Edge-to-Cloud Gateways

Moxa’s new series of industrial gateways are designed to optimize data transfer from Modbus edge devices to Azure and AWS cloud platforms.

The new AIG-100 series of industrial-grade gateways from Moxa are designed to support conversion and reliable transfer of data from Modbus TCP/RTU/ASCII devices to Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and MQTT cloud platforms. These gateways also support the Modbus TCP slave mode, enabling simultaneous transmission of data to a cloud platform and local SCADA systems.

According to Moxa, most edge systems require additional programming to process data. That’s why the Moxa AIG-100 series was designed to pre-process edge data and directly transfer meaningful data back to the application, such as on-site conditions, operational trends, and energy use. The gateways also support store-and-forward and datalogger functions to prevent data loss.

Built-in traffic monitoring and diagnosis tools enable troubleshooting of any communication issues for Azure, AWS, and MQTT as well as Mod-

The Moxa AIG-100 series of industrial-grade gateways. Source: Moxa bus protocols. Moxa says these tools let engineers remotely access the gateway, identify the root cause, and bring operations back online.

A software wizard included with the gateway can be used to configure Moxa ioLogik remote I/Os and Moxa UPorts hubs, thereby eliminating complex driver installation and device setup for ease of connection with I/O and serial interfaces.

Multiprotocol Ethernet Switch

Analog Devices Inc., analog.com

Analog Devices’ ADIN2299 is a multiprotocol industrial Ethernet switch platform. Key features include support for Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP, as well as a 194 CSPBGA small form factor, low power and latency, secure boot/secure update, and drop-in ready hardware and software. The ADIN2299 reportedly reduces design and debug time by providing the protocol stack and the RTOS, file system, drivers, and TCP/IP. An application processor can connect to the switch platform via a UART, SPI, or Ethernet interface and then connect to a unified interface so that various industrial protocols can be used without requiring any changes to the application processor software.

Linear Modules

Bosch Rexroth, boschrexroth.com

Bosch Rexroth is now offering linear modules for small handling applications with its new SHB and SHL models. These modules are designed for any lighter load application and include USBto-laptop connectivity for monitoring and controlling. The SHL is a lead screw-driven module with a load capacity of up to 6 lbs., a max speed of .06m/s and comes in stroke lengths of 25, 50, 100,150, and 200mm. The SHB is a belt-driven linear module with a load capacity of up to 110 lbs., a max speed of 3 m/s, and stroke lengths from 100-2,000mm in 50mm increments.

Waterproof Side-Actuated Tactile Switch

C&K, ckswitches.com

C&K has extended its PTS645V tactile switch series to include an IP67-rated version suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. The low-profile SMT switch is available in two heights (1.3mm and 1.9mm) and four different actuation forces (100gf, 160gf, 260gf and 320gf) to meet application demands.

Convection Cooling Power Supply

Cosel, coselusa.com

The AEA800F from Cosel is an 800W free-air convection cooling power supply that can deliver 300% peak power for up to 3,000 milliseconds. The AEA800F is certified according to the EN62477-1 standard for industrial applications. Up to six units of the AEA800F can be connected in parallel and will automatically adjust for equal output voltage. The AEA800F has an input to output isolation of 4,000V AC, input to ground of 2,000V AC and output to ground of 1,500V AC. For low harmonic current distortion, the AEA800F uses active Power Factor Corrector, and the switching stage uses an LLC resonant topology, resulting in a typical efficiency of up to 95%. The AEA800F can be operated within an ambient temperature range of -20oC to +70oC, and its compact body measures 1.97x5x8 inches.

Multi-axis DC Motor Controllers

Delta Line, delta-line.com

The Phoenix Drive product family from Delta Line are multi-axis brushless DC motor controllers that are CE, REACH, and ROHS 3 Certified. TheEtherCAT Phoenix Drive controls up to three motors and its largest model, the Phoenix B500 drive, measures 200x90x30mm, while the Phoenix B100 Drive measures 180x40x20mm making both suitable for applications with strict size requirements. By processing all real-time critical functions and axis synchronization within the drive, the Phoenix Drive minimizes communication traffic, reduces controller dimensions, and decreases the overall system cost. Both Phoenix Drive configurations include protections such as over current, over and under voltage, overheating, phase-to-phase shorts and ground shorts. These drives control brushless DC motors with both 5V encoders and Hall effect sensors. The Phoenix B500 Controller includes brake output of 1.3A and safe torque off.

Flow Switch

Fluid Components International, fluidcomponents.com

The FLT93 Series flow switch from FCI can provide an early warning alert to cooling tower pump dry-running conditions by monitoring the flow and temperature of liquids, gases, slurries and more. Designed for pump wet/dry detection where sudden changes in media flow rates can leave pumps vulnerable, the FLT93 has a no moving parts design with dual alarm capability. With Alarm 1, the switch will detect a low-flow situation anywhere between 0.01 and 3 feet per second, and can be regarded as a pre-warning signal, whereas Alarm 2 is an emergency signal to shut down the pump. This SIL2-rated instrument is designed for harsh environments with a comprehensive list of global safety approvals, including FM, FMc, ATEX, IECEx, Inmetro, EAC/TR CU, CSA, CRN and CE.

Data Acquisition Server

Leviton, leviton.com

The new EMHXD data acquisition server, part of the VerifEye line from Leviton, collects energy data from meters and environmental sensors through multiple inputs and Modbus RTU/TCP protocols. The EMHXD collects data from connected devices based on user-selected intervals. Compatible with most front-end software and reporting tools, users can access the data through any web browser with no software required. The server can access energy information from local or remote sites, benchmark building energy usage, and view real-time performance data. Additionally, the EMHXD allows users to track peak demand for demand response programs and monitor performance of systems such as lighting, HVAC, PDUs and inverters, as well as set alarm notifications. The EMHXD is equipped with both dual Modbus and Ethernet ports for additional connectivity and security.

Touchless Position Sensors

Novotechnik, novotechnik.com

The TFD-4000 Series of touchless linear position sensors from Novotechnik provide wear-free, IP67-rated operation in tight spaces with maximum sensor dimensions of 40x2x7mm. Sensing direction can be set parallel or perpendicular to mounting holes, and the series uses a magnetic position marker, which can measure through air and non-magnetic materials to provide a measurement range of 0 to 14, 24, or 50mm. The TFD-4000 Series also features 12-bit resolution, repeatability of ≤0.1% of full scale for applications requiring redundancy, analog voltage output, and an operating temperature range of –40°C to +125°C.

Linear Servo Motors

NUM, num.com

NUM has launched a series of brushless linear servo motors designed for continuous duty cycle machine tool applications. The new LMX series linear motors have their moving coil primary section encapsulated in stainless steel housing with an integrated cooling circuit, along with a short pole pitch. LMX linear motors comprise a metal track with multiple embedded rare earth magnets, and a coil assembly supported by a customer-supplied guideway. A key feature of the motors is that they are designed to operate with a comparatively large air gap of 1mm to reduce the impact of mounting tolerances. Implemented using system-on-chip technology and based on a multi-core ARM processor, the drives employ bare metal programming (programming that is hardcoded at the hardware level and operates without an operating system) to eliminate operating system latency.

Robot Vision System

Pickit 3D, pickit3d.com

The Pickit 3.2 release features updates to the DeepAL engine, which combines depth and color information into a deep learning algorithm that allows for more accurate pick point calculations, a vertical pick enforcer for support in depalletizing projects using 4-axis robots, a teach box model that eliminates the need for uploading CAD files or presenting parts to the camera, flexible pick orientation to increase pickable parts, and in-depth pickability insights. Additionally, a hardware update allows for use of the new M-HD2 camera, which is smaller, lighter, and has a wider view angle in comparison to the previous model.

Linear Position Sensors

Posital, posital.com

Posital Linarix linear positions sensors have been updated with extra-heavy-duty draw-wire mechanisms and a pre-scaling option for devices with analog communication interfaces. Linarix sensors combine a multi-turn absolute rotary encoder with a draw-wire mechanism rated for more than a million cycles. The rotary encoders are based on non-contacting magnetic measurement technologies that are immune to the corrosion and can degrade the accuracy of potentiometer-based draw-wire devices. Analog, DeviceNet, CANopen, and SSI output interfaces are available. Linarix sensors with analog output are programmed in the factory, with optional customer specification abilities enabling output ranges that span the exact measurement range of the draw wire mechanism. Users can also set the measurement range for their analog Linarix sensors in the field with Posital’s UbiFast programming tool. The updated versions are available with environmental protection ratings of up to IP69k and an optional built-in inclinometer.

Photoelectric Sensors

Rockwell Automation, rockwellautomation.com

The Allen-Bradley 42EA RightSight S18 and 42JA VisiSight M20A photoelectric sensors offer a range of sensing modes and mounting options. All models have a red light source, multiple connection options, and adjustment knobs for light or dark operation. The 42EA RightSight S18 line of sensors offers a smaller package to deliver detection capabilities where size and shape matter, while the 42JA VisiSight M20A line offers a range of sensing modes in a sealed, compact, cavity-free housing.

Type 6 Evaluation Board

Sealevel Systems, sealevel.com

The 12009 COM Express compact Type 6 evaluation board enables accelerated development of embedded computing prototypes while expediting electrical hardware engineering at only 95 square millimeters. The 12009 evaluation board supplies a diverse I/O mix and robust processing support. Standard I/O includes Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, GPIO, RS-232, and mini display port. Designed for the congatec conga-TC370 COM Express family, with support for 8th generation Intel Core processors, up to 64 GB DDR4 RAM, and TPM 2.0 support, the 12009 also features an operating temperature range of 0 oC-70oC and is powered via a locking, four-position Molex Micro-Fit connector. The kit includes both UART and M.2 SATA SSD interfaces.

Hybrid Deep Groove Ball Bearing

SKF, skf.com

SKF has developed a new hybrid deep groove ball bearing for highspeed applications. The ball bearing’s new lightweight polymeric cage boosts limiting speed by at least 60% while reducing friction. The two-piece cage is made from PEEK and PA66, making it 80% lighter than a brass cage. The cage bars are rigidly connected as opposed to snap-type cages, and the bearing’s geometry eliminates the umbrella effect from high centrifugal forces. The rigid cage bars also help to lengthen service life in harsh conditions, and the lower operating temperature of the bearings extends relubrication intervals.

Line Scan Image Sensors

Teledyne, teledyne.com

The AxCIS family of high-speed, high-resolution line scan imaging modules from Teledyne Dalsa are contact image sensors featuring lenses and lights in an all-in-one package. Powered by Teledyne’s new quadlinear CMOS image sensors, which deliver up to 120 kHz line rates for mono, 60 kHz x 3 for color, at 900 dpi resolution, the AxCIS detects defects with precision. Its staggered sensor design covers the entire field of view, and HDR imaging can be achieved using a dual exposure mode. Available in widths of 400mm, 800mm, and others in increments of 100mm, AxCIS can fit most anywhere, even with limited vertical clearance. Its Camera Link HS SFP+ fiberoptic interface delivers high-resolution images over standard, low-cost, long-length cables up to 300m.

Palletizing Robot

Yaskawa, motoman.com

The newest robot in Yaskawa’s PL series, the PL800, offers an 800kg payload capacity, 3,159mm horizontal reach, and 3,024mm vertical reach. The robot’s parallel-link structure provides strength and stabilization of heavy loads. The T-axis features a 100mm pass-through to facilitate connections to the end-of-arm tool, as well as high allowable moment of inertia to ensure unbalanced loads are handled effectively. Connecting the manipulator to the controller is done via a single cable, while compressed air lines and cables are routed internally from the base to the end-of-arm tool. A cable installation tube facilitates fieldbus routing to the upper arm and/or gripper. The PL800, which offers an IP54-rated wrist and body as standard, can be floormounted and controlled by the YRC1000 controller. It features a cabinet measuring 598x490x427mm. The PL800 is available with Yaskawa’s PalletSolver software for offline creation of palletizing patterns.