Taking faith out of the leap

A team from ccc software gmbh and the Institute for Applied Training Science in Leipzig has developed a complex analysis system for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists. The system includes a camera or video system and speed measurement. Furthermore, ensuring that recorded data is immediately available for analysis. Ski jumping, a sport with major international events. It is known for its spectacular jumps, with participants reaching speeds of up to 108 kilometers per hour. Moreover, The Audi Arena Oberstdorf in Oberstdorf, Germany, has one of the largest ski jump ramps in the world, with a ramp size of 235 meters and a record of 242.5 meters. The jumping tower is 72 meters high, and the run-up length for jumpers is 118 meters with a run-up inclination of 38.7 degrees. 

A variety of challenges 

The length of a jump is measured from the edge of the jump-off platform to the point of landing. The athlete’s body and ski posture significantly influence the aerodynamics. To optimize jumping performance, ccc software gmbh and the Institute for Applied Training Sciences have developed a sophisticated solution for training optimization and competition management. The camera must be mounted parallel to the jumper and at flight-path height. However, the jumper is only parallel with the camera for a fraction of a second. The IAT, founded in 1992, supports around 1,000 athletes and their coaches from 19 summer and six winter sports. Aiming to identify and tap into Germany’s top athletes’ performance potential. 

Automatic triggering of photoelectric barriers and cameras  

IAT team developed a video analysis system for mobile use on ski jump ramps. The system would take speed measurements and recordings throughout the jump. Furthermore, providing training support and biomechanical analysis. Moreover, the system uses photoelectric barriers, triggers cameras, and controls the system with a PLC from Phoenix Contact. The coach or sports scientist can monitor the jump from a mobile client. Thus, receiving automatic lateral perspectives videos after 20 seconds. This allows immediate feedback and allows for better training and competitions. 

Low cycle time of less than 0.5 milliseconds 

The solution to short signal duration in ski jumpers requires seven cameras to trigger at the right time. With controller cycle times less than 0.5 milliseconds. Communication between controller and photoelectric barrier is crucial for editing video sequences. The PLC program must be set up for high speeds and weather resistance. Thus, complying with IP68 protection class and able to function even at -20°C. 

Open control platform based on PLCnext Technology

The AXC F 3152 Axioline controller was chosen for its high-performance, compact design, reliable device start-up, and optimized efficiency. Furthermore, it features an Axioline F module with 16 digital inputs. A Uno Power power supply, and tool-free Push-in connection technology. The controller is based on the open PLC-next Technology ecosystem and can connect up to 63 Axioline I/O modules to the PLC. Moreover, it communicates directly with cameras via the OPC UA protocol, providing signals with a time stamp. The system is designed to function during snowfall, rain, and wind, ensuring optimal performance. 

Future design based on wireless communication 

Furthermore, the IAT can now conduct analyses on ski jump ramps using a video solution. Saving hardware costs and fulfilling project goals. This mobile case can be used in other sports like cross-country skiing, beam gymnastics, and high diving. Phoenix Contact offers IP67 protection and extended temperature range. 

Read more about PLCnext Technology.

Compact Ex i isolators for quick and error-free connection in various applications

Green hydrogen (H₂) is emerging as a crucial alternative to fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal. Chemical plants, refineries, copper smelters, steelworks, and the mobility sector, aim to use it to achieve climate neutrality. Ex i isolators are employed to safeguard systems from explosions.

In 2023, the German government decided to significantly enhance the role of hydrogen in its updated national strategy by 2030. They aim to have 95 to 130 TWh of hydrogen available by then, with demand projected to reach 500 to 600 TWh by 2045. For comparison, Germany consumed around 866 TWh of natural gas in 2022. To meet these targets, the entire hydrogen value chain must be rapidly expanded. From production by electrolyzers from renewable energy to storage, processing, and distribution.

Challenges in the use of hydrogen

Hydrogen’s high energy content and carbon-neutral combustion, producing only water (H₂O), are significant advantages. However, handling H₂ requires caution due to its properties. It is fourteen times lighter than air, leading to rapid evaporation in open-air systems. It also has high diffusivity, allowing it to penetrate other media. Hydrogen is also highly explosive, with a minimum ignition energy of 0.02 mJ, one of the lowest among flammable gases. It belongs to the most dangerous ignition group IIC, along with acetylene and carbon disulfide. It also has a wide explosive range from 4% to 77% by volume in air.

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Floating connectors with considerable tolerance compensation and high-speed data transmission

When it comes to board-to-board connectors, there are numerous versions: small and large pitches, low and tall designs, robust and simple connectors. The Finepitch FS 0,635 series connectors with floating properties are a new addition to the Phoenix Contact portfolio. What makes floating board-to-board connectors so special? Where are they used? And are high-speed data transmission and floating a contradiction in terms?

Features of a floating connector

Board-to-board connectors consist of the contacts that establish an electrical connection and a housing that protects and fixes the contacts. While floating connectors have two housing parts connected by contact metals. The inner housing contains the pin connector pattern, while the outer housing protects soldering surfaces and contacts. The floating contacts are long and curved, allowing the inner housing part to move within the limits set by the outer housing. This allows the pin connector pattern to be moved within a large tolerance range while the soldering area remains fixed. The FS 0,635 series allows a tolerance of 0.6 mm in the plug-in direction, known as wiping. The FS 0,635 floating female connector strip can be combined with three male connector strips to create different stack heights.

Advantages and applications of floating

The pin connector pattern’s movability allows for high tolerance compensation and minimizes mechanical stress, making it ideal for mating and when plugged in. Floating contacts reduce forces on connectors and solder joints, resulting in a reliable and stable board-to-board connection. They compensate for manufacturing tolerances during mating and misalignment when connectors are mated. Floating connectors facilitate automatic mounting of printed circuit boards, reducing failures and optimizing plugging speed. They also allow multiple board-to-board connections between two boards, compensating for position tolerances. Floating connectors are suited for applications where vibrations or shocks occur, such as industrial devices exposed to mechanical stress or thermal effects.

High-speed data transmission possible despite floating

The FS 0,635 series of board-to-board connectors has optimized the geometry of contacts, enabling high-speed data transmission of up to 40 Gbps, a significant innovation in the industry, despite the potential limitations of curved, spring contacts.

Read more about FINEPITCH board-to-board connectors.