Hannover Fair 2005 - product news

Siemens A&D has added new diagnostic functions to its Sipart PS2 electropneumatic positioner. The positioner signals imminent malfunctions in the valve or actuator using “traffic light signaling” in accordance with the Namur NA64 and proposed NE107 requirements. This diagnostics signaling permits the development of ingenious maintenance strategies which improve plant safety and availability. By detecting the early stages of a serious fault, maintenance schedules can be optimized to support both production and safety requirements.

An outstanding innovation of the Sipart PS2 Auto-Tune software is that it automatically learns the reference performance characteristics of a new valve and actuator system. This innovative process provides a performance benchmark stored in the positioner memory and eliminates the requirement to define actuator models and other installation details through complex calculations, table evaluations and measurement procedures. 

Usability is further enhanced by optionally displaying the diagnostic signals on the local display, via alarm outputs built into the positioner, or via a communications interface: Hart, Profibus or Foundation Fieldbus to a control system such as Siemens Simatic PCS 7. With easy, flexible access to the diagnostic conditions, performance values, and configuration data the user can choose the interface that works best for their maintenance strategy – from control room PC to onsite local display and pushbuttons.

A new communications processor is suitable for the Simatic S7-300 controllers for small to medium Industrial Ethernet communications solutions: the CP 343-1 Lean from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) can connect a controller with up to 12 partner devices. The new module, which is only half as wide as the other Ethernet CPs for Simatic S7-300, possesses the communications functions required for industrial applications.

Communication is possible using the following protocols: TCP/IP with RFC1006, TCP native, UDP, IP-Multicast, S5-compatible communication and S7 communication (server). The module supports SNMP to permit integration of the Simatic controller into network management systems. "Autosensing" permits the CP 343-1 Lean to automatically detect the transmission rate of 10 or 100 megabits/second. Equipped with mechanical "sleeves", the RJ45 connection is particularly suitable in addition to standard RJ45 connectors for the FastConnect RJ45 plug. The new CP is configured and diagnosed using Step 7, just like the other Ethernet CPs. The communications processor can be replaced without the necessity for a programming device since all configuration data are saved on the controller’s CPU.

EMKO ELEKTRONIK AS announced the newest ESM-xx50 series process controllers innovative, flexible and reliable controllers. The smart recognition modular system offers a lot of opportunites for high-end process control applications.

Among the main features of the serie are: Universal input for TC, RTD, mV, V, mA; Smart I/O module system; Motorized valve control; Temperature profile control; Self tunning/Auto tunning PID; RS-232 or RS-485 MODBUS; Re-Transmission and Remote Set.

WERMA is to extend the successful product group 420 by the addition of signal combinations. An optical as well as an extremely loud audible signal can now be combined neatly using a diameter of only 90mm. The signals can be triggered variably i.e. both the light and the audible ele-ment can activated in whatever sequence necessary, or simultaneously. In addition to the proven base mounting bracket mounting is also available. The base will be in an attractive grey.

The optical signal component is available as LED perma-nent light or as a flashing light. The audible component is available as a buzzer, a multi-tone siren or a horn. The buzzer has a continuous or pulse tone. The multi-tone siren is adjustable in eight tones, and the volume can be ad-justed continuously up to 100dB.

The horn version is a high-tech product and has a life du-ration of up to 50,000 hours, 10 times higher than that of a conventional horn. The volume can be adjusted likewise.

The Variosub RJ45 Quickon plug connector from Phoenix Contact is the world’s first 8-pin Cat 5e RJ45 plug connector that requires no tools to assemble. Its standards-conforming design is suitable for industrial Ethernet transmissions, Ethernet-based fieldbuses such as Profinet and Ethernet/IP and for regular office and Gigabit Ethernet use.

Assembling using the insulation displacement technique requires no tools. According to the orientation in pairs, the wires are easily inserted in the chambers and pressed into the displacement terminals with the closing cap. The plug connector is pre-assembled, which means positioning it is not necessary and small parts will not be lost. Therefore, installation is easily possible even under adverse conditions at the construction site.

Well shielded against high EMC loads, this plug connector can accept both flexible and rigid wires from AWG 26 to AWG 22. With a maximum cable diameter of 8 mm and its additional cable glands, the plug connector is especially suitable for robust Ethernet cables in the industrial environment.

Contact GmbH, a Lapp Group Copmany, presented the new EPIC® CIRCON M23 product range for signal transmission, aimed for drive technology and control & measurement engineering.

The whole Circular connector program has been revised. The innovative EPIC® CIRCON M23 has been pended for three patents. Not only design aspects (form, material and colour) were considered but also functional characteristics. Functional application as well as easy harnessing and assembly are essential characteristics. These product features are considered as well in the series EPIC® CIRCON M23.

Among the technical characteristics of EPIC® CIRCON M23 Circular connectors are the following available styles: 3 with 4 different no. of contacts: 9, 12, 16 and 17; electrical data according to IEC 61984, M23: 125V/7A; termination: Crimp, solder, 0,14-1,0qmm/AWG18-22; and protection class: IP 68 (dust and water proofed). The new products are vibration-tested and corrosion-tested.

Manufacturer announced the following product advantages:

• Signal circular connector for rated voltage up to 125 V and rated current up to 7,5 A
• Unique marking possibilities at the connector
• Patented coloured marking clips allow the marking directly at the connector
• Extremely high protection against the penetration of dust and water due to protection class IP 68
• Vibration-tested - and therefore perfectly suitable for electrical drives and moving machines
• With integrated EMC screen
• The patented insert can be assembled from the front and from the back - which makes the assembly easier and more flexible

Yaskawa Electric announced the development of the world’s first variable speed AC motor control using the matrix converter technology. How to develop a practical matrix converter has puzzled universities, academic research establishments and variable speed drive manufacturers internationally for years.

The benefits of the technology include minimal generation of harmonics, regenerative braking without the need for additional resistors, automatic return of energy to the supply during braking and enhanced operating life.

Matrix-converter drives, which offer efficient operation in all four quadrants, differ radically from VSDs in common use today. Ordinary drives convert the incoming AC supply to DC, and then convert the DC back to AC at the required frequency and voltage. In contrast, Yaskawa’s matrix converter drives use an array of semiconductor switches – packaged insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) – to connect the three phases of the supply directly to the motor in a precisely timed sequence.

This method of operation reduces harmonic generation to approximately 8% of the ground wave unlike conventional drives that measure at typically 80%, while also offering almost unity power factor – that is, no wasted energy. The elimination of the DC-bridge section of the drive makes it easy to arrange for energy to be returned to the supply during braking, and also removes the need for energy-wasting, heat-generating braking resistors.

A further benefit is that the new drives need no large electrolytic capacitors. Since the unavoidable deterioration of these capacitors is the principle life-limiting factor in most modern electronic equipment, their elimination boosts both drive reliability and lifespan.

Initially, Yaskawa’s new matrix converter drives will cost more than conventional counterparts. They are, however, expected to be an attractive option for applications such as lifts, cranes and presses where their efficient regeneration is a particular benefit, and in sensitive environments, such as hospitals and computer centre installations, where it is essential to keep supply harmonics to a minimum.

The new drives, which could be available by the middle of next year, will initially be supplied in three-phase 400V versions with ratings from 5.5 to 22kW. Yaskawa plans to extend this range up to 75kW, and also to introduce 200V models with ratings from 5.5 to 45kW.

Yaskawa Electric is the world’s largest manufacturer of variable speed drives and has a history of pioneering developments in motors and motor control technology. It produced some of the first DC servo motors in the 1950s; introduced a minicomputer based CNC system in the 1960s; the first ever vector controlled inverters in the 1970s; the first PWM inverter in the 1980s; and the world’s first sensor-less flux vector inverter in the 1990s.