New-Tech Europe | November 2016 | Digital edition

materials used in manufacturing the connector. • Other factors: Cost, size, efficiency and the ability to transmit over certain distances may also be design criteria that need to be considered for each application. The ability to transmit over “certain distances” as mentioned above is particularly interesting. There are instances where power and data need to be transferred wirelessly across small distances, such as through a wall or other material. Also, more connector freedom may be needed without mechanical wear and tear, or the environment may be too hazardous to introduce any possibility of arcing. It’s at this point that advances in contactless connectivity need to be considered. Contactless connectivity “Contactless connectivity requires both contactless power and contactless data technology which can easily connect over a short distance without physical contact” [TE Connectivity (TE)]. There are many benefits to be accrued from contactless over traditional connectors which should be considered when deciding how to meet the design specification most effectively. These include: • Improved reliability: Delivers robust power and data without wires or physical contact. Also, the connectors are hermetically sealed ensuring environmental integrity. • Greater flexibility: There is an unlimited range of motion, allowing 360° movement, tilt, angle and misalignment. • Unlimited mating cycles: There are unlimited mating cycles in wet and dusty environments. This is particularly suitable where slip rings or spring cables reach their limit. • Connection through walls or materials: Contactless technology allows connection through walls or materials, which is not possible with traditional connectors.

Figure 3. A complete contactless connectivity design integrates ICPT for power transfer and 2.45-GHz wireless for data transmission, all within an M30-type form factor. [Image courtesy of TE Connectivity]

4. Implemented in an M30-type connector, the near-field loop antenna design for a contactless connectivity-based data link is symmetrical to allow for rotation. [Image courtesy of TE Connectivity]

Figure 5. A contactless connectivity option implemented on a robotic arm allows 360 degrees of freedom with no brush wear typical of current slip-ring designs. Integrated sensors also enable “gentle touch” sensitivity. [Image courtesy of TE Connectivity]

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