Batteries are key to the energy transition, without them, a renewable, electrified society is impossible. Ongoing improvements and cost reductions are driving new battery technologies, raising the question of what comes next. To keep pace, component manufacturers must act boldly and innovate through close collaboration with battery makers and users.
As renewable energy and digital technologies grow, demands on electrical connections continue to rise. Innovative high‑current solutions, such as modular connectors, offer a powerful and flexible alternative to traditional systems.
Explosion protection is becoming increasingly important, especially with the growing relevance of green hydrogen. Phoenix Contact therefore offers state‑of‑the‑art interface solutions for explosion‑protected applications.
At this year’s trade fair, Phoenix Contact is highlighting four key topics. Power reliability, safe automation, efficient control cabinet building, and integrated connection technology. For the first time, the family-owned company will showcase its products and solutions. We will be located in Automation Hall 27, Booth G26, aligning with the new Hannover Messe exhibition concept.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) has the potential to transform industrial communication by enabling efficient, cost‑effective data transmission over long distances using just one wire pair. As its importance grows, the technology is advancing quickly, supported by progress in standardization, expanded connection technology options, and a unified pin connector pattern for factory automation.
The demand for flexible, containerizable control solutions is rising across manufacturing, machine building, and edge computing. Virtual PLCnext Control meets this need as a future‑ready software solution that delivers control functions independently of hardware. It enables classic PLC tasks to run flexibly on powerful server and edge devices while ensuring real‑time performance, scalability, and support for modern languages such as C++, C#, and Python.
At Phoenix Contact, “Power Reliability” refers to a comprehensive approach to ensuring system availability in industrial applications. It involves not only supplying electrical energy but also the intelligent interaction of power supply, protection, monitoring, and communication. The goal is to achieve full transparency of the energy system, detect faults early, and proactively prevent failures.
As machines become increasingly compact, every millimeter counts and supply security is crucial. Standardized M17 hybrid connectors provide a smart solution by transmitting signals, data, and power through a single connector, saving space, reducing installation time, and minimizing downtime risk.
Cyberattacks are increasing in severity, frequency, and sophistication, making holistic IT‑OT security solutions essential. Strong cyber protection is crucial for secure automation, particularly in mobile and decentralized environments. A strong example of this approach can be found in northern Germany.
Continue readingIndustrial DC grids are already a reality. Companies can implement and operate them today and benefit from their efficiency. Schaltbau in Munich and Phoenix Contact in Blomberg demonstrate this through best‑practice examples.
