Chip shortage mitigated!

Impulse Embedded continues to be able supply their market leading VELA range of Rack PCs despite a global audio chip shortage.

The global IC shortage currently in effect is showing little sign of easing up. Countless factory workers furloughed due to COVID-19, US sanctions levied on China by the Trump administration, political unrest between Taiwan and China, a ship stuck in the Suez Canal, even a drought in mainland Taiwan — this has been a perfect storm of issues that could not have been designed more efficiently to disrupt the manufacturing and supply chain of chips and computing components across the globe.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world saw issues in the supply chain manifest in ways that could never have been expected — a shortage of plaster, hiking up prices per bag to crazy prices being just one of them — and the global IC shortage is rearing its head in similar ways in the world of both consumer and industrial computing components. The obvious go-to is the shortage of GPUs, with prices for graphics cards in Q2 skyrocketing due to the 'immovable object’ that is the IC shortage vs the ‘unstoppable force’ that is unparalleled demand through the rather controversial Bitcoin mining.

GPUs were perhaps always destined for this shortage, but one area now being seen are the unprecedented shortages in the world of audio. As innocuous as it may sound (no pun intended) the shortage of audio chips has caused damaging delays across the industrial and embedded computing supply chain globally. Difficult to anticipate, this issue has left some manufacturers with little to no supply option, but some major manufacturers such as Advantech have reacted quickly to the event and side-stepped this 'immovable object'. The moment news broke of this audio chip shortage Advantech worked on developing a non-audio version of their most popular motherboards to help mitigate the supply issues and help customers meet their IPC deadlines.

The Impulse VELA range of Industrial Rack PCs is powered by the latest market-leading Advantech components, and with up to 9th Gen. boards in stock and more on the way, the Impulse VELA Racks can cater for low to high end IPC projects needing immediate or short-term build and despatch. Even as lead times stretch and stock levels of the audio version diminish, due to the fast response of Advantech’s development team in bringing a non-audio version of their most popular motherboards to market, Impulse Embedded VELA Racks can continue to support industrial computing projects despite these ongoing global shortages.

And for customers with a requirement for audio, Impulse is able to install and configure audio expansion cards as part of the build process, meaning supply of Industrial Rack PCs can remain uninterrupted, despite this shortage.

@ImpulseEmbedded @AdvantechIA @proactivefleet #PAuto #TandM

Compact axial fan.

A compact axial fan that measures just 40mm by 28mm has been released by EAO Ltd.  It delivers ample airflow and static pressure necessary to cool the latest space-constrained 1U racks typically used today to accommodate high performance servers, switching power supplies and comms. equipment.

Developed by cooling specialist Sanyo Denki the new San Ace 40 12VDC axial fan delivers an airflow rate of up to 37.1 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a static pressure of 2.300 Pa and easily outperforms the counter-rotating fans designers usually choose to cool modern 1U rack applications.

According to Robert Davies, Marketing Manager with EAO Ltd, the new San Ace 40 axial fan is built with a newly developed impeller and frame construction that delivers higher static pressure, together with proprietary motor, magnet and circuitry innovations that need much less power to operate: “Space inside a 1U rack is becoming increasingly tight at engineers try to squeeze more equipment into the same space,” Davies said. “This results in a high-pressure, high- impedance system that needs a lot of cooling airflow”. The usual cooling approach for 1U rack applications is a counter-rotating fan, but these units are space hungry and can be noisy: “The new San Ace 40 axial fan is half the volume of a counter-rotating alternative, saving 28mm of depth”, continued Davies. “Further, with this fan designers only need to accommodate half the number of fan connectors and half the number of speed sensor inputs”.

The San Ace 40 (model number 9HVA0412P3J001) provides a pulse sensor as standard but sensor-less and lock sensor variants are available. An expected fan life of 53,000 hours at 40oC ensures maintenance-free long-term operation.

#PAuto #EAO 

Modular system for server and network racks.

A new and unique generation of IT racks – in the shape of Rittal’s VX IT – is being launched by the company. Conceived as a universal modular system, the VX IT has been designed for all common applications and its versatility makes it suitable for use as a network and server rack. The large selection ranges from 15 to 52 U in height. Users can deploy it to provide edge installations, corporate data centres with suite climate control, modular IT containers, energy-efficient colocation data centres and the largest hyperscale data centres.

“All the experience gained from numerous IT projects worldwide has gone into the development of the new IT rack. The VX IT stands for speed, flexibility and modularity. However, it also stands for the certainty that our customers will be ideally equipped for every future IT scenario,” explained Uwe Scharf, Managing Director of the IT and Industry Business Units at Rittal, who is also the Head of Marketing.

Faster, easier and more secure with digitalization: An online configurator guides the user step-by-step through the selection of components and it also performs a plausibility check: www.rittal.com/vx-it

With VX IT, Rittal exploits the full digitisation potential for the benefit of its customers. The entire process from selection, configuration, ordering and right through to delivery is digitally supported and transparent. During the configuration process, a 3D model is gradually built up, complete with accessories. Once finished, the 3D model is available for the client to use. The individually designed version of the IT rack is produced in a very high quality in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Optimised logistics mean it is delivered quickly and on time.

And what’s even more for the benefit of the customer: all the VX IT variants designed with the configurator have already been tested and certified with all their components in accordance with international standards such as UL 2416, IEC 60950 and IEC 62368. Consequently, the customer needs no additional certification for the fully configured system. This means maximum freedom and security when setting up new IT infrastructures. With this solution, IT managers can save valuable time in planning and procurement, while at the same time being assured that all the components work in perfect harmony.

Important for existing customers: The VX IT offers compatibility with existing Rittal RiMatrix systems and other IT infrastructures achieved with Rittal components. This way, it is possible to replace individual components in existing data centres, as well as to expand data centres as desired. For example, companies can expand existing RiMatrix installations with the new VX IT and also use the VX IT-specific components for cooling, UPS or monitoring purposes. This provides investment security for present Rittal data centres.

Rapid tool-free assembly: Anyone working in a data centre will want a cleverly designed and easy-to-use solution. Rittal has consistently followed this principle in developing the VX IT. The IT rack is installed largely without tools using time-saving “snap-in” technology. The height units and pitch patterns are marked, which makes it easier to set the 19-inch distance between levels. All the panels such as side or roof panels are attached quickly and easily using snap-in fasteners and positioning aids. The new vertically split side panels, available as optional accessories, provide users with improved access in order to accelerate installation work and service. The vertically divided side panels are fitted with simple hinges, which means that they can be opened like doors and yet are still easy to remove. Horizontally divided side panels are also available; these also simplify access, for example to servers.

Load capacity of as much as 1,800 kg: Another key feature of the VX IT is its great stability: Thanks to an improved 19” frame design, the IT rack has more vertical stability than its predecessors. The load capacity has been verified both by internal tests at Rittal and by external certification by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Two variants are available: The VX IT standard rack variant permits a static load of 1,500 kg in accordance with the Rittal test procedure, or 1,200 kg in accordance with UL certification. The VX IT dynamic version permits a load of 1,800 kg in accordance with Rittal test procedures, or 1,500 kg in accordance with UL certification.

Everything a rack needs: A wide range of accessories is available for the VX IT so that it can be individually configured. These include options for the doors and side panels as well as for the floor and roof, as well as such innovations as the new LED strip for status display. Further accessories include pull-outs and cable management tools, as well as solutions for monitoring, power supply and asset management in the IT rack. Components such as PDUs, UPS systems, IT cooling systems and monitoring solutions are also available for interior installation, as are modules for early fire detection and extinguishing.

#PAuto @Rittal @PresseBox

Laser rack systems.

TOPTICA Photonics has released quantum-technology-approved laser modules for industrial rack integration. The novel product family includes narrow-linewidth tunable diode lasers, amplified or frequency-converted diode lasers, frequency combs, and related accessories.

The T-RACK – their high quality, rugged 19” cabinet with modular power entry unit, professional cable and heat management – can house a multitude of different modules. All of these laser modules consist of a laser head with fiber-coupled optical output and are equipped with the renowned digital laser controller DLC pro. They are conveniently and reliably operated, easily remotely controlled and offer ultimate performance, previously only possible for operation in research-grade laboratories on optical tables.

Based on its extensive expertise in quantum technology, TOPTICA also offers complete rack laser systems: dedicated or customized solutions that work perfectly together from day one.

#PAuto #Laser @toptica @PresseBox

Reliability with long-term support.

PULS Power is committed to supporting its customers for as long as is possible with products designed into their systems. PULS has undertaken not to discontinue standard products while enough demand is present to make them viable for manufacture. This provides their customers with the reassurance that they will not be forced into costly changes to their system components and performance in regular short intervals and to have support for their equipment throughout the entire end system lifecycle.

PULS also makes the reliability of its products a very high priority. The data for MTBF and service lifetime is described in detail in the data sheets for every product and is specified precisely for many operating conditions. In addition, there is an in-house guideline at PULS defining that for every product in the DIMENSION range a minimum service life of 50,000h must be accomplished at full load, nominal mains voltage 120V/230V and an ambient temperature of +40°C. This requires an additional loop in the development process, but the user has the advantage that they can take any product from the range and rely on specified and uniform minimum values. When looking at the values for reliability customers will clearly see significant differences in comparison to other manufacturers power supplies.

“We provide outstanding support which is not typically found in our industry," Comments Marco van der Linden, Manager for PULS in Britain. “We are able to do this as PULS controls the whole chain from design engineering through sourcing, manufacturing, sales and support in-house. For example, we can still supply, in high volume manufacturing, our Silverline products which were introduced in the 1990s and we are supporting some customers with AP and DP products where the first units were sold in 1981. Our customers and their success are highly valued at PULS and long product availability is a key element in our strategy they can reply on.”

Typical applications for PULS DIN-Rail power supplies include, industrial and process control, building automation, panel-building, test and measurement, instrumentation and communications systems. Versions are available approved for railway systems and ruggedised for harsh environments.

@PULSPowerSupply #PAuto #PSU

Connectors in 1U, 19” rack.

Cliff Electronics is now offering system integrators 1U, 19” rack panels pre-assembled with up to 16 of their market–leading Feedthrough (FT) connectors to simplify system assembly, reduce manufacturing time, component count and cost.

The panels have 16 x 24mm holes to accept the XLR format Cliff FT connectors with options of threaded M3x0.50 or #4-40 UNC mounting bushes. A connector labelling strip is located on the front and a cable strain relief bar is fitted at the rear.

With applications including Broadcast and AV “patch panels” and MIL, Medical, Control and Instrumentation signal input/output panels etc. the 1U assemblies can be factory loaded with the specific connectors required by the system designer including BNC, single or dual USB or RJ45 with internal cable harnesses available as a special order.

John Hall, Managing Director of Cliff Electronics, comments; “Our FT connector range has been very successful and we are introducing new versions regularly. Customers are now asking us to provide pre-assembled panels to simplify their procurement and system building and we are very happy to respond. Our pre-loaded Feedthrough connector panels allow our customers to order a single assembly to meet their connectivity requirements instead of having to order large numbers of components, fabricating a rack panel and assembling it.”

The Cliff range of XLR Format Feedthrough connector range allows designers to integrate audio, video, digital, optical, networking and data feeds into professional equipment for broadcast, lighting, audio and industrial applications. Versions available include GJ45, HDMI, BNC and USB3.0 compliant single and dual USB versions in addition to the existing range which provides Analogue, Digital and Optical Feed-Through connectivity in formats including Firewire, HDMI A-A and 50 ohm BNC versions, USB2 A-to-B and B-to-A “gender change” sockets high speed USB Type – C, USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations - A-A, A-B and B-A. Also available are all popular data and Ethernet connectors including USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), Toslink, RCA Phono and HDMI and blanking plates.

Cliff FT connectors are available in plastic, black metal finished and silver anodized versions to assist systems integrators and panel builders with simplifying connectivity while enhancing panel aesthetics. Bezels are available in 7 colours to identify the function of FT connectors when fitted to a control panel.

#CliffElect #PAuto

RF shielding effectiveness measurement.

Wave Scientific now provides an RF shielding effectiveness measurement service which measures the performance of 19” racks, cabinets and other small enclosures

Shielded racks have been widely used in military facilities for many years and are also increasingly used for commercial purposes such as IT and Telecommunication infrastructure. They may be used both for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) purposes and also for protection from Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP).

Measurements of the shielding performance of racks and cabinets can be challenging as their small dimensions limits the size of antennas and other equipment that can be used inside the enclosure.

In order to optimise these measurements, Wave Scientific has designed a series of small broadband antennas specifically for performing shielding verification measurements of small enclosures. Using these antennas along with small signal generation and RF amplifiers allows measurements of high levels of shielding performance over a wide frequency range.

Wave Scientific offer measurements either at spot frequencies or with a swept frequency response and can cover frequencies up to 40 GHz. Measurements can include magnetic and electric field shielding effectiveness as well as plane wave and microwave field attenuation measurements.

The shielding effectiveness measurement of racks and cabinets complements Wave Scientific’s well-established shielding effectiveness measurement service for evaluating shielded rooms and large shielded facilities.

@WaveScientific #PAuto

Rack has over 100 configurations!

Rittal has expanded its modular TS IT rack to offer more than 100 configurations, providing customers with more options and greater flexibility for their IT enclosures. The enclosure portfolio comprises a wide range of dimensions that can be combined with a choice of interior components.

In addition to the original enclosure, which features state-of-the-art snap-in technology and a maximum load capacity of 1,500 kilograms, a compatible 19-inch mounting frame supporting a maximum load of 1,000 kilograms, is now available in a range of sizes. This version of the TS IT rack, is especially suitable for network components, enables greater flexibility in cabling and offers space for copper and fibre-optic cables, Ethernet and Fibre Channel.

A configurator, available on Rittal’s website, enables customers to choose exactly the right solution for their needs. The size, door and type of protection can be defined, together with any interior components.

Rittal also offers preconfigured enclosures allowing customers to build an enclosure that perfectly meets their needs. They are available via a dedicated order number and can be deployed almost immediately. The rack system comes with two 19-inch mounting levels, single-piece lockable side panels with a 3524 E security lock and brush strips for easy cable management. Glazed aluminium doors feature safety glass, a security lock and an ergonomic handle with a slot for a single cylinder lock

Rack system from Foremost offers high availability from a compact package #PAuto #Telecomms

Foremost Electronics is now stocking the Schroff 4U high 19” MicroTCA rack system which incorporates the thermal management and redundancy features required to ensure high system availability while keeping space requirements to a minimum.

Intended primarily for telecoms applications the new enclosure is designed to accommodate 12 single mid-size AdvancedMC modules, two single full-size MicroTCA carrier hubs and two single power modules up to 12HP in width for N+1 redundant operation.

The system conforms to the PICMG MTCA.0 R1.0 base specification and is equipped with a backplane which employs dual-star topology for interconnections between the slots allowing implementation of a fully redundant system.

Cooling redundancy is provided by two rear-mounted hot-swap fan modules, each fitted with two temperature controlled fan modules and an EMMC cooling unit manager. Airflow is from front to rear and the air inlet filter can be replaced from the front of the unit.

Housed in a 296mm deep EMC shielded steel case with 19” rack-mounting brackets, is finished in RAL9005 black powder coated-paint and is supplied with guide rails for vertical mounting of PCBs within the card cage.

Alan Cook, Managing Director of Foremost Electronics comments, “Adoption of the MicroTCA format in the telecoms and instrumentation markets is growing rapidly and this new compact and fully compliant rack-mounted enclosure offers system builders an ideal base from which to build a reliable end product.”

Typical applications for Schroff-Pentair Racks and Enclosures include IT, medical and industrial computer systems offering not only enclosures but also shielding and cooling for critical systems that support electronic environments.

Battery-powered system for remote circuit breaker racking

Remote Solutions has introduced the Safe-T-Rack® (STR®) SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System. This lightweight and portable system helps ensure compliance with evolving arc flash mitigation regulations and bring operation of low and medium voltage electrical circuit breakers, motor starters, loadbreak switches, vault switches, network switches and Load Tap Changers (LTCs) to a new level of safety.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognises hazards associated with arc flash incidents as defined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard. An arc flash is part of an arc fault, a type of electrical explosion that results from a low-impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. Experience has shown that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has limited effectiveness in safeguarding workers from arc flashes during operation and racking of switchgear equipment commonly used at power plants, electrical transmission & distribution facilities, mining operations, refineries and petrochemical plants, and other industrial and commercial sites.

Application of an effective remote racking system increases distance from the source of the arc fault to the operator and eliminates manual contact while breakers are being inserted or removed.

Safe-T-Rack® is a fully automated, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-tested tool that has redefined techniques for circuit breaker remote racking and control. The latest addition to the STR® line, the SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System, is a lightweight and portable solution employing a Mil-Spec design and robust self-diagnostic capabilities. The system offers best-in-class features such as: rechargeable 28V battery powered for international use, universal handheld controller and drive unit, quick-change tool coupling, smart drive bracket design, and an endlessly expandable data-bus design. The unit includes a standard 50-foot cable with optional extensions.

According to Remote Solutions President Bob Stevenson, the portable SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to "land-based" remote racking systems, which are prone to malfunction when racking an improperly positioned device. Alignment issues can result in physical damage to the circuit breaker, rendering it unserviceable.

"Our SR-U system is designed to increase operator distance from the breaker, allow racking in and out of a cubicle, minimise damage from mechanical racking failures, and integrate remote operation of breaker open/close functions, Users no longer have to worry about de-coupling or jamming the breaker into its cubicle, requiring that the bus be de-energised to safely remove and repair the equipment."

Remote Solutions specifically developed the Safe-T-Rack® product family to provide users of low and medium voltage circuit breakers, including GE vertical lift (MagneBlast) designs and a variety of horizontally racked breakers, a comprehensive alternative to arc flash protection garments. Safe-T-Rack® systems are engineered to easily integrate with original equipment switchgear and allow equipment operators to distance themselves from an arc flash incident. This patented technology revolutionises the way circuit breakers, motor starters, loadbreak switches, vault switches, network switches and LTCs are racked in/out of service and charged, closed and opened.

Partner for 19" racks and enclosures in Britain

Foremost Electronics has been appointed as a British Channel Partner for 19” racks, enclosures and accessories by Schroff Pentair Equipment Protection.

Formerly best known as Schroff in the European electronics market, Pentair offers a broad range of products for a diverse range of industries that safely and reliably protect electronic controls and systems from dust, dirt, oil, water, corrosion, heat and other contaminants. In addition to a wide range of standard products, leading edge technology and market expertise can be brought to bear to deliver modified enclosures that fit complex customer needs.

(L to R) Neo Ioannou, 4most sales, Andrew McLean Hall, Pentair Sales Manager, Bart Stezowski, Pentair sales, Dave Martin, M.D Pentair, Claire Smith, 4most sales, Alan Vincent, Sales Director 4most, Keith Reynolds, Pentair Recently retired Technical Manager, Haydn Wren, 4most Technical Sales & QA, Jake Pitcher, 4most sales

Alan Cook, Managing Director of Foremost Electronics comments, “With our long experience of supplying eMech products to the UK market the very wide range of cabinets and enclosures we can now offer from Pentair will complement our existing product ranges and simplify our customers purchasing needs.”

EMC protection

Need more protection from EMC than you first imagined?

Have you ever designed a piece of kit which let you down, by being susceptible to EMC, when you didn’t think it ought to be?

Well, Rittal tell us they have the answer with the Ripac Vario subrack for mounting multiple board electronic solutions in 19” (482.6mm) racks, as the range is easily upgraded from standard to EMC after it has been completed. This will provide over 40dB of shielding effectiveness at 1GHz, both for incoming and outgoing protection.

For a simple upgrade add top and bottom covers, a rear panel, and a few gaskets to ensure good electrical and mechanical contact between adjacent surfaces. These components are readily available from stock and Rittal have a 20 strong sales team who can assist customers with the selection.

Of course if you want to ensure full protection from the beginning, the Ripac Vario EMC subracks are also available on short lead times, along with EMC front and rear panels and a wide range of useful accessories.

Rack saves cash!

Data centre saves costs with server racks

Equinix from Frankfurt, a leading provider for colocation services, has equipped its data centres with Rittal TS 8 server racks for many years. Now the data centre specialist focuses on a further Rittal domain, equipping its data centres using Rittal’s power distribution technology Ri4Power.

For a reliable power supply and its installation Equinix previously had relied on switchgear specialists and received complete solutions for low-voltage main distribution. In order to save costs, the data centre supplier decided to equip the data centre with modular switchgear constructed by their own specialists using theirs power engineering software and their power distribution technology Ri4Power.

Rittal Ri4Power Form 2-4 provides easy planning, simple handling, perfect installation and a high-degree of modularity. Their TS 8 enclosures form the basis; their base dimensions and expandability guarantees all application possibilities. The internal space can be optimally adapted to the function-related switchgear installation.

The variable assignment of the form separation and the door height increments means that Ri4Power can optimally solve tasks. Each individual requirement can be solved perfectly: Fast and cost-effective through the standardised busbar systems, comprehensive system accessories and appropriate software tools.