Author Archives: Ivan Ang

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About Ivan Ang

Ivan is responsible for the Product Marketing of Device Connectors in Phoenix Contact South East Asia.

Electrical Safety Starts from the Connector

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High Voltage WarningDo you know one common challenge for devices used in areas such as filter and inductor construction, energy distribution and power supply production is Electrical Safety i.e. how to lead the high power through the panel wall safety.

Finding the right wall feed-through terminal block to address electrical safety is a challenge as there are not many suitable solutions for high current and large wire cross-section. It is also unlikely that the manufacturers  will choose the feed-through terminal blocks as early as the design stage. This often leads to manufacturers designing their customized solutions out of sheer necessity; thus resulting in problems such as maintaining touch protection or insulating the current bar from the device housing.

The device manufacturers may also face problem obtaining the necessary certification for their devices. If the device is to be used worldwide, IEC 61800-5-1 and UL 1059 certifications are required. Many solutions in the market are unfortunately not adequately certified.

High Current Feed-through Terminal Blocks

Phoenix Contact offers an extensive range of high-current feed-through terminal blocks for various applications. You can find both pluggable feed-through terminal blocks and feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections. The pluggable feed-through terminal blocks permit quick replacement and are thus service-friendly. In addition, the conductors can be preassembled. However, feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections are more economical.

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Do you know Phoenix Contact has been providing these feed-through terminal blocks for almost three decades?

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Device manufacturers can choose the connection option to fit the application: fast push-in connectors, T-lox, conventional screw connectors, or simple bolt connectors. The connection areas range from 4 to 150 mm2 and the current-carrying capacity is up to 309 A.

These connectors come in standard and moulded designs, either with horizontal or vertical connection directions. The moulded version ensures high leakage resistance, even when a small amount of moulding compound is used. The product range provides various connection options for space-saving connections in all installation locations. This means that device manufacturers can flexibly select the connection type, direction, and cross section.

Interested to find out more? Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

The NEW Universal Electronics Housing: Embedded System Smart Packaged

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The new UCS Housing

The Universal Case System, by Phoenix Contact

Specific solutions often require very specific housing designs.

The concept for the new universal electronics housing (UCS) from Phoenix Contact makes it easy for equipment manufacturers to source for suitable packaging for their embedded system.

Trends such as industry 4.0, Internet of Things, LTE (Long Term Evolution – 4th generation mobile communications) and Smart Home are increasingly utilizing the networking of electronics.

The devices used are based on embedded systems.

New application fields create a large number of electronic assemblies. Because of this, it is often difficult to find a suitable housing.

With its flexible PCB mounting system, the new UCS by Phoenix Contact helps device manufacturers to implement the application quickly and hassle free.

Find out why you should consider our latest UCS in your embedded projects

Reduce the Cost of Manufacturing A Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) with THR technology

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Pick and place machine

‘Pick and Place’ Machine with THR components.

Do not judge a connector’s cost-effectiveness just by its price. Its ability to improve the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process counts as well. This is where THR technology shines.

The most common method of manufacturing  a PCBA (Printed circuit board assembly) typically requires 2 process flows. Reflow soldering is used to mount the Integrated chip (IC) and passive components in the first process flow. This is then followed by a second flow utilizing wave soldering to mount the terminal blocks and connectors.

The process can be optimized but that usually comes at a cost, e.g. installing a new machine. Hence, that eventually translates into a higher manufacturing cost in the short term. Is there a way to achieve higher efficiency in PCBA manufacturing without the accompanying costs?

Higher efficiency at Lower Or No Cost?

Yes. It can be done.

This is achieved by introducing connectors that are suited for the existing process line yet reduce the process flows to just one.

This is made possible by the integration of Through Hole Reflow (THR) components in Surface-mount technology (SMT) installations, which dominate today’s assembly manufacturing process.

Through Hole Reflow (THR) – Assembly In Just One Process

The benefit of THR is to use the existing Surface-mount device (SMD) machines and remove the 2nd process, the wave soldering, thus reducing the manufacturing a complete PCBA into a single process.

While it is the ideal situation to switch to an all-THR component solution, some components will still require wave soldering. Even so, there can still be a significant cost savings to make the switch.

Through Hole reflow Connector (THR)

Through Hole Reflow Connector (THR)

While there will not be a need to make changes to the existing equipment, some modifications will be required. For example it may require a change in the PCB design, an adjustment in the reflow profile, etc.

These changes, however, will reduce the amount of man-hours required for wave soldering. Based on a typical PCBA consisting of 80% of ICs and 20% of terminal blocks & connectors, the switch could achieve up to 20% of cost savings as THR components fully supports ‘pick and place’ machines.

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If you would like to know more about Phoenix Contact’s THR connectors, get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg.

Need An Affordable Custom Housing For Your Raspberry Pi Project?

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We are living in a fast paced society whereby information is moving at a incredible rate. The  infrastructure has evolved from traditional mail to fax to email. Despite its speed, the device is still shrinking in size. Gone are the days when people were buying big and bulky devices.
I still remember that my first personal computer was the 486 Compaq (It was the state of the art at that time). It came with a huge CRT monitor.

I could never imagine over the course of 20 years, the computer could shrink even further to a pocket size. Enter the new generation of micro-computing, the Raspberry Pi; the single board computer.  Since its introduction in 2012, Raspberry Pi devices has sold over 10 Million set.

Raspberry Pi Logo

Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi’s application is limited by our own imagination. This could range from hobbies to professional applications which require high-quality, functional enclosures and connection technology (e.g Home Automation).

The professional devices need to be assembled and used in installation distributors or control cabinets in a safe way and in accordance with the applicable standards – especially if they are part of a commercial building or industrial automation solution. It is also essential to have simple and reliable wiring – when connecting sensors to the general purpose IO (GPIO), for example – if the Raspberry Pi is being used in a production environment. Furthermore, wiring should be completed quickly, and connecting GPIOs to expansion boards should not require additional time-consuming steps, especially during assembly.

Raspberry Pi Housing Solution

Raspberry Pi Housing Solution

To cater for such needs, Phoenix Contact produced the RPI-BC, the Raspiberry Pi enclosure solution.

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Advantages such as

  1. Plug and Play. Tool-free mounting
  2. Spacious for additional PCB boards
  3. GPIO strip can be used with compact size PTSM series connectors
  4. Easy module-to-module connection via bus connector and DIN rails

Please click for more info about Raspberry Pi enclosure
If you would like a sample, please drop me an ivanang@phoenixcontact.com.sg or text @ +65 6435 9801.

T-LOX – The new dimension in power transmission

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Device connection for high currents

Device connection for high currents

Improve efficiency and productivity is a common mission all companies want to achieve.  A company with high efficiency can produce more results while maintain it’s overhead, thus increase its profit margin. Through a switch of screw to spring connection technology,  it is possible to achieve the desired result.

Let’s take a look at the connectivity trends, the demand for quick-connection technology is steadily growing. Today, the spring-cage-based connection technologies allow convenient conductor connections within seconds, and the defined contact force makes them safe as well. In addition, terminal failure due to improper torque can be avoided this way. Until now, there is no device connection with quick-connection technology for cross sections of more than 35 mm².

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The panel feed-through terminal blocks TW 50 and TW 95 with the new T-LOX connection technology from Phoenix Contact, connectivity has been comes simple and convenient. It even can support multi-strand connectors still ensuring a flexible and safe connection. The T-LOX connection principle is based on a spring that generates a programmed contact force with just a conventional screwdriver.

TW 50 TW 95
Cable Cross-section 16 mm² – 50 mm² 25 mm² to 95 mm²
Current capacity Up to 150 A Up to 232 A
Voltage capacity Achieve a voltage of 1000 V according to IEC 60947-7-1 and unlimited 600 V UL approval in Use Group C according to UL 1059.
Wall thickness 1 mm to 5 mm 1 mm to 5 mm

To find out more about our TW 95, click here

SKEDD – A Solder-free Way to Connect

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With the ongoing technological advances, the demand for a cheaper and better way of manufacturing electronic devices is a perpetual challenge.

The PCB industry, the backbone of electronic device manufacturing, certainly feels the heat of this constant demand.
While devices, and their corresponding PCBs are getting ever more compact, it also results in the need to fit an increasing number of functions into as small a space as possible. This coupled with the demand for lower manufacturing costs presents a daunting challenge.

This is where Phoenix Contact’s new SDC 2,5 SKEDD PCB connectors come into its own.

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More safety for charging stations

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With the new EV RCM residual current monitoring modules, Phoenix Contact fulfills the standard requirements according to IEC 61851-1 as regards DC residual current acquisition in charging equipment.

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According to current draft standards in charging infrastructure, in the future, either a Type B residual current or alternatively a Type A residual current with additional detection and shutdown equipment will be required in the case of DC residual currents > 6 mA. This should ensure that any occurring DC residual currents, e.g., due to insulation faults in the vehicle, do not have a negative impact on safety equipment in the infrastructure.

The modules detect AC and DC residual currents and the charging process is aborted before the residual current can affect the installation. The RCM modules are compatible with the EV Charge Control series of charging controllers from Phoenix Contact. This means that the residual current modules can be automatically reset and even carry out an automatic self-test. This lowers costs for service operations and increases the availability of the charging station. The module is available in a single- or two-channel design and can therefore be used to monitor residual currents in a domestic charging station or at commercial charging points.

Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH certified according to ISO/TS 16949

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The E-Mobility center of expertise for components, systems, and solutions, which is part of the Phoenix Contact Group, thereby fulfills the high requirements of the automotive industry in terms of processes, quality, and organization.

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Phoenix Contact E-Mobility develops and produces charging systems and charging controllers for AC and DC charging and is a complete provider of charging infrastructure components, for both static and mobile equipment. In order to comply with the specific requirements of the automotive industry, with regard to development and project work in particular, processes and organization within the company were coordinated and adjusted according to the needs of this guideline.

In addition to high standards, innovations, and quality, E-Mobility now boasts a certified management system and continues to excel as a reliable partner in the automotive industry thanks to its consistent approach to customers and service.

Robust DC fuse adapters for photovoltaic systems

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The new DC fuse adapter from Phoenix Contact is an easy-to-install protective element for photovoltaic systems. Its optimized thermal behavior prevents premature failure due to age. The fuse adapter meets all applicable international requirements, including the latest TÜV test specifications.

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The adapters in the Sunclix product family are available with high-quality Littelfuse fuse inserts, from 6 to 30 A. They are designed for a voltage of up to 1500 V. The fuse adapter for outdoor deployment according to Protection Class IP68 (24h/2m) further rounds out Phoenix Contact’s photovoltaic system product range

Solar connectors with crimp connection

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Phoenix Contact is expanding its proven Sunclix solar connector program by adding a DC plug-in connector with crimp connection for machine installation.

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Two different sizes of contact inserts allow the connection of cables with cross sections of 2.5 mm² to 6 mm² (AWG 14-10). Prices in line with the market and a connector construction that meets the needs of the market make the plug-in connector with crimp connection suitable for use with PV modules. Voltages of up to 1500 V and currents of up to 40 A allow future-oriented use in temperature ranges of -40 to +90 °C.

The plug-in connectors fulfill the requirements of Protection Class IP68 (24 h/2 m) and have been submitted for certification according to UL 6703 and German Institute for Standardization (DIN) EN 50521.