TE establishes global center of excellence for motor connectivity

With its September 2016 acquisition of the Intercontec group (global market leader for circular metric connectors), TE Connectivity (TE), has established a global center of excellence for motor connectivity. In this center, the company continues to develop innovative new products and enhancements to proven existing products.

“Across the range of motion and drive applications, TE is the expert source for any type of connection,” said Claus Kleedörfer, Global Product Manager Motor Connectivity. “TE is now in a better position than ever to help motor manufacturers, machinery OEMs and installers save time and money. Our engineers work closely together with our customers to select and even co-create integrated solutions for their applications. Customers have access to the latest technologies and motor connectivity products for their designs—from our proven standard circular and rectangular connectors and customized cable assemblies on the in- and outside, to the latest motor feedback, sensor and magnet wire innovations inside the motor.”

Because different types of motors require different types of solutions, TE offers products suited for specific motors and their environments. Heavy Duty Connectors (HDCs), for example, provide power, signal and data connections in a single compact, rugged design for spindle motors. TE’s Intercontec circular metric connectors with a modular architecture can transfer data, signal, power or all in a one-cable application, and make them the standard solution for industrial servo motors. TE’s compact, rectangular Motorman hybrid connectors fit in tight spaces and provide connections resistant to vibration and shock for servo motors with integrated drives.

TE’s broad range of terminals is specifically designed to connect magnet wires without the need for stripping or soldering. Customers can also benefit from TE’s capabilities to configure complete motor cable assemblies suited for any motion and drive application.

In addition to its broad portfolio and expertise in connector solutions, TE also provides sensors and resolvers, vital to the next-gen of data-driven motion and drive technology. Its technologies enable measurement capabilities such as pressure, temperature, torque, motion control, vibration and more to allow for precise motion control and to eliminate production downtime.

Kleedörfer pointed to a series of trends in motor connectivity that TE is able to address, namely miniaturization, installation efficiency and total cost of ownership, and said: “We are seeing more end applications like material handling requiring motors that need to fit into very tight spaces, and this is where we can help with compact, rotatable connectors that can be easily configured in the field to match the specific location.”

For motor manufacturers and installers looking to reduce installation costs and times, TE’s portfolio of easy-to install connectors can be mated and unmated without special tools, and provide reliable, long-lasting connections, especially where downtimes are not an option. With more and more electric motors replacing inefficient hydraulics, TE’s motor connectivity solutions enable customers to benefit from superior performance, installation, handling, maintenance and costs.