nVent - Schroff GmbH

The modular COM carrier from nVent SCHROFF is based on the COM Express Type 6 specification and has been designed to make use of standardized COM modules from different manufacturers and such that only the carrier interfaces and functions need to be modified to realize a custom solution. Through its modularity, the nVent SCHROFF COM carrier offers a high degree of flexibility for highly diverse applications. In addition to the conventional interfaces such as Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 3.0, 5.1 HD audio, DVI-D and display port, other RS-232 interfaces can be connected on the front panel using optional cable adapters. The carrier also offers interfaces for expansion boards. nVent develops add-on modules for these interfaces which expand the carrier's range of functionality. When combined with a nVent SCHROFF Interscale case, including cooling and power supply as well as being equipped with a hard drive, etc., it becomes a complete system—adapted to the customer's unique application.
 
As the result of continued product development, new add-on modules are now available. In addition to the power input module which features a wide-range input of 12 to 24 V, there is now a second, more cost-effective module with a limited voltage range of 19 to 24 V. The power input module with limited voltage range is usually sufficient if an external power supply is used in the application. Particularly in view of the fact that 24 V—commonly available in industrial automation applications—is covered.
 
The postcode module is another new add-on module. It is based on a seven-segment display and is used in order to indicate errors during the boot routine if no other display is connected. This feature was deliberately not directly integrated onto the carrier, but rather designed as an independent module.. The user only has to include this function if they require it. If this feature had already been integrated on the carrier, they would not have a choice.
 
The third new add-on module is a LVDS module, which is plugged into the LVDS interface integrated onto the carrier for the connection of TFT monitors integrated in the case. Depending on the manufacturer, TFT monitors make numerous interfaces available, since there is no standard. The LVDS module therefore serves as an adapter between the high-speed interface integrated on the carrier and the selected TFT monitor. The available LVDS module has been matched to the pinout of one manufacturer. If the customer wants to connect up the TFT monitor of another manufacturer, only the LVDS module will have to be adapted.
 
Two different Gigabit Ethernet interfaces are often required in industrial environments. However, in the Type 6 specification, only a single Ethernet interface that is integrated into the COM carrier is defined. nVent, however, provides a second Gigabit Ethernet interface as an add-on module. The interface is connected through the rear case panel. All new add-on modules are available immediately. The development of other add-on modules will be steadily continued by nVent SCHROFF, oriented towards the customer and market requirements of today—and tomorrow.

nVent SCHROFF is expanding its product range by adding an 18-slot SCHROFF PXI Express system with a modular structure for testing and measuring applications. PXI Express is the successor to PXI and is based on the high-speed PCIe bus. It is used in complex measuring and simulation applications. For all SCHROFF PXI Express systems, a modular system made up of standard assemblies ensures high flexibility and allows the system solution to be economically adapted to customer requirements.
 
The new 18-slot PXIe system is based on a modular SCHROFF RatiopacPRO enclosure with an intelligent ventilation concept and integrated fan control. The system features a system slot, a system timing slot for feeding in very precise clock signals, and 16 hybrid slots for PXI Express or PXI cards laid out over a width of 84 HP (19“ wide). The hybrid slots make the system completely backward-compatible and make it easier to change over from PXI to PXI Express in phases.
 
The backplane of the 18-slot PXIe system has been given a predominantly passive design. The necessary PCI bridge, PCIe switch, and clock functions are implemented with the same separate modules that are used for the smaller 8-slot PXIe system. There are more of them integrated here: 2 PCI bridge modules for 2 x 8 PCI connector positions to ensure the ability to communicate with all 16 hybrid slots using the PCI bus, 4 PCIe switches and one trigger bridge linking the bus segments to each other individually and uni-directionally. A high-performance PSU designed for industrial use supplies the system with the conventional PC voltages (3.3 V, 5 V, ±12 V and 5 V standby). If the main switch is enabled, the system can be started or shut down by means of the push button. The button is equipped with an LED ring that can be used to display various system states, e.g. "Proper function" (LED lights up green) or "Temperature critical" (LED flashes red). This is implemented using an additional microcontroller on the backplane. This function has been retrofitted for the smaller 8-slot PXIe system, which means that the users have useful system information easily accessible.

 

nVent SCHROFF has a series of coordinated services that simplify and speed up the digital workflow from selection to delivery of SCHROFF products. Now when users search for products on https://schroff.nvent.com/such as electronic cabinets, enclosures, and PCB accessories, they are consistently provided with necessary support in a variety of ways. This starts with the search function on the nVent SCHROFF website, which has been updated to create a more user-friendly experience. The product pages have additional filters with technical characteristics of products so visitors can narrow down the product search and ensure they are viewing products for their specific application. There is also the option of directly comparing the technical characteristics of two similar products, which helps customers choose the right standard product for their requirements. If customers need to further adapt the product they find by making modifications, they can use corresponding product configurators and then integrate drill holes, recesses, labels, select colors, or swap entire components and accessories. The configurators also enable a product to be customized from the bottom up, without basing it on a standard product. If desired, customers can receive support from a chat partner right from the start. As soon as a customer starts using the website, a window opens at the bottom right of the browser for a live chat with an expert who answers questions and provides additional help for selecting a suitable product.
 
When customers find their product and have selected their country, the local list price and availability are displayed—without any registration.This is also true for the shopping cart and for standard products as well as for most configured or modified products. After customers with an activated account log in, they will immediately receive their customer-specific prices. In addition, the CAD data for the product will promptly be made available in over 30 native 2D and 3D formats. That way, when developers and project managers are researching a product, they obtain all the information important to them for quickly turning their project into reality.
 
One of the download formats provided is an STL format. It supplies the geometrical information of three-dimensional data models for creating a model with a 3D printer. Customers have the option of producing a model themselves for test purposes, using their own 3D printer, or a 3D printer at nVent SCHROFF. If they use their own 3D printer, they receive the data at no cost; no license fees will be due.
 
In addition to the product configurators that are made available, a second option enables modifications such as recesses to be integrated into the standard product. For this option, customers load the selected standard product from the nVent SCHROFF website into their own CAD system. They insert the desired modifications into this original data and then use the upload function on the nVent SCHROFF website. This loads the modified data back into the quotation structure for this configured product and ensures that all data required for the subsequent production is brought together in a project list and can be easily further processed.

Currently, we are working intensively on two final steps in the workflow so that, starting in early 2019, customers can also click a button to immediately receive a quotation. This quote will consist of all required information, including a rotatable 3D model as a PDF document so that immediate online ordering is also possible.
 
More information: https://schroff.nvent.com/en/schroff
 

nVent SCHROFF introduces a new concept for building embedded systems. Based on small form factor-boards (e.g. ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX, Pico ITX), single-board computers (e.g. Embedded NUC™, Raspberry Pi and Arduino) or a proprietary board, the customer first configures a case with the flexible and modular nVent SCHROFF Interscale case platform. Various electronic components, such as cooling, necessary cutouts, labeling and accessories are then integrated. Other services, such as performing simulations and tests, as well as certification support, are also included. As an example, by using standardized modules, the customer can build up custom IIoT solutions and other applications while keeping costs at a minimum.

Here, it isn't important which type of board the customer has selected for their application, whether standard or non-standardized. The nVent SCHROFF Interscale platform is flexible and can be adapted whether for standard or non-standardized boards. This case platform is based on a parametric model, and can easily be adapted to various heights, widths and depths, depending on requirement and the size of the respective board. The special interlocking design of nVent SCHROFF Interscale cases provides integrated EMC protection of 20 dB at 2 GHz without requiring additional EMC seals. The design ensures a protection class up to IP 30. Depending on the model, the cases consist of either two to four parts that are easily fastened by the use of only two or four screws. The cases can be assembled and taken apart quickly and easily, which greatly reduces integration time. Based on the board type selected, specific interfaces are preconfigured into the case cutouts.. These and other individualized cutouts specified by the customer are a part of the overall Interscale concept.

Afterwards, further electrical components are integrated, such as a power supply or PCI-/ PCIe card installation options and hard-drive mounts, and a suitable cooling solution can be selected. Depending on thermal power loss, various options are available. In some systems, power loss is so low that no cooling is necessary. If thermal power loss increases, nVent SCHROFF Interscale cases can be equipped with perforations and optional fan kits that allow for a variably controlled air stream. Heat is dissipated alternately through conduction cooling using integrated heat sinks and/or flexible heat conductors (FHCs). With the additional installation of the FHC, developed by nVent, made from aluminum and available in various geometries, conduction cooling performance can be further improved so that a wide spectrum of application needs can be met.. Processors of various thicknesses can remain permanently in contact with the FHC while maintaining a constant contact area because the FHC is innovatively designed to provide tolerance compensation. No additional thermal pad is required.

A wide range of powder coating and printing options are available for individualizing the configured system. With this, customers have the option of choosing case color and to include design elements and multi-color logos up to photo-realistic images according to their design needs. Useful accessories, such as plastic supporting feet for use as a desktop case or clips for horizontal rails with lips, complete the configuration. Additionally, customers can leverage further services such as the implementation of simulations and tests or receiving support for certification.

Following the successful split into two companies in 2018, the Pentair Electrical business is now nVent Electric plc, home of iconic brands such as SCHROFF, HOFFMAN, ERICO, CADDY, RAYCHEM and TRACER. In the course of the change to nVent Electric plc, the company name at the SCHROFF location in Straubenhardt, Germany was changed from Pentair Technical Solution GmbH to Schroff GmbH.
 
“With the completion of this spin, nVent (NYSE:NVT) has achieved a major milestone in becoming a more focused, global leader in providing electrical connection and protection solutions to customers around the world,” said Beth Wozniak, nVent’s chief executive officer. “We are going to be a fast-paced, dynamic growth company, focused on our customers and moving with velocity. I am proud to be part of the nVent team and am confident in the strategy and portfolio we have in place to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
 
Schroff GmbH, founded in 1962 by Gunther Schroff, has deep roots in the municipality of Straubenhardt, Germany. One of the largest employers in the region with a staff of almost 700, the company is an innovation driver in its field and is constantly looking for new talent. By developing subrack systems for euroboards, the company paved the way toward the globally recognized 19” standard.. Today, SCHROFF electronics solutions continue to show the way forward for 19” applications. The last few years have seen the product portfolio being expanded to include non-standardized solutions outside the 19” market so that the company could also offer innovative solutions to customers in this rapidly growing segment.