With the improvements in factory mechanization and process automation in the production sector, the fourth industrial revolution is gaining momentum each day. Industry 4.0 focuses on intelligent machine-to-machine communication through faster and smarter networks.  Ever since the introduction of the 10BASE-T standard, Ethernet has virtually penetrated through various networking hardware from personal computers and consumer applications to largescale computing in business to the industrial sector.

Today industrial Ethernet has more or less become the de facto communication in modern digitalized manufacturing sectors. Industry 4.0 and IIoT is enabling a shift from a Hierarchical Automation model (with independent communication systems at the Device, Cell, Control and Enterprise Levels) to Automation in a Decentralized Network, where all devices have IP addresses, connected with Industrial Ethernet protocol.

Compared to the conventional protocol, Ethernet offers amazing benefits, making it the undeniable factor in the implementation of digital industrialization, commonly known as Industry 4.0. Industrial Ethernet networks will be the backbone of industrial communications to connect different systems, machines ranging from nanosensors to enterprise-level machinery, as well as users irrespective of location. In the days to come, it will be essential to improve the network and system performance to catch up with the developments happening in the technology.

From connectors and cable systems, the implementation of IIoT depends upon many factors. The quality and reliability of all the components is a deciding factor in determining the capacity of the system to adapt to the quick changes. Amphenol ICC addresses a range of key Industrial markets, where the proliferation of digital control is driving advanced interconnect needs.

ix Industrial™ connectors enable IoT connectivity for Ethernet and other Industrial protocols through all levels of an operation from the Enterprise/Cloud to the sensors/actuators at the factory floor. They are PoE capable, provide data performance to Cat6A level (10GBASE-T), and feature 360° shielding through the mated pair for superior EMI protection. IEC 61076-3-124, the standard on which ix Industrial™ is based defines a 10-way, shielded, free and fixed connector for data transmission up to 500Mhz with a current capacity of 1.5A per pin, supporting 4 pair Ethernet to 10GBASE-T over 100m.

FCI Basics Boltrack™ range of industrial I/O connectors promote signal and PoE++ transmission over Cat 5e and 6 cables in a wide range of datacom and industrial applications. It offers lightning protection, EMI shielding, and is field-installable. Boltrack™ connectors come in 4-pair right-angle board receptacle and cable plug mating combination.

Amphenol ICC will continue to contribute to the growing demands of IIoT, with more technological innovations.

Check out the quick slide summary below.