n TECHNOLOGY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HAS JOINED forces with the cybersecurity expert Nozomi Networks to offer what they say is the world’s first security sensor embedded in an RTU (remote terminal unit), delivering “the next evolution in cyber-physical system protection”. Embedding Nozomi’s Arc technology into Schneider’s ScadaPack 47xi Smart RTUs will give users previously unavailable visibility at the control device layer of their automation equipment and field assets, as well as the ability to analyse and deter control device-level threats and malicious user activity, without disrupting networks. As a result, they will benefit from greater operational resilience and uptime, reduced cyber-risks, and better compliance. RTUs collect, process and transmit data from sensors and actuators in remote or distributed locations. They act as a bridge between the field equipment and a central control system, enabling real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes. By embedding Nozomi Arc into Schneider’s RTUs, security and operations teams will gain visibility into important data from their RTUs, and the field assets controlled by those RTUs – for the first time, according to Schneider and Nozomi. They can be used to: n detect threats and anomalies, including malicious and suspicious actions such as USB or SD card connections and/or removals, time setting manipulation, changes to control logic and firmware, mechanical manipulations and more; n update RTU endpoint status, including software and hardware inventory, vulnerability details, and resource utilisation; and n enhance visibility into physical processes and device states, without needing external polling protocols. “As cyberthreats to the world’s energy resources rise, we’re working with Nozomi Networks and our customers in critical infrastructure to double down on effective defences,” says Jay Abdallah, Schneider’s vicepresident of cybersecurity solutions and services. “Nozomi Arc Embedded in Schneider RTUs transforms remote terminal units into secure assets, giving operators the visibility they need to respond to threats before they can do harm.” Nozomi’s Arc Embedded transforms control systems into secure-by-design assets, offering an integrated security layer that delivers robust protection for in-production systems. It will be available for Schneider’s ScadaPack 47xi Smart RTUs on a subscription basis. www.se.com www.nozominetworks.com First RTUs with embedded security provide protection at network edges DC motor speed-sensing technique avoids need for an encoder September 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com 22 Schneider Electric RTUs are now available with embedded security, transforming them into secure assets THE SWISS MOTION CONTROL specialist maxon has developed a technique for measuring the speed of brushless DC (BLDC) motors that enhances control precision without needing an encoder. The method is based on an advanced form of Hall sensor feedback that enhances the precision of speed control, while cutting costs and size. The control method is being included in maxon’s Escon2 speed controllers. The technique analyses the switching edge distribution of a BLDC motor’s Hall sensors during its first revolutions, generating precise virtual sensor information. Hall sensors typically have a low resolution per rotor revolution and, due to manufacturing tolerances, their switching edges are not perfectly distributed over a revolution of the motor shaft. Maxon says that its new patentpending technique means that at speeds upwards of a few hundred rpm, speed stability and control are comparable to – or better than – systems using encoder feedback. It adds that tests have shown that the speed control of an encoder-less Escon2 controller with Hall sensor feedback is much smoother than that of standard servo controllers supported by encoders, even at speeds as low as 300rpm. This also results in higher energy efficiency. The elimination of the encoder reduces the size and cost of applications, and enables faster set-ups. The field-oriented control technology, which regulates the magnitude and angle of the stator’s magnetic field, generates sinusoidal motor currents over the entire speed range up to 120,000 rpm. Combined with the new speedcontrol algorithms, supported by a 10kHz speed control rate, 50kHz current control rate, and overload-resistant power stages, this enables maxon BLDC motors controlled by an Escon2 to achieve high accelerations and precise motion profiles. Applications can increase productivity, while ensuring greater precision and accuracy. The Escon2 controllers are available for embedded applications, as well as readyto-connect systems for cabinets or closeto-motor installation. The Escon2 Nano is the smallest in the range, measuring 23 × 16 × 4.5mm and weighing only 2.5g, for a 2A output current and 24V operating voltage. Embedded Escon2 controllers are available with continuous output currents up to 30A. The compact and housed versions of the controllers are designed for integration close to a motor, in a cabinet, or on a machine. www.maxongroup.com/en-gb
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