Deep-space motion.

Phytron GmbH* is a globally leading specialist in automation solutions for harsh industrial, extreme and aerospace and deep-space environments. The German Mittelstand manufacturer offers standard and custom designed products and systems covering stepper motors, linear actuators, precision mechanics, feedback systems, power electronics, and motion controls. Phytron’s application expertise covers many fields of industry and sciences for earth-based motion systems where numerous environmental challenges arise, but the most demanding applications are found in deep-space exploration craft and satellite systems. Phytron’s phySPACE range of space-certified drives are meticulously engineered to deliver optimal robustness, withstand intense vibration, resist radiation exposure, tolerate high operating temperatures, and perform with complete reliability in ultra-high vacuum.

One of the latest phySPACE space-certified applications has been recently delivered to the University of Bern - Switzerland, where specially engineered stepper motors are used on a high-precision laser-based mass spectrometer scheduled to land near the Moon’s south pole in 2029. The instrument is part of the payload for the Blue Ghost Mission 4, by Firefly Aerospace (USA) which encompasses NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative that enables the delivery of scientific payloads to the Moon. The spectrometer will examine the lunar south pole’s surface for chemical and isotopic composition. This research aims to advance our knowledge of the Moon’s geochemistry and foster an increased understanding of the solar system's origins and resources for future missions. As part of the design requirements Phytron provided the stepper motor housings in precision machined titanium alloy with a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) gold coating applied by the University of Bern’s research team. This gold layer is more than just an attractive feature—it plays a crucial thermal role by preventing excessive radiated heat transfer from the motor to nearby assemblies that require optical stability. Consequently, most of the heat is carried away through conduction rather than radiation, helping to protect sensitive neighbouring systems.

Extreme environmental conditions for space motion control.
Space-bound motors and actuators must operate reliably within a range of harsh environmental conditions. These demanding settings can be defined by one, or a combination, of the following factors:

• Extreme Temperatures: The operating environment may expose the motor to extremely low temperatures as low as -270⁰C, or extremely high temperatures reaching up to +300⁰C.
• Ultra-High Vacuum: Motors must withstand vacuum levels that can reach 10-11 Torr. Such conditions require careful consideration for undesired gas emissions from materials and components.
• Ionising Radiation: Drive systems are subject to ionising radiation, which may deteriorate materials and mechanisms. Exposure levels can be as high as 108 Rad.
• Aggressive Environmental Conditions: Certain applications require motors or actuators to be hermetically sealed to protect against contamination and ensure operational integrity.
• Minimal weight: In addition to their resilience, phySPACE drive designs are optimised for size and weight, contributing to overall mission payload efficiency.

These challenges define the rigorous requirements for motion control systems used in space exploration, demanding the highest standards of engineering and manufacturing to ensure dependable performance throughout mission lifetimes. Phytron’s products and processes meet strict European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) requirements confirming they can withstand space flight environments.

Stepper motor technology.
Whether harsh industrial, extreme, or space application environments, microstepping motors stand out as the primary technological drive solution for Phytron. Their unique design, which eliminates direct contact between the rotor and stator components, results in minimal wear and ensures ongoing reliability. The motors operate flawlessly with digital open-loop controls, and the capability to verify position using robust and non-contacting resolvers or encoders further enhances their suitability for demanding environments. These benefits make stepper motors the preferred choice for tasks requiring precision, durability and long-term reliability. For Phytron, stepper motors are employed both as stand-alone units, or as integrated assemblies with precision gearboxes and/or mechanics as part of complete linear or rotary positioning solutions - paired with complementary drives and motion controls for single or multi-axis applications.

Earth to Moon.
For decades, Phytron GmbH has been renowned for delivering high-precision motion solutions that thrive in the most extreme environments, from cryogenic particle accelerators to ambitious interplanetary missions. Phytron’s story in space technology began in 1985 with ESA’s Giotto mission - one of Europe’s pioneering deep-space probes. Giotto captured the world’s attention with its close encounter with Halley’s Comet in March 1986 and later with Comet Grigg–Skjellerup in 1992. During these landmark missions, Phytron played a vital role by providing custom-developed actuator systems that precisely control position and movement that is essential for adjusting scientific instruments in space, ensuring accuracy and reliability in unforgiving conditions. These early achievements marked a turning point in European space history and has set the stage for future innovation.

Building on its pioneering work with ESA’s Giotto mission, Phytron has continually advanced its technology to meet new challenges, these include the ROSETTA space probe, NASA’s Mars Rover, the James Webb Telescope, the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, and numerous navigation and scientific satellites. Culminating in this latest lunar endeavour, Phytron’s drives continue to demonstrate their reliability in countless scientific and space applications.

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* Represented exclusively in Great Britain and Ireland by Mclennan

@phytronmotors #McLennan #Aerospace #PAuto

Supporting Europe’s Digital Product Passport vision.

Open, interoperable standards for scalable and trusted data exchange.

A Liaison Agreement with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) has been announced by The OPC Foundation. This marks an important step forward in the standardisation of Digital Product Passport (DPP) solutions in Europe.*

Through this liaison, the OPC Foundation will actively contribute to the work of CEN/CENELEC JTC 24 – Digital Product Passport – Framework and System, providing technical expertise and input through direct participation in the relevant working groups. The cooperation focuses on aligning data modeling technologies and fostering interoperable, system-agnostic and open-source DPP solutions that scale seamlessly from embedded devices to cloud and enterprise environments.

The collaboration supports the development of interoperable DPP solutions that ensure trusted, semantic rich data exchange, regulatory compliance, and scalable deployments across sector-specific data spaces. By combining the European standardisation framework with OPC UA’s proven interoperability technologies, the liaison contributes to a harmonised and future-proof approach to Digital Product Passports.

Although OPC UA is widely known for secure information transport in automation, its true strength lies in its rich, semantic information modeling capabilities. Through the liaison with CEN/CENELEC JTC 24, OPC UA will be used and extended with standardised Digital Product Passport data models and interfaces, supporting system-agnostic and interoperable DPP implementations.

Commenting on the cooperation, Bmstr. Ing. Otto Handle, Convenor of CEN/CENELEC/JTC 24 WG4 – Digital Product Passport – Interoperability, stated: “One aim of the standardisation work of JTC 24 is interoperability beyond all system borders. The standardisation request of the European Commission clearly states that the DPP shall be system agnostic and vendor independent. Integration and Interoperability with the full DPP system shall be possible for any software and any system according to these standards. Therefore, we highly appreciate and welcome OPC Foundation in the Liaison and look forward to the modelling of DPPs with OPC UA and integration of the specified JTC24 API and data models, as well as shop floor integration with OPC UA-enabled embedded systems as DPP data sources.”

Erich Barnstedt, Microsoft, liaison officer for the OPC Foundation “This liaison ensures that Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are built on truly open, standardised, and interoperable foundations. By contributing the very successful OPC UA modelling capabilities to DPPs, including an open-source reference implementation, we help enable seamless integration of DPP data across vendors, platforms, and system layers. What is remarkable is the timeline in which this was possible: From initial concepts to finished implementation, the OPC Foundation only took 2 weeks.”

The Liaison Agreement is established for an unlimited period, contingent on the OPC Foundation’s continued participation in the work of JTC 24. It reflects a shared ambition to advance open, interoperable, and internationally aligned standards that support the European Union’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.

By working together, CEN, CENELEC, and the OPC Foundation reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that Digital Product Passports are built on robust, open standards — enabling innovation, interoperability, and long-term value across industries.

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* CEN strengthens Digital Product Passport standardisation through cooperation with the OPC Foundation  (CEN-CENELEC)

@OPCFoundation  @Standards4EU #PAuto #Europe

Strengthening Bbuilding automation system integration capabilities in Europe.

Delta Electronics (“Delta”),has announced that it has acquired Delta Controls Germany GmbH through its subsidiary Delta International Holding Limited B.V. (DIH). The transaction strengthens Delta's system integration capabilities, generating significant synergies across sales and service channels for its building automation solution business.

Hong Wu, General Manager of Delta's Building Automation Business Group said, “ Smart buildings and smart cities are pivotal to sustainable development and represent a core strategic focus for our company. With over two decades of deep expertise in building automation business and system integration, Delta Controls Germany has collaborated with us to successfully deliver building automation solutions. With Delta Controls Germany joining, we look forward to creating even more value for our customers through excellent system integration and services.”

“Intelligent buildings play an increasingly important role in today’s market, given their energy-saving potential," said Dusko Lukanic-Simpson, Managing Director of Delta Controls Germany GmbH.  “We have been providing Delta’s building automation offerings to a wide range of industries in Europe through our system integration services and sales channels for years. Through this transaction, we will unlock greater synergies by leveraging the Group’s comprehensive solution portfolio and market resources to better fulfill our customers’ diversified needs.”

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Germany, Delta Controls Germany GmbH specializes in building automation system integration solutions. It maintains partnerships with over 50 system integrators across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. Its strong system integration capability enables the seamless integration of multi-vendor subsystems across HVAC, energy, security, and building management platforms that support a wide range of sectors including commercial offices, public institutions, education, healthcare, industrial facilities, and retail environments.

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@DeltaEMEA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto  #Europe

VA meters certified safe.

The H250 M40 variable area flowmeter, from Krohne, hasd two new SIL 2 certifications, setting a new benchmark for functional safety of variable area flowmeters in the process industry: certification body exida has awarded SIL 2 certification to the device’s limit switches and, for the first time, to the device's 4...20 mA analogue output.

The certification does not only include the random failure rates of the hardware, which were determined by an FMEDA and confirmed with field data, but also proof of the systematic capability of the software and hardware due to suitable development and manufacturing processes in accordance with the requirements of IEC 61508:2010 Part 1-3. It replaces the previous manufacturer’s declaration (SIL 2 for limit switches and SIL 1 for the 4…20 mA output).

The H250 M40 is the standard variable area flowmeter for applications in the process industries and OEM sector. It combines reliable measurement of liquids and gases with modern communication and diagnostic functions. Additional electronic modules can be added or replaced at any time without interrupting the process, allowing the device’s functionality to be adapted to new requirements – from analogue flow measurement without auxiliary power to full digital integration into fieldbus systems.

The robust all-metal flowmeter is available in a wide range of materials and configurations and is suitable for demanding process conditions, including high pressures (up to 1000 barg / 14,500 psig), extreme temperatures (–196…+400 °C / –320…+752 °F), and aggressive media. It can also be installed horizontally or in vertical downflow lines up to DN150 / 6"". Variants for hygienic applications further enhance the portfolio. Additional device and application diagnostics – such as detection of float blockages, gas compression oscillations of the float or pulsating flows – help to improve operational safety in demanding plant environments and extend the lifetime of the device if corrective measures are taken in the application on the basis of theses diagnostics.

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@KROHNE_USA #PAuto #DWN

Emergency power supply.

Bicker Elektronik is expanding its portfolio of industrial UPS solutions with the high-performance DC UPS UPSI-2415DP3 (24V / 15A / 360W). This uninterruptible 24V emergency power supply reliably protects control and automation applications against power failures, voltage dips, or flicker. The system ensures a constantly regulated DC output voltage during backup operation. Designed for DIN rail mounting, the DC UPS is equipped with an intrinsically safe LiFePO4 high-performance battery pack. Modern interfaces such as USB-C and RS485-Modbus further enable seamless system integration.

Product advantages

• 24V / 15A (360W) DC UPS 
• Integrated LiFePO4 battery technology with up to 6,000 cycles
• Intrinsically safe high-performance battery pack with IEC-62133 certification
• Optimised charging process for significantly shorter charging times
• Extended operating temperature range -20...+50°C
• Compact housing for DIN rail mounting
• USB-C and RS485-Modbus interface
• Intelligent input current detection (Power Sharing)
• Regulated output voltage in backup mode
• Minimum load detection & power-fail timer function
• Relay contact for power-fail
• Battery-start function
• Plug & Play – operating system recognises the UPS
• Extended functionality with included UPScom management software
• Shutdown via external signal
• Secure shutdown and reboot function for IPC systems
• Increased immunity to surge & burst (EN 61000-4-4 / EN 61000-4-5)
• Comprehensive protection functions (reverse polarity, short-circuit, and overcurrent protection)

Emergency power supply.
The UPSI-2415DP3 provides an uninterruptible 24V supply with up to 15A output current and is designed for an extended operating temperature range of −20°C to +50°C. Its low-emission, efficient design meets the requirements of the EN 61000-6-3 standard regarding electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, the system is characterised by pronounced resistance to surge voltages and fast transients (burst) in accordance with EN 61000-4-4 and EN 61000-4-5 (test voltages up to 2 kV). A comprehensive package of protection functions, including reverse polarity, short-circuit, and overcurrent protection, as well as intrinsically safe redundancy in the event of a fault, ensures maximum operational reliability. The battery-start function via the front button also allows the application to be started directly from the battery without any mains supply.

Rapid LiFePO4 battery charging.
The new DC UPS UPSI-2415DP3 features an integrated lithium iron phosphate battery pack (LiFePO4) certified to IEC 62133. This technology offers outstanding cycle stability of up to 6,000 charging and discharging cycles and a service life of up to ten years. A newly developed and optimised charging process significantly reduces the charging time of the energy storage units and ensures rapid availability.

Cost-efficient operation with LiFePO4 technology.
Compared to supposedly cheaper lead-acid batteries, high-quality lithium iron phosphate cells offer up to 15–20 times higher service life and cycle stability. Additionally, the full nominal capacity of the LiFePO4 battery pack can be used permanently, whereas lead-acid technologies are significantly limited in terms of depth of discharge and number of cycles. Over an operational period of up to 10 years, this solution offers a clear advantage in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), as maintenance and battery replacements are eliminated.

Intelligent Power Sharing.
Integrated input current detection at the 24V DC input ensures intelligent power sharing. The available input power is dynamically distributed between the load and the battery charger. Consequently, the upstream AC/DC power supply does not need to be oversized, as more energy automatically flows into the charging process when the output load is low.

Interfaces and intuitive UPS management.
For seamless integration into existing control systems, the UPSI-2415DP3 features front-side USB-C and RS485-Modbus interfaces, as well as a relay contact for power-fail signalling. For configuration, monitoring, and management, Bicker Elektronik provides the responsive UPS management software "UPScom" free of charge. Based on a future-proof WebAssembly architecture (WASM), it runs cross-platform on x86 and ARM-64 systems under Microsoft® Windows as well as various Linux distributions. The web-based UI enables real-time monitoring and parameter settings, such as load sensor (mA), shutdown delay, maximum backup time, minimum charge capacity before system start, and email notifications.

Secure Shutdown & Reboot function for IPCs.
In the event of a power failure, the UPS signals a power-fail and initiates a controlled shutdown of connected IPCs or embedded systems to prevent data loss. Application-relevant scripts can be executed prior to the shutdown. When the supply voltage returns, the integrated reboot function ensures a fully automatic restart of the system – ideal for autonomous systems in inaccessible locations. An integrated email messenger service also provides preventative notifications regarding events such as mains failure or loss of connection.

Applications.
As a next-generation solution "Made in Germany", the compact UPSI-2415DP3 is ideally suited for uninterruptible operation in control cabinet applications and decentralised power supply solutions. Typical fields of application include Industry 4.0, automation, medical and laboratory technology, energy, transportation, smart city, traffic monitoring, as well as security and communication technology.

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@bicker_de @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #Pauto #PSU

Banana sockets.

Engineered for high-voltage use with laboratory-grade robustness.

The FCR7370 switching 4 mm banana sockets have been introduced by Cliff Electronics. Engineered for high-voltage use and with laboratory-grade robustness, the socket is rated for 1 kV (CAT III) and 10 A. Gold-plated contacts ensure low resistance and long service life, while the fully shrouded design enhances operator protection. The right-angle PCB-mount format enables compact integration into instruments, test rigs, power-electronics assemblies, and modular laboratory systems.

Inside the device are two fixed, insulated internal contacts. When a 4 mm banana plug is inserted, it bridges the two contacts, creating the electrical connection. There is no internal mechanical switching mechanism; the switching occurs solely through the physical insertion of the plug, enabling straightforward circuit routing, signal enabling, load switching, or safety interlock functions without additional switches or electromechanical parts. This simplified approach reduces component count, eases system design, and supports long-term reliability in demanding technical environments.

To support equipment coding, safety compliance, and multi-channel instrumentation, the FCR7370 is available in four standard colours: red, black, green, and blue, providing clear channel identification and high-visibility marking on dense panels or PCBs. 

 Applications include:

• Automatic enable/disable or load-switch points.
• Bench-top and portable instrumentation.
• Training, laboratory, and educational equipment
• Calibration and diagnostic interfaces
• Multi-channel measurement or color-coded test systems

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@proactivefleet #CliffElectronics #PAuto #Electronic #TandM

Gas sensor specialist acquired.

Eursense has announced the acquisition of an 85% equity stake in Clairair Ltd, the British based developer and manufacturer of sensor technologies, including NDIR.

Arthur Burnley - CEO

“Clairair has an excellent reputation in sensor technology, and a product range that complements our own", explains Eursense CEO Arthur Burnley. “This move will provide Eursense with a test and manufacturing base in the UK, while also enhancing the exposure of both businesses to global markets in gas sensing technologies.”

The agreement expands the portfolio of sensors and measurement parameters available and increases investment in new technologies. For example, this year, the combined business will launch novel LED NDIR sensors for methane, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in different formats. This will include longer pathlength versions for much lower detection levels, which will mean, for instance, that a new methane sensor will be suitable for cow eructation detection and monitoring – an important area of greenhouse gas research.

Following the acquisition, Arthur Burnley will become Managing Director of Clairair. Arthur has been a company director for over 35 years in a variety of markets including gas detection, power systems (UPS), Electronic Design Software and CAD/CAE, and was a director of Alphasense for 19 years before founding Eursense in 2022.

Originally founded by Dr Alan Doncaster in 2006, Clairair is an independent sensor company, specialising in a wide range of sensing technologies including optical, catalytic, solid state, photochemical, ion and thermal methods. Clairair offers products including gas sensors, OEM transmitters and NDIR sensors, providing extensive applications support and custom solutions to meet client needs. Following the acquisition Dr Alan Doncaster will remain as Technical Director.

Welcoming Alan to Eursense, Arthur Burnley says: “We have known Alan for more than two decades and have always admired his strong technical abilities. It is an immense pleasure to bring him and his company into the Eursense organisation, and we look forward to exploiting the synergies that exist between the two businesses.”

Dr Alan Doncaster added: “We are delighted to be joining Eursense, not just because the two businesses fit well together, but also because greater investment in product development and new acquisitions represent an exciting future for us and our customers.”

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@eursense @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Gas