Instrumentation & Automation News articles from May 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from May 2003

Position transducers.
May 1, 2003... These easy-to-install rotary and linear position transducers accommodate DeviceNet[R]-enabled networks. Suited to industrial applications, they transmit 16-bit "absolute" position data over a high-speed network directly to your PLC via the...

Multi-Parameter Controller.
May 1, 2003... The 8900 modular, Multi-Parameter Controller offers two base units, one with back-lit LCD and the other with vacuum fluorescent display, that can be configured with many I/O options by the user in the field. Plug-in modules offer either two or...

Network-enabled solution.
May 1, 2003... Digi Connect[TM] 50 networked-enabled solution is built on the NetSilicon NET+50 processor and is a commercially available hardware platform that includes a comprehensive collection of advanced network features and protocols to support easy...

Industrial controller.
May 1, 2003... The 750-841 Ethernet TCP/IP Programmable Fieldbus Controller features 100Mbits/sec Ethernet, IEC-61131-3 and the latest open architecture software interfaces and protocols. It comes standard with a 32-bit RISC processor, 512 KB program memory,...

The war is over. The bus war, I mean. (Pool's Reflections).
May 1, 2003... If you remember back to the days when MAP was going to take over the world of plant communications--especially for the automotive industry--and resolve the deterministic issues that plagued Ethernet, you know that there has been a bus...

Data acquisition systems: mix or match capabilities. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The DM3000 Series of data acquisition systems maximizes overall efficiency and reaction time, while retaining invaluable waveform judgements. Available in 8-or 16-channel plug-in configurations, it allows users to mix or match voltage,...

Industrial Ethernet Switch: for hostile applications.
May 1, 2003... The EISX9-100T Industrial Ethernet Switch can be used in hostile applications with temperatures ranging from -40[degrees] to +75[degrees]C. It segments the Ethernet LAN into nine collision domains, acting as a "bridge" between data links to...

Process controller: two and eight channels. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The Model E-102 process controller is available in both two-and eight-channel versions. Both are designed for applications requiting digital readout for flow rates, monitoring of tank levels, of temperature display. The units can accept and...

Servo drive: for dc brush and brushless motors. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The intelligent Harmonic drive packs 1 hp into a 15-gram package. It features sinusoidal vector control, trapezoidal vector control, trapezoidal six-step, and dc commutation methods. Integrated in the drive is high-efficiency power switching...

Machine vision appliance: for label inspection. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... Designed for industrial end users, iLabel is a task-specific machine vision appliance requiring only minutes for setup. The unit accurately checks the placement and quality of labels on packaged goods. It first verifies that the correct label...

Data recorder: redundant server connection. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The new Datalog Server provides users with the ability to gather time stamped data in remote locations and transfer these data records to duplicated central databases or SCADA systems over an Ethernet, telephone, or wireless link. At each...

Immersion heater: with ceramic sheath. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A new ceramic-sheathed immersion heater is designed to supply temperatures up to 2,100[degrees]F for direct immersion in processes. The ceramic sheath provides extreme temperature protection for the heating elements inside. The nonmetallic...

Terminal blocks: with pluggable circuit breakers. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The Wago Series 282 DIN railmount Cage Clamp terminal blocks have pluggable circuit breakers suitable for protection of power distribution systems, automation systems, and process control applications. Combining the new thermal circuit breaker...

Color sensor: analyzes user-determined colors. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The QC50 true color sensor is designed to reliably analyze and identify user-determined colors. The unit emits a modulated white light which, when reflected back from an object, is electronically filtered to its red, green, and blue components...

Load cell system: industrial and OEM combination. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A new system combination is comprised of the SW0 and TM0-2 load cells. The system is suitable for a variety of industrial and OEM force measurement and weighing applications. The TM0-2 provides excitation, balance, and span adjustment via...

Operator interface enclosure: for high pressure wash down applications. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... The Premium Panel stainless steel operator interface enclosure is designed specifically for applications where high pressure wash downs are required. It offers an IP69K rating. The IP69K test was designed specifically for rating protection...

Handheld enclosure: offers IP65 protection. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... LIMANDA handheld operating enclosure system is a two shell-panel enclosure IP65 protection and can be used mobile, stationary or semi-stationary systems in an upright or horizontal position. Measuring 220x285x270mm, the offers space for compact...

Electrical enclosures: two new designs. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... Two new electrical enclosures have been added to this company's commercial enclosure line. The C-Box Series offers commercial contactors a full size array of junction and pull boxes with screw cover and hinged cover models with or without cable...

Electrical equipment enclosure: eliminates the threat of overheating. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... This new electrical equipment enclosure offers a built-in thermoelectric air conditioner to provide the cooling needed to maintain safe temperatures within the relatively small enclosure. The electrical enclosure can cool its contents to below...

Fiberglass enclosures: 51 models for corrosive environments. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... The HJ Series fiberglass enclosures, available in 51 models, feature an overlapping shoebox cover with an integral mounting foot designed for easy pole mounting. Used in corrosive environments in the petrochemical and water treatment...

Plastic enclosures, the answer for wireless applications. (Enclosure, Cabinets, Cases & Racks).
May 1, 2003... Moving technology into the field demands enclosures that can withstand a hostile environment while protecting interior electronics. Plastic has always met that need, but the rapid move to wireless applications, means that plastic enclosures are...

Signal conditioning modules: with web browser capability. (Signal Conditioners).
May 1, 2003... The WV Series of signal conditioners now provides all the functionality of traditional signal conditioners or isolators, but also provides the capability of being able to view process data over the user's intranet/internet connection, with the...

Signal conditioner: for applications where space and power sources are limited. (Signal Conditioners).
May 1, 2003... The LVC-2402 DC-operated, Single-channel, LVDT signal conditioner operates from 24 Vdc and can be used in automation applications with PLCs and mini-PLCs. It works in factory locations where space and power sources are limited. Designed to...

Signal conditioner: complete turn-key solution for any strain gage-based measurement. (Signal Conditioners).
May 1, 2003... Model 163MK strain gage signal conditioner offers a complete mm-key signal conditioning solution for virtually any strain gage-based measurement. It is designed to accommodate 1/4, 1/2 and full wheatstone bridge strain gage applications. The...

DC-to-DC isolators: input/output LoopRracker[R] LEDs and test button. (Signal Conditioners).
May 1, 2003... The 4390 series isolated DC-to-DC transmitters accept two DC voltage or current inputs and provide two optically isolated DC voltage or current outputs. Each input and output channel can be independently configured for DC ranges such as 0100...

Filter/amplifier: analyze/resolve precision signal conditioning and signal processing problems. (Signal Conditioners).
May 1, 2003... Model 901P four-slot instrumentation platform with Smart-SLOT technology utilizes 90PF dual channel filter/amplifier cards to analyze and resolve precision signal conditioning and signal processing problems. The signal conditioning instrument...

Signal conditioners get cleaver.
May 1, 2003... Microprocessor-based, PC-programmable signal conditioners accommodate dozens of different applications. Because they can be set to handle nearly every signal input and output possibility, you don't have to specify and stock many different units...

Composite encoder: shaft and hallow-shaft versions. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The kubler by Turck 37 Series composite encoder offers low cost, compact size, and optimized performance. The housing is 37 mm in diameter and made from a new high-tech composite material. The unit is available in shaft and hallow-shaft...

Level measurement: for high-accuracy applications. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Sitrans LC 300 is a cost-effective instrument for level measurement in high accuracy applications. It provides a reliable measurement in liquids, bulk solids, and slurries as well as challenging environments involving vapor and dust. The...

Modular controller: up to 62 loops of control. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The SRV dual loop modular type controller can be used alone as a dual loop controller or be connected to build a system with up to 62 loops of control. Available as heat only or as heat/cool, the unit is designed with autotuning controls. It...

Temperature transmitter: pushbutton thermistor. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The SEM203TH is a low-cost pushbutton thermistor temperature transmitter. It connects to a standard thermistor and produces a 4-20 mA signal that is linear with temperature. Two models are available. The transmitter can be mounted in a junction...

Ultrasonic sensors: no set adjustment or calibration. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The new series of RPS-409A ultrasonic sensors can cover ranges from 40 to 189. The unit needs no setup adjustment or calibration. It has a linear output of volts per inch. It is designed to take advantage of PLC and computer analog input cards....

Terminal rail software: true-to-detail display. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... RailDesigner software is for planning and ordering terminal rails. It features tree-to-detail display of products and an easy-to-use graphic user interface that distinguishes it from other software packages. Complete product information and...

Transparent interface: as-i to higher-level gateway. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Controller-E Series includes new gateways with DeviceNet[TM]and Ethernet interfaces. The gateway can connect two AS-I systems, up to 868 I/O points, as one node on a higher-level network. Information is passed transparently from the AS-I...

Portable server: for field applications. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The PServer R9 is a portable server that brings rack mount system power to the road. It is self-contained, reliable, and rugged. It is built with dual 2.8 GHz Intel Xeon processors, up to 12 GB double data rate PC3200 SDRAM, and four drive bays...

Management software: for hart and conventional devices. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Device Management System software package maintains all calibration, configuration, and standards tracking related to HART and Conventional devices, including a history of every activity and action via an integral audit trail. The solution...

Signal conditioner: universal programmable unit. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The CA-PI/PO DIN rail mounted signal conditioner can be programmed to accept more than 130 different input and output signal combinations, eliminating the need to stock a variety of signal converters. The user can select from 19 input signal...

Communications module: with confugurable messages. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... Despite measuring just 140 x 105 x45 mm, the iSite communications module can connect virtually any piece of equipment directly to an Ethernet network via its 16 iso lated digital inputs or three serial links. User configurable messages can be...

Oxygen measurement: without consumption. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... HachLDO measures dissolved oxygen using a luminescent measuring technique. This technique does not consume the oxygen and requires no electrodes or electrolyte. That means that frequent calibrations are no necessary. Due to the non-consumptive...

Metering systems: for liquids and grease. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The Quick Pack line of precision metering systems is designed for both liquids and grease. The units feature the reliability of PurgeX brand injector pumps in an economically priced and easy-to-install package. Supplied with an easy-to-fill...

Serial PC cards: with ruggedized cables. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A line of high-speed serial PC Cards offers ruggedized cables on selected models. The permanently attached cable assures reliable communication between the PC Card and an attached serial device in demanding portable-computing environments. The...

Surface sensor: ready-to-use in high temperatures. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A ready-to-use high-temperature surface sensor is rated for continuous service at 348[degrees]C. The all polyamide construction provides high dielectric strength. The low profile lamination provides fast response time and increased measurement...

Embedded PC: for high and low temperatures. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A CPU is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40[degrees] to +85[degrees]C. The card uses the low-power, 5x86 class processor that operates at high temperature with little or no ventilation. The card can be expanded using the...

Compact switcher: high density and single output. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The LPS 125 switcher weighs 6.7 W/cu-in. and can deliver up to 130 W of total power. Featuring active power correction to minimize input harmonic distortion, the unit is a compact 85-264 Vac power supply that is suitable for 1U rack...

Three-phase voltage monitor: surface mountable package. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The TVW Series or The Net[TM] Plus is a three-phase voltage monitor that is encapsulated in a compact 20 x 20 surface mountable package. The unit is designed for the OEM to provide full protection while substantially lowering the installed...

Pressure transducers: UL and CUL listed for hazardous areas. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... The AST 4300 stainless steel, media isolated pressure transducers are intended for use in the measurement of liquid and gases compatible made from one-piece high-quality stainless steel and there is no silicone oil, welds or to cause leaks. A...

Programmable pressure sensors: fulfills multiple application requirements. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... This new line of solid state, programmable pressure sensors operates on the piezoresistive principle, has no moving parts and fulfills multiple application requirements. Capable of measuring in either bar or psi, the sensors monitor pressure in...

Pressure sensor: for a variety of liquid level applications. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... Model 2450 pressure sensor offers a 0 to 10 psig operating range for measurement in a variety of liquid level applications including monitoring tank levels for UPW storage, chemical batching, and effluent storage. Built-in temperature...

Trends in pressure sensors. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... The recent trend in pressure sensors has been toward higher accuracy. Where in the past a sensor with a 1.0% full scale accuracy was considered a general purpose accuracy and one with a 0.25% full scale accuracy was considered high accuracy,...

Sanitary pressure sensor: in-place cleaning; true zero internal dead volume. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... thru-Flo[TM] pressure transducer is designed for in-place cleaning that features a true zero internal dead volume. Model SFT Sanitary pressure transducer features a one-piece CPII Titanium or 316 stainless steel sensing element with no internal...

Differential pressure sensor: helps meet EPA standards for lower diesel engine emissions. (Pressure Sensors).
May 1, 2003... Model P321 OEM diesel engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) differential pressure (dPFE) sensor helps customers meet EPA standards for lower diesel engine NOx emission requirements. The sensor, available in pressure ranges of 0-5 through 0-10...

Pressure sensors: for demanding environments. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A line of pressure sensors has pressure ratings up to 10,000 psi and the ability to handle rugged applications such as steam and refrigeration. The sensors can satisfy most demanding needs. They are suitable for accurately measuring many...

Position/speed sensing system: for highly explosive areas. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... A position and speed sensing system allows safe operation in hazardous areas where explosive potentials exist. The system is designed to ensure energy levels to optical encoder sensors are kept below the ignition point. It meets international...

Monitoring systems: for temperature and humidity. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The LTM-8201C and LTM-8203C are temperature and humidity monitoting control systems. They provide low-cost, stand-alone solutions with up to 32 input points connected on one to three data lines. The systems use I-Wire Network technology to...

Differential pressure transmitter: uses ceramic sensor technology. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The 692 Series differential pressure transmitter features a ceramic sensor technology that provides resistance to high temperatures and offers long-term reliability. The transmitter also features calibrated and amplified sensor signals that are...

Tank Gauging system: scaleable and automatic solution. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The 3500 ATG (Automatic Tank Gauging) system is a scaleable inventory management solution for bulk liquid inventory control, custody transfer, tank farm operation, and reconciliation applications. Operators can view product status and movement...

Diagnostic repeater: for RS485 Profibus cable. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The SIMATIC Diagnostic Repeater is a device capable of delivering online diagnostic information about the RS485 Profibus cable during operation. The unit also detects physical problems during operation by measuring the time it takes for a...

Accelerometer Kits: monitor vibration of rotating machinery. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... Series 600 High-Temperature Industrial Charge Mode Accelerometer Kits monitor vibration levels of rotating machinery operating at elevated temperatures or in high-temperature environments. The kits include a charge mode accelerometer;...

Rotary encoders: for angular positioning. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... RESR rotary encoders provide easy-to-mount, versatile, and reliable solutions for high-resolution, high-accuracy angular positioning. A low-mass, low-inertia design provides accuracy to [+ or -] 0.5 arc seconds, up to 129.6 million counts per...

Drive system: open control and intelligent operation. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... VisualMotion is an open control and intelligent drive system designed to ensure short changeover time for machinery and high accuracy during the process. Precision servo drives replace rigid mechanical elements such as gears, shafts, and cams...

Current sensors: with molded case. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The RL-7100 Series of sensors is designed with a molded case, and the units are PC mountable. When used with insulated conductors through the molded apertures, they meet IEC 360 and other safety agency requirements. This series of current...

Power Controller: high-current, 24-amp unit. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... The high-current, 24 A-rated Intelligent Power Controller[TM] is designed to fulfill the power density and control/management requirements of rack mount systems. The unit eliminates the need for multiple power sources and concentrates the input...

Daughtercard: uses interoperable network. (Product News).
May 1, 2003... Industrial control system designers can reduce wiring, maintenance, and system configuration costs with the Allen-Bradley 1788-ENBT Ehternet/IP[TM] communication daughtercard. This card greatly improves the ability to exchange plant-floor...

15" flat panel monitor: slim; lightweight; for industrial applications. (Operator Interfaces/Workstations).
May 1, 2003... The VOP-1150TV 15" flat panel monitor features NEMA 4/IP65 compliant AL-Mg front panel with a steel enclosure for use in industrial applications. Slim and lightweight, the 15" XGA TFT LCD provides a resolution up to 1024x768 with a multi-scan...

Touch monitor: hazardous location compliance. (Operator Interfaces/Workstations).
May 1, 2003... The 5015T flat panel touch monitor offers hazardous location compliance and optional 24 Vdc input power. The 15" LCD touch monitor is suitable for demanding plant floor applications as well as Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C & D and Class II,...

Thin client terminals: for harsh industrial environments. (Operator Interfaces/Workstations).
May 1, 2003... These line of thin client terminals is designed for harsh industrial environments. They are embedded PCs without any rotating media, which increases their immunity against mechanical vibration and shock. The tin clients feature a cast aluminum...

Thin client computers: shifts processing from desktops to server structure. (Operator Interfaces/Workstations).
May 1, 2003... These thin client computers shift processing from local desktops to a cost-saving server structure and include embedded processors that use less power and typically require no active cooling. The thin clients provide 15" 102x768 TFT LCDs, NS...

Embedded controller: with 1/4VGA display/touchscreen and GUI. (Operator Interfaces/Workstations).
May 1, 2003... The QVGA Controller[TM] is a C-programmable embedded computer with a touchscreen-controlled graphical user interface on a quarter VGA display. The controller comes complete with a 320x240 pixel electroluminescent (EL) or LCD graphics display, a...

Trends in Operator Interfaces. (Operator Interfaces Computers).
May 1, 2003... In the past Operator Interfaces concentrated only on a particular machine and/or process to be controlled. Now they are expected to communicate via Ethernet and Internet connections to many other devices. Information is powerful and these...

Digital alignment system: handheld display unit. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Microgage 2000 is a fully digital alignment system that provides 0.00010 precision over a working distance of 80 ft. The unit can be used for aligning equipment and machinery that needs to be straight, flat, square, parallel, or level. The...

PXI chassis: for real-time data acquisition. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... A new eight-slot PXI chassis is designed for real-time, automated test and data acquisition applications. Designated the NI PXI-1042, it delivers high performance with a low jitter internal reference clock and external clock connectors for...

Keypad workstations: Rack Mount version. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The FPI Rack Mount Series Keypad Workstations come with a 120 or 150 LCD screen. Available with 50 function and control keys and PS/2 touchpad, the standard configuration includes a single board computer with 8-MB memory, 20.4 GB hard drive,...

Microstepping motor: new five-phase unit. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... A miniature five-phase hybrid microstepping motor has been added to the Nanostep CFK II Series. The new system produces 3.2 oz-in, of holding torque. The motor-driver package creates a microstepping motor system with extremely low velocity...

Terminal block: with angled wire entrance. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The compact STTBS 2.5 double level terminal block has an angled wire entrance. With two levels and a width of 5.2 mm, the terminal block can be used where control cabinet space is at a premium. Each level has two bridge channels that...

Data processors: embeded PC platform. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... TECLA[TM] programmable data processors are embedded PC platforms designed for both low-power and high-speed applications. The units are highly customizable, which makes them suitable for use in OEM applications such as telemetry, SCADA, and...

Ethernet connectors: for harch conditions. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... RJ-45 Ethernet connectors are designed for harsh environments. They meet Ehternet/IP specifications of both the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association and ControlNet Vendors Association. They are suitable for use in environments where Ethernet...

Signal conditioning module: eight-channel sensor. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The MSSC-8 is an eight-channel sensor signal conditioning module that complements the eight channel iDSC 1816 board to provide a continuous path in a single package. A cable connects the module to a board that has built-in anti-aliasing...

Thermocouple modules: two new models. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... Two products have been added to a line of Ethernet-based 1 MHz WaveBook/516E[TM] modules. The WBK40[TM] and WBK41[TM] are designed to add up to 224 thermocouple inputs, while not degrading the measurement bandwidth of the WaveBook. The WBK40 is...

Handheld data collection: device measures in real-time. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Aqua4Palm handheld data collection device monitors real-time pressure, temperature, and time data. It can create sophisticated test sequences and upload and view collected data. It runs on most of Palm's handhelds running Palm OS Version...

LCD panel display: with high resolution screen. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The ADM-1520 is a 20.10 LCD panel display suitable for rugged applications such as CAD/CAM, medical imaging, and industrial floor automation. The system is a NEMA 4 compliant ruggedized flat-panel LCD monitor featuring premium active-matrix...

Switching relay: for electric power applications. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The Latching Switch Relay is designed for the electric power industry. Used to open or close and maintain up to 20 contacts, it can be operated either manually or remotely. It is available in two basic models. The Series 24 can be configured...

Communications Processor: adds RTU functionality. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The SEL-2032 Communications Processor adds RTU functions to substation systems. It uses protective relays, thereby eliminating the cost of separate RTUs in many installations. The unit provides improved system reliability as well as greater...

Switching power supplies: active power factor corrected. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... Designed to meet the system and subsystem power needs in low to moderate power telecommunications, industrial control, and embedded systems applications, the SP150, SP200, and SP300 Series of active power factor corrected enclosed switching...

Piezo Audio Indicator: doubled sound pressure. (Products News).
May 1, 2003... The High Output Piezo Audio Indicator has a form factor consistent with common piezo indicators, and has an output of roughly double the sound pressure. Package size is 26 mm in diameter and 22 mm in height. It has a lead pitch of 15 mm. Sound...