TTI offers a wide range of electro-mechanical solutions, such as switches, relays and power supplies, to address the complete spectrum of requirements for production lines, robotics, elevators, control panels,
CNC machines, motion control systems, lighting, building systems, solar, HVAC, and an array of safety-critical applications. 

Plug-in points, either between a system and cable or a direct connection between PCB boards, are critical to electrical system operations. They are also susceptible to the harsh conditions of their industrial environment. These components are relied upon not only to create secure connections but to mate and disconnect easily, all while protecting entry points from the elements.

Connector designs are constantly evolving, including their size, pin-count and IP protection. The increasing need for faster applications calls for new connector requirements, specific to the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial 4.0.

M12 connectors have been in widespread use, long before IIoT but are critical to the performance of IIoT applications today. To meet the needs of the robotics, automation, food and beverage, alternative energy, transportation, and cellular communication industries, M12 connectors are regularly receiving added features, in order to become the preferred connector for IIoT-related applications.

Passives are electronic components that are used in an electronic device to store, receive and absorb energy. Examples of passive electronic components are capacitors, resistors, inductors, transformers, and some diodes. Passive components are essential for IIoT applications. 

Capacitors

A capacitor is a type of passive component that stores electrical energy and plays a fundamental role in powering circuits. Conversely, they are often responsible for the failure of electronic equipment if not securely built. Capacitors are susceptible to sparking, shorting and excessive voltage or temperature, all of which lead to failure. That’s why it’s important for capacitors to be able to withstand harsh environments, especially when used in extreme temperature settings, such as in industrial freezers / boilers or automotive applications. Some capacitors are also built with the ability to self-heal, as they can recover from the damage caused by a spike in current. Additionally, some new capacitors have a built-in fuse inside of them, providing protection from short-circuit conditions.

Resistors

A resistor is a type of passive component, that is present in most circuits, and is susceptible to many environmental factors, from temperature to moisture to the presence of invasive materials. Environment must be taken into consideration when choosing a resistor’s structure, since different materials can react to different environmental factors. Carbon-based resistors, for example, will degrade over time when exposed to moisture as the water reacts to the carbon, so designing it using a base material like silver instead could present a possible solution. In addition to resistor material, another factor to consider is ability to withstand shock. Resistors that can absorb the vibrations of their harsh environments will allow for a more effective electronic design. 

A sensor collects and communicates critical data on its environment. This ensures safe, smooth, and efficient operation, and will alert its user if the operation deviates. Whether monitoring an industrial machine or regulating the flow of oxygen to a patient, sensors help static components operate in a smart manner. Addiitionally, growing technological trends, such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, rely heavily on sensors to gather data that is needed to carry out “smart” or autonomous capabilities such as assisted robotic operation or automatic temperature adjustment. Looking ahead, sensors will need to be more adaptable than ever. This means sensors need to have the ability to be packaged with other solutions, communicate wirelessly, operate with low-level power consumption, and maintain data integrity.

IoT Applications in All Industries

Internet of Things (IoT) implementation is driving the need for more antennas and increasing the expectations of end-users. Small form factor antennas are emerging as device manufacturers are shrinking the designs of devices. Typical antenna form factors include: chip, flexible printed circuit, and printed circuit board.

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is a term for the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, also known as the computerization of manufacturing. Industry 4.0 uses smart technology and real-time data to increase productivity and cut costs. This technology includes cyber-physical systems, IoT, cloud computing, and cognitive reasoning to create smart factories. The ability to connect sensors, robotics, motors, and conveyor systems in a reliable, wireless manner within Industry 4.0 is accomplished with external antennas.