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October News in Brief

01 October, 2011

♦  The chip-maker Analog Devices has developed a Mems (micro-electromechanical systems) device that integrates three-axis vibration sensors with a programmable processor that performs spectral analyses to identify and classify sources of vibration. The ADIS16228 vibration monitor can be embedded into equipment to detect sources of vibration and bearing wear that could lead to downtime. It is said to offer similar analyses to handheld monitors requiring trained operators.

♦  The Mechatrolink Members Association (MMA) has announced that its Mechatrolink motion control network has been certified by TÜV Rheinland to meet the requirements of SIL3, according to IEC 61508. The network can be used to create a safety system by adding a safety master such as a safe PLC and safety slaves to a standard Mechatrolink network, with standard and safety functions co-existing on the same network. Mechatrolink is the most widely used motion control network in Asia with more than two million devices shipped. The MMA has more than 900 members.

♦  Aegis Software claims it has developed “the industry’s first manufacturing app for iPhones and iPads”. Its inSite app turns the mobile devices into portals for its Manufacturing Operations software, giving instant mobile access to quality, performance and traceability information. The app is available free to Aegis customers via Apple’s App Store.

♦  In a joint exercise with Eplan, Rockwell Automation has loaded functional and CAD data for more than 10,000 of its products into Eplan’s data portal, and is planning to add more in the coming months. The data will make electrical designs using Eplan’s software easier, and reduce the risk of errors. Eplan’s more than 65,000 users can access the data immediately. Rockwell is also planning to place its product macros on www.ab.com/e-tools by the end of this year.

♦  Remote Process Alarms has released free apps for iPhone and Android phones that interact with its Watch*IT OPC products used to collect and monitor manufacturing or HVAC data via OPC systems. The apps (which join an existing BlackBerry app) allow users to monitor industrial and HVAC plants via their smartphones or tablets. They show current trends and alarms, and can alert users to potential problems before they affect a plant.

♦  The automation software developer Copa-Data has launched a tool that allows users of Siemens WinCC software to transfer data from their systems to Copa-Data’s xenon HMI/Scada system. The tool can import WinCC screens, variables and alarm configurations into xenon.




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