Generis uses a unique patented switching technology that does not require a DC link. This means Generis gives full four quadrant control as standard, as well as unity power factor and minimal input current distortion. Four quadrant control removes the need for active front end drives or braking resistors, simplifying control of AC motors in complex applications. Removing the DC link in an AC drive also massively reduces harmonic distortion to the mains supply as well as improving drive efficiency. The drive will control all AC motor types with both open loop and closed loop available to maximise its range of application. 

Generis drives to be available from February 2024 up to 22kW with additional sizes being introduced over the next three years to cover a range up to 200kW  

Gary Keen, managing director at Sprint Electric, comments: “Generis boasts simplified mechanics and does not use electrolytic capacitors, so it has no life limiting components which degrade with time and temperature. This results in exceptionally high levels of reliability as well as minimising total cost of ownership. Constant torque and variable torque profiles are easily selected so offering full energy efficiency with short payback periods. Generis also includes extended frequency output, a feature often sought in constant power applications. This release has been a long time in the making, and the team has worked exceptionally hard to produce this leap in drive technology.  Generis represents a new level for AC drive technology,”.

Ideally suited for traditional industries such as converting, metals, print, packaging, presses and test rigs, Generis has been designed to simplify control without compromising performance. Four easy to use pushbuttons can be used for commissioning with a two-line, 40-character display that entirely negates the need to keep referring to a manual. The simple setup means that Generis can be running within minutes with full autotune capability to maximise motor performance and efficiency. 

There will be a graphical programming software platform available which will be familiar to customers who are used to using and programming the Sprint DC drive range. This software platform will allow the drive to be easily connected in multiple drive networks with advanced application features that reduce the need for a PLC. 

Sprint Electric has manufactured variable speed controllers since 1987, specialising in the control of DC motors. For the past five years they have been partnered with Nottingham University designing the new Generis variable speed drive to control AC motors. 

Generis will be displayed for the first time on the Sprint Electric stand (Hall 4, 340) at the SPS exhibition, 14-16th November 2023 in Nuremberg. It will also be introduced via a series of technical presentations to be given each day of the show. 

CC-Link IE TSN combines Time-Sensitive Networking with gigabit bandwidth to create open, converged industrial Ethernet architectures that deliver significant business benefits. And with software-based implementation, CC-Link IE TSN enables easy product development and faster time to market. 

• Simpler network architectures/machine designs
• Greater process transparency and better management
• Better integration of OT and IT systems
• Fast implementation in existing devices

CC-Link IE TSN is already delivering these productivity benefits to support manufacturers in the drive to Industry 4.0. 

See how industrial printing technologies manufacturer Keller has harnessed the power of TSN to deliver next level productivity via deterministic motion control over a multitude of servos. 

CC-Link IE TSN. One network. One solution.
 

This year, SPS is focusing on the megatrend of automation: productivity, sustainability, and connectivity. Baumüller is launching numerous new products that engage with these trends. On November 14–16, 2023, in Hall 1 at Stand 560, the Nuremberg automation specialist will exhibit an entirely new runtime system for PLCs, the servo converter range b maXX 6000 including drive-integrated performant control unit b maXX PLC di and the new DSC2 generation of motors. New tools for smart energy monitoring in the drive, along with new ways to model mechanics for drive simulation, are likewise increasing performance along all steps of the machine manufacturing value chain.

One of the fastest drive-integrated PLCs on the market

Even more flexibility for automation systems: In the servo drives of the new b maXX 6000 range, the drive-integrated control unit b maXX PLC di (“drive-integrated”) handles scalable control tasks up to high-performant synchronous multi-axis applications. This reduces the demand on, minimizes, and accordingly replaces central process loop control, since the PLC di can also be used as EtherCAT Master to control additional servo converters. With minimal field bus cycle times of up to 250 µs, the integrated control unit is one of the fastest driveintegrated PLCs on the market.

Through digital inputs, the b maXX PLC di reacts in real time to important events such as touch probes. The advantage: The control unit works with greater efficiency and safety, in particular in environments requiring fast response times.

In addition, the drive-integrated PLC also allows the implementation of smart applications in addition to movement control. The extremely fast interface between PLC di and servocontroller (local axis) provides access to drive parameters such as voltage, current, power, torque, revolutions per minute, and position. Using their own control algorithms and IoT functionalities, engine manufacturers can thus offer their clients added value.

Completely new IoT solutions become possible using the analog high-speed inputs (no additional hardware required, minimum scanning time 1 μs). For example, a mechanical vibration sensor can be attached directly, so as to perform a vibration analysis directly in the drive system PLC.

This excellent connectivity enables the design of highly flexible and modular structures through interfaces such as OPC, UA, MQTT, EtherCAT, and Ethernet. The b maXX PLC di is thus ideally set up for future requirements regarding automation or the Internet of Things.

Faster engineering, greater performance

When it comes to control technology, Baumüller relies on open systems and simplified engineering: With the new runtime environment IEC 61131, developed entirely in-house, Baumüller offers a platform that supports current standards such as high-level programming languages and IoT connectivity. This ensures that Baumüller will continue to be able to react flexibly to client requirements in the future.

The runtime system is based on Linux and allows the coding of PLC programs using objectoriented programming. This makes it possible to build modular, reusable and clearly structured programs. Such programs not only reduce developer workloads in project implementation, but also increase flexibility. Existing templates, machine modules, and libraries following the PLCopen standard can still be used.

High-level programming languages such as C++ are likewise integrated into the platform. The advantage: System expansion after the fact and cross-platform use are simpler than ever before. This improves development efficiency, reduces time-to-market, and increases the flexibility of the overall system.

The new runtime system is available for the drive-integrated b maXX PLC di from launch. It will also be made available later for Baumüller’s other control platforms.

Boost your performance, reduce your footprint

The new b maXX 6000 servo controller generation stands for more performance and maximum scalability. The increase in performance is achieved for example through newly developed safety functionalities which were devised specifically for applications requiring especially dynamic and precise handling. In the new servo-controllers, the safety module is integrated directly into the device. This allows safety-relevant encoder signals to be analyzed at an even higher resolution. That way, speed and position precision can once again be significantly improved, helping reduce machine cycle times.

Numerous hardware and software options ensure maximum scalability, so that drives can be even better adapted to the requirements of the specific application. A large number of encoder, hardware, and safety options is available. For the hardware, the signal bus, service option, digital and analog I/Os, and brake connection can be selected, among other things. With regard to safety, different variations are available, from the simple hardware-controlled STO (Safe Torque-Off) through to higher safety functions actuated via FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT), all of which comply with the highest safety level.

Baumüller is also setting new standards for device dimensions: In addition to the space-saving side-by-side system (b maXX 6300), the mono units (b maXX 6500) are also significantly more compact. The installation volume is thus greatly reduced, enabling even smaller control cabinets.

But the servo can do a lot more: the drive can be used as a sensor/sensor hub and provides scalable IoT connectivity, for example as a cloud link through edge computing.

Even more performance, even smaller space

The new DSC2 servo motors are the next generation for applications requiring high torque densities. Their low weight and small dimensions make them the series of choice. One of the reductions was in installed length, making the DSC2 significantly more compact while maintaining the same performance.

Like the DSC1 product family before them, the DSC2 motors are scalable and easy to adapt to specific requirements. The numerous encoder and cooling options, optional break, various compatible gear variants and many additional options ensure that the DSC2, as well, can be matched perfectly with its individual area of application.

Increasing productivity and enabling new business models through smart drive solutions

Condition monitoring solutions allow operators to keep track of the condition of many machines on a regular basis. For example, wear on motors can be identified early, preventing potential machine downtimes. However, if this function is performed via sensor, it can quickly get very complicated and costly, depending on the type of machine and the number of motors used, such as in a textile machine.

The new Smart Vibration Monitoring software solution allows machine manufacturers to offer their clients condition monitoring without external sensors. The software is directly integrated in the servo-controller using softdrivePLC, making it easy to retrofit and update. Machine manufacturers thus have new options, such as offering runtime models for additional machine functions.

The new function uses previously recorded and analyzed process parameters as reference values for monitoring the mechanics, such as the electric motor, fan, or hydraulic pump. The software detects vibrations, such as those created by imbalance or improper alignment, early on and sends an error signal. This allows planned maintenance to be carried out on the motor, preventing further damage to or failure of the machine.

Determining and reducing the product carbon footprint

In times of rising energy costs, solutions are in demand that can help determine energy consumption and then reduce it in a targeted way. With its new Smart Energy Monitoring software function, Baumüller now presents a solution for the intelligent energy monitoring of machines and systems. The software transparently measures energy use/consumption of individual production steps and then optimizes energy use based on a reference measurement. This last also serves as an initial value for detecting energy changes in the production process. Warning and error thresholds can then be set on the basis of these values.

The software is loaded directly onto the servo-controller. This makes it easy to retrofit and update, allowing the machine manufacturer to market it as an additional function. Energy consumption is recorded directly via the intelligent drive. This saves additional costs for unnecessary external sensors and reduces the amount of wiring required.

The new function supports determining energy use/consumption both overall and for each individual axis of the drive system per cycle. The energy measurement is performed autonomously and in real time in the Baumüller b maXX servo converters. Measurement and results can be easily displayed through machine visualization or on the dashboard displays of open IoT interfaces for alternative devices, such as OPC and UA.

Optimized engineering and increased productivity thanks to a digital twin

Baumüller offers a wide variety of controller and mechanics models for virtual commissioning. The advantage: Using the engineering tool ProSimulation, the machine manufacturer can determine the ideal drive system and ideal operating site. In particular for more complex nonlinear processes, the tool simulates different movement profiles in order to find the ideal drive system. This saves the machine builder valuable time in designing the machine, and reduces energy costs and thus the CO2 emissions of the machine from the very beginning. In addition, the simulation makes it possible to determine ahead of time whether the required performance values will be reached.

The latest model simulates the knee lever in the clamping unit of an injection molding machine. On request, Baumüller’s simulation experts can adapt the modeled mechanics to individual machine types.

Life-cycle management worldwide

In addition to the development and manufacture of drive and automation components, the Baumüller group of companies provides numerous services for plant and machinery manufacturing and for machine operators. From project planning, design and engineering through assembly and commissioning to maintenance, retrofitting and relocation, Baumüller offers support over the entire life cycle of machines and systems. With over 40 branches worldwide, Baumüller is a reliable service partner with decades of experience. Baumüller attaches particular importance to the sustainable and resource-saving production of intelligent drive and automation solutions.

Kontron has showcased integrated Industry 4.0 and IIoT solutions at the Smart Production Solutions 2023 in Nuremberg from 14 to 16 November. The company shed light on the synergy between hardware, software and the supporting system consulting provided by Kontron as a comprehensive solution portfolio.

Experience IIoT through a live demonstration at the Kontron booth

This year Kontron has displayed an IIoT network in the form of innovatively networked computer systems. As an example, refrigerators are equipped with sensors to record and monitor key parameters in real time. System monitoring and data acquisition are carried out using secured Arm® and x86 systems with the KontronOS operating system in conjunction with the EquipmentCloud® digitalization solution. This allows easy monitoring of machine conditions, maintenance scheduling, software updates or remote access to machines. As an end-to-end solution, this live demonstration impressively illustrated the integration of hardware, software and competent system consulting offered by Kontron.

Update for the Kontron susietec® KontronOS and Connect IoT bundle

The Kontron susietec® toolset enables companies to implement holistic digitalisation solutions. With KontronOS, a secure industrial IoT-to-cloud operating system based on Linux® for networked systems is provided, which is available as standard on Arm® (AL i.MX8M Mini) and Intel® basis (KBox A-250). It provides protection against compromises and external access to the corporate network as well as uncontrolled updates. The automated update process ensures that the system is always up-to-date. Particularly with large device fleets, it makes sure that all devices in the field are at the same update level despite different schedules and threat scenarios.

Also on show at SPS was the new release of the Connect IoT bundle, which offers an extended range of versatile functions for machine manufacturers and operators. The bundle combines the powerful KBox A-250 industrial computer platform with the low-code interface integration solution FabEagle®Connect. The new version 3.1 integrates data interfaces to the SQL databases Firebird, Microsoft SQL, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL as well as SQLite and simplifies the possibilities for edge data processing through C# code components. A filterable message monitor facilitates diagnosis during configuration and operation. From the end of 2023, the cost-optimised KBox A-250 will also be optionally delivered with pre-installed FabEagle®Connect to enable a quick start to network installations.

High-performance industrial PCs for Industrial IoT and AI

Kontron presented industrial computers in box PC format and as rackmount or workstation versions with powerful Intel® Core™ i processors of the 13th generation for computation-intensive applications as well as industrial-grade panel PCs and monitors for demanding control and visualization tasks. The product range for the Smart Factory is made complete by Smart technologies as well as scalable solutions and comprehensive services based on Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for intelligent edge computing, convergent networks and workload consolidation.

Performant motherboards offering a high degree of scalability

The compact K3921-N mSTX motherboard, equipped with powerful Intel® Core™ i3 processors and Intel® N-series processors (Alder Lake N), is "Made in Germany" and impresses with outstanding performance in a handy mini-STX format. This versatile board supports up to three independent displays with 4K resolution and is ideal for use in industrial automation, medicine, digital signage, KIOSK, POS/POI and casino gaming. The matching SMARTCASE™ S501 is also available.

High-Performance Computer-on-Modules: Maximum flexibility for edge applications

Kontron offers the latest 13th generation Intel® Core™ Mobile processors on all COM Express® form factors and the high-performance COM-HPC® client modules. Particularly noteworthy here is the COM Express® mini series as an extremely robust and space-saving platform based on Intel® Core™ technology for the first time. An application-ready package consisting of a COM-HPC server module, board management controller and carrier board enables rapid implementation of the final solution. The right module can be selected for the requirements of the individual IIot application from the wide range of COMs in different performance levels and functionality.

Web Panels for industrial applications

Kontron will be expanding its HMI portfolio with a new web panel series based on Arm® NXP i.MX8M Plus processors. These panels are ideal for device and machine visualization as well as facility automation. They come in a range of display sizes (5'', 7", 10.1" and 15.6") and provide enhanced graphics performance, PoE capability and advanced connectivity. With the help of the integrated QIWI software toolkit, the configuration and parameterization of the device settings and browser properties are simplified significantly. The panels are ideally suited for use in industrial environments and ensure long-term availability as well as first-class technical support.

The UNIFLEX Advanced 1775 (UA1775) cable carrier has been continuously expanded with new sizes and features in recent months. This qualifies the lightweight, quiet all-rounder for a wide range of applications, including in automotive production, gantries & axes, intralogistics, material flow and material handling, cranes and machine tool manufacturing, the timber industry, agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles.

The UA1775 is available with an inner height of 56 mm and in widths between 100 and 400 mm for the designs 020 (closed frame), 030 (with outside opening and detachable crossbars) and 040 (with inside opening and detachable crossbars). The durable cable carrier system impresses with its particularly quiet running and can be used with and without pretension and also unsupported and gliding on long travel lengths. High speeds and accelerations are also possible.

The four-part chain links are designed in such a way that the individual parts require only a minimum of storage volume, simplifying logistics and saving resources. With bending radii between 90 and 340 mm and the short pitch of 77.5 mm, the torsion-resistant design with its sturdy chain body ensures low wear. To protect the environment, TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP manufactures this cable carrier with up to 35 % regranulate.

In combination with the latest generation of the space-saving TS3 divider system, this opens up new areas of application, in particular in machine tool manufacturing and for gliding applications on gantries or axes. The TS3 system features a height separation with intermediate plastic partitions, while the narrow end divider on the outer sides ensures space-saving utilization of the space inside the cable carrier. The new divider is used for vertical division within the cable carrier as a standard. The complete divider system can be adjusted in the cross section and can also be used individually as a lockable TS0. The TS1 version with continuous height separation is another variant.

The UA1775 offers fast, easy and simple installation of cables and hoses: The crossbars can be opened and closed quickly – with just two steps in each case. A simple screwdriver is the only tool required. Particularly convenient: The crossbar remains attached to the chain link even when open and can therefore not be lost. If necessary, the crossbar can be released from the chain link with a simple twist.

With the easy-to-assemble design, the cable carrier offers great benefits especially as a ready-to-install TOTALTRAX® system or as an assembly for long travel lengths. In addition to high-flexibility cables, the TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP product range also includes guide channels made of aluminum and steel as well as drivers, roof system, condition monitoring components and much more.

ODVA held its Industry Conference and 22nd Annual Meeting of Members in Europe for the first time in El Vendrell, Spain from October 17 - 19, 2023. Over 125 industry professionals from approximately 50 different companies hailing from all around the world were in attendance. Attendees were able to learn from a diverse set of presentations, including developments for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), 5G, cybersecurity, process automation, TSN, and data science.  

In addition, ODVA featured two powerful keynote sessions during its 22nd Annual Meeting of Members. The first keynote, from Vincenzo Renda with DIGITALEUROPE, discussed the future of data management, giving insight to manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the latest rules affecting the data to which they are generating and facilitating access, especially in Europe. The second keynote, from Keith Larson with Endeavor Media, illustrated an important study that ODVA commissioned on the future of SPE that pointed to both a strong market opportunity and a need for industry wide education. Lastly, an update from ODVA’s leadership was provided on the recent accomplishments such as the launch of Ethernet-APL, collaborations across process automation, security, and energy management, and the availability of Process Device Profiles, as well as future initiatives for ODVA that will accelerate progress on enhancing EtherNet/IP™.

ODVA’s 22nd Annual Meeting capped a week of technical sessions offered through ODVA’s 2023 Industry Conference. The latest developments in ODVA technologies and applications were presented at the conference, including:

•    Industrial Ethernet Security Harmonization Group – Collaboration is key – Endress+Hauser
•    Constrained CIP Security Best Practices – Rockwell Automation
•    Automatic CIP Security via Pull Policy – HMS Networks, Schneider Electric, Rockwell
•    The Future of 5G on the Factory Floor – HMS Networks
•    Process Device Profiles Come to Life – Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Honeywell, KROHNE, Phoenix Contact, and Rockwell Automation
•    Expanding Constrained EtherNet/IP to On-Machine Sensors – Rockwell Automation
•    Evaluating EtherNet/IP and CIP Safety Communication over 5G – OMRON
•    General Purpose Single Pair Ethernet for Process Instruments – Endress+Hauser, Rockwell Automation
•    High Availability Process Safety Applications Enabled by Concurrent Connections – Rockwell Automation
•    A Central Network Controller for Industrial Automation - What does it mean for ODVA? – Cisco
•    The Other Five Wires in the In-Cabinet SPE Solution – Rockwell Automation
•    IT and OT collaboration working: CyberSecurity in Industrial Control – Cisco
•    Evolving the CIP Energy Objects – Schneider Electric
•    Leveraging 5G Networks and EtherNet/IP: Unleashing the Power of TSN, Clustered Networks, and Deterministic Connectivity for Sensor-to-Cloud Architecture – Utthunga
•    Industrial Automation Wireless Networks Update – Ever More Relevant for CIP Communications – Cisco, Rockwell Automation, & Panduit
•    Lowering obstacles for interoperability test participation: suggested updates to the recommended Functionality for EtherNet/IP Devices document – HMS Networks
•    Enabling Data Scientist Use Cases with Discoverability and Metadata – Rockwell Automation 
•    Latest Developments in Conformance Testing – ODVA 

Additional highlights of ODVA’s Industry Conference included a process automation interchangeability demonstration highlighting the workflow and user experience between multiple devices being enabled by process device profiles. A new ODVA Membership video was also introduced during the Annual Meeting (which can be viewed here: www.odva.org/membership/membership-benefits/). Finally, a new Process Automation technology paper and video was announced (which can be viewed here: www.odva.org/processautomation) that emphasizes all of EtherNet/IP’s recent adaptations to the process industries. 

ODVA has been continuously enhancing the EtherNet/IP network to meet the current needs such as safety, security, and interoperability along with anticipating future opportunities such as Industry 4.0, IIoT, and data science. You can download the technical papers and presentations from ODVA’s Industry Conference and Annual Meetings at this link: https://www.odva.org/news-events/industry-conference/library-of-proceedings/. 

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Yokogawa Electric Corporation announce that they have initiated a feasibility study into increasing cross-industry integration for the efficient use of energy and utilities in the Rotterdam industrial cluster to contribute to ambitious regional decarbonization goals. A first scan showed that optimizing the use of electricity and utilities across companies could yield cost savings as high as 5%.

Individual companies in the petrochemical industry have generally highly optimized their own operations. But concerns about exposing confidential information often hamper them from looking ‘beyond the fence’ to work with other companies in an industrial cluster, even though this can yield further energy and resource savings. The Port of Rotterdam and Yokogawa aim to break through this barrier by facilitating confidential sharing of data and deeper integration within the cluster to unlock the large potential efficiency gains of optimizing production across entire industrial clusters. 

Through integration of multiple utilities such as heat, electricity, and hydrogen, industrial flexibility can be increased, which leads to new efficiencies 

For example, with regards to electricity, consumption "behind-the-meter" may be optimized between adjacent companies to manage peak demand, which could also help prevent or reduce electrical grid congestion in the port area. The same approach can be extended by orchestrating the use of other utilities. Companies that produce steam as a byproduct, for example, could choose to ramp up production right at the time when a neighboring company needs more steam, preventing heat from being wasted. Overall, this multi-utility approach could make a relevant contribution to energy savings and emissions reduction.

As Europe’s largest port and home to more than 200 industrial companies, the Port of Rotterdam is uniquely positioned to facilitate and implement this project in support of the energy transition. Yokogawa is able to leverage its simulation technology that supports optimal production planning, solutions for regional energy management, and consulting capabilities to uncover opportunities for efficiencies across multiple industrial systems.  

The two companies have already completed a pre-feasibility study using computer simulations and comparisons with operations in the Rotterdam port industrial cluster to identify potential savings of a range of utilities. This was combined with deep-dive workshops and roundtable discussions with various companies active in the area.

The pre-feasibility study showed up to 5% improvements in efficiencies from better alignment of the use of electricity, heat, steam, and feedstocks such as water and industrial gases, resulting in lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint. In the long run, deeper integration and optimization within the industrial cluster could yield savings as high as 10%. In this way, the Rotterdam area could develop towards an “industrial sharing economy” in which intensive sharing of resources and infrastructure leads to highly efficient operations for all companies in the region.

Following these promising initial evaluations, the Port of Rotterdam and Yokogawa have now started a feasibility study with several petrochemical and energy companies in the cluster to define concrete use cases based on existing operations. The first results of the feasibility study are expected by the end of 2023. If sufficiently positive, the next step will be to develop plans for carrying out field trials with cooperating companies in the port from 2024.

Machine Learning (ML) is becoming a standard requirement for embedded designers working to develop or improve a vast array of products. Meeting this need, Microchip Technology has launched a complete, integrated workflow for streamlined ML model development with its new MPLAB® Machine Learning Development Suite. This software toolkit can be utilized across Microchip’s portfolio of microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs) to add an ML inference quickly and efficiently. 

“Machine Learning is the new normal for embedded controllers and utilizing it at the edge allows a product to be efficient, more secure and use less power than systems that rely on cloud communication for processing,” said Rodger Richey, VP of Microchip’s Development Systems business unit. “Microchip’s unique, integrated solution is designed for embedded engineers and is the first to support not just 32-bit MCUs and MPUs, but also 8- and 16-bit devices to enable efficient product development.” 

ML uses a set of algorithmic methods to curate patterns from large data sets to enable decision making. It is typically faster, more easily updated and more accurate than manual processing. One example of how this tool will be utilized by Microchip customers is to enable predictive maintenance solutions to accurately forecast potential issues with equipment used in a variety of industrial, manufacturing, consumer and automotive applications. 

Complete solution that can be easily implemented by those with little to no ML programming knowledge

The MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite helps engineers build highly efficient, small-footprint ML models. Powered by AutoML, the toolkit eliminates many repetitive, tedious and time-consuming model-building tasks including extraction, training, validation and testing. It also provides model optimizations so the memory constraints of MCU and MPUs are respected. 

When used in combination with the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the new toolkit provides a complete solution that can be easily implemented by those with little to no ML programming knowledge, which can eliminate the cost of hiring data scientists. It is also sophisticated enough for more experienced ML designers to control. 

Microchip also offers the option to bring a model from TensorFlow Lite and use it in any MPLAB Harmony v3 project, a fully integrated embedded software development framework that provides flexible and interoperable software modules to simplify the development of value-added features and reduce a product’s time to market. In addition, the VectorBlox™ Accelerator Software Development Kit (SDK) offers the most power-efficient Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) inference with PolarFire® FPGAs. MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite provides the tools necessary for designing and optimizing edge products running ML inference.

Microwave technologies are used by a growing number of applications, encouraging developers to adopt higher frequency bands while also optimizing the cost of these technologies. Anritsu’s strong culture of innovation is leading to new measurement methods that help developers achieve both these goals.

This year, Anritsu welcomes AnaPico to its stand to showcase its Single and Multi-Channel Signal Sources as well as its Signal Source Analyzers.

From the Field to the Lab: Signals IQ Capture, Analysis & Playback

Together with AnaPico, Anritsu will showcase a solution enabling IQ Capture, Analysis and Playback of real-world signal environments. Signals can be captured in the field with the Anritsu Field Master ProTM MS2090A Spectrum Analyzer or remotely with the Anritsu Remote Spectrum Monitor MS27201A. In-depth analysis can then be performed using the IQ Signal MasterTM software. Subsequently, these signals can be replayed with high-fidelity, either the way they were captured, or modified to margin and stress test system designs for compliance, ensuring they can survive in the field. In this demonstration, the AnaPico APVSG Multi-Channel Vector Signal Generator is used to simulate real world radar signals and, once captured, play them back. 

Artificial Intelligence – the Future of Signal ID and Anomaly Detection

This solution, based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), provides a new class of RF sensing and is built on the Anritsu MS2090A Field Master Pro Spectrum Analyzer and on the OmniSIG Software.

Going beyond the capabilities of existing spectrum monitoring solutions, OmniSIG presents a system that not only simultaneously detects and classifies signals but also understands the spectrum environment to inform contextual analysis and decision making. 

The Anritsu MS2090A Field Master Pro Spectrum Analyzer streams live IQ data from definable frequency bands into the OmniSIG software, which automatically classifies the signal and presents the result online on the screen. Visitors will be able to see a live demonstration by activating their car key. If the signal of the specific car brand was trained beforehand, the visitor will get a recognition message.

Broadband Spectrum Analysis up to 170 GHz 

Frequency and Time Domain measurements will be demonstrated using the ultraportable and ultrabroadband Spectrum Master MS2760A, receiving signals transmitted by the Rubidium MG362x1A High-Performance Analog Signal Generator. The demonstration will focus on F-Band (90.0 to 145 GHz) and D-band (130 GHz to 175 GHz) frequency ranges, which have high potential in mobile communications, industrial radar systems and future radar applications.

S-Parameter Measurements using PhaseLync Distributed VNA

The ShockLine™ ME7868A/ME7869A system is the first distributed, fully reversing 2-port VNA solution that provides guaranteed performance from 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz by using Anritsu’s Extended-K™ components. Powered by the revolutionary PhaseLync™ technology, it enables engineers to synchronize two portable ShockLine MS46131A VNAs and connect them directly to a DUT to conduct vector transmission measurements at distances up to 100 meters.

Whether in a manufacturing, engineering, or education environment, this solution simplifies long-distance S-parameter measurements and VNA test system integration by removing the need to use conventional benchtop VNAs with long cable runs. This eliminates insertion loss, improves measurement stability, and reduces setup costs.

Opto-electronic Network Analyzer up to 110 GHz

Anritsu will be showcasing a solution used to characterize and measure opto-electronic devices and components that are used extensively to support higher baud rates for data communication. Devices like lasers, VSCELS, TOSA, ROSA, BOSA, and SiPh need to be characterized for bandwidth, group delay, return loss, and other key performance parameters. 

The 110 GHz ONA solution is comprised of a 110 GHz VectorStar VNA, a 110 GHz NIST traceable reference photodetector, and a 110 GHz electro-optical modulator and is used to characterize Opto-electronic/High speed devices that require higher bandwidth above 70GHz.

Come to Berlin and see Anritsu at booth 309C on September 19th to 21st 2023.

Lens specialist Resolve Optics has launched a new 2/3-inch format motorised version of its popular Model 357 radiation tolerant zoom lens. Purpose designed for use with colour 2/3 inch tube and CMOS cameras in high radiation environments, the Model 357-004 provides true HD quality images over a 10x (12-120mm) zoom range.

Rob Watkinson, customer support manager at Resolve Optics commented “The Model 357-004 was developed to provide better HD colour images for the nuclear industry. Offering full motorised control of zoom, iris and focusing this robust lens is easily integrated with most nuclear cameras and sensors”.

Tracking zoom lens

He added “The Model 357-004 zoom lens uses specialised non browning glasses to produce clear sharp images free of the strong yellow tint that has traditionally been a limiting issue when using radiation tolerant lenses on colour sensors. The glass used in these lenses can withstand long-term exposure to radiation up to an accumulative dose of one hundred million RAD and temperatures up to 85°C without loss of transmission”.

Operating at f/3.6, the Model 357-004 zoom lens provides high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400 to 770nm and can image objects from 1300mm to infinity. The 357-004 is a tracking zoom lens, meaning that once it has been set up, it will maintain focus throughout the entire zoom range.