Connectors in high-vibration.

The expansion of Samtec's SMPM cable-to-board Precision RF connector family to include small-form-factor threaded cable-to-board mated sets has been announced. Featuring a threaded SMPM MIL-STD-348 interface with retractable threaded coupling nut, these new connector assemblies are available immediately in volume and are well suited for use in high-vibration environments such as aerospace and harsh communication applications.

High-vibration environments can exceed the retention capabilities of traditional push-on RF interconnects. Designed with enhanced mechanical strength that provides a secure, robust connection, Samtec’s threaded SMPM cable-to-board mated connector sets include the RF047-A and RF086 millimeter-wave, low-loss cable assembly families handling up to 67 GHz as well as SMPMT threaded, SMPM millimeter-wave board-mount plugs available up to 60 GHz.

Key Features:

• Full detent or smooth bore for varying retention forces
• Excellent electrical performance (SMPMT connector VSWR 1.35:1 typical from 26.5 to 40 GHz)
• Low-loss flexible millimeter wave cable: .047” or .086” cable types
• Mixed technology board termination provides resistance to mechanical stress and supports high frequency

End 2 options: Samtec offers a wide variety of end options for blending application-specific customization with the simplicity and lead-time efficiencies of standard off-the-shelf solutions. SMPM cable-to-board Precision RF connectors are in stock directly from Samtec. Their Sudden Service® initiative makes designing-in a product easy by offering free 3D model downloads and product samples while also ensuring prints, product specifications, and test reports are readily available on their site. RF047-A cable assembly and SMPMT threaded plugs are part of the Samtec Reserve™ program with 1-day shipment.

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@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #TandM  #Aerospace

Hydromechanical spring tensioner.

The hydromechanical spring clamping cylinders ZSF from Jakob Antriebstechnik are robust and reliable clamping mechanisms for various areas of application. They are ideal for situations in which moving machine parts need to be temporarily fixed, such as in fixture construction or when clamping workpieces and tools.

The spring clamping systems work through a combination of mechanical and hydraulic principles. The clamping force is generated mechanically by preloaded disc springs, while hydraulics are only required to loosen the elements to release the tie rod or pressure bolt. This means that the clamping force remains constantly high regardless of oil pressure or leakage losses, which increases operational safety.

The pressure or pull piston is influenced alternately by the disc spring package or the hydraulic pressure. As the oil pressure increases, the spring package compresses and increases the spring force until the desired clamping force is achieved. To release the push or pull piston, a higher hydraulic pressure is required, which is proportional to the release stroke.

Another advantage is that the setting pressure is only required during initial assembly for fine adjustment of the force. In the normal operating cycle, the cylinders are operated either without pressure or with a release pressure. For spring clamping cylinders, a mandrel or tie rod is screwed into the threaded hole of the tension piston and secured (available in one piece or with a special thread upon request). All that is required for operation is a hydraulic unit, which should be equipped with a pressure gauge, a pressure relief valve, a switching solenoid valve and a pressure switching device.

The hydromechanical spring clamping systems offer numerous advantages, including short operating times of the hydraulic unit, low acquisition costs, increased operational safety, versatile areas of application and simple operation.

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#jakobantriebstechnik  #Manufacturing #Pauto #Safety @PresseBox 

What has Ai got in store for industry in 2026?

Here are ten connectivity and electronics design predictions.

Our friends at Molex are predicting that artificial intelligence (Ai) will continue to transform every major industry sector over the next 12 to 18 months, driving exponential demand for computational resources while causing major bottlenecks in both compute power and connectivity. Ai-driven data proliferation and processing are creating new opportunities and obstacles for design engineers across fast-growth sectors, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, data centres, industrial automation and MedTech.

“Ai models in every industry—from autonomous vehicle sensors and high-resolution medical imaging to real-time control systems on factory floors—generate massive amounts of data while requiring high-speed connectivity, advanced power delivery and efficient thermal management,” said Aldo Lopez, SVP and president, Datacom and Specialty Solutions, Molex. “In 2026, we will remain steadfast in helping remove critical bottlenecks in compute power and connectivity while working with customers, suppliers and partners worldwide to develop future-ready, Ai-driven infrastructures.”

Top 10 Predictions for 2026

1. High-speed interconnects remain essential to delivering the speed and density to enable Ai/Machine Learning workloads in modern hyperscale data centres.
Communication between major compute elements, like GPUs and Ai accelerators within a data-centre server or chassis, necessitates a mix of high-speed backplane and board-to-board solutions designed for 224Gbps PAM-4 speed, along with high-speed pluggable I/O connectors that support aggregate speeds up to 400/800Gbps while providing a path to 1.6T.

2. Energy consumption hampers data-centre scaling, propelling advancements in thermal management.
The heat generated by high-performance servers and systems needed to scale generative Ai applications while supporting the transition to 224Gbps PAM-4 has exceeded traditional solutions relying on air-cooling technology. Developments in liquid cooling, including direct-to-chip cooling, immersion cooling and passive components that enhance active cooling, will continue to gain traction and exploration over the next 12 to 18 months.

3. Demand escalates for Co-Packaged Optics to support “scale-up” architectures.
Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) is considered essential for handling GPU-to-GPU interconnectivity in AI-driven architecture. Designed to deliver ultra-high bandwidth density directly at the chip edge, CPO enables much higher interconnect density while reducing power consumption and electrical signal loss. The focus on CPO is expected to intensify in the coming year, as it has been developed specifically to address the massive power and bandwidth demands of hyperscale data centres and Ai/ML clusters.

4. Specialty fibre optics accelerate MedTech and aerospace and other innovations.
Specialty fibre optics offer high-precision links with immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). No wider than human hair, optical fibre increasingly powers high-resolution imaging equipment, like MRI and CT scanners, while delivering concentrated laser energy for non-invasive therapeutic treatments. fibre optics also address engineering challenges in satellite and space systems to transmit vast volumes of data over long distances with minimal signal degradation.

5. Rugged, reliable and miniaturised solutions gain momentum across every major sector.
The use of compact, durable connectors that thrive in harsh environments has long dominated automotive as well as aerospace applications. Pushing boundaries for greater reliability in very small form factors has now permeated consumer electronics (e.g., fitness trackers, smartwatches and smart home devices); industrial automation (e.g., warehouse robots, touchscreens and sensors); as well as medical devices (e.g., endoscopes, insulin pumps and wearable health monitors).

6. Electrification continues to accelerate, driving demand for high-speed, high-power connectivity.
Electrification trends in military land systems are gaining ground, with growth in Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) systems, which need lightweight, miniaturised and rugged MIL-SPEC connectors and cables. An early proponent of zonal architecture for next-gen electrified vehicles, Molex connects multiple sensors, cameras, radar, LiDAR and other technologies while prioritising the role of hybrid or mixed connectors needed to handle power and high-speed signals associated with in-vehicle networks.

7. Mandates for modular solutions and open standards grow across most industry sectors.
An active participant in the Open Compute Project (OCP), Molex is developing next-generation data centre cooling technologies and modular hardware specifications to enhance hyperscale system performance, efficiency and modularity. Close alignment with industry standards groups in aerospace also empowers Molex to focus on reducing size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C).

8. 48V architecture gains traction as universal standard for power efficiency.
48V architecture is rapidly becoming the universal standard for power efficiency in AI-driven data centres and next-gen vehicles. A power architecture enabler, Molex drives innovation in 48V technology to solve thermal density challenges and reduce cabling weight in automobiles while addressing power spikes caused by generative Ai workloads in data centres in support of the OCP Open Rack v3 (ORV3) standard.

9. Personalisation continues to shift, thanks to emergence of agentic Ai.
Agentic Ai adapts readily to changing conditions, aiding real-time decision making and personalisation. In automotive, this translates to advances in autonomous driving and in-cabin experiences that function more like a third living space. In consumer electronics and MedTech wearables, greater personalisation optimises product usage while real-time diagnostics improve wellbeing. On factory floors, real-time access to data and adaptive human-machine interfaces improve productivity and operational efficiency.

10. Demands for supply optionality and regional manufacturing grow amid global trade volatility.
Investments in AI-driven data ecosystems will propel digital supply chain intelligence to support demands for new, regional supply networks and localised manufacturing amid shifting trade policies. The result requires increased supply chain resilience amid growing demands for increased predictive procurement intelligence. 

Supporting Resources.
You might like to dive deeper into these 2026 predictions and hear from Molex industry experts as they explore how engineering ingenuity and emerging technologies are shaping the future. Watch their videos here to discover their views on what’s in store across key industries in 2026.

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@MolexConnectors @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

For the big moves

Safe and accurate transmission of torques is essential for precision drives of cross cutters. This is ensured by the use of steel bellows couplings with force-fitted shaft-hub connection.

The metal bellows couplings of the KXL series from JAKOB Antriebstechnik were designed for medium and large drives up to a maximum of 65,000 Nm. A special design feature is the three-piece design with a flexible bellows package as an intermediate piece. This removable intermediate piece, consisting of an optimised, torsionally stiff stainless steel bellows with 2 bellows shafts per side and a variable length intermediate pipe, is frictionally connected (screws ISO 4017 / 10.9) with the two hubs. This results in a considerable ease of assembly, as e.g. can be omitted in the maintenance or service case a costly disassembly of the heavy drive or driven units.

The designer has several hub variants available for the specific application. The extremely favorable moment of inertia and the rotationally symmetric design ensure good dynamic performance. The KXL couplings are particularly suitable for precise drives, such as for printing presses, cross cutters, main spindle drives, transfer axes or transmission connections. A media transport or a parallel drive train through the coupling interior is basically possible. The connection to the shafts can be done either as a conical clamping ring hub or as a flange hub.

Hub Type A:
Frictional, backlash-free conical clamping ring connection - outside – bellows package radially freely removable. For the overall length "L4", the axial lengthening of the bellows package of 4 mm is already taken into consideration during assembly.

Hub type B:
Frictional, backlash-free conical clamping ring connection - internal bellows package radial NOT freely removable.

Hub Type F / G:
Mounting flange according to ISO 9409 or customer specification - centering outside or inside. Dimensions of flange hub F and G of L13, L19 and D6, D9, D10, D11, D12 according to customer specifications.

Hub Type A / B:
Frictional, backlash-free conical clamping ring connection - outside / inside. Bellows package radially NOT freely expandable.

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@PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik #PAuto #Manufacturing

High-voltage connector.

Fulfilling all necessary safety requirements for up to 1.6 kV AC/DC.

Measurement and testing in the areas of e-mobility batteries, solar and high-voltage in general must be carried out while fulfilling the appropriate safety requirements in order to protect the user. There are many connectors on the market that are specified for measuring up to 1 kV AC/DC. However, the selection of possible connector solutions becomes significantly reduced if you want to carry out measurements between 1 kV and 1.6 kV AC/DC.

One challenge here is to fulfil DIN EN IEC 61010-2-030:2022-11 / VDE 0411-2-030:2022-11. This becomes even more difficult if you have further restrictions on the available installation space for the connector. In particular, compliance with the necessary creepage and clearance distances (at least 32 mm and 22 mm respectively) between the contact and touchable parts is of enormous importance. These creepage and clearance distances must also take into account the operating conditions and environment. Measurements are not generally carried out in an air-conditioned and sterile environment. It is therefore important to know the permissible pollution degree (PD) of the connector.

The ODU MEDI-SNAP® 1.6 kV AC/DC in size 1 meets these requirements for PD 2 and offers further advantages: a long service life, easy handling with a push-pull locking mechanism, together with color and mechanical keying to prevent mismatching of plugs and sockets.

Safe mating also includes touch protection, which is not always provided by alternative breakaway connectors on the market. However, this is particularly important in areas above 1000 volts. The connector also has protection class IP64.

The ODU MEDI-SNAP® with push-pull locking provides haptic feedback when mating but also prevents unintentional unplugging. This makes it convincing in all the main criteria compared to conventional solutions on the market. ODU MEDI-SNAP® connectors are defined without breaking capacity (COC) according to IEC 61984:2008 (VDE 0627:2009-11). The MEDI-SNAP® for 1.6 kV is available in orange as standard as a signal color for high-voltage.

With the new high-voltage connector, ODU is serving an important market segment in which the results of battery tests, among other things, are used in research to further improve the products.

The MEDI-SNAP® for 1.6 kV can be inserted not only for battery tests. Other areas include automotive testing, battery storage, high-voltage measurements in laboratory environments and photovoltaics. ODU offers the MEDI-SNAP® 1.6 kV as a customer-friendly set with mechanical and color coding.

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@ODU_Connectors @PresseBox #PAuto

Connectors have new base.

A global hub for engineering, sales, admin and marketing with an exhibition area and conference suite

Intelliconnect (Europe) have opened of their new base for sales, marketing and engineering in Essex (GB) with a celebration of their innovation, achievements and future aspirations. The new 4300sq/ft facility is poised to be a hub of innovation and excellence providing a base for long-term company growth, and will be home to Engineering, Sales, Admin and Marketing and feature an exhibition area and conference suite. It will also be available for other Trexon group companies to use as European base.

The event saw a gathering of employees, partners, customers and other Trexon group company representatives coming together to celebrate the occasion.

Gareth Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect, says, “The grand opening of our new office in Witham, Essex, marks a significant milestone in our story, and one that paves a way for a prosperous future. This event was not just about a new location but a testament to the collective effort of the Intelliconnect family in making our business what it is today.”

Employees from different departments and partner companies also used this opportunity to discuss ideas, share insights, and explore potential new collaborations. Phillips continues, “With our business and partners being spread across the UK and beyond, it is rare that we find the time to all get together. Being able to spend a day getting to know each other better was a real joy.”

After a celebratory barbeque, Managing Director Gareth Phillips made a keynote speech reflecting on past achievements and offering an exciting glimpse into the future. He also made a number of awards including two special awards for long-service.

Maria Wright, a Sales Administrator, has been with Intelliconnect from the very beginning, an incredible 20 years, and has been a cornerstone of the company's sales operations, contributing significantly to its growth and success. Her dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues throughout her two decades of employment.

Arden Lawson, a Production Engineer, marked his 10th year with the company. Known for his technical expertise and problem-solving skills, Arden has played a crucial role in the company's production processes. His contributions have been instrumental in maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by the two long serving employees was the highlight of the day, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for Intelliconnect.

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@Intelli_Connect @proactivefleet #TrexonGlobal #PAuto

Industrial plugs and sockets.

Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of Amphenol's Industrial range of Plugs & Sockets, which combine toughness with ease of use and safety-critical features.

“Easy & Safe” is a range of IP67 and IP44 plugs, connectors and socket outlets/inlets. They are reliable, safe and easy to work with, providing water and dust protection to the self-cleaning contacts. This feature prolongs the plug and socket lifetimes whilst minimising the risk of accidents, injuries and damage to the connected equipment.

“Tough & Safe” is a range designed for environments that have high demands of functionality and safety. They feature robust housings made from PBT plastic. They are IP67 Watertight (16-125A) or IP44 Splashproof (63A). The plugs and sockets are rated at 16-125 A, 50-690 VAC. All of the external screws are made from stainless steel. “Critical & Safe” is a range designed for applications with frequent connection/disconnection. The housings are made from PBT or aluminium. They are IP67 Watertight or IP44 Splashproof with a rating of 16 - 125A, 50-690 VAC. Again, all of the external screws are stainless steel.

Common to all three ranges, the IP67 cable glands provide excellent strain relief and sealing performance. The glands work with a large span of cable diameters and can be re-used.

Inelco Hunter's in-depth engineering support ensures rapid implementation, speeding up the customer’s time-to-market. Their engineers will work with the SME engineers. This added-value support is at the core of their philosophy, and has been for the last 30 years, setting them apart from the "stock and ship" distributors.

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@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto #Safety

Simulating MIMO connections.

Anritsu Corporation has introduced a newly developed Butler Matrix 4x4 (0.6 GHz to 7.125 GHz) MA8114A to expand its Butler Matrix module lineup of simulating MIMO connections.

The MA8114A is a Butler Matrix transmission path with 4 input and 4 output ports and supports the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz), which is not supported by the existing Azimuth STACSIM-WB-(Static Channel Simulator) (ACC-339) used for evaluating 4x4 MIMO throughput of LTE/5G base stations and Wi-Fi devices. The MA8114A helps users to build a stable 5G/W-Fi evaluation environment, and efficiently test throughput.

Development Background.
LTE/5G Base station and Wi-Fi device vendors use the Over The Air test environment to evaluate the maximum throughput with 4x4 MIMO for their products. This entails measuring the Tx/Rx radio performance of wireless devices using an anechoic or OTA chamber which is designed to block external radio waves. Because the transmission environment varies depending on the distance to the User Equipment (UE), a drawback of this approach is its low reproducibility of measurement results. While reproducibility can be improved by connecting the two devices using an RF cable, a simple coupler cannot simulate the MIMO transmission environment. The MA8114A solves this issue, ensuring highly reproducible measurements.

The upper-limit frequency for NR FR1 has been extended beginning with 3GPP Release 17, and the 6 GHz band has been added to Wi-Fi 6E/7. The MA8114A supports a frequency range up to 7.125 GHz in preparation for countries launching services on new frequency bands.

The product lineup of the Butler Matrix module also includes the Butler Matrix 8x8 (0.6 GHz to 7.125 GHz) MA8118A with 8 input and 8 output ports, which supports a frequency range up to 7.125 GHz as well. The MA8118A can be used not only for 8x8 MIMO throughput evaluation but also to enable efficient testing of devices having multiple RF ports.

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #Power #PAuto

Compact solution for big challenges.

A safe connection for transmissions under adverse conditions

Space is a scarce commodity - especially in the world of electrical engineering, where every millimeter counts. Regardless of whether it is a portable optical device or a stationary installation. The trend towards ever smaller applications poses new challenges for users and manufacturers. To meet these requirements, ODU offers a suitable solution with the ODU MINI-SNAP® Super Shorty in the F series. This connector solves problems in places where there is no room for error, particularly thanks to the possibility of tailoring the cable assembly to the specific application.

Optimized for demanding conditions: 25% space saving without loss of quality.
The ODU MINI-SNAP® Series F Super Shorty combines the advantages of the ODU MINI-SNAP® series in a smaller design. The connector offers the usual reliability with a size reduction of up to 25%. This makes the ODU MINI-SNAP® Series F Super Shorty the ideal solution for applications that require easy mounting in extremely confined spaces. A more efficient and flexible system design is therefore possible without having to compromise on performance or reliability. However, not only is a suitable connector required, a suitable cable assembly is also required for error-free transmission.

Assembly and complete solution from a single source.
Past experience has shown that the connection or assembly with the right cable can be a problem within the confines of a small connector architecture. This fundamental, application-independent challenge was taken into account during the development of the ODU MINI-SNAP® Super Shorty. Despite its reduced size, the connector has enough space for convenient and professional connection of the cable strands. The design also provides the optimum conditions for overmolding and protection of the termination area - either in a straight or right-angled design. The ODU MINI-SNAP® Series F Super Shorty connectors are available as ready-made assemblies with matching cable and overmolding for an end product tailored to the application. This means that customized solutions for specific inserts can be produced from a single source. This ensures a more straightforward procurement process compared to dealing with various partners.

Durable and reliable thanks to protection class IP68.
The technical characteristics of the ODU MINI-SNAP® Series F Super Shorty underline its position as the optimum solution for demanding applications in confined spaces. With a service life of at least 5,000 mating cycles, it impresses in terms of longevity. By meeting protection class IP68 for optimum protection against the ingress of dust and water, the connector can also be used in harsh environments. The push-pull locking system ensures both a safe connection and easy removal in hard-to-reach places. Even blind plugging can be done thanks to the simple handling and half-shell coding. As an extra option, the ODU MINI-SNAP® Series F Super Shorty is also available in a very attractive tin-nickel version in addition to the standard finishing in matt chrome.

The compact design for more flexible and efficient applications retains the technical advantages but makes the ODU MINI-SNAP® Super Shorty of the F series an attractive solution. "Practical in use, the connector and cable provide a safe connection for transmissions under adverse conditions - without compromise."

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@ODU_Connectors @PresseBox #PAuto

The challenge of decentralisation.

Mouser Electronics has launched a new eBook in collaboration with Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator. The Power of Innovation and Data: Revolutionising Industrial, Healthcare, Automotive and Data Centres explores challenges relating to decentralisation of centres, data integrity, security and the enhancement of design flexibility to meet ever-changing market requirements.

Data is the currency of the Internet of Things (IoT), so winning technologies are those that process data most efficiently and effectively for market evolution. In the new eBook from Mouser and Molex, subject matter experts share insights into the migration of monolithic data centres to distributed and disaggregated architectures, and the transition to environments that offer flexibility in computing, storage, and networking options to best meet business needs, while paying only for what is used.

The eBook is packed with information on strategies, technologies and products. Actively engaged in industry standards boards, Molex provides readers with the expertise for data centre management with repeatable, scalable, high-quality solutions.

In addition, the eBook offers some of Molex’s latest innovative products, available from Mouser, like Molex’s EXTreme Ten60 hybrid power-and-signal connectors, providing up to 260A per linear inch, fast response times, and easy configuration for use in a variety of data communication and telecommunication equipment, as well as consumer electronics. Molex 5G mmWave RF flex-to-board connectors offer high signal integrity performance for high-speed (15 GHz) RF applications. The series is designed for use in 5G mobile and other communication devices. The Molex Multi-Hub 7-in-1 antenna features 2x LTE/5G full-band, 2x LTE/5G high-band, 2x Wi-Fi®, and 1x GNSS functionalities, making it suitable for advanced commercial vehicles and wireless applications.

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@MouserElecEU @MolexConnectors @Publitek #Electrics #Pauto #IoT

Sustainable connectivity for IT infrastructure.

The global demand for digitalisation infrastructure is growing rapidly. Businesses and consumers have increased their reliance on remote computing, apps, and the Internet of Things (IoT) at a remarkable speed and society has become significantly more dependent on tasks which require data centres. As data centres now form the backbone to everyday operations, it’s essential that their IT infrastructure works efficiently and any system failures are repaired quickly.

Advantages of Han® ORV3: Uses up to 50% less installation space in comparison with traditional rack system solutions - Fast scalability of data centres through the modularisation of rack systems - Easy servicing for the large numbers of components used in data centres - Reduction in complexity by minimising part numbers (SKUs) thanks to OCP conformity (Open Source System) - Fast configuration for different current and voltage requirements - Safe installation thanks to electric shock-protected contacts - Increased flexibility during installation because of different termination technologies: PCB and Crimp - Available as a pre-assembled cabling solution for power distribution from one single source.

Open Compute Project (OCP).
The Open Compute Project (OCP) focuses on redesigning hardware for IT infrastructures. The goal of the working group is to make data centres more efficient, more flexible, and more quickly scalable. The project is based on an open exchange of ideas, specifications, and other intellectual property to push innovation to its limits and reduce the complexity of technical components.

In a data centre, rack Power Distribution Units (rPDUs) provide power to IT equipment. One OCP initiative is focusing on the standardisation of these racks and their easy integration into the infrastructure of data centres. Joint specifications for ‘power shelf’ input connectors represent an important step. As part of standardisation, Harting has invested significant know-how in the specification of the ‘ORV3 OCP Input Power Connector’.

Improving scalability, lowering total cost of ownership (TCO).
Harting offers for the first time offers an OCP-compliant AC connector with the Han® ORV3, which is also available as complete power shelf v3 rack cable assemblies. Shallower rack systems enable a more compact design for the entire infrastructure, meaning data centres can significantly increase their productivity within a given footprint. As a result, their solution supports the Open Compute Project’s goal of optimising efficiency in the construction and scaling of data centres.

The Han® ORV3 for rack systems strikes a balance between standardisation requirements and the goal of achieving maximum flexibility in the configuration of cable assemblies for different current and voltage levels. Thanks to the open standard, the Han® ORV3 reduces complexity as it consists of only a few part numbers, enabling high availability and, in cases of rack unit failures, low average repair times. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is also reduced.

@HARTING_Group @HARTING #PAuto #IT

Terminal blocks provide any number of connection poles without special tools or fittings.

The new BTBH-H easy-stack product line of surface mount terminal blocks from IDEC Corporation are in a compact form factor with multiple amp ratings. These terminal blocks can be easily stacked together or ordered preassembled to meet the needs of any commercial or industrial application.

BTBH-H blocks are available in four different amp ratings—10A, 15A, 30A, and 50A—and can be ordered as individual components, or as complete assemblies by amp rating for 2 to 30 poles. The terminal blocks are assembled in a twist- and snap-together fashion, without the need for special tools, connecting rods, or DIN rails, resulting in a very low installation height. Users can easily add or remove terminals at any time, as required by specification changes or maintenance work. Terminal blocks with different current values can be combined for applications with different wire diameters, and these blocks are mountable to the surface of any electrical or control backpanel with standard M4 self-tapping screws.

These blocks use touch-down electrical terminals that have spring-loaded captive screws, ensuring screws do not get lost and reducing wiring time by making the screw head easily accessible. For maximum compatibility with any application, a pressure plate configuration accepts ring tongue, fork tongue, ferrules, or bare wire, and electrical connections are IP20 finger safe. Depending on applicable standards and terminal block size, the terminal blocks have an insulation rating of 600V or more, and can accept wires from 18- to 6-AWG. Multipole jumpers are available to simplify wiring of common connections for power distribution.

Accessories include end plates, marking strips, dust covers, and joint plates, so any number of terminal poles can be created. These components are UL and CSA certified, EN compliant (TÜV certified), and meet the UL standard FW2 for factory wiring and field wiring. The products are highly flame resistant, and comply with JIS C 8201-7-1 and NECA C 2811.

The surface mount terminal blocks provide users the choice for exactly what they need for any type of commercial or industrial application, and the product’s modularity enables inventory reduction because only individual parts must be stocked, rather than entire assemblies. This flexibility also increases environmentally friendly practices.

@IDECUSA #PAuto #Electrics

Ethernet and future technologies.

The second Harting Industrial Ethernet Week takes place between the 21st and 23rd February 2023. Featuring technical experts and IIoT pioneers from a range of global brands, participants will discover solutions for driving industrial transformation via insightful user cases, discussions, talks and tech sessions.

Day one focuses on smart industrial applications and infrastructure. Highlights include a demonstration from Microsoft of new application areas in the manufacturing value chain and how companies can use them to drive efficiencies, followed by an example of production line predictive maintenance from IoT Use Case. The day concludes with a panel discussion about digitising industrial processes using the IIoT.

February 22nd will feature a spotlight on factory installation. Fluke Networks will demonstrate how to identify and resolve common issues with Industrial Ethernet cabling in industrial installations, whilst Harting present sessions focusing on field attachable connectors, ethernet connectivity from modular connectors and a guide to engineering data for installation technology.

The week wraps up with an in-depth examination of Single Pair Ethernet and device design. Our experts look at the technical challenges of providing power over SPE and SparkFun introduce their SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Kit. Delegated will learn about robust PCB connectivity from Harting, including har-modular®, which allowes users to configure and create your own PCB connector.

Sessions run from 8:30am until 11:30am each day and all are welcome to join all the events or selected talks. Every session will also be available as a recording afterwards. 

@HARTING_Group @HARTING #PAuto #IIot

Cable entry from all angles!

The latest addition to Icotek’s range of cable entry plates are now available from Foremost Electronics. The new Icotek Cable Entry 360⁰ can accommodate up to 48 cables, with or without connectors, from all entry directions. This completely splitable distribution box safely routes cables and provides strain relief.

The new Icotek Cable Entry 360⁰ allows centrally located cables to be distributed over a 360⁰ range and offers nearly unlimited uses. Cables with diameters from 1 – 15mm can be routed, sealed and provided with strain relief in accordance with DIN EN 6244. The distribution box is suitable for metric cut-outs and can be fixed with a locknut, included with the device. Retrofits, maintenance and repairs are simple and fast to effect due to a screw fixed cover and split grommets.

The Icotek Cable Entry 360⁰ is constructed from UL94-V0 self-extinguishing polyamide (PA), rated to IP54 and halogen and silicone free. It has a mounting height of 39.4mm and operating temperature range of -40⁰ C to 140⁰C (static).

Key features include:

• Fast and simple assembly.
• Easy cable distribution over 360⁰ range.
• Warranty on pre-terminated cables remains in force.
• Retrofits, maintenance and repairs are simple and fast.
• Suitable for metric cut-outs M3 – M75.
• Strain relief to EN 6244
• Uses field proven Icotek KT grommet system.
• High cable density and wide variety of grommets.
• High flexibility with the use of Icotek multi-range and IMAS-CONNECT adapter grommets.
• Hexagonal locknut included.
• High stability and vibration resistant.
• Mechanical protection of the central entry point.

Icotek products provide a secure connection for machinery and equipment and are suitable for applications where extreme contamination by water, dust, vibration or extreme temperatures occur. Icotek products available from Foremost Electronics include cable entry systems and EMC cable shielding components for a variety of industries and applications including: Machine tools, railway technology, wind turbines, solar technology, vehicle construction and packaging machines to automation and robotics. 

@4MostElectronic @proactivefleet @icotek #4most #PAuto 

Compact, reliable and versatile circuit protection.

The Easy9 Compact Multirow Consumer Unit has been launched by Schneider Electric. The next generation consumer unit complements the existing premium Easy9+ range in order to meet the needs of every household and electrician. It incorporates flexibility, simple installation and ample cable space to easily connect multiple devices and provide peace of mind when it comes to regulatory compliance.

Nico Van Der Merwe, VP of Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, said “The Easy9 Compact Multirow Consumer Units bring unmatched flexibility, safety and reliability to every homeowner in the UK. They have peace of mind knowing that this unit fits the needs of their home now, but also has capacity to meet evolving energy consumption demands in the future.

“For electricians, this next generation consumer unit offers clear benefits. It is easy to install, adaptable for different configurations, has ample cable space and multiple cable entries. It provides them with an easy choice when looking for a reliable and flexible solution in the market,”

The new Easy9 Compact Multirow Consumer Units is the easy choice for a compact, reliable and versatile circuit protection solution. The fully compliant BS 7671 unit offers flexibility in device configurations, is suitable for AFDD installations, and has additional module capacity for larger installations too. It provides electricians with the ability to tailor the fit to the specifications of any new build or retrofit project, while also leaving capacity to meet the energy consumption demands of the homes of the future.

It maintains the range’s simplistic and smart design. A low-profile cover allows homeowners and electricians to situate the solution wherever necessary, without having to compromise on functionality and scalability due to lack of space. The curved profile lid, white finish and minimalistic markings ensure the unit blends into its environment seamlessly and meets any aesthetic needs.

@SchneiderElec #Electrical 

Extending the life of legacy devices.

Solutions that bridge different connection interfaces between serial devices and modern systems help save the cost of replacing older assets

If serial-based industrial devices have been running for decades and have helped the business succeed, a facility manager might rightfully worry how long they can be relied upon before making costly replacements. Of course, most computers today are not equipped with serial ports, and operating systems are being updated much more frequently than in the past. Also, forward-thinking companies are increasingly managing machinery online to get production data in real-time, thus minimizing the response duration needed to glean business insights. All these developments relate back to the connectivity, or rather, a lack of it, of serial devices.

In these types of situations, two questions immediately arise:

• How can serial devices connect to modern systems if serial ports are no longer the standard interface on computers?
• How can devices be managed remotely if they cannot connect to Ethernet interfaces?

Keeping serial devices alive protects valuable investments by maintaining and enhancing the devices’ capabilities. Thankfully, a variety of serial connectivity solutions are available that allow for simple and affordable upgrades to bridge serial devices into today's networking. This is especially important since the majority of today's production machinery and monitoring sensors are modernized with Ethernet interfaces. To help managers, Moxa highlights three major challenges faced when enabling serial connectivity between legacy devices and modern systems and protocols.

1. Fewer Serial Interfaces on Computers
Computers are commonly used in industrial applications to interact with devices. However, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces on rarely found on new computers, making it difficult to connect serial devices at field sites to control centers. Luckily, the issue can be fixed via an expansion card on motherboard-level connections, such as PCI, PCIe, or mini-PCIe, to provide or increase the number of serial ports on an industrial PC. Alternatively, as universal serial bus (USB) interfaces are standard on today’s computers or laptop PCs, USB-to-serial converters are also an option to solve the headache of insufficient connectivity.

2. Difficulties in Achieving Remote Monitoring
When applications reach a certain scale, remote communication becomes more important from a management point of view. Ethernet communication is very popular to realize remote monitoring applications, therefore making serial-to-Ethernet converters a cost-effective option to enable Ethernet connectivity for remote serial devices. However, converting serial communication data to an Ethernet format might not always be so straightforward. The network structure and software architecture may face compatibility issues. Often, the original serial communication program will need to be redesigned to adopt to a new communication interface and data interpretation, such as creating virtual COM ports to access serial devices through TCP/IP-based networks. Also, converting serial communication protocols, such as Modbus RTU, to Ethernet communication protocols, i.e., Modbus TCP, requires extra effort.

When integrating serial devices into Ethernet-based systems, choose a serial-to-Ethernet converter that will minimize dealing with communication settings. In addition, make sure the serial-to-Ethernet converter comes with the driver support that fits the preferred OS, whether it is Windows, Linux or macOS.

3. Uncertain Availability of Serial Components
As technology develops, so do problems, so the supplier's serial connectivity solutions also need to evolve. For example, because the rise of cyberattacks is a major concern in connected applications, security has become a critical feature in devices that have network interfaces. Serial-to-Ethernet solutions today can incorporate IEC 62443-4-2 standards, along with a variety of embedded functions to enhance security for connected serial devices. A supplier's commitment to serial connectivity solutions -- one that encompass availability and advancement -- will provide peace of mind for any business looking to maximize long-term return on serial-based device investments.

Managers today are questioning how long they can run serial-based equipment since Ethernet communication is now key to realizing convergence, along with USB, fiber, and wireless connectivity options. Fortunately, solutions are available to bridge serial equipment to these interfaces, easily and inexpensively.

@MoxaInc @OConnell_PR #PAuto #Manufacturing

Optical connections.

High data rates and fast, interference-free transmissions are becoming increasingly standard requirements for connectors. Indeed, the connectors are the crucial interface when it comes to maintaining reliable transmissions.

ODU Fiber Optic technologies ensure the high quality and stability that is needed for optical connections. They offer system solutions with Expanded Beam technology for harsh environments and a high number of mating cycles. The range also includes reliable physical contact technology with low insertion loss for up to 1,000 mating cycles. For short transmission distances, ODU also offers POF (Polymer Optical Fiber) system solutions for cost-efficient optical connections.

The Expanded Beam Performance technology is an advanced fiber optic solution. It offers high-end transmission characteristics over many mating cycles. The excellent optical performance remains unchanged even under mechanical stress, environmental influences and harsh ambient conditions.

ODU Fiber Optic solutions are ideal for medical technology, industrial outdoor applications and mass-interconnect solutions. These technologies are available in circular and modular connectors as well as customized solutions. They are designed for the respective applications as fully assembled fiber optic system solutions. To ensure a 100% error-free connection, the entire system solution should be considered in the area of ​​fiber optic. This is because a fiber optic connector can only meet the customer's requirements in combination with a suitable cable.

@PresseBox #ODU #PAuto #FibreOptics

Off grid power supply.

The latest addition to Laser Components' range of accessories makes FLEXPOINT ® -laser modules with M12 connectors fit for mobile use. The M12 USB cable connects the laser module to any compatible power source via a USB-A connector. This can be a commercially available power bank, a power supply unit, or the USB port of a computer.

The standard USB voltage of 5 V is transformed to 12 V directly in the cable. Thus, all laser modules that require a voltage of at least 10 V can be operated.

The use of a transportable USB power source means more independence for the user from national or regional differences in voltage supply, frequency, and plug type.

@LCGermany @PresseBox #PAuto #Laser

Streaming four cameras for awkward installations.

The new Quartet TX2 carrier board from FLIR,  enables streaming of 4 x high performance USB3 board level cameras simultaneously and at full bandwidth. This custom carrier board with TX2 is ideal for space constrained applications, eliminating the need for peripheral hardware and host systems.

• Stream 4 x Blackfly S USB3 board level cameras at full bandwidth
• Fully integrated SOM eliminates need for peripheral hardware and host systems
• Pre-integrated Spinnaker SDK for plug and play compatibility
• Deploy multiple decision-making systems using Jetson Deep Learning accelerator
• Small footprint of 138mm × 92mm × 18.2mm and 182g
• Multiple price-to-performance options available

The Quartet TX2 Embedded Solution comes pre-integrated with our Spinnaker SDK, delivering a turnkey solution with scalable performance options and proven reliability.

This board combines power and data transmission over a single cable per camera; for a remarkably compact footprint of 138mm × 92mm × 18.2mm. Integrators can now design compact vision systems using the tried and tested TX2 module, easily integrating a powerful single board computer (SBC) into space constrained vision systems.

The Quartet TX2 carrier board supports plug and play compatibility with up to 4 x Blackfly S USB3 board level cameras. The Nvidia Jetson deep learning hardware accelerator also allows for a complete decision-making system on a single compact board.

@flir #Pauto

RF, Microwave & Cryogenic environment connectors.

CryoCoax, an Intelliconnect division, has been appointed as a franchised stocking distributor by XMA Corporation-Omni Spectra® focusing on cryogenic connectivity products as well as standard attenuators and high frequency microwave components.

CryoCoax is the British/North American based division of Intelliconnect solely focused on providing for the RF Interconnect needs of the worldwide Cryogenics market. Based on a business model of innovative design, excellent manufacturing, unrivalled customer service and technology led partnerships, Intelliconnect – CryoCoax has seen significant and continuing growth in quantum computing, research, test and measurement, space and medical applications during the past six years.

Steve Groves, Intelliconnect/CryoCoax Global Sales Director commented, “This is a fantastic step forward for our business, we are very excited to be working more closely with XMA. Being able to sell their wide range of high-quality RF Solutions from stock will allow us to achieve great things together.”

This new development for Intelliconnect complements their existing product range of RF, Microwave and Cryogenic connectivity and increases their ability to offer a ‘one-stop shop to the market.

XMA Corporation-Omni Spectra® is considered the market leader of microwave components in the cryogenics and general microwave component spaces and has been a partner with Intelliconnect/CryoCoax for several years. XMA supplies products of the highest quality to the exacting specifications required by the quantum computing, military, aerospace, space, test, measurement, medical and commercial markets.

CryoCoax’s cryogenic cables and components work to 2 K (-271.15°C) and are ideally suited to a wide range of applications including quantum computing and research, test and measurement, instrumentation, medical and material research and cryogenic systems including dilution refrigerators, superconducting magnet systems, low temperature detector systems, infrared array systems.

@Intelli_Connect @xma_omnispectra @proactivefleet #CryoCoax #PAuto