Products: PLC chip, gateway, laser sensors, vision

Recent products of interest include a chip-based PLC, a communications gateway for PLCs, laser measurement sensors, and a bunch of machine-vision developments.

Divelbiss fits a PLC on a silicon chip.

PLC fits on a chip: Divelbiss claims a breakthrough with the first single-chip programmable logic controller at the integrated circuit level, “PLC on a Chip.” Chip programming is via EZ Ladder PC-based software that has ladder diagram and function-block programming. The chip can be embedded into OEM products such as custom controls, drives, machine controls, motor drives, SCADA systems, sensors, valve assemblies or other devices. It can be easily integrated with I/O devices and a power supply. A development package can help OEMs quickly develop and demonstrate their requirements. Development kids include a library of pre-designed, drop-in circuitry for I/O connections, power supply, communications, and other supporting components. A library includes all information to implement PLC on a Chip and peripheral circuitry, including PCB layout requirements, standard part numbers, and other information. A Rapid Design Program is available. The product was shown at National Manufacturing Week, Feb. 23-26, in Chicago. Omron Electronics ‘ new CJ1W-ETN21/CS1W-ETN21 gateway units have been designed to simplify plant maintenance by serving as a communication gateway with a PLC or elsewhere in the system. ETN21 can send and receive e-mails on a predetermined trigger and can remotely control the PLC via e-mails.

The Leuze Lumiflex OMS 2 laser optical distance-measuring sensor calculates values within milliseconds.

Leuze Lumiflex introduces a new laser version of its optical distance-measuring sensor that can effortlessly assess distances from 20 cm to 170 m. The OMS 2 incorporates sophisticated signal processors coupled with innovative laser technology to allow the values of measured distances to be calculated within milliseconds. Data communication between the position controller / PLC and the OMS 2 takes place with SSI, Profibus, Interbus, DeviceNet, CANopen, and RS-422 or RS-485 interfaces.

Laser Measurement System sensors from Sick were used to help guide unmanned vehicles during the DARPA Grand Challenge, a March 13, 2004, race across the desert for $1 million.

Cognex has met Ford Motor Co. requirements for preferred supplier status under Ford’s Green Compliant Supplier program. In other news, Palomar Technologies, a leading manufacturer of automated, high-precision assembly systems for the electronics, automotive, aerospace and medical industries, has integrated Cognex’s MVS-8000 machine vision system into its new Model 8000 thermosonic wire bonder. DALSA Corp ., an international high performance semiconductor and electronics company, announced today that it has received a major order worth $1.3 million from a leading Asian supplier of flat-panel display inspection equipment. Under the contract, DALSA will deliver high-performance electronic cameras in second-quarter 2004 with the potential for future production orders.

Kodak makes a faster vision sensor, the KAI-0340M.

Kodak plans to offer two versions of its new image sensor for machine vision KAI-0340M sensor; the KAI-0340SM and the KAI-0340DM. The KAI-0340SM will operate at a readout speed of 110 Hz. The KAI-0340DM will operate at a readout speed of 210 Hz. Pricing for the KAI-0340SM is targeted at USD $79 and will drop based on quantity ordered. The KAI-0340DM is targeted at USD $150 and will also drop based on order quantity. KAI-0340 is said to provide customers with readout times of up to 210 frames per second. This is significantly higher than the 60 frames per second sensors produced by a competitor.

2D symbols have advantages over linear bar codes. Microscan offers a presentation said to help smooth the transition.

PPT Vision recently introduced the Impact Machine Vision Micro-System.

PPT Vision ‘s Impact Machine Vision Micro-System, 2D machine vision micro-systems, is said to pack the heavyweight power at a lightweight price. A compact, high-speed processor, patented DSL cameras, a new point-and-click GUI and powerful Inspection Builder software tackle a broad range of demanding inspection tasks.

To help improve performance and safety in application of control systems or related devices, Control Engineering offers a new book: “

Control System Power and Grounding Better Practice

.” This link includes a discount code for ordering this, and another Control Engineering book, “Techniques for Adaptive Control,” and more information about each.

—Mark Hoske, Editor-in-Chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com

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