New Products

Analog Module Connects Signal Conditioned Sensor Data from 8B Modules to Ethernet Networks

Acromag has released another BusWorks Ethernet I/O module to simplify the task of interfacing data from virtually any analog sensor to a Modbus TCP/IP network. The new 958EN model has 16 analog input channels and a quick-connect DB25 port to capture isolated and amplified sensor signals directly from a full panel of industry-standard 8B signal conditioners. This analog input module performs fast, 16-bit A/D conversions to make the temperature, frequency, strain gauge or other sensor data available to any control device via Ethernet. Typical applications involve processes requiring high voltage isolation or a mix of signal types (power generation, glass/metal processing, test/measurement instrumentation, and SCADA systems).
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The 958EN has 16 analog voltage inputs to accept ±5V and ±10V signals from 8B or legacy 7B signal conditioning modules through a DB25 port. 8B modules support over 100 analog input types. Fast scanning updates all 16 channels in just 8mS. Dual-format data registers support 16-bit integer and 32-bit floating point formats. Users can read raw channel data based on 16-bit signed integer or 32-bit scaling registers, configurable on a per-channel basis, to minimize CPU or HMI software processing time. Surge protection and 3-way 1500V isolation between I/O, power, and network circuits increase reliability.

A sample averaging function is user-configurable and improves performance in noisy or fluctuating environments. On industrial-grade units, an integration function can totalize inputs with non-volatile counter registers on all channels.

Acromag makes the Modbus C Library software available to greatly simplify the development of custom programs to interface with Acromag’s BusWorks and EtherStax Ethernet I/O products. The library, Model ESW-MBLIB, also supports any standard Ethernet Modbus slave device communicating via Modbus TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocol. This utility is ideal for developers that are unfamiliar with Modbus protocol or the framing of TCP/IP or UDP/IP messages.

For more information about Acromag products, please visit www.acromag.com

Measurement & Verification Logging System

Onset has announced the HOBO® Measurement & Verification System, a portable energy logging system for measuring, analyzing and documenting building energy performance.

The self-contained system makes it convenient and economical for energy performance contractors, energy consultants, and building energy managers to track the performance of building systems, such as chillers and packaged HVAC units, and verify the impact of energy efficiency improvements.

The system, which is housed in a rugged, heavy-duty carrying case, provides pre-wired sensors for quick set up, and includes magnetic mounting feet for fast, secure placement in electrical panels.

Users can plot and analyze energy performance data with the accompanying HOBOware® software. HOBOware provides an intuitive, graphical user interface that enables users to quickly and easily graph, analyze and print data files, as well as export the data to Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs.

The HOBO Measurement & Verification System is available in both single-phase and three-phase models. Both models include a 4-channel HOBO Micro Station data logger, energy sensors, software, and associated cables and accessories.

Please visit http://www.onsetcomp.com for complete product details.

Registration Mark Sensors Provide Easy-To-Use, Low-Cost Registration Mark Detection

Banner Engineering Corp. introduces their R58A Series Registration Mark Sensors for detecting registration marks in printing and material registration applications. The R58A features simplified setup via potentiometer adjustment of the switching threshold and switch-selectable light/dark operate. The sensor's short warm-up period, fast 10 kHz switching frequency and 15µs repeatability ensure reliable detection in high-speed printing and web processing applications, where timing is critical.

The R58A's contrast sensitivity, coupled with its small 1.2 x 3.8mm sensing image, enables the sensor to detect subtle registration marks on high-gloss and other challenging materials, as well as in low-contrast applications. Additionally, the rugged metal housing and high-quality acrylic lens are designed to handle ambient electrical noise and vibration.

A single emitter color—red or green, specified by model number—ensures that the customer's preferred light source is used every time. Banner also offers the more advanced R58E Expert Series Registration Mark Sensors with comprehensive TEACH options and three LED sensing colors—red, green and blue—in one sensor, allowing the user to optimize contrast based on the application.

Learn more about R58A Series Registration Mark Sensors at www.BannerEngineering.com.

Ultra Low-Noise Remote Charge Converter
Endevco Corporation has announced the launch of new model 2771C-XX, an ultra-low noise remote charge converter (RCC), designed for use with charge output piezoelectric sensors within mechanical system health monitoring and environmental testing applications.

Model 2771C-XX offers a rugged two-wire single ended design that operates from constant current power (4-20 mA). Both RCC signal output and current to the RCC are carried along the same wire. Housed in a rugged, small package, the charge converter offers broadband noise range down to 5µVrms, with a frequency response of 0.4 to 50 kHz. Units are designed to withstand shock loads of up to 100g peak and are radiation tested to 1.0Mrads. With availability in three different fixed gains of 0.1mV/pC, 1.0mV/pC and 10mV/pC, model 2771C-XX can also support TEDS (per IEEE P1451.4) for smart sensor and larger channel count applications and also includes an available M1 Version with male BNC, to facilitate easy panel mounting.

Because of its low impedance voltage, signal output from model 2771C-XX is less susceptible to noise pick-up. Also, shunt capacitance of the cable connecting model 2771C-XX to the main signal conditioner does not significantly affect system noise or sensitivity. Because model 2771C-XX has the same envelope size as the Endevco model 2771B remote charge converter, it may also be used as a drop-in replacement, for legacy applications where lower noise is required.

For detailed specifications, drawings or additional information about the model 2771C-XX in-line charge converter or other Endevco® products, visit www.endevco.com.

Beta Edition of COMSOL Multiphysics Version 4.0 Released

COMSOL has released the beta edition of COMSOL Multiphysics 4.0, its multiphysics modeling and simulation environment. Version 4.0 delivers the COMSOL Desktop™, an all-new user interface that makes it easy for users to build and run simulations. COMSOL Desktop's sleek design and graphical programming utility combine unprecedented power, ease of use, and flexibility into a single application. With version 4.0, COMSOL will give users a competitive edge in product innovation throughout their development departments.

The COMSOL Desktop™ makes it easy to organize the work flow and gives a clean overview of the modeling process. Users can set up the desktop's appearance easily using its docked window placement capabilities that include the Main menu, Model Builder, and a Help Desk as well as Settings, Messages, and Graphics windows.

The Model Builder brings a dynamic model configuration approach to simulations. Building a model is a straight-forward process of following along the model features. Users just right-click to perform common tasks such as importing CAD, meshing, specifying material properties, solving, and plotting results. If changes need to be made, the Model Builder provides unobstructed access to any part of the model settings. Moreover, users can record and save the steps of the set-up to use sequentially as a model is automatically re-evaluated and refined. Dynamically updated context-dependent help enables easy browsing and extends the search functionality. This makes the Model Builder more than a workspace; it is graphical programming at your fingertips.

CAD interoperability remains a top priority to provide the very best path for CAD users to connect to COMSOL Multiphysics for their simulations. To this end, COMSOL now releases the LiveLink for PTC Pro/ENGINEER®. By establishing an association between the two geometry representations, changing a feature in the CAD model automatically updates the COMSOL geometry accordingly. This enables multiphysics simulation involving parametric sweeps and design optimization directly from within Pro/ENGINEER. Versions of LiveLink for SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor are already available as optional add-ons to COMSOL Multiphysics.

Full details about COMSOL Multiphysics and related products are available at www.comsol.com.

Universal Circular Chart Superecorder™

Omega’s new series of microprocessor based portable universal circular chart superecorders™ comes in 4 different models, temperature and relative humidity, dual thermocouple, dual process, and pH and (RTD) temperature models. Located on the front panel is a convenient keypad for programming and a large, bright, dual backlit display. The RS232 PC interface allows the user to download recorded data. The patented features include double-sided chart paper and the magnetic hub. The temperature/ relative humidity model (CTXL-TRH) also comes with a Windows based PC application software to log data in real time, download recorded data, or re-scale chart paper. There is also a wireless temperature/ relative humidity probe that is offered as an option, perfect for EPA requirements.

Please visit www.omega.com for more information.

The GBATS system is “application ready,” allowing users to focus on developing the application rather than developing the test system - which means less time creating and deploying the application. The platform is also available with Geotest’s ATEasy software, which provides an integrated and complete test executive and test development environment, allowing users to quickly develop and easily maintain test applications. Systems can also be preconfigured with other popular software development platforms.

The high-performance GBATS tester family now offers 6 models covering commercial and military avionics, boundary scan, mixed-signal, and digital test configurations.

For more information, please visit www.geotestinc.com.

Low Profile Stubby GPS Antennas

Radiall USA, Inc. expands its extensive range of tactical antenna products with stubby GPS passive and active L1 band antennas. The passive EPL 09-13 and active EPL 09-14 antennas are enclosed in a miniature robust package requiring little space on crowded handheld equipment with GPS L1 band connectivity. Offered with a standard SMA coaxial connector interface, these low profile antennas can be easily customized to meet the needs of the application. The stubby GPS antennas are designed for handheld GPS receivers, handheld tactical radios with GPS capabilities and sensors.

The EPL 09-13 passive GPS antenna features a GPS L1 (1575.42MHz) frequency, 50Ohm nominal impedance, 3:1 max VSWR, -4dBi +/-1dB gain, an operating temperature of -40 to +70 degrees C and a max water immersion in mated condition of 65.6167 ft. (20 meters). In addition, it has an overall length of 1.75 inches and weighs 1.05 ounces (30 grams).

The EPL 09-14 Active GPS antenna features a GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) frequency, 50 Ohm nominal impedance, 3:1 max VSWR, -3 dBi +/-1dB gain, 16 dB active gain, an operating temperature of -40 to +70°C and a max water immersion in mated condition of 65.6167 ft (20m). In addition, it has an overall length of 1.75 in (4.4cm) and weighs 1.05 oz (30g).

For more information about Radiall’s low profile stubby GPS antennas and other antennas, please visit www.radiall.com

Improved Test Times of RF Communications Devices

Aeroflex has announced that it will deliver a non-signaling PXI solution customized for RF production line test of Infineon’s second generation ultra low-cost mobile phone platform. The solution, based on the Aeroflex PXI 3000 Series, will test Infineon’s second-generation ultra low-cost chipset (XGOLD ™101).

The primary challenges facing mobile phone handset manufacturers today are getting to market first, lowering the cost of manufacturing test and optimizing valuable engineering resources. Aeroflex’s PXI accelerates the development of a customized RF test solution to meet these needs.

The key advantage of Aeroflex’s PXI solution is its flexibility, which contributes to lower test costs and faster test times. The PXI 3000 Series is able to test many more standards (such as WLAN, CMA2000/1xEVDO, WiMAX, UMTS, GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth and LTE) than previous “one-box solutions” could. This is important because today’s design engineers and manufacturers are developing sophisticated cell phones that require cellular handset developers to test one device for compliance with many, if not all, of these standards. With the PXI 3000 Series, the same flexible high-performance Aeroflex Improves Test Times of RF Communications Devices … high-speed hardware tests all the 2G, 3G and 4G and wireless data standards. Furthermore, the user can add software modules to customize the solution to meet their current and future RF testing needs.

The PXI 3000 Series achieves up to five times higher throughput than conventional instrumentation and is leading the market in terms of test speed. Its performance is the result of very fast responding hardware and the use of multi-core processors. Multi-core processing through the inherently open software architecture helps the engineer to perform multiple simultaneous measurements and multi-device testing.

For more information visit the company’s web site www.aeroflex.com.

Dual Rate Meter Monitors Two Signal Inputs at Once and Performs Application-Specific Calculations

Red Lion Controls, Inc. introduces the PAXDR Dual Rate Meter, providing real-time viewing of dual input rates, paired with sophisticated math functions to measure and display the sum, difference, ratio, draw or percentage of total between the two rates. PAXDR is a 5-digit dual rate indicator and 6-digit dual totalizer that monitors mission-critical factors such as inflow and outflow, unwind and rewind wire tension, feed and tension roll speed, and other pivotal production rates.

Within its industry-standard 1/8 DIN housing, PAXDR simplifies dual rate applications as a single, easy-to-use device—without the need for any complex programming that would otherwise be required to perform application-specific calculations. Six values are viewable on the meter’s 0.56 in (1.4cm) LED display: one each for rates A and B, totalizers for A and B, and the rate and totalizer for calculation C. These readings improve production quality and reduce rejects by ensuring a parameter such as feed rate, line speed, flow rate or tension is properly maintained throughout processing.

Users can simply select the desired scale for each of the two signal inputs using PAXDR’s programmable function keys, with independent scaling provided for A and B totalizers. This capability makes PAXDR ideal for applications such as flow measurement, where both flow rate and volume must be monitored and scaled to a common unit of measure. Plus, 10-point scaling for both input rates is provided for challenging non-linear processes.

To further expand the PAXDR’s capabilities, users may select from several field-installable plug-in option cards, providing features such as:

• Four set point outputs, assigned to any rate or totalizer value and configured to suit varying control and alarm requirements
• Retransmitted analog output, scaled independently of the input range
• Communication and bus capabilities, including RS232, RS485, Modbus, DeviceNet™ and Profibus-DP

PAXDR is available with a standard green or sunlight-readable red LED display, with variable intensity for easy readability in conditions ranging from low light to bright sun. Its NEMA 4X/IP65 sealed bezel ensures PAXDR withstands harsh plant floor conditions to deliver dependable, long-lasting operation.

For more information please go to www.redlion.net.

Linear Encoders with Rugged Die Cast Housing and Built-In Led For Set Up and Diagnostics

TURCK introduces a new line of Kübler by TURCK robust magnetic linear encoders. Utilizing A and B output voltage channels plus a periodic index with the corresponding inverted channels, these encoders achieve high accuracy in a broad range of linear motion applications. The T8.LI20 and T8.LI50 linear encoders are available with either a push-pull output or an RS422 interface and provide a voltage range from 4.8 to 30V-DC.

The linear encoders are used with magnetic bands that are attached to the mounting surface and protected by a stainless-steel cover. The encoder's resolution is up to 5µm with quadruple evaluation, and its repeat accuracy is +/- one increment with a measuring speed up to 82ft/s, depending on the resolution.

Kübler by TURCK encoders use non-contact technology and can survive environments with high vibration (30g/10-2,000 Hz) and shock (500g’s/ms). The products can also be used outdoors, due to an IP 67 protection rating, wide temperature range and the weatherproof die-cast housing. The metal housing also offers improved shielding against electromagnetic interference.

A built-in LED provides a warning signal or an index pulse, allowing for simple set-up and diagnostics. Connections are made via a high-grade shielded PUR cable that is also suitable for cable track installations.

Find TURCK product or technical information at www.turck.us.

New Family of Reduced-Price Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers

AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has introduced the “TR” Family of traveling wave tube amplifiers. Designed for 19in (48.3cm) rack mounting, these new TWTAs are priced less than AR’s full-featured TWTAs.

The “TR” Family includes six models that cover the following frequency ranges:
• Model 250TR1G2z5: 1 – 2.5GHz (250W)
• Model 300TR2z5G7z5: 2.5 – 7.5GHz (300W)
• Model 250TR7z5G18: 7.5 – 18GHz (250W)
• Model 300TR7z5G18: 7.5 – 18GHz (300W)
• Model 200TR4G8: 4 – 8GHz (200W)

Each model comes with 4 side-mounted carry handles and non-slip feet for benchtop use.

Find more information at www.ar-worldwide.com.

Safety Testing Family Additions

Global Test Solutions (GTS), a supplier of high-performance test and measurement instrumentation, and Sefelec, a leader in safety and hipot testing, announced the completion of its safety testing family, the XS Series; the CXS40 milliohmmeter and the MXS1000 megohmmeter.

The CXS40 verifies ground bonds with measurement capability ranges from 1mO to 1.5O with test currents from 5A to 40A-AC with regulation, and test voltages from 6V-AC to 12V-AC. The CXS40 complies with the first of the four tests required by the Electrical Safety Testing standard. With accuracy of 2.5%, it is suitable for testing any electronic device.

The MXS1000 performs insulation resistance testing ranging from 50kO to 200 GO (optionally to 2 TO) with accuracy of 1.5% and applied DC voltage up to 1000V, which can be ramped in 1V steps from 0 to 999s. The MXS1000 is highly efficient, maximizing its use in laboratories and on production lines.

For more information, go to www.sefelec.com.