5. SMUs: The all-in-one test tool of the future?

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).

Listen as 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 which showcase significant improvements in safety, productivity and cost reductions.    

In this brand-new 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.

In this brand-new 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.

In this brand-new episode, Schneider Electric provides an exclusive overview of the company’s innovative approach to developing new technology solutions for IIoT, including how key learnings are passed directly onto customers. Mark Yeeles, Vice President Industrial Automation of Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, advises that engaging in strategic partners and deploying pilot projects ahead of full system integration is critical to creating fully optimised facilities. Engineers and facility managers will be able to make smarter, often autonomous decisions that can streamline processes and achieve a successful digital transformation at a much faster rate.

The debut episode of Series 2: Industry 4.0 and the future of Manufacturing, 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.

The final episode of the first series highlights a range of key applications to showcase how new approaches in the development of test equipment have disrupted the industry status quo. Justin Sheard, a Senior Engineer and Industrial Imaging Specialist at Fluke, provides an overview of Fluke’s rugged and easy to use handheld instruments which meet the portability requirements of the modern engineer.

The fifth episode of The Innovation Experts, a global podcast from Farnell, element14 and Newark, provides an introduction to Source Measurement Units (SMUs) and how this critical piece of equipment can be used to provide fast, precise, high-resolution and safe DC characterisation of electronic components. Philipp Weigell, Director of Product Management for Power Products, Meters, Sources and Audio Analysers at Rohde & Schwarz shares insights on the innovative technology within SMUs that enables accurate measurement of even the smallest leakage currents to be found in diodes and the applications which present the biggest challenges.

Mike Hoffman, Product Manager for Keysight Technology’s mid-level range of oscilloscopes, will be featured in the fourth episode of The Innovation Experts, a series of global podcasts from Farnell, element14 and Newark. This episode will focus on what functions and features really matter when purchasing test equipment today, with practical tips to help buyers differentiate between low-cost and high-end instruments. With reference to Keysight’s wide range of products, Mike discusses how test equipment is evolving to support customers’ cutting-edge technology requirements now and in the future.

Episode three of The Innovation Experts, a global podcast from Farnell, element14 and Newark, takes an exclusive look into how leading test manufacturer Hioki designs innovative tools and equipment for battery design. Kai Scharrmann, Engineer and Business Development Manager at Hioki, discusses how this cutting-edge technology is used to help measure the efficiency of electric cars and other critical applications. The trends and challenges to be found in battery technology and testing is also addressed along with insights on how Hioki’s other high-tech products enable innovative customer successes.