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

Industrial managed switch - what is it?

In this article Henry Martel, Field Applications Engineer, Antaira Technologies identify the attributes of a high-quality industrial managed switch. Before  that it is necessary first to clarify what makes an environment "industrial".

An industrial environment is any workplace that exerts extreme physical stress on networking equipment. These stresses may involve exposure to moisture and humidity, dust or other airborne contaminants, corrosive chemicals, high or low temperatures, oil and grease splatter, strong vibrations, heavy impact, and poor power quality, among others.

Let's drill down into what a managed switch is and identify the key components that enable it to perform.

Put simply, an industrial switch connects devices within a common network and transmits Ethernet data frames to and from those devices. Ethernet switches enable users, devices and applications to communicate with each other and share resources. Unlike a router, an Ethernet switch only sends data to a specific destination client, such as another switch, an IP camera, or a PC. Once a device is connected to a network switch via an Ethernet cable, the industrial network switch records the device’s Media Access Control address (MAC) located on the Network Interface Card (NIC). The industrial Ethernet switch then uses the MAC address to pinpoint which location the device’s outgoing packets are being sent, and where to deliver incoming packets.

Antaira Industrial Switch

Industrial Ethernet switches can be either managed switches or unmanaged switches. Managed switches have more capabilities than unmanaged switches, and let administrators adjust each port to its own individual settings for better network management, configuration and monitoring. A managed switch will also provide more granular control over how data packets travel and who can access the data which is critical to optimal traffic management and security.

Industrial Components

Inside a managed switch housing are interconnected components working together. Poor component quality will lead to malfunctions, failures, and loss of productivity while the IT staff struggles to diagnose the problem. Choosing an industrial managed switch built with robust components — like those found in Antaira’s broad portfolio of managed switches. — makes it far less likely that it will fail in a critical application.

The primary components of an industrial managed switch are:

• Processor: The processor is the "brain" of the switch and is responsible for executing the instructions that control the switch's behavior and function. It is responsible for managing the switch's operations, such as forwarding packets and maintaining the switch's forwarding table.
• Memory: The switch's memory is used to store the operating system, configuration data, and other information that is needed by the switch to operate.
• Network interface controllers (NICs): The NICs are the physical connectors or ports that the switch uses to connect to the network. These ports can be Ethernet ports or other types of connectors or ports such as serial ports or USB ports.
• Switch fabric: The switch fabric is the part of the copper fiber on the switch that is responsible for forwarding data packets between the different ports on fiber on the switch.
• Management interface: The management interface is the part of the switch that allows administrators to configure and manage the switch remotely, using a web-based interface or specialized software.
• Power supply: The switch's power supply provides the electrical power needed to operate the switch. Industrial Ethernet switches are often specifically designed for to operate using a wide range of voltage levels and may have redundant power supply supplies to improve reliability.

Managed Switches Functionality

As the use of Ethernet devices has accelerated in industrial applications, requirements such as cybersecurity, segment isolation network redundancy, and packet priority control have made industrial unmanaged switches increasingly impractical solutions. Numerous features distinguish industrial managed switches from unmanaged models that ensure the industry the highest network availability.

• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS allows the switch to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as real-time data transmission or voice communications, over less critical traffic by applying a tag to data transmission as a higher priority packet. This helps to ensure that the network remains responsive and reliable. A fast, reliable network is key to keeping a business running smoothly and paving the way for growth.
• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs): VLANs allow the switch to segment the network into separate logical subnets, which can be useful for security or organizational purposes. Access is controlled by the switch to the various VLAN subnets. It also gives devices and switches that need to communicate to each other maximum bandwidth. VLANs are a logical way to separate networks through software instead of physically relocating devices, switches, or connections.
• Security features: Managed industrial Ethernet switches often include support for advanced security features such as access control lists (ACLs), virtual private network (VPN) support, and support for network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): Managed industrial switches use this internet standard protocol to monitor and manage connected network devices. It will detect and correct network problems while also collecting network statistics for administrators to analyze and can determine what action needs to be taken to make your network perform with greater resiliency and security.
• Remote management: Managed industrial switches can typically be configured and managed remotely using a web-based interface or specialized software solutions. This allows for more integration, easier deployment, and troubleshooting of the network for faster issue resolution.
• Advanced reporting and monitoring: Managed industrial switches often include network redundancy and advanced reporting and monitoring capabilities that allow administrators to track network performance, identify potential issues, and troubleshoot problems.

Disruptive technology in the form of Industry 4.0 first brought industrial switches onto plant floors several decades ago. The first-generation switches did not hold up well, failing often and requiring frequent maintenance. Since then, industrial-managed switches have only gotten stronger with hardened packaging featuring extended IP (ingress protection), temperature, shock, vibration, and surge ratings.

@AntairaTech @OConnell_PR #PAuto #Communications

PSU's offer superior performance and reliability.

High power density convection rated AC-DC power

SL Power Electronics (SLPE) has announced the launch of the NGB SERIES of high power density convection rated AC-DC power supplies.

Intended for applications including medical, industrial, audio broadcast and LED lighting the NGB series offers a wealth of application relevant features and is available in multiple formats and power levels including 250W, 425W, 660W and 1200W (with 150W & 800W being released soon), all with a single output from 12 – 56 Vdc.

Departing from the commonly used industry approach of optimising a design to require forced air cooling with fans, the SLPE NGB series offers customers increased reliability and eliminates acoustic noise. SL Power’s next-generation design focuses on optimising the convection rating performance and employs a scalable design strategy with highly customisable options including: enhanced digital monitoring and control, multi-output, cardiac float (cf), covers and fan covers.

Whether operating in a medical or industrial environment, the NGB series offers Class I and II inputs with the following attributes: high output stability across wide temperature range up to 50°C without derating, wide universal input voltage range from 80-264 Vac, high convection power rating (derated only at 90 Vac input voltages), lifetime extended by the use of >7year electrolytic capacitor life, Medical 4th Ed. and heavy industrial levels of EMC compliance meeting Class B emission levels with margins, approved to CSA/EN/IEC UL62368, IEC61326-1/UL60601-1, 3rd Edition and 3 Year Warranty.

Gary Baker, UK Country Manager for SL Power, comments, "By designing our new NGB series power supplies from the ground up we are able to meet the needs of today’s systems designers looking for high reliability and high output current stability over wide variations in operating temperature, which ensures the reliable performance of mission critical systems in medical, audio and Industry 4.0 applications."

@SLPowerSupplies @proactivefleet #PAuto #OEM