Continuing increases in demand, quality control requirements, lead-time extensions, and cost-reduction requirements drive the need for more automation, real-time process control, zero-defect manufacturing, and efficiency improvements. Behind these rapidly changing requirements are multiple trends in the industrial space, including:
• Industry 4.0 focused on increased connectivity between devices and equipment on the factory floor and the cloud.
• A single protocol, rather than multiple layers with different protocols, streamlines the communication channel between the cloud and the factory floor, creating a seamless connection.
• With a significantly increased number of connected devices, all operating at different speeds, products handling variation and volume will be necessary.
• More devices will require a greater port density to handle the increased connectivity.
• Products need to be rugged and include protection against dust, water, and high temperatures.
• Predictive analytics keep teams informed about component service life so preventive maintenance can be scheduled before failure.
• The transition to Industry 4.0 will take time, making the ability to connect new factory automation with heritage (old) equipment critical.
The Ethernet factory model is superior for streamlining operations
Globally, the Industry 4.0 market size is expected to increase from $130.9 billion in 2022 to $377.3 billion by 2029. That means a skyrocketing need for innovative, robust, and reliable interconnect solutions.
Industry 4.0 demands increased speeds and data rates
In a traditional factory-automation communication system, Ethernet is used at the upper levels. But that changes upon reaching the control network and moving down to the factory floor. Within that system, there are often multiple networks, protocols, and interfaces requiring protocol conversion and gateway equipment to communicate between levels. This adds cost and latency, and makes scaling challenging.
Electrical: SPE uses power over data line (PoDL), while ix uses power over Ethernet (PoE++), which is the highest power level of the spec. Both interconnects can accommodate more power than what the spec defines, which provides excellent plug-and-play connectivity, making it easy to scale up a factory automation process when adding new devices.
For new technology and in Ethernet-connected factories, newer interfaces provide significant improvements and advantages. Both ix Industrial and the Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) interconnects are ideal for data networks, robotics, automation, edge equipment, and other industrial applications. These new interconnects have a compact design and standardized interface for a variety of industrial environments, and offer high performance across multiple areas, including the following.
Signal integrity and shielding: Both SPE and ix meet the insertion and return-loss requirements for signal integrity. SPE can achieve 1 gbps to 40 m (or 10 mbps out to 1 km) of cable length, while ix is rated at 10 gbps out to 100 m. Both are also full-metal shielded through the mated pair to ensure protection from radiated emissions to maintain signal integrity.
Published: Thursday, January 4, 2024 – 12:02
Our PROMISE: Quality Digest only displays static ads that never overlay or cover up content. They never get in your way. They are there for you to read, or not.
To learn more about Amphenol interconnect solutions, visit TTI.
Published Dec. 6, 2023, on Engineering.com, where it was sponsored by TTI.
So please consider turning off your ad blocker for our site.
Automation has become an essential element of most industries, driving enhanced efficiency and performance. While their initial purpose was to increase productivity and reduce labor costs, today’s industrial automation innovations include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the industrial internet of things (IIoT), which offer advanced competencies in minimizing error, improving quality, and enhancing the manufacturing process.
TTI has worked for more than five decades to deliver the widest and deepest variety of quality electronic components exactly when customers need them, with experienced specialists to help them with their design needs. This ensures that customers have the latest and highest-performing products and best engineering techniques to maximize their efforts in the challenging new age of Industry 4.0.
Standardization: The standards governing SPE and ix are supported by multiple suppliers, which makes it easy to connect across manufacturers and devices. Particularly as factories adopt new technology, interconnection will become increasingly important. In an industrial control cabinet, for example, there will be multiple connections required, including a programmable logic controller, input/output ports, Ethernet switch, sensor control, power supplies, vision system, controller, and relays.
Amphenol and TTI deliver the goods
Quality Digest does not charge readers for its content. We believe that industry news is important for you to do your job, and Quality Digest supports businesses of all types.
As we launch into Industry 4.0, the need for advanced automation and high-performance connectivity solutions intensifies, requiring protocols like Industrial Ethernet for maximum efficiency and productivity. Products like ix Industrial and Single Pair Ethernet are ideal new interconnects, offering a compact design and high performance with standardized interfaces.
Optimized cabling: The SPE uses two wires, which reduces cable size, weight, and cost, and operates at a lower speed for single devices. The ix Industrial has four pairs (eight wires) for higher-speed applications, and 10 positions with five-pair capability, supporting four-pair Ethernet with two remaining wires that can be used for additional signal or power if needed. The SPE and ix products are easily connected to the end of a cable.
Companies are starting to take notice and adopting increased automation for their workflows. Back in 2015, a World Economic Forum survey of 250 market leaders found that 88% of the participants didn’t understand the underlying business models and long-term implications of IIoT in their industry. The situation has drastically changed, as a 2022 Industry 4.0 adoption survey by IoT Analytics showed; 72% of respondents reported that they are in the process of implementing their Industry 4.0/smart factory, with many initiatives in progress and some already completed.
ix Industrial and Single Pair Ethernet connectors equip designers with efficient, high-performance tools to meet today’s advanced automation needs in extremely demanding environments. Image: TTI
ix Industrial and Single Pair Ethernet provide ideal solutions
This is where Ethernet protocol comes into play. Although there are different types of Ethernet based on operating speed and type of media being used, all versions of Ethernet are compatible with each other. Ethernet is used across a wide variety of industries. Compared to other industries, Ethernet adoption has been relatively slow in the industrial and building automation spaces, primarily due to the lower rate of connectivity within those segments. However, as Industry 4.0 grows, Ethernet is rapidly being adopted as the protocol of choice in industrial automation systems.
In an Ethernet factory model, the same Ethernet protocol is used from the cloud to the factory floor. With a single network, single protocol, and common interfaces, protocol conversion isn’t required, which helps reduce costs, speed real-time data, and improve scalability. Because every device is addressed, the Ethernet factory model enables a virtual factory (i.e., digital twin) setup for running simulations before going live with a test system.
Thanks,
Quality Digest
منبع: https://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/innovation-article/finding-interconnect-solutions-rugged-industry-40-environments-010424.html
Environmental and mechanical: The SPE has a single metal latch for a strong, durable connection. The ix Industrial has a pair of latches on either side, providing good retention to the mating connector. Both use the IP20 finger-proof design with recessed pins and sockets to ensure safety and protect contacts from damage over a temperature range. IP6X versions are also available. The contact design of both types ensures a long mating life.
Innovation
Finding Interconnect Solutions for Rugged Industry 4.0 Environments
Industrial Ethernet is the protocol of choice for faster, more efficient, high-performance production
The new ix-MAG connector is unique to Amphenol, integrating magnetics into the connector rather than on the PCB, which saves valuable PCB real estate for other components. The ix-MAG maintains the same 10 mm spacing as the ix Industrial for increased port density, and it’s also PoE++-compatible. The ix-MAG is available in single-port configuration with different plating options.
However, someone has to pay for this content. And that’s where advertising comes in. Most people consider ads a nuisance, but they do serve a useful function besides allowing media companies to stay afloat. They keep you aware of new products and services relevant to your industry. All ads in Quality Digest apply directly to products and services that most of our readers need. You won’t see automobile or health supplement ads.
Amphenol is committed to being one of the premier suppliers offering industrial Ethernet interconnect solutions. With a strong product portfolio that is fully tooled and interchangeable, Amphenol has expanded to keep up with the rapidly growing industrial Ethernet market and has a proven record of being first to market with products for evolving industrial standards, and with innovative solutions for the future needs of the industry.