A reliable network connection is indispensable for industrial applications. Ethernet with transmission speeds in the Gbit range is being introduced in more and more applications at field level. Softing IT Networks offers the right measuring technology to test the performance of the connections made in the field. To ensure that they always have the right connection for standard industrial interfaces, Softing relies on the solutions of HARTING such as the preLink® system, the ix Industrial® and the standardized SPE interface T1 Industrial. Below is the story about our successful collaboration
Data rates in today's factory automation networks are constantly increasing and so are the requirements for shielding cables and interfaces. This is where standardization already offers
good reference points followed by current manufacturers, while the installation of new infrastructure in the field also carries a certain risk of errors. Depending on the application, harmful substances such as dust or liquids can affect the connector connections. In addition, electromagnetic interference can be responsible for performance loss. When a cable is bent too far or pulled over a sharp edge and cannot make proper contact with the connector, performance suffers. Softing IT Networks offers the suitable test equipment to effectively check data lines after installation. The certification test is the most commonly used test method and provides qualitative information about the transmission quality for LF-low frequency and RF - radio
frequency. The WireXpert 500 and 4500 are the most suitable test devices from Softing's product range.
Carrying out measurements with a certifier (also called a CAT tester or cable tester) after installing the cabling and also after moving, adding and changing the cabling is
a proven means of ensuring that the cabling actually meets the performance requirements for a particular application. Test reports of these measurements serve as proof of the quality of the installed cabling for the installer or system engineer, but also for inspectors, users and owners. In addition, measuring with a certifier helps to drastically reduce downtime due to damage to the cabling as this damage can usually be detected much faster with a certifier than with any other method. This applies to both office environments and industrial applications and is especially crucial for today's Ethernet networks, which are much more sensitive than old analog systems due to the higher frequencies.
The flexible connection technology is at least as important as the test device itself. In the industrial sector, there are various standards for Ethernet interfaces such as round M12 connectors in D or X coding, RJ45 solutions, but there are also new standards such as the ix Industrial® or the SPE interface T1 Industrial style for single-pair cabling IEC 63171- 6. To be able to flexibly connect the WireXpert on site, Softing relies on reliable connectivity provided by HARTING. In this context, the preLink® cabling system has proven to be particularly successful. The system
is characterized by a termination block that connects to the end of the cable and makes contact. This can now be connected reversibly to the preLink®-compatible variants of RJ45, M12, etc., and can also always be adapted to local conditions. At the other end, the well-known Tera connector provides the connection to the test device. So the adapter cable is possible
remain in the device during use and only needs to be adapted at the end via the preLink® termination block to the corresponding connection of the test section.
HARTING equips Softing not only with well-known standards, but also with newer solutions for miniaturized devices and future networks with the keyword IIoT – sensor to cloud. This
applies to the ix Industrial® connector according to IEC 61076-3-124, a more compact solution in the device than 70% and the miniaturized alternative to the RJ45. And of course the SPE interface T1
Industrial according to IEC 63171-6. This interface will play an increasingly important role in the coming years if, as expected, Single Pair Ethernet becomes the prevailing standard in field Ethernet transmission.
The successful collaboration has ensured the correct connectivity with Softing test equipment for several years and is in line with Softing's own high quality and reliability standards. HARTING works closely with Fluke Networks to provide customers around the world with the correct test adapters for these measuring equipment. A test adapter has already been developed for the ix Industrial®. This is available at HARTING and is supported by Fluke. We are also already working on the necessary test adapters for SPE.
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