Conectronica Revista Maganize industrial de electronica

The standarization of the interfaces can help the users to manage the complexity of the systems of present networks; the norms cause that the new technologies, like Ethernet, are easier to use. It is indeed in this field in which a definition of the connectivity of devices constitutes an important contribution.

The questions regarding the installation and the connectivity of the devices will be due to clarify and to solve before the integrated networks can become reality in the automatization of industrial systems. The first step will be the definition of a network system that allows the connectivity of the main vital lines in an automatization system (data, signal, power). The power of 400 V, the communications and the distribution of signal have a similar importance. There are two options of connectivity. The installation can be made during the assembly of a functional unit (for example, a machine) using previously component prefabricated, or the network can be installed in situ using the simple technology of fast connection. In any case, the installation method must offer the best solution for each application. However, in both cases it is necessary to consider the integrated functional units (automatization devices). These devices have specific interfaces that are defined on the basis of the network. From the functional installation and point of view, the provision of an optimal solution will depend on the availability of a coordinated system of connection in network, installation and connectivity of devices. A general approach based on the system favors the strategies of connectivity of devices that can largely simplify the solution of problems in the details. Connectivity of devices of Harting The range of possible solutions of connectivity of devices is as ample as the range of devices that are used in the industrial electronics. Harting offers a wide standard product range of connectivity of devices of data, signal and power for the market of the industrial electronics. The range of Harting allows the clients to most of install the solutions of connectivity of fast and simple form. The tendencies of the market as the compact design, the best yield of the devices and the use of Ethernet communications with data rates in constant increase raise specific demands to the interfaces. The strategy of connectivity of devices of Harting reflects the amplitude of the technical knowledge and the experience of the company, and offers an opportunity to approach the question of the connectivity from the point of view of the system and to find the best solution as the expectations and demands continue evolving. The MicroTCA™ connector, that has its origins in the connectivity of the telecommunications like connector of plate plate, is now being used in equipment of drive and control. The last generation of connectors PushPull IP 67 is being used for cable solutions to plate in both segments of the market. This confirms the tendency towards a convergence in the technology of connectivity of devices and in the operation of resulting synergies, and has effects of long reach in the position of market of Harting. The company offers something more than connectors of devices: it provides global solutions of connectivity of devices, including connectors, complete prefabricated units and backplanes. Harting: the partner of connectivity of devices in the design process The effects deeply influence in the relation of collaboration between Harting and its clients. As this relation is separated from the model client/conventional supplier, Harting more and more implies in the continuous development of products and the production systems of the clients. Now the client has access to the bottom of knowledge and experience of the company. In order to complement the services of the representative of the client, an equipment of applications with experience concerning devices and a group of experts in HF (high frequency) are preparations to give help. Harting also puts at the disposal of its clients its technology of housings staff, their reinforced mechanical design, its engineering of high power and its experience in installation. Simulations of applications can be realised in the laboratory accredited during the design process. The technological group Harting dominates all the necessary basic technologies for the solutions of connectivity of integrated devices, including the connectivity of PCB based on technology SMT, SMC, THT or press-fit. Harting works with user groups to develop solutions of connectivity of devices that later are gotten up to the international norms. The manufacturers of devices determine the level of implication of Harting in the design process. HARTING can help to identify the best option of connectivity of devices of three ways: The manufacturer of devices finds products of connectivity of devices adapted in the DeviceCon catalogue and she takes responsibility of the design with the aid of the service of technical attendance to the applications of Harting. The manufacturer of devices defines the specifications of the interface and quick Harting attendance in the selection of products of connectivity of devices. The manufacturer of devices plans a new generation of devices that will use technology of customized connectivity of devices. A joint project begins to define the new solution of connectivity of devices. The result of this effort of cooperation is a customized and economic solution for the production in series. Of the three options, only the last one takes the process of design to a new level. The collaboration between Harting and its client can secure the optimization of the yield and take advantage of better the potential saving of costs, especially during the process of development of the client. The connectivity of devices comprises of a solution of integrated industrial automatization with three groups of main requirements: the system of network, the connectivity of the installation and the connectivity of devices. The requirements of engineering in the interface of the device are derived from the network system. The installation requirements depend on the application of the client. The electronics and the design of the device determine the integration method. Harting is implied at three levels to apply concept of connectivity of devices. The results confirm the convenience of this commitment. The network system The user groups as the PNO (organization of PROFIBUS users) generates systems of network like PROFINET and others. These organizations define the requirements of yield HF and the face of connection. At the moment there is a clear tendency towards the interfaces centered in the system that are outside the scope of the communications. Now PROFINET has defined a connector of distribution of power of 24 V and the connector of 400 power of V. The solution of connector of power on networks Ethernet IEEE 802,3 is based on PoE. The sector of mechanical engineering also has specified interfaces of distribution of data and power in ISO 23 570. This has long-range consequences, and emphasizes the importance of the implication of Harting in the industrial organizations and associations to guarantee that they are identified and the best solutions of connectivity of devices are put in practice that resist the passage of time.

Figure 2. Technology of connectivity PCB.

Connectivity of installation Normally the industrial organizations and associations only define the functional requirements of the connectors, whereas the installation is left the users. Frequently the great producers of machinery offer prefabricated cable assemblies. If the network settles in situ, the technology of connectivity of easy handling becomes an important factor. The plug-in connectors have been designed so that the installation is simple, fast and trustworthy, and its functionality is essential. There are Quick Lock® de Harting is possible to be mounted in situ, but at the same time it has a HD of contacts. The users must participate in the development of other strategies of installation, and the devices must be compatible with this technology of installation. The strategy of installation adopted by the manufacturers of automobiles German is a good example. The three parts met to decide an integrated solution that it adjusted to his future needs. This strategy was put in practice in close coordination with the PNO to guarantee that the aspects at system level comprised of the equation. The cars manufacturers contributed their technical knowledge of installation like users. The manufacturers of devices and the manufacturers of connectors, including Harting, were present when the solution was defined. Connectivity of devices A good solution of interface has an essential paper in any strategy of installation. The manufacturers of devices tend to select connectors that offer the best solution for their specific product. Nevertheless, the simplest solution for the manufacturer not always is the best answer in the context of the system and the user. The different manufacturers from devices use different connectors that are not compatible to each other. Naturally, fabricantthe manufacturers of devices make founded demands good in relation to the connectors. The majority of the devices contains a PCB. The manufacturers want connectors that can be mounted in the plate and knit along with the other components, and the SMT (technology of assembly in surface) is the standard solution. A different approach is necessary if the connector does not mount on the plate in a version of the certain product. Flat cable between the connector and the PCB can be installed. In applications IP 67, in which the devices must work in demanding surroundings of machinery, the closing strategy is another factor that must be discussed with the manufacturer of devices.

The guide of DeviceCon selection.

Harting PushPull Hybrid: the network, the strategy of installation and the connector A strategy of optimal connectivity must be based on the best combination of the three variables, that is to say, the system, the connectivity of the installation and the connectivity of the device in the general context. Only a prepared manufacturer to enter into an intensive dialogue with the developers of systems, the users and the manufacturers of devices will be in a position that allows him to define the new norms. That manufacturer must offer products in these three categories and also have a dominion sufficient of the technical knowledge to find solutions to complex problems. Being based on this strategic concentration in the connectivity of the devices, the connectivity of the installation and the systems of networks, Harting is being positioned like integral supplier of centered complex solutions in the system. The technology PushPull de Harting already has established a new norm. After the acceptance of the solution of connectivity of installation PushPull Han® in the sector of the German automobile, the company faces its next challenge now. A new approach of the installation of machines is necessary. The migration to the technology of Ethernet communications offers the opportunity significantly to simplify the connectivity of the machines. The demand of the market of produced compact machines in series will accelerate the tendency towards multiple fitted intelligent devices in a space reduced around a central controller. The star topology offers an optimal effectiveness and a yield in these cases. With the hybrid star topology, the method of distribution of power to the components in line presents/displays an essential difference with respect to a solution of topology or in ring. As the cascade connection is not used in the star networks, the capacity of conduction of current can be adapted to each device. In a star network for machines, 5 To are sufficient. This reduction facilitates the use of optimized hybrid connectors. Harting has developed the connector of power PushPull Hybrid, that also allows the Ethernet communications. The miniaturized design of the PushPull Hybrid satisfies the needs with the manufacturers of devices that wish to use the compact product connector. DEVICECON Selection Guide: The fast form to find the solution adapted in connectivity of devices Harting has systematized the three requirements (system, installation and device) is and them including with the more recent information on products in Guía of DeviceCon selection, that comprises of the new DeviceCon catalogue. During the initial selection of a connector, the manufacturers of devices can consider all the factors that play a role during the integration of the connector in the device and the installation of the device on the part of the users, as well as the questions that affect to the compatibility of the device in the global system. Guía of selection shows, for example, that the connector is a compatible version SMT with PROFINET that incorporates the simplicity of connectivity HARAX® for the installation in situ. As the connectors of Harting always are designed to provide connectivity integrated in the context of consistent solutions of automatization, they are the ideal platform for interfaces of devices, since the end users as much offer great advantages to the manufacturers of devices.

Authors: - Matthias Fritsche, Product Manager, Technological group Harting. - Andreas Huhmann, Strategic director Marketing ICPN, Technological group Harting