Monday 28 February 2022

Bottleneck released for human machine interfaces!

The latest stepper motors, drivers, thermal management and HMI switch introductions from EAO will be showcased at Drives & Controls, (Birmingham GB 5-7 Apl 2022). Visitors to the show will be able to experience the first outing of product innovations now available from EAO, the release of which have been ‘bottle-necked’ due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Motors and Motion Control Devices:
The next generation of Sanyo Denki hybrid stepper motors which offer up to 40% higher holding torque, 3dB(A) less noise and 2.4% higher efficiency than conventional steppers. Along with a working demo of Sanyo Denki’s PB Series of closed loop steppers and drivers, visitors will also be able to review the company’s wide range of DC and AC steppers and will have the opportunity to quiz EAO’s experts on unit customisation, including fitting encoders and brakes, machining special shafts and fitting additional cable harnesses.
HMI Switches

HMI products to be showcased on Stand G102 include EAO’s new industry 4.0 enabled, IO-Link food-grade capacitive pushbutton switches, and the company’s new illuminated symbol, anti-vandal metal-bodied switches. Also featured will be EAO’s Series 45 range of 22mm mount, IP69K sealed industrial switches that come in metal- and plastic-bodied variants, and its extensive range of E-Stop (emergency stop) switches, including rugged, compact, low-depth metal bodied devices.
Thermal Management Products:
EAO will also take the opportunity presented by Drives and Controls 2022 to exhibit Sanyo Denki’s latest advances in cooling technology. The company’s portfolio of high performance, long-life and waterproof, dual bearing AC and DC axial and centrifugal fans will be feature, together with its range of complementary PWM and IoT enabled controllers that determine and monitor cooling sensors and fan speed. Of particular interest to enclosure designers, EAO will also be exhibiting Sanyo Denki’s new portable dual chamber airflow and impedance testing system that enables speedy on-site measurement and optimisation of cooling architectures in high static pressure applications such as servers, telecom racks and digital signage.



@DrivesnControls @ECSN_UK #EAO #PAuto #Britain

Friday 25 February 2022

Safe pressure measuring system.

The new Emission Control Gauge (EMICOgauge) pressure measuring system from WIKA ensures safety for people and the environment in critical processes. It features the assembly of a model 2xx.30 pressure gauge in a safety version in accordance with EN 837-1 (S3) and a valve to prevent fugitive emissions.

An easily rotating adapter with a special sealing packing connects the measuring instrument and the valve. The system is fully leak-tested in accordance with the requirements of TA Luft (VDI 2440) for fugitive emissions. The EMICOgauge measures pressures from 0 to 420 bar or 6,000 psi. In the event of a fault due to high overpressure, the S-3 safety version protects the user from injury.

The compact measuring system can be put into operation immediately after delivery. The freely rotating swivel adapter allows 360° positioning of the display and easy dismounting of the measuring instrument, for example, for calibration. The S-3 pressure gauges can be combined with the following valves in fugitive emission design, in accordance with ISO 15848-1 and TA-Luft, to form EMICOgauges: Model IVM monoflange as well as models IV1x and IV2x (block & bleed) needle valves.

• WIKA products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@WIKANews #PAuto #Safety

Ultrasonic sensors.

Migatron Corp has recently announced a two new sensor models aimed at proximity detection and displacement measurement tasks for production line applications such as high-speed counting, liquid level, and many other areas of process control. The low-cost LCU-40APW is a self-contained sensor with an operational range from 100 mm to 1 metre with a analogue output and pulse width output included – allowing use for either fixed, factory calibrated 250mV per inch measurement (analogue) or with time-of-flight measurement to determine distance (pulse width). 

The new RPS-409A-IS3 is an intrinsically safe ultrasonic position sensor for measurement ranges from 100 mm to 5.5 metres in four range options where its 0 … 10 V DC output is a fixed analogue volts-per-inch value based on the maximum range of the unit. This sensor is certified for use in hazardous gas or dust environments classified as Class I, II, or III when used with approved intrinsic safety barriers.

Ultrasonic sensors from ISO9001:2015 registered Migatron measure distance/displacement by comparing outgoing and reflected high frequency signals against time and suit both proximity and range measurement, mainly regardless of the material, colour, transparency, or surface of the medium being measured or tracked. Across Migatron’s comprehensive range its sensors are characterised by fully sealed housings and encapsulated solid state electronics using a variety of materials – altogether offering extreme resilience to environments, providing truly long-life non-contacting measurement and essentially maintenance free operation. These sensors also offer a superior resistance to shock and vibration, infrared radiation, ambient noise, and EMI radiation. Various models cover positional accuracies in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm with Migatron’s specialist high precision RPS-412A series capable of a 5-micron accuracy and sub-micron resolution when used with suitable 14-bit resolution analogue-to-digital conversion electronics.

The fully sealed and highly durable LCU-40APW has a 42 mm diameter PVC housing and a glass filled epoxy resin sensing face. Powered from 11.8 … 30 V DC with reverse polarity protection, a choice terminal block or M8/M12 connector electrical interfacing is complemented with a selection of mating cable assemblies.

The intrinsically safe RPS-409A-IS3 sensor is housed in a 30 mm, fully sealed, PVC barrel style enclosure with a PVC sensing face. It is powered by 16 – 30 V DC with reverse polarity protection and its 0 … 10 V DC calibrated analogue output is short circuit protected. The sensor features an M12 female connector with IP67 cable assembly accessories available to order. Built-in temperature compensation ensures accurate readings throughout the -40 to +60° C operating temperature range.

Like the majority of Migatron’s ultrasonic sensors, these new models are designed to take advantage of PLC and PAC analogue input modules where the system resolution is dependent on the module’s specification and the zero and span values may be user-programmed. 

 Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd are the exclusive Britain and Ireland distribution partner for Migatron Corp.

@IxthusInst #Migatron #PAuto 


Multiple neural networks for multiple ROIs in one image.

Users of the all-in-one embedded vision system IDS NXT ocean now have a whole range of new features at their disposal. These include multi-ROI ("Region Of Interest") for AI-based object detection and the possibility to use different neural networks for different ROIs in one image via Vision App. In addition, there are binning, line scan mode and performance and configuration improvements. New customers can also freely choose whether they want to use the IDS NXT lighthouse training software on AWS – as previously offered by IDS – or now also via Microsoft Azure Cloud.

With Microsoft Azure Cloud Services, IDS Imaging Development Systems now supports another hoster for the AI training software IDS NXT lighthouse in addition to AWS. The offer is aimed in particular at companies that are not allowed to work with AWS due to regulatory requirements. The scope of functions and services as well as the operation of the training software is the same with both hosters. Instead of setting up their own development environment, users can start training their own neural network right away in IDS NXT lighthouse – even without prior knowledge of Deep Learning or camera programming. This involves three essential steps: Upload sample images, label them and then start the fully automatic training. The resulting network is optimised for use with IDS NXT industrial cameras.

Free IDS NXT lighthouse trial month for all customers
How easy and convenient is the tool in reality? Interested parties can now judge for themselves. The company allows all customers to activate a free trial month and extensively test IDS NXT lighthouse. No sales contact is required to activate the full trial licence. All they have to do is register with their IDS user account at IDS NXT lighthouse  and select the appropriate option during the process. The licence key is automatically provided.

The current software release also heralds a new, regular cycle for function updates. In future, the company will release new features approximately every three to four months, which will further improve the IDS NXT system and give customers even more scope for designing their image processing applications. The next update, also free of charge, is scheduled for April.

@IDS_Imaging @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

ICS Software Risks in Oil & Gas.

The Linking the Oil and Gas Industry to Improve Cybersecurity (LOGIIC) program have announced the release of a new study report entitled, “SBOM Study: Managing ICS Software Risks to Oil & Gas.”

In 2021, LOGIIC conducted a study to understand how a software bill of materials (SBOMs) and other vendor capabilities can be used to manage cybersecurity risks to industrial control systems (ICS) software that may be introduced from third-party components that are part of vendor solutions. This study was based on SBOM research conducted by LOGIIC. Reference material for the study included US President Biden's Executive Order 14028 (May 12,2021), issued on Improving the United States Cybersecurity. The order includes new requirements for software vendors selling software to the U.S. government. One of these requirements consists of providing a U.S. government purchaser a SBOM for each product either directly or by other means such as a website.

A SBOM is a formal record containing the details and supply chain relationships of various components used in building software. It is effectively a list of ingredients or a nested inventory. SBOMs enable better software security and supply chain risk management. It is critical for each industry sector to establish a common set of practices and market expectations that is viable and reflects the needs of the industry.

The study included discussions with Oil and Gas industrial control system vendors to understand and analyze the current state of SBOM development and utilization. The study also makes industry recommendations for SBOM development.

@ISA_Interchange #Standards#Cybersecurity #USA

Thursday 24 February 2022

Level measurement to help lessen bridge scour.

Engineers at Transport Scotland have investigated the potential for water level monitoring systems to help mitigate risks where transport infrastructure interacts with moving water. The trial was conducted at a bridge over Vales Burn near Hawick in Scotland, and the monitoring equipment was provided by OTT HydroMet. OTT’s Wendy Strain says: “The system was set to deliver alarms at pre-set water levels, which enhanced the timing and efficiency of site inspections.”

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as storms and floods. This presents a growing threat to structures that could be susceptible to scour during periods of high water flow. The trial was therefore established to determine whether access to remote water level measurements could enhance the protection of critical transport infrastructure.

Background
The stability and integrity of structures such as bridges, culverts and walls can be compromised by ‘bridge scour’ which is caused by fast-flowing water that removes material from around the footings of bridge abutments or piers.

There are three main types of scour. Local scour is caused by the faster water flow that occurs around piers and abutments. Constriction scour is created by water accelerating through a narrow opening, and degradation scour can lower a river bed over a longer period, both upstream and downstream of a structure.

The effects of bridge scour can be disastrous. For example, during a flood in 1987, the Glanrhyd Bridge in Carmarthenshire (Wales) partially collapsed, causing a train to plunge into the River Towy, killing the driver and three of the passengers. In 2009, failure of the Malahide Viaduct in Dublin, (IRL) was caused by foundation scour. Two commuter trains packed with hundreds of passengers were just seconds away from disaster when a 20-metre section of the viaduct collapsed after they passed over it. Nobody was killed, but travel chaos ensued.

Today, highways and rail authorities conduct regular inspections in order to asses scour risk.

Bridge scour in Scotland
Transport Scotland is split into four operational regions, and Jim Brown is South East Unit Bridge Manager. Prior to this position, Jim spent 42 years as a civil engineer with Network Rail, 13 years of which he headed the geotechnical discipline in Scotland – so it is fair to say that Jim knows a thing or two about bridge scour. “The most important objective is the early detection of increased risk,” Jim explains. “Once we have established which structures are more vulnerable during flooding, we are able to implement different levels of mitigation.

“Much research has been undertaken in an attempt to be able to monitor scour, but this is obviously problematic because potential scour takes place at times when it is not possible to see the river bed and certainly not possible to deploy divers,” Jim adds. “For this reason, the continuous monitoring of water level is not the perfect solution, but may be the best and most practicable.”

Water level is already used as a risk factor by the inspection teams where the 1 in 200 flood level is shown on structures by a fixed marker. However, Transport Scotland have to monitor 700 structures which are over or adjacent to water, and site inspections are costly; both financially and in resources. The inspection system could therefore be more efficient if it could be informed by remotely available water level data, especially if the data enables faster, more efficient implementation of mitigation measures.

If a structure is determined to be high risk, a hydrological assessment is undertaken. This may prompt a requirement for strengthening of the structure itself, as well as measures to protect or fill potential scour zones, and/or to alter water flow and disrupt vortices. In extreme cases, when a potentially vulnerable structure is exposed to high water, it may be necessary to close highways or rail lines until the level of risk can be lowered.

Vales Burn trial

In light of the potential for live water level data to inform the bridge inspection process, OTT HydroMet was invited to propose a monitoring system that could be evaluated at a culvert on the Vales Burn. “Our solution was comprised of an OTT ecoLog 1000 water level logger in a stilling well, with cellular data connection to Hydromet Cloud; a web-enabled platform for processing, displaying and storing hydrometeorological data,” explains Wendy Strain. “Data were set to be transmitted routinely every 6 hours, but two alarm levels were set to prompt SMS alerts, when necessary.”

The monitoring system was installed in September 2021, and Jim Brown says: “The trial is a great success; we utilise the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) flood alert warnings to monitor flooding and it has been our experience that the highest water levels generally occur about one or two days after a storm, so one of the main objectives of the trial was to determine the best time to despatch inspection staff.

“The monitors did issue alerts during the trial, but these were when levels met the lower alarm level, and in these cases, further interventions were not required. With the benefit of water level data, we will therefore be able to optimise the deployment of the inspection teams and mitigate risk,” Jim adds.

Summary
Bridge scour is a long-standing problem for transport infrastructure, so the deployment of remote water level monitors/alarms that can be accessed via PCs or a mobile App offers rail and highway authorities an opportunity to optimise their scour assessment activities, prioritise countermeasures, improve transport resilience and protect safety.

Reflecting on the trial Jim says: “This project has shown that a network of water level monitors could inform bridge engineers of potentially affected structures. I understand that the Hydromet Cloud platform is able to connect with an almost infinite number of water level monitors, so we may be able to roll this out on a larger scale in the future.”

@OTTHydromet @_Enviro_News #Environment #Safety

Ultra-compact pressure switches

The OPTIBAR PSM 1010 and OPTIBAR PSM 2010 ultra-compact pressure switches for absolute and gauge pressure measurement in gases and liquids have been introduced by Krohne.

Both devices aim at basic automation applications such as hydrostatic level measurement in open tanks, dry-run protection of delivery pumps or pressure monitoring of compressors, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Target industries include food and beverage, water and wastewater, environmental and OEM process equipment applications with restricted installation space.

The new switches feature a 2-axis (multi-rotatable) display and adjustment module, a robust construction (IP67), and fully configurable communication outputs for all possible configurations: IO-Link and PNP/NPN as standard I/O, and 4…20 mA, 0...10 V or NPN/PNP as secondary output. Both devices offer excellent temperature stability due to advanced digital compensation.

OPTIBAR PSM 1010 is suitable for liquids and gases from 0.1...600 bar / 1.5...8700 psi with process temperatures up to +125°C / +257°F and excellent overload resistance.

OPTIBAR PSM 2010 aims at hygienic applications in the food and beverage industry from 0.1…40 bar / 4…580 psi and max. +150°C / +302°F. Its hygienic construction features a fully welded front-flush diaphragm to meet the most stringent industrial requirements in terms of crevice-free installation with several 3A approved process connections.

@krohnegroup #Pauto

New head at analysis company.

Andy Cowan is the new President of Servomex, having been promoted from his role as Chief Finance Officer at Spectris’s Industrial Solutions Division (ISD).

Andy Cowan
He has also worked as the Interim President of the Industrial Solutions Division as well as VP for Finance and Business Development at the sister company Particle Measuring Systems.

Andy said: “I have been fortunate to get to know Servomex over the past six years through the roles I have been working in and I am very much looking forward to continuing the 70-year tradition of success that Servomex has enjoyed.

“I would like to thank Trevor Sands for all of his contributions in the past four years in bringing Servomex to where it is today and to wish him every future success in his new endeavours. His advice and counsel has always been important to me in my roles within ISD and it will be very welcome over the coming months.”

Outgoing President, Trevor Sands leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

“I have decided that now is the time to pass the leadership baton over to the next President,” he said. “Andy takes over with a tremendous skillset and a clear ambition to drive Servomex forward and I wish him the very best in a role that I have so enjoyed over the last four years.

Mary Beth Syddons, President of Industrial Solutions Division, Spectris added: “In his current role and previously as the interim ISD President, Andy has gained excellent knowledge of the Servomex business, its culture and opportunities. We could not think of anyone better suited to take over this role. The business is in a much better place due to Trevor’s many contributions and we are sure that, with a clear strategy and committed organization, Andy will fully deliver Servomex’s strategy in the coming years."

@Servomex #PAuto 

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Measuring temperature in data centres.

The new immersion type Vaisala TMI110 Temperature Transmitter has been added to the portfolio for data centres to support the growing demand for uninterrupted data.

Vaisala’s instruments monitor the conditions and energy efficiency of data centers that maintain the digital environment. With lots of powerful hardware concentrated in one place, data centers must be kept cool and safeguarded against both external and internal environmental influences. As a result, data centers consume significant amounts of energy.

“The new Vaisala TMI110 completes Vaisala’s product portfolio for data centers. It is a great addition to our measurement instrument selection for data centers as now our customers can source all of their most important sensors from one supplier – air temperature, humidity and differential pressure sensors for rooms and ducts, outdoor weather sensors, and now immersion temperature sensors for cooling systems,” Vaisala’s Product Manager Anu Kätkä says.

“Cooling is critical to maintaining temperature and humidity at the optimal level for reliable server operations. The TMI110’s accuracy is ±0.1 °C, which is really good news for data center operators as well as for the environment. Even the smallest fluctuation in cooling temperature can have a significant impact on the overall running costs and environmental impact of the energy hungry data centers.”

The new immersion type Vaisala TMI110 Temperature Transmitter is supplied with a calibration certificate and it offers excellent response time. The product will be available during the first quarter of 2022.

@VaisalaGroup @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Data

Water networks transparancy.

The innovative, cloud-based monitoring solution from Endress+Hauser paves the way to comprehensive optimization and automation for water networks—from anywhere at any time.
Netilion Water Network Insights (NWNI) enables full transparency for water networks around the clock by providing reliable monitoring of flow, pressure, temperature, level, water quality, and other measurements. This software service connects all levels of water supply systems, empowering service providers and water associations to manage multiple control and data sources through a single interface. These sources include field devices, industrial controllers, data transfer components, data recording and archiving devices, analysis and forecasting tools, and others.

NWNI provides access to all measurement data gathered in a water network and transmitted to the cloud, whether its users are accessing the system from a control room computer, via a laptop at home, on a tablet in the field, or from a smartphone on the move. The web-based interface provides users with complete system monitoring, and when limit values are exceeded, or in the event of failure, it delivers alarms to users via e-mail, SMS, or push notifications.

The software system includes many evaluation tools, including time curves, diagrams, tables, and trends, and by incorporating external data sources—such as weather prediction systems—users can also create trend analyses and forecasts. These tools help inform characteristics, like run-off during heavy rainfall, consumer water demand, and expected availability.

Secure and flexible connectivity options are critical for modern facilities, and NWNI provides these with cutting-edge data exchange technologies. All communication is encrypted and secure, even in remote regions with a self-sufficient power supply, providing data reliability and integrity.

NWNI provides facility personnel with systemwide views, reducing required rounds and verifying functional operation of remote spring taps, elevated reservoirs, pipelines, pumping and distribution stations, and more. This makes it possible to keep close tabs on a broad range of system values and quality parameters including:
• Comprehensive water quantity and quality monitoring around the clock
• Accurate custody transfer allocation and cost accounting
• Reliable leak locating
• Weather impacts
• Energy efficiency and optimization

NWNI for wastewater – complying with environmental regulations Industrial, commercial, and municipal wastewater regulatory agencies mandate many water quality parameters to protect the environment, so facilities must treat wastewater in several stages prior to discharge. To maintain compliance, these facilities must carefully monitor water quality, substance concentrations, pollution loads, and other parameters.

NWNI ensures wastewater treatment organizations meet or maintain these requirements at all times of the day, by assisting operations with:
• Reliable forecasts of in/outflows and water quality by leveraging current weather data and state-of-the-art analysis algorithms
• Optimal sizing of wastewater treatment plants through the comprehensive knowledge of effluent substance concentration and material loads in catchment areas
• Reliable substance concentration control by using data from liquid analysis devices
• Precise flow and concentration measurement to ensure accurate billing of wastewater charges
• Biological process risk mitigation by monitoring influent substance concentrations

Heartbeat Technology provides safety in custody transfer
In water custody transfer, infinitesimal inaccuracies in flow measurement can create significant billing discrepancies. Although frequent testing can reduce the occurrence of these errors, it historically required removing flowmeters from service for testing and calibration. Frequent removal is often impractical, particularly on large water pipelines over a few feet in diameter.

Addressing this challenge, Endress+Hauser’s integrated Heartbeat Technology testing functionality provides verification of flow meter measurements with the push of a button. Users can view these automatically generated verification records in NWNI.

NWNI provides systemwide visualization and recordkeeping, improving regulatory, reporting, and custody transfer accuracy. These tools help water agencies streamline operations, improve decision-making, and increase revenue streams.

@Endress_Hauser @Endress_UK@Endress_US #Pauto #Water

Towards reliable geothermal clean energy production.

HITA, the deep geothermal energy company in Belgium, has selected Emerson as a key technology provider in the discovery and development of geothermal energy sources in Northern Belgium. Emerson’s geological and reservoir modelling software will help reduce risk in selecting locations for renewable geothermal energy projects, increasing the safety and reliability of construction and operation while enabling long-term sustainable energy production from the Earth’s heat.

Climate change policies are driving the growth of geothermal energy – an industry forecasted to grow as much as eightfold in the European Union by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Emerson’s geological modelling software will help HITA locate the most suitable subsurfaces for drilling deep geothermal wells to unlock sustainable energy sources for corporate and municipal use.

“A highly accurate and realistic picture of subsurface geology is critical for the safe development of sustainable energy sources,” said Stijn Bos, chief operating officer and senior project geologist at HITA. “Emerson technologies use seismic, geologic and other data to generate detailed models that can determine the best location for geothermal plants.”

Emerson’s SKUA-GOCAD modelling software will help HITA more easily identify drilling locations by creating highly realistic models designed for easy interpretation.

“Geological exploration and production software, including Emerson’s SKUA-GOCAD modelling software, has traditionally been used in the oil and gas industry. But it’s also well suited for geothermal energy, as well as carbon capture and storage,” said Mark Bulanda, executive president of Emerson’s Automation Solutions business. “Emerson’s advanced, science-based applications will help move society toward a safer and more sustainable future.”

@ParadigmLtd @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Energy #Belgium

Tuesday 22 February 2022

Building Management Systems for warehouses.

Schneider Electric is introducing EcoStruxure Building Management Systems (BMS) for warehouses. This is part of the new collective end-to-end offering for the manufacturing and logistics industry, which will ensure hyper-efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability.

With the logistics industry under pressure from increasing volumes and supply chain challenges, ensuring process efficiencies and robust operations are critical to meet the expectations of modern logistics customers. The World Economic Forum recently reported that e-commerce deliveries increased by 25% in 2020 alone. In addition, 99% of global retailers are expected to be offering same-day delivery to customers within the next three years, compared to 35% being able to do so today.

Schneider’s innovative IoT-enabled EcoStruxure BMS enables centralised, secure and efficient management and monitoring of infrastructure equipment (such as heating, cooling and ventilation) across multiple different workflows. This platform also features pressure transducers that detect changes in physical building infrastructure that might indicate a need for maintenance (such as a leaking pipe). This enables maintenance and service engineers to respond in a timely way and before a more serious issue arises, ensuring operational continuity and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, the EcoStruxure BMS offering will allow warehouse operators to monitor, control, and optimise their building’s performance throughout its lifecycle, ultimately reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. 

Other key features include: 
Improved maintenance with vibration monitoring: helps maintenance engineers track how motors and pumps are performing, indicating the need for repairs or replacements and reducing potential production downtime.
Remote Condition Monitoring: RCM enables engineers to track data for on-site machines at a distance, incorporating multi-level sensors to integrate the whole value chain
Sustainability as a priority: See up to 30% energy savings while creating a healthy, sustainable environment.

Mark Yeeles, VP Industrial Automation UK and Ireland at Schneider Electric, said: “EcoStruxure Building Management Systems is a crucial tool to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. We are excited to launch a comprehensive offering that will provide the logistics industry with reliable and efficient software that delivers the right information when, where and how you want it. Customers will experience a reduction in unscheduled maintenance and energy costs, enabling an unparalleled service to customers.”

@SchneiderElec @wef @bringg #BMS #Manufacturing

Monday 21 February 2022

Find failure issues faster.

Founded by former Apple engineers, Instrumental is a manufacturing optimization platform that proactively identifies issues in real-time as they appear on the assembly line. Their platform provides engineers and manufacturing teams with the complete data record they need to quickly discover new issues, complete failure analysis, communicate concisely with the factory team, and make process improvements in production. 

Instrumental helps remote engineering teams discover correlations between multiple data sets from the line, including functional tests and visual records, in order to find the root cause behind failures.

Using 20 MP Blackfly S cameras, Instrumental imaging stations capture high levels of detail required for inspecting small electronic micro assemblies where very small errors can lead to failures (among several other applications).

Unique features and ease of integration provided by Spinnaker SDK combined with our renowned 20 MP Blackfly S USB3 cameras were ideal for Instrumental’s manufacturing optimization platform. The system aggregates images and functional test data from throughout the supply chain, leveraging artificial intelligence to automatically rank potential root causes, enabling customers to accelerate issue resolution, gain faster yield, and improve quality. Read the case study to learn more and contact a specialist about Instrumental’s inspection solutions and Teledyne FLIR machine vision cameras.

• How Instrumental’s inspection platform delivers automated defect detection
• Platform features that combine root cause analysis and reporting
• Benefits of secure product data management, and native collaboration tools
• Why Instrumental chose Teledyne FLIR’s 20 MP Rolling Shutter CMOS
• Unique features, ease of use and integration enabled by Spinnaker SDK • How Teledyne FLIR enables Instrumental an easily customizable setup.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #Pauto Manufacturing

Deep UV Raman spectroscopy.

ODIN is a new, compact, and reliable deep UV resonant Raman instrument developed by IS-Instruments (IS-I) and TOPTICA for measurement of biopharma products.

The system combines the newly developed solid state diode laser TopWave 229 and a spatial heterodyne spectrometer integrated into a single instrument with a unique all-reflective backscatter Raman collection probe. Sample damage caused by extended laser exposure has been mitigated via the introduction of a dynamic sample positioning stage.

“Deep UV resonant Raman has long been known to have the potential for being able to measure substances other spectroscopic techniques have not so far been capable of. Equally, the instruments currently available are extremely large, and expensive both to purchase and to maintain. This has made the technology accessible only to those organisations with physical space to house them and with significant budgets to operate them. Odin represents a departure from that as itis smaller and doesn't have the internal mechanisms associated with high running costs.”

Dr Michael Foster, Co-Founder & Director, IS-Instruments

The TopWave 229 is an exciting new choice for deep UV spectroscopists looking for a reliable laser that enables the user to focus on their application rather than worrying about the light source. With its short wavelength and an ultra-narrow laser linewidth (< 1 MHz ? < 4 x 10-5 cm-1), the TopWave 229 offers the critical features to meet a challenge such as excitation source in the field of deep UV Raman and deep UV fluorescence spectroscopy.

It was designed for a compact footprint and easy integration. Comfortable, hands-off operation is ensured by fully automated optimization routines for the internal opto-mechanics. In order to provide best reliability and consistent, diffraction limited beam quality (M² ? 1.3) the complete UV beam path is enclosed in a specially sealed compartment.

With its state-of-the-art laser controller, the TopWave 229 offers a wide range of operating options and systems integrators will appreciate the comprehensive command language that enables smooth integration with central control software.

A general description of the instrument is provided by Michael Foster, William Brooks (both IS-I) and Philipp Jahn (TOPTICA) in this white paper.

The technical report describes a new deep UV Raman instrument developed by IS-Instruments (ISI) and TOPTICA, and its first application to the measurement of biopharma products. The instrument performance is excellent acquiring spectra in a fraction of the time compared to existing systems, while its stability, compactness and ease of use are a game changer in terms of deep UV systems. In this note, a general description of the instrument is provided together with a test campaign examining products including IgG and antibody fragments.

The instrument has been demonstrated to successfully capture the Raman spectra of a range of biochemical samples, including immunoglobulin (IgG) at varying concentrations, tryptophan, and a series of domain antibody (dAb) samples. The dAb samples were extracted at different stages of a pilot bioreactor manufacturing process and at varying dilutions. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first time an observation of this type has been made.

@CsiInstruments @TOPTICA_AG #Pharma 

Friday 18 February 2022

CEO for manufacturer of base station antennas.

Reine Eriksson has been appointed as the new CEO of CellMax Technologies AB*, as of February 1st , 2022.

Reine Eriksson
His long industry experience and track record building global business' towards the telecom sector will help CellMax to meet the significantly increased demands for high performing antennas .

The operational experience and global industry knowledge will be a great asset in taking CellMax into its next expansive phase. Reine Eriksson has held a number of executive positions in public and most recent a privately held company where he built a global business area for a SW as a service company.

*CellMax, member of the Rosenberger Group, develops and produces high-gain, high-efficiency antennas that offer increased network performance, lower total cost of ownership, higher subscriber satisfaction and higher revenues. The high efficiency comes from a patented design unlike any other on the market. CellMax today provides antennas to tier 1 operators with the best performing networks in the world. Based out of Sweden, CellMax provides performance antenna solutions around the globe and remains a key asset in the Rosenberger Group.

@PresseBox #Rosenberger #Cellmax #Communications

PoE++ Injectors for networks

Added connectivity, versatility and cost-efficiency to factory automation systems with a new line of Gigabit PoE++ Injectors is being broght by Antaira Technologies. These new injectors will be capable of transmitting both high-speed data and up to 100W of power per port on the same Ethernet cable. PoE++ injectors provide PoE power to Ethernet connections coming from standard Ethernet switches extending their functionality and providing high power to a new generation of PoE clients, including sensors, IP PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi Access Points and thin clients, without the expense of upgrading to a new switch.

INJ-C201G-bt Series PoE Power Injector
Comprising four individual models, Antaria INJ-C201G-bt Series injectors represent a flexible solution for automation system designers, helping them achieve seamless network migration and easier upgrades to infrastructure capacity. Backward compatible with 802.3af/at PoE standards, these injectors eliminate the requirements of locating network devices close to power outlets, while protecting existing investments in legacy, non-PoE switches. Versatility is further extended by DIN-rail or wall mount options, as well as a compact footprint that requires only minimal space. Environmentally hardened, these IP30-rated injectors will operate over a temperature range of -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F) and are standards compliant ensuring compatibility with existing network devices. All four are UL Pending.

INJ-C201G-bt-T: This entry-level unit supports power input from 48VDC to 55VDC, ensuring full 90W PoE output in compliance with 802.3bt, making it ideal in the automation, surveillance and vehicle industries.

INJ-C201G-bt-24-T: In addition to supporting power input from 48VDC to 55VDC, ensuring full 90W PoE output, this model features power boosting technology for increasing low-voltage up to the required 802.3bt PoE requirements of 55 VDC, a common situation in light-duty industrial environments, building automation, and telecommunications.

INJ-C201G-bt-100-T: Designed specifically for higher powered network equipment, this injector supports power input from 48VDC to 55VDC, ensuring full 90W PoE output, along with an Enhanced PoE mode to offer up to 100W to higher-powered equipment such as digital signage displays, touch PCs, and lighting.

INJ-C201G-bt-100-24-T: This versatile model has the PoE budget to handle the requirements of low, standard and high voltage equipment. It ensures full 90W PoE output, while offering both power boosting technology and Enhanced PoE mode. A dip-switch setting enables PoE mode and dual PD signature verification process. The first PD verifies backwards compatibility with PoE and PoE+, while the second PD confirms there are two power negotiations before releasing 90W power.

@AntairaTech @OConnell_PR #PAuto Communications

Thursday 17 February 2022

Switching by foot!

Herga Technology developed its Modular Bases System multipedal footswitch series around five years ago and since its inception has refined the product range with the derivative Medical Footswitch Design Platform series which includes UL-60601-1/IEC-60601-1 medical approval. Both systems share modular expansion components for multipedal configurations for up to 5-pedal footswitching with additional puck/haptic switches that further expand the operator control possibilities.

The moulded thermoplastic single and double plinths are interconnected by joining plates and accessories such as lift bars, guards, handles as well as dividers and steel base plates combine to flexibly adapt the assembly to the customer’s safety, durability and switching layout. Machine designers can select appropriate switching components from Herga’s standard range or 60601-1 approved footswitches and puckswitches that variously include IPX2 to IPX8 sealing with electrical ratings from 0.1 A at 24 VDC up to 6 A at 250 VAC with cable connection or Bluetooth® interfacing.

Both the medical and industrial platforms offer an attractive and ergonomic solution for OEMs and machine builders where the switching requirement can be flexibly and easily adapted to suit the exact machine control requirements. There is also the potential to expand machine switching controls on-site and to design the switching requirements using the modular components across a range of machines with varying functionality.

Medical
Specifically for the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, Herga’s 6226 series footswitches have IEC 60601/UL 60601 medical approval with environmental protection to EN60529 IPX7 or IPX8 on request. With a choice of silver or gold contacts and typical switching ratings to 3A at 24V AC/DC, users can choose momentary function for SPST, N/O or SPDT. Medically approved 6241 series puckswitches, 6244 haptic puckswitches and Otto switches can also be included with typical ratings of 0.1 A at 24V DC for SPDT/DPDT switching. Alternatively Bluetooth and USB models are available – all can mixed and matched, and any combination of these footswitches and puckswitches are effectively covered by 60601-1 approval on delivery. This simplifies the customer’s medical approval process and reduces cost of ownership by saving design effort as well as speeding development time and decreasing time-to-market for new projects. Herga offers standard configurations based on specific needs of laser manipulation and electrosurgery as well as operating tables, non-evasive surgery and more.

Industry & commercial
For industrial and business machine applications the Modular Base System offers the same sorts of flexibility as its medical counterpart with electrical switching ratings up to mains voltage levels for light- to medium-duty machine applications. Herga has developed a comprehensive range of standard variants for the industrial modular base system to combine commonly specified 6225, 6226 and 6227 series footswitches and single 6241 or 6244 puckswitches – including Bluetooth and USB switching options. Across both platforms, footswitches are available in a range of colours and can be supplied with customer specified labels. Other options including LEDs, screen printing and special electrical/wireless interfacing is available in OEM quantities on request.

@HergaTechnology @mepaxIntPR #Medical #PAuto

MES for life science reliability.

Unitron Group B.V. has selected the FactoryLogix IIoT-based MES solution from Aegis Software for their factory in the Netherlands.

“In our highly regulated industry, it became essential to streamline our engineering operations, through the implementation of interactive electronic assembly documentation, as well as also providing holistic traceability, which demonstrates compliance,” explains Mario Steel, Operations Manager at Unitron Group, “We found confidence in Aegis’ proven track record in the Medical market and strong customer base in Europe.”

With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing complex mechatronic and electronic equipment, Unitron is dedicated to creating life-science devices in areas including electrophysiology, optics, ventilators, and heating. With certification to ISO 13485 and Ordinance 169 and compliancy to FDA, Unitron specializes in efficient scalability from prototype to volume for the medical market, covering the European, American, and Japanese markets.

Producing more than 250 different products each year, Unitron’s goal was to implement a modern, IIoT platform-based Smart MES solution, replacing their older system that worked together with an in-house solution.

As progress is made towards Industry 4.0, FactoryLogix works “out-of-the-box” to make the most out of data available on the shop-floor and within the enterprise, enabling Unitron to adapt and evolve operations very quickly, retaining focus on specific needs of their customers.

Daniel Walls, Managing Director EMEA at Aegis Software, states, “We are proud to be working with Unitron, who are helping take global healthcare to the next level in this crucial medical sector. Now more than ever, excellent manufacturing operations, building products with outstanding quality and reliability, is critical to all of us.”

@FactoryLogix #Medical #MES #Unitron 

Wireless switchgear for injection moulding.

Wireless switches and sensors from .steute guarantee safe, reliable and cable-free signal transmission in a wide range of applications. One interesting application for this solution is plastic injection moulding, especially multi-component processes which often involve machines with rotary plates. These plates enable the main part of the construction element to be moulded first and then – after rotating the plate by 90 or 180° – injection of the second part. This prevents distortion and accelerates the production process.

A challenge here is monitoring the slide positions and thus ultimately the correct closing of the injection moulding tool. If the slides are not in the correct position and the tool closes, this can lead to repairs which cost not only money, but – almost more importantly – time.

In order to prevent this from happening, while at the same time eliminating the effort of installing cables, which are then also susceptible to wear and tear, users can opt for a wireless position switch or wireless inductive sensor from steute. The wireless switch or sensor registers the end position of the slide and transmits a corresponding signal to a wireless receiver unit inside the control cabinet. The next injection moulding process is not started until the receiver unit transmits the signal "slide closed" to the machine control system.

The RF 96 Rx Sensoren is the most elegant way, simple to install and free of wear and tear, to achieve signal transmission from a rotating machine element, it is already being used by leading plastics processors. Most of them have opted for a position switch from the steute range (ES 13, for example) which is then "wireless-compatible" in combination with a wireless universal transmitter (RF 96 ST or RF I/O). Alternatively, wireless inductive sensors from the RF IS range are also available.

The cost of installing a wireless switch or sensor (including receiver and integration in the machine control system) is very manageable, whereas the benefits are enormous, due to the fact that this option is a very simple and reliable way to avoid tool damage. Incidentally, similar solutions are also in use for metal processing – for example to monitor the positioning of workpieces in press brakes.

@mepaxIntPR #PAuto #.steute

Wednesday 16 February 2022

TFT has high performance specifications.

Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a new Tianma 6.5-inch TFT display module. The P0650VGF1MA00 features SFT (Super Fine TFT) technology which ensures exceptional optical performance, a 4:3 classic aspect ratio and VGA (640 x 480 pixels) resolution. Tianma P-series displays are designed to provide reliable and consistent operation when subjected to temperature extremes, vibration, and mechanical shock in challenging operating environments.

Wide viewing angle performance, consistent colour and brightness are key features of the P0650VGF1MA00 with Tianma’s implementation of SFT technology. Wide viewing angles of 85 degrees are supported in all directions (up/down, left/right). The white LED backlight has a 100K hour half-brightness lifetime and provides a 1200cd/m² brightness specification. A contrast ratio of 900:1 ensures that display images are bright, concise, and uniform.

Justin Coleman, display division manager, RDS said, "The new 6.5-inch P-series display should prove to be a popular addition to the Tianma display portfolio. The compact size, resolution and aspect ratio of the display combined with the excellent optical characteristics, deliver a highly versatile display module that will find use in many different applications and environments."

The P0650VGF1MA00 features a single-channel 20-pin LVDS data interface which supports a configurable 6-bit or 8-bit RGB colour data which enables a colour palette of up to 262K or 16.7M colours. The 6.5-inch display module has mechanical outline dimensions of 154.0mm (w) x 121.0mm (h) x 7.1mm (d) and an active display area of 132.5mm (w) x 99.4mm (h).

The Tianma 6.5" TFT has been designed to function reliably under rigorous operating conditions found in many industrial, marine, aerospace, and medical applications yet still provide exceptional optical performance. Support for operation in harsh environments is aided with an extended temperature range of -30°C to +80°C.

Typical applications for the new 6.5-inch Rugged+ display include medical devices, marine instrumentation, industrial process control, and in-vehicle systems. The Tianma 6.5-inch P-series P0650VGF1MA00 TFT display module is now available from Review Display Systems.

@ReviewDisplayUS #PAuto #Display 

Tuesday 15 February 2022

Brake test problems?

Having problems with your brake test sensors???
All wheeled vehicles rely on brakes to safely stop or slow down when the way ahead is blocked or compromised but none are more reliant on the brakes than vehicles that run on rails; trains and trams. With no option to change direction to avoid danger, vehicles on rails are totally reliant on an efficient braking system.

Kistler’s new, brake force measuring system enables simple and reliable verification of the locomotive and carriage braking system whilst stationary, both in the depot and on the track. The system uses a combination of robust and precise piezoelectric force sensors for brake shoe and disc brakes, signal conditioning, data acquisition and analysis to verify the operation of mechanical and pneumatic brake systems by simultaneously measuring both brake force and air pressure.

The mechanical adaptation meets the specification of UIC and the robust sensors are built to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in the railway environment. All the components are housed in a rugged, custom designed case with battery power for convenient use at base and in the field.

The user-friendly, data acquisition system is pre-configured to transmit the measured data by the built in WiFi connection to a laptop running the supplied dedicated railway brake force analysis and reporting software.

Detection of wear and damage to the pneumatic and mechanical parts of the brake system are monitored and recorded. This data enables engineering and maintenance personnel to extend the maintenance cycle of the brake system and confidently ensure safety and security.

#Kistler #Automotive #Testing 

Monday 14 February 2022

Industry-first, all-in-one solution for 5G testing.

A new modular RF hardware upgrade 0.4-7.125GHz Enhanced RF Module MT8000A-033 option for the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A has been launched by Anritsu. It leverages the modular architecture to facilitate extended all-in-one 5G NR test coverage. The functionality of existing MT8000A units can be upgraded using this new RF module.

With its built-in RF transceiver (up to 16 Tx and 8 Rx), it supports carrier aggregation over four bands for 5G 4x4 MIMO SA and New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC), which combines FR1 and FR2 component carriers to achieve higher bandwidth. In addition, as an industry first, one measurement instrument now supports the various required R&D testing, including increasingly complex uplink tests.

As well as covering the FR1 band, the MT8000A platform with this new RF module also covers future NR-U and licensed 6-GHz bands for flexible testing of various frequency-band combinations to improve test efficiency and optimize R&D capital investment.

Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A Outline
The all-in-one MT8000A platform supports RF tests, protocol tests, application tests, and beam verification and characterization tests. In addition to supporting the NSA and SA base station simulation functions required for development of 5G chipsets and user equipment, it supports all frequency bands operated for 5G services, from the FR1 frequencies (600 MHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and the unlicensed 6-GHz band) to the FR2 frequencies (24, 28, 39, and 43 GHz).

Moreover, it also supports the latest 3GPP Release 16 technology, as well as features such as 4x4 MIMO in FR1, and 8CC and 256QAM in FR2, which are in high demand for high-speed broadband communication.

In addition, the MT8000A has a user interface with excellent operability, including software for setting various test parameters. The many versatile measurement-module configurations support a flexible and efficient test environment that can be tailored to customers’ future testing needs.

@AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @NapierPR #TandM #5G Communications

Saturday 12 February 2022

Accelerating AI development with thermal imaging.

The data lifecycle management (DLM) application optimizes dataset development with access to an annotated infrared and visible library for neural network training and advanced model performance testing.

Conservator™, a cloud-based dataset development subscription software for perception engineers using thermal infrared and visible image datasets to train neural networks has been announced by Teledyne FLIR.

Subscribers also gain access to application specific segments of their annotated image library of more than one million images with more than 100 object label categories. Designed to meet the workflow demands of data scientists in automotive, security, and smart cities applications, Conservator scales to support enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) teams in the research and development of object detection models.

“Conservator is a powerful application for data scientists developing datasets with a full complement of workflow functions including annotation, version control, data right access and model performance,” said Arthur Stout, director of AI product management at Teledyne FLIR Infrared Imaging OEM. “AI starts with quality data and this application supports collaboration to advance multi-sensor neural network development in commercial and defense AI applications.”

Conservator includes dataset workflow tools for annotation, curation, quality assurance, and dataset version control. Built on a scalable and stable database, Conservator can manage petabyte scale libraries. In addition, the included Conservator Insights™ desktop tool provides analysis and visualization of model performance against ground truth references. This empowers data scientists to quickly pinpoint the specific images in large datasets causing false positives or missed detections, enabling rapid dataset iteration and neural network re-training.

Conservator follows the recent release of the Teledyne FLIR expanded free starter thermal dataset for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and self-driving vehicle researchers and developers. With both thermal and visible annotated images across fifteen object categories, the free starter thermal dataset allows the automotive and academic community to quickly evaluate the vehicle safety algorithm performance, neural network testing, and thermal sensors, such as the FLIR ADK™.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Automotive

Thursday 10 February 2022

More than 1000 3D models available.

More than 1,000 product 3D CAD models in the Moore Industries online catalogue are now available for download in multiple file formats for use in most popular CAD design systems.

Moore Industries Engineering Director Bob Myles commented that “The 3D CAD models will make it much easier for our customers to integrate Moore Industries products into their system designs by reducing fabrication time and shortening the overall engineering timeline”.

This new feature of the online catalog provides a pop-up 3D viewer that allows the visitor to see different views of the selected product, rotate the model to any viewing angle and zoom in to view detail. Models can be downloaded and saved for use in 3D CAD systems for inclusion in panel designs, process loop and system designs.

The 3D files are compatible for many popular CAD systems including Pro/ENGINEER, Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, Parasolid, AutoCAD, Catia, IGES, Anvil, CADKey, IronCAD, Mechanical Desktop, ACIS, SDRC I-DEAS, and Unigraphics in 3D formats .IGS, .NEU, .PDF, .SAT, .STP, .X_T, and 2D formats .DWG and .DXF. Products that feature a 3D CAD model are identified with a “3D View” icon, and a download button is available on each product page.

Dropping standard product models into a CAD design streamlines the engineering design process, makes it easier to source products for purchasing, simplifies installation and maintenance, and can shorten lead times for stocking spare products. 

@MII_Worldwide #PAuto #Design

Away with the wind!

Wind-powered SP80 boat setting out to reach the phenomenal speed of 80 knots, and thereby break the long-standing world sailing speed record of 65.45 knots.

During the development of its boat that is now close to its final design phase, the SP80 team has chosen Fischer Connectors for the data-transmission solutions interconnecting the various sensors that will equip the boat and its pilot to break the world sailing speed record. The technical challenge is to sail at a speed of 80 knots (148.16 km/h), powered only by the wind. This is 14.55 knots faster than the record of 65.45 knots (121.21 km/h) set in 2012.

The carbon-fibre SP80 boat looks like a Formula 1 car combined with a fighter jet designed specially to glide on the water, featuring a super-ventilating triangular hydrofoil and towed by a huge kite wing. 

“Several projects are in the running to break the long-standing world sailing speed record,” says Mayeul van den Broek, CEO of the SP80 startup based in Renens near Lausanne, Switzerland, and created in 2019 by a team of engineers and students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). “This technological adventure is fascinating, as we’re confronted with extremely challenging physical laws. That’s why our international team of nearly 50 people, some of whom are now finalizing the innovative design of our boat which is being built in Persico Marine’s shipyard in Italy, is anxious to get the very best in terms of data-transmission performance and reliability. These technical requirements are crucial when it comes to interconnecting the various sensors with which our boat and its pilot will be equipped during the launch and the boat’s enhancement runs scheduled for the end of the year, and the record-breaking event scheduled for next year.”

The data collected by the multiple sensors and loggers monitoring the boat’s structure and the pilot’s performance will be transferred through the connectors, associated cables and electronic solutions of Fischer Connectors.

“The technology partnership with Fischer Connectors is a logical step forward in our record-breaking ambition,” explains van den Broek. “The innovations we’re putting in place to enhance our boat’s aerodynamics above water and minimize the friction of its hull and foil under water need to be monitored during the boat’s development phase as well as during the speed run itself. To ensure the efficient transfer of these monitoring data, we need a solutions provider that has not only expertise in signal integrity and data transmission and management, but also a holistic approach to electronic systems in order to provide the end-to-end connectivity solutions required for our sensing system.”

During the design phase, sensors are used to improve and control the robustness of the high-performance materials (carbon, titan, stainless steel) of the boat’s structure. Thanks to the design of the super-ventilated foil, stability is optimized and the impact of cavitation – a phenomenon in which water starts boiling around foils at extreme velocities, slowing the boat down – is avoided. During the speed run, data are collected from the various electronic modules and control sensors directly integrated into the boat, and from the monitoring sensor communications between the pilot and the technical crew on shore, including biometric data transferred through sensors worn on the pilot’s body such as vital and security parameters.

“The SP80 project is exciting and inspiring,” says Fischer Connectors’ CEO Jonathan Brossard, “as it combines innovation and performance to push the boundaries of physical laws thanks to unique solutions and daring concepts. One member of the SP80 R&D team is part of our own R&D center, making the exchange of expertise all the more efficient and easier. We look forward to discovering the technological breakthroughs on which the SP80 team is working, and which Fischer Connectors is proud to support.”

The final design of the boat for the record will be revealed to the public in spring 2022. The launching of the boat will take place at the end of 2022, while the first tests are scheduled in the South of France for the spring or autumn of 2023 – the two periods of the year that offer the best weather conditions for sailing.

@SP80_record @FischerConnect @mepaxIntPR #Connectors 

Alliance for industrial & commercial IoT.

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) and ConneXSoft Inc. have formed a Strategic Alliance to deliver IoT/IIoT solutions for industrial and commercial applications using WM Cloud-Ops and ConneXSoft’s UniCOM Edge products and services.

“We’re excited about the UniCOM Edge because it offers the best value for secure data harvesting from the edge to a centralized cloud infrastructure. Like many other pivotal shifts in technology, this is disruptive in a positive and beneficial way. IoT is the perfect enabler for energy users of all scales, industries and locations to aggregate and track their carbon footprint” 
said Jason Moore, Wunderlich-Malec’s Director of Cloud Operations. “WM’s Cloud-Ops use UnCOM Edge and Wunder-TechTM to provide a fast way to deploy real time carbon tracking to a wide variety of end user facilities and does so in a secure and scalable way. It is the perfect solution to enable data collection, raise awareness through visibility and an easy first step in analyzing and reducing the carbon footprint of our customers facilities.”

The Cloud-native application displays real time energy usage and carbon footprint monitoring of all Green House Gas (GHG) emissions created by that energy usage. It provides information for reporting, emission simulations or AI analysis from one aggregate source of data from all locations or systems in the enterprise.

The solution applications are designed to integrate operational information from an enterprises’ remote facilities into the cloud, a classic edge to enterprise solution. It aggregates industry standard protocols from the edge and data is transmitted into a visualization layer on a corporate dashboard. Local data exchanged with a managed hosted service in a private cloud system is highly secure, reliable and cost effective. 

Neal Wunderlich, President. Wunderlich-Malec stated “As a professional service organization we have innovators and technology experts who, with ConneXSoft, want to do more for the environment and our company’s legacy. We used our team to develop a Wunder-TechTM application that will reduce our footprint and can provide our solution to help enable others to decarbonize their company”.

“When addressing key vertical markets, it is important to deliver both, technology and a core competency,” stated Dr. Walter Immler, Managing Director Operations of ConneXSoft. “ConneXSoft has a unique set of experience in this market segment and delivers reliable communications, combined with a new class of productivity tools that enables the industry to quickly and easily build very complex Building Automation and Energy Management systems. We are confident WME is the right partner to deliver our technology to the industry, expanding our products to WME ́s worldwide customers and channel partners. This cooperation will deliver the features and benefits the BAS and Energy Management industry market demands.”

@WunderlichMalec #connexsoft #PAuto #Cloud #IoT

Maintaining tyre pressure.

Sensata Technologies has announced its Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have been selected by multiple commercial tractor and trailer manufacturers to meet new and emerging vehicle standards and regulations worldwide.

The need for TPMS on commercial tractors and trailers is on the rise as safety regulations in Europe and China, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel efficiency standards in the US, approach their respective deadlines.

Specifically designed for the commercial vehicle market, Sensata’s TPMS solution is a complete system consisting of wireless sensors, receivers and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that communicates with the vehicle over the Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus). The system provides tyre pressure and temperature monitoring that meets regional legislation requirements and helps to reduce roadside tyre events, automate tyre checks, improve tyre life and increase vehicle fuel economy. A proprietary auto-location function enables the automated identification of the sensor’s position on the vehicle which reduces the need for additional tools and time required to program sensors during tyre changes and maintenance for commercial vehicle operators.

“By leveraging our history and experience in passenger car TPMS in the development of this commercial vehicle system, we’ve been able to provide customers with an offering that addresses their needs and is compliant to General Safety Regulations,” explains Rob Eijsink, Marketing Director for Sensata’s Heavy Vehicle and Off Road (HVOR) business. “Already adopted by leading truck and trailer manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America, we are uniquely positioned to expand beyond TPMS technologies to incorporate additional sensor inputs and functionality into a solution that provides more value to our customers.”

Examples of additional functions include tyre fill assist and low-latency tyre burst detection, which enables suspension setting adjustments that stabilize the vehicle during tyre blow-out emergencies. Sensata can further customize the system to integrate signals from other wireless sensors and provides options to enable a secure, high-speed wireless truck-to-trailer link.

Commenting on the potential combination of TPMS solutions with Sensata’s expanding portfolio, Brian Wilkie, Vice President, HVOR at Sensata Technologies, said, “Our success with TPMS in commercial vehicle applications is a steppingstone towards providing Sensata’s more comprehensive Insights solutions in the future. Sensata's experience of serving both commercial vehicle OEMs and fleets has resulted in a product portfolio which can be configured to solve the needs of each individual customer.”

@Sensata #Transportation #Safety