Thursday 28 May 2015

New rotating dynamometer handles very high cutting.

The new rotating, cutting force dynamometer (RCD) from Kistler Instruments is designed to accurately measure the high forces acting on a rotating tool during high performance cutting (HPC) operations. Mounted on the machine spindle in place of the normal tool holder, the RCD measures three forces and rotational torque even under very heavy loads at up to 12,000 rpm allowing machining processes to be analysed and optimised for minimum tool wear.

The new, 4 component piezoelectric force sensor minimises the effects of centrifugal forces and powerful system electronics deliver exceptional signal quality. Non-contact signal transmission eliminates wear and ensures a long, maintenance free life.

The new Type 9171A RCD is both lightweight and robust which allows operation at twice the spindle speed of previously available types and precision measuring of forces up to 30 kN and torque up to 1,000 Nm. The high rigidity and natural frequency of the new dynamometer makes it especially suitable for HPC applications where a high volume of material is removed in a very short time. The large measuring range and the compact design make the new RCD well suited for use with spindle interfaces HSK-A100 and Capto C8 often used in HPC operations. A wide range of spindle adapters and tool holders are available, all of which may be interchanged by the user, allowing the Type 9171A RCD to be used on a wide variety of machine tools.

The associated signal conditioner provides system control, power supply and interface to the Kistler DynoWare software or other compatible data acquisition system. The output is available as an analogue ±10 volt signal. The Type 9171A RCD combined with the range of spindle adapters and tool holders, connecting cable and signal conditioner comprise a complete, integrated measuring system for the analysis of high performance cutting operations.

Web-based enterprise automation solution.

FAST/TOOLS® R10.02, the latest version of Yokogawa's web-based real-time operations management and visualisation software package brings revolutionary changes to real-time process information intelligence. This release is designed to significantly reduce engineering of large geographically dispersed systems, which requires both a different engineering approach and central managed deployment. The introduction of a master enterprise engineering database establishes a single engineering environment containing all common enterprise definitions and deployment data. This is easier to manage, less restrictive, and less complex than distributed databases.

Development background
Yokogawa has identified a rising need for the integration of the various disciplines and functions required for the delivery of human-centric information solutions utilising new technologies such as industrial cloud computing, industrial SaaS, and the Industrial Internet of Things. In essence, the aim is to connect sensors, devices, and plant facilities to facilitate the remote access of data and enable supervisory control from just about anywhere. The FAST/TOOLS enterprise automation platform addresses these needs by offering comprehensive solutions for the deployment, operation, and monitoring of control system environments. This will help companies make faster decisions, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and achieve operational excellence.

Main features
1. Enterprise engineering management
To reduce engineering time during the design phase and reduce travel time and costs for engineers and designers, Yokogawa has developed a platform-independent enterprise engineering module that allows engineers in remote locations to securely collaborate with each other and deploy applications via global IT networks. When installed on any of the servers belonging to an enterprise's automation system, this module facilitates intuitive and centralised concurrent engineering and application deployment, with engineers and other project personnel being able to access the same up-to-date project information on their displays, wherever they may be. This is easier to manage, less restrictive, and less complex than distributed databases. To enhance security, both user and server authorisation is in place and the system and its applications are hardened to prevent failure and protect against unauthorised access.

2. Enhanced data sharing
As part of Yokogawa's vision to help users unlock actionable insights from big data, R10.02 includes an embedded RDBMS engine. This is ideal for use in the enterprise automation environment, where data sharing is often required over multiple servers and domains and where there is a bi-directional exchange of data with external sources and within multiple environments. The embedded RDBMS engine allows for the parallel archiving and storage of data in a local historical database as well as the central RDBMS.

3. Improved operational alarm management
As enterprise environments grow more complex and need to handle an ever growing amount of data, alarms tend to occur with greater frequency. To reduce the number of maintenance- and commissioning-related nuisance alarms that can distract operators from responding to key operational alarms, a function has been added with R10.02 that inhibits the issuance of alarms based on limit settings. With this function, equipment maintenance can be performed without disturbing routine plant operations.

4. Role-based geo intelligence
The sharing of data globally across multiple levels and disciplines requires true role- and location-based security. With R10.02, users who sign in to the system using their OS login credentials are allowed access to data and controls based on their role and the location of their assets. Users can access their data and utilise allowed control functions from any available device.

Nobuaki Konishi, head of the PA Systems Business Center at Yokogawa's Platform Business Headquarters, comments: "Yokogawa has embarked on a new approach to concurrent engineering management that will speed up project execution by making it possible for engineering to be carried out simultaneously from any location. This includes the ability to take part in factory acceptance tests from any remote location. R10.02 offers significant enhancements in engineering efficiency and functionality that give our customers greater flexibility in how they work".

Target markets
Main target markets include: oil and gas upstream/midstream, petrochemicals, chemicals, renewable energy, power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, iron and steel, water supply and wastewater treatment

US sensors for Use in harsh environments.

The  P53 Steel Head ultrasonic sensor from PIL is for use in demanding medical, food processing and other industrial applications.

The PIL P53 Steel Head’s robust, fully encapsulated stainless steel housing with gapless transitions provides IP68 / IP69K protection class protection. Impervious to water vapor, moisture and dust, Steel Head sensors can withstand high pressure and steam jet cleaning. Their resistance to aggressive chemical cleaning agents is certified to Ecolab standards.

The P53 provides a standard analog 0-10V / 4-20mA output and two switching outputs. In addition to these fixed settings, the P53 series can be programmed for various other custom settings.

Ultrasonic sensors use an ultrasonic transducer to send and receive sound waves. Specially coded ultrasonic signals are transmitted in a set pattern. After being reflected from the object to be measured, the signals are received by the sensor and decoded. The recorded time of flight is temperature compensated and converted to distance data.  Ultrasonic distance sensors are often used in harsh, industrial environments because they are independent of the material and the color of the object to be measured and are not affected by light, dust and fog. They function very precisely and linearly with background suppression.


• For the US and Canada markets, a wide variety of PIL ultrasonic sensors for various applications are offered via their distribution partner Hoffman-Krippner.

Smoke detector protects historic buildings!


Culturally important historical buildings can present some of the most challenging applications for fire detection. Ornate architecture - which often draws high visitor numbers - requires careful consideration and care, creating the need for discreet fire detection that preserves aesthetical impact, without causing structural damage. Many applications of this nature are home to priceless and irreplaceable assets, so accuracy is also essential. At the same time, the sensitivity required for adequate protection must not result in increased false alarms, and unnecessary visitor evacuations. A recent fire at the National Trust’s Clandon House, in Guilford (GB) - where a whole wing of the stately home was devastated when a blaze broke out in the basement, spreading quickly to the roof – illustrates the devastation a fire can have and why the earliest warning detection is essential.
Honeywell’ FAAST LT Aspiration Smoke Detector is being used in an increasing number of historical buildings, thanks to a comprehensive feature set designed to meet EN54-20 Class B and C applications where aesthetics matter, maintenance is often difficult and reliable accuracy is demanded. Featuring a near-invisible sampling pipe network with minimal aesthetical impact, a single device can monitor up to 2,000 m2 (Class C) and 600 m2 (Class B) areas where many point detectors would otherwise be required. Only minimal maintenance is needed on the device itself, thanks to innovative two-stage ultrasonic airflow monitoring at the inlets and optical chambers, identifying issues like clogged sample holes before they become an issue, for maximised system uptime.

These system attributes allow FAAST LT to easily adapt to the conditions that make most other fire detection methods problematic; namely high ceilings, complex architectural features, reduced maintenance needs and false alarm immunity in fluctuating environmental conditions.

FAAST LT installations include a number of the World’s most famous historical buildings; St Luke’s Chapel, in Kings College, London; two of Sweden’s most culturally important churches – Kristine and Stora Kopparberg – located in Fauln; the Hagia Sophia Museum in Turkey – cited as the eighth wonder of the World for its architectural beauty and artefacts; the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace; and the Minnesota Science Museum in the USA.

Jonas Forslund, Project Manager for Dalarnas Säkerhets System AB, the fire safety integration company for Kristine and Stora Kopparberg Churches, comments on FAAST’s unique suitability and why this solution was recently chosen to preserve the two Fauln churches with over 1,000 years combined history. “We chose FAAST LT because it provides the highest safety provision, accuracy and false alarm immunity. This solution is ideal for aesthetically challenging locations where the architecture must be both preserved and showcased and the system’s IP65 rating and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions is also attractive; both churches in Fauln feature hot and cold locations, which can cause issues for many other comparable detection methods.”

FAAST LT’s simplified installation, integration and maintenance is cited as another key feature Jonas Forslund values. “It was essential to implement a system that was easy to design and install and one that could be integrated with the existing Eltek Delta Fire Alarm and infrastructure. With the addition of relays and input modules, we installed FAAST LT dual-channel, which provided full system information at the control panel.”

With the ability to remotely mount the device in an easily accessible location, creating simplified ground-level testing, FAAST LT easily adapts to meet the challenges of culturally important structures – a further reason this device is fast becoming the fire detection solution of choice for the World’s most prized and valuable architecture and assets.

"A great place to work!" #Pauto #TandM @niukie

The Great Place to Work® Institute has recognised National Instruments as one of Britain’s Best Workplaces for the 10th consecutive year. This decade-long achievement entitles NI to join a select group of only eight  companies who are recognised as Best Workplaces Masters.   

“NI is proud to be recognised again in this year's list for the 10th consecutive year and to join the ranks of the Best Workplaces Masters” said Sam Gill, NI Human Resources Business Partner for Northern Europe. “We look forward to continuing a tradition of fun, innovation and excellence for decades to come. Continued recognition in the UK Best Workplaces report reflects great future prospects for our employees and puts us in a good position to continue to build a company together that is 'Built to Last'”. 

NI UK ranks 11th in the medium-sized company category (50-499 employees) for 2015, a testament to NI’s commitment to its 100-year plan and strong company culture. “This award reflects the hard work each NI employee contributes in creating this company's unique corporate culture, which gives us the opportunity to work hard and play hard” said Georg Plasswilm, NI Northern European Region Sales Director. “NI UK is full of talented people, committed to customer and company success, who have fun helping to build the UK's leading provider of measurement and control technologies and systems”. 


NI strives to create a great place to work for its employees worldwide. NI’s vision-driven work environment promotes meeting the world’s grand challenges for engineering through purposeful, innovative work and community involvement. For the fourth consecutive year, NI achieved a top 20 ranking on the Great Place to Work® Institute’s list of the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces. NI has consistently achieved these recognition's on a global scale, attesting to the importance NI places on maintaining a collaborative corporate culture. 

HMI Panels are safe for use in potentially explosive, hazardous locations.

The rugged Graphite® Human Machine Interface (HMI) operator panels from Red Lion Controls have been certified to operate in global ATEX zone 2/22 and IECEx zone 2 environments. Following Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class I, Division 2 Listed status received last year, these approvals certify that Graphite HMIs are safe for use with industrial control equipment in potentially explosive, hazardous locations around the world.

Red Lion’s touchscreen Graphite HMIs are now able to provide organizations with powerful monitoring and control capabilities regardless of operating environment, even locations subject to potentially explosive atmospheres that may result from gas, vapor, mist and/or dust. This enables industrial customers in markets such as oil and gas, flour and grain, mining, chemical, painting and metal processing to benefit from rugged aluminum construction, wider operating temperatures and high shock/vibration tolerances.

“The addition of ATEX and IECEx certifications to Red Lion’s Graphite HMIs enable us to better serve additional markets that require rugged, sunlight-visible operator panels for use in hazardous locations,” said Jeff Thornton, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. “Plug-and-play expandability via modular PID control, I/O and communications modules combined with Crimson software eases configuration to simplify integration regardless of environment.”

From factories to extreme locations, Graphite HMIs enable customers to connect, monitor and control processes across a broad range of industries to meet varying industrial automation requirements.

• Since its launch in July of 2013, Red Lion’s Graphite platform has received numerous global accolades, including Automation World’s “First Team Supplier, HMI Hardware” award, the “Industrial Control Award” from Plant Engineering China and “Best Product of the Year” from Control Engineering China.

• Red Lion products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Globallyrated explosion-proof linear actuators.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation has announced that its Exlar® linear actuator line has been expanded to include the EL120 explosion-proof linear actuators. The EL120 linear actuator meets ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are in conformity with the EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC as well as the IECEx Scheme. Additionally, it is rated for Class I, Div 1, Groups B, C, D, and T4 hazardous environments.

The EL Series of linear actuators integrate a highly efficient planetary roller screw mechanism with a high torque servomotor in a single self-contained package. This highly robust design is engineered to provide reliable and precise operation over thousands of hours, handling heavy loads—even under arduous conditions.

Exlar servo-electromechanical systems offer a clean, fast, simple, and cost effective replacement for hydraulic actuation and longer life alternative to pneumatic actuation. Superior servo-electric actuator reduces emissions, minimizes energy consumption (80% system energy efficiency), increased position control and accuracy – all leading to lower cost.

Other features include:

  • Speeds up to 37.5 ips
  • Forces up to 4000 lbs
  • Strokes up to 18 inches
  • Feedback configurations for nearly any servo amplifier
  • Several mounting configurations
  • Windings available from 24 VDC to 460 VRMS
  • Completely sealed motor assures trouble-free operation
  • ATEX Ex d IIB +H2 T4 Gb
  • IP66
  • CSA Class I, Div 1, Group B, C, D, and T4 hazardous environment rating
  • IECEx CSA 14.0014X


For process applications, the EL120 offers a unique combination of high speed, performance, and accuracy. High performance is achieved with respect to speed, linearity, load sensitivity, deadband, and temperature range. For gas turbines with variable guide vanes, the EL120 actuators provide precise positioning and feedback for fine tuning injector airflow to maintain CO and NOx emissions. In oil and gas applications, the EL120 effectively managed pressure drilling choke valves or any valve application that requires extremely fast response to the smallest command signal changes without overshoot, even when friction is present.

EL Series explosion-proof actuators are well-suited for applications such as:

  • Valve control
  • Damper control
  • Gas turbine control
  • Printing presses
  • Engine test stands
  • Fuel skids
  • Paint booths
  • Shipboard fuel management


The Exlar EL Series provide, a superior and cost-effective solution even in the most severe and demanding environments.

The longest working switch can win a prize!

Magnetrol® Internationalhas just announced the “Just Can’t Stop a MAGNETROL” contest to honour the hardest-working, longest-lasting level switches still in operation. Ever since the company invented and introduced the first mechanical buoyancy switches to process industries over 80 years ago, customers have counted on their exceptional reliability and performance in level control applications – even after decades of service.

Magnatrol switch owners can visit JustCantStop.Magnetrol.com between May 1, 2015 and October 31, 2015 and submit the device's age, its application and a photo to be eligible to win one of three prizes:
  • 1st Place: €500 Amazon.com* gift card, plus a new MAGENTROL mechanical buoyancy switch
  • 2nd Place: €300 Amazon.com* gift card
  • 3rd Place: €100 Amazon.com* gift card
*Amazon.com or similar

First and second place prizes will be awarded based on the age of the unit and a description of the application in which the unit works. Third place prize will be awarded based on a random drawing of all qualified entries.

To enter the contest and for complete contest information, visit JustCantStop.Magnetrol.com.

• Magnetrol products are marketed in Ireland by Ntron.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Transport network testing!

Anritsu has announced important enhancements for its portable user-friendly MT1000A Network Master Pro and MT1100A Network Master Flex, the new family of all-in-one transport network testers. The enhancements include the support of CPRI/OBSAI and RFC 6349 TCP throughput testing, Optical Transport Network (OTN) multi stage mapping for OTU3/4, a powerful remote operation tool and support of a Video Inspection Probe.
The explosive spread of smartphones and tablets has dramatically increased demand for coverage and bandwidth in mobile networks, which has driven a change in mobile networks to Centralized-Radio Access Networks (C-RAN). The centralized Base Band Units (BBU) and multiple Remote Radio Head (RRH) units are connected via standardized interfaces, such as the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) or Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI). With these new enhancements, the MT1000A and MT1100A now support 8 CPRI interface rates from 614.4 Mbps to 10.1376 Gbps, which ensures testing of all current and future requirements. Testing of CPRI over OTN and testing of OBSAI are also included in the enhancements.

Network operators verify IP networks using tests based on IETF RFC 2544 and ITU-T Y.1564. However, customers may still complain that the achieved throughput is below the expectations, which may be caused by a non-optimal configuration of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). The MT1000A and MT1100A with the new TCP Throughput option both support the RFC 6349 test methodology, making them ideally suited to support TCP throughput optimization up to 10 Gb/s.

The MT1100A inputs and outputs support XLAUI / CAUI signals, allowing connection of devices such as 40Gb/s / 100 Gb/s / 400 Gb/s transceivers, framer ICs and network equipment using a CFP 10 lanes extender. MT1100A also supports CFP4 transceivers, the latest 100 Gb/s optical transceiver, using a CFP2-CFP4 adaptor.

The Remote Operation function of the MT1000A and MT1100A allows operation from a remote PC as if on-site. The Remote Control package for the MT1000A and MT1100A also supports file transfer including download of measurement reports and results files, upload and download of configuration files, and remote software upgrade. In addition, the dedicated Remote Control package supports Multi user access to the instrument, allowing one user per port.
The MT1000A and MT1100A connected to a Video Inspection Probe (VIP) allow the user to check the fiber end face and confirm that quality practices are being followed based on the IEC 61300-3-35 standard.

“With the new enhancements customers can test CPRI, CPRI over OTN and OBSAI; and the new technologies in Mobile Fronthaul networks, together with other technologies they need to install and maintain, such as OTN, Ethernet, Fibre Channel and SDH/SONET” said Jonathan Borrill, Director of Marketing at Anritsu (EMEA). “The MT1000A Network Master Pro and the MT1100A Network Master Flex give technicians’ universal tools to test all the technologies supported within the networks they manage.”

The MT1000A Network Master Pro and MT1100A Network Master Flex, provide a complete set of functionality for testing OTN, Ethernet, CPRI/OBSAI, Fibre Channel and SDH/SONET, as well as handle legacy PDH and DSn interfaces. The MT1000A and MT1100A Network Master are the first compact all-in-one OTN testers that give the user the capability to test the network with Ethernet, CPRI, Fibre Channel and SDH/SONET client signals. The MT1000A and MT1100A with the new enhancements are available for immediate delivery. More information on both products are available on the website.

India based technical partner appointment.

Mantracourt Electronics has appointed Bengaluru based Proact Tools & Equipments as its technical partner covering India. Proact is a provider of high quality engineering products supplying many respected research and design organisations, space industries, technical institutions, Universities, infrastructure, and engineering companies in the Indian region.

"We are delighted with this appointment,” said Jonathan Purdue, Sales Manager at Mantracourt. "Much of Mantracourt’s success has been built on working closely with Technical Partners, helping us to understand their requirements and to assist them in selling our products. Proact Tools & Equipments is a very good match for this approach, they have a high level of technical expertise and experience in this field, and provide excellent customer service."

“We are very pleased to be working with Mantracourt as their Indian technical partner and will be placing a high value on our relationship for many years to come,” said Shivanand Uppin Director at Proact Tools & Equipments. “With Mantracourt being a leader in wireless instrumentation, we believe that their technology has a fantastic future in India.”

Proact will be providing sales and technical support for the entire Mantracourt range of products throughout the Indian region. Mantracourt is a leader in the field of wireless instrumentation. Its T24 wireless range of products is enabling innovative new solutions for continuous measurement and monitoring.

They will be helping to introduce the T24 technology to regional industries and provide technical advisory services, guidance and product training.

Stamp out magnetic tampering!


The new A1266 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a unique 3-dimensional sensor IC incorporating a combination of vertical and traditional planar Hall-effect sensor ICs that can detect a magnetic field of either polarity in any direction.

The omnipolar, omnidirectional sensitivity of the new device makes it ideal for detecting magnetic tampering in smart meters, ATMs, gambling/gaming machines, ticket machines and electronic locks. The A1266 can also serve as a general-purpose magnetic switch that is virtually insensitive to magnet orientation or polarity in applications such as games, consumer electronics and white goods.

This compact surface-mount SOT23 IC is functionally equivalent to an array of three standard Hall-effect sensors mounted in three different orientations: something that is not possible using a single circuit board and all surface-mount components. With a typical BOP operating point of 25 G, the A1266 has higher sensitivity than most conventional Hall-effect switches, leading to high-sensitivity 3D tamper or proximity sensing in less space with lower assembly cost.

Each device integrates, on a single silicon chip, three Hall-voltage generators, a small-signal amplifier, chopper stabilisation, a Schmitt trigger, and one or more NMOS outputs. Allegro’s proprietary dynamic offset cancellation technique means that the magnetic operating characteristics are specified across the operating voltage and temperature ranges.

The A1266 is designed for operation in green and battery-powered systems; it can be powered from a 2.5 - 5.0 V supply and the average supply current is typically 7.5 µA at 2.5V. The operating temperature range is -40° to +85°C.

Two configurations are available: one with a separate output for each sensing direction (X, Y, Z) and one with a combined output (X+Y+Z). Package type LH is a modified SOT23W surface-mount package that is RoHS-compliant and lead (Pb) free (suffix -T), with a 100% matt-tin plated leadframe.

Prepare for mission critical!

Stadium Power has added the 60 watt AC input G1X2 and DG1X2 48V DC input models to their range of 1+1 redundant 1U industrial single output and ATX / EPS power supplies. These are optimized for secure bulk power applications including digital imaging, communication systems, industrial PCs and telecom or broadcast systems.

The power supplies have a long term track record of product reliability, safety and performance, reducing the risk of equipment failure and are designed to operate at maximum advertised load rating constantly.

Each redundant power supply (RPS) contains two 60W power supply modules that normally share the system load. Even in the rare instance of a module failing; the other will keep the system running at full load. The non-functioning module can be removed and replaced (hot swap) without removing the input voltage, ensuring uninterrupted operation 24/7.

Like other dual redundant hot swappable power supplies in the range; the G1X2 and DG1X2 provide a simple path to upgrading OEM design from a single to dual redundant power conversion. Key Features include a power good signal, over power protection, over voltage protection, short circuit protection with led, buzzer and TTL signal of any fault condition.
The DC outputs of the range can be 12VDC or meet Industrial PC Intel requirements.

Standard features of the Stadium Power G1X2 /DG1X2 series include 90264VAC universal input voltage or 48VDC (39-72VDC range). Models include the G1X2-1060V with Universal AC input and +12Vdc Output, the  G1X2-5060V with Universal AC Input and +3.3VDC, +12DC, -12DC, +5VDC standby (ATX) Output, the DG1X2-1060V with 48Vdc Input and +12Vdc Output, and the DG1X2-5060V with 48Vdc Input and +3.3VDC, +12DC, -12DC, +5VDC standby (ATX) Output.

UL, CUL and TUV safety agency approvals and dimensions are to 190x106x39.5mm.
The G1X2 and DG1X2 are the latest additions to Stadium’s 150W to 3000W range of Industrial Grade Dual Redundant, N+1 and ATX power supplies from EMACS. Other formats in the range include 1U, 2U, 3U mini 1U single, 1U, 2U, 3U, Mini, Micro and N+1 redundant.

The power handling capability of the range is constant true wattage (not peak) and all models within the range have a standard 3 year warranty.
Products can be customised; including tailored output power looms and ruggedisation, single – non redundant models or DC input versions are also available.
Other products available from Stadium Power include; LED power supplies and DALI drivers, commercial and MIL-STD EMC filters, plug-top and open frame medical power supplies for portable and system use, DC-DC converters, AC-DC power supplies from 5W to 10kW, battery chargers and EN54 Fire and Security power supplies.

Driving innovative business ideas and technologies in the IoT environment.

ADLINK Technology has been an active member of the globally represented M2M Alliance, a key driver for innovative business ideas and technologies in the IoT environment, since the beginning of last April (2015).

About M2M Alliance
With its 76 members in eleven countries M2M Alliance is the globally largest machine-to-machine industry association. The M2M Alliance regards itself as a platform and voice for vendors and users of M2M solutions. M2M Alliance’s primary objective is the promotion of M2M technologies and solutions. The association organizes the M2M Summit and publishes the annual yearbook M2M Journal and an email newsletter.
Since its foundation as the largest association of the machine-to-machine (M2M) industry, M2M Alliance regards itself as a platform and voice for vendors and users of M2M solutions. M2M Alliance’s primary objective is the promotion of M2M technologies and solutions. The alliance actively engages in the economic and technological concerns of its members and supports cooperation, networking and information exchange between industry sectors and enterprises. It helps members find ideal partners for hardware, software, integration and consulting in the M2M growth market.

According to Dirk Finstel, CEO EMEA at ADLINK Technology, the M2M Alliance offers its members a unique platform to exchange ideas and to present themselves to market leaders and trade visitors from around the world.

“Workshops and developer forums give participants the opportunity to learn about the latest developments and make valuable contacts to create the basis for new product and business ideas,” explained Finstel. “We see this as an essential platform to jointly promote M2M and the Internet of Things (IoT) to generate new possibilities for the industry and end users, as well. ADLINK and our customers will benefit from these new international resources.”

Eric Schneider, chairman of the M2M Alliance is pleased with this latest accession.

“We warmly welcome ADLINK Technology, another leading supplier of innovative M2M products and solutions in the embedded environment, as a new member of the M2M Alliance,” said Schneider. “It underlines the importance of our association and enhances the internal and external exchange of experience.”

Semi-rigid cable assys!

The Cable Assembly division of Intelliconnect (Europe) can now provide customers with high performance semi rigid cable assemblies suitable for industrial, defence/security, and test system applications. Manufacturing is carried out at their facility in Corby where the company continues to invest and deliver high-volume or specialist small batch requirements to customer demands.

Standard semi-rigid cable assemblies are generally of copper construction, offer low loss, low VSWR performance, are phase stable and can be phase matched, allowing customers to specify the electrical length in time or degrees at the frequency of operation for a specific cable assembly. Phase matching of a cable assembly is essential when connecting to multi-channel receivers as individual channels are required to match and track each other over the frequency of operation.

Intelliconnect can also provide Cryogenic Semi Rigid cables for applications requiring operation at low temperatures including use in environmental test chambers. Intelliconnect Cryogenic Semi Rigid cables are made in a range of materials including stainless steel, cupro nickel and niobium/titanium superconducting cables. They are specified worldwide due to their low temperature performance, strong electromagnetic field and high thermal gradient below 4 degrees Kelvin. Additional features include low thermal conductivity and high performance to 40GHz. The niobium/titanium cables offer very low heat conductivity, high durability and small minimum bend radius.

Available with operating frequency range from DC to 50GHz Intelliconnect cable assemblies are suitable for RF applications including test and measurement systems, high power amplifiers, RF combiners and filters, multi-beam antenna arrays and phased array radars. All Intelliconnect cable assemblies are 100% electrically tested before despatch.

Roy Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect, comments, "We offer our customers a very flexible cable manufacturing service and our new semi-rigid cables will open up new markets to use, particularly in environmental teat facilities. We are also unique in being a manufacturer of an extensive range of high reliability RF connectors for industrial and medical applications and are able to use our own high reliability components in our cable harnesses. We are continuing to invest in the company and will soon be able to test up to 70GHz.”

Friday 22 May 2015

Bench mounted analyser!


Michell Instruments has launched its most flexible and adaptable bench mounted analyzer. The XGA301 can be configured to use either zirconia oxide or electrochemical cells to measure oxygen and/or infra-red technology to measure other gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and carbon monoxide. 

Optional moisture measurements are also available with Michell’s Easidew Ceramic Impedance sensors for moisture content (ppm) or dew point temperature. For further flexibility, any two of these measurement cells can be combined in one unit.

The cost-effective XGA301 industrial gas analyzer is suitable for applications where both oxygen and moisture measurements are required. The different types of sensing cell available mean a wide variety of applications can be addressed by instrument including laboratory testing, leaks in glove boxes, testing the purity of inert gases and other research experiments. The unit is also suitable for use in industry for applications such as reflow oven monitoring, nitrogen generation and food production.

The analyzer has many options including an internal sample pump, flame arrestor and has a simple to use HMI with an intuitive menu structure.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.


Large diameter pneumatic cylinders.

Festo has launched a new series of efficient, durable and technically advanced large diameter ISO cylinders. The cost-effective DSBG series is the lightest diameter cylinder in its class, weighing 20% less than its predecessor, and enables machine builders and engineers to optimise their systems for increased process efficiencies.

With heat-resistance up to 150°C and ATEX certificated variants available, the DSBG is extremely flexible in use, delivering excellent performance even in harsh conditions. The cylinders are available in four sizes, 160, 200, 250 and 320 mm making them ideal for mining, steel industry and process automation applications.

The DSBG series is available with fixed elastomer or adjustable air (P or PPV) cushioning as standard. With the P cushioning option an elastomer cushioning ring absorbs low-level impact energy and reduces noise and vibration. Even with the elastomer cushion, the DSBG is very precise in its end positions. The rubber component becomes fully compressed between 3 and 4 bar, and the piston achieves repeatable metal-to-metal contact. At higher energy levels, P cushioning is supplemented with additional adjustable pneumatic PPV cushioning. With optimised cushioning air flows the piston achieves gradual deceleration for a smoother, shock and vibration free operation.

“With a stronger design the DSBG series offers improved protection against overpressure, easier handling and increased operating efficiency,” says Steve Sands, product manager at Festo. “The DSBG is a highly versatile cylinder and with its matching proximity sensors, mountings and a complete selection of pneumatic connection technology available, we are able to offer a complete robust solution.”

Thursday 21 May 2015

Functional Integration Standard (FDI) for introduction!

The FieldComm Group, formed by combining all assets of the former Fieldbus Foundation and Hart Communication Foundation and dedicated to the integration of intelligent devices in process automation facilities worldwide, announced the first live publically viewable display of functioning FDI Package IDE (development tools) and FDI Common Host Components at this year’s ACHEMA trade fair in Frankfurt (D), from June 15-19th.

As the organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining the tools of this new standard on behalf of the participating industry partners of FDI Cooperation, LLC, (FieldComm Group, FDT Group, OPC Foundation and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International), FieldComm Group is proud to introduce these tools publically for the first time to the market.

Located in Hall 11.0, booth E43, the booth will display not only these new cutting edge development tools for Field Device Integration (FDI) but also FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus and HART® technologies on a massive Technology Wall designed to demonstrate how the Group is ‘connecting the world of process automation’ through a full portfolio of solutions that connect and integrate valuable digital data from intelligent field devices. The multi-vendor display includes nearly 40 leading suppliers and over 70 devices integrated into both new and current systems that provide valuable device and process information leading to improved plant performance.

With the availability of these new development tools for FDI, process automation suppliers and developers can now efficiently implement and test FDI Device Packages for FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART and PROFIBUS®. In addition, they may also use the FDI Common Host Components to build FDI compatible host systems to ensure full integration and consistency of the FDI standard within device management tools, asset management tools and process interface systems.

The FieldComm Group will welcome all attendees of the fair to visit booth E43 in Hall 11.0 to view the FDI Tools on display that showcase the implementation of FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and PROFIBUS Device Packages in a single development environment utilizing the FDI standard. Visitors will understand how FDI eases development requirements for device and host system suppliers alike while providing plant operators safe, reliable integration by using a single system file, FDI Device Package, for plant systems.

PSUs meet medical performance specifications.

The Xsolo power supplies, from Excelsys Technologies, have been designed and tested to meet both the B and BF type requirements per the IEC 60601 standard.  This makes them suitable for applications that need these levels of performance for power supplies used in medical applications. Excelsys’ testing procedures were performed in accordance with requirements for B (body) and BF (body floating) medical end products. The goal of the testing was to help manufacturers optimize their medical designs to achieve the highest performance and safety levels, enabling first-pass success during agency approvals.

B-type applied parts, which are not typically attached to the patient for long periods of time, include LED lighting, medical lasers, medical imaging (e.g., MRI), hospital beds and phototherapy equipment. Type BF applied parts have conductive long-term contact with a patient. These can include incubators, therapy systems patient heating and cooling equipment, ultrasound monitoring, cardiac monitoring, as well as long-term diagnostic equipment and blood pressure monitoring. To demonstrate that its power supplies are suitable for these applications, Excelsys tested both its basic and low-leakage Xsolo models (XS1000-48N-000 and XS1000-48N-004) to the 60601 standard using an AC source providing 264 VAC at 63 Hz to recreate worse-case conditions.  Copies of the test report are available on request.

“Excelsys Technologies developed the XS series of power supplies with medical applications in mind,” said Gary Duffy, Excelsys CEO. “By testing our power supplies to the 60601 B and BF specification, we help manufacturers with the task of certifying the end medical device as an applied part for their intended applications with respect to safety and leakage currents.”


Manufacturers often need to incorporate multiple power supplies into a given system and still meet stringent requirements. To help meet these requirements, Excelsys also offers low-leakage power supply versions, which enable the incorporation of multiple power supplies into various medical-type rated systems, depending on the application.  As a world-class power supply manufacturer

Loading metering skids.

Loading Metering Skids are a certified solution for custody transfer of light hydrocarbons including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and marine gas to and from tanker trucks, rail cars and ships.

Endress+Hauser introduces the Loading Metering Skid (LMS), a certified solution for custody transfer of light hydrocarbons including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and marine gas to and from tanker trucks, railcars and ships.

The skid includes a Promass Coriolis mass flow meter, batch controller, grounding system, temperature sensor, digital start-stop valve, Y-strainer, isolation valves, frame, piping, an Ex d junction box, and other associated components. The skid is certified for custody transfer per MID Directive 2004/22/EC, Class 0.5.

The Promass Coriolis meter provides outputs for mass flow, density and volume. This is especially important for the future as trends indicate light hydrocarbons will go from volume to mass billing, as is already in place for LPG custody transfer.

Due to the lower pressure loss of the Promass Coriolis mass flow meter as compared to other types of flow meters, the loading/unloading station can operate at higher flow rates. This results in faster loading times, or lower pump energy consumption at the same flow rate.

Three versions of the skid are available: Model LMS080 for truck loading has a 3-inch line and a maximum loading rate of 3,300 lb/min (1,500 kg/min); Model LMS100 for railcar loading has a 4-inch line for a maximum loading rate of 5,500 lb/min (2,500 kg/min); and the LMS150 for ships has a 6-inch line for a maximum loading rate of 13,670 lb/min (6,200kg/min).

The LMS skids are completely assembled and certified for easy installation and commissioning at a loading or unloading depot. Skids are available for horizontal or vertical installation, including a loading arm. Options include an air eliminator, prover connections, pressure sensor, grounding
system and a 2-inch blending line. The blending line can be connected to the metering skid and controlled by the batch controller via three different recipes.

Open and standardized digital communication interfaces allow smooth integration to the Endress+Hauser Terminal Management System, Tank Vision Gauging system, or similar inventory management systems from other suppliers.

The skid also connects to Endress+Hauser Terminalvision software for handling of requirements for road, rail and barge loading depots and terminals. The skid’s open control and monitoring system is designed to interface to most supplier systems used for access control, loading and weighbridges.

•The Loading Metering Skids will be exhibited at the International Liquid Terminals Association show, June 1-3, 2015, in Houston (TX USA). Booth #605

Ultra-flexible LCD touch displays.

Varitronix has announced the availability of a new range of Ultra-Flexible LCD Displays. The displays accept a curve with a radius as tight as 12.5cm, and currently can be manufactured in small sizes, similar to that of a credit card.

The flexibility is due to the innovative manufacturing process that Varitronix uses – the thickness is just 0.56mm. This extremely thin design also makes the displays very light. Varitronix claims that providing the curvature specifications are not exceeded, the displays are virtually unbreakable.

The Ultra-Flexible LCD Displays use Segmented Monochrome TN technology and have In-Cell touch capabilities. The displays have a wide operating temperature range of -10C to +60C, with a typical supply voltage of 5V.

Display modes include Transmissive; Transflective; and Reflective and the inter-connection method is via heat seal FPC bonding.

With international certifications including ISO 9001 for general quality management and ISO/TS 16949 for quality management of automotive products, the new range of Ultra-Flexible LCD Touch Displays are manufactured to very high quality standards, providing durability and long-life.


Varitronix is a worldwide, technology-led company with design and  manufacturing based in Hong Kong and China, and these Ultra-Flexible LCD Touch Displays are a very affordable option for designers worldwide.

Connector offers tool-free installation in industrial Ethernet applications

In addition to offering the benefits of high connection density in industrial Ethernet applications with transfer rates of up to 10 Gbit/s, Harting’s new M12 PushPull connector allows manual installation without the need for special tools, thus speeding up its installation in tight spaces.

The M12 PushPull locking solution can be plugged rapidly and securely and indicates correct assembly with a clearly audible click. With its anti-slip safety ring, the connector can be reliably gripped and released under the most difficult conditions. This mounting solution also offers robustness and vibration resistance under demanding application conditions, such as those encountered in the rail industry. The bulkhead mounted connector is also threaded to be backwards compatible with standard M12 cable connectors.

The absence of the unnecessary working space for tool access allows the connectors to be installed in more compact spaces, along with a higher packing density if several slots are required.

Improving extrusion machine efficiency & accuracy.

The manufacturing site of Clariant at Izmit, Turkey, has adopted the latest high performance Emerson technology to help it overcome issues surrounding maintenance and inefficiency. Control Techniques’ Unidrive M, in tandem with a Leroy-Somer Dyneo® permanent magnet synchronous motor from Emerson Industrial Automation, is being used on a process-critical extrusion machine in order to help boost both the efficiency and accuracy of its work for customers in the plastics and chemical industries.

Clariant, one of the world’s leading speciality chemical companies, was experiencing issues with its previous DC motor and drive system on an important extrusion machine at its Izmit facility. The plant, located around 70 km east of Istanbul, centres on colouration solutions for plastics and polymer products, as well as a host of other products ranging from PVC stabilisers to waxes for polyolefin compounds. The motor and drive package had been in service for many years but was now ageing and proving inefficient. Furthermore, frequent maintenance was required and, as a result, the facility sought an alternative solution.

Having researched the market, Clariant opted to move away from its previous supplier of motors and drives in favour of a complete drives and motors solution from Emerson Industrial Automation.

“Aside from new technology and increased energy efficiency, the choice was based on the user-friendly and easy-to-use parameters of the Unidrive M600,” said Serdar Kiyi, technical manager at the plant. “We are now using the package to leverage more efficiency, accuracy and reliability from the extrusion machine than was possible using our previous systems.”

Among the main technical features of the Unidrive M600 that appealed to Clariant was its ability to support sensor-less open loop control. This mode offers impressive dynamic performance and enables more compact and higher efficiency motor technologies to be used, such as Dyneo®. It also supports simple positioning without the need for encoder position feedback.

The Unidrive M600 also offers a high performance onboard PLC with a real-time task that can be used for straightforward logic control, speed following and digital lock to enhance drive application capability. The drive also features CODESYS technology for machine control programming.

“We really like the user friendly menu and parameters, as well as its compact, slim design,” says Mr Kiyi. “Since installing the new solution from Emerson Industrial Automation, the extrusion machine has been working with markedly higher efficiency and precision, and our total throughput has increased by around 10 per cent.”

Wednesday 20 May 2015

International trade qualification brings expertise to resistor manufacturer.

Hard work and expertise in the field of international export has paid off at Cressall.  Hina Sharma of the company's commercial engineering team has achieved an International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPs) qualification.

ITOPs is a recognised international trade qualification that covers the main elements of export administration. This includes documentation, customs and excise - as well as other legal requirements - payments, dispatch and shipping.

The East Midlands Chamber of Commerce delivered the course in conjunction with Fidelitas Training.

Sharma, who began her career with an engineering degree at De Montfort University, is involved in post sales management, handling contracts and schedules and ensuring safe delivery at Cressall.

The Leicester based resistor specialist exports products worldwide with distributors in 17 countries, spanning four continents.

"For Cressall, exporting internationally is an incredibly important aspect of the business," explained Sharma. "In gaining my ITOPs qualification I've learned a great deal and have already started to implement small changes to the way we operate that will have a positive impact on our overall efficiency.

"The course has enabled me to take a step back and look at Cressall's international trade procedures from an objective point of view. The skills and knowledge I've acquired thanks to ITOPs will help Cressall operate internationally for years to come."

Sharma also achieved a British Chambers of Commerce Foundation Award in International Trade alongside her ITOPs qualification.

Industry forum for Amsterdam next year!

ARC Advisory Group will host its European Industry Forum (EIF) in Amsterdam (NL). The European Industry Forum is part of ARC’s series of conferences also held in the USA, India, China, and Japan.
Participants are invited to attend a series of exclusive plenary and breakout sessions. In these sessions, users will tell the inside story of successful operations and applications, automation experts will share best practices, and ARC analysts will analyze trends in manufacturing automation and IT. Furthermore end users and solution providers will have opportunities to network with their peers, exchange ideas and share experiences during breaks and the evening event on March 2, 2016.

ARC’s European Industry Forum features dedicated workshops, offering open platforms to learn and discuss trends and developments. Workshops are planned on the following topics:
  • Cyber security
  • Life cycle management
  • Energy and sustainability
  • Workforce development, change and knowledge management
  • Smart Manufacturing, Industrie 4.0 and IIoT
As part of the partnership with MESA International, the forum will also include a MESA workshop, keynote and lectures by users on: manufacturing operations management.

In addition to these workshop topics, plenary sessions and industry tracks address: advanced manufacturing, collaboration and organization, challenges and solutions for the process, discrete and hybrid industries.

Tuesday 19 May 2015

Steady growth forecast in PI&A market in North America.

MCAA has published its Annual Market Forecast, prepared by Global Automation Research. The report covers twelve industry segments and twelve product categories of the Process Instrumentation and Automation Industry (PI&A) for the United States and Canada. The forecast timeline covers 2014-2019.

The five-year forecast for the Process Instrumentation and Automation market in the US predicts a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.3 percent. Despite the recent decline in oil & gas prices, the report predicts increased spending in the chemicals, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical industries along with increased demand for cement, metals, pulp and paper.

The PI&A market in Canada is predicted to closely track that of the US, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.2 percent. Downturns in Canadian oil & gas spending will be offset by growth in the electric utilities, mining, pharmaceutical, refining, chemicals, and food and beverage sectors.

For North America as a whole, electronic flow and electronic level will have above average growth over the forecast period. Microwave level leads the growth sector in level measurements, while guided wave microwave growth will be moderated due to the drop in oil & gas spending. The remainder of the product categories will have moderate growth over the forecast period, with the exception of declining shares in mechanical flow and level.

MCAA exists to help the management teams of process and factory automation product and solution providers run and grow successful businesses by offering timely, unique and highly specialized resources acquired from shared management benchmarks where proprietary company information is secure.

New sensor technologies on show!

Hoffmann-Krippner will be at the upcoming Sensors Expo event in Long Beach (CA USA 9-11 June 2015). In addition to demoing and launching their  SensoFoil and SensoInk sensing technologies, they will be demonstrating high performance sensor technologies from three of their German partners.

This includes Altmann GmbH for advanced and high-quality potentiometers used for a variety of industrial equipment controls, steering and engine control for shipping, engine control for heavy equipment, and high precision wind detection.

At Sensors expo, Hoffmann-Krippner will also be showing sensor solutions from Inelta GmbH that include highly sensitive yet robust LVDT sensors and load cells used for a variety of industrial, welding and testing equipment.

Hoffmann-Krippner will also be demonstrating sensor solutions from Pil GmbH – a leading supplier of highly accurate and robust ultrasonic sensors used for industrial automation.

According to Jens Kautzor, CEO of Hoffman + Krippner, Inc., “We provide midsize German companies who have products with a synergy to ours a channel in the US. These are high quality products that are engineered exceptionally well, all made in Germany. In some cases these companies are actually the real manufacturers behind some very well-known industry brands. So in a sense we cut the middleman - and with recent exchange rate developments - we bring very competitive priced, highest quality products to the US“.

Virtual summit for condition monitoring & predictive maintenance for Europe!

National Instruments (NI) is to host its first European Condition Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance Summit from 6th to 10th July 2015.

This virtual summit explores how the risk and cost of failure is increasing, and why more companies are turning to 24/7 on-line predictive maintenance to improve the effectiveness of their workforce, while reducing downtime. It will feature industry experts highlighting best practices from AREVA, Laborelec, London Underground, Politecnico di Milano, Schaeffler Group and University of West Bohemia.

Each session will be streamed twice and attendees will be able to interact online with NI experts, in real time, to ask questions and discuss topics. Sessions will then be available to watch on demand after the series is complete.

Topics include:

  • How to increase ROI and efficiency via smart maintenance investments
  • Lessons learned in power generation condition monitoring
  • Applying predictive maintenance to large scale asset monitoring deployments

Milestone on the road to operating emission-free ferries!

Siemens delivers electric propulsion system and charging stations with lithium-ion batteries charged from hydro power

This isn't really an instrumentation topic but as the Read-out office overlooks the daily ferry service to Árainn we thought the story interesting. Some of the conditions described such as a weak power grid are duplicated here on the Irish wild Atlantic coast.
Ferry only uses 150 kilowatt hours (kWh) per route and reduces cost of fuel by 60 percent
The world's first electrical car and passenger ferry powered by batteries has entered service in Norway. The ferry only uses 150 kWh per route, which corresponds to three days use of electricity in a standard Norwegian household. Built in conjunction with shipbuilder Fjellstrand, Siemens installed the complete electric propulsion system and put up charging stations with lithium-ion batteries which are charged from hydro power. With the change to battery, ship owner Norled is reducing the cost of fuel by up to 60 percent. The Norled ferry represents a milestone on the road to operating completely emission-free ferries along Norway's long coastline, with at least 50 other routes currently able to sustain battery-operated vessels.

Because the power grid in the region is relatively weak, Siemens and Norled decided to install three battery packs: one lithium-ion battery on board the ferry, and one at each pier to serve as a buffer. The 260-kWh-units supply electricity to the ferry while it waits. Afterward, the battery slowly recoups all of this energy from the grid until the ship comes back again to drop off passengers and recharge. Charging stations are housed in small buildings about the size of newsstands. The ship’s onboard batteries are recharged directly from the grid at night when the ferry is not in use. Each battery pack corresponds to the effect of 1600 standard car batteries. The Norled ferry will consume around two million kWh per year, whereas a traditional diesel ferry consumes at least one million liters of diesel a year and emits 570 tons of carbon dioxide and 15 metric tons of nitrogen oxides. “We are proud to operate the world’s first electric ferry”, says Sigvald Breivik, Technical director of Norled. “Siemens has been a great partner in finding innovative and sustainable solutions for our environment.”

On board the ferry, Siemens installed its electric propulsion system BlueDrive PlusC. It includes a battery and steering system, thruster control for the propellers, an energy management system and an integrated alarm system. The integrated automation systems control and monitor the machineries and auxiliaries on the ferry and are connected via Profibus to all other subsystems.

“We are both optimistic and excited about this technology and how it will help shape the future of environmentally friendly maritime technology,” says Mario Azar, CEO of the Siemens Business Unit Oil & Gas and Marine. “We were pleased to apply our expertise in this field including electric propulsion systems to such a worthwhile project.”

Unlike many electric cars, the emission-free ferry was developed from the ground up. The ferry, which is 80 meters long and 20 meters wide, is driven by two electric motors, each with an output of 450 kilowatts. It is made exclusively of light aluminum rather than the steel normally used in shipbuilding. This makes the ferry only half as heavy as a conventional ferry, despite its ten ton batteries and a capacity for 360 passengers and 120 vehicles. An aluminum hull also has double the lifetime as steel hull, which leads to lower maintenance costs.

Ship owner Norled operates on the ferry link across Sognefjord between Lavik and Oppedal, Norway. The fully electric ferry travels six kilometers across the fjord 34 times a day, with each trip taking around 20 minutes. The unique solution is a result of a competition that Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration launched in 2010. Batteries are expected to become considerably more efficient and less expensive in the next few years, which tip the scales further away from diesel as the most popular fuel source.
Ampere nominated for Energy Efficiency Award
• This vessel, the Ampere, has been nominated for Nor-Shipping 2015 awards, which recognise achievements in three areas – energy efficiency, innovative ship design and young entrepreneurship.

20-channel temperature logger.

The new DATAPAQ® TP3 data logger provides more measurement channels, connectivity options, and ease of use for profiling and surveying in high-temperature heat treatment applications. With a ±0.3 °C (0.5 °F) accuracy, the all-new logger surpasses the most stringent requirements.

"We have worked towards this exciting launch for two years," states Elie El Choueiry, Furnace and Kiln Product Manager at Datapaq Ltd. "Compared to our previous, successful heat treatment solution TPAQ21, the new DATAPAQ TP3 provides even more detailed insight into high-temperature processes. It is more resilient and includes numerous new features, such as full connectivity including Bluetooth, fully certified TUS capability for AMS 2750E and CQI-9, integrated correction and calibration functions, and flexible charging with multiple battery options."


The new series comprises 20- and 10-channel loggers that store up to 3.6 million data points. One logger can perform up to ten measurement runs before data download. Thermal and ingress protection have been enhanced to ensure optimal performance in extreme applications, such as vacuum brazing, aluminum solution reheat, and water or gas quench. The DATAPAQ TP3 logger is being released along with new, durable thermal barriers for use with the industry-specific temperature profiling systems from Datapaq: Furnace Tracker® for metal-working, Kiln Tracker® for ceramics, and Oven Tracker® AutoPaq® for premium paint cure processes in the automotive OEM assembly market. Each profiling solution includes Insight analysis software and thermocouples tailored to the application.

Future Vision Day!


The Future Vision Day imaging event, organised by IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH, global market leader in USB industrial cameras will take place at the Beaumont Estate, (Berks GB) on June 17, 2015.  

With sessions devoted to the latest vision technology, how vision users can get more from their CMOS cameras, the benefits offered by embedded systems and the chance to see the new Ensenso 3D stereo cameras for the first time, this promises to be a highly informative event for anyone involved in machine vision applications. Participation is free of charge, although the number of participants is limited. 

All three main sessions will be presented by vision experts. The first will consist of a short introduction and overview followed by a presentation of the latest sensor and camera technologies and their uses in both industrial and non-industrial vision applications. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about cost-effective 3D machine vision applications based on Ensenso stereo 3D cameras, which will also include a presentation of the new Ensenso N30 series. 

The second session provides users with useful tips and tricks on how the many special features available on CMOS sensors can be used to enhance the performance of cameras in different vision applications. IDS has manufactured CMOS cameras more than ten years and for the last 3 years all new cameras developed by the company have utilised CMOS sensors. 

The final part of the event will be devoted to showing how cost-efficient embedded vision systems can be built with IDS cameras. This will include general information and future trends on embedded systems, together with detail on the IDS embedded portfolio and application examples of practical use.

High-accuracy current transducers!

The new series of IT xx5 transducers for non-intrusive and isolated nominal measurements of DC, AC and pulsed currents from 60 A to 600 A has been announced by LEM. This extends the company's range of high-accuracy current transducers. The range includes 4 new models: IT 65-S, IT 205-S, IT 405-S and IT 605-S.
These new models offer an extended operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C, compared to the +10 to +50°C temperature range of previous IT models, allowing their use in a wider range of applications, including high precision power supplies, medical equipment, calibration units, precision and high stability inverters, power analysers and metering.

These new models provide the high performance of fluxgate technology based transducers across the extended temperature range, delivering extremely high accuracy with linearity over temperature range better than 12 ppm, and a low offset over temperature range between 36 to 400 ppm (according to the model). The fast response time to di/dt step changes is less than 0.5 µs, due to a precise and consistent winding process.

The IT xx5 series has been designed to operate from a bipolar +/-15 V DC power supply and will accommodate round primary conductors of 26 and 30 mm diameter, depending upon the model used. In addition to their normal current output, the transducers offer an additional output indicating the transducer state (low or high output levels) and an external LED showing normal operation.

The new IT xx5 range is also fully compatible with the previous LEM IT range, fitting the same footprint. These transducers can be easily retrofitted into old installations while maintaining the various compact sizes for each current range and a variety of panel mounting topologies (flat or vertical), without compromising the high insulation level provided between the primary and measurement circuits.

Monday 18 May 2015

VNA System with industry’s widest frequency coverage!

The VectorStar® ME7838A4 4-port broadband vector network analyser (VNA) system has been introduced by Anritsu.  The new analyser features the world’s widest differential broadband sweep from 70 kHz to 110/125 GHz and utilises the smallest mmWave modules to conduct highly stable and fast measurements when characterising differential devices. The new ME7838A4 provides on-wafer and signal integrity engineers with a new level of performance when conducting differential measurements so they have greater confidence in their next-generation communications system designs.

A key advantage of the VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband system is the integration of the 3743A mmWave modules. Utilising an exclusive Anritsu design that incorporates nonlinear transmission line technology (NLTL), the modules are much more compact than competitive alternatives, for easy mounting on space-limited wafer probe station platens. Additionally, smaller and lighter modules improve overall performance, including superior raw directivity performance that results in superior calibration stability. Modules are available that can extend the VectorStar ME7838A4 to a 4-port 145 GHz system.

The VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband system uses an internal substrate-mounted source for excellent thermal stability, resulting in industry best calibration and measurement stability of 0.1 dB over 24 hours. It also features best-in-class measurement speed of 55 ms for 201 points at 10 kHz IFBW.

Engineers benefit from unparalleled mmWave noise floor sensitivity and the industry’s only available mmWave real-time electronic power leveling that eliminates the need for time-lagging software correction tables. Because internal frequency multiplication begins at 54 GHz in the VectorStar ME7838A4 compared to 67 GHz for other 4-port broadband systems, RF cable losses are reduced for improved dynamic range and phase stability.

Installation and operating costs are reduced with the VectorStar ME7838A4. Probe station positioner costs are lower due to the compact size and lighter weight of the modules. There is also significant savings from the longer interval times between calibrations.

Anritsu’s advanced True Mode Stimulus is available for the VectorStar ME7838A4. With the option, engineers can program two internal signals to deliver a true 180⁰ (or 0⁰ for common mode) differential signal for comprehensive device analysis.