Data Acquisition
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.
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.
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.
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.
