News

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) presented STMicroelectronics with an IEEE Milestone for its groundbreaking work in the super-integrated silicon-gate semiconductor process technology combining the high-precision analogue transistors from a Bipolar process, with the high-performance digital switching transistors from a CMOS process, and with the high-power DMOS (BCD) transistors onto a single chip for complex, power-demanding applications. Over the years, the BCD process technology has enabled revolutionary developments in such end applications as hard disk drives, printers, and the full range of automotive applications, among many others.

During a live / virtual ceremony held at ST’s plant in Agrate Brianza, Giambattista Gruosso,  IEEE Italy Section Humanitarian Activities Committee Coordinator and past Secretary, and Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics, unveiled the IEEE Milestone plaque. The plaque will be mounted in two ST locations around Milan, Italy, where the development work on the Multiple Silicon-Gate Multipower BCD work was performed: at the main entrances to two ST sites: Agrate (located in Agrate Brianza, Italy) and Castelletto (Cornaredo, Milan, Italy). The inscription on the plaques reads:

IEEE Milestone

Multiple Silicon Technologies on a Chip, 1985

SGS (now STMicroelectronics) pioneered the super-integrated silicon-gate process combining Bipolar, CMOS, and DMOS (BCD) transistors in single chips for complex, power-demanding applications. The first BCD super-integrated circuit, named L6202, could control up to 60V-5A at 300kHz. Subsequent automotive, computer, and industrial applications extensively adopted this process technology, which enabled chip designers flexibly and reliably to combine power, analog, and digital signal processing.

IEEE established the Milestones Program in 1983 to recognise the technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity found in unique products, services, seminal papers and patents. Each milestone recognises a significant technical achievement that occurred at least twenty-five years ago in an area of technology represented in IEEE and having at least regional impact. Currently about 220 IEEE Milestones have been approved and dedicated around the world.

In the early 1980s, ST engineers began work to reliably address a broad range of electronic applications by pioneering the ability to integrate heterogeneous transistors and diodes on a single die. Focused on customer needs across multiple market segments, the engineers’ objective was to deliver electric power in the range of hundreds of Watts under the control of digital logic that could scale with Moore law. The target devices would also support precise analog functions and minimise power consumption to eliminate heat-sinks.

Those efforts launched a new integrated Silicon-Gate technology. The Bipolar, CMOS, DMOS (BCD) technology allowed the integration, onto a single chip, of diodes, bipolar linear, complex CMOS logic, and multiple DMOS power functions with complex interconnections. The first chip, the L6202 full-bridge motor driver, operated at 60V, delivering 1.5A, switching power at 300kHz and meeting all its design goals. The new reliable process technology enabled chip designers to flexibly combine power, analog, and digital signal processing on a single die.

Since launching the BCD process, ST has sold 40 billion devices using ST Silicon-Gate Multipower BCD and is soon to begin production of the 10th generation of the technology. The technology used in front- and back-end manufacturing sites in Europe and Asia is ubiquitous in the market and can be found across a range of automotive subsystems, in smartphones, home appliances, audio amplifiers, hard disks, power supplies, printers, pico-projectors, lighting, medical equipment, motors, modems, displays, and more.

“Blending together the high-precision capabilities of Bipolar transistors with the digital control of CMOS, and the high-power benefits of DMOS in the early 80s was an exceptional achievement. It could only have been done by an incredibly talented technical team operating within an organisation that had the vision and foresight to recognise the value of smart power, which was then a completely unique concept,” said Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO, STMicroelectronics. “Now, we are 35 years, 9 technical generations, 5 million wafers, and 40 billion chips sold later – almost 3 billion delivered last year. We proudly welcome this IEEE Milestone plaque, which recognises ST’s BCD invention among the select group of technologies that have advanced mankind.”

Rohde & Schwarz today announced that it has been chosen to supply the R&S QPS201 Quick Personnel Security (QPS) scanners to Heathrow Airport, reducing wait times for passengers and enhancing security checkpoints.

R&S QPS201 scanners will be rolled out across the airport, ensuring that all passengers, staff and contractors accessing airside locations are scanned on entry. The installation enables the airport to achieve its vision of a secure and safe environment whilst at the same time providing a positive passenger experience by making their journey through the airport as fast and efficient as possible.

“Heathrow Airport is the latest leading international airport to adopt the R&S QPS201, reinforcing our position as the go-to solution for airports around the world,” said Frank Mackel, Vice President Sales Europe, Rohde & Schwarz. “This scanner addresses the three key airport requirements: high accuracy of threat detection, low frequency of false alarms to minimise time consuming manual pat-downs, and fast throughput to reduce passenger wait times even at busy periods.”

Heathrow Airport sought a solution that fully addressed current security and throughput requirements but is also being continuously developed and improved to meet future security needs. It was impressed with Rohde & Schwarz commitment to upgrade its scanners with new algorithms after they have entered service. It allows an easy, hands-down posture for scanning, which is comfortable while at the same time ensuring effective screening for safety and security. A full body scan is completed in seconds, and any suspect objects are indicated on an image to preserve passenger privacy.

The R&S QPS201 security scanner from Rohde & Schwarz features technology which increases sensitivity to further boost threat detection, while reducing false alarms and processing time. In addition to strengthening security, these performance gains reduce post-alarm manual checks and so help avoid physical contact to ensure social distancing. The security scanner restores parity to baggage- and personnel-scanning times, helping security staff manage throughput at checkpoints and avoid excessive queueing. Leveraging Rohde & Schwarz expertise in technology, and utilizing machine-trained software algorithms, R&S QPS201 detects all types of potentially dangerous objects.

Industrial metrology supplier The Sempre Group has partnered with advanced metrology solutions provider DWFritz Automation. As part of the partnership, The Sempre Group now supplies DWFritz ZeroTouch, a range of high-speed, automated non-contact measurement systems. The product complements The Sempre Group’s extensive range of metrology equipment and software, adding another automated option for UK & Irish manufacturers, in industries including aerospace, automotive and medical.

Traditional metrology processes are complex, multi-step and use several instruments. Moving between these steps requires part handling, introducing the risk of human error and increasing the uncertainty surrounding measurement accuracy and precision.

To provide a more holistic approach to metrology, DWFritz launched a line of non-contact systems — the ZTM-333 to measure complex geometries and the ZTG-2580 for full gear inspection. The systems use multiple non-contact sensors to simultaneously capture 3D dimensional data in minutes — providing data up to four times faster than a traditional coordinate measuring machine (CMM). ZeroTouch offers micron-level precision with high repeatability, providing quick and reliable measurements. Suitable even for intricate components with complex geometries, the ZTM-333 will particularly benefit high precision industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical.

Engineers can gather real-time data in compatible statistical process control (SPC) software for part analysis. The ability to compare point cloud scans with nominal CAD models and GD&T controls offers engineers full traceability of part measurements during the entire product lifecycle. Engineers can also integrate ZeroTouch and software with their manufacturing systems to store and obtain part inspection plans and measurement data to preserve data integrity.

“We want to offer the latest developments in metrology systems to help UK & Irish manufacturers compete on a global scale,” explained Steve Herbert, director of The Sempre Group. “ZeroTouch enables 100 per cent part inspection in one easy-to-use instrument, eliminating the risk of human error caused by part handling, improving accuracy and precision and decreasing overall inspection time.

“Working with DW Fritz allows us to provide manufacturers with a flexible range unlike anything else on the market, but the partnership is about more than filling a gap in our portfolio,” added Herbert. “By working with an industry leader in high-volume precision automation, we can develop new automated metrology solutions that give manufacturers full visibility over their processes, collect valuable data and, ultimately, improve productivity.”

The range of ZeroTouch platforms are available across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about the equipment and services from The Sempre Group, visit www.TheSempreGroup.com.

Drawing upon its uniquely stable manufacturing environment – Optical Surfaces routinely produces the highest quality concave spherical mirrors for Schlieren Imaging systems in a range of materials including fused silica, Zerodur and ClearCeram.

Over the years – the company has produced concave spherical mirrors for Schlieren imaging applications looking at airflow turbulence, explosive shockwaves, gas leaks and visualisation of transparent thermal phenomena.

The skilled optical craftsmen at Optical Surfaces are experienced in producing concave spherical mirrors (up to 800mm in diameter) with surface accuracy of better than lambda/10 with particular emphasis on smoothness of the profile. Ultra high precision surface finish and durable optical coatings combine to provide superior Schlieren image quality.

Research and industrial groups acknowledge Schlieren imaging to be the preferred technique for visualising density variations in transparent media.  In a typical Schlieren imaging set-up, a source directs light onto a long radius concave spherical mirror, which collimates the light and redirects it onto a second identical mirror. The resultant image may be captured by an imaging camera or on a screen.

For further information on ultra-high precision mirrors optimised for Schlieren imaging please visit http://www.optisurf.com/index.php/products/spherical-mirrors/

Anritsu and Verkotan are to collaborate to produce new test services for manufacturers of 5G mobile devices.

With the rapid roll out of 5G networks, there is a growing need for performance tests for 5G devices. Verkotan is meeting this need using Anritsu’s MT8000A 5G communication tester, offering Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) tests, post modification tests for mobile phones and over the air (OTA) testing.

As the number of 5G devices grows, their safety for both humans and animals needs to be evaluated. Anritsu’s MT8000A enables Verkotan to test a 5G mobile device’s SAR, a measure of how much radio frequency energy is absorbed by the user’s or bystander’s body or head.

Another service offered by Verkotan is RF modification solutions for mobile phones, customised to support the needs of wireless operators, regulators, infrastructure vendors, mobile device and chipset vendors, test equipment manufacturers or any organisation required to analyse network performance. This service includes bypassing the phone’s antennas with coaxial cables, followed by a verification of RF performance using the Anritsu  MT8000A. The test system allows a rapid assessment of the quality of the modification.

5G OTA testing measures the device’s radiated RF performance, one of the most challenging design areas for wireless devices. Highly accurate 5G OTA testing during product development helps avoiding very expensive modifications in the final stages. With the MT8000A, Verkotan can verify the radiated power, sensitivity, and throughput performance of 5G devices, while also helping the vendors of 5G radio network equipment.

Using Anritsu’s test equipment, Verkotan can expand its service portfolio to new areas, providing benefits to a wide range of customers in the telecommunications sector. Verkotan uses Anritsu test systems to serve customers of all sizes and focuses, from IoT device, mobile and base station manufacturers, to network and chipset vendors.

The MT8000A 5G test solution broadens Verkotan’s capabilities, allowing testing of the latest 5G features supported by customer devices.

“Verkotan is very happy to use Anritsu products in everyday test service production,” says Miia Nurkkala, laboratory manager, Verkotan. “The test equipment is easy and intuitive to use, with a comprehensive set of features to solve even the most challenging customer testing needs. Working with Anritsu`s team is always a positive experience, from the first point of sales contact to test system integration and system support.”

Farnell is further expanding its market-leading test and measurement range with the introduction of the new NGA100 power supply series, part of the Essentials Portfolio, from Rohde & Schwarz. With intuitive manual control and simple computer-controlled operation, the NGA100 series is in stock for same day shipping and can be used as a bench supply for R&D, product test, repair and education, or in racks for manufacturing test systems.

The new generation NGA100 series is an easy-to-use entry-level power supply family which has been carefully designed for feature rich and affordable general purpose use. It is based on a stable output, low noise, linear topology housed in a compact footprint and is quiet in operation. The NGA100 series provides excellent readback accuracy and has a low current range with multiple sleep modes for completing demanding measurements required by Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Advanced protection functions ensure connected devices and the power supply remain safe. The channel fusion feature extends voltage and current ranges by allowing the isolated outputs to be connected in series for higher voltages or in parallel for higher output currents.

Equipped with different external control interfaces, the power supplies feature remote sensing at the load to improve setting and measurement accuracy and are simple to integrate into automated testing. The NGA100 series also allows customers to work seamlessly and productively with modern test workbenches. This flexibility makes the instruments ideal for various bench applications including arbitrary waveform generation and data logging of voltage and current measurements over time, with simple output of data.

The NGA100 series is comprised of four models including the NGA101, a 35VDC single output rated at 40W total output; the NGA102, a 35VDC dual outputs rated up to 80W total output power; the NGA141, a single output rated up to 100V at 40W maximum, and the NGA142 which offers dual 100VDC outputs up to 80W. A channel fusion feature is available on all dual output units.

Key features of the NGA100 power supply series now available from Farnell include:

• 3.5” front panel display – The colour coded display ensures users can clearly see all operating conditions including the status of any protective functions. Voltage and current values are easy to read and built-in statistics are integrated into the display to show the minimum and maximum values for power, voltage and current. Built-in high readback measurements reduce the need for external multimeters and simplify setup.
• Connectivity – The NGA series includes a USB interface for control and saving data. Ethernet with integrated web server offers easy instrument control directly via web browser, and Wireless LAN (WLAN) automatically connects the instrument to a network. Digital trigger I/O allows input triggers to automatically control the main instrument functions.
• Rackmountable – The compatible rackmount kit and rear output connectors ensure easy integration of the NGA100 power supply series into test systems. Each rackmount frame can hold up to two NGA100 units.

James McGregor, Global Head of Test & Tools at Farnell, said: “We recently introduced Rohde & Schwarz’s NGU series of source measurement units and we are delighted to be adding another innovative test equipment series to our market leading range. We are committed to providing our customers with best-in-class test and measurement products for entry-level application and education through to professional R&D, heavy duty manufacturing and IoT. The new NGA100 series of power supplies and our complete R&S portfolio is available for fast delivery from stock, ensuring customers can access the products they need, whenever they need them.”

Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace, defence, security, networks and cybersecurity. The technology group’s innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world.

Farnell offers a full range of products to support electronic design and test and continues to deliver the latest in cutting edge power supply technology to customers. The new-to-market NGA100 series is available with no minimum order value and an educational discount programme. Customers also have free access to online resources, data sheets, applications notes, videos and webinars and excellent customer and technical support, available 24/5 in local language.

Electric motors drive our core industrial processes, and the rolling bearing is their central mechanical component. The bearings experience all of the loads and stresses that occur in the electric motor. Therefore, bearing diagnostics provide a crucial indicator of the overall condition and reliability of a motor. In addition to developing a portfolio of condition monitoring solutions for operators, the automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is also working with OEM customers such as Siemens on joint offerings to increase the availability of machinery and equipment.

“This partnership between Schaeffler and Siemens is based on a solid foundation of product knowledge and specific expertise. Both companies are playing an instrumental role in driving digitalisation forward in the industry while keeping their entire focus on customer value,” adds Dr. Stefan Spindler, CEO Industrial of Schaeffler AG.

Services seamlessly integrated in one platform

The collaboration between Siemens and Schaeffler combines Sidrive IQ – the digital platform for drive systems and solutions from Siemens – with Schaeffler’s decades of experience and expertise in designing, manufacturing, and servicing bearings. Sidrive IQ integrates a number of functionalities into one seamless solution and augments drive systems with AI-based analytics and digital content. For the customer, this means the ability to make better decisions when it comes to operation, maintenance, and maintenance measures for drive systems.

New dimensions of collaboration in the industrial IoT

The integration of Schaeffler’s analysis service for automated bearing diagnostics in Sidrive IQ makes it possible to determine the bearing condition with greater certainty and precision. “This cooperation and automated exchange of algorithm-based diagnostic data is one of the first of its kind in the industrial IoT. It’s a great example of a new dimension of cooperation among established technology companies,” says Hermann Kleinod, CEO of Siemens Large Drives Applications.

With the help of well-founded insights and specific information, operators can quickly determine whether the drive system can continue to operate or whether, in the event of impending damage, the bearing needs to be replaced immediately or can wait for the next maintenance interval. This reduces maintenance effort and cost, and most importantly, unplanned and costly downtimes can be prevented.

sensemetrics, a global Industrial IoT (IIoT) and cloud technology company transforming sensor data into real-time business intelligence, has been acquired by Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company.

“Since our founding in 2014, we have advanced our vision to simplify connectivity and standardise industrial sensor data to bring active risk management and safety solutions to infrastructure, mining and construction markets,” said Cory Baldwin, CEO, sensemetrics. “The acquisition is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and an exciting milestone for us as we join the Bentley family to take our vision to the next level. We would like to thank X2 Equity, sensemetrics’ largest investor, for their unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship in navigating the challenges of developing and delivering disruptive technologies to the markets we serve.”

In its news release about the acquisition, Bentley Systems credits sensemetrics for making “widespread infrastructure IoT deployments feasible by providing simple and reliable means to connect, store, and stream sensor data from a wide range of sensor devices for continuous and automated condition monitoring.”

The acquisition follows sensemetrics’ recent expansion of its IIoT sensor automation portfolio, with the January 2021 launch of the Thread X3, a next-generation broadband IIoT sensor connectivity device, and the March 2021 introduction of the Strand, a cost-effective narrowband solution. Both solutions are designed for organisations seeking to reduce risk, improve safety, and increase visibility to key insights in complex infrastructure, mining, geotechnical and environmental sectors.

sensemetrics’ technology and talent will be leveraged to add intrinsic IoT capabilities to the Bentley iTwin platform, enabling infrastructure digital twins to incorporate real-time sensor data and ultimately, advance asset performance and mitigate environmental risks. More information on how sensemetrics will help accelerate Bentley Systems’ infrastructure IoT strategy can be found here.

“The acquisition brings us closer to our goal to effortlessly connect decision makers with condition monitoring data and insights that are critical to the safe and efficient operation of their assets,” said Baldwin. “The synergies enabled by extending infrastructure digital twins through infrastructure IoT are compelling, and we are excited to play a pivotal role in this advancement.”

X2 Equity CEO and Founder Marc Sperschneider added, “Cory leads a first-class team, and we thank them for what has been a great partnership since we invested. We have built significant value in the business together, investing in the technology platform and launching several new products while transforming the sales and go-to-market strategy – all enhancing the customer experience. On behalf of the entire board, I wish Cory and the team all the best for their partnership with Bentley going forward.”

sensemetrics, with global operations and offices in both San Diego and Denver, will add a staff of approximately 25 to Bentley Systems, including Baldwin and his leadership team.

Since taking over LCA Group in 2017, Managing Director Alan Sheppard has always maintained a focus on innovation, and the use of cutting-edge technology to further the firm’s manufacturing and assembly capabilities. The primary focus was on the investment in technologies that would speed up client approval processes and improve communication between departments. Since then, EPLAN and Rittal have worked closely with the Hawarden-based electrical engineering firm, supporting the company’s industry-leading turnkey service for electrical engineering projects.

Thanks to this trusted relationship, LCA was chosen to trial the new EPLAN eVIEW solution, which is part of EPLAN’s rapidly growing portfolio of ePULSE cloud-based services. To complement its EPLAN software, the firm has also invested in Rittal’s laser Perforex, Assemblex and Secarex machines.

LCA is a leading engineering company and was recently named the most innovative business in North Wales. From their state-of-the-art facility in North Wales, they provide electrical engineering services to businesses across the country, including project design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and maintenance. LCA also operates the UK’s first Rittal Automation Systems 3D laser machining centre, which makes it possible for them to provide industry-leading 3D design and manufacturing capabilities for its customers.

Versatile software

Underpinning LCA’s engineering and manufacturing operations is EPLAN’s Pro Panel software, which provides all necessary data for manufacturing like BOMs, drawings and flat projection drawings and integrates automation technologies perfectly in the processes of product development and manufacturing. This applies to the mechanical processing of the cabinet housing components and copper busbars, as well as for the control of machines in the cable and wire assembly. Even future-oriented automation technologies such as automated assembly of terminal strips or the robotic wiring of equipment are supported with the EPLAN Pro Panel package.

LCA also uses EPLAN Smart Wiring, a system that visualises the wiring and makes all wiring data 100% digitally available. Users benefit from a significant drop in the error rate and substantial time savings. This applies to last-minute changes in particular, as the software handles the sometimes complex task of comparing a project’s new state with its previous baseline. EPLAN Smart Wiring’s digital representation refers to the virtual model’s 3D layout in EPLAN Pro Panel.

Efficient processes and smart machines

At LCA, the EPLAN software interfaces directly with Rittal’s advanced manufacturing systems. These include the Rittal Perforex LC 3015 3D laser machining centre, a revolutionary system for the construction of sheet steel panels which automates processes previously done by hand. Using the facilities provided by EPLAN Pro Panel software, which has integrated 3D modelling, the Perforex LC 3015 can be programmed to perform measuring and machining to an extremely high degree of accuracy while processing panels in a fraction of the time previously required for these operations.

A Rittal Secarex cutting centre to cut DIN mounting rails, C rails and cable ducts is also used by LCA. This machine offers considerable cost savings thanks to improved quality and reduced waste rates and is far more efficient than manual cutting. The Secarex centre includes a state-of-the-art operating station with an industrial PC, a 18.5 inch monitor and a keyboard with trackball. It also features pre-defined templates for various sizes of DIN rail and has an integrated label printer for project-related labelling of support rails and cable ducts.

LCA also uses the Rittal Averex system, which is the world’s first robotic wiring centre. This is an automated solution for machinery, control enclosure and switchgear manufacturers that saves time and money by eliminating the need to wire mounting plates manually. The Averex system cuts the wires to the correct length, before stripping them and crimping them with wire ferrules. Then it feeds the wires through the cable duct and attaches them to components such as terminal blocks, contactors and motor circuit breakers.

On average, it takes around 180 seconds to complete this wiring process manually – but Averex finishes the same task in approximately 40 seconds. What’s more, it is exceptionally reliable, using lasers to identify the parts and check their dimensions against the assembly tolerances. Automation reduces the number of required working hours by around 15 per enclosure compared to manual wiring, based on a panel with 300 wires.

The combination of EPLAN and Rittal systems currently being used by LCA significantly accelerates the company’s design and production processes, providing efficiency and productivity that are close to those achieved in mass production environments – even in batch sizes of one!

Cloud-based solutions

Further to this, LCA was recently invited to trial EPLAN’s latest cloud-based products. The new cloud-based collaboration tool, EPLAN eVIEW, makes it easy for designers and customers to work closely together on projects, helping to speed up the design review process as well as reducing the need for design revision and reworking, resulting in substantial cost savings.

With EPLAN eVIEW, engineering projects generated using the EPLAN platform can be accessed directly via the cloud. This means that project data can be viewed anytime, anywhere, by anyone who has been granted access. One of the key features is a red-lining function that lets customers, employees on the shop floor and maintenance engineers add their suggestions for changes. These changes are then instantly accessible to the design engineers.

For LCA, EPLAN eVIEW is already making lengthy design reviews a thing of the past. Unlike most of its competitors, the company’s customers can mark-up drawings online and send their comments back to LCA within minutes rather than hours. In addition, using eVIEW means all drawings are accessed online, reducing the need for physical print outs, which not only saves money but also helps to protect the environment. Another benefit is that it provides a full audit trail showing previous versions, and a full history of change requests including who initiated, approved and made them.

New opportunities

“Working with EPLAN has created new opportunities for our business and has sharpened our focus on implementing innovative technologies, allowing us to situate ourselves as market-leading within our industry” said LCA Managing Director, Alan Sheppard. “EPLAN’s technologies help us maintain our competitive edge and grow, allowing us to deliver projects more efficiently. They also bring important benefits for our customers, which is always a prime consideration for us. We are confident that working with EPLAN will help us achieve even greater success in the coming years, especially as the ePULSE platform continues to develop and expand.”