Control Equipment – 2002-11-15

Click above to view 2002 Product of the Year finalists in this category.

By Staff November 15, 2002

PID master configures modules

Modular Controller series is a DIN-rail mounted PID controller. Features include hot swappable modules, downloadable PLC drivers, RS-485, RS-232, and Ethernet connections. It is comprised of a master and up to 16 PID modules. The master stores each module’s configuration so replacement modules do not have to be reconfigured. Red Lion Controls, Inc. ; redlion-controls.com TO VOTE, WRITE 4 ON BALLOT For more information, write 4 on card

Automation controller goes online

Blue Fusion 5100 Series Automation Controller allows users to monitor and control real-world devices over the internet. Devices can be controlled with secure read/write access from a desktop browser. The unit supports XML, SOAP, SQL, SMTP, RMI, and Modbus/TCP and integrates analog and digital I/O, motion control, and user interfaces into one modular program. Control Technology Corp. ; ctc-control.com TO VOTE, WRITE 9 ON BALLOT For more information, write 9 on card

System monitors plant environment

Process Environment Monitoring System (PEMS) monitors and manages the manufacturing environment and its process, tools, cleanrooms, and noncleanroom applications. It interfaces sensors including, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, air pressure differential, particles, electrostatic discharge, molecular, and vibration. Features include remote monitoring, real-time data capture, modularity, and PC compatibility. Novx Corp. ; novxcorp.com TO VOTE, WRITE 37 ON BALLOT For more information, write 37 on card

Computer includes integrated Ethernet

Magelis is an industrial computer family that can be customized and configured into HMI applications. It features a modular LCD screen, power supply, floppy disk/CD-ROM drive, and expansion slots. Displays are available in 12- or 15-in. touch screens, with or without keyboards. It offers a PCX PLC coprocessor card, which enables distributed I/O management on a fieldbus. Schneider Electric, Automation Business Div. ; schneiderautomation.com TO VOTE, WRITE 185 ON BALLOT For more information, write 185 on card

Ethernet switch connects without wires

RadioLinx RL-2400E 2.4 GHz wireless Ethernet switch is an industrial-grade, DIN-rail mounted radio solution. It offers real-time access to remote, difficult-to-reach, or mobile equipment. The 2.4 GHz frequency band provides wide bandwidth and allows high throughput. Data integrity and security are maintained because of the frequency-hopping characteristic of the digital spread spectrum (DSS). ProSoft Technology, Inc. ; prosoft-technology.com TO VOTE, WRITE 123 ON BALLOT For more information, write 123 on card

LCD monitor readable in sunlight

StealthVU-HB series of industrial-grade LCD monitors is designed to operate in extreme ambient light conditions. The 15-in. diagonal monitor has a brightness rating of 1800 Nits, which is roughly 7 times brighter than commercially available desktop monitors. The NEMA 4/4X rated monitor is available in touch screen configurations. Stealth Computer Corp. ; stealthcomputer.com TO VOTE, WRITE 169 ON BALLOT For more information, write 169 on card

Operator interface supports OPC

PanelMate ePro is an operator interface that features solid-state technology, Ethernet connectivity, and a Windows-based embedded system. Using OPC client/server support it communicates using DeviceNet, DH+, ControlNet, and Modbus Plus. Users have access to editing features, including the tag name database, 3000 customizable graphic symbols, and the capability to incorporate math and Boolean expressions. Eaton | Cutler-Hammer, Power Components and System Operation Div. ; cutler-hammer.eaton.com TO VOTE, WRITE 152 ON BALLOT For more information, write 152 on card

Limit switch without the snap

Proxtrol Limit Switch combines electronic proximity sensors with traditional mechanical limit switches. Features include solid-state switching with no electromechanical contacts, variety of output types, PLC and/or network-ready, and sealed construction. The same cordsets are used as on proximity sensors. Operator heads include roller, lever, metal plunger, metal or plastic rod, coil spring, and coil spring with a poly tip. SoftNoze USA, Inc. ; softnoze.com TO VOTE, WRITE 44 ON BALLOT For more information, write 44 on card

System integrates machine monitoring and protection

Entek XM Series is a modular and open-distributed machine monitoring and protection system. It consists of a network of intelligent, information gathering modules that allows maintenance personnel to identify developing faults in equipment and correct them before they impact production or compromise safety. A plant’s existing network infrastructure can be used. Rockwell Automation, Entek Div. ; entek.com TO VOTE, WRITE 135 ON BALLOT For more information, write 135 on card

Compact PLC simplifies machine control

TwiD
O is a compact controller designed for small control systems, stand-alone applications, and small machines. It features compact bases with a single range of modular components, small footprint, flexible wiring options, wide selection of expansion I/O and option modules, and Windows-based software. Schneider Electric/IDEC ; schneiderautomation.com TO VOTE, WRITE 186 ON BALLOT For more information, write 186 on card