n TECHNOLOGY January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 18 ABB HAS USED THE SPS exhibition in Germany to launch a device that bridges the gap between field devices, controllers and sensors, and local IT systems or the cloud. The Smart Communication Card is aimed at decentralised applications that generate a wealth of operational data that usually goes unused because it's difficult to transfer from the field level to IT or cloud systems. The problem is compounded by machines and controllers that use different protocols, while isolated components and a lack of interfaces further complicate integration. The Card brings intelligence and connectivity to applications that lack a central control system. By connecting OT (operational technology) with IT, data becomes immediately available in the cloud. Users can capture and process this data in real time, for applications such as monitoring, targeted maintenance and improving process efficiency. The ability to analyse operational data in real time and use it for intelligent decision-making offers significant potential – whether in building controls or decentralised pumping stations. As a compact edge communications device, the Card connects components to local servers or cloud systems – without needing additional gateways or industrial PCs. It captures data such as measured values and status messages at the field level and prepares them for further processing. Communications with controllers, measuring devices, and protection devices are simplified by using standard protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus RTU, and TCP. The Card enables easy integration with higher-level platforms for condition monitoring, alarm notification, or automated analysis via MQTT or HTTPS. “With the Smart Communication Card, we are building a manufacturer-independent bridge between different applications and data,” explains Sven Glöckler, OEM segment manager at ABB Electrification. “It is the key to greater efficiency, security and digital resilience in industry.” The Node-RED open-source platform is built in, allowing users to create data flows, simple logic, and visualisations in Web browsers, without needing any programming knowledge. They can connect pre-built function blocks to create customised workflows via a drag-anddrop interface. This allows users, for example, to visualise temperature trends in HVAC systems, report pump malfunctions automatically, or analyse energy consumption in mobile applications. Thanks to its compact design, Web-based configuration and support for open standards, the Smart Communication Card can be integrated into new projects or retrofitted to existing systems. It connects via interfaces such as Ethernet or RS-485, without needing extra software, hardware or gateways. The Card is compatible with devices from a variety of manufacturers and can be used, for example, in conveyor systems or HVAC installations. It is said to save time and costs. Existing hardware doesn't need to be replaced, but can be expanded intelligently at a fraction of the cost. Protection mechanisms ensure secure operation: encrypted data transmission, a built-in firewall, secure booting, and role-based user management, protect communication and device software from unauthorised access and manipulation. In this way, the Card creates trustworthy connections between production and IT, even in environments with high security requirements. A typical application for the Smart Communication Card will be condition-based monitoring of decentralised systems such as pumping stations. It will record operating and condition data continuously, detect deviations, and warn of potential wear or malfunctions, allowing targeted and proactive maintenance planning, thus preventing downtime and significantly increasing availability. It can also be used to analyse energy consumption data either locally or in the cloud, helping to identify peak loads, compare consumption patterns, and optimise energy use. The Card brings intelligence and connectivity to the field level of industrial and decentralised systems. It makes previously unused data available, thus creating the foundation for improved efficiency and control, and lower operating costs. https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/ smart-communication-card p US-based UL Solutions has launched a certification programme for industrial automation and energy equipment, such as circuit-breakers and safety switches, that evaluates products and processes for their environmental and human health impacts. The Ecologo programme is designed to help manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through third-party evaluation. It assesses products against criteria such as their materials, manufacturing processes, lifecycles, and health and safety. The first industrial products to receive the certification are Schneider Electric’s PowerPacT mouldedcase circuit-breakers. www.ul.com/services/ ecologo-certification p The semiconductor developer onsemi has announced vertical gallium nitride (vGaN) power semiconductors that, it says, set a new benchmark for power density, efficiency and ruggedness in energy-intensive applications. The “gamechanging” devices conduct current vertically through a compound semiconductor, enabling higher operating voltages and faster switching frequencies, leading to energy savings, and resulting in smaller, lighter systems for industrial, EV, renewable energy and other applications. They could be used to create smaller, cooler, higher-efficiency motor drives and robots, with losses almost halved. www.onsemi.com p The non-profit CAN in Automation (CiA) association has released the second version of its CiA 319 specification, which specifies how to implement and to configure functionally-safe devices to comply with EN 50325-5 (CANopen Safety), which is used mainly in industrial machine control and mobile machinery applications. The standard does not specify the configuration of functionallysafe devices, but this information is detailed in CiA 319, helping CANopen Safety system designers to set up networks safely. CANopen Safety is approved to SIL 3. www.can-cia.org p The OPC Foundation’s OPC UA Safety Compliance Test Tool (UASCTT) has been certified by TÜV SÜD for its conformity in testing OPC UA Safety over client/server communications. This marks a key achievement in ensuring reliable and standardised safety communications in industrial automation. The UASCTT helps to validate implementations of OPC UA Safety, allowing vendors to ensure that their devices meet the stringent requirements of functional safety and interoperability. The OPC Foundation plans to expand the UASCTT’s capabilities to support OPC UA PubSub and OPC UA FX (Field eXchange). www.opcfoundation.org TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS Smart Card provides data bridge between different applications ABB's Smart Communication Card brings intelligence to applications that lack central control systems
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