Contemporary Controls says it is committed to solving customers' problems. And part of the product development cycle is being accountable to customers - and even to their customers - in the case of OEMs. The strategy is working and has not gone unnoticed, states the company.
This year, Control Engineering magazine selected Contemporary Controls as one of 35 winners in the 16th annual editors' choice award program. The magazine judged the company's CTRLink Ethernet hubs and switches on the following criteria: technological advancement, service to the industry, and impact on the controls market. The editors favoured these products' compact size, affordability and low-voltage AC/DC operation.
"We are proud of the recognition we are receiving with CTRLink," says Joe Stasiek, sales manager. "But more important CTRLink shows we are working for our customers, not vice versa. We are focusing on problems and processes that are truly critical to their success."
The product line is a series of miniature industrial Ethernet hubs and switches designed for the space requirements of shrinking panels and small machines. These products have been described as 'the world's smallest' to date in the trade press.
CTRLink was co-developed by Contemporary Controls and Heyfra Electronics in Eisleben, Germany. The companies said they introduced this new family of Ethernet products because this technology had the most potential. The name 'CTRLink' represented the companies' commitment to making Ethernet suitable for control. Contemporary Controls wanted to tap into the German market in Europe so it established the subsidiary, Contemporary Controls GmbH. The reason: Germany has consistently led the way in developing industrial networking technology; "by partnering with Heyfra we gained what we had lacked, German-speaking technical support and written German documentation," explains Stasiek.
The engineers at Contemporary Controls have endeavoured to enhance CTRLink's capabilities so customers receive the best value overall when implementing an Ethernet network. The CTRLink line was expanded from hubs and switches to include adapters. On the drawing board for 2003 are 'Managed' switches that intelligently route traffic.
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version