New low cost, low power controller from DSL

The new ICOP-6150 family of embedded controllers from DSL meet PC104 specifications and are designed for headless applications that require a combination of low power, low cost and a small footprint.  The 300MHz Vortex86SX  processor and 128MB DDR2 RAM make the ICOP-6150 ideal for a wide range of low power applications such as data-acquisition, industrial automation, process control, robotics and AVL.

Featuring two serial and two USB ports along with a parallel port and 16-bit GPIO, the embedded controllers also offer a wide range of connectivity options. The ICOP -6150 also provides enhanced support for IDE Disk-on-Modules flash based storage that simply plugs into the IDE port of the CPU card.

With plug-in backwards compatibility, the ICOP-6150 offers an ideal migration path for existing x86 based PC104 systems.

For further information, view website: http://www.dsl-ltd.co.uk/productspec.aspx?ProdID=ICOP-6150  Refer to page 102

Fortress ensures machine safety with new extracted key adaptor

Safety Interlocking company Fortress Interlocks has added its new E1, Extracted Key Adaptor, to the amGard range of modular safety gate switch interlocks. The E1 has been designed to ensure that the door to hazardous machinery cannot be opened without removing the safety key, and the machinery cannot then be restarted until the key is returned.

Fortress has achieved this by designing a mechanism that traps the actuator in the head until the key is removed which then allows the 'gate' to swing over the keyhole. While the actuator remains out of the head, the gate remains over the keyhole preventing the key being returned to the lock.

E1 ensures a specific sequence of operation and can be stacked or combined with other adaptors; up to 5 key adaptors can be used in one configuration. E1 also provides a unique link to Fortress' high profile mechanical mGard range of interlocks.

E1 works with access key and safety key adapters, amGard LOK or STOP bodies and is suitable for either hinged or sliding door applications. The modular arrangement of amGard allows customers to tailor and configure products to suit their application. amGard is a heavy duty interlocking range that provides both safety and security by controlling access to dangerous machinery and safeguarding personnel. A variety of actuators and adaptable mounting arrangements helps sustain a long life cycle and minimises downtime.

For more information, please visit the company website at: www.fortressinterlocks.com  Refer to page 177

AVL Powertrain UK Incorporates NTC's Software Team

Following AVL's acquisition of NTC Powertrain, the NTC software team has now become part of AVL Powertrain UK. The move signals a strengthening of AVL's engineering presence in the West Midlands.

The MD of AVL Powertrain UK Ltd, Dr Matthias Wellers, commented: "NTC's software team are a great fit with our company. Their world leading expertise in transmission control supplements our strong expertise in hybrid and electrical system control, and advanced engine control. As a former control engineer myself, I recognise the value of good people in this field."

Prior to the acquisition, NTC's software engineers gained recognition for many control systems they developed, including breakthrough technology in dual clutch and direct-shift gearboxes, employed by German OEMs. Today, the software they developed controls over three million double clutch transmissions and five million automatic transmissions worldwide.

As part of the integration, the software team is now expanding. Michael Gallion, the new Department Leader for Transmission Software, explained: "Since the start of this year, the team has doubled in size. Based on the level of new customer interest, it is inevitable we will grow further." Such expansion will be expected now they are part of the world's largest independent engineering company developing powertrain systems. At the end of last year, AVL announced it is creating a further 100 new jobs in the UK, in a range of engineering areas. The attraction of AVL's technical leadership, particularly in sustainable technologies, and international career opportunities, put these jobs in high demand.

For further information view website: www.innovateuk.org or contact Gina Sheldon, e-mail: gina.sheldon@avl.com 

Impress Sensors' comprehensive
range of control and instrumentation systems

Sensors+Systems' range of new pressure and level transmitters include the IDSL and IDCL, range of submersible level transmitters with 'Dual' 4-20mA current loop outputs for both level and temperature measurement; the DM01, a new high accuracy digital pressure gauge with integrated data logging and serial interface; the DCT Series, a new digital output pressure transmitter with RS485 communications; and the DMP339, a ¼-inch flush diaphragm pressure transmitter.

The design of the new DMP304 range of ultra-high pressure transmitters is based on a compensated strain gauge, bonded onto a stainless steel diaphragm. With its rugged, stainless steel housing, the sensor offers a maximum nominal pressure of 6,000 bar, making it suitable for use in a wide range of high-pressure industrial applications, including hydraulic circuits, water jet spraying, and other high-pressure chemicals and pharmaceuticals applications.

In addition to pressure and level transmitters, Impress Sensors' offer a comprehensive range of control and instrumentation systems, includes process meters and multi-channel controllers.
 
The CMC-99 for example, is a compact, multi-channel controller with touch-screen display, which is ideal for the simultaneous measurement and control of a wide variety of process manufacturing applications. As well as providing up to 8 PID control functions, the controller now comes with integrated JAVA Applets, enabling the user to create web pages in order to view process data in Real Time via the device's Ethernet connection. The CMC-99 is therefore suitable for a wide range of process applications, including centralised temperature measurement and control; multi-zone heating control; intermediate pumping station control; spraying and heating control for greenhouses; control of industrial furnaces and incinerators; and for engine test cell measurements.
 
Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd in profile
Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd is a rapidly expanding UK manufacturer and distributor of instrumentation products based in Aldermaston, Berkshire. The company prides itself on its expertise in pressure measurement and its knowledge of general instrumentation. The company manufactures its own range of standard and custom-designed pressure instruments in the UK, and distributes a wide portfolio of instrumentation products from its European partners - BD Sensors in Germany and Metallux in Switzerland. Impress specialises in offering a customised service in applications where standard products may not satisfy the technical requirements and price aspirations of customers. The company boasts the necessary technical expertise in mechanical, electronic and application engineering that enables it to supply instruments tailored to the customer's requirements.

For further information, view website: www.impress-sensors.co.uk or to arrange a product demonstration on the stand, call the sales department on 0118 981 7980.  Refer to page 160

New version of the ComDebug data
logging and com port trouble-shooting software

Windmill Software's new version of the ComDebug data logging and com port trouble-shooting software is free to every subscriber to their Monitor newsletter. The new version works with Windmill 7 64-bit, as well as other versions of Windows; lets users enter and display data in Hexadecimal, ASCII or binary format and logs data from serial instruments - PIC microcontrollers, RFID readers, plcs, data loggers and so on.

The software collects data from devices connected to the PC's com port over RS232, RS422, RS485 and Modbus. A terminal emulator lets users trouble-shoot serial port connections. Even though there is no charge for the software, Windmill Software provide free technical support for it for life.

When monitoring com port communications, users can see all bytes sent and received, including non-printing characters like carriage returns.
This is crucial when dealing with binary data.

With ComDebug uses can quickly identify and correct communication errors. The software can send and receive unsigned integers, single bits, floating points, 16-bit 2s complement integers and other types of data. It can control the state of the PC's serial port output lines - setting them high or low - and show users the state of the port input lines.  ComDebug runs under all versions of Windows, from Windows 7 64-bit down to Windows 95.

Windmill Software is a British company established 1991. They specialise in data acquisition and control systems using Windows software.

For further information view website: http://www.windmill.co.uk/serial.html  or e-mail: sales@windmill.co.uk