Connectivity is crucial for all types of data networks. Data networks evolve over time as technology improves; it is often necessary to connect legacy copper-wired serial communications to modern TCP/IP communications through more advanced media such as optical fiber. Moreover, many different types of data formats, standards, media and connectors are often mixed and used together within a single data network. Examples of different types of standards and protocols include physical-layer standards, such as RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, TTL, USB, and TCP/IP, and higher-level protocols, such as Profibus, Interbus, Modbus, BACnet, and Modbus TCP/IP. Copper wires and optical fibers are typical examples of different media; and there are dozens of different connectors used for machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity and data communication systems, including DB9, DB25, USB type A, USB type B, mini USB, micro USB, terminal blocks, RJ11, RJ45, and ST, SC, FC, and LC connectors for fiber optic products.
Data networks perform many important tasks, including industrial automation (production, processing, monitoring, etc.), building automation (heating, ventilation, air conditioning [HVAC]; security systems; surveillance systems; etc.), motor control, and motion control. The costs for data equipment such as computers, PLCs, and industrial manufacturing or data processing equipment, ranges from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, but perhaps the most important cost is system downtime because this affects your profitability, product delivery times, and customer relationships. With robust, machine-made cables, connectors, patch cords, terminal blocks, and gender changers, you can enjoy the maximum uptime and drastically reduce repair and replacement costs for your M2M connectivity and data communication systems.
Serial Connectivity
Serial ports come in various forms (such as DB9, DB25 and Terminal Blocks) and with both female and male connectors; it is often necessary to convert from one form to another: DB9 to DB25, female to male, DB9 to terminal blocks, etc. To deal with all these situations, you will need to have the right types of cables and connectors to do the conversions.
USB Connectivity
Replacing conventional RS-232 / RS-485 / RS-422 ports, USB has become the norm for controlling computer peripherals, and it has now moved from the desktop to more challenging environments, including instrumentation, point of sales, factory & building automation, etc. Similar to serial connectivity, USB also comes in different formats, such as type A, type B, mini, and micro USB. With suitable USB connectivity products, including cables and conversion adapters, you will be able to connect your modern networks with industrial ruggedness.
Ethernet Connectivity
Data networks evolve over time, and the same applies to Ethernet cables; from CAT 3 to CAT 6, the requirements for twisted-pair cables have become more demanding for the sake of increasing network speeds. Modern 10 / 100M Ethernet requires at least CAT 5 cables, and Gigabit networks require CAT 6 cables for speed and reliability. With reliable CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables, you can organise your data networks confidently and systematically.
Fiber Optic Connectivity
Fiber optic patch cords provide convenient connections between fiber-optic converters and patch panels. When choosing a quality fiber optic patch cord or cable, it is advisable to get one that has LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen). The LSZH fiber-optic patch cords are more fire-resistant than other type of cables, such as PVC-jacketed cables. Should they catch on fire, burning LSZH cables give off little smoke and no halogen substances, which is important not only for the environment but also for the health of people near the cables.
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