Powering Industrial Automation in Harsh Environments
In this episode, sponsored by DigiKey and TRACO, we explore how modern industrial automation relies on robust, well-designed power supplies to keep demanding systems running. Host Alix Paultre, Editor-at-Large of Electronic Design, speaks with Mike Swenson, Marketing Manager for TRACO North America, about why industrial environments are among the toughest places for electronics, from electrical noise and extreme temperatures to vibration, dust, and moisture.
Alix and Mike discuss how AC/DC supplies and DC/DC converters form a layered power architecture, delivering clean, stable power to controllers, sensors, and communication modules throughout connected factories.
The conversation highlights key selection factors such as total power needs, peak load behavior, standards compliance, environmental protection, and mounting options like DIN rail, PCB, and chassis solutions. Alix and Mike also discuss testing for harsh conditions and the importance of high-reliability designs to minimize downtime and maintenance.
The episode closes with a forward look at more efficient, compact, and intelligent power solutions enabling next generation automated systems.
About the Author
Alix Paultre
Editor-at-Large, Electronic Design
An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the US military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications in the embedded electronic engineering space. Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Also check out his YouTube watch-collecting channel, Talking Timepieces.