Prioritising arc flash safety.

A range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones has been developed by Fluke.

Every company’s electrical safety strategy should be based around limiting workers’ exposure to such electrical hazards as arc flash and electrocution. Fluke says the best way to keep operators out of harm’s way is to give them access to the right non-contact tools that not only protect them but also reduce dramatically (by up to half) the amount of time they are required to work on live circuits in arc flash zones.

Arc flash is the light and heat created from an arc fault explosion and temperatures can reach up to 19,000°C (35,000°F), capable of igniting an operator’s clothing and burning the skin of anyone within a few feet. Arc flash can also melt metal, cause lung and eyesight damage and lead to hospitalisation, even death.

Engineers and health & safety teams will be familiar with the need to establish arc flash boundaries and wear arc-rated clothing and rubber insulating gloves. However, using non-contact test and measurement tools means operators are able to minimise the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required as well as the amount of time they need to spend inside the boundary.

One such product is Fluke’s PQ400 electrical measurement window (EMW), which is permanently installed into cabinets with voltage and current connections made inside the panel. The PQ400 gives workers access to critical power quality and energy data while decreasing testing time and maintaining a high level of safety. Users can plug their power quality tools directly into the EMW to collect all the data that’s needed.

As well as the safety aspects, advantages of using the PQ400 include lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime by being able to make critical power quality and energy measurements without opening the panel door. The EMW also enables logging and monitoring to be done at any time, without disrupting operations, while measurement efficiency is increased.

A second product – Fluke’s CV400 ClirVu 4in window – is a permanent infra-red window that provides a view of what’s on the other side of a panel without workers being exposed to live voltage or needing full PPE. Offering the most visibility into a panel for a thermal camera (simplifying the inspection process by allowing measurements to be taken without having to open a cabinet), the widest Fluke window option available also helps to reduce time and costs involved in preventive maintenance.

TiS75+

Likewise, Fluke’s TiS75+ thermal camera enables operators to capture and measure heat energy emanating from a source without having to make physical contact, meaning they can see instantly what’s running too hot or too cold before anything breaks down. Offering one-handed image capture, review and save facilities, the camera not only helps operators to keep a safe distance from an arc flash boundary but also allows them to compare thermal scans over time using the Fluke Connect app.

376FC

A fourth product – the Fluke 376 FC clamp meter – makes it possible to set up measurements and transmit the data from inside the arc flash boundary, meaning someone within 20m of the equipment is able to open the Fluke Connect app and read the figures from outside the boundary. As well as reducing the time technicians spend in the arc flash boundary, the clamp meter helps them to log, trend and monitor measurements remotely so they can pinpoint intermittent faults.

Finally, the Fluke 3000FC digital multimeter is a flexible DMM allowing users to read results through the Fluke Connect app, outside the arc flash boundary. Using this equipment cuts the time technicians spend inside the boundary and offers them an easy-to-read display with large digits and bright backlight.

Says Eric van Riet: “There’s no need for engineers to put themselves in an arc blast zone if they can avoid being there. Products such as wireless and non-contact tools as well as remote displays can help place them as far away as possible from risk and danger while allowing them to take accurate, instant readings that can be analysed remotely. Arc flash safety is essential, and the latest thermal imaging and wireless testing tools are the best way to offer operators maximum protection.”

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@FlukeCorp @NapierPR #TandM #PAuto

Robot to run the blasting sequence.

Working with the major Swedish mine operators to advance automation and robotics for safer working environments.

ABB has successfully completed testing of the industry-first automated robot charging technology for underground mines in partnership with mine operators Boliden and LKAB. The goal is to make mines safer by automating one of few manual processes left in mining: charging the blasting holes with explosives.

Blasting schedules in underground mines can vary, but the process takes place up to 15 times per day in larger mines as miners expand the chambers to extract mineral and metal ores. ABB Robot Charger automatically detects boreholes and fills them with charges without the presence of humans, removing the need for people to be near the unsupported rock face during blasting sequences.

The completed testing phase confirms the effectiveness of integrating the robot charger with a carrier vehicle, communication with bulk emulsion and vision systems and incorporation of a second robot arm to assemble prime and detonator. It ensures full reach to all borehole levels and areas of the rock face and remote control for operators.

The program has been undertaken at Boliden Garpenberg, which is the world's most productive underground zinc mine and is located 180 kilometers northwest of Stockholm (S).

The company is now embarking on the final stage of development that aims to execute the full blasting sequence in the underground mine with full control of the robot handed over to the customer. ABB is also starting discussions with other mine operators to eventually join the co-development project, so that the technology can be tested in different mine environments and in regions beyond Northern Europe with varying climate and rock composition.

“This is a significant technology development for ABB and the wider industry where safety is part of overall ESG commitments,” said Vedrana Spudic, Head of Technology, Business Line Mining, ABB. “The robot locates the drilled holes on the rock face using a vision system, and these recent tests show all can be reached and charged with the cycle fully automated. This removes the need for human operators in a small, unsupported area right at the face.”

ABB developed the robot charger technology with vision systems and automation solutions to communicate with the truck, crane and ABB industrial robotic arm. The solution can be retrofitted to any truck.

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@ABBRobotics @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation #Mining #Robotics #boliden #LKAB

Connector range.

Anglia Components has added Cliff Electronic Components range of high quality audio, professional and industrial connectors its portfolio.

"Cliff is a well-established name in the industry, highly regarded for the exceptional quality of its connector designs. First formed to supply the music industry, it still has an extensive range of top-quality audio connectors, as well as industrial and other connectors engineered to the same high standards. We are delighted to add this highly regarded British company which further expands the choice we offer to our customers," said David Pearson, Technical Director at Anglia

Dan Walker, General Sales Manager at Cliff Electronic Components added, "Anglia is known for its exceptional customer relationships and technical support. Through our partnership with them, we will be able to reach a host of new customers that don't already know us. We are looking forward to working with them."

Through the new partnership, Anglia customers will have access to an extensive range of Cliff audio connectors and knobs, binding posts, test connectors and test leads, Feed Through, Fibre optic and circular connectors.

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@angliaComponent @NapierPR #CliffElectronics #PAuto #Components #Britain

All-In-One DC UPS protects 24V systems.

The compact DC UPS UPSI-2406DP3 from Bicker Elektronik, reliably protects 24V applications against system failures and data loss in case of power failure, voltage dip or flicker. For the integrated battery pack for buffering the 24V supply voltage, safe LiFePO4 high-performance cells with high energy density and particularly long service life are used. All components are housed in a compact aluminium enclosure for quick and easy DIN rail mounting. The new UPS management software 'UPScom' with cross-platform technology and intuitive user interface is available for download free of charge and offers extensive functions for monitoring, parameterization and messenger services.

24VDC emergency power supply with versatile fields of application.
The space-saving DC UPS with 24V/6A output is equally convincing in control cabinet applications, decentralized solutions and mobile systems for the protection of embedded IPCs, measurement and control technology, motors and sensors. The UPSI-2406DP3 is thus ideally suited for a wide range of applications in the fields of Industry 4.0, process technology, energy, communication, infrastructure, medical and laboratory technology, security systems, and many more.

All advantages at a glance - All-In-One 24V DC UPS (144W / 6A) - Integrated LiFePO4 high performance battery - Up to 6000 full cycles - Operating temperature range -20...+50°C - Intelligent input current detection - Regulated output voltage in battery mode - Minimum load detection - Power-fail timer function - Relay contact for power-fail - Shutdown&Reboot function for IPC systems - Extended functionality with UPScom management software included - Immediately available from stock

The integrated 10-year battery pack with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology features a long service life of up to 6,000 full charge and discharge cycles, as well as a wide temperature range from -20 to +50°C. The high-performance battery management system (BMS) for optimizing service life and safety monitors and controls the complete charging and discharging process of each battery cell of the energy storage unit. Thanks to the cell balancing function, it also ensures that all cells are charged evenly, permanently maintaining the full capacity of the LiFePO4 battery pack.

Intelligent DC UPS solution for fail-safe systems.
The UPSI-2406DP3's PowerSharing function ensures that input power is kept constant and distributed to the load and battery charger in an appropriately adjusted manner. When the load on the output is low, more power flows into the charger and vice versa. In the event of voltage dips or power failures, a MOSFET disconnects the input within a few microseconds and the connected load is supplied from the energy storage without interruption. In backup mode, the UPSI-2406DP3 provides a constant regulated DC output voltage. Both USB and RS232 interfaces for data communication as well as a relay contact for "Power-Fail" are integrated as standard.

UPS management software 'UPScom' with cross-platform technology.
The completely new developed UPS management software 'UPScom' is available for free download for Microsoft® Windows and Linux. The software enables the controlled shutdown and shutdown of the connected devices during a power failure. For setting and pre-programming all parameters of the DC UPS system as well as real-time monitoring with charge status display, the responsive WEB-UI is accessed in a web browser. Adjustable parameters include load sensor (mA), shutdown delay, maximum backup time, minimum charge capacity before system start, e-mail notifications. The UPS management software 'UPScom' uses the new WebAssembly (WASM) architecture, which is executable in most current web browsers. 'UPScom' is executable on x86 compatible systems and also on most ARM-64 based systems running Microsoft® Windows and various Linux distributions.

Shutdown & Reboot function for IPCs.
In case of a "power-fail", the UPS signals the failure of the supply voltage via the integrated USB or RS232 interface, so that a controlled shutdown of the computer system is initiated and valuable data is saved. A script (batch) can also be executed before the system is shut down in order to process own application-relevant processes. The integrated reboot function of the DC UPS automatically initiates the restart of the supplied IPC after the supply voltage has been restored, without the need for time-consuming on-site intervention by a service employee, e.g. in the case of completely self-sufficient computer systems at inaccessible locations.

In contrast to the supposedly inexpensive lead-acid/gel/AGM accumulators, high-quality lithium iron phosphate cells (LiFePO4) have a service life and cycle stability that is approx. 15-20 times longer. When calculating the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) over the entire period of use of up to 10 years, there is a clear cost advantage compared to lead-acid batteries, especially since the expense for maintenance and battery replacement is also eliminated for LiFePO4 during this period.

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@bicker_de @PresseBox #PAuto #UPS

Strategic partnership in process automation.

German sensor company SICK and Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist Endress+Hauser want to intensify their cooperation. 

Mattias Altendorf (E+H) & Dr Mats Gökstorp (SICK)

Both companies are aiming for a strategic partnership for SICK’s process automation business segment and have signed a joint memorandum of understanding. By bundling their strengths, the companies are striving to provide even better support for their customers in important areas such as energy and resource efficiency and protection of the climate and environment.

The goal of the partnership is to expand the Endress+Hauser product portfolio with process analysis and gas flow measurement engineering from SICK. The two companies intend to establish a joint venture for the production and further development of SICK process technology. The sales and service teams of SICK’s process automation business segment will become part of Endress+Hauser’s global sales network. In total, this segment currently employs more than 1,400 people in 28 countries and generates more than 350 million euros in sales annually.

Complementary offerings in process automation.
The process technology offerings from both companies complement each other. The process analysis and gas flow measurement engineering from SICK – for emissions monitoring in flue gas cleaning processes or for gas flow measurements, for example – are employed particularly in waste incineration facilities, at power, steel and cement plants, in the oil & gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical production and in the marine sector. In the past, the companies have frequently worked together on an order, project and customer basis.

Both shareholder families, as well as the respective supervisory bodies of SICK and Endress+Hauser, are backing the planned strategic partnership. Using the memorandum of understanding as a foundation, experts from both companies are now conducting due diligence to determine how the collaboration can be accomplished and brought to fruition. The contract is expected to be signed before the end of the first quarter of 2024, while closing of the transaction is scheduled for the middle of next year.

Partners see shared opportunities and mutual benefits.
“Our strategic partnership is about mutual benefits at many levels. We want to seize shared opportunities by bundling our strengths. Because SICK and Endress+Hauser are already highly successful companies on their own, we are acting from a position of strength. We are convinced that together we will be even more successful. And by working cooperatively, we can support our customers even better and accompany them in the sustainable transformation of the process industry,” explained Matthias Altendorf, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group.

Dr Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the Executive Board at SICK, said: “Through this strategic partnership, Endress+Hauser and SICK will break new ground. The impulse and source of momentum for this undertaking is the dynamic market environment for process automation, produced by the progressive decarbonization of industry. By working together, we can better capitalize on these excellent opportunities, while also developing the best solutions for and with our customers. Our years of collaboration in the past, similarities in the corporate cultures of our family-owned businesses, and our shared affinity for technology and people are key motivators. And successful joint projects with Endress+Hauser in the past show that we work well together.”

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@Endress_Hauser @Endress_IN @Endress_UK @Endress_US @SICK_de #PAuto

Valve health.

Software optimises maintenance based on valve condition data, saving manhours and downtime.

A powerful software tool, Plantweb Insight™ Valve Health Application from Emerson, combines Fisher control valve expertise with advanced analytic algorithms. The new app makes it possible for users to visualise an entire connected fleet of valves, while prioritising actions based on the health index of each valve. This helps plant personnel optimise valve repair activities, resulting in faster and better maintenance decisions, leading to reduced downtime.

“Plants and facilities harnessing all the functionalities of the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application will experience reduced analysis time, faster troubleshooting and improved prioritisation of maintenance actions,” said Jaime Alvarado Millan, software product manager for flow controls with Emerson’s final control business. “The result will be fewer man-hours required for repairs and maintenance, increased uptime and fewer unplanned shutdowns. These and other benefits will increase productivity, lower costs and improve profitability.”

 

Most process plants and facilities have hundreds of control valves installed and operating in various applications. These valves have multiple parts that must frequently move in concert to regulate flows of process media, with some of these parts coming into constant, direct contact with the media. These operating conditions create wear and tear, requiring maintenance personnel to track the condition of each valve. This is typically done by examining each valve individually, either locally or remotely, a time-consuming endeavour that requires a high level of expertise to ascertain valve health and follow-up action.

The Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application speeds and simplifies this control valve monitoring task by providing a user-friendly interface, with easy-to-understand and intuitive graphics. The app includes Emerson’s Valve Health Index, produced by a proprietary algorithm, which shows plant personnel the level of health for each valve. The Valve Health Index allows users to enter information regarding their plant's processes, including criticality of the valve and financial impact if the valve were to fail, making the index more informative.

The app allows users to prioritise repair and maintenance activities with five different indicators – Repair Urgency Status, Valve Health Index, Financial Impact, Criticality, and NE107 Alert Status – to meet specific needs. The app includes explanations, recommendations, and suggested time to take action. This last indicator is totally new to the market and is one of the app’s exclusive features.

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@Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @FisherValves @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Sales director for Europe.

The appointment of Isabelle Nourry as the Quickparts Sales Director for Europe has been announced. The appointment is part of the company’s plans to grow across the European Union and Britain.

Isabelle Nourry

Ziad Abou, CEO at Quickparts, said: “Under Isabelle’s leadership, we have seen significant growth in our manufacturing divisions within Europe. We look forward to her continued contributions to the company's success.”

Isabelle brings 18 years of experience in manufacturing and a wealth of expertise in sales and business development, having previously held leadership positions at Hytek GB Ltd. and IF Ltd.

Her role, which officially began in December 2022, is to drive revenue growth and build strong relationships with major manufacturers across the European region. She has also implemented ambitious plans promoting supply chain reliability for customers within European markets; particularly promoting localised manufacturing that enables customers to order custom-made products quickly and easily.

There is a common misconception amongst European manufacturers and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers that’ for volume production, the predominant producer of parts is China; especially for CNC machined parts and injection moulded parts. Isabelle is keen to change that notion.

"I am thrilled to have joined the team at Quickparts. In my previous roles, I worked for companies that had to turn to China to buy production parts, which resulted in high minimum order quantity upfront payments, long lead-times, and huge storage costs. I was surprised to learn that it's possible for any size of company to work with a local manufacturer like Quickparts. Quickparts is not just for highly engineered prototypes, but it also delivers on low and mid volume production runs. Quickparts owns six state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, equipped with the latest additive and traditional manufacturing technologies. Three of these are in Europe. There’s no minimum order quantity, pricing is competitive, lead times are short, the emphasis is on quality, and we have some exceptional local expertise,” Isabelle stated. “So, my main goal is for European manufacturers to learn about our services, and to know that Quickparts can meet their needs locally."

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@QuickpartsMFG @mepaxIntPR #Manufacturing

Air quality monitors certified.

An MCERTS certificate has been awarded for the ‘Airly Air Quality Sensor PM+Gas’ systems. This means that the Airly particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) sensors have been independently verified for qualitative and quantitative measurements, and comply with the British Environment Agency’s MCERTS Performance Standards for Indicative Ambient Particulate Monitors.

Explaining the value of MCERTS accreditation, Airly CEO Wiktor Warchalowski says: “Air quality data is used to inform extremely important decisions, so it is vitally important that measurements are accurate and reliable. Third-party verification through schemes such as MCERTS, therefore allows local authorities, consultants and researchers to choose technology with independently proven levels of performance.

“We already have thousands of sensors operating in the field, but the award of this MCERTS certificate is particularly important because it adds a further layer of credibility to Airly’s products and services.”

In order to achieve the MCERT requirements, Airly’s sensors were tested in a laboratory and in the field. Assessors also visited Airly’s manufacturing facility to verify the robustness of the company’s quality management systems.

The field tests were conducted over a 3-month period with two candidate Airly PM+Gas sensor systems, collocated with a reference PM monitor in Birmingham.

Additional testing was undertaken using two Airly Air Quality PM sensor systems and two Airly Air Quality PM+Gas sensor systems. The two variants were found to agree well, with R2 = 0.998 and slopes close to 1 for both PM2.5 and PM10. The test data report was submitted by Bureau Veritas to CSA Group, the MCERTS certification body.

Commenting on the results of the tests, Warchalowski says: “Our sensors have been tested extensively before, but these evaluations, coupled with the MCERTS award, provide Airly customers with the confidence that they are using one of the best performing small sensors in the world.

“It was interesting to note, for example, that the results from the Airly sensors in the Birmingham (GB) evaluation did not require any correction factors. Airly customers will also be pleased to learn that the MCERTS certificate applies to both PM2.5 and PM10 over an extremely wide range, 0-1,000 µg/m3. This is important, because it means that the sensors can be used at low levels for assessment against hourly, daily and yearly limit values, as well as for monitoring dust levels near development projects, waste management facilities, materials handling sites, industrial processes etc.

“The world is beginning to recognise the enormous air quality opportunity presented by small sensors, and new players are entering the market with increasing frequency, we therefore urge customers to include MCERTS in their specifications to ensure they achieve the levels of performance that companies like Airly are able to deliver.”

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@airlyorg @cleanairdayuk #Environment #Britain

Gateway for IoT integration.

Gateway to easy integration of Industry 4.0 applications into PROFIBUS & HART systems

The smartLink HW-DP gateway from Softing Industrial enables access to PROFIBUS DP networks independently of the controller. Version 1.30 offers extended functions for data transmission and connectivity.

The compact smartLink HW-DP integrates seamlessly without disrupting the operation of existing installations. It offers Industry 4.0 connectivity for both new and existing PROFIBUS DP networks and enables easy and scalable integration of device data into plant asset management applications.

This version provides the following additional features:

• Support for Endress+Hauser Netilion and FieldEdge SGC500 gateway. Option to operate in parallel with Endress+Hauser FieldCare.
• Providing an extended HART IP server to add information about the remote I/O level.
• Improved visualization of the physical network in Emerson AMS Device Manager.

For users in the process industry looking to upgrade their communications infrastructure, for modern IoT use cases, the smartLink HW-DP offers a simple and cost-effective solution. Relevant data for optimization processes are available for higher-level applications via open, standardized interfaces such as HART IP and FDT. This enables the use of any HART IP client, such as Emerson AMS Device Manager, to parameterize, monitor, and analyze field devices via these open communication standards.

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@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Widest field of view Available for camera module.

The Lepton UW from Teledyne FLIR is the world’s first micro-thermal camera module with an ultrawide 160-degree field of view (FOV) and is small enough to fit on the tip of a finger. The new ultra-wide module provides unbeatable size, weight, and performance for applications requiring a wide field of view, including fire detection, process monitoring, and people counting.

Lepton UW features a usable 120 x 120 thermal resolution and a scene dynamic range of up to 400 degrees Celsius. Like the entire Lepton family, it also features unmatched thermal sensitivity of > 50 mK and the same integrated digital thermal image signal processing capabilities that have made Lepton the best-selling micro-thermal camera module in the world. Customers will continue to receive Lepton products quickly and efficiently, backed by the world's largest uncooled micro-thermal camera manufacturing capacity, all located in the United States.

“Offering the ultra-wide field of view in such a compact package will enable smart building system integrators to utilize thermal data within more affordable systems and simplify deployment,” said Mike Walters, vice president, product management, Teledyne FLIR. “Developers can also leverage the Teledyne FLIR Technical Service Team for assistance along with online resources – from source codes to licenses, to speed the development process.”

For people counting, Lepton UW provides a unique dataset that is not susceptible to overcounting through glass while also maintaining personal privacy. When combined with building automation software, the Lepton UW can help facility managers better optimize and automate energy usage, occupant comfort, and workspace management.

Resources for Lepton customers.
As part of Lepton purchases, integrators can leverage the online Lepton integration toolbox with application notes and source code for testing on Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone. The Teledyne FLIR Technical Services Team is also available to support customer licensing of the MyFLIR® application software, MSX®, and Vivid-IR™ to maximize performance and reduce technical risk.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Industrial education robot.

The latest advancements in robotics such as energy-saving power grid feedback solutions

ABB Robotics is expanding its education offering with the launch of the IRB 1090. The 1090 industrial education robot, authenticated by the globally recognized education institute STEM.org, is designed to upskill students and provide them with a competitive advantage in securing employment. The new education robot forms a key part of ABB’s wider education offering, which includes additional industrial robots, as well as education packages, next generation controllers and market leading programming and simulation software.

“ABB’s 2023 global survey of 2,301 education professionals* found that 80 percent believe robots and automation will shape the future of employment over the next ten years,” said Craig McDonnell, Managing Director, Business Line Industries for ABB Robotics. “However, only one in four education establishments currently use robots in teaching programs. As the world’s largest industrial robotics manufacturer, we’re determined to play our part in making robots available to all and the IRB 1090 education robot forms a key part of this commitment, enabling us to serve the growing demand for industrial robots in the education space.”

ABB’s IRB 1090 offers a reach of 580mm and a 3.5kg payload and, coupled with a ten percent smaller footprint and 20 percent reduction in weight compared to its predecessor, provides the ability to easily move, install and place in a facility. The education robot coupled with ABB’s OmniCoreTM E10 ultra slim controller, brings increasing functionalities to enable students to hone their skills on the latest robotic advancements including motion control, TrueMove, QuickMove, Externally Guided Motion, and energy-saving power grid feedback solutions.

Students using the robot and controller will also learn how robotic automation can be deployed across different sectors and applications. Educational institutions, robot resellers, and system integrators can design and customize a variety of appli-cation cells, such as assembly, material handling, arc welding and dispensing. This may include different accessories such as vision cameras, grippers, working pieces, pedestals, and moveable carts to meet specific requirements.

As part of ABB’s commitment to making robots available to all, 100 free RobotStudio® premium licenses are included with the purchase of the IRB 1090 robot. RobotStudio® is a virtual tool that students can use to learn the fundamentals of robot programming, even before buying a physical robot.

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*ABB global education survey.

 @stemdotorg @ABBRobotics @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @NapierPR #PAuto #Robotics #EDucation

Improved VRU Protection.

Anritsu Corporation, in collaboration with dSPACE, has developed an advanced digital twin simulation environment designed to provide improved protection for vulnerable road users (VRU)*.

Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, bicycles, among others, and there is growing global interest in using C-V2X technologies to prevent accidents with vehicles. VRU protection is actively being developed for roads and intersections to ensure safety and improve accident prevention. As a technology to support this, there has been direct detection of VRU by installing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensors in vehicles. The international organization 5GAA has been investigating accident prevention methods by the use of 5G-network-based communication, which is based on cooperative communications to and from VRUs. Unlike in-vehicle-based methods, it is expected that protection in blind spots (such as outside the effective detection range of vehicle-mounted sensors and building shadows) will also be possible via 5G network communication. To achieve this, the 5G communication to cooperative VRUs must be reliable, and the evaluation of QoS management and fault tolerance at the IP layer is a critical factor.

The demo solution provides a digital twin environment for real-world scenarios, so VRU protection testing can be started virtually when features are not yet available on the real vehicle. This demonstration has attracted the attention of automakers, auto parts suppliers, mobile network operators, etc. Anritsu will continue to develop this solution to improve the protection of vulnerable road users and contribute to the development of smart cities by setting up an advanced simulation environment using digital twins. “Today almost 40% of fatalities on the road are people outside the vehicles: pedestrians, cyclists, road workers, children, and more. It is a priority for the 5GAA members to leverage C-V2X technologies to protect these Vulnerable Road Users. This Digital Twin technology demonstration shows how C-V2X communications can offer this great societal opportunity,” stated Maxime Flament (CTO of 5GAA).

Demonstration Overview.

1. dSPACE's PC-based simulator is a tool that simulates the integration of environmental, infrastructure, sensor, and vehicle information using a PC. In this demonstration, VRU protection simulation is performed by reproducing the University of Michigan's automotive test course "M City" used at the 5GAA meeting week, together with smart cameras and different road users.
2. V2X data messages generated by communication devices such as smartphones carried by vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, as well as sensor information from intersection cameras, are transmitted to an OEM application that displays VRU protection results on the vehicle side via 5G communication using Anritsu's 5G base station simulator.

Base Station Simulator Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A.
The test platform provides network simulation compatible with 5G radio access technology and provides a development evaluation and certification test environment for automotive use cases such as Telematics, Infotainment, and V2X.

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*At 5GAA*1 on October 23-27, 2023, in Detroit, USA, the two companies will demonstrate a road safety use case using the C-V2X 5G network for cooperative communications.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @dSPACEglobal  @NapierPR @5gaa_official #Automotive #Safety

Connectors to medical standards.

Medical technology plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients, making IEC 60601-1 a cornerstone of the industry. This standard ensures that medical devices are not only technologically advanced, but also efficient and meet the highest safety standards.

Connectors as an interface.
Medical devices must meet a variety of criteria throughout their lifecycle from development to disposal. As part of the medical device, connectors regulate the interfaces that enable smooth communication between different components. Medical devices are usually connected to the general power supply network and thus pose a latent danger to patients and operators. IEC 60601-1 defines clear requirements to ensure that such devices function reliably under the intended conditions of use while minimizing potential hazards.

IEC 60601-1 conformity for ODU MEDI-SNAP® and ODU MINI-SNAP®

To mitigate the risk, medical device manufacturers need to incorporate two safeguards into their products. This can be done either by two separate measures or by doubling one measure to achieve the prescribed protection level 2 MOPP (patient protection) or 2 MOOP (operator protection). Many examples from the ODU MEDI-SNAP® and ODU MINI-SNAP® connector portfolio meet these requirements. The medical device manufacturer can meet their obligations for achieving the required patient or operator level of protection by selecting a suitable connector solution from ODU. The manufacturer can either use standard products off-the-shelf or a solution specially developed for his requirements. This applies not only to the specific pin layout, but also insulation requirements, grounding measures as well as protection against electrical hazards to patients and medical staff. Such solutions may require higher clearance and creepage distances, stronger insulation and lower leakage currents.

Alternatively, the medical device manufacturer can implement the protective measures via the power supply design instead of the connector, but this may require engineering in additional components in the circuit design. However, the fulfillment of the requirements of IEC 60601-1 by selecting suitable connectors is technically much more elegant and simplifies the associated necessary risk analysis, since additional components also entail an additional risk of failure in the circuit design.

System solutions for medical technology.
Mechanical stresses such as tension, bending or compression will also not lead to unexpected failures or malfunctions when deploying ODU MEDI-SNAP® and ODU MINI-SNAP® connectors. They are well able to withstand the demands of the medical environment. The materials used are extremely durable and meet the requirements for cleaning and autoclavability. In order to meet further medical requirements, ODU offers silicone-overmolded system solutions consisting of connectors, overmolding and cable assembly. The materials are designed so that sticking or a stick-slip effect is prevented even under continuous operation. This provides the best-in-class feel, durability and hygienic performance.

Early involvement of suppliers supports the approval process.
The approval procedures are becoming increasingly complex. The early involvement of ODU in the design-in process not only significantly simplifies risk management, but also reduces product development costs for manufacturers to a minimum. Ultimately, the time required for the approval process can be significantly reduced if components from suppliers already fully comply with the requirements of IEC 60601-1.

By strictly adhering to IEC 60601-1 in these key areas, ODU underlines its commitment to the highest quality standards in medical technology. ODU connectors not only offer outstanding performance and safety, but also help make medical devices more efficient and reliable, ultimately benefiting patient care.

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@ODU_Connectors @PresseBox #Medical #Standards

BESS communication in extreme circumstances.

The most talked about technology in the energy industry currently is large Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs). BESS harnesses the advanced technologies of lithium-ion batteries, integrating them with renewable energy sources. Yet this technology is more than just energy storage — BESS balances the supply and demand between renewable energy sources, power grids, and user needs. Therefore, a reliable communication system is critical for these three aspects to work well together.  Alvis Chen, Integrated Marketing Manager, Moxa discusses these challenges.

BESS communication systems must address extreme climate challenges, meet strict power auxiliary system demands, and enhance cybersecurity

Challenge of Extreme Climate Conditions.
Extreme weather events are happening more frequently now than in the past, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Heatwaves, for instance, are 2.8 times more likely to occur than in the previous decade. Such circumstances impose enormous strain on electronic communication products, as well as on human life and agriculture. Dramatic temperature fluctuations, sandstorms, and lightning strikes may cause communication equipment malfunctions, subsequently affecting the operation of BESS. Since these storage systems are often in remote areas, selecting highly durable, industrial-grade communication equipment that can withstand extreme environments is crucial.

Demand for Real-time Responses.
As power grids become more advanced and require stricter management, BESS's quick charging and discharging characteristics are essential in balancing supply with demand. Consider Britain's national grid, where the necessary power auxiliary reaction time has been decreased from a starting need of 10 seconds to just 500 milliseconds. Some countries hope that the newest storage batteries can achieve response times at the 100-millisecond level. This implies that future communication systems must have faster data transfer speeds, higher bandwidth, and more reliable network redundancy designs.

Recent Network Security Issues.
Cyberattacks on energy and power systems are increasing, leading stakeholders to pay more attention to data security. Many countries now regard the power grid system as a national-level critical infrastructure and are setting higher cybersecurity standards. NERC's "Security Integration Strategy" and the EU's "Network and Information Security Directive 2.0" are two examples of heightened security strategies. Thus, future BESS communication designs must feature improved cybersecurity to counter increasingly severe online threats.

To sum up, energy transition progress notwithstanding, BESSs face multiple challenges. In this journey, a stable communication system is key, one that addresses climate change, meets strict power auxiliary system demands, and enhances cybersecurity. Experience tells us that the selection and design of communication systems should consider all these factors to ensure stable operations. Moving forward, BESS providers must continuously monitor these crucial areas, consistently optimizing the performance and reliability of their communication systems.

As a pioneer in networks for renewable energy, Moxa recognizes the vast potential of BESS and has developed reliable, versatile, and secure products to take this battery energy storage technology to the next level. These include Moxa Arm and x86 computers, MGate protocol gateways, NPort serial device servers for environmental control, EDR routers with advanced cybersecurity, ioLogik Ethernet remote I/O, and a large portfolio of managed and unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches for superior connectivity and redundancy. 

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@Moxa_Europe @OConnellPR #Energy #PAuto #Cybersecurity

Angled connectors.

Connectors reduce depth required behind panels USB-2, USB-3.1 and USB-C connectivity options.

New additions to Cliff Electronics' Right-Angle FeedThrough (RAFT) connector range have been announced. Their RAFT connector range is ideal for connectivity in wall mounted boxes where the depth is not available for rear entry or where cable access is required from the bottom or top. They also reduce the space required for interconnection at the rear of rack panel systems and provide vertical connections for convenient top to bottom wiring.

Nick Leppard, Technical Sales Manager of Cliff Electronics, says "Our right-angle FeedThrough connector range has been highly successful and the increasing adoption of USB for data and power connectivity means our new USB options will be very useful for our customers."

Cliff’s wide range of XLR and DualSLIMS form factor types allows designers to integrate power, audio, video, digital, optical, networking and data feeds into industrial, transport, energy storage, medical diagnostic and treatment equipment, PoE and industrial applications, instrumentation and control connectivity as well as professional equipment for broadcast (studio and mobile), lighting and audio.

Three new RAFT connectors have been introduced: USB-2, USB-3.1 and USB-C. They are available in two widths to assist with product design:

• Standard width of the popular XLR connector, 26 x 31mm, with a panel cut out diameter of 24mm.
• The compact DualSLIMS which have dimensions of 19 × 35.5mm and fit in to a narrow 17.15 × 22.86mm panel cutout.

Other RAFT connector options available in both sizes include CAT5e RJ45, CAT6 RJ45 and HDMI.

Nickel or black metal, and black plastic bodies are available for the DualSLIM version with currently plastic only for the XLR cutout types. Mounting options include front or back panel mounting with 2.5mm plain or 3.2mm countersunk holes or M3 and #4-40 UNC threaded versions. They can supply standard, off the shelf, connecting cables suitable for use with their new USB RAFT connectors which can be used for internal connectivity, simplifying, and speeding up system assembly and facilitating easy repurposing of equipment. The FeedThrough connector range may be mounted on 19” rack panels with up to 16 standard XLR connectors or 20 of the DualSLIMS. Blank and pre-assembled panels are available direct from Cliff.

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@proactivefleet #CliffElectronics #PAuto #Electronic

Connections for test and measurement applications.

Samtec has released its full line of vertical solderless, compression mount connectors that incorporate precision alignment features. Spanning DC to 90 GHz, the new connectors are well suited for use in high-frequency test and measurement applications and are available in full production quantities.

The connectors come standard with precision alignment features that are exclusive to Samtec and ensure peak connector performance. The solderless launch (where the connector is compressed onto the PCB using mounting hardware) allows for easy, field replaceable, cost-effective assembly to the PCB and eliminates possible performance degradation commonly found with solder reflow.

This new line of connectors includes both threaded and push-on interface types:

• 135 Series: 35 mm (90 GHz)
• 185 Series: 85 mm (65 GHz)
• 240 Series: 2.40 mm (50 GHz)
• 292 Series: 92 mm (40 GHz)
• GPPC Series, -CMM option: SMPM (65 GHz)

Complete electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications are available in the Product Specification Sheets for each series on samtec.com. A brief technical overview, along with board thickness and torque specifications, is available in the eBrochure (pdf): samtec.com/solderless-compression.

“In extremely high frequency test and measurement applications, compression mount connectors have become the connector of choice. Samtec has noticed that when compression mounting, slight misalignment between the connector and the landing pad can occur causing signal degradation. While at lower-frequencies this degradation is minor, at high-frequencies it can become problematic yet very difficult to detect. This has been observed even when mounting screws are tightened to proper torque specifications.” says Dan Birch Global RF Engineering Manager at Samtec. “To prevent this issue, alignment features are now standard with all Samtec vertical compression mount RF products.”

GPPC Series for Test & Measurement.

For differential pair test and measurement applications, Samtec has released its vertical GPPC Series with a -CMM solderless option. It’s the only ganged, solderless connector of its kind in the industry. The push-on coupling design enables quick-attach for ease of use in a lab setting.

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@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #TandM 

Expertise for green hydrogen site.

ABB has been contracted by Danish company H₂ Energy Esbjerg ApS to provide basic electrical engineering for the power distribution from grid point of connection to electrolyzers, and for other process equipment at its 1 GW hydrogen production facility in Esbjerg and hydrogen distribution hub in Fredericia (DK). The plant, among the largest hydrogen developments in Europe, will produce up to 90,000 tons of hydrogen per year – the equivalent of about 1.9 million barrels of oil per year.

With this project, booked in Q3 2023, ABB will build on its expertise in the Power-to-X sector (PtX) for the development of green hydrogen, which already includes collaborations in Sweden, Norway, and elsewhere in Denmark.

The PtX facility in Esbjerg, scheduled to start operating by 2027, will convert renewable electricity from offshore wind into green hydrogen to support the decarbonization of heavy industry and road transportation. The hydrogen may also be used for the production of green e-fuels like methanol and ammonia.

“ABB is focused on supporting the EU’s priority to develop renewable hydrogen,” said Per-Erik Holsten, Head of Northern Europe at ABB Energy Industries. “We are increasingly active in the pioneering Power-to-X market which is essential in meeting global energy transition goals and achieving a low carbon society in the future.”

“It was important to collaborate with a company that has the knowledge of managing energy consumption and optimizing energy efficiency during green hydrogen production,” said Julian O'Connell, Project Director of H₂ Energy Esbjerg ApS. “It is also critical to ensure we have a reliable and readily available supply of power to support operations at the distribution hub.”

The project by H₂ Energy Esbjerg ApS is expected to create up to 60 permanent jobs and supply enough green hydrogen to meet the annual fuel consumption demands of more than 10,000 trucks, around half of all trucks in Denmark, and for heavy industry.

The International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review says the pipeline of projects for the production of low-emission hydrogen is growing at an impressive speed and it could reach up to 24 Mt per year by 2030, if all projects are realized.

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@abb_automation @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @AdmiralPR #PAuto #Denmark

Thermal imaging in harsh conditions.

An industry-leading protection design for thermal imaging cameras without the compromise of a wire grid has been revealed by AMETEK Land. This new, proven, protective housing has been developed for thermal cameras in challenging installation conditions and offers many distinct benefits around optical clarity, temperature accuracy, improved efficiency and lower maintenance.

James Cross, AMETEK Land’s Global Industry Manager for Hydrocarbon Processing Industries, said: “By using the gridless concept on several installations, the AMETEK Land LWIR in EXSH housing has provided LAND’s famed crystal-clear images with highly accurate, sensitive, repeatable temperature data. End-users increasingly demand higher accuracy temperature values to achieve better yields, improved efficiency, and longer maintenance intervals, and we expect the demand for gridless housing designs to increase with it.”

Thermal imaging camera housings must meet impact test requirements, so a wire grid or mesh is typically installed in front of a germanium window, which acts as a protective layer to absorb and disperse impact energy.

Germanium windows are completely impermeable to ultraviolet and visible light, giving them a dark, metallic appearance to the naked eye. When it comes to the infrared range, it has an excellent, broad transmission range from 2-16 μm, making it an ideal candidate for mid-wave-infrared (MWIR) and long-wave-infrared (LWIR) applications.

LAND’s protective housing uses a germanium window, but without an additional wire grid, that still satisfies the Ex d impact test requirement. It also reduces exposure to high temperatures and corrosive, outdoor environments, and also ensures the thermal imaging camera is not a potential source of ignition.

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@landinst @AgilityPRS #PAuto

Routers and gateways.

A wide range of smart cellular routers and gateways for Industrial IoT and Enhanced Networking including 5G, LTE, 3G HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS are available from Advantech. Built and optimised for critical infrastructure applications in the most challenging and remote locations and environments their simplified plug-and-play designs, with extensive remote management enables users to quickly configure, deploy and customise any installation from anywhere over an IP network.

Deploying cellular routers effectively into industrial networks is much more than rugged, reliable hardware, it requires taking intelligence to the absolute edge. Hardware that is carrier-agile, cost-competitive, with the flexible configuration interfaces to fit M2M applications. More importantly than ever, a truly open development platform to build application software, host applications, seamlessly manage network connectivity and securely administer the system.

The versatility of industrial 5G, 4G applications requires hardware that is fit for purpose. Advantech offers a comprehensive selection of routers and gateways designed and built in the European Union with the right data speeds, the right interfaces and the rugged specifications required.

The line between a router and an embedded computer is blurring in many of the latest applications and, depending on the processing power required, an intelligent router is a significantly more cost-effective than an embedded computer. New data demands for IIoT or operations optimisation initiatives also open new questions as to where data is compiled, enriched, and processed.

Advantech’s range of cellular routers & gateways for IIoT and enhanced, flexible, effective and secure networking include:

• ICR-2000 / ICR-2400 / ICR-2500 4G entry-level routers LTE Cat.4 with 3G/2G fallback industrial popular port options up to 4× Ethernet 10/100.
• ICR-4453 ultra high-speed 5G router & powerful edge computing gateway 5G NR cellular connectivity, Sub-6GHz Quad-core CPU with 1 GB RAM 2× SIM, eSIM Ready, TPM 2.0 5× Gigabit Ethernet, SFP Connector RS232, RS485, CAN BUS, 2× DI, 2× DO, USB Host
• ICR-2700 Libratum / ICR-2800 successors of v2 platform next-generation of successful design LR77 v2 router platform Great value for a number of applications. Ruggedised for industrial use.

With pre-built APIs into selected applications platforms and an open environment that supports app development in Java, Python, C/C++, Node-Red, Docker, Advantech Routers provide more flexibility than any other router on the market. An online App library is accessible for downloads on Apps already developed to enhance specific router functionality.

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@AdvantechIA @Advantech_IIoT @proactivefleet #IIoT #Communications #PAuto

Glass plant sees move from fossil fuels.

Ireland is an advanced market for energy storage compared to its size and as BESS projects expand, these will help to integrate more renewables into the grid and help the country to reach 70% of renewable energy by 2030.

GridBeyond has implemented a battery energy storage system (BESS) for CareyGlass at their site in Nenagh (IRL). 

The project includes the installation and management of a 1MW – 1.1 MWh battery. The battery will provide power resiliency to the CareyGlass site by balancing any voltage dips on the site and prevent any production equipment from tripping out. This will increase production efficiency without having to invest in any major network upgrades.

The battery will also participate in grid capacity and DS3 grid services where it helps balance the grid Frequency at 50Hz as well as feedback energy to the grid when supply is low.

The BESS will also allow CareyGlass to store energy from periods when the grid mix has a lower concentration of carbon and dissipating that energy to the site at peak hours of consumption, supporting the grid to reduce carbon emitting generation at those peak periods thereby reducing the carbon intensity of the power system.

GridBeyond will manage the flexibility of the site by connecting the batteries to its AI-powered energy technology platform, GridBeyond Point. The flexibility of the hub also enables the Grid to integrate more renewable energy sources onto the electricity network, whilst reducing the carbon footprint of the power grid. 

As one of Europe’s largest glass processing companies CareyGlass provides solutions and products that contribute to stunning architectural buildings around the world. While the products they produce are sustainable in their own right by reducing the requirement for electricity to light, heat and to cool buildings, CareyGlass takes a holistic approach and have engaged in an ambitious energy plan by implementing sustainability along its entire value chain. 

Denver Blemings, GridBeyond Regional Director for Ireland, commented: “We are extremely proud of working together with CareyGlass. As we move away from fossils fuels, energy storage batteries are a great asset, which can provide more resilience, mitigate risk of power interruption and deliver a great value for the businesses in term of savings and carbon reduction.”  

Roberta Delaney, CFO at CareyGlass commented: “At CareyGlass we recognise that there is a business imperative for addressing the climate change crises head on.  We view sustainability as an investment in the future, it has become part of the very core of our company and an integral part of our day to day lives.”

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@GridBeyond_ #CareyGlass #BESS #Ireland

Industrial connectors for new market.

Anglia Components PLC has been appointed as the first British stocking distributor of Board to Wire, Wire to Wire, Board-In connectors and Terminals for Japan Automatic Machine Co. (J.A.M.) a leading manufacturer in the industrial sector.

Rebecca Oakley, Anglia,  Pete Johnson, J.A.M,
& David Pearson, Anglia.

Commenting on the partnership, Pete Johnson, EMEA Business Development Manager for the Connector Division of J.A.M., said, “The expansion of our Connectors into the UK presents an exciting time for us, and Anglia is the perfect distributor for our products in this important market. We’ve already been impressed by their outstanding relationships and commitment to meeting any challenge presented by their customers’ design needs. We’re looking forward to seeing the success of this partnership.”

David Pearson, Technical Director at Anglia, added, “We’re honoured to be selected as J.A.M’s first UK stocking distributor of its connector range. Bringing a product to a new market can be daunting for manufacturers, and we’re delighted to be trusted by J.A.M. with its UK distribution. Many of Anglia’s customers are seeking components for industrial applications and it’s great to broaden their options with even more products to choose from.”

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Tokyo, J.A.M. is a leading manufacturer of electrical/electronic interconnect products, automatic wire and terminal processing machines, crimping presses and applicators, precision presses, precision vices and other related products. Today, J.A.M. has five manufacturing locations in Japan and three overseas in China, India and Thailand. As well industrial designs, its products serve the automotive, household appliance, gaming and electrical equipment markets.

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@angliaComponent @NapierPR #PAuto #Components #Britain

Fifty years of analysis.

ABB is marking the 50th anniversary of its Quebec (CDN) factory which today manufactures market leading products for industrial analytical measurement and is one of the largest suppliers of optical sensors for detecting greenhouse gas emissions from space.

What began as a local enterprise, Bomem Inc., founded in 1973 by visionaries Dr. Henry Buijs, Gary Vail and Jean-Noel Bérubé, has grown into a flagship facility with over 400 employees. In 1999, Bomem entered a new era when it was acquired by ABB, allowing the factory to tap into ABB's resources and global reach, further extending its impact.

Furthermore, today the factory houses ABB’s largest Measurement & Analytics research and development group, consisting of 150 engineers and scientists.

“In its 50-year journey, ABB's Quebec factory has both pushed the boundaries of industrial analytical measurement, and also reached for the stars, literally,” said Jean-René Roy, Global Business Line Manager, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “Through pioneering gas analysis technology, ABB continues to support global climate change initiatives, delivering advanced solutions that monitor our planet and protect its future. This milestone is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and commitment to a greener, safer world.”

Revolutionizing gas analysis through innovation.
Manufactured in Quebec, ABB's Sensi+™ analyzer monitors natural gas quality through a single device for continuous and simultaneous measurements of H2S, H2O and CO2, eliminating the need for multiple analyzers, multiple maintenance schedules, and reducing hours of operator training and services.

At the same time, the ABB suite of natural gas leak detection solutions uses an innovative approach to gas detection, with sensitivity 1000 times greater and speed 10 times faster than traditional equipment.

Also out of Quebec, ABB designs and manufactures one of the largest portfolios in the world of laboratory, at-line and process FT-IR/FT-NIR analyzers. Used for quality control, these solutions increase productivity while lowering environmental impact in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and metals.

In recent years, optical sensors built by ABB in Quebec have played a vital role in detecting greenhouse gas emissions from space. Space-based gas analysis enables unbiased reporting across jurisdictions, crucial to verifying climate commitments. The ABB-built optical sensors offer 100 times higher resolution than comparable technologies, identifying emissions sources precisely.

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@abb_automation @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @AdmiralPR #PAuto #Canada

Power supply for safety-relevant applications.

An integrable and space-saving DC UPS solution for applications in industry and medical technology has been presented by Bicker Elektronik. The 24V emergency power supply with the particularly safe and durable LiFePO4 battery technology bridges power failures, voltage dips or flickers and thus effectively avoids system failures and data loss. Consisting of the UPSI-2406 charging and control unit and the BP-LFP-1325S battery pack, the compact DC UPS solution is ideal for protecting sensors, measurement and control systems, embedded IPCs, emergency lighting, security technology and many more. The new UPS management software 'UPScom' with cross-platform technology and intuitive user interface is available for download free of charge and offers extensive functions for monitoring, parameterisation and messenger services.

Product advantages at a glance. • Integrable DC UPS solution for 24V emergency power supply • Compact and reliable design • Safe and durable LiFePO4 battery technology • Over 6,000 charge and discharge cycles • BMS protection and control functions • Battery start function • Reboot function for IPC systems • USB & RS232 interface and relay contact • UPS management software 'UPScom' included • Extended temperature range -20...+55°C • IEC 62133-2 safety approval • UN 38.3 transport certificate

Particularly safe and durable LiFePO4 battery technology.
The 10-year BP-LFP-1325S (33Wh) battery pack with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology impresses with over 6,000 charge and discharge cycles and an extended temperature range from -20 to +55°C. The high-performance battery management system (BMS) for optimising service life and safety monitors and controls the complete charging and discharging process of each battery cell of the energy storage unit. The cell balancing function also ensures that all cells are charged evenly so that the full capacity of the LiFePO4 battery pack remains permanently usable. The BP-LFP-1325S has IEC 62133-2 safety approval and the UN 38.3 transport certificate.

Intelligent UPS charging and control unit.
The UPSI-2406 charging and control unit for flexible and space-saving system integration is connected to the battery pack via two lines. In addition to the power transmission line (BAT PWR), all relevant operating data of the energy storage unit are continuously monitored and controlled on the data line (BAT DATA) via I2C interface. The PowerSharing function ensures that the input power is kept constant and distributed to the load and battery charger in an appropriately adapted manner. When the load at the output is low, more energy flows into the charger and vice versa. In the event of voltage dips or power failures, a MOSFET disconnects the input within a few microseconds and the connected load is supplied from the energy storage without interruption. In backup mode, the UPSI-2406 provides a constantly regulated DC output voltage. In battery mode, the minimum load detection monitors the output load to be supplied from the energy storage device and automatically disconnects the energy storage device from the charging and control unit if the load at the output falls below a certain limit value. This prevents the energy storage unit from being unnecessarily emptied. In addition, the UPSI-2406 has a USB and RS232 interface for data communication as well as a relay contact.

UPS management software 'UPScom' with cross-platform technology.
The completely newly developed UPS management software 'UPScom' is available for download free of charge for Microsoft® Windows and Linux. The software enables the controlled shutdown and switch-off of the connected devices during a power failure. For setting and pre-programming all parameters of the DC UPS system as well as real-time monitoring with charge status display, the responsive WEB-UI is called up in a web browser. The adjustable parameters include load sensor (mA), shutdown delay, maximum backup time, minimum charge capacity before system start, notifications via e-mail. The UPS management software 'UPScom' uses the new WebAssembly (WASM) architecture, which is executable in most current web browsers. 'UPScom' runs on x86 compatible systems and also on most ARM-64 based systems under Microsoft® Windows and various Linux distributions.

Shutdown & reboot function for stand-alone embedded IPCs.
In the event of a "power fail", the UPS signals the failure of the supply voltage via the integrated USB or RS232 interface, so that a controlled shutdown of the computer system is initiated and valuable data is saved. A script (batch) can also be executed before the system is shut down in order to process own application-relevant processes. The integrated reboot function of the DC UPS automatically initiates the restart of the supplied IPC after the supply voltage has been restored, without the need for time-consuming on-site intervention by a service employee, e.g. in the case of completely self-sufficient computer systems at inaccessible locations.

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@bicker_de @PresseBox #PAuto Medical #UPS