https://community.element14.com/The community for engineers, technicians, makers and creators.en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/learn/events/c/e/1765Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:75d23b28-d75a-4177-bbcb-ef6993728b95JoRatcliffeDiscover how to start building connected smart home devices in this 60-minute webinar! Get a quick primer on the key concepts behind Matter, then jump straight into a practical demonstration showing how devices are flashed and onboarded within a Matter environment - providing a clear view of the development process and key steps involved. Agenda: Brief introduction to the Matter standard, its role in improving interoperability, and how it supports cross-platform ecosystems Hands-on demonstration: How to flash a Development Kit and add it to a smart home network How to build up your experience with smart devices and Matter, plus where to find further resources Live Q&A Watch the Webinar to be in with a chance of Winning a Prize We are giving everyone in the community the chance to win one of ten Nordic nRF54L15 developer kits - each worth up to $38(USD)! Here is what you have to do to enter: Watch the webinar(!) Score 100% in a short quiz (which will be available here on the day of the webinar) Submit a question to the webinar's Q&A feature which best provokes an informative answer or discussion with the Nordic host Comment on this event page with constructive, useful feedback which helps improve future events and planning See the full terms and conditions below: Nordic Webinar 30th July - Terms & Conditions.pdf The Presenters: Finn Boetius, Product Marketing Manager - Nordic Finn Boetius is a Product Marketing Manager at Nordic Semiconductor, focusing on wireless connectivity standards like Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth LE. He brings a practical perspective to the IoT space, having previously worked as a Master Craftsman Electrician, run his own electrical business, and served as an Automotive Field Application Engineer. In his current role, he is passionate about making complex engineering concepts accessible, helping developers and businesses understand how to build real-world solutions with the Matter protocol.. LinkedIn: Finn Boetius Jordan Ratcliffe - Marketing Program Senior Specialist - element14 Community Jordan Ratcliffe will be your host from the element14 Community for Introductions and Q&A. LinkedIn: Jordan Ratcliffe More about Nordic Semiconductor: Nordic Semiconductor is a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, providing the essential chip-to-cloud platform and wireless technologies that connect the world's IoT devices. Nordic delivers world-class hardware, embedded software, development tools, power management, support, and cloud lifecycle services, all of which simplify development and enable developers to build reliable, scalable, and future-proof connected products faster.. You can find out more about Nordic Semiconductor here . Attend and Learn to Earn a Certificate Watch the webinar until the end to earn a certificate. Read here for more information about how to get your certificate: /members-area/support/w/site-faq/27798/how-do-i-earn-a-certificate-for-viewing-a-webinar-or-webcast Are you prepared? This webinar uses the online service on24 to deliver the presentation. Click through and check that you meet the minimum system requirements before attending.nordic-e14nRF54L15-DKnordicsmart devicedevelopment kitmattersmart homehttps://community.element14.com/learn/events/c/e/1766Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:73419367-11ea-48ba-a536-7102ee513112JoRatcliffeDiscover how you can support modern embedded and datacom designs that require compact size, efficiency, flexibility, and reliable power delivery - demonstrated in this session using Microchip’s MCP16701 PMIC. In under an hour, the session's hosts Andrea and Rico will demonstrate how engineers can accurately visualize critical power parameters, perform a detailed analysis, and generate meaningful validation data during the development and characterization process. They will also showcase how to validate device specifications using advanced laboratory instrumentation and measurement techniques. Join this webinar for a combination of practical demonstrations and expert insights covering: The measurement challenges commonly encountered when validating PMIC performance A quick overview of the Microchip MCP16701 PMIC architecture and main functionalities, key characteristics and capabilities A demonstration of how to use instrumentation for capturing transient behavior, ripple, noise, switching characteristics and digital signal control and timing Live Q&A The Presenters: Andrea Vinci - Senior Technical Marketing Manager - Tektronix Prior to joining marketing, Andrea worked as an RF Designer, Test Manager, Application Engineer, and then in Sales as Business Developer in EMEA. His expertize includes Test solutions for Semiconductors, Power Electronics and Energy Storage Applications. Andrea holds a Master’s degree in Electronics from the University of Padova, Italy. LinkedIn: Andrea Vinci Massimiliano Fiaschetti - Application Engineer EMEA, COE - Tektronix Massimiliano has 15 years of experience supporting electronic test instrumentation with hands-on experience in test systems, boundary-scan technologies, and advanced device research. He holds a Bachelors degree and Masters degree in electronic engineering from Roma Tre University. LinkedIn: Massimiliano Fiaschetti Jordan Ratcliffe - Marketing Program Senior Specialist - element14 Community Jordan Ratcliffe will be your host from the element14 Community for Introductions and Q&A. LinkedIn: Jordan Ratcliffe More about Microchip: Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company's solutions serve approximately 105,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. Click here to learn more about Microchip. More about Tektronix: FROM INSPIRATION TO REALIZATION: Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement solutions to break through the walls of complexity, and accelerate global innovation. Together we empower engineers to create and realize technological advances with ever greater ease, speed, and accuracy. You can find out more about Tektronix and their products here . Attend and Learn to Earn a Certificate Watch the webinar until the end to earn a certificate. Read here for more information about how to get your certificate: /members-area/support/w/site-faq/27798/how-do-i-earn-a-certificate-for-viewing-a-webinar-or-webcast Are you prepared? This webinar uses the online service on24 to deliver the presentation. Click through and check that you meet the minimum system requirements before attending.power deliverytektronix-e14MCP16701microchiptektronixmicrochip-e14pmichttps://community.element14.com/learn/events/c/e/1764Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:03fc1d8a-3415-4065-a35a-c316d6e2ea2eJoRatcliffeNew smart systems are constantly pushing product designers and their test equipment to do more - more data, more integration, and more consistency across the whole design lifecycle. In this webinar, we’ll walk through how a platform-based approach to test and measurement helps teams move faster, scale more easily, and maintain quality from concept to production. Medical technology has some of the highest regulatory standards so the session will draw from this industry, bringing it all together by looking at a real-world example of taking a patient monitor from concept to production. Join this practical webinar as host Leen covers: What test and measurement looks like in MedTech The principles you can apply when designing other high-quality, regulated products Case study in creating a smart patient monitor Live Q&A The Presenters: Leen Adnan, Global Marketing Lead for Life Sciences, Emerson | NI Leen Adnan joined NI over 10 years ago and has since worked in applications engineering, sales, and marketing. She now leads NI’s marketing efforts for testing and development in the medical and life sciences industries. Leen graduated from the American University of Beirut with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, alongside a minor in Biomedical Engineering. She spends time reading, hiking, and, most recently, negotiating with her toddler and juggling a new baby. Jordan Ratcliffe - Marketing Program Senior Specialist - element14 Community Jordan Ratcliffe will be your host from the element14 Community for Introductions and Q&A. LinkedIn: Jordan Ratcliffe More about Emerson | NI: Emerson delivers future-ready test and measurement solutions through the power of the NI platform—a combination of high-performance open software, modular hardware, and AI-driven capabilities that enhance productivity. Flexible and scalable, the NI platform transforms how engineers automate measurement, control, and testing of complex products that move our world forward. For more information, visit Emerson.com . Attend and Learn to Earn a Certificate Watch the webinar until the end to earn a certificate. Read here for more information about how to get your certificate: /members-area/support/w/site-faq/27798/how-do-i-earn-a-certificate-for-viewing-a-webinar-or-webcast Are you prepared? This webinar uses the online service on24 to deliver the presentation. Click through and check that you meet the minimum system requirements before attending.niemersonproduct_developmentmedicaltest_and_measurementhttps://community.element14.com/members-area/b/blog/posts/creating-a-new-symbol-in-kicad-10-0-for-firebeetle-2-esp32c6Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:32:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:034ae08c-a7d0-4f56-92d3-f07a935e5d0eelectonic-wizardCreating a Custom KiCad Symbol for the DFRobot FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 When designing a custom carrier PCB around the DFRobot FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 v1.2 , I discovered that KiCad does not include a built-in symbol for this development board. Instead of using the ESP32-C6-MINI-1 module symbol (which represents the module itself rather than the complete development board), I created a custom symbol that exposes only the header pins available on the FireBeetle. Step 1: Gather the Pinout The first step was to obtain the official FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 V1.2 pinout from DFRobot's documentation. Since the development board already contains the ESP32-C6 module, power circuitry, USB interface, and other support components, only the header pins needed to be represented in the schematic. https://wiki.dfrobot.com/dfr1075/#tech_specs Step 2: Create a Pin Import CSV community.element14.com/.../FireBeetle_5F00_2_5F00_ESP32_2D00_C6_5F00_V1.2_5F00_KiCad_5F00_PinImport_5F00_v2.csv Rather than manually adding each pin in KiCad, I prepared a CSV file containing: Pin number Pin name Electrical type Pin orientation Pin position Text size Visibility Unit information The CSV was formatted according to KiCad's Import Pins from CSV specification. Step 3: Import the Pins In the KiCad Symbol Editor: File → New Symbol After creating an empty symbol: Tools → Import Pins from CSV The generated CSV was imported, automatically creating all header pins. Step 4: Arrange the Symbol After import, the pins were aligned and spaced evenly around the symbol body. A rectangle was added to represent the FireBeetle board, and the following symbol properties were configured: Reference: U Value: ESP32-C6 v1.2 Description Datasheet URL Step 5: Verify Electrical Types Each pin was assigned an appropriate electrical type, such as: Power Input Power Output Input Bidirectional No Connect These electrical types are important because KiCad's Electrical Rules Check (ERC) uses them to detect wiring mistakes. Step 6: Save to a Personal Library Finally, the completed symbol was saved into a custom KiCad library so it can be reused across future projects without recreating it. Benefits Creating a custom symbol provides several advantages: Represents the actual FireBeetle development board rather than the underlying ESP32 module. Simplifies schematic design by exposing only usable header pins. Enables clean carrier-board designs. Creates a reusable component for future ESP32-C6 projects.kicad10pcbesp32-c6firebeetlehttps://community.element14.com/products/raspberry-pi/raspberrypi_projects/b/blog/posts/custom-manufactured-rp2040-boards-part-3---final-resultsMon, 06 Jul 2026 18:42:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6fe70cf6-c38b-4151-ba84-9b34967d8cc8shabazI wanted to make a custom RP2040 microcontroller-based project, and in Part 1 it was discussed how the schematic and PCB files of Raspberry Pi’s custom minimal RP2040 project were adapted and modified. In Part 2 , the PCB layout was improved for manufacturability, and the PCB assembly order was sent to a manufacturer, to produce ten of the boards. This final Part 3 discusses the results; in brief, the boards functioned, which was a relief! This morning the following small bundle was received, inside a box: All the assembled boards were secured with tape on the underside. The amount of bubble-wrap was more than adequate, all the boards look great. The first thing I did was to examine a sample board, to ensure components were oriented the correct way. I'm glad we had an 0402 parts discussion, and the results of that can be seen in the photo below. I have not got out the protractor and set-square, but I think those parts are textbook-grade aligned! The PCB is not densely populated, so there was space for very large component reference silkscreen text. With the settings shown below, the text is extremely readable in my opinion. Here is the underside: A through-hole USB-C connector was used (this cost a bit more for assembly as a result) but it was needed due to the particular enclosure I hope to use. The soldering looks good. I don’t know how the through-hole soldering was done. The manufacturer portal indicated that the board went through a wave soldering process, but that would have solder-plugged the deliberately unpopulated through-hole pads that are on the board. Those through-hole pads are just lightly tinned, ready for inserting header pins if/when needed. Maybe the manufacturer masked the unpopulated through-hole pads. For board bring-up some tests ought to be run first (and it would be very helpful to create some sort of a test jig), but I decided to just try one board immediately, since this isn’t a complex design. I held down the BOOTSEL button and plugged the USB cable into the PC. It was great to hear the Windows hardware detected sound, just as if it were a Pi Pico board that was plugged in! The RP2040 has a built-in internal bootloader that makes the device appear as a file system, so all that is needed is to drag-and-drop the binary file onto the drive letter. A GPIO pin on the board is connected to an LED that is used for status, and it successfully lit up. I then ran some end-to-end tests (the board is an RS-485 adapter, so I tested that I could send and receive). After that, it took just a couple of minutes to program up all the remainder boards in the same way. I have not tested these end-to-end, so for now I just observed that the status light was lit, which proves the CPU is running and that the USB connection is functioning. The LEDs that were chosen are overly bright with the particular resistor values, but that's a minor issue. I should have also created a silkscreen location for serial numbers, but I forgot. It is a relief that things have gone well. The changes made to the custom minimal project are published on GitHub (both myself and geralds contributed to the content there) so hopefully it can be useful to others looking to make custom RP2040 boards too (and it would be super-interesting to hear if anyone plans to do something similar). If I were to do it again, I would put more thought into how I'd want to automate the testing, although for this simple design it is fast to manually run through a few tests. This concludes the blog series, although some end panels need to be designed for the enclosure, and then do the final assembly. Thanks for reading!kicadpicoPCB productionpcb assemblyrpiexpertrp2040raspberry_pi_projectsproductionpi picohttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/amphenol/b/blog/posts/meeting-the-bandwidth-challenge-how-io-connectors-are-supporting-next_2d00_generation-ai-infrastructureMon, 06 Jul 2026 16:26:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ba5b05a0-d302-443d-ba99-3807c029d575Julia_St.HilaireArtificial intelligence is driving unprecedented growth in data center traffic. As AI models become larger and more complex, the infrastructure supporting them must deliver greater bandwidth, lower latency, and improved scalability. For system architects and hardware designers, this creates a significant challenge: ensuring interconnect solutions can keep pace with rapidly increasing performance requirements. The Growing Demand for Bandwidth Modern AI clusters rely on constant communication between processors, accelerators, networking equipment, and storage systems. As data volumes increase, engineers must balance several competing priorities: Increase throughput Maintain signal integrity Optimize thermal performance Maximize system density Meeting these requirements has become a critical aspect of data center design. Why Connector Selection Matters At higher data rates, connector performance can have a direct impact on overall system reliability and efficiency. Signal loss, crosstalk, and insertion loss become increasingly important as designers move toward faster networking architectures and denser system layouts. Selecting connectivity solutions designed for high-speed applications helps address these challenges early in the design process. Mini Cool Edge® IO Mini Cool Edge® IO connectors are designed for high-density data center, networking, and high-performance computing applications where bandwidth, signal integrity, and space efficiency are critical. Built to support next-generation architecture, the Mini Cool Edge® IO family offers: Support for PCIe® Gen 7 applications Up to 128G PAM4 Flexible cable-to-board configurations Enhanced thermal performance for dense system designs Supports both cable and card edge connection Designed for high-end computing systems Enables high-speed signal transmission while maintaining signal integrity As AI workloads continue to grow, these capabilities help engineers design systems that can accommodate increasing bandwidth requirements without sacrificing density or reliability. Specifically, the PCIe Gen 7 Mini Cool Edge IO Connector provides compact, high-density connectivity for AI and data center applications. This design helps enables high-speed signal transmission while supporting the signal integrity requirements of next-generation systems. Mini Cool Edge® IO at a Glance Feature Capability Application AI Infrastructure, HPC, Data Centers Protocol Support PCIe® Gen 7 Data Rate Up to 128 GT PAM4 Design High-Density Cable-to-Board Benefits Signal Integrity, Density, Thermal Performance Typical Uses Servers, Accelerators, Storage, Networking By maximizing available board space while maintaining reliable performance, Mini Cool Edge® IO connectors help support increasingly demanding AI infrastructure. videos.amphenol-cs.com/.../pcie®-gen-7-mini-cool-edge-io-connector-|-amphenol Supporting the Future of AI As AI workloads continue to scale, infrastructure designers need connectivity solutions capable of supporting higher data rates and greater system complexity. When combined with ACS high-speed cable assemblies and backplane connector solutions such as AirMax® , Mini Cool Edge® IO connectors help provide the foundation for modern server, storage, and networking architectures. Looking Ahead The transition toward higher-speed networking technologies will continue to drive demand for advanced interconnect solutions. By investing in high-density, high-performance connectivity, engineers can better prepare their designs for future AI workloads while maintaining the reliability and scalability required by next-generation data centers. As AI infrastructure scales, what do you see as the greatest infrastructure challenge? Share your experience in the comments below!Amphenol Communications Solutionsai infrastructureartificial intelligenceMini Cool Edge IOhigh-speed connectivitydata centershpcPCIe Gen 7https://community.element14.com/p/admin-deniedMon, 06 Jul 2026 14:05:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8f81f710-fe60-4f4a-a57a-4ffd0197a54fAccess Denied Access is restricted. Please raise this with the element14 Community team if you believe this is in error. You can alternatively logout and raise a request in Feedback and Support.https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/navigating-extreme-environments-with-hubbell-high-performance-power-entry-solutionsMon, 06 Jul 2026 12:13:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c4e3a3a2-afe9-4098-bed2-c079d8282299Vinod-GPower reliability across diverse, high-stakes environments Industrial and institutional infrastructure, such as high-speed factory floors, washdown-intensive food processing plants, and life-critical healthcare environments, relies on safe, reliable, and uninterrupted electrical power at the point of use. Manufacturing systems use automated machinery and robotics that operate continuously in environments with constant vibration, high current loads, and particulate contamination. Food processing facilities require equipment that withstands frequent high-pressure washdowns, chemical exposure, and strict hygiene protocols, which challenge standard electrical interfaces. Healthcare environments depend on electrically reliable systems for diagnostic imaging, mobile medical equipment, and sterilization processes, where power failure or electrical noise can directly affect patient safety. As automation, electrification, and 24/7 operation expand across all three sectors, electrical power systems are under increasing stress. High currents, frequent connection cycles, environmental exposure, and stringent safety regulations place unprecedented demands on power entry connectors and disconnect devices. These critical interfaces must address challenges like load-break safety, environmental ingress protection, mechanical durability, maintenance isolation, and regulatory compliance. This convergence of demands has elevated the importance of rugged, switch‑rated, and environmentally sealed power solutions that can perform consistently across diverse operating conditions. In this article, we explore how modern power entry architectures address shared failure modes across manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare and how solutions such as Hubbell Advantage ™ Series Switch‑Rated IEC Pin & Sleeve Devices and Circuit‑Lock® Disconnect Switches (HBLDS Series) help engineers design safer, more resilient power systems for multi‑industry applications. Environmental challenges across industrial and critical environments Manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare environments are among the harshest operating conditions for electrical hardware. The power entry connectors present on factory floors, processing areas, and clinical settings are continuously subjected to the following challenges: Vibration and shock: Heavy machinery, processing equipment, and mobile medical systems generate continuous micro‑vibrations that can loosen poorly designed connectors and locking hardware. Over time, this can increase contact resistance, generate heat, and ultimately lead to connector failure. Contaminants and ingress: Dust, metal shavings, food particulates, moisture, and chemical disinfectants generated by operations can enter connectors and degrade contacts if sealing is inadequate or the ingress protection (IP) rating is insufficient. This increases the risk of short circuits or arc faults. Thermal stress: Industrial, processing, and medical equipment frequently operate at high duty cycles, drawing significant current over long periods. This continuous load generates significant heat at the contact interface. If connectors are not designed to handle these temperature rises, housing materials may degrade, and contact resistance can increase, potentially leading to overheating or contact welding. Accidental disconnects: In dynamic environments, cables are often damaged when mobile equipment such as forklifts, portable imaging skids, or diagnostic carts moves before being disconnected from the power source. Together, these conditions can lead to several failure modes, including damage to power cords, mobile equipment, and wall receptacles. Such failures often result in unexpected operational downtime, sanitation or maintenance requirements, and pose significant safety risks to personnel and patients. Engineering out failure modes: Standards that matter To maintain reliable performance under these circumstances, industrial connectors and disconnect switches must be engineered with rugged housing, corrosion-resistant contacts, secure locking mechanisms, and high ingress protection (IP) ratings. These connectors should also conform to internationally recognized standards that define safety, environmental protection, and electrical compatibility requirements for industrial connectors. Some of these standards are: UL 2682 – Switch-rated connector standard: This standard certifies connectors that can safely interrupt electrical current during connection or disconnection under load. Switch-rated devices approved under UL 2682 combine plug-and-receptacle functionality with switching performance, making them a compliant disconnecting means for both motor circuits and branch circuits. This prevents dangerous arcing, reduces contact pitting, and improves operational safety. IEC 60309 – Industrial plug and socket standard: It defines globally recognized specifications for industrial plugs, sockets, and couplers. The standard uses keyed geometries and color-coding based on voltage and frequency, ensuring safe, reliable mating while preventing mismatches between electrical systems. This is particularly important in manufacturing facilities where equipment may operate across varying voltage levels. UL 508 / IEC 60947‑4‑1 – Industrial control and motor switching standard: These standards govern industrial control equipment such as motor controllers and disconnect switches, defining requirements for safe switching, isolation, and endurance under electrical load. Compliance ensures devices are suitable for use as disconnecting means in motor circuits, providing predictable performance, fault protection, and operational safety in industrial power systems. IP69K – High-pressure washdown protection: The IP69K rating defines the highest level of ingress protection for connectors exposed to high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns. Devices meeting this standard are tested with water jets at roughly 80–100 bar and up to 80 °C from multiple angles, ensuring connectors remain dust-tight and watertight even in aggressive sanitation environments. NEMA 4X(UL4X) / NEMA12 ratings: These North American environmental protection ratings ensure connectors are resistant to corrosion, dust ingress, and hose-directed water exposure. When combined with IP ratings, they provide comprehensive protection against contaminants, chemicals, and moisture typically found in industrial environments. Standard / Requirement Definition Industrial benefit Rugged mechanical design Durable housing, corrosion-resistant contacts, and secure locking mechanisms. Ensures long service life in vibration, dust, and chemically exposed environments. UL 2682 Switch-rated connectors certified to safely connect or disconnect under electrical load. Prevents arcing and enables use as a compliant disconnect for motor and branch circuits. IEC 60309 International standard for industrial plugs and sockets with keyed, color-coded configurations. Prevents mismating and ensures safe connections across different voltage systems. UL 508 / IEC 60947 ‑4 ‑1 Standards governing industrial control equipment and motor disconnect devices. Ensures safe switching, isolation, and compliance for motor circuit disconnect applications. IP69K Highest ingress protection rating against dust and high-pressure hot water jets. Enables reliable operation in washdown and sanitation environments. NEMA 4X / NEMA 12 North American enclosure ratings for corrosion resistance, dust protection, and water exposure. Protects connectors from moisture, chemicals, and industrial contaminants. Table 1: Key Industrial Connector Standards for Safety, Washdown Protection, and Reliable Power Connections Ruggedizing the Factory Floor: Solving the Load Break Dilemma with Hubbell Advantage ™ and Circuit-Lock® HBLDS The Hubbell Advantage Series switch-rated IEC pin-and-sleeve connectors provide safe and reliable load-break operation at the point of use. Designed for manufacturing, food and beverage, and healthcare settings, these devices combine strong electrical switching with advanced environmental protection. Advantage ™ connectors, available in 30A, 60A, and 100 A ratings, are UL 2682 switch rated and approved as disconnecting means for both motor and branch circuits. They make and break under load, serving as a line-of-sight disconnect without a separate switch. With short-circuit current ratings up to 100 kA SCCR and horsepower ratings up to 40 HP, they support demanding motor-driven applications while reducing hardware and installation complexity. Durable housing, UL Type 4X/12 and IP69K sealing, and a spring-loaded cover ensure long-term reliability in harsh environments by protecting against dust, oils, chemicals, and high temperature washdowns. Figure 1: Features and Benefits of Advantage ™ Series Switch-Rated IEC Pin and Sleeve Devices In applications where a dedicated, enclosure-based disconnect is required, Hubbell Circuit-Lock® HBLDS motor disconnect switches provide a robust solution for local motor isolation and servicing. The HBLDS family is available in industrial-grade, unfused, three-pole configurations, including models such as the HBLDS30P (30 A, 600 V AC) and HBLDS60 (60 A, 600 V AC). These switches are listed to UL 508 and UL 60947-4-1A as manual motor controllers and are suitable for use as motor disconnects in accordance with NEC 430.102(B) requirements. Designed for harsh industrial and washdown environments, HBLDS disconnects feature UV-stabilized, non-metallic enclosures and a rounded, sloped-top geometry that supports hygienic design by shedding dirt and debris. Protection ratings include IP69K and NEMA Type 4X/12, ensuring resistance to water ingress, corrosion, and contaminants. NSF certification further qualifies these devices for hygiene-critical applications, making them well-suited for food processing environments and other sanitation-intensive installations. Operational safety is enhanced through a highly visible red handle that can be padlocked in the OFF position to support OSHA lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. Permanently laser-marked ratings ensure long-term legibility, even under repeated washdowns. Select HBLDS models also incorporate inTOUCH® technology, providing installation-free LED phase indication via six integral LEDs for clear, secondary visual confirmation of make/break status across three-phase (Y or Delta) systems. Together, the Advantage ™ Series switch-rated IEC pin-and-sleeve devices and Circuit-Lock® HBLDS motor disconnect switches offer two complementary approaches to load-break design: one that integrates connection and switching at the point of use, and another that provides a durable, enclosure-based disconnect for fixed equipment and line-of-sight isolation. Figure 2: Features and Benefits of Hubbell Circuit-Lock ™ Disconnect Switch with inSIGHT technology Use case: VFD-Controlled Motor System In automated environments across manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare, motors for conveyors or pumps are often controlled by Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). A Hubbell Advantage ™ Series switch-rated connector is typically installed at the power inlet, allowing operators to safely interrupt power under load and simplify lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures. The integrated break-before-main auxiliary contacts provide a critical signal to the VFD or PLC, initiating a controlled shutdown that protects sensitive electronics from abrupt power loss during equipment changeovers. To complete this safety loop, a Hubbell Circuit-Lock® HBLDS disconnect switch is installed downstream of the VFD, within line-of-sight of the motor. This provides a permanent, lockable isolation point for mechanical servicing, ensuring compliance with NEC 430.102(B) while its IP69K-rated, sloped-top enclosure survives the harshest washdowns. By pairing the Advantage ™ connector at the drive with the HBLDS switch at the motor, facilities secure both the control electronics and the personnel performing maintenance, creating a robust, redundant safety architecture that minimizes operational downtime. Figure 3: Hubbell Advantage ™ Series Switch-Rated IEC Pin and Sleeve Devices and Circuit‑Lock® HBLDS Motor Disconnect Switches in VFD-Controlled Motor Applications Conclusion: Selecting the Right Interconnect to minimize risk and maximize ROI. In today’s highly automated manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare environments, reliable electrical connectivity is essential for maintaining productivity, safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency. As these facilities continue advancing toward higher levels of automation, the reliability of every component becomes increasingly critical. Selecting high-performance power connectivity solutions such as the Hubbell Advantage ™ Series and Circuit‑Lock® HBLDS motor disconnect switches can therefore be a strategic investment that mitigates operational risk while maximizing return on investment (ROI). By integrating switch-rated, IP69K-certified connectors and rugged enclosure-based disconnects , engineers can streamline electrical system design, enhance worker safety, and build a resilient power infrastructure capable of supporting the demands of modern industrial, processing, and clinical environments. Buying Options HBLS560P9W Buy now HBLS560P9W Buy now HBLDS30 Buy now HBLDS60 Buy now For more innovative products from Hubbell Shop Now ABOUT THE SPONSOR Hubbell remains grounded in the bedrock principles of quality and innovation established by Harvey Hubbell II more than 135 years ago. They continue to deliver high-quality products and solutions that help build a more reliable, resilient, and renewable energy infrastructure. Strategically aligned around clean energy megatrends, including grid modernization and energy efficiency, they see a bright, sustainable future for their customers, employees, and shareholders as they accomplish their mission to electrify economies and energize communities. For more information, click here.connectorshigh performanceIndustrial plugsVFDsThermal stressMotor switchVibration and shockExtreme Environmentshttps://community.element14.com/members-area/support/f/forum/57081/my-login-doesn-t-seem-to-be-working-and-i-reset-my-password/236318Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3967903e-de36-43d4-9285-e3fefb1e41accstantonHi jafinch78 Thanks for getting in touch. We've reviewed your account and everything now appears to be in order from our side. Please try logging in again using your existing account credentials. If you continue to experience any issues, please reply with details of any error messages or screenshots and we'll take a closer look.https://community.element14.com/members-area/support/f/forum/57083/e-mail/236317Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:58:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e389efa4-fb50-4728-bbb3-1060c87eecd4cstantonHi RailProcurement , You should find details in the e-mail you were sent, especially if it is from the online stores. Else you can find details on notifications and subscriptions in your account settings: I'm getting a lot of e-mail notifications from the site, help?https://community.element14.com/members-area/b/blog/posts/siglent-sds2104x-hdSun, 05 Jul 2026 16:19:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c024dcbd-d4d8-4575-96e4-befba1626671kk99For a few months, I was the owner of Siglent SDS824X HD, which is a really good device in case of performance and price ratio. But I have decided to perform an upgrade and get one more advanced device which supports higher bandwidth, sampling and has a bigger display. I saw the specification for Rohde Schwarz MXO34, which is really impressive, but the price point is high, especially if we assume the more advanced amateur usage. So for now, one can only dream of such a device. I have decided on the SDS2104X HD which is still available in some shops, because Siglent changed their SDS2000X HD lineup to start from SDS2204X HD model. In comparison to the SDS824X HD we get here: - 10.1 inch display, - low noise frontend with up to 500 MHz, - 2 GSa/s (interleaving mode) or 1 GSa/s (non-interleaving mode), - 200 Mpts/ch (interleaving mode) or 100 Mpts/ch (non-interleaving mode), - up to 100000 wfm/s (normal mode) or up to 500000 wfm/s (sequence mode), - hardware accelerated ERES up 15 bits, - built-in waveform generator up to 25 MHz, - 50 Ohm inputs, - probe readout, - more advanced triggering with support for zone triggering up to 2 zones. The build quality of the device is excellent, the encoders are much better than on the SDS824X HD. The internal fan is also fully regulated based on temperature, so the device is almost silent, where SDS824X HD was really louder. The 10.1 inch display has a nice semi-matte finish and a larger area than the SDS824X HD , which had only 7 inch display. Of course it still has 1024x600 resolution, so it will be nice if it could be a bit higher. The attached SP5050A probes support up to 500 MHz, and are also good quality. In comparison, the probes included with SDS824X HD were really cheap and not good quality. I have used Testec instead with SDS824X HD. The menu and operation of the device are the same as for SDS824X HD. I think that all options and menu are really intuitive. The built-in waveform generator is really simple, and I think that it is better to have a separate device, but for creating Bode plots or other simple measurements it should be fine. The oscilloscope has also a large set of supported decoders which is nice. I am really happy with this device.siglentoscilloscope