In line with a move towards miniaturisation, HARTING has recently released the ix Industrial, a robust Ethernet interface to provide the next generation of compact products with perfect high data transmission rates. The company’s PushPull range has also been specifically designed to meet the demands of new, high-tech manufacturing environments.
The miniaturisation of connectors is a direct response to consumer demands for more compact equipment. Devices such as sensors, cameras and automation equipment are rapidly decreasing in size, whilst displays and screens are becoming thinner and flatter. However, as these components get smaller, they simultaneously need to meet expanding data, signal and power requirements.
As a result, device connectors themselves must also decrease in size to ensure they don’t take up too much of the limited installation space available on new, miniaturised equipment.
HARTING has made the ix Industrial PCB jack 70% smaller than the RJ45 socket, meaning the ix can be easily incorporated into smaller devices. It also allows a significantly higher packing density as the spacing between the sockets is just 10 millimetres.
In addition, the ix combines both data transmission and power supply into a single interface, further reducing the area taken up by connectors. This is of great benefit within the public transportation market, allowing passenger information screens and displays to be supplied with power and data. Despite its reduced size, the ix Industrial still produces Cat. 6A performance for 1/10Gbit/s Ethernet at a control level.
PushPull incorporates an uncomplicated connection and termination technique, an intuitive, tool-free method which guarantees a secure connection and allows interfaces to be changed quickly and easily.
Users can even allocate colour codes to each PushPull plug and socket in an installation to help reduce cabling errors. For example, users can colour code data, signal and power lines to ensure they are distinct and easily identifiable.
With the PushPull V4 Industrial, HARTING created a connector with a resilient, one-piece housing material which protects the connection from aggressive chemicals such as cutting oils. This means it can be utilised in both harsh industrial environments and outdoor applications. The V4 Industrial also comes with additional IP65/67 protection covers on both ends, meaning you’re safeguarded from total dust ingress and water.
Similarly, the ix Industrial has also been designed and built to withstand the rigours of industrial environments, resolving the issues associated with the RJ45, whose plastic locking tabs are easily broken. The socket and connector are securely locked together by two metal snap-in hooks, ensuring a robust and vibration-proof connection from the cable to the circuit board for up to 5000 mating cycles.
HARTING places great emphasis on the quality and reliability of its designs to ensure they are durable enough for a wide range of applications. By undertaking rigorous testing of IPx protection, mating reliability, robustness, vibration resistance and EMC safety, users can rest assured that all critical factors have been assessed.
Industry standards are also an important facet of new connector technology. They ensure the reliability and compatibility of new products whilst speeding up the time it takes to get a new development to market.
Both the ix Industrial® and PushPull V4 Industrial have been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet required standards. The housing of the V4 has been tested according to Railway Standards for shock, vibration and temperature, meeting EN 45545-2, whilst the ix complies with IEC 61076-3-124 and conforms to the shock and vibration resistance levels set out in EN 50155 railway specifications. As a result, consumers have security in terms of planning and peace of mind that these products can stand up to the toughest of tests.
