Monday, 30 March 2026

New modular drive system.

A modular system comprising decentralised drive electronics and efficient motors from Nord Drivesystems, offers full consistency provides more freedom in system design. This is based on the NORDAC LINK and NORDAC ON frequency inverters, which now have identical communication and safety functions, making them flexible in use.

The spacious intralogistics of e-commerce providers, parcel distribution centres or airports benefit from space-saving, decentralised drive solutions. However, planners often face challenges in their system design: If frequency inverters for wall mounting or motor mounting have different safety and communication properties, additional installations are needed. With its new modular system, NORD provides users with decentralised drive electronics for consistent use.

Expanded communication and safety functions.
The modular system comprises the asynchronous IE3 and synchronous IE5+ motors from NORD, and two decentralised frequency inverters as the centrepiece: NORDAC ON in the power range from 0.37 to 3.7 kW for wall mounting and motor mounting, and NORDAC LINK for power ranges from 0.37 to 7.5 kW for wall mounting. Both have identical communication and safety functions that have been extensively expanded by NORD.

Seamless integration into fail-safe applications.
The frequency inverters feature on-board Ethernet and are compatible with PROFINET and EtherCAT. Both NORDAC ON and NORDAC LINK can be integrated seamlessly into a fail-safe application via PROFIsafe or FSoE. An extended safety function package has already been integrated. STO and SS1-t (each in accordance with SIL3 / PLe) as well as SS1-r, SLS, SMS and SSM (each in accordance with SIL 2 / PLd) have no encoder. Thanks to safe inputs and outputs, fail-safe components such as emergency stop buttons or photoelectric sensors can be directly connected.

Encoderless control of dynamic applications.
Also for dynamic applications, NORDAC ON and NORDAC LINK allow for encoderless control of the highly efficient IE5+ synchronous motors. The CFC open-loop injection method allows for a start-up with 150 % overload and implements more dynamic accelerations through short ramp times. The method achieves high energy efficiency, especially in the partial load range. As no encoder is required, the CFC open-loop injection control reduces material and installation costs.

Lean system design with less wiring.
The new modular system provides users with more flexibility in system design. Thanks to the consistent functionality, they can easily choose between motor-mounted or wall-mounted frequency inverters. The integrated functions furthermore reduce wiring efforts, simplifying installation and maintenance. All in all, NORD thus ensures less complex, lean architectures with an extended performance scope.


@NORD_Drive @mepaxIntPR #Pauto

Ai-ready UPS systems validation.

Artificial Intelligence has fundamentally altered power dynamics within data centers. Unlike traditional workloads with slow and predictable power variations, modern Ai creates “pulsed loads”, where processors switch rapidly between idle and full capacity. Power demand can swing from 0% to 100% and back in milliseconds, creating erratic “on-off” cycles that place power infrastructure under severe stress.

Pic: Veritiv
Veritiv has created a fully integrated measurement ecosystem from Yokogawa, anchored by the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer, DL950 ScopeCorder, GM10 Data Acquisition System, and tied together by the IS8000 software platform.*

Luigi Balma of the Vertiv R&D team explained, “The Yokogawa ecosystem is the best solution for us because it allows us to see so many different variables - voltage, currents, DC and AC - at the same time on a single display, and coherent in time.”

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems now also function as a dynamic power conditioner capable of reacting to these variable load swings in real time. If it cannot manage these pulses effectively, they can be reflected back to the grid or backup generators, threatening overall system stability or even breakdown.

Vertiv provides critical infrastructure technologies, including large power converters. Its Power Center in Bologna (I) needed to validate new Input Power Smoothing algorithms for its Vertiv™ Trinergy™ UPS systems. These intelligently draw energy from the UPS batteries during peak pulses, shielding the upstream generator from the erratic behavior of an Ai load.

The units have a sophisticated topology, featuring two AC three-phase mains and one DC battery input, and one three-phase output. Each required monitoring simultaneously. Teams needed to capture long-duration thermal data and high-speed resolutions to analyse waveform deformation, noise, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) during rapid switching events. Active, reactive, and apparent power also had to be characterised to fully understand power quality under stress.

With high channel counts, currents of up to 5000 A demanding strict safety controls, and a need for 24/7 reliability, intermittent anomaly capture, and long-term thermal stability logging, the instrumentation challenge was considerable.

The WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer provides primary power analysis. With a power accuracy class of 0.03% and support for up to 7 input modules, it allows Vertiv engineers to measure AC and DC power simultaneously. The instrument provides harmonic analysis up to the 500th order, essential for evaluating power quality and validating efficiency even under dynamic load conditions.

The DL950 ScopeCorder captures the transient behavior of the “pulsed loads”. Configured with 16 channels, it combines the benefits of a high-speed oscilloscope with a long-term data recorder. It captures the specific shape of voltage and current waveforms during rapid switching events, allowing engineers to identify high-frequency noise and verify the system’s dynamic response time without missing critical details.

Connecting these domains is Yokogawa’s IS8000 software, which synchronises the instruments using the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). This platform integrates data from the WT5000, the DL950, and the GM10, which monitors thermal points across the system. This setup creates a single, time-aligned dataset where thermal stress, power efficiency, and waveform distortion can be viewed side-by-side.

As well as directly enabling the validation of their patented Input Power Smoothing technology, the integrated solution has transformed the Bologna laboratory’s workflow. Being able to view thermal, electrical, and waveform data on a single IS8000 interface has significantly reduced testing complexity and debugging time. Using Yokogawa’s precision validation, Vertiv continues to develop next-generation data center technology.


* The full case study may be read here.

@Yokogawa, @Yokogawa_EU, @Yokogawa_Europe @VertivEMEA @irishpwrprocess @NapierPR #Energy #TandM #Data Centres
 


Coolant temperature sensors.

Amphenol Coolant Temperature Sensors (CTS) are now available from Inelco Hunter. The sensors are lightweight with a compact design, offering IP67 ingress protection and fast response times. Applications will include the monitoring of battery coolant, HVAC refrigerant, gear box oil, inverter coolant, fuel cells etc.

The Coolant Temperature Sensors are USCAR compliant, offered in either a zinc-plated or 1 316L stainless-steel housing. The operating temperature is -40°C to 100°C and the response time is 5 seconds within a range of 25°C to 85°C in water. The resistance at 25°C is 2,828Ω ± 1.3% and the temperature accuracy is ± 0.3°C.

The connector material is PBT-GF15 and the O-ring material is HNBR. The connector is USCAR 064 Sealed (IP67) per USCAR 064-S-002-1-A02. The overall length is 48mm with a 12mm screw thread. Mating connectors are Molex 3140X-2100 or Aptiv 54390239.


@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Choosing the correct photodetector.

The launch of a new Detector Selector, an intuitive online search tool designed to help customers find the right component based on their specific application requirements has been announced by Laser Components.

Selecting the optimal photodetector often requires a balance with multiple parameters. Each system demands unique combination of wavelength range, active area size, and packaging options, which are all easily visible within the Detector Selector. The process is simplified with the Detector Selector instantly displaying each product that matches the user’s defined specifications. Detailed product documentation is available with a single click next to each product name/code, providing comprehensive specifications such as gain, operating temperature, noise, quantum efficiency (QE), detectivity (D*), responsivity, and all other relevant parameters.

Users can filter results by each of the detectors types within the company's portfolio, including standard photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), position sensitive detectors, pyroelectric detectors, and photoconductive detectors (PbS and PbSe).

For purchasing inquiries, the Detector Selector includes a "request product"feature, that allows users to add products to our contact form and quoting tool just below the Detector Selector. This feature provides engineers and system integrators a way to start a conversation with a dedicated sales contact to support them throughout the process.


@LaserComponents @lasercomp_uk @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #TandM #Pauto

Stay powered in the field.

Maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions.

Flir has launched a new initiative to provide a complimentary Flir Scout Pro vehicle charger to customers who purchase and register any eligible Scout Pro™ Thermal Monocular .

This "Mission Proven" promotion is designed to support users who operate in remote environments where reliable power is a necessity rather than a luxury. By including a dedicated Scout Pro vehicle charger with every product registration on the Flir Customer Portal, Flir is helping users maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions. This offer is available for the Scout Pro lineup, including the Scout Pro, Scout Pro II, and Scout Pro III models.

“Our customers are investing in the safety and reliability of their entire operation, not just a piece of hardware,” said Peter Dekkers, Business Development Director at Flir. “By bundling our flagship handhelds with five years of protection and expert support, we are removing barriers to expertise and ensuring our users feel fully supported from the moment they open the box.”

Flir has prioritized a seamless experience for the end-user by integrating a frictionless digital redemption process. Each new Scout Pro unit now arrives with a unique QR code inside the box that directs the owner straight to the Flir Customer Portal. Once the quick registration is complete, the portal generates a direct redemption link for the free vehicle charger, which is then fulfilled and shipped directly by Flir through their e-commerce platform.

This limited-time offer runs until June 30th, 2026. 


@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Glass inspection.

Introducing a new model featuring 3D scanning for highly reflective surfaces.

Marking SmartRay’s latest breakthrough in inline metrology, the new ECCO X 050G sensor combines the exceptional resolution, speed, and compact design characteristic of the premium ECCO X family with the additional capability to measure shiny, reflective, and transparent surfaces such as glass.

The ECCO X 050G incorporates SmartRay’s G-series glass-scanning designation, bringing the full benefits of fast, high-resolution, high-precision automated optical inspection and superior 3D data quality to an even wider range of processes. Applications that will benefit from the breakthrough scanning capabilities of the latest addition to the ECCO X range include manufacturers of: 

• Mobile phones
• Semiconductors
• Camera and eyewear lenses
• Windscreens and windows

Their current ECCO X sensor line-up offers advanced inline metrology solutions for accurate inspection and precise measurement, supporting individual applications across multiple demanding industries, including electronics, home appliance, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Further expanding the ECCO X range and building on the legacy of the established ECCO X 025 and ECCO X 100 models, the ECCO X 050G ensures SmartRay’s innovative 3D technology is a versatile and viable option for more manufacturing companies seeking to improve product quality, guide automation, and reduce production costs.

The ECCO X 050G is the smallest in its class and is designed to meet the highest inspection demands, offering the speed, resolution, and compact form factor synonymous with all ECCO X models.

The new SmartRay sensor features a typical vertical resolution of 2.2–2.9 µm and a lateral resolution of 11–13 µm. It provides 4,096 points per 3D profile and a typical scan rate of up to 40 kHz, delivering up to 163 million points per second.

Key specifications:

  • Scan rate: up to 40 kHz
  • Vertical resolution: 2.2–2.9 µm
  • Lateral resolution: 11–13 µm
  • 4,096 points per 3D profile
  • Measurement range: 15 mm
  • Stand-off distance: 32.7 mm
  • Laser wavelength: 450 nm (brilliant blue laser)
  • Input voltage: 24 VDC
  • Dimensions with adapter: 94 × 156 × 170 mm
  • Dimensions without adapter: 94 × 145 × 156 mm
  • Weight: 1,200 g

The ECCO X 050G provides a Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbit/s) interface, a quadrature encoder interface (AB channel, RS-422), and two inputs and two outputs to support a range of start and data triggering options.

Clare Rathsack, Business Unit Manager – ECCO Sensors (picture right), said: “SmartRay continues to break new ground in inline metrology by developing technologies and products designed to solve the challenges of specific industrial applications. With the ECCO X 050G, SmartRay combines the significant benefits and innovations of the ECCO X family with the 3D glass-scanning capabilities showcased in the ECCO 95.015G and ECCO 95.025G. This 3D sensor answers the demand for a high-accuracy, high-resolution, high-speed scanning solution suitable for processes requiring the inspection of flat glass and specular, highly reflective surfaces.
“The development of the latest ECCO X model demonstrates our commitment to delivering next-generation solutions that provide 3D laser scanning for applications where traditional 3D laser triangulation was previously not viable. We will continue to unlock new opportunities for companies to capitalise on 3D sensors for accurate, repeatable inspection and precise measurement in inline metrology, helping to optimise quality and minimise costs in electronics production processes.”


@SmartRay3D #TandM #Manufacturing

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Partnership connects control and Intelligence.

Helping manufacturers turn control loop diagnostics into faster operational decisions.

A strategic technology partnership with Dimension Software, a leading provider of industrial operations management platforms has been announced by Control Station. The collaboration connects Control Station’s PlantESP™ control loop performance monitoring (CLPM) platform with Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect™ operations intelligence environment, enabling manufacturers to operationalise control performance insights across their organisations.

Industry studies suggest that 30–40 percent of industrial control loops operate below optimal performance, contributing to lost production throughput, increased energy consumption, and inconsistent product quality. While modern analytics tools can identify these issues, many organisations struggle to translate diagnostic insights into coordinated operational improvements. The partnership between Control Station and Dimension Software addresses this challenge by aligning complementary technologies that help engineering and operations teams move more quickly from issue identification to corrective action.

Control Station’s PlantESP platform leverages a production facility’s existing historical process data to proactively identify poorly performing control loops, oscillations, valve issues, and tuning deficiencies that undermine regulatory control. These issues frequently contribute to process instability and production inefficiencies across continuous and batch manufacturing environments. In complimentary fashion, Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect platform provides a unified, browser-based operations management environment that aggregates, integrates, contextualises, and visualises operational and business data in real time. It enables organisations to create a centralised “single source of truth” for operations by integrating data from enterprise systems such as AVEVA PI, SAP/Maximo, Power BI, and other operational technologies such as process alarms, IIoT, and geo-spatial systems. Through the collaboration, PlantESP diagnostics identifying poorly performing control loops can be surfaced within Asset Intellect dashboards alongside production, maintenance, and operational data. Engineering and operations teams can then evaluate control performance issues within their broader operational context and initiate corrective workflows directly from the Asset Intellect environment.

“By partnering with Dimension Software, we are expanding our ecosystem of world-class technology partners while making it easier for manufacturers to translate control performance insights into operational improvements,” stated Damien Munroe, Vice President of Partner Development at Control Station. “The collaboration aligns with our ongoing mission of making process optimisation simpler and more accessible for industrial organisations.”

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New Zealand, Dimension Software develops operational intelligence platforms that help industrial organisations unlock value from their existing data infrastructure. The company proudly supports over 15,000 enterprise users, spanning key process industries including chemicals, mining, oil & gas, and pulp & paper and empowering global organisations such as Abbott, BHP, and Enbridge. The company originally formed to deliver expanded capabilities within the AVEVA PI ecosystem, and has since introduced industry-leading platforms including Asset Intellect. Asset Intellect is modular, vendor-agnostic, and low-code configurable, allowing organisations to rapidly deploy operational intelligence solutions without extensive custom development. The platform enables operations teams to visualise performance metrics, manage operational workflows, and coordinate responses to emerging operational issues.

“We have first-hand experience with control loop performance monitoring and recognise both the importance of optimising regulatory control and the complexity involved in analysing process data,” said Yong The, Director of Business Development and Global Sales at Dimension Software. “Through our partnership with Control Station, we are able to offer customers a fully integrated and market-leading CLPM capability while continuing our mission of unlocking operational value from existing data and systems.”

PlantESP remains the industry’s leading CLPM solution, leveraging existing process data to uncover performance issues that degrade production throughput and product quality. By detecting oscillations, valve stiction, and poorly tuned loops, the platform helps manufacturers improve process stability and sustain high-performance regulatory control. By combining PlantESP’s controller diagnostics with Asset Intellect’s operational intelligence environment, the partnership enables manufacturers to connect control performance insights with enterprise decision workflows—helping operations teams reduce process variability, improve throughput, and sustain operational excellence.

The companies will introduce the collaboration to the industry through a joint webinar scheduled for April 2026, where engineering and operations leaders will learn how the integrated technologies help operationalise benchmarking and control loop performance insights. In June of this year, Control Station will participate in Dimension Software’s inaugural user conference where both organisations will showcase how the partnership supports data-driven manufacturing operations.


@Control_Station  @DimensionSW #Pauto