Ethernet is penetrating more and more areas of our lives and will in the future penetrate the furthest corners of a company. This path leads from the coexistence of Ethernet and bus systems for data and sensor technology to an integrated system that extends from the Cloud to the furthest corners of industrial production. In addition to standardized protocols, this also includes the appropriate infrastructure, which must become smaller in response to increasingly smaller devices and sensor/actuator systems. The demands on the nerve pathways and synapses of tomorrow's industry are clear: both device interfaces and system cables must become smaller, more powerful and at the same time more robust.
THE SITUATION SO FAR?
Until now, the RJ45 connector has been the embodiment of the Ethernet interface in the IP20 environment. The RJ45 is undoubtedly the most used connector in the world, ubiquitous and therefore loved by users. However, given the lack of robustness, which can take the form of a broken locking lever or occasional contact issues, many users have more of a love-hate relationship with the RJ45. In view of increasingly smaller devices, such as flat mobile devices, displays, small automation devices and sensors, the RJ45 limits the possibilities for miniaturization. Consequently, a smaller and more robust connector is on the wish list of many users and developers, which can also provide Cat.6A performance for 1/10Gbit/s Ethernet at the control level.
HOW FURTHER?
With the HARTING ix Industrial® HARTING presents an integrated system that meets all these requirements. The 70%'s smaller connections compared to RJ45 allow manufacturers to build the ix Industrial® into much smaller devices, which can then more easily meet the demands of miniaturization. For device integration, a small but robust plug with five THR shield contacts is available for maximum stability on the PCB. No major design and assembly changes are required on the part of the device manufacturer. The bus with its five shielding contacts can be soldered together with all other printed circuit board components in a reflow soldering oven. On the printed circuit board, only the holes for through-mounting need to be taken into account. In this way, the new ix Industrial® system can be added to the existing infrastructure without major adjustments. HARTING the next evolutionary step has provided HARTING ix Industrial® with everything its predecessor lacks. With regard to device wiring, users can use flexible thin system cables with a small bend radius, which can be assembled with the ix on both sides or combined with the ix and the RJ45 connector on opposite sides. This allows gradual adjustment of individual elements in the control level without having to immediately purchase all systems again. A perfectly functioning system consisting of a socket and connector guarantees a reliable process solution from a single source.
SMALLER – AND YET EVEN MORE ROBUST
The ix connectors have a stable locking via two metal hooks, guaranteeing a completely secure and vibration-free connection of the cable to the PCB for at least 5,000 mating cycles.
Consequently, HARTING offers a universal miniaturized cabling system for Ethernet in the automation control cabinet and for applications in the transport sector. Size, robustness and Cat. 6A performance combined with the option of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) are all examples of successful miniaturization. This gives the HARTING ix Industrial® the potential to become the future IP20 standard connector for end-to-end Ethernet, from the Cloud to the most compact field device.
Industry 4.0 as an expression of the Internet of Things requires one thing above all: an Ethernet connection to every Industry 4.0 component. The international standardization of new high-performance components and infrastructures is an essential condition for market success and provides planning certainty.
Japanese partner HIROSE Electric offers miniaturized connection solutions for small portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets and cameras. HIROSE Electric has thus contributed to the miniaturization and rapid transmission of electronic devices. The result of this collaboration is the development of a new miniaturized and robust Ethernet interface for high data rates. The ix Industrial®! dimensions, robustness and Cat. 6A performance combined with the possibility of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) are examples of successful miniaturization, and more of the same is being sought. They give the HARTING ix Industrial® the potential to carry over the great legacy of the RJ45. A new standard for Industry 4.0 and IoT applications.
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