Sensor

This analog output version of the E3MC RGB color sensor is reportedly able to discriminate different shades of the same color. The unit provides three separate analog outputs (0 to 10V) for the three primary colors. The actual color is determined using reflection ratios. The sensor can discriminate color without being influenced by changes in ambient temperature, brightness, or positioning of sensing objects.

Omron Electronics , 1 Commerce Dr., Ste. 250, Schaumburg, IL 60173; FAX: (847) 843-7787; www.info.omron.com

Proximity sensors

Designed for typical industrial inductive proximity sensor applications, the 871P Equal Sensing VersaCube(TM)is reported to offer equal sensing ranges for all metals. It's also said to offer increased sensing ranges for non-ferrous metals when compared to standard devices. Transient noise, false pulse, short circuit, overload, and reverse polarity protection are among its electrical safeguards.

Rockwell Automation, Dept. 1088, 10701 Hampshire Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55438; FAX (800) 500-0329.

Thermocouple reference junction

RJ series thermocouple reference junctions are intended for digital and analog meters, recorders, and thermocouple potentiometers. They are described as compact and battery-operated, but are also offered with an adapter, which can be used to compensate for ambient temperature when using thermocouples or to back off the built-in reference junction in a device when calibrating it.

Cropico Ltd. , Hampton Rd., Croydon, England CR2 2RU, FAX: 020 8684 4094; www.cropico.co.uk.

Absolute encoder

Incorporating a built-in Profibus-DP interface, this multi-turn absolute encoder is recommended for a range of applications in automation, robotics, and motion control. The encoder provides data on step position, number of revolutions, position error, and low battery capacity. Additionally, all data is reportedly retained in the event of a power failure. GXP3W is said to have a resolution of 25 bits, a code switching speed of 800 kHz, and a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Mbaud.

CTL Components , Falcon House, 19 Deer Park Rd., London, England SW19 3UX; www.ctl-components.com.

Temperature controllers

1100 Series solid state temperature controllers from this company feature digital or analog panel readout modules. Snap-Track(TM)quick mounts are standard on all models, as are screw terminals for thermocouple input, and an SPDT relay output rated at 10A 120/240V ac. The product also features push-on terminals to ease installation, and a choice of inputs and ranges.

Burling Instruments Inc. , 16 River Rd., Chatham, NJ 07928; FAX (973) 635-9530; www.burlinginstruments.com .

Motor control

OSC-462H Analog Speed Control Boards from this company are said to offer engineers high performance intelligent velocity control at a low price and in a compact package. The product features a digital oscillator for accurate velocity control with an output frequency of up to 100 kHz. The product is programmable through a 10-command instruction set consisting of 2 to 7 character mnemonics.

Intelligent Motion Systems Inc. , Box 457, 370 N. Main St., Marlborough, CT 06447; FAX (860) 295-6107; www.imshome.com .

LCR meter

1920 Precision LCR meters are the latest addition to this company's 1900 series of impedance measuring instruments. The series was designed to provide high reliability as well as integration with SMD components in applications where accuracy and broad frequency range are required. The product measures series or parallel capacitance, ac resistance or inductance, dissipation factor, quality factor, impedance, phase angle, dc resistance, and other parameters.

QuadTech , 5 Clock Tower Place 210 East, Maynard, MA 01754; FAX (978) 461-4295; www.quadtech.com .

Roughness/waviness measurement

The Perthometer S2 portable surface measurement system is said to provide the highest mobile measurement accuracy of roughness/waviness profile depth under the latest standards. The product provides statistical functions for 200 measurements, and 10 parameters for every measurement program. The product also has an intergral battery pack and can be mounted directly to a machine tool.

Mahr Federal Inc. , Box 9400 1144 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02940; FAX (401) 784-3246; www.mahrfederal.com .

Data collector/analyzer

Entek Enpac(TM)handheld data collector and signal analyzers are designed to provide maintenance personnel with a tool for monitoring of machinery which doesn't require embedded monitoring. The unit weighs less than 2 lbs, is said to be compatible with a variety of machines, and can collect vibration information and process variables in a range from 10 to 2,400,000 cpm.

Rockwell Automation , Dept. 1088, 10701 Hampshire Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55438; FAX (800) 500-0329; www.rockwellautomation.com .

Position sensor

DDCP Transducers are said to be a completely self-contained displacement system which requires no auxiliary signal conditioning. The unit is made of stainless steel, operates from a low voltage dc power supply or battery, and is available in five displacement ranges. The spring-loaded shaft assembly is said to allow mounting in any position, and is also said to be unaffected by mounting in gauging fixtures.

Columbia Research Laboratories , 1925 Mac Dade Blvd., Woodlyn, PA 19094; FAX (610) 872-3882; www.columbiaresearchlab.com .

Valve/sensor

Series 555 Electro-Pneumatic Valve/Sensor System is said to be a complete valve, wiring and plumbing solution for pneumatically actuated accumulation-type conveyors operating in singulation mode. The product is supplied as a complete module, including electrical quick-connects, made to order cabling, and integrated pneumatic fitting connections.

Humphrey Products , Box 2008, Kalamazoo, MI 49003; FAX (616) 381-4113; www.humphreypc.com .