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October 10, 2007
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    Sponsor: Remke

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    Sponsor: Remke

    REMKE EXPRESS

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    In this Issue

    From One Techie to Another:
    Wireless abounds at ISA EXPO

    Featured Article:
    Using Operator Interfaces to Optimize Performance of Industrial Wireless Networks

    Product Announcements:
    -Emerson Rosemount 3490 controllers
    -MOXA AWK-1200 wireless Access Point/Bridge
    -ASI space-saving fuse terminal blocks
    -Festo SBOC-M/SBOI-M Vision System
    -ProSoft RadioLinx 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot
    -TURCK analog input station for DeviceNet
    -HEIDENHAIN LS 688C Linear Encoder for machine tools; and much more

    Resources & Literature:
    -Automation Systems & Control Components Catalog
    -Online Development Web Site Demo; and much more

    Events, Seminars & Training:
    -OPC Training Workshops
    -Thermo Informatics World 2007
    -Practical Process Control Training - PID Control; and much more

    Company & Organizational News:
    -Bison Gear develops manufacturing program at College of DuPage
    -Siemens joins ISA Security Compliance Institute; and much more

    Application News:
    -Invensys installing InFusion system for Petro Rabigh
    -Emerson installs wireless technology at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; and much more

    New Job Opportunities

    Humor of the Week
    Sponsor: OPC Foundation

    More Information about OPC Events

    What is OPC? Want your company to be an innovator leader, and maximize your product and resource utilization? Learn more about OPC, and how to achieve secure reliable interoperability with high performance quality products from hundreds of vendors.

    • For End-Users and System Integrators: the OPC Foundation provides no-cost seminars providing the solid foundation for what and how to use OPC-based products.

    Click Here for more details, schedule and registration for these and other important OPC Events.

    From One Techie to Another

    Wireless abounds at ISA EXPO
    After walking around the show floor at ISA EXPO last week, it quickly became obvious that Wireless was the single, most pronounced topic, at least amongst the exhibitors.

    Of course, Honeywell Process Solutions, one of the largest proponents of wireless had a presence at the show. Jeff Becker, Honeywell’s director of global wireless business, indicated that they have well over 500 successful wireless installations with the largest installation operating with over 2000 nodes. Back in June, Honeywell announced OneWireless mesh network.

    Dust Networks announced the SmartMesh IA-500 family of standards-based wireless sensor networking (WSN) systems. SmartMesh IA-510, the first in this family, is compatible with the WirelessHART standard and enables industrial automation vendors to meet the rapidly growing demand for standards-based WSN solutions. With an estimated 25 million HART field devices currently installed, and approximately 3 million new HART devices shipping each year, industrial automation vendors and end users are expected to embrace the unifying standard. Dust Networks is currently working with leading industrial automation vendors, including Emerson Process Management and Phoenix Contact.

    A number of relatively new wireless players also emerged at ISA EXPO including companies like AirSprite, GainSpan, GreenPeak and Oceana, among others.

    AirSprite rolled out its plans for a family of products that will deliver dramatic improvements in operational efficiency, plant utilization, and employee productivity. The company’s first products will connect directly to HART devices and require no changes, enable the installation of industrial wireless networks that work with existing systems, and be upgradeable to comply with future standards.

    GainSpan, an Intel spinoff, is a provider of Wi-Fi semiconductor and software solutions that provide years of battery life for sensors and other connected devices. Oceana Sensor has partnered with GainSpan to develop the Wireless Sensor Module (WSeM) which can be implemented into an existing product or incorporated into new product designs. The WSeM contains an analog to digital converter/filter, an on-board processor, and 802.11 wireless communication capability, all on one printed circuit board. It can also accommodate up to four different sensor inputs.

    Similarly, GreenPeak announced the Lime CM-08 module, a tiny 5 cm² electronic component that OEM customers can integrate into their products. The tiny module functions as a stand-alone communication system, integrating a transmitter/receiver, antenna, and low-power mesh network software on a single device.

    And there were still more Wireless providers at ISA EXPO that I didn’t get around to visiting. There is no doubt that wireless was the buzz last week. With today’s existing wireless technologies, end users now have the ability to monitor and control sensors and systems without the expense of hard-wire costs. The applications are literally endless. There is no doubt in my mind that wireless technologies will continue to be adopted rapidly by suppliers and users alike. For the sake of users, let’s just hope the ISA-SP100 standard is formalized sooner rather than later.

    Enjoy the rest of this Automation Weekly!

    Rick Zabel
    Vice President, Publisher
    Featured Article

    Using Operator Interfaces to Optimize Performance of Industrial Wireless Networks
    The performance of wireless networks can change over time due to increased performance demands, changes in the radio frequency (RF) environment and changes in the physical environment. This article will explore the use of a wireless diagnostic OLE for Process Control (OPC) server technology to embed diagnostic information in human machine interfaces (HMIs), thus optimizing industrial wireless network performance.

    Read full article by Jim Ralston of ProSoft Technology

    Browse Portals for more articles, white papers and application stories by topic
    Product Announcements
    Emerson introduces Rosemount 3490 controllers Emerson introduces Rosemount 3490 controllers
    3490 Series Control Units work with any 4-20mA or HART-compatible transmitter and provide display, calculations, logging and control outputs.
    ASI introduces space-saving fuse terminal blocks ASI introduces space-saving fuse terminal blocks
    MPFA.4 single level fuse block and DSFA.4 double level fuse block provide fuse protection in only 6mm of space on a DIN rail.
      Opto 22 releases SNAP PAC S2 programmable automation controller
    SNAP-PAC-S2 programmable automation controller (PAC) has four serial ports and a dual Ethernet interface. Price: $1495
      Emerson to enhance integration of Wireless into PlantWeb with DeltaV v10.3
    Emerson's DeltaV system Version 10.3, for release in early 2008, will provide seamless integration of its field network's wireless gateway.
    MOXA releases AWK-1200 wireless Access Point/Bridge MOXA releases AWK-1200 wireless Access Point/Bridge
    AWK-1200 includes an Access Point/Bridge and an AP Client, both with a rugged IP67/68 weatherproof casing to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
    Festo introduces SBOC-M/SBOI-M Vision System Festo introduces SBOC-M/SBOI-M Vision System
    Compact Vision System SBOC-M/SBOI-MAs with a sampling rate of 185-2000 images/sec monitors fast motions.
    ProSoft introduces RadioLinx 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot ProSoft introduces RadioLinx 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot
    Radio functions as an access point, repeater, or client. Its water resistant enclosure permits it to be installed in areas exposed to harsh conditions.
    TURCK releases analog input station for DeviceNet TURCK releases analog input station for DeviceNet
    Analog input station with IP 67, 68 and 69K ratings supports four analog inputs on the DeviceNet network.
    SIXNET's Slim Line Ethernet Switches work in hazardous areas SIXNET's Slim Line Ethernet Switches work in hazardous areas
    Slim Line switches now carry UL, EN and ATEX certifications for use in hazardous locations.
    HEIDENHAIN releases LS 688C Linear Encoder for machine tools HEIDENHAIN releases LS 688C Linear Encoder for machine tools
    Full size scale is available in common measuring lengths with distance-coded reference marks and a connectable cable assembly.
    Advantech Launches IPC-630 4U Rack Mount Chassis Advantech Launches IPC-630 4U Rack Mount Chassis
    IPC-630 has front panel status LEDs, lockable front access panel door latch, and easy front access to the removable fans. Price: $688.
      Sena launches PSx10W Series wireless device server
    PSx10W Series has 802.11b/g type wireless network interface and WPA2 and 802.11i compliant wireless security.

    Other Product Announcements

    Product & Supplier Search

    • Featured Products for October
    • Search Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date
    • Search Suppliers by keyword or product category
    Resources & Literature
    Automation Systems & Control Components Catalog
    Bosch Rexroth’s new 165-page, full color catalog features complete information on the company’s automation systems, including the IndraLogic open PLC system and the IndraMotion systems family. The catalog also includes detailed information on Rexroth control components, which include: IndraControl L rack-based controls, IndraControl V HMIs and industrial PCs, Inline cabinet-mounted I/O (IP20), Fieldline machine-mounted I/O (IP67), and IndraWorks engineering framework software.
    Events, Seminars & Training
    OPC Training Workshops
    OPC Training Institute (OPCTI) launches hands-on OPC training classes. These training workshops provide people in the industrial automation, manufacturing and military with a theoretical background in OPC technology. Attendees also gain practical hands-on experience that they can immediately apply at their job.

    Other Upcoming Events & Training

    Go to our Calendar of Events to see other upcoming events. Add an event to our calendar.
    Company & Organizational News
    Bison Gear develops manufacturing program at College of DuPage
    The program helps prepare entry level workers to be effective in their positions by acquiring the skill sets necessary.
    Siemens joins ISA Security Compliance Institute
    Siemens joined the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) as a founding member.
    Motion Control sales hit $503 million in Second Quarter
    The Motion Control Association (MCA) says sales of motors, electronic drives, controllers, actuators and other motion control components are up by 3.7% from first quarter 2007.

    Other Company & Organization News:

    Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news.

    Application News
    Invensys installing InFusion system for Petro Rabigh
    Petro Rabigh is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical, headquartered in Rabigh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    Emerson installs wireless technology at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
    Emerson's Smart Wireless network is operating reliably in both the roughing and finishing sections of the hot strip mill.
    ABB to supply controls for Alberta power project
    ABB will supply a System 800xA and related project services, valued at $7.1 million, for the Keephills Unit 3 coal-fired power project in Alberta, Canada.

    Other Application News:

    Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news.
    New Jobs

    Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com:

    To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function. For recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.

    Humor of the Week

    Dilbert - The company’s real attitude on employee health and well-being

    Goin' Fishin' - Purchasing lets vendors quote on the parts list

     

    I hope you enjoyed this Automation Weekly 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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