Abstract
Krohne SMARTSENS Analytical Sensors
KROHNE (Companion Company) introduces SMARTSENS, the first family of 2-wire-loop-powered analytical sensors with integrated transmitter technology. KROHNE claims that SMARTSENS sensors significantly reduce the risk of failures along the chain from sensor to process control system and ease the handling of analytical sensors in a revolutionary way. The first step includes the sensors for pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and conductivity, followed by other parameters.
Until today, analytical sensors required an external (proprietary) transmitter on site that translated the sensor signals to the process control system. Considering the possible error by the requirements of IEC 61508/IEC 61511 in the chain from sensor to process control system, the transmitter represents the main source of error in percentage. False installation, cabling and configuration of the transmitter are frequently occurring problems. To eliminate these risks, KROHNE miniaturised the transmitter and fitted it into the sensor head: any SMARTSENS sensor can be connected directly to the process control system, featuring direct communication via 4–20 mA/HART. KROHNE claims to be the first provider to offer a direct connection from the sensor to the process control system via a standardised fieldbus.
KROHNE LTD
Teresa McHugh, +44 (0)1933 408518,
HARTING’S Versatile RFID Reader
The Ha-VIS RF-R200 is the latest radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader in HARTING’S extensive range of auto-ID solutions. This new RFID device is a mid-range unit optimised for read ranges up to 2 m, and offers what HARTING claims are superior performance characteristics combined with versatility and cost-effectiveness.
The RF-R200 reader is available in a number of different versions to suit the requirements of diverse applications. These include a model with an RJ45 interface and Power Over Ethernet (PoE) capability, a unit with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface designed for office use and a basic printed circuit board (PCB) module without housing for integration into machines or other products.
Key features of the RF-R200 reader include 500 mW of transmitter power, support for automatic transmission of the acquired transponder information to a computer and support for an external antenna as well as the internal antenna with a read range up to approximately 20 cm. The unit is sealed to IP 30 requirements and occupies a minimum footprint when installed on a ‘top hat’ rail in a switch cabinet.
Typical applications include tool identification, tracking of manufactured goods on production lines, logistics and the description of transponders in office or production environments.
HARTING Limited
+44 (0) 1604 827500,
Panasonic’s New Low CxR PhotoMOS
The new CxR10 PhotoMOS relays belong to the successful Low CxR series PhotoMOS, with an optimised, that is, product of C and R. In particular, measurement applications require the smallest possible output capacitance C at the open contact and at the same time a low on-resistance R at the closed contact for high-frequency loads. Optimising the capacitance and the resistance component in the transistors makes this possible. The most advanced metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technology makes it possible to combine a very low contact resistance of 0.18 Ω (typical) with a low output capacitance of 37.5 pF (typical) at the same time.
The new types are available in the well-proven ultraminiature very thin shrink small outline package (VSSOP) and shrink small outline package (SSOP) housing types. The vertical VSSOP housing type with its minimal space requirement of 1.8 mm × 2.1 mm is, Panasonic claims, the smallest design currently available on the market. Furthermore, the new CxR10 PhotoMOS have a very short response time (0.2 ms typical), a high input/output (I/O) isolation (max. 1.5 kVAC for SSOP) and a very low leakage current (<nA). The maximum switching voltage is 30 V for both types, alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC).
Panasonic Electric Works UK
+44 (0) 1908 231555,
Kistler Single Axis Accelerometer
The new Type 8315 single-axis accelerometer from Kistler Instruments is especially suited to low-frequency applications, including automobile ride quality, wind tunnel investigations and aerospace testing where structural vibration and dynamics are used to assess performance, reliability and integrity parameters. Other R&D applications include human motion studies, robotics and platform motion control systems.
The Type 8315 K-Beam® capacitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer is ideal for use in R&D and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications where precision, reliability and durability are demanded. Six measuring ranges from ±2 g to ±200 g are available with a frequency response of 0–1 kHz (0–250 Hz for 2 g), enclosed in a choice of hard anodised aluminium or welded titanium housings. The sensor design is optimised for low-frequency applications common to aviation/aerospace, automotive, civil engineering structure, seismic and other R&D studies. A temperature output is provided for use where external temperature compensation of the output signal is required.
Kistler claims that the wide supply voltage range 5–50 VDC and 6000 Gpk shock rating combined with the availability of a temperature output and integrated signal conditioning make the Type 8315 exceptionally versatile. A choice of adhesive, threaded stud and magnetic mounting bases and connection options facilitate installation.
Kistler Instruments Limited
Ocean Optics Launches Powerful New Spectroscopy Software
Ocean Optics has released OceanView spectroscopy software, combining powerful data processing capabilities with a clear graphical user interface for use with the company’s miniature spectrometers. OceanView is highly customisable and includes a schematic view that provides a visual roadmap of data flow from spectral inputs to processed results.
OceanView displays and utilises spectral data from Ocean Optics spectrometers with the added flexibility of integrating temperature, voltage and other input data, allowing users to capture and visualize data from multiple sources. In addition, OceanView saves and reloads previous experiments and has a persistence of settings feature that conveniently recalls acquisition parameters and file locations. Users can customise the OceanView interface once and later access those same settings without having to rebuild them with each new session.
Ocean Optics
Daniëlle Ravenshorst, +31 (0)26 319 05 00,
