What does end-to-end networking and communication at all levels of the production process and the accompanying increase in data volumes that must be reliably transmitted mean for connectors and cables?

Lea Fronzek: Basically, end-to-end networking at all levels means that connectors will have an even more important role than they already had in the past. The key word in this context is data quality. While current industrial networks are still reasonably fault-tolerant, production processes in the future will only be able to be implemented via secure and reliable cabling. As network performance requirements continue to rise, so do the demands on connectors and cables. The infrastructure must still be powerful enough, even at the limits, to ensure high availability and robustness - without any failures or loss of performance. SPE will be a key building block for this.

It is said that SPE is changing industrial networking. What are the advantages and disadvantages of single pair Ethernet?

Lea Fronzek: The main advantage of Single Pair Ethernet is that, for the first time, high data rates can be brought barrier-free from the sensor system via the control and enterprise level to the cloud. SPE makes the field level smart for the first time and reduces the effort required for parameterization, initialization and programming. The bottom line is that the setup, operation and maintenance of systems become more efficient and cost-effective. The reduction to two wire pairs also creates a compact and weight-saving infrastructure solution for machines, robots or railroad technology. While the cables become more flexible and can be laid more easily in the field level thanks to small bending radii, the M8 and M12 connectors offer a compact interface solution.

What is the current development status at SPE?

Lea Fronzek: The concept phase for our in-house development has been completed and we are currently in the prototype and test phase, where we are putting the new SPE connectors through their paces in our in-house laboratory. In addition, we have already evaluated various cables in order to be able to offer our customers the best possible product, as usual. We are planning the market launch for the second quarter of 2023.

What are other trends in connectors in particular and in networking/connection technology in general?

Lea Fronzek: In the case of connectors in particular, we are currently moving in the aforementioned area of tension between high data rates on the one hand and the demand for interfaces that are becoming more compact at the same time on the other. Devices that are becoming more and more powerful and compact have a direct influence on connection technology.

In general, the trend is currently towards product portfolios that are geared to the special requirements of individual industries. These are often industries that in the past did not rely on the advantages of overmolded and ready-to-use connection technology, or only in exceptional cases. A typical example is the railroad industry. Here, Escha has analyzed the market and its special features, developed appropriate products and positioned itself successfully at an early stage.

What new products can we look forward to at Escha this year?

Lea Fronzek: Our new products this year are exactly in line with the trends mentioned. At SPS 2022, we will present our SPE connectors in the M8 and M12 designs. Even before then, we are expanding our M8 product family to include eight-pole variants with 360° shielding, thus once again meeting the general market demand for compact interfaces with increasing information density. We are also supplementing our industry-specific product portfolios. At Innotrans 2022, we will present a world first in the field of railroad connectors, and the product range for mobile automation applications will be expanded to include additional variants of our Deutsch connectors, which were recently launched on the market. (agry.)