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materials used in manufacturing the
connector.
•
Other factors: Cost, size,
efficiency and the ability to transmit over
certain distances may also be design
criteria that need to be considered for
each application.
The ability to transmit over “certain
distances” as mentioned above is
particularly interesting. There are
instances where power and data need
to be transferred wirelessly across small
distances, such as through a wall or
other material. Also, more connector
freedom may be needed without
mechanical wear and tear, or the
environment may be too hazardous to
introduce any possibility of arcing.
It’s at this point that advances in
contactless connectivity need to be
considered.
Contactless connectivity
“Contactless connectivity requires both
contactless power and contactless data
technology which can easily connect
over a short distance without physical
contact” [TE Connectivity (TE)].
There are many benefits to be accrued
from contactless over traditional
connectors which should be considered
when deciding how to meet the design
specification most effectively. These
include:
•
Improved reliability: Delivers
robust power and data without wires or
physical contact. Also, the connectors
are hermetically sealed ensuring
environmental integrity.
•
Greater flexibility: There is an
unlimited range of motion, allowing 360°
movement, tilt, angle and misalignment.
•
Unlimited mating cycles: There
are unlimited mating cycles in wet and
dusty environments. This is particularly
suitable where slip rings or spring cables
reach their limit.
•
Connection through walls or
materials: Contactless technology allows
connection through walls or materials,
which is not possible with traditional
connectors.
Figure 3. A complete contactless connectivity design integrates
ICPT for power transfer and 2.45-GHz wireless for data
transmission, all within an M30-type form factor. [Image
courtesy of TE Connectivity]
4. Implemented in an M30-type connector, the near-field loop
antenna design for a contactless connectivity-based data link
is symmetrical to allow for rotation. [Image courtesy of TE
Connectivity]
Figure 5. A contactless connectivity option implemented on a
robotic arm allows 360 degrees of freedom with no brush wear
typical of current slip-ring designs. Integrated sensors also enable
“gentle touch” sensitivity. [Image courtesy of TE Connectivity]
32 l New-Tech Magazine Europe