Connectors change sex! - Sorry we couldn't resist the heading! Harting has added two new gender changers to the Han® PushPull family of industrial connectors, allowing interfacing of different cable types in accordance with the ProfiNET guidelines for data cabling with RJ45 interfacing and 24 V power supplies.

New brochure rewrites capabilities in laser processing and micromachining - Aerotech has released a new and substantially revised version of its Capabilities in Laser Processing and Micromachining brochure. Covering their broad range of motion control products for production, R&D, vacuum and clean room environments, the new brochure presents applications and solutions, standard range and customised product overviews, and company information.

Temperature alarm and monitor from any web browser - The P8 series from Audon Electronics a low-cost Ethernet solution for temperature monitoring and alarm in server room, museum, medical and industrial applications. Simply connect to your LAN, open any web browser and begin monitoring.

Data loggers safe in flight! - Several MadgeTech data loggers were recently subject to testing to certify compliance with DO-160F, Section 21.4, radiated RF emissions, category M. This regulation was put in place to ensure that electronic devices brought on an aircraft do not interfere with airplane instrumentation.

The latest Read-out - Just published the most recent issue of Read-out has highlighted "Factory Automation." It also contains the usual mix of product, company and people news in Ireland as well as =some application stories. Read-out is published six times a year and is distributed to up to 2500 named automation professionals in Ireland.

Improving performance and productivity in DCS process applications - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of its PAC8000 controllers. Proficy Process Systems with PAC8000 controllers presents customers with a powerful and flexible Distributed Control System (DCS). With a broad process control function block library, peer-to-peer communications between controllers, the ability to handle program and I/O changes on the fly, HART pass through, and redundancy, the controllers provide the ideal platform for a contemporary DCS solution.

VA flowmeter is certified for use in potentially explosive areas - Yokogawa's Rotameter RAMC flowmeter has been certified for use in areas with a risk of gas explosions and of dust explosions. The instrument now comes with many Ex certificates that are valid in Europe, America, Australia, China and many other countries.

Seamlessly integrate any OPC-enabled system with your existing network management system - The MatrikonOPC SNMP Agent for OPC provides Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enabled applications with seamless access to real-time data. This product links all available data from devices and applications that have OPC connectivity.

Secure control of unattended servers and computers - TeamViewer has optimised their software which now features enhanced stability, speed and password management, for improved access to unattended servers and computers. The new connection option grants trusted collaborators secure, 24/7 control, for free.

GPS simulation capabilities advanced - National Instruments has announced the NI GPS Simulation Toolkit 1.5 for LabVIEW, an extension of the graphical system design environment that expands the NI RF PXI platform to provide engineers a cost-efficient, high-performance solution for GPS receiver testing that exceeds the capabilities of traditional box instruments.

Quality management system certification achieved - Moore Industriess has been granted ISO 9001:2008 certification for their Quality Management System by UL DQS Inc., an ANSI-ASQ Accredited Registrar. The ISO 9001:2008 standard is the most up to date criterion for assessing an organisation's Quality Management System.

Manufacturing enterprise solutions today! - Gary Mintchell of Automation World discusses the new directions for MESA with John Dyck, Chairman of MESA International, the reasons that this software area is important to manufacturers and the new and exciting format for the association's gathering in the spring of 2010.

Ethernet switches for aerospace - A.E. Petsche and Sixnet have announced an agreement A.E. Petsche Co. as a worldwide distributor for SIXNET to the Defense/Aerospace related Markets. A.E. Petsche will inventory these products in its warehouse locations worldwide.

The Industrial USB Connection? - Steve Mackey recently discussed the USB standard in Industry on his blog and not everybody agreed! Here are some responses!

"How Advancements in Robotics Impact Daily Interactions with Technology!" - National Instruments has announced that Dr. David Barrett, Director of the Senior Consulting Program for Engineering (SCOPE) and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Olin College, will deliver the closing keynote address at NIWeek 2009 (4-6 Aug 2009 Austin TX US).

NACE Corrosion Engineer's Reference Book is a valuable tool you'll want to keep close at hand, with numerous tables and charts to assist in understanding how a variety of metals and primary polymers react in different process and industrial environments.

Delivering serial and I/O data, configurable RF data rates, and auto-reporting - RF Monolithics announced at the Sensors Expo 2009 the release of DNT2400, the second product in the company's new innovative line of highly configurable, low-cost, long-range frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) modules for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Robust uEye RE cameras prices match standard models - Stemmer Imaging now provides the robust uEye RE camera series from IDS at the same price as standard models. The uEye RE camera series is especially designed for use in harsh industrial manufacturing environments and is particularly popular with OEM companies.

High efficiency linear power amplifier designed for WiFi and WiMAX applications - RF Micro Devices has introduced the RF5602 high-power, high-efficiency and high-linearity power amplifier (PA). The RF5602 is a 2 GHz linear PA designed for medium power applications including consumer premises equipment (CPE) and access point (AP) applications for WiFi and WiMAX.

Transducer signal conditioning amplifiers are IP65 rated - RDP Electronics has developed a range of IP 65 rated in-line signal conditioning amplifiers that are suitable for mounting close to transducers in wet and grimy locations such as experienced on machines used in many process industries.

Reflective memory technology allows transfer of large amounts of data at speeds up to 20 times faster than Ethernet - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the introduction of its scalable high availability solution for the company's industry-leading PACSystems® RX3i controller. By combining essential processes and capabilities onto one platform, the PACSystems RX3i controller is one of the most powerful, scalable, flexible, and efficient means to increasing productivity. It now adds high availability to its multi-domain functionality along with logic, motion, HMI, and process control.

New embedded vision system for automated visual inspection - National Instruments has announced the release of a new embedded vision system that gives manufacturing engineers and system integrators the ability to build high-speed real-time machine vision systems for applications such as sorting products, verifying assembly and inspecting packaging. The NI EVS-1464RT Embedded Vision System is a high-performance, multicore controller capable of processing images from multiple IEEE 1394 and GigE Vision cameras. Additionally, the EVS-1464RT features an extended temperature range, a real-time operating system, a solid-state hard drive and a fanless design, making it ideal for use in harsh industrial environments.

Industrial connector series combines 16 A current rating with high contact density - The new Harting Han® EEE series of industrial connectors offers the highest contact density available in any connector with a current rating of up to 16 A.

Software interactively guides operators to improve effectiveness by up to 15 percent - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Proficy® Workflow for the Water/Wastewater industry, enabling an environment of information-rich, circumstance-based workflows that operators follow to understand what's happening around them and how to react in a sequenced and procedural manner that is repeatable every single day.

New 750 watt, 1U user configurable power supplies - Excelsys Technologies, the world leading specialists in high efficiency power supplies, introduces the introduction of two new products into its renowned user-configurable range. The X-lite commercial and X-mite medical power supplies both offer 750 watts continuous output power with 800 watt peak capacity. Supplied in a slim-line and ultra-compact 1U x 268 x 89mm package with up to 8 isolated outputs, these 2 new products offer new levels of flexibility and affordability to the 750 watt power market.

Industry leaders combine expertise, integrate systems for improved infrastructure security and facility and personnel efficiency - Telvent has announced it is partnering with Longwatch to integrate components of the Longwatch Surveillance System™ with the Telvent OASyS DNA supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. This alliance provides oil, gas, electric, and water network operators the ability to utilize video to monitor, control access, and verify alarms at centralized control or remote network sites through an OASyS DNA SCADA system.

New upconverter supports transceiver test, simplifies test system design - Keithley Instruments has introduced the Model 2891-IQ Upconverter, which provides comprehensive support for transceiver testing by processing analog I and Q baseband signals for testing a transceiver's transmitter, as well as processing analog I and Q output signals for testing a transceiver's receiver.

New waterproof D connectors are non-magnetic - Foremost Electronics are introducing the FCT Group range of mixed signal connectors for medical, laboratory and industrial control applications. FCT are one of Europe's leading manufacturers of connectors offering both solid metal and plastic hoods. Available as D-sub miniature, high density and mixed layout, FCT connectors are waterproof to IP67 and IP69K and are manufactured from carefully selected plastics and non-magnetic materials and alloys to minimise EMC effects on control signals carried by the connectors.

Software package used to control and track discrete manufacturing operations to reduce on-going costs - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of a new version of its award-winning Proficy® Tracker software that helps companies realize lean initiatives by managing the execution of orders and the related flow of materials. Proficy Tracker is used today by companies all over the world to solve the most challenging production control problems within their discrete manufacturing operations in industries ranging from Automotive to Electronics.

Practical Project Management - Learning to Manage the Professional G.W. Cockrell If you're a project manager in the instrumentation and automation fields, you know the pressures to perform faster, better and cheaper. Yet, if you're like most technical professionals, you've had little or no training in project management. Starting with an overview of what every project manager needs to know, this authoritative book defines each unique phase of a project and then provides practical knowledge in areas such as budget and cost estimates, contracts, negotiating, team building, scheduling, and choosing project management software. It even devotes special attention to often-neglected, but important project completion and closeout activities, including tips for how to write and make the most of final project reports.

US Driving Smart Meter Growth while Britain Laggs behind - The market for smart meters in Europe although nascent is expected to be more of a 'push' market. It is primarily driven by legislations and by the need to handle the increasing demand for electricity that has far exceeded the grid's capacity. Most of the utilities have been forced to improve their measurement and monitoring network structure. And the most proactive of them all is the Italian Electricity Company Enel Spa with around 33 million meters installed till date.

Independent audit validates structure and working practices around Health, Safety and Environmental controls - Emerson Process Management has completed the First Point Assessment (FPAL) Verify assessment. Achieving FPAL Verify status reduces risk for oil and gas industry purchasers by providing an enhanced level of supplier assurance. It also saves them time and money by giving access to shared on-line supplier assessment reports and improvement plans which are specifically focussed on the oil and gas industry. Tender processes are streamlined by giving on-line access to reliable generic pre-qualification Health, Safety and Environmental Supplier data.
Achieving FPAL Verify status reduces risk for oil and gas industry purchasers by providing an enhanced level of supplier assurance.

Industry-leading low power to drive full High Definition products - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is pleased to announce its latest solutions in the form of two IC packages for encoding and transcoding between Full High Definition (HD) H.264 and MPEG-2 streams. The MB86H57 (15 x 15mm) and MB86H58 (27 x 27mm) encoder/transcoder ICs include memory-in-package and feature low power consumption of only 1W in full transcoding operation.

MCERTS award for continuous Dioxins sampler - Quantitech Managing Director Keith Golding was presented with an MCERTS Certificate for the TCR Tecora DECS continuous dioxins sampling system at the recent MCERTS 2009 air monitoring event.
Dioxins and Furans are micro-pollutants that mainly result from processes which involve incineration. These include waste incinerators, steel mills, metal processing facilities and 'waste to energy' plant.
See our blog entry on MCERTS'09

Testing aircraft flap gearboxes - During the landing approach, the flaps on the trailing edges of the wings of large aircraft are deployed to provide extra, low speed lift to make for a safe, controlled touchdown. The gearboxes driving the flap mechanisms must meet stringent service life and wear specifications to ensure maximum reliability. At flight control system manufacturer, Liebherr-Aerospace, the special, differential output gearboxes are tested using a combination of Kistler Instrument's torque sensors and CoMo Torque evaluation system.

"Technology Company of the Year" in Maine! - Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, announced today that it has been awarded the prestigious "Governor's Award for Technology Company of the Year", by the Technology Association of Maine (TechMaine).

Batch standards - The updated ISA88 Batch Standards and User Resources, 2nd Edition CD-ROM features several new technical papers from WBF, along with indispensable batch control reference books, for the informed industrial automation and control systems professional.

Florida appointment as part of worldwide release of CAD products - SolidWorks Corporation has named Trace Software as one of its selected Solution Partners on the basis of its development made on elecworks™, its brand-new electrical CAD software, and its real integration to SolidWorks for electrical and automation 3D design projects and as part of their worldwide release of the products.

More on our blog

Turbine flowmeter solution measures diesel fuel consumption -

A High Temperature Data Logging System that Measures up to 250°C - MadgeTech has introduced the HiTemp150-TSK, a logging system which includes a HiTemp150 data logger and thermal shield. The system was designed to monitor and record the extreme temperatures required during nut processing. The HiTemp150-TSK is fully submersible, and can withstand temperatures in air up to 150°C indefinitely, 200°C for 45 minutes, and 250°C for 32 minutes.

Three-wire true-zero-speed gear-tooth sensor IC combines accuracy and design flexibility - The new ATS667LSG from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a 3-wire true-zero-speed gear-tooth sensor IC designed to provide a flexible high-accuracy solution for digital gear-tooth sensing in automotive transmission applications. The ATS667LSG consists of a single overmoulded module containing a Hall-effect sensor IC and a magnet to provide an optimised magnetic configuration in a compact package that offers a high degree of design flexibility.

Stress transducer - The introduction of the new RWT310/RWT320 by Sensor Technology, offers a compact transducer together with the electronics integrated within the body. It has been possible to achieve this by the development of swept electronic technology, which provides the advantages of a higher bandwidth.
Surface Wave Technology the principal behind Sensor Technology's product on the Signpost Blog!

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Versatile new AOX Analyser Analytik Jena has announced the launch of the versatile multi X® 2500 for AOX/EOX/POX analysis and more. Applications also include determination of TOC, important in water analysis, and chlorine content (TX/TOX) from difficult matrices. The multi X® 2500 offers a unique combination of sophisticated sample handling, precise measurements, extensive automation possibilities and low operational costs.

Safety application approved by TÜV for applications requiring handling of safe and unsafe data in the same process controller - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced that GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' PAC8000 SafetyNet has been approved by TUV for applications requiring the handling of safety and process control data in the same controller. In addition, the availability of a new 24V DC power supply extends the locations where SafetyNet systems can be implemented.

Novel wideband downconverter for signal analysis - RF Engines Limited (RFEL), the specialists in high performance signal processing design work, have been contracted by EONIC of Delft (NL) for the development of a novel digital downconverter to be used in one of their latest signal processing platforms.

New European headquarters - The new European headquarters of the Yokogawa Electric Corporation in Amersfoort (NL), were officially opened on Thursday, 28th May 2009, at a ceremony attended by leading public dignitaries and senior Yokogawa management.

Co-operation in pipeline management solution - Schneider Electric and KROHNE have unveiled a new and innovative pipeline management solution at Gastech 2009 in Abu Dhabi. The combined product and services solution helps to enhance pipeline performance and safety through pipeline simulation, pipeline leakage detection, energy management, integral security, advanced process automation and a complete pipeline instrumentation package.

40 A crimp module added to industrial connector system - The new Han® 40 A crimp module from Harting is compatible for mating with the Han? 40 A axial screw module already in wide use, and is particularly suitable for applications demanding the highest mechanical integrity.

Multi-Domain Functionality - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the introduction of its scalable high availability solution for the company's industry-leading PACSystems(R) RX3i controller. By combining essential processes and capabilities onto one platform, the PACSystems RX3i controller is one of the most powerful, scalable, flexible, and efficient means to increasing productivity. It now adds high availability to its multi-domain functionality along with logic, motion, HMI, and process control.

Integrated data and automated solutions improve project execution and process operations - Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, has joined Intergraph's SmartPlant® Alliance, integrating its software with Intergraph's SmartPlant Enterprise engineering solutions to enable highly automated project execution and improve the transfer of data from engineering, procurement and construction companies (EPCs) to plant owner operators.

"The new standard in variable area technology.." - The introduction of Krohne's H250 M40 at ACHEMA 2009 (May-Frankfurt D) met with great success. Visitors were especially interested in the innovative construction of the new flowmeter. It is completely modular in design: the basic version can be used purely mechanically as a flowmeter, without the need for a power supply. Depending on requirements, users can easily add or exchange a wide variety of functions including limit switches, counter modules with LC display and even electrical signal outputs.

Compact linear power supplies interface to every application - The new TTi PL-P(G) Series of ultra-compact linear regulated power supplies incorporate five types of remote-control interface making them suitable for an unusually wide range of applications. The interfaces include GPIB, USB, RS232, Ethernet (LXI) and analogue. USB and RS232 are most likely to be used for small systems or single PC control, while GPIB and LXI are more appropriate for larger system use.

Growing demand for rental instrumentation at show - Instrument hire company Ashtead Technology chose this year's Sustainability Live event (May 2009 Birmingham GB) to launch a new product catalogue featuring all of the company's most popular rental instruments. Visitors to the stand were provided with a free copy of the catalogue in addition to demonstrations of instruments for thermography, pipeline inspection and gas detection.
See Video Presentation of the stand

Milliamp clamp meters help troubleshoot process & control systems fast - Fluke has introduced two new milliamp clamp meters designed to help technicians test critical automation and control circuits without breaking the circuit or interrupting operations, which can offer significant savings in time and money. The new Fluke 772 and 773 Milliamp Clamp Meters join the Fluke 771 to deliver a comprehensive range of cost effective test and measurement capabilities.

High Efficiency Quad PSE Controller Addresses IEEE 802.3at PoE+ Standard - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4266, a 4-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) controller for Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) required to provide IEEE 802.3at (25.5W) or proprietary higher power levels. Next-generation PoE applications call for more power to support demanding features, while increasing power efficiency in an effort to be more "green" and reduce costs.

Calling all movers and shakers! - During the months of June and July 2009, Monitran is making many of its general purpose vibration sensors (including their mounting studs) available to its British-based resellers for as little as half price; when purchased in volume orders of at least 100 units. Moreover, this is a 'mix and match' deal; so resellers need not purchase 100 of any one sensor type to benefit from this exceptional offer.

Measuring body temperature from a distance to prevent spreading of AN1H1 -

Automation services market provides growth, cost reduction opportunities in tough times - The services business remains one of the best growth opportunities for automation suppliers today, and one of the best ways for end users to take advantage of the growing expertise of suppliers to reduce plant maintenance costs, operating costs, and project costs. The worldwide market for supplier provided automation services will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 7 percent over the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

TOC Analyser improves NLS lab speed and versatility - A new TOC IL550 analyser from HACH LANGE is helping the British Environment Agency's National Laboratory Service (NLS) to increase sample analysis turnover and improve efficiency levels at its inorganic laboratory in Nottingham. The analyser is used for the determination of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in sewage, river, leachates, effluents and groundwater samples.

Industrial Ethernet routing switch for extreme environments - Westermo Data Communications, has released a range of high performance industrial Ethernet switches with enhanced routing functionality. The RedFox series is designed to build cost effective, secure and reliable networks that would previously have required several different units.

New board member - The newest board member of OMAC is Rick VanDyke of Frito-Lay. He was named to the OMAC Board at its meeting held in Orlando in conjunction with the ARC Forum. He is a Senior Group Manager of FACTS (Factory Automation Control System Technology Systems) for the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo, a position he has held since December 2005.

"Ask the expert?" - The MESA Technical Committee is now responding to inquiries about MES on the Managing Automation "Ask the Expert" Q&A Blog. On the Community Page, the MESA Technical Committee provides answers to MES questions, while 14 international experts provide answers on other blogs ranging from ERP, BPM, CRM, SCM and many others.

Honour for automation body - The Automation Federation is to be be honoured at the Progressive Manufacturing Awards Gala in June (FL US), for the development of the Automation Competency Model with the U.S. Department of Labour.

Precise, reliable and fast nitrogen/protein determination in animal feed - Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced a new application note demonstrating the unprecedented capabilities of the Thermo Scientific FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyzer in providing accurate, reproducible and rapid nitrogen/protein determination in animal feed. The application note is entitled "Nitrogen/Protein determination in Animal Feed by the Thermo Scientific FLASH 4000 Series."

Forward-looking momentum for the electronics industry - productronica, the major trade fair for innovative electronics production, is continuing to extend its position as an international innovation platform for the electronics industry with the new Munich Electronics Summit. This event for CEOs of internationally operating companies will be held at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre on November 10, 2009.

Free video offers practical insight into current IEC 61511 revisions - The Safety Users Group has conducted an unprecedented round table discussion with members of the IEC 61511 standard committee to explore the maintenance of the functional safety standard and addresses common misconceptions. Industrial safety trend setters from Shell Europe and DuPont USA are joined by experts from the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Emerson Process Management and IEC 61511 Committee Chairman Victor Maggioli share their practical experience of the standard and its adoption in the chemical process, oil refining, tank storage and offshore industries in a series of free online videos.
The Signpost Safety Page!

New website launched! - - SIXNET has launched a "ground-breaking" website. Easily navigated, this robust new site is full of wide-ranging information, straightforward downloads, and innovative solutions that many industries count on. This much improved website highlights the wide range of products offered across the industries they serve.

New Ethernet Analog I/O modules pack 16 channels of 16-bit A/D into an inch-wide unit to reduce costs - Acromag continues to expand its line of BusWorks® Ethernet I/O modules for distributed I/O and SCADA with new 993EN and 994EN models providing a 16-channel 16-bit A/D interface for single-ended analog voltage or current input signals.

Valve with double the control range for better throttling performance - Emerson Process Management has introduced the Fisher® Control-Disk™ valve. The new Control-Disk valve offers excellent throttling performance and is ideal for applications that involve fast processes and varying pressure drops, such as in the hydrocarbon, refining, chemical, pulp and paper, and metals and mining industries.

Software-Defined System for Testing WiMAX Devices - National Instruments has introduced their Measurement Suite for Fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004), a software suite that can be used to configure software-defined PXI RF measurement systems. With this suite, engineers can test WiMAX base stations and mobile subscriber stations as well as components such as transceivers, power amplifiers and other RFICs. Engineers can purchase the suite software alone or with preconfigured hardware bundles. Because the system builds on their PXI instrumentation platform, engineers who have PXI RF instruments can quickly add WiMAX capabilities to their test systems.

Customized training for power generation plant personnel - Due to increasing calls for better reliability, improved heat rate, and lower emissions by power generation plants, ControlSoft announces its PID and APC classes customized to help fossil fuel-fired power plant personnel learn the fundamentals of control loop tuning and advanced process control (APC) strategies specifically for power plants.