Industrial Technology

Data acquisition

National Instruments has announced the new Ethernet-based NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition system, which combines the ease of use and low cost of a data logger with the performance and flexibility of modular instrumentation. The new NI cDAQ-9188 chassis is designed to hold eight I/O modules for measuring up to 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical or acoustic signals in a small (25 by 9 by 9 cm), rugged form factor. There are more than 50 different I/O modules to choose from.

20th October 2010

Ethernet gateway

IDC is providing optimum interface capabilities for its ZigBee range of wireless mesh products, with the launch of its ZB104 Ethernet Gateway. Designed for use in logistics, warehouse distribution, manufacturing and medical sectors, the ZB104 is a dual function device, which acts as the central co-ordinator for a network of ZigBee devices; it also transfers data to and from the wireless network over Ethernet. The device is housed in a robust IP45 rated enclosure, and is provided with a wall mounting bracket.

20th October 2010

The second HMI revolution

Nothing drives new technology quite like a turndown in the economy. Equipment manufacturers have to work harder to differentiate themselves in the market, so there is a rush of new features, developments and overall improvements. Andy Markgraf of AJM Automation looks at how HMIs have taken a quantum leap forward.

20th October 2010

More functions than a Batman utility belt

When we look at HMIs, there is so much we take for granted these days in terms of the performance and feature set. So what are the added value features that set one HMI apart from the rest? Mark Simms looks at the new HG3G from Idec, and finds some answers.

20th October 2010

Big brother controller is launched

The new eCAL temperature and process PID controller is now available in _ DIN housing and still offers a cost effective, compact solution complete with additional functionality not usually found on units in this price range.

8th October 2010

RS boosts medical design with over 500 new products and enhanced website

RS Components today announced a major program to support medical design. It has not only added more than 500 new products to its already substantial portfolio, but also unveiled a dedicated area on its website and embarked on a focussed promotional campaign.

28th September 2010

Slot together speeds up subrack assembly

Rittal has introduced a rapid assembly subrack to save valuable time in production. The horizontal rails are pre-fitted with assembly screws and simply drop into slots in the side plates prior to being tightened up.

28th September 2010

Flying car engineered with virtual prototyping

The world's first commercial flying car will go the distance on both roads and runways next year when it rolls off the production line - thanks, in part, to design optimization from Ansys. Massachusetts-based Terrafugia used Ansys engineering simulation software to design and verify its new production prototype of the Transition aircraft that also can drive on the road, which was unveiled at the EAA AirVenture airshow.

19th September 2010

Rittal's new Power Engineering tool

Power Engineering v4.1, is Rittal's new version of planning and configuration software for type-tested low-voltage switchgear of its Ri4Power systems, Form 1, Form 2-4 and Ri4Power Form 1 ISV. The software offers quick and easy generation of quotations and bill of materials with better assembly information and the capability to view the side of the assembly, where part numbers and their location within the system are indicated.

19th September 2010

Vibration control software for testing

Automotive manufacturers can now reduce their costs and test times thanks to an upgraded edition of LDS' Random Vibration Control Software - Version 8.1. LDS - part of the Brüel & Kjær group since November 2008 - created this software for use with its Laser USB vibration controller. The Random Vibration Control Software improves laboratory simulation of real-life vibration when testing automobile components, including suspension systems, DVD players, radios, dash boards, roof racks or GPS systems. The new version allows a wider range of test simulations.

19th September 2010