Choosing the right connector for an application is critical not only to providing reliability and other performance, but also to connecting IOT sensors and optimizing nodes.

Internet of things experts believe that this technology can give full play to its potential based on wireless communication. Although a large number of IOT nodes are battery powered and wirelessly connected, the IOT system is inseparable from cable connected sensors. Many connectors are ideal for IOT applications. Designers looking for the best IOT connector will consider various factors. Such as product features, and whether the supplier has extensive knowledge of the product and can support it in the application.

The focus of IOT connectors is mainly on sensors. Connectors are critical components in many IOT systems. Companies such as Newark provide a wide range of connector solutions for these applications, especially small connectors on IOT sensors and nodes.

For various reasons, wired connections may be preferable in many locations. For example, wired networks usually provide more flexibility and robustness in an electrically noisy environment. In these environments, reliable communication is necessary. Similarly, in harsh environments, it makes sense to use industrial Ethernet Connectors with much better performance than wireless technology, including IP grade connectors that prevent the entry of water, dust and other components. In this application, the IOT connector needs a compact shape factor to minimize the area of the circuit board. The standard RJ45 connector is usually too large.

HARTING's RJ45 Industrial Ethernet data interface brings high-speed connection to the Internet of things environment.

IOT connectors, such as HARTING's RJ45 Industrial Ethernet data interface, include intuitive locking mechanism, tool free quick connection, thermoplastic or metal hood and shell, etc. These connectors provide data transmission speeds of up to 10Gb / s and are rated for IP20, IP54, IP65 and IP67, while some also provide 4x48v / 16A or 3x300v / 16A.

HARTING's IX industrial series Ethernet interface is a miniaturization scheme instead of RJ45 (reducing space by 70%). Known as the "small giant" of Internet of things applications, the IX industrial family is composed of robust plug-in connectors with cat6a performance from 1GB / s to 10Gb / s Ethernet. Secure data transmission can be ensured.

Some IOT applications need to include a USB connection. The te universal connector provides bidirectional synchronization signals for full speed (12MB / s) or low speed (1.5MB / s) applications in USB systems. This easy to install solution includes a single, four position board mounted socket (BMR) and a mating cable mounted overmolded plug. Flexible and versatile in USB applications, BMR can be standard, B-type, stacked and side-by-side configured. Although the USB type-C connector is small enough to be used in mobile phones, micro USB2 0 connector is the smallest connector in this kind of products, which can reliably transmit high-speed data. In order to transmit data faster than USB2 0 is 10 times faster, and design engineers can support usb3 with data transmission rate 0 connector, which has a data transmission rate of up to 5GB / s.

Another reason for using wired sensors is to meet radio frequency (RF) challenges in environments such as industrial equipment. Although many IOT applications do not use external antennas, they are usually used in RF environments that communicate more reliably than wireless sensors.

Although Wi Fi, Bluetooth and ZigBee cannot provide long-distance trouble free connections, these technologies can be quickly and easily integrated into the connection system, making them ideal for high-performance Internet and data connections. For example, MOLEX provides 2.4ghz/5ghz and 900MHz ultra-thin ceramic and LDS / mid IOT antennas and their related connectors. Molex also provides a complete RF solution with high frequency performance and excellent signal integrity even in highly demanding environments. Molex's coaxial connectors and cable assemblies use ultra micro specifications (as low as 1.8 mm).

Molex coaxial connector and cable assembly

Connector requirements for different applications

Memory connector

Although welding the memory module directly to the board takes up minimal space, it also limits flexibility. Many engineers choose memory modules. Molex and te provide good solutions in this field, providing memory connectors and custom memory modules for server, storage and communication applications.

Board to board connector

Usually, designers of Internet of things systems maintain flexibility by stacking boards, such as connecting different sensors to standard communication boards. Te's free height plate to plate connectors are designed for parallel plate stacking. These multifunction units use subminiature connectors.

The free height connector provides a range of pin digits from 40 to 440, with spacing of 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm and 1mm. By matching various combinations of vertical plug and socket shell height, the plate to plate height can be increased from 4mm to 20mm. If it is necessary to further save space, the board to board connection can be flexibly placed in any position to minimize the equipment layout space.

At the same time, cable connectors can provide high connection density and small spacing size. In order to meet the demand for smaller and more reliable connections, MOLEX has developed a series of low-size / high-density interconnection schemes with spacing from 0.2mm to 2mm and double contact design.

Power and data connectors

Although some wireless sensor powered batteries have a service life of up to 20 years, cables are usually used to power equipment for many Internet of things applications, especially in the industrial Internet of things. Enables designers to integrate higher power processors and peripherals into their solutions.

SAMTEC PCB socket, board to board, wire to board connector, etc

When it is necessary to transmit power and data at the same time, 2mm connector is a standard choice. For example, SAMTEC's sockets, pins and terminals are suitable for small space and high-density design, and multiple boards can be connected together. Provide vertical and right angle / horizontal directions, as well as through holes, surface mounting, crimping and straight through terminals, etc.

IOT designers are looking for a more compact shape than the traditional 2mm connector. Te provides 1.5mm amp CT connector, which is a micro wire to board interconnection solution, while sammec provides 1.27mm spacing board stacking sockets and terminals. These rugged, low-cost products combine low height and high density to meet contact styles in different directions.

Waterproof sealing connector

Some IOT devices must be resistant to the entry of water or dust. For example, HARTING's light Han industrial connector series products can transmit power and data, and can be used for heating or cooling units, fans, control terminals, lighting systems, drives and vibration conveyors. In outdoor installation, Han connector can provide protection against dust and liquid, and has a sealing grade of IP65.

Configurable connector

In most Internet of things applications, space is always a key factor. Therefore, instead of using standard off the shelf products, resulting in more connection positions and occupying unnecessary space, it is better to meet the exact requirements of installation through configuration.

Reliability and cost are key

Reliability and cost are the key to the selection of connectors. Te low cost Faston quick connect product line includes low insertion force terminals, high temperature units and low voltage terminals. With insulated and non insulated versions and various electroplating options, the terminal is characterized by stress relief, easy installation and safe fixation.

Faston cable for te connectivity

IOT system connector is an important market. The advanced Internet of things solution is based on the excellent performance provided by the hardware connection system.

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