One hundred times faster than standard.

Photon Design has published a white paper comparing the processing speed and accuracy of the company’s EigenMode Expansion (EME) simulation tools, with the more commonly used, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) alternative. The white paper uses actual design examples to objectively benchmark both computational methods. 

It concludes that Photon Design’s EME results were equally rigorous as those of leading FDTD vendors, but simulations were completed in around 15 seconds, on a workstation PC, whereas FDTD simulations took many hours. Even with expensive, state-of-the-art cloud GPU, the FDTD simulation took 20 minutes for a 12um radius ring resonator, whereas Photon Design’s EME took just 11s for an even more demanding, 30um ring resonator example.

Dominic Gallagher, CEO of Photon Design, said: “FDTD is the most prevalent computational method used by photonic simulation CAD vendors, but it’s slow to process. The misconception within the industry that FDTD’s longer runtime leads to higher rigour, is clearly dispelled in our white paper. EME and FDTD deliver similar simulation results across a range of devices, however, EME achieves these results significantly faster.

“Processing speed is as important as simulation accuracy, when designing photonic devices. To achieve optimal results, engineers often run more than a hundred separate simulations during the photonic design process, whilst fine tuning a design. EME runtimes make this workflow practical, whereas one hundred FDTD simulations would take many days. To meet time restraints and project deadlines, engineers are often forced to produce a design with fewer iterations with FDTD, compromising the quality of the results.”

Processing speed and accuracy are both key when selecting photonics simulation software, which Photon Design’s EME-based tools provide.

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@photond  #Design #Simulation #PAuto #OptimumPDM

Multi-junction VCSEL simulation.

Photon Design has enabled pioneering, multi-junction Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) simulation, within its HAROLD simulation tool. Multi-junction VCSELs deliver higher optical power than traditional VCSELs, while retaining their compact, efficient, manufacturable and reliable design. Instead of one gain junction, a multi-junction VCSEL has several junctions stacked vertically within its epitaxy.

Efficiency comes from using the same current across the multiple gain junctions. This enables either a higher optical power for the same current, or a longer lifetime and reliability from delivering single-junction power levels with less current and therefore generating less heat. The high power and efficiency of multi-junction VCSELs is contributing to their rapid uptake in many markets, including high-speed datacoms, machine vision, longer-range automotive LiDAR and consumer 3D sensing applications such as facial recognition.

Dr Dominic Gallagher, CEO of Photon Design, said: “Photon Design’s HAROLD simulation tool supports the demanding design requirements of multi-junction VCSELs, providing 3D optical, electrical and thermal simulations. HAROLD shows engineers how additional junctions can raise output power, before efficiency then declines as a result of losses in what is now a larger epitaxy structure. HAROLD provides designers with band diagrams using 3D drift-diffusion modelling of the energy-band structure; thermal analysis of current-induced temperature gradients and their effect on gain; and rigorous output-power predictions from combining the 3D optical profile of the DBR gratings with simulated gain spectra.”

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@photond  #Design #Simulation #PAuto

Simulator-based training for nuclear sector.

Policies in both the US and Canada aim to enable the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology as part of a diversified energy mix.

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SimGenics, an advanced plant simulator company, to support the development and provision of engineering, training and distributed control system (DCS) simulators for the nuclear energy industry, primarily in North America. The collaboration comes at an important time, with both US and Canadian governments implementing policy frameworks to stimulate the deployment of nuclear energy to generate electricity.

Drawing on their collective expertise, the MoU will allow ABB and SimGenics to explore how they can support the greenfield power generation industry predominantly. This will include complete plant process model and simulation across conventional large nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) facilities. As well as being installed at offsite R&D centers for testing and validation purposes during the design stage, the simulators can also be used onsite at operational nuclear power plants as engineering and training systems.

Nuclear power generation is expected to play a key role in US domestic policy, with the country’s Department of Energy looking to secure a reliable and affordable energy supply by enabling the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology. In Canada the federal government views nuclear power as an important component of a diversified energy mix, having created the Canada SMR Action Plan to drive development, demonstration and deployment of SMRs.

“Against the backdrop of growing energy demand, nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon solution as part of the future energy mix,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Partnerships are instrumental for advancing modern, advanced nuclear technologies, and comprehensive simulation and training capabilities will be crucial to enable capacity growth in nuclear power as part of the future energy ecosystem.”

As part of the MoU and in order to optimize productivity, safety and operational efficiency, ABB will be able to supply automation, electrification and digitalization solutions to non-critical areas of nuclear facilities, as well as long-term service support through ABB Care to end users and reactor technology providers. SimGenics will be able to provide critical solutions, including engineering, training and DCS check-out simulators – to develop dynamic process models that mimic the behavior of various types of nuclear power plants. The ABB Ability™ System 800xA Simulator can then integrate these process models within control system infrastructures, to create a realistic simulator.

“Simulators have a crucial role to play in advancing nuclear energy,” said Francois Laubscher, Chief Operating Officer of SimGenics. “We look forward to collaborating with ABB to harness its automation, electrification and digital expertise to support the safe and productive operations that are required within the nuclear and power generation industries.”

Engineering and training simulators serve as virtual environments where solutions can be tested and refined in safe and developmental scenarios, enabling the nuclear energy workforce to develop operational skillsets using collaborative technology. Simulators can help reduce risk, prevent equipment failure and unplanned plant shutdowns and identify potential operational issues early*.

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* Development, Use and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for the Training and Authorization of Personnel (IAEA TECDOC pdf)

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @NRCan @ENERGY #PAuto #Energy #NorthAmerica

Laser simulator.

Photon Design has announced that its quantum dot module for its HAROLD laser simulation tool, is now available as a release candidate for customer evaluation. The HAROLD module enables engineers to model a quantum dot (QD) laser's epitaxy structure, including dot size and distribution. Its eight-band K.P-based modeller predicts laser gain and absorption spectra, reliably matching the results of beta sample, quantum dot lasers in recent field tests.

Dr. Dominic Gallagher, CEO of Photon Design, said, “The HAROLD quantum dot simulator is at the forefront of quantum dot laser design. QD lasers operate reliably at higher temperatures than existing lasers, with superior modulation and data transmission performance, and heat and power savings. They also bring practical, silicon-based manufacturing benefits. Quantum dot lasers are expected to play a critical role in many, next-generation, laser applications, including supporting the move to optical architectures within data centres, AI, and HPC.

“The HAROLD quantum dot laser simulator is a release candidate which we are inviting customers to test and evaluate. It is a development of Photon Design’s long-established and well-respected, HAROLD, a mature simulation platform with an established library of material systems available to designers. When released, the HAROLD quantum dot module will have seamless integration into Photon Design’s PICWAVE simulator, giving engineers a full, three-dimensional, time evolving, quantum dot laser model.”

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@photond #Design #Laser

Lifecycle change management.

Software capabilities drive increased collaboration across the enterprise for better business outcomes.

Version 6.LTS of Emerson's DeltaV™ Mimic dynamic simulation software has been launched. The software has been enhanced to support performance and collaboration across the enterprise, helping eliminate silos of data that limit visibility into operator performance and providing tools to create digital twin simulations that deliver continuous value far beyond project execution.

Capital project teams have long known simulation software provides fast return on investment during project execution. Investment in simulation often pays for itself well before project completion as a tool for engineering design, automation testing and operator training. However, forward-thinking teams are further increasing ROI across the lifecycle of their simulation technologies by continuously maintaining them after project execution as collaborative, change management workflow solutions.

In the new DeltaV Mimic Version 6.LTS, a new focus on enterprise connectivity, parallel long-term support (LTS) lifecycle strategy for the DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS) and DeltaV Mimic, streamlined model tuning and support for virtual controllers and larger simulations will help companies more easily accomplish their goal of implementing these holistic simulation solutions.

“A digital twin simulation is no longer just a discrete asset to deliver project success, but rather a comprehensive tool for continuous collaboration between process and automation engineering, plant management, training management, operations and maintenance, and more,” said Dustin Beebe, vice president of performance services for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “DeltaV Mimic Version 6.LTS is designed to streamline that evolution, incorporating Emerson’s Boundless AutomationSM vision for seamless data mobility to break down the silos of disconnected simulation systems at the plant level and bring the data to the enterprise where it can be used by cross-functional teams for continuous improvement.”

New enterprise capability in DeltaV Mimic Train helps eliminate data silos by bringing training data out of the plant and up to the enterprise where organisations can use it in standard learning systems. Armed with comprehensive data, companies will improve record keeping, ensuring training requirements meet the organisation’s standards. Enterprise teams will also be able to combine operational data with training history to explore how differences in training may be contributing to performance disparities.

It will also improve scalability. Options for subscription licensing via Emerson’s Guardian™ digital experience will make it easier for organisations to distribute and optimise licensing across enterprise architectures. In addition, Emerson has added support for DeltaV DCS virtual controllers while also increasing node support by a factor of nearly 10 to empower users to build larger simulations in a single instance of the software and make it far easier to scale up as operations grow.

The DeltaV Mimic flow tuner has been converted to a user-facing tool to provide users a way to tune models to their own unique process variables, such as flow and temperature. Armed with the capability to fully tune models in-house, teams will reduce the amount of time it takes to bring models into alignment with actual process performance in the plant.

All new DeltaV Mimic functionality comes as part of a transition to an LTS software strategy, more closely aligning the DeltaV DCS and Mimic software to ensure that changes made to either platform are reflected in both, helping users more easily update and maintain their DeltaV solutions as part of a broader enterprise operations platform.

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@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Major advancement to Cobot simulation.

Delta has announced a major advancement in robotics simulation. Its flagship product, the D-Bot Series Collaborative Robots (cobots), now integrates with NVIDIA Omniverse — a platform of application programming interfaces (APIs), software development kits, and services that enable developers to harness Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) for physical AI — and NVIDIA Isaac Sim, a reference simulation platform built on Omniverse for designing and testing robots. This integration empowers developers to achieve real-time, high-fidelity, physically accurate simulations that dramatically enhance the development, testing, and deployment of advanced robotic solutions.

"Integrating with NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac Sim represents a transformative step forward for the Delta D-Bot (cobots) and our whole robotics portfolio," said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director, Industrial Automation Business Group at Delta Electronics EMEA Region. "By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, our customers can now experience exceptional simulation accuracy and collaborative capabilities, allowing them to bring sophisticated robotic solutions to market faster and with more confidence."

The integration enables Delta D-Bot users in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare to simulate real-world conditions with unprecedented precision. By minimizing the need for physical prototypes and reducing development costs, companies can shorten their time-to-market, improve product reliability, and accelerate innovation cycles. The photorealistic rendering and AI-powered physics provided by NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac Sim let developers run highly complex simulations before real-world deployment, reducing risks and improving overall performance.

With Omniverse's interoperability features and Isaac Sim's advanced robot simulation tools, Delta D-Bot users can accelerate their development workflows, validate robot software stacks and their associated behaviors in a virtual environment, and realize complex projects faster.

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@DeltaEMEA @nvidia @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Robotics

Digitalised production simulated.

Digitalised production processes can be simulated in detail on a small scale with fischertechnik’s revolutionary Agile Production Simulation, for instance with a driverless transport system and quality control using artificial intelligence (AI). The compact simulation model provides a unique opportunity to learn about and simulate future technologies using a hands-on approach.

The factory of the future has been the subject of many research projects in science and the industry. Future-oriented companies are relying on automation, modularity, artificial intelligence and agility to remain competitive. In order to advance these topics in the industry and research, students, apprentices and members of staff require the corresponding skills and awareness to handle complex issues. This is where the Agile Production Simulation learning concept comes in. It simulates processes such as quality control using artificial intelligence or driverless transport systems on a small scale, recreating automated processes from incoming goods to modular production and quality control. The accompanying educational material translates the hands-on simulated processes into future skills for learners. The model’s digital twin significantly enhances the learning experience.

The Quality Control with AI module from fischertechnik’s Agile Production Simulation facility makes the complex topic of machine learning tangible while demonstrating its uses in a production environment. The model will soon be available for anyone who wants to get to grips with the factory of the future.

Agile Production Simulation is a factory consisting of flexible and combinable modules. Starting at the incoming raw goods, the material flow passes through an automated high-bay warehouse, various production stations such as a milling or drilling station and AI quality control to the outgoing goods. A driverless transport system (DTS) with omniwheels transports workpieces between the individual stations, ensuring an agile production process tailored to customer needs. The DTS can be charged at a charging point without changing batteries, if required.

Each workpiece contains an NFC tag where the production data is recorded for digital traceability. The factory produces workpieces in different colours with various processing features. Agile production enables product-specific manufacturing steps within a lean process without the need for set-up time.

Agile Production Simulation is controlled by a central control system (Raspberry Pi 4 Model B) connected to the controllers of the individual factory modules, SPS Siemens S7 1200. Various communication protocols, such as the MQTT protocol (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), allow the modules to connect and work together.

Cloud-based real-time monitoring provides dashboards to control processes and visualise the factory status. It can also determine KPIs such as cycle times and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). An online store simulates the customer’s workpiece order process. A moveable camera can be controlled via the dashboard to simulate the principle of remote maintenance.

The Quality Control with AI module makes the complex topic of machine learning tangible while demonstrating its uses in a production environment. Based on the concept of supervised learning, the machine learning modules are implemented with the AI tool Tensorflow.

Agile Production Simulation was developed in cooperation with experts from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the software company OMM Solutions GmbH and the University of Stuttgart. The model will soon be available for anyone who wants to get to grips with the factory of the future.

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@fischertechnik #PAuto #Design #Manufacturing

Robotics in the cloud ...

Robotics programming software expands into the cloud with powerful new functionalities.

ABB has enhanced its industry-leading RobotStudio® robot programming and simulation software with cloud-enabled functionality. The new RobotStudio Cloud enables individuals and teams to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs from anywhere in the world, on any device. New features such as automatic version control increase transparency and productivity across teams. The software’s simplified interfaces and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.

“At ABB Robotics, we continue to develop innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses overcome challenges, respond to changing customer needs and thrive in an age of increasing digitalization,” said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics division.

“New web-based tools like RobotStudio Cloud bring a new level of agility and flexibility to manufacturers in how they plan and design their robotic automation solutions. Offering a simplified user experience, RobotStudio Cloud helps to increase collaboration and reduce complexity, enabling both novices and experts to push the boundaries of robotics programming.”

Already the world’s leading robotic programming software, the new and enhanced cloud based RobotStudio software can help companies program robots more collaboratively while cutting the time, cost and disruption associated with physical testing and commissioning. Now system integrators and engineering teams can collaborate in real-time to design, develop and enhance robotic automation solutions.

New features in RobotStudio Cloud include version control, which allows users to keep track of changes and have full transparency of any amendments. With complete knowledge of who edited the program and when, developers can cut the time needed to resolve errors and performance issues.

Incorporating RobotStudio’s cloud-based virtual controllers, developers have a rapid and powerful robot simulation tool to tune and test programs. By producing an exact digital twin, the virtual controllers give developers complete confidence that – once installed in the real world – the robot will move as precisely as in the simulation. This allows for the fine-tuning and optimization that can help minimize waste or problems when production begins.

The software’s simplified interface makes it easier than ever to produce and change programs, enabling users with little engineering expertise to program robot applications rapidly and with minimum effort. Meanwhile, enterprise-grade protection ensures high security and productivity.

This is the latest chapter in the ongoing development of ABB’s RobotStudio software, which already offers over 500 integrated productivity-enhancing functions.

@ABBRobotics @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation #Robotics #PAuto

Base station simulators.

German Federal Network Agency adopts Anritsu's base station simulators for 5G/4G/ IoT technologies and Bluetooth®/WLAN Testers

Anritsu Corporation has announced that Bundesnetzagentur (German Federal Network Agency - Bnetza) has adopted Anritsu's Base Station Simulators for 5G/4G/IoT technologies as well as Bluetooth®/WLAN testers for EMC tests.

Product Outline

MT8000A - The Radio Communication Test Station
This is an all-in-one 5G test platform supporting RF parametric and protocol tests, functional, and application tests, validation of beam characteristics, and more. It supports Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) mode base-station emulation functions for the development of 4G/5G chipsets and devices supporting both FR1 and FR2. The MT8000A is used widely for conducted and OTA tests to evaluate the performance of 4G/5G devices.

MT8821C - The Radio Communication Analyzer
This is a scalable LTE network simulator for RF parametric tests and verifying 2G/3G/4G smartphones, tablets, M2M modules, and IoT devices. It supports the latest 3GPP technologies, including VoLTE, Gigabit LTE, and Cellular IoT applications.

MT8862A - The Wireless Connectivity Test Set (WLAN Tester)
This measures the RF TRx characteristics of WLAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax devices (2.4, 5, and 6-GHz bands). The Network mode with built-in WLAN signalling messages measures the TRx performance of connected devices, while the Direct mode supports a flexible protocol-free test environment.

As a government regulatory agency, the Bnetza is responsible for testing electronic devices for unwanted emissions, as well as undertaking customer protection duties.

The TKG (German Telecommunication Law) sets limits on unwanted emissions. To keep these emissions in check, Bnetza conducts random tests of consumer electronics, investigating electromagnetic radiation which could harm the human body or interfere with the given standards or other electronic devices.

This testing is a huge undertaking for Bnetza, which needs to check W-LAN routers, Bluetooth equipment and mobile phones of any brand, testing new technology like 5G alongside legacy technologies.

Anritsu’s MT8000A, MT8821C, MT8862A, and MT8852B base station simulators as well as its Bluetooth/WLAN tester for 5G/4G/IoT/Bluetooth/WLAN wireless devices are contributing to Bnetza ’s telecommunications regulatory work. The Agency combines these Anritsu test solutions with an Over the Air (OTA) chamber and other EMC testers to perform EMC tests based on both ETSI’s and in-house regulatory test standards.

@AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @bnetza #TandM #Communications #Germany

Network fosters integration in PLM, ERP and PLC as well as simulations.

At the turn of the year, Eplan started its Partner Network (EPN). It provides a framework for existing and new partnerships to jointly develop and market interfaces. The EPN partnership is based on common binding goals for enhancing and supporting interfaces. This commitment both increases customer benefits and enhances quality.

Sebastian Seitz

Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz (right) explained: “Aside from using Eplan software, our customers also use a variety of other software applications from various manufacturers in the ERP, PLM, PLC and simulation environments to name just a few. The effective interaction of these various applications is especially important to them. As part of the EPN, we will therefore be focusing on joint development of integrations as well as quality assurance and support.”

Marco Litto

Asked about the motivation to found the new EPLAN Partner Network, the company’s Senior Vice President Strategy & Corporate Program Marco Litto replied: “The professionalisation of our network systematically increases the benefits for end users.” The goals are ambitious: “The connectors between our systems should be planned, developed, tested, supported and marketed with at least the same rigour and soundness that we are accustomed to with our own solutions. Together with our EPN partners, it will allow us to achieve a completely new level of customer focus.” Open interfaces and modern integrations will create a wide range of opportunities that users of the various software solutions will benefit from, not to mention the partner companies themselves.

Global key players of automation including Bosch Rexroth, B&R, Endress+Hauser, Festo, ifm electronic, Mitsubishi Electric, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Rittal and Rockwell Automation are already taking part in the initiative. Software partners – for example configit, Contact Software, encoway, Gain, ISD, ISG, keytech, machineering, Procad, Quanos and SAE – are also participating in the new network. Both German and international companies are being approached to participate too, and Eplan is currently in talks with many of them. For instance, UDMTEK in Korea was the first Asian company to seal the membership deal – others are certain to follow.

Rockwell Automation/USA Vice President Global Business Development Tom O’Reilly said: "A digital thread of data within and across organizations is one of the key requirements to bringing the Connected Enter-prise to life. Together with Eplan, we support companies through their digital transformation by enabling data consistency, improving efficiency of engineering processes and shortening time-to-market."

Also Bosch Rexroth got involved right at the network’s start. The company’s Vice President of Sales Steffen Winkler explained, “Configuration of automation solutions and the dynamic provision of exact device data are essential with regards to Industry 4.0. The Bosch Rexroth ctrlX Configurator enables easy configuration of com-plete ctrlX AUTOMATION solutions. By directly integrat-ing our configurator into the Eplan Platform, users will receive all device data of the configured system topology including detailed product lists and CAD data at the touch of a button. This integration ensures full data consistency and reuse of product data throughout the entire digital design phase.”

In Korea, UDMTEK CEO Gi Nam Wang also has good reasons for joining: “We have decided to partner with Eplan through EPN to leverage our industry-leading offerings and combine them with Eplan’s best-in- class engineering platform. We are excited to partner with a world-class company as we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation."

Eplan is making it easy for users and companies alike. A partner area on the website provides particulars for companies involved in the Eplan Partner Network, information about integrations, contact persons and current news. 

In the era of the digital transformation, when cloud solutions are playing an increasingly crucial role, it’s becoming more and more important for providers to coordinate integrations across companies. As Seitz says, “With the EPN, we’re maximising the overall benefits of our own solutions and those of our partners in the ecosystem of industrial automation for shared customers. Together we’re creating a win-win situation for both customers and partners.”

@EPLAN_global #PAuto

Development and tuning of plant digital twins.

Enhancements to Mimic™ Simulation Software make it possible to simulate new process reactions and enhance safety checks for plant personnel training

A new release of Emerson’s Mimic™ Simulation Software makes it easier for plants to develop a more accurate digital twin. New modelling capabilities, usability enhancements and tuning options will help engineers more easily create, modify and integrate dynamic simulations for process improvements across the plant lifecycle.

The development of digital simulations of large projects can quickly get complex. Having to manually navigate through individual streams to tune factors such as temperature, pressure and flow on each process element of a simulated plant asset makes changing models time-consuming. Moreover, changing the format in which this data is collected used to mean taking the simulated process offline. New online stream-flow views in the latest release of Mimic significantly speed engineering changes. Users can quickly see all process elements in a single table with changeable parameters, making it possible to view and tune entire processes from front to back – all while keeping the simulated processes online.

The company has upgraded Mimic Advanced Modelling Objects with new blocks and objects to improve simulation – making simulation design easier for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, liquefied natural gas, refining and petrochemical. Advanced Modelling Objects provide rigorous first-principles – dynamic models of plant unit operations such as those performed by separators, compressors, heat exchangers, valves, turbines, evaporators and more. Plate and frame heat exchanger and three-phase flash vapour-liquid-liquid equilibrium (VLLE) separation objects are now available, as are plug flow reactor objects that reduce the engineering time and complexity of model development for continuous processes in the chemical and hydrocarbon industries.

Organisations can also use new, simpler reaction modelling to more easily simulate reactions in a vessel. These new models offer increased flexibility in the use of reactions in design to automation engineers and organisations such as those in the specialty chemical and life sciences industries, which commonly use such medium-fidelity simulations. Users can create simplified reactions in engineering design – without the need for complex or private reaction data, or a background in kinetics and thermodynamics – to achieve desired results, such as the impact of a reaction on pH. The models also allow for faster simulation implementation because reproduction of complex chemical reactions is not necessary.

For plants that rely on standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure safety and success in critical procedures such as start-up and shutdown, Mimic provides enhanced scoring features for training simulations. Trainers can modify scoring to prioritise actions that are critical in any SOP to ensure that all steps are properly completed in the correct order every time.

Mimic is now natively integrated with AspenTech’s HYSYS® Simulation Software, providing control platform integration and training functionality to the HYSYS simulation – making building and maintaining an operations digital twin much easier for the thousands of organisations already using AspenTech’s HYSYS software.

Control system design & simulation.

A free version of "Spike",  control system design and simulation software for use on their website has been released by HAL software. The software is primarily used to reduce project cost, time and risk on new system introductions and the replacement of older systems by capturing user and functional requirements in a digital manner.

It may also used for knowledge management, training, and process improvements.

 The version on the website comes with sample industry processes that are fully editable; alternatively, users may use their own. Full help files are also included.

@halsoftware  #PAuto 

Network simulator support enhancement.

COMPRION eUICC Profile Manager, the only software tool for efficient eUICC life cycle management, has been enhanced by an additional connectivity option. The software allows over-the-air updates of eUICCs and their profiles by means of a simulated network. 

“Starting with the COMPRION eUICC Profile Manager release 1.2, the connection can now be established using the Anritsu MD8475A network simulator”, announces Jens Christoph, Director of the eUICC Test Solutions Business Unit.

For over ten years, COMPRION and Anritsu have been strong technology partners combining expertise and working on joint projects and products. “We have very similar customers, such as MNOs, test houses, or device manufacturers. In fact, many of our customers’ test departments are already equipped with an Anritsu MD8475A. These customers can now get more out of their network simulators by using them for the new testing challenges connected with eUICC life cycle management”, explains Christoph. “We expect that even more test engineers working with eUICC profiles can profit from our tool”, Christoph adds.

Jonathan Borrill, Director of Engineering and Technology Group for EMEA says “Anritsu’s Signalling Tester MD8475A all-in-one base station simulator together with COMPRION’s technology offers a truly flexible platform for the development and testing of future eUICC devices.”

Once an eUICC is permanently soldered into an M2M or consumer device, it is no longer possible to access the card by physical contact. With the launch of eUICC Profile Manager in September 2016, COMPRION was the first test tool manufacturer that found a way to manage (load, delete, enable, and disable) profiles of an eUICC over a cellular network connection by using a simulated network.

The Signalling Tester MD8475A is an all-in-one base station simulator supporting LTE, LTE-Advanced, W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EGPRS, CDMA2000 1X/1xEV-DO Rev. A. and TD-SCDMA/TD-HSPA. It supports service, VoLTE and call-processing tests for multimode LTE smartphones and mobiles with excellent cost-performance.

@AnritsuEMEA  #PAuto #Tandm

T/c simulator.

Pickering Interfaces has introduced their first Millivolt Thermocouple Simulator Module.

PXI Thermocouple Simulator Modules (series 41-760) are ideal for simulating the operation of a thermocouple. They are available in a choice of 8, 16, 24 or 32 channels—each channel providing a low-voltage output across two connector pins capable of providing ±20mV with 0.7µV resolution, ±50mV with 1.7µV resolution and ±100mV with 3.3µV resolution, covering most thermocouple types.

These new thermocouple simulators use two wire outputs with a remote output reference sense to ensure the modules deliver accurate low-level voltages, even if the system has common mode voltages present. In addition, each simulation channel is also able to provide an open circuit setting to simulate faulty wiring connections to a sensor. For improved accuracy, each channel of the Low Voltage Source carries accurate calibration data stored on the module. The module also includes a calibration multiplexer for module test and verification purposes.

The 41-760 simulator modules can be connected straight into the thermocouple measurement system. To aid in this, Pickering offers a connector solution that has 8, 16, 24 or 32 copper twisted pairs terminated with mini copper thermocouple plugs. Pickering can also supply connector blocks that convert the module’s 78-pin connector to terminal blocks to ease user wiring, or design alternative customized interconnections solutions.

The introduction of the PXI thermocouple simulator modules builds on Pickering Interfaces growing PXI simulation product line that includes standard and precision programmable resistors, including RTD and strain gauge simulation.

@Pickeringtest  #PAuto #TandM 

Voltage drop simulators!

EM Test has introduced the VDS 200Q Series, a four-quadrant voltage drop simulator that can source and sink current using a programmed voltage in both positive and negative polarities. The amplifier generates dips and drops, short interruptions and voltage variations to simulate a wide range of phenomena occurring on a vehicle wiring harness.

With unlimited operation from -15V to +60V, this powerful DC voltage source simulates a wide number of battery supply waveforms used by manufacturers in the automotive industry as well as for international quality standards. Uses include military, avionics and automotive testing environments.

The VDS 200Q Series are fast bipolar amplifiers which operate across all four quadrants that sink as well as source current. This allows the new simulators to drive capacitive loads and absorb energy feedback from the device under test (DUT) up to the nominal current.

A very low source impedance of less than 10mΩ and a high bandwidth of 150kHz (full signal) enables these new sources to support low voltage drop, class-leading inrush current and extremely fast recovery.

The unique QuickStart feature allows parameters to be adjusted during test to evaluate the DUT’s susceptibility level. And, while many manufacturer-specific waveforms such as pulse 2b (per ISO 7637-2) and pulse 4 (per ISO 16750-2) are pre-programmed, adding an external signal generator allows the VDS 200Q to generate even more complex waveforms.

Test routines are quickly programmed using the intuitive front panel with menus and function keys. The optional ISO control software automatically configures according to the connected EM TEST generators and provides an easy to use interface for accurate control and reporting functions. The EM TEST standards library is continually updated with the most current international and automotive manufacturers’ standards requirements.

New battery library for system simulation!

Allows engineers to reduce risks and costs by incorporating battery behavior in their system-levels models.

Maplesoft™ has released the MapleSim™ Battery Library, an add-on component library to their advanced system-level modeling tool. The MapleSim Battery Library allows engineers to incorporate physics-based predictive models of battery cells into their multidomain models so they can take battery behavior into account early in the design process.

Enables engineers to allow for
battery behavior early in
the design process

This is a modern approach to physical modeling and simulation, dramatically reducing model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. With the MapleSim Battery Library, engineers can include battery behavior in their system-level models, allowing them to understand how the battery will behave as part of the greater system. With this information, engineers can optimize battery and system performance, and reduce the risk of undesirable effects such as battery overheating.

The MapleSim Battery Library supports both equivalent circuit and electrochemical battery models, and includes parameter identification tools for determining model parameters from experimental data.

It can be used in any modeling project that involves batteries, including consumer electronics, electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, power electronics, and energy storage in power generation applications. Typical projects include battery load analysis and optimization to maximize the time between charges; hardware-in-the-loop testing of Battery Management Systems; thermal modeling and cooling system optimization to stabilize battery temperature; and State of Health effects on charge/discharge efficiency and thermal runaway.

“Battery behavior plays a significant role in so many of today’s products,” says Paul Goossens, Vice President of Engineering Solutions at Maplesoft. “With MapleSim and the MapleSim Battery Library, engineers now have the tools they need to understand how the battery will behave as part of the overall system early in the design process. They can optimize the design, and save significant amounts of time and cost by detecting and avoiding problems before they occur.”

MapleSim and the MapleSim Battery Library are part of Maplesoft Engineering Solutions, which provides both products and services to help engineers reduce development risk and bring high quality products to market faster.

New tools for design exploration!

MapleSim™, the advanced system-level modeling and simulation platform has been released by Maplesoft™. This release makes it substantially easier to explore and validate designs, create and manage libraries of custom components, and use MapleSim models within the engineering toolchain.

Release offers new tools for design exploration

MapleSim offers a modern approach to physical modeling and simulation, dramatically reducing model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. In MapleSim 7, a new results manager provides greater flexibility when investigating simulation results and exploring designs. It is now possible to compare multiple simulation runs at the click of a button, including simulations of a single model and simulations of different models. Engineers can instantly plot the behavior of any variable, including variables that were not explicitly probed during the simulation. Other tools available through the results manager include the ability to easily visualize the correspondence between the 2-D plot results and the 3-D visualization of the model during simulation.

To support model creation, MapleSim 7 also makes it significantly easier to create, manage, and share libraries of custom components. As well, MapleSim 7 also expands the support of the Modelica language so that more Modelica definitions can be used directly inside MapleSim.

The MapleSim Connector for FMI, which allows engineers to share very efficient, high-fidelity models created in MapleSim with other modeling tools, has also been updated with this release. FMI (Functional Mockup Interface) is an industry standard for defining models to facilitate the sharing of models across different tool sets. For MapleSim 7, the MapleSim Connector for FMI supports more export options for co-simulation and model exchange.

“MapleSim allows engineers to reduce their development time and develop better designs, whether on their own or working with experts in the Maplesoft Engineering Solutions group,” says Dr. Laurent Bernardin, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist at Maplesoft. “With MapleSim 7, our customers will benefit from the new tools that help them analyze their models and improve their designs, while the enhanced support for FMI means even more integration options between MapleSim and the rest of their toolchain.”

As part of the MapleSim 7 family of products, Maplesoft has also released a new component library. The MapleSim Battery Library, which is available as a separate add-on, allows engineers to incorporate physics-based predictive models of battery cells into their multidomain models so they can take battery behavior into account early in the design process.

Simulate circuit designs anywhere, anytime!

National Instruments  has announced that students, hobbyists and engineers can use the new Multisim Touch app for iPad to design and simulate circuits using high-fidelity SPICE simulation results identical to the desktop. The fully interactive Multisim Touch is a new addition to the world-class Multisim simulation solution that extends powerful circuit analysis tools to the iPad so users can quickly prove new ideas, design when inspired or complete homework assignments.

Multisim Touch offers powerful analysis tools in a tablet environment with a specialised library of RLC components, transistors, operational amplifiers and other foundational electronic devices using SPICE simulation models. Users can innovate wherever they are by building circuits easily with multitouch gestures and verifying them with DC, AC, transient and interactive simulation. With the portability of the iPad, users can work from virtually anywhere and the completely native app means no need for a WiFi connection.

As part of the complete Multisim circuits solution, users can explore on the tablet then export via Dropbox^TM or email back to the desktop version of Multisim to share or incorporate into designs with others. This connectivity means Multisim Touch files can be used for further analysis or printed circuit board design, with verification techniques powered by the complete Multisim solution.

At an introductory price of $4.99 USD, the new Multisim Touch app is an innovative, convenient and inexpensive option for designers who want the accuracy of SPICE simulation on their mobile device with an easy path to collaboration or comprehensive desktop design capabilities.

CNC and 3D simulation software for mechanical engineering courses!

Purdue University’s  College of Engineering has chosen to equip one of its key educational laboratories with NUM's open-architecture CNC systems and 3D simulation software. The equipment will provide students with hands-on CNC programming experience and help to familiarise them with advanced CNC machine tool operation and control techniques, using a powerful combination of virtual machines and physical high performance CNC demonstrator systems.

Purdue University is one of the USA’s leading academic research institutions and hosts one of the nation’s largest engineering faculties. Its College of Engineering comprises 14 schools and departments – each specialising in a particular engineering discipline – and is currently undergoing further major expansion. As part of the expansion, Purdue University is upgrading the mechanical engineering laboratory at the university’s main campus. This laboratory is principally used for teaching students the basics of CNC control and programming, and introducing them to machine-based manufacturing processes and techniques. It is currently equipped with several 2-axis CNC demonstrator machines based on NUM 760 and 10xx series CNC systems, together with a NUM 2D simulator.

Left Steven Schilling , MD, NUM Corporation,
& Yung C. Shin, Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at Purdue, in front of the
university’s historic Heavilon Hall clock.

According to Professor Yung C. Shin, who oversees all CNC-related education and research activities at the School of Mechanical Engineering, “When we set up the mechanical engineering lab in the 1990s, we looked at CNC systems from many manufacturers. However, most of the systems were like black boxes so their operation was difficult to understand, which was far from ideal when we wanted to teach the basics of CNC control. We therefore decided to base our educational platform on NUM’s CNC systems, primarily because of their open architecture and the fact that the NUM was enthusiastic about helping us to use their products in this role. The openness of NUM’s CNC, especially with regard to NC code and I/O facilities, enables us to clearly demonstrate the exchange of data between the PLC, CNC and drive electronics, and simplifies integration with other lab equipment. Also, many of the CNC machines that we use in our manufacturing research labs are based on NUM CNC systems, so there is a high commonality of coding.”

NUM has acted as a CNC partner to the School of Mechanical Engineering for some 24 years. Steven Schilling, General Manager of NUM Corporation in Naperville, Illinois, points out the importance of such long-term support for educational establishments, “The staff at Purdue always have access to our technical support people and receive engineering help whenever they need to reconfigure or reprogram CNC systems for new projects. This close cooperation ensures that the Purdue’s laboratory CNC equipment has the latest features and tools to aid students in developing new machining technologies.“

Many of the CNC machines
in Purdue are based on
NUM CNC systems, such as this
laser-assisted machining system
 for ceramic materials

The latest upgrade to the mechanical engineering laboratory’s CNC equipment is extensive. NUM has supplied two Flexium 68 CNC systems configured for milling applications, each with an NCK (Numerical Control Kernel), PLC, HMI and 3D simulator hardware and software, plus additional simulator dongles for four PCs. Flexium 68 provides a very versatile foundation for educational and research applications such as this, where the type of machine and the control approach change over time. As standard, the NCK accommodates up to 5 axes/spindles on a single channel, with full interpolation on 4 axes. Single NCK options can expand this to 32 axes/spindles in up to 8 channels, with up to 32 interpolated axes, while multi-NCK configurations can handle more than 200 axes.

To help improve ergonomics, the laboratory has installed two desktop consoles for human-machine interaction. Each console is equipped with a NUM FS152i operator panel and an MP04 machine panel, fitted with CAN interfaces. The operator panels feature 15 inch LCD screens and integral industrial PCs with solid state drives, run an embedded version of Windows, and are connected to the university’s Ethernet network. Each console can be used for simulation or for controlling the laboratory’s CNC demonstrator machines.

NUM has also supplied all the motors, drives, power supplies and associated hardware for two additional 2-axis demonstrator machines. Both of these combine latest-generation bi-axis NUMDrive C servo drives with BPH brushless servo motors. One of these machines uses the HP version of the drive with high performance control loops, to facilitate research into applications involving very fast or precise kinematics.

Using Flexium, Purdue University’s students and post-graduate researchers can now investigate CNC techniques to a very detailed level. All CNC, servodrive, I/O and PLC setup and programming is performed using a unified software toolset to help shorten the learning curve, increase productivity and work satisfaction, and encourage collaborative effort. The system’s inherent open architecture has multiple advantages. Application-specific HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) can be easily created or modified using industry-standard editors and languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Visual Basic, Delphi, C or C++, while the PLC can be programmed using any IEC 61131-3 compliant object-oriented graphical or textual language. In addition, students who need low-level control of the NCK – for example, for real-time axis transformations – can use dynamic operators in the code, while techniques such as real-time compensation can be developed using embedded loop control macros in the servo drives.

The Flexium 3D graphical simulation capabilities that Purdue University is installing in the mechanical engineering lab will improve work flexibility significantly. Until now, the simulation software required physical connection to the CNC system – which meant that only one student at a time could use it – and was limited to basic 2D simulation of path lines. The lab now has six separate simulator stations – two on desktop consoles and four on standalone PCs – each capable of true 3D workpiece simulation in standalone mode, without needing access to a CNC system. A further six networked PCs are also being installed, allowing students to perform simulation at different locations.

Students are now able to simulate and optimise any ISO-code part program that they have written, with full visualisation of the tool centre point path and workpiece material removal, backed by automatic checking for collisions between machine components, the tool and the workpiece. The simulation software currently supports 3-5 axis turning and 3-axis milling/drilling, as well as water jet and plasma contour cutting, and can be transferred between applications very easily. It creates a dynamic colour image, showing the workpiece as a 3D volume than can be rotated and viewed from any perspective.

Purdue University plans to make the new CNC facilities available to students in the autumn, as Professor Shin explains, “We need to be able to provide more students with hands-on experience of CNC programming and visualisation as soon as possible. There is now a resurgence in the domestic automation market thanks to new processes like additive manufacturing, and CNC programming skills are once again in short supply. Students are excited by CNC programming when they can see the results of their efforts – whether that's on a simulator, a CNC demonstrator or machine tool – which is why our new facilities are such an important educational tool. Some 65% of our graduates go on to pursue careers in manufacturing – and many have become professors in their own right. I like to think that when they set up their own laboratories they will remember the grounding that we gave them.”

Refinery-wide optimisation solutions contract!

Invensys has signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with KBR, Inc. to supply its SimSci™ PRO/II^® simulation software.

Under the terms of a corporate licensing agreement, Invensys will provide PRO/II steady-state simulation software to help KBR accurately model its process technology, used in both the designs KBR provides to its customers and the technology it licenses to the hydrocarbon processing industry. In addition, Invensys will provide on-site guidance to assist KBR during transition from the previous model.  

“Before agreeing to standardise on PRO/II software, KBR needed new functionality to support them while they transitioned from a previous simulation tool,” said Tobias Scheele, Ph.D., vice president, design, simulation and optimization for Invensys. “Our Invensys developers worked hand-in-hand with the KBR team so that they can more accurately model and quickly deliver their processing technology to the market. We are pleased to provide these new features to KBR, as well as to deliver hands-on guidance and on-site engineering services to help them make the transition. We look forward to a long, mutually rewarding partnership.”

One of the refining industry’s leading simulation solutions, PRO/II software is a comprehensive simulation solution for process design, revamp and operational analysis. It is backed by more than 45 years of research and development and includes proprietary correlations to model heavy oils.

“We recognize Invensys’ strong commitment to the refining and petrochemical industries,” said John Derbyshire, president, KBR Technology. “This mutually collaborative relationship and the valuable assistance they have provided during the transition will help us continue to safely deliver key projects for the benefit of our global customers and other stakeholders.”

Invensys will demonstrate its PRO/II technology at its North American Software Conference and Tech Support Symposium, covering the company’s Avantis, SimSci and Wonderware software offerings. The event will be held October 15 through October 17 in Dallas (TX USA)