Instrumentation & Automation News articles from September 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from September 2003

Remote network monitor.
September 1, 2003... The MP200 Remote Multipoint Monitor allows you to monitor multiple instruments simultaneously from one PC. One MP200 connects eight instruments to one PC and with nine MP200s, you can create a network of 64 instruments, allowing you to monitor...

Differential output sensor.
September 1, 2003... The differential output ASDX series of amplified sensors are based on combining MEMS, ASIC and modern packaging technology in a space-saving size. It is an amplified product that has a +/-2 Vdc output centered around a 2.5 Vdc offset. The...

Intelligent I/O system.
September 1, 2003... This new Ethernet version of Model 2500 intelligent I/O system functions as a remote I/O for PLCs, HMIs or the Eurotherm Model T800 visual control system. It can also operate as a standalone PID loop controller for up to eight loops. Model 2500...

Machine vision system.
September 1, 2003... The CVS-1454 Compact Vision System allows LabVIEW-based hardware to bring IEEE 1394 connectivity and multi-camera synchronization into rugged applications. Three IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports allow connectivity to a variety of imaging sensors...

Unplugged.(Pool's Reflections)
September 1, 2003... According to Chris Richardson, Chairman, President and CEO of Schneider Electric, North American Operating Division, "Spending on power generation over the next 20 years will exceed the entire amount invested in the 20th century. The soaring...

Distribution Box: for Fieldbus I/O modules.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Power Distribution Box allows for distribution of power to several Fieldbus box I/O modules. Each Fieldbus box I/O module has two separate power connections located on the bottom of the module. There are two power connections. Beckhoff...

Calibration system: plug-and-play setup.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... A plug, play, and calibrate system is designed for sensors and signal conditioning. The system is compliant to IEEE 1451.4 for connectivity of sensors and associated signal conditioning. The transducer electronic data sheet containing sensor...

Vibration monitoring devices: variety of 4-20 mA units.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... A family of 4-20 mA devices is designed for vibration monitoring of plant and process machinery in all types of environments. Included are vibration sensors, signal conditioners, power supplies, alarm and indicator modules, enclosures, and...

Configuration software: for easy setup for transmitters.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The configuration of Micro Motion transmitters has been made easier with the release of a new version of Micro Motion ProLink II configuration software. Compatible with all Micro Motion transmitters. Micro Motion ProLink II software can...

Servo amplifiers and drives: customized to fit you needs.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... This company is offering customized servo amplifiers and drives to drive brushless and brush type linear and rotary motors and actuators. All on a single board, capabilities include: multiple axes, wide power range, extended feature set, broad...

Miniature step motor: near vibration free operation.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... This family of three Size 11 (1.062" square) 2-phase hybrid step motors includes the longest motor which is the 1.8 degree step motor and model 211-20-02, that develops 16.6 ounce-inches of holding torque in a 1.99" long package size. The...

Galil motion control interface boards: enhance motion control applications.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... The VARIOFACE Interconnect solution for the Galil OPTIMA and ECONO series of digital motion controllers is designed to be used directly with the galil supplied cables. The three modules are connected to the 100, 80 and 36-pin cables. The...

Softstarters: for low voltage motors to 1800 HP.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... The PST series of softstarters are available for operating voltages from 208 to 690 Vac and full load currents of 30 to 1050 A. When used on wye-delta wound motors, PST softstarters are capable of "inside the delta" operation and are UL listed...

Direct drive rotary motors: complete speed/torque solution for frameless motor applications.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... The F series frameless DDR motors is available in 4 frame sizes with continuous torque from 5 to 369 N.m, peak torque from 17 to 1340 N.m, and diameter from 160 to 333 mm. The F series uses a proprietary neodymium-iron magnet rotor structure...

Trends in motion control.(Editorial Emphasis)
September 1, 2003... The hottest trend in the motion control industry is a shift toward more highly integrated products, such as the IMS MDrive, which blends mechanical and electrical in increasingly smaller packages with greater performance. These highly...

The quickly changing world of motion control.(Motion Control 2003)
September 1, 2003... Motion control is probably one of the fastest evolving and most diverse areas in the automation and controls industry. Motion control concepts and technologies are no longer confined to only specialized servo systems that are controlled by...

Creating successful PC based machine monitoring systems.(Motion Control 2003)
September 1, 2003... In this world, there in no such thing as perfect components. True, there are many very good components out there, but it is unlikely that any are designed to last forever. All motion control systems, especially those that run continuously, have...

CDC camera: digital CMOS-based unit.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The CDC-200[TM] is a digital CMOS-based CDC camera designed to extend the range of vision applications with faster frame rates and global shuttering capabilities. It can accommodate mixed-resolution applications using a configurable region of...

Sensor/transmitter: for use in heavy industrial equipment.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... The Ashcroft A2 transmitter allows users to select from a wide variety of configurations to meet virtually every application need for engines, compressors, turbines, pumps, and other heavy industrial equipment. The unit is designed to provide...

Inclinometer/accelerometer: based on MEMS Technology.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... The SCA61T Series inclinometer/accelerometer is based on MEMS technology and highly integrated electronics. The unit is equipped with internal temperature measurement and compensation, which offers additional external compensation. This,...

Signal horn: with PC/ABS housing.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Series 573 signal horn is designed to incorporate the demands of form and function with modern architecture. With dimensions of 207 x 178 x 103 mm the unit with a rugged PC/ABS housing, accommodates a continuous tone horn capable of a sound...

Thermal printer: Bluetooth capabilities.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The WhiteTiger MPU-L465 thermal printer has embedded Class 2 Bluetooth wireless communications capabilities. The rugged 300 dpi thermal printer is suitable for mobile applications in warehousing, inventory control, and field sales and service...

Safety transmitter: for process applications.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 2600T Safety Pressure Transmitter is designed to meet the need for pressure measurement devices in compliance with Safety Integrity Levels SIL 2 and SIL 3, common in process applications such as chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical...

Sensor-data recorder: six-channel, six-axis unit.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... The MotionMaster[TM] EDR3D6DOF is a six-channel, sensor-data recorder with six axes. The self-contained unit houses an internal, linear tri-axial accelerometer as well as three orthogonal angular rate sensors. The programmable recorder has the...

Temperature transmitters: for confined spaces.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... IRtec Rayomatic 6, a series of non-contact infrared temperature transmitters is designed for high performance and extreme efficiency, which are required in a confined space. The unit provides a continuous monitoring tool for troublesome...

Data loggers: indoor and outdoor uses.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The HOBO Pro Series is a family of weatherproof data loggers for measuring and recording indoor and outdoor climate data, which can be analyzed on a PC. The units address the need among HVAC contractors, facilities, and energy managers for a...

Differential pressure instruments: for hazardous environments.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... These explosion-proof differential pressure are designed to be safe in various hazardous environments. To ensure positive protection, switches and electrical connections are housed in special enclosures. Orange Research Inc. 140...

Liquid level gauges: data transmission capabilities.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... RF wireless data transmission capabilities are available for MSeries digital and analog liquid level gauges. M-series sensors are suitable for cost-effective level, temperature, and volume measurement in long gauge tank farm applications. The...

VME board: enough computing power for complex real-time applications.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... The EUROCOM 148 VME CPU board enables system designers to keep their investments in VME technology up-to-date, and is ideal for use in applications such as industrial control and automation. It features a complete PC kernel with graphics,...

12-Bit PCI digitizer cards: for PC-based data acquisition.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... This family of PCI 12-bit ADC digitizer cards provide new levels of measurement fidelity and time base control for PC-based data acquisition. The cards also feature an extremely high level of throughput that allows users to reduce automated...

Digital I/O boards: for PCI bus computers.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... The OMG-PCI-DIO series of I/O boards provide 24, 32, 48, and 96 channels of buffered digital I/O emulating 8255S for industrial control applications. 10K pull resistors are included on each port. Each board contains 8 I/O ports configurable as...

Embedded computers.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... "A major trend in embedded industrial applications is toward integration of operator interfaces, real-time control, data acquisitions, modular I/O and network communications all in a compact, easily programmed package, State-of-the-art...

12-bit PCI digitizer cards: for PC-based data acquisition.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... This family of PCI 12-bit ADC digitizer cards provide new levels of measurement fidelity and time base control for PC-based data acquisition. The cards also feature an extremely high level of throughput that allows users to reduce automated...

Single board computer: supports network booting.(Board-Level Products)
September 1, 2003... The VSBC-8 single board computer now supports remote boot management firmware, are from Argon Technology, which allows users to remotely manage client devices. The VSBC-8 is now available in extended temperature and low power versions. The...

Fiber-optic light guides: high precision sensing.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... A line of miniature glass fiber-optic light guides is suitable for use in very small, tight spaces where high precision sensing is required. The unit offer the same protection as glass fibers. Tri-Tronics Co. Inc. Box 25135, Tampa, FL...

Transducer system: rotation precision feedback.(Sensors Expo[R] & Conference)
September 1, 2003... The Model 0607 angular displacement transducer and the Model 1004 counter display system create a system that provides precision rotational feedback and readout over a 360-degree angle. Trans-Tek Inc. Box 338, Route 83, Ellington, CT...

Closure Caps: protection for unused ports.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... New eurofast Closure Caps can be used to protect unused ports on junction boxes and cordsets. The caps are suitable for applications such as washdown, outdoor applications, food, chemical, and pharmaceutical processing. The closure caps are...

Digital pressure gauge: battery or externally powered.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 3900 Series Merigauge[TM] digital pressure gauge offers 0.10% accurate pressure measurement as well as the standard 0.25%. The unit is capable of being battery or externally powered. Meriam Process Technologies 10920 Madison Ave.,...

Ultransonic sensors: built-in temperature compensation.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The new series of RPS-409A ultrasonic sensors can cover ranges from 40 to 189. The units need no setup, adjustment, or calibration. They have a linear output of volts per inch. They are designed to take advantage of PLC and computer analog...

Luminescence sensors: use ultraviolet led detection.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The QL Series of microprocessor-controlled luminescence sensors is available. These self-contained units use a modulated ultraviolet LED to scan for luminescence in materials. Banner Engineering Corp. 9714 10th Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN...

Emergency stop: pushbutton for category 4 uses.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The PIT emergency stop push-button is suitable for applications up to Category 4 in accordance with EN 954-1. It also meets the new requirements of IEC/EN 60947-5-5 and EN 418, making it particularly safe. Pilz Automation Safety LP ...

Digital pressure indicators: line or battery powered.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The D 1200 series of high-precision, low-cost digital pressure indicators is available in line or battery-powered configurations. The batter-powered unit is suitable where ruggedness and portability are needed for in-plant instrument...

Wall box cabinet: cantilevered tubular frame.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The TF Wall Box series is a new 190 EIA swing frame wall mount cabinet. With a patented cantilevered tubular frame, the unit offers a cost-effective, eye-pleasing solution to wall patching, cabling, and networking. The unit features a tempered,...

Sensor/transmitter: vibration and temperature monitoring.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Model 972 is a solid-state loop powered vibration and temperature sensor/transmitter specifically designed for industrial machinery monitoring. The sensor continuously measures both vibration and temperature and key machinery health...

Panel PC series: one or two expansion slots.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The FPB series of panel PCs combines one or two expansion slots with 12.10 or 150 displays and a NEMA 4 sealed front panel. One slot models have a single PCI/ISA slot. Two-slot models ass a PCI slot. These network-ready PCs include a 10/100Base...

Non-contact flow sensor: uses microwave doppler technology.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Flow Detect 1000 is a non-contact flow sensor that is capable of providing a signal indicating the flow/no-flow condition of solids of powders in pipelines, airslides, chutes, bucket elevators, transfer points, and conveyor belts. It uses...

Timer/alarm: simultaneous programming.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Traceable Double Display Timer allows simultaneous programming of two different activities from 20 hours to one second Resolution is one second and accuracy is 0.01%. Each channel has a distinct electronic alarm and display indicator when...

Touch-sensitive keyboard: for industrial and public uses.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... A new touch-sensitive keyboard is suitable for both the rugged and abrasive use for both industrial and public uses. This keyboard mounts underneath any non-conductive substrate such as glass, plastic, ceramic, or wood up to 10-mm thick. In...

Signal conditioners: analog input and output modules.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... 8500 Series analog I/O modules are designed for micro PLCs. Options include 0-10 V, 0-5 V, and 4-20 mA as well as thermocouple, RTD, and strain gage. All models provide 12-bit resolution. The thermocouple conditioners linearize the thermocouple...

Switching power supplies: new benchtop dc units.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... Models 1665, 1666, and 1667 have been added to a family of compact, laboratory-grade, benchtop switching de power supplies. They use a standard 115 Vac outlet as the power source. The new units provide continuous operation up to 200 W. They are...

PC/104 boards: asynchronous serial communication.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 104-COM-8S and 104 COM-4S ore PC/104 boards with eight- and four-port asynchronous serial communication. They support RS485 and RS422 communications. They are suitable for POS, gaming systems, machine monitoring, military, and high-density...

Linear position transducers: absolute quadrature output.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... P-Style profile-version Micropulse magnetostrictive linear positioning transducers ore available with on-request absolute quadrature output, giving designers a more rugged and reliable option to glass scales, potentiometers, and LVDTs. These...

Encoders/tachometers: for general induatrial use.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... M85 Thin-Line[TM] encoders and tachometers are designed for general industrial use. They incorporate Wide-Gap[TM] sensor technology, which simplifies installation by eliminating time-consuming alignment procedures. In addition to easier...

Industrial connector: for use in hazardous locations.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Slip Lok[TM] Connector is designed to simplify installation of equipment in hazardous locations. The patented two-piece design provides for optimal positioning of components and locks them securely in position. The connector reduces the...

Single-board computer: supports high-speed applications.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The SBC-F9000V2G is a single-board computer designed to support mission-critical, high-speed telecom and ISP applications. It uses Xeon processor technology as well as 1.8 GHz to 2.8 GHz+ with hyper-threading technology. It is designed with a...

Servo motors: slotless, brushless DC units.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... ELCOM SL slotless brushless de servo motors and gearmotors feature a slotless stator design to eliminate magnetic cogging for smooth and quiet motion, high performance, and long life. They are suitable for applications, including data storage,...

Level transmitters: intrinsically safe; level related pressure from 2 to 300 psig.(Level Sensors)
September 1, 2003... This new line of intrinsically safe level transmitters utilizing hydrostatic pressure technology has both FM and CSA approvals for Class 1, Div. 1, Groups A, B, C, and D. With an accuracy of+/-0.25% FS and optionally +/-0.125% FS, these...

Level sensor: detects low-dielectric plastics with 1-step adjustment.(Level Sensors)
September 1, 2003... KN Series capacitive level sensor detects low-dielectric, reduced moisture materials in plastics processing applications. The sensor's "set and forget" one-step pushbutton setup completely eliminates multiple sensitivity adjustments. The sensor...

Level transmitter: +/-0.25% FS accuracy over A 1- to 32-foot range.(Level Sensors)
September 1, 2003... Type 8175 ultrasonic level transmitter offers a +/-0.25% FS accuracy over a 1-to 32-foot range. Resolution is +/- 1/8". The non contact level transmitter--designed for continues level control, on/off level measurements of fluids/solids, flow...

Level transmitter: for liquids and solids.(Level Sensors)
September 1, 2003... Model 8000-1 level transmitter for liquids and solids combines both the sensor and transmitter in a common enclosure. It transmits an ultrasonic sound pulse from the sensor which is directed toward the product to be monitored. The time required...

Multi-point liquid level switches: 5 actuation levels on a single tank entry.(Level Sensors)
September 1, 2003... These 627 Series miniature-multi-point liquid level switches offer floats as small as 0.787 inches in diameter for hard to reach areas, with up to 5 actuation levels on a single tank entry. You can reach up to 48 inches in overall length, and...

Web-Enabled touchscreens: grapgically display data over corporate Ethernet, Internet or wireless networks.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... iPanel[TM] Series of Web-Enabled touchsreen is offered with or without the newly released CT HMI[TM] software, which can graphically display process data with the iPanel. Together, the iPanel and CT HMI can be used to graphically display data...

Wireless mobile operator interface: work with your PDA.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... InstantHMl Version 2.0 is a user interface for process, motion and vision system control. InstantHMI together with your PDA creates a human machine interface, data logging and diagnostic tool that is lightweight, portable and wireless....

Remote access panels: improve on-line machine operations.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... Type FED (Front End Displays) Remote Access Panels offer a compact operator interface which simplifies access and provides diagnostic capabilities during machine startup and operation. They have built-in features geared at improving online...

Operator interface/controller: compact I/O-rich device.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... The QVGA Controller[TM] features an embedded C-programmable computer and a touchscreen-enabled operator interface on a 1/4VGA display. Two choices of displays are available depending on the application: a bright, amber-on-black high contrast...

Trends in operator interfaces.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... While alphanumeric text displays are still widely used on the factory floor, flat panel touch screens are gaining popularity as prices go down and functionality increases. In addition to being easier to use than text displays, they provide...

LCD monitors: viewable in direct sunlight.(Operator Interfaces/Workstations)
September 1, 2003... This 18" high-bright LCD monitors are specialized displays designed, to be viewed in direct sunlight. They also offer the distinction of dimming to absolute zero for nighttime viewing. The displays have been designed to withstand the rigors of...

HMI software: featuring dynamic screen localization.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... The latest release of CIMPLICITY[R] HMI features dynamic screen localization and connectivity enhancements to simplify exchange of data between plant floor and the enterprise. CIMPLICITY HMI 6.1 seamlessly shares information with other...

HMI software: redundant.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... The newest version of RSView Enterprise Series[TM] HMI software includes RSView Supervisory Edition[TM], RSView Machine Edition[TM] and the RSView Studio[TM] PC-based development tool that supports improved productivity through redundancy and...

HMI software: for microcontrollers.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... microCommander HMI software allows users to access smart devices when they want, from wherever they want and how they want. With built-in Internet connectivity and an assortment of virtual instruments, microCommander reduces the time to program...

Process software: tunes product process.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... ULTRAMAX uses Sequential Empirical Optimization to create and maintain dynamic process models from process data for plant personnel. It identifies process adjustments for achieving optimal process performance. It also provides plant personnel...

Wireless alarm/notification system: based on OPC standards.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... iNotify OPC connects to any OPC Data Access 1.0 or 2.0 Server and delivers proactive notifications using text paging, email, or SMS to any one-way or two-way wireless device--pagers, cellphones, PDAs, and more as well as traditional email...

Trends in HMI/SCADA.(Industrial Automation Software)
September 1, 2003... Quality, agility, and efficiency have always been plant automation system requirements, but never more so than today. Plant software architecture must supply an extendable and sustainable solution with the lowest total cost of engineering,...

Multi-point Serial-to-Ethernet Bridge converts multi-point serial communications to a TCP/IP network.(September Automation Excellence Awards)
September 1, 2003... The EM1500 Serial-Ethernet Bridge is a device that converts multi-point serial communications to a TCP/IP network. It connects to and network enables as many as four RS232 serial devices simultaneously, while also acting as master on a...

Motion, vision and I/O system maintains performance independent of the number of axes being controlled.(September Automation Excellence Awards)
September 1, 2003... The Automation 3200 next generation motion, vision and I/O system features a software-only controller (Nmotion SMC) that offers 32 axes of synchronized motion. The Nmotion SMC retains the best features of this company's previous controllers...

Dedicated Distributed Controller[TM] is a pre-engineered flexible system that can be customized for specific applications.(September Automation Excellence Awards)
September 1, 2003... The Dedicated Distributed Controller[TM] (DDC) is a pre-engineered flexible system of operator interfaces including 22mm operators, local or remote I/O and main control that is customized for specific OEM applications. The DDC consists of two...

Hygro-thermometer: uses infrared technology.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Model RH010 is a new hygro-thermometer that includes a built-in, non-contact IR thermometer. The IR thermometer provides fase and easy measurements ranging from -58[degrees] to +932F in locations that are unsafe or hard to reach. A built-in...

Image processing software: hardware-independent package.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... Sapera Processing 5 is a newly optimized version of the Windows--based Sapera software for image processing and analysis. This hardware-independent package includes a highly advanced geometric location tool (SEARCH) that quickly and accurately...

Fast transient power supply: with external triggering.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Model 2306-VS dual-channel fast transient power supply has external triggering. Designed specifically to meet the evolving test needs of handset and cellular component manufacturers, it allows externally triggered output voltage level...

Distributed motor starter: no additional enclosures required.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Allen-Bradley ArmorStan distributed starter is a pre-engineered, pre-configured combination motor starter that requires no additional enclosures and features a modular, plug-and-play design for quick and reliable installation. Since a...

Hassle-Free Redundant DC Power.(Literature Review)
September 1, 2003... These modular systems may be mounted on a DIN rail, wall or cabinet frame. Simply plug in the two power supplies, and connect your input power and load. YOu don't need to wire input switches, output present indicators, isolation diodes or...

Ink Code Marking Machines.(Literature Review)
September 1, 2003... Ink Code Marking Machines capable of marking codes on paper, plastic and metal surfaces. Message sizes up to two square inches. Cycle speeds up to 350 CPM. Full range of auxiliary equipment and operating supplies are offered. Sprinter Marking,...

Meteorologial instruments.(Literature Review)
September 1, 2003... This literature includes sensors to measure wind speed, wind direction, peak gusts, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and precipitation. R.M. Young Company, 2801 Aero Park Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686. Toll-free:1-866-946-3981. E-mail:...

Temperature sensors & instruments.(Literature Review)
September 1, 2003... Bulletin TS-103 describes a complete range of RTD's, thermocouples, and transmitters for precision sensing in OEM and user applications. The 120-page bulletin includes industrial probes and accessories, stator and bearing detectors HVAC/R...