Drives and Controls Technology News

Microprocessors with built-in industrial comms will cut costs and time to market

The semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments (TI) has announced the availability of a series of microprocessors with built-in industrial communication protocols that, it says, will accelerate industrial designs and cut component costs by up to 30%. The chips include a programmable real-time interface that eliminates the need for an external ASIC or FPGA.

Device protects motor bearings against electrical damage and lubricant problems

The US sealing specialist Garlock has collaborated with Electro Static Technology (EST), inventor of the patented Aegis bearing protection ring, to produce a device that protects motor bearings from electrical damage as well as from lubricant loss and contamination.

PLCopen extends specifications to homing and hydraulics

PLCopen has extended its suite of motion control specifications into new areas, including homing procedures and fluid power – specifically, hydraulics.

Magnetic bearings head for the Norwegian seabed

Magnetic bearings are being fitted on the motor shafts of a pair of compression systems due to be installed 200–300m below the surface of the Norwegian Sea. The oil-free, frictionless and almost maintenance-free bearings have been chosen to provide the efficiency, reliability and performance needed for continuous operation in the deep-sea Åsgard gas field.

Free tool calculates ROI on safety investments

Rockwell Automation developed a tool that calculates the potential annual return from investing in integrated safety automation systems. The free Web-based tool, developed with the US machine safety consultant, JB Titus, helps to quantify potential savings and productivity gains from new investments in safety.

ODVA offers advice on securing industrial Ethernet

ODVA has issued a document which makes cyber-security recommendations for automation networks, including how to determine and deploy security strategies for various types of network. Numerous ODVA member companies, including the networking giant Cisco, collaborated to produce the Securing EtherNet/IP Networks document.

Multi-touch comes to HMIs, promising faster, safer operation

Multi-touch operation, already familiar to users of smartphones and tablet computers, is coming to industrial HMIs and panel PCs, promising easier, more intuitive and faster operation, as well enhanced safety. At the recent SPS/IPC/Drives exhibition in Germany, several suppliers were showing products with multi-touch capabilities.

Hybrid electric-hydraulic actuator promises the best of both

At the recent SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany, Moog demonstrated a prototype electrohydrostatic actuator (EHA) that combines hydraulic and electric technologies and avoids the mechanical screws and gearing usually needed for purely electric actuators. Unlike conventional hydraulic actuators, the EHA needs no hydraulic piping, thus cutting costs and improving reliability.

Servo ballscrew motors drive spindles directly

The German geared motors and drives specialist Stober has unveiled a range of compact servo ballscrew motors that drive rotating spindles or spindle nuts directly. The dynamic, high-torque motors are based on Stober’s PipeDrive technology.

`Wing` motor splits to fit around a shaft

The German servomotor specialist Wittenstein cyber motor has developed a hollow-shaft, direct-drive motor with a stator that can be split to fit around a shaft. The permanently excited synchronous motor can be used in applications where axial installation and removal are impossible.