This Week in Automation: New PLC and HMI controllers, Data Acquisition Systems and More

RSG45 Data Acquisition System from Endress+Hauser


Endress+Hauser recently released their new RSG45 Data Acquisition System for small process control applications.

The RSG45’s features include:

  • Ability to acquire up to 14 discrete and 20 universal/HART analog inputs from process sensors
  • Displays sensor data on its 7-inch multicolor TFT screen
  • Records data internally, while performing math calculations, alarm checks and transmits data to a PC or any control system via Ethernet, RS232/485, Modbus, Profibus DP or PROFINET digital communication link
  • Data may be stored to a device plugged into the USB or the SD port

Inputs to the RSG45 include 4-20mA, 4-20mA with HART, voltage, RTD, thermocouple, pulse, frequency and current. The base unit can accommodate up to 14 discrete inputs, two analog outputs and 12 relay outputs.

Up to five I/O cards can be added to the base unit, allowing up to 20 universal/HART analog inputs.

Data is stored in tamper-proof internal memory, on an SD card or on a USB stick—all of which fulfill the security requirements of FDA 21 CFR part 11. An integrated web server allows browser-based access to the unit via laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets, handheld maintenance devices and remote systems.

The built-in Advanced Data Manager includes packages for mathematics, alarm functions, batch management, wastewater + RSB (rain spillway basin) applications and energy calculations.

With the mathematics package, measured values of the inputs or the results of other math channels can be linked mathematically. Custom formulas with up to 200 characters can be created using a formula editor. The Telealarm function can activate relays in case of alarm conditions and can also send emails or SMS messages to alert personnel of process alarms or other important process events.

Batch management software allows users to record and visualize process data. User-definable or externally controlled analysis intervals can be configured for up to four batches simultaneously. Batches are assigned batch-specific values and the measured data, start, end and duration of every batch, along with the current batch status, are displayed on the device.

At the end of the batch, a batch print-out is automatically sent to the device’s USB or network printer or can be printed out on a connected PC.

The energy package allows users to calculate the mass and energy flow in water and steam applications on the basis of the flow, pressure, temperature or temperature difference input variables. Other energy calculations are also possible for glycol-based refrigerant media.

The RSG45 has a HART gateway function that allows direct access from PC configuration software to the field devices connected to the unit without the need for an additional HART modem or a loop interrupt. Detailed instrument health status is also available to simplify maintenance and troubleshooting.

The RSG45 is a panel-mounted device with an optional 316L stainless steel front panel and touchscreen. The stainless steel front, along with mounting the unit in a pressurized enclosure system, makes the standard device appropriate for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Since the RSG45 is protected against contamination, it fulfills hygienic requirements in the food and beverage and life sciences industries.

The RSG45 has UL and ATEX approvals, meets IEC 60529 and 61010-1 requirements for protection and safety and is available in an ATEX Ex p hazardous area version.

For more information, visit www.us.endress.com.

Unitronics I/O Configurations for PLC+HMI Controllers


Unitronics recently added several new I/O configurations to both of their Samba and Jazz lines of PLC+HMI controllers.

These lines are self-contained, non-expanded PLCs with onboard I/O and integrated HMI for control in small applications.

The award-winning Samba line of PLC + color-touch HMI now offers two models with analog outputs, with either a 3.5” or 4.3” screen. Models SM35-J-RA22 and SM43-J-RA22 both offer:

  • 12 digital inputs
  • Two analog inputs
  • 8 relay outputs
  • Two analog outputs

In addition, two inputs may be configured as analog, two as PT100/TC, and one as a HSC/shaft-encoder input.

The Jazz series, for projects requiring a PLC and a text-only HMI panel, now offers two new models with high-speed I/O. As members of the Jazz 2 family, both support the Ethernet Add-on module, enabling users to implement both MODBUS/TCP and PC-PLC communications.

The JZ20-J-T20HS offers:

  • Six digital inputs including three high-speed inputs (HSC/shaft-encoder)
  • Two analog/digital inputs
  • Two analog inputs
  • 10 transistor outputs including three high speed outputs (two high speed outputs @ 32 kHz or three high speed outputs at 3 kHz)

These outputs support PWM via hardware configuration, with no special functions required.

The JZ20-J-R16HS offers:

  • Six digital inputs including three high-speed inputs (HSC/shaft-encoder)
  • Two analog/digital inputs
  • Two analog inputs
  • Six relay outputs

All products are backed by the Unitronics standard policy of customer care, including software and utilities, membership in an active, moderated technical support forum and personalized technical support.

For more information, visit www.unitronics.com

AutomationDirect's Motor-Ready Actuator Assemblies

AutomationDirect's SureMotion line of motion control products now includes motor-ready actuator assemblies, sliding components and accessories for motion control solutions for X-Y and X-Y-Z positioning systems.

Twin round-shaft slide actuators feature a continuously supported round rail slide with ball screw actuation for precision linear motion.

Models are available with 12” and 24” travel distances and are designed for positioning systems and heavy loads. They are ready to connect to a NEMA 23 size motor.

Compact slide actuators are self-contained and designed for light loads in harsh or wet conditions. The units are fitted with end-of-travel switch mounts ready for a NEMA 17 size motor connection.

They also feature a stainless steel lead screw embedded in a hard-coated aluminum shaft specially machined to match sliding elements.

Compact slide actuators are available with travel distances ranging from 6” to 36” and travel speeds up to 20” per second.

LAVL series value linear slide actuators are also designed to fit NEMA 17 size motors. These units are constructed with hard-coated aluminum guide shafts and a stainless steel lead screw. LAVL series units can be mounted horizontally, vertically or inverted without loss of load capacity.

LAVL series value linear actuators are available with travel distances ranging from 6” to 24”. Round-shaft sliding elements can be combined with other elements to build a huge variety of machine mechanisms.

Available in both end- and continuously-supported shafts, elements feature linear ball bearings, carbon-steel shafts and high-quality clear anodized aluminum blocks.

To learn more about SureMotion linear motion products, visitwww.automationdirect.com/linear-motion.

System Software Updates from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence recently announced the latest system software release for the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and AT930

In parallel with the launch of a new Industrial Ethernet Real Time Feature Pack (RTFP), Leica Absolute Tracker is designed to support laser-tracker-based machine control and robotic guidance applications. 

Built on the EtherCAT protocol, the RTFP provides a basic command interface, enabling tracker control from non-Windows environments in addition to cyclic data delivery with EtherCAT distributed clock support and several triggering options. 

“The ability to extend our .NET-based LMF communication interfacing with the Industrial EtherCAT protocol adds a real extra dimension to the data captured by the laser tracker,” explains Markus Steiner, product manager for Laser Tracker Software at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.

“We are providing our 6DoF data rate of up to 1000 Hz with low latencies and highly-accurate timestamps, which is why we call it 7DoF measurement data,” Steiner continued. “If you know exactly when every data point was taken and how long it will take to travel across the network, you can synchronise a machine control system accordingly and apply corrections in real time – even in very dynamic robotic setups.”

As well as supporting the RTFP, the system software upgrade integrates the recently-released Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8 handheld laser scanning solution, alongside improved Tracker Pilot checks and comps. It also offers new laser tracker service tools including preventative indicators, recertification reminders and remote technician access to help customers remain confident in the performance of their device.

The RTFP is available as an option with all new orders of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and AT930 models, or as a service retrofit. Both models can also be upgraded to the latest firmware. More information is available through local Hexagon commercial operations and dealers.

For more information, visit hexagonmi.com.

Matrox Imaging Next-Gen Smart Camera

Matrox Imaging
 recently announced the Matrox Iris GTR smart camera. Smaller and faster than its predecessor Iris GT, the new Iris GTR is designed for systems integrators, machine builders and OEMs of factory automation solutions.

The Iris GTR measures just 75 mm x 75 mm x 54 mm, allowing it to fit into tight spaces.

It uses On Semiconductor PYTHON CMOS image sensors with high readout rates and an Intel Celeron dual-core embedded processor that allow it to inspect on faster moving lines or perform more inspections in an allotted time.

Its IP67-rated housing and M12 connectors make Iris GTR dust-proof and immersion-resistant for applications in dirty industrial environments. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 or Linux, giving developers the choice between the two prominent environments for running their vision application software.

The Iris GTR line offers a choice of monochrome and color image sensors with resolutions from VGA to 5 megapixels.

A dedicated LED intensity control interface simplifies setup and use of the overall machine vision system by enabling integrating illumination regulation via an application’s user interface. A dedicated user interface for controlling a Varioptic Caspian auto focus lens also facilitates setup, use and maintenance by enabling focus position adjustments.

Eight real-time GPIOs with rotary encoder support give Iris GTR the means to tightly follow and interact with fast moving production lines and equipment. In addition, a Gigabit Ethernet interface allows the smart camera to efficiently output data—including images—over factory networks.

For more information, visit www.matrox.com/imaging.