Abstract
ADLINK introduces next SEMA
SEMA-cloud, an IoT-based board management solution
After the introduction of Smart Embedded Management Agent (SEMA) in 2013, ADLINK is now introducing the next step for an Internet of things (IoT)-based embedded board and system management combining cloud computing and fleet management technologies. SEMA-cloud is a platform-independent solution, supporting x86 and ARM processors, to allow remote access to all SEMA data and control functions. This enables location-independent monitoring, notification and remote controlling. ADLINK will demonstrate the SEMA-cloud on multiple platforms during the Embedded World 2014.
Five new COMs with Intel E3800 series (formerly Bay Trail)
ADLINK is introducing five new computer on modules (COMs) based on the Intel ATOM E3800 series (formerly known as Bay Trail). The COM Express modules are available as compact size with Type 6 as well as with legacy supporting Type 2 pinout (cExpress-BT, cExpress-BT2). The newest modules standard Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC) will have two implementations, one with full size (82 mm × 80 mm) and one short size (82 mm × 50 mm), while featuring the same processor choices (single, dual and quad core), different DRAM options – including error-correcting code (ECC) – will be available.
Both modules will feature high-definition multimedia interface (HMDI) and low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 as well as 12 general-purpose input/output (GPIO). The fifth module based on the E3800 processor is using the existing Qseven format, for users who already have an existing carrier board.
Workload consolidation for industrial automation
Mixed workloads in industrial automation have typically led to multiple compute systems, with the introduction of Intel’s Workload Consoldation Platform, a hardware and software combination is available to ensure rapid development and deployment. ADLINK will showcase such solutions using the Matrix MXE5400 platform. In addition, Intel has chosen ADLINK as the hardware supplier for the development platforms.
LiPPERT ADLINK Technology GmbH
+49-621-432140
Yokogawa launches the world’s first Precision Power Scope PX8000
The PX8000 brings oscilloscope-style time-based measurement to the world of power measurement. It can capture voltage and current waveforms precisely, opening up applications and solutions for a huge variety of emerging power measurement problems.
The new instrument has 12-bit resolution with 100 MS/s sampling and 20 MHz bandwidth. This means that the PX8000 can be used for accurate measurement of inverter pulse shapes, which can then be used to fine-tune inverter efficiency. A choice of input modules covers voltage, current and sensor measurements at voltages up to 1000 V root mean square (RMS) and currents up to 5 A RMS (higher values are possible with external current sensors), with basic accuracy down to ±0.1%.
To evaluate three-phase electrical systems, at least three power measurement inputs are required. The PX8000 not only has four inputs but also enables the simultaneous capture and display of voltage and current across all three phases.
In addition to delivering precision power measurement to give true insight into energy consumption and performance, the PX8000 incorporates a number of innovative features that support the crucial measurement and analysis of transient power profiles. It provides simultaneous voltage and current multiplication to give real-time power sampling, supporting both transient measurement (as standard) and numerical values averaged across the sample period. Up to 16 different waveforms – including voltage, current and power – can be displayed side by side, giving engineers instant ‘snapshots’ of performance.
The PX8000 has built-in function for the direct calculation of derived parameters, such as RMS and mean power values, to enable the identification of cycle-by-cycle trends. The PX8000 provides graphical displays of voltage, current and power readings, which can be inspected for specific numerical values at any point or for calculating of average values over a specific period.
Yokogawa Europe BV (Companion Company)
+31 (0) 88 464 1811
Raster Orbital Scanning technology from Ocean Optics recognised at TASIA* Award
The Raster Orbital Scanning (ROS) feature of the IDRaman family of products from Ocean Optics has been recognised as one of 2013’s 15 best innovation technologies by The Analytical Scientist magazine, an industry publication. ROS is a novel Raman spectroscopy sampling technique that helps to derive more accurate and comprehensive measurement results. The IDRaman mini handheld Raman spectrometer and the IDRaman reader–integrated Raman spectrometer both feature ROS.
ROS increases the sensitivity of Raman measurements up to 10-fold by rastering a tightly focused laser beam over a larger area, encountering more Raman-active compounds. The reduction of the background by ROS provides a more accurate result and is especially ideal for applications like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Rastering a tightly focused beam allows the resolution of measurement to be mainlined, ensuring accuracy of applications that rely on library matching.
ROS offers the advantage of allowing higher laser powers to be used for measurement without damage to the sample. This supports the development of low-cost Raman detection in mainstream applications such as anti-counterfeit and medical diagnostics. By scanning a larger area with a the laser beam, The Analytical Scientist points out that conventional paper could be used as a SERS substrate for a point-of-care diagnostic tests, as opposed to pristine surfaces.
Ocean Optics
+31 26 319 0500
Miniature triaxial accelerometers can take the heat
With an operating temperature range from −54°C to +165°C, the Type 8766A miniature triaxial accelerometers from Kistler Instruments are ideal for use in harsh environments such as automotive engine bay and under vehicle measurements, aerospace subsystem vibration testing and industrial quality control applications.
The four models in the range, ±50, ±100, ±250 and ±500 g, use the Kistler PiezoStar® shear element design, which provides a wide operating frequency range and outstanding long-term precision and stability. The sensor design combines PiezoStar crystals and integral hybrid microelectronics to achieve very-low-sensitivity variation over the wide operating temperature range, compared with quartz and ceramic sensing element designs. The hermitically sealed, welded titanium, and ground isolated IP68 housing permit operation in harsh, dirty or wet environments, and a Transducer Electronics Data Sheet (TEDS) option is available to simplify installation and set-up.
Mounting by a central tapped hole on each of three sides of the cube design gives maximum mounting flexibility and allows the miniature 4-pin ceramic connector to be positioned throughout 360° for convenient cable orientation. Alternatively, wax, adhesive or magnetic mounting may be used where stud mounting is not possible. The Type 8766A triaxial accelerometers can be powered by any industry standard Integrated Electronic Piezoelectric (IEPE) compatible power source.
Kistler Instruments Limited
01256 741550
Changing the economics of leakage location with permanent monitoring
The new, next-generation version of HWM’s PermaNet leak detection and monitoring system represents a more compact, more efficient and more cost-effective way to combat water leakage. Permanently deployed Permalog® + leak noise loggers listen for the noise made by water leaking from pipes all day, every day, transmitting their data wirelessly back to a web server. It is an infinitely scalable system that saves time, man-hours and fuel – and enables a faster response to reduce leakage runtime and minimise water loss volume.
Working with ALMOS LEAK software, global positioning system (GPS) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data telemetry lets leakage teams constantly monitor their network status for instant response to incidents: logger location and data are overlaid on Google mapping, with leak alerts and data showing live onscreen in addition to being sent by email or SMS.
Historical data are always available for more thorough analysis of current or potential issues, allowing for easier, better and more economical control of problem areas. The effectiveness of Permalog technology has been proven all around the world – from Las Vegas to Beijing – and recent advances, including reduced GPRS data cost and a more compact unit housing, make remote network monitoring more cost-efficient than ever before.
HWM Water
Tel: +44 (0)1633 489 479
Allegro evaluation kit for 3-phase brushless DC motor driver IC
Now available from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a new product evaluation kit for helping customers during the design process for the company’s A4915 3-phase metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) controller integrated circuit (IC).
The evaluation kit consists of a printed circuit board (PCB) containing everything required to spin and control a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. All the user has to do is provide a voltage supply and the motor itself. The A4915 incorporates on-chip Hall commutation and a unique speed control input, which takes an analogue voltage and generates a pulse width–modulated (PWM) output with a variable duty cycle.
This arrangement makes it possible to efficiently control a BLDC motor with little or no microprocessing power, resulting in a 75% reduction in PCB space compared with alternative solutions on the market. The A4915 evaluation kit is fully compliant to 50 V and includes everything needed to spin a motor. Six all N-channel power MOSFETs are mounted on the evaluation kit and can supply 30 A peak and 20 A nominal run current at room temperature. If larger loads are needed, the A4915 has jumpers that disable the onboard bridge and provide connections for an external bridge.
Another feature on the board that is designed to make operation and evaluation simple is the onboard 5 V regulator, which creates the secondary supply for logic inputs. This new development kit is targeted at both the industrial and consumer markets with end applications to include power tools, lawn and garden equipment, pumps, ticketing and ATM machines and household appliances.
The A4915 development kit is available for both the 28-pin thin-shrink small outline package (TSSOP) with an exposed thermal pad (suffix LP) and a 28-contact 5 × 5 mm quad-flat no-leads (QFN) with an exposed thermal pad (suffix ET).
Allegro MicroSystems Europe Ltd
+33 (0) 4 50512359
mailto:
Labsphere
Labsphere expands Light Measurement Software compatibility
Labsphere’s Integral® Light Measurement Software collects, analyses and accesses data from Labsphere systems and hardware as well as components from other manufacturers used for solid-state light testing. The next-generation, Integral 1.2, now supports a wider range of instruments common in photometry laboratories, including Instrument Systems’ CAS 140* spectrometer.
Integral increases efficiency in laboratory and production environments by enabling a single user to manage the workflow of multiple light measurement systems. The system controls and automates testing and reporting of results for electrical, thermal and optical performance of solid-state lighting.
Integral now supports alternating current (AC) and DC power supplies and power meters from Keithley Instruments Inc.; Agilent Technologies; Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. (including QuadTech); Yokogawa Electric Corporation and XiTRON Technologies. It also supports temperature monitoring and control devices from OMEGA Engineering Inc. and Arroyo Instruments. For optical measurements, Integral supports all of Labsphere’s spectrometer products, and now Integral 1.2, which is an upcoming release, will support the Instrument Systems’ CAS 140 spectrometer.
Integral eliminates the need to install the software on computers or mobile devices. It runs seamlessly on the supplied Labsphere Cube (a small form-factor personal computer (PC) acting as a server) and can be accessed globally from multiple devices. Integral is included with Labsphere’s illumia®plus product line and supports functionalities such as LM-79 electrical and IESNA LM-82 testing.
Optional application programming interface (API) capabilities allow customers to adapt the software to match their unique requirements. Labsphere plans to continue expanding the list of supported test and measurement equipment in future releases of Integral.
Labsphere Inc
Technical Sales at +1-603-927-4266
Nikons in-process X-ray inspection improves quality control of circuit boards
Swiss-owned electronic and mechatronic systems manufacturer, ESCATEC, has deployed a new X-ray inspection machine that sits alongside two lines producing printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) at its factory in Heerbrugg. Supplied by Nikon Metrology, the XT V 160 machine is used for real-time, in-process quality control and replaces post-process X-ray inspection methodology. The in-line procedure is more efficient at detecting defects, has reduced the lead-time from order to delivery by 1 day, and optimises costs by freeing an operator and a test engineer to be deployed elsewhere in the factory.
Aimed mainly at the industrial and medical sectors, ESCATEC’s electronic systems are to be found in survey equipment, network analysers, medical respirators and similar top–end instruments. Such systems contain advanced, high-density PCBAs, including components such as ball grid arrays (BGAs), QFN interconnections, microchip carriers and fine pitch connectors.
Detection rates using the company’s two previous X-ray systems had fallen from 100% to around 70% over the past decade as the features of interest on PCBAs became smaller and more difficult to inspect. All boards produced were checked ½ day or 1 day after they were manufactured to determine whether they had passed or failed.
The Nikon Metrology equipment, with its ability to zoom in to 2400× magnification, once again allows all features to be investigated, despite their smaller size. Its installation, on the factory floor, just a few metres from two surface mount technology (SMT) production lines, has also brought a fundamental change to quality control at Heerbrugg in that it is now an in-process rather than a post-process function.
Nikon Metrology NV
+32 16 74 01 00
E-mail:
Web site: http://www.nikonmetrology.com
Non-intrusive flow measurement at extreme temperatures up to 400 °C and beyond
FLEXIM’s patented WaveInjector® clamp-on mounting fixture enables the non-intrusive ultrasonic flow measurement of liquids at extreme pipe wall temperatures ranging from as low as −190 °C up to 400°C and beyond. Since the WaveInjector is a purely mechanical solution, it can also be used – in conjunction with FLEXIM’s ATEX-, IEC- and FM-approved transducers and transmitters – within hazardous areas.
Thus, the WaveInjector realises long-time temperature stable, reliable and accurate clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurements at extreme temperatures in combination with the well-known advantages of the clamp-on ultrasonic technology: No process stops for installation combined with a virtually maintenance-free measurement.
Typical application areas where the WaveInjector is employed are found at liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, refineries or even molten salt flows at Central Solar Power plants – where pipe wall temperatures easily reach up to 580 °C. Moreover, as the pipe segment, where the WaveInjector is installed, will be reinsulated after installation, there are no thermal energy losses.
FLEXIM Instruments UK Ltd (Companion Company)
+44 (0)1606 781 420
Competency Assessment Management System
Safe operation of installations that potentially pose major hazards is dependent on the competence of the people operating, maintaining and managing these installations. With the introduction of the Control of Major Hazard Regulations (COMAH) 1999 it is no longer acceptable to make untested assumptions regarding staff competence.
HSE guidance requires assessment of sub-contractors, sub-sub-contractors and suppliers to ensure everyone has valid competency management. So if you are an end-user or if you are a sub-contractor you must be able to demonstrate your management of safety. You should have a suitable competency management system for your high-reliability safety systems and that you should assess your suppliers and your customers should assess you
CompSIS Competence assessment, provided by Protechnis gives
an independent competent and credible assessment service
whole safety system lifecycle approach for all personnel involved in hazardous area safety systems
systematic gap analysis of training, knowledge and practical abilities
competency assessment reporting
future reassessment and progression
assistance to develop company systems and procedures to enhance competencies
full compliance to IEC61508 and IEC 61511
Certification of competence
Our focus on methodology for assuring and developing competence throughout the safety lifecycle allows duty holders to objectively measure and demonstrate competence of staff.
Web: www.protechnis.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1642 713899