Drives & Controls March 2023

49 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2023 NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN DATA A D MULTIMEDIA n NEW PRODUCTS n Ifm has announced a range of field-mounting power supplies for decentralised automation applications. The IP67-protected DN42xx supplies do not need enclosures or other protection, even when installed in demanding environments such as those where washdown cleaning takes place. There are three models, all with 24V DC outputs. Two are for use with three-phase inputs from 380–480V and have four output circuits and continuous ratings of 500W. One has an IO-Link port. The third model is for use with single-phase inputs from 110– 250V. This also has four output circuits and an IO-Link interface, and a rating of 300W. All outputs are protected against overloads and short circuits by electronic fuses that operate independently so that, if one output trips, the other three are unaffected. Users can set the tripping current, and the fuses are unaffected by in-rush currents such as those produced by switching capacitive loads. The fuses can be reset easily, either locally or remotely via IO-Link. Output voltages can be fine- tuned to suit the application. The fuse operating current is variable. Ifm electronic 0208 213 2222 www.ifm.com/gb/en Phoenix Contact has released a communicating 24V power supply systemwhich, it says, provides greater data transparency and high system availability. The system’s components – power supplies, fuse protection and uninterruptible power supplies – can be combined, especially in applications where high system availability is needed, and knowledge about operating states is essential. The data can be used to identify, localise and correct critical states and any anomalies before they result in costly downtime. The system consists of Quint power supplies in combination with Caparoc circuit breakers or intelligent Quint DC UPSs. It provides information on all relevant operating and diagnostic data. Consistent data from the 400V AC side to the 24V DC side allows advanced warning of imminent faults. Targetedmaintenance and remote diagnostics can be performed via the power supply. Interfaces can be used to transfer data and to set power supply parameters, such as output voltage, after a device is replaced or when a new system is being set up, saving time and reducing errors. Phoenix Contact 01952 681700 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk A newWhite Paper, published by the World Economic Forum together with the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Turkey, examines how to unlock the potential of industrial artificial intelligence (AI). Called Unlocking Value fromArtificial Intelligence inManufacturing , the Paper looks at the opportunities for AI and suggests ways to overcome its challenges. With inputs from industrial and academic experts, the document highlights more than 20 case studies on the impact, feasibility and scalability of AI in manufacturing. It identifies opportunities and lessons on how to increase efficiency, sustainability and workforce engagement in by using AI. https://drivesncontrols.news/c78j4k App makes it easier to set up and monitor IO-Link sensors The Swiss sensor-maker Contrinex has launched a smartphone app that, when used with a handheld interface, can be used to set up and monitor smart IO-Link inductive and photoelectric sensors. The PocketCodr app, available from the Google and Apple app stores, provides a graphical user interface with“action widgets”that allow users to users to interact with sensors, see real-time parameter changes on live charts, and store and retrieve settings. It not only simplifies the configuration and commissioning of sensors, but it also allows users to set up and interrogate any IO-Link-enabled device. Contrinex sensors are available in the UK from Plus Automation . http://plusautomation.co.uk Guide shines a spotlight on robotics and automation The electronic and technical components distributor, Distrelec, has launched a guide to robotics and automation in the form of an online flip-page e-book. The first of a three-part series, the Robotics and Automation Guide offers insights to help engineers build more effective, automated workflows. There are chapters on the history of robotics, types of robot, applications, Industry 5.0 and cobots. The first edition can be viewed free-of-charge, with two more parts due to be published later this year https://knowhow.distrelec.com/ robotics-and-automation-guide-distrelec Paper predicts 37 technology developments for 2023 The technology intelligence firm ABI Research has published aWhite Paper that identifies technology developments that indicate the direction in which digital transformation is heading. ABI’s analysts make 37 forecasts that shed light on the trends and technologies that will shape the year ahead. Called 37 Technology Stats You Need to Know for 2023 , the paper examines trend such as the rapid post-Covid take-up of robots which, it predicts, will result in 20 million installations by 2030. https://drivesncontrols.news/kjbyod Configurable IP67 power supplies target decentralised applications Communicating power supply helps to cut downtime WEF paper examines use of AI in manufacturing B&R Automation is offering a new backplane bus as an option for its X20 control system, quadrupling its performance. Existing X20 I/O modules are compatible with the new X2X+ backplane, so all that is needed to build more powerful machines are bus modules. The advantages of the bus are particularly apparent in applications with many I/Omodules or high data volumes but where short cycle times are vital. It is possible to set up two separate cycle times so that less time-critical data is transported more slowly, generating less network and processor load. This allows complex high-speed processes to be controlled using cost-effective standard hardware. The X2X+ allows faster data transfers and up to four times faster response times. www.br-automation.com