Middletown, Pa. - Aug. 1, 2025 – Phoenix Contact has introduced NearFi, a contactless real-time transmission technology. NearFi couplers can transmit up to 50 Watts of power and 100 megabits of data per second, all without physical contact. Many factory automation applications, such as robot tool changes, rotary tables and automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS), have moving parts subject to wear and tear.
NearFi couplers can replace plug-in connectors and slip rings in these applications, minimizing repair and downtime costs. When transmitting data alone, NearFi can communicate across an air gap of 40 millimeters (mm). Power and data together or just power can be transmitted across an air gap of 12 mm. NearFi is protocol-independent and can transmit time-critical Ethernet protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus and EtherCAT. NearFi’s low latency also makes it suitable for standards like TSN.
The NearFi couplers are ready to communicate out of the box, so technicians do not need networking or programming experience. The couplers can be mounted in numerous positions and angles for installation flexibility. The compact housings are rated for IP65 and IK06, making them suitable for harsh environments.
