Digitalisation is advancing uniformly networked corporate processes in development, production and sales. Presenting appropriate and expedient infrastructure solutions for easy access to the IIoT, technology is factoring in the current trends and developments shaping the industrial transformation, and connector innovations are playing a special role.

Ethernet is being deployed in more and more areas of automation and is the connecting element for IT and OT (Operational Technology). In order to be able to implement correspondingly robust networks for industrial use, HARTING is constantly developing and refining its range of reliable Industrial Ethernet connectivity.

Not on location in Nuremberg for the SPS Show, HARTING provided IEB with information on all its new connectivity solutions for industrial transformation: All for Ethernet, All for PCB, All for Energy, as well as new connectivity solutions for automation, electrification and decarbonization.

“Big Picture” of Connectivity+

“We think Connectivity+ in a consistent triad: the societal megatrends of sustainability, (de)globalisation and demographic change are the drivers for the technological megatrends of modularity, autonomy and digital twins. They are our guard rails for Connectivity+,” explained Dr. Kurt Bettenhausen, Board Member for New Technologies and Development.

“Based on these societal and technological megatrends, we are developing products and solutions that always put customer benefits firmly centre stage. In brief, we are shaping the connectivity of the future with solutions that deliver innovative added value for our customers.”

All for Ethernet

Ralf Klein, Managing Director of HARTING Electronics, emphasised that “we are constantly developing our Ethernet offerings and enabling our partners and customers to build robust networks for industrial use with our products. By combining IP-based communication and smart sensor technology, we can redefine the automation pyramid from sensors all the way to the cloud.”

The Ethernet protocol has become the most important communication standard for industrial automation. Increasing transmission rates and the trend towards miniaturisation are demanding new approaches in data infrastructure. The new and space-saving Physical Layer Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is now also conquering the last areas of the field level.
The associated connectivity solutions from HARTING include:

• New variants of the T1 Industrial (IEC 63171-6) in M12 and M8 enclosures
• Hybrid concepts for SPE plus power according to IEC 63171
• RJ Industrial Multifeature
• PreLink RJ45
• ix Industrial – with special focus on PROFINET applications
• HARTING M12 according to the new IEC 61076-2-010 standard

All for PCB

The technical megatrends of modularity and flexibility are more important than ever before in device development. In addition, development times are becoming shorter and prototyping is gaining significance.

All for Energy

”Increasing energy efficiency is relevant to all areas of industry – the trend towards conserving resources is also a technology driver here,” emphasised Norbert Gemmeke, Managing Director of HARTING Electric.

The safe and trouble-free connection technology for modular battery storage units forming energy storage systems (ESS) ranks as a key topic. Christian Schumacher, Managing Director of HARTING Customised Solutions, said “cable assemblies are the be-all and end-all here in terms of efficient plug & play in assembly. Prefabricated and customised, they shorten installation times, minimise the wiring effort on location, while providing maximum safety.”

Miniaturisation & modularisation

The trends of miniaturisation and modularisation continue to drive technological development in the industry forward and are constantly demanding new solutions and products. In addition to the Ethernet and PCB solutions, HARTING is also presenting solutions from the field of “heavy-duty” industrial connectors.

Technology report by HARTING