element14 has today released the sixth and final episode in the second season of its global podcast series, The Innovation Experts. The podcast interview features Red Lion Controls, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technology solutions for communication, industrial automation and networking.

In this new podcast episode, Red Lion Controls showcases how companies can leverage edge intelligence and integrated systems to access valuable process and automation data to improve operations. Red Lion’s Technical Business Development Manager, Barry Turner shares his views on the key requirements to build an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) framework and highlights the critical need for convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).

Dave Beck, Global Director E-mech & Passives at element14 said: “Red Lion Controls is experiencing growing demand from customers seeking to digitise brown-field sites and enhance existing applications by establishing an IIoT framework. One of the major challenges customers face is breaking down barriers between their information technology and operational technology departments, which have historically not always been compatible co-existents. In our final episode, we find out how Red Lion Controls helps customers identify a common goal clearly, integrate their respective systems and use each other’s expertise to successfully transition to Industry 4.0.”

Series 2: Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing shares the opinions of leading industry experts, uncovering the trends, challenges, products, and solutions that enable the global transition to Industry 4.0 principles and accelerate innovation in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Each episode in the series provides valuable insights for buyers, design engineers, and other industry professionals wanting to stay up to date with the latest trends, challenges, products, tools and applications.

All previous podcast episodes in Series 2 are now available on element14’s Technical Resources Hub, including:

• Episode 1: Upgrading to Industry 4.0 using new and existing measurements – The debut episode of the series focuses on how process and manufacturing companies can adopt Industry 4.0 principles by embracing digitisation. Omega Engineering’s Kevin Goohs discusses innovative ways to upgrade existing facility systems with critical solutions, such as sensors and new digital smart probes, to capture real-time information on the factory floor. Companies will understand edge monitoring and control, how to identify new mechanisms to deliver and analyse big data and why it’s important to run critical pilot project evaluations before committing to full system installation.
• Episode 2: Aligning sustainability, business strategy and partnerships with Industry 4.0 – Schneider Electric provides an exclusive overview of the company’s innovative approach to developing new technology solutions for the IIoT, including how key learnings are passed directly onto customers. According to Mark Yeeles, Vice President Industrial Automation, UK & Ireland, the secret to advancing the adoption of Industry 4.0 is to engage strategic partners who can help create fully optimised facilities. Engineers and facility managers will be empowered to make smarter and often autonomous decisions that can streamline processes and accelerate the transformation to digital success.
• Episode 3: Integration is the gateway to unlock Industry 4.0 – Advantech explains why integration is the gateway to unlocking the core principles of Industry 4.0 technology. Matt Dentino, Industrial Internet of Things Channel Manager for North America, explains how a long-standing policy of embracing open architecture has influenced the company’s approach to asset integration, energy management, digital transformation and real-time monitoring and analysis. Listeners will learn about the need for strategic business partnerships and the importance of embracing a new generation of engineers to maintain a competitive edge as Industry 4.0 supercharges the industrial world.
• Episode 4: Achieving process automation with design and analytics – Eaton showcases how companies can achieve process optimisation with innovative design and big data analytics to predict needs, inform smarter decision-making and generate new efficiencies. Alexandra Rangel, National PowerXpert Application Engineer for Eaton, uncovers the challenges and benefits for companies seeking to embrace Industry 4.0 principles and build digital factories for optimal performance. With the advancement of new technologies, Alexandra highlights the importance of having a digitisation strategy to support an organisation’s Industry 4.0 journey.
• Episode 5: Harnessing Industry 4.0 to build a better future – ABB provides detailed insights on their comprehensive digitisation program designed to increase end-to-end transparency and visibility. ABB’s Massimiliano Cifalitti and Fabio Monachesi share their perspectives on how Industry 4.0 is driving a technology revolution and provide real-world examples to showcase how significant improvements in safety, productivity and cost reductions can be achieved. However, they agree that Industry 4.0 is not just about technology. Companies must partner with the right people who share a common goal to increase productivity in a way that is safe and environmentally sustainable, with corporate responsibility becoming a key pillar of the new industrial era.

Red Lion Controls has delivered innovative solutions for key sectors including communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking since 1972. The company’s technologies enable customers worldwide to gain real-time data visibility that drives enhanced productivity. Red Lion is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company. 

The Innovation Experts podcast is freely available from major podcast providers including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The final podcast episode of Series 2: Industry 40 and the Future of Manufacturing featuring Red Lion Controls is available now on element14’s Technical Resources Hub. 

element14 today released the fourth episode in Series 2 of The Innovation Experts podcast featuring Eaton, a global leader in intelligent power management and industrial systems.

Series 2 shares the opinions of leading industry experts, uncovering the trends, challenges, products and solutions that enable the global transition to Industry 4.0 principles and accelerate innovation in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

In this brand-new podcast episode, Eaton explains how companies can achieve process optimisation with innovative design and big data analytics to predict needs, make smarter decisions and create new efficiencies.

Alexandra Rangel, National PowerXpert Application Engineer at Eaton, uncovers the challenges and benefits for companies seeking to embrace Industry 4.0 and build digital factories for optimal performance. With the advancement of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, hyper-connectivity, augmented reality, cobots and more, Rangel communicates the importance of having a digitisation strategy to support an organisation’s Industry 4.0 journey.

Dave Beck, Global Director E-mech & Passives at element14 said: “Many companies are interested in exploring how to use the fundamental principles of Industry 4.0 to support their digitisation strategy, but often don’t know where to start. In our latest episode of The Innovation Experts, Eaton explains what steps need to be taken to successfully adopt Industry 4.0 and communicate return on investment for all investments made.”

 New episodes of The Innovation Experts are released every few weeks and cover key topics,including smart factory design and the power of automation, the industrial revolution’s synergy with electrification, how to demonstrate return on investment from Industry 4.0 and much more.  All previous podcast episodes in Series 2 are now available on element14’s Technical Resources Hub, including:

• Episode 1: Upgrading to Industry 4.0 using new and existing measurements – The debut episode of the series focuses on how process and manufacturing companies can adopt Industry 4.0 principles by embracing digitisation. Kevin Goohs, Director of IoT Implementation Strategy from Omega Engineering, discusses innovative ways to upgrade existing facility systems with critical solutions, such as sensors and new digital smart probes, to capture real-time information on the factory floor. Companies will understand edge monitoring and control, how to identify new mechanisms to deliver and analyse big data and why it’s important to run critical pilot project evaluations before committing to full system installation.
• Episode 2: Aligning sustainability, business strategy and partnerships with Industry 4.0 – Schneider Electric provides an exclusive overview of the company’s innovative approach to developing new technology solutions for the IIoT, including how key learnings are passed directly onto customers. According to Mark Yeeles, Vice President Industrial Automation, UK & Ireland, the secret to advancing the adoption of Industry 4.0 is to engage strategic partners who can help companies to create fully optimised facilities. Yeeles is confident that engineers and facility managers will be empowered by Industry 4.0 to make smarter and often autonomous decisions that can streamline processes and accelerate the transformation to digital success.
• Episode 3: Integration is the gateway to unlock Industry 4.0 – In the third episode of Series 2 of The Innovation Experts, Advantech explains why integration is the gateway to unlocking the core principles of Industry 4.0 technology. Matt Dentino, Industrial Internet of Things Channel Manager for North America at Advantech, explains how a long-standing policy of embracing open architecture has influenced the company’s approach to asset integration, energy management, digital transformation and real-time monitoring and analysis. Listeners will learn about the need for strategic business partnerships and the importance of embracing a new generation of engineers to maintain a competitive edge as Industry 4.0 supercharges the industrial world.

Eaton is dedicated to improving quality of life, protecting the environment and operating sustainably to help customers effectively manage power. By capitalising on the growth of electrification and digitalisation, Eaton is helping to accelerate the world’s transition to renewable energy and solve the most urgent power management challenges. Founded in 1911, Eaton has been listed on the NYSE for nearly a century, with revenues of $19.6 billion in 2021. The company serves customers in more than 170 countries.

The Innovation Experts podcast is freely available from major podcast providers including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

 Upcoming episodes will feature exclusive interviews with ABB and Red Lion Controls.

The fourth podcast episode, featuring Eaton, is available now on element14’s Technical Resources Hub. 

Farnell, an Avnet company and global distributor of electronic components, products and solutions, today released the third episode in Series 2 of The Innovation Experts podcast featuring Advantech, a global leader in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. Series 2 shares the opinions of leading industry experts, uncovering the trends, challenges, products and solutions that are enabling the global transition to adopt Industry 4.0 and accelerate innovation in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

In this brand-new podcast episode, Advantech explains why integration is the gateway to unlocking the core principles of Industry 4.0 technology. Matt Dentino, Advantech’s Industrial Internet of Things Channel Manager for North America, explains how a long-standing policy of embracing open architecture has influenced the company’s approach to asset integration, energy management, digital transformation and real-time monitoring and analysis.

By listening to the podcast, companies of all sizes will learn about the need for strategic business partnerships and the importance of embracing a new generation of engineers and computer technologists to maintain competitive edge as Industry 4.0 supercharges the industrial world. Dentino also makes informed predictions about how artificial intelligence (AI) will enable a new wave of Industry 4.0 innovation that is required to build and operate next-generation smart factories.

Dave Beck, Global Director E-mech & Passives at Farnell said: “Manufacturers can often be reluctant adopters of new technology as they don’t want to risk their business on the unknown. According to Advantech, these teething problems of the past are becoming less of a concern because every process and new-to-market IIoT device is so rigorously tested. Today, the only technological risk for small to medium sized manufacturers through to large blue-chip organisations is being left behind.”

New episodes of The Innovation Experts are released every few weeks and cover key topics including smart factory design and the power of automation, the industrial revolution’s synergy with electrification, how to demonstrate return on investment from Industry 4.0 and much more.  All previous podcast episodes in Series 2 are now available on Farnell’s Technical Resources Hub, including:

• Episode 1: Upgrading to Industry 4.0 using new and existing measurements – The debut episode of the series focuses on how process and manufacturing companies can adopt Industry 4.0 principles by embracing digitisation. Kevin Goohs, Director of IoT Implementation Strategy from Omega Engineering, discusses innovative ways to upgrade existing facility systems with critical solutions, such as sensors and new digital smart probes, to capture real-time information on the factory floor. Companies will gain an understanding of edge monitoring and control, how to identify new mechanisms to deliver and analyse big data and run critical pilot project evaluations before committing to full system installation.
• Episode 2: Aligning sustainability, business strategy and partnerships with Industry 4.0 – Schneider Electric provides an exclusive overview of the company’s innovative approach to developing new technology solutions for the IIoT, including how key learnings are passed directly onto customers. According to Mark Yeeles, Vice President Industrial Automation, UK & Ireland, the secret to advancing the adoption of Industry 4.0 is to engage strategic partners who can genuinely help companies to create fully optimised facilities. Engineers and facility managers will be empowered to make smarter and often autonomous decisions that can streamline processes and accelerate digital transformation to achieve success much faster.

As a leading global provider of industrial wireless solutions, Advantech is an authoritative voice in the fields of developing intelligent IoT systems and embedded platforms. Advantech assists its partners and customers to connect their industrial chains with big data and AI. The company also collaborates with business partners to accelerate technological advancement of industrial intelligence.

Farnell offers a full range of market-leading industrial test, tools and production supplies from stock to support electronic design, maintenance and repair, with no minimum order value. Customers have free access to online resources, data sheets, applications notes, videos and webinars with excellent customer and technical support available 24/5 in local language.

The Innovation Experts podcast is freely available from major podcast providers including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Upcoming episodes will feature exclusive interviews with Eaton, ABB and Red Lion Controls.

The third podcast episode, featuring Advantech, is available now on Farnell’s Technical Resources Hub. 

Newark, an Avnet Company and global distributor of electronic components, products and solutions, has announced Astrodyne TDI as its distribution partner in North America.

Astrodyne TDI provides durable and dependable EMI filters for a variety of applications including industrial, professional-grade appliances, medical, aerospace, semiconductor, and military.

Through this partnership, Newark will stock Astrodyne TDI’s full suite of standard EMI filters, including single-phase, three-phase, IEC inlet, and power modules for an extensive variety of applications that require ‘plug and play’ EMI/EMC filter integration.

EMI/EMC filters are gaining traction owing to their ability to offer protection from the impact of electromagnetic interference, which can lead to equipment malfunction, and failure to meet EMC compliance. Some of the popular products now available from Newark include:

·       Astrodyne TDI RP100 series: RP100 is a compact single stage power line filters that come with QD tabs or wireleads option. Its rated currents include 3A, 6A and 10A. They are used in food service equipment, industrial and mechanical lighting, home appliances and consumer electronics 
·       Astrodyne TDI 084 series: 084 is an easy to install integrated power entry module with two safety fuses and on/off switch. It is available with quick disconnected tabs and wire lead options. Its rated currents include 1A, 3A, 6A and 10A. These filters are used for home appliances, small medical equipment as well as T&M/ lab equipment 
·       Astrodyne TDI RP305 series: RP305 is a compact 3-phase delta single stage power line filter. It’s rated currents include 6A, 10A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 60A and 80A. It comes with wire, studs, and connectors option. They are used in high power rectifiers, uninterrupted power supplies, factory machinery and alternative energy

“We are excited to be partnered with Newark Electronics and we look forward to leveraging their unique connection to the engineering network. We feel this network will allow Astrodyne TDI EMI Filters to gain additional recognition in the electronics marketplace,” stated Ron Hamaoui, VP of the EMI Filters Business Unit at Astrodyne TDI.

“Newark aims to offer our community of designers and engineers the very best range of products from the world’s leading manufacturers.” said Dave Beck, Head of Product Management, IP&E at Farnell and Newark. “Astrodyne TDI offers some of the most reliable and durable designs in the market, where safety is such an important focus. We are delighted to bring this range to our customers.”

Astrodyne TDI products are available in North America from Newark.

“With Avnet Abacus on board as a distribution partner in EMEA, and the addition of Farnell, the global support that we’ll bring to our mutual customers will increase dramatically,” said Kelly Jensen, vice president of global business development at ECS.

"We are excited to be a supplier to Farnell to contribute to the innovative products they bring to the online Engineering Community, and the opportunity to share our new products with Avnet Abacus and our mutual customers", said Dean Clark, Director of European Operations at ECS.

Dave Beck, Head of Product Management IP&E, Farnell added: “At Farnell we want to ensure that our customers have access to a broad and relevant range of components for their product development. Adding ECS to our line card enhances our offer in frequency control and power management; ECS’s quality products and broad market segment appeal complement our business and we expect to see strong demand from our customer base on these products.”

Farnell, the Development Distributor, has extended its linecard with the addition of Amphenol PIHER’s range of contactless sensors and potentiometers. These devices employ state-of-the art, hall-effect and inductive technologies to offer lower cost, high performance control and measurement solutions.

Amphenol PIHER products are ideal for applications requiring high accuracy and reliability, such as automotive, aerospace, industrial, marine and home appliance and uses for PIHER position controls and sensors are increasing exponentially with the growing requirements of intelligent machines and autonomous vehicles.

The availability of the new PIHER products means customers can now buy an even wider range of Amphenol products from Farnell with next day delivery. Dave Beck, Head of EU & APAC Product Management for Interconnect, Passives & E-mech at Farnell says, “This new franchise strengthens our relationship with Amphenol and deepens our already extensive range of sensing solutions, making over 9,000 sensors and potentiometers available from stock to Farnell’s customers.”

Key products from the PIHER range in stock at Farnell include:

• The PST 360 contactless high accuracy position/angle sensor is a through-shaft sensing design with 360º absolute position feedback in an extremely thin package. Featuring integrated redundancy, this sensor is ideally suited for use in a wide range of off-highway, construction, agriculture equipment steer-by-wire applications. It can be easily adapted to fit marine outboard steering and throttle control, sport and exercise equipment, wind indicators, automation equipment and medical devices.

• The PSX-6 and PS-6 6mm SMT potentiometers feature configurable capabilities for design flexibility in a tiny package. The low-profile, dust proof, design allows it to be used in space-constrained applications. A long-life version of the PS-6 provides a cost-effective control solution for the appliance and automotive industries.

• The PIHER PS2P-CON sensor offers immunity to radial and axial play on mobile shafts and the PS2P-LIN Linear Touchless Position Sensor minimises errors when measuring linear positioning. Both designs avoid significant misalignment results, poor operational performance and labour-intensive maintenance programmes. As absolute sensors they will not lose measured values even after a power failure.

The PIHER range of Sensors and Potentiometers are available from Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in APAC.

Farnell element14, the Development Distributor, has added IDEC, the leading manufacturer of innovative industrial automation and control products to its broad range of automation and control products in Europe.

The launch brings more than 900 IDEC products to Farnell element14 customers in Europe, including new 16mm and 22mm industrial switches, emergency stop safety products, safety enabling switches, stack lights, panel instrumentation, relays, power supplies and laser scanners.

Ian Mcstay, Apem and IDEC Sales and Distribution Manager says: “Apem and Farnell element14 have enjoyed a long and successful cooperation and we are delighted to now add IDEC products to the Farnell element14 portfolio. IDEC have a longstanding reputation for manufacturing high quality products, to suit varied applications within the Industrial Automation and Safety Critical Environments from design-in to MRO. We see the addition of these IDEC Ranges to be a key factor in the continued growth of our two successful companies.”

Dave Beck, Head of Product management IP&E, Farnell element14 added: “As the Development Distributor, we work hard to ensure that our customers have access to a broad and relevant inventory of components for their product development. IDEC’s high-quality products for the industrial market are an excellent addition to our portfolio, and expect to see strong demand from our customer base.”

During the last 12 months Premier Farnell, Farnell element14’s parent company has invested significantly in inventory and new suppliers to add depth and breadth of product offering. IDEC is the latest addition to Farnell element14’s portfolio.

IDECs range is available from Farnell element14 in Europe.

Image caption: Steve Hallgate - Senior product manager, IP&E, Farnell element14; Dave Beck – Head of Product management IP&E, Farnell element14; Ian McStay – Sales manager APEM and Keith Forbes – Supplier account manager IP&E, Farnell element14

Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, is announcing a new global franchise agreement with Amphenol SV Microwave, which will enhance its RF connector, adapter and cable assembly product ranges to include higher frequency microwave bands up to 100 GHz.

Amphenol SV Microwave, is a world leader in the RF/Microwave industry and has designed and manufactured RF/Microwave coaxial connectors, cable assemblies and passive components for over 50 years. Amphenol SV Microwave products are suitable for military, IoT, 5G, satellite, high speed, aerospace, commercial and telecommunications applications.

Dave Beck, Head of Product Management, EMCO at Premier Farnell, says: “As the Development Distributor, we are committed to working with our customers to understand their design requirements. Our aim is to help customers develop their products and grow their businesses. One way we do this is by providing a wide product range with leading technical expertise. The new agreement with Amphenol SV Microwave expands our product range and further enables us to provide a full service solution for customers. We have extensive experience in supporting our customers from design phase to initial production, and now, as part of the Avnet group, can also guide our customers as they take their products to high volume production, providing a true end-to-end solution.”

Doug Snader, International Sales Director from Amphenol SV Microwave says: “Amphenol SV Microwave is delighted to develop this partnership with Premier Farnell. This agreement gives a larger group of design engineers’ access to SV Microwave’s high frequency products that offer superior reliability and performance. Customers can now also get access to Amphenol SV Microwave products faster than ever before.”

For more information or to buy Amphenol SV Microwave products please visit Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America and element14 in Asia Pacific.

Premier Farnell, the development distributor, is the first to stock Alpha Wire’s new range of connectivity products, Alpha Connect. The range offers an end-to-end solution for connecting sensors and actuators on the factory floor, ensuring safe and reliable communication in industrial environments while decreasing downtime and increasing productivity.

Alpha Connect includes flexible cordsets, passive distribution boxes, field attachable connectors, receptacle connectors, and splitters for an all-in-one solution featuring Alpha Wire's industry-trusted wire and cable products.

Dave Beck, Global Head of Product Management - Interconnect at Premier Farnell, said:

"We are excited about the opportunity for this new investment in inventory. Alpha Wire is a global leader in high-quality, premium-grade products, such as Xtra-Guard® hazard-matched performance cables, and this additional development will enable us to offer our customers an all in one solution for their interconnectivity needs."

Kristen Elwell, Senior Product Manager at Alpha Wire said:

“Alpha Wire is pleased to partner with Farnell element14 in offering the Alpha Connect line. The addition of this product range allows Farnell element14 to provide the full Alpha Wire product portfolio to our global customer base.”

The Alpha Connect range is part of the breadth of components, hardware and tools to support engineers through the research and design process which makes element14 the development distributor.

The Alpha Connect range is available from Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America and element14 in Asia Pacific.