High-speed data transmission for industrial applications

IDC predicts that by 2027, the volume of data created and replicated will reach 284 zettabytes, a 21-zero figure, threatening the Internet of Things without a nationwide broadband expansion, highlighting the need for significant data storage and replication.

The first transatlantic fiber-optic cable was operational in 1988, enabling high-speed data transmission between continents. The mid-1990s saw broadband expansion, adding more long-distance routes and moving fiberglass transmission paths closer to end devices like data centers, industrial plants, and personal computers, known as the “last mile.”

Data transmission across continents, countries, and municipalities requires high security and reliability, with speed, immunity to interference, and failsafe performance being basic requirements for industrial and semi-industrial data transmission.

Fiber-optic cables (FO) transmit data in light over long distances by converting electrical signals into photon packets and sending them to the receiver via plastic or fiberglass. The light signals are then converted back into electrical signals for evaluation and processing.

The article explores the advantages of data transmission through fiber-optic cables over copper transmission, focusing on their characteristics.

Speed and distances

Fiber-optic cables use photons to transmit electrical signals, which are faster than electrons in copper conductors. Photons can travel up to 70% of the speed of light, with minimal signal loss. This allows for longer transmission distances of up to 50 km and data rates of up to 40 Gbps. The actual range depends on the chosen fiber-optic cable, making them suitable for long distances and large data volumes.

Reliability and security

Fiber-optic cables are reliable for data transmission due to their non-conductive cores made of glass or plastic, eliminating the need for complex shielding. They are metal-free, insensitive to EMC and ESD interference, allowing parallel use with other cables. Impedance problems and crosstalk are not issues. Fiber-optic cables with coatings are better protected against environmental influences.

Fiber-optic cables offer enhanced cybersecurity due to their lack of external signals, requiring direct access via bend connectors or contact points, making them significantly more secure against eavesdropping than copper cables, despite not providing 100% protection against unauthorized access.

Costs

Fiber-optic technology has disadvantages such as complex assembly, precision, expensive equipment, complex measurement technology, and well-trained specialists. Manufacturing and monitoring production are costly and require extensive expertise in this specialist field.

Fiber-optic data transmission cables are suitable for industrial and semi-industrial automation, spanning short, medium, and long distances, at speeds of 100 Mbps to 40 Gbps, and within bus or Ethernet structures. They can withstand harsh conditions, even on wind farms, and are up to 90% lighter and thinner than copper cables.

Fiber optic cables have various applications in vehicle technology, industrial cabling, data centers, wide area networks, and FTTH (Fiber To The Home), with selecting the right type and fiber category is crucial.

Fiber types

Differentiating between fiber types is crucial, as singlemode and multimode fibers are not compatible due to different core and cladding diameters.

POF for short transmission distances up to 100 m and up to 50 Mbps

POF cables, made of plastic core and cladding, are used in automotive engineering and industrial cabling for short transmission distances up to 100 meters and data rates of up to 50 Mbps. They are easy to assemble in the field due to their robustness, but not suitable for high data rates or long distances.

PCF for medium transmission distances up to max 2,000 m and up to 100 Mbps

Polymer-clad fibers (PCFs) are glass-coated fiber-optic cables, commonly used in industrial cabling with medium lengths of up to 500 meters and data rates of ≤100 Mbps. They are robust and easy to assemble, with applications in automotive, sensors, and medical technology.

GOF multimode for long transmission distances up to 550 m at up to 10 Gbps

With core widths of 50 µm or 62.5 µm and cladding diameters of 125 µm, GOF multimode cables have a quartz core encircled by reflective glass cladding.

Greater light energy coupling at the fiber’s commencement but greater attenuation along its length are made possible by GOF multimode fibers’ bigger core diameters, which makes them perfect for data centers and local area networks.

GOF singlemode for long transmission distances up to 50 km and up to 40 Gbps

Glass optical fiber (GOF) singlemode fibers have a smaller core diameter of 8 µm and a mode field diameter based on wavelength. They can transmit a large amount of signal light due to their single light mode and low attenuation coefficient. These fibers are ideal for distances up to 50 km and data rates up to 40 Gbps.

Cable types

Fibers are protected in robust cables to prevent mechanical stress and environmental influences. Indoor cables must be fire-resistant to prevent smoke and toxic gases. Outdoor fiber-optic cables need high robustness for long service life. They should be weatherproof, moisture-resistant, UV-resistant, and stable against mechanical strain. The cable type used depends on the application structure.

Loose tube cables

Loose tube cables contain numerous GOF fibers in one cable, protected by a coating and reaching a 250 µm diameter. These fibers are bundled in tubes, usually coated with a water-repellent gel, and can have up to 24 fibers combined in one tube, enabling high fiber density at a small diameter.

Loose tube cables’ connectors cannot be directly mounted on fibers, instead using fiber-optic pigtails for connection, unlike breakout cables.

A pigtail is a fiber-optic connector with a preassembled plug on one end and spliced to the incoming cable’s fibers on the other open-end side

Loose tube cables are designed for harsh environments with high tensile strength and well-decoupled fibers. Loose tube cables are suitable for temperature fluctuations and high humidity environments. Available as outdoor and universal cables, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Breakout cables

Breakout cables are splitable fiber-optic cables with individual single-core elements housed in a shared protective cable cladding. They were developed to avoid or replace on-site splicing work, as FO connectors can be mounted directly onto the cables. They can be used as patch cables or for laying cables by the meter between points in the field.

Mini breakout cables

Mini breakout cables with GFO fibers feature 900 µm diameter wires in a shared cable cladding, providing protection from external influences. Ideal for future-proof cabling of distributors and junction boxes, these universal cables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Duplex cables

Fiber-optic duplex cables with GOF fibers consist of two 900 µm diameter wires, each routed separately. Preassembled at both ends, they allow direct connection to active and passive components. Wide connector combinations and fiber categories offer various applications.

Fiber categories

Fiber-optic cables are categorized into categories such as “OM3” and “OS2” based on their attenuation coefficient and bandwidth length product. Single mode fibers are in OS1 and OS2, while multimode fibers are in OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5.

Transmission rates and ranges by category

Connection technologies and characteristics

Connection technologies

The table provides an overview of various connection technologies and their characteristics for fiber-optic cables, including splices and connectors, which are suitable for connecting cables and other components.

Fusion splicing

Fusion splices are non-detachable connections between optical fibers, used for connecting loose tube cables to distributor boxes, repairing fiber breaks, and routing factory-assembled patch cables. They are durable and have minimal attenuation. However, they require trained specialists and special equipment, such as a fusion splicer with fiber processing tools, for proper handling.

Mechanical splicing/field assembly

Mechanical splicing involves connecting two fibers in a special V-groove or sleeve, ensuring clean and straight ends. Fill the space between the fiber ends with an index-matching gel to match refractive indices. With identical GOF optical fibers and precise coupling, attenuation is approximately 0.2 dB. Connectors for field assembly, end sockets, connection housings, and repair purposes utilize mechanical splicing, particularly for fiber-optic cables.

Plug-and-play connectors

Connectors with GOF (Gorilla Glass) are flexible, easy to disconnect, and secure, requiring no trained specialists or equipment. However, they have higher losses of 0.2 to 0.5 dB and lower durability compared to splice connections. There are various connectors with different characteristics and applications, with an overview of the most important ones.

Transmission rates and ranges by category

Communications engineering and IT primarily use fiber-optic cables for data transmission due to their long ranges and high transmission rates. These cables have been extensively tested and qualified for harsh ambient conditions. Due to their exceptional characteristics, small dimensions, and flexibility, fiber-optic cables are also attractive for other industries. Including building infrastructure, factory automation, and data centers. Applications include control signals, machine communication, Industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence.

Fiber-optic cables are versatile tools for data transmission, with potential applications in medical technology, measurement technology, and even in harsh conditions like wind farms. They transmit data for monitoring usage, performance, and capacity utilization, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency in these critical applications.

Splice distributors, also known as splice boxes, serve as a transfer point between passive and active components for FO cabling. They also terminate loose tube cables, with fiber type selection based on link length and data rates.

Simple implementation with the PSRmodular and AXL F series

Phoenix Contact offers two series of analog signals for monitoring physical variables in process engineering systems. These signals are standardized as either a (0)/4 … 20 mA or a 0 … 10 V signal, with current signals being more robust against electromagnetic interference and having high measuring accuracy over longer cable lengths. Furthermore, the concept considers whether the sensor is powered by the evaluation module or supplied by an external source.

Consideration of load and measurement information

The analog evaluation module distinguishes between active and passive inputs, requiring external supply for passive inputs. Load consideration is crucial when engineering analog signals, and signal conditioners are recommended if it exceeds active inputs. Moreover, NAMUR recommendation NE43 defines signal levels for failure information of digital measuring transducers with analog output signals, with current values outside these limits considered invalid or failure information. The evaluation unit must provide corresponding information or respond to deviations.

Design of functional safety

Single-channel analog signal generators can be used for safety-related circuits up to SIL 2/PL d. While two-channel signal generators can be used up to SIL 3/PL e. MTTFD values can be determined based on sensor manufacturer failure rates. Furthermore, Diagnostic coverage (DC) is required for safety-related analog signals, but plausibility comparison is difficult due to measurement inaccuracies and ambient conditions. Two-channel architectures should allow short-term deviations outside the tolerance range, without impacting functional safety.

Mathematical calculations with analog values

Safety-related threshold values are monitored in applications that require the calculation or combination of different analog values. For instance, force sensors are used for load measurements on cranes and lifting devices to ensure the maximum total load is not exceeded. In addition, in FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), the safe state of a fault is determined by the maximum possible value. This allows for the configuration of safety-related automation systems.

Read more here.

Overview

In this blog article, we will explain the magneto-optic effect’s principle for monitoring surge currents in lightning strikes. We will use the example of a lightning monitoring system in wind power plants, monuments, and power transformation substations.

Lightning monitoring on exposed objects

Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to buildings and systems, especially in residential or commercial buildings. One can quickly evaluate the extent of damage and immediately repair it, preventing consequential damage. However, employees cannot continuously monitor exposed objects or large surfaces like wind power plants or railway systems. That’s why the use of Intelligent monitoring systems is becoming more common to permanently monitor system function states and send results to a central control unit. This allows for immediate response in case of malfunctions and prevents consequential damage and long downtimes. Until now, no measuring system could reliably detect and evaluate lightning strikes.

New monitoring technology with the Faraday effect

A new monitoring system uses the Faraday effect and magneto-optic effect to analyze surge currents in lightning arresters. Moreover, a fiber optic cable transmits signals, preventing lightning currents from influencing the light signal. This ensures reliable and EMC-protected signals for the evaluation unit electronics, ensuring efficient and reliable monitoring and measurement.

Structure of the measuring section

The measuring section is a transparent dielectric with polarizers at either end, positioned 90 degrees to the current flow direction in the down conductor. Consequently, Ensuring that the propagation direction of a light wave is parallel to the surge current’s magnetic field.

Dielectric

A dielectric is a nonconductive, nonmagnetic substance in gaseous, liquid, or solid states. Its charge carriers are typically subjected to electric or electromagnetic fields, preventing free movement.

Polarizers

Polarizers filter electromagnetic waves, producing circular, elliptical, or linear polarized light. To utilize the Faraday effect, Linear polarization is used in lightning measuring systems.

Magnetic effect on the plane of polarization

A light wave causes electron oscillation in a dielectric, affecting the electron’s movement and influencing the light’s polarization plane, which can rotate in any direction depending on the magnetic field direction.

Magneto-optic effect in the monitoring system

A light beam of a specified intensity is guided onto a measuring section via fiber optics. A linear polarizing filter at the input polarizes the directed light, causing electrons to oscillate and travel through the medium in the polarized plane. Moreover, the magnetic field of a surge current rotates the plane of polarization around the longitudinal axis, with the direction of rotation influenced by the direction of the magnetic field lines and current flow. The output polarizing filter, positioned at an angle of 45 degrees, only passes 50% of an uninfluenced light wave, resulting in a light signal that we can measure and evaluate.

Measuring result and evaluation

Positive lightning causes a clockwise rotation of the polarized light signal. With the amount passing through the second polarizing filter increasing to over 50% of the output value. A positive lightning strike occurs when the angle of rotation reaches 45 degrees, while a negative lightning strike occurs when the angle reaches -45 degrees. The progression of light over time determines the monitored lightning surge current, including maximum current strength, lightning current rate of rise, charge, and specific energy.

Electric field vector E

The electric field vector describes the progression and the position of the affected or rotated light wave. The arrow here shows the light wave’s direction

Calculation of the angle of rotation β

We can calculate the angle of rotation β, about which the plane of polarization rotates, by: β = V x d x B

Verdet constant V

The Verdet constant is an optical constant for dielectrics, describing the Faraday effect strength and rotation per unit of magnetic flux density, influenced by the medium and electromagnetic wavelength.

Installation of the sensor on a down conductor

The depth of the sensor’s immersion in the current carrying down conductor’s magnetic field determines the effective field strength in a circular magnetic field. Thus, A smaller radius results in greater field strength. Therefore, we recommend mounting the sensor tightly to maximize effective field strength.

Radius r

The radius of a sensor is used to measure the depth of immersion in a magnetic field and the effective magnetic field strength H. Hence, It is calculated from the sensor housing’s outer edge to the conductor’s center line, ensuring consistent measurement conditions across different system conditions.

System interfaces and signal transmission

The evaluation unit integrates into standard networks via RJ45 Ethernet, and an internal web server is used for data access and system configuration, accessible using IP addressing via a PC’s internet browser.

Remote monitoring

The LM-S lightning monitoring system offers an integrated web interface for remote access to measuring data on systems like offshore wind parks. Meanwhile, enabling users to monitor system load situations at any time using a smartphone.

Preventive maintenance

The evaluated data allows for precise system load estimation, enabling preventive maintenance and rapid measures to prevent damage. In addition, it also saves time and money by indicating minimum, uncritical system loads, reducing unnecessary maintenance work or servicing.

Remote contact

The evaluation unit features a switching relay with a remote contact for evaluating lightning strikes. Moreover, this N/C contact produces a short pulse for each event, allowing for simple or additional evaluations. Furthermore, the relay contact only returns to normal position after system start-up, and drops out in case of malfunction, allowing the querying of the system readiness via the remote contact.

LM-S applications

Lightning monitoring systems are commonly used in industrial plants, large buildings, antennas, energy distribution systems, and transport monitoring systems, ensuring safety and protection against lightning strikes.

Wind power plant

The system in a wind power plant consists of individual components, including sensors mounted on lightning arresters and an evaluation unit in a control cabinet. In addition, signals are transmitted via fiber optics, and an Ethernet connection is established via slip rings between the gondola and observation deck. The evaluation unit operates with 24 V DC and can be connected remotely for event evaluation.

Cultural monument

The Hermann monument in Detmold, Germany, uses a lightning monitoring system to detect potential damage. The statue, over 53 meters tall, is connected to three grounding cables, diverting lightning surge currents to the ground. Sensors are mounted on these down conductors, and an evaluation unit is installed inside the base. The main objective is not early monitoring of potential damage. It is to statistically evaluate lightning strikes and their strength due to the structure’s exposed location and height.

Power transformation substation

Lightning strikes on high-voltage cables cause transformer loading in power transformation substations. Surge protection elements, typically connected upstream of transformers, direct surge currents from coupled overvoltages to ground. Moreover, varistors have become the preferred solution as protective elements instead of spark gaps. Furthermore, LM-S allows for early monitoring of load limits and replacement of affected protective elements. Our Sensors are installed on down conductors, transmitted via fiber optics to an evaluation unit in a remote control cabinet.

Please provide your information in the fields below. Once completed, you will receive the comprehensive white paper, which includes detailed insights and technical specifications about the Lightning Monitoring System.

DC technology: Test facility shows potential savings

DC grids in the automotive industry are a key step towards climate neutrality. A production plant in Dingolfing, Bavaria, uses Phoenix Contact components to supply a unique DC grid system for robotic arms and automotive parts.

It was AC power supply in the beginning

In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison (DC) and George Westinghouse (AC) fought over large-scale power grid supply. Ultimately, choosing alternating voltage is due to AC voltage’s ability to be transformed up and down.

The advantages of direct current

DC technology offers efficient direct current usable at a low cost. Making it suitable for electronic devices, electric cars, and renewable energy. Furthermore, DC grids can eliminate lossy AC/DC conversion and integrate renewable energy systems efficiently. Moreover, Phoenix Contact provides solutions for intelligent control of power flow and networking, ensuring high availability and supply security.

Direct current as a key technology

Phoenix Contact, a family-owned company, has been supporting BMW in their research into using Direct Current (DC) technology in a production cell at their Dingolfing plant. The company, a member of the Open Direct Current Alliance, has been able to provide rapid support and optimize the existing DC product portfolio through practical applications. This move aims to use renewable energy efficiently and conserve energy and material resources in an All Electric Society.

From theory to practice

Phoenix Contact’s High Power Systems range converts public AC grids into DC grids with 19-inch devices connecting DC subnetworks. Moreover, the wide output voltage range allows gradual ramping up the grid. Furthermore, the performance parameters can be parameterized via the PLCnext platform. Phoenix Contact’s Contactron ELR HDC DC circuit breaker and ArcZero connector ensure safe plugging and unplugging under load.

Read more about DC grids in industry and Solutions for automotive manufacturing.

A key technology in the digitalization of our world

Digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are driving the demand for faster, seamless networking in various industries. Ethernet has proven effective in intelligent device networking, but Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) will replace serial fieldbus communication protocols in the future. SPE’s innovative characteristics make it valuable for advanced communication infrastructures. Phoenix Contact offers cross-industry expertise and an ideal product portfolio for SPE implementation in various fields. Ethernet solutions typically require two wire pairs, but Gigabit Ethernet may require four for increased data transmission rates. Single Pair Ethernet, which works with a single wire pair, can transmit data and power simultaneously. Its transmission rates range from 10 Mbps at 1,000 meters to 1 Gbps at 40 meters, making it suitable for demanding tasks like networked sensor technology. This technology is suitable for fields previously affected by limitations in data rates, ranges, and seamless communication.

Connections of up to 1,000 meters

Standard Ethernet solutions have limitations, such as a maximum of a 100-meter point-to-point connection distance. Furthermore, To cover longer distances in industrial systems, additional repeaters or switches are needed. SPE technology allows devices to be connected over 1,000 meters with 10 Mbps transmission speed and Power over Data Line (PoDL) technology with only one cable, potentially replacing specific fieldbus technologies in the future.

Speeds of up to 1 Gbps and more

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a reliable solution for complex network topologies with gateways, offering transmission speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Hence, IEEE 802.3 consortia is discussing further SPE standards for higher data rates and distances which will open up the spectrum for SPE for even more fields of applications.

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Digitalization for more sustainability and productivity

Phoenix Contact has developed a solution for the energy-intensive pharmaceutical production industry to achieve the Net Zero Factory climate target. The solution uses the open IIoT framework from PLCnext Technology to digitalize all machines, systems, and processes. The Digital Factory from Phoenix Contact covers all stages of the value chain, addressing digitalization requirements in all stages. Rapid climate change, demographic development, deglobalization, and global political changes present opportunities for sustainable digital processes, new business models, and agile working methods.

Minimally invasive digitalization approaches

The All Electric Society envisions a world where renewable energy is the primary source of electricity, available abundantly, inexpensively, and carbon-neutral. Industry plays a crucial role in developing solutions for electrifying sectors like energy, infrastructure, buildings, and mobility. Addressing all factory areas, including raw material warehouses, production, power supply, packaging, and buildings, is essential for reducing greenhouse gases and complying with environmental and materiality analysis directives.

Leverage for minimizing consumption and optimizing processes

Digitalization is the key for a sustainable factory, based on data collection and evaluation. This transparency allows for resource optimization and reduced consumption. However, many users struggle with the implementation of digitalization, including data collection, recording of machines, consistent data transport, and cybersecurity measures. Despite these challenges, digitalization offers significant benefits for productivity and competitiveness.

Subsequent integration of a machine learning system

Phoenix Contact is introducing the MLnext machine learning system to optimize processes in facilities. This predictive approach reduces waste, improves equipment effectiveness, and allows for smart monitoring of sensors. The system requires a controller or edge device with container visualization. Phoenix Contact has also launched the Digital Factory now initiative, allowing for easy and cost-effective integration into factories worldwide. This solution combines PLCnext Technology with IIoT and ML approaches, allowing machine builders, manufacturers, and integrators to implement products tailored to their specific applications.

International certification for safety and security

The PLCnext Control product family has been certified with OT security certification in accordance with IEC 62443-4-2, a leading international standard. This certification aligns with existing safety standards, ensuring successful automation solutions. The series already meets the Machinery Directive requirements.

No disruption to ongoing operations or effects on existing certifications

Phoenix Contact’s digitalization solution is used by Serum Institute of India, one of the largest global vaccine manufacturers, to monitor and evaluate processes to achieve the Golden Batch, ensuring quality and efficiency, and reducing waste and resource wastage.

Predictive maintenance:

Preventing system failures is crucial for vaccine deliveries and avoiding costly downtimes. Process transparency and anomaly detection help detect and remove defects like material fatigue.

Industrial security:

The Serum Institute of India commissioned Phoenix Contact to collect and store data from over 300 machines and processes for a Central Data Archival System (CDAS). The Data Collection Box ensures data collection without affecting certification or ongoing operations.

Engineering times reduced by 60 percent

PLCnext Technology’s IIoT framework standardizes data bidirectionally, connecting the OT to the IT level. This open and scalable interface allows for numerous interfaces, unlike proprietary systems. The solution also offers comprehensive security expertise and products certified in accordance with IEC 62443, ensuring secure handling both inside and outside the company. The Serum Institute of India’s General Manager IT & Automation, Vishal Patil, explains that the solution reduces engineering time by 60%. The Digital Factory concept includes data collection, management, normalization, and use to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

Learn more about Digital Factory and PLCnext Technology

Less maintenance effort thanks to contactless data and power transmission

SHL AG has been developing systems for automated grinding, polishing, and deburring since 1989. The company uses NearFi contactless power and real-time Ethernet solutions from Phoenix Contact for wear-free and maintenance-free communication. SHL’s systems include flexible robot cells, grinding, polishing, and deburring cells, as well as complete production cells. The company supplies users from various industries, including faucets, automotive crankshafts, and titanium and ceramic for medical applications. With 95 percent vertical integration, SHL reduces production costs through better cycle times. However, shorter cycle times and movements can lead to more wear, resulting in downtime.

Data exchange via slip ring was previously prone to interference and wear

Surface processing requires workpieces to swivel 360 degrees, and rotary tables with swivel units are used. The system consists of three areas for the various processing steps: insertion onto the carrier, ithe initial processing of the workpiece by sanding robots with coarse grit, and finally processing by sanding robots with fine grit. The rotary table rotates the workpiece to the next processing station. Bernhard Mattes, Senior Director of Engineering at the Böttingen plant, introduced contactless NearFi technology for wireless data exchange, which is mounted on each rotary axis for the three endlessly rotating swivel units.

Simple startup without configuration effort

NearFi enables contactless data and power transmission using base and remote couplers that can be flexibly positioned without precise alignment. It reduces maintenance costs, enhances system availability, and simplifies startup with quick, configuration-free connection via 24V and Profinet cables, communicating Ethernet protocols at 100 Mbps full duplex.

Protocol-independent Ethernet communication with no appreciable latency

Industrial automation relies on Ethernet with a 100 Mbps data rate, but NearFi technology offers contactless and protocol-independent Ethernet connections with no appreciable latency. NearFi couplers transmit 50 W of power and real-time Ethernet data across an air gap of just a few centimeters, ensuring coexistence with existing wireless technologies like Bluetooth or WLAN. Phoenix Contact’s wireless products are ideal for rotating applications where slip rings for Ethernet communication are susceptible to interference.

Learn more about NearFi technology.

Optimized processes and coordinated system solutions for greater efficiency in wire processing

Identifying time-consuming process steps

Automating and bundling core processes

Automatic cutting devices, such as the Cutfox 10, can cut wires precisely and with repeat accuracy at high speed, saving time and allowing for easier stripping and crimping processes. These devices also offer flexibility in production by allowing for interchangeable dies for different types of contact. Bundling individual stripping and crimping capabilities can result in time and cost savings of up to 70%. Phoenix Contact offers a wide variety of marking solutions for wire identification, including thermal transfer printing, UV LED printing, and direct laser marking. The Thermomark E Series marking system from Phoenix Contact automates and combines the printing and applying of various marking materials in a single process step, resulting in time savings of around 60% in industrial identification. This system consists of three applicators for wire and cable identification, connected to a standard thermal transfer roll printer, eliminating the need for an additional device.

Efficiency and ergonomics

Nothing works without data and software

Read more about control cabinet building.

How migration works

Cooperation between OPAF and NAMUR

Axioline F I/O system for implementing the NOA side channel…

…and Axioline P with proxy functionality

Phoenix Contact introduced the Axioline P, a high-availability I/O system for process automation, at Achema 2018. The system offers both conventional I/O modules and Profibus PA proxy functionality, allowing hot-swap and dynamic reconfiguration. Furthermore, it can integrate up to eight Profibus PA segments in one Profinet I/O station, supporting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet transmission. The Axioline P proxies also provide redundancy, shielding, and 14 watts of power per segment. The Phoenix Contact portfolio includes I/O modules with and without intrinsic safety for every applications.

Integration of the intrinsically safe power supply into the modules

Connection of up to eight Profibus PA segments

For migration, the Axioline P platform enables the connection of up to eight Profibus PA segments with high-power trunks and universal I/O connections into the field. It offers advantages in size and cost-effectiveness compared to previous designs. The intrinsically safe I/O modules provide greater flexibility. The first NOA and OPA pilot solutions were presented at the NAMUR Conference, and APL technology is predicted to be of great importance.

Learn more about process automation.

Customized solutions for classic point-to-point applications

The main spectrum of tasks

Signal amplification

Moreover, signal amplification is necessary when a weak signal and can therefore only be acquired in distorted or attenuated form. For example, adding an amplifier reduces the load connected to the measuring sensor to 70 ohms, preventing distortion and ensuring the measurement signal remains accurate.

Conversion to a standard signal

Filtering

Electrical isolation

Line monitoring

The diverse areas of application

Industrial process control

Energy monitoring

Furthermore, devices are utilized for energy monitoring, accurately measuring and controlling energy consumption in buildings and industrial plants by isolating and amplifying electrical signals from current and voltage sensors.

Monitoring of process variables

Lastly, Phoenix Contact provides signal conditioners and measuring transducers for monitoring sensor signals, conforming to explosion protection standards, international approvals, functional safety certifications, and maritime applications.

Discover more about Signal conditioners and measuring transducers.