Quality Over Quantity: Day 1 at SPS Atlanta 2025
The first iteration of Smart Production Solutions (SPS) hosted Stateside (Atlanta GA) was not too busy, making maneuvering thru isles of Show Hall C in the Georgia World Congress Center quite easy. However, many of the manufacturers we spoke to were more focused on the quality of conversations and leads from day 1 versus the lackluster attendance thus far. Panel Builder US had many quality meetings and interviews with manufacturers throughout the day, and here are some highlights:
Single Pair Ethernet Pavilion Joins SPS Atlanta 2025
At the SPE Pavilion, visitors discovered the world of Single Pair Ethernet, including 10BASE-T1L, 10BASE-T1S, and Ethernet-APL, live on the show floor. Attendees experienced hands-on demonstrations featuring cutting-edge SPE and APL solutions from multiple leading companies and explore a wide range of components such as physics, magnetics, microcontroller units, cables, connectors, switches, and more.
“Single Pair Ethernet is redefining what’s possible in automation by simplifying connectivity, reducing complexity, and enabling seamless data flow from the field to the cloud,” said Michael Breneisen, President/CEO, Telebyte Inc., pavilion participant, an industry leader and strong advocate for SPE technology. “At SPS Atlanta 2025, the SPE Pavilion will give visitors an unprecedented opportunity to see the technology in action and understand its transformative potential.”
Exhibitors Driving the SPE Ecosystem
The SPE Pavilion brings together world-class innovators leading the transition to simplified, Ethernet-based industrial networks. Catch a glimpse at just a few of the many SPE exhibiting companies:
- Rockwell Automation – demonstrating how SPE strengthens industrial control, improves interoperability, and accelerates digital transformation strategies.
- Beckhoff – presenting open automation platforms built on Ethernet standards, showing how SPE enables deterministic communication, high-speed data exchange, and streamlined wiring for both OEMs and plant operators.
- Endress+Hauser – highlighting Ethernet-APL solutions that extend Ethernet into hazardous and field-level environments, cutting commissioning times and enabling real-time diagnostics for predictive maintenance.
- Texas Instruments – unveiling semiconductor and PHY solutions designed to extend power and data over long distances, delivering robust, noise-immune performance for mission-critical operations.
Together, these exhibitors and others illustrate the complete SPE value chain, from silicon and components to system integration. Their demonstrations reveal how SPE reduces infrastructure complexity, lowers lifecycle costs, and enables scalable architectures to support the connected factories of tomorrow.
New Tools for a NewDay
The new Swifty CS (cut and strip) tool from Weidmuller integrates three essential functions into one compact, ergonomic tool: a precision screwdriver, a wire cutter, and a wire stripper. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to carry and switch between multiple tools, streamlining the installation workflow and saving valuable time.
The screwdriver function is optimized for common terminal screw sizes used in panel building, while the integrated wire cutter provides clean cutting of copper cables up to 1.5 mm² (solid) and 2.5 mm² (flexible), ensuring neat and reliable ends. The stripping feature offers precise insulation removal without damaging conductors, compatible with popular wire gauges.
Safety First, Longer Operating Life Second
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) cables from Southwire are specifically engineered to handle the unique challenges associated with VFD systems, such as high-frequency voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference (EMI). These cables ensure safe, consistent power transmission between variable frequency drives and motors, effectively reducing electrical noise and interference, which helps maintain optimal system performance.
- VFD cables provide robust protection for motors by incorporating advanced insulation, shielding, and jacketing materials. This construction protects motors from voltage surges, corona discharge, and stray voltages that can cause premature motor bearing damage, overheating, and insulation failure.
- Proper shielding and grounding of these cables minimize electromagnetic noise that can lead to erratic motor operation or failure.
- A durable design withstands mechanical wear and harsh environmental conditions, reducing the risk of cable-related downtime and extending the operational life of both motors and drives.
By mitigating common-mode stray currents and controlling voltage spikes, VFD cables help prevent stress on motor components, contributing to longer motor lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and improved reliability. Their use supports compliance with industrial standards and helps avoid costly motor failures, making them a critical component in any VFD-driven motor system.
An Oldie but a Goodie
Why still use a traditional back panel when AirSTREAM wiring system offers a convenient and easy access to wiring and populating of components from the front of the control cabinet? Originally launched in 1972, the LSC (Lütze System Component) wiring system introduced the concept of a modular, front-accessible frame and systematically routed wiring paths, enabling efficient use of space and simplifying wiring and maintenance by eliminating the need for rear-side access. The AirSTREAM wiring system represents the latest generation of the original LSC wiring system. The compact high strength aluminum frame provides a light weight state of the art wiring system which integrates the wiring management within the frame. Additional advantages of the AirSTREAM wiring system include:
- Mounting rails are made of aluminum, a light weight yet strong material for improved stability
- Convenient and compact installation of components
- Innovative accessories, such as AirBLADES and AirBLOWER, for improved air circulation and thermal dynamics to avoid hot spots
- A variety of wire combs to accommodate a wide range of cable diameters.
- Streamlined part numbering
The LUTZE AirSTREAM Wiring System also promotes effective hot spot dissipation by keeping the ambient temperature at optimal level to avoid severe and costly consequences like decreased lifetime of components and possible machine downtime.
