Connectors
CONNECTOR

for connecting cable & line

Single pair Ethernet connectors, push-pull connectors, miniature connectors or rectangular connectors for machines and systems

Image: Harting

Connectors | Electrical connection technology

Here you will find new products and further developments from Connectors for Mechanical engineering and plant construction such as single pair Ethernet connectors, miniature connectors, push-pull connectors or rectangular connectors. The connector is used to connect electrical cables and lines to transport data, power and signals.

Weidmüller SPE connectors

 

Connector 2023

The electrical connection technology, in particular the connectors, have evolved in recent years significantly further developed. The innovations in this area are driven by the need for higher data transmission speeds, miniaturized devices, energy efficiency, modularity and robustness against environmental influences. Here is an overview of the current status and trends:

The Single-pair Ethernet Technology allows data to be transmitted over just a single pair of wires, making connectors smaller and less expensive. With the rise of the IoT, there is a growing need for connectors that connect a wide variety of sensors and devices in a reliable and energy-efficient manner.

smart connectors or connectors with integrated intelligence, e.g. B. in the form of sensors or chips offer additional functions such as monitoring the connection status or self-healing mechanisms. Integrative connector systems offer additional functions such as integrated signal processing or Power-over-Ethernet capabilities. Take a closer look at the latest developments:

HF connector

Quick-locking RF connectors

20.02.2024/XNUMX/XNUMX | IMS Connector Systems presents the innovative Medeasylock connector series, specially designed for use in medical technology applications. This tailor-made connection solution is made from high-quality brass alloy. It has a unique quick-locking mechanism.
Energy Management

Connectors for smart energy management

November 22.11.2013, 2023 | At SPS 17, Harting presented solutions that can reduce consumption, including the M12 circular connector for drives, an M1 circular connector with X-coding or the new TXNUMX interface in a mini push-pull housing.
SPE Weidmuller

The time has come for Single Pair Ethernet

23.08.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | SPE is unstoppable. Simon Seereiner from Weidmüller confirms this trend from his own experience: "Last year, many of the major sensor manufacturers approached us at the trade fairs and asked about Single Pair Ethernet.
Han plug

Sustainable Han connectors reduce TCO

22.04.2023/3/23 | With the Han ORV30, Harting is presenting a power connector for data centers at the Hannover Messe XNUMX that is standardized and highly flexible. With a tool-free push-in technology, assembly times in the field can also be reduced by up to XNUMX%.
Digital twin

Connector with administration shell

16.04.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | In cooperation with Microsoft, SAP and Siemens, Harting has developed a "digital twin" that serves as a real technology demonstrator. This new development is based on the first "Smart Electrical Connector" (SmEC) with an active "Asset Administration Shell" (AAS). 
wire to board

Crimp based wire to board connectors

10.03.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | Phoenix Contact designed the crimp-based Connexis wire-to-board connectors for cable assembly in automated production. They enable precise PCB plug-in connections. An optical marking makes the assembly in the field or in-house production clear.
harsh environment

SPE components for harsh environments

16.01.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | Belden introduces its Single Pair Ethernet portfolio, designed to optimize Ethernet connectivity in harsh environments including industrial and transportation applications.
High speed connector

Connector for high-speed data transmission

12.01.2023/3.1/3.1 | Lemo has expanded its field-proven portfolio for high-speed data transfer with the introduction of USB 10 and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors. The new series of USB XNUMX connectors guarantees a data transmission speed of up to XNUMX Gbit/s.

 

Electrical connection technology

Electrical connection technology is a vast field that includes many different components and technologies. All of these elements work together to ensure electrical systems operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. Find out about the innovations:

Industrial Connectors | For growing connectivity

There are many different Connectors, all of which have one function: they connect devices. The demands on them are increasing under the sign of Industry 4.0 connectivity: Miniaturization, modularization, individualization and digitization require ever better performance. Here we present the innovations of push-pull, M12, CAT6, magnetic, high-performance, hybrid, circular, rectangular, board-to-board, bus and USB connectors, D Sub connectors and video connectors from numerous connection specialists. 

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Cables and wires | veins of industry

With the digital transformation cables and wires to high-tech components in the industrial environment. You will find here e.g. B. special cables for the connectivity in the Industry 4.0 factory or electrical cables for robust applications. Many are wondering what is the difference between an electric cable and an electric line? The answer is easy.

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Miniature connectors for safe signal transmission

The Miniature connectors Han DDD by Harting covers the miniaturization in Robotic and Automation services currently the most consistent. The triple D stands for the highest contact density. Safe signal transmission also requires little space. At this Miniature plug the number of contacts has more than doubled compared to the previous standard. The dimensions and electrical properties have remained the same in this version.

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PCB socket brings connection technology to the printed circuit board

Safe and universally applicable Ethernet connection technology The new "Prelink PCB" from Harting offers everything from the housing wall to the printed circuit board. The universally applicable solution for IT, Building automation and industry serves all applications equally. A new addition are M12 cable sockets, which can also be used as wall ducts, and a printed circuit board socket, which can directly accommodate the terminating block.

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Push-pull M12 connectors now standardized thanks to IEC 61076-2-010?

So far, the connector manufacturers have followed M12 connector with Push Pull Locking different approaches. Now there is a new norm that can bring them together. Dirk-Peter Post from Harting and Jürgen Sahm from Phoenix Contact explain in an interview the state of affairs and the potential of IEC 61076-2-010 to finally set an industry standard.

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terminal blocks | For every connection technology

What distinguishes a terminal block? It must be easy to connect and easy to disconnect. Compact for little space in switch cabinet and it should be versatile. are ideal DIN rail terminal blocks with a universal connection and if they can be mounted without tools. Therefore there is pluggablee variants from Phoenix Contact or push-pull-Conta-Clip versions. We introduce you to a few.  

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Single Pair Ethernet | for IIoT and Industry 4.0

Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) forms the basis for the infrastructure that Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Industry 4.0 makes possible. SPE cables can be installed in a space- and cost-saving manner. They enable the direct Communication from the cloud to the field level. Data is transmitted at a speed of up to 1 Gbit/s with just one pair of wires. Below you will find a lot of interesting facts and innovations of the new Ethernet standard.

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Connector holder for large connectors

Hebotec has one for extra large connectors Connector holder Developed for secure attachment. The plug holder Big, based on the Hebofix system, provides a firm, secure hold and comes as a two-part set with an integrated Alignment aid delivered. The parts are to be fastened to a mounting plate or support with an M6 cheese head screw.

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Wago Gelbox protects connection terminals

Regardless of whether condensation, heavy precipitation or a powerful jet of water Electricity it can quickly lead to a short circuit. A tried and tested means on the other hand is the casting compound. The Wago Gel box. With these gel boxes, moisture protection IPX8-certified is even faster and easier and yet safe. 

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users report

There is nothing more valuable for a company than when a customer reports that the cooperation works smoothly and the quality is absolutely convincing. Many supplier-customer relationships today also result in partnerships like ours below Application Reports demonstrate.

Transport system at Beckhoff
Energy chains at igus
Robots at Kuka
Intralogistics at SSI Schaefer

Applications and Industries

Connectors play a central role in a wide range of industries, with some of them having particularly high requirements for reliability, performance and robustness. For example, modern cars are equipped with a wealth of electronics from infotainment systems to driver assistance systems. Or medical devices often have to meet strict hygienic standards.

Automobile

Charging plug, charging cable | For the electric car

Which one E-car-Owner doesn't always want to have an efficient, fast, reliable and available way to charge their electric car? And because there are always new developments Charging plug and Charging cables for electric cars, we would like to introduce them to you here. Here you will find type 1 plugs, type 2 plugs, CCS plugs, the associated charging cables and one that is entered in the Guinness book, as well as other applications.

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HV connector for electric and hybrid vehicles

Draxlmaier presents one HV connector (High Voltage) for cross-industry use such as the automotive industry, shipping or railway and rail traffic. The high-voltage connector was developed for cross-section ranges from 16 to 50 mm² in aluminum and copper cables and meets all safety requirements for voltages of up to 1000 V and high direct current. 

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Interfaces for power distribution in railway technology

The connectors for the energy distribution im Rail vehicle must be particularly robust, quick to install and easy to maintain. For rail technology Harting therefore developed new interfaces. They withstand the demanding environment in rail traffic and also remain interoperable in the sub-distributions. And passengers are also taken care of with a new mini Ethernet interface for infotainment systems.

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Connectors for the three zones of the food industry

Food producers pay great attention to safety when using connectors in sensitive areas. The interfaces with all their outlines must break through the easily washable, smooth surfaces, because they are needed in the area close to the product Cleaning. For such applications Harting an Special connector developed. The Han F+B withstands intensive cleaning. 

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Connectors for medical devices and wearables

Fischer connectors presents its smart connection technology for electronic Medical devices and Wearables. The connectors are very robust, reliable, easy to use and clean and easy to integrate, especially for medical applications. The plugs can be installed, for example, in surgical instruments, diagnostic devices, dental and therapeutic equipment, heart support systems and disposable devices.

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Connectors for modular energy storage in Smart Grid

An Power Supply based on regenerative energies requires electrical storage capacity to compensate for voltage fluctuations in the grid due to fluctuating generation from sun and wind. power storage systems increase flexibility here. For the storage cabinets of more powerful storage systems supplies Harting the necessary interfaces for a modular structure.

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Connector manufacturer know-how

Many companies have specialized in the development and manufacture of industrial connectors. Here are some of the well-known manufacturers of industrial connectors:

  • amphenol is a manufacturer of connection solutions and cables and is also active in the aerospace and military sectors.
  • Belden is a global interconnect solution provider that also manufactures Hirschmann connectors.
  • Binder specializes in circular connectors for various applications.
  • Harting is an international leader in connection technology, best known for its Han connector range.
  • Lapp also produces robust connectors for industrial use.
  • Molex is an international manufacturer of electronic, electrical and fiber optic connection systems.
  • Phoenix Contact is known for a wide range of connection solutions, including industrial connectors.
  • TE Connectivity, formerly Tyco Electronics, offers a wide range of products for electrical connection solutions in various industries.
  • Turck is a manufacturer of automation technology that offers field attachable industrial connectors.
  • Weidmüller offers a wide range of connectors, electronic interfaces and connection solutions.
  • Yamaichi Electronics is known for its high quality connectors and sockets for industrial, semiconductor and automotive applications.

FAQ

What is a connector?

An Connectors connects the electrical conductors with a form fit between plug and socket The connection technology for the Manufacturing must be robust, flexible and quickly deliverable today. Intelligent, communicative, easy to install and globally applicable, these are just some of the other requirements of plug connections, because they must increasingly meet the requirements of the Industry 4.0 are equivalent to. The electrical plug connection of today is therefore definitely a high-tech component!

Who invented the connector?

The exact invention of the connector can not a single person or assigned to a specific date, as it has evolved over the years out of the need to be able to make and break an electrical connection easily and safely. Rather, it is an evolutionary development based on the growing technological and industrial demands of the time. The development of connectors can be divided into different phases:

  • Early Beginnings: As early as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the introduction of electricity into homes and businesses created a need for reliable and safe methods of powering electrical equipment. This led to the development of the first simple plug-in connections.
  • Telecommunications: With the expansion of the telephone network in the 20th century, the need for connectors increased significantly. This led to the development of specialized connectors for telecommunications.
  • military and aviation: In the 1930s and 1940s, military and aerospace requirements led to the development of robust and reliable connectors that needed to perform in harsh environments.
  • electronics revolution: With the advent of the electronics industry in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a tremendous need for smaller, more accurate, and more reliable connectors, leading to an explosion in connector variety and technology.

What is included in electrical connection technology?

Electrical connection technology includes a variety of components and methods used to make electrical contacts and ensure that electrical currents or signals are safely transmitted from one point to another. Here are the essential elements of electrical connection technology:

  • junction boxes and junction boxes serve as central connection points for several cables or lines, especially in buildings or systems.
  • insulators are materials or devices that prevent electrical contact between conductors to prevent short circuits or unwanted current paths.
  • jam such as screw terminals, spring terminals and pin terminals, are used in control cabinets or on printed circuit boards to connect wires and cables.
  • Shrink is a method in which the wire and connector are mechanically pressed together to create a strong and reliable connection.
  • PCBs (PCBs) are used to support electronic components and to electrically connect them together using copper traces created by etching processes.
  • solder joints: Here, two metallic parts are joined together by melting an additional metal or alloy, the solder.
  • Terminals serve as end pieces for electrical conductors to connect them to connection elements such as terminals or screw connections. 
  • Cables and Lines serve as a transmission medium for electrical energy or signals over long distances.
  • Relais and Sagittarius are used to switch larger currents with the help of a smaller control signal.
  • Protection- and grounding components include surge protectors, grounding strips, and other items that ensure electrical systems operate safely and within specified limits.
  • Switch and Button are components that can start or stop the flow of electricity.
  • Connectors are mostly modular units that make it possible to connect and disconnect two or more cables, circuit boards or devices.

Sources: This article is based on information from the following companies: Belden, Harting, Lemo, Phoenix Contact, Weidmüller, Yamaichi.