs and oscilloscopes. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... Vision is a new portable data acquisition system that combines the best elements of DAT/AIT recorders, oscillographs and oscillocopes. Like an oscillograph, it has real-time scrolling, triggered or XY displays. And like a tape recorder, it has...

Embedded ethernet web server: real time sensor data inserts into user-specified web pages. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... Red-I embedded Internet monitoring system combines eight A/D ports with an HTTP 1.1 web server and an internal SMTP email client. Real time sensor data is inserted into user-specified web pages via HTML tags. High or low warning sensor...

Data acquisition instrument: sealed against moisture and dust for hostile environments. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... The DEWE-600-REC data acquisition instrument offers a NEMA4/IP65 rated chassis that means it is sealed against moisture and dust and therefore, can be used in hostile environments. It is comprised of a fiat mainframe about the size of a...

Why is the PC/104 Bus growing in popularity? (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... The need for increasingly powerful compact systems and multi-function modules continues to fuel the market for PC/104. OEM System designers are working harder than ever to develop embedded systems for many markets including military, commercial...

Data acquisition starter kits: data acquisition rates up to 240 samples/second. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... Two new starter kits make it possible for anyone to put together a PC-based data acquisition system quickly and inexpensively, according to the company. Both are provided with ready-to-run WinDaq/Lite software for data acquisition, real-time...

Analog Data Capture module: for field data collection using a laptop or notebook host computer. (Data Acquisition).
March 1, 2003... Model ADC-405 Analog Data Capture module is designed for field data collection using a laptop or notebook host computer. It features a 12-bit output word at a maximum sampling rate of 69 kHz. The built, in rechargeable batteries provide power...

Windows-based HMI: for machine control and OEMS. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... InteractX[TM] is a Windows-embedded HMI system designed for machine control and OEM needs. InteractX runs on Windows98/2000/NT/XP and Embedded NT/XP operating systems. The two embedded operating system options provide full Windows functionality...

PC-based software: for automation applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Think & Do Live! 5.5 PC-based software is the next generation of Think & Do Live!. Version 5.5 adds features such as Windows XP support, additions to the already large collection of drivers, and a number of improvements to the widely used...

Radio frequency identification system: for use in harsh industrial environments. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Balough is a radio frequency identification system for use in harsh industrial environments. It not only tracks products, but also manages information through the process. The controllers are available for connection to various computer,...

Servo actuators: with integrated motors and feeback. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... HT Series Actuators feature integrated motors, actuators, and feedback for decreased weight and footprint. They are factory lubricated and sealed and offer design features that not only reduce contamination and maintenance concerns, but also...

I/O module: for interfacing logic circuitry. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The G3TC solid state I/O module can be used as an interface between logic circuitry and the load. It features a built-in hold down screw, which fastens the relay to the board to eliminate loosening by vibration. The ac/dc input and output...

Level switch: field-repairable. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... This field-repairable continuous level switch is designed for applications that require a sealed tank or situations where removal would normally be difficult. The unit is designed so that the entire stem and face mount can be permanently sealed...

4-way directional valve: reverse direction of cylinder when it meets an obstruction. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... The Magna-Cycle 4-way directional valve automatically reverses the direction of a pneumatic cylinder when it meets an obstruction or senses a pre-set cylinder load, making it ideal for automation and material handling applications. The...

Maximum switching reliability through optimized mounting technology for pneumatic cylinder. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... SICK's dedication in research and development has resulted a new solution for solving the accuracy problem of the signalling for pneumatic cylinders with a very rigid external mounting. SICK's new T6 sensors with new mounting devices provide...

Module terminal: supports fieldbus applications. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... The CPX modular electrical terminal has been designed as a universal peripheral solution to serve as a means by which standard valve terminals can be interfaced directly to fieldbus systems. It is based upon configurable modules, where...

I/P transmitter: CSA -approved to use natural gas as pneumatic supply. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... Model IPX2 currentto-pressure transmitter is approved for use with natural gas as its pneumatic supply. allows the IPX2 to be installed at gas gathering stations, compressor stations, pipeline feed applications, and booster stations where it is...

Magnetic float valve: for detecting liquid level inside vessels. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... This magnetic float valve is an air sensor for detecting liquid level inside vessels. The float mechanism is mounted within the vessel while the air valve is external to the vessel. As the float moves it pivots a magnet that in turn actuates...

Valve positioner: universal approach to valve control. (Hydraulics & Pnuematics).
March 1, 2003... Series 760 mechanical valve positioner is designed to be easier to install than older models and offers an additional conduit for installation flexibility. It allows the user to make wiring connections from two sides, thereby isolating the...

Digital recorders: 200 MBIT/SEC. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The GSR20f and GSR200f ground station, and test cell recorders are intended for ground-based telemetry, satellite down-link, multi-channel analog and bus recording. They feature all digital recording, high data integrity, signal interfacing and...

Devicenet engine: devicenet compliance for OEMs. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The DeviceNet Engine affords a convenient and flexible method of DeviceNet compliance for OEM products without the need to develop complex software. It is equipped with all the electronic components required to create a DeviceNet product. It...

Servo motor: fast acceleration. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The BLM-N23-50-1000 brushless servo motor features a 1000 pulses per revolution (PPR) incremental encoder and provides a high torque-to-inertia ratio, making it suited for point-to-point applications requiring fast, highly responsive...

Digital indicator: with metric display. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The DG-525 digital linear gage has metric display. It is designed to measure dimensions, thickness, curvature, eccentricity, displacement, height, depth, flatness, variation, nm out, roundness, distortion, deflection, and also be used for load...

Enclosure ventilator: easy to install. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... This enclosure ventilation device features a molded in place gasket that ensures a tight seal and eliminates the loose, separate gasket required in older models. Without a design change, users can now select an easier to install, low cost...

Sealed keyboard: with integral trackball. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Model KIT6003 is a sealed keyboard with an integral 1.3" high-reliability trackball in a painted aluminum enclosure. A drain-hole below the trackball allows water to exit at the bottom, a feature that allows the unit to rated NEMA 12. The...

Data loggers: slightly bigger than a quarter. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The TK500 and SK500 Super Compact Economy Data Loggers are compact so they be placed just about anywhere. The TK500 is for temperature and humidity and the SK500 is for temperature. Both feature a delayed start capability, data storage of...

Position/speed sensing system: intrinsically safe. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... This complete position and speed sensing system allows safe operation in hazardous areas where explosive potentials exist. It assures energy levels to optical encoder sensors are kept below the ignition point. And, it meets international...

Alarm system: with solar power. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The BDS Model 202SOL Audible/Visual Warning Alarm System is solar powered. The solar panel charges the battery during the daylight hours with no ac power is required. The plural A/V alarm system produces high-powered tone signals and has...

Bi-directional encoder: operates in two modes. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Accu-Coder Cube Series Model 715 is a bi-directional encoder that is flexible and can operate in two modes. In the first mode, it provides a constant pulse width output one output channel for clockwise shaft rotation, and on another channel...

Digital panel meter: for process control applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The 3870 SMART Frequency Input Rate/Totalizer digital panel meter series is suitable for process control applications. The six-digit frequency input rate/totalizer unit has a rich option set of up to four relay outputs, four analog outputs, or...

Circuit breaker system: for selective protection. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The ESS20 circuit breaker system selectively protects individual components powered by a 24 Vdc switch-mode power supply. Switch-selectable to either 3 or 6 A ratings, the unit may be added to a DIN-rail power supply system to provide advanced...

Flat-panel computer: all-in-one system. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Cassius PRO is an all-in-one flat-panel computer that looks like an LDC monitor but combines all the features of a high-performance computer system with touchscreen and LAN in a single package that is 2.5" thin. It is solidly built around a...

Pressure transmitters: with combinations design. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... A new series of rugged pressure transmitters combines a modular design with ASIC technology and surface mount electronics. This provides a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional pressure gauges and switches, with user...

Linear actuator: PLC ready. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... This new version of the LA12 electric linear actuator is a "PLC ready" version. Built-in electronics including electrical relays, limit switches and positioning feedback, makes it easier to integrate into a PLC package. The product range...

CCD Camera Module: for industrial applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The GP-CX261V Color CCD Camera Module incorporates an ultra-small color CCD camera and a processing controller that is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The module features a 1/4" FPC type CCD that measures 5.4 x 6 mm. The...

Inspection software: for application development. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Vision Builder for Automated Inspection is a configurable software package that allows production test engineers to create complete machine vision applications using a single solution. It also allows them to employ a development environment...

Photoelectric sensor: detects color marks on most transparent and translucent packaging materials. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... Mark-Eye[TM] pulse-modulated photoelectric registration mark sensor detects color marks on most transparent and translucent packaging materials on a continuous web. It is particularly useful on form, fill and seal machines. Features include...

Photoelectric sensors: sub-miniature with background suppression. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... The W-2 sub-miniature series of photoelectric sensors a laser-like light source, precise optics and a extrusion housing to meet virtually all automation requirements. The extrusion technology used for sub-miniature components results in a...

Photoelectric sensor: 1.0 m sensing range; advanced noise suppression. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... VS4 Series Opposed-Mode self-contained miniature sensors, designed for tight confines, is intended for applications previously only accessible by remote or fiber optic models. The sensors use an optically correct lens which through a...

One amplifier with the functionality of two. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... Fiber-optic amplifiers have been used in industrial automation applications for many years. As these products have become more accepted, so has the demand for increased functionality. This is offered in a new type of fiber-optic amplifier that...

Photoelectric sensor: programmable; integrated mode selection. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... The MLV14 AccuTouch photoelectric sensor uses a pushbutton to instantly set its sensitivity to the optima level. It also offers industry-standard housing an incremental adjustment of excess gain for added control. Remote programming allows the...

Photoelectric sensor: polarized retroreflective and background suppression versions. (Photoelectric Sensors).
March 1, 2003... Bulletin 42CA photoelectric sensor line has been broadened to address an even wider range of applications. In addition transmitted beam, diffuse and retroreflective sensing modes, the 42CA has expanded to include polarized retroreflective and...

Motion failure alarm: for rotating, reciprocating, and conveying uses. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The MFA 4p is a milltronics motion failure alarm that detects changes in the motion and speed of rotating, reciprocating, or conveying equipment. It warns of equipment malfunction and signals through contacts to shut down machinery in case of a...

Motion control software: MotionObjects ActiveX Control. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... ServoWire SM motion control software offers a MotionObjects ActiveX Control to speed software development using Visual Basic. The combination of MotionObjects and ServoWire SM "soft motion" drives reduces system costs and complexity by...

I/O Controller: for entry level usage. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The SixTRAK[R] I/O Controller, Model ST-GT-1210, is designed as an affordable "entry level" Controller/Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or upgrade for legacy SixTRAK I/O Gateways. This unit rounds out SIXNET's line of industrial open control...

Industrial motors: NEMA Premium[R] program. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Medallion brand line of industrial motors is designed to meet the NEMA Premium[R] program for energy efficiency. The Premium[R] program applies to products with the specification of single-speed, 1-500 hp, 2, 4, and 6 pole, squirrel cage...

Wiring system: help maximize panel space. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... Allen-Bradley PanelConnect wiring system for output devices and NEMA 4X-rated input and output modules allows assemblers to quickly and easily connect input and output devices to programmable controllers without the need for DIN rails or...

Conduit adapter: simplifies network installations. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... This conduit adapter attaches to standard conduit body for transition to minifast[R] or eurofast[R] connectors, manufactured by this company. The conduit adapter allows you to minimize point-to-point wiring in your fieldbus system and almost...

Bus interface connectors: for rough environments. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... ERbic[R] MAX CAN Switch is an addition to this company's Bus Interface Connectors. This metal version with axial cable outlet offers a robust die cast metal housing that is suitable for rough environments, where EMC requirements are strict. The...

Trends in Circular DIN Connectors. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... The Circular DIN Connectors from Lumberg have long been associated with high quality in the Medical and Electronics Markets worldwide. Due to its rugged composition and IP 68 watertight rating, it is now being viewed as a connectivity solution...

Industrial Ethernet cables: for demanding environments. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... DataTuff[R] twisted pair copper and TrayOptic[R] fiber optic industrial Ethernet cables help ensure optimum network performance and were designed to withstand the rigors of industrial environmental factors such as exposure to oil and sunlight,...

Terminal blocks: wide voltage range. (Connectors, Wire, Cable & Terminal Blocks).
March 1, 2003... The rail-mounted switching relay terminal blocks and optocoupler terminal blocks, Series 859, feature 5; 24, 48, 60, 115 and 170 Vdc input voltages. The optocoupler outputs are for both negative and positive switched circuits. The wider voltage...

Level transmitter: fieldbus output capability. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Accutrak line of magnetorestrictive level transmitters (MTL) now features an accuracy of 0.01% full scale. Update to traditional magnetorestrictive designs, permits the transmitter to have increased sensitivity and repeatability in a level...

Machine vision software: starting point for machine vision. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Sherlock[TM] Essential general-purpose machine vision software is intended to be used as a starting point for companies interested in developing their own machine vision solutions at an attractive price point. It is a Windows-based software...

Industrial monitors: with high-bright screens. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... New GDO 23 monitors offer a high-bright 250-nit screen and UXGA resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 pixels so viewers can spot tiny changes instantly. They display 16.7 million colors with typical contrast ratios of 500:1. Even subtle color variations...

Safety light curtains: with integral controller. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The SLC Series of CE-compliant "Category 4" safety light curtains features an integral safety controller with dual 500 nA PNP safety outputs and built-in digital diagnostics to facilitate easy installations and maintenance. Units are available...

Remote alarm: analog and digital inputs. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The SatAlarm Callout Unit can monitor condition of remote sites anywhere in North America and deliver alarms via voice call, e-mail, page, and web browser access. With one analog input and three digital inputs, integral vibration sensor, and...

Input modules: to interface thermocouples. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... BusWorks 965PB input modules interface thermocouple and milli-volt signals directly to a Profibus-DP network. The six-channel input modules do not require a separate bus coupler like modular or block I/O devices to deliver a more cost and...

Programmable encoder: in IP65 housing. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The new programmable Absolute Cam Encoder is a compact, easy-to-program device designed to monitor speed, direction, and position. This absolute encoder allows the user to control 16 outputs through 250 programmable cams, and will retain cam...

Electronic consoles: made of cold-rolled steel. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Type 0335 SNP series single-or double-door consoles are available in 16 standard part numbers. The console material is 16 GA cold-rolled steel for the body, 14 GA for the top, and 12 GA for the mounting plate. Optional bases are constructed of...

Fieldbus software component: integrates PROFIBUS and HART field devices. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... The Fieldbus Builder is a software component that integrates PROFIBUS and HART field devices in the Industrial IT control system based on FDT/DTM technology. The tool allows device access from the control room, saving costs for separate service...

Asset management solution: integrates, manages maintenance information. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... Plant Resource Manager (PRM) is a value-added asset management software that integrates and manages maintenance information from field instruments, monitors on line conditions, and records historical data. PRM enables users to remotely access...

Linux-based software: for managing industrial and plan operations. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... Performux is a real-time, Linux-based intelligence software platform offering secure, Internet-enabled management of critical industrial operations within utilities, transportation, energy and process industries. It provides business managers,...

Web-based data integration system: secure access to process data. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... CT Server[TM] software provides human and software clients alike with secure read/write access to process data over the Internet. CT Server enables human users to access real-time data via a browser using only standard Internet connections and...

PID=process in denial. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... Process control engineers know how PID loops work for basic applications. However, PID loops sometimes fail to meet performance requirements. Loops fail for different reasons: long deadtimes, system oscillation that cannot be detuned,...

Industrial application server/software: help meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations. (System Integration & Solutions).
March 1, 2003... FactorySuite[R] Industrial Application Server and InTouch[R] 8.0 HMI software provide software enhancements to companies challenged with meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations. The FactorySuite Industrial Application Server provides an...

Pre-programmed servo systems: in plug-and-play packages. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... PosiDrive pre-programmed servo systems are designed to simplify conversion to servodrive by eliminating complexity, integrator costs, and programming code. UL and CE approved, the plug-and-play units package an industrial-strength 460 V...

Programmable control relay: with expandable I/O. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The easy800 programmable control relay provides capabilities typical of larger Places, such as the ability to program ANSI, IEC, and Easy formats on the front with 25 function blocks using a ladder diagram format. Featuring 32-bit,...

Single-board computer: fully programmable and compact. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Flashlite 186 controller is designed to make the convenience of a DOS-based embedded system more affordable. The unit is a fully programmable, compact, single-board computer targeting data acquisition, industrial control, and communications...

Single-board computer: for industrial control. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Priced at $69 per unit, the Flashlite 186 fully-programmable single board computer is designed for data acquisition, industrial control and communications applications. Built around a 33 MHz 186 compatible processor, the Flashlite 186...

Rotary torque cells: using non-contact transformer technology. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The RT13L and 14L Series low capacity rotary torque cells offer high accuracy, low noise, and high overload capacity. Available in shaft styles, both models utilize non-contact rotary transformer technology. The low cross-talk design of the...

SPC Software: enhanced analysis, reporting. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The newest version of SPC (Statistical Process Control) Software Suite includes enhancements to analysis and reporting and a fully-HTML compliant package that can be used on both intranets and extranets for quick and easy real-time reporting....

Sensor signal conditioner: converts analog voltage measurements. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... Model 682A03 is a DIN-rail mountable ICP sensor signal conditioner for converting the analog voltage measurement signals of industrial vibration sensors into 4 to 20 mA signals. It provides a choice of rms or peak acceleration, velocity, or...

Motion control driver: two- and four-phase versions. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The Equiangular INS20 NanoDrive[TM] Series is a two-phase/four-phase motor driver that can reach 200,000 steps per revolution. CE-rated, the series is available in both ac and dc versions for flexible integration to power stepper motors in NEMA...

Splitter module: for analog converter applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The MCR splitter module can be used to convert, isolate, and split industry-standard analog signal ranges. It takes a signal from a transmitter and sends two identical or different signals to two receiving devices for monitoring, recording, or...

Linear position sensors: for automated process applications. (Product News).
March 1, 2003... The 42DC Series of process LVDT linear position sensors is designed for use in factory automation or automated process control applications. The units are available in measurement ranges from 10 to 200, with eight intermediate ranges making...