A standard way to make connections?

The German connector specialist Harting has come up with a technology that it hopes will become a standard for installing communications networks and power distribution systems in plant and machinery.

The Han-InduNet system is based on the Desina (DitributEd and Standardised INstallAtion) technology developed by the German machine tools manufacturers` association, VDW. This technology, which Harting says is already being adopted widely, is intended to standardise and decentralise electrical and fluid installations in machinery and equipment.

Desina uses existing components such as open bus systems and standard industrial connectors and is intended to make a wide range of different technologies compatible.

Harting`s system applies the Desina philosophy to field bus and power networks. It uses standardised connectors to eliminate wiring errors and to allow field devices from different manufacturers to be installed in an identical fashion. The range also includes converters that allow conventional field devices to be linked into a network.

Harting says that the "plug-and-play" approach will make installations quicker and easier.