Development platform
21 August, 2009 byNational Instruments has announced LabVIEW 2009, a graphical system design software platform for control, test and embedded system development.
Simulation software
30 July, 2009Honeywell has announced two enhancements to its UniSim Design simulation software that provide engineers with a greater range of tools to build and test plant processes.
Process simulation software
30 July, 2009Invensys Operations Management has released the newest version of its SimSci-Esscor PRO/II software, a steady-state process simulator used to design, analyse and improve chemical processes. In addition to the numerous enhancements that address the emerging needs of the hydrocarbon and chemicals processing industries, this version is easier to use, faster and more flexible.
Model-based design for wireless sensor networks
01 July, 2009 by Stefano Olivieri, Mostafizur Mozumdar, Luciano Lavagno and Laura Vanzago*While model-based design is becoming quite standard for several domains that have similar constraints as wireless sensor networks, there is a lack of tools for this purpose in the WSN world.
Modelling and simulation software
09 June, 2009 byThe MathWorks has announced Release 2009a (R2009a) of its MATLAB, Simulink and PolySpace product families. R2009a includes extended support for multicore and multiprocessor systems, two new products, new features in MATLAB and Simulink, and enhancements to more than 90 other MathWorks products.
3D printers
18 May, 2009 byXYZ Innovation is now offering Objet’s first multi-material 3D printer, the Connex500, as well as Objet’s desktop 3D printer, the Alaris30.
Heat transfer simulation software
11 May, 2009Invensys Process Systems has released the latest version of SimSci-Esscor’s Hextran software, a comprehensive heat transfer and pinch analysis tool. In addition to the numerous infrastructure upgrades and enhancements that address the emerging needs of clients seeking cost-effective and efficient heat transfer, Hextran 9.2 simulation software can now be used on Microsoft Vista Enterprise and Business operating systems. IPS has also created an updated install procedure and support for Microsoft Office 2007.
Drive design software
01 April, 2009 byThe Positioning Drives software tool for all electrical drives from Festo enables fast, easy and reliable design and planning of motor and axis combinations in three simple steps.
Simulation and modelling software
01 December, 2008The MathWorks has introduced Release 2008b (R2008b) of its MATLAB and Simulink product families. R2008b includes new features in MATLAB and Simulink, two new products, 19 major updates, and enhancements to the PolySpace code verification products.
OPC and DCOM: Five things you need to know — Part 2
18 November, 2008 by Randy Kondor*In Part 1 of this article we explained the initial system-wide settings that are required for DCOM to operate correctly on a PC that is to run an OPC server. In Part 2 we will discuss the server-specific settings which will need to be configured for your specific OPC application.
Controller engineering software
01 November, 2008Rockwell Automation has released version 17 of its RSLogix 5000 engineering software, with significantly expanded process control and automation functionality for the Allen-Bradley Logix family of controllers.
Modelling language
01 November, 2008The MathWorks has announced the Simscape language, a new capability that enables textual authoring of physical modelling components, domains and libraries in the Simulink environment.
Robot programming GUI
01 November, 2008SmartGUI is the graphical user interface for Kuka robots. Robots only work on instruction and the SmartGUI system is designed to enable that instruction be straightforward and simple.
CAM software
01 November, 2008CNC Software has released Mastercam X3, offering expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Feature-based machining, 2D high-speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation combine with dozens of additional enhancements in a package intended to improve shop floor productivity.
OPC and DCOM: Five things you need to know — Part 1
18 October, 2008 by Randy Kondor*OPC technology relies on Microsoft’s COM and DCOM to exchange data between automation hardware and software; however, it can be frustrating for new users to configure DCOM properly. If you have ever been unable to establish an OPC connection or transfer OPC data successfully, the underlying issue is likely DCOM-related.
