In an age of growing connectivity, the choice between wired and wireless communication can be the deciding factor in the performance and efficiency of a system. Here, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at Swindon Silicon Systems, offers his advice on optimal sensor communication, no matter the environment.

With the Ex STM 515 series, the steute business division Controltec recently introduced compact and robust solenoid interlocks for explosive zones to its range of safety switchgear. This series is now being further extended to include an 'Extreme' variant, which can be used in adverse ambient conditions, such as dust, dirt, wet and vibrations.

Features of a new series of Ex command devices currently being launched by the steute business division Controltec include flexible and direct integration in machine and plant enclosures within Ex zones 1 and 21.

IDEC has expanded its operator interface (OI) family with the new HG1J Series touchscreen, providing vivid visualisations and responsive multi-touch operation, all in an extremely compact form factor so the technology can be used in more applications than ever before.

As part of its commitment to continued drive development, Nidec Drives has launched the Control Techniques KI-Keypad Plus, its most technically advanced drive user interface to date.

As the colder, wetter weather drifts in, it's ever-more important to keep valuable electrical equipment living outside protected from the elements, as the experts at Rittal explain.

Thomson Industries has announced the availability of an external safety interlock option for vertical ball screw applications. The SFM safety nut is a secondary nut designed to hold a vertical load if the primary system fails.

HMS Networks has launched the Anybus CompactCom B40 Mini, a soldered-on communication interface that complements the Anybus CompactCom 40 series.

Available with full support from the UK motion control specialist Mclennan, the STF series open loop microstepping drives from Applied Motion Products (AMP) are designed for optimal use in Industrial Ethernet based automation systems that demand deterministic, real-time motion control.

Moog announces the launch of the EPU-G, the latest addition to its Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) portfolio, featuring a newly designed 4-quadrant internal gear pump and a high dynamic servomotor, targeting applications with flow rates of 20 to 85 l/min and pressure levels up to 345 bar.