Monday 29 February 2016

Wireless Stack & Communication Module to standard.


Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has released a new ISA100 Wireless Stack & Communication Module that has achieved ISA100 Wireless certification. The ISA100 Wireless certification provides assurance that devices using the Murata communication module will properly interoperate in all ISA100 Wireless compliant networks.

The LBBA0ZZ1EU-xxx ISA100 Wireless Stack & Communication is the newest ISA100 Wireless Compliant™ stack to be certified by the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute. 

The LBBA0ZZ1EU-xxx is a fully integrated 2.4GHz wireless module and ISA100 Wireless stack featuring a low power radio design. The LBBA0ZZ1EU module will allow device suppliers to develop ISA100 wireless products easily and efficiently.  An evaluation board, UAP sample code and an RF test tool are ready for allowing the user to implement, test and verify the ISA100 wireless device functions. View the certification by clicking here.

“The Murata communication module is the fourth ISA100 Wireless™ compliant module included in the ISA100 Wireless portfolio,” remarked Andre Ristaino, Managing Director of ISA100 WCI. “ISA100 Wireless™ uses IPv6 addressing natively in the standard, establishing the foundation for wireless IIOT well into the future.”

“The LBBA0ZZ1EU-xxx will allow users to develop ISA100 Wireless products more quickly, easily and efficiently,” said Takeshi Sato, who heads the IoT Solution Business Development Department at Murata. “We look forward to seeing new products utilizing our module in the portfolio of certified ISA100 Wireless.”


 #Murata #PAuto #ISAuto

True-RMS wireless clamp meter.

Fluke has introduced a wireless HVAC clamp meter. As part of Fluke Connect®, the new, rugged Fluke 902 FC true-RMS HVAC Clamp Meter combines functionality with form factor to create a powerful troubleshooting clamp.

It is ideal for service, installation and maintenance of industrial, commercial and residential HVAC/R systems, as well as furnaces, motors and variable frequency drives. It allows technicians to trend data, save data wirelessly to the Fluke Connect app on smartphones or tablets, stay safe with remote viewing, and share and email test results seamlessly.

The CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V safety-rated Fluke 902 FC Wireless HVAC Clamp Meter measures DC voltage and current readings up to 600V/200micro-A, and true-RMS AC voltage and current up to 600V/600A. It also offers measurements of an extended resistance range, capacitance, and temperature from -40degC to +400degC using the supplied plug-in Type-K thermocouple probe.

Using the Fluke Connect app enables users to capture and trend measurements from a safe distance. As part of Fluke Connect, technicians can wirelessly transmit measurement data from the 902 FC HVAC clamp meter and other test tools to their smartphones for secure storage on the Fluke Cloud™, and for team access from the field. With the Fluke Connect smartphone app, technicians can combine measurement data from multiple Fluke Connect test tools to create and share reports from the job site via email and collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive™ video calls, increasing productivity in the field.*

* Within the provider’s wireless service area and subject to the user’s plan’s pricing and other terms.

@FlukeCorp #PAuto #HVAC

Board of directors re-elected.

The CiA General Assembly confirmed the existing Board of Directors: Harm-Peter Krause (esd) as Business Director, Uwe Koppe (MicroControl) as Technical Director, and Holger Zeltwanger as Managing Director.
From left to right: Harm-Peter Krause, Uwe Koppe, Holger Zeltwanger

Emtas, Janz Tec, Kaba, MicroControl, and Port were elected as Business Committee members.

Elected members of the Technical Committee are Beckhoff, emtas, esd, Janz Tec, and Port.

In 2016, the CiA association is organising several CAN FD plugfests for its members as well as for CANopen FD. CAN FD is the next generation CAN data link layer overcoming the 1-Mbit/s transmission-speed and the 8-byte payload limits of the Classical CAN data link layer. In addition, CiA has scheduled several “CAN 2020” events introducing into CAN FD and CANopen FD technology.

CiA technical groups develop the CANopen FD specification (e.g. CiA 301 version 5.0), additional design recommendations for CAN FD devices and systems (CiA 601 series), and SAE J1939 mapping to CAN FD networks (CiA 602 series).

“Of course, we will maintain and update existing CANopen profile specifications,” stated Holger Zeltwanger. “We also will continue providing education services on Classical CAN and CANopen, but the future is CAN FD respectively CANopen FD.” 

Many carmakers plan to introduce road vehicles using CAN FD by the year of 2020.

CiA events

- CAN/CAN FD seminar, Nuremberg (DE), March 15, 2016
- CANopen seminar, Nuremberg (DE), March 16, 2016
- CAN/CAN FD seminar, Prague (CZ), April 05, 2016
- CANopen seminar, Prague (CZ), April 06, 2016
- CAN/CAN FD seminar, Zürich (CH), April 20, 2016
- CANopen seminar, Zürich (CH), April 21, 2016

Friday 26 February 2016

Level switch for food & beverage sector!

The Liquipoint FTW23 is a compact, cost-effective, capacitive point level switch from Endress + Hauser It is especially for water-based liquids in the food and beverage industry. Designed for hygienic processes such as water, beer, fruit juices, milk, etc., and for use in storage tanks, mixing vessels and pipes, it meets FDA requirements and is 3-A and EHEDG certified. Due to its compact design, installation is simple even in tight conditions where access is restricted.

The Liquipoint FTW23 is built for basic food applications such as liquid media without build-up in the food and beverage industry and complements the Liquipoint FTW33 conductivity point level switch which is used in tough applications where build-up on the sensor is likely, and where a flush-mounted sensor is needed. The FTW23 and FTW33 complement the already available Liquiphant FTL31 and FTL33 product family of reliable point level switches for detection in liquids and pastes.

All surfaces that are in contact with the process are made of robust 316L stainless steel material with PEEK insulation, making it suitable for cleaning and sterilization in place (CIP/SIP). The FTW33 can operate within a process pressure range of -14.5 to 232 psi and a temperature range of -4 to 212° F. For cleaning and sterilization processes, it can withstand a temperature of 275° F for 1 hour.

Additional benefits include:
• Test the function of the switch output with a test magnet
• No calibration or adjustment needed
• Continuous self-monitoring
• Designed for CIP and SIP cleanabilty up to IP69k
• Individual adjustment to each medium not necessary
• LED indication for on-site function check

• The FTW23 is part of the Endress+Hauser E-direct product offering providing customers with quick, effective way to purchase easy-to configure products via the E-direct website.

@Endress_Hauser #Pauto 

Level switch for extreme process conditions.

With the new OPTISWITCH 5300 C, Krohne presents a vibration level switch for liquids that can withstand extreme process conditions such as hot or cryogenic temperatures and high process pressure. The application area ranges from chemical or oil & gas related industries, marine (LNG) tankers to steam generation.

OPTISWITCH 5300 C provides overfill prevention, high/low level alarm, or dry run protection for pumps in liquid applications with a temperature range from -196…+450°C / -321…+842°F and pressure range from -1…160 barg / -14…2,320 psig. Insertion lengths are available up to 3 m / 9.8 ft with a wide variety of sensor materials and process connections. The wetted parts of OPTISWITCH 5300 C are made of Inconel Alloy 718 with 316L or Hastelloy C-22. Communication options include 2-wire 8/16 mA output, relay (DPDT) and transistor PNP/NPN electronics.

The new level switch features Ex, WHG (German Wasserhaushaltsgesetz), various ship approvals and fulfills the requirements for use in boilers and auxiliary installations according to EN 12952-11 (water tube boilers) and EN 12953-9 (shell boilers). OPTISWITCH 5300 C is designed for use in safety loops: as a single device for a single safety function (1oo1), it meets SIL2 architecture, in a homogenous redundant setup, it meets SIL 3 (1oo2) architecture.

The new switch adds to the KROHNE range of vibration level switches that provide accurate and reliable point level detection: the OPTISWITCH 4000 and OPTISWITCH 5000 series are designed for liquid applications, while the OPTISWITCH 3000 series is designed for use with solids.

#Krohne #PAuto #Water 

Sound new premises!

The sound and vibration instrumentation and software specialist, AcSoft Group, which comprises AcSoft, Svantek and GRAS, has relocated to a new purpose-built office in Bedford (GB) to accommodate recent significant growth of the business.

As well as more space and meeting facilities, AcSoft Group’s new office will comprise a noise and calibration laboratory.

John Shelton, Managing Director, AcSoft Group commented: “Our growth over the past few years has been so exciting and more space is critical to continue to support future expansion. The new office will better reflect the brand identity and core values of the business whilst maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit it was founded on.

“Our aim is to ensure that AcSoft Group is a pleasurable and motivational place to work and the office move reflects that effort. The location is also set to enable a more efficient and effective interaction with our national sales force.”

Thursday 25 February 2016

System ensures accelerated time-to-market, reduced operating costs & revenue growth.

Creation provides OEMs with integrated EMS solutions that help accelerate time-to-market, reduce operating costs and grow revenue with expert design, manufacturing, supply chain, order fulfillment and after-market services. Core to Creation’s model are its fully integrated business systems for maximum visibility, leverage, and actionable intelligence across its locations.

The company has grown substantially since buying its first CircuitCAM system from Aegis in 1997, including through acquisition of companies across the US, Mexico and China. Duncan Reed, GM of Toronto business unit and Global Process Engineering Leader, commented, “Our partnership with Aegis software goes back to1997, when we launched CircuitCAM in one business unit.

Today, we believe Aegis’ FactoryLogix solution will provide Product Engineering and Manufacturing teams across Creation with additional flexibility and efficiency, especially during NPI to reduce our customers’ total time-to-market. FactoryLogix also offers us new options for component and product traceability, which are critical in the highly regulated industries of some of our customers.”

Jason Spera, Aegis CEO commented, “Creation Technologies was one of our first customers and we value their technical contributions and commitment over the years, ultimately enabling us to earn this selection of FactoryLogix.”


@FactoryLogix #Pauto

"Device Partner” Award for IIoT integration.

Red Lion Controls has recently achieved the “2016 Device Partner” Award from Telit, a global enabler of the Internet of Things (IoT), at the Telit IoT Innovation Conference in Fort Lauderdale. This achievement follows Red Lion’s Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) hardware integration and certification with Telit’s deviceWISE platform.

“The industrial market is an important part of IoT, and Telit has developed the deviceWISE platform to connect devices to enterprise business systems in many industrial environments for both on-premise and cloud-based remote solutions,” said Dubi Margalit, GM, IoT Factory Solutions at Telit IoT platforms. “Integrating our IoT platform with Red Lion’s industrial automation and networking products allows companies to quickly harness the power of the Industrial IoT to improve their process and daily operations.”

The combination of Red Lion’s IIoT-ready products with the Telit deviceWISE platform enables businesses in a wide range of industries to connect machines to business systems without custom programming. Configured for cloud connectivity, this comprehensive solution also monitors and controls industrial equipment and processes to provide integrated operational views that seamlessly allow customers to reduce the cost, time to market and complexities commonly associated with IIoT implementation.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Telit for our IIoT-ready products that seamlessly work with the deviceWISE platform to provide a complete end-to-end solution,” said Brian Rosema, director of IIoT strategy at Red Lion Controls. “The IoT ecosystem is evolving quickly and our integration with IoT platform providers such as Telit helps expand our role in IIoT as we deliver our industrial automation, Ethernet and cellular products to customers worldwide.”

Recently Red Lion established an IIoT Innovation Center in St. Louis (MO USA), which houses engineering, product and sales teams focused on developing IIoT solutions. Key to this initiative is providing industrial automation products that connect disparate systems and enable communications across a wide variety of industrial protocols. Featuring protocol conversion, visual management and remote monitoring capabilities, Red Lion’s IIoT-ready products extend equipment lifespan, improve process visibility and push control to the edge of the network.

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

@redlioncontrols #IoT #PAuto

Testbed to deliver a new network infrastructure to support the future of the Industrial Internet of Things.

National Instruments has announced a collaboration with the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) and industry leaders Bosch Rexroth, Cisco, Intel, KUKA, Schneider Electric and TTTech to develop the world’s first Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) testbed.

Quotations
“We are excited to host the new IIC TSN testbed. TSNs are a critical attribute of a standard Internet model that enables the convergence of real-time control applications and devices onto open, interconnected networks. This technology is necessary for the future of the IIoT and the IIC is providing a community, as well as enabling real-world testbeds, where industry leaders can collaborate to make this a reality,”
Eric Starkloff, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at NI. 

“Standardised and open communication is a key feature in our drive and control automation solutions. We at Bosch Rexroth regard the IIC TSN testbed to be a very important contribution for further improvement of vendor interoperability and of exchanging data in an IIoT infrastructure,”
Ralf Koeppe, Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing Electric Drives and Controls at Bosch Rexroth.

“The new IIC TSN testbed is an opportunity for KUKA to work with other industry leaders to prove standard technology for distributed real-time control systems as needed for edge cloud computing also known as “Fog Computing”. We view TSN, combined with OPC UA Publish/Subscribe, as a core element to implement Industry 4.0 standards,”
Christian Schloegel, Chief Technology Officer of the KUKA group.

“As an innovator in the field of deterministic Ethernet, TTTech is delighted to join forces with industry leaders on the IIC TSN testbed. TTTech brings 20 years’ experience in time-scheduled networks and critical real-time controls to the IIC and looks forward to collaborating with the other testbed members to build an open, standard platform for the IIoT,” 
Georg Kopetz, Cofounder and Member of the Executive Board for TTTech.
These organisations aim to advance the network infrastructure to support the future of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0. To support new digital capabilities, connected manufacturing, designers and users need more reliable and secure access to smart edge devices. Standard network technologies must evolve to meet the demanding requirements of these next-generation industrial systems and improve the way we operate our machines, electrical grids and transportation systems.

The goal of this testbed is to display the value of new Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, referred to as TSN, in an ecosystem of manufacturing applications. TSN powers a standard, open network infrastructure supporting multivendor interoperability and integration with new guaranteed performance and delivery. The technology can support real-time control and synchronisation, for example between motion applications and robots, over a single Ethernet network. TSN can at the same time support other common traffic found in manufacturing applications, driving convergence between IT and operational technologies. Previously, many real-time control applications were deployed using nonstandard network infrastructure or unconnected networks that leave the devices and data much harder to access, if accessible at all. TSN’s value is derived from driving convergence and increased connectivity, unlocking the critical data needed to achieve the IIoT promise of improved operations driven by big data analytics and enabling new business models based on smart connected systems and machines.

“Testbeds are a major focus and activity of the IIC and its members. Our testbeds are where the innovation and opportunities of the industrial Internet – new technologies, new applications, new products, new services and new processes – can be initiated, thought through and rigorously tested to ascertain their usefulness and viability before coming to market,” said Dr. Richard Soley, Executive Director of the IIC.

The testbed will:

  • Combine different critical control traffic (such as OPC UA) and best-effort traffic flows on a single, resilient network based on IEEE 802.1 TSN standards
  • Demonstrate TSN’s real-time capability and vendor interoperability using standard, converged Ethernet
  • Assess the security value of TSN and provide feedback on the ability to secure initial TSN functions
  • Show ability for the IIoT to incorporate high-performance and latency-sensitive applications
  • Deliver integration points for smart real-time edge cloud control systems into IIoT infrastructure and application.
 @NIukie #IoT #PAuto

Best HMI Software!

InduSoft’s Web Studio software was announced as the Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards winner for the Software - HMI software category.

On February 11, 2016, Control Engineering, part of CFE Media, awarded products in 27 categories of control, instrumentation and automation products introduced during 2015. The winners were chosen by print and online subscribers, and this is the 29th year of product recognition by the publication.

The award winning InduSoft Web Studio 8.0 is a reliable and full-featured software package providing a variety of tools to simplify the creation of HMI and SCADA applications while preparing industry for the future. The latest version of the software adds a new runtime, called IoTView®, compatible with Linux and VxWorks operating systems, adding to the current runtime editions, including InduSoft Web Studio, EmbeddedView, and CEView. This provides IoT scalability to design solutions for deployment on any platform.

The industry leading Studio Mobile Access adds to the ease of deployment on smart devices by conforming to the HTML5 standard. Easy integration to the latest web, cloud, and mobility technologies allows users to create screens, widgets, animated graphics and controls that can be displayed, monitored and controlled by remote devices. The software also includes native redundancy for OPC UA and OPC XML/DA interfaces, as well as Collaboration Server for built-in revision control and application lifecycle management

This comprehensive development and runtime HMI/SCADA software solution provides over 240 built-in communication drivers for automatic connection to a wide variety of PLCs and controllers without the need for custom code. The software includes all the tools users need to develop, deploy and present HMI graphics, alarms, trends, reports, recipes, and historian and database data.

InduSoft is grateful to all the end user customers, OEMs, certified system integrators, and distributors who use their products, and appreciates their continued support of InduSoft Web Studio.

@InduSoft #PAuto @ControlEngTips #HMI #Scada

Wednesday 24 February 2016

New EMI test receiver.

The highly sophisticated certification and R&D measurements required in the A&D and automotive sectors call for an EMI test receiver with outstanding characteristics.

The R&S ESW EMI test receiver from Rohde & Schwarz is designed for applications in manufacturers’ EMI labs and in test houses. It can carry out certification tests on modules, components and devices as well as on systems and technical facilities in line with all relevant commercial and military standards such as CISPR, FCC and military standards. The R&S ESW is ideal for conducted as well as radiated certification measurements and even meets the stringent demands placed on EMI measurements in the automotive sector stipulated by internal company standards.

The unit comes in three versions for the frequency ranges from 2 Hz to 8 GHz/26 GHz/44 GHz. The instrument includes as standard an extremely fast FFT‑based time domain scan (TD scan), which significantly reduces the time required for standard‑compliant certification tests. The TD scan can also be run with two CISPR detectors to carry out parallel measurements. For diagnostics and troubleshooting, users can take advantage of additional operating modes such as sweep, scan, realtime spectrum analysis and IF analysis, each with a spectrogram function. The spectrogram function seamlessly displays the analyzed spectrum versus time, making even rapidly changing interferers visible. Realtime spectrum analysis with a bandwidth of 80 MHz, with tools such as persistence mode and a frequency mask trigger, delivers important information on critical and hidden signals.

It offers additional highpass filters at 150 kHz and 2 MHz as well as notch filters especially for the license‑free ISM bands around 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which are used by wireless transmission technologies such as BluetoothTM and WLAN. Strong carrier signals in these bands can severely impact the dynamic range of instruments during EMI field strength measurements, and minor interference signals outside these bands can go undetected. With its additional filters for the ISM bands and exceptional sensitivity, the R&S ESW overcomes this problem, delivering reliable EMI certification measurements.

The ESW features easy touchscreen operation with an intuitive GUI and flat menu structures. The multiview function lets users see all measurements and modes at a glance. The instrument also incorporates a configurable auto test feature, which makes it possible to automate complex measurement processes. This test configurator allows users to define parameters and criteria independently for preview measurements, peak search and final measurements, using quasi‑peak, CISPR-average, and RMS-average detectors. The test report generator helps operators document all parameters required for certification directly after measurements are taken. The instrument is equipped with two additional rotary knobs, each of which can be assigned diverse test parameters, allowing a quick comparison of the effects of specific parameters such as bandwidth, measurement time and attenuation during the measurement.

@RohdeSchwarz #TandM #Pauto 

A transformational approach to radically improve capital efficiency & operational performance.

With volatile, low energy prices widely believed to be the “new normal”, companies must look for new ways to stay competitive and profitable. In most cases, those opportunities are found within their own capital construction projects and operations, where outdated standards and status quo processes have resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in ‘dead money’ that can be recovered and saved or put to better use.

At IHS CERAWeek 2016, Emerson announced Top Quartile Performance, a commitment to partner with energy industry executives to help them achieve operations and capital performance in the top 25 percent of their peers, while continuing to drive benchmark performance expectations higher. Emerson has built its business helping forward-looking operators achieve top quartile performance by finding sources of dead money in both new projects and existing operations, then applying advanced automation technologies and innovative business processes to realise cost savings and competitive advantages.

Research from Solomon Associates and Independent Project Analysis (IPA), Inc., demonstrates the staggering differences between top quartile performers and those operating in the lower quartiles in areas like project performance, reliability and energy efficiency. For example:
  • The cost of a typical $1 billion scope project is more than $1.6 billion for operators in the fourth quartile of project performance, while top quartile performers will complete the same scope for $750 million.
  • Maintenance costs are more than tripled for fourth-quartile performers in reliability when compared to top quartile performers.
  • In energy efficiency, fourth quartile companies see both fuel costs and emissions that are double those of top quartile performers.
“The energy industry has reached a crisis in terms of capital, operational and financial performance, and efforts to simply tweak traditional approaches and ‘run lean’ aren’t delivering results in the current business environment,” said Emerson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David N. Farr. “Emerson partners with industry leaders to look beyond outdated standards and deliver the radical improvements needed to get the most out of every capital investment. Focusing on Top Quartile Performance strategies will help executives across the globe achieve better return on assets and deliver shareholder value.”

Based on the Solomon, IPA and other research and data, Emerson estimates that process industries could save upwards of $50 billion in wasted maintenance costs alone, plus more than $10 billion in energy costs, even at today’s prices. At the same time, the industry is wasting staggering sums - an estimated $430 billion - in poorly executed [capital] projects.

Emerson’s expertise in helping companies achieve high performance is built from decades of automation leadership, providing technologies, consulting and services to radically improve project and operational effectiveness. Emerson’s Top Quartile Performance initiative comes at a time when automation technology, real-time diagnostics and the Industrial Internet of Things are all advancing at a pace that renders decades-old project and operational practices obsolete. While best practices are often touted as the solution to poor performance, it is time for transformational thinking and action.

The company's experts work with customers to take full advantage of these advanced new tools to plan new projects for Top Quartile Performance, minimising the likelihood of cost overruns or schedule delays. To maximise the performance of existing operations, Emerson works with customers to engineer and deploy robust automation technologies to improve their real-time insight into process performance and equipment health. Data from these devices is connected via plant networks or the Industrial Internet of Things to provide real-time diagnostics on plant performance, empowering customers to detect inefficiencies, maximise safety, identify and fix potential problems before they result in costly unplanned downtime, and predict future operational needs.

“Companies need more than innovative technology, they need experience and a fresh perspective on the tough challenges they’re facing,” said Steven A. Sonnenberg, President, Emerson Process Management. “Emerson partners with companies not only to deliver the right technology solutions, but also to help them adopt best operational practices to get the most out of every aspect of plant construction and operation. Companies must focus on both sides of that equation to truly realise their full potential and reach top quartile performance.”

To support industry learning about Top Quartile Performance opportunities, Emerson is launching an online resource for industry leaders to learn more about the technologies, process improvements and specific focus areas that can lead to streamlined operations and increased flexibility to adjust to shifting market demands.

Additional relevant content from reporters at The Wall Street Journal and IndustryWeek is available at a digital hub.

• Emerson is highlighting Top Quartile Performance at IHS Energy CERAWeek via a Foundational Partner sponsorship, high-profile advertising and speaking opportunities, and will make the topic a top priority at other industry conferences over the course of the year.


 @EmersonProcess #PAuto 

Prototyping and testing new 4G+ proposals.


National Instruments has announced a system for testing, experimenting on and prototyping new LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) and/or License Assisted Access (LAA) wireless access technologies. Though 5G has generated significant interest and focus, new technologies such as LTE-U and LAA are needed today to enhance the 4G data experience and help close the gap until 5G arrives.

The real-time testbed includes an FPGA-based LTE physical layer in source code so that different scenarios of LTE-U and LAA can be tested, evaluated and potentially augmented to assess performance and increase data rates for systems built on existing LTE and 802.11 infrastructure.

Because both LTE-U and LAA use the 5.9 GHz unlicensed ISM band to augment the cellular spectrum, LTE-U and LAA capable devices must “share” the channel with WiFi equipment such as 802.11a and 802.11ac. The 3GPP Technical Specifications Group is focusing on LAA because it complies more universally with global spectrum regulations while LTE-U may be rolled out regionally. 

Based on the NI USRP RIO software defined radio and the LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite, the NI testbed provides a ready-to-run system composed of the following components:

•           LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite
•           LabVIEW Communications LTE Application Framework
•           Configurable LTE-U and LAA reference software
•           Two USRP-2953R FPGA-based software defined radios

“Several proposals have been incorporated in the proposed 3GPP standard to minimise interference with existing unlicensed band users,” said James Kimery, Director of RF Research and SDR Marketing at NI. “However, with any new standard, thorough prototyping and testing are necessary to ensure a smooth adoption. NI’s LTE-U/LAA testbed will help researchers assess the impact of the new standard in specific test scenarios.”

#PAuto @NIukie #TandM

DC power source auto-ranging capability.

Intepro Systems has published a technical note describing the benefits of auto-ranging in power conversion equipment test applications.  

Unlike DC sources that provide rated power only when maximum voltage is applied to the load, DC power sources equipped with an auto-ranging output stage are capable of delivering higher output current at reduced voltages. This feature is especially useful when testing products that require varied input voltages while maintaining regulated output power. With auto-ranging, a single, smaller power source can often be used to address low- and high-voltage/current requirements.


The two-page technical note uses an example of the production test of a 2.5 kW DC/DC converter to demonstrate the versatility of an auto-ranging programmable DC source. The DC/DC converter must be tested for operation over both high- and low-input voltage conditions. A single 3 kW auto-ranging source handles all test conditions. With a standard power source, a larger 5 KW programmable source would be required.

@InteproSystems #PAuto

Ensuring the Interoperability of Drive and Motion Control Applications.


To ensure that everything runs smoothly in drive technology, clean interfaces between all components involved are required. The long-established certification process of PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) ensures that users around the world can rely on uniform and interoperable communication and application interfaces. To further ensure the interoperability of drive and motion control applications, certification of products with the Encoder profile will be available starting immediately.

The Encoder profile belongs to the application profile class and, together with the PROFIdrive profile, defines uniform interoperable application interfaces for the different fields of use of drive technology and motion control based on PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

For a fully-automatic sequence and an automatic evaluation of test cases, the proven PROFIdrive profile tester will be used for the encoder certification test. A special test script set was developed for encoder certification, which is available for the latest profile tester version and controls the test sequence and the test evaluation for encoder devices in the test system. This increases the quality, reduces the test effort, and keeps certification costs low.

Like the PROFINET tester, the PROFIdrive profile tester with the encoder test scripts is also available to PI members as a free download. Encoder manufacturers thus have the opportunity to use the test system during development so that the certification test can be performed on a pretested device. The certification test will be performed by experienced PROFIdrive test labs.


Companies interested in obtaining the PROFIdrive profile tester will need to be members of PI.

• PROFIBUS Ireland represents PROFIBUS in Ireland and offers local support there.  Here are details of Profibus in other geographic areas!

@AllThingsPROFI  @ProfibusUK #Pauto

Latest lighting in tried & tested format!

Despite a familiar appearance due to their tried-and-tested fitting design, the 6002 and 6402 series linear luminaires from Stahl, use the latest LED technology inside. Suitable for ceiling installation, use as pendant lights, or pole mounting, these explosion-proof devices enable particularly energy-efficient general lighting in zones 1, 21, 2 and 22. Their familiar form factor ensures that changing over from traditional linear luminaires with fluorescent tubes to LED light sources is an especially straightforward process. In photometric terms, one 52 W luminaire is fully equivalent to two conventional 36 W fluorescent lamps. However, up to 100,000 hours of operation mean they achieve a far superior service life, as well as a high luminous flux of up to 5800 lm and excellent luminaire efficiency of well over 100 lm per W.

In addition, thanks to their slim, low-profile GRP housing, the lights weigh at least one third less than widely available competing products in the same class. Series 6002 models feature "increased safety" (Ex e) type of protection, while 6402 series luminaires are "non-sparking" (Ex nA). Notable for their very robust IP66/IP67 design, the products can be used at environmental temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +55 °C. Both series feature very economical 28 W or 52 W standard versions. They are available with or without diffusers in lengths of 700 mm and 1310 mm. The current R. STAHL lighting solutions campaign provides instructive information on all crucial benefits of LED lighting compared with conventional light.

The campaign website not only features background information on LED technology and the latest news on lighting solutions, but also a series of action-packed short clips showing luminaire operation in truly extreme conditions.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland from Douglas Controls & Automation.


@STAHL_UK #PAuto

Tuesday 23 February 2016

New compact lab oscilloscope for multi-domain applications.

The R&S RTO2000 from Rohde & Schwarz, claims to be the most compact lab oscilloscope for multi-domain applications. When using it to check advanced embedded designs, developers are able to analyze how sophisticated functional units such as power supplies, the processor system and the sensor technology interact. The R&S RTO2000 displays the correlations between time, frequency, protocol and logic analysis measurement results like no other oscilloscope can.

Via the analog input channels, the user simultaneously sees the signal in the time and frequency domain, and if desired, the spectrogram. Newly added functions such as peak list, max. hold detectors and the logarithmic display make frequency analysis even more efficient.

The new zone trigger enables the graphical separation of events in the time and frequency domain. Users can define up to eight zones of any shape. A trigger signal is activated when a signal either intersects or does not intersect the zone. This makes it especially easy to detect disturbances in the spectrum during EMI debugging or to separate read/write cycles of storage media in the time domain.

It is the first oscilloscope in this class to offer a memory of up to 2 Gsample. This is useful for the history function, which provides access to previously acquired waveforms at any time. A trigger timestamp allows time correlation. Users can view all saved signals and analyze them with tools such as zoom, measurement, math and spectrum analysis functions. Signal processing in the ASIC and intelligent memory management ensure smooth handling of long pulse and protocol sequences.

The new R&S RTO2000 oscilloscope also delivers outstanding performance. The high definition (HD) mode increases the vertical resolution to up to 16 bits, making signal details visible. The HD mode activates configurable lowpass filtering of the signal after the A/D converter. Users can trigger on all, even the smallest, signal details.

With one million waveforms per second, the R&S RTO2000 sets a new standard in this class of oscilloscopes. Users are able to quickly detect sporadic signal faults. The R&S RTO2000 provides high-speed analysis even when histogram and mask functions are active.

The optimized user interface makes the R&S RTO2000 very simple to operate. Thanks to the brilliant 12.1" capacitive touchscreen with gesture support and color-coded controls, users can easily configure the instrument for any measurement task. Users can customize the waveform display with SmartGrid. They can quickly access important tools on a toolbar and document measurement results and instrument settings at the press of a button. The app cockpit provides direct access to all available applications such as trigger and decoding functions, conformance and signal integrity tests, I/Q analysis and even customer-specific development tools.

@RohdeSchwarz #Laboratory #PAuto #TandM

Weighing & Dispensing at Jakarta plant.

PT Dankos Farma has successfully taken Werum’s PAS-X Weighing & Dispensing and finished goods check-weighing system into operation at the pharma company’s Jakarta plant in Indonesia. PT Dankos Farma is a holding of PT Kalbe Farma, the largest pharmaceutical company in Southeast Asia and one of the leading companies in the fields of consumer health and nutrition.

PAS-X Weighing & Dispensing and finished goods check-weighing system was introduced while updating the IT systems and was fully integrated with the Oracle EBS ERP.

“As PAS-X is a standard product system which has also already been introduced at PT Kalbe Farma, our parent company, we were able to complete the project within the short term of only six months and, in addition, we could save validation costs,” says Mr. Timotius Hokianto, PT Dankos Farma, Indonesia. “The system provides built-in best practices workflows, barcode scanning and integration to weighing devices together with easy to follow steps for operator instructions in Indonesian Bahasa language.”

In a next step, the PAS-X installation will be extended to a full-scope MES and it will be rolled out at other plants.

@WerumKarriere #PAuto #Pharma

Automation expertise will help bring key natural gas pipeline online quickly.

Mexican oil and gas giant Pemex and ENGIE, a French energy company, have selected Emerson to help upgrade and expand Mexico’s gas pipeline infrastructure.

Fisher Pressure Reducing Regulator
The $8.9 million automation project is part of Mexico’s energy reform initiative. Because existing natural gas availability is expected to fall short of demand from a growing population and industrialisation, the country is increasing capacity for importing low-cost natural gas from the United States. Pemex estimates demand for natural gas will grow 3.6 percent per year from 2012 to 2028, with total imports increasing to 3 billion cubic feet per day.

Emerson Process Management will automate the southern portion of the Los Ramones Phase II pipeline. When completed, the 291-kilometre Los Ramones II Sur pipeline will have the capacity to deliver 1.4 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas.

Pemex and ENGIE selected Emerson based on its automation experts’ experience with natural gas pipeline projects and ability to deliver a fully integrated solution quickly.

The $2.3 billion Los Ramones pipeline system project demonstrates a significant investment to ensure access to lower-cost energy, a crucial component for petrochemical production and broader manufacturing growth. One of the largest infrastructure project investments in Mexico’s history, the pipeline will extend from the Texas border to Central Mexico, with capacity to transport up to 2.1 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas to Mexico, supplying a fifth of the country’s total natural gas demand.

“Our project specialists will help Pemex and ENGIE bring the pipeline into service quickly and safely so that Mexico’s homes and businesses get the energy they need,” said Leo Rodriguez, president of Emerson Process Management – Latin America. “In our past projects with Pemex, we’ve helped ensure safe operations, reduce measurement uncertainty, and maintain uninterrupted process flow.”

Emerson’s services and automation technologies for the project include design and implementation services; Fisher™ valves and regulators; Rosemount™ and Daniel™ measurement instruments; DeltaV™ distributed control systems; flow computers; and systems for emergency shutdown and for fire and gas detection.

@EmersonProcess #Pauto #Mexico

Monday 22 February 2016

IR camera for for greater image clarity.

Fluke has introduced the Ti450 Infrared Camera, a new high-end model in its Professional Series, which takes focusing to a higher plane with MultiSharp™ Focus. An out-of-focus thermal image can be off by 20 degrees or more with no way to correct it once it has been captured, short of retaking new images. The new Fluke® Ti450 Infrared Camera, compatible with Fluke Connect®, solves this problem by delivering in-focus images of everything in the field of view.

MultiSharp Focus is a new technology that rapidly takes multiple images focused near to far and combines them to produce one image with all objects in focus. The advanced focusing system enables users to capture an automated, in-focus image of all potential targets, delivering the image clarity needed by professional thermographers and maintenance managers to provide better images and avoid costly rework.

MultiSharp Focus is also available as a free upgrade to TiX500, TiX520, and TiX560 Expert Series Infrared Cameras, when owners update the camera’s firmware.

For instant focus on a single target, the high performance 320 x 240 resolution Fluke Ti450 features LaserSharp® Auto Focus that uses a built-in laser distance meter to calculate and display the distance to the designated target with pinpoint accuracy. Other auto focus systems may focus on the surrounding landscape or closer targets, compromising focus and the ability to capture accurate temperature measurements.

The SuperResolution mode on the Ti450 increases image resolution to 640 x 480. This delivers images with four times more pixel data than normal resolution. The higher resolution enables users to see even more detail for greater analysis capability and better reporting.

The wireless Ti450 is part of Fluke Connect®, a system of wireless test tools that communicate via the Fluke Connect app, or Fluke Connect Assets software, a cloud-based solution that gathers measurements to provide a comprehensive view of critical equipment status. With Fluke Connect, infrared images can be uploaded from anywhere and combined with measurement data from multiple Fluke Connect test tools to create and share comprehensive reports from the job site via email and collaborate in real time with other colleagues, increasing productivity in the field (Within the provider’s wireless service area and subject to the plan’s pricing and other terms.).

@FlukeCorp  #PAuto #TandM

Planning a revamp? What problems do you anticipate?

Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of European Automation, discusses the stages of hot cutover and alternative solutions to minimise downtime.

Let me set the scene. As a plant manager, you've set your sights on a full system upgrade. You've broken the news to the rest of the team and you’re pleasantly surprised to see they share your excitement. You might think their happiness is a result of having a brand new system, but in reality it might be the prospect of having a short holiday while the upgrade is completed.

With hot cutover there's no need for a full plant shutdown. Quality assurance machinery can continue to run and the lack of downtime means your customers won't be affected. Hot cutover may sound like the perfect solution, but don't be fooled into thinking it's a simple process.

Hot cutover planning
After making the decision to go for hot cutover upgrades, the first thing to do is plan the logistics.

Cutover logistics should consider the space requirements of the old and new equipment, since both will be in operation as the cutover is performed. Power, communications and other connections must also be part of this planning since operator stations and I/O cabinets may be moved during the process.

Cutover sequence planning looks at the order that units will be converted from the old system to the new. Generally, a back to front order is used, unless factory conditions dictate otherwise. A key consideration is the switchover of PLCs. It's important that time and quality isn't sacrificed as a result of human error, so ensure that operators know which PLCs are in operation.

Safety planning
The logistics of hot cutover isn't the only thing to consider prior to the switch; a safety review should also be conducted. All plant operators should complete the relevant safety training and be provided with the necessary equipment well in advance.

The earlier you recognise any potential risks, the better. By conducting an initial field survey, challenges can be identified and solutions can be engineered. The most successful solutions consider the associated risk, cost and potential schedule changes.

Too much to ask?
If you're unsure whether you have the time and capacity to conduct a full system upgrade, there is another option. Implementing obsolete replacement parts can make your system as good as new. Whilst hot cutover ensures your system stays up and running throughout the upgrade, working hours can be lost on training and shifting machinery. With a vast network of authorised suppliers, European Automation sources and delivers parts anywhere on the planet, in record time, meaning your workforce can continue doing what they do best.

If you are considering an upgrade to tackle energy efficiency standards such as the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and ISO50001, don’t exclude obsolete industrial automation spares as a solution. Cutting the monthly bills and reducing your carbon footprint doesn't have to mean a costly upgrade. Industries from aerospace to oil and gas are already reaping the efficiency benefits of Eco Obsolete Technology (EOT).

EOT is the name given to products that comply with energy efficiency regulations, even after they become obsolete. Many industries rely on obsolete components to keep them up and running. Today, more and more companies are turning to EOT for their efficiency needs.

Once you have the facts for each option, it's decision time. Either way if you do it right, your workforce won’t be in for a long weekend.

@euautomation #PAuto 

Alarms & automation Security.

The ISA International FPID Division Symposium, being held in Cork (IRL), will provide an outstanding opportunity to gain the latest updates, news, trends and projections for pharmaceutical and food processing companies seeking to address the impact of increased regulation, manufacturing costs, and security threats facing this industry.

FPID registrants will hear two renowned visionary keynote presenters: Peter Martin, Ph.D. and Paul McKenzie, Ph.D. Both speakers will present on the latest trends, and provide case studies which demonstrate the effective integration and use of automation to solve these challenges.

In addition there are two ISA short courses being held in conjunction with this year’s event. Thus registrants can make most of your valuable time at this premier event for FPID professionals by also registering for one of the two expert-developed ISA training courses. These courses can help enhance your FPID program development, implementation, compliance, and maintenance knowledge. In addition, by attending these courses, you will earn valuable CEUs and PDHs.

To add a registration for one of these courses to your FPID conference registration, contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or visit here.
Introduction to the Management of Alarm Systems (IC39C)
Nick Sands

Date: 16 March 2016
Instructor: Nick Sands
Course No.: IC39C

This course focuses on the key activities of the alarm management lifecycle provided in the ANSI/ISA18.00.02 standard, Management of Alarm Systems for the Process Industries. The activities include the alarm philosophy development, alarm rationalization, basic alarm design, advanced alarm techniques, Human Machine Interface (HMI) design for alarms, monitoring, assessment, management of change, and audit.

You Will Be Able To:
• Develop an alarm management philosophy
• Identify types of alarms
• Discuss rationalization, classification, and prioritization of alarms
• Design basic alarms
• Determine when advance alarm techniques should be used
• Document alarms for operations
• Design reports for monitoring and assessment of alarm system performance
• Manage changes to alarm systems
• Test and audit alarm systems

You Will Cover:
• The business case for alarm management
• The common problems in alarm systems
• The Alarm Management Lifecycle
• Philosophy
• Identification
• Rationalization
• Basic alarm design
• Advanced alarm design
• HMI design for alarms
• Implementation
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Monitoring and assessment
• Management of change
• Audit
• Starting points for alarm management
• Sustaining alarm management

Includes ISA Standard: ANSI/ISA18.00.02, Management of Alarm Systems for the Process Industries

To register or learn more, click here  or call +1 919-549-8411.
Introduction to Industrial Automation Security & the ANSI/ISA-62443 Stds (IC32C)
Eric Cosman

Date: 16 March 2016
Instructor: Eric Cosman
Course No.: IC32C

Understanding how to secure factory automation, process control, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks is critical if you want to protect them from viruses, hackers, spies, and saboteurs. This course teaches you the basics of the ISA/IEC62443 standards and how these can be applied in typical factory or plant. You will be introduced to the terminology, concepts, and models, as well as the element of creating a cybersecurity management system.

You Will Be Able To:
• Discuss why improving industrial security is necessary to protect people, property, and profits
• Define the terminology, concepts, and models for electronic security in the industrial automation and control systems environment
• Define the elements of the ANSI/ISA-62443-2-1 (ANSI/ISA-99.02.01-2009), Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems: Establishing an Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security Program
• Define the core concepts of risk and vulnerability analysis methodologies
• Define the concepts of defense in depth, and the zone/conduit models of security
• Explain the basic principles behind policy development and key risk mitigation techniques
• Explain why improving industrial security will be necessary to protect people, property, and profits

You Will Cover:
• Understanding the current industrial security environment
• How IT and the plant floor are different and how they are the same
• Current security standards and practices
• Creating a security program
• Risk analysis
• Addressing risk with security policy, organization, and awareness
• Addressing risk with selected security counter measures
• Administration, authentication, and authorization
• Addressing risk with implementation measures
• Monitoring and improving the CSMS

Includes ISA Standards: ANSI/ISA-99.00.01-2007, ANSI/ISA-TR99.00.01-20 ANSI/ISA-99.02.01-2009, and
ANSI/ISA-62443-3-3

To register or learn more click here, or call +1 919-549-8411.


Date: 16th March 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CEUs (PDHs): 0.7 (7)
Location:
Rochestown Park Hotel
Cork, Ireland

Registration*:
ISA Member: US$520 (€475.00)
Non-member: US$630 (€575.00) 

* Course registration is separate from and in addition to conference registration. You can choose to register for training or the conference only, or for both. To add registration for one of these courses to your existing conference registration, contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or click here.


#PAuto #Training #FPID16 @ISA_Interchange

Thursday 18 February 2016

Accredited Calibrations for CO2.

The Austrian sensor specialist E+E Elektronik offers now accredited calibrations also for CO2-fraction in gas. The E+E calibration laboratory is accredited by Akkreditierung Austria according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and is the only facility in Austria which can carry out CO2 calibrations at this high level.

The E+E calibration laboratory offers accredited CO2 calibrations for gas concentrations in the range 5 … 300,000 ppm (μmol/mol), as well as for the equivalent volume fraction in μL/L. Due to the wide calibration range it is possible to calibrate all common CO2 measuring devices such as sensors, handhelds, data loggers and spectrometers.

The calibration is performed as comparative measurement with a constant CO2 reference concentration. The CO2 reference concentration is generated by a special gas mixing pump according to DIN 51898-1_2015-05 and is freely selectable. The piston pump works with four high-precision pistons. The gas volume flow is precisely defined by the diameter of the cylinder, the stroke and the frequency, and can therefore be traced back to length, which is a fundamental physical quantity of the International System of Units (SI).

According to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) agreements, only calibration laboratories accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025 can ensure the traceability of measurement results to SI and full international comparability. The accredited calibration certificate states the measurement uncertainty associated to the specific calibration process.

Accredited CO2 calibration certificates are generally required for measuring devices used for safety or for the control of key manufacturing processes. Accredited CO2 calibrations are of interest for instance in the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) regulated industries such as food and pharmaceutical. Reliable CO2 monitoring and control is paramount for biological incubators. In building automation, the accuracy of CO2 measuring devices impacts directly on the efficiency of demand controlled ventilation systems.

In addition to CO2, the calibration laboratory of E+E Elektronik GmbH is accredited for humidity, dew point, temperature, pressure, air velocity and mass flow by Akkreditierung Austria / Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with identification number 0608.

• E+E products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

 #Epulse #Pauto 

Life safety enhanced through analyser upgrade.

Servomex has launched its upgraded SERVOTOUGH OxyDetect life safety oxygen monitor.

Now available as either a hazardous or safe area version with updated communication relay options, the upgraded OxyDetect builds on the success of the original analyzer, offering a high accurate oxygen measurement - without the sensor deterioration that degrades the performance of traditional electrochemical sensors used in competitor detectors.

OxyDetect utilises the market-leading performance of Servomex’s Hummingbird Paracube Micro Paramagnetic sensor, whose industry-leading levels of linearity, accuracy and reliability have ensured its use as a trusted oxygen sensor for the OEM medical market.

As the Paracube Micro sensor utilizes Servomex’s patent Magnetodynamic Paramagnetic technology, the sensor never depletes and the measurement remains accurate. This avoids false readings and false alarms caused by depleted cells, as well as the serious safety risk caused by life safety systems being turned off or ignored because of constant false alarms.

Alongside these safety and performance benefits, the OxyDetect offers users a considerably lower cost of lifetime ownership. The ongoing costs associated with the regular replacement of electrochemical cells, as well as the recognized problems of cell degradation when in use or kept as a stock item, are eliminated. As the OxyDetect's Paramagnetic measurement stability also eliminates the requirement for frequent calibration, users avoid the labor and downtime costs incurred through regular calibration requirements or replacement due to anticipated cell expiration or sudden failure.

As well as significantly reducing the cost of ownership, the OxyDetect utilizes advanced microprocessor diagnostics that are safe, reliable and easy to access via a simple front panel digital interface. With an output range of 0-25% O2, Servomex OxyDetect can be used for indoor environments ranging from 5°C-45°C. Integration is simple using an isolated 4 – 20mA output with linear measurement, and mains-rated relay outputs for instrument fault, low alarm one and low alarm two. An optional Ethernet output is also available.

Two versions of OxyDetect are available: a General Purpose version suitable for safe area environments such as laboratories, pharmaceutical and industrial gas production; and a Hazardous Area version, suitable for hydrocarbon processing environments.

“The OxyDetect is the life safety product that the market has been waiting for: reliable, stable oxygen sensing that keeps on working,” says Rhys Jenkins, Market Sector Manager, Servomex.

“Paramagnetic oxygen sensing finally brings a measurement performance that facilities and operations managers can truly trust, making the safety of people and plant safer, easier and more cost-effective than ever before.”

@Servomex  #PAuto 

Automation for more than half of North American LNG export capacity decided!

Emerson Process Management has been tapped by Cameron LNG to help automate its new liquefaction project, adding three LNG trains to facilitate export of domestic natural gas to international markets. Because of its LNG expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects on time, Emerson has been awarded automation contracts for more than half of all North American LNG export capacity.

Cameron has chosen Emerson to provide automation expertise and technologies that will help Cameron manage the LNG facility’s operations safely and efficiently. The estimated value of the project to Emerson is $20 million.

Three new liquefaction trains will give the Hackberry, (LA USA), facility the flexibility to export up to 12 million metric tons per year of US-produced natural gas. The plant can also continue to import LNG for domestic use, or re-export LNG from other countries.

Emerson will provide its DeltaV™ distributed control and DeltaV SIS integrated safety system for both new and existing portions of the facility, plus its AMS Suite predictive maintenance software to optimise the availability and performance of key production assets. Project specialists in Houston (TX USA) and in Pune (India), will provide related design and configuration services to help accelerate the project schedule.

@EmersonProcess  #PAuto

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Electrical linear actuators. @Thomson_Ind #PAuto

Thomson Industries has developed an entirely new platform of electric linear actuators, which enable design engineers to convert a wider range of hydraulic applications to electric and substantially improve application control. The new Electrak HD™ electric linear actuator offers a new level of electronic functionality with the introduction of the Electrak Modular Control System. Electrak HD boosts power to 10 kN (2250 lbs.) with stroke lengths up to 1000mm (39 inches). It has been tested successfully to meet the toughest OEM environmental and electronic component acceptance tests, including IP69K, confirming that the Electrak HD provides maximum performance and continuity in the harshest environments.

“Many industries are moving towards enhanced controllability and a better user experience. Design engineers should consider the Electrak HD if an application requires the enhanced functionality that an integrated control system can provide. This includes SAE-J1939 CAN bus communication, position feedback, dynamic braking, low level power switching, and end of stroke output,” said Chad Carlberg, Product Line Manager at Thomson.

The new Electrak HD™ electromechanical actuators are designed to perform in heavy-duty applications such as mobile-off-highway vehicles, utility vehicles, emergency and rescue vehicles, railroad equipment, roadwork and construction site equipment and logistic systems. They have the unique capability to withstand some of the harshest environments, as well as flexible onboard intelligence, providing a better user experience in all environments.

Onboard intelligence
With enhanced functionality provided by the integrated Electrak Modular Control System
(EMCS) and its optional features, the Electrak HD offers a simpler method of control and communication, which reduces operating costs, requires less space and simplifies setup and installation. Optional out-of-the-box SAE-J1939 CAN bus communication enables enhanced controllability and diagnostics on machines compatible with the SAE-J1939 CAN bus protocol. Optional low level switching, end of stroke indication output, and a choice of analogue or digital position feedback provide additional versatility.

Heavy-duty capability
Electrak HD actuators can handle bidirectional loads up to 10 kN (2250 lbs.) with stroke lengths up to 1000mm (39 inches), opening a new, wider range of hydraulic to electric conversion. The new design utilises a high quality ball screw assembly, reducing current draw by up to 20% over previous models. The new line also offers a wide range of speed options, up to 75 mm/s (3 in/sec) on some models.

Tested to meet the toughest OEM environmental protection requirements
Electrak HD actuators also feature Thomson’s unique environmental resistance and protection characteristics. Its IP69k (static), IP67 (static) and IP66 (static/dynamic) IP ratings enable maximum performance and continuity in the harshest environments. The actuators operate in temperatures ranging from - 40 to + 85 °C (- 40 to + 185 °F), can withstand salt spray for 200 hours, and are CE, RoHS and REACH (EU) certified.

Built in Thomson quality

The Electrak HD comes standard with manual override, anti-rotation features, integral thermal overload protection, load lock in case of nut overload failure, high quality ball screw, and flexible front and rear clevis options. Also the retracted minimum length for a given stroke is the same, no matter what control option is in use.

@Thomson_Ind #PAuto