technology at work
Transcrição
technology at work
HARTING’s Technology Newsletter SPECIAL TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY AT WORK INTERNATIONAL _Japan: Trends in robotics INDUSTRY _KUKA and HARTING INTERNET _Markets are built from information and dialogue INVESTMENT _Wind energy and offshore wind farms INTER-DISCIPLINE _HARTING goes MicroMID™ People Power Partnership 7-I-2001 Title Technology at Work F rom industrial robots to wind turbines, from a visionary one-wheeled vehicle to optical data transmission, these are the range of topics covered by this seventh edition of tec.News – and they are examples of practice-derived applications for state-of-the-art connector technology. The exciting thing about connectors is that no matter how inconspicuous, perhaps even secondary, these components may seem at first, if you take a closer look it soon becomes clear to what extent the modular form of construction used in today’s industrial systems has been made possible by them, or at least possible at acceptable cost. Small things – great impact. 2 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 E D I T O R I A L _p.4 •INTERNATIONAL _Japan: Trends in robotics p.6 •INDUSTRY _Han fiber-optic connectors to KUKA robots p.12 •INTERNET _Markets are built from information and dialogue p.16 •INVESTMENT _Wind energy and offshore wind farms p.22 •INTER-DISCIPLINE _HARTING goes MicroMID™ p.26 •INNOVATION _The electric unicycle p.30 P A N O R A M A _p.36 3 People Power Partnership tec. E d i t o r i a l Trade Fair – and nothing happens, systems which are very well-publi- or when the oxygen equipment for cised, would not have been made the patient just awakening from possible at all. the anaesthetic does not work despite all efforts made, and the The technological spectrum facing nurse says, “Well, perhaps we a connector manufacturer is be- don’t need it after all.” coming increasingly complex. Our mutual efforts can only succeed if Still we must not forget all the we join you, our experts at cus- things which function twenty four tomers and in science and technol- hours a day, and then flawlessly. ogy, in a dialogue on the future. This list is longer. That is why I We have always followed a policy believe in our vision: “We want to of openness and co-operation. MARGRIT HARTING shape the future with technologies Technology is increasingly becom- Publisher tec.News for people.” ing a “joint” effort. In this spirit, “I have achieved many results; I tec.News is a means of achieving tec.News should also be seen as an ongoing opportunity for dialogue. know thousands of things which this. Launched three years ago, it don’t work.” has already won over its staunch Prominent public personalities (Thomas A. Edison) fans from among our partners have lent even more lustre to our throughout the world. It aims to magazine with their names and s it coincidence or inten- communicate interesting, in-depth contributions (see page 42). This tional? Or is it because of and novel information as well as is “People – Power – Partnership” colourful facts from HARTING’s live, and that is exactly what we world of technology. want. To shape the future with I the 7th-edition itch that I, of all people, am writing the editorial for the “Technology at Work” issue? technology for people using a lot Actually, it’s probably fate, dear We have received plenty of acclaim of power in fruitful partnership tec.News readers, because for the from you. For content, for layout, with you! 30-year HARTING marriage – al- and for the fact that tec.News is Will you join us? Join us! most half of which as co-entrepre- more than just a company bro- neur – I have been living in this chure. Where critical remarks have schizophrenic dilemma: on the one been made, we have been glad to hand technology which is supposed use them in the ongoing improve- to create more convenience and ment of this publication. Dialogue comfort and, on the other, the with you remains the most impor- everyday technology which lets you tant concern of tec.News. Enjoy your tec.News 7, down at important personal moments: when the (then) Minister Components and their technologies President and today Chancellor, are usually a subject for special- Gerhard Schröder, is supposed to ists. But without our technologies, press THE button at the Hanover many subsequent products and 4 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 5 People Power Partnership tec. S p e c i a l INTERNATIONAL t o p i c Japan: Trends in robotics Kota Imoto n Japan robots are defi- At the ROBODEX Trade Fair in No- har-bus® HM, integrated in the nitely on their way to vember 2000 two-legged robots, CompactPCI robot control unit, winning a firm place in Japan- such as Asimo developed by Honda plays a not insignificant role in ese daily life. A clear indication or the SDR-3X developed by SONY realising this technology. of this is the booming pet ro- attracted great attention. The bot business. Pets are very SDR-3X was specially designed for CURRENT STATUS OF INDUS- popular in Japan but require entertainment purposes and is ca- TRIAL ROBOTS IN JAPAN space and plenty of looking af- pable of identifying voices and im- ter. So Sony developed an arti- ages. Visitors to the trade fair The table on page 8, based on data ficial pet, somewhat resem- were over the moon when the from Nippon Industry Paper, shows bling a dog, which answers to robot first managed by itself to the sales figures for the main indus- the cute name of Aibo, and recognise a ball purely by its trial robot manufacturers in Japan which is, of course, a lot easier colour and then later performed in 2000. Matsushita managed to to care for than a real pet. a Japanese dance together with maintain its top position largely be- Other manufacturers are two other robot pals. cause its chip assembly machines I are included in this ranking. Com- offering similar products as part of their range. Conversely, Honda’s Asimo reflects pared to the previous year, an over- the result of research and develop- all recovery in domestic investment ment efforts which involved en- in equipment was apparent. In- dowing robots with as many simple creased sales in the IT sector, for human skills as possible. At present example in mobile telephones, offset his movements in a natural envi- a decline in investments in the auto- ronment are very sure and almost motive industry. Yasukawa, with its “human” and he is simultaneously flexible-arm robot for automobile able to carry out simple actions. To manufacture, and Kawasaki, with its enable these highly complex move- clean-room robots for semiconduc- ments to be smooth and jerk-free, tor production, proved particularly extremely rapid information pro- competitive. cessing is required. The HARTING 6 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 7 People Power Partnership THE ROBOT FAMILY The Japanese TOP 20 (source: Nippon Industry Paper) The kinds of systems classified as robot technology (robotics) vary to Manufacturer Sales 2000 (Yen millions) some extent in different industrialised regions of the world. In his 1 Matsushita 150,000 article, Mr Imoto deals as much 2 Fuji Kikai 105,000 with the family of industrial robots 3 Fanuc 93,800 as he does with service robots. In 4 Yasukawa 74,000 Japan this does not only include 5 Yamaha 32,000 freely programmable robots (multi- 6 Sanyo High Technology 30,000 purpose industrial robots), but also 7 Kawasaki Heavy Industry 28,000 all types of automatic assembly 8 Fujikoshi 26,000 machines (dedicated industrial 9 Juki 23,000 10 Star 15,000 shown in the table can deviate from 1 1 Daihen 14,400 other listings based on different 12 Mitsubishi 9,000 robots). To this extent the figures criteria. ROBOT TECHNOLOGIES 13 Denso 7,000 14 Sankyo Precision 5,100 15 Harmo 5,000 16 Nitto Seiko 4,509 17 Kobe Steel 2,900 18 Seiko Epson 2,300 Robots can be deployed for an ex- 19 Asuka 2,160 traordinary variety of tasks, in- 20 Amada 1,800 cluding welding, coating, assembling, machining and processing. Their areas of application range from shipbuilding and automobile In program control technology two as often as required by the production to agriculture and basic methods are differentiated: machine with top precision. health care. in the first method, the robot operates according to a fixed, pre- Depending on the model and task Equally diverse are the technolo- determined NC program, while in requirements, the control program gies which are used in robot devel- the second, called master-slave or is based on different coordinate opment. This includes the mechani- teach-in technology, the move- systems: cal design concept, the large num- ment sequence is “practised” by a ber of different “limbs”, the con- human being. While the operator trol technology as well as appli- guides the robot, the movements if the arm mechanism mainly cation-specific specialised parts are recorded by the robot’s posi- follows a cartesian coordinate such as grippers, tool changers tion and angle measuring systems system and others. and they can later be reproduced 8 n orthogonal coordinate systems HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 Examples for the novel use of robots in material handling for transport, movement, parts feeding and picking up parts can be derived from the following patent applications: n cylindrical/polar coordinate systems where arm movements n semiconductor production (Mex, THE FIVE PHASES TO DATE largely follow a circular path n silicon-wafer transport device in 1995), combined algorithms particularly After robot technology first found for multi-articular systems its way into factories at the begin- transfer robot for electronic where the arm mechanism may ning of the 1970s, a phase of inten- equipment (Nippon Vacuum, consist of more than three sive development and new con- 1995), rotating joints. cepts followed in 1980 to 1984, n n ployed remained constant from repetitive accuracy as well as opti- year to year. packaging machines for agricultural products (Makita, 1996), while initially the numbers deHigh positioning precision and multi-articular circuit board n devices for handling books (Shinko, 1996). mised path speeds together with increased safety, require an ex- In the third period (1984 – 1989), Examples for their application in tremely high degree of co-ordina- the newly developed technologies final processing are: tion between mechanics, drive were taken up by production, the n system and software. number of installed robots rose ry alloys for aerospace equip- significantly. ment (Space Activities, 1994), USES OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS n actuators made of shape-memo- devices to transport circuit boards in vacuums (Kokusai The fourth phase from 1990 to Electric, 1995) In the 70s, robots were mainly about 1996 was characterised by used for material handling, for the fact that due to the difficult picking up parts and transporting overall economic situation only mantling of nuclear reactors them as well as for tool handling very limited resources were avail- (Fuji Electric, 1996). on machine tools and for welding. able for research and development In the 80s, surface finishing and in robot technology. n equipment for the remote dis- In the medical field, surgical manipulators based on assembly work was added. Finally, at the close of the 80s, the range Today, in the ongoing fifth phase, micro-manipulators of uses was extended to include the overall situation could certain- (Daum, 1994), and their deployment in clean-rooms ly not be considered ideal. Howev- artificial limbs for and in final processing. In the er, the revival, particularly in the the disabled (Ikaken, meantime, robots have also been IT sector, can be seen as heralding 1996) have now attained a used increasingly in the areas of a recovery for the Japanese econo- very high degree of medicine, health care and welfare. my. functionality. 9 People Power Partnership 10 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS IN THE FUTURE We well remember the pictures of Koichi Wakata of Japan in October 2000 who took part in assembling the International Space Station (ISS), supported only by a freely mobile robot arm in a vacuum. Perhaps one day, thanks to progress in robot technology, we will be able to penetrate into new, as yet unknown worlds. On presenting the SDR-3X, Sony indicated that this model has initial- And, last but not least, in light of Much of science and technology ly been conceived as an entertain- the advances made in identifica- has been copied from nature, such ment robot, but also drew atten- tion technology and movement as the invention of the airplane, tion to the very narrow boundary control, robots will be performing with which mankind’s longing to fly between entertainment and busi- useful household functions within as free as a bird through the air ness. Robot technology holds out the foreseeable future, even was made a reality. good business prospects in the though this may still seem pie future. in the sky today. Recently, Honda began hiring out A glance at the next generation of make new, unknown areas benefi- Asimo and added a few simple voice robots may well be a cause for re- cial to mankind. functions for this purpose. The flecting once again with amaze- company’s aim is to help create a ment at the complexity and the social environment in which robots tremendous capabilities which dis- are readily accepted as part of tinguish our species, homo sapiens. Kota Imoto, everyday life. For this, a separate Human civilisation and science and Managing Director, division was established to deal technology could hardly have de- HARTING Japan specifically with hiring out robots veloped so rapidly and so compre- for public institutions, museums, hensively had the basic laws of na- Contact: showrooms and corporate events, ture not shown us the way. [email protected] Let us take the further development of robotics as a challenge to in short, wherever public interest is at its highest. We thank FANUC Germany who provided us with robot photos for this article. 11 People Power Partnership tec. S p e c i a l INDUSTRY t o p i c Han fiber-optic connectors for Interbus interfaces to KUKA robots Andre Beneke S ince the early seventies, numerous new application areas for robots have evolved, ranging from industrial manufacturing to state-of-the- art medicine. These applications always entail highly complex systems in which high-performance connectors play a vital role. The connectors are mainly used to from external electromagnetic in- of transmission and connect switch cabinets and robots terference. Strong electromagnet- reception unit. and transfer electrical power, while ic fields are encountered in weld- also controlling the robot and the ing applications in particular, that In the past, engineers of- tool in the robot’s head. In most still represent the main application ten hesitated to use fiber- cases, fixed wiring is not feasible as for industrial robots. These strong optic technology as they this would incur unacceptably high fields can easily corrupt electrical felt the supposedly compli- assembly costs in setting up and signals, causing the entire system cated system structure and testing the robot system, as well as to malfunction. In order to protect sensitive cabling made this during transportation, installation the signals from this kind of degra- technology unsuitable for in- and commissioning. In addition to dation, cables and other compo- the connections between switch nents – including the connectors cabinets and robots, additional con- involved – have to be shielded nectors are often required as most appropriately. robots operate in conjunction with other peripheral systems and not as ADVANCES IN stand-alone solutions. The commu- FIBER-OPTIC nication between robots and pe- TECHNOLOGY ripheral systems is usually via connectors. Signals can also be protected from exter- Today, robots frequently operate nal interference by under extremely demanding envi- using fiber-optic ronmental conditions. For many technology. Optical sig- applications, IP 65 protection is nals, transmitted via plastic or mandatory. In other words, all glass fiber cables, remain virtual- components have to be protected ly unaffected by electromagnetic against dirt and humidity. In addi- fields. In addition, these cables tion, sensitive signals (for example permit very high data transfer bus signals) have to be screened rates, as well as DC decoupling 12 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 dustrial use. In the meantime, the by which fiber-optic technology is ease and safety, as well as its ro- situation has changed fundamen- finding use in industrial manufac- bust design, delivering outstand- tally: many system suppliers and turing. Individual manufacturers ing mechanical stability both when end customers, including those op- are increasingly opting for the re- connected and when disconnected. erating robots, have gained posi- alization of manufacturing control tive experience with fiber-optic concepts based on optical Interbus technologies. After all, the systems. TERMINATION The robot manufacturer KUKA, of After the outer jacket is removed Augsburg, Germany, also opted for the plastic fiber is fed into the oped for use HARTING products for the fiber- contact. The connection side of in tough optic interface between switch the contact is first crimped onto industrial cabinets and robots. This involves the fiber jacket. The ferrule of environ- a connector from the Han-Modu- the contact side itself is then ments. lar® crimped directly onto the fiber. This in- the proven robust Han® B hous- This double crimping guarantees cludes ings, size 24 (IP 65). The Han-Mo- a particularly strong retention fiber-op- dular insert consists of two Han force of the fiber in the contact. tic cables multi-contact modules, a Han DD components available today have been specifically designed and devel- which with- series, installed in one of module and three blank modules. When this double crimping proce- The Han DD module is used for the dure has been completed, the end when used in drag voltage supply. The two Han multi- of the fiber can be polished. chains and are even re- contact modules are equipped with stand high loads sistant to welding sparks. Active six fiber-optic contacts compliant These procedures in the prepara- components such as media con- with CECC 78001-801 (previously tion of the fiber-optic contact verters offer IP 65 or even IP 68 DIN 41 626, Part 3) and transmit guarantee particularly precise protection. Passive interfaces, optical Interbus signals. and safe positioning of the fiber in the contact and are, in combi- which are essential in robots, can The crucial factors in the decision nation with the spring fitting of in favor of the HARTING solution the female contact, the key for The automotive sector provides were the ability to pre-form the a reliable passive interface with some salient examples of the way entire connector with complete low attenuation. be easily realized today. 13 People Power Partnership HIGH MECHANICAL against external influences by the STABILITY proven Han B housing. Apart from the robustness of the In partnership with KUKA, HARTING fiber-optic contacts, automotive is making a contribution to ensur- manufacturers attached particular ing maximum quality and availabil- importance to connector inserts ity in automotive manufacturing featuring a robust design as well operations. as providing as protected a position as possible for the contacts in these inserts. The HARTING modu- Fig.: KUKA lar solution obviously fulfilled Dipl.-Ing. Andre Beneke, these requirements particularly Market Manager Robots & Auto- well. cessed in the modules. The modules mation, Industrial Division Han, are very robust and stable, togeth- HARTING Espelkamp When disconnected, the contacts er with the hinged frame of the are well protected from mechani- Han-Modular system. When con- Contact: cal loads since they are slightly re- nected, the inserts are protected [email protected] 14 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 15 People Power Partnership tec. S p e c i a l INTERNET t o p i c Markets are built from information and dialogue Birgit Friederike Haberbosch A global company, active in markets all around the world, differs in many ways from a traditional company, without entirely forgetting the old, still valid, rules. 16 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 T he first markets were just markets. They were neither bearish nor bullish, they were not battlefields and had no target groups. Above all, they did not have “consumers”. The first markets were lively meeting points, full of people. Not full of abstractions, and not full of statistical quantities. They were places where supply and demand met in a firm handshake. The first markets were places of exchange, where people came to buy and to talk. They were full of discussion, talk about goods, about novelties, maybe about gossip, but always about opinions. Rarely were these discussions important to everyone, but they would interest at least someone. Many of these discussions closed with a sale. This sale was then the exclamation mark at the end of a sentence or of a long discussion. Some finished with an idea, and were the starting point for a new product. In those days the traders’ hands were marked by the work that was their life. Their trademark was also their name. They were called Miller, Tanner, or Fisher, and they knew where their markets were. They knew where they would find people with the same interests and who were looking for what they needed. Buyer and seller were both 17 People Power Partnership there, and they talked to each oth- history be translated into the glob- we, as innovative problem solvers er directly. There were no media, no al markets of today? and producers, can meet our cus- media filters, no positioning state- tomers face to face so that we can 21st century the mass media, ments, no advertising, no PR and no In the marketing department. Markets the various electronic and conven- discussions that are based on com- were places of consultation, they tional media, allow us to address mon interests. Nowadays we con- were places where people met to larger and larger markets. The me- sider ourselves as on-the-spot see the work of others, to judge dia can do it, industry can do it, and technology partners in the field others’ products, to talk about of course HARTING can do it too. of connectors, wherever our them and to buy. Everything was Neither more bureaucracy nor customer needs us. learn from them in discussions, local, personal, immediate and familiar. MARKETS CONSIST OF PEOPLE, NOT OF TARGET GROUPS A lot changed with the industrial revolution. Production became more efficient, and the attitude of managers to both production and to suppliers was reflected in their activity on their markets. The enormous increase in production burst beyond the previously familiar and limited market. Replaceable workers created replaceable greater distance, but being close to products for replaceable customers the customer, like the old tanners WE ARE NETWORKING whom they did not know. and potters – that is our company’s WITH THE MARKETS goal. The producer should look the AND WITH OUR CUSTOMERS We are familiar with this develop- customer in the eye, should pro- AROUND THE WORLD ment, and we also know the goal. In claim the message globally and spite of globalisation, we must, as should stand by it. Whether it is in It is a fact that there are 24 hours in the past, continue to inform and Germany, in Japan, or in some oth- in the world’s day, and we all agree satisfy the customer, as a human er corner of the world. It is a long that we want to use these 24 hours being and addressee, in the same time since distance was a problem. to supply information and products way as in the markets of the past. With 30 subsidiary companies, we to whoever needs them and can But how can the market place of think of markets as places where use them. But how do we find the 18 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 people who need exactly our The internet is a place, and our hardly have become the world’s knowledge and our products? website is a marketplace where we market leader in the field of indus- provide information. It provides a trial connectors if we were not We know that information and platform for you to make contact ready to meet our customers news is lying in wait for us every- with us – from wherever you are, wherever they are – networked or where. Most often we try to avoid whatever the time may be. This is not. We are using the internet and the lure of advertising, because we not just a place for “commerce”, its facilities for our customers, not know that garish advertising and “traffic” or for “e-something-or- just as a channel for passing on flashing banners are often bait on other”. Here, in our network mar- messages and for requesting infor- which it is better not to become ketplace, there can and should be mation, but also to invite our busi- hooked. And it is not the purpose a place where people can learn to ness partners to talk to us. In this way we can together retrieve the mood of the old marketplace. We can reach out further, and have more ways of communicating. Networked markets are not just passive observers waiting for the next message to arrive. Our website is a place for relationships between people, translated into the media of the modern age. WE CONSULT WITH YOU As in the networked marketplace, people inside the firm also talk to of our internet presence to entice. gather information, to talk to one each other directly – not just by We are using the net and our pre- another, and indeed to do business means of regulations, directives, sentation on the web to link up together one day. Every product operating results and instructions. 21st century markets on can be found here, it can be exam- They talk about our subject: indus- the internet. We want to use it to ined and questions can be asked trial connector technologies. talk to you about current topics, about it. Of course, even in these Everyone is involved in the cre- from anywhere in the world and at days of e-commerce, we have not ation and development of new any time. We want to inform you, forgotten the classic technique of ideas, driven forward by one vision. and so to talk with you in the way the printed catalogue. We know We want to help you forward in that used to be normal in the mar- quite well that not everybody in your task and in the solution of ketplace. the world is on the net, and we your problem with comprehensible want to reach them all. We would yet unfiltered information. In the with our 19 People Power Partnership age of the net, we want to provide helpful and well-informed staff at they want to supply the customers you with genuine and accurate in- your service all around the world, with information, to advise them, formation and support, and not to with whom you can speak directly to demonstrate their competence confuse you with unimportant and on the telephone. Start a dia- – while at the same time learning matters. log. Electronically networked, per- from the customers in these con- sonally, by telephone, and by way sultations, gaining information and HARKIS® is exactly the right of our other sources of informa- in turn meeting the customer’s in- source of information for the solu- tion. It’s not just our customers terests with new innovations. It is tion of your problem, whether di- who want to talk to our staff, but thus not just a one-sided conversa- rectly over the net or with the aid also the staff who want to join in tion but an exchange, signifying to of a CD-ROM. You ask the questions consultation with the customers, us all the elixir of innovation that – HARKIS, our electronic represen- and who are looking forward to the makes us so successful in the tative, will answer them with you. exchange of information. Because world’s markets. Thus you will find the answers to your questions on our website, and you will get just the product that you were looking for. Your search will be supported by our HARKIS system, which will guide you securely to your goal. MESSAGES ARE COMMUNICATION If you want to learn about the connector market, it is not essential to get your information only from our website. The printed media also have a role to play for us. Our company has a large number of EXCHANGING QUESTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE IS THE BASIS OF EVERYTHING NEW What we offer has nothing to do with replaceable products, replaceable engineers or replaceable consumers handled by replaceable dealers with replaceable staff. For us, markets consist of people, not of target groups. That is why we are offering new forms of service, 20 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 to prove this to you on a daily ba- to face. You are wondering how you We are ready to prove this afresh sis. We talk the same language – can recognise our voice on the every day. whereever we are. Whatever we are net? The voice of HARTING can be doing, whatever we know and pro- heard quite openly at our website. When you have read this article, duce, is available immediately And before you have downloaded your dialogue with us has already whenever, however and wherever the last file you will be able to begun. You can now take it further, you want. We supply, as in a mar- judge whether we are talking with or you can leave it. As soon as you ketplace, wherever and whatever commitment, or whether our infor- take part, you become an individ- you want from our ual for us, with a name, with your ranges. You will see own opinions, humour, passions that we continue to and problems. Not just an anony- have an enormous mous figure behind an e-mail ad- need for useful dis- dress. Our support will not disap- cussion with you. In pear. It will develop with the con- this exciting new tact we have with you, whoever and market, customers wherever you are. The new markets tell us what they know more and learn faster than want, and we know the old markets did, but for us what we can do for they are just as effective and hon- them. That is the est. Take a look, and talk to us. challenge that we That is the good news – that we really can talk to each other any- set ourselves daily, and that we approach with our mation is only online because some time, anyplace. Read our book, meet skills and our commitment. And adviser has recommended it. You us on the internet, find us in our time and again it starts with a con- can see and feel quite clearly brochures and catalogues, but sultation and finishes with an ex- whether the company that is talk- above all: recognise us and our phi- clamation mark. ing to you is sound, whether it is losophy in our products. They are providing you with information and what underpin what was and is is truly helping you to solve your crucial for all the world’s mar- THE VOICES MUST BE RIGHT problem. There, and in our materi- kets: top quality products that You might now ask how you can al on other media, you can judge are the manufacturer’s pride start to consult with us. Relax, it whether our staff really care about and the customer’s joy. can be quite easy. Consult with us, their jobs, solving your problem by and do it in whatever way is easiest making it their own – and above all for you. You can talk to us on the you can tell whether our company Birgit Friederike Haberbosch net at any time, any place. You can is what it has been for its cus- General Manager read at leisure, using one of our tomers for the last 50 years: a Public Relations and Communications, many sources, whether catalogue place where people meet to see the HARTING Espelkamp or product information. We have work of others, to talk about it and one voice – printed, electronic, on to solve their problems with our Contact: CD-ROM, on the telephone or face expertise and using our products. [email protected] 21 People Power Partnership 22 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 tec. S p e c i a l INVESTMENT t o p i c Wind energy and offshore wind farms Andreas Naß M ankind needs energy. Generating energy, while conserving resources and protecting the environment to the greatest extent possible, is one of the major challenges of our times. In addition to saving en- ergy, increased use of renewable energies is vital if we are to achieve the goals agreed upon at the World Climate Conference in Kyoto in 1992. Given the extensive exploitation of hydropower, wind energy, in cost competition with other energy forms, will present the greatest potential for short-term growth. Wind energy was first harnessed for sailing boats and windmills during the late Bronze Age. In 1335 A.D., the Italian Guido Vigevano invented a wind-powered battle wagon. The first wind energy stations generating electrical energy were built by Paul La Cour in 1891. Until GW 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 growth rate (187 %) the oil crisis in the seventies, ac- 1990 tivities in the field of wind energy actual were mainly private initiatives focused on basic aspects of the tech- 1992 1994 Europe 1996 1998 America 2000 Asia 2002 2004 others Fig. 1: Development of wind energy power installed per year Source: BTM Consult “1999 Wind Energy World Market update” nology. After the oil crisis of 1973, energy GOOD REASONS state-supported programs encour- FOR WIND ENERGY aging the advance of wind energy. With an installed output of 4.4 GW suppliers started to take a closer look at wind energy. However, The world climate conferences, and in 1999, Germany ranked as the these initial approaches sank into especially the 1992 conference world’s primary user of wind oblivion as energy prices fell. It that concluded with the Kyoto Pro- energy. was only when the environmental tocol, provided a further boost to movement at the beginning of the the growth of wind energy. The Apart from climate protection nineties gained momentum that target set in Kyoto was to reduce considerations, wind is often the the wind energy boom finally CO2 emissions by 5.3% over compa- only available form of energy in took off. rable 1990 levels by the years 2008 some parts of the world. In devel- to 2012. Wind energy, of course, oping countries, small wind farms plays an important role in achiev- are an ideal, economical means of ing this goal. Consequently, gov- generating electricity for remote ernments such as those of Den- settlements and villages that can- mark, Germany and Spain launched not be connected to a public sup- 23 People Power Partnership ply network. In addition, wind GW in 1999. Today’s scenarios as- nectors. The environment and con- farms can be built much more sume output will increase to 120 ditions in which wind farms oper- quickly than large power stations. GW by 2009. ate demand the use of heavy-duty This enables a more rapid response industrial connectors, entailing to growing energy needs in devel- At present, this growth is only re- virtually the complete range of oping societies such as China. stricted by the limited capacities HARTING industrial connectors. of wind farm manufacturers and And, as in all other industrial sec- These developments have led to a their suppliers. Although space for tors, there is a discernible trend fundamental change in the indus- land-based wind farms in Northern towards decentralized intelligence try mix of wind farm manufactur- Europe is becoming scarcer as a and modern bus systems. ers. While the first small compa- result of meteorological suitability nies assembling windmills were and societal acceptance, the grow- OFFSHORE WIND FARMS guided more by ecological ideals ing market for offshore farms will GENERATING COST SAVINGS than strict business considera- compensate for these factors. tions, today’s manufacturers, of- As already mentioned, there is cur- ten associated with international Technologies have progressed in rently a strong tendency to shift industrial groups, are posting sales pace with the increased demand the construction and operation of figures in the billion DM region. for wind energy. However, wind en- wind farms to offshore locations Wind energy has developed into a ergy is currently still a very expen- skirting the coast lines. Offshore lucrative business of considerable sive energy form. The aim is to re- wind farms are much more expen- proportions. duce the costs for each generated kWh from its current US$ 0.047 by FROM PRIVATE INITIATIVE an annual three percent. This will TO INDUSTRIAL MARKET require larger and more efficient wind farms, innovative control de- The structure has also changed signs such at pitch control opti- considerably on the operational mized by setting the rotor blades side. Whereas initially, single according to wind conditions, and smaller farms operated by individ- greater optimization of the farms. uals or private groups were built The demand for greater economic for ecological reasons, wind farms efficiency, as well as the limited have now emerged as a capital in- capacities of wind farm manufac- vestment promising solid returns. turers, have promoted the forma- Today’s wind farms generally con- tion of industrial manufacturing sist of large, professionally operat- and maintenance methods and a sive to build than land-based wind ed wind farm complexes. Thus, modular structure of the wind farms due to the foundations re- global wind energy output has in- farms. Consequently, all electrical quired. Despite this, offshore wind creased from 3.5 GW in 1994 to 13.9 connections are made using con- farms enable a further reduction 24 Fig. 2: Offshore wind farm Middelgrunden, Denmark Photo: Mads Izmodenov Eskesen HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 in the cost of generating energy continue to increase. Current pro- commence operation in the years thanks to better wind conditions. totypes are capable of delivering 2000-2003. Current projects plan to build the 2.5 MW, while wind farm facilities first wind farms in the Baltic at a delivering up to 4 MW are already Technical innovations will pave the distance of up to 40 km from the in the planning stage. way for the large-scale and cost efficient utilization of regenerative shore at water depths between 10 and 15 meters. Water depths of up energy forms such as wind energy. OFF TO NEW HORIZONS This in turn will enable industrial na- to 40 m are regarded as feasible. According to present assessments, Various problems still need to be tions to take a major step in meet- the installation of a MW offshore solved with regard to towers, ing their environmental protection wind output requires an invest- generator construction and rotor goals. One of these innovations is ment volume of some DM 4 million blades. Today’s industrial connec- the modular construction of wind (as opposed to a cost of approx. DM tors already meet the require- farms, harnessing connectors for 2 million for each land-based 1 MW ments for electrical properties, the electrical systems involved. In wind output in 1998). The greater robustness, corrosion resistance, this way, HARTING industrial connec- energy potential is a significant air-tightness and system availa- tors will be making a valuable con- advantage. Also, there is less tur- bility. tribution in rapidly and efficiently bulence around such wind farms, achieving the environmental objec- and therefore offshore wind farms The demands and requirements in tives set at climate protection con- will offer a considerably longer terms of connecting such wind ferences worldwide. service life than their land-based farms to the electricity supply net- counterparts. An increase in ser- work will also continue to grow. vice life from just 20 to 25 years The planned power output of such results in a nine percent cost re- wind farms is between 40 and 750 duction. Danish wind farm opera- MW. The technology for transfer- tors are obviously assuming a ring energy via ocean cables has much longer operational life, since been in place for a long time and is even today they are demanding a mature. Coastal regions, however, 50-year service life for founda- often lack the network infrastruc- tions and towers. Consequently, ture required to transport the en- costs of US$ 0.01 per kWh are per- ergy to consumers. Dipl.-Ing. MBM Andreas Naß, ceived as realistic for the offshore area in the near future. Manager Engineering & Projects, Today, many offshore wind farms in Industrial Division Han, the North and Baltic Seas are in HARTING Espelkamp In terms of technologies, the trend the planning or approval stage. towards offshore wind farms Denmark alone plans 4000 MW of Contact: means that the electrical power wind energy output by 2027. The [email protected] delivered by individual systems will first offshore wind farms are to 25 People Power Partnership tec. S p e c i a l INTER-DISCIPLINE t o p i c W e have long since entered the age of microsystem technology. Networks of competence are being created or expanded, research visions are Dr. Carsten Marheine being implemented and specialists are racing from one conference to the next. Germany is going Micro, and HARTING is leading the way. In 1998, HARTING established HARTING EOB as their competence center for electro-optical technology. This center has developed a wide range of leading-edge micro components. The product family includes both active and passive components. The center’s transceivers convert electrical signals into light, which is coupled into glass or plastic optical fiber cables. Couplers for distributing optical signals in distributed communications networks are typical examples of the center’s passive components. 26 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 In synch with the increasing minia- positioning is crucial for the so- turization of microelectronic com- called Power Budget; alignment er- ponents, innovative technologies rors would cause attenuation, re- Based on MID design principles, are emerging for printed circuit ducing the overall system’s perfor- HARTING EOB has developed a PCB boards. One of them is called MID mance. Glass optical fibers (GOF) structuring technology which re- PASSIVE ALIGNMENT technology (for Molded Intercon- are much thinner than plastic opti- sponds to the requirements of nect Devices). MID allows designers cal fibers (POF) and must therefore electro optics. Extremely high lev- to place traces on e.g. plastic hous- be aligned to a far higher degree els of precision can be achieved, ings, thereby achieving consider- of precision. while structure widths can be cut able size and cost advantages over conventional, flat designs. Structures less than 100 µm in width can be created. HARTING is participating in the German research group 3D-MID e.V., that is driving photo detector trench LED trench and promoting the development and application of MID technology. amplifier trench PRECISION Fig. 2: MicroMID™ with trenches for semiconductor components Designing electro-optical microsystems requires utmost precision in component positioning and Glass optical fibers are called for down to virtually any desired val- trace bonding. Also, optical fibers when high data transfer rates and ue. Correspondingly, this technolo- and wave guides must be exactly long communication paths are de- gy goes by the name of MicroMID™. aligned to the optical transmission manded. WANs draw on so-called and reception elements. Precise single-mode fibers with a fiber The objective of MicroMID™ tech- core diameter of only 9 µm. The in- nology is to align micro optical stallation tolerance for these components to one another, in all fibers is less than 1 µm. To achieve directions if possible. The parts such a high degree of precision, a are aligned passively, i.e. without special positioning unit moves the iterative positioning steps. This fiber in all three dimensions, while technology utilizes the fact that the optical input power is mea- both the base plate, with traces sured. The fiber’s position is final- for the electronic components, ized when the optical power cou- and the “lid” with the fiber guides pled into it reaches its maximum stem from the same ultra precise value. master structure. Fig. 1: Circuit board in 3D-MID technology (ALPS Electric Co.) 27 People Power Partnership optical fiber [plastic or glass] top plate (“lid”) with fiber guides MicroMID™ base plate [electronics] Ethernet protocol and the MOST protocol commonly used in automotive engineering. Given its compact design, this chip can be integrated into various housings. Currently, the housing for the popular RJ 45 plug has been opted for. It was chosen to make the transceiv- bonded semiconductor er available to customers for testing purposes. With a footprint of Fig. 3: Alignment situation The three-dimensional structure of SOLUTIONS this PCB makes it possible to integrate mirrors and structures for MicroMID™ transceivers equipped flip chip components. Also, compo- with either plastic fibers or HCS nents can be placed for equal bond glass fibers (Hard Clad Silica) are heights or equal bond height dif- currently being designed. These ference. In view of these advan- transceivers permit data transfer tages, applications in sensor tech- rates of 100 Mbits/second and are nology and micro fluidics are now therefore ideally suited for various only 5 x 10 mm, this element can undergoing testing, in addition to network systems. These devices be easily accommodated in other electro optics. are currently being tested with the housings as well. 28 MicroMID™ Fig. 4: MicroMID™ transceiver in RJ 45 housing HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 Transceivers for coupling 50-µm project hails by the acronym SOIS, and 62.5-µm fibers are currently for Smart Optical Interconnect among the latest developments. Solution. Two-dimensional passive alignment of the fibers facilitates installation Experts are convinced that the fu- to a considerable degree, while re- ture belongs to optical systems. ducing costs at the same time. The MicroMID technology by HARTING development of a MicroMID based EOB is already making some very backplane solution for the tele- distinct and specific contributions. communications industry is also Major telecommunications and au- moving ahead. This is a system for tomobile manufacturers have optical high-speed data transfer shown the liveliest interest in this which does not require modifica- manufacturing and installation tions to the backplane itself. This technology to date and initial applications have been designed and tested in collaboration with a number of leading corporations. MicroMID™ Does this innovative technology Dr. Carsten Marheine, sound exciting? We look forward to Project Manager Electro-optical meeting you at the EOB stand D 38, Components, HARTING EOB in the microsystems technology Fig. 5: Smart Optical Interconnect Fig. 5: Solution (SOIS) Hall (no. 7) at the HMI Hanover Contact: Fair 2001. [email protected] 29 People Power Partnership 30 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 tec. S p e c i a l INNOVATION t o p i c The electric unicycle or Riding an inverted pendulum Professor Dr.-Ing. habil. Klaus Hofer U nicycles have been known entirely rule out combustion en- for many decades, but due gines. Such high demands for sta- to their difficult handling they bility and dynamic performance have never become a popular can only by satisfied with electrical means of transport. These one- drives. wheeled vehicles are in principle unstable, in both longitudi- THE PRINCIPLES nal and transverse directions. Even if the problem of trans- Fig. 1 (see p. 32) illustrates the verse stability is avoided general principles of an electrical through the use of a relatively unicycle. It consists of a fork- wide wheel, the rider has to shaped frame (A), a wheel (B) on pivoting bearings, and a variable create the longitudinal stability in the direc- speed electrical drive (C) which in- tion of travel through cludes fixed gearing and a synchro- continuous compensa- nous belt transmission (D). A single tion. This is difficult, sided wheel bearing would allow and takes a lot of the fork frame to be reduced to a practice. single prong, so reducing the materials required for such a means of transport to a minimum. The power electronics and its controller (E) drive the electric motor forwards and backwards in such a The deli- way that the centre of gravity of cate balance the vehicle and its rider is always gives the movements vertically above the wheel axis. A of unicycles a stiff and sensor (F) for the angle of tilt is jerky quality. Automatic provided for this purpose. It de- stabilisation, however, re- termines the deviation of the cen- quires the unicycle to be fitted with tre of gravity from the vertical, a highly dynamic four-quadrant dri- and feeds it as the actual position ve. The short reaction times re- to the centre of gravity or tilt con- quired, in the range of milliseconds, troller. When stationary, the unicy- 31 People Power Partnership cle stands upright on the spot by the rider’s centre of gravity to the er, only be implemented with the means of very small alternating right or the left makes it possible aid of digital technology. In order control movements. for the wheel axle to turn from the to achieve acceptable sampling current direction of travel. The times, special fuzzy processors are mechanical components can be re- on the market, as are software duced in the unicycle by fitting the packages suitable for rapid electric motor and the power elec- controller design. tronics inside the wheel. The absence of a gearbox and synchro- Figure 2 illustrates the design nous belt transmission allow such principle of a fuzzy controller for direct drives both a considerable the stabilisation of a unicycle. saving in weight and an improved According to this, the fuzzy con- position for the centre of gravity. troller operates in three stages. In the first step, so-called fuzzification, the measured (sharp) input FUZZY CONTROL Fig. 1: Front view of a unicycle variables are converted to the corresponding fuzzy truth values, (µν, A precise mathematical descrip- µ∆ν) of the linguistic variables. A secure support for the user is tion of the unicycle as an inverse Once the measurements are avail- provided by treads (I) mounted on pendulum is very difficult, since, in able as fuzzy quantities (fuzzy the right and left underneath the addition to a large number of non- sets), a second step, in which the axle. A stay bar can be mounted at linearities, unknown and variables control rules can be processed and the central connecting point (G). such as friction and total mass evaluated (interference), can This improves the rider’s comfort occur. In the absence of transfer start. The sum total of the pro- and can, at the same time, hold the functions and symmetry matrices, grammed rules is known as the batteries that are required for en- the classical methods of control fuzzy controller’s rule base, since ergy storage. It is of course possi- engineering can be ruled out for it contains all of the expert knowl- ble to mount a simple seat, a roof the stabilisation of a unicycle. In edge about the process to be con- or a plastic cover to provide pro- such cases, fuzzy control, also trolled. It is, of course, only tection from the weather on this known as fuzzy logic or fuzzy set through an intelligent structuring stay bar. theory, can be applied to advan- process that the rule base can be tage. Another advantage of fuzzy made to provide a satisfactory Modest steerability is provided to control is that there is no difficul- control dynamic over the whole of the unicycle by phasing the outer ty including several process para- the relevant range. Conflicting edges of the wheel. The steerabili- meters in the strategy, and that rules, in particular, can soon lead ty can be improved through the the controller can be rapidly de- to instability in the fuzzy con- use of a rubber suspension to signed without requiring a high troller. The fuzzy truth values of mount the wheel axle in the fork level of previous knowledge. The the output variable (µM) created in frame. In the same way as with extensive computation required the interference block are not yet roller skates, a displacement of for a fuzzy controller can, howev- capable of driving the torque con- 32 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 rule base [experts’ knowledge] µν, [µ∆ν] µM interference fuzzification de-fuzzification ν, [∆ν] Mset torque electric unicycle angle of tilt Fig. 2: Fuzzy control for a unicycle troller. It is first necessary in a adequate result can be expected troller in comparison with a con- third step to translate the fuzzy from feeding only the angle of tilt ventional PI controller is that it information about the desired ma- (ν) as actual value to the con- can handle one or more linguistic nipulated variable back (defuzzifi- troller. Otherwise, the rate of control rules expressed in the cation) into a sharp numerical val- change of the angle of tilt (∆ν) standardised IF-THEN form (see ue for the present setpoint value must also be fuzzified. In order to Fig. 3). The MAX-MIN interference of the torque (Mset). obtain the required motor torque applied here for the fuzzified truth (Mset) from the fuzzified input values (µν) of the angle of tilt TO FUZZY AND BACK AGAIN variables, rules obtained through yields the bounded membership real-world experience of the function of the output variable (the It is only when the mass of the in- process to be controlled are need- torque) for a tilt of one angular de- verted pendulum is large that an ed. The advantage of a fuzzy con- gree in the direction of travel. 33 People Power Partnership leaning backwards µν 1,0 This is done by calculating the ab- leaning forward µM 1,0 pull push scissa (index x) of the area centre of gravity, either exactly using the 0,75 0,5 0,75 0,5 integrals, or approximately using 0,25 0,25 trollers from the sums: 0° +2° measured value –2° algorithms suited for microcon- –MN 0 +MN M a) IF unicycle is leaning forward, THEN push leaning µν leaning backwards forward µM pull Here, K is the running index, n is push the number of selected reference 1,0 1,0 points and µ is the truth value of 0,5 0,5 the bounded membership func- 0,25 0,25 tions. With eight reference points (K = 1 … 8) the position of the cen- –2° 0° +2° measured value –MN 0 +MN M tre of gravity is calculated approximately as: b) IF unicycle is leaning backwards, THEN pull Fig. 3: Fuzzification of the state variables µM 1,0 pull push 0,75 0,5 0,25 –MN +MN 0° K M Through superposition we finally When the shift in the co-ordinate obtain the fuzzified setpoint value, origin along the moment axis is as shown in Fig. 4, for the torque considered, the current setpoint currently required to stabilise the value of the torque is given by the unicycle. If the lower-level torque expression: control loop is to receive an unambiguous manipulated variable, de- Mset fuzzification must be carried out Fig. 4: De-fuzzification of the torque 34 with the aid of the centre of gravi- This value of 33 percent of the rat- ty technique. ed torque, passed to the electrical HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 drive of the unicycle, results in an the stay bar to ceiling height and acceleration in the forwards direc- mounting a current collector at Professor Dr.-Ing. habil. Klaus tion, and thus to a reduction in the the end of the bar, the batteries Hofer (VDE, IEEE) teaches modern positive angle of tilt, so that the can be omitted, and one-wheeled power electronics and drives at fuzzy controller will calculate a dodgems will provide a new kind of Bielefeld College of Applied Sci- new (smaller) value on the next motorised amusement. The use of a ences (Fachhochschule). He also pass. In order for the controller trailing cable over short stretches lectures on intelligent drives for to make use of the full range of might also be considered. robots at Bielefeld University. torques, the centres of gravity of Dr. Hofer is the author of seven the outer fuzzy sets must lie over The transport of goods, materials specialist books, many essays in the maximum (+MN) and minimum and other objects on a single wheel international conference reports (-MN) control values. A modified was formerly quite impossible, as and is the inventor of the Binary calculation of the centre of gravity these items were not themselves Observers and LineCars. using the mapping rule: capable of balancing the unicycle. With the automatic stabilisation of Contact: the centre of gravity, entirely new [email protected] applications are opened for the unicycle in all branches of industrial automation technology and in can then exploit the entire range daily life, such as, for example, the of values, allowing the electrical unusual presentation of a special drive to pass through the full product on one moveable leg. range of its power. Loosely coupling two unicycles with a cross-bar also allows stable sin- AN INNOVATIVE MEANS OF gle-axle vehicles to be implement- TRANSPORT FOR GOODS AND ed for the first time ever. PERSONS Applications for this patented transport method are mainly in The author would like to thank all the leisure and amusement sec- the apprentices and employees of tors. Its small dimensions mean HARTING KGaA in Espelkamp and of that the electric unicycle can be the Bielefeld College of Applied taken almost anywhere and used to Sciences for their friendly support advantage in halls, large buildings in the implementation of this re- and other areas. By lengthening search project 35 People Power Partnership tec. P a n o r a m a INDUSTRIAL QUICK plishes all this in a single step, so achieved without incurring any in- CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY that, as with all HARAX compo- crease in investment costs for op- nents, assembly of the connectors erators. The HARTING Han Drive Whether the job is a new installa- is significantly simplified without makes a small, but notable contri- tion, servicing, or a modification the need for any special tools. bution in this context. Its angled or extension job – in industrial en- motor connection box replaces the vironments, every saving in time is screw terminal cabinet. Using the also a cost saving. The termination Han ESS, the star or triangle system for the connectors used bridges can be easily inserted into represents a significant time fac- the mating connector. Therefore, tor in electrical installation engi- motors fitted this way can be re- neering. HARAX®, the axial quick The parts of the Han 3A with HARAX placed particularly quickly, as in connection technology from HARTING, combines the advantages of plug-in connectors with those of screw-type cable glands. Along with crimping, screw terminals and cage clamp terminals, this quickconnection technology represents a further alternative for contact- The Han 3A assembled with HARAX ing connectors, and has already been proven in practice in a large number of products. HAN® DRIVE FOR CRANES Thanks to this technology the In the past, crane systems (such as Han® 3A connector, a classic in tower slewing, vehicle or container traditional machine construction, cranes) were usually designed indi- the event of malfunctioning, for can now be included in the family vidually. Today’s cranes, by con- example. Considering the costs in- of components offering a fast ter- trast, are commonly based on a curred when a crane system e.g. at mination system. Its further devel- modular design concept. Simplified a building site stands idle, the ben- opment has led to a new type of and accelerated assembly proce- efits of this solution are readily connector. It is now no longer nec- dures have also led to innovations apparent. essary to connect the contact car- with regard to the equipping of rier to the cable outside the con- the machines with electrical mo- nector housing, fix the contact tors. Han Drive with geared motors of a crane system (Fig. INDUSTRIAS ELECTROMECANICAS GH, S. A.) We would like to thank all the com- carrier in the plug housing and panies and institutions who provid- seal the cable by means of an ap- In the meantime, significant sav- propriate screwed gland. The ings in installation, energy and ed us with photos for this issue of HARAX termination system accom- maintenance costs have been tec.News. 36 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 SUN MICRO – POWER SUPPLY of this connector consists of a spe- there are special connectors for CONNECTORS WITH DEFINED cial version of the Han 6 HsB insert potentially explosive environ- GROUND CONNECTION (35 A/500 V), with a separate, pre- ments, they are still extremely ex- mating PE power contact. Any con- pensive. Consequently, more cost SUN Microsystems Inc. is the nector satisfying the national efficient alternatives are called world’s leading company supplying standards can be used on the sup- for. powerful, open, networked com- ply side. In order to ensure that it puter systems. With its claim that remains safe to touch even in the Surprisingly, certain standard in- “The Network is the Computer”, presence of a ground fault in the dustrial connectors are a viable al- the company, founded in 1982, has hood and disconnected server, an ternative. In this case, however, become the most successful manu- internal insulation cover was de- there are several factors which facturer of UNIX workstations and veloped. This offers a considerable must be taken into account. The servers. An example of the power simplification in comparison with safety level of the zone is one of these servers is provided by the conventional resin-potted hoods. important factor. Among other SUN Enterprise series, with its bi- things, it provides information on nary-compatible 64-bit computers certifications which might be re- that can be scaled from a work- quired and on possible levels of Server to a computing centre server with up to 64 CPUs. Conventional Connector Han 6 HsB protection. The latter are also sigEnergy Net group or departmental server up nificant. A request for “connectors for zone 2” is in so far incomplete, Energy Rack as it does not specify the fire protection class required by EN 50014 to EN 50021 safety standards. Example: Han U could be used in zone 2 for fire protection class “i” EN 50020 (fail-safe) . CONNECTORS IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE In principle, engineers can always ENVIRONMENTS apply for a permit from the rele- Fig.: SUN Microsystems Potentially explosive environ- vant authority (PTB Braunschweig, ments, such as in mining or the for example) for a specific applica- Computing power this massive re- chemical industry, make special tion. German authorities have al- quires a redundant power supply demands on all types of electrical ready approved the use of the Han rack with a flexible connection sys- installations. In many cases, the HPR housing for zone 2 and fire tem, matching the high quality use of connectors would represent protection class “n” EN 50021 standard of the other system com- a cost efficient solution. Engi- (restricted breathing). ponents. SUN wanted a special ca- neers, however, often opt for fixed ble for connecting the servers to wiring as they are not familiar with the power supply. The device side suitable connectors. Although 37 People Power Partnership tec. P a n o r a m a PROFESSIONAL related costs. In addition to this, DIN VDE 0580 ON THE WAY POWER SUPPLIES they can be exchanged, or the sys- TO BECOMING A EUROPEAN tem can be extended, even while STANDARD When we pick up the phone, we ex- they are in operation, a facility pect it to work. It’s not often that known as hot-plugging. we reflect on the fact that this re- DIN VDE 0580 represents a fundamental standard for all German quires one hundred percent avail- One of the reasons why this kind of manufacturers of electromagnetic ability of the system’s power sup- performance could be achieved is products (with the exception of ply. One very successful supplier in that HARTING have developed a electric motors). A new edition of this sector is the POWEC group, connector specially designed for this standard, taking the latest whose power supply systems are power supplies. It combines the technical developments into ac- built using a redundant modular properties of two connector types count, has applied since July 2000. system. If one module unexpected- to create a unique performance Under the extended title of “Elec- ly fails, the nearest available mod- profile. Up to five high-current tromagnetic Devices and Compo- ule automatically takes over provi- contacts can bring up to 40 A onto nents”, topics such as EMC, CE sion of the supply. The modularity a circuit board with low loss. The marking and miniaturisation along permits an enormous number of extra length of the ground contact with the inclusion of other product customer-specific system configu- (which leads by 1.7 mm) in the cen- groups have been the subject mat- rations to be implemented whilst tral position on the high-current ter of the revision. offering very short delivery times. block makes it possible to use two voltage levels. The special design of the male and female connectors provides electric shock protection in accordance with IEC 60 950, and offers an extended capture range. An ingenious and easily fitted coding system ensures that the right combination of connectors is always inserted. The new edition of the standard is Fig.: POWEC the result of the work of DKE (German Electrical Engineering Com- The new power supply modules (see mission) Committee 322, in which figure), with their compact design HARTING, since February 1999, is and high power density of up to occupying the chairman’s seat. 333 Watt/dm³, occupy very little Since no other European country space, helping to limit the area- has a corresponding national stan- 38 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 dard for electromagnetic devices, chanical parts of the device can be the German standard has been fabricated separately. In addition proposed as the basis for a corre- to applications in this kind of de- sponding harmonised European vice, PCB adapters are also inter- standard. The simultaneous stan- esting for applications in which dardisation of test conditions for printed circuits are used to dis- specified performance parameters tribute power or control signals, will improve product comparability such as inside control cabinets. and help to eliminate distortion of individual parts and shortened competition. manual assembly time. The modular structure of PCB PCB ADAPTERS – CONNECTING adapters for connectors from the THE ELECTRONICS WITH THE Han DD or Han E series, or for the INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT Han axial screw module, permit easy stacking. This makes numer- Classic industrial connectors char- ous varieties of connector configu- acteristically have a robust design, ration for different rated voltages and, with enclosure protection to and currents possible. IP 65 and higher, they are particu- ANGLE ENCODER NOW WITH larly suited for use in difficult in- Within the Han E series of connec- OPTICAL FIBER DATA LINK dustrial environments. The majori- tors, the Han Q 5/0 combines com- FOR DESINA ty of these connectors have been pact dimensions with the electrical designed for direct cable-to-cable properties of the Han E family. The DESINA, the “Decentralised and connections. PCB adapters provide small external dimensions mean Standardised Installation Tech- the bridge from the world of semi- that special adapters are not nique” for machine tools and pro- conductors, circuit boards and ful- required. Instead, the connector duction systems, was defined by the ly automated production to the contacts, including the ground VDW (Association of German Ma- tough environment of industry. terminal, are designed with ap- chine Tool Factories). Important They make it possible to connect propriate solder pins for mount- features include easy, economical various designs of industrial con- ing on the PCB. installation and the modularisation of all functions with standardised nector to modern automation devices, without having to take the A common feature of the various interfaces. Within the framework of awkward and expensive detour PCB adapters is that they combine this approach, TWK-Elektronik, the through flexible cable pigtails that small dimensions with an addition- German manufacturer based in Düs- usually require manual prepara- al slot. This takes the mechanical seldorf, has now fitted a Han-Brid® tion. In addition to the saving in strain generated by insertion and connector to the Multitour angle space, the user enjoys the benefits withdrawal of the connector itself encoder from its CRD/W series of simpler device design, simplified away from the soldered joints. This having a PROFIBUS-DP interface. A manufacture, reduced numbers of means that the electronic and me- hybrid field bus cable provides the 39 People Power Partnership tec. P a n o r a m a connection to an ET 200x module and then to the S7 controller. The cable has a pair of copper conductors for the supply of power and two fiber-optic cables for data transmission over distances of up to 300 metres. BOTTA BUILDING IN MINDEN IS PROGRESSING RAPIDLY Fig.: TWK-Elektronik There is every expectation that barracks, built in 1888. Two towers, the opening of the new HARTING about 17 metres high and square in The connector is designed to pro- building in Minden will be celebrat- plan, echo the height of the bar- vide protection class IP 67. The ed in September, 2001. The inter- racks’ eaves. Between them is a leads are connected via crimped nationally famous architect from flat and shallow cross-beam, sup- contacts. This method of connec- Lugano, Mario Botta, presented ported by two round columns, tion is of particular importance, the fundamental ideas behind his while the main body of the building since the copper/optical fiber in- design to the public at the laying is located behind them, its basic terfaces can be implemented sim- of the foundation stone. form being that of a transected ply at the angle encoder, so that ellipse. transmission of the angle en- Mario Botta, known internationally coder’s position data is ensured for the clear lines and the strong With this construction HARTING with no risk of electromagnetic emphasis on basic shapes of his de- are therefore, quite naturally, an- interference. signs, such as the Cymbalista Syna- swering the challenge of harness- gogue in Tel Aviv or the Tinguely ing their building project to pro- The devices in the CRD/W series Museum in Basle, made a powerful mote good urban architecture for are designed in accordance with DP presentation of the reasons why he the public benefit. They have not slave class 2, and can be config- advised a building of about 1,500 let themselves be tempted merely ured via the Profibus. The total square metres floor area with a to strive for optimum satisfaction resolution is 25 bits for 4096 rota- striking vertical component. The of their own requirements on this tions. It can be fitted with cable choice of materials, the structur- site, but have attempted to imple- pulls or linear guides for the acqui- ing and the verticality of the de- ment high-quality architecture – sition of lengths and displace- sign are oriented around the his- appropriate to the location and to ments. torically significant neighbouring the urban context. 40 HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 EMO HANNOVER 2001: ket, as can be gleaned from the werderstrasse in Espelkamp was MACHINE TOOLS EMO Hannover 2001 home page. given on 14th October, 2000. In the presence of former BDI (Fed- PREDOMINATE AT THE Machine tools are of great signifi- eration of German Industries) pres- cance for the future of an indus- ident Dr. h. c. Hans-Olaf Henkel, Traditionally, the machine tool as trialised country. They are of par- Margrit Harting and Dietmar Har- the “mother of all machines” has ticular importance in constructing ting together handed the key for been presented to a professional parts and machines with which all Factory 4a to the director of the audience at its own trade fairs. In kinds of capital and consumer Automotive Division, Ottfried Germany this has taken place regu- goods can be produced. This means Follert. “A dream has come true”, larly since 1920 at the Verein Deut- that if innovative engineers and said Dietmar Harting. He explained scher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken qualified skilled workers can that against the backdrop of more e. V. trade fair, which was the ori- launch faster, better and more in- than 55 years of company history, gin of all trade fairs. The EMO (Ex- telligent machine tools onto the the opening of Factory 4a is a sig- position mondiale de la Machine- market, in the end many other in- nificant day for the technology Outil) is the world’s leading trade dustrial sectors share in the bene- group. fair for metal machining. fits. Consequently, innovations in TRADE FAIR machine tool manufacturing have a 90 % of all international products far-reaching impact. This industry for manufacturing and automation sector thus provides decisive incen- are presented here. It has an exhi- tives for increasing the efficiency bition capacity unrivalled any- and quality of production and for where else either qualitatively international competitiveness. or quantitatively. EMO is staged by the European Worldwide production of machine committee for co-operation in the tools reached a record peak in machine tool industry (CECIMO) 1989 at DM 80 billion. A steady every two years, with locations downward trend was then followed alternating between Paris, Milan by a restrained upswing. Between and Hanover. We would like to in- 1995 and 1999 world production vite you to visit us at our stand at rose by 23 % to DM 64.9 billion, this year's EMO in Hanover. DESIGNCON 2001 Between January 29 and February 1, 2001 HARTING was present at Design- while last year the USA and Japan, Con 2001 in Santa Clara, California. in particular, put a constraint on growth with their significant nega- AUTOMOTIVE OFF WITH A DesignCon has established itself tive growth rates. For the current GOOD START as one of the leading conference events worldwide in the area of elec- year, a slight rise in world production can be expected thanks to the The starting signal for work to be- tronic design engineering. The event considerable dynamism in Europe gin in the new HARTING Automotive also includes a congress. In the and the recovery of the Asian mar- GmbH & Co. KG premises in Marien- course of a three hour tech-forum 41 People Power Partnership tec. P a n o r a m a and a one hour presentation to spe- tional copper-based electro-mechan- cialists, HARTING made quite an im- HARTING FAIR ATTENDANCES 2001 pact. As an event platform, the Asia: telligently combined with the advan- HARTING tech-forum attracted some 22.-26.05. Singapore, Manufacturing Asia 2001 tages of optical transmission tech- 26.-31.05. Taichuag, Automation Control 2001 know-how in the fields of electronic 30.5.-2.6. Tokyo, FA & component fair technology was aptly documented by 120 attendees who were captivated by the exciting and sophisticated computer animations presented. Based on the animations HARTING’s experts provided detailed informa- June tion on the topics of the design-in of Beijing, CICE electromechanical components in 9.-12.06. Kuala Lumpur, Elenex 2001 systems as well as high-speed data August Shanghai, Elenex 2001 Sept. Taipei, Taipei Telecom 2001 processing and data transmission. Drawing on numerous illustrations, ical connector technology can be in- nologies. HARTING’s interdisciplinary connectors and optical micro-system a host of resulting synergy effects and made a lasting impression on the audience – clearly evident by the lively discussons ensuing and the many detailed questions raised after the presentation. November Shanghai, EP 2001 pictures and computer simulations, the HARTING professionals presented America: some in-depth insights into the theo- May ries and practice of information THANK YOU TO OUR GUEST São Paulo, Fiee CONTRIBUTORS transmission. For technology orient- 05.-08.05. Chicago, National Manufacturing Week One of the most important objectives ed specialists, the absolute highlight 15.-16.05. Las Vegas, EDS 2001 of tec.News is to communicate stand- were the signal forms through con- 22.-24.05. Greenville, AMEXPO points and opinions so as to foster nectors and printed circuit boards 05.-07.06. Chicago, Int’l Robots & Vision Show the dialogue between different spe- 12.-14.06. Orange, CA, County Electronics 2001 particulary interested in hearing generated by computer simulation. The video clearly illustrated the effects that electrical discontinuities, 16.-18.10. San José, Wescon 2001 as at through-hole connections for cialized areas and disciplines. We are opinions from outside the company. We would like to thank all the contributors to previous editions who example, exert with regard to precise and disturbance-free signal Europe: responded to our invitation to sub- transmission. Therefore it was not 23.-28.04. Hanover, HMI mit an article and have thus con- surprising that the CD-ROM – that 24.-26.04. Moscow, Expo Electronica tributed to the success of tec.News. was specially produced for the De- May signCon event and contained the entire presentation – met with strong 15.-18.05. St. Petersburg, Energetika demand. 23.-27.05. Milan, INTEL Katowice, ELTARG 2001 Josef Brauner, Director of Marketing and Service, Deutsche Telekom 25.-29.06. Moscow, Electro Dr. Lothar Späth, Chairman of the In an additional one-hour presenta- 04.-06.09. Oslo, E01 Board of Directors, Jenoptik AG tion HARTING staff described the 12.-19.09. Hanover, EMO brand new hybrid electro-optical October connection concept SOIS (Smart Op- 06.-09.11. Munich, Productronica of Bundesverband der Deutschen In- tical Interconnect Solution). SOIS Jan. 2002 Stockholm/Gothenburg, Component dustrie (Federation of German shows how the advantages of conven- 42 Utrecht, Elektrotechniek Hans-Olaf Henkel, former President Industries) HARTING tec.News 7-I-2001 Publication details Published by: HARTING KGaA, M. Harting, P.O. Box 11 33, D-32325 Espelkamp, Tel. +49 (0)5772 47-0, Fax: +49 (0)5772 47 - 400, Internet: http://www.HARTING.com · Editor: Dr. H. Peuler · Overall coordination: Publication and Communication Department, B. F. Haberbosch · Idea, conception and editing: Bickmann & Collegen Unternehmensberatung, M. H. Koulen, Hamburg · Layout: Contrapunkt, Tutzing · Title composing: E. Reiss · Production and printing: Druckerei Meyer GmbH, Osnabrück · Circulation: 28,000 copies worldwide (German and English) · Source: If you are interested in obtaining this newsletter on a regular basis, free of charge, contact your nearest HARTING branch, your HARTING sales partner or one of the local HARTING distributors. You can also order tec.News online at http://www.HARTING.com. · Reprints: Complete reprints and excerpts of contributions are subject to approval in writing by the Editor. This also applies to input into electronic databases and reproduction on electronic media (e. g. CD-ROM and Internet). · All product designations used are trademarks or product names belonging to HARTING KGaA or other companies. · Despite careful editing it is not possible to completely rule out printing errors or changes to product specifications at short notice. For this reason HARTING KGaA is only bound by the details in the appropriate catalogue. Printed by an environmentally friendly method on paper bleached entirely without chlorine and with a high proportion of recycled paper. © 2001 by HARTING KGaA, Espelkamp. All rights reserved. 43 People Power Partnership Austria HARTING Ges. m. b. H. Deutschstraße 3, A-1230 Wien Tel. +43 1 / 6 16 21 21, Fax +43 1 / 6 16 21 21-21 E-Mail: [email protected] Japan HARTING K. K. 4th floor, German Industry & Trade Center 407 1-18-2, Hakusan 1-Chome, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-0006 Japan Tel. +81 45 / 9 31 57 15, Fax +81 45 / 9 31 57 19 E-Mail: [email protected] Belgium HARTING N.V. / S.A. Doornveld 8, B-1731 Zellik Tel. +32 2 / 4 66 01 90, Fax +32 2 / 4 66 78 55 E-Mail: [email protected] Korea HARTING Korea Limited 14/F FKI Building, 28-1 Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-gu, Seoul 150-756, Korea Tel. +82 2 - 7 84 - 46 14, 7 84 - 46 15, Fax +82 2 - 37 76 - 00 70 E-Mail: [email protected] Brazil HARTING Ltd. a. Av. 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