eNewsletter

April 2010

Efficient, User-Friendly Solar Systems Extend Wireless Sensor Network Capabilities
Advancements in power management technology have now yielded physically smaller and more efficient solar systems to power wireless sensor network applications using a range of commercially available sensors and radios. These radios are equipped with industrial I/O and high output power. Today, a small solar panel, power optimized radios, and duty-cycled sensors replace the traditional 80 watt solar panel and large batteries to provide a more convenient and longer-lasting solution.

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ProSoft Technology Releases New 802.11n Industrial Hotspot Radios
ProSoft Technology has introduced its new 802.11n Industrial Hotspot solutions, which provide greater flexibility and performance to a broad range of manufacturing and production applications. The 802.11n Industrial Hotspots improve performance for high-bandwidth video/voice applications and high packet-rate control applications. They provide better signal sensitivity and range in environments like mobile factory settings. Options are available to suit the application including Single (RLXIB-IHN), Dual (RLXIB-IH2N), and Watertight Dual (RLXIB-IH2N-W) Industrial Hotspots.

The radios utilize MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), a technology which uses up to three antennas to enable high-speed data rates up to 300 Mbps. Where concerns about network crowding exist, the radios can operate in the 5 GHz Band, which contains 23 non-overlapping channels. 5 GHz also provides an alternative to the 2.4 GHz band, which may have limited availability if already used in existing installations.

The 802.11n Dual Industrial Hotspot solutions provide two radios in one and only require a single Ethernet connection. The dual radios can be used in lieu of a repeater to extend the range of your wireless network without sacrificing speed.

RadioLinx WirelessN Discovery Tool is a configuration and monitoring tool for the RadioLinx 802.11n Industrial Hotspot radios. This configuration tool allows users to view network topology, assign IP addresses to radios for configuration, monitor network diagnostics, update radio firmware and detect the presence of other vendors’ 802.11 radios on the network. ProSoft Technology’s free OPC Server allows for HMI-based wireless network diagnostics. User selectable automatic or manual network configuration can be prioritized or fixed, with self-healing network and master redundancy for reliable large networks (e.g., SCADA).

Carlo Gavazzi’s New EM21 Series 3-in-1 Energy Monitoring Device
Carlo Gavazzi, Inc. has launched the EM21 series. This compact 3-phase energy meter is provided with a detachable, connector-less and battery-less display, which allows the user to configure the instrument for panel mounting (72 by 72 mm) or DIN-rail mounting, either as an energy meter or a transducer.  Typically the transducer would only be DIN rail mounted, whereas the meter could be DIN rail mounted or panel mounted, therefore this is truly three energy devices in one housing.

This three phase energy meter is suitable for both active and reactive energy metering for cost allocation, but also for main electrical parameter measurement and retransmission (transducer function). Current measurements are carried out by means of external current transformers. Voltage measurements carried out either by means of direct connection (up to 400 V) or by means of potential transformers. The EM21 series is provided with a pulse output for active energy retransmission. As an option, a two-wire RS485 communication port is also available. The EM21 series is compact and easy to install, thanks to its application-oriented programming procedure, downloadable setup software and the wrong phase-sequence warning.

Ethernet Direct Releases HUE-411S & HUE-413S Slim Industrial Five-Port Unmanaged Switch with Fiber Port
Ethernet Direct Corp, has launched its new class 1 division 2 compliant Industrial five-port unmanaged switch with fiber ports. The HUE-411S-CDU, HUE-411SE-CDU, HUE-413S-CDU and HUE-413SE-CDU are a series of entry-level industrial five-port slim unmanaged Ethernet switches with one fiber port in either multi-mode or single mode version.

With the optic port, the HUE-411S series transmits data at high speed for long distances up to 2 km with an SC connector, which the HUE-413-S series can transmit up to 30 km distance. The compact switch is equipped with a relay output alarm design. It supports 12 to 48 VDC redundant power inputs and is secured with power polarity reverse protection and overload current protection. With a IP-30 housing and wide operating temperature of -10 to 70°C, HUE-411S and HUE-413S series are especially suitable for automation applications. The E version temperature is -40°C to 80°C.

The value and uniqueness of the new HUE-411S and HUE-413S is the compliance to Class 1 Division 2 for hazardous environments. These switches guarantees the confidence needed during mission critical applications while also providing low cost of ownership.

Rabbit Introduces Wireless Communications and Control System on Chip for Industrial Automation Applications
Rabbit has introduced the Rabbit 6000, an embedded wireless communications and control System on Chip (SoC) well suited for industrial automation applications.  The Rabbit 6000 combines wireless communications and an industrial control feature set on a single chip to reduce the time to market of network-enabled industrial devices.

The Rabbit 6000 features integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet and secure 802.11a/b/g with WPA2 support for security.  It offers an industrial control feature set that includes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) and Quadrature decoder outputs for efficient industrial motor control, and an on board analog-to-digital (A/D) converter with 12-bit resolution to enable measurement of sensor data such as water, temperature and humidity.  It also features USB 2.0 full-speed host and two on-board Flexible Interface Modules (FIMs) that enable further protocol support such as CANbus, Secure Digital (SD) and Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO).

Swann Announces Next Generation of Digital Wireless Surveillance
Swann Security has released the newest addition to its Advanced Digital Wireless range, the ADW-400 Digital Guardian Camera and Recorder. This plug and play security kit pairs a high-resolution wireless camera with a digital recorder that creates a completely secure DIY surveillance solution.

Most traditional analog wireless surveillance systems suffer from interference caused by a myriad of wireless devices. Swann’s digital wireless technology delivers interference free, crystal clear video that is 100 percent secure thanks to an encrypted digital signal. 

The ADW-400’s camera is high resolution and records in 300 TV lines of resolution. It features a night vision distance of 26 inches via 24 Infra-red LEDs, motion detection, a built in microphone capable of recording audio up to 9 feet and a digital wireless transmission range of 65 feet. The DVR records over three hours of continuous footage on a 2 GB SC card, while supporting up to a 32 GB SC card for up to 48 hours of footage. Videos are captured as MJEPGS and can be transferred via SD cards.

PcVue Wins 2010 Kinetic Process Innovation Award for Iberdrola Renewables’ Application
PcVue and Iberdrola Renewables, the largest provider of wind power in the world, have won a first-place Process Innovation Award. The Process Innovation Awards focus on the business benefits user organizations derive from their technology systems. For Iberdrola Renewables, PcVue SCADA Software supervises and controls modern wind power systems and has streamlined maintenance of the wind power systems and centralized all the information from remotely controlled plants. The collaboration between these two companies has led them to be able to manage remote wind power installations and reduce costs.

Now in its 13th year, the Awards program recognizes excellence in manufacturing automation technology. PcVue was selected by an independent panel of industry experts based on process improvements that lead to gains in at least one of the following areas: productivity, profitability, ability to adapt to market conditions or competitive standing/market share.  The awards are bestowed on organizations that apply the technology in innovative industries, such as green manufacturing and renewable energy. 

SkyTerra Communications, Inc. Receives Federal Communications Commission Approval for Merger with Harbinger
SkyTerra has received approval from the International Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the transfer of control of the company to Harbinger. The previously announced merger agreement between SkyTerra and Harbinger calls for SkyTerra to be acquired by a new corporation formed and indirectly wholly-owned by Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. With both FCC and stockholder approvals now complete, the transaction is expected to close as soon as practicable following the satisfaction of all the conditions to closing.

On a separate item, the FCC’s International Bureau also granted SkyTerra’s application for a modification of certain terms of its ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) authorization.  This approval allows SkyTerra to implement its cooperative agreement with Inmarsat and deploy a robust terrestrial mobile broadband network, which will be integrated with SkyTerra’s satellite network.

Future Hope for Domestic PLC Brands in China
Most Chinese users of PLCs tend to favor foreign brands, however, the proportion of domestic PLC is forecast to rise slightly, according to the results of a latest China-focused market report from IMS Research. Market analyst Alex Hong commented, “For historical reasons, Chinese domestic PLC suppliers entered the market much later than foreign brands. The well established distribution channel and brand awareness of foreign PLCs, hindered the entry of domestic suppliers.”

“Technology is no longer a problem.” Hong added, “Local PLC suppliers are now capable of producing their own high-end PLC products. However, accessing a suitable customer base has often been shown to be a limiting factor; as high-end PLCs are usually sold as a part of a more complete control system with other automation components, such as operator terminals, motor drives, industrial PCs and motion controllers. Local PLC suppliers cannot offer a complete production line like their large foreign competitors. As a result, local suppliers are tending to put more effort in serving machine builders, who are willing and able to purchase simpler PLC products as commodities.”

With limited finance and research ability, local suppliers are trying to find their own path to avoid conflict with powerful foreign suppliers. Usually targeting a niche market, a number of domestic companies are taking advantage of their cheap labour force to offer a solution to their clients. The solution is usually combined with several different automation components as a small system, in line with the users’ requirements, at an affordable price.

Domestic PLC brands are estimated to account for less than 5 percent of the total China market. However, its share is forecast to grow in the near future.

Remote 2010 Conference and Expo Preliminary Program Announced

The Remote 2010 Conference and Expo is a highly focused event covering the leading advancements for the monitoring and management of distributed equipment and facilities, remote assets, infrastructure, automated process & system controls and device networks.
The conference program evolves every year to feature more than 25 presentations on the latest advancements in the industry and we are we are pleased to announce the preliminary sessions for 2010. More sessions to come!

Click Here to Read Full Presentation Descriptions.

April/May 2010 Issue

• Plains Exploration & Production Company Anticipates Significant Benefits from Wireless Installation
• Intelligent Design Enables Conservation
• Assuring Data Center Uptimewith Smart Power Protection and Monitoring
• Efficient, User-Friendly Solar Systems Extend Wireless Sensor Network Capabilities
• Solar Power's Potential is Driving System Efficiency
• Industry Insight: Interview with Donald Gilligan of NAESCO
• Editor's Choice
• New Products and Services

Click Here to Download This Issue

April 2010
18-21, CIO Utilities Summit, Scottsdale, Az. Contact www.cioutilitiessummit.com

19-22, 2010 IEEE PES T&D Confrence and Expo, New Orleans, La. Contact www.ieeet-d.org

25-29, Interop Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.interop.com

25-29, Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference, Phoenix, Az. Contact www.gita.org

26-28, Field Service 2010, Scottsdale, Az. Contact www.fieldservice2010.com

28-29, 2010 Industrial Automation Safety and Security Symposium, New Orleans, La. Contact www.isa.org

May 2010
3-6, Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas. Contact www.otcnet.org

10-12, Automation Technology Egpyt, Cairo, Egypt. Contact www.at.com.eg

11-12, Smart Grid Road Show, Cincinnati, Oh. Contact www.smartgridroadshow.com

17-19, US DoE Cyber Security Training Conference, Atlanta, Ga. Contact http://cio.energy.gov

18-20, Electric Power Conference, Baltimore, Md. Contact www.electricpowerexpo.com

23-26, UTC Telecom 2010, Indianapolis, In. Contact www.utctelecom2010.utc.org

24-27, Connectivity Week, Santa Clara, Calif. Contact www.connectivityweek.com

26-28, Transmission & Distribution Summit EMEA 2010, Cannes, France. Contact www.td-summit.com

The Technology World in One Location!
Top design engineers, system engineers and technical managers from multiple markets and industries will be converging in Dallas this fall, October 18-20, to attend six leading technical events that are being co-located for the first time ever. Make plans today to attend!

Battery Power 2010 • Thermal Management & Technology Symposium
REMOTE Site & Equipment Management 2010 • Energy Efficiency Expo 2010
Antenna Systems 2010 • Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding Expo

UTC TELECOM 2010
May 23-26, 2010
Indianapolis, IN

Is your utility looking for ways to work smarter? Is your utility leveraging existing technologies? Is your utility planning future communications needs? Is your utility implementing a new product or service that could benefit from best practices? Continuing education addresses these concerns and is VITAL to improving operations, efficiency, service, a competitive edge. Attend UTC TELECOM 2010 scheduled for May 23-26, 2010 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN to make sure you stay on top of these issues.  The program includes these critical education paths: Critical Infrastructure Security Symposium,  Emerging Technologies Symposium, Smart Grid Symposium, Wireless Symposium, Business Development Symposium, Enterprise IT Symposium and Automatic Control Systems Symposium and can be found at www.utctelecom2010.utc.org.

Connectivity Week
May 24-27, 2010
Santa Clara, CA

Focused on implementation technologies, business development and market growth, the fifth annual ConnectivityWeek is held in Silicon Valley in the midst of the cleantech innovation community and is recognized as a key conference for the application of ICT (Information Communication Technology) for energy management and efficiency.

In a unique format dedicated to connecting people, ConnectivityWeek blends ICT with an array of vertical applications, technical discussions and application strategies into a cohesive understanding of how smart, connected devices and systems will shape our future, spanning all the major industries and energy consumption areas of commercial, residential, industrial and infrastructure.

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 7-9, 2010
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont, IL

For 24 Years, Sensors Expo & Conference Has Been the Leading Industry Event Focusing Exclusively on Sensors & Sensor-Integrated Systems!  The in-depth conference program features the world's leading authorities, in a carefully designed program, including topics such as: Energy Harvesting, Wireless Networking, Low-Power Sensing, Bio-Sensing, MEMS & MCUs, Monitoring Tools & Applications, Novel Approaches to Measurement, Power/Smart Grid Monitoring & Control, and more!  PLUS – save months of time researching, by examining solutions to your toughest sensing challenges from best-in-class vendors on the Expo floor!  Whether you're looking to find the latest sensing solutions, evaluate emerging standards, find and compare suppliers, or solve new design challenges, you can't afford to miss Sensors Expo & Conference!  Visit www.sensorsexpo.com for details!

Remote Device Monitoring Summit
June 21-23, 2010
San Jose, Calif.

RSEM has arranged for a special discount to attend IQPC’s 7th Annual Remote Device Monitoring Summit on June 21-23 in San Jose. Mention the code RDRSEM3 and receive 20% off the standard all access price. Attend this cross-industry event to network with industry thought leaders in prognostics, data analytics, services marketing and remote tools in highly complex environments. This summit will serve as a roadmap for remote service deployment combining both business and technology aspects of deployment projects. To learn more about the event, view the program brochure.

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