Ensure optimal performance in demanding environments with these tips on how to specify industrial fiber optic cable from Kyle Mrkva of Belden.   Fiber optic cabling is applicable in any industrial environment where high-speed, high-bandwidth data solutions are needed. It can be used for campus and in-building data backbones to anchor an operation’s Ethernet, andRead More

There’s lots of talk about the benefits of the Internet of Things, particularly in the industrial arena, but is there a down side? Arthur Visser asks the question: Are AI and IoT a threat to mankind?   If you have been following the news recently, you probably heard that Professor Stephen Hawking, one of theRead More

The Weidmuller dual-level power terminal blocks provide a 50% reduction in cabinet space. Weidmuller expands its line of space-saving, dual-level power terminal blocks designed for use in machinery, process, and power generation applications. The new WDK 10 dual-level power terminal series offers a 50% reduction in cabinet space when compared to single-level terminals. Featuring a slimRead More

By choosing the best components for a wireless network, says David Burrell of Phoenix Contact, it is possible to reduce the installation time as well as the risk of problems during installation.   As the demand for lower operating costs in plant facilities increases, operations personnel need to seek out and learn new ways toRead More

TE INSTALITE Molded Heat-Shrink Boots reduce weight by up to 30%. TE Connectivity (TE) announced new INSTALITE Molded Boots that are up to 30% lighter than TE standard -25 boots. These high-performance molded heat-shrink boots have been designed for applications in military ground systems, aerospace, and marine. Their optimized interior geometry reduces installation time asRead More

In the past, industrial connectors have evolved over time rather than at a revolutionary pace. Now, with the anticipation of the Internet of Things, Keith Kufahl of TTI discusses the revolution of the interconnected factory and how design engineers can stay on the cutting edge. The fact that the world of industrial connectors changes atRead More

TTI reports that Industry 4.0 drives the industrial manufacturing sector in Europe as implementation of “smart factory” technology gains momentum. TTI is seeing significant growth among customers implementing Industry 4.0 or “Smart Factory” technology according to Norbert Piefer, European director industry marketing – industrial at TTI. “The Smart Factory concept leads to end-to-end process optimization,” saidRead More

Overall, it’s a mixed picture around the world, but the move toward building the smart grid continues to gain momentum. According to research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance, investments in smart grid equipment and rollout reached $14.9 billion in 2013, up almost 5% from the $14.2 billion recorded in 2012. Half of the worldwide spending on smart grid implementationRead More

A number of trends are converging so that the industrial market sees an uptick in growth. Bishop tracks 13 companies in the industrial market sector. This market had mixed results, as measured by these 13 companies’ revenues, in the last six quarters. In 2013, these companies contracted 0.6% year over year. In 1Q14, the combinedRead More

Is an extra layer of protection all you need to make an Ethernet cable industrial-ready? Here, Lu Li of Alpha Wire explains the requirements of Ethernet cable for industrial environments. Moving Ethernet from an office environment into the industrial world is not as easy as one might think. The office environment offers its cabling systemRead More

We’ve reported often about robotics in the industrial arena over the last few years; now Bishop & Associates’s Arthur Visser looks at developments in industrial automation and robotics moving to the next level – service robots at home. “Where do I get the best robot deals?” In the not-so-distant future, you may ask yourself this question. SinceRead More

Excessive electrical noise in variable frequency drive installations can wreak havoc on the precision electronic components, network cabling, and other sensitive wiring found in most modern industrial facilities. Belden’s Peter Cox explains how to select cable for variable frequency drive systems. Many existing variable frequency drive (VFD) installations use cross-linked high heat water resistant insulated wire (XHHW); thermoplasticRead More