White papers
Industry insight, product discussion and in-depth analysis written by our leading product experts.
White papers
Data Centers
Fiber optics: High-speed data transmission for industrial applications
Fiber-optic cables transmit data in the form of light over long distances. This paper looks at the characteristics of fiber-optic cables, the types of applications suitable for different types of fiber and cable, and the connection technologies available.
Energy
Dell Technologies and Phoenix Contact: Partnering to support decarbonization through best-in-breed solutions
Using their respective strengths in engineering and product development, Dell Technologies and Phoenix Contact collaborate to help electric utility companies accelerate the adoption of the Virtual Protection, Automation and Control (vPAC) environment.
High-fault short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) for Phoenix Contact terminal blocks combined with Siemens circuit breakers
All switching devices in the U.S. require UL approval, including those in process engineering. This paper describes Phoenix Contact products that have been subjected to a special test that simplifies the development and qualification of switching devices for the US
market.
Connectivity
An introduction to cellular networks
As industries become more automated, reliable and efficient networking solutions have become essential for seamless operations. This white paper provides an overview of key networking concepts related to cellular routers.
The need for robust and reliable connectors
Residential energy storage systems (RESS) are one of the growing ways to realize this vision of an All Electric Society. Designed for use in homes, an RESS stores excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar panels, for use on demand when a residence truly needs it.
Connector and cable considerations: Utility-scale energy storage battery racks
Electricity in our daily lives is an unconscious convenience until it is not available. Planned, unplanned, and controlled outages in the form of blackouts cause disruption. Climate change-inducing extreme weather events that contribute to outages are making energy storage more important than ever. This white paper will investigate the role that connectors and cables play in energy storage systems.
Single Pair Ethernet in Building Automation
In existing buildings, it is worth taking a closer look at the existing cabling infrastructure to minimize the ecological footprint of the building over its entire life cycle. But to what extent is it possible to reuse existing building automation cables for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)?
High-Speed connector optimization through simulation and measurements
As the demand for networked devices in the field increases, so does the need for high-performance connectors and cables that can transmit data in a variety of environments. The goal is to transmit data efficiently while minimizing losses. While there are many different connector options in the market, high-speed applications often require specific optimization techniques, such as testing and simulation, to achieve maximum performance.
Advantages of standard digital output I/O cards over relay output cards
Relay output cards have hidden pitfalls, including current and voltage output, reliability and maintenance, and density. A system cabling approach offers an alternative to relay output cards that can enhance operator safety, reduce costs, increase reliability, and optimize cabinet space.
Building a heavy-duty connector set
Heavy-duty rectangular connectors are generally acquired in several pieces that can be mixed and matched to create an almost endless number of different connector configurations. This paper helps break that process down, so it feels a little more manageable.
Single Pair Ethernet – when will it have its big breakthrough?
When it comes to modern industrial communication technologies, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) tops the list of trending topics. Now that components, including connectors, cables, and PHYs, have been available for a few months, manufacturers can design first prototypes for end-to-end Ethernet devices and enable communications “from the sensor to the cloud.”
Connectors collide: Adapting between M12s and Deutsch DTs in heavy equipment applications
Heavy equipment OEMs continue to adapt state-of-the-art sensor, actuator, and motor technologies into their products to take advantage of an ever-increasing networked, precise, and analytical world. To support these needs, connector manufacturers will continue to introduce new connector innovations, like the new M12/DT adapter.
Power wiring made easy
New high-current terminals allow for easy, fast, and safe connections with large cable cross-sections.
SPE in industrial applications
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is the future of industrial communications. The key features of SPE are readily mentioned: range of up to 1000 meters, high data transmission rates over twisted pair, miniaturization at the device level and in the field, and – last but not least – significant cost savings. These aspects present many advantages and provide further support for the extensive and future-proof use of SPE.
Factory Automation
Creating failure tolerance with redundancy in 24 V DC systems
Failure tolerance is an important design criterion for any automation system. In cases where losing power can have serious physical or financial repercussions, redundancy becomes necessary. While the word redundant strictly means “exceeding what is necessary,” in power systems, redundancy increases reliability.
Differences between IPCs and HMIs
This white paper explores the main differences between industrial PCs (IPC) and human machine interfaces (HMI) and points out which criteria you need to consider before equipping a new machine with one or the other.
IIoT
Saving time and cost while increasing safety and quality through the use of the digital twin
This paper explains how the interaction between RF::Suite Software and PLCnext Engineer can open a wide range of possible uses for the digital twin.
Cloud connectivity on the factory floor
This white paper covers everything you need to know to get started with cloud connectivity and IIoT on the factory floor. From going through the challenges and benefits of IIoT to understanding key technologies and best practices, you’ll gain a foundation that will help you understand your options, plot a strategy, and move forward.
Ethernet switches 101
Today’s Ethernet switches feature increased functionality such as network security, diagnostics, redundancy mechanisms, and much more. Through the use of Ethernet switches, anyone can feel confident in their network’s reliability.
5 things to consider before implementing a UPS
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions can prevent PCs or controllers in critical IIoT control systems from crashing. This paper will help readers understand the basics of choosing and implementing the right UPS for their application.
Energy monitoring in an IIoT world: Application, concepts, and integration
The promises of smart factories that can reduce energy consumption and boost uptime are firmly rooted in monitoring and collecting data on equipment of all types. However, looking at energy monitoring only as a tool to reduce energy consumption leaves a lot of additional cost-saving opportunities on the table. Monitoring enables operational improvements from several angles.
How to preserve network bandwidth with IIoT edge IPCs
With IIoT in full swing, the deployment of edge IPCs has already started. Companies need to meet stricter regulations for monitoring and collecting data in the future, so the number of such devices will grow even further as more edge applications are deployed.
Power
For the machine building industry: Simplicity,reliability, availability, and flexibility
A power supply with an integrated circuit breaker can meet the high demands of the machine building industry.
More than just circuit protection
A new customizable circuit breaker system offers advantages from design through operation.
Where to install SPD types 1-2-3 in accordance with UL 1449
Type 1, 2, and 3 surge protective devices (SPDs) are UL Listed SPDs that can be installed as standalone suppressors within their specified application locations. This paper explains where to install each type.
Fundamentals of overcurrent protection
Overcurrent protection is selected based on the nominal voltage, nominal current, and, if required, the starting current of an end device. The expected error situation –short circuit or overload – then determines the appropriate shutdown behavior.
Process Automation
Internal overvoltage protection(OVP) in DIN rail power supplies: What you need to know to protect your critical devices
This white paper educates readers on why they should be concerned about the activation of their power supply’s OVP and the potential damage it may cause. It is extremely important for the reliability of a system that field devices and the power supply’s activated OVP level can exist in harmony.
Certification, redundancy, and functional safety: Safe power supplies in the process industry
Permanent system availability and high operational safety are of paramount importance in the process industries. Power supplies with new functionality ensure higher system availability and operational safety.
10 advantages of using intrinsic safety technology for hazardous locations
This paper lists ten reasons to consider using intrinsic safety when feasible.
Trusted Wireless 2.0: Wireless technologies in industrial automation
This white paper gives an overview of Trusted Wireless 2.0, a wireless technology developed especially for industrial use. This technology is based on the requirements of industrial infrastructure applications.
Using Matlab Simulink and PLCnext Technology in the process industry
In spite of digitalization and Industry 4.0, the control systems of process plants remain technically complex, even when broken down into their smaller elements. But the right tools, such as the combination of the tried-and-trusted Matlab Simulink software and advanced PLC technology, can help manage the complexity.
Building Technology
What you need to know about control cabinet marking
Marking allows you to identify products, wires, and cables with a quick glance. This makes your cabinet easy to maintain, work on, and organize.