#USA #Fort Worth #RS Group #Phoenix Contact #NearFi Technology

RS Launches Phoenix Contact's Revolutionary NearFi Technology

In an exciting development for the industrial sector, RS has announced the availability of Phoenix Contact's new NearFi technology, a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance power and data transmission in industrial applications. This innovative technology addresses the inefficiencies and challenges typically associated with traditional connectors and slip rings, particularly focusing on efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

What is NearFi Technology?

NearFi technology can be likened to near-field communication (NFC) but optimized for industrial use, offering significantly higher performance. While NFC supports slower data transmission and minimal power output, NearFi achieves an impressive data rate of up to 100 Mbps and can supply power levels of 50 watts, enabling real-time communication and making it suitable for various demanding applications.

The NearFi system operates wirelessly, allowing contactless transmission of both power and data over air gaps measuring a few centimeters. Unlike its NFC counterpart, NearFi technology handles larger files and ensures continuous power transmission, making it invaluable in sectors that require reliability and speed.

Key Features and Benefits

One of the standout features of NearFi technology is its protocol independence and full-duplex capabilities. This means it can send and receive data simultaneously without the delays associated with packet-oriented transmission methods used in other technologies. The low latency it offers is only surpassed by direct cable connections, making it incredibly responsive in real-time industrial settings.

Moreover, NearFi couplers are designed for ease of use, featuring plug-and-play functionality that facilitates rapid installation without the need for complex configurations. This simplicity drastically reduces the time and costs associated with traditional systems. The couplers exhibit robust durability with IP65-rated housings, ensuring they can withstand rigors of harsh industrial environments, including food and beverage, robotics, and medical industries.

Additionally, they can operate effectively in circumstances involving lateral movements or angular misalignments, accommodating up to 5 mm of lateral deviation. This feature grants users significant flexibility in mounting and installation, thus reducing setup time and enhancing operational efficiency.

Potential Applications

The application scope for NearFi technology is vast and versatile. Its ability to transmit power and data without physical connections makes it advantageous for robotics, automated guided vehicle systems, and maintenance-focused machinery. Industries striving for high cleanliness standards, such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, can benefit from the technology's non-metallic transmission capabilities which facilitate usage in controlled environments.

Future developments in networking, such as time-sensitive networking (TSN) and Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA), are ripe for integration with NearFi, allowing the establishment of deterministic, real-time communication systems tailored for advanced automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) needs.

Danny Walters, Product Marketing Specialist for Wireless and Surveillance at Phoenix Contact USA, expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of NearFi technology: "Our excitement to partner with RS in offering this innovative solution comes from our commitment to addressing the challenges faced in industrial environments today, such as rising costs and unplanned downtime. NearFi technology provides measurable benefits in reliability, convenience, and overall operational effectiveness."

Conclusion

RS is credited with providing an extensive catalog of Phoenix Contact’s innovative solutions, and with the launch of NearFi technology, they further solidify their commitment to enhancing industrial operations. This technology not only streamlines power and data transmission but also paves the way for more modernized solutions in industrial workflows. For additional information on NearFi couplers and other Phoenix Contact products, customers can visit RS's website or reach out to local representatives for support.

By embracing innovations like NearFi technology, industries can look forward to a future characterized by enhanced efficiency, decreased downtime, and improved sustainability across operations.