EJ-series EtherCAT plug-in I/O modules provide an efficient wiring solution for machines built in large and medium-sized production runs. With new EJ7xxx motion modules, space-saving compact drive technology from Beckhoff is seamlessly integrated into a plug-in module concept, enabling extremely compact I/O and motion solutions. These include modules for servo, stepper and DC motor types. […]
Networking + IoT
Beckhoff Azure™ certified I/O modules provide direct connectivity to Microsoft cloud
The new EK9160 IoT Bus Coupler from Beckhoff connects EtherCAT I/Os with the Microsoft Azure cloud directly and without the need for a specific control program. The coupler enables simple and standardized integration of I/O data with cloud-based communication and data services. The “Azure Certified” status of the device fulfils an important requirement in this […]
Precise high-speed torque transducers in a compact flange design for rotational speeds up to 45,000 rpm
HBM Inc. now sells new compact T40HS torque transducers from HBM Test and Measurement. The torque transducer is intended for measuring torque at high rotational speeds, offers high stiffness, is made of light titanium and ensures maximum precision. Whether in motor sports or in the aerospace industry, performance tests of high-speed motors and drives at high rotational speeds […]
Wearable electronics could make use of open-source microprocessors
by Leland Teschler, Executive Editor Scientists at ETH Zurich and the University of Bologna have open-sourced the design of one of their microprocessor systems. The arithmetic instructions that the microprocessor can perform are also open source: developers made the processor compatible with the open-source instruction set RISC-V developed at the University of California in Berkeley. […]
How to ensure a network works with the IoT
by Leslie Langnau, Managing Editor Test beds will ensure new network infrastructures support the Industrial Internet of Things. As vendors develop networking infrastructures able to implement the Internet of Things (IoT), the testing of those networks becomes critical to ensure operability. In that regard, several institutions engaged in the IoT now plan to collaborate on […]
HMIs double as edge-of-network gateways
by Michael Sheldon and Ryan Kelley, Maple Systems Industrial networks can use operator terminals to handle communications and analytical duties associated with IoT tasks. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is here and it’s changing the way manufacturers think about business. These days, everyone wants to be wirelessly connected, synced up and remoted in. You […]
Delivering reliable IoT
by Jason Tollefson, Ian Saturley, USB and Networking Group, Microchip Technology Here’s a simple explanation of how to build a hard-wired IoT network that doesn’t get clogged by network traffic. Most people understand what the word reliable means. If you are driving across the Arizona desert, you want to be sure that the vehicle you […]
Updated: Trends in electric motors Part IV — More on miniaturization and the special case of medical applications
There’s a general consensus that the medical industry currently looms largest for innovation in electric motors. That’s what many industry experts we recently interviewed told us. Here, the trend is towards designs that are smaller, lighter, more efficient and cheaper. “The need for portable medical devices is being driven by a more mobile aging population who need machines […]
New I/O configurations for PLC+HMI controllers for flexibility to small applications
Unitronics — in an effort to satisfy market needs and customer requests — now offer several new I/O configurations to both Samba and Jazz lines of all-in-one PLC+HMI controllers. These lines are self-contained, non-expanded PLCs with onboard I/O and integrated HMI perfect for powerful control for small applications … … the new I/O configurations offer increased flexibility with […]
New vented connectors for Kollmorgen AKMH motors
Kollmorgen has developed new vented connectors in response to customer requests for robust connectors for their AKMH motors. (The AKMH hygienic servomotor is designed for long life and trouble-free operation in the most challenging environments – such as daily exposure to chemicals and high-pressure wash-downs.) One of the keys to AKMH’s durability is the integrated […]