Wireless test for Tunisia.

Anritsu EMEA has deployed a comprehensive wireless test solution at the Centre d'Étude et de Recherche de Télécommunications (CERT), Tunisia's national telecommunications testing authority. The installation equips CERT's conformity testing laboratory with a future-ready, multi-technology platform spanning from 2G to 5G NR, cellular, IoT, and WLAN, enabling the body to validate devices across the full range of wireless technologies entering the Tunisian market. The solution was delivered in partnership with Prisma International, Anritsu's authorised partner in Tunisia.

(LtoR) Chiheb Sfar (CTO PRISMA), Sami Khouaja (CEO PRISMA), Marco Bordin (Anritsu), Haider Herraghi (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer CERT), Amish Lad (Anritsu), Niroj Nakarmi (Anritsu), Aymen Cheffi (Anritsu), Karim Miladi (Head of the RF Type Approval Unit at CERT)

Test platform for current and future standards.
At the core of the installation is the Anritsu MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station, enabling comprehensive 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) device testing in FR1. The laboratory is further equipped with the Anritsu MT8862A Wireless Connectivity Test Set, providing WLAN test coverage from IEEE 802.11a/b/g through Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and the Anritsu MT8821C Radio Communication Analyzer, supporting multi-technology cellular validation.

Together, the three platforms enable CERT to conduct conformity testing across a broad technology stack:

• Cellular: GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA, LTE (FDD and TDD), 5G NR FR1 (SA and NSA)
• IoT: LTE-M (CAT-M) and NB-IoT
• WLAN: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7)

Supporting National and Regional Regulatory Mandates.
As Tunisia's official device certification body, CERT is responsible for validating wireless products before they are approved for commercial availability in the Tunisian market. Beyond this national mandate, CERT holds ITU-authorised status as a regional reference laboratory for Africa, supporting regulators across the continent through type approval training, advisory activities, and the promotion of best practices in regulatory compliance.

"CERT plays a pivotal role not only in Tunisia's national regulatory framework, but as a reference point for telecommunications certification across Africa. This deployment gives CERT the tools to validate devices across the full spectrum of technologies in use today, and those that will define connectivity tomorrow. We look forward to growing our presence and support for regulatory institutions across the MEA region." — Marco Bordin, Sales Director, Southern Region, Anritsu EMEA

Advancing Conformity Testing Infrastructure Across MEA.
This deployment reflects Anritsu's continued investment in supporting regulatory authorities and accredited test laboratories with standards-based, vendor-independent test and measurement infrastructure. As wireless technologies evolve from 4G to 5G and beyond, robust conformity testing frameworks are essential to ensuring that devices entering national markets meet both regulatory requirements and end-user performance expectations.

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  #TandM #Telecomms #Tunisia

Wireless I/O modules.

Offering dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity to link sensors and actuators to control networks in locations where cabling is impractical.

The release of Acromag's new BusWorks® NTW Series Wireless I/O modules has been announced. These units expand the popular NT Ethernet I/O family with secure Wi‑Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control applications. The NTW Series enables engineers and system integrators to connect sensors and actuators to control systems without running network cabling, making it ideal for applications where wiring is difficult or costly. Each NTW module combines Acromag’s proven NT modular I/O architecture with dual‑band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi‑Fi communication based on IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standards.

NTW communication modules support Acromag’s full range of NTX expansion I/O modules, allowing users to append additional channels or signal types. Up to 64 I/O points can be managed over a single IP address. Available I/O options include discrete I/O, analog voltage or current, and temperature, enabling customized signal mixes at each installation point.

“Wireless connectivity opens new possibilities for deploying NT Series I/O in remote and hard‑to‑reach locations,” said Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s Director of Business Development. “The NTW Series gives users a simple and cost‑effective way to extend industrial I/O systems beyond the limits of traditional Ethernet cabling.”.

In addition to Wi‑Fi connectivity, NTW models include an Ethernet RJ45 port, allowing units to be daisy‑chained when a wired connection is preferred or available. This hybrid approach gives users flexibility to deploy wired or wireless networking as application requirements evolve.

The NTW Series supports common industrial Ethernet protocols including Modbus TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP, along with peer‑to‑peer communication. NTW modules also support IIoT connectivity, including OPC UA and MQTT, with a built‑in RESTful API for integration with modern data systems. Security features include WPA3 Wi‑Fi security, TLS 1.2 with PKI and X.509 certificate management, and AES 256‑bit encryption to help protect data transmitted over wireless networks.

NTW modules are housed in a slim 25 mm DIN rail mountable enclosure with pluggable terminals and are designed for reliable operation across wide industrial temperature ranges. The NTW Series has been developed to meet global RF and regulatory requirements, with certifications supporting deployment in multiple international markets.

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@Acromag #PAuto #Comms #I/O

High-power for Industrial artificial intelligence ready networks.

Henry Martel, Field Application Engineer, Antaira Technologies, discusses how High-Power PoE solutions help ensure that industrial networks remain reliable, scalable, and ready for the next generation of edge intelligence.

High-Power PoE (IEEE 802.3bt) is the power infrastructure the intelligent edge has been waiting for. As factories automate, smart cities scale, and mission-critical networks push compute closer to the action, a single cable now needs to do it all: deliver the bandwidth and the wattage to keep pace with multi-sensor fusion, advanced imaging, and real-time analytics. IEEE 802.3bt rises to meet that demand, purpose-built for an era where edge devices don't just connect, they compute.

Earlier PoE standards, IEEE 802.3af (15.4W) and 802.3at (30W), were not designed for this new generation of Ai-enabled edge devices. Today’s 4K/8K security cameras, Wi-Fi 6/7 APs, and IIoT sensors frequently exceed 30 to 60W of power consumption, creating the need for a new standard supporting the next decade of power-hungry edge equipment.

IEEE 802.3bt meets this demand head-on. It delivers up to 90W-100W per port at the PSE, enough to power AI-enhanced vision and inference modules. Industrial analytics systems run with the stable, uninterrupted power they need for real-time operation, while the standard's backward compatibility makes scaling Ai and IIoT deployments straightforward and future-ready. In short, High-Power PoE has become a foundational element for Industrial AI-Ready Networks.

Built for the AI-Driven Industrial Edge.
Prior PoE standards were limited by available power, leaving them unable to meet the requirements of PTZ cameras, robotics, LED lighting, RFID readers, or HD/4K displays. Power dissipation further constrained deployments. For instance, while an 802.3af PSE can supply 15.4W, the PD receives only 12.95W.

This table shows the effective power a PD receives under different PoE standards.

Defining Power Across Classes.
The IEEE 802.3 framework defines PoE power levels across Classes 0 to 8, giving engineers precise power budgeting and interoperability between PSEs and PDs. IEEE 802.3bt (Type 3/4) extends that range with Class 5–8 support while maintaining full backward compatibility with 802.3at/af. This way, mixed-generation devices coexist on the same network without compromise.

Optimised Power Management Through PD Type Recognition. IEEE 802.3bt introduces several enhancements that improve PoE predictability and efficiency:

• Single- vs. Dual-Signature PDs: Single-signature PDs use one classification circuit, while dual-signature PDs separate power to functional modules such as heaters and PTZ motors.
• Connection Check: bt PoE can distinguish between these PD types. This is something af/at could not do.
• Autoclass: Enables the PSE to measure a PD’s actual power draw for more accurate budgeting in multi-port deployments.

Together, these enhancements improve system stability and enable more efficient use of available power resources.

Key Applications for High-Power PoE.
With up to 90W per port, High-Power PoE supports edge devices that previously required local power sources:

• PTZ & AI-Enhanced IP Cameras: Motors, IR, heaters, and onboard Ai modules often exceed 30 to 60W. High Power PoE ensures full functionality via a single cable.
• LED Lighting & Smart Buildings: High-Power PoE can power advanced luminaires and control modules, while reducing standby consumption for greater energy efficiency.
• Wi-Fi 6/7 Access Points: Multi-radio APs often require 60W+ for sustained throughput. The bt PoE supports stable operation without external power.
• Next-Generation IIoT Sensors: Sensors with local processing, wireless modules, or multi-function capabilities now rely on bt PoE for stable, centralised power delivery.

Choosing an 802.3bt Industrial PoE Switch.
Deploying bt PoE requires careful evaluation of PD power requirements and overall switch power budget. Both the PSE and PD must be compliant with IEEE 802.3bt to ensure safe and predictable operation.

Although many vendors advertise 802.3bt compatibility, some only support Type 3 (60W). Antaira provides full Type 3 and true Type 4 (90W) power across industrial managed switches, unmanaged switches, injectors, and media converters. Flagship examples include the LMP-1204G-SFP-bt-T (pictured), a 12-port Gigabit Layer 3 Lite managed switch capable of delivering Type 4 power across multiple ports.

Across its portfolio, Antaira’s high-power PoE solutions offer:
• Robust industrial performance
• Full IEEE 802.3bt compliance
• Up to 100W per port for high-power PDs and future-proof deployments
• Support for high-density, multi-device deployments
• Over 200 models across nine product lines for diverse industrial environments

To address practical challenges in field deployments, Antaira incorporates several patented mechanisms throughout the system lifecycle to improve operational robustness. These include long-distance remote recovery, automatic adjustment of power budgets when input voltage varies, uninterrupted PoE during firmware upgrades, and controlled power-off to prevent electrical arcing during cable removal.

The Edge Just Got More Powerful.
High-Power bt PoE delivering up to 90W dramatically expands what's deployable at the network edge. With 4-pair powering, improved efficiency, and seamless backward compatibility, IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 has become a core enabler for modern industrial, smart building, and IIoT infrastructures.

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@AntairaTech @OConnell_PR #PAuto #Ai

Transatlantic Research Collaboration between the island of Ireland and the United States.

Ireland's Taoiseach⁽¹⁾ Micheál Martin TD, First & Deputy Ministers Michelle O’Neill MLA, and Emma Little-Pengelly MLA have pledged support to a $20 million investment in a new U.S.-Ireland Research Translation and Commercialisation Initiative.

The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership’s⁽²⁾ new initiative is a trilateral project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), Research Ireland and Department for the Economy. The initiative is also part-funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, and supported by a Secretariat provided by InterTradeIreland, the cross-border trade and business development body, which is the only organisation with a direct legislative mandate to lead all-island economic collaboration.

(L-R) Brian Stone, NSF Chief of Staff, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA
and Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at the announcement in Washington.

This new initiative will support collaboration between researchers, innovators and industry partners across the United States of America, Ireland and Northern Ireland, and was established as an expansion activity to support the translation of research outputs from the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership into market-ready products, services and solutions.

• The initiative will identify research under the themes of cybersecurity, energy and sustainability, telecommunications, sensors and sensor networks, and nanoscale science and engineering. These themes reflect shared priorities and areas of established research strength across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the U.S.

• It will assist in the development of bespoke training programmes for researchers who have worked on these projects, to upskill them in advancing their research along the translation and commercialisation path. There will also be an opportunity for selected teams to receive further funding to catalyse the creation of start-ups focused on the outcomes of their research.

Welcoming the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is a powerful example of how sustained international cooperation delivers real benefits for our people, our economy and our research community. This new investment builds on 20 years of success and will help ensure that cutting-edge research developed across the island of Ireland, and the United States can be translated into real-world solutions and high-value jobs. The Government of Ireland is pleased to contribute over $9m to this new initiative, deepening our investment partnership with the United States National Science Foundation and the Northern Ireland Executive, to realise new commercialisation opportunities and benefit all partners.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill also welcomed the announcement, saying: “For 20 years, the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership has shown what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose — bringing researchers, businesses and institutions together to solve problems and create opportunities. This new transatlantic initiative represents a significant opportunity to turn excellent research into real benefits for our economy and our communities; while strengthening the strong relationships we have built with partners in the US and across this island.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly added: “For the last 20 years, the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership has shown how practical, results-focused cooperation can deliver tangible economic benefits, bringing together government, academia and industry to work together to support innovation and growth. This landmark expansion strengthens our economic links with the United States, maximising our potential to support high-value jobs and trade opportunities for businesses and communities.” 

Brian Stone, NSF Chief of Staff, Performing the Duties of Director, said: “For nearly twenty years, the U.S-Ireland R&D Partnership has not only jointly funded numerous trilateral science and engineering research projects, it has also served as a model of how to successfully facilitate cross-border research and development. Today’s announcement from NSF TIP, the Government of Ireland and Department for the Economy marks a natural next step in our transatlantic partnership, expanding our collaboration to accelerate the translation of projects into businesses and solutions, delivering significant scientific, economic and real-world benefits.”

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⁽¹⁾  Taoiseach" is the title of Ireland's Head of Government.
⁽²⁾ The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is a tri-jurisdictional initiative supporting collaborative research projects involving partners in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States since 2006.

@Researchirel @NSF @Economy_NI #Research #Ireland #USA

Secure accreditation.

Palindrome Technologies has received full accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to serve as an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body for the globally recognised certification program ISASecure®*.

"We are pleased to have Palindrome Technologies join the ISASecure program as an accredited ISASecure certification body,” said Dr. Mark P. DeAngelo, program manager of ISASecure®.

The ISASecure certification program validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of internationally adopted standards for industrial security. Palindrome is now accepting product submittals for ISASecure certification.

ISASecure assesses automation and control products and systems to ensure they are robust against network attacks, free from known vulnerabilities and meet the security capabilities defined in the ISA/IEC 62443 standards. All ISASecure certifications are conducted by globally recognised ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies.

Palindrome Technologies is a cybersecurity research and testing firm, established in 2005, which provides security assurance services to Fortune 500 companies and growing organisations. Palindrome is an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory and can guide customers through product certifications including IEEE, NIST, HITRUST, HIPAA and now ISASecure SDLA, CSA, SSA and ICSA certification to ISA/IEC 62443 standard.

As an ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) member, Palindrome has been involved in the technical development of ISASecure’s newest conformance scheme, the ISASecure Automation Control System Security Assurance (ACSSA) program. Palindrome staff were among the first to complete the ISASecure ACSSA for Evaluators training and certification.

“The ISASecure certification program gives product suppliers a clear, globally recognised path to demonstrate conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 standard and provides asset owners greater confidence that the technologies they deploy are robust against real-world threats. Palindrome is proud to support this mission with rigorous, repeatable evaluations that help teams build security in from the start and differentiate trusted products in the marketplace,” said Mike Stauffer, vice president of product testing and certification at Palindrome Technologies.

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* The ISASecure program — which currently has ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, Germany and India — is rapidly expanding its global reach through additional agreements with certification bodies around the world. 

@PalindromeTech @ISA_Automation  @automation_com #ISA/IEC62443 #PAuto #Cybersecurity

New timer relays series.

Saves control panel space and provides multiple functions, with a favorable price-to-performance ratio.

IDEC Corporation has added two new GT8A series slim electronic timer relays to their already comprehensive timer relay product line. The small form factor and extensive capabilities of the GT8A make it an excellent choice for new, retrofit, or replacement applications.

At just 17.5mm wide, and using direct DIN rail mounting without needing a socket, the GT8A requires less footprint space and can be installed more quickly than conventional devices, especially in applications where a combination of products would otherwise be needed to perform the function. The compact form factor helps users optimize limited control panel space, and this direct integration makes it easy to install, wire, and replace the relay.

Multi-functional flexibility.
Ten timing functions—on delay, on for a set interval, flicker (starting off), flicker (starting on), off delay, single shot, once at a set interval, on and off delay, cyclical, and pulse—cover a variety of operational needs. In addition, ten timing ranges and ten time settings, including permanently on or off, let users choose operational timings ranging from 0.1 seconds up to 10 days. Configuration is easy to perform using three rotary selector switches, each of which is inset to prevent inadvertent operation.

The GT8A is available in both one-contact single pole double throw (SPDT) and two-contact, double pole double throw (DPDT) versions, and the contacts can handle up to 250V AC or 24V DC at 16A resistive load, depending on the model. Universal control power requirements accommodate 12 through 240V AC or DC. This exceptional flexibility enables users to minimize the number model types they need to purchase initially and as spares. 

 Reliable and compliant.
With a mechanical life rating of 30 million operations minimum, an electrical life rating of 50,000 operations minimum at full current load, and an allowable operating frequency of 600 cycles per hour, the GT8A is designed to provide enduring trouble-free functionality. A finger-safe IP20 (IEC 60529) protection rating, and compliance with EN 61812-1, CE, UKCA, RoHS, EAC, UL/c-UL, ensures that designers and end users will obtain the best and safest performance with their applications.

Timing relays perform an essential hard-wired control function for pump stations, HVAC, material handling, building automation, machinery, equipment, and other control purposes. Compact electronic timers like the GT8A provide a high performance option as compared to analog and electro-mechanical products, with many benefits for designers and operational personnel.

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@IDECUSA #PAuto

Faster design braking.

Power Jacks Limited is an engineering specialist known for designing and manufacturing high-performance linear actuation systems. Serving demanding industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, civil engineering and industrial automation. Power Jacks has built a reputation for precision, reliability and bespoke engineering solutions. Their systems are often used in safety-critical and heavy-duty applications where accuracy and dependable performance are essential.

As Power Jacks continues to develop advanced mechanical systems, the need for robust, precisely specified braking solutions has become increasingly important across multiple projects.

Enhancing design efficiency.
To support these requirements, Power Jacks has been working closely with Mayr Transmissions, a global leader in safety brakes, torque limiters, and power transmission solutions. Central to this collaboration has been Mayr’s online product configurator, a powerful digital tool that allows engineers to quickly select, customise and download detailed 3D models of braking systems tailored to specific application needs.

The configurator enables design teams to:

• Rapidly configure brake solutions based on performance requirements
• Instantly access accurate 3D CAD models for integration into assemblies
• Reduce design time and eliminate guesswork during early development stages
• Move more efficiently from concept to prototype

For Power Jacks, this has translated into faster design cycles, improved accuracy in system layouts and smoother progression from concept through to prototype orders.

The value of both the technology and the technical support behind it has been clear throughout the collaboration. As one Power Jacks representative shared: “I’m really pleased with Mayr level of service and ease of 3D models downloading. Currently we are working on a few projects where brakes are required and a couple projects have now turned to the orders of prototype systems. I would like to say thank you to Mayr team for ongoing excellent support. Their technical support and design flexibility makes our design process much easier and makes Mayr our primary choice when it comes to brakes.”

From digital design to real-world results.
By combining Mayr’s advanced configurator with responsive technical expertise, Power Jacks has been able to confidently specify braking systems that align perfectly with their demanding engineering standards. The ability to download ready-to-use 3D models has not only accelerated internal workflows but also reduced risk during the design and prototyping stages.

What began as digital configuration has already progressed into prototype system orders. A clear demonstration of how smart engineering tools, backed by expert support, can drive real-world project success.

Supporting engineering teams.
The success of the collaboration between Power Jacks and Mayr Transmissions reflects a wider commitment to helping engineers work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence. Through intuitive digital tools such as the online configurator, combined with expert technical support, Mayr enables customers to rapidly specify reliable braking solutions tailored to their exact application needs.

Whether supporting early-stage design, accelerating prototyping or optimising final system performance, Mayr works closely with engineering teams to remove complexity from the selection process. The result is shorter development cycles, reduced risk and solutions that perform in the most demanding environments. For companies facing tight timelines, evolving design requirements and the need for dependable safety components, this technology and expertise can turn ideas into proven engineering outcomes.

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@mepaxIntPR @PowerJacksLtd #mayr® #TandM #Manufacturing #Britain