3/2020
I N T E R N A T I O N A L A PAN EUROPEAN MAGAZINE
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COMPANIES
Microchip Introduces 3kW Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode Array Family for Superior Circuit Protection in Harsh Environments
Microchip Technology Inc. announced its newly-expanded portfolio of Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) vertical arrays – the MDA3KP Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS), a 3kW diode family of more than 25 products with different screening levels, polarities and qualification standards. Microchip’s MDA3KP TVS diode array family – the only available technology offering a comprehensive voltage range tested to a high reliability standard and qualified based on the MIL-PRF-19500 JANTX level equivalence standard – provides an integrated multi-diode solution. These voltage-clamping devices provide fast-reacting Avalanche Breakdown Diode (ABD) features that divert excess current around sensitive components to protect them from electrical overstress. MDA3KP TVS diode arrays are available in the following screened version industry standards: M, MA, MXL and MX. The devices have been exposed to various levels of testing to ensure they meet the aircraft lightning protection requirements set forth in the standard for environmental testing of avionics, RTCA DO-160E (Lightening Induced Transient Susceptibility). RTCA (the American Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) is the industry consortium that develops consensus on critical aviation modernization issues. The MDA3KP TVS diode array, a vertically constructed 8-diode, 16-pin surface mount package, allows for efficient layout and ease of design, as less printed circuit board space is required while enabling higher power densities. In the MDA3KP TVS diode array family, each device’s vertical construction provides the power of eight smaller devices on a printed circuit board, eliminating the need for the multiple devices even as it provides higher power. Available in unidirectional and bidirectional construction in standoff voltages of 6V to 40V, the components provide Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Electrical Fast Transients (EFT) protection according IEC standards and a Peak Pulse Power rating of 3000 W at 10/1000 μs. With an extended temperature range from -55°C to +150°C, the devices are lot traceable, surge tested, and Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) Level 1 – demonstrating that these devices are ready for use in harsh environments. Microchip Technology | www.microchip.com https://international.electronica-azi.ro
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Electronica Azi International » TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 | Microchip Introduces 3kW Transient Voltage
22 | Riedon Introduces Industry’s First Reinforced Isolated
Suppressor Diode Array Family for Superior
High-Power Shunt Modules to Take on Hall Sensors 23 | WiBotic Autonomous Wireless Charging Solutions
Circuit Protection in Harsh Environments 6 | Infineon goes digital – Chip manufacturer invites
Increase Uptime and Battery Life of Robot Fleets
to a virtual tour of its trade shows
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6 | High-performance NVIDIA GPUs accelerate computationally-intensive AI applications 7
24 | What are the wireless standards that make Industry 4.0 work? 28 | Performance improved and space gained 7 | Ultra-Reliable Arm Cortex-M4F Microcontroller from Maxim Integrated Offers Industry’s Lowest Power Consumption and Smallest Size for Industrial, Healthcare and IoT Sensor Applications 7 | Renesas Unveils RZ/V Microprocessor Series with
30 | TE Connectivity launches Dynamic Series D-2970 Push-In PCB connectors 32 | From A to B with E: eTruck reduces CO2 emissions at Infineon’s Regensburg site 33 | Range of application extended
Vision-Optimized Artificial Intelligence Accelerator
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8 | The Fundamentals of IO-Link and How to Use It to Enable the Industrial IoT 14
34 | Special Times Call for Special Measures: InfraTec Responds to the Effects of the Corona Pandemic 39 | Proof of maintenance and tamper protection for 14 | ESD Safety for Electronic Components, from the Original Manufacturer to the Finished Assembly 18 | Implementing security in the IoT age
the e-bike belt drive 41 | Martin offers an innovative solution to gently extract residual solder
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Electronica Azi International is published 6 times per year in 2020 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. It is a free to qualified electronics engineers and managers involved in engineering decisions. Copyright 2020 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. All rights reserved.
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
PRODUCT NEWS
Infineon goes digital Chip manufacturer invites to a virtual tour of its trade shows Trade shows are an essential part of communication with customers – this is where new technologies and innovative products are launched. As a result of the coronavirus, numerous trade fairs had to be cancelled or postponed since spring 2020. In the short term, Infineon Technologies is
completely online as of 1 July. Already today, a preview with short descriptions of the demos is accessible. And the Virtual Sensor Experience (VSE) booth with sensor topics can be visited on the internet starting 20 July. Both online experiences are similarly designed: after the registra-
therefore strengthening its own activities in the digitalization of sales and marketing activities. The semiconductor manufacturer is thus presenting two important trade show highlights on the internet in July: power semiconductors and sensors. Infineon's virtual PCIM 2020 booth with the latest power semiconductors will be
tion required by data protection law, the user can explore the booth with the respective main topics on his or her own. At PCIM, these are industry, consumer and solutions for transport and e-mobility. At VSE, the focus is on automotive, industry and consumer, the latter once again divided into smart building and lifestyle.
Extensive live offer Visitors to both internet trade shows have the opportunity to obtain information about products in real time via webinars: there are 17 presentations at the virtual PCIM booth, at the VSE booth up to ten. All presenters are also available for questions via a chat function afterwards. The extensive program of product presentations will run from 1 to 3 July (PCIM) and 20 to 22 July (VSE). It is therefore advisable – as with a physical trade fair – to draw up a schedule in advance. Without any stress, the visitor can look at the product solutions for different applications over a longer period of time – and come back again and again. The respective main topic is used as a preselection for this: if the visitor clicks on it, the application examples with the corresponding products open up. A separate page with comprehensive information is now available for each product. This can be general descriptions, PowerPoint presentations, eLearning, infographics, videos, images (usually also as 360° view) and useful downloads. Infineon Technologies https://www.infineon.com
High-performance NVIDIA GPUs accelerate computationally-intensive AI applications Kontron has been certified as a 'Preferred Partner' under the NVIDIA partner program and uses NVIDIA's powerful Graphics Performance Units (GPUs) in its AI platforms, such as the Kontron rackmount server KISS V3 4U SKX, which was developed for AI and Inference applications. Applications in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly gaining importance in almost every industry. Technology providers such as Kontron are creating the platform for AI applications that can only be realized via data- and computationally-intensive processes. Examples can be found in the fields of automation, the energy industry, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. In healthcare, AI can ease the time pressure in prevention, diagnosis and therapy, since AI applications structure and analyse huge amounts of data in a short time. Powerful hardware and software components are essential for AI solutions to fulfil 6
their role as system-critical applications in any industry. The systems must analyze terabytes of data in a very short time. This work relies to some degree on high-performance CPUs, but the critical parallel processing work is done by Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which provide the necessary processing power for deep learning, machine learning and inferencing. The NVIDIA® V100 Tensor Core GPU, based
on the NVIDIA Volta architecture, offers 640 Tensor Cores and 5,120 NVIDIA CUDA cores with a double precision performance of 7 TFLOPS. NVIDIA GPUs are part of the currently most powerful Kontron rackmount server, the KISS V3 4U SKX-AI. The scalable server is equipped with two powerful Intel® Xeon® SP series CPUs that can be expanded with twelve DIMM DDR4-2666 modules and up to 768 GB of system RAM with ECC support. Up to three double-width high-end GPU cards (e.g. NVIDIA V100 or an NVIDIA T4 GPU) ensure extremely high GPU performance, which is essential for AI applications. GPUs carry out the parallel multitasking that is required, for instance, for rendering graphics or for the efficient training and inference of neural networks. For software development, users can deploy the powerful NVIDIA CUDA toolkit. Kontron | https://www.kontron.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
PRODUCT NEWS
Ultra-Reliable Arm Cortex-M4F Microcontroller from Maxim Integrated Offers Industry’s Lowest Power Consumption and Smallest Size for Industrial, Healthcare and IoT Sensor Applications Reduce power consumption and size while increasing reliability of industrial, healthcare and internet of things (IoT) applications with the MAX32670 lowpower Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller (MCU) with floating-point unit from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. This device protects all embedded memory for both flash and SRAM with error-code correction (ECC) in order to provide the highest reliability MCU.
With ECC, single-bit errors are detected and corrected by hardware, making it difficult for bit flip errors to have a negative impact on the application. With just 40μW/MHz of active power consumption, the MAX32670 executes commands from flash at 40 percent lower power than the closest competitive
industrial solution. It is the lowest power solution for battery-operated sensor applications. MAX32670 is also 50 percent smaller than the closest competitor, giving developers the opportunity to reduce solution size and material costs. Maxim Integrated https://www.maximintegrated.com
In many industrial and IoT applications, high energy particles and other environmental challenges present the danger of bombarding memory and creating bit flips during the normal course of operations – especially as process nodes drop to 40nm and lower. This can disrupt MCU operation and produce incorrect or even dangerous results. To prevent catastrophic ramifications like these, the MAX32670 protects its entire memory footprint (384kB flash and 128kB SRAM) with ECC to prevent bit flips and enhance reliability.
Renesas Unveils RZ/V Microprocessor Series with Vision-Optimized Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced the RZ/V series of microprocessors (MPUs), which features DRP-AI (Dynamically Reconfigurable Processor), Renesas’ exclusive vision-optimized artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator. The first product in the series, the RZ/V2M, is designed to deliver a combination of real-time AI inference and industry-leading power efficiency in embedded devices.
https://international.electronica-azi.ro
The demand to have real-time, AI-based person and object recognition functionality in applications such as surveillance cameras for industrial and infrastructure as well as product scanners and POS terminal cameras has been growing rapidly. However, the higher power consumption and heat generation required for AI processing are introducing new challenges for embedded developers. The RZ/V2M
leverages the DRP-AI’s excellent power efficiency to realize power consumption as low as 4W (typ.). This eliminates the need for heat sinks and cooling fans, greatly simplifying heat dissipation measures. This enables RZ/V2M to be used in compact devices or help to minimize equipment sizes, expanding the opportunities to incorporate AI in embedded devices. It also helps to reduce bill-of-materials (BOM) costs. In addition to the DRP-AI, the RZ/V2M features an imaging signal processor (ISP) capable of processing high-resolution 4K pixels at 30 frames per second. The ISP employs high dynamic range (HDR) functionality capable of handling images with large differences between brightness and darkness, noise reduction functionality, and distortion correction functionality to substantially boost precision in AI recognition. This ensures the ability to produce clear images regardless of factors such as the weather, the time of day, and the installation location. Renesas | https://www.renesas.com 7
IO-LINK
The Fundamentals of IO-Link and How to Use It to Enable the Industrial IoT
Author: Rich Miron Contributed by Digi-Key's North American Editors
Manufacturers and facilities managers are increasingly aware of the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to lower costs, improve processes and safety, and lead to higher equipment availability and endproduct quality. To take advantage of this potential, operations engineers and technicians onsite need a way to efficiently deploy and connect hundreds − if not thousands − of intelligent sensors and actuators to gather data on systems and process elements that weren’t originally designed for two-way communication. 8
This article introduces IO-Link to operations engineers and technicians looking to properly and quickly implement a sensor network, but who are not intimately familiar with the standard. By way of example, and to help initiate the discussion around IO-Link implementation practicalities, suitable IO-Link system components will be introduced from vendors including STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Carlo Gavazzi, Phoenix Contact, Analog Devices, and Omron. At the same time, and equally challenging, is the need to efficiently integrate current networks of connected devices and systems into IIoT networks to achieve an acceptable level of interoperability across the board with the lowest possible cost and system complexity. The IO-Link (IEC 61131-9) single-drop digital communication interface standard is a global attempt to solve many of these sensor and actuator connectivity issues. While it’s simple in theory, the challenge is that because it is a relatively new standard, many designers are unfamiliar with what it is and how to use it.
WHAT IS IO-LINK? IO-Link is a digital point-to-point wired (or wireless) serial communications protocol that uses the ubiquitous three wire cable for sensor and actuator connections. It also accounts for devices needing additional power by including the standard five wire interface. It was developed by the IO-Link consortium, and in 2010 it was integrated into the IEC 61131-9 standard for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as “Single-drop digital communication interface for small sensors and actuators” (SDCI). Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » The Fundamentals of IO-Link
• Process data: Process data includes analog values and switching states and are sent cyclically − i.e., every communication cycle. • Value status: Each port has a value status (PortQualifier). The value status indicates whether the process data are valid or invalid. The value status can be transmitted cyclically with the process data. • Device data: These can be parameters, identification data, and diagnostic information. They are exchanged acyclically and at the request of the IO-Link master. Device data can be written to and also read from the device. • Events: Events are acyclic and can be error messages (e.g., short-circuit), warnings/maintenance data (e.g., soiling, overheating). Note that the transmission of device parameters or events occurs independently from the cyclic transmission of process data. These transmissions do not influence or impair each other. IO-Link does not require special cables and connectors. It instead specifies the use of standard unshielded, three or five conductor cables with a maximum length of 20 meters (m). M5, M8 and M12 circular connectors are standard. For the three conductor connection type, called Port Class A in the IO-Link nomenclature, one of the three conductors is used for communication, one for power supply to the device electronics, and one as the common reference potential. This connection can provide a maximum current output of 200 milliamps (mA). The spec also calls for a four-pin connector, with the fourth pin used as an additional signal line complying with IEC 61131-2. Its support is optional in both masters and devices. The five conductor connection mentioned above is called Port Class B and it allows for devices (typically actuators) that need additional power from an independent galvanically isolated 24 volt supply. One of the special features of IO-Link is its fieldbus neutrality. It allows IO-Link functionality to be connected to just about any fieldbus. Either the standardized mappings in fieldbuses such as Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT, and Sercos, or manufacturer specific mappings for EtherNet/IP, CANopen, Modbus, CC-Link, and ASInterface can be used by IO-Link. https://international.electronica-azi.ro
This fieldbus neutrality is enabled by the fact that every IO-Link device has an IO device description (IODD) that is independent of the fieldbus or the controller. The IODD contains information about the device, like the manufacturer, model number, serial number, device type, and parameter details. CONFIGURATION ELEMENTS OF AN IO-LINK SYSTEM An IO-Link system comprises and IO-Link master, and IO-Link devices such as sensors and actuators (Figure 1). All IO-Link devices connect to an IO-Link master.
The controller in an IO-Link system is configured by the communications master and the CPU. It executes the user program and I/O is exchanged with the IOLink master. The IO-Link Master Unit connects as a slave to the controller over fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, Profibus, or Omron NX bus (Figure 2). This unit performs IO-Link communications with the IO-Link devices. If an event occurs, the device signals the presence of the event to the master. The master then reads out the event. Error messages are transmitted from the device to the controller or a human-machine
Figure 1
(Image source: IO-Link Community)
An IO-Link system consists of a controller (outlined in black), an IO-Link master (or multiple masters) connected by simple, standard three or five wire cable connections to IO-Link devices such as sensors and actuators. Figure 2
(Image source: IO-Link Community)
The key difference between conventional I/O and IO-Link is that IO-Link is able to transmit four main classes of data:
The IO-Link Master Unit has multiple ports to allow it to connect 1:1 to multiple IO-Link sensors and actuators.
interface (HMI) via the IO-Link master. The IO-Link master can also transmit events and statuses on its own behalf. Examples of such events are wire breaks or communication failures. Each port of an IO-Link master is able to process both binary switching signals and analog values (e.g., 8 bits, 12 bits, 16 bits). Serial IO-Link communication takes place via the same port. Along with easy wiring, additional advantages of IO-Link include automated parameter setting and extensive diagnosis features. The IO-Link standard enables two bytes of process data to be available per cycle. The transmission between IO-Link master and device takes 400 microseconds (μs) at a speed of 230 kilobaud (kbaud). 9
IO-LINK
Users can control the data frame size, so greater process data lengths of up to 32 bytes can also be transmitted at a lower cycle time. To ensure that the parameter data of a device is not lost when replacing a device, that data can be automatically stored directly in the IO-Link master. If a new, identical, substitution device is connected, the parameters of the previous device are automatically transferred onto the new device. Figure 3
Tip: Always ask the demo board manufacturer for Gerber files for their board so that they can be integrated into the system architecture. Another example is Analog Devices’ DC1880A demo board, which showcases the LTC2874 quad IO-Link master, hot swap controller, and physical layer interface (PHY). The LTC2874 can also be configured to power higher current serial input/output (SIO) devices in special cases (Figure 4).1) The board operates from an external supply and uses the DC590B USB serial controller board to communicate with the LTC2874 using the SPI protocol (Figure 5). The DC2026C Linduino One isolated Arduino-compatible demo board completes the support software part of the IO-Link system.
DC590 board and the DC1880A boards. Power-up must be done in stages. Before connecting the input power make sure it’s under 40 volts, and that the supply is turned off before connecting. IO-LINK POWER-UP OPERATION When an IO-Link master such as the LTC2874 powers up, it interrogates each connected device to determine the proper operational mode for the device. This allows for a mixture of legacy and IO-Link enabled devices to operate seamlessly in the same system. For example, the ports of the LTC2874 are set as one standard I/O (SIO) port (Port 4) with L+ hot swap, and three high current (SIO+) ports (Figure 6). Arbitrarily large currents − for LTC2874 operation in SIO+ mode − may be obtained by repurposing the hot swap channels as higher current SIO drivers.
Figure 5 (Image source: STMicroelectronics)
The STEVAL-IFP016V2 demo board, with an L6360 IO-Link master port (center), demonstrates the capability of the L6360 monolithic IO-Link master as a communication transceiver for multiple I/Os. A good example of master functionality is provided by the STEVAL-IFP016V2 IOLink communication master transceiver demo board from STMicroelectronics (Figure 3). This has an STMicroelectronics L6360 IO-Link master port that functions as a communication transceiver for multiple I/O devices: it is both IO-Link master port mode and standard I/O mode compliant. This board interfaces to an external microcontroller and demonstrates the capability of the L6360 monolithic IOLink master as a communication transceiver for multiple I/Os. (Image source: Analog Devices)
Figure 4
To get started with the DC1880A demo board, download the associated evaluation software, connect the DC590B board to the PC, and connect the DC1880A board to the DC590B board.
(Image source: Analog Devices)
The DC1880A is a demo board for the LTC2874 quad hot swap controller and PHY for an IO-Link master. 10
To get started with DC1880A demo board, download the QuickEval software, connect the DC590B board to the PC using a standard USB A/B cable, and connect the DC1880A board to the DC590B board using the 14 conductor ribbon cable supplied with the DC590B board. Jumpers on the DC1880A board are used to set the different voltages to power the Logic Supply (VL) voltage pins to the
The LTC2874 has rated communication or signaling (CQ) current of 110 mA. Higher currents of up to 440 mA can be attained by paralleling SIO channels. Note that this exceeds IO-Link specs of a maximum current output of 200 mA. If a designer chooses to exceed 200 mA, IO-Link features and capabilities from the LTC2874 will still be maintained, but the standard requirements will be violated. Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » The Fundamentals of IO-Link
For an IO-Link interface for industrial pointto-point communication, the Texas Instruments SN65HVD101EVM IO-Link interface eval board for the SN65HVD101 and SN65HVD102 transceivers helps designers evaluate the device performance, supporting the fast development and analysis of these two IO-Link PHY devices.
Fully packaged and deployable IO-Link masters include the DIN-rail mountable 1072839 IOL MA8 EIP DI8 eight-channel IO-Link master from Phoenix Contact (Figure 7). The IOL MA8 EIP DI8 forms a complete IO-Link to EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP gateway and can connect up to eight IO(Image source: Analog Devices)
Figure 6
The LTC2874 quad IO-Link master configured as three high current SIO ports (SIO+) and one normal SIO current port (Port 4) with L+ hot swap.
Link sensors with web-based management (Figure 8). It has two switch-classified Ethernet ports, status LEDs and easy-to-use connectors for power and IO-Link ports. Full access to all IO-Link devices is provided via the web interface. For example, to access the diagnostics pages on the web interface, the user just needs to login to the IOL MA8 EIP DI8, click the “Diagnostics” tab, and then click the desired subtab. To show the “IO-Link Diagnostics” page shown in Figure 8, the user simply clicks the “IO-Link” subtab. IO-LINK SENSORS With IO-Link, designers can efficiently deliver data from the sensor directly into a control system. The flexibility of IOLink-capable sensors allows machines to operate more effectively by providing the controller with diagnostics. In addition to their basic sensing function, such as detecting items on a conveyor belt, the right sensors, placed strategically, can provide detailed and accurate machine health status.
Figure 7
(Image source: Phoenix Contact)
The 1072839 eight-channel IO-Link master from Phoenix Contact mounts on a DIN rail and forms an IO-Link to EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP gateway. The SN65HVD101 and SN65HV2102 IOLink PHYs implement the IO-Link interface for industrial point-to-point communication. When the devices are connected to an IO-Link master, they will respond to communication initiated by the master. These PHY devices will exchange data with the master node, acting as a complete physical layer for bi-directional communication. https://international.electronica-azi.ro
Figure 8
(Image source: Phoenix Contact)
A web interface to the IO-Link master provides full control and diagnostics of all connected IO-Link devices. 11
IO-LINK
This is used in the IIoT to improve equipment uptime and overall productivity by predicting failures before they happen. Sensor options for IO-Link are plentiful. For example, Carlo Gavazzi offers a particularly rugged capacitive proximity sensor, the CA18CAN12BPA2IO. The sensor has a response time of under 10 milliseconds (ms) and uses the company’s fourth generation Tripleshield™ technology to provide improved immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly to frequency drives, and to improve its immunity to humidity and dust (Figure 9). Figure 9
It’s worth noting that these sensors, like all IO-Link sensors, act like standard sensors when not interfaced to an IO-Link enabled control system. As a result, users can stock the same sensors for standard I/O applications and IO-Link applications, thereby simplifying the selection process and reducing inventory costs. If a PC or a laptop is not available, the Carlo Gavazzi SCTL55 IO-Link Smart Configurator is a portable, self-powered device that can modify and optimize sensor parameters and use available data to improve processes and assist in predictive maintenance (Figure 10).
standard PNP outputs or push-pull outputs. No special IO-Link cables or connectors are required. CONCLUSION With the rapid adoption of the IIoT, designers need a fast and standardized means of deploying and connecting intelligent sensors and actuators. IO-Link brings this standardization with an easyto-use digital interface. As shown, there are many off-the-shelf solutions to help designers quickly understand, evaluate, and efficiently deploy IO-Link devices.
(Image source: Carlo Gavazzi)
The CA18CAN12BPA2IO capacitive proximity sensor from Carlo Gavazzi is a new generation of CA18CA series of IO sensors that provides improved immunity to EMI, especially to frequency drives, as well as improved immunity to humidity and dust. The sensor meets IP69K testing according to DIN 40050-9 for high pressure, high temperature wash down applications. It comes with a 2 meter (m) cable length and has a sensing range of 2 to 10 mm (flush mounted) or 3 to 15 mm (non-flush). Adjustable parameters via the IO-Link interface are: • Sensing distance and hysteresis • Sensing modes: single point or two point or window mode • Timer functions like: On-delay, Off delay, One shot leading edge or trailing edge • Logic functions such as: AND, OR, X-OR, and SR-FF • External input • Logging functions: Maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, operating hours, operating cycles, power cycles, minutes above maximum temperature, and minutes below minimum temperature, among others 12
Figure 10
(Image source: Carlo Gavazzi)
The Carlo Gavazzi Smart Configurator for IO-Link sensors can access sensor data and manage its parameters. Through a 5.5 inch high-definition touchscreen display and dedicated apps, users of the smart configurator can access advanced diagnostics and troubleshoot, as well as view operating hours, number of detections, operating cycles, and alarms. UPGRADING LEGACY AUTOMATED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS WITH IO-LINK The IO-Link standard states that upgrading legacy systems with existing fieldbus structures can be achieved as long as the system map of IO-Link has already been implemented for the bus system in question. An expansion of existing bus systems is possible. To exchange data between an IO‐Link device and a PLC, the IO‐Link master maps the IO‐Link data to the fieldbus used. Non-IO-Link capable sensors can be connected to an IO-Link master if they have
In doing so, they can fulfill the promise of IIoT improved processes, more efficient production, enhanced safety, and reduced downtime. Reference Quad IO-Link master with higher current SIO channels ADI Power by Linear, Design Note 566, Eric Benedict November 29, 2017 Digi-Key Electronics www.digikey.com
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
ESD Safety for Electronic Components, from the Original Manufacturer to the Finished Assembly
Author: Alfred Lipp, General Manager Sales & Marketing BĂźrklin GmbH AN EVER-PRESENT THREAT Unless preventative measures are in place, people or objects can accumulate electrostatic charge through a variety of mechanisms. Friction is a frequent cause: a person simply walking across a carpet can become charged to about 35,000V. It sounds frightening, but the energy contained in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) from such a high potential is mostly harmless to humans. On the other hand, electronic components such as CMOS chips that can have feature sizes of just a few nanometres, as well as analogue ICs, and even small passive components such as film resistors, can be badly damaged by ESD at voltages as low as 250V. Depending on the device structure and materials, and the characteristics of the discharge such as voltage, total energy, current, and duration, damage can include melting or evaporation of internal conductors and dispersion of metal into 14
other areas potentially causing short circuits. Damage can be so severe that the device is unable to function. On the other hand, partial damage to connections, oxide layers or other internal features may simply degrade component performance or – perhaps more serious – create latent defects that are not detected immediately. Latent defects compromise reliability, with the result that aging, electrical stress, normal thermal cycling, or even vibration experienced during use can lead to failure in the field. WHOLE-LIFE PROTECTION Obviously, any type of ESD damage is undesirable and should be prevented. When connected in-circuit, static-sensitive devices can be protected by components designed specifically to suppress or divert the discharged energy. Depending on the application these can range from small transient-voltage sup-
pressor (TVS) diodes to crowbar devices or gas-discharge tubes (GDTs). The IEC 61000 series of standards specifies system-level ESD-withstand capabilities for various categories of products. However, from the point when ESD-sensitive components are manufactured until reaching the protected haven of the circuit board, they can be vulnerable to damage. Hence the components are at risk throughout activities such as production, packaging, labelling, servicing, testing, inspection, transportation, and final assembly. The standard covering ESD safety for components at these stages is IEC 61340-5-1:2016. Electronic manufacturers, whether OEMs or service providers, should maintain goods-in and inventory-handling policies that meet IEC 61340-5-1 to ensure components are always treated carefully and protected from ESD. Even before purchased components arrive at goods-in, Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » ESD Safety for Electronic Components
they need credible assurances from the supplier that stock is handled properly to prevent damage. They should certainly check that adequate safeguards are in place; there is no harm in arranging a visit to make absolutely sure. EXPERT KNOWLEDGE Bürklin teamed up recently with ESD Protect, which has specialist knowledge of ESD and industry best-practice, to review all aspects of in-house component handling, encompassing goods-in reception and checking, consignment to Bürklin inventory, component picking, and re-packaging and preparing for despatch. We also retrained our staff in the latest ESD-safe handling practices and we have also installed new storage and packaging facilities with continuous monitoring of relevant measured values. Following teamwork spanning several months, we have achieved IEC 61340-5-1 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 certifications for our ESD control program. As a result, we are no longer dependent on original manufacturer packaging and can now offer smaller quantities of ESD-sensitive products to satisfy our customers’ individual
requirements and specifications, while ensuring full protection meeting the highest standards. Moreover, the company’s partnership with ESD Protect also lets us offer tailored consulting services for customers and their staff, to help extend best practice throughout the entire supply chain. These range from general seminars describing ESD-safe handling for components, to individual consulting and auditing at customers’ premises. We can also help setup a proper electrostatic protected area (EPA) for preparing components that are vulnerable to ESD, in accordance with IEC61340-5-1, and provide suitable equipment for the necessary grounding and bonding. Our product portfolio contains not only the usual items such as personal grounding devices, workwear, and equipment clamps but also less obvious requisites such as ESD-safe office furniture, drawer inserts, and cleaning consumables. Contact Bürklin today to find out exactly how to ensure the best possible ESD safety for your components, from the original manufacturer all the way to your assembly line.
About Bürklin Year of foundation: 1954; Employees: 160 Bürklin Elektronik is a distributor specialized in high quality electronic components. For our commercial and private customers, we have more than 75,000 articles from over 500 manufacturers in stock. We are continuously expanding this range and can currently offer more than 1,800,000 items. In addition, we are happy to procure other products from all renowned manufacturers worldwide. We sell our products via our online shop and in our retail outlet at our company headquarters in Oberhaching near Munich. For more than 65 years, our family-run company has stood for first-class service and a high level of specialist trade competence. We are a classic distributor. Bürklin Elektronik focuses on the customer. We therefore attach great importance to professional customer management. Here our customers receive advice over the telephone and incoming orders are swiftly processed. Our customer service team is also responsible for fulfilling customer-specific requests. Our goal is to always satisfy our customers, who are at home all over the world. To this end, we are also broadening our customer relationship and key account management activities. Our main markets are: • Industrial automation • Automotive • Consumer • Data/Computing • Instrumentation • Medical technology • Transport & Infrastructure Bürklin Elektronik https://www.buerklin.com/en
PRODUCT NEWS
Panasonic PAN1780 High-Performance Bluetooth 5 Low Energy Module Now Available at Mouser Mouser Electronics, Inc. is now stocking the PAN1780 module from Panasonic. The ultra-low-power Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.0 module enables the transmission of large amounts of data in connectionless environments, providing a compact solution for Internet of Things (IoT), beacon, and mesh network applications. The Panasonic PAN1780 module, available from Mouser Electronics, is based on the Nordic nRF52840 single-chip controller, which provides an Arm® Cortex®-M4F processor core with 1 Mbyte of embedded flash memory and 256 Kbytes of internal RAM. The robust Nordic SoC allows engineers to use the module in standalone mode, which eliminates the need for an external processor, reduces cost, and frees board space. The module also features an
Arm TrustZone® CryptoCell 310 security core that supports a secure boot process and makes it a fitting solution for edge computing applications. The PAN1780 module's Bluetooth 5.0 features enable a high symbol rate of 2 Mbits per second (Mbps) using the high-speed LE 2M PHY or a significantly longer range using the LE coded PHY at either 500 Kbits
per second (Kbps) or 125 Kbps. A high output power of up to +8 dBm and the excellent sensitivity of the nRF52840 (-103 dBm at 125 Kbps) in combination with the LE coded PHY make the module ideal for applications that require long-range communication. In addition to Bluetooth Low Energy with qualified Bluetooth mesh profile stack, the module supports 802.15.4 (Thread and Zigbee) and NFC-A. The compact 15.6 mm × 8.7 mm × 2.0 mm module offers the same form factor as PAN1026A and PAN1762 modules, but features smaller pitch and more pins. The PAN1780 module provides a space-effective solution for smart city infrastructure, industrial mesh networks, Industry 4.0 robotics, and smart medical applications. Mouser Electronics https://www.mouser.com
Renesas Enhances ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Platform With Artificial Intelligence for Smart Odor Sensing Renesas Electronics Corporation expanded its popular ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensor platform with the power of embedded artificial intelligence (e-AI), enabling smart odor sensing for ventilation systems, bathroom monitoring and controls, and air quality monitors. The enhanced platform combines neural network-trained firmware on various microcontrollers (MCUs), such as the Renesas RL78 MCU, to provide higher resolution measurement results. With these new capabilities, the ZMOD4410 platform is capable of not only detecting gases
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that indicate the presence of odors in small enclosed rooms with higher accuracy and improved part-to-part deviation, but can also distinguish between sulfurand ethanol-based odors. The upgrades are the first in a family of e-AI-based firmware solutions from Renesas. Renesas’ unique software-configurable ZMOD platform provides greater design flexibility for smart sensing systems, allowing firmware upgrades in the field that enable new, application-specific capabilities such as selective measurements to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The new firmware upgrades enable IAQ measurement within international guidelines, allowing customers to measure total VOCs (TVOCs) and IAQ in the low partsper-million range (ppm). The higher accuracy and consistency provides improved estimated Carbon Dioxide (eCO2) levels. The ZMOD4410 AI firmware has been implemented on a Renesas RL78 MCU, but can also be implemented on any Renesas MCU – including RE, RA, or RX devices – or other general-purpose MCUs. The ZMOD4410’s combination of programmability, best-in-class stability, and sensitivity in measuring VOCs makes it an excellent solution for a wide range of IAQ applications, including smart HVAC systems, ventilator fans, and bathroom lights and switches. The ZMOD4410 is based on proven metal oxide (MOx) material and each sensor is electrically and chemically tested to ensure consistency from lot to lot, an important advantage for manufacturers with long production runs. The ZMOD4410 devices are also highly resistant to siloxanes for superior reliability use in harsh applications. Renesas | https://www.renesas.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
PRODUCT NEWS
Nexperia delivers widest range of AEC-Q101 discretes in miniature, leadless rugged DFN packages Nexperia, the expert in essential semiconductors, today announced the industry’s widest portfolio of automotive-qualified discretes in space-saving, thermallyefficient, AOI-compatible DFN (Discrete Flat No leads) packages. The AEC-Q101 range of devices available cuts across all Nexperia’s product groups and includes switching, Schottky, Zener and protection diodes, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), N- and P-channel MOSFETs, resistor-equipped transistors and LED drivers. Automotive qualified discrete leadless packages offered by Nexperia range from the very small form factor DFN1006BD-2 (1 × 0.6 × 0.5 mm) up to DFN2020D-3 (2 × 2 × 0.65 mm), including the recentlyreleased DFN1110D-3 and DFN1412D-3 styles. DFN devices can measure as small as 0.6 mm2 offering a PCB space-saving of up to 90 % when compared to current SOT23 devices. The excellent thermal performance (Rth(j-sp)) allows an equal or better Ptot on the smaller DFN footprint. At the same time these packages stay cooler and improve overall system reliability.
The Nexperia DFN package technology supports a Tj capability of up to 175°C. Because automated optical inspection (AOI) is vital for some applications – especially automotive − Nexperia pioneered the development of side-wettable flanks (SWF) for the DFN package in 2010 and devices with SWF are now a proven, accepted solution. This enables visible solder joints to be inspected post soldering. An additional benefit of DFN packages with SWF comes from the mechanical robustness of the bond to the PCB,
which is better than devices without side-wettable flanks. SWF improve shear forces and board bending capabilities. A large number of discrete semiconductors in DFN packages is already in volume production, and Nexperia will release many more throughout 2020, resulting in the industry’s widest portfolio of such devices. Types available include standard, high-runner products such as BC847, BC817 and BAV99, plus many more. Nexperia | https://www.nexperia.com
Renesas Introduces New I3C Bus Extension Products Renesas Electronics Corporation unveiled four new I3C Basic bus extension products for control plane designs across a variety of applications, including data center and server applications, as well as enterprise, factory automation, and communications equipment. The new products include the IMX3102 2:1 bus multiplexer, IMX3112 1:2 bus expander, and IXP3114 and IXP3104 1:4 general-purpose IO expanders, which support up to 12.5MHz speeds as well as integrated thermal sensor capability. These new products provide maximum design flexibility for engineers implementing I3C Basic as a system manage-
ment bus in applications where there may be multiple masters, a large number of endpoint devices, and long traces – all of which can impact bus complexity and signal integrity. The integrated thermal sensor allows for better integration of thermal management into the bus design itself and can reduce the number of dedicated thermal sensor endpoints. Next-generation compute architectures are leading the transition to I3C as the system management bus of choice following the JEDEC standard adoption of I3C Basic for the DDR5 memory sideband. The increase in memory subsystem com-
plexity with distributed power management, telemetry and thermal management at the sub-channel level requires higher sideband bus bandwidth. The IMX3102 2:1 bus multiplexer is well suited for designs where there may be two masters controlling a single peripheral or slave devices. The IMX3112 1:2 bus multiplexer supports designs where a single host is controlling two peripheral or slave devices. The general-purpose IO expanders, IXP3114 (with temperature sensor) and IXP3104 1:4 (no temperature sensor), are designed for a host controller with up to four peripheral or slave devices. Unexpected motherboard temperature increases can result in costly system failures. Positioning temperature sensors in multiple locations on the motherboard allows engineers to continuously monitor for potential temperature spikes and direct the CPU to take action as needed to prevent a catastrophic event. The new I3C products feature integrated temperature sensors, reducing overall system costs and improving integration. Renesas | https://www.renesas.com
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Implementing security in
the IoT age
By Ramanuja Konreddy, Senior Product Marketing Engineer 32-bit MCU Microchip Technology Although servers are primary targets some attacks focus on comparatively simple and seemingly innocuous devices. Who would consider the electronic thermometer inside a fish tank as a potential threat to corporate network security? For a casino, this turned out to be the case. Hackers used the comparatively weak defences of the thermometer to gain initial access to the core network. From that foothold they gained much better access and soon found a key customer database that they copied. The breach was only discovered when a security consultant analysed network logs and found data being sent to a remote server in Finland using protocols that are normally used for streaming media. Banking networks have been penetrated through the close-circuit television (CCTV) networks that were installed to improve physical security, and hackers have found ways to spy on home users through the cameras in their robot vacuum cleaners. However, these attacks are avoidable. It is possible to fend off the attacks and keep devices and the core network protected. The key is to provide multiple levels of security barriers that 18
The IoT has the potential to create huge value from the real-time data collected from sensors and embedded systems in any network. But with the increased value comes risk. The ability to connect with practically any device over a network connection makes it possible for malicious users who spend every day probing for vulnerabilities and weaknesses to find many more targets. When they find a way in, they can bring entire networks down, steal data and blackmail the owners. A report by Kaspersky Labs based on a survey of hacking activity around the world estimated attacks had been staged on more than 40 percent of all industrial control system computers in the first half of 2018 alone. will make it very difficult and time consuming for potential hackers. Today, hackers can often take advantage of poor decisions made by development teams. One common mistake is for devices to be provided with a default password that lets remote users log into a control shell. Such passwords can often be found in the apps provided to make these IoT devices easy to set up. Best practice is to provide each device with its own unique password. But as manufacturers improve their basic security skills,
cybercriminals will employ more sophisticated tactics similar to those they use against servers. Embedded systems cannot rely on their lower perceived value as targets for hacks in this changing environment. As the casino owners discovered, any IoT device can open up a network to a dedicated attack. There are numerous types of attack that can be staged against a networked system. For example, a common technique employed by hackers is to harness flaws in software. For example, if the device
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » The Arm TrustZone separation technology
receives more data in a packet than has been allocated to a buffer on the system stack, the additional bytes will overflow into neighbouring data structures. When a later routine pops those bytes from the stack, the data may well be used by other routines, which crash or make mistakes as a result. The processor may even interpret those values as branch-target addresses and attempt to execute the wrong code. A hacker familiar with the memory layout of the device will use that knowledge to construct mini-programs that open the device up to them. A similar exploit is to send erroneous data to the device that cause the subroutines used to process the bytes to fail and potentially make the device vulnerable. Some attacks focus on communications protocols rather than core device software and attempt to overwhelm the system to cause it to fail. As the device tries to recover, they can try to gain access at that point. If the attacker is able to control nearby network equipment or even gain direct physical access, they may be able to spoof legitimate servers with which the device wants to communicate. Such man-in-the-middle attacks may be used to analyse data coming from the device that may be useful for a future attack. Alternatively, the hacker may attempt to load their own firmware onto the device.
denial-of-service attack and thus avoid tying up resources that force it to crash. And it would avoid sending sensitive data to a machine that cannot be authenticated reliably. For packets that the device does accept, it would check them for length and correctness, rejecting any malformed frames that might open the device up to a buffer-overflow or commandinjection attack. However, implementing all these protections in the device’s firmware may be prohibitively expensive for any large codebase, particularly one that makes extensive use of third-party software libraries and applications. A more realistic approach is to divide the firmware into sections that need high security assurance and those that can be
Cortex-M 23 Interrupt Mechanism
Dual Developer Approch
Once rebooted with the replacement malicious firmware, the device will perform any function the hacker wants. Ideally, the system would reject communication attempts by machines that cannot demonstrate they have access rights. By doing so, the device would reject the fake firmware provided by the hacker. It could also ignore attempts to connect in a https://international.electronica-azi.ro
The amount of software on the device that needs full security hardening need only be a fraction of the total codebase. However, this separation is only effective if there are no backdoors from the nonsecure code to the high-security routines that hackers can exploit in privilege-escalation attacks. For example, if a bufferoverflow attack succeeds in loading into memory that is designated ‘secure’ data that makes the attacker’s identity that of a system administrator any protection is lost. Isolation of secure memory from non-secure areas is essential and can only be reliably enforced in hardware. Embedded microcontrollers such as those in the Microchip SAM L11 family contain security-enforcement hardware based on
allowed to fail under attack because they will not compromise the secure functions. For example, a subroutine that simply packetises temperature data into a JSON format so that it can be relayed to a smartphone app need not be checked for security properties. Secure code, however, will ensure that authentication is carried out before that data is sent anywhere.
Arm® TrustZone® architecture extension augmented with proprietary protections against software attacks. The hardware enforcements in the SAM L11 make it possible to construct a root of trust and use that to extend security protections to the rest of the system, forming the basis of a comprehensive security framework. The root of trust can perform cryptographic operations that extend the trusted zone out from itself to include other elements of the system, allowing communications to be protected on an untrusted network. A built-in cryptographic controller streamlines the operation of generating per-session keys as well as the encryption and decryption operations. The controller can also help check the authenticity not only of incoming messages from the network but the code that the system runs. The cryptographic protections even guard against counterfeit hardware. In this case, software running within the trusted zone can interrogate other boards in a chassis by issuing challenges to which only valid boards can respond correctly. 19
EMBEDDED APPLICATIONS
To maintain a root of trust, the SAM L11 hardware employs a secure boot process. To prevent this from being compromised, the initial boot sequence is from code held in a boot ROM area that cannot be altered after manufacture and so cannot be circumvented. Once initial startup has completed, services in the boot ROM code check the remaining firmware needed to complete the boot process for authenticity. It does this, with the help of the cryptographic accelerator, by checking the hash stored with each firmware segment matches and that it is consistent with a reference hash encoded by fuses set at manufacture. A mismatch in the value will reset the device and restart the secureboot process. In this way, even if a hacker succeeds in altering the firmware stored in on-chip flash memory, the device cannot boot successfully until the manufacturer’s version has been restored. Once the device has booted successfully and is running known good firmware, the Arm TrustZone technology implementation on the SAM L11 acts to maintain a clear separation between secure and potentially hazardous software. Arm TrustZone technology on the SAM L11’s Arm Cortex-M23 processor code provides a set of secure instructions that ensure any function calls made by non-secure code sent into the secure domain can be checked for problems. Arm TrustZone technology allows the creation of software security domains that restricts access to selected memory, peripherals, and I/O to trusted software without compromising system performance. By allowing secure code to be collected and protected, Arm TrustZone technology greatly simplifies the security assessment of an embedded device. To differentiate and isolate secure code from non-secure code, the SAM L11 memory is partitioned into different memory regions, with each region configured by fuses to resist against software attacks. Any attempts to access regions marked as secure from non-secure code, or a mismatch between the code that is executed and the security state of the system results in a hard-fault exception that prevents the access succeeding and which may trigger a reboot of the system. This protection is maintained even during interrupt handling and debug. For example, the Arm TrustZone technology implementation maintains two stack pointers that separate secure and non20
secure execution and prevent compromises to data on the stack that might be attempted through an interrupt handler. During debug, secure and non-secure code are treated differently using debug access levels. A developer working on non-secure sections cannot alter secure code or access debug information on it directly. This supports a clean separation of responsibilities so that only developers with security credentials can work on the protected code.
similar manner to secure function calls. The non-secure code makes a request through an API provided by the securecode developer. This ensures any direct control of the peripheral is maintained by authenticated code that can check for attempted malicious use. For example, non-secure code may be allowed to read the state of a timer-counter but be prevented from resetting it. External peripherals and subsystems may only be allowed to make requests to the
Standard Interactions Between Secure and Non-Secure States Typically, a developer charged with writing secure applications will provide header files and library routines that allow non-secure code to make requests, such as encrypting a network packet to be sent over the internet. The secure application is then loaded in a protected memory region. When a developer without security clearance develops the networking code, they will use the library and linker files provided but they will only have API-level access: the secure code and its data will be a black box. Attempts to alter the secure code can be forced to fail at boot time because its hash does not match at runtime. This is possible through the consistency checks made by the immutable secure boot process offered by SAM L11. For example, pointer manipulation to refer to an improper location will trigger a fault. Peripherals can also be designated as secure or non-secure, with the result that only authorised software can access or control them directly. For peripherals that may provide services to both types of region, access to them is protected in a
microcontroller if they provide a hash value that tallies with a digital certificate held in secure on-chip key storage and the data they send. This prevents any attempt by a hacker to use a compromised peripheral to subvert system operation and is also the basis for manufacturers to ensure their device cannot be used with counterfeit subsystems. Even if the attacker is able to probe and alter 256 bytes of RAM meant for key storage, the SAM L11 contains mechanisms that will zero-out keys and data if it detects that kind of activity. The result of the interlocking security measures on the SAM L11 that extend from physical protection of memory to the Arm TrustZone separation technology provides OEMs with the ability to build holistic security into their embedded devices and ensure its applications are not the weak link in the IoT. Microchip Technology www.microchip.com
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
PRODUCT NEWS
Market-leading Raspberry Pi Computer now available with 8GB RAM from Farnell Farnell, the Development Distributor, announced the launch of a new variant of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer with 8GB of on-board memory, offering double the capacity of the existing highend model. For imaging applications, its functionality can be further enhanced by the addition of the recently released Raspberry Pi 12MP High Quality Camera with interchangeable lenses, ideal for both professional computer vision applications and photography enthusiasts. Desktop PC users will appreciate having the greater capacity of the 8GB board to support web browsing, ultra-high-definition video streaming, cloud gaming, and image processing without time delay or latency. Raspberry Pi’s market-proven hardware speeds up development and prototyping of complex applications, greatly reducing costs for professionals and start-ups. Developers can now focus less on hardware and spend more time focusing on value-added software elements. The 8GB Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer
retains the key performance and connectivity features customers expect including: Efficiency: The 28nm BCM2711 systemon-chip delivers a significant increase in energy efficiency over previous models. Processor: A quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 64-bit processor clocked at 1.5GHz enable the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer to run up to three times faster than its predecessor. Video and Sound: Two micro HDMI ports support dual-display output at resolutions up to 4K. Connectivity: • Two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, enabling faster transfer rates to mass-storage devices (up to 5 Gbps). • True Gigabit Ethernet connectivity delivering network data rates of up to 1Gbps. • Dual-band wireless networking at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, delivering real-world data rates in excess of 100 Mbps. Modular compliance certification allows the board to be designed into end products with significantly reduced compliance testing, improving both cost and time to market.
Memory: 2GB, 4GB and now 8GB LPDDR4 memory options. Other key features include: Multimedia: H.265 decode (4kp60), H.264 decode (1080p60) and H.264 encode (1080p30); OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics; hardware image sensor pipeline. GPIO: User definable GPIO on standard 40-pin header with full backward compatibility and additional multiplexed UART, I2C and SPI peripherals. SD card support: Micro SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage. Power over Ethernet: PoE support using separate HAT accessory. Farnell | https://uk.farnell.com
Farnell Adds New Range of Innovative Power Solutions from MPS Farnell, the Development Distributor, has enhanced its semiconductor portfolio with a new range of compact, highly energy efficient power, motion control, and sensor solutions by Monolithic Power Systems (MPS). Since the company was established in 1997, MPS has patented many ground-breaking technologies, including its most notable achievement of integrating an entire power system onto a single chip, which continues to drive their highly integrated systems today. The modules are commonly used in systems to support industrial applications,
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telecom infrastructures, cloud computing, automotive and consumer applications. Design engineers will benefit from MPS’ specialised single-package power modules which integrate a maximum number of components, including the inductor, to provide an entire power system in one device. Integrating all components into a single package accelerates the design process and provides greater flexibility for customers to focus on configuring a device’s attributes. MPS POWER MODULES TO BE STOCKED BY FARNELL, INCLUDE: The MPM3822C is an ultra-small and ultralow noise step-down power module in a QFN-18 package with an integrated inductor, suitable for space-limited applications, storage and portable products. Providing up to 2A of continuous output current from a 2.75V to 6V input voltage range, the MPM3822C offers excellent load and line regulation with low EMI. Other key features include short-circuit protection, cycle-by-cycle over-current protection as well as Enable (EN) and Power Good (PG) for power sequencing.
The MPM3811 is a monolithic, step-down, switch-mode converter with built-in, internal power MOSFETs and an inductor. The MPM3811 achieves 1A of continuous output current from a 2.3V to 5.5V input voltage with excellent load and line regulation. The MPM3811 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including high-performance DSPs, wireless power, portable and mobile devices, and other low-power systems. The MPM3695-25 is an industry-leading scalable and fully integrated power module with a PMBus interface. It can deliver up to 250A peak and 200A of continuous current and a low voltage output down to 0.5V. Ideal for telecom and networking systems, it provides up to 60 percent higher power density compared to discrete pointof-load (POL) solutions and offers a core rail supply for many devices. With a small QFN-59 package and a wide input/output voltage range, the MPM3695-25 power module is also suitable for use in industrial equipment, serves and computing as well as FPGAs/ASIC artificial intelligence and data mining. Farnell | https://uk.farnell.com 21
PRODUCT NEWS
Riedon Introduces Industry’s First Reinforced Isolated High-Power Shunt Modules to Take on Hall Sensors Riedon plans to offer a digital output as well, through I2C, RS232, Modbus and CAN interfaces (thus suiting both industrial and automotive installations). The robustness of SSA Smart Shunt modules makes them suitable for use in highpower (100A to 1000A) implementations, where harsh conditions may need to be dealt with – such as elevated temperature levels, heavy vibrations and electro-magnetic interference (EMI). Key examples include electric vehicle (EV) and hybridelectric vehicle (HEV) traction inverters, AC/DC converters, uninterruptible power supplies, renewable energy generation sites and smart grid infrastructure.
Riedon, a specialist manufacturer of cutting-edge power and precision resistors, is set to redefine the current measurement landscape with the introduction of its SSA Smart Shunt series. These next-generation current sensing modules combine the attributes of conventional passive shunt resistors with those normally associated with considerably more expensive and bulky closedloop Hall Effect current sensors. Each featuring a built-in precision amplifier, they offer reinforced electrical isolation (up to 1500VDC), alongside industry-leading 22
levels of stability and accuracy. SSA Smart Shunt units exhibit ±0.1% sensing accuracy and ±0.1% linearity over their entire current range, with far less susceptibility to temperature drift. The need for routine calibration can therefore be negated. They also have a rapid response time of less than 1.5μs. With an amplified analog output and integrated protection, these current sensors can be placed on either the high or low side of a circuit, thereby enabling easy integration. Their temperature range spans between -40°C and 125°C.
“SSA Smart Shunt signifies a major step forward in shunt-based current sensing,” explains Phil Ebbert, VP Engineering at Riedon Inc. “Until now, despite clear drawbacks, such as the impact of electro-magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations on their accuracy, Hall Effect sensors have proved preferable in more challenging current measuring applications, as they are nonintrusive, possess intrinsic electrical isolation and support higher voltages. Conversely, the non-isolated nature of standard shunt resistors has held back their widespread deployment, even though they offer more accurate and operationally stable parameters.” “By integrating isolation amplifiers, SSA Smart Shunt modules deliver superior accuracy and stability,” Ebbert concludes. “This opens up new current sensing opportunities, providing engineers with a compact and cost-effective alternative to specifying Hall devices.” Riedon’s SSA Smart Shunt modules are now available exclusively via distribution partner Digi-Key. www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJypc-zgFQg Riedon https://riedon.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
PRODUCT NEWS
WiBotic Autonomous Wireless Charging Solutions Increase Uptime and Battery Life of Robot Fleets Vicor announce their high-efficiency power module neutralizes thermal management constraints, enabling innovative adaptive-matching transmitter for any battery, any robot, and any station. As robotic fleets reshape logistic, delivery and inspection industries, the demand for more efficient and flexible charging solutions is increasing while the feasibility for these fleets to be managed manually and recharged ad hoc by a 24/7 rotation of personnel is decreasing. The next step is toward enhanced autonomy, whereby normal operations can be sustained without human intervention, which is where WiBotic comes in. WiBotic wireless charging solutions are designed to facilitate “many-to-many” operation, whereby multiple robots (including from different manufacturers)
can charge from the same transmitter at different times. Alternatively, an entire fleet of robots can move between a network of transmitters in different locations within a warehouse. In short, any robot can charge from any station, even if the robots have different battery chemistries, voltages and charging current. DRIVING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROBOTIC AUTONOMY WiBotic, located in Seattle, WA, provides wireless charging and power optimization solutions that are integral to charging the rapidly growing ecosystem of aerial, mobile, marine and industrial robots. A range of solutions enable robots and unmanned vehicles (UVs) to be recharged through wireless charging stations, eliminating the need for human operators to
WiBotic delivers a dynamic wireless charging solution that enables the next generation of autonomy.
physically connect the robots to chargers. In addition, wireless charging technology reduces wear and tear on physical connection points, trip hazards from power cords and floor-mounted charging stations, and the space requirement for dedicated charging rooms. VICOR ZERO-VOLTAGE SWITCHING (ZVS) REGULATOR POWERS WIRELESS CHARGING INNOVATION The Vicor 48V VI Chip® PRM Regulator is a 400W high-efficiency converter that operates from a 36 – 75V input to generate a regulated output. The device powers the adaptive matching transmitter onboard the WiBotic TR-110 wireless charging station, which feeds power wirelessly to the robot’s or UV’s onboard receiver. The PRM accepts 48V from an AC-DC power supply and the output voltage is adaptively controlled and trimmed from approximately 20 – 55V. The Vicor PRM enables consistent, high-efficiency conversion across the full range of impedances, flexibly supporting ‘full charge’ and ‘trickle charge’ modes with no significant drop-off in efficiency at lower power levels – a critical performance benchmark that competing power components failed to achieve. This high-efficiency conversion capability yielded a tightly consistent, maximum device temperature of 40 – 45°C, helping to neutralize thermal management constraints across the full power range. WiBotic delivers a dynamic charging solution that enables the next generation of autonomy. Freed from the confines of manually-managed charging processes, these devices can achieve new levels of functionality and productivity – with no power constraints to hold them back. Learn more about the WiBotic wireless charging application.
Vicor helped design and power Wibotic’s low power development kit https://international.electronica-azi.ro
Wibotic https://www.wibotic.com Vicor Corporation http://www.vicorpower.com 23
INDUSTRY 4.0
What are the wireless standards that make Industry 4.0 work?
Wireless protocols in automation technology
By Bernd Hantsche, Director Product Marketing Embedded & Wireless Standards for the wireless transmission of measurement and control data have developed a great deal, which is causing even the most recent critics to rethink their stance of “our system must operate − wireless is not secure enough”. But deciding which standard is the most appropriate depends on the application. FIELD LEVEL I Close to the work piece, but must be flexible, self-sufficient, and maintenance-free On newer production lines, one is struck by the first sensors and actuators that manage without cables and sliding contacts. They are flexible to install and they 24
As Industry 4.0 is implemented, besides Gigabit lines, wireless technology will increasingly be taking its place on the industrial scene. The question is no longer if, but how and when will wireless technology take hold. Here are the most important answers. enable totally new motion sequences in production processes. Previously, a flat battery, which causes a production stoppage, has been the most frequently cited reason for not installing such solutions. But now, self-powered sensors and actuators are standing the test. With their energy-harvesting modules they are able to convert ambient light energy or heat differences into sufficient electrical power to be able reliably to send data packets over short-range wireless connections, up to a few hundred meters. A local energy storage unit ensures failurefree functionality for weeks, if at any time it is not possible to harvest sufficient
energy from the environment. Besides the Sub Ghz protocol EnOcean, Bluetooth 5 and ZigBee 3.0 on the 2.4 Ghz band are also available to network the sensors and actuators. EnOcean − TCM 515 Transceiver module
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » Wireless industrial automation standards
The ZigBee Alliance appears to have learned from the mistakes of the past. So version 3.0 is proving popular not just in the Amazon Echo, Philips Hue, Ikea Trådfri and Osram Lightfy, but also - due to its specifications − in the industry sector too. A compatible EnOcean module combination takes care of the energyharvesting with ZigBee. The wireless unit − like the wireless stack − is based on a semiconductor supplied by Nordic Semiconductor. For straightforward P2P connections or for interaction with a smart phone, tablet or laptop, Bluetooth can likewise be used and is fully self-powered.
immediately. This requires a supply of permanent and more intense energy. In the case of stationary wireless nodes, wired power sources are available, while for “floating” wireless nodes Airfuel charging technology is the mobile alternative that allows a lot more movement than Qi charging technology. The best compromise to meet different requirements is generally the traditional battery.
open plan offices and hallways. Unlike the conventional method of specifically routing data packets, with these, the data flow ensures particularly rapid reaction and throughput times. Despite this, smart phones and similar can be integrated into the network, providing another huge advantage over other wireless standards which have to find their way to the IT equipment via a router.
Many wireless standards such as Bluetooth Mesh, WiFi Mesh and ANT Blaze, have a history based on a star topology and for a few years have also been supplying mesh topologies. ZigBee, Threat and some others were designed from the start for mesh networking communication. While WiFi Mesh manages with practically zero power supply, all the other mesh systems mentioned can operate for months on one battery charge. As against the home sector, where ZigBee controls the LED light sources, it is apparent that unrouted Bluetooth Mesh sets the standard for industrial lighting systems in warehouses and production halls,
RedpineSignals − RS14100SB Multi-protocol Wireless MCU SoCs & Modules
EnOcean − ECO 200 Energy converter for motion energy harvesting If a wider range is required or if, due to the frequency plan, it is not possible to use the 2.4 Ghz band on the site, the EnOcean protocol from the EnOcean Alliance offers a proven alternative. This too deploys EnOcean modules for energy conversion and wireless communication. As distributor, Rutronik is working together with EnOcean GmbH and the EnOcean Alliance, as well as with Nordic Semiconductor. It means that developers industry-wide can find a solution even for software-specific adaptations and for more complex problems. FIELD LEVEL II Always on receive − cross-linking inside the factory building In larger and more complex networks, where connections make use of sensors or actuators to the gateway, hub or to an Edge computer, what looks like the perfect solution − because it is maintenancefree and self-sufficient − soon reaches its limits. Particularly with non-time-synchronized mesh topologies each wireless node must be permanently on receive in order to receive incoming data packets and ensure that they are processed www.international.electronica-azi.ro
RedpineSignals − RS14100 Multi-protocol Wireless MCU SoCs & Modules
Bluetooth Mesh is an intermediate layer which can in theory be placed on any Bluetooth 4.0 hardware. However, due to the latest pricing system set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, when designing a new system, it is a good idea to use more up-to-date Bluetooth 5 or 5.1 hardware. Rutronik supplies semiconductors with the relevant stacks from STMicroelectronics, Redpine Signals, Nordic Semiconductor and Toshiba. If you prefer a solution with integral high frequency circuitry and certification, you can choose Bluetooth Mesh modules from Insight SiP, Garmin, Panasonic, Murata, Telit, Fujitsu, Minew and Redpine Signal. 25
INDUSTRY 4.0
FIELD LEVEL III Outside visual range, but closely connected At transshipment points such as logistics centers, railway stations and ports, longrange wireless is the method of choice. Of the technologies using public and license-free ISM bands, LoRa has become established in most central European countries. France and the Netherlands have mainly settled on Sigfox because of its good network expansion. However, 2019 saw a changing trend: the Cat M1 and Cat NB1 4G standards for narrowband IoT have undergone strong growth, depending on the region and the application. The initial test phases have already moved into series production. While the LTE-M is available for tracking applications with cell changing, the LTE NB1 uses even less energy. However, in many countries the network is undergoing expansion and low power mobile wireless technology is being deployed. German mobile wireless suppliers are clearly concentrating primarily on the metering market. Since an installed electricity, gas or water meter does not move, there is no need to change mobile wireless cells during a connection. Providers in other countries prefer to opt for tracking applications for moving objects and have focused on expanding category M1. Most mobile wireless module manufacturers support
Like 2G, 3G and conventional 4G modules, LTE M1 transceivers are also often combined with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) into a single housing because they are intended to track and monitor the position and motion of containers, vehicles, high-end goods, people and animals. The position has to be defined and transmitted via the mobile wireless network. A few years ago, GPS was a navigation system that was almost without competition. But GNSS alternatives came on line in the form of the Russian Glonass and the Chinese Beidou systems, although they are not quite up to the standard of the American system. In 2019 the European Galileo made its breakthrough; it has been operating successfully in millions of smart phones for some time now. In mid-2019 the decision was made to make greater tracking accuracy available free of charge, so that Galileo is now ahead of the GPS system with regard to free use of layer 1 data. In addition, Galileo is the only system to provide an authentication function. This ensures that the received signals actually come from Galileo and not from a counterfeit transmitting station. And Galileo is the only civilian system operating within a democratic country. Nevertheless, almost all users would be best advised to install as many systems in parallel as possible. Because the more satellites that are
both networks; Rutronik has solutions from Telit, Nordic Semiconductor, Murata, Telic, Advantech and, soon, from other franchise partners.
used, the faster, more energy-efficient, and more accurate can most modern multi-GNNS receivers work. However, we should be ready for future changes and
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be able to react if one of the systems should fail. The NB1 or M1 modem available in the module can be used to change the firmware settings. For applications using GNSS with LoRa, Sigfox, WiFi or Bluetooth, it is necessary to ensure a corresponding option to access the GNSS unit's operating mode in the host controller. Usually it is sufficient to create an NMEA control command, to tell the receiver which systems it should use, and which it should ignore. This remote functionality must always be implemented manually and in the worst case it could prove disastrous for the application but could also be a life or business saver. Telit − xE310 Quad band GSM|GPRS module
PROCESS LEVEL Welcome to 6th generation WiFi At processing level all the data from the individual workstations are collected together. Often the data collected at the field level sensor has not been prepared at all. To obtain information from it, a minimum of a preliminary processing of the data takes place. For many applications it is advantageous to be able to use this to compare several field data received in parallel. Elaborate pattern matching algorithms can be set up that not only compare against both static patterns but which constantly need to adjust their reference as well. To cope with this and with similar computing-intensive tasks, heavier-duty x86-based systems are used as a general rule. Here the trend is towards interconnection and in the direction from system level to wireless technologies. However, the 6th WiFi generation is not just faster than the earlier ones, but is also distinctive for better connection management for subscribers, which scores particularly well in professional installation scenarios. Another plus point is its improved frequency assignment with the soon-to-beintroduced 5G network. Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
DESIGN SOLUTIONS » Wireless industrial automation standards
With Intel as its technology partner, Rutronik has been able to provide its customers with market-ready WiFi 6 solutions from the start. m.2 PC cards in particular were in great demand for industrial PCs, Panel Pcs and NUCs SYSTEM LEVEL It is down to the location The choice of technology at system level is heavily dependent on the complexity and the local circumstances, such as the extent of the factory site or the operational frequency plan. For smaller dynamic operations, WiFi 6 can be a solution, while for larger companies with very static installations, a cabled solution would − still − be a solution. Yet as soon as 5G is available and affordable, it will be necessary to rethink these installations too.
OPERATIVE LEVEL Here, the earlier generation is still an option When communicating between different plants, the information is so heavily condensed beforehand that conventional LTE is fully sufficient to cope with the data throughput and latency periods − even in major international corporations. Those wishing to ensure their cabled onsite internet connections can already transmit important key operational data by mobile wireless via an LTE router. Where users opt for field level, where it is a matter of individual sensor data, usually mostly for the lower LTE categories, it is possible at operational level to opt for LTE category 6 or higher. Power consumption and the price of the modem are negligent https://international.electronica-azi.ro
because the computers always operate from the mains, and only a very few LTE modems or LTE routers are used. Telit, Telic, and Advantech supply solutions such as PC cards, external modems and routers. For example, an individual total solution might combine them with an Intel or Asus server, configured with an LTE modem from Telit and a WiFi 6 card from Intel. MORE WIRELESS TRENDS IN AUTOMATION Following its success in end-customer smart phones, a further technology is also making headway in industrial environments. 13.56 Mhz technology enables secure exchanges between active reader and passive transponder as well as between two active readers. Since it is compatible with almost all modern tablets
and smart phones, economical standard hardware is available; there is often no need to deploy more expensive special devices such as an RFID Gun. Besides the cost of the hardware, this provides software programming benefits too. Those wishing to use RFID for longer distances or to scan several transponders at once still either need to use another frequency or look around on active systems. In this case the transponders are not supplied from the reader's electromagnetic field, communicating via load back coupling, but they have their own power supply (usually a battery or solar) and communication in 2.4 Ghz band based on Bluetooth or a similar proprietary wireless protocol.
Where neither fixed cabling nor energy harvesting are options, and even economical wireless connections such as Bluetooth Low Energy deplete the batteries too quickly, increasing numbers of industrial applications are choosing the ANT protocol. For example, the first Timeof-Flight sensors will soon be available for high accuracy distance mapping, which require very little power. In addition, ANT is available ex works in most Android smart phones, and with multiprotocol SoC solutions can transmit data traffic in Bluetooth networks without incurring further hardware costs. “INNOVATION IN AUTOMATION” Using the latest wireless technology The "Innovation in Automation" series of online seminars provides informative
videos on demand from the leading manufacturers of electronic components for Industry 4.0. They demonstrate solutions for the industrial plants of the future; subthemes are artificial intelligence, robotics and networks. The seminars also include a presentation by Telit as supplier of mobile wireless, M2M sim solutions, IoT device management and short-range wireless, and by Intel, producer of WiFi 6 solutions. Simply register at www.rutronik.com/seminars/ innovation-in-automation-2019/. Rutronik www.rutronik.com
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COMPANIES
Performance improved and space gained Würth Elektronik presents filter design for single-pair Ethernet interface As a member of the SPE Industrial Partner Network initiative, Würth Elektronik promotes the use of Single Pair Ethernet in industrial applications. For safe use in industrial applications, Würth Elektronik has now published a circuit layout with transformers as galvanic isolation. The solution has an isolation of 1.5 kV/60 s and is therefore fully suitable for industrial applications, unlike previous circuits that use two 50 V capacitors as galvanic isolation. Würth Elektronik has published the first industrial SPE circuit that is fully compatible with the IEEE-802.3-signal requirements and the requirement of a 1.5 kV safety insulation according to IEC 62368-1. The filter solution is extremely compact and ensures signal stability of up to 40 m cable length for 100BASE-T1 or up to 1 000 m for 10BASE-T1.
Filter design for single-pair Ethernet interface Image source: Würth Elektronik
Würth Elektronik's innovative approach: Instead of using capacitors, electrical isolation is achieved by means of a signal transformer. The WE-STST transmitter series is optimized for the signal bandwidth of Single Pair Ethernet and takes up very little space on the circuit board with only 4.5 × 3.2 mm. In addition to the WE-STST transmitter, a common mode choke, the WE-CNSW current-compensated data line filter, improves the EMC behavior already at frequencies from 1 MHz without negatively affecting the useful signal. A TVS diode (WE-TVS) provides ESD protection according to IEC 61000-4-2 up to 8 kV. Further information on the industrial use of Singe Pair Ethernet can be found on the Würth Elektronik homepage and in this webinar recording on the topic “Single Pair Ethernet – Filter Design”. All passive components used in the layout developed by Würth Elektronik are available from stock. Free samples can be requested. Würth Elektronik eiSos Group https://www.we-online.com 28
By using only one pair of wires, the number of passive components on the PCB is considerably reduced. Together with the very compact connector, Single Pair Ethernet can save up to 75 % PCB space, compared to current Ethernet over RJ45. Image source: Würth Elektronik
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
Charging Function and NFC Combined Würth Elektronik presents its Wireless Power Transfer Coil WE-WPCC WPT/NFC Würth Elektronik expands its portfolio of wearables, handhelds, digital cameras, wireless power coils. WE-WPCC WPT/NFC smart watches or tablets. The coil combicombines wireless power transmission nation in the compact PET sleeve with with the Near Field Communication (NCF) adhesive surface can be used according standard thus enabling, for example, the combination of a charging station for smartphones with identification and payment functions. Other new additions to the world's largest range of wireless power transfer coils include a high power coil (WE-WPCC 760308101311) with 400 W output and a “flat” version, two coils whose respective heights of 2.8 mm and 3.1 mm are only half as high as those of other transmitter coils (WE-WPCC 760308101411 and 760308101410). The NFC coil in the WE-WPCC WPT/NFC enables data rates up to 848 kbps and the WPT coil allows wireless power transmission output up to 100 W (at 20 V input voltage) Wireless Power Transfer Coil in one efficient solution. Data can WE-WPCC WPT/NFC be transferred while wirelessly Image source: Würth Elektronik charging sensors, smartphones,
to the Qi (5 W and 15 W) and AirFuel Alliance standards as well as in proprietary solutions with higher power. This means the transmitter is equally suitable for consumer electronics and industrial applications. Stranded wire and high-quality ferrite material ensure maximum energy transmission efficiency and the high permeability of the shielding concentrates the magnetic field and protects sensitive electronics or batteries from interference signals. For the optimal combination of transmitter and receiver coils, Würth Elektronik recommends its “Mix and Match” tool and also the Wireless Power Development Kits.
The new transmitter coils are now available from stock without a minimum order quantity. Free samples can be requested. Würth Elektronik eiSos Group https://www.we-online.com
Digi-Key Electronics Announces Global Partnership with Truphone to Offer IoT Connectivity at the Touch of a Button Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic Truphone’s simple prepaid SMS and data components distributor, announced that plans (which provide coverage in multiit has partnered with Truphone to bring ple countries across a three-year period) cellular IoT connectivity services to manu- simplify the connectivity process, so facturers worldwide. The partnership will manufacturers can focus on what they do provide customers with connected cellu- best—building their application. lar devices and a fully managed service. Digi-Key will use Truphone’s state of the “Both Truphone and Digi-Key share a comart SIM technology, allowing users to con- mon goal of bringing IoT into the mainnect IoT devices to network providers stream,” said Ralph Steffens, CEO at from the moment they switch their device Truphone. “For us, the catalyst to spark the on. The technology requires no complicat- IoT starts with connectivity. The more we ed activation process, it is simply connectivity from the touch of a button. The partnership will provide manufacturers of all sizes with industry-leading IoT connectivity services starting with device and application management. The Truphone network supports 2G, 3G, 4G and CAT-M1/LTE-M worldwide – with a single SIM card – and gives every customer access to its IoT Connectivity Management platform. Truphone SIM card https://international.electronica-azi.ro
can streamline the process of connecting IoT devices, the easier it will be to reach its full potential. We’re thrilled to be partnering with a business at the forefront of innovation, like Digi-Key, to make this happen.” “We are excited to partner with a leader in cellular connectivity like Truphone,” said Robbie Paul, director of IoT business development for Digi-Key. “The connectivity services industry is going through radical changes with the advent of 5G and the proliferation of IoT devices. Truphone allows for true worldwide coverage with one SIM card that can be purchased from Digi-Key along with the associated hardware, giving our customers the flexibility to monitor and manage their IoT devices in real-time, from anywhere in the world.” Digi-Key Electronics https://www.digikey.com Truphone https://www.truphone.com 29
COMPANIES
TE Connectivity launches Dynamic Series D-2970 Push-In PCB connectors TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, is launching the D-2970 Dynamic Series compact wire-to-board PCB connector with field-installable, time-saving push-in clamp termination. The new 5mm pitch PCB connector operates at up to 20 amps and 400 volts at a typical ambient application temperature of 55°C without further derating. It incorporates numerous features to meet strict safety requirements. These include an audible and tactile locking latch to
“This new PCB connector family is a powerful addition to our well-known Dynamic Series and is fully equipped to meet our customers’ high standards regarding installation and application safety, also saving valuable process time and application space,” says Product Manager Christian Netsch.
Series can save valuable space within the cabinet,” he notes. “It provides a widthsaving up to 26% for a two-pole connector or 13% for a six-pole connector compared with connectors using side locking. This allows a side-stackable PCB mounting of several headers next to each other.”
TE Connectivity launches D2970 Dynamic Flex Push-In pluggable PCB connectors. Source: TE Connectivity, PR404
ensure safe mating, a robust housing, contacts that support shock- and vibration-exposed applications, and an IP20 “finger safe” housing that prevents unintended operator contact with live components. The D-2970 also meets the IEC EN 61800-5 standard for adjustable speed electrical power drive systems. The push-in clamp and single-handoperating center-locking lever – both designed to require no tooling – make it possible to cut mating time by up to 90% compared with connectors using screwlatch locking systems. The center-locking lever has clear tactile and audible mating feedback. Toolless wire release is also possible, thanks to the 50% lower insertion force, which allows users to release the wire without injuring their fingertips. The D-2970 is available with three different angled male headers, all mating with the same female plug, providing electronics designers flexibility. The initial configuration has three or four positions, which will be extended with versions with anywhere from two to 12 positions during 2020. 30
The D-2970 will be fully compliant with UL and IEC regulations and extensively tested at UL and VDE certified laboratories, supporting customer approval processes. It uses materials that conform with regulatory requirements such as RohS and Reach, and which obtain a V-0 rating under the UL 94 flammability standard while remaining low-halogen according to IEC EN 61249-2 (the male housing is injection molded in LCP and the female housing is in PBT). It also meets the IEC EN 60335-1 standard for domestic home appliances. “We can describe the goals of our development of this new connector series in two words: safety and efficiency,” says Netsch. “The mechanical design, as well as the chemical base of the housing materials, protects installers and operators and allow a very time-efficient wire installation and space-saving PCB design – finally saving cost for our customers.” Netsch further points out that the strong locking latch allows a small form factor with a header height of under 9mm. “Compared to other PCB connectors with locking features in the market, the D-2970
MANUFACTURING EFFICIENCY D-2970 Dynamic Flex Push-In headers are through-hole reflow capable. They are available without the need for a pickup cap, saving waste and are offered in box packaging. Tape and reel packaging is available by request. The header resin is MSL 1 (Moisture Sensitivity Level) compliant, which prevents the soldering component from absorbing any water during shipment, storage and manufacturing, even in high humidity environments. This allows a floor and storage life of at least two years. TE Connectivity expects the Dynamic Series D-2970 Push-In PCB connectors to be used in diverse applications, including power inlets and outlets for PLCs and servo/inverter drives, industrial micro controls, robot control units, and controls in building automation and household appliances. The parts will be available directly from TE Connectivity as well as many distribution partners around the globe beginning in December 2019. TE Connectivity https://www.te.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
RoboDK – professional robot simulation and programming in just 5 steps As of now, DataCAD Software & Service GmbH takes over the sales and support for RoboDK. It is a powerful and inexpensive tool for the simulation and programming of industrial robots. RoboDK allows for simple simulation and offline programming of industrial robots. The programming of robot applications is enormously simplified by providing access to an extensive library of industrial robot arms, external axes and tools. Therefore, users do not need to learn manufacturerspecific programming anymore. RoboDK is suitable for almost every type of application, such as milling and drilling, welding, cutting, painting and inspection. Simulate and program in 5 steps Select robot – define tool – load 3D model – simulate tool path – generate robot programs This is all you need. The RoboDK postprocessors support more than 70 robot controllers, including ABB RAPID, FANUC LS, KUKA, Universal Robots. The best thing about RoboDK Thanks to the intuitive user interface of RoboDK, programming knowledge is not necessary.
Every robot can be programmed offline with just a few clicks. RoboDK has an extensive library with over 500 robot arms
cell can be examined before it is set up. As a result, errors that are often made during installation are recognized early and avoided.
Advantages of offline programming with RoboDK At RoboDK, robots are programmed outside of the production environment. This avoids production downtimes caused by workshop programming. Using simulation and offline programming, several scenarios of a manufacturing
RoboDK versions are available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. Interested parties who would like to try out RoboDK can use the program download and get a trial license. DataCAD Software und Service GmbH https://datacad.de/start.html
DF51K Series, 2 mm Pitch, Robust Lock, Wire-to-Board Connectors HIROSE Electric Co. Ltd, a world-class manufacturer in connectors, introduced the DF51K series of robust Wire-to-Board Connectors for applications requiring more strength and durability. A wide range of applications are suitable such as industrial machinery, medical devices, smart meters, industrial robots, and many others. DF51K connectors feature a center lock design that allows the connectors to be
placed side-by-side to save space on the board. The mating operation is user-friendly and a clear tactile click confirms secure engagement and a reliable connection. These connectors feature a strong contact lance strength which increases the contact retention in the housing and prevents the contacts from pulling loose if the cables are wrenched. Furthermore DF51K is polarized through the use of
guide keys to prevent incorrect mating. DF51K offers many variations for design flexibility. Single or double row versions are available in a straight or right angle housing with the option of gold or tin plating. The DF51K series is part of the SignalBee product family. SignalBee consists of compact and high performance Wire-toBoard and Wire-to-Wire connectors that are designed for the requirements of industrial applications. Key Features • Number of contacts: 1 row:2 – 6 /2 rows: 4 – 30 • Contact pitch: 2 mm • Current rating: 2 A (max) • Voltage rating: AC/DC 250 V • Temperature:-55°C to +105°C • Cable size: AWG 22 – 30 • Accepts resin sealing • UL/C-UL Certified • RoHS complaint Hirose Electric https://www.hirose.com
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From A to B with E: eTruck reduces CO2 emissions at Infineon’s Regensburg site Infineon Technologies AG is taking a further step towards CO2 neutrality by focusing on electric mobility for logistics solutions. Just in time for the World Environment Day (5 June), an electric truck will be commissioned at the Regensburg site after two weeks of testing. The vehicle of the logistics partner Kühne+Nagel will drive the distance between the factory premises and an external warehouse in the east of the city four times per working day. Thus, the electric truck will cover around 100 km a day. And thanks to the electric drive, it will save some 18 tons of CO2 every year.
tion capacity at the Regensburg site. The electric truck is the beginning of a longer-term development. At the Regensburg site, vehicles used in logistics such as trucks, forklifts and other vehicles will successively switch to alternative energies.
Not surprisingly, Framo’s eTruck used in Regensburg is also equipped with components from Infineon.
As a manufacturer of power semiconductors, sensors and microcontrollers, which are needed to drive electrically powered trucks, Infineon itself is profiting from this trend. According to a study conducted by Boston Consulting in October 2019, the logistics industry will be electrified. It is estimated that by 2030, 35 percent of newly registered light trucks up to six tons, and 26 percent of heavy trucks over 15 tons will be equipped with alternative drives.
About Kühne+Nagel: With over 83,000 employees at 1,400 locations in over 100 countries, the Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies. Its strong market position lies in Sea Logistics, Air Logistics, Road Logistics and Contract Logistics, with a clear focus on integrated logistics solutions.
For example, microcontrollers control the drive, and regulate the management of the battery.
“At our Annual General Meeting in February, we set the goal for Infineon to be CO2 neutral by 2030,” said Jochen Hanebeck, Chief Operations Officer on Infineon’s Management Board. “For this, there is not one big measure, but plenty of small steps. The conversion from diesel to electric mobility for transport services in and around our plants is one such step. What we can now learn in Regensburg, we will also implement at the other locations – for the benefit of the environment.” The 7.5-ton truck from the eTruck manufacturer Framo saves 60 to 100 percent of the CO2 emissions of a comparable diesel vehicle – depending on how the electricity used was produced. Kühne+Nagel plans to charge the batteries with green electricity. Electricity from renewable energy sources will eliminate CO2 emissions completely. The battery developed by Framo has a capacity of 115.6 kWh. This means that the electric truck can cover 115 km – a wide enough range for the daily distance travelled. Infineon will use the vehicle to transport packaging and materials, but also finished products. Infineon moved into the warehouse – the truck’s destination – in late 2019 to expand the produc32
Infineon Technologies https://www.infineon.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
Range of application extended Clark is now offering the C40-55sD and C60-80D900 series diesel forklifts with load capacities from 4 to 8 tons with a Kubota diesel engine of level 5. Equipped with a diesel particulate filter and diesel oxidation catalytic converter, Clark diesel forklifts now open up areas of application that were previously denied to them due to the lack of a diesel particulate filter. The new powerful 4-cylinder engine with common rail fuel injection has other advantages over the engines used up to now in addition to the more environmentally friendly technology. The V3800-CRTE5B Kubota engine with fully electronic engine management is not only more environmentally friendly than its predecessor, but also scores with an optimized torque curve and more economical operation. This allows the operator to achieve higher efficiency when using the truck. LOW EMISSIONS AND ECONOMICAL CONSUMPTION For optimal filtration of exhaust gases, Kubota combines a diesel oxidation cata-
https://international.electronica-azi.ro
lyst (DOC) with exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particle filter (DPF). Thanks to the integrated exhaust aftertreatment with DOC and DPF, the Kubota engine meets the strict exhaust gas standards of EU Stage 5 according to the regulation (EU) 2016/1628. Compared to Stage 3b engines, the Kubota Stage 5 engine again reduces the size of soot particles and limits the number of emitted particles. Furthermore, the Kubota stage 5 engine is significantly more fuel-efficient than the diesel engine previously used. Due to the increase in efficiency, the operator achieves a saving of 5 percent in fuel consumption. No AdBlue is required to operate the Kubota Level 5 engine, but only fuel with a sulfur content of less than 0.0015 percent (15 ppm). In addition, the Kubota engine scores with its quiet operation. For this purpose, the manufacturer has optimized the cooling system and, in particular, revised the fan and the air baffle with regard to noise generation. In addition, the cold
start in the winter season was improved thanks to a preheating of the intake air. AUTOMATIC REGENERATION OF THE DPF When the truck is running in normal operation, the engine generates enough heat so that regeneration takes place automatically without stopping during operation. A regeneration process with a corresponding downtime is only necessary for light operations and short operating times. The driver is then informed via the Clark driver display and visually guided through the regeneration process. If a regeneration process is necessary, it should be carried out without fail to prevent damage to the diesel particulate filter. Clark offers the new Kubota diesel engines with the usual options, such as air conditioning, speed limiter and various exhaust variants. CLARK EUROPE GmbH https://www.clarkmheu.com/en
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COMPANIES
Special Times Call for Special Measures:
InfraTec Responds to the Effects of the Corona Pandemic Extra shifts for the supply of key detectors to combat the corona pandemic
With the current corona crisis, the world is facing a multitude of challenges. First and foremost is the protection of public health. The SARS-CoV-2 virus known as “Coronavirus” causes an infection of the respiratory tract. At present, only the symptoms, but not the disease itself, can 34
be treated. To combat the pandemic, the availability of medical equipment, especially respiratory equipment, is of enormous importance. As a manufacturer and supplier of systematically relevant sensor components for ventilation technology, InfraTec must
therefore “take special measures to be able to meet the extreme global demand in the short term”, says Dr. Matthias Heinze, Managing Director of InfraTec GmbH. In order to meet this demand, at the beginning of April extra shifts were introduced. Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
Ventilation equipment is used to control a patient's breathing as a function of time, volume or pressure. Thus, it is necessary that the device monitors and analyses these parameters. Respiratory gas analyses are used for this purpose, for which various sensors are used. Pyroelectric detectors from InfraTec, which are integrated in an infrared gas analyser, measure, for example, the existing carbon dioxide concentration in the respiratory flow. This allows the detection of changes in respiration and consequently the optimisation of ventilation settings. As a result of the current situation, global demand for ventilation technology has risen dramatically in recent months. The USA alone needs more than 100,000 new ventilators. In addition to very short delivery times, this requires a significant increase in the production of ventilators and their components. Therefore, InfraTec, as a manufacturer of essential components, has an important role to play in the current situation. InfraTec is taking targeted measures to cover the enormous demand and to avoid supply bottlenecks. The production
of CO2 detectors, which are required for the manufacture of ventilation technology, has top priority. "At the end of March, procurement, production and product testing immediately adjusted to the extreme demand for these products in the second and third quarter. Supporting measures and a high level of employee motivation are the basis for doing so," says Dr. Matthias Heinze. Since then, the detectors have been manufactured in a two-shift operation from Monday to Friday until 11:30 pm and additionally on Saturdays. InfraTec expresses its thanks to all its employees for their understanding and hard work during this special time. Since its foundation in 1991, InfraTec has developed into a global specialist in the field of infrared sensor and measurement technology and now has locations in Dresden (Germany), Dallas (USA), Chesterfield (England) and Shanghai (China). The pyroelectric detectors of the Sensor division are mainly used in safety and medical technology. In this context InfraTec has become an important supplier for companies that develop, produce and distribute medical products. These include respiratory protection and
ventilation equipment, which is currently of particular relevance. The thermographic cameras of the Infrared Measurement Technology division are used, for example, in industry and science for the thermal optimisation of assemblies and elements but also for security applications such as detection of elevated body temperatures. Screening measures help to quickly and easily detect elevated body temperatures, which could be an indication of a possible viral infection of persons. Such evidence must, of course, always be followed by other examination methods that provide a reliable positive or negative statement about the disease and trigger the appropriate measures. Highly frequented areas with a high risk potential, such as first aid stations, hospitals and nursing homes, but also schools, shopping centres, large companies, sports stadiums and theatres as well as transport hubs such as airports, seaports, railway and long-distance bus stations are only a few examples where screening measures are applied. InfraTec GmbH | www.infratec.de
High-Performance Filters for Corona Tests Optimal Filter Performance for Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Optical filters play a crucial role in detecting the corona pathogen SARS CoV 2. With the expanded Ultra series, LASER COMPONENTS now offers optical filters that were specifically developed for real-time qPCR tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patient samples can thus be analyzed faster and more efficiently. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a proven method in which the inactive genetic material of viruses is exponentially multiplied so that it can finally be detected in the laboratory. In quantitative real-time PCR, additional fluorescent dyes are added to the reaction, which become active at a specific point in time during the chain reaction. This makes both https://international.electronica-azi.ro
quantitative analysis and detection possible. The performance of this method
Bandpass filters that suppress all other wavelengths ensure this. Blocking that is greater than OD6 results in bandpass filters that have a transmission in the pass band of more than 95% and a medium wavelength tolerance of less than Âą 0.3% at the required wavelength to increase qPCR efficiency. These filter sets are optimally adapted for use with fluorescent dyes such as FAM, Cy5, HEX, JOE, ROX, TexasRed, and TAMRA. Not only manufacturers of medical PCR instruments will be able to benefit from them.
depends heavily on how accurately the fluorescence wavelength is detected.
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COMPANIES
MicroCare, LLC Announces Sale of Business MicroCare is pleased to announce that Capital Partners™, located in Norwalk, CT, completed a control investment in MicroCare, LLC in partnership with the company’s co-founder and senior management on May 28, 2020. MicroCare will continue to operate under the MicroCare™, Sticklers™ and MicroCare Medical™ brands. “We closed this investment in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis as the company has proven to be a strong, recession-resistant essential business, which should benefit from a growing global focus on cleanliness and increasing importance on telecom infrastructure,” said Sarah Paquet, Vice President at Capital Partners. Tom Tattersall, former MicroCare COO, will assume the role of MicroCare CEO. He states “the sale of MicroCare was a very lengthy process to ensure we found the right fit for our company, our employees and our customers. We are pleased that Capital Partners recognizes the strengths of the MicroCare business as well as its future potential. With Capital Partners on-going support, we are well-positioned to continue our sustainable, profitable growth. With further investments in product development, technology and distribution infrastructure, we remain committed to delivering a broad range of critical cleaning solutions and the value-added technical expertise and lab-support our distributors and end-users have come to expect from us.” “MicroCare is a leader in multiple, highly-attractive industrial end markets.” said Ed Tan, Managing Director of Capital Partners, who also added, “MicroCare is a perfect fit with our approach of partnering with great managers and investing in a business with strong organic growth potential and attractive strategic acquisition opportunities.”
Tom Tattersall
MicroCare, LLC is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company specializing in cleaning, coating and lubricating fluids used in the manufacture and installation of a broad range of products in the electronics, medical, fiber optic and metal finishing industries. Since 1983 MicroCare has pioneered hundreds of environmentally progressive and sustainable products in response to their customers’ evolving cleaning and coating needs. MicroCare | www.microcare.com
Altus Broadens its Inspection Offering as it Partners with Quins Altus, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has added a new dimension to its inspection portfolio with the introduction of Quins range of technologically advanced products. With an already impressive range of inspection equipment, Altus’ new affiliation with German company Quins will help electronics’ manufacturers to maintain a high level of quality assurance. “Bringing Quins into the Altus Group offering is very exciting for us,” said Anthony Oh, Technical Applications Manager, Altus “We already have a very extensive range of inspection equipment from some of the world’s leading companies and so we are pleased to have been selected as a distributor for such a well-recognised and market-leading company. The Quins offering is not only cost effective, but also the most technologically advanced in its category which is evident by the number of installations across Europe. We have installed Quins equipment at the Altus demo unit in our head office facility to run samples and host remote webinars on customer’s product. We are looking forward to demonstrating just how important the range of products are to successful electronics’ manufacturing procedures like first article or conformal coating PCBA inspection,” concluded Anthony Through the installation of the Quins product, the quality of the finished product will be improved thanks to its impressive inspection abilities which inspects, captures and records high quality images of every PCBA being produced for traceability purposes. Quins Easy is one of the systems that Altus has added to its portfolio. It includes advanced software to inspect PCBAs using specially developed LED lighting. This guarantees a shadow-free image quality to ensure all errors are recognised. Due to its ease of use, it works quickly to detect faults immediately and reliably. The Quins system can also be configured with a UV bulb as an option to easily allow for additional applications and higher ROI (coating presence inspection). At a resolution up to 1200 dpi faults like hair line cracks in the layout, solder balls, faulty solderings, or shifted components are detected. The advanced software presents results in a comprehensible format to help to analyse and interpret data simply. Altus Group | www.altusgroup.co.uk 36
Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
IPTE Easy Test Handler ETH: Versatile Test Handler with the smallest footprint The Easy Test Handler ETH from IPTE, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automated production equipment for the electronics and mechanics industry, is a very versatile Test Handler. The IPTE ETH can handle all currently used tests. Depending on customers’ requirements, the IPTE ETH automates the following testing functionalities: flash programming, end of line testing, boundary scan, RF testing (Cage of Faraday), functional testing, and visual testing. Other customer specific tests are possible as well. With the smallest footprint in the world (500 mm width), IPTE’s ETH stands out. Another unique feature is the bypass function: Adding a second ETH with bypass function will increase the line length only with 500 mm – however, the throughput almost doubles. The ETH handles single-circuit boards, multiple boards or carriers for circuit boards. The oneor double-sided fixtures are easy and fast to change. The IPTE ETH is an economical test solution. It integrates easily in a fully automated SMEMAcompatible test environment and provides enough space for 19 inch test equipment (10 HE). The LC-touch display commands all parameters and settings. Last but not least IPTE’s operating software, TS1, is very user friendly and highly appreciated by IPTE’s customers. TS1 is installed in thousands of IPTE products worldwide. TS1 software allows automatic operation with no operator intervention, reducing cost and increasing flexibility. IPTE | www.ipte.com
Altus Profiles its Stable Soldering Solutions Since adding the Rehm VisionXP+ convection soldering system to its portfolio, Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has seen significant interest in the high-performance equipment, particularly because of its stable reflow soldering process. VisionXP+ convection soldering system represents the highest in quality and flexibility with an outstanding throughput rate. With new updates and developments continually made to the product, it can effectively ensure optimum heat transfer for different requirements. Richard Booth, CEO- Altus Group said: “Rehm VisionXP+ is one of the most technically advanced soldering systems on the market and we are extremely pleased to be able to offer the equipment to our customers. One of the features that makes this system a game changer is its separate heating zones and reproducible temperature profile. This is the basis for the best soldering results as electronic components with different requirements and profiles can be produced with ease.” “As electronics become more complex, it is important to have soldering processes which can be adapted to achieve solder joints with fewer voids. Thanks to the optimum heat transfer properties of the VisionXP+, problem-free and reproducible profiling is achieved. This includes saddle profile or linear profile which help to attain the best soldering results.“ The saddle or linear profile is generally selected on the basis of the solder paste being used. With a saddle profile, the assembly is first brought to the desired temperature in the pre-heating area. Once the saddle temperature is reached, the paste is activated and the temperatures of the different thermal masses of the assembly are aligned. Soldering then takes place in the short peak range of the furnace. With a linear profile, the assembly is not stepped during soldering, but is heated with exactly the same linear temperature increase. Linear profiles may lead to the cycle time becoming shorter and to the minimisation of soldering errors, such as tombstoning. A further important feature of VisionXP+ is its nozzle hole fields with a special geometry to ensure an even flow onto the assemblies. The temperature and the flow speeds of the upper and lower heating zones are individually adjustable therefore allowing the assembly to be heated fully and evenly. Because of the variable transport speed, the optimum profiling setting at which smaller components do not overheat and larger components are still heated sufficiently to ensure reliable soldering can be competed. Altus Group | www.altusgroup.co.uk https://international.electronica-azi.ro
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COMPANIES
Avnet and CalcuQuote explore how data is moving the EMS Industry forward
Webinar In the second part of their partner webinar series, Kaitlyn Dotson, CalcuQuote’s VP of Operations is joined by Avnet to continue the conversation around the importance of digital transformation in quoting, procurement, stock and supply chain management. As the impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues, it's arguably more important than ever to be digitally informed in every aspect of your business. Real-time data and connectivity
Altus Ready to Unveil New PCB Laser Marker As the production of highly advanced electronic assemblies’ increases, the importance of traceability has never been more important. Manufacturers are looking for ways to implement processes to improve production. To help to achieve this objective YJ Link has released the new YLM series Laser Marking solution which Altus Group, leading supplier of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, will introduce to customers in July. The new Y series laser marking machine has been improved with many more benefits to its predecessor. YJ Link’s Y series laser maker continue to integrate the top of the range Panasonic laser sources but now includes several updated features as standard, including fiducial recognition and internal flipper to achieve a 20% cost saving. There is also a keymark camera helping to prevent the wrong PCB coming in and holddown clamping to ensure the correct position is held to maintain marking distance and stop mis-alignment. An important feature of the new Y Series is its faster cycle time. Compared to its predecessor, it is an impressive 11 seconds quicker helping manufacturers to meet high production targets. Altus Group | www.altusgroup.co.uk 38
provide unparalleled insight into your supply chain, equipping you with the ability to respond and adapt quickly. Kaitlyn Dotson, along with Avnet’s Senior Director of Web Operations Kurt Gehring and Director of Strategic Projects and Business Processes Logistics Thorsten Kanwischer will explain the latest tools to simplify and automate the entire procurement process to be more responsive to your customers and focus more on the elements impacting the bottom line. What you can expect to learn: • Why Avnet is prioritizing the implementation of APIs • How automation is transforming supply chains to be more efficient and strategic • What digital transformation looks like in Europe • How your business can innovate and become more digitally enabled The webinar will take place on June 25th, 2020 at 9amCST/10am EDT/3pm UK/4pm CEST. To register for this must-see free webinar, click here: https://bit.ly/3fhTlMO CalcuQuote | https://calcuquote.com/
Altus Introduces a Smart Board Handling Solution As manufacturers look towards improving production processes, Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is seeing a growing interest in solutions that can be integrated into a ‘lights-out’ production driven by the Industry 4.0 ideal. Aligning with these processes is YJ Link’s updated board handling solution ready to launch in July. The improved Y series board handling solution includes new build structure improvements including an auto-width adjustment as standard. A touch screen has also been incorporated and can be simply applied for ease of use. Internally the enhanced machine has been improved with a new belt drive design, entry rails and wiring duct composition. Controlling the flow of PCB is essential in an automatic assembly line. The new features incorporated into the YJ Link Y series board handling machine makes it possible for the process to work consistently and efficiently and achieve the highest possible throughput of the line. “Board handling is an important investment to automate an SMT line. By incorporating the correct equipment there will be an increase in production, profitability and ROI therefore selecting the right solution is important,” said Mike Todd, Quality & Operations Manager. “The new Y series board handling machine from YJ Link has been updated to ensure it effectively improves production and works within an automated environment. There are several tweaks which have improved the machine even further making it more efficient in handling PCBs on a SMT line. We will be introducing our customers to the Y series board handling solution once it is launched next month. We have already received interest in the updated equipment, so we are sure it is going to be a popular addition to our portfolio.” Altus Group | www.altusgroup.co.uk Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
COMPANIES
Proof of maintenance and tamper protection for the e-bike belt drive Certainty for a Feeling of Natural Riding The motor is the centerpiece of an e-bike. The belt drive from Brose Antriebstechnik features an extremely quiet, robust and low-maintenance design and makes for a feeling of natural riding. The belt is installed in a protective housing. For reliable proof of the most recent maintenance, Schreiner ProTech developed a tamper-evident label with first-opening indication for Brose Antriebstechnik modified to suit the customer’s needs and the application. The label reliably indicates any unauthorized opening of the housing and thus potential tampering attempts.
Brose drives run extremely quietly with hardly any vibration. The precise sensor system provides exactly the right amount of extra power. During scheduled servicing it is important for the shop to see if the most recent maintenance was expertly performed and that the belt has not been tampered with since then. A label from Schreiner ProTech modified to suit the customer’s needs and the application guarantees this. Special die cuts will destroy the label in an attempt to remove it and indicate any unauthorized opening of the housing, thus protecting the manufacturer and bike retailers against unjustified warranty claims. The development posed the challenge of modifying a basic label for permanent adhesion to the powder-coated surface of the drive housing and destruction in a peel-off attempt. https://international.electronica-azi.ro
The font and color of the label match Brose Antriebstechnik’s corporate design. “Together with Schreiner ProTech we developed a label that fully meets the requirements for our premium e-bike drives in terms of high-grade appeal, quality and technical design,” says Holger Pries, Head of Development Brose Antriebstechnik. The label optimally ensures and documents that the drive has exclusively been serviced in a professional manner or is in original condition. Schreiner ProTech | www.schreiner-protech.com 39
COMPANIES
Time4Academy ASM extends its special offer for digital training ASM’s Time4Academy special offer for digital learning has been running with great success since March 17. It provides companies and users in the electronics manufacturing industry with free access to the company’s ASM Academy digital learning platform. Through the end of May, almost 3,000 new users have taken advantage of it to expand their knowledge around SMT production. Because of the program’s success, ASM has decided to extend the offer for another month.
By offering free access to its ASM Academy e-learning platform, technology leader ASM wants to provide proactive support to customers and partners by allowing them to use production stops and the time they are forced to spend at home to gain knowledge and expand their skills in the field of SMT production. The ASM Academy currently features more than 150 modules covering all areas around SMT production and ASM equipment. The offering comprises introductory videos, podcasts and webinars as well as technical modules with virtual reality technologies covering operations, applications and maintenance. In addition, platform partner Docebo provides 70 courses on other subjects. 40
SPECIAL TIME4ACADEMY OFFER EXTENDED “Since the start of this program, almost 3,000 new users have registered for the ASM Academy. This shows how much people appreciate our offer in these difficult times and that digital learning is becoming more and more popular. For these reasons, ASM has decided to extend the program for another month. The contents of the ASM Academy will therefore be available through July 16 at no charge,” explains Jim Leather, head of service product management at ASM SMT Solutions. USERS LOVE IT The positive feedback from many users proves the usefulness of the platform's
contents. To quote just one customer: “ASM’s online training is a great help in my work. Many modules feature 3D animations or virtual-reality components that don't just create a highly successful learning environment because it is so realistic, but are actually fun.” YOU CAN STILL REGISTER Interested users can register without any further obligations at www.asemo.world/ hotspots/asm-academy/time4academy. When the free period expires, users don't need to do anything – the accounts will be deleted automatically. ASM | www.asm-smt.com ASMPT | www.asmpacific.com Electronica Azi International | 3/2020
LTHD Corporation S.R.L. Head Office: Timișoara - ROMÂNIA, 300153, 70 Ardealul Str., lthd@lthd.com, www.lthd.com Tel.: +40 256 201273, +40 356 401266, Fax: +40 256 490813
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