NEWS IN BRIEF
TE Connectivity adds M12
industrial Ethernet cable assembly
connectivity to its offering
TE Connectivity (TE) now offers M12 data cable assemblies that support Ethernet
protocols as part of its package of Industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus solutions. This
makes it a one-stop-shop for M8/M12 cable assemblies for industrial Ethernet
communications.
Ethernet is already the leading technology in the world for data communica-
tions and is rapidly becoming the technology of choice for higher-level industrial
control applications that call for real-time data. In order for Ethernet to be used
in industrial environments, cables and connectors must be adapted to withstand
harsh environmental conditions often found there.
Users of the new TE M12 industrial Ethernet cable assemblies can choose from
a wide range of features to meet their specific needs. Jacketing, for example, is in
PVC or halogen-free PUR or other FRNC (flame retardant, non-corrosive) materials.
Depending on the material, the assemblies withstand up to 1 million flexes,
machine oils, abrasion and UV radiation. A compact full-metal housing with
crimp flange/crimp sleeve provides 360-degree shielding against EMI/RFI
interference. The hexagonal crimp of the sleeve gives a vibration-resistant and
torsion-proof cable strain relief, in accordance with IEC 61 373, Category 1, Class
B, as well as safe shield termination. Category 5e cables can realise transmission
rates of 100Mbps to meet network requirements in the field and at supervisory
management levels. The new assemblies are available with several standard cable
length options from 0.5m through to 30m. n
High port density at an angle
R&M has launched a new angled
ELISO patch panel that saves network
technicians and installers a few
steps, both in assembly and in cable
management, in the rack.
The new 19in angled panel offers
space for 48 ports on one height
unit. The RJ45 connections for the
copper cabling are arranged in two
rows. The angle out of the rack is
just 100mm. Connection modules of
the types Cat. 6A EL and Cat. 6A ISO
Special from R&M independently lock
into the module holders of the ELISO
patch panel. Installers simply click the
modules into the holder. Mounting is
completed without screws, brackets or
other mechanical aids. A major effect
of the angular form is that the path
between the connector and lateral
cable management is shorter. The
angular form simultaneously takes
the pressure off horizontal cable
management.
The patch cords have more space
on the front than with comparable
flat patch panels. In spite of a large
number of ports, they don’t have to be
threaded into clips or bent much. They
are routed flat, parallel and stress-free.
An integrated rear cable support takes
care of strain relief.
The simplified handling also
means less time needs to be spent
on cable and network management.
The solution avoids diminished
performance which can be caused
by narrow radii, kinks and cable
movements. The 48 port HD ELISO
angled panel is perfect for use in
data centres and building cabling.
It supports the digital, automated
infrastructure management system
R&MinteliPhy. n
07
Understanding
of PoE is crucial
for electricians
installing or servicing
intelligent lighting
Ideal Networks is urging electricians to master
new skills and equipment now to cope with
the growing use of PoE in intelligent lighting
applications. In particular, PoE testers can help
electricians to conduct quick and accurate PoE
validation while eliminating guesswork.
In 2018, standard IEEE 802.3bt was
ratified and provides the specifications for
PoE equipment to provide up 90 watts of
power to devices over twisted-pair Ethernet
cabling. This amount of power combined with
high-efficiency LED light fixtures makes PoE
lighting practical. With 60-90 watts of power
available, multiple luminaries or troffers can
be daisy-chained from a single port on a PoE
Ethernet switch, reducing cost and simplifying
installation.
There are a range of PoE testers, from simple
LED voltage detectors to testers that measure
voltage and power available to the Powered
Devices (PD) on a circuit. For example, the
PoE Pro multi-function PoE tester from Ideal
Networks measures and reports PoE Class,
voltage/voltage drop, watts and injector type,
making it easy to see how much power is
available.
PoE test equipment can also be used to
highlight issues with cable quality. For instance,
electricians may encounter copper-clad
aluminium (CCA) cable which is constructed
primarily of aluminium conductors coated with
a thin skin of copper. CCA has a much higher
resistance than solid copper cable and should
not be used in PoE applications, but due to its
very low comparative cost, can often be found
in intelligent lighting installations. n
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