Drico 2.0 gate controller from ASO

SKEDD direct connectors make gate controller scalable using a modular concept

  • ASO GmbH supplies safety solutions for automated gates and machinery.
  • In order to provide application-compatible solutions for a wide range of performance classes, the company scales the electronic equipment of its Drico 2.0 gate controller.
  • SKEDD direct connectors enable the needs-based equipment of controllers with extra connections.
  • Thanks to solderless direct-connection technology, the connectors are simply and securely inserted and interlocked during final assembly.
Dennis Mettner and Norbert Pewny

Hardware developer Dennis Mettner and project manager Norbert Pewny (right) from ASO GmbH in Lippstadt

Customer profile

Headquartered in Lippstadt in North Rhine-Westphalia, ASO GmbH develops, produces, and sells drive controls, safety contact strips, contact mats, and contact bumpers for applications in production facilities, cold storage facilities, logistics, and agricultural technology. The company has around 180 employees at its locations in Germany, China, and the US.

SKEDD direct connector

SKEDD direct connectors support modular design and allow for easy integration of extra functions such as photoelectric barriers

Application

Drico 2.0 gate controller executes the main functions of gates that open vertically or horizontally. This includes controlling drives for opening and closing, integrating the gate brake or a safety stop function, and other features such as a rotary transducer or thermal switch.

For customer-specific performance requirements, ASO GmbH provides the drive controls in various performance classes with the electronic equipment scaled accordingly. The modular system includes a total of nine different PCB layouts that enable up to 480 variations. Currently, 25 equipment variations have been specified.

“The upper performance range encompasses high-frequency gates controlled by traffic, users, or processes, such as those with several drives, induction loops, or signal lights,” explains project manager Norbert Pewny. “The more complex the overall system, the more important safety functions become. The functionality of the control must increase accordingly.” While it was developing the modular system, ASO GmbH kept an eye on customer requirements. “The basic concept is hardware scalability, which provides our customers with many advantages.”

SKEDD technology is the perfect addition to our modular system. Right now, we are looking into the option of implementing the AC-out connection with direct connectors from Phoenix Contact.

Dennis Mettner - ASO GmbH, Hardware developer
Dennis Mettner, hardware developer at ASO GmbH

Dennis Mettner, hardware developer at ASO GmbH

Direct connectors with Push-in spring connection

The direct connectors with Push-in spring connection are manually inserted into plated through holes without soldering

Solution

PCB connections such as terminal blocks and connectors make it possible to transfer signals, data, and power between the gate controller and other powered devices such as drives. This is why connection technology plays such an important role in the scalability of functions. Key functions that remain the same in all performance classes are implemented with conventional PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors from Phoenix Contact.

For additional functions such as brake choppers, rotary transducers, and thermal switches, ASO GmbH also relies on single- and double-row SKEDD direct connectors. The special feature of the innovative connection technology? Series SDC 2,5 and SDDC 1,5 connectors are connected directly to the PCB without soldering, and interlocked with body-bound rivets, which makes them reversible.

The connectors are approved in accordance with UL 1059, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 158-10, and DIN EN 61984 and permit up to 25 insertion and withdrawal cycles. “The connectors are not soldered, which is perfect. This allows us to add certain components after the fact or simply omit them in final assembly, depending on the device design,” explains Dennis Mettner, a hardware developer at ASO GmbH. The advantage for ASO customers is that they receive hardware equipment tailored to their specific requirements and do not have to pay for functions and components that they do not need.

The developers have implemented key functions that remain the same in all performance classes with conventional PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors from Phoenix Contact. The decisive criteria were the connection technology’s high reliability and worldwide availability. After all, customers around the globe will use large numbers of the new controller.

Summary

SKEDD direct connectors from Phoenix Contact support the modular control concept of ASO GmbH. SDC 2,5 and SDDC 1,5 series connectors enable additional application-specific control functions to be integrated into the Drico 2.0 gate controller. Thanks to SKEDD solderless direct connection technology, 3-, 5-, and 11-position connectors can be simply and securely inserted and interlocked during final assembly. “SKEDD technology is the perfect addition to our modular system,” said Mettner. “Right now, we are looking into the option of implementing the AC-out connection with direct connectors from Phoenix Contact.”

Products

SKEDD direct connectors from Phoenix Contact support the modular control concept of ASO GmbH.

Description

Order designation

Item number

product type
SKEDD direct connector single-row, 3-pos. double-row, 11-pos. SDC 2,5/3-PV-5,0 SDDC 1,5/11-PV-3,5 1864040 1848736
PCB terminal blocks 4-pos. 3-pos. 8-pos. SPT 2,5/4-V-5,0 SPT 2,5/3-V-5,0 PTSM 0,5/8-2,5-V-THR 1991118 1991105 1771017
PCB headers 2-pos. 3-pos. 4-pos. 8-pos. 9-pos. 14-pos. 2-pos. MSTBVA 2,5/2-G-5,08 MSTBVA2,5/3-G-5,08 MSTBVA2,5/4-G-5,08 MSTBVA2,5/8-G-5,08 MSTBVA2,5/9-G-5,08 MSTB 1755736 1755749 1755752 1755794 1755804 1755859 1843606
PCB connectors 2-pos. 3-pos. 4-pos. 5-pos. 2-pos. MVSTBR 2,5/2-ST-5,08 MVSTBR 2,5/3-ST-5,08 MVSTBR 2,5/4-ST-5,08 MVSTBR 2,5/5-ST-5,08 MC 1,5/2-ST-3,5 1792249 1792252 1792265 1792278 1840366