New products from Kepware, Logic Supply, Pickering Interfaces, Robovent and Weidmuller.
KEPServerX V5.21 IOT Platform from Kepware
Kepware Technologies, a PTC business developing industrial connectivity software, recently announced the release of KEPServerEX version 5.21.
The release extends the connectivity options available within KEPServerEX and expands interoperability with the ThingWorx IoT Platform, further enabling the development and deployment of smart-connected solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT).
KEPServerEX version 5.21 introduces the ThingWorx native client interface, a fully-integrated solution built to provide rapid connection to industrial things—including PLCs, RTUs, PACs, DAQs, controllers and more. The ThingWorx native client interface extends KEPServerEX and leverages Kepware’s library of over 150 communication drivers to provide real-time, bi-directional industrial controls data to the ThingWorx IoT Platform.
The update also features a KEPServerEX Extension for the ThingWorx IoT Platform, which allows users to connect and configure ThingWorx-developed applications to KEPServerEX.
The extension automatically configures a KEPServerEX remote thing template within ThingWorx and provides services to browse, read, write and interact with the configuration. It is provided free of charge with the KEPServerEX installation or through the ThingWorx Marketplace.
In addition to the ThingWorx native client interface, KEPServerEX version 5.21 also includes 18 updates to the server, select drivers, and advanced plug-ins.
For more information, visit www.kepware.com.
ICM Series Industrial Computers from Logic Supply
Logic Supply has recently unveiled a trio of products from ARM hardware developer Embux.
The two Single Board Computers (the ICM-2010 and the ICM-3011) and tiny Box PC (ICS-2010) are designed for use by industrial hardware developers looking to standardize on a highly versatile, long lifecycle, wide temperature computing platform that was built from the ground up for commercial use.
All three of Logic Supply’s ARM-based offerings are powered by an ARM Cortex-A9 i.MX6 DualLite 1.0 GHz processor and feature support for Android, Linux Ubuntu and Yocto operating systems, which are available on an 8GB MLC SD card.
Built using capacitors and one percent precision resistors, as well as a jumperless design, the Embux boards and mini PC have been built for the rigors of modern industry to stand up to 24/7 operation and environmental challenges. Both motherboards feature an operating temperature range of -20° to 70° C (-4° to 158° F), while the ICS-2010 Mini Box PC offers a 0° to 50° C (32° to 122° F) range.
The ICM-2010 motherboard delivers ARM processing power and a compliment of industrial I/O, all while conforming to the Pico-ITX form factor and consuming 3 W of power.
At 2.5″ the ICM-2010 is powered by the Freescale Cortex A-9 i.MX6 DualLite chip. This SBC features 1GB of on-board DDR3 RAM and includes HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0 (2 populated), 2 wire RS-232 serial connector and Gigabit LAN. A full-size mini PCIe slot allows for additional customization and expansion.
The ICS-2010 is a tiny, RISC-based box PC built around the ICM-2010 motherboard, offering a computing platform for hardware users seeking a self-contained ARM solution. The ICS-2010 is a development device for industrial control, home automation, kiosk, digital signage or robotics applications. The ICS-2010 mini box PC features an all-aluminum chassis and an integrated real-time programmable display to monitor current, voltage and temperature.
The ICM-3011 from Embux is a 3.5” motherboard that features Cortex-A9 ARM processing, consuming only 3.5 W of power. The ICM-3011 offers a variety of I/O including 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 internal), HDMI, 2 x 18/24-bit LVDS outputs, Gigabit LAN, 4GB eMMC NAND and 8MB NOR flash. Expansion is available via dual full/half size mini PCIe slots and onboard SIM card socket. Onboard CAN bus, GPIO and an input voltage of 10.8~26.4 volts all make the ICM-3011 a highly versatile industrial automation computing platform.
For more information, visit www.automation.com.
Switch Path Manager Signal Routing Software from Pickering Interfaces
Pickering Interfaces, a provider of modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification, recently announced their signal routing software product, Switch Path Manager.
This software simplifies signal routing through switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software. It can be used in NPI labs as they develop test procedures as well as in automated test systems.
Originally known as Tecap Switching, Pickering is adding features to the software and renaming it in an effort to better address the market requirements as well as clearly identifying the functionality.
Switch Path Manager signal routing software speeds up switch system development by automatically connecting system endpoints. The software supports Pickering’s PXI, LXI, PCI and GPIB switching systems and the interconnection between them.
Within small switching system configurations, or when utilizing just single switch modules, the user typically applies device drivers with the provided API to control the relays. CLOSE and OPEN commands with additional parameters like module number and channel number control the required relays. As switching systems get more complex, this task can get quite complicated.
The user must always take care in order to avoid shorts or malfunctions even when performing simple switching tasks. If there are many relays involved, the risk of error increases significantly. Add to this the potential complexity of test code for the overall test program and developing and debugging of the switching portion can be lengthy and prone to error.
Switch Path Manager describes any switching architecture and processes all stored project data for switching and routing at runtime. The user selects the modules from the library, and defines the physical interconnections, as well as the endpoints. Endpoints are the boundary of the system where measurement and stimuli equipment and all the UUT access points are connected. By calling Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint functions the routing is processed and the required relays are controlled to establish a signal path between these endpoints. The router will never interfere with existing routes and will find an alternate bypass or will terminate with an error message if not successful.
For more information, visit www.pickeringtest.com.
Dust Collector for Robotic Welding from RoboVent
RoboVent, a manufacturer of clean air technologies, created RoboVent Spire to address the needs of robotic welding operations where space is at a premium.
Spire was specifically designed to complement the most common robotic welding applications used in the automotive industry, though it can be applied to many other industries as well.
“For our automotive parts suppliers, floor space costs money,” explains RoboVent General Manager Jim Reid. “Reducing the footprint of the dust collector allows them to maximize the productivity of their factory lines. We created Spire to deliver powerful dust collection in the smallest footprint possible.”
Spire is intended as a flexible, cost-effective alternative to centralized ducted systems. Each Spire unit provides filtration for an individual welding cell. It’s a powerful system that can keep up with the heavy demands of robotic welding in a high-production factory.
Spire features:
- Small footprint: The floor-saving design takes up about the same amount of space as a wire barrel.
- Built-in spark arrestance: RoboVent’s propriety Delta3 spark arrestance system comes standard with every unit for superior fire safety.
- Very low maintenance: Everything is easily accessible for fast filter changes and maintenance-no special tools required. The proprietary RoboVent eTell control system makes maintenance headache-free.
- Flexible: Since the Spire units have a very small footprint, it’s easy to find space for them. And when the floor configuration needs to be changed, Spire is easy to move right along with the welding cell.
For more information, visit www.robovent.com.
u-remote Safe Power-Feed Modules from Weidmuller
Weidmuller has recently announced the release of the newest addition to their award-winning u-remote distributed I/O module line-up – the u-remote Safe Power-feed Modules.
These compact safety modules feature integrated functionality to safely switch off power to all modules that are within a safety segment, eliminating the need for a safety controller. These modules meet stringent machine safety standards that include SIL 3 CL and Category 4 PL e and can help increase efficiency and reduce wiring costs in applications by eliminating costly home run wiring while providing immediate feedback on the status of the safety circuit.
The new UR20-PF-O safe power-feed modules safely switch off the power to all output modules when supplied from the safe power-feed slice. This function creates a “safety segment” that is managed locally by the UR20-PF-O safe power-feed module.
The safety rated input works together with pulsed inputs to detect broken wires and short circuits. These safe power-feed modules go beyond standard safety relays by providing real-time feedback on which safety circuit is down. Since this functionality is built into the modules, there is no need for expensive safety controllers and complex safety programs.
Weidmuller’s UR20-PF-O safe power-feed modules can be used in complex automation solutions by cascading multiple safe power-feed modules together. Available in 1 input, 2 inputs, or 2 inputs with delay, the UR20-PF-O safe power-feed modules can offer cost savings for a wide range of safety-related equipment.
For example, consider the case of an emergency stop button along with a light curtain: the u-remote standard output modules used within the u-remote “safety segment” contribute to even more cost savings when compared to the traditional safety cards for every output. One UR20-PF-O module can manage up to 12 switchable output modules versus the more expensive system design that requires a safety module for each output module.
With safety levels of SIL 3 CL as per DIN EN IEC 62061 and Category 4 PL e as per DIN EN ISO 13849-1, Weidmuller’s UR20-PF-O safe power-feed modules offer the highest possible degree of machine safety protection.
For more information, visit www.weidmuller.com.