Category: Company News

Future Propulsion Conference 2024

Posted on by MDL Technologies

28th - 29th February 2024

National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull - B92 0EJ

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The MDL team, as part of APC Technology Group, will be exhibiting at the Future Propulsion Conference as a silver sponsor. The annual two day UK event will bring together industry and academic experts within the powertrain development field.

We will be showcasing a range of test solutions at Booth 34 in the Britannia Suite, from manufacturers including Kewell, Hioki, Chroma, Keysight and Tektronix.

Kewell has been a leader in providing test solutions and intelligent manufacturing equipment to various industries based on test power supplies.
Speak to us about Kewell
Hioki develop, manufacture and supply quality electrical measuring instruments supporting technological advancement.
Browse Hioki Products
Chroma ATE Inc. is a world leader in the electronic test and measurement industry with emphasis on quality products, service and advanced technology.
Browse Chroma Products
Tektronix Inc. delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery globally.
Browse Tektronix Products
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The Future Propulsion Conference (FPC2024) is a two day UK event created to bring together industry and academic experts within the propulsion development field. It will open up presentations and discussions on the solutions to the challenges faced by the engineering industry in the UK and internationally over the next ten years.

MDL Technologies will be on hand to answer any queries you have about electric vehicle, low carbon and other testing requirements you may have.

For more information about Future Propulsion Conference 2024, or to register for a visitor ticket, head to their website using the button below.

Register for FPC 2024

The test and measurement experts who will be at FPC 2024 from MDL Technologies, get in contact to arrange a meeting:

Yves Lutaud
Business Development Manager

Contact Yves

Jyoti Bunger
Business Development Manager

Contact Jyoti

Kumar Thamotharan
Sales Application
Engineer

Contact Kumar

Looking back at Exploring EMC 2023 – Hosted by MDL Technologies

Posted on by APC_Marketing

Back in November, MDL Technologies hosted its inaugural “Exploring EMC” event, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the EMC industry to showcase the latest technologies and innovations. Gathering at the British Motor Museum, the event played host to guest speakers from MDL’s range of technology partners to discuss EMC test standards, practical design for EMC compliance and how to prepare for a successful test programme.

Exploring EMC welcomed more than 80 attendees including guest speakers from Raditeq, Unit 3 Compliance, ETS-Lindgren and PMM Narda.

Key takeaways from the event

Radiated Emissions - Causes, Antennas, Noise, and Solutions

Kicking off the day was a talk and demonstration by  James Pawson of Unit 3 Compliance.  James carried out a live demonstration showing how radiated emissions occur from circuits using simple concepts and circuit theory.

Highlighting the differences in EMI Measurements performed by Spectrum Analyzers with EMC Functions vs. Pre and Full Compliant Receivers in the presence of Pulses with Low Repetition Frequency, according to the requirements of CISPR 16-1-1 Standard

Progressing into the morning, Dr. Eng. Michele Zingarelli, EMC Regional Manager from PMM Narda continued the seminar with his talk on the comparison of EMI measurement performance of a Spectrum Analyser, a Pre-Compliant Receiver, and a Full-Compliant Receiver.  Also covered were upcoming changes in IEC/EN 55014-1 for Household Appliances, specifically the discontinuous interference test ‘clicks’ and the impact on the EMI Analysers that can be used.

Test methods for RF immunity testing

Patrick Dijkstra, of Raditeq explained the essential requirements for measuring equipment, with a particular focus on speed and accuracy. Patrick also discussed the performance and measurement criteria required by the EMC Immunity standards to cover all functions of the Device Under Test (DUT).

Considerations for a successful EMC Test program

Closing the Seminar was Ryan Fergus,  EMC Systems Engineer at ETS-Lindgren. The presentation provided helpful information on how to plan for a successful EMC test program, covering things like EMC test plans, pre-compliance testing, product configuration requirements, EUT performance monitoring, test standards and costs.

Scroll down to get access to recordings of our seminar sessions.

Exploring EMC Exhibition

In addition to our speakers, several of our technology partners such as Tektronix, Haefely, and Y.I.C Technologies had small stands at the event to showcase their latest offerings. Attendees had the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and explore new horizons in this rapidly evolving field from trusted industry experts themselves.

“Thank you for everyone who made the effort to attend Exploring EMC from the UK and across Europe. This has been a successful event and is the first of many.” 

– Mike Kennedy, Group Business Development Director

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Want to get a more extensive recap of our
2023 Exploring EMC Seminars?

To watch the recordings of our seminar presentations from our guest speakers, please complete the short form below.

MDL – Future Propulsion Conference

Posted on by Philip Bailey

1st to 2nd March 2023

National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull - B92 0EJ

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

MDL Technologies will be exhibiting at Future Propulsion Conference – an annual two day UK event created to bring together industry and academic experts within the powertrain development field.

MDL will be showcasing a range of technologies in Stand-53, from manufacturers including Chroma, Hioki, ITECH, Tektronix, BOLAB and Kewell.

The experts who will be at FPC from MDL Technologies, get in contact to arrange a meeting:

Exhibition Layout

FPC 2023 Exhibition Layout
Hioki develop, manufacture and supply quality electrical measuring instruments supporting technological advancement.
Browse Hioki Products
Chroma ATE Inc. is a world leader in the electronic test and measurement industry with emphasis on quality products, service and advanced technology.
Browse Chroma Products
Tektronix Inc. delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery globally.
Browse Tektronix Products
BOLAB Systems provides four quadrant high power, low frequency amplifiers. Ideally suited to automotive testing with their arbitrary signal functionality and driving magnets / coils for research applications.
Browse BOLAB Products
Kewell has been a leader in providing test solutions and intelligent manufacturing equipment to various industries based on test power supplies.
Speak to us about Kewell
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Whats going on?

Seminars

Hear, learn and understand the latest innovations and developments from experts within the industry.

Exhibition

Pioneering ideas, designs and technologies from organisations and academia.

Networking

Meet and engage with current and future experts within the propulsion development field.

FPC Online Network

Log in to the FPC Online Network to meet other participants from the event.

The Future Propulsion Conference (FPC2023) is a two day UK event created to bring together industry and academic experts within the propulsion development field. It will open up presentations and discussions on the solutions to the challenges faced by the engineering industry in the UK and internationally over the next ten years.

MDL Technologies will be on hand to answer any queries you have about electric vehicle, low carbon and other testing requirements you may have.

Location / How to get there

Free Parking

1000 FREE parking spaces on site, including charge points for electric cars and disabled parking.

Accommodation

Best Western Manor Hotel can be easily accessed from the National Conference Centre.

Nearby Train Station

The closest train station is Birmingham International which is just a 5 minute taxi drive.

The National Motorcycle Museum is located directly on the J6 island of the M42 motorway, directly opposite the NEC near Solihull in the West Midlands. Once you are on the A45 and in the vicinity of the NEC and Airport, please look for the highway brown signs.

Sat Nav postcode is B92 0EJ, however please follow brown signage when in the near vicinity.

For more information about PFC2023, or to register for a visitor ticket, head to their website using the button below.

FPC 2023

BATTERY INSULATION TESTER BT5525

Posted on by Philip Bailey

Detect contamination that could cause defects. Improve battery cell productivity through high-speed testing.

Enquire!

To ensure the longevity and reliability of batteries, it is important to identify and address the root causes of latent defects during the production testing process. Small insulation defects, if left unchecked, can have a significant impact on the overall service life of a battery and increase the risk of fires. Two primary factors that contribute to insulation defects are contamination with metallic particles and small scratches that occur during the manufacturing process. By identifying and addressing these issues early on, we can ensure that the batteries produced meet the necessary quality standards and provide safe and reliable performance.

The BT5525 can prevent the shipment of batteries with latent defects that could lead to fires.

High-speed testing to increase production volume. Easy to add instruments while saving space. Invest in quality at a reasonable cost.

Ideal for insulation resistance testing before battery electrolyte filling

The BT5525 conducts insulation testing between electrodes prior to filling the cells with electrolyte, with a maximum test voltage of 500 V. Under specific test conditions, it also facilitates insulation testing between module/pack electrodes and the enclosure.

Detecting minuscule insulation defects caused by contamination (Break Down Detect function)

The proprietary BDD testing function is designed to detect even the smallest internal short-circuits caused by contaminants, such as metallic matter, before the battery cells are filled with electrolyte. By catching defective parts early on in the production process, the BDD helps reduce the risk of fires and accidents caused by overheating after the battery is shipped. Moreover, these tiny internal short-circuits can speed up battery degradation. By using the BDD function, the production of batteries with improved durability and electrical performance can be achieved.

Stable insulation resistance testing, even in noisy environments

Hioki utilized its extensive design expertise and insulation resistance tester measurement technology to successfully minimize the impact of external noise. This has led to the BT5525 delivering stable and consistent insulation resistance testing with a level of precision that allows for the detection of internal short-circuits caused by contamination.

Preventing testing do-overs due to erroneous judgments

The BT5525 offers a contact check function to verify that proper contact has been made with the circuit being tested. This is accomplished by measuring the capacitance between the measurement terminals, which includes both the stray capacitance and the capacitance of the circuit itself.

Ideal for insulation resistance testing before battery electrolyte filling

The BT5525 performs insulation testing between electrodes prior to the cells being filled with electrolyte, with a maximum test voltage of 500 V. In certain conditions that meet the requirements, it can also conduct insulation testing between the module/pack electrodes and the enclosure.

Shorten cycle times with a maximum charging current of 50 mA

The BT5525 boasts fast charging capabilities of up to 50 mA and rapid discharging of residual charge at 40 mA, significantly enhancing its charging and discharging performance.



This results in a boosted testing speed, with charging being approximately 25 times faster and discharging 4 times faster compared to earlier models. By doing so, it shortens the insulation resistance testing time for batteries, which are increasingly being produced with higher capacities.



*In comparison to Hioki’s INSULATION TESTER ST5520.

Compact footprint makes it easy to integrate the BT5525 into other systems

With its extensive product design expertise, Hioki has achieved high performance in a compact form factor. The instrument can be integrated into testing systems, thereby reducing their size. This enables manufacturers to utilize compact testing systems, maximizing limited production space.

Invest in quality at a reasonable cost

The BT5525‘s functionality and performance make it a cost-effective solution, as it was designed with careful consideration given to the specific requirements of battery insulation resistance testing.



A dedicated PC application allows for the monitoring of voltage and current fluctuations during testing.



The instrument has the ability to output a test voltage of up to 500 V, making it suitable for insulation resistance testing on batteries of all sizes, from the large batteries used in electric vehicles to small battery cells.

PC application for analyzing waveforms

Hioki offers a free PC application that allows for the examination of voltage and current fluctuations. The capability to view waveforms can be beneficial when evaluating test results and setting judgment reference values for testing lines.

Additionally, since data can be outputted in the CSV format, waveforms can also be reviewed using other applications, such as Excel.

Options

CLIP TYPE LEAD L2130

For HIGH terminal, banana / alligator clip, red, cord length 1.5m

CLIP TYPE LEAD L2131

For LOW terminal special triaxial / alligator clip, black, cord length 1.5m

OUTPUT CORD L9094

For analog output, banana plugs (red, black), cord length 1.5m

UNTERNIMINATED LEAD L2133

For LOW terminal, special triaxial / cut wire, black, cord length 5m

UNTERMINATED LEAD L2132

For HIGH terminal banana / cut wire, red, cord length 5m

UNTERMINATED LEAD L2132

For external control, double shielding, 9-pin / 9-pin, cord length 3m

Key Features

Contact check function reduces the number of false negatives caused by equipment issues.

BDD function for detecting minuscule short-circuits caused by contamination before batteries are shipped.

High cost performance thanks to accessible pricing, high-speed testing, and compact footprint.

Stable insulation resistance testing even in noisy environments.

Ideal for battery production lines.

Product Video

Dimensions and mass

215 mm (8.46 in) W × 80 mm (3.15 in) H × 306.5 mm (12.07 in) D, 2.8 kg (98.8 oz)

Using AR functionality

Scan the QR Code to the left on your Android or iOS device to access this page. Then select the AR button in the 3D model area to start your AR experience.

[ Precautions ] What you see in AR may differ from the actual product in terms of characteristics like size, colors, and materials. The following operating systems and browsers are recommended. [ iOS ] Safari on iOS 15 or later [ Android ] Chrome on Android 12 or later (AR enabled device)

To assure battery quality over the long term, it’s necessary to detect the causes of latent defects in testing processes on production lines. Minuscule insulation defects can eventually degrade battery service life and cause fires. The principal causes of insulation defects are contamination (with metallic matter) and minuscule scratches occurring in production processes.

The BT5525 can prevent the shipment of batteries with latent defects that could lead to fires.

This is introduction to the functions of the new “BATTERY INSULATION TESTER BT5525” for battery production lines. The BDD function, which monitors minute voltages and currents and detects foreign substances mixed in the production process, and a convenient PC application that allows you to view waveforms, will be explained while actually measuring!

Interface

Front Interface

Back Interface

External control and other communications interfaces

The BT5525 ships standard with LAN, RS-232C, and USB interfaces, allowing it to be connected to a PC or programmable logic controller (PCL). This capability can be used to control the instrument and retrieve test results.

Furthermore, the instrument provides external I/O terminals to facilitate instrument control and retrieval of instrument status and judgment results.

EXT. I/O
RS-232C
LAN
USB

What is a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)

Posted on by Philip Bailey

What is a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) room

A sensitive compartmented information facility or SCIF is a room or building specially built with highly technical countermeasures designed to prevent eavesdropping and are built to specific acoustic specifications, typically being designed without windows and having a litany of other measures built into access and electronics.

They can also be shielded with a metallic radiant barrier to prevent radio frequencies from radiating from within.

RF-Shielded-Container-Cutaway
See our SCIF details

SCIF requirements

The requirements for SCIF facilities change depending on the end user however most require acoustic soundproofing to prevent the conversation from being overheard outside of the room, this can also be achieved with the use of white noise being played to mask conversations. 

To protect from an electronic perspective all SCIFs have metallic barriers similar to that of a faraday cage. The purpose of this is to block all RF signals and  RF emissions. Because of this, they are often accompanied by power filters if getting data or power into the room is necessary.

 

Can a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) have windows?

In general, SCIFs are designed to be secure environments that are isolated from the rest of the facility or building in which they are located. They are usually constructed with reinforced walls, floors, and ceilings to protect against unauthorized access and eavesdropping. As a result, SCIFs often do not have windows, as windows can provide a potential avenue for compromise of the secure environment.

However, it is possible for a SCIF to have windows, provided that they are designed and installed in a way that does not compromise the security of the facility. For example, the windows may be made of a material that is difficult to see through, or they may be coated with a film that blocks electronic signals. In some cases, the windows may be placed in locations that are not visible from the outside, or they may be installed in such a way that they cannot be easily opened or breached.

Ultimately, the decision to include windows in a SCIF will depend on the specific security needs and requirements of the facility. It is important to carefully consider all potential vulnerabilities and to take appropriate measures to protect the security of the SCIF and the sensitive information it contains.

What is Tempest?

Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions (TEMPEST) is a set of standards set by the U.S. National security agency and NATO certification.

It refers to a specific set of standards detailing spying on information systems from leaking emanations, including unintentional radio or electrical signals, sound, and vibrations. Within a secure compartmented information facility this typically is referring to Tempest power filters NATO SDIP-27 Level A (formerly AMSG 720B) 

What are HEMP Filters?

High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) filters are specifically designed filters that would protect electronic devices within a facility from any EMI or destructive overvoltages that could come from poor power sources, utility company fault, wiring erors or an EMP.

How can MDL help you meet your SCIF requirements?

MDL is the UK distributor for ETS-Lindgren the global leader in EMC, Acoustic, and Test & Measurement sectors.

MDL has the ability to design bespoke SCIF rooms that fit your specifications, our in-house team works alongside ETS Lindgren to provide some of the most demanding industrial, medical, and government shielding challenges.

Enquire!

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What is an Anechoic chamber and what is it used for?

Posted on by Philip Bailey

What is the difference between a Fully Anechoic Chamber (FAC) and a Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC)?

A semi-anechoic chamber (SAC) and a fully anechoic chamber (FAC) are both specialised facilities used for testing the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF) performance of devices. Both types of chambers are designed to eliminate or reduce reflections of electromagnetic waves, which allows for more accurate and reliable testing results.

What is an Anechoic Chamber and what is it used for?

……..

Read the full article at APC Technology Group

Fully Anechoic (FAC), Semi Anechoic (SAC) AND Open Area test Site (OATS)​

Read more
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What are Anechoic Chambers used for?

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EMC Testing – Turnkey EMC Solutions for Aerospace, Defence, Automotive and Commercial Applications

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APC_Technology_Group

MDL Technologies is part of APC Technology Group

In 2021, MDL became part of APC Technology Group. APC provides the design, specification and distribution of specialist electronic components and systems, property technologies and connectivity products. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, APC’s specialist teams help UK OEMs, CEMs and organisations looking to take advantage of the latest technologies to produce better equipment, improve efficiency and achieve superior performance.

Start a technical conversation with our team to discuss your EMC projects

APC Technology Group prioritises understanding and exceeding our customers’ specific EMC testing requirements. We achieve this through a collaborative approach, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique specifications, ensuring timely delivery and adhering to established budgets.

Award for Outstanding Project Sales

Posted on by Jason Rafferty

While in Gothenburg, Sweden, for EMC Europe 2022, ETS-Lindgren held their EMEA Awards, honouring their reps for excellence in the field.

Mark Lucock and Shivas Jogi along with ETS-Lindgren's European reps

Working with ETS, we have managed to secure several million pounds worth of great EMC chamber/system projects for commercial and defence testing along with a couple of OTA wireless test facilities.

MDL Technologies were proud to accept the award for Outstanding Project Sales over the last year with ETS-Lindgren.

Mark Lucock accepted the award for MDL Technologies

Congratulations to the team for their great work, and well done to everyone else who received an award.

Tektronix announces MDL Technologies as an authorised UK channel partner

Posted on by APC_Marketing

Tektronix, a global leader in measurement technology, has signed an agreement with MDL Technologies and its parent company, APC Technology Group, appointing it as an authorised channel partner for the UK and Ireland.

Tektronix customers in the UK and Ireland will now benefit from greater access to test and measurement solutions for their applications, with MDL and APC having the ability to sell the full portfolio of Tektronix and Keithley products.

“We are very excited to have APC Technology Group [incorporating MDL Technologies] as a partner and with the combined strengths of APC and Tektronix, we will be even better positioned to serve our customers” said Niclas Olsson, Sales Director North EMEA at Tektronix. “Working with APC allows us to position the Tektronix and Keithley brands strongly in the UK and Ireland. This announcement also aligns with Tektronix’s continued focus on providing world class support, as well as excellent product and technical knowledge for our customers”.

Tektronix is an engineer-for-the-engineer company, with experts capable of understanding the design and test requirements of customers deeply. Their measurement solutions help accelerate customer innovations to market faster, from research and design, through to launch of their innovations into the market.

“This partnership offers Tektronix Ltd a unique opportunity to strengthen and expand its sales network. MDL and APC have long been established as one of the leading test and measurement distributors in the UK and we are very much looking forward to working together” says Nick Tarling, Tektronix Distribution Account Manager UK/IRL/BENELUX.

MDL Technologies was acquired by APC in 2021. In addition to test and measurement equipment, APC provides the specification and design-in of specialist electronic components and systems, with a broad range of customers across the defence, manufacturing, critical national infrastructure, broadcast and finance marketplaces to name but a few.

(Left to right): Stuart Chiplin – Sales Director APC Technology Group, Nick Tarling - Tektronix Distribution Account Manager UK/IRL/BENELUX), Richard Hodgson – CEO APC Technology Group, Mark Lucock – Managing director MDL Technologies.

Says Mark Lucock, Director of MDL: “We see Tektronix’s excellent testing solutions around CAN bus, automotive ethernet, SENT sensor bus, electronic warfare and EMC testing as being of huge interest to our customers and complementary to the Group’s existing portfolio of solutions. Both APC and MDL are delighted to be working with the Tektronix team and look forward to showcasing their products to our customers.”

Richard Hodgson, CEO of APC Technology Group, adds: “As a distributor and sourcing specialist of electronics components and systems, our test and measurement equipment portfolio forms a natural extension to our broader product offering. Across our group we have decades of technical, engineer-to-engineer expertise; both within APC’s test and measurement team, our calibration lab and within our subsidiary MDL Technologies.”