Intelligent sensors advance thickness measurement

A NDC Infrared Engineering product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 9, 2006

Total distributed intelligence is heralded as the next step forward in the evolution of online thickness measurement and control systems.

With the introduction of TDI (total distributed intelligence), NDC Infrared Engineering has taken the next step forward in the evolution of online thickness measurement and control systems.

Now every sensor and every scanning frame comes with its own built-in intelligence for higher speed and greater accuracy in measurement.

This distributed intelligence is achieved by a state-of-the-art processing engine called a D-Bric.

Each D-Bric is smaller than 100 x 150mm, yet powerful enough to run an entire gauging system on its own.

This dedicated processing engine turns a product measurement sensor into an iSensor (intelligent sensor) that independently performs all measurement tasks; in the same vein, each iFrame (intelligent frame) uses its D-Bric to generate cross-web profiles, perform controls, and work with other iFrames to manage more complex processes.

These iSensors and iFrames connect via standard Ethernet to form a network with intelligent operator workstations, thereby eliminating proprietary cabling, making TDI the least complex of any gauging system.

While each device manages its process area, the operator workstation is used as a simple browser to pull product data from the appropriate iSensor or iFrame, which is then displayed on a high-resolution monitor via touchscreen or mouse.

If the workstation PC fails, any PC or computer that can support the Java runtime environment can be substituted, making replacement easy and fast.

The entire family of NDC sensors including beta, gamma, IR, laser and X-ray are supported as iSensors.

The NDC MiniTrak single-sided and O-frame scanners as well as the high performance AccuTrak scanner are supported as iFrames.

In addition, all NDC legacy systems can be upgraded to take advantage of TDI's simplicity and speed.

Hector Marchand, VP of Marketing states: "With TDI, we've made a commitment to making measurement and control systems easier".

"Installation is easier, because we've dramatically simplified device connections".

"Because of the design and execution of our iSensors, calibration is easier".

"Because of our well-designed user interface, system operation is easier".

"The ability to independently manage and view intelligent sensors and scanners makes troubleshooting easier".

"And because the workstation software is truly portable, we've simplified maintenance while insuring a speedy path for recovery if a PC fails".

"Best of all, the critical system components share one common spare part - the D-Bric, which is easily customised to the specific measurement or control task".

This new TDI platform is the foundation for the updated versions of NDC's 8000 and Pro.Net systems, which are now known as 8000 TDI and Pro.Net TDI, respectively.

Both systems will be on exhibit at the NPE Show in Chicago from 19th to 23rd June (Booth 5461), and will be available for shipment shortly after the completion of the show.