View All Data Acquisition, DAQ
How do combined DAQ and automation technologies measure up?
Demands on system-integrated measurement technology continue to grow, which makes a strong case to integrate test tech and controls engineering in production.
Advanced contextualization and visualization adds value to data
The need for effective visualization of data, calculations, analyses, and images has deeper historical roots than one might expect, and it will continue to grow as information sources expand.
How to understand considerations for data acquisition systems
Explore essential factors to optimize the performance and reliability of data acquisition (DAQ) systems in industrial settings.
How unified namespace drives efficiency, quality in manufacturing
A UNS in modern manufacturing enhances efficiency, quality and profitability by standardizing data integration and communication across various systems and technologies.
Choosing data acquisition technology that benefits smart factories
Effective data acquisition technology that can effectively provide data crunching and processing will be critical for future smart factories.
Having clear objectives for data-driven change
When considering a data-driven change, the first question that should be asked is what the end goal is for the project.
Data analysis benefits for better energy management
Data analysis holds the key to effective energy management, but it remains a potential stumbling block for many companies.
Top 5 Control Engineering content: July 3-9, 2023
The top 5 articles from the past week include data analytics, IEC 61131-3 and universal I/O.
Top 5 Control Engineering content: April 24-30, 2023
The top 5 articles from the past week include time-sensitive networking, Hannover Messe 2023 and big data.
Building a traceability 4.0 foundation for automation
Traceability has a large role in the world of automation, and Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies make it possible for companies to glean more insights.
Fundamental concepts to maximize data acquisition
Industrial communication protocols are improving, opening up access to new sources of data acquisition for users.
Best practices to capture and store system critical data
Collecting critical data is a challenge, but there are several ways companies can overcome them and achieve gains.
Increased flexibility for safety-critical alarm annunciators
Regulations require data acquisition and sequence of events capabilities for critical alarm systems and many plant managers are struggling to find a cost-effective way of keeping up.
IIoT solutions for freedom, flexibility and fast access to data
Data is king in today’s digital world, and businesses are turning to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions to keep up with the demand for data. Three examples are highlighted.
Advanced sensor networks could help farmers micromanage their fields
In the future, farmers will be able to look at a tablet and see the nutrient, CO2 and moisture levels of every individual acre in their fields in real time.
Product advice: 4 reasons to consider a multi-hub architecture
Consider these best practices for an industrial data operations (DataOps) deployment, according to a company with a Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Award product.
Launching rockets securely by converging IT, OT and high-speed DAQ
Converging information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) helps make an aerospace solid booster test bench safe from cyberattack.
Real-time control and data acquisition system
IOLITEd DAQ devices use RJ45 connectors which allows easy connection of modules with standard low-cost Ethernet/EtherCAT cables.
How to accelerate data visualization
As the volume of industrial data grows exponentially, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are providing improved data visualization and storytelling tools to support intelligent automation and strategic decision making
Operational technology: Data acquisition, data architectures, data analytics
Using Big Data for operational technology (OT) automation and control applications is increasingly important and can be a bewildering journey if the right questions aren’t asked. See four elements of data analytics system architecture.
Mission-critical should be the mission
For many applications, the cost of failure is too high not to have mission-critical capabilities in supervisory control and data acquisition systems. See three reasons control systems fail and five ways to build resiliency.
How to use the true value of data
Manufacturers could save $100 billion through data sharing
How a system integrator developed a data acquisition application
System integrator DMC developed a custom LabVIEW data acquisition application to leverage SystemLink as a central database for storing and serving up data for data analysis and visualization
How to put digitalization to work
Digitalization applies software solutions that use data to improve or transform business processes; digital transformation can include many digitalization projects
How to enhance data acquisition best practices
As technology evolves and becomes more sophisticated, data acquisition models need to change, as well.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles July 20-26, 2020
Articles about PLCs, COVID-19 innovations to keep front line workers safe, tips for selecting an industrial valve, data management, and more were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 20-26, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Better data management for manufacturers during COVID-19
Will COVID-19 compel manufacturing companies to streamline connected data management more than previously?
Data visualization applications and trends
There are as many ways organizations can create, store, move and retrieve data as there are ways to see, perceive and interpret it
Software readiness for data analytics and Big Data
Expand industrial data access and get more out of it with tools such as message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), which can help manufacturers realize Industry 4.0’s benefits.
Intelligence Hub by HighByte
HighByte Intelligence Hub version 1.0 is a DataOps solution that is purpose-built for industrial environments.
TwinCAT Analytics One-Click Dashboard by Beckhoff Automation
Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Analytics One-Click Dashboard is designed to data-driven services to individual customer requirements, machine builders and system integrators.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles December 2-8
Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists, data acquisition, cut-to-length cable, IT/OT convergence, and industrial virtualization were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 2-8. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Eight data acquisition best practices
To discover which real-time data adds value to improve operational efficiencies and increase competitive edge in the marketplace, first understand data acquisition systems and consider the eight essential best practices for data acquisition success
Flow Information Platform by Flow Software, Inc.
The Flow Information Platform is designed to help users see and understand their industrial data, guiding them along their Digital Transformation journey.
Improve industrial data integration with ETL software
Extract, transform, load (ETL) software can help improve data gathering for operations technology (OT) applications, but there are major challenges with data integration that companies need to overcome.
Improve decisions by optimizing data from mobile devices
Good mobile software promotes efficiency by delivering data on intuitive screens that empower users to integrate information and saves trips back to the control room or to the site.
Apple, SAP to expand enterprise partnership
CEOs Tim Cook, Bill McDermott discuss move to Mac functionality, data security.
The data historian’s history told
Momentum around time-series data storage suggests a new chapter for a legacy offering.
Three data types companies need to prioritize
Not all data is equal and some require greater attention and priority than others. Industrial companies managing networks need to focus on information-based, mission critical and real-time data.
R21 by Seeq Corporation
Seeq Corporation announces the availability of their latest release, R21, an advanced analytics solution for process manufacturing customers to improve production outcomes.
Connecting quality data to process data
Using advanced analytics can help assure product quality and overall operational efficiencies. See case study example.
Resolve five Big Data, data acquisition challenges
Demystify the need for Big Data and five related challenges: data structure, scalability, integration, storage, and upgrades.
Six ways data acquisition strategies can support advanced analytics
Some applications require data acquisition strategies without cloud connectivity, but they can still benefit from advanced analytics technology.
AI isn’t all magic
Software uses real-time data to draw real-world conclusions.
‘Data is the currency of the future’
Embrace digital manufacturing and use data to provide customer value.
Ci Technologies launches three software tools
Ci Technologies (Charlotte, N.C.) announced three new software tools in its Plant2Business suite at NMW on Mar. 5. Plant2Net allows users to view plant information over the intranet/Internet with a browser such as Internet Explorer. Plant2Pocket delivers real-time, plant-floor information to mobile phones and personal data assistants.
Five data acquisition strategies for success
Did you just see something extraordinary in the recorded data or was it a data anomaly in measurement, communications, or data aggregation? Data collection should help us learn, not confuse. Heed these five strategies for better industrial data.
Distributed controls, smart IO
With processing power increasing, controllers tucked in input/output (I/O) communication blocks make distributed controls easier than ever. With the increased controller capabilities, higher speed/more open communication protocols and more powerful, lower cost microprocessors, more distributed and autonomous systems seems likely.
Data logger with field removable IO modules
Watlow's D4T with Intuition is a data logger that features field removable input/output (I/O) modules for design flexibility.
Discrete and analog IO modules
AutomationDirect’s Productivity2000 programmable controller line includes discrete and analog input and output modules.
EC: UC-8112-ME-T-LX Programmable 4G LTE Modbus Data Logger
Hardware — Data acquisition: The UC-8112-ME-T-LX is rugged, programmable 4G LTE Modbus data logger that maximizes flexibility and ease of deployment for Industrial IoT applications. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.
EC: AMS Trex Device Communicator
Hardware — Handheld test, measurement, calibration: The AMS Trex Device Communicator is a safety-rated, ruggedized handheld communicator that enables users to work more efficiently in the field without the need for specialized tools. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.
EC: ADAM-3600 Intelligent Remote Terminal Unit
Network Integration — I/O systems: The ADAM-3600 Intelligent Remote Terminal Unit features multiple wireless function capability, multiple I/O selection, wide temperature range and supports flexible communication protocols. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.
Wireless IO modules with cloud connectivity for environmental and machine monitoring
Advantech's Wise-4000 IoT wireless I/O modules include and RS-485 port, analog, and digital signal models.
Signal conditioning modules with Bluetooth configuration
Acromag's microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals and are designed for embedded or portable applications such as test stands, defense systems, and process control applications.
Optical measurement solution for inspection, reverse engineering applications
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence's Blaze 600M is a non-contact optical measurement solution designed to provide 3-D data acquisition and actionable data for measurement, inspection, product development, line tuning, and reverse engineering applications.
Data acquisition starter kits for IIoT applications
Advantech's IIoT iAutomation Group has launched four customizable Open DAQ Starter Kits include components and software so users can quickly create a data acquisition (DAQ) system based on their application needs.
Wireless Ethernet IO module
Advantech's Wise-4012 wireless Ethernet I/O module is designed to be used without the need for a gateway and has provide a flexible combination of I/Os to acquire different kinds of signals.
Ladder logic 401: Data acquisition and analysis
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is designed to not only provide information on signal levels, but it can also capture data, and it can be analyzed. There are a number of challenges the user faces from a software and logistical standpoint.
Data acquisition system for test and measurement applications
Micro-Measurements' System 9000 StrainSmart Data Acquisition System is designed for test and measurement applications in the automotive, aerospace, rail, consumer, and military testing industries.
Metric cameras for aerial mapping and data acquisition applications
Phase One Industrial's iXU 1000 and iXU-R 1000 camera systems are 100-megapixel CMOS-based metric cameras designed for aerial mapping and other demanding data acquisition applications.
All-in-one compact PLC has 7-inch touchscreen
Product Exclusive: Unitronics’ Vision700 is an all-in-one compact programmable logic controller (PLC) with an expansive 7-in. color touchscreen with a variety of input/output (I/O) modules and expansion options and can use both snap-in I/O modules that plug directly into the unit and DIN-rail mounted I/O expansion units.
Data acquisition module with analog and digital input and outputs
Omega's iNET-400 series of USB expandable modular data acquisition module are provides up to 16 slots 4 and is designed for chemical/petrochemical, automotive, water, electronic, laboratory, and research applications.
Blurred lines: PLCs and PACs converge
When selecting a PLC or PAC, specify the controller that best fits the applications. The controller specified should be based on controller capabilities and the application requirements, such as machine control, motion control, process control, test and data acquisition, distributed control, enterprise connectivity, or some combination.
USB interface series of data acquisition modules for monitoring, data logging
Omega's Engineering D8000 series USB interface of data acquisition modules are designed for process monitoring and control and data logging applications and have process signals such as thermocouples, current loops, and discrete contact closures.
Multiprotocol Ethernet IO modules
The TBEN-S modules from Turck can be operated automatically in Profinet, Modbus TCP, or EtherNet/IP thanks to the multiprotocol communication.
Project details: Integrating wireless with wastewater
More project details: Industrial wireless network with new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is part of a 5-year, $47 million capital improvement plan formed and approved by the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. Project specification criteria include equipment reliability and capabilities, availability, ease of management, and conformance to open standards. Learn more details about the project.
Miniature data recorder mounts directly, without slip rings
The miniature Slice data recorder from DTS is designed to be mounted directly on the test article so no slip rings and no telemetry are required and can be used in rotating applications like automotive, aerospace, and military.
Analog input modules for temperature data collection
Wago's I/O 750-450 4-channel and 750-451 8-channel RTD analog input modules are designed for a wide range of temperature data collection tasks in factory automation, motor and process control applications.
Integrating wireless with wastewater
Cover story: Industrial wireless network with new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is part of a five-year, $47 million capital improvement plan formed and approved by the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority (SWPCA) of Stamford, Conn. Selection criteria include equipment reliability and capabilities, availability, ease of management, and conformance to open standards. Wireless network installation and setup took fewer than two days. See tables and related webcast on wireless and Ethernet, “Integrating wireless into an industrial Ethernet application.”
Software for data acquisition and control system
Yokogawa's GA10 data-logging software for the Smartdac+ data acquisition and control system has been updated and is designed to collect, display, and record data from multiple data acquisition and recording devices and measuring instruments.
Temperature and power measurement modules
B&R Automation's X20 I/O system series has added a temperature measurement module, the X20ATB312, and a power measurement module, the X20AP3161, to that product line.
EC: SMARTDAC+ GX R2
Network Integration — I/O Systems: The SMARTDAC+ GX/GP R2 series data acquisition platforms are network-enabled with touch screen operator interfaces. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
I/O system for extreme environments receives worldwide certification
The 750 XTR offers a modular, compact solution for automation architecture operating in extreme environments and has earned the United States Standard UL508, the Canadian National Standard C22.2 No. 42, and the Germanischer Lloyd marine GL certification.
Compact hardened cellular RTU controller
Moxa's ioPAC 5542-HSPA is a compact hardened cellular RTU controller that provides remote network connectivity and data acquisition to edge device. The device can be deployed in railway and oil and gas industries.
Rackmount IO server for flexible configurations in 1U design
Sealevel's Relio R4 industrial computer can be used with applications requiring flexible I/O configurations in a compact 1U rackmount design.
Controller designed to reduce measurement system cost
National Instruments' CompactDAQ 4-slot controller integrates an Intel Atom processor and high-accuracy measurements into a single unit and can be used in high shock and vibration environments.
USB-powered data acquisition system has 3 channels
Silicon Designs' Model 3340 G-Logger is a three-channel portable data acquisition system that offers FFT analysis and display and can operate either from USB power or as a stand-alone device, depending upon user requirement.
Integrating HMIs with PLCs and PACs
Understanding the differences among controllers is essential when designing an automation system.
Data acquisition module uses tri-sectional galvanic isolation
Data Translation's DT9844 data acquisition module offers 20-bit resolution and uses tri-sectional galvanic isolation of ±500 V to preserve signal integrity.
Software upgrade for data acquisition modules
The TI Code Composer Studio 5.2.1 by Data Translation is designed to develop DSP code for the DT9841 data acquisition modules and can run stand-alone or communicate with a Microsoft Windows application.
Integrated control system allows easier, quicker student designs
Students can now design sophisticated systems in one semester with NI myRIO. The National Instruments NI myRIO is an embedded hardware device to help students design real, complex engineering systems more quickly and affordably than previously. The NI myRIO, with controller, wireless communications, I/O module, sensor, was announced the company’s NIWeek conference.
Data acquisition platform gets rock solid, nears the speed of sound on the ground
Take measurements in rugged environments with the NI cDAQ-9188XT: National Instruments extends the NI CompactDAQ platform with a chassis that can withstand 50 g shock (breaking out of concrete with a sledgehammer) and 5 g of vibration (in a jet-powered attempt to set a new land speed record). The platform now supports the NI LabVIEW Electrical Power Suite.
New data acquisition application software
Data Translation QuickDAQ 2013 offered free with optional FFT analysis packages to add full signal analysis capability.
Sound and vibration data acquisition module
Data Translation announces its new DE9839 four-channel USB-powered module.
Remote IO modules for hazardous conditions
The Adam-4000 and Adam-6000 remote IO modules by Advantech have been approved for use in hazardous conditions and have a wide operating temperature range.
Barcode readers read damaged 1D codes
Cognex DataMan 50L barcode reader is designed for 1-D oriented barcode reading with Hotbars, which can read even scratched or damaged barcodes with a three-position lens and an integrated aimer.
Ethernet for sensor networks? Why it makes sense today
Active (or smart) enclosure-less I/O blocks, supporting industrial Ethernet, can be installed close to the sensors to eliminate logistic complexities of running wire back to a central control panel for each sensor and enable two-way communications among the I/O block and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or remote terminal units (RTUs).
A look at the Smart Grid’s demand side
Automation industry exec says this is where users can “do something now” while waiting for the Smart Grid to take shape.
Pressure gage includes data logger function
Latest Jofra industrial pressure indicator combines analog and digital capabilities for high performance and versatility.
EC: DataMan 300 Series ID Readers
Machine and Embedded Control - Machine vision, barcode readers: The DataMan 300 is a fixed-mount, image-based, industrial ID reader designed to handle the most difficult ID code-reading applications including barcodes, 2-D matrix and difficult-to-read DPM (Direct Part Mark) codes. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.
EC: Vision570
Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers: A full PLC with an integrated 5.7-in. flat fascia, color-touchscreen HMI. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Award winner.
Software-based PAC includes PC-based control
SoftPAC by Opto 22 brings PC speed, memory, and advanced file handling to control and data acquisition applications.
Industrial gas producer standardizes control strategy for multiple plants
Using a common integrated DCS, SCADA, and asset management platform at its hydrogen plants will help Praxair save on engineering, commissioning, and maintenance.
Data acquisition, control system captures analog, digital, serial input
The Ethernet Data Acquisition System (EDAS CE) by Intelligent Instrumentation captures analog, digital, and/or serial inputs. It also provides real-time control and storage during network downtimes.
Signal conditioning modules, more than 250, for data acquisition, control
The 5B signal conditioning modules by Dataforth include 19 family groups and 250 modules. They are designed for industrial plant environments and are fully encapsulated.
Product Exclusive: Industrial data acquisition and control system
The Dataforth MAQ20 Industrial Data Acquisition and Control System is a family of DIN rail-mounted, programmable, multi-channel, industrially rugged signal conditioning input and output modules and communication modules for factory, process, and machine automation; military and aerospace; power and energy; oil and gas; and environmental monitoring applications.
Wireless industrial ID barcode reader
The DataMan 8000 is a wireless communication module that can connect to Industrial protocols like EtherNet/IP and Profinet as well as USB and RS-232.
Control programming: Write once, run anywhere with open systems
With industrial controls, it is extremely difficult to design sophisticated programs for process and even discrete control that run on multiple devices, often requiring simplification. Open systems help.
EC: Process Data Monitor and anomaly detection software
Software – Diagnostics: Process Data Monitor from Aware Technology is a condition monitoring and anomaly detection solution that can automatically adapt to changing operational conditions. This is a Control Engineering 2012 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
IO module replacement advice: Consider legacy connections, Ethernet, peer-to-peer
I/O wiring can be among the most challenging (and perhaps feared) of upgrades. When replacing input/output connections, what are key considerations? Daniel Liu, business development manager, data acquisition and control, Moxa Technologies Inc., offered answers to some key questions.
IO module replacement advice: Plan ahead on instrumentation, space, design
I/O wiring can be among the most challenging of upgrades. When replacing input/output connections, what are key considerations? Ben Orchard, Opto 22 application engineer, offered answers to some key questions and additional I/O advice.
Data acquisition modules, USB-powered, 100 kSamples/sec
Data Translation Inc. introduced three USB-powered data acquisition modules capable of 100 kSamples/second.
Wireless sensor network adds gateway, voltage and RTD node
National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) extended the communication and measurement capabilities of the NI wireless sensor network (WSN) platform with two new products. NI 9792 is a programmable WSN gateway. NI WSN-3226 is a voltage/resistance temperature detector (RTD).
9 tips for better industrial SCADA communications
Tips & Tricks: Wireless technologies can improve supervisory control and data acquisition applications. Match technologies to your needs, reduce costs, consider a hybrid approach, and heed six more pieces of advice. See graphic, table.
Barcode reader said to exceed laser scanner performance
Cognex DataMan 500 is designed to achieve higher read rates, offer improved on-line visualization and have higher reliability than laser scanners currently in use in the logistics, postal, and retail distribution markets, the company said.
High-speed analog input modules
New series of RTD and analog input modules from Advantech add advanced functionality.
PLC with built-in HMI operator panel
The Vision1040 from Unitronics is a PLC with a built-in HMI Operator Panel with nine programmable function keys.
Dual Ethernet expansion card isolate machine level network
Red Lion’s Xcenet dual Ethernet expansion card for the Data Station Plus and Modular Controller series products allows operators to isolate machine level network traffic from the enterprise level network.
Multiple flavors of Ethernet
The evolution and proliferation of Ethernet has smoothed the path to integrating the automation space, enabling open protocols such as OPC to function optimally. This is part of a Control Engineering December cover story.
Upgrading an aging control system brings financial gains
By upgrading obsolete control systems, manufacturers and processing companies are optimizing production flow and enjoying significant gains in productivity and ROI on their control system investments.
Site assembles Opto 22 Snap PAC system, bill of materials
New features on Opto22.com simplify product review, selection, and configuration of automation control systems. Interactive website tools provide visual interface for selecting Snap PAC System components and provides wiring diagrams and product details.
EC: 8B isoLynx SLX300
Network Integration - data acquisition, integration - Dataforth Corporation - 8B isoLynx SLX300 - The 8B isoLynx SLX300 builds on the proven reliability and outstanding performance of the miniature-sized SensorLex 8B isolated signal conditioning modules to provide a compact, low cost solution for wide ranging rugged industrial applications. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) nominee.
EC: Foxboro PAC System
Machine and Embedded Control - PACs: Invensys Operations Management, Foxboro PAC System. Combining high-performance integrated hybrid control and data acquisition at PLC pricing, the Foxboro PAC System is a flexible entry-level solution that can provide a foundation for a larger Enterprise Control System (ECS). This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Honorable Mention.
Product Exclusive: Dataforth 8B isoLynx SLX300 DAQ system
A new data acquisition system from Dataforth, with application software and isolated signal conditioning modules are said to offer superior reliability and isolation. Dataforth ReDAQ Shape DAQ software allows users to easily create, save, and open graphical user interface projects, as well as to test, process, and analyze acquired data, the company says. This is an October 2010 Control Engineering Product Exclusive.
Outdoor-rated wireless I/O modules, radio modems
B&B Electronics Zlinx Xtreme outdoor-rated wireless I/O modules and radio modems for industrial wireless replacement applications. The license-free, proprietary RF, the products are available in 900 MHz (long-range) and 2.4 GHz (short-range) wireless communications for serial or sensor data in harsh and remote environments.
NIWeek: 8 new USB devices, enhanced digital functions, simultaneous sampling
Multifunction data acquisition platform integrates high-performance analog measurements and control channels, digital I/O and counters and timers in a plug-and-play device.
NIWeek: New Ethernet data acquisition platform
New National Instruments CompactDAQ System is said to provide high-speed, distributed sensor measurements. Chassis holds eight I/O modules for 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical or acoustic signals in 25 cm by 9 cm by 9 cm, rugged form factor, using standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. More than 50 modules are available.
3D Machine Vision Improves Quality Control
Measuring the three-dimensional shape and color of an object, more reliable decisions can be made during the inspection and production of parts, improving quality.
Dataforth compact 6.2 mm signal converters
A new family of compact DSCP signal converters introduced by Dataforth Corp. includes seven models, each in an ultra-slim 6.2 mm case.
Panasonic FP-X PLC: 2-channel RTD
Panasonic Electric Works Corporation of America introduces a new addition to the set of analog, digital I/O, and communication cassettes available for the Panasonic FP-X series programmable logic controller (PLC). This is an April 2010 North American edition Product Exclusive.
Online Exclusive: Opto 22 introduces PAC Project 9 control programming software suite
Opto 22 PAC Project 9 includes applications for control programming and database integration, an HMI development package, support for controller redundancy, improved trending and alerts, and other high-end features.
HMS Anybus Profinet Gateways integrate 2-port switch
HMS extends its Anybus gateway family with 3 new versions enabling easy integration of existing fieldbus networks into new bus type wired Profinet installations.
CC-Link IE extends 1 Gigabit industrial Ethernet to field devices, with copper
New CC-Link IE Field network is at least 10 times faster than currently available Industrial Ethernet networks, CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) told Control Engineering. See 5 diagrams and a table.
How to stretch wireless I/O throughout manufacturing
Adoption of flexible wireless I/O designs represents one of the simplest and most straightforward ways to stretch a wireless infrastructure investment. Wireless I/O technologies are affordable, secure, and can be implemented without disrupting existing operational processes. See diagrams.
12-month hiring outlook improved over 2Q09, says APICS
APICS The Association for Operations Management and the University of North Carolina Wilmington Release Operations Management Employment Outlook: 12-Month Hiring Outlook Improved Over Second Quarter Outlook. Of survey respondents, 51 percent anticipate hiring staff.
Transparent Wireless at Cano Petroleum
Cockrell Ranch Waterflood oil recovery project uses a wireless SCADA system to gather, assemble, transmit information from the wells to produce detailed production models and maximize output.
Embedded design for substation automation
Moxa chose Intel CPUs for its monitoring and control solution for power substations, so energy customers get a large number of local area network (LAN) and serial ports, and can run pre-installed operating systems, like Linux, Windows WinCE 6.0, or XP Embedded.
Improve system reliability with trip coil, lockout relay monitoring
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (SEL) offers the SEL-2652 Trip Coil Monitor, which proactively monitors connections and circuit continuity of the circuit breaker trip coil and lockout relay. The self-powered SEL 2652 indicates circuit breaker status with a clearly visible external LED and a contact output for alarms or supervisory controls or data acquisition (SCADA).
By the Numbers: firewall, green certification, encoder errors, fast computing
Engineering related numbers this month include a zero configuration security module, anniversaries, green manufacturing certification, and fast computing.
16 New data acquisition devices for PCI Express and PXI Express
X Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices from National Instruments provide enhancements to analog I/O, digital I/O, onboard counters, and multidevice synchronization.
Opto 22 Snap IO4AB Learning Center
Learn to expand Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Systems using Opto 22 Intelligent Distributed I/O with Opto 22 Snap IO4AB Learning Center. The system provides all hardware, software, and instrumentation required to learn how Opto 22's intelligent distributed I/O can connect to and communicate with Allen-Bradley Logix systems from Rockwell Automation, without programming.
Networking: 8-channel 16-bit Ethernet analog I/O modules
Two I/O modules provide an 8-channel interface for differential analog voltage or current input signals.
Data logger designed for hot, wet environments
Dickson has armor plated its new family of data loggers, offering a stainless steel case designed for hot and wet environments. See photo.
Picture this: New SCADA platform supports larger, global networks
Wonderware says the latest release of its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platform responds to the growing need to manage production operations across large-scale, distributed global networks.
Wireless on the Factory Floor
For those grounded in wired networks, untangling wireless-related issues for plant-floor applications can be as intimidating as reworking networked I/O connections without documentation. If you haven’t jumped into wireless communications yet on the plant floor, or even if you have, here are some questions and answers to help clear the air about wireless.
Tutorial: Designing large-tag-count SCADA systems
In tutorial provides best-practice advice for SCADA systems so their tags (data points) are manageable.
China’s Huaneng Dandong Unit 1 power plant completes major control system upgrade
New digital plant networking integrates functions, adds new wireless instrumentation.
Environmental compliance site launched and free BOM scrub offered
GreenSoft Technology Inc., a provider of environmental compliance content management tools and services for the global electronics industry, has launched GreenData, a searchable database of environmental compliance and component information.
Block-and-file: Oracle and Emulex form data integrity alliance
In a new partnership with Emulex , Oracle says the resulting data integrity protection code will ensure data integrity is maintained as data moves from application to database, and from Linux operating system to disk storage.It said the code will enable organizations to reduce application and database errors and system down-time, and includes generic support for data integrity at the block-and-file system layers, as well as support for the T10 Protection Information Model and the Data Integrity Extensions.Says Scott McIntyre, VP product marketing at Emulex, "Data integrity is vital to any business that relies on critical records and information to function successfully. Our work with Oracle is designed to help data center administrators quickly identify and remediate corrupted data, thereby protecting their business' assets, while also helping prevent lengthy server downtime and associated costs.".
Energy sectors bolster instrumentation and systems sales
Without above-average performance from the oil & gas, refining, utilities, and pharmaceutical industry sectors, the annual growth rate for the process instrumentation and automation (PI&A) industry would be much lower than the 3.8% average forecasted this month by Global Foresight Group for the Measurement, Control & Automation Association.
Temperature data logger
OM-EL-USB-TC data logger from Omega Engineering measures and stores more than 32,000 temperature readings from type A, type J, type K, or type T thermocouple, which plugs into a miniature female thermocouple receptacle at the base of the unit. Users can easily set up initial data logging parameters such as thermocouple type, logging rate, start-time, high/low alarm settings, logging mode and de...
Will wireless devices interoperate? ISA, NIST want you to know
Do real-world applications differ significantly from the simulation or your assumptions based on product specifications? Has something wireless supposed to interoperate but was not interoperable when applied? Those working on the ISA wireless standard would like to avoid such scenarios. Here's how. See graphic.
14 new high-performance USB data acquisition devices
More than a dozen new offerings of USB data acquisition devices were released by Measurement Computing recently.
Modbus RTU master, distributed I/O in compact package: microNCS
The microNCS Modbus RTU master and distributed I/O system from Moore Industries can be used to send a few, or hundreds of, process signals between the field or factory floor and a control system.
Centralization first: For Coca-Cola Enterprises, standardized printing bubbles up with Lean opportunity
In a time when companies are seeking to leverage every opportunity to reduce costs, Lean's core tenets are delivering big benefits in unexpected places. For Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), printing touches business-critical processes in plenty of places: pick lists in the warehouse, interbranch transfers, and shipping documents. A centralized printing management initiative reaped millions in savings for CCE's green-minded managers.
For Coca-Cola Enterprises, standardized printing bubbles up with lean opportunity
With deep roots in manufacturing production, Lean's key premise—the reduction or elimination of waste—has broad applicability across business processes. It entails taking a fresh look at entrenched work patterns and sharply questioning assumptions. In a time when companies are seeking to leverage every opportunity to reduce costs, lean's core tenets are delivering big benefits in un...
Redundant data acquisition
Dataforth Corp.’s isoLynx SLX200 industrial data acquisition system can be applied across all types of redundant configurations. The dual-Ethernet model of the isoLynx SLX200 family offers two independent, 10Base-T Ethernet ports to implement Modbus TCP protocol. Simultaneous communication with both Ethernet ports is supported, and each supports up to four socket connections at TCP port 502.
Protect intellectual property: Encrypt firmware, control code
Original equipment manufacturers and machine builders can be more secure with encryption, user authentication features, says Opto 22.
Temperature/humidity monitoring tools
Control engineers tracking temperature or humidity conditions can access real-time data and download data for further analysis with redesigned Dickson Graph-at-a-Glance flat panel temperature and humidity data loggers. The paperless chart recorders provide a digital graph enabling users to immediately visualize environmental trends.
RTD instrument claims instant results
Data Translation’s DT9872, an RTD version of the TEMPpoint Temperature Measurement Instrument product line, is a PC-based instrument that allows direct RTD measurements. It features virtually no warm-up time, according to the company. New and evolving eco-friendly applications for WIMAX, semiconductor testing, and bio-analytical products have requested such capability.
Back-up blight: Kroll Ontrack reveals major weaknesses in enterprise compliance policies
Despite the fact that most companies believe data recovery is the most important component of a compliance plan, only 50 percent surveyed say it's part of their organization's compliance policy. Regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, PCI, and FACTA make it clear that companies have a responsibility to protect data and make significant attempts to retrieve data that is compromised or lost.
Growth expected: 3.6% a year, most in electronic flow, pressure, remote I/O, electronic level, MCAA says
Williamsburg, VA—Measurement, Control & Automation Association has published the inaugural MCAA Annual Market Forecast for Process Instrumentation and Automation in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the annual growth rate is forecast at 3.6% per year, 4.2% per year in Canada, over the three-year forecast period. Four products are predicted to grow faster than the average: electronic flow, pressure, remote I/O devices, and electronic level.
GE Fanuc conference: Customer awards, wireless, ActiveX controls, new model, motion, HMI
St. Louis, MO—Industry-leading companies joined GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, at its third annual GE Fanuc Discover 2007 Users Conference, Oct. 23-25, in St. Louis, MO. Customers were honored at the event with the Discovery Awards, said to be symbols of GE’s corporate philosophy, “imagination at work.” The company posted has more about the following technology announcements in Adobe PDFs:
Business as usual: Users shouldn’t sweat an Oracle takeover of BEA
Oracle has shown a knack for keeping customers happy following high-profile acquisitions. Its strategy for staying in customers’ good graces has been to simply continue supporting the solutions they had been using, and it has pledged to do the same for current BEA customers.
A strong denial: SAP refutes claims that Oracle pushed it toward Business Objects
SAP CEO Henning Kagermann says the decision to buy business intelligence is in line with a previously announced SAP strategy to double its customer base by 2010.
Small form factor PC fits in hand
Stealth Computer Corp. has introduced a small form factor or mini PC that is so small if fits in the palm of a hand. LPC-350PCI Little PC uses Intel Pentium and Celeron M Series processors, with optimum power efficiency with no compromise in performance.
Sensor signal conditioning
Sensor signal conditioning packages from Microstar Laboratories Inc. feature data acquisition systems that eliminate all aliasing from sampling and scale up to acquire data for applications with hundreds of inputs.
Performance management: .Net-based platform collaboration
Activplant , a provider of performance management solutions, has released a new version of its ActivEssentials solution: ActivEssentials 5. The technology suite incorporates powerful, scalable, and flexible components that work together to increase functionality and identify waste and operational inefficiencies that directly affect a company’s bottom line. Aimed at high-volume, high-automation plants, it consolidates plant floor data into relevant real-time and historical information, enabling productivity gains by optimizing product, people, equipment, and processes.
Research: Industrial network trends
A sampling of Control Engineering subscribers involved in buying and specifying industrial network devices often include IT on cross-functional teams, according to research published in April 2007. April issue article by “Product Research: Industrial Networking” cites subscriber survey results and lists related new products from leading vendors.
Active Ethernet I/O ioLogik E2210
Moxa Technologies Inc. The Active Ethernet I/O server enhances the flexibility of PC-based data acquisition and control systems with proactive condition-based reporting and control of I/O device status. I/O servers are traditionally passive and must be polled for data, but this server reports and controls I/O status based on user-specified conditions.
Snap PAC R2 for DAQ, remote uses
Opto 22 The Snap PAC R-2 from Opto 22 is an “on-the-I/O-rack” controller ideal for cell control, data acquisition, and remote monitoring applications where the I/O needs are geographically contained. It supports up to 512 points of Snap analog, digital, and serial I/O modules, providing more flexibility than its predecessor, the Snap-PAC-R1.
Industrial Networking
Networking infrastructure continues to operate as a collection of old and new; digital and analog; connected and isolated; throughout U.S. plants. So say the findings from a new Control Engineering and Reed Corporate Research study on CE subscribers’ use of and plans for industrial networks and communications. Link to research study.
Controllers: Software is difference between PACs, PLCs
LabView SignalExpress from National Instruments is an out-of-the-box, ready-to-run data logging tool with easy-to-use, drag-and-drop capabilities for controlling hundreds of measurement devices. Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)—devices that combine the functionality of a PC with the reliability of a PLC—are increasingly incorporated into control systems. Software is a key difference between PACs and PLCs, and a recent white paper from National Instruments (NI) explores this topic, as well as the direction NI sees industrial control taking with PACs. The acronym PAC, coined by ARC (Automation Research Corp.), is typically used by traditional PLC vendors to describe their high-end systems and by PC control companies to describe their industrial control platforms.
Ethernet I/O: Instant data acquisition with LabView 8
In a move seen as strengthening remote data acquisition and supporting Modbus/TCP, ioLogik E2000 Active Ethernet I/O servers from Moxa are compatible with National Instruments LabView 8 . Moxa calls Active Ethernet I/O "a powerful new concept in remote data acquisition where I/O events trigger customized messages that are instantly sent to host computers." "NI LabView is very popular in the fields of monitoring, testing, and measurement," said Andy Cheng, Moxa division manager of Active Ethernet I/O products. "Active Ethernet I/O is an opportunity to extend LabView's remote monitoring capability." LabView's built-in Modbus library can easily be used to connect to an Active Ethernet I/O server.
Hardware, software system simplifies control, DAQ applications
Snap Pac System from Opto 22 includes several new hardware and software products said to be expressly designed to be easy to use.
USB DAQ products for multiple uses
OMB-DAQ series of USB-based products from Omega Engineering is designed for high accuracy and resolution.
Expanded Ethernet line adds server, switch
Expanded 100 Series family of industrial Ethernet products from N-Tron now includes the 102RAS server, 104TX four-port copper switch, and 105TX five-port copper switch.
Bottler: Better information integration, power monitoring
PepsiAmericas Inc. bottles a wide range of beverages, including Pepsi. Data integration retrofit at PepsiAmericas' Munster, IN, facility, was among recent projects undertaken by automation system integrator Opto-Solutions .
Eight New C Series Modules for MotionControl, Strain Measurements, HigherChannel Density and More by National Instruments
Now you can take advantage of eight new plug-in I/O modules for CompactRIO and NI CompactDAQ that deliver FPGA-based motion control, more analog input channel density, high-performance strain measurements, high-speed current inputs, high-accuracy RTD temperature measurements, isolated fuel cell measurements, channel-to-channel isolation industrial digital inputs and high-speed/high-current industrial digital outputs.
Library of capabilities: QNX RTOS support for DAQ
Library of QNX RTOS drivers supporting UEI's PowerDNA series of data acquisition and control cubes is said to help developers generate data acquisition and control programs more quickly and easily. Canton, MA —QNX real-time operating system (RTOS) support is now available for United Electronics Industries ' (UEI) PowerDNA series of data acquisition and control cubes. The library is said to give QNX developers the functionality and ease of use of UEI's standard Microsoft Windows and Linux interfaces while taking advantage of QNX's deterministic timing.
Pentium M slot-0 controller
V155 VXI slot-0 controller from KineticSystems features an Intel Pentium M embedded processor. Single-width C-size module with 1.1 GHz, 1.6 GHz, and 1.8 GHz clocking options has dual Ethernet controllers that support 10BaseT, 100BaseTX, and 1000BaseT interfaces, up to 2 GB of bootable flash on a secondary IDE, up to 1.5 GB of PC1600 DDR SDRAM, and one PMC expansion site for user expandability.
High-performance FPGA board
ZestSC2 high-performance FPGA board from Orange Tree Technologies can be used stand-alone or connected by USB to a host computer.
DAQ: Board, interface help with data acquisition
United Electronic Industries (UEI) released DNA-SL-501 serial I/O layer/board. The new board offers 4 independent, isolated RS-232, -422, or -485 ports with maximum data transfer rates up to 1 megabit/s in RS-422/485 mode. Ports are fully configured with software, and different ports may have different configurations.
Isolated multifunction devices
Twelve new isolated M and S Series multifunction data acquisition devices from National Instruments are said to combine the safety of isolation with the high-performance timing, amplification, and calibration technologies of existing M Series DAQ devices for increased accuracy.
USB interface for data transmission to PCs
MarConnect USB hub system from Mahr Federal is said to make connecting gages with computers a plug-and-play matter.
Pepsi-Americas by Opto 22
PepsiAmericas Enlists OptoSolutions for Bottling FacilitiesWater and Power Monitoring, Ammonia Detection
RF Monolithics adds wireless capabilities with 2 acquisitions
RF Monolithics Inc. (RFM) made two wireless company acquisitions—Cirronet Inc., a wireless data communications and networking company, and Caver-Morehead Systems Inc., a computerized maintenance management systems vendor. Both are privately held companies. The move is said to give RFM a suite of hardware, protocols, software, and related services to allow users to implement and deploy val...
Embedded system design: NI’s next frontier
Noting that “programming languages have a lifespan of about 50 years,” National Instruments president and CEO Dr. James Truchard laid out a new vision for the next 30 years of innovation at his company during the NI Week conference and exhibition, in Austin, TX. Truchard was marking the 20th anniversary of NI's LabView software, which has evolved from a desktop instrument control an...
Scientific Web controls deliver data
Engineers can create Web pages for remote monitoring and control of their test and measurement applications, viewable with any browser or operating system, with Measurement Studio 8 from National Instruments.
DAQ combines measurement, connectivity
NI CompactDAQ USB-based modular data acquisition system is a new platform for sensor and electrical measurements on the benchtop, in the field, and on the production line.
Embedded motherboard saves space
Nano I/O Server, among products shown at Embedded Systems Conference 2006, is reported to be one of the smallest embedded motherboard systems on the market. Designed to support Acces I/O's line of USB and PC/104 I/O modules and provide the high-performance benefits of ETX, the unit features a motherboard/baseboard 120 mm across.
ESC 2006: Embedded motherboard for space-sensitive applications
San Diego, CA—Nano I/O Server from Acces I/O Products Inc. is reported to be one of the smallest embedded motherboard systems on the market.
USB analog input module
USB-1408FS analog input module features 14 bits of resolution, factory calibration, and 10 times the accuracy of the USB-1208FS 12-bit model.
Venezuelan chemical plant upgrades
Invensys Process Systems has been selected by Tripoliven C.A. of Venezuela to implement upgraded replacement controls for all four plants in its manufacturing complex. Tripoliven manufactures phosphoric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, and related products at the Moron Industrial Area in Carabobo Estate, Venezuela.
Chemical plant upgrades in Venezuela
Foxboro, MA — Invensys Process Systems has been selected by Tripoliven C.A. of Venezuela to implement upgraded replacement controls for all four plants in their manufacturing complex. Tripoliven manufactures phosphoric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate and related products at the Moron Industrial Area in Carabobo Estate, Venezuela. The first phase of the Tripoliven modernization is in the phosphoric acid plant, to achieve more accurate control and maintain the company's stringent product quality specifications.
Matlab support for USB module
DT9836 Series simultaneous analog-input multifunction data-acquisition modules for USB 2.0 now feature Matlab support.
Project: Biopharmaceutical filtration automation (February 1, 2005)
February 1, 2006 Project Status Summary: 1. Control software development code complete 100%2. HMI software code complete 100%3.
Paperless data recorders
6000 Series data-recording devices consists of two advanced graphical (paperless) recorder models supported by a range of hardware and software options.
DeviceNet to serial, Ethernet gateway
DRL-DVN-SRE Direct-Link gateway for DeviceNet is designed to connect a DeviceNet network to a serial or Ethernet network or device.
Ethernet-based distributed I/O system
PowerDNA cubes have been upgraded to include a 4,000-MHz PowerPC processor.
Miniature data logger/DAQ system
isoLynx SLX718 data logger/data acquisition system is composed of compact SLX718 units and the company's miniature SensorLex 8B isolated analog signal conditioners. Family of instruments offers stand-alone or PC-tethered data logging and the flexibility to change I/O devices on a per channel basis for each of eight signal conditioner locations.
New A/D converter packs performance, precision into ‘industry’s smallest’ 18-bit device
Norwood, MA—Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) recently introduced what it calls industry’s first 18-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to deliver 400-kSPS (kilo-samples-per-second) data rates in two chip formats: 3 × 5 mm MSOP (mini-small-outline package) and 3 x 3 mm LFCSP (lead frame, chip scale package). The LFCSP format is said to be the world’s smallest leadless package.
Hoffman Enclosures plans to buy thermal management assets
Pentair Inc. says it intends to purchase certain assets of APW Ltd., including McLean Midwest, Electronic Solutions, and Aspen Motion Technologies Inc. The announcement is expected to strengthen Pentair’s Enclosures Group, Hoffman Enclosures , by adding critical thermal management solutions for manufacturing, packaging, material handling, processing, data communications, networking, and electrical industries.
IEEE 1588 PCI interface for distributed synchronization
Engineers now can use the new, National Instruments PCI-1588 interface to synchronize clocks and events on multiple distributed devices with sub-microsecond precision using the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP), the company says. The new interface can be used to develop synchronized data acquisition systems and to synchronize IEEE 1588-capable industrial control and t...
Software suites for control, monitoring, DAQ
Temecula, CA —Two automation software suites from Opto 22 include control programming, HMI development, and connectivity tools for designing, developing, and maintaining industrial control, monitoring, and data acquisition applications. ioProject Basic and ioProject Professional are designed for use with the company’s Ethernet-based programmable automation controllers (PAC), including the recently introduced Snap PACs. ioProject Basic software suite includes ioControl Basic, ioDisplay Basic, ioManager, and various other tools and utilities. IoProject Professional includes the same components, but with added features and functionality, and OptoOPCServer.
NI: 1st IEEE 1588 PCI interface for distributed synchronization
Engineers now can use the new National Instruments PCI-1588 interface to synchronize clocks and events on multiple distributed devices with submicrosecond precision using the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP), the company says. The new interface can be used to develop synchronized data acquisition systems and to synchronize IEEE 1588-capable industrial control and test and measurement devices, including future Class A and B LXI devices, the company says. The NI PCI-1588 interface is part of the NI family of synchronization technologies that includes subnanosecond PXI backplane synchronization, multichassis timing interfaces, and standardized software libraries. Engineers can use the interface’s PTP timestamps to correlate events distributed across an Ethernet network with greater precision and accuracy than available with previous industry standards, NI says. The interface uses RJ-45 Ethernet cabling and can operate as a master or slave clock module.
PACs for machine, process control
Programmable automation controllers (PACs) fill an increasing need for devices that can perform continuous machine or process control while offering data acquisition capabilities, multiple communication options, and integration with enterprise applications and databases. Opto 22 introduces its SNAP PAC family of controllers in two series intended for different applications.
Pin connector USB modules
Two USB digital I/O modules now come in pin-connector versions.
Free .Net-compliant data acquisition, math, graphing software
Data Translation has released Microsoft .Net-compliant tools that allow engineers to control data acquisition board functions and provides math and graphing functions for use with Microsoft’s Visual Studio. DTx-EZ works with Data Translation’s DT-Open Layers driver architecture so programs created with DTx-EZ can run on any DT-Open Layers driver compliant PCI or USB data acquisition board. In addition to .Net support, DTx-EZ 2.5 provides new features such as: DTx-EZ 2.5 is available free of charge here . David Greenfield, editorial director , Control Engineering dgreenfield@reedbusiness.com.
High-drive digital I/O capability
DT9817-H data acquisition digital I/O mini-instrument for USB 2.0 provides high-drive digital I/O capability. Suited for applications requiring a large number of high current outputs, the module provides 28 programmable digital I/O lines, is based on TTL emulations, and will sink 64 mA or source 15 mA at standard logic levels.
New Dataforth isoLynx SLX200 Data Aquisition System Supports Modbus Protocols
Dataforth Corporation of Tucson, Arizona, has just introduced the isoLynxÆÊSLX200 dataacquisition system, which implements industry standard Modbus RTU and TCP protocols,thereby enabling communication with a wide variety of existing third-party software drivers andHMI/SCADA packages. Fully certified by the Modbus IDA organization, the SLX200 is a fast,intelligent, modular, fully isolated data acquisition system that provides superior reliability,accuracy, and isolation for a wide ran
Interface simplifies data integration
Joint interface lets SimSci-Esscor's PRO/II users integrate Haverly System's H/CAMS crude assay information into their process simulations. Using the interface, data from Crude Assay Management Systems' (H/CAMS) databases can be imported directly into PRO/II process simulations. Seamless access to the data for use in planning, scheduling, and simulations is said to be key to profitable refinery...
Exclusive: Opto 22’s new brain boards enable serial-to-Ethernet migration
Temecula, CA—Opto 22 has introduced new I/O and communication processors, E1 and E2 brain boards, which are Ethernet versions of its Optomux brain boards.
CAM software market grew in 2004
CIMdata reports that the worldwide CAM software and related services market turned around in 2004 after having declined or been flat for the four previous years.
Interoperable plant infrastructure built with Foundation fieldbus architecture
The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) and International Specialty Products (ISP) demonstrated the full implementation of FF's open, integrated FOUNDATION fieldbus architecture on May 19 at ISP's 1, 4-butanediol (BDO) plant. The event showed how fieldbus H1, high-speed Ethernet (HSE) and flexible function blocks (FFB), integrated with OPC, form an open, interoperable plant infrastructure t...
USB-based thermocouple input device
USB-TC Measurement Advantage thermocouple input device provides eight temperature inputs, 8 bits of digital I/O, 500 V of isolation, and built-in ambient temperature sens-ing.
Interphex 2005: Elpro introduces data logger with RFID
New York, NY—Elpro Services is exhibiting its Hamster-R datalogger, which combines radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with a temperature datalogger, during Interphex 2005, April 26-28, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Trend notification software
LabSoft LIMS version 7.14 enhances data management with representative averaging and automatic trend notification features.
Web-based connections for plant operations
DataNet OPC Professional Web-based data presentation and logging application makes industrial information accessible to those who make executive decisions.
NMW 2005: Images from the show floor, events
Chicago, IL—Thousands of innovations from hundreds of exhibitors were featured at National Manufacturing Week 2005, March 7-10 at McCormick Place. Here’s brief look at some of the most interesting exhibits and solutions.
Is Turnkey HMI Right For You?
The cheese stands alone, the cheese stands alone." The phrase may have made sense in a childhood nursery rhyme, but when it comes to human-machine interfaces and visualization systems, the concept just doesn't apply. Once simple, self-contained entities of switches and push buttons, HMIs no longer stand alone in the manufacturing environment.
TrafficWerks by Opto 22
Original Equipment Manufacturer TrafficWerksUses Opto 22 SNAP Ultimate I/O™ in Toll BoothMonitoring and Data Acquisition Systems
Plant performance management solution
Resolution Plant Performance Management solution aggregates shop-floor production and control data collected at the task or line level and brings it to the cost center and the plant, and across multiple plants.
Measurement Computing joins LXI consortium
Measurement Computing Corp. has added its name to the list of companies helping to direct the development of a standard for LAN-based test and measurement.
EXCLUSIVE: Isolated analog signal conditioner
SensorLex 8B isolated analog signal conditioner provides instrument-class performance in a package 20% the size of competing modular products, according to the manufacturer.
Enterprise test data management
Arendar 2005 enterprise test data management software has added several enhancements.
Next Generation Data Aquistions – The New Technologes Powering M Series DAQ
The new National Instruments M Series data acquisition (DAQ) devices set a new standard for DAQ hardware capabilities with a revolutionary architecture designed from the ground up.
Exclusive: Dataforth introduces 1/5th-size, isolated analog signal conditioner
Tucson, AZ—Dataforth Corp. recently introduced its new SensorLex 8B miniature, isolated analog signal conditioners, which reportedly provide its Instrument Class performance in a package that is 20% of the size of competing modular products.
Lean initiative highlights validation gap
Torque measuring and handling of related information are key to a robot process at one the world's largest and most diversified suppliers of automotive parts, Delphi-Delco (Troy, MI). The company designs, engineers, and manufactures a variety of components, integrated systems, and modules. It has pioneered many automotive interior design innovations, such as incorporating radios and tape and CD...
Beckhoff releases distributed I/O for control processes
To expand its bus terminal I/O system measurement capabilities, Beckhoff has introduced its new KL3356 analog input bus terminal with a measurement accuracy of 0.01%.
Next generation data mining algorithms
NAG’s Data Mining and Cleaning Components (DMC) 2.0 is a data mining application development toolkit that uses results from a three-year European Union funded project—EUREDIT—as well as other advances in data mining techniques developed by the Numerical Algorithms Group, a global collaborative network of 300+ computer scientists and mathematical experts who work together to solve complex mathematical problems.
Intelligent, embedded DAQ
Model IE-DAS data acquisition system is designed for PC/104 and PC/104-Plus configurations. Integrated system is packaged in a rugged steel enclosure and has threaded inserts for panel, DIN rail, and rack-mount installations.
Weighing Technology
Weight is an often measured and controlled variable. Checkout stations at supermarkets weigh produce to determine price. Roads and bridges set vehicle weight limits. Industrial feedstock and most raw materials are sold by weight. So are precious metals and gemstones. Body weight has become a serious health issue, spawning many products and services to help control it.
Embedded CPU adds data acquisition in smaller, more rugged format
Diamond Systems Corp., a leading supplier of embeddable computer and I/O boards, announced the availability of its Athena high-performance embedded CPU with data acquisition features in a footprint measuring less than 4.2 x 4.5 in.
NI’s LabView supports Millennial Net’s wireless sensor networking
Millennial Net Inc. has released its virtual instruments (VIs) for National Instruments' (NI) LabView software that are now designed to work with Millennial Net's i-Bean wireless sensor networking platform.
NI Week 2004: 20 multi-function DAQ devices introduced
National Instruments (NI) released its next generation of multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) products on the first day of its annual NI Week event, Aug. 17. Based on the newly designed NI-STC 2 system controller chip and NI-PGIA 2 amplifier technology, the new NI M Series multifunction DAQ devices are said to offer breakthroughs in accuracy, as well as faster sampling rates...
NI’s five USB devices offers portable data acquisition
Austin, TX—National Instruments (NI) has launched five new USB DAQ products, which reportedly deliver easy connectivity, portability, and decreased system setup time.
Test, measurement software
TestPoint version 5.1 test and measurement development software now supports hardware functions on Keithley A/D converter boards, National Instruments USB modules, and NIDAQ version 7.0. Available with a USB security key, the product also has drivers for Dataforth isoLynx data acquisition system and supports New ActiveX user-interface controls.
Wilcoxon releases cables for data collectors
Gaithersburg, MD—Wilcoxon Research has released its new MaxFlex cables that are compatible with data collectors made by SKF, Emerson’s CSI, and Rockwell Automation’s Entek IRD.
Data Translation DAQ modules offer high-speed measurement, control
DT9834 Series of 500 Hz USB data acquisition modules from Data Translation Inc. provides simultaneous analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counter/timer subsystem operation at rates of 500 kSamples/sec.
ESC 2004: WinSystems’ PC/104 DAC system module
A new PC/104 industrial data acquisition (DAC) module introduced by WinSystems combines a 32 channel, 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter; 4-channel, 12-bit D/A converter; 16 digital I/O lines; and event trigger control on a single board.
Living It: Opto 22 Factory Deploys SNAP-IT for Data Acquisition from Manufacturing Processes
As a manufacturer of hardware and software for remote monitoring, enterprise data acquisition, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, Opto 22’s goal is to help organizations connect to and communicate with their physical line of business assets.
Highest Reliability Digital I/O at the Lowest Cost by National Instruments
The new industrial digital I/O devices from NI offer a host of new features to extend the reach of PC-based data acquistion to mission-critical industrial applications, and are powered by NI-DAQmx software technology for dramitic improvements in I/O perfomrance and ease of use.
Opto 22, Kyocera Wireless integrate M2M technologies
Temecula, CA—Opto 22 recently integrated San Diego-based Kyocera Wireless Corp.'s 200 telemetry module with Opto 22’s Snap I/O hardware, resulting in a comprehensive machine-to-machine (M2M) communications system for remote asset monitoring, management, and data acquisition over Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.
Data Acquisition Product Focus Study January 2004
Among those specifying, recommending, and/or buying data acquisition (DAQ) hardware or software, 82% do so for in-plant requirements, while 34% buy for OEM needs. One-fifth of respondents said 1% to 3% of their data acquisition applications use wireless technology.
DAQ software
InstruNet World Plus data acquisition software program for Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP lets a user digitize, plot, control, analyze and save to disk A/D, D/A, and digi-tal I/O data from instruNet hardware.
PCI bus migration
PCIM-DAS16JR/16 lets users of CIO-DAS16JR and CIO-DAS16JR migrate applications to the PCI bus. PCIM board offers connector compatibility with CIO versions, provides the same input ranges and maintains identical digital I/O capabilities. ISA-based applications that use the company's Universal Library driver routines can also be migrated to the PCI bus without requiring new software.
Simplifies creation of measurement, automation applications
To give users accelerated virtual instruments (VIs) that encapsulate measurement functions and run on PDAs and FPGAs, LabView 7 Express from National Instruments Inc. (NI) simplifies creation of measurement and automation applications. This extends LabView to more settings, including embedded field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and Palm OS and Microsoft Pocket PC personal digital assistants ...
Terminal interacts with Ethernet-based I/O systems
OptoTerminal-G75 from Opto 22 is a new graphics-based operator interface to be used with the company's Ethernet-based I/O systems. This mountable, color display terminal is used to monitor, send commands to, and receive real-time data from plant-floor equipment and other devices and systems connected to Opto 22's hardware for automation, data acquisition, remote monitoring, and control.
Wireless data communication
GD-01 modem provides a reliable data communication link over GSM networks. Designed for industrial applications, the device is DIN-rail mounted with RS-232 interface in either a 9-pin D-sub or 5-pin screw connector. All configuration is made by AT-commands. Wireless data communication over a GSM network can be used in several industrial applications, and offers low-cost installation and data tr...
Report generation software
XLReporter Professional 5.0 automatically interfaces to any data source, creates a report in Excel, turns the report into actionable information, and sends it to printers, e-mail, fileservers, and Web servers. Latest version extends supported data sources with customized historical interfaces to GE Fanuc Intellution's iHistorian 2.
Education, software scale appropriately
Kindergarten to rocket science: Scalability has been a buzzword of most software or system-based product descriptions over the past few years. Technology originators often express surprise at the range of resulting applications.
DAQ control, access
DT Measure Foundry 4.0 integrates the live measurement capabilities of DT Measure Foundry with access to MatLab from The MathWorks and Microsoft Excel for a math processing and post-analysis solution. Users can create complex test and measurement applications that access and control data acquisition functions by arranging the desired instrument functions on the desktop using panels that receive...
Data acquisition – 2003-07-01
Transaction Express from Entivity is a global data port that allows controls engineers and IT professionals to gather and modify data within Entivity data tables. VLC (Visual Logic Controller) 6.1 will be the first Entivity product to include the new tool. Transaction Express contains: OPC to SQL Functionality—connected to any number of third-party OPC Servers to the Entivity VLC OPC Serv...
HART protocol I/O modules
Four 8-channel analog I/O modules with HART protocol are specifically designed for seamless compatibility with Rockwell Automation's Allen Bradley ControlLogix and Honeywell's Experion PKS. Modules maximize I/O performance by combining real-time HART data acquisition in conjunction with standard analog acquisition and control.
NI launches LabView 7 Express
To give users accelerated virtual instruments (VIs) that encapsulate measurement functions and run on PDAs and work with FPGAs, National Instruments Inc. (NI) has launched its LabView 7 Express. Billed as a major upgrade to its LabView graphical development environment following a four-year engineering effort, NI adds that LabView 7 Express simplifies creation of measurement ...
Opto 22 introduces modular I/O rack with wireless, M-to-M communications
Temecula, CA—Opto 22 introduced May 19 its new OptoGSM I/O rack, which is the latest addition to its line of machine-to-machine (M2M) systems for providing wireless connectivity to physical business assets.
Dual RS-232 port wireless LAN
New SeriaLan, a dual RS-232 port Wireless LAN, transmits/receives RS-232 serial data to/from any 802.11b wireless LAN networks, PCs, laptops, and PDAs, or worldwide via the Internet.
I/O Modules Get Smaller, Smarter
Just as all roads were said to lead to Rome, much of control engineering connects with I/O modules. People have strong views about their highways, and especially any crossroads. This crossroad is seeing traction in smaller footprints, embedded and distributed intelligence, greater communications capabilities, and easier installation, as well as scalability and flexibility.
Exclusive: Dual RS-232 port wireless LAN
Huntington Beach, CA—New SeriaLan, a dual RS-232 port Wireless LAN, transmits/receives RS-232 serial data to/from any 802.11b wireless LAN network, PC, laptop, and PDA, or worldwide via the Internet. Reportedly, it's the only device of its type in the world. SeriaLan works without software drivers, and is upgradeable to 802.
Machine Vision Sensors, Systems Penetrate New Realms
Seeing usually means believing, but it less often means perceiving. Though this remains all too true for human eyes, their mechanical counterparts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, efficient, intelligent, network-enabled and, yes, affordable. These and other improvements are fueling the advance of machine vision solutions into settings where they were previously thought to be unusable or...
Opto 22 launches learning package for Snap Ultimate I/O
Temecula, CA—To help users implement its Snap Ultimate I/O remote monitoring, control and data acquisition system at their own pace, Opto 22 recently developed and released March 4 its Snap Ultimate I/O Learning Center.
Data Translation likes growth in real-time data acquisition
Marlboro, MA—'In the 1990s, we were always known for data acquisition, imaging, including machine vision,' says Fred Molinari, president, founder and ceo of Data Translation, based here. The company still offers all of those technologies, but now is seeking to emphasize 'greater opportunities in real-time.'
Software boosts plant productivity
ABB's (Wickliffe, OH) OptimizeIT Real-Time Production Intelligence (Real-TPI) software is designed to automate data collection and analysis, and provide customized, detailed reports of production performance improvement opportunities. OptimizeIT Real-TPI software combines the analytical power of three standard production evaluation processes: Additionally, OptimizeIT Real-TPI provides re...
Package supports test and evaluation applications
Industrial control projects are not always large with hundreds of data points with extensive control action and display requirements. Many applications exist where the number of input and output (I/O) signals is small and only few display graphics are required. These smaller applications can be standalone systems or be part of a larger process that needs to be isolated from the primary control ...
Geotest unveils instrumentation products
Irvine, CA - Geotest-Marvin Test Systems has added two digital input/output modules to its award-winning digital board family and upgraded its PCI/cPCI/ ISA instrumentation chassis.
GSE Systems ships D/3 version 11.0 process automation system
Columbia, MD—GSE Systems Inc. began shipping Dec. 3 a new version of its D/3 process automation system.
Data acquisition included free
WinWedge Pro RS-232 data acquisition software now includes five additional software applications free.
Sixnet releases open-source RTU
Sixnet recently released the VersaTRAK IPm Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) on an embedded Linux platform. Designed for datalogging, supervisory control, and data acquisition (SCADA), VersaTRAK IPm is said to provide users power and flexibility of open-source software and the reliability of industrial grade hardware.
New Data Translation DAQ board provides power, programmability, precision
Marlboro, MA - Data Translation has announced the DT9841 Fulcrum II Series. By combining the accuracy of Texas Instruments' (TI) floating-point TMS3206711 digital signal processor (DSP) with the speed of two 24-bit sigma-delta A/D and D/A converters on a standard 6U card that communicates to the host via USB 2.0, the DT9841 is an intelligent data acquisition system for processing measurements that require high performance in real-time.
Large turnout greeted NI Week presenters, exhibitors
Austin, TX - At a time when many trade shows struggle to entice attendees, a near record number of engineers and technicians numbering over 1,400 greeted National Instruments president and ceo, James Truchard, as he kicked off the 2002 edition of NI Week August 14 in Austin. Dr. Truchard outlined the company's long-standing commitment toward leveraging PC technology for instrumentation and control. Noting the abundance of processing power on that platform today, he noted, ''Like a tree sows millions of seeds for only a few to fall on fertile ground, we want to find fertile ground for all those MIPs available now.'' ''The original concept of 'virtual instrumentation' has expanded beyond what many would have imagined at the company's founding,'' he continued.
Control Engineering HMI eNews for July 2002
In this issue: What do you want from HMI? Memo to CEOs Reader feedback User training Intellution introduces iFix 3.0 Future of HMI? Harsh environment touch screen monitor Intermec supports RSS codes Class 1 Division 2 Flat Panel Monitors Control Engineering Buyer's Guide What do you want from HMI? Many technology writers have been discussing 'software bloat' over the past year as the size of programs grows to immense proportions. Software developers continually add new features in response to new user needs or demands and, perhaps, to keep up with or stay ahead of competition. Certainly HMI/SCADA software has grown significantly from its roots of visualization and alarm notification. In a recent conversation, Wonderware vp, Kevin Tock, mentioned that many new products came out almost as services, but customers explained what functions they wanted and that they wanted them as 'shrink-wrapped' products.
Ethernet-ready measurement/control system
Cleveland, O.— Model 2701 Ethernet-Ready DMM/Data Acquisition System is reportedly the measurement industry's first multipoint measurement and control system that fully integrates instrument-quality, 22-bit (61/2 digit) resolution, and sensitivity with Ethernet long-distance networking. With Model 2710, precision instrumentation can now be distributed over long distances using a de fact...
Exclusive: Data acquisition system targets high performance applications
The isoLynx SLX100 data acquisition system is comprised of a 12-channel base system that includes an I/O controller module and optional 8- or 16-channel expansion backplanes, all of which can be panel- or DIN rail-mounted.
DAQ system targets high performance applications
Tucson, Ariz. — The isoLynx SLX100 data acquisition system is comprised of a 12-channel base system that includes an I/O controller module and optional 8- or 16-channel expansion backplanes, all of which can be panel- or DIN-rail-mounted. The system accepts single-channel digital or analog I/O modules, and all I/O modules are channel-to-channel isolated.
Modular, scalable hybrid controller
Fort Washington, Pa.— The HC900 is an advanced process and logic controller with data acquisition capability. The device offers a modular, scalable design said to be sized to meet the automation needs of process industries. HC900 has a large screen operator interface that provides users with local trending and data archiving capabilities.
Web-based Tutorials from CTC are online
Hopkinton, Mass. - Control Technology Corp. has posted web-based tutorials for three products on its web site.
Intelligent distributed I/O modules
San Diego, Calif.—I/O Pak family consists of three product series. The C-Series is broadly classified as 100 Hz, 16-bit analog measurement devices with Modbus-RTU, Profibus-DP, and simple ASCII communications options. They are solutions for distributed data acquisition systems, SCADA projects, and standalone applications that go beyond the capabilities of Action's signal conditioner...
NMW 2002: Opto 22 and Axeda Systems partner for remote asset monitoring and device management
Temecula, Calif. and Mansfield, Mass. - Opto 22 and Axeda Systems announced March 18 that they have entered into a strategic alliance to promote a remote monitoring, service, and management solution for devices and equipment across a variety of industries.
Use Microsoft Excel as a report writer
Despite the many integration investments, a significant number of production reporting still occurs using spreadsheets printed on paper. Why?People will cite lots of reasons, but they all boil down to trust. Spreadsheets have been around so long that people have evolved their "favorite" spreadsheet-based reports.
Opto 22, Interlog expand presence in South America
Temecula, Calif. - To provide automation hardware, integration and training in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, Opto 22 announced Jan. 1 that it has agreed with Interlog Electronica Ltda. (Santiago, Chile) to expand their partnership and market Opto 22's products in the three nations.
Modules extend system range
Three new modules and three mass termination kits for two-slot Model 2700 Multmeter/Data Acquisition system and five-slot Model 2750 Multimeter/Switch system extend the range of available plug in cards.
Software Standards Propel Information Exchange
Engineers needed a better way to move data from I/O devices through controller data tables to their HMI/SCADA (human-machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisition) software. Traditional methods were limited to moving blocks of bits from Remote I/O or other devices over a proprietary network or a slow serial network.
iHistorian provides plant wide data repository
Foxborough, Mass. - Built on Intellution's iCore technology, iHistorian accommodates up to 100,000 distinct points per server and can collect data as fast as 20,000 samples per second. iHistorian data can include analog and discrete values, strings, and binary large objects with each time-stamped value synchronized to accommodate multiple time zones and daylight savings time.
iHistorian provides data repository
Foxborough, Mass.— Built on Intellution's iCore technology, iHistorian accommodates up to 100,000 distinct points per server and can collect data as fast as 20,000 samples per second. iHistorian data can include analog and discrete values, strings and binary large objects with each time-stamped value synchronized to accommodate multiple time zones and daylight savings time.
National Instruments offers software for offline analysis
Austin, Tex. - Researchers and design engineers interested in analyzing and in-depth reporting of measurement data can save time and boost their productivity using National Instruments DIAdem software.
WinWedge 32 data acquisition
Philadelphia, Pa.— WinWedge is designed for interfacing RS-232 devices to any Microsoft Windows application. WinWedge 32 updates the 1991 release. This version includes keys that allows control of many serial I/O functions, support for 6 serial ports, a pre-input character translation table, additional data parsing and filtering capabilities, timed automatic serial output function, and a...
Hazardous-area operator interface
York Haven, Pa. —Exploiting inherent advantages of flat-panel displays over CRTs, Daisy Data's Factory Mutual approved displays enable a lower cost for hazardous location displays. Flat-panel displays use less power and generate less heat, so they can be designed as "non-incendive." This opens the door to simplified hazardous area operation.
Integrated multimeter/switching system
Cleveland, O.— Model 2750 multimeter/switching system is designed for production and product development testing where high throughput, high channel count, and high accuracy are needed for a variety of electrical signals. The mainframe combines five expansion slots and nine plug-in modules with a 14-function, 6 1/2-digit DMM with NIST traceable accuracy.
Opto 22 introduces wireless LAN
Temecula, Calif. -SNAP Wireless LAN I/O extends SNAP Ethernet I/O network to areas where it is impossible or too expensive to run network wiring. This compact, flexible processor connects analog, digital, and serial devices with wireless LANs for monitoring, control, and data acquisition.
Data acquisition system
Stamford, Conn.— InstruNet is a high accuracy, distributed data acquisition system for Microsoft Windows 95/NT and Apple Macintosh computers. The Series has a completely different topology that uses a controller board plugged into the computer and external A/D boxes for direct connection to thermocouple, RTD, thermistor, voltage, bridge, and strain sensors.
Palm-sized datalogger
Thompson Ridge, N.Y. -A new family of dataloggers designed for a wide range of applications have been developed in a small package, a 79-in. dia.
CompactPCI cards with K6 power
Dallas, Tex. -Two CompactPCI cards with AMD 500 MHz K6-2+ and K6-III+ processors bring improved price/performance to embedded industrial applications. Super Socket 7 processors consume less power than other processors with comparable performance.
Advantech spins off automation business
K.C. Liu, Advantech Computers Ltd.'s founder and ceo, recently announced its automation business will be established as a separate company—Advantech Automation Corp. (AAC). AAC will prepare for NASDAQ listing and an IPO expected in 2003. Its goal will be to achieve $150 million sales and $500 million market capitalization value by 2003.
4-channel sensor-to-computer interface
Stamford, Conn.— D500 Four Channel Sensor to Computer Modules are intended as complete solutions for data acquisition systems based on PCs and related equipment with RS-232/485 serial I/O ports. The modules connect to various sensors to measure temperature, voltage, and current. They convert the four analog input signals to engineering units, then transmit them in ASCII format to the host.
Failsafe SCADA monitors natural gas, water distribution
Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD, Omaha, Neb.) can't tolerate a failure in its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system because it provides water and natural gas throughout Omaha. Not only could a failure threaten the water supply of more than 400,000 residents, it might cost the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in natural gas pipeline penalties.
Web Technologies Power Automation Interface Software
Commercial technologies and business needs continue to propel human-machine interface (HMI) software. Only a few years ago, HMI software provided graphical representations of PLC data to enhance operator information. Software development has meshed with corporate needs to enable greater functions that assist made-to-order manufacturing with ever-shrinking inventories and lead times.
Changing sounds of DAC hardware
Since its inception during the 1500's, the violin has undergone very little change. Strings and bow still work together to perform vital functions that allow a musician to keep the instrument strumming in tune. Like the strings of a violin, data acquisition (DAC) hardware devices perform vital functions in many industries.
Real-time measurement, control aids clutch, converter manufacturing
Testing requirements that include control of multiple test stands and real-time data acquisition are integral to manufacturing clutches and torque converters for the automotive and trucking industries at LuK Inc. (Wooster, O.). Clutch materials and designs are evaluated during product research, development, and production, where speed and torque readings are used to calculate friction coe...
Choose the right computer form factor
Boards, boards, boards. Why use a larger Single Board Computer (EBX for example) instead of a smaller PC/104 CPU? Are there reasons to choose a mature bus such as STD 32 or a more expensive one such as CompactPCI? These questions illustrate the fact that form factor selection is not always simple.
PCI boards for data acquisition
Cleveland, O.— Keithley Instruments' new line of data acquisition products for PCs with the PCI data bus features ana- log and digital I/O, 12-bit A/D resolution, four cascadable counter/ timers, and high-speed burst data transfer. To help users get up and running quickly, Keithley bundles free software with each board, including a start-up program, LabView VIs, TestPoint drivers, and Dr...
Single-channel thermocouple datalogger
A single-channel data logger, the Mitec SatelLite50-TK, is designed specifically for temperature measurements with type K thermocouple sensors. Two models offer measuring ranges from -100 to 400°C or -100 to 1,200°C. Both devices' nonvolatile memory stores up to 16,000 values.
Unique architecture enables enterprise productivity
Rochester, N.Y. -Advant Enterprise Historian's distributed client/server architecture provides a global repository that enables manufacturers to store and view data from multiple systems, processes, and plants. Process and production information can be accessed over a company's intranet and saved in HTML or PDF formats.
One data acquisition module does work of many
Cleveland, O.— Model 5201 data acquisition system has four isolated, high-speed channels with one that multiplexes to eight additional inputs. Channels have 16-bit resolution, speeds up to 100 kHz, and full scale accuracy of 0.03%. Each channel has independent gain configurable on-the-fly via USB and independent measuring rates.
I/O system includes built-in web server
Opto 22 unveiled on March 15 one of the world's first industrial I/O systems with a built-in web server. Designed to work with Opto 22's new Snap Ethernet I/O, Snap-B3000-Enet allows any browser to connect directly to analog and digital I/O in real time. Because users only need a browser, no special software is required to read and write data using Snap-B3000-Enet.
Programmable temperature data logging
San Diego, Calif. —Doric 5000 digital temperature indicator/data logger features built-in programmability, RS-232 serial communications, four-digit alphanumeric display, six thermocouple and two RTD types, selectable resolution, and scalable analog output. Users can configure calibration of sensor type, sampling rate, limit settings, and resolution directly from the front panel.
HMI Software Blasting the Boundaries
Opportunities for manufacturing process improvement now come from beyond the boundaries of the machine line. Human-machine interface (HMI) packages that provide only a look inside the controller are quickly becoming inadequate. With Information Technology (IT) programmers and analysts looking for real-time information, HMI vendors are providing controls engineers with solutions.
Glass Maker Sees Clear Advantages of an Automated Laboratory
In order to keep pace with value-added demands of the automotive and architectural glass markets, PPG Industries uses computer modeling and experimental design techniques to engineer high performance coated glass products. Costly production trials were a means of obtaining test samples to verify quality and performance characteristics before a coated product is commercialized.
Ci Technologies launches Citect 5.20
Incorporating essential technologies, such as ActiveX and COM/DCOM, Ci Technologies recently introduced Citect for Windows Version 5.20, the latest incarnation of its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software. Showed at the recent ISA Expo/98 in Houston, Citect 5.
Thousands of innovations showcased
Elsag Bailey Process Automation (Wickliffe, O.) launched its new Bailey Hartman&Braun Symphony Solo compact control system, which provides a migration path from compact control applications to enterprise management. Symphony Solo combines Elsag Bailey's Freelance 2000 control system architecture with the Maestro/Conductor NT Human Interface System of the Symphony Enterprise Management and Control System. For more information, visit www.controleng.com/info . As part of its Uniformance software suite, Honeywell Industrial Automation and Control (Phoenix, Ariz.) introduced its Batch Information Manager, which is integrated with its Total Plant Batch solution.The company also debuted OpenField, its FOUNDATION Fieldbus solution that is integrated with Total Plant.
Ethernet data acquisition system
Tucson, Ariz. —Industrially hardened in a NEMA 12 enclosure, the EDAS-1027E offers 16 channels of remote digital I/O, programmable as inputs or outputs in two 8-bit ports. All digital inputs can be configured for state detection, latching, or general-purpose counting up to 100 Hz. Eight of the digital output channels can be individually configured for predetermined output states at power...
Latest WinWedge software
Philadelphia, Pa.— Winwedge has added serial data acquisition and instrument control to Excel, Access, VB, math and statistical software, Microsoft Windows, Windows 95, or NT applications. Automatically collects data from gages, scales, sensors, flowmeters, densitometers, bar-code scanners, PLCs, data loggers, modems, measuring devices, and laboratory instruments, or serial device.
Software simulates automation on world’s largest dredger
The biggest applications—like the biggest shows—need the best rehearsals. Building the largest dredger on earth is a titanic event, but automating the vessel until it needs only a 40-person crew compounds the challenge. Using software to simulate and test crucial control systems can help such enormous projects succeed and cut costs.
Intelligent I/O subsystem
San Diego, Calif. —Software addressing, optical isolation, RS-485 communications over twisted pairs, and 1.2 to 28.2 kb/sec rates are a few of the features of the remote intelligent data acquisition and control system (RDICS) I/O pods. Each RDICS pod uses ASCII string functions and is remotely programmed from applications such as Basic, C[++], or TurboPascal.
OPC Solves the I/O Driver Problem
In factory automation there are many different devices, protocols, and industrial network standards. As a result, each software vendor is responsible for connectivity from automation applications to other vendors' hardware products. An additional complication is that these devices and protocols are always evolving.
PC-based control software moves to VBA, NT, OPC
PC-based control software demonstrated its migration toward Microsoft Windows NT, OPC (OLE for Process Control), and Visual Basic, during NMW.Microsoft (Redmond, Wa.) representatives explain more industrial automation software is using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) scripting, with about 30 companies shipping applications and about 100 companies signed on.
Entry-Level Data Acquisition System
Miamisburg, O. —Model 10KU-EL is a low-cost, preconfigured system solution for high-speed front-end data acquisition and logging of relatively small numbers of analog inputs in applications where optimum portability is desired. The system can accept up to 24 inputs from virtually any type of transducer.
Graphical User Interface for Web
Northampton, Mass. — DataViews 9.8 now includes a new web-enabled version of its dynamic data visualization development tool. The new version features WebDataViews, an add-on component which allows developers to animate and display real-time graphical applications on a web browser using Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
