In Brief

• Sales of Ethernet-based industrial networks will grow by 20.3% a year for the coming five years (in terms of the number of nodes installed), compared to a 13% growth rate for the overall industrial networking market. The predictions come from IMS Research which says that sales of Ethernet nodes will grow even faster in the Asia-Pacific region.

• ODVA has published new editions of its DeviceNet and Ethernet/IP specifications containing more than 20 enhancements designed to make the protocols more flexible and easier to use. For example, the maximum power cable lengths for DeviceNet have been extended from 3m to 39m, and flat cables and connectors can now be used.

• Vishay Intertechnology has developed a range of miniature hybrid sensors consisting of foil strain gauges bonded to flat metal, polymer or composite substrates. The sensors, which can measure force, displacement, pressure and acceleration, can be attached by screws, spot welding or clamping.

• Lenze has produced the two millionth frequency inverter in its 8200 series, which spans ratings from 0.25-90kW. The inverters, built at plants in Germany and France, are now in their second generation.