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Smart sourcing for industrial IoT

As the internet of things enters the industrial arena, connectivity requirements are increasingly compact and complex. Harting embraces this challenge with connectors that support both IoT and Integrated Industry.

Miniaturisation
Thanks to the growth of IoT, complex industrial networks increasingly require compact connectivity solutions for both Ethernet and power. The Harting M8 provides a space-saving Ethernet solution, complete with sockets and overmoulded system cables. Despite being a third the size of a traditional M12 connector, the M8 still provides IP 65/67 protection and 100Mbits to Cat.5 fast Ethernet.

As devices shrink in size, however, it doesn’t necessarily follow that their energy demands do likewise. The traditional 7/8in interface is now too large for many applications so Harting has developed the M12 Power in L-coding as the new standard connector for a 63V/16A DC power supply. Standardised to IEC 61076-2-111, the new M12 can provide sufficient power for smaller applications in a more compact, high-performance design.

Integration
Data, signal and power are the three lifelines of an industrial system. Designed to provide a compact interface for all three capabilities in a single connector, the Han M23 Hybrid combines an efficient, robust design with a range of housings.

The durable ComLock system ensures insertion is both fast and safe, while the closed housings achieve protection class IP 67/69K. With a voltage range up to 630V AC and up to 28A of current carrying capacity, the Han M23 Hybrid is said to transmit significant power, even when installed in a tight assembly space.

In addition, the system protects against vibration as per IEC 61373, can tolerate at least 1,000 mating cycles and can be opened and closed with a short rotational movement. For added security, an optical marking on the housing helps identify whether the connection is open or closed.

Modularisation
Finally, ‘smart’ connectors are increasingly being used in the field of predictive maintenance. To this end, the latest Han CAN ID Module can be integrated into power, data and signal interfaces. This allows the modules to determine if units are connected to the right slots, helping to avoid incorrect configuration.

Machine unit data such as last revision status can also be stored and used for predictive maintenance. This potentially delivers time savings, as drive data is available in the module, meaning revision status can be quickly queried, for example during servicing. Individual elements can then be identified and repaired quickly, without the need to start the entire machine.

Furthermore, the CAN ID Module also enables the current drive configuration to be tested and the correct parameters to be transmitted to all other drives and the controller.

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