Automation & Control News for February 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
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	Digital Factory
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	Fluid Power, Valves & Pumps
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	Industrial Communications
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	Manufacturing Intelligence
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	Power & Energy
	Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
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	Process Control
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	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 February 2008.

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

		Thermo Fisher opens OES and X-ray product demo center - 02/29/08 Center has Optical Emission (OES), Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) systems.

		Adept Technology signs distributor in Korea - 02/28/08 Han Shin Power Tech will be the exclusive dealer in Korea for Adept's complete portfolio of robotics, controls, vision and software products.

		Matrikon announces NetKPI dashboard for process operations - 02/28/08 NetKPI empowers any user to create, monitor, analyze and drill down into any KPI across their entire enterprise.

		Rockwell Automation to acquire CEDES Safety and Automation - 02/28/08 CEDES is a leading supplier of safety and measuring light curtains, as well as other safety and non-safety optoelectronics, control units and related accessories for industrial applications.

		Automation Federation reports progress to date - 02/28/08 Accomplishments so far include hiring staff, improving government relations, adding OMAC activities, participating in the WBF, and coordinating a trade show in China.

		Siemens introduces Nerlite LT430 backlights - 02/28/08 Backlights provide high image processing contrast when inspecting the contours, edges or openings of a component.

		Wonderware adds Echelon i.LON SmartServer to System Platform 3.0 - 02/28/08 i.LON SmartServer from Echelon has been integrated into Wonderware System Platform 3.0 software.

		Honeywell Safety Manager attains FM Certification - 02/28/08 Safety Manager can now be used for applications that require a U.S.-certified NFPA 72 certificate.

		Aalborg introduces Model XFM Thermal Mass Flow Meter - 02/28/08 Model XFM has an optional Profibus DP Interface, can be programmed remotely, and can store calibration data for 1 to 10 gases

		Wurldtech launches Achilles Health Check Service - 02/27/08 Service provides a rapid evaluation of the cyber-security vulnerabilities and exposure risk of SCADA and process control systems.

		Adlink introduces PXI Controllers for hybrid testing systems - 02/27/08 The PXI-3920/3910 are able to control bench-top instruments through LXI, GPIB, USB and serial interfaces for hybrid testing applications.

		ACCES I/O releases USB-AI analog input modules - 02/27/08 USB-AI Series boards have eight standard analog voltage input ranges, two factory current input ranges, and prices ranging from $339 to $639.

		ABB to modernize coal mine automation in Serbia - 02/27/08 ABB to install System 800xA, ACS800 drives, and a Freelance 800F compact control system at the coal mine in Tamnava, Serbia.

		Sensor film helps SB Electronics hold capacitor tolerances - 02/27/08 SB Electronics uses pressure-sensitive film from Sensor Products to check tolerance of press plates that flatten the round capacitor profile.

		PT Ltd announces Accupoint Weigh Module - 02/27/08 Accupoint Weigh Module works with tanks, silos, hoppers and many other vessels weighing up to 200 tons.

		DEACOM to supply ERP to Cincinnati Vulcan - 02/27/08 The ERP system will integrate inventory control, formulation and lab management, regulatory reporting, production, labor tracking and other processes.

		Okuma introduces Partners in THINC - 02/27/08 Partners in THINC allows visitors to see real parts being manufactured for real customers in real time.

		JAI introduces AD-080CL two-CCD camera - 02/27/08 AD-080CL multi-spectral imaging camera simultaneously measures visible and near-infrared light spectrums through a single lens using two channels.

		Loadstar releases iLoad Mini load cell - 02/27/08 The iLoad Mini load cell accepts a 5V DC input and outputs a baseline 5V TTL frequency signal proportional to the applied load.

		PI expands PIHera piezo nanopositioning tables - 02/27/08 PIHera family of compact X, XY and Z flexure-guided piezo nanopositioning tables now has travel ranges to 1.8 mm.

		Technical Note: Data Synchronization for Process Analytical Technology - 02/27/08 Note addresses the requirements and methods for ensuring optimum synchronization and alignment of process data for process analytical technology (PAT).

		Emerson supplies flowmeters to Argosy for Sputnik - 02/27/08 Micro Motion Coriolis flowmeters are used by Argosy for flow measurement and quality monitoring in Russian Sputnik oil separator systems.

		Autodesk donates data access technology for Microsoft SQL Server - 02/27/08 Autodesk donated FDO Provider to the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo). This provides ability to directly access and manipulate data within the new database.

		Baumer announces E610 programmable pressure transmitter - 02/27/08 E610 has a universal programming interface with FDT/DTM that enables direct configuration via the USB-Port as well as remote configuration.

		Ethernet Direct releases HUE-421S Unmanaged Ethernet Switch - 02/27/08 HUE-421S has 4 10/100TX and 2 multimode fiber ports and supports IEEE 802.3/802.3u/802.3x

		RadiSys offers Starter Kits for COM Express products - 02/26/08 Each kit provides a COM Express module, memory and heat sink integrated onto a development carrier board with a hard disk drive and necessary cables.

		RadiSys announces Procelerant CE945GM2A computer - 02/26/08 Based on the Intel Celeron M processor 440, Procelerant CE945GM2A uses the COM Express modular form factor.

		AMETEK acquires Motion Control Group - 02/26/08 AMETEK acquired MCG, a manufacturer of customized motors and motion control solutions for the medical, life sciences, industrial automation, semiconductor and aviation markets.

		Autodesk reports 4Q revenue of $599 million - 02/26/08 Net income in the fourth quarter of the prior year was $96 million, an increase of 20 percent over the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

		Contemporary Controls offers BACnet training - 02/26/08 "Object Modeling a Physical BACnet Device" introduces object modeling, object properties, and services as they pertain to a physical BACnet/IP device.

		ifm efector introduces OG-Cube Photoelectric Sensor - 02/26/08 Sensor has M12 connector that resists high torquing, providing quick wiring. List price for the efector OG-Cube starts at $69.00.

		Alpha Gear opens office in Canada - 02/26/08 Alpha Gear Drives opened an office in Waterdown, ON, Canada

		GarrettCom introduces Magnum 6K32F Industrial Managed Switch - 02/26/08 Managed Ethernet switch offers up to 32 10/100 fiber or copper ports and 8 Gigabit (Gb) ports in a space-efficient package

		Invensys Mexico opens offshore operating center - 02/26/08 Center helps Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) improve asset utilization and availability in its facilities.

		Quantum Devices releases SC12 encoder - 02/26/08 SC-12 outputs consist of a quadrature sine/cosine pair with an index pulse and three-phase commutation.

		ABB to automate fertilizer plant in Chile - 02/26/08 ABB won a contract worth $123 million to design, construct, and provide System 800xA automation for a new fertilizer processing plant in Chile.

		Mettler Toldeo offers iSense Asset Management for pH sensors - 02/26/08 iSense software performs maintenance, documentation and management of pH and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) sensors.

		Ascon announces that KOMPAS works with TraceParts library - 02/26/08 KOMPAS users are able to work directly with the TraceParts library — one of the largest Mechanical Parts libraries in the world.

		ACROSSER announces AR-B5020 single board computer - 02/26/08 AR-B5020 has Intel 852GM chipset with onboard Celeron M 600MHz / 512KB cache, fanless design and PC/104 format.

		Control Dynamics partners with Weidmuller - 02/26/08 CDI to do system integration projects in electric power and distribution.

		Agilent releases InfiniiVision 7000 Series Oscilloscopes - 02/26/08 InfiniiVision 7000 offers bandwidths up to 1 GHz and update rate of up to 100,000 waveforms per second.

		Daintree Networks adds Zigbee support to SNA software - 02/26/08 Sensor Network Analyzer (SNA) software provides “active device” support for Ember’s EM250 ZigBee Development Kit.

		Aonix Releases PERC Pico Tool Chain for Java - 02/26/08 PERC Pico 1.1 enables developers to use the Java language for hard real-time safety-critical code.

		Fluid Metering announces VMP metering pump - 02/25/08 For UV-sensitive applications, the pump head is made from 316 SS or opaque PVDF to isolate UV light from the process fluid.

		Symbion Systems upgrades Symbion-LX software - 02/25/08 Version 2.0 enhancements include significantly expanded instrument control and spectroscopic data processing capabilities.

		McObject adds support for KD-Tree - 02/25/08 KD-Tree database index expands coding efficiency and helps make Java and .NET data objects easier to use in certain types of applications.

		Imsys announces IM3240 for IEEE1588 clock synchronization - 02/25/08 The IM3240 module software platform includes IEEE 1588 protocol, real-time operating system, flash file system, TCP/IP stack and FTP and web server.

		Stealth introduces LPC-450PCI Little PC - 02/25/08 LPC-450PCI Little PC has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and built-in PCI expansion slot capability.

		Lantronix announces ManageLinx for access to firewall-protected devices - 02/25/08 ManageLinx VIP Access allows remote access to firewall-protected equipment, giving OEMs the ability to perform remote product services.

		Omron STI introduces UMQ Series Safety Mats - 02/25/08 Quick disconnect allows cable to be attached at end of installation process, virtually eliminating the potential for damaged cables.

		Frick announces SmartMark RFID Floor Tags - 02/25/08 Tags identify critical areas, track pallets and displays and help keep tabs on inventory and assets.

		WAGO completes headquarters expansion - 02/25/08 The expansion increased WAGO’s product manufacturing and storage capacity to 75,000 sq. ft.

		Emerson installs Wireless on Norwegian offshore platform - 02/25/08 Mesh field network monitors wellhead annular pressure and heat exchanger pressures on the Grane offshore platform.

		Autodesk names Brazilian Lab as Inventor of the Year - 02/25/08 The Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory was named Autodesk Inventor of the Year for 2007. Using Autodesk Inventor software, LNLS designed a system with 15,800 parts.

		TURCK upgrades free I/Oassistant configuration software - 02/25/08 I/Oassistant is used as a configuration tool when designing TURCK’s BL20 in the panel and BL67 on the machine nodes. It uses FDT/DTM, and will generate a fieldbus I/O map.

		Zecotek and Fujikura sign manufacturing agreement - 02/25/08 Zecotek and Fujikura will jointly develop, manufacture and commercialize Zecotek's crystal and fiber based lasers and Fujikura's infra-red fiber lasers.

		TUV Rheinland publishes Testing & Inspection Services Catalog - 02/25/08 The catalog details the company's testing services, product types, product approval schemes, service approval schemes, and available certification marks.

		Acrosser announces AR-B5230 single board computer - 02/25/08 AR-B5230 EPIC single board computer can be used for embedded systems, panel PC or digital signage applications.

		ServoSoft adds STOEBER and MAYR products to database - 02/23/08 ServoSoft is an engineering software tool that sizes complete servo systems including all electrical and mechanical components, with up to 20 axes and 14 mechanisms.

		Pepperl+Fuchs releases VOS300 Vision Sensors - 02/23/08 VOS300 combines a camera, illumination, digital outputs, process data and five evaluation methods into a single, rugged sensor housing.

		TiPS celebrates 20 Years of alarm management - 02/23/08 TiPS is celebrating 20 years of delivering tools for maximizing the capabilities of operators and operations management.

		ABB to supply SCADA system to SEMCO Energy - 02/23/08 ABB will provide a SCADAvantage Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system for the SEMCO natural gas control center in Port Huron, Michigan.

		K-TEK announces LM3D 3D Laser Scanner for volume measurements - 02/23/08 LM3D provides volume measurement and mass calculations of bulk materials. It uses a rotating laser head for multipoint laser scans to measure the uneven surface of stored materials.

		Ethernet Direct releases web managed layer 2+ switch - 02/22/08 JME-2408-L2+ web managed layer 2+ switch has 24 10/100TX ports and 2 Gigabit copper/SFP ports.

		Francis Pang promoted to Director of R&D at JAI - 02/22/08 Pang is responsible for managing the R&D group in San Jose, and for coordinating U.S. efforts with JAI’s R&D group in Japan.

		FKI Logistex introduces Mini-Unscrambler conveyor - 02/21/08 Mini-Unscrambler conveyor orients cases into a single-file line at up to 100 cartons per minute for induction into high-speed material handling systems.

		A-B CompactLogix and PanelView earn Marine Certification - 02/21/08 Marine certification was gained after a testing process conducted by seven global agencies over a 45-day period.

		Wonderware earns SCP certification - 02/21/08 Wonderware achieved the Service Capability and Performance (SCP) certification for the 5th year in a row.

		Raycap releases Rayvoss surge protection system - 02/21/08 Rayvoss meets the requirements of IEC 61643-1 and UL 1449 2nd Edition safety standards without resorting to internal fuses or a thermal disconnection mechanism.

		BEI introduces HS35 encoder for oil field applications - 02/21/08 The dual output drawworks encoder can supply simultaneous position feedback to two separate systems from a single encoder.

		Todd Lucich Joins Bison as VP of Sales - 02/21/08 Lucich was formerly VP of Distribution and National Accounts with Rexnord Industries.

		A&WMA announces Student Environmental Challenge - 02/21/08 The A&WMA is challenging undergraduate and graduate students to try their hands at solving the types of environmental questions faced by professionals in the industry.

		Nubitek enhances Nubitek_Email for Siemens S7-200 PLC - 02/21/08 Enhancements enable Siemens S7-200 to send email reports for monitoring and supervising, and send SMS messages direct to a mobile phone for alerts and alarms.

		AXIOMTEK releases PANEL1158-831 Panel Computer - 02/21/08 PANEL1158-831 for industrial automation applications has an Intel Core2 Duo processor and ruggedized plastic front bezel.

		ISA Releases ISA20 instrument specification forms on CD-ROM - 02/21/08 ISA20 Instrument Specification Forms cover most instrument types used in the pharmaceutical and other industries. The CD has 73 fill-in-the-blank forms.

		AXIOMTEK announces ICO-100 Remote Field Controller - 02/21/08 With its RS-232/422/485, USB and Ethernet ports, the ICO-100 can connect to various control devices for remote management and monitoring applications.

		One RF Technology releases TinyOne Lite radio modem - 02/21/08 TinyOne Lite provides a 433 MHz radio solution for industrial applications up to 500 meters. The lower frequency works well through walls.

		SUNY receives OptoGreen Grant from Opto 22 - 02/20/08 SUNY New Paltz School of Science and Engineering receives funding for New York State farm solar energy projects.

		Banner introduces SureCross kit for on-site wireless testing - 02/20/08 The kit lets users test signal strength, range, I/O types and response times at various locations and conditions within their unique environments.

		Sealant Equipment releases Snuf-Bak Material Dispense Valve - 02/20/08 Snuf-Bak Dispense Valve provides fast and clean shut-off of thixotropic and cohesive materials such as viscous silicones, epoxies and urethanes.

		Comtrol introduces Windows drivers for RocketPort serial cards - 02/20/08 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Certified Drivers are available for 4, 8, 16 and 32-Port RocketPort PCI Express and PCI/PCI-X Multiport Cards.

		Cooper Bussmann recycles customer fuses, circuit breakers and contactors - 02/20/08 This program provides consumers of circuit protection devices with an opportunity to properly recycle electrical components that may otherwise populate a landfill.

		Softing announces PI-approved PROFINET Training Classes - 02/20/08 PROFINET training classes are targeted to Network Engineers and Network Installers. The content of each course and the final examination have been approved by PI International.

		Schneider Electric Contributes $500K to Arc Flash Research - 02/20/08 Donation is to the IEEE and NFPA Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project. The donation will help expand the knowledge of electric arc phenomena and enhance worker safety.

		Prism Solar Technologies to install IFS ERP - 02/20/08 Prism Solar will implement the IFS Applications product suite of mixed-mode manufacturing, which will be integrated with PLC and RF devices to automate its data collection processes.

		OMRON releases D6F MEMS Mass Flow Sensor for Fuel Cells - 02/20/08 The D6F mass flow sensor uses highly sensitive micromachined MEMS elements to measure minute gas flows with precision.

		General Monitors produces Online demo for HazardWatch - 02/20/08 Four minute demo shows how HazardWatch Fire & Gas Detection System monitors plants for deadly gas and flame safety hazards.

		UEI releases data acquisition and control catalog - 02/20/08 Catalog includes data acquisition and control products based upon PCI, PXI, ISA and Ethernet interfaces.

		B&B Electronics publishes Communication Products catalog - 02/20/08 Catalog covers Ethernet Managed Switches, servers, wireless, USB, converters, cards, digital and analog I/O, fiber optics, cabling and connectors.

		Anver announces FP Foam Seal Rectangular Vacuum Pads - 02/20/08 FP Foam Seal Pads handle rough and moderately uneven surfaces such as concrete, stone, tread-plate, wood, and various composites.

		Tolomatic adds three body sizes to MXE Actuators - 02/20/08 MXE rodless screw drive electric actuators are now available in six sizes.

		Tolomatic expands MXP actuators - 02/20/08 Three sizes have been added, completing the size range from 16 mm to 63 mm bores.

		Misumi adds low-temp, black chrome plating on components - 02/20/08 Corrosion-resistant, low-reflective coating will not peel or flake. It is available on linear shafts, linear bushings, linear guides, ball screws and other products.

		ACS releases MC4U motion control system - 02/20/08 MC4U can control up to eight rack servo drives and 64 distributed axes via CANopen.

		Agilent Technologies adds options to Acqiris Digitizers - 02/20/08 Options include U1071A-002 model with up to 2 GS/s sampling rates and U1071A-SAR with simultaneous acquisition and readout.

		Cognex introduces Checker 232 Vision Sensor - 02/20/08 Checker 232 inspects small features over a wide area at rates up to 1,500 parts per minute.

		Four companies support future engineers with grants to SME program - 02/20/08 Autodesk, Emerson, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, and PBG Industries made donations to the Gateway Academy programs for secondary-school students.

		Express Logic enhances NetX for IPv6 TCP/IP - 02/20/08 IPv6, the latest standard set by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), expands and supplements the capabilities of IPv4, particularly in the number of available IP addresses.

		Hardy Instruments adds A-B RIO to 4050 Weight Controllers - 02/20/08 The HI 4050 general-purpose weight controller is now available with Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) network communications.

		Honeywell Appoints Norman Gilsdorf VP of Honeywell Process Solutions EMEA - 02/20/08 Gilsdorf is now vice president and general manager for Honeywell Process Solutions operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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