digital tools and references
Alarm Logs

Capability: LogMate is an alarm-management program that can replace a control system's logging printer with a personal computer for mission-critical archiving of alarms, messages, and events. The software instantly stores data in an object-oriented database that can be monitored or queried in real time from anywhere on a computer network.

LogMate's point-and-click SQL query builder allows users to quickly and easily sort alarms to diagnose problems, identify patterns, and search for specific alarms. The software also allows access from compatible applications to its Paradox database. Through copy-and-paste operations, users can export data to a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, for reporting, graph generation, and detailed evaluation.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in DOS or Windows 3.1; Digital Equipment Corp. VAX or Alpha platform operating in VAX or Open VMS

Developer: TiPS Inc., 2402 Williams Dr., Georgetown, TX 78628; (800) 242-8477; fax (512) 863-5392; www.tipsweb.com

Cost: Depends on system and hardware configuration.

Magnetic Component Design Capability: Part of Ansoft's Maxwell Designer series, PEmag helps engineers evaluate the physical design of inductors and transformers (for use in converters and power supplies) and winding strategies to compensate for parasitic effects on the waveforms of the design. The program accounts for the frequency effects of magnetic components on waveforms in devices used in high-frequency power supplies and power amplifiers. The effects of winding strategy, skin, proximity, end effect, conductor type, material, and core shape are included to ensure fast, efficient, and accurate product designs.

With PEmag, users can solve problems without having to learn or interact with the finite-element process. The user is required only to define standard design parameters within the user interface. A comprehensive database of standard cores and wire sizes to make parameter specifications easy is included. The resulting model includes geometry and frequency effects; it is also ready for short- and open-circuit testing and for use in the electrical layout.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows 95 or Windows NT

Developer: Ansoft Corp., Four Station Sq., Ste. 660, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1119; (412) 261-3200, ext. 158; fax (412) 471-9427; diorio@ansoft.com

Cost: $12,900, complete suite; $4,900 for current Maxwell customers
CAD Viewer Drafting Apprentice provides access to computer-aided-design system files for purposes of markup and review. No drawing conversion is required; moreover, users can gain access to native drawing data, ensuring efficient distribution and maintaining data integrity. The application currently supports drawing files created in I-DEAS Master Series and Artisan CAD software from Structural Dynamics Research Corp. in Milford, Ohio.

Designed for use by both technical and nontechnical users, Drafting Apprentice provides access to a complete set of document-manipulation and review functions. Drawing review uses standard conventions for pan, zoom, and view orientations. Users can also control drawing layer visibility as well as on-screen colors of the drawing environment.

In addition to drawing manipulation, users have access to all of the entity and attribute information on the drawing. An advanced query mechanism provides access to detailed information about each of the entities on the drawing. Review features include entity information, the ability to measure entities (angles, lines, radii, and diameters), layering control, and entity visualization options. These features enhance the drawing distribution process.

Drawing review information and change notations can be added using the program's standard text and markup capabilities. Geometric features provide the ability to add graphic notations, highlight areas of interest, and mark up a drawing. Provisions have been made for annotating drawings with lines, circles, boxes, and text.

Multi-user redlining is supported and includes the use of markup colors, names, and layers for each reviewer. During the review process, users have the ability to cycle through the various redlines to examine both graphic and nongraphic information. (Nongraphic features include information on the reviewer, review date, and additional comments.)

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows 95 or later or Windows NT

Developer: CAD Centric Systems Inc., 6543 Jayfield, Cincinnati, OH 45011; (513) 887-2006; fax (513) 887-2577; e-mail info@cadcentric.com; www.cadcentric.com

Cost: $179, single copy
Technical Graphs Capability: Origin Professional 5.0 is a Windows-based data-analysis and technical-graphics software package that enables users to create custom two- and three-dimensional and contour graphs. Data-analysis features include nonlinear curve fitting.

With Origin Professional, users create their own controls and floating tools that perform user-specified tasks. A floating toolbar provides click-and-drag access for creating interactive controls and display objects. Users can place these objects on any of their projects' child windows. Objects can then be programmed to perform desired actions. Such objects include drop-down lists, combo boxes, radio buttons, and editable status objects. To program the objects, Origin includes a built-in programming language called LabTalk.With LabTalk programming, users can read and write any ASCII or binary file when using the program. Destinations or sources for data can include worksheet columns, worksheet rows, and LabTalk variables. Import and export routines can be accessed by creating a control object on a child window.

To develop and use dynamic link libraries (DLLs) to expand Origin's feature set, users can extend the LabTalk command set with an external DLL. For example, engineers can use an external DLL as a fitting function.

Hardware: IBM-compatible 486 or higher PC with 8 megabytes of memory (16 megabytes are recommended) and 7 megabytes of free hard-disk space, operating in Windows 95 or Windows NT

Developer: Microcal Software Inc., One Roundhouse Plaza, Northampton, MA 01060; (413) 586-2013; fax (413) 586-0126; www.microcal.com

Cost: $895
Inertia Calculations Capability: Designers, engineers, and others who work with power-transmission and motion-control devices can download a catalog of component selection and inertia calculation software from the Warner Electric/Dana World Wide Web site at www.warnernet.com. The software can be used to apply and select linear actuators, wrap-spring clutches and brakes, stepper and servomotors, and AC and DC drives. The Windows-based programs, available as DXF files, enable designers to incorporate a blueprint from Warner Electric directly into their computer-aided-design files, eliminating the need to create drawings from scratch.

The application-driven software for sizing and selecting components reduces the time and effort required to accurately select wrap-spring clutches and brakes, as well as linear motion-control devices. By entering application-specific input parameters in various common units of measurement, the designer is guided through product offerings until a solution emerges. During the selection phase, the program supplies complete dimensioned drawings of each product and calculates the system inertia as well as the required drive selection. Once the optimal product is selected, the program prints an application data sheet for the designer's reference.

The inertia calculator enables designers to calculate the inertia of individual system components quickly and easily. The program uses physical dimensions supplied by the designer and accepts a variety of physical data for each parameter. Designers can lay out an entire system by dragging and dropping icons representing up to eight system components in series. Once the calculation is complete, the program prints out an application data sheet. Users can make and save notes for future reference and select different systems of measurement.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows

Developer: Warner Electric, 449 Gardner St., S. Beloit, IL 61080; (815) 389-3771; fax (815) 389-2582; www.warnernet.com

Cost: Free

Online Handbook Capability: Desktop Engineer is a Windows-based program that provides answers to more than 5,000 structural and mechanical engineering problems covered in over 100 reference manuals. For example, the software provides the ability to calculate section nominal properties for any two-dimensional, thin-walled cross section consisting of an open cell, a closed cell, a single cell, or multiple cells.

Users operate the program by searching to find a section that applies to the task at hand, selecting a series of formulas, generating equations, and solving them with a calculator. Engineers enter required parameters in response to parameters, with input automatically verified by the program. The software then generates a document for the solution that shows all the intermediate calculations.

More than 50 modules are grouped into categories, including geometric, static, dynamic, and buckling analysis. Information in these categories can be used to analyze structures, including straight and curved beams, cables, circular arches, circular rings, columns, discrete systems, disks, foundations, frames, grillages, helical springs, plates, shafts, shells, and solids. An optional thin-walled sections module calculates over 30 nominal section properties, including 12 torsional properties, for arbitrary thin-walled sections. A material-property database and unit-conversion utility come with the program.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC operating in Windows 3.11, Windows 95, or Windows NT

Developer: Desktop Engineering International Inc., 1200 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430; (800) 888-8680; fax (201) 818-9707

Cost: $950, single-use edition; $1,425 for a network version with one concurrent user. A Unix version is also available.


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