News

Farnell has launched a new campaign offering an extensive range of test and tools products from leading suppliers that are in stock and available for fast delivery.

Customers can now access more than 62,000 products from 28 leading brands, including Ametek, Keysight Technologies, NI, Pico Technology, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix and Weller 

Farnell places great importance on supporting the customer at every stage of their project journey. In partnership with some of its key suppliers, Farnell offers an expert selection of oscilloscopes, handheld test equipment, software, soldering systems, hand working tools and more, to support electronic circuit design or predictive maintenance at competitive prices for engineers.

Farnell’s in-stock range of products include:

Test & Measurement

• Extech Instruments micro-ohm meter
• Fluke handheld digital multimeter
• Banana Plugs & Jacks from Pomona
• NI Test Workflow

Tools and Production Supplies

• Wiha  XXL II Electrician’s tool set
• Ersa I-CON Trace soldering station
• Wera Kraftform Kompakt maintenance kit
• Creality 3D Ender- 3 Pro Printer
• Kern Stereo Microscope

New Arrivals

• NI PXI Systems
• Rohde & Schwarz new MXO4 series
• Tektronix New MSO2 portable oscilloscopes
• Weller WXSmart soldering system

Farnell offers its customers a range of support services, including free access to technical online resources, calibration services to ensure the accuracy of equipment, and digital software solutions to complement their hardware purchases. These services are designed to help customers get the most out of their equipment and ensure that it is operating at its best.

 Customers can access the range from Farnell in EMEA.

To meet the high-tech needs of the CMS experimental apparatus in the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (also known as the HL-LHC) experiments, Hamamatsu Photonics has designed and developed a unique 8-inch pixel array detector. This size makes it the world’s largest photodiode (PD) with high radiation resistance among PD detectors used in high-energy physics. At present, a mass-production system has also been created for this detector.

Hamamatsu has already supplied opto-semiconductors for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project, which is the HL-LHC predecessor, and is thrilled to have played a part in the discovery of the Higgs boson particles. The company’s new 8-inch pixel array detector has both high resistance to radiation and a large area required for the HL-LHC project. These features are expected to contribute to new research including more precise measurements of the Higgs boson properties and the search for dark matter.

Product Features

Hamamatsu’s 8-inch pixel array detector is the world’s largest PD array with high resistance to radiation among PD detectors used in high-energy physics applications for particle and radiation detection through the measurement of ionisation energy deposits.

PD arrays gradually lose their sensitivity while being exposed to radiation. Applying a higher voltage to the PD array can maintain high sensitivity even when exposed to radiation, but this is likely to damage the PD array. To meet the requirements of the HL-LHC experiments that call for high resistance to radiation, Hamamatsu successfully developed a large-area PD array prototype that can be made from a single 6-inch diameter wafer highly resistant to radiation and operates at voltages as high as 800 V. However, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) requires an even larger-area PD array to reduce both the costs and dead space of the entire detector system.

To utilise larger-diameter wafers as the material for a larger-area PD array, Hamamatsu installed new manufacturing equipment for an 8-inch diameter. Hamamatsu reviewed the manufacturing process conditions from scratch in order to improve the uniformity of the thin film thickness and impurity concentration formed on the wafers. The company also did this by harnessing the opto-semiconductor manufacturing technology it has collected over the years. By taking these steps, the company succeeded in fabricating a PD array that is about twice the area of the previous one while maintaining the same high level of radiation resistance. At the same time, by launching a new dedicated inspection system, capable of inspecting all channels on each PD array, Hamamatsu established a mass production system for the 8-inch PD array that meets the requirements of the CMS experimental apparatus in the HL-LHC experiments for both high radiation resistance and large surface area.

Development Background

At CERN, preparations are currently underway for the HL-LHC experiments where a higher frequency of proton-proton collisions will be carried out compared to the LHC experiments, in order to measure the Higgs boson properties more precisely and to search for dark matter, of which so little is known. Although more data can be obtained by increasing the frequency of collisions, this would generate higher radiation energy, so the PD arrays used to measure the energy must be highly resistant to radiation. Since a larger surface area was also required, Hamamatsu has been working on developing a larger-area PD array that is highly resistant to radiation.

Hamamatsu’s Role in LHC Experiments

Hamamatsu designed, developed, and supplied silicon strip detectors (SSD) for particle track detectors as well as photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and avalanche photodiodes (APD) for colorimeters to measure the radiation energy.

The LHC is the world’s largest accelerator with a total circumference of 27 km and is used to accelerate protons near the velocity of light to detect the Higgs boson which is very rarely emitted when the accelerated proton beams collide with each other. In 2012, the LHC experiments discovered the Higgs boson for the first time, and Professor Emeritus François Englert and Professor Emeritus Peter Higgs were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their theoretical predictions.

Teledyne has announced its Sapera Vision Software Edition 2023-03 is now available. Teledyne DALSA’s Sapera Vision Software provides field-proven image acquisition, control, image processing and artificial intelligence functions to design, develop and deploy high-performance machine vision applications. The new upgrades include enhancements to its AI training graphical tool Astrocyte 1.40 and its image processing and AI libraries tool Sapera Processing 9.40.

“The new features offered by this new release of Sapera Vision Software are focused on providing our users with enhanced ease of use, improved accuracy, and accelerated processing time across the platform,” said Brandon Hunt, Product Manager for Teledyne’s Vision Solutions group. “In this latest update, Teledyne continues to make it easier for system integrators and OEMs to develop and integrate powerful AI-enabled vision solutions.”

Sapera Vision Software is ideal for applications such as surface inspection on metal plates, location and identification of hardware parts, plastic sorting, and PCB inspection.

New features in this release:

• Automatic Hyperparameter Tuning – Enhances ease of use by enabling the training of AI models without a need to learn complex AI parameters.
• Shaped ROIs and Masks – Improve accuracy and speed at training, validation, and inference steps by using graphical shapes like rectangles, circles, tori, polygons, and brushes to focus on portions of interest in the image.
• AI Inference Acceleration – Accelerates speed at deployment on both CPU and GPU for all AI model types.

For more information visit the Teledyne website.

Coming together for the very first time at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, Instrumentation Live and Electronics Live will present the very best tech under one roof. The one day table top exhibitions will take place on 17 January 2024…

Instrumentation Live is coming to the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on 17 January 2024. This brand new table top event is the ideal platform for showcasing your latest technology in the fields of test, measurement and control. The free-to-attend event aims to attract key decision makers that are looking to source the latest products and solutions and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Visitors benefit from the unique opportunity to see all of the instrumentation market leaders under one roof while exhibitors enjoy an incredible ROI from the highly-targeted and relevant crowd that the exhibition will attract. Exhibitors already signed up to be at the event include Micro-Epsilon, ION Science, POWTechnology, Calex Electronics, Trafag, Dewesoft, Asset Instruments Engineering, Luso Electronics, Rheintacho, D.A.T.S., and European Springs and Pressings. 

Why visit?

Discover

Source cutting-edge innovations and expert knowledge from market-leaders. Co-location of the event with Electronics Live means more opportunities to find the products and services you need.

Network

Forge valuable connections and do business with prospective clients face-to-face.

Why exhibit?

An ideal launch pad

Have you got new products and solutions that you want to showcase? Instrumentation Live is an ideal platform to launch your innovations to the UK market.

Meet prospective clients and strengthen existing business connections

Enjoy this unique chance to talk face-to-face with a hall full of potential customers, discuss individual solutions and secure those all important new connections. The exhibition also offers a unique opportunity for you to meet your existing clients – strengthening your business relationships for the future.

Enjoy exclusive media coverage

Instrumentation Live receives extensive coverage in a number of industry publications – meaning that all of our exhibitors do too.

Find out more

Please visit www.instrumentationlive.co.uk to find out more about this exciting new event. Alternatively, to find out more about exhibiting at Instrumentation Live, please contact Louise Tiller by emailing ltiller@datateam.co.uk.

Global wastewater treatment capacity needs to increase annually by 8.56 billion cubic metres and investment in an additional 469 treatment facilities per year is required to meet United Nations (UN) goals. These are the findings of independent research commissioned by ABB ahead of World Water Day (WWD) on March 22, 2023.

As the UN prepares to report on progress made against its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), ABB’s research focuses on SDG 6.3 which aims to improve water quality by halving the proportion of untreated wastewater globally, increasing recycling, and minimising the release of hazardous materials. The UN says 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while more than 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation.

However, treating wastewater is energy intensive, with the industry consuming up to three percent of the world’s total energy output and contributing to over 1.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“This research proves more needs to be done to help support the UN goals and accelerate progress in tackling water scarcity,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries. “But we need to ensure we are achieving these wastewater treatment targets in the most energy and resource efficient way possible to make it sustainable. This is where technology is key.”

While increasing wastewater treatment capacity is a priority, the early integration of technology to drive efficiency at plants is also vital. ABB’s automation, electrification and digital solutions are helping monitor, analyse and manage wastewater plant operations. In association with crucial measurement and control solutions, which collect and transmit a wealth of operational and diagnostic data, ABB systems help optimise resource efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Development Economics, which has over 20 years’ research experience, utilised the same data employed by the UN to assess what real-term measures are needed. Based on modelling using a 50-million-litre daily capacity wastewater treatment plant as the benchmark, a further 469 treatment facilities – the volume equivalent of 3.4 million Olympic swimming pools – is required each year.

The scale of the challenge linked to UN SDG 6.3 is highlighted in a report from 2021 assessing the volumes of wastewater collected, treated, and reused. The research, which is used by the UN, concludes that 48 percent or 171.3 billion cubic metres of wastewater is uncollected or untreated annually. To meet SDG 6.3 – which targets halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030 – these figures need to be reduced to 24 percent and 85.65 billion cubic metres.

In 2022, ABB’s Energy Transition Equation report analysed how better use of wastewater could relieve pressure on water supplies through greater integration of automation and digital technologies:

• Wastewater sites can reduce carbon emissions by up to 2,000 tons per annum
• With over 50,000 plants worldwide, 100 million tons of CO2 could be saved each year
• By applying a package of automation and digital solutions, water companies can reduce carbon emissions as well as deliver annual operational savings of up to $1.2 million per plant

Agile Analog, a leading innovator in analog IP, is pleased to announce that the company has joined the Intel Foundry Services (IFS) Accelerator IP Alliance Program. Through this collaboration Agile Analog will make its pioneering analog IP product portfolio available to the IFS ecosystem to help drive forward innovation in semiconductor design.

Members of the IFS Accelerator IP Alliance Program play an important role in the global semiconductor design sector, giving designers access to high-quality IPs and supporting their design requirements while optimising key elements such as performance and power. Partners include Arm, Synopsys and Cadence.

According to Barry Paterson, CEO at Agile Analog: “The Program’s main goals focus around reducing design barriers, risk and cost, enabling a faster time-to-market for a new generation of devices, which aligns well with our core mission at Agile Analog.”

Barry explains; “Using our innovative Composa methodology, analog circuits can be designed more quickly and to a higher quality. This helps to accelerate innovation in semiconductor design.

“Our IP product portfolio covers areas such as power management, data conversion and always-on-circuitry, which are key considerations for chip designers. We believe our disruptive analog IP technology will be of great interest to the IFS ecosystem.”

The popular Demystifying EMC event connects experts in the industry and provides practical demonstrations, networking opportunities and discussions on the latest trends and techniques. The 2023 event will take place in-person, with two dates announced for the UK in Reading and Leeds in April.

Rohde & Schwarz has announced the UK dates and venues for the in-person Demystifying Electro Magnetic Compatibility Global Tour. The two UK events will take place on 25 April in Reading and 27 April in Leeds.

With a mixture of expert presentations, practical demonstrations and lively discussions, the seminars will get to the heart of current EMC issues. EMC expert from Rohde & Schwarz James MacAlonan will be joined on stage by well known industry expert, Lee Hill of Silent Solutions LLC for a day of insightful and educational sessions covering many modern EMC topics and techniques.

The first session with James MacAlonan will be on ‘The Meaning of Time’, where he will dive into how spectrum analysers and receivers make measurements and how the dwell/sweep time affects what we can see from that measurement. The second presentation will take an in-depth look at Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT); how they differ from traditional measurement methods and how can they be implemented with today’s test equipment.

The programme will also feature a two part presentation by Lee Hill, entitled: Getting Good with Ground. Lee will demonstrate and present intuitive ways to understand ground in electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and electronic enclosure installations, focusing on the function and impact of ground on regulatory (EMC) and functional noise problems.

Each event will conclude with a session of questions from the audience.

Event details:

• 25 April 2023

Select Car Leasing Stadium

Reading, RG2 0FL

https://events.rohde-schwarz.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x24131abcd

• 27 April 2023

Weetwood Hall Estate

Leeds, LS16 5PS

https://events.rohde-schwarz.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x24188abcd

For further information and to register for free to attend DEMC 2023, please visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/solutions/test-and-measurement/events/demc_254232.html

ABB is proud to announce the launch of its new film series: Unstoppable. This series aims to promote diversity and profile three remarkable female leaders in the mining, pulp and paper, and metals industries.

Unstoppable highlights the inspiring stories of three women who have broken down barriers and made significant contributions to their respective industries. Through this series, ABB aims to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion; and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

The first film in the series features Marjorie Boles, Chief Information Officer at Sappi, a visionary in the pulp and paper industry who has transformed her company with her passion for digitalization.

The second film profiles Tove Thelin Tдckdal, Concentrating Plant Manager at Copperstone Resources, a trailblazer in the mining industry who has dedicated her career to promoting sustainability and innovation in the sector. 

The final film highlights Chithra Sharma, Chief Commercial, Engineering and Projects for Capital Procurement at Tata Steel, a pioneering leader in the metals industry who has pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo to drive growth and competitiveness.

By shining a spotlight on strong female role models in industries where the greatest disparities exist, ABB aims to influence others to come forward and play a part in Unstoppable. The directors of the series hope to make a positive difference and bridge known gender gaps. According to the World Economic Forum, women make up only 22 percent of the global mining workforce, underscoring the urgency to foster diversity and inclusion in this and many other traditionally male-dominated sectors.

“We’re not doing well enough to ensure diversity in our industries and know there are many dynamic career paths open to women,” said Joanne Woo, Global Head of Communications, Process Industries, ABB. “This is why we’re proud to launch the Unstoppable film series, which showcases the incredible achievements of women in industry.”

“The adage holds true: if you can see it, you can be it. Raising the visibility of women in industry is vital in breaking down gender stereotypes and showcasing role models. Through our series we aim to ignite a spark that will encourage others to join the movement towards a more diverse and inclusive workplace.”

“At ABB, we believe that diversity is a key driver of innovation and progress, and we are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all,” said Joachim Braun, President of Process Industries, ABB. “Our target is to double the representation of women in senior management positions at ABB by 2030.”

“Leadership must take responsibility for driving change in diversity and inclusion. It is not only a moral imperative but a business necessity. Leaders must actively work to hire, advance and support women in the workplace, and create a culture that empowers them to succeed.”

“Being unstoppable is not about never facing obstacles, but rather about finding the courage to overcome them. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire other women to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in their own industries,” said Marjorie Boles, Chief Information Officer at Sappi and featured leader in the Unstoppable film series. 

“Unstoppable is designed to be more than a film series. It is a call to action to drive greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace and an encouragement to others to follow in the footsteps of these incredible women. ABB invites everyone to join in the conversation and help create a more inclusive and diverse world,” said Joanne Woo.

For more information on ABB and the Unstoppable film series, visit https://campaign.abb.com/unstoppable.

The shareholders of TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectivity and sensors, elected Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, chairman of the board of directors of ENGIE S.A., and former chief executive officer and chairman of the executive committee of Solvay S.A, to TE’s board of directors during the 2023 Annual General Meeting on March 15.

“We are very pleased to have Mr. Clamadieu join as a new director to TE’s board,” said TE Connectivity Chairman Tom Lynch. “He brings a range of valuable expertise to the board. He has held multiple global leadership positions, including as a two-time CEO of global chemicals companies, and has proven himself as an effective leader both in times of financial crisis and in growth. He has held numerous independent director and chairman roles with international companies across the aerospace, financial services, utilities, chemicals and industrial sectors which are relevant to TE Connectivity. Mr. Clamadieu has strong international business experience, making him a valuable asset to provide essential business guidance to the board and the company.”

Mr. Clamadieu is chairman of the board of directors of ENGIE S.A., a French multinational utility company mainly active in the power and gas sectors, where he was first appointed in May 2018 and reelected in April 2022 for 4 years. From 2011 to 2019, Mr. Clamadieu served as chief executive officer and chairman of the executive committee of Solvay S.A., a Belgian multinational chemical company. In 1993, he joined the Rhône-Poulenc group where he held several management positions. Following the creation of Rhodia SA as a spin-off of the chemicals and polymers activities of Rhône-Poulenc, Mr. Clamadieu held a variety of leadership roles in the organisation, including chairman and chief executive officer from 2008 to 2011. In September 2011, Rhodia was acquired by the Solvay Group. Between 1981 and 1993, he held various positions in the French Public Service. Mr. Clamadieu graduated from École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris with an engineering degree. He is chief engineer of the Corps of Mines.

Panasonic Industry, a leading manufacturer of electronic components, has announced the launch of its latest relay, the HE-R, which has undergone enhanced short circuit testing to deliver a reliable and safe solution for customers in the EV charging industry.

The HE-R relay’s rigorous testing includes IEC62955, a 10kA short circuit test. This means that customers can now specify their 22kW wallbox for up to 32A @ 10kA short circuit current, providing a high level of protection for EV charging equipment. 

In addition, the smaller HE-S relay now conforms to the IEC62955 standard for 3kA short circuits. This feature allows customers to use the HE-S series for wallboxes rated at up to 16A, offering greater flexibility in the selection of charging equipment for a wide range of applications.

“With the official VDE extensions of the HE-R and HE-S relays, we are proud to offer our customers an enhanced short circuit testing solution,” said Bernd Jaschinski, Product Manager at Panasonic Industry. “Our customers in the EV charging industry require reliable and safe components, and both HE-R and HE-S relays meet these requirements delivering a high level of protection and flexibility.”

The HE-R and HE-S relays are now available for purchase, and Panasonic Industry is confident that they will be a popular choice for customers in the EV charging industry. With its advanced features and reliable performance, the HE series is set to become a key component in the next generation of EV charging equipment. 

Learn more on Panasonic Industry’s energy-efficient power relays