CABLES & CONNECTORS FEATURE
THE SMART OPTION
The IIoT is data intensive, requiring a significant increase in the amount of equipment with sensors, and the number of sensors per equipment. The introduction of ‘smart’ connectors
is helping to make the proliferation of new sensors possible, while maintaining a high level of security in the process. Christian Taylor, engineering team leader at Bulgin, reports
*
https://iot-analytics.com T
he Internet of Things (IoT) touches almost every area of life – from the
home, to commercial facilities, industry and even agriculture. IOT-Analytics*
put
the number of IoT devices worldwide at seven billion in 2018, with a projected growth to 10 billion by 2020 and 22 billion by 2025. Developments in smart connectors go hand in hand with the growth in connected devices and the IoT. Each device adds to the information
available for higher level decision making, problem solving and optimisation. Smart connectors play a critical role in managing the proliferation of sensors and providing a layer of security to users.
Bulgin initially developed its Smart Connector as a custom solution for an agricultural technology client by integrating one of its highly popular Buccaneer 400 Series circular connector with an EEPROM device embedded securely underneath the overmould
WHAT MAKES A CONNECTOR SMART? Smart connectors have imbedded electronics that add functionality to the basic hardware. The connector no longer acts only as a conduit of information – it becomes a value-added component in the communications path between field devices and higher-level systems. The heart of a smart connector is an
EEPROM memory module, which captures vital information, ranging from device identification to calibration information and real-time status of the connection.
WHAT ARE THEIR BENEFITS? Improving productivity: Maintenance
workers need a way to identify each sensor circuit to ensure they are working on the right system at any time. In the past, this has required long man-hours for labelling of wires in junction boxes, cabinets and at the sensors themselves. Smart connectors, however, carry the sensor ID information internally. Device authenticity: Manufacturers use
device serialisation to identify each unique device coming off the production line for quality and history purposes. Smart connectors can be paired with these identifiers to ensure only authentic devices are used and, when a counterfeit device is recognised, the smart connector prevents the transfer of information from the device. Probe Calibration: Measurement
probes require calibration data to ensure accuracy. This information can be stored in the smart connector and applied to the output signal from the sensor. Calibration updates can also be done to the connector, making it simple to maintain probe accuracy. Smart connectors can even isolate a probe from the system if the calibration data expires without being updated. Managing disposable probes: One
innovative use of smart connectors is the management of disposable probes. As each probe has a limited lifespan defined by the number of uses, smart connectors can keep track of probe usage and prevent their use beyond the acceptable limit. Analogue sensors: Transducer
electronic datasheets (TEDs) provide information about analogue sensors in terms of identification and calibration. This information must be stored in an EEPROM and made accessible to external systems. Smart connectors can fulfil this requirement, while using
standard analogue sensors.
CONNECTORS IN THE FUTURE In the future, increased processing capacity will enable more functionality. Designers can view smart connectors as active elements in the system as a whole. It makes sense to assign some functionality to a smart connector which can easily be replaced or upgraded, compared to the costs of changing a sensor or primary device. Over time, enhanced security functions
are likely to emerge in smart connectors. Besides the ability to detect counterfeit sensors, future connectors may also detect unauthorised devices on the network, helping to protect devices from malware or other outside threat.
DEVELOPING A SMART CONNECTOR Bulgin initially developed its Smart Connector as a custom solution for an agricultural technology client by integrating one of its highly popular Buccaneer 400 Series circular connector with an EEPROM device embedded securely underneath the overmould. As the resulting compact and weatherproof unit was also ideally suited to a wide range of other applications, Bulgin developed the smart connector further as an off-the-shelf solution. Being weatherproof, dustproof and
chemical-proof, the connector can be used in even the harshest of climates and operating conditions. Furthermore, the EEPROM memory chip is capable of storing data for many years, making this connector a robust and reliable solution for long term use in some of the most challenging applications imaginable.
Bulgin
www.bulgin.com DESIGN SOLUTIONS | JUNE 2019 47
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