New multi-channel controller has
a larger display and more I/O options 

Instrumentation specialist Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd has launched a new compact, multi-channel controller with large touchscreen colour TFT display and up to 72 digital inputs/outputs. The controller is therefore ideal for the simultaneous measurement and control of a wide variety of process engineering applications.

The new CMC-141 controller is the 'big brother' of the CMC-99, providing all the same functionality and features, but also offering a larger 5.7-inch (320 x 240 pixels) backlit display, more inputs/outputs (up to 72) and new types of logic channels. The CMC-141 now provides brand new channels, including a universal input card that can accommodate a range of sensor inputs. New counter inputs are provided too, as well as additional flow meter and rate meter inputs. Despite these extra features, the CMC-141 is still housed in a compact enclosure with the same panel insertion depth (100mm) as the CMC-99.

The new CMC-141 controller is the 'big brother' of the CMC-99.

Sam Drury, Sales & Marketing Director at Impress Sensors & Systems comments: "Another added value feature of the CMC-141 is that it comes with JAVA applets, which can be embedded into any website or HTML-based web page, allowing users to remotely access real time data from the controller via the Ethernet interface and a web browser."   

The CMC-141 can simultaneously record all channel data at a maximum speed of 10Hz (ten samples per second). The unit provides up to 1.5GB of internal data memory, which is sufficient to continuously save data from all input channels at a speed of 1 sample per second for more than 2 months (125,000,000 samples in total). The operator can download saved data using a USB flash memory disk or remotely via Ethernet.   

The CMC-141 provides three card slots on the reverse of the controller, each comprising 24 I/O pin options, which enable the user to choose any combination of inputs and outputs to suit the application. For example, up to 72 analogue current or voltage inputs could be used; up to 36 relay/SSR outputs; 36 thermocouple inputs; 18 RTD inputs; or a combination of these. The unit also incorporates a 24V DC digital input, enabling relays and triggers to be set up.

The CMC-141 is low cost compared to existing alternatives on the market and is ideal for a wide range of process applications, including centralised temperature measurement and control; multi-zone heating control; intermediate pumping station control; spraying and heating control for greenhouses; control of industrial furnaces and incinerators; and for engine test cell measurements.

Measuring just 144mm x 144mm x 100mm, the controller housing is very compact, which means the unit can be installed in restricted spaces. The controller has a 5.7-inch backlit colour TFT display and is based on the Linux operating system, with touch-screen menu navigation, offering ease of use and familiarity to the operator. A USB interface is provided on the front of the device, enabling the user to upload or download software programs quickly and easily via a USB memory stick.

PID Control
The controller is available in two power supply versions, 230V or 24V AC/DC. An auxiliary 24V DC/200mA supply output on the back of the unit enables external sensors and actuators to be connected and powered by the controller. The CMC-141 can also act as a PID process controller, providing a reliable control loop feedback mechanism for a variety of process temperature and pressure control applications. 

The CMC-141 also comes with a number of communications interfaces, including two RS485 ports, one RS232, one Modbus RTU, a second USB Host and a 10MB Ethernet connection, allowing the controller to integrate easily with the customer's existing process control networks and fieldbuses.

The CMC-141's integral software provides the user with archiving, printing and visualisation options. A variety of visual presentation display options for recorded measurements are available, including numerical display, bar graph or needle gauge display.

Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd in profile
Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd (www.impress-sensors.co.uk) is a rapidly expanding UK manufacturer and distributor of instrumentation products based in Aldermaston, Berkshire. The company prides itself on its expertise in pressure measurement and its knowledge of general instrumentation. The company manufactures its own range of standard and custom-designed pressure instruments in the UK, and distributes a wide portfolio of instrumentation products from its European partners - BD Sensors in Germany and Metallux in Switzerland. Impress specialises in offering a customised service in applications where standard products may not satisfy the technical requirements and price aspirations of customers. The company boasts the necessary technical expertise in mechanical, electronic and application engineering that enables it to supply instruments tailored to the customer's requirements.

For further information on the CMC-141 multi-controller, view website: www.impress-sensors.co.uk

Magneto-inductive displacement sensors offer high
accuracy, robust, lower cost measurement solution for OEMs

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has extended its mainSENSOR series of magneto-inductive displacement measurement sensors.

The latest addition to this growing family of sensors is a new, slimline version with an M18 stainless steel housing. The new MDS-45-M18-SA provides a longer measuring range, from 20mm up to 55mm, depending on the size of the magnet. This new streamlined design also allows increased frontal pressures of up to 400bar. An additional groove around the housing enables the measuring system to be sealed with an O-ring, protecting the sensor from oil, seawater and other aggressive substances. Typical applications for the MDS-45-M18-SA include hydraulic valves, attenuators and subsea hydraulics.

Micro-Epsilon's mainSENSOR range operates on the magneto-inductive measuring principle. The sensor coil is supplied with alternating current, resulting in a primary magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the electrically conductive material arranged opposite the coil. In the field of the eddy current sensor is a special film, which attenuates the eddy current sensor depending on the strength of the magnetic field. Using this method, a linear relationship between the distance to the magnet and the output signal can be established. As printed coils can be used inside the sensor, manufacturing does not rely on any semiconductor processes.

As Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd states: "The sensors combine the robustness and proven measurement performance of our eddy current sensor technology with the latest printed coil and permanent magnet technology. This means that customers not only benefit from having an extremely compact design relative to the measuring range, but the sensors also provide an attractive price-performance ratio for mid-to-high volume OEM applications."

"Due to simplified electronics, Micro-Epsilon is able to produce low cost versions of the sensor with printed circuit boards and basic analogue outputs, or can combine this version with a microprocessor to create a digital output sensor, including PWM, CANbus and other digital interfaces. The electronic circuit design and production is undertaken in-house at Micro-Epsilon's PCB production facility, giving the company full design flexibility for the electronics, combined with complete control over product quality."

Although the mainSENSOR uses a permanent magnet as the target, unlike Hall Effect sensors, it does not suffer from relatively low sensor accuracy or high temperature drift. mainSENSORs use Micro-Epsilon's unique, patented measuring method, which is based on a linear relationship between the position of the permanent magnet and the output signal.

As well providing a simplified displacement measurement technique, mainSENSOR also offers extremely high basic sensitivity, excellent temperature stability (low thermal drift) and a maintenance-free, wear-free measurement solution.

Chris Jones continues: "Micro-Epsilon has developed the technology even further over the last 18 months, resulting in a growing family of industrial-grade, standard displacement measurement sensors, which are proving invaluable in many OEM applications, including hydraulics, automotive, off-highway vehicles, subsea oil and gas hydraulics, and special purpose machines."

The mainSENSOR family now includes three standard sensor ranges, including the new slimline MDS-45-M18-SA range.

The MDS-45-M30-SA has a 55mm measuring range and an M30 cylindrical, barrel-type stainless steel housing. The sensor weighs just 15g and can operate in temperatures up to 80 deg C. The signal output provides 4-20mA or 2-10V DC.

The alternative to this is the OEM version, the MDS-45-K-SA, a miniature flat rectangular PCB version of the sensor with a plastic housing, countersunk M4 screw connection and a 55mm measuring range. Signal output is 4-20mA or 2-10V DC.

For further information, email: info@micro-epsilon.co.uk or view website: www.micro-epsilon.co.uk

Type 72 & 72HR positive bias booster pneumatic
(air) relay series, designed for use within industrial
air pressure regulation and monitoring applications

The Marsh Bellofram Type 72 series of positive bias booster pneumatic (air) relays, is designed for use within industrial air pressure regulation and monitoring applications where high flow capacity is required, such as volume boosting; gas flow, tensioning, clutch and brake, and cylinder bucking control functions; and calendar roll, dancer roll and valve motor loading. This series is available globally.

The Marsh Bellofram Type 72 series is available in four adjustable positive bias ranges, from 0 to 10 psi (0 to 0.7 BAR); and from to 2 to 150 psi (0.1 to 10.3 BAR), all with exceptionally high flow capacity of up to 50 SCFM (1400 LPM) and with minimal pressure droop, as well as quick response to minute changes in downstream pressure. An optional high-relief version (Type 72HR) is also available.   The standard signal-to-output ratio is 1:1, but 1:2, 1:4 and 1:6 ratios are available on special request.  Output is virtually unaffected by supply pressure changes.   

Design of the Type 72's balanced supply valve incorporates the use of a Bellofram patented internal rolling diaphragm, making the relay virtually immune to changes in supply pressure, while offering reliable performance over millions of cycles and a simple, maintenance-free design. In addition, the relay can be both disassembled and serviced without removing it from the line.  Output pressure is accurately maintained under varying flow conditions by means of an aspirator tube, which adjusts the air supply valve opening in proportion to flow velocity.  The dampening action of the aspirator tube maintains stable output pressure. Action of the integral baffle and aspirator tube also eliminates honking and buzzing noise.  

For more information about the Type 72 or other products available from Marsh Bellofram, view website: www.marshbellofram.com  Refer to next page