Automation & Control News for April 2008, published on Automation.com

Automation.com Real-time Information for the Automation Professional Nov. 21, 2008

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Find all the latest information on these topics:
	Automatic Identification
	Building Automation
	Control Panels, Cables & Terminations
	Design, Simulation & Programming Software
	Digital Factory
	Embedded Automation
	Fieldbus Networks
	Fluid Power, Valves & Pumps
	HMI & Operator Interfaces
	Industrial Communications
	Industrial Computers
	Industrial I/O
	Machine Control
	Machine Safety
	Machine Tools, CNC & DNC
	Manufacturing Intelligence
	Material Handling
	Motion Control, Motors & Drives
	OPC
	PLCopen
	Packaging
	Power & Energy
	Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
	Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
	Process Control
	Process Safety
	Robots & Robot Controllers
	SCADA & RTU
	Security
	Sensors & Instruments
	Test, Measurement & LIMS
	Vision
	Wireless Connectivity

Read about the latest news, products, mergers, and acquisitions in the automation, process control, and instrumentation industries for April 2008.

Choose and click on a headline below to read the entire article:

		Wilcoxon enhances PC420D vibration transmitter - 04/30/08 PC420D now outputs a 4-20 mA signal based on the displacement level of the machine vibration.

		ExperTune releases ProcessApex benchmarking software - 04/30/08 ProcessApex software benchmarks and tracks the business results of fired heaters, heat exchangers, and dryers.

		RTP enhances Critical Control and Safety System - 04/30/08 Enhancements to NetSuite and the RTP2500 safety and control engine have been certified by TÜV for SIL-1 to SIL-3 applications.

		National Instruments reports Q1 Revenue of $193 Million - 04/30/08 Net income for Q1 2008 was $17.6 million with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.22.

		Moore Industries Celebrates 40 Years of Success - 04/30/08 Still privately-held by founder and CEO Leonard W. Moore, the company has come a long way from humble garage beginnings when Moore designed and built the company's first electronic signal converters. Today, the company builds signal conditioners, temperature transmitters, fieldbus interface devices and much more.

		PI releases P-653 piezo motor linear slide - 04/29/08 P-653 linear motor system consists of only four parts and can replace classical drive elements such as miniaturized motor/lead screw systems or other linear motors.

		WAGO names Cory Thiel Product Manager - 04/29/08 Thiel will oversee terminal blocks and connectors, PCB connectors and similar products.

		One RF releases TinyOne 868 MHz USB Dongle modem - 04/29/08 Modem facilitates the control and monitoring of wireless sensors networks based on low-power 868 MHz Mesh technology.

		Phidgets announces $75.00 stepper controller - 04/29/08 The 1062 Stepper controller controls the position, velocity and acceleration of up to 4 unipolar stepper motors. It plugs directly into a computer's USB port.

		Littelfuse introduces SDP Series DSL surge protectors - 04/29/08 SDP Series protects the signal integrity of broadband signals, such as VDSL2 circuits, by strict control of their parasitic capacitance.

		Emerson installs Scenario Simulation at Fawley Power Station - 04/29/08 In January 2008, Emerson installed Scenario simulation technology at this 40-year-old, oil-fired power plant in the UK to train operators.

		Honeywell to control Rautaruukki steel plant - 04/29/08 Rautaruukki will use Experion PKS with PMD Controller to control its steel-making processes in Raahe, Finland.

		Serapid adds safety option to TBHS die clamp - 04/29/08 The TBHS quick-change die clamp now has a mechanical safety detent so the die will not drop in the event of a pressure failure.

		Souriau releases UTS Hi seal connector - 04/29/08 For immersed applications such as water treatment or liquid flow-rate measurement, UTS connector has IP 68 sealing, with IP 69K when disconnected.

		Sidema announces SSCXML - 04/29/08 SSCXML (Simple State Chart XML) is the first publicly available C++ implementation of the W3C SCXML draft. Closed beta testing starts mid May.

		JMP Engineering appoints Paul Wilson VP of Sales - 04/29/08 Wilson will lead JMP's business development, sales and marketing initiatives across North America.

		NI introduces PMA-1115 portable touch screen monitor - 04/29/08 PMA-1115 touch screen monitor and keyboard attaches to any NI eight-slot PXI or PXI Express chassis.

		National Instruments releases four PXI I/O modules - 04/29/08 PXI-7841R, -7842R, -7851R and -7852R modules have eight analog inputs, eight analog outputs, 96 digital I/O lines, and Xilinx FPGAs.

		austriamicrosystems signs Avnet Memec as distributor - 04/29/08 Avnet will distribute austriamicrosystems' high performance analog ICs in North America.

		HART companies push WirelessHART - 04/28/08 Sean Keeping of ABB, Mark Schumacher of Emerson, Frank Hils of Endress+Hauser amd Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller of Siemens offer their views of WirelessHART.

		Fluke enhances EtherScope Network Assistant - 04/28/08 Enhancements include a suite of installation and service tools to help install, validate, and document LAN systems.

		Raycap releases custom mounts for surge protection devices - 04/28/08 Raycap offers customized mounting configurations and integration kits for its Strikesorb surge protection devices (SPDs).

		Quantum3D appoints Michael D'Addio CEO - 04/28/08 D'Addio replaces founder Ross Q. Smith, who resigned to pursue other business interests.

		Online Automated Test Summit 2008 June 5, 2008 Automated Test Summit 2008 will be hosted live on the Internet in the Americas, Europe and Asia, giving attendees the opportunity to speak with experts in various languages.

		Bosch Rexroth releases MTpro Planning Software - 04/28/08 MTpro integrates CAD and layout tools to save planning time in any assembly or packaging application with Rexroth products.

		Phoenix Contact acquires Innominate - 04/28/08 Phoenix Contact is the new owner of Innominate Security Technologies, a provider of embedded security devices in industrial applications worldwide.

		CoroWare signs Pitotech as distributor - 04/28/08 Pitotech will distribute CoroWare robots in Taiwan.

		EMX announces ColorMax P color sensor - 04/28/08 ColorMax P RGB color sensor comes with software for data communication and statistical analysis based on Excel.

		ITT releases KPTC Series metal shell circular connector - 04/28/08 KPTC Series backshell connector has a rugged metal shell for custom harnessing rigs and a wide range of wire gauges.

		Exele enhances TopView software alarm reports - 04/28/08 Enhancements include allowing users to set up and receive automatic, scheduled, alarm summary reports via email.

		SERCOS releases CIP Safety Specification - 04/27/08 The CIP Safety on SERCOS specification is being released as a function-specific profile (FSP Safety) for Industrial Ethernet-based SERCOS III.

		Mynah upgrades MiMiC process modeling software - 04/27/08 Enhancements to MiMiC v3.0.0 include support of all open OPC process control system platforms, including HIMA, Emerson, Rockwell, and Schneider.

		A2 Technologies enhances PAL oil analysis spectrometers - 04/27/08 PAL systems are now able to quantify the level of water in lubrication oils in the range of 50 – 5000 ppm with accuracy of better than 5%.

		Molex enhances Industrial Ethernet Switches - 04/27/08 Additions to BradCommunications Direct-Link Industrial Ethernet switches include 16- and 18-port models.

		Longwatch enhances Surveillance System 4.0 - 04/25/08 Enhancements include networking flexibility, distributed architecture, event-based video editing and alarming, and HMI integration.

		AW-Lake appoints Yolande Burnham President - 04/25/08 Yolande Burnham was appointed President of AW-Lake Company & Sheepscot Dispensing Systems (SDS), companies of TASI Group.

		FKI Logistex Forms Robotics Integration Group - 04/25/08 The group provides customers with focused robotic palletizing and depalletizing solutions, including system design, manufacture, programming and support.

		Yokogawa to supply Exaquantum to Quinn Chemicals - 04/25/08 The project is the 1,000th Exaquantum PIMS system.

		MGV introduces P140R smart power supplies - 04/24/08 P140R 150W power supplies employ a smart load-share technique that automatically pools all paralleled power supplies and splits the current so all run at the same temperature.

		ABB first quarter net income up 87% - 04/24/08 ABB's first-quarter net income reached $1 billion, an increase of 87 percent compared to the same quarter in 2007.

		Endevco signs Dainan Tech as Asia-Pacific rep - 04/23/08 Dainan Tech in Singapore will rep Endevco products in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

		McCrometer introduces Multi-Mag L Series Flow Meter - 04/23/08 Multi-Mag has a NEMA 6/IP67 package that is ideal for municipal water and industrial processes.

		Baumer releases linearized AlphaProx inductive sensor - 04/23/08 Able to detect metallic objects at ranges up to 16mm, AlphaProx Sensors can be used to detect changes in position, distance, thickness, weight or pressure.

		Honeywell to install UniSim suite in Kuwait - 04/23/08 UniSim to train operators at Kuwait Paraxylene Production Company’s aromatics plant in Shuaiba, Kuwait.

		CoroWare appoints Kris Erikson Director of Microsoft Practice - 04/23/08 CoroWare's Microsoft Practice combines release management, project management, systems engineering and marketing consulting.

		Embrace Safety to Increase Profits - May is Electrical Safety Month While some companies are slowly seeing the financial benefits of investing in safety, other companies view safety as an encumbering and expensive task.

		Coastal offers HART and fieldbus training - 04/23/08 Smart Digital Instrumentation series helps employees understand HART protocol, the applications and day-to-day use of HART Smart field devices, and the FOUNDATION fieldbus communication model.

		JMP Engineering hires Patricia Branden to run Life Sciences division - 04/23/08 Branden brings specialized experience in the Life Science industries, particularly in the areas of FDA, HPFBI, and cGMP regulations and guidelines.

		BlueCielo acquires CAD & Company’s ECM Division - 04/23/08 BlueCielo acquired CAD & Company’s ECM division and its ImandrA suite of products

		Weidmuller announces Steadytec Ethernet Connectors - 04/22/08 Connector are available in Ethernet/IP, Ethernet TCP/IP and PROFINET versions.

		Phoenix Contact announces VARIOFACE field wiring systems - 04/22/08 VARIOFACE field termination assemblies (FTAs) and rugged cables offer fast, fault-free wire management from field wiring to process or motion controllers.

		GE Fanuc updates Proficy Plant Applications - 04/22/08 Enhancements include Model Configuration tools for event detection and modeling, and improved deployment tools, runtime displays and reporting capabilities.

		Molex expands Ultra-Lock Connection System - 04/22/08 Enhancements in 8-Pole model includes a higher pin count to handle a broader array of applications such as encoders, resolvers, safety light curtains, trainable sensors and instrumentation.

		Molex introduces BradConnectivity M23 connectors - 04/22/08 M23 solutions include connectors and receptacles from 6 to 19-poles, straight and right-angled versions, and power connectors for power applications up to 28A.

		Honeywell introduces XYR 3000 wireless multiplexers - 04/22/08 XYR 3000 wireless multiplexers support Modbus and OPC protocols.

		Canfield achieves CSA approval for Solenoid Valve Connectors - 04/22/08 Series 5F and 5J DIN solenoid valve connectors have been awarded Canadian Standards Association approval in Canada and the United States.

		GreenPeak supplies wireless mesh networking to Kronos - 04/22/08 Hortimax, a Kronos VAR, built a harvest administration system that monitors the activity and location of individual mobile harvesting carts in greenhouses.

		NI LabVIEW adds support for Tektronix DPO3000 Oscilloscopes - 04/22/08 LabVIEW SignalExpress Tektronix Edition 2.5 connects to and controls all value-line Tektronix oscilloscopes including the new Tektronix DPO3000 and TDS3000C.

		IntelliCom introduces NetBiter WS200 web gateway - 04/22/08 NetBiter WS200 industrial GSM/GPRS based web gateway has built-in support for remote access to devices over GSM, GPRS, Ethernet, Internet and LANs.

		Aboundi signs Ascheman Marketing as rep - 04/22/08 AMG will be responsible for the Central USA region, including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and southern Illinois.

		ASI announces high density PLC Relay - 04/22/08 Consisting of a base terminal block and a pluggable relay, the heavy-duty long life electromechanical relays are rated for AC or DC circuits and are ideal for all types of inductive applications.

		NI announces PXI-8104 and PXI-8183 embedded controllers - 04/21/08 PXI-8104 and PXI-8183 embedded controllers are suitable for test, measurement and control applications. Prices start at $1500.

		Interroll releases Pushback Storage Control System - 04/21/08 LIFO (last-in, first-out) Speed Control System operates without resistance during the storage process, and only transfers its brake force to the pallets to be unloaded.

		Acromag opens office in Switzerland - 04/21/08 The office will service European, Middle Eastern and African markets for embedded I/O products. The office is headed by Stefan Baginski.

		Infor enhances TRANS4M ERP - 04/21/08 Additions include a Microsoft .NET-based navigator, web services capabilities, electronic data interchange (EDI) enhancements, event management, and automated shipping processes.

		Precise Automation signs Dongil Rubber as distributor - 04/21/08 DRB will sell Precise Automation products in Korea and China, including PrecisePlace Robots, Guidance Motion Controllers and PreciseVision Software.

		Thomas & Betts announces Kube Cross connector - 04/21/08 Kube Cross enables 90 degree angles and crossing conductors, increasing the flexibility in making connections.

		Yokogawa enhances ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System - 04/21/08 Enhancements include integration with CENTUM VP, improved security functions, and support for Windows Vista.

		ITT releases MDM Series high temperature micro connectors - 04/21/08 MDM Series connectors are rated for operation to 200°C and can be terminated in daisy-chain configurations within complex electronic instrumentation packages.

		Mustang Engineering to market TiPs and UReason software - 04/21/08 Mustang will market and deliver alarm management and rationalization services from TiPS and UReason.

		SME Education Foundation funds Youth Program - 04/21/08 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation committed $1.4 million for youth programs in 2008.

		PAS and EPRI publish Alarm Management Applications Guidelines - 04/21/08 Report presents alarm management best practices guidelines for improving safety and reliability in power generation industry.

		ABB to supply gearless mill drive systems to Rosemont Copper - 04/21/08 Three gearless mill drive systems will be used at Rosemont's new copper mine near Tucson, Arizona, USA

		PLCopen releases Motion Control Part 3 - 04/21/08 This document covers user guidelines, and is the third part of a set of documents of the PLCopen Task Force Motion Control.

		PLCopen releases Motion Control Part 4 for Comments - 04/21/08 Part 4 of the PLCopen suite of specifications has been released for comments as version 0.99 and can be downloaded from the PLCopen website.

		PLCopen publishes Logic, Motion and Safety paper - 04/21/08 Document provides examples and guidance for the combination of the different technologies, making it easier for a user to integrate safety in a motion and logic application.

		Microscan names John Macrina VP of Global Sales - 04/21/08 Macrina will be leaving his role as Director of the Electronics Assembly group at Panasonic Factory Solutions at the end of April to join Microscan Systems.

		Toshiba upgrades TH-A series of SCARA robots - 04/21/08 TH650A, TH850A TH1050A robots offer a 20 – 30% improvement in cycle time (with higher payloads) compared to previous models.

		Power Partners introduces PPR250 power supplies - 04/21/08 PPR250 delivers 250W of power, with 600W of peak power, in a compact 5 x 3.2 x 1.5 in. package.

		SIXNET enhances Slim Line Ethernet Switches - 04/21/08 Slim Line industrial Ethernet switches are now available with up to four fast Ethernet (100 Mb) fiber optic ports.

		SIXNET announces SL-8MG Gigabit Industrial Ethernet Switch - 04/18/08 SL-8MG has 8 ultra-fast Gigabit ports for auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet links.

		Schneider releases PrimeRead DAQ software for utilities - 04/18/08 PrimeRead software aids utilities in the automated collection and management of metering data.

		Dakota Instrument releases ACR Acrylic Flow Meter - 04/18/08 ACR Flow Meters have direct reading dual scales mounted interchangeably at the rear of the flow meter.

		Industrial Tomography Systems releases z8000 flow meter - 04/18/08 z8000 can capture online data at 1000 frames/sec, which enables the measurement of rapid two phase flow in a pipe or vessel.

		FKI Logistex updates UniSort sorter controls - 04/18/08 Enhancements include automated diagnostics and energy-saving features for UniSort sliding shoe and linear belt sorters.

		Itris releases free PLC Metrics web tool to analyze PLC programs - 04/18/08 PLC Metrics allows automation engineers and technicians to automatically analyze PLC programs, such as the number of rungs, I/O and steps, hardware configuration, and Grafcet steps and macros.

		Advantech introduces EKI Serial Device Servers - 04/17/08 Equipped with dual 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports and dual Media Access Controllers (MACs), EKI-1521 and EKI-1522 ensure data transmission in the event of a network link failure.

		MatrikonOPC announces BACnet OPC server software - 04/17/08 The BACnet server allows creation of large multi-vendor systems to control both industrial networks and HVAC building automation systems.

		B&B enhances USB to Serial Converters - 04/17/08 B&B added high retention, 15N, Type B connectors to its USB products.

		Omron STI releases G7Z High Capacity Power Relay - 04/17/08 G7Z can continuously apply up to 40 A at 440 VAC, or up to a maximum of 160 A using 4-pole parallel connections for full power application.

		ABB installs process control system at Jura Cement - 04/17/08 ABB installed a System 800xA process control system at Jura Cement Fabriken in Wildegg, Switzerland.

		UEI publishes Introduction to DAQ White Paper - 04/17/08 “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Data Acquisition” explains the overall concept of data acquisition and considerations for analog input systems.

		SME puts videos on YouTube - 04/17/08 More than 60 short and informative SME videos have been uploaded to YouTube and generated more than 200,000 hits.

		Invensys Mexico Opens Gas Operating Center - 04/17/08 The new center at Reynosa City, Tamaulipas State, has all the resources necessary for Invensys to support PEMEX in the Burgos basin.

		Bison Gear hosts first MSCC graduating class - 04/16/08 Graduation for Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certificate students will be May 9, 2008 at Bison Gear headquarters.

		Vishay enhances Micro-Measurements System 7000 DAQ - 04/16/08 System 7000 is now available as a 32-channel, bench-top scanner that accepts strain gages, strain-gage-based transducers, thermocouples, LVDTs, and other sensors.

		Schaefer introduces C4700 2500W Power Converter - 04/16/08 C4700 Series includes 2,500 Watt DC/DC converter, AC/DC power supply and battery charging products.

		Honeywell Analytics signs Industrial Controls as distributor - 04/16/08 Industrial Controls Distributors is the exclusive representative for Honeywell Analytics, experts in gas detection.

		Emerson completes upgrade at polystyrene plant in Argentina - 04/16/08 Modernization at Petrobras Zarate included Foundation fieldbus, DeltaV, AMS asset management, flow, level and temperature instruments, and Fisher valves with FIELDVUE digital valve controllers.

		SCADAgroup acquires Adaptive Instruments - 04/16/08 Adaptive Instruments markets Accutech wireless instrumentation products. In 2006 SCADAgroup acquired Control Microsystems, and earlier this year acquired Trio Datacom.

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