Cypress Systems Introduces Non-Invasive Gauge Reading Solutions to Cut Costs and Increase Efficiency in Manufacturing Plants

Easy-to-Install Wireless System Automates Reading of Manual Dial Gauges
For Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical and Other Plants

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Cypress Systems Corp., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY), today introduced non-invasive wireless gauge reading solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiency in manufacturing and processing plants. Many older plants have hundreds of manual dial gauges which measure pressure, temperature, flow or other parameters.

The patent-pending Wireless Gauge Reader simply clips on to the front face of an existing gauge in minutes at less than half the cost of alternative systems. It does not require removing old gauges, breaking pressure seals, performing leak checks, running wires or interrupting the underlying process. The devices transmit readings wirelessly to the Cypress Systems Receiver/Server, which provides real-time graphing and alerts and can also interface with existing automation systems via OPC, SECS/GEM, or BACNet protocols. The solution is targeted at legacy production plants such as those for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverages and more.

Cypress Systems’ wireless gauge reading solutions address an untapped class of applications that currently require workers to regularly spend time monitoring non-mission critical processes. They automate the gauge reading process, and as a result deliver savings in labor, reduced downtime, and lower consumable use. The systems provide stand-alone software to define and send early warning alarms to pagers or cell phones in the event of excursions, or may seamlessly integrate with existing automation operator stations. This non-invasive approach avoids expensive downtime and the risk of malfunctions when systems are brought back on line.

“This is a no-brainer way to save money,” said Dan Hutcheson, CEO of VLSI Research.

Typically, in older manufacturing plants, key gauges are read manually multiple times a day, which requires valuable time from skilled technicians. System malfunctions may not be detected for hours, leading to unplanned downtime and production flaws. Additionally, manual monitoring of consumables such as gases and liquids makes it difficult to accurately track and optimize resource usage, resulting in unnecessary expense.

“Our wireless gauge reading systems have been very well received in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, waste water and other industries,” said Harry Sim, CEO of Cypress Systems. “In many cases, customers tell us their purchase paid for itself in six months or less. With the growing focus on conserving energy and water as part of green manufacturing, we are currently working to apply this technology to reduce consumption, and we are also developing next-generation products that will expand our customer base even further.”

Cypress Systems’ Wireless Gauge Reader uses robust 2.4-GHz signals to transmit data with a range up to 300m. It enables data logging for trend analysis, notification, or statistical process control, and has battery life of two to three years under typical sampling rates. Its built-in database stores up to three years of data in typical applications. Its web server allows simple browser access to data from any LAN connected PC, and the device also allows two-way text messaging for sending notification messages as well as on-demand data requests from mobile handsets and PDAs. Open protocol interfaces enable connection to existing automation systems such as those from Siemens, Emerson, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Wonderware, Brookside, Triant and others.

Cypress Systems employs semiconductor solutions from Cypress Semiconductor Corp. in its products, including the 2.4-GHz wireless radios and PSoC® programmable systems-on-chip to interpret and process the signals.

Availability
The new Wireless Gauge Readers and Blue Box Receiver and Server are available today from Cypress Systems. A Wireless Transducer Reader is also available. For detailed product information and to contact the company, interested parties can visit www.cypress.com/systems.