Advertorials

MMS Electronics Ltd (MMS-e) has available a range of small intelligent displays with optional touch-screens. The 2.8” EA eDIP128-6 (128×64) and 3.3” EA eDIP160-7 (160×104) are available in blue background with white characters and white background with black characters. (FSTN).

The EA eDIP intelligent displays enable companies to improve product to market time and reduce development cost. Within minutes of opening the box the EA eDIP displays function immediately. Pre-integrated with all driving electronics, flash memory, backlight drivers, I/O and optional touch-screen functionality, the display is ready to be connected by serial, SPI or I²C interface to the host processor or when using a simple level converter USB, RS-232 or RS-485 is available.

Engineers can create attractive layouts without writing lots of code. The displays offer integrated fonts with zoom function. New True-type fonts can be loaded to the onboard display memory with the free software tools.  More than 112 embedded graphic commands are available to create impressive screen layouts. Drawing lines or boxes, bar graph, select portrait or landscape mode, 90º rotation, pull down menus, BMP, JPG or GIF bitmaps import and commands for the analogue touch–screen reduce the development time significantly. Bitmap pictures and macro programs can be stored on the display to be called up from the touch-screen or from a controller connected to the serial, I2C or SPI interface.

The display includes a terminal mode function where all incoming characters are displayed in ASCII format. (Except some of the control characters). By programming the power-on macro the terminal window size, font and font size can be pre-set. The power-on macro can for example also be used to display and animate the company logo while the main controller takes time to power up or is servicing other tasks.

The displays have 8 free programmable inputs and outputs. These can be used for connection to pushbuttons, switches or LED indication. Should extra outputs be required then the output port can be expanded. See datasheet for an example. Display supply voltage is +3.3V or +5V. 

An evaluation board EA EVAL-eDIP is offered to kick start developing with the intelligent displays. The evaluation board provides serial, I2C, SPI interface and also USB, RS232, and RS485. The DIP switches on the adapter boards allow test and set-up of the display address function. Eight push buttons and LED’s are connected to the display I/O. The USB port is used to power and communicate to the LCD development tools on the PC.  Many code examples are included with the software.

The EA eDIP128 is the smallest display in the intelligent series. 6 display sizes up to 7.0” are available. (2.8”, 3.2”, 4.2”, 4.3”, 5.7” and 7.0”).  The 3.2”, 4.3”, 5.7” and 7.0” are full colour TFT displays.

The EA eDIPTFT displays include powerful commands for analogue rotary / gauge or bar graphs instruments. These instruments are generated with just a few simple commands.  The eDIPTFT5.7 and EA eDIPTFT7.0 include a 1W amplifier for acoustic feedback into an 8-ohm speaker. Sound can be used for simple clicks, notes and warning messages. 

MMS Electronics supplies stylish black bezels for all EA eDIP intelligent display. Two clips are supplied to attach the display to the bezel. Four studs are used to screw the bezel to the panel or enclosure.  

MMS Electronics Ltd is a supplier of Electronic Assembly Gmbh LCD, TFT, OLED, ePaper, DOG chip-on-glass, eDIP intelligent displays, IcNexus Android OS displays with I2C and serial ports, display bezels, touch-screens and Storm keypads. 

In addition MMS Electronics supplies sensor products from Smartec BV and Excelera.

• SMT16030 Digital temperature sensors with PWM output.

• SMT IRMOD09 Calibrated Infra-red temperature sensor,I2C output.

• SMT SPD Digital and analogue pressure sensors.

• SMT UTI Digital sensor transducers for resistive and capacitive measurements. THE SMT UTI has 16 modes and can measure capacitance starting at 0 to 2pF.

• UFDC-1 Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converters with RS232, SPI and I2C interface. These transducers can measure frequency signals, RPM, pulse, PWM, phase shift with an accuracy of 0.0005%. 

• USTI-MOB Low power Universal sensor and Transducer Interface starting at 15 µA. Ideal for battery powered application.

• USTI-EXT Universal sensor and transducer interface for extended temperature (-55ºC to +150ºC) for use in or near gearboxes, engines, exhaust systems and brakes. 

Please contact MMS Electronics Ltd with your display or sensor enquiries.

Full display part numbers listed this article:

EA eDIP128W-6LWTP

EA eDIP128B-6LWTP

EA eDIP160W-7LWTP

EA eDIP160B-7LWTP

EA EDIP240J-7LWTP

EA EDIP240B-7LWTP

EA EDIP230J-8LWTP

EA EDIP320B-8LWTP

EA EDIPTFT32-ATP

EA EDIPTFT43-ATP

EA EDIPTFT57-ATP

EA EDIPTFT70-ATP

MMS Electronics Ltd

Tel 01943 877668

www.mmselectronics.co.uk

Fluke, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, has developed Fluke TestGuide, a helpful free app for electrical installers, electrical engineers and maintenance professionals in the field. The app provides support for the most common measurements, providing step-by-step guides, for example, for RCD testing and measuring insulation. The TestGuide app shows electricians in short and clear steps what the actions are, what to look at and how to interpret the results. More information can be obtained at www.fluke.co.uk/testguide

The Fluke TestGuide incorporates safety guidelines and regulations based on British Standards where applicable. Available now, free, on the iTunes App Store and as an Android app, Fluke TestGuide will have regular updates.

In addition to Measuring, a Knowledge section provides background articles explaining the theory behind electrical measurements and safety notices. Links to in-depth application notes from the Fluke website offer immediate downloading or they can be sent to the user’s email for future reference.

Information about all Fluke products can be obtained via the Fluke web site at www.fluke.co.uk.

DJB Instruments (UK) Ltd announces the launch of the worlds smallest and lightest integral electronics piezo-electric (IEPE) stainless steel accelerometer. At just 5.7mm long, 3.5mm wide and just 2.3mm high the A/128/V weighs in at a miniscule 0.19grams making it virtually invisible to the item under test in terms of mass loading.

Utilising a mechanically pre-loaded shear plate sensing element due to its limited size, the A/128/V is relatively free from strain induced error and is available with a range of voltage output sensitivities including 1mV/g, 5mV/g and 10mV/g. Each accelerometer is supplied with a 0.5m or 1.0m integral softline cable with a microdot 10/32 UNF connector and a removal tool to ensure minimum damage due to shock impact when removing the adhesive mounted accelerometer.

Based on the A/28 charge output accelerometer that has for many years led the field in ultra-miniature accelerometer design and performance, the A/128/V has already proven itself in a number of customer applications where delicate equipment required measurement. With an important added benefit of being repairable if the integral cable should be damaged this ensures maximum return on investment.

Commenting on the launch, DJB’s Managing Director, Neill Ovenden said ‘As you would expect from an innovative British engineering manufacturer we are always looking to introduce products that push the extremes of possibility, the new A/128/V follows our ground breaking high temperature IEPE accelerometer range released in 2013, which incidentally is also available on the A/128/V.’

Available to order now, the A/128/V and A/128/V/HT (High temperature version) are both on the DJB website www.djbinstruments.com  with full datasheets ready for download.

For more details and to receive a quotation call Sales on +44 (0) 1638 712 288 or email sales@djbinstruments.com

New Cynergy3 website enables ‘live’ global stock check of products

Cynergy3 Components has launched a brand new website, providing visitors with easier navigation and improved functionality, including ‘live’ global stock checks on the company’s comprehensive range of liquid flow sensors (flow switches), liquid level sensors (float switches) and reed relays.

The new website (www.cynergy3.com) enables intelligent searching of more than 100 different product ranges. Users can search for products by filtering on a variety of product mechanical and electrical attributes, enabling users to find the right products quickly and efficiently. Once the appropriate product is found, users are then able to perform ‘live’ stock checks. By entering the appropriate product part number, the user can check stock availability from Cynergy3’s network of Global Authorised Distributors, including DigiKey, RS Components and Farnell.

Reflecting the company’s 44 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of liquid level sensors, reed relays and flow switches, the website ‘Help Centre’ and ‘Blog’ sections include a wealth of technical information and guidance articles on a variety of topics such as: ‘How to select the correct float switch for your application’; ‘How to protect a reed switch from specific loads’; ‘How to create a pump control circuit to automatically empty a tank’; ‘Float switch installation notes’; and ‘Chemical Compatibility’.
 
Simon Dear, Sales & Marketing Manager at Cynergy3 Components comments: “As the majority of our products are sold via distributors, we’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that visitors to the website are able to find the products they need quickly and easily using a variety of intelligent filters and attributes. Once the right product has been found, our real time Global Stock Check facility allows users to check the availability of that product globally with our distributors.”

www.cynergy3.com

Tel: 01202 897969

HBM is offering a series of free on-line webinars throughout February to examine a number of different topics of interest to engineers wishing to keep up to date with the latest developments in data acquisition.

The first webinar looks at HBM’s T12 Smart Torque Transducer. It will review the capabilities of the T12 Assistant and give an insight into its more advanced torque sensor capabilities by demystifying its dual range capabilities. The webinar takes place on 11 February and lasts for 45 minutes.

Participants will discover the means to set up ideal torque measurements including signal filtering, reading rotor extremes, and creating user selectable T12 parameter sets. The T12 digital torque transducer uses modern fieldbus systems (CANopen, PROFIBUS DPV1) to connect directly to PLC automation systems giving full compatibility with existing equipment while providing frequency and analogue outputs.

The second webinar takes place on 25 February and looks in depth at the challenges engineers face in dealing with resonant bending fatigue testing of pipes. This is particularly important as pipes used in the offshore industry often fail prematurely when fatigued, especially at the joints. It is essential for engineers to accurately predict the fatigue life of these structures.

In fatigue prediction, the most common methods of loading are axial, multi-point and rotating resonant bending. In the rotating resonant bending method, a pipe is excited in a water pressure environment and uses a rotating eccentric mass by altering its position, driven by a high power electric motor that develops a stress that is spaced out in time.

The webinar will discuss different methods of capturing strain, vibration and displacement measurements with variations of water pressure under different temperature cycles. It will also address the challenges and solutions of signal conditioning while underlining the ease of software integration for both the controls and data acquisition.

The third of February’s seminars, on 26 February, is dedicated to looking at LABVIEW software and how it can best be used with HBM data acquisition systems. The webinar will look at the range of HBM’s data acquisition systems that have easy-to-use interfaces for LABVIEW software.

Engineers will be shown how to easily integrate HBM’s QuantumX system with LABVIEW by using the prepared VI function blocks. There will also be an introduction into exchanging LABVIEW data with HBM’s Genesis HighSpeed Data Acquisition system by using the Perception API and other possibilities of integrating LABVIEW with HBM products will be discussed along with tips and tricks from existing projects.

Each webinar is accessible worldwide from any computer with an internet connection. Prior registration is required although participation is free. All webinars comprise an initial presentation followed by a question and answer session. Unless otherwise stated the webinars last for an hour.

Individuals wishing to register for these informative webinars can click here for details.

Sensor-Technik UK introduces the L03 pressure transducer. With its flush stainless steel diaphragm and compact construction, the L03 is designed with the food and beverage industry in mind. Mounted into a system via the weld-flange SF01, the L03 provides a safe, clean and reliable interface between monitoring and control systems, especially for level measurement.

The L03 offers current (4-20mA 2 wire / 0-20mA) or voltage (0-10V) outputs operating from excitation voltages of 9-30VDC or 14-30VDC for voltage output. Electrical connection is via an integrated M12 connector with optional cable connections provided as required.  

The L03 utilises a piezo-resistive measuring element to measure pressures up to 20bar with linearity of 0.5% and operates in temperatures ranging from -25 deg. C to +85 deg. C and monitoring of media temperatures up to +125 deg. C.

The L03 really is the perfect measurement solution for the food and beverage industry and Sensor-Technik UK would be pleased to talk to you about your requirements.

Sensor-Technik UK is the UK and Ireland distributor for Sensor-Technik Wiedemann. A member of the Wiedemann Group of companies, it was set up in 2001 as a distributor and system integrator of the STW product range. Sensor-Technik UK complements its extremely capable range of hardware with innovative engineering services. From software to cable looms, Sensor-Technik UK is your one-stop-shop for control, measurement and integration.

Contact:

Mark Wood (General Manager)

Sensor-Technik UK Ltd,
Unit 21M, Bedford Heights Business Centre,
Manton Lane, Bedford,
MK41 7PH

Tel: (+44) 01234 270770
Email: mark.w@sensor-technik.co.uk
Web: www.sensor-technik.co.uk

As mobile machinery becomes more and more complex, the need for a logical and distributed control architecture is greater than ever before. In order to provide more input/output functionality without the need for an increased wiring loom and cost, Sensor-Technik UK offers the ESX-DIOS, a dedicated input/output slave module operating using the CANopen communications protocol.

Built and certified to off-highway standards, the ESX-DIOS provides the system expansion that is so often needed, whilst keeping the all important overheads as low as possible. By operating using CANopen, the ESX-DIOS is truly ‘plug and play’ and as standard offers up to 8 I/O from Digital/PWM 4A outputs with currency feedback, to digital inputs with internal pull down resistors built-in. Additonally, there are two dedicated coding pins meaning that all node addressing can be handled in the wiring harness rather than needing to code each device manually – making a plug and play expansion node a reality.

As with all Sensor-Technik UK products, these units are built with robustness in mind. The die-cast aluminium housing allows the unit to work in temperatures ranging from -40 deg. C to +85 deg. C and with a rating of IP65 as standard and an option to increase that to IP67 – itt will withstand all but the harshest environments.

For further information on how this unit can increase the functionality of your system and provide a cost saving, contact our sales team today.

Sensor-Technik UK is the UK and Ireland distributor for Sensor-Technik Wiedemann. A member of the Wiedemann Group of companies, it was set up in 2001 as a distributor and system integrator of the STW product range. Sensor-Technik UK complements its extremely capable range of hardware with innovative engineering services. From software to cable looms, Sensor-Technik UK is your one-stop-shop for control, measurement and integration.

Contact:

Mark Wood (General Manager)

Sensor-Technik UK Ltd,
Unit 21M, Bedford Heights Business Centre,
Manton Lane, Bedford,
MK41 7PH

Tel:  01234 270770
Email: mark.w@sensor-technik.co.uk
Web: www.sensor-technik.co.uk

To complement its range of powerful and robust control hardware, Sensor-Technik UK introduces the Opus A6 Standard from Wachendorff GmbH.

The A6S centres on a sharp 7” (15:9) TFT screen that supports optional touchscreen interaction. Coupled with this, the user can interact with the functionality of the system via the adjustably back-lit hard keys bordering the screen as well as a dedicator encoder for navigation and variable adjustment.

The Opus A6S is backed up by a wealth of communication and ancillary interfaces: 2 x CAN 2.0B ports, 1 x RS232 and a dedicated USB connection allowing access to stored on-board data. Further to this, the Opus A6S also offers Ethernet, 3 x analogue video inputs and a real-time clock. Additionally, Bluetooth, WLAN and quad-band GSM are all available as optional extras to increase the capabilities of the unit.

Environmentally, the Opus A6S is built to endure all but the harshest environments, operating in temperatures ranging forom -30 deg. C to +75 deg. C with a front-side IP rating of IP65 (IP67 available) and shock resistance up to 30g.

All the robust hardware is built around a powerful 32-bit microprocessor running a Linux operating system. With built-in RAM of 128MB and 4GB of non-volatile mass storage, the Opus A6S is capable of logging key operational information that can be extracted by the optional front-mounted USB slot for post-processing and performance analysis.

Programming the unit has never been easier with the proprietary software tool – Projektor. The WYSIWYG interface allows fast development and implementation along with functional controls using dedicated scripting. Alternatively, the A6S can be programmed using CoDeSys V3 or, for even more functionality, programming at a board level using C/C++.

Sensor-Technik UK is the UK and Ireland distributor for Sensor-Technik Wiedemann. A member of the Wiedemann Group of companies, it was set up in 2001 as a distributor and system integrator of the STW product range. Sensor-Technik UK complements its extremely capable range of hardware with innovative engineering services. From software to cable looms, Sensor-Technik UK is your one-stop-shop for control, measurement and integration.

Contact:

Mark Wood (General Manager)

Sensor-Technik UK Ltd,
Unit 21M, Bedford Heights Business Centre,

Manton Lane, Bedford,
MK41 7PH

Tel: (+44) 01234 270770
Email: mark.w@sensor-technik.co.uk
Web: www.sensor-technik.co.uk

Thomas North, Calibration & Applications Engineer explains about the importance of calibration to engineers and manufacturers involved in every aspect of measuring technology.

Calibration accurately determines the correlation between the input and the measured output of whatever quantity an instrument is measuring under specified conditions. This then determines the accuracy of the instrument and the results can then be documented. It is very important, particularly for companies meeting ISO 9001 standards – the ultimate global benchmark for quality management – since it ensures that the equipment is working within its correct specifications.

The fundamental benefit of calibration, when done correctly, is the traceability and standardisation of all measured quantities needed to test any structure or device. It is important for companies to prove traceability to national standards. Traceability means a calibration certificate covering the test equipment can be displayed proving that the equipment meets the appropriate standards.

According to the International Standards Organisation, “ISO 10012 specifies the generic requirements and provides guidance for the management of measurement processes and metrological confirmation of measuring equipment used to support and demonstrate compliance with metrological requirements”. All on-site working standard calibrations done by HBM meets the ISO 10012 standards.

Over the past several years there has been a significant movement in industry towards universal amplifiers, such as HBM’s QuantumX range. A universal amplifier is one that can be used for gathering data covering a wide range of measurements from numerous different technologies. The advantage of this approach is that engineers benefit from far greater flexibility while the capital cost outlay is reduced. However, each channel must be calibrated for each of the possible measurements and technologies that might be used.

HBM’s MX840 is an 8-channel universal amplifier from the Quantum X range. It is capable of accepting inputs from a wide range of different signal types including voltages, ½ Bridge, and full bridge giving users tremendous flexibility. Calibrating one of these machines requires 13 steps per channel so that each MX840 module requires a total of 104 calibrations to ensure that it provides the traceability required in modern industry. Calibrating one of these instruments can take a lot of time and expertise to ensure the calibration is carried out properly.

Previously this could have meant excessive downtime and loss of production as the measuring equipment was removed and sent to a calibration laboratory. However, it is now possible to have most data acquisition equipment calibrated on site.

HBM offers a comprehensive travelling calibration service based on the so-called “Blue Tower” that houses all of the complex calibration equipment needed to complete the service on-site and issue a properly authenticated calibration certificate. The “Blue Tower” enables HBM’s team of highly qualified engineers to calibrate a range of high-end data acquisition equipment including the MGCplus, QuantumX series of modules, Spider8, CANhead and the single channel SCOUT55.

Once any DAQ equipment has been properly calibrated an electronic copy of the calibration certificate is sent by email directly to the customer. A signed copy of the calibration certificate is sent out separately. The security of every customer’s data is very important to HBM and a back up of all calibration data is saved on central servers in both company’s UK headquarters in Harrow and its international headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

In addition to calibrating HBM equipment in the field, the HBM UK team can also calibrate SoMaT equipment, such as the eDAQ, although this service is performed using a different set of calibration equipment based at Harrow. Equipment calibrated by either calibration tower that fails to meet the calibration standards is sent for repair.

HBM’s on-site service is an extension of one of the best-known and most capable DAkkS standards calibration labs worldwide, which is based at HBM in Darmstadt. Its calibration service provides very high accuracy with measurement uncertainty ranging from 0.005% to 0.02% of the actual value. In addition the calibration service covers a range from 2.5 N to 5 MN for tensile and compressive force; this is the largest range available through DAkkS.

This laboratory is also used to ensure the continued accuracy of the “Blue Tower” as it is returned annually for its own calibration and upgrading to incorporate any recent changes to HBM’s product line up. The SoMaT calibration tower is also checked annually in a similar manner, although this is carried out locally.

HBM recommends that calibration be undertaken approximately once a year for electronic devices and at a maximum interval of two years for transducers although, ultimately, the end-user is responsible for determining calibration intervals. HBM offers maintenance contracts and additional support such as hardware, software and training to reduce the total cost of ownership while ensuring continued reliability and conformance with national standards.

HBM

Founded in Germany in 1950, HBM is today the technology and market leader in the field of test and measurement. HBM’s product range comprises solutions for the entire measurement chain, from virtual to physical testing. The company has production facilities in Germany, USA and China and is represented in over 80 countries worldwide. 

For more information, please visit www.hbm.com

Do you need the shortest possible push-pull cylindrical connector?

Then ODU, the specialist connector manufacturer, has the answer and it will be displayed on their stand at Southern Manufacturing.

Developed in response to customer demand for a new radio-headset connector, the need was to be as short as possible, 100% waterproof and totally secure.

The response from ODU was a new over-moulded connector that is 20% shorter than normal and consequently lighter.

The “Super Shorty” comes in both push-pull latching and snatch form and in two shell sizes: 9.4mm and 12.0mm diameter, compatible with their existing MINI-SNAP range. Up to 14 contacts, coding via pin&groove or half-shell, IP68 with 360º EMC protection.

Standard finish is in black and matt-chrome – ideal for military use.

ODU-UK Ltd.
The Technology Centre,
Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3GE.
Tel: 01509 266433. Fax: 01509 266777.

Email: sales@odu-uk.co.uk

www.odu-uk.co.uk