Powering Industrial Automation: RECOM at SPS 2025

Every year, the global automation industry gathers in Nuremberg for the SPS – one of the most important events in the industrial calendar. SPS stands for Smart Production Solutions. The acronym originates from the German term Speicher Programmierbare Steuerung, which translates to Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in English. While the event initially centered on PLC technology, it has since evolved to cover the full scope of smart production and industrial automation—from sensors and drives to industrial control systems, digital twins, and factory IT infrastructure.

This year, SPS promises to be no different. Scheduled for Nov. 25 to 27, the exhibition will once again attract highly qualified visitors from a wide range of industries. Attendees will arrive with specific automation challenges in mind, prepared to engage in deep technical discussions, evaluate power supply solutions across manufacturers, and identify the most effective technologies to meet their companies’ evolving industrial automation needs. One topic that transcends all industries and applications is the concept of power. Behind every controller, sensor, and machine tool lies a dependable power supply. These are the silent enablers of reliable automation systems.

Power supplies are often overlooked because they operate quietly in the background. However, without dependable and efficient power, even the most advanced automation systems would grind to a halt. From compact sensors on the factory floor to large-scale process plants, every system relies on stable, safe, and efficient power conversion.

The industries represented at SPS highlight the universality of this requirement. Electrical control systems, machine tools, automotive production lines, water and wastewater facilities, packaging machinery, and energy infrastructure all share the same need for robust and reliable industrial power solutions. Industrial environments also present unique challenges. For example, industrial power supplies must tolerate the following:

• Wide input voltage ranges to cope with fluctuating grid conditions or varying international standards.
• Harsh operating environments, including extreme temperatures, mechanical vibration, and dust.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements to prevent interference with sensitive electronics.
• Safety and isolation standards that protect equipment and personnel.
• 24/7 operational demands, where downtime is unacceptable and failure is not an option.

In short, reliable power is the invisible backbone of industrial automation. Selecting the right power supply is not merely a question of watts and volts—it’s a critical decision that impacts long-term system reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.

At RECOM, power conversion is more than just a product category—it’s the company’s core expertise. For 50 years, RECOM has stood for innovation and has earned a global reputation as a leading provider of power supply solutions for industrial automation applications. RECOM’s portfolio spans the full spectrum of power conversion needs:

• AC/DC converters: Available in both PCB-mount and DIN rail formats, these solutions deliver robust, certified power for control cabinets, automation controllers, and distributed systems.
• DC/DC converters: Offering isolation, voltage conversion, and regulation in distributed architectures, DC/DC converters are critical in environments where multiple subsystems require reliable power from a shared source.
• Switching regulators: Board-level regulators deliver high efficiency in compact footprints, helping designers minimize heat generation and maximize space in densely packed systems.

Each product line is engineered for real-world industrial conditions: compact form factors for space-constrained installations, full compliance with international safety and EMC standards, and a focus on long-term reliability under demanding operating environments. RECOM not only offers modular and flexible standard products but also develops customized solutions. Engineers can combine solutions to build optimized industrial power architectures without compromise. Whether the application is a PLC/SPS control cabinet, a field-mounted sensor, or a drive controller, RECOM delivers proven power supply solutions supported by global technical expertise.

Among RECOM’s broad product portfolio, the RACPRO1 series represents a leading-edge advancement in industrial power supplies. Developed and manufactured in Europe, the compact AC/DC converters in this series are designed specifically for DIN rail mounting and set new standards for the next generation of industrial control cabinet architectures. The RACPRO1 family has been engineered from the ground up to meet the demanding requirements of today’s automation professionals:

• Space-efficient design: Their slim form factor allows maximum use of cabinet space, leaving room for additional control and networking equipment.
• Wide input range: Designed to handle the fluctuations of industrial power grids, RACPRO1 converters ensure reliable operation under varying conditions.
• Built-in protection and resilience: Features such as an integrated e-fuse and redundancy diode simplify the implementation of fail-safe architectures, protecting both equipment and processes.
• Best-in-class efficiency: The 960W model achieves 97.1% efficiency, setting a benchmark for its class and earning a prestigious Red Dot Award.
• Scalable performance: Available in a single-phase version delivering up to 480W and a triple-phase version delivering up to 960W, the RACPRO1 series scales to meet demanding loads.
• Certified compliance: The series meets global standards for safety and EMC standards, simplifying certification for end users and providing added peace of mind.
• Wide operating temperature range: The series is built to thrive in extreme conditions often encountered on the factory floor.

One standout model is the RACPRO1-S120. At just 28mm wide and weighing only 330g, this is the most compact and lightweight solution in the series. With a power density of up to 500W/l, this model sets new standards for size, weight, and efficiency in its category, making it ideal for cabinet designs (where every millimeter counts). Equally important, the RACPRO1 series embodies RECOM’s commitment to sustainability. Thanks to optimized energy conversion, reduced power consumption, and durable components, these supplies not only enhance long-term system reliability but also help lower operating costs and conserve resources.

Applications include powering PLC/SPS devices, industrial networking equipment, and distributed automation nodes—where compactness, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability are critical. By addressing these needs directly, the RACPRO1 series positions itself as a go-to power supply solution for engineers designing next-generation industrial automation systems.

Alongside the RACPRO1, RECOM will unveil another innovation at SPS 2025: the REFIN series. These AC/DC DIN rail modules are designed for flat-panel and building automation applications, combining ultra-slim housings with versatile mounting options. REFIN modules set new benchmarks in space efficiency and usability:

• Step-shape housing with push-in connectors: Enables the most compact building automation installations while ensuring quick and reliable wiring.
• Highest power density in their class: A single 2U size covers 30W, 60W, and 90W ratings, allowing direct interchangeability if power requirements increase later. The 18W version is even slimmer, occupying just 1U of width.
• Boost capability and scalability: The 2U modules deliver a 4.5-second power boost up to 135W. Parallel operation of 90W modules enables up to 160W output in only 4U width.
• Flexible mounting: For installations without free DIN rail space, integrated wings allow direct wall mounting in any orientation.
• Global input compatibility: Rated from 90 – 305VAC (90 – 264VAC for the 90W version), these modules suit worldwide deployments.
• Energy-conscious design: With no-load power consumption below 0.1W and efficiencies up to 93%, REFIN modules set the benchmark for energy-saving step-shape supplies.
• Certified for reliability and safety: Compliance with UL61010 (LPS/NEC Class 2 output limitation), EN60335 household standards, and OVC III operation up to 3,000-meter altitude ensures dependable performance in diverse environments.

In short, the REFIN series delivers the most space-saving and energy-efficient flat-panel DIN rail power supplies on the market. With their combination of slim form factors, flexible installation, and international approvals, they provide cost-effective, future-proof solutions for building automation and beyond.

Visitors to SPS are not simply browsing; they’re seeking automation solutions they can deploy with confidence in their factories, production lines, and control systems. This makes SPS the ideal setting for in-depth technical discussions at exhibition stands, where engineers can compare industrial power supply solutions side by side from multiple suppliers.

At SPS 2025 (hall 10, booth 541), RECOM’s experts will be ready to engage in these conversations. Rather than offering “one-size-fits-all” answers, RECOM takes application requirements seriously—recommending the most suitable power supply solution from its extensive portfolio. This consultative approach ensures that customers leave with more than just datasheets and application notes—they gain confidence in a long-term partnership with a trusted power supply vendor. Power supplies are mission-critical components; the right (or wrong) choice can mean the difference between seamless operation and costly downtime.

Automation systems are becoming increasingly connected, intelligent, and energy-conscious. From Industry 4.0 architectures to energy-efficient smart factories, the demands placed on power supplies will continue to grow. RECOM continues to innovate to meet these evolving needs, ensuring that its customers not only solve today’s challenges but are also equipped for tomorrow’s opportunities.

SPS 2025 will serve as a vital meeting ground for the global automation community. Visitors will come seeking solutions to real-world challenges, and power supplies will remain at the heart of every discussion. RECOM stands ready to meet this demand with a product portfolio that combines breadth, flexibility, and proven reliability. From DIN rail AC/DC converters to board-level regulators, RECOM products empower engineers to design automation systems that are efficient, safe, and dependable. With the RACPRO1 series, for example, RECOM sets a new benchmark in compact, high-performance DIN rail power supplies.

For engineers, managers, and decision-makers attending SPS, the RECOM booth will be the place to discover solutions that drive today’s factories and enable tomorrow’s automation.

The RECOM AC/DC Book of Knowledge offers an extensive collection of knowledge and experience necessary to implement successful AC/DC power supply designs.

Additionally, RECOM’s Energy Efficiency in AC/DC Power Supplies: Quick Guide to the Essentials blog offers a helpful introduction to ecodesign regulations, which are a set of standards and guidelines established by governments or regulatory bodies to ensure that products are designed to minimize their environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. These regulations primarily focus on improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainability by reducing waste, emissions, and resource consumption.