Event data recorder with integrated F-RAM memory

Ramtron International Corp., a developer and supplier of nonvolatile and integrated semiconductor products, has launched FM6124, which the company describes as the semiconductor industry’s first ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) based event data recorder (EDR). It continuously monitors state changes, stores them in the F-RAM, and alerts the system. It can perform in applications such as activity/equipment/environmental monitoring; automotive/industrial automation event recording maintenance scheduling; and power system management. Features include 32 Kbytes of F-RAM memory for storing up to 4,000 event records. Up to 24 Kbytes can be configured to store event/user data. The EDR includes 12 digital inputs that can be individually configured to trigger event recording on a rising or falling edge.
Ramtron

Utility multimeter solves electrical problems

Fluke Corp.'s utility multimeter helps electricians and utility workers quickly diagnose electrical problems. Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter gives users the means to do basic meter set and reconnect testing. Using the Fluke VCHEK LoZ, low-impedance measurement function, users can simultaneously test for voltage or continuity. The min/max function lets them record signal fluctuations. It can perform diode tests and provides auto and manual ranging capabilities. The meter meets Measurement Category CAT III 600 V and CAT IV 300 V standards. The optional ToolPak magnetic hanger allows suspension of the tool from steel surfaces for hands-free convenience.
Fluke Corporation

LCD-programmable pushbutton switches, displays  

NKK Switches has announced the high-resolution SmartSwitch and SmartDisplay, which provide design engineers a programmable human interface that simplifies how users interact with machines, particularly in fast-paced environments, by using a changeable graphical interface. The LCD-programmable pushbutton switches and displays feature RGB LED backlighting that operates commands supplied via the SPI communications protocol. Both feature a programmable and changeable 64 x 32 pixel LCD module with 64 backlit colors, to display graphics, alphanumeric characters, or animated sequences, including four lines of text with as many as 10 characters per line. The switches incorporate bitmap display functions with a backlight that is variable in eight steps from dark to bright. Epoxy-sealed straight PC terminals prevent entry of solder flux and other contaminants.
NKK Switches

Temperature switches with clamp-on sensor

Baumer’s Process Instrumentation segment provides ETTN-YTTN digital temperature switches that can measure process temperature without direct contact to the medium. The stainless steel devices, suitable for use in severe industrial environments, feature a clamp-on sensor that enables easy mounting to a pipe with two standard clips. Switches can be programmed onsite using code-protected keys. There are two threshold outputs: PNP transistors or galvanic isolation. The output signal can be analog (4-20 mA) or digital (RS-485 Modbus). Devices measure a scale from -200 up to +400 °C with an accuracy of 0.5 °C. Errors due to thermal resistance of the pipe or thermowell can be manually corrected by entering the process fluid temperature into the ETTN. Measurement is conducted by submerged probe or surface contact over thermal conduction.
Baumer Process Instrumentation

Acrylic flowmeter with dual scales

Dakota Instrument's ACR Clear Acrylic Flowmeters feature direct reading dual scales mounted interchangeably at the rear of the flowmeter. The scales display English and metric system units and are mounted by locating holes between the rear of the acrylic block and the yellow-colored backing plate. The feature allows simple removal of existing scales and easy mounting of additional scales for different fluids and flow rates. Meters offer quick conversion from factory-set panel mounting to partial or full in-line configurations by correspondingly exchanging the plug seals and the inlet/outlet connectors. Additional scales, flowmeter kits, and needle valves are available as options. Floats are available in a choice of glass, 316 stainless steel, or carboloy.
Dakota Instruments

H₂S IT gas sensor module

The Sierra Monitor 5100-05-IT from Sierra Monitor Corp. is said to be the only Hydrogen Sulfide gas sensor with a six-month calibration cycle, which cuts maintenance costs in half compared to the standard 90-day calibration interval. IT Series Hazardous Gas Detectors allow system integrators and instrumentation engineers to interface gas sensors into their plantwide safety and monitoring systems. Integration to existing systems is easy because the Series provides 4-20 mA output, RS-485 Modbus interface, SentryBus interface, optional integral relay output, and digital display. Non-intrusive calibration, remote sensor option, and 316 stainless steel enclosure options are available on the 5100-05-IT.
Sierra Monitor Corp.

4-axis stepping, servo motor control card

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech offers the PCI-1240U 4-axis stepping/pulse-type servo motor control card for extreme motion applications. It features a NOVA MCX314-motion ASIC that builds in a variety of motion control functions, such as a 2/3-axis linear interpolation, 2-axis circular interpolation, and T/S-curve acceleration/deceleration rate. PCI-1240U performs these motion controls without processor loading during driving. Other features include hand wheel and jog function; up to 4 MPPS output for each axis; two pulse output types (CW/CCW or pulse/direction); up to 1 MHz encoder input for each axis; two encoder pulse input types (A/B phase and up/down); constant speed control; position management; software limit switch function; and BoardID switch.
Advantech Corp., Industrial Automation Group

PC connectivity with USB null modem cable

Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI) has announced its USB NMC-2.5m USB to USB Null modem cable. With an approach established using legacy RS-232 serial COM ports when the PC industry was in its infancy, the USB NMC-2.5m offers a quick, convenient method of inter-PC communication using USB ports. Packaged like a standard USB cable, featuring USB type "A" plugs at each end, both plugs conceal an FT232RQ USB-UART converter IC with supporting components on a small PCB. Data is sent over cross-connected TXD/RXD connections while RTS/CTS signals provide handshaking. A common GND reference rail links the two converter PCBs. The USB NMC-2.5m cable is 2.5 m (8.2 feet) long. Used with the company's Virtual COM port (VCP) drivers, USB NMC provides inter-PC, COM Port-based communication at up to 3 M baud rates. Drivers supporting all popular operating systems are available for free download from FTDI’s Web site.
Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI)

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