FEATURE INTERCONNECTION SMART INTERCONNECTION


Kevin Canham Product and Applications Manager at Harting explores how advancing “Smart” interconnection technology is providing a vital aid to the future of industrial integration


T


he concept of an “integrated industry” involves the interaction of a wide


range of components and systems, from simple interconnection devices and sensors, through RFID systems, to MES and ERP software systems; with the goal of creating a “plug & work” environment to ensure not only interoperability but also flexibility in the face of rapidly changing requirements. Achieving truly integrated industry


faces a number of challenges: not least the degree of complexity involved in the integration of the different systems, compounded by the insufficient area- wide use of existing standards.


THE CONNECTED APPROACH The approach to integrated industry being adopted by companies such as Harting combines the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to give products an identity with embedded devices that offer the capability to record measurements and make simple decisions, even at the field level. “Middleware” has been developed to bridge the gap between the hardware and software worlds, and service-oriented architecture offers customers long-term cost minimisation. The consistent use of standards such as


GS1 EPCglobal and OPC-UA and quasi- standards such as SAP Auto-ID infrastructure, support the future-proofing of solutions, and system integration that are designed to offer complete turnkey Auto-ID solutions. These developments lead, in turn, to systems for production and asset tracking, proactive maintenance and condition-based monitoring; and configuration management for complex systems such as machines consisting of many individual modules. These concepts


have a significant impact on the design and utilisation of the interconnectivity components used within industrial machines.


Figure 1:


By linking data from real components on production machines can provide an identification spectrum that spans everything from specific connector and configuration data through to the ordering of spare parts


Modern manufacturing facilities that


exhibit modular structures, are highly networked, and therefore require multiple and often complex connector interfaces. To meet the asset management requirements outlined above, these connector interfaces must be entered, catalogued and identified for maintenance and operational work. This can now be achieved by equipping


“Modern manufacturing


facilities that exhibit modular structures, are highly networked, and so


require multiple and often complex connector interfaces......"


the connectors with small UHF RFID transponders to provide the required data-collection functions and integrate them into a highly efficient data management system. By linking data from real components on production machines with the “virtual world” of IT management, these techniques can provide an identification spectrum that spans everything from specific connector and configuration data through to the ordering of spare parts – in a system that can be deployed and used conveniently, quickly and with reliability. Using a mobile reading device – which


might be a smart phone with an associated reading unit - component data can be recorded and compared with data from an e-Business database. Immediately upon identification, spare parts or reference values can be displayed and used. Such a system leads to a significant reduction in time and expenditure and


prevents costly mistakes such as the wrong spare parts being ordered during maintenance work. However, a detailed and relevant database is needed on the back end for this concept to work reliably


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in the field. In addition to the configuration of the connector, the database also permits location- independent access. Consequently, users are provided with detailed data on identifiable objects via the Internet. Here, Harting has already employed a SAP-based e-Business solution. that enables reliable and rapid access to detailed data on products and machinery, and can be used for further integration with business and production processes. In this context, a major challenge at present is to perfectly integrate transponders in an environment in which metallic surfaces cause reflections. Similarly, these data media must also be able to withstand harsh environments, large temperature fluctuations and the use of corrosive liquids such as cleaning chemicals or oils. The latest generation of RF transponders therefore provide high operational reliability when deployed in such extreme conditions. In addition to identification of individual


components, in the future increased memory employing the “write once” function will permit RFID transponders to securely and unalterably allocate a type of memory to the component and thus its own history. Moreover, the latest chip technologies will even create the ability to allow components to perceive their ambient conditions. This is pioneering the way for intelligent


process technology in which RFID technology enables the self-optimisation, self-configuration and self-diagnosis of components such as connectors. Since data can now be dynamic, i.e. the progression through a process can be stored in memory, essential prerequisites for the self-configuration of process technology have been met. RFID technology enables still further


innovation in terms of object-specific data collection and storage. In addition to the RFID tags being able to uniquely identify objects, the transponders can also be written with additional information that can be read or updated as required. Sensor transponders can record


additional data directly from an object and store it in the transponder, and this additional data can be used to provide verification of faulty machine operation – with additional safety benefits.


Harting  www.harting.co.uk  01604 827500


Enter 206 ELECTRONICS | MARCH 2014 21


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