Three days of concentrated connector know-how

Added to this is the challenge of designing increasingly miniaturised connectors in such a way that they fit together perfectly in terms of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Current developments and trends must also be considered, such as the emerging direct current technology, the highest data rates and the requirements in high-voltage and high-current environments. Many additional functions are also intended to improve user-friendliness and safety.

What does this mean for electromechanical compatibility, for example? What new materials, manufacturing processes and surfaces are available for contacts and connectors? How sustainable do they have to be? The Connectors User Congress will provide answers and guidance on this range of topics.

From Single Pair Ethernet, intelligent connectors, materials and coatings to additive manufacturing of connectors: The programme of this year's user congress once again offers a diverse mix of topics.

On June 3, 2024, Würzburg will once again become a bilingual (German/English) connector Eldorado for three days. The event, which is unique in Europe and where the industry has been meeting for almost 20 years, will begin on Monday morning with the tried-and-tested basic seminars on connector basics, contact physics, copper materials, connector use, coating technology, and plastics.

On Monday afternoon, the kick-off event will be dedicated to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of connectors. The topic of EMC in electronic devices and systems is one of the biggest challenges in the coming years. In the opening lecture, Dr. Helmut Katzier will name and explain the ten most important basic rules of EMC for the design and use of connectors. The theory will be practically substantiated in a workshop on the following days. The highlight of the evening is likely to be the poster slam with award ceremony and get-together.

In the keynote speech ‘What comes after Industry 4.0?’ on Tuesday morning, Professor Martin Ruskowski (Smart Factory KL) will discuss current trends in the field of networked production with a particular focus on sustainability and the role of AI. Manuel Rüter (TE Connectivity) will explain why the introduction of Single Pair Ethernet is taking so long. In addition to SPE and Ethernet, Tuesday will focus on new solutions in connection technology, soldering tests, plastics, and best practices.

Wednesday will focus on new surfaces for the electric powertrain and HV networks (e-mobility), current trends in manufacturing such as ultrasonic metal welding of plug contacts and 3D serial printing of connectors. UL Solutions has investigated the effects of processing 3D printing materials on the properties of polymers and developed a special approval program. Pawel Strzyzewski and Matteo Paleari give an insight into how the use of pre-selected additive materials can be key to the safety compliance of 3D printed connectors in series or small batch production.

The conference is aimed at electronics and device developers design engineers and technical and product managers in industrial electronics, automation technology, automotive and rail technology, telecommunication and data technology, medical technology.

Simultaneous translation of the German presentations into English will be provided for international participants in the plenary session.

For more information on the programme and registration, please visit the event's website: https://www.steckverbinderkongress.de/en-gb?cmp=mp-cop-prog-ev-stvb24-20240401-electronicspecifier