Data logging for evaluation and test.

The SL2000 High-Speed Data Acquisition Unit, from Yokogawa Test & Measurement, is a ScopeCorder series product with a wide range of data logging functionalities for evaluation and test applications, including high-speed sampling and analysis. The SL2000 is a modular platform that combines the functions of a mixed signal oscilloscope and a data acquisition recorder, and is designed to capture fast signal transients and long-term trends. It is suitable for applications such as R&D, validation, and troubleshooting.

The SL2000 can be used separately or in combination with the DL950 ScopeCorder, depending on the application. No other product family on the market offers this level of flexibility in handling multi-channel measurements. With the ScopeCorder product family, Yokogawa provides a multifaceted, total solution for the high-precision mechatronics and electric power markets that is contributing to the advancement and development of new technologies and applications.

In the four years since the DL950 ScopeCorder was first brought to the market there have been many technical advances in the electric vehicle (EV), renewable energy, and other industrial fields. Today, there is an ever-greater requirement for the capability to simultaneously measure multiple parameters and for the systemization of mechatronic measurements in product development. For example, in the development of motors for industrial and EV systems, one essential test for checking and improving a product is the durability test. This test takes a long time to complete and requires a highly reliable measuring instrument and high sampling rates.

1．Enabling both high-speed sampling and multi-channel measurement.
The SL2000 performs long-duration multi-channel measurements while precisely analyzing even the most detailed aspects of waveforms. With its dual capture function, the SL2000 can perform measurements over long periods of time at speeds of up to 200 MS/s. And in situations where post-processing is required on a PC following measurement, the main unit can continue to perform measurements and has a function that allows calculations to be performed in real time. This shrinks takt time – the calculated pace at which completed units must come off the production line.
By using the integrated measurement software IS8000, it is easier to perform the long-term measurements required for durability testing, helping to improve the efficiency of product design and evaluation work. In addition, isolation measurement technology ensures the noise resistance required for durability testing in harsh environments.

2．Supporting simultaneous measurement of a wide variety of devices.
The SL2000 has eight available slots (with up to 32 channels), for which over 20 types of input modules are available to enable measurements of electrical signals, mechanical performance parameters indicated by sensors, and decoded vehicle serial bus signals. To increase the number of measurement channels, up to five SL2000 and DL950 units can be synchronized.

Applications
• Durability and reliability testing of components and vehicles that requires high sampling rates and multi-channel simultaneous measurement of analog signals and in-vehicle bus signals such as CAN and CAN FD.
• Simultaneous measurement and evaluation of temperature, vibration, and other mechanical signals that change relatively slowly as well as mechatronic and other such high-speed control signals.
• Electrical analysis and control signal evaluation.

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High-voltage, wide-bandwidth differential probe.

New probe supports the development of next-generation power electronics for automobiles and other applications.

The Yokogawa PBDH0400 series differential probe with a maximum input voltage of 2000 V and a frequency bandwidth of 400 MHz has just neen released. PBDH0400 series differential probes are able to deliver the measurements required for developing the next generation of higher speed power devices that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

With growing emphasis on measures that will help to achieve decarbonization across all areas of society, there is a need to increase the energy efficiency of motors and inverters used in the transportation and renewable energy sectors.

This requirement is particularly acute in the power electronics industry, where the increase in applications for - and production of - next-generation power devices utilizing silicon-carbide (SiC) technology necessitates the ultra-precise measurement of high-voltage and higher speed signals.

This task requires performing measurements from an ungrounded (floating) potential, necessitating the use of differential probes rather than standard probes. Yokogawa Test & Measurement therefore set about developing wide-bandwidth differential probes capable of measuring high-voltage and high-speed signals. The new probes contribute to a more sustainable society through improved energy efficiency.

Main Features.
Initially, two models of the PBDH0400 series will be available: the 702922 model with a maximum input voltage of 2000 V, and the 702921 with a maximum input voltage of 1000 V.

1. High-voltage and wide-bandwidth measurement.
To perform the accurate waveform observation of faster-changing signals prevalent in electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy applications, PBDH0400 series differential probes measure voltages over 1000 V and offer a wide frequency range from DC to 400 MHz. This capability is particularly beneficial for developers of next-generation inverters, enabling the accurate observation of tiny changes in high-speed switching signals. In addition, excellent noise resistance allows the detection of events that can cause unexpected anomalies, including waveform overshoot and ringing.

2. Automatic power supply and attenuation setting.
The PBDH0400 series features the Yokogawa probe interface, saving both cost and installation space by eliminating the need for an external power supply when connected to a Yokogawa oscilloscope. Furthermore, the probe attenuation ratio is automatically set through the interface so that measurement can start immediately after connection to the instrument. Combining the PBDH0400 with Yokogawa’s 12-bit DLM5000HD or DLM3000HD oscilloscopes enables more accurate waveform measurements.

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@Yokogawa, @Yokogawa_EU, @Yokogawa_Europe @NapierPR #Automotive #TandM

Mechatronic solution to thermal errors.

The most frequent approach to reducing thermal errors is to regulate the environment in which the machine operates. This mitigates the need to design a thermally insensitive machine, which is a difficult and costly endeavor.

Although successful at minimizing thermal effects, environmental regulation can also be expensive when maintaining precise building temperature control, and always adds to production quality risks due to the inherently unreliable stability of most air-conditioning systems. The level of environmental stability achieved in most industrial facilities (normally on the order of 1°C) can be wholly inadequate for many high-precision manufacturing processes.

Aerotech’s new product feature, ThermoComp™, is a complete mechatronic solution to thermal errors. Through the employment of integrated hardware and sensors, and a proprietary compensation algorithm implemented via Aerotech’s A3200 controller software, ThermoComp minimizes stage inaccuracy due to thermal effects even over extreme temperature ranges. Up to 90% of the thermal-related errors can be eliminated, regardless of stage travel and range of temperature change.

Additionally, internal self-heating is another major source of thermal-related positioning errors, particularly in stages without direct feedback devices such as ball-screw-driven stages. ThermoComp not only prevents environmental changes from affecting positioning performance, but also diminishes the errors caused through internal heating, eliminating up to 90% of the thermal-related errors caused by the self-heating of a ball-screw-driven stage.

ThermoComp is currently available on all Aerotech PRO Series stages and operates through an intuitive and easy-to-use integrated command set within the Aerotech A3200 controller software.

 @aerotechmotion #PAuto

Acquisition of test & simulation enterprise

Siemens is expanding its portfolio of industry software by acquiring LMS International NV (Leuven, B), a leading provider of test and mechatronic simulation for complex products.

"The mechatronic simulation will become more and more important for intelligent and competitive product development and production processes. With the acquisition of LMS, we are entering a leading position in this software segment as well and can significantly boost the pace and power of our clients' innovation," said Siegfried Russwurm, member of the Siemens AG Managing Board and CEO of the Industry Sector. The purchase price for LMS amounts to approximately 680 million euro. The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities.

With more than 1,200 employees and revenues of around 140 million euro for the first nine months of 2012 (January 1 to September 30), LMS is a global partner to some 5,000 companies in the automotive, aerospace, and other industries. The privately held company is supporting all of the Fortune 500 automotive and aerospace manufacturers and their tier-one-suppliers with a combination of mechatronic simulation software, testing systems and engineering services. LMS offers a complete software platform to model, simulate and test vehicles, aircraft, and other complex products optimizing their acoustics, vibrations, oscillations, fatigue strength, and dynamics.

The business activities of LMS are to be integrated into the product lifecycle management (PLM) software portfolio within the Siemens Industry Automation Division. "With the acquisition of LMS, we are expanding our portfolio of industry software in an area that is critical for many customers. They will now be able to simulate, test, optimise, and produce their products in a unified, consistent data environment. This will make them faster, more efficient, more flexible and more cost-effective," explains Anton S. Huber, CEO of the Industry Automation Division.

"This acquisition is the best possible strategic option to maximize our future growth and continue the long-term success for LMS in a consolidating industry," said Urbain Vandeurzen, Chairman and CEO of LMS. "Since LMS' foundation in 1980, we have reported over 30 years of continued profit and revenue growth. Our customers can continue to count on our portfolio of solutions and now also on a strong partner that offers complementary technical software, deep industry expertise and long-term stability."

PLM software, part of the Siemens industry software portfolio, is used by over 70,000 companies worldwide in automotive production, electronics manufacturing, aerospace, mechanical engineering, and other industries. Since its acquisition of UGS Corp. in 2007, Siemens has been the only provider worldwide covering the entire value-added process for product development and production with its software products. Siemens' acquisitions since the end of 2011 include Active Tecnologia em Sistemas de Automação Ltda. (pharmaceutical and biotech production), Vistagy Inc. (construction of composites), IBS AG (quality and production management), Innotec do Brasil Ltda. (integrated system management), Perfect Costing Solutions GmbH (cost management), VRcontext International S.A. (3D system visualization) and Kineo CAM (computer-aided motion software).

New president of the French Mecatronics Association (ARTEMA)

We all know that the French have elected a new president in their country but the French Mecatronics community also has a new president in Bruno Grandjean of REDEX.

ARTEMA represents some 120 companies, employing a total of nearly 30,000 people in France and generates an industrial activity of €5billion. With a strong Mechatronics orientation in common, these companies represent 80% of the country's production.

With a consolidated turnover of €50m and 7 subsidiaries across the world, 300 employees worldwide and an export rate of 90%, REDEX is a European leader in Mechatronics providing critical components for ultra-high precision machines around the world. Planes, cars or boat manufacturing as well as wind mills or power plants are manufactured on the most modern machines equipped with.

REDEX Drives, justifying the company’s motto: "Great Achievements start with us". REDEX products are 100% built in Europe and demonstrate the strength of European Engineering.

Bruno Grandjean, 47 years old, has joined REDEX in 1995 after a working in the aerospace industry. He holds a degree in Engineering and a Master of Science from Stanford University.

Northern Ireland duo progress in mechatronics

Festo is supplying all the equipment for the Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics competitions.

Mechatronics duo Chris Downey (left) and Mark Maginty from Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland have set their sights on selection for Team UK to go forward and compete in the 41st WorldSkills Competition in London later this year. They have already been selected as members of Squad UK which consists of young people, aged 18 to 24, who are currently in training for a place in the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills 2011. Festo, as founding global partner of WorldSkills and official sponsor of the Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics competitions, is supplying the equipment, as well as assisting in the competition organisation for both these skills categories.

Chris and Mark had their first taste of international competition at Euroskills in Lisbon (P) in December 2010 and since then they have been undergoing specialist training and performance coaching in preparation for the UK team selection in June. Training Manager and Senior Engineering Lecturer at NRC, David Russell said, “Both students have shown considerable enthusiasm and commitment to this competition and have continued to enhance and develop the skills necessary to perform on a world stage. If successful at the team selection stage, both Chris and Mark will undergo further training with Festo in Stuttgart, Germany in late June and a specialist training camp in Estonia, as final preparation for the competition. The support offered by UKSkills and Festo GB have allowed for the acquisition of specialist mechatronics training stations and equipment which should further enhance the training experience.”
To further develop their competition experience, they are currently attending competitions in Ireland, the Netherlands and Finland. NRC is delighted with their success to date and wish them both every success as they move forward in the competition.

The Mechatronics competition reflects reality on the shop floor – people working under pressure to design, implement solutions, maintain and constantly improve production and fix machines quickly when faults occur. Competitors enter as teams of two, reflecting the philosophy that only people working in a team – constantly learning from each other – can master the challenges of manufacturing excellence.

Promoting apprenticeships and generating enthusiasm for technology is important to Festo. “Education, innovation and technology are the key factors for further expanding our technological peak performance. Festo supports top performance in the areas of training and international educational standards by means of national and international projects such as WorldSkills Mechatronics”, explains Dr. Eberhard Veit, chairman of the Management board at Festo AG, “and we are very much looking forward to the WordSkills 2011 London events.”

Chris Downey and Mark Maginty are both in their second year of the BTEC HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering programme at the Farm Lodge Campus in Ballymena. Chris, who is employed by Michelin, is funded by UKSkills to allow him to attend further training to compete at the level required for this prestigious competition. Mark works for Russell Electrical Contractors and is also funded by UKSkills to support his progress in this competition.