Instrumentation & Automation News articles from October 2004

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from October 2004

October Automation Excellence Awards.
October 1, 2004... This month's Automation Excellence Awards go to ACCES I/O Products' Model IE-DAS data acquisition system, National Instruments' Compact RIO platform and RAE Systems' AreaConnect 500 Data Consolidator and Communications Bridge Go to page 24 for...

Operator interface.
October 1, 2004... The Blue Series graphic operator interface is designed for small systems such as packaging and filling machines where space is at a premium. The 3" graphics display and five user programmable function keys that can be screen independent costs...

On-line UPS.
October 1, 2004... The SG Series 5 and 6kVA, in-line, sinewave, rackmount UPS Plus[R] Uninterruptible Power System features a 220 and 230 Vac input and output. Designed for industrial control systems, the UPS and battery 3U modules each measure 5.2 x 19 x 23.6...

Device server.
October 1, 2004... The FL-COM SERVER RS-232 interface offers integration of virtually any RS-232 device onto a 10/100BaseT Ethernet network, therefore allowing access to any device with a serial port. The advantages of networked serial devices include access to...

Radar Level Gauge.
October 1, 2004... OPTIWAVE 7300 C Radar Level Gauge is designed for accurate measurement of distance, level and volume of liquids, pastes and solids. Maximum measuring range is 131 feet. The higher signal dynamics of the level gauge allow the detection of the...

A path forward for legacy systems--the PACs.(Pool's Reflections)
October 1, 2004... Several years ago a new type of controller appeared in the marketplace. It was called a Process Automation Controller or PAC. The ARC Advisory Group coined this new term to help users define their application needs and manufacturers to more...

Coriolis flowmeter: simultaneous measurement of mass flow rate, process density and process temperature.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... The FCM2000, nicknamed "TrioMass", series Coriolis mass flowmeter offers the simultaneous measurement of mass flow rate, process density, and process temperature. Multiple accuracy classifications for both rate and density measurements are...

Magnetic flowmeter: electrode coating diagnostics.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... The Admag AXF Magnetic Flowmeter offers an enhanced dual frequency excitation method as an option for difficult applications as well as new diagnostics to detect electrode coating combined with an optional replaceable electrode design. By...

Coriolis flowmeter: 3-inch, flow rates to 10,000 lb/min.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... The 3-inch Micro Motion F-Series flowmeter has been added to this company's F-Series flowmeters and offers temperature ratings to 356[degrees]F and options such as secondary containment and optional improved accuracy. With a maximum flow rate...

Trends in flow measurement.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... The versatility, functionality and user-friendliness found in today's consumer electronics are rapidly becoming a customer expectation in flow measurement instrumentation. Today's PDA's and cell phones have raised the bar in the way information...

Vortex shedding flowmeter: for water, water-based coolant and water-glycol coolant.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... CalPoint[TM] vortex shedding flowmeter and temperature transmitter measures the flow of water, water-based machine coolant and water/glycol coolant in industrial processing and manufacturing applications, it measures both flow and temperature...

Flow switch: temperature operating conditions to 450[degrees]F.(Flow Measurement & Control)
October 1, 2004... The M180 OEM flow switch is designed for air, gas or liquid flow sensing and switching with no drift over a wide flow range under high temperature operating conditions to 450[degrees]F (232[degrees]C). With no moving parts, the flow switch is...

Stepping motor system: for low power applications.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The SureStep family of open-loop stepping systems, for applications requiring low power, includes four standard motors and "one-size-fits-all" step motor drive. With holding torques from 83 oz-in, to 434 oz-in, in NEMA size 17, 23, or 34...

Pressure transducer: resist hydrogen permeation.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Model AST 4600 Explosion-proof Pressure Sensor is designed for use in hydrogen service and other hazardous applications such as refineries, water treatment plants, natural gas compressors and power generation. Employing a thick one-piece 316L...

Long range transceivers: cable-free communications.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The ConnexLink[TM] packaged transceivers can talk over distances of 20 miles line of sight. Units can be set up in minutes for cable-free communication between industrial RS232/422/485 devices, providing transmissions of up to 115.2Kbps. Priced...

Level switch: thermoplastic polyester enclosure; economical.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Pointek CLS 100 capacitance point level switch has a thermoplastic polyester enclosure and integrated Polyphenylene Sulfide process connection and sensing probe for accurate point level detection in general industry. It uses a two-wire...

Measurement software: connects design and test.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... SignalExpress is an interactive software environment for acquiring, comparing, automating, testing and storing measurement signals. With SignalExpress, engineers can now use virtual instrumentation on the benchtop to save time by automating...

Check valves: eliminates external leaks.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... INSERTA ICS slip-in check valves can be inserted in manifolds, subplates, flanges, or integrated valve systems. The compact design eliminates external leak points associated with line mounted check valves. These check valves can control flow in...

Wireless I/O data transmission system: for class I, Div. 2 hazardous locations.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... The Wireless N4ANT-D2 Explosion proof Class I, Div. 2 wireless I/O data transmission system is designed for moving data out of a hazardous Division 2 area to a safe area, eliminating the need for costly time consuming conduit and cable runs in...

I/O: new EtherNet/IP adapter; serial interface and connectivity options.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... The Allen-Bradley POINT I/O product line now includes an EtherNet/IP adapter, a serial interface and three new modules that expand connectivity options, improve scalability and support top-floor-to-shop-floor integration. With these new POINT...

Ethernet I/0 module: supports TCP/IP, UDP/IP and IPX at 10/100 Mbps.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... The T1H-EBC 100 module provides a Ethernet link between this company's Terminator I/O products and PC-based control software, or WinPLC/DL205/DL405 CPUs using this company's Ethernet Remote Master Module. The module supports TCP/IE UDP/IP and...

Distributed I/O gets tough.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... Because most I/0 evolved from somewhat serene factory automation environments where air-conditioned cabinets reside in control rooms, the inherent design of most I/0 does not take into account the extremities of the plant floor. The challenge...

Machine mountable I/0: with an IP67 environmental rating.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... Fieldline family of I/O modules with IP67 environmental rating can be implemented on a number of fieldbus protocols including DeviceNet, Profibus DP, INTERBUS and CANopen. The modules are designed to simplify network and I/O cabling and shorten...

Distributed control I/0 modules: new 12-channel sink and source modules.(Input/Output Devices)
October 1, 2004... The 12-channel ADAM-4056S sink type and the ADAM-4056SO source type isolated digital output modules are designed to support a higher maximum load than any other ADAM-4000 I/O modules, and feature a communication watchdog, fail safe outputs, as...

Data acquisition system: for complex real-time analysis.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The DASYLab software helps you solve complex data acquisition and control scenarios by working with a flowchart directly on the screen. Module icons are placed on the screen and connected with wires in a schematic diagram, which represents the...

Motion controller: wide selection of I/O and connectivity options.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The PACSystems[TM] DSM314 motion controller can control up to four axes and is capable of solving complex single- and multi-axis motion control applications, in combination with this company's PACSystems RS3i Programmable Automation Controller...

Vision sensors: 360 degree inspections.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... PresencePLUS[R] P4 GEO vision sensors inspect for correct features regardless of product orientation or position in the sensor's field of view eliminating mechanical fixturing. Priced at $995, the sensor delivers full 360[degrees] inspection....

Laser Rangefinder: non-contact measurements.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The OEM/Integrator Laser Rangefinder, designed for non-contact distance measuring, is capable of sub-cm accuracy at fast data rates up to several hundred meters to diffuse targets. Depending on the application, accuracies of several millimeters...

Pressure/temperature switches: simple switching with identical operation.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Ceraphant T/Thermophant T "twin" switches are identical in operation and in their menu-guided operation. Ceraphant T is an electronic switch designed for absolute and gauge pressure measurement, whereas Thermophant T is an electronic switch...

TEDS Reader: review TEDS data sheet via PDA.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... This TEDS Reader is a portable engineering tool that enables users to quickly review the full contents of any embedded IEEE P1451.4 TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) via PDA. Utilizing Dell Axim X3 PDA as its control/readout device the...

Output modules: remote monitoring with no field wiring.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... This new line of analog, digital and analog/digital output modules enable processors to remotely monitor equipment and process conditions with no field wiring. They allow users to integrate wireless monitoring instrumentation into existing...

Tank Measurement Sensor: measures liquid hydrocarbons.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The ACCU-TEMP Type M Tank Measurement Sensor is a permanently installed sensor that is designed to provide temperature measurement of liquid hydrocarbons in tanks or other large storage vessels. It determines the average or spot temperature and...

Flat panel LCD: large viewing area.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... This 19" rack mount flat panel LCD is a rugged display platform with a large viewable area that is suited for industrial automation, process control and aerospace applications. It features an image quality of .299 mm dot pitch, 225 nits...

Orientation sensor: low power consumption.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The 3DM-GX1[TM] orientation sensor combines the outputs from three angular rate gyros with orthogonal DC accelerometers and three orthogonal magnetometers for applications in navigation and control of unmanned vehicles, platform stabilization,...

PXI modules: new digitizer and arbitrary waveform generator.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Two 200 MS/s modular instruments that extend this company's mixed-signal capabilities have been introduced. When combined with National Instruments precision DC, RF and high-speed digital PXI instruments, the new modules can be used for a...

Gas Dection System: now with EtherNet/IP.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Sentry Gas Detection System is now available with an EtherNet/IP output capability that is the only standard supported by three networking organizations--ControlNet International (CI), the Industrial Ethernet Association (EIA) and the Open...

Chemical process pumps: flows to 350 GPM.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The MDM line of chemical process pumps exceeds ANSI hydraulics with flows to 350 gpm and heads to 350 ft. Capable of handling temperatures up to 302[degrees]F, the pump offers a patented, repeatable dry-run technology. It is a close-coupled...

Fiber optic-to-serial converter: for long-distance industrial communication.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The ADAM-4542+ is a fiber optic-to-serial converter designed for industrial long-distance communication such as intelligent transportation systems. The ADAM-4542+ improves over its predecessor (ADAM-4542) by adding a redundancy feature that has...

Aluminum boxes: for instrument and meter cases, etc.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The EX Series of extruded aluminum boxes have one-piece aluminum bodies finished in a silver-colored powder coat and have internal PCB card guides. Boxes are priced, solid and packaged in quantities of one, making them suitable for equipment...

Console server: now with automatic device recognition.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The CM console server is now available with Automatic Device Recognition. The CM console server makes it easy for IT personnel to securely monitor remote network equipment through the serial console port via in-band or out-of-band network...

Traceable thermometer: true temperature verification.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... The JOFRA[TM] DT1 1000 digital temperature indicator is a fully traceable thermometer recommended as the reference instrument to verify the true temperature of any type of temperature calibrator, liquid bath or dry-block calibrator. It can be...

Electromechanical temperature controllers: no external power source.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... Electromechanical Thermoswitch[R] temperature controllers do not require an external power source and operate in harsh applications such as extreme high or low temperatures (below 32[degrees]F and above 150[degrees]F), where digital controllers...

Temperature/RH transmitters: resistant to chemicals and moisture.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... Model THT Series temperature and relative humidity transmitters use bulk polymer resistive sensor technology which improves their resistance to chemicals and moisture. The transmitters have solid, dust and moisture proof bodies for use in...

Trends in temperature sensing.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... "The convergence of technology combined with the need for greater productivity and quality requires clear and concise visibility into better data. The market desire for more sophisticated, data-driven instruments is based on the need to...

Temperature/process controllers: heat/cool capability; keypad display; alarms.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... The Platinum Q Series of 1/4-DIN temperature and process controllers includes the Model Q100 and Q400 temperature controllers and the Model Q5000 process controllers designed to serve a wide range of thermal processing applications. Features...

Thermocouple Simulator: simulate a standard thermocouple curve.(Temperature Sensors)
October 1, 2004... The CL540 Series Thermocouple Simulator simulates a standard thermocouple curve over the entire industrial temperature range. You can choose between eight standard TC types or millivolts. The CL540 Series sources precise temperatures for inputs...

Vision sensors: now with geometric pattern matching software.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... This company's InSight[R] vision sensors are now available with PatMax[R] geometric pattern matching software. PatMax[R] provides accurate feature location despite changes in image angle, size, rotation, and appearance. The company claims that...

Industrial Ethernet Switches: for mission critical data acquisition & control.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The 305FX, 308TX unmanaged, Industrial Ethernet Switches have been added to this company's 300 Series family of switches. Measuring only 2" wide and weighing less than one pound, the switches offer full wire speed communications, ideal for use...

Flat panel monitor: VGA/DVI-D Video/S-Video inputs.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The FPM-3170 17" SXGA TFT LCD flat panel monitor, for industrial applications, offers resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 and multi-scan function support for SXGA, XGA, VGA and VGA text mode settings. Luminance is 250 cd/m2, and it has...

Pressure transmitter: 400 to 8000 PSI.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Type MH-2 electronic pressure transmitter offers pressure ranges from 400 to 8000 psi and is shock and vibration resistant in accordance with IEC 68-2 and ingress protection IP67 to IP69K making it suited especially for mobile hydraulic...

Moisture Analyzer: in a 19" rack-mount package.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Model 3050-RM Moisture Analyzer comes in a 19" rack package and is designed for process applications that require continuous measurement of parts-per-million volume (ppmv) in gases and vapor. An internal moisture generator allows the Model...

Pressure sensor: MEMS-based; surface mount installation.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Model 32394 silicon pressure sensor measures 1.65 mm x 1.2 mm x 0.4 mm and is designed for surface mount installation. Four connection pads enable the sensor to be "flip chip" mounted to a circuit or substrate using conductive epoxy or solder....

I/O Network: now with MODBUS RTU communications.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... net concentrator[R] System (NCS) Process Control and Distributed I/O Network is now available with MODBUS RTU (RS-485) communication capabilities. With this addition, the NCS is now able to use twisted wire pair, Ethernet, wireless (RF), fiber,...

Signal conditioner: for load cells.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The model DCA load cell signal conditioner operates on as low as 10 Vdc making it a suitable choice for automotive applications or anywhere battery power is available. It supplies excitation voltage to the load cell and amplifies the output...

Optical encoder: uses opticall coupled circuitry.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Series 62P optical encoder is said to provide ten to fifty times the life cycle reliability of comparably priced mechanical encoders. In addition, the 62P does no exhibit the contact bounce normally produced by mechanical contacts, thus...

Weight indicator/controller: built-in fieldbus communications.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The EVOLUTION[TM] Model E1070 weight indicator/controller is designed for the heterogeneous industrial communications environment with built-in standard fieldbus interfaces for Ethernet 10/100, PROFIBUS DP and DeviceNet. It is intended for...

HMI/SCADA Software: simple add-on provides seamless upgrade, functionality.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... The new Proficy[TM] HMI/SCADA iFIX[R] with FIX[R] Desktop Software enables users of FIX software to take advantage of the many advanced database and connectivity features of Proficy iFIX, while continuing to view and control their plant-wide...

Industrial Application Server: provides new I/O options.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... Several new scaled-down I/O options for this company's FactorySuite A2 development suite and version 1.5 of its Industrial Application Server software are now available. The FactorySuite A2 development edition license is now available in small...

SCADA system: enterprise-wide access to information.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... Operate IT Scada Vision is a real-time oil and gas production automation software version 4.2. It is a flexible, scalable and open architecture SCADA system capable of hosting applications that link real-time and transactional business systems....

Trends in Systems Integration.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... System Integrators that are serving the manufacturing process control markets are being asked to provide more sophisticated systems with a tighter integration with business systems. These systems integrators need to move from providing standard...

Operations management solutions: early awareness of abnormal operating conditions.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... A new operations management solution for the safety and operational reliability of your plant systems, called Operations Management Pro (OM Pro) provides workers with early awareness and knowledge of process systems abnormalities. It is...

Power management solution software: web-enabled for access anywhereon energy consumption.(Systems Integration & Solutions)
October 1, 2004... The latest version of PowerLogic System Manager Software (SMS), Version 4.0, includes standard web-enabled capabilities for each member of the SMS product family. Because the system features web-enabled capabilities as a standard part of the...

Power distribution unit: numerous input plug/output receptacles.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Pulsar family of power distribution units (PDUs) offer numerous input plug/output receptacles to ensure adequate power protection for industrial test and measurement equipment. They are fully compatible with this company's Pulsar line of...

Force sensors: 10 to 5000 lb compression.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... These general purpose piezoelectric force sensors measure dynamic compression, tensile and impact forces in a variety of applications. They are offered in both ICP[R] and charge output types, and measure full-scale compression forces from 10 to...

Multi-function transmitter: humidity and temperature.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Model HT-737 and Model HT-761 are multi-functional transmitter. Model HT-737 is a digital transmitter that measures relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and absolute humidity, it has RS-232 or RS-485 output capability. Packaged in a...

Valve positioner: for diaphragm- or psiton-operated valves.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Logix 3200IQ and 500si digital positioners provide quick set-up of either diaphragm- or piston-operated valves without the need for additional handheld devices, software or configuration/calibration tools. They are used in industries...

Safety modules: light curtains, safety mats, etc.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... These several new safety products include light curtains, safety modules, and safety mats. The safety light curtains, Type 2 and 4, for guarding dangerous work areas, are available in finger, hand, and body resolutions. The curtains feature...

Allen-Bradley connectivity modules: connect to A-B backplane.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The MVI56-GSC, MVI46-GSC, MVI71-GSC and MCI94-GSC modules provide serial device connectivity to Allen-Bradley platforms. These modules allow system integrators to add ASCII serial communication connectivity to their ladder applications. Typical...

EtherNet/IP Gateway: ODVA approved.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The FieldServer EtherNet/IP Gateway has recently passed ODVA conformance testing and is approved and listed on the ODVA site. The gateway links legacy devices and systems using other protocols to EtherNet/IP Networks. It also successfully...

Moisture measurement system: inline; most flowable dry materials.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The real-time, inline moisture sensor uses a capacitance circuit to sense moisture content in most flowable dry materials and allows the information to be displayed or integrated into the plant-wide control system. The 2.5" diameter sensor...

Release Handles: for enclosures.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Universal Release Handle is designed to operate with this company's CP-Vertical Pendant Arm systems and increases the variety of enclosure options available to specifiers and end users of plant floor operator interface devices. The handle...

Rocker switches: 15 amps at 250 Vac.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The 2600 Series rocker switches are designed for power applications with and inductive circuits as well as common resistive circuits. Used for a variety of industrial control applications, the switches satisfy power ratings up to 15 amps at 250...

Data acquisition devices: fast sampling rates, more I/O.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The new M Series multifunction data acquisition devices deliver an extensive set of features that makes them suited for test, control and sensor measurement applications. The core of each M Series device is the new NI-STC 2 synchronization and...

Servomotors: torques between 0.18 and 53 nm.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The AM3000 Synchronous Servomotor series are pole-wound motors that feature a significantly higher proportion of "active" copper, which determines the torque, making the performance of the AM3000 series approximately 25 to 35% higher that...

Datalogger: for harsh environments.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The Data Dolphin 128 (DD-128) data logger has an ultrahigh resolution, 24-bit, analog-to-digital section that provides eight differential bipolar inputs with resolution down to 90 nanovolts. This allows most sensors to be directly connected...

Inclinometer: resists shock to 500G.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Model LCF-196 inclinometer is designed for applications where high levels of shock and vibration are present. The two-axis tilt sensor, housed in a 22 mm stainless steel package, resists shock to 500G, 0.001 sec, and vibration to 10 grms....

Current transducer: no need to disconnect existing wiring.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The CT-100 current transducer uses split core, clamp on construction that results in no need to disconnect existing wires to sense current. The 4-20 mA signal output is selectable for 0-2.5, 0-10, 0-20, 0-50 or 0-100 A load current. The current...

Compact PCI backplane: eliminates cabling the chassis.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... EasyPlug[TM] CompactPCI backplanes have pluggable modules that eliminate cabling in the chassis, reduce system assembly costs and allow more swappability. The 3U, 6U and 9U EasyPlug CompactPCI backplanes allow pluggability for power supplies,...

Power entry module: pre-wires switch.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... Series DC21 power entry module is designed to save space and minimize assembly time of electronic devices. The AC inlet (IEC/EN 60320-1/C14) and on/off switch functions are internally wired and connect to a printed circuit board with 3-pins (L,...

Motion controller: position, velocity and current mode.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... EPOS 24/5 digital motion controller is capable of position, velocity and current mode. Designed for controlling small brush and brushless motors, EPOS 24/5 measures only 105 x 83 x 24 mm and weighs just 170 g (6 oz). Communication is via RS-232...

National Instruments LabVIEW goes embedded with new CompactRIO platform.
October 1, 2004... National Instruments recently introduced CompactRIO. a high-performance embedded control and acquisition platform powered by reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology for advanced applications where small size and reliability are critical. RIO...

ACCES I/O Products, Inc. announces a line of complete integrated intelligent embedded data acquisition systems.
October 1, 2004... Model IE-DAS, a data acquisition system designed for PC/104 and PC/104-Plus configurations, has been announced by ACCES I/O Products, Inc., San Diego, CA. The complete integrated system is packaged in a rugged steel enclosure and has threaded...

RAE System announces a data consolidator & communications bridge that monitors remote facilities for critical emergency response.
October 1, 2004... AreaConnect 500 is a data consolidator and communications bridge designed to aggregate data from multiple sensor networks in remote industrial locations. It remotely displays the data over a standard network connection, and provides...

Laser alignment tool: check alignment in manufacturing lines.(Product News)
October 1, 2004... The 2-Axis Microgage Alignment Kit is designed for use in checking manufacturing lines and related alignment applications. Roll and web lines, CNC cutting and milling tools, lathes, stamping presses, injection molding machines, extrusion...