Highlights From the Product Showcase

We just posted some new products to the Product Showcase that we think you will be interested in.

First we would like to point out Texas Instruments' new multicore system-on-chips based on the company's KeyStone architecture. Next is a combined software platform and OEM-style control card from Aerotech that is a solution for high-volume motion control applications. Finally, the Netherlocks Power Wrench portable valve actuator facilitates operation of manual valves for process industry employees while contributing to safe working conditions.

SoCs for a better way to cloud
Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) recently introduced what it calls "a better way to cloud." This comes thanks to six new multicore system-on-chips (SoCs) based on the company's KeyStone architecture.

TI's KeyStone multicore SoCs are 28-nm devices that integrate fixed- and floating-point TMS320C66x digital signal processor (DSP) cores with multiple ARM Cortex-A15 MPCore processors.

The combination of Cortex-A15 processors and C66x DSP cores, with built-in packet processing and Ethernet switching, efficiently offloads and enhances the cloud's first-generation general-purpose servers, those that struggle with big-data applications like high-performance computing and video processing.

The six new high-performance SoCs include the 66AK2E02, 66AK2E05, 66AK2H06, 66AK2H12, AM5K2E02, and AM5K2E04, all based on the KeyStone multicore architecture. With KeyStone's low-latency high-bandwidth multicore shared memory controller (MSMC), these new SoCs yield 50 percent higher memory throughput when compared to other RISC-based SoCs. Together, these processing elements, with the integration of security processing, networking, and switching, reduce system cost and power consumption, allowing developers to support the development of more cost-efficient, green applications and workloads, including high-performance computing, video delivery, and media and image processing.

TI's 66AK2Hx SoCs are currently available for sampling, with broader device availability in 1Q13 and EVM availability in 2Q13. AM5K2Ex and 66AK2Ex samples and EVMs will be available in the second half of 2013. Pricing for these devices will start at $49 for 1 KU.

Motion control software & OEM control board
A combined software platform and OEM-style control card from Aerotech provides a cost-effective solution for high-volume motion control applications in numerous manufacturing applications. The A3200 Automation Platform enables users to interface the advanced capabilities of the software with any size and type of servo or stepper motor drive technology.

Capabilities of the A3200 Automation package include point-to-point, linear, circular, helical, and spherical interpolation; velocity profiling; electronic gearing; trajectory modification; high-speed I/O; and camming.

The software controller provides from one to 32 axes of synchronized control for brush, brushless, and stepper motors with no degradation in performance as axis count increases. It is programmable in all commonly used languages including RS-274 (G-code), AeroBasic, C, .NET, IEC61131, Matlab, and LabVIEW.

The platform marries a robust, high-performance motion engine with vision, PLC, robotics, and I/O in a unified programming environment. EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus, and other fieldbuses are supported for distributed I/O that is mapped to all programming environments automatically. The integration allows users to integrate, develop, and maintain the system faster and with lower cost than other systems.

The control boards provides a plus or minus 10V DC output to the user's drive, or it can be matched with Aerotech's range of advanced servo drives.

Portable valve actuator for multiple valves
The Netherlocks Power Wrench portable valve actuator facilitates operation of manual valves for process industry employees while contributing to safe working conditions. It is capable of opening and closing any size, type, or number of manually operated valves, making it a cost-effective alternative to multiple actuators.

The Power Wrench connects to valves by a bolt-on universal drive plate, allowing a single Power Wrench to operate multiple valves. It is pneumatically powered (4-7 bar) and safe for use in applications where explosive and/or flammable liquids or gasses are present.

An integrated safety lever and throttle valve enforce two-handed operation of the Power Wrench, eliminating the possibility of injury during usage even at maximum power. Variable speed control allows operation at the user's comfort level. The device is lightweight at 22 pounds and is easily operated from a comfortable standing position, reducing operator fatigue.