Read the online version if some of the links don't work in this Wireless Connectivity Update.
MOXA Industrial IEEE 802.11g Wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client
AWK-1100 enables wireless users to access network resources wirelessly. The DIN-Rail mounting ability, wide operating temperature range, and IP30 case with LED indicators make AWK-1100 a convenient plug-and-play, yet reliable solution for your Industrial Wireless applications.
MOXA 2-port and 1-port Wireless Serial Device Servers
The NPort W2250/2150 Wireless Serial Device Server extends wireless networking capabilities to printers, scales, medical equipment, manufacturing machinery, bar code readers, card readers, point-of-sale equipment and other data collection devices.
Click Here or call 888-MOXA-USA to learn more about MOXA’S Wireless Solutions.
From the Publisher:
Automation on the edge of wireless
Featured Articles:
Using wireless device servers, How to build a wireless network, Where is wireless going?, Wireless application stories, and more
Resources & Literature:
Application solution guide, Wireless handbook, Tutorial
Featured Training:
Online training for wireless technologies
Product Announcements:
Wireless AP/Bridge/Client, Wireless I/O modules, Wireless Ethernet/IP module for ControlLogix, Radio modems, and much more
Company & Organizational News:
Wireless predictions, GE to acquire MDS, Honeywell to install wireless at Chinese manufacturer
Featured Events:
CTIA Wireless EXPO, HART Wireless Forum, and more
| Live Wireless Feed | |
From the Publisher |
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Welcome to this Wireless Connectivity Update Wireless is a very hot topic right now. In a recent article, 2007 Technology – Pinto’s Picks, Jim Pinto picked industrial wireless as one of the hot technologies for automation in 2007. For many of us, wireless is not new...it's all over the place in the commercial and business worlds. As a matter of fact, many of you may have a wireless network in your home or office. In the industrial setting, however, wireless is far from widespread. But, the number of installed industrial wireless applications is growing rather quickly. While paranoia around security still lurks in the minds of many, other technical obstacles are being overcome. Many users are beginning to dabble in wireless with applications that are not possible with a hard-wired solution. Let's face it, in some cases, some (or intermittent) data is far better than no data. The result is that users are seeing success with wireless. Widespread adoption in industrial automation has not happened for a couple of reasons. Major suppliers do not agree on how to implement wireless solutions. As Honeywell and Emerson battle for wireless turf, Invensys cautions users to take it slow. Standards (ISA's SP-100) on the use of wireless in the industrial setting are still in process. These two things alone are enough to keep some conservative users from taking the leap. But make no mistake about it...wireless is spreading and you will see more and more successful applications. The goal of this topical e-newsletter, in conjunction with our online Wireless Connectivity Product Portal, is to keep you informed on what is happening in the wireless world of automation. Speaking of Product Portals, we decided to undertake 11 more product portals (for a total of 23) on Automation.com. These 23 portals pretty much encompass every topic relating to industrial automation. Don't worry, we won't be publishing a monthly e-newsletter for each of these portals, but we will continually populate these portals with new products, company and organizational news, articles, white papers, application stories, events and other resources. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve on these product portals or topical e-newsletters, please don't hesitate to contact me. As always, we look forward to better serving your information needs. Enjoy the rest of this Wireless Connectivity update! Rick Zabel |
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Automation.com just launched 23 new product portals, each hosting products, articles, application stories, news headlines and other resources specific to the following topics: -Automatic Identification
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Are you ready for the convenience that comes from sending your Ethernet packets over the air instead of through a wire? Wireless is not for everyone, but if your application uses mobile equipment that is controlled over a TCP/IP network, or the cost of installing wire conduits at your work site is prohibitive, then consider setting up a wireless local area network (WLAN).
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A better method of setting up the mine system uses a combination of AWK-1100 (Moxa's new wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client) and an industrial Ethernet switch (e.g., MOXA EDS-405). As shown in the figure, a combination of one switch and wireless AP are used at each end of the connection. At the device end, PLCs connect to vent fans used for underground ventilation, and other PLCs connect to the truck loading facility.
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One-page application note describes an automatic fault-alarm system for conveyor belts that uses wireless to connect the conveyor controller to the main control system. When an error code is received, the PC searches its database to retrieve the error description, and then uses a TTS (Text-To-Speech) system or recording to broadcast the message over a loudspeaker.
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Wireless serial device servers, which are a relatively new development, are starting to be used in place of the traditional wired serial device server for CNC/DNC automation applications. The concept is essentially the same as for a standard serial device server, except that data is transmitted through the air to another wireless host, or to an Access Point connected to a wired network. However, even though the wireless device server concept is straightforward, deciding whether or not to use the technology should depend on more than just novelty.
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ThyssenKrupp's Waupaca Foundry prides itself on using state-of-the-art technology in its production processes. When plant 4 began looking at ways to improve efficiencies, three key factors drove the decision to implement a wireless communications solution: record keeping, accuracy, and cost reduction. The Waupaca Foundry in Marionette, Wisconsin reaped a $600,000 ROI when they decided to go wireless.
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By Jim Montague, Executive Editor, Industrial Networking
Cornucopia Tool & Plastics of Paso Robles, Calif., uses a variety of injection molding machines to produce a line of plastic products and injection machine molds. The company partnered with Integrated Quality Management Systems (IQMS) of Paso Robles, a developer of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and wireless hardware developer Crossbow Technology in San Jose, Calif., to beta test a wireless data handling system.
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From ControlGlobal.com
Tendril, provider of network operations platform software for customizing and deploying wireless sensor and control networks (WSCN), is cooperating with Atmel Corporation to accelerate and simplify customer deployments of WSCN applications. Atmel and Tendril will integrate and bundle Atmel’s AVR Z-Link 802.15.4/ZigBee hardware solution and Tendril’s network operations platform software for WSCN – enabling customers to integrate and deploy the Atmel wireless networking platform with IP networks, PC/PDA-based applications and other aspects of enterprise computing systems.
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ControlGlobal.com
The ZigBee Alliance, a global interest group of companies creating wireless solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications, announced the first group of ZigBee Certified Products, marking what it calls a major milestone in the alliance’s journey toward creating an open, global, wireless sensor and control networking solution.
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Peter Welander, process industries editor, Control Engineering
Most early adopters of today's wireless process instrumentation are starting at the ground and creating point-to-point solutions or small mesh networks to test and validate technology for themselves. Instrumentation providers are encouraging this activity, but Emerson and Invensys seem to disagree on how easy it will be.
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By Mike Spear, editor at large, Chemical Processing
Wireless communications have served for many years for remote monitoring in industries like oil and gas production and in water and power utilities. The potential for wireless technologies to link field devices and control systems in the plant is creating a groundswell of interest in the chemical industry. So far, however, the actual impact of wireless has been limited, at least from a purely process point of view.
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By Steve Muenstermann, Honeywell, and Ellen Fussell Policastro, Intech
Pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies switch to wireless for safety and compliance. ZLB Behring, a pharmaceutical company, and Roche Diagnostics, a research company, relied on wireless to solve safety issues and meet compliance regulations, as well as increase access and availability of data for improved decision-making.
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MOXA has just released this guide book with 33+ application solutions.
Download your free copy
The ELPRO Industrial Wireless Handbook has been designed to be a comprehensive, hands-on guide with everything to do with Industrial Wireless and ELPRO products. The Handbook uses diagrams, tutorials and detailed text to provide a cohesive presentation of practical information from the basics through to detailed installation guides.
Request your free copy
The Wireless Mini-Tutorial includes puzzles, a wireless case study, demonstrations on configuring wireless components, wireless links, books of interest, and a Community Networks and Hot Spots Page. The tutorial covers Wireless LANs, Fixed Broadband Wireless Multiservice WANs, Mobile Wireless, and Wireless Personal Area Networks based on Bluetooth technologies.
View Tutorial
Emerson is offering 19 new online training courses on various aspects of wireless for process automation. Designed for anyone who uses automation to improve plant performance, the new courses are available free through Emerson’s educational website.
More information
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Moxa’s new AirWorks AWK-1100 gives Industrial Networking Applications an easy jump to Wireless - 1/24/07 Moxa is releasing an industrial IEEE 802.11g wireless product that can be used as an AP, bridge, or AP client. AWK-1100 is designed to be used with Ethernet switches and other Ethernet-ready devices to provide ready access to a wireless LAN. Attractive features include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security capability, operating temperature range from 0 to 60°C, and redundant power inputs. |
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NI announces third-party wireless modules for I/O - 12/05/06 AVIAOK, Drivven and S.E.A. have developed custom wireless modules for the CompactRIO platform. Modules are suitable for automotive, aerospace and military in-vehicle applications; wireless communications; position monitoring for mobile applications; and direct connectivity to in-vehicle sensors for electronic control unit (ECU) design and rapid prototyping. |
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B&B Electronics releases Zlinx radio modems - 01/22/07 Zlinx transmits serial signals up to 40 miles. Features include an easily accessible terminal block, along with indicator lights to indicate signal strength and signal failure, all in one DIN rail mount industrial case. |
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B&B Electronics introduces wireless remote I/O - 11/15/06 Zlinx wireless remote I/O maps directly into a Modbus table, making it an easy fit to any PLC, HMI or PC based control system running LabVIEW or other popular automation software. Wireless modules provide Modbus compatible communication at ranges up to 20 miles. |
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ProSoft announces wireless Ethernet/IP Module to ControlLogix - 11/06/06 InRAx Wireless Ethernet/IP Communication Module (MVI56-WA-EIP) acts as a wireless bridge, enabling remote connectivity between a ControlLogix processor and 802.11 wireless devices including PCs, Laptops, radio modems, and other modules. It allows programming over the backplane and acts as a server to RSLinx, allowing for multiple programs such as RSLogix5000 and/or RSView products to communicate simultaneously with the processor. |
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Measurement Computing adds wireless to temperature DAQ system - 12/14/06 WLS-TC and WLS-TEMP temperature data acquisiton systems have an RF module, which allows for wireless data transfer. Users can acquire and process temperature data for monitoring and control at distances up to 150 feet indoors, and as much as 2460 feet line-of-sight outdoors. |
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Loadstar Sensors launches Wireless Weight Measurement Kit - 12/14/06 The kit contains four CS Series capacitive sensors, one DS-2100 WiFi display and summing device with wireless connection capability, LoadVUE software for simplifying measurement and calibration tasks using a PC, all the data cables and a 9V power adapter to connect and power the system. It can connect wirelessly to a PC using 802.11b WiFi interface. |
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Omni announces solar Power for Wireless Radio Modems - 12/08/06 OS24-SR Solar Power Supply provide power to a Wireless Radio Modem to function as an Access Point and/or Repeater. It uses a high efficiency photovoltaic solar module (PV) to convert the sun’s energy to 12 Volts dc. The system's solid-state controller maintains continuous battery monitoring and temperature compensated charging during daylight hours. |
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Datalogic introduces extremely compact mobile computer - 11/30/06 The Memor pocket-sized Windows-powered mobile computer is an extremely compact, lightweight, versatile and robust device that combines integrated bar code reading and wireless communication capabilities. It is suitable for light industrial operations such as warehouse management, inventory, picking, shipping, receiving, etc. |
Other Product Announcements
- Thompson Environmental releases satellite-based telemetry system - 01/18/07
- AeroComm enhances ZigBee transceivers - 01/08/07
- Intermec releases rugged handheld wireless barcode scanner - 12/21/06
- Korenix announces wireless LAN outdoor solution with 7 kM range - 12/19/06
- AXIOMTEK announces wireless touch panel computers - 12/18/06
- P+F releases barcode readers for use in hazardous locations - 12/06/06
- Kiyon releases wireless BACnet router for building automation - 12/06/06
- Intermec adds Wi-Fi to mobile computers - 12/05/06
- ELUTIONS launches Wireless Controller - 11/28/06
- Sensor Developments releases non-contact rotating torque sensors - 11/15/06
Product Search
In-Stat says Wi-Fi Meshing Shipments To Double By 2010
Wi-Fi meshing, which allows wireless access nodes to achieve a longer range by using each other as repeaters, is becoming increasingly common in several markets. More than 50,000 Wi-Fi mesh AP unit shipments are expected in 2006, with almost 100,000 unit shipments expected in 2010.
Wi-Fi Sales to Exceed 200 Million Units for 2006
The prevalence of Wi-Fi technology in everything from notebook computers to cell phones to gaming devices has propelled worldwide sales forward again this year. Continued proliferation into phones and consumer electronics is expected to lead Wi-Fi unit sales growth to the half-billion mark by 2009.
Mobile Malware Creates Opportunity for Managed Security Services
While malware targeting mobile devices is a relatively recent problem, significant increases in shipments of smartphones, as well as increasing market penetration by Microsoft, have made mobile devices much more attractive targets for hackers. According to ABI Research, the newest and most intriguing market opportunity for mobile security is the growth of mobile device security managed services.
In-Building Wireless Systems Deployments to grow 20%
Customers' dependence on wireless communications and their adoption of high-bandwidth 3G cellular services are the primary drivers of the global growth of in-building wireless systems that extend and create wireless coverage indoors. According to a new study from ABI Research, deployments of these systems are expected to result in revenues in excess of $3.6 billion by 2011.
802.11n Standard Makes Progress in London Meeting
By: Wayne Rash, E-Week
The long-anticipated 1.10 version of the IEEE 802.11n draft standard was approved unanimously in an IEEE task group meeting held in London in mid-January.
According to Atheros CTO Bill McFarland, who attended the meeting, all of the 3,000-plus technical comments to the 11n draft 1.0 were resolved, and that in turn resulted in the successful agreement to draft 1.10.
Motorola to cut 3,500 jobs to improve margins
From Reuters
Motorola plans to cut 3,500 jobs in the first half of 2007 to reduce costs and help it return operating margins to the double-digit percentage range. The world's second-biggest maker of mobile phones outlined the plan to cut 5 percent of its 70,000-strong work force after reporting that fourth-quarter profit fell by 50 percent, hurt by a sharp drop in phone prices amid stiff competition.
GE Industrial to acquire Microwave Data Systems - 01/08/07
GE Industrial will acquire the assets of Rochester, NY-based Microwave Data Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Moseley Associates and a world leader in industrial, wireless, and networking solutions. The transaction is subject to customary government approvals and is expected to close in January 2007.
Honeywell to install wireless control system at Chinese iron & steel manufacturer - 11/15/06
Honeywell will provide an advanced automated process control system with integrated wireless technology for Masteel, one of China's largest iron and steel manufacturers. The contract includes Honeywell's IntelaTrac PKS process control system, Uniformance PHD, LIMS. Digital Video Manager (DVM) system, and design, engineering, commissioning, testing and maintenance services.
HART Wireless Forum
February 12, 2007 - Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Florida
The HART Communication Foundation will host a special user roundtable to discuss the coming Wireless HART Communication Standard. Topics include: Security, Reliability, Mesh networking vs. frequency hopping, off-the-shelf technology, and more. This meeting is part of the ARC Advisory Group Worldwide Strategy Forum, also held that week.
More Information
EXPO COMM MÉXICO 2007
February 27 - March 02, 2007 - Mexico City, Mexico
Technological solutions and innovations in the areas of wireless and wireline telephone communications, networks, satellite communications, Internet, VoIP, VoWifi, WiMax, and more.
More Information
IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference
March 11-15, 2007 - Hong Kong
Organized by the IEEE Communications Society, WCNC is the premier wireless event for wireless communications researchers, industry professionals, and academics interested in the latest development and design of wireless systems.
More Information
IEEE/CITA
March 27-29, 2007 - Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
IEEE events held at CITA include:
IEEE International Conference on Portable Information Devices
IEEE Mobile WiMAX Symposium
IEEE International Symposium on Broadband Multimedia Systems & Broadcasting
IEEE Technology Research Pavilion 2007
More Information
CTIA WIRELESS
March 27-29, 2007 - Orange County Convention Center , Orlando , FL
The world’s largest telecommunications event dedicated exclusively to wireless, broadband convergence and mobile computing technologies, covering the entire industry from network infrastructure to microprocessors to applications to content to end-user hardware. It has 400,000 square feet of exhibits and participation from 100 countries. More Information
European Wireless 2007
April 1 to 4, 2007 - Paris, France
This conference will disseminate the most recent results on technologies, protocols, services and applications.
More Information
ZIGBEE Developers' Conference
April 3-5, 2007 McEnery Convention Center , San Jose , California
This is a three day conference for developers who want to learn about using ZigBee technology in products. It is held in conjunction with the Embedded System Conference. Hands-on training sessions will be presented by Daintree, Eazix, Ember, Freescale Semiconductor, Integration, Philips, Renesas, Tendril, and Texas Instruments.
More Information
I hope you enjoyed this wireless connectivity 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, Editor-in-chief
Automation.com
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