26/2/05

Dermot Ryan 1917 - 2005

Low cost colour models - The LX280 monochrome and LX300 STN colour models, from Horner-APG,are a low-cost addition to the extensive OCS product line. OCS (Operator Control Station) is a robust, reliable control product that combines a traditional controller...programmed by any of the IEC 61131 programming languagesŠoperator interface, I/O and networking into an integrated, all-in-one unit using a single software package - Cscape. The LX models have a fast 0.20mS/K typical scan rate, and a large memory capacityŠsupporting logic programs up to 128K logic and 32K of battery-backed registers. Both models provide far more visual readability than competing low-cost blue screen and STN colour LCDs. The LX can address an impressive 2048 digital in, 2048 digital out, 512 analog in and 512 analog out I/O points.

Fittings standardised on FPSO! - BP is standardising on Parker Instrumentation's A-LOK tube fittings for the construction of the Greater Plutonio FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel that will be used in the Block 18 Angola oil field. The twin-ferrule fittings will be fabricated in 316-grade stainless steel, as well as exotic alloys including 6Mo and Incoloy 625 to combat corrosion.

New MVD transmitters offer a compact DIN rail standard mounting and saving on total installed costs - Integrating Coriolis flow and density meters into any control system has been made simpler and easier with the introduction by Emerson Process Management of the Micro Motion Model 1500 and 2500 DIN rail mounted transmitters using multi-variable digital technology (MVD). These compact units offer analogue and pulse/frequency outputs, plus HART and Modbus digital communication options that provide compatibility with the Emerson PlantWeb digital plant architecture and any conventional DCS or PLC based system. With these new transmitters, project engineers save on both installation costs and space requirements. They require only 0.03 cubic feet of space, a dramatic reduction compared to the 1.0 cubic feet occupied by previous models. Powered by 24VDC and mounted on a 35mm DIN rail, the Model 1500/2500 transmitters connect to the sensors via a standard 4 core shielded cable, reducing cabling cost and complexity as well as eliminating the need to run separate power to the sensor. Transmitters can be mounted up to 300 metres from the sensors.

Digital filter design toolkit reduces development time and costs - National Instruments has announced LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit Version 7.5, which includes tools for modeling and creating software-based digital filters as well as LabVIEW FPGA and C code generation capabilities for chip-level implementation. With the toolkit, design and test engineers now can use the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment to ensure a seamless digital filter design process from conception to completion while reducing development costs. In addition, professors can use the toolkit to demonstrate key filter design concepts to undergraduate and graduate engineering students.

New hardware plus system software APIs and libraries optimise RTS development platform family - Pentek, the industry pioneer of VME board-level technology, has boosted support for system developers to an even higher level with the introduction of the RTS2503 Development Platform and the SystemFlow Application Program Interface (API) and libraries. RTS Development Platforms are ready-to-use hardware and software bundles, supported by a full set of board and system-level development tools targeted for real-time, high-bandwidth data acquisition, signal processing and recording. The addition, the Model 4990 SystemFlow API and libraries afford developers a simple way of addressing new applications by customizing an already functioning "starter" RTS platform.

Programmable channel generator simplifies data logging and control - Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a new programmable Data Logger with optional GSM modem into the Dupline field and installation-bus product range. Equipped with intelligent functions for lighting control, temperature control and alarm monitoring, the unit can be configured to perform real-time, logic and timer functions in applications such as building automation, energy management and water distribution.

System sales team responsible for London contractors augmented - Emerson Process Management, has announced the appointment of John Morley to the System Sales Team for London Contractors. Morley will have sales responsibilities for Automation Contractor and Instrumentation Vendors in the London area and will be part of the London Contractor Team led by Pierce Rumph. John joins the Emerson team with over 30 years experience in the field of instrumentation and control gained with major operating companies such as Anglo American, Union Carbide, British Gas, Shell, BP and Esso. Throughout his career John has held senior positions with key engineering contractors and has specialised in refinery re-instrumentation projects including the latest techniques associated with Advanced Process Control, Refinery Optimisation and Management Information Systems.

High-power weatherproof wireless modem introduced - In response to the demand for rugged outdoor wireless connectivity, MaxStream has released the 1 Watt 9XTend-NEMA. The NEMA 4 rated enclosure allows the award winning 9XTend RF modem to be used in harsh environments. "The 9XTend RF modem has raised the industry standard for long-range wireless capabilities, and the addition of a NEMA 4 enclosure makes it possible for widespread integration into rigorous outdoor settings," said Hugh Nielsen, their Chief Technology Officer.

Conductivity probe boosts productivity for chemicals manufacturer - A novel application of a Yokogawa ISC40 conductivity probe has helped to boost a leading manufacturer's productivity by dramatically reducing manufacturing cycle times for intermediate chemicals. The conductivity probe is used in a process reactor to detect the interface between the chemical being produced and the layer of waste water which accumulates on top of the chemical during the manufacturing process. The waste water is removed with a 'dip pipe' suction device which moves up and down, and it is important to establish the exact point at which the dip pipe reaches the interface to ensure that all the water is extracted without removing any of the chemical.

New committee to focus on wireless technology standards - A new ISA standards committee, ISA-SP100, has been established to create standards, recommended practices, and/or technical reports to define procedures for implementing wireless systems in the automation and control environment at the field level. Committee Chair Wayne Manges of Oak Ridge National Laboratory expects their work to "assure the confidence in and integrity of wireless technology, and provide criteria for implementing it in manufacturing automation and control systems." Technology covered will include: Field sensors used for monitoring, control, alarm, and shutdown; Wireless technology whose uses include real time field-to-business systems; Fluid processing, material processing, and discrete parts manufacturing.
More details on standards on where to find standards on our Standards Page

Micropower Hall-effect switch in ultraminiature surface-mount package - Allegro MicroSystems Europe has introduced a new version of its A3212 micropower Hall-effect switch in the ultraminiature MLP surface-mount package measuring only 2 x 2 mm with a nominal package height of only 0.5mm. The new device is shipped in reels of 3000 units in the 'E' temperature range (rated -40degC to 85degC) under the part number A3212EELLT.

LVDS digital waveform generator/analysers for PXI introduced - Automated test engineers can now use National Instruments new 400 and 200 Mb/s digital waveform generator/analysers to interface to low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) devices using the PXI platform. The new modules are ideal for military and aerospace ATE applications, such as surveillance, avionic communications, satellite and intelligence. Engineers also can use the modules to interface to communications subsystems or semiconductor devices such as A/D and D/A converters.

Former Fieldbus Foundation president speaks out on automation history, open systems, and the greatest generation! - Contemporary Controls has published an insightful interview in its Extension Newsletter with John Pittman, former President and CEO of the Fieldbus Foundation. John has led a distinguished career in the automation business, receiving numerous awards for his achievements. In this interview, Pittman offers his perspectives on high speed Ethernet, Open Systems, and the consolidation that is being seen in the process control industry.

'Pub proof' card reader brings reliable Chip & PIN to the bar environment - A new 'pub proof' PIN Pad with integrated reader has been launched in the UK by Secure Retail, specifically to facilitate the roll-out of Chip and PIN in bar environments. Fully EMV Level 1 compliant, with VISA PCI approval pending, the Sagem unit has a water proof pin pad with flush fitting keys to facilitate cleaning. The card reader is built into the front of the unit to allow the customer to insert a card easily during a transaction. It includes drainage holes to ensure that any liquids spilt run away easily. A built-in privacy shield helps reduce the risk of 'shoulder-surfing' for customers PIN numbers during a transaction. The unit is made of robust metal to improve resistance to physical attack.
Though not strictly an instrument we thought our readers who frequent certain premises from time time might find this interesting!

Read-out never misses this one! - ISA EXPO 2005 will feature over 500 exhibitors showcasing their state-of-the-art technologies, products, and services to thousands of industry professionals in today's automation and control market. Special features at ISA EXPO 2005 include:

• The Sensors Fair, grown from the Sensors Pavilion, is located in a prominent area of the exhibit floor, and will showcase all sensors and related technologies, in both process and discrete applications.
• The Industrial Communications Pavilionhighlighting data communications technologies from wireless data links to fiber optic Ethernet switches, and connectivity between device and process control and management systems.
• The Discrete Optimization Pavilion - new to ISA EXPO in 2005. This exciting new pavilion will be teeming with products and technologies that increase ROI by cutting manufacturers' downtime, increasing productivity and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process.
  Will we see you there?
  North America's number one event for automation and control professionals, 25-27 October in Chicago (US). With practitioners from over 70 countries, ISA EXPO features the largest and most comprehensive products and services exhibition, a cutting-edge technical conference, and an exceptional continuing education and training program.

  Industry cooperation project adds another member to team - The Fieldbus Foundation has just announced that the OPC Foundation (OPCF) has joined the international cooperative team of the three leading fieldbus organizations, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF), HART Communication Foundation (HCF) and PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO), to extend the reach of Electronic Device Descriptions (EDDs) into OPCF's Unified Architecture.
  More on this and other fieldbus news on our Fieldbus News Page.

  INtegrated stepper motor and drive provides ultra-compact motion control solution - Baldor has launched a range of micro-stepping motors with onboard drive electronics. Their compactness is ideal wherever space saving or simplicity of installation is important - such as in instrumentation, test, medical devices and machinery adjustment applications. Dubbed the DSM Series, there are three choices of frame size, each in three motor lengths, offering a choice of nine torque ratings spanning 22.6 to 749N-cm.

  New head for 3DAP process development and applications department - Oxford nanoScience, leading manufacturer of the 3 Dimensional Atom Probe (3DAP), has announced the appointment of Dr. Peter Clifton to head up the Process Development and Applications Department at the company's Milton Keynes headquarters. Peter joins Oxford nanoScience from Seagate Technology Inc, where he had been responsible for a variety of sensor development and process development projects including the extensive use of the 3DAP for both GMR and TMR magnetoresistive sensor applications.

  Load pins designed to suit your needs - The DBEP series load pins from Applied Measurments are available in a standard range of capacities and sized to show the overall scope of this product. As the majority of applications require specific dimensions we can quickly and easily design and manufacture load pins to meet individual needs. This can be achieved without the normal high cost and long delivery associated with custom manufacture.

Sequoia strengthens Sensors Division sales and marketing team - Sequoia has strengthened its Sensors Division, bringing in Simon Thornton as Product Manager and Richard Oakley as Field Sales Manager, bringing a total of 24 years of experience in working with customers to create solutions based on advanced technologies.
Sequoia Technology works in close partnerships with some of the world's most innovative developers of advanced electronic technology, to bring their technology to customers in UK, Scandinavia and Germany.

New HMI version introduced - Yokogawa has introduced Version 8.3 of its FAST/TOOLS SCADA package with a number of new strategic features and enhancements including FAST/Start, support for the STARDOM FCx controller, OPC Alarm & Event Client, playback, printer management and the FAST/TOOLS Monitor. FAST/Start is a variation of the FAST/TOOLS USER/FAST human/machine interface (HMI), intended to simplify and speed up system development. It contains a number of predefined definitions and wizards, and any configuration made with the new version is compatible with the full HMI.

WEEE/RoHS/ELV legislations, are you ready? Free seminars! - Join Horiba Jobin Yvon in more than 20 cities across Europe for an exciting seminar series. Beginning in February in Europe, a free one-day seminar on Elemental Analysis will include new developments for ICP Spectroscopy featuring the new ACTIVA(tm) CCD ICP Spectrometer and XRF analysis for the forthcoming WEEE/RoHS/ELV legislation scheduled to come into effect in Europe by July 2006. Presentations on C, S, O, N & H analysers, Sulphur-in-oil analysers and Glow Discharge Spectroscopy will also be made.
Several cities in Europe and America will feature instrument demonstrations and one-on-one time with applications specialists to discuss your analytical and research testing requirements. Register here

Calling T&M professionals - BestTest.com was created by A.T.E. Solutions in order to provide a forum for test professionals to exchange relevant and timely information about test and measurement. It houses several directories in a knowledge base that members search andcan add listings. "BestTest is truely a community web site," they say. Once you register at www.besttest.com/register/ you have access to approximately:
• 3,500 Test Vendors and their products and services
• 100 Events and presentations of interest to test professionals in the next few months
• 1,900 Definitions of test and measurement terms in a Test Dictionary/Glossary
• 1,500 Test related articles, publications, application notes, etc.

Industrial Ethernet switches - Now available from Sixnet are the new and improved Industrial Ethernet Real-time Switches (ET-5ES series). These 5-port Ethernet switches are the next generation of the previous ET-GT-5ES models which are the industry standard for their extreme-ruggedness and ultra-reliability. They are 100% compatible drop-in replacements with all the same industrial ratings, plus new capabilities - all at half the cost! As before, these switches are truly plug and play and will start operating as soon as you plug them in.

Flowmeters now have 316 Stainless Steel fitting - DIGI-FLO F-2000 Series electronic insertion style flowmeters from Blue-White Industries, are now offered with #316 Stainless Steel Fittings. These fittings are available with 1", 1-1/2" and 2" Female pipe threads (IPS). The Maximum Fluid Temperature these fittings may be used with is 200degF / 93degC at 0 PSI. The Maximum working pressure is 300 psig / 20 Bar at 70degF / 21degC. Standard F-2000 models display flow rate and accumulated total flow, and include an NPN open collector output for communication with data loggers, SCADA systems, and other external devices. Optional 4-20 mA / 0-10 VDC plug-in circuitry can be added for additional communication requirements. The optional batch processing plug-in circuitry includes an 8-amp relay board that adds manual or automatic batch processing capability, or a high/low flow rate alarm output.
Blue-White Industries are advertisers with the Signpost - see their advert on our home page!

New features bring enhanced functionality to scope/recorder - Yokogawa has introduced a new version of its DL750 ScopeCorder waveform measuring instrument, the DL750P, which offers enhanced recorder functionality by the use of a built-in A4 thermal printer. At the same time, the company has released two new universal measuring modules for the DL750 ScopeCorder family, the 701261 and 701262, incorporating both voltage and temperature management functions.

Linear motors and gantries galore - Anorad has added three new products to its already extensive range - a linear motor and two types of precision gantries - all with their own unique capabilities.

Sematech adopts platform for interface validation and demonstration system - Wonderware, part of Invensys, has announced that Semetech plans to implement the ArchestrA application platform as part of its e-manufacturing program. The company is implementing the ArchestrA application platform through its International Semitech Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) subsidiary, a global consortium of leading semiconductor manufacturers.
Wonderware products are sold and supported in Britain and Ireland by Pantek.

New connector brings Category 6 performance to Industrial Ethernet - The new RJ Industrial Gigalink connector is a 4-pair IP67-protected connector that allows Gigabit Ethernet with true Category 6 performance to be used in harsh industrial environments. The new connector meets Category 6 requirements according to the TIA/EIA 568 B.2-1:2002-06, EN 50173-1:2002 and ISO/IEC 11801:2002:09 specifications. (a href="http://www.harting.com" target="blank">Harting.

Authorized provider status renewed - ISA‹The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society has announced that their status as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has been renewed. ISA is certified to offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for all current training programs that meet the IACET criteria, as well as any created during the time of certification, for the next five years. ISA was first granted Authorized Provider status in 1987.

THEY SAID IT February 2005 "We've created a system which is plug & play, not plug & pray. " Cees Rienstra, Deputy Head of Global Safety Systems, Yokogawa ".. . this is fully released, in stock, and shipping now." Bob Hausler, Vice President, IndustrialIT Systems Marketing, ABB "The underlying technology that enables traditional SCADA functionality is changing dramatically." Russ Novak, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group "A Revitalized Business." Jack Bolick, President, Honeywell Process Solutions "By merging into ISA, the standards and guidelines developed by OMAC are given strength and validity," Mike Wagner, Global OEM Team Business Development Manager, Rockwell Automation Don't miss this incisive commentary on automation every month!

Road shows feature latest developments in network cabling solutions - The AMP NetConnect Division of Tyco Electronics is organising a series of road shows in Britain and Ireland featuring the latest developments in network cabling technology and infrastructure management solutions. The first three road shows are planned for London, Birmingham and Dublin in April 2005, and are part of a wider series of events throughout Europe.

Free oscilloscope training CD - Fluke is offering a free interactive oscilloscope training CD. Designed to operate on a standard PC, the guide provides illustrated lessons regarding standard analogue and digital oscilloscopes and their use, together with information about how to obtain the best results from a handheld, portable Fluke 190 Series ScopeMeter. The CD contains self-paced Training Modules, one set based on general Oscilloscope Theory, the second set explaining best-practice in the use of their ScopeMeters. Oscilloscope Theory includes 3 lessons, covering waveform types and their measurement, choosing between analogue and digital oscilloscopes, and setting-up and probing safely. Interactive tests are provided along the way. The ScopeMeter section offers 5 lessons which include detailed use of all the buttons and displays, its use as a digital multimeter and recording device, and how optional FlukeView software can be used to store and analyse captured measurements.

DC Motors live longer with "SuperBrush" advanced brushed DC motor design - PennEngineering Pittman brand, brush commutated DC motors are very much in demand for motion and positioning applications. Brushed DC motors and gearmotors offer smooth and precise performance with moderate cost when compared to brushless motors and their associated control electronics are cost-effective and straightforward. Improvements in brush DC motor design is a continual challenge for Pittman, enabling them to meet today's high performance applications with products that provide long life and high reliability with competitive costs.

Profibus slave with freely assignable I/Os - Phoenix Contact's Inline Block IO module ILB PB 24 DI8 DIO8 provides the flexibility of a modular I/O system. The module adapts to applications of any specification with eight fixed inputs and eight freely assignable inputs/outputs. The function of each I/O channel in the Profibus network is assigned simply by connecting an actuator or sensor. No parameters need to be set. The Inline Block IO system also interfaces with the commonly used fieldbus systems Interbus, CANopen and DeviceNet.

Design automation company acquired - National Instruments today announced the acquisition of Canada-based Electronics Workbench, a leading supplier of electronics design automation software. The Electronics Workbench flagship product, Multisim circuit simulation software, is widely used for electronic circuit design, board layout and electrical engineering training programs by companies and academic institutions including Sony, Boeing, MIT and DeVry University. The acquisition strengthens the integration between functional test and design tools and will advance graphical system design technology.

Power quality in France - LEM Instruments and RTE have reached a partnership agreement under which LEM will supply a power quality monitoring system for the French high-voltage transport network that will allow the network to be maintained under operational conditions. They has already successfully installed similar systems in Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and a number of other countries. RTE, manager of the French grid system, has awarded them the 15-year contract to renew and support its qualimetric system.

Debug system - Ashling Microsystems has announced the availability of a full range of development tools for OMAP Platform Processors from Texas Instruments. The TI OMAP platform is a family of scalable, integrated applications and communication processors and stand-alone applications processors designed to deliver the optimal combination of performance and ultra-low power consumption.

Annual innovation awards function - EDN Magazine, the premier design publication for electrical engineers, has announced six high-profile sponsors for its 15th annual Innovation Awards. Altera, Analog Devices, Avnet, Cadence Design Systems, Freescale Semiconductor, and National Instruments will support the event, which honors the people, products, and technologies that have shaped the semiconductor industry over the past year.
EDN will hold the Innovation Awards ceremony from 6:00pm to 11:00pm on Monday, March 7th, 2005, in San Francisco, CA (US). Attendees Register Here

New association formed - Senior manufacturing executives from nine global semiconductor companies today announced the formation of an international, not-for-profit semiconductor manufacturing association. The semiconductor manufacturers represented in the Fab Owners Association (FOA) have combined annual revenues of over $7B and account for nearly 500,000 8-inch-equivalent silicon wafers manufactured in the world on a monthly basis.

The new rotational rheometer for Quality Control" - A new rheometer specially designed for quality assurance has been launched by Anton Paar. From quick single-point checks to complex rheological investigations - the RheolabQC is versatile and outstanding value for money, setting new standards in quality control. It is a rotational rheometer which works according to the Searle principle. It consists of a high-precision encoder and a highly dynamic EC motor. The wide speed and torque ranges and very short motor response times allow conventional flow and viscosity curves and also make the RheolabQC ideal for investigations into the mixing and stirring behavior of emulsions and dispersions, tests on the sagging and leveling behavior of coatings and determining the yield point of gels and pastes. The user can select between controlled shear rate (CR) and controlled shear stress (CS) test settings.

Here is the recipe for success....again... - The latest newsletter from Jim Pinto is well worth a read - well actually they all are - but if you want to understand how Emerson works the leading article in the February 7th Issue is wll worth a browse. I reminds me of nothing more that the first time I read "In seaarch of Excellence" in the eighties (remember that?). many companies based their philosophies on that book and if all automation companies copied the Emerson example as outlined by Pinto we would sure live in an even more interesting industry than we do. But will it happen? As the man said there are two answers to that question. But when somebody like John Berra says, "Jim, my comments may sound like an unabashed sales pitch, and I guess they are. This is not hype - we really live this way. I have worked at other companies and have seen hundreds of others. Emerson is the genuine article!" and when Jim Pinto sees fit to print it I guess we should see what on earth is going on.

Multimedia fieldbus tutorial now available on-line - Hightech Multimedia Tutorials (HMT) has announced the release of a new on-line Foundation fieldbus Distance Learning Program. This self-paced study is ideal for individual learning at home, in the office, or in the classroom. Individuals, universities, colleges and technical institutions around the world use HMT's FF Concepts CD-ROM to provide academic and industrial fieldbus training. It is now available on-line in a cost effective Distance Learning format.

Live Demonstration auf der ProMat 2005 - Comtrol und CapTech Ventures haben sich zusammengeschlossen und die Software TagsWare in den DeviceMaster ATS und DeviceMaster RTS integriert und köaut;nnen nun point-of-activity RFID reader control, RFID Ereignisfilterung, und andere erweiterte RFID Funktionen anbieten. Das Geräaut;t wurde entwickelt, um fortgeschrittene RFID Datenverarbeitung in der Näaut;he von RFID Aktivitäaut;t zu ermöaut;glichen und grosse Mengen unnöaut;tiger Daten, die das industrielle Netzwerk unnöaut;tig belasten, zu eliminieren. Dieses RFID Konzept wurde im Comtrol Stand auf der ProMat 2005 in Chicago vom 10. bis 13. Januar demonstriert.

Two appointments to strengthen sales team - Gresham Power, the Salisbury based power supply manufacturer announces the appointment of two new sales engineers at its Salisbury HQ (GB). Record sales figures in 2004 and excellent forecasts for 2005 have enabled Gresham Power to strengthen its sales team to ensure customer service levels are maintained and future growth is catered for. Joining as UK Sales Manager is Richard Reeves. Richard has had 10 years experience in the power electronics industry most recently as an Industry Manager for a leading European power supply distributor. Daniel Bagley is the second new recruit, joining as Internal Sales Coordinator.

New open channel flow meter helps companies meet environmental legislation - Solartron Mobrey announces the latest addition to its HART-compatible MCU family, the MCU FLOW. This easy-to-use dedicated open channel flow meter and control unit can be used on a variety of flow applications but also meets Environmental Agency (EA) and BS3680 requirements for effluent discharge.

A revolutionary concept for plant operations - As the next step in the Vigilance campaign started in 2003, Yokogawa Electric Corporation and its group of companies have launched VigilantPlant, a concept that brings together the Yokogawa suite of products and services for plant optimisation and sets a new standard for world-class process control and automation. VigilantPlant is a vision of the future from a company which has set quality, innovation, and foresight as its core values. It is a path toward operational excellence, enabled by new products and services as a result of Yokogawa's significant ongoing investment in research & development. VigilantPlant spearheads the evolution of the Yokogawa Vigilance campaign, the company's commitment to industry.
They have also launched ProSafe-RS, a new safety system that has been designed for integrated use with process automation (PA) applications to integrate control with safety.

Addition to data acquisition range - Pico Technology has announced the latest addition to their data acquisition range, the USB ADC-11 Data Logger. The new product has USB connectivity to allow fast sampling rates and additional digital outputs for use as control or alarm outputs. Available in two variants, the USB ADC-11/10 (10 bit) and USB ADC-11/12 (12 bit) are both compatible with the multi-purpose terminal block, providing a substantial enhancement to its flexibility.

Web-based library now contains 21 technical articles and papers - Artesyn Technologies have recently added a further 11 technical articles to our web-based archive library, bringing the current total to 21. During the course of a year, we produce numerous technical articles and papers. Once these have served their purpose at conferences or in the trade media, they are archived in PDF format, and a synopsis is posted on a dedicated library contents page of our web site.

Semiconductor test system selected - Keithley Instruments, leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, announced that AMD (D) has selected the Keithley Model S680 DC/RF Parametric Test System to support full production of advanced logic chips at AMD's new state-of-the-art 300mm Fab 36 located in Dresden, Germany. The benefits of the S680DC/RF system include advanced measurement capability, lower cost of ownership through higher throughput, and strong local service and support.

New product leads industry with 4 analogue and 32 digital channels for enhanced measurement capability and efficiency - LeCroy has just introduced the MS-32, a Mixed Signal Option that adds full 32 digital channel support to most 4 channel WaveSurfer 400 and WaveRunner 6000 Series of high performance oscilloscopes. The MS-32 is an efficiency breakthrough for applications such as embedded controller testing, where multiple analog signals (comparators, voltage sources, sensor/actuator signals, etc.) are coincident with digital signals (address or data lines, control signals, or peripheral serial data signals). The MS-32 enables users to operate more efficiently, with fewer reconnections and faster time to results compared to solutions with only 16 digital channels. Furthermore, the MS-32 and oscilloscope combination is available for a very affordable price.

High-density connector module - The new Han DDD-module from Harting accommodates 17 Han-D connector inserts with crimp termination, allowing the user to achieve a 40% increase in contact density compared to earlier designs. The new module is ideally suited to signal transmission in industrial systems, and is rated at up to 160 V at 10 A. It is suitable for use in all Han-Modular hinged frames and also in the Han-Modular Compact housing.

First group of bus engineers certified in Ireland - The ProfiBus Competency Centre based at the University of Limerick (IRL) has just certified the first group of Engineers. The candidates attended a three day hands on course and took a practical and theoretical exam on day four. The certification is internationally recognised and is valid for a period of three years. Following a refreshing course at the end of the three year period a further three year extension will be granted.

High speed ethernet interoperability test kit - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the inaugural release of the High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Interoperability Test Kit (HSE ITK) Version 1.0. The new kit delivers test cases that expan the scope of interoperability testing benefiting end users of FF devices.
More Fieldbus News

New release offers expanded integration of FF devices and faster trending - Emerson Process Management enhances its PlantWeb digital plant architecture with the release of DeltaV version 7.4. The new release includes integration of the INtools instrument application, new Chart Builder, increased fieldbus capacity, enhanced AMSInside software functionality, and new embedded Data Historian.
"Our PlantWeb architecture is designed to make our customers' jobs easier, faster and more productive. This release of our DeltaV system makes significant strides in that direction," said Tom Snead, president of Emerson's Process Systems and Solutions business. "The enhancements included in this release enable customers to get projects on-line faster, with more choices for fieldbus implementation, and makes day-to-day operations simpler. We are continuing to invest in our DeltaV technology to expand our innovation leadership in the digital plant automation marketplace."

Best Consumer Advance in Power Management - For the second year in a row, a programmable analog device from Summit Microelectronics has won top honours for outstanding design and functionality. AnalogZONE, an online design engineering resource, has named Summit's SMB120 nine-channel programmable power management integrated circuit the "Best Consumer Advance in Power Management" for 2004.
Last year, Summit's SMM665 programmable six-channel controller won the 2003 award for what AnalogZONE termed its "extremely clever power management technology"

CD Catalogue with 2005 prices - The first version of the Festoexfdxxtyuiop[ catalogue on CD where the shopping basket can be connected straight to the account in the On-Line Shop. This CD catalogue includes the very latest products and 2005 prices! This is the first version of their catalogue on CD where customers can export their shopping basket straight to their account in the On-Line Shop. Access to their On-line Shop is by Registration here!

Ethernet switches combine management features with high-port density for minimal panel space requirements - Contemporary Controls announces a new line of managed Ethernet switches that offer enhanced performance and are scalable to meet your industrial requirements. The EISB_M B-Line series expand network productivity in important ways by providing up to 24 ports of connectivity in 1.75" of DIN-rail space. In the same physical space, these switches can be scaled down to 16 or 8 ports depending upon user application to enable reliable access to a growing network.

MPM to assist automotive, household appliance and HVAC supplier in Germany - Tecnomatix Technologies, "the driving force in manufacturing process management (MPM)", has announced that Germany-based ebm-papst will implement eMPower solutions to improve its quotation and product roll-out processes. ebm-papst is the world's leading developer of motors and fans for the automotive, heating, cooling and household appliance markets.

Electrical measurement safety programme introduced - Fluke has just released a free multi-part electrical measurement safety information programme, aimed to reduce hazards for people measuring electrical energy, and to help reduce risk and liability for employers. The programme is based on safety guidelines from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and other safety regulators. Their Electrical Measurement Safety programme can also be accessed on the web.
Every day throughout the world arc flash explosions take place. Voltage kickback spikes common in electrical systems can damage or destroy measurement tools and, if they occur during the measurement process, can trigger an arc flash. See also our Safety Page

New compact analysers introduced - Carlo Gavazzi is introducing a range of compact power analysers that will measure all the active and reactive variables in a wide variety of industrial applications where space is limited. The new devices can also be used as digital multi-meters.

Introduces new electronic materials product to Europe - The Abacus Group has been appointed to distribute a selected range of products from 3M ESD, significantly expanding Abacus' existing electronics market solutions from the company. 3M Electronics Solutions Division (ESD) has been enlarged following the merger with the 3M Electronics Materials Market Division (EMMD). The Abacus Group is the first 3M ESD Franchised Distributor to be given access to the products from the newly formed business.

Helping to keep London Stock Exchange on a level - Making sure there are no faults in the London Stock Exchange's (GB) power system is an ongoing job for international software control systems company Transmitton. Their latest contract, worth more than PStg174,000, covers the upgrading of the Distributed Intelligence Telemetry System (DITS) Master Station which they initially designed and installed in 1989/90. With cromos software at its heart, the DITS monitors and controls the total power system, including 11 kilovolt incoming supplies from the London Electricity Board, the standby generators and the two Essential Services uninterrupted power supplies. The updated system consists of cromos2000 servers in a hot-standby configuration with three single-headed and one triple-headed cromos2000 workstations. It allows the Stock Exchange to monitor and control the building services throughout, including air conditioning and chillers for the main dealing/trading computer system. Installation will be completed later this month.

Another successful quarter - And as we have just been talking stock exchange matters National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) tells us that they are reporting a record fourth quarter revenue of $137 million, a 9% sequential increase from Q3 2004. Fully diluted earnings per share for Q4 2004 were 20 cents with record net income of $16.5 million, up 47% from Q4 2003. Where's my broker?

New production execution and management software offers "easier way to achieve peak plant performance" - GE Fanuc has announced Proficy Plant Applications Version 4.1, a major new version of the company's Efficiency, Quality, Production and Batch Analysis software. This adds powerful new capabilities to reduce overall implementation time with improved ease of use and configuration, enhanced reporting, improved connectivity and extensibility, and more expansive scheduling execution and production tracking. The new GE Fanuc Proficy Plant Applications Version 4.1 digitises the collective information generated throughout a production facility into a 'virtual plant' that can be accessed where, when and how users' need it. This enables managers across process, discrete and hybrid industries to gain clear insight into their operations to more efficiently manage and reach peak performance. The new version also has advanced analysis and drill-down procedures, making it even easier to determine production variation. The enhanced security, auditing, 21CFR Part 11 and e-Signature features of this new version allow users to have more secure, auditable operations by identifying any changes and accesses to the system.
See our 21CFR Part 11 Page

Price reductions in networking equipment - Leading manufacturer for wireless device networking, MaxStream has dropped the price of the FCC-approved 9XCite stand-alone wireless modem to $89 USD. The low-cost 9XCite stand-alone RF modems are available with either an RS-232 or USB interface and housed in a durable aluminum casing. The 9XCite-PKG stand-alone units feature the lowest cost for a 900 MHz spread spectrum transceiver. MaxStream has also cut the price of the 9XCite OEM modules to $40 USD, with volume discounts available.
N.B. Prices where quoted on the signpost are those given on press releases and may be different from those actually invoiced in your area!

All change and all the same! - British publications, Drives & Controls and Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazines are continuing as before under new ownership following the demise of Kamtech, publisher of both journals and owner of the Drives & Controls exhibition. Kamtech went into receivership as a result of debts accumulated during the exhibition's ill-fated move to the Excel centre in London in 2001. The magazines have been bought by DFA Media, a consortium of former Kamtech management led by new managing director Ian Atkinson.