A first in industrial computing.

Moxa has delivered the world’s first host device to attain ISA/IEC 62442-4-2 certification with its its newest Industrial Linux 3 (MIL3) platform — the UC-8200 Series computer. IEC 62443-4-2 certification ensures that Moxa UC-8200 computers incorporate an advanced suite of secure-by-design hardware and software features to protect data and infrastructure against the rising threat of cyberattacks.

UC-8200 Series Highlights. Developed according to IEC 62443-4-1 standard and compliant with IEC 62443-4-2 industrial cybersecurity Security Level 2 standard IEC 62443-4-2 compliant diagnostic tool and security-hardening guide Automatic failover between Wi-Fi, cellular, and Ethernet connections for reliability and high availability Automatic system failover for system recovery and file backup TPM 2.0 for hardware root of trust authentication to prevent malware takeover or tampering A host-based Intrusion detection system (HIDS) and network security monitoring Optional built-in cellular and additional Mini PCI Express (mPCIe) slot for Wi-Fi modules Moxa Industrial Linux 3 with 10-year long-term support

“The IEC 62443-4-2 certified UC-8200 Series computer makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective to integrate IIoT applications by providing a secure platform that has already been tested and validated,” said George Hsiao, Product Manager of Industrial Embedded Computer at Moxa. “Without this certified platform, asset owners and system integrators would need to spend a significant amount of time testing and validating the security of the computing platform and its components before integrating their applications.”

Built around a Cortex-A7 dual-core processor and offering flexible interfacing options, Moxa UC-8200 Series embedded computers serve as reliable and secure gateways for data acquisition and processing at field sites as well as versatile communications platforms for many other large-scale deployments.

Increasing Operational Resilience.
As Operational Technology and Informational Technology (OT/IT) continue to converge, the need for enhanced network security, endpoint protection, strong reliability, and a long lifecycle becomes critical for the development of next-generation industrial IoT systems that can effectively defend against cyber threats.

The UC-8200 Series computer comes with a security-hardening guide to help maintain it throughout its entire lifecycle — from integration and installation to operation, maintenance and decommissioning. It also includes a security diagnostics utility that allows customers to confirm that the UC-8200 Series computer remains compliant with IEC 62443-4-2 during the integration stage. Powered by an Armv7 Cortex-A7 dual-core 1 GHz processor, it also has Dual SIM slots and a microSD socket, two auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, one CAN port, and a DIN-rail mountable IP30 metal housing with a wide temperature range of -40° to 85° C.

Additional security features include:
• Hardware Root of Trust.
The UC-8200 Series computer incorporates a one-time programmable (OTP) fuse and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 technology to establish a hardware-based chain of trust that safeguards the Secure Boot process and software updates. This blocks hackers from taking control of the device during boot time and prevents malicious updates from being used for malware exploitation.

• Reliable and Fast Recovery.
Device availability is critical in industrial automation and control systems (IACS). That is why Moxa Industrial Linux 3 (MIL3) comes equipped with quick backup and restore utilities, as well as automated system recovery features based on an overlay file system architecture. This helps to reduce downtime in the event of a security breach, process failure, or file corruption, such as a power outage during a critical update.

• Robust Connectivity and Network Management.
MCM (Moxa Connect Manager) easily optimizes LAN and WAN network availability by automatically switching between Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and LTE connections, which can minimize downtime caused by network unavailability or DOS attacks.

• Superior Long-term Support.
Moxa provides long-term after-sales support and Debian-based distributions with 10-year life cycles to support UC-8200-equipped systems, including security patches, bug fixes, and access to the Moxa Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) that takes a proactive approach to protect Moxa products from cybersecurity vulnerabilities and effectively mitigate and manage security risks.

Pascal LeRay, Head of Cybersecurity at Bureau Veritas (BV), the global certification body that issued the ISASecure CSA Security Level 2 certification for the UC-8200 Series industrial computers, commented: “It is a great honor to assist Moxa in successfully obtaining IEC 62443-4-2 certification and to empower the company in better grasping the overall security issues and quality of product development through IEC 62443 to enhance its competitiveness. IEC 62443 universal standards for industrial control and information security have become mandatory technical requirements in many countries. Furthermore, as demand for product security increases, the importance of IEC 62443-4-2 has increased significantly, resulting in a growing number of customers requiring proof of security level from manufacturers for their Industrial IoT equipment."

@MoxaInc @OConnellPR #Pauto #Manufacturing #Cybersecurity

Smart home automation.

A robust roadmap for its Matter-compliant smart home solutions, committing to being among the first group of Matter-compliant devices immediately after the standard is approved has been announced by Schneider Electric. The company also plans to bridge its Wiser smart home ecosystem with Matter-connected systems by the same time.

As a board member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and an active contributor to the Matter protocol development, Schneider believes that interoperability is the key for homes and buildings of the future. Matter builds upon market-proven technologies and best practices, and is the industry-unifying standard that aims to simplify connected experiences and provide greater interoperability in smart homes and buildings. By integrating technologies such as renewable energy generation and EV charging that are rapidly being adopted, Matter compliance can help in supporting the Schneider Electric sentiment around the sustainable future for our homes, and help pave a pathway to self-sufficient, net zero homes, while reducing e-waste and improving circularity.

The Schneider Electric Matter implementation roadmap includes:

1. Innovating to create Matter-compliant smart home products. Schneider Electric will become one of the first few companies in the world to offer native Matter solutions.
2. Bridging to connect existing and new systems. The Wiser smart home ecosystem ensures Matter compliance while retaining native Zigbee connectivity. Existing and new Wiser devices based on Zigbee will join the Matter ecosystem using the ‘bridge’ functionality of upgraded Wiser Hubs*, ensuring a sustainable approach where the installed base of devices do not become obsolete with the arrival of the new standard.
3. Advocating for more Matter-compliant interoperability with others. Making interoperability and usage of products easier for consumers starts with industry wide collaboration to include Matter as a connectivity standard in the Wiser App.

“By ensuring smart home technology supports Matter – anticipated to be a widely accepted connectivity language – we will achieve much more than device compatibility and effortless comfort for the homeowner,” said Jai Thampi, SVP for Strategy and Innovation in the Home and Distribution Division, Schneider Electric.  “Interoperability among connected products will be at the heart of making our homes, offices, and entire cities more sustainable, more energy efficient, and more resilient in the face of the global threat of climate change. I firmly believe that Matter is an important project for the future of smart home, and we are committed to making it successful in the long run, while innovating at scale. Open, global standards such as Matter are essential for improving consumer experience, while ensuring a smart and sustainable connected future.”

@SchneiderUKI @SchneiderElec @csaiot @matter_cloud #Automation #Domestic

Wireless monitor receives CSA Approval.

The BM 25 Wireless (BM 25W) area gas monitor from Oldham has been certified by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and now carries the CSA mark of approval.The marking is as follows and the BM 25W can now be used in Class I Division 1 hazardous locations in Canada and in Div. 2 locations in the United States. They are working to add the US Class I Div 1 approval to the BM 25 and BM 25W by the end of the year.

The BM 25 Wireless brings freedom and flexibility while keeping the standard characteristics of the BM 25.

• Powerful audible alarm (103 dB @ 1m)
• Ultra-bright flashing signal (viewable at 360°)
• 1 to 5 gases simultaneously
• Run time of up to 135 hours in Wireless version
• Resistant to harsh environment
• Easily transportable - less than 15 lbs
• Up to 30 devices per MESH network
• Up to 16 independent MESH networks
• 2.4 GHz frequency
• Up to 0.6 mile line-of-sight range

By using up to 16 BM25 Wireless in combination with their MX 40 wireless controller, information can now be centralized at one location. The MX 40 can display up to 32 measurements in real time.

Using the Sitewatch option, the MX 40 can be accessed remotely via Ethernet or GSM. A web page displays measurements and channel statuses in real time, and is accessible from any computer or wireless phone connected to the internet. This option also allows SMS or email messages sent in the case of an alarm.

@OldhamGas @CSA_Group #PAuto #Wireless

Explosion proof fluid level sensors

Sensors now have ATEX, IECEx and CSA (UL) approvals

The Deeter Group has achieved CSA Explosion Proof Accreditation for its LVCS-AFP and FS-AFP fluid level sensing products.

The addition of the CSA approval to the existing ATEX and IECEx approvals means the products are suitable for use in hazardous environments in most regions worldwide and will be suitable for use in the American and Canadian oil and gas, petro-chem and chemical industries.

Peter Whiteaker, Managing Director of Deeter Group, comments; "This latest approval will add to Deeter's continued growth in the North American and Canadian markets and confirms our commitment to being a global leader in the design and manufacture of sensors for hazardous areas. Our aim is to be able to offer our customers a one-stop-shop for sensors and wireless measuring systems for all types of process control and measuring systems.”

The Deeter LVCS continuous level sensor comes in standard and custom lengths, up to four meters. It is also available with a variety of analogue output signals and can operate in temperature ranges from - 20 to 180ºC.

The FS-AFP float switch is also available in lengths up to four meters, with up to seven switch points and an operating temperature of -20 to 190ºC.

The Deter Group is happy to produce both the LVCS-AFP and the FS-AFP sensors with custom sensor mounts to suit specific customer requirements and with low minimum order quantities.

HART signal isolator approved!

The HIX HART signal isolator from Moore Industries has received General Location and Class I, Division 2 (Non-Incendive) approvals from CSA International in the United States and Canada.

The 2-wire HIX provides superior loop isolation while allowing the HART signal to "pass through" uninterrupted. It provides economical solutions to three common and costly problems that plague many of today's smart HART loops. The HIX protects I/O cards from surges and spikes, provides area isolation to allow loops to continue working during system maintenance downtime and provides a safe method of sharing a HART signal.

The cCSAus certification allows the HIX to be used in hazardous conditions where flammable gas or vapors are present in the atmosphere, such as petroleum refineries. The approval covers Groups A, B, C and D and temperature code T4A at an ambient temperature of -20 to 70°C.

Hazardous certification achieved

Moore Industries acquires CSA Hazardous Location Certifications on new signal conditioners and alarm trip

Moore Industries has certified two of the company’s newest product lines through CSA International, receiving cCSAus Hazardous Location certificates for miniMOORE™ Multi-Channel Signal Conditioners and FS Functional Safety Series STA Safety Trip Alarms.

The miniMOORE and STA products all received General Location and Non-Incendive approval per CSA for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D.

Products certified for the miniMOORE product line of multi-channel signal conditioners include the 2-channel MIT and MIX Signal Isolator/Converters with switch-selectable inputs, and the 4-channel MIX with 4-20mA standard input/output.

The STA SIL 2 Compliant Safety Trip Alarm, that is certified IEC 61508 SIL 2 safe by TÜVRheinland, has now received additional Hazardous Location approval by CSA International.

Moore Industries Senior Certification Engineer Christine Whan worked with CSA International to acquire the certifications. “CSA International is wonderful to work with from a technical perspective. Their certification is very well regarded in the US and Canada, and they are expanding internationally as well,” she said. In July 2009, CSA International had acquired British-based SIRA Test and Certification Limited, another world leader in the conformity assessment solutions field. SIRA has been a leader in Hazardous Location certifications for 25 years, and is Britain's leading Notified Body specializing in testing and certification equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

According to Whan, “I enjoy working with CSA for many reasons, but the fact that they have evolved into a comprehensive, global assessment solutions business has strengthened their appeal to Moore Industries.”

Process safety has been greatly emphasized recently. Third-party certifications have become vital as safety considerations have dominated media coverage, and certifying a process has ever increasing importance. According to Moore Industries Director of Engineering, Tina Lockhart, “Moore Industries is committed to providing superior product quality for customers. In many cases, that quality needs to be cemented with a certificate of conformity from an independent, third-party agency.”