Remote - Spring 2013 - (Page 14)

SCADA - Products & Services TI Integrates USB on C2000 Piccolo Microcontrollers fo Field Diagnostics and Communications Helping customers develop end products requiring on-site connectivity, Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) has introduced its newest 32-bit, real-time C2000 Piccolo F2806xU microcontrollers (MCU) with integrated USB connectivity. In many applications, such as industrial power systems, telecom and data systems, wind and solar energy generation and general power electronic applications, being able to access diagnostics and make on-the-go changes in the field is critical. With the Piccolo F2806xU MCU, TI customers can incorporate USB connectivity into their applications. The C2000 features integrated 2.0 and CAN peripherals for on-the-go communications in the field. It has a 12-bit, 3 MSPS, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with simultaneous, dual sampling and on-chip voltage reference yield quick and accurate system feedback. Additionally, three high-speed analog comparators with 30 ns response time promote near instantaneous fault responsiveness. The C-programmable, 32-bit floating-point CLA co-processor included with F2806x Piccolo MCUs bolsters system performance by up to twofold and enables closed loop control of multiple independent targets. The CLA has direct control of on-chip peripherals and features its own bus and memory structure to support parallel execution of algorithms. In addition to the C28x core and CLA, the Viterbi Complex Math Unit (VCU) provides 75 tailored math instructions to accelerate processing of communications algorithms. Code compatibility across the C2000 MCU platform allows developers to scale solutions from 40 MHz to 300 MHz. Ametek Introduces New Subsea Flow Meter Ametek has introduced a Seastream FloCalculator Subsea Flow Meter from Solartron ISA that provides an integrated flow metering solution that eliminates the need to manually enter complex flow algorithms into a master control system. The calculator is built into the flow meter and accurately measures differential pressure (DP), pressure (P) and temperature (T). The mass flow, actual volumetric and standard volumetric flow rates are provided along with standard process variable outputs. CSE-Semaphore Releases TWinSoft RTU Programming Environment CSE-Semaphore has released TWinSoft Suite version 11 for TBox remote terminal unit (RTU) products. TWinSoft 11 provides a menu-driven environment for programming in IEC 61131-3 Ladder Diagram as well as function blocks and Basic. In addition, TWinSoft Suite includes TWinSoft Automation, which is an environment that allows users to interact with such Microsoft applications as Excel and Visual Basic rather than process automation languages. Via simple, menu interactions, TWinSoft allows users to configure the IP/web/telemetry technology platform in TBox RTU products. This technology features an integral web server and push technology via e-mail, FTP and SMS text messaging. The key update provided in version 11 of TWinSoft is CSE-Semaphore’s WebForm Studio 2.0. With WebForm Studio 2.0, users can build live process displays that are compatible across all web-enabled devices including smart phones, tablets and PCs. All information in a TBox including alarms, live information and historical data is available to PC and mobile device users anywhere. CSE-Semaphore’s configuration environment incorporates Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX), the agnostic technology of reference for Web 2.0 and Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). No programming or device14 www.RemoteMagazine.com specific apps are required. With WebForm Studio 2.0, there is no expensive software licensing. The environment is available at no additional cost with TWinSoft Suite version 11. CSE-Semaphore’s TBox employs a decentralized architecture that enables the complete integration of programmable automation, alarm management, data logging and IP telemetry in a rugged package. Simple platforms leverage web technologies and push messaging via e-mail, SMS text and FTP. Remote Monitoring Unit (RMU) Optimizes Equipment Operations at Remote or Unattended Locations Sometimes, facilities are located in remote sites or inaccessible locations, making it difficult for operators to attend to various equipment. That is why Global Monitoring has introduced The Messenger GMU8120 Remote Monitoring Unit. The GMU8120 checks equipment operations in hard-to-reach and environmentally challenging locations and reports data, as well as emergency conditions, in a variety of formats – cell phone, text, email or computer. Configurable with industry standard 0 to 5 V, 4 to 20 mA or dry contact sensors that detect temperature, pressure, voltage, vibration and other parameters, the Messenger creates a database of vital conditions that can be integrated into predictive maintenance programs. Using historical and current data, facilities can determine when to do equipment maintenance, inspections, cleaning or repairs. The Messenger also sends early warning signals of emergency conditions to pre-programmed telephone numbers to notify key personnel of any anomaly. Using the remote control capabilities of the remote monitoring unit, users can start, stop or reset equipment, reducing the need to dispatch a technician. In addition to reporting equipment conditions, the Messenger performs a wide range of control, communication and input processing tasks. It can totalize flow through a pipe, track run-time hours of a pump, check environmental conditions, regulate temperatures and even remotely reboot a computer or PLC. Based on phone-line based communications, the Messenger Remote Monitoring Unit avoids firewalls and other IT issues that complicate operations. Communications problem related to Internet-based systems often require a technician that must visit the remote site to resolve the problem. Except for bandwidth, this phone-line based monitoring system can mimic the functionality offered by IP and wireless communications. Information can be accessed through a browser or smart phone app, with data interfaced with cloud-based mapping and database services. GE’s Grid IQ is a Key Internet Technology Helping Utilities To Develop a Modern Grid Highlighting the utility industry’s growing use of Internet-based data management tools to develop modern grid networks, GE has released its Grid IQ “Solutions as a Service” (SaaS) to create a more modern, interconnected grid. Grid IQ SaaS is a cloud-based grid management fee-for-service system aimed at meeting the operational technology needs of smaller and mid-market utilities that want to avoid the overhead expenses involved with developing their own smart grid management networks. Grid IQ SaaS allows utilities to monitor, manage and control their grid more intelligently. Using a cloud-computing services model, these capabilities can be deployed in 50 percent less time than traditional turnkey project models and 10 percent of the estimated implementation cost. This empowers utilities to embark upon grid modernization projects without worrying about the financial impact of ongoing IT operations. Grid modernization projects are capital intensive, but GE’s SaaS offering allows the utility to modernize its operations on an OPEX basis versus a CAPEX basis. This change can minimize the utilities’ initial project ex- http://www.RemoteMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Remote - Spring 2013

Editor's Choice
Key Design Consideration Questions for SCADA Communications
The Evolution of Wireless Sensing: Introducing the Next Level of Remote Monitoring
Software Defined Radios: Flexibility for the SCADA Market
SCADA
Networking
Security
Onsite Power
Inudustry News

Remote - Spring 2013