Digitalisation and decentralisation, however, mean that the number of smaller drives networked directly via Ethernet is continuously on the rise. New, space-saving concepts that efficiently transmit power and data are, for example, the hybrid interfaces from the One Cable Automation Initiative.
At present, electric drives in industrial applications are usually connected via several interfaces. M23 circular connectors play a particularly important role here, as they offer the necessary stability and shielding properties thanks to their metal housing. The power supply and signals/data are usually connected via separate interfaces, which takes up space on the drive.
The increasing digitalisation and, above all, the decentralisation of production means that large, central drives are on the decline and are being replaced by multiple, smaller counterparts. These can be controlled more individually, while performing the same work with lower power consumption and increasing the efficiency of the entire process.
Rethinking connection concepts
Drive manufacturers are continuously developing their portfolio in this respect and are also focusing on the miniaturisation of their products. The space on drives is contracting, meaning that the connection concepts also need to be rethought. In addition to the power supply, drives require an additional control interface by which signals, BUS or Ethernet protocols are transmitted.
In order to save even more space in the future and reduce the complexity and expense of cabling, the focus is clearly on hybrid connection concepts. These combine the supply of power and signals/data, thereby realising the idea of the One Cable Automation Initiative. The aim here is to ensure that each device is supplied by way of just one central interface, that would ideally be standardised. This saves time during assembly and eliminates the need for countless individual strands.
Transmiting power and signals/data simultaneously
The respective standards for hybrid circular connectors in various sizes are IEC 61076-2-117 and IEC 61076-2-118. The former describes metric solutions of various sizes (M „XX“), which offer a combination of screw and bayonet locking and the second standard (-118) describes the bayonet solutions (B „XX“). They all combine the simultaneous transmission of power and signals/data. There will be a different number of power contacts, combined with two or four control contacts, which transmit either BUS protocols, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) or Industrial Ethernet.
Standardisation ensures cross-manufacturer compatibility. This creates trust among users who want to have access to second sources and do not have to rely on proprietary solutions.
