Instrumentation • Electronics
optional removable 1.5-inch LCD and keypad. The function blocks include Delay OFF/ON Timer, Time of Day, Time of Week and Time of Year. Outputs are rated at 8A to eliminate the need for external relays, and DC models allow four inputs to accept 0-10V analogue signals. Slightly larger versions of the Micro810 have more memory and digital I/O capability and either one or two slots for adding analogue I/O, a temperature sensor, a serial port and other plug-in modules.
Multi-axis motion
For customers needing more complex functionality, the Micro830 manages up to three axes of motion. It can also accept a maximum of five plug-in modules and it benefits from enhanced communication options. The Micro 850, the largest unit in the range, will be
available at a later date and will offer embedded Ethernet/ IP communications for interfacing to PCs, Panelview Component HMIs, Kinetix drives and Powerflex drives. This controller will have the same form factor as the larger models of Micro830, but will also be able to support up to four expansion I/O modules. Of the existing smart relays on the market, one of the most sophisticated is the Zelio Logic family manufactured by Schneider Electric. These units, previously marketed under Schneider’s Telemecanique brand, are available in
numerous different variants, with relatively large displays and memories, which gives them a distinctive advantage in some applications. Customers also have a wide choice of accessories and add-on modules, which is one of the benefits of a product line that has evolved over a relatively long period. However, one of the shortcomings of this product line has been that the Zelio Soft programming software was not compatible with Windows Vista or Windows 7. This changed in December 2010 when Zelio Soft 2 V4.4 was released, which is compatible with these newer operating systems and also Windows XP, which is still commonly encountered in industry, even though Microsoft is withdrawing support for this superseded operating system. As mentioned earlier, there are many suppliers of smart
relays in addition to those mentioned above. In some cases the units are referred to as micro PLCs or nano PLCs, and there are also compact board-based PLCs and ‘on-chip’ PLCs that can be embedded within products. Over the last decade smart relays have evolved, and new add-ons and accessories have been introduced (see panel on page 22), but the Micro800 from Rockwell Automation is possibly the most exciting development. However, we will have to wait and see if this is the first of many new product launches from automation suppliers all keen to maintain their share of this very competitive market. l
Fibre optic sensors expected to experience rapid growth in new five years, says report
everal application sectors are gradually realising the need for more efficient sensing devices, thereby boosting the demand for fibre optic sensors. Additionally, strategic partnerships across various industries, along with university researches and funding activities, are playing a role in achieving wider implementation of these sensors. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Fibre Optic Sensors, finds that fibre optic sensors are rapidly making inroads into a broad range of application sectors such as oil and gas, aerospace, defence and civil structures. They are becoming the preferred choice of sensing device for several niche applications that involve more sophistication and have certain requirements that cannot be met effectively by conventional electronic sensors. Technical Insights research analyst
S
Amritha S comments: “The adoption of fibre optic sensors is expected to experience rapid growth in the next five years due to the various initiatives being taken by the market participants. “A number of research initiatives and efforts to achieve standardisation are
24
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further driving the fibre optic sensors market.”
Fibre optic sensors facilitate the detection of several critical issues well before the actual cause a breakdown, thereby avoiding heavy expenditure on repairs, and ensuring workers’ safety. They also meet application-specific demands that are not as efficiently satisfied by conventional electronic sensors. However, the high cost of a fibre optic sensor when compared to that of a conventional electronic sensor poses a challenge for participants in ensuring the technology’s extensive adoption. Utilisation of fibre optic sensors by conservative markets also affects their widespread adoption.
The cost is likely to reduce with increased awareness and a consequent rise in demand for fibre optic sensors from various application sectors.
Extensive testing results and history of successful deployment cases are expected to enhance their adoption rate in conservative markets. Amritha states: “Strategic partnerships by participants from various application
sectors with the companies in the field of fibre optic sensors will aid in new market penetration. Furthermore, there are a number of innovative products and technologies being developed by start-ups which are expected to propel the growth in this market.”
In addition to these initiatives, it is essential to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and longevity of products to achieve wider adoption of fibre optic sensors across various application sectors. There is also a significant need for standardisation that is expected to permit the usage of certain sensor types based on predefined standards by all participants involved in the manufacture of these sensors. Fibre Optic Sensors, which is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Technical Insights subscription, provides a detailed analysis of the technology and the market trends for fibre optic sensors. Furthermore, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. l
For more information, visit
www.frost.com
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