Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Banner Engineering QL51 and QL56 Luminescence Sensors


The QL51 and QL56 Series Luminescence Sensors are easy-to-use, sensitive luminescence sensors that emit ultraviolet (UV) light and detect the visible light created by luminescent targets. This technology allows for the detection of luminescent marks (even invisible ones) on any surface, independently from its material, color, or distance inside the operating range, as long as the target radiates visible light when illuminated with UV light.


Applications

These sensors can be used to error-proof manufacturing lines and verify the presence of glues, lubricants, tamper-proof labels, inks, paint, or the inspector’s UV mark. There are many applications where the unique property of luminescence can be used to verify that a chemical or adhesive was applied, to inspect for leaks on a seal, or to ensure a critical manufacturing step was completed.


Many materials exhibit luminescence naturally or can be enhanced to include luminescence dyes (also known as luminophores). For example, white bond paper exhibits luminescence under the UV light without any additional treatment. Or a corrosion prevention treatment may be enhanced to include a luminescence dye so that its application can be verified later.


Advantages of the QL51

The QL51 sensor provides a high performance sensor in a robust plastic housing. The sensor has a simple user interface where 2 push buttons operate similarly to a gain pot adjustment resulting in a simple set-up.


The Advantage of the QL56

The QL56 sensor uses six UV LEDs which create a uniform and intense line of UV light. The structured light allows for reliable detection of luminescence marks on irregular or textured surfaces such as wood, textile, or cast surfaces. The sensor’s durable aluminum housing ensures years of use in challenging environments. Most applications can be addressed with the bi-polar discrete outputs, but an analog output signal is available to make subtle pass or fail decisions if greater contrast resolution is required.


Banner Engineering QL51 and QL56 Luminescence Sensors


Banner Engineering Technical Datasheets

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Turck BL20 Economy DeviceNet Gateway Modules


TURCK has expanded its line of BL20 economy modules with the release of a DeviceNet gateway. This addition augments TURCK’s current PROFIBUS-DP and CANopen gateways for the BL20 economy system.

The BL20 economy gateway provides a cost effective solution to expand fieldbus I/O. The gateway allows the connection of up to 32 I/O modules, including digital and analog, resulting in a system that can handle up to 512 digital I/O points or 128 analog I/O points on a single gateway. A combination of digital and analog I/O on a single node is also an option. BL20 gateways utilize TURCK’s I/Oassistant software package for configuration, parameter set-up, documentation, commissioning and diagnostic functions. The I/Oassistant package may be downloaded for free at www.turck.us.

The BL20 economy gateways are compatible with TURCK’s standard BL20 slices, including new motor starter modules with the SWIRE communication technology. SWIRE connection consists of a single I/O slice within the BL20 node and uses ribbon cable media to daisy-chain to the motor starters. The BL20 economy gateways can accommodate up to three SWIRE slices for a total of 48 non-reversing motor starters (16 per slice) or 24 reversing motor starters (8 per slice). Motor starters range in size from .08 to 20 horsepower. The BL20 economy gateways are also compatible with TURCK’s RFID system, BL ident, that is able to read and write data on-the-fly using 13.56MHZ technology – even with speeds up to 22mph (10 m/s).


Monday, December 22, 2008

New Products from Schneider Electric

Harmony XVR Rotating Mirror Beacons and XVS Sirens/Electronic Alarms

The XVS Sirens and Electronic Alarms are audible signaling units for long distance indication of the operating status or sequences of a machine. Typical applications are on conveyor lines and automated industrial vehicles. The XVS Siren includes up to 43 selectable tones with volume control up to 105 decibels. The XVS Electronic Alarms have 16 selectable tones or melodies with 4 inputs and volume control up to 90 decibels.

XVR Rotating Mirror Beacons are available in 12 Volt and 24 Volt versions in a variety of long-life LED colors including red, orange, green and blue. All XVR products are pre-wired from the factory for time-saving installation. All devices are IP23 (similar to NEMA Type 1 general purpose rating) and many devices can be upgraded to IP65 (similar to NEMA Type 4 watertight and dust-tight rating) with optional rubber base

These products are UL Recognized and CE marked.




Harmony XVC Tower Lights

The new Schneider Electric line of Harmony XCV Tower Lights offer pre-wired, one piece construction with five color combinations and integrated buzzer options in 40mm, 60mm and 100 mm diameters. The entire XVC range meetins IP54 (NEMA 12 and 3R) degree of protection.

Save installation time and money with the pre-wired, color coded, one piece construction configuration and eliminate the need to select and wire individual colored lenses, buzzers and lamps.

Features:

 - Up to 5 illuminated signaling units
 - Steady light or flashing SuperbrightTM LEDs
 - Available in red, orange, green, blue or clear
 - Available with or without an audible buzzer (up to 85 decibels)
 - 3 screws for base mounting or aluminum support tube with a bracket
 - IP54 (NEMA 12 and 3R), UL508 Listed, CSA certified and CE marked 

Friday, December 19, 2008

Phoenix Contact FMC 1.5 and MCDN 1.5 Connectors


As the miniaturization continues, the connection density increases. A new centerline of 3.81mm has just been added to the growing fleet of Phoenix Contact FMC plugs. The FMC is currently available in a 3.5 mm centerline and a double-level molded plug on a 3.5 mm centerline.

In addition to the minimal space requirements, conductors of up to 16 AWG can be directly pushed in, thanks to the innovative spring-cage design. The direct plug-in method is a fast and easy connection that can be used with solid or ferruled conductors.

For connection to the PCB, the FMC plugs can be combined with a large range of MC headers that take connections vertical, horizontal, or angled to the board. When the FMC 1.5 is joined with the THR MCDN double-level header, connection density is dramatically increased at a minimal height of 16 mm.
  • Tool-less push-in spring technology for solid and flexible wires with ferrules
  • When fully mated, the connection stands at a minimal 16 mm high
  • Utilization of spring-cage technology saves time and money
  • Super-flat plug design encourages space savings
Technical Data
  • Amp: 8 A
  • Voltage: 150 V
  • Positions: 3-12
  • Centerline: 3.81mm
  • Wire size: 24-16 AWG


Thursday, December 18, 2008

New Products from Tyco Electronics

Elo 22" Wide-Aspect Touchmonitor
With the release of the new Elo TouchSystems 2240L wide-aspect, high resolution LCD touchmonitor, Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems, a global leader in touchscreen technology, introduces the latest addition to its successful portfolio of wide aspect ratio open-frame touchmonitor solutions. With a proven track record and industry leading product reliability, the gaming industry has come to rely on Elo TouchSystems touchmonitors to capture gamers' attention - and keep it. 

Designed for use in high-traffic casino gaming, video-game entertainment and self-service kiosk environments, the 2240L offers the widest viewing angle of any 22" touchmonitor available today, and delivers clear, bright, and long-lasting performance. Colors remain sharp, vivid and true, and graphics retain their integrity. 

"The 2240L truly represents a breakthrough in terms of design and performance in touchscreen technology," says James Witkowski, Elo TouchSystems product manager. "The 2240L offers exceptional visual performance in a wide variety of lighting environments, fully meeting the elevated consumer expectations in the age of high-definition television." 

The innovative design of the open-frame 2240L provides a seamless fit for gaming applications, and can be deployed in both landscape and portrait orientations. With a front-facing, metal-hardened anodized bezel and L-mounting brackets, and slim dimensional profile (500x332x80 mm), the 2240L offers installation flexibility in a variety of entertainment and retail environments. In addition, the integrated on-screen display control (OSD), as well as a remote OSD, allow for simplified management of the 2240L. 

The 2240L is the latest addition to Elo's existing portfolio of open-frame touchmonitors, now available in 20-inch, 22-inch, 26-inch and 32-inch screen sizes. At launch, the 2240L is available with industry-leading touch technologies including IntelliTouch surface acoustic wave, and surface capacitive, as well as a no-touch version. The pure-glass and sealed-screen used with IntelliTouch technology helps prevent damage from spills, smoke and other potential hazards, while Elo's next-generation surface capacitive touchscreen controller offers robust performance and pin-point accuracy. The 2240L featuring acoustic pulse recognition (APR), the innovative technology from Elo TouchSystems that senses touch by recognizing unique patterns of acoustic waves, is scheduled for release in early 2009. 



Complete LED Light Pipe System
New LED light pipe assemblies from Tyco Electronics provide a convenient and easy-to-use way to achieve accent lighting. With versions for both low- and high-intensity LEDs, the system uses a linear LED light source and a proprietary large-core optical fiber to project light the length of the light pipe. An integrated reflector in the light pipe allows light to be directionally emitted along the length of the light pipe. Potential applications include accent lighting in commercial buildings, appliances, rail, motor vehicles, marine, and commercial aircraft. 

The low-intensity light engine assembly includes both the ½ watt LED and an integrated DC driver and does not require any additional heat sink or forced air cooling. 

The high-intensity light socket assemblies accept industry-standard starboard-style 1 to 5 watt LEDs commercially available from a number of vendors in many colors. The assembly includes a heat sink that to addresses the thermal issues of using high-power LEDs. 

The light pipes, available in diameters of 5 mm and 10 mm and lengths up to 78 inches (2 meters), are made of optical-grade acrylic. Light pipe slots allow the assembly's reflector strip to be oriented in four different positions for directional lighting flexibility. 



CROWN CLIP JUNIOR Connector
Tyco Electronics, a leading supplier of power interconnects, introduces an important addition to the CROWN CLIP interconnect series with the release of its new 150-Amp CROWN CLIP JUNIOR connector. 

This connector mates directly to a power bus bar, providing a space efficient interconnection in solder or screw mount configurations suitable for telecom power supply and power distribution applications. It satisfies the demand for low insertion/extraction forces and, with its hot-plug capability, is well suited for reliable high power connections. 

The CROWN CLIP JUNIOR connector mates with a 3.0mm thick plated bus bar, providing a separable interface that eases assembly, inspection and troubleshooting. The right-angle connector can be soldered directly to a PCB or screwed to a bus bar for a 150A current rating at less than 30° C temperature rise. 

Utilizing the CROWN BAND contact design, the selectively plated, high conductivity copper contacts offer low resistance and low milli-volt drop, reducing temperature rise for efficient power distribution. In blindmate applications this connector can handle adverse tolerances through its unique anti-stress feature, thus allowing reliable mating – even to misaligned bus bars. 

This new connector is designed for use in core network energy systems, cellular base stations, PSU power distribution, servers, storage and network routers and industrial applications. 


Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Turck Flat Pack Noise Immune Sensor


TURCK introduces a new noise immune and easy to apply capacitive sensor for level
applications. The BCF10 sensor’s small size makes it more flexible for mounting in level applications, and it has the ability to detect liquids with high concentrations of chlorides, such as soaps and cleaners.

“TURCK’s noise immunity technology has been used in barrel style sensors for years, but has recently been retooled for a flat pack housing,” notes Melissa Schumann, product specialist with TURCK’s sensors division. “In applications where a detergent high in chlorides is used, it is typically contained in a plastic container. Over time, the detergent leaves a film or etch on the inside wall of the container. If a standard capacitive sensor is used for level detection, it will detect this film even though the container is empty. The BCF circuit incorporates a compensating electrode configuration that allows the sensor to detect through the film and to the actual liquid in the container,” adds Schumann.

The BCF10 is a DC sensor, available with a 10 mm sensing range in either a corded or quick-disconnect versions.


Monday, December 15, 2008

IDEC FL1E SmartRelay


Look around. IDEC SmartRelays are in everything from lighting controls to ice-making machines and grocery store misters. Proving reliable time after time, these intelligent logic modules are the ideal controller for simple automation tasks. A new fifth-generation of
SmartRelays offer functions to give you even more flexibility and convenience. Advances include extended memory, a brighter display with higher LCD contrast, improved analog and high-speed inputs, an external text display, and upgraded programming software.

With an ever changing market and tough competition, you need an edge to stay on top. SmartRelay has a new HMI text display panel to do just that! This economical interface lets you make quick adjustments, while at the same time making it easy to spot and troubleshoot failures using built-in operator functions and diagnostics. So why wait? Make the smart choice, IDEC SmartRelay!


Friday, December 12, 2008

New Products from Red Lion Controls

G3 Kadet Touchscreen HMIs

The G3 Kadet series of operator interface panels offer a host of functional interface and connectivity features for applications where FTP access, data logging, and web server capabilities are not needed. Based on the G3 series, with many of the same capabilities, the G3 Kadets offer far more features than conventional HMIs while providing an advanced interface that is ideal for OEMs, discrete machinery and process machinery.

Available in 4.3", 5.6" and 8" models, the G3 Kadet series offers the same protocol conversion benefits as the original G3. The units have multiple serial ports, drag-and-drop configuration via Crimson programming software, and port sharing capabilities. The larger models feature integrated Ethernet allowing simultaneous communications with up to six device types including PLCs, PCs, drives, PID controllers
and more.






Plant Floor Marquee LED Displays

Red Lion’s Plant Floor Marquee (PFM) series are large, graphical multi-color LED displays designed to provide vital process and production information to personnel at a glance. The PFM series facilitates the collection, calculation and communication of critical production and process information such as production targets, cadence, alarms, machine uptime and downtime measurement, and OEE (overall equipment effectiveness). Available in four models, the PFM series offers highly visible, multi-color conveyance of data to the entire plant floor and to the enterprise level. The smallest is suitable to provide data at the machine level, while the largest can be used to communicate information across an entire factory floor at distances of up to 600 feet (182 meters). 

Far more than a simple large display, the PFM series features the unprecedented capability to communicate with over 170 different protocols, and the ability to send and receive data from seven or more device types simultaneously.

These unique capabilities, which are provided through a required host device (a Red Lion G3 series HMI, Data Station, or Modular Controller), allow collection of data from various sources - with integrated calculation to optimize displayed information in the way it is most useful to your facility. Along with the advanced network communication and data collection, the PFM host enables a web-based HMI for those not on the factory floor, and can store logged data to an FTP site. The PFM offers possibilities that reach far beyond conventional production displays.


Thursday, December 11, 2008

Phoenix Contact MINI V8 Adapter for MINI Signal Conditioners


Why run 16 wires to your PLC when you can run one cable?

The MINI V8 adapter… 
Reduces discrete wiring and installation time by more than 67 percent
Uses pre-made cables to eliminate wiring errors
Quickly deploys the highest density signal conditioning system in the market


MINI V8 together with VARIOFACE cabling saves time 

At a slim 6.2mm, signal conditioners isolate, amplify and convert your analog signals and work on top of a T-Bus system. T-Bus allows you to remove individual signal conditioners without disrupting your entire process-saving you costly downtime.

Now the easily adaptable MINI V8 can be work together with the slim design of mini signal conditioners and flexibility of T-Bus.

 
The MINI V8 adds flexibility and saves time

The new MINI V8 easily integrates with MINI analog signal conditioners. Replacing the wires with the V8 adapter lowers your installation costs as well as installation time. No longer will you have to take unnecessary time to cut, strip, run, bundle, and verify every single conductor from your signal conditioners to our controllers. 
 

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Turck 19-pin 1 1/8" Connectors


TURCK has expanded its 1 1/8 inch minifast ® connector line to handle even more
applications with the addition of the 19-pin connector. The 19-pin minifast connector is rated for up to 300 Volts, 4 Amps per pin, and is an excellent solution when requiring an even more robust, cost-effective solution than a traditional 19-pin M23 connector.

The 19-pin connector adds to the existing 9, 10 and 12-pin 1 1/8 inch minifast connector line. Additional minifast connector sizes and pin counts are also available, including a 7/8 inch connector with 2 through 6 pins, and a 1 inch connector with 6 through 8 pins. All connectors provide IEC IP 68 protection.

Like most TURCK cordsets, the minifast line offers male or female, straight and right angle connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. Fully encapsulated mating receptacles with nickel-plated brass housing and 1/2”-14 NPT, 3/4”-14 NPT, PG 16 and M20 mounting threads complete the system.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Turck WIM45 Sensor for Pneumatic Cylinders


TURCK has added a new compact WIM45 magnetic field sensor to its line of cylinder position
sensors. The WIM45 provides a direct analog output for determining the position of a piston magnet on all types of pneumatic cylinders, and are more accurate than indirect analog monitoring with potentiometers or linear position systems.

A WIM45 detects the position of a piston on standard pneumatic cylinders by utilizing a series of Hall elements that sense the piston magnet and send a signal back to the processor. The sensor’s analog output slope can be reversed by rotating the sensor by 180 degrees. This feature eliminates the need for two separate sensors and helps streamline the production process. Furthermore, its immunity to EMC exceeds IEC EN 60947-5-2 and EN 61000-4-6
standards.

With a housing size of 72 mm long and 5 mm wide, it is one of the most compact analog magnetic field sensors on the market. The sensor is equipped with a robust mounting system to ensure stability during operation. Two prefixed tips are located on each end of the sensor to help seat the sensor in the T-groove until the screw is tightened. This makes mounting the sensor much easier – even with one hand while the sensor is upside-down. The screws are
made with a tool steel alloy that ensures stability and resistance to vibration under very harsh conditions.

WIM45 sensors include a broad range of accessories, from precision mounting to wire-strain relief products, to help install the sensors in all T-groove pneumatic cylinders.

Friday, November 28, 2008

New Literature from Phoenix Contact

HEAVYCON Heavy-Duty Industrial Plug Connectors
HEAVYCON plug connector housings from Phoenix Contact are ideal for panel feed-through and protect up to IP65.  These connectors are available with single and double-locking latches for B series inserts and are compatible with a wide variety of connection technologies.  The housings come in a standard gray for extremely demanding requirements, and an EMC housing for sensitive interfaces needing shielding against electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields.


Sensor/Actuator Cable CMAT Production Reference Guide
With Phoenix Contact’s customized sensor/actuator cable (CMAT) system, choose the exact cable length and type needed for a specific application.  These made-to-order cables are produced at Phoenix Contact’s U.S. headquarters, so turnaround time is quick.



QUICKON Power Distribution
Phoenix Contact’s QUICKON Power Distribution installation program is specially designed for use in industrial applications.  The line features touch-protected IDC fast connection technology and includes all essential components for widespread power distribution in machines, systems and buildings.



DIN-Rail Mounted Circuit Breakers
Phoenix Contact’s DIN-rail mounted thermal circuit protectors use heat-sensitive bimetallic elements that respond to overload electrical currents.  Thermal Miniature Circuit Protectors offer protection in a compact housing, accommodating ten nominal currents ranging from 0.10A to 10A.  Thermal Magnetic Circuit Breakers include a magnetic function which responds to very high current overloads such as those that might occur during short-circuit conditions.



PLUSCON Circular Connectors Overmolded Cable Quick Reference Chart

Quickly determine the type of PLUSCON circular connector cable for your application by using this reference chart produced by Phoenix Contact.



Wednesday, November 26, 2008

ABB Low Voltage/SSAC Retirement of DLM Three Phase Monitor Series


SSAC is discontinuing their DLM series of three phase voltage monitors, replacing them with the new universal voltage DLMU and DLMH series. These new models offer extra features without an increase in price.

Orders for DLM units (DLM4, DLM6, DLM8, DLM9 and DLM0xxx) will be taken until December 30, 2008, or when stock is depleted. DLM product warranties will remain in effect after the discontinuation date.


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Phoenix Contact ILC 170 ETH 2TX Programmable Controller

Phoenix Contact has added the new ILC 170 ETH 2TX to the recently launched PC WorX programmable ILC 100 series. The ILC 170 features two Ethernet ports with a built-in Ethernet switch, eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet switch in certain applications. This makes it easy to daisychain multiple ILC 170 controllers. Unique to the ILC 170 is an optional removable SD card memory, which provides easy program transfer between ILC 170 controllers. The ILC 170 features a large onboard data and program memory (512 KB) and retentive memory (48 KB). 

The ILC 170 has eight digital inputs and four digital outputs (500 mA) integrated on-board. The I/O can be easily expanded directly by adding Inline I/O modules. Additional features include an integrated realtime clock, PLC switch and support of up to four local remote bus branch modules.

The ILC 1xx series controllers are programmed with PC WorX Express, which is part of the
AUTOMATIONWORX Software Suite 2008 (v 1.40). PC WorX Express is free of charge and supports up to 4,096 I/O points. PC WorX Express supports the new AX OPC Server for applications that require data exchange to any OPC client software packages or the upcoming new Phoenix Contact OT/TP series HMI operator panels. The controllers also support the Modbus TCP protocol via special client and server libraries in PC WorX for data exchange to any Modbus TCP-capable device.



Monday, November 24, 2008

Littelfuse Up-LINK Remote Indicating Fuseholder


The Littelfuse Up-LINK® solid state, dead-front fuseholder provides remote fuse status indication without the need to incorporate proprietary network protocols. It features two separate indication modes: 
  • Remote indication for immediate notification to maintenance personnel
  • Local LED indication simplifies locating the open fuse once the panel door is open 

Advanced notification is beneficial in limiting expensive downtime, reducing production scrap or minimizing unsafe conditions to personnel. Up-LINK provides remote fuse status communication that can easily integrate with an existing PLC or system. If used in conjunction with a user-programmed PLC, additional information can be communicated such as fuse type, fuse part number, necessary Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) and where replacement fuses are located. In this way, remote monitoring throughout the manufacturing environment improves uptime of critical loads via immediate detection and notification of problems. 

Because there is no need to connect an external power supply or replace batteries throughout the life of the holder, the output signal is reliable and instills end-user confidence in its accuracy. 

It has also been designed to the same footprint dimensions as Littelfuse’s Class CC and Midget fuse dead-front holders, making design upgrades easy in existing applications and layouts. 

What does Up-LINK Offer? 
  • Increased Productivity 
  • Enhanced Reliability 
  • Improved Safety 

Product Features 
  • Cost-effective solution for remote fuse status indication and local LED indication 
  • Easy integration into existing PLC or system 
  • Non-proprietary 
  • Current-limiting Class CC fuses provide superior protection with high interrupting rating 
  • Meets stringent IEC and UL Touch Safe Standards to improve worker safety 
  • Time-saving DIN Rail mounting 


Friday, November 21, 2008

Product Information from Red Lion Controls

Universal Signal Conditioners
The easily programmable IAMS signal conditioner can do it all. Red Lion's new universal signal conditioners accept voltage, current, RTD, thermocouples, linear resistance, potentiometers, and process signals. The unit provides 3-way isolation, while the output can be a retransmitted voltage or current signal. 

The IAMS has over 100 input to output combinations and three models are available. The setpoint model (IAMS0010) allows dual setpoint capability through dual Form A relays. The analog model (IAMS0001) provides a retransmitted analog signal. A third model (IAMS0011) provides both an analog output and relay control. The IAMS has a universal power supply 21.6 to 253 VAC / 12.2 to 300 VDC.

To program the unit, add the detachable module (PGMMOD00), which easily connects to the front of the IAMS. For applications requiring more than one IAMS, only one module is needed. The PGMM0D00 can store programming from one unit and load it to another reducing set-up time. When the programming module is not being used to enter or adjust programming, it can indicate input parameters. The display can be configured in seven different languages. 




USB Cards Now Available for Panel Meters
There is no faster way to program panel meters than with Red Lion's free Crimson® software. Now it's even easier with the release of USB programming cards for the CUB5 and PAX® meters. These programming cards allow quick connection to almost any computer without the use of serial converters or other external devices. With one of these option cards installed, you can effortlessly set-up the meter and even store the program for later use. Just simply plug-and-play. 

Crimson's menu style programming easily guides you through all parameters of the meter set-up. Once completed, just download the configuration to the meter and save the file for future reference.

A CUB5 or PAX programming kit is also available. The kit comes complete with the appropriate USB card, USB connecting cable and the latest version of Crimson software.





Red Lion Panel Meters Chosen #1 for Eighth Straight Year

The readers of Control Design magazine have again selected Red Lion as their number one choice in panel meters for the eighth consecutive year. Red Lion has won the panel meter category of the Reader's Choice Award every year since 2001, the first year the award was given. The meters won by a resounding margin, receiving more than twice as many votes as the closest competition.

The balloting for this survey went to machine builders and systems integrators who reported to Control Design that they had the authority to specify, recommend, or purchase industrial automation and control products for industrial machines. Vendors were not included in the balloting, and any known responses from vendors were not counted. The voting was completely un-aided, therefore no lists of vendors or product brands were provided. Readers were simply asked which was the one best company for products in the panel meter category.

In addition to the panel meter category, Red Lion also received recognition in the loop controller category and was voted as having very good to excellent service and support.