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A manufacturer of water heaters trusts Contrinex to quickly and reliably test stainless-steel-braided hydraulic hoses at the final stage of manufacture. Before the over-pressure test is applied, a system that uses several Contrinex inductive sensors checks each hose assembly to ensure that the correct mechanical parts have been fitted. Applying high pressure to an incomplete assembly could result in catastrophic failure, damaging test equipment and risk of operator injury.

Customer application

A manufacturer of stainless-steel-braided high-pressure hoses for water heaters carries out mandatory over-pressure testing on every hose assembly. If either of the mechanical unions fitted to the ends of each hose is incorrectly assembled, it will leak under pressure.

Occasionally, a component is omitted entirely, making a hose liable to fail catastrophically. To avoid damaging test equipment and endangering personnel, a sensor system is needed to confirm the presence of three critical parts on each union before testing commences.

Each extra test extends the process cycle time. The customer requires a single test fixture capable of carrying out three presence checks concurrently, minimising the additional cost.

The three critical parts, made from stainless steel, carbon steel and brass, respectively, are positioned nearby when assembled. Access is limited and therefore the three sensors must be small, yet able to sense these materials reliably at distances up to 6mm.

Customer solution

By mounting three separate M8- and C5-sized Contrinex inductive sensors, available from PLUS Automation, in a single fixture, all the demands of this application can be met in full. Each sensor is chosen for its combination of size, sensing distance and reliable detection of one of the three different materials

To detect the brass union nut, an M8-diameter sensor from the Basic range (Extra Distance family) with a 4mm sensing distance is selected. Fully embeddable with chrome-plated nickel-silver bodies and PBTP sensing faces, this sensor has a correction factor of 1.0 for brass, outperforming competitors.

For detecting the steel spring, a 5mm-square-section sensor from the Miniature range is an ideal option. Embedding the sensor makes optimal use of its 1.5mm sensing distance, and its chrome-plated brass body is well-suited to the environment.

Finally, to ensure reliable detection of the stainless-steel collar, an M8-diameter sensor from the EXTREME 700 Series, was chosen. Its one-piece AISI 303 (V2A) stainless-steel construction is combined with an extended operating distance of 6mm.

Each sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface and features a hermetically sealed cable entry. All three are connected to the customer’s control equipment via PUR-sheathed cables. Delivering the required detection capabilities and sensing distances in small-bodied sensors enables Contrinex to automate a previously unsolvable problem.

Constant velocity control is essential for many advanced industrial processes, but traditional motor designs give rise to cogging forces which generate ripples in the motor velocity. KOVERY has designed a series of advanced linear motors, with integrated Renishaw encoders, that solve this problem.

Background

Linear motors are widely used in major industrial fields including flat panel display (FPD), semiconductors, automation, medical diagnostics, 3D printing and machine tools. A linear motor is equivalent to a rotary synchronous motor with a ‘rolled-out’ stator and rotor. Instead of producing a torque for rotation, it produces a thrust force along its length.

KOVERY is an ultra-precision motor manufacturer based in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Dedicated to continuous R&D, KOVERY is a leading supplier of advanced high-precision linear motor systems.

KOVERY precision motors use patented technology to eliminate or minimise cogging forces that cause velocity ripple and increased bearing wear due to attraction between the stator and the mover parts of the linear motor.

Renishaw’s QUANTiC series of incremental encoders are employed in KOVERY linear motors for commutation and position control. KOVERY also uses other Renishaw metrology products including the EVOLUTE absolute optical encoder and the XL-80 laser system for machine calibration. The encoders are critical components that give reliable position feedback in challenging environments.

Challenge

Most linear motors are ‘flat linear motors’ that feature a permanent magnet track under a series of electromagnetic coils (forcer). Precise control of the forcer is required to enable demanding motion control applications in fields such as semiconductor and FPD manufacture.

Constant velocity control is essential for many advanced industrial processes, but traditional motor designs give rise to cogging forces which generate ripples in the motor velocity. One option for designers is to use a slotless (ironless) flat motor that provides excellent control at the expense of higher thrust outputs. KOVERY has developed a unique range of motors that minimise cogging forces without sacrificing thrust.

KOVERY President, Kim Houng-joong, introduces the company’s patented technology, stating, “The linear motors on the market come in various forms. Each design has its benefits but there are always trade-offs. The unique linear motors developed by our company are the first to arrange the permanent magnets in the vertical plane, so that they pass between the pole pieces of the forcer coils.

“This ensures uniform magnetic flux and an independent magnetic circuit for each magnet track. Our design allows the motor strength to be increased, simply by increasing the number of tracks. The design effectively reduces the normal attractive force between the slotted iron cores and the magnet tracks without sacrificing thrust. In other words, the overall thrust of the motor is increased, and the maximum is at least twice that of a conventional linear motor. Other advantages include reduced weight, increased design freedom, simple assembly and a low cost of ownership,” concluded Houng-joong.

Position encoders enable commutation of linear motors to provide smooth motion and position control. Encoders with lower jitter and interpolation error are preferred as they allow more accurate position control and lower velocity ripple. Encoders for linear motors need two critical design features to work well — a readhead (sensor) cable with a small minimum bend radius and long cable-life to allow for crimping, kinking, and bending on the machine cable track; and a high maximum operating temperature to withstand the expected heat outputs from the motor coils when power is applied. If the readhead is installed close to the magnetic coils, the encoder must also be able to withstand strong magnetic fields.

Solution

KOVERY uses a range of Renishaw optical encoders for its linear motors, including the advanced QUANTiC optical encoder.

In semiconductor and FPD process equipment applications, KOVERY linear motors are equipped with QUANTiC series encoders featuring 0.2 µm resolution, RTLC40 incremental scale and analogue or digital signal output. Motors for other applications employ Renishaw’s EVOLUTE absolute optical encoder with RTLA50-S linear scale.

Mr. Houng-joong continues: “KOVERY’s linear motors offer a range of specifications, and there are more than a dozen different stroke lengths alone. Sometimes, it is necessary to provide customised products with strokes up to several metres. We also expect that market demand for longer-stroke linear motors will increase. The QUANTiC encoder’s RTLC40 steel tape scale is supplied on a convenient reel, which allows us to cut the exact length required for each motor, improving our operation flexibility. In addition, the short delivery lead times and excellent cost performance are all factors. Renishaw’s encoders have improved the competitiveness of our products.”

Advantages of QUANTiC encoders include compatibility with industry-standard digital or analogue outputs, wide installation and operating tolerances of ±0.3 mm (rideheight) and ±0.9° (yaw), high operating speeds of up to 24 m/s, low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) down to ±80 nm, flexible single-shielded cables for EMI protection, and an integrated set-up LED to aid installation.

Enhanced diagnostic data can be accessed via the optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi‑100 and free ADT View software. The ADTi‑100 is ideal for difficult installations, in-field diagnostics and fault finding.

In particular, the set-up LED and exceptionally wide installation tolerances of the QUANTiC encoder enable a quick and intuitive installation process, lowering machine build costs and reducing machine downtime when servicing. Furthermore, the low SDE and high resolution of the QUANTiC encoder improves linear motor accuracy and enables smoother motion control due to reduced velocity ripple.

As Mr. Houng-joong explains: “When choosing an encoder system, in addition to the encoder specifications required for our customer’s application, we also consider the installation difficulty and reliability in our production environment. Orders from equipment manufacturers require very short lead times – from the receipt of an order, we often have only three to six months for design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery.”

“The quick and easy installation of parts is absolutely one of the key factors for punctual delivery. QUANTIC encoders have wide installation tolerances that enable faster installation. Also, by monitoring the colour of the set-up LED on the readhead, we can quickly determine if the signal strength is up to standard and whether the installation is successful. These features save time, reduce costs and give us great confidence.”

Renishaw’s EVOLUTE absolute encoder features many of the same benefits of the QUANTiC series, including wide installation tolerances and good dirt immunity. Enhanced diagnostic data is also available through the Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTa-100 hardware and ADT View software.

KOVERY tests and calibrates its motors prior to leaving the factory using Renishaw’s XL-80 laser system for machine calibration and quality control. These systems are fast, extremely accurate with linear measurement accuracies of 0.5 ppm, lightweight and portable.

“Our customers are mostly precision equipment manufacturers, who have demanding quality requirements, so motors need to be strictly verified before they leave our factory. The linearity, straightness and squareness of each linear motor is measured using Renishaw’s XL-80 laser interferometer. Dynamic measurements are also performed, including analysis of the velocity ripple. For product testing, the XL-80 system is quick to set-up and easy to use – it’s undoubtedly a great choice,” says Mr. Houng-joong.

Results

Renishaw’s encoder products and laser calibration systems have enabled KOVERY to build cutting-edge linear motors for advanced process machinery in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing. The partnership between Renishaw and KOVERY continues to support the latest linear motor developments.

Mr. Houng-joong concludes: “We focus on the development of ultra-high-precision and high-speed linear motors. It is impossible to have a thorough understanding of every component. Renishaw has done a very good job in after-sales support; they often communicate closely with our development team, provide relevant training where required, and have solved many application problems for us.” 

For further information on Renishaw encoders, visit www.renishaw.com/en/position-and-motion-control–6331

Powelectrics offers over 30 years of expertise and practical experience in instrumentation and digitalisation, delivering solutions globally. The company has been offering remote tank level monitoring solutions for fuel management and theft protection for over a decade.

From 1 April 2022 it will no longer be legal to use red diesel for non-road mobile machinery such as bulldozers and cranes or to power mobile generators on construction sites.

Red diesel can only be used for vehicles and machinery used in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry.

That means that many businesses which previously benefitted from the tax breaks on red diesel, such as construction sites, will need to switch to more expensive ‘white’ or regular diesel.

White diesel can be used by anyone … used in cars … used for commercial heating …. uses that were excluded to red diesel. This means that fuel stolen from sites can be easily sold on to a wide range of users, without the same fear of detection associated with red diesel.

At the same time fuel prices are increasing rapidly and many sites are remote, making their white diesel tanks even more attractive targets for fuel theft.

Sites will already be paying more for ‘white’ diesel and can ill afford theft, with the associated clear-up costs, disruption and penalties for late delivery on projects.

Powelectrics’ robust, proven telemetry hardware can be battery-powered for use on remote sites.

The company’s telemetry platform can measure rate of change within defined time periods and issue alerts to multiple authorised recipients, available on any web-enabled device.

More on Powelectrics’ Fuel Management Solutions: Powelectrics Fuel Management & Vendor Managed Inventory

Fuel Theft Case Study:  Royal Mail IIoT Case Study – Fuel Management & Theft Prevention (powelectrics.co.uk)

What can Powelectrics do for you?

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

Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative test and measurement solutions for advanced and converged networks, will be showing advanced solutions supporting the latest 5G standards and network deployments at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022 at Barcelona (Hall 5 Stand D41).

5G devices and network technology are currently being rolled out, delivering higher speed and capacity and lower latency. Industry is also developing innovative new capabilities in Open RAN, Cloud/EDGE Deployment, and virtualised networks. This provides the future platform for new use cases and new applications, for evolving the technology Beyond 5G, and for the development of a sustainable society.

Anritsu is contributing to this journey by producing innovative solutions to enable the eco-systems that are either developing or using the technologies and accelerating the realisation of new products and services for Industry Verticals.

Anritsu will demonstrate the following to visitors to its stand, while also providing thought leadership and opportunities to learn about emerging technologies.

Technologies and Measurements for Beyond 5G

3GPP has started work on ‘5G-Advanced’ from Release 18, and industry and academia is already evaluating technologies for 6G. Anritsu is participating in multiple projects and consortia to help define and shape future telecoms technologies and related measurement requirements.

5G Network Slicing for Automotive V2X, with dSPACE

The Anritsu MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station and dSPACE VEOS (a PC-based simulation platform), together with dSPACE AURELION sensor-realistic simulation, provides a 5G Network slicing testing environment for Automotive V2X use cases.

Anritsu will demonstrate Advanced Intersection Collision Warning (AICW) showing how sensor information from outside the vehicle can be obtained, allowing the vehicle to detect the risk of an intersection collision and alert the driver accordingly.

Ensuring 5G Ultra Reliable Low Latency (URLLC) Validation and Communication

Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) is key for applications such as Smart Factory/Industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, medical, and Multiple Access Edge Computing (MEC) linking Data Centres to 5G Mobile Access.

Anritsu MT1000A Network Master Pro a portable easy to use test solution with 10G, 25G and 100G interfaces, accurately analyses critical network performance parameters to ensure URLLC and end-to-end quality of service. With accurate measurements of latency, PTP clock synchronisation, Wander, and connectivity to GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS, the Network Master Pro MT1000A is the ideal solution for deploying faster and low-latency 5G mobile networks.

In addition, Anritsu will showcase, with the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A, a new handover method introduced by 3GPP which targets to achieve almost zero data interruption in mobile devices. It is vital to ensure URLLC and seamless data continuity between mobile devices as every millisecond or even less counts in self-driving vehicles or remote surgery. Maintaining such stringent requirements, even when mobile devices are in motion, requires new handover techniques.

Complete toolbox for 5G base station field engineers

The MS2090A Field Master Pro provides a comprehensive toolbox for RF field engineers installing and maintaining 5G networks. 5G beam analyser, Modulation quality, Time Offset, Interference hunting and cable & antenna analyser measurements are all included. Frequency options cover FR1 and FR2 bands, while an RTSA with 110 MHz bandwidth, speeds up and enhances the search for interference.

Service Assurance to Optimise Network Performance

Anritsu provides Service Assurance, Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting, Customer Experience Management, and Augmented Analytical solutions for CSPs. Anritsu assures 5G SA/NSA networks, virtualised and cloud-enabled, as well as 2G to 4G networks.

Virtual Mobile World Congress 2022

Anritsu is hosting a virtual Mobile World Congress Wireless Technology Event in addition to its attendance in Barcelona. The virtual event will highlight emerging technologies and test and analytics solutions to support advanced networks and UE as the industry continues towards 6G.

Power Integrations, the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits (ICs) for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced the addition of two new AEC-Q100 qualified, 1700-volt rated ICs to its InnoSwitch3-AQ family. The new devices are the industry’s first automotive-qualified switching power supply ICs to incorporate a silicon carbide (SiC) primary switching MOSFET. Delivering up to 70 watts of output power, the new ICs are targeted for use in 600- and 800-volt battery and fuel-cell electric passenger vehicles, as well as electric buses, trucks and a wide range of industrial power applications.

Highly integrated InnoSwitch ICs reduce the number of components required to implement a power supply by as much as 50 percent, saving significant circuit-board space, enhancing system reliability and mitigating component sourcing challenges. Devices from the award-winning InnoSwitch family are now available with a choice of cost-effective silicon, high-efficiency gallium nitride (GaN) and high-voltage SiC transistors, permitting designers to optimise their power solution across a broad range of consumer, computer, communications, industrial and automotive applications.

Peter Vaughan, director of automotive business development at Power Integrations said: “800-volt batteries are becoming standard for EVs. Multiple vehicle systems are connected to this powerful electrical source, yet delicate electronic control circuits require just a few volts for operation and communication. InnoSwitch devices allow the electronics to safely sip from the firehose of energy available on the main bus, using minimal board area and without wasting energy. Most exciting is the opportunity to dramatically simplify the emergency power supply for the main traction inverter, which may be called upon at a moment’s notice to operate from any voltage between 30 volts and 1000 volts. Our SiC-based InnoSwitch3-AQ devices handle this vast range with incredible ease.”

Offered in a compact InSOP-24D package, the new ICs use a FluxLink feedback link, providing reinforced isolation up to 5000 V_RMS for secondary-side control. FluxLink technology enables direct sensing of the output voltage, providing benefits such as accurate regulation and extremely fast transient response. The circuit will start from 30 volts without external circuitry – critical for functional safety. Additional protection features include input under-voltage, output over-voltage and over-current limiting.

The inclusion of synchronous rectification and a quasi-resonant (QR) / CCM flyback controller achieves greater than 90% efficiency, easily meeting the strictest OEM requirements. These new parts consume less than 15 mW at no-load, which is ideal for reducing self-discharge in battery management systems.

The InnoSwitch3-AQ 1700-volt parts are also suitable for industrial markets, where the integrated solution replaces discrete controller-plus-MOSFET designs, saving space, time and cost while increasing reliability in applications such as renewables, industrial motor drives, battery storage and metering.

Bowers Group is attending MACH Exhibition from 4th April – 8th April, showcasing a variety of metrology solutions and offering live demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity. With a strong focus on connective metrology, Bowers Group representatives will be willing and ready to show visitors exactly how Bluetooth enabled equipment and connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors.

Attendees will have the opportunity to find out more about the range of precision measurement equipment available from Bowers Group, including a selection of products from Baty, Trimos, Sylvac, Gagemaker, and WYLER. From bore gauges, micrometres and indicators, to sophisticated vision systems, profile projectors and software, the Bowers Group stand will offer a comprehensive range of metrology solutions to suit all needs.

The new Bowers DigiMic, the brand-new digital external micrometer, will be on display. With its large screen and advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the DigiMic offers quick, simple, and highly accurate measurements that can be easily integrated into any Industry 4.0 / SPC system.

Also on display will be the new Baty R400 profile projector with 300mm x 150mm measuring range, which offers a range of improvements including positive adaptations to the lighting system and focal length that make it an ideal tool for a wide range of parts. The FT2-E Touch Screen Display with the new high accuracy screen-mounted edge sensor features the latest Fusion Software which enables measurement data points to be taken automatically, removing operator influence and dramatically improving repeatability.

Ryan Kingswell, UK Sales Manager at Bowers Group said: “MACH is an important event for Bowers Group, and particularly special this year given the delay due to Covid. There are, of course, many guidelines and precautions in place to ensure this is a safe event, as well as an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the very latest technology in data transfer between measurement equipment and applications. Whether your business is taking its first steps into Industry 4.0, or you’re further along your digital transformation journey, we’re looking forward to showing visitors exactly how they can improve manufacturing processes with Bluetooth enabled equipment and connectivity.”

As official metrology sponsors of the University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR) and the University of Wolverhampton Engineering School, Bowers Group will also have the Mobile Metrology Centre on display in MACH’s Education Zone, along with the University of Wolverhampton on stand 17-354. Apprentices, students and visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness first-hand the vast range of metrology equipment on board and learn more about how they are used.

“We are delighted to be able to give visitors to the Education Zone exclusive access to our Mobile Metrology Centre,” continues Ryan. “It’s a great opportunity for us to capture students’ imagination and interest in metrology, and directly engage with the future talent of engineering and manufacturing. With the growing skills gap, it has never been more important for us to offer our experience and guidance regarding the tools that will inevitably become invaluable to them during their future careers.”

Visit Bowers Group on stand 19-410 in the Measurement and Inspection Zone and come and see our Mobile Metrology Centre in the Education Zone on stand 17-354 at MACH Exhibition between 4th – 8th April, at the NEC in Birmingham.

TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has earned the highest score for the sixth year in a row as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality in the United States, an annual recognition of companies with policies, practices and benefits pertinent to this diverse population of employees.

“When people from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported in the workplace, we create an environment where they’re better able to innovate and drive our business forward,” said CEO Terrence Curtin. “We are very pleased to be named as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality and pledge to use this recognition as inspiration to continuously improve and adapt our inclusion and diversity initiatives.”

The Corporate Equality Index rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

• non-discrimination policies across business entities
• equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families
• supporting an inclusive culture
• corporate social responsibility

TE’s global dedication to equality was reaffirmed recently when it also earned the highest score on the 2022 HRC Equidad MX report, recognizing TE’s commitment to expanding LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in Mexico.

To learn more about TE’s corporate responsibility strategy, visit te.com/responsibility.

PTC and Schaeffler have announced a new alliance that will see the global automotive and industrial supplier standardise PTC solutions to deploy an integrated, end-to-end IT landscape.

Schaeffler, which has UK bases in Birmingham, Hereford and Sheffield, will also inform the internet of things specialist in its efforts to further develop and evolve market-specific standard solutions to better meet the needs of automotive and industrial companies.

The agreement will build on the successful twenty-year relationship based on the use of CAD and PLM technology. These tools are essential for the introduction and further development of Schaeffler’s initiatives for digital twins and for visualisation of 3D models, potentially used in augmented reality projects.

“The alliance with PTC is yet another milestone in our digitisation strategy within Roadmap 2025,” says Uwe Wagner, Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler AG.

“End-to-end data models, 3D data, and digital twins are already elementary components of our research and development process. The increasing complexity requires consistent IT solutions in all development areas for more innovation, agility, and efficiency. To achieve these, it is crucial for us to work with strong partners like PTC.”

Schaeffler plans to leverage PTC’s experience and robust end-to-end solutions to move from a customised engineering IT environment to using standard applications across the enterprise. This will enable prompt responses to rapidly changing requirements in a dynamic, competitive environment.

The partnership will focus on the optimisation of the existing environment, as well as its expansion with projects, such as Schaeffler’s Enterprise Traceability or Model-Based Enterprise and the deeper integration of software development tools.

The goal is company-wide integration of the software and system development solutions (Application Lifecycle Management and Model-Based Systems Engineering), which will also enable improvement in the mapping of critical systems engineering requirements, including the fulfilment of varying country-specific safety regulations.

Jim Heppelmann, President and CEO of PTC, concluded: “Through our work with Schaeffler, we aim to advance and further develop market-specific digital transformation solutions. Both companies will benefit from more robust collaboration.”

To launch its Irish facility, industrial metrology specialist The Sempre Group is hosting a virtual roundtable on digitalising Irish manufacturing. On February 14, 2022, at 11:00am, The Sempre Group will host a panel with Andrew Lynch, chief information officer of Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Catherine Collins, head of First Polymer Skillnet and Pauline O’Flanagan, head of engineering industries Ireland for IBEC. In the webinar these experts from manufacturing and academia will discuss how we can overcome common barriers to Industry 4.0. Register for the roundtable for free here.

At the event, thought leaders from academia and industry will join a roundtable panel that explores the role of metrology in digitalisation to enable Irish manufacturers to further their digitalisation journeys.

“While Industry 4.0 is a topic that manufacturers have been aware of for a long time, few manufacturers have fully digitalised the manufacturing process,” explained Jason McGlynn, commercial manager at The Sempre Group. “This is particularly true when looking at quality, which is often treated as a separate entity in manufacturing and therefore neglected in plans to digitalise. During the roundtable we aim to change the narrative and demonstrate how metrology enables manufacturers to make improvements at every step of production.”

The discussion, facilitated by McGlynn, will explore topics such as the steps to digitalising the manufacturing process, digitalising quality management and how these changes will impact the workforce. McGlynn will be joined on the panel by Andrew Lynch, chief information officer of Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Catherine Collins, head of First Polymer Skillnet and Pauline O’Flanagan, head of engineering industries Ireland for IBEC.

Lynch chairs the European Industry 4.E Lighthouse Initiative (LIASE) in ECSEL, EU Joint Undertaking in Digital Transformation, as well as the ManuFuture ETP Working Group (State Aid Strategies – Research & Innovation). Andrew is also on the board of directors of the Irish Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTEC), the FutureCAST Innovation Centre (Ireland NW) and sits on the national advisory board for the Digital Manufacturing Futures Centre (AIM).

Collins has held various technical roles in process and polymer engineering before joining IBEC to work with First Polymer Training Skillnet In 2001. Collins is a member of the Institute of Materials Committee (IOM3 Polymer South), the Midland Regional Skills Forum, QQI’s Consultative Forum and represents Polymer Technology Ireland (Ibec) on various industry working groups.

O’Flanagan has held leadership positions in Medtech research and manufacturing for 15 years. In her role at Ibec, O’Flanagan represents the interests of engineering business sectors in Ireland. O’Flanagan is also a member of groups such as Orgalim, representing European Technology Industries, the Lean Business Ireland Leadership Team and Solas, Skills to Advance Micro-Qualifications Oversight Team.

“By collaborating with innovators in industry and academia, we can better understand the needs of manufacturers in the area and supply the quality management equipment and services needed to give manufacturers that competitive edge in the global market,” concluded McGlynn.

Overcoming the barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption will take place online on February 14, 2022, at 11:00am. Sign up here. To find out more about The Sempre Group in Ireland, visit www.TheSempreGroup.com/sempre-metrology-in-ireland/.

Factory automation is increasing efficiencies, from reducing handling and storage to improving throughput. Connected warehouses and other industrial ecosystems with converged Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) architectures rely on Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Ethernet for precise timing, synchronisation and connectivity of devices including cameras, bar code readers, scanners and conveyors. These ecosystems require next-generation network technology to interconnect device, sensor and equipment communication. To meet this requirement, Microchip Technology has announced the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices delivering IEEE standards-compliant features in the industry’s first switching solution enabling lower latency data traffic flows and greater clock accuracy.

Complementing the LAN9668x is Microchip’s newly released LAN8814 quad-port Gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver.

Microchip’s LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX devices are 8-port switches for industrial and commercial applications, respectively, outfitted with Arm Cortex-A7 central processing units (CPUs), supporting TSN IEEE standards for communication in industrial settings. These include IEEE 1588v2 and IEEE 802.1AS-2020 for Precision Timing, IEEE 802.1Qci for per-stream filtering and policing, IEEE 802.1Qav and IEEE 802.1Qbv for Traffic Shaping and IEEE 802.1CB for Seamless Redundancy, as well as IEC-62439-2 (Media Redundancy Protocol) and ODVA-DLR and IEC-61158-6-10 for Media Redundancy.

Microchip’s Ethernet Switch API (MESA) and PHY API (MEPA) provide designers the freedom and flexibility to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly function library that is operating-system independent. The LAN9668 and LAN8814 scalable TSN chipsets are supported by Microchip’s software framework and provide the lowest latency and end-to-end transmission of communication traffic.

The LAN8814 is a new generation quad-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY that fully supports the latest TSN requirements including IEEE 1588 v2 and frame preemption. Designers using LAN9668 and LAN8814 technology can employ the TSN chipset to achieve timing, stream reservation, protection and management, thereby saving development time and cost.

“While devices and equipment previously required their own communication systems, TSN improves interoperability through connecting data streams to simplify traffic,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and networking business unit. “Enabling converged network architectures, this technology allows developers to expand their products into new markets and provide better performance in existing networks.”

In addition to the LAN9668 family and LAN8814 Ethernet PHY, Microchip provides their associated IStaX/SMBStaX and WebStaX network operating systems. This completes the hardware and software journey to arrive at a rapid time to market. These include a reproduceable reference design available as a board design or kit of Microchip parts including TSN switches, Ethernet PHYs, clock devices and oscillators. This integrated solution is compliant to all network standards, simplifying developers’ first designs.

Development Tools

The LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX TSN Ethernet switches are supported by the VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux Application Software, an industrial Ethernet switch software solution supporting Microchip’s managed Ethernet switch devices. The VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux Network Operating System is an industrial Ethernet switch software solution also supporting Microchip’s managed Ethernet switch devices. The SMBStaX Linux Network Operating System and WebSTaX Linux Network Operating System are available to commercial designers and follow the long-term support Linux Kernel. These solutions all are highly integrated with advanced L2+ switch features. In addition, reference designs and evaluation boards also are available from Microchip and the company’s distribution partners, enabling easy design-in.