Global cyber security and software development centre. -

In the clouds! - Emerson Exchange, the Emerson User Group on-line conference continued for a second day and we managed to attend one or two of the presentations!

Agreement on cybersecurity standards in energy. - The ISA99 standards committee and the NATO Energy Security Center for Excellence have signed a letter of intent for cooperation in the exchange of information and collaboration pertaining to the application of cybersecurity standards and guidelines in the energy sector.

Ultra-compact flowmeter. - The AF-E 400 ultra-compact electromagnetic flowmeter for utilities and industrial automation applications has been introduced by Krohne. It is specially designed to fit in applications with little installation space available, e.g. in cooling lines of welding equipment, bending machines and robots, or on chemical dosing skids.

In-Vehicle IoT Gateway. - Impulse Embedded a leading provider of Industrial computing systems and solutions announces the availability of the UST210-83K-FL, a new compact DIN-rail fanless in-vehicle Box-PC powered by the Intel® Atom® x5-E3940 processor (codename: Apollo Lake-I). The UST210-83K-FL has been specifically designed for in-vehicle applications such as vehicle controls, fleet monitoring, management systems and in-vehicle edge computing and is compatible with Windows®10 and Linux Ubuntu 18.04.

Diamonds keep their shine! - LDetek, has developed a complete turnkey solution for producing synthetic diamonds. Using the combination of gas chromatograph with integrated stream selection and gas dilution, operators can speed up the process of growing high-quality cultured diamonds using chemical vapor deposition.

Control of innovative, electric rope balancer! - Handling systems are an essential tool across a range of industries, from manufacturing and metalworking to automotive and railway. Personnel must frequently lift and maneuver heavy or awkward loads, then place them with utmost accuracy and care. ZASCHE handling has been focused on this challenge since the 1990s, helping its customers fulfill ergonomic requirements for their staff, such as the EU’s Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC . ZASCHE handling turned to Delta Industrial Automation to draw upon their expertise in motor control solutions.

Vacuum Transducer for OEMs. - Their new PVC4000 series MEMS Pirani vacuum transducer has been announced by Posifa Technologies. Designed for cost-effective OEM integration, the device consists of a surface-mount MEMS Pirani sensor and microcontroller-based measuring electronics — all packaged in an ultra-compact PCB assembly featuring a connector-terminated wire harness.

Temperature sensors for data loggers. - ELPRO relies on Sensirion's ISO 17025:2017 accredited temperature sensors for its LIBERO Cx multi-use data loggers with Bluetooth® and LIBERO Gx real-time data loggers. ELPRO’s reliable and smart data loggers offer reliable monitoring of sensitive goods and simplify complicated, time-consuming processes in cold chain logistics.

Digital services save time in design - Efficient data management in engineering can help save time and money during the design phase. New digital services are now available to simplify the data management of Harting products and solutions.

Award for white light source and IR emitter in one. - LaserLight SMD W-IR, the world's first white light chip with a switching function, received the Prism Award 2021 from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. On command, the light source transforms into an IR emitter with 905 nm or 850 nm. Both light sources are housed on the same 7 × 7 mm chip. SMDs are optionally available with a starboard to facilitate mounting on the circuit board.

Preview Hannover Messe 2021. - "Globalization, digitalization and automation are game changers that continue as core themes for Hannover Messe that showcases thought leadership and solutions for industry to be more successful," said Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO Deutsche Messe AG, during the 2021 Hannover Messe Digital Edition 2021 preview. InTech's Bill Lydon reports. (Automation.com)

Scanning steel band in tyres. - Riftek is continuing to develop bespoke measurement solutions for high-throughput manufacturing processes centred around its well proven range of 2D laser triangulation sensors. The latest custom-engineered project is a fully automated Industrial Ethernet based system that measures internal geometric parameters of the cylindrical steel bands that form an integral part of automotive tyres.

AI Edge Computing. - BOXER-8521AI is now available in Bressner Technology's product portfolio. The BOXER-8521AI combines the flexibility of PoE-PD deployment, with the Google® Edge ™ TPU in a resilient, fanless system that brings AI edge computing to the appropriate deployment site.

5G video quality. - A new solution for evaluating video quality of 5G devices has been announced by Anritsu Corporation. This lab-based solution was developed in partnership with Spirent Communications and leverages the strengths of Anritsu's SmartStudio NR Network Simulator and Spirent's Umetrix Video software, providing the world's first integrated 5G video quality system.

Accelerating Digital Transformation in a Post-COVID World - Archive. - The online presentations at the 2021 ARC Industry Forum, (8-17/2/2021), revealed that targeted and effective application of digital technologies continue to lead to tangible business improvements at leading companies around the world. Digital technologies have also proved to be critically important for companies to function effectively with reduced staffs during the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Archived videos are now available to view.

Towards 0% carbon emissions in Europe. - Hydrogen's share of the energy mix in Europe is currently less than 2%, but has the potential to rise to 10-23% by 2050, according the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. In joining the ECHA, Emerson will be at the forefront of hydrogen developments in Europe, thereby actively supporting the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the EU's European Green Deal.

Space saving narrow connectors. - Cliff Electronics SLIMS FeedThrough Connector series have been expanded with the introduction of the new DualSLIMS range which allows customers to choose between mounting the connector adapters from the front of the panel which permits simple and fast changing of connectors in the field, or the rear which brings a lower profile flush appearance to the connectors when rack mounted or side by side.

LED Component and Indicator Guide. - Foremost Electronics are major distributor for MARL International in Britain. Marl LED components are designed to enhance the quality, performance and reliability of host equipment, optimising the man machine interface and user experience. They are ideal for industrial and professional applications, including defence, aerospace, rail and specialised markets, such as process control and automation, fire, security and mobile equipment. Custom designs are also available on request.

Sectional load sense relief valve. - A new sectional load sense relief valve (LSRV) for its CLS mobile hydraulic control valve has been introduced by Eaton. The patented LSRV limits individual section pressure through feed oil reduction, eliminating the need for inefficient work port reliefs for feed-side pressure control.

Leakage current sensor. - The CDSR, a new leakage current sensor based on its open-loop Fluxgate Technology has been launched by LEM. The CDSR is innovative, extremely compact and safe, allowing manufacturers to optimize the electronic design of their charger products. With a worldwide total of only 7.3 million EV charging points, of which 6.5 million were private in 2019, the lack of an extensive charging infrastructure is a key impediment to the growth of the global electric vehicle market.

Remote, But Still Connected: Industrial Workers Amid the Pandemic. - The economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic affected nearly every industry around the globe, driving many people to work from home. But those working in manufacturing faced unique challenges. (Automation.com)

Bespoke signal conditioning service. - The bespoke design and build service from Kistler uses in-house components and, when necessary, components from trusted suppliers. It is important that Kistler takes responsibility for all the components, not just those with their own brand; if any component fails, Kistler will fix it.

The chronicles of NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance - the first test drives - During it's first week on the planet's surface, NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover and its Earthbound team has been carefully test driving all onboard systems. This culminated in a more literal test drive as the rover took it's first short foray across the surface the Martian landscape and delivered further historic footage from its highly sophisticated onboard cameras. Covering 21.3 feet (6.5 meters), the drive lasted 33 minutes and produced images of the rover's own landing area. (Laboratory News)

Problems facing end-users in industrial cybersecurity. - As part of the ongoing series of executive interviews for the 2021 ARC Industry Forum, they spoke with aDolus CEO and industry cybersecurity pioneer Eric Byres video to talk about some of the most pressing problems facing end-users in industrial cybersecurity. (Arc Advisory)

Flange monoblock with shut-off valve. - WIKA's new monoblock with flange connection has been designed for applications in the process industry. The compact design integrates a shut-off valve to separate the process from the instrument side.

Analysis of Multi-fibre Connectors. - The FOCIS Lightning connector microscope provides a complete pass / fail analysis for a 12 or 24-fibre MPO connector and each individual fibre in just 15 seconds. This easy-to-use instrument captures the entire connector surface in one step. This saves valuable time when setting up and maintaining multi-fibre connectors in data centers, for example.

Low cost temperature measurement. - Moore Industries' TCS Temperature Concentrator System is a solution for low-cost temperature measurements. At its heart is the 16-channel, loop-powered (2-wire) TCM Temperature Concentrator Module. When two TCM modules are used in a TCS, up to 32 signals can be monitored over one twisted wire pair.

Solar cells power source. - A partnership between Anglia Components and Anysolar has been announced. They will offer a new PCB-mounted photovoltaic solar cell line for customers allowing designs to be powered from light energy harvested from the environment instead of or alongside a battery or mains source.

The decade of natural gas! - Flow Research has recently published a series of studies on gas flow measurement. These studies give the market for gas flow measurement by flowmeter type in 2019 and take into account the results of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They project growth until 2024. The studies also provide production and consumption data for natural gas by region and by country.

IIoT-Based MES platform expanded. - Aegis Software has announced significant expansion of their FactoryLogix IIoT-Based MES Platform, bridging the digital divide between engineering & manufacturing and beyond.

Best automation, control and instrumentation products. - The 34th annual Control Engineering Engineers' Choice Awards shines a light on 21 categories of control, instrumentation and automation products, revealing the best of those introduced in 2020 as chosen by the Control Engineering print and digital audience.

Schaffner have appointed Jamie Furness as their new Distribution Sales Manager for the EMEA region.

1300 exciters! - MB Dynamics have announced the 1300th successful field installation of its Modal 50A exciter. With this milestone, the Modal 50A has now become MB Dynamics' best-selling modal exciter worldwide.

Drive electronics. - For more than 30 years, NORD Drivesystems has been developing and producing electronic drive technology and is one of the pioneers in innovative inverter technology. The portfolio includes motor starters and frequency inverters of up to 22 kW in decentralised designs and up to 160 kW for the control cabinet – characterised by scalable functions, high precision regulation, easy installation and operation. Different power classes, mounting options and communication modules ensure integration into all control architectures.

Valve for transport innovation... and what a valve! - Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) have revealed their safety isolation valves today, critical safety components for HyperloopTT systems. Built to precise specifications by GNB KL Group in Elk Grove, (CA USA), the valves will isolate sections of hyperloop system tubes to allow for easier system pressurization for maintenance or emergency.

Teoman Ustun has been appointed Vice President of Marketing and Product Development with ACEINNA.

How Easy is it to Make a Robot? - Robot adoption is increasing in many industries due to global efforts in reducing long term costs, maintaining quality, and freeing up time for humans to do "human" tasks. For example, by using a robot to clean floors or restock shelves in a supermarket, human employees can spend more time helping or selling to their customers. A company can either tap into this robotic trend by buying ready-made robots, or by making their own with less cost. (Automation.com)

Cybersecurity and COVID-19. - Lynx Software has announced the results of its pandemic cybersecurity survey designed to capture U.S. employees' sentiment toward how seriously companies have taken cybersecurity since the start of COVID-19. Companies have not done enough to prevent heightened security risk in light of remote working, as nearly 4 in 10 (36%) respondents have been, or know someone who has been, impacted by a cybersecurity attack since the start of COVID-19.

Vision systems commitment to Middle East strengthened. - FLIR recently celebrated the grand opening of FLIR Systems Middle East (FSME), a newly combined service and support center based in Dubai.

Microwave Cable Assemblies Applicable up to 110 GHz. - Rosenberger has developed a comprehensive portfolio of standard flexible microwave cable assemblies - with and without armouring (Crush resistance with armour 80 N/mm) and characterized by excellent phase and amplitude stability as well as high electrical and mechanical stability.

Testing DC high speed electrical circuit breakers. - Megger has acquired the BALTO product line from STEVO Electric bvba (Belgium). Dr Andrew Dodds, Group Director commented, "The acquisition continues Megger's growth ambitions and strengthens the support we are able to give customers in network protection test".

Above the flow! - The OTT SVR 100 non-contact surface water velocity radar sensor has been designed to overcome the challenges presented by monitoring water resources that can quickly change from languid flow to a raging torrent.

Solenoid Valves for compact machine designs. - A range of two-way and three-way solenoid valves has been launched by Emerson. These valves support original equipment manufacturers' (OEMs) need to develop more compact machines and equipment without compromising on fluid control performance. The optimized body design and internal flow path of the new ASCO™ Series 256/356 not only provides a smaller footprint, but also reduced power consumption and increased pressure ratings critical in industrial and commercial applications.

Motors, Drives and Paris. - "Achieving the Paris Agreement: The Vital Role of High-Efficiency Motors and Drives in Reducing Energy Consumption" This new whitepaper just published by ABB, reveals potential for significant energy efficiency improvements in industry and infrastructure enabled by the latest and most high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives. ABB calls on governments and industry to accelerate adoption of the technology to help combat climate change.

All Wavelengths in One Package - The new attenuation measurement sets from Laser Components are described as "true miracles of versatility." With an optical transmitter (OTM) and a power meter, systems engineers and laboratory personnel can evaluate all wavelengths and configurations of hard-clad and POF fibres.

Flexible laser engine. - The latest member of the Toptica iChrome family, the iChrome FLE , is designed as a "flexible laser engine" to serve the numerous and very diverse requirements in biophotonics. Up to 7 wavelengths (between 405 and 785 nm) and two fibre outputs can be integrated into the iChrome FLE.

Understanding PID tuning - Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) loop performance is often overlooked once the system is commissioned and seems to be functioning. Those loops are often not thought of again as a means of continuous improvement. They function "properly" and so they are often ignored until something goes so out of whack that it pops up to the top of the issue pile. (Control Engineering)

Air service units. - The new MS2 air preparation units from Festo allows machine builders and design engineers to put precision and accuracy close to the process without compromising on flow rates. The MS2 is designed to deliver the optimum combination of compact design, low weight and high flow rates that are ideally suited to end of arm tooling applications in electronics and small parts assembly.

Safety relay module. - A new HR5S safety relay module has been announced by IDEC. This latest addition to their family of safety devices gives designers and OEMs more options to provide better end user safety while cutting costs and improving the productivity of machines and equipment. The HR5S safety relay module is the first on the market designed specifically to meet ISO 13849 Category 2 requirements.

Certified for gas and oil. - The ABB Flow-X flow computer module has obtained C1D2 / Zone 2 Certification for highly accurate measurement in mid- and downstream oil and gas, even in the harshest of conditions.

ACEINNA have hired Michael DiGangi as the company's new Executive Vice President.

Combating the hackers. - Seeq has announced that it is co-sponsoring the Microsoft Energy Core Methane Emissions Hackathon virtual event on March 1-8, 2021. The objective of the hackathon is to overlay oil & gas asset and geographic information system data to pinpoint leak location, and to identify the timing and quantify of unplanned emissions.

Modules making production line testing more efficient. - The simultaneous launch of Anritsu's TRX Test Module MU887002A, designed to improve the efficiency of production-line inspection of wireless communications devices, including 5G, and its space-saving Universal Wireless Test Set MT8872A has been announced.

Enabling detailed remote quality audits. - Anglia Components customers have access to the free Anglia Sigma service, an industry first, which allows them to carry out detailed vendor ratings and audits remotely. This service is exceptionally valuable to customers who have to conduct mandatory inspections and evaluations as part of their ISO quality process but are constrained from carrying them out due to COVID-19 restrictions.