Digital and optical feed-through connectors.

The latest addition to Cliff Electronics’ growing range of feed-through connectors packaged in the widely used 24mm diameter XLR connector format are Digital and Optical Feed-Through connectors which are fully compatible with the industry standard Toslink, SC and LC fibre optic connection requirements.

In common with the complete range of Feed-Through connectors from Cliff these new models are mounted in a standard XLR connector housing which simplifies the design and construction of cost effective interconnection panels.

The fibre optic Feed-Though connector range from Cliff includes, LC DUPLEX SM, LC DUPLEX MM, SC SIMPLEX SM, SC SIMPLEX MM and TOSLINK types. In addition to traditional audio, broadcast and AV systems use these new fibre optic connectors are finding growing new markets in instrumentation, industrial control and data acquisition.

Two housing versions are available, plastic and a more robust metal mechanism. Both share the same features and are part of an extensive range of very cost effective audio, data, and fibre connectors. All of Cliff’s Feed-Through connectors can be both front or rear mounted into industry standard 24mm diameter XLR connector mounting holes. All types are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrument, control panel, rack panel and wall-plates with countersunk or plain mounting holes. Mounting bezels are available in 7 colours to identify the function of the Feed-Through connectors when fitted to a control panel.

John Hall, General Manager of Cliff Electronics, comments; “We have been supplying connectors to the music and pro-audio markets since 1964 and we are very pleased to find our market leading range of cost effective Feed-Through connectors are now find new industrial markets.”

In addition to Fibre Optic connectors the Cliff Feed-Through connector range includes HDMI, USB 2.0 and 3.0, RJ45 in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), USB “gender” changers, RCA/Phono, and plain wire connectors. Further options will be introduced throughout 2016 and enquiries for custom designs are welcomed.

Cliff’s FT Series offers true feed-through connection, allowing standard cabling to be used to connect at both front and rear of control panels, eliminating the need to solder or terminate connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly.

The original plastic Cliff FT series has already found widespread use in a multitude of industrial and system integration applications for custom I/O solutions. Typically they have been utilised in broadcast, AV installations, systems integration, home theatre, automation, solar power and a very wide range of industrial applications.

The new Digital and Optical Feed-Through Connectors are available as part of Cliff’s existing die cast nickel and black metal and plastic range of XLR format Digital Feed-Through Connectors and are available direct from Cliff and via major Distributors in the UK, USA and Europe

• In 2016 Cliff Electronics will be introducing 1RU and 2RU 19” rack panels and wall-plates to further allow customised connection solutions.

Distributor in Turkey acquired.

Yokogawa Europe B.V. has acquired 100% of the shares of its distributor in Turkey, Birleşik Endüstriyel Sistemler Ve Tesisler A.Ş.(BEST), which is based in Izmir. The acquisition of shares was carried out on November 25.

With this acquisition, Yokogawa strengthens its focus on Turkey as a market with substantial growth potential. It will allow Yokogawa to extend its position in promising segments such as the power industry. Through the acquisition, Yokogawa will also enhance its relationships with customers in Turkey.

"BEST has been Yokogawa's distributor since 1977 and has already built an excellent reputation in the oil and gas industries, where it will continue to provide great value to customers," comments Yokogawa Europe's president Herman van den Berg: "Yokogawa is committed to working with customers as partners to help them get maximum value from their plant operations, and this acquisition is a major step forward in our plans to grow our footprint in emerging markets, and specifically in target industries including the power and energy sectors."

Yokogawa is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, and is continuing to create new value with its clients for a brighter future. The company is now accelerating its efforts to bring about a transformation that will allow the company to sustain growth for another 100 years. To share the essence of this vision statement with stakeholders and encourage all employees to join forces in the pursuit of this initiative, Yokogawa has established the corporate brand slogan of "Co-innovating tomorrow".

The term "Co-innovating" conveys Yokogawa's determination to engage in the co-creation of value through the development of solutions in long-term partnerships with clients, "tomorrow" expresses the company's resolve to move steadily into the future one step at a time.

Under this slogan, Yokogawa will seek to establish even stronger bonds of trust with its customers by working with them to create value and stimulate growth, and this new acquisition typifies our determination to pursue these goals through long-term partnerships. In this way, Yokogawa is further shaping its mission to ensure our customers' long-term success and help to build a more sustainable world.

World's smallesr US sensor.

The UMB800 from Pepperl+Fuchs is the world's smallest ultrasonic sensor in solid stainless steel. It is made entirely from FDA-compliant materials. With its large detection range and highly compact design, it opens up new automation possibilities in hygienic applications.

The new sensors in the UMB800 series feature hygienic housing that is made entirely from V4A stainless steel. The surface roughness of the housing is less than 0.8µm, minimizing the risk of microbial contamination. The outer skin is hermetically sealed and free from gaps. The sensor can withstand steam jet treatment and aggressive cleaning agents. It features IP68/IP69K degrees of protection and ECOLAB certification. No cleaning processes need to be changed when the sensor is installed in existing systems.

At 18mm in diameter and 55mm in length, the UMB800 is the world's smallest ultrasonic sensor in solid stainless steel. The compact design does not reduce its performance: It provides an exceptionally wide measuring range from a dead band of only 70mm and a detection range of 800mm.

The sensor complies with the guidelines of the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG). All materials are FDA-compliant. The certification covers its specially developed hygienic mounting bracket. No tools are required for assembly. The sensor is resistant to significant temperature fluctuations and remains functional at a continuous operating temperature of up to 85°C.

The UMB800 series is primarily designed for use in hygiene applications (food and pharmaceuticals). It demonstrates its strengths when used in applications in aggressive environments, such as in the chemical or vulcanization industry. The same is true for systems in which robust cleaning methods are used. Typical applications include packaging food in thermoformed trays and measuring the fill level in receiving tanks, as well as applications in car tyre production or processes in electroplating and painting systems, e.g., to detect parts moving into and out of an acid bath.

Drives designed for high speeds

The Control Techniques variable speed drive range has been expanded by Emerson with the addition of two new models designed specifically for applications which demand high speeds.The Unidrive HS30 and HS70 variable speed drives, capable of output frequencies of 3,000Hz, are perfectly suited to high speed applications frequently required for automotive & aeronautical engine and transmission line test equipment, machine tool manufacture and centrifuges for the food & beverage and oil industries.

Unidrive HS70 and HS30 are essentially designed with the same specifications as the standard Control Techniques Unidrive M700 and Unidrive M300 variable speed drives, however, unlike the Unidrive M models, HS30 and HS70 have been engineered specifically for high speed applications.

The new drives are controlled products under new laws in the EU and USA covering the export of ´dual use´ goods, software and technology. This refers to items normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications, or may contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

OEMS and machine builders which incorporate high speed drives in their designs are responsible for checking and evaluating whether or not their machines comply with, or contravene, the relevant legislation. In order to assist its customers, Control Techniques has introduced the Unidrive HS range of high frequency variable speed drives.

Unidrive HS70 offers class-leading induction, permanent magnet and servo motor performance, with on-board real time Ethernet. It provides maximum control of high speed motors and incorporates an on-board Advanced Motion Controller and PLC. Different variations of Unidrive HS70 are available, including models with on-board Ethernet, RS485 and Dual Safe Torque Off (Dual STO).

Unidrive HS30 is designed for applications that require cost effective integration into safety systems and incorporates Dual STO and advanced Rotor Flux Control of open loop induction motors.

The existing Unidrive M models, which are restricted to a frequency of 550Hz, are uncontrolled products in the eyes of the new laws in the EU and USA restricting the sale of variable speed drives with an output frequency of higher than 600Hz. This means no export restrictions reply.

In order to comply with the new legislation, businesses which export goods or machines that incorporate goods classed as dual use under the terms of the EU regulation to locations outside the EU must apply for the relevant export licences from their respective governments. The changes also have an effect on the documentation required in any transaction, as well as the measures which are taken to securely store the controlled goods.

Technical advances of USB standards.

Mouser Electronics, has unveiled its newly designed USB Technology site, created to give engineers easy-to-access information on the latest technical advances in USB Standards. As part of Mouser’s growing selection of Applications & Technologies sites, the USB Technology site provides a wealth of resource material — including a new section devoted to USB Type-C™ — as well as the newest USB connectors, controllers, and related components available at Mouser. The USB Technology site, available on Mouser.com, contains helpful information for engineers who are interested in expanding their knowledge about USB technologies. The Product Selector section includes an Overview section, as well as tabs containing information on and links to products representing four USB standards and specifications: Type-C, Power Delivery, USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.1 Gen 2. USB Type-C is the latest USB-IF connector standard, which offers a new reversible connector to fit nearly every purpose. The new USB standards, used in electronic devices and cables, promise to reduce clutter, provide unprecedented inter-operability, simplify docking, and provide much faster charging. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (or SuperSpeed) delivers 5Gbps, up to 10 times the data transfer rate of Hi-Speed USB (480Mbps), and brings improved power efficiency to the market. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (or SuperSpeed 10Gbps) defines a more efficient means of data encoding to deliver more than twice the effective data through-put of existing SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) over enhanced, backward-compatible USB connectors and cables. The site’s Featured Products section focuses on key products available from Mouser to help engineers incorporate USB technologies into products. Some of the Featured Products include the Texas Instruments TUSB321 USB Type-C configuration channel logic and port control; the TE Connectivity USB Type-C connector; and the Fairchild FUSB300C programmable USB Type-C controller. The Articles section contains relevant information on USB technologies, including the Three "C's" of USB Type-C. All articles offer an area to post comments and questions to facilitate further discussions on the topic. Finally, the Technical Resources section lists videos, application notes, and white papers that discuss device selection and system considerations when designing USB technologies into systems. The section includes discussions on migrating to USB Type-C, incorporating USB in automotive applications, and circuit protection for USB systems. @MouserElec #PAuto @MouserElecEU

Adaptor for push pull connectors.

Harting has introduced a new M12 PushPull adaptor that enables the use of unthreaded connectors in existing applications with a standard flange, thereby allowing quick and secure mating in a highly compact design.

The unthreaded locking mechanism of the M12 PushPull connector allows quick and secure mating without the use of additional tools and indicates correct assembly with a clearly audible click. As a result, the connection retains its robustness and vibration resistance under the most demanding application conditions.

However, because this innovative locking system requires an M12 compatible flange on the device side, it has not previously been possible to use the PushPull system in existing applications. This has changed with the development of the new adaptor. It has a thread on one side which can be screwed into the standard M12 flange. The other side of the adaptor features a flange suitable for the M12 PushPull locking mechanism. This allows the PushPull functionality to be retrofitted to devices with a standard M12 flange.

Wireless steam trap monitor certified!

Spirax Sarco has released a new product that has successfully achieved ISA100 Wireless certification. The STAPS ISA100 Wireless Steam Trap Monitor from Spirax Sarco has been designed for easy, non-intrusive installation with accurate wireless monitoring and reporting of steam trap performance.  The STAPS ISA100 Wireless device eliminates the need for on-going manual inspection, extends monitoring into previously unreachable areas, and—through continuous monitoring and reporting—helps to reduce plant downtime. The Head Unit device is powered by a long-life lithium battery, which can be ‘hot-swapped’ while the product remains installed. By using ISA100 Wireless communication protocol, the STAPS device benefits from a robust, reliable, and secure wireless signal, purpose built for industrial settings.  The timely identification of faulty or badly selected steam traps has always been a challenge for steam system users. Incorrect diagnosis can allow faulty traps to remain troublesome, reducing plant efficiency and potentially damaging valuable products or equipment. The STAPS ISA100 device has been designed to efficiently monitor and evaluate steam trap operation quickly, diagnosing both failed-open steam traps that leak live steam, and traps that have failed-closed, or are blocked. View the certificate here. The ISA100 Wireless certification, achieved by Spirax Sarco on 5/27/15, provides assurance that the devices will inter-operate in any ISA100 Wireless compliant network. Simon Sprackling, Group Research and Development Manager at Spirax Sarco, said, “We seek to leverage the robust, secure ISA100 Wireless protocol to complement our existing communication tools and provide our customers with improved access to our products’ diagnostic capabilities.” “ISA100 Wireless communication technology is a perfect fit for steam trap monitoring,” remarked Andre Ristaino, Managing Director of ISA100 WCI. “The addition of steam trap monitoring products from a leader like Spirax Sarco enhances the ISA100 Wireless product portfolio.”  @spirax_sarco #PAuto #ISAuto @ISA_Interchange

Drives & motors to ISO9001:2008.

Emerson's combined drives and motors business is now certified to the ISO9001:2008 quality management system.

The certification covers 20 Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer locations, called Automation Centres, in Western Europe, with further sites planned through to 2017.

The quality management system (QMS) deployed by Emerson is based on 11 new core processes and a quality manual applicable to the Automation Centres. The processes were devised and commissioned by an international team of colleagues from Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer. Working together for almost a year, each member of the team had specific expertise in quality management.

The Emerson site in Italy has been certified by accredited third party certification body, DNV-GL, as the principal location of 20 in Western Europe, while a total of 28 sites worldwide including South Africa, Dubai and India will be covered by 2017.

“This certification is recognition of our organization and commitment to support the automation solutions we implement. It also strengthens our pledge to reach outstanding levels of customer satisfaction,” said Tommaso Manetti, QMS Manager for Emerson’s drives and motors business.

ISO9001 enables Emerson’s drives and motors business to demonstrate that it offers products and services of consistently high quality, while also acting as a tool to streamline processes and introduce additional efficiencies. It also enhances the organization’s ability to satisfy its customers and provides a coherent foundation for growth and sustained success, along with an ethos of continuous improvement through objective measurements. In September, ISO9001:2015 was released, and Emerson will now have three years to migrate to the latest version of this flagship quality management system.

#ISO9001:2008. @EmersonIndAuto  #PAuto #Europe #Italy

Next generation DC power packs.

Intepro Systems has introduced the EL 9000 B Series of electronic DC loads.

The EL 9000 B Series is offered in 15 models with rated peak power from 1,200 to 7,200 Watts. The new “B” Series units are a major upgrade to the company’s EL 9000 Series, packing a complete suite of test features and controls in a 3U rack panel – 50% smaller compared to the former models. A special feature is an FPGA-based digital function and arbitrary profile generator enabling user-customizable load profiles. Advanced DSP hardware offers improved analog and digital interface response time. The unit features current rise time as fast as 18µsec, 10-90% load – ideal for testing pulsed power supplies. Intuitive manual operation is provided via the unit’s large, color touch panel controls.

The EL 9000 B Series offers four common regulation modes: constant voltage, constant current, constant resistance and constant power. In parallel operation of multiple devices, a master-slave bus is used to link the units to an integrated system. Optional, pluggable digital interface modules for CANopen, Ethernet (1 or 2 ports), Profibus, ProfiNet I/O (1 or 2 ports), RS232, DeviceNet and ModBus-TCP are available.

“The built-in function generator provides users with exceptional flexibility in creating test profiles,” said Gerard Sheehan, Intepro's Chief Technical Officer. “This is especially important in reproducing non-linear internal resistances, such as those needed in testing batteries and LED lighting systems.”

Intepro Systems offers electronic loads as stand-alone units or as complete test systems. Maintenance contracts and onsite calibrations are also available for its test systems.

Facility closes to streamline Customer support and logistics.

ZF Electronics UK Ltd, better known by its brand name CHERRY Industrial Solutions, is set to close its Luton facility at the end of the month. ZF Friedrichshafen AG, CHERRY’s parent company, is implementing a new business model similar to those already existing throughout Europe with autonomous business managers reporting direct to Germany.

Michael Groom

With the majority of its British industrial switches, sensors and energy harvesting product sales made via mainstream distributors and keyboards channelled through the British PC trade, business managers will service key accounts and large OEMs while developing new market opportunities. All commercial operations and product shipping will now be centralised at the product line HQ in Auerbach (D), ensuring continued excellent customer service and economies of scale.

Michael Groom, Managing Director of ZF Electronics UK Ltd, comments,”We would like to thank our customers for their business over the last 43 years and are doing everything we can to ensure that the change of business model will have no effect on our customer service and logistics. Maintaining a team of UK based product managers will ensure we are always available to support our customers to maximise their business growth and new product development.”

• CHERRY Electrical Products, founded in 1953, was the subject of an acquisition by The ZF Group in 2008. The well-known CHERRY brand continues to thrive under the umbrella of ZF Friedrichshafen AG and in 2013 produced more than 250 million micro switches alone.

@cherryswitches #PAuto #ZF

Handheld process calibrators.

Yokogawa has introduced the CA300 Series of handheld process calibrators: a family of three models featuring high accuracy and stability, with each model incorporating a dedicated range of functions for loop diagnosis, thermocouple simulation and RTD (resistance temperature detector) simulation, respectively.

The new models, which supersede the company's existing CA11E voltage/current calibrator and CA12E temperature calibrator, are designed to aid the periodic inspection and calibration of field measurement and control devices in plant maintenance operations.

The accuracy and stability of the new calibrators reflects today's increasing emphasis on the stable and safe operation of plants, where process calibrators are required to be more efficient while offering higher quality. At the same time, the controls themselves are getting more precise, so that the process calibrator has to be more accurate.

The three new models in the CA300 series are the CA310 volt/mA calibrator for loop diagnosis, the CA320 thermocouple calibrator and the CA330 RTD calibrator.

The CA310 is a dedicated process calibrator which is designed to perform transmitter control-loop checks and inspection of the associated devices by providing a 20 mA simulated sink function and by supplying 24 V loop power while simultaneously measuring the output signal precisely. With an accuracy of ±0.015% of reading on both source and measured current and voltage, it is three times more accurate than the earlier CA11E model. A 250 ohm resistance is embedded for HART or BRAIN communication.

The CA320 is a dedicated process calibrator designed for the inspection and calibration of thermocouples and temperature controllers, and again offers a threefold enhancement with a typical accuracy of ±0.5°C for a Type K thermocouple. It is compatible with JIS and IEC standard thermocouples, and also meets the ASTM and GOST-R standards for the inspection and calibration of 16 types of industry standard thermocouples.

The CA330 is a dedicated process calibrator for carrying out inspection and calibration of RTDs. It has double the accuracy of the existing CA12E with a basic accuracy of ±0.3°C, which puts it in the top class of handheld devices for sourcing resistance output and measuring the output of sensors. It is compatible with JIS, IEC and GOST-R standard thermocouples, and meets the standards and regulations for the inspection and calibration of the 14 types of standard RTD.

Each unit measures 90 × 192 × 42 mm and weighs 440 g. A wide range of accessories including power adaptors and a carrying case is available.

 @Yokogawa_Europe  #Pauto 

CCTV investments drive growth.

Demand for remote inspection equipment such as CCTV remote control crawlers and push-rod camera inspection systems has been experienced by Ashtead Technology. “We have invested heavily in the range of technologies that we stock in our rental fleet,” says Jay Neermul, Regional Sales Manager, “and this means that not only are we able to supply kit for almost any application, but we are also able to ensure that customers employ the most appropriate instruments for their specific application.”

Pipes, drains, culverts, voids and other difficult-to-access locations vary enormously in terms of size, shape and construction material. As a result, construction, repair, cleaning and inspection engineers all need access to a wide range of test and inspection instruments. The Ashtead Technology fleet of visual inspection equipment includes instruments for inspecting every pipe from 10mm all the way up to 1200mm in diameter.

However, purchasing all of the necessary equipment in order to be able accommodate this variability, would be not be cost-effective, so renting is the obvious solution. “We make this investment, so that our clients don’t have to,” Jay says. “Nevertheless, there are more advantages to renting than just financial,” he adds. “Firstly, rented equipment is delivered clean, tested and ready for work; there are no storage or maintenance issues, customers simply use the kit that they need, when and where they need it.

“Secondly, inspection equipment is developing all of the time, so renting provides access to the latest technology, without having the burden of being restricted to the capabilities of a purchased tool.”

Recent additions to the Ashtead Technology rental fleet are the iPEK range of high-quality pipeline inspection systems, including the iPEK Rovion RX 130 Crawler and the iPEK AGILIOS AR90 Push Rod Camera, which offer excellent flexibility across a wide range of pipe diameters; 50-300mm for the Agilios Push Rod, and 150-650mm (with elevator option) for the Rovion Crawler. At the same time, Ashtead Technology’s facility in Hertfordshire has become an iPEK approved Service Centre, providing repair and maintenance for a number of iPEK systems, including the Rovver®, Rovion® and Agilios™ crawler and push-rod cameras. In addition to iPEK products, Ashtead Technology rental customers are also able to select from other brands such as Minicam, Pearpoint, Wohler and Riezler.

A further example Ashtead’s comprehensive instrument fleet is the Mini-Cam Proteus crawler camera inspection system, which is now available with a battery power pack option that is useful for locations lacking power or with limited access. By operating the Proteus from a battery pack, the unit can be operated for over 5 hours and the whole system can be mounted on a trolley. As a result, it is completely transportable and extremely quiet – an important consideration in residential locations.

Many inspection sites require appropriately certified equipment where locations are potentially explosive, so Ashtead has also invested in the Pearpoint P571 explosion proof Pushrod Camera System for inspecting pipes of 76mm to 450mm diameter and the Pearpoint P374 intrinsically safe Pipe Pushrod for 25mm to 100mm diameters.

“In summary,” Jay says, “Our success in the CCTV inspection market has been a direct result of the technology investments that we have made; all designed to ensure that every customer gets the right tool for every job.”

For oil troubling water!

Distribution deal for oil in water analyser.

Spectro Scientific has appointed Quantitech, as exclusive distributor for Britain and Ireland for a portable infrared analyser, the InfraCal 2. Based on the original highly popular InfraCal, (formerly manufactured by Wilks Enterprise who were purchased by Spectro in 2013) the latest version offers a host of new features such as multiple calibrations, lower detection limits, faster analysis, data logging and a new touch screen with security features.

Providing easy, reliable, measurements in typically less than one minute, the InfraCal 2 is a rugged analytical instrument with a very low maintenance requirement. As a result, it has become standard test equipment in applications such as produced water monitoring at offshore installations and on-board ships. It is also used for applications such as sub-ppm detection of fats, TPH or oil in water, monitoring cleaning efficiency of metal parts, measuring barrier layers in flexible films, textiles and fibre finishes, research and quality control.

The ability to produce accurate readings in the field offers users a number of important benefits including faster results, lower cost per test and avoidance of the problems associated with the preservation of samples during transport.

Quantitech’s Dominic Duggan says: “We have been providing this technology and its precedents for over 30 years, so we have a good understanding of the applications for which it is ideal and we are delighted to be reappointed as Distributor.”

@Quantitech #PAuto @SpectroSci #Laboratory

Latest DTM for HART.

The latest version of the Generic HART DTM from ICS GmbH, works with field devices, that use HART protocol rev. 5, 6 or 7. HART capable field devices that were built-in 25 years ago and have no device description or specific DTM can be handled in the same way as field devices that are to be commissioned today. This DTM recognizes not only the revision of the HART protocol but can be adapted in many ways to the properties of a field device to read a maximum of information from the device.

Release 4 of the Generic HART DTM has been published 8 years ago. Meanwhile a lot of improvements have been implemented as one can see in the below image: the user interface was designed according to the FDT Style Guide, NAMUR NE107 status is supported and a lot of configuration of the DTM has been added.

The company is proud to announce that this DTM runs under Windows 10 without problems too. So the Generic HART DTM runs on all Windows operating systems that are used today.

Last but not least as the first manufacturer we ordered a certification test using dtmINSPECTOR 3.1. 

After a successful certification test the Certificate has been issued by the Certification Office of the FDT Group today!

If you installed  Generic HART DTM before October 2015 you may download the latest version here.

Are there any further steps planned?

During the last FDT Interoperability Workshop we performed some test sessions with an FDT2 based implementation of the Generic HART DTM. And in addition we are thinking about usage of this DTM on mobile devices.

Operational technologies for mitigating cybersecurity risk!

ISA Executive Director delivers keynote at US Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Conference.

International Society of Automation (ISA) Executive Director Patrick Gouhin delivered a keynote address entitled, “Utilizing an Operational Technologies Approach to Mitigating Cybersecurity Risk” at the Cybersecurity Conference recently in Raleigh, (NC USA), which was co-hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Pat Gouhin, Exec Director ISA Top experts from government, law enforcement and the private sector participated in the summit, offering technical information and best practices to help small- and mid-size businesses navigate the cybersecurity framework released by the White House. Experts from DHS, the FBI, Duke Energy, Smith Anderson, SAS, FS-ISAC, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Century Link, NC State University, UNC-Charlotte, Duke University and others presented on topics such as securing the cyber supply chain, engaging with law enforcement, protecting cyber networks, data breaches, and the evolution of cybersecurity in universities and higher education. Gouhin’s keynote focused on leveraging an operational technologies approach to cybersecurity challenges, explaining that while IT (information technology) approaches focus on the computers and servers that make the business run, OT (operational technology) approaches focus on the machines that make the factory or plant run. Gouhin described industry standards development work underway within ISA99, a consensus-based standards committee of more than 500 international experts representing all sectors and critical infrastructure, including energy, water, chemical processing, petroleum refining, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. The committee is developing a cohesive series of technical standards and best practices (ISA/IEC 62443) focused on industrial automation and control systems security. The keynote also featured information about conformance schemes (ISASecure™) used to certify products so that asset owners can have confidence that the industrial automation and control systems and products they purchase are robust against network attacks and free from known security vulnerabilities. “It was an honor to deliver a keynote address to this audience filled with cybersecurity experts from industry, small- and medium-sized business leaders, and government agencies,” said Gouhin. “The challenge that we face is very real, and the solutions are vital to the survival and success of manufacturing companies and critical infrastructure around the world. We have hundreds of cybersecurity experts from around the world working together to deliver common-sense risk mitigation approaches for industry, and we look forward to continuing our leadership in this area.”   In 2014, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a cybersecurity framework to help businesses start a cybersecurity program or improve an existing one. The framework was developed in collaboration with public and private organizations, including companies, trade associations, and the US Chamber's Cybersecurity Working Group. The framework features a number of industry-vetted actions that businesses can take to assess and strengthen their state of security over time. It provides organizations—including their customers, partners and suppliers—with common language for understanding their current cybersecurity posture, setting goals for cybersecurity improvements, and much more. “A few years ago, cyberattacks against the government and corporations were on the margins of news stories, but now a day doesn't go by that we don't hear about a data  breach or cyber-intrusion,” said Ann Beauchesne, senior vice president for National Security and Emergency Preparedness at the U.S. Chamber. “Through this conference and our cybersecurity awareness campaign, the Chamber is urging businesses of all sizes to adopt fundamental Internet security practices to reduce network weaknesses and make the price of successful hacking steep.” • More about ISA's Cybersecurity offerings.

Servo inverter series expands portfolio.

Bonfiglioli Riduttori S.p.A., has introduced the servo inverter series, ANG Active Next Generation, which provides higher performance for machine builders. With this new servo inverter series, Bonfiglioli offers the broadest connectivity with the most advanced control technology and the highest power density.

Bonfiglioli has developed the ANG Active Next Generation series to meet the requirements of special machinery in a large range of industries. One feature, in particular, is a new positioning configuration, which is dedicated for travelling drives in crane applications.

With a new micro controller, several enhanced functionalities are embedded in the ANG Active Next Generation including Cyclic Synchronous Positioning mode with cubic interpolation, brake control, and evaluation of feedback contact. Moreover, the new single axis for the control of servo motors, induction motors and synchronous reluctance motors, delivers high dynamic response, high performance and application versatility.

The ANG series supports many Ethernet fieldbuses like EtherCat, Ethernet IP and Profinet.

Foam Seals - protecting enclosed instruments & components?

Sonderhoff raises the standard for foam seals in the electronics industry

Nowadays, the life veins of highly automated industrial production come together in the switching cabinets used in the electrical distribution and control and safety technology of the production systems. The sensitive electronics involved are given the best possible protection against faults and mechanical damage by the control cabinet body. But the control cabinet needs to be sealed off too. This is where the 2-component Fermapor® K31 polyurethane foam sealings from Sonderhoff Chemicals come in. They seal off the control cabinet body and doors so that dirt, dust and moisture are unable to penetrate the interior and damage the electronics. The faults that such effects can cause could result in production downtimes that are invariably associated with high costs.

Sonderhoff Chemicals develops and produces special sealant materials for polyurethane foam seals used in a variety of applications in the context of control cabinets and electronics housings. They offer a wide range of characteristics according to the specific type of material selected: short assembly and tack-free times thanks to very fast reacting Fast-Cure foams, high flame protection compliant with fire safety standard UL 94 HF-1, suitable for indoor or outdoor use, excellent elastic recovery properties of the foam seals following compression and excellent sealing properties based on testing classifications defined by NEMA for North America or the IP classes (ingress protection) in Europe. These sealing properties increase the protection of electrical and electronic components in control cabinets against dust, rain, splash and stream water, as well as fire.

Fast-Cure foams for shorter assembly and tack-free times
The fast reacting foam seals from Sonderhoff for the sealing of control cabinets and electronics housings allow short curing times to be achieved. They can be adapted to the customer's production speed and application process cycle. With the ultra-fast, 2-component Fast-Cure Fermapor® K31-A-4530-2-B-FC polyurethane foam seal for indoor control cabinets, the sealing surface is tack-free after just 3.5 minutes and the assembly time can be reduced by more than half from its previous approximately 60 minutes to around 25 minutes - times vary depending on the temperature and processing and machinery-mediated influences.

For control cabinets that are permanently exposed to the influences of weather, Sonderhoff offers special Fast-Cure foam seals that have been tested outdoors. The ultra-fast-reacting FERMAPOR® K31-A-6065-1-B-FC foam seal used for this can be installed after just 20 minutes* (standard 60 minutes). And the tack-free time for this Fast-Cure foam seal is now around 3 minutes*, compared to the previous time of 12 minutes. The advantage: shorter tack-free times mean that further processing steps can start sooner.

Advantages of short assembly times for control cabinet manufacturers
During the development of seal formulas, Sonderhoff especially takes into account the specific production concepts and application processes used by its customers. In the development of 2-component control cabinet seals, for example, it is important to coordinate the reaction behaviour and pot time until the start of expansion, as well as the curing time of the foam seal, as precisely as possible with the customer's production processes in control cabinet assembly.

The installation time is also crucial in control cabinet assembly, i.e. the time needed for the foam seal to cure and the time from which the foamed components can be put together to create a control cabinet. Until final assembly, the individual control cabinet components - side pieces, back wall and doors - are usually stored in piles until they are fully cured. If the new control cabinet seals from Sonderhoff enable the installation times to be reduced by at least half, significantly fewer components need to be stacked up for a shorter length of time. This saves on storage space and warehouse costs. Investments in tempering furnaces, such as the type used to cure 1K foam seals, are not necessary thanks to the significantly faster reaction behaviour of the 2-component Fast-Cure Fermapor® K31 foams.

Good surface adhesion and elastic recovery
The type and characteristics of the substrate play a major role in the surface adhesion of foam seals. The new Fast-Cure foam seals generally adhere very well to control cabinet housings that are usually coated with powder paint. This is often not the case with stainless steel housings. Here, however, pre-treatment with an adhesion-promoting primer can produce good results. Plastic housings also exhibit adequately good adhesive properties; however this depends greatly on the type of plastic used. Foam seals on plastics such as ABS, PC or PA6 generally adhere well, whereas PE, PP, PS PVC or PMMA often require pre-treatment. In this case, primers or thermal processes such as flame treatment, plasma or corona treatment are usually used. In the case of electronics housings made from plastic, it is usually sufficient for the foam seal to be held in the groove. Essentially, the surface adhesion must always be checked on an application-by-application basis.

The seal foamed control cabinet side pieces, back walls and roof elements are installed during final assembly and then not opened again. In this case, assembly adhesion in association with the component construction is in many cases sufficient. The cabinet doors, on the other hand, are opened and closed frequently, which means that special requirements apply to the elastic recovery of the seal used here. Under test conditions (80° C, 50% compression, 22 h) the indoor foam seals recovered by around 92%. In the case of outdoor foam seals, the elastic recovery is even better, at around 95%. This means that the foam structure is able to maintain a consistently high sealing effect even after frequent opening and closing of the doors.

Optimised sealing parameters
The Fast-Cure control cabinet sealings for indoor or outdoor use are water-repellent. The water uptake in their compressed state at room temperature is less than around 3% for outdoor foam seals and around 5% for indoor foam seals. This means that protection classes up to IP 67 can be achieved, depending on the component design and the foam system used. In North America, the sealing of steel switching cabinets with Fast-Cure control cabinet seals from Sonderhoff is tested in a system test in accordance with NEMA 4. The control cabinets are subjected to a water jet test for this, in which all columns with seals are checked for tightness with a water jet sprayed at a rate of over 240 l/min and for a testing time of 40 minutes. The test also examines the protection against dust.

Flame protection for control cabinets in the event of a fire
One element of the broad spectrum of properties of the foam seals from Sonderhoff Chemicals for the sealing of control cabinets and electronics housing is the Fermapor® K31-A-45C4-2-UL-FR polyurethane foam seal with flame protection. It fulfils fire safety standard UL 94 HF-1, the highest fire safety class for polyurethane foam seals in the USA, and is therefore classified as self-extinguishing without burning droplets. It also complies with US testing standard UL 50E for control cabinets and electronics housings in non-explosion-protected zones, as well as UL 508 for the safety of electrical switchgear. All three are key requirements for the marketing of electrical equipment and other electronic applications in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Perfectly sealed control cabinets that ensure high-performance and fault-free electrical distribution are not only used in industrialised nations. They are one of the prerequisites for the industrialisation of developing countries all over the world. The plastic and metal processing companies in these countries can source everything they need for the sealing of control cabinets and electronics housings from the Sonderhoff group of companies, from the broad spectrum of properties in Sonderhoff Chemicals' sealing products to the mixing and dispensing systems for the foaming of components from Sonderhoff Engineering.

Industrial power supplies with extended temperature ranges.

The PS5R-V line of DIN-rail power supplies have been announced by IDEC Corporation. These power supplies offer their customers high-efficiency in a compact form factor at competitive prices. They suit a wide range of needs in the industrial marketplace, and carry all of the required certifications necessary for use in these demanding applications. This next generation of the industry standard PS5R power supply family has updated features and specifications to meet current and future needs.

The PS5R-V line of power supplies includes 10W, 15W, 30W, 60W and 120W versions, with additional versions coming soon. These power supplies have a very compact form factor with overall dimensions reduced by up to 25% from previous generations. The reduced form factors combine with DIN-rail mounting to free up valuable control panel space and reduce installation costs.

Operating temperature ranges up to -25 to +75 degrees C offer more versatility. These extended operating temperature ranges often allow these power suppliers to be used in control panels without the need for air conditioning or other cooling devices. In addition, operating efficiencies have been significantly improved, up to 16% from previous generations. These efficiencies meet or exceed competing products, and reduce energy consumption.

Flexibility is designed into the PS5R-V line of power supplies with spring-up screw terminals that accept ring and fork terminals, as well as stripped wire. The power supply can also be mounted in any of six different orientations with minimal derating, providing a wealth of installation configuration options.

The PS5R-V line of power supplies is approved for installation in Class I Division 2 environments in standard control cabinets, making them ideal for use in hazardous location applications such as oil and gas processing and petrochemical facilities. These power supplies add to IDEC’s current line of products approved for installation in hazardous areas, allowing many automation applications to be designed using only approved products, which simplifies engineering and saves money.

Certifications and approvals include UL 508, UL 1310, SEMI F47 and RoHS. Meeting these stringent industry standards requires the use of very reliable components, leading to an MTBF of up to 900,000 hours for this line of power supplies. This high level of reliability allows IDEC to offer their customers an industry leading five-year warranty.

Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus is a new book from the ISA stable that serves as a comprehensive and practical guide to the theory, engineering and implementation of FOUNDATION Fieldbus in process control systems.

The book, authored by Bharat Ratilal (B.R.) Mehta, Ph.D. and Jaganmohan (Y.J) Reddy, Ph.D., examines:

• The theory of the operations and basic concepts of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus standards.
• The different topologies and installation options available in FOUNDATION Fieldbus standards and their applications for enabling engineers to design control systems for solving industry problems.
• The critical factors to consider  when using FOUNDATION Fieldbus-based host systems and field transmitters.
• The pivotal issues in FOUNDATION Fieldbus from the perspective of an experienced practitioner at a leading company that was a major FOUNDATION Fieldbus installation.

“This book is aimed at providing the knowledge that engineering and maintenance teams require in applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus,” explains Dr. Mehta, Senior Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., in Mumbai, India. “The technology benefits and areas for improvement are unbiased. And because the book is written from a user’s point of view, it bridges the gap between theory and technician-level coverage on a practical basis.”

Essential to the book, Dr. Mehta says, are its clear coverage of concepts and applications,  straightforward guidelines for implementing process control systems with FOUNDATION Fieldbus technology, and real-world examples of deployments that have translated theory into practice.

“The book offers a pragmatic approach to the subject, based on industrial experience and taking into account the latest technologies and professional practices,” he adds. “It’s suitable as an important introduction for junior-level professionals as well as an essential reference for more experienced practitioners.”

• For greater perspective on the value and significance of Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus, read the Q&A feature with Dr. Mehta.

Smallest 75W PSU.

Gresham Power Electronics, has announced the availability of their new (M)WLP75 power supply series. This “smallest of its class” power supply measures just 2 x 3 x 1 inch, making the (M)WLP75 series the smallest convection cooled 75 Watt AC:DC converter available on the market today.

Following the recent and very successful launch of the world’s smallest 120W power supply, the new (M) WLP75 open frame series is the fourth and smallest addition to the EOS low profile high efficiency (M) WLP series of products. Available in medical and industrial versions the (M)WLP75 has many market leading features including; 75W convection rating, efficiencies up to 93%, -40 to 70°C operation, standby power < 0.3 Watt, weight just 150g, dual fusing, Class II Option available for medical applications and RoHS compliance.

“Low profile, high power density power solutions from EOS allow our customers to shrink their applications without compromising on power or costs”, comments Dave Wellman, Sales Manager of Gresham Power Electronics. “We are now able to supply our customers with evaluation samples for their latest projects.”

EOS power supplies meet the requirements of demanding applications in the medical, computing, networking and industrial market segments, smart electricity grid technology and innovative LED lightning systems.

In addition to EOS Power Gresham is now supplying products from a number of major power supply manufacturers including SL Power, Vox Power, Telkoor and Digital Power. Gresham has also added a new range of Defence power products for land based or vehicle applications to complement its world leading naval power systems.

5 year long life oxygen sensor.

The OLCT 100 is a 4-20 mA analogue gas transmitter from Oldham. It is designed for industrial applications in hazardous locations.

The new design is lead free and has an operational life of five years. The range is from 0 to 30% vol. O2 and the sensor operates from -40°C to 50°C continuously allowing new opportunities in low temperature applications.

This new Oxygen sensor completes the range of our current 2 year life O2 sensors and carries a full 4 year warranty.

Wireless steam trap monitor certified!

Armstrong International has released a new Steam Trap Monitoring product that has successfully achieved ISA100 Wireless™ certification with the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute.

The Armstrong Intelligent Monitoring—AIM® ST6700 Wireless Steam Trap Monitor from Armstrong International—is a wireless monitoring technology that efficiently monitors and evaluates steam trap operation, identifying the conditions of a steam trap to determine significant problems that could put operations at risk.

It can accurately detect issues, such as plugged and blow thru steam traps, that can result in failed equipment, loss of product, safety concerns and significant energy loss. Immediate failure notification from the unit helps identify the exact failed steam trap, minimizing production losses and reducing energy consumption.

By using ISA100 Wireless, the AIM® ST6700 is able to leverage a wireless protocol expressly built for industrial settings; it’s robust, reliable and secure with the ability to scale to thousands of networked devices.

“Armstrong International has more than a century of thermal utility knowledge and experience. In fact, we’ve been at the forefront of automated steam trap monitoring for nearly 30 years. The introduction of this state-of-the-art technology, the AIM® ST6700, serves to fortify our position as a global leader in energy management,” said Justin Grubka, Global Product Manager of Armstrong Smart Products.

“ISA100 Wireless is purpose built for large-scale deployments typical of the Armstrong steam trap monitors,” remarked Andre Ristaino, Managing Director of ISA100 WCI. “We are pleased to welcome the Armstrong product in the ISA100 Wireless portfolio.”

• The ISA100 Wireless certification provides assurance that the devices will interoperate in any ISA100 Wireless compliant network. 

Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometer.

The TDLS8000 Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometer, from Yokogawa, can quickly make in-situ measurements of gas concentrations in various process conditions that are employed in the oil, petrochemical, electric power, iron and steel, and other industries.

As the successor to the TDLS200 laser gas analyser, the TDLS8000 offers improved reliability and operability. With this new product, Yokogawa aims to capture a greater share of the gas analyzer market by offering a solution that will make it possible to improve plant efficiency and safety.

Development Background
The original platform of the TDLS200 was developed off of a US Department of Energy program titled In Situ Sensors for the Chemical Industry. The product was released in 2005 and achieved success in many different process applications and in a variety of industries with over 1,500 units sold worldwide.

A second DOE program was launched in 2008 titled Advanced Combustion Diagnostics and Control for Furnaces, Fired Heaters and Boilers. It was highly revered success and has impacted the market with the inclusion of TDLS analyzers as the recommended instrument type for flue gas analysis by multiple internationally recognized organizations.

The TDLS800 is being introduced as the successor to the TDLS200 to satisfy the need for improved operability and to allow for greater adaptability in difficult applications.

Product Features
1. Highly reliable measurement
The TDLS8000’s laser module includes a newly developed reference cell board that improves the reliability of absorption peak detection, which is an important step in the spectral area method. In addition, the receiving unit employs a new auto gain function that can automatically optimize detection sensitivity depending on the measurement object. Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) improves the reliability of measurements taken in applications with varying levels of particulates. Designed to meet the requirements for SIL2 certification (certification pending) defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the TDLS8000 will play a key support role in ensuring the safe operation of plants.

2. Improved operability and maintenance efficiency
The TDLS8000 comes with a large 7.5-inch LCD touchscreen that can display a greater variety of data. The touchscreen replaces the push button interface used with preceding models, making the setting of parameters easier and more intuitive. The light source module containing the laser diode is fully sealed and damage resistant. To facilitate troubleshooting and reduce downtime, this module is able to store up to 50 days’ worth of raw data that can be used by your local Yokogawa response center.

3. Compact size
The redesigned TDLS8000 is just three-quarters the size and weight of the preceding model, allowing it to be installed in a greater variety of locations.

The TDLS8000 is certified to the IECEx, ATEX (Europe), FM (U.S.), cFM (Canada), and TIIS (Japan) explosion-proof standards. It will be suitable for installation in hazardous areas that required the use of an explosion-proof enclosure.


Major Target Markets
Industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, power generation, iron and steel with the following applications:

• Measurement of O2 concentration in fired heaters for improved safety and lifecycle management
• Measurement of CO concentration during combustion processes
• Measurement of trace moisture in hydrocarbons and corrosive gases
• Measurement of ammonia concentration for over injection during DeNox process

Yokogawa’s Laser Gas Analysers
These instruments make use of absorptional spectroscopy to measure gas concentration. A diode laser is scanned over a resonant frequency of the target analyte. A photodiode detector receives the light while the controller interprets the light loss into a gas concentration using our TruePeak direct absorption technique. The typical design consists of a Laser Unit and Sensor Control Unit mounted on opposing sides of a process.

Next generation wireless LED Lighting control.

GreenPeak Technologies has launched its wireless low-cost ambient lighting application based on the new GreenPeak GP651 communication chip that can support various ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocols.

This wireless lighting solution can combine LED lights with smart ambient applications, giving residents the creative freedom to create lighting scenes that match mood and function. The solution supports 1- , 2- or 4-channel LED bulbs, allowing bulb manufacturers to build products which will give residents the ability to dim a bright LED bulb into warm white or to create a more vivid colorful scene. Settings and time schedules can be controlled by a Smart Home system, a smart phone or even a basic wireless switch.

Controlling the home with a wireless LED Lighting solution makes it smarter, more secure, more comfortable and even more fun. Lights can intensify gradually when waking up or can gracefully dim in the evenings. Light can be bright at the dining table when working from home and can be switched to a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere during dinner. The wireless LED Lighting solution will help support the body’s biorhythm and help to focus on work, study and reading. For security, while on vacation, the system can switch lights on and off, giving the impression of residents being home while nobody is there.

GreenPeak’s wireless LED Lighting solution is built on the GP651 chip, supporting the IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee wireless communication standards. “The GP651 chip enables the support of multiple protocols making it a future-proof and protocol-agnostic solution,” says Cees Links, founder and CEO of GreenPeak Technologies.

The GP651 is a low-cost, small footprint (QFN32), single chip solution. Additional cost savings can be achieved because of its 125°C (257°F) spec, reducing the size of a heat sink, enabling a compact and creative product design, and reducing the complexity of manufacturing resulting in a low total BOM.

Ultra high torque brushless slotless motor.

The newest addition to Portescap's Ultra EC™ mini motor platform, the 22ECT brushless motor, is designed specifically to deliver ultra high torque in a compact size.

With the unique coil technology and a patent pending multipolar rotor design, the 22ECT has been developed to be one of the most advanced and highest performing brushless slotless motors in its class. The 22ECT is specifically optimized for high continuous torque at low to medium speeds, maximizing power between 10 K and 20 K rpm. These motors are capable of delivering 2 times higher continuous torque than comparable BLDC motors of same size over the entire low speed range when used with gears.

The 22ECT is constructed with an enhanced high efficiency magnetic circuit that significantly reduces both iron and joule losses, the primary causes for motor stator heating. The result is the new 22ECT stays cooler and offers greater power density than equivalent models within its target operating zone. With maximum continuous torque up to 98.5 mNm and higher stall torque, 22ECT motors are ideally suited for use in applications such as Industrial automation, power tools & robotics.

Portescap succeeds in providing a high quality, long lasting & high performance brushless motor by optimizing the electro-mechanical motor design and material selection for 22ECT. Due to the multipolar design, these motors possess the torque capabilities of much bigger motors. The advantages of the 22ECT make it a good choice for geared applications because of its minimal speed drop and low motor heating under load. Their low inertia design makes them an exceptional option for applications requiring fast stopping, starting and acceleration.

The 22ECT is available in 60 and 82 mm length versions, with hall sensors and 3 different coils to match your speed and voltage requirements. Upon request, Portescap can provide options for customization including gearboxes, encoders, coil variations and mechanical interface modifications.

Life science innovator appoints US VP.

Coincides with what they describe as a disruptive launch into the marketplace!

LZ Lifescience is set to launch its latest product to the global medical device industry in a bid to shake up the marketplace by offering manufacturers ‘affordable access’ to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Christian Fortunel - US Ops VP

Shopfloor-Online™ is a well-established, web-based product that has already been installed with hundreds of customers in different sectors across the world and the creation of the Lifescience edition has extended its functionality to meet the demanding MES requirements of the medical device sector.

Driven by market demand, its launch comes at a time when there is increased pressure on IT and infrastructure spend across the medical device and pharmaceutical industry, which has become a reported industry-issue over the last few years.

The online production management system for medical device companies, focuses on plant operations so materials flow smoothly to help companies achieve ‘Right First Time’ manufacturing and faster product release.

To bolster its global launch initiative, LZ Lifescience has secured the services of high-profile MES executive Christian Fortunel to run its operations in the US as vice president and increase the software’s global reach.

Tim Barber, chairman and board director at LZ Lifescience, said: “We are delighted to have Christian on board and his appointment comes at a very exciting time as we launch our new MES product to the world.
“We firmly believe current MES options on the market are price prohibitive for most tier-2 medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract manufacturing organisations. Our aim with Shopfloor-Online is to therefore disrupt the sector by providing manufacturers of all sizes a genuinely affordable option to automate production management systems.
“Our software allows organisations to simultaneously manage scheduling, production execution, workflow, quality and inventory all in place to increase plant production efficiency, reduce the risk and meet current regulations.

“It significantly reduces the pricing barriers and complex nature of the traditional MES, without sacrificing functionality. By reducing errors, costs and waste, Shopfloor-Online will boost productivity by 25%. With this in mind, we are confident most clients will realise a return on investment in just a year.”

With over 15 years’ experience in providing production management solutions to the lifescience industry, Christian has worked in the software sector in numerous executive positions. He says: “I am very excited to join LZ Lifescience. With its Shopfloor-Online software product, I believe it offers, by far, the best value to the life science industry to establish electronic records that meet all regulatory requirements.
“There is a mindset change underway across the industry with regards to firms being open about adopting and deploying web-based solutions and online tools so the timing of our launch could not be better.
“By offering companies a modular approach to pick, choose and build functionality based on their process and facility requirements, we are providing clients a level of flexibility that is not currently available on the market.”

Supported by a strong engineering division, the well-established Shopfloor-Online is already used by hundreds of clients worldwide. This new version will assist life science companies with improved regulatory compliance, lower production costs, a centralised point of information, increased equipment efficiency and reduced waste and inventory.

By replacing traditional paper-based systems with MES, companies are able to deal with exceptions in real-time so that batch records and device history records can be reviewed in parallel with manufacturing rather than post production.

Upgrade without hesitation!

The current version of Copa-Data's automation software, zenon 7.20, has successfully passed Microsoft’s Windows 10 compatibility test. The software runs reliably on the new operating system and supports all quality and security requirements.

When tested for compatibility, zenon achieved positive results leading to Microsoft confirming that the software runs smoothly on Windows 10. zenon customers can now bring their operating system up-to-date at any time, with all zenon projects running efficiently from first use.

Reinhard Mayr, Copa-Data Product Manager, explains: “Our software is geared to Microsoft technologies. Naturally, we’re very interested in the further development of Windows. For Windows 10, particular attention was placed on security and the user experience, as these two subjects are very significant for us in software development. We are pleased that we can now offer our customers full compatibility of zenon with Windows 10.”

Along with a range of other editions, Microsoft has presented Windows 10 Internet of Things (IoT) Core within its newest release. This new Windows edition was especially developed for small, embedded devices that operate with or without a display.

Stefan Hufnagl, Product Manager Integrated Solution at Copa-Data, explains: “Windows IoT Core offers developers and system architects creative freedom. The platform supports numerous programming languages and open source options. At Copa-Data, we are also focusing on this platform and current tests have shown that our IEC 61131-3-based PLC programming environment, zenon Logic, runs seamlessly on Windows IoT. Embedding of industrial PLC components in Windows IoT Core devices opens an approach to extremely interesting architectures and topological orders. Due to inexpensive platforms, both flexible and robust networks can be used. This way, technologies optimally complement each other to form a building block for creating intelligent information networks.”

Industrial communication for the process industry in the context of Industrie 4.0.

The technologies of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) have been firmly established in process automation for years.

PROFIBUS PA is recognized as the most powerful proven fieldbus platform. PROFINET has been expanded in response to specific requirements from users in the process industries. As a backbone PROFINET is therefore ideally suited for the merging of process data stored in control systems and field devices. This was good reason for PI to merge these two market leading technologies into a future-oriented solution that will enable operators of process-related plants to continue using proven installed technology and to simultaneously access the latest technologies and Industrie 4.0.

To achieve this goal, a corresponding multi-phase project with support of well-known users was launched within PI to establish PROFINET broadly in all sectors of the process industry down to the field level. The project objectives are, on the one hand, medium-term objectives, for the deliberate purpose of adapting to technologies currently undergoing development or specification. On the other hand, the use of PROFINET is already a reality for process-related applications that do not require explosion protection (such as the water/wastewater and food sectors). Here PROFINET as system bus not only carries out the backbone function but also extends down to the field level, where it provides functions such as network diagnostics and topology detection.

Already specified and thus foreseeable are products and solutions in which existing or new PROFIBUS PA segments can be connected to PROFINET via intelligent, cross-vendor standardized link components (proxy technologies) with little engineering effort. Work is currently underway on an update to the profile for PA devices that will enable direct connection of process field devices to PROFINET and the corresponding mapping for use in non-hazardous areas. As a particularly ambitious goal, current efforts for an Ethernet solution for hazardous areas and long cable distances are being intensively pursued.

Industrie 4.0 requires Industrial Ethernet as its "lifeline", and PROFINET is very well suited for that. The project launched by PI will merge PROFIBUS PA and PROFINET by first connecting existing PA solutions followed by gradual integration or development of PROFINET technologies needed for PA. This procedure will make PROFIBUS PA into a future-proof building block for Industrie 4.0 applications in process technology.

• Details on the "Industrial Ethernet in the Process Industry" project are contained in a PI white paper available for free download.

24 Volt device connection standardised!

Uniform plug connectors facilitate installation as well as handling during maintenance, e.g., when devices must be replaced by the end user. PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) recognized this years ago and created clear standards for PROFINET systems.

The M12 L-coded is currently being internationally standardardized and is already being offered by many M12 manufacturers.

These include standards for M12 connector technology. There is still a need to standardize connectors for the voltage supply, e.g., for 24 V, for copper- and fiber-optic-based communication. What PI succeeded in doing with the M12 connector technology for the Ethernet network connection has now been transferred to the 24 V supply. With the M12 L-coded, there is now an M12 power plug connector available that covers the necessary power range with a current carrying capacity of 16 A in the size of an M12 plug connector.

Uniform plug connectors facilitate connection when constructing systems and machines as well as during maintenance and repair. Thinking ahead to the life cycle of automation devices, the uniform voltage supply connection also offers major advantages to device manufacturers, which can significantly reduce their number of device variants. These were the reasons that PI opted for a change of generation that allows new IP 65/67 devices to be uniformly equipped with the M12 L-coded instead of the M12 A-coded or 7/8" plug connector on a power-dependent basis.

In the context of Industrie 4.0 this step also makes sense as it saves significant space on the device and in the installation compared to the 7/8" plug connector. The M12 L-coded is thus also a decisive step forward for miniaturization. The M12 L-coded is currently being internationally standardardized and is already being offered by many M12 manufacturers.

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