Expanded Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio Public Launch Date: January 13, 2023
Our Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) portfolio of connectivity passive products optimizes Ethernet connection possibilities in harsh industrial environments and transportation operations.
The first phase of its release includes IP20-rated receptacles and cordsets for clean-area connections. The second phase will include IP65/IP67-rated circular M8/M12-based cordsets and receptacles for field device connections.
High-performance bandwidth supports up to 10 Gbits/s
Lightweight design for increased flexiblity and bending ratios
Manufactured with up to 55% less metal/plastic
Channel Launch: Globally: November 11, 2022
Public Launch: Globally: January 13, 2023
Lead Project Manager:
Chen Zhang
Project Manager Power & Valves
chen.zhang@belden.com
Discover the solutions that power your assembly line
Get the new white paper today
Our easily integrated solutions can optimize your battery pack assembly line. Our optical and vision sensors are reliable and easy to use in key applications at every stage.
Find out more with our new white paper, which explains:
How our identification sensors provide gapless traceabilityand avoid process downtimes
Our compact, precision sensors for component positioning in automated assembly
The role of our inspection sensors in checking part presence, location and quality
Identification
Inspection
Positioning
Plus, there’s expert advice on the best way to overcome the challenges of the battery pack assembly line.
Last spring we presented a new addition to our established vision sensor family: The new 5 megapixel VISOR® V50 offers an image resolution that is three times greater than that of standard vision sensors.
We have continuously developed the V50 vision cameras, now we are launching VISOR® V50 with integrated lens and lighting, making it unique on the market.
These new vision sensors achieve an image quality that was previously only available with expensive, complex vision systems.
The combination of high resolution, integrated lens and motorised focus is unique in this performance class and expands the application possibilities of our user-friendly vision sensors many times over.
See for yourself!
Standard Resolution
Contours remain partially blurred.
Through additionally captured color information, further features can be recognised and distinguished.
5 Megapixels
Recognition of even small details becomes possible.
The highest evaluation accuracy is achieved combining high resolution and color.
APG’s new Self-contained Intrinsically Safe Measurement and Control system was designed with your most complex measurement scenarios in mind. We focused on bringing you two new products that would work together to simplify your equipment needs while monitoring levels in hazardous areas.
Complete Measurement & Control Solution
The Series MPI Intrinsically Safe Modbus Display and Control and the Series MPI Intrinsically Safe Magnetostrictive Float Level Transmitter were developed in tandem to create a stand-alone, self-contained measurement and control solution.
Intrinsically Safe
The MDI/MPI system is approved for use in Class I Hazardous Locations. The MDI holds Class I, Zone 1 approvals, and the MPI holds Class I, Zone 0 approvals.
Self-powered
Not only is the MDI battery powered, but it is rated to power the MPI as well.
Minimal Equipment with Simple Installation
Our MDI/MPI system greatly simplifies the amount of equipment needed and installation procedures for a hazardous area. Using the MDI and MPI together requires no complex intrinsically safe barriers or explosion-proof conduit.
System-wide Level Measurements
The MDI can be used with a passive monitoring system through an IS barrier to provide system-wide access to MPI probe readings.
Ideal for Low-power Applications
An external system can be set to provide “wake up” to the MDI via an auxiliary connection. This will preserve the battery power of both the MDI and MPI.
Modbus Communication Protocol
Both the MPI and MDI use Modbus RTU, giving you high precision measurements and easy-to-configure level or volume readings, no matter what the shape of your tank is.
Make level measurement in hazardous areas simpler.
Designed to meet the exacting standards for crude oil storage and transfer from lease tanks, MPX Series API 18.2 probes are built on robust 1”-diameter stems of either 316L stainless steel (MPX-R API 18.2) or Titanium 2 (MPX-T API 18.2), and use floats made to resist the buildup and fouling that come with operating in crude oil, all so you can trust the ±1 mm accuracy of the probe output. MPX Series API 18.2 probes also provide the averaged reading of submerged digital temperature sensors, each with ±0.25° C accuracy, so your system doesn’t have to do the math. With the MPX Series API 18.2, all interested parties get an accurate reading of the level and temperature of the crude oil in a lease storage tank. Find more information on these sensors here.
The MPI Series Intrinsically Safe Magnetostrictive Level sensor provides highly accurate and repeatable level readings in a wide variety of liquid level measurement applications. The sensor is ideal for taking two measurements: both the interface level measurement and a total volume.
The MPI series consists of five different models. The MPI-R’s large, buoyant, and robust float allows for use in harsh applications where fouling or buildup might otherwise be of concern. The MPI-E’s lighter weight design allows it to be used in applications where space is limited. The MPI-E Chemical has a chemical resistant coating, allowing for use in corrosive, acidic, or marine environments. The MPI-F’s flexible stainless steel stem allows for installation in tall tanks without needing a crane, and the MPI-T’s 1” titanium stem provides compatibility in a wider range of corrosive media–including H2S–in larger tanks. Find more information on each model here.
THE MPXI-F
FLEXIBLE STEM
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE
LEVEL PROBE
With the MPXI-F, APG introduces its most versatile and convenient level probe to the market. Available with a 316L SS braided-tubing stem or a proprietary-PVDF flexible stem, the MPXI-F makes shipping, on-site transportation, and installation simple.
Both the propriety-PVDF stem and the 316L SS braided-tubbing stem coil and uncoil for simple installation, on-site transportation, and compact shipping. No longer do you need a flat bed truck and 60-foot crane to install a 30-foot probe in a 30-foot tank. With the MPXI-F and stem weight attached, the stem of the probe will easily uncoil to be installed in your tank. Additionally, the PVDF stem provides increased flexibility and impact resistance during cold-weather installation.
SUPERIOR
CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY
APG’s proprietary-PVDF stem has been designed to be compatible with a wide range of corrosive media, including H2S. This makes the probe an ideal solution for monitoring many chemicals encountered in the oil and gas, water and wastewater, and chemical industries. With up to seven temperature sensors and optional High Level Switch, an MPXI-F with PVDF stem is the ultimate sensor for monitoring aggressive and volatile chemicals.
LOW-COST
OPERATION
Not only does the MPXI-F simplify and reduce the cost of installation, it is designed for on-going, low-cost operation. It boasts a start-up time of less than five seconds, and its electronics are built for low power consumption. So it takes less time for the MPXI-F to turn on and take a reading, and it uses less power while doing so. Whether you’re using a remote battery or an always-on power supply, the MPXI-F is saving you money.
APG’s MPXI-F is an explosion-proof magnetostrictive level transmitter that features a flexible stem made of 316L SS braided-tubing or proprietary PVDF designed to make tall tank installation easy. This cost saving probe is loaded with features and options that make it compatible with a variety of industrial applications including monitoring tall storage tanks, holding tanks off well heads, agricultural fertilizer tanks, chemical tanks and more. The MPXI-F features:
World-Wide Explosion Proof Certifications
Class I, Division 1, and Class I, Zone 0/1 Hazardous Location Ratings (cCSAus, ATEX, IECEx)
Explosion Proof Housing for Easy Conduit Connections
We have launched our brand new Tek-DP 1640A Venturi Tube Meter and our master plan is another step to enhance your knowledge through our digital launch package listed below.
Applications
Water and sewage plants. Slurry flows in mining, chemical plants.
Power Generation.
Hydrocarbon, Liquid & Gas Processes.
LNG Trains.
High Accuracy Custody Transfer, Fiscal and Allocation Flow Metering.
Compressor Stations. Cryogenics.
Wet Gas Flows and Steam Applications
Specifications
For normal liquids
Material: All standard materials available
Venturi Tube Sizes: 1″ to 48″, Custom size available on order, Flanged, Socket Welded, Butt Welded Valves
Operating Position: Vertical, Horizontal (any orientations for liquids only)
For wet natural gas
Material: All standard materials available
Venturi Tube Sizes: 1″ to 48″, Custom size available on order , Flange, Weld in, Insertion type
Operating Position: Vertical, Horizontal, Hydrocarbon Wet Gases, Steam, (other orientations available)
With the MPXI-F, APG will bring its most versatile and convenient level probe to the market. Available with a 316L SS braided-tubing stem or a proprietary-PVDF flexible stem, the MPXI-F makes shipping, on-site transportation, and installation simple. Be among the first to know when our latest probe is available by joining the MPXI-F Interest List using the button below.
Both the propriety-PVDF stem and the 316L SS braided-tubbing stem coil and uncoil for simple installation, on-site transportation, and compact shipping. No longer do you need a flat bed truck and 60-foot crane to install a 30-foot probe in a 30-foot tank. With the MPXI-F and stem weight attached, the stem of the probe will easily uncoil to be installed in your tank. Additionally, the PVDF stem provides increased flexibility and impact resistance during cold-weather installation.
SUPERIOR CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY
APG’s proprietary-PVDF stem has been designed to be compatible with a wide range of corrosive media, including H2S. This makes the probe an ideal solution for monitoring many chemicals encountered in the oil and gas, water and wastewater, and chemical industries. With up to seven temperature sensors and optional High Level Switch, an MPXI-F with PVDF stem is the ultimate sensor for monitoring aggressive and volatile chemicals.
APG’s MPXI-F is an explosion-proof magnetostrictive level transmitter that features a flexible stem made of 316L SS braided-tubing or proprietary PVDF designed to make tall tank installation easy. This cost saving probe is loaded with features and options that make it compatible with a variety of industrial applications including monitoring tall storage tanks, holding tanks off well heads, agricultural fertilizer tanks, chemical tanks and more. The MPXI-F features:
World Wide Explosion Proof Certifications
Class I, Division 1, and Class I, Zone 0/1 Hazardous Location Ratings (cCSAus, ATEX, IECEx)
Explosion Proof Housing for Easy Conduit Connections
The PT-405 offers unbeatable performance in harsh conditions and hazardous locations. The PT-405 carries a Class I, Division 1, Explosion Proof rating from CSA, an IP65 rated case, and single seal construction for the highest safety factor. With ranges up to 30,000 psi, and outputs including 4-20 mA, 0-5 or 0-10 VDC, and RS-485/Modbus RTU, the PT-405 is as versatile as it is tough.
Like the Intrinsically Safe PT-400, the Explosion Proof PT-405 has screws for manual, field-adjustable Zero and Span settings. Incoloy process connections, for use with pressure ranges above 10, 000 psi, are NACE MR-01-75 and ISO 1516-3 compliant. PT-405 transducers with Modbus output are Tank Cloud compatible.
Features of the Series PT-405 include:
Pressure ranges up to 30,000 psi
Outputs: 4-20 mA, 0-5 and 0-10 VDC, and RS-485/Modbus RTU
Class I, Div 1, Groups C & D, T4, Explosion Proof (all ranges, all outputs)
Field-adjustable Zero and Span
Single Seal
About Automation Products Group Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG) is a supplier of innovative and differentiated products, solutions, and services for industrial process measurement and control. Technologies include pressure, flow, level control, analytics, and dedicated flexible control, using state of the art methodologies. Our customers include OEM’s, integrators, distributors and end users. APG’s goal is to provide reliable products and solutions supported with exceptional customer service.
The MNU IS combines the flexibility and programmability of Modbus sensors with the ability to be installed in Class I Division 1 Hazardous locations. As with all of APG’s Tank Cloud compatible Modbus sensors, both the application parameters (Distance, Level, or Volume settings) and sensor performance parameters (Pulses, Signal Strength, Averaging, etc.) can be configured via APG Modbus software. And with certifications from CSA, IECEx, and ATEX, the Intrinsic Safety rating of the MNU IS is valid all around the globe.
The MNU IS is also the first ultrasonic level sensor from APG to feature QuickMode. QuickMode powers up a sensor to take a specified number of measurements and return the average reading before sending the sensor back to a waiting state. Thus, rather than operating at continuous full power while taking constant readings, the MNU IS can be powered up at specific intervals, take a reading, and return to its semi-dormant waiting state.
Features of the Series MNU IS include:
Transducer Frequency/Range: 69 kHz/1 – 25 ft.
Mounting: 2″ NPT (face), optional 3/4″ NPT (back of housing)
Accuracy: ±0.25% of detected range
NEMA IP68-rated housing
CSA, ATEX, IECEx Class I, Division 1 Intrinsically Safe certification
Tank Cloud compatible with RST-5003 or LOE web-enabled Modbus controller
Output: Modbus with optional lightning protection
About Automation Products Group Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG) is a supplier of innovative and differentiated products, solutions, and services for industrial process measurement and control. Technologies include pressure, flow, level control, analytics, and dedicated flexible control, using state of the art methodologies. Our customers include OEM’s, integrators, distributors and end users. APG’s goal is to provide reliable products and solutions supported with exceptional customer service.
You’ve heard the rumors. Now, as an OptoBlog subscriber, you can be first in line…
Coming next month: groov RIO®, a new family of intelligent, standalone, Ethernet-based, PoE-powered, remote I/O units for IIoT and automation applications.
groov RIO is the next step in transforming the industry for the industrial internet of things (IIoT), extending connected applications directly to traditional wired sensors and switches. The first unit in the groov RIO family, GRV-R7-MM1001-10, provides 8 multi-signal, multifunction, software-configurable channels and 2 Form C relays, supporting over 52,000 unique signal combinations: analog or discrete, input or output.
Combined with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and embedded tools for configuration, data processing, and publishing, groov RIO makes connecting I/O to cloud IoT platforms, control systems, and databases easier than ever before.
It’s never been this easy to go from I/O to IIoT
For buyers, specifiers, and installers
8 channels supporting 10 different signal types
2 Form C mechanical relays for normally open or closed circuits
Scaling, ramping, counting, totalization, and more
PoE or external DC input for unit power
PoE-powered outputs and self-wetting inputs
UL Hazardous Locations approved and ATEX compliant
Whether you need simple, fast connection to a handful of I/O or large-scale IIoT-ready infrastructure, groov RIO has the flexibility to handle a wide range of applications.
For an interactive view of what groov RIO can do for you, take a look at our groov RIO Explorer.
Gain maximum flexibility in your application with the new self-configuring 16 I/O digital module by Bihl+Wiedemann (BWU4230). The 16 digital signals of the ASi-5 slave can be distributed as required – e.g. to 12 proximity sensors and 4 valves in an application with packaging technology. The IP67 module is ideally suited for high I/O densities.
Detailed diagnostic data
A particular advantage of the 16 I/O digital module is the wide range of diagnostic options: Channel-specific diagnostics make it possible to detect a short circuit or overload of the individual sensor supplies for every individual output. The status of set digital outputs can be read for cyclic feedback. This makes troubleshooting the system incredibly easy.
Product family extension
Bihl+Wiedemann will continue extending the product family of self-configurable ASi-5 digital modules – e.g. with the 8 I/O module for 1 drive and 4 sensors, or the 16 I/O module in IP20 for the operating panel on the switching cabinet. All product variants allow you to collect many inputs and outputs particularly cost-efficiently and quickly. Another advantage: The new product family is also passively safe due to the galvanic isolation between the ASi and auxiliary power.
ASi-5 Selfconfiguring I/O Modules in detail:
16 digital inputs/outputs with ASi-5 in 1,27 ms
Selfconfiguring
Detailed channel-specific diagnostics
State of the outputs can be read back individually
With the latest firmware update, groov EPIC gets I/O for the IIoT and more
Out this week, groov EPIC firmware version 2.0 is a milestone for the platform, and there are more than a few reasons to consider updating. Here’s an overview of what’s included.
groov RIO remote I/O support
What’s groov RIO? For those of you who’ve been head-down in a project for the last few months, groov RIO is Opto 22’s new Ethernet-based edge I/O module. It offers 8 multi-signal, multifunction channels plus 2 Form C relays, all software-configurable, providing 61,260 unique I/O combinations in a standalone unit.
With firmware version 2.0, groov RIO can also act as remote I/O for the groov EPIC platform. From its initial release, groov EPIC has supported intelligent, distributed I/O processing through the field-proven SNAP I/O system. With the introduction of groov RIO, its reach goes even further.
groov RIO has a compact form factor, an industrial housing without a chassis or backplane, and can be powered over Ethernet. Together with unprecedented configurability, these features make it ideal for integrating remote and hard-to-reach equipment into a groov EPIC network. groov RIO modules can even execute up to four PID loops independently of the groov EPIC processor when used with PAC Control.
For PAC Control users, this update will bring your PAC Control runtime version to R10.3a. You’ll want to download the new PAC Project Suite 10.3, also, which will allow you to configure groov RIO modules directly in PAC Control and use their tags in PAC Display. We took the opportunity to include a few security fixes as well.
For CODESYS users, this update brings the CODESYS runtime engine up to version 3.5.15.10. To take advantage of these updates, you’ll need to be running the CODESYS Development System v3.5 SP15 and the Opto 22 Library Package for CODESYS 2.0.0.0(coming soon). You can actually use the updated library to add groov RIO modules to any CODESYS PLC with Ethernet. Give it a try!
Both programming package updates let you configure each channel of a groov RIO module, independently, selecting from options for analog and discrete inputs or outputs. You might notice some slight interface changes to accommodate this awesome new capability.
The I/O reference in groov Manage has also been updated with wiring diagrams for groov RIO.
Ecosystem improvements
One of the advantages of edge programmable industrial controllers over traditional control solutions is their ability to host an ecosystem of complementary applications for control and connectivity. For groov EPIC 2.0, we made some improvements to several of these components.
groov EPIC’s user authentication service now has better compatibility with groov View on mobile and desktop, and we resolved a few issues with password management and certain kinds of user account creation. Serial device detection is also more flexible. Previously, it might fail to detect serial devices connected to daisy-chained USB hubs or certain hubs that are daisy-chained internally. That’s not an issue anymore.
More importantly, we made stability improvements to VPN and MQTT performance. We addressed a few issues that could cause the VPN client to fail, to prevent internet access, or to reflect an incorrect link status. And in certain circumstances, it was possible for the embedded MQTT service to interrupt tag publishing or to fail to connect to a broker after losing its connection once. Node-RED and Ignition MQTT clients weren’t affected by these issues, but you’ll have a better experience regardless of which you are using.
Third-party apps
Speaking of Ignition, we updated the core modules to version 7.9.13 and upgraded Cirrus Link MQTT modules to version 3.4.9.
Node-RED also gets a boost in this release with performance improvements through the updated Node.JS engine (10.16.3). We also bumped Node-RED itself to version 1.0.3, just because. 💓
Finally, to make it even easier to get started with MQTT on groov EPIC, we added the popular open-source Mosquitto MQTT broker to our cryptosigned repository. If you’ve requested shell access, you’ll be able to install Mosquitto with a simple apt-get command.
Existing groov EPIC users can log into their MyOpto22 account now to get this update for free! If you aren’t a user yet, now is the best time ever to try out groov EPIC.
EPIC is more than just a name; it is an acronym describing the primary capabilities in the system. In this blog post, we’ll look more in depth at the P for programmability.
With today’s traditional PLC systems, you typically have one fixed development system with a limited set of tools. This is a burden that most engineers have had to suffer with. Oftentimes, you have to use inefficient workarounds to programmatically accomplish what is needed for different components of a given industrial automation application.
With the groov EPIC® system, we’ve added lots of options to help you with development, primarily in the form of multiple programming choices and extensibility of those programming environments. Our goal is to provide you with an industrial hardware platform with plenty of software tools, and then get out of your way.
To date, we provide several programming tools, including:
Our traditional PAC Control™ flowchart-and-script-based development software
CODESYS® compatibility, giving you the option to develop your applications with IEC 61131-3 standards like ladder diagram and function block diagram
We recently hosted our first EPIC Premium Factory Training “soft launch,” and as we were wrapping up, we had a question-and-answer panel. One comment from one of the students stuck with me: The new CODESYS development system appears to be very extensible.
For reference, extensibility is a term used to describe software design where expansion of the environment is accounted for, and allowed to happen, via enhancements that typically minimize the impact to the functionality of the system as a whole. This particular training class included several advanced programmers who were very familiar with our existing
Opto 22 environment, PAC Control. To hear this comment made me think about why; not just why the CODESYS development system is extensible, but why it’s so important.
CODESYS, unlike most IDEs in the industrial space, is very open. It allows for module creation to fit a need. They have their own CODESYS Store, and when you scroll through the 190+ modules, you can see what makes CODESYS unique. There are modules for the basic fieldbus protocols and communications drivers: Modbus, ProfiNET, EtherNet/IP. They also have included more niche communication modules like BACNet and EtherCat as well. Branching out from the industrial space, there are modules for SQL access and even web access, including Twitter. You can even create your own modules.
You can quickly start to see how this is different from the standard industrial programming environments, and how it is similar to a popular SCADA software package called Ignition.
All of these features and abilities of the software are a very modern approach to an often antiquated solution. We are moving out of the traditional sandbox environment, and onto a massive jungle gym of options.
One other open feature for CODESYS is the OSCAT Library. The OSCAT Library, or Open Source Community for Automation Technology library, is an open-source library referenced to the IEC 61131-3 standard and ported to all IEC 61131-3 compatible programmable logic controllers. It contains over 500 functions in the following fields:
Mathematical calculations
String, list, and buffer processing
Logic modules
Date and time functions
Control engineering
Signal processing
Heating/ventilation/air conditioning
Building automation
Network and communication functions
Measurement technology and sensors
Device driver for standard peripherals
These are open-sourced functions that allow programmers to not only utilize the functions, but customize them to fit their applications. All source material is contained and easily modifiable.
Also, using the CODESYS environment gives you not only functional extensibility, but device extensibility. There are over 350 devices that utilize CODESYS on board. These devices are not just traditional controllers, but also HMIs, gateway devices, variable frequency drives, and motion controls. With this, you can easily integrate and interface the groov EPIC system with other hardware for total integration.
Anyone familiar with these devices will have an advantage when using groov EPIC and integrating into their environment. These open-source/open-device concepts are becoming more prevalent in the industrial space. I believe we will see even bigger shifts, as software programming archetypes and IT standards bleed into the industrial area, and with the push for connectivity and IIoT, we will have more and more velocity behind this movement.
One thing is for certain: this new (to our industry) way of thinking is going to be an eye opener for many of the traditional Integrated Development Environments and methodologies that are entrenched within the traditional industry procedures and engineering minds.
