Thursday 20 December 2018

Switches to networks.

.steute Schaltgeräte GmbH & Co. KG now has a new company name: steute Technologies GmbH & Co. KG. This marks their advancement from a manufacturer of switchgear to a provider of sensor networks and intelligent MMI solutions for complex applications in the industrial and medical fields.

In practice, this step was taken some time ago. Managing Director Marc Stanesby: "We have increasingly been developing system solutions for our customers, such as wireless intralogistics networks for E-Kanban systems or network-compatible controls for medical equipment in the OR. Now we are simply driving this process further."

The established core business, namely the development and production of high-quality switchgear and sensors, will of course continue at steute. However, the products developed by the four steute business units Automation, Extreme, Meditec and Wireless are now frequently components within complete technology platforms, for example the control of production processes, as well as the operation of machines or medical devices. These platforms are also developed and produced by steute. The new company name steute Technologies will make this change in our business model transparent.

#steute #PAuto #MMI

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Distributor Award.

ZF manufacturer of electromechanical switch and sensor solutions for the industrial market sector, has again been given recognition for the quality of support and collaboration with their Distribution network by SPDEI.

ZF topped the Electromechanical category for Distributor support, and with it being voted for by the Distributors themselves, the award is of particular significance.

SPDEI (Professional Union of Industrial Electronics Distribution) is the French Association set up to promote the development of the profession in economic, technical and regulatory areas. Electromechanical Components is one out of 9 product categories voted on, others included passives, connectors, and wireless.

This was the 23rd year of the awards and the presentation of the 2018 SPDEI trophies took place at the Automobile Club de France (Paris), under the leadership of Pascal Fernandez, the President of the Union.

 @cherryswitches #PAuto @SPDEI1

Ethernet switches for imaging.

Harting has developed a new Ethernet switch that enables the implementation of individually tailored plug & play network solutions for data-intensive applications.

Imaging processes have become ever more important in all industry segments. From quality inspection within a production facility to road traffic identification, image processing supports the frictionless progress of daily businesses. However, while the quality of images has increasing significantly in recent years, the capability of network devices for industrial environments has grown rather more slowly.

Their new Ha-VIS eCon unmanaged 16-port gigabit switch addresses this challenge by offering the necessary performance to cover the demands of processing several high-quality images and streams in parallel throughout the network.

Because of their volatile nature, live imaging or streaming processes are performed without network reliability mechanisms. The reason is that images and data streams must be transferred to the receiver without delay, or the transfer makes no sense at all. To secure the correct delivery of large data streams, the Ha-VIS eCon 3160GX-A-A switch supports Jumbo Frames. These are Ethernet frames which improve performance on local networks by making data transmissions more efficient.

The Harting Ha-VIS eCon is also equipped with an optimised architecture, guaranteeing the availability of hardware resources and offering uncompromising performance.

@HARTING  #PAuto 

Low-cost connection to powerful Industrie 4.0.

IO-Link was originally developed in order to provide easy standardized wiring of intelligent, complex sensors and actuators using a simple three-core sensor cable. As the issues surrounding Industry 4.0 grew more specific, it quickly became clear that IO-Link is the key in implementing powerful Industry 4.0 concepts, since a wide variety of field information is required from production plants.

Besides the control of automated production and device configuration, this information is increasingly needed for remote maintenance, asset management, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and data analytics in order to optimize production and make it more flexible. These tasks are based on open sensor-to-cloud communication. Having completed IO-Link’s safety and wireless technological features, the IO-Link Community undertook this new challenge and – in cooperation with the OPC Foundation – began working on a companion specification, “OPC UA for IO-Link.” The decision in favor of OPC UA was the result of the widely accepted standardized semantic description of the data to be transmitted as well as its relation to the “language” of automation.

In an initial step, main application cases were defined in an IO-Link working group that represented over 20 companies. This formed the basis for drafting the companion specification, in cooperation with experts from OPC UA. The contents were derived from the OPC Foundation specification “OPC UA Device Interface,” which contains the generic model of a field device. The underlying architectural model guarantees conformity with all other field devices that are based on OPC UA.

This companion specification passed a review by the IO-Link Community and the OPC Foundation; the final version V1.0 was then drawn up and adopted.

An IO-Link Community working group then began the task of defining the JSON data-interchange format for IO-Link; defining this internationally recognized data format would allow for configuration tools to be connected independent of manufacturer and for lean sensor-to-cloud applications to be implemented.

#IOLink @OPCFoundation #PAuto @ProfibusUK

Replacement oxygen sensor selector tool.

Analytical Industries Inc’s new online replacement oxygen sensor selector tool has been updated with a wider range of industrial electrochemical oxygen sensors. The company’s electrochemical oxygen sensors are renowned for their quality and performance, offering excellent accuracy and stability.
They are used by customers around the world to monitor safety, ensure quality and save energy in a host of industrial processes.

As well as providing sensors for their own range of industrial oxygen analyzers, Analytical Industries also produces replacement oxygen sensors for oxygen instrumentation from other manufacturers – such as AMI, Teledyne and GE.

This replacement industrial oxygen sensors selector tool makes it easy to find the correct sensor for analysers, searching either by manufacturer or model number. After selecting the correct sensor model and placing the order, replacement sensors are delivered in days.

@AII_GasAnalysis #Pauto

MES support in France, Belgium and Switzerland.

Pharma and biotech manufacturers in France, Belgium and Switzerland are to benefit from a promising partnership using Werum’s PAS-X MES to optimize their manufacturing. To further expand the PAS-X Service Partner network of Werum IT Solutions, supplier of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for Pharma & Biotech and the French-based company SPC Consultants signed a mutual agreement to offer extensive MBR services.

Marc Meyer, MD Werum IT Solutions France,
and Thierry Lacombe, CEO SPC Group
SPC Consultants is specialized in supporting French pharma and biotech manufacturers in project management, validation of computerized systems and their maintenance. As a PAS-X Endorsed Service Partner, SPC Consultants will provide support to Werum customers in France, Belgium and Switzerland in the field of MBR design, support and verification. The partnership will be extended mid-term to additional activities.

“With the increase of our business on the French market we extend our local services capacity accordingly. The partnership with SPC Consultants gives us this opportunity. They are already well-known by our customers and recognized for their high quality of work. I’m convinced that this is a win-win-win situation for our pharma and biotech customers, for SPC Consultants and for Werum IT Solutions”, says Marc Meyer, Managing Director at Werum IT Solutions France.

Thierry Lacombe, CEO of the SPC Group, adds: “As independent player of the MES market in France, SPC Group is eager to collaborate with the main MES vendors. Our strong and historical positioning within the pharmaceutical sector has naturally led us to build a non-exclusive partnership with Werum IT Solutions, whose solution is clearly a reference for the sector.”

PAS-X Endorsed Service Partners meet all requirements of Werum's PAS-X Service Partner Program. The main objective is to offer the same quality and competence of services to Werum customers all over the world – through reliable, experienced and certified partners. The Service Partners need to have comprehensive PAS-X knowledge, participate at PAS-X trainings on a regular basis, possess experience in the regulated industry and use a quality management system. The certification has to be renewed on a regular basis.
@Werum #PAuto #Pharma #France  #Belgium #Switzerland

Monday 17 December 2018

SAR Testing.

PCTEST Engineering Laboratory will conduct SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing of 5G devices using Anritsu’s Communication Test System MT8000A. The MT8000A will be used in PCTEST’s Columbia, (MD USA), and San Jose, (CA USA) laboratories to emulate a 5G New Radio (NR) radio access network, providing mobile operators and device makers with an efficient means to conduct SAR testing, which is critical due to the imminent rollout of 5G NR technology by operators worldwide.

SAR testing measures the electromagnetic energy absorbed by a body when a wireless device is transmitting in proximity to an end user. SAR testing with the MT8000A will accurately measure the device to evaluate that it is operating within the established maximum RF exposure limits mandated by regulatory bodies.

5G NR devices will be designed in a variety of form factors and power classes that will have different maximum transmitting power limits. The Anritsu MT8000A test system provides reliable 5G NR call connection with the transmitting device over a wide range of frequencies, including FR1 (Sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave), to enable accurate, reliable, and stable near-field Power Density and SAR measurements.

“PCTEST is proud to partner with Anritsu for 5G NR in regulatory compliance testing,” said Randy Ortanez, President of PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, Inc. “We are very pleased to utilise Anritsu test equipment and look forward to working with Anritsu in 5G NR testing.”

“Anritsu is pleased to work with PCTEST to support the industry’s 5G NR regulatory compliance test needs,” said Paul Innis, Vice President and General Manager of Anritsu Company. “PCTEST recognizes that Anritsu is a leader in developing test solutions with leading-edge features to address the verification requirements associated with new wireless technology deployment. Anritsu will continue to introduce a wide range of test solutions as part of our commitment to meet the needs of the wireless device and infrastructure ecosystems.”


@Anritsu #Radiation #PCTEST #Safety

Biologics project recognised.

A project which has made a significant contribution to the advancement of industry in Ireland through the use of Automation Technology.

The Award-winning Team at BMS Ireland
Back in November 2014 BMS Ireland announced plans to construct a new $1 Billion (€0.88b) state-of-the-art, multi-product Biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath (IRL).  The primary challenge was to meet the business need and complete the project and start up product qualification batches in Q4 2018.

Key to supporting the start-up of the BMS Cruiserath facility was the delivery of a complex IT and Automation architecture’s. Delivery of this architecture involved a number of innovative approaches to technology.

A temporary mobile data centre was used to take the IT Infrastructure server and network build and test off the project critical path.

During skid vendor FAT’s, which were held all over the world, a cloud based Process Automation system was used which allowed devices to be manipulated saving FAT set-up and execution time. MES and Process Automation recipes are generic and make extensive use of formulas and parameters enabling a flexible multi-product facility.

Process Automation software was designed, built and tested at the system integrator with BMS oversight allowing the FAT’d software to be leveraged significantly reducing the CQV time at site. There has been extensive use of data analytic tools to monitor the process such as the HETP tool for ensuring that the chromatography columns are correctly packed and multivariate monitoring tools to monitor bioreactor performance.

The project has been a resounding success, since the start of October 2018 immuno- oncology drug substance is now being produced for patients. The plant was designed, built, commissioned, qualified and put into production in three years which is among the best in the world for a plant of this size.
Finally and most importantly this delivery could not have been achieved without a highly committed, competent and passionate IT and Automation team which at peak grew to almost 200 team members.

This project was selected by the Ireland Section of the International Society of Automation for their Innovation Project Award presented at the annual Honours & Awards ceremony in historic University College Cork earlier this month (December 2018).

@bmsnews #PAuto #Pharma @IrelandISA

Friday 14 December 2018

Analytical transmitter.

The Liquiline compact CM82 transmitter has been announced by Endress + Hauser.

This transmitter accepts pH, ORP, pH/ORP, conductivity, oxygen and chlorine sensor signals from their Memosens® sensor platform. Its housing measures only 11 cm long and 2 cm wide, so even combined with the sensor, it fits into almost every assembly. Although small, it is a fully developed multiparameter transmitter, with access available via 4-20mA HART, or Bluetooth from any iOS or Android device.

Connectable to the CM82 are pH, ORP, pH/ORP, conductivity, oxygen and chlorine sensors with the blue Memosens inductively-coupled plug-in head. The Memosens technology ensures 100% reliable data transmission, with true plug-and-play and pre-calibrated sensors.

When a CM82 measuring point is configured, all settings are saved in the compact CM82 transmitter. In the case of a sensor exchange, the transmitter - and thus the measuring point configuration – can remain in place, with reconfiguration not necessary. In addition, the CM82 reads all sensor and calibration data stored in the head of a Memosens sensor. As a result, the sensor is automatically detected within seconds, and the measurement is immediately ready for use after a sensor change.

As a loop-powered two-wire device, the CM82 can be connected directly to a control component, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), which also serves as the power supply, thus eliminating the need for a power cable. A cable for the sensor connection is also not necessary because the sensor plugs directly into the transmitter. The measuring point’s required space and wiring effort are thus minimal.

As with all other Endress+Hauser Bluetooth devices, the Liquiline compact CM82 can be operated and configured via the free SmartBlue app, which is available on Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Using the app, users can see all the measuring points on their tablet or smartphone. Special attention was paid to security: The Bluetooth connection is protected with the same technology that guards identity cards against unauthorized access by third parties. This high security level was confirmed by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security (AISEC).

@Endress_Hauser  #PAuto @Endress_US 

Thursday 13 December 2018

DIN-Rail power supply.

PULS Power has announced the availability of the PIC480.241C single phase input 24V, 20A output power supply. An extension of the market-leading PIANO-Series this cost-oriented power supply is just 49mm wide freeing-up maximum rail space for functional system modules.

Marco van der Linden, Country Manager in Britain for PULS comments, “DIN-Rail power supplies offer system designers and installers’ uncomplicated assembly of panels and control cabinets. Our Piano range provide simple, reliable, compact and cost-effective system power solutions. They offer many advantages over chassis mounted types including ease of installation, the ability to upgrade in the event of a system change and simplicity of installation and maintenance.”

This unit offers high efficiency, up to 95.7% at 230V at full load, and extreme reliability with an MTBF of 482.000h, to IEC 61709, at 40°C. The mechanically robust housing is made of a high-grade shock-resistant polycarbonate reinforced molded material, which permits the units to be used in ambient temperatures up to +70°C. The PIC480.241C delivers full power over the temperature range of -10°C to +55°C and features a 3-year warranty.

The PIC480.241C features input transient protection, output over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection (output shut-down with automatic restart) and electronic output protection against overload, no-load and short-circuits.

As most typical industrial applications do not require multiple mains input voltages, the implementation of a regional input voltage range (200-240VAC) simplifies the circuitry and has significant advantages for reliability, efficiency and cost.

The addition of a DC-OK signal, with optional isolated contacts, makes the unit suitable for many industrial applications including: instrumentation, process, automation and other critical applications where preventive function monitoring can help to avoid long downtimes or damage.

@PULSPowerSupply #PAuto 

Reliable navigation of AGVs.

With its RSL 400 safety laser scanner with measurement value output, Leuze electronic is setting new standards in the reliable navigation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

This safety laser scanner with detailed measurement value output for AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) navigation is the result of many years of experience in the development of safety technology.

This compact device from the optical sensor system manufacturer Leuze electronic is a safe scanner that combines safety technology and qualitatively superior measurement value output in a single device. This enables reliable safeguarding and navigation of AGVs.
Measurement value output is optimized to navigation software that functions according to the principle of natural navigation with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Due to its high angular resolution of 0.1 degrees, the RSL 400 offers extremely detailed scanning of the environment across the entire measurement range of up to 50m. This is achieved through a particularly narrow laser spot that maintains its perpendicular shape over the entire scanning angle.

The distance values have a high accuracy and are not influenced by the reflectance of the object. The additional output of the received signal strength value for each beam allows autonomous detection of reflectors by the navigation software. When beams strike a reflector, the values differ greatly from any other environment, which makes simple and reliable detection possible. With up to 100 switchable field pairs, the RSL 400 offers optimum adaptation of the protective fields – even in cases where there are many different movement and loading conditions.

Parallel monitoring of multiple protective fields enables safe and reliable reduction of the speed of AGVs. These new functions are also available as a device model with PROFINET/PROFIsafe interface, thereby making integration extremely easy.

@Leuzeelectronic #Transport 

Valves for LNG industry.

Emerson has announced that it has acquired Advanced Engineering Valves (A.E. Valves). The transaction will enable them to provide their customers with the world’s broadest portfolio of valves to improve process performance and reliability. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A.E. Valves a Belgian company, and has a nearly 10-year track record as a valve manufacturer at the leading edge of innovation. Its breakthrough ball valve design creates a step change in safety, environmental and performance outcomes for the LNG industry, as well as oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical customers.

A.E. Valves Extends Emerson's Final Control Portfolio in Key End Markets
“Adding A.E. Valves makes Emerson’s value to customers along the entire global LNG value chain even more compelling as a single, accountable partner for all of their valve needs,” said Lal Karsanbhai, executive president of Emerson Automation Solutions. “Our expanded portfolio of leading valve technology will help customers unlock greater capital efficiency and asset productivity as they embark on a wave of investment to meet rising global energy demand.”

The addition of A.E. Valves supports Emerson’s Main Valve Partner™ initiative to be the premier supplier of final control solutions for the LNG industry, and complements its Vanessa triple-offset valve range to create a single technology leader for process isolation in critical cryogenic and severe service applications.

Both companies are focused on innovating to deliver superior technology that helps customers achieve project delivery success and operational excellence in their end markets. A.E. Valves is a leader in torque-seated, friction-free, zero-leakage ball valve technology that drives performance, cost and reliability improvements over traditional ball valves. This technology is a strong complement to Emerson’s portfolio of solutions that help customers achieve Top Quartile performance.

“A.E. Valves is a natural addition for Emerson and shares the same commitment to developing value-creating solutions for our customers’ most challenging process applications,” said Ram Krishnan, group president of Emerson’s Final Control business. “This acquisition represents another important investment that builds on our final control technology portfolio to help customers unlock greater profitability and productivity in their businesses.”


@EMR_Automation  #PAuto @HHC_Lewis 

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Obsolete PSUs?

Powerstax offers users of legacy equipment and those involved with repair or refurbishment of critical or capital systems form-fit-and-function replacement power supplies incorporating the latest technology and providing major increases in reliability and efficiency.

Chief Executive Officer of Powerstax, Tim Worley comments “We have many years’ experience of manufacturing custom and added value power conversion products. Offering this expertise to users of legacy systems by providing form-fit-and-function replacement power supplies ensures critical and capital equipment can continue in service for many more years improving ROI and avoiding unnecessary replacement costs.”

A recent example involved the recommissioning of an ion implant system used in semiconductor device fabrication. Replacing the over 20-year-old power supplies without the need to modify the system chassis or control systems required a custom designed power supply.

The replacement product supplied made use of a modern high efficiency AC-DC “brick” module with an additional current limit circuit and an external output voltage adjustment circuit via a 10-turn potentiometer fitted to the front plate to allow it to function exactly as the original power supply. The new power supply has a 90-253 VAC universal input allowing the original input voltage select link to be removed and provides an output of 48VDC @ 7.5A.

@PowerstaxLtd #PAuto

Scanning assembly!

The Ricoh SC-10 camera inspection system is designed to both provide assembly instructions to operators and verify each step has been completed correctly. The simple, self-contained camera system is having a major impact in many different manufacturing environments in Japan is now available in Europe through Stemmer Imaging.


Typical functionality includes:
• Checking the presence of the correct number of parts necessary for assembly
• Checking the arrangement of similar parts
• Checking whether work is progressing according to work instructions displayed on the monitor
• Checking for missing parts on mounted assemblies
• Checking all of the assembled products/parts for mistakes in installation
• Visual checking to eliminate human error, saving labour rework costs
• Confirm whether packed items of the product are bundled according to the instructions
A set of work instructions are loaded into the camera and displayed on a monitor while the camera scans the work piece. The human operator follows the on-screen assembly instructions and after every action the system compares the result to the correct stored image before the next step can be taken. This reduces errors, helps operators learn new tasks and provides a digital audit trail of all operations.

The RICOH SC - 10 series automatically checks the assembly status and identifies incorrect or missing items by using either pattern matching, colour verification or identifying the presence of textures. In addition, when used in conjunction with a Barcode scanner it can record the part number and select the job instruction set, record the serial number and user ID. Each step completed is recorded in a CSV file including the time spent and an optional image of the inspection can be saved. This means that it can be used for assembly work analysis and traceability.

The camera features in-built software, which can be set up with a directly attached mouse and keyboard via USB. An HDMI monitor can be connected to display the assembly instructions and inspection state. No PC is required. Job configuration and instruction along with the inspection audit report can be stored either on the inbuilt SD card or on a network storage location via the inbuilt Ethernet port.

The Ricoh SC-10 is available in a standard and high magnification versions. The addition of the high magnification lens allows smaller parts to be inspected, for example on PCBs, and the inspection of a wider field of view.

 @stemmerimaging #Europe #PAuto

Still nobody knows!

When the results of the referendum were announced in 2016 the implications were not apparant, to anybody, least of all to those who sought to disentangle the British state from the European Union.

Forty three years of constructive involvement in the development of this unique entity were to be cast aside. It seemed simple enough but as things progressed it seemed less and less easy to see how this could be done in an orderly fashion. How would standards developed under the auspices of the Union fare as they are developed and improved after Britain leaves with British involvement peripheral at best.

We watch aghast at the happenings in the British parliament and the lack of disciplined compromise which is arguable the great strength of true democracy. Ruefully may we recall that this has been styled the Mother of Parliaments.

We feel ruefully that the words of Mr Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission (Administration of the EU), which we noted in the Summer/Autumn 2016 issue of Read-out are still unfortunately relevant and true. "I thought they had a plan!"

It is indeed disheartening that we still have no idea what is going to happen. There are three possibilities.

  1. The agreement hammered out between the British Government and the other twenty seven members of the union.
  2. No agreement - and Britain falls out of European Union.
  3. Withdrawal from the decision to leave (Paragraph 50).

Those choices must be made by 28th March 2019.

Uncertainty follows all of these uncertain choices.

#Brexit

Tuesday 11 December 2018

Guides to Circuit Board Hardware.

Essentra Components have produced two new guides for electronics design and production engineers to assist in the selection and use of PCB hardware components. By sharing their expertise in component technologies Essentra Components short-cut the search process and save time in the development cycle.

Their application guide to “Circuit Board Hardware” covers the use of spacers, component mounts, PCB supports, card guides, insulators and standoffs for applications such as consumer electronics, electrical cabinets, white goods and office machinery. Hex spacers, LED mounts and reverse mounted board supports are especially relevant to the consumer electronics arena, while supports, card guides and spacers are favourites for electrical cabinets. White goods and office equipment components are illustrated with a touch control spacer, a blind hole circuit board support and a metric low voltage insulator, as well as a hex threaded standoff ideal for these applications.

Coupled with this comes the Essentra Components “Buyers Guide to Circuit Board Hardware” which covers an introduction to the broad sweep of spacers, standoffs, supports, card guides and LED hardware available on the market that cater to a variety of type, feature, material, specification and suitability requirements.

The guides also address what to think about when considering PCB substrate and space limitations –the relative merits of plastic and metal, followed by considerations on the many types of mounting styles.

#Pauto @kelvindale_caps

Humidity & moisture transmitters.

The high-end EE310 and EE360 industrial transmitters from E+E Elektronik are now available with stainless steel or with polycarbonate enclosure. The EE310 humidity and temperature transmitter is dedicated for demanding industrial processes control. The EE360 measures the moisture content of industrial oils and thus enables predictive maintenance of machines and plants.

Both devices feature an optional 3.5" TFT color display, which offers an optimal view of the measured values and facilitates the commissioning and configuration. The built-in data logger can save 20,000 values per measurand. The recorded data can be displayed as a graph directly on the display or downloaded via USB interface for further analysis.

The measured data is available on two analogue outputs and on the optional digital interface (RS485 with Modbus RTU or Ethernet with Modbus TCP). An optional relay module can be used for alarms and process control.

The enclosure design facilitates installation and maintenance. The front cover, which accommodates the electronics and the probe, can be replaced within seconds, while the wiring inside the back cover remains intact.

The EE310 measures relative humidity and temperature in the range -40 °C…180 °C ( 40...356 °F) and calculates further physical quantities such as dew point temperature, absolute humidity or mixing ratio. The transmitter is available for duct or wall mount, as well as with remote probes.

The EE360 measures water activity and temperature and calculates the absolute water content of transformer, lubrication and hydraulic oil, as well as of diesel fuel. The sensing probe can be employed up to 180 °C (356 °F) and 20 bar (290 psi). The ISO or NPT slide fitting and the optional ball valve facilitate the installation.

• E+E products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology Ltd.

#EplusE #PAuto 

Creates 3D data really quickly!

The Ensenso XR stereo camera from IDS can calculate 3D point clouds itself. Afterwards, it transmits the data via Gigabit Ethernet or WiFi to a host PC for further analysis. The advantages of the new camera series include, for example, significantly faster 3D data generation and reduced load on bandwidth and connected PCs.

Models of the Ensenso N and X series make use of an industrial computer to calculate 3D point clouds. Since Ensenso XR cameras can handle the calculations themselves and transmit only the results, 3D data can be generated twice as fast, depending on the parameterization. Another advantage of the new camera series is that if data is transmitted via WiFi, only one cable (for power supply) needs to be connected to the camera. This is an advantage, for example, if the camera is installed on a robot arm.

"Ensenso XR inherits the modular concept and precise detail capture of the X series and provides new scope through the fast capture of 3D point clouds, from which many applications will benefit," explains Dr. Martin Hennemann, Product Manager Ensenso at IDS.

The model presented at the trade show is similar in terms of field of view and resolution to the Ensenso X series with 1.3 MP sensors and can precisely detect both entire pallets and small objects. For the detection of a packed Euro pallet measuring 120 cm × 80 cm × 100 cm, the Z accuracy was just under 1 mm at a camera distance of approximately two metres. For the start of the Ensenso XR series in spring 2019, two variants with uEye CP and uEye FA industrial cameras (protection code IP65/67) with 1.6 MP and 5 MP sensors are planned.

@IDS_Imaging #PAuto

Contactless detection.

Omron Electronics Components Europe is addressing the growing demand for contactless position and presence detection in industrial machinery, office automation and similar applications with the launch of a new range of exceptionally compact surface mount photo-microsensors.

The new Omron EE-SX3173 and EE-SX4173 are just 13.6 x 14.7 x 8.3mm making them one of the most compact solutions for this application on the market. The devices feature a 5mm slot width and are offered with 5V or 24V DC drive. The 5V DC version is designed for consumer electronics and office equipment. The 24V DC version offers easier integration into heavy duty industrial systems. Both are offered in either dark-ON or light-ON configuration to simplify circuit design. Initially released as board-mount SMD devices, Omron is expecting to release wire-mount connector versions in the near future.

Commenting, Gabriele Fulco, Product Manager Sensors of Omron Electronics Components Europe said, “Demand for sensors is increasing in a context where industrial and office equipment alike features ever higher levels of automation and functionality. Omron has responded with the launch of a very competitive range of photo-microsensors, offering exceptional performance and ease of integration for non-contact presence detection, position detection or motor rotation measurement.”

The EE-SX3173 and EE-SX4173 are securely attached to the PCB using M3 screws. A Zener diode is optionally available to enhance noise immunity. The connectors to the devices are held in place with secure locks to help prevent disengagement during high levels of vibration.

@OmronEurope  #PAuto

Acquisition increases consultancy strength and digital expertise.


Acquisition expands Emerson’s consultancy strength and digital transformation expertise!

iSolutions Inc., a Canadian-based consulting group with expertise designing and implementing data management solutions has been acquired by Emerson. The acquired company provides organisations with decision-support tools to make data-driven production and operational decisions based on the analysis of real-time insights from integrated field and plant systems.

The acquisition will accelerate delivery of Emerson’s new digital transformation roadmap by adding proven skillsets in information technology/operational technology (IT-OT) and application knowledge to help integrate data from the plant floor to business systems.

“We make the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) tangible through our approach focused on business needs and readiness,” said Thomas Waun, general manager for Operational Certainty Consulting at Emerson. “With the addition of iSolutions expertise, Emerson can expedite roadmap implementation and digital transformation deployments across organisations – helping them realise faster return on technology investments and achieve top quartile performance in the areas of safety, reliability, energy consumption and production.”

iSolutions has a proven reputation with North American upstream oil and gas, power and utilities customers for its successful and repeatable methodology that transforms plant data into real-time key performance indicator (KPI) visualisation and business intelligence. In addition, its expertise will strengthen Emerson’s Operational Certainty Consulting organisation with the addition of a data management practice for process, hybrid and discrete businesses.

As part of Emerson, iSolutions will help organisations deploy Emerson’s Plantweb™ digital ecosystem, the industry’s most comprehensive IIoT platform.

“We’re excited to join Emerson and expand the reach of our expertise throughout Emerson’s global organisation,” said Anil Datoo, on behalf of the four founding partners at iSolutions. “Together we can continue to make digital transformation practical, accessible and achievable.”


@iSolutions_Inc #PAuto @EMR_Automation  @HHC_Lewis 

Monday 10 December 2018

French award for innovative instrument.

The leading French technical magazine MESURES awarded Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG a prize for innovation. The award ceremony is the closing event of the annual TECHNOLOGICAL RANKING in Paris, held in the offices of the FIEEC (Federation of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Industries). Grouped in different categories, each of the innovative products was judged based on its technical features.

In 2018, the products nominated were again from well-known companies. In nine different categories, industrial analysis, industrial data processing, control and regulation, etc. prizes were awarded to products which were judged as being particularly innovative.

In the Electrical and Electronic Instruments category, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG won a prize. The product CENTRAX CU3000/5000 was named as worthy of special mention and picked out for the cherished trophy. In his speech of thanks, Sascha Engel, CEO of Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG explained why they had chosen to present this product. Combining the highly-precise measurement of electrical values directly with a PLC maximizes the added-value for the customer in terms of flexibility, efficiency and cost optimisation.

The CENTRAX CU can be installed in decentralised as well as centralised energy automation applications. The measurement part of the instrument is capable of detecting more than 1500 measurement parameters to determine the status of the mains supply, energy consumption and mains quality. In the integrated PLC, this data is directly processed via CODESYS, both logically and algorithmically, without requiring any additional equipment.

External field devices for measuring any other values are no problem for the CENTRAX CU series. The CENTRAX CU ADVANCED, signals are captured using the Modbus Master feature and linked to the PLC environment. In addition the CENTRAX CU PROFESSIONAL is the most impressive version. It not only captures and processes measurement data but also supports user-specific visualisation of the data via a web-based interface. This is displayed either directly on the integrated LCD, or in a web browser on the screen of a PC, tablet or even a smartphone. Also newly available is an IEC61850 interface, so the device can be used for even more applications. As well as classical measurement tasks and performing the related calculations, the CENTRAX CU series can also be used as a summator or a gateway. It is thus a universal device, compliant with defined standards and with a very high degree of utilisation.

• Camille Bauer products are marketed in Ireland by Irish Power & Process

#CamilleBauer #PAuto @irishpwrprocess  

Fire-resistant shelters for chemical plant.

Novel outdoor equipment shelters from Intertec Instrumentation have been chosen to help a leading European chemical manufacturer to upgrade its distributed plant control system.

Constructed using unique composite GRP (glass fibre reinforced polyester) materials, four Intertec shelters will provide advanced fire resistance properties. This attribute will simplify the housing and protection of electronic control and instrumentation equipment at optimised satellite locations within the processing plant.

Additionally, the GRP-based fabrication materials significantly reduces the weight of the shelters compared with traditional metal- or concrete-based constructions. In this application, this weight reduction will allow the plant operator to further optimise the positioning of the control system by mounting three of the shelters at height on steelwork frames.

The shelters offer F60-rated passive fire resistance, providing a barrier to fire spread for 60 minutes. This is achieved by means of a unique composite material that combines GRP sheets with embedded layers of mineral wool.

The shelters provide large interior floor areas up to 55 m2 (5 x 11 m). To help speed this plant upgrade project, Intertec is providing the plant buildings fitted with lighting, a raised floor to accommodate cabling, and ducting for the cooling air with a sophisticated downflow cooling system to protect the electronics equipment.

#Intertec #PAuto @Wordsun_Ltd

Award for components supplier.


Omron Electronic Components Europe has been named Electro-Mechanical Supplier of the Year for the third time by the French association of electronic component distributors, SPDEI (Syndicat Professionel de la distribution en Electronique Industrielle).

The SPDEI, which represents 23 franchised French distributors of electronic components, annually recognises suppliers across the industry for exceptional involvement with distribution, including close business relationships and high standards of design in and logistical support.

Commenting Hafeez Najumudeen, European Distribution Manager at Omron said, “Omron views its distributors as key partners. The SPDEI’s distinguished Electro-Mechanical Supplier of the Year Award is therefore a very significant accolade for us. It is a testament to the very strong and committed two-way relationships we enjoy with our channel in France and in Europe.”

The 23rd Trophées du SPDEI ceremony took place in Paris and was attended by more than 100 industry professionals from component suppliers, distributors and customers.


@OmronEurope  #PAuto

Friday 7 December 2018

Component market forcasts growth though uncertainty reigns!

“Overall result will be flat to plus 2.5% but Brexit can and probably will change everything”.       Nigel Watts, Ismosys.

A Forecast just released by the manufacturers’ authorised distributor (afdec) group within the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn) predicts that the Britain & Ireland electronic component market will grow in the range 3.4%-to-8.5% in 2019, achieving a mid-point of 5.9%. Compiled from individual returns from the association’s member companies the Forecast further revealed that the market is likely to have grown by 9.2% in 2018, and Distribution's share of the TAM (Total Available Market) in Britain will have grown to about 41%, encouraging the consensus opinion that the recovery in the high-tech manufacturing sector of the economy will remain strong and despite the many uncertainties, is likely to outperform the macroeconomic environment.

Aubrey Dunford
Aubrey Dunford, ecsn Market Analyst commenced his presentation of the association's 2019 Forecast by announcing that the UK / Ireland electronic components market results for the current year (2018) will conclude at the higher end of the guidance range provided by the association in December last year. According to Dunford, the market grew strongly throughout 2018 and should show a growth of about 9% over 2017 compared to the forecast, which predicted a growth range of 6.5% to 10.5%: "Every quarter of this year saw sales growth when compared to the same quarter in 2017,”said Dunford. “Growth was not quite as strong as had been expected in the first half of the year but has continued to show stronger than predicted growth in the second half”. The ‘Book to Bill’ ratio remained above unity throughout the first half of 2018 but has softened somewhat in recent months: “The level of billings remained high in the second half, so we must expect that the growth rate will slow a little as we enter 2019, but our members are forecasting a further four quarters of growth at least”.

ecsn/afdec believes that the outlook for 2019 is positive with growth continuing, although the rate of growth might dip especially in the second quarter, but the association expects growth will pick up again during the second half: “The global electronics market is set on an expansion path with automotive systems and new mobile standards such as 5G leading the way, but these will all need a huge investment in infrastructure which is where UK companies can really make a mark”, Dunford said. ecsn/afdec members remain confident that there are opportunities for further growth in 2019, despite numerous factors that simply cannot be predicted with any certainly, not least Brexit and continuing trade wars, even if at present they seem to be abating. He concluded, “whatever the final outcome of our Government’s negotiations with the EU we are certain that UK companies will be preparing to participate fully in that growth”.
DTAM Growth per quarter 2013-2019 incl forecast
Continuing growth
At the end of 2017 ecsn/afdec reported six quarters of ‘quarter-on-same-quarter-the-previous-year’ growth, which at the time was the longest period of sustained growth seen since 2000: “We’ve now achieved ten quarters of continuous growth and are forecasting that we’ll achieve fifteen quarters of growth by the end of 2019, a performance unseen since we started collecting the data way back in 1984”, Dunford observed. The growth period started in early 2016 but really accelerated during 2017 and has continued in each quarter of 2018: “It is now clear that there are a number of factors behind the upswing, among which the upturn in the global electronics markets predominates. The seed change in electronics markets has enabled more competitive pricing of manufactured goods in export markets now that the use of electronic systems has finally come into economic use enabled by the IOT and inexpensive WiFi connections, which together are transforming control systems the world over”.

According to Dunford British companies find themselves in an ideal position to capitalise on the opportunities presented, most of which are within the market sector served by authorised distributors. He acknowledges that this Global growth has also caused lead times to extend on some product lines, especially in the more commodity product areas, which does threaten to limit some of the growth in the first half of 2019, but manufacturers are beginning to expand production: “It is clear that customers who work in close co-operation with authorised distributors are able to meet their production requirements even although overall availability is becoming restricted.”

According to Managing Director Peter Hannon Harting UK saw continued good positive growth in 2018, which he says was underpinned by Projects and new investment in product ranges: “We enter 2019 with a record order book, however we see early signs of softening in the general UK market. Brexit uncertainties will be another factor in determining how 2019 will actually turnout”

Commenting on the 2019 Forecast ecsn / afdec chairman Adam Fletcher welcomed the continued growth in the global economy and the likely consistent growth in the global electronic components market, which he believes will surge as 5G is rolled out: “The trajectory for the electronic components markets continues to be up and to the right and underlying growth has become the new normal but growth will probably not be linear and we must anticipate the odd bump along the way. I’ve been predicting that the growth curve will adopt a hockey-stick shape towards the end of 2019 and into 2020, causing further supply network problems as components manufacturers scramble to keep up with the increased demand”. He believes that growth in the UK, Europe and US will lag behind China and Asia-Pac economies who will be the primary beneficiaries of the 5G roll out and the increased demand for handsets: “I’m confident that UK electronic components markets will continue to grow over the next few years but at a rate lower than the global average rather than at the top of the growth. That said, I fear that we may to be negatively impacted by long lead-times and shortages of some components.” Fletcher added.

Fletcher believes that merger and acquisition activity in the electronic components markets will slow in 2019 but that this will be replaced by increased activity in collaboration, cross-licensing, joint ventures that accelerate market access and strategic investment in order to secure capacity or access to technology: “Manufacturers are desperately filling the gaps in their product portfolios to address the emerging technology needs in high growth markets, including 5G infrastructure, industry 4.0 and automotive, but they continue to be conservative in adding manufacturing capacity to meet demand in these new markets", Fletcher concluded.

Ismosys Managing Director Nigel Watts believes that 2019 will be all about Brexit for the UK: “Will we, won’t we? Uncertainty reigns”. Putting Brexit to one side he fears that the industry may have an uncertain Q1 based on continuing MLCC extended lead times and the tariff threat, although that has subsided somewhat recently. That said, Watts agrees that the underlying trend is up and he expects 2H ‘19 to be strong, recovering any reversals in 1H: “Overall result will be flat to plus 2.5% but Brexit can and probably will change everything”.

#ECSN #PAuto @HARTING_Group #Breatimeacht #Brexit 

Thursday 6 December 2018

Fast communications for rail industry.

Harting has introduced a number of innovative connector solutions and products targeted at the rail industry and focusing on the three key benefits of weight reduction, easy handling and increasing data throughput.

Weight reduction plays an increasingly important role in rail vehicle construction, and connectors can make a measurable contribution here. For trains and trams, the continuous transition from metal to plastic can reduce the weight of connector housings by up to 50% from one generation to the next.

In line with this trend, Harting has extended its Han-Eco® plastic connector series by adding housings in Han B® size which are plug-compatible with Han® connectors in metal housings and offer additional installation flexibility.

Harting offers the largest selection of contact inserts for industrial connectors, with more than 100 different modules and at least as many monoblocks available for the transmission of power, data, signals and compressed air.

The plastic housings are not only lightweight: they can also be mounted quickly. Unlike standard connectors, where cables must be routed through a mounting cut-out in order to assemble the inserts on the control cabinet, the Han-Eco® B monoblocks and modular inserts can be pre-assembled and snapped directly into the mounting housing, easing assembly by allowing harnesses and control cabinets to be prepared separately for final assembly.

By using smaller connectors, including modular types, more functions can be combined in a smaller space. This not only reduces the weight of the connectors, but also their space requirements. This gives users more flexibility when designing rail vehicles and opens up further opportunities to save costs in this area.

As a result, Harting has developed the High Pressure Railway (HPR) housing series, in which more connector modules are fitted into a single housing. One of the largest HPR housings, the Han® 34 HPR, can now accommodate up to four 650 A high-current contacts or 12 Han-Modular® single modules. In the past, two housings each had to be equipped with six Han-Modular® individual modules to supply a comparable data volume.

Another Harting solution that can help to reduce weight in railway applications is the Han® 22 HPR Slim motor connector, which is particularly suitable for underfloor applications due to its compact, flat design. Through miniaturisation, Harting has succeeded in creating space for four contacts in the connector – without sacrificing performance.

Ethernet over Single Twisted Pair
In order to save weight and still be able to handle the same volume of data, Harting’s future rail technology offering will rely on Ethernet via Single Twisted Pair and small T1 connectors according to IEC 61076-3-125. For cable lengths up to 40 m, IEEE 802.3bp (1000 BASE-T1) can transmit 1 Gbit/s, using cable about one-third lighter than conventional 8-wire Ethernet cable. Commercially available Ethernet cable with four wire pairs for 1/10 Gbit/s Ethernet weighs about 45 kg per kilometre. A single-pair cable with the same bandwidth weighs only 30 kg per kilometre. Since several kilometres of cable are installed in the coaches of passenger trains alone, there is considerable potential for saving vehicle weight here.

Harting offers its PushPull connector solutions in order to simplify assembly and service in the railway sector (Easy Handling) and make it more reliable. The M12 circular connector is now also available with PushPull locking. For device connection technology, there is also the easy-to-use PushPull system in the square connector variant 4. Both with M12 and with variant 4, the secure transmission of power, signals and data up to Cat.6A can be managed without problems.

The advantage of PushPull connectors is their tool-free installation, regardless of whether round or square versions are used. They are simply gripped and mated. An audible click signals that the connectors have been securely locked and correctly connected – and thereby saves up to 75% of assembly time.

In trains, IGBT semiconductor elements control high-performance electric drives, which are connected to the required insulation via plastic fibre optic cables. Previously, the connection between controller and driver board was managed using single fibres. The electro-optical conversion of the signals takes place in the transceivers of the printed circuit board where optical contacts make the connection to the fibres. Each optical fibre has a single connector on both the driver and controller boards that house the transceivers. With this previous solution, all transmit and receive elements on the controller board require significant space, and the board is unnecessarily enlarged.

Harting now offers users a miniaturised solution in IGBT control: the Multifibre module, based on a transmission principle that includes the transfer of the transceivers of the controller board into a pluggable module, thereby integrating the optical interface according to the principle of “plug electrically and transmit optically”. In the future, only a robust interface rather than up to sixteen sensitive optical contacts will need to be accessed for maintenance purposes.

#Harting #Transport @hartingindia

Factors affecting the choice of VOC sensor.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) perform many vital roles as fuels, solvents, cleaners, feedstock, sterilants etc. However, they can be harmful to health and the environment, so it is often necessary to monitor their concentration. By definition, organic compounds contain the element carbon, and exhibit similar chemical properties, which is advantageous from a monitoring perspective.

These properties unfortunately vary widely between the many thousands of different VOCs, so in the following article Arthur Burnley, Sales and Marketing Director of sensor manufacturer Alphasense, explains the factors affecting the choice of sensor – for both end-users and manufacturers of monitoring instruments. Arthur also discusses the key questions that must be addressed, but first it is important to be aware of the technologies currently available.
--> VOC Measurement Technologies What is the main application?
This is the most important consideration because it impacts the choice of technology. For example, the ability to measure a specific VOC may be required, and this would rule out many of the technologies if other interfering VOCs are likely to be present. Similarly, whilst the cost might be attractive, the potential presence of certain inorganic gases may mean that Metal Oxide sensors are unsuitable. However, in applications such as process monitoring the identity of other gases may be known so the response of a specific type of sensor may be solely attributable to the VOC of interest.

Regulatory monitoring of VOCs in applications such as industrial stack emissions and ambient air quality necessitate certain technologies such as GC/MS and FTIR. However, these technologies are less well suited to applications such as leak detection, surveys, workplace safety, personal safety, Hazmat etc due to cost, power requirements and portability. The most popular technologies for these applications are electrochemical, metal oxide and PID, and by offering all three technologies, Alphasense is able to recommend the most appropriate technology for these applications, taking into account a wide variety of factors such as:
  • Range
  • Speed of response
  • Specificity
  • Accuracy
  • Interferences
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Longevity
  • Cost
Electrochemical VOC sensors
With resolution from 10 to 50 ppb, electrochemical cells are low cost, low power, compact sensors. Electrochemical sensors need to be optimised for the target VOC because each VOC requires a different ideal bias voltage for best sensitivity. Also, electrochemical cells respond in about 25 seconds, in comparison with 1-2 seconds for PIDs. Nevertheless, electrochemical sensors are suitable for some applications, where cost is important and performance characteristics are known. For example, Alphasense has developed an electrochemical Ethylene Oxide sensor for applications including fumigation of certain agricultural products and sterilisation of medical equipment.

Metal Oxide (MOS) VOC sensors
Metal oxide sensors are compact and low cost but require more power than electrochemical sensors. Humidity sensitivity and baseline drift are all characteristics of traditional n-type MOS sensors, but Alphasense p-type metal oxide gas sensors have more stable baselines and very low humidity sensitivity. MOS are not as sensitive at low concentrations, compared with PIDs. MOS sensors also respond to high concentrations of some inorganic gases such as NO, NO2 and CO. MOS may be a more suitable technology than PID in applications requiring the measurement of halogenated VOCs such as CFCs.

PhotoIonisation (PID) VOC sensors
PIDs respond to most VOCs except for small hydrocarbons such as methane, and for some halogenated compounds. Each VOC has a characteristic ionisation potential and the peak photon energy generated in a detector depends on the PID lamp used. For example, a Xenon lamp = 9.6 eV, a Krypton lamp = 10.6 eV and an Argon lamp = 11.7 eV. Hence, the use of an argon lamp provides the largest detection range of VOCs, whereas a Xenon lamp can increase selectivity.

Clearly, the choice of lamp is dictated by the likely VOCs to be measured, lamp lifetime considerations, and the sensitivity and level of selectivity required.
The Xenon lamp (9.6 eV) is suitable for many aromatics and unsaturated VOCs containing at least 6 carbon atoms (C6+). For example, this lamp is commonly used for the selective detection of compounds such as BTEX (Benzene, Toluene Ethyl Benzene and Xylenes).
The Krypton lamp (10.6 eV) detects most non-halogenated C2, most C3 and C4+ VOCs. Among Alphasense customers, the Krypton lamp is most popular because of its high sensitivity and longest lifetime: these lamps can operate for up to 10,000 hours. A filtered Krypton lamp, operating at 10.0eV is the best choice for BTEX due to its higher intensity than the 9.6eV lamp.

The Argon lamp (11.7eV) can measure halogenated VOCs, but has a much shorter lifetime.

Users of PID instruments should be aware of the variety of response between different VOCs. Manufacturers of PID sensors provide a comprehensive list of response factors. These figures represent the response of a lamp to a specific VOC relative to its response to a calibration gas – generally isobutylene. So, if the response of a PID to a particular VOC is eight times smaller than it is for the same concentration of isobutylene, then the response factor would be 8. Similarly, if the response factor for a particular VOC is 0.5, the PID response is twice that for isobutylene at the same concentration. Many instrument manufacturers build in response factors to enable the quantification of a specific gas when measured in isolation.

Summary
This article highlights that different sensor technologies are better suited to some applications and careful consideration should be given before making a choice, through discussions with manufacturers such as Alphasense.

In addition to the technical considerations outlined above, it is also vitally important to choose the right supplier. For end-users, the effectiveness of their work relies on the accuracy and reliability of their monitoring equipment, and for instrument manufacturers, their brand reputation is built on the quality and reliability of their equipment. It is therefore important to seek suppliers with proven levels of quality and reliability.

For sensor manufacturers, quality management procedures should extend beyond the requirements of ISO 9001. All sensors should undergo a test and validation procedure ensuring complete stabilisation prior to characterisation. Test data should be stored for each and every sensor, including sensitivity, time of response and recovery, and zero off-set. This is important because some manufacturers simply record the average test data for a batch, or record test data for a sample from a batch. This increases levels of uncertainty and prevents traceability.

The choice of VOC sensor therefore starts with a discussion about the potential application and suitable technology, and ends with the delivery of an appropriate sensor with traceable test and validation data.

 #Alphasense #PAuto #Environment @_Enviro_News 

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Panel mounted connectors.

Cliff Electronics' comprehensive range of market leading FeedThrough (FT) connectors, supplied in the industry standard 24mm diameter XLR panel cut-out, now includes the very popular CAT3 RJ11 and RJ14 connectors offering users a panel mount option.

The RJ11 and RJ14 are the most widely implemented connectors in telecommunications and commonly used for token ring and simple 10Base-T networks providing 10 megabits per second (Mbps) transfer rate, operating at 16 megahertz (MHz).

The Cliff CAT3 RJ11 and RJ14 connectors are true feed-through with connections both sides of the panel made using standard off the shelf cables with matching plugs pre-assembled. Versions are available with plain or countersunk mounting holes to facilitate assembly on either side of a panel.

John Hall, Managing Director of Cliff Electronics, comments; “CAT3 RJ11 and RJ14 6P4C connectors sell in very high quantities and adding them to our panel mounted FeedThrough connector range offers OEM manufacturers and systems integrators simpler and faster assembly.”

The CAT3 RJ11 and RJ14 6P4C connectors can be incorporated in pre-assembled 19” rack panels together with other types of Cliff FeedThrough connectors to meet bespoke connectivity requirements or make patch panels.

The Cliff FT series of true, feed through, data connectors for electrical and electronic instrumentation are perfect for developing custom I/O configurations for wall plates, enclosures, rack panels, etc. All fit within a standard XLR panel cut-out and use common standard cabling for front and back connections with no soldering or screw terminal connections required. FT connectors may be mounted from the front or back of a panel and a low rear profile accommodates the tightest behind-the-panel spaces. Pre-assembled 19” rack panels fitted with a range of FT and standard connectors are available from Cliff to simplify end system assembly.

Cliff’s XLR format FeedThrough connectors take advantage of the standard 24mm panel cut out widely used in audio and broadcast systems and which is finding increasing popularity instrumentation, medical and industrial applications due to the format’s flexibility, security and reliability. Blank socket plates are also now available for customers to create custom connector solutions.

Versions available include GJ45, HDMI, BNC and USB3.0 compliant single and dual USB versions in addition to the existing range which provides Analogue, Digital and Optical Feed-Through connectivity in formats including Firewire, HDMI A-A and metal or plastic 50 ohm BNC versions, USB2 A-to-B and B-to-A “gender change” sockets high speed USB Type – C, USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations - A-A, A-B and B-A. Also available are all popular data and Ethernet connectors including USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), Toslink, RCA Phono and HDMI and blanking plates. Dust covers are now available for many of the connector range.

#CliffElectronics  #PAuto