Control System World

National Instrumentsrecently announced 10 pieces of new application IP that enable engineers and scientists to use NI LabVIEW system design software to build their own custom RF instruments. This IP integrates with PXI FPGA targets such as the NI PXIe-5644R vector signal transceiver (VST) and extends their default capabilities by adding new features or enhancing performance in specific applications.

Each piece of IP is available in a stand-alone package so that users can add it to one of the default VST personalities and mix and match the relevant components for their applications. The IP is also prebuilt into examples to provide immediate access to its functionality. This eliminates the need for the user to compile the code and subsequently reduces development time. In addition to VST IP from National Instruments, NI Alliance Partners and third-party developers are creating IP and developing software add-ons for the VST.

“We use the VST to give our DOCSIS Channel Emulator multiple ‘personalities.’ This means we can test both mainstream features and unique corner cases,” said Andy Brown, principal technology engineer at NI Platinum Alliance Partner Averna. “With the power, flexibility and compact size of the VST, we can deliver easy-to-use tools that help our customers test and troubleshoot their products faster.”

Yokogawa Electric Corporation is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Yokogawa Europe Solutions B.V. has been awarded a contract by GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd to supply the integrated control and safety systems (ICSS) for its new Cygnus Development Project, following on from recent North Sea contract awards from a number of major oil and gas companies.

Under the contract, Yokogawa Europe Solutions B.V. will supply the complete ICSS comprising of the following systems: process control, process shutdown, emergency shutdown, fire & gas detection (complete with associated field devices), process data historian, and field device asset management. The ICSS will feature Yokogawa's CENTUM VP process automation system, ProSafe-RS safety system, Exaquantum production management solution, and PRM asset management package. Yokogawa Europe Solutions B.V. will also be supplying an operator training system (OTS) utilizing the OmegaLand advanced operator simulation environment.

The ICSS will be distributed across the Cygnus complex, which currently consists of a total of four greenfield offshore platforms. Three platforms are bridge linked (Alpha WHP, PU, and UQ) and a second remote drilling centre is located on the fourth platform (Bravo WHP). The planned export route is through the ETS pipeline system to the Perenco Bacton Gas Terminal in North Norfolk.

The Cygnus gas field has 18 billion m3 in proven and probable reserves and is situated within UK Continental Shelf blocks 44/12a and 44/11a. The field is operated by GDF SUEZ, which also owns a 38.75% stake. Centrica has a 48.75% interest and Bayerngas holds the remaining 12.5%. Production is expected to start from the new facilities in late 2015. The field is expected to meet demand for nearly one and a half million homes at peak production, accounting for around 5% of the UK's gas production.

Kepware Technologies today announced its new hands-on training program, designed to help customers successfully set-up and operate communication systems for automation applications. Customers can schedule on-site customized classes at their facility with the Kepware training staff. In addition, courses will be offered at Kepware's Portland, Maine headquarters once a month, beginning in January 2013. This 2-day course provides seating for up to 10 attendees. Kepware is also scheduling "on-the-road" training at special events throughout the United States, and internationally in regions such as Asia and Europe.

For more information click Kepware Unveils Customized Training Program

Jacobs Automation, the leader in intelligent track technology, and Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation solutions, announced today a collaborative effort to offer closer integration between theJacobs Automation iTRAK System and the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system. The effort will result in a tightly integrated motion solution for the global machine-builder market.

“iTRAK is a disruptive technology that is reshaping the motion control industry. This collaboration will allow us to create the premier intelligent track solution to better serve our mutual customers” said Keith Jacobs, founder and CEO, Jacobs Automation.

The two companies will work together on connectivity between their respective platforms using EtherNet/IP networking technology. The iTRAK System, a Rockwell Automation Encompass referenced product, provides independent control of multiple magnetically propelled movers on straight and curved paths. The Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system features the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable automation controller families. Featuring high-performance capabilities, such as integrated motion, safety, EtherNet/IP connectivity and reusable development tools, the system allows customers to standardize on a single control platform for small- to large-scale applications.

“We believe that the combination of Jacobs' iTRAK technology with our Integrated Architecture will be a game changer for machine builders. They are going to be able to provide their customers with the most innovative machines in the market,” said Victor Swint, vice president, Motion Control Business, Rockwell Automation.

Data Translation, Inc., an industry leader in data acquisition, today announced the release of the DT9828 low-cost USB-powered module for temperature and voltage measurements. The DT9828 is first in a series of Peerless modules from Data Translation incorporating years of temperature measurement expertise.

The DT9828 offers eight differential analog inputs for thermocouple and voltage measurements and eight isolated digital I/O (4 in/4 out). The DT9828 provides up to 600 S/s sampling, ideal for low speed signals common to temperature applications. The DT9828 features a 24-bit ADC with an input range of ±156 mV, plus ±500 V galvanic isolation to provide exceptional accuracy and noise performance.

QuickDAQ 2013, ready-to-measure application software, is included with the DT9828 and allows you to acquire, analyze, and display data. Additionally, all Data Translation devices include comprehensive driver and software support, and interface tools for LabVIEW™ and MATLAB® programmers.

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Technip has been awarded by JBF Petrochemicals, a wholly–owned subsidiary of JBF Industries Ltd, an important contract(1) for a 1.25 million tons per year latest-generation purified terephthalic acid (PTA) unit, to be located in the Special Economic Zone in Mangalore, India. PTA is the primary feedstock for polyesters used in textiles and packaging.

The contract covers the basic engineering, front-end engineering design, detailed engineering and procurement services for the ISBL (Inside Battery Limit) and the OSBL (Outside Battery Limit) of the unit. The scope of work also includes supply of materials and construction management services for the ISBL. The plant will feature BP’s leading-edge proprietary PTA technology.

Technip’s operating centers in Rome, Italy and in Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi, India will execute the contract, which is scheduled to be completed in the first semester of 2015.

Marco Villa, Senior Vice President of Technip Region B(2), commented: “We are very proud to have been selected for this world-scale PTA project. It will bring together the competencies of our operating centers in India and Italy. This contract also reinforces our strong long-lasting collaboration with BP for PTA. We believe that the PTA market growth in Asia will open up further opportunities and we hope to develop a long-term relationship with JBF to support their future developments.”

The small form factor industrial computer is one of the most popular choices in the marketplace today; to meet the growing need for this type of product Amplicon have introduced an exciting new addition to the industrial embedded Impact-E series, the Impact-E 150.

The new Impact-E 150 utilises the Cedarview ATOM™ D2550 processor which supports Intel® GMA3600 graphics, it is capable of delivering a rich multimedia and Internet experience, including support for dual display and full HD 1080p video playback.

Designed for applications where space is at a premium, the Impact-E 150 has a compact footprint making it ideally suited to multiple markets such as transportation, security, point of sales, and industrial automation.

The Impact-E 150 has the space for an additional 2.5” hard drive or solid-state drive as well as optional Wi-Fi and cellular modules. Encased in a fanless aluminium chassis, the Impact-E 150 dissipates heat effectively, ensuring smooth operation in the most demanding environments.

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The Do-more Series PLC is the next generation programmable controller built on a strong PLC foundation that makes control applications easier to implement.

Do-more uses proven DirectLOGIC DL205 hardware for a flexible control platform and introduces a powerful, intuitive set of new programming tools.

This combination of Do-more H2 Series CPUs and the existing line of AutomationDirect 205 series I/O modules and base units creates an incredibly powerful micro modular PLC at a fraction of the cost of comparable PLCs and PACs.

The Do-more PLC H2 Series CPU modules plug into a standard DL205 (DirectLOGIC PLC) base unit.

What You Can Do with Do-more

H2 Series Do-more PLCs can utilize almost all of the proven DirectLOGIC DL205 family of PLC modules.

Do-more PLC: What is it?

Do-more H2 Series PLCs introduce more powerful performance specifications.

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Do-more Designer is the new full-featured programming software for

Do-more PLCs.

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