Train monitoring.

EMC-immune FBG sensor technology to extend railway asset life, reduce false alarms and eliminate track-possession installation bottlenecks.

ARGOS® NewLight is a revolutionary fibre-optic sensor layer designed to modernise wayside train monitoring launched by Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK). It combines advanced Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) optical technology with HBK’s industry-trusted analytics.

As railway infrastructure managers and operators face growing traffic volumes, ageing networks and tighter operational budgets, the pressure to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance has never been higher. ARGOS® NewLight addresses these challenges head-on by introducing high-precision fibre-optic sensors that integrate directly into the existing ARGOS® software and reporting backend. The solution gives operators “new eyes” to measure track and wheel conditions with absolute accuracy and eliminates the high costs and disruptions of rail replacement.

Breaking the limits of traditional monitoring.
Unlike traditional inspection methods or ageing competitor technologies that rely on complex, glued strain gauges or high-cost sleeper replacements, ARGOS® NewLight introduces a robust, easy-to-install fibre-optic sensor layer. Designed to withstand the harshest rail environments, the system offers:

• Complete electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity: Because the sensors utilise optical technology rather than electricity, they are completely immune to traction currents, lightning strikes and electromagnetic interference (EMI), eliminating the false alarms and surge protection hardware common with older technologies
• 
  Rapid, POS-free installation: Sensors are bonded directly (either flat or contoured) to the existing rail web. With no rail replacement or welding required, infrastructure managers can bypass costly track possession requirements, drastically reducing installation time and complexity
• Flexible, long-distance architecture: ARGOS® NewLight supports distances of up to 1 km between trackside FBG sensors and equipment cabinets, offering unmatched deployment flexibility
• No operator retraining: The hardware upgrade works seamlessly with the existing ARGOS® database, analytics, and user interfaces, ensuring immediate return on investment and a zero-friction adoption curve.

Measurable business value.
ARGOS® NewLight supports a comprehensive range of certified applications, including Weigh-in-Motion (WIM), Wheel Impact Load Detection (WILD), Out-of-Roundness (OOR) monitoring and Running Behaviour Measurement (RBM).

When paired with the AI-assisted diagnostics of HBK Monitor360, the system transforms real-world physical measurements into highly actionable predictive insights. In real-world customer applications, this predictive capability has extended wheel lifespans by over 50%, increasing wheel mileage from approximately 1 million to 1.5 million kilometres, while drastically minimising unexpected service disruptions.

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@HBMmeasurement @BruelKjaerUK #Automation  #Transport

Power-to-heat plant with heat storage.

Leonhard Kurx and EnergyWest have successfully commissioned their joint power-to-heat plant with integrated thermal storage at the Sulzbach-Rosenberg site (D). Now that all installation and commissioning work has been completed, the system is supplying industrial process heat based on renewable electricity, marking an important milestone on the path to decarbonizing energy-intensive production processes.

The plant combines a 3 MW electric heater with an ENERGYNEST ThermalBattery™ featuring a storage capacity of 12 MWhth. The system is directly integrated into the site’s existing thermal oil infrastructure and primarily uses electricity from the directly connected ground-mounted photovoltaic system to provide high-temperature process heat on demand.

Once operational, KURZ will generate more than 3 GWhth of clean heat annually, covering over 70 percent of the heat demand for a production line at the site. More than 40 percent of the heat demand will be met by stored heat. At the same time, natural gas consumption will be reduced by more than 3.5 GWh per year, resulting in annual CO₂ savings of over 700 metric tons.

With this project, KURZ is advancing its sustainability strategy and consistently pursuing the goal of climate-neutral production. The company already exclusively uses electricity from renewable energy sources at its German sites. The successful commissioning of the power-to-heat plant now marks another important step toward the decarbonization of industrial heat supply.

“Sustainability is deeply embedded in our corporate DNA and shapes every aspect of our business operations and innovation. With the successful commissioning of this plant, we are taking another important step on our path toward climate-neutral production. The project demonstrates how innovative energy solutions and industrial competitiveness can go hand in hand,” said Ralph Hopfensitz, Executive Senior Vice President of Global Technology at LEONHARD KURZ.

“With this successful commissioning, we are proving that the decarbonization of industrial process heat is no longer a concept for the future, but can be implemented economically today," said Alex Robertson, CEO of ENERGYNEST "Together with KURZ, we have implemented a solution that enables the flexible use of renewable electricity and replaces fossil fuels. This project demonstrates how the industrial energy transition can succeed in practice - with immediately measurable results in terms of emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and security of supply.”

The solution is one of the first industrial power-to-heat projects in Germany to combine high-temperature heat with integrated thermal energy storage. It demonstrates how companies can flexibly utilize renewable electricity, increase energy efficiency, and economically replace fossil-fuel-based process heat.

The project was funded by the Federal German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and serves as a model for scaling up electrified heat supply in industry. Its successful implementation underscores the potential of power-to-heat and heat storage as key building blocks of a climate-neutral industry.

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@LEONHARD_KURZ @KURZUSA @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #PAuto #Storage #Germany

Testing radiated immunity beyond 6GHz.

EMC expertise to emerging frequencies (5G, Wi-Fi 6E/7) for medical devices targeting the U.S. market.

A new testing methodology, validated by Emitech's innovation department, enables the French laboratory to test the radiated immunity of medical devices beyond 6 GHz—where no standards currently apply—thereby anticipating the expectations of the U.S. FDA.

In the medical sector the Emitech Group supports manufacturers, importers, and distributors in bringing their products to the U.S. market via the FDA 510(k) pathway. Their technical dossier must demonstrate the product’s electromagnetic compatibility, particularly with regard to the collateral standard IEC 60601-1-2 and its FDA-recognized version (ANSI/AAMI/IEC 60601-1-2). However, this standard—like all current EMC standards—covers radiated immunity testing only up to 6 GHz, whereas medical devices now incorporate wireless functions that operate in higher frequency bands: 5G FR2, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7.

The FDA’s June 2022 guidance on the electromagnetic compatibility of medical devices explicitly requires manufacturers to identify and technically justify the electromagnetic risks associated with their product’s real-world usage environment, even when no standard yet covers them. For devices incorporating these new wireless technologies, this creates a methodological gap: how can a product’s robustness be demonstrated at frequencies that the standard does not test?

It is in this context that the Emitech Group, with the approval of its innovation department, has developed a radiated immunity testing methodology applicable beyond 6 GHz. Its approach mirrors the one Emitech previously applied when the FDA required immunity to RFID readers even though no standardized method yet existed: the same type of modulation, field levels derived from the reference radiated immunity level in IEC 60601-1-2 (ranging from 10 V/m to 28 V/m depending on the severity of the target environment), this time applied to the frequencies of 5G FR2, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7. “We cannot wait for a standard to be established to meet the FDA’s requirements: our role is to work with our clients to build a well-founded and traceable technical dossier,” emphasizes David Montaulon, EMC & Radio Expert at the Emitech Group.

Technical resources dedicated to high frequencies.
To implement this methodology, the Emitech Group relies on testing resources that are uncommon among players in the medical market. It utilizes resources originally developed for its defense-related activities; its antennas and radio-frequency generators cover frequencies up to approximately 40 GHz, enabling radiated immunity testing on bands not covered by current standards (5G FR2, Wi-Fi 6E/7).

For near-field testing above 18 GHz, the laboratory repurposes a high-precision motorized mast, originally developed for radio frequency measurements up to 140 GHz. This device enables automatic scanning at a distance of approximately 5 cm from the product under test, ensuring uniform exposure and excellent reproducibility. All tests are conducted in an anechoic chamber, covering the entire surface of the equipment.

An approach based on foresight, not on waiting for a standard.
The RFID case study illustrates this philosophy. When a client—a manufacturer of enteral feeding pumps—was faced with an FDA recommendation regarding immunity to RFID frequencies, even though no standardized test bench existed, the Emitech Group developed its own in-house solution. As a result, its teams enabled the client to secure market authorization in the U.S. even before the FDA formally recognized AIM Standard 7351731, which addresses this immunity. Today, the Emitech Group applies the same approach to emerging 5G and Wi-Fi frequencies, convinced that part of this methodology will eventually be incorporated into future regulatory standards as well.

Philosophy rooted in the FDA’s Risk Management Approach.
The FDA does not systematically require additional testing; rather, it seeks to verify that the risk has been identified, analyzed, and technically justified. This is the crux of this methodology: it enables the Emitech Group’s clients to compile a traceable technical dossier that aligns with the spirit of the FDA guidance, rather than encountering a roadblock during the review of the 510(k) application.

For manufacturers, the benefit is clear: by incorporating these tests from the product design phase, they reduce the risk of delays caused by a Request for Additional Information (AFI) during the 510(k) review process.

A longer-term goal.
Beyond this new methodology, the Emitech Group intends to remain a leading player in anticipating electromagnetic risks associated with emerging wireless technologies—whether they involve the next generations of Wi-Fi or future mobile networks. This ability to anticipate risks—already proven in the RFID sector—is a key differentiator that enables the Group to support its clients as soon as new frequency bands emerge, even before they are covered by a standard.

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EMITECH_SA  @mepaxIntPR #Medical #USA #FDA #TandM

Wideband linear amplifier.

Helping engineers accelerate next-generation optical device characterisation.

The AH15203A/B, a 140 Gbaud wideband linear amplifier with integrated bias tee has been launched by Anritsu. Designed for engineers developing next-generation optical transmission devices, the new amplifier helps simplify high-speed device characterization by delivering the broadband, high-output signal conditioning required for the Beyond-1 Tb era.

With a broad frequency response from 200 kHz to 125 GHz (-6 dB bandwidth), the AH15203A/B amplifies PAM4 signals up to 140 Gbaud with a maximum output of 2.0 Vpp. Its +15.0 dB gain and low jitter performance of 300 fs maximum help engineers maintain signal fidelity, compensate for transmission-path losses, and perform more reliable waveform evaluation during high-speed optical device development.

The AH15203A/B can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM4 signals from DSPs and other signal sources, while directly driving optical devices that require high-amplitude offset signals, such as modulators. This makes it well suited for characterizing optical modulators used in next-generation 800GbE and 1.6TbE digital coherent transmission systems, as well as IM-DD optical modulators widely deployed in optical communications. For engineers, this provides a practical way to validate demanding device performance with greater confidence and efficiency.

By combining wide bandwidth, high output, low jitter, and an integrated bias tee in a compact drive amplifier, Anritsu helps customers reduce test complexity, improve confidence in measurement results, and accelerate the deployment of faster, more reliable data centre and network infrastructure.

Development background.
Growth in AI, machine-learning, and cloud-service traffic is pushing data centre and network operators to increase capacity while maintaining signal quality, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

To support these requirements, IEEE 802.3dj is advancing standardization for 200 Gbps/lane IM-DD modulation and digital coherent configurations including 800GBASE-LR1 (10 km), 800GBASE-ER1-20 (20 km), and 800GBASE-ER1 (40 km). In parallel, IEEE 802.3ds standardization is progressing toward optical links operating at 200 Gbps per wavelength for short-reach communications below 30 m. As speeds increase, signal attenuation becomes more challenging, creating a clear need for high-output linear drivers with integrated bias tee that can faithfully amplify PAM signals and directly drive EML, DML, and VCSEL devices during development and validation.

Product outline.
The AH15203A/B high-output linear amplifier supports 140 Gbaud PAM4 signal evaluation at up to 2.0 Vpp. With a 125 GHz bandwidth and integrated bias tee, it enables engineers to generate high-quality, high-speed drive signals without increasing setup complexity. Its low power consumption of 1.5 W also supports more efficient test environments, helping customers manage performance, space, and power considerations in advanced optical device characterization.

A dedicated power supply further helps reduce the risk of incorrect power handling, contributing to safer operation and greater confidence when integrating the amplifier into high-frequency test setups. 

 Markets include: High-speed optical and electrical device manufacturers; optical signal test and measurement-instrument manufacturers and applications: High-speed optical device characterization at up to 140 Gbaud

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR   #TandM #Optical

Support from afar!

New digitally enabled support experience helps manufacturers address skills gaps, simplify updates and resolve issues faster.

The launch of Rockwell Automation's TechConnectIQ℠ Support has been announced. This is a modernised remote support experience designed to help manufacturers reduce downtime, speed time to resolution and simplify software and firmware updates.

As manufacturing environments become more complex and on-site experts harder to staff, Rockwell TechConnectIQ makes it easier for maintenance, engineering and operations teams to get the help they need when issues arise. The new experience provides faster access to Rockwell's technical expertise and digital resources, helping teams stay productive and respond more effectively to challenges.

TechConnectIQ Support is available now for single-site contract customers in North America, with additional regions planned for 2027. Available 24x7x365, Rockwell's technical support engineers assist with installation, configuration, troubleshooting and issue resolution across industrial automation systems. The service also reduces the need for on-site field visits and helps teams work more efficiently through improved access to knowledge and updates.

"Manufacturers are being asked to do more with fewer resources and support needs to keep pace," said Matt Fordenwalt, senior vice president, Lifecycle Services, at Rockwell Automation. "TechConnectIQ brings together our expertise and AI capabilities to help customers stay productive when on-site resources are limited."

Key benefits of this new offering include:

• Real-time access to specialists through web-based tools with scheduled callbacks and live support
• Improved data visibility via the myRockwellAutomation TechConnect hub, including installed base and support history
• Simplified support structure with consolidated hardware and software coverage and three support tiers: Basic, Standard and Professional
• AI-support tools including federated search, augmented reality guidance and instructional videos to assist with maintenance and remote support tasks

"For more than 20 years, customers have relied on Rockwell's TechConnect service to keep their operations running," said Bill Prather, lead product manager for production optimisation at Rockwell Automation. "TechConnectIQ builds on that trusted foundation and reflects what customers told us they need today. We modernised the experience while maintaining the reliability they expect from Rockwell."

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@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA #PAuto

See farther. Protect more - A world first!

Datalogic’s Sensor & Safety and Machine Vision business unit, Datasensing, has launched the SLS10 Safety Laser Scanner. Offering the largest safety coverage currently available on the market, the new SLS10 also delivers ultra-fast response times, and best-in-class angular resolution to help manufacturers boost protection. All while reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).

As the world’s first 10 m safety laser scanner, the SLS10 enables customers to see farther and protect more. With a maximum safety range of 10 m (32.8 ft) across a 275° scanning angle for 70 mm detection capability, the device provides up to 240 m² of safety coverage from a single scanner. This impressive capability supports the protection of larger workspaces, longer production lines, and bigger industrial machinery with fewer devices. Instead of deploying multiple scanners to achieve full coverage, users can rely on a single SLS10, lowering hardware investment and shortening commissioning times, as well as reducing maintenance requirements.

“Safety should never be a compromise between protection, productivity, and cost,” said Andrea Donadel, Industrial Automation Products and Solutions Executive Vice President at Datasensing. “With our new SLS10, we are advancing safety laser scanning for the benefit of both end users and system integrators. Its market-leading 10 m range, rapid response time, and advanced configuration tools not only mean protecting wider areas with fewer devices, but also better operational efficiency and flexibility”

Greater safety coverage costing less.
The new SLS10 provides multiple detection capabilities for different applications. Alongside its 10 m safety range for 70 mm detection capability, it also offers 5 m safety range for 30 mm, 5.5 m for 40 mm, 7.5 m for 50 mm, and 8.75 m for 60 mm. This flexibility makes the scanner ideal for palletizing systems, robotic cells, laser cutting machines, woodworking machinery, warehouse AGVs/AMRs, and much more. Customers gain peace of mind that every risk has been safely addressed while lowering total system costs.

Value beyond safety.
Beyond safeguarding, the SLS10 delivers powerful performance in navigation applications thanks to its best-in-class angular resolution of up to 0.059°. Angular resolution defines the minimum distance between consecutive laser measurement points. The outcome for users is higher accuracy in support of improved navigational capabilities, making the SLS10 particularly valuable for high-payload AGVs/AMRs and automated forklifts. This potential for further applications adds value beyond traditional safety tasks.

The SLS10 delivers an ultra-fast 84 ms response time, the best in its class for safety distances above 9 m, allowing installation closer to hazardous areas while maintaining compliance. The result is a smaller machine footprint, greater design flexibility, and improved productivity.

Smarter configuration and easier commissioning.
Datasensing has also introduced a redesigned DL Sentinel user interface through its new ONEGUI platform, improving setup and day-to-day management. Users can configure safety zones more easily, monitor Master and Remote devices simultaneously, and use the new OptimaTune technology to automatically select the best balance between safety distance, response time, and environmental conditions. Benefits include reduced commissioning time and improved stock flexibility by replacing previous scanners without any compromise in performance.

Selected models also include positional zone set switching by encoder, a patent-pending feature that enables automatic zone changes without additional sensors.

Complying with SIL-2 and PLd safety standards, SLS10 delivers the reliability required for mission-critical industrial environments. Notably, strong immunity to dust helps reduce false triggering, preventing unnecessary and costly machine shutdowns.

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@DatalogicGroup @mepaxIntPR #Datasensing #PAuto #Laser

Field mounted low power PSU.

Helps machine builders reduce cabling, simplify installation, and improve system efficiency in industrial environments.

The expansion of the Puls FIEPOS (FIEld POwer Supply) product family with new Low Power Class field-mounted power supplies designed for decentralised industrial automation and intralogistics applications has been announced. The new single-phase units complement the existing FIEPOS 360 W and 600 W models, giving system designers and machine builders access to one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of decentralised field power solutions.

The new Low Power field power supplies provide reliable 24 V DC directly in the field while reducing the need for centralized control cabinets and extensive wiring infrastructure. Built for harsh environments with IP65 and IP67 protection, the compact units support installation close to loads in industrial environments, helping manufacturers lower installation costs, simplify machine design and improve overall operational efficiency.

Available in 100 W and 200 W power classes, the new units are engineered for powering sensors, actuators, distributed I/O devices and smaller control systems commonly used in smart manufacturing and intralogistics applications. The portfolio includes versions with NEC Class 2 compliant outputs, dual NEC Class 2 outputs, and 200 W output for additional flexibility in machine and system design.

The FIEPOS Low Power Class devices achieve efficiency ratings up to 95.1%, minimizing energy losses and heat generation while supporting long-term system reliability. With a lifetime exceeding 200,000 hours and industrial-grade construction, the units are designed to maximize uptime in demanding operating conditions.

A selected model with IO-Link communication also enables enhanced diagnostics and remote monitoring, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and improved system visibility in connected industrial environments.

“As manufacturers worldwide continue to embrace decentralised automation concepts, the need for robust and compact field power solutions is increasing across industries,” said Martin Kram, Chief Sales Officer of PULS. “The expansion of our FIEPOS family reflects our commitment to helping customers design more efficient and flexible automation systems by reducing cabling complexity, optimizing machine layouts, and delivering reliable power where it is needed most.”

Supporting the shift toward decentralised automation architectures.
Decentralised power concepts are increasingly being adopted across industrial automation, conveyor systems, warehouse automation, and material handling operations as companies seek to simplify installations and improve scalability. By placing power supplies directly in the field, manufacturers can reduce cabinet space requirements, shorten cable runs, and accelerate system commissioning.

The expanded FIEPOS portfolio strengthens PULS’ position as a leading provider of industrial DC power solutions for both control cabinet and decentralised field applications. The company’s focus on efficiency, durability, and system availability continues to support OEMs, machine builders, and industrial operators across a wide range of automation environments.

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@PULSPowerSupply  @proactivefleet #PAuto