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Read the online version if links don't work in this Wireless Connectivity Update.
Wireless Connectivity Update from Automation.com
March 2009
Sponsor: Emerson Process

Emerson Smart Wireless

Emerson Smart Wireless

Emerson Smart Wireless gives you the first truly scalable wireless network that seamlessly integrates with your wired one. Thanks to open, interoperable WirelessHART™ and industrial Wi-Fi standards, Emerson Smart Wireless incorporates directly into your existing automation architecture - without any need for upfront engineering, site surveys or special commissioning. So not only is it self-organizing, Emerson Smart Wireless plays well with others too.

Discover your plant's limitless potential at EmersonSmartWireless.com

 

 

Sponsor: Honeywell

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Click here for more information

Honeywell's industrial OneWireless solutions do more than just collect data. These proven solutions are transforming the way plants operate. With over 500 wireless installations reaping real benefits now, why would you trust your network to any company other than Honeywell.

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Sponsor: Moxa

Extend Your Wireless Outdoors with Moxa's AWK-4121

Extend Your Wireless Outdoors with Moxa’s AWK-4121

  • IP67-Rated Outdoor Wireless AP/Bridge/Client for Harsh Industrial Applications
  • -40°C to 75°C operating temperature range
  • Maximum security with WEP/WPA/WPA2/802.1X and powerful filters
  • Power via PoE or redundant 24 VDC inputs

Available Now! Click here for more information

 

 

In this Issue
>> Featured Articles
>> Product Announcements
>> White Papers
>> Resources & Literature
>> Application Stories
>> Featured Training
>> Company News
>> Project News
>> Featured Events
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Featured Articles

Calling the wireless race too early?
By Bill Lydon, Automation.com
Is Zigbee the best wireless standard? Maybe not. Editor Bill Lydon interviews Graham Martin, Chairman & CEO of the EnOcean Alliance, who thinks differently, pointing out that EnOcean radio technology is the only low-power wireless technology that can be powered by energy harvesting, removing the need for tedious, expensive and environmentally unfriendly battery maintenance.

Secure Embedded Wireless Can Be Practical
Industrial Networking, February 2009
By Ned Lecky, Lecky Integration
How to go wireless, and how to do it securely? Try IEEE 802.15.4, a set of communication standards and applications commonly called ZigBee.

Tech Update: Wireless Networks Provide Critical Measures
Food Engineering, February 2009
By Wayne Labs
Some of the issues affecting wireless sensor networks and “backhaul” networks, which help relay signals collected from sensor networks to the wireless access points of control or asset monitoring systems. Cell phones, PDAs and RFID systems are already well employed in food and beverage plants for the obvious communications, email and Web-based warnings and product tracking.

Zigbee explained
Control Engineering Europe, December 2008
By Kevin Buckley, Intelligent Distributed Controls
The 802.15.4-based Zigbee is designed for remote control and sensors, which are many in number but require only small packets of data, and in the main, extremely low power consumption for long life. Today, Zigbee has evolved seamlessly into the automotive, power generation, materials handling, safety and general industrial sectors.

Making Smarter Tools
Sensors, December 2008
By Chris A. Suprock, Suprock Technologies
Significantly improved condition monitoring of metal-cutting machinery is now possible with the help of wireless sensors. The payoffs include optimized manufacturing and reduced operating costs.

Browse more articles and white papers on the Wireless Connectivity portal.
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Sponsored Product by ProSoft Technology
802.11abg Water/Dust Tight Industrial Hotspot 802.11abg Water/Dust Tight Industrial Hotspot
ProSoft Technology's 802.11abg Water/Dust Tight Industrial Hotspot provides Power over Ethernet, IGMP Querying, and WPA2 AES Encryption.
Product Announcements
Phoenix Contact's GSM/GPRS calls remote machines by cellphone Phoenix Contact's GSM/GPRS calls remote machines by cellphone
GSM/GPRS serial modem provides global access to machines and systems via GSM cellular phone connections.
Siemens adds DP IOBUS Link to APACS+ process control systems Siemens adds DP IOBUS Link to APACS+ process control systems
DP IOBUS Link allows plants to upgrade their existing APACS+ controllers, while retaining the existing APACS+ I/O Modules and field wiring terminations.
  MatrikonOPC releases server for Johnson Controls N2
Server communicates to N2 devices directly over serial or via serial to Ethernet converters such as the Moxa Nport 5130.
Other Product Announcements

Browse more Product Announcements on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date.

White Papers

Using Operator Interfaces to Optimize Performance of Industrial Wireless Networks
By Jim Ralston, Prosoft Technology
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.

Utilizing cellular technology with SCADA applications
By Michael Meirovitz, Control See
Cellular technology can be used with SCADA applications to improve productivity, increase plants’ uptime and prevent damages. Switching from analog modems to cellular modems may improve plant performance and availability significantly.

Voice in the Warehouse: All Talk, or True Solution?
By Tom Singer, Tompkins Associates
Voice technology is so appealing today. It offers the promise of hands-free, eyes-free wireless access to the information needed to drive key warehouse processes. For warehousing applications, Voice can provide a fluid, natural user interface.

Next-generation wireless technology advances asset management
Industrial Embedded Systems, November 2008
By Scott D. Constien, Enfora
A new class of GPS-enabled, wireless-networked asset management modules with integrated tracking application software is changing the way assets can be located in organizations.

Choosing the best wireless monitoring and control technology
Industrial Embedded Systems, November 2008
By Max Maxfield, Synapse Wireless
Like any networking technology, wireless sensor networks depend on an implementation euphemistically known as "the stack." Stacks aren't all created equal, and designers will opt for smaller and more portable stacks in some situations. Paper compares Wireless Mesh Network Protocol (SNAP) to ZigBee.

Browse more white papers on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Resources & Literature

Manufacturing Mobility Guide
By Motorola
Manufacturing mobility guide features more than 150 pages that show how to unleash the full power of mobility across multiple manufacturing segments--from high-tech and consumer packaged goods to automotive, pharmaceuticals and more. The Unified Voice and Data Architecture section shows how a unified voice and data network can reduce costs and improve overall business efficiency.

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.

PREMO upgrades inductive components website
Website contains full product information, downloadable technical datasheets and an advanced search to find inductive components from low frequency antennas to high power EMC filters.

IMB Enterprises announces Industrial Strength Ethernet website
Website sells M2M solutions including application controls, internet appliances, serial Ethernet bridges and converters, data acquisition and logging devices, and cellular data modems.

Daintree Networks introduces wireless application development kits
Kits let developers take individual ZigBee smart products (such as lights, heating and cooling, and security) and turn them into smart energy solutions and services.

Browse more resources and literature on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Application Stories

Condition of Steam Cracker monitored with wireless
HazardEx, January 2009
Emerson Process Management is helping to provide condition monitoring information at the Total Petrochemicals plant in Carling Saint Avold, France. Wireless transmitters provides temperature measurement data, enabling the company to calculate changes over time in wall thickness on a boiler that provides steam to a steam cracker, enabling personnel to anticipate when it may need replacement.

Wireless I/O stamps out press machine downtime
Control Engineering, December 2008
By Adrienne Lutovsky, ProSoft Technology
At Gestamp Automoción, two transfer presses had been become a problem. At least once a quarter, the hardwired network supporting the machines suffered breakage or damage. To replace the hardwired system, ControlNet communication adapters were replaced with EtherNet/IP adapters and a ProSoft Technology Ethernet radio.

No-Worry Wireless
Industrial Networking, February 2009
By Joe Feeley
In a highly automated robot cell in Lippstadt, Germany, automotive parts supplier Hella KGaA Hueck produces front headlamps for luxury vehicles. The company found that a move to wireless connectivity for a key sensing operation greatly reduced process stoppages caused by signal cable failures.

Wireless technology used to achieve scotch compliance
HazardEX, November 2008
Invensys Process Systems implemented a wireless solution that will help William Grant & Sons, a distiller in Scotland, to control and monitor ground water flow and level in boreholes to meet UK rules.

Hella uses WISA wireless to assemble headlights
By ABB
Hella’s plant in Wichita Falls, TX, was plagued with defective signal cables on a weekly basis. Hella replaced the previous I/O module on the transfer slide by a wireless I/O pad with WISA technology from ABB.

Browse more application stories on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Featured Training

Emerson’s PlantWeb University Online Learning Center
Free web-based training includes more than 40 brief, practical courses on new automation technologies and strategies. Topics include implementing fieldbus, wireless technology, safety instrumented systems, streamlining maintenance, improving equipment effectiveness, and enhancing plant efficiency.

WAGO announces Industrial Control Seminars
Interactive free three-day seminars provide attendees with information needed to advance automation projects. WAGO provides all course materials, meals and coordinates ground transport.

Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Company & Organizational News

Emerson releases studies of wireless
Emerson Process Management unveiled findings of two independent real-world greenfield projects that recommend wireless infrastructure be a key component of all new projects.

Snapshot of EMEA Wireless Comes in Focus
Industrial Networking, February 2009
By Mike Bacidore
Unlike in the U.S., adoption of wireless technology is more common in discrete manufacturing industries than process in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to data from global research firm Frost & Sullivan.

Frost & Sullivan says recession will slow wireless automation in automotive
The impact of global recession on the industry is likely to restrain the extent of wireless investments in the short-term future.

Siemens says wireless building automation is catching on
Wireless popularity is progressing rapidly in various market segments, says Siemens.

Food and Beverage Industries slowly accept wireless
Frost & Sullivan says the wireless market in food and beverage industry is expected to grow at low levels over the next two years. The conservative nature of the industry is a major restraint for adoption.

Browse more company and organizational news on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Project News

Honeywell to control biotech manufacturing processes
Shire Human Genetic Therapies will use Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS), Experion Batch Manager, wireless network and Uniformance Process Historian Database.

Using Industrial Wireless Ethernet in Mining Systems
By Moxa
A mine uses a combination of Moxa's AWK-1100 wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client and an industrial Ethernet switch. PLCs connect to the switch, which connects to an AWK-1100 wireless AP. Another switch/AP combination is used at the control end of the system.

IPS to upgrade DCS at Qatargas
IPS will upgrade control processors, gateways, local area networks and network security with its Foxboro I/A Series distributed control system Version 8, including mesh architecture.

Browse more project news on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Add an event to our calendar.

Featured Events

Digital Energy 2009
April 7-8, 2009 Houston Texas
Reflecting a focus on the merging of E&P with IT and the impact it is having on the way we do business, the conference will focus on the deployment issues examining key aspects related to this challenge. Another key aspect of the conference will be the emphasis on the real life case studies covering people, process, and technology issues.

ISA Analysis Division Symposium  
April 19-23, 2009 Houston, Texas
The theme, “Analytical Solutions for Energy Optimization & Environmental Compliance,” covers process analysis topics including methods, applications, system operation and maintenance.

Hannover Messe
April 20 - 24 Hannover, Germany
HANNOVER MESSE is the world's leading industrial technology trade fair. Established 60 years ago, the event is internationally renowned for new products, innovative technologies, and knowledge transfer in sectors that range from automation, energy, and microtechnology to compressed air, power transmission, and surface treatment. HANNOVER MESSE also features an extensive range of conferences and special events, including Energy Efficiency, Global Business Forum, World Energy Dialogue, and Hermes Award, the world's most lucrative prize for pioneering technology.

Safety Control & Instrumentation Systems Conference
May 19-21, 2009 Manchester, UK
This conference will focus on the technology and application of safety-related control and instrumentation systems in the chemicals, energy, mining and manufacturing industries. It will examine the complex and challenging issues of using control systems technology to maintain and improve the safety of people and plant whilst ensuring profitability.

ISA International Instrumentation Symposium  
June 1-5, 2009 League City, Texas
The 55th annual ISA IIS covers electronic instrumentation, wireless technology, Cybersecurity, aerospace systems, process measurement and control, and more.

Browse more industry events on the Wireless Connectivity portal.

Add an event to our calendar.

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, Publisher
Automation.com

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