TE Connectivity (TE) demonstrated its expertise in motion and drive applications—strategically expanded through the acquisition of Intercontec several months ago—at SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg, the company presented a series of new products for the first time.
TE offers drive manufacturers connectivity solutions ranging from circuit boards to motor coils from a single source. With their flexibility and ease of installation, they help boost productivity. The company also presented solutions for motor feedback systems that focus on resolvers for servo motors.
“Increasingly small servomotors are being used in industrial applications to improve energy efficiency or replace pneumatic with electric actuators,” says Claus Kleedörfer, Global Product Manager Motor Connectivity at TE. “That’s why the trend in connection technology is moving toward smaller connectors that can transmit data, signals and power and thus reduce the amount of cabling required.” To implement this kind of one-cable solution, TE has developed new M12 connectors that have four contacts for signals and communication as well as four power connections with a rated voltage of 630 V. They are around 20 percent smaller than the previous M15 versions.
Other unique features of this new product family, which will be gradually expanded, are the fast locking system, which locks the connector three times faster than a classic screw connection, and a rotatable angled housing for the motor side. The freedom to freely select the cable direction after the connector has been installed ensures maximum flexibility and reduces storage costs due to the reduced number of variants.
New magnet wire solutions, which are also available in customer-specific versions, offer additional cost-efficient connection solutions. This is enabled by a special insulation displacement connection technology or crimping technology developed by TE that has already proven itself for connecting enameled copper wires in motor coils under the demanding quality requirements of the automotive industry.
Claus Kleedörfer explains: “In the past, the wire coating had to be removed using elaborate mechanical or chemical processes. This is now dispensed without the need to solder the connection wires.” This enables automated connections, which shortens the production processes and thus boosts productivity. “The magnet wire solutions are a good example of TE’s strategy to implement innovative technologies across industries and applications for the customers’ benefit.”
TE has also added new versions to its mini I/O connector series, which offer an industry-compliant alternative to RJ45 connection technology. “Thanks to their miniaturized design and high level of electromagnetic shielding, these reliable connectors are now widespread in motion and drive applications,” says Eric Leijtens, Global Product Manager Industrial Communication at TE. The new versions satisfy the requirements of Cat 6a installations, thus enabling faster data transmission than before. Field-attachable versions are also available for secure connection in the field.
“Together with our comprehensive product portfolio of various board-to-board and wire-to-board solutions with IP 20 and IP 67 protection ratings, complete solutions for transmitting power, data and signals, and networking motor feedback systems can be implemented both across all connection levels for drives and for connection of I/Os,” says Leijtens
TE offers not only passive connection technology, but also resolvers for these systems. “Since these motors are regulated drives, information about speed and the position of the axes must be available at all times,” explains Claus Kleedörfer. The resolvers from TE deliver this information; they are offered as individual components and as customized all-in-one solutions – the Intercontec motor connectors already attached for example – comprising resolvers and the connection technology. “This system approach to motor connectivity from a single source significantly reduces the logistics effort on the customer side and at the same time ensures the reliable use of harmonized components,” Kleedörfer says.
Intercontec, TE, TE Connectivity and the TE connectivity logo are trademarks of the TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies.