Interconnection


Navigating a sea of change for better marine connectivity


Modern boat buyers have come to expect 24/7 on- demand device connectivity, conditioned by the same ubiquitous access and functionality they enjoy elsewhere. Raising the bar on boating performance, safety, communications, convenience and comfort makes good business sense. Following the lead of automotive manufacturers, boatbuilders are recognising the value of strategically incorporating proven electronics to enhance functionality, heighten brand appeal and competitively differentiate their offerings. Kurt Krutsch, product marketing manager, commercial vehicles, Molex, explains


M Designing the connected boat


arine communications face the same challenges as land-based communications — but with the


additional problem of equipment being constantly surrounded by water. Strong, reliable signals, and grounded electronics, are basic requirements, but casual boaters and professional sailors also need reliable internet bandwidth and onboard monitoring systems to aid effective and safe operations. For over a decade, the National Marine Electronics Association NMEA 2000 standard has guided boat manufacturers and operators to meet the increased demands of networked communications and internet protocols. But while on-board safety and enjoyment


relies on dependable technologies performing unfailingly, seasoned boat owners and manufacturers recognise the complexities of marine electronics system design. About 70 to 80 per cent of network failures occur as a result of a mechanical failure involving cabling and connectors. In harsh, heavy vibration marine conditions, electronic components are at higher risk of being jarred loose or exposure to corrosive salt, lubricants and other chemicals, which can lead to hours of frustrating diagnostic activity chasing down and troubleshooting network problems.


Built for a life at sea NMEA 2000 (standardised as IEC 61162-3) is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats. It has established a powerful framework for safer, more reliable marine communications, streamlining the connectivity of boat engines, navigation, control, power distribution, water, waste and other mechanical and monitoring systems. Signal integrity, data management and electrical voltage grounding are key challenges when designing the connected boat. Reliability and safety depend on the integrity of power and signal connections


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that must perform unfailingly, regardless of harsh ambient conditions. That is why it is vital to use robust, proven products to create reliable integrated on-board networks, with the lowest install and maintenance costs over time.


Molex marine connectivity solutions are ideal for developing on-board digital applications and equipment, and meeting demand for higher data speeds and bandwidth. From navigation systems, bilge pumps and fishfinders or sounders, to conveniences like hot water heaters, refrigerators and high-speed Ethernet, Molex IP-rated connectors assure that on- board systems are built for a life at sea. A comprehensive portfolio of Molex sealed quick disconnects, high-speed connectors, terminators and power products have been tested and validated to withstand extreme vibrations, temperature and saltwater exposure. These powerful technologies support electrical and network platforms, including marine engine controls, instrumentation panels, navigation equipment, power steering and autopilot systems, body electronic modules and dockside charging systems.


Redefining sealed marine connections


Rugged marine solutions start with dependable sealing technology. Saltwater, fuel, cleaning chemicals and other contaminants can lead to electrical system malfunctions and failures if connection system seals are ineffective or compromised. Molex’s innovative and cost-competitive ML- XT Sealed Connection System is redefining seal reliability in marine connectivity for critical wiring applications in harsh environments. Its twin-shot LSR (liquid- silicone rubber) moulding and recessed rear seals combine to lock out contaminants from engines, pumps and other marine operations. The covalent bond between the seal and connector body permanently connects the two components at a molecular level.


The ML-XT system mitigates seal positioning and movement problems. Its HCR (high-consistency rubber) recessed rear seals completely resist movement during cable routing. Protected by a rigid back cover, the seal allows flexible cable movement, and its recessed, fixed nature significantly reduces the possibility of leak- paths found in traditional designs. The unique 18-circuit ML-XT sealed system, with field-proven XRC terminals, colour- coded housings and custom options, ships fully assembled — ready to deliver full IP68, IP69K and SAE J2030 compliance and dependability where and when it is most needed.


High-speed bandwidth on the high seas On-board connections must be capable of being quickly connected or disconnected without risk of misaligned mating or loss of signal or power. A wide variety of keying and cabling options, as well as compact size and rugged sealing, make M12 a mainstay technology — as well as an NMEA OneNet (a future higher bandwidth upgrade from NMEA 2000) recommended connector for marine applications. Traditional threaded M12 connectors


are screwed into place to achieve a secure connection. Molex product extensions include an Ultra-Lock push-pull locking mechanism rated to IP69K, providing a push-to-lock mechanism, allowing users to simply push the M12 connector to secure the plug and receptacle. Anti- vibration features prevent the coupler from loosening, even under severe vibration. Ultra-Lock makes M12 fast and easy-to-use, delivering a secure seal that can only be disconnected using the built- in coupler.


Conventional M12 connectors support Cat5e Ethernet up to 10/100 megabits per second, versus Molex’s Brad Micro-Change M12 CAT6A System, which delivers superior signal integrity and up to 10Gbps Ethernet for high-speed data transfer (up to 500MHz) applications in harsh environments. The innovative cross shielding is the next development in speed, with a form factor half the size of sealed CAT6A RJ45 connectors.


For better marine connectivity Whether on land, in the air or on water, reliable communications are essential to safety and meeting rising consumer expectations. Molex connectivity solutions are designed to ensure reliability and deliver powerful, consistent signals through whatever environment their customers travel. Quick and reliable are essential requirements for marine connectivity, with on-board safety and enjoyment depending on products performing unfailingly. Managing complexity is a design essential for faster installation, improved performance and simpler maintenance. The right integrated technologies can pay dividends in performance, reliability and longevity. In harsh, heavy vibration marine conditions, connectors are at higher risk of being jarred loose, or suffering exposure to corrosive salt, lubricants and other chemicals, potentially leading to network failures or more serious problems. For seasoned design engineers, boatbuilders, installers and DIY boat owners, it is vital to choose an experienced manufacturer of trusted and proven connectivity solutions designed and built for marine power and data networking.


www.molex.com Components in Electronics April 2018 23


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