Graphical user interface helps
program controllers
A new graphical user interface from Lin Engineering can be
used with their motion controller products. Users can now backspace and
retype information in the terminal section as well as configure current,
velocity, acceleration, and microstepping. The control comes with a
built-in unit converter and has a command, tree-like structure for
implementing programs. The interface is available for download at no
cost from the Lin Engineering website.
Mechanical vibration
switches
Model 685A07 mechanical vibration switch provides continuous
vibration monitoring in applications that require immediate shutdown
when increased vibration levels are present. They come standard with
external pushbutton reset, and require no power to operate. The
switches use a spring loaded, magnetically coupled sensor, which can be
externally adjusted for higher or lower sensitivity and are CSA
certified explosion-proof versions with identical features
available.
IMI Sensors, Div. PCB
Piezotronics Inc.
Modular ac drives
The AC890PX Series takes a modular approach to ac drives that handle
up to 600 hp (400 kW) with a voltage range from 380 to 690 Vac. Each
plug-in power module slides into the power frame for quick installation
and replacement, reducing downtime. The IP52/NEMA-12 enclosure measures
2,000 500 620 mm (79 20 24 in.) and comes with a disconnect switch,
fuses, harmonic-reducing input line reactor, and dynamic braking with
resistor. The AC890PX can run induction, torque, and permanent-magnet
servomotors in simple volts/Hertz, open-loop flux vector, and precision
closed-loop vector with positioning control modes. Drive communication
is handled with option cards and includes protocols for Ethernet,
Profibus, ControlNet, DeviceNet, CANopen, and FireWire.
Parker Hannifin
Corp. Automation Group
Servomotor has built-in
controller
The Duet Series of brushless dc servomotors contains internal core
servotechnology.
The Duet supports resolver feedback, programming capabilities, and
communication protocols along with an integral digital motion controller
that has current, velocity, and position loops. The unit comes in six
models with power ranging from 0.16 (22.7 oz-in.) to 2.5 Nm (354 oz-in.)
within a voltage range of 10-to-96 Vdc. Communication is via CANopen or
RS-232.
Elmo Motion Control
Ltd.
CAD
unlocks spiral manufacturing
Design firm Kairos Autonomi in Sandy, Utah, uses CAD/CAM
software to speed up development of retrofit kits for making autonomous
military vehicles. To satisfy the U.S. government's time frame, the firm
practices what it calls "spiral manufacturing," an approach that avoids
discrete research, engineering, and manufacturing steps. The company
says the method gets it 80% of the way to workable designs in 20% of the
time. Software from Delcam USA in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides the
direct link between engineer and milling machine.
Steal
this car
A group of Israeli and Belgian researchers has successfully broken
the cipher algorithm in KeeLoq, the anti-theft digital keys used by
Chrysler, Daewoo, Fiat, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar, Toyota, and
Volvo. While acknowledging the success of a theoretical attack, Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler, Ariz., maintains that KeeLoq
is still secure. Researchers claim vehicles can be stolen based on
cryptographic findings related to the key's algorithm. Microchip
counters that its system involves much more than the algorithm.
