Intelligent connector helps farmers harvest data

29th January 2018

Anna Flockett

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Datasheet

Developing an ‘intelligent connector’ Bulgin has successfully trialled its use in agricultural sensing and control. In a customisation project for a client, California-based AgTech Industries, Bulgin incorporated integrated electronics into a rugged miniaturised connector for AgTech’s new smart infield telemetry system called AgriCapture.

AgTech asked Bulgin to develop a connector with a built-in integrated circuit that would allow the connector to be electronically paired with the correct sensor, while at the same time performing these functions in the harshest possible environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, exposure to dirt and direct spray from rain or sprinklers.

The 400 Series is one of the most compact series of connectors within Bulgin’s Buccaneer range, and is suitable for designs requiring a small footprint. The miniature sealed circular connectors are lightweight and rugged, offering highly reliable power, data or signal connections condensed into a compact form factor.

Bulgin designed the connector to contain a 7x5mm PCB with an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) device, situated securely underneath the over mould of the 400 Series connector. The intelligent connector enabled the client to implement serialisation, reduce expenditure and other challenges associated with the physical marking or labelling of connectors.

The connectors are easily reprogrammable and the system also allows the user to see whether or not a connector is active and connected.

EEPROM devices in connectors can be used for a wide variety of applications, including medical devices, test and measurement probe calibration, sensors and devices with TEDS (transducer electronic datasheet) requirements.

For AgTech, the intelligent connector project has enabled them to develop and deliver their AgriCapture solution in a cost-effective way – which has ultimately proven to be beneficial to their clients.

“One of the best things (about collaborating with Bulgin) was the customer service. They helped us find the connectors that we desired, and worked with us to make sure that they were cost effective as well as suitable for our solutions,” said co-founder and Chief Procurement Officer of AgTech, Jesse Martin. “Working with Bulgin to develop our smart cables could really revolutionise the agricultural monitoring industry.”