CONNECTORS WITH INTEGRATED EEPROMS
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Connector systems with integrated microchips such as EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) offer an easy pairing of devices and connectors, real-time connection status, mating cycle count and electronic device identification. Based on realized custom specific projects this features an off-the-shelf solution that allows system designers an easy method of serialization, valuable space savings as well as time and cost savings with the physical labeling of connectors or cable assemblies. The overmolded sealed cable assembly connects an EEPROM underneath the overmold or...

INTEGRATED SMART SOLUTIONS – FOR THE MARKET NEEDS The need for identification of connected equipment is steadily growing. Increasing number of product variants and accessories, results in increased safety requirements, additional documentation needs and predictive maintenance as well as service options. Identifying of interfaces can be performed in various forms: Interface identification Electric/ Electronical Mechanical coding of connector Coded pins / jumpers Electrical properties (e.g. by differnet resistors) Digital data transmission (wired bus) Wireless data transmission (e.g. RFID /...

1. Medical market International regulatory schemes within the medical market impact technologies for devices all the way down to the component level. Connectivity products for medical applications require consistent performance and reliability. Today, medical device designers are selecting materials and components with much more foresight to ensure product performance, safety and regulatory compliance. Risk management and documentation have become mandatory. The obvious benefits are increased safety functions such as preventing the use of expired or invalid products, prevention of...

3. Test and measurement market For test and measurement applications, precision is significant. Future communication technologies like Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) drives the market where connector systems have to guarantee the precise transfer of measurement data all times. eMMB Efficient development and testing of eMobility solutions by using EEPROM components Fifth generation of cellular communication The requirements and the growing demand for tracking data like accuracy of the...

TECHNOLOGY – KNOWLEDGE UNVEILS THE FULL POTENTIAL Cable assembly solutions with integrated chips retain identity and memory. With both features, a wide range of functionalities can be realized. Aside pure identification of interconnected equipment, many other options will be possible: Inside the connectors, a single microchip is enclosed, safely potted and sealed inside the connector housing. Communication to and from the connector is realized by one additional pin inside the connector. Power to the microchip is provided via the signal line, a concept known as parasitic power transfer. By...

Shared GND Data & power (one wire) Schematic view of bus with multiple connectors/EEPROMs along the bus. Beside the ground wire (GND) only one additional wire is needed (in Blue – shared data & power line). The application’s central control unit – a microcontroller, an industrial PC, industrial controller or similar – addresses the connector via a standard digital I/O line. Read/write voltage ranges from 2.8 to 5.25 V. Standard libraries are available and can be integrated into existing software easily. Once integrated, a universe of possibilities opens up to bring applications to the next...

CONCLUSION Connectors with integrated EEPROMs are the solution of choice to make products safer, more reliable and intelligent. Today many applications face ever-growing demands in safety, performance, documentation and ease of use. To meet these requirements, components can be an efficient and clever solution when integrated into cable assemblies. This white paper shows how connectors with identity and memory contribute to create better products. Smart functionality is realized by adding microchips to the connectors that communicate via a single wire to the central controller. Due to this...