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Read the online version if links don't work in this Embedded Automation Update. |
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September 2009 |
Sponsor: Softing |
Quickly Identify and Fix PROFIBUS Network Problems

The most common problem with PROFIBUS networks is faulty cabling or connectors causing poor signal quality levels. In order to detect and identify those kinds of issues an engineer can either use an oscilloscope (and lots of experience) or he can use a dedicated Electrical Tester for PROFIBUS. Softing's PROFIBUS Electrical Tester assists in analyzing and fixing signal quality problems of PROFIBUS networks without the need for an oscilloscope or expertise in electrical engineering.
Click here for more information
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Sponsor: National Instruments |
Prototype faster with LabVIEW 2009

LabVIEW 2009 introduces the new NI C Interface to LabVIEW FPGA that helps C designers program in real-time on NI hardware and interface to an FPGA without knowledge of HDL programming, reducing design time by using graphical tools along with existing source code. Learn more about LabVIEW 2009 and download the free evaluation software.
Click here to download the free software
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Sponsor: Advantech |
Advantech introduces the UNO-3282

Advantech introduces the UNO-3282, a new high performance embedded automation computer with fanless, diskless, and cable-less design. The UNO-3282 comes with a Core 2 Duo CPU, 1 x PCI slot, and 1 x PCI Express. Moreover, a user-replaceable kit is included which can replace the PCI Express/PCI slot combination with two standard PCI slots.
Click here to find out more!
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
DSPs for Data, Voice Networks
Design News, August 2009
By Charles J. Murray
Whether for data or voice, digital signal processors (DSPs) are gaining popularity in wired and wireless network applications. Their number-crunching capabilities make DSPs a clear choice over general-purpose microcontrollers in situations that are more computationally intensive.
The greening of industrial system design
Industrial Embedded Systems, July 2009
By Tom Schulte, Altera
A look inside the latest FPGA technology reveals how design separation is resulting in safer, lower-power motor control implementations
PoE with integrated digital isolation saves energy and money
Industrial Embedded Systems, July 2009
By Amit Gattani, Akros Silicon
Employing on-chip electrical isolation between primary and secondary power in PoE devices provides real-time power management, parts count reduction, and substantial energy savings for large enterprises and Industrial Ethernet users.
The secret behind wide-temperature embedded computers
What’s New in Process Technology, June 2009
By Abel Lee, et al, Moxa
Wide-temperature embedded computers generally have an operating temperature range of -40 to 75 °C. The ability to operate under such extremes allows the computers to be deployed in many more locations such as desert and polar regions.
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements |
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Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| White Papers |
Divide and Conquer: Multi-Core Processors and Automation Applications
By John Wilhite and Tiger Yeh, Advantech
White paper looks at why multi-core processors were developed, explores the characteristics of an industrial automation computer, examines what features a multi-core system should have, and then details the advantages a multi-core system offers for automation applications.
Improving Flow Measurement Using PLC Flow Computing
By Jim Ralston & Scott Monton, Prosoft Technology
Paper explores embedding hydrocarbon flow computer technology into PLCs for integrated measurement, control and communications.
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Browse more white papers on the Embedded Automation portal.
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| Resources & Literature |
Free NI Measurement and Automation Catalog
The National Instruments catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools.
Advantech product selection guides, solution or product catalogs, case studies
Advantech offers a number of solution guides, product selection guides, catalogs and case studies - many are available in PDF format. The eAutomation Solutions Catalog introduces a full range of products, focusing on the following vertical sectors: Machine Automation, Power & Energy, Building Automation, Environment Monitoring Systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and Facility Management Systems.
Microchip offers free Graphics Display Designer software
Graphics Display Designer software tool allows a designer to visually create screens on a computer and then auto-generate the code that draws these screens.
UEI publishes Short-form Product Catalog
Catalog covers Ethernet I/O systems, standalone data loggers, Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), Simulink targets, and Modbus TCP slaves.
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Browse more resources and literature on the Embedded Automation portal.
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| Application Stories |
Remote Control Bowling
Mechanical Engineering, August 2009
This special bowling ball is guided down the lane not by the arm swing and hand release of a bowler but by the acumen of the user holding a controller that is not much different from the one used in Play Station, Xbox or other video games. An internal motor drive rotates a sleeve to alter the center of gravity and path of the ball.
SCHOTT Tubing uses Softing OPC software in measurement application
SCHOTT is employing Softing’s OPC Easy Connect Suite and OPC ActiveX control as a reliable link to automatically transmit measured values from Excel to the process control system.
Robust control system provides safety underground
PACE, May 2009
A control system is normally found inside a control cabinet, where it is well protected from all types of environmental influences. However, control systems can also be installed on mobile machinery, where they may be subjected to rigorous shaking, meaning a control system must be tough enough to withstand the elements.
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Browse more application stories on the Embedded Automation portal.
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| Featured Training |
National Instruments introduces Digital Electronics FPGA Board
Digital learning device gives high school, university and vocational students hands-on experience with digital logic and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology.
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 Training
October 19-22, 2009 Boston, MA
Adeneo Embedded will hold a four day, in depth, technical hands-on training that provides an introduction to the Windows Embedded CE development environment.
CAN Trouble Shooting seminar
October 21, 2009 Weingarten, Germany
The seminar provides an overview about possibilities and procedures for the successful analysis of CAN bus systems.
Workshop: How to comply with EU's revised machinery directive
September through November 2009, various cities
Seminar discusses the new Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC), and other relevant European Union directives and standards for the industrial market.
Windows Embedded CE online training
Free, self-paced technical training on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 is available online on Microsoft’s Website
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Embedded Automation portal.
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| Company & Organizational News |
Engent expands its micro-electronics manufacturing capability
Engent recently expanded its Norcross, GA facility by 8,000 square feet to support manufacturing expansion of its small form factor micro-electronics products.
GE and FANUC divorce
GE and FANUC have agreed to dissolve the GE Fanuc Automation Corporation joint venture. GE gets the software, services, embedded systems and control systems businesses, while FANUC gets custody of the CNC business.
Beckhoff Automation opens office in Charlotte, NC
Beckhoff Automation also hired Ron Pryor as a Customer Service Engineer and Les Queen as an Application Engineer.
Control Platforms Show Breadth
Control Design, May 2009
The PLC is king of controllers for machine control platforms, but it’s not the only game in town. According to a recent Control Design survey, two-thirds of respondents said they primarily use PLCs. Both PACs and PC-based controls are each used by 13% of the participants in the survey. Embedded-board controls are used by only 5%.
Kepware to supply CE communications software to Iconics
Kepware will deliver Windows CE communications solutions for use with ICONICS embedded SCADA and visualization products for machine builders and Panel OEMs. |
Browse more company and organizational news on the Embedded Automation portal. |
| Featured Events |
Data Systems International Conference
September 14-16, 2009 Kansas City, MO
Includes educational sessions, exhibitor showcases, networking sessions, and keynotes from industry leaders and special guests.
Industrial Automation Vietnam
September 16-18, 2009 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The second Industrial Automation Vietnam show will be held in the brand new Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC).The show will be co-located with PIA Vietnam– an exhibition profiling plant & process engineering, instrumentation, measurement and testing, and analysis & laboratory technology.
European M2M Summit
September 24, 2009 Cologne, Germany
Sessions will provide a compact overview of developments, applications and solutions in the Machine-to-Machine communication market.
SOUTH-TEC Advanced Productivity Exposition
October 6-8, 2009 Charlotte, NC
SOUTH-TEC will be focused around three themes, including “Lean Tools for Success,” “Motorsports in Manufacturing,” and “New Products and Innovations.”
ISA EXPO 2009
October 6-10, 2009 Houston, Texas
ISA EXPO is focused on the technology and techniques of automation and control. Organized around the six core themes central to automation and control, ISA EXPO 2009 provides attendees unlimited opportunity to explore key technologies, discover professional growth, and interact with like minded professionals.
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Add an event to our calendar. |
I hope you enjoyed this Embedded Automation 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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