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Samhain 2020 November
30/11/2020
    Standards Secure product development lifecycle. - HMS Networks is now certified according to the IEC62443-4-1:2018 standard. The certification process was performed by TÜV Rheinland to validate a secure product development lifecycle process within industrial automation and control systems.
27/11/2020
    APPLICATION Connections to the moon! - Within a short time SMP connectors from Rosenberger will be taking a long trip: the first ever LTE cellular network on the moon will be operational by the end of 2022. Long-term tested and successfully qualified SMP connectors for aerospace applications will be core components for enabling fast, precise and highly reliable satellite communication across the universe.
26/11/2020
    PRODUCT Oscilloscope probes. - Yokogawa has launched a new range of high frequency, high voltage differential oscilloscope probes, combining proven features of its existing probes with new capabilities. The new range replaces six probes with three, offering a simpler choice for development engineers looking to test high performance systems.
    People
    Simon Asbury
    Harting Ltd has appointed current Director of Sales and Marketing, Simon Asbury as Managing Director.
25/11/2020
    NEWS Industrial camera manufacturer expansion. - IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has expanded its headquarters in Obersulm-Willsbach (D) – after a construction period of about one and a half years, the technology centre b39 may be moved into.

    PRODUCT The right cable clamp. - Integration of electrical and electronic systems always involves wiring issues regarding such matters as strain relief, accessibility, routing, security and similar, so this new “Guide to choosing the right cable clamp” from Essentra Components (Ireland) is likely to be of interest to all relevant assembly and installation engineers.

    NEWS Nothing fishy about these awards! - Seeq Corporation has ranked 76 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™. It has been chosen as a 2020 Red Herring Top 100 North America Winner. Earlier this year, Seeq landed at No. 261 on the Inc. 5000 list.

    PRODUCT Analogue-to-digital converter. - Analog Devices (ADI) has introduced the AD7134 alias-free analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) that significantly simplifies front-end design and speeds up time to market for precision DC-350kHz applications. Traditional precision data-acquisition signal chain design is a time-consuming activity as designers balance anti-alias filter requirements, passive component tolerances, phase and gain errors, as well as high-speed ADC drive requirements.

    APPLICATION Marine power supply and battery charger. - Delta has announced the successful completion of a joint development project with WhisperPower, a leading Netherlands-based manufacturer of ultra-quiet off-grid power electronics, on the new WP-BC Supreme Pro battery charger. Combining the expertise of both companies, led to the successful development of the premium marine power supply and battery charger, which is ideal for systems in commercial shipping, industrial applications and the leisure marine markets.

24/11/2020
    Looking Back / Looking Forward - The latest issue of InTech, available now, is an ISA 75th Anniversary Special Edition. Its 80 pages include:
    ·The top automation technology milestones
    ·ISA leaders share accomplishments and advice for the future
    ·History of ISA's most influential standards
    ·How megatrends will affect 2021 and beyond
    ·Automation suppliers showcase innovation, dedication to digital transformation
    ·Technology, innovation ad future of our profession
    ·The importance of working in the "now"
    ·Digital transformation of batch review.
    Check out the InTech 75th Anniversary Edition!

    Education and Research How integrators can help IIoT applications - End users may find the variety of IIoT devices and connectivity technology to be intimidating. A system integrator can minimize risks and costs by implementing proven specification and implementation methods and architectures. (Control Engineering).

    People
    Stephane Canadas
    Signal Group has announced the appointment of Stephane Canadas as Sales and Marketing Manager.

    Standards Electronic definition for CAN-FD devices. - The CAN in Automation association has released the CiA 1311-1 specification. The document provides the XML schema Definition for CANopen FD profiles. Technically, an XML schema is an abstract collection of metadata, consisting of a set of schema components: mainly element and attribute declarations and complex and simple type definitions.

23/11/2020 20/11/20
    APPLICATION Collaborative robots - A well-known Japanese car manufacturer adopts Techman Robot to process the final quality check of all detailed assembly inspections. Techman Robot helped the customer to install the “next generation smart inspection system” utilizing a customized stand including‍ four Techman collaborative robots.
    People
    Mark Alpert
    The Design-Build Institute of America has named WDBC Executive Director Mark Alpert, PE, for the 2020 Class of DBIA Fellows.

    NEWS Air quality data and connectivity and information recogntion. - South Coast Science has been shortlisted in the Information, Data and Connectivity category for its partnership with Ricardo Energy & Environment. The company operates on the principle that air quality data must be validated in the field, not in the lab.

    Education and Research Drones! - Now that drones are being used more, either experimentally or more generally, in delivery services and other applications we thought this item might be of interest to our visitors. IDTechEx’s recent market research report on Drones and their associated technologies predicts the drone market to be over $22Bn (€19bn) by 2041.

19/11/2020
    PRODUCT Constant machine condition monitoring. - The new FLIR SV87-KIT Offers a Low Cost, Easy-to-Configure, and 24/7 Remote Vibration and Temperature Sensing Solution. Often before industrial machinery start showing issues that require immediate maintenance, pending problems can be detected through minute vibration changes. Therefore, the first component of effective condition monitoring is a combined remote vibration and temperature sensing monitoring solution.

    PRODUCT Camera is particularly affordable, particularly compact and particularly powerful. - The new uEye XLE camera family from IDS has been specially developed for high-volume and price-sensitive projects. The industrial cameras can be easily integrated into any machine vision system. Customers can choose between single-board cameras with or without C-/CS-mount or S-mount as well as variants with coated plastic housing.

    PRODUCT Swiss army knife for CAN. - The Ixxat® CANnector, a flexible solution for logging, bridging and extending CAN networks has been introduced by HMS Networks. Complementing the existing CAN@net NT and CANbridge NT series, CANnector offers additional interfaces and functions, as well as data logging functionality. Since it is compatible with CAN@net NT and CANbridge NT, CANnector enables easy expansion of existing installations.

    PRODUCT High performance probe for strict humidity monitoring and control. - The new HMP1 probe from Vaisala, provides the best performance for measurements in critical production and storage facilities as well as in locations such as data centers where measurement accuracy, easy maintenance, and robustness are crucial.

    PRODUCT Wearable connectivity. - Fischer Connectors is enhancing the integration capability of its versatile plug & use Fischer Freedom™ Series. The product line has been extended with new products and accessories allowing design engineers to further optimize cable management in line with their SWaP (size, weight and power) requirements, and integrate low-profile connectors, cable assemblies and active devices easily into all sorts of materials, even the most flexible of fabrics

18/11/2020
    PRODUCT RFID readers. - The new KW2D series of smart radio frequency identification (RFID) readers has been launched by IDEC Corporation. These intelligent RFID readers are designed for easy installation into the typical 22mm panel-mount holes used with machinery, are readily integrated with automation systems, and enable OEMs and end users to easily apply advanced authentication and authorization measures.

    PRODUCT Videoscope for underground utility vaults. - FLIR Systems has announced the FLIR VS290-32™, an industry-first, videoscope that combines thermal imaging and a visible camera specifically designed for safer and more efficient inspections of hard-to-reach underground utility vaults. The VS290-32 is the company’s first industrial-grade, electrical safety-rated, flexible dual-sensor videoscope on a replaceable, two-meter-long camera probe.

    Education and ResearchProcess instrumentation tips and tricks - Advances in process instrumentation extend beyond sensor accuracy. Computing, algorithms and networking capabilities have added functionality. For new and existing process instrumentation, learn these tips and tricks.(Control Engineering).

    NEWS Sensing solutions for Europe. - EBV Elektronik has signed a distribution agreement with ACEINNA, the worldwide leader in the development of innovative Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and current sensing technologies that are essential to next generation cars, robots and other autonomous applications. EBV will offer ACEINNA’s complete range of MEMS based sensing solutions and technologies to its customers.

17/11/2020
    PRODUCT Medical and food & beverage applications. - Gas detection that’s easy and simple to install and operate is the boast of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection. Day-to-day dangers can arise when using gases such as Oxygen (O2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in medical and food & beverage applications, and the difficulties these gases present when ensuring safety in your working environment.

    Education and Research The most disruptive technology of the next decade. - Virtual reality has already had a major impact in a range of different industries. IDTechEx predicts in its recent market research report that this technology will grow to $8Bn (€6.75Bn) by 2030. One way that virtual reality has been used is in planning. VR technologies have recently been shown by an article in the Financial Times to be used by the City of London Corporation to help with planning decisions for future office areas. Virtual reality will be a key technology of the next decade, with IDTechEx predicting that the augmented and virtual reality market will grow to over $30Bn (€25.3Bn) by 2030.

    Paper IT and OT - beyond convergence. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the release of its latest whitepaper, "Information Technology and Operations Technology: Beyond Convergence." The whitepaper begins by addressing the different approaches and priorities of security for information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT). It also explores why IT and OT can no longer be considered separately—especially when it comes to security—and it outlines the steps necessary for organizations to advance their IT/OT integration efforts.

    APPLICATION Taking a selfie on Mars with Perseverance! - On July 30th, NASA successfully launched their Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission, scheduled to land on the Red Planet on February 18th, 2021. The primary mission is to search for signs of ancient microscopic life and collect the first ever Martian soil samples to bring back to Earth. But the NASA team is also preparing this trip for another first: footage of a spacecraft landing on another planet. For the first-ever filming of a spacecraft landing, the engineers included 6 FLIR RGB machine vision cameras.

16/11/2020
    PRODUCT Terahertz platform for science and Industry. - A new version of Toptica's successful time-domain terahertz (TD-THz) platform TeraFlash pro. The latest system generation, "TeraFlash pro / Dual", not only improves the bandwidth and dynamic range further, but also enables simultaneous operation of up to two emitter-receiver pairs.

    Education and Research Technology is just part of the equation - Companies are finally beginning to understand that they need to focus on their most pressing business problems, instead of just buying the newest shiny technology. Industry leaders realize that transformation is an exercise in gaining the biggest competitive advantage they can achieve. Those leaders understand that technology isn’t going to provide that edge on its own. Technology is just an enabler.

    NEWS CNC system donation. - The Taiwan subsidiary of NUM has donated a complete CNC hardware and software package to the National Formosa University in Huwei. The package forms part of a major control upgrade to one of two precision tool grinding machines in the university’s College of Engineering.

    PRODUCT Simplify the mounting of sensors. - Harting has developed a component carrier that can be mounted directly with electronic components allowing previous manual assembly processes to be automated. Flexible circuit boards can also be replaced, increasing precision and reducing assembly costs.

13/11/2020
    PRODUCT Multi-parameter handheld device. - The Liquiline Mobile CML18 handheld device and Memosens CPL51E lab pH sensor has been launched by Endress+Hauser . The multi-parameter handheld device enables easy and reliable monitoring of a variety of critical measured values. The CML18 and the CPL51E pH electrode can be paired together for applications in the lab or for grab sample analysis in the field.

    NEWS Strategic alliance expanded and extended. - PTC and Rockwell Automation have announced the expansion and early extension of their strategic alliance. This extension will ensure continuity in both companies’ sales and product development efforts and expand the agreement to include PTC’s product lifecycle management and software as a service (SaaS) products. This expansion will streamline both companies’ commercial efforts to extend a comprehensive digital thread solution, from upfront design through the operate, maintain and optimize-lifecycle stages.

    NEWS Biogas innovation wins. - Vaisala's MGP261 biogas instrument is a winner in the Finnish Quality Innovation competition, where it won the Circular economy and carbon neutrality innovations category. After being recognized as an outstanding example of innovation in the field of sustainable technologies, the instrument now advances to the finals of the global Quality Innovation Award competition.

    PRODUCT Long life disc pumps. - As part of its exclusive agreement with TTP Ventus to distribute the award-winning Disc Pump, ION Science has introduced the long-life LT Series. These latest pumps offer in excess of 5,000 hours continuous operation under the most demanding conditions, with the potential to run up to 10,000 hours for other applications.

    PRODUCT For the well equipped enclosure! - A new guide from Essentra Components acknowledges the extensive array of cabinet and other mounting hardware that specialist panel builders need to assemble in producing a complete package. Their downloadable guide highlights the particular industrial components such as fasteners and hinges, levelling feet and gasket, cable glands and card slides, while providing help as to which builders should use.

12/11/2020
    NEWS Imaging in Serbia. - IDS Imaging Development Systems has been represented in Serbia with its own subsidiary since July of this year. Based in Novi Sad, Serbia's second largest city and considered the country's technological centre, the pure development unit is closely linked to the Faculty of Technical Sciences of the local university.

    PRODUCT Communication between industrial automation devices and energy networks. - Ixxat® SG-gateways enable communication between industrial automation devices and energy networks. HMS Networks is now extending the Ixxat SG-gateway line with new versions including a 4G/LTE modem for cellular connectivity as well as 4-port Ethernet switching capabilities, giving users additional energy networking options for substations and power plants.

    APPLICATION CO2 Gas Sensors assess COVID-19 transmission risk. - While electrochemical gas sensors and metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors are cheaper and smaller, NDIR gas sensors are more reliable and sensitive for CO2 monitoring. The IDTechEx report “Environmental Gas Sensors 2020-2030”, benchmarks the performance, cost and manufacturing maturity for various gas sensing technologies. Infineon launched new CO2 environmental sensors based on photoacoustic technology. This new product is believed to perform at a similar level as NDIR gas sensors at a significantly lower cost.

11/11/2020
    APPLICATION Water pumping at fracking plant. - An upstream service provider has implemented a Bedrock OSA Remote secure control node in a fracking water transfer application. The Bedrock control nodes replace traditional PLCs to synchronize and monitor water pumping across three to ten miles of remote desert terrain. The application has increased operational efficiency by over 50 percent and improved the ability to spot and prevent water loss through leakage.
10/11/2020
    NEWS Suppliers Continue to Struggle to Deliver. - Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in October, with the overall economy notching a sixth consecutive month of growth, but Suppliers Continue to Struggle to Deliver. (Steve Clouther, ARC Advisory)

    PRODUCT Speeding automotive and industrial designs. - Anglia is now supporting the accelerated design of automotive systems and similar projects in robotics, automation and other industrial applications with a comprehensive suite of development boards from STMicroelectronics.

    PRODUCT Solderless connectors. - Intelliconnect has extended its popular range of 2.9mm and SMA connectors with the addition of a solderless version which offers customers faster assembly time and field replaceable connectivity.

9/11/2020
    PRODUCT Water quality hub! - Having developed remote water quality monitoring systems, it occurred to Meteor that whilst their customers were placing orders for monitors, what they were really buying was water quality data. So, they set up Water Quality as a Service – a monthly agreement in which Meteor provides them with continuous access to data, BUT Meteor deals with all of the equipment. The system has proved so popular that they have had to invest in new facilities to manage everything.

    Standards Faster smoke detector prototypes. - Analog Devices has introduced a reference design and algorithm that enables small form factor, low power, smoke detector designs to be rapidly prototyped and brought to market faster at a reduced cost.

    NEWS Pure platinum: Seventy five years of automation. - The current (Sept/Oct 2020) issue of InTech, the official periodical of the International Society of Automation is not only a veritable storehouse of nostalgia for automation professionals but also focusses on the next chapter in the discipline.

    Education and Research Cost-effective method for aspirating and dispensing liquids. - A free webinar that explains how pressure-controlled liquid handling systems can be used to deliver precise, accurate and cost-effective throughput in laboratory applications will be delivered by Festo on Tuesday 1st December at 10am GMT.

6/11/2020
    PRODUCT Air quality monitoring. - The latest product from South Coast Science, the Praxis/OPCube, (due to launch Dec 2020), responds to the call for a compact monitor suitable for conducting air quality surveys or establishing baselines. It is a product destined for use in a 'smart' environment and it's designed for pragmatic data gathering when roadside monitoring, or when undertaking local authority investigations.
5/11/2020
    Paper LIMS and accreditation. - Autoscribe Informatics has released a new white paper examining the role of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in supporting ISO17025 accreditation. The white paper explores the ways in which a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can play a key role in achieving, maintaining, and benefiting from ISO17025 accreditation.

    PRODUCT EMC line filters. - Schaffner has released a complete range of their popular FN3280H 4-Line filter series featuring higher insulation resistances. This is a compact and lightweight filter design with a “cubic“ shape requiring minimum mounting space, simplifying the power entry design of enclosures and control panels for machine builders.

4/11/2020
    APPLICATION IoT condition monitoring in the process industry - Until recently, automation of measurements and their subsequent analysis have proven cost-prohibitive. For this reason, only the most critical applications have been monitored and less critical equipment are still measured manually today. This has several disadvantages. (Control Engineering).

    APPLICATION Responsive approach to water utility on-site support during the COVID-19 pandemic. - In the autumn of 2019, Anglian Water wanted to upgrade the data networks for one of their sites and enlisted the help of Westermo. The network connected ten remote pumps back to a main water plant near Kings Lynn using a series of RS485 cables. One option was to simply replace the existing ageing data communications equipment with similar devices, but that would not satisfy the requirement for network redundancy and modernisation. In addition, the company wanted to use the existing cables to minimise the cost of the project and to implement a 4G network to provide communication redundancy.

3/11/2020
    Event Your future automation! - Pepperl+Fuchs is holding its second Online Summit which will be held on November 17–19, 2020. The format will be conceptually similar to that of the pilot event held in July, and the focus remains "Your Future Automation" however, this event will address new sub-topics. Particular focus will be placed on the increasing integration of Operation Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT).

    Standards Why Aren't Industry Standards Free? - In the world of engineering and technical standards, one of the perennial challenges is determining how to best promote their acceptance and application in industry. Some standards seem to catch on and take off almost immediately, while others languish with little acceptance – or even understanding. (Eric Cosman with ARC Advisory)

    Event On-line safety seminar. - CAN in Automation (CiA) has scheduled web-based CAN and CANopen seminars to increase attendee's safety in times of the coronavirus. A seminar with the topic "CANopen safety" takes place on December 03, 2020.

    PRODUCT Fast-response, extended-range flow measurement. - Those responsible for the extraction, processing, storage, industrial plant distribution, consumption or sub metering of natural gas will find the latest advances in thermal mass flow measurement with Adaptive Sensing Technology™ (AST) from Fluid Components International (FCI) can help them achieve higher efficiencies at lower costs while reducing their carbon footprint to protect the planet and boost profits.

    PRODUCT Inspection and test socket. - OMRON Electronics Components Europe is supporting the roll-out of consumer electronics based on the USB-C type of I/O connector with the release of a new long-life, easy to use inspection and test socket.

2/11/2020
    Event Accelerating Digital Transformation in a Post-COVID World - The current situation with the coronavirus has led ARC Advisory to re-invent their Forum in Orlando and offer it as a Virtual Forum. There is a feeling of solidarity in the industry right now that through creativity and flexibility, this disruption can be defeated and its impact on lives and business can be minimised!

    PRODUCT Monitoring facility remotely. - The RemoteVPN is a service offered by Contemporary Controls that allows systems integrators remote access to systems from the convenience of the systems integrator's home or office. A cloud-based VPN server hosted by Contemporary Controls provides the critical connection between two VPN clients-one installed on the systems integrator's PC and the other permanently installed on Contemporary Controls' VPN router located at the remote location.

Deireadh Fomhair 2020 October

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