Wednesday 29 August 2018

Secure Your Control & Automation Systems.

Using the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards

The ISA Ireland Section and the ISA European Office are conducting Cybersecurity Training Courses in both Cork & Dublin this September.

ISA’s cybersecurity courses and exams are built on the solid foundation of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of industry consensus standards, which give requirements for security assessment, design, implementation, operations, and management of devices and processes. The series of standards cover the complete lifecycle of cybersecurity protection, are a part of the NIST US Cybersecurity Framework, and have been developed in coordination with government and academia.

The first course is entitled: Using the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards to Secure Your Control Systems (IC32)
The move to using open standards such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, and web technologies in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and process control networks has begun to expose these systems to the same cyberattacks that have wreaked so much havoc on corporate information systems. This course provides a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect your critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments.
Cork: 17-18 September 2018
Dublin:  24-25 September 2018

The second course is: Assessing the Cybersecurity of New or Existing IACS Systems (IC33)
The first phase in the IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle (defined in ISA 62443-1-1) is to identify and document IACS assets and perform a cybersecurity vulnerability and risk assessment in order to identify and understand the high-risk vulnerabilities that require mitigation. Per ISA 62443-2-1 these assessments need to be performed on both new (i.e. greenfield) and existing (i.e. brownfield) applications. Part of the assessment process involves developing a zone and conduit model of the system, identifying security level targets, and documenting the cybersecurity requirements into a cybersecurity requirements specification (CRS).
Cork: 19-21 Septemeber 2018
Dublin: 26-28 September 2018

These courses provides a detailed look at how the ISA/IEC62443 standards can be used to protect critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments.

Places are limited for these courses and there will be no further courses in this range until 2019.

#PAuto #ISAuto #Cybersecurity #Ireland


Tuesday 28 August 2018

Flow assurance for oil & gas production.

Yokogawa has announced that it has introduced an on-demand hydrate risk management solution that helps offshore oil platform operators to maintain production levels, protect plant assets, and minimise operating expenses and downtime by optimising pipeline chemical injection. The new solution integrates industry-leading simulation software from KBC, a wholly-owned subsidiary, with Yokogawa’s flexible supervisory control & data acquisition (SCADA) software to deliver a dashboard that enables consolidated, on-demand monitoring. Automated chemical injection metering valve technology can also be integrated as required.

The formation of gas hydrates that block pipelines is, together with other flow assurance issues such as waxes, asphaltenes, and scales, a major concern in the oil and gas industry for maintaining integrity of pipeline flow. The threat is particularly high in offshore oil platforms, which are increasingly moving to deepwater operations, as the fluid may cool to low temperatures in the flowline or in the production facilities. Hydrates form rapidly at certain temperature and pressure conditions, and can result in serious decreases in production levels, equipment damage, safety issues, and even emergency shutdown of equipment. To mitigate this risk, operators generally inject chemical inhibitors into the hydrocarbon flow to prevent the formation of hydrates or other threats to production.

During the plant design phase of oil and gas offshore platforms, modeling and simulation software and pre- operation field test data is utilised to optimise the pipeline network design and calculate the amount of inhibitor required to prevent hydrate formation. During operations too, field operators use the simulation results to calculate the amount of inhibitor to be injected into the flow. Injection rates are regularly reviewed by field experts, but without real-time visibility into the actual state of the pipeline, operators tend to overdose the inhibitor to provide a sufficient buffer for daily operational conditions and to compensate for changes in field properties over time. This can result in excessive chemical use and increased operating expenses. With the aim of enabling more efficient hydrate risk management, Yokogawa has developed a common dashboard for KBC’s two advanced, complementary simulation software solutions, Maximus® and Multiflash®, and Yokogawa’s own FAST/TOOLS™ SCADA system, making on-demand flow assurance a possibility for the first time.

KBC’s Maximus is a purpose-built tool for compositional thermal hydraulic steady state simulations of pipeline networks, including wells, choke valves, flowlines and a wide range of processing equipment. It can be used as both a production forecaster and flow assurance tool by predicting physical conditions of the network. Multiflash is the de facto standard pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) modeling solution for hydrocarbon flow assurance and production modeling due to its scope and accuracy. It is used to evaluate the phase behavior and physical and transport properties of complex mixtures and pure substances, and excels in modeling multi-phase hydrocarbon mixtures.

Used as an integrated SCADA system within and between plants, FAST/TOOLS offers the ability to work with and present information from various data sources and applications on a single dashboard. In this solution, data from temperature and pressure sensors in the subsea wellhead, pipeline(s) and offshore platform are collected by FAST/TOOLS and sent to KBC’s simulation software continuously or when operators require up-to-date hydrate formation risk information. Based on the results, FAST/TOOLS then displays the level and specific location of hydrate risk, and provides operators with the current hydrate formation curve and key performance indicators in one unified dashboard. In addition, the solution calculates the recommended level of inhibitor injection that enables them to balance risk and cost with a given margin. Integrating the KBC simulation and modelling technology with Yokogawa’s flexible SCADA platform enables operators to quickly make informed decisions about inhibitor injection volumes by getting the information they need on demand, without having to rely on periodic engineer analysis. Customers also have the option of leveraging the precise, automated FluidComTM chemical injection metering valve technology of subsidiary Yokogawa TechInvent AS to achieve an end-to-end hydrate risk management solution.

  @YokogawaIA  #PAuto #Oil @kbc_at

Death of Senior Executive at Anritsu. RIP

The death has been announced of Gerald Ostheimer Senior VP Anritsu and EMEA MD. RIP

Gerald Ostheimer RIP
Here is their statement:

'It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that Anritsu regretfully announce the passing of Gerald Ostheimer, Senior Vice President Anritsu Corporation and Managing Director EMEA, on August 21st at the age of 61.

“Gerald enjoyed a long career in the Test and Measurement industry. During his fourteen years at Anritsu he made outstanding contributions to the company’s success and he will be sorely missed” said Hirokazu Hamada, President of Anritsu Corporation.'

Automation Veteran appointed CEO.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has appointed automation industry veteran Mary Ramsey as its new Executive Director.

Mary Ramsey
Ramsey, who has been serving as ISA’s Interim Executive Director since January of this year, has more than 25 years of industrial automation experience. She specializes in leadership, change management and strategy development/execution. Prior to serving as ISA’s Interim Executive Director, she was the Senior Vice President of Process Automation, Americas Region, at Schneider Electric, where she was responsible for a $550 million profit/loss statement and 1,200 employees. She has also served as Senior Vice President of Industry Business USA and Senior Vice President of Industry Business Europe within Schneider. Prior to joining Schneider Electric, Ramsey held several business development roles within Matrikon International; Instrinsyc; Intellution, Inc.; and GE Fanuc, among others.

“Mary is a dynamic, experienced leader with a deep understanding of automation and the industries we represent,” said 2018 ISA President Brian Curtis. “She has proven her ability to think strategically and help the organization align its priorities during her tenure as Interim Executive Director, and we are thrilled to welcome her on board permanently.”

A search committee comprised of nine ISA members and leaders from around the world worked to review dozens of resumes and conduct a series of interviews over the last several months. The committee’s work resulted in a recommendation to appoint Ramsey.

Steve Pflantz
“The search committee has dedicated significant time and effort to make this decision. We are confident that Mary’s leadership and extensive experience will serve the organization, its members and the automation community well for years to come,” said Executive Search Committee Chair and Past President, Steve Pflantz.

“It’s an honor to serve as ISA’s Executive Director,” said Ramsey. “I’m excited to work with staff, members and leaders to bring a fresh perspective to this important organization. ISA is truly unique in its ability to bring the automation community together to solve difficult technical problems and provide leadership on critical issues facing our industries. We have a lot of work to do, and with the help and support of individuals and companies around the world, we will advance ISA’s mission and create a successful future.”

Ramsey holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering (BSEE) degree from the University of Kentucky and a master of business administration (MBA) degree with a specialty in finance and strategy from Loyola University.

@ISA_Interchange #PAuto #Automation #ISAuto

Monday 27 August 2018

HVAC air flow!

The EE650 air flow transmitter from E+E Elektronik is dedicated for building automation and process control. The highly accurate device allows for reliable control of the air velocity in ventilation ducts and air conditioning systems. Besides the version with analogue output, the transmitter offers now RS485 interface and Modbus or BACnet protocol.

The EE650, available for duct mount as well as with remote sensing probe, measures air velocity up to 20 m/s (4000 ft/min). The new version features RS485 interface with Modbus RTU or BACnet MS/TP protocol, which facilitates the integration into a bus system. The EE650 with analogue output provides the measured data either as current or voltage signal. The measuring range, the output signal and the response time are user selectable.

The E+E air flow sensing element employed in EE650 operates on the hot-film anemometer principle. State-of-the-art transfer molding technology gives the thin-film sensor a high mechanical stability. Due to its innovative flow profile, the sensing element is particularly resistant to contamination, which leads to excellent measurement accuracy and long-term stability.

The functional IP65 / NEMA 4 enclosure and the mounting flange included in the scope of supply facilitate the installation of the transmitter.

With an optional adapter cable and the free EE-PCS product configuration software, the user can adjust the EE650, set the output scale and select the interface parameters.

E+E Elektronic products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology Ltd


#EandEelek #PAuto  #HVAC

Environmental monitoring instrument fleet.

Ashtead Technology has significantly increased its fleet of equipment for environmental and occupational safety monitoring with the addition of the TSI QUEST range of instruments. As a TSI Gold Channel Distributor, Ashtead will offer these advanced instruments for both hire and sale; providing customers with both instrumental and financial flexibility.


“This is a major boost to our instrument fleet," comments Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “With a comprehensive range of options for toxic gases, dust, noise and heat stress, the QUEST instruments will help us to ensure that customers employ the best possible monitoring equipment for every application.”

Ashtead Technology has already invested heavily on the resources and training necessary to provide a high level of customer support for TSI products, so Josh says: “There will be a smooth transition into our range and we are delighted to be able to offer customers even greater choice.”

The new range includes key products such as the TSI QUEST EVM-7 for monitoring toxic gases and dust, the SE-400 sound level meters and the TSI QUEST Heat Stress Monitor.

“By monitoring dust as well as toxic gases, the EVM-7 will enable some customers to use one instrument where previously two were necessary, and the sound level meters have an option for ATEX certification when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.”


@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

Friday 24 August 2018

Positioning with maximum reliability.

The PXV 2-D absolute positioning system from Pepperl+Fuchs sets new performance benchmarks when it comes to reliability and handling. With its large reading window, the system keeps a sufficient number of codes in view, even in relation to track switches and changes to the code tape. Precise positioning is guaranteed at all times.

The safePXV and safePGV sensor Six years of experience with the PCV system have helped to shape the development of the PXV. The reading window of the PXV has been enlarged to approx. 120 x 80 mm, meaning that the Data Matrix code tape is always located within the sending range. Mounting and commissioning are easier, and plant availability is further improved. The reading window has an increased depth of focus range, allowing it to capture even more codes simultaneously and also guarantee position detection through multiple redundancy.

Unlike other systems available on the market, the PXV requires only a 2-D camera, ensuring that irritation relating to track switches is excluded. To prevent this, the cameras in the two-camera systems can receive the relevant differing position signals in these areas.

A certain degree of contamination on the code tape is often unavoidable during everyday operation. For this reason, the codes for the PXV have been expanded to 15 x 15 mm without compromising the resolution, and the "coarse-grained" design ensures that they are unaffected by contamination.

Thanks to redundant detection, the system also cannot be disrupted by the destruction of individual codes. The code tape can be interrupted by a stretch of up to 80 mm without affecting position detection.

The new safePXV manages all that a single positioning system can with just one sensor. The new safety technology combines a 2-D reader with a three-colored Data Matrix code tape. The special code tape contains two overlapping Data Matrix codes in red and blue. The 2-D reader is equipped with two different colored LED rings—also red and blue. These rings are activated separately and then read just one Data Matrix code each. An SIL 3/PL e absolute position is always provided as the result.

• Pepperl+Fuchs producted are marketed in Ireland through Insteco.

@PepperlFuchs #PAuto @PepperlFuchsUSA   

120A AC power latching relays.

Omron Electronic Components Europe has expanded its range of high performance AC latching power relays with new connectivity options meeting a wider range of applications including EV charge stations, PV inverters and lighting control as well as smart metering. The Omron G9TA and G9TB relays provide an exceptional solution for switching currents up to 60A and 120A respectively.

Steve Drumm, Business Development Manager Energy at Omron said, “Our high power latching AC relays are widely used in smart metering applications where compact size and power saving is required. With these new connectivity options, customers can apply their favourable characteristics in a host of new applications, which demand secure load connections so that the current flow path is optimized and self-heating is minimized.”

Omron G9TA AC Power Latching Relays are designed to provide high power switching, low contact resistance, and vibration resistance for applications up to 60A maximum switching current. These G9TA relays feature 2mΩ contact resistance, 6kV impulse withstand voltage, 250VAC switching voltage, and 12VDC coil voltage. The G9TA AC power latching relays have an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. The high magnetic latching force is responsible for providing vibration resistance. The G9TA is just 37.5mm x 33mmx 18mm.

For higher switching currents up to 120A, Omron G9TB AC Power Latching Relays are recommended. This relay is designed with high overcurrent capability and conforms to IEC62055-31 UC3 standards. These G9TB latching relays feature a compact size of just 37.5mm × 43.5mm × 22.5mm yet offer high power switching with a low temperature rise. The G9TB power latching relays have a silver-alloy contact material, 0.4mΩ contact resistance, 276VAC maximum switching voltage, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range.

The Omron G9TA is available with M5 securing screw and welding (solder lug) terminals. G9TB with its larger power capacity is now available with M8 securing screw and welding (solder lug) terminals.

#PAuto @OmronEurope 

5G Smartphone Productivity and Lower Costs.

Anritsu Corporation has released two new software options for evaluating 3GPP-compliant 5G Sub-6 GHz New Radio (NR) terminals, expanding the range of software options for the Universal Wireless Test Set MT8870A.

The new software packages support fully automatic and industry-fastest Non-Signalling 3GPP-defined 5G NR Sub-6 GHz TRx tests, helping to facilitate the smooth rollout of 5G services by improving the mass-production of terminals and chipsets.

The new software packages include:

  • NR TDD sub-6GHz Uplink TX Measurement MX887019A
  • NR TDD sub-6GHz Downlink Waveforms MV887019A

Although the 3GPP 5G NR specifications define use of a frequency band up to 52.6 GHz at the first deployment stage, the Sub-6 GHz spectrum seems most likely to be used. This band has the advantage of offering services with similar frequency characteristics to 4G LTE, such as mobility and wide area coverage, and is expected to play a key role in 5G systems until 2020. Consequently, vendors of 5G devices are expected to have increasing need for test and measurement equipment that supports future mass-production supporting this Sub-6 GHz band.

With a seamless frequency band up to 6 GHz and a 160 MHz bandwidth as standard, the MT8870A supports 3GPP-defined 5G NR Sub-6 GHz tests without hardware upgrades. As a result, customers with the MT8870A can easily extend their instrument’s functions to support 5G Sub-6 GHz tests while avoiding extra equipment costs. The 3GPP organization proposed the first 5G NR specifications as part of 3GPP Release 15 in December 2017, and world telecom operators are accelerating practical trials with the aim of starting commercial services in early 2019.

The MT8870A is a test instrument for mass-production of various wireless communications equipment and modules. Up to four high-performance test units can be installed in one main unit, with each test unit operating completely independently in parallel to measure and evaluate up to four wireless communications units or modules simultaneously at industry-fastest speed. The MT8870A platform also supports continuous testing of 4G + 5G + IEEE 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5 functions now commonly integrated into next-generation mobile device designs, helping optimize production lines and cut testing costs.

@AnritsuEMEA  #TandM @Anritsu

Thursday 23 August 2018

High temperature strain gauges.

Through its collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer Kyowa Electronic Instruments, HBM – a market leader in the field of test and measurement – is pleased to announce the arrival of its new KFU series of strain gauges for high temperatures of up to 350°C.


Suitable for structural tests at exceptionally high temperatures, the latest series of KFU strain gauges are pre-wired and come equipped with a 1 meter long, high temperature protection cable.

Available in grid lengths of 2 mm and 5 mm as well as in different versions, such as linear, T (with two measuring grids) or R (with three measuring grids) rosettes, depending on the application’s requirements, the KFU strain gauges are also available with temperature responses matched to steel, austenitic steel, and aluminium.

The latest series of strain gauges can be used at high temperatures for specified durations; at 350 °C for 72 hours or at 300 °C for 360 hours. Typical applications include strain measurements in autoclaves or environments with steam.

The KFU strain gauge series are the first products manufactured by HBM in collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer Kyowa Electronic Instruments. This cooperation of two technology leaders enabled HBM to complement its range of products with additional, fascinating sensors, such as those for very high temperatures, and offer these to clients in future.

 #HBM #PAuto

Design engineer for power electronics.

Powerstax has recruited a new Design Engineer, Harit Pokharel, at their research and development and manufacturing facility in Wickford, Essex (GB), where he will work on switched mode and transformer rectifier products.

Harit Pokharel
Harit recently completed his Masters in Electrical Power Engineering from University of Greenwich (GB) with Distinction.

“I really appreciated the warm welcome I received from everyone at Powerstax,” Harit comments “I am proud to be starting my career at a company where I can be involved in the complete design cycle from concept through design, manufacture and test.”

Harit has special interest in renewable energy and heat dissipation management, he continues “If we can reduce the heat dissipation from power units further through better design then higher efficiency products result which is vital for the future.”

In his spare time he practices photography, loves swimming, camping and, trekking. Having attended the highly regarded Budhanilkantha School in Nepal, where English has been the official language of instruction since 1983, he has recently been chosen as President of SEBS-UK (Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students), a volunteer organization, to support school alumni living in Europe for the next 2 years.

Chief Executive Officer of Powerstax, Tim Worley says “We are very pleased to welcome Harit to our design team. We are continually investing in our capabilities in order to offer our existing customers the best possible service while developing new power conversion solutions and expanding our product range.”


@powerstaxplc  #PAuto @PowerstaxLtd

Emissions analyser.

Servomex has launched the SERVOPRO 4900 Multigas, a high-performance continuous emissions (CEMS) analyzer.

Servomex’s Charles Segar, Product Manager for Industrial and Trace Analyzers, says: “The new 4900 Multigas is a key component of our comprehensive CEMS solution for the market.

“It delivers the range of critical CEMS measurements our customers require, with the stability and reliability they demand. The next-generation platform’s enhanced user interface and advanced communications ensure trusted performance that matches the needs of modern industry.”

Designed for the measurement of criterion pollutants, greenhouse gases and reference oxygen, the 4900 Multigas uses a range of Servomex’s industry-leading digital sensing technologies for ultra-stable, reliable CEMS monitoring of flue gases.

It can be configured with a combination of Paramagnetic, Infrared and Gas Filter Correlation sensors, and unites high-specification monitoring power with a low cost of ownership. When matched with a suitable sampling system, this makes it ideal for multiple measurements at MCERT/QAL1 certification of the pollutants NO, SO2 and CO, plus O2. It also measures the greenhouse gases CO2, N2O and CH4 with outstanding accuracy.

Contained within a compact, robust next-generation platform, the 4900 Multigas is designed to integrate easily into CEMS systems and cabinets.

As the successor to the highly successful SERVOPRO 4900 CEMS analyzer, it is fully backwards compatible with existing 4900 installations, delivering the same key measurements alongside improvements in communications and control.

An intuitive, icon-driven colour touchscreen allows for enhanced user interaction and device configuration, while digital protocols include RS232/RS485 Modbus and PROFIBUS, with Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP to follow. The ultra-stable, non-depleting sensing technologies and auto-calibration function ensure minimal maintenance which results in low lifetime ownership costs, while USB connectivity facilitates easy data logging and software updates.

The 4900 Multigas also provides up to four analogue inputs, eight digital inputs, 32 alarms and 32 relays.

@Servomex  #PAuto 

Food & Beverage Leak Detection System.

In response to industry demand for increased quality in food and beverages at every level, Emerson has introduced the Rosemount™ CT4215 Food and Beverage Leak Detection System. The Rosemount CT4215 is the first quantum cascade laser/tunable diode laser (QCL/TDL) continuous, inline detection system designed to help assure quality and safety, maximise production volume and decrease product waste for food and beverage products.

“The Rosemount CT4215 brings any food or beverage packaging facility up to current consumer and supermarket demands quickly.”
Peter Watmough
The Rosemount CT4215 tests the seal and integrity of every bottle or package on a production line, detecting leaks at a sensitivity as low as 0.3mm and automatically rejecting any defective bottle or package without slowing down production. This is in contrast to the traditional practice of testing occasional grab samples, which can leave a manufacturer vulnerable to low quality, unsafe food or beverages, reduced profitability and damaged reputation.

“In an industry being driven by an increasing consumer awareness of freshness and safety, manufacturers need solutions that allow them to assure these qualities while maintaining, or even increasing, efficiency,” said Peter Watmough, global leak detection product manager, Emerson Automation Solutions. “The Rosemount CT4215 provides packagers with an easy-to-install, easy-to-use assurance of freshness and safety. For the first time, food and beverage packagers can measure every package and bottle for leaks without having to compromise their production speed.”

The Rosemount CT4215 installs directly on the food or beverage production line in a compact, self-contained unit. A wide variety of customisable sampling heads are available for any package type including trays, pouches, bags, bottles and boxes. The patented QCL laser technology measures CO2 and other gases used in food and beverage packaging. A high-flow vacuum pump draws air from around the package or bottle and delivers this air to the measurement cell. If gas from a leaking product passes through the measurement cell, it will absorb some of the laser light. Less laser light reaching the detector means there is a leak. Any leak detected will trigger rejection of the package or bottle. The system requires few consumables, is low-cost to operate, and needs only regularly scheduled maintenance. It is easily installed on both new and existing production lines.

For the first time, food and beverage packagers can assure that every package leaving their facility is of the highest quality and can eliminate the returns and penalties associated with defects, while enabling any production issues to be identified and resolved within minutes.

According to Watmough: “The Rosemount CT4215 brings any food or beverage packaging facility up to current consumer and supermarket demands quickly.”


@EMR_Automation  #PAuto @emerson_news

Using predictive analytics technology.

In this article, Stefan Reuther of COPA-DATA explains how these manufacturers can use predictive analytics technology to reduce factory downtime and increase their business competitveness.

Research by IndustryWeek shows that equipment failure is the cause of 42 per cent of unplanned downtime. This raises questions about why more manufacturers aren’t using technology to improve machine and factory performance.

There is more to remaining competitive in industry than machine performance, and predictive analytics is the key to unlocking success.
A report from Statistics MRC estimates that the global predictive analytics market will grow from $3.89 billion in 2016, to $14.95 billion in 2023. You could argue that this growth is a result of advancing technology. However, I believe that a larger contributor to this adoption is the growing understanding of the benefits predictive analytics can offer.

Traditionally, maintenance in manufacturing facilities has been performed on a fixed cycle, often referred to as scheduled maintenance. Plant managers schedule time to conduct checks on machinery and plan downtime for more in-depth maintenance. However, this can mean that parts are replaced too late, or even too early, increasing the risk of failure.

As an alternative, predictive analytics empowers plant managers to detect potential defects before they materialize — and avoid unnecessary maintenance for parts that do not need repair. It also prevents unnecessary downtime by allowing potential problems to be fixed without the need to stop the machinery.

These analytics help plant managers spot potential hardware or system problems by comparing historical machine data with current performance. However, there is much more to the software than simply identifying future equipment failures. One example is the integration of new machinery.

Industry 4.0-compliant systems and technologies are changing the factory floor. While advancement is great, investment in this machinery can be costly — and how can manufacturers ensure that these changes will be positive?

This has been the question plaguing plant managers in recent years. Thankfully, using analytics, they no longer have to accept a sales person’s guarantee that their offering is the best option. Analytics can predict how the process will react as a result of a change in specific parameters, giving manufacturers an accurate view of whether the investment has been beneficial.

To support this, predictive analytics software, like COPA-DATA’s zenon, can statistically evaluate production quality. The technology, when implemented to function at its fullest capability, can monitor historical processes to predict potential production variances at a very early stage. Supporting quality assurance (QA) from the start of a process reduces wasted time, materials and money.

Predictive analytics is the tool that will make sense of all other Industry 4.0 technology. Connecting devices and collecting masses of data is only useful if that data is then presented in a way that is understandable and perhaps more importantly, actionable.

COPA-DATA’s zenon, for example, takes data from various sources, such as a PLC or smart meter, and uses predictive analytics reports to produce smart analyses. This enables decisions to be made based on past values with the assistance of prediction models. It supports two types of prediction: time-based prediction, which forecasts how a value will develop over time, and value-based prediction, which shows how one value will behave if another is changed.

This includes classic uses for predictive analytics, by monitoring how machinery will perform over time, but it can also help in other areas, such as reducing energy consumption. The system can take data about previous energy usage and predict how it will be affected in the future based on changes to production tools or processes.

Predictive maintenance is incredibly useful, and it will help manufacturers reduce the risk of unplanned downtime. However, we shouldn’t limit predictive analytics just to this area of manufacturing. There is more to remaining competitive in industry than machine performance, and predictive analytics is the key to unlocking success.

@copadata #PAuto #Industrie4.0 @StoneJunctionPR

Breaking ground.

Analog Devices announced it has officially broken ground on its new global headquarters in Wilmington, (Mass USA). The expanded facility will feature state of the art laboratories, design and manufacturing and cross-functional group collaboration space. In addition to 13,700 additional square meters for research and development, the global headquarters will include a 4,700 m² Hub comprising a café, fitness facility and auditorium designed to enable and encourage employees from all departments and functions to gather, connect and engage.


At a ground-breaking ceremony the Company hosted Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA, Senator Bruce Tarr, Jeff Hull, Manager of the Town of Wilmington and other dignitaries from the Commonwealth, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Town of Wilmington Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee. Following brief remarks from guests including Analog Devices’ Co-Founder and Chairman Ray Stata, executives and speakers participated in a celebratory ground-breaking. A pictorial history of the Wilmington facility was on display alongside renderings of the new facilities and renovations to existing structures that showcased light-filled spaces and greenery in and outside the buildings.

“We are committed to building the Analog Devices of the future,” said John Hassett, SVP of Global Operations and Technology, Analog Devices. “We have invested and upgraded our facilities globally to provide more modern, latest technological and work design advances, to support and foster the highest level of innovation. This new campus will be our global showcase – enabling us to highlight our best work, attract top talent and build new partnerships.”

With a presence in Wilmington dating back to 1981, Analog Devices is the longest-standing and largest manufacturer in the town. From underwriting local STEM scholarships to sponsoring athletics and contributing to environmental causes, Analog Devices has been a reliable partner and supporter to the local community.

“The strength of Massachusetts is exemplified by Analog Devices and its position at the forefront of technology,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash. “Congratulations on breaking ground on your new global headquarters, capping an incredible 53 years of innovation, with many more to come. We appreciate your contributions to the Commonwealth.”

Analog Devices partnered with architect Steven Baker on design, and Lee Kennedy for construction. The Company anticipates moving into the new buildings by 2020.

@ADI_News ‏#PAuto

Wednesday 22 August 2018

Extremely small particle sensor for fine particles.

At just over 7cm wide and 2cm high, the new OPC-R1 sensor from Alphasense is extremely small in comparison with previous technologies. However, with outputs for PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and histograms for up to 16 ‘bins’ the sensor provides considerable particulate monitoring capability.



“The small size and weight of this sensor, coupled with a low power requirement, make it ideal for use in portable instruments,” Alphasense Director, Arthur Burnley told Read-out.

The OPC-R1 is an optical particulate sensor using laser technology to measure particles from 0.4 to 12.4 µm in diameter, based on a spherical equivalent size of 1.5 µm radius. The sensor is supplied with PC software and a specification sheet providing performance data demonstrating good correlation with a TSI DustTrak.

Typical power consumption during the measurement mode is just 95 mA and >5 mA with the laser on and the fan off. In addition to its compact size, the OPC-R1 weighs less than 30g and has an operating range of 0 to 95% (non-condensing) and -10 to +50 Deg C.

“In May 2018, the World Health Organisation published a report estimating that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to the fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia,” warns Arthur Burnley. “Consequently, there is a large and growing demand for monitoring technology to enable organisations and citizens to check the safety of locations and identify pollution hot-spots.

“We believe that the prospects for the new OPC-R1 sensor are extremely bright because instrument manufacturers are seeking to employ advanced, cost-effective technology to meet this rapidly growing demand.”

#Alphasense #PAuto #Environment @_Enviro_News 

Tuesday 21 August 2018

Top edge computing influencer named.

Angelo Corsaro, Ph.D., ADLINK Technology’s chief technology officer, has been recognized as one of the world’s most influential leaders in Edge Computing by Data Economy Magazine. The magazine described Dr. Corsaro as “an expert in high-performance and large-scale distributed systems crucial to the edge.”

Dr Angelo Corsaro
Dr. Corsaro earned recognition as one of the Top 5 Edge Computing leaders on the publication’s list, “EDGE 50: The World’s First Top 50 Edge Computing Influencers.” The EDGE 50 designation names “the personalities who are leading edge computing through charting new innovations or technological breakthroughs, sheer investment or business acumen, or exceptional entrepreneurial skillsets.”

“It is an honor to be recognized for my efforts in Edge Computing and to be considered among the leaders and influencers in this important area,” said Dr. Corsaro. “Edge Computing is continuing to gain acceptance and grow in momentum; we are working with passion and dedication to make it happen!”

Well-known and respected in the industry, Dr. Corsaro has close to one hundred referred journal, conference and magazine publications and is consistently cited in top academic and technology publications. He also regularly provides keynote addresses and presentations at conferences and workshops worldwide in areas relating to Fog Computing, Edge Computing, IoT and extremely large-scale distributed systems. As the company’s CTO, Dr. Corsaro leads the Advanced Technology Office and plays a pivotal role in the corporate technology strategy and innovation activities.

@ADLINK_Tech  #PAuto @dataeconomy

High Density Industrial and Medical PSU.

Gresham Power Electronics has introduced its latest micro-footprint, Ultra High Density (UHD) 550W output power supply the OF(M)550. The product range has been designed for use in applications including industrial and telecom systems, medical equipment and LED lighting.

This new series of open frame switching power supplies utilises a highly advanced circuit topology to deliver 550 Watts with fan cooling and 150 Watts convection cooled in an industry standard package that has a 3 x 5 inch footprint while being just 1.50 in. high (76.2 x 127 x 38.25mm).

Gresham’s OF(M)550 power supplies feature industry leading power density of 24W/in³, high efficiency up to 92% typical and features a universal AC input with active PFC. Output voltages of 12, 15, 24, 30, 48 and 58VDC are available. All models feature an auxiliary output to power a cooling fan and an optional cover kit may be supplied to order.

Key international safety agency and EMC approvals are met as follows; EN60601-1 3rd Edition Class I or Class II, CSA/UL 60601-1 Medical Safety, IEC/EN60601-1 3rd Edition, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60601-1 3rd Edition, Nemko, UL, cUL and CE Marks, EN50022 (CISPR 22) FCC Part 15 Conducted-Level B, EN61000-3-2 Class D Harmonics, EN61000-4-2, 3, 4, 5 Level 3 Immunity.

@GreshamPower #Pauto #Medical

Tops in Pharma 4.0.

Werum IT Solutions has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Pharma & Life Science Solution Providers 2018” by APAC CIO Outlook*.

With the certificate of honour, a distinguished panel of CIOs, CEOs and VCs including the APAC CIO Outlook editorial board selected companies that are successfully tackling the challenges of the pharma and biotech industries by adopting technology advancements and paving the way to Pharma 4.0. Werum IT Solutions is the only MES supplier which has received this prestigious award this year. Read their full article on-line here, "Vangards of Pharma 4.0."

We are proud to have been recognized as the leading provider of Manufacturing Execution Systems, MES, for the pharma and life sciences industry in Asia for the last three consecutive years,” said David Margetts, Managing Director, Werum IT Solutions Ltd., Thailand.


David Margetts
“Our PAS-X MES has become the centerpiece for pharma manufactures to shape the future Pharma 4.0 world, including advancements in Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence, Mobility, Software as a Service and Plug & Produce integration that will truly enable Industry 4.0 and IoT within pharma facilities.

“Our clients are well beyond just thinking about the buzzwords Augmented Reality, Voice Integrated Systems, Cloud, and Big Data as they have already implemented pilots and commercial applications on top of our PAS-X solution today! To be honored as one of the Top 10 Pharma & Life Science Solution Providers in APAC is a great motivation for our entire team to continue to serve our customers even better. We are grateful for our customers’ trust and would like to thank our partners around the region for their valuable contributions in our success.”

* APAC CIO Outlook is a monthly magazine published in Silicon Valley, USA, that aims to provide a platform for CxOs of solution providers and to share their expertise with the enterprise IT community of Asia-Pacific countries.


@Werum #PAuto @APACCIOoutlook

Relief for optics facility.

A joint statement has been issued by Gooch & Housego and Solar Light concerning their business in Orlando (FL USA).

"Following the earlier site closure notice, Gooch & Housego was approached by a number of parties interested in continuing the business. After much discussion, it accepted an offer in principle from long-term Orlando partner, Solar Light, which intends to inquire essentially all product lines and key staff members. It is the intention of Solar Light to continue operations in the Central Florida area under the Optronic Laboratories name."

The statement continues.

"While there remains many details to finalise, we though it prudent to make this announcement so our customers can plan accordingly.

"On a practical level, both parties are working in good faith to complete a transaction as quickly as possible. Any future orders for either product or service would be accepted and fulfilled by the future Optronic Laboratories entity under new ownership. In the interim, G&H will continue to offer quotations and notional delivery times contingent on a deal being finalized. Further instructions regarding future orders will be available as completion of the transaction draws nearer.

"Orders already placed and acknowledged will be completed according to commitment dates already agreed to.

"It is our aim to conclude negotiations and sign an agreement as quickly as possible for a seamless transition into more normal operations and continue the 48 year tradition of this well-respected brand."


@ghphotonics #PAuto @SolarLight_Co #USA

Monday 20 August 2018

Hybrid stepper motor/lead screw actuator.

Thomson Industries has expanded its line of stepper motor linear actuators with models featuring built-in anti-rotational guidance. The new motorised lead screw actuator (MLA) product saves designers of high-precision, shorter-stroke applications the cost, time and maintenance worries related to designing and building externally guided systems themselves.

The actuator configuration provides effortless integration into your assembly with the same range of end mounting and connection options as the rest of the motorised lead screw family
“Combining lead screws and stepper motors is a simple and cost-effective method of achieving precise linear motion,” said Thomson Product Design Engineer Julian Anton. “However, accomplishing that with basic stepper motor and lead screw assemblies can require designing costly external anti-rotational guidance systems. With our new MLA product line, customers who want precise motion can just specify load, stroke length and end mounting, and they are good to go.”

The load of a typical stepper motor linear actuator attaches to a nut that rides back and forth as the screw turns. Translating the rotational motion of the motorised lead screw into the axial motion needed to move the load back and forth requires restraining the nut. Traditionally, application designers accomplish this with external guidance assemblies, but these can take up valuable space and add cost and complexity.

The MLA design eliminates the need for external guidance by surrounding the shaft with an aluminium cover tube with moulded internal splines that lock onto the nut to keep it from turning. This design also features an integrated bushing that enables it to withstand small radial and moment loads.

It is best suited for space-constrained, force-sensitive applications requiring shorter strokes that must be repeated with high precision. Examples include adjusting a microscope slide stage, tilting a computer monitor or vertically positioning a pipette onto a test tube array. Ideal applications have stroke lengths shorter than 64 mm; have loads lighter than 890 N on various motor sizes; and require speeds below 500 mm/s.

Thomson MLA stepper motor linear actuators are available immediately for NEMA 8, 11, 14, 17 and 23 motor frame sizes; in single or double stacks; with many motor winding options. Linear resolution options range from 0.002 – 0.191 µm of linear travel per step.

The actuators ship with NEMA-standard bolt-hole patterns, but custom pattern profiles are also available, as are custom end mounting, wiring, cabling and connectors. Because the lead screw extends from one face of the motor only, devices such as rotary encoders can also be attached easily.

@Thomson_Ind #PAuto

Vibration monitoring delivers machinery health.

To help users further enhance the reliability of rotating assets, Emerson has upgraded its portfolio of machinery health monitoring systems to deliver asset protection and fault prediction in more places and with faster response than ever before.

Both the AMS 6500 Machinery Health Monitor and AMS 2600 Machinery Health Expert systems have been redesigned to improve performance and fully comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. In addition, the AMS 6500 ATG protection system has been certified as meeting the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) risk reduction requirements for safety integrity level (SIL) 2, giving users added assurance that it will reliably deliver appropriate insight into the health of critical assets.

The newly redesigned systems will include Modbus™ compatibility and Emerson’s patented PeakVue™ technology as standard features. Field-proven to be an effective and reliable indicator of mechanical damage severity, PeakVue filters out most vibration signals to focus on impacting, providing more effective and reliable indicators of overall asset health.

“Online monitoring helps organisations stay aware of moment-to-moment asset health, particularly on their most critical assets,” said John Turner, product manager for online prediction at Emerson Automation Solutions. “New features in the AMS product portfolio will give users essential and timely online monitoring data and help to improve compliance, even under the most restrictive conditions.”

The AMS 6500 and AMS 2600 systems, which help users effectively plan maintenance, now meet IEC 60068 standards for withstanding shock and vibration, allowing users to safely deploy them in harsh environments where ambient vibration and possible electrical shocks present the risk of damage, such as on wind turbines. A new processor boots faster, and the solid-state drive (SSD) technology can handle transient file transfer 10 times faster, resulting in improved and more responsive asset prediction and process health analysis.

The new processor requires AMS Machinery Manager 5.61 with a firmware patch, or any higher version of AMS Machinery Manager. The AMS 6500 ATG advanced prediction application is compatible with AMS Machinery Manager 5.7 or higher. AMS 6500 prediction monitoring system cards are backwards compatible with all AMS 6500 hardware systems.

The AMS 6500 ATG system, which features embedded predictive diagnostics and optional advanced prediction capabilities, has received SIL 2 certification. Whether organisations need certified equipment to meet company guidelines or to comply with legal requirements, SIL ratings help users evaluate whether a specific technology meets the selected risk tolerance for essential equipment such as steam and gas turbines in power plants or critical refinery and nuclear industry assets.

“More and more organisations are finding they need SIL certified products to meet international standards and machine directives,” said Björn Müller, product manager for online systems and sensors at Emerson Automation Solutions. “SIL certification is one more way we can help customers achieve compliance while demonstrating our commitment to risk reduction.”


@EMR_Automation  #PAuto #MachineryHealth

Friday 17 August 2018

Capturing time-critical data using GPS.

Digitization and the reliability of accurate measurement data are inherent to the constantly expanding demands of the energy distribution and production industries. And consumers are also demanding more accurate and traceable data to protect them from damage and costs as well as to continuously optimize their energy consumption. But what if systems or transformer stations are not yet linked to the digital world and time-critical data still has to be available?
To provide this capability, Camille Bauer Metrawatt equips its highly-accurate measurement devices in the SINEAX AM, SINEAX DM5000, LINAX PQ and CENTRAX CU series with GPS modules. The pre-configured GPS modules synchronize the integrated time measurement of the devices using GPS signals, to ensure that each measurement value is recorded with the globally correct date and time. Timestamps are important when performing sensitive energy measurements. And also, when problems occur, they can be promptly detected before it becomes too late. If the fault has already occurred, accurate data with a precise timestamp are essential to be able efficiently pinpoint the causes.

When there are specific network quality issues, either with respect to IEC 61000-4-30 Ed.3 norms or non-standard network criteria (for example absolute performance monitoring, individual threshold exceedances) accurate timestamps are a must. They make it possible to supply the event monitoring software reliably with time-critical data. As well as this, standardized, IEEE 1159.3-compliant, PQDIF files can be retrieved, saved and read with accurate timestamps directly from the device using PQ-DIFFRACTOR or the SMARTCOLLECT data management software. Accurate timestamps are also an essential component of automation applications; for example lighting controls, network load symmetrization and monitoring of production resources such as transformers, motors, etc.

The official designation of GPS is "Navigational Satellite Timing and Ranging – Global Positioning System" (NAVSTAR GPS) and it is now pervasive in mobile devices like smartphones and navigation devices. Each satellite is equipped with one or more atomic clocks. The major advantage of GPS signals is that GPS receivers only receive data from satellites but do not transmit. Because the position detection is normally done by computing the signal propagation times between the satellites and the GPS receiver, no information can flow to unauthorized third parties.

• Camille Bauer products are marketed in Ireland through Irish Power and Process.


 #CamilleBauerMetrawatt #PAuto #Power @irishpwrprocess 

Detecting cyber threats.

SolutionsPT has become a premier partner in Britain and Ireland for leading industrial cyber security specialist Claroty’s OT Cyber Security platform.

SolutionPT's Ian Bailey
The move creates a dynamic partnership between SolutionsPT and Claroty. Claroty, which is leading innovation in the cyber security space, recently announced new investment totalling €53 million (US$60 million) from a global syndicate of investors including industrial operators, control system vendors and venture capital leaders.

SolutionsPT launched its distribution of Claroty’s Continuous Threat Detection software last May (2018). Built on its CoreX technology, Claroty’s offering provides deep visibility into industrial networks, exposing configuration issues and vulnerable assets so that protective steps can be taken against cyber-attacks.

This continuous threat detection offering also monitors industrial control system traffic, allowing for early warning of both malicious and accidental threats, preventing attacks before they affect OT networks.

Announcing the partnership, SolutionsPT’s Growth Project Manager, Ian Bailey, said: “Claroty’s OT Cyber Security Platform delivers unmatched cyber threat detection for industrial networks. We believe that establishing a secure network is the first, crucial step when building secure industrial architectures, and we are thrilled to now introduce Claroty’s offering to our significant industrial installer base.

“SolutionsPT has been bringing IT innovation to the OT world for more than three decades. Our expertise and track record as a trusted provider of industrial IT solutions is an excellent fit with Claroty’s mission to secure the safety and reliability of the industrial control networks protecting the world from cyber-attack.”

@SolutionsPT  #PAuto #Cybersecurity #Britain #Ireland

Depth-sensing cameras.

Mouser Electronics now stocks the Intel®RealSense™ D400 product family. Built specifically to help embedded systems sense, understand, interact and learn from real-world environments, the Intel RealSense D400 product family offers designers a comprehensive platform of ready-to-use cameras, depth modules and vision processors that deliver embedded depth-sensing technology, real-time processing, and high-speed 3D imaging that is versatile and robust for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.

This Intel RealSense D400 product family includes two depth-sensing cameras: the D415 and D435. Both incorporate the latest Intel RealSense Vision Processor D4 to handle the complex depth algorithm, and use stereo image sensors to capture and calculate disparity between images. The D415 camera features a rolling shutter stereo camera pair, standard infrared (IR) projector and a full HD RGB camera that is ideal for stationary and slow-moving applications. The D435 camera, by contrast, features a global shutter stereo camera pair, wide IR projector and a full HD RGB camera, which is more suitable for applications such as virtual reality (VR) or robotics. Both cameras deliver low light performance with less than 1 lux minimum sensitivity and use a USB 3.0 connection with power over USB. Both cameras offer a depth stream output resolution of up to 1280 × 720 px with a frame rate of 30 fps.

For higher volume embedded applications, Intel offers the Vision Processor D4 and Depth Module D400 Series, also available from Mouser Electronics. The compact Vision Processor D4 computes high-resolution 3D depth maps in real time without requiring a dedicated GPU or host processor when paired with RealSense Depth Modules. The D400 Depth Module Series can capture indoor or outdoor environments with long-range capabilities, high-depth resolution and IR stereo, and are offered with multiple options, including standard or wide field of view, rolling or global shutter technology and passive or active IR depth sensing.

The Intel RealSense Depth Camera D400 product family is supported by a cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS) and open-source software development kit (SDK), which features libraries, wrappers, computer vision sample code and tools to help designers start coding projects and debugging camera settings. Additionally, designers can quickly download the Intel RealSense viewer for use with either the D435 or D415 Depth Camera to quickly evaluate the D400 product family.



@MouserElecEU #PAuto 

Workspace offers safer, more connected operating area!

The iOps Workspace Solution is a new operator workspace from Emerson that reduces human error and creates an ideal operating environment. The integrated operations (iOps) solution combines visualisation hardware and software with an advanced technical console to enable an operator to more quickly interact with multiple information sources, improving productivity and situation resolution.
Basic Configuration
The iOps Workspace Solution - developed in conjunction with workspace providers Barco, Vertiv and Evosite - combines many operator input sources into a single, virtual workspace - integrating information at the operator interface. Operators only need to log in once, at a single workspace, to gain access to all monitoring and control areas for which they are responsible.

“Emerson’s new iOps Workspace Solution - with its customisable user interface, enables operators to securely control and monitor numerous sources residing on different networks” says Todd Brase, project services marketing manager for the iOps Workspace Solution. “This provides the operations team with a common operational picture, helping them to make better decisions faster.”

Applicable across multiple industries, the new solution especially suits oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, and life sciences operations where a centralised control room is used to manage multiple process areas and interact with a myriad of enterprise applications. The iOps Workspace Solution can manage inputs from any number of third-party software applications, live video feeds, and Emerson’s array of automation software and hardware including the DeltaV™ distributed control system. Barco’s operator workspace software, OpSpace provides an `integrated at the glass experience’ that helps control room operators work in a more intuitive way.

“We started development of OpSpace by first gathering feedback from operators in the field, describing their ideal way of working,” says Chris Sluys, vice president operator experience and chief operating officer at Barco. “Then we designed the system that answers all their needs. This vastly improves the operators’ efficiency and effectiveness, and ultimately raises the quality of decision-making.”

Vertiv and Evosite offer advanced technical furniture designed to operate 24/7 in control rooms and operations centres. Combining adjustable sit-stand settings with spacious, high-pressure laminate work surfaces gives operators an ergonomic work area that reduces strain and allows them to work more effectively.
Theatre configuration
@EMR_Automation  #PAuto @HHC_Lewis 

Thursday 16 August 2018

Time-Of-Flight 3D cameras.

Stemmer Imaging has signed an agreement with Odos Imaging for the distribution of Time-Of-Flight (TOF) 3D cameras. The cameras will be available through Stemmer's entire distribution network of 19 different countries in Europe. Odos Imaging is part of Rockwell Automation.

The Starform Swift 3D camera has a 640 x 480 pixels sensor, making it the highest resolution industrial TOF camera currently available. With integrated 850 nm LED illumination, the camera can acquire 3D point clouds for imaging at 44 fps from a range up to 6 metres. These fast frame rates can be used to track dynamic scenes in 3D or accumulate static scenes for improved precision. Fully factory calibrated, the camera can provide range (or depth) information, 3D images and measurements and 2D images.

Mark Williamson, Managing Director of Stemmer's British subsidiary, said: “The Starform Swift TOF 3D camera perfectly complements our current range of 3D cameras and opens up a diverse range of depth perception application opportunities. Our extensive technical expertise in creating complete machine vision solutions will allow us to bring added value in a wide range of industrial markets.”

Its versatile imaging capabilities and GigE Vision connectivity make the Starform Swift ideal for a wide range of factory processing, packaging and logistics applications. These include palletisation/depalletisation and pallet management, carton/object dimensioning and profiling, and package completeness checks. Camera-integrated software packages are available for completeness, height detection and box measurement. The GeniCam interface enables easy integration of Starform Swift cameras into popular machine vision software packages (such as Common Vision Blox) easing the development of machine vision solutions.

Sensors, optics, illumination, processing and power are contained in a ruggedized industrial housing. Infrared band-pass filters prevent unwanted light from reaching the sensor whilst the GPIO interface enables individual triggering and synchronization of multiple cameras.

@stemmerimaging #PAuto @odosimaging

Versatile power supply.

The new industrial PC PSU BEA-750H from Bicker Elektronik, offers in addition to the regular ATX outputs for current mainboards a strong 24VDC output, which can be loaded with up to 7 amps and thus provides enough power to ensure the reliable supply of displays, receipt printers, card readers, coin counters, actuators, sensors and many other possible 24VDC peripherals.

In this combination "ATX plus additional 24VDC output", the IPC power supply BEA-750H is unique on the market. For applications with additional 24VDC peripherals, Bicker Elektronik offers an optimal solution for supplying all components with just one power supply. The saving of another AC/DC power supply for 24VDC not only reduces costs and allows space-saving system design, but also facilitates the optimization of EMC properties and leakage currents of the application. Possible fields of application are industrial applications, gaming systems, POS / POI applications, self-service terminals, etc.

The energy-saving power supply design of the BEA-750H achieves high efficiency of up to 91% with 80PLUS® Gold specification. All ATX outputs (-5V, +3.3V, +5V, +12V, +12V, -12V and +5Vsb) and the +24VDC output need no base load. This ensures the compatibility with latest generation mainboards (Intel® Skylake, Kaby Lake and Coffee Lake) and their special power saving and deep sleep modes.

With a power of 500 watts, the BEA-750H supplies high-performance computer systems and dedicated graphics cards with high energy requirements. The very robust IPC power supply with an extended working temperature range of -10°C to +70°C is ideally suited for 24/7 continuous operation in industrial environments. The high quality is based on the consistent use of industrial grade components and the continuous enhancement of the converter technology with regard to energy efficiency and resistance. For example, Japanese brand capacitors of +105°C rating significantly increase the life of the power supply - even at high operating temperatures. Mechanically, the FR4 board material used has a significantly higher dimensional stability. The through-hole plating of the printed circuit board ensures long-lasting and stable solder connections under shock and vibration (IEC60068-2-64). A safety bracket secures the AC power cord plug into the PSU input jack, preventing it from being pulled out accidentally. The matching 3-pin AC power cable X1-132 with IEC connector is available as an optional accessory.

On the input side, the BEA-750H switching power supply has a wide-range input 90 to 264 VAC (47 - 63 Hz) with active power factor correction (PFC) and is certified to IEC/EN/UL60950-1 and CCC. Due to the very good electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) the BEA-750H fulfills the stricter class B of EN55032. Optimized thermal airflow management ensures the efficient and safe operation of the PS/2 ATX power supply. The double-ball bearing brand fan is particularly quiet and additionally equipped with a tacho signal monitoring, which ensures the correct operation of the fan at any time. At the precisely regulated outputs, the standard integrated short-circuit, overcurrent and overvoltage protection functions assure additional operational safety.

The company Bicker Elektronik grants a three-year warranty on the BEA-750H, as well as a long-term availability of at least 5 years. In addition, Bicker Elektronik offers comprehensive value added services, especially for system developers. These include personal on-site consulting during the design-in process by experienced sales engineers and subsequent project support by the sales, development and service team of Bicker Elektronik. As part of the Power+Board program, Bicker Elektronik customers receive tested and perfectly matched bundles of industrial-quality power supplies, mainboards and accessories. On request, the specialists from Bicker Elektronik realize customer-specific special solutions and also offer extensive laboratory and measuring services for complete customer systems.

@bicker_de #PAuto #PSU