Advantech’s new ECU-1871 is Intel Atom D510 Energy Controller with 2 x LAN, 3 x COM, IRIG-B,and it has been designed to be the most flexible energy controller available. With IEC-61850 compliance, the ECU-1871 is a highly reliable, flexible and stable controller which makes it ideal for all power automation and renewable energy needs.

For flexibility, the ECU-1871 has to integrated I/O slots which can be used to add a range of optional cards: the ECU-P1706 is a 250KS/s, 16-bit, simultaneous 8 channel analog input card which is best used to monitor vibrations; the ECU-P1300 is a vibration signal modulation card also for monitoring vibrations; which come from the transformer and the gearbox of the wind power turbine ,the ECU-P1702 is a 10MS/s 12-bit simultaneous 4 channel analog input card used for monitoring the partial discharging of the transformer . These threecards give customers the best possible choice to meet their requirements and make wiring, maintenance and installation a lot easier.

The ECU-1871 includes isolated IO ports; is fanless and has no internal cabling and is protected against other damaging effects such as electrical surges and EMI, therefore making it is ideal for any harsh environment applications.

For further information about the ECU-1871, ECU-P1706, ECU-P1300 and ECU-P1702 visit www.advantech.com or contact your nearest Advantech authorized dealer. All models except the ECU-P1702 are available immediately, the P1702 will be available at the end of Decemeber.

The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed narrow IO modules with a width of just 25 millimeters (mm) for the Simatic ET 200MP distributed I/O. This means that up to 30 modules can be mounted on a standard mounting rail of 830 mm. The new modules can be combined with the 35-mm modules of the same design which are already established on the market. The new portfolio of 25-mm modules for Simatic ET 200MP includes the following digital input and output modules: DI 16x24VDC BA, DI 32x24VDC BA, DQ 16x24VDC/0.5A BA and DQ 32x24VDC/0.5A BA, as well as the mixed module DI/DQ 16x24VDC/16xDC24V/0.5A BA.

With the same pin assignment for wiring, the circuit and wiring diagrams can be universally used for the two module sizes 25 mm and 35 mm. The new modules also use the easy-to-handle push-in terminal technology. The front connector required for this purpose is supplied together with the module.

The Simatic ET 200MP distributed I/O system features a modular and scalable station design. The IO modules can also be used for centralized automation tasks with the new Simatic S7-1500 controllers. The new 25-mm modules have an extended range of functions as compared to the 35-mm modules – for example with respect to on-delay, parameter assignment or diagnostic options.

Simatic ET 200MP

Invensys, a leading supplier of state-of-the-art industrial software, systems and control equipment to the world’s major industries, has introduced its Foxboro Eckardt™ LevelWave Radar Series measurement solution for liquids, including corrosive, sticky or difficult media.

“The Foxboro Eckardt LevelWave Series enables us to offer our customers wider capabilities for level measurement with the same peace of mind, quality and accuracy they have come to expect from Invensys,” said Roger Ingemey, general manager of Invensys Foxboro Eckardt. “We have more than 50 years’ expertise in level measurement and a well-deserved reputation for excellence, based on our experience, innovation and extraordinary quality. Every Foxboro Eckardt device is rigorously tested before leaving the factory. With its unique, modular design, the LevelWave Radar Series measurement solution guarantees easy and fast field installation, and each device will consistently provide accurate and stable measurement performance across a wide range of installations and applications.”

The LevelWave Radar Series is state-of-the-art measurement technology combined with robust, durable and reliable instrumentation. Each device has a unique 360-degree rotation, which allows for side or top mounting as standard, making it much simpler to fit into an existing space. For greater ease, all LevelWave instruments feature a user-friendly external display, offering easy, intuitive configuration for a new operator. For further effortless operation for busy engineers, there is an option for full digital remote electronics up to a distance of 100 meters.

The new measurement solution is excellent for a wide range of applications, including blending; distillation tanks; process tanks and separators; solid silos and storage tanks for most liquids; pastes; foam; and corrosive media. This makes the new LevelWave Radar Series a great addition to the company’s existing level measurement portfolio and an ideal solution across many industries.

“In a world where time is money, when choosing which device to purchase, it is important to know how easy it will integrate into an existing system and how long it will take to install,” Ingemey said. “The LevelWave Series has a unique modular design—a simple click-in system—so installation really couldn’t be easier. This enables process operators and installers to move onto the next job more quickly; it makes ongoing maintenance much simpler; and its easy head removal reduces process downtime.”

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Acromag expands their line of versatile USB-configured signal conditioning transmitters to include RTD/resistance and potentiometer/thermistor input signals.

Acromag’s new offerings in the TT230 and TT330 series of process transmitters are designed to deliver flexibility while maintaining optimal performance. These isolated signal conditioners feature high-density mounting on DIN rails, supporting RTD/resistance and potentiometer/thermistor input signals. With a convenient USB connection to a PC, precise configuration using Windows software is simple. Wiring terminals are front-facing and removable for easy connections and maintenance.

“The TT230 and TT330 process transmitter series’ continue to provide greater versatility with our new additions,” explained Don Lupo, process group sales and marketing director. “Whether you need 2-wire or 4-wire transmitters, we can accommodate a wide array of process measurement and control applications.”

Each model accommodates a variety of signal types selected in the configuration software. The TT234 and TT334 models interface 100-100k ohms via potentiometer/slidewire or 100-1M ohms from a thermistor/rheostat. The TT235 and TT335 models accept 100 ohm, 200 ohm, 500 ohm, or 1000ohm platinum RTD; 120 ohm nickle RTD; 10 ohm copper RTD; or 0-450 ohm linear resistance. All units effortlessly convert the input signals to a proportional current output signal of +/-20mA, 0-20mA, or 4-20mA. The TT330 series also allows for +/-10V, +/- 5V, 0-5V, and 0-10V output signals as well. The software also lets you precisely scale input ranges for full resolution. You can then test or calibrate input/output values in the software, too.

TT230 process signal converters have the option of loop-power with a 2-wire connection, or DC-powered with a 3-wire connection. TT330 process signal converters are DC-powered (12-32V) and support a bussed rail power option for primary or redundant power. The rugged design of these thin transmitters feature CE approval as well as: -40 to 80 Degrees C operation, electrical noise immunity, and surge protection. UL/cUL Class 1 Division 2 Zone 2 hazardous location approvals pending. Prices start at $175 (TT230 series) or $220 (TT330 series) for single quantities.

The USB-to-PC connection for software-driven configuration makes setting ranges and calibration easier, more accurate, and very reliable. Many competing units use DIP switches that can only offer coarse range settings, not fine adjustments. Using trim pots can allow fine tuning, but they require far more time to achieve the desirable results. With a USB port, you can digitally set the calibration gain and offset using precision D/A converters whereas DIP switches and pots can change values over time or due to temperature/shock/vibration. These changes can lead to drift and require periodic re-calibration. And once configured, the device’s settings can be archived in a file or uploaded quickly into additional units for rapid cloning in large systems. Later, a device’s USB port enables diagnostic communication using software while a unit configured with DIP dipswitches and pots cannot. Plus, USB-configured devices use fewer mechanical parts which increases long-term reliability.