eNewsletter

May 2010

Plains Exploration & Production Company Anticipates Significant Benefits from Wireless Installation

In the San Joaquin, the nutrient-rich soil from which an estimated 12 percent of the nation’s agricultural products are derived also happens to be the largest petroleum producing region in the state. These vastly different industries converge in the South Belridge Field just outside of Bakersfield, Calif. where the sight of cattle grazing between wells can be seen. It is here that Plains Exploration & Production (PXP) Company transformed their steam injection metering and data acquisition systems into a highly sophisticated, automated process comprised of a large network of WirelessHART transmitters and industrial broadband radios.

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Create point to multipoint configurations of wireless Ethernet networks with Banner Engineering's SureCross™ DXER9 Ethernet Data Radio

The DXER9 industrial grade, long-range 900 MHz radio is designed for industrial applications and will perform reliably in applications that prove too noisy or too far for standard WiFi based systems. Key features of the SureCross Ethernet Data Radio include:

• 900 MHz high-gain system has over 10 times the range of a WiFi network
• 10+ mile range outside line of sight
• 1500+ foot range indoors—900 MHz penetrates walls easily
• 128-bit AES encryption for Ethernet data packets
• Sub-block error detection and retransmission
• Automatic scan or manual override for the best of 12 communication channels
• Indicator LEDs for channel selection and signal strength
• Point to multipoint configurations with up to 16 subscriber units
• Up to 12 access points per site provides a total of 192 points
• User configuration via internal web page
• Built-in spectrum analyzer and firmware upgrading
• 900 MHz system does not interfere with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks

For more information please visit: www.BannerEngineering.com/dataradio  

OSI Releases ISIS Serial Security Solution for Utility Industry Communications Networks
Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI) has released the ISIS (Inline-Serial-Information-Shield), OSI’s new security solution for utility industry serial communications channels. Part of the OSI Security Shield suite of products, ISIS is a fully NERC, FERC and NIST compliant serial security solution designed to integrate with the existing serial communications infrastructures currently utilized by the electric, gas, water, transportation and chemical processing industries; as well as other critical  industries with similar communications and security requirements.

Representing a major addition to any utility’s complex security strategy, ISIS applies a wide range of regulatory-focused features and benefits to existing serial communications infrastructures including user-configurable 128, 192 and 256-bit serial data encryption, based on the US Government adopted Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), symmetric key encryption algorithms as required by the NIST Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Level 2, as well as NERC CIP mandated time-stamping and nonvolatile memory storage of multiple security logs and event types that include privilege drops, configuration changes, reboots, password changes and new encryption key modifications.

ISIS is designed to be effectively monitored and operated from a central location over the same channel as protocol traffic. This allows security and event logs to be sent to and consolidated at the master control unit and for encryption keys and password changes to be easily managed without requiring additional communications pathways, or the time and cost intensive process of sending staff and equipment to remote locations.

Chloride Environmental Sensor Acts as a Mini Building Monitoring System for Remote UPS Sites
Until now, environmental monitoring of remote replicated sites required the deployment of a dedicated environment or building monitoring dystem at costs of five thousand dollars or more per site. To help make BMS-style device monitoring affordable at smaller remote sites, Chloride North America has released its Environment Sensor accessory module as an add-on to any Chloride UPS systems fitted with company’s ManageUPS NET adapter, an SNMP/WEB card with event logging, network server shutdown and other features.

The Environmental Sensor is designed to continuously monitor ambient temperature and relative humidity levels in UPS rooms, communications closets or IT racks fitted with Chloride UPS and ManageUPSnet adapter.  However, since each sensor can also read status of volt-free contacts, and multiple sensors can be deployed up to 300-feet away from the ManageUPS NET adapter, the Chloride UPS Management system can bring BMS-like remote monitoring capabilities to any device that communicates status via standard volt-free (dry) relay contact points including enclosure doors, generators, air conditioning units and light sensors. Several additional sensor modules can be connected to enable the monitoring of multiple zones or devices from a single UPS network adapter, making the solution well suited  for monitoring critical systems in remote site environments.

FreeWave Introduces License-Free Spread Spectrum Radio for Long-Range Wireless Data Communication
FreeWave Technologies has released the new FGR2-PE, a data radio well suited for smart grid and renewable energy, that offers industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. In addition, the FGR2-PE is well suited for similar SCADA applications in other vertical markets such as oil and gas or water/wastewater.

The FGR2-PE is compatible with other FreeWave FGR plus family radios and offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports to meet the demands of customers’ wireless automation requirements. The combination of two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports offers customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, or operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform. This flexibility of the FGR2-PE product also reduces the need for additional hardware.

The FGR2-PE features improved noise rejection and other enhancements to maintain a reliable wireless serial or Ethernet communication even over long distances or in congested RF environments. An industrial-grade, small and rugged enclosure offers mounting and installation versatility, including a DIN rail mounting option, with all connectors conveniently located on one side of the enclosure. Additionally, integrated security options, AES encryption, and propriety spread spectrum technology provide secure wireless data communication links to mission critical network functions.

Radio Waves Announces 1.8 GHz SP Dish Antennas for Smart Grid
Radio Waves, Inc., has released a new line of SP microwave antennas called the SPX-1.8NS series, which operate from 1.7 to 1.9 GHz. These antennas cover a number of services including the Canadian smart grid network band of 1,800 to 1,830 MHz and the US federal government band of 1,755 to 1,850 MHz. The frequency range of 1.7 to 1.9 GHz also covers some international bands utilized for public safety and other government applications in certain countries. The SPX-1.8NS series of microwave dishes is available in all sizes from 1 foot to 8 feet in diameter.

“We wanted to support customers in the Canadian smart grid network markets that need to deploy systems in this new band shortly,” said Andy Singer, executive vice president, Radio Waves. “Radio Waves design and manufacturing flexibility allows us to offer these 1.7 to 1.9 GHz microwave antennas dishes quickly, so that these important networks can be deployed as soon as radios are available.”

SolaHD Introduces Industrial-Grade UPS in Capacities Up To 3,000 VA
SolaHD has unveiled its S4K2UC UPS that incorporates a combination of true on-line, double conversion technology contained within a rugged, compact chassis for industrial computing environments. SolaHD is offering models in 120 V or 230 V configurations from 700 VA to 3,000 VA of capacity.

The S4K2UC UPS systems can be mounted directly into any standard 19-inch rack, occupying 2U of rack space, as well as be floor mounted for standalone use. Matching external battery cabinets in 2U height are also offered to achieve additional backup time.

The S4K2UC is designed to deliver continuous power to connected equipment with no break or transferring to a battery. Its rated output power factor of 0.9 is a superior match with switch mode power supplies, which results in more efficient utilization of the UPS.

WERF Unsolicited Research Program Provides $500,000 for New Water Quality Research
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is accepting pre-proposals under its 2010 Unsolicited Research Program. WERF is providing $500,000 to fund pioneering research that significantly advances our understanding of today's most pressing water quality issues and provides practical solutions to the challenges facing wastewater and storm water programs. WERF will also consider proposals that take existing research to the next level of completion.

Proposers are invited to submit pre-proposals on topics consistent with WERF's ongoing efforts to advance science and technology addressing water quality issues as they impact water resources, the atmosphere, the land and quality of life. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to conveyance systems, wastewater treatment, reuse, solids management, condition assessment and infrastructure management, energy efficiency, decentralized collection and treatment systems, risk assessment and communication, watershed management and water quality; and other emerging issues. Visit WERF's website at www.werf.org/search for a list of ongoing, completed, and planned research, as this will help proposers avoid duplication.

All pre-proposals are due in WERF's offices by 5:00 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2010.

Survalent Technology Commissions New SCADA System for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative
Survalent Technology has commissioned a new SCADA system for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. North Arkansas Electric Cooperative serves approximately 35,000 member accounts in Arkansas. With over 4,500 miles of power line and 25 different substation sites, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative provides electric service in parts of seven different counties.
The new system features Survalent’s highly available, dual-redundant, open-architecture system based on Windows Server 2008.  It includes Survalent’s MultiSpeak 3.0 real-time interfaces for Engineering Analysis, Outage Analysis, GIS, Load Management and batch GIS import. The system was also commissioned with Survalent’s WebSurv solution, a powerful application to serve real-time SCADA information to users via web browser, and without the need for custom installation or maintenance.

CalAmp Agrees to Lease Private 900 MHz Radio Spectrum from Space Data
CalAmp Corp. has entered into an agreement with Space Data Radio, LLC to lease a 100 kHz portion of licensed 900 MHz radio frequency spectrum across the entire US, subject to execution of a definitive agreement and FCC filings.

The agreement gives CalAmp access to nationwide private spectrum in the 901.9 to 902 MHz band for bundling with wireless communication systems designed for applications in utility, public safety, oil and gas, and other markets.  This 100 kHz of spectrum is directly adjacent to the 902 to 928 MHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band and is well suited for applications such as SmartGrid.  CalAmp plans to combine the spectrum with its licensed narrowband IP products such as Viper, as well as a hybrid version of its Sentry 4G-900 WiMAX-based broadband platform.

SkyTerra Completes Acquisition by Harbringer Capital Partners
SkyTerra Communications, Inc. has announced the completion of its acquisition by an affiliate of Harbinger Capital Partners. The take-private transaction was accomplished via merger for approximately $262.5 million in cash, or $5.00 per share, pursuant to a previously disclosed merger agreement entered into on September 23, 2009.

The all-cash merger represents an approximately 56 percent premium over the average closing price of SkyTerra’s common stock for the 30 days ended September 22, 2009, the last day before the announcement of entry into the Agreement. After taking into account SkyTerra’s outstanding debt and securities held by Harbinger’s affiliates, the transaction represents a total enterprise value of approximately $1.849 billion.

Approximately 91 percent of the outstanding shares were voted in favor of the agreement. It was also approved by approximately 82 percent of the shares other than shares owned by Harbinger’s affiliates, any director or officer of SkyTerra and any of their respective affiliates and the Escrowed Shares.

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.

May 2010
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

June 2010
7-9, 2010 Sensors Expo & Conference, Chicago, Il. Contact www.sensorsexpo.com

7-10, ISCe 2010, Braunschweig, Germany. Contact www.isce2010.org

14-17, E2S2 2010, Denver, Co. Contact www.e2s2.ndia.org

15-16, West Coast Energy Management Congress, Seattle, Wash. Contact www.energyevent.com

15-18, M2M Connected World, Chicago, Ill. Contact www.m2mmag.com

20-24, AWWA ACE 2010, Chicago, Ill. Contact www.awwa.org

21-23, Remote Device Monitoring Summit, San Jose, CA. Contact www.remotedevicesummit.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

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.

IQPC’s Critical Infrastructure Summit
June 21-23, 2010
Washington DC

IQPC’s Critical Infrastructure Summit will address the complexity of protecting your assets from new threats while maintaining the "openness" that allows firms to maximize commercial potential of smart grid and other internet drive technologies. Taking place on June 21-23 in Washington, DC, the summit will review how you can safeguard your systems and meet compliance goals while maximizing commercial opportunities. Attend this industry leading summit to learn how to elevate your security systems and stay ahead of the range of risks inherent to security breach. Mention the code CISSRSEMNL and receive 20% off the standard all access price. To register, contact Samara Chughtai at 212-885-2738. To download the brochure, visit http://tinyurl.com/2vg8adw

SEMICON West 2010
July 13-15, 2010
Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA

SEMICON West 2010 will be the hub of activity for products and technologies for the design and manufacture of microelectronics, the microelectronics supply chain, and emerging markets and technologies.  Hear keynote speakers from Intel, Applied Materials, IBM, and LAM.  Attend the Extreme Electronics mini-conferences on MEMS, photovoltaics, flexible electronics and displays, nano-electronics, and solid state lighting (LEDs). Spend time at the TechXPOTs, which feature sessions on key industry segments, technologies, and trends, or the new TechSITEs with short sessions on a wide variety of topics and invited technical presentations and non-commercial exhibitor demonstrations.  Stop by the exhibitor booths.  Be part of the excitement. Join the thousands of semiconductor professionals this year at SEMICON West. www.semiconwest.org

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