With the dataTaker DT80 Intelligent Universal Input Data Logger

CHESTERLAND OH, USA -- A large manufacturer of OEM automotive components needed to conduct an ambitious field test to evaluate the reliability of its latest device. This test involved data collection from multiple vehicles at various locations across the US to study the effects of various environmental conditions on the component.

The test needed to run for up to 3 years to capture enough data for accurate statistical evaluation and lifetime predictions, requiring more than 20 measurements including temperature, voltage, speed, run time, and other operating conditions.

Engineers began searching for an intelligent data logging solution with the versatility to accommodate all these different types of signal inputs. Soon 3 other key concerns were identified:

First: Overall power consumption was very important, the logger only needed to collect data while the vehicle was running, but it had to be continuously powered so that it could quickly respond to the start-up and be able to send the data at specific times. Therefore, the power consumption needed to be very low to eliminate the possibility of discharging the vehicle battery if it was parked for a long time period.

Second: Since the vehicles were dispersed throughout remote locations across the country, manual data retrieval was impractical, so the manufacturer wanted to implement a periodic automated data upload via a cellular telephone connection.

Third: The data logging system needed to be as unobtrusive as possible, since these test vehicles were currently being driven by end users.


Read full article: 'An Automotive Data Logger Success Saga'

Taylor Hobson's Talysurf PGI Dimension metrology instrument offering wider diameter measuring range of lenses up to 200mm and 3D capability

Leicester, UK -- Diameters from less than 2 mm and up to 200 mm can be measured. This dedicated metrology instrument is ideal for the precision 3D form Measurement of shallow and steep-sided aspheric lenses and moulds.

The machine continues to expand the capabilities of the Talysurf family of instruments. Developed from the PGI Blu, the PGI Dimension offers the combination of a wider range of part diameters, up to 200 mm, with new features supporting 3D measurement.

Repeatability can be typically better than 50 nm.


Read full article: 'Automated 3D Measurement with Talysurf PGI 3D'

Guangzhou / Guangzhou, China -- DAILY RFID has newly designed its functional 2.4 GHz RFID active reader-DL580 which has broad range of applications.

This RFID active reader can be used in a stand-alone mode or can be connected with computer by network, which has greatly broadened its range of uses.

This 2.4GHz RFID active reader is suitable to be integrated into RFID asset tracking software system which includes a RFID active reader, application software, RFID active tags, as well as full SDK document and demo software for the RFID Reader.

Once this RFID active reader and the above mentioned components are set up into the RFID asset tracking system, no additional user input is required.


Read full article: 'Functional RFID Active Reader with Broad Range of Applications'

Coventry, UK & Chelmsford MA, USA -- The Model 440 Elemental Analyzer from Exeter Analytical is capable of precisely analyzing the widest range of environmental sample types for percentage levels of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, quickly, easily and reliably.

Its unique horizontal furnace design, allowing for removal of residues between runs, prevents cross contamination and enables in excess of 1000 samples to be run between combustion tube changes.

Effectively eliminating troublesome residue build-up the gas flow characteristics of the Model 440 analyzer are superior to other elemental analysers thereby also providing longer-term calibration stability as well as enhanced accuracy and precision for measured sample data.

Beneficially the Model 440 provides the capacity to process air and water monitoring filters up to 50mm in diameter in one analytical cycle.

Read full article: 'Horizontal furnace elemental analyzer benefits environmental analysis'

In Automotive & Industrial Uses

Dresden, Germany – ZMD AG (ZMDI) has introduced four smart sensor signal conditioner ICs. ZMDI designed the ZSSC3131, ZSSC3135, ZSSC3136 and ZSSC3138 for the signal conditioning of resistive bridge sensing elements, like silicon or ceramic-based piezo-resistive transducers or thin-/thick-film or gauge-type sensor elements.

The devices are ideal for automotive and industrial pressure sensing applications such as HVAC, cooling, pneumatic brakes and other hydraulic systems.

“Sensor system designers can select among four pin-compatible products to obtain the best fit in terms of sensor type, system safety and module cost requirements,” states Steffen Huettner, automotive SSC Product Marketing Manager at ZMDI.

“The different feature sets allow for applications ranging from under and over pressure switches for hydraulic and pneumatic systems all the way to failsafe, SIL compliant switches and high accuracy pressure monitoring systems for HVAC and pneumatic brake applications”.


Read full article: 'ZMDI signal conditioners for piezo-resistive bridge sensors'

Fozmula Ltd's new and highly innovative universal liquid level sensor accurately detect levels in many different liquids, without recalibration

Leamington Spa, UK, -- (PR.com)-- Having no moving components, capacitance level sensors are popular with designers of liquid storage tanks who generally find them more accurate, reliable and cost effective than the electro-mechanical alternatives.

However, conventional capacitance level sensors can only work accurately in either water or oil based fluids but Fozmula wanted to offer a sensor with the ability to operate in almost any commonly used industrial liquids.

This challenge was taken up with relish by the Company’s engineers because the design required that the sensor be constructed in materials compatible with a wide variety of liquids, and the electronics must be capable of compensating the sensor’s output for each liquid’s different properties.

A dual probe design, employing two different geometries of probe, proved to be ideal in allowing the sensor’s electronics to recognise if a new and therefore different dielectric constant has been found in the media.


Read full article: 'Taking Fuel Measurement to a New Level'

Enables engineers to run almost any CAN networking application

Mölndal, Sweden & Mission Viejo CA, USA -- Kvaser AB today introduced a new high-speed controller area network (CAN) to USB data logger that boasts the ability to run user-developed scripts to suit a wide variety of CAN networking applications.

Kvaser Eagle, a flexible, versatile, enhanced evolution of the Kvaser Memorator Professional, has been designed with engineers in mind who need customised features such as CAN protocol converters, CAN gateways, advanced CAN logging functionality, CAN node simulation and standalone ECU programming.

As such, the Kvaser Eagle can be applied in industries as broad ranging as automotive development, industrial diagnostics and oil and gas monitoring.


Read full article: 'Kvaser releases CAN data logger with scripting functionality'

North Hills CA, USA -- When wires can’t be run for practical or economic reasons, the WNM Wireless Network Module provides accurate and reliable point-to-point wireless connectivity between remote field sites.

It is a low-cost wireless communications link between field sites that are in rugged or impassable terrain, with a single unit transmitting for up to 30 miles and the ability to act as a repeater for a virtually unlimited transmission range.

The bi-directional WNM employs Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping technology to avoid interference problems caused by crowded radio spectrums.


Read full article: 'NEW Wireless Network Module for the NET Concentrator System®'

Application-specific sizes to millimeter accuracy now available
Sarnia ON, CANADA— A new range of insulated outdoor enclosures from field equipment protection specialist Intertec significantly extends users’ choice of environmental protection solutions.

The company’s Multibox Vario enclosures are produced using an advanced patented CNC manufacturing process, capable of accommodating a wide variety of custom sized enclosures.

This means that instead of having to select a standard size of enclosure, or commission a special hand-built model, instrumentation and control engineers are now free to specify the precise dimensions they need for their particular application.

The advantages of this approach are considerable for field-based equipment operators in sectors such as oil, gas, chemical and petrochemical processing, power generation and transportation infrastructure.


Read full article: 'Outdoor equipment enclosures for perfectionists:'

Guangzhou / Guangzhou, China -- In order to improve the efficiency of warehouse management, especially in a large warehouse, DAILY RFID has recently released an adjustable 2.4 GHz active RFID reader DL9130.

By integrating this 2.4 GHz RFID reader into warehouse management system, warehouse management will get double results with half the effort.

With a 15dBi built-in antenna, this 2.4 GHz active RFID reader can identify transponder tagged items up to 200 meters in all directions. It can cater for the demand of quickly identifying active RFID tags with adjustable identification distance from 0 to 200 meters.


Read full article: 'Adjustable 2.4 GHz Active RFID Reader for Warehouse Management'