• Flexibility, Integration Key For FPGAs in Automation

    Updated: 2010-02-28 23:00:00
    Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips have been around since 1984, but this venerable technology continues to find a dedicated user community in industrial automation (http://www.automationworld.com/index.php?option=com_search&searchphrase=exact&searchword=Industrial+Automation&submit=Go&articleembed=Flexibility+Integration+Key&linkembed=Industrial+Automation).

  • Appropriate Network Connectors Bring Best Service

    Updated: 2010-02-28 23:00:00
    Not having the right connection devices or technologies can cripple the potential of an automation network.

  • Chemicals Industry Rising From Economic Mire

    Updated: 2010-02-28 23:00:00
    For the chemical process industry (CPI), 2009 started tough but grew softer as it ended.

  • Overcoming Management Tradition Reaps Lean Benefits

    Updated: 2010-02-28 23:00:00
    The odds are about two chances in 100 that your Lean Manufacturing efforts will result in a sustained improvement to your bottom line.

  • Honeywell To Help Develop Field-Device Standard

    Updated: 2010-02-26 19:02:44
    Honeywell has joined the EDDL Cooperation Team (ECT) and will support efforts to develop a single, unified standard for integrating field devices with industrial facility control systems. The company is among a group of process automation technology developers that have agreed to support Field Device Integration (FDI) specification packages in their systems and products and will provide resources to help complete the standard.Finalisation of the FDI specification is planned for 2010. The ECT will be responsible for developing common design and test tools, common binary format and an interpreter across the Hart, Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus protocols. Read and post comments | Send to a friend

  • x86-based DIN-rail PC

    Updated: 2010-02-26 14:09:47
     

  • Ford Motor Company to Host MESA 2010 North American Conference

    Updated: 2010-02-26 14:07:32
     

  • Serve Cabinet Improves Cooling Efficiency

    Updated: 2010-02-26 14:03:53
     

  • PDF Solutions Adopts Magma Titan Mixed-Signal Design Platform

    Updated: 2010-02-26 00:01:19
    Magma® Design Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq: LAVA), a provider of chip design software, announced that PDF Solutions® Inc. (Nasdaq: PDFS), the leading provider of yield improvement technologies and services for the integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing process life cycle, selected the Titan[tm] Mixed-Signal Design Platform to improve time to yield for systems on chip (SoCs). PDF Solutions [...]

  • Magma Design Automation and Chengdu ICC Open Joint Lab in China

    Updated: 2010-02-25 18:34:25
    Magma® Design Automation (Nasdaq: LAVA), a provider of chip design software, and Chengdu ICC (CDICC), a government-funded organization that promotes integrated circuit (IC) design in Chengdu, announced the recent opening of a joint IC design lab. Established in the National IC Design Chengdu Industrial Base, one of seven technology incubation parks in China, the lab [...]

  • IEEE Announces IEEE 1800-2009 Standard for Chip Design, Verification

    Updated: 2010-02-25 17:12:10
    IEEE, the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology, announced completion of IEEE 1800-2009[TM], a revision to an existing IEEE standard. The new IEEE 1800 defines a single, comprehensive standard language that is designed to help boost the productivity of electronic system design and verification engineers and make possible broader and improved Electronic [...]

  • ABB Robots Rock - Literally

    Updated: 2010-02-25 15:47:16
    Who said industrial robots can't rock? Not Bon Jovi who is using five industrial robots on stage as part of the show of his "The Circle Tour."

  • Wireless Kiosk/Operator Interface

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    Only available from IVC Displays, the 802.11a/b/g USB Wireless Network Interface.

  • Integration and Configuration Services

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    Have it your way at IVC Displays. Building your equipment is a big job. Sometimes you would appreciate a little help. Think of IVC Displays as an integration partner with your company.

  • Video: Windows CE Panel PC Family

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    The touchscreen panel PCs offer communication options such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and Ethernet. 

  • Video: IVC Windows XP Panel PCs

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    From IVC Displays, the touchscreen panel PCs offer communication options such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and Dual-Gigabit Ethernet. 

  • 7" Wide Screen Panel PC

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    IVC Displays NP-700i is a miniature and compact platform that has no redundant functions. It is designed for small-sized operator interface market.

  • Environmentally Friendly Operator Interface

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    IVC Displays, Inc. is proud to offer products that comply with the most stringent of the requirements of the RoHs standards.

  • Upgrade Panel Builder and Panel Mate to low-cost HMI

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    From IVC Displays, the PanelBuster for PanelBuilder® is an easy-to-use tool that expands your plant floor system and the PanelMate Import tool is a powerful way to migrate existing legacy PanelMate terminals to the Windows or Windows CE platform. 

  • Windows CE or XP Embedded Pancel PCs

    Updated: 2010-02-24 23:00:00
    Choose from 8.4, 10.4, 12.1 and 15 inch touch screen panel PCs from IVC Displays. All touchscreen panel PCs come with Windows CE 5.0 .NET or Windows XP Embedded. 

  • IPL Alliance Debuts Open Standard for Interoperable Process Design Kits

    Updated: 2010-02-24 17:18:03
    The Interoperable PDK Libraries (IPL) Alliance announced the release of the semiconductor industry’s first open standard for interoperable Process Design Kits (iPDKs). This release is a major accomplishment achieved through the collaboration of IPL Alliance member companies. Semiconductor foundries and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) can use this standard to build a single iPDK that works [...]

  • Brazilian Altus Debuts In PAC Market

    Updated: 2010-02-24 08:00:12
    The new Nexto PAC is designed for complex applications requiring high availability and reliability. 

  • Water Provides Automation Opportunities in Italy

    Updated: 2010-02-24 07:51:03
    Companies are looking to upgrade an aging Italian water system, thanks to a new law providing for water management by private utilities.

  • ABB Acquires Jokab Safety

    Updated: 2010-02-24 07:36:11
    The acquisition strengthens ABB’s offering within machine safety and low-voltage products.

  • New High-Efficiency Motors from SEW-EURODRIVE

    Updated: 2010-02-24 06:36:44
    SEW announces the new efficient DR Motor series available in three efficiency levels: standard, high-efficiency and NEMA Premium® efficiency.

  • Databases – The Perfect Complement to PLCs, by Steve Hechtman

    Updated: 2010-02-24 00:12:00
    Interesting insight on the role of SQL and databases with PLCs and industrial automation. Hosted at Automation.com, Reliable Plant, FoodEngineering

  • New OLM High-Speed Fine Positioning Sensor

    Updated: 2010-02-23 23:00:00
    SICK (www.sickusa.com), one of the world's leading manufacturers of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, and automatic identification products for factory and logistics automation, today announced the launch of its new OLM Distance Measurement Positioning Sensor.

  • Aseptic robots

    Updated: 2010-02-22 23:00:00
    DENSO VP-G2 six-axis articulated robots provide Class 100 cleanroom performance in an ultra-compact design for assembly, dispensing, inspection, material handling, and medical and pharmaceutical packaging applications.

  • Development Kit for Wireless LAN Solutions

    Updated: 2010-02-22 23:00:00
    connectBlue, the innovative and market leading provider of wireless industrial solutions, launches ten Wireless LAN Development Kits designed to evaluate the connectBlue third generation Wireless LAN modules OWL221a and OWL222a.

  • SystemC Configuration, Control & Inspection Standardization Review

    Updated: 2010-02-22 16:34:48
    The Open SystemC Initiative (OSCI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing SystemC[tm] as an industry-standard language for electronic system-level (ESL) design, announced that requirements for the configuration portion of the SystemC Configuration, Control & Inspection (CCI) standardization effort are now available for public review. They are currently available for download under open-source [...]

  • Pack Expo Adds Processing Pavilion

    Updated: 2010-02-22 10:08:34
    The new pavilion, combined with new rules allowing processing equipment displays on the main floor, is expected to yield an additional 170,000 square feet of exhibit space for the PMMI-sponsored event.

  • IMTS 2010 Registration is Now Open

    Updated: 2010-02-21 23:00:00
    Registration for the 28th edition of The International Manufacturing Technology Show - IMTS 2010 is open and available at www.IMTS.com.

  • EM21 Series 3-in-1 Energy Monitoring Device

    Updated: 2010-02-21 23:00:00
    Carlo Gavazzi Inc, the international electronic automations group with activities in the design, manufacturing and marketing of electronic equipment, has recently launched the EM21 Series.

  • New 10-Port Managed PoE Switch

    Updated: 2010-02-18 23:00:00
    The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the EKI-7659CPI, a ruggedized Managed Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch for industrial applications.

  • IVU Image Sensor Line Expands to Solve Bar-Code Reading Applications

    Updated: 2010-02-18 23:00:00
    Banner Engineering Corp. introduces the iVu Bar Code Reader (BCR), the first industrial touch screen bar code reader.

  • Automation Products: Press Releases

    Updated: 2010-02-18 23:00:00
    These press releases were submitted directly to this Web site by the supplier. Automation World assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies.  

  • Designing a cost effective and highly reliable industrial Ethernet network

    Updated: 2010-02-18 10:59:25
    Industrial networks have many demands beyond those of traditional business networks. Engineers and others who design Ethernet networks for these applications must follow correct installation procedures and must select network equipment that will function in industrial environments with little or no downtime.

  • Using DHCP to minimize equipment setup time

    Updated: 2010-02-18 10:57:02
    Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used widely in enterprise network applications to automatically assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to equipment connected to these networks. In this white paper N-TRON discusses how to use DHCP to intelligently assign IP addresses in industrial network applications.

  • Invensys Reorganization Explained

    Updated: 2010-02-18 10:40:11
    Despite a series of moves that looked disjointed to outside observers, the steps leading up to the formation last year of Invensys Operations Management were all part of a plan, says IOM Vice President Peter Martin. 

  • Vision Rules! Intelligent vision system ensures every product gets camera time

    Updated: 2010-02-18 08:08:32
    A global brand of personal care products found some of its own plant staff was breaking the rules, letting products with incorrect or misaligned labels slide through the vision system. The solution from CI Vision (Aurora, IL) was their Pro Series, a line of inspection systems for contract packagers featuring the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL).

  • Matrox Imaging Library helps delta robot sort biscuits

    Updated: 2010-02-18 08:04:36
    A major European cookie and chocolate maker is working to improve the efficiency of their factories. In one plant, this manufacturer outputs 30 million packages a year, and they contain over 80 different types of assorted cookies. This manufacturer needed a solution that could support the wide variety of products and a high throughput.

  • Integrator digs deep inside Matrox Imaging Library MIL to inspect turbine blades in aircraft engines

    Updated: 2010-02-18 08:00:49
    Aircraft engine manufacturers fully understand that even small surface defects can reduce performance, increase maintenance costs, and reduce the useful life of an aircraft engine. They need to inspect turbine blades very carefully to maintain the efficiency and reliability that the air transport industry requires.

  • White paper: How to plan your first vision system

    Updated: 2010-02-18 07:56:22
    Developing a machine vision application for the first time need not be a headache. If you follow a thorough, three-stage process to develop, test and deploy the project, the results should provide an essential tool in product inspection and valuable insight to enhance overall product quality.

  • Verific Design Automation Tools Front Vennsa OnPoint

    Updated: 2010-02-18 00:36:21
    Vennsa Technologies Inc., the leader in automated debugging and error localization software, announced that de facto standard front-end software from Verific Design Automation serves as the front end for OnPoint[TM], its breakthrough tool in automated debugging. Vennsa, a Verific customer since its inception, licenses the SystemVerilog and property specification language (PSL) analyzers and elaborators. Both [...]

  • Using Ethernet Auto-negotiation protocol to avoid slow network connectivity or application time outs

    Updated: 2010-02-17 23:02:04
    In this white paper N-TRON discusses the details of Auto-negotiation protocol and how to properly configure Auto-negotiation settings for maximum performance of industrial Ethernet networks.

  • Weigh Indicator/Controller

    Updated: 2010-02-17 23:00:00
    Avery Weigh-Tronix introduces the Model 1080 weight indicator/controller.

  • New 125V DC Input Module

    Updated: 2010-02-17 23:00:00
    GE Intelligent Platforms announced the availability of its new 125V DC Input module for the PACSystems® RX3i controller.

  • Save Space and Costs with Today’s Compact Panel Meters Featuring Versatile Control Options

    Updated: 2010-02-17 05:01:13
    To make panel meters a viable option for today’s businesses, new, cost-efficient devices with more advanced capabilities were needed—and all in a smaller package to realize today’s miniaturization trend.

  • Dual Rate Meter Monitors Two Signal Inputs at Once and Performs Application-Specific Calculations

    Updated: 2010-02-17 04:57:54
    Red Lion Controls, Inc. introduces the PAXDR Dual Rate Meter, providing real-time viewing of dual input rates, paired with sophisticated math functions to measure and display the sum, difference, ratio, draw or percentage of total between the two rates.

  • Red Lion Wireless Modem Card

    Updated: 2010-02-17 04:54:59
    Data system monitoring and control updates via email and text messaging made possible with wireless modem card.

  • Mintchell Video Report - 2010 ARC Forum Report

    Updated: 2010-02-16 23:00:00
    Gary Mintchell, Editor in Chief, discusses happenings at the 14th annual ARC Forum (http://www.arcweb.com/Events/Orlando2010-ARC-World-Industry-Forum/Pages/Default.aspx) in Orlando. There were product announcements from many companies, an in-depth discussion of the multi-year Invensys strategy that has led to the formation of IOM, WBF and OMAC and their separation from ISA, and a few thoughts about wireless from the Forum.

  • Podcast: Automation Minutes - 02.16.2010

    Updated: 2010-02-16 13:07:15
    Gary Mintchell, Editor in Chief, provides a podcast report on the 14th Annual ARC Forum (http://www.arcweb.com/Events/Orlando2010-ARC-World-Industry-Forum/Pages/Rethinking-Operational-Excellence.aspx) in Orlando. He dishes up new product announcements from Kepware, Invensys, Yokogawa and many more. 

  • B&R receives Intel award

    Updated: 2010-02-14 23:00:00
    The SPS/IPC/DRIVES exhibition is held annually in Nuremberg, Germany, and is the leading trade fair for automation.

  • New circuit breakers keep the system running

    Updated: 2010-02-14 23:00:00
    Phoenix Contact introduces a new range of circuit breakers that combines the advantages of fuse terminal blocks with the benefits of thermal-magnetic circuit breakers.

  • Quick-Disconnect Receptacle

    Updated: 2010-02-12 14:07:04
    TURCK announces the new 7/8-16UN minifast® explosion-proof feed-through receptacle, which is CSA certified as a secondary conduit seal. 

  • 2-Axis Stepping and Servo Motion Control Universal PCI Card

    Updated: 2010-02-12 14:02:37
    The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the PCI-1220U, a 2-axis motion control card for stepping and pulse-type servo motors with hardware controlled linear and circular axis interpolation which ensures synchronized movement across both axes, without consuming the PC’s CPU.

  • Safety Product Data for SISTEMA Library Users

    Updated: 2010-02-12 13:54:38
    ROSS CONTROLS is pleased to announce the release of its safety product datalibrary designed for use with the innovative new Safety Integrity Software Tool for the Evaluationof Machine Applications (SISTEMA).

  • Communication and Integration Products Debut at ARC Forum

    Updated: 2010-02-12 13:32:23
    Automation industry vendors lined up to tout their latest wares before the trade press at the annual event.

  • IBM POWER7 Systems Features Power Architecture

    Updated: 2010-02-12 00:39:40
    The recent announcement by IBM of its POWER7[tm] systems reinforces the Power Architecture® technology’s leadership in supporting the development of ground-breaking solutions that set new standards in price/performance, energy efficiency and virtualization, and emphasize the technology’s role as an indispensable building block for the world’s most demanding applications. Read more: IBM POWER7 Systems Features Power ArchitectureTwitter [...]

  • Wireless Eliminates Ground Loop Noise

    Updated: 2010-02-11 13:01:48
    Tests show that wireless transmitters improve signal quality for bioprocess reactor control applications.

  • NEW IDEA Programmable Stepper Motor Drive

    Updated: 2010-02-10 19:38:49
    Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions introduces the Haydon RoHS compliant IDEA™ programmable stepper motor drive.

  • Expanded Safety Light Curtain Portfolio

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:57:52
     

  • Kinetix 6000

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:53:21
     

  • PowerFlex® 755 AC Drive

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:51:03
     

  • MSR57P Speed Monitoring Safety Relay

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:47:17
     

  • GuardLogix® Family Introduces New Mid-Range Controller Line: Compact GuardLogix

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:41:49

  • Globalization Drives the Advance of Functional Safety Technology

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:13:57
    As Standards Develop, Integration Tightens

  • Deadline for New European Safety Standards Extended 24 Months

    Updated: 2010-02-10 12:02:40
    Early Adopters Will Gain Significant Competitive Advantages

  • Edwards Named to Head Lenze Americas

    Updated: 2010-02-10 06:19:31
    Thirty-plus-year automation veteran Chuck Edwards takes control of motion control supplier.

  • MESA Launches Sustainability Survey

    Updated: 2010-02-09 23:00:00
    MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Assoc.) has announced the launch of Eco-efficiency in Manufacturing, a major study of the strategies and approaches being used to support sustainability initiatives.

  • New PRO-M Series Power Supplies

    Updated: 2010-02-09 23:00:00
    Weidmuller announces the introduction of a new series of economical, general-purpose industrial power supplies- the PRO-M Series.

  • HPB series open-style power distribution blocks

    Updated: 2010-02-09 23:00:00
    The Edison power distribution line now includes the HPB series open-style power distribution blocks as a convenient way to manage power distribution needs.

  • Compact RFID Controllers

    Updated: 2010-02-09 10:58:00
    IdentControl Compact one- and two-head RFID controllers complement the vendor’s family of four-head IdentControl RFID controllers. 

  • Mount RFID Tags on Metal

    Updated: 2010-02-09 10:55:55
    As part of the vendor’s BIS M series of RFID products, a direct metal-mount or M-M RFID system is designed to provide tough industrial track-and-trace capability using a non-contact, ISO 15693-compliant passive data carrier technology. 

  • Barcode-based Job Tracking

    Updated: 2010-02-09 10:53:30
    CheckMate Work In Process is a billed as a low-cost software program based on barcode technology.

  • RFID by the Slice

    Updated: 2010-02-09 10:49:56
    The vendor’s BL67 modular distributed I/O system is now equipped with the RFID-S—a Simple RFID slice that is compatible with the BL ident RFID product line.

  • Flexible Managed Ethernet Switch

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:54:51
    The JetNet 5018G industrial managed gigabit Ethernet Din-Rail switch was specifically designed for large network applications requiring high-port density and secure connection. 

  • EtherNet/IP Simplifies Robot Integration

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:52:54
    A new EtherNet/IP option for the vendor’s RC7 robot controller allows a single cable to connect the robot controller with a programmable logic controller (PLC), which simplifies integration and reduces the cost of robot set-up and hardware. 

  • 2-port Serial-to-USB Converter

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:50:35
    The Devolinx UTS-402CK is an industrial USB to 2-port RS-232/422/485 converter with locking feature. 

  • Slip Rings Deliver Power/Signals

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:48:06
    Slip Rings for industrial applications can be configured for both power connections and signal connections. 

  • Six-port Unmanaged Ethernet Switch

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:46:09
    Housed in a hardened, metal, DIN-Rail enclosure, the 106FX2 is a low-cost, unmanaged, six-port Industrial Ethernet switch designed for use in industrial data acquisition, control, and Ethernet I/O applications. 

  • Coupler Enables Decentralized Networks

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:43:42
    The 750-352 ECO Ethernet Fieldbus Coupler is designed to enable the transition from centralized PAC/PLCs to flexible, decentralized networks. 

  • Industrial PCs Double Capacity

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:41:14
    The Simatic IPC427C compact Microbox PC and Simatic HMI IPC477C Panel PC have been equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, doubling the computing capacity of previous models while offering maintenance-free, 24/7 operation in hostile environments. 

  • Avoid Entanglement Accidents

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:39:18
    The MaxFlex cable line for portable data collectors has been expanded to include an optional safety connector designed to protect operators by breaking away if the sensor or cable becomes entangled at the monitoring point. 

  • 6-inch Touch Panel Joins Line

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:37:16
    The C-more micro family now offers a 6-inch TFT color touch screen HMI panel. 

  • Improve Packaging-line Performance

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:35:31
    The Proficy SmartStart Packaging Performance Solution is a pre-built software and services solution designed to help users improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), production rate and order fulfillment while reducing waste and labor costs by providing critical insight into high-speed packaging line operations. 

  • UPS Restarts IPCs

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:32:23
    Designed for use with industrial PCs (IPCs), the Trio-UPS uninterruptible power supply automatically restarts an IPC in the event of an extended power outage. 

  • Upgraded Hoses Withstand More

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:29:59
    Select 1- and 2-wire braid and 4-spiral hose styles of the vendor’s Weatherhead line have been re-engineered under the Diamond Advantage program to provide higher working pressures and higher temperature ratings plus a durable hose cover offering superior abrasion resistance.

  • High-performance Fanless Box PC

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:28:08
    The UNO-3272 is a Fanless Box PC equipped with a Celeron M 440 1.86GHz CPU, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports with teaming function, 4 serial communication ports (2 RS-232 and 2 RS-232/422/485 with Auto Flow Control), 2 PCI expansion slots, audio, DVI-D, VGA dual video output and 1 external CompactFlash slot. 

  • Flowmeters Measure Green House Gas

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:23:31
    A line of mass flowmeters is certified by the vendor for Green House Gas (GHG) reporting. 

  • More Image Acquisition Options

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:21:17
    A new release of the vendor’s VisionPro hardware-independent vision software expands image acquisition options with support for very large camera images and nontraditional sources such as 3D, thermal and X-ray imagers. 

  • Restore Automation After Disaster

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:18:36
    An automation disaster recovery solution comprised of software and expert services is designed to facilitate timely restoration of power and processing plants to commission in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. 

  • Software Simplifies HMI Development

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:11:47
    iX is a fourth-generation, software-based HMI concept that is designed to fill the gap between proprietary HMI terminals and costly SCADA license solutions. 

  • Pressure Switches Get Greener

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:06:29
    The Square D brand Pumptrol 9013 pressure switch line has been enhanced to make it more environmentally friendly and corrosion-resistant. 

  • Field Diagnosis for Fieldvue Instruments

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:04:53
    Release 3.2 of the 475 Field Communicator includes the new ValveLink Mobile application. 

  • Compact, Energy-saving Displays

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:02:51
    Energy-efficient industrial Control Panels and Panel PCs with compact, 5.7-inch displays feature rugged aluminum fronts with IP65-rated protection. 

  • Point-and-shoot Temperature Measurement

    Updated: 2010-02-08 23:00:43
    The high-performance, handheld OS-DT8855W infrared thermometer is a non-contact temperature measurement instrument that features a laser circle/dot sight. 

  • Podcast: Protecting Against Arc Flash

    Updated: 2010-02-08 12:39:19
    Arc flash can be a dangerous hazard for those working around electricity and electrically powered equipment. In this podcast interview, recorded on Feb. 4, 2010, Managing Editor Wes Iversen talks with Chris Davidson and David Clout of Siemens Energy Inc. about arc flash protection technology deployed in equipment sold to the power industry and others.

  • Ethernet Protocols' Flexibility A Boost For Manufacturing

    Updated: 2010-02-08 07:11:38
    The ability of Ethernet to carry multiple protocols enables innovation in communication for effective manufacturing efficiency.

  • Watch Your Ethernet Definitions

    Updated: 2010-02-08 06:00:57
    If I mention the word “Ethernet,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? 

  • Find Your Social Media Niche

    Updated: 2010-02-08 05:35:50
    The social media movement is still gaining strength as we move forward in 2010. According to online technology news Web site VatorNews, Twitter’s year-over-year unique visitors grew by a mere 579 percent in December 2009. Heady stuff.

  • Instrumentation Makers Must Shift Strategies to Thrive

    Updated: 2010-02-08 05:21:54
    After last year’s market declines, projections call for little growth for vendors in 2010, but opportunities await those who know where to look, says research firm.

  • Bringing a Service Orientation to Manufacturing

    Updated: 2010-02-08 05:00:53
    Service professional Douglas Morse sees a need to transform manufacturing from a product-oriented endeavor to one focused instead on customer success.

  • Stone-Cutting Savings

    Updated: 2010-02-08 04:52:12
    Advanced Industrial Machinery Inc. (AIM), in Hickory, N.C., builds machines that cut large stone slabs into high-end kitchen countertops and exterior fixtures. 

  • Machine Control Integration Produces Savings

    Updated: 2010-02-08 04:46:49
    Plants are relying on new generations of more fully integrated control technology to run smaller, faster and more efficient machines.

  • HCF’s Ed Ladd Responds to Wireless Control Questions

    Updated: 2010-02-07 23:00:00
    As part of our research for our February 2010 feature on wireless control, Automation World submitted a list of e-mail questions on the topic to Ed T. Ladd, director of technology programs at the Hart Communication Foundation (HCF), which oversees the WirelessHart standard. Following are Ladd's responses:

  • Will Wireless Device Prices Come Down? The Vendors Respond

    Updated: 2010-02-07 23:00:00
    As part of our research for our February 2010 feature on wireless control, Automation World spoke with representatives of two major suppliers of wireless instrumentation. When later conversations with users and others brought up additional issues regarding pricing of wireless devices, we followed up with e-mail queries to our vendor sources.

  • Wireless Control in the Factory: In Search of a Standard

    Updated: 2010-02-07 21:19:59
    Determinism is still an issue for high-speed wireless control, but some factory users are moving ahead.

  • Wireless Control in the Process Industries: Blasphemy or Common Sense?

    Updated: 2010-02-07 21:08:30
    It may be controversial, but wireless technology is already being used in process control applications. How far and how fast will this trend go? Will we ever see an "all-wireless" plant?

  • Freemium—A Plan for ISA Resurgence

    Updated: 2010-02-07 19:59:01
    The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a collection of overlapping communities that serve different purposes.

  • Enabling Manufacturing Operational Excellence

    Updated: 2010-02-07 19:55:07
    The market segment that includes collaborative production management (CPM), manufacturing execution systems (MES) and manufacturing operations management (MOM) evolved from a small group of MES suppliers serving two narrow niches (semiconductor and pharmaceutical) and a handful of suppliers providing historians or other applications to the process industries. 

  • Automation Company M&A Activity Could Increase

    Updated: 2010-02-07 19:51:15
    The "Great Recession" of 2009 saw U.S. Gross Domestic Product contract an estimated 0.3 percent for the year, even after a significant rebound in the second half of the year.

  • Will Light Waves Trump Wireless for Factory Communication?

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    Penn State researchers have come up with a new approach to optical communications that may offer bandwidth and security advantages over RF in restricted areas such as factories.

  • Brazilian Industrial Automation Business Goes Negative in 2009

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    First-quarter orders were not enough to sustain the industry, as a downturn starting in the second quarter led to a 17 percent decline for the year, says report. 

  • Pepperl+Fuchs Acquires Walsall

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    The deal expands the company’s expertise in development and manufacture of electromechanical equipment for use in hazardous areas.

  • India To Roll Out National Manufacturing Policy

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    The new, technology-focused manufacturing policy will aim to attract overseas investment and promote industrial activity in all parts of the country.

  • CC-Link Ups the Ante in High-speed Industrial Ethernet

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    Featuring transfer rates of 1 Gigabit/second, the new device-level CC-Link IE Field Network is billed as 10 times faster than competitive Industrial Ethernet networks. 

  • Japanese, Chinese Plants Bag Hart Awards

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    Mitsubishi Chemicals and  Evonik Degussa Specialty Chemicals are recognized for outstanding use of Hart Communication technology.

  • Management Appointments at Cognex, Onset

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    Robert Willett is named Cognex president and chief operating officer, while former Cognex Executive Vice President Justin Testa joins Onset Computer as president.

  • Manufacturing Growth Continues; 2010 Outlook Positive

    Updated: 2010-02-06 23:00:00
    Manufacturing expanded for a fifth straight month in December, with continued growth projected for 2010, says the Institute for Supply Management.

  • Time to Invest Cautiously in Manufacturing

    Updated: 2010-02-06 20:59:00
    Our travels across the country and across many industries allow us to gauge the mood of thousands of business folks, and the mood is overwhelmingly pessimistic.

  • A New Decade—IT Sets Sights on Manufacturing

    Updated: 2010-02-06 20:52:24
    In what seems an inevitable response to demands for greater regulatory compliance and security, manufacturers are increasingly turning to their chief information officers (CIOs) to establish more effective reporting and governance for their plants. 

  • Engineers Help Weather the Storm

    Updated: 2010-02-06 20:45:28
    "Just as the tumultous chaos of a thunderstorm brings a nurturing rain that allows life to flourish, so too in human affairs times of advancement are preceded by times of disorder. Success comes to those who can weather the storm." — I Ching

  • Fingerprint-Recognition Switch Designed for Factories and Plants

    Updated: 2010-02-05 12:53:37
    While cyber security gets lots of attention in the industrial trade press these days, physical security is important as well.

  • Mintchell Video Report: ARC Operational Excellence Forum and More

    Updated: 2010-02-05 12:52:39
    Gary Mintchell, Editor in Chief, leads off the Videocast with his agenda for the ARC Conference in early February down in Orlando. Also in the report is a review of just released financial reports for certain automation companies, a recently released MESA study and a preview of the Packaging Automation Forum (http://www.packworld.com/paf/pages/program.html) event, to be held in Chicago, on May 4.

  • White Paper: Applying Wireless to EtherNet/IP Systems

    Updated: 2010-02-05 10:56:15
    Wireless Ethernet can reliably reduce network costs while improving plant production, but applying these technologies is not a simple matter, as industrial Ethernet systems vary greatly in terms of bandwidth requirements, response times and data transmission characteristics. This white paper from ProSoft explores these applications.

  • Podcast: Automation Minutes - 02.05.10

    Updated: 2010-02-05 08:19:41
    Gary Mintchell, Editor in Chief, reviews several earnings reports from the automation industry and then reports from MESA International and Cambashi research on manufacturers improving financial performance and manufacturing performance using well defined metrics and automated data gathering. The latest edition of the popular Packaging Automation Forum is announced. Then a few thoughts on Toyota, Lean and entrepreneurship in automotive manufacturing.

  • Video: Perfect timing, total precision, complex coordination

    Updated: 2010-02-05 04:28:40
    Control it: Perfect timing, total precision, complex coordination - in extreme sports just as with really innovative automation, only we set our limits. Click Here (http://www.automationworld.com/video/1002PR_control_it.wmv) to see video.

  • Cellular Wireless: A New Communication Option for Industrial Automation

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    In this white paper from ProSoft, see how the introduction of industrial cellular wireless communication gives manufacturers another wireless alternative.

  • White Paper: Wireless Avoids Collisions on the Track

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    In this white paper from ProSoft see how Andritz Inc. uses high-speed Ethernet radios to create a robust anti-collision network for three different dual Portal Crane projects.

  • White Paper: Using Operator Interfaces to Optimize Performance of Industrial Wireless Networks

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    This article from ProSoft explores 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.

  • White Paper: Improving Plant Production with Wireless Condition Monitoring

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    In this white paper from ProSoft see how recent advancements in vibration monitoring and data analysis have lead to condition monitoring systems that can accurately detect a problem before failure, thus reducing costly machine shutdowns and maximizing production output.

  • New Products Released for Hazardous Locations

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    Hope Industrial Systems is now shipping Hazloc-rated models of our 17" and 19" industrial monitors and touchscreens.

  • Video: Driving the Material Handling / Packaging Industry

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    From drives powering conveyors, rotary tables, vertical positioning units and palletizers to labeling, feeding, filling and process automation - SEW drive engineering specialists offer solutions & expertise for virtually any material handling challenge.

  • Video: Driving the Food Processing Industry

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    From drives powering feeders, conveyors, and washers, to cutting, mixing and packaging machinery – SEW drive engineering specialists offer solutions and expertise for virtually any food handling challenge.

  • Video: Driving the Automotive Industry

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    From drives powering conveyors to aseptic surface treatment processes to multi-axis vehicle assembly automation - SEW drive engineering specialists offer solutions & expertise for virtually any automotive challenge on the plant floor. 

  • Introducing the New Durus Plus for Control and Monitoring Applications

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    GE Intelligent Platforms announced the availability of its new Durus Plus controllers.

  • Varioface Professional (VIP) Systems Cabling Line

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    Phoenix Contact expands its VARIOFACE Professional (VIP) systems cabling line with a robust overmolded front adapter/cable system for the Siemens SIMATIC® S7-300.

  • New BCG EcoLine Wire Draw Encoders

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    SICK (www.sickusa.com), one of the world's leading manufacturers of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, and automatic identification products for factory and logistics automation, today announced the launch of its BCG EcoLine Wire Draw Encoders.

  • A New Absolute Encoder Series

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    Kübler by TURCK introduces a new magnetic single-turn absolute encoder series specifically designed for extreme outdoor applications and heavy-duty construction machinery.

  • How to Optimize the MOVIDRIVE® MDX 60/61B Drive Inverter

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    High-performance drive inverter for dynamic drives in power range 0.55 to 160 kW (0.75 to 215 hp). Great diversity of applications due to extensive expansion options with technology and communication options. 3-phase power supply for AC 230 V and 460 V.

  • Selecting a Custom Gearmotor Using the PT Pilot® Selection Tool

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    Selecting a custom reducer or gearmotor is fast and easy using the PT Pilot® online selection tool.

  • Online Training for Maintenance of Motors and BrakeMotors

    Updated: 2010-02-04 23:00:00
    SEW-EURODRIVE's DriveAcademy® offers a comprehensive selection of materials to help customers and distributors alike perform basic maintenance procedures on motors and brakemotors. 

  • Ignition, post release activity and OPC vendors

    Updated: 2010-02-04 15:43:00
    : , skip to main skip to sidebar Not another Industrial software Blog What I really think Standards , networking , security , databases , open source , and topics related to the development of HMI , and SCADA . systems Thursday , February 4, 2010 Ignition , post release activity and OPC vendors I was impressed with the Ignition by Inductive Automation product release webinar The Inductive Automation team did a first class job introducing the company , Ignition product platform and architecture , and the motivation behind the shift to OPC-UA . In a nutshell , their vision of the future of industrial software is : standards based , IT friendly , and platform independent . Get DCOM out of here We want a top notch , secure SCADA system that runs equally well on Linux , a mac , or any flavor service pack of the Windows rainbow . The demonstration included a full server installation , which took about 2 minutes , and highlighted the drag and drop ease of the new SQLTags History feature , which is deceptively simple , yet . powerful We've been getting a huge number of hits to the new website by a number of companies across the world . We've also been getting a lot of interest in when more

  • My thoughts on securing your plant systems

    Updated: 2010-02-04 15:13:00
    : skip to main skip to sidebar Not another Industrial software Blog What I really think Standards , networking , security , databases , open source , and topics related to the development of HMI , and SCADA . systems Thursday , February 4, 2010 My thoughts on securing your plant systems Security not your first concern as an industrial integrator or plant manager . Availability ranks numero uno . Got it Your company loses 30k hr during plant downtime . Got it Plant workers are not exactly NSA hacker material . Got it So why is security important Look at those reasons again and above all , safety . Consider that your legal liability in court costs more than downtime . Do you want a disgruntled employee to shut down the factory on your watch It is incumbent upon you as a professional to demonstrate due care . We're not worrying about international hacker rings or bored young college geniuses . Accidents occur and insider attacks are . possible It's 2010 many systems end up touching the Internet or outside world somehow , whether you like it or not . Common practices in the 90s , like allowing users to share passwords are unacceptable that audit trail is a must . Having PLCs on the

  • Marketing Automation Promises...Undelivered

    Updated: 2010-02-03 21:04:21
    What are the most unbelievable marketing automation promises you've heard? Follow the discussion in the Linked In Group: Marketing Automation Experts At the end of the month, I'll post a wrap-up that, who knows... might serve us all as a useful ( if not tongue-in-cheek ) guide on what to look out for in the evaluation / buying process. Pass this along to anyone you know who has purchased or is thinking of purchasing marketing automation software. -- Should be a lively discussion !

  • Potentiometer Now Available on SMVector Inverter Models

    Updated: 2010-02-02 23:00:00
    Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of the Potentiometer Option for SMVector NEMA 4X Inverter models.

  • PoE switches for industrial networking

    Updated: 2010-02-02 18:18:21
    PoE (Power over Ethernet) is one of the hottest topics in Ethernet networking applications today. According to recent IDC forecasts, total market sales for PoE devices will reach US$1.14 billion by 2009 with a 65% annual growth rate. In this white paper, Moxa will introduce the basics of PoE technology and the new 802.3at standard, followed by a discussion on the required functions and benefits of adopting PoE switches for industrial networking.

  • Dual-RF wireless redundancy

    Updated: 2010-02-02 18:14:49
    In this white paper, Moxa explains the traditional single-RF (single radio frequency) and dual-RF (dual radio frequency) wireless architectures, and shows what Moxa provides in the way of dual-RF technology.

  • Using industrial ethernet in the oil and gas industry

    Updated: 2010-02-02 17:37:44
    The oil and gas industry is experiencing a major boom around the world, thanks to the seemingly insatiable demand for fossil fuels in both developed and developing countries. However, drilling for, transporting, storing, refining, and exporting oil and natural gas remain incredibly complicated undertakings. Moxa shows how ethernet can help.

  • Choosing a multiport serial board for serial communication

    Updated: 2010-02-02 17:34:49
    Serial communication has been used in Industrial Automation (IA) for many years notes this white paper from Moxa. Since computers come equipped with a limited number of serial ports, multiport serial boards (MSB) are needed to expand the number of ports to connect additional peripheral devices.

  • Redundancy in automation

    Updated: 2010-02-02 17:31:26
    Since Ethernet now penetrates the automation hierarchy, and Industrial Ethernet switches have started playing a key role in setting up Ethernet LANs, we can expect the technology available for plant floor systems in industrial automation to keep improving. Moxa discusses this in their new white paper.

  • Using sample code to develop embedded applications saves time and keeps bugs at a minimum

    Updated: 2010-02-02 17:29:19
    Moxa recognizes that software developers should always be on the lookout for ways to ensure that products are developed quickly, but at the same time are also reliable and cost-effective.

  • Six factors to consider when upgrading to an industrial grade IP surveillance system

    Updated: 2010-02-02 17:26:42
    In this white paper Moxa introduces the concept of "IP surveillance" and points out that compared to analog surveillance applications, IP surveillance offers the benefits of easy integration, remote accessibility, distributed intelligence, and scalability.

  • GigE Vision Camera Standard Updated

    Updated: 2010-02-02 13:15:10
    Version 1.2 adds non-streaming device control, opening the door for new classes of products beyond traditional cameras, AIA says.

  • OPC in automation

    Updated: 2010-02-01 23:29:32
    With Ethernet technology now mature, it is quickly gaining widespread acceptance in the automation field, and as a result, many field control devices are just waiting to be networked. One of the results of this development is that a much greater effort must be placed on the management of network architecture.

  • Using embedded computers to manage your solar power system

    Updated: 2010-02-01 23:25:10
    Moxa discusses solar power - one of the hottest topics in the popular media today, particularly in light of the soaring prices of fossil fuels.

  • Why can't we be friends? Monitoring the server room by introducing Modbus to SNMP

    Updated: 2010-02-01 23:21:59
    Moxa shows how Industrial Automation (IA) devices can dramatically improve server room monitoring and reduce system downtime.

  • One Gateway that can do it all

    Updated: 2010-02-01 23:19:03
    The question that motivated the development of Moxa's new MGate EIP3000 EtherNet/IP to DF1 Gateway is, "How can we leverage our customers' existing systems, including devices, wiring, topology, and configuration, to provide an integrated solution in the most optimal way?"

  • Multi-Core Virtualization Changes Process Controllers

    Updated: 2010-02-01 10:50:54
    “An automation system at the level of the process controller should have three things,” says Casey Weltzin, product manager for LabView Real‑Time at automation and test vendor National Instruments Corp. (www.ni.com (http://www.ni.com)), in Austin, Texas.

  • Network Security Demands Less Complexity

    Updated: 2010-02-01 10:38:01
    As threats multiply, network security technologists rush to neutralize them.

  • Current Economics Challenge, Change Pharmaceuticals

    Updated: 2010-02-01 10:21:40
    The pharmaceuticals industry isn’t immune to the current economic recession. 

  • OEE: A Shop-floor Metric That Links Cost Reduction to Revenue

    Updated: 2010-02-01 10:13:11
    “OEE is the missing piece in benchmarking,” says Ulf Stern, senior advisor for asset management solutions with enterprise software supplier IFS AB (www.ifsworld.com (http://www.ifsworld.com)), Linköping, Sweden.

  • Web-based HMI, SCADA, MES

    Updated: 2010-02-01 07:35:50
    Development in the technology world has moved overwhelmingly into Web-based applications. This technology movement has started to gravitate into the manufacturing software sector.  (http://www.inductiveautomation.com/)

  • Manufacturing Performance: Packaging Automation Forum Overview

    Updated: 2010-01-31 23:00:00
    Discover the technologies, products and strategies that manufacturing professionals, packaging machine builders and OEMs can utilize to improve their packaging and manufacturing performance. Attend PACKAGING AUTOMATION FORUM 2010 on May 4 at the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare.

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