The most visited stories published in 2025!

These are the most visited of stories published on the Read-out Instrumentation Signpost during 2025.

---

Connectors, components & test accessories for the North America.

1

Industrial analytics board appointment.

2

Accelerating innovation by acquisition.

3

Micro-size connectors.

4

Acoustic imaging in hazardous locations.

5

Safety Controller.

6

Optimising energy assets.

7

Advanced fixed thermal imaging.

8

Stepper motor controller.

9

Versatile Temperature Transmitter.

10

---

#PAuto #TandM #Automation

Nitrogen blanketing.

The quality and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products is critical to the industry and its users. To ensure quality stays intact, nitrogen is often used for packaging purposes and other processes inside the manufacturing facilities. Because nitrogen is an inert gas, it is often used to exclude or push oxygen out of certain areas, including packages and containers.

Pharmaceutical companies use a method called nitrogen blanketing to protect processes that are used to make their products. Nitrogen blanketing strategies are implemented during production, storage, transportation, and final packaging. Nitrogen blanketing involves adding nitrogen liquid or gas to fill the area between the fill line of a process storage vessel’s content and the top of that vessel. The nitrogen displaces the oxygen inside, which helps ensure that oxygen and moisture don’t contaminate the product or cause a potentially explosive situation due to excess oxygen.

The level of oxygen inside Manufacturing Facilities where nitrogen is used must be monitored because the same nitrogen used for oxygen displacement to preserve the valuable contents of the vessel could become deadly to the employees working in the room. Nitrogen leaks can cause the air in the room to become oxygen-deficient, which could cause employees to suffocate.

Nitrogen-Blanketing-SPA2 Application.
In the above application, an Oxygen Monitor is utilized in conjunction with a Moore Industries SPA2 Programmable Limit Alarm Trip to help avoid this potentially dangerous situation. The Oxygen Monitor provides the oxygen level input to the SPA2 from the inside of the room where the process is occurring.

The SPA2 provides two or four independent and individually configurable alarm relay outputs, one of which can be designated to shut off the flow of nitrogen supply when the Oxygen Monitor detects low oxygen in the room; which could be caused by a nitrogen leak in the Process Storage Tank. An E-stop can also be wired in series so that operators can shut off the nitrogen supply manually. The other SPA2 relays can be used to alert employees by being wired to audible and visual warnings. The optional AO analog output on the SPA2 transmits the real-time Oxygen Monitor readings to a PLC/BPCS host system.

---

@MII_Worldwide #PAuto #Pharma

Automation subsidiary opens in North Africa.

WIKA has expanded its footprint in North Africa with a new subsidiary in Casablanca, Morocco. The measurement technology manufacturer has been supporting its existing customers across the Maghreb region from this location, while also driving its sales activities since early December (2025).

This step is part of WIKA’s strategy to operate with agility worldwide through local facilities. By being closer to customers and partners on site, the company aims to process orders even more efficiently and deliver the highest level of service.

“The opening of the subsidiary in Morocco marks an important milestone in our regional growth strategy,” says Marcel Frei, Senior Vice President South Europe at WIKA. “Our local presence enables us to offer customers even more flexible, personalised support and to strengthen collaboration with regional partners. All of this increases WIKA’s visibility in North Africa – and helps us to unlock new market potential.”

---

@WIKANews #PAuto #Morocco

Test system for satellite and airborne technologies.

Anritsu's new Radio RF Conformance Test System ME7873NR has achieved PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) certification for the first time* in test cases related to non-terrestrial networks (NR NTN) utilising 5G technology, using Samsung’s NR NTN modem chipset.

The NTN is a communication system that integrates satellite communication and airborne technologies along with terrestrial infrastructure, leveraging satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO).

3GPP Release 17 introduces "NR NTN", which includes Non-Terrestrial Networks into the 5G New Radio (NR) standards. With this advance, 5G devices can connect to satellites using the same protocols as terrestrial base stations, paving the way for global 5G coverage beyond traditional infrastructure.

The PTCRB definition of NR NTN testing signifies the formal commencement of the NTN device certification process. Going forward, NR NTN is expected to be actively adopted by network operators worldwide to enhance service quality and expand coverage. Anritsu will contribute to the proliferation of NTN devices by providing certification test systems.

Product Overview.
The ME7873NR is a 3GPP-compliant 5G RF conformance test platform certified by both the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB). It supports Frequency Range 1 (FR1, Sub-6 GHz) out-of-the-box, and combining it with an OTA (CATR) chamber** adds support for Frequency Range 2 (FR2, mmWave).

---

* For PTCRB certification test cases related to NR NTN (Anritsu survey, December 2025)
** OTA (CATR) Chamber - Compact Antenna Test Range. A 3GPP-compliant CATR anechoic chamber designed to block external radio waves and prevent internal reflections to accurately measure wireless device performance via over-the-air transmission and reception.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA  @NapierPR #TandM #Communications

Ai welding inspection.

SmartRay is showcasing its fully automated JOSY weld inspection system at the EY’s European Industrial AI Innovation Hub* at the Skyloop in Stuttgart (D). The live demonstration features JOSY hardware with Tool Path Generation software created in partnership with Wandelbots and Grid Dynamics. This close-loop workflow can boost efficiency, eliminates manual errors, and reduces scrap for automotive manufacturers.

Visitors discover how they can transform their operations with automated, AI-generated inspection paths directly from CAD. This includes instant feasibility checks and cycle time estimation, faster commissioning and reduced manual programming, and seamless data flow from part design to final production. All with 100% accuracy in fault detection.

Bernd Lorösch, Vice President Business Unit JOSY at SmartRay, commented: “We’re proud to present a perfect example of close loop-controlled production processes in the European Industrial AI Innovation Hub, boosting efficiency of our customers’ processes – by a high level of AI based automation from CAD model until the end of production.”

LtoR: Dr. Adrian Reisch, Industrial AI Leader, EY; Bernd Lorösch, VP Business Unit JOSY, SmartRay; Jan Niklas Mülheims, Senior Consultant, EY; and Henning Steil, Director Business Consulting at launch of the SmartRay in Stuttgart.

---

* EY’s Innovation Hub is a dedicated space where industrial companies can experience hands-on AI-driven digital transformation. It brings together real-world demos, immersive collaboration and emerging technologies – from digital wins to robotics. It helps manufacturers rethink their operations, accelerate decision-making, and co-create scalable solutions alongside ecosystem partners and industry experts like SmartRay.

@SmartRay3D @EYnews @AgilityPRS #Testing 

Cleanroom appointment.

AES Cleanroom Technology has appointed Kristie Matevish as Vice President of Human Resources. Matevish will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Chris Miller and serve as a member of the company's Senior Leadership Team.

Kristie Matevish

Matevish brings more than 20 years of HR expertise, with a proven track record in driving HR strategy, developing talent, strengthening organisational culture, and building the capabilities needed to support sustained growth. She will oversee all aspects of Human Resources at AES, including talent acquisition, organisational development, HR operations, leadership development, employee experience, and total rewards.

Her appointment comes as AES continues to experience significant growth and expand its capabilities to meet increasing demand across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced technology sectors.

"As AES continues to grow, investing in our people and culture is essential," said Chris Miller, CEO of AES Cleanroom Technology. "Kristie's experience developing talent and strengthening culture makes her the right leader to help us scale effectively while maintaining the values and commitment to excellence that define AES."

"I'm excited to join AES at such a pivotal time in the company's growth," said Matevish. "The opportunity to build on a strong foundation and help shape the future of the organisation—while supporting the talented people who make it all possible—is exactly the kind of challenge I'm passionate about."

Matevish will be based at AES's corporate offices in Montgomeryville, PA. Her appointment reflects the company's continued investment in leadership to support its next phase of growth.

---

@AesClean #PAuto 

Carbon Dioxide sensor for buildings.

The SCD43 CO₂ sensor, has been launched by Sensirion. Designed for a wide range of applications, the SCD43 delivers precise and reliable measurements, supporting energy-efficient operation, environmental monitoring, and user comfort.

The SCD43 achieves a best-in-class accuracy of ±(30 ppm + 3% m.v.) and meets stringent building standards, including ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1-2022 Draft Addendum d, California Title 24, RESET® Grade B, and WELL v2. It features an extended range up to 5,000 ppm, single-shot operation, and integrated SHT4x humidity and temperature sensing for on-chip compensation. 

Built on Sensirion’s proven SCD4x platform, it uses photoacoustic NDIR technology in a compact, fully encapsulated 10.1 × 10.1 × 6.5 mm³ package, SMD solderable and tape-and-reel ready.

The sensor is robust, long-lasting, and easy to integrate, with on-chip self-calibration, long-term drift compensation, multiple power modes, and a digital I²C interface. Its small footprint and reliable performance make it suitable for a variety of designs and environments.

The SCD43 is particularly suited for commercial or residential HVAC systems, wall-mounted thermostats, air purifiers, and indoor air quality monitors, providing accurate CO₂ measurements to maintain energy efficiency, comfort, and healthy indoor environments.

Key features Photoacoustic NDIR sensing technology Small footprint of 10.1 × 10.1 × 6.5 mm3 Fully encapsulated sensor package SMD solderable, tape & reel packaging On-chip compensation and self-calibration Supply voltage range of 2.4–5.5 V Multiple operation and reduced power modes Digital I2C interface

---

@sensirion #Environment #PAuto