Automation & Control News for March 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 March 2008.

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

		Advanced Technology Network publishes ZigBee Resource Guide - 03/31/08 The ZigBee Resource Guide focuses solely on products, applications and standards for wireless control in many applications.

		TÜVRheinland publishes Global Market Access Solutions catalog - 03/31/08 The catalog covers Product Testing and Safety, System Auditing, System Testing, Management System Certification, and Specialty Services.

		Frost & Sullivan says Adaptive Control Technology expanding - 03/31/08 Microprocessors and advanced computing platforms have catalyzed the shift from PID to adaptive controllers in petrochemicals, mining, steel, paper, food and many other industries.

		Arch Rock announces PhyNet Wireless Sensor Network - 03/31/08 PhyNet wireless sensor network (WSN) addreses large-scale enterprise applications by forming large, resilient IP-based WSNs and letting users centrally manage them.

		MsMUG Moves to the Automation Federation - 03/31/08 The Microsoft Manufacturing User Group (MsMUG), formerly a part of OMAC, is moving to a working group under the Automation Federation.

		Schneider Electric opens Packaging Center - 03/31/08 The Packaging Technology and Solutions Center (PTASC) in Schaumburg, Ill., has an application lab where customers can work with Schneider Electric and ELAU engineers to design packaging solutions.

		C&K releases ZMS Series Sealed Snap Action Switches - 03/31/08 ZMS Series single pole, double throw snap action switches are available with a variety of actuators and terminal styles, including PC, solder and potted leads.

		ROMER releases INFINITE 2.0 Series Measuring Arm - 03/31/08 The portable arm has TESA kinematic probes, an ergonomic wrist with an integrated USB digital camera, a probe holster and WiFi with a wireless range up to 200 feet.

		SME launches lean registry - 03/31/08 Lean Registry is a free community connection and collaboration space for lean practitioners.

		GreenPeak Academy provides training for wireless sensor networks - 03/31/08 GreenPeak Academy features one-off seminars, advanced training, and webinars, all supported by a team of experienced, carefully selected trainers and consultants.

		GE Fanuc acquires machine safety assets From MTL - 03/31/08 GE Fanuc will acquire MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines including the MTL8000 I/O, intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system, and process control technologies.

		Tapeswitch Celebrates 50th anniversary - 03/31/08 While celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Tapeswitch continues to manufacture customized safety equipment.

		Baumer introduces CombiConnect process connections - 03/31/08 CombiConnect allows the use of only one standard process connection on a pressure and temperature transmitter which then can be fitted to numerous different process connections,

		Transpara's VisualKPI is certified for Windows Server 2008 - 03/31/08 Building on Windows Server 2008, Visual KPI uses Web 2.0 technology to provide web-based delivery of and access to business-critical data.

		PLCopen revives TC6 - XML - 03/31/08 PLCopen TC6 first published its XML schema and documentation in June 2005 as version 1.01. After feedback from companies starting to implement this specification, it's been revised.

		AXIOMTEK announces VTA-7570T Windows CE-based HMI - 03/31/08 VTA-7570T 5.7-inch fanless HMI can work with different types of PLCs and PC-based I/O modules in the market.

		Pepperl+Fuchs introducesTru-Vue Background Suppression Sensors - 03/31/08 Tru-Vue photoelectric sensors have a 50 mm sensing range and deliver consistent target detection regardless of target color and reflectivity, with detection unaffected by shiny machine panels or other background objects.

		Intech Studios adds Text-to-Voice to PUMA - 03/31/08 Text-based messages that PUMA delivers can be turned into a telephone call using text-to-speech recognition technology, giving users the option of simply listening to a message.

		Power Hub releases comb-type Jumper Bar - 03/28/08 Pluggable comb-type jumper bars for PLC terminal blocks are available with up to 128 poles.

		RS-485 Users are placing data at risk By Jeff Hunter, Sealevel Systems Many RS-485 users are completely unaware that they are taking unnecessary risk with their data because of the method they use for driver control. This white paper explains.

		OptoTherm releases Infrasight RD320 thermal imaging camera - 03/28/08 The measurement temperature range for the camera is 0 to 300C. The camera captures and displays images at a rate of 30 frames per second and provides a pixel resolution of down to 70 microns.

		Protek introduces PUP180 180W desktop power supply - 03/28/08 PUP180 is suitable for high powered applications such as monitors, computers, networking equipment, test equipment, printers and more.

		HEIDENHAIN introduces MANUALplus 620 Contouring Control - 03/27/08 MANUALplus 620 is for horizontal and vertical lathes lathes with spindle, one slide (X and Z axis), one C axis or one position able spindle and a driven tool.

		Wonderware claims 500,000 software licenses deployed - 03/27/08 Software licenses have been sold to more than 100,000 plants/facilities worldwide, which accounts for 33 percent of the world's 305,544 plants with 20 or more employees.

		Emerson to automate new pharmaceutical plant in China - 03/27/08 Emerson will install PlantWeb digital plant architecture to automate Shanghai CP Guojian Pharmaceutical's new API production suite which will have the largest mammalian cell-culture system in Asia.

		Paqworks releases Mobotix M22 Process Automation Camera - 03/27/08 Mobotix M22 megapixel network camera can accept a combination of different lenses for indoor and outdoor imaging under day or night conditions.

		ABB to upgrade smelter in Dubai - 03/27/08 ABB won a $53-million contract from Dubai Aluminum to upgrade electrical and automation systems at the company's 480-hectare smelter complex in Dubai.

		AXIOMTEK introduces slim 17-in. industrial panel computers - 03/27/08 PANEL2170 ultra slim 17-in. panel computers are for remote monitoring and HMI applications.

		SME announces student DDM design competition - 03/27/08 SME issued a call for entries to the Direct Digital Manufacturing 2008 Competition. All entries are due by April 16, 2008.

		Siemens introduces MP 377 HMI - 03/27/08 Offering 64K of brilliant colors, the MP 377 is available in 12-inch TFT-displays and 15- and 19-inch touch screen models to handle complex visualization tasks.

		PI publishes Precision Linear Actuator brochure - 03/27/08 The brochure presents a variety of sub-micron to sub-nanometer precise compact actuators with ceramic piezo motors as well as classical motors.

		Cognex introduces DataMan 700 handheld ID readers - 03/26/08 DataMan 750 and 710 use an advanced image formation system to optimally illuminate marks on a wide range of surfaces.

		ABB to connect German offshore wind farms to power grid - 03/26/08 Valued at more than $400 million, the project uses ABB's HVDC Light technology, a high-voltage direct current solution that enables the transmission of large amounts of power underwater and underground.

		Alpha & WITTENSTEIN publishes motion control catalog - 03/26/08 Catalog includes the latest technical data, application examples and overview of motion control products.

		Advantech releases ADAM Analog Input Modules - 03/26/08 ADAM-5017P and ADAM-5018P have a High Common Mode function, over-voltage protection, and built-in TVS/ESD protection.

		Aspectrics publishes brochure for Biodiesel Analysis - 03/26/08 Brochure provides an overview of quality control solutions for biodiesel analysis compared to the costs of sending samples out for ASTM analysis.

		PLCopen Releases Safety Specification User Guidelines - 03/26/08 The PLCopen Technical Committee 5 (TC5) Safety Software User Guidelines is a reference for control people implementing safety control systems.

		Frost & Sullivan says DCS market booming in South Africa - 03/26/08 The South African DCS market earned revenues of USD 121.4 million in 2006 and F&S estimates this to reach USD 292.4 million in 2013.

		802.11n Infrastructure Improves Legacy Clients White paper explains why mobile device vendors and users can choose to forego today’s pre-standard 802.11n radios and stick with proven solutions that support some combination of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.

		ASCON updates KOMPAS-3D V9 - 03/26/08 Enhancements include photo rendering, animation, kinematic and dynamic analysis, extended CAD/CAM/PLM integration and others.

		TURCK introduces BL67 Ethernet gateway for PROFINET networks - 03/26/08 BL67 consists of a gateway, base modules and electronic modules, and it is IP 67 rated for field installations.

		UEI releases 48-bit Digital Input Board - 03/26/08 The DNA-DIO-448 and DNR-DIO-448 are compatible with UEI’s “Cube” and RACKtangle I/O chassis respectively.

		Contemporary Controls releases BAS Router - 03/25/08 BAS Router allows BACnet/IP devices to communicate with MS/TP devices per the ANSI/ASHRAE 135-2004 standard.

		AirSprite introduces WirelessHART OEM program - 03/25/08 AccelerATE gives HART field device manufacturers a simple, quick, and low cost path to enable product lines with the WirelessHART specification.

		CADnection adds reference file management capabilities - 03/25/08 Added capabilities combine SharePoint’s content management platform with an extended data structure specifically designed for treating AutoCAD reference files.

		Semaphore adds Security Access Control to T-BOX RTUs - 03/25/08 Additions include digit keypads for passcode entry, a Dallas badge reader, a magnetic card reader, and a proximity reader for key fobs.

		Banner SI-HG63 hinge switches provide safety contacts - 03/25/08 SI-HG63 hinge switches are used in place of the standard hinges on swinging guards, gates or doors for safeguarding hazards. They have three safety contacts.

		Connect One introduces iChip evaluation board for embedded networking systems - 03/25/08 Evaluation board lets developers build an IP-enabled embedded system where the application resides on a PIC24 MCU and the networking and security are provided by a CO2128 iChip.

		Arasan's Gigabit Ethernet IP kit passes UNH Interoperability Test - 03/25/08 The Gigabit Ethernet IP solution completed interoperability testing at the University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Lab (UNH IOL).

		B&R enhances APC620 industrial PC - 03/25/08 APC620 now offers Windows XP embedded with a real-time extension for applications with a minimal operating system size.

		Apriori licenses Tech Soft 3D’s HOOPS graphics platform - 03/25/08 HOOPS allows users to view, select and control product cost drivers directly in the interactive 3D model display.

		WAGO offers free Industrial Control Seminars - 03/25/08 Three-day Industrial Control Seminars focusing on the latest in control technology will be held in Germantown, WI.

		ISA Security Institute elects governing board - 03/25/08 Johan Nye, Ivan Susanto, Kevin Staggs and Ernie Rakaczky were elected officers for the ISA Security Compliance Institute.

		Omron announces Model ZG Profiling Laser Sensor - 03/25/08 Profiling laser sensor completes a full height and width inspection to capture entire shapes by measuring the X and Z axis in a single pass in milliseconds.

		Omron opens regional headquarters in Mexico - 03/25/08 The office will provide sales, technical support, and training for Omron industrial automation customers across Mexico.

		Fluid Metering publishes 2008 Catalog - 03/24/08 Catalog covers precision dispensers and metering pumps for laboratory, industrial, process and OEM applications.

		Siemens donates $250K to RIT for safety research - 03/24/08 Siemens is donating $250,000 in hardware, software and cash to Rochester Institute of Technology's Advanced Systems Integration Laboratory.

		Rexroth releases IndraControl L10 PLC - 03/24/08 IndraControl L10 PLC has unified software, scalable hardware, reusable code and pre-developed functions to help machine builders reduce engineering time.

		Weidmuller introduces WAVELine unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches - 03/24/08 WAVELine series Ethernet switches and media converters are Class 1, Division 2 approved.

		Emerson to provide integration services for Finesse customers - 03/24/08 Emerson will provide integration and process automation services for installations involving DeltaV automation systems and TruBio Bioreactor Control Systems.

		Northwire introduces Guardian load cell cables - 03/24/08 Cable versions are available for standard and extreme environments and for 4- or 6-wire load cells.

		Industrial Interoperability Compliance Institute seeks members - 03/24/08 The IICI, the official compliance testing organization for standards such as WBF's B2MML and BatchML schemas, issued a call for members. Members will be entitled to use the IICI logo on products and system.

		ISA Calls for Papers for Marketing & Sales Summit - 03/24/08 Abstracts may be submitted for the conference session presentations through 11 April 2008. The event, in Cleveland, Ohio, is set for 17-19 September 2008.

		FlowSense hires Don McFee as project manager - 03/24/08 FlowSense hired McFee as project manager for its Building Services Group in the Midwest and Southwest regions..

		Red Lion releases PAXLA panel meter - 03/21/08 PAXLA panel meter has two Form C relays capable of switching up to 5 amps.

		Adaptive Micro Systems updates web site - 03/21/08 The site describes indoor and outdoor programmable LED electronic display systems. Visitors can navigate by product category, including Indoor, Outdoor, Digital Billboard, and content management.

		Schneider Electric releases High Density Meter Cabinet - 03/21/08 HDM family of preassembled, prewired cabinets for power meters are available in one-, four-, eight- and 16-meter configurations.

		ifm efector introduces efector-v Value Series sensors - 03/21/08 Product line includes inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors and cordsets, starting at $9.50.

		Digital Power Capital acquires EDSA - 03/20/08 EDSA develops power analytics software solutions for the design, simulation, deployment, and preventive maintenance of electrical power systems.

		Omron STI publishes Machine and Process Safeguarding guide - 03/20/08 This guide combines all of Omron STI's machine and process safeguarding technologies into a single publication for the first time.

		IEC enhances Absolute Encoders - 03/20/08 Enhancements include include precision servo motor absolute position and speed feedback in industrial control and hazardous duty applications.

		Interroll introduces 24 Vdc EC110 RollerDrive - 03/20/08 EC110 has a high performance motor and gear box that, combined with new elastic decoupling, provides a quiet and smooth operation for conveying.

		HMS expands, moves into new headquarters - 03/20/08 HMS reported net sales of 29.4 M€, hired 20 new employees, started a second shift, and moved its headquarters into a new facility.

		ADLINK to acquire 100% of Ampro Computer - 03/20/08 ADLINK will acquire a total of 39,743,137 common shares in Ampro, representing 100% of Ampro's shareholding, with a total investment amount of US$20 million.

		Emerson's DVC6000 valve controller approved for natural gas - 03/20/08 To prevent natural gas from passing into areas not suitable for natural gas, the DVC6000 provides an integrated solution that meets CSA Single Seal requirements.

		Honeywell to install Experion at steel plant in Finland - 03/20/08 Honeywell announced a $2 million contract to implement its Experion Process Knowledge System with Profibus at a stainless steel plant operated by Outokumpu.

		FDT Group interoperability project continues - 03/20/08 Since November 2007, 22 FDT Group member companies have participated in a project to test the interoperability of the FDT/DTM Technology in a very diverse setting.

		ABB provides Gearless Mill Drives to U.S. molybdenum project - 03/20/08 ABB was awarded a $13 million contract to provide GMD systems and related equipment for General Moly's new Mount Hope pure molybdenum development project, in Central Nevada, USA.

		AR Infotek introduces Pipal 2013 embedded system - 03/20/08 Fanless Pipal 2013 consumes just 0.9W of power and has RS-244/485, PCI-104, Mini PCI wireless and Digital I/O interfaces.

		SICK announces HLG Light Grid Sensors - 03/20/08 HLG through-beam style switching light grids provide a fast and reliable switching output any time one of the beams is blocked.

		Schneider Electric enhances Zelio relays - 03/20/08 Enhancements to the Zelio line of plug-in relays include a UL approval status when used with Zelio sockets, increased motor ratings at 120VAC and 240VAC, and expanded resistive ratings.

		Siemens' 'Think Customer' puts executives into new roles - 03/20/08 "Think Customer" at Siemens Energy & Automation involves many of the top executives in the company taking new temporary roles in the operation so that they get an eyeful, or earful, from working directly with customers for a day.

		CAMI Research enhances CableEye Cable Tester - 03/20/08 Test engineers may now write software for CableEye in Visual Basic, VB.NET, C++, C#, or from any software environment that can host an Active-X software interface.

		Thomas & Betts introduces halogen-free TY-Duct - 03/19/08 Halogen-Free Ty-Duct product line is suitable for high-temperature applications or where specifications call for products that will not emit toxic or corrosive gases.

		FCI releases ST75V Hydrogen Flow Meter - 03/18/08 ST75V Hydrogen Flow Meter provides gas flow measurement in hazardous small line gas process applications where agency safety approvals are required.

		Banner releases R-GAGE QT50R radar-based proximity sensor - 03/18/08 The QT50R uses frequency modulated technology to monitor or detect objects while resisting rain, wind, humidity and extreme temperatures.

		Parker Releases Aries servo drive motion controller - 03/18/08 Motion capabilities of the Aries Controller include absolute and relative motion, jogging, gearing and camming.

		DATAQ Instruments introduces Ethernet data acquisition models - 03/18/08 DI-785 and DI-788 have up to 32 fully isolated channels per box, and support up tp eight simultaneously connected boxes.

		Schneider contributes $500,000 to Arc flash research - 03/18/08 The donation will help expand the knowledge of the electric arc phenomena and enhance worker safety through advances in the codes and standards relating to safe employee work practices.

		Semaphore signs Gray Matter Systems as distributor - 03/18/08 Gray Matter Systems is Semaphore's authorized distributor for markets in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida.

		WBF 2008 European Conference calls for papers - 03/18/08 The WBF European Conference Committee is accepting abstracts and papers for the 2008 Conference. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2008.

		MGV releases PH1013 1000W power supply - 03/18/08 PH1013 1000-watt DIN-rail power supply measures 150 x 127 mm. Three of these appliances can fit into a 19 in. frame to supply a total output current of almost 120A.

		AMS announces mSTEP-407 microstep positioning system - 03/18/08 mSTEP-407 combines a programmable indexer, bipolar chopper drive, and 1/10 step resolution.

		GE Fanuc introduces Proficy Workflow BPM software - 03/18/08 Proficy Workflow provides a Business Process Management (BPM) solution that digitizes and streamlines production processes – from work instructions and SOPs to corrective action and HACCP monitoring.

		MatrikonOPC introduces History Link data transfer tool - 03/18/08 Historical data transportation system provides a reliable platform for the transfer of historical data with no vendor-specific protocols or proprietary interfaces.

		Advantech releases EKI-2525P Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) Switch - 03/18/08 EKI-2525P combines a 5-port unmanaged Ethernet switch with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, to connect and power Ethernet devices over a single cable.

		Emerson’s Scenario Simulation reduces plant startup time - 03/18/08 Con Edison's East River Repowering Project realized a three month startup time reduction. Scenario simulation consists of actual plant control software and duplicate workstations that mimic the East River control room.

		Data Translation announces DT9837A USB module for vibration testing - 03/18/08 DT9837A has four independent 24-bit piezoelectric sensor inputs that are synchronized with a tachometer input to provide data streams matched in time for field or laboratory use.

		InduSoft Receives Frost & Sullivan Innovation Award - 03/18/08 InduSoft won for its Web Studio v6.1, the only HMI/SCADA solution that runs on almost every type of hardware.

		NI announces M Series USB DAQ devices with 18-bit accuracy - 03/18/08 USB-6281 and USB-6289 have an 18-bit ADC, which provides a 4X increase in resolution over traditional 16-bit devices.

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