News

Wyld Networks has announced the availability of its new range of low-power, sensor-to-satellite LoRaWAN terminals and modules for IoT applications across areas where there is little or no alternative connectivity. The Wyld Connect hybrid devices can transfer data directly to terrestrial networks or through a network of Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites through a partnership with Eutelsat. With 100 percent global coverage, the new Wyld Connect solutions are ideal for applications in remote areas for agriculture, environmental monitoring, energy, supply chain and utilities. The full sensor-to-satellite service will be available in the second half of 2022.

The Wyld Connect hybrid terminal can connect directly to existing sensors, while the small modules can be fully integrated into IoT sensors as an embedded solution. Data is delivered from the satellite ground station or terrestrial LoRaWAN gateway through Wyld’s cloud-based Fusion platform, which also allows IoT sensors to be registered, configured, authenticated, and managed remotely.

“The huge demand for IoT connected sensors and devices is being held back by the lack of ubiquitous global connectivity,” says Alastair Williamson, CEO at Cambridge-based Wyld Networks. “It is estimated that only around 15% of the earth’s surface is covered by cellular networks and it is simply not practical or cost effective to install costly, high maintenance network infrastructure over tens of thousands of square kilometres. Only satellites can provide this coverage and in contrast to expensive, power hungry VSAT systems, LEO satellites provide the low-cost solution needed to catapult IoT growth around the world.”

The prospect of global IoT connectivity is already attracting international attention and Wyld is working on trials with companies such as Bayer, Chevron, Treevia, Agrology, KWS, Agrocognitive, Wezen Group and others. Wyld is also partnering with TrakAssure on the design and production of a new sensor-enabled device for global supply chains and asset tracking ecosystems. By making satellite IoT competitive with terrestrial solutions but with the benefit of global connectivity, Wyld is opening up a wide range of new IoT applications, from measuring soil conditions and maintaining biodiversity to monitoring assets in the energy sector and utilities infrastructure.

“Existing LPWA networks such as LoRaWAN are ideal to connect low power assets and sensors that don’t need to send much data, but they currently rely on a limited terrestrial infrastructure,” said Luc Perard, Senior Vice President, IoT Business at Eutelsat. “Wyld’s new sensor-to-satellite LoRaWAN terminals and modules now make it possible to harness our network of LEO satellites to deliver low-cost, hybrid terrestrial and satellite connectivity over 100% of the earth’s surface.”

In addition to partnering with Eutelsat to provide LoRaWAN coverage via its low earth orbiting satellites, Wyld is also partnering with leading terrestrial LoRaWAN network providers including Senet and American Tower. And to ensure low power consumption at all times, Wyld has implemented a unique beaconing technology developed with Eutelsat that ensures that the terminal and sensor remain in sleep mode until a satellite is available to collect data.

Electrocomponents, a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions, has won ‘company of the year’ at the plc awards 2021. The awards recognise the successes and achievements of all companies listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

Electrocomponents was selected as ‘company of the year’ from a shortlist of public companies which also included Ashstead Group plc, Clipper Logistics plc, Morgan Sindall Group plc, Oxford Biomedica plc, and Watches of Switzerland Group plc. Electrocomponents clearly demonstrated the award criteria of long-term success with improved, sustainable profitability, and a professionally managed, conservatively run growth business with a long-term vision and strategy in place together with leadership in terms of environmental, social and governance guidelines.

Electrocomponents showed resilience and strength during the period, increased market share and widened its customer base. The Group has been on a journey to make the business more agile with greater financial discipline and stronger growth, which led to its promotion to the FTSE 100 in November 2021.

The judges recognised the Group’s efforts in building sustainable and efficient supply chain solutions through its strong engagement with all stakeholders. They also highlighted the company’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as noting its strategic vision which supports the longevity and sustainability of the business.

Lindsley Ruth, CEO Electrocomponents, commented: “It’s a great honour to receive this award, which could not have been achieved without the dedication of all of our people right across the business. Over this year we have proven that challenges can be opportunities and have grown our market share and widened our customer base. We’re committed to being a strong and sustainable business and bringing our people, customers, suppliers and communities together to accelerate our positive impact.”

For more information about the plc awards, visit the website at www.plc-awards.co.uk.

Celera Motion has launched a multiturn variant of its highly durable IncOder absolute encoders. The compact, through-hole encoder design now enables multiturn measurement for rotary-to-linear or geared rotary systems. The non-volatile turn count storage means that turn count is retained even under power loss. Inductive technology also provides measurement precision even in rugged environments.

The IncOder multiturn encoders join Celera Motion’s existing range of durable and precise IncOder Midi and Midi Ultra singleturn encoders. In addition to measuring angles from 0° to 360°, the multiturn encoders also track the turn count of complete revolutions. Providing absolute measurement, this means that the encoder maintains its position on start up, as well as its turn count, without requiring input of a datum point. This saves set up time and means an application can quickly return to operation even in the event of power loss. An adjustable zero set function also enables offset positional programming, enabling simple and accurate adjustment to the absolute position with control over the datum point.

The absolute multiturn capability means the encoder is ideally suited to OEMs involving technology such as ball screws, where position can be tracked over multiple turns, as well as geared robot joints. The encoder is also designed to integrate with servo motor and cartesian robot applications, as well as positional tracking and control of wind turbines, cranes and antenna masts.

Celera Motion’s new multiturn encoders have the same form factor as the existing Midi and Midi Ultra IncOder series, featuring a low-profile ring encoder with a large through-hole. This enables compact design and simple installation as wiring and components pass through the encoder ring. Designed for compact and lightweight systems, the Multiturn IncOder is available in a range of sizes from 75mm to 300mm outside diameter, and 25mm to 260mm inside diameter.

Non-contact positional measurement is achieved with inductive technology, meaning that the Multiturn IncOder’s performance is unaffected by debris, whether liquids or solids. The encoders are available in IP67 and can operate in temperatures from -45°C to 85°C. This enables the device to be used in rugged conditions while maintaining optimal accuracy and precision.

The encoders provide feedback with an accuracy of ≤19 arc-seconds for Ultra IncOder Series variants (size dependent), and ≤38 arc-seconds for the IncOder Series (size dependent). Single turn resolution up to 21 bits is provided alongside multiturn resolution that achieves 12 bits (4096 counts) for BiSS-C and ASI (asynchronous serial) communications, and 8 bits (256 counts) for the SSI protocol.

The wear-free devices, which are gearless and bearingless, do not require any mechanical maintenance and operate without a battery backup supply. Power options include 5, 12 and 24 V DC.

Supplied to the UK and Ireland by INMOCO, the company’s engineers can work with OEM designers to achieve the optimum feedback device configuration for application requirements.

The rise of non-linear loads in industrial environments over the last two decades has resulted in the growing problem of harmonic currents and utility-level voltage distortion. Facing a lack of awareness, the industry has struggled to implement effective mitigation techniques. Here, global sales & marketing director of CP Automation, John Mitchell, discusses useful tips for mitigating harmonics.

Voltage distortion, caused by current harmonics can wreak havoc in a plant, damaging its equipment and the mains power supply. Damage can be serious and varied with the most common symptoms including voltage notching, motor vibration, arcing on bearings, nuisance tripping, electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI) and overheating.

The very first place to start is to ensure you comply with regulations. International harmonic control requirement, IEEE-519, limits “the maximum frequency voltage harmonic to 3 per cent of the fundamental and the voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) to 5 per cent for systems with a major parallel resonance at one of the injected frequencies.” Some form of filtering is subsequently recommended.

We’re lucky in the UK to have a stiff power grid, but this is not true everywhere. Developing countries often aren’t as lucky. Weak grids with an unreliable supply and inadequate infrastructure are common in other parts of the world. The power ratings on products are often based on calculations performed in ideal conditions. Buyers would be wise to note that these products may perform adversely in weak grids and may not perform to IEEE-519 standards in these conditions.

Remember to always stay on your toes. The last few decades have seen a rise in the use of non-linear loads such as transistor based variable speed drives (VSDs) and line commutated DC drive systems. The processes of high frequency switching and pulse width modulation (PWM), introduce unwanted multiples of the fundamental 50hz frequency in the form of harmonics. Knowing what options are available to you, can help the overall efficiency of the harmonic mitigation process.

Passive and active harmonic solutions can be installed in both series and parallel (shunt) configurations within a system. Series solutions operate in line with the load, meaning that units must be sized for the full current load. Shunt units can be sized only for the harmonic disturbance. There is a clear decision to be made between series-passive, shunt-passive, series-active and shunt-active solutions.

Series-passive

The most straight forward series-passive solution can be achieved using a line reactor. This is a low cost way to reduce current harmonics, while adding a level of protection to the rectifier.

Shunt-passive

Shunt passive is power factor correction, often using fixed capacitor banks, tuned and detuned contactor based units, thyristor capacitor banks and fine tuned passive filters. These methods were principally developed to resolve reactive power and not specifically for harmonic mitigation. Today, I would hope no one is installing capacitor banks by themselves and, at the very least, using de-tuned ones – with an inductor for example.

Series-active

Series-active takes the form of an Active-Front-End (AFE) VSD. It replaces the rectifier diodes in a regular VSD with an IGBT controlled rectifier to eliminate switching based signal noise.

AFEs are great at significantly lowering THD and maintaining good power factor. However, AFEs have some serious drawbacks. In order to maintain a small form factor, lower switching frequencies are used, which result in high switch ripples on the voltage waveform. This can cause other sensitive equipment like PLCs and telemetry and communications networks to nuisance trip and malfunction.

In addition, although this unit may at first seem to eliminate harmonics, it must be noted that with the AFE in addition to the VSD, there are now two drives in the circuit producing twice the heat. This means twice the heat and with a 200kW AFE it soon adds up. For the panel builder or system integrator, bigger cooling systems are needed to cope with the excessive heat.

Shunt-active

Active filters provide the most efficient harmonic compensation in a compact unit that has little loss, is insensitive to grid conditions, cannot be overloaded and is easy to retrofit. All of this comes at a slightly higher cost, which is offset by the better return on investment over the longer term.

Understanding the often subtle differences between various harmonic filtering technologies can yield better cost savings, reduce complexity and prolong equipment life. Getting your head around what options are available really is worth it in the long run.

The Task 

Craggs Energy supplies over 50 million litres per annum of fuels and lubricants to UK homes, farms and businesses via three depots and a national partner network. Taking manual readings was awkward and hazardous on four 230,000 litre tanks at their Padiham Depot.

The Solution

Powelectrics Metron telemetry hardware now measures level on all four tanks, automatically sending data and low level alerts via Powelectrics MetronView cloud. Post installation, transmit intervals were remotely increased via MetronView to report levels hourly.

The Result

With the Powelectrics telemetry solution installed, regular data and low-level alerts are reported to multiple users, including colleagues based 25 miles away, ensuring that these huge tanks are stocked up and ready to fill the fleet for daily deliveries.

Summary

• No run-outs
• Improved site safety
• Efficient stock control
• Efficient logistics
• Improved customer service

“We are truly delighted with this Powelectrics solution. It has delivered the perfect balance between cost and performance, provided reliable data and alerts, improved depot safety and generated great efficiencies in our stock control and logistics functions. We’re also really impressed by the level of technical and commercial support we have received at every point in this project!” comments James Turner, Craggs Energy Technical Manager. 

Powelectrics’ fuel management technology can accommodate any shape or size of tank. 

The company’s Metron telemetry hardware and MetronView platform assists fuel management, giving you level data and alerts for your site fuel tanks and for your customers’ fuel tanks, to ensure you never run out.

Powelectrics’ kit can also form the basis of fuel theft alert solutions, fuel polishing solutions and condition monitoring.

Remote Inventory Management/ Vendor Managed Inventory/ VMI uses remote tank level monitoring technology to report level on multiple tanks, to cut costs and environmental impact, by planning efficient logistics. Service and supply contracts can be won by offering customers enhanced service levels, reducing risk by eliminating run-outs. More here: Tank Level Monitoring / Vendor Managed Inventory – Powelectrics Sensing and Telemetry Systems

Powelectrics Tank Monitoring System (MetronTMS) is a platform specifically for customers who deliver fuel and other products to their customers’ tanks in bulk. Learn more about it here. 

Please see the Powelectrics Tank Level Monitoring/Vendor Managed Inventory brochure here.

Please click here for a video walkthrough of the company’s Tank Level Monitoring/Vendor Managed Inventory IIoT solutions.

Recent fuel price increases and imminent changes in regulations regarding red diesel is likely to cause a higher incidence of fuel theft. Learn more about Powelectrics’ solutions for Fuel Theft Protection here.

What can Powelectrics do for you?

Please browse the Powelectrics website and get in touch with any queries you have or applications you would like to discuss. Call +44 1827 310 666 email sales@powelectrics.co.uk or use this contact form.

Mouser Electronics has teamed up with Analog Devices to present a new webinar, titled ‘Solve precision measurement design challenges in low-power applications’. The free, live webinar will occur at 4:00 p.m. CET on 31 March 2022.

Precise measurement of real-world signals is a key differentiator for battery-powered equipment in a variety of applications, such as field instruments, portable medical devices, and asset monitoring. Achieving the highest degree of accuracy has traditionally involved a big trade-off against power efficiency, compromising the available performance to low-power applications. The new webinar will demonstrate how engineers can leverage the latest innovations in low-power precision technology from ADI, showcasing precision signal chains that can be used to simplify the complex challenges of precision analogue design in portable and remote devices.

During the webinar, Analog Devices will:

• Identify the key engineering challenges and trade-offs in low-power precision measurement applications.
• Demonstrate the class-leading performance of ADI low-power devices in the pathway that begins with the sensor, right through the analogue signal chain and into the digital data domain.
• Illustrate Analog Devices solutions for different sensor types, including temperature, pressure, vibration, and multi-function sensors.
• Present entire signal-chain solutions that can be optimised for measurement accuracy, form factor and low-power performance in a variety of applications.

The webinar will be presented by Aine McCarthy, Applications Engineer in the Analog Devices precision signal chain team, with a key focus on low-power application areas at ADI. Since joining ADI in 2006, McCarthy has worked in the precision measurement space and held roles as an Applications Engineer as well as a Design Evaluation Engineer. McCarthy holds a BEng and MEng in Electronic Engineering from Cork Institute of Technology and a MEngSc from University College Cork in microelectronic design.

To learn more and to register for the free webinar, visit: https://emea.info.mouser.com/webinar-adi-precisionmeasurement-emea-lp

Contrinex’s fibre-optic sensors, available from PLUS Automation, are trusted to detect breakages in the manufacturer of steel cable used in automotive parking-brake systems. The cable is formed from multiple strands of steel wire being twisted together. There is potential during manufacture for the cable to break which can damage equipment and pose a risk to employees.

A fibre-optic multi-beam array sensor detects the presence of the wire, whilst it is free to move up and down, and left and right within the sensor’s detection field. When the cable is not detected by the sensor, for example when the cable breaks, the manufacturing process is stopped.

Customer application

The ‘handbrake cable’ used in automotive parking-brake systems is made from strands of steel wire which are twisted together, to form a 3mm diameter cable. This continuous manufacturing process passes the wire between successive work-stations in an unbroken length. Between operations, the cable is largely unsupported, assuming the form of a suspended catenary.

Occasionally, a manufacturing defect can cause the cable to break, which can compromise operator safety and unless the processing is halted, the equipment can be damaged. A sensor system must detect the presence of the cable as it passes from one operation to the next, interrupting the production process if it breaks.

Because the cable is unsupported, its path is unpredictable and its exact position at any time, particularly in the vertical plane, is unknown. The sensor system must therefore detect the presence of the cable reliably at any point within an envelope 90mm high and 20mm wide.

Customer solution

The Contrinex photoelectric sensor system comprises a DIN-rail-mounted fibre-optic amplifier coupled with a multi-beam diffuse sensing head, which has a shape reminiscent of a frog’s head. The system’s maximum switching frequencies of 4,000 Hz and the sensing distance of up to 150mm makes the multi-beam fibre-optic sensors ideal for detecting fast-moving targets. The PBTP body of the sensing head provides excellent mechanical protection for life in a production environment.

The multi-beam sensor’s 28mm-wide sensing face provides a detection envelope that comfortably accommodates this application’s 90mm x 20mm requirement. Initial set-up is accomplished by a manual teach function using the integral signal-strength LCD on the amplifier, following which the system operates without manual intervention.

A 2m-long fibre cable enables the fibre-optic amplifier to be positioned remotely and connect to the automation control system via an industry-standard PNP and M8 cable connection. This allows easy removal and replacement if ever necessary.

The system tolerates high ambient-light conditions and detection of a broken cable is both highly reliable and immediate. If the cable breaks, the system interrupts the manufacturing process and sounds an alarm, alerting the operator. Downtime arising from broken cables has been virtually eliminated since the system has been operational.

ifm electronic ltd has been announced as the sponsor of the Digital Transformation Award at the inaugural Instrumentation Excellence Awards.

Measuring and controlling is at the heart of ifm electronic with its innovative and robust range of products comprising position sensors and object recognition, fluid sensors and diagnostic systems as well as bus identification and control systems. When it comes to an industry benchmark in automation technology, ifm electronic guarantees flexibility and compatibility.

The Digital Transformation Award honours a company that has embraced digital transformation to improve resilience or productivity, or has made a significant impact on the market by guiding others forwards on their digital transformation journey.

The inaugural Instrumentation Excellence Awards, brought to you by Datateam Business Media, the publishers of Instrumentation Monthly, will take place on 27 October 2022 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London. The first event of its kind in the UK, the awards will celebrate the very best professionals, products and companies from the test, measurement, sensing and control sectors.

Product Categories:

• IIoT product of the year
• Test and Measurement Product of the Year (sponsored by IndySoft)
• Sensor Product of the Year
• Gas Detection Product of the Year
• Calibration Product of the Year
• Thermal Imaging and Vision Systems Product of the Year
• Flow, Level and Control Product of the Year
• Cables and Connectors Product of the Year
• Monitoring and Metering Product of the Year
• Cases and Enclosures Product of the Year
• DAQ Product of the Year
• Signal Conditioning Product of the Year

Business Categories:

• Distributor of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Digital Transformation Award (sponsored by ifm electronic)
• PR Agency of the Year Award
• Sustainability Award
• Excellence in Innovation

Individual:

• Industry Personality
• Rising Star Award

Entries are open via the online portal: https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities or for ticket sales, please contact Louise Tiller by emailing ltiller@datateam.co.uk.