Read the online version if some of the links don't work in this Industrial I/O Update.
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From the Publisher:
It’s not the I/O, it’s the roadblocks
Resources & Literature:
SIL Resource Center, Printing and Labeling System brochure, Industrial Automation Product Reference Catalog, and more
Featured Training:
Foundation Fieldbus Course for power and wire installers, SNAP Ethernet I/O System Training
Product Announcements:
SNAP I/O Modules, USB I/O Modules, SNAP PAC Racks, CompactDAQ I/O Modules, and much more
Company & Organizational News:
OMAC evaluates OPC link from CNC to ERP, MooreHawke's TRUNKGUARD passes fieldbus short-circuit tests
Applications:
Using the NI Digital I/O High-Reliability Feature Set for Industrial Applications, I/O Case Studies
Featured Events:
2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ISA Calgary, and more
| Live Industrial I/O Feed | |
From the Publisher | |||||
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It’s not the I/O, it’s the roadblocks Based on what we see crossing our editorial transom, and what we find for you on the Internet and in print magazines, dealing with I/O has changed considerably in recent times. Enjoy the rest of this Industrial I/O update! Rick Zabel |
By Dr. Dave Rizzo
The capacity barrier of FISCO has now been significantly surpassed by a novel split architecture design that has already proven itself in the field. For plants that process chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and other products whose production may involve hazardous environments, it appears that recent technological improvements in split architecture systems design have finally delivered what FISCO promised: intrinsically-safe segment capacity virtually indistinguishable from non-hazardous fieldbus implementations.
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By Jim Hammond and Larry Castelli
The interconnection and integration of existing heterogeneous sub-networks into a homogeneous network has always presented challenges. Evolving and converging protocol standards along with emerging multi-protocol components suggest a clear understanding of the problems and solutions has never been more important. These concerns include reliability, redundancy, robustness, and security.
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By Gary Mathur, Moore Industries-International, Inc.
Wireless works in a plant, but you'll want to be careful regarding which "flavor" you choose. There are many flavors of wireless, and an understanding is needed to determine the best solution for any particular application. Wireless can be licensed or unlicensed, Ethernet or serial interface, narrow band or spread spectrum, secure or open protocol,Wi-Fi…the list goes on. This article provides an introduction to this powerful technology.
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By Gary Prentice, Moore Industries-International
Today's highly functional microprocessor-based field-mount temperature transmitters are comparable in price to direct wiring strategies. When the additional advantages of using intelligent transmitters are factored in, you can save considerable time and avoid maintenance headaches. This is especially true when the measurement point is located a long distance from the readout and control system.
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As today’s manufacturers continue to seek new methods and tools that can enable them to do more with less, many leading-edge companies are turning to innovative monitoring and diagnostics tools that can dramatically enhance and improve a company’s existing Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO) programs. Often referred to as “remote monitoring and diagnostic systems,” such technologies can help companies cut overall production costs, improve quality, minimize downtime and increase operational efficiency.
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With the current squeeze on capital investments, companies are searching for ways to lower the cost of installing and maintaining automation systems. As a means to this end, they’re finding that moving industrial controls and hardware closer to the application or directly onto the machine saves considerable time and money. This paper examines the scope of On-Machine™ solutions, outlines the key benefits of this growing trend and highlights examples where a distributed, On-Machine architecture has been successful.
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Voltage, current, temperature, pressure, strain, and flow measurements are an integral part of industrial and process control applications. Often these applications involve environments with hazardous voltages, transient signals, common-mode voltages, and fluctuating ground potentials capable of damaging measurement systems and ruining measurement accuracy. To overcome these challenges, measurement systems designed for industrial applications make use of electrical isolation. This white paper focuses on isolation for analog measurements, provides answers to common isolation questions, and includes information on different isolation implementation technologies.
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By Jim Lamberson, Sensoray Company Inc
I/O implementation strategies in our automated world: some are newer and others are, for the most part, remnants from an earlier technology era. Aside from the legacy aspect, why do so many I/O implementation strategies exist? Because every strategy has both strengths and shortcomings. This article examines the various I/O strategies and concludes that Ethernet I/O is the future.
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By A-B Journal Staff
Increased integration, technology migration, and distributed solutions are driving I/O to become more integrated and flexible. This evolution continues as manufacturers demand smaller, faster, and easier to install control systems. The I/O industry is transforming the appearance and function of I/O devices on the factory floor to meet these needs. Among the most noteworthy changes are collapsing architectures, smart devices, intelligent I/O and packaged controllers, and smaller size.
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The free 220+-page "Understanding New Developments in Data Acquisition, Measurement, and Control" handbook is a practical guide to high performance test and measurement. The handbook is divided into nine sections that discuss issues influencing the selection of data acquisition and control equipment.
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Temperature Solutions Line Card brochure describes the company’s full line of temperature sensors, transmitters, and complete assembles; precision monitoring solutions for hi-tech facility and process control; and assemblies for making reliable surface measurements.
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The online SIL Resource Center has examples of how to determine Safety Integrity Levels and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), links to associated standards organizations, an extensive Questions and Answers section on the background and requirements of SIL and SIS process industry practices, along with a Common SIL Myths section.
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Brochure covers three printing and labeling systems for use in industrial applications such as terminal block labels, wire markers, cable tags, switch and pilot light name plates, equipment labels and component labels.
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Have AutomationDirect's entire product line at your fingertips - it is more than a catalog...it is a Desk Reference containing detailed product descriptions complemented by plenty of technical illustrations, step-by-step procedures for selecting various PLC hardware and software, PC-based control, operatorinterface, motor contactors, drives, sensing equipment, connection systems, and much more.
Request your free catalog
Application note details how to interface the company's UEILogger data logger to a host computer over a cellular network. Using a high speed Cellular/CDMA/GSM link allows the user to download data from the logger as well as check the logger status from any internet connection.
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Measurement and Automation Catalog 2007 describes software and hardware for test, control and design applications. For 2007, NI has made it even easier for customers to find what they need by providing the catalog in a searchable, downloadable eBook format.
More Information and download catalog
SIXNET's FREE CD is a great tool for any industrial control professional's arsenal. The CD contains time-saving application suggestions and technical notes, detailed datasheets and user manuals, product demos, and useful software tools.
Request your free CD
The site contains videos, quick-start product guides and a library of code that help customers reduce the complexity of selecting, designing and configuring control systems. The site includes tools such as CompactLogix System Quick Start, an easy-to-understand guide designed to help reduce the time and cost associated with engineering, configuration and installation of a midsize control system.
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The Fieldbus Center at Lee College, a National Science Foundation (NSF) recognized and funded institution, is offering a FOUNDATION fieldbus training course for power and wire installers. The two-day course covers installation and testing of fieldbus physical layer components.
More information
The video tutorial and training site, learn.automationdirect.com, is divided into product categories. It helps answer questions on a range of automation topics such as Selecting a PLC, Building a Combination Manual Motor Starter, HMI and PLC software features, the basics of sensors, motors and motion control, and more. Typically, the presentations are divided into several 1-30 minute segments.
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Opto 22 offers FREE SNAP Ethernet I/O Systems training classes held at company headquarters in Temecula, California. The four-day, hands-on class provides an overview of Opto 22 Ethernet-based control and monitoring systems.
More information
NI releases PCI-based Oscilloscopes - 03/27/07 PCI-5152 general-purpose digitizer converts a desktop PC into a full-featured oscilloscope. PCI-5105 eight-channel, 60 MS/s, 12-bit data acquisition board is ideal for building high-channel-count systems in application areas such as linear and phased-array ultrasonic NDT. |
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ASI releases OSHA-Compliant Emergency Stop - 03/27/07 The e-stop station comes with a red actuator and a yellow enclosure to meet international and domestic requirements. The red switch on a yellow background normally reserved for e-stops meets OSHA, NFPA 79 and ISO 60204-1 requirements. |
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Opto 22 adds SNAP I/O Modules - 3/23/07 Models include the 32-channel SNAP-AIMA-32 current input module; 32-channel SNAP-AIV-32 voltage input module; and the 16-channel SNAP-IAC-16, SNAP-IAC-A-16, and SNAP-IDC-16 digital input modules. These I/O modules connect to and communicate with sensors, actuators, instrumentation, and equipment in industrial applications . |
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Advantech Launches USB I/O Modules - 3/22/07 USB digital I/O modules include USB-4750 32-channel, USB-4751 48-channel, and USB-4751L 24-channel. All include USB connectors with screw fasteners and DIN-rail mounting kits. They draw power directly from the USB port and therefore do not require an external power supply. |
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Opto 22 introduces SNAP PAC Racks - 3/22/07 SNAP PAC racks are used with rack-mounted SNAP PAC R-series programmable automation controllers (PACs) and SNAP PAC brains. The racks are available in four sizes and can accommodate 4, 8, 12, or 16 SNAP I/O modules, allowing up to 512 I/O points on a single rack. |
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NI adds 19 I/O Modules and LabVIEW to CompactDAQ - 3/05/07 Modules include 20 mA current I/O, channel-to-channel isolated analog inputs, RTD sensor inputs, high-density digital I/O, and a universal input module. Each CompactDAQ chassis is shipped with the LabVIEW SignalExpress data-logging software. |
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Exele enhances TopView to remotely Monitor Alarms from Smartphones - 3/05/07 Enhancements include remote monitoring from Windows Mobile Smartphone, enhancements to the desktop Remote Viewer, and alarm limits. |
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Opto 22 announces SNAP PAC System - 3/01/07 The SNAP PAC system includes PAC Project Software Suite, higher performance SNAP PAC brains, five SNAP I/O modules, four SNAP PAC racks, OptoDataLink enterprise connectivity software, SNAP Motion Control Subsystem, and SNAP PAC Sim, a software application that simulates a fully functioning SNAP PAC controller on a PC. |
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Advantech launches USB-4716 16-bit USB I/O Module - 2/28/07 USB-4716 200 kS/s 16-bit multi-function USB I/O module includes a USB connector with screw fasteners and a DIN-rail mounting kit. It draws power directly from the USB port and therefore does not require an external power supply. |
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Beckhoff Automation announces Mini PCI Fieldbus Cards for Industrial PCs - 2/27/07 Mini PCI fieldbus cards support PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet and Ethernet networks. The resulting smaller PC size saves valuable control cabinet space, but, like standard PCI fieldbus cards, the interfaces are optimized for fast controllers and real-time tasks. |
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Advantech announces PCI-1742U data acquisition card - 2/16/07 PCI-1742U PCI bus high-resolution multifunction DAQ card has 16x single-ended or 8x differential analog input channels, 1.0 MS/sec single channel sampling rate (800 KS/s multi-channel), 2x 16-bit D/A output channels, 16x digital input/output channels, and 1x 10 MHz 16-bit counter channel. Prices start at $745. |
Other Product Announcements
- Computer Aided Solutions announces Squirrel SQ2010 Data Logger - 03/27/07
- Green Hills Software enhances PSN secure networking - 03/26/07
- Agilent introduces 82357B USB to GPIB I/O - 03/22/07
- United Electric announced UEIModbus I/O module - 03/22/07
- GE Fanuc announces isolated Relay Output Module - 03/20/07
- Acromag releases Virtex-II FPGA modules with digital I/O - 03/16/07
- Measurement Computing announces 500 series data loggers - 03/14/07
- ACCES I/O announces 104-IDI-48 Series PC/104 Digital Boards - 03/13/07
- B&R announces open safety protocol for real-time Ethernet - 03/13/07
- BEI introduces Model M58 Metric incremental encoder - 03/08/07
- ControlAir announces Type-590X I/P Transducer - 03/07/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces field junction boxes for Fieldbus - 03/07/07
- SigmaQuest updates SigmaSure 6.0 with repair insight module - 03/07/07
- Foxboro announces migration solution for Moore APACS - 03/05/07
- IntelliCom updates NetBiter web based I/O - 03/05/07
- Sensicast launches SensiNet web-based monitoring service - 03/01/07
- Baldor introduces Ethernet Powerlink three-phase AC drives - 03/01/07
- Bosch Rexroth releases CA44 Pneumatic Valves with AS-i - 02/26/07
- Honeywell updates Field Device Manager to support EDDL and FDT - 02/26/07
- ODVA publishes CompoNet specification for CIP networks - 02/25/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA AS-Interface I/O Nodes - 02/23/07
- Online Development enhances xCoupler Module for ControlLogix - 02/21/07
- MOXA’s ioLogik E2000 Active Ethernet I/O works with NI LabVIEW - 02/14/07
- Matrikon releases free Operational Insight Lite OPC software - 01/29/07
- General Monitors provides online SIL Resource Center - 03/01/07
- Bosch Rexroth releases CA44 Pneumatic Valves with AS-i - 02/26/07
- ODVA publishes CompoNet specification for CIP networks - 02/26/07
- Honeywell updates Field Device Manager to support EDDL and FDT - 02/26/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA AS-Interface I/O Nodes - 02/23/07
- Online Development enhances xCoupler Module for ControlLogix - 02/21/07
- MTL introduces 9331-TI Fieldbus Temperature Input Multiplexer - 02/13/07
- Sealevel Systems releases SEAI/O-OEM boards - 02/08/07
- Rockwell Automation releases Fast Analog module - 02/01/07
Product Search
OMAC evaluates OPC link from CNC to ERP - 03/24/07
The OMAC HMI Working Group organized a joint project between Boeing, Okuma and NIST to evaluate the integration of CNC to ERP and determine if part accountability could be achieved with minimal integration efforts using OPC/OMAC technologies.
Bosch Rexroth sales hit $6.2 billion - 03/22/07
Bosch Rexroth AG increased sales in 2006 by 7.1 percent to approximately $6.2 billion (4.9 billion Euros). Sales grew 16 percent in Middle and Eastern Europe and 14 percent in Asia, including 33 percent growth in China. Sales in North and South America declined slightly in a difficult economic environment.
ARC says Asian DCS Market thrives on massive investments in manufacturing - 03/15/07
Strong economic activity in Asia is spurring the growth of manufacturing, which in turn is propelling the growth of the automation market in the region. The Asian market for Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% over the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.
ISA leads efforts to develop an Automation Engineering Degree Program - 03/15/07
A committee of industry leaders and academia met at ISA headquarters to begin work on the learning objectives for an automation engineering curriculum for universities. "Our goal is to develop curriculum content for a 4-year automation engineering degree program," said committee chair Randy Buchanan of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dataforth continues to expand - 03/13/07
Dataforth has increased production capacity by 50 percent through significant additions to production machinery, product inventory, square footage, and staff.
Hannover Fair offers live automation demos - 03/13/07
The real automation highlight this year is the new Application Park, a project
run jointly by the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) and Deutsche Messe. At
this show within a show, mechanical engineers, robot manufacturers and
automation service providers will be showcasing complete production solutions.
MooreHawke's TRUNKGUARD passes fieldbus short-circuit tests - 03/12/07
Independent tests prove that the TRUNKGUARD device coupler works seamlessly with a DeltaV control system during repeated short-circuit testing and extreme temperatures. According to Evaluation International, TRUNKGUARD continued to operate and maintain communications with DeltaV after multiple short circuits on spurs, temperatures from -40 to 70°C, and operation at upper and lower voltage limits.
Nick Moore promoted to Director of Strategic Planning at Moore Industries - 03/08/07
Nick will work with all vice presidents, corporate officers, directors and
department heads to ensure that operations are in line with Moore Industries’ corporate goals and initiatives. Moore Industries is a leader in the design and manufacture of interface instruments and fieldbus equipment.
Schneider Electric's Jim Pauley elected vice chairman of ANSI Board of Directors - 03/07/07
Jim Pauley has assumed the role of vice-chairman of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). He will also continue serving as vice-president, industry and government relations for Schneider Electric North America.
MTS sensor helps brake Bugatti Veyron - 03/07/07
MTS adapted its mobile hydraulic (Model MS) Temposonics magnetostrictive sensor for use in the Bugatti Veyron high-end passenger car, the world's fastest street-legal motor vehicle.
ARC says Foundation Fieldbus Dominates Fieldbus - 03/02/07
According to a study prepared by the ARC Advisory Group, Foundation fielbus accounts for over two-thirds of process fieldbus revenues. ARC says the global market for fieldbus solutions in the process industries reached $831.7 million in 2006 and projects current growth trends will expand the fieldbus market to over $2.279 billion in 2011.
ARC says Servo Drive Market to reach $3.8 billion by 2010 - 02/27/07
The worldwide market for servo drives is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% over the next five years. The market was $3.07 billion in 2005 and is forecasted to be over $3.839 billion in 2010, according to an ARC Advisory Group study.
LXI Consortium plans upgrades to LXI standard - 02/27/07
Moore Industries signed Arjay Automation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a manufacturer’s representative for all Moore Industries product lines, including MooreHawke. Arjay will be responsible for covering Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin for Moore Industries.
With the recent release of the new families of digital I/O products from National Instruments, our customers now have access to a wide range of high-reliability industrial features that were not previously available. These features include programmable change detection, input filters, programmable power-up states, and digital I/O watchdogs, all of which are programmable through NI-DAQmx. Many of the new products also feature isolated inputs and outputs for connecting to high-voltage, high-current, or high-noise signals. This white paper describes the operation of these features, demonstrates the features in typical scenarios, and illustrates how to program the features in LabVIEW.
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Whether used for controlling a chemical mixer or analyzing the output frequency of an encoder, counter-timer modules perform a variety of functions. Typical applications include quadrature encoder measurement, edge detection, frequency measurement, pulse-train and pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal generation. This white paper introduces the new features of the latest National Instruments counter-timer devices and provides concrete examples of industrial applications and specific sensors that demonstrate the benefits of these features.
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Web page at Rockwell Automation contains an index of 30 case studies relating to industrial I/O applications, including a cement unloading barge, packaging, robots, shipbuilding, brewery, and an art museum.
Browse Case Studies
Web page at Moore Industries contains links to 19 papers and application notes involving signal transmitters, isolators and converters. Topics covered include stopping ground loops, fixing “bucking” power supplies, protecting with area isolation, sharing a process signal, passing a HART digital signal, blocking RFI, curing HART interference, split-range valve control and more.
Browse Papers and Application Notes
2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
April 10-14 2007, Rome, Italy
The conference site is the historic building of the Angelicum University, conveniently located in the downtown area. The conference theme is Ubiquitous Robotics.
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ISA Calgary 2007
April 11-12, 2007 Stampede Park, Calgary, Canada
Canada’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition of measurement and control technologies, products and services. Meet over 300 leading industry suppliers, source new distributors, compare new equipment and technologies, and explore alternatives in design, engineering and manufacturing.
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Hannover Messe 2007
HANNOVER MESSE 2007 (the Hannover Fair), which will run 16-20 April 2007 in Hannover, Germany, combines three international trade fairs -- INTERKAMA, Factory Automation and Industrial Building Automation.
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ISA'S International Instrumentation Symposium to be held in Tulsa
ISA's International Instrumentation Symposium will be held 30 April - 3 May at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Place, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It includes technical information and training in the traditional areas of measurements/sensors, instrumentation systems, data and advanced system/sensor technology.
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M2M Forum 2007 to be held in Italy May 22-23
The machine-to-machine communications event takes place in Milan, Italy on May 22-23. Topics include Machine to machine technologies; Sensor applications; Embedded, HMI & displays; and Open source & real time OS.
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Siemens announces 2007 Automation Summit
The Siemens Automation Summit will be held June 12-15, 2007 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando. The theme of this year's event is "Automation, Innovation, Inspiration."
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International Robots and Vision Show
June 12-14, 2007, Rosemont, IL
The International Robots & Vision Show, held just once every two years, draws more than 5,000 potential customers looking for new products and solutions. In 2007, it will be co-located with Sensors Expo.
More Information
Go to our Calendar of Events to see other upcoming events. Add an event to our calendar.
I hope you enjoyed this Industrial I/O 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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