Product Digest - Process Control
Control System is Flexible and Scalable
The VersaMax Micro 64 control system provides a flexible and scalable automation solution through a wide range of input/output expansion modules, a variety of communication options, and multiple operator interfaces. A common software programming and tag database for the operator interface and controller shortens engineering development time and simplifies troubleshooting. A user-friendly memory module can be connected to the controller to download the latest program changes without the need for a personal computer. Software allows interfacing with a Palm handheld device, enabling the user to monitor/change data, view diagnostics, force on/off, and configure machine setup from the PDA. An abundance of memory — 48k of user ladder logic programming and 32k of data registers — enables the system to solve complex applications requiring multiple program storage and large data storage for faster setup/changeover or system monitoring. More than 25 discrete I/O expansion options and six analog I/O expansion options are available.
Appeared In Issue: April 2006
GE Fanuc Automation
www.gefanuc.com
Distributed I/O System is Optimized for Simple, Compact Machines
With an expandable block-type architecture, the Advantys OTB distributed input/output system is well-suited for small and medium-sized islands of distributed I/O. This allows it to be placed closer to the sensors and actuators it controls and reduces wiring time and costs. The Advantys OTB platform includes three communication bases for the various types of fieldbus, CANopen, Ethernet TCP/IP or Modbus RS-485 serial lines. Each communication base is 55 mm wide and has 20 I/O — 12 to 24 VDC inputs, six relay outputs and 2 to 24 VDC solid-state outputs. Expansion and interface modules enable configurations of up to 123 digital I/O and up to 48 analog I/O channels, or a mixture of both.
Appeared In Issue: April 2006
Schneider Electric, North American Operating Div.
www.schneider-electric.com
Multi-Controller Consolidates Control of Ultrasonic Level Transmitters
Compatible with existing HART-compliant 2-wire or 4-wire units, the SCU multi-controller enables operators to view data from, and program, up to 15 ultrasonic level transmitters (ULTs) from a central control room. The SCU has an integrated LCD panel that accommodates a wide variety of display functions, including tank content visualization using echo analysis of the ULT. Output options include 4–20 mA and relays that are programmed via a six-button keypad in an IP65 enclosure.
Appeared In Issue: April 2006
Emerson Process Management
www.emersonprocess.com
Laboratory Controller is Traceable to NIST Standards
The Traceable Lab Controller controls any appliance plugged into the back of it. In the time-of-day mode, it can be programmed for up to 224 on/off switchings per day. In the countdown mode, it turns on/off to the second. In the repeat mode, it continually cycles equipment on/off at any two unique time intervals. Three independent timing channels can be used to count down and alarm, count up (stopwatch mode), or count down repeat (repetitively alarm at a specific time interval). The Traceable accommodates times from 1 s to 100 h. Each controller comes with a serial-numbered Traceable certificate from the company’s ISO 17025 calibration laboratory accredited by A2LA, indicating traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.
Appeared In Issue: April 2006
Control Co.
www.control3.com
Enhancements Increase Controller’s Flexibility and Simplify Programming
New features of the Allen-Bradley SLC 500-Series controllers include improved messaging over Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)-based networks and enhanced security capabilities. Instruction updates allow generic CIP commands to be initiated in devices, such as drives, that communicate on Ethernet/IP, ControlNet and DeviceNet networks, simplifying the programming, configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting of explicit messages. A new firmware release includes a secured processor capability through Rockwell Software RSAssetSecurity, which enables the RSLogix 500 programming software to configure a processor so that it will be more secure against unauthorized access. A new Read Program Checksum (RPC) instruction can help determine whether online edits have changed the program or verify that the program in the memory module matches that in the processor’s RAM. And, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) provides flexible IP address assignment for the SLC 5/05 processor Channel One Ethernet port.
Appeared In Issue: April 2006
Rockwell Automation
www.ra.rockwell.com