Three I/O modules join family!

Opto 22 will release three new groov EPIC® input/output modules later this month. They will extend an already comprehensive industrial I/O portfolio. For system integrators and engineers, the new I/O modules provide more options for bringing existing devices into groov EPIC, as well as meeting precise requirements for temperature control applications. They also include budget-beating designs for mixed signal types, signal isolation, and channel density:

GRV-IDCSW-12 (discrete input, 12 channels, DC contact switch status) monitors the open/closed status of dry contact switches, and provides the necessary excitation voltage to power the circuit. This module is ideal for monitoring distributed IT equipment, benchtop analyzers, motor run/stop relays, or any device that offers only a dry contact for status. Because there’s no need to install separate power supplies to drive these dry contacts—since wetting and monitoring are both provided—this module can save considerable time, money, space, and installation effort.

GRV-IVI-12 (analog voltage input, 12 channels, ±1.25 to ±160 V, channel-to-channel isolation): With 12 isolated channels, each configurable to one of eight ranges from ±1.25 to ±160 V, this module eliminates the need to segregate I/O signals over multiple modules, providing significant cost and space reduction for mixed voltage applications. The GRV-IVI-12 has 20-bit resolution and is accurate to 0.1% of the configured range. It includes options for scaling, filtering, averaging, and more, speeding development time and distributing computation functions down to the I/O module.

GRV-IRTD-8 (analog input, 8 channels, temperature/RTD or resistor) increases options for accuracy and I/O density in temperature applications. It provides 8 channels for 2- and 3-wire RTD inputs, with a maximum range of –200 °C to 850 °C. Users can take advantage of multiple fixed ranges or one of two auto-ranging methods to simplify configuration. GRV-IRTD-8 can also be used for high-resolution resistance measurements, with accuracy ranging from 4.2 Ohms at the 8K Ohm input range to 0.058 Ohms at the 10 Ohm range for 3-wire RTDs.

PAC Project 10.2003 or the Opto 22 Library Package for CODESYS v1.0.2.0 are required for full support of these modules.

Opto 22 designs groov I/O modules with the end user in mind, including many features to make them easy to specify, install, configure and support for even the most challenging applications. These new modules continue that tradition with the following features:

+ Two-position, hinged LED module cover that indicates module status and covers field terminations + Touch-sensitive pad to trigger module information display on the groov EPIC processor + Removable top-mounted connector with single, captive retention screw + Spring-clamp field wiring terminals + Hot swappable for installation and removal without turning off or stopping the system + UL Hazardous Locations approved and ATEX compliant + Wide operating temperature range of –20 to +70 °C + Individually calibrated and factory tested twice—no statistical testing + Guaranteed for life

With this latest module release, users can choose from almost 40 types of groov I/O modules to support their application requirements. Combined with its variety of embedded software tools for control, visualization and connectivity, this extensive I/O family makes groov EPIC one of the most versatile tools for industrial automation and IIoT (industrial internet of things) systems.

#PAuto @opto22

When cameras exceed their limits.

Custom-made products are required whenever standard industrial cameras reach their limits. Especially for small projects, however, development and cost expenditure are often disproportionately high.

Thanks to its flexible modular design principle, the new uEye ACP concept from IDS Imaging Development Systems enables individual, economical solutions to be created – even from single units. With just a few clicks, users can put together their own individual board level camera model using an online configurator and request a quote directly from the manufacturer.

"With the new uEye ACP models, we offer our customers an economical solution for obtaining individual cameras even for small quantities. They combine high quality, needs-based functionality and simple handling," explains Alexander Klingner, Project Manager Customized Solutions at IDS.

Customers can choose between USB3 and GigE Vision interfaces, extensions such as connector boards (RJ45, M12, MicroB), ribbon cables and lens mounts as well as a large number of different image sensors. This allows the board level cameras to be easily adapted to individual requirements.

The modular system ensures that long development cycles are avoided. Since almost all components are manufactured by IDS itself, the cameras are usually available at short notice. The components can be further modified by the IDS technology experts on request. Alternatively, the company also offers classic special developments – from customer-specific branding to individual designs and special software adaptations.

#PAuto @IDS_Imaging @InPressPR

Approval for signal quality analyser.

Anritsu's Signal Quality Analyzer-R Series MP1900A has been approved by PCI-SIG®*1 as a compliance test measuring instrument for PCI Express 4.0® (PCIe Gen4). The MP1900A is already approved as an R&D test instrument supporting Gen3 compliance tests and is now approved for the Gen4 test standards.

To speed-up serial-bus interfaces of communications equipment and high-end computers, the PCIe standard is transitioning from Gen3 (8GT/s) to Gen4 (16GT/s). PCIe Gen4 was adopted as a communications standard in August 2017 and has been discussed and examined for compliance testing since then. As part of this process, the MP1900A was approved as a compliance test measuring instrument for PCIe Gen4 based on the results of testing at the May 2019 PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop, and the MP1900A has been in use for certifying PCIe products since August 2019.

The PCI-SIG-approved MP1900A is a high-performance, multi-channel, bit error tester with world-beating output waveform quality, high input sensitivity, and a built-in jitter and noise source. With these high-performance hardware features, the MP1900A PCIe Gen4 test solution is ideal for automating Tx/Rx LEQ tests*2 required for compliance tests. Also, with built-in analysis functions delivering excellent reproducibility support analysis of signal quality issues caused by high-speed transmission path losses.

All Gen1 to Gen4 tests are supported by a single MP1900A, which also supports the new Gen5 standard. Additionally, 32-Gbaud PAM4 signals required by the future Gen6 standard are also supported.

As a result, the MP1900A helps cut PCIe design, inspection, and certification work burdens, while also improving quality.

* PCI-SIG Specifications.

#TandM @AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @pci_sig @NapierPR 

Data in the cloud!

Beijer Electronics’ cloud solution with acirro+ provides a new opportunity to get insights to streamline a machine’s operation and improve operations.

The business of makers of Things, machine builders or providers of other technical equipment, runs on data. Data that can tell when machines are running efficiently and indicate when maintenance or other measures need to be introduced.

The threshold to accelerating into digital has never been lower than now, closing the gap between OT and IT. Beijer Electronics’ X2 HMIs and BoX2 devices are now IIoT ready by standard and fully prepared to help clients to move their machine data to the cloud.

A secure cloud connection is easily set up in the acirro+ platform to start moving machine data to the cloud. The solution is simple to implement on a machine without needing to re-wire an existing installation or re-program an existing application.

Data in the cloud enables customers to analyse and understand past events using large amounts of historical data. Diagnose outages quicker and shorten time to resolution. Understanding evolution patterns, average variations and peak data changes are essential. Historical data helps customers forecast future events and act upon them.

With data securely stored in the cloud, customers are able to create visual dashboards that combine different data sources, no matter how simple or complex, into a single view including bar graphs, pie charts, etc. Key performance indicators from machines can be viewed in real or near-real time using the runtime dashboard.

#PAuto @beijerinc 

#empowerthefield – release the potential!

97% of all instrument data at the field level is unused.

The new iTHERM TrustSens from Endress+Hauser, makes it possible to carry out continuous, traceable monitoring during the process thanks to a completely automated inline self-calibration function. This unique sensor technology represents a milestone in temperature measurement technology and offers added value, especially for users who need continuous monitoring of heating or sterilization processes. Apart from a high degree of process safety and improved system availability, iTHERM TrustSens furthermore eliminates the risk of nonconformities occurring during production.

97 percent of all instrument data at the field level is unused. With a live demonstration at its exhibit booth at BrauBeviale 2019 (Nuremberg {D}12-14/11/2019)*, the company will illustrate how customers can release this hidden potential. To support plant operators with the digitalization of their system components, they have developed their own IIoT ecosystem that focuses on the utilization and management of assets. In combination with the innovative diagnostics information from their Heartbeat technology, for instance, this makes it possible to determine the actual maintenance requirement or prevent unplanned system downtime.


When it comes to ensuring a consistently high level of quality during product manufacturing, inline measurement technology plays a decisive role. Whether it involves determining the pasteurization units in the heater, measuring the color in liquids or determining concentration-specific parameters via density, measurement values must be precise, reproducible and permanently stable. This is the only way to guarantee the required quality.

* Endress+Hauser will be presenting automation concepts and intelligent, self-monitoring measurement technologies that help make production processes safer and more efficient. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn how they can carry out precise measurements or satisfy process and system requirements in the age of Industry 4.0 with the help of intelligent instruments, complete solutions and services. Endress+Hauser will also present innovative calibration services and demonstrate how field instruments can be utilized to enable applications such as predictive maintenance or efficient asset management.
The Picomag electromagnetic flowmeter will also be on display, which offers compact flow measurements with integrated conductivity measurements in a handheld format, is suitable for use with water circulation systems, among other applications. (See also Magmeter upgraded.)
An additional product highlight for 2019 is the Promass Q Coriolis-based mass flow measurement instrument for demanding applications. This instrument relies on multi-frequency technology that makes it possible to precisely determine the degree of foam in ice cream or cream cheese, for instance. 
Another product tailored to the needs of the food industry is the cost-efficient Nivector FT126 capacitive level switch for all powders and fine-grained solids. This instrument offers best-in-class build-up monitoring performance. Thanks to IO-Link communications capability, the FT126 is also Industry 4.0-ready.

#Brewing #PAuto @Endress_Hauser @Endress_US @Endress_UK

Keeping an eye on the rudder!

TruSail is a performance sailing specialist and the name of a modular wireless sensing telemetry system that provides a unique scientific and measurable tool for racing sailboats. Used for expert training by elite sailors and coaches, typically competing at national, international and Olympic level, the system includes real-time measurement and advanced analysis of the most significant dynamic forces that influence sailboat performance. Armed with this data, which may be analysed instantly whilst on the water, sailors can react and improve their performance technique affording a solid team advantage compared to traditional and delayed classroom debriefing methods.

As part of the measurement components used on the TruSail system, Ixthus Instrumentation is supplying Euro-CMRK series angle sensors for the TruSail’s rudder and boom position feedback as well as application expertise that helped the sailing specialists meet its stringent marine environment and performance specifications.

TruSail’s technical director Glynn Lloyd explains the requirements in detail. “Our products need to be light because any additional weight on the boat will potentially slow it down or change the "feeling" of the boat to the sailor. TruSail systems have to work in all weather conditions and because the sailors perform to the limits - with meticulously fine margins between winning and losing - every fraction of a percent in performance really matters. At such extreme limits, high speed capsizing can be frequent so our systems need extreme durability and waterproofing. The Euro-CMRT angle sensors specified by the engineers at Ixthus Instrumentation have proven ideal for these conditions and their miniature design helps keep the TruSail’s size and weight to a minimum.”

At only 10 mm in diameter and 15 mm housing length, and with an M8 threaded mounting and a 3.175 mm flatted shaft, the Euro-CMRT programmable angle sensor now used by TruSail features Hall Effect non-contacting technology in an extremely lightweight IP68 sealed design. Manufactured by Variohm EuroSensor – Ixthus’ sister company in the Variohm Group – this new product is the latest version of a comprehensive range of Hall Effect angle sensors that excel for proven durability, long life, high duty-cycle and exceptional reliability. As the smallest angle sensor in Variohm’s range, it is perfectly suited to precision angle measurement tasks where light-weight and restricted installation space are important design considerations.

For the rudder sensor, the Euro-CMRT is mounted inside the TruSail housing which also includes telemetry electronics. Measuring the rudder angle through the tiller link mechanism (see image with inset below), the sensor’s angle is transmitted to a large display at the front of the boat that sailors are able to monitor as well as to a tablet on the coaches’ boat which runs the main telemetry and performance analysis application software. A similar TruSail system with a further CMRT sensor provides the team with the sailboat’s boom angle position and up to four boats may be linked at the same time with information shared between sailors and coaches. As the sailors are directly able to adapt their sailing style using the monitors, and coaches can support them on the water during the actual training session, sailing performance, boat set-up and learning are all optimised.

The Euro-CMRT is part of a new family of Hall Effect long-life angle sensors that include the 18 mm PCD flange mounting Euro-CMRS and the puck-and-magnet design of the Euro-CMRK. The new products are based on preceding Hall Effect sensors that enjoy a high reputation in measurement applications that include industrial automation, motorsports, mobile construction machinery and agricultural vehicles. Improved production and assembly techniques have led to smaller footprint products with added flexibility that allows straightforward mechanical and electrical adaptation to exactly match the customer’s requirements.

Across the new Euro-CMRx range a choice of single or dual redundant output, with CW or CCW direction, includes ratiometric or PWM signal levels from an industry standard 5 VDC input. Programmable angles from 30⁰ up to 360⁰ in 1⁰ increments are specifiable with independent linearity to within +/- 0.5% of each signal range. The CMRx family offers a vibration rating that meets IEC 600068-2-6 and a temperature range from -40° C to +125° C, with short term operation to 150° C. Working life is rated in excess of 50 million movements for the housed sensors and the completely contactless puck and magnet version has a virtually unlimited life. Encapsulated sensor electronics combined with high grade anodised aluminium housing and stainless steel shaft materials further ensure reliability and performance for the most demanding environments.

#Marine #Transport @IxthusInst @mepaxIntPR 

Miniature integrated motor.

Applied Motion Products (AMP)  has launched a Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled integrated miniature microstepping motor package that combines a closed-loop digital drive, feedback encoder and an Ethernet-supported motion controller as a single-cable positioning solution. With PoE linked drive/controller power and Ethernet communications over a single cable the unique TSM14POE series, based on AMP’s well proven StepSERVO™ technology, will bring a new level of application capability for miniature decentralised automation tasks with time and cost savings through simplified wiring as well as compactness and location flexibility.

Available through Mclennan - AMP’s European distribution partner – the NEMA size 14 integrated motor could be applied to existing PoE-linked devices such as IP Camera systems to add positioning capability, or to miniature automated devices such as robotics, end effectors, small actuators and medical instruments.

AMP’s StepSERVO™ technology provides greater torque, higher acceleration rates, better efficiency, decreased motor heating, and less audible noise than traditional, open-loop step motor systems. For the new TSM14POE series the drive stage is combined with an integral 4096 ppr magnetic encoder providing high accuracy position and speed feedback through a choice of industrial Ethernet protocols including Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP. Motion control via AMP’s Q Programming language enables axis positioning plus motion profiles with maths and conditional functions available along with stored program execution for machine interaction over Ethernet.

The TSM14POE is compatible with IEEE 802.3at Type 2 specifications for PoE+ and with switches and injectors that support the standard. A choice of models offer X-coded M12 or modular RJ-45 connectors for application flexibility. Both have square nominal housing dimensions of 35 mm x 35 mm with the slightly longer M12 connector option being approximately 109 mm, and 99 mm for the RJ-45 option. Speed and torque characteristics are application dependent with nominal holding torque in the region of 0.4 Nm. Additionally, AMP and Mclennan offer the TSM14POE series complete with integrated low-backlash planetary gearheads in a wide range of ratios where increased torque performance is required.

TSM series stepServo™ integrated motors are also available in larger and smaller frame sizes with conventional power supply requirements. Users can choose from NEMA size 11 to 34 packages with torque output from around 0.1 to over 8 Nm with a wide selection of control and interfacing options. Motor speeds up to 3600 rpm and encoder resolutions of 20,000 counts/rev make the range suitable for a very wide range of motion control applications.

 #PAuto #McLennan @ampmotion @mepaxIntPR