Thursday, 16 July 2026

Wrist strap monitor.

The Desco SCS SW Aware Monitor, the first single-wire wrist strap monitor that’s compatible with SMP is now available through Inelco Hunter. The SCS SW Aware, a single-workstation continuous (versus pulsed or intermittent) monitor, continuously monitors the path-to-ground integrity of one operator and one ESD worksurface. It uses Impedance Monitoring Technology (IMT) to provide stable continuous monitoring of the wrist strap’s path-to-ground and the presence of its one megohm safety resistor.

The SCS SW Aware Monitor is compatible with the SCS Static Management Program (SMP). SMP continuously monitors ESD control programs throughout all stages of manufacturing by capturing data from SCS continuous monitors and ionisers to provide a real-time picture of critical manufacturing processes. SMP captures operator and worksurface pass/fail data from the SW Aware Monitor, and all activity is stored in a centralised database for on-going quality control purposes. Reports generated by SMP reveal areas of concern, enable proactive prevention of ESD events, and validate the efficiency of a ESD control program.

Inelco Hunter offers a free ESD Static Control Survey to British-based businesses. There is no obligation - Inelco Hunter simply requests to quote on any items that would improve the current ESD programme. Using EN 61340-5-1 and its User Guide CLC/TR 61340-5-2, an ESD specialist will take onsite measurements and make observations of the existing ESD control plan.

The survey will verify that current ESD products meet EN-61340-5 standards. The written report will list applicable EN61340-5-1 and -2 citations and indicate whether the current ESD control programme is in compliance and indicate where it's not. 


@InelcoHunter @DescoESD  #PAuto #TandM #Static

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Motor protection meets smart system design.

Essential motor safeguarding capabilities into scalable, data‑driven control panel designs.

The AB 140ME Motor Protective Switching Device delivers more reliable branch‑circuit protection by combining disconnect capability, magnetic short‑circuit protection, electronic overload protection and manual switching for motor control. Built to safeguard motors from overload, phase loss, and short‑circuit conditions, the 140ME provides dependable protection while maintaining the high electrical performance required for demanding applications.

For manufacturers, the 140ME offers advantages in both performance and ease of use. By consolidating multiple protective and control functions into a single device, it reduces panel complexity and simplifies installation. Operators benefit from clear status indication and predictable trip behavior, making it easier to identify issues, restore operation quickly and maintain consistent uptime. Its compact footprint also helps panel builders optimize space without compromising accessibility or safety.

This device is a key component of Rockwell Automation’s Branch Motor Control & Protection portfolio, working alongside 100‑E Contactors, 140MT Motor Protection Circuit Breakers and E100 Electronic Overload Relays. Together, these devices create a unified motor control architecture that simplifies design, strengthens motor protection and improves coordination across in-panel architectures. This alignment helps deliver consistent performance and a smoother engineering experience from design through commissioning.

With the latest release of the EtherNet/IP In‑cabinet Solution, the 140ME becomes even more powerful. New connectivity through a 100‑E Contactor communication module brings real‑time diagnostics, device health insights and operational data directly onto the EtherNet/IP network. This integration allows manufacturers to monitor motor conditions, identify issues quickly and support predictive maintenance strategies, all while reducing wiring and simplifying panel design. The result is a smarter, more connected motor control ecosystem that scales effortlessly as operational needs evolve.


@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA @AllenBradley #PAuto

Angled launch connectors.

Full production quantity availability of Samtec's new 1.85 mm 30-degree angled launch board connector (185-AL Series) has been announced. This series delivers precision RF performance through 67 GHz while solving common mechanical and routing challenges found in dense, millimeter wave lab test and evaluation environments.

Modern RF and high-speed digital test boards often face tight mechanical constraints that make cable routing difficult or unreliable. The 30-degree angled launch geometry of the Samtec 185-AL Series allows coaxial cables to exit the PCB in a natural direction, significantly reducing sharp bends that can degrade electrical stability.

The solderless, compression mount design enables field replaceable functionality. Eliminating the need for solder reflow enables rapid connect/disconnect to the printed circuit board, significantly reducing downtime and allowing connector reuse. It also removes performance variability that can occur with solder, enabling repeatable precision millimeter wave performance.

Threaded coupling provides high mechanical reliability. Mating interconnects include Samtec’s high-performance microwave cable assemblies, such as .047” diameter RF047-A Series cable, .086” diameter RF086 Series cable, and stable during flexure Nitrowave® LL071 Series cable. Mechanical stress when bending or twisting can change the dielectric’s properties and alter performance, with effects more pronounced at higher frequencies. Nitrowave cable’s optimised cable construction, which includes a Dynamic Performance Layer, protects from measurement errors that can occur due to flexure.

At millimeter wave frequencies, connector launches become increasingly complex. Samtec offers signal integrity support such as board launch optimisation, e-field simulation, and 3D modeling to help ensure maximum performance through a system. Contact RFgroup@samtec.com for RF launch optimisation and design support.

1.85 mm 30-degree angled launch connectors are available direct from Samtec.


@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #PAuto #TandM

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Eliminating nuisance and non-actionable alarms means better operator effectiveness.

Software reduces control system alarm volumes by more than 95% achieving EEMUA 191 recommended alarm performance levels.

Rompetrol Rafinare has reduced distributed control system (DCS) alarm volumes by more than 95% using DeltaV™ AgileOps operations management software at its Petromidia refinery in Navodari, (RO). The project improved control system alarm performance, increased operator effectiveness and brought refinery alarm rates within the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) 191 guideline recommendations at Romania’s largest refinery.

“Modern control systems provide enormous amounts of operational information, but operators need the right context and visibility to act effectively,” explained Guido Wink, vice president of Emerson’s control systems and software business in Europe. “DeltaV AgileOps helps organisations continuously monitor and improve alarm system performance so operators can focus on the events that matter most to safe, efficient operation.”

With an annual processing capacity of approximately five million tonnes of fuel products, the Petromidia facility operates a broad range of conversion units and maintains a Nelson Complexity Index of 9.32, creating significant volumes of process data and alarms. Over time, control system alarms had evolved beyond recommended best practices, exposing operators to high alarm volumes, particularly during plant disturbances. Chattering alarms also contributed unnecessary noise, making it more difficult for operators to identify and respond to critical process events. Operators routinely experienced alarm flooding, while some alarms remained permanently active under normal operating conditions.

To address these challenges, Rominserv, Rompetrol’s engineering and maintenance services provider, collaborated with Emerson to improve alarm quality and reduce nuisance alarms across the refinery. The team implemented Emerson’s DeltaV AgileOps software to provide continuous visibility into alarm performance, including average and peak alarm rates, recurring alarm sequences and time spent outside recommended operating thresholds.

DeltaV AgileOps software captures alarm and event data directly from the DeltaV Distributed Control System which operates the plant, enabling engineering teams to identify high-frequency alarms, stale alarms and nuisance ‘bad actor’ alarms responsible for disproportionate alarm activity. Using performance dashboards and historical trending tools, refinery personnel evaluated alarm behaviour during steady-state operation, start-up conditions and process disturbances, while validating proposed changes to alarm limits, priorities and suppression strategies against actual plant data.

As a result of the project, the refinery reduced alarm generation from more than two million alarms per month during normal operation to fewer than 50,000 alarms per month. According to EEMUA 191 guidelines, operators should receive no more than one alarm every ten minutes during steady-state operation.

“Alarm management plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient refinery operations,” said Nilca George, process engineering director, Rompetrol Rafinare. “The continuous alarm performance monitoring and analytics provided by DeltaV AgileOps has significantly reduced operator alarm burden while improving overall operational awareness. The resulting system is more stable and better aligned with actual plant conditions, enabling operators to focus on meaningful alarms and respond more effectively to process disturbances.”

The implementation also improved long-term visibility into control system performance through automated alarm and event reporting. Existing historical alarm and event retention was extended – from approximately four to five days to nearly two months – enabling more effective analysis of recurring issues and supporting better-informed maintenance and optimisation decisions.



@EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis  @rompetrol @EEMUAnews #PAuto #PetroChem

Robot design wins major award.

Combines function, safety, and efficiency. 

 The BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026 has been awarded to Delta, for the Delta D-Bot series of collaborative robots. The internationally recognized BIG SEE Awards recognize outstanding creative achievements in the fields of architecture, product design, and industrial design. Originally established to promote Southeast Europe (SEE), the award has evolved into a global platform that celebrates innovation and sustainability.

Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot by Delta Electronics

“Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of our annual revenue in research and development. Design is a key aspect of this innovation strategy,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director of the Industrial Automation Business Group and Head of Intelligent Robot Systems (IRS) at Delta Electronics, EMEA Region. “This award validates our team’s high standards in combining industrial robotics with a practical, safe, and efficient design. We are confident that the Delta D-Bot Robots, featuring industry-leading safety, efficiency, and practicality, will meet the demanding needs of our customers across a wide spectrum of applications.

Delta first unveiled the collaborative robots series to the public in the spring of 2024. The series comprises six highly flexible models, each featuring six axes, payloads of up to 30 kg, and reach capabilities of up to 1,800 mm. The Delta D-Bot series also supports compatibility with OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP, allowing for seamless integration into existing industrial automation environments.

Safety at the core of product design.
Collaborative robots are specifically designed to interact with humans within production environments. The innovative "Reflex Safety" technology detects contact in real time and immediately stops robot movement to help prevent accidents and protect both personnel and equipment. The integration of advanced sensing technologies and collision detection capabilities maximize safety.

Furthermore, the Delta D-Bot series complies with IP66 protection standards and supports advanced safety protocols for operation in demanding industrial environments. Its robust design reduces susceptibility to dust and contamination while also simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

Flexible automation for production and logistics.
Combined with Delta’s mobile robot platform (MAR – Mobile Autonomous Robot), the Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot forms the hybrid mobile robotics solution "Delta Dynamic Duo”, a 2-in-1 system that automates flexible transportation and manipulation tasks such as palletizing or pick-and-place operations within manufacturing and logistics settings.

The Delta D-Bot series was developed for rapid deployment across a wide range of industrial environments and designed to support diverse applications, including complex component assembly, material handling, and heavy-duty palletizing. The collaborative robots combine high precision with efficient automation, helping manufacturers improve productivity and operational flexibility.


@DeltaEMEA @mepaxIntPR #BigSEE #Robotics #PAuto

Secure accreditation assured.

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), an ISASecure® Accreditation Body (AB), is now offering Inspection Body (IB) and Product Certification Body (CB) accreditation for ISASecure Automation and Control System Security Assurance (ACSSA) Certification to ISA/IEC 62443-2-1, 2-2, 3-2 and 3-3. ISASecure, a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA, is a globally recognized certification program that validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity.

ISASecure’s CBs and IBs are independently accredited by ISO/IEC 17011 Accreditation Bodies (ABs) that are Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) signatories of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) for ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020.

A2LA is among the largest accreditation bodies in the world and the only independent 501(c)3 non-profit internationally recognized accreditation body in the United States that offers a full range of comprehensive conformity assessment accreditation services.

Established in 1978 as a public service membership society, A2LA is dedicated to the formal recognition of competent testing and calibration laboratories, biobanking facilities, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers and reference material producers. A2LA has over 4,500 actively accredited certificates representing all 50 US states and more than 50 countries. For a current listing of A2LA’s accredited organizations, please search A2LA’s directory.

All ISASecure certification testing is conducted by accredited, independent test laboratories. A2LA has been an ISASecure AB working with members to become CBs for ISASecure’s Security Development Lifecycle (SLDA), Component Security Assurance (CSA) and System Security Assurance (SSA).

“Expanding A2LA’s services to include Inspection Body and Product Certification Body accreditation for ACSSA reflects our commitment to supporting emerging cybersecurity frameworks that protect critical infrastructure,” says Trace McInturff, vice president of accreditation services, A2LA. “As automation and control systems become increasingly interconnected, independent third-party assurance is essential. We are proud to be recognized by ISASecure and to help organizations demonstrate competence, consistency and conformance in this rapidly evolving area.”

“A2LA has a great reputation for being on the leading edge of cybersecurity. We look forward to A2LA’s newest offering to ISASecure members who are looking to be an IB or CB for ACSSA,” says Dr. Mark DeAngelo, ISASecure program manager. “It’s an important milestone for ISASecure ACSSA and for the future security of critical industrial sites.”


@ISA_Automation  @automation_com #A2LA #ISA62443 #PAuto #Cybersecurity #USA

Monday, 13 July 2026

Power line filters.

Deliver high-performance EMI/RFI suppression for critical power applications. 

EMIS has introduced the SMF911 and TMF911 series of Single Phase and Three Phase Common Mode Facility Power Line Filters, engineered to provide exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression for industrial, commercial, defence and mission-critical power installations.

Designed to ensure the reliable operation of sensitive electronic equipment, the SMF911 (Single Phase) and TMF911 (Three Phase) filter series provide high-performance noise attenuation across a broad range of AC and DC power applications. With current ratings extending from 6 A to 3000 A, the filters can be deployed in applications ranging from compact control panels through to large-scale power distribution systems.

The filters deliver insertion loss performance of up to 100 dB across a wide frequency range, effectively suppressing conducted EMI and RFI that can compromise equipment performance, signal integrity and system reliability. Standard models provide attenuation from 100 kHz to 18 GHz, while extended-range versions offer enhanced suppression from 10 kHz to 40 GHz for applications requiring the highest levels of electromagnetic protection. Developed for demanding environments, the SMF911 and TMF911 series are particularly suited to military power supply applications, where high current capability, rugged performance and stringent EMC requirements are essential. The filters are designed in accordance with recognised standards including MIL-STD-220C, MIL-PRF-15733J, UL 1283 and IEC 60939, supporting their use in critical infrastructure and defence-related systems.

Safety and system protection are integral features of the design. Built-in discharge resistors safely dissipate stored capacitor energy after power removal, reducing maintenance risks and improving operator safety. Optional integrated 40 kA (8/20 μs) surge suppression using MOV technology provides additional protection against lightning-induced surges and power switching transients, helping to improve overall system resilience.

By reducing electrical noise and transient disturbances, the SMF911 and TMF911 facility power line filters help minimise communication errors, prevent equipment malfunction, reduce downtime and extend the service life of connected electrical and electronic systems.

Applications.
The SMF911 and TMF911 series are designed for a wide variety of high-performance power environments, including:

  • MRI scanner rooms – Installed at power entry points to prevent external electromagnetic interference from affecting image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
  • Shielded rooms – Providing clean power while maintaining the electromagnetic integrity required for secure communications, defence and research facilities.
  • Radar power supplies – Delivering stable, low-noise power to support signal accuracy, reliability and operational performance.
  • EMC test chambers – Preventing external interference from affecting compliance testing while controlling internally generated emissions.
  • Command and control centres – Protecting critical communication, surveillance and control systems against power-line disturbances.
  • Data centres – Improving power quality for servers, networking equipment and UPS systems while enhancing infrastructure reliability.
  • Combat and tracked vehicles – Suppressing conducted EMI to ensure dependable operation of communications, navigation, electronic warfare and control systems in demanding field conditions.
  • MIL-grade power panels – Providing advanced EMI filtering and surge protection for defence power distribution systems requiring stringent EMC performance.
  • Laboratories and test facilities – Creating low-noise electrical environments for precision measurement, calibration and research.

With their combination of high-current capability, wide-frequency suppression, surge protection options and compliance with demanding EMC standards, the SMF911 and TMF911 facility power line filters provide engineers with a robust solution for protecting sensitive electronics in the most challenging operating environments. EMIS aims to offer an end-to-end solution to meet industry’s ongoing EMI Challenges. With a robust global supply footprint across eight industry segments, EMIS is continuously investing in technology and skills to deliver its promise of efficiency with seamless customer support.

EMI Solutions has been designing and manufacturing EMI filters for more than 40 years and is a global source for efficient EMI and EMC solutions across all industries, applications and the frequency spectrum. Products available include EMI/EMC Components, Feedthrough Components, Power Quality, Military Grade Filters and Surge Protection. Customers are supported by a very experienced consulting team, a fully equipped Pre-Compliance Lab and a huge safety certified standard product offering of over 2500 part-numbers produced in their own very efficient facility.


@proactivefleet #EMIS #PAuto #Electronics