Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Flow & environmental sensor manufacturer expands facility.

The expansion of Sensiron's production facility in Debrecen, (H) has been completed. The additional building comprises roughly 7,000 m2 of new production and logistics capacity. This will significantly increase production capacity for sensor modules to support Sensirion’s ambitious growth objectives. Sensirion is also strengthening its position as an attractive employer with secure jobs and good working conditions at its Debrecen site.

“We are proud of the Debrecen site and see great growth potential. This is largely down to our dedicated and highly competent team,” says Franziska Brem, VP Operations at Sensirion. “We are committed to long-term, sustainable growth and want to further establish ourselves as an employer with secure jobs and good working conditions in Debrecen.”

Sensirion opened its Debrecen site five years ago. Millions of sensors and modules are now manufactured in Hungary and delivered to customers worldwide. Sensor modules are primarily produced for applications in the medical technology and automotive markets, which have exacting quality requirements. For the past year, leakage modules for the detection of A2L refrigerants for the American market have also been manufactured there. This has established the Debrecen site as a strategically important module production location for Sensirion.

The extension building is attached to the existing building. Additional ISO7-class cleanrooms were added to the production facility, making it possible to carry out production steps in an environment with the highest purity standards. Great importance was also attached to sustainability – much like at the production site in Stäfa, Switzerland. The new building was integrated into the existing energy system and is based on a reversible geothermal heat pump. This is connected to a storage system together with a heat recovery system. A photovoltaic system complements the completely fossil-free system. With the installed solar power, Sensirion can generate around 25% of its electricity requirements in Debrecen itself. The extension was built and financed by a local build-to-suit partner. Sensirion has signed a long-term rental agreement.

The expansion of the production facility in Debrecen is an important strategic step for Sensirion and is in line with the company’s sustainable growth strategy and its desire to create more jobs in Debrecen. In Hungary, the high-tech company employs a continuously growing team of qualified and committed staff from a variety of different technical disciplines, including process engineering, materials sciences, chemistry, electrical engineering, automation and mechanical engineering. The expansion will have no impact on jobs in Switzerland. Sensirion is also planning to expand its production capacity in Switzerland in the medium term.


 @sensirion #PAuto #Environment #Hungary

Direct drive linear motors.

Performance, versatility and simplicity for machine builders in Europe, North America and Asia.

An addition to its Kollmorgen's IC Ironcore DDL motor family has been announced. This expands beyond 230 VAC products with a new capability to support 400/480 VAC-powered applications. The new direct drive linear motor delivers a continuous force range up to 8,211 N and peak force up to 13,448 N. When powered at higher bus voltages, the motor is inherently capable of delivering its rated force at higher speeds, making it ideal for applications like machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, battery production and industrial automation that require rapid and precise movement of heavy loads.

“We’re proud to greatly expand the size range, power range and versatility of our direct drive linear motor portfolio with the addition of the high-voltage IC Ironcore DDL,” says Chris Cooper, senior director of product management. “This latest Kollmorgen product enables machine builders to achieve an entirely new level of linear motion performance that differentiates their designs in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

Simpler, lighter, more compact machinery.
In environments with a 400 or 480 VAC bus voltage, the IC Ironcore DDL may eliminate the need for a transformer that would otherwise be required to run a motor with a lower voltage rating. In addition, a motor that runs at a higher voltage can perform a given amount of work at a lower amperage level. This lower current draw in a higher-voltage environment may allow for the use of a smaller drive amplifier and a lighter cable set.

With smaller drives, lighter cables and no transformers, machine builders may be able to use a smaller control cabinet with lower cooling requirements. In addition, the IC Ironcore DDL motor also offers a water-cooling option that increases continuous force output by up to 40–60%, potentially allowing specification of a smaller-size motor. All of these advantages support a lighter, more compact, and sustainable machine design that’s simpler and more affordable to build and delivers greater value to both OEMs and their customers.

Enabling versatile solutions for customers worldwide.
Another key benefit of the IC Ironcore DDL motor is that it enables OEMs to serve global markets without significantly redesigning their machines for each region. The 230/400/480 VAC bus voltage rating meets the needs of most customers across North America, Europe and Asia. The motor is UL and CE Certified — plus RoHS and REACH Compliant — simplifying the approval process for selling machines in each target market worldwide.

The IC Ironcore DDL motor joins Kollmorgen’s complete lineup of direct drive linear motors including the ICD Ironcore Low Profile DDL and the IL Ironless DDL. When paired with AKD® or AKD2G servo drives, these motors offer ultimate precision, smoothness and reliability for demanding applications. AKD2G dual-axis servo drives can even synchronize two motors — for example in an x/y table application — while saving even more space in the control cabinet.


@AboutKollmorgen @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Lifecycle change management.

Software capabilities drive increased collaboration across the enterprise for better business outcomes.

Version 6.LTS of Emerson's DeltaV™ Mimic dynamic simulation software has been launched. The software has been enhanced to support performance and collaboration across the enterprise, helping eliminate silos of data that limit visibility into operator performance and providing tools to create digital twin simulations that deliver continuous value far beyond project execution.

Capital project teams have long known simulation software provides fast return on investment during project execution. Investment in simulation often pays for itself well before project completion as a tool for engineering design, automation testing and operator training. However, forward-thinking teams are further increasing ROI across the lifecycle of their simulation technologies by continuously maintaining them after project execution as collaborative, change management workflow solutions.

In the new DeltaV Mimic Version 6.LTS, a new focus on enterprise connectivity, parallel long-term support (LTS) lifecycle strategy for the DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS) and DeltaV Mimic, streamlined model tuning and support for virtual controllers and larger simulations will help companies more easily accomplish their goal of implementing these holistic simulation solutions.

“A digital twin simulation is no longer just a discrete asset to deliver project success, but rather a comprehensive tool for continuous collaboration between process and automation engineering, plant management, training management, operations and maintenance, and more,” said Dustin Beebe, vice president of performance services for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “DeltaV Mimic Version 6.LTS is designed to streamline that evolution, incorporating Emerson’s Boundless AutomationSM vision for seamless data mobility to break down the silos of disconnected simulation systems at the plant level and bring the data to the enterprise where it can be used by cross-functional teams for continuous improvement.”

New enterprise capability in DeltaV Mimic Train helps eliminate data silos by bringing training data out of the plant and up to the enterprise where organisations can use it in standard learning systems. Armed with comprehensive data, companies will improve record keeping, ensuring training requirements meet the organisation’s standards. Enterprise teams will also be able to combine operational data with training history to explore how differences in training may be contributing to performance disparities.

It will also improve scalability. Options for subscription licensing via Emerson’s Guardian™ digital experience will make it easier for organisations to distribute and optimise licensing across enterprise architectures. In addition, Emerson has added support for DeltaV DCS virtual controllers while also increasing node support by a factor of nearly 10 to empower users to build larger simulations in a single instance of the software and make it far easier to scale up as operations grow.

The DeltaV Mimic flow tuner has been converted to a user-facing tool to provide users a way to tune models to their own unique process variables, such as flow and temperature. Armed with the capability to fully tune models in-house, teams will reduce the amount of time it takes to bring models into alignment with actual process performance in the plant.

All new DeltaV Mimic functionality comes as part of a transition to an LTS software strategy, more closely aligning the DeltaV DCS and Mimic software to ensure that changes made to either platform are reflected in both, helping users more easily update and maintain their DeltaV solutions as part of a broader enterprise operations platform.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

High spec shielded connectors.

The ERNI MicroSpeed 1.00mm connectors from TE Connectivity improve data transfer speed and reliability in industrial automation applications. This shielded connector family with 1.00mm pitch enables high-speed data applications up to 25Gbit/s and are available through TTI IP&E – Europe .

Smart factories and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in automation depend upon processing larger datasets than ever to support predictive maintenance and real-time productivity insights. The higher bandwidths and data rates involved require higher specification shielded connectors to ensure accurate and reliable data transfer. ERNI MicroSpeed 1.00mm connectors are designed to deliver the necessary levels of connectivity and signal integrity.

The MicroSpeed 1.00mm connector family is synonymous with fast data transmission. The connectors feature high signal quality and external shielding for time-tested reliability in permanent system installations. MicroSpeed connectors have exceptional shielding properties that minimise electromagnetic radiation and signal interference. System designers can select standard or enhanced shielding to meet specific electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.

MicroSpeed connectors are highly durable and flexible. A robust frame design means these connectors can withstand more than 500 mating cycles. Stack heights of 5-20mm are achievable and there is a choice of 2-row, 3-row and 7-row connectors.

Variants are available with male and female connectors and vertical or right-angle configurations. The dual-beam female contact provides safer and more reliable connection in harsh environments with a wipe length of 1.5mm. A polarised mating face and a Blind Mate option, designed to provide consistent and reliable mating even in difficult conditions, complete the reasons why ERNI MicroSpeed 1.00mm connectors are ideal for use in industrial automation environments.

MicroSpeed connectors operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -55 to 125°C. Certified to UL/CSA E84703, they also meet the requirements of next-generation communication standards such as Ethernet 100Gbps (IEEE 802.3ba), Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), and USB 3.1.


@ttiinc @TEConnectivity @Publitek #PAuto #Pauto #TandM

Continual power supply for critical infrastructure.

Reduce the possibility of unplanned outages and help prevent catastrophic transformer failures.


The recent power outage at London’s Heathrow airport resulted from a substation transformer fire, which highlights the importance of the early detection of problems in critically important infrastructure. As demand grows for continuous transformer monitoring, Vaisala has released a new enhanced version of its Optimus™ OPT100 DGA monitor by adding oxygen and nitrogen parameters.

A transformer’s lifetime is determined by the condition of its solid insulation, which can be detrimentally affected by air leaks. The easiest and most robust way to reliably detect such leaks is to continuously measure the Total Gas Pressure (TGP) of all dissolved gases in the transformer’s oil, where oxygen and nitrogen are the dominating components. TGP therefore provides real-time detection – even in the very early phases - of air leaks into a sealed power transformer’s tank. With the benefit of TGP, decision-makers in transformer maintenance learn whether the insulation system of a sealed transformer is exposed to air, which allows them to make informed decisions on actions such as oil degassing or sealing system repair.

The real-time monitoring of fault gases by dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is a well-known and established method for the early detection of quickly evolving faults. However, some processes develop slowly in transformers – oxidation for example, can affect their operational life, usually taking years to show significant effects. Vaisala has therefore developed its DGA monitors to track the key parameters and thereby automate effective transformer condition assessment.

In the past, oxygen measurement failed to detect slow air leaks when active oxidation processes were simultaneously consuming oxygen. However, slow air ingress can be easily detected with increasing TGP because nitrogen, as an inert gas, would not be consumed nor produced in the transformer. The latest version of the OPT100 is therefore able to combine the TGP value with oxygen measurement to determine whether oxygen consumption due to active oxidation is taking place.

With the benefit of TGP and oxygen monitoring data, it becomes possible to weigh the expected lifespan of the transformer against the costs of investigating and repairing the air leak or implementing mitigation measures. Therefore, traditional DGA of fault gases enhanced with TGP and oxygen measurement represents the ideal monitoring concept for the reliable protection of transformers.


@VaisalaGroup @_Enviro_News #Infrastructure #Power

Machine vision camera.

The launch of an ultra-high resolution industrial camera that merges the power of a Sony 245.8-megapixel CMOS area sensor with the lightning-fast CoaXPress-12 (CXP-12) quad interface hs been announced by SVS-Vistek. One of the most advanced cameras ever introduced, the new SVS-Vistek shr811CCX12 enables the acquisition of precise, detail-rich 19200 x 12800 pixel color images at data transfer speeds of 12.4 frames per second to significantly improve quality, reliability, and yield.

The shr811CCX12 heightens accuracy and propels throughput in a variety of applications, especially those requiring a large field of view or analysis of intricate patterns. It brings unprecedented performance to surface inspection of semiconductor wafers, PCBs, solar panels, and high pixel density FPDs, while also having the capabilities to tackle tasks such as medical imaging, astronomy surveys, city mapping, aerial and ground surveillance, and Intelligent Transportation Systems.

The camera harnesses the next-generation CXP-12 interface that simplifies application design and setup with the familiar, easy-to-use CoaXPress standard. The shr811CCX12 features four CXP-12 micro-BNC connections, each capable of a maximum data transfer rate of 12.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) and 24VDC Power over CoaXPress (PoCXP). When these four links are aggregatned, the camera will achieve rates of 50 Gbps.

The latest model in SVS-Vistek's industrial proven SHR camera platform, the shr811CCX12 shares the SHR's high dynamic range, boosting light sensitivity with minimal noise. With more pixels capturing light, the camera can distinguish subtle differences in color or texture that low resolution cameras miss, improving performance in challenging lighting conditions. Like other SHR cameras, the shr811CCX12 also comes equipped with a comprehensive I/O with signal voltage, RS232, and galvanically isolated input, along with a sequencer, binning, and an integrated multichannel LED strobe controller.

The shr811CCX12 is engineered to withstand harsh industrial environments which would otherwise adversely affect image quality. It is protectively housed in an IP30 thermally-optimized metal enclosure that features a large M72 mount that can be easily adapted to any lens, and provides an operational temperature range of -10° to 60° C (14° to 140° F).


#SVS_Vistek @OConnellPR #PAuto

CCO appointed to R&D leader.

The appointment of Dr Nathalie Huther as the new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)with High Force Research has been announced. This strategic hire follows the company’s most recent Management Buyout (MBO), initiating a new chapter of growth and expansion.

Dr Nathalie Huther

In the newly created role, Nathalie will lead High Force Research’s commercial strategy, overseeing business development, client relations, and market expansion. With over 15 years’ experience of commercial leadership in the chemical and pharma/biotech service sectors, Nathalie brings a strong track record of driving revenue growth and forging strategic partnerships.

"I am delighted to join High Force Research at such a pivotal time," said Nathalie "The company’s reputation for scientific expertise and customer-centric solutions is exceptional. I look forward to building on this foundation, strengthening existing partnerships, and identifying new opportunities for growth."

The appointment comes as High Force Research looks to strengthen its position following the latest MBO, led by Tristan Sillars (CEO), which has given the company greater flexibility to accelerate its growth strategy. "We are thrilled to welcome Nathalie to the team," he declared. "Nathalie’s expertise will be invaluable as we focus on expanding our commercial reach and delivering even greater value to our clients. The recent MBO has positioned us for growth, and Nathalie will play a key role in driving that forward."


 @HFResearch #PAuto #Research #Scientific

Monday, 7 April 2025

Some of the Speakers!

 


Some of the speakers at the Conference.

Patrick Corbett, President ISA Ireland Section

Tom Doyle of Fortinet (Platinum Sponsor)


Ciarán Ó Drisceoil - Associate Director Digital Plant Lilly

Deon van Aardt - Aveva (Solutions PT)
Jim Butler, Global Life Sciences Technical Consultant Rockwell Automation

Pio Murphy, Associate Director RTMS Lilly

Dónal Sullivan, CEO, Compucal Calibration Solutions

Michael Guilfoyle, Services & Support Manager Pilz
Frank Smiddy, Asset Manager EC&I, Gas Networks Ireland











Emerging technologies!

The Ireland Section's Emerging Technologies Conference 2025 was held in early April 2025 in Cork. It explored the upcoming technologies that are shaping the ICS industry particulary in the Pharma sector which is so innovative in the Munster (South of Ireland Province) area.

Industry leaders, experts and professionals, designers and users, met to explore the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the future of automation.

Catching up!
The conference was very well attended and a large number of suppliers and consultatnt companies supported the event with small table top displays ath edge of the Conference area. During the breaks there was plenty of time for networking and discussion. As it was the first ISA event of any size since the restrictions of the Pandemic some years ago this interaction was more than appreciated by many renewing friendships and enjoying again face to face interaction.

A lot of this discussion centred on the new tarriff regulations announced the previous evening (Irish time) by the current USA Regime on the rest of the world with a palpable sigh of relief from those involved in the Pharma sector though tinged with some residual anxiety as to what might in store in the next few months.

The event was opened by Patrick Corbett, the newly elected* President of the Ireland Section of the International Society of Automation.

The event opened with a keynote presentation "Making Your Data Work For You!" co-presented by John McKeon and Patrick McCarthy, Gallarus Industry Solutions.

Michael Lawlor and Conor O’Sullivan of Sanofi discussed "Equipment Digital Twin – From Concept to Reality"

Some of the speakers in full flow!

Tom Doyle of Fortinet, a Platinum Sponsor of the event, then made their Showcase Presentation.

Ciarán Ó Drisceoil, Associate Director Digital Plant at Lilly gave a users view of the Challenges and opportunities of IT/OT integration in life sciences using ISA Standards (ISA 95).

Industrial AI – A New Industrial Revolution was the especially current topic from Deon van Aardt of AVEVA (SolutionsPT)

MTP was the subject addressed by Rockwell's Jim Butler with Enhancing Manufacturing Flexibility and Efficiency with Module Type Package.

Pio Murphy discussed the practical zapplication with "RTMS Digital Plant enabling Lilly Kinsale Operational Excellence." Kinsale is the location of a long established plant by the American Pharma company Eli Lilly.

Global software innovator Compucal's CEO, Dónal O'Sullivam, gave a study of an Asset Management Digital Transformation Project with Hanley Calibration Services.

A very interesting and relevent talk on today's innovation topic was "Upcoming Regulation for Users to Test Safety Functions," was given by Services & Support Manager at Pilz, Michael Gyilfoyle. This is particularly relevent in view of regulations and directives eminating from the European Commission.

Networking at the edges!
Digitalisation, getting ready for renewable gas was the interesting talk given by Frank Smiddy from Gas Networks Ireland, where he showed just how far this is changing our use of fuels.

Finally Liam Deasy and Seán Wallace of NeoDyne examined Driving Success in Digital Transformation.

All in all ISA Ireland organising committee are to be congratulated on the smooth organisation of this event. It was a worthy successor to events like this organised by the section in its almos 50 years of existance and a good portent for future events.


* See "Passing the Chain!" (18/3/2025)

@IrelandISA @ISA_Automation #PAuto #TandM #Pharma #Ireland 

Saturday, 5 April 2025

Asset management software improves user experience and enhanced cybersecurity.

The release of AMS Machine Works version 1.8 by Emerson is helping reliability teams eliminate data silos and expand their capabilities. This latest software update unites all modern AMS condition monitoring hardware data under a single platform to help organizations simplify management and increase cybersecurity of their reliability programs in a wide range of process industries, including oil and gas, chemical, life sciences, mining, metals, minerals, water, power and utilities, pulp and paper and more.

“Plant reliability and maintenance teams have no shortage of data, but often do not have the time or expertise to free that data from a wide array of disparate systems to make it available to the critical automation tools that turn data into actionable insights,” said Erik Lindhjem, vice president and general manager of Emerson’s reliability solutions business. “AMS Machine Works version 1.8 provides comprehensive machine health data via a single, intuitive dashboard, making it easy for users of any experience level to make the best decisions.”

A key goal of Emerson’s Boundless AutomationSM vision is to enable seamless movement of contextualized data from the intelligent field, through the edge, and into the cloud to help teams drive more value from the data they already collect. By bringing all current generation AMS condition monitoring tools under a single platform, AMS Machine Works version 1.8 will contribute to that vision, helping reliability teams simplify the use of data for decision making and effective maintenance activities, breaking down silos to make plant personnel more effective and efficient in their roles.

Data from the AMS 2140 Machinery Health Analyser will now feed directly into AMS Machine Works, and users will have the opportunity to maintain a single database combining both automated and manual data collection. In addition, a new user interface and improved dashboards will make the software easier to use, with the addition of drag-and-drop functionality and redesigned menus for more intuitive navigation.

AMS Machine Works version 1.8 also adds capability for critical asset health data via Emerson’s AMS 6500 ATG agent, helping teams bring machinery protection systems into their software platform more easily, as well as improved user and license management and modern authentication methods for enhanced cybersecurity.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

High power testing.

Insulated Wire Inc (IW) provides larger diameter cables offering extremely low loss and therefore delivering maximum RF power to the antenna, while maintaining flexibility, which can be a consideration when selecting high power coax.

All cables are manufactured in-house using their proprietary method for laminating Teflon™. This process enables a concentric cable construction which provides tight impedance control, excellent phase stability and exceptional attenuation performance across the microwave spectrum. All cable designs are double shielded to ensure signal integrity, a key parameter for any cable in an EMC/EMI test environment.

IW offers three low loss/phase stable cable types for high power testing

  • 7506 – currently our highest power handling cable, supplied with a Santoprene™ jacket to provide flexibility for cable routing and ensuring material stability at higher temperatures.
  • 4806 – a well-established product, in use in EMC/EMI applications across the world; yellow FEP jacket as standard, with Santoprene available as an option.
  • 2801 – provides versatility in supporting high power at lower frequencies, yet capable of providing extremely low loss to 18 GHz for broadband applications. Another common choice of EMC test houses, test system and equipment suppliers globally.

Cable and assemblies are available for the following EMC test applications:

  • Immunity/susceptibility – high power/low loss cable assemblies for high V/m @ 3GHz Radiated emissions – lowest loss cable for 18 GHz and 40 GHz testing
  • Vehicle EMC – emissions and immunity testing, also CSIPR25 compliant cable assemblies with external ferrites can be supplied
  • Custom designs – IW supplies custom designed assemblies (including composite solutions) for applications where mixed signal interconnect and/or repeated flexing on a telescoping antenna is required
  • European manufacture & repair capability – assembly partners in the EU and UK can build/test new and also repair damaged cables

The IW low loss/phase stable cables are featured in their 2024 High Power Microwave Products catalogue. . The 15-page brochure features products for a broad range of both defence and commercial markets. These include telecommunications, data links, satellite systems, airborne electronic warfare and counter measures, missile systems, UAV applications, avionics and instrumentation, fire control systems, medical electronics, and geophysical exploration. A wide range of industry standard interconnect options ensure reliability in laboratory and harsh environments.

Connector types available include N, C, SC, 7/16 DIN, LC, 1 5/8 5/8 EIA and 3 1/8 EIA flange. Armouring options and alternate jacket materials are also available to special order. The company's experience across their worldwide customer base has aided in developing their capability in the high-power segment with ultra-low loss and commensurate high rated coaxial cable and cable assembly products. IW can support applications where high RF power levels need to be reliably transmitted including EMC/EMI testing, rapid microwave de-frosting, communications, semiconductor manufacturing and defence systems.


@InsulatedWire @IW @proactivefleet #Cable

Name change mantains strength in evolution.

Continuing leadershipo in SCADA automation, digitalisation, and smart, sustainable buildings with expanded resources and global reach.

ICONICS has changesd it name to Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions (MEIDS). This milestone marks a bold step forward in the company’s integration into the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation family and helps showcase its continued evolution into a global leader in digital solutions and digital transformation.

Mitsubishi Electric has supported ICONICS’ growth for over a decade, culminating in a full acquisition in 2019 and continued collaboration as part of the Mitsubishi Electric Group. This name change is a recognition of our technological excellence, customer commitment, and position as Mitsubishi Electric’s global SCADA automation and digitalisation platform.

What's in a name.
"Our new name reflects both where we came from and where we’re going. Each part of “Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions” represents our identity, our evolution, our values, and the future we’re building."

The name unites the global strength of Mitsubishi Electric—a trusted leader in industrial and digital innovation; the legacy of ICONICS as a pioneer in SCADA automation and digitalisation software; and a growing portfolio of digital solutions for industrial operations, infrastructure, and smart, sustainable buildings. These elements combine to deliver the software, services, and next-generation technologies that drive performance and long-term impact.

This powerful foundation enables MEIDS to set the gold standard in SCADA automation and digitalisation—reinforcing our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and customer success by empowering industries worldwide. 

"While our name has changed, our mission and entrepreneurial spirit remain steadfast—delivering groundbreaking SCADA automation, smart buildings software, and digitalization solutions with exceptional customer service. Our pipeline is stronger than ever, with major innovations across our core product families, in particular GENESIS (also referred to as GENESIS version 11). By retaining “Iconics,” we honor our rich legacy of innovation, while “Digital Solutions” reflects our expansion into advanced services, intelligent technologies, and the future of industrial digitalisation."

Strong heritage stronge future.
Ted Hill, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions, emphasises the significance of this transition, “This is more than a name change—it’s a declaration of who we are and where we’re headed. With the backing of Mitsubishi Electric and the agility of ICONICS, we are uniquely positioned to drive the future of industrial automation and smart, sustainable infrastructure. Our customers can expect the same cutting-edge solutions and world-class support, now with even greater resources and opportunities.”

Innovation with Global Strength.
Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions brings  together the innovation and agility of a tech pioneer with the strength and scale of a 100-year-old global leader. Customers benefit from deep integration within Mitsubishi Electric’s ecosystem—spanning industrial automation and digitalisation, intelligent infrastructure, and smart building and energy management solutions. 

This transformation cements Mitsubishi Electric’s global platform for SCADA industrial automation, digitalisation, and smart building and workplace solutions—reaffirming their commitment to customers, partners, and employees. Aligned with this vision, MEIDS recently launched the flagship GENESIS platform and continues to release quarterly updates to  Intelligent Building Software Stack (IBSS). 

"This is more than a new name—it’s the next chapter of innovation, integration, and industry leadership."


* See also: Acquisition strengthens software portfolio. (20/5/2019) 


@ICONICS @ME_Europe @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Friday, 4 April 2025

Sensors for hygiene-sensitive production and demanding industrial cleaning processes.

Two new sensors from Leuze are being launched in stainless-steel housings: Series 33C in hygienic design and Series 35C in robust wash-down design. They are suitable for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes.

Hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes place high requirements on sensor technology. Devices must be robust, reliable and approved for direct food contact. With two new sensor series from Leuze in stainless-steel housings, manufacturers can play it safe: Thanks to its smooth housing with no mounting holes, Series 33C is particularly suitable for applications in the food, beverage or pharmaceutical industry – even in production areas with unpackaged products. The 35C series is designed for robustness. It is ideal for high mechanical loads and intensive cleaning processes. The 35C series sensors are versatile can be used in the food industry as well as the automotive industry or machine tools.

Solutions for packaging processes.
The two series each include diffuse, through-beam and retro-reflective photoelectric sensors. The 33C and 35C series range also includes special solutions for packaging processes. These include retro-reflective photoelectric sensors for glass and PET detection, sensors with background suppression for detecting small objects, dynamic reference sensors, and powerful through-beam photoelectric sensors for penetrating through plastic films. The new 33C and 35C series’ small housing size complements the 53C and 55C series’ stainless-steel miniature sensors.

The requirements for sensors installed above open foodstuffs are very high. Only components authorized for contact with food may be used. The 35C series’ DRT35C dynamic reference diffuse sensor with its stainless-steel housing is the ideal choice for this. The sensor system does not need to be additionally enclosed.

The new 33C and 35C series offer sensors with Power PinPoint LED for the first time. This light technology means the sensors can be aligned and set up quickly and easily. This is achieved thanks to a bright, round and homogeneous light spot. The size, shape and homogeneity of the light spot remain constant throughout the entire working range. Laser or infrared devices can also be used as an alternative to the Power PinPoint LED.

Completely sealed.
In harsh environments it is often necessary to protect plastic bodied sensors with complex, specially manufactured and costly stainless-steel protective covers. Only then can they withstand the high-pressure cleaning regimes. This is not necessary with the 33C and 35C series’ stainless-steel sensors hence this reduces the system’s complexity, lowers installation time and thus reduces costs. The devices are designed for reliable operation in wet areas and during intensive cleaning processes and have Protection Classes such as IP67, IP68 and IP69K as well as ECOLAB, CleanProof+ and Diversey certifications

The 33C series’ PRK33C.PPTT3 retro-reflective photoelectric sensor is suitable for detecting transparent bottles in an aseptic filling line. The hygienic design avoids any residue buildup thanks to its particularly smooth housing with no fixing holes. The sensor is also attached gas-tight using a mounting spigot.

Another advantage: Both series are equipped with IO-Link interface. This enables quick and easy configuration of the devices as well as diagnostic data that can be used to plan predictive maintenance.


@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Circuit breakers.

Designed specifically for power distribution in NEC Class 2 circuits.

Two new versions of PULS PISA-M Electronic Circuit Breakers designed specifically for power distribution in NEC Class 2 circuits have been announced.

PISA-M enables the safe distribution of load current into four individual Class 2 circuits. This offers a cost-effective alternative to multiple individually approved NEC Class 2 power supplies, reducing acquisition costs, installation time and system approval. If more than four circuits are needed, multiple PISA-M modules can be connected to a power supply.

Two PISA-M variants with NEC Class 2 are available to suit individual system requirements:

  • PISA-M-4CL2 automatically adjusts the tripping currents depending on the required voltage. With an output current of 3.75 A per channel at 24 V (max. 92 W) and 4.85 A per channel at 12 V (max. 60 W), the maximum output power always remains within the safe range and just below the specified NEC Class 2 limits.
  • PISA-M-402 allows the distribution of a fixed low output current of 2 A per channel at 24 V (max. 48 W) and 12 V (max. 24 W). This module is therefore ideal for sensitive loads with low current requirements, such as sensors.

Both models feature automatic voltage detection, making them flexible and easy to integrate into 12 V or 24 V systems. All features have been integrated into a slim polycarbonate housing with a width of only 22.5 mm, making PISA-M the smallest electronic circuit breaker with four channels on the market. Thanks to its compact design, PISA-M fits into any system, saving valuable space in the control cabinet.


@PULSPowerSupply  @proactivefleet #PAuto

Electronic motor starter.

Revolutionising motor controls with smarter and safer starters. 

Rockwell Automation has launched the the M100 Electronic Motor Starter, enabling industrial organisations to simplify panel wiring and reduce component and engineering complexities with advanced functional safety solutions and more refined motor starting capabilities. 

Rockwell’s traditional motor starters lay a robust foundation for customizable motor control solutions including starting, stopping and protecting motors. Building on this legacy, the new M100 Electronic Motor Starter seamlessly integrates into intelligent motor control setups, boosting productivity and minimizing downtime. It serves as a cost-effective, space-efficient option, boasting an extensive range of features designed to improve performance across various applications. Notably, the M100 incorporates point-on-wave (POW) switching technology. 

The new M100 Electronic Motor Starter offers zero stacking with no derating up to 55C, providing flexibility in installation without compromising performance. Removable terminal blocks, available in both screw and push-in variants, add convenience and adaptability. The M100 also supports direct-on-line (DOL), reversing, and safety capabilities in the same form factor, showcasing its flexibility in various operational scenarios.  

"Our M100 Electronic Motor Starter represents a significant leap forward in motor starting technology and Rockwell’s motor control portfolio,” said Bill Meindl, business manager for industrial components, Rockwell Automation. “Its advanced features, including point-on-wave switching technology, significantly boosts productivity while minimizing valuable panel space, delivering a powerful solution that aligns with the evolving needs of the industry.” 

Embedded features such as electronic overload protection, phase loss detection, phase imbalance monitoring, and weld detection contribute to a comprehensive safety net, making the M100 an invaluable asset in critical operations. Additionally, with the growing importance of functional safety for end users, the M100 represents an expansion in the motor starting portfolio to now include SIL3 certified models, providing added peace of mind and compliance with high safety standards. 


@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA #PAuto

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

New ultra-sonic flowmeter.

Modular design provides versatility and precision for volumetric and mass flow measurement of gases and liquids.

The Flexim FLUXUS® / PIOX® 731 series from Emerson is a new range of non-intrusive, clamp-on, ultrasonic flow meters designed to offer greater flexibility, convenience and availability. The nine models in the 731 series feature high-performance volumetric and mass flow sensing technologies and a robust, functional design, providing accurate and reliable measurements for both liquids and gases, with no process media pressure limitations.

Process manufacturers often need to make permanent or temporary flow measurements in areas where penetration into the process media would be problematic because it would typically require a production interruption, along with high costs and downtime. Although some solutions are available, not many meet the performance requirements for a wide range of demanding industrial applications.

To address these and other issues, the Flexim 731 series provides non-intrusive volumetric or mass flow measurements with no process media pressure limitations, ensuring cost-effective operation and low ownership costs. Modular hardware enables the reduction of assembly time by 20% for faster delivery, and integration with most up-to-date software and hardware is straightforward.

The 731 series provides disturbance correction for enhanced accuracy in challenging conditions, such as disturbed flows. It also provides the Advanced Meter Verification feature to validate meter performance, Wet Gas Correction to ensure accurate gas stream measurements, and the Dynamic Gas Meter feature for precise mass and volume correction.

Various models are available to meet varying application requirements, including:

  • FLUXUS F/G731 GP – General Purpose: Provides flexibility for various applications, and it includes disturbance correction and the Dynamic Gas Meter.
  • FLUXUS H731 HPI: Ideal for pipelines and terminals, provides leak detection and integrity monitoring, along with mass flow and density measurements.
  • PIOX S731: Focused on chemical industries for measuring mass flow, concentration and density measurements.
  • FLUXUS F731 WD Water Flow Meter: Designed for the water and wastewater industries, with non-intrusive temperature measurement.
  • FLUXUS F731 TE: Suitable for energy management and building automation, with dual-channel thermal energy measurement.
  • FLUXUS G731 CA: For monitoring compressed air and technical gases in life sciences and manufacturing industries.
  • FLUXUS G731 ST-LT/HT: Measures low and high-temperature steam for industries such as food & beverage and power generation.

All models include an 84mm wide x 45mm high backlit display with 240 x128 pixel resolution for easy readability, synchronised channel averaging for precise gas measurements, and a wide power supply range of 0-240 volts AC +/-10% at 50-60 Hz or 11-32 volts DC. A USB-C port is provided as a servicing interface for programming and data extraction.

Meeting ATEx (Atmosphéres Explosibles), IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres), and EAC (Eurasian Conformity) standards, with FM (Factory Mutual) certification expected in April 2025, the Flexim 731 series is designed for global use and compliance.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Open for robotics.

Live demonstrations and insights on the latest advances in robotic and machine automation technologies.

ABB Robotics will be holding an Open Day at its Milton Keynes Customer Experience Centre (GB) on Thursday, 15th May, highlighting the benefits offered by the latest robotic and machine automation technologies. Featuring live demonstrations, interactive sessions and expert insights, the event will show how automation is opening possibilities for transformation and growth across industries in Britain and Ireland.

"With over four million robots currently in use, the world is seeing an acceleration in the adoption of robotic and machine automation technologies as businesses looks for ways to improve efficiency, flexibility, productivity, and sustainability.” said Alan Conn, Managing Director of ABB Robotics UK & Ireland. “Our Open Day will highlight how UK and Irish businesses can use ABB’s technologies to enhance their competitiveness. With a full range of products and software on show, including examples of our AI-enabled robots, the event will underline how our robots and machine automation solutions can boost productivity and open new pathways to becoming more sustainable."

The event will feature four dedicated zones. In the Digital Zone, visitors will experience demonstrations of RobotStudio® virtual robot programming tool, AR and VR viewers for factory floor visualization, and the OptiFact factory management tool for optimizing production operations.

The Cobot Zone will highlight the versatility and safety of ABB's cobots, including a live demonstration of a cobot-based pharmaceuticals cell. The zone will also feature ABB’s GoFa™ cobots for industrial applications, plus an insight into ABB’s Ecosystem Program, which provides easy access to approved third-party equipment and software.

The Industry Zone will present a range of robotic applications for various industries, with demonstrations of arc welding, machine tending, high-speed picking and packing, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated logistics handling. It will also cover the potential for improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in other sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, and retail.

Finally, the Customer Service Zone will focus on how ABB supports customers through services including training courses, technical help and assistance and robot refurbishment services.

The event will also give attendees the opportunity to interact with ABB’s robotics and machine automation experts and learn how the technologies are addressing key trends such as smart factories that are shaping the future of manufacturing and industry.

Scan-book your place.


@ABBRobotics @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @NapierPR  #Robotics #PAuto #Britain #Ireland

Not an April's fool prank for components.

Innovative new loyalty program.

Anglia Plus is a customer loyalty scheme that offers extended payment terms and money back rewards for customers that place orders through Anglia Live, Anglia Components' ecommerce platform that is open to customers in throughout Europe offering a Free 1-2 day DDP delivery service. Anglia Live customers will automatically be enrolled in Anglia Plus and immediately receive 90-day payment terms for all qualifying orders.

Every time an Anglia Live order is placed, the total spend will accrue, at the end of each qualifying period an amount will be credited to the customer’s account based on the spend threshold reached. Three reward levels are offered: Silver – spend £5000 (€5975)in the qualifying period to earn £500 (€598); Gold – spend £10,000 (€11950) to earn £1000 (€11950; and Platinum – receive £2,500 (€2987) credit for spending £25,000 (€29870).

Steve Rawlins, CEO at Anglia explains: “We wanted to offer our loyal customers something of real, tangible benefit to them. We believe this scheme to be unique in the industry and is an example of how Anglia is trying to help customers during this challenging period. While other companies talk about service, we deliver. Launching on April 1st, we want to give customers something to smile about, along with the reassurance that this most definitely is not an April Fool’s prank!”

The loyalty scheme rewards accrue over a 12-month period, from April 1st to March 31st. The maximum credit that can be earned in any one period is £2,500 (€2987). Terms and conditions apply.


@angliaComponent @BWW_Comms #Electronics #PAuto

High-pressure relief valve.

The launch of a full-flow high-pressure relief valve (FHPRV) for the Danfoss H1B bent-axis motor has been announced. The FHPRV joins the counterbalance valve (CBV) in a portfolio of valves designed to enable the use of Danfoss high-power axial piston motors in open-circuit systems. The FHPRV enables machine designers to leverage the benefits of the H1B motor’s compact design and outstanding efficiency while also providing overpressure protection in high-power applications.

The FHPRV is a bolt-on valve that provides high-flow pressure relief at the motor, which is critical for motor protection in demanding applications. In the event of an extended overpressure situation, the valve enables the passage of up to 600 liters per minute of flow, depending on size, preventing damage to the motor and pump. The flow rate is among the highest available for this type of valve.

The compact solution offers full-flow relief functionality without a significant increase in motor size or circuit complexity. Other solutions, such as remote-mount manifolds, require more space and can increase cost and complexity.

Commonly used in closed-circuit propel applications, axial piston motors such as Danfoss H1 motors are also ideal for high-power open-circuit systems, including drilling functions, crushing and shredding functions, heavy-duty excavator attachments, and forestry applications.

“While typical open-circuit applications can make use of low-speed high-torque motors, higher pressure applications require higher power axial piston motors,” said Kenny Befus, High-Power Portfolio Manager, Hydrostatics division, Danfoss Power Solutions. “Danfoss H1 motors feature a delta pressure rating of up to 450 bar, 480 bar absolute, making them ideal for these scenarios. And now, with our full-flow high-pressure relief valve, we can provide a better match when it comes to power and pressure.”

The FHPRV can be stacked with other valves, such as the CBV, providing additional functionality based on application needs. It can also be used in closed-circuit applications.

The FHPRV is available in four configurations to suit the range of H1B motor displacements. DN19 works with the 60-cc motor, DN25 works with the 80-cc and 110-cc motors, DN32A works with the 160-cc motor, and DN32B works with the 210-cc and 250-cc motors.


@Danfoss @NapierPR  #Pauto

Dust control protects environment.

A complete intelligent dust collector automation solution, with advanced diagnostics and Floor-to-Cloud connectivity.

A new solution for Dust Collector Monitoring and Control has been announced by Emerson. A wide range of industries—including cement, mining and metals, chemicals and plastics, food and dairy, power, utilities, and more—handle materials that generate significant amounts of dust and particulate emissions. Automating dust collection monitoring is an effective way to optimize filtration, ensure environmental compliance, reduce costly maintenance, and avoid expensive unplanned downtime.


This intelligent, easy-to-deploy solution also integrates seamlessly with existing plant automation systems, helping to extend dust collector equipment life and boost overall operational efficiency.

Dust collectors are designed to capture potentially harmful airborne particles and fumes, which is essential for protecting people and the environment, and for ensuring reliable equipment operation and maintaining environmental compliance. They vary in size, and are built to house filters, which must be monitored for performance, cleaned periodically with compressed air, and replaced when they fail or reach the end of their useful life.

Intelligent monitoring and control can significantly reduce maintenance costs and the total cost of ownership. Smart filter cleaning can minimise energy costs and compressed air consumption. Detecting and identifying failed filters helps avoid regulatory penalties. In addition, extending filter life by as much as one year can result in savings of up to $18,000. Dust filters and pulsating solenoid valves play a critical role in many manufacturing and production operations, so preventing downtime and compressed air leakages can save thousands of dollars per hour.

Recognising these needs across multiple industries, Emerson offers a portfolio of essential elements necessary for high-performance dust collectors, including mechanical and automation products such as ASCO™ pulse valves, pilot boxes, and air tanks; pressure and particle concentration sensors; basic sequencer controllers; AVENTICS™ air flow sensors; Movicon™ HMI/SCADA visualisation interfaces; and PACSystems™ PLC, I/O, and edge analytics.

“With this world-class and easily implemented solution, we aim to help our end users achieve greater operational efficiencies and gain valuable insights that reduce reactive maintenance, lower the risk of downtime, minimize energy consumption, and extend equipment life while addressing the knowledge gap by providing easily accessed information for operations personnel,” said Samuele Oliva, product marketing manager for dust collectors and alternative energy with Emerson’s discrete automation business.

Emerson’s standard dust collector monitoring and control solution combines these proven products and capabilities:

  • Optimized control of pulse valves, including automated cleaning cycles of multiple filter lines.
  • Movicon.NExT SCADA enabling remote monitoring, alerts, reporting, and integration with existing systems.
  • PACSystems PLC controls and AVENTICS solenoids with built-in algorithm for efficient cleaning of multiple filter lines.
  • QuickPanel+ HMI, which provides real-time diagnostics and early warning of fault detection.
  • Scalable licensing based on pulse valve count (up to 500).
  • ASCO P152 particle concentration sensors able to detect low dust levels and filter issues.
  • Differential pressure monitoring with Rosemount™ pressure sensors and optional 4-20 mA compatibility.
  • Compressed air, pressure, temperature, dust level and energy monitoring, plus predictive maintenance features.

By optimising pulse valve use with advanced algorithms and predictive diagnostics, Emerson's dust collector monitoring and control solution can extend valve and bag life, reduce compressed air waste, and protect dust collector equipment while avoiding costly maintenance and downtime.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Environment

Monday, 31 March 2025

Ultra-slim and fanless PSU.

The Bicker Elektronik portfolio has been expanded with the new Cincon LFM550S AC/DC power supply series, offering 550 W of power in an ultra-slim 1-inch low-profile design. These power supplies, featuring a baseplate for fanless contact cooling, stand out with their wide operating temperature range of -40 to +80°C and high efficiency of up to 93%. Thanks to the universal AC input range of 85 to 264 VAC with active PFC and international safety approvals, the two models – LFM550S120C (12V) and LFM550S240C (24V) – can be used globally across a wide range of applications.

Product advantages
•550W AC/DC power supply series for industrial applications
•Robust and ultra-slim 1-inch housing (height: 25.4mm)
•Extremely wide operating temperature range: -40 to +80°C
•High efficiency of up to 93%
•Universal input voltage: 85-264VAC (active PFC)
•Regulated DC output voltage
•Fanless operation via contact cooling (baseplate)
•Safety tested according to IEC/EN/UL62368-1 Ed.3
•EMC tested according to EN55032 and CISPR/FCC Class B
•Designed according to IEC/EN60335-1
•Protection class I
•Operating altitude: up to 5000m
•Short-circuit, overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protection

Perfect for industrial applications in extreme conditions.
The LFM550S series is specifically designed for demanding industrial applications, offering an outstanding combination of performance, efficiency, and reliability. The partially encapsulated and robustly constructed power supplies are ideal for continuous 24/7 operation in an extended industrial temperature range of -40 to +80°C. Typical application areas include automation, robotics, industrial PCs (IPC), vision systems, kiosk, telecommunications, network installations, energy infrastructure, remotely operated vehicles, marine, and offshore applications.

International certifications and safety standards.
These compact switching power supplies have been tested and certified to the safety standard IEC/EN/UL62368-1 Ed.3 and conform to protection class I. The LFM550S series meets the highest electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and is certified according to EN55032 and CISPR/FCC Class B. Additionally, these power supplies are designed in accordance with the household appliance safety standard IEC/EN60335-1. To ensure maximum operational safety and protect connected systems, the AC/DC power supplies feature continuous short-circuit protection as well as over-temperature, overcurrent, and overvoltage protection. The LFM550S series is rated for overvoltage categories (OVC) III (up to 2000m) and II (up to 5000m).

High-efficiency performance in an ultra-slim 1-Inch power supply design.
With 550 W of power and an ultra-slim 1-inch form factor, the LFM550S series delivers a powerful power supply solution with precisely regulated DC output voltage in a compact footprint. The partially encapsulated power supplies have compact dimensions of just 129.4 x 83.5 x 25.4 mm, making them ideal for applications with limited space and enclosed systems. The thermally optimised design with baseplate contact cooling enables fanless operation, which not only reduces noise levels but also extends the power supply’s lifespan, as no moving fan components can wear out. Efficient heat dissipation ensures consistently high performance and reliability over many years, even under extreme conditions.


@bicker_de @PresseBox #PSU #PAuto

Thursday, 27 March 2025

Predictive maintenance solutions resource.

Mouser Electronics has introduced its new Predictive Maintenance Solutions online resource, dedicated to providing leading-edge technology and information directly to engineers of all skill levels. The new site explores the opportunities and benefits of predictive maintenance, supporting readers through their design journey.

Although developing predictive models that are easy to integrate and customised to the specific needs of manufacturers demands considerable time and research, the efforts typically yield substantial cost savings and a marked improvement in productivity. Discover how it's transforming factory operations in this educational video.

To assist engineers with their designs, Mouser stocks "the industry's widest selection" of semiconductors and electronic components, including the following predictive maintenance solutions:

  • The WEIDOS MKR1010/ESP32 PLC controllers from Industrial Shields are designed for simple control and data storage applications in installations. They come in two main CPU variants, the MKR1010 and the ESP32, and feature 30-watt maximum power, 10% to 90% (non-condensation) operating humidity, and 24AWG to 14AWG wire connection cross-section AWG. The controllers are best suited for simple control and data storage applications in installations and other IoT solutions.
  • The TXN Series AC-DC industrial power supplies by TRACO Power offer three power levels of 50-, 75-, and 100-watts and are easy to install in any equipment. They are convection-cooled and feature an internal EMC filter, high IO isolation, and a wide temperature range. TXN power supplies are ideal for cost-effective applications and are suitable for various industrial applications, including industrial/automation and test and measurement industries.
  • The M5601 wireless pressure transducers from TE Connectivity are high-accuracy, 24-bit ADC digital output wireless sensors ideal for industrial and smart factory applications. These transducers are enclosed in stainless steel and PBT housing and eliminate hard wiring while providing remote process control and monitoring via Bluetooth® 4.2 wireless communication. The M5601 transducers are suitable for measuring liquid or gas pressure, even for difficult media such as contaminated steam, water, and mildly corrosive fluids.
  • The MS300 Compact Vector Control Drives from Delta Electronics support both IM and PM motor control for application flexibility and include a safe-torque-off (STO) safety mechanism. The compact systems have a communication card slot that fits various cards, a USB port, and PLC capacity for simple programming. It is ideal for machine tools, automatic tool changers (ATC), pumps, woodworking, packaging machines, and textile machines.


@MouserElecEU @Publitek #Electronics #PAuto