HARTING Technology Group will use this year’s InnoTrans, September 20-23, in Berlin, to showcase its innovative new products for cabling slated to be used in rail transport in future. The spotlight will be on the new solutions “M12 with Magnetics” and “M12 PushPull” in the area of Ethernet connectivity, as well as the optical control of drive systems via “Active Optic Cabling.”

Introducing its new “M12 with Magnetics”, HARTING is presenting a world first for device manufacturers in railway engineering. To date, the M12 PCB connection and the transformer always required for Ethernet have been separate components arranged side by side. The new “M12 with Magnetics” combines these features in a new connector with no increase in size. This saves the space and the planning for the additional transformer on the circuit board, thereby saving money and offering device manufacturers completely new possibilities with regard to available space. Space savings of at least 30% are fully in line with the miniaturization trend in the rail sector.

Timesaving and trouble-free signal transmission
Speed control on larger electric motors (traction control in trains, propulsion engines on ships or E-buses) is effected via IGBT semiconductors. Due to high insulation and voltage requirements, the signals used to control IGBTs are transmitted by way of plastic optical fiber (POF). Redundancy and the multiple fibers that are required mean that numerous optical contacts arise which were previously connected individually. This, in turn, results in significant time and effort for installation and service.

With “Active Optic Cabling,” HARTING presents a solution which employs optical transmission and electrical plugging to offer easier installation, time savings and trouble-free signal transmission. All optical contacts are bundled in a DIN 41612 housing and can be connected simultaneously. The zinc die-cast housing offers kink protection, strain relief and EMC protection, as well as the vibration resistance required in the rail sector.

HARTING has rounded out the M12 PushPull series just in time for the InnoTrans event. The new angled housings will be featured at the trade fair along with the new versions of the A, D and X-coding, which are now also available for the first time as a “female PushPull.” The tool-less system saves time and space during installation while also providing Ethernet up to 10 Gb/s for train safety technology and entertainment systems. One click and the secure connection is in place.

“These highlights see HARTING stay abreast of the miniaturization trend that’s gained momentum due to Industry 4.0, while designing future interfaces for intelligent connections,” emphasises Ralf Klein, Managing Director HARTING Electronics.

Han HPR 34 high-current connector for motor connections
HARTING has increased the power density in the upper segment of its high-current connector series: the new Han 34 HPR EasyCon now permits the use of four HC Modular 650-A contacts in one connector. The housing is available in straight and angled design, making it optimally suitable as a motor connection and for use with jumper cables on rail vehicles. Alternatively, twelve Han-Modular single modules can be used with the Han 34 HPR hinged frame. This results in countless possible combinations for modular connectors with contact inserts from the Han-Modular series.

This series offers over 50 different modules for the transmission of power, signals and data. Andreas Siegert, Product Manager at HARTING Electric, stressed that there are also more opportunities for new mounting frames. “Customized contact mounting frames can be developed which can accommodate Han HC Modular high-current contacts in addition to Han-Modular inserts,” Siegert said. “This enables the combination of power, signal and data modules in the robust Han HPR housing with a current-carrying capacity of up to 650 A instead of the previous maximum of 200 A.”

MICA: Digitalisation, modularisation and integration optimally implemented
HARTING will also use the InnoTrans event to demonstrate how digitization, modularization, miniaturization and integration can be optimally implemented in the railway environment. By way of example, the HARTING MICA aggregates the communication content of an RFID system in a manner which enables the analysis and preparation of data, as well as data format conversions, both directly and locally. These data are then furnished to a central unit. The MICA, which was bestowed with the 2016 HERMES AWARD, makes it possible to quickly add new systems and functionalities to existing train infrastructures.

RFID is becoming an increasingly important key technology for the identification of objects, especially in the rail industry. RFID identifies which maintenance and repair measures have been performed on a component and which are still pending. Mileage-based maintenance and component replacement can be more cost-effectively performed. Among others, RFID-supported driver assistance systems enable the verification of door release, control railhead conditioning and allow the vehicle to precisely position itself on its tracks.

In the railway and Industry 4.0 areas, HARTING focuses on pioneering projects for the digitization of processes in production, logistics and maintenance/servicing. As a solution provider, HARTING IT System Integration’s task is to factor in and address the requirements in these sectors, analyze existing processes and structures and optimize them in tandem with users. The adherence to established GS1 standards (as EPCglobal ALE 1.1) is a central facet of the overall solution.

Caption (photo 1): M12 with Magnetics: The world first “M12 with Magnetics” unites connector and transformer.

Caption (photo 2): The POV module bundles formerly loose fiber optic cables in a rugged DIN 41612 connector.

Caption (photo 3): M12 PushPull: Now also available in a “female version” and in angled housing.

Caption (photo 5): Han® HPR 34: ideal for a motor connections and use with jumper cables on rail vehicles.

Caption (photo 7): HARTING MICA – HERMES AWARD winner 2016.

HARTING Technology Group
www.HARTING.com