Expanded provision of device data agreed.

CADENAS is now the newest member of the Eplan Partner Network. CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen and Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes signed the new technology partnership agreement in November 2025. The stated goal of the cooperation is the expanded provision of technical device data via the Eplan Data Portal, which will be implemented using a direct interface between the Data Portal and the CADENAS platform 3Dfindit.

Haluk Menderes, Eplan and
CADENAS MD Terry Jonen at SPS 2025.

This technology partnership will make it easier for Eplan users to find the right device data. “CADENAS is a strong partner who will help us considerably extend the range of device data available on the Eplan Data Portal with additional, validated content,” said Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes. “For our customers, this cooperation is significant. The connectivity to the CADENAS device database expands our quite comprehensive selection of device data with completely new, sometimes very complex configuration data – for instance for the energy sector.” 

Speaking about the newly sealed deal, CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen says, “With the planned connection of 3Dfindit to the Eplan Data Portal, we’re making it easier for engineers to access precise, up-to-date product data and are thereby increasing the added value for our common customers.”

Comprehensive digital device data is indispensable for design engineers. It accelerates project planning and increases efficiency in engineering, making invaluable contributions to greater data consistency. To achieve this, the companies will be developing an interface to the CADENAS portal that users will be able to access via the Eplan Data Portal, meaning directly via the Eplan cloud. Eplan and CADENAS will be working closely together to design the interface, and both companies will be engaging in continued dialogue with component manufacturers.

The advantages for users at a glance:

• Eplan users benefit from a significantly expanded range of data on offer, for instance for complex designs
• Design engineers will have additional options when selecting device data
• Data consistency throughout the entire engineering process also increases

Now that the agreement has been signed, the technical implementation is getting started. In the coming months, both partners will set up technical working groups to define the specific measures with a view to gradually expanding the cooperation. The goal is to validate added value for common customers along the value chain. This involves various topics and industries for instance the energy sector. For Eplan users, this will mean increased depth of data and data consistency.

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@EPLAN_global  @mepaxIntPR #Cadanas #PAuto 

Ultra rugged USB connections.

Fischer Connectors has brought its world-renowned Swiss engineering expertise to the universal USB-C standard. The Fischer UltiMate™ Series, the company’s flagship range for harsh environments, now includes a pre-cabled USB-C connector equipped with Fischer Connectors’ new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). This connector provides unmatched resistance to vibration and shock, ensuring safe connections for high-speed data transfer under extreme operating conditions in sectors such as defense, mining, construction, motorsports and railways.

UltiMate™ USB-C RLS connector pre-cabled plugs and sockets.

The newly released UltiMate USB-C connector with the Ratchet Locking System (RLS) combines high-speed data transmission with the robust mechanical performance Fischer Connectors is known for.

“As part of our technology and innovation strategy, our Group R&D team offers engineers designing applications in extreme environments a versatile technology platform with various standards and connector types,” explains Alvaro Goncalves, Technology Director at the Conextivity Group, of which Fischer Connectors is a part. “This new USB-C connector with RLS is a good example of how we combine our technology ‘bricks’ – high-density miniaturization, high-speed data, and ruggedness – to increase integration capability, compatibility, and interoperability across customer markets. Conextivity has the innovation, agility, and precision skills needed to meet the most stringent requirements in demanding environments.”

Leveraging its core competencies in ruggedisation, sealing, miniaturisation, and data transmission, Fischer Connectors designed the connector to provide optimal reliability in mission-critical environments, ensuring safe and stable connections in demanding applications and markets, such as defense armored vehicles, UAVs, and UGVs, mining, heavy machinery at construction sites, motorsports, and railways. These environments are characterised by high levels of vibration and shock.

Ratchet Locking System (RLS) designed to resist high vibration and shock.
At the heart of this innovation is the new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). Its fastening mechanism uses an asymmetrical tooth profile to securely lock under load and resist loosening under high vibration. Key benefits include exceptional vibration resistance (by maintaining lock under high-frequency vibration), tool-free operation (easy mating and unmating in the field, even with gloves), and durability with high rates of mating cycles.

Logically, Fischer Connectors has introduced the RLS to its most robust product line, UltiMate. In the Fischer UltiMate’s classical size 15 contact block (with up to 27 pins and 25.8-mm receptacle diameter), the RLS system achieves the best vibration and shock resistance in the entire Fischer Connectors product portfolio, withstanding 37.8 Grms of random vibration and 300 g of shock amplitude.

Ruggedized USB-C connector for harsh environments.
The new UltiMate USB-C connector with RLS has been independently validated to withstand 5.35 Grms of random vibration (50–2000 Hz, 3x1.5 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), 10 g of sinus vibration (10–500 Hz, 3x3 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), and shock up to 100 g (half sine pulse, 6 ms, no discontinuity >1 μs).

Additional features include an IP68 sealing for the plug; hermeticity for the receptacle. <10 -30="" 350="" 360="" 3="" an="" and="" corrosion="" cycles="" emc="" hours="" l="" mating="" mbar="" mist="" of="" operating="" p="" range="" resistance="" s="" salt="" shielding.="" temperature="" to=""> “Our new USB-C RLS connector offers environmental and mechanical performance in compliance with IEC and MIL-STD norms,” says Alexandra Monchâtre, Head of Product Management at Fischer Connectors. “This new product truly offers the best of both worlds: the ultra-standard and the ultra-rugged.”

Part of a versatile portfolio of rugged, compact and high-speed connectors.
With its new USB-C interface supporting high-speed data, video, and power transmission over a compact connector footprint, the new Fischer UltiMate USB-C RLS connector complements Fischer Connectors’ existing range of rugged, high-speed data transmission solutions designed for signal integrity, mechanical endurance, and space-constrained environments.

The UltiMate USB-C RLS is available as a pre-cabled plug and receptacle (28 mm diameter) with a flex PCB. This all-in-one solution provides robust connectivity and flexibility in various design configurations for modern electronic devices, especially in applications where space, speed, and reliability are critical. It offers a compact design and supports USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 transmission with data rates up to 10 Gbit/s.

The new USB-C RLS connector expands Fischer Connectors’ offerings across its high-speed Core, MiniMax, and UltiMate series, which support data protocols such as USB 3.2, Ethernet up to 10 Gbit/s, Audio/UHD Video up to 18 Gbit/s (HDMI 2.0 type), and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE).

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@FischerConnect  #PAuto #Connectors

International co-operation for Data science and ICT education.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science in Ireland, Simon Harris TD, together with U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, have announced parallel programmes aimed at fostering student mobility and research collaboration between the United States and Ireland. 

NSF's ethuraman Panchanathan (left)
with Irish Minister Harris TD.

These initiatives, funded by the NSF and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) respectively, aim to facilitate the exchange of PhD students in the areas of data science and ICT. This collaboration signifies the commitment of both agencies to promoting international collaborations and fostering a global research community.

“This is a real and tangible outcome of our recent trip to the United States, where we sought to solidify and strengthen relationships between our two great countries," said Minister Harris at a recent meeting at the NSF in Washington (DC USA). "Student mobility partnership is a launching pad for lifelong connections, collaborations, and mutual learning. By nurturing strong ties between the scientific communities of the United States and Ireland, discoveries and advancements across various academic disciplines will undoubtedly flourish. By immersing themselves in diverse research environments, talented students will be uniquely positioned to address the complex challenges of the modern world.”

“The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship US-Ireland Student Mobility program has had a tremendous impact on students in its first year,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “The program has provided a unique opportunity for U.S. and Irish students to receive professional development training and experience cross-cultural exchange. We are delighted to renew the program for a second year in alignment with our goal of supporting a more globally engaged U.S. STEM workforce.”

Prof Philip Nolan, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland, welcoming the news said, “SFI is very pleased to be renewing its partnership with the NSF on this student mobility programme, building upon the success of last year’s cohort, which marked the start of this initiative. Feedback from participants has been extremely positive, with the programme’s facilitation of rich collaborations notably highlighted.”

The programme links PhD students from the six SFI-funded Centres for Research Training (CRT) with universities participating in the prestigious NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT). SFI will provide the support for 20 CRT students to travel to the NRTs in the US for between 4 to 12 weeks. The NSF will support the travel of NRT students to the CRTs in Ireland. Students will travel between June to October 2024.

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@scienceirel @NSF @DeptofFHed @SimonHarrisTD #Education

Air quality indoors.

Extech’s new 42280A series temperature and humidity data logger features a number of notable enhancements over the company’s highly successful legacy model to ensure even higher performance and capability levels in indoor environmental monitoring applications. This latest-generation highly accurate and reliable meter will serve as an invaluable asset at any company looking to monitor the air quality of their production area, for example.

A direct replacement for the popular 42280 series, the new 42280A features the same large, triple LCD display showing temperature, humidity and date/time clock simultaneously. However, continuous improvement is embedded within Extech’s DNA, so the company’s newly developed model introduces a number of added-value functions, including the capability to generate PDF reports or Excel spreadsheets when plugging the device (via integral USB interface) into a Windows-based PC after data logging.

A further important enhancement is an increase in internal memory to 48,000 points/readings, three times more than the previous model, to suit demands for extended monitoring or monitoring at high frequency rates. The Extech 42280A also sees the introduction of a Max/Min mode and the presence of Hi/Lo indication on-screen. Here, the programmable/selectable data sampling rate ensures visual and audible alarm indication in association with Hi/Lo limits.

Adaptable to almost any situation, further features of the new Extech 42280A include a ‘mark’ function that enables users to read out the memory contents starting from a defined time without reprogramming the log. As a point of note, data remains secure within the logger at all times and can be password-protected if required.

They are also releasing their new 42280A-NIST version. This model features calibration traceable to NIST standards for indoor environments where it is necessary to demonstrate accurate and reliable measurements, supported by calibration reports that users can download to a PC.

Critical components of any indoor environmental monitoring system, both the 42280A and 42280A-NIST meters offer a temperature range from -20 to +70°C and a humidity range from 0 to 100%. The devices measure just 120.7 x 88.9 x 38.1mm and weigh only 163g. Users can choose from wall, desktop or tripod mounts in line with individual requirements. Salt bottles for relative humidity calibration are available in kit form (33% and 75%) as optional accessories.

Extech supplies the 42280A and 42280A-NIST complete with Windows compatible software, USB cable, universal AC adaptor, four AA batteries, user guide and two-year warranty for complete peace-of-mind. The meters are shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

@flir @planetextech @mepaxIntPR #Environment #BAS

Smart solid state drive.

Samsung Electronics has successfully developed a second generation of its pioneering SmartSSD*.

“Commercialization of the first-generation SmartSSD, in collaboration with AMD, established that the computational storage market has great potential,” said Jin-Hyeok Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Memory Solution Product & Development at Samsung Electronics. “With the upgraded processing functionality of the second-generation SmartSSD, Samsung will be able to easily address increasing customer needs in the database and video transcoding sectors, as we expand the boundaries of the next-generation storage market.”

The new proprietary computational storage incorporates data processing functionality within a high-performance SSD. Unlike existing SSDs, this SmartSSD can process data directly, thereby minimizing data transfers between the CPU, GPU and RAM. This technology can avoid the bottlenecks that often occur when moving data between storage devices and CPUs, resulting in markedly improved system performance and much higher energy efficiency.

The SmartSSD is playing an increasingly important role, especially with the growth of next-generation technologies such as AI, machine learning and 5G/6G, which require large amounts of data processing.

Leveraging software and intellectual property (IP) developed by customers, along with in-built Arm cores, Samsung’s second-generation SmartSSD enables much more efficient data processing. Compared to conventional data center solid-state drives, processing time for scan-heavy database queries can be slashed by over 50%, energy consumption by up to 70% and CPU utilization by up to 97%.

Since its development in 2020 through the joint efforts of Samsung and AMD, the first-generation SmartSSD is being supplied to global IT companies including video communications platform providers. The first-generation SmartSSD was recognized as an Innovation Awards Honoree at CES 2021 for its outstanding performance and energy efficiency.

“Powered by Xilinx Versal™ Adaptive SoCs from AMD, second-generation Samsung SmartSSDs enable improved CPU efficiency and greatly reduced energy consumption by efficiently integrating the computing and storage functions in data centers,” said Sina Soltani, Corporate Vice President of Sales, AECG, Data Center and Communication Group at AMD. “As data-intensive applications continue to grow, second-generation Samsung SmartSSDs will deliver the superior performance and efficiency required for this expanding market.”

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* Samsung Electronics is leading efforts to standardize SmartSSD technology through close collaboration with the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) and with NVM Express, while seeking to expand the boundaries of SmartSSD devices through technological validation for a wide variety of applications.

@Samsung @SNIA @NeeshamPR #Memory #dataprocessing

Industrial connectors: The next level.

When Han-Modular® was released in 1993, it was the first modular industrial connector to run power, signal, and data alongside each other in a single connector. Now Harting have announced the next development stage of the modular connector; the new Han-Modular® Domino range.

This new series meets the industry's requirements for saving installation space and weight. By using Han-Modular® Domino modules, you can save up to 50% installation space by integrating different transmission types in one module.

Just as dominoes have two separate squares, a domino module is made up of two building blocks or ‘cubes’. The Han-Modular® mating face is divided in two, resulting in an almost square surface in which even larger contacts can be accommodated.

Power, signal, data or compressed air as well as male and female contacts can now be combined in one module. This reduces the number of required interfaces per unit and the connection technology becomes smaller and more lightweight, as more modules and module types can now fit into one connector.

The new smaller Domino modules require less energy and raw materials to produce and users also benefit from space and weight savings. Modularity is improved by the use of smaller components that can be arranged next to each other in hinged frames. Domino modules are also compatible with existing components of the Han-Modular® series.

@hartinguk #PAuto #Communications