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July 16, 2008
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Sponsor: Advantech

ADAM-6000 Ethernet I/O modules with P2P and GCL

ADAM-6000 Ethernet I/O modules with P2P and GCL

Advantech's ADAM-6000 Ethernet I/O modules now have advanced Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and Graphic Condition Logic (GCL) functionality. With P2P, these distributed Ethernet I/O modules can actively update input channel status to specific output channels. GCL is a windows-based software utility to add control logic between input and output without extensive programming. GCL can easily create equivalent instructions to simple ladder logic instructions on PLCs. It also supports flexible cascade function locally or over the Ethernet network.

More information on ADAM-6000.

 
Sponsor: ABB

The Industry Leader in Lifecycle Management

The Track Record to prove it

Read about our lifecycle commitment

No one is more committed than ABB to helping you get the most value out of your control system investment. Driven by our progressive Lifecycle Policy and our Automation Sentinel software program, we lower your lifecycle support costs by designing our systems for continuous evolution. Unlike the other guys, we back our "talk" by "walking the walk."

Read about our lifecycle commitment.
Read about our lifecycle commitment
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Our Automation Portals organize information by topic and include new products, company news, articles, white papers, application stories, training, resources, events, and more.
In this Issue

From One Techie to Another:
2008 Salary Data

Featured Article:
Nesting Heuristics Less Effective than Vision Emulation

My.Automation.com Forum Post:
ISA CAP (Certified Autmation Professional)

Product Announcements:
-ABB HART temperature transmitters
-Emerson VerticalPlus I/O for DeltaV Systems
-WAGO 852 Series industrial Ethernet switches
-National Instruments enhances DIAdem 11.0
-Advantech FPM-5151G XGA industrial monitor
-GE Fanuc VG6 single board computer
-Control Microsystems KR20 integrated data radio
-Pepperl+Fuchs expands PMI Linear Measurement Sensors
-Danfoss Drives MCA 121 Ethernet card for drives; and much more

Resources & Literature:
 -McCrometer publishes flowmeter CD
-Allied redesigns Web Site

Events, Seminars & Training:
-Siemens hosts Drive and Motor event
-Siemens Automation Summit 2008
-NIWeek 2008; and much more

Company & Organization News:
-Emerson Acquires TopWorx
-Control valve market to exceed $6 Billion by 2012
-Autodesk and Bentley to exchange software libraries
-Matrikon announces record results for the 3rd quarter
-ILS Technology promotes Fred Yentz to CEO; and much more

Application News:
-ABB to supply controls for eight Petrobras refineries
-Matrikon supplies Alarm Management to LyondellBasell Europe
-DGH uses Kepware for Modbus communications; and more

New Job Opportunities

Humor of the Week
image
Sponsor: Software Toolbox

Whitepaper: Top 10 Benefits of Using .NET for Industrial Application Development

Whitepaper: Top 10 Benefits of Using .NET for Industrial Application Development

When it comes to custom application development, there are many options. Whether you're an experienced VB or VC++ developer looking to move forward to .NET or you're new to developing your own custom applications, this paper will interest you.

The paper discusses the top 10 benefits for using Visual Studio .NET with examples that illustrate and relate the reasons to the specific demands of industrial automation software applications.

Click for more details, webcasts, and to download the paper.
From One Techie to Another

2008 Salary Data

The results of our 2008 Salary Survey are finally in. Before I give you the link to all the data, here are just a few interesting observations from this year's survey.

Please note that these results are based on 898 U.S. responses only. When we initially issued the survey, we intended to compile results for both U.S. and Canada. However, we only received 150 responses from Canada, which I don't think is enough to provide meaningful results. I was hoping for a larger Canadian turnout. Of course, I expect to hear some repercussions from this decision, and I reserve the right to change my mind if the demand is high enough. Canada - let me hear you!

Now for the U.S. results...

Great news! In one year, the average overall annual salary jumped from $83,623 to $88,252...roughly a 5.5% increase since 2007. I've always said that with the skills shortage in our industry, automation professionals will be in higher demand and, as a result, they will be able to command higher salaries. This is proof of that trend.

It pays to obtain an advanced degree (or even attend some graduate school)...those with an advanced degree have a $11,566 higher annual salary ($101,332) than those with a bachelor's degree ($89,766). This salary difference increased by more than $1500 since last year.

The highest paying job function was Engineering Management at $112,118. General or Operations Management was next in line at $106,900, followed by Outside Sales at $103,060. It pays to be in management! And as you might expect the next highest salary was associated with all those hard working outside sales guys.

The highest paid degrees were Chemical Engineering at $106,500 followed by Mechanical Engineering at $98,085.

Guess which region within the U.S. demands the highest salary. If you guessed Southern California, you're WRONG. The entire Southwest region takes the cake this year with an average salary $101,199. The Pacific Northwest region came in second at $96,211, with Southern California coming in third at $93,424.

Independent contractors (7.1% of respondents) are bringing in an average of $100,000 per year compared to the $87,464 salary of direct employees...that's more than a $12,536 difference.

Professionals working for very small companies (fewer than 30 people) are paid higher than those working for companies with 30 to 49 people, or those working for companies with 250 to 499. But otherwise, the larger the company, the higher the compensation.

View the complete results of our 2008 Salary Survey.

If you are interested in comparing 2008 salary results with 2007 salary results, view 2007 Salary Results here.

If you have any comments or questions regarding our 2008 survey or results, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Enjoy the rest of this Automation Weekly!

Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Featured Article

Nesting Heuristics Less Effective than Vision Emulation
Previously, most nesting algorithms were simple heuristics, and did not consider the alternatives; Vision Emulation combined with Multi-Dimensional-Combinatorial-Nesting technology guarantees the highest efficiency while insuring that production schedule and priorities are optimized.

Read full article by Thomas R. Cutler, Contributing Author

More article by Thomas R. Cutler

Browse Portals for more articles, white papers and application stories by topic
My.Automation.com Forum Post

ISA CAP (Certified Automation Professional)
A new forum has been created to discuss the ISA CAP (certified automation professional) program.  Glenn Merrell of Freelance Consulting (screen name StagByTriumph) has volunteered to moderate the forum.  We have also created an ISA CAP group for those interested in joining an online group focused on ISA CAP.

View and participate with this forum (Site registration required)
Product Announcements
ABB Instrumentation releases HART temperature transmitters ABB Instrumentation releases HART temperature transmitters
The TTH300 (head mounted) and TTF300 (field mounted) transmitters offer user-friendly sensor calibration and redundancy for two Platinum 100 resistance thermometers with 3-wire connections.
WAGO introduces 852 Series industrial Ethernet switches WAGO introduces 852 Series industrial Ethernet switches
The 852 Series ranges from simple Ethernet switches to configurable, multifunction Ethernet communication switches.
Emerson introduces VerticalPlus I/O for DeltaV Systems Emerson introduces VerticalPlus I/O for DeltaV Systems
VerticalPlus I/O carriers provide flexible installation, increased I/O density, and better thermal management for both DeltaV and DeltaV SIS applications.
  Festo introduces SPAB pressure sensor
Compact pressure sensor is simple to set up, install and commission.
National Instruments enhances DIAdem 11.0 National Instruments enhances DIAdem 11.0
DIAdem 11.0 software for managing, analyzing and reporting test data adds sensor data mapping for 3D CAD models to simplify the visualization of high-channel-count systems.
Advantech announces FPM-5151G XGA industrial monitor Advantech announces FPM-5151G XGA industrial monitor
FPM-5151G has a NEMA 4/IP65 aluminum die-cast flat-sealed front panel with an anti-rust chassis. It supports panel, wall, desktop, rack, or VESA arm mounting.
GE Fanuc announces VG6 single board computer GE Fanuc announces VG6 single board computer
The 6U VME VG6 computer has Freescale MPC8640 and MPC8640D low power processors for embedded computing applications.
Control Microsystems introduces KR20 integrated data radio Control Microsystems introduces KR20 integrated data radio
The KR20 supports industry-standard DNP3, Modbus and IEC 870-5-101 protocols and is certified for hazardous locations.
Pepperl+Fuchs expands PMI Linear Measurement Sensors Pepperl+Fuchs expands PMI Linear Measurement Sensors
PMI14V-F112-U-V3 flush mountable sensors are 35 mm wide x 41 mm deep, and provide a 14mm sensing range with resolutions up to 0.033 mm.
SAS Automation introduces RFID Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling SAS Automation introduces RFID Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling
Robotic end-of-arm tooling with RFID tags automatically ensure the correct tooling is operating with the corresponding operation and equipment.
Saelig introduces W5300 Embedded-Internet IC Saelig introduces W5300 Embedded-Internet IC
W5300 includes a fully hardwired TCP/IP core, PHY interface layer and runs at speeds up to 50 Mbps for embedded applications. Price: $5.99.
BEI releases Model L18 absolute encoder BEI releases Model L18 absolute encoder
Model L18 provides 13 bits (8192 counts) per turn resolution in only a 1.8-inch servo package.
Technosoft introduces IDM3000 CANopen drive Technosoft introduces IDM3000 CANopen drive
IDM3000 can be used to control brushless, induction, and DC motors up to 3 kW.
Baumer releases ED 701 hygienic pressure sensor Baumer releases ED 701 hygienic pressure sensor
ED 701 pressure transmitter is suitable for hygienic pressure measuring in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Danfoss Drives introduces MCA 121 Ethernet card for drives Danfoss Drives introduces MCA 121 Ethernet card for drives
MCA 121 EtherNet/IP card enables Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive users to deploy standard Ethernet technology in manufacturing applications.
  Panduit introduces STRUCTUREDGROUND Grounding System
STRUCTUREDGROUND Direct Burial Compression Grounding System exceeds requirements of the recently revised IEEE Std 837-2002 for grounding systems.
New Vista introduces TVM-SC Thread Verification Module New Vista introduces TVM-SC Thread Verification Module
TVM-SC checks thread size, depth and quality by powering a gage probe into and back out of a thread.
Advanced Machine & Engineering releases OTT/JAKOB drawbar monitor Advanced Machine & Engineering releases OTT/JAKOB drawbar monitor
OTT/JAKOB allows users to monitor machine tool power drawbars for performance and wear.

For MORE of the latest product announcements, go to our Daily News Headlines page.

Product & Supplier Search
Resources & Literature
McCrometer publishes flowmeter CD McCrometer publishes flowmeter CD
The A-Z Flow Meter Literature CD is a comprehensive tool for engineers and technicians for researching the best flow instrument to meet process application requirements.
Other Resources & Literature:

Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news.
Events, Seminars & Training
  Siemens hosts Drive and Motor event
July 25, 2008 Chicago, IL
The event includes three sessions focused on working with users to reduce energy consumptions through drive and motor solutions.

Upcoming Events & Training

Go to our Calendar of Events to see other upcoming events. Add an event to our calendar.
Company & Organization News
  Emerson Acquires TopWorx
TopWorx manufactures industrial sensors and controls which monitor and control automated valves and other field devices.
ARC says control valve market to exceed $6 Billion by 2012 ARC says control valve market to exceed $6 Billion by 2012
The market reached $4.8 billion in 2007 and is forecast to exceed $6.4 billion in 2012, according to ARC Advisory Group.
  Autodesk and Bentley to exchange software libraries
Autodesk and Bentley agreed to expand interoperability between their portfolios of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) software.
  Honeywell honored by Chinese Automation Association
Honeywell was honored by the Chinese Association of Automation as one of 2007's "Best 10 Automation Enterprises".
  Matrikon announces record results for the third quarter of 2008
Third quarter revenue was a record $20.54 million, compared to $19.01 million in Q3-07 and $19.44 million in Q2-08.
  Matrikon to use design engineers from India
Matrikon entered into a joint entity agreement with India’s SoftDEL Systems to support Matrikon’s product development initiatives and provide project consulting globally.
  Opto 22 Videos prove to be popular in automation market
OptoVideos have been downloaded by the tens of thousands since they debuted three months ago, and are featured on the websites of several industry-leading blogs and trade publications, including Automation.com.

Other Company & Organization News:
Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news.
Application News
  ABB supplies power equipment to steel mill in Turkey
ABB won a $28-million contract for equipment to provide a new steel plant in Turkey with the reliable power supply needed to ensure high-quality production.
  Matrikon supplies Alarm Management to LyondellBasell Europe
All LyondellBasell production facilities in Europe will integrate and use Matrikon's Alarm Management software suite with a variety of different control systems.
  DGH uses Kepware for Modbus communications
DGH data acquisition products communicate via RS232 and RS485 using Modbus RTU protocol. DGH selected Kepware's KEPServerEX as its preferred Modbus connectivity solution.
  ABB to supply controls for eight Petrobras refineries
ABB signed a $61-million agreement with Petrobras to supply process automation systems and services to eight oil refineries in Brazil over the next five years.

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
Experience is your best weapon (Strip)
Think twice before you get your MBA (Strip)
Successful job interview tactic (Animated)

 

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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