The Wireless and Networking Track will cover fieldbus implementation, fiber optic solutions, wireless and the infrastructure, and radio and other types of data communication. Experts from Fieldbus Foundation, Exxon/Mobil, Bechtel and Hart Communication Foundation are among the presenters of the Wireless and Networking Track.

Session titles of the Wireless and Networking Track include Convergence of Standards and Organizations, Project Management for Wireless and Networking, Wireless Technologies for Process Control, Moving the Data – Backhaul, Common Installation Challenges, Asset Management – How to Handle and Use the Data, and Future Direction of Wireless and Networking in Process Control.

“ISA’s annual conference continues to offer the best venue for wireless professionals to meet. Industry’s brightest professionals across all functions will meet in Houston, Texas, to share their expertise and experiences. An abundance of knowledge is available here that can be applied to the attendee’s career right away,” said Gerald Cockrell, ISA Automation Week Program Committee Co-chair and 2009 ISA President of Indiana State University.

The 2010 ISA Automation Week, which will be held for two and a half days of sessions, is a technical conference that includes two keynote addresses, social events and networking. It will be held in a 10,000-sq-ft exhibit area featuring more than 100 exhibitors.

The ValScope-PRO helps users identify problems through a scientific evaluation of valves during operation. Since the tool is portable, machine operators can troubleshoot valves in harsh environments and in-line to determine the valves that should be removed. A graphic interface enables machine operators to see the valve as it is giving a real-time analysis and being tested. The equipment is also compatible with analog, HART and Fieldbus communication protocols.

“Many customers would like to know whether a valve needs to be pulled or if it can be repaired in line, and they don’t want to have to wait for test results to be reviewed and analyzed by an outside source,” said Gary Ostrowski, director of product management aftermarket of Dresser Inc’s Flow Technologies Segment. “The new generation ValScope-PRO is one of the easiest and most powerful test systems on the market today, providing real-time analysis that helps customers to save time and money by allowing them to plan ahead for repairs and shut downs.”

The ValScope-PRO is very easy to install on any control valve in a facility. A touchscreen interface is featured in the tool to enable simple operation. Advanced data processing functionality allows the machine user to view information clearly and quickly through a “medical record” report.

The ValScope-PRO system offers advanced diagnostic capabilities and can test over 35 different criteria, such as profile, step response, frequency and deadband.

The specifications from Fieldbus Foundation describe the open, non-proprietary, FOUNDATION fieldbus protocol. This technology provides an all-digital, multi-drop, two-way communications link among automation systems and smart field devices. It serves as the network for instruments utilized in process automation and has the capability to distribute the control application across the network.

Stephen Mitschke, Fieldbus Foundation Manager – Fieldbus Products, said the latest FOUNDATION fieldbus specification reflects the increasing demand in the industry for NE107 field diagnostics. “Field diagnostics, as implemented in FOUNDATION fieldbus, standardizes how today’s intelligent devices communicate regardless of the vendor. This technology ensures that the right message will be delivered to the right person in the plant, at the right time. Operators, engineers and technicians not only receive detailed information, but it is provided in a categorized manner that makes data easier to assess and act upon,” said Mitschke.

“The updated specification also defines the minimum requirements for testing of hosts employing FOUNDATION for Safety Instrumented Functions, which is an ideal platform for advancing standards-based solutions for plant SIFs. FF-SIF enables process end users to realize significant reductions in their total cost of ownership by extending fieldbus benefits into plant safety systems.”

FOUNDATION fieldbus Specification Version 2010.1 features updates to the Function Block Specification (FF-892, FF-891 and FF-890) and CFF Specification (FF-103) to reflect the changes implemented in the Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) 6.0, which is set for release soon. ITK 6.0 features software components built with VC9, support for testing Custom Profiled Function Blocks and USB interface hardware compatibility available from National Instruments.

When assembling an inhaler, the user must first screw the top part to the bottom part of the case and then clip the mouth piece into the casing. Highest possible process reliability should be realized in the construction and development of the respective assembly system.

Thus, controllers of modern assembly systems have complex tasks to do. The latest DCOS (DEPRAG CONTROLLER SYSTEM) introduced by DEPRAG SCHULZ GMBH u. CO. (www.deprag.com) is a user friendly system with high functionality. DCOS, which controls, analyses, records and documents, is a new process and assembly control system for the highest possible industrial level.

The DCOS control system demonstrates the diversity of the PC world. DPU 100 (DEPRAG PROCESSING UNIT) is mainly based on an industrial PC which works with Windows CE system software. The control unit can also control very complex motion sequences with short cycle times (typically < 6ms). A 6.5″ color touchscreen with VGA resolution offers greatest operator comfort during operation as well as display of operating conditions. The DPU 100 can access the World Wide Web or the company network through a freely available EtherCat-Port.

Depending on the task, control cabinet DSEC (DEPRAG SAFETY EXTENSION CONTROLLER) 20 to 40 is utilized with DPU100. These control cabinets include 32 outputs and inputs through EtherCat fieldbus, security components and a 24VDC power supply with 10A. The additional integrated profibus master module permits non-problematic connection of all fieldbus devices.

The DSEC30 is the ideal solution for assembly stations and screwdriving that have higher security and power requirements. It can control up to three NC axles. With their respective power sections, three stepper motors are included as standard. Other applications with linear motors or servo motors are available on request. Screwdriving or other assembly systems along with axle systems are part of the DSEC40′s application range.

The New EtherNet/IP module with integrated switch eliminates the need for external switches and reduces infrastructure cost.

The new two-port version permits EtherNet/IP real-time communication with ring or bus topologies. The new module provides a simple way for a variety of automation device with integrated Anybus-CC slot to be connected to any programmable logic controller (“PLC”) with EtherNet/IP support and removes the need for costly external switches. Moreover, the module provides a TCP/UDP-IP socket interface, which can be utilized to apply specific application protocols like Modbus-TCP.

This new module has another key feature, the added support for DLR (“Device Level Ring”) network protocol. The DLR technology adds a device-level network resilience optimizing machine operation. DLR can detect a break in the ring to provide alternate data routing to recover the network. Also, the module includes industrial IT functions such as an E-mail client, an embedded web server and an FTP server.

The new Anybus-CC module has a handy housing with the same size to a compact flash card. The module’s core is NP30 microprocessor from HMS with its integrated quick Ethernet controller and Flash and RAM memories for the EtherNet/IP device software stack. Its onboard two-port switch gives two 100 Mbit per second full duplex Ethernet interfaces with RJ45 connectors.

Each Anybus-CC is interchangeable and offers device manufacturers an efficient and simple way to connect intelligent automation devices to all industrial Ethernet and major fieldbus networks with just one development.

The compact X-gateway is a device for 24 V industrial power supply and standard DIN rail mounting. It operates as a master on the Profibus network and as a server (“slave”) on the Modbus-TCP side. The Profibus master functionality is configured using HMS Anybus NetTool for Profibus, a powerful, easy to use Windows-based configuration tool which comes free with the X-gateway. When the initial configuration is downloaded into the X-gateway, it transfers up to 512 byte of output and 512 byte of input data transparently between Profibus and Modbus-TCP. Up to 124 Profibus slaves can also be connected to the gateway. The X-gateway incorporates a powerful integrated web server on the Modbus-TCP network that supports web-based visualization and remote diagnostics. An OPC server is also included in X-gateway’s scope of delivery. The X-gateway’s Modbus-TCP and Profibus communication interfaces have a certification for full compliance to respective protocol standards.

The new Anybus X-gateway family consists of more than 200 proven, ready-to-use and robust gateways targeted to connect almost all of the possible combinations of two industrial networks. The product family can support 17 different industrial Ethernet and fieldbus networks, including Profinet, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link, CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus and many more. All versions operate the same way and they give a flexible standard solution to connect two industrial networks.

The new Segment Checker version 1.20 features project-export functionality, new products, and enhanced calculations to further simplify fieldbus validation and design.

“Segment Checker automatically calculates the voltage drop and load current on a fieldbus segment for any given configuration. The user simply chooses the explosion protection method such as FISCO, Entity, FNICO and High Power Trunk, or the safe area, and segment design error checking makes clear whether the desired configuration is workable,” said Brian Traczyk, Product Manager of Pepperl+Fuchs.

The new Segment Checker allows machine builders to intuitively check their operational parameters to validate fieldbus PA segment architecture. Also, it allows machine builders to print, archive and display an entire design, and import the field devices from its library, or create additional devices by using the “device editor” feature. Moreover, machine builders can click on a device for straight access to the most recent product and technical information on the Pepperl+Fuchs website. Its cables can be tagged and attributes defined by the machine builder. The Spur cable’s length can be set to a defined number as well, removing the need of repetitive editing in larger projects.

For the past few years, a consistent increase in electronic efficiency has reduced power dissipation to the point that I/O points doubled its packing density today, which results in multiple cost advantages: control cabinets’ space requirements can be reduced and the price per digital I/O channel significantly drops.

The 16-channel Bus Terminals feature new possibilities for project planning: greatly reduce the field of control technology that allows designers to build their systems and machines to be more compact and even smaller.

The HD Terminals with 16 digital I/O channels have the same external dimensions to existing Bus Terminals from Beckhoff and are compatible with them. Also, the flexible HD Terminals have different versions, e.g. as eight-channel terminals for digital outputs and inputs with two-wire connection, as combination terminals with eight digital outputs and eight digital inputs or as 16-channel terminals for digital outputs or inputs.

Wiring efforts are simplified despite higher channel density because of tool-less assembly. Using the direct plug-in technique, single wire conductors are connected without tools. As usual, the cables are released using the contact release with the help of an appropriately sized screwdriver. Also, the common color coding of the signal types is employed in the HD Terminals and is integrated to the LED display.

Dreyer & Bosse (D&B) , a German power plant specialist, provides autonomous cogeneration units using CC-Link open fieldbus network technology for monitoring functions and data communications.

Biogas-fuelled power plants convert special fuel crops, plant waste and liquid manure into energy. Its main component is a power and heat cogeneration unit that produces heat and power from biogas, which is the biomass fermentation unit’s primary output.

German operators of plants which produce electricity from renewable energy sources are being paid guaranteed rates for the green electricity they feed to the public. They can also give the produced heat to a local district heating network.

D&B builds cogeneration units derived from individual selection of standard components. The generators are usually driven by biogas with dual-fuel biogas/diesel engines as backup to ensure availability and reliability.

The CC-Link fieldbus network and modern control technology are made to ensure that the power plants are both economical to operate and reliable.

A D&B system, for example, consists of a 500-kilowatt cogeneration unit installed on a farm with 12.5 acres (five hectares) of pastures and 173 acres (70 hectares). The slurry will be a mixture of manure and straw.

The entire D&B system is being controlled by a powerful compact controller of Mitsubishi Electric, supported by two smaller controllers. The main controller, MELSEC FX3U, is a programmable logic controller (PLC) that communicates with various automation components in the system through standard serial ports and a CC-Link master module. Integrated drivers and instructions for Mitsubishi Electric automation components eliminate time-consuming and complex controller programming.

Automation components include a control panel for clear visualization of all processes, which makes the operation easier for the farmers. An industrial modem will serve as a backup to provide remote access so that the service engineers can interrogate the plant without actually visiting remote farms.

A number of important system monitoring and safety functions are executed through advanced switchgear components with CC-Link interfaces. These air circuit breakers protect the generators against power failure, short circuits and overloads and it also handle the automatic network synchronization with the public power grid. The Mitsubishi Electric Super AE series’ fast-switching circuit breakers serve as a link between the generator set and the gas engine of the public power grid and the cogeneration unit.

The circuit breakers’ electronic trip relay is linked to the central controller through the CC-Link network. The trip relay’s measurement circuits integrated can monitor and analyze all the relevant generator parameters. The circuit breaker can be switched on/off remotely using the CC-Link network through the peripheral I/O module with digital outputs and inputs. The digital inputs are dimensioned to handle the electric currents of the circuit breaker’s drive motor, shunt trip device and closing coil, and are configured as relay contacts.

The simple installation of the system components and the CC-Link fieldbus network enabled the D&B engineers reduce both wiring overheads and material costs. The major factor for choosing this technology is its resistance against electromagnetic interference. Unlike other fieldbus network systems, its CC-Link compatible devices’ conformity tests include comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility tests (EMC), plus other standard tests such as resistance to damp, aging performance and proper functioning.

Included is an expanded, dynamic fold out selection chart comparing all the different SmartMotor frame sizes and lengths. Torque curves are now presented at three different input voltages with superimposed, easy-to-read power curves to help optimize use of the increased SmartMotor power for your application.

A new section includes Application Examples illustrating the numerous SmartMotor product features and capabilities. Design guides and conversion charts make the catalog an essential application development tool.

Also featured is information on the Animatics Institute which offers in-depth training programs covering SmartTechnologies™ and Sales and Marketing strategies for Smart products and systems.

Animatics Corporation
www.animatics.com