RS Components gets artistic at embedded world

Alongside the display, RS Components  will be presenting the latest products and innovations from leading manufacturers, and specialists from the RS DesignSpark team will introduce visitors to the company’s suite of free design software.

The networking of embedded solutions, and the communication between units, enable classic tasks to be tackled in completely new ways.

This will be illustrated at embedded world by the ‘useless’ machine, which has been created to inspire engineers to engage in fusing modern IT technology with classic automation and control involving valves and pumps.

The machine comprises two containers – one containing green coloured water, and the other containing red coloured oil.

Both fluids are pumped from their tanks into a middle cylinder, resulting in red oil swimming on green water. The machine then separates the liquids again, pumping them back into their source containers.

There are no level or flow sensors present, and the only input for the control algorithms is a USB camera observing the containers.

Python libraries, for example OpenCV, are used to analyse the incoming pictures and detect the fluid levels, and Python is used to program a state machine.

The purpose of this colourful display is to showcase how engineering inspirations can be brought to life, especially with the support of distributors like RS.

Leading manufacturers including Cypress Semiconductor, Maxim Integrated and ON Semiconductor will reveal the breadth of range available from RS by showcasing their latest product innovations.

The RS DesignSpark engineering platform will be another key feature of the stand. Specialists will be on hand to demonstrate the company’s range of free-to-download design tools and resources, and to explain the benefits and support offered by this 850,000-strong engineering community.

Recently the distributor has introduced the latest version of its award-winning free-for-use DesignSpark PCB electronics CAD software. New features within DesignSpark PCB version 9 include dangling connection detection in schematics, net selection in copper pour areas, and enhancements to Excellon NC drill files.

In the ‘RS PRO’ zone there will be a real-life workbench that showcases tools and technologies from the company’s high-quality own-brand range, which provides the building blocks to implement an engineering idea and turn it into a reality.

And visitors feeling lucky can participate in the RS wheel of fortune, which is aligned with the theme of this year’s embedded world by promising an electronic ‘wheel of fortune 2.0’. Attractive prizes await the lucky winners.

RS Components will be in Hall 3A, Stand 439