Software and Information Technology
Thermal and Electromagnetic Analyses Are Swifter with this Software
Having acquired Fluent, a provider of computational fluid dynamics, and its Icewave and Icepack technologies, this company has released Version 1.1 of Icewave. For analysis of electromagnetic compatibility and interference (EMC/EMI) in electronic systems, the new version features a 64-bit solver that allows users to solve complex systems without being restricted by memory limitations of 32-bit operating systems. Through seamless sharing of the model geometry with Icepak thermal design software, EM-thermal co-simulation can be set up in several minutes, making engineering workflows that require thermal and EM analyses easier. This capability allows system designers of high-performance electronics systems to dramatically reduce time from concept to market by simulating electronic design in a single CAD environment. The shielding effectiveness of the investigated models may be calculated on demand. The introduction of surface impedance boundary conditions for coatings and resistive wires allows users to model finite-thickness conductor losses in high-frequency simulations.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Ansys, Inc.
www.ansys.com
Monitor and Control Municipal Water with this Software Package
To ensure the efficient delivery of potable water and the safe disposal of wastewater, municipal water systems have to be monitored and controlled around the clock. The Municipal Water Package allows municipalities to use this operational data to reduce energy and chemical costs. Based on the Proficy products, the package includes HMI/SCADA-iFIX, which provides process visualization, data acquisition and supervisory control. The Historian collects, archives and distributes large volumes of realtime, plant floor information to provide a window into manufacturing operations across all key metrics. Portal provides a web-based overview of all key metrics so municipalities can operate more efficiently.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
GE Fanuc Automation
www.gefanuc.com
Here’s a Chemical Approval Module for these MSDS Management Systems
For use with the two latest versions of this company’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) management systems, the Chemical Approval module streamlines chemical requests and approvals for customers using and storing chemicals. Managers can perform a hazard assessment of their MSDSs and review main hazard information and fire code along with other environmental safety and health regulatory reports necessary to safely use and store hazardous materials onsite. The customer can also evaluate this data to determine if there is an opportunity to substitute a safer alternative or reduce the number of items in their chemical inventory. The module works with the company’s Online MSDS Standard Edition and Online-MSDS Expert Edition.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
3E Company
www.3ecompany.com
Optimize Field Device Performance with these Control Systems
I/A Series distributed control systems take advantage of both the latest Enhanced Electronic Device Description Language (Enhanced EDDL) and Field Device Tools (FDT) technologies. This combination provides comprehensive lifecycle support to configure, calibrate, commission, diagnose and optimize the performance of any vendors’ Foundation fieldbus device. In cases where the device vendor supplies only traditional device descriptions (EDDL), the Field Device Manager lets the users add in additional functions, such as organizing their own live data maintenance screens and watch windows for each model of field device. The Field Device Manager also lets users set up templates for the commissioning behavior and attach supporting manuals, repair procedures and any other Windows files they find useful in device maintenance. If the device vendor supplies Enhanced EDDL, then template setup work is reduced because the device vendor has already organized many of the configuration and maintenance displays.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Invensys Process Systems
www.invensys.com/ps
Wireless Solutions Improve Operations on the Plant Floor
Carefully leading the way to a wireless manufacturing environment, this company has introduced In-plant Smart Wireless solutions. Extensions of the company’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture, these solutions combine wireless network technology and gateways with wireless-enabled measurement transmitters and wireless predictive maintenance software, and seamlessly integrate them with automation systems, or legacy hosts. Incremental information gained from the use of Smart Wireless solutions helps customers understand their processes and identify opportunities for improvement. The data can improve response time to safety incidents, minimize emissions, and help protect the environment. The company reports its trial wireless customers have experienced 99.9 % network reliability, industrial-strength security, long battery life, and as much as a 90% reduction in installed cost.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Emerson Process Management
www.emersonprocess.com