Electrical measurement technology R&D in Europe & Asia.

New offices in Munich and Shanghai to be closer than ever to major customers.

New research and development facilities in Munich (D) and Shanghai (CN) have been opened by LEM. This is to go to satisfying the growing global demand for current and voltage sensing driven by the push towards decarbonization and greater electrification.

“As a leader in electrical measurement, we strongly believe that integrated current sensing is a critical part of our future growth and competitive advantage, and it is vital that we have an ICS offering that can meet our customers’ needs," said LEM CTO Verena Vescoli. "The new R&D center in Munich will enable us to accelerate on IC design and enable a broad ICS portfolio. It is always a delight to see multiple teams working together to share the depth of their ICS design expertise and application know-how and I am very excited by the potential for growth that the new Munich and Shanghai sites will offer.”

Verena Vescoli & John McLuski

The two new sites will enable LEM to build greater intelligence into its sensors and to have development bases closer to key customers, while also promoting deeper collaboration on projects and the efficient sharing of vital product design information. While the China site will be kitted out with the very latest laboratory equipment, the site in Germany will focus on application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design and semiconductor technology that will help accelerate LEM’s innovation in integrated current sensors (ICSs).

This latest R&D investment in Europe and Asia follows on from LEM’s recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art factory in Malaysia which incorporates advanced manufacturing technology. LEM’s investment in the state of Penang was an acknowledgment of the region’s expertise in ASIC technology and its specialization in semiconductor design and production. The Penang factory was the latest example of LEM’s quest to secure its operations while diversifying its global footprint so that it could serve customers better through a combination of advanced production facilities and skilled personnel.

“In an increasingly competitive market place, we are continuing to invest in the future and to develop solutions that our customers value," said LEM SVP Asia John McLuski. "China is an important source of technology and innovation, both for our customers and for LEM. The new R&D facility in Shanghai will work together with the existing site in Beijing and enable us to be physically closer to our customers and to deliver our solutions to them even faster than was possible before.”

LEM is now backing up this significant investment in production capacity and flexible delivery with R&D capabilities that are designed to complement the existing site in Lyon (F), which opened in 2017, and to build on R&D activities that were already ongoing in Sofia (Bulgaria), now in their new office in the city centre. Led by Matthias Tänzer, the development team at the new Munich semiconductor facility will work closely with LEM’s existing ICS team in Geneva (CH). There are already 10 employees in place at Munich and this number will increase in line with LEM’s ambitious growth plans for the site. At the 1400m2 Shanghai facility, there are currently 30 staff with the capacity to more than double that number in the future, many of whom will be involved in R&D.

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@LEM_Inc @NapierPR #PAuto #TandM #Eurasia

Precise distance measurement.

Pulsed Laser Diodes with Micro-optics

The highest efficiency and accuracy in distance measurement may be guaranteed with integrated micro-optics, pulsed laser diodes (PLDs) from Laser Components. So-called fast axis collimation (FAC) lenses compensate for the astigmatism that occurs with edge-emitting PLDs and thus ensures that as many photons as possible reach the target. The optics and laser diode are precisely fitted into a hermetically sealed TO package, and the window is only slightly higher. The overall beam quality is improved without additional optical or mechanical components, which can result in lower operating costs.

The PLDs with integrated FAC lenses are available for 905nm and 1550nm wavelengths. The divergence on the “fast axis” is reduced to 3.8mrad at 1550nm and 33mrad at 905nm. It can be further adjusted upon customer request.

PLDs from Laser Components are primarily used in laser rangefinders (LRFs). The accuracy of these systems depends on as many photons as possible reaching the target and being reflected back to the detector – an avalanche photodiode (APD). A beam focused by an FAC lens requires a lower output power for this purpose. This makes it possible to develop smaller LRFs that are more energy efficient without compromising the reliability of the measurement.

“Laser Components does not just manufacture standard components,” says Éric Desfonds, product manager at Laser Components Canada. “Our greatest strength is the rapid and cost-effective development of customized products. Together with our customers, we can analyze the entire optical chain with PLD and APD subsystems and then deliver a product that exactly meets their requirements.”

@LCGermany @lasercomp_uk @PresseBox #Automation #PAuto

Monitoring laser power.

Laser Components has succeeded in further optimizing the tolerances of polarization-independent beam splitters with an improved optical design and the broadband monitoring of production processes. These optics are used for the real-time measurement of laser power in applications in which the polarization of the laser beam can change. For example, |Rs-Rp|>0.2% applies to the reflectance values, thus the ratio of s and p polarization does not change during beam splitting.

The manufacture of polarization-independent beam splitters is a complex process in which the coating process must be carefully monitored. Usually, the coatings are deposited in an ion-assisted deposition (IAD) or ion beam sputtering (IBS) system. This produces coatings with a very high packing density, which in turn allows the optics to retain their properties even in a vacuum or under severe temperature fluctuations.

The real-time monitoring of laser power is used in applications that require permanently stable performance. If irregularities are detected, the pump power can be adjusted to compensate for them. The measurement is performed on a decoupled part of the laser beam. Even slight irregularities in the polarization of the laser would falsify the measurement results of a polarizing beam splitter.

@LCGermany @lasercomp_uk @PresseBox #Automation #PAuto

Trace moisture, moisture in liquids and trace oxygen.

The new Michell* Multi-Channel Control Unit (MCU) provides up to four independent measurement channels with any combination of moisture in gas, moisture in liquids or oxygen concentration. Installed indoors in a safe area, the MCU allows operators to monitor these crucial parameters from multiple hazardous area-installed analysers. 

It is designed for use with any combination of the Michell Promet I.S. process moisture analyzer, the Michell Liquidew I.S. moisture in liquids analyzer and Ntron Minox-i oxygen transmitter.

The new Michell MCU features up to four 2.8” color touch-screen LCDs with a clear, easy-to-use interface. This allows for set-up and control of dew point or trace moisture in gases or liquids, as well as oxygen measurement, directly from the control room. The unit displays moisture content in ppm, dew point, % O2, ppmV O2 plus analysis pressure. Alarm status and a choice of ISO or IGT#8 calculations are also displayed for each channel. The digital or analog outputs are user configurable.

Promet I.S. and Liquidew I.S are industrial hygrometer systems for measurement of high pressure, process gases and vaporized liquids in:

• Natural gas production and processing
• Offshore natural gas export pipeline or transmission pipeline monitoring
• Fiscal metering of gas
• Gas storage facilities
• Hydrogen production, storage and transportation including natural gas injection
• LNG production processing and receiving terminals
• Gas generation industries

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology. 

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* Michel are part of the Process Sensing Technologies (PST) group.

 @Michell_Inst @ProcessSensing #PAuto 

Telecentric measurement system.

Keyence has introduced a new range of inline telecentric measurement system which employ highly advanced silhouette-based analysis for guaranteed accuracy.

Richard De Courcy, Product Specialist, Keyence UK Vision and Measurement, commented: “Accurate measurement of parts is vital to guaranteeing quality and consistency, and for identifying any possible production issues at the earliest possible opportunity. Our new portfolio harnesses the power of state-of-the-art silhouette-based technology to deliver exceptional accuracy alongside ease of set-up and use, ensuring consistent, reliable measurement of a wide range of parts. This will bring peace of mind to manufacturers seeking to reassure their customer of the quality and consistency of their offering.”

Designed specifically to measure parts rapidly and consistently as they pass through the system, the TM-X5000 line-up boasts an exposure time of just 25 μs – 40 times faster than conventional models, allowing accurate measurement of high-speed targets by eliminating blur from the image.

It provides a versatile solution for a broad spectrum of industrial measurement applications, offering geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T); outer diameter and profile measurement; abnormality detection; and runout and positioning.

The specially designed telecentric optics greatly improve measurement repeatability by increasing uniformity throughout the field of view. Compared with conventional telecentric optical systems, the TM-X5000 Series offers around 100 times greater telecentricity – just 0.0001°, ensuring confidence in results even for misaligned targets.

The dual telecentric silhouette-based system provides exceptional stability while the large ±15 mm depth of field, based on telecentric lenses in both the transmitter and receiver, provides clear, sharp edges and stable measurement results, even where the target position may vary.

Users can select from two installation methods – with or without the included base. A handy optical alignment function enables rapid, simple installation, while the user interface features a wide variety of measurement tools, enabling intuitive configuration of settings.

The range consists of three models to cater for a wide variety of requirements: the compact, ultra-high accuracy TM-X5006; the standard TM-X5040 model; and the TM-X5065 fore wide field applications.

@Keyence_Int @mepaxIntPR #telecentricity #PAuto

Precision sensor application development support.

Introducing ADI MeasureWare a new flexible platform that allows TE customers to rapidly develop a precision sensor application without a deep understanding of precision analog or sensor design

TE Connectivity has announced today its integration with ADI MeasureWare, a plug and play suite of hardware measurement kits and software studio tools to help fulfill the growing need for precision measurement across multiple industries including precision agriculture, machine health monitoring, electrochemistry and other areas requiring precise measurement. As a result of this integration, TE customers are able to quickly develop a precision sensor application – from prototype to production (SoC solution ADMW1001) – without the need for a deep understanding of precision analog or sensor design.

“We are excited about the integration of TE sensors with ADI’s MeasureWare platform,” said John Tuley, IoT business development – Sensor Solutions business. “MeasureWare combined with TE sensors enables our customers to quickly display precision sensor data on a cloud platform and focuses engineering time on end use case validation rather than hardware design.”

ADI’s MeasureWare solutions are built to interface devices with the world around them, allowing users to more effectively measure the datasets necessary to their respective projects, such as temperature, weight, humidity, pH, pressure, etc. MeasureWare also offers flexibility to adjust and change measurement parameters as a project evolves.

Partnering with ADI’s MeasureWare is part of TE Connectivity’s ongoing efforts to provide design engineers, at any level, with best in class engineering support and tools to create amazing new products for industrial, IoT, medical and commercial applications.

TE has a number of sensors available to support the MeasureWare platform, with planned additions rolling out in the coming months. To view TE’s current sensor availability with MeasureWare, click here.

#PAuto @TEConnectivity @ADI_News

High speed laser scanners for precision linear measurement.

With eight measurement ranges from 10 to 250 mm, a choice of red, blue or IR source versions and linearity to better than 0.05% FS, Riftek’s new 2D laser scanner combines with a comprehensive software development kit and service protocol to facilitate integration into high precision linear measurement tasks that include surface profile, displacement, dimensions, object recognition, flatness, volume, 3D model construction and more.

This is available with full support from  Ixthus Instrumentation, the smart RF627 series ARM-based laser scanner offers selectable sampling rates up to 6800 profiles/sec with fast inputs and outputs for event and multiple scanner synchronisation.

The RF627 series employs the optical triangulation principle to provide a base distance and a generous measurement range with a wide field of view. The new design has allowed a marked increase of twice the accuracy and four times the speed over previous Riftek 2D scanners for improved measurement precision and throughput. Optional red, blue and IR laser sources allow measurement on reflective materials, high temperature objects, organic materials and more. Multiple scanners with different wavelengths can also be supplied, offering the possibility to combine various materials in one measurement system.

The new laser scanner is designed for use in harsh environments. A durable aluminium housing and a novel high resolution glass lens system offers IP67 protection with shock and vibration resistance suitable for the most demanding tasks. Two compact housing styles cover the scanner geometry requirements for the smaller and the other measurement range models. Volume dimensions for the 250 mm maximum measurement range housing is 44 x 63 x 93 mm (w x d x h). Both have separate power/signal and Ethernet circular connectors rated for IP67. Working temperature is 0 to +40 °С as standard whilst an integrated heater option is available for -20 to +40 °С. A built-in heater and water/air cooled housing option offers a -30 to +120 °С ambient range. Supply voltage is 9 to 30 VDC

Ethernet connection and a web-browser interface facilitates set-up and programming whilst an integral reset button and LED status on the housing makes installation and troubleshooting straightforward. Synchronisation over RS422 covers three inputs and one output with a single hardware input for laser on/off. The laser scanner is supported with a comprehensive user manual and along with the free-of-charge software development kit, including examples for Windows, Linux, .NET, MatLab, and LabView®, is available from Ixthus Instrumentation.

The RF627 series has been designed as a new modular platform for rapid application development and updating of 2D scanners and 3D snapshot scanners. Over the coming months variants will be offered with longer working ranges, higher scan rates and video camera/encoder integration. Furthermore, customised models for weld seam inspection, 3D model measurement, tunnel scanning and more will be offered with compatible ready-to-run software for fast integration in the customer’s application.

Controlled monitoring and control of transformers.

To address the needs of the energy automation sector and in the context of digitization, Camille Bauer is introducing higher-performance variants of the CENTRAX CU3000 and CU5000. As well as the BASIC version the ADVANCED version is now also available. The CENTRAX is a 2-in-1 device, combining in a single housing a highly precise measurement device for monitoring electrical parameters and the functionality of a programmable logic controller. It supports the CODESYS development environment for developing IEC 61131-3 compliant industrial automation applications.

CENTRAX CU3000 or CU5000 in an example of a
networked application with the CODESYS
development environment

New Modbus Master function
Via the RS-485 and Ethernet interfaces, the CENTRAX can now also retrieve and perform further processing of the measurement data and status information from any Modbus device. Requests are transmitted using either Modbus/TCP or Modbus/RTU. An extensive library of predefined Modbus devices is available for this purpose, making integration of the desired information significantly easier. It also eliminates any definition errors from the requests in advance.

Free useable Modbus mapping
There are up to 1000 registers available for user-defined measurement data mapping and up to 200 for status data (coils). Users can thus make the data from their control application available to higher level systems, such as the SCADA Data Management System, etc. in a universal and extremely flexible way.

Costs and benefits
From a cost/benefit point of view, the advantage of the additional functions of the ADVANCED version is evident. The integration of a highly precise measurement instrument and a soft-PLC in a single housing means that the component cost alone is reduced by 50%. Procurement and logistics-centred processes are optimized at the same time. Furthermore, the functional integration has an immediate positive impact on planning and implementation costs, both financially and time-wise. At a wide range of different levels of digitization, such as local automation (manual retrieval of data when needed), remote monitoring (specific, transmission of a reduced set of data via power line, EDGE GPRS, etc. or remote control (remote monitoring and its control based on broadband transmission via LAN, LTE glass fibre etc.), the CENTRAX, as a local intelligent unit, offers a cost-effective and well as universal solution

Potential applications
Applications for CENTRAX are to be found wherever there is a need to perform precise measurements as well as additional control tasks. For example the retrofit digitization of on-load tap changers, the controlled monitoring and control of transformers for overload protection, control of the effective load of lifts for efficiency optimization, timers for street lighting etc.

• Camille Bauer Metrawatt products are marketed in Ireland by Irish Power and Process

#CamilleBauer #PAuto

Making life easier for H&S managers!

Life just got a little easier for health and safety specialists with Cirrus Research introducing the doseBadge5 with its new scheduled monitoring feature.

Taking time off need no longer strike fear into the hearts of H&S managers thanks to the new "Scheduled Measurements" function that allows the ability to automatically start and stop monitoring at pre-set times. And it is all achievable in just 4 steps:

• Step 1. Activating and configuring the Scheduled Measurement Function is easy using the doseBadge⁵ via either the NoiseTools software or the dBLink App for iOS and Android devices.
• Step 2. Then it is simply a matter of setting the start time, duration and end time for the measurement for full peace of mind whilst you are away.
• Step 3. Colleagues won't be able to complain about being left with the responsibility; all they have to do is collect the doseBadge⁵ from the charging dock, attach to the shoulder and the measurements will begin at the pre-set start time. The measurement will start at the pre-set time and continue throughout the day for the specified times and durations, collecting all the data you need. At the end of the day, the doseBadge⁵ back is put back on the charging dock.
• Step 4. The data will still be there waiting when the H&S manager returns and can be downloaded as normal from the doseBadge⁵ to generate any reports using the NoiseTools software.

"This is an excellent add-on to the doseBadge^5" said Cirrus Marketing Manager Jim Tingay. "Not only does it give real peace of mind for anyone who needs time away from their day to day job -  either for training or holidays - but it is so simple to set up with no effort on anyone else's part."

@cirrusresearch #PAuto #Safety 

Eddy current sensor.

Kaman has announced a cost-optimised PCB version of its popular and well proven KD-2306 series eddy current linear displacement instrument for integration into volume OEM applications requiring precise linear measurement.

This instrument, available with full support from Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd, is factory configured and calibrated to specific customer requirements and paired for use with any of the comprehensive range of Kaman Eddy Current sensor models. Designed for straightforward installation and easy integration into the customer’s machine, the compact board includes connectors for single- or dual-coil sensors and front accessible course and fine calibration controls plus screw terminal I/O connections. Options include non-standard range/target material, temperature compensation, hermetically sealed cable connection and more.

Kaman’s eddy current sensor range includes over 30 dual and single coil models in shielded or unshielded designs for precision measurement from 0.5 mm to 60 mm and with typical resolution to 0.01% FS and linearity to 1% FS. These nanometre resolution displacement sensors can be selected for operation in air or through various non-metallic materials and to suit temperatures ranging from cryogenic to +200 ºC. A wide choice of cabling and connection options are available with further customisation available for volume applications.

Minimum specifications for the OEM-2306 will include a resolution of 0.01 %FS and linearity to less than 1 %FS. A 50 kHz frequency response ensures fast data measurement and output options of 0-10 VDC and 0-5 VDC ensure flexibility in use.

Kaman’s eddy current sensors and compatible signal conditioning electronics are a compelling and cost effective alternative to LVDTs, air gauges, dial indicators and micrometer measuring systems. With the ability to withstand the harshest of environments, the robust and durable sensors feature an inherently long life and require extremely low maintenance. Applications span research and industry from engine dynamics to machine tools and from semiconductor manufacture to packaging machines.

@IxthusInst  #PAuto @KamanSensors

Measurement Uncertainty.

The fifth edition of Measurement Uncertainty: Methods and Applications by Ronald. H. Dieck has been launched by ISA.

For greater perspective on the value & 

significance of the updated edition &

its areas of new & enhanced content,

read the Q&A feature with the author. 

In addition, a working version of an

uncertainty analysis template is 

available for download at the bottom

of the interview page.

Dieck, a former ISA president and a recognized expert in measurement uncertainty analysis, says an updated edition of his popular book was needed in light of ongoing technological advances and improvements in measurement uncertainty methods and applications.

“There’s still a need for a well-organised, up-to-date book for properly analyzing the uncertainty of test and experimental data, particularly given the pace of technological change,” Dieck explains. “This new edition features a significant amount of new and enhanced content, ranging from new appendices to more detailed examples of uncertainty analysis and computation.”

The book’s new appendices: include condensed descriptions of the basics of uncertainty analysis, pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages of several uncertainty models used throughout the world, and provide key equations for uncertainty analysis—all in an easy-to-use format.

 #PAuto #ISAuto

Self-contained measurement camera.

The new TrueChrome Metrics camera from Stemmer Imaging provides fully integrated digital image capture and measurement for micro and macro scientific and industrial imaging applications with no need for a PC.

By plugging a mouse into the camera and connecting the HDMI camera output to a monitor, a wide range of multiform measurement tools allows measurements to be made on the high quality images produced. The camera is capable of delivering measurements with a resolution of 10 nanometres to provide outstanding metrology capabilities in the most demanding situations.

High quality images are generated by the 2.3 MPixel Sony Exmor CMOS sensor, which delivers live colour images at 1080p 60 fps to the connected monitor. This allows the user to smoothly manipulate live images without any monitor lag. Up to 6 MPixel still images and Full HD video sequences can be recorded directly and replayed from a connected SD card along with measurements. An image compare mode also allows for side-by-side comparison of live and previously stored images.

With exposure settings from 1 ms to up to 10 seconds and 20 levels of gain adjustment, the camera can be used for a host of applications including low light fluorescence imaging. An incredibly efficient 3D noise reduction system overcomes any increase in noise associated with longer exposure times to guarantee sharp images containing plenty of detail.

Automatic optimisation of camera settings optimises image quality whatever the application. Exposure time, saturation and automatic white balance produce high quality images with minimal need for manual adjustment whether for bright field bio imaging or dark field birefringent crystal imaging. Full manual control is available should it be needed.

The extremely powerful built-in measurement functionality includes: freehand lines, rectangles, polygons, circles, bicircles, angles, point-line distance and much more. In addition to the ability to measure point-line distance, angles, the length of curves and lines, the camera can measure the perimeter & area of enclosed features such as: rectangles, polygons, and circles. Results can be exported as Excel or text files to the SD card.

The camera can be readily calibrated and up to 10 calibration files can be saved for different microscope or lens configurations. Quantitative measurements can be made in µm, mm and cm to support both micro and macro applications.

The embedded user interface is incredibly easy to use. There are only two icons on screen, one for image capture and the other for the settings menu. The measurement menu appears simply by right clicking anywhere on the live image.

For users who prefer integrated PC control instead of stand alone operation, the camera can also be connected and controlled directly to a computer via a USB2.0 cable and is supplied with a professional imaging software application that provides complete camera control, advanced image processing functions such as high dynamic range, focus stacking and image stitching, as well as the full range of image measurements, archiving and management.

@stemmerimaging #PAuto 

Process Oxygen gas monitoring.

Quantitech has prepared a comprehensive White Paper on the measurement of Oxygen gas in furnaces and other industrial processes.

Click to download

Quantitech’s Craig Day says: “Oxygen gas concentration measurements are essential for the effective management of many industrial processes, providing an important indicator of combustion performance, fuel usage and process safety. In many processes, oxygen measurement enables process operators to monitor the progress of chemical reactions; thereby enabling optimisation of product yield.”

The White Paper explores the benefits of oxygen monitoring and examines the technologies available for continuous oxygen monitoring. These include Zirconia and Paramagnetic sensors and Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS).

The relative merits of each technology are discussed and a number of applications for oxygen monitoring are discussed. These include: waste incineration, furnace control, sulphuric acid manufacture, process heaters / FCC regenerator off-gas in refineries, and re-heat furnaces and hot rolling mills in the iron & steel industry.

 @Quantitech #PAuto 

Sparking a revolution in electrical measurement!

Twenty years after shaking up the electrical measurement market with the DIRIS system, the first multi-measurement solution, SOCOMEC is once again leading the way with its latest technological innovation: DIRIS Digiware, a totally modular and flexible energy measurement and monitoring system.

Key points
- An innovative measurement system that is accurate, flexible, multi-circuit, plug & play and cost-effective
- Concrete benefits for installers, panel builders and end-users
- Implementation time divided by 4
- Up to 30% cost savings vs existing technology

DIRIS Digiware is a simple solution for building a modular measurement system. It comprises as a minimum a display unit, a voltage measurement module, multiple current measurement modules and current sensors.

More precisely, the DIRIS Digiware modular system is based on a centralised display and a single voltage measuring point for the entire system. DIRIS Digiware offers an effective function-sharing capability. It also includes current measurement modules that are interconnected via the Digiware bus (RJ45 cables) for measuring energy consumption at the closest point to the actual loads. Each module can monitor one or more circuits via the current sensors by means of independent current inputs (3, 4 or 6 depending on the modules). With 3 inputs, a current module can monitor a three-phase circuit or 3 single-phase circuits.

The DIRIS Digiware system: multiple current modules with a centralised display and a common voltage module.

These four elements (centralised display, voltage measuring point, current measurement modules, current sensors) constitute the heart of the system. For applications without local display, the DIRIS Digiware C-31 system interface centralises all of the system’s data. The data from the Digiware modules and remote units is centralised on one or more DIRIS G communication gateways. Each gateway includes a WEBVIEW web server for monitoring electrical parameters in real time and for analysing energy consumption data.

An optional touch-screen tablet completes the system. It can be panel-mounted and is connected by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi (via a router) for providing information to energy management software such as VERTELIS Suite.

For remote monitoring points, the user can also use the DIRIS B-30 measurement units with wireless or RS485 communication.

Advanced technology … made easy
The apparent simplicity of the concept is the result of SOCOMEC’s expertise in electrical measurement and communication technologies, as well a clear vision of what the measurement systems of tomorrow should be: accurate, flexible, multi-circuit, plug & play and cost-effective.

Concrete benefits
For contractors and panel builders:
• DIRIS Digiware is a plug & play solution: its RJ45 and RJ12 connections means that the modules can be very quickly integrated, as well as enabling the automatic configuration of the connected current sensors.
• DIRIS Digiware is above all a very cost-effective solution: implementation in a quarter of the time normally required, the compact design of the modules frees up more space in electrical equipment cabinets, and the common voltage measurement, display and communication functions offer up to 30% savings compared to existing metering technology.
For end-users:
• The accuracy of the system over a wide range of loads means it has unequalled precision in terms of energy measurements, thereby optimising any energy efficiency initiatives.
• DIRIS Digiware enables the identification of major loads and constantly monitors multiple electrical parameters for any anomalies. With its capacity to keep a check on the quality of electrical energy, the system can more easily anticipate network malfunctions.
• DIRIS Digiware is extremely flexible and is suited to the most space-constrained installations. The system can be easily retro-fitted in an existing facility thanks to the split-core current sensor options.

Compliance with standards: measurement accuracy is in accordance with standard IEC 61557-12: class 0.5 for the global measurement chain from 2 to 120% of nominal current (with TE current sensors).

New dimension for dimensional measurement!

The IM-6500 Series from Keyence is a new type of measurement device. It is a completely new concept to rival established measuring equipment such as profile projectors, measuring microscopes or automatic CNC measuring machines.

The dimensional measurement concept of the IM-6500 series utilises state of the art imaging technology, thus enabling any user to perform reliable measurements in a minimum of time and with an increased accuracy. You simply place a part on a measurement stage, push the button and up to 99 dimensions are measured in a few seconds with accuracies down to 0.7 micron. No tiresome positioning, nor risks of measurement variance or deviation between individual operators. The simplicity of use results in the IM-6500 series emerging as a massive cost saving alternative to traditional time consuming measurement processes.

The IM-6500 measurement concept combines the flexibility of a vision system with the accurate execution of a double telecentric lens.

The all new double telecentric lens, with a large diameter of 100mm, captures the complete image of the target element, thus allowing the measurement of all the control points at once. With this technology it becomes possible to capture pixels without image distortion of the component that is placed around the lens circumference. Hence measurement is neither affected by distortion, nor by the distance. The lens size dictates that parts up to 100mm in diameter can be measured.

Measurement data can be stored digitally as Inspection Reports, Data Lists or Trend Graphs along with screen shot images. These files can be exported to other sources as the IM series utilies a convenient PC based data management system.

With the IM-6500 dimensional measurement concept, you simply place the part to be measured in the measurement area. The iPASS method (Intelligent Pattern Analysis Search System) performs a shape scanning (from the already recorded targets) to determine its position and its shape.

Many features can be measured, from internal diameters, circular threads and angles. Previous difficult to measure features with traditional methods can now be performed automatically with reduced risk of operator error.

The IM-6500 series utilies the latest technology to eliminate individual differences. The original sub-pixel concept by Keyence makes it possible to automatically detect the position of the component edges more accurately than with traditional vision systems thanks to the sub-pixel processing with a margin of 0.01 pixels. The IM series has overcome the age old issue of measurement variations from one user to the other. The same applies for errors due to differences in operator competence. In addition, with the IM series absence of an XY stage, measuring time is saved without needing stage movements, and errors due to stage vibrations are not a concern. This has all been made possible by integrating the high speed image processing technology developed for the automation industry with the optical design technology used in microscopes. Increasing the customers’ results and the quantity of controls should thus contribute to improving quality.

The built in temperature sensor allows the IM-6500 series to be installed almost anywhere in a production facility. Temperature compensation ensures accurate measurement once the system is in use. The IM-6500 series is of a compact space saving design with a footprint the size of an A3 sheet of paper. It can be easily mounted near the production lines or in a laboratory.

Magneto-transport measurement systems

In the field of functional materials, the need for specialist turn-key systems is growing as scientists focus upon research into new materials and systems for the next generation of semiconductors, photovoltaics, spintronics and ferromagnetic systems.

Research and development into new materials continues to expand to meet the wider ranging needs of current and emerging technological applications. There is a growing trend within academic and industrial research and development for off the shelf turn-key measurement solutions which combine ease of use with high level research functionality and measurement sensitivity.

In the field of functional materials, the need for specialist turn-key systems is growing as scientists focus upon research into new materials and systems for the next generation of semiconductors, photovoltaics, spintronics and ferromagnetic systems.

The new Ohmpoint Measurement System from Rhomap  is a flexible research tool that offers a range of software selectable sample connection probe geometries in one system. The instrument allows users to measure resistance in two or four point geometry, sheet resistance and magneto-transport behaviour, including Hall effect and magnetoresistance. The flexibility of the system also enables the user to easily select between individual measurements and batch scanning of multiple samples.

The Ohmpoint system is controlled through the bespoke MeasureR software interface that provides a flexible and intuitive user experience.

RF power

Fast, accurate RF power measurements in a compact Solution

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC5587, an industry first 40dB dynamic range 6GHz RMS detector integrated with a high sampling rate 12-bit serial A/D converter. The digital output RMS RF detector provides +/-1dB measurement accuracy of high crest-factor signals, independent of the modulation used. The detector is capable of operating over a wide frequency range from 10MHz to 6GHz. The integrated 12-bit ADC captures and digitizes the detector measurement at a rate of up to 500k samples/second and delivers the data via a bit stream over a serial SPI port. The RF detector operates with single-ended input and requires no external balun transformer. Its small 3mm x 3mm DFN package provides a highly compact solution.

The LTC5587's +/- 1dB accuracy over a 40dB dynamic range and over the full temperature range from -40°C to 85°C offers best-in-class performance. Combined with a 12-bit A/D converter, the device provides 0.014dB per bit measurement resolution. Its low power consumption is ideal for applications in cellular basestations, picocells, and femtocells supporting all standards including LTE, W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, CDMA/2k, GSM/EDGE and WiMAX. Other applications include MIMO radios, repeaters, point-to-point microwave links, military radios with complex modulation, remote power measurements, and portable test and measurement instruments. The detector is particularly useful in FPGA-based systems where no A/D converters are available.

The LTC5587 is powered from a single 3.3V supply. During sampling mode, its total operating current is 3mA, consuming only 10mW of power. Its consumption is further reduced by one-half when the ADC is idled, making the LTC5587 suitable for battery powered or portable remote RF measurement systems. The device also has shutdown capability, drawing less than 10uA supply current when disabled. The LTC5587 is offered in a small 3mm x 3mm 12-pin DFN package, providing a compact solution footprint.

Five gallons of control in a three gallon book

The Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 3rd Edition; N. E. Battikha

Whether you are an experienced engineer, technician, project manager, or new to the field, this best-selling book should help you better understand how to assess, compare, select, and correctly implement the various methods of measurement and control for process automation. Reviewer Nick Sands of Du Pont, Maryland (US) was so impressed he wrote that this book contained "five gallons of control in a three gallon book!"

This book provides quick and easy reference to:

• ISA symbology
  
• instrument and control valve selection criteria
  
• conversion guidelines

And includes new sections on:

• maintenance
  
• calibration
  
• decision-making skills
  
• consulting

Bonus CD-ROM also included!
This book features a bonus CD-ROM packed with useful information such as an extensive glossary of terms, a list of web-based resources, as well as the entire text of the book!

The book is The Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 3rd Edition by N. E. Battikha and is published by the International Society of Automation.

On-line tutorial

New Keithley Online Tutorial Provides Information on Ultra-Fast I-V Measurement Applications

Keithley Instruments has created an interactive applications overview that provides instruction and insight into a variety of semiconductor measurement applications that require ultra-fast I-V measurements. The new overview is titled "Ultra-Fast I-V Applications".

Ultra-fast I-V sourcing and measurement have become increasingly critical capabilities for many semiconductor technologies. Using pulsed I-V signals to characterize devices rather than DC signals makes it possible to study or eliminate the effects of self-heating (joule heating) or to minimize current drifting in measurements due to trapped charge.

The applications overview includes sections on integrated high speed sourcing and measurement; a discussion of voltage, current, and timing parameter ranges; a description of the built-in interactive software provided in Keithley's ultra-fast I-V test solution; and a detailed discussion of ultra-fast I-V applications. Built-in links provide easy navigation, and many of the schematics and other diagrams enlarge automatically when scrolled over to allow easier reading.

Ultra-fast I-V testing is appropriate for a growing range of semiconductor test applications, including:

• CMOS device characterization (charge pumping, self-heating, and charge trapping)
  
• NBTI and PBTI characterization, modeling, and monitoring
  
• Testing non-volatile memory devices such as PCRAMs
  
• Testing of compound semiconductor devices and materials (laser diodes and thermal impedance measurements), and
  
• Characterization of nanotechnology, MEMs devices, and solar cells.