march 2011

Feature Article

Wireless Helps Municipal and Military Agencies Hang-Up on Hardwire Circuits
Countless reasons exist for going wireless, recent fires in California have motivated several water utility agencies including Rancho Santa Fe Irrigation District in San Diego County, to move away from using hard-wired or telephone based communication for SCADA and Telemetry applications. Also, the military has been upgrading their infrastructure at bases like Camp Pendleton which is vast and sprawling complexes where maintaining and expanding wired infrastructure is costly and more labor intensive than going with wireless solutions. The purpose of this article is to compare and contrast traditional wired sensor and pump/valve controller applications with wireless alternatives for engineers, operators and maintenance personnel to consider as they face the challenge of migrating from old to new technologies.

Click Here to Read Full Article

CyberLock Delivers Access and Key Control Wherever it’s Needed
CyberLock, manufactured by Videx (www.cyberlock.com), is a system of electronic locks and keys that quickly brings electronic access and key control to buildings and equipment located at isolated sites where there is no access to power. CyberLock features electronic lock cylinders that install without wiring and programmable electronic keys that cannot be duplicated.

CyberLock is unique in that it uses the mechanical lock hardware that is already in place. You can quickly convert an existing mechanical lock to a full-featured access control system, simply by removing the mechanical lock’s cylinder and replacing it with a CyberLock electronic cylinder. CyberLocks can be found in lock hardware on substations and control rooms, server and RTU cabinets, utility vaults, and in padlocks on perimeter gates nearly anywhere a lock is present.
           
CyberLock allows a company to track service technicians and vendors that come and go at their various sites. The system’s electronic locks and keys record openings and exceptions such as unauthorized attempts to gain access. Management can know where each key has been used, how it has been used, and by whom. It’s this detailed audit reporting that makes the CyberLock system very powerful.

With CyberLock, a company quickly gains key control by issuing an electronic key to each authorized contractor and employee that needs access to sensitive areas. Each electronic key can be programmed to open selected locks and padlocks on specific days and only during certain times on those days. Each person’s electronic key contains the access permissions they need to do their particular job. Keys can be set with a date to begin operation as well as an expiration date. The electronic key cannot be copied and a missing key can be quickly deactivated from accessing any locks.

With over 255 electronic lock cylinder designs, and a family of electronic padlocks with the same access and auditing capabilities, CyberLock delivers access control wherever it’s needed.

About Videx
Established in 1979, Videx is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of access control and security products. Videx products are shipped directly from their headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon to customers worldwide. For information about CyberLock, please contact Videx by phone at (541) 758-0521, by fax at (541) 752-5285, by email at sales@videx.com, or visit our web site at: www.videx.com/lock28.

Job Opening

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) seeks a professional, innovative, and detailed individual for our Application Engineer - Security Emphasis position located in Alexandria, VA. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply and practice your skills as a Protection and/or Automation Engineer in the area of security, then this position is for you!

Requirements: B.S.E.E.; 3+ years working experience with security of control systems for critical infrastructure; possess GSEC, CISSP, or similar security certification; willingness to travel up to 35%; and excellent technical training, speaking, and writing skills.

To Apply: Please submit your resume online to: www.selinc.com/careers/applynow.aspx.

Remote Site Operators: Protect Critical Infrastructure, Reduce False Alarms, Supervise Sites Remotely

From the energy that brings light into our homes to the clean water we drink, our nation’s critical infrastructure supports the quality of life we often take for granted. One malicious attack can be devastating to an entire population. It can leave residents and commercial businesses without water, electricity, and gas or other precious resources that can disrupt the continuity of our everyday life.

Let's face it...In order to solve common remote site security problems you have to be able to see the problem. Where triggered alarms cause false positives, real-time remote video surveillance provides live visual verification. Whether you’re a field technician, remote site operator or dispatcher you are extremely busy running critical systems. Regardless of these concerns or disruptions, you need a remote video surveillance solution that is highly reliable, interoperable and virtually accessible to your entire staff: out in the field, in the office and on-the-go.

When remote sites are understaffed, supervisors are overworked, and your staff simply can’t effectively monitor equipment or remote sites, Iveda Solutions can help…
 
Iveda Solutions is an online provider of real-time remote video surveillance and centralized video management services. Simply put, using security cameras at your remote sites, they can provide live remote video surveillance when you can’t. Their technology and services act as a virtual guard allowing you, your staff or their intervention specialists to perform simultaneous visual spot checks to any number of disparate, critical sites. From one camera at a remote site to hundreds around the world, each camera can be accessed from one secure login from any Internet-enabled device anywhere...

Iveda Solutions’ services are ideal for remote sites and critical infrastructure protection. By leveraging your existing camera system Iveda Solution’s intervention specialists can deter, detect and report suspicious activities to first responders as events unfold. Real-time remote video surveillance is live, not after-the-fact.

Don’t just let your cameras record crimes, let Iveda Solutions catch criminals in the act. You can remotely watch your sites 24/7 or Iveda Solutions can watch them for you. Protect what’s most important by choosing the only provider of real-time remote video surveillance and centralized video management services that is SAFETY Act Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The human element behind the technology makes this remote site application more than just a security solution.

Click here to receive your FREE Case Study on Cloud Computing and learn how Iveda Solutions & FLIR thermal cameras helped one of Mesa, Arizona’s critical sub-stations enhance their security.
 
www.ivedasolutions.com/remote

WirelessHART Gateway with Integrated WLAN Backhaul Increases Flexibility of Existing HART Networks
Phoenix Contact’s new WirelessHART gateway features an integrated 802.11b/g WLAN transceiver; the rail-mount gateway can increase the reliability and flexibility of an existing HART network. The 45 mm-wide RAD-WHG/WLAN-XD connects up to 250 WirelessHART field devices, converting HART data to Modbus TCP for integration into almost any host system. The integrated WLAN can serve as the backhaul connection, allowing the gateway to be installed in the field closer to the monitored devices. This allows the user to create a clustered network topology, effectively creating several smaller WirelessHART networks with a wireless connection to the host system.

To maintain a secure connection, the gateway uses the 802.11i (WPA2) standard with 128-bit AES encryption to protect the WLAN data. The WLAN transceiver can also be disabled, and the host connection made via the wired Ethernet port. All programming and diagnostics can be accessed via an embedded web server. The RAD-WHG/WLAN-XD can also be programmed using a HART handheld programmer.

Laird Technologies Releases New CL400 Wireless Ethernet Bridge
Laird Technologies, Inc. has released  its new CL400 wireless Ethernet bridge. Based on Laird’s WISM+ 802.11 embedded module, the CL400 provides data throughput and security in a point-to-point network. It is designed for the M2M and industrial market segments by delivering a wireless Ethernet bridge that extends the range of networks beyond the reach of traditional 802.11 access points.

Available with an AC power adapter, standard RJ-45 Ethernet jack and antennas, the CL400 comes prepackaged with all necessary accessories. With no configuration necessary, users can plug in their Ethernet cable to apply power and have a wireless bridge at a distance up to one mile and speeds up to 11 Mbps.

Optimized for point-to-point bridge connections the CL400 starter pack come pre-configured to communicate over a WPA2-CCMP encrypted secure 802.11 RF channel. The device will optimize link speeds according to the RF conditions and distances between the units.

Encased in a field proven hardened metal enclosure and capable of operating over temperatures -20°C to 70°C, it can be stored at temperatures of -40°C to 85°C. The CL400 is also FCC/IC certified.

Sub-Microamp Quiescent Current LDOs Extend Battery Life in Wireless Devices
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has introduced four low-dropout regulators (LDOs) that address the size, power dissipation and power-supply-rejection requirements of wireless mobile devices. The ADP160, ADP161, ADP162 and ADP163 ultra-low-quiescent-current LDOs extend the battery life of portable devices by drawing only 560 nA (typical) at no load and 42 μA of quiescent current (typical) at full load. These LDOs provide 70 dB PSRR (power-supply-rejection ratio) at 60 Hz, which is more than twice that of competing LDOs at full load current. The ADP16x series LDOs are designed for applications such as power meter reader/data terminals, portable industrial, measurement devices and remotely located equipment operating from batteries or solar power.

The ADP160, ADP161, ADP162 and ADP163 LDOs provide up to 150 mA of output current and operate from 2.2 V to 5.5 V supplies. The ADP160 and ADP162 fixed-output voltage and ADP161 and ADP163 adjustable-output voltage regulators are available in TSOT (thin–small-outline transistor) packages, while the ADP160 and ADP162 are additionally available in WLCSP (wafer-level, chip-scale package) packages. The ADP160 and ADP161 also include an output switch to discharge the output load capacitor to zero volts when the device is turned off to ensure microcontrollers are in a known state for restart.

Axis Increases Visibility with Infrared Illuminators for Popular Outdoor Fixed Dome Network Cameras
Axis Communications has released a high-intensity infrared illuminator for outdoor versions of AXIS P33 Fixed Dome network cameras. The outdoor-ready AXIS T90C Fixed Dome IR-LEDs enable the cameras to deliver high-quality images by increasing visibility in darkness.

AXIS T90C IR-LED provides fixed angle illumination for the outdoor, vandal-resistant cameras in the AXIS P33 series including the AXIS P3343-VE, AXIS P3344-VE and AXIS P3346-VE Fixed Dome network cameras. The illuminator is controlled by a visible light sensor, which automatically turns the infrared light on when it detects darkness. The product has pre-mounted cables and is available in two versions, AXIS T90AC10 Fixed Dome IR-LED, which can be powered by low voltage DC input, and AXIS T90AC20 Fixed Dome IR-LED, which supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE 802.3af) for easy installation.

The IR illuminators feature eight powerful high-intensity LEDs that provide a wide-angle light beam giving an AXIS P33 series camera a viewing range of 67 to 82 feet in complete darkness. Using the latest technology, the new IR illuminators offer long-life performance, low power consumption of less than 15 W and require no additional maintenance.

Lantronix Enhances Its Standards-Based Evolution Operating System
Lantronix has released the next generation of its Evolution Operating System (OS). Evolution OS 5.2 brings open standards, extensible technologies and enterprise-grade networking security to a variety of Lantronix devices including XPort Pro and EDS 1100/2100.

Providing the backbone for many of Lantronix’ products, Evolution OS 5.2 uses industry-standard methods for configuration, communication and control to facilitate quick deployment. Evolution OS-based products are now compatible with AccessMyDevice, an enterprise-grade, Internet-centric solution that allows business and technology professionals to view, manage and control the data from virtually any device from a Web browser or another machine.

New features in Evolution OS 5.2 include network stack enhancements in SNMP and DHCP, enhanced logging and diagnostics for improved field support, support for the industrial automation standard Modbus on XPort Pro and EDS1100/2100 products and enterprise-grade networking security. The Software Development Kit (SDK) has also been updated. The SDK offers developers a flexible way to customize Evolution OS-based products.

Smart Grid’s HAN Market to Hit $750 Million by 2015 According to New Report
GTM Research forecasts the HAN and Home Energy Management market to grow nearly 90 percent from $400 million in 2011 to over $750 million in 2015. The market’s scaling potential is buoyed by the need for utilities to provide compelling consumer energy services in parallel with their projected $16.7 billion smart meter rollout over the next five years.

Smart Grid HAN Strategy Report 2011: Technologies, Market Forecast and Leading Players provides in-depth investigation of smart grid HAN and Home Energy Management. It examines the utility and consumer-case for targeted investment in the home, investigates technologies and standards, and includes industry forecasts and vendor profiles.

Prominent utilities that have learned painful lessons about the limitations of smart meters include PG&E, whose 2007 smart meter deployment in Bakersfield, Calif. resulted in a ratepayer lawsuit against the utility, and Xcel Energy, which recently faced off with the city of Boulder, Colo. over the benefits of its SmartGridCity project. 

Landis+Gyr Chosen by China to Help Build World’s Largest Smart Grid
Landis+Gyr has been selected by the State Grid Corp. of China, the country’s leading power grid operator, to supply over 10,000 commercial and industrial advanced electricity meters for upcoming deployment in six provinces. Landis+Gyr was the only international smart meter vendor to win a contract to supply the polyphase commercial and industrial smart meters, which will provide added digital accuracy and reliability. Twenty-five meter suppliers competed in the bidding process, widely seen as the first phase in a larger and more ambitious country-wide deployment.

“It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of this initial contract given the State Grid Corp. of China’s stated determination to build a smart grid in the areas it operates,” said Oliver Iltisberger, Landis+Gyr’s executive vice president of the Asia Pacific region.  “Landis+Gyr are thrilled at the prospect of partnering with the State Grid Corp. to help Chinese businesses and consumers manage energy better in the world’s fastest growing economy.”

In March 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for “pushing forward with building a smart grid” in an annual report to the National People’s Congress.  Landis+Gyr is helping design the smart grid by connecting utilities and consumers around the world via smart meters, devices that provide two-way communication designed to save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

GE Intelligent Platforms Acquires SmartSignal Corp.
GE Intelligent Platforms has completed the acquisition of SmartSignal, a privately-held, analytics software company. SmartSignal specializes in providing remote monitoring and diagnostics solutions to the power generation, oil and gas and other industrial sectors. SmartSignal is a provider of predictive diagnostic software and monitoring services used to anticipate, prevent and avoid equipment failure.

“The acquisition of SmartSignal shows our commitment to continue investing in GE Intelligent Platforms’ Software and Services business, and will serve as an important catalyst to rapidly expand the capabilities of our Operational Intelligence platform,” said Maryrose Sylvester, president and CEO, GE Intelligent Platforms. “SmartSignal is a recognized leader and innovator with technology that detects looming equipment problems early and with confidence. This acquisition complements GE’s existing capabilities in diagnostics and equipment analytics, and gives us the ability to cover a much wider range of asset types and equipment manufacturers for our customers. ”

SmartSignal detects and identifies abnormal equipment behavior and provides exception-based notifications of developing problems along with diagnoses and prioritizations. Its solutions are device-agnostic and are found on equipment from GE, Siemens, Rolls Royce, Alstom, Flowserve, Waukesha, Byron Jackson, Cooper-Bessemer and others.

EPRI Study Examines Radio-Frequency Smart Meter Safety
Radio-frequency (RF) exposure levels from one type of smart meter, even at close range, fall substantially below the protective limits set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the general public, according to a new report from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The report presents findings that serve as a valuable first step in characterizing RF exposures associated with smart meter technology.

The EPRI research addressed RF from a specific type of smart meter with measurements conducted at the manufacturer’s test facility. For a continuously-operating rack of 10 meters, each operating at a nominal power rating of 250 milliwatts (typical of many residential units), the RF power density level 1 ft. in front of the rack was 8 percent of the FCC limit, at 20 and 50 feet these values dropped to 0.18 and 0.11 percent, respectively. From 8 inches behind the rack, RF power density was 0.6 percent of the FCC limit.

The EPRI report also included detailed characterization of RF emissions from individual meters under laboratory conditions, analysis of individual smart meter activity from more than 53,000 meters deployed in the Southern California area, and measurements of RF in a variety of ambient residential and community environments. 

Smart meters of the type measured in the EPRI study use wireless communications to transmit data on electricity use, report outages, regulate load flow and other functions. They are integral in the development of a smart grid that can provide electricity customers pricing options, help system operators pinpoint outages more quickly and improve reliability and efficiency.

Event Listings

Attend the 2011 Remote Monitoring & Control Conference
Being held in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 20th – 21st, the Remote 2011 Conference is a solutions oriented event that brings together users from multiple industries, including utilities, infrastructure, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public utilities, agriculture, remote networks, and facilities management.

The 2011 event will feature an educational program on numerous topics including new applications and technology in the fields of SCADA, remote networking, security (cyber and physical), Smart Grid, control, automation, onsite and back-up power, M2M, emerging wireless technology and telemetry.

The Remote Monitoring & Control Conference will also provide attendees with the opportunity to meet with and discuss recent technology advances in our exhibit hall. There they will also be able to network with peers and potential business partners from a variety of markets.

For general information please visit: www.RemoteExpo.com 
To sign up to sponsor or exhibit contact Jessi Albers at jessia@infowebcom.com

SATELLITE 2011
March 14-17, 2011
Washington D.C.

The SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition is the premier event providing solutions to the global satellite end-user community. Celebrating 30 years, SATELLITE 2011 will attract more than 9,500 delegates from 70 countries and features more than 300 exhibiting companies plus a full conference program led by more than 300 communications via satellite experts and innovators. The 2011 Conference features focused forums on broadcast, enterprise, military and emerging regions. For more information, please visit www.SATELLITE2011.com.

International CTIA WIRELESS 2011 Conference & Exposition
March 22–24, 2011 (Pre-con: March 21st)
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

With next generation networks on the horizon, the proliferation of applications and the adoption of wireless in enterprise and verticals, the wireless and converged communications marketplace is growing exponentially and International CTIA WIRELESS® is growing with it. For 26 years, International CTIA WIRELESS has been THE premier marketplace for all things wireless. We anticipate another year of breakout attendance, exhibits from over 1,000 companies on a 300,000 square foot show floor, world-class speakers, and premium networking. International CTIA WIRELESS is where the high-tech communications world meets for three days of intense business, learning and networking!

Register Now at www.ctiawireless.com!

ISC West 2011

April 5-7 (Education) / April 6-8 (Exhibits)

Las Vegas, Nevada

Join us at the largest U.S. event for the physical security industry. We know you’re continually challenged to keep up with the rapid pace of change needed to manage all the potential security risks for your organization. To help you stay ahead, we’ve created an ISC West event allowing you to: Discover thousands of the latest security products & technologies, uncover more product categories to manage risk, gain knowledge of the many trends transforming the security industry through the ISC Premier Education Series, engage in more face-to-face opportunities than ever before, and explore the largest SIA New Product Showcase ever. Register at www.iscwest.com/remoteinfoweb

Metering Billing/MDM America 2011
April 18-20, 2011
Dallas, Texas

Metering, Billing/MDM America Conference and Exhibition 2011
The ultimate customer connection.  From its humble beginnings as a static electro-mechanical tool to its role today as a hub of dynamic customer intelligence, the utility meter is a key driver in changing the operating paradigm for utilities. The Metering conference track is where you will learn about the latest applications, technologies, success stories, and lessons learned. Hear who is on the leading edge of metering technology and how they are using this to improve their operations, across two days of lively sessions, networking, and hands-on technology reviews.

Visit www.meteringamerica.com

UTC Telecom 2011
May 10-13, 2011
Long Beach, Calif.

UTC TELECOM 2011 is scheduled for May 10-13, 2011 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. UTC TELECOM 2011 provides the perfect opportunity to get a sense of the high level issues and dig deep into the selected issues that are really important to you and your utility.  This year we have several symposia that highlight the hot issues that utility telecom and IT professionals are dealing with right now including:  Cybersecurity Symposium, Emerging Technologies Symposium, Wireless Symposium, Enterprise IT Symposium, Smart Metering / Smart Home Symposium and Smart Control Systems Symposium.  More information is available at www.UTCTELECOM2011.utc.org.

ConnectivityWeek
May 23-26, 2011
Santa Clara, Calif.

Taking place in the heart of Silicon Valley, ConnectivityWeek explores how information and communications technology (ICT) can be applied to manage energy and deliver efficiency on the grid and across an array of vertical applications – including major residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure consumption areas. In a unique format dedicated to connecting people and ideas, ConnectivityWeek explores the value propositions, business models, and technologies needed to deliver the efficiency, productivity, and cost benefits of Smart Grid … beyond the grid.
 
Garnering more than 1,500 attendees and 200 industry-leading speakers, ConnectivityWeek gathers utilities, energy consumers, policymakers, regulators, technology companies, and Smart Grid vendors shaping the future of energy.
http://www.connectivityweek.com/2011/

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 6-8, 2011

Rosemont, Ill.

Sensors Expo & Conference is the only industry event in North America exclusively focused on sensors and sensor integrated systems, providing over 25 years of technical innovation and thought leadership! The 2011 event will take place June 6-8 in Rosemont, IL, and will explore the most up-to-date innovations in sensor technology, including MEMS, energy harvesting, wireless, and more in both an in-depth conference program and a jam-packed exhibitor floor. PLUS – new event features for 2011 including MEMS Pavilion, MEMS Innovation Area, Energy Harvesting Pavilion, Technology Update Theater, and more! Register today at www.sensorsexpo.com and use code: 301H to save up to $400 with low Early Bird Rates!

Smart Grid Technology Conference

June 1-2, 2011

San Jose, Ca.

The Annual Smart Grid Technology Conference gathers over 300 C-level executives from utilities, technology and telecom companies. SGT is the established show for thought leaders from leading utility, telecom and technology companies to gather, discuss and find solutions for smart grid projects. The agendas are strictly content driven, and have garnered respect from around the industry for its authenticity in shining a light on pressing issues. Don’t miss out on the smart grid event of the year.

http://www.smartgridupdate.com/smartgridtechnology/?utm_source=remote%2Bmag&utm_medium=button%2B&utm_campaign=button%2B

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For advertising information contact Jessi Albers at 720-528-3770 ext 124

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