Robot controller with reduced power consumption.

Stäubli Robotics has developed an ultra-compact controller, the CS9 SE, that delivers more streamlined functionality and tangible benefits for users and integrators. The new version, designed for use with all models in the four-axis TS2 series, is available now.

Their development team placed particular emphasis on compact design, easy integration, plug-and-play connectivity, ease of maintenance, and of course, maximum performance. The CS9 SE is capable of up to 240 cycles per minute with a repeatability of 0.01 millimeters.

Weighing only 12 kilograms, the controller is quick and easy to integrate thanks to its small footprint. With its ultra-compact, stackable design, it fits into any 19" rack. Its thin, flexible cables facilitate installation.

Its simple structure and compact design also guarantee ease of maintenance. Easy access to components enables fast servicing, reduces downtime, and maximizes production efficiency.

The developers also made sustainability a priority. The controller impresses with significantly lower energy consumption than the previous generation. The potential savings are around nine percent, making the CS9 SE one of the most economical controllers on the market worldwide. In addition, energy-saving functions optimize the robots’ power consumption. And as always, the new CS9 SE delivers Stäubli’s renowned quality with above-average service life.

“With the CS9 SE, our development team has succeeded in addressing the issues of our time and presenting an ideal solution. The controller delivers across all key criteria and sets a new standard when paired with our SCARA robots. This will excite users and integrators alike,” promises Yann Stragiotti, Global Head of General Industry & PV of Stäubli Robotics.

---

@PresseBox @StaubliRobots #Robotics #PAuto

Safety Controller.

Streamlines integration, offers superior safety and functionality.

Emerson has announced the new PACSystems™ RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller, designed to enable Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) strategies for infrastructure, fire and gas, burner management systems, and other emergency shutdown systems. The PACSystems Safety Controller is a compact, high-performance solution with robust security measures and a scalable architecture with 2,000 available I/O points, ideal for complex projects with evolving requirements.

“Adding the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller to our extensive portfolio of safety products, we continue to deliver tools users need to create compliant safety systems that are easily developed and integrated into sophisticated automation solutions,” said Daniel Smith, senior product manager with Emerson’s discrete automation business.

As project automation becomes more sophisticated and data-driven, OEMs and systems integrators need a range of more powerful hardware and software products to ensure compliance with standards and regulations for protecting workers, whether onboard a single piece of equipment or distributed throughout a much larger process.

A large 64-megabyte memory capacity and scalable digital architecture enables the PACSystems Safety Controller to support a diverse range of mission-critical applications. Using built-in industrial communications protocols, including OPC UA, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), and Modbus TCP, the RX3i CPS400 controller is ready to connect peer-to-peer and with higher level hosts, providing complete operational visibility. .

As a secure-by-design solution incorporating Secure Boot® and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) standard, the new controller delivers rigorous data integrity and protection against potential threats. Safety-certified function blocks and pre-configured templates simplify overall system certification in accordance with the IEC 61511 standard.

Available in simplex or redundant controller configurations, the RX3i CPS400 controller can perform all safety data messaging with duplex communications using the black channel principle over EGD, allowing standardized and reliable connectivity with Emerson’s PACSystems VersaMax™ SafetyNet I/O system. The platform is IEC 61508 safety-certified, providing a capable SIL2 simplified solution to help designers build appropriate protection schemes.

Developers can configure the new controller using familiar software tools employed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interfaces, and other automation elements, namely Emerson’s PAC Machine Edition development environment. As a unified tool chain with a user-friendly interface, the PAC Machine Edition suite streamlines development efforts so users can easily create complete and integrated automation, visualization and safety solutions for rapid startups and maximum operating efficiency.

---

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Safety controller.

IDEC Corporation is launching the FS1B Safety Controller—an upgrade of the popular FS1A device—providing additional features. The FS1B lets designers create streamlined machine safety systems with multiple safety channels by using any of 24 preset safety logic strategies selected with DIP switch configuration—with no programming required.

Supplanting separate modules.
Standard safety circuit designs often use many safety relays to accommodate multiple inputs from emergency stop (E-stop) buttons, light curtains, and other safety devices to provide a safety interlocking output for de-energizing associated equipment. The FS1B consolidates this functionality into a compact, standalone form factor, with convenient and reliable push-in terminals.

DIP switches and a single “enter” pushbutton provide quick and easy setting of the safety logic strategy, inputs, and power off delay timer, and these settings can be locked in with a protective cover secured by a marked cable tie to prevent accidental changes. Colored LEDs and seven-segment numeric displays provide clear at-a-glance device and input/output status.

The FS1B includes 12 universal discrete inputs (assignable as up to 6 safety channels). For safety devices, each dual-channel pair of inputs can be used in the default setting, or it can be changed as follows: direct opening input, dependent input, NO/NC input, or safety input II—each with or without synchronization monitoring. Alternately, individual inputs can be set to monitor non-safety devices, such as reset or other external signals, as part of the logic. Four safety outputs provide the capability to de-energize multiple equipment or systems.

Simple safety setup.
Other safety products may require multiple devices, configuration software and programming, drivers, and then additional program certification. The FS1B overcomes these shortcomings with 24 built-in safety logic strategies, each of which are certified on this device by a trusted independent body to ensure proper and reliable performance. This pre-certification enhances system safety, simplifies the design process, and streamlines the overall approval process for machinery certification.

Some examples of typical safety logic strategy options include partial stop, mode switching, switch/sensor combined, OR logic, and two-handed logic control. A web-based online simulator allows users to quickly select their application requirements, determine the best configuration, and obtain a circuit diagram output to document the settings.

The FS1B carries applicable IEC 61508, ISO 13849, UL508, and other approvals. Depending on the application, the safety performance can be up to SIL 3, PLe, Category 4. Powered by industry standard 24V DC, with a wide operating temperature range of -10 to +55 Deg C, and robust vibration resistance, the FS1B will excel in most any control panel location, whether on-board or external to the protected equipment.

Flexible safety for a multitude of applications.
Whether for small-scale systems and production processes, or as part of a larger safety control system, the FS1B streamlines designs while improving safety. Typical industries and machines/equipment with these needs include injection molding, semiconductor manufacturing, metalworking, pharmaceuticals, food processing and packaging, robotics, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and others.

Of special interest for OEMs or other designers of equipment with multiple options or configurations, the FS1B can be designed into the controls once, and then adjusted with the safety logic strategy to adapt for various types of inputs. This allows for a standardized design supporting flexible equipment options, minimizing development effort, while simplifying stocking and control panel fabrication.

---

 @IDECUSA #PAuto #Communications #Safety

Reducing complexity in water and wastewater applications.

New Controller helps to optimise processes, enhance sustainability and ensure regulatory compliance.

Emerson has introduced its next-generation Rosemount™ 3490 Controller for level and flow measurement applications, which helps to reduce complexity, optimise processes and enhance sustainability. Designed to maximise ease-of-use, the Rosemount 3490 provides comprehensive control functionality for 4-20 mA or HART® compatible transmitters and is an ideal solution for water, wastewater and process industry applications.

“In designing the Rosemount 3490, our focus was firmly on outstanding usability and creating a controller for flow and level measurement applications that is as easy to set up and operate as possible,” said Vladislav Snitko, radar level solutions engineer for Emerson’s measurement solutions business. “The Rosemount 3490 Controller and Rosemount 1208C Level and Flow Transmitter together form a cost-effective, dedicated solution for water and wastewater applications that not only helps organisations to reduce downtime and costs but also safeguards water safety and quality.”

The Rosemount 3490 is the first controller to feature simple-to-programme configuration wizard guides to help users set up the controller, making this procedure significantly less complex and time-consuming. Further enhancing usability, the controller has a modern, intuitive graphical interface, an easy-to-navigate menu structure, and a backlit 4.3-inch colour LCD display, which simplifies ongoing operation and device status readings.

Combining the Rosemount 3490 Controller with Emerson’s non-contacting radar Rosemount 1208C Level and Flow Transmitter enables organisations to achieve accurate and reliable measurements with simple configuration over HART. This helps them to optimise operational efficiency across a broad range of water and wastewater applications, including the automatic control of up to six pumps, filtration operations, sludge handling, and flow in open channels, flumes and weirs. The robust design of the controller and transmitter makes them ideal for use in the harsh environments typically encountered in these applications.

Supporting increased sustainability, the accuracy of the level and flow measurements helps to prevent overfills and water wastage. To help ensure compliance with industry directives and regulations, the Rosemount 3490 simplifies report and documentation handling. It enables a variety of flow measurements to be totalised, differentials to be calculated, and data to be easily logged and shared with regulatory authorities through a web interface via Ethernet connectivity.

---

• You may also like to read our report on the Emerson User Group EMEA Meeting (26-29 Feb 2024) 

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @futuresagency @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Water #WasteWater

Digital process controller.

Reliably upgrades performance, safety and compliance by making more data available to operators.

The Fisher™ FIELDVUE™ DPC2K digital process controller (DPC2K) has been announced by Emerson. The DPC2K can be retrofitted to Fisher Wizard pneumatic controllers, and to pneumatic controllers from other manufacturers. The result is greatly improved closed-loop control and reliability, significantly reduced maintenance, improved safety, and superior environmental compliance. It also provides numerous connectivity options, enabling remote setpoints, remote access for configuration, monitoring, and other features.

Pneumatic controllers have served industry well for decades to regulate control valve actions, but they have many limitations. Closed loop control is sluggish and not precise, with significant deviations from setpoint common, and degraded performance over time as their mechanical components wear out. This wear and tear negatively impact reliability, with excessive maintenance required. All interactions with pneumatic controllers must be performed locally at the control valve, creating safety issues by exposing personnel to often hazardous plant environments.

The DPC2K addresses these and other issues, and it can be retrofitted as a direct replacement for the pneumatic controllers installed on most valves, regardless of manufacturer. Closed loop control is greatly improved with configurable loop types, over 150 units of supported measure, 20 times-per-second (50 milliseconds) scan and update rates, configurable dead band, anti-reset windup, dynamic reset limiting, and other features. These features work together to keep the process variable—typically pressure, flow, level or temperature—close to setpoint, along with greatly improved recovery from saturated conditions.

The DPC2K is designed to maintain its high level of performance for years with no required maintenance, and when maintenance is required, it is easily performed using modular replacement components. Another important advantage from this upgrade is the ability to easily interact with the DPC2K locally or remotely. Local interactions are performed via its menu-driven LCD and six-button user interface, with four buttons used for navigation and two for operator input.

The DPC2K has inputs, outputs, and intelligence to perform local closed-loop digital control using the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller. It can accept a 4-20mA input from a two-wire or four-wire instrument, typically the process variable (PV). For pressure control applications, an optional pressure sensor can be used to provide the PV.

Fisher LoopConnect software provides the most comprehensive remote access, including configuration and monitoring, networked or direct Ethernet connection, and alerts for troubleshooting. Options include integral, sealed gauge pressure sensor with 0-30, 0-100, 0-300, 0-600, or 0-1500 pounds-per-square-inch range; and pneumatic output with low bleed of less than 3.0 standard cubic feet per hour.

Because the DPC2K is configurable, the same base model can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to pressure, flow, level, temperature, percentage, volume, and rate control. The DPC2K is rated for use in Class 1 Division 1 or Zone 1 hazardous areas, and it has an operating temperature range of -40-80 degrees Celsius. Inputs of 9-28 volts direct current are accommodated, with a typical power draw of only 1 watt.

---

@Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @FisherValves @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Digital valve controller is a first.

Offers Advice at the Device technology with real-time analytics for valve health diagnostics and prescriptive corrective actions.

The Fisher™ FIELDVUE™ DVC7K Digital Valve Controller, a new design improving upon 30 years of field-proven innovation has been announced by Emerson. The DVC7K features Advice at the DeviceTM technology with embedded computing and analytics that convert raw data into actionable information locally with Bluetooth® capability, within the device. This means maintenance personnel can receive the data via their phone, tablet, or computer wirelessly without having to be in a control room at the plant location. 

The new valve controller technology improves the performance, reliability, and uptime of both on-off and control valves—and by extension an entire process plant or facility—in a wide variety of process industry applications, and provides the information required to create streamlined work processes.

Digital valve controllers are available as accessories for control and on-off valves to provide local analysis of valve data, digital communications with host systems, and other features. These features improve uptime by alerting personnel to developing problems, reduce maintenance costs by providing the actionable information required for proactive rather than reactive maintenance, and cut troubleshooting time in the event of an issue by providing recommended corrective actions. For example, a control valve may be reacting slowly to commands requiring it to move, which is often an early sign of impending issues. The DVC7K will recognize this type of condition, alert personnel, and provide recommendations for fixing the problem.

The DVC7K interprets data to create an optimized path to action by combining patented technology, experience-based algorithms, and continuous real-time analytics with flexible connectivity and easy integration. It uses powerful, real-time, and onboard edge computing to analyze issues and create actionable information, providing real-time awareness of valve health by analyzing data locally via its on-board diagnostics. If analysis reveals a problem, an alert is created, which can be viewed locally or remotely, providing the information required to create streamlined work processes that save time and money. All alerts include recommended actions to fix the problem, a new feature for digital valve controllers, and unique to the industry.

Previously, digital valve controller data had to go to a host system to be processed and prepared for viewing, however, with the intelligence of this system, data is now accessible without requiring access to the host software. All information can be viewed at the DVC7K’s local user interface, nearby via Emerson Secure Bluetooth® wireless technology, or remotely after it is transmitted via a wired digital network to a host, such as a distributed control or asset management system.

The local user interface provides indication of valve health at a glance via LEDs, and users can drill down from the interface home screen to find more information. Emerson Secure Bluetooth enables access to one or more digital valve controllers at distances up to 30 feet from any device capable of supporting Bluetooth, such as a smartphone or tablet. Whether the information is viewed locally, nearby, or remotely, plant personnel can use it to drive awareness of valve health.

With increased remote connectivity and Advice at the Device local diagnostics, flexibility increases, providing the information needed for fast decisions and quick action to address arising issues. The DVC7K can be specified for all new valve purchases, and it can be retrofitted to most existing valve installations, in either case quickly and easily commissioned via the local user interface. With over three million FIELDVUE units sold and ten billion hours plus of field operation, long-term reliability and performance is proven in use, a key requirement as Fisher and other Emerson valves are often used in critical process industry applications.

---

@Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @FisherValves @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

High performance mass flow controller.

The SFC5500, from Sensirion, is the world’s first mass flow controller available via catalogue distribution. The high-performance mass flow controller is calibrated for multiple gasses and comes with push-in fittings, which can be changed easily by the user. 

Each device can cover multiple flow ranges found in conventional devices. As a result, only three different versions with different flow ranges are enough to cover most flow rates of interest. This makes the SFC5500 ideally suited for applications in the medical, analytical and industrial sectors. It is now available worldwide through Sensirion’s distribution network.

This mass flow controller series represents the culmination of Sensirion’s excellent 20-year track record in precision control of gas flow. The sensor is based on the microthermal measurement principle and makes use of Sensirion’s proven CMOSens® MEMS Technology. This allowed us to build an innovative mass flow controller with best-in-class performance and excellent reliability, which – unlike most other devices on the market – does not drift and does not require in-service re-calibration.

Thanks to the exceptionally high control range enabled by the CMOSens® MEMS flow sensor, the SFC5500 series can cover multiple flow ranges found in traditional mass flow controllers in a single device. Coupled with multi-gas calibration and exchangeable fittings, the SFC5500 series offers the first mass flow controllers on the market that are available as standard off-the-shelf products and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Thanks to this versatility, the SFC5500 series are also the first mass flow controllers available via catalog distributors.

The SFC5500 series complements the SFC5xxx family of Sensirion’s best-in-class mass flow controllers. It offers the same top performance as the SFC5400 and is therefore suitable for a broad range of applications in medical, analytical and industrial environments. However, unlike the highly configurable SFC5400 series, the SFC5500 series mass flow controllers are available in several standard pre-configured variants. For other gasses, flow ranges, fittings and interfaces, please check the SFC5400, or Sensirion’s most cost-efficient OEM solution – the SFC5300.

@sensirion #PAuto #Medical #Laboratory

Ethernet fieldbus controller acquires info.

Burster's new generation 9251 series fieldbus controller (available through Ixthus Instrumentation in Britain), supports PROFINET, EtherCAT and ETherNet/IP - and in combination with the well proven 9250 series universal instrumentation amplifiers make light work of sensor data acquisition for the Industry 4.0 age. 

Featuring automatic channel detection/addressing for up to eight 9250 instrumentation amplifiers and with flexible configuration using Burster’s DigiVision PC software via an integral USB interface, the 9251 has ample ability to simultaneously acquire and transfer large amounts of disparate sensor measurement data through the Ethernet fieldbus to PLCs, DAQ systems and other control systems.

Burster’s 9251 Ethernet fieldbus controller and 9250 instrumentation amplifier systems enable the flexibility to mix the customer’s preferred strain gauge, potentiometer, voltage or TTL sensor technologies. With rapid sensor set-up using Burster’s TEDS push-button auto-sensing facility, this extends to a manufacturer-independent choice that allows the integration of sensor data for complete machines and systems where high precision and real-time measurement of torque, force, vibration, pressure, etc., is required for extensive condition monitoring and preventative maintenance purposes – a pre-requisite of Industry 4.0.

The 9251 Ethernet controller also offers an optional analogue input with a ±10 V range that may be used as an additional measurement channel - allowing up to nine sensors per Ethernet fieldbus interface. This same option includes a PLC I/O channel (DIN61131) that may be used for tare, tare reset, or limit reset etc.

Their 9250 series instrumentation amplifier is based on 24-bit A to D conversion for highly accurate measurement with the sensor power provided by the amplifier module and no additional voltage source required. The amplifier may also be used independently of the fieldbus controller – its USB port and Burster’s DigiVision PC software may be used to configure autonomous measurement systems where a choice of sensor output and a range of other parameters can be called and set. As with many of its sensor products Burster can optionally supply these instrumentation amplifiers with DAkkS-certified calibration certificates.

The durable and compact 9251 and 9250 housings, finished in a polyamide material with metal support elements, feature DIN- rails mounting for convenient installation with the possibility to mount the amplifiers close to the sensor if required.

@IxthusInst @burstermeasure @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Fieldbus

UPS controller.

 The new UB40.241 40A rated DIN-Rail mounted controller for uninterruptible power supply systems has been launched by PULS Power. The new model is now the most powerful UPS controller in PULS’s range which already includes a variety of models currently providing up to 20A capacity. In combination with a 24Vdc power supply and an external battery pack it enables the reliable bridging of power failures and voltage fluctuations. This can prevent system damage, costly downtime, time-consuming restarts, and the loss of critical data.

Marco van der Linden, Country Manager in Britain for PULS Power, comments, "Our new DC UPS controller doubles the amount of emergency power we can now offer systems designers and integrators ensuring maximum reliability and flexibility to protect critical loads while allowing the use of a comprehensive range of batteries with smart diagnosis and monitoring of battery condition."

Applications include SMART buildings and factories, Industry 4.0, security and CCTV, instrumentation and measuring systems.

While the system power supply provides sufficient voltage the DC-UPS controller will charge the battery bank. Should the supply voltage suddenly fail, the energy stored in the battery is released to the DC bus in a regulated process.

A unique feature of the UB series is the PULS 1-Battery concept. To ensure the longest possible battery life, each 12V battery is charged and monitored separately. This smart function eliminates the need to match batteries. The UB40.241 allows precise charging, testing and optimised usage of the battery capacity.

The control unit can be combined with different battery sizes from 12Ah to 200Ah with a selector on the front of the device making it easy to adjust it to the corresponding battery size. Power output is decoupled from the input to provide separate circuits for buffered and non-buffered loads.

The UB40.241 has various battery diagnostic functions including an early pre-warning signal when the battery is low. This ensures safe and reliable operation of the entire system. Battery charging is temperature-controlled which also has a positive effect on the battery life. It also features a selectable buffer time limiter as well as signal contacts for system "Ready", "Buffering" and "Replace battery". For safety and maintenance reasons, an inhibit-input signal is included to enable phases without enforced buffering.

The PULS UB40.241 has an operating temperature range from -25°C to +70°C, 50% extra output power for up to 5s, has fully international safety agency approvals and a 3-year warranty.

@PULSPowerSupply @proactivefleet #Power, #PAuto

Industrial programmable controller to IEC 61131-3.

Opto 22 has added international standard IEC 61131-3 programming options in its groov EPIC® edge programmable industrial controller.

Adding these new programming options to the existing flowchart and custom user-written options in groov EPIC gives control engineers the ability to program using a variety of languages they already know, while taking advantage of the EPIC’s extended capabilities for automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications. All IEC 61131-3 standard languages are supported by groov EPIC, including Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and Ladder Diagram (LD).

Adding the IEC 61131-3 option gives engineers several key advantages. First, they can pick the best software tool for their specific application. Second, they can mix and match several software tools to build control and IIoT solutions on one unified platform. And last, companies can continue to leverage existing employee knowledge in IEC 61131-3 programming methods, including decades-old ladder logic.

The PC-based CODESYS® Development System V3 is used to create and compile IEC 61131-3 programs for download to a pre-installed CODESYS Runtime running on groov EPIC. The CODESYS Development System is available at no charge from the CODESYS Store at https://store.codesys.com. The CODESYS Runtime on groov EPIC is enabled by a free software license available from Opto 22.

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of independent IEC 61131-3 software,” stated Markus Bachmann, President of the U.S. subsidiary of the CODESYS Group, “we are excited that CODESYS has been chosen to boost Opto 22’s groov EPIC to the next level in industrial automation products, integrating state-of-the-art industrial control with new IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications.”

In addition to IEC 61131-3, groov EPIC can also be programmed using Opto 22’s native PAC Control™. Field-proven, flowchart-based PAC Control with optional scripting offers 400+ plain English commands for analog process and digital sequential control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, and other complex functions.

Other programming options include using software languages supported on the Linux® operating system through secure shell. This access—along with toolchains and interpreters for Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript/Node.js and more—allows developers to create custom applications. In addition, groov EPIC includes Node-RED as another programming option. Node-RED uses a flow-based development environment optimized for edge data processing and communications.

@opto22 #PAuto 

Network-based control system enhanced.

Yokogawa will release an enhanced version of the STARDOM™network-based control system in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. This new version of the STARDOM system will include a new E2 bus interface module that has been developed for use in FCN-500 autonomous controller extension units. This enables the construction of systems that have more I/O points and cover a wider area.

STARDOM is a network-based control system that consists of the FCN autonomous controller, the VDS web-based HMI, and the FAST/TOOLSTM SCADA package. Since first releasing STARDOM in 2001, Yokogawa has continued to improve the functions of this system to satisfy its customers’ evolving needs.

One such recent need is for the collective monitoring and control of applications where many different input and output devices are distributed over a wide area, in locations where conditions are often harsh. Other needs have included the reduction of wiring and maintenance costs while ensuring high reliability. Based on its twin goals of achieving excellent scalability and excellent reliability, Yokogawa has sought to satisfy these needs by strengthening the functions of its STARDOM system.

Enhancements
1. Excellent scalability: Three times the number of connectable units, one hundred times the transmission distance
The FCN-500 is a modular type controller. It consists of a control unit with a CPU module mounted on the unit’s base module. (An additional CPU module may be installed for dual redundancy.) Extension units that accommodate I/O modules can also be utilized. To connect a control unit with an extension unit, Yokogawa has developed the E2 expansion bus. The E2 bus consists of an E2 bus interface module that is installed on each unit and a general-purpose Ethernet cable. With this E2 bus, up to nine units can be connected (including the FCN-500 control unit), a threefold increase. As a result, the maximum number of allowable I/O points has been tripled. Using the high-speed CPU module that was released in March 2016, a much larger system can be constructed based on the FCN-500.

In addition, the maximum possible transmission distance between individual units has been increased to 100 meters. Therefore, with a 9-unit configuration, the maximum transmission distance is 800 m, which is 100 times longer than what was previously possible. Using commercial fiber optic cables and media converters, a STARDOM system spanning distances of several kilometers can be constructed. The installation of extension units near sensors reduces wiring costs and maintenance workload.

Three different types of base modules are available: a long base module with slots for 10 modules, a short base module with slots for five modules, and a new compact base module with slots for three modules. Customers can combine these three different base module types depending on the required number of I/O points and the amount of space available for installation.

2. Excellent reliability: Duplexing of bus and improved environmental resistance
The new E2 bus as well as the CPU, power supply, control network, and internal bus of the FCN-500 can all be duplexed. Thus, even when a large system is configured using the E2 bus, high reliability is assured.

Maintenance is also a key factor in ensuring high system reliability. As with previous STARDOM versions, it is possible to check the operating status of the modules in the extension units and quickly detect any malfunctions using the VDS HMI, FAST/TOOLS SCADA, and other means, and any damaged modules can be replaced without having to shut down the FCN-500 controller. In addition, the new extension bus interface module has been built to withstand ambient temperatures as extreme as −20°C and 70°C. (Our existing interface module supports a range of 0–55°C.) This enhancement will make it possible to install extension units in locations where environmental conditions are extremely harsh.


-->

• This new STARDOM version will be exhibited at the System Control Fair 2017/Measurement and Control Show 2017 TOKYO, which will be held from November 29 to December 1 2017.

@YokogawaIA  #PAuto

IO-Link compatible low cost servo drive controller.

The CMMO-LK low cost drive controller, the world’s first IO-Link controlled servo drive has been launched by Festo. The CMMO-LK can be connected with any IO-Link master or any Modbus TCP Ethernet port, allowing for easy system integration across many applications.

“The use of electrically operated actuators in industry is not new, Festo has had belt drive, ball screw, lead screw and linear motor versions of our pneumatic axis for many years,” begins Nigel Dawson, electric drives product manager at Festo. “But often, driven by servo motors, these solutions are only commercially viable for the most arduous demands on accuracy and loads. We’ve taken our popular ServoLite controller, improved the performance, reduced the size, cost and power consumption to produce the CMMO-LK controller, specifically designed for our new range of actuators in the Optimised Motion Series.”

There is no need to buy or download specialist software for commissioning, the controller carries its own web server allowing customers to parameterise it with any web browser on any type of computer. The system will even automatically connect to the Festo cloud parameter server to ensure it has the latest parameters for motor, axis and controller, so tuning is optimised for the user.

With features such as safe torque off, integrated inputs for referencing and Ethernet diagnostics, this compact controller offers significant time and cost saving features. A file is provided with the CMMO-LK to ensure simple set up allowing machine builders to ‘plug & play’ almost instantly.

“Compatible with all electric actuators from Festo, the CMMO-LK is very flexible and can be connected to all fieldbus systems simply via the Festo CPX automation platform. IO Link integration ensures seamless device replacement as all parameters are stored in the IO Link master and the integrated encoder function means true servo functionality in a compact 24v package,” added Nigel.

IACS cybersecurity conformance for controller!

An ISASecure accredited test lab, exida, has announced that it has certified the Honeywell Experion C300 Controller R410 to the ISASecure® Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification.

The Experion C300 Controller R410 is Honeywell’s newest firmware version of its field-proven Experion C300 Controller product line. This maintenance of certification for the Experion C300 Controller demonstrates Honeywell’s continued commitment to the ISASecure industrial automation and control system (IACS) cybersecurity conformance scheme.

The C300 controller supports a wide variety of process control situations, including continuous and batch processes and integration with smart field devices, and works across a variety of networks—allowing engineers to address their most demanding process control requirements.

TheISASecure® Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification is a demonstrable indicator to Honeywell’s customers that the company is committed to safety and security in its products. ISASecure assures that the Experion C300 Controller R410 is free of known cybersecurity vulnerabilities and robust against network attacks. The ISASecure EDSA certification assesses IACS products against the draft IEC 62443-4-2 and IEC 62443-4-1 standards and will be updated when the final standards are fully approved.

The Honeywell controller registration and certificate can be viewed on the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) web site.

“Honeywell has been a thought leader in securing control system products used in critical infrastructure,” stated Andre Ristaino, ISCI Managing Director. “ISASecure certifies IACS products and systems to the IEC 62443 series of international standards for IACS cybersecurity, providing assurances that they are free of known vulnerabilities and resilient against network attacks.”

Modern .NET interface for developing applications that control and communicate with control systems.

Industrial automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced its new .NET Controller Software Development Kit (SDK) for writing custom Microsoft Windows software applications that communicate directly with Opto 22 SNAP PAC controllers. This new SDK is well suited for machine builders, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and others who integrate custom applications with Opto 22 control systems. The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC supports modern .NET frameworks and Visual Studio environments, which reduces the time and cost of software development and testing.

Developers use the .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC to build software applications that directly access the control program, or “strategy,” running on a SNAP PAC controller. Applications can read from and write to integer, float, and string variables and tables, as well as analog and discrete input and output points.

Steve Grudzinski, electronic systems engineer at optical components manufacturer Optiforms, uses the .NET Controller SDK in a precise plating process that must be tailored for each part. A Visual Basic software application accomplishes this by exchanging data between an inventory system, a SQL database, and a SNAP PAC control system. In the process, individually barcoded parts are first identified using laser scanners. For each part, plating requirements and corresponding equipment settings are pulled from the SQL database. Equipment settings are then sent to the SNAP PAC control system which adjusts the plating equipment as required.

More Communication Options
The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC joins another Opto 22 resource for developers, the .NET OptoMMP SDK for SNAP I/O, which lets developers quickly create custom applications for use with Opto 22 I/O products such as SNAP Ethernet I/O. Applications built with the .NET OptoMMP SDK provide direct I/O communications with SNAP I/O “brains” (I/O processors) that support the OptoMMP protocol, while the .NET Controller SDK can directly access a strategy or control program running on a SNAP PAC controller.

Requirements and Availability

The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows 8.1 Professional (32-bit & 64-bit), and Windows Server 2012 R2. The SDK supports Microsoft's .NET frameworks 4.0 through 4.5 and Visual Studio 2010-2013, includes sample .NET code and comprehensive documentation for packages and classes, and is available as a 100% managed DLL. The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC is available now and can be downloaded free of charge from the Opto 22 website here!

Complete EtherCAT Solution!

Rugged, intelligent with superior motion function scalability.

Adlink Technology has announced the release of their Adlink EtherCAT solution, consisting of the Talos-3012 IEC 61131-3-compliant automation controller and EPS Series time-deterministic I/O and motion control system.

The combined solution provides time-deterministic control of automatic process, featuring high performance, easy development, rugged construction, intelligent management in ultra-small form factors, and minimal total cost of ownership. Integrated hardware and software elements, fast and easy API configuration, and ADLINK’s Softmotion control kernel, all drive speedy high performance for EtherCAT applications. As well, numerous ready-to-use features speed development for next-generation Smart Factory environments.

High Performance, High Density
Their new Talos-3012 is a palm-size EtherCAT master controller based on the Intel Atom quad-core processor E3845 1.9GHz, with IEC-61131 compliant syntaxes. The Talos master controller allows easy emigration of legacy PLC programming to a PC-based environment and Softmotion function blocks, with a single master controller able to connect up to 64 axes and 10,000 I/O points of control through a daisy-chained slave system. Superior computing power enables the Talos-3012 to flawlessly perform simultaneous multitask processing for HMI, motion control, PLC, and gateway operations in industrial automation applications.

The EPS Series slave system’s modular design empowers flexible channel density in a 110 x 130 x 105 mm package. Incorporating the latest RISC processor and FPGA, Adlink EPS slave systems provide a wide variety of I/O modules, including DI/O, AI/O, thermal measurement, motion control, and EtherCAT communication modules, easily daisy-chained for system expansion with no compatibility issues.

Easy development
Adlink’s EtherCAT solutions further minimize configuration and maintenance burdens on system developers and users. This solution has been verified for interoperability with a variety of EtherCAT servo drives and 3rd party EthercAT products, providing the flexibility to select only the requisite EtherCAT elements. With Adlink’s self-developed EtherCAT configuration utility, LinkMasterPro, the master system is able to automatically detect slave systems and I/O modules of any type and create corresponding XML files to complete configuration without any additional settings.

Their EtherCAT master controllers can easily connect to existing or expanded third-party slave systems for automatic recognition and configuration with no compatibility problems. Moreover, the Softmotion utility provides a complete IEC 61131-3 edition environment supporting application-oriented function and APIs for ease of use and shortened development time.

Intelligent Management and Robust Design
Adlink’s EPS slave systems support a wide variety of I/O, including DI/O, AI/O, thermal measurement and motion control with status monitoring function of EPS modules and systems including overheating detection, low power detection, slave health reporting, error handling, and usage cycle of relay switching, as well as motion control status. All information can be retrieved for review via software or displayed by dedicated indicators, allowing the status of individual modules to be monitored. LinkMasterPro not only assists in EtherCAT configuration but also evaluates the functionality of every single EPS system, and Auto-Slave detection function makes system configuration easier than ever.

The EPS slave system significantly eases system maintenance needs, with each hot-swappable slave module replaceable with no need to power down, for a serious reduction in MTTR (Mean-Time-to-Repair). Additionally, quick-removable connectors minimize rewiring efforts. The EtherCAT products all feature compact construction with fanless design, operable at -20°C to 60°C, with integral IP31-rated metal housing withstanding the rigors of harsh operating conditions.

“Adlink industrial automation and motion control solutions have been widely adopted, to date driving over 500,000 axes industry-wide. As we introduce our completely new EtherCAT solution portfolio, we are confident that our extensive field experience, established one-stop service, comprehensive APIs, and highly integrated portfolio of off-the-shelf I/O modules and industrial computing platforms clearly set us apart from other providers. Adlink’s new EtherCAT Solution helps customers to overcome even the most critical challenges of industrial automation,” said Simon You, Product Director for Adlink’s Automation Product Center.

Monitoring and control of multiple applications on single display!

Red Lion Controls has announced the integration of FlexBus™ technology to its PAX®2C proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller portfolio. By inserting field installable FlexCard™ modules, users can now populate PAX2C PID controllers in more than 150 configurations to monitor and control multiple application processes on a single display.

Red Lion’s advanced PAX2C modular platform provides an easy upgrade path that enables integrators and panel builders to reduce inventory requirements while increasing application support. The solution is ideal for temperature, flow and pressure control in industries such as packaging, plastic welding, extrusion and food and beverage.

“Our PAX2C controllers are designed for end users who want to address a wide range of PID control requirements,” said Jeff Thornton, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. “By using option cards with the PAX2C, organizations no longer have to maintain an inventory of application-specific controllers. This reduces inventory costs while also allowing organizations to more quickly meet any PID application requirements.”

The new FlexCard modules include:

• Process Input/Remote Setpoint Cards: support input of 0/4 to 20 mA to enable cascade control loops where tighter control is required
• Heater Current Monitor Cards: provide heater current input and can signal when the heater or heater control devices have failed before damage occurs

Red Lion’s Crimson® programmed PAX2C PID controllers are dual-line displays that change color based on process status, alerting when a value is out of a specified range. With universal process inputs and AC/DC power input, PAX2C controllers accept DC current, DC voltages, process signals, thermocouples and RTD inputs to provide an all-in-one platform that eases integration. Additional features include a large LCD display with easy-to-read bar graphs, programmable annunciators, up to 16 alarms and a built-in USB programming port.

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

PXI embedded controller with 4th generation Intel Core i7 Processor!

Their new PXIe-3985, its highest performing 3U PXIe embedded controller has been released by AdLink. It is equipped with the quad-core 4th gen. Intel® Core™ i7-4700EQ processor and operating at up to 3.4 GHz clock frequency (in single-core Turbo Boost Mode). With four links x4 or two links x16 and x8 PCI Express gen 2 link capability, up to 8 GB/s of total system throughput and up to 16 GB of DDR3L 1600 MHz RAM, the PXIe-3985 is the perfect choice for applications requiring intensive data analysis or processing and high-speed data streaming, such as in wireless, radar, or RF testing environments.

“As a sponsor member of the PXI System Alliance, ADLINK is continuously expanding its portfolio of PXI and PXI Express offerings with new generation Intel processors. We’re dedicated to providing test and measurement operators with the means to overcome testing task challenges at the lowest possible time to market.’’ stated Catherine Wu, Senior Product Director of ADLINK's Measurement and Automation Product Segment. “ADLINK leads the field in its introduction of the PXIe-3985 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor-based controller. With the highest CPU and graphic performance on the market, we’re helping customers to increase their testing throughput and accelerate the testing process.’’

Based on PCI Express technology, the ADLINK PXIe-3985 can offer four links x4 or two links x16 and x8 PXI Express link capability for interfacing with a PXI Express chassis backplane. When configured in this combination, with a high performance PXI Express chassis such as the ADLINK 3U 18-slot PXES-2780 chassis, maximum system throughput of up to 8 GB/s is enabled, providing an effective solution for high bandwidth applications requiring intensive data analysis or processing and data streaming. In addition the PXIe-3985 features up to 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L memory capacity, ideal for seamless execution in memory-intensive applications.

The ADLINK PXIe-3985 provides versatile I/O capability, including dual DisplayPort connectors with 4K 2K support, dual GbE ports, GPIB, four USB 2.0 ports, dual hi-speed USB 3.0 ports and trigger I/O for advanced PXI trigger functions. Easy connection with external standalone instruments or devices and innovative design such as dual BIOS backup, reduce maintenance efforts, with fast and easy swapping of battery, storage device, and SODIMM modules all deliver high availability in testing systems.

The PXIe-3985, supporting Windows 7 32/64-bit operating systems, is optimized when installed in the ADLINK 3U high capacity 18-slot PXES-2780 chassis or compact 9-slot PXES-2590 chassis, are winning combinations for a wide variety of testing and measurement applications.

Power controller!

Provides outstanding stable and precise power control, meeting international quality, immunity and emissions standards

 Invensys Eurotherm has launched the new EFit SCR Power Controller. The EFit is an easy to integrate and commission power controller, providing no compromise on control for resistive and infrared heating elements.

Nicolas Ebel, Power Products Manager at Invensys Eurotherm explains how the EFit overcomes a number of challenges and achieves outstanding stable, precise control even in the most demanding of industrial environments.  He said: “There are many industrial processes such as heat treatment that require precise temperatures in order to comply with regulations and it is imperative that the work piece temperature is kept within specific limits. This can be difficult to achieve in industrial plants where the operation of large machinery can cause fluctuations in the voltage supply. With resistive heaters, for example, there can often be a variation of 10% in the supply voltage and this can generate a 20% variation in the power to the load, resulting in adverse temperature fluctuations.”

“EFit overcomes these issues as the power controller contains built in compensation that continues to apply stable power with better than ±2% linearity at the boundaries of the load, even during fluctuations in the supply.  The result is a reliable, repeatable heating process and high quality end products compliant to demanding heat treatment standards.”

Key features and benefits of EFit include Connect Easily Easy installation, just clip onto a DIN rail. Offers minimal connection with pre-wireable plug in connectors Straightforward connection and commissioning to global standards; nothing to configure, simply plug and play Compact dimensions make it suitable for both new and retrofit applications, and reduces cabinet costs Control Precisely: Built in power stabilisation and a variety of firing modes for different types of load, provides energy savings and high quality products Precise control, including the elimination of voltage fluctuations, achieves tight tolerances and the ability to optimise energy use Consistent high quality end products that comply to standards with no scrap or rework Improve Processes: Minimising downtime as EFit reliably operates in heavy industrial conditions, with high immunity to electromagnetic disturbances, maximising throughput and reducing the cost of ownership Designed to give a fast stable response even in heavy industrial environments enabling continuously optimised heating processes with minimum downtime. This faster throughput improves OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and helps with the achievement of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) Standardise Globally: Peace of mind for installers working in a global environment where industry regulations form an essential part of the engineering supply chain. The product is cUL approved, CE compliant to power controller product standards, and China RoHS.

Position controller!

“Economical and reliable” is how the experts are describing the Festo position controller, CMSX, designed for double-acting quarter turn actuators. A unique feature of the controller is the ability to provide a pre-definable safety position for the process valve.

In addition to energy-efficient operation, further key features of the CMSX position controller include its attractive price/performance ratio and the high-level of process safety it offers. This is ensured through its analogue and digital feedback signals and definable positions. The end positions can be defined flexibly via freely configurable analogue signals. In the standard variant of the position controller, its microcontroller continuously displays these feedback signals.

In closed-loop mode, the CMSX continuously compares the set point signal with the actual position of the quarter turn actuator. Any deviations automatically trigger an error message and an emergency stop. If there should be a power-supply failure, the process valve can be brought to a previously specified safety position, therefore minimising process risks.

Melt pressure indicator/controller!

Invensys Eurotherm has launched the new piccolo™ P304i Melt Pressure Indicator and P304c Controller. Monitoring and control of the pressure in plastics manufacture leads to higher quality end product with lower scrap, and can prevent damage to machinery caused by overpressure conditions. The latest addition to Eurotherm’s range of products offers versatile solutions with advanced features and a wide range of hardware options that make them ideal for all types of plastic processing.

Eurotherm of course has decades of knowledge and understanding of the needs of plastics producers and machinery builders, combining this insight with its leading control and automation expertise, the company has developed products, solutions and services for precision control in plastics processing.

This new, innovative Melt Pressure Indicator and Controller is ideal for extrusion and injection moulding in plastics processing as Tim Linnell, Product Portfolio Manager at Invensys Eurotherm explains: “Compatible with industry standard probes and strain gauges including Dynisco, the P304 uses automatic standard shunt calibration procedures making it ideal for new installations and retrofit. It has been designed to monitor and automate the pressure of molten plastic being forced through a die or into a mould. Usually a screen is used to filter out impurities, and as these build up on the screen, the pressure needed to push plastic through increases. If not carefully monitored and controlled, this pressure can cause damage to equipment.

“P304 combines the most advanced features for management of melt pressure of any instrument in its class with simplicity of use and a high speed 50ms cycle time so that rapid changes in pressure can be monitored and dealt with.”

Key features aimed at improving operational efficiency include:

• Easy to integrate and use in new and legacy applications
• Fast-acting alarms to protect against overpressure
• Responsive, precision PID control with overshoot inhibit
• Easy, effective auto-tune
• Universal + strain gauge inputs
• Second input for differential pressure indication / control
• Analogue retransmission
• Easy and flexible configuration via PC software or front panel
• Modbus RTU digital communications
• High visibility three colour LED display
• Wipedown, customizable front fascia
• High reliability and quality
• Three year warranty
• Global expert support available

The P304 is the latest from Eurotherm’s piccolo range which has been designed for plastics and small furnace applications and provides advanced precision PID control in an easy to use and very cost effective format. Plastics extrusion applications benefit from specialised algorithms designed to optimise use of water, fan or oil cooling, and the fast reacting overshoot free control assures continuous high quality production without waste. The units are quick to commission and apply with industry standard connections to sensors and actuators and a quick code guided configuration.

Tim concluded: “Continuing a thread of Eurotherm product innovation that spans 50 years, 2014 will see an ambitious product release schedule. Our philosophy is to package advanced control and automation algorithms in cost effective ways so that our industrial customers benefit from the latest advances but with products that are easy to use and apply.”