ISA EXPO 2008 puts technical diversity on display in Houston

The keynote addresses at ISA EXPO 2008 at the Reliance Center in Houston Oct. 14-16 feature the evolution of wireless sensor networking, the possibilities of controlling low-energy nuclear reactions and an explanation of why we are who we are.

By Plant Engineering Staff September 15, 2008

The keynote addresses at ISA EXPO 2008 at the Reliance Center in Houston Oct. 14-16 feature the evolution of wireless sensor networking, the possibilities of controlling low-energy nuclear reactions and an explanation of why we are who we are. The keynotes include:

From Smart Dust to Smart Plants — The Evolution of Wireless Sensor Networking by Dr. Kris Pister of the University of California at Berkeley on Tues., Oct. 14. Pister will discuss key milestones in the development of wireless sensing from his pioneering work in MEMS for the military to the lessons learned in developing and commercializing wireless solutions that meet the demands of the industrial market.

The 2008 Rimbach Lecture: Instrumentation for Low Energy Nuclear Reactions by Dr. David J. Nagel of the George Washington University on Wed., Oct. 15. The total body of experimental evidence shows that it is possible to produce nuclear reactions at low input energies. However, this field remains controversial and poorly understood. Nagel will enlighten attendees about the possibilities of this technology, and how it will affect instrumentation and control.

Feedback Control: How We Learned to Think Negatively in 300 BC by Dr. John Lienhard of the University of Houston on Thurs., Oct. 16. Lienhard uses the record of history to reveal the way art, technology and ideas have shaped us, and to show how our culture is formed by human creativity.

ISA EXPO 2008 also features several special events and demonstrations. Control systems user forums will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. Users can share lessons learned in an uncensored and unscripted setting facilitated by a neutral party. The only agenda is to provide automation and control professionals with an opportunity for an open information exchange on their experiences with leading control system platforms.

Where would EXPO be without the annual update on ISA100? The ISA100 standards committee, Wireless Systems for Automation, and the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute will host an “Inside ISA100 Center” on the exhibit floor at booth #1106, which will provide information, resources and experts from around the world.

Speaking of wireless, WINA will sponsor the Wireless Tech Tour: No Wires, No Hype , a daily walking tour through the ISA EXPO 2008 exhibit hall where you will get behind-the-scenes insights from industry experts as they describe the wireless technologies and applications on display.

Demonstrations of EDDL and FDT are also available. The ISA104 booth highlights the end user benefits of the ISA/ANSI Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) standard. Demonstrations of advanced EDDL-enabled user interfaces that can be provided in control systems and handheld devices for accessing diagnostic, real-time and asset management information. Graphical visualization such as graphs and charts take full advantage of the rich capabilities of the host automation system.

Not to be outdone, the ISA103 booth highlights the end user benefits of IEC 65C/398/NP: Field Device Tool Interface Specification. FDT technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems. The key feature is its independence from the communication protocol and the software environment of either the device or the host system. ISA103, in cooperation with the FDT Group, will showcase this valuable technology capability across three leading networks, HART, Profibus and FOUNDATION™ fieldbus.

ISA EXPO 2008 will be held Oct. 14-16 at the Reliant Center, Houston. For more information, go to www.isa.org/isaexpo2008 . Register for ISA EXPO 2008 online or by calling (919) 549-8411.