FPC connectors. - Omron Electronic Components Europe offers time savings with its Rotary Backlock FPC connector range. The XF series of FPC connectors is a popular and space effective option for interconnecting PCBs and connecting boards to displays.

Trevor Sands has been appointed as new President of Servomex.

Image processing for AI applications. - Release 2.0 of Abaco Systems' powerful, flexible ImageFlex image processing and visualization toolkit has been released. Leveraging the enormous power of GPU technology, ImageFlex provides an easy-to-use API framework to considerably speed and simplify the development, optimization and maintenance of advanced AI applications – especially those targeted at autonomous vehicles.

Fire investigation kit. - The world’s first fire investigation kit featuring the well-proven, handheld Tiger or TigerLT photoionisation detector (PID) for the reliable detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at sites of suspected arson-related incidents has been launched by Ion Science.

Security standards in automation. - The ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards, developed by the ISA99 committee as American National Standards and adopted globally by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is designed to provide a flexible framework to address and mitigate current and future security vulnerabilities in industrial automation and control systems (IACS).

Power connector. - The Han® M23 Power from Harting is a new hybrid industrial connector that combines the capability to transmit both power and signals with a high degree of environmental protection.

Next generation honoured -

TRIBUTE

Remembering the late Bob Lally– Piezoelectric sensing technology pioneer - (1924-2018).

Measuring FTTx Networks. - For the installation and maintenance of FTTx and PON networks, Laser Components recommends the new, revised version of the MTS-4000 base meter from VIAVI Solutions. Thanks to its faster processor, the system can be up and running in less than 30 seconds.

Co-operation means Best-practice approach. - Werum IT Solutions and EXTEDO has announced the launch of RImanager Starter Package. The package includes the RImanager software and a set of services such as software installation, pre-defined and EMA SPOR-compliant configurations, best-practice content, consulting and training.

Easy Data Integration. - The Softing gateway dataFEED uaGate MB is commercially available now. The new product enables easy and secure integration of process- and machine data coming from Modbus PLCs with IoT- and Industry 4.0 solutions.

Waterproof cable assembly. - A new waterproof cable assembly fitted with a non-reversible 2 pole plug with a current rating of 5A has been introduced by Cliff Electronics.

Advancing automation. - The growth of IIoT and Industry 4.0, is studied in another edition of Advancing Automation to help users get up to speed on the latest trends.

Hinged frame connector. - Harting has added a new hinged frame module to its established Han-Modular® industrial connector system.

Optical particle counter. - Alphasense has launched a new version of its optical particle counter. The new OPC-N3 retains all of the advantages of its predecessor (OPC-N2) with the added benefit of automatic range switching covering PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.

Tom Van Gaal is Business Line Manager for Atlas Copco Ireland's Compressor Technique Service division.

Reducing electric vehicle test development times. - Major automotive manufacturers like Subaru are using National Instruments (NI) hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) technology to simulate actual road conditions for electric vehicle testing, eliminating environmental factors to reduce test time and costs.

Helping ensure hazardous waste is safe. - Tabib Toxic Waste Services Ltd has purchased a second Tiger handheld photoionisation detector (PID) from Ion Science – leading specialist in gas detection instrumentation for global occupational health and environmental monitoring applications – to ensure the safe export of hazardous waste from a new hazardous waste transfer station in Israel.

Methane detection in mines. - The most common source of mining accidents, particularly in coals mines, is an explosion of methane gas. Methane is a colourless, odourless gas which is trapped in mines as part of the coal formation process. As coal is formed from compressed plant matter methane is produced as a by-product then, when rocks are excavated, methane is released into the local atmosphere with potential deadly consequences. One sensor range that is suited to the critical safety issue of detecting methane outgassed from mines is the Guardian NG series from Edinburgh Sensors.

Are process control & automation systems secure? -

Measuring high pressure in hydraulic & pneumatics systems. - To measure high pressure in hydraulic and pneumatics systems or highly dynamic pressure measurements in shock tubes or blast tests, Kistler Instruments has the answer.

Eight years of growth. - Kamstrup has posted a record-breaking turnover for the 8th consecutive year, reaching a total of DKK 2,1 billion (EUR €282 million) for 2017. The pre-tax profit reached DKK 311 million (€42 million) according to its annual report just published.

Digital room sensors. - The EE10 room sensors from E+E Elektronik measure accurately the relative humidity and temperature in commercial and residential buildings.

Router & data gateway supports MQTT. - The IIoT gateway – eWON Flexy (all models including the new Flexy 205) from HMS, now supports Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol – a simple and lightweight messaging protocol aimed at minimizing network traffic and device resource requirements.

New standard in miniature connectors. - The new Han® K32/55 from Harting sets new standards in the miniaturisation of rectangular connectors. With a combination of 32 power and 55 signal contacts for use in size 10B housings, this new addition to their Han-Com® product series offers exceptional contact density to save customers both time and money.

Connecting, communicating and creating in Netherlands. -

Controlled monitoring and control of transformers. - To address the needs of the energy automation sector and in the context of digitization, Camille Bauer is introducing higher-performance variants of the CENTRAX CU3000 and CU5000.

Imec to honour Qualcomm Founder Irwin M. Jacobs with Lifetime of Innovation Award.

Solderless connectors. - Intelliconnect (Europe) has introduced a range of cost effective 2.9mm connectors providing solderless attachment to 0.085"(RG405) and 0.141" cables. System designers will find the main advantages of these connectors are faster assembly time, repeatability and performance and they also provide field replaceable connectivity.

Silica particles for chromotography. - Nanologica AB has entered into a service agreement with global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Sterling Pharma Solutions for the large-scale production of silica particles.

Automation systems facility in Cork expands. -

Multifunctional DC energy meter. - Camille Bauer's SIRAX BM1450 multifunctional DC energy meter is designed for the measurement and monitoring of DC systems. With four independent channels and multi channel support, it is ideal for bidirectional voltage and current measurement.

Magnetic flow meter transmitter. - The Rosemount 8712EM Wall Mount Magnetic Flow Meter Transmitter from Emerson, has additional protocols, powerful diagnostic capabilities and usability features to help users in the pulp and paper, metals and mining, and other industries gain quick and easy insight into their processes.

Competition encourages technological advancements. - Mouser Electronics is once again sponsoring the Create the Future Design Contest, a challenge to engineers and students worldwide to create the next great thing.

Optical Loss Meter. - Viavi Solutions sets new standards introducing the industry's first dedicated optical loss test set for MPO and MTP fiber connections. The device distributed by Laser Components needs less than six seconds to measure fiber length, optical loss and polarity of all twelve fibers in a standard MPO connection.

Making project engineering & operations more intuitive, flexible, accessible and secure. - DeltaV_InterfaceEmerson has expanded its Plantweb™ digital ecosystem with the launch of DeltaV version 14, a cybersecurity-certified control system designed to deliver new value in capital projects and make plant operations more connected and productive.

Diesel fuel analyser. - The Phase Technology DFA-70Xi, from PAC, is the world’s first 4-in-1 analyser that tests diesel fuel viscosity, density, cloud and pour point.

Wireless remote control system. - Herga Technology has recently added a new range of 2.4 GHz wireless remote controls for industrial machinery and equipment switching. With a standard range of 30 to 40 metres, the new 6313 and 6314 series transmitter and receiver modules are available with a choice ergonomic handsets with up to 10 buttons and receivers with 5 or 11 relays at 12/24 VDC at 1 A.

Improving enterprise-wide visibility. - Plantweb Optics, from Emerson, helps companies visualise and take action on their most important plant assets with mobile-ready collaboration software that transforms business processes.

High-current connector on rail vehicles. - Harting has extended its Han® HPR connector series with the Han® 22 HPR slim: an ultra-slim high-current device optimised for up to four 250 A contacts.

Mercury emissions monitoring. - Gasmet Technologies will focus on mercury emissions monitoring at CEM 2018. Technical support staff will be available at the company’s exhibition booth to discuss the latest regulatory developments and how Gasmet’s recent certification achievements enable compliance with current and future monitoring requirements.

Ethernet transmits humidity! - Beside the RS485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol, the EE310 humidity and temperature transmitter and the EE360 moisture in oil transmitter from E+E Elektronik now feature an Ethernet interface with Modbus TCP protocol.

New HQ opens in Dublin's pharma district. -

MagMeter for water. - The Picomag electromagnetic flowmeter is an in-line transmitter for measuring temperature and flow of conductive liquids in pipe sizes ranging from ½" to 2", such as drinking and industrial water just announced by Endress+Hauser.

Optical spectrum analyser. - Yokogawa Test & Measurement, has for the first time, released a cost-effective instrument optimised for testing telecom devices during and after production.

Emissions monitoring event filling fast! - CEM 2018 is scheduled for Budapest (HU) from 16th to 18th May as we reported last month. The organisers report that the number of visitor registrations is growing fast. With 51 speakers from 11 countries, the CEM 2018 conference has wide international appeal and this is reflected in the registered visitors, which will be coming to Hungary from all over the world.

Sacrificing security for speed - A new survey reveals that 52 percent of companies admit to cutting back on security measures to meet a business deadline or objective. The report into SecOps (Security Operations) from intrusion detection company Threat Stack also reveals that 68 percent of companies say their CEO demands that DevOps and security teams don't do anything that slows the business down.

Excellence in wireless automation. - Alcoa Corporation (Alcoa) was presented the 2017 ISA100 Wireless Excellence in Automation Award for "Leadership in Development and Implementation of Wireless Applications for Mining/Refinery Operations."

Acquisition to support Middle East enterprises. - Edinburgh Instruments parent company, Techcomp (Europe) Ltd (TEU), has acquired Dubai based AASolutions FZCo and re-named the business Techcomp (Middle East) FZCo (TME).