Friday, February 26, 2010

Pepperl+Fuchs IDENTControl Compact RFID Controller Video

The IDENTControl Compact control interface from Pepperl+Fuchs provides the possibility of connecting all read/write heads with different frequency ranges to a single control interface. The IDENTControl Compact is used for more distributed control systems and machines requiring only one or two read/write heads. The smaller housing and connections for fewer heads reduces costs. The space-saving housing is available as a 1-channel or 2-channel version for a variety of applications. RS232, RS485, PROFIBUS and Ethernet interfaces are supported. In this example, individual machine tool components are identified via RFID.

On the IDENTControl Compact shown here, two different read/write heads are connected.

Pepperl+Fuchs Technical Datasheets

Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Pepperl+Fuchs IDENTControl Compact RFID Controller


Pepperl+Fuchs introduces IDENTControl Compact – one- and two-head RFID controller solutions to complement the company’s family of four-head IDENTControl RFID controllers. IDENTControl Compact delivers the same easy-to-use software features and robust operation as the company’s four-head solutions but in a compact housing that is four times smaller, and that enables users to connect all read/write heads, even with different frequency ranges, to a single control interface.

“Until now, Pepperl+Fuchs' RFID connectivity for Ethernet and PROFIBUS systems was limited to four-head RFID controllers. This was great for large systems because of the high read head density and the advanced diagnostics available from the graphical display and keypad, but didn’t work well for systems requiring just one or two read heads,” says Tim Cicerchi, Product Manager. “Our new one- and two-head RFID controllers have a completely new design ideally suited for smaller panels that require only one or two heads, while providing a more distributed RFID control system for larger installations. Read heads can come back to their own controller rather than be consolidated into four-head controller blocks,” he says.

These Ethernet controllers have additional features including two onboard Ethernet connectors with a built-in switch. This allows for multiple Ethernet topologies including linear, star, and ring. Ring topologies are especially interesting because they incorporate media redundancy. If the ring is broken for whatever reason the communication path is rerouted to keep the system up and running. The same controller supports all common Industrial Ethernet protocols, including Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus/TCP, and TCP/IP. Buy one model and all protocols, customers, and applications are covered.

All of the IDENTControl Compact controllers have quick disconnects so they can be mounted where required - in a panel or out in the field - without switching hardware. All IDENTControl read heads – including low-frequency 125 kHz for machine tooling, high-frequency 13.56 MHz for pallet tracking and logistics, and microwave 2.45 GHz for automotive applications, can be connected, so the applications are limitless.

IDENTControl Compact is especially suitable for use in small assembly lines, specialty machine, and AGV applications.

Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.

Pepperl+Fuchs, 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087; (330) 486-0001; fax: (330) 405-4710; fa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com; www.pepperl-fuchs.us.



Turck UL Certified Class I, Division 2 IMS Modules


TURCK announces that its compact IMS interface modules are now UL certified for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D hazardous locations. The 6.2 mm wide IMS modules provide complete galvanic isolation with signal conditioning that are now available for hazardous industrial automation installations, such as those found in wastewater management.

The IMS modules may be used for analog signal transmission or for temperature detection with signal conditioning. Analog modules are DIP-switch selectable for a dead-zero to live-zero signal; one and two channel modules are also available without signal conditioning. The temperature models are suitable for type J or K thermocouples and 2, 3 or 4 wire Pt-100 RTD’s. These temperature signals are converted to either a voltage (0-10 V) or current (0/4-20mA) output.



Wednesday, February 24, 2010

E-T-A Electronic Circuit Protection vs. Thermal Magnetic Circuit Breakers

This video simulates three real world conditions - overload, short circuit and in-rush current - to demonstrate the benefits of E-T-A electronic circuit protection technology in comparison to thermal-magnetic circuit breakers commonly used in the industry today.

E-T-A Technical Datasheets

Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Harting RJ Industrial 10G RJ45 Connector

The HARTING RJ Industrial® 10G is the next generation of the world's first RJ45 connector requiring no tools for connection. This new RJ45 connector features a future-proof design for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The connection is made reliably and quickly using proven insulation displacement terminal technology. The insulation displacement terminals are designed for rigid and flexible conductors with an extremely broad range of wire cross-sections.

Cables with diameters from 4.5 to 9 mm are securely fixed in place in the connector with a newly developed cable gland. This allows users to connect all customary Ethernet cable types with this one RJ45 connector type. Thanks to its compact design, the rugged and industry-standard IP 20 model is also suitable for multi-port RJ45 jacks. In addition to the IP 20 models, all known IP 65/67 PushPull types up to Han® 3A are now available with this new insert.

Harting Technical Datasheets

Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Harting Ha-VIS preLink Data Network Connector

HARTING offers a new installation concept for data network cabling according to ISO/IEC 11801 with the Ha-VIS preLink®. This technology simplifies cabling, saves installation time and enables extensions and conversions without incurring significant interruptions of ongoing operations.

Ha-VIS preLink® is designed for use with a wide range of mating faces such as RJ45, rated at IP20, RJ45 PushPull according to IP65/67 or M12, thereby opening up a wealth of opportunities and potential for users.

The Ha-VIS preLink® concept envisages components for 10 Gigabit Ethernet transmission rates.


Harting Technical Datasheets

Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

IDEC 12VDC OI Touchscreens for Solar, Oil, Gas & Mobile Applications


Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, IDEC announces a new 5.7” HG2G model with 12V DC power, the perfect solution for customers with solar applications including traffic and road sign controls, or tracking systems where an OI touchscreen is used to monitor and control. The 12V DC HG2G is also ideal for remote water pumping stations and injection systems, especially those limited to battery-power or low-voltage solar energy. The lower voltage also makes it safer for use in the gas and oil industry. Mobile applications such as utility trucks can use the OI touchscreen for engine management or controlling lights, heat, air and accessories. Applications are endless with the 12V DC model, especially since it eliminates the need for DC-to-DC converters, which can compromise performance.

With a vivid screen and competitive pricing, the 5.7” HG2G offers more functionality for less. A super-bright LCD screen provides crisp images and superior visibility making touchscreens easy-to read even in intense light or at an angle. Behind the screen, panel depth is only 36mm, making HG2G the best choice for limited spaces.

The HG2G 5.7” LCD touchscreen is available as a monochrome (500cd/m2, the brightest in the market) or 256-color (350cd/m2) display. An optional built-in Ethernet port (10/100 BaseT) allows remote communications with PLCs by using a supported Network Driver in 1:1 or 1:N Communications. Supported drivers include IDEC (using the Web Server module), Allen Bradley, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP. Uploading, downloading and monitoring projects and data over the Ethernet means customers save time and money by working remotely.

HG2G is RS232/RS485/RS422 compatible and supports IDEC PLCs, as well as all major PLC manufacturers. In addition, HG2G supports a wide range of other communication capabilities including 1:N PLC, O/I Link (HG2G Series only), User and Sub Host communication.

HG2G is programmed using IDEC WindO/I-NV2 software, which is intuitive using drag-and-drop functionality. A free 30-day demo is available at www.IDEC.com/demos.

All HG2G models are CE-marked, c-UL-us listed, NEMA 13 rated and have IP65 protection.



Friday, February 12, 2010

Pepperl+Fuchs AS-I G11 Modules for IP68/69k Operation


Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the G11 Module for AS-Interface specification 3.0. The AS-Interface G11 module delivers all the features one expects from larger, bulkier modules such as 4in/4out, a multi function LED on each port, sturdy mounting base, short circuit output protection and high 4 Amp output current, but in a significantly smaller 85 mm diameter housing. The AS-Interface G11 module boasts eight M12 input/output connections, and can be mounted in any orientation for significant mounting and operational flexibility. When the G11 is mounted to a machine, the AS-Interface flat cable can be routed in any direction for a perfect fit each and every time.

“Size, quick connection, and mounting flexibility are just the beginning. With an innovative clean design, the G11’s smooth housing prevents dirt and oil from accumulating. It’s also the first AS-Interface module on the market to incorporate two radial O-rings that ride on precision conical housing components, with optimal O-ring mounting pressure guaranteed by design to deliver an impressive IP68/69k protection rating that is resistant to high-pressure washdown and cleaning solutions,” says Helge Hornis, PhD, Manager, Intelligent Systems. “These design features also provide exceptional protection of internal electronics without encapsulation. This reduces thermal stress on the internal electronics, making the module particularly well suited for applications where frequent temperature swings are present,” he says.

Sealing at the AS-Interface flat cable is another significant advantage. This is achieved by leveraging the same field-proven technology used on Pepperl+Fuchs passive splitters. The symmetric sealing contours around the gold-plated piercing pins provide a precise fit to the AS-Interface cable. The only externally exposed materials are impact resistant and chemically inert PBT and stainless steel. The sturdy mounting base attaches with just two M5 screws and further enhances the impact resistant round design.

“The G11 family is already compatible with AS-Interface POWER24 and can operate on 24 VDC. As a result, a separate AS-Interface power supply is no longer necessary. The outputs provide a cumulative current of 4 A, and in the event of a short circuit at the output, not only is the fault transmitted to the controller, a red LED at the relevant M12 port indicates a fault. This reduces troubleshooting and increases machine uptime,” says Dr. Hornis.

Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive family of AS-Interface networking solutions. The AS-Interface wiring system is one of the most useful and versatile networks available for automation applications. It replaces more complex and cumbersome wiring systems and drastically simplifies wiring and diagnostics. For more information download a free copy of the Pepperl+Fuchs AS-Interface Reference & Buyer’s Guide.

Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.

Pepperl+Fuchs, 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087; (330) 486-0001; fax: (330) 405-4710; fa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com; www.pepperl-fuchs.com.



Turck Quick-Disconnect CSA Secondary Conduit Seal


TURCK announces the new 7/8-16UN minifast® explosion-proof feed-through receptacle that is certified as a secondary conduit seal by CSA. This quick disconnect solution may be used as a secondary conduit seal to prevent gas migration or as a boundary seal when used with a TURCK CSA certified cordset. It may be used in Class I, Division 2 locations without intrinsically safe circuits and Class I, Division 1 locations with intrinsically safe circuits.

The explosion-proof feed-through receptacle is fully potted in a durable 316 stainless steel housing and can withstand 2,000 psi of pressure. The receptacles install directly into 1/2-14NPT threaded conduit entries, and are rated for 600 V and 9 A. When used as a secondary conduit seal, the receptacles are limited to 30 V and 600 mA. It also provides IEC IP67 protection against liquid ingress when a mating connector is attached.



Phoenix Contact UT 6-TMC M Series Circuit Breakers


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. The UT 6-TMC M series is a resettable, single-pole circuit breaker with screw connection.

Tripped circuit breakers on the TMC are clearly indicated and can be easily reset with the press of a button. The series is available in 11 graded steps for nominal currents from 0.5 to 16 A. Two bridge shafts simplify distribution.

Measuring just 12.3 mm wide, the UT 6-TMC M circuit breakers occupy 30 percent less space than conventional 17.5-mm circuit breakers. The series is part of Phoenix Contact's CLIPLINE Complete system, which features standardized push-in bridging, marking and testing accessories for all connection technologies.



Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Banner Engineering SC22-3/-3E Safety Controller Catalog


Banner Engineering’s SC22-3 Safety Controller and SC22-3E with Ethernet communications are totally configurable and flexible safety modules. Because the incorporate numerous input devices and manage multiple safety-related functions, they can easily replease several traditional safety modules to integrate light screens, E-stops, interlocking switches, safety mats, two-hand controls, muting functions and many others.


Banner Engineering SureCross Wireless System CD


The Banner Engineering SureCross Wireless System is a radio device network with integrated I/O that can operate in extreme environments while eliminating the need for costly wiring runs. This CD contains technical datasheets on the entire line of SureCross products, application notes, system layouts, installation software and basic configuration videos.


Turck Kübler Harsh Duty CANopen and SAE J1939 Magnetic Singleturn Absolute Encoders


Kübler by TURCK has introduced a new singleturn encoder specifi cally designed for extreme outdoor applications and heavy-duty construction machinery. The Sendix M3658 shaft and M3678 hollow shaft encoders incorporate patented Safety-Lockplus™ and Sensor Protect™ technologies to withstand harsh environmental conditions for CANopen and SAE J1939 applications.

Sensor Protect technology includes fully-encapsulated electronics and a separate mechanical bearing assembly providing an IP69K protection rating for both the housing and the flange. This means that high-pressure water or steam cleaning can be performed, as is common with construction machinery, without the ingress of moisture or humidity.

The robust interlocking bearing design is provided by the Safety-Lockplus technology, that mechanically protects the shaft seal in order to tolerate installation errors and abrasion. Furthermore, a high resistance to shock and vibration safeguards the reliability of the device and ensures that machines and motors run safely without losing time to repairs or unnecessary shutdowns.

The Sendix M3658 and M3678 encoders provide a resolution of up to 14 Bits and a non-contact measuring system that does not wear. With the wide temperature range from -40 to 85° C and a high resistance to humidity, the encoders are well equipped to withstand outdoor applications with large fluctuations in temperature.

The new encoder series is equipped with a two-color LED located on the rear of the housing that indicates safe operation or fault status, as well as the status of the internal diagnostics. The compact, 36 mm housing design allows the encoders to be installed even where space is tight.



Monday, February 8, 2010

Schneider Electric Zelio REG Series Temperature Controllers

The Schneider Electric Relay Competency Center is expanding its Zelio® control and measurement relay product offer to include the REG series of temperature controllers and accessories, key components for temperature regulation in heating and refrigeration applications.

Cost-effective Zelio REG temperature controllers combine simplicity, performance and value, and have the ability to interface with solid-state relays, electromechanical relays, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) variable speed drives and human-machine interface (HMI) displays.

Temperature controllers are designed to automatically control the temperature at multiple points during the manufacturing process. This control enables the execution of critical processes, such as the creation of highly complex recipes in the food and beverage industry or the exact solder temperature control in the electronics assembly industry. The offer comprises three industry-standard formats with the following benefits:
  • 24 x 48 mm (1/32-inch DIN) - a cost-effective solution for basic temperature control
  • 48 x 48 mm (1/16-inch DIN) - provides the optimal balance of price and functionality, featuring an increased amount of control contacts and multiple alarms
  • 96 x 48 mm (1/8-inch DIN) – provides maximum performance and function

Temperature controllers are designed into systems by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), controls engineers and system integrators. Main industries include (but not limited to):
  • Packaging
  • Food and Beverage
  • Textile


Heyco Snap-In Ratcheting Strain Relief

Heyco is pleased to announce that their popular Snap-In Ratcheting Strain Relief (PN 1280) is now removable. The Ratcheting Strain Relief can be easily removed by inserting standard snap ring pliers with .040” tips (Heyco PN 0054) into the two holes located on the outside of the part (see drawing below). Plus, they have lowered the price of this part!

In addition to being removable, the Snap-In Ratcheting Strain Relief offers the following benefits:
  • Assembly friendly! Independent of insertion into the panel, the Ratcheting Strain Relief self-locks onto the cable. Thus, it may be preassembled offline for final assembly at a later time or remote location for lower installed cost.
  • Installs easily with fingertip pressure into a standard round or Double “D” hole.
  • Currently available for one hole size (.875 with .770 flats). Contact Heyco for additional sizes.
  • Unique wire locking ratchet allows for generous wire range from .115” (2,9mm) to .575” (14,6mm)
  • Can be used for one cable or multiple cables (round or flat wire)
  • UL recognized under file E15331
The Heyco Snap-In Ratcheting Strain Relief can be used in the following applications: Wire Harness, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Computers & Related Equipment, Household Appliances, Telecommunications, Industrial Equipment, Automotive, Medical Equipment, Motors & Generators and Scientific & Other Instruments.



Baldor Digital Servomotors and Drives in Plasma Cutter Application


Baldor high performance digital servomotors and drives used on all four axes

Fort Smith, AR, January 11, 2010 - Techserv Cutting Systems Ltd, the specialist manufacturer of CNC profile cutting systems, has delivered four HS 4000 hi-definition precision plasma cutters to the UK's Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA). Each cutter employs an advanced fully-synchronized four axis motion control system - based entirely on Baldor Electric Company digital servomotors and drives - to provide the precision of movement needed for tight tolerance, large-scale profile cutting. The plasma cutters are being used to help fabricate the steel plate bow sections of two new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, the first of which is due to enter service with the Royal Navy by 2016, with the second to follow by 2018.

The plasma cutters are installed at the Appledore (Devon) shipyard of Babcock Marine Division, one of the principal members of the ACA. The Appledore shipyard is involved in building the steel bow sections of the warships, which are then transferred to Babcock's Rosyth (Fife) shipyard for integration and final ship assembly. The first of some 20 consignments from Appledore, comprising 11 fabricated units weighting between 20 and 36 tonnes each, were shipped by barge to Rosyth in August.

Techserv's HS 4000 plasma cutters are very high performance machines, capable of producing high quality cut parts from steel plate sheets up to 5 metres wide and up to 35mm thick. They employ precision extruded aluminium for the chassis and main beam to ensure rigidity and low mass, and use a machined track - with racks to both rails - which can be mounted on mid-level pedestals or on a customer-supplied beam. Depending on the thickness of steel plate being processed and the type of plasma unit that is fitted, HS 4000 machines offer cutting speeds of 50 to 16,000 mm per minute.

HS 4000 plasma cutters are four axis systems, with rack and pinion drives to both the transverse axes and the synchronized longitudinal axis. The fourth axis controls the height of the cutting torch above the steel plate. Each of the four axes is powered by a Baldor BSM series AC brushless servomotor, driven by a Baldor MicroFlex 500 watt digital servo drive. The servo drives are controlled by a 4-axis version of Baldor's NextMove ESB-2 machine controller. According to Techserv's Technical Director, Mike Cowley, "We elected to use exclusively Baldor motion control products for the HS 4000 primarily because the combination works so well at providing the extremely high level of positioning accuracy that we require. In this particular case, the servomotors are fitted with BiSS encoders, which provide completely unambiguous absolute position data whenever they are polled by the controller".

Mike Cowley also points out that Baldor's multitasking Mint programming language is very easy to use, "This helped speed the development of our motion control programs, and the fact that the language uses the same API (Application Programming Interface) naming conventions as ActiveX commands further simplified integration with the front-end control PC. We found the HTA (hold to analogue) command to be especially useful, because it allows us to handle the plasma height sense function entirely within the NextMove controller, in real-time."

Overall control of each plasma cutter is handled by an on-board industrial-grade PC. Designed specifically for shape-cutting machines, this PC features a 15-inch touch-sensitive full color HMI, and employs graphical shape representation to ensure ease of use. The software runs under Windows XP and provides real-time control of all the cutting machine's advanced motion functions, including contouring, as well as its Kaliburn Proline 2200 plasma unit. The software also controls the torch height system on the HS 4000, monitoring the arc voltage and automatically adjusting the torch-to-work distance to provide optimum cutting performance and to ensure machine safety.

Baldor TCP/IP-Compatible Drives Simplify Development of Advanced Crane Simulator

PC-controlled 3-axis motion platform adds further realism to training experience

Fort Smith, AR, February 1, 2010 - A three-axis motion platform based on Baldor Electric Company's Ethernet-compatible drives is helping to further increase the realism of crane training experience by physically moving a simulator system's replica operator cabin in synchronism with computer-generated images. The specialist machine manufacturer Electropneumatics & Hydraulics developed the motion platform for the leading training solutions and services supplier Applied Research International (ARI).

Based in New Delhi, India, ARI produces a comprehensive range of simulators for marine and allied applications. Its products include a wide variety of offshore, quay-side and gantry crane simulators to provide safe, cost-effective operational training for container movement and bulk handling operations. ARI's simulators emulate the visual, behavioral and operational characteristics of their real-world counterparts to create a fully immersive environment in which the trainee can gain true hands-on experience. A typical crane simulator comprises a modular PC-based control system, a replica operator cabin and seat, a high fidelity audio-visual system, and an instructor station equipped with CCTV for monitoring the actions of the trainee.

When ARI decided to add an optional motion platform to its line of crane simulators, it approached Electropneumatics & Hydraulics for assistance. This company - whose headquarters and manufacturing facility at Chakan, near Pune - was founded in 1972, and has acquired an enviable reputation for its electromechanical machine design and manufacturing capabilities. Electropneumatics & Hydraulics specializes in the production of metalforming equipment, such as hydraulic presses and tube bending machines, and also designs and builds special-purpose machinery including different levels of automation with total indigenous content and capability.

Electropneumatics & Hydraulics chose to base the motion platform for the crane simulator on Baldor's Powerlink- and Ethernet-compatible drives and servomotors. According to the company's Technical Director, Ashley Rasquinha, "Baldor's MicroFlex e100 AC servo drives are very cost-effective for this type of application, because they can be controlled via TCP/IP direct from the simulator's host PC, without the need for additional hardware."

The three-axis motion platform provides X, Y and Z movement of the replica operator cabin, synchronized to the computer-generated images being presented to the trainee. Since it is designed to emulate the movement of a real-life gantry crane very accurately, the platform's drive axes are only required to handle relatively simple motion control tasks such as point-to-point moves and homing sequences, and do not require interpolation. As a consequence, the MicroFlex e100 servo drives can be used in their basic Ethernet mode, without any additional complexity of real-time control.

Each axis is driven by a Baldor BSM 3-phase servomotor equipped with an incremental encoder for position and velocity feedback, controlled by a dedicated MicroFlex e100 servo drive. All three drives are housed in a separate floor-standing control cabinet, and are connected via a D-Link 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch to the simulator's host PC.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Turck Magnetic Cylinder Position Sensors for C-Groove Cylinders


TURCK’s line of magnetic cylinder position sensors has been expanded to include the BIM-UNR, a miniature sensor designed to mount within C-groove cylinders with no accessories required. Its dimensions of 2.9 x 4.6 x 18 mm make the BIM-UNR one of the most compact sensors on the market.

The sensor can be inserted into a C-groove from the top rather than from the side, simplifying installation. On the sensor’s side is a built-in tab that keeps the sensor in place to facilitate one-handed mounting. The BIM-UNR sensor also incorporates a 1.5 mm hexagon mounting screw that requires only a quarter-turn to securely mount the sensor. As this mounting screw is located near the cable exit, the sensor remains fastened even if the cable is pulled.

Since the BIM-UNR sensor is designed to fit inside the C-groove, it is protected from mechanical damage. In addition, the sensor’s active sensing element is located at the bottom of the groove—as close to the magnet as possible—providing reliable detection, especially on short-stroke cylinders. BIM-UNR sensors are also highly immune to EMC interference in accordance with EN 60947-5-2.