Due to miniaturization as well as ever increasing demands on the functionality of electronic components, control systems and other intelligent components are becoming more and more compact. CAD models and customer-specific part numbers minimize the effort required for design-in, production and stock-keeping. Maximum freedom in the design of the connection concept, as well as components that can be customized with both cutouts and printing, complete the offering.
Istec International, a company based in the Netherlands, specializes in condition monitoring and overspeed protection of rotating machinery. SpeedSys is an example that focusses on SIL2 or SIL3 overspeed protection for compressors, pumps, aeroderivative gas and steam turbines and marine applications. Depending on the area of application, the connected sensor technology is located in the potentially explosive zones 0, 1 and 2. Accordingly, the input circuitry of the device is intrinsically safe ATEX/IECEx approved. The sensors already in the system should be able to continue to be used by means of configurable inputs and outputs. Competing (legacy) products on the market are predominantly designed for mounting in a 19-inch rack; a proven solution, but one that no longer meets the requirements of the modern day and age of lightweight and compact systems and is slowly being phased out.
Form meets function
Istec wanted to place a universal, compact measurement and monitoring unit on the market, which on the one hand can be universally integrated into new applications but is also well suited for retrofitting. The choice fell on Weidmüller's modular, IP20-protected CH20M45 and CH20M67 electronic housings, which were customized. A key advantage of these housings is the free choice of connection levels; even an asymmetrical configuration is possible.
For the CH20M housing, the Weidmüller configurator is the interface between your idea and your engineering tools.
Ready-made solution instead of individual components, virtual vs. real
Designing electronics into an enclosure is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In this development phase, Weidmüller was able to support Istec as a competent enclosure supplier. First, the Weidmüller Configurator WMC was used to create initial visualizations of the enclosure. PCB contours as well as CAD data of the enclosure are basic requirements for working in the company's own engineering system and were provided by Weidmüller. This meant that Istec had all the development-relevant information in the desired form and was able to define the cutouts for the front element in its own CAD system, enabling Weidmüller to produce the initial sample series of housings for Istec. These housings also served as release samples.
Once development is complete, each customized component is given its own part number. This enables Istec, for example, to order a front element with cutouts for status LEDs and service interfaces just as easily "from the catalog" as a standard terminal block. This allows the device manufacturer to concentrate fully on its core business.
Istec is convinced by the housing and the services and will continue to rely on Weidmüller housings for further developments, such as the RecipSys200.
Do you have questions about our products and services or would you like an individual offer? Simply fill out contact form. Our employees will contact you as soon as possible.