From computer-on-module to cloud.

An active patent for cybersecure communication between operational technology (OT) and IT infrastructure.

aReady.COM from congatec encompasses application-ready embedded hardware and software building blocks, enabling companies to simplify and accelerate the integration of IoT connectivity, security, virtualisation, and AI into their solutions.

Patent number WO2025186118A1 describes the interaction between the conga-zones hypervisor and the conga-connect IoT software running on a COM. The conga-zones hypervisor provides isolated system partitions, operating via a gateway to create strict data separation between the OT data acquisition side and the IT data transmission side. A security barrier between these two virtual machines prevents direct data forwarding from the IT side to the OT side and vice versa. Furthermore, transmission via data projection prevents external access to the OT device via the IT infrastructure, as well as access to the IT infrastructure via the embedded device. This approach enables machine, application, and communication functions to be combined within a single platform that is secure by design.

These modules allow customers to increase functionality on consolidated system architectures, shorten development times, and optimise total cost of ownership (TCO). At the same time, the filing of this patent is a clear indication of congatec’s technical development capabilities and the disruptive potential of its aReady.COM approach. It establishes that congatec consistently thinks beyond COMs as pure hardware, presenting them as pre-integrated, application-ready system building blocks for secure and connected industrial edge applications.

“With aReady.COM, we address key challenges faced by our customers: developing market-ready systems and new digital services for new business models faster; integrating more functionality into their systems; and simultaneously reducing complexity, integration risks, and operating costs,” says Andreas Bergbauer, Manager Solution Management at congatec. “The patent shows how conga-zones and conga-connect work together within aReady.COM to provide secure data exchange as well as isolated functional domains – for example for AI, real-time control, and user interfaces.”

“The patented combination of isolated partitions, controlled data exchange, and VPN-based communication is an important building block for ensuring the security by design of our aReady.COMs in secure and cost-effective edge architectures,” adds Konrad Garhammer, COO & CTO at congatec. “With aReady.COM, we simplify the use of complex embedded technologies and create the basis for simple system consolidation, high functional integration, and optimised TCO in industrial applications.”

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All-in-one backup power supply.

Bicker Elektronik is expanding its portfolio of industrial UPS solutions with the intelligent UPSI-2406R2DP1MB DC UPS. The compact 24V backup power supply with integrated Li-Ion battery pack was specifically developed for cost-sensitive applications and combines reliable backup functionality with an economical system design. With 24VDC and an output current of up to 4A, the UPS is suitable for protecting controllers, embedded IPCs, sensors, as well as measurement, control and security technology.

Cost-effective solution for cost-conscious system concepts.
A key advantage of the UPSI-2406R2DP1MB is its integrated 37 Wh Li-Ion battery pack, offering an excellent price-performance ratio. The high energy density of lithium-ion technology enables a compact and lightweight design and reduces the installation space required compared with conventional lead-acid solutions. This makes the DC UPS particularly suitable for applications in which numerous systems need to be reliably protected and where space, weight and overall costs are critical factors.

In addition, the intelligent power-sharing function supports economical dimensioning of the overall system. The available input power is dynamically distributed between load supply and battery charging. This means that the upstream AC/DC power supply does not have to be oversized to accommodate maximum load and charging power simultaneously. This reduces system design effort and enables a demand-oriented, cost-sensitive power supply solution.

Compact Li-Ion technology for 24V systems.
The UPSI-2406R2DP1MB integrates the energy storage, charging and control electronics in a compact device for DIN-rail mounting. The Li-Ion battery pack is certified according to IEC 62133-2. In backup mode, the DC UPS provides a regulated output voltage of 24VDC and reliably protects connected systems in the event of power failure, voltage dips or flicker.

For industrial applications, the UPSI-2406R2DP1MB is designed for an operating temperature range of 0°C to +50°C. Comprehensive protection functions and increased immunity to burst and surge events in accordance with EN 61000-4-4 and EN 61000-4-5 enable reliable operation even in demanding environments.

Interfaces and system integration.
For integration into existing control and automation environments, the UPSI-2406R2DP1MB features front-facing USB-C and RS485 Modbus interfaces as well as a configurable relay contact for signalling a power-fail event. The plug-and-play function enables automatic UPS detection by compatible operating systems. Integrated minimum-load detection and intelligent power distribution support efficient and safe operation.

UPS management software “UPScom”.
For configuration, monitoring and management, Bicker Elektronik provides the “UPScom” UPS management software free of charge. The browser-based software enables real-time monitoring of the state of charge and convenient adjustment of important operating parameters such as shutdown delay, maximum backup time and minimum load. Event-based email notifications can be configured to provide information about relevant operating conditions.

Shutdown & reboot function for IPC systems.
In the event of a power failure, the DC UPS signals the power-fail condition and can initiate a controlled shutdown of connected industrial PCs or embedded systems to prevent data loss. When the supply voltage returns, the integrated reboot function automatically restarts the system. This is particularly beneficial for stand-alone installations or systems that are difficult to access.

Applications.
The UPSI-2406R2DP1MB is suitable for the uninterrupted operation of embedded IPCs, controllers, motor drives, sensors, as well as measurement, control and security technology. Typical applications include control cabinet solutions, automation and control systems, as well as decentralised power supply concepts. With its combination of an integrated Li-Ion battery, compact design and economical system configuration, the DC UPS offers an attractive all-in-one solution, particularly for cost-sensitive applications. The DC UPS is approved according to IEC/EN/UL 61010-1 and IEC/EN/UL 61010-2-201 and is available from stock.

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@bicker_de @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #Pauto #PSU

Connect the future of data.

Delivering fibre optic transceivers proven in industrial, defence and networking environments.

Anglia Components has signed a new franchise agreement with Taiwanese manufacturer OptoMedia, expanding its offering to include a comprehensive range of fibre optic transceivers for industrial defence and video applications.

“OptoMedia has the products and technologies to deliver massive, reliable data transmission across long distances, in applications such as Industrial automation, communication networks, IoT, Cloud, Edge computing and AI," said John Bowman, Marketing Director at Anglia. "We are delighted to be able to offer these innovative products to customers across the UK and Europe through Anglia Live.”

Allen Ho, CEO at OptoMedia added: “Our products are a perfect fit for many customers in this region. We chose Anglia as our partner, because they have demonstrated they can provide the perfect combination of innovative 21st Century online supply chain management, hands on technical support, and traditional, personal customer service.”

OptoMedia is a specialist in high-performance optical communication solutions, supplying robust, cost-effective transceivers designed for demanding environments across industrial, video, defence and data infrastructure fibre communication markets. The product portfolio includes a wide range of transceivers including SFF, SFP, Mini-SFF, and SDI data modules, alongside optical converters, HDMI, and KVM solutions. With a strong focus on performance and reliability, OptoMedia products are well suited to demanding environments and are already widely used across defence, industrial, professional broadcast and networking markets. OptoMedia is also a member of both the Profibus & Profinet (PI) and CC-Link organisations and actively works with other members around the world to ensure its solutions are inter-operable with those from other global leaders.

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@angliaComponent @Opto_Media @angliaLive @BWW_Comms #Electronics #Fibreoptics #PAuto 

Flow in water and energy applications.

Accurate flow measurement supports more efficient management of water, heat and process energy.

The SFC3000 Flow Computer from EX-i Flow Measurement, has many applications across the water, utilities and process industries, where accurate measurement of liquid and steam flows is increasingly important for managing both resources and energy. Water is a critical resource in many parts of the world, and in industrial applications it can also be considered an effective means of transporting energy in the form of heat. From power generation and industrial processes to cooling systems and district heating, monitoring the movement of water and steam can provide valuable information for improving efficiency, reducing waste and identifying opportunities for energy recovery.

The SFC3000 provides a flexible platform for flow measurement and calculation, making it suitable for applications where flow data needs to be accurately monitored, recorded and integrated into wider process-control systems. In power generation and industrial processing, for example, water and steam flows can represent significant quantities of energy. Hot water may be used to transfer excess process heat, while steam generated as a by-product can potentially be recovered or redirected for other applications. Accurate measurement of these flows is essential when assessing energy balances and determining where efficiency improvements can be made.

Cooling towers provide another important application. While essential to many industrial processes, cooling systems can represent a significant source of energy and water consumption. Monitoring make-up water, circulation and discharge flows can help operators understand system performance, identify losses and assess opportunities to reduce water and energy consumption.

The same principles apply to water treatment and distribution networks. Accurate flow measurement enables operators to monitor consumption, manage distribution and identify potential inefficiencies. In regions where water is a particularly precious resource, reliable measurement can play an important role in supporting responsible management. The SFC3000 can also support applications involving steam and other process fluids, providing a common measurement platform for facilities where water, steam and energy flows are closely interconnected.

By providing reliable flow calculation and monitoring, the SFC3000 enables engineers and operators to turn flow data into actionable information – helping them understand where water and energy are being consumed, where losses may occur and where opportunities exist for recovery and improved efficiency.

EX-i Flow Measurement Ltd specialises in flow measurement solutions for demanding industrial applications. The SFC3000 Flow Computer provides a flexible solution for monitoring and calculating flow in applications ranging from water and process industries to energy and steam measurement.

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 @ExiFlow @proactivefleet #PAuto #Water #Energy

Simulating ring resonators - a first.

The multi-topology MT-FIMMPROP photonic simulation tool from Photon Design, which uses its unique, patented and well respected, EigenMode Expansion (EME) computational method, can now simulate ring resonator designs - a first in the photonics industry. The company quantified the performance of its new EME capability in a recent white paper. It concluded that EME delivered equivalent accuracy to industry-standard, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) tools, but was over 100 times faster using a workstation PC, with no cloud processing necessary. Engineers run many simulations to fine-tune photonics designs, so the shorter runtimes provided by EME enable practical, iterative workflows. In addition, the efficiency of the MT-FIMMPROP software itself, also plays a valuable part in engineers achieving optimal, photonic design results.

Dominic Gallagher, CEO of Photon Design, said: “Photon Design’s MT-FIMMPROP is the only EME-based simulation tool to successfully model ring resonators. Our EME delivers the accuracy of FDTD at far faster simulation speeds and without the need for expensive, pay-per-simulation, cloud computing; often needed for FDTD.

“Our recently published white paper showed that MT-FIMMPROP can process a typical 30um-radius ring resonator in just 11 seconds, on a laptop PC. By comparison, FDTD took four hours for a much smaller and simpler, 12um-radius ring resonator, using a workstation PC. FDTD is slower because it requires more than 11 trillion calculations to process the 12um example, with its computational load increasing eight-fold every time the device size doubles. Had FDTD been used for the 30um ring resonator, the simulation would have taken 15 times longer again.

“MT-FIMMPROP is an efficient computational modeller. Unlike FDTD, which processes the entire device bounding box, EME only processes the ring-resonators’ computational regions, which typically make up less than 5% of the device volume. It also enables engineers to combine and reuse repeated computational regions to avoid both design and process duplication. This simplifies the design process, reduces runtimes and actively supports an iterative photonic design approach.”

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@photond  #Design #Simulation #PAuto

Low voltage grid status.

The true state of the Low-Voltage Grid - turning feeder data into actionable grid intelligence.

Corinex has announced the launch of the Grid Intelligence Node (GIN), bringing near-real-time measurement and event detection to low-voltage feeders. GIN provides high-precision insight into actual network conditions, creating a grid-truth layer that helps distribution system operators identify constraints, assess available capacity and verify whether grid actions delivered the intended result.

GIN combines high-performance broadband powerline communications with integrated current, voltage, and power-quality monitoring. Installed in secondary substations, street cabinets, and lateral branches, it gives utilities a clearer view of loading and operating conditions across the low-voltage network.

"Electrification is placing new demands on low-voltage grids, but utilities lack the information needed to see or predict where constraints are emerging," said Sam Shi, Chief Technology Officer at Corinex. "GIN tells the DSO when, where and how much control is needed. It provides the evidence for intervention."

Key technical capabilities include:

• Three-phase voltage and current measurement with RMS error ≤0.5%
• Measurement of power, power factor, frequency and energy
• Harmonic monitoring up to the 51st harmonic and total harmonic distortion
• Detection of voltage sags and swells, overloads and phase imbalance
• One-minute operational snapshots, 15-minute energy aggregates and optional one-second reporting
• Support for split-core CT or Rogowski coil sensors
• Direct connection to 230/400 V networks and MQTT data transmission
• An operating temperature range of −25°C to +70°C, with an IP67-rated enclosure option

The node combines high-precision metering for secondary substations with BPL communications, allowing feeder-level measurements and power-quality data to be transmitted through the existing low-voltage network. Monitoring up to the 51st harmonic, alongside the detection of voltage sags and swells, overloads and phase imbalance, helps utilities identify operational issues where they emerge and verify the impact of grid interventions.

Building more accurate digital twins.
GIN measurements can feed directly into Corinex Plexigrid Intelligence, connecting near-real-time field data with advanced grid modelling and optimization.

Corinex technology observes conditions across the physical grid, while Plexigrid software reconstructs, models and optimizes the network. Together, they give DSOs a digital representation that more closely reflects actual loading, voltage and power-quality conditions.

This enhanced digital twin helps utilities:

• Improve low-voltage state estimation and grid model accuracy.
• Assess available capacity for electric vehicles, heat pumps, and photovoltaic systems.
• Determine whether constraints should be addressed through flexibility or physical reinforcement.

The result is greater certainty about grid assets and operating conditions, with less reliance on planning assumptions, delayed meter data, and estimated load profiles.

"Digital twins are only as reliable as the information behind them," Shi added. "GIN grounds the model in near-real-time measurements from the physical grid, helping utilities understand available capacity and make better-informed decisions as electrification grows."

Add intelligence without rebuilding the network.
GIN gives utilities a practical way to expand low-voltage visibility through infrastructure already in place. Designed for retrofit installations, it combines Corinex BPL repeater and Ethernet functionality while adding advanced measurement and event detection.

Existing low-voltage power lines carry both communications and measurement data. GridValue™ manages the Corinex BPL network and connected devices, while measurement data can support Corinex Plexigrid Intelligence, ADMS, SCADA and other digital-grid platforms. Utilities can gain a clearer view of network conditions without deploying a separate communications layer or installing revenue-grade meters at every monitoring point.

Its compact, IP67-rated enclosure is designed for demanding grid environments, while split-core current transformer and Rogowski coil options support different conductor sizes and cabinet layouts. GIN provides one-minute operational snapshots and 15-minute energy aggregates, with integration through Ethernet, Modbus RTU, and Modbus TCP.

The Corinex Grid Intelligence Node is available for utility evaluations, pilot projects, and commercial deployments.

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@CorinexCorp @PRNewswire #Power #Energy #PAuto

Certification for commercial products procured by US.

ISASecure®, a wholly owned subsidiary of The International Society of Automation (ISA), is partnering with the United States National Security Agency (NSA) to develop a new certification scheme for commercial operational technology (OT) components sold by manufacturers and procured by the US government for use within National Security Systems (NSS). With a common goal of securing high criticality OT systems, the new certification scheme is intended to increase confidence in the security of commercial components.

ISA developed a set of security levels (SL) with specific cybersecurity requirements for OT components in the international OT cybersecurity standard ISA 62443-4-2. In addition, six new technical security requirements were developed and published by NSA’s Operational Technology Assurance Partnership (OTAP) Program in the NSA/CSS Cybersecurity Technical Report titled "Operational Technology Assurance Partnership: Smart Controller Security within National Security Systems" (April 2025).

In response to the need, ISASecure is developing a separate High Criticality Component Security Assurance (HCSA) certification scheme derived from the well-established Component Security Assurance certification scheme (CSA). Upon completion and the OTAP program office's acceptance of the ISASecure HCSA scheme, the NSA will use the scheme as an approved certification mechanism in the evaluation process of adding OT OEM components to the NSS OT Product Compliant List (PCL).

“This is a major achievement in the history of ISASecure,” said Dr. Mark P. DeAngelo, program manager of ISASecure. “The NSA recognizes the importance of the ISA 62443 standard and the ISASecure program, which independently evaluates a product's conformity to the ISA 62443 standard. ISASecure's reputation and commitment to robust OT security precedes the NSA's decision to partner with us. Our CSA product certification set the foundation for HCSA."

An ISASecure HCSA certificate provides a product manufacturer with essential evidence in consideration of that product's inclusion on the NSA's NSS OT PCL. In other words, ISASecure certification is an important step before a smart controller can be purchased and installed within an NSS.

Manufacturers interested in developing smart controllers are encouraged to join ISASecure to be part of the HCSA development. Stakeholders include manufacturers of components, accreditation bodies and certification bodies.

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@ISA_Automation  @automation_com @NSAGov #Cybersecurity #PAuto