Automation & Control News for September 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 September 2008.

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

		Unleashing the Power of OPC Webinar: Part 2 September 24, 2008 11 a.m. EDT OPC and .NET experts who will show you the many ways that you can leverage OPC technology in your custom business and manufacturing software applications. Whether you are using the latest and greatest Visual Studio.NET technologies or using the time tested Visual Studio 6/VB/C++, this VENDOR NEUTRAL presentation is sure to open your eyes to how OPC can help you insure your custom applications integrate well in the OPC world.

		MatrikonOPC User Group Europe 2008 October 22, 2008 Barcelona, Spain Conference provides an environment that facilitates hands-on learning and provides integrators and end users with professional development that enables them to counter industry wide challenges.

		Eaton connects its Power Management Software to its hardware - 09/30/08 Enterprise Power Manager, LanSafe 6, and Netwatch 5 are now compatible with Powerware, MGE Office Protection Systems, Aphel and Pulizzi product families.

		Exele adds OPC alarms to TopView - 09/30/08 TopView Write-to-server notification stores alarm and related messages to string tags in the underlying OPC or PI Server.

		Parvalux adds speed controllers to DC brushless motors - 09/30/08 PBL42 and PBL60 square frame dc motors now come with optional integrated speed controllers.

		Autodesk BIM software works on Windows 64-Bit Operating Systems - 09/30/08 Revit software applications for Building Information Modeling (BIM) runs on personal computers using Windows 64-bit operating systems.

		Raytek enhances MP150 infrared linescanner - 09/30/08 Enhancements include expanded data collection capability and a fiber-optic communication system that permits connection to existing fiber networks or directly to a PC.

		L-com signs Allied as distributor for HyperLink products - 09/29/08 Allied will offer the HyperLink product line, which includes antennas, surge and lightning protectors for WLANs, SCADA Systems, ISM, GSM and RFID design applications.

		McObject signs G-Tek as distributor in Turkey - 09/29/08 G-Tek, a software distributor and engineering firm in Ankara, Turkey, will resell and provide integration services for McObject's eXtremeDB and Perst database systems.

		ProSoft Technology releases PS69 PROFIBUS DP modules for CompactLogix - 09/29/08 With PS69 modules, users can combine the benefits of PROFIBUS DP with the power of the CompactLogix platform.

		ProSoft Technology releases HART analog input gateway - 09/29/08 HART Analog Input gateway integrates HART instruments with existing controller platforms over Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP and DF1 networks.

		3D Collaboration & Interoperability Conference - 09/29/08 May 17-20, 2009 Estes Park, Colorado CIC is a vendor-neutral conference addressing collaboration and interoperability in CAD and manufacturing.

		Calex introduces Model 4800 load cell summing transmitter - 09/29/08 Model 4800 accepts both AC & DC power inputs, powers up to four load cells, provides three way isolation, and has four output options.

		Koslow announces Mercury Oxide Reference Electrode - 09/29/08 Applications for this electrode include process monitoring in strong alkaline or chloride-free solutions and alkaline battery research.

		Invensys upgrades controls at Barcelona regasification terminal - 09/29/08 IPS will upgrade the site from an existing Metso DCS Max1+ to Foxboro I/A Series, InFusion control system, Fieldbus Foundation, four operator stations, Historian and a Hart station.

		Baumer releases SCATEC 2 photosensor for overlapping objects - 09/29/08 SCATEC sensors are for non-contact counting of overlapped paper sheets, newspapers and other flat objects conveyed in a lap or shingle stream, regardless of the direction of travel.

		Siemens introduces LOGO! text display - 09/29/08 The text display is a backlit LCD with a 128 x 64 pixel resolution capable of displaying four lines of text with up to 12 characters per line.

		Siemens to save energy at Eastern Kentucky University - 09/29/08 The Siemens contract guarantees EKU will save 24,665,190 kWh of electricity, 89,329 mcf of natural gas, 1,729 tons of coal, 102,585 ccf of water and 138,584 ccf of sewer.

		Fluke introduces MicroMapper Pro VDV cable tester - 09/29/08 MicroMapper runs a full wiremap test for twisted pair cabling that shows the type of fault (miswires, reversals, split pairs, and breaks) plus the distance to the fault.

		OPC Foundation to release OPC Analyzer spec for review in December - 09/29/08 The OPC Analyzer Device Interface is based on the OPC-Unified Architecture specification.

		Remstar releases Consolidation Carousel - 09/28/08 Consolidation Carousel consists of horizontal carousels, put-to-light technology and control software for consolidating orders picked from multiple work zones.

		Change management software at Coca Cola minimizes production downtime - 09/28/08 The CCE Wakefield plant has 93 Siemens S5 PLCs, 11 Siemens S7 PLCs, 20 Allen Bradley ControlLogix PACs, 31 Allen Bradley SLC500 PLCs, and 26 universal Devices. MDT AutoSave software tracks all changes.

		Softing acquires majority interest in INAT GmbH - 09/28/08 INAT's range of real-time Ethernet products complements Softing's embedded fieldbus technology.

		Pepperl+Fuchs enhances ML7 photoelectric sensors - 09/28/08 ML7 series miniature photoelectric sensors are now available in retro-reflective mode for detecting clear objects such as PET plastic bottles, clear shrink-wrap, glass, and clear Mylar film.

		WirelessHART specification approved by IEC - 09/28/08 HART 7.1 was approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a Publicly Available Specification (IEC/PAS 62591Ed. 1).

		ABB supplies 2,000 circuit breakers in South Africa - 09/26/08 ABB won a $75-million contract from Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity provider, to supply and install circuit breakers to strengthen the country’s electricity network.

		Emerson to control liquid metering systems at Suncor Energy - 09/26/08 Emerson will provide project design and engineering services and Daniel metering skids for Oil Sands Upgrader Operation in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

		B&R introduces 8LSA series servo motors - 09/26/08 19- or 25-bit encoders in 8LSA series servo motors store all relevant mechanical and electrical information, simplifying set up.

		Haydon introduces 35000 series Size 14 linear actuator - 09/26/08 35000 series captive linear actuator is suited for applications in which external anti-rotation methods would be difficult or impossible to employ.

		Omniflex announces OMNILOG2 data logger for ABB Magmaster flowmeters - 09/26/08 TELETERM OMNILOG2 communicates directly with the Magmaster transmitter and uploads the flows, totals, alarms, and diagnostics and stores the values on two log files.

		eWON introduces industrial routers - 09/26/08 Models 2104 and 4104 offer dual ADSL/modem access to remote industrial devices. Each device functions as a full IP router and transparent gateway.

		Ethernet Direct releases IRE-800EC switch for Modbus over TCP - 09/26/08 IRE-800EC 8-port Ethernet switch has extended temperature rating, conformal coating technology, and supports Modbus over TCP.

		Techno-Sommer releases GGL3060 gripper for food handling - 09/25/08 GGL3060 gripper, made from corrosion-resistant, stainless steel meets DIN 1672-2 guidelines for hygienic food production machinery, making it food safe.

		ACS introduces SPiiPlus-LF motion controller - 09/25/08 SPiiPlus-LF stand-alone motion controller can provide up to 64 axes of control using a CANopen network.

		Green Hills announces embedded software for Intel Atom - 09/25/08 Software includes INTEGRITY real-time operating system, MULTI integrated development environment, optimizing C/C++ compilers, and DoubleCheck static analyzer.

		Rockwell Automation announces OneGear motor controls - 09/25/08 OneGear medium voltage motor controls are for use with full voltage and solid-state reduced voltage applications up to 15kV.

		Parvalux publishes DC Permanent Magnet motor catalog - 09/25/08 Catalog covers DC brushed permanent magnet motors and gearboxes.

		German Waste Processor uses turbidity measurements - 09/25/08 For control of its effluent stream, AVG in Hamburg, Germany, relies on backscattered light turbidity measurements using equipment supplied by METTLER TOLEDO.

		GE Fanuc announces Sequence of Events (SOE) for PACSystems - 09/25/08 SOE captures the first event and sequence of events that occur in the system, during a shutdown or a trip sequence, to help users document when events have occurred.

		Emerson to update controls at PetroChina’s Dalian Refinery - 09/25/08 Emerson is installing Ovation controls to replace PLCs at a power station that provides electricity and steam to the refinery.

		Advantech introduces TPC-1770H touch panel computer - 09/25/08 TPC-1770H high resolution 17-uin. SXGA TFT LCD low power Celeron M 1 GHz touch panel computer has 512MB DDR2 SDRAM.

		ABB to supply equipment for solar power plant in China - 09/25/08 ABB will supply LDK Solar more than $36 million in electrical systems, equipment and related engineering and project management services for a new production plant in Xinyu City, China.

		PAS publishes Guide to High Performance Operator Graphics - 09/25/08 Handbook details the need, design, and implementation of an optimal Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for process operators and automation systems.

		Power Integrations wins patent lawsuit against Fairchild - 09/25/08 Power Integrations was found to have acted properly in the process of applying for and obtaining its patents from the Patent Office. The Court rejected Fairchild's claims and ruled the patents enforceable.

		Lanner introduces LUGE EM-F345 embedded computer - 09/25/08 LUGE EM-F345 is based on the Intel Atom Processor N270 and the Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset.

		Semaphore adds 1-Wire Interface to T-BOX SCADA - 09/25/08 1-Wire is a half duplex communications network that uses a single wire to provide data transmission and power.

		HMS introduces Anybus-IC single-chip Profinet IO interface - 09/25/08 Anybus-IC has an integrated fast Ethernet controller and a full featured Profinet IO device software stack.

		Danfoss expands in Illinois - 09/25/08 Danfoss is doubling its Loves Park, IL, facility that produces variable frequency drives, adding both production and office space.

		Schneider Electric anounces Branch Circuit Meter - 09/25/08 PowerLogic Branch Circuit Power Meter monitors up to 84 branch circuits as well as the main incoming feeds in a power panel or PDU, extending power monitoring down to the branch circuit level.

		FKI Logistex enhances EASYpick order fulfillment software - 09/25/08 Improvements include web-based tools for dynamic workload planning, detailed productivity reporting, and exporting productivity data.

		IEC subcommittee passes FDT specification - 09/25/08 Subcommittee IEC SC 65 E approved all 18 parts of the FDT specification.

		VYCON releases VDC Flywheel UPS - 09/25/08 For power outages, VDC and VDC-XE will seamlessly provide up to 300kW of DC power in a single csbinet. VDC models can be paralleled.

		Crouzet introduces Motomate brushless motor with integrated controller - 09/23/08 Motomate incorporates a Milleneum2 controller, brushless motor drive, motor, and gearbox in a compact 2-1/2” x 6” package.

		Keithley introduces Model 2308 battery/charger simulator - 09/23/08 Model 2308 is suited for design and test of low-power, battery-operated devices.

		UMass Lowell opens BioManufacturing Pilot Plant - 09/23/08 The pilot plant and lab will help Massachusetts biomanufacturing companies bring new biopharmaceuticals closer to commercial production.

		Arista announces BoxPC 304 industrial computer - 09/23/08 BoxPC 304 has either a energy efficient 1.5GHz VIA C7 or high horsepower 3.0 GHz Pentium 4, both with an 800MHz FSB.

		Industrial Defender supplies cybersecurity to Kepware - 09/23/08 Kepware will deliver Industrial Defender’s host intrusion detection software as a KEPServerEX Security Agent Driver Plug-in.

		Interroll opens drum motor service center in California - 09/23/08 The facility in Tulare, CA, houses application support, customer support and warranty service.

		PI releases E-617 amplifier with energy recovery technology - 09/23/08 Energy recovery technology reduces power consumption and heat dissipation, especially in dynamic applications.

		MagStar introduces XLR multi-lane conveyor - 09/23/08 XLR multi-lane accumulation conveyor handles products of various sizes and random orientation.

		Baumer introduces TB-Fix bimetal thermometer for pipes - 09/23/08 Clamp-on bimetal thermometer is suitable for temperature measurements of liquids in insulated pipes.

		Invensys donates automation technology to UMass BioManufacturing Center - 09/23/08 Invensys donated an InFusion enterprise control technology to the UMass Lowell BioManufacturing Center. With equipment and services from Wyeth Biotech and Dakota Systems, the center will provide a full-scale manufacturing operation.

		Emerson controls acetylene bottle filling at SABIC - 09/23/08 PlantWeb digital plant architecture with FOUNDATION fieldbus and mass flowmeters reduces annual cost by €300,000 and improves production efficiency by 30 per cent at SABIC Europe B.V.

		GE Fanuc releases economy-size Proficy for smaller aplications - 09/23/08 Proficy is available in a 250 I/O size, single-computer offering targeted at smaller applications and OEMs.

		IXXAT offers free Device Description Explorer for CANopen and POWERLINK - 09/23/08 Tool enables user to inspect CANopen and POWERLINK device description files conforming to the CiA 306 and CiA 311

		Lanner releases VC-448DX four-channel video input card - 09/23/08 VC-448DX provides four-channel video input at full D1 resolution (30/25 frames per second for NTSC/PAL formats), along with four-channel audio input and automatic audio-video synchronization.

		Omron introduces H7BX Multi-Function Counter - 09/23/08 H7BX multi-function counter delivers simple preset and batch counting functions as well as advanced dual counter and tachometer functions.

		MIPAC provides controls at Birla Nifty Copper - 09/23/08 MIPAC will implement advanced control strategies to improve process performance at Birla’s Nifty Copper Operation in Australia.

		Pavilion hosts ValueForum ‘08 - 09/22/08 October 7-10, 2008 Prague, Czech Republic. The conference will feature industry leaders showcasing how they have achieved new performance targets with Pavilion solutions.

		ASI announces ASIST modular terminal block - 09/22/08 ASIST terminal blocks accept wires equipped with ring tongue or spade terminals.

		General Motion Control market to reach $8.2 billion in 2012 - 09/22/08 The GMC market reached nearly $6.0 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to grow to over $8.2 billion in 2012, according to ARC Advisory Group.

		SCADA market in Oil & Gas industry to reach $1.3 Billion in 2012 - 09/22/08 The worldwide market for SCADA Systems for the Oil & Gas industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% over the next five years.

		Data Translation announces DT9812-10V-OEM USB DAQ board - 09/22/08 OEM version provides two, 20-pin connectors to accommodate all I/O signals without an enclosure, allowing an OEM to embed the board into its own system.

		Mu Dynamics finds open source VPN vulnerability - 09/22/08 Mu Dynamics discovered and helped remediate a dangerous vulnerability within strongSwan’s virtual private network (VPN) solution.

		Danaher Motion hosts free Mechatronics seminar - 09/22/08 October 22, 2008 Boston, MA Attendees will learn how to create custom algorithms with advanced vibration control and analysis to build better machines, faster and at less cost.

		ACUSIM AcuSolve supports Windows HPC Server 2008 - 09/22/08 ACUSIM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software now supports Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008.

		Wurldtech supplies Achilles system to KONGSBERG - 09/22/08 Achilles will be integrated into Kongsberg's regression tests to ensure the quality of the frameworks provided by the Kongsberg Maritime Technology Base.

		MTS supplies sensors for high wall mining - 09/22/08 The sensors replace externally mounted pressure switches, infrared switches, and string potentiometers because magnetostrictive technology proved to be more durable and reliable.

		ABB to supply gearless mill drive systems to mine in Panama - 09/22/08 ABB will supply six complete gearless mill drive systems, transformers, ringmotors, project engineering, installation, training and other related support services.

		Thermo Fisher enhances iCAP 6000 spectrometers for biodiesel analysis - 09/22/08 Enhancements provide dependable monitoring of elemental contaminants in biodiesel.

		RWD opens office in Bogota, Columbia - 09/22/08 The office will provide oil and gas, refining, and chemical companies with service-based consulting and solutions.

		Emerson promotes John Berra to Chairman - 09/22/08 Emerson named Steven A. Sonnenberg executive VP and promoted John M. Berra to chairman of Emerson Process Management

		Bison Gear releases VWDIR40 gearmotors - 09/22/08 Drop-in replacements for VW40 gearmotors produce 800 in-lb continuous torque from 115Vac.

		HABEY announces BIS-7750 embedded network appliance - 09/22/08 BIS-7750 has five PCIe Gigabit Ethernet ports, Ethernet bypass segment, PCIe 4x slot, mini-PCIe slot for expansion, dual SATA II channel and supports up to 2GB of system memory.

		Micro Commercial Components signs Allied as distributor - 09/22/08 Allied will carry a broad range of products from MCC, including diodes, transistors, MOSFETs and circuit protection products.

		O-Z/Gedney introduces ETP 4QS liquidtight connectors - 09/22/08 4QS connector is for use with liquidtight flexible metallic electrical conduit.

		Audon announces RedLab-1608FS USB DAQ unit - 09/19/08 RedLab-1608FS 8 channel, 16-bit data acquisition unit provides simultaneous sampling on all input channels.

		Ethernet Direct adds Modbus to PcVUE SCADA - 09/19/08 PcVUE HMI/SCADA uses Modbus over TCP/IP switches from Ethernet Direct.

		ORing introduces IES 3000 Ethernet switch - 09/19/08 IES-3000 series supports variouis Ethernet protocols, reduces the recovery time to 10 ms, and supports redundancy.

		AspenTech enhances aspenONE V7 for Process Engineering - 09/19/08 Enhancements enable process industry companies to achieve the seven best practices of engineering excellence.

		Techno releases A. R. T. handheld CNC controller - 09/18/08 A.R.T allows the operator to move around the machine during setup and operation while providing complete control of all machine functions.

		Cognex enhances VisionView operator display panel - 09/18/08 VisionView 1.1 lets operators view and closely monitor what the vision systems are doing on their production lines.

		Northwire obtains Fieldbus Foundation approval for cable - 09/18/08 FF-844 certification assures that DataCELL cable is electrically precise and meets FOUNDATION fieldbus type A cable physical property requirements.

		E-T-A obtains Class I, Div 2 Group A, B, C, D certification for ESX0-T trip - 09/18/08 ESX10-T Electronic Circuit Protector combines electronic trip characteristics and active current limitation to allow disconnection of loads connected to 24VDC power supplies.

		Flow Research says Coriolis Flowmeter to reach $950 million by 2012 - 09/18/08 The worldwide flowmeter market totaled $662 million in 2007, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% through 2012.

		Advantech holds 2008 eAutomation World Partner Conference - 09/18/08 The theme for the event was “Empower eAutomation Growth with Focused Partnerships.”

		B&R releases X20 Stand-alone hub - 09/18/08 Stand-alone hub can be used as a 4x or 6x Ethernet hub or, with an X20 Bus controller module, for Ethernet POWERLINK.

		McObject appoints VP in China - 09/18/08 Husen Tu will head a team based in Beijing.

		Audon Electronics releases PDS7102 bench-top oscilloscope - 09/18/08 PDS7102 100MHz two-channel bench-top oscilloscope has 8-bit resolution and a large 7.8" 640 x 480 color LCD.

		Avalue releases LPC-1201/1001 Touch Panel PC - 09/18/08 LPC-1201/1001 industrial-level, fanless panel PC has a touch panel, measures 283 x 222 x 44 mm, and has an all aluminum extrusion casing.

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