iaa august 2011

MICA(P) 011/07/2011 | ISSN 0219/5615 | PPS 1561/06/2012 (022743)

z

Industria

lAuto

matio

nA

sia

August 2

01

1

Ele

ctro

nic

s M

anufa

ctu

ring | S

yste

m M

igra

tion | W

irele

ss T

echnolo

gy/S

ensors

| Onlin

e D

iagnostic

sw

ww

.iaasia

onlin

e.c

om

August 2011

www.iaasiaonline.com

An Eye ForOnline

Monitoring As It Should Be

NFC:A Touch

Of Wireless

Project Management:

Migration Vs Greenfield

System 800xA Extended AutomationThe Power of Integration

Integrated Process and Power Automation. ABB reduces capital expenditure and lifecycle costs by bringing process control, process electrification, substation automation and power management together on a common System 800xA platform, eliminating the need for multiple systems for your plant. Also, in one powerful, integrated, plantwide system, operations and maintenance are unified, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. For more information visitwww.abb.com/controlsystems

Auto_A4ad_pipes.indd 1 21/05/2010 09:48

System 800xA Extended AutomationThe Power of Integration

Integrated Process and Power Automation. ABB reduces capital expenditure and lifecycle costs by bringing process control, process electrification, substation automation and power management together on a common System 800xA platform, eliminating the need for multiple systems for your plant. Also, in one powerful, integrated, plantwide system, operations and maintenance are unified, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. For more information visitwww.abb.com/controlsystems

Auto_A4ad_pipes.indd 1 21/05/2010 09:48

ENQUIRY NO. 138

Cradle to cradle design. Unmatched machine performance. Work with

our Southeast Asia OEM team. Intelligent machine solutions start here:

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/solutions/oem/

Singapore :+65-6510-6688 / Philippines: +63-2-323-0588 / Indonesia: +62-21-255-45200

Thailand : +662-936-1500 / Malaysia : +603-8997-6688 / Vietnam: +84-8-6255-6400

Machine intelligence. Intelligent machine.

Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AD RS2240-R1PENQUIRY NO. 295

2 industrial automation asia | August 2011

Change Of Generation At CheminovaSometimes change is necessary in view of an old operator

system to a new. Transition can be troublesome, but with good planning and execution the outcome is likely favourable. By Mogens Aagaard, ABB

contentsaugust 2011

ISSUES & INSIGHTS

24

Driving Machine Performance Through Motion ControlIncreasing efficiency and reliability is important in any industry

where cost-saving and secure reliability of machines or process cycles reside. Advancements and the correct application of motion control in these sectors plays a large part in meeting these industry goals. By Prasad Padman, Moog (Asia Pacific)

30CONTROL POINT

SOFTWARE & NETWORKS

A Touch Of WirelessToday's unprecedented growth of mobile devices is altering the

way we interact with people and conduct business. Adding to a mobile handset a new way of sensing, especially with a direct link to the cloud, increases its capabilities as a guide with a versatile set of functions and behaviours. Near Field Communication (NFC), a subset of RFID, will usher in a wholly new set of interactivity for mobility devices. By Ian Armstrong

32

INSTRUmENTATION & mEASUREmENT

Project Management: Migration Vs GreenfieldThe risk profile in a Greenfield project is different than that seen

in system migration projects, translating into very different project management requirements. By examining these different profiles we can arrive at a set of suggestions for effective project management. By Andrew Kennard, Emerson Process Management

28

Advanced Online Physical Layer DiagnosticsFieldbus networks with online advanced physical

layer and applications layer diagnostics will no doubt be reliable when proactively maintained. By Gunther Rogoll, Ren Kitchener, and Arasu Thanigai, Pepperl+Fuchs

36

ENERGy

Energy Storage To Power Future Demand?Energy storage is critical to its efficient use in any automation

system that requires power for its operation. There are innovations emerging that enable greater storage at minimal cost. By Merilyn Eng, Frost & Sullivan

All Charged-UpThe power industry is thriving with new innovations in

efficiency, accessibility and materials used. This applies across the spectrum of power solutions, whether it is from traditional fossil fuels, renewable or the battery industry. By Amreet Singh

40

42

want to see the future?

For more information about our solutions for the gas industry visit www.honeywell.com/ps

©2011 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

Meet tomorrow’s challenges todayHoneywell gas solutions are engineered with your big-picture business objectives in mind. We offer a broad portfolio of solutions across the industry, bringing unmatched experience and know-how as a single-source partner in planning, design, service and local support. Plus, our solutions integrate comprehensive safety and security for reliability and peace of mind – today, and for decades to come. From the control room to the boardroom, our integrated, enterprise-wide solutions deliver reliable, real-time data for powerful, profitable agility. Suddenly, the future of your business is at your fingertips.

We’re bringing better ideas to the gas industry.

Production Processing Storage Pipelines Distribution

ENQUIRY NO. 296


SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

REGuLaRS8 Industry News

18 Profibus

20 CaN in automation

21 Fieldbus Foundation

22 EtherCaT Technology

67 Products & Services

71 Calendar of Events

72a Product Enquiry Card

contentsaugust 2011

Cover: Sick

IMPORTANT NOTICEThe circulation of this magazine is audited by bpa world wide. The advertisers’ association recommend that advertisers should place their advertisements only in audited publications.

INdusTRIAl AuTOMATION AsIA (IAA) is published 8 issues per year by Eastern Trade Media Pte ltd 1100 Lower Delta Road #02-05 EPL Building Singapore 169206 Tel: (65) 6379 2888 • Fax: (65) 6379 2805Website: www.iaasiaonline.com Email: [email protected]

subsCRIPTION RATEs:IAA is available to readers on subscription in Singapore at S$60.00 per annum. Subscription by airmail to readers in Malaysia is also at S$60.00 per annum; and Asia Pacific, America, Europe and other regions at S$100. Refer to the subscription card in each issue for further details.

FOR MORE subsCRIPTION INFORMATION Fax: (65) 6379 2806 Email: [email protected]

Copyright. Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced in any form or means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc – without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and editor.

Refer to pg

Advertisers’ for Enquiry Numbers

Oil & Gas Indonesia 2011

singapore International Water Week 2011

Metaltech 2011

The Aerospace Industry And social Computing

The world of technology is becoming more social with greater collaboration taking place constantly. This is far reaching and is being applied to many industries; aerospace is no exception. By Prasad Nanjanagudu, Infosys Technologies

Case study: Error Elimination

Machine vision-assisted verification systems play a critical role at the front-line, in identifying and weeding out problems early in the production field. By Didier Lacroix, Cognex

EVENTS

62

FEaTuRES

3d Machine Vision In The Electronics Industry

Machine vision technology has many advantages, and is advancing at a rapid pace. The prospect of 3D machine vision technology holds the solution to many monitoring problems that depend on high precision results. By Hakan Thorngren, Sick

50

The Importance Of defining PlM

Arriving at a comprehensive definition of PLM is essential if manufacturers are to experience the complete range of the solutions benefits. By Vi Kellersohn and Tom Shoemaker, PTC

58

5446

ENQUIRY NO. 248

EDITOR’s PAGE

Published by:

EASTERN TRADE MEDIA PTE LTD(A fully owned subsidiary of Eastern Holdings Ltd)

MANAgINg DIREcToR

Kenneth Tan

EDIToR

Joson Ng [email protected]

ASSISTANT EDIToR

Mark Johnston [email protected]

EDIToRIAL ASSISTANT

Nur Ashikin Bte Mohammad [email protected]

gRAPhIc DESIgNER Peh Loon Chin

[email protected]

SENIoR SALES MANAgER

Derick Chia [email protected]

ASSISTANT SALES MANAgER

Aisyah Wong [email protected]

cIRcULATIoN EXEcUTIVE

Emily Wang [email protected]

coNTRIbUToRS

Mogens Aagaard, Andrew Kennard, Prasad Padman, Ian Armstrong, Gunther Rogoll, Ren Kitchener, Arasu Thanigai, Merilyn Eng, Amreet Singh, Didier Lacroix, Hakan Thorngren, Prasad Nanjanagudu, Vi Kellersohn,

Tom Shoemaker, Augustine Quek

EDIToRIAL coNSULTANTS

Jim Pinto Industry Analyst

Alastair Ross Director, Codexx Associates Ltd

EASTERN HOLDINGS LTDEXEcUTIVE boARD

chAIRMAN

Stephen Tay

gRoUP EXEcUTIVE DIREcToR

Kenneth Tan

FINANcIAL coNTRoLLER

Robbin Lim

etm EasternTrade Media Pte Ltd

an Eastern Holdings Ltd company

Head Office & Mailing Address:Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd

1100 Lower Delta Road #02-05 EPL Building Singapore 169206

Tel: (65) 6379 2888 • Fax: (65) 6379 2805Website: www.iaasiaonline.com

Email: [email protected]

MICA (P) No. 011/07/2011ISSN 0219/5615

PPS 1561/06/2012 (022743)Co Reg No. 199908196C

Printer: Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd

suPPorted by:

Time For


The Asia Pacific region is growing at an increasing pace, seeing political stability and a promising economic outlook across and within its boarders.

Major growth sectors, such as renewable energy, and e-mobility are flourishing at what seems like a convergence in technological innovation.

As new technology appears on the market, new testing and certification programs are developed for conformance testing to regional and country requirements. Tüv Süd knows this better than most with a major presence in the Asia Pacific region. The company recently announced a refocusing of its efforts by divesting its 100 percent stake in PSB Academy in Singapore to an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia, and reinvesting its funds into its Asia Pacific operations. This comes on the back of divesting its 49 percent stake in James Cook Australia Institute of Higher Learning to JCU Enterprises for the same reason.

Mobility is advancing at a pace unmatched, seeing growth in new hardware and innovations surrounding software, eg: Near Field Communication (NFC), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), new innovations surrounding power management, and modular software architectures. What is important to note is innovations in this respect do not stop at the mobile device, but with the prevalence of cloud computing, innovations connected to server farms and scientific advancements relating to new algorithm development all play a big part in functional improvements in the mobile space.

In this issue of IAA we look into power management, examine what is in store for NFC and look at the challenges surrounding system migration. The Asian automation industry is growing, and new innovations are flourishing.

Mark JohnstonAssistant Editor

ENQUIRY NO. 264


Industry newsCargotec To Establish A Global Competence Centre In Singapore

Singapore: Cargotec will establish a global competence centre for container terminals development in Singapore. By establishing a competence centre close to customers in Singapore, the company will further strengthen its ability to provide total solutions for its container terminal customers in the whole Asia-Pacific region.

“Customer perspective is at the core of Cargotec’s strategy. In order to better understand customer needs, Cargotec needs an extensive geographic

presence and tight collaboration with local customers, partners and other stakeholders,” said Mikael Mäkinen, President and CEO at Cargotec.

He continued: “Singapore is one of the world’s largest ports and it offers a unique view to customer trends, requirements and future needs for research, development and engineering purposes. Our strong presence in Singapore will further enhance our possibilities to develop more customer-driven solutions for future needs.”

The company has been present in Singapore for more than 30 years. Today, it employs approximately 450 people in Singapore representing the company’s brands Hiab, Kalmar, MacGregor and Bromma. The Asia-Pacific region has been identified as one of the company’s growth areas accounting for 40 percent of the total sales in 2010. Its Asian production units are located in China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

Singapore: MTM Metalising has been approved to apply TSA (Thermal Spray Aluminium coating) for Shell Global after conducting an audit and qualification testing. The Audit was conducted and a Material and Corrosion Engineer from Shell Global witnessed the tests.

A total of 10 TSA qualification tests for MTM Metalising applicators were carried out, five tests using flame spray equipment and five tests for applicators

using IMFC Arc spray equipment. All 10 tests were passed, giving MTM Metalising the approval to use the eight applicators to apply TSA for any Shell projects worldwide.

Both TSA coating methods from MTM Metalising will now be listed on Shell's Technically Accepted Manufacturers and Products (TAMAP) listing. The validity of the qualification will last for three years ending on September 23, 2013.

Bill Jordan, GM, MTM Metalising said: "Being a qualified applicator for Shell demonstrates our dedication and commitment in our approach and practices. All of our sprayers have been qualified and we can now begin to apply TSA coatings on Shell projects."

The week long Shell Audit consisted of procedures that focused on safety and quality, as well as business and organisational aspects of MTM Metalising.

MTM Metalising Achieves Shell Global Qualification

August 2011 | industrial automation asia 9

Industry news

Raj

a R

, Che

nnai

, Tam

ilnad

u, In

dia

Singapore: Siemens PLM Software announces that Nissan Motor has won the 2011 Asia Pacific Innovation Award. The award is presented to the Siemens PLM Software customer in Asia that has achieved exceptional business success through the use of PLM technology. Siemens PLM Software also recognised first runner-up Midea Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Group and second runner-up Shenyang Liming Aero-Engine (Group) Company Ltd. for their submissions.

Siemens PLM Software presented the award at its annual Asia Pacific Executive Client Event (APECE), which brings together industry leaders to share PLM best practices and discuss how companies can leverage PLM to get ahead in today’s complex global economy.

The entries were evaluated by a panel of judges according to the unique business challenges each company faced, the steps and solutions that each company took to overcome the challenges, the innovation made possible by the PLM implementation, the benefits the PLM implementation enabled each company to gain, as well as the next steps in leveraging PLM solutions.

Siemens PLM Announces Winning of 2011 Asia Pacific Innovation Award

Agilent And NUS Form Alliance In Environmental Research

Singapore: Agilent Technologies and the National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI) announced an alliance to leverage each other’s key strengths in life sciences and chemical analyses. This alliance marks the first time that Agilent is collaborating with a university in environmental science and engineering in Southeast Asia.

Under this collaboration, part of NERI’s new laboratory, located at the National University of Singapore (NUS), will be equipped with the company’s instruments for chemical and bio-analysis and elec tronic measurement. This facility will provide NUS researchers with instrumentation to conduct studies on water, air, soil, food and biospecimens, leading to applications that will benefit the research community, industry and society at large.

“NUS and Agilent already enjoy a long-standing relationship as research partners,” said Professor Barry Halliwell, the university’s deputy president (Research and Technology).

He continued: “We are pleased to team up with Agilent once again in our quest to become a leading global centre of interdisciplinary research, education and expertise in the environment, particularly in areas affecting Singapore and Asia. We will continue to actively work in partnership with industry to explore new technologies and generate innovative solutions to address real world environmental challenges.”

NERI conducts research in a range of high-impact areas. Some of its current research interests include env i ronmental monitor ing and surveillance, environmental and human health, ecological and environmental impact of climate change, energy and novel technology platforms for environmental research.

“This collaborative effort with Agilent will further position NERI well

as an integrated one-stop centre, bringing together researchers from dif ferent faculties to engage in interdisciplinary activities in areas of env i ronmenta l sc ience and engineering. This will greatly strengthen our capabilities for rehabilitating, sustaining and managing natural environments,” said Professor Ong Choon Nam, Director of NERI.

While primarily NERI researchers will use the new facility, it will also be open to international scientists and engineers who collaborate with NERI in environmental research.

O ne a rea o f co l l abora t ion being developed by NERI using the company’s instrumentation is focused on automated miniaturised sample preparation and chemical analysis, with the goal of conducting the entire process in the field.

At present, environmental water samples are typically brought back to a laboratory for extraction of the compounds to be analysed, which is costly, time consuming and involves larger volumes of organic solvent for extraction. Automated field-based extraction and analysis will address these problems.

Researchers at NERI have also developed methods for environmental bio-monitoring and toxicity testing. The company wil l suppor t this research through their custom analysis platforms. NERI and the company will also explore the possibility of further developing these assays into an automated high-throughput toxicity-screening platform.

Agilent and NERI will also work closely to organise joint seminars and training programs, as well as publish scientific papers on environmental issues. Novel measurement, analytical and bioanalytical methodologies resulting from this partnership are likely to be further developed into joint R&D projects.

Industry news


ON Semiconductor Opens Global Distribution Centre In Singapore

Singapore: ON semiconductor, a supplier of silicon solution for electronics, has opened its Singapore hub for global distribution. The US$3.5 million facility was built and implemented in partnership with DHL.

John Nelson, executive VP and COO, ON Semiconductor said: “The Singapore Global Distribution Centre (GDC) was designed to increase storage and throughput capacity and improve overall productivity.”

“Singapore was an ideal location for this distribution operation because it offers a centralised regional location with close proximity to our customers and to our manufacturing, assembly and test operations located in South Asia,” he added.

The GDC is dedicated to shipping goods to its worldwide customer base, acts as a global customer sample centre, stores die and wafers for shipment to assembly and test operations, and

serves as a local hub for consolidation and delivery of products to customers in South Asia. This facility will be serving the semiconductor industry located in Singapore.

Yeoh Keat Chuan, assistant MD, Singapore EDB commented: “We welcome ON Semiconductor’s decision to locate its GDC here in Singapore. This highly automated GDC is very much in line with Singapore’s drive to promote greater productivity in warehousing and logistics operations. With electronics

Pio

tr D

, Gor

zow

Wie

lkop

olsk

i/Wro

claw

, Lub

uski

e/D

olno

slas

kie,

Pol

and

supply chain and customer base shifting to Asia, Singapore, as the leading logistics hub in Asia, has the capabilities that enable electronics companies to optimise their supply chains for quick turnaround time.

He continued: “The presence of major third party logistics providers also provides a compelling case for distribution centres in Singapore. Today, most of the top 25 third party logistics service providers have significant operations here.”

Element14 Launches Online Platform For Electronic Design Engineers

Singapore: Element14, part of the Premier Farnell group, has launched the element14 knode, an online design platform that is focused on the needs of electronic design engineers. Unveiled on June 7, 2011 at the Design Automation Conference, in California, US, it provides one interface to engineering design solutions.

It supports design f low from concept to final production and enables engineers to research, design, develop

and prototype manufacture in a single, intelligent environment. By automating the configuration of product design flow solutions, engineering resources can be increasingly focused on application design and IP creation.

“By providing one place to get trusted information, element14 has eliminated the need for engineers to search hundreds of suppliers’ websites to receive the hardware and software solutions they need to complete a design project,” Jeff Jussel, the company’s senior director of global technology marketing told IAA.

Based on an engineer’s initial specification, it automates the creation of explicit dependencies and inter-relationships with other system level components to build a custom design flow for development kits, design

tools, operating systems and stacks, Intellectual Property or services such as PCB design and manufacture.

Harriet Green, CEO, Premier Farnell said: “The element14 knode offers a world of solutions in one single interface and is another exciting industry first for us offering a new and different approach to design solutions. Innovation is vital for design engineers and as their partner in innovation, we are re-defining the delivery of the solutions they need.”

The element14 knode v1.0 release includes search automation and configuration for project specific design flows, development platforms and kits, operating systems and stacks, development and CAD tools,

PCB services; and test solutions and an online ‘Learning Centre.’

Industry news


Check Point Wins Network Security Vendor Of The Year

Singapore: Check Point Software Technologies announces that it has received the 2011 Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific ICT Award for Network Security Vendor of the Year. This award recognises Check Point's continuous

Rob

ert

Lind

er, S

prin

gfiel

d, M

isso

uri,

US

A

commitment and outstanding industry achievements in developing innovative security solutions that meet real customer needs.

A panel of judges, comprising senior executives from the industry, CIOs and CTOs, as well as Frost & Sullivan analysts, attributes the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific ICT Awards. The Awards are conferred to recognise the companies that have pushed the boundaries of industry excellence in the past year.

Cathy Huang, industry analyst, Asia Pacific ICT, Frost & Sullivan said: “Check Point has an excellent line of security solutions that appeal to various types of enterprises across industry sectors and sizes. This award recognises their continued leadership in the security space."

“The impress ive mindshare that Check Point has generated was ref lec ted in the company's strong 2010 revenue and earnings growth. Moreover, Check Point's software blade strategy has been well received by enterprises in the Asia Pacific region that are interested in a

flexible and scalable security platform,” she added.

Itzack Weinreb, VP, Asia Pacific & Africa Sales, Check Point Software Technologies said: “We are very privileged to be named 'Network Security Vendor of the Year' by our esteemed colleagues in the industry, senior executives and respected analysts from Frost & Sullivan. This award is a testament to the success of Check Point as a premier technology vendor that has pioneered the network security industry with its visionary strategies and innovative products, while remaining focused on diligently serving its customers.”

“We thank our valued customers, channel partners and the analysts from Frost & Sullivan for this honour. They can rest assured that Check Point will continue to define the information and security industry worldwide, and through its vision of 3D security, gradually transform IT security into an integral business process, aligning policies, people and enforcement for better security,” he added.

Singapore: Mitsubishi Electric Asia has participated at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) for the first time. The company is a founding sponsor of SIWW 2011.

At SIWW 2011, the company showc ased i t s iQ P lant Su i te Distributed Control System (DCS) Platform Automation Solutions for the water industry. The solution has been developed to proactively assist plant managers, optimise the performance of operations and lower maintenance costs.

The company strongly supports Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hydrohub and recognises the importance of this global platform to

Mitsubishi Electric's First Participation At Singapore International Water Week

encourage development of solutions to address the latest water issues in a rapidly changing world.

Singapore is a key regional market for the company. It has completed a number of key projects with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) including systems for the Bedok Regional Control Centre at Bedok Waterworks and NEWater Service Reservoir at Mandai.

To further reinforce the company’s commitment to Singapore, it recently established its first Global Process Automation (PA) Project Team outside of Japan. Using Singapore as a base, the team will coordinate and expand strategic partnerships with system

integrators locally, as well as in India, China, the Middle East, US and Europe.

The project team, working in partnership with the company’s network of factories across Asia, will deliver automation technology solutions to global key industries including waste and water, mining, aviation, healthcare, transport, infrastructure and energy.

The aim is to transition the company’s latest and most advanced technologies outside of Japan and to accelerate wider access to improved solutions for the social infrastructure and process automation markets, especially in developing countries.

Industry news


Bangkok, Thailand: According to an industry report published by Amadeus ‘The always-connected traveller: How much mobile will transform the future of air travel,’ emerging mobile technologies will revolutionise the overall travel experience in the future.

Travellers are beginning to expect, demand and adopt them: 16 percent of travellers surveyed currently use smart phones to book trips. That figure rises to 18 percent amongst the 18 to 35 age group and to 33 percent amongst frequent travellers. In addition, 3.4 percent of all travellers use their mobiles today to check-in for their flight, with this figure rising to 7.4 percent in Asia.

The mobile device is also increasingly becoming a channel with which to book ancillary services: 1.4 percent of

Julin

elli,

Bal

near

io C

amb

oriu

, San

ta C

atar

ina,

Bra

zil

Mobile Technology Set To Transform Air Travel In The Next Five Years

travellers had to date used their mobile phone to purchase ancillary services.

Also, the Scandinavian and Middle East based airlines outlined plans to aggressively increase their mobile ancillary offering within the next six months. Premium seating, the option to pre-purchase meals and club access are among those services due to be made available via mobiles in the coming months.

As many as six airlines are planning to implement push notifications in order to deliver real-time information updates relating to baggage or flight status. The survey also found that close to 40 percent of today’s travellers would use real-time baggage and flight updates via their mobile, if they were available.

All of the airlines surveyed are

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Honeywell has been engaged by PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) and the Bien Dong Petroleum Operating Company (BDPOC) to supply an integrated process control system for their central processing platform currently under construction in Vung Tau, Vietnam.

The US$3 million assignment will see the facility fully operational by the

investigating the ability to enable mobile payments in the medium term, in order to be able to process payments for flights and ancillary services.

David Brett, president, Amadeus Asia Pacific said: “Mobile continues to shake-up how companies interact with and meet the needs of customers. It provides travellers with a personal, always-connected device that offers unlimited potential to transform how people travel. The challenge for the industry is to deliver an intuitive and compelling mobile user experience and services that help travellers get the information they want and buy the things they need. However, instead of just transplanting what airlines do online to the mobile device, we encourage our customers to explore what can be done to exploit the unique characteristics of mobile."

Norm Rose, Travel Tech Consulting, Inc and the report’s author added: “According to iSuppli Corp, over 73 percent of the world’s population — which equates to five billion people — carry a mobile device of some form. And so essentially, airlines need to work out how to effectively monetise the mobile channel. Airlines across the world currently have an incredibly unique opportunity to use mobile technology; not only for product differentiation but also to allow incremental sales and encourage increased brand loyalty. But crucially, they must also keep pace with ever-changing passenger expectations.”

end of 2012. The platform is expected to contribute in meeting Vietnam’s increased gas demands by providing two billion cubic meters of gasoline each year and up to 20,000 barrels of condensate daily.

Honeywell will implement its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) with C300 controller and foundation fieldbus capabilities to fully automate the facility. Safety

Manager will also be installed to improve process-safeguarding protocols, such as emergency shutdowns, fire and gas monitoring, and critical application control. By increasing ef f iciency and reducing downtime, the platform should be able to reach its optimal production volumes.

BDPOC is a subsidiary of state-run Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam).

Honeywell To Automate Vietnam’s Offshore Gas Platforms

IAA is getting social; join us on facebook for news and products from the automation industry, supplied to you as and when you need it.

Join us now, and help us to help you stay up-to-date with content and services from the automation industry.

www.facebook.com/IAAsia

Industrial Automation Asia Now On

Like

Industry news


Zurich, Switzerland: The EU’s new minimum efficiency levels for Low-Voltage (LV) motors, backs up ABB’s direction, as the new requirements are in-line with its focus on providing customers with high efficiency motors both for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) market in the US and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) market throughout the rest of the world.

The industry accounts for about 42 percent of the world’s electricity consumption and about two-thirds of that electricity is used to power electric motors, so any regulation to improve energy efficiency of motors will have a significant impact on energy usage and help reduce carbon emissions.

The requirements, in the form of Commission Regulation EC 640/2009, came into effect on June 16, 2011. Generally referred to as EU Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), the requirements cover at most two, four and six pole motors in the power range 0.75-375 kW for AC power supply frequencies of 50 and 60 Hz.

All motors covered by EU MEPS to be placed on the European market after June 16, 2011, must achieve a minimum International Efficiency standard level 2 (IE2). Some motors, such as motors for explosive atmospheres, are currently excluded from EU MEPS, but ABB anticipates these types of motors will have to comply with standard IEC 60034-30 and have therefore provided such motors with IE markings.

The second stage of EU MEPS will apply from January 2015. The minimum requirement for motors with output powers above 7.5 kW will have to achieve IE3 efficiency levels or IE2 if combined with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD). The third stage of EU MEPS, which will apply from January 2017, will extend the requirement to achieve IE3 efficiency levels or IE2 with a variable

Europe’s Energy Efficiency Requirements Back Up ABB’s Focus

speed drive to include motors down to 0.75 kW power output.

“ABB will not offer, sell or deliver IE1 CE marked products in any markets across the globe from June 16, 2011 onwards,” says Ulrich Spiesshofer, head, ABB's Discrete Automation and Motion division. “ABB will ensure that it complies with the regulations under all circumstances,” he added.

Even though EU MEPS covers the European market only, other countries like Australia, China, Brazil and Canada have already implemented similar energy efficiency schemes. In the US, the requirement for NEMA Premium (equal to IE3 efficiency) has been in effect since the end of 2010. ABB can now offer a full range of NEMA Premium certified Baldor motors to satisfy these regulations.

Industry news


Texas, US: PAS announces the release of Integrity iMOC, an electronic Management Of Change (MOC) sof tware. This product ensures that all changes made to a plant’s automation systems are detected and reconciled with specific management of change cases.

Automation changes that affect other items, which require change management, needs a follow-up MOC process. Systems become vulnerable when undocumented changes occur as they have the potential to be destructive. These changes include those made to automation systems with no record of whether they were approved or not. Automation systems, which util ise MOC process, are considered secure.

Chris Lyden, president, PAS said: “Undocumented and unapproved changes to automation systems have

PAS Releases Software To Detect & Reconcile Automation System Changes

been identified as contributing factors in a number of process industry incidents and accidents.”

“With the advent of new viruses that affect the interaction of controls with the process, ensuring that all automation configuration changes are detected and reconciled with MOC cases is an essential element of control system

Car

los

Pae

s, L

isb

on, P

ortu

gal

security,” he added.The software will be able to integrate

with a plant’s existing MOC system and act as a subordinate to that system. Also, PAS can implement an S95-compliant plant assent hierarchy to link MOC cases to specific parts of the plant as is often done in general MOC systems.

Albitech Moves To Acquire Market Share In Asian Aerospace, Defence & Automotive Sectors

Hertzlia, Israel: SolidWorks CAD Solution Par tner, Albitech, the deve loper o f t he So l id Work s Gold Certif ied Solution partner program, Inspection Geni (IG), has appointed Advanced Technology Enterprise (ATE) as its authorised Singapore reseller.

“The addition of IG to the solutions portfolio on offer by ATE will position us to benefit from ATE's solid representation in the aerospace, defense, automotive and engineering sectors,” said Doron Sashkis, CEO of Albitech.

"The combination of Inspection

Geni V 3.0 and SolidWorks 2011 allows manufacturers that use SolidWorks to both speed up their inspection processes; and give users the ability to work with multiple versions and multiple drawings without any limits on the ability to track changes — areas that have been shown to be significant pain points," added Mr Sashkis.

According to Mr Sashkis, IG addresses both of these points by automating a traditionally manual inspection process. "IG automatically balloons SolidWorks drawings and generates inspection reports in Excel

or PDF formats," he said, "providing designers and product managers with a single uniform platform to deal with inspection reports."

IG's ability to track design changes directly in SolidWorks without the use of a PDM is also seen as an industry game changer. "Creating interactive chronology based dimension trees, and offering complete dimension change tracking reports for companies that do not have expensive PDM systems, is a significant benefit," he concluded.

Mar

y G

ober

, US

A

Industry news


Texas, US: Exxon Mobil Corporation announces two major oil discoveries and a gas discovery in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico after drilling the company's f irst post-moratorium deepwater exploration well.

The KC919-3 wildcat well confirmed the presence of a second oil accumulation in Keathley Canyon block 919. The well encountered more than 145 m of net oil pay and a minor amount of gas in predominantly Pliocene high-quality sandstone reservoirs. The well, which is continuing to drill deeper, is located 402 km southwest of New Orleans in approximately 2.1 km of water.

Drilling in early 2010 encountered oil and natural gas at Hadrian North in KC919 and extending into KC918, with over 168 m of net oil pay and a minor amount of gas in high-quality Pliocene and Upper Miocene

ExxonMobil Announces Three Discoveries In Deepwater Gulf Of Mexico

National Association Of Manufacturers To Receive Skills Certification System

North Carolina, US: The International S o c i e t y o f A u t o m a t i o n ( I SA ) announces that it is partnering with The Manufacturing Institute to bring automation and control systems certifications to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System (SCS). The partnership adds ISA’s Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) and Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification programs to the SCS offerings.

The partnership is a continuation of work begun three years ago between the Automation Federation (AF) and The Manufacturing Institute. The

Committee, we were pleased to extend an invitation to ISA to join the system, with the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician and Certified Automation Professional certifications.”

Leo Staples, president, ISA, said: “I am pleased that The Manufacturing Institute has invited ISA to be a partner in building the automation workforce and expanding the NAM-Endorsed Manufac tur ing Sk i l l s Certification System, which plays a vital role in the future of manufacturing around the world.

sandstone reservoirs. “We estimate a recoverable resource

of more than 700 million barrels of oil equivalent combined in our Keathley Canyon blocks,” said Steve Greenlee, president, ExxonMobil Exploration Company. "This is one of the largest discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico in

the last decade. More than 85 percent of the resource is oil with additional upside potential."

“We plan to work with our joint venture partners and other lessees in the area to determine the best way to safely develop these resources as rapidly as possible,” he added.

Manufacturing Institute participated with AF and the US ills Certification System as part of its Department of Labor in the development of the Automation Competency Model.

“As manufacturing leads the way to economic recovery now is the time to expand the SCS and the educational pathways to careers in all sectors of our manufacturing economy. And, we know, automation is key to driving productivity and quality across all sectors of manufacturing,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, president, The Manufacturing Institute.

She continued: “After careful consideration by the SCS Approval

Nad

ya Y

asno

goro

dsk

aya,

Kie

v, U

krai

ne

Industry news


Endress+Hauser Opens Temperature Instrumentation Manufacturing Plant In US

Indiana, US: Endress+Hauser officially opened a temperature production facility in Greenwood, Indiana. The 12,000 sq ft manufacturing plant wil l build temperature sensors, thermowells, transmitters, recorders, f low computers, safety barriers, displays and other instrumentation to meet the increasing demand for the company’s instrumentation in North America and South America.

“Sa le s o f ou r temperatu re instruments in North America have increased by 40 percent so far in 2011,” says Hans-Peter Blaser, GM of Endress+Hauser Wezter USA.

“En d r e s s+H a u s e r p r o j e c t s that annual sales of temperature instrumentation in North America will exceed US$550 million in 2012,” added Mr Blaser.

He continued: “The new facility prepares Endress+Hauser to serve the growing demand, producing temperature instrumentation for the North American market, as well as produc ts for expor t to South America.”

The temperature production facility is the second major manufacturing investment that the company has made recently in Greenwood. In 2007, it expanded its flow instrumentation manufacturing plant.

The company also builds level and pressure instrumentation at a plant in Greenwood, and analytical instrumentation at a plant in Anaheim, California.

The 40 percent increase in temperature instrumentation sales in North America is a part of the

company’s strong comeback since the economic turndown of 2008-2009. It recently announced its 2010 financial results, where it noted that its strongest growth was in North America. In this region, overall instrumentation sales increased by 38.2 percent, ahead of even Asia, where sales increased by 28.5 percent.

“The continuing expansion of our manufacturing capabilities in the US demonstrates our commitment to serving the North American market,” says Blaser.

“We now manufacture, service and calibrate instruments for the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil from our facilities in Indiana,” he added.

Milwaukee, US: The board of directors of Rockwell Automation, announced a 21 percent increase in the quarterly dividend on its common stock to 42.5 cents per share on common stock, payable on September 12, 2011 to shareowners of record at the close of business on August 15, 2011.

"The 21 percent dividend increase

Rockwell Automation Increases Common Stock Dividend

reflects our solid financial position and our confidence in Rockwell Automation's sustainable cash generation throughout business cycles. We remain committed to delivering shareowner value by investing in high-return growth opportunities and appropriately returning cash to shareowners," said Keith Nosbusch, chairman and CEO.T.

Al N

akib

, Lon

don

, UK

Industry news


Houston, US: Merrick Systems has been working with a consortium of oil and gas producers to incorporate the necessary functionality into the eVIN field data capture mobile solution to address EPA GreenHouse Gasses (GHG) emissions guidelines and reporting requirements that are mandatory for 2011 emissions.

The members of the ten-company consor tium include Bil l Barret t Corporation, Cabot Oil & Gas, Cimarex Energy Company, EXCO Resources, Merit Energy Company, Noble Energy

Software Solution For Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compliance

Ram

zi H

ashi

sho,

Sai

da,

Sai

da,

Leb

anon

and Whiting Petroleum Corporation. According to the EPA’s Mandatory

Reporting of GHG Rule (40 CFR part 98), suppliers of fossil fuels and industrial gasses, along with other companies including those operating large industrial facilities that emit 25,000 metric tonnes CO2 equivalents, are required to report their GHG emissions, along with additional information.

Companies are required to submit a request for EPA approval to use their best available method to capture the data by either July 31, 2011, or

September 30, 2011, depending on the source of the GHG.

Clara Fuge, Merrick, VP production said: “Our clients needed a solution for handling the new EPA reporting requirements. They wanted a simple solution that could quickly be rolled out to their field operators and incorporated into their existing workflows and activities, using a tool they are already using daily.”

She added: “we are able to develop, with help from our consortium members, a reliable method to capture the relevant events that will be used to report emissions to the EPA, as mandated by the new ruling. We are proud to be able to respond so quickly to the changing needs of our clients and the oil and gas industry. It is this collaborative process of design, development and delivery that has allowed us to offer practical, cost-effective solutions with enabling technologies like eVIN.”

New York, US: Otis Elevator Company, a unit of United Technologies Corporation and Empire State Building Company, owner of the Empire State Building, announce the awarding of a contract to Otis to fully refurbish and modernise the building’s 68 elevators.

As part of this contract, the company was also awarded a ten-year maintenance contract. The elevator upgrade is the final component of the US$550 million dollar Empire State Rebuilding

Otis Wins Empire State Building Elevator Installation Contract

Dav

id L

at, N

ew Y

ork,

New

Yor

k, U

nite

d S

tate

s

renovation and modernisation program. Completion of the elevator upgrade and ongoing maintenance by the company will deliver improved speed, energy efficiency, and passenger experience.

“Otis designed and installed the original elevator system for the Empire State Building and we are thrilled, on the building’s 80th anniversary, to have been chosen to help make it one of the most modern and energy efficient office buildings in the world,” said Didier Michaud-Daniel, president, Otis Elevator Company.

He continued: “Throughout its 158 year history, Otis has proven its ability to manage and deliver complex projects like this one. At the Empire State Building, we look forward to applying our expertise to upgrade all 68 elevators in the building and replace existing machines, weighing as much as 26,000 pounds. Otis is proud to be undertaking this modernisation project — the largest in our history — in one of the world’s

most iconic buildings.”The 68 modernised elevators will

transport close to 10 million tenants and office and observatory visitors each year. Through the use of Otis’ Compass Destination Management system and during peak operating periods, the elevators will transport passengers to their destinations up to 20 to 40 percent faster than conventional elevators in other modern commercial buildings. Using Otis ReGen drives, the modernised elevators will improve efficiency and the return of regenerated energy back into the building grid, reducing elevator energy usage by as much as 30 percent.

“The bidding for our project was challenging and rigorous. Otis won as the clear choice through its technological solutions, innovative scheduling, performance guarantee, commitment of executives and personnel, and pricing,” said Anthony Malkin, owner, Empire State Building Company.

Industry updates

Since 1989, Profibus has developed into a worldwide fieldbus system used in machine and process plant automation. It has a wide breadth of applications; application specific requirements have been integrated into application profiles, and these applications have been combined as a whole to create a standardised and open communication system.

The use of open standards instead of proprietary solutions ensures long-term compatibility and expandability, which forms the basis for implementing comprehensive investment protection for users and manufacturers.

The Basics Of ProfibusProfibus is part of the IEC 61158 standard and describes the method of functioning of the fieldbus.

This technology is used to link controllers to sensors and actuators on the field level using digital communication, and allowing simultaneous constant data exchange for control purposes as well as on-demand data transmission for parameterisation and commissioning.

I t p r o v i d e s t w o m a i n technologies, Profibus DP and Profibus PA. The communication technology (protocol) is the same, but the transmission technology differs to answer the various needs of the automation market.

Profibus DP mainly uses RS485

or fibre optic, whereas the PA is based on Manchester Coded, Bus Powered (MBP) technology.

The RS485 transmiss ion technology is preferred for use with tasks which require a high transmission speed (up to 12 Mbps), but which do not require explosion protection Intrinsic Safety (IS). A variant, (RS485 IS) is avai lable for intrinsically safe areas and is described in the next section.

It is widely used in the production industry and is also found in parts of the process industry. A twisted, shielded copper cable with a pair of wires is used. The bus structure enables non-reactive coupling and decoupling of stations and incremental commissioning of the system. Subsequent system

expansions do not affect stations already in operation within certain specified limits.

MBP transmission technology implements the simultaneous supply of power to the connected field devices and communication of the data over a single cable, ie: directly via the bus medium.

It also provides wiring topology flexibility; longer segment length (up to 1,900 m) with a fixed baud rate of 31.25 Kbps. This enables wiring overhead to be reduced, meets requirements for a much simpler and safer installation and boasts all the benefits of digital transmission down to the field device. MBP was specifically developed to meet the demands of process automation and is standardised in IEC 61158-2.

AndIntegrated Safety Architectures

In

ProfibusEx Areas

Market Segment

Profibus Solution(Common term) Profibus PA Profibus DP

CommunicationTechnology

TransmissionTechnology

MBP / MBP-ISRS 485 / 485-IS

RS 485

Application Profile

Profibus DP

Process AutomationEx / non-Ex areas

Factory Automation

PROFIsafe, Redundancy, Time Stamp, etc...

Technologies of Profibus layers


Profibus In Hazardous AreaIn compliance with hazardous area requirements, such as low power and IS, the use of the RS485 interface with its high transmission rates is also possible in an Ex zone. This intrinsically safe bus is obtained by using an RS485 IS Coupler.

In the MBP-IS version, this transmission technology is suitable for use in hazardous areas in process automation, and is therefore widely used in applications of the chemical, oil and gas industries. Explosion protection is implemented via limiting power in the incoming bus supply or more frequently in the installation components in the field.

Working on field devices during active operation is made possible, for example, by means of intrinsically safe ignition protection.

Linear and tree structures and combinations of both are therefore possible. In practice, the ‘trunk & spur topology’ has established itself as the de facto standard, as it is especially clear and well laid out.

Profibus PA also offers ring topology to provide a redundancy mechanism on the MBP bus. The combination of redundant couplers and field devices with active field distributors implements ring redundancy and creates expanded media redundancy.

Sub-segments, which have become ef fect ive due to a short circuit or wire break, are automatically and seamlessly operated further via a coupler each in a line structure.

For RS485, extra care should be taken in regards to cable length as the baud rate defines the maximum allowed. Please refer to the Profibus standard for more information.

Integrated Safety In Ex AreasThe risk of human injury, damage to production systems and environmental harm is inherent in many industrial processes. This realisation resulted in ‘safety-related automation technology’ becoming of great importance, as its safety requirements are far above and beyond those of standard automation technology.

This demand must also be satisfied by the fieldbus technology, and the PROFIsafe communication profile serves this purpose for Profibus.

To be able to extend Profibus PA into a Ex zone 1 hazardous a re a , p h y s i c a l a d a p t a t i o n (employing RS 485-IS coupler isolating transformer and RS 485-IS transmission technology) is vital. Use of components certified to Fieldbus Intrincically Safe COncept (FISCO) model by an authorised approving authority (eg: PTB, UL) is recommended.

PROFIsafe is a profile that implements safety-related data transmission between:• the safety-associated devices

placed in the field, and• safety applications executed in

the automation system

PROFIsafe was the f i rst communication standard in compliance with IEC 61508, which permits standard and safety-related communications on one-and-the-same bus. With Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3, it fulfills the highest requirements in the process industries.

PROFIsafe utilises the standard services of the lower-level bus system to implement sa fe communication. Standard and safety related data are transmitted over the same bus. Collusion-free communication is possible using a

bus system with media-independent network components.

An additional software layer within the device and automation system is employed without modifying the standard Profibus communication mechanisms. This allows the use of standard c o m m u n i c a t i o n m o d u l e s , connectors or cables for PROFIsafe communication.

When transmitting messages, PROFIsafe comes up with four measures against any possible faults or errors, such as corrupted addresses, loss, or delay:• PROFIsafe is consecutively

numbered• T h e t i m e i s m o n i t o re d

(watchdog)• Authenticity is monitored using

‘passwords’• An optimised Cyclic Redundancy

Check (CRC) detects corrupted data bits in a message frame

PROFIsafe uses existing standard communication components such as cables, ASICs and standard software packages.

Benefits with the PROFIsafe profile are:• Increased flexibility: Safety and

standard automation can be separated into two different Profibus cables

• Flexible Modular Redundancy: Ultimate flexibility to choose the redundancy levels to fit the Safety Instrumented Function

• Reduced inventory thanks to savings on components: Just one Profibus cable for standard and safety-related communication is possible

• Faster system setup and commissioning: Use of existing Profibus cable for fail-safe communication too

ENQUIRY NO. 5101


Newsdesk

20 industrial automation asia | May 2009

Newsdesk


Crochet Looms

CANopen-BasedSystem Controls For

The control system for the crochet looms by Comez, has been developed by the Italian CMZ electronic systems in Treviso.

The already realised projects range from the first treatment of cotton fibre (or other) to the final stages such as stitching and embroidering tissue. The flexibility of the controller architecture has enabled the controller provider to use the same system for other types of machines, eg: for Jacquard looms.

In terms of electronics in the system there is a host controller managing up to 32 actuators of various types. Each actuator consists of a brushless motor with integrated smart-drive. Most common is the actuator that drives either the bars back and forth in synchrony with the advancement of the product read by a machine encoder.

The band is divided into several lines that describe the drawing to be implemented in each line the actuators must have a specific position. The value of the encoder identifies the line of the drawing, each line is divided into two phases: a ‘data updating phase’ (during which actuators receive information about moving to do) and a ‘movement phase’. Another type of actuator is the type ‘gearing’ that moves in gearing with the machine encoder with a ratio that may vary in each line.

At the maximum speed of the machine the duration of each phase is 15 ms. The connection between the host controller and actuators is done through a CAN network.

The host controller provides NMT master functionality. It also performs the supervision of the network and the transmission of parameters to the actuators, which are intelligent nodes compliant to the CiA 301 (CANopen).

The demands of the machine are:• In less than 15 ms all actuators

must be parameterised.• The master controller must know

as soon as possible if an actuator is out of service to handle the event in order to avoid damage to parts of the machine.

• The movements of the actuators must start simultaneously.

• The machine must have the possibility to work with some actuators that are not powered.

For the first two requirements, SDO communication is used. Normally, this protocol is used to transfer data at low priority with no need for real-time communication; however, it has the advantage that it always provides a response. When the node receives the parameters of the movement, it has the opportunity to inform the master controller immediately of any anomalies.

A high priority implementation of the SDO has been developed.

In this case because the times are very well defined, the recognition of a non-response (timeout) can be very timely.

CANopen standard protocols for supervision of actuators (node guarding, heart beat) have not been used, because they are not so quick to point out the anomaly.

The information on anomalies in each case is completed by the Emergency Message, which is output from the actuator to the occurrence of a fault and has the highest priority over other messages.

CANopen provides for the use of unconfirmed broadcast messages and therefore for the third requirement a broadcast PDO is sent to start movements. It contains a 32-bit mask for ‘start movement’ (a start bit for each actuator) and another 32 bit for the value of the encoder machine for actuators that work as ‘gearing.’

The fourth requirement may seem trivial, but it is not so in Ethernet-based networks which, although much faster, have the disadvantage that a not powered actuator does not normally propagate the Ethercat signal.

CAN instead is a bus systems also from electrical point of view, so it allows the shutdown of some actuators without affecting the communication with other ones.

ENQUIRY NO. 5102

The Fieldbus Foundation has enhancements to its open, non-proprietary Foundation fieldbus physical layer technology. The updates to the H1 (31.25 kbit/s) physical layer specifications will improve the robustness of fieldbus control systems by optimising device interoperability and integration. End users will benefit from easier installation, faster commissioning and seamless start-ups.

Enhancements to the specifications include:• Addition of a test procedure for isolated couplers to the

existing Foundation fieldbus Coupler Test Specification. Registration of isolated couplers is now possible.

• Improvements to the H1 Physical Layer Conformance Test Specification based on Action Requests received during the last few years. The most significant changes include the addition of a receive jitter test case and a device-coupler interoperability test.

• Updates to the H1 Physical Layer Test Specification to remove obsolete profiles and align new references in the document with the current International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifications. Coupler profiles were also added to the test specification.

• Miscellaneous updates to the Foundation fieldbus Cable Specification.

Stephen Mitschke, fieldbus products director, Fieldbus Foundation, commented: “The Fieldbus Foundation’s rigorous interoperability test and registration procedures thoroughly examine all aspects of a fieldbus device. The latest enhancements to our physical layer specifications will strengthen this testing and provide end users with greater confidence that registered Foundation fieldbus devices can be employed in a tightly integrated, interoperable control system architecture.”

Implementation of the updated Foundation fieldbus H1 Physical Layer Test Specification Version 2.0 is not immediately required. However, fieldbus device developers are encouraged to start using the specification as soon as possible. The updated specification will become mandatory with the next major release of the Fieldbus Foundation’s interoperability test kit. Until then, developers can still provide proof of conformance to Version 1.5 of the specification when registering a device.


Enhancements To Foundation Fieldbus Specifications

Fieldbus Foundation Announces New Foundation Technology Blog

The Fieldbus Foundation has established

a blog addressing a wide range of issues

affecting the world of Foundation technology.

The blog will cover topics of interest to fieldbus

equipment suppliers, end users, engineering

firms, system integrators, and others.

Foundation fieldbus provides a supplier-

neutral, standards-based process automation

infrastructure for plant operational excellence.

The technology is designed to enable process

integrity; business intelligence; and open,

scalable integration in a managed environment.

The first commercial Foundation fieldbus

applications were installed in 1997. Since that

time, over a million devices have been sold into

a product, applications and services market

worth US$1.5 billion.

The Fieldbus Foundation’s global marketing

manager, Larry O’Brien, will moderate the

new Foundation fieldbus blog. According to

Mr O’Brien, there is an increasing need for

up-to-date fieldbus news and analysis within

the global industrial automation community.

“Foundation fieldbus has emerged as the

‘technology-of-choice’ among digital control

solutions for the process automation industry

— particularly in growing markets such as

Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle

East,” he said.

Mr O’Brien continued: “Today, with millions

of devices installed and Foundation fieldbus

controlling some of the world’s largest process

plants, there is strong interest in learning more

about this enabling technology.”

The blog also includes a Twitter feed with

additional updates on Foundation fieldbus

developments around the world.

ENQUIRY NO. 5104ENQUIRY NO. 5103

Matthias Poppel (right), director for Embedded Processing at Texas Instruments, EMEA, and Martin Rostan, ETG executive director, discuss at ETG press event on Hannovermesse 2011.

Ethernet HardwareFirst Industrial

Supported By Standard Microprocessors

In conjunction with Hannover Fair, the world’s largest industrial trade show, Texas Instruments (TI) announced it is the first semiconductor company to license EtherCAT for its ARM-based embedded processors. This industrial Ethernet technology will be featured in TI’s upcoming Sitara ARM microprocessors planned for the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2011 and in further processor platforms beginning in 2012.

“The EtherCAT Protocol technology sets new standards for real-time performance and flexibility which is critical for TI embedded ARM devices geared

towards the industrial market. As a leading Industrial Communication protocol, the growing popularity of EtherCAT in industrial drive and I/O applications is based on its robustness and simplicity al lowing master and slave controllers to communicate with each other without a host computer in high-noise industrial environments,” said Matthias Poppel, director, Embedded Processing, at TI, EMEA.

He continued: “The TI approach to EtherCAT with the Programmable Real-time Unit (PRU) on TI’s ARM-based processors allows for flexible implementation that can

more easily adapt as industrial standards evolve over time. Real-time control and communication become available on a single chip”

“A m a r k e t l e a d i n g m i c ro c o n t ro l l e r c o m p a n y integrates an EtherCAT interface in several product lines: this turns EtherCAT into a mainstream technology also beyond the automation world. We are thrilled about this milestone development, which will open entirely new markets for EtherCAT. I am convinced that this will help EtherCAT to establish a strong position in a wide range of embedded applications and further

EtherCAT

Matthias Poppel, director for Embedded Processing at Texas Instruments, EMEA, announces EtherCAT integration in microprocessor product lines.

22 industrial automation asia | Dec 2010/Jan 201122 industrial automation asia | August 2011

accelerate the adoption of EtherCAT in the automation market,” said Martin Rostan, executive director, EtherCAT Technology Group.

He continued: “The importance of this announcement is underlined by the fact that this is the first time ever that a dedicated Industrial Ethernet hardware interface is integrated in standard microprocessor product lines — and of course we are glad that Texas Instruments selected the EtherCAT technology.”

Like all Industrial Ethernet technologies that support hard real time, EtherCAT requires a dedicated hardware interface. Unlike its competition, EtherCAT requires such hardware only on the slave ENQUIRY NO. 5105

Prof Dr Yong-Seon Moon (left), ETG representative Korea and Key Yoo, manager ETG office Korea, at ETG booth at Automation World in Seoul

World Record Motion Control Demo: 35 different drives from 24 vendors controlled via one EtherCAT network.

side. This provides both maximum and predictable performance of the network, since software stack delays do not have any influence any more.

In addition, this leads to lower costs. The first EtherCAT Slave Controller (ESC) back in 2004 was FPGA based, released by the originator of the technology, the German company Beckhoff Automation. In 2005 to 2007

EtherCAT ASICs were introduced by Beckhoff and Hilscher.

Many EtherCAT device vendors also make use of the configurable EtherCAT IP-Cores for Altera and Xilinx FPGAs. The TI microcontroller and microprocessor families will complement the offering of EtherCAT chips by the end of this year.

The EtherCAT Technology Group booth at Hannovermesse 2011. ENQUIRY NO. 5106

The EtherCAT Technology Group booth at Hannover Messe 2011

featured a diverse motion control demonstrator: 35 different

drives from 24 vendors operated synchronously in a single

EtherCAT network.

Put together by ETG team members Thomas Rettig and

Itzko Christow, the motor movements formed dynamic patterns

including the EtherCAT name shown in individual letters.

The demonstrator not only shows the interoperability of the

EtherCAT drives, but also the adoption rate of the technology.

ETG meanwhile counts over 80 drive vendors altogether that

are already shipping or have announced EtherCAT interfaces

with their drive products.

EtherCAT At Hannover Messe

Dec 2010/Jan 2011 | industrial automation asia 23August 2011 | industrial automation asia 23


issues & insights

Sometimes change is necessary in view of an old operator system to a new. Transition can be troublesome, but with good planning and execution the outcome is likely favourable. By Mogens Aagaard, sales manager, ABB

Cheminova has been a major user of ABB process software since the mid eighties and has

long since learnt to appreciate the company’s Lifecycle Management Program.

In 2008 when the company’s operator system at Cheminova’s P1 pesticide plant was changed to System 800xA it had exceeded the expected lifetime. The transition from the old to the new operator system went without disruption to production. Cheminova’s

Change Of Generation

senior engineer Karl Anders Kvist therefore views the future changes of generation that are to take place over the next two to three years at the other plants with confidence.

The reason why the old MasterView operator interface of the P1 plant had such a long life was the fact, according to Mr Kvist, that Cheminova has built up its own stock of spare parts and has therefore considered it feasible to continue as long as they did.

At CheminovaThe MasterView operator

system from P1 had a lifetime of over 20 years, which must be said to be excellent considering that Mr Kvist, in his t ime, expected a life cycle of around 10 years.

The cost for the implementation of the new system is half that of the old one, and Mr Kvist once again predicts a life of around 10 years for the system. “By this we have now gone over to the Windows platform,” adds Mr Kvist.


ENQU

IRY

NO.

286


issues & insights

The Factories In The FactoryPesticide production is divided into 15 more or less separate factories, each with their own process specialities and operator rooms, where two to three process operators control and monitor production and well over 2,000 signals. According to Mr Kvist there are a total of over 30,000 signals that are controlled and monitored from different operator stations.

In 1986 the Lemvig-based company decided to invest in ABB (Asea at that time), with the result that ABB is responsible for around 80 percent of the company’s control systems. The installations have been introduced over a period of more than 20 years, and at the present time almost all generations of ABB’s process control systems are located at the factory at Harboøre Tange.

Practice Makes PerfectSome installations are to be replaced immediately, whilst others have many good years in front. Exactly how many can be seen in ABB’s Lifecycle Management Program for the plant, which shows, for example,

the support and spare parts situation for each individual product.

“We are closely following the Lifecycle program which, among other things, forms the basis of our planning for the coming system generation changes,” says Mr Kvist.

He continued: “Our biological treatment plants and our P1 plant were the first to have ABB equipment installed in the mid eighties, and they have now undergone the change of generation to System 800xA. We are still waiting for four of our plants to undergo the same exercise.”

He added: “We have changed process systems many times before and we have now expertise in doing so quickly, and above all securely. The generation change we are undertaking in the next few years will be from Unix to Windows, and among other things this means that we are compelled to update our one to one screens. But practice makes perfect, and the image-editing tool in the new system is good and fast to work with. The Windows platform provides us with both better monitoring possibilities and several facilities which will benefit

Cheminova has 15 different sub processes at its Lemvig site, Denmark. A net of pipelines connects these plants with each other.

With a turnover of DKR 5.6 billion,

Cheminova A/S is by far the biggest

contributor to the parent company

Auriga Industries A/S, which has sold off

the two companies Hardi and Skamol.

Cheminova was founded in 1938 in

Måløv near Copenhagen, but since 1953

has been located at Harboøre Tange in

West Jutland, where they tried, without

success, to harness the large salt

deposits for chemical production.

Today Cheminova is a company

which develops, optimises, produces

and markets existing and tried and tested

products. The company specialists in

the production of pesticides primarily

for the control of weeds, insects and

fungal diseases.

Cheminova’s products are marketed

in over 100 countries, and its proportion

of exports is 99 percent. Cheminova has

around 800 employees in Denmark and

1,100 abroad.

Cheminova’s Process Control System• Fourteen MasterPiece

MP280/1 controllers

• Twenty-one Advant

AC450/AC410 controllers

• Seventeen OS520 Unix

operator stations

• Six MV850 MasterView

operator stations

• Three System 800xA

operator stations

• Approximately 30,000 I/O’s, 80

percent of these are in the EX area

Cheminova


us greatly in the long term.”“Since we are now switching to

Windows I expect that the changes we have to undergo in the future will occur more often. Therefore we have entered ABB’s program for current updates, which is called Automation Sentinel,” says Mr Kvist.

After 20 years with MasterView, Cheminova’s process operators are now getting used to a new Windows world. Opinions differ: “I got to know our old system reasonably well, and I would actually have preferred to continue with it,” says process operator Jens Christian Iversen, who has worked with the old MasterView since 1980. He said this with a smile and an underplayed West Jutland humour, but there is no doubt that he means it.

The old system was quite simply faster to navigate in, thinks Mr Iversen. He misses the short cut keys on his old trackball and is considering testing a mouse with one or two keys that can be coded to provide some of the functionality of the old system.

“There is no doubt that the new system has a number of advantages and is far more straightforward and easier to get used to for the new operators.” Says Mr Iversen.

He continued: “The trend curves have given us many new possibilities and hence major advantages in the start-up phase or if we are looking for errors. We can combine all the trend curves we want on one screen to give us an overview which is of great help in comparison with the old system.”

Considerably EasierMartin Trillingsgaard Jensen has been in the P1 control room for three years and is therefore one of the ‘new’ operators, which does not share Mr Iversen’s unshakable fondness for the old system.

“I have been with Cheminova

ENQUIRY NO. 5201

ENQU

IRY

NO.

294

for 25 years, but I was trained as a process operator only three years ago. And I think it is considerably easier to navigate in System 800xA.”

“The whole system is easier and more clearly laid out, and the new screens are far more convenient to work with and look at,” says Mr Jensen, who also stresses that working with the trend curves is a

big advantage.He added: “Among other

things, we have an overview image with links to the different corners of the system, which is a big help for the new employees who are in a hurry to find the cause and location of an alarm, for example.”

The risk profile in a Greenfield project is different than that seen in system migration projects, translating into very different project management requirements. By examining these different profiles we can arrive at a set of suggestions for effective project management. By Andrew Kennard, sales manager, Emerson Process Management

Haj

nalk

a A

rdai

Mrs

, Sze

ged

, Cso

ngra

d, H

unga

ry

Project Management:


issues & insights

All control system projects include the same basic components: scope definition, hardware build, software implementation, test, and commission.

But system migration projects have a very different risk profile to Greenfield projects, meaning the project management of the two types is quite different.

This article looks at this different profile of migration projects and makes suggestions for project managers.

In a 2008 White Paper, ARC reported: “We estimate that there are US$65 billion worth of installed process automation systems in the world today that are nearing the end of their useful life-cycle, which in many cases can exceed 25 years.”

This represents a major challenge for plant owners on how to maintain their competitive advantage with ageing equipment. The challenge is exaggerated due to the fact that the skill set required to build their control system is different to that required to upgrade or to migrate it.

There is an attitude that migration projects only have a downside — “today my plant is running and the best I can hope for is that it continues to run after the migration.” While this may be a little pessimistic it highlights the key issue around migration jobs; risk.

Weighing Up The DifferenceThe good news: There are some aspects of migration that make them easier than Greenfield. Firstly, with years of experience you know how your process works. You are familiar with the control strategy required and are aware of the important control functions.

Secondly, your work force is experienced, unlike the new staff you are likely to have on a Greenfield start-up. In addition, your migration project is likely to be the key task of the shutdown. Although the work may involve other process improvements, you may be less dependent on civil and mechanical schedules than on a new plant.

Finally, you can gradually execute the migration steps one at a time. This cannot only help spread cash flow, but it can also reduce risk.

The bad news: How can you be sure the cutover will be complete in the shutdown window? How can you be sure the control strategy will be as good (or preferably better) as it was in the legacy system? How can you be sure operators will be comfortable with the new system? How can you be sure there are no hidden traps and ensure costs will be controlled?


Suggestions On How To Minimise The RisksTo protect the schedule, have a good plan. Not just a Gantt chart, but also a full list of activities and regular progress meetings with your supplier. Clearly identify the risk areas up front and have a plan to mitigate any risks.

For example, if you are unsure about the quality of your documentation, discuss the implications for schedule and cost. It may be worth extending or delaying to ensure the drawings are accurate. Clearly identify what activities can be performed during the shutdown and what can be completed in advance. Even the shortest shutdowns can usually be accommodated with detailed planning.

To protect the project budget, have a clear specification. Resist the temptation to simply take the existing configuration as the specification document. It can be used as the basis for writing a Functional Design Specification (FDS), but a clear scope is required.

Remember during testing you will need to sign off on the functionality, the safest way is to test against a complete FDS.

As a plant engineer, do not underestimate the input you will be required to give to the project. Delays in clarifying or supplying missing data will likely have significant impact on the schedule and budget. The system vendor will make their best efforts to interpret the requirements, but be prepared to dedicate time to the project. Do not plan on doing your current ‘day job’ fulltime during the project.

If at all possible, try and stage the project over a number of smaller separable portions. Starting with a less complicated portion of the project can reduce risk by teaching lessons about the system and your migration strategy. It can give the opportunity to re-evaluate your approach.

One option is a ‘vertical migration’ split, where a standalone portion of your process (eg: a water treatment plant) is fully migrated as the first stage.

Even the shortest shutdowns can usually be accommodated with detailed planning

A vertical migration has advantages on plants where shutdown time is limited. Consideration needs to be given to any control interaction required between the legacy and the new systems.

‘Horizontal migration’ splits are also sometimes employed, where initially, only a single control layer (eg: all workstations) is migrated. Some vendors have solutions allowing various different levels of the legacy system to remain and communicate with the new system.

Solutions retaining the terminations to eliminate rewiring are the most common. Staged migrations however inevitably cost more than a single step migration; this extra cost needs to be weighed up against any reduced risk they can deliver.

Avoid trying to make the new control system look and act exactly like the old one ‘to make it easy for the operators.’ You will be putting a 20-year-old strategy into a modern system and inevitably will be missing out on many new developments in control system technology.

Even worse, the extra effort required making the new system look like the old one will likely add complexity and risk for the operators. Talk to your vendor and ask for their help in the best way to implement your specification into their control system.

The best way to get the operators to accept the new system is to involve operators in the project. If practical, get them trained on the new system well before the changeover, so they know what they will be working with. Ask for their help in designing the screen layout, operator interface, graphic displays, and so on.

Take the opportunity to improve your plant, try and get some upside beyond simply avoiding obsolescence. Perhaps you can implement a new control algorithm to improve the efficiency of a process unit, perhaps improve plant availability and reduce maintenance costs by taking advantage of the ‘smarts’ inside modern field devices. Or at least try and position your plant for the future by planning to take advantage of new technologies like wireless field devices, remote access, bus technologies, etc.

Finally, be prepared to accept some things may go wrong. Even with the best planning there are usually some surprises in migration jobs. Experience has shown that the owner-supplier relationship is the best indicator of how well these issues get resolved. Find a vendor you feel comfortable with and that you think you can develop a good relationship with. If you do not have an existing relationship with a vendor, ask for references. Look for specific system migration project experience.

ENQUIRY NO. 5202

Months

Make cables

• H/W FAT• Incl i/f testing

• S/W FAT• Mimic• Review• Approval

• Power down• Disconnect I/O• Reconnect

• Loop by loop• Stroke valves

• Install• Power up• HW SAT• SW download• S/W-H/W Integrated SAT

Build cabinet

Site SAT

Cutover Loop testing

Develop S/W

Hours Days

Driving MachinePerformance Through

Motion Control


control point

Around the world, machine builders in the metal forming and presses industry are under more pressure than ever before. Today’s

tough competitive environment and uncertain economic conditions mean design engineers must continually increase the efficiency and reliability of their machines.

The engineers must offer better ways to boost manufacturing productivity, ensure safety and provide enhanced quality products for a new generation of machines, in addition to providing smart solutions for cost-effective retrofits that add significant value to existing machines.

From top global automotive manufacturing facilities to small, specialised job shops, motion control solutions are needed to increase productivity, minimise operating costs and improve finished product

quality while ensuring operational safety. The rising costs of energy combined with

increasing regulatory pressures mean more machine builders are exploring all-electric solutions for both new build and retrofit applications. There is clearly an increasing need for cleaner, more cost-effective electric motion control solutions — from brushless servomotors and servo drives to high-performance electric servo actuators.

The design and production of the key components inside digital valves and radial piston pumps helps minimise downtime and ensures machine availability in critical manufacturing applications. Working closely with customers, the motion control solutions need to be tailored to meet the machine’s specific performance requirements — whether it is a press that is as tall as a three-floor building or a small punch press.

Increasing efficiency and reliability is important in any industry where cost-saving and secure reliability of machines or process cycles reside. Advancements and the correct application of motion control in these sectors plays a large part in meeting these industry goals. By Prasad Padman, regional director of marketing, Moog (Asia Pacific)

Mik

e M

unch

el, P

enns

ylva

nia,

US

A

Driving MachinePerformance Through

Motion Control


igus Singapore Pte [email protected]

15 Shaw Road #03-02Singapore 367953

Low cost:

CF140.ULCF130.UL

2011_01_07_Low cost CF130.UL/CF140.UL_Layout 1 21.01.11 11:02 Se

ENQU

IRY

NO.

263

Ensuring Process RepeatabilitySophisticated force control and positioning accuracy is the key to improved product output, shorter cycle times and greater process repeatability. The solutions and intelligent system controls need to offer unsurpassed precision for more cost-effective and productive metal forming and manufacturing.

Minimising costly downtime begins with getting the most out of the presses and manufacturing equipment. The systems and solutions need to feature sophisticated diagnostics designed to prevent disruption or machine failure. The technology needs to be complemented with a team of experts who can help get the most out of the machine investment through careful machine set-up and ongoing preventive maintenance programs.

For maximising equipment longevity, one of the core capabilities needed is to retrofit older machines to provide enhanced performance, more cost-effective operation and longer life. This calls for providing technology-independent know-how about specific components, using hydraulic, hybrid or fully electric systems to improve operator safety.

Need For An Innovative ApproachToday’s global marketplace is creating unique engineering and design issues for both machine designers and component suppliers that were not considered particularly important when products were designed, built, and used in only one country or continent.

Designing the next-generation packaging machine, semiconductor process tool, or electronic assembly system for China, Brazil, France, or the US requires that machine designers and component suppliers address a variety of issues including cultural, logistical, component availability, tooling, technical standards, and service.

Some of these issues are more easily addressed, but others call for better up-front planning, more time,

and spend. One thing is certain, it is changing the way system and component suppliers are engineering and manufacturing their next-generation products.

An Italian manufacturer of high-end systems for machining sheet metal who already used electric motion control technology sought to develop a next-generation machine with even higher performance. The company was in need of an electric solution that maximises productivity and sets a new standard for future machines.

The challenge was to develop a machine that incorporated electric motion control technology with less wiring and an Ethernet-based high-speed serial link.

To achieve the customer’s vision, the engineers pioneered the first-ever use of real-time, high-speed Ethernet communication between the servo-drive and the motion controller. This breakthrough affords better management of machine operations by allowing access to real-time data through the serial link. In addition, the machine’s design incorporates a customised servo- drive integrated with motion controller and software, and reduces wiring/cabling requirements by more than 50 percent compared to hydraulic machines.

ENQUIRY NO. 5301

Asi

f Akb

ar, H

unga

ry

Precision is a must for cost-effective and productive solutions


software & Networks

Near Field Communication (NFC) is gaining ground as a one-stop-shop for data

exchange. The implications being a communications hub that can store and transfer your data that would otherwise be located at separate locals and subsequently coded and decoded in a separate manner.

The NFC platform has many plausible applications, some consumer based, some corporate, and some have yet to be thought of. In the beginning stages of any new technology, before mass adoption takes place, the industry must make sure everyone is ‘reading from the same hymn sheet.’ This is the role of an organisation like the NFC Forum.

The NFC ForumThe NFC Forum is a not-for-profit organisation that was set up in 2004 with the intention of establishing a platform to streamline the advancement of NFC into the commercial arena by agreeing on common industry specifications and ensuring interoperability between devices and subsequent services.

The organisation also exists as an educator, providing a source of authority on NFC to the industry. Current membership tallies at over 140 companies, including some of the biggest in the industry, eg: Nokia, Google, Microsoft, Paypal, HTC, Intel, NXP, and so on.

It also arrived at a certification program, and a NFC N-Mark label to indicate the spot on a device where NFC technology works when devices are brought close together.

Why NFC?In many ways, the NFC technology is an extension of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and as such is able to interact and leverage the preexisting RFID infrastructure already in place.

The technology operates over Flor

in U

ngur

eanu

, Sib

iu, R

oman

ia

WirelessTouch

OfA

Today’s unprecedented growth of mobile devices is altering the way we interact with people and conduct

business. Adding to a mobile handset a new way of sensing, especially with a direct link to the cloud,

increases its capabilities as a guide with a versatile set of functions and behaviours. Near Field Communication (NFC), a subset of RFID, will usher in a wholly new set of

interactivity for mobility devices. By Ian Armstrong


the short-range (a few cm), making it a very people-centric technology. The versatility of the NFC platform could allow for the replacement of several technology types, where one NFC device could perform the same role at more convenience.

As an example, bluetooth wireless technology was created for the purpose of replacing cables between short range data exchanging devices, ie: mobile phones, laptops, computers, headsets, and so forth, within a 10 m range. Other technologies include Wifi, IrDA, RFID, and contactless smart cards. Some of these technology NFC can replace, and some complement.

The Modes Of NFCThe technology has three modes of operation, namely: reader/

writer mode, peer-to-peer mode, and card emulation mode. The different modes are based on the ISO/IEC 18092 NFC IP-1 and ISO/IEC 14443 contactless smart card standards.

Reader/Writer Mode: In this mode, the NFC device is cable of readying tags with potential applications in advertising with reading smart poster tags.

Peer-To-Peer Mode: In peer-to-peer mode the NFC device can exchange data with another NFC device. As an example, imagine sharing a virtual business card, or Bluetooth and Wifi link set up parameters. Peer-to-peer mode has been standardised on the ISO/IEC 18092 standard.

Card Emulation Mode: In this mode, the NFC device has applications in contactless payments and ticketing whereby

the device appears as an external reader essentially mimicking the behaviour of today’s ‘smart cards.’ This is useful as the NFC device in this mode can leverage the existing RFID infrastructure already in place.

The Effect On Business When the technology becomes widespread the effect on the world of business will be huge. In essence it will establish a simplicity and ease of use in transactions and personal interaction that will become common place. This is not to mention the business opportunities and use cases for the technology itself.

A user could hold two NFC enables devices together and gain access to services, interact with content, and transfer all the needed information for a fluid set

ENQU

IRY

NO.

287


software & Networks

up of a network connection and to simplify network login.

Another important effect on the business world is cost savings. The cumulative effect can be quite substantial. There are many organisations that currently use contactless ID cards for security and identification purposes, controlling access to facilities and networks within the company. An NFC enabled handset has the potential to replace these cards resulting in cost savings for the company in terms of card issuance and management.

The NFC DriversFor NFC to ultimately succeed it needs to make strong business sense, creating new opportunities for service providers and device manufacturers.

As we mentioned, a major driver is cost reduction, replacing card issuance with your NFC device and decreasing cost on the management of this process. The opportunities for this go beyond the corporate world, but apply to all forms of business where card

issuance exists, including ticketing in the transportation sector.

In the interactive services sector it opens up many possibilities for the mobile network operators and content providers to earn revenue from value-added services made possible by NFC. Tailored advertising is an example of a value added service maid possible by the addition of the NFC technology.

The addition of NFC devices in the market place will also drive the consumption of rich media. It is not all about entertainment though as many business use cases exist in the corporate, factory setting. A machine could relay information to the user in an instant, and machine set up and monitoring is made a lot easier. Maps, videos, training and safety information all could be relayed to the mobile device at the correct locations throughout a plant. Convenience has always been a strong differentiator and this technology is no different.

The market is ready for NFC, partly because the basic contactless infrastructure is already in place around the world and used by

millions of people on a daily basis, but also partly because it makes the payment of goods and services, public transport and the exchange of data very much easier, and convenience is a strong selling point.

The Market OutlookJuniper Research, in a recent market forecast, showed the rapid adoption of NFC services over the next three years, with at least one in five smartphones worldwide having NFC contactless functionality. The forecast showed that globally almost 300 million NFC capable smartphones by 2014 would be in use. The research also showed that this growth would be driven in the short term by mobile network operators launching services in 20 early adopting countries before the end of 2012.

The report examined the adoption of new retail marketing capability, such as coupons and smart posters. The research found that this would become common amongst smartphone users in Western Europe, North America and other developed regions.

“Juniper’s market analysis highlighted that, although there are still hurdles, NFC prospects have been boosted by the seccession of mobile operator and device vendor announcements. France is a case in point where operators expect to sell one million NFC devices this year,” stated Howard Wilcox, NFC Retail Marketing & Mobile Payments Report author.

The report also made clear that NFC is attracting the attention of all the major players such as Google, France Telecom Orange, and Telefonica who see mobile commerce capability as vital. They warned however that business model structures still require development before NFC services will achieve critical mass.

ENQUIRY NO. 5401

San

ja G

jene

ro, Z

agre

b, C

roat

ia

Maintaining strong connections

www.cia-asia.comPre-register before 1 Nov 2011

ENQUIRY NO. 292

www.cia-asia.comPre-register before 1 Nov 2011


instrumentation & measurement

Layer DiagnosticsClassic 4-20 mA control and

instrumentation systems have been the mainstay of

countless production plants around the world for many decades. While the reliability of 4-20 mA loops are acceptable, failures regularly occur, and many of the faults encountered on 4-20 mA loops cannot be detected or are not discernible.

There are countless other faults that can occur, and many of them would be preventable if only the onset characteristics of the fault could be detected in good time. Unfortunately, to place automatic test equipment sophisticated enough to provide such an early warning to every 4-20 mA loop would cost more than the instruments they would

Jaku

b K

rech

owic

z, G

dan

sk, P

olan

d

be monitoring, so this option would always be discounted in view of cost and complexity.

Traditionally, the attention applied to the 4-20 mA cable systems and instruments during the construction and commissioning phases will involve manually operated test equipment or loop testers used by highly qualified engineers in a reactionary way — if a fault is discovered, a repair is made. Under ‘time pressure’, many loops may be left unchecked or not fully assessed for less obvious (but tolerated) faults that could cause problems later down the line during operation.

Bearing this in mind, and setting cost aside for the time being, it would be advantageous if automatic test equipment, providing computer

generated sign-offs, could be attached to every 4-20 mA loop and operated at the ‘touch of a button’. Taking this a stage further, it would be even more desirable if the same automatic test equipment could be left in place to continue monitoring the health of each 4-20 mA loop during the plant’s operational lifetime.

With the introduction of fieldbus, with its more robust digital communication when compared to 4-20 mA, we now find that one fieldbus trunk cable will service up to 32 fieldbus instruments. So, the option of attaching, and retaining, advanced automat ic d ia g nost ic te st equipment on every trunk would actually be a feasible and cost effective consideration — even to

Fieldbus networks with online advanced physical layer and applications layer diagnostics will no doubt be reliable when proactively maintained. By Gunther Rogoll, senior manager,

Ren Kitchener, fieldbus specialist, fieldbus technology, and Arasu Thanigai, product business development

manager Asia Pacific, Pepperl+Fuchs

Online PhysicalAdvanced


say that it could actually reduce CAPital EXpenditure (CAPEX) as well as OPerational EXpenditure (OPEX). The cost reductions can be quite apparent when you consider the key features offered by automatic diagnostic test equipment to each phase of the project lifecycle.

Diagnostic BasicsThe fieldbus types of diagnostic systems described in this article will consider Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus PA.

• What Is The Physical Layer? The ‘physical layer’ is made

up of the trunk cable or main connecting cable and the spur cable or instrument connecting cable, terminals, terminators positioned each end of the trunk cable, fieldbus power supplies, device interface hardware, fault device couples (eg: segment protectors) as well as the fieldbus communication physics (the signal).

• What Are Physical Layer Diagnostics?

Physical layer diagnostics is a piece of test equipment, that is connected to each fieldbus network via the trunk cable, which is able to continuously test, monitor and diagnose the entire network for physical component degradation, deviations that can lead to a fault, or a total segment failure. It will also confirm the network’s compliance or continuing compliance with IEC61158-2, the fieldbus standard, and strict design rules.

• The Evolution Of Diagnostics Going back in time, primitive

diagnostic coverage has been available in the form of instrument elevated zero outputs and simple I/O health checks. The introduction of

HART, brought new benefits with its instrument and process diagnostics.

However, HART devices have limited diagnostic capability due to the restrictive bandwidth or processing ‘power’. The introduction of fieldbus has accelerated the use of more

soph i s t ic a te d se n sor a nd p r o c e s s d i a g n o s t i c s a n d recently, with the introduction of advanced physical layer diagnostics, the entire system c a n n o w b e e x te n s i v e l y monitored not only for failures, but also for a wider range of evolving failures.

ENQU

IRY

NO.

298


instrumentation & measurement

Why Are Advanced Physical Layer Diagnostics More Beneficial?You could be led to believe that physical layer diagnostics comprises of a voltmeter and a signal amplitude/noise analyser connected to the trunk with an alarm warning feature.

However, experience and extensive research has shown that the more measurement types are taken and analysed, the better the detection of a wider range of evolving faults will be.

The Importance And Limitations During OperationFor any system, downtime failures can affect production, product quality and on rare occasions, lead to an environmental catastrophe or an unsafe situation. Therefore, early warning of an impending failure is the essence behind proactive maintenance and failure evasion. For fieldbus, this is an extremely important task to implement in view of the number of devices and control loops supported on one segment — and one that can be done cost effectively.

The primary goal of the diagnostic system is to monitor and announce small changes or characteristics of a developing fault long before it becomes destructive so that it can be repaired or rectified. This goal will also include the physical layer compliance and continuing compliance with the appropriate standards.

Applying online advanced physica l layer diagnostics, combined with existing diagnostic capabilities, will provide an indication of many developing faults. Being online, and on every line, means that an intermittent or evolving fault can be picked up immediately at any time and on any part of the segment. The time stamp is important because many failures or propagating failures can be random and/or intermittent or linked to an external event.

Diagnostic systems alone will not guarantee high reliability. There are the obvious faults that can occur, where the diagnostic warnings will be of little preventive use.

While these fault types are undesirable, there are protective measures that can be put in place to protect the network from such fa i lures. With ca re fu l consideration to the common points of failure such as: trunk cable and terminals, terminators a nd power suppl ie s , then mechanical and/or electronic protection can be applied to those areas to great effect and therefore reduce the probability of these types of failure to a very low level or even eliminate the risk altogether.

The other significant advantage with online equipment is that at no time during monitoring, troubleshooting, testing, or validation would you need to retrieve and refer to wiring diagrams. Instead, terminals points can be tracked down to connect test or diagnosis equipment. Therefore, the potential to introduce errors are minimised and the time taken for troubleshooting is dramatically reduced.

Diagnostic Information And ReportingAs stated earlier, a greater breadth of diagnostic functions will lead to a more comprehensive reporting structure. Although the measurement types may be extremely complex in themselves, the information delivered must be tailored to the recipient’s skill level; an operator may observe a rudimentary diagnostic warning, and must be able to act upon it appropriately. For example, the operator may decide from the information provided to call the maintenance engineer for immediate attention, or the operator may decide to schedule the repair for the

next shift or even during a scheduled shutdown.

On the other hand, the information provided will be more detailed, specifically designed for extensive troubleshooting by an ‘expert’ maintenance engineer or even a remote ‘expert’ engineer.

Good diagnostic measurements require good analytical software, which is generally too complex for handheld devices to implement. Furthermore, measurements sometimes have a relationship w ith other mea surements, and to decode the relationship requires extremely sophisticated software analysis.

Advanced Diagnostics InfrastructureTo further decrease cost, one online physical layer diagnostic module should be able to monitor several fieldbus segments at the same time.

A good compromise between performance, device complexity and hardware cost, results in a single diagnostic module, which manages four segments simultaneously. In order to minimise wiring efforts, the diagnostic module should be a part of the fieldbus power supply system or backplane.

Important ConsiderationsTransmitting the diagnostic information trough the fieldbus segments, the required additional host interfaces and power supplies will significantly increase the

Diagnostic software should record failure event and time as

well as data leading up to it.

Sig

urd

Dec

roos

, Oud

enbu

rg, B

elgi

um


control system cost.Also, the availability of the

diagnostic information depends on the availability of the fieldbus segment through which the information is transferred. If a fatal error on a segment occurs, the diagnostic information cannot be sent to the host when it is needed the most.

Additionally, the communication bandwidth of an H1-fieldbus is not designed to send the amount of data that is necessary to adequately analyse the physics of a fieldbus segment.

T here fore , rout i n g t he diagnostic data through an autonomous digital cable is the only reliable, efficient and cost effective approach to take.

In ConclusionFieldbus has made it truly ‘cost-possible’ to utilise advanced automatic online diagnostics for every single segment during the construction and commissioning phases, and to retain the same hardware/software for the operation phase, where this would not have been feasible or economic for an equivalent 4-20 mA system.

It can be seen that the implementation of online advanced physical layer diagnostics will pay for itself in a very short timeframe, and will no doubt pay for itself after the first expected failure.

Because the online diagnostic module s a re perma nent ly integrated into the network infrastructure, the time taken to i mp l e m e nt d i a g n o s t ic troubleshooting, compliance testing, report generation, maintenance checks or analysis is significantly reduced.

Online advanced diagnosis, with its greater breadth of measurements, can provide early warning of many more propagating failures and so reduce downtime, which could not be achieved by using manually operated test

equipment, handheld fieldbus diagnostic testers, or even systems supporting basic online physical layer diagnostic capability.

The advanced diagnostic fault finding capability and selective reporting will take a lot of the guesswork out of the decision making process. This enables a degree of de-skilling and reduction in manpower.

Online advanced diagnostics can reduce the time and frequency for scheduled maintenance, as many of the reported propagating faults can be tolerated or repaired during operation, and routine checks are actually performed automatically in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

D u r i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n , commissioning and operational maintenance, records and proof of testing/checking ensure complete ENQUIRY NO. 5501

ENQU

IRY

NO.

291

testing, quality checking and test consistency as well as verified or continuing conformity with the fieldbus standards.

The diagnostic data is sent through an autonomous data bus and not on a fieldbus segment or an expensive fieldbus I/O port. This will increase the data reliability in a cost-effective way.

Finally, fieldbus networks with online advanced physical layer and applications layer diagnost ics, attached to a software validated network, combined with mechanical and electronic protection will no doubt be extremely reliable when proactively maintained — even to say that it could be more reliable than the equivalent 4-20 mA model.

INCREASE HUMAN RELIABILITY

AT INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

ENABLE SAFER OPERATIONS ~ ENHANCE COMPLIANCE ~ GROW PROFITABILITY


energy

Increasing demand for energy is being witnessed in every industrial market, primarily in the automotive, manufacturing, telecommunication and healthcare

sectors. Furthermore, the shortage of fossil fuels is adding to the inadequate supply to support high demand for energy capacity.

Here, we ask ourselves: “Is the current energy supply able to power future demand?” Among the available energy storage, there are a few types of batteries that are widely used such as lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery and the latest cells edition, sodium sulphur battery (NaS).

The Lead-Acid BatteryLead-acid battery is the oldest type of rechargeable battery and is able to provide high surge currents. The lower cost lead-acid battery is widely used in the automobile industry.

From a technology aspect, a lead-acid battery can be categorised into two types, flooded and Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA). The flooded type is not common in stationary batteries applications. Although both batteries share similar construction, the VRLA battery is in an absorbed condition or gel form.

Ongoing innovations in the lead-acid battery constantly bring improvement and enhancement to the industry.

Lead-Acid Battery InnovationsOne of the innovations is the nano lead acid gel battery. Such innovation applies to LED lighting application contributed by Honeywell. The LED lighting is produced from the material of aerospace grade aluminium alloy shell.

The battery has high potential to overcome the battery leakage issue faced by most users of normal lead-acid battery. As sulfuric acid leakage poses a serious safety risk to battery user, this situation can be addressed by gelling or immobilising the liquid sulfuric acid; this is able to reduce the possibility of sulfuric acid spillage.

Based on the arrival of nano lead-acid gel battery, lead-acid battery can contribute to the automation industry as a back-up power system for DC power systems and a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

The Lithium-Ion BatteryApart from lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery is also widely used in our daily life. Lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery where a lithium ion moves between the anode and cathode. Well known for its advantages in higher energy density, lighter weight, and slow loss of charge when not in use, lithium-ion batteries are widely used on consumer electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and laptop.

Youm

at, U

S

Future Demand?Energy Storage To Power

Energy storage is critical to its efficient use in any automation system that requires power for its operation. There are innovations emerging

that enable greater storage at minimal cost. By Merilyn Eng, research analyst, Energy & Power Systems team, Frost & Sullivan


It is also widely used in the medical industry, electric vehicle and aerospace applications.

One of the latest enhancements in lithium-ion battery is the incorporation of graphene, where battery-charging times have been reduced from two hours to less than 10 minutes. Vorbeck Materials, a materials company manufactured and developed the materials around Vor-x, a novel graphene nano material first developed by Professors Ilhan Aksay and Robert Prud’homme in the Princeton University, department of Chemical Engineering.

Typically, lithium-ions are transferred between the electrodes (cathode and anode) when lithium-ion batteries recharge. A longer time is required when charging a typical lithium-ion battery due to low electrical conductivity and lithium transport of the electrodes.

With new technology, users now not only require less battery charging time but are also able to enjoy the benefits like higher energy storage capacity, longer battery life cycle and are much safer.

A less resistive heating within the electrode contributed by the efficiency of graphene allows batteries to operate at a lower temperature, increasing the safety level of lithium-ion battery. As of now, the utilisation of lithium-ion battery is not favourable due to the higher cost compared to other battery cells. However, market opportunities for such battery are anticipated to emerge due to higher awareness, adoption rate and economics of scale.

The Sodium Sulphur BatteryNaS is one of the new generations of energy storage system for stationary or backup power applications. The battery is designed for better capacity storage and it is three to five times higher than the capacity storage of a conventional lead acid battery.

NaS is used in renewable energy technology, which is called the hybrid system that combines solar and wind power. The technology offsets the intermittency through control on charge-discharge program, thereby optimises power generation resources without producing carbon dioxide. Charge-discharged might result in secondary reaction; however, this can be overcome by the application of beta alumina solid electrolyte.

New Energy Storage A PriorityAccording to The California Energy Commission, new energy storage is a ‘high priority’ and new technology will play a pivotal role in the state’s pursuit to become a leading provider of renewable energy sources. A better consistency of power generation can be produced when hybrid power systems are integrated with battery storage.

Such batteries are also suitable for equipment such as smart grid energy storage, aerospace, industrial backup power, and UPS, among others, across industry verticals including automation, process and discrete control. Energy storage systems are one component of power system such as UPS and DC power system. Therefore, NaS improvises the energy efficiency of both aforementioned power systems in power provisioning.

Currently, NaS battery has the highest energy storage capacity, compared to lead-acid and lithium-ion battery. However, it is met with price constraints, owing to high cost of materials. NaS batteries have the potential to contribute to the energy storage application in the future, provided that there is a breakthrough on the battery footprint and cost effectiveness.

Rigorous research and development activities should take place for further enhancement of the NaS battery. Such enhancement is required to increase the awareness and susceptibility of NaS as the enhancement meets the demand and specification of automation and control. If such breakthrough is achieved, it could be one of the energy storage systems to power the future.

Asi

f Akb

ar, I

ndia

ENQU

IRY

NO.

197

ENQUIRY NO. 5601

A modular suction cup that fits most machines and that can be optimized for gripping almost all materials is now here. Piab’s latest innovation piGRIP™ is modular with independent configurable lips, bellows and fittings, which allows you to optimize the suction cup

so that it fits your material and machine perfectly.

Visit www.piab.com for more information.

- taking gripping to new dimensionspiGRIP™

Piab Asia Pte Ltd • 4008 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #03-16 Techplace I, Singapore 569625 • Phone: +65 6455 0076 Piab AB • Box 4501, Täby SE-18304, Sweden • Phone: +46 8 6302500


energy

World energy consumption stands at approximately 15 terawatts according to

estimates. Fossil fuel burning and green energy from wind turbines amongst others that are supplied to a power grid meet most of these energy requirements. All we have to do is plug in our appliances to a power socket and attain the electrical capacity we require.

However, energy can also be derived from storage devices. They allow us an alternative means of power in industries such as the automotive industry, which can result in lesser greenhouse gas emissions as compared to attaining energy through fuel combustion. These energy storage devices include batteries, supercapacitors and newer innovations like microbial fuel cells.

Many applications that the individual is involved in on a day-

Charged-UpThe power industry is thriving with new innovations in efficiency, accessibility and materials used. This applies across the spectrum of power solutions, whether it is from traditional fossil fuels, renewable or the battery industry. By Amreet Singh

Pio

tr D

orab

iala

, Lod

z, P

olan

d

to-day basis requires the use of these energy storage devices. For example, using a mobile cell phone requires an energy source to power its operational needs. Even the simplest of needs such as an electric shaver requires an energy device that can be charged so that we can utilise its capabilities.

Primary & Secondary BatteriesBatteries provide energy through a means of electrochemical reactions. These reactions produce electrons, which then move from the negative to the positive pole to produce electrical energy. The reactions only start when the poles are connected, which means that an idle unconnected battery can have a long shelf life. They can be divided into primary and secondary batteries.

Primary batteries are designed

as non-rechargeable. Once they are used up, they have to be disposed of or recycled. These batteries also have long life energy storage for low current loads. They are available in carbon-zinc, alkaline, silver oxide and lithium-thionyl-chloride and operate at –40 to 85 deg C.

Secondary batteries such as Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Meta l Hydride ( NiMH ) and Lithium ion are rechargeable. They can go up through to 1,000 charges depending on the type, usage and depth of discharge. Charge times range from one to 12 hours. Drawbacks include limited power capabilities and low energy efficiency.

Supercapacitors: Oppose Or Complementary?An alternative to the battery is the supercapacitor, which performs

All


differently from a battery in that it stores energy by means of a static charger rather than an electrochemical reaction. Also known as ultracapacitors, they are based on carbon technology that creates a large surface area, yielding up to thousands of square metres per gram that allows absorption of a huge amount of ions, with a miniscule separation distance between electrodes.

A dielectric material (made of activated carbon that generates a double electric field when given an electrical charge) separates the two metal electrodes. The electric double layer is also as thin as a molecule. They have high energy densities and can hold high charges that can be released in a controlled manner. If kept within their l imits, supercapacitors can

outlast batteries. They can last several years if operated at room temperature.

B e n e f i t s a l s o i n c l u d e improvements in environmental friendliness, weight, operating t e m p e r a t u r e a n d s i z e . Supercapacitors are used in applications such as computer systems, cameras, welders, inverters, power generators and also solar panels and hydrogen fuel cell car batteries. The supercapacitor is suitable for energy storage that goes through many charges and discharge cycles at high currents as well as short durations. However, the energy of the supercapacitor is low and can range from between 1 to 30 Wh/kg, which is much lower than conventional batteries.

Also, unlike batteries, which deliver steady voltages, the

Vik

tors

Koz

ers,

Rig

a, L

atvi

a

The supercapacitor is designed to manipulate electric energy better and more efficiently than the electrochemical reaction seen in batteries

ENQU

IRY

NO.

290

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

2011_WOP_APAX_Poster_outline.pdf 1 7/13/2011 9:40:08 AM


energy

ENQUIRY NO. 5602

ENQUIRY NO. 5603

supercapacitors’ voltage decreases during its usage cycle. As such, they are usually used for memory backup and standby power rather than as a direct replacement of the electrochemical battery. However, they can be coupled together to provide the required voltage for the application.

Hybrid uses are also possible where the supercapacitor works hand in hand with the battery. For example, during low load current, the battery charges it and when high load currents are required, the stored energy is used. This improves the current handling of a battery.

Microbial Fuel CellsMicrobial Fuel Cells (MFC) are able to derive electrical energy out of any kind of waste such as sewage or manure. MFCs use bacteria to convert these organic fuels into electricity. They also contain anode and cathode electrode terminals that are connected via an external circuit as well as an electrolyte solution. The difference in voltage between the terminals, along with the existing electron flow, generates electricity.

MFCs work by placing bacteria in the anode chamber of the cell, which is devoid of oxygen. The

Converting waste into energy has become big business

San

ja G

jene

ro, Z

agre

b, C

roat

ia

bacteria attach themselves to the anode and transfer electrons from consumption of their food through oxidation to it because there are no oxygen molecules to transfer them to. The cathode chamber contains oxygen and both chambers are at different potentials, hereby creating a fuel cell.

A mediator is usually present to initiate the electron transfer that occurs within the MFC because cell surface structures are non-conductive in nature. As such, electrochemical mediators are employed to allow electron

The microbe Geobacter has been found to generate electricity

when placed in mud and wasterwater. The discovery came from

the University of Massachusetts in which they experimented with

the microbe. The university team has developed a much more

productive strain giving it this unique ability, and making it more

commercially viable.

The microbe is about three to five nanometres in diameter

and has the ability to generate an electric current, making it

possible that Geobacter could be used as a natural battery,

generating electricity from waste products. It also has the ability

to consume oil based pollutants and radioactive material with

carbon dioxide as the waste byproduct. This use case is in use

today in environmental cleanup. Another potential use case is

transfer from microbial cell to the electrode. However, mediator-less MFC use electrochemically active bacteria to carry out proton transfer.

MFC energy outputs are lower than commercial batteries at present moment. However, much research is being put into this technology due to its lack of pollution and potential to provide a viable energy source. It is envisioned to power vehicles one day along with other appliances that currently use battery sources for its use.

The future of stored energy is heading towards wireless electricity, whereby stored energy devices can be charged without the need to be plugged into a tangible source. Wireless energy will be transmitted directly into the storage device through their magnetic fields. Their resonant frequencies are then coupled into a single continuous magnetic field, which allows transfer of power between devices. This will open the potential for a truly mobile world with numerous applications, including charging electric vehicles and more.

A Superhero Of A Microbe

in nanotechnology, where it could be used for the creation of

microbial nanowires in very small circuits and electronic devices

giving it the potential for use in a microscopic power grid.

The team that worked on the microbe at the University of

Massachusetts grew the strain on graphite anodes and fed it

acetate, then applied 400 mV current to it. This process forced

it into transferring more electrons that what it usually produces.

Examining the microbe some five months later, it was working

eight times more efficiently.

The team has said that its potential goes beyond fuel cells and

that it could also be used for treating wastewater while provide

power as well as in powering mobile devices.

ENQUIRY NO. 262


sector spotlight

Carsem is a provider of turnkey packaging and test services to the semiconductor industry, and offers a range of package and test portfolios.

The company has over 9,000 employees and ships in excess of 100 million units each week. More than 65 percent of this volume is shipped as fully tested products.

The company has two factories in Malaysia, which are supported by R&D and failure analysis staff. The factories incorporate automated equipment, ensuring quality products that meet the standards of the automotive, telecommunications, computer and consumer goods industries.

Fran

Gam

bín

, Mur

cia,

Sp

ain

Machine vision-assisted verification systems play a critical role at the front-line, in identifying and weeding out problems early in the production field. By Didier Lacroix, senior VP, international sales & services, Cognex

Error EliminationCase Study:

Finding FaultThe process for identifying and registering the correct lead frame for a particular lot on production lines used to be manual. However with increasing production volume, this method led to mix-ups where the wrong lead frame was matched to the wrong lot.

Since there was no automated detection system in place, mix-ups could sometimes go undetected for an extended period of time. When a mix-up was detected, much time and resources had to be spent on backtracking the various processes that the lead frame had been through, and on correcting the mistake.


It was therefore necessary to implement a system that could automatically identify and register the correct lead frame for a particular lot on the production lines.

Seeking AssistanceThe company decided to enlist the help of industrial IT solutions provider, Unique Systems & Automation to custom-design a Lead Frame Verification System (LFVS).

The LFVS is designed to help to identify and register the correct lead frame for a particular lot. The Cognex In-Sight Micro Vision System is an integral part of the system, being responsible for the detection and verification functions in the process.

With the LFVS, the company is able to:1 Match lead frame to lot — A function to receive

lead frame code from machine and match the lead frame code to a particular lot

2 Verify lead frame type — To verify that the loaded lead frame is the correct type

3 Match lead frame quantity — Every newly created lot is assigned to a lead frame quantity. This function ensures that the quantity does not exceed the assigned quantity during the lot tying process.

4 Epoxy verification — To verify Epoxy information

The LFVS is integrated into four types of machines at the company’s factories, namely the:1 ESEC die bonder machine2 Canon die bonder machine3 NEC die bonder machine4 Alphasem die bonder machine

The IT solutions provider had to ensure that the LFVS is fully operable and works seamlessly in tandem with the unique components and specifications of the above-mentioned machines.

Date Access Layer

Core System Layer

Communication Layer

Datastar ControllerCommunication

Cognex ID ReaderCommunication

Machine IOCommunication

The different components of the LFVS

The Lead Frame Verification System (LFVS) consists of the following components:

• Data access layer — Provides service for other layers in the system such as the core system, to access the data that is stored in the database.

• Core system layer — Implements all the logic in the LFVS. All system requests must be passed on to this layer for execution or verification before the sender receives a reply.

• Communication layer — This layer is built on top of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network using the client/server model. In the LFVS, the server is in passive mode while the client side is in active mode. Both of them implement the LFVS communication protocol to communicate with each other.

• Datastar controller communication — A gateway to facilitate communication between the machine via IO communication, and LFVS via TCP/IP communication.

• ID Reader Communication — The Datastar controller informs the LFVS that the lead frame is ready to decode, and the LFVS triggers the ID reader to decode the 2D data matrix. The LFVS then informs the Datastar controller of the reading status.Proface OK (chin).pdf 7/18/11 4:09:11 PM

ENQU

IRY

NO.

283


sector spotlight

System At WorkPrior to the commencement of any process, each clean lead frame is given an ID in the form of a data matrix. The data matrix code is laser-etched onto the lead frame, and a verifier validates all the data matrix ID codes. Lead frames that have sub-standard data matrix codes are identified and segregated.

Before any machine processes the lead frame, the operator is required to scan in the lot number and epoxy number using a scanner. The data is sent to the application server by the controller via the TCP/IP network for verification. Once verification is completed, the application server acknowledges the controller with the result.

After the lot number and epoxy number have been verified, the controller waits for the machine trigger to

The In-Sight Micro Vision System at work

With growing competition on the international scene, manufacturers

are constantly faced with the challenges of managing two opposing

forces — reducing costs while increasing efficiency. For many, the

solution lies in the adoption of ID reader technology at the different

stages on the production floor.

Accuracy In ProductionID readers are used on the production line — identifying, sorting

and tracking raw materials, parts, subassemblies and finished

products. They allow manufacturers to streamline every stage of

the production process and to enable the implementation of lean

manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.

The advantages include the tracking of products throughout the

process and ensuring that the parts used are correct. Other benefits

include the elimination of human errors and allowing paperless

production control.

In the area of quality control, ID readers are used to identify and

track selected products. By integrating quality management into the

manufacturing process, components that have quality defects can

be related immediately to the source — the batch and process

step where the problem started.

This allows fast feedback to the manufacturing team and instant

stop-ship control whenever defects are detected.

ID readers have a role in identifying, sorting and tracking pallets,

cartons and parts going into the factory. As the deliveries are being

processed in the receiving area, handheld readers are used to read

codes on the cartons and pallets. Fixed-mount readers may be

used on conveyors.

The technology provides efficiency in the receiving process and

keeps operator entry due to no-reads, at a minimum.

In the packaging phase, the technology plays an important role

by ensuring that each package is accurately packaged and labelled

at the endpoint of the production process.

It is necessary to ensure that country and customer-specific

orders are correctly packaged and contain the right documentation.

This allows manufacturers to ensure that every customer receives

the correct order. It also enables paperless packaging process

control and the elimination of human errors.ENQUIRY NO. 5702

ENQUIRY NO. 5701

Improving Efficiency

begin the lead frame verification. When the machine trigger is received, the controller informs the server to instruct a 2D reader to decode the data matrix at the lead frame. The decoded result is sent to the server for verification.

After the server verifies the lead frame code, the result is sent to the controller, which will interface the result to the machine.

Benefit AnalysisThe LFVS helps to:• Eliminate the manual process of identifying and

matching the lead frame to its respective lot, effectively saving human resources.

• Prevent mixed lots as the system automatically verifies every lead frame and its lot number to prevent any mix-ups.

• Reduce downtime — The system is able to detect the mixed lot errors at an early stage, thereby rooting out the problem before it gets passed on to the other departments.

• Reduce waste of lead frame/material.

Given the need for high-volume production, there is no room for error and downtime at the factories. Using an automated LFVS that is assisted by machine vision, resources and time can be saved while avoiding mistakes on the production line.

Adv Oil 2011-205mm(w) x 275mm(h)-IndustrialAutomationAsia.pdf 1 6/8/2011 6:05:13 PM

ENQU

IRY

NO.

284


sector spotlight

The electronics industry is one of the largest consumers of machine vision. The largest share of the cameras are being used for precise alignment in

order to allow the equipment to handle the micro-metre precision required. Cameras for quality inspection are also integrated in ever increasing quantities.

The quality inspection ranges from checking the presence of selected parts on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and product assemblies, to complete verifications of large PCBs with thousands of components. There are also cases where height information must be a parameter considered in the pass/fail decision. In those cases, 3D inspection is

applied. Depending on the application, the height resolution required ranges from sub-micron to 100’s of microns.

Solder Paste InspectionSolder paste inspection is a wide spread 3D application within electronics assembly. By adding an inspection station between the screen printer and the pick and place machine in the surface mount electronics assembly line, solder paste misprints can be captured before causing costly repairs.

The solder paste inspection must check that the right amount of paste is deposited on the PCB where it

3D Machine VisionElectronics Industry

Machine vision technology has many advantages, and is advancing at a rapid pace. The prospect of 3D machine vision technology holds the solution to many monitoring problems that depend on high precision results. By Hakan Thorngren, product manger, Vision Systems, Sick

In The


should be and nowhere else. The vision system must determine the x, y and z dimensions and calculate the volume of the paste deposits — this calls for a 3D vision solution.

In addition, the vision system must also detect the presence of paste residues in the PCB areas that should not have any paste coverage. Since it is only about detecting the presence of paste contamination here, 2D vision is sufficient.

Two-dimensional colour imaging is beneficial since it gives better options to detect the paste residues on the PCB as the surface is green or other colour while the paste is grey.

An additional challenge is that a combination of high speed and high resolution is required. High resolution is needed to cope with paste deposits down to 125 x 125 x 100 µm in size, but vision systems also need to keep up with the line speed, and that calls for high speed.

Defective ComponentsDefective components are another source of errors in electronics assembly. When the pick and place machine mounts components on the PCB, it is vital that all the connection points of the component (terminals) are in contact with the solder paste. If this is not fulfilled the terminal will not get soldered, and therewith the electrical and mechanical connection is lost with a non-functioning product as a result.

To ensure that the component is safe to place, a so-called co-planarity inspection is made that verifies that all the terminals are within the same plane plus/minus a specified tolerance.

Co-planarity measurement systems can be applied either in the pick and place machines or as a final inspection step in the component manufacturing within the semiconductor backend industry.

In both areas the requirements of speed and resolution are comparable. The speed needs to be in the range of three components per second or better, and the resolution needs to be high in order to reach an accuracy below 10 µm/3-sigma which is recommended by industry standards.

The difference between the two areas is flexibility requirements. In the backend, the system operates in a batch manner, processing thousands of components of the same type while in pick and place the system must cope with one-offs — when one component is inspected, the next one coming a few hundred milliseconds later is likely to be of a completely different type. It calls for very careful system engineering and a very high system flexibility to cope with these variables.

Some electronic designs are also using high

reliability connectors. Such connectors are often mounted using a press-fit assembly method. This is a solder free method of mounting through-hole components using a high-pressure mechanical press.

The component pins are shaped into springs and when pressed through the PCB, a gas-tight connection is formed with the plated PCB-hole. Even if the press-fit method has numerous advantages, it also comes with a unique set of challenges.

Before the press-fit, the component and PCB are pre-assembled in a very loose way, which is prone to errors. Proceeding and press-fitting an improperly made pre-assembly, will most probably result in a defective product. After the press-fit the contact between the PCB and pin is sufficient and reliable only if the designated part of the pin is in contact with the plated through-hole.

A visual inspection of the product before and after the press-fit is therefore highly beneficial. The key parameter to verify in both cases is the protrusion depth of the connection pins. Going for a 3D solution this is solvable by measuring the pin height on the backside of the PCB. The solution needs to be fast in order to cope with the line speed, it needs to provide the resolution required to image the thin pins, and it needs to be flexible and scalable to cope with the large variation of PCB-designs.

ENQU

IRY

NO.

240

igus Singapore Pte [email protected]

15 Shaw Road #03-02Singapore 367953

TwisterBand

Rotary movementsup to 3000º

2011_01_07_TwisterBand_Layout 1 21.01.11 11:04 Seite 1


sector spotlight

ENQUIRY NO. 5703

In ConclusionLooking at the key features of the applications discussed, we conclude that the vision system has to be fast, have a high resolution and, on top of that, be flexible and scalable. The possibility to combine 3D imaging with 2D monochrome and colour imaging is also beneficial.

An ASIC design that contains photo-elements to capture the images, A/D-converters to digitise the image data as well as image processing functions that can create height profiles from the image data is suitable for such a task. The imager would also be addressable, allowing different areas of the imager to be used for different purposes. This opens up the possibility to acquire combinations of 3D, 2D monochrome and colour images at the same time.

By using several light sources in the setup; a line projecting laser for the 3D images by laser triangulation and a line light for the 2D images, the combination of 3D and 2D images can be acquired using the same camera. The scalability is further expanded through different resolution, speed and optical filtering options into a powerful and flexible concept that can be used together with standard components in terms of lenses, lighting and image processing libraries.

The use of one camera for all this has advantages; the solution can be made more compact; the cost is lower thanks to a reduced component count and finally less maintenance efforts are needed.

Application OverviewWhen using modern assembly methods, like flip chip, CSP or

fine pitch QFP, the electrical connection between the component

and the substrate or PCB can only be ensured if all the bumps

or leads are at reasonably the same height. To verify that this is

the case a so-called co-planarity measurement is done.

This measurement is done by accurately measuring the

height of each lead or bump, finding the three highest leads or

bumps, and then measuring the deviation of each lead/bump

to a plane touching the three highest bumps/leads.

True 3D ReadoutsFor the co-planarity the height of each lead or bump is the key

factor to measure. Applying classical 2D inspection will only

detect bumps and leads in the wrong place or with the wrong

size. However with a 3D measurement system, both the 2D

features and most importantly the height can be captured,

solving the application to its full extent.

Lead/Bump Height Detection

ENQUIRY NO. 5704

The SolutionThe bumps are 3D scanned using the principle of laser

triangulation. Every frame acquired generates one 3D-profile

of the scene. Adding all the profiles acquired generates the full

3D view of the die and component. From an image analysis

point of view, the 3D images can be processed in the same

way as 2D images are processed. Comparing 2D and 3D image

data, the contrast information in every pixel of a 2D image is

replaced with a height value in a 3D image.

Calibration of measured data is given by the optics

and triangulation geometry used, and by synchronising the

profile acquisition with the scanning motion. Thanks to the

high contrast between the laser line and the background,

laser triangulation, as a principle, is very robust against stray

light disturbances.

An eye for quality

ENQU

IRY

NO.

293


features

The aerospace industry needs continuous and effective collaboration with customers and suppliers to ensure that they design and build

the right products and offer relevant services. This is necessitated by increasing globalisation across the extended enterprise and competitive market place they are in.

Social Computing provides the context and components for such collaboration through software platforms and communication technology. This approach reduces implementation complexity and cost of collaboration while improving confidentiality and security in the aerospace ecosystem. This can provide the leverage to increase return on enterprise implementations of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

The IndustryThe global aerospace industry is in flux. While the overflowing order books of leading OEMs paint a promising future, the ongoing economic turmoil has left airlines to constantly rethink their strategies and redefine their priorities. This calls for constant

Hel

into

n O

livei

ra, P

orto

Ale

gre,

Bra

zil

reworking on the fleet composition and product configuration in time with ever changing airline traveler preferences and predilections.

The key drivers and imperatives are as depicted below:

GlobalisationFor market access, to reach talent pool and for time & cost benefits

InnovationFor product/service differentiation,operational efficiency, cost reduction

ConsolidationTo obtain scale, acquire competency and achieve leadership

Regulations For safety, counter trade, environment

The world of technology is becoming more social with

greater collaboration taking place constantly. This is far reaching and is being applied to many industries;

aerospace is no exception. By Prasad Nanjanagudu, associate VP, Aerospace & Defence Head for

Europe, Infosys Technologies

Industry

The

AndSocial Computing

Aerospace


Propagating frequent program changes, regulatory developments, customer preferences across the extended enterprise early enough to limit cost and time implications, demands for a smooth and bi-directional information exchange both in structured and unstructured formats.

The members of the aerospace ecosystem that are at play are:• Design and manufacturing workforce at

aerospace OEMs• Their partners including vendors, suppliers and

service providers, R&D/Universities• Customers including airlines and air travelers• Aviation and regulatory authorities and

governmental agencies• Communities including industry lobby groups,

unions and activists• The general public

The traditional tools of collaboration including enterprise PLM and ERP applications have been addressing product development life cycle and supply chain integration.

However, there is a need to achieve boundary-less collaboration to drive innovation and reap its resultant benefits.

Social ComputingAs companies discover the power of social computing, including web portals, tools for managing information, work interaction based on Web 2.0 technologies, they are able to achieve and benefit from collaboration.

Internet technologies are reshaping societal interactions and are inevitably affecting the business world. The industry can only ignore this reality to its own peril. This resultant shift is observed in the following:• Dispersion of innovation all across the

ecosystem• Increasing contribution from those consuming

as against those producing• Greater influence of specific communities over

companies and authorities

Social computing is about enabling, encouraging and capturing the often unstructured interactions between individuals and groups. These interactions and the players involved are the essence of such virtual or real communities — and their diversity, depth and reach are the measure of how vibrant and dynamic those communities are. Social computing helps in enterprise to tap into the ideas both internally and externally.

As businesses increasingly seek to strengthen their level of engagement with prospects and customers,

understanding the power of communities, their compulsions, their aspirations and how to interact with them will become essential as we go along. Stronger customer relationships increase customer loyalty and brand recall, and ultimately drive enhanced revenue for the business.

What Are The Drivers?Organisations are increasingly adopting Web 2.0 technologies in the enterprise for multiple reasons. The business drivers being:• Better interaction with customers and end users• More effective interfacing with partners and

suppliers• Improved intrateam collaboration among

employees

It is seen that the predominant business driver is the need to achieve improved customer interaction.

Social Computing ToolsIn order to make social computing a reality in an organisation, the right set of tools should be selected and implemented. As the minimum, the requirements to be met are provisions of the tools for the users to create their own workspace that can be shared with others with requisite access controls.

ENQU

IRY

NO.

266

Hitachi Variable Frequency Drives

SJ700B Series11kW~160kW (3-phase 400V class)

Tel: +81 3 4345 6063

Hitachi Asia Ltd 24 Jurong Port Road, #03-05 Office Block, CWT Distripark Singapore 619097 Tel: +65 6305 7400 • Fax: +65 6305 7401 • URL: www.hitachi.com.sg • Email: [email protected]

Advanced Industrial Inverter for Fan, Pump and Conveyor applications, Built-in Programming Function with VT, CT, SLV Control modes

SJ700 Series (SLV)0.4~55kW (3-phase 200V class)0.75~400kW (3-phase 400V class)

X200 Series (V/f)0.2~2.2kW (1-phase 200V class)0.2~7.5kW (3-phase 200V class)0.4~7.5kW (3-phase 400V class)

WJ200 Series (Dual Rating)0.1~2.2kW (1-phase 200V class, CT)0.1~15kW (3-phase 200V class, CT)0.4~15kW (3-phase 400V class, CT)

Also available:

SJ700B Series


features

Web 2.0 is a web-based technology that allows a ‘read/write’ approach to the web and enables the user to be both a consumer of content and contributor to services.

The main software elements are wikis, blogs, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) and tags. These may be provided in conjunction with specific forums/discussion boards, directions along with communication tools like instant messaging and emails.• a wiki is a shared workspace. Ideally, the whole

company can access it and benefit from the collected knowledge contained within it. Sometimes this is not possible and small-scale private wikis with restricted membership can be created. Participants read, contribute, edit or remove what is already there.

• a blog provides a permanent record of the thoughts of an individual. Some might be playful but, in a business context, most will be setting out the expertise, knowledge and credentials of their authors.

• a social networking site is to link to others of interest.

• an RSS feed can be used to pick up new information of interest from wiki pages, a blog or forum, and one can subscribe to it on an internet site.

• Tagging & bookmarking — also called folksonomy, where users assign tags (descriptive words or phrases) to content, either their own or that created by others.

• Mashups — Combines applications to create a new use, ie: mapping combined with photo tags and mapping, combined with real estate.

• Podcasts & Video Blogs (Vlogs) — Single-use or subscription-based online audio or video downloadable to a PC or other device.

Why Should The Aerospace Industry Take To Social Computing?• It may be already happening in the organisation in

an informal way• It is an ageing industry and knowledge capture is

a dire need to address attrition risk• To meet the expectations of millennial generation• To support global and distributed workforce

engagement• To locate and tap expertise in the extended

enterprise• To have a secure platform for collaboration with

traceability• To accelerate collaborative projects• To support training • For increased innovation• For branding, and differentiation

ConclusionSocial computing allows aerospace companies employees to create business networks that cut across organisational, geographic, and functional titles. Employees can then share information, manage and track projects, and work collaboratively and interactively via multiple channels.

It also gives enterprises a way to secure the information they would otherwise need to share across unsecured, public social-networking, and collaboration tools. Finally, it improves the user experience and accelerates adoption of new processes by providing user interfaces that are optimised for each role.

Alfo

nso

Rom

ero,

Pas

aden

a, U

S

ENQUIRY NO. 5801

The aerospace industry will benefit greatly from social computing

Arie

lda

Silv

a P

arre

ira, P

atzc

uaro

, Mex

ico

A right set of social computing tools should be used in an organisation.

18 – 21 October 2011, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Innovation

SCM Logistics World is the platform that gives ALL supply chain and logistics practitioners the opportunity for cross-industry learning.

BOOK NOW! online www.terrapinn.com/2011/scm-logistics-world | email [email protected] | phone +65 6322 2700 | fax +65 6223 3554

Speakers

Find out how you can Save More by contacting Candy Tan at +65 6322 2700or email her at [email protected]

Greg SullivanVice President of

Supply ChainUnilever South East

Asia and Australasia

Reinhold OttSenior Director of

Corporate Supply ChainInfi neon

Technologies, Singapore

Rob AuslanderCorporate Vice President

- OSAT Operations, Global Logistics &

Fulfi llmentAMD, U.S.A.

Robert WareVice President of Global Supply Chain LogisticsApplied Materials,

Singapore

Gary Horsfi eldVice-President Supply

Chain, APPepsiCo., Australia

Stephen MoselyPresident & Managing

DirectorL’Oreal, Hong Kong

Nis-Peter IwersenVice President

Procurement, AsiaSchaeffl er, China

Adam BalarinVice President, Supply

ChainUnilever, Vietnam

Steven LesserVice President, Global

Supply ChainOrica Mining

Services, Singapore

Kaven KohGlobal SCM Director

FCI Electronics, Singapore

Mick JonesVice President Global

Logistics WWLenovo, U.K.

Mathias Von Bescherer

Director OperationsMicrosoft, Singapore

Sudhir GuptaExecutive Vice President SCM & Chief of Central

PurchaseTata AutoComp Systems, India

Vinay AsdhirDirector, Global

ProcurementDell, Singapore

Organised by:

Diamond sponsor: Platinum sponsor: Gold sponsors: Silver sponsor: Session sponsor: Associate sponsors:

Media partner: Endorsing Associations: Supported by:

SCM 205x275 IAA.indd 1 7/12/11 11:37:37 AM

ENQUIRY NO. 288


features

DefiningThe

OfImportance PLM

O ver the past 10 years, more and more discrete manufacturers have deployed Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to optimise product

development and enhance bottom-line performance. Paradoxically, however, there is still widespread confusion and disagreement concerning the essential capabilities and functionality of PLM.

Ultimately, its potential as a game-changing technology will never be fully realised until a single, comprehensive definition is formulated and universally accepted. The fact is manufacturers will be able to experience the complete range of benefits — and choose the best solution — only when they fully and implicitly understand what it is, and what it can (and should) do for them.

Why Has PLM Become So Important?In the manufacturing industry today, product development processes and profitability are inextricably linked. There is a strong causal relationship, whereby such processes have a profound, direct impact on manufacturers’ ability to generate sustained earnings growth.

Fundamental in today’s global business environment — one that is characterised by geographically dispersed work groups, increased competition, and new customer requirements

in emerging markets — product development challenges for discrete manufacturers are more complex than ever.

Since these challenges, which concern everything from having more project stakeholders, to managing disparate systems with incompatible data, to dealing with increased frequency of design changes and complying with stricter industry regulations — represent formidable obstacles to business profitability and success, it is critical that organisations determine how to effectively address such issues.

At an ever-increasing rate, manufacturers have come to regard PLM as the solution. According to Forrester Research, organisations implementing PLM can expect both top-line and bottom-line benefits that come from gains in time-to-market, operational efficiency, production costs and regulatory compliance.

Likewise, IDC Manufacturing Insights’ assessment of PLM is that it has assumed corporate-wide importance. It is slowly maturing into an enterprise decision-making discipline and reflects a growing consensus among analysts that PLM’s significance will one day rival well-established enterprise solutions like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM), and potentially offer even greater value.

Gartner expresses this sentiment even more

doc

tor-

a, M

elb

ourn

e, A

ustr

alia

Arriving at a comprehensive definition of PLM is essential if manufacturers are to experience the complete range of the solutions benefits. By Vi Kellersohn, VP marketing, and Tom Shoemaker, VP solutions marketing, PTC


pointedly, by asserting that PLM decisions have strong influence on the business model and benefits that can be realised by ERP, SCM and CRM applications in downstream business processes; in that sense, PLM is the most fundamental business application in manufacturing.

In short, the implications of adding a PLM solution are clear:• Companies exist to make money for their

shareholders by achieving sustained earnings growth.

• Revenue growth and cost reduction are the only two ways to improve earnings — with revenue growth being the more sustainable, unbounded option.

• Revenue growth is four times more influential than cost reduction, with regard to profit contribution.

• PLM enables product-centric organisations to meet their bottom-line goals while addressing product development process challenges related to regulatory pressures, product complexity, and geographic dynamics.

• Similar to the evolution of ERP, PLM is a consolidating technology that offers significant

IT cost-of-ownership benefits.• Unlike ERP, which focuses on cost-reduction

initiatives, PLM addresses both cost reduction and revenue growth.

• PLM has reached a point in its maturity where its Return-On-Investment (ROI) potential is making it a top-of-mind business imperative for C-level executives.

The Need For A Clearer DefinitionIn light of PLM’s growing awareness and adoption, it is interesting to note that while there is also widespread agreement on the benefits of the solution, there is some disagreement on its precise definition.

This may stem from the initial, commonly accepted belief that PLM represented a conglomeration of functional disciplines — analogous to how ERP unified finance, HR, manufacturing, and warehouse systems.

Originally, PLM was perceived to encompass Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD), Manufacturing (CAM), and Engineering (CAE), as well as simulation and Product Data Management (PDM) solutions. However, that assumption has proven somewhat erroneous over the past decade, as it has

ENQU

IRY

NO.

282


features

evolved into a more comprehensive, enterprise-wide global solution.

Notwithstanding its success to date, PLM’s potential as a game-changing technology will never be fully realised as long as there is confusion regarding its essential capabilities and functionality.

Manufacturers need to implicitly understand all that PLM can do for them and all that it makes possible to achieve. This knowledge will enable manufacturers to leverage the technology in ways that can yield process efficiencies that were previously unattainable. All of which underscores the vital importance of having an unambiguous definition for PLM.

Finally: A Comprehensive Definition Of PLMSo, what exactly is PLM? It is software designed to enhance process efficiencies related to a product’s Bill-Of-Materials (BOM) — the core information that tells manufacturing companies how to design, manufacture and support products.

Specifically, the software enables manufacturers to optimise the management and evolution of a BOM throughout a product’s entire lifecycle from conception to retirement. Any and all activities that affect, change, influence, or finalise a BOM are the factors that will drive a manufacturer’s overall operational effectiveness and, as such, are subsumed within the PLM umbrella.

For clarity’s sake, it is important to note that it does not include the technologies used to author the information components that populate a product’s BOM, such as MCAD/ECAD files and engineering calculations. Consequently, desktop solutions like CAD/CAM/CAE software and math calculations software are related to PLM yet are outside its purview.

To be assured of successful management and evolution of a product’s BOM, manufacturers must implement solutions that, at a minimum, feature the following:1 A foundation set of ‘must-have’ capabilities,

delivered through seven distinct PLM components (see Table 1); and

2 A single, scalable system architecture that is integral, Internet-based, and interoperable

In addition, to mitigate risk and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), PLM solutions should offer sufficiently rich capabilities so as to minimise software customisation.

Of particular importance to highly innovative, forward-looking manufacturers seeking to leverage the full potential of the software are eight additional components that provide more sophisticated, extended capabilities (see Table 1).

“With PLM, we can get a really good indication

of the maturity of where the product is at any given moment. The result is that we get a more granular review and approval process and better visibility into our product maturity,” said Brent Barnes, manager of documentation systems, Cochlear.

The Role Of System ArchitectureEmploying the right architecture is critical to a successful PLM implementation. For example, if PLM software provides all 15 above-referenced capabilities, but utilises a delivery method that requires five different databases or five unique user experiences, the software should be disregarded as a viable PLM alternative.

Specifically, to fully deliver on the ‘promise’ of PLM, a solution must leverage system architecture that is:• Integral: A true PLM solution must be more than

a disconnected bundle of features and functions; it must be designed such that all ‘ingredients’ work together as one cohesive system to optimise product development processes.

PLM SOLUTION CAPABILITIES Must-have capability

Extended capability

Document Management •

Embedded Visualisation •

Workflow •

Distributed Collaboration •

Multi-CAD data management •

Complete BOM management (ie: combined MCAD, ECAD software content in a single product structure)

•

Change and Configuration Management •

Manufacturing Process Management (MPM)

•

Requirements Management •

Program Portfolio Management (PPM) •

Quality Lifecycle Management (QLM) •

Product Analytics •

Component and Supplier Management (CSM)

•

Service Information •

Communities of Practice •

Table 1: 15 components of a PLM solution


A single, integral architecture is built on a set of common architectural and technological layers with no redundant, overlapping, or conflicting modules. Solutions with an integral architecture share a common database schema and common business object and process models, as well as a common, web-based user interface with single login and consistent look-and-feel. In essence, this type of architecture provides a ‘single source of truth’ for all applications and workgroups — ensuring that all stakeholders across a distributed enterprise are always using the most accurate and up-to-date information in their product development efforts.

• Internet-based: By containing 100 percent Internet code and technologies, and an infrastructure built on industry standards, a pure Internet-based architecture provides internal and external stakeholders with seamless, high performance access to the complete digital product — thereby enabling collaboration across a distributed value chain in support of global product development.

• Interoperable: By using standard protocols, an interoperable architecture for a PLM solution enables seamless sharing of product content and processes through integration with legacy and enterprise systems/technologies including heterogeneous CAD applications and enterprise solutions like ERP, CRM, and SCM.

In ConclusionTo date, PLM has delivered significant inroads in the discrete manufacturing industry. Numerous manufacturers have already experienced some of the ways PLM can enhance product development processes and scores of others are seeking a better appreciation of the technology to discover how they, too, can benefit.

However, if manufacturers are to tap the full potential of PLM, they first need to explicitly understand its value proposition. After all, manufacturers cannot know what to expect and what to demand from PLM unless they know what is possible.

ENQUIRY NO. 5802

ENQU

IRY

NO.

297

ASM Advert (171X122-IAAMagzPATH).indd 1 7/14/11 6:05:34 PM


EVENT PREVIEW

ENQUIRY NO. 5901

Oil and Gas Indonesia 2011 will take place from September 21 – 24, 2011, at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran. It will form part of the Energy and Mining Indonesia Series of Trade Exhibitions, which also includes three other specialised trade exhibitions held in different halls, Building and Construction Indonesia, Electric Indonesia, and Mining Indonesia occupying all nine halls at the exhibition centre.

Oil and Gas Indonesia, the 8th in its series and largest in its history will once again incorporate Marine Indonesia. Companies exhibiting at Marine Indonesia will look to take advantage of Indonesia’s position

as the world’s largest archipelago and the huge potential for a variety of Marine related industries.

This year’s exhibition has a lready attracted over 832 companies from 38 countries highlighting the huge potential in Indonesia’s oil and gas sector. Only recently the government officially opened 24 new oil and gas blocks in a drive to bolster energy output and investment.

Leading players including Amec, Aqua Terra Oilfield Equipment, China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC), Contromatic Prima Mandiri, Ekatama Putra Perkasa,

Elliot Ebara, Endress + Hauser, Honeywell, Kota Minyak Internusa, Multi Integra, Paradise Perkasa, Sahabat Agung Citra, Shenzen Ocean’s King, and Wartsila will participate alongside national Pavilions from China, Germany, Korea, Singapore and UK.

Oil and Gas Indonesia has once again garnered the full support from the Department of Energy and Mines and the Society of Indonesian Petroleum Engineers.

The Energ y a nd Mining Indone sia Ser ie s of Trade Exhibitions are expected to be officiated by the president of Indonesia , stressing the huge importance the government places on these industries to Indonesia’s future economic development.

September 21 – 24, 2011Jakarta International ExpoJakarta, Indonesia

2011Oil&Gas

Indonesia

SlNGAPORE OCTOBER l8, l9,20,20ll

Connecting all the compositesvalue chain in Asia-Pacific

The key composites industry platform for Asia Pacific

The JEC Asia 2011 Composites Show and Conferences, to be held in Singapore on 18-20 October, will highlight the use of composites in key application markets such as aeronautics, ground transportation and the wind energy sector, as well as showcase automated solutions tailored to the processing requirements of the composites sector

Essentially, composites can be defined as engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials that offer different physical or chemical attributes. Because of the unique mechanical behavior of the materials, the processing of composites often requires the use of very specialized processing equipment.

To keep pace with technological innovations, part manufacturers and OEMs across the globe are increasingly leveraging the latest automated solutions to optimize composites manufacturing processes.

Automation solutions play an integral role in helping manufacturers achieve greater precision in their manufacturing operations, in turn enabling them to cut cost through reducing scrap and material waste.

The compounding of composite materials is dependent on two main processes: the fiber placement (or, fiber laying) and the resin impregnation (through injection or compression molding). While most of the fiber placement processes are still done manually, more specialized machine tools and sophisticated robotics are being adopted to lay fibers, especially for higher end composite materials used to bring superior weight reduction and design flexibility to high value application markets such as consumer goods, aeronautics and automotive.

Advanced fiber placement machines are bringing a whole new dimension to how composites manufacturing can be refined. The use of advanced software and robotic systems in composites manufacturing processes is

becoming more prevalent as well, providing the right tools to raise productivity standards particularly in sectors traditionally concerned with heavy labor costs.

Automation solutions in action in Asia

The rapid pace of industrial developments in the Asia Pacific region is driving up the demand for the use of process automation to improve manufacturing processes, especially in the aeronautics, automotive and wind energy sectors. While only 30 percent of Asian manufacturing processes were auto-mated in 2001, the market penetration for automated manufacturing solutions in the region has grown to 64 percent in 2010 (versus 83 percent for western countries), according to the 2011 annual market study conducted by JEC Composites, the composites industry’s key organization and source of information.

To be held in Singapore from 18-20 October 2011, the fourth edition of the JEC Asia Com-posites Show and Conferences is set to intro-duce the latest process automation capabilities that help manufacturers in Asia achieve a higher level of technical sophistication.

“Automation is an important driver for tech-nological progress in the composites industry, and JEC Asia 2011 will provide the platform for Asian visitors to be exposed to the latest means of integrating process automation into production processes related to composites,” says Frédérique Mutel, President and CEO of JEC Group. “Advanced automation technologies also enable Asian firms to differentiate themselves through adopting more advanced production methods.”

The JEC Asia 2011 Exhibition is expected to attract key industry players from every segment that makes up the composites value chain. To further underline the growing significance of the Asian composites market, major Asian composites companies have already signed up to participate at the 2011 event, which is expected to announce more than 15 percent increase in the number of exhibitiors.

JEC Asia 2011 will be also hosting some of the world’s leading composites specialists and decision makers in the high value-added

program: the Business Meetings (Aeronautics, Automotive and Wind Energy). These top of the range personalities will also share their expertise during the end-user forums, strategic conferences and innovation award programs that are to be held concurrently with the main JEC Asia Exhibition. Composites innovation is at the core of JEC’s activities, and the JEC Asia Innovation Awards provides the platform to showcase the leading composite solutions that create value in a range of different end-use sectors.

JEC Asia 2011 will also see the staging of the third Innovative Composites Summit (I.C.S.), a program comprising technical conferences and forums focusing on the latest breakthrough innovations across different application sectors in the composites industry. The conference program will include an automation forum focusing on “the essential step for serial production”, with the participation of KUKA Roboter (Germany), Flow International (USA), CGTech AP Sales and Support (Singapore), Steinbichler Optotechnik (Germany), Tecnatom (Spain) and Oceania Composites Engineering (Australia).

About JEC Asia Platform

JEC Asia is the leading composites platform in the Asia Pacific region that brings together all global composites industry players. Supported by major professional composites associations from Singapore, Australia, China and Taiwan, India, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, and other countries, JEC Asia Composites Show and Conferences has secured participation from major companies from all over Asia Pacific and western companies, including leading exhibiting companies from every segment that makes up the value chain of the composites industry. For more information, please visit our website at www.jeccomposites.com

Event Dates: 18-20 October 2011 - Venue: Suntec International Convention & Exhibition - Centre, Singapore - Organizer: JEC Composites Group

JEC Asia 2011: Automation showcase for composites in Asia

20110718 Ad_Automation ENG_205x275.indd 1 7/18/11 4:11 PM

ENQUIRY NO. 299

AdvertoriAl

EVENT REVIEW


T h e a n n u a l S i n g a p o r e I nter nat iona l Water We ek (SIWW) 2011 was held from July 4 - 8, 2011, at Suntec Exhibition and Convention Centre. The global platform for water solutions brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world.

Themed ‘Sustainable Water Solutions for a Changing Urban E n v i r o n m e n t ,’ t h e e v e n t reinforces SIWW as a platform for solutions to address the latest and most pertinent water issues in a rapidly changing world. The week comprises five flagship programmes: the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums, and the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, a prestigious

international award to recognise outstanding contributions in solving global water issues.

Co-Located EventsIn addition to the five main events, this year’s co-located events have also expanded to more than 100, including several high-profile events such as the Southeast Asia Water Ministers Forum, the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the launch of the 4th edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. This year’s event drew over 1,500 delegates from all over the world, including over 350 global water leaders.

Attendees included prominent dignitaries such as president of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Director of Water Resources for Angola, Manuel Quintino and Minister of Development of Brunei, Pehin

Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.

Growth Is EvidentThis year saw yet another sell-out success, attracting a record of some 13,500 participants from 99 countries/regions. This marks a growth in attendance figures of almost 60 percent since the inaugural event in 2008.

The Water Expo saw close to 70 percent growth in exhibition space and a 70 percent increase in the number of exhibiting companies over the inaugural year of 2008. Over 600 companies took part in this year’s Water Expo, which attracted six new international pavilions. They are the Australia Pavilion, the Belgium Pavilion, the Maryland-Asia Environmental Partnership, the Milwaukee Water Council, the UK Pavilion, and the Water Environment Federation Pavilion. This takes the total number of group pavilions to 15.

In addition, the number of Founding Sponsors has increased this year, rising to 22 from 17 in 2010, with Memstar, Mitsubishi Rayon, Mitsubishi Electr ic, MWH Consultants and PWN Technologies joining as Founding Sponsors. The total value of announcements for projects awarded, tenders, investments and R&D MOUs reached S$2.9 billion (US$2.37 billion).

The Water Convention received a record 428 submissions from 50 countries, with some 350 oral and poster presentations covering the four main themes of Solutions for Water Systems Efficiency & Ef fect iveness; Planning for Sustainable Water Solutions; Water Quality & Health; and Governance & Finance.

The Importance Of PartnershipIn his speech at the opening ceremony, Singapore’s Deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Singapore International Water Week


spoke about the need for cities to continuously rejuvenate urban living by seeking and exploiting opportunities to do so. He pointed out two ways cities can do this: by continuously investing in technology and R&D aimed at developing sustainable water solutions; and forging closer collaboration between the public sector, academia and industry to develop pragmatic solutions and a thriving urban eco-system

He said Singapore takes a long-term view in its R&D investment, as the gestation periods can be long before the pay-offs to new technologies are realised. In this regards, the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Singapore has allocated a further S$140 million to promote R&D in the water sector, raising it to a total of S$470 million. Through this, it is hoped that value-added contribution from this sector would grow from S$0.5 billion in 2003 to S$1.7 billion by 2015, and doubling jobs in the sector to 11,000 by then.

The minster cited the Singapore-Delft Water Alliance institute as an example of water partnerships. Established in 2007 by the National University of Singapore, Deltares (a consultancy company) and the PUB, Singapore’s national water agency with the objective of developing sustainable solutions for the urban water cycle, the institute integrates the expertise and perspectives of the public sector, the industry, and the academia to carry out impactful research.

The minster also revealed that there are currently 23 water research centres in Singapore set up by top industry players, such as Siemens Water Technologies, GE Water, Nitto Denko, Toray, Keppel Corporation and Hyflux, with a substantial part of the research done in close collaboration with Singapore’s universities and public sector agencies.

A New Element For 2011With a focus on technology and innovation, a new element that was introduced this year is Water Innovations@SIWW, which showcases the latest R& D projects spaw ned in Singapore, and TechXchange, a platform connecting researchers w ith inve stors to ex plore commercialisation opportunities for these R&D projects, with the aim of bringing the very latest advances in water solutions to the marketplace. PUB, also launched a new R&D book, ‘Innovation in Water (Singapore),’ which showcases the results of water R&D efforts in Singapore.

The projects featured included pilot-scale, and demonstration scale studies, as well as test-bedding projects conducted in PUB’s installations. It covers, among others, a feature on the membrane bioreactor process as a cleaner, more energy efficient and cost-effective way to recycle Singapore’s water; the Variable Salinity Plant, a technology pioneered by PUB to flexibly treat both brackish and seawater, and a capacitive deionisation technology that increases NEWater recovery from 75 percent to over 90 percent.

Other projects highlighted include the use of computer models to simulate water quality in Singapore’s catchments and reservoirs, an early warning system that forecasts harmful algal blooms, and membrane technology projects that overcome issues related to difficult-to-treat source waters.

Several advanced detection methods, including a new optical sensor system that instantly d e te c t s co nt a m i n a nt s b y mon itor ing t he re f rac t ive properties of water, a new network of wireless sensors that can achieve real time coverage of the entire water network, and a rapid E. coli bacterial detection method,

are also covered in this issue.In addition, more than 30 new

products and technologies made their regional and international debut at the Water Expo’s Launch@SIWW innovation showcase, signalling a strong endorsement of the Water Week as an important platform for companies looking to promote their new products to key markets in the world.

The Water ConversationThe Water Conversation with Lee Hsien Loong, PM of Singapore was another highlight of the week. During the conversation, he made the important point that the correct pricing of water, to balance both economic costs and affordability, is paramount to a good water policy. Also, that pricing water for full recovery can only be accomplished when one succeeds in changing the people’s mindset towards water.

The eventful week officially ended with a dinner at the Marina Bay Sands, where next year’s SIWW will be held from July 2 – 6, 2012, where the theme will be ‘Water Solutions for Liveable and Sustainable Cities.’

July 4 – 8, 2011Suntec Exhibition and Convention CentreSingapore

ENQUIRY NO. 5902

Many companies showcased their products/solutions at this year’s SIWW.


EVENT REVIEW

ENQUIRY NO. 5903

The 17th edition of Metaltech 2011 exhibition ended with most exhibitors reporting better than expected sales and business transactions. The sales generated at the show are est imated to be well over RM800 million ( US$264 mil l ion). Both the organisers and exhibitors were taken by surprise with the increased market demand for machinery and tools; the boost in sales has given us an insight that the Malaysian economy is clearly picking up from the downturn in year 2009.

The show was held from May 4 to 8, 2011 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. It was visited by more than 20,000 visitors from all around the region. Albert Lai, MD of Trade-Link Exhibition Services, and organiser of the show said: “Metaltech has just won the MACEOS Excellence

Industry Award.” This prestigious award is presented by the Malaysia A ssociat ion of Convent ion and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers for exhibition which has achieved at least 10 editions of excellent standard, which means the effort put in by the exhibitors and supporting organisations has made an impressive impact.”

Welding CompetitionThe fourth welding competition was held during the show, the competition saw 40 participants. The participants, consisting of students from various institutions as well as welders from the private sector.

Desmond Yeap, executive director of Welding Institute (Malaysia) said: “Metaltech is an excellent platform to promote the interests of the industry. We are grateful to work with Trade-Link

May 4 - 8, 2011Putra World Trade CentreKuala Lumpur, Malaysia

in orga nising the welding competition annually at the exhibition. It is also a platform for us to promote the courses that are available for welders to gain international employment opportunities.”

“The competition has been a success. We hope more industry participants will compete for this nationally recognised award as it will provide better employment opportunities. For employers, this competition would also help their welders up their skills level which would lead to more quality and productive output,” he added.

Exhibition Space Take-Up: 35,000 sq m

Number Of Participating Companies: 1,500

Number Of Exhibiting Countries: 31

Including Australia, Austria, Belgium,

Canada, China, Denmark, Finland,

France, Germany, Hong Kong, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan,

South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands,

New Zealand, Norway, Singapore,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan,

Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom,

USA, Vietnam.

National Pavilions: Four

Austria, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan

Total Number Of Trade Visitors: 21,506

Total Number Of Visiting Countries: 55

Total Estimated Sales: RM800 million

(on-the-spot and follow-up)

Show Numbers

Metaltech2011


products & services

Enquiry no. 5907

Enquiry no. 5906

Enquiry no. 5905

Enquiry no. 5904

products & services

Emerson: Sanitary Pinch Valve

Compact and lightweight in design, the Baumann 85000 features three major components: a tube shell body that accommodates ¾ inch pharmaceutical grade tubing; a linear spring-and-diaphragm actuator that responds accurately to controller input; and a Fisher Fieldvue digital valve controller.

Providing fully automatic operation, the 85000 eliminates the inefficiencies and poor control given by the manually-operated pinch valves typically used in these high value applications.

Beckhoff is expanding its product range for the EtherCAT I/O system with the EL6631-0010 Profinet terminal which, as a gateway from EtherCAT to Profinet RT, connects two real-time Ethernet bus systems with one another.

The EtherCAT Terminal system enables the integration of fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet systems via local master/slave terminals. As a Profinet device, the EL6631-0010 slave terminal enables the simple exchange of data between EtherCAT and Profinet RT networks. The terminal features two RJ 45 ports for the simple construction of a line topology.

Ecolab: Lubricant That Cuts Water Use

When small-sized articles (eg: biscuits and baked goods) or sensitive goods (like salad or fish) are transferred from one belt to the next, there is always the risk of product damage, products accumulating on the belt or the belt coming to a standstill.

Forbo Siegling’s Prolink series 4.1 has a 14 mm pitch - or in other words a hinge every 14 mm. As a result, the belt can be guided over small end drums or sprockets. The minimum end radius is just 22 mm. Therefore, the gap between the two belts is small and the above-mentioned risk accordingly low.

The series is available in white in the usual materials polyacetal (POM), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The blue type can be supplied in POM and PP. For especially tough and extreme conditions, the fibreglass-reinforced PA-HT material is offered. The modules can be supplied both as closed or open types, with an open area of 21 percent.

Beckhoff:Profinet Terminal

Ecolab’s DryExx GF, is a conveyor lubricant designed for use with glass bottles on steel conveyor belts. The lubr icant has been claimed to save up to 80 percent of the water used when compared to traditional wet lubricants, without compromising efficiency.

The formula contains an active lubricating substance that creates a protective film on the belts. This results in reduced friction, less abrasion and consequently eliminates the need to use large amounts of water to continually wash any abrasion off the belts.

Forbo Siegling: Small End Radius Belt


products & services

Enquiry no. 5911

Enquiry no. 5910

Enquiry no. 5909

Enquiry no. 5908

Moog: Digital Interface ValvesHypertherm: Enhanced Durability

Kvaser: Controller Area Network (CAN) Interface

Kvaser has created a Rugged family of CAN to USB interfaces. Capable of operating in harsh environments, including water submersion, the company’s Rugged interfaces have been designed to meet the needs of engineers performing remote diagnosis or network troubleshooting in applications such as automotive, mining, marine, military, oil and gas exploration, military, industrial and heavy machinery.

A heavy-duty polyurethane coating completely seals the unit and cabling to IP67 standard for water and dust ingress provides further protection. Vibration, shock and drop proof, the company’s Rugged range operates over an expanded temperature range from –40 to 85 deg C.

GE Intelligent Platforms: ADC/DAC Transceiver Module

ICS-1572A ADC/DAC (Analogue-Digital Converter/Digital-Analogue Converter) transceiver XMC module from GE Intelligent Platforms is designed to act as a link between the analogue world of sensors and the digital world of computing. It can also be deployed in the radar, signals intelligence, communications and test and measurement applications.

It has the ability to perform faster sweeps when scanning for spectral activity; the opportunity to use lower cost analogue RF equipment; the capability to reduce the cost of the system back-end processing engine; the facility to use electronic ‘steering’ rather than physical array steering; and the option of using existing arrays for multiple purposes.

Hypertherm has developed the Duramax torch series that includes more durability and longer consumable life, while using their existing Powermax systems.

Designed with durability in mind, they can withstand impacts five times greater than the previous generation of torches and are more heat resistant.

The torches use a conical flow nozzle and spring electrode for longer consumable life. Testing shows an up to 55 percent increase in the life of the Duramax consumables, which translates into a 30 percent savings on consumable costs.

The retrofit torches are available in an ergonomic, 75-degree hand torch (HRT) or a 15-inch full-length machine torch (MRT).

Moog’s ATEX Digital Interface Valves (DIVs) are certified to explosive environments according to ATEX II 2G Ex d e IIC TX Gb, for temperature classes T3 up to T6. They are intended for a wide range of applications that include oil and gas exploration, gas turbines, power generation, wood processing, various types of presses, and maritime equipment.

The ATEX DIVs are equipped with connectors that are approved to be connected and disconnected in an explosive environment. This ‘hot plugable’ feature allows users to work with ‘live’ electronics in an explosive environment reducing the down time for installation and maintenance.


products & servicesproducts & services

Enquiry no. 5915

Enquiry no. 5914

Enquiry no. 5913

Enquiry no. 5912

Objet: Advanced Materials For 3D Printing

Mori Seiki has developed MCC-LPS III, the version of its cell control system. It is designed to provide efficient operation and management of the company’s pallet transfer systems. Pallet transfer systems include LPP (Linear Pallet Pool), CPP (Carrier Pallet Pool), RPP (Round Pallet Pool) and AWC (Automatic Workpiece Changer).

With a range of functions from job/order data management, machining program management, material/fixture/tool management, system status monitoring to variety of production reporting, the system maximises operating efficiency of customers’ pallet transfer systems. It is available in three versions to suit a range of uses.

Piab’s piCompact10 range, a manifold-mounted and functional ejector system, is based on the energy-efficient Micro COAX technology. By working at low feed pressure and maximising the utilisation rate of the compressed air, the COAX ejectors reduce energy consumption for manufacturers while increasing productivity and reliability.

These products are used for pick-and-place operations where efficient handling of small, heavy parts is crucial, common for electronics, semiconductor, plastics, metal and medical applications.

Products in the piCompact10 range are smaller and lighter than conventional ejectors, reducing the total weight of vacuum handling systems. T h i s d e s i g n allows vacuum systems to move more quickly to increase production capacity.

Piab: Compact Vacuum Ejectors

Pepperl+Fuchs: Transmitter Power Supplies

Pepperl+Fuchs has extended its line of power supplies from the K- and H- Systems by two additional modules that are designed for intrinsically safe applications up to SIL 3 according to EN61508. These supplies require only a single transmitter to construct an intrinsically safe signal circuit for SIL 3. Prescribed test intervals can also be extended for SIL 2 applications.

The KCD2-STC-Ex.1ES and KFD2-STC4-Ex1.ES transmitter power supplies are 12.5 and 20 mm in width respectively and offer an active and passive 4-20 mA output signal as well as 1-5 V for the control level.

Objet Geometries has developed three advanced

materials, an ABS-like digital material ( RGD5160-DM ) ,

a clear transparent material (Objet VeroClear), and the Objet

VeroWhitePlus.The ABS-like material is a high-

impact, high-temperature-resistant material suitable for manufacturers

and engineers looking to functionally simulate products made of ABS-grade

engineering plastics.The Clear material provides clear optical

and visual transparency combined with dimensional stability enabling designers to simulate PMMA in glass-like applications such as lighting cases, lenses and cosmetics containers. Finally, the VeroWhitePlus is suitable for fit and form testing for a wide range of industries and for validating model design.

Mori Seiki: Evolved Cell Control System


products & services

Enquiry no. 5919

Enquiry no. 5918

Enquiry no. 5917

Enquiry no. 5916

Witte: Cool Clamping Method

The FAG spindle bearings of series RS combine the speed capability of the HS high-speed ser ies wi th the robustness and load capacity of bearings with large balls (B spindle bearings).

The friction-optimised internal design and uniform

20-degree contact angle have resulted in maximum speed

capability, high load capacity and only minimal sensitivity to operational

and environmental influences.As such, the series open up new possibilities when it comes

to designing high-speed spindles for high machining forces. Their improved speed capability allows a more cost-effective realisation of high-speed operation.

Sick: Camera-Based Code Reader

The Lector62x by Sick decodes 1D,2D and direct markings. It can also read complex DPM codes quickly and reliably, facilitating a high throughput. Its compact design and rotatable connector units render its application possible even in the smallest of spaces.

Its expanded interfaces (USB, Ethernet, serial and CAN) allow it to be integrated in all major industrial networks. This features provides support in

the traceability of components and in individual production control; the code reader can

identify PCBs, wafers and glass.

STMicroelectronics: Fast-Write Memory

STMicroelectronics has added a memory with a recording feature for storing important data during unexpected events. Its uses will include recovering system data when a sudden power failure occurs and ‘black box’ recorders that help identify the causes of equipment failures or accidents.

A system using the M35B32 EEPROM is able to store a significant amount of vital information (2 Kbits) in less than one millisecond, and can react when the onset of a system failure or an accident is detected. Major applications for this high-speed memory include games, battery powered gadgets, utility meters, smart-grid equipment, industrial systems and medical devices.

Schaeffler: High-Performance RS Spindle Bearings

For complicated applications with intricate, thin walled components it is not so much the machining process which is a challenge but more the correct method of holding the parts. Where flat large surfaces are concerned vacuum-clamping technology is often the best method.

The Ice Vice chuck developed by Witte Germany is available in standard dimensions of 75 x 140 x 300 mm (clamping surface 100 x 150 mm). For operation only a compressed air supply of 6 to 8 bar is required and air consumption amounts to approximately 25 m³/h.

Freezing and thawing – corresponding to clamping and releasing – is done with a simple on/off switch. Integrated mufflers ensure a comfortable reduction in operating noise level.

Calendar Of EventsCalendar Of Events 2011/122011/12JANUARY

06 – 09 Engineering Expo Indore 2012Poddar Plaza,Near Gandhi Hall, M G Road, New Siyaganj, Indore 452007. Madhya Pradesh IndiaInfomedia 18 LtdEmail: [email protected]: http://www.engg-expo.com/

18 – 20 ICP - IC Packaging Technology Expo 2012Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight)JapanReed Exhibitions Japan LtdEmail: [email protected] Web: http://www.icp-expo.jp/en/Home/

FEBRUARY

8 – 11 Enertech World Expo 2012Bombay Exhibition Centre - NSE Exhibition ComplexIndiaChemtech FoundationEmail: [email protected] Web: http://www.chemtech-online.com/enertech/

09 – 10 Intermodal Asia 2012Intercontinental Melbourne The RialtoAustraliaTransport Events ManagementEmail: [email protected]: http://www.transportevents.com/

14 – 17 CIAACE 2012China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC)ChinaYasn International Exhibition Co., Ltd.Email: [email protected]: http://www.ciaacexpo.com/

21 – 23 Offshore Asia Kuala Lumpur Convention CentreMalaysiaPennwell Conference and ExhibitionsEmail: [email protected]: http://www.offshoreasiaevent.com/

31 – 4 Nov Singapore International Energy Week

Suntec Singapore SingaporeReed ExhibitionsEmail: [email protected]: http://www.reedexpo.com.sg

NovEmBER

02 – 04 Asia Smart GridSUNTEC SingaporeSingaporeReed ExhibitionsEmail: [email protected]: www.asiasmartgrid.com.sg

22 – 25 CIASuntec SingaporeSingaporeSingapore Exhibition ServicesEmail: [email protected]: http://www.cia-asia.com

DECEmBER

07 – 08 Bioenergy International Asia ExpoKuala Lumpur Convention CentreMalaysiaHorse Shoe Media LtdEmail: [email protected]: http://www.biofuelsinternationalexpo. com/asia/

07 – 09 Semicon Japan 2011Makuhari Messe – Chiba JapanJapanSemi North AmericaEmail: [email protected] Web: http://www.semiconjapan.org/en/

AUGUST

31 – 3 Sep Taipei International Industrial Automation Exhibition

TWTC Nangang Exhibition HallTaiwanChan Chao InternationalEmail: [email protected]: http://www.chanchao.com.tw/show/Automation/en/

SEpTEmBER

08 – 10 Thailand Oil & GasIMPACTBangkok, ThailandFireworks Media (Thailand) Co LtdEmail: [email protected]: www.oilgasthai.com

21 – 24 Oil & Gas IndonesiaJIExpoIndonesiaPT Pamerindo IndonesiaWeb: http://pamerindo.com

27 - 30 3rd Annual Smart Grids Asia Summit Conference

Pan Pacific HotelSingaporeIBC Asia (S) Pte LtdEmail: [email protected]: http://www.smartgridssummit.com/

oCToBER

13 – 15 3P Malaysia International Industrial Machinery Expo

Danga City Hall Expo HallJohor, MalaysiaFireworks EventEmail: [email protected]: www.3pexpo.com

18 – 21 SCM Logistics WorldMarina Bay Sands Convention CentreSingaporeTerrapinnEmail: [email protected]: http://www.terrapinn.com/2011/ scm-logistics-world/index.stm

To be considered for inclusion in the Calendar of Events, send details of event (name, date, venue, organiser contact) to:

The Editor IAAEastern Trade Media Pte Ltd.1100 Lower Delta Road, EPL Building, #02-05, Singapore 169206Tel: (65) 6379 2888 • Fax: (65) 6379 2805 • Email: [email protected]

64 Advertising Index | IndustrialAutomationAsia

ADVERTISINGI N D E X

ADVERTISER ENQ NOPAGE NO

This index is provided as an additional service. The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.

Recommend another industry professional to receive FREE copy of Industrial Automation Asia.

You only need to complete the below form and return it to our Singapore office via fax: 65-6379 2806 or post:

EASTERN TRADE MEDIA PTE LTD 1100 Lower Delta Road #02-02 EPL Building Singapore 169206Attn: The Circulation Executive

Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________

Job Title: ____________________________________ Company: __________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tel: ____________________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________ Website: ____________________________________________________

Product / Services: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Free Qualified Subscription


Click online for your


ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES

HEAD OFFICESINGAPOREEASTERN TRADE MEDIA PTE LTD1100 Lower Delta Road #02-05 EPL Building Singapore 169206Tel: 65-6379 2888Fax: 65-6379 2805/6379 2806

SINGAPORE:[email protected]

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVESJAPAN: Ted Asoshina Echo Japan CorporationTel: 81-3-32635065 Fax: [email protected]

KOREA: Young-Seoh Chinn JES Media InternationalTel: 82-2-481 3411/3Fax: 82-2-481 [email protected]

TAIWAN:Robert Yu Worldwide Services Co LtdTel: 886-4-23251784 Fax: [email protected]

The closing date for placing advertisements is not less than FOUR WEEKS before the date of publication. Please contact our nearest advertising office for more details.

ABB PTE LTD IFC 138

ADVANTECH CO. SINGAPORE PTE LTD 43 290

AUTOTRONIC ENTERPRISE CO. LTD 37 298

BECKHOFF AUTOMATION PTE LTD IBC 289

CARLO GAVAZZI AUOTMATION S PTE LTD 33 287

EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT APAC PTE LTD 25 286

FIREWORKS EVENT M SDN BHD 59 282

FIREWORKS MEDIA (THAILAND) CO LTD 45 262

FLIR SYSTEMS CO. LTD 5 248

FUJI ELECTRIC ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD 7 264

HITACHI ASIA LTD 55 266

HONEYWELL PTE LTD 3 296

IBC ASIA (S) PTE LTD 53 293

IFM ELECTRONIC PTE LTD 27 294

IGUS SINGAPORE PTE LTD 31/51 263/240

PAS INC 39 291

PIAB ASIA PTE LTD 41 197

PT PAMERINDO 49 284

REED ELSEVIER (SINGAPORE) 2008 PTE LTD 61 297

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION SOUTHEAST ASIA PTE LTD 1 295

SICK OPTIC-ELECTRONIC PTE LTD OBC 285

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SEA HQ PTE LTD 47 283

SINGAPORE EXHIBITION SERVICES PTE LTD 35 292

TERRAPINN PTE LTD 57 288

YING COMMUNICATIONS 63 299

FAX

OR

PO

ST

FOR

INFO

RM

ATI

ON

MAIN INDUSTRY SECTOR✔ ❑ Tick one box only

❑ 610 Others (Please specify)

❑ 500 Semi-Conductor Foundry Services

❑ 505 Semi- Conductor Equipment Mfg

❑ 510 Electrical & Electronics Mfg

❑ 515 Automated Assembly

❑ 520 Precision Engineering & Sub-contracting

❑ 525 Aerospace

❑ 530 Automotive

❑ 535 Material,Storage & Handling

❑ 540 Systems Design & Programme

❑ 545 Building and Construction

❑ 550 Rubber & Plastic Manufacturing

❑ 555 Assembly/Packaging

❑ 560 Food & Beverage Processing

❑ 565 Pulp & Paper

❑ 570 Oil & Gas Production

❑ 575 Power Generation

❑ 580 Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

❑ 585 Environmental Management

❑ 590 Water & Waste Water Management & Recycling

❑ 595 Shipbuilding & Repair

❑ 600 Trade Association/Institutions/Government Agency

❑ 605 Agents/Distributors/Representatives

MY JOB FUNCTION IS

Do you ❑ recommend ❑ decide ❑ specify on new product purchases?

❑ Tick one box only✔

THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT OUR COMPANY/FACTORY IS

1 ❑ 1-10 2 ❑ 11-30 3 ❑ 31-50 4 ❑ 51-100 5 ❑ 101-499 6 ❑ 500 or more

August 2011

To: The Circulation Executive, Circulation Department,

Name: (Surname) (Given names)

Job Title:

Company Name:

Business Address:

Country:

Telephone: Fax: E-mail:

ENTER INFORMATION CARD NUMBER(S)

TYPES OF PRODUCTS TO BE PURCHASED IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

❍ Motion & Drives ❍ Detection Instruments ❍ I/O Products ❍ PLM Products

❍ Automation Software ❍ Machine Safety ❍ Systems & Architectures ❍ Others

ATTACH

BUSINESS

CARD

Do you want to receive (continue to receive)

Industrial Automation Asia? ❑ YES ❑ NO(Not valid without signature)

Signature ___________________ Date__________

ENTER PRODUCT ENQUIRY NUMBERS HERE FOR FAST INFORMATION!Kindly enquire online @ www.iaasiaonline.com or complete and post to: Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd, 1100 Lower Delta Road #02-02 EPL Building Singapore 169206 or fax to: 65-6379 2806 (Singapore)

YOUR READER REGISTRATION NO. www.iaasiaonline.com

❑ 72 Others (Please specify)

❑ 50 Executive Management

❑ 52 Maintenance Engineering

❑ 54 Manufacturing Engineering

❑ 56 Design Engineering

❑ 58 Packaging Engineering

❑ 60 Process Engineering

❑ 62 System Support Engineering

❑ 64 Testing & Inspection/Quality Control

❑ 66 Purchasing/Sourcing

❑ 68 Research & Development

❑ 70 Sales & Marketing

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

❑ 001 1 – 10 ❑ 002 11 – 30 ❑ 003 31 – 50 ❑ 004 51 – 100 ❑ 005 101 – 499 ❑ 006 500 or more

YOUR JOB FUNCTION (Please tick)

YOUR BUsINess ACTIvITY (Please tick)

sIze OF COmpANY (Please tick)

❑ Credit Card ❑ Amex ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard

I wish to pay by:

❑ Cheque - made payable to eastern Trade media pte Ltd

❑ Telegraphic Transfer Payment UNITeD OveRseAs BANK, sINGpORe BANK CODe : 7375 BRANCH CODe : 037 ACCOUNT NO : 921-343-851-0 COmpANY : eAsTeRN TRADe meDIA pTe LTD

❑ 560 Food & Beverage Processing

❑ 565 Pulp & Paper

❑ 570 Oil & Gas Production

❑ 575 Power Generation

❑ 580 Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

❑ 585 Environmental Management

❑ 590 Water & Waste Water Management & Recycling

❑ 595 Shipbuilding & Repair

❑ 600 Trade Association/Institutions/Government Agency

❑ 605 Agents/Distributors/Representatives

❑ 610 Others (Please be specific)

❑ 500 Semi-Conductor Foundry Services

❑ 505 Semi-Conductor Equipment Mfg

❑ 510 Electrical & Electronics Mfg

❑ 515 Automated Assembly

❑ 520 Precision Engineering & Sub-contracting

❑ 525 Aerospace

❑ 530 Automotive

❑ 535 Material,Storage & Handling

❑ 540 Systems Design & Programme

❑ 545 Building and Construction

❑ 550 Rubber & Plastic Manufacturing

❑ 555 Assembly/Packaging

❑ 62 System Support Engineering

❑ 64 Testing & Inspection/Quality Control

❑ 66 Purchasing/Sourcing

❑ 68 Research & Development

❑ 70 Sales & Marketing

❑ 72 Others (Please be specific)

❑ 50 Executive Management

❑ 52 Maintenance Engineering

❑ 54 Manufacturing Engineering

❑ 56 Design Engineering

❑ 58 Packaging Engineering

❑ 60 Process Engineering

Mail or Fax this form to: Circulation Department, eastern Trade media pte Ltd 1100 Lower Delta Road #02-02 epL Building singapore 169206 Fax: (65) 6379 2806

Commencing From: ____________ (Year) ___________ (Month)

Cardholder’s Name ________________________________

Account Number

Expiry Date Signature

Name: (Surname) ________________________________________ (Given Name) ___________________________

Company: ______________________________________________ Job Title: _______________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Country: _______________________________________________ Telephone No: __________________________

E-mail:_________________________________________________ Fax No: ________________________________

■ Singapore/Malaysia S$60.00 ■ Asia Pacific/America/Europe/Others S$100.00(GST Applicable)

Receipt will only be issued upon request!

Security ID


ONLINE @ www.iaasiaonline.comORsUBsCRIpTION RATesAIRmAIL (1 YeAR – eIGHT IssUes)

–

EtherCAT Terminals.The ultra fast “all-in-one” system for automation.

| EK1

1-05

E |

The Beckhoff I/O system integrates terminals for: All standard digital/analog signal types Drive Technology such as for stepper motors, AC/DC motors Gateways for legacy fi eldbus systems High-precision instrumentation, Condition Monitoring Safety PLC and safety I/Os High-speed automation (XFC)

Motion

Automation

I/O

IPC

www.beckhoff.com.sg/EtherCAT-Terminal Real-time Ethernet down to the I/O level Low system costs Flexible topology Maximum performance Easy confi guration Simple integration of fi eldbus systems and safety devices

Ethernet directly in the terminal: with full duplex Ethernet ring topology and a telegram for several devices. Connects directly with a standard Ethernet port.

Beckhoff Automation Pte. Ltd.Phone: + 65 6635 [email protected]

ENQUIRY NO. 289

ENQU

IRY

NO.

285

iaa august 2011

Documents

power automation

power management

process control

process electrification

common system

plantwide system

process cycles

substation automation