“Connectivity for Future Technologies”: Solutions for Tomorrow’s Production

September 21, 2020

Launched this May, the HARTING Technology Group is now continuing its successful “HARTING Experts Camp” with the autumn kick-off. Under the HARTING Experts Camp label, the connectivity specialist is now offering a powerful platform facilitating customer dialogue and communication. The focus for the autumn is on the very latest developments and solutions in the field of “Connectivity for Future Technologies”.

“The three megatrends of globalization, demographic change and climate change are today’s crucial challenges,” as Dr.-Ing. Kurt D. Bettenhausen, Member of the Board of Management responsible for “New Technologies and Development” at HARTING, emphasizes. Consequently, manufacturing must be converted even more strongly to energy efficiency and sustainability. In the field of automation, Bettenhausen believes that the three trends of digital twin, modularity and connectivity will exert a decisive influence on further developments. “The machines and systems will become more autonomous – and in the future will make more and more independent decisions,” says Bettenhausen.

2020-09-21_Energiespeicherrack_Energy storage rack_2.jpg

Interfaces enabling e-mobility

The solutions in the field of Han connectors are also largely derived from the above-mentioned megatrends of the coming years. The basis for environmentally friendly e-mobility is the seamless, smooth and sustainable use of renewable energies. This can only be achieved by energy storage systems (ESS), as these allow for the time-delayed, demand-oriented utilization of the electricity generated.

The use of connectors accelerates the development of battery module based energy storage systems. These modules are encountered in many different applications, such as e-scooters, driverless transport vehicles (AGVs) and also e-buses.

In addition to the proven solution for “blind plugging” with the Han-Modular® docking frame in the rear area of the energy storage racks, HARTING is now also offering a solution for the front cabling of energy storage systems with the new Han S. The new connector series offers users optimum safety, as the design meets all technical requirements and the new UL 4128 standard for stationary energy storage systems. As a result, Han S is meeting the highest standards markets are demanding. Both the proven Han-Modular solution and the Han S can be supplied preassembled with the cables, depending on customer specifications.

PBUS-19-HARTING-Connectivity3-400.jpg

DC generation saves energy costs

Environmentally friendly e-mobility and renewable energies go hand in hand. Extensive areas of renewable energies and also storage technology are DC dominated. In conjunction with energy recovery measures, the growth in renewables is leading to an overall decrease in energy consumption from the AC grid. Industrial companies harnessing DC generation are saving energy costs and contributing to meeting CO2 emission targets.

Energy storage systems can also reduce peaks in power consumption, which in turn lowers costs. In parts of the world where power failures are more common, a DC infrastructure with energy storage devices also presents options for bridging outages. Consequently, HARTING is participating in the DC-INDUSTRY joint project, comprising some 40 industrial partners. The company focuses on the areas of overall design, energy management and protective measures. Concrete topics are DC connectivity, selectivity, insulation monitoring and ageing behaviour of insulating materials. Central requirements for future interfaces will be derived from the work in the cooperative project.

PBUS-19-HARTING-Connectivity4-400.jpg

High-quality product data advancing accelerated development processes

Thanks to expedient, targeted utilization of data and the associated processes is capable of delivering high efficiency gains in the design-in process in industry. In response to this situation, HARTING is linking its products with information packages supporting users. By providing CADENAS Multi CAD, HARTING is covering over 95% of the CAD systems market. This means that 150 native and high-quality data formats are available for HARTING products, whether for individual parts or connector configurations. ECAD data (ZUKEN E3, EPLAN) are also available at the push of a button. In this way, users can dispense with generating component data, thereby saving valuable time. 

PBUS-19-HARTING-Connectivity5-400.jpg

Advanced Ethernet modularization and miniaturization as IIoT driver

The transformation of industrial production is also being advanced by IIoT. At the field level of factory automation, analogue systems are rapidly being replaced by digital systems. Data is being generated in ever greater volumes and at increased frequency. But all this data is of little use if there is no suitable infrastructure in place to bring it to its destination. User demands are clear: connectors in devices and infrastructure must continue to contract, while also becoming more powerful at the same time.

This calls for novel approaches: The requirements of future developments within the framework of IIoT must be identified at an early stage and expedient solutions derived. HARTING took this path several years ago for Ethernet connectivity and created new connectors that went on to set the new standards for both PCB and device connectivity.

In the autumn of 2020 HARTING will be meeting these challenges with the strong partnership in the SPE Industrial Partner Network advancing a consistent SPE Ecosystem and entirely new solutions for PCB applications. The flexible and self-configurable har-modular board solution is setting new standards for miniaturized power and data transmission in the device – just like the new har-flex hybrid solutions.

Fielding new products designed for the future, HARTING is solving the challenges of Advanced Ethernet modularization and miniaturization as the key IIoT drivers.

All dates of the HARTING Experts Camp can be found here: www.HARTING.com/web-seminar

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…