由于这些设备变得越来越连接，可互操作和不可或缺的IT和操作技术制造系统，因此很难错过技术对控制器，驱动器，传感器和电动机的影响。但是，不太容易看到的是，更大的设备连接和系统自动化的趋势如何影响连接所有内容的电缆和连接器。
我在德国纽伦堡举行的SPS/IPC/驱动器活动中看到了一个很好的例子，TE连接性用嵌入式近场通信（NFC）芯片展示了连接器。将这些芯片嵌入连接器中，Pla nt f Loor人员可以使用移动设备访问有关连接器的信息，而无需与连接器进行物理交互或中断操作。根据TE连接性，NFC-CHIP连接器可以提供类型和实例数据。类型数据包括3D模型，测试报告和产品数据表等信息。实例数据包括唯一的连接器信息，例如交配周期，温度和电缆年龄。
“Connectors with NFC chips will help industrial companies respond to many new challenges they have to face if they want to make their factories truly smart,” said Siegfried Funk, application manager, motor connectivity at TE Connectivity. “It all starts with the connector, because so much information passes through it. If we can tap into that information, communicate it and record it, we are well on the way to the digital factory. Our goal is to transform the concept of the smart factory into an operational reality. Smart connector technology, based on something as simple as an NFC chip, is a first step toward that goal.”
In addition to the ability to access operational data on the connector from the NFC chip, Funk says that these smart connector technologies can verify the authenticity of hardware for easier registration management and reduce the time needed for machine documentation and spare parts management.
Automated connections
One of the core tasks associated with any industrial cabling application is the assembly of the connectors to the cable for connection to a machine or device. And even that process is increasingly adapting itself to automation. To highlight this, TE Connectivity showcased its new HDC (heavy duty connector) Dynamic connectors that can be assembled using semi-automatic or fully automatic crimping of contacts. The use of standard dynamic contacts in the HDC line means the connectors can be processed on automated crimping machines using the same tool sets as wire-to-board connectors that use crimping technology.
该能力支持从视觉检查转向过程中监测方法的趋势。根据TE连接性，视觉检查已显示出效率较低，多达20％的零件未正确检查。进程中的监视方法可确保每个电线终止都符合压接力规格。
The HDC Dynamic connectors can house between 3 and 48 contacts in a single module, with each connector capable of holding up to six modules. The connectors have current ratings from 2 to 40 Amps and handle over-voltage requirements up to 500 V. They can be used with existing contacts, frames, housings and hoods with protection ratings against water and dust of IP 20, IP 65 and IP 68/IP69K.
