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THIS WEEK IN AUTOMATION: Data Acquisition, Controllers, Panel PC's and More

Second Generation HMI Mobile Panels from Siemens



The Simatic HMI Mobile Panels from Siemens feature seven- and nine-inch, 16-million-color widescreen displays with 40 percent greater viewing areas than previous models.

The panels are fully dimmable have 16:9 aspect ratios that clearly present highly complex and detailed images. Features include a unique illuminated emergency stop button, flexible options for safety applications and a compact connection box that can be mounted directly on the cabinet.

The IP65 operator panels operate in a wide range of temperatures (from 0 to 45 C), are dust-tight, resistant to chemical action and are protected against splash water damage. They can withstand falls up to 1.2 meters and include the functionality and performance of the company's HMI Comfort Panels.

The panels offer key and touch operation. They are integrated into the automation system via Profinet and configured using the Simatic WinCC engineering tool in the TIA Portal and Style Editor.

The new mobile panels also include a maintenance-free energy storage system ensuring operation for five minutes with no power supply.

For more information, visit w3.siemens.com .


Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller from Allen-Bradley


With the new Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller from Rockwell Automation, users no longer need separate networks and controllers for safety and motion in applications with up to 16 axes.

This new controller makes it easier to design safety into a wide range of standard and custom machines, resulting in simpler system architectures.

“The Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller has all the performance capabilities of our popular Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5370 controller, while also providing integrated safety and motion on a single EtherNet/IP network,” said Ming Jing Ye, global product manager, Rockwell Automation.

“When safety, motion and standard control are combined into one package, configuration is easier, wiring is reduced and users get better diagnostics. Ultimately, it helps increase machine uptime and plant productivity,” Ming added.

The Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller achieves Safety Integrity Level 3, Performance Level e and Category 4 safety ratings. When used in combination with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo drive or the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drive , users have integrated safe torque off/on EtherNet/IP.

As with other Logix controllers, engineers can use the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 software to configure the Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller and develop all elements of their control system. Data can be defined once and then easily accessed and re-used across different machine types to speed system development and commissioning.

A single programming environment for both safety and standard control removes the need to manually manage separate standard and safety memory, or partition logic to isolate safety.

The Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller, manufactured in Singapore, also includes dual Ethernet ports to support both linear and device-level-ring (DLR) network topologies. Built-in energy storage removes the need for batteries and a removable 1 GB Secure Digital (SD) card improves data integrity.

Rockwell Automation also will be releasing an on-machine option later this year: the Allen-Bradley Armor Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller. This option allows users to place the controller closer to the application or onto the machine, which eases installation, commissioning and troubleshooting. The on-machine controller is IP67-rated for wash-down protection and includes quick-connect cabling to ease system wiring.

For more information, visit ab.rockwellautomation.com .


Compact Extruded Body Cylinders from AutomationDirect



NITRA Pneumatics H-Series compact extruded body cylinders are offered in bore sizes from 12 mm to 100 mm and stroke lengths from 5 mm to 100 mm to meet a broad range of limited-space applications.

The cylinder bodies and end caps are constructed with hard anodized extruded aluminum and are factory lubricated for optimum performance and long, reliable life. Designed for fittings to be mounted in the top of the cylinder, additional features include a magnetic piston, chrome-plated steel piston rods and slots for mounting 4mm square cylinder switches.

H-series cylinders are interchangeable with other common brands.

Aluminum and stainless steel manifolds with 2 to 10 outputs are also available, as well as accessories such as rod clevises, male adaptors and rear clevis brackets.

For more information, visit www.automationdirect.com .


IP65 Rated Industrial Panel PC from Logic Supply


Logic Supply has introduced a new rugged, fanless Panel PC which is fully IP65-rated to resist water, dust and other potentially damaging contaminants.

The 15" UPC-V315-QM77 Rugged Panel PC features an all-metal chassis, front facing camera and programmable physical function buttons. It is designed for a wide range of industrial automation, kiosk, access control, inventory management and other HMI applications.

The UPC-V315 is available with an Intel Celeron, Core i3 or i7 processor, as well as a range of storage drives up to 2TB. The rugged, metal chassis is certified to MIL-STD-810F to resist shock and vibration from industrial machinery, equipment or vehicles. The system features an operating temperature range of -20 – 60 C.

The 5-wire resistive touchscreen interface is responsive even when used with gloved hands and the 10 programmable front-mounted function keys offer quick access to frequently used actions.

With a unique shrouded design that offers easier connectivity than traditional proprietary water resistant connectors, the UPC-V315 can utilize standard cables to connect to its wide array of industrial-focused I/O.

Connectivity includes four RJ-45 COM ports for interfacing with legacy equipment, CAN bus, four USB (including two USB 3.0 ports), dual GbE LAN, VGA and HDMI to enable peripheral and even additional independent display support.

The UPC-V315 has a display brightness of 400 cd/m2 with a contrast ratio of 700:1, which is ideal for industrial environments. Built-in dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi provides powerful wireless capabilities.

For more information, visit www.logicsupply.com .


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 .

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