Weidmüller offers an extensive and innovative programme of products for regenerative, decentralized power generation.

Weidmüller has now extended its established family of "RockStar^® HighPower connectors" with the new high current connector "RockStar^® HighPower 250 A" equipped with crimp connection technology for 250 A and up to 4000 V. The new high current connectors are based on a modular design, just the same as the well-known "RockStar^® HighPower" 550 A version. The use of one to four-pole modules ensures users always obtain the right connector to fulfil their respective application requirements. The space-saving, 250 A rated power contacts are easily assembled to create a variety of different vibration-proof versions: one connector with four power contacts or with three power contacts and a PE contact or with two power contacts or as the most compact version with a single power contact. The two-piece, size 8 die cast aluminium housing comprising hood, base and bulkhead designs is equipped with a large surface area PE connection; the same applies to the mating frame. The highly impact resistant and corrosion resistant housings are easily assembled and are rated to degree of protection IP68 and IP69k. Assembly of the newly developed bulkhead housing is supported by a rapid assembly mating frame complete with pre-assembled fastening screws. Weidmüller has redesigned the crimp contacts of the "RockStar^® HighPower 250 A" so that they can now be dismantled via the M25 cable entry bore. Multi-core, flexible and finely stranded copper conductors from 25 to 95 mm2 are easily terminated using standard crimping tools. No special tools are needed. Thanks to the interior EMC connection, which can be adapted to the respective cable diameter, the "RockStar"^®HighPower 250 A" has excellent EMC characteristics. The wide temperature range of -50 °C to +120 °C and housing impact resistance up to 7 joules ensures users are able to deploy the new high current connectors in extreme environments without reservation.

Weidmüller's new serial/Ethernet converters integrate devices with serial interfaces in industrial Ethernet networks - simply and reliably | Designed-in functionality protects previous investments in existing automation components. The Ethernet interface of the devices supports a broad spectrum of operation modes such as TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP, Real COM, RFC2217, Reverse Telnet, Pair Connection and Ethernet-Modem – designed-in versatility that guarantees network software compatibility. The converter is eminently suitable for deployment in automated industrial applications in which devices with a serial RS-232, RS-242 or RS-485 interface communicate in an Ethernet network; examples of such devices include control systems, sensors, measuring instruments, motors, drives, barcode scanners and operating status indicators. Two Ethernet ports integrated in the device can be used as Ethernet switch ports – a feature that reduces the costs of cabling, because users no longer need to connect each device to a separate Ethernet switch. Users are also able to implement a cascade connection comprising several serial/Ethernet converters to create an Ethernet network structure that enables uncomplicated access to components with a serial interface, for example via PCs. An integrated web interface allows users to configure all converter functions and Ethernet network parameters in a user-friendly environment.

Weidmüller's portfolio of products offers a broad spectrum of innovative and reliable components for installing photovoltaic systems. Designed specifically for use in photovoltaic systems Weidmüller offers two different versions of its 'WM4' plug connector – field and device/enclosure connectors. Operating solar systems demands reliability, safety and first-class performance of all the products – from the modules right down to individual connectors. Low contact resistance, first class workmanship and easy handling are distinguishing features indicating the right choice of connector. And it is exactly these requirements that both versions of the 'WM4' plug connector for photovoltaic systems fulfil. Not only are they supplied in proven Weidmüller quality they are also compatible with most connector mating profiles on the market today. 'WM4' plug connectors are designed with a huge connection capacity: a single crimp contact suffices to connect 4 mm² and 6 mm² conductor cross-sections. 'WM4' plug connectors are rated for current loads of up to 30 A. The rated voltage is 1000 VDC (IEC). When mated the 'WM4' field connector is sealed to IP 67 and the device/enclosure connector to IP 65. The 'WM4' is TUV approved and DIN EN 50521 compliant.

Weidmüller's newly developed FieldPower^® LED has been designed for highly efficient and long-term luminous efficacy on the one hand and for deployment in harsh conditions on the other. These design features ensure the FieldPower^® LED provides energy-efficient basic illumination in conjunction with an extended service life and facilitate rapid, error-free connection to the power bus. Moreover, this illuminating solution withstands even the harshest of conditions that prevail in the rotor hub of wind turbines, such as extreme shocks and temperatures. Designed to be extremely shock and vibration proof to EN 60721-3-3, Class 3M3 (mechanical conditions) it is possible to operate the FieldPower^® LED in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +55 °C. A wide input range of 110 to 265 V AC ensures it is possible to utilize the FieldPower^® LED in applications across the globe. The integrated power LEDs offer a significantly longer service life as well as greater energy efficiency than fluorescent or energy-saving bulbs. Each FieldPower^® LED reliably delivers the 10 and 50 lux light levels required by EN 50308: Wind Turbines. A special FieldPower^® base facilitates routing pre-assembled and terminated cables into the pitch box with IP65 rating. A lid with integrated LEDs provides illumination inside the hub. The low power consumption of the LEDs results in only a low voltage drop in the cable, a fact that facilitates long power bus supply lines utilising conductor cross-sections of 2.5 mm² to 6 mm². A non-detachable, 2-meter cable from Heluwind (WK 103w-T 3G1.5 – AD 8 mm) is standard supply.

Weidmüller's product portfolio of Basic Line (unmanaged) and Premium Line (managed) switches includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches to meet the needs of industrial communication applications. Managed and unmanaged 6-port switches with four PoE+ ports are available. Utilizing the same cable Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches supply the required operating power to PoE enabled Ethernet components in parallel to data traffic. Typical PoE enabled connectivity components include WLAN access points, IP telephony and IP cameras. Routing data and power transmissions in parallel considerably reduces wiring costs. All PoE switches are operated from 24 V and supply PoE enabled Ethernet devices with up to 30 W of input power. This designed-in feature eliminates the need for an additional 48 V power supply module, which is required for most industrial PoE switches. Moreover, the managed-version supports remote on/off and reset control of connected PoE enabled end devices, for example via SNMP, WEB interface or HMI/SCADA systems in combination with SNMP or OPC. 6-port IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ managed and unmanaged Ethernet switches boast four integrated IEEE 802.3af/at compliant PoE and Ethernet combo ports. Weidmüller's managed and unmanaged PoE Ethernet switches have extensive international approvals and certificates of conformity such as CE, FCC, UL/cUL Class I Div. 2 / Atex, DNV / GL.

With its 'FreeCon Active Repeater' Weidmüller offers a POF repeater with an integrated diagnostic function for deployment in PROFINET networks. Today, fibre-optics based on polymer optical fibres (POF) are increasingly being used, not only because they are immune to electromagnetic interference but because they are also able to meet the demands of automated applications for greater data volumes. However, these fibres are subject to a natural aging process, which successively increases fibre attenuation. That in turn increases the need for exact diagnostics of the transmission path. Weidmüller developed the 'FreeCon Active Repeater' in response to this need: to guarantee reliable transmission of the Ethernet data being transmitted the 'FreeCon Active' checks the entire transmission path in real time with regard to its optical budget – for example, from the electrical cabinet to the head of the robot. The device sends an alarm signal to a higher-level controller if a defined tolerance level is exceeded and the user needs to replace the cable set. By continuously checking the attenuation of fibre-optic transmission paths 'FreeCon Active Repeaters' now make it possible for the first time ever to precisely plan when to replace robot cable sets. The PROFINET POF repeater complies with AIDA specifications (Automation Initiative of the German Automotive Industry). In conjunction with the 'HTX-IE POF' multifunctional tool, which is designed to ensure rapid and repeatable preparation and termination procedures for SC-RJ type connectors, Weidmüller offers a complete all-round package of components for transmission solutions based on POF cabling.

Automation technology consistently requires ever greater amounts of data and demands ever lower transmission losses, which is why polymer optical fibres (POF) are today being used more and more. Simple connection technology and standardised transmission protocols are distinguishing features of these polymer fibres. Weidmüller now offers an optimum and, to date, unique solution to what is otherwise a complicated process to prepare and terminate POF connectors: With just one tool, the HTX-IE POF, it is possible to strip and crimp 1-mm polymer optical fibres specifically for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP SC-RJ connectors. A rotating blade cuts the fibres precisely at the ferrule so that a subsequent polishing process is no longer necessary. Weidmüller developed its new processing tool for POF cables complying with IEC 60793-2 A4A (1000 µm/ 980 µm POF). In addition, Weidmüller offers a complete programme of tools for processing cables and POF fibres: The PSC 80 assortment case holds everything necessary for preparing and terminating IP67 rated POF connectors. This includes a pair of scissors known as "Scissor Kevlar" specifically to cut aramid fibres, the multi-functional HTX-IE POF and the insulation stripping tool multi-stripax^® IE POF.

Weidmüller has implemented a particularly compact design for its new marshalling and power distribution terminals PRV and PPV for power station plant and process engineering applications. The PRV family of products consists of 4-, 8- and the innovative 16-tier marshalling and distribution terminals; the PPV family comprises the 4- and 8-tier power distributors. Distributing more than 1700 signals per meter the 16-way PRV multi-tier with "PUSH IN " connection technology is again setting new standards - at the present time it is an absolutely unique solution. "PUSH IN" connection technology guarantees touch safety against inadvertent short circuiting. The "PUSH IN" double connection guarantees simple power distribution, and serves equally as a separate testing point. "PUSH IN" allows users to simply insert the prepared conductor into the terminal point to quickly create a reliable, jolt-proof, gas-tight connection. Moreover, this connection technology ensures vibration-proof and effective conductor retention forces. And in comparison with other connection technologies it achieves a higher wiring density combined with best-possible handling characteristics. Clearly identifiable matrix markings and colour-coded operating elements help to ensure optimum orientation when extending the system or carrying out maintenance work by facilitating unambiguous terminal arrangement and, as a consequence, error-free signal assignments. The V-shaped busbar of the PRV and PPV marshalling and power distribution terminals is a unique solution. This design feature compensates for different material expansion rates between the plastic terminal carrier and the copper feature. Even in the face of temperature fluctuations or varying climatic conditions it always guarantees stable and low contact resistances.

New product series packaged in a 6-mm module width for converting and isolating analogue signals. High levels of functionality with minimum space requirements. ACT20M product series with Ex Zone 2 approval.