FEATURE INTERCONNECTION
SWAPPABLE EQUIPMENT FUELS DEMAND FOR MODULAR CONNECTORS
Modular connectors are finding increasing uses in sectors such as manufacturing. Selwyn Corns, managing director of Stäubli Electrical Connectors UK, outlines some key advantages and applications
E
lectrical connectors have always played a low profile but important role in
electronic and electrical systems and their use is increasing, particularly with the growth of modular equipment. In the manufacturing sector for example, the accelerating move to Industry 4.0 with its increased flexibility in production means that equipment is being designed with greater modularity to cater for more frequent tool and system changes for example. This, combined with more high speed data links such as for vision systems, means that connectors with multiple contact types are becoming increasingly useful in allowing rapid swapping out of equipment. The connectors also need to be reliable, with the better quality ones rated for as many as 100 000 mating cycles. Modular connectors are also widely used
outside the factory environment. For example, battery packs need to have rugged connectors where they are required to be easily swapped out in applications such as electric vehicles, trains and aircraft. With a float mounting capability to compensate for misalignment in slide-in applications, heavy rack modules can be quickly and easily inserted without the risk of damaging the contacts. Modular connectors also provide versatility, as they can be added to or reconfigured on site, so that changing requirements can be easily satisfied without the need to buy new connectors. Having a wide range of contact types available means that application specific requirements can be met using standard components. A single compact frame or housing in Stäubli’s CombiTac range can be fitted with any combination of power, signal, data, thermocouple, coaxial or fibre optic contacts, and even media such as pneumatics and hydraulics. Pneumatics and hydraulics can be used for control purposes, while hydraulic connectors can also be used for the transmission of cooling fluids. The connectors have a double shut-off design for leak-free performance. Above all, connectors need to be reliable,
and for Stäubli Electrical Connectors this is made possible by its proprietary MULTILAM contact technology, which uses torsion
14 APRIL 2018 | ELECTRONICS / ELECTRONICS
while smoke and fire compliance to EN 45545-2 means they can be specified for rail applications. The rugged, UL compliant connectors
have shielded pins to protect against impact damage, and are rated for 100 000 mating cycles. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 90°C.
HIGH BANDWIDTH COAXIAL MODULES For 50ohm RG cable types a range of 6GHz coaxial modules has recently been added to the CombiTac connector system. They are resistant to shock and vibration and rated for 100 000 mating cycles. Modules with SMA (SubMiniature version
Figure 1:
A plate-mounted CombiTac for connecting various milling heads in an automated automotive factory
spring contact elements to produce a large number of current-carrying contact points. Each torsion spring forms an independent current bridge, so that the many parallel springs substantially reduce the overall contact resistance. The system ensures a high number of mating cycles, high electrical and thermal conductivity, resistance to shock and vibration, and long service life.
Figure 2:
Double height CombiTac housing with two rows of mixed contact types
10 GBIT ETHERNET MODULES The requirement for high speed data communications in demanding environments has led Stäubli to introduce a new 10Gbit Ethernet module to its CombiTac range. The original 10Gbit module has RJ45 termination suitable for static or minimal motion applications, whereas the new CAT6A carriers have the more robust M12 screw type interface more widely used in industrial applications. High resistance to shock and vibration in accordance with EN 61373 category 1B makes them suitable for use in industrial and factory automation environments,
A) termination are suitable for frequencies up to 6GHz, while with crimp termination the limit is 2.4GHz. Both module types are designed for industrial, broadcasting, aerospace and defence applications that require long life connections with high resistance to shock and vibration. They are also suitable for rail applications as they meet rail standards for fire and smoke. With their modular design, each
individual crimp or SMA connector can be quickly and easily removed or inserted into the coaxial carrier without the use of tools or the need to disassemble the complete connector, thereby keeping maintenance time and costs to a minimum. This flexibility makes it possible to make future adaptations or upgrades without incurring replacement costs. For example, it is possible to switch to other RG cable types with the same SMA CombiTac connector simply by changing over the SMA interface on the cable.
Stäubli Electrical Connectors UK
www.staubli.com/electrical T: (0) 1908 265544
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