Automation & Control Products

PATLITE Corporation has announced the upcoming release of its GL10 series flashing beacon. This innovative beacon brings multi-color signaling, robust durability, and advanced integration options to industrial applications.


PATLITE has long been recognized for its reliable and forward-thinking industrial solutions, and the newly released GL10 series is no exception. This compact flashing beacon is designed to provide exceptional performance in environments where clarity, versatility, and durability are paramount. Unlike traditional signaling devices, which often require multiple units to display different colors, the GL10 combines red, yellow, and green illumination in a single unit. This capability simplifies installation and reduces costs, making it an ideal choice for industrial facilities aiming to optimize efficiency without sacrificing functionality.



PATLITE’s GL10 series outdoor-rated flashing beacon combines multiple colors in a single unit. Image used courtesy of PATLITE
 
Features of the GL10

Durability is a core feature of the GL10. Built for industrial environments, the beacon is engineered to withstand dust, moisture, and constant vibration. This rugged construction guarantees consistent operation over extended periods, addressing the critical need for dependability in high-demand settings.

Another standout feature of the GL10 beacon is its advanced control options. The beacon supports CAN communication and voltage input control, allowing integration into various industrial setups. These control specifications ensure simplistic operation, enabling users to customize signaling functions to meet specific application requirements.

The CAN communication control model is compatible with the SAE J1939 protocol, making it suitable for construction machinery. It supports 13 flash patterns and four dimming levels, all configurable through CAN communication, and allows for monitoring of the light color and flash pattern. It also features automatic detection and connection at 250kbps or 500kbps. In contrast, the Standard Voltage Control model is a non-communication type that uses conventional voltage applications. It has three fixed flash patterns optimized for red, amber, and green status indications but does not support monitoring or acquiring the operating status. With this level of adaptability, the GL10 is well-suited to both new installations and retrofitting into existing systems.


Three pre-configured flash patterns are available in voltage-controlled models. Image used courtesy of PATLITE

 
Application Uses of the GL10

The GL10 Series is designed to address the needs of multiple industries, each requiring dependable and efficient signaling solutions. In factory automation, the beacon provides clear visual indicators for machine statuses, safety warnings, and process updates, helping to improve operations and enhance workplace safety. In logistics and warehousing, the beacon can deliver reliable signals that will improve workflow efficiency and reduce the potential for errors. The GL10 ensures that alerts are clear and immediate, providing prompt and effective emergency responses.

The GL10 Series represents a step forward in industrial signaling technology by combining multi-color illumination, rugged durability, and flexible integration options. PATLITE’s attention to functionality and reliability ensures that this beacon will meet the demands of challenging applications. Whether used for process optimization, safety enhancement, or emergency communication, the GL10 provides a dependable and versatile solution that industrial facilities can count on.

Nidec Drives is introducing a new Control Techniques 700 hp (500 kW) power module, the largest drive in its 50-year history.

Featuring 700 hp / 500 kW of power in a single Unidrive power module at 287 lbs., reportedly changes the way high-powered drives are used, explains Nidec. Its small footprint and pre-engineered accessories make it easy to install or retrofit in industry-standard enclosures. The 700 hp Power Module can be fitted with Nidec Drives’ Unidrive M series, Specialist Pump F600, or HVAC H300 control modules.

It has been engineered to be a light high-powered drive of its kind and showcases pre-engineered accessories. During servicing, factory-tested sub-assemblies can be exchanged on-site. The wider front face design and lower centre of gravity provide good physical stability and safety during installation.

The 700 hp Nidec Drives power module makes use of the Unidrive, Specialist Pump F600 and HVAC H300 series of AC Drives, targeting fans, pumps, compressors and extruder applications. It is ideal for use in processes such as handling systems, steel manufacturing, water plants, mining and minerals. Industrial communications protocols are supported as standard or with user-fitted option modules. The modules have direct, high-speed access to all drive parameters. In addition, for high-performance servo networks such as EtherCAT and CANopen, the drive control loops are synchronized with the communication system to eliminate delays and enhance performance.

The 700 hp Power Module has two rectifiers as standard, allowing a 12-pulse supply connection which can greatly reduce harmonic distortion. It also uses the latest microprocessor technology and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) technology to reduce EMC/RFI emissions and allow for longer motor leads.

STMicroelectronics’ EVSPIN32G4-dual demonstration board controls two motors from a single STSPIN32G4 integrated driver. The STSPIN32G4 motor controller contains an Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller with the processing power to manage both motors simultaneously, executing complex algorithms like field-oriented control in real-time. In addition, MCU peripherals support sensored or sensorless FOC and advanced position and torque-control algorithms. The demonstration board leverages an advanced three-phase gate driver integrated in the STSPIN32G4 and an additional STDRIVE101 gate driver to control two three-phase inverters delivering up to 10A with a maximum supply voltage of 74V. Both gate drivers have their own bootstrap circuitry and safety features including drain-source voltage monitoring, cross-conduction prevention, several thermal protection mechanisms and under-voltage lockout.

EdgeGate simplifies access to PLCs and CNCs though its ability to securely integrate data into existing systems such as ERP, MES or SCADA. Communication is handled via OPC and edgeGate also provides MQTT functionality to facilitate the direct integration of machine data into private or public IoT cloud applications. EdgeGate provides a simple web interface for fast application configuration as well as an additional security layer and communication encryption.

Sangamo has been manufacturing its Round Pattern Time Switches for over 65 years, during which time it has sold more than 11 million units.

The Round Pattern Time Switch is trusted by installers for a wide variety of applications – not just because of its reliability, but due to its ease of use. The simple dial and levers make setting the switch up for daily fixed timings straightforward, with no complicated menu options to navigate through. All Round Pattern Time Switches are also 20 Amp rated, providing a more robust switch than many other products on the market.

The switches are split into four categories:

a) Basic ‘black dial’ 24-hour time clock for simple on and off switching of up to 20A
b) Standard 24-hour ‘red dial’ switch with added 100-hour battery reserve
c) Solar Range – specially designed for lighting applications
d) Digital Range – the newest addition combines the high capacity and reliability of the electro-mechanical models, but provides full seven-day programming

Sangamo regularly hears from people with Round Pattern Time Switches still going strong after 40 and 50 years. When they eventually need a new switch, they reasonably assume – because of its age – that it might not be possible to get a direct like for like replacement. However, because the original design has never needed to be updated, a Round Pattern Time Switch you buy today is completely interchangeable with one bought decades ago.

The Sangamo range of specialist time switches and heating controls is distributed through Scolmore Group company, ESP.

 Mitsubishi Electric Automation announced the launch of a new robot for their low-cost robot series: the MELFA RV-12CRL vertically articulated robot boasting the largest reach in their series.
News November 12, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell

The MELFA RV-12CRL from Mitsubishi Electric is a low-cost vertical articulated robot for the North American market. This addition to its low-cost robot series encompasses cutting-edge technology optimized for a range of industrial applications. With a 1,504 mm reach and a 12 kg payload capacity, the RV-12CRL efficiently addresses diverse operational needs, making it ideal for tasks such as machine tending, case packing, and pick-and-place operations.


The RV-12CRL is designed to handle a diverse range of end effectors. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electronics

What’s So Special About Mitsubishi’s New Robot?

Overall, the RV-12CRL is very similar to any other industrial robot. The RV-12CRL is slim and compact, features a 1,504 mm reach, and carries a 12 kg payload capacity before adding the user’s end effector. The robot can also be purchased with a variety of functions and options such as a tracking function, a force sensor, an optional network base card to support major network communication protocols, a 3D vision sensor, or MELFA Smart Plus that adds enhanced intelligent features such as predictive maintenance and calibration assistance.


The RV-12CRL will have a high wrist axis operation speed, making the robot ideal for machine tending applications. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electronics

However, a few standout features of this Robot are worth noting. The MELFA RV-CR series has eliminated the need for battery backup. The RV-CR series uses the new MELSERVO-J5 servo motor to eliminate the need for a battery backup on the robot's internal encoder, reducing long-term maintenance costs and the risk of losing origin coordinate life due to failure to replace batteries.

The RV-12CRL uses internal cables that include 30 pins of signal cabling and air hoses for end-of-arm tooling, giving customers flexibility in tooling design and installation. The robot also comes with an industrial IP65 rating, allowing it to be installed in tough industrial environments with dust and oil mists.

The robot will also feature Mitsubishi’s CR800 Controller, which supports enhanced safety monitoring functionality that complies with international standards and simplifies risk assessments. The controller offers an abundance of I/O that includes 32 inputs and 32 outputs, as well as four outputs and eight inputs for redundant safety I/O.

With the launch of the MELFA RV-12CRL in the North American Market, Mitsubishi will extend its reach and provide its customers with a unique, low-cost robot with a large working capacity. It features built-in safety, reduced downtime, and maintenance-free battery-less servo motors. With flexible end-of-arm-tooling options, it is suitable for various industrial applications ranging from industrial machine tending applications to simple pick-and-place applications.

Unveiled today at Electronica, AMD designed the new FPGA to act as a “traffic cop” in larger AI systems.Today at Electronica, AMD introduced the Versal Premium Series Gen 2, the industry’s first FPGA platform to support CXL 3.1 and PCIe Gen6.

As AI and data analytics intensify, the infrastructure behind these technologies must keep pace with strenuous data demands. The rise of interconnected systems in data centers has elevated the role of FPGAs in handling complex tasks. With advances in memory scalability and security, AMD has positioned the scalable Versal Premium Series Gen 2 to meet the demands of industries that rely on fast, secure data flow. 

All About Circuits spoke with Mike Rather, AMD's senior product line manager, to learn about the new FPGAs firsthand.

Advanced Interconnects 

Rather described the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 as a "traffic copy" instead of a primary AI accelerator.

“We’re enabling AI, even though the GPU is the workhorse in this scenario,” he said. “Our role is to manage data movement quickly and efficiently so that GPUs can perform at peak levels.”

To this end, the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 embraces advanced interconnect technology to meet the high-speed, low-latency data movement between processors and accelerators in AI systems. The solution supports CXL 3.1 and PCIe Gen6, making it the first FPGA to integrate these latest industry standards.

The Versal Premium Gen 2 architecture. 

PCIe Gen6 provides a bandwidth of 64 gigabits per second (Gbps) per lane, equating to 2-4x the speed of previous PCIe generations. CXL 3.1, on the other hand, enhances host-to-accelerator connectivity by offering memory coherency and pooling capabilities. CXL allows connected accelerators to share memory directly with the CPU, reducing redundant data movement and latency. By combining PCIe Gen6 and CXL 3.1 support, AMD’s Versal Premium Gen 2 devices achieve a dual eight-lane interface that can support up to 256 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth.

Memory Architecture

AMD has also equipped the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 with a sophisticated memory architecture, including support for LPDDR5X memory at 8,533 megabits per second (Mbps) and DDR5 at 6,400 Mbps. This configuration enables up to 2.7x the memory bandwidth compared to competing devices still operating with DDR4 or LPDDR4 standards.

Expanding CXL in the data center. 

This FPGA can also integrate CXL-based memory expansion modules to enhance its memory scalability further. By enabling a multi-host, single-logic-device configuration, the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 can pool and dynamically allocate memory across multiple devices, a feature increasingly demanded in AI applications.

“With CXL memory expansion, we can augment LPDDR5X’s bandwidth by dynamically allocating memory pools across multiple devices,” Rather said. “This architecture supports a multi-headed single logic device (MH-SLD) without needing a switch, ultimately optimizing memory utilization.”

These features are significant for AI applications. CXL memory expansion reduces memory access latency, giving AI cores rapid access to a larger memory pool. At the same time, the high-bandwidth interfaces allow accelerators to process and transmit data more efficiently. Furthermore, AMD's FPGA devices provide DSP engines that can perform mathematical operations required for AI, making them flexible enough to handle some inferencing tasks if needed.

Strengthened Security

With an eye on data security, the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 incorporates a suite of features designed to protect data both in transit and at rest.

Crypto engine block diagram. 

It includes integrated PCIe integrity and data encryption (IDE) for secure data transmission, along with inline encryption for DDR memory for end-to-end protection across data flows. AMD has integrated two 400-G, high-speed crypto engines to accelerate encryption and decryption, doubling the throughput over its previous generation. These engines enable data protection at up to 800 Gbps, providing an added layer of security for real-time applications. 

Timeline and Development Tools

AMD designed the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 for data centers, aerospace, communications, and test and measurement markets. The company plans to release development tools for the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 in the latter half of 2025, with silicon samples expected by early 2026 and production units by mid-2026. 

“If you think about the whole AI era, data is like the crude oil. The more data, the more you can do,” Rather concluded. “That’s really what drives our need for memory and high-speed data transfer, pushing us to innovate on every level of connectivity and processing capability.”

Electromate has announced the release of Maxon’s EC Frameless DT50 Motor and ECX Flat Series DC Motors and Gearheads, designed to meet the demands of modern robotics and automation systems. The EC and ECX Series motors and gearheads reportedly offer compact, efficient drive systems with exceptional torque and power density, making them ideal for applications requiring precise motion control.

Products in the EC series include the following:

• EC Frameless DT50 Motor: Designed for rapid speed transitions in collaborative robots and exoskeletons. The DT50 motor features a large hollow shaft and compact design, optimized for integration into custom robotic systems.  The DT50 reaches a nominal torque of over 500 mNm at a nominal speed of 4,000 rpm.
• ECX Flat Motor Series: These motors feature power density and compact form factor, making them ideal for space-constrained applications. The ECX Flat iron-wound motors are available with diameters of 22 mm, 32 mm, and 42 mm each and in short or long versions. The short versions are 14 mm, 16 mm, or 21 mm in length.

Both motor series are complemented by Maxon’s precision gearheads.

Electromate explains that the modular nature of Maxon’s drive systems allows for easy integration with other Maxon components.

Product highlights include:

• High power density in a compact design
• Precision torque transmission with minimal backlash
• Efficiency ratings up to 86 percent
• Modular design for seamless integration

A motor control center from Siemens offers efficient monitoring, data collection, and feedback, enabling more accurate control decisions.

Siemens has recently released SIMOCODE M-CP, their newest motor control center (MCC). The MCC distributes power to multiple loads and provides monitoring, data collection, and feedback for process control decisions. SIMOCODE M-CP is also designed for industrial use, particularly where physical space is limited.

The Siemens SIMOCODE M-CP is compact and DIN rail mountable, making it easy to physically install in most industrial environments. Image used courtesy of Siemens

 
Space and Cost Savings

One unique feature of the SIMOCODE M-CP is its scalability and, thus, flexibility to meet the needs of any particular manufacturing facility. Six digital inputs and four relay outputs are included on the MCC. The ports allow for efficient power distribution between multiple devices based on feedback from several sensors.

The SIMOCODE M-CP can be front-panel mounted or DIN-rail mounted, making its physical installation compatible with existing hardware. It is designed to be mounted within withdrawable units in switchboards, making it easy to inspect, maintain, and reconfigure units as needed.


Siemens SIMOCODE M-CP mounted in a withdrawable unit. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Siemens also makes it easy to use only the features that are required. Control functions are available for subscription use, meaning engineers can select which functions are necessary for their particular facility’s needs and only pay for those. In the long run, this saves money and complexity, as they are not paying for bloated software packages with functionality that is neither necessary nor appreciated. As a subscription model, software upgrades are readily available versus having to retire legacy software and purchase new software throughout the life of the physical MCC.
 
Communication with SIMOCODE M-CP

Communication is made possible through Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). These wired connections are secure and reliable and have already been used in many industrial facilities. Furthermore, SPE requires only two cables, drastically simplifying setup, configuration, and troubleshooting efforts.
 
Motor Control Signature Analysis

Built into the MCC are tools such as the Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA), which can evaluate the current flow of four motors and adjust power as needed. This MCSA works from an energy efficiency standpoint, optimizing the load between motors, and from a safety standpoint, looking for unusual load conditions from a safety standpoint.

The MCSA can be used to highlight trends and schedule preventative maintenance. For example, suppose the current of one motor slowly increases over time. This could mean that the bearings are worn and should be replaced or that the motor needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
 
Targeted Applications

Siemens has produced automation hardware and software that serves virtually every industrial and manufacturing market. The SIMOCODE M-CP will also be suitable for almost every industry and will be used in many different fields. Due to its ease of installation and compact size, it will serve both space-limited small manufacturing facilities and heavy industry alike–there is a lot to appreciate with this small MCC. Chemical processing, steel, construction (such as tunnel boring), pharmaceuticals, and many other industries will benefit from the small footprint and processing capabilities made possible by the SIMOCODE M-CP.

Emerson has integrated recently acquired Afag’s feeding and handling solutions into its automation portfolio. Beginning October 15, all content on Afag.com, including product documentation, data, and certificates, has been migrated to Emerson.com under the AVENTICS brand.

According to the company, this migration streamlines its comprehensive automation offerings, making it easier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to access the solutions they need in a single location.

Emerson explains that by bringing Afag’s feeding and handling products under the AVENTICS umbrella, OEMs will benefit from single-source access to a broader range of machine automation experts and pneumatic and electric solutions that optimize the performance of new equipment designs.

In the months following the migration, Emerson will gradually rebrand Afag’s products under the AVENTICS line. While the brand name will change, the Afag product portfolio will remain consistent. Customers will still be able to contact their existing representatives for ongoing assistance.

The legacy AVENTICS portfolio includes cylinders, valves, air preparation, and pressure technology. The newly incorporated Afag portfolio adds vibratory feeders, refilling devices, control units, linear and rotary axes, rotary modules, grippers, and more, further strengthening Emerson’s machine automation offering.