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Wednesday 9 July 2025
TRI unveils new multi-camera AOI, TR7500 SIII Ultra
Test Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces the new TR7500 SIII Ultra. The new Multi Camera AOI solution features advanced inspection technology, delivering industry-leading speed and precision for electronics manufacturing
Hardware Security
Hardware security is crucial for providing robust protection for sensitive data in our increasingly interconnected environment. Relying solely on software protection is insufficient to prevent the rising threats of remote cyberattacks.
Friday 15 August 2025
MEAN WELL unveils application-focused power solutions for Automation Taipei 2025
Power modules have undergone a significant transformation- from simple power sources into critical enablers of system scalability, performance, and energy efficiency. This evolution is driven by the increasing demand for energy resilience, industrial transformation and enhancement. MEAN WELL, the global leader in standard power supply solutions, will adopt an application-oriented approach and work in close collaboration with distributors to showcase the effectiveness of their diversified product portfolios in practical applications at the upcoming Automation Taipei 2025.Partnering with distributors to develop complete solutions for automation, green energyTony Hsieh, Section Manager of MEAN WELL's Technical Service Center, indicated that the company's focus at this exhibition is on automation and green energy applications. Distributors will leverage their expertise in automation applications to incorporate MEAN WELL's green energy and backup power products.Hsieh further noted that the company's product designs follow cross-industry standards, efficiently fulfilling the application requirements of distributors in their specific sectors. In the field of humanoid robotics, MEAN WELL provides an array of charging power options, including wall-mounted designs, high-power density models, and fanless or fan-equipped configurations. These technologies can be easily adapted for various scenarios, including outdoor applications. Moreover, they support CAN bus communication and system-level integration, ensuring a stable power supply.The characteristics offer a broader range of collaborative models between MEAN WELL and its distribution partners. Partners leverage their technical expertise and capabilities to integrate MEAN WELL's standard products and related components as a foundational element in their offering, in addition to traditional product sales. Furthermore, by applying their professional integration capabilities—tailored to specific application scenarios—they co-develop comprehensive solutions that deliver significant added value.At Automation Taipei 2025, factory automation specialist YAU-YIH Enterprise will present a complete industrial robotic arm display solution powered by MEAN WELL's automation-oriented power supplies. RiKO, specialist in smart lighting control, will showcase the integration of MEAN WELL's Matter wireless and DALI wired dimming controllers with its proprietary sensors for use in industrial and commercial automation scenarios. JIDIEN will exhibit its most recent XDR and XTR series DIN-rail power supplies, as well as the next-generation mobile energy storage system, the NTN-5K, highlighting its advancements in energy storage applications and power integration.MEAN WELL's distributors will present backup power solutions for energy applications. Integrating redundant power supplies with control modules allows automation systems to securely retain operational progress, document work steps, and ensure a consistent power supply during outages, thereby reducing equipment loss and downtime expenses.Hsieh stated that MEAN WELL's target applications prioritize energy conservation, green energy and smart systems. These technologies prioritize high-efficiency energy conversion, support a variety of communication protocols, and enable remote monitoring. They can be integrated with other products to enhance energy storage and feedback systems in both grid-connected and off-grid setups, effectively fulfilling the stability and intelligent energy demands of modern automation systems. This presentation leverages distributors' expert integration capabilities, combining MEAN WELL power modules with green energy and backup products to create a unified system that provides significant value-added services to end customers.The simultaneous release of key products aims to greatly improve industrial control and energy storage applications solutionsMEAN WELL will exhibit a variety of key products at this exhibition, in addition to the two target applications. These products include the XDR series DIN-rail power modules, the BIC-2200 bidirectional power supply, the LOP-200/300 ultra-thin PCB power supplies, and other solutions that have garnered significant industry attention.The XDR, XDR-E, and XTR represent significant enhancements to MEAN WELL's DIN-rail power supply product line, effectively tackling spatial limitations, thermal management, and communication needs within the industrial and automation sectors. The three products are distinctly categorized: the XDR serves as the premium flagship with superior performance and extensive communication capabilities; the XDR-E presents a budget-friendly alternative; and the XTR accommodates three-phase input, rendering it appropriate for substantial loads and extended usage. series can function at full capacity at 60 degrees Celsius. These products meet international safety standards such as CB, TUV, UL, CE, and UKCA, with some models offering explosion-proof and maritime safety certifications.The BIC-2200 is a bidirectional AC/DC power supply designed to support various energy storage applications by facilitating both charging and discharging operations. It can be paralleled with a maximum of five units for a total output of 11kW, delivering 2200W of power per unit in a 1U ultra-slim rack-mount design. It possesses a bidirectional conversion efficiency of 93% and switching rates of one millisecond. Furthermore, it has an optional CAN bus interface for connection with energy management systems. This product is TUV/UL 62368-1 and CE certified, and adheres to the IEC 62477-1 grid-connection standard. It includes comprehensive protective measures, including islanding protection, overvoltage, overload, short-circuit, and overtemperature safeguards, rendering it appropriate for battery manufacturing and energy scheduling applications like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2G) systems.The LOP-200/300 series is an ultra-thin, high-power PCB-mounted power supply, measuring 4×2×1 inches and around 25mm in thickness. They are offered in 200W and 300W variants, featuring a maximum output capacity of 150% and an output voltage range of 12-54V. They can operate reliably at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters and within a temperature range of -40 to 80 degrees Celsius. The LOP-200/300 series has obtained numerous international safety certifications, including IEC 62368-1, IEC 60601-1, and IEC 61558-1/60335-1. They demonstrate a conversion efficiency of up to 94%, and a leakage current of 500µA, and an integrated auxiliary power supply of 12V/0.5A. The entire series comes with a three-year warranty.Product and application solution partner: MEAN WELL and distributors building a complete value chainAt Automation Taipei 2025, MEAN WELL will present the outcomes of its strategic evolution into a comprehensive product and application solutions partner. Distributors can leverage their specialized expertise, together with MEAN WELL's extensive standardized product line, to create a full value chain from product to application. Hsieh indicated that driven by a triadic strategy of module standardization, application orientation, and customization support, MEAN WELL is moving beyond the traditional role of a power supply manufacturer and evolving into an application-driven power solution partner. In the future, MEAN WELL will enhance its flexible integration and application extension capabilities across automation, energy storage, AI computing, medical care, and high-density equipment. Through close collaboration with industry partners, the company aims to deliver efficient, safe, and stable smart solutions.Caption: XTR Series Ultra-Thin, High-Efficiency, and Durable DIN Rail Power Supply.Caption: XDR-E Next-Generation Ultra-Thin DIN Rail Power Supply.
Thursday 14 August 2025
FEMH introduces the ASUS smart wearable to adopt smart healthcare and reduce nursing care load
Taiwan has officially transitioned into a super-aged society. The swiftly increasing older demographic and the labor force deficit have resulted in a significant scarcity of nursing personnel. By 2030, it is projected that the global demand for nursing personnel will rise by 5.5 million to 7.4 million, necessitating an increased patient care burden on medical professionals.Simultaneously, the quality standards of contemporary medical care are perpetually advancing, while the nursing operational procedures have become increasingly intricate and burdensome, hence augmenting the workload and time constraints faced by nursing personnel. Confronted with multiple problems, medical institutions must devise ways that sustain high-quality care while alleviating the pressure on nursing personnel. In response, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) implemented the ASUS VivoWatch smart band to significantly enhance nursing efficiency and service quality.The aging population affects medical care: Smart wearables helpLiu, Cai-wen (transliterated from Chinese), supervisor of the FEMH Nursing Department, stated that the ASUS VivoWatch, a wearable produced by ASUS, can automatically measure patients' vital indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. It transfers this data to the hospital system in real time using its built-in Bluetooth module, allowing for continuous 24-hour physiological monitoring. Furthermore, the device boasts a pleasant and lightweight design, suitable for extended usage, which can substantially reduce discomfort and limit interference with patients' daily activities. The FEMH Information Technology Department has partnered with the ASUS team to link the wearable device to the hospital's information system, incorporating it with the early warning system to provide an automated health risk assessment process. Upon detecting abnormal vital signs in a patient, an alert notification can be promptly generated to improve care response efficiency and ensure patient safety.Liu stated that this solution effectively addressed numerous clinical pain points. Firstly, nursing workers are no longer required to measure physiological data during the night to prevent disrupting patients' sleep. Secondly, the wearable device autonomously captures physiological data, alleviating the burden on nursing staff regarding manual measurement and documentation; thirdly, high-frequency automatic monitoring, in conjunction with an early warning system, facilitates the medical team in identifying early indicators of deteriorating conditions, thereby enhancing patient safety. This smart wearable is being utilized in the VIP and general acute wards at FEMH, serving inpatients aged 18 and above. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized the assessment of the proposal's ethical criteria and safety.Clinical advantages are reinforced in a variety of ways, resulting in a win-win situation for both patients and nursesThe efficiency of FEMH nursing operations has been substantially improved by the implementation of ASUS VivoWatch wearable devices. The automated measurement and data recording capabilities allow nursing staff to focus on patient care and emergency interventions, thereby achieving the objective of "minimizing pressure and workload." The ASUS VivoWatch wearable is seamlessly incorporated with the EWS system, allowing the nursing team to promptly identify abnormal patient signs. This integration reduces the occurrence of abrupt deterioration incidents and improves patient safety. The real-time update function of physiological data boosts the quality of care by enhancing the speed and accuracy of decision-making for the medical team. Additionally, patients are less frequently disturbed during sleep by traditional measurement methods, which strengthens hospital comfort and recovery outcomes.Liu noted that FEMH and ASUS will continue to expand the use of the wearable device across wards and for patients with various diseases, while also improving technology integration. Simultaneously, they will promote the standardization of smart care by using technology to simplify consistent nursing operational procedures, so boosting overall medical service quality and the hospital's potential for long-term development. It is hoped that by combining clinical nursing experience with technical innovation, we would be able to handle the caregiving challenges posed by an aging population and attain the long-term care aim of "nursing personnel and technology collaborating," Liu concluded.
Wednesday 6 August 2025
MEAN WELL LRS-1200 taking it to next level sets new benchmark for energy efficiency and compact footprint in medium and high output power supplies
Users in industrial control and info-communication fields are placing growing importance on the durability and reliability of power supplies. However, legacy power supply units (PSUs) are facing unprecedented challenges due to the trend towards more compact devices and increasing business focus on ESG performance.These industrial are also setting increasingly stringent requirements for PSU performance and size, driven by corporate ESG goals and environmental sustainability performance. MEAN WELL, a leading global supplier of standard PSU products, has launched the next iteration of its classic SE-1000 series that has been a best-seller for 20 years. The all-new next-generation LRS-1200 series features a smaller footprint and higher conversion efficiency while retaining its famed high reliability design. The new product offers a superior solution for mid- to high-power applications that require high energy efficiency and compact form factors.LRS-1200 Embodies Next-Generation PSU Design through High-Efficiency, Reliability, Compact Footprint, and Carbon ReductionThe LRS-1200 is based on the SE-1000 and draws on the high reliability design characteristic of MEAN WELL. Product volume was reduced by a staggering 49% through extensive optimizations and conversion efficiency was improved by 6% to reach up to 94%. Product carbon footprint evaluation found that each LRS-1200 PSU produced 13.30 kg CO₂ of carbon emissions, a 48.02% decreased compared to the 25.58 kg CO₂e of SE-1000. It therefore satisfies the demanding requirements for a compact footprint, energy efficiency, and sustainability in modern applications. The product supports an ultra-wide input voltage range of 180 ~ 305 Vac and an operating temperature range of -30 to +70 °C. It can also operate reliably at altitudes of 5,000 meters above sea level and in unstable power grids. A peak output of 150% is supported to cater for high instantaneous loads from starting motors, demonstrating the product's superb environmental adaptability and application flexibility. A 3-year warranty and lightweight design reduces system installation and operating costs even further. For budget-sensitive customers or large-scale deployments, it offers a highly cost-effective and environmentally-friendly power supply solution.Recognized in Multiple Industries and ApplicationsLRS-1200 has been certified by multiple international certification bodies. These included IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 for information devices as well as IEC/EN IEC 61558-1 and IEC/EN 61558-2 16 for industrial control applications. National safety certifications include CB, UL, DEKRA, RCM, CQC, BSMI, EAC, CE and UKCA. These not only provide assurance of safety during equipment operations but also ensure compatibility with all types of industrial equipment around the world. The peak output of 150% is particularly well suited to industrial automation and electromechanical systems with high instantaneous loads. The LRS-1200 has already been introduced in a number of applications encompassing industrial control systems, new energy devices, and cooling modules. Customer feedback has been generally positive. The new product has demonstrated clear advantages over legacy products in terms of flexibility on space-saving installations and power efficiency, further boosting its over cost-effectiveness and application value.Towards Smart Power and One-Stop SolutionsIn the future, MEAN WELL will continue to uphold the core strategy of "4S3H" by strengthening its system integration capability and the competitiveness of its products. "4S" stands for Software, System, Solution, and Service with an emphasis on software-hardware integration and application-oriented development; "3H" emphasizes high added value, high cost-effectiveness, and high output by upgrading the technical sophistication and range of applications for standard products. With the launch of the LRS-1200 high-power, compact PSU, MEAN WELL will continue to release more high power density, compact footprint, high efficiency, and smart solutions, aiming to deliver a one-stop, high-value, high-performance PSU service model.At the same time, MEAN WELL consolidates its R&D resources in Taiwan and China, and collaborating with ESG-aligned partners to co-develop product bundles featuring smart control and system scalability. These will have widespread applications in the industrial automation, LED lighting, medical, energy and information fields. All new products will undergo multi-national safety certifications to ensure compliance and readiness for global markets, enabling MEAN WELL to continue delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable PSU solutions.The next-gen LRS-1200 series offers higher efficiency in a smaller size, with MEAN WELL's trusted reliability - ideal for compact, high-power applicationsPhoto: MEAN WELL