Han-Modular® – The market standard for modular connectors v2

A modular connector allows the combination of several different media types into a single connection point. Using off-the-shelf modules, engineers can create custom connector systems perfectly tailored to their need in a standard footprint. Han-Modular^® is the original and globally leading series of modular rectangular connectors.

With the Han-Modular^® series, you can optimally design connectors to supply machinery and equipment. This is made possible by combining individual modules for different transmission media. The connector handles different signal types through the combination of different modules that the designer selects. Modules can also be used to accommodate multimedia types, such as power, signal, and data can be combined into a single connector rather than separate connections.

Standardization in module sizes offers the highest degree flexibility as engineers can change modules as their design changes without changing the footprint of the connector and thus, their complete design. Placeholder modules also allow for future proofing. As our multi-media connectors combine multiple connection points into one, it offers substantial space saving benefits. One of the most important things Han-Modular^® now offers is the ability to connect to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) at the component level, making in the first “smart” connector on the market. The Han-Smart^® generation brings the intelligence into the connector.

Need to find the right modular interfaces for your machine construction quickly and reliably without the drawn-out process of considering the connector details and all the many combination options? The Han^® configurator will quickly put all the necessary information and data relevant to your decision making at your fingertips.

HARTING has complemented the well-known Han-Modular^® building block system with the addition of the new "hinged frame plus". Among others, the “plus” for the proven hinged frame comes in the form of an additional stainless steel spring that holds the frame together in the open and closed positions, as well as other details that have been optimised. Particular time and cost advantages result from the fact that assembling the connector modules is easier and more efficient. Learn more.

The Han-Modular^® Pneumatic Module enables prepared compressed air to be transmitted via connectors, which is required for e.g. drives. The blue colouring of the pneumatic module makes it stand out from electrical modules. Depending on requirements, the male and female contacts can be used for various pneumatic hose diameters (∅ = 1.6 to 6mm). The module can also be combined with all other modules in the Han-Modular^® series.

This means that in addition to electric power and electrical signals, fibre optic signals and gaseous media can also be transmitted in pluggable mode. The module is available in variants with two (for hose ∅ = 6 mm) or three plug slots (for hoses with ∅ = 1.6 to 4mm). The female contacts are available with or without shut-off function. In the shut-off variant a spring-loaded valve closes over an O-ring when the connector is opened.

This prevents compressed air from escaping. When plugged in, the male contact presses against the valve and keeps the contact open. Learn more.

Industrial facilities increasingly feature modular designs. More and more mobile equipment is being used in manufacturing, and swap-outs are being done more frequently and as quickly as possible. This also means that more connectors are required which are designed for a high number of mating cycles. The HARTING Han-Modular^® “High Mating Cycles” (HMC) hinged frame allows the integration of contacts designed for especially high mating cycles (10,000 insertions/removals) in inserts from the proven Han-Modular^® series. 

Use of the Han-Modular^® HMC hinged frame means Han-Modular® modules can be integrated into a HMC housing – and are consequently equipped for over 10,000 mating cycles. The HMC hinged frame differs from conventional hinged frames particularly with regard to the PE contact. The contact is specially coated in the HMC hinged frame and is attached to the latter using a special process.

The Han-Modular^® Docking Frame Metal is the new robust connector solution for systems that have to be mated “blind” or coupled automatically – in switch cabinet drawers, for example. This saves customer’s time. The frame works as a receptor for Han-Modular^®, in which different modules for the transfer of power, signal and data or compressed air can be located side-by-side. With over 100 different modules, the HARTING modular connector range offers almost endless flexibility and connection options. Learn more.

HARTING has extended the Han-Modular^® series with the introduction of a module for the pluggable connection of large PE cross-sections (10-35 mm²). The hinged frame of the Han-Modular^® series already features two integrated PE connections for the 0.5-10mm² cross-section range. Cross-sections of 10-35 mm² can now be realized using the new pluggable PE module. Special cables with reduced PE are no longer necessary. The PE module is simply mounted in the articulated frame, creating a secure, electrically conductive connection from the PE contact to the hinged frame and the housing. The PE protective earth connection is pre-leading and complies with standard IEC 61984. Learn more.

Networking and digitisation of manufacturing processes has meant an increase in the proportion of Ethernet components at the field level. To meet this trend, HARTING developed the Han-Modular® Switch US4. The US4 enables components such as high-resolution cameras used for quality assurance to be e.g. integrated into the network of a production facility with little effort.

The Ethernet Switch US4 is suitable for industrial applications and supports Ethernet (10 Mbit/s), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit/s) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbit/s). Up to 4 devices can be connected via RJ45 ports. The US4 Switch is Plug&Play compatible, and integrated LEDs provide quick and easy power and network diagnostics. HARTING’s strategy towards smarter connectors goes further: an ID module provides memory space for the connector. Other solutions emerging on the horizon are integrated sensors and wireless modules in the modular connector. Learn more.

The amount of data communication required in rail vehicles is increasing. Passengers want to keep in touch with their families, friends and colleagues by using Wi-Fi. At the same time, passenger information systems (PIS) provide data about the route, the weather and offer news, entertainment or advertisements. With the Han^® Gigabit module, HARTING has introduced the first modular connector designed for a Cat. 7A transmission category, providing in parallel a 10 Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth.

Increased energy efficiency and weight reduction feature as major trends in the rail vehicle construction sector. But how do we improve rail vehicle energy efficiency? Connectors can make a measurable contribution. By switching from metal to plastic, we have been able to reduce connector housing weight for trams and trains up to 50 % between one generation and the next – this is the significant difference in weight between the Han® B aluminium die-cast and the Han-Eco® B plastic housing (for the same size) with modular inserts.

The industry uses energy chains to supply the linearly moved components of machines or facilities. The chains represent the lifelines of the machines, providing them with energy, data und signals. The Han-Modular® Flexbox is introduced by HARTING as a new type of interface in the form of a modular system of plastic housings. When it comes to the replacement or removal of energy chains, one thing is always missing most – time!  Things must go quickly in order to minimise a manufacturing system’s downtimes. Against this background, the use of connectors is a must. The Han-Modular® Flexbox made by HARTING is a novel, an interface made especially for energy chains.

When developing a new generation of machines, finding an answer to the question that follows is only a secondary step: How can we divide a machine or facility so that, after it has been manufactured, it can be set up by the user in a short time and with the least amount of resources?   Modularity provides a promising perspective: the developers have divided the machines or facilities into functional groups which are installed separately and then assembled into functioning units or production lines only then when they arrive at their final set-up site.

In addition to energy and data, highly automated production plants require one thing above all: the reliable and powerful transmission of signals from measuring, control and regulation technology. Minimal downtimes are a decisive factor in the profitability of production plants. Unpredictable failures, e.g. due to negligence, fire or overvoltages can be expensive. The new surge protection module from the Han-Modular^® series brings surge protection into the connector and thus makes integration considerably more simple. Installation is quick and easy.

The value of a wind turbine (WT) is not only measured by the investments into machines and site development, but also in the way it is used later. In the long run, components which simplify installation and maintenance can improve the value of the plant enormously. If a wind turbine manufacturer uses pluggable connectors for the electrical connections between plant modules, this can lower both the investment costs (CAPEX) and the operational costs (OPEX).

The installers and operators of wind turbines are under significant pressure to save time and costs. A wind turbine that is not ready for use produces no electricity and achieves no grid feed-in compensation. Wind turbines are being designed with increasing modularity. This helps to increase the flexibility of their construction, while also accelerating the process of replacing components. The individual units are only assembled into a complete wind turbine once they have reached the construction site, thus making the use of connectors a real advantage.

Due to their altitude and often exposed location on hills, ridges, etc., wind turbines are frequent targets of lightning strikes. The strike passes through the entire system and affects the components and electrical systems. However, not only direct lightning strikes, but also strikes in the immediate vicinity of the turbine and the connected supply networks can lead to malfunctions or failures of sensitive electronic components.

Heavy-duty connectors can contribute to the efficient establishment of power plants as well as of energy storage or electric power transmission systems. Among the advantages of connectors are quick exchange options in service cases, e.g. for measuring equipment.

Up to now, docking connectors have only featured the states of being “mated” or „not mated“. Today, using the Han-Modular® Sliding Frame connectors can realise three different mating positions. In the intermediate state called “testing position”, the signal circuit of a system can be checked before switching on power connections. As a result, the electrical and electronic components of power distribution systems are better protected.