Ethernet is conquering more and more areas of industrial applications. Little by little, step by step, it is penetrating the last niches of the field level. A development that ensures more and more continuity and, in addition to real-time capabilities, also entails the simultaneous transmission of higher data rates and the supply of voltage. In line with these developments, the infrastructure must keep pace with the markets. HARTING showcased solutions for Industrial Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) at SPS 2022 (Smart Production Solutions), which was held from November 8-10 at Nuremberg, Germany.

HARTING at SPS 2022

Together with Belden, HARTING featured the Single Pair Ethernet live demonstration in Hall 10. For this purpose, the stands of both companies (130 HARTING / 120 Belden) were connected with an SPE line, by which a permanent 100Mbit/s video was established. Both companies are providing proof of the fact that SPE is more than mere theory. In recent years, not only the necessary infrastructure and associated standards have been developed, but also switches and other SPE-capable devices are in the starting blocks. The aim is to encourage the market to stop hesitating and start using SPEs. This is the case wherever higher data rates are needed at the field level, where the weight and space requirements of the infrastructure are already critical today and will become even more so in the future.

"As a pioneer in the development of SPE, we have laid the technical foundation for an internationally standardised interface. Together with strong partners, we have founded a successful network that now has 57 members. We clearly perceive the growing acceptance of SPE in our target markets. Meanwhile, we have reached important milestones for digitalisation down to the smallest applications. However, we also see what growth potential the technology still holds. That is why we continue to actively shape the development of SPE for our customers,” stated Ralf Klein, Managing Director, HARTING Electronics.

Mini PushPull ix Industrial

For devices in demanding environments, a new IP65/67 protected version of the ix Industrial Ethernet connector was presented at the fair. In contrast to the well-known PushPull variant 4, the housing of the new Mini PushPull series is significantly smaller. Consequently, the housing accommodates the miniaturised plug-in face of the ix Industrials, which is up to 70 per cent smaller in the device than previous RJ45 solutions. In addition to the well-known simple operation and IP65/67 protection, users can rely on an absolutely robust data connection for Gbit Ethernet or Industrial Ethernet.

The SPE Industrial Partner Network at SPS 2022

Numerous companies from the SPE Industrial Partner Network were represented at SPS 2022 and showcased their latest developments in the field of single-pair data transmission. This not only concerned infrastructure components, but also active and passive components on the PCB and, of course, initial devices and application examples. After the network was founded at SPS 2019, the now 57 member companies are taking the opportunity to engage in direct exchange on location. 

HARTING at Electronica 2022

HARTING and Sparkfun teamed up to present a Single Pair Ethernet live demonstrator at Electronica 2022 (held at Munich, Germany, from November 15-18). The application showed an exemplary setup for an SPE application and demonstrates that all the necessary components and standards for SPE applications are available in the market. The connection of a vibration sensor by means of SPE infrastructure features as an example. This showed that SPE is long past the theory phase. The components are available and the necessary standards have been set, thereby clearing the way for the use of the technology for all potential users and for successful digitisation down to the field level.

New data modules for har-modular

HARTING’s har-modular is a modular connector system for PCBs that is able to drastically reduce development times. The system consists of various modules for the industrial lifelines of data, signal and power, which can be combined as desired in an online configurator. Orderable in quantities of one and delivered in any individual configuration with all the necessary development data, har-modular simplifies and accelerates the development of new PCB designs, simplifies PCB routing while making prototype testing less expensive. The catalogue search for a suitable DIN 41612 interface is just as unnecessary as is the initiation of long-term special development activities. Instead, users can configure and order the connection individually according to their needs. This makes PCB connection not only simple but also flexible - regardless of the design arrangement: Mother-Daughter, Mezzanine or Extender-card.

At Electronica, HARTING highlighted two new data modules for Gbit Ethernet transmission. One module with 4 shielded contact pairs for transmission of 10GBase-KR4 Ethernet and one module with one shielded contact pair for transmission of SPE or Profibus via two modules arranged side by side. 

Ralf Klein said, “har-modular offers entirely new possibilities for upcoming device generations. Developers no longer have to choose one suitable interface from thousands, but can configure their individual connection quickly, easily and with all the relevant data. As from batch size one! This saves time, nerves and costs on the way to the next generation of devices.”

Ethernet Week 2023 expects exciting guests

After a successful launch in 2022, the second Industrial Ethernet Week will take place in February 2023. For one week, everything will be revolving around the latest trends and developments in the Ethernet universe. HARTING will once again be welcoming numerous interesting guests. Together, the experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges of data utilisation between the increasingly converging fields of industrial automation and IT.

The HARTING Technology Group is one of the world's leading providers of industrial connection technology for the three lifelines of data, signal and power and has 14 production plants and 44 sales companies. Moreover, the company also produces retail checkout systems, electromagnetic actuators for automotive and industrial series use, charging equipment for electric vehicles, as well as hardware and software for customers and applications in automation technology, mechanical and plant engineering, robotics and transportation engineering.