NearFi couplers NearFi is the contactless real-time transmission technology from Phoenix Contact. With protocol-independent Ethernet communication, it offers flexible application options for any Ethernet protocol. NearFi couplers enable power (up to 50 W) and real-time Ethernet data (100 Mbps, full duplex) to be transmitted across an air gap of a few centimeters. This allows you to use this technology to replace wear-prone connections and slip rings in industrial applications while minimizing costly outages.
Your advantages:
- Contactless, and therefore, no wear and no maintenance
- Protocol-independent and latency-free Ethernet real-time communication
- High power in a compact housing
- Flexible with a high degree of freedom in installation proximity
- Clearly visible diagnostics with an LED ring on the housing
Protocol-independent near-field communication in real time
Ethernet in real time
NearFi couplers transmit Ethernet data at a speed of up to 100 Mbps (full duplex) in real time. At the same time, the couplers are fully protocol-transparent, meaning that all conventional Ethernet protocols can be used.
The fast device startup enables use in applications where similar functions are required. Near-field communication via air gap does not require frequency planning or wireless expertise.
Constant power transmission with automatic current equalization
Inductive power transmission
The couplers transmit power inductively, supplying other end devices such as I/O stations, switches, etc., with power, without the need for contact. Power of up to 50 W can be transmitted via a NearFi path.
See NearFi in action!
Watch the video demo to see how you can minimize costly outages in industrial applications by replacing wear-prone connections and slip rings with NearFi.
Robust and versatile in use
NearFi couplers resist dust and dirt
Where conventional connection technology reaches its limits due to space and movement restrictions, vibrations, dust, dirt, rotation, and frequent contacting, NearFi enables wear-free communication across an air gap of a few centimeters. Moreover, transmission through non-metallic materials such as glass, plastic, and wood is possible, which opens up a variety of application possibilities.
With robust IP65 housings featuring M12 connections for Ethernet and power, you can also use the NearFi couplers in demanding environments.
Your advantage: Universal in application.
NearFi: How It Works
NearFi – communication in real time
Full duplex transmission of all Ethernet protocols
Full duplex transmission, i.e., simultaneous transmission in both directions, is required in order to transmit real-time Ethernet protocols.
NearFi uses two 60 GHz connections (one uplink and one downlink) in parallel on separate frequency bands in order to enable full duplex mode.
This means that the technology is also suitable for future developments, such as TSN, OPC UA, etc.
Bit-oriented transmission is latency-free
Bit-oriented transmission
NearFi uses a synchronous, bit-oriented transmission method. This allows contactless communication in real time, meaning that every Ethernet protocol is transmitted immediately.
All other radio transmission technologies to date rely on packet-oriented transmission. This always leads to considerable latency, as packets are first received, then repackaged and sent wirelessly. The wireless packet must be received at the receiver end, unpackaged, and output again. This process involves many asynchronous and latency-causing operations, which are completely eliminated by NearFi innovative transmission technology from Phoenix Contact.
Inductive power transmission via magnetic field
Inductive power transmission
Power transmission up to 50 W is inductive. The base coupler generates a magnetic field via a coil, which is induced in the coil of the remote coupler. The active control system always selects the optimum parameters for transmission and enables constant power transmission over the entire working range.
Wireless technologies for every requirement
Coexistence with WLAN and other wireless technologies
NearFi is a contactless real-time transmission technology from Phoenix Contact based on wireless 60 GHz communication in the near-field range with a range of a few centimeters.
Wireless communication in the near-field range does not create a spectrum of interference in the vicinity of the devices, which means that numerous NearFi systems can be used in parallel. Coexistence with existing wireless technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth is ensured at all times. Industrial interference spectrums likewise cannot influence the NearFi technology.
No frequency planning and therefore no expertise is required.