Virtual network measurement solution.

Accurate evaluation of communication quality in private cloud environments built by enterprises and organizations.

Anritsu has announced the expansion of its Virtual Network Master series, a network measurement solution for cloud and virtual environments with the launch of a new model, Virtual Network Master for KVM MX109031PC.

This product supports virtualised server environments based on KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), a widely used Linux-based virtualisation technology. It is primarily intended for use in private cloud environments built and operated by enterprises and organisations. It provides accurate evaluation of network communication quality for end-to-end (E2E) assessment even in virtual environments where hardware-based test instruments cannot be deployed.

Development background.
In recent years, business systems and social infrastructure have increasingly adopted cloud-based and large-scale architectures, resulting in highly distributed and complex system configurations. In order to assure availability and stability in such environments, operations now commonly span multiple data centers.

In fields such as medical and financial institutions - where large volumes of sensitive information, including personal data, are handled continuously - there is a growing trend toward operating private clouds in-house from a security and compliance standpoint. In private cloud environments, server virtualisation technologies such as KVM are essential to enable flexible system operations, and ensuring performance at the service level is becoming increasingly important.

However, hardware-based test instruments cannot be installed in virtual environments, making it difficult to accurately grasp actual communication quality between applications. To address this challenge, Anritsu has developed this software-based measurement solution running in KVM virtual environments to evaluate E2E communication quality accurately and with high reproducibility under close-to actual-operating conditions.

Overview.
Virtual Network Master is a software-based measurement solution that enables accurate evaluation of communication quality in networks, including cloud and virtual environments. While the existing model MX109030PC supports AWS® (Amazon Web Services) cloud environments, the new model MX109031PC supports KVM virtual environments, enabling accurate communication quality evaluation even in cloud and virtual environments where hardware-based test instruments cannot be deployed.

By combining these models, users can also evaluate communication quality in hybrid environments where public and private clouds coexist.

Key Features.

• Measurement parameters: Throughput, latency, jitter, and packet (frame) loss rate
• Operability: Supports remote operation and automation via Web browser GUI and APIs
• Interoperability: Supports end-to-end testing with other Virtual Network Master systems as well as MT1000A/MT1040A, enabling consistent visualisation of network quality from public and private clouds to field environments

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  #TandM #Pauto

Girls’Day 2026.

Discovering technology, opening perspectives.

As part of Girls’Day 2026 (22/4/2026), NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme offered female students hands-on insights into technical fields of work and training. This German nationwide initiative aims to spark early interest in technical professions and highlight career paths beyond traditional role models.

At the Waldkraiburg site, the participants had the opportunity to get to know the company and experience various technical disciplines first-hand. From IT and development to design and production, they gained an impression of the wide range of technical career opportunities within an international mechanical engineering company.

For NETZSCH, Girls’Day is part of a long-term commitment to promoting diversity and young talent in technical professions. Further details on the program and the experiences of the participants can be found in the full article on the NETZSCH Pumps & Systems website here.

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@netzschpumps @Der_GirlsDay @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #Pumps #Germany

Cybersecurity certification achieved.

The PcVue platform from ARC Informatique has successfully achieved IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certification, a key milestone in our cybersecurity strategy. Following their IEC 62443-4-1 certification, this new achievement confirms our commitment to secure our product. It places PcVue among a select group of solutions that meet the cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure.

Already certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001, ARC Informatique continues to strengthen its governance model by integrating cybersecurity at every level.

While IEC 62443-4-1 focuses on secure development practices, IEC 62443-4-2 ensures that the components of the PcVue platform meet strict security requirements, addressing risks directly at the product level

For PcVue users and partners, this certification provides greater confidence by delivering a platform that is not only high performing, but also secure, trusted and resilient against evolving cyber threats.

"We remain committed to supporting operations with reliable and cyber-resilient solutions," said a statement from the company.

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@arcinformatique @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #ISA62443 

Smart drive.

With its new DualGear, FAULHABER presents a high-performance drive system which combines tried-and-tested BX4 and GPT technology in a single, well thought-out unit. Developed for the demands of modern conveying systems, the DualGear provides high dynamics, robustness and precision in a compact, diameter-compliant design.

The DualGear drive system has been specifically designed for applications in conveyor belts as well as in compact wheel drives of autonomous logistics systems. Especially in intralogistics environments where space is limited, the system offers a high-performance and economical solution. A particular advantage is its versatility: Two synchronous movements can be realised with one drive. This reduces integration effort significantly, while at the same time optimising installation space and system costs.

Powerful combination of BX4 and GPT Technology.
The new drive system combines two high-performance partners in a compact unit: the powerful and dynamic brushless 32 mm motor from the tried-and-tested BX4 family and two diameter-compliant mounted, robust metal planetary gearheads from the GPT series at both ends of the motor.

The BX4 base motor for the DualGear combination is available in two motor lengths with 42 mm and 68 mm. This allows the drive system to be flexibly adapted to different performance and installation space requirements. Hall sensors with sine/cosine output signals enable precise detection of the rotor position for exact commutation and positioning. In combination with an external motion controller, accurate positioning movement is possible, resulting in a drive system that combines torque and maximum accuracy with a compact design.

In this combination, the GPT planetary gearheads are available with up to three stages, which enables exact dimensioning with respect to speed and torque requirements. The components have only welded joints to ensure reliable and durable construction without the use of adhesives.

Upgrade for Conveying and Intralogistics Systems.
Modern conveying and logistics systems require dynamic, durable and integratable drive solutions. The DualGear meets these requirements thanks to its robust design, high control accuracy and long service life. The possibility of realising two synchronous, powerful movements with just one drive and a central control, creates new approaches for efficient, simple system architectures in the next generation of conveying and intralogistics systems.

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@mepaxIntPR #Faulhaber #Drives #Automation

Precision meets safety.

Lightweight couplings, safety brakes and intelligent monitoring for test stand technology

Test stand technology for automotive drives is undergoing fundamental change. The rise of e-mobility is profoundly changing test routines, speed profiles and requirement landscapes. What remains unchanged: Precision, reliability and process safety are indispensable in measurement technology. mayr® power transmission presents its coordinated portfolio for test stand technology – from the lightweight coupling ROBA® DS Type 9120, through proven safety brakes, to intelligent monitoring solutions.

Shaft misalignment compensation couplings are essential components in test stands. Based on the proven ROBA® DS steel disk pack coupling, mayr® power transmission offers a weight-optimized aluminum variant with the ROBA® DS Type 9120. Compared to the steel version, the outside diameter is reduced by up to 10 mm; mass and mass moment of inertia are 40% to 60% of the steel version, depending on the design and size – with unchanged performance density.

The development has incorporated extensive knowledge gained over many years in test stand technology, where high speed ranges have previously been the norm. The ROBA® DS 9120 is therefore also suitable for speeds of up to 32,000 rpm. Thanks to its lightweight construction, low mass inertia and high performance density, the aluminum coupling offers measurable advantages. The balance between rigidity and elasticity ensures the lowest possible restoring forces on the system. A balance quality of G 2.5 at 5,000 rpm ensures the necessary smooth running and low-vibration operation – a decisive basis for high measurement accuracy across all speed ranges.

As standard, the coupling features manufacturing tolerance IT6. A nickel-plated surface, disk packs made of stainless steel and galvanized connecting screws provide comprehensive corrosion protection. Backlash-free shaft connections via shrink disk hubs or external shrink disk hubs ensure reproducible measurement results. The coupling is compatible with all common torque transducers as standard.

Thanks to the modular construction system, the ROBA® DS 9120 can be flexibly configured from a variety of connection variants and modules, from high-performance test stands in research and development to end-of-line testing.

Safety brakes for test stands: Reliable protection for people and equipment.
In addition to coupling technology, mayr® power transmission is also presenting its extensive portfolio of safety brakes for test stand applications at Automotive Testing Expo. Test stands for automotive drives frequently include vertical axes and linear movements that must be reliably secured, whether during ongoing test operation, during maintenance work or in the event of a fault.

The ROBA® guidestop® profiled rail brake, for example, acts directly on the moving masses of the vertical axes and clamps them into position in a backlash-free manner and with high rigidity. It is available in hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic designs and is compatible with all common linear guides. The ROBA® linearstop piston rod brake secures linear movements on round rods. It is a safety brake based on the fail-safe principle, meaning it is closed in the de-energized state, and is designed for dynamic emergency braking. The series comprises six sizes with forces ranging from 70 to 17,000 N.

The ROBA-stop M® series also provides a robust motor brake for compact protection directly at the drive motor. As a holding brake, it clamps reliably and holds the system in position; as a dynamic brake, it brings the load to a standstill in the shortest possible time.

The brake speaks: Smart modules for intelligent monitoring.
Constant, meaningful data streams are now indispensable in modern test environments. The ROBA® brake-checker® module monitors safety brakes sensorless and simultaneously supplies them with power. By means of an advanced analysis of current and voltage, it detects the switching condition of the brake and issues a warning before the brake can no longer release under the current operating conditions. This facilitates planned maintenance and enables the user to specifically investigate critical boundary conditions such as supply voltage that is too low, incorrectly dimensioned supply lines, elevated coil temperature and an enlarged air gap.

In combination with the ROBA® gateway module, the solution becomes network-compatible: The brake data can be continuously read out via an Ethernet connection and displayed visually on a dashboard. Anomalies in the test process can be detected at an early stage, maintenance becomes plannable, and downtime can be specifically minimized. Integration into remote maintenance systems is also possible.  

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@mepaxIntPR #mayr® #TandM #Manufacturing

Edge-mount board connector.

Production quantity are now available of Samtec's new high-frequency, 50 Ohm impedance, SMA edge-mount board connector delivering repeatable, reliable performance through 26.5 GHz. The edge-mount design terminates directly to the PCB edge, providing a compact signal path that minimizes discontinuities and lowers return loss when compared to vertical or right-angle connectors.

These connectors are suitable for 5G/6G wireless infrastructure, test & measurement, military, and aerospace applications. They feature a gold-plated body and contact (30 µin center contact, 10 µin outer contact) enabling superior electrical conductivity and durability. Their construction offers resistance to corrosion and enables up to 500 mating cycles. The 4-post through-hole design further enhances durability, allowing for greater mechanical reliability when connecting to the board.

Several coaxial cable varieties mate with Samtec’s SMA board connectors. Samtec offers SMA connector assemblies using low-loss flexible microwave cable in small and large diameters ranging from .047” to .277”, semi-flexible cable, or phase and amplitude stable Nitrowave™ high-performance cable (Series: LL043, LL032). Pairing the SMA connectors with a variety of cable types allows Samtec to support rapid application-specific customization, delivering efficient lead-time efficiencies with off-the-shelf solutions.

As frequencies increase, connector launches become increasingly complex. The company offers signal integrity support such as board launch optimization, e-field simulation, and 3D modeling to help ensure maximum performance through a system.

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@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #TandM  #Aerospace

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Planning and operational efficiency improving refining operations.

AI solution is aimed at higher refinery yield volume and efficiencies.

Emerson has announced the successful deployment of an Ai-driven optimisation solution for Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies. The collaboration commenced with the integration of Emerson’s Aspen Hybrid Models™ into Aramco’s existing refinery planning framework, resulting in the creation of one of the world’s largest multi-site, multi-period optimisation models.

By combining first-principles models, deep domain expertise, and purpose-built industrial Ai, Aspen Hybrid Models™ capture nonlinear relationships in yield and quality responses, significantly enhancing the accuracy of refinery planning models. The deployment has already achieved yield and quality prediction accuracy of up to 98.5% in key refinery units.

These hybrid Ai models have been implemented in Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) and Platformer Units, where they are enabling more precise feedstock blending, minimising gaps between planning and execution, and improving the accuracy of margin forecasting across Aramco’s global refining network.

Current efforts are focused on expanding the hybrid modelling approach to hydrocracker units across Aramco’s assets. This expansion is expected to further enhance model accuracy and demonstrate the scalability and robustness of this Ai-driven optimisation strategy across the enterprise.

“This deployment represents a significant milestone in Aramco’s AI strategy and our long-standing relationship with Emerson,” said Ahmad Alkudmani, director of the global optimiser department at Aramco. “We are committed to leveraging innovative technologies for smarter, more efficient refining optimisation. With improved model accuracy, we are enhancing planning decisions, reducing the manual adjustments required from our engineers, and uncovering new value across our global assets.”

Key benefits Aramco aims to achieve with Aspen Hybrid Models include:

• 98.5% yield and quality prediction accuracy – Substantially increasing yield volume and enhancing stream quality across diverse feedstocks, operating conditions and throughputs
• Efficiency through optimised feedstock blending – Diversifying feedstock selection and blending recipes to enable more profitable and sustainable operations
• Reduced planning-execution gaps – Minimising discrepancies between plans and actual plant performance, reducing the need for manual adjustments
• Enhanced model accuracy – Capturing complex non-linearities in critical unit operations such as reactors
• Improved operational efficiency – Automating model updates and reducing manual tuning requirements
• Scalable global solution – Maintaining model applicability across a wide range of refinery operations worldwide

Aramco is using Aspen Hybrid Models built and deployed in Emerson’s AspenTech Performance Engineering and Manufacturing and Supply Chain product suites. As a result, Aramco was able to create highly accurate nonlinear optimisations using thousands of converged simulation cases built upon rigorous first-principles models calibrated with actual plant data. The approach provides Aramco with a scalable, robust tool for global refinery planning.

“Aramco continues to set the standard for operational excellence through digital innovation,” said Claudio Fayad, chief technology officer of Emerson's Aspen Technology business. “This deployment of AI-driven Aspen Hybrid Models to optimise complex, multi-site, multi-period planning workflows demonstrates the tangible value of combining deep domain expertise with advanced AI. We are excited to expand our strategic relationship with Aramco as they advance their digital transformation goals.”

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@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @aramco @EMR_Automation  @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Power #Ai