Modular fibre-optic transmission system enables simple and modular networking for all common serial interfaces using fibre-optic cables, including many company specific RS485 systems.
Phoenix Contact's new PSI-MOS fibre-optic transmission system enables simple and modular networking for all common serial interfaces using fibre-optic cables. These interfaces include RS232, RS422, Interbus, Profibus, Modbus, devicenet and canopen and many other company specific RS485 systems. The PSI-MOS products can be used for stand-alone operation or modular designs using multi-channel optical star couplers.

Cross wiring for data and power can be implemented using a din-rail mounted installation system.

Integrated line diagnostics give feedback on the quality of the fibre-optic connection during the initial set-up eliminating the need for calibrating optical lines.

Moreover, an early warning system informs the user when a defined minimum optical power level is reached during operation before the system fails.

With these products the optical range achievable for polymer, HCS and glass fibres has been enhanced.

Every type of installation topology can be realised, including line, star and tree.

In addition the products can be used in redundant structures when greater security is required.

Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

Engineers can now accurately measure from picoamps to kilovolts using a multifunction device that features a 71-2-digit (26 bits) digital multimeter and 1.8MS/s isolated digitiser.

Engineers can now accurately measure from picoamps to kilovolts with the new National Instruments PXI-4071 FlexDMM multifunction device that features a 71-2-digit (26 bits) digital multimeter and an 1.8MS/s isolated digitiser. The NI PXI-4071 FlexDMM offers fast, accurate voltage measurements from +/-10 nV to +/-1000 V and resistance measurements from 10 microohm to 5 Gohm. It also uses a solid-state current shunt configuration that offers 8 DC current ranges from 1 microA to 3A and 6 AC rms current ranges from 100 microA to 3A.

This capability gives engineers the flexibility, resolution, functionality and isolation required for challenging applications such as fuel cell testing, leakage measurements, IV curve tracing and data converter linearity testing.

The FlexDMM is the most accurate DMM available for PXI with DC reading rates of 7S/s at 71?2 digits.

For higher throughput needs, the FlexDMM offers a maximum DC reading rate of 10kS/s at 41?2 digits, five times faster than traditional GPIB-controlled DMMs.

In isolated digitiser mode, the FlexDMM can acquire DC-coupled waveforms in all voltage and current ranges with a 1.8MS/s maximum sample rate.

With the built-in isolation, engineers can measure differential waveforms up to 500V common-mode voltage such as fuel cell stack testing.

By changing the digitiser sampling rate, engineers can vary the resolution of the digitizer from 10 to 23 bits.

Engineers can analyse transients, fly-back signals or other aperiodic high-voltage AC waveforms in both the time and frequency domains using the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment with the FlexDMM in isolated digitiser mode.

Engineers can quickly increase the channel count of their FlexDMM systems by integrating them with NI switch modules such as the NI PXI-2532 512-crosspoint high-density matrix.

Engineers using the FlexDMM with NI switch modules and NI Switch Executive switch management software can measure thousands of channels with a single multimeter.

The NI PXI-4071 FlexDMM includes NI-DMM driver software for NI LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI, and Microsoft Visual Studio.NET.

* About NI Modular Instruments - NI offers essential technologies for test, which combine high-performance hardware, flexible software and innovative timing and synchronisation technology for test and design applications.

NI modular instruments offer accurate, high-throughput measurements from DC to 2.7GHz.

The product family includes: * High-resolution digitisers (up to 24 bits, up to 200MS/s).

* Signal generators (up to 16 bits, 200MS/s).

* Digital waveform generator/analysers (up to 400Mb/s).

* Digital multimeters (up to 71?2 digits).

* RF vector signal generators and analysers (up to 2.7GHz).

* Dynamic signal analysers (up to 24 bits, 204.8kS/s).

* Switching (multiplexers, matrices and general purpose).

* About National Instruments - National Instruments is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation - a revolutionary concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists in industry, government and academia approach measurement and automation.

Leveraging the PC and its related technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs through easy-to-integrate software, such as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, and modular hardware, such as PXI modules for data acquisition, instrument control and machine vision.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 3,400 employees and direct operations in approximately 40 countries.

Extensive range of metal D-sub connector hoods is now capable of housing mixed layout connectors with either right angle cable entry or the ability to clamp two cables.
The extensive range of metal D-sub connector hoods from German manufacturer FCT and available exclusively in the UK from Quadrant, has been extended to include two new versions that have been introduced to meet the demand for hoods capable of housing mixed layout connectors with either right angle cable entry or the ability to clamp two cables. The FMK5HL version has a right angle cable outlet for 50-way connectors and can be used with slide locks while the FMR has twin cable entry, a straight version for 25-way and 45 deg version for 37-way connectors and is designed to be used with locking hooks, locking or knurled thumbscrews or slide locks. The FCT range of hoods are zinc die-cast and nickel-plated and have an extended inner chamber suitable for D-sub miniature connectors with special contacts.

Suitable for robust use, they are fitted with a cable outlet with strain relief and are easy to assemble using an integral catch spring system and pre-mounted locking screws.

Typical applications include communication, instrumentation, measurement and test equipment where robust shielded connectors are required.

Having heights of only 92 and 70.4mm, low profile housing for decentralized terminal boxes provides users with ample space for mounting their own electronics.
The ME MAX line of housings from Phoenix Contact now includes low-profile designs ME MAX Flat and ME MAX Superflat. With heights of only 92 and 70.4mm, the new designs are particularly suitable for decentralized terminal boxes. At a width of 22.5 or 45mm, 24 to 48 connections are available on up to three levels.

In addition to screw, spring cage or quick connection technology, the compact dimensions of the housing also provides customers ample space for mounting their own electronics.

The large frontal surface is suitable for mounting multi-pole and industrial plug connectors, and labels, as well as operating and visualization features.

The inserted cover can be easily modified, printed and removed with a tool if necessary.

The hinged transparent front cover protects against external influences.

These flat models are compatible with ME Tbus rail-mounted bus connectors that are mounted on a DIN rail.

This provides easy and economic feed through signal and supply voltages.

Individual housings can be simply clipped in or out of the unit as usual, without interrupting the signal chain.

Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

In all of these areas, Phoenix Contact can offer technical expertise and cost effective solutions.

Phoenix Contact will be presenting the topic 'lead free products and lead free production' in the SMART Group seminar programme at the Nepcon Exhibition, Brighton
Phoenix Contact will be presenting the topic 'lead free products and lead free production' in the SM ART Group seminar programme at the Nepcon Exhibition, Brighton, May 2005. Lead free connection technology has to fulfill the new standards of RoHS and WEEE, and it must perform well in the new processing environment. The solutions and ideas Phoenix Contact offers, and which possibilities emerge for the customer, will be drafted in the lecture, together with ideas to save cost in the overall process.

Phoenix Contact will also be displaying several new PCB mounting products on their stand, including power connectors up to 76A and specific connectors for the buildings and telecommunications industries.

Additionally a free soldering poster will be available to every visitor to the stand.

Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

High performance, low-cost Modbus mixed signal remote terminal unit has enhanced relay control outputs for automation and control of industrial and field applications.
R2 Controls has announced general availability of the R302 Modbus Mixed Signal Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). The R302 Mixed Signal RTU is ideal for demanding field and industrial relay-based applications requiring remote sensing relay configuration, monitoring, and control with a high degree of input and output isolation and high current output control capabilities. Based on the Silicon Laboratories 8051 system-on-chip processor, the R2 Controls Modbus Mixed Signal RTU provides a low cost complete solution for remote sensing and high-speed remote relay control with its integrated opto-isolated digital inputs, analog inputs, Modbus communications protocol, high power relay outputs and serial communications options.

'The R302 Mixed Signal RTU's rugged design and flexible communications capabilities enable ease of adaptation into any remote industrial or field environment requiring high power remote relay output control, such as in oil and gas distribution systems, water flow monitoring and control applications and integrated multiple control points in large industrial complexes,' said Tim Hinchey, R2 Controls President and CEO.

'The complete automation and integration of remote sensing, monitoring and control with centralized common industrial control become highly feasible and cost-effective with deployment of one or more R302 Mixed Signal RTUs'.

* Specifications and Performance Highlights - the R2 Controls R302 Modbus Mixed Signal RTU is based on the latest in communications and processor technology and incorporates the Silicon Labs C8051F206 microprocessor running at 22.1Mhz.

The Mixed Signal RTU features 8 high-speed optically isolated Digital Inputs with pulse counting, 2 Analog Inputs and 8 Form 1C SPDT Relay Outputs.

Digital Input voltage levels can range from 3-40 volts AC or DC.

The output relay contacts are rated at 10A/120V AC and have rubber snubber circuit protection.

Field wiring is made easy with 5.0mm pluggable screw terminal blocks.

The R2 Controls R302 Modbus Mixed Signal RTU operates at a supply voltage of 9-30V DC and may be used in a stand-alone mode as a programmable relay controller or connected via an RS-485 port to other RTU's to create an expanded remote network environment.

The industrial I/O is accessed via 56 pluggable screw terminals and standard DB9 serial connectors * Price and availability - the R302 Modbus Mixed Signal RTU is priced at is $269 (quantity 1) and is available for immediate delivery.

* About R2 Controls - R2 Controls, based in Roseville, California, USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial grade, low cost embedded control solutions that deliver high performance, reliability and exceptional flexibility.

R2 Controls designs and manufactures both standard and customized single board computers, operator interfaces, and expansion boards for monitoring, automation and control of industrial devices and other OEM embedded applications.

A custom enclosures manufacturing technique combining CAD/CAM with CNC machining avoids the need for high tooling charges associated with injection moulding.
A new approach to custom enclosures has been introduced by Phoenix Electronics. The method avoids the need for high tooling charges associated with Injection Moulding and is an ideal solution for small to medium sized usages. Set up costs can be as low as GBP 350 depending on the specification.

The method uses a CAD/CAM system for the design which is then downloaded onto a CNC system.

The enclosure is machined out of flat sheet plastic and then bent and snapped.

It is then screwed or glued together.

Significant advantages are that the front end charges are lower than any other custom method, alterations to the design can be made at a fraction of the cost incurred when using other methods and lead in times are much shorter.

Additional customisation can be done such as silk screening, membrane keypads, graphic overlays, RFI coating and the fitting of gaskets.

Profibus Ireland, which has grown its membership to about a dozen companies in a short space of time, will show a speed control system at the ISA Ireland exhibition.

Profibus Ireland will be having its first public outing since its foundation six months ago at the ISA Ireland exhibition in Cork on 26th April 2005. Profibus Ireland has grown its membership to about a dozen companies in a short space of time, which includes the big names such as ABB, Endress+Huaser, Irish Distillers, and Mitsubishi Electric. At the ISA exhibition Profibus Ireland will be provide live demonstrations of both Profibus and profinet displays, plus the latest in Profibus diagnostics tools.

It will show case a speed control system consisting of a PLC, a VSD, and a three-phase motor coupled to a generator.

The latter will provide the load changes to the motor.

The function of the control system is to provide a constant speed as the load changes.

The speed feedback is provided using a circular fin coupled to the motor axis, and a proximity sensor, which provides 12 pulses for every revolution.

The pulses from the sensor are counted using a high-speed counter on a distributed I/O module on Profinet, and the values are read through the Profinet by the Profinet I/O controller, and the necessary calculations are done using a PID algorithm.

The resulting controller output is gated through to the profibus network on which the VSD is a slave station.

This set-up will show not only a distributed control but also a distributed application where the application input (feedback) is provided from one network and the output is generated to another network.

Additionally the SCADA system for this application is provided using a web-server on the PLC.

The SCADA system can be accessed using Intranet or Internet to change set point, plot the speed-time graph as well as access to the historical data.

A revised electrical conduit product catalogue now includes ATEX family of explosion proof glands and the PEEK specialist non metallic range of conduit with a technical reference section.
Kopex International's electrical conduit product catalogue has just been revised. The publication highlights some new products. These include the most recent additions to the ATEX family of explosion proof glands and the PEEK specialist non metallic range, which offers low fire hazard, high temperature, EMI screening and abuse resistance combinations.

It also brings to market the new ROHS compliant pliable range.

Fully illustrated and with an extremely useful technical reference section, the design of the Kopex catalogue allows the users to select the appropriate conduit system quickly and simply.

Extremely durable stainless steel switches for use in harsh environments offers the ultimate in protection against water, dirt, chemicals, heat, shock, and impact in factory environments.
A range of extremely durable stainless steel switches for use in harsh environments is now available from EAO, the Experts in Human Machine Interfaces. These stainless steel switches offer the ultimate in protection against water, dirt, chemicals, heat, shock, and impact, which makes them the best products for operating equipment in polluted factories, where spills and damage are more common; where equipment must be chemically washed; in unattended locations where vandalism may occur. EAO offers stainless steel pushbuttons switches and indicators in the popular 22.5mm and 30.5mm size.

If space is an issue, EAO also offers a stainless steel switch with a low behind-panel depth.

EAO can supply stainless steel switches with LED illumination for use in poor lighting conditions.

They can also be laser engraved with specific symbols and legends that will not wear off or corrode.

Other options include self-cleaning, snap-action switching elements with gold-plated silver contacts, or for particularly aggressive environments, certain switches may be specified with silver/palladium contacts.

Stainless steel switches require less maintenance, so they offer more long-term, lifecycle-to-cost benefits.