Europe's leading user congress on connectors

Participants can expect hands-on seminars, workshops, and lectures on current trends such as Single Pair Ethernet, intelligent connectors, and automotive technology. Take advantage of networking opportunities and gain valuable insights for the development of connection solutions.

The world of connectors is not only complex and diverse, but the connector market is also evolving rapidly, with an ever-broadening range of applications for connection technology. On top of this, there is the challenge of designing increasingly miniaturised connectors that meet mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements. Current developments and trends, such as emerging direct current technology, the demand for higher data rates, and the needs of high-voltage and high-current environments, must also be considered. Many additional functions are being introduced to improve user-friendliness and safety.

What does this mean for electromechanical compatibility? What new materials, manufacturing processes, and surface treatments are available for contacts and connectors? And how sustainable must they be? The Connectors User Congress will provide answers and guidance on these critical topics.

From Single Pair Ethernet, electrical interfaces, new materials and coatings, to simulation, this year’s user congress programme once again offers a diverse mix of topics.

On May 26th, 2025, Würzburg in Germany will transform into a bilingual (German/English) connector hub for three days. This unique European event, where the industry has been gathering for nearly 20 years, will kick off on Monday morning with tried-and-tested basic seminars covering connector fundamentals, contact physics, copper materials, electromagnetic compatibility, connector use, coating technology, and plastics.

On Monday afternoon, the opening event will focus on the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of connectors. EMC in electronic devices and systems is one of the biggest challenges of the coming years. In the opening lecture, Dr. Helmut Katzier will explain the essential EMC regulations for using and manufacturing connectors. His workshop in the following days will provide practical insights. The evening’s highlight will likely be the poster slam, featuring an award ceremony and a networking get-together.

On the second day of the congress, one of the major highlights will be a lecture by Tim Kindermann (PHOENIX CONTACT) and Thomas Keller (Rosenberger) on the new connector system for PROFINET via Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), introduced by PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PI) at the 2024 SPS trade fair. The lecture will explore the implications for users, identify new markets for Single Pair Ethernet, and evaluate the potential for further applications. Other topics will include electrical interfaces, simulation, and new technologies.

Wednesday will primarily focus on materials, coatings, and automotive-related topics such as reliability engineering for automotive connectors. The challenges of ultrasonic welding to create connections between aluminium busbars and copper contacts, in accordance with the quality standards defined by IEC 60352, will also be addressed.

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, telecommunications and data technology, and medical technology.

For international participants, simultaneous translation of the German presentations into English will be available during the plenary sessions.

For more information on the program and to register, please visit the event’s website: www.steckverbinderkongress.de/en-gb