Category Archives: Field Device Connectors

HEAVYCON Modular for IIOT

From michelletan | October 1, 2018

IIOT

More often than not, when people talk about Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) or Industry 4.0, they neglect the ‘links’ between the sensors and components.

Yes, I’m talking about the connectors (the ones that connects sensors and components, what else?).

A huge part of IIOT includes data collection and analysis.

This means that a lot of sensors and cables will be used to detect, capture and transmit data. It can be really time consuming and a chore to wire these amount of cables directly into the panel on-site during installation and maintenance.

If you’re reading this, consider yourself lucky.

I’m going to show you how Phoenix Contact’s Heavycon can make connection easy, fast and smart. (Don’t be fooled by its name. It’s not heavy in weight rather, it’s heavy duty – able to withstand demanding environments).

So what’s a Heavycon?

HEAVYCON

Phoenix Contact’s Heavycon is a plug-and-play solution.

It allows the cables to be pre-wired into the connector within the panel and in the field. This makes on-site installation and maintenance fuss-free and efficient.

Simply plug and play! It eliminates the tedious process of direct wiring on-site.

It also removes the need to open up the panel during installation and maintenance which in turn reduces the risk of people meddling with the crucial components within the panel.

Pictured: Definitely not HEAVYCON. Because we don’t want people messing around with what’s already a mess.

Termination of wire is also made easy with Push-in Connection Technology. No special tool is required. Simply insert the wire with ferule into the designated slot. To remove, push the orange button and pull the cable out.

Contact inserts with push-in connection

Heavycon also comes in modular form!

Heavycon Modular allows you to connect signal, data and power in one single connector.

Push-in connection technology is available in module form too. We also have a wide range of network modules such as RJ45, D-sub, Gigabit Ethernet Cat 6 connectors and even fibre optics and power module up to 200A.

Modular contact inserts

The unique snap-in frame makes inserting and removing of modules a piece of cake. This provides the flexibility of changing the configuration effortlessly according to your set up.

Push-in modular contact insert

Need more flexibility? Heavycon EVO enables you to change the direction of cable entry on-site depending on your desired arrangement.

HEAVYCON EVO

Furthermore, Heavycon is resistant against dirt, water, vibrations and high mechanical strain and has protection up to IP69K.

Thus, it is able to withstand harsh conditions and is suitable for outdoor applications.

HEAVYCON getting sprayed by pressure jets

Looks worse than any rain I’ve ever seen

If you want to see how we torture the Heavycon, you can watch the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwSJYic0CaE

With that said, it’s about time to start adopting smart connectivity as we hop onto the IIOT bandwagon.

Your Partner in Connector Solutions

From chart | August 13, 2018

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As our global industry is growing fast, our company recognizes that one of the most important features in this particular field is connectivity and innovation. That’s why we continue to make new innovations to be the leading manufacturer of Connectors.

We develop new solutions, such as connection technologies, mounting techniques, contact techniques and transmission methods.

We have confidence that we have a wide range of products to meet your requirements.

We will be your best partner for Connector solutions.

Here’s why:

“Quality” – We make sure that our customers receive the best quality products, through intensive quality tests before production and fully automated inspection during production.
“Wide range of products” – Whatever you need, we have products to support you.
“Delivery” – With our innovative automated factories, worldwide production and local warehouses, prompt delivery to you is our commitment.

Last but definitely not least, the most important trait we have confidence in is “Service”. Our Phoenix Contact Staff, and not just our sales personnel, are ready and willing to support you to meet your needs.

Be it Customer Service, Sales, Technical staff or our Management, even you don’t know anybody, just give us a call, we will try to find the best solution for you. At minimum, we will follow up with the people who are best suited to support you.

We promise, we will not leave your request unanswered.

HEAVYCON – Worry-free Connection for Field Applications

From gian | November 28, 2017

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HEAVYCON for Field Applications

HEAVYCON with fast and reliable locking latches are suitable for many field applications. The robust metal housings are not only resistant to dirt and water, but also to vibration and high mechanical strain.

HEAVYCON Connection on Pipe Coating Rig

In Manila, a local fabrication company, specializing in pipe coating equipment was facing several issues due to the wrong choice of connector. They were facing issues such as unsecured connection, dirt and water possibly contaminating the contact pins and etc. In fact, these are some of the common problems that plague field applications across other industries too.

However, their major concern was that the existing connector was not vibration-proof, due to the lack of a secure locking mechanism. The connector could be easily detached from the socket when the motor started running.

HEAVYCON Standard Saves the Day!

After evaluating the existing problems with the customer, we proposed the HEAVYCON Standard. Eventually, the customer took our proposal and replaced all their existing connectors with HEAVYCON Standard.

So, what other unique features that the customer loves about HEAVYCON ?

The Right Connection Technologies

QUICKCON technology

Fast QUICKON connection
Save up to 60% of wiring time: for contact inserts with QUICKON displacement connection, connect solid and stranded conductors in a flash without any prior processing. The wire insulation is severed and large-surface, gas-tight contact is made.

HEAVYCON Push-in Inserts

Contact inserts with push-in connection technology
Easy installation Contact inserts with push-in connection technology allow the user to make connections in no time, even for components already installed in a control cabinet.

Fast and cost-effective coding

HEAVYCON Connector Coding

Quick snap-in plastic coding
In many cases, a security measure is needed to avoid confusing identical neighboring connectors. Unlike coding methods such as coding bolts, pins or connectors, coding for HEAVYCON contact inserts is provided by quickly snapping in plastic coding profiles.

Reliable EMC protectionThe housing surfaces and seals of the metal series are electrically conductive. Combined with shielded cable glands, they offer you reliable EMC protection.

If you would like to find out more about Phoenix Contact’s HEAVYCON Connectors, you can check out our website or just leave us your contact and I will get in touch with you as soon as I can.

Importance of choosing the right PCB enclosure

From Ivan Ang | October 19, 2017

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What is considered important when it comes to choosing the right PCB enclosure. Let us guide you through the process.

Price? Style? Service & support? Reputation of the supplier?

In the matter of fact, all of above are essential. The engineers should select the enclosure at first and then choice the mechanical & electronic components to suit the enclosure.
We need to consider

Material
The 3 common plastic enclosures are ABS, Polycarbonate, Polyester which are high functionality, light weight, flexible in design.

The Ingress Protection
The ingress protection classification DIN EN 60529 determines and rates protection against solid particle (e.g. dust) as well as liquid incursion.

The letters IP (ingress protection) is followed by a two-digit number; the first digit indicates the level of Solid particle protection and the second digit indicate Liquid ingress protection. IP Code

Environmental Considerations
How the enclosure will last over many years of operation depends on how well you evaluate the environmental impact of elements such as UV rays, temperature, airborne debris, etc.
Different materials offer varying degrees of impact resistance.

Dimensions
The internal and external dimensions of a PCB enclosure is extremely important. Sadly, in many cases, the PCB is chosen first and this makes it difficult for the engineer to source the best fit enclosure solution.

Modification of Standard Enclosures
The enclosure supplier may need to support modifications with value-added services that include drilling, milling, printing, color, etc. Some suppliers can even provide advance services like fitting membrane keypads, displays on the enclosure, etc as a complete solution.

Ease of Assembly
A complex PCB design may make it difficult to assemble electronic and mechanical components in the enclosure, which make is an important point to consider when selecting an enclosure.

Range of PCB Enclosure

Check out Phoenix Contact’s range of enclosures here

We, at Phoenix Contact, understand your problems and offer a wide range of options for shape, color, and function when it comes to choosing the right enclosure. Whether on a wall or on a DIN rail, from light gray to sky blue, narrow or wide, many many to choose from. With the two new enclosures, Universal case system (UCS) and Environment case system (ECS) added into the selection, it is much easier to choose your enclosure.

Please view the Enclosure brochure.

Want to find out more? Feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Manufacturing Expo 2017

From michelletan | June 20, 2017

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We would like to invite you to join us in at Manufacturing Expo 2017 located in Thailand, Bangkok, BITEC, from 21 to 24 June 2017. Manufacturing Expo is one of the biggest manufacturing exhibitions in South East Asia. It comprises of 7 sub-shows. We will be located at Automotive Manufacturing, under Singapore Pavilion (3D15)..

One of the most thriving industries in Thailand, Automotive adopts industry 4.0 to boost the production efficiency. Moving with the industry trend, Phoenix Contact would like to take this opportunity to showcase our capability on smart connectivity for smart factories as well as Phoenix Contact very own Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) solution.

Being an innovative company, we strive to increase productivity and efficiency with cutting edge connection technologies. Quick connection technologies were incorporated into our connectors as well.

For example,

Push-in

Push-In Connector

Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC)

Piercecon for high density (up to 17 positions)

Piercecon Connection

Besides signal, M12 connector is also used in transmitting data such as Ethernet and Profinet as well as power (AC/DC). Phoenix Contact is able to provide a complete solution from device connectors to field cablings.

Signal, Data, Power

Industry 4.0 requires the transmission of more signal, data and power than ever. Phoenix Contact circular hybrid connector provides an All-in-One solution.

HEAVYCON Modular

Using Heavycon Modular, signal, data and power can be mix and match easily in one connector. It also provides the flexibility for future expansion and modification

HEAVYCON Surface Mount

Besides copper based data connectors, we also have a complete solution for fibre optics according to your requirements.

Fibre Optic Data Connectors

Interested to know more about the applications of the products mentioned above? Come join us at Manufacturing Expo. Our sales team will be happy to assist you. Express your interest by helping us to fill up the survey form to receive a mystery gift.

Drive the Automotive Industry with Phoenix Contact’s Data Connectors

From michelletan | May 18, 2017

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Automative Assembly Line
The Automotive industry is one of the highest revenue-generating industries in the world. In 2016, about 95 million cars were manufactured. Thailand is the biggest country for the automotive industry in South East Asia and the 12^th largest in the world as of 2015.

About 2 million vehicles are manufactured annually in Thailand.

Automotive manufacturers are adopting automation for a more cost-efficient way to make vehicles. By replacing human with robotic technology, the company would be able to save on wages and related costs such as insurance, medical leave, employee’s benefits as well as taxes. This shifts the labour intensive production to a data-driven production.

Phoenix Contact solution to secure data transmission

Push-pull Advance Connector

Phoenix Contact’s Push-Pull Advance data connector is 360 degree shielded and is able to transmit data up to 1 Gbit/s. Field assembly without special tool is possible with QUICKON connection technology. It also has production indicator for traceability.

Push-Pull Advance data connector is equipped with a locking system to increase the security of the connector. To lock/unlock, use a screw driver to shift the orange catch to the respective indication.

Push-pull advance connector handling

Keen to find out more? We will be having a booth (3D15) at Manufacturing Expo in Bangkok, Thailand, where we will be showcasing more products on smart connectivity.

Venue: BITEC
Date: 21- 24 June 2017

* Manufacturing Expo is Thailand largest manufacturing exhibition. It consists of 7 sub-shows
• InterPlas Thailand, for plastics parts production
• InterMold Thailand, for mold and die manufacturing
• Automotive Manufacturing, for Automotive Parts Manufacturing
• Assembly and Automation Technology, for Automation and Assembly Technology
• Surface & Coatings, for Surface Treatment, Paints, & Coatings
• NEPCON Thailand, Assembly, Measurement and Testing Technologies for Electronics Manufacturing
• Mfair, Business Matching Platform for Manufactures’ Network in Asia

We hope to see you there!

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

From Ivan Ang | January 19, 2017

‘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)

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY8jEz2AiWo

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

HEAVYCON Modular- Everything in One Housing

From michelletan | June 9, 2016

In production processes, assemblies and machines are interconnected using industrial plug-in connectors. These connectors have to be reliable and flexible enough to accommodate to future modifications and expansions. Phoenix Contact sees this and introduces the newly enhanced HEAVYCON Modular into HEAVYCON Complete family.

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Photovoltaic Monitoring System With Visualisation – A Project with ITE College East

From alexanandharaj | May 24, 2016

Photovoltaic (PV) Monitoring System With Visualisation

The Photovoltaic (PV) monitoring system was designed to monitor the performance of the PV panels’ output versus the temperature on the PV panel. There were two different types of PV panels used for monitoring, namely the mono-crystalline and amorphous silicone (Thin Film). The data that was collected were the DC output and the temperature on the PV panels.

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Crane Control System – Weighing Scale Sensor

From bihlou | April 14, 2016

Scientec designs and manufactures precise and cost effective PC-based control product providing both software and hardware solutions. Its PC-based products which are configured in CANopen communication protocol have been used in many applications covering a wide range of industries. One of the notable projects is the Crane Control System, which is widely used in shipyard, marine and construction industry.

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