Single Pair Ethernet for Industry 4.0

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Common language

Parallel to the development of ethernet, fieldbus technology developed in the 1980s – driven by the increased use of electrical automation technology. However, the various fieldbus protocols such as Interbus, DeviceNet and Profibus, were not used for networking computers at company level, but for serial or parallel connection of sensors and actuators to the control and management level.

Ultimately, the parallel development of the two transmission protocols established the form of the automation pyramid that is still valid today. The highest levels represent locally limited computer networks, and the lower levels comprise the signal, data and power transmission for recording and controlling. The shape of the pyramid resulted primarily from the hierarchical-logical arrangement of the different levels. High transmission rates and short distances via Ethernet, low transmission rates and long distances via fieldbus.

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PRC Connectors – More Power, Less Space.

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The state-of-the-art device connection offers functions that save both the device manufacturer and the installer on site time and costs. In addition, depending on the application, the PRC Connector is robust and suitable for external applications. The PRC Circular Connectors from Phoenix Contact offers device manufacturers and installers significant advantages compared to conventional cabling systems.

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ImpulseCheck – Intelligent monitoring.

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Monitoring of Surge / Lightning protection system

Monitoring for your Lightning protection using ImpulseCheck

ImpulseCheck is the world’s first intelligent assistance system for surge protection in the field of mains protection. The module allows you to measure the state of health of every single protective device via cloud connection and provides new digital services. With it, you can detect the actual load on the surge protective devices being monitored, and therefore on your system as well. This makes it possible to predict failures and schedule maintenance more effectively.

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Mounting Material – the backbone of any panel.

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One of the many attractive things about Phoenix Contact is that you do not have to scratch your head very hard to find something to write about. With a range of over 65 000 items Marking and Installation have about (and this is a guess) 8 000 to 10 000 products under its umbrella. This time I have decided to put our Mounting material into the spot light. It’s the backbone of any panel and defines the layout, safety and general aesthetics of a well designed and built panel.

Alan Lakein once wrote that, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”.

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PLCnext Technology – Bringing new levels of freedom!

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The internet of things (IoT) and digitalization of industry has placed a considerable increase on the requirements of automation. The automation industry will ultimately have to adapt accordingly to deal with this fast-changing environment. Classic system structures are developing into cyber-physical systems. Future-oriented automation solutions therefore have to be flexible, open, and networked. PLCnext Technology offers a platform that opens up completely new levels of freedom.

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Connectors – we boast an impressive range.

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(Written by Richard Schoonebeek)

For me April is the best month of the year for a few good reasons. The first, we are allowed to play the fool and get praised for it the better the joke. The start of Autumn that brings out some beautiful colours. The roads are quieter as people go on holiday for the long weekend and school holidays. An overall mild temperature during the day and colder evenings that make warmer foods taste that much better. Last but not least, of course is the copious amounts of Easter eggs. For those going on holiday I hope you have a great break and for those that will be working, enjoy the quieter roads. Please be safe. Today I would like to give you an overview of some connectors Phoenix Contact have other than the Din Rail mounted connectors. Phoenix Contact have solutions for your applications from the cabinet to the field and anything in between with our Data, Signal and Power connectors.

More than just a comprehensive product range

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Phoenix Contact now have a Value Added Centre

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(Written by Bruce Patton)

The current power crisis is doing many things – damaging the economy, causing our nerves to fray, and exposing South Africa’s claims to be leap-frogging into the forth industrial revolution. As some witty commentators have pointed out, we seem not to have got the second industrial revolution right yet, and should perhaps focus on that first. It would be funny, if it wasn’t so serious.

So what has this to do with Phoenix Contact?

Well to start with, the manufacture of Phoenix Contact products is not dependent on load shedding, rolling blackouts or the whims of Eskom. You are assured of getting your orders delivered on time, no matter what is happening on our grid. Our large stock holding in the Johannesburg warehouse as well as Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth offices together with weekly air freights further guarantees reliable delivery. There is another compelling consideration which you may not be aware of in the form of Value Added Services which I will elaborate on.

 

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Automation, Proficloud and the Internet of Things

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(Written by Rudi Erasmus)

Internet of things (IoT) is the latest buzzword and everyone seeks the holy grail of being able to connect from mechanical or digital machines, with unique identifiers, to transfer data over networks without requiring human-to-human or human-to-machine interaction. Continue reading →

Introducing The Wiremans Tool Kit

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(Written by Kevin Mann)

During my travels in the employ of Phoenix Contact I have visited many a workshop; big, small, chaotic, ordered, ultra safe, unsafe but most are undoubtedly a mixture of all of these factors to a greater or lesser extent.

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