For example, Proctor & Gamble migrated to wireless specifically to improve reliability. In the plant, they replaced slip rings with a wireless network that was designed to optimize their existing EtherNet/IP network. They used an 802.11 solution on a 5GHz frequency in order to co-exist with an already saturated 2.4GHz band. They were able to meet performance requirements with determinism, experienced fewer dropped packets, had no downtime from communication errors, and ultimately received a strong buy-in from plant technicians.

Liberty Airport Systems of Ontario, Canada, designs custom runways lighting systems for commercial and government airfields. The reliability of these lighting systems is critical to facilitate aircraft movement, so downtime can translate into flights being delayed, cancelled, rerouted, or in worst case scenarios, an incursion. The primary fiber optic communication lines run underneath airfield runways, and in the event that they are damaged can shut down the entire runway. Liberty now uses wireless as the independent backup communication system for many of their installations in order to increase uptime and cut maintenance costs. In one installation, the fiber line was severed during construction, and the wireless backup system seamlessly carried on communication for a week while the fiber line was repaired.

Conclusion
In the end, the keys to overcoming obstacles now and down the road begin with proper understanding, planning and execution of your wireless network. Wireless is not a »set it, forget it» solution. Audit your network. Engage with IT early on. Give them what they need to feel comfortable with the plan, and they will often help take care of the network. With these things in place, users can enjoy the flexibility and versatility innate to wireless, and in many cases, reduce costs.

ProSoft Technology® designs industrial communication solutions that connect automation products seamlessly. ProSoft Technology is a highly diversified, customer intimate, global organization with a focus on quality and ease-of-use. Their products including in-chassis communication modules for PLC/PAC controllers, standalone protocol gateways, and a wide range of robust, field-proven wireless solutions are found in applications spanning the industrial marketplace. For further information, view website: www.prosoft-technology.com  Refer to page 133

EMKA heavy duty IP65 latch
fits the manufacturing environment

EMKA yet again demonstrate their adaptability as manufacturers of enclosure hardware, with the introduction of a heavy duty 1091 latch (IP65) for machine guards, machine tools, generators, ovens, test cabinets etc. These types of cabinet in particular can have significant internal pressure, requiring considerable leverage on the latch handle for satisfactory closure - the 1091 provides this by virtue of it's engineering quality and ergonomic design.

The 1091 features robust black die construction with an ingenious design which ensures that the 1091 can withstand heavy usage while tolerating rough handling in hostile environments and offering protection to  IP65 levels. Additional features include padlockable and key lockable facilities using all standard EMKA inserts such as square, triangular etc, with mounting via the standard EMKA hole form. Escutcheon design permits right or left handed fitment and the handle can be used with either a single point cam or 3-point. Round rod operation is therefore also possible where additional door closure points are required.

EMKA's heavy duty handles are supported by their comprehensive range of stainless steel locks and hinges as well as extruded enclosure gasket profiles in EPDM, neoprene and PVC.

Further information on EMKA products and services may be found at: www.emka.co.uk where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue.  Refer to page 151

The industry's first miniaturized connector solution meets HDMI Licensing Committee standards, which Molex played a critical role in developing

Molex Incorporated announces that its next generation HDMI* Type D (Micro) connector is now available for purchase. The HDMI Type D (Micro) connector is a new miniaturised connector solution designed to help deliver high definition video and images from mobile devices to flat panel screens.  The connector, which meets all of the electrical and mechanical specifications of the HDMI Specification 1.4a released in March 2010, will provide significant benefits to the digital still camera and mobile device markets.

The new Type D (Micro) connector is about half the size of the Type C (Mini) HDMI connector version, but delivers equivalent mechanical strength and electrical characteristics. Mobile phone and consumer customers have expressed strong interest in this new technology that will enable users to display higher definition video, photos and other content from their mobile devices onto full-size flat panel TV screens.

"Because the Type C HDMI connectors were too large to support the newer and more compact designs of handheld devices, Molex was chosen to lead the development of the first miniaturized connector solution," said Scott Sommers, group manager, new product development, Molex.  "The Type D connector's small footprint and low profile height offer our customers significant real estate and space savings, while providing consumers with the higher definition video and images they demand."

As a contributing member of the HDMI consortium, Molex played a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of high-definition content using HDMI connectors and was one of ten companies that received a Technology & Engineering Emmy® Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) in recognition of its pioneering connector.

The HDMI Type D Micro connector is a 19-pin connector with a 0.40mm (0.016") pitch provided in a 6.50 by 2.90mm (0.256 by 0.114") stainless steel shell.  The Type D family of products includes SMT receptacles of three different mount designs, a range of Category 2 Type-D-to-Type-A HDMI cable assemblies with a variety of cable lengths and wire gauge options, and a Category 2 HDMI Type-D Plug-to Type-A Receptacle adapter cable.

For further information, view website: www.molex.com/product/hdmi_type_d.html  Refer to page 134

XANTAR® LDS materials boost antenna applications in portable electronics

Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics has extended its Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) materials portfolio by introducing 2 new grades. XANTAR® LDS 3720, was specifically developed to show very good practical impact performance, suitable for use in mobile phone covers or housings, and XANTAR® LDS 3730, which is the first Halogen-free flame retardant LDS grade, used to create antennas in laptops and notebooks. They join XANTAR® LDS 3710, which was used as the first LDS materials to create a mobile phone antenna and have since provided Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics with a proven track record of quality and performance in antenna systems applications.

The two new grades have already been approved and are being used by several major mobile phone and laptop producers. "Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics has boosted LDS technology in the portable electronics segment by creating a close triangular communication loop between our customers, our business developers and our product developers. This communication concept enables us to create LDS solutions pro-actively and/or at very short notice, fulfilling the needs of our customers since a short time to market is key for their success." said Hans Guns, Business Manager at Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics.

Market trends
According to Dr. Ir. Bernard Schrauwen, Product Developer of XANTAR® LDS materials at Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics, "Laser and metallization behaviour, good mechanical properties, surface appearance and radio frequency properties are essential criteria for the successful development of new LDS materials. In addition, extending into new application areas, such as antennas in laptops and notebooks, requires additional material properties including flame retardant behaviour."

Diversification, styling, miniaturization and cost reduction are trends in portable electronics. At the same time, end-users do expect an increased number of novel functions available inside trend-looking covers and the amount of antennas in these devices is increasing. LDS is becoming increasingly popular as the MID technology to produce these antennas, especially for mobile phones. "Most of the mobile phone producers have chosen to use the LDS technology for the antenna's in their smartphones.

The reason for this is that the 3D design freedom of the LDS technology and possibility to create circuits on curved parts with low wall thickness enables antenna producers to integrate the antenna in existing parts such as covers and frames." says Francis van Vehmendahl, Business Development Manager for XANTAR® LDS materials at Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics. For further information, e-mail: hans.guns@mepeu.de

New push fit joiner quicker and easier for 19" panels than a nut and bolt

FDB Panel Fittings have recently introduced a novel captive SNAP-Joiner which fits the standard 19" rack 9.5mm x 9.5mm cutout and is quicker and easier to use than the traditional screw with cup washer and cage nut. The SNAP-Joiner is ideal for quickly installing 19" front panels of electronic racking and for assembling other panels where rapid/removal is required.

SNAP-Joiner is simply punched into the front panel where it is held by spring clips, this assembly is then mated to the rear panel and the SNAP-Joiner core push fitted to activate spring wedges which accommodate a clamping range of up to 5.2mm in a vibration proof connection. Removal is simplicity itself with a 45° turn by cross-head screwdriver, thus meeting the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42EC.

This single component thus combines the function of captive screw with captive cage nut, without the need for specialist installation equipment and reducing inventory SKU's. The simple push and snap insertion is not only faster (by up to 90%) than threaded options, but also minimises risk of cross-threading and of damage to sensitive equipment in the installation process.

The SNAP-Joiner provides positive clamping action, thus compensating for applications where tight tolerances are difficult to achieve.

For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk, or twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting  Refer to page 151