Interconnection
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Connectivity solutions for data transmission in the industrial IoT
The digitization of production is gaining momentum. As technology trends such as Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) and Ethernet APL become established, automation levels are beginning to merge. High-performance and highly reliable electrical interconnect components that take on essential functions in the industrial networks play a key role in this scenario, explains David Phillips, managing director, binder UK
D
igitization and the networking of cyber-physical systems (CPS) is currently one of the dominating trends in automation technology. The goal is flexible and highly
customizable production, which should achieve an unprecedented level of variant diversity and productivity across industries. Here, at the physical level, robust and high- performance interconnect solutions play a key role. Their task is no longer limited to signal transmission between modules or devices: more and more often, high-bandwidth data transfer is in demand. Many scenarios also require power to be supplied to the connected components. In addition to safe and reliable function, users are increasingly focusing on performance features such as real-time capability and signal integrity.
Basic components of decentralized automation
The digital transformation in automation technology – as part of Industry 4.0 – is already having a massive impact on the need for industrial-grade connection technology. It is also defining the future, expanded requirements for all automation components. One of the key features of this transformation is the merging of the physical and IT worlds within the aforementioned CPS. These represent a new type of factory automation concept that is evolving from strictly hierarchical to decentralized, modular and self-organizing architectures.
The traditional rigid structure of automated plants is thus increasingly giving way to a highly flexible interaction of modules: Industrial IoT devices such as networking- capable sensors, actuators, controllers, embedded computers, and software. One of the new challenges of automation is to integrate all these components into the manufacturing processes in a way that is as variable as possible, configurable at any time, and yet efficient. For the user, it is essential to find advantageous solutions in terms of time, costs and space requirements.
28 June 2022
Fig. 1: Circular connectors in the M8, M12 and M16 form factors are suitable for cost-effective connectivity solutions under the requirements of Industry 4.0 (Photo: binder)
With regard to connection technology, this decentralized concept results in a rapidly growing number of interfaces that must be served with high-performance and reliable products. Circular connectors in sizes M8, M12 and M16 are proving their significance here as basic Industry-4.0 components (Fig. 1). They are optimized for the decisive operating conditions, especially with regard to the above-mentioned economic aspects. Available as cable assemblies or freely configurable, equipped with proven termination and locking
technologies and designed for industry-relevant protection degrees, they ensure the signal and data connection and, if required, the power supply of the automation components under the requirements of Industry 4.0.
Designed for factory and process conditions
In the context of Industry 4.0, industrial environments such as production or process plants define the requirements for the robustness of connection technology:
protection against dust, humidity, and physical contact, for example according to IP67 to IP69K, is a fundamental criterion; so is resistance to shocks and vibrations. Protection against radiation or the electromagnetic noise of a factory floor is also important, as are specifications for industrial operating temperatures as well as overvoltages and overcurrents. Due to their design, circular connectors can score points under these application conditions. The protection degree and mechanical stability of
Fig. 2: M12 connectors with screw locking stand for maximum safety in mechani- cally demanding environments (Photo: binder)
Components in Electronics
Fig. 3: Contact robustness is a question of material; beryllium copper and gold plating are recommended if frequent mating is required (Photo: binder)
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