Digi International announced their XBee Wi-Fi embedded RF module. The XBee Wi-Fi delivers serial to IEEE 802.11 connectivity. With the new Digi module, engineers can create a single board design for wireless products that supports 802.15.4, ZigBee, ZigBee Smart Energy, 2.4 GHz, 900 and 868 MHz, Wi-Fi and proprietary DigiMesh protocols. It is ideal for [...]
New power and automation technologies, such as smaller form factor inverters and hybrid drive systems, are behind a resurgence in mass transit manufacturing and deployment in the United States.
The S70 streetcars are three-section, bi-directional, double-articulated, six axle, low-floor vehicles, constructed of low alloy high-tensile steel and composite materials.
In San Bernardino, Calif., industrial fan manufacturer MacroAir Technologies continues to refine its unique air circulation products for better efficiency.
New Smart Switch feature, supported in RadioLinx industrial frequency hopping Ethernet radios for the 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz spectrums, enables the radios to intelligently route packets over the network.
Line of 5.8 GHz long range wireless Ethernet solutions let you build line-of-sight, point-to-multipoint wireless Ethernet connections that link fringe IP devices such as video surveillance cameras or other devices needing robust and secure high data rates.
EIP module for G9SP Programmable Safety Controllers enables programmable devices that follow ODVA guidelines for EtherNet/IP, such as the companys CJ and CS series PLCs or Rockwell Automations CompactLogix and ControlLogix series programmable controllers, to communicate with the companys G9SP controllers.
Indoor/outdoor 5 GHz GhostBridge wireless Ethernet bridge creates a transparent, secure, high-speed (up to 150 Mbps), point-to-point link between two remote devices or networks with a line-of-sight range up to 15 km.
This integrated I/O controller, the PEC-3710, features an AMD LX800 500 MHz controller with 16-channel analog input, 4-channel analog output and 32-channel isolated digital input/output.
In June in Munich, Germany, a wireless sensor network running on harvested energy was demonstrated by Dust Networks (www.dustnetworks.com (http://www.dustnetworks.com/)), the Hayward, Calif. maker of SmartMesh intelligent wireless sensor network solutions.
Editors Note: Publishing a print publication globally is cost-prohibitive, but global automation professionals crave global information. In past pages of Automation World, you have seen contributions from global publications such as Gong Kong magazine of China and Fiera Milano Editore of Italy. Kai Binder and I have discussed this German publication cooperation for several months. Watch for additional information as we build a global automation information network. Gary Mintchell
With forecast sales of 60 million Euros for 2011greater than in the record year of 2008Rittal (www.rittal.com (http://www.rittal.com)) told a conference of the technical press as the company celebrated its 50th anniversary that it was very confident for its future.
The ABB Group (www.abb.com (http://www.abb.com/)), the multinational power and automation technologies company with headquarters in Zurich, has recently added two new companies to its arsenal: Swedish manufacturer Lorentzen & Wettre, and Netherlands-based Epyon B.V.
VIA Labs introduced their VL751 SuperSpeed USB to NAND flash controller. The VIA Labs VL751 is a single-chip solution for USB 3.0 flash drives. The chip features a four-channel NAND interface, USB 3.0 compliant, Bulk-Only Transport, 120MB/s data transfer speed, interleaving support, and SuperSpeed certified. VIA Labs VL751 USB 3.0 to NAND Flash controller is [...]
On October 30, 1935, at Wright Air Field in Dayton, Ohio, the U.S. Army Air Corps held a flight competition for airplane manufacturers vying to build the militarys next-generation long-range bomber.
UBE Chemicals operation in Rayong, south of Bangkok in Thailand, is engaged in the production of nylon from raw materials. In the production process, chemicals are released and can be combusted.
Perhaps the most common complaint among champions of Lean manufacturing is the difficulty in keeping their chief executive officers (CEOs) focused on the idea.
Increasingly, electric utilities are offering demand-response programs to their customers (see how Supervalu is making the most of energy saving opportunities, http://www.automationworld.com/feature-9089 (/feature-9089)).
Theres never a lull in the challenges facing the power industry. Coal-fired power plants remain targets of the Greens. Nuclear power incurs more negative publicity via the earthquake-induced nuclear-plant crisis in Japan.
Industrial manufacturers have largely prevailed in recent years despite challenging timesinnovating in automation, managing costs without sacrificing quality and expanding globally.
Dr. Taiichi Ohnos position on cost accounting, as father of the Toyota Production System, is often cited during Lean discussions. He kept cost accountants out of his factory, and knowledge of cost accounting principles out of the minds of his people.
In my last column (June 2011 (/columns-8891)), I outlined the six competencies that good leaders must possessVision, Passion, Integrity, Action, Influence and Belief in Others. I discussed Vision and Passion with examples from history and the automation world. This column will focus on Integrity and Action.
Microchip Technology introduced the MCP3903 analog front end (AFE) for three-phase energy metering. The MCP3903 AFE features six 16-/24-bit Delta-Sigma analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), signal-to-noise and distortion (SINAD) of 89 dB (typical), total harmonic distortion (THD) of -99 dB (typical), programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs), low-drift voltage reference and phase-delay compensation. The chip is available now in [...]
The active sensing face of these 5-way adjustable sensors can be adjusted for front, top, bottom, left or right facing targets, maximizing installation and operational flexibility.
SureCross Performance Wireless I/O gateways and nodes feature a high-power radio frequency (RF) architecture with 1-Watt transmit power in the 900 MHz ISM band.
FPI Mag (Full Profile Insertion) flow meter offers forward and reverse flow measurement. Model 394L FPI Mag flow meter provides bi-directional measurement, which is important in many municipal water treatment, distribution and storage applications.
Altivar 212 variable speed drives and the S-Flex enclosed version are designed to provide OEMs and control panel builders with energy efficient and economical solutions for pump and fan applications.
Mentor Graphics introduced a new program that combines Mentor Embedded professional services and products specifically for hardware companies. The new Mentor Embedded Hardware Enablement Program features services and training for embedded Android, Linux, open source tools (GNU, GCC, Eclipse), user interface (UI) creation, and vertical markets like in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), smart energy and retail applications. [...]
Two fears have invaded the business world. One is the potential expansion of the European debt crisis. The other is the gridlock in Washington in regards to increasing the U.S. debt ceiling.
As automation professionals become more versed in Lean principles, they are ignoring the maxim that Lean manufacturing and information technology dont mix.
A funny thing is happening on the way to todays cutting-edge human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in process industriesthey are losing almost all their color and shedding their cute factor. But in doing so, they now promise to enable the greatest operator effectiveness possible.
The new challenge for automation engineers is to control the business of the industry, not just the efficiency of the plant. Changes in business variables, and technology ranging from smart instruments to software, are converging to enable plant managers to directly affect the bottom line
The G301 is a rugged 3U Ethernet switch that features four Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) ports via RJ45 or M12 connectors in the front, complying with the recently ratified PICMG CompactPCI Serial standard.
wiDR Series of wireless DIN rail monitoring and control devices is
compatible with a wide range of wireless sensors including the UWTC,
UWRTD and z series.
New BasicLine, ValueLine and PremiumLine unmanaged, lean managed and
fully managed industrial Ethernet switches provide a variety of options
for gigabit operation, power over Ethernet (PoE) and media conversion.
MicroSmart Pentra PLC with embedded Ethernet provides built-in Modbus
TCP that simplifies controls network setup for remote maintenance,
monitoring and control, and data acquisition.
Adding Ethernet ports to peripherals makes it simpler to add equipment to networks, while paying attention to cabling and protocol details ensures success.
Visitors to WEFTEC 2011 will have the opportunity to learn more about Sensorex's advanced sensor technology, with demonstrations featuring the S8000 pH/ORP Platform, FCL400 Series Free Chlorine Sensor and CLD400 Series Chlorine Dioxide Sensor.
A new brochure describes how Tolomatic linear motion solutions for food and beverage processing and packaging automation improve efficiencies and keep production on schedule.
Pentair Technical Products introduces the Hoffman WEATHERFLO® HD VFD solution for ensuring sustained operation of heavy-duty variable frequency drives (VFDs) in demanding outdoor environments.
Microchip Technology recently introduced the Audio Development Board for the creation of high-quality, 24-bit audio applications. The Audio Development Board for PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs) features an 80 MIPS PIC32 MCU, a 24-bit Wolfson audio codec, a two-inch color LCD Display, a USB interface, and an onboard microphone. The Audio Development Board for PIC32 MCUs (part [...]
ZMD introduced the ZLED7320 40V LED driver, ZLED7330 high-current 40V LED driver, and ZLED7002 dual channel LED driver. The ZLED7320, ZLED7330 and the ZLED7002 ICs are available now. The ZLED7320 is priced at 0.66€ or US$0.86 for 2,500 units. The ZLED7330 is priced at 1.06€ or US$1.38 (2,500 units) and the ZLED7002 is priced at [...]
Theres been no shortage of discussion over the past decade about the impact automation has had on manufacturing jobs. To uncover the industrys current state of mind on this topic, Editor-in-Chief Gary Mintchell put the question to the Automation World discussion forum on LinkedIn.
McObject introduced their eXtremeDB Cluster, which is the first clustering database system built from the ground up for distributed embedded software and real-time enterprise applications. eXtremeDB Cluster manages data stores across multiple hardware nodes, increases the net processing power available for data management, reduces system expansion costs, and delivers a more scalable and reliable database [...]
Cambashi, a global industry analyst and market consulting firm, predicts
a continuing surge in opportunities for information technology (IT)
vendors providing development tools for embedded software.
Microsemi is offering to acquire Zarlink Semiconductor for CAD $3.35 per share in cash. The proposed transaction has a total equity value of USD $548.7 million based on a fully diluted share count and represents a 40% premium to Zarlink’s share price as of July 19, 2011, and a 43% premium to Zarlink’s trailing 30 [...]
Oracle this week has introduced Oracle Environmental Accounting and
Reporting and Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Environmental Accounting
and Reporting, based on the assets acquired from Ndevr in February.
Invensys Operations Managements new Workflow 1.1 includes integration with the companys IntelaTrac mobile offering and MES Operations and Performance software.
N-TRON Corporation, a leading manufacturer of rugged industrial networking products, today expanded its fully-managed gigabit-capable 7026TX Series with the introduction of the 26-port 7026TX-AC rack-mounted switch.
Intel is acquiring Fulcrum Microsystems Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to the approval of Fulcrum Microsystems shareholders, regulatory approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2011. Fulcrum Microsystems is a privately held fabless semiconductor company that designs [...]
The Electronic Design Automation (EDA) industry revenue increased to $1446.4 million in the first quarter of 2011. According to the EDA Consortium (EDAC) Market Statistics Service (MSS), this is a 16% increase from Q1 2010, which had revenues of $1247.0 million. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, sequential EDA revenues decreased by 4.1%. The [...]
AutomationDirect's IronHorse general purpose AC motor line now includes cast iron three-phase premium efficiency motors available in horsepower ranges from 1 to 200 hp.
PPT VISION, here, today announced the addition of two high-performance JAI cameras to its M-Series embedded machine vision system line, including an ultra-violet (UV) camera for inspections that benefit from this shorter wavelength of light, as well as a remote-head "industrial endoscopy" model for special applications.
Microsemi introduced the MS29C2G24MAKLA1-XI multichip (MCP) memory product, which is a drop-in replacement for the discontinued Micron memory package used in Texas Instruments (TI) processors. The MS29C2G24MAKLA1-XI (OMAP MCP) is compatible with TI processor families that are enclosed in Micron Technology’s end-of-life (EOL) package-on-package (PoP) 152-pin ball grid array (BGA). The Microsemi replacement package enables [...]
While manufacturing companies and wholesale distributors of all sizes are employing a number of different strategies in the face of economic uncertainty, many may not be addressing more concrete strategies that could help as the economy picks up.
Joe Weiss was a great source and inspiration for my article Securing the U.S. Power Grid from Cyber Attack. I told him to send me early information about his annual ICS Cyber Security Conference. Here is the info. Mark the date if you are at all touched by cyber security. (By the way, ICS--industrial control systems.)
ABB has announced two acquisitions. These are consistent with ABB's strategy over the past few years--as well as interesting in that they land in two different parts of the portfolio of power and automation.
Radiation-tolerant video cameras are being integrated with the Delta V control system to monitor liquid waste cleanup operations for the DOEs Savannah River site.
Conexant Systems introduced the CX2077x and CX3102x embedded audio solutions. The CX2077x USB audio integrated circuit (IC) features the functionality of an on-chip digital signal processor (DSP), tri-color LED Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) and LED driver into a single chip package. Pricing for the CX2077x starts at $2.32 in 1K quantities. The CX3102x starts at $1.65 [...]
OEMs are increasingly using industrial networks to connect their HMIs, controllers, distributed I/O, instruments and sensors to each other within a machine or a robot; to connect to their customers control and communication systems, and to connect back to their home offices from their customers site.
Mark Douglass, Sr. Equity Analyst of Longbow Research, follows a number of companies who are in the industrial automation space. Here is his latest report. Overall an optimistic report.
The award recognizes Invensys Operations Management for excellence and
innovation in using Microsoft-based solutions to help its manufacturing
and infrastructure management customers achieve operational excellence.
Charlie Gifford and his crew have been hard at work developing a curriculum and completing nine courses on implementing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) / Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems.
Farmers and Water Districts will save time, fuel, labor and money with the new RemoteCONNECT RC45 Telemetry System from McCrometer, which is a wireless data collection system designed to provide information via the Internet from installed flow meters, pumps and other agricultural water management sensors operating remotely in the field.
The Airborne family of Industrial grade serial device servers and Ethernet bridges and adapters are designed for reliability and performance for enterprise applications.
Cadence Design Systems have acquired Azuro, Inc. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. All key management, technical and key field applications personnel will transition to Cadence. Azuro markets software tools used to build the clock networks on digital semiconductor chips. Their technology makes chips faster, reduces chip power and dramatically accelerates chip time [...]
Welcome to the 1st episode of the Automation Applied Video Series! Brought to you by the Automation World Editorial staff, this video series looks at automation products and how they're integrated into a process, system, machine or production line.
In this first episode, John Burns, product manager, Siemens Industry, provides an overview on how JEA, Jacksonville, Fla., applied the Simocode motor management system for a wastewater lift station application. (Approximate time: 4:39).
The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the APAX-5080 counter module that features up to eight channels and hot-swappable functionality.
The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces its first integrated I/O controller, the PEC-3710. Featuring an AMD LX800 500 MHz controller with 16-channel analog input, 4-channel analog output and 32-channel isolated digital input/output, the PEC-3710 is a standalone automation controller that not only greatly shortens customers' development time but also offers rich networking interface for function extensions.
ZMD announced their ZSSC3008 sensor signal conditioning integrated circuit. The ZSSC3008 IC features EEPROM signature, bridge connection checks, bridge input-short and open-bridge detection, power loss detection, and output current limits for short-circuit protection. The ZMD ZSSC3008 IC is adjustable to nearly all piezo-resistive bridge sensors. Measured and corrected bridge values are provided at the SIG [...]
According to a survey of global executives, the quality function is uniquely positioned to accelerate company growth. That's not a surprise to manufacturers, who've seen a convergence of business and engineering functions.
Opto iPAC Mobile application lets automation engineers and field technicians interact with SNAP PAC control systems using Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
Microsemi has acquired privately owned ASIC Advantage, Inc (AAI). Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. However, Microsemi plans to discuss this acquisition during their third fiscal quarter conference call later this month. ASIC Advantage is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and manufactures high-performance, high-voltage and radiation-hardened mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) solutions for the [...]
VIA Technologies and WTI Investment International have sold S3 Graphics to HTC Corporation for $300 million. S3 Graphics was acquired by VIA Technologies in 2001. S3 Graphics is a provider of graphics visualization technologies for computers, game consoles and, mobile devices. HTC is a global designer of mobile phones. Read more: HTC Acquires S3 Graphics [...]
System integrator and IT services provider MphasiS has partnered with product lifecycle management software maker Siemens PLM Software to help deliver the benefits of digital manufacturing to a wider audience.
Opto 22 has introduced the SNAP-AITM-4i thermocouple and millivolt input module for industrial temperature monitoring and data acquisition, helping automation engineers and technicians achieve more accurate temperature readings, speed installation, and eliminate the need to purchase thermocouples with expensive, built-in isolation.
Baolab Microsystems has designed a pure CMOS Lorentz force MEMS sensor for 3D compasses. Their new 3D Digital NanoCompass has the same performance benchmarks for sensitivity, power consumption and package size as 3D compasses that uses non-standard technologies such as magneto-resistive materials or Hall-effect structures. However, the BLBC3-D NanoCompass is less expensive. It provides 5 [...]
Omegas new UWRH-2 wireless relative humidity transmitter measures both relative humidity and temperature with a stand-alone, compact, battery powered NEMA design that transmits relative humidity, ambient temperature, signal strength and battery status back to a host receiver up to 120 m (400) away.
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