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Lower the Cost of Machine Design
Mechatronics is a system-level approach to designing electromechanical systems that merges mechanical, electrical, control system, and embedded software design. It represents an industry-wide effort to improve the design process by integrating the best available development practices and technologies to streamline design, prototyping, and deployment.
To learn more, download the free resource kit.
From One Techie to Another:
Are Automation Upgrades in your future?
Featured Article:
Six Decisions You Must Get Right Before Upgrading Your Automation System
Product Announcements:
Spring Clamp Terminal Block, Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 5.0, SIMATIC PVX OS HMI, K50 Series bin pick indicators, and much more
Resources & Literature:
IEC 61499 Function Blocks for Embedded and Distributed Control Systems Design and more
Events, Seminars & Training:
ISA to present SP18.02 alarm management standard at Matrikon Summit, and more
Company News:
Schneider Electric becomes principal member of ODVA, Belden will acquire Lumberg Automation, and much more
| Sponsor: ProSoft Technology | |
From One Techie to Another | |||||||
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Are Automation Upgrades in your future? Just about every conference or event I’ve attended in the last few months, regardless of the host, had one underlying theme…Optimization. At ABB’s recent Automation World, the theme was "Collaborating for Results." At ARC’s February Forum, the theme was “Driving Performance in a Flat World." At the Invensys Process Systems Customer Conference, the theme was “Know More. Act Faster.” Even though the title of these events are different, the underlying theme (or desired result) is the same…improving efficiencies, optimizing assets, and improving production processes. In brownfield installations, to accomplish these goals, companies may need to upgrade existing automation systems. It could mean a new control system. It could mean a new HMI/SCADA system. Or, it could mean software applications that link between automation systems and enterprise systems. Upgrading portions of automation systems has probably never been easier than it is today. Major suppliers are introducing products that allow users to upgrade portions of their system, even if that system was originally sold by another supplier. Two recent examples are:
And now that Fieldbus Wars are over (maybe?) and the major suppliers are supporting multiple fieldbus technologies, users have the luxury of mixing and matching control systems and device networks. Some recent examples are:
(Watch for the first issue of our Fieldbus Update later this week with much more recent fieldbus information. Or, check out our Fieldbus Portal.) The trend today is optimization and improving efficiencies. If your automation systems are outdated, an upgrade may benefit your process and business. Speaking of upgrades, our featured article this week is Six Decisions You Must Get Right Before Upgrading Your Automation System by Control Systems International. It's worth a read. Oh, by the way, we've been a little remiss in announcing our iPod subscriber winners. Just so you know we are living up to our commitment to give away an iPod every month, check out our recent winners. Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel |
2007 Salary Survey
Automation.com is surveying automation, process control and instrumentation professionals about career, salary and company information. Find out how you stack up with other professionals, and how salaries vary by job function or geographic region. Please take a minute to complete our survey and then pass it on to your automation friends and colleagues. Survey results will be published in early spring 2007.
Six Decisions You Must Get Right Before Upgrading Your Automation System
Automation upgrades often fail because buyers fail to make a few critical decisions early in the upgrade process. This report identifies the critical decisions you must make early and correctly in order for your upgrade project to be cost effective, achieve your goals, and reduce the risk of incorrect startup and operation.
Read full article by Control Systems International.
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ASI releases Double Level Spring Clamp Terminal Block - 4/10/07 The modular double level DIN rail terminal block features a quick and easy spring clamp connection on one side and an industry standard pluggable terminal block on the opposite side of the block. |
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| NI enhances Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 5.0 - 4/10/07 Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 5.0 now has Sound and Vibration Assistant interactive software for quickly acquiring, analyzing and logging acoustic and vibration measurements. The S&VM Suite 5.0 is a collection of analysis and signal processing tools for noise, vibration, harshness (NVH); machine condition monitoring; and audio test applications. |
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| Siemens releases SIMATIC PVX OS HMI for PROVOX systems - 4/9/07 The 750-340 series bus coupler can be used to connect local or distributed I/O on a PROFINET industrial Ethernet network. |
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Banner introduces K50 Series bin pick indicators - 4/8/07 K50 Series single-point pick-to-light sensor shows the assembler the correct order for selecting parts in a kitting operation, confirms a pick was made, and alerts the assembler that a wrong part was picked. Price: from $110. |
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Advantech launches FPM-3170G 17 in. flat panel monitor - 4/6/07 FPM-3170G 17 in. SXGA TFT LCD Flat Panel Monitor has 1280 x 1024 resolution and Direct-VGA, DVI, video, and S-video inputs. The large screen presents vivid and sharp images. Price: $1,550. |
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Northwire introduces DataCELL FIELD Profibus DP cables - 4/6/07 Cables comply with Profibus specification EN50170-2-2:1996. Versions include ITC/PLTC-ER cable for factory floor installations, AWM cable for machine builders and OEM applications, and marine/shipboard cable. |
Other Product Announcements
- Honeywell announces SIS-Health Monitoring software 4/10/07
- SICK STEGMANN makes DRS26 Encoders programmable 4/10/07
- Anver announces VPF-57-AC electric vacuum lifter 4/10/07
- Acrosser announces AR-B1842 PCI-Express CPU Card 4/10/07
- Comtrol enhances Edgeware RFID controller 4/9/07
- AMT offers simulation services for robotic palletizing 4/9/07
- EDS upgrades Chronos for AutoCAD 4/9/07
- Standard-Knapp introduces Continuum Tray Magazine 4/9/07
- Pentek upgrades SystemFlow software for recording systems 4/9/07
- Parker Enhances Compax3 Servo Drives 4/9/07
- Logic Beach introduces ILIM-7 module for IntelliLogger 4/6/07
- FCI introduces GF90 Flare Gas Flow Meter 4/6/07
- ISONAS introduces PowerNet ID card reader 4/6/07
- Sealant introduces Servo-Flo 704-HV dispense system 4/6/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs updates fieldbus Segment Checker software 4/5/07
- McCrometer releases Model FC100 Flow Register 4/5/07
- General Monitors releases TL105 Test Lamp for Flame Detectors 4/5/07
- US Digital announces MAE3 magnetic shaft encoder 4/5/07
- Imsys launches IEEE 1588 development kit 4/5/07
- SAS Automation enhances GRZ 20-16 jaws 4/5/07
- Calex introduces Convir Pyropen handheld IR thermometer 4/5/07
- Analytical Technology introduces Q45H/65 Chlorine Dioxide Monitor 4/5/07
- Moore Industries' EPX2 E/P transmitter runs on natural gas 4/4/07
- Adept Technology releases UL-Listed Robots 4/4/07
- KUKA upgrades PalletTech software V 3.5 4/4/07
- Midaco announces Automatic Flexible Pallet System 4/4/07
- Midaco releases M-RPC manual pallet system 4/4/07
- Theorem Multi-CAD module puts UGNX into Catia V5 4/4/07
Product & Supplier Search
- Featured Products for April
- Search Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date
- Search Suppliers by keyword or product category
Featured Application Tool: IEC 61499 Function Blocks for Embedded and Distributed Control Systems Design
IEC 61499 is the newly adopted standard for distributed control systems and follows on from the IEC 61131 standard for programmable logic controllers (PLC). Part of the ISA/O3neida series on distributed industrial automation, this book is a practical guide for component-based development of distributed embedded and control systems as proposed by the new international standard. Each chapter is designed as an independent study unit, making the book ideal for use in university courses, industrial training, or self-study.
More information
Other Resources:
ISA to present SP18.02 alarm management standard at Matrikon Summit
ISA will describe the ISA-SP18.02 standard addressing the development, installation, and management of alarm systems in the process industries at the Matrikon Summit, May 7-10, Chicago, IL. This standard is intended to provide a methodology that will result in the improved safety of industrial and manufacturing facilities.
More information
Other Upcoming Events & Training
- AS-Interface One-day Training Classes: Starting April 12, 2007
- ISA Analysis Division's 2007 Symposium: April 15-19, 2007
- HANNOVER MESSE 2007: April 16-20, 2007
- Process Analytical Technology Seminars: Start April 17, 2007
- PAS 'Process Matters' Users Conference: April 17-18, 2007
- ExperTune and TiPS announce User's Conference: April 17-19, 2007
- Electromate Industrial Sales' Toronto & Montreal Automation Fair & Expo: April 17 & 19 2007
- Deliver Operational Efficiency to Process Manufacturers (Webinar): April 19, 2007
- North America CACS: April 22-26, 2007
- SAPPHIRE and ASUG 2007: April 22-25, 2007
- Innovation Fair: April 24, 2007
- LinuxWorld Canada April 24-26, 2007
- Keithley Nano Days Virtual Conference April 24-26, 2007
- Computer/Human Interaction (CHI) 2007 Conference April 28-May 3, 2007
- FutureNet April 28-May 3, 2007
- WBF 2007 North American Conference: April 30 - May 3, 2007
- Matrikon Summit 2007: May 7-10, 2007
- Oil and Gas Industry Symposium in 13 cities: Starting May 8, 2007
- NI Automated Test Summit on Web: May 8, 2007
- RoboBusiness Conference and Expo: May 15-16, 2007
- Total Processing & Packaging 2007: May 15-17, 2007
- Deacom User Conference: May 16-17, 2007
- PTO Free PROFINET 2007 Developer Workshops: Starting May 21, 2007
- M2M Forum 2007: May 22-23, 2007
- BuilConn: May 22-24, 2007
- ASi-tech 2007: May 22, 2007
Here are the latest company and application news headlines for your review...use the following links to read the full article. Check out our Daily News Headlines page frequently to stay up-to-date on the industry events.
Company & Organization News:
- Schneider Electric becomes principal member of ODVA 4/10/07
- Emerson renames Solartron densitometers 4/10/07
- InPlay Technologies licenses Duraswitch to Kay-EE in China 4/10/07
- Invensys building new regional HQ in Western Canada 4/10/07
- FANUC honored by GM as 2006 Supplier of the Year 4/10/07
- Racine Federated acquires Flow Meter lines from Asahi/America 4/10/07
- National Instruments expands Academic Site License 4/10/07
- Honeywell holds Middle East Users Group meeting 4/10/07
- ISA Marketing & Sales Summit to hold editor forum 4/10/07
- Fieldbus Training Centers to share resources 4/9/07
- Wonderware's WonderWorld Conference attendance hits 2,300 4/9/07
- OpenMake Software names Ray Kratville VP 4/9/07
- ICONICS opens new China Operations 4/6/07
- Belden will acquire Lumberg Automation 4/5/07
- ICONICS wins Microsoft award 4/5/07
- LXI Consortium announces Application Contest 4/5/07
- Emerson supplies equipment to New Zealand M&C school 4/4/07
- Invensys participates in workshops at INTERPHEX 4/4/07
Application News:
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com:
- Process Control Engineer: Twinco Inc. - West Falls, NY 4/9/2007
- Control Engineer: St Jude Medical - Minnetonka, MN 4/06/2007
- Account Executive: Wonderware Midwest / GS Systems - Minnetonka, MN 4/05/2007
- Director of Automation: Netflix - Sunnyvale, CA 4/05/2007
- Sr. Controls Engineer: Factory Automation Systems - Atlanta, GA 4/04/2007
To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function.
Here are the latest winners of our monthly iPod drawing:
- March, 2007: Abhijit Jadhav, Siemens - India
- February, 2007: Bill McTighe, Precision Digital - MA, USA
- January, 2007: Greg August, Liquafaction LLC - WA, USA
- December, 2006: George Standridge, Welding Technologies Inc. - GA, USA
- November, 2006: Steve Higgs, Command Alkon Inc. - OH, USA
- October, 2006: Steve Brown - WA, USA
- September, 2006: Requests to remain anonymous
Every new subscriber to this newsletter has a chance to win an iPod in our montly drawing. Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe. They might just be the next lucky winner!
Dilbert
Just being in the presence of an engineer can be daunting.
Understanding Engineers – Take 1
To the optimist, the glass is half full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.
To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
I hope you enjoyed this automation news update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
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