Automation Fair 2002: Rockwell’s partners not to be outdone, release products

Anaheim, CA - The annual Rockwell Automation fete includes exhibits by many of its partners. Not to be outdone by the show organizer, many companies unveiled new products.

By Control Engineering Staff December 9, 2002

For an overview of Automation Fair and links to other Automation Fair coverage, click here.

Anaheim, CA

– The annual Rockwell Automation fete includes exhibits by many of its partners. Not to be outdone by the show organizer, many companies unveiled new products.

ProSoft Technology’s RadioLinx technology includes DIN rail-mountable wireless modems for both Ethernet and serial communications operating in the 2.4 GHz range. The technology enables up to 32 network channels per site, each with up to 78 repeaters and 2,000 modems. Hardened ARC4 data encryption with 40/128 bit keys provides security.

Other products announced by the company that support Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platform include a HART connectivity module, BASIC language emulation module, and a hydrocarbon flow computer module that enables communication between the computer and Modbus devices. The company has also added EtherNet/IP connectivity to the AB SLC 5 line of processors.

Sola/Hevi-Duty showed its SLR series DIN Rail mounted line reactors pictured here. The CE style product provides safe, compact protection for high frequency drives and electronic equipment. The company’s S4K industrial online UPS can be rack-mounted taking just 2U space. Batteries can provide up to two hours or more runtime. SMP series ac-dc power supplies are optimized for component level applications with power ratings of 150 to 2,500 W and overvoltage and overcurrent protection is incorporated.

Microscan’s Quadrus EZ 2D bar code reader (shown on this page) decodes both linear and 2D symbologies. Set up encompasses using the company’s ”field of view locator” to positively align the reader. Pressing ”auto” button enables automatic calibration on the symbol.

Burkert enhanced water resistance of its Type 8630 TOP control system, which offers decentralized process control over its line of globe and diaphragm valves, by modifying the geometry of the connection module adapter, increasing casing thickness, and installing protective caps for the display module. Its family of pneumatically operated globe valves welcomes a 4-in. flanged sibling that includes 50:1 rangeability and three trim sizes.

Spectrum Controls debuted three new 8-channel analog I/O modules-the Universal Analog I/O, the Analog Input with HART Protocol, and the Analog Output with HART Protocol-specifically designed for the ControlLogix 1756 I/O chassis. The Universal Analog I/O module accepts current, voltage, resistance, thermocouple, and RTD input types. Data is fully linearized and output in user-selectable engineering units.

Endress+Hauser released Promag 50/53H electromagnetic flow measuring meter designed to meet the cleanability requirements of the food and beverage industry. Its Promass 80E coriolis meter is a multivariable meter for mass, volume, density, and temperature in a wide range of fluids. Using guided radar measurement, Levelflex M level transmitter provides continuous measurements in liquids and bulk solids with a range up to 115-ft.

Hardy Instruments ‘ new Bench Scales come in three flavors: universal with 15-ft. cable for connection to strain gauge based weighing instruments, DeviceNet, and 4-20 mA analog output. The latter two are pre-calibrated from the factory, while the DeviceNet version features ”The Button” one-touch local calibration and remote calibration via DeviceNet. Its 200DNWM Series B DeviceNet weigh module now contains a ”command interface” capability allowing access to all parameters without use of explicit messages.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskGary A. Mintchell, senior editor gmintchell@reedbusiness.com