Features

Anritsu and DeepSig revolutionising spectrum sensing with artificial intelligence

Anritsu Corporation a global provider of innovative test and measurement solutions now enable advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities for solving difficult problems in wireless communications systems using DeepSig’s proven AI machine learning (ML) technology.  Radio Spectrum is a valuable asset that needs to be managed, shared, and utilised optimally in wireless networks.  New radio frequencies required to enable 6G Use Cases are becoming increasingly scarce, and there is increased attention towards the development of novel spectrum-sharing techniques.  Traditional RF sensing techniques face limitations in dynamically changing wireless environments, and more advanced monitoring and signal characterisation is required.

Anritsu has addressed this challenge by partnering with Deepsig to deliver a groundbreaking solution that integrates the capabilities of the Anritsu MS2090A Field Master Pro Spectrum Analyser with DeepSig’s wireless signal detection and classification software, which is based on its patented Artificial Intelligence (AI) deep learning algorithms.  Employing a deep learning, data-driven approach allows Anritsu to rapidly incorporate new radio signal models into their capabilities using DeepSig’s ML training tools. RF signals of interest from diverse new sources like drones and IOT devices can be learned quickly and accurately in days, rather than months, to meet fast changing customer requirements. These advanced technologies also form the foundation for AI-native RF sensing for 6G.

This integrated solution will empower customers to enhance network performance, optimise spectrum utilisation, and achieve real-time adaptation to changing RF conditions.

Interested to see this solution live, visit Anritsu at MWC 2024 in hall 5 stand 5D41.  Visit DeepSig in hall 2 – 2L14MR.

Optimising predictive maintenance

The benefits of predictive maintenance (PdM) are already well established. Improved productivity, lowered maintenance cost and a reduction in unplanned downtime by up to 50 per cent are just a few of the advantages offered. But how do you achieve a truly optimised sensor system? Here, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems explains.

Most predictive maintenance systems are fairly simple in construction. The data collection is performed by one or more smart sensors, placed strategically throughout the plant to gather data on individual machinery or processes. The sensors then communicate this data to a central control system for analysis by specialist software, to quickly find potential issues and identify actionable insights before problems have chance to occur.

Sensor selection

To make the most out of a predictive maintenance system, we need to begin with the initial collected data. Choosing the right sensor type for the application in ensuring that faults are picked up quickly and accurately, with ample notice given for proper repair.

One common choice of sensor for PdM applications is the accelerometer. Able to determine acceleration in one or more axes, these sensors can provide tilt and inclination measurements as well as impact recognition functionalities. Conversion of the acceleration data into vibrational information offers additional insights — in fact, vibration changes are often considered as one of the earliest indicators of a potential fault.

By comparing near real-time vibrational information with historical data, it’s easy for the sensor system to identify a potential issue and flag it up for investigation. This, combined with the relative low cost and compact size of a MEMS accelerometer, makes it an ideal choice for PdM systems.

But there are times when a vibration sensor alone may be unable to register the fault. In this case, it may be preferable to use another sensor type, either in conjunction with an accelerometer or as a complete replacement.

Temperature sensors, for example, could be an appropriate sensor type to use to detect any temperature changes — typically an increase — caused by excessive loads or start/stop procedures. Where bearings have become worn or damaged, friction is likely to increase, which again can cause a detectable temperature change. Left unchecked, this can cause additional damage to equipment and can lead to more inefficient processes.

Optimising electronics

Once a suitable sensor type has been selected, there’s still more than can be done to deliver a sensing system that is truly a cut above the competition. This can be done through the optimisation of the electronics at the very core of the sensor.

Many traditional sensor types will collect analogue values. Before these can be communicated to other equipment in the sensor system for analysis, they must first be converted into a compatible digital format. These processes of signal conversion and communication may be performed by one or more standard ICs. But what if your require a more optimised predictive maintenance sensor?

Manufacturers should instead look to an application specific IC, or ASIC. This chip has been designed exclusively for an individual customer or application, allowing it to offer far more functionality than a standard off-the-shelf chip.

Within the predictive maintenance context, this could look like a chip with sensor-specific processes and conditioning, allowing for more accurate signal conversion with reduced noise. And the flexibility of custom design allows for the removal of additional unneeded components, allowing for investment into performance where it matters. As a result, the ASIC can offer more precise sensor data, often within a smaller footprint.

As the manufacturing industry seeks to implement more advanced technologies, it’s crucial that sensor technology continues to evolve. Optimising sensor systems right from chip level guarantees a predictive maintenance system that offers the very latest in sensing capabilities, and its users with all the benefits of a more efficient, proactive maintenance system.

Teledyne FLIR introduces Neutrino LC OGI Camera Module for optical-gas-imaging camera developers

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the Neutrino LC OGI optical gas imaging camera module, a made-in-the-USA, ITAR-free, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imager for products designed to detect, measure, and visualise harmful gas emissions. The Neutrino LC OGI provides best-in-class performance within a small, lightweight, and low-power module for integration into unmanned aerial vehicles, small gimbals, handheld devices, and fixed-mounted gas leak detection systems.

The MWIR spectral band is used to accurately detect the greenhouse gas methane and other hydrocarbons, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Neutrino LC OGI offers multiple modes: a 640×512 VGA resolution mode with up to eight times digital zoom to maximise scene awareness; or it can operate in bin mode, which can improve sensitivity to an industry-leading <20 millikelvins (mK) to create a crisper, higher-contrast image for pinpointing leaks.

“The detection and mitigation of harmful hydrocarbon and chemical leaks into the air represents a significant priority for regulators and impacted industries,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR. “The Neutrino LC OGI is the low-risk and high-performing OEM camera module for integrators developing methane monitoring and other gas imaging solutions today.”

The size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimised Neutrino LC OGI features Teledyne FLIR’s High Operating Temperature (HOT) FPA technology and a quiet, low-vibration, and long-life linear micro cooler. Reliability and an industry-best two-year warranty make it the integrator’s module of choice where rapid leak detection and operational uptime are critical within processing facilities, refineries, pipelines, tank farms, and well pads for the oil and gas industry.

Integrators also gain access to the Teledyne FLIR professional technical support team, a full suite of hardware accessories, and a software development kit (SDK) to simplify and reduce the cost of development.

For more information about the Neutrino LC OGI, please visit www.flir.com/neutrinoogi.

Farnell incorporates new, industry leading resistors from KOA Corp. into portfolio

Farnell is now stocking a range of special flat chip resistor solutions from KOA Corporation (KOA).

Important to design engineers in a wide range of demanding markets, KOA resistors are an ideal choice for designers working in automotive, industrial, aerospace, medical, instrumentation and power conversion sectors.

Among the new resistors featured is the RN73R, a high precision, high reliability thin film resistor, that replaces the RN73 series with improved electrolytic corrosion resistance and higher stability.

The RN73H resistor in the series is designed for tough environments and is ideal for high precision circuits for automotive, aerospace and other challenging applications. Despite their ultra-thin film, these resistors have excellent moisture resistance due to an additional inner protective layer.

A high precision resistor now carried by Farnell that uses thick film technology is the RS73, which makes it ideal for long-term stability when designing high-accuracy sensing or voltage detection circuits in automotive, industrial and measuring applications where ESD sensitivity is an issue.

The SG73P is an endured pulse power thick film resistor that has approximately seven times the

pulse handling capability of standard flat chip resistors. Its special trimming gives it a higher power rating, which means that a SG73P device can be dropped onto the pads of a similar sized conventional part, thus increasing the power capability without changing the PCB layout.

For designers who need to conserve board space, the new WK73R wide termination thick film resistor offers several advantages. For example, the 0612 chip size allows 6x power rating compared to standard 1206 parts, which saves board space by improving heat dissipation. The larger terminals also enhance terminal strength and the smaller distance between the terminals reduces expansion stress.

Farnell’s new stock of KOA resistors also includes:

  • Flat chip resistors for high voltage applications, represented by KOA’s HV73(V)-series, designed for voltages up to 3 kV (2512 size with special coating and trimming insulation to ensure that higher voltages can be applied at operating temperatures up to +155 °C.
  • TLR low-ohm, high-power metal plate shunt resistors are offered in the ultra-low 0.5mΩ…20mΩ resistance range. Special trimming gives the device low inductance and removes any hotspots from the design.
  • The TLRZ series metal plate zero-ohm jumpers handles high currents in very small sizes. These low-profile jumpers are the perfect replacement for thick film devices in existing designs.
  • UR73 resistors are low resistance, low TCR thick film resistors that offer a cost-efficient approach for current sensing in the power range from 0.125 to 1 Watt and are available in sizes from 0402 to 2512.
  • KOA’s UR73V low resistance, low TCR thick film resistors for automotive applications cover the 10mΩ – 1Ω range and are a highly cost-effective approach to current sensing in automotive, power supply, motor control and many other industrial automation applications.

Farnell Global Product Segment Leader, Resistors, Euan Gilligan, said, “KOA is known for the quality and reliability of their resistors and other products. We are delighted to make the benefits of their capabilities readily available to developers worldwide.”

The new range of KOA resistors are available from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

TE Connectivity ranked among Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies for seventh year

TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, has maintained its positive reputation among the business community, earning a spot on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list for the seventh consecutive year.

The annual survey, conducted by Fortune and Korn Ferry, is given to top executives, directors and financial analysts to identify the companies that enjoy the strongest reputations among their peers and across industries.

“I’m pleased that our global teams have continued to focus on innovation while delivering on our commitments to our customers and our owners, even as we continue to navigate a dynamic macro environment,” said TE Connectivity CEO Terrence Curtin. “We believe strongly in our purpose to create a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future, and we appreciate this external recognition of our efforts.”

The corporate reputation and performance of companies ranked among the World’s Most Admired Companies are measured against nine criteria, including innovativeness, social responsibility, quality of management, long-term investment value and ability to attract talent.

SmartViser and Anritsu unite to optimise testing for Energy Labelling regulation for smartphones and tablets with Strategic Partnership

Two industry leaders, SmartViser and Anritsu, have joined forces to usher in a new era of mobile device testing for the energy labelling regulation. This strategic partnership leverages SmartViser’s expertise in test automation and Anritsu’s cutting-edge testing solutions to deliver comprehensive, efficient, and innovative testing solutions for the ever-evolving mobile ecosystem.

The integration of SmartViser’s automated testing solutions with Anritsu’s advanced test solution creates a synergistic approach to smartphones and Tablets Testing for the EU Energy labelling regulation, providing manufacturers and service providers with a comprehensive suite of tools. This collaboration aims to streamline testing processes, accelerate time-to-market for new devices, and enhance the overall user experience.

The EU Regulation of Energy Labelling for smartphones and Tablets was published in the Original Journal of EU on the 20th of September 2023 and after 21 months of transition period will become mandatory on the 20th of June 2025.

Jonathan Borrill, CTO for Anritsu T&M, says: “We are proud to inform partnership with SmartViser and contribute to smart energy initiatives towards a decarbonized society​. Combining SmartViser’s innovative solutions with Anritsu communications technology will bring revolutionary and a major step towards achieving carbon neutrality.”

Commenting on the partnership, Gilles Ricordel CEO of SmartViser stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Anritsu, a renowned name in the testing and measurement industry. This partnership represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge testing solutions for the rapidly evolving mobile landscape. By combining our automation expertise with Anritsu’s industry-leading technology, we are empowering our customers to deliver products and services in the market that exceed consumer expectations.

SmartViser was selected by EU to create the first pilot application for Android and ios in order to test smartphone devices and tablets energy class and battery consumption. A full demo of the set up can be found at the Anritsu Stand during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Visit Anritsu on stand 5D41 and SmartViser on 5B41 both in Hall 5 at MWC 2024.

IDS appoints Dr Michael Berger to the Management Board

Dr Michael Berger was appointed Managing Director of IDS Imaging Development Systems with effect from 1 January. Jürgen Hartmann, founder and shareholder of the industrial camera manufacturer, is stepping down from the management board after 27 years at the head of the company. With the 42-year-old Berger joining the IDS management team, the generational change at the Obersulm-based image processing specialist has been successfully completed. In future, Berger will be responsible for sales, marketing, product management and system consulting. Jan Hartmann is now in charge of Finance, HR, IT and Business Innovation & Ecosystem; Alexander Lewinsky will take over Development in addition to his previous responsibilities in Operations.

Jürgen Hartmann, Alexander Lewinsky, Jan Hartmann, Dr Michael Berger

Jürgen Hartmann is handing over the management of the operational business and will be advising the family business in the areas of technology and innovation as Chief Innovation Manager. He remains managing partner of Hartmann Holding GmbH.

Dr Michael Berger studied business administration at the University of Bayreuth, obtained a doctorate in sales and market management at the University of Constance and most recently worked for VARTA AG as General Manager Li-Ion Cells. His actions are always characterised by a clear market orientation. “The IDS product portfolio bears enormous market potential that needs to be further exploited,” says Michael Berger, looking forward to his new role.

The early and careful preparation of the handover of his management responsibility in the own company was important to Jürgen Hartmann from an early stage. He initiated this step four years ago with the promotion of his son Jan to the management board and the appointment of Alexander Lewinsky in 2021.

“Continuity and reliability are particularly important to us in relation to our partners and customers. Everything has its time, and after more than 40 years of working life, it’s time for me to take another step back,” says Jürgen Hartmann, explaining his decision. The 61-year-old industry pioneer, who is regarded as the father of the USB interface for industrial cameras, will continue to “support where desired and help where necessary” in the company founded by him, as he says. His main focus will continue to be on the development area. “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Michael Berger as Managing Director. With his CV, he brings the knowledge and vision that are crucial for further scaling and the next innovation steps at IDS.”

Since its foundation in 1997 as a two-man company, IDS has developed into an independent, ISO-certified family business with more than 350 employees. The headquarters in Obersulm, Baden-Württemberg, is both a development and production site. With branches and representative offices in the USA, Japan, South Korea, the UK, France and the Netherlands, the technology company also has a global presence.

Anglia announces its Supplier of the Year

Anglia Components has announced Bulgin as the recipient of its prestigious Supplier of the Year award. Bulgin specialises in the design and manufacture of environmentally sealed waterproof connectors and electronic components.

Commenting on the award, John Bowman, Marketing Director at Anglia, said, “Bulgin is Anglia’s number one connector franchise. This is not just down to their innovative products, but the exceptional support provided by the Bulgin team at all levels from management, commercial, engineering, marketing and logistics. Bulgin’s customer orientated focus matches our own at Anglia, and this award recognises the unwavering commitment and support Bulgin provides on a daily basis.”

German Casillas, Chief Commercial Officer, and Eric Smith, Distribution Sales Director, at Bulgin, added, “We’re delighted to receive this award from Anglia. They represent a key part of our distribution network and we value the team’s strong relationships with their customer base. We’ve seen significant sales growth and great customer acceptance of Bulgin through Anglia, and we hope that this partnership may long continue.”

Headquartered in Cambridgeshire, in 2023 Bulgin celebrated 100 years of manufacturing components to cater for a global customer base across a variety of markets, including marine, agriculture and consumer electronics. In 2016, Bulgin announced the strategic incorporation of sister company Arcolectric into its business offering to expand Bulgin’s expertise and range, particularly in electromechanical switches.

ABB breaks ground on new US calibration hall to support growing demand for instrumentation in North America

The investment will strengthen the company’s calibration capabilities and provide customers with high levels of quality and accuracy in ABB’s full range of flowmeters. It will also further increase the company’s “Made in America” offering.

High accuracy flowmeter calibration enhances measurement performance which helps industrial customers to become more energy and resource efficient. US plant operators across industries such as chemical, oil & gas, battery, hydrogen and power, are able to accurately measure in and outflow as well as raw and produced materials, thus controlling their processes in a more precise and efficient way.

“With today’s groundbreaking we are on a path to improve our ability to meet the growing demand for instrumentation in the North American market,” said Jacques Mulbert, President, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “With this important investment, we will increase and strengthen our US manufacturing footprint.”

The new calibration hall is expected to begin operations in early 2025. The site will benefit from the strong track record of innovation, commitment to quality, efficiency, and proximity to customers of ABB’s Bartlesville factory.

The Bartlesville factory is one of ABB’s flagship North American locations and ABB recently announced that it is consolidating North American instrumentation manufacturing under one roof in Bartlesville.

The US remains ABB’s largest market by revenue, and the current investment adds to over $14 billion ABB has invested in the US since 2010.

NMi Group acquires TrustCB

NMi Group, a global leader in mission-critical Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Calibration (TICC) services, proudly announces the transformative acquisition of TrustCB in the Cyber Security domain. This strategic move solidifies NMi Group as the premier provider of certification services for the evolving landscape of digitally integrated and smart devices.

Now part of NMi Group, TrustCB is the exclusive commercial Certification Body for the globally recognized Common Criteria cybersecurity standard, working with globally leading clients and capable of certifying up to the highest levels (EAL7). This strategic alignment reinforces NMi Group’s commitment to a comprehensive approach, integrating legal metrology and Common Criteria standards to ensure the overall reliability and integrity of smart industrial devices.

A key emphasis of the acquisition is TrustCB’s expertise in translating Common Criteria standards via SESIP to the Internet of Things domain. This strategic move further fortifies NMi Group’s dedication to “Measure Tomorrow” by synergizing precision in measurements with increasingly requested robust cybersecurity standards.

In legal metrology and Common Criteria, coexistence is imperative to guarantee a holistic approach to the functionality, accuracy, and security of devices such as smart meters, smart grids, and other smart industrial devices. Manufacturers and operators navigating these digital landscapes must adhere to both legal and cybersecurity regulations, ensuring compliance with standards for accuracy and security.

Expressing enthusiasm about the strategic move, Yvo Jansen, NMi Group CEO, states, “Acquiring TrustCB fortifies our commitment to excellence in smart industrial devices. By integrating accuracy in measurements with robust cybersecurity standards, we ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the overall reliability of our solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Wouter Slegers, TrustCB CEO, adds, “Joining forces with NMi Group is a strategic move safeguarding the TrustCB Common Criteria and dedicated scheme certification business even further. In practical ways, nothing changes: TrustCB stays the trusted, responsive partner as a certification body. This synergy amplifies our commitment to precision and security in smart industrial devices, advancing the global standard for regulatory compliance and elevating the trustworthiness of our certified solutions.” Wouter will continue to lead TrustCB, ensuring solid independence and sustained excellence in Common Criteria certification.

This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in NMi Group’s Build and Buy strategy, solidifying its position as an industry leader in legal and applied metrology services for smart industrial devices.