Electrical connector, communication network and method for operating an electrical connector

Abstract

Contact condition sensor for a connector, wherein the condition sensor comprises a sensor element (SE1) that is arrangable and configured to detect a measured value of a predetermined physical parameter of the conductor (LTG) and / or the contact interface (KT), and a data processing device configured to determine an actual state of the electrical contact based on the detected measured value.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector, a communication network including the electrical connector, and a method for operating the electrical connector.

[0002] Conventionally, fuses are used in electrical components to protect them from electrical overload. Thermal fuses are also used to protect them from thermal overload. A fuse is an overcurrent protection device that interrupts the circuit by melting a fusible element if the current exceeds a certain value for a sufficient period of time. Such conventional fuses are therefore generally destroyed after they have been triggered and must be replaced. A thermal fuse is an overtemperature protection device that separates two electrical contacts from each other by melting a fusible element and typically releasing the stored energy this way, thus interrupting the circuit if the temperature exceeds a certain value for a sufficient period of time.Such conventional thermal fuses are generally destroyed after they are triggered and must be replaced.

[0003] A further development of fuses are so-called eFuses or electronic fuses. These are integrated circuits that can usually replace larger conventional fuses or other protective devices, such as resettable polymer fuses. Electronic fuses are usually housed in small plastic packages (e.g., DFN and flip-chip) and consist of a control circuit and a power switch (with low on-resistance) controlled by the control circuit. The power switch connects the input terminal of the electronic fuse to the connected load in an interruptible manner. If an overload is detected, the control circuit controls the power switch so that it interrupts the power supply to the load. However, the power supply can usually be restored by closing the power switch, so replacing the electronic fuse is not necessary.

[0004] A further development of thermal fuses are so-called eThermofuses or electronic thermal fuses. These are integrated circuits that can usually replace larger conventional thermal fuses. Electronic thermal fuses are usually housed in small plastic packages (e.g., DFN and flip-chip) and feature a control circuit and a power switch (with low on-resistance) controlled by the control circuit. The power switch connects the input terminal of the electronic thermal fuse to the connected load in an interruptible manner. If an overtemperature event is detected, the control circuit controls the power switch so that it interrupts the power supply and / or the current supply to the load.However, the power supply can usually be restored by closing the circuit breaker, so that replacing the electronic thermal fuse is not necessary.

[0005] The fuses described above can be used in electrical connectors.

[0006] An electrical connector is an electromechanical device used to make an electrical connection (for signal transmission and / or power supply) between parts or components of a circuit or between different circuits, thus joining them together to form a larger circuit. Components of a circuit are electrically connected when an electric current can flow between them through an electrical conductor. Most electrical connectors are gender-specific, meaning the male component mates with the female component. The connection may be detachable (e.g., in portable electronic devices), require a tool for assembly and / or disassembly, or serve as a permanent electrical connection between two points. An adapter can be used to connect different plugs.

[0007] Electrical connectors are used to connect and / or disconnect electrical cables. The connecting parts can be aligned using a positive locking mechanism, releasably secured by spring force (contact base), and optionally secured against accidental disconnection by screwing. Connectors are a subset of connection technology. Numerous standardized connectors exist worldwide. Standards are differentiated between the geometric shape of plugs, sockets, couplings, and receptacles, and standards for the electrical signal transmitted via cables and connectors.

[0008] A growing number of electrically and electronically controlled functions in motor vehicles is leading to a correspondingly increasing number of required connectors. These are required in the vehicle electrical system to electrically connect components, modules, or systems. For connectors in motor vehicles, and optionally in automobiles, there is not only a demand-driven growth trend, but increased demands are also being placed on the connectors themselves in terms of quality and reliability – and this under a wide range of operating conditions, particularly with regard to temperature and vibration.

[0009] Automotive applications for traffic and safety-relevant functions, automated driving systems and e-mobility require powerful, versatile and secure connection technology for signal transmission and power supply.

[0010] Electrical connectors have a variety of uses across different industries and applications. Here are some common uses: Electronics industry: Connectors are used in electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, televisions, and household appliances to connect different components. Automotive industry: Connectors are used in vehicles for various applications such as control systems, sensors, lighting, on-board computers, and more. Aerospace industry: In aircraft and spacecraft, connectors are used to connect electrical systems, sensors, communication systems, and other electronic components. Medical: Electrical connectors are used in medical devices and instruments such as MRI machines, ultrasound machines, patient monitoring devices, and electrical surgical instruments. Industrial applications: In industrial applications, connectors are used to connect machines, sensors, actuators, control systems and other electrical components. Telecommunications: In telecommunications systems such as networks, telephone systems, cell towers and fiber optic infrastructure, connectors are used to transmit data and signals. Renewable energies: In solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy systems, connectors are used to connect solar modules, wind turbines, inverters and battery storage systems. Consumer Electronics: Connectors are used in various consumer electronics products such as audio and video equipment, game consoles, cameras, and musical instruments to connect components or connect accessories. Military and Defense Industry: In military applications, rugged connectors are used to connect electronic equipment such as communications systems, weapon controls, radar and navigation equipment, and vehicle electronics. Marine and maritime technology: Electrical connectors are used in ships and maritime applications to connect electrical systems, sensors, navigation equipment, communication devices, and control systems. Power engineering: In power generation, transmission and distribution, connectors are used to connect generators, control cabinets, transformers, switchgear and other electrical components. Railway technology: In railway technology, connectors are used to connect signaling systems, rail vehicles, electrical drive systems, lighting and other electronic components. Building automation: In building automation applications, connectors are used to connect building systems such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, security systems, and surveillance cameras. Robotics and Automation: In robotic systems and automated manufacturing facilities, connectors are used to connect motors, sensors, control systems, end effectors, and other electrical components. Research and Development: In laboratories and research facilities, connectors are used to connect measuring devices, test equipment, analytical devices and other scientific instruments. Telecommunications infrastructure: In addition to their use in end devices, electrical connectors are also used in telecommunications infrastructure to connect cables that transmit data and signals between different network components, such as server rooms, data centers, and telecommunications distribution points. Security technology: In security systems such as alarm systems, access control systems, video surveillance systems and fire protection systems, connectors are used to connect sensors, cameras, control systems and alarm devices. Event technology and stage lighting: In the event and entertainment industry, connectors are used to connect lighting systems, audio equipment, video equipment, special effects, and control systems, both for live events and for permanently installed stages. Air quality monitoring: In air quality monitoring systems, whether in industrial plants, laboratories, or environmental monitoring facilities, connectors are used to connect sensors and measuring devices to detect air pollutants and other parameters. Wearable Electronics: Wearable electronic devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, wearable medical devices, and augmented reality glasses use small, lightweight connectors to connect different components and ensure user comfort.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a device and / or a method which are suitable for enriching the prior art described above.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subordinate claims and the dependent claims each contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0013] According to this, the problem is solved by a contact state sensor for a connector. The connector comprises an electrical contact interface for establishing electrical contact with another electrical contact interface of another connector, and an electrical conductor terminating in the electrical contact interface. The contact state sensor comprises a sensor element that can be arranged and configured to detect a measured value of a predetermined physical parameter of the conductor and / or the contact interface. The contact state sensor comprises a data processing device configured to determine an actual state of the electrical contact based on the detected measured value.

[0014] The contact state sensor can be configured to output, store, keep available and / or use the measured value detected by the sensor element.

[0015] The physical parameter may include a temperature of the conductor. The sensor element may include a temperature sensor element that is thermally coupled to the conductor to detect the temperature of the conductor, and the data processing device may be configured to determine the actual state based on the detected temperature of the conductor.

[0016] The physical parameter may include a temperature of the contact interface. The sensor element may include a temperature sensor element that is thermally coupled to the contact interface to detect the temperature of the contact interface, and the data processing device may be configured to determine the actual state based on the detected temperature of the contact interface.

[0017] The data processing device can be designed to determine an actual state of the conductor and / or the contact interface based on the detected measured value

[0018] The actual condition of the contact may include a probability of failure and / or damage of the electrical connector, optionally the contact, the contact interface and / or the conductor.

[0019] The data processing device can comprise a computer system (RSYS) with a computer core (µC), wherein the computer core (µC) is configured to carry out a computer- and / or machine-implemented method for mapping a measured value vector to the measured value, wherein a measured value vector in this sense comprises at least one first measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) that are thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG), and at least one second measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) that are thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG), and / or at least one first measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) that are thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT), and at least one second measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1),which are thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT), and / or each comprises exactly one first measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) which are thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG), and each comprises exactly one second measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) which are thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG), particularly preferably, and each comprises exactly one first measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) which are thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT), and each comprises exactly one second measured value of the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) which are thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT).

[0020] The computer system (RSYS) can comprise one or more memories (MEM) with a program code stored there at least temporarily, wherein the computer core (µC) is configured to read and execute this program code when it executes the said computer and / or machine-implemented method for mapping one or more measured value vectors to one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more forecast values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (□KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG).

[0021] The computer- and / or machine-implemented method for mapping one or more measured value vectors to one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more forecast values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG) comprises a computer- and / or machine-implemented method of artificial intelligence,wherein one or more output values ​​of the computer- and / or machine-implemented method for mapping one or more measured value vectors are one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more forecast values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (□KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG).

[0022] The computer- and / or machine-implemented method can comprise a computer- and / or machine-implemented neural network model for mapping one or more measured value vectors to one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more forecast values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG),whose input values ​​of the one or more measured value vectors and whose one or more output values ​​are one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more forecast values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (□KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG).,

[0023] The one or more output values ​​may include one or more measured values ​​of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more predicted values ​​for the measured value of the contact state of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the contact temperature (KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or one or more temperature measured values ​​for the conductor temperature (LTG) of the conductor (LTG).

[0024] The one or more output values ​​may include one or more measured values ​​of a probability of failure or damage (PKT) of the contact interface (KT).

[0025] The electronic fuse can comprise a control device (CTR) with a computer system (RSYS) with a computer core (µC), wherein the computer core (µC) is configured to determine the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) that are thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG) and / or to determine the output signal value of the one or more first sensor elements (SE1) that are thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT) and / or to determine the contact state of ...TK) between a respective value of a conductor temperature (LTG) of the electrical line (LTG) and a respective value of a contact temperature (KT) of the contact interface (KT) and / or of one or more temperature differences (LTG, LTG) between a respective value of a first conductor temperature (LTG) of the electrical line (LTG) at a first time and a respective value of a second conductor temperature (LTG) of the electrical line (LTG) at a second time and / or of one or more temperature differences (KT,KT) between a respective value of a first contact temperature (□KT) of the contact interface (KT) at a first time and a respective value of a second contact temperature (KT) of the contact interface (KT) at a second time and / or one or more values ​​derived therefrom, in particular by time derivation and / or time integration and / or multiplication with constants and / or other filtering, a switch (T2) which is inserted into the line (LTG) closes and / or opens.

[0026] Furthermore, a contact state fuse is provided which comprises the contact state sensor described above and a switch which can be inserted into the line, wherein the contact state fuse is designed to open and / or close the switch depending on the actual state of the contact.

[0027] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector comprises the contact state sensor or the contact state fuse described above.

[0028] The electrical connector may comprise a socket and / or a plug with the contact interface.

[0029] The electrical connector may comprise an integrated circuit configured to output a predetermined signal to a communication network connectable to the connector depending on the actual state of the contact.

[0030] The integrated circuit may be configured to output the predetermined signal via the contact.

[0031] The electrical connector may have a data output interface via which the integrated circuit is configured to output the predetermined signal wirelessly and / or wired to the communication network.

[0032] The connector can have a first energy supply module designed to convert thermal energy into electrical energy to supply the integrated circuit with electrical energy, a second energy supply module designed to use electromagnetic induction to supply the integrated circuit with electrical energy, and / or an energy storage device for supplying the integrated circuit with electrical energy.

[0033] The predetermined signal may comprise information relating to an identifier of the connector and / or information relating to the actual state of the contact, optionally relating to a deviation of the actual state of the contact from a predetermined target state.

[0034] The connector may comprise a memory module in which the information concerning the identifier is stored.

[0035] It is conceivable that the electrical connector comprises an electronic fuse and / or a thermal fuse configured to trigger in the event of a deviation between the actual state of the connector and a predetermined target state of the connector (overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature). The electrical connector comprises an integrated circuit (IC) configured to output a predetermined signal to a communications network connectable to the connector when the electronic fuse triggers.

[0036] Reference is made to the above statements, explanations and definitions, which also apply mutatis mutandis to the solution according to the disclosure.

[0037] An electrical connector can be understood to mean an electromechanical component. The electrical connector can have a housing, e.g. comprising or consisting of plastic and / or metal. The housing can at least partially accommodate and / or enclose one, several or all of the components described herein. The connector can be designed to connect conductors to one another and optionally to create a circuit. The connector can have a "gender", i.e. it can be a "male" and / or "female" component. The "male" component can be understood to mean a component, sometimes also referred to as a plug, with outward-facing contacts. The female component, sometimes also referred to as a socket, can be understood to mean a component with inward-facing contact openings.The term “plug” can, however, also be understood broadly in the present case, in that it refers to a component which, during assembly, is to be inserted into a socket permanently attached to another component; regardless of whether the plug has inward and / or outward-facing contacts. The geometry of the plug and socket can be decisive for the accuracy of fit. This geometry can be specified by national and international standards, such as DIN, IEC or MIL. The plug connector can be removable, require a tool for installation and / or removal and / or serve as a permanent electrical connection. The plug connector can have an adapter or be designed as such, which is designed to couple other (optionally dissimilar) electrical plug connectors together. Various types of plug connectors are conceivable, including:Audio and / or video connectors, industrial connectors, high-frequency connectors, IC sockets or IC holders, laboratory connectors, card sockets, board connectors, power connectors, high and / or low voltage connectors, telecommunications and / or data technology connectors, crimp connectors, connecting terminals, single-wire connectors and / or terminal blocks.

[0038] There are a variety of connector types that can be differentiated according to their specific applications, electrical properties, and mechanical design. Here are some of the most common types of connectors: Circular connectors: These connectors have cylindrical shapes and are often used in applications requiring a robust connection, such as aerospace, military, and industrial applications. A well-known example is the MIL-DTL-38999 connector. Rectangular connectors: These have rectangular housings and are versatile. They are used in various industries, including automotive, telecommunications, and industrial applications. One example is the D-Sub connector. Coaxial connectors: These are used to connect coaxial cables for the transmission of high-frequency signals, such as those used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and data transmission applications. BNC connectors are a commonly used example. PCB connectors: These are mounted on printed circuit boards and are used to connect printed circuit boards to each other or to connect printed circuit boards to other components. Variants include pin headers, socket headers, IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector), and many others. Fieldbus connectors: These are specifically used for industrial automation applications and enable reliable data transmission in harsh environments. Examples include Profibus, CANbus, and Ethernet connectors. Fiber connectors: These are used to connect fiber optic cables and enable the transmission of large amounts of data over long distances. Typical examples are LC, SC, ST, and MTP / MPO connectors. Audio and video connectors: These are used in audio and video devices to transmit audio and video signals. Examples include RCA, XLR, HDMI, and VGA connectors. Power connectors: These are used to supply power to electrical devices and appliances. Typical examples are Schuko, US NEMA, and IEC power plugs. Crimp connectors: These connectors allow for easy connection of wires or cables without soldering. They are commonly used in electrical installations, household appliances, and lighting systems. Screw connectors: These connectors use screws to firmly connect wires or cables. They provide a secure mechanical connection and are often used in industrial applications and electrical circuits. Push-pull connectors: These connectors allow for easy insertion and removal by pushing and pulling the connector. They are commonly found in medical devices, industrial applications, and audio and video technology. Magnetic connectors: These use magnets to create a quick and easy connection without the need for physical contact. They offer a robust and reliable solution for applications that require frequent connections, such as wearable devices and charging cables. Automotive connectors: These are specifically designed for use in vehicles and must withstand high vibration, temperature, and humidity requirements. They are used in various vehicle systems such as engines, lighting, on-board networks, sensors, and control units. Medical connectors: These are used in medical devices and instruments and must often withstand sterilization procedures. They are used in applications such as patient monitoring, diagnostic devices, imaging, and surgical instruments. Fiber optic connectors: These are specifically used to connect fiber optic cables and ensure precise alignment of the fiber optics for efficient light transmission. They are found in telecommunications networks, data centers, medical imaging systems, and other high-speed networks. Airtight and waterproof connectors: These are designed for use in extreme environments and offer protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental influences. They are used in applications such as aviation, the maritime industry, oil and gas exploration, and outdoor electronics. Modular connectors: These enable various components and modules to be connected and configured flexibly. They are often used in the electronics industry, telecommunications, and industrial applications. Thermocouple connectors: These are used to connect thermocouples to measuring instruments or control systems. They are crucial for temperature measurement in industrial applications such as oil refineries, power plants, and chemical plants. Modular connectors for data transmission: These are commonly used in network applications to connect different types of data cables. They enable flexible configuration of network systems and are used in LANs, WANs, and data centers. Aviation connectors: These are specifically designed for use in aviation and must meet strict requirements regarding weight, size, vibration, and temperature. They are used in airplanes, helicopters, satellites, and drones. Power connectors: These are designed for the transmission of high electrical power and are used in applications such as electric vehicles, industrial machinery, high-voltage systems and control cabinets. Card edge connectors: These are mounted on printed circuit boards and enable the connection of add-on cards to the motherboard in computers and other electronic devices. They are often used in expansion slots for graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. Signal connectors for test and measurement applications: These are used in test and measurement systems to establish a reliable connection between test equipment and devices under test. They offer high signal integrity and are used in laboratories, production environments, and research facilities. Connectors for industrial networks: These connectors are used in industrial networks such as Ethernet / IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT to connect industrial automation systems. They offer high reliability and robustness in harsh environments. Busbar connectors: These are used to connect busbars and distribute electrical circuits in high-voltage and low-voltage applications. They are used in power distribution systems in buildings, industrial facilities, and electric rail vehicles.

[0039] Connectors consist of various components designed to create a secure and reliable connection between electrical conductors. The most common components of connectors include: Plug: The plug is the part of the connector that inserts into the socket (or mating connector). It contains the electrical contacts that mate with the contacts in the socket to establish the electrical connection. Socket: The socket is the part of the connector into which the plug is inserted. It also contains electrical contacts that mate with the contacts in the plug to establish the electrical connection. Contacts: The contacts are the metal parts in the plug and socket that come into contact with each other to allow current to flow. They are usually made of a conductive material such as copper or brass. Insulators: Insulators are the non-conductive parts of the connector that separate and insulate the electrical contacts to prevent short circuits. They are often made of plastic or ceramic. Housing: The housing surrounds the plug and socket contacts, protecting them from external influences such as dust, moisture, and mechanical stress. It also guides the plug and socket and ensures correct alignment during mating. Locking mechanisms: Some connectors have locking mechanisms that securely hold the plug and receptacle together once mated. This can be achieved through screws, snaps, bayonet locks, or other mechanisms. Seals and gaskets: These are used to protect the connector from moisture, dust, and other contaminants. They are especially important in applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. Markings and coding: To avoid confusion and ensure the correct connection, connectors can be provided with markings or coding that enable clear identification.

[0040] Preferably, the micro-integrated circuit is located in the material of the insulator of the plug.

[0041] The connector can be an audio and / or video connector. Audio and / or video connectors enable the transmission of sound and / or video signals, for example, from amplifiers and / or receivers to speakers, headphones, and / or televisions. These can be highly interference-prone, asymmetrical signals, requiring shielding of the audio and / or video signals against electromagnetic waves. A coaxial cable, at least, can be used for this purpose. Coaxial cables can have one or more insulated conductors surrounded by a metal braid with a ground connection. Typical plugs and sockets in the (analog) audio and / or video sector are two-pin RCA connectors, multi-pin video connectors such as Hosiden, and jack plugs and sockets in various sizes and with two or more contacts.Jack plugs are quite common in audio technology connections, for example, on mixing consoles and power amplifiers. Jack plugs can be straight or angled, for example. Lockable XLR connectors are predominantly used for microphone signals. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connections can be used specifically for connecting computers, Blu-ray and DVD players, as well as game consoles and set-top boxes to monitors or televisions. HDMI comprises an interface through which (high-resolution) multimedia content can be transmitted. HDMI contains both the digital HD video signal and the audio.

[0042] The connector can be an industrial connector. An industrial connector can be understood as a connector for industrial applications. Such a connector can be characterized by mechanical robustness and high-quality workmanship. Industrial connectors can be used, among other things, in the transmission of control signals, for example, in automated processing systems and / or in vehicle construction, e.g., in automobile and / or truck manufacturing. Industrial connectors are also used for connecting components in photovoltaic systems, as well as in robotics for coupling sensors and / or actuators.

[0043] The connector can be a high-frequency connector. A high-frequency connector can be understood as a connector suitable for high-frequency applications. In electrical engineering, the high-frequency range can begin above the hearing threshold, i.e. at (approximately) 20 kilohertz. In radio technology and electronics in general, the high-frequency range only applies from 30 kilohertz. The general rule is: the higher the frequency, the more sensitive cables and connectors are to electromagnetic radiation. Cables, plugs, and sockets can therefore be shielded. Coaxial conductors can be used for this purpose, e.g., with an impedance / AC resistance of 50 ohms to 75 ohms. The inner, insulated cable can be shielded from the outer one by a close-meshed metal mesh. The high-frequency connector itself can be provided with a metallic housing for shielding.

[0044] The connector can be an IC socket or IC holder. ICs can be soldered directly onto the board or not directly soldered (SMD) but plugged into an IC socket. This has the advantage of easier replacement. The required IC sockets or holders, however, are permanently connected to the board. There are, among other things, two-row IC sockets and those with pins on all four sides (PLCC).

[0045] The connector can be a laboratory connector. In laboratories, it's important to be able to make and break electrical connections quickly and safely. A laboratory connector can therefore be a banana plug, a crocodile clip, a terminal block, a safety laboratory jack, and / or a short-circuit plug.

[0046] The connector can be a card socket. These are frequently used in smartphones, cameras, and / or other portable electronic devices. Card sockets can be designed as flat components. Card sockets can be soldered directly onto the device's circuit board. Card sockets can have a slot. The card socket can precisely accommodate predefined (memory) cards, such as SIM cards, SD cards, and / or microSD cards.

[0047] The connector can be a board-to-board connector. Printed circuit boards can have so-called board-to-board connections, for example, to connect a shield or piggyback board to a motherboard. Board-to-board connectors are used for this purpose. The board-to-board connector can be, for example, a male header, a female header, a male header, and / or a female header.

[0048] The connector can be a power connector or a power plug. Power connectors enable the connection of cables and / or devices to the power grid. Power connectors can be three-pin with a protective contact or two-pin. Power connectors also include couplings and / or switchable plugs.

[0049] The connector may be a low-voltage connector. Low voltage or extra-low voltage is an electrical supply voltage in a range with a low risk of dangerous electric shock. It is conceivable that the electrical potential in the low voltage between the conductor and ground does not exceed 50 V alternating current (AC) or 120 V direct current (DC). Low-voltage connectors can be used, for example, in power supplies for consumer electronics devices and / or notebooks.

[0050] The connector can be a telecommunications and / or data technology connector. A wide range of connection systems exists in this area, such as the D-SUB connector (as a serial and / or parallel connection option for PC peripherals) and / or a USB connector. In the networking segment, RJ plugs and sockets can be used. The RJ45 connector, for example, is found billions of times in Ethernet networks and connects routers and gateways to Ethernet network cards in computers.

[0051] The connector can be a crimp connector, a connecting terminal, a single-wire connector, and / or a terminal block. Connecting cable wires and strands is part of electrical engineering. In addition to so-called luster terminals, crimp connectors, wire end ferrules, and / or connectors can be used to connect cable wires and strands. A stripped cable is inserted without tools and then (securely) held or fixed in place. Cable lugs, round and / or flat connectors, and / or terminal blocks are also conceivable.

[0052] An electronic fuse can be understood as a so-called eFuse. It is conceivable that the electronic fuse has a FET. Current can flow to the load through the FET, while a current sensor measures this current by monitoring the voltage across a measuring resistor. It is conceivable that if the measured voltage exceeds a threshold value, the FET is switched off and the current flow (with the exception of FET leakage currents) is stopped. It is conceivable that the electronic fuse is designed to provide short-circuit protection, interrupting the current flow in milliseconds or even microseconds in the event of a short circuit. It is conceivable that an overcurrent protection value of the electronic fuse can be set via external resistors. It is conceivable that the electronic fuse is designed to automatically / automatically restore the current flow once the overload has subsided.It is conceivable that the electronic fuse is designed to prevent excessive voltage at the load, e.g., by clamping the outputs during rapid voltage increases. It is conceivable that the electronic fuse is designed to suppress an inrush current via a capacitor that sets the turn-on rise rate to a predetermined value. The electronic fuse can provide at least one of the following functions: short-circuit protection, overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, reverse current protection, inrush current protection, and / or thermal protection. The electronic fuse can be designed to comply with (national and / or international) safety standards, such as IEC 62368-1. The electronic fuse can comprise or be connected to a power management IC (PMIC) and / or a microcontroller (MCU).The PMIC can be understood as an integrated circuit that can be used to manage the energy requirements of a system, in this case the fuse.

[0053] The triggering of the electronic fuse may involve or consist of the electronic fuse preventing a current flow through the electronic fuse and / or the connector.

[0054] An electronic thermal fuse can be understood as a so-called eThermofuse. It is conceivable that the electronic thermal fuse contains a FET. Current can flow to the load through the FET, while a temperature sensor measures the temperature of key parts of the connector, for example, by monitoring the temperature using a thermally sensitive electrical component. It is conceivable that if the measured temperature exceeds a temperature threshold, the FET is switched off and the current flow (with the exception of FET leakage currents) is stopped.It is conceivable that the electronic thermal fuse is designed to provide short-circuit protection in the event of contamination of the plug connection by an electrically conductive film of dirt and / or overheating protection in the event of corroded or contaminated plug connection contact surfaces, in which the current flow is interrupted in milliseconds or even microseconds in the event of a short circuit or excess temperature. It is conceivable that an excess temperature protection value of the electronic thermal fuse is adjustable via external resistors, external power sources and / or by means of programming or the like. It is conceivable that the electronic thermal fuse is designed to automatically / automatically restore the current flow once the excess temperature has subsided. It is conceivable that the electronic thermal fuse is designed to prevent excessive temperature of the plug connection, e.g.by clamping the outputs in the event of rapid temperature increases. The electronic thermal fuse can provide at least one of the following functions: short-circuit protection, over-temperature protection, under-temperature protection, overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, reverse current protection, inrush current protection, and / or thermal protection. The electronic thermal fuse can be designed to meet (national and / or international) safety standards. The electronic thermal fuse can comprise or be connected to a power management IC (PMIC) and / or a microcontroller (MCU). The PMIC can be understood as an integrated circuit that can be used to manage the energy requirements of a system, in this case the fuse.

[0055] The triggering of the electronic thermal fuse may involve or consist of the electronic fuse preventing a current flow through the electronic fuse and / or the connector.

[0056] An IC (short for integrated circuit) is an electronic circuit mounted on a (optionally thin, e.g., a few millimeters in size) semiconductor plate (so-called chip). The circuit can be implemented as a solid-state circuit or a monolithic circuit (solid-state circuit or monolithic integrated circuit). This chip (die) can be encapsulated in a (optionally several times larger) chip housing, e.g., for its protection and / or to facilitate contact.

[0057] The chip package may be, at least in part, the housing of the connector. The IC may be a combination of numerous electrically connected electronic semiconductor components such as transistors, diodes, and / or other active and / or passive components.

[0058] A signal is defined as the assignment of information to a measurable physical quantity, such as an electrical voltage, sound pressure, or field strength. Signals that do not have a continuous time course are called discrete-time. If time passes continuously in physical systems, only the state variables (signal values ​​at specific points in time) observed by a measuring system are discrete-time. If the measurable quantity can only assume a finite number of values, in the extreme case only two such as {on, off}, {light, dark}, or {0, 1}, it is referred to as a discrete-value or n-nary signal (binary in the case of two values). A signal that is both discrete-time and discrete-value is called a digital signal. In contrast, an analog signal is a signal whose information-bearing quantity can assume continuously changing values. The signal can be analog and / or digital.The signal can be transmitted wirelessly and / or wired. The signal can carry information. This information can originate from the measurement of a physical process, such as a temperature, current, and / or voltage. The information can reflect the state of the fuse, for example, "blown." The information can be impressed on the signal using a technical modulation process. In general, the signal can change its magnitude as a function of time and another information-carrying quantity. Analog information transmission can be achieved by modulating a (optionally high-frequency) carrier wave, so that the signal is generated by changing the amplitude or frequency of the carrier wave (so-called amplitude modulation or frequency modulation).

[0059] The communication network can be understood as a data connection between the connector's IC and at least one other data processing device located remotely or externally from the connector. The communication network thus connects the connector's IC to the outside world. The data connection can be understood as a connection or communication channel over which the information (see above) can be transmitted using the signal. A predetermined communication standard can be used for this purpose.

[0060] The connector described above has a number of advantages, some of which are explained below as examples.

[0061] As described above, the connector's IC is designed to output a predetermined signal to a communications network when the electronic fuse blows. This makes it possible to detect externally whether the connector's fuse has blown. This, in turn, enables the implementation of a variety of monitoring, analysis, and / or control functions.

[0062] For example, it can be monitored to determine whether the electrical fuse and / or thermal fuse of the connector has blown. It can be analyzed, for example, under which conditions the electrical fuse and / or thermal fuse of the connector has blown. Furthermore, the transmission of data and / or power in a network can be controlled based on whether the connector's fuse has blown (in this case, the term "control" can also be understood as "regulation").

[0063] The electrical connector may have a first contacting interface for connecting the connector to a power source and a second contacting interface for connecting the connector to a power sink.

[0064] The respective contact interface can also be referred to as an interface.

[0065] It is conceivable that the electrical connector is electrically connected to the power source via the first contacting interface.

[0066] It is conceivable that the electrical connector is electrically connected to the current sink via the second contacting interface.

[0067] The first and / or the second contacting interface can be formed at least partially as an outer part of the housing of the connector.

[0068] The first and / or the second contacting interface can protrude at least partially beyond the housing of the connector.

[0069] The first and / or the second contacting interface can be formed at least partially within the housing of the connector.

[0070] It is conceivable that a cable, optionally electrically conductive, can be connected to or is connected to at least one of the two contact interfaces. The cable may be electrically conductive, for example, because it contains metal. It is conceivable that data can be transmitted in the form of a signal and / or a supply voltage can be provided via the cable.

[0071] There are a variety of cable types designed for different purposes and applications. Here are some of the most common types: Coaxial cables: Coaxial cables consist of a central conductive wire surrounded by an insulating dielectric, which in turn is surrounded by an outer conductive shield. They are commonly used for transmitting high-frequency signals, such as in cable TV, satellite TV, and Ethernet networks. Twisted-pair cables: Twisted-pair cables consist of several insulated copper wires twisted together in pairs. They are often used for data transmission in network cables (e.g., Ethernet cables) and telephone lines. Fiber optic cables: Fiber optic cables consist of thin glass or plastic fibers that can transmit light signals over long distances. They are widely used in telecommunications networks, internet backbones, and high-speed networks. Multicore cables: Multicore cables contain several individual cables bundled together in an outer jacket. They are often used for complex connections in audio, video, and stage equipment, as well as in electronics and industrial automation. Coaxial speaker cables: These specialized cables are used to transmit audio signals between amplifiers and speakers. They are often constructed with a central conductive wire surrounded by an insulating dielectric and an outer conductive shield. Power cables: Power cables are used to transmit electrical energy from a power source to consumers. They are available in a variety of designs, including cables for household appliances, industrial applications, construction sites, and high-voltage lines. Cables for audio and video devices: These cables are used to transmit audio and video signals between devices such as televisions, speakers, DVD players, amplifiers, and other audio devices. Examples include HDMI cables, RCA cables, VGA cables, and optical audio cables. Instrument cables: These cables are used to connect musical instruments such as guitars, keyboards, and microphones to amplifiers, mixers, and other audio devices. They often feature a thick, insulated jacket and high-quality connectors.

[0072] A power cable can have various components, which can vary depending on the specific requirements and application. Here are some common components of power cables: Conductor: The conductor is the part of the cable that carries the electrical current. It is typically made of copper or aluminum and can consist of individual wires (stranded conductors) or solid conductors, depending on the flexibility and current requirements of the cable. Insulation: Insulation surrounds the conductor and serves to isolate the electrical current from the surrounding material, preventing short circuits and current leakage. Insulation materials can be plastics such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), or rubber materials. Jacket: The jacket is the outer layer of the cable, surrounding the conductor and insulation, providing protection against mechanical damage, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental influences. Jacket materials can be PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane, or rubber. Reinforcing elements: In some cases, cables may contain reinforcing elements that provide additional strength and strain relief. These include steel cables, fabric layers, or aramid fiber reinforcements, which can be used in high-voltage lines and other applications. Protective coatings: For special applications, cables can contain additional protective layers to protect them from extreme conditions such as fire, chemicals, or mechanical stress. These can include flame retardants, chemical resistance coatings, or armor plating. Shielding: In some cables, especially in high-frequency applications or near interference sources, a shield may be used to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise. This can be a metallic wire braid shield or a foil shield. Plugs and sockets: Plugs and sockets may be attached to the ends of the cable to connect to other devices or power sources. These connectors can have a variety of designs and configurations to meet the specific requirements of the application.

[0073] A data transmission cable can have various components, which can vary depending on the specific requirements and the type of data transmission. Here are some common components of data transmission cables: Conductor: The conductor is the part of the cable that carries the electrical signals. Depending on the type of data transmission, this can be copper wires, fiber optics, or other materials. Insulation: The insulation surrounds the conductor and serves to protect the electrical signals from interference and signal loss. Insulation materials can be plastics such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), FEP (fluoroethylene propylene), or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Jacket: The jacket is the outer layer of the cable that surrounds the conductor and insulation, protecting them from mechanical damage, moisture, and other environmental influences. Jacket materials can be PVC, polyurethane, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), or rubber. Reinforcement elements: In some cases, data cables may contain reinforcement elements that provide additional strength and strain relief. These include steel cables, fabric layers, or aramid fiber reinforcements, which can be used in high-performance network cables or fiber optic cables. Shielding: For high-frequency data transmission or in environments with electromagnetic interference, cables may contain a shield to protect the transmitted signals from interference. This can be a metallic wire mesh or a foil shield. Fiber core (in fiber optic cables): In fiber optic cables, the conductor consists of thin glass or plastic fibers that transmit light signals. These fiber cores are surrounded by a protective material that protects them from mechanical damage. Plugs and sockets: Plugs and sockets may be attached to the ends of the cable to connect to other devices or network components. These connectors can have a variety of designs and configurations, depending on the type of data transmission and the application requirements.

[0074] It is conceivable that at least one of the two contacting interfaces is designed such that it can be inserted into a socket or another interface with predetermined dimensions such that after insertion, a predetermined part of the socket or another interface and a predetermined part of this contacting interface are connected to one another, optionally electrically conductively and / or mechanically, optionally positively and / or non-positively.

[0075] It is conceivable that at least one of the two contacting interfaces is designed such that a further interface with predetermined dimensions can be inserted into it such that after insertion, a predetermined part of the further interface and a predetermined part of this contacting interface are connected to one another, optionally electrically conductively and / or mechanically, optionally positively and / or non-positively.

[0076] It is conceivable that the first and the second contacting interface are electrically connected to each other, optionally for transmitting data in the form of a signal and / or for providing a supply voltage.

[0077] It is conceivable that the first and the second contacting interface are designed to be electrically conductively connectable to a further interface, optionally for transmitting data in the form of a signal and / or for receiving a supply voltage.

[0078] The integrated circuit can be electrically connected to the first and / or second contacting interface in order to supply it with electrical energy.

[0079] In other words, it is conceivable that the integrated circuit draws or takes the electrical energy it requires for operation from the electrical energy transmitted via the connector. It is conceivable that the electrical energy is taken from a (data) signal transmitted via the connector. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that this electrical energy is taken from a supply voltage transmitted via the connector.

[0080] This has the advantage that an additional power supply is not necessarily required for the connector's integrated circuit. The disclosed solution can thus be implemented in all existing connectors without having to modify their standardized design.

[0081] The integrated circuit may be configured to output the predetermined signal to the communication network via the first and / or second contacting interface when the electronic fuse is triggered.

[0082] In other words, it is conceivable that the first and / or the second interface are used to output the predetermined signal as soon as the electronic fuse is triggered.

[0083] This, in turn, has the advantage that existing and standardized connector interfaces can be used for signal transmission. The disclosed solution can thus be implemented in all existing connectors without having to change their standardized design.

[0084] The electrical connector may have a data output interface via which the integrated circuit is configured to output the predetermined signal wirelessly and / or wired to the communication network.

[0085] As described above, the interface for data output can be one or both of the contacting interfaces, but also another interface.

[0086] The provision of the additional interface offers the advantage that even in the event of a malfunction of one of the two contact interfaces, which could disrupt the transmission of the predetermined signal in the event of the electronic fuse being triggered, the predetermined signal can be output via the additional interface.

[0087] Providing the data output interface also has the advantage that existing and standardized connector interfaces can be used for signal and / or power transmission during regular connector operation. The disclosed solution can thus be implemented in all existing connectors without having to modify their standardized design.

[0088] The connector may comprise a first power supply module configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy to supply the integrated circuit with electrical energy.

[0089] The provision of such a first power supply module offers, among other advantages, that the energy responsible for triggering the electronic fuse can itself be used to power the integrated circuit. This allows the integrated circuit to operate independently of any current or data flow through the connector. For this reason, among other things, the disclosed solution can be implemented in all existing connectors without affecting communication and / or power transmission via the connector. The disclosed solution can be combined not only with all existing standardized connectors, but also with all standardized communication and power transmission standards.Furthermore, the integrated circuit can also be operated if no energy is otherwise available at the connector, for example due to an interrupted current flow through the connector.

[0090] The connector may include a second power supply module configured to utilize electromagnetic induction to supply the integrated circuit with electrical energy. It is conceivable that the second power supply module includes a coil.

[0091] The electrical energy can be taken from a current and / or data flow through the connector, but can also, additionally or alternatively, come from a power source external to the connector. One advantage of such a second power supply module is that it allows for wireless power supply to the integrated circuit. For this reason, among other things, the disclosed solution can be implemented in all existing connectors.

[0092] The connector may have an energy storage device for supplying the integrated circuit with electrical energy.

[0093] The energy storage device can be used to store energy that is currently available but not required for later use. The energy storage device can be designed to convert the energy form of the energy in order to store and / or release energy. It is conceivable that the energy storage device is designed to convert electrical energy into chemical energy when charging or storing energy and / or to convert chemical energy into electrical energy when releasing or discharging. It is conceivable that the energy storage device is additionally or alternatively designed to convert electrical energy into thermal energy when charging or storing energy and / or to convert thermal energy into electrical energy when releasing or discharging. It is conceivable that the energy storage device is additionally or alternatively designed to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy when charging or storing energy and / or to convert chemical energy into electrical energy when releasing or discharging.to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy during discharging. The energy storage device can be designed to store energy in the form of electrical, thermal and / or mechanical, optionally potential, energy. The energy storage device can have a capacitor and / or an inductor and / or an electrochemical cell and / or a battery and / or an accumulator and / or a nuclear battery (betavoltaic cell) for storing energy. In the case of a battery, it can be a

[0094] There are different types of electrical energy storage devices that can be differentiated according to their operating principles, capacity, application, and other factors. Examples include Batteries: Batteries are one of the most widely used forms of energy storage. They consist of one or more galvanic cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries come in various chemistries, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and others.

[0095] Capacitors are energy storage devices based on electrostatic principles. They can store a certain amount of electrical charge and release it quickly, making them particularly suitable for high-power density applications. Compared to batteries, capacitors have very high cycle stability and fast charge and discharge times, but a lower energy density. For example, it is conceivable that the integrated circuit of a connector rectifies data levels on a data line of the connector, thereby charging a capacitor in the connector, which in turn supplies the integrated circuit with electrical energy. Supercapacitors: Supercapacitors are energy storage devices based on electrostatic principles. They can store large amounts of electrical charge and release it quickly, making them particularly suitable for high-power density applications. Compared to batteries, supercapacitors have very high cycle stability and fast charge and discharge times, but a lower energy density. Liquid batteries: Liquid batteries use liquid electrolytes to store electrical energy. They can store large amounts of energy but are more suitable for stationary energy storage applications, such as grid stabilization and renewable energy storage. Redox flow batteries: Redox flow batteries are a type of liquid battery in which the electrochemical reactions take place in external tanks. They are particularly well suited for long-term energy storage and can store large amounts of energy. Thermal storage: Thermal storage systems store energy in the form of heat. They can absorb heat from renewable energy sources such as solar energy or excess electrical energy and later release it to generate thermal energy. Examples include sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical storage. They require a thermally insulated connector housing. Pressure accumulators: Pressure accumulators store energy by compressing a gas or liquid. They are often used in hydraulic systems to store energy and later release it to perform mechanical work. They require a microfluidic pump to generate pressure in the connector, a microfluidic / electrical pressure-to-electrical energy converter in the connector, and a pressure accumulator in the connector. Micromechanical flywheels: Flywheels are rotating and / or oscillating masses capable of storing kinetic energy. They are often used in combination with electric motors and / or comb drives and generators to store excess energy and release it later. Mechanical springs: Mechanical springs can store potential energy, which can later be converted into kinetic energy. They are used in various applications such as mechanical watches, vehicles, and specialty applications. They are preferably coupled with an electromagnetic and / or electrostatic micromechanical motor, such as a comb drive.

[0096] One advantage of providing the energy storage device is that it can be used to interrupt the direct power supply to the plug-in connection's integrated circuit if a contact problem occurs at the plug-in connection's contact interface. This would result in the integrated circuit losing its ability to communicate with a higher-level control unit via a data bus. However, forwarding such contact problems is precisely the task of such an integrated circuit. The analogous problem arises if the fuse blows. Depending on the size of the energy storage device, the integrated circuit can then be operated autonomously or independently of an external power supply for the plug-in connection for a certain period of time using the energy stored in the plug-in connection's energy storage device.This allows the integrated circuit of the connector to transmit the predetermined signal even when no power supply is otherwise available for the integrated circuit. The predetermined signal preferably comprises a problem description, an identification of the integrated circuit and thus of the connector (identifier) ​​and, if applicable, further information and, if applicable, further measured values. Furthermore, the energy storage device can be charged in such a way that (in one or more of the ways described above) energy is taken from a system in such a small amount that the system is not impaired. This can also be advantageous, among other things, when energy is to be taken from a data signal.

[0097] The integrated circuit preferably comprises a computer system. The computer system preferably comprises a computer core (CPU) which communicates with one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories and a data interface via an internal data bus. By means of the data interface, the computer core and / or the integrated circuit can preferably communicate with a higher-level control device via a wired and / or wireless data transmission channel. This communication can be digital and / or analog. Preferably, program code for the computer- and / or machine-implemented methods executed by the plug-in connection, preferably for the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the plug-in connection, is stored at least temporarily in one or more memories of the computer system.Typically, the computer system's central processing unit (CPU) reads such program code from one or more memories of the computer system and executes it to perform one or more computer-implemented and / or machine-implemented methods. The computer system's central processing unit (CPU) accesses other device parts of the connector and / or the connector's integrated circuit directly via the data bus or indirectly via other device parts to execute the machine-implemented method parts of the computer- and / or machine-implemented methods.

[0098] An exemplary first other device part of the integrated circuit and / or the connector can be, for example, an analog-to-digital converter for detecting electrical parameters of the connector and / or device parts of the connector. Such an analog-to-digital converter is preferably part of the integrated circuit of the plug connection. The computer core (CPU) can preferably access the analog-to-digital converter via the internal data bus of the integrated circuit. The computer core (CPU) can preferably control the analog-to-digital converter via the internal data bus of the integrated circuit. The computer core (CPU) can preferably read out measured values ​​of the analog-to-digital converter via the internal data bus of the integrated circuit.

[0099] An exemplary second other device part of the integrated circuit and / or the connector can be, for example, a test current source, for example for feeding or drawing an electrical test current into a contacting interface of the connector. If the socket and plug of a connector are each provided with such an integrated circuit with such an integrated test current source, then one of the at least two connectors of a connector, e.g. the plug, can feed an electrical test current into its contacting interface. If the socket and plug of a connector, e.g. the socket, can draw this electrical test current from its contacting interface.If the contact interfaces of the connectors of the plug connection are not electrically connected to each other, the electrical potentials of the respective contact interfaces will diverge. The respective processor core (CPU) of the computer system of the respective plug connection can detect these changes in the respective electrical potential of the respective contact interface, for example, using the respective analog-to-digital converter, and conclude, using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method, that the electrical contact at its respective contact interface is insufficient.

[0100] An exemplary third other device part of the integrated circuit and / or the connector may be, for example, a sensor element for detecting a physical parameter of the connector.

[0101] A first such physical parameter can, for example, be the temperature of the contacting interface. This has the advantage that the computer core (CPU) can detect a temperature increase, e.g. over time, by means of a computer- and / or machine-implemented method and typically by means of an analog-to-digital converter and possibly further device components such as filters and amplifiers and can, if necessary, report this to a higher-level control system via the data interface and / or counteract the further temperature increase by means of actuators, e.g. an electronic switch or the like, for example by interrupting the electrical current flow through the contacting interface or the like. Preferably, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector transmits information about this countermeasure and / or the recorded measured values ​​and / or the determined information to the higher-level control system and / orother computer cores (CPUs) of other computer systems of one or more connectors via the data interface and the data transmission channel of this data interface. This has the advantage that the faulty plug connection becomes known to the overall system, of which the connector is typically a part, and other connectors and / or the higher-level control device and / or other device parts of this overall system can take countermeasures against the effects of these countermeasures of the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or the higher-level control device and / or other devices of the overall system, for example by establishing alternative electrical connections by closing and / or opening other electronic switches in the network of the overall system and / or by commissioning or decommissioning device parts of the overall system, such as theSwitching on and / or off energy sources and / or electrical loads in the network of the overall system and / or changing the topology of a network of the overall system. Preferably, the connector detects the temperature of the contacting interface and / or the housing of the connector and / or the conductor electrically connected to the contacting interface, and / or the temperature of the integrated circuit of the connector and / or other device parts of the connector.

[0102] It is conceivable that the central processing unit (CPU) of the connector's computer system and / or the higher-level control device evaluate one or more temporal profiles of one or more recorded temperatures from one or more temperature sensors and / or one or more temperature differences in the connector and / or in the plug connection and / or in the overall system using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method. In doing so, the central processing unit (CPU) of the connector's computer system can also evaluate and consider measured values ​​from other connectors in the network that are transmitted via the data transmission channel and / or the associated data network.If one or more temperature profiles and / or one or more temperature differences and / or one or more temperature measurements of one or more temperatures indicate a defect and / or an impending defect in the connector and / or the plug connection of which the connector is typically a part, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system and / or the higher-level control unit can initiate the countermeasures described above, which are not repeated here but are deemed to be disclosed. For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system and / or the higher-level control unit can, if necessary, execute a computer and / or machine-implemented artificial intelligence method, for example one or more neural network models. In the case of a neural network model, the input signals of the neural network model can include, among other things, the temperature measurements and / or temperature profiles and, if necessary,further measured values ​​and / or measured value curves from one or more other sensors and, if applicable, further data, and the output signals can be one or more probabilities of one or more specific error states and / or one or more permissible operating states. The computer system and / or the higher-level control system conclude that an error has occurred if one or more such probabilities lie outside a respective permissible value range for the respective probability. In the event of such an error, the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control unit preferably initiate the said countermeasures and, if applicable, the said signaling.

[0103] A second such physical parameter can, for example, be the surface conductivity of the housing. This has the advantage that the processor core (CPU) can detect a change in the surface and / or volume conductivity of the housing of the connector and / or the plug connection comprising at least two connectors using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method, typically using an analog-to-digital converter and a voltage source, in particular the integrated circuit of the connector and / or a current source of the integrated circuit of the connector, and preferably using an external contact of the connector and possibly other device components such as filters and amplifiers.Such a change can be detected, for example, by the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of a computer system of another connector and / or another plug connection, e.g. over time, on the basis of recorded conductivity data and / or resistance values ​​and / or voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​in connection with this external contact.

[0104] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can report one or more measured values ​​for the voltage between the external contact and the contacting interface or the potential of a reference node via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system, possibly including the current value of a test current fed into the external contact.

[0105] A test current source of the connector, which is controlled by the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector, preferably via the data bus of the integrated circuit of the connector, preferably feeds this test current typically into the external contact.

[0106] For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector preferably executes a computer and / or machine-implemented voltage measurement program for this leakage voltage between the external contact on the one hand and the contacting interface or a node on a reference potential.

[0107] For example, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can calculate conductivity and / or resistance values ​​from the recorded voltage values.

[0108] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector are thus preferably configured to execute a computer and / or machine-implemented voltage and / or resistance and / or conductivity measuring program for this leakage voltage and / or this leakage resistance value and / or this leakage conductivity value between the external contact on the one hand and the contacting interface or a node on a reference potential.

[0109] This has the advantage that the connector or these device parts can detect critical contamination, electrically conductive wetting and leakage voltages and / or leakage resistances and / or leakage conductances by executing computer- and / or machine-implemented analysis methods on the basis of these measured values ​​and by computer- and / or machine-implemented comparison of one or more of the recorded and / or determined measured values ​​with one or more respective permissible measured value ranges and can accordingly take countermeasures and signal to the user and the said higher-level control unit.

[0110] This reduces risks such as fire development and / or ensures adequate contact protection.

[0111] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can report one or more measured values ​​for the electrical current (leakage current) into the external contact via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system, possibly including the voltage value for the electrical voltage between the external contact and the contacting interface or a node at a reference potential.

[0112] A test voltage source of the connector, which is controlled by the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector, preferably via the data bus of the integrated circuit of the connector, preferably applies this test voltage typically between the external contact and the contacting interface or a node at a reference potential.

[0113] For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector preferably executes a computer and / or machine-implemented current measurement program for this leakage current between the external contact on the one hand and the contacting interface or a node on a reference potential.

[0114] For example, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can calculate conductivity and / or resistance values ​​from the recorded current values.

[0115] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector are thus preferably configured to execute a computer and / or machine-implemented current and / or resistance and / or conductivity measuring program for this leakage current into the external contact and / or this leakage resistance value and / or this leakage conductivity value between the external contact on the one hand and the contacting interface or a node on a reference potential.

[0116] This has the advantage that the connector or these device parts can detect critical contamination, electrically conductive wetting and leakage currents and / or leakage resistances and / or leakage conductances by executing computer- and / or machine-implemented analysis methods on the basis of these measured values ​​and by computer- and / or machine-implemented comparison of one or more of the recorded and / or determined measured values ​​with one or more respective permissible measured value ranges and can accordingly take countermeasures and signal to the user and the said higher-level control unit.

[0117] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector are thus preferably configured to execute a computer and / or machine-implemented current measurement program for this leakage current between the external contact on the one hand and the contacting interface or a node on a reference potential.

[0118] This has the advantage that the connector or these device components can detect critical contamination and leakage currents and can take appropriate countermeasures and signal the user and the higher-level control unit.

[0119] This reduces risks such as fire development and / or ensures adequate contact protection.

[0120] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more computer cores of other connectors and / or other device components of the overall system can counteract the dangers of such leakage currents, leakage voltages, insufficient leakage resistances and / or insufficient leakage conductivities and the associated dangers by means of actuators, e.g., one or more electronic switches or the like, for example by interrupting the electrical current flow through the contact interface of the connector or the like. Preferably, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the relevant computer cores of the relevant computer systems of the relevant other connectors of the overall system transmit information about this countermeasure and / or the recorded measured values ​​and / or the determined information to the higher-level control system.and / or other processor cores (CPUs) of other computer systems of one or more connectors via the data interface of the connector or the relevant data interfaces of the relevant connectors and the relevant respective data transmission channel, this respective data interface preferably to the higher-level control system and / or other processor cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or the processor core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector. This has the advantage that the faulty plug connection and its leakage problem become known to the overall system, of which the connector is typically a part, and that other connectors and / or the higher-level control device and / or other device parts of this overall system can take countermeasures against the effects of these countermeasures of the processor core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the processor cores of other computer systems of other connectorsand / or the higher-level control unit and / or other devices of the overall system, for example, by establishing alternative electrical connections by closing and / or opening other electronic switches in the network of the overall system and / or by commissioning or decommissioning device parts of the overall system, such as switching on and / or off energy sources and / or electrical consumers in the network of the overall system and / or changing the topology of a network of the overall system. Preferably, the plug connection detects the leakage current and / or the leakage voltage and / or the leakage resistance and / or the leakage conductance of the external contact with respect to the contacting interface and / or the conductor electrically connected to the contacting interface and / or the integrated circuit of the plug connector and / or with respect to a reference node of the plug connector at a reference potential.and / or to other device components of the connector. Preferably, the processor core (CPU) of the connector's computer system reports one or more of these values ​​via the connector's data interface to the higher-level control system and / or other processor cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or to other device components of the overall system. Such other device components of the overall system can be, for example, control devices of electronic switches and / or control devices of electronic fuses or the like.

[0121] A third such physical parameter can, for example, be the electrical material conductivity of the housing material of the connector housing. This has the advantage that the computer core (CPU) can detect a change in the preferably complex volume conductivity of the connector housing and / or the plug connection comprising at least two connectors using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method and typically using an analog-to-digital converter and a voltage source, in particular the integrated circuit of the connector and / or a current source of the connector's integrated circuit, and preferably using a pair of electrodes of the connector and possibly other device components such as filters and amplifiers.Such a change can be detected, for example, by the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system and / or a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of a computer system of another connector and / or another plug-in connection and / or another device of the overall system, e.g. over time, based on recorded conductivity data and / or resistance values ​​and / or voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​in connection with this electrode pair. The aforementioned external contact can be used as one electrode of such an electrode pair. However, this is not optimal in that the change in the housing material cannot then be separated from the change in surface conductivity. A contact of the contacting interface can be one electrode of such an electrode pair. This case also has disadvantages with regard to the separation of surface conductivity and volume conductivity.

[0122] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can report one or more measured values ​​for the voltage between the electrodes of the electrode pair via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or another device part of the overall system, possibly including the current value of a test current fed into the external contact.

[0123] A test current source of the connector, which is controlled by the processor core (CPU) of the connector's computer system, preferably via the data bus of the connector's integrated circuit, typically feeds this test current into one electrode of the electrode pair and preferably draws this test current from the other electrode of the electrode pair. The connector can have multiple electrode pairs. Preferably, two electrode pairs of these electrode pairs have no more than one electrode in common.

[0124] For the purpose described above, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector preferably executes a computer and / or machine-implemented voltage measurement program for this measurement voltage between the electrodes of the respective electrode pair of the connector.

[0125] For example, the processor core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can calculate, preferably from the recorded voltage values, complex conductivity and / or resistance values ​​for the housing material of the connector's housing. Preferably, the processor core of the connector's computer system can cause the test current source to modulate the supplied measurement current with a preferably, but not necessarily, monofrequency modulation spectrum. This allows the processor core of the connector's computer system to use the analog-to-digital converter and / or special measuring devices to determine, for example, the phase angle between the supplied measurement current and the resulting measurement voltage drop between the electrodes of the electrode pair, and thus determine the aforementioned typically complex measurement values.

[0126] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector are thus preferably configured to execute a computer and / or machine-implemented voltage and / or resistance and / or conductivity measuring program for this complex measuring voltage and / or this complex material resistance value and / or this complex material conductivity value between the electrodes of the electrode pair.

[0127] This has the advantage that the connector and / or the computer cores of other connectors and / or the higher-level control unit and / or other device parts of the overall system critical degradation material changes, material expansion and / or material compression and / or material fracture events and / or internal, in particular complex leakage voltages and / or internal, in particular complex leakage resistances and / or internal,In particular, complex leakage conductance values ​​can be detected by executing computer- and / or machine-implemented analysis methods based on these measured values ​​and by computer- and / or machine-implemented comparison of one or more of the recorded and / or determined measured values ​​with one or more respective permissible measured value ranges and can accordingly take countermeasures and signal to the users and / or the computer cores of other connectors and / or the higher-level control unit and / or to other device components of the overall system.

[0128] This reduces risks such as housing breakage and / or insufficient electrical insulation of the connector housing.

[0129] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector can report one or more measured values ​​for one or more material parameters of the housing material of the housing of the connector and / or one or more measured values ​​for the electrical properties of one or more electrode pairs of the electrode pairs of the connector and / or one or more values ​​derived from these via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or one or more other device parts of the overall system, possibly including the voltage value for the electrical voltage between the electrodes of the electrode pair.

[0130] A test voltage source of the connector, which is controlled by the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector, preferably via the data bus of the integrated circuit of the connector, preferably applies this complex test voltage, typically between the electrodes of one or more electrode pairs of the connector in the housing material of the housing of the connector.

[0131] For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector preferably executes a computer and / or machine-implemented current measurement program for this measurement current between the electrodes of the one or more electrode pairs.

[0132] For example, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can calculate complex material conductivity and / or complex material resistance values ​​from the recorded complex current values.

[0133] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or plug connections and / or other device parts of the overall system are thus preferably configured to execute a computer- and / or machine-implemented current and / or resistance and / or conductivity measuring program for one or more complex measuring currents and / or one or more complex material resistance values ​​and / or one or more complex material conductivity values ​​between the electrodes of one or more electrode pairs in the housing material of the housing.

[0134] This has the advantage that the computer core of the connector's computer system and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more other computer cores of one or more other computer systems, one or more other connectors and / or one or more other device parts of the overall system can detect critical housing material changes such as aging, corrosion, fracture, stretching, compression, plastic deformation, contamination by inward or outward diffusion, etc.and / or internal complex leakage currents and / or internal complex housing material resistances and / or internal complex housing material conductances by executing computer and / or machine-implemented analysis methods on the basis of these measured values ​​and by computer and / or machine-implemented comparison of one or more of the recorded and / or determined measured values ​​with one or more respective permissible measured value ranges and can accordingly take countermeasures and signal to the users and the said higher-level control unit and / or other computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or other device parts of the overall system.

[0135] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or other computer cores of other computer systems of other plug-in devices and / or plug-in connections and / or other device parts of the overall system are thus preferably configured to execute a computer- and / or machine-implemented material measurement program for these material parameters of the housing material of the plug-in connection by means of device parts of the connector.

[0136] This has the advantage that the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or other computer cores of other computer systems of other plug-in devices and / or plug connections and / or other device parts of the overall system can detect critical housing material changes as described above and can accordingly take countermeasures and signal to the users and the said higher-level control unit.

[0137] This reduces risks such as fatigue fractures and / or unexpected changes in electrical properties.

[0138] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more computer cores of other connectors and / or other device parts of the overall system can counteract the dangers of such housing material changes and the associated dangers by means of actuators, e.g. one or more electronic switches or the like, for example by interrupting the electrical current flow through the contact interface of the connector or the like. Preferably, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the relevant computer cores of the relevant computer systems of the relevant other connectors of the overall system and / or other device parts of the overall system and / or the higher-level control unit transmit information about this countermeasure and / or the recorded measured values ​​and / or the determined information to the higher-levelControl system and / or other computer cores (CPU) of other computer systems of one or more other connectors and / or other device parts of the overall system via the data interface of the connector or the relevant data interfaces of the relevant connectors or their respective data interfaces and via the relevant data transmission channel of this respective data interface, preferably to the higher-level control system and / or other computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or other device parts of the overall system. This has the advantage that the faulty plug connection and its housing problem become known to the overall system, of which the connector is typically a part, and other connectors and / or the higher-level control device and / or other device parts of this overall system can take countermeasures against theThe effects of these countermeasures of the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or the higher-level control unit and / or other devices of the overall system, for example by establishing one or more alternative electrical connections by closing and / or opening other electronic switches in the network of the overall system and / or by commissioning or decommissioning device parts of the overall system, such as switching on and / or switching off energy sources and / or electrical consumers in the network of the overall system and / or changing the topology of a network of the overall system. Preferably, the connector detects the complex measuring current and / or the complex measuring voltage and / or the complex material resistance and / or the complex material conductance between the electrodes of the electrode pair of theConnector. Preferably, the processor core (CPU) of the connector's computer system reports one or more of these values ​​via the connector's data interface to the higher-level control system and / or other processor cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or to other device components of the overall system. Such other device components of the overall system can be, for example, control devices of electronic switches and / or control devices of electronic fuses or the like.

[0139] It is conceivable that the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control device evaluate one or more time profiles of one or more recorded complex voltage measurement values ​​and / or current measurement values ​​and / or complex material resistance values ​​and / or complex material conductivity values ​​between the electrodes of an electrode pair in the housing material of the housing of the connector and / or one or more differences between different electrodes in the connector and / or in the plug connection and / or in the overall system by means of a computer and / or machine-implemented method.The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or one or more computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or the higher-level control unit and / or other device components of the overall system can also evaluate and take into account measured values ​​of other connectors and / or other device components in the network that are transmitted via the data transmission channel and / or the associated data network.If one or more measured value curves and / or the curves of measured values ​​derived from these and / or one or more measured value differences and / or one or more measured values ​​of one or more of these measured values ​​indicate a defect and / or an impending defect in the housing of the plug connector and / or the plug connection, of which the plug connector is typically a part, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the plug connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more other computer cores of other computer systems of other plug connections and / or one or more device parts of the overall system can, among other things, initiate the countermeasures described above, which are not repeated here but are deemed to be disclosed.For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more other computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or one or more device parts of the overall system can each execute a computer- and / or machine-implemented artificial intelligence method, for example one or more neural network models. In the case of a neural network model, the input signals of the neural network model can include, among other things, the previously described measured values ​​and / or the previously described curves of such measured values ​​and, if applicable, further measured values ​​and / or measured value curves of one or more other sensors in the connector and / or in other connectors and / or in the higher-level control unit and / or in other device parts of the overall system and, if applicable,further data, and the output signals can be one or more probabilities of one or more specific error states and / or one or more permissible operating states of the connector and / or the plug connection and / or the overall system. The computer core of the computer system and / or the higher-level control system and / or one or more other computer cores of other computer systems of other plug connections and / or one or more device components of the overall system conclude that there is an error if one or more such probabilities lie outside a respective permissible value range for the respective probability.In the event of such an error, preferably the computer core of the computer system of the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more other computer cores of other computer systems of other connectors and / or one or more device parts of the overall system initiate the said countermeasures and, if necessary, carry out the said signaling.

[0140] One or more fourth such physical parameters can, for example, be mechanical stress parameters of the connector housing. This has the advantage that the computer core (CPU) can detect a change in the mechanical load on the housing and / or the contacting interface, e.g., due to shear stress, tensile stress, pressure, torsion, etc., of the connector housing and / or the plug-in connection comprising at least two connectors, using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method and typically using an analog-to-digital converter and an electromechanical and / or microelectromechanical sensor, which, as a MEMS sensor, may also be a co-integrated part of the connector's integrated circuit, and possibly other device components such as filters and amplifiers.Such a change can be detected, for example, by the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or one or more computer cores of one or more other computer systems of one or more other connectors and / or one or more other plug connections, e.g. over time, on the basis of recorded measured values ​​of the corresponding mechanical quantities and / or the corresponding electrical parameters of the corresponding sensor signals of the corresponding sensors.

[0141] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can report one or more measured values ​​of one or more mechanical quantities via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or other device components of the overall system.

[0142] For this purpose, the computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector preferably executes a computer and / or machine-implemented measuring program for one or more measured values ​​of one or more of these mechanical quantities.

[0143] For example, the CPU of the connector's computer system can calculate derived measured values ​​of mechanical variables, such as real temperature coefficients, from the recorded measured values ​​of these mechanical variables and any other available measured values, such as temperature, and thus make them accessible for monitoring. Material changes, e.g., due to aging, can thus be detected and made accessible for preventive maintenance.

[0144] The computer core (CPU) of the computer system of the connector and thus the computer system of the connector and thus the connector and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more computer cores of one or more computer systems of one or more connectors and / or one or more plug connections are thus preferably configured to execute a computer- and / or machine-implemented voltage and / or resistance and / or conductivity measuring program for these mechanical variables of the connector and / or the plug connection.

[0145] This has the advantage that the connector and / or the plug connection or its device parts and / or one or more computer cores of one or more computer systems of one or more other connectors and / or one or more other plug connections and / or the higher-level control unit and / or one or more other device parts of the overall system can detect critical changes in the mechanical properties of the connector on the one hand and / or the mechanical and / or thermal load on the other hand by executing computer- and / or machine-implemented analysis methods on the basis of these measured values ​​and by computer- and / or machine-implemented comparison of one or more of the measured values ​​recorded and / or determined therefrom with one or more respective permissible measured value ranges and can accordingly initiate countermeasures and signalling to the user and the said higher-level control unit and / or other computer coresother computer systems, other connectors and / or plug connections and / or other device parts of the overall system.

[0146] This reduces risks such as failure to detect a mechanical malfunction near the connector and / or impending damage to the connector, etc.

[0147] If necessary, the computer core (CPU) of the connector's computer system can report one or more measured values ​​for one or more mechanical quantities via the data interface to a higher-level control system and / or the computer core of another computer system of another connector and / or a higher-level control system and / or another device part of the overall system.

[0148] It is conceivable that the processor core of the connector's computer system uses an actuator, for example, a heater, to use a mechanical test voltage source of the connector for mechanical stresses in the housing material of the connector's housing in order to be able to specifically examine and determine the mechanical properties using a computer- and / or machine-implemented method. Preferably, the processor core (CPU) of the connector's computer system controls such an actuator via the data bus of the connector's integrated circuit.

[0149] The predetermined signal may include information relating to an identifier of the connector and / or information relating to the deviation of the actual state of the connector from the predetermined target state.

[0150] The identifier can be understood as a mark or piece of information that is suitable for the optionally unique identification of the connector.

[0151] Outputting the identifier offers the advantage of identifying the connector in which the electronic fuse has tripped. This, in turn, enables the implementation of a variety of monitoring, analysis, and / or control functions.

[0152] The connector may comprise a memory module in which the information concerning the identifier is stored.

[0153] The memory module can be a data memory designed to store the information relating to the identifier in the form of (digital) data. The memory module can be a volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. The data memory can comprise a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and / or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM, Flash, OTP (One Time Programmable, ROM, MRAM, FRAM). The data memory can comprise a flash memory.

[0154] It is also conceivable to use a volatile memory (RAM, SRAM, DRAM), etc., for data storage. Preferably, a small electrical energy storage device in the connector supplies this volatile memory with electrical energy outside of operating phases, and during operating phases, preferably only when electrical energy is not being supplied to device components of the connector or is not possible.

[0155] The target state can be defined at least partially by at least one of the following variables and / or their temporal progression.

[0156] For example, it may be at least one target temperature of the connector, at least one target voltage applied to the connector and / or at least one target current flowing through the connector and / or a temperature range of the connector and / or a temperature threshold value of the connector.

[0157] In other words, the electronic temperature fuse, which may be located in the connector and / or in another connector of the overall system and / or in the higher-level control unit and / or in another device of the overall system or may be such another device of the overall system, can trigger if the actual temperature of the connector exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range. It is conceivable that a time component is taken into account here, i.e. that the electronic temperature fuse triggers if the actual temperature of the connector exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit for a predetermined period of time and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range for a predetermined period of time.Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic fuse can be triggered if an actual voltage applied to the contact interface of the connector exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit compared to a reference potential and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range. It is conceivable that a time component is taken into account, i.e., that the electronic fuse is triggered if the actual voltage exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit for a predetermined period of time and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range for a predetermined period of time.Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic fuse can trigger if the connector comprises a current sensor for the current through one of its contact interfaces and an actual current flowing through such a contact interface of the connector exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit value and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range. It is conceivable that a time component is taken into account here, i.e. that the electronic fuse triggers if the actual current exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined limit value for a predetermined period of time and / or is outside a predetermined (value) range for a predetermined period of time and / or if the integral of the difference between the square of the electrical current times a predefinable coefficient on the one hand minus a predefinable parameter exceeds a predefinable threshold value.It is conceivable that an interaction between two or more of the aforementioned variables is taken into account, i.e. that the electronic fuse is triggered, for example, when the actual temperature of the connector, the actual voltage and / or the actual current and / or the actual power each exceed and / or fall below a predetermined limit value and / or are each outside a predetermined (value) range. Here, too, a time component can be taken into account in the manner described above. It is conceivable that the predetermined first signal contains information indicating which of the above variables and / or its temporal progression led to the triggering of the electronic fuse. This also applies to the preceding sections.

[0158] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a communication system, optionally of a vehicle, wherein the communication system has one or more of the above-described electrical connectors and a device for data processing, for example in said higher-level control unit and / or in one or more of the computer systems of one or more connectors and / or in another device part of the overall system, which is connected via the communication network by means of the data communication channel to the connector, preferably to the computer system of the connector, and which is designed to receive the predetermined signal from the connector via the communication network.

[0159] For the purposes of this document, a communications system (or communications network, specifically a telecommunications system or telecommunications network) can be understood as a network of message traffic within a communications network. The network comprises several participants, in this case at least the electrical connector and the data processing device.

[0160] What was explained above with reference to the electrical connector applies analogously to the communication system and vice versa.

[0161] The data processing device may comprise or have a further electrical connector or consist of it and / or be part of a plug connection.

[0162] The data processing device may comprise or consist of an electronic control unit, for example the said higher-level control unit.

[0163] Furthermore, the disclosure preferably relates to a fully or partially computer and / or machine-implemented method for operating an electrical connector described above, wherein the method comprises detecting on the integrated circuit that the electronic fuse has triggered and outputting the predetermined signal to the communication network connected to the connector.

[0164] What has been described above with reference to the electrical connector and the communication system applies analogously to the procedure and vice versa.

[0165] Optional embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a part of a communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Fig. 2 shows schematically the communication system from Fig. 1, if it has a star topology, Fig. 3 shows schematically the communication system from Fig. 1, if it has a point-to-point topology, Fig. 4 shows a schematic section of the communication system from Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the communication system from Fig. 1 to 4.

[0166] The Fig. 1, which is shown only schematically and in detail and which can be installed, for example, in a vehicle (not shown), has an electrical connector 1 and a data processing device 6, which is connected to the connector 1 via a communications network 5 and which is designed to receive a predetermined signal 4 from the connector 1 via the communications network 5. The communications network 5 can have electrical lines that enable data transmission from the electrical connector 1 to the data processing device 6. However, it is also conceivable, additionally or alternatively, to enable wireless data transmission via the communications network 5 from the electrical connector 1 to the data processing device 6. The line LTG of the connector 1 can be connected to a current, voltage or electrical energy source 7.The line LTG of the connector 1 can be connected to a load or a current sink 3. The connector 1 can, for example, comprise a socket BUH or a plug STK. The data processing device 6 can be a higher-level (optionally electronic) control unit RCOMP, to which more than one of the electrical connectors 1 can optionally be connected in the manner described herein. It is also conceivable that the data processing device 6 is at least partially integrated in or as part of a further electrical connector 1' (see also . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) is realized.

[0167] Fig. 2 schematically shows the communication system 100 from Fig. 1 with twice as many connectors 1 if it has a point-to-point topology with point-to-point connections to the data processing device 6. The data processing device 6, designed as a higher-level control unit, is arranged centrally and is connected in parallel to the electrical connector 1 and several other electrical connectors 1, which may have the same configuration as the connector 1, each via the communication network 5.

[0168] Fig. 3 schematically shows the communication system 100 from Fig. 1, if the data bus 5 has a linear series connection topology of the data bus. This is particularly advantageous for auto-addressing methods for assigning data bus addresses for the computer systems of the connectors 1. The data processing device 6, designed as a higher-level control unit, is connected in series with the connector 1 and the several further connectors 1', which can have the same configuration as the connector 1, wherein the connectors 1, 1' are each connected to one another and to the data processing device 6 via the communication network 5.

[0169] The Fig. 2 and Fig. The topologies illustrated in Figure 3 are just two examples of a multitude of topologies in which the disclosed solution can be applied. Conceivable topologies include, among others, the following topologies, as well as a combination of two or more of the following topologies (i.e., hybrid): ring, meshed, star, fully meshed, line or point-to-point, tree, and bus.

[0170] As can be seen from Fig. 4, the electrical plug connector 1 (plug STK) of the electrical plug connection has an electronic fuse 13 which is designed to trigger in the event of a deviation of an actual state of the plug connector 1 (plug STK) from a predetermined target state of the plug connector 1 (plug STK), and an integrated circuit 14 of the plug connector 1 (plug STK) with a control device LIV which is designed to output a predetermined signal 4 to the communication network 5 which can be connected to the plug connector 1 (plug STK) when the electronic fuse 13 of the plug connector 1 (plug STK) triggers or has triggered.

[0171] As can be seen from Fig. 4, the electrical connector 1 (socket BUH) of the electrical plug connection has an electronic fuse 13 which is designed to trigger in the event of a deviation of an actual state of the connector 1 (socket BUH) from a predetermined target state of the connector 1 (socket BUH), and an integrated circuit 14 of the connector 1 (socket BUH) with a control device LIV which is designed to output a predetermined signal 4 to the communication network 5 which can be connected to the connector 1 (socket BUH) when the electronic fuse 13 of the connector 1 (socket BUH) triggers or has triggered.

[0172] The connector 1 (plug STK) has a first contacting interface 11 (KT) for connecting the connector 1 (plug STK) to a power source 2 and a second contacting interface 12 (KT) for connecting the connector 1 (socket BUH) to a power sink 3.

[0173] The integrated circuit 14 is electrically connected to the first and second contacting interfaces 11, 12 and a reference potential, for example, an electrically conductive housing body of a vehicle, to supply it with electrical energy. The direction of the current flow from the current source 2 via the connector 1 to the current sink 3 is determined by the Fig. 4 shown arrow.

[0174] The respective integrated circuit 14 is configured to output the respective predetermined signal 4 to the communication network 5 when the respective electronic fuse 13 is triggered. Triggering may involve interrupting the current flow through the respective electronic fuse 13.

[0175] The respective electrical connector 1 has a respective interface to the data interface DBIF, via which the integrated circuit 14 (LIV) is designed to output the predetermined signal 4 wirelessly and / or wired to the communication network 5 and thus to the data processing device 6.

[0176] The connector 1 can have a first power supply module configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, for example, to supply the integrated circuit 14 (control device LIV) with electrical energy. The electrical energy can be used to transmit the first predetermined signal 4.

[0177] The connector 1 can, for example, have a second power supply module configured to use electromagnetic induction to supply the integrated circuit 14 with electrical energy. The electrical energy can be used to transmit the first predetermined signal 4.

[0178] The connector 1 has an energy storage device EQ for supplying the integrated circuit 14 with electrical energy. The electrical energy can be used to transmit the first predetermined signal 4. The electrical energy to be stored or stored in the energy storage device EQ can be provided by the first and / or second power supply module and / or via the electrically conductive connection of the integrated circuit to the first and second contacting interfaces 11, 12.

[0179] The predetermined signal 4 can include information relating to an identifier of the connector 1 and / or information relating to the deviation of the actual state of the connector 1 from the predetermined target state. This information(s) is / are received at the data processing device 6. The connector 1 has a memory module and / or a memory MEM in which the information relating to the identifier and / or relating to the deviation of the actual state of the connector 1 from the predetermined target state can be stored. The target state is defined at least partially by at least one of the following variables and / or its temporal progression: at least one target temperature of the connector 1, at least one target voltage applied to the connector 1, and / or at least one target current flowing through the connector 1.

[0180] In Fig. Figure 5 shows, by way of example, a flowchart of a method for operating an electrical connector 1 described above. The method comprises, in a first step 1001, determining on or by the integrated circuit 14 (LIV) that the electronic fuse 13 has blown, and, in a second step 1002, outputting the predetermined signal 4 to the communication network 5 connected to the connector 1.

[0181] In particular, it is a suggestion of the document presented here to insert into the conductor LTG of a socket BUH, for example, according to Fig. 9 and / or in particular into the conductor LTG1 of a connector STK, for example, according to Fig. 8, for example, to insert an optically and / or electrically controllable electronic switch T2, which controls the current flow through the conductor LTG2 of the socket, for example, according to Fig. 9 and / or by the conductor LTG1 of the STK connector, for example, according to Fig. 8 can interrupt and / or allow.

[0182] In the example of Fig. 6, this electronic switch T2 is optically controlled. This has the advantage of complete galvanic separation.

[0183] Instead of the optical control, an electrical control of the control contact of the electronic switch T2 by the control circuit LIV via a corresponding line (not shown here) is conceivable instead of optically via the optical fiber LWL3 and the switching LED LED2.

[0184] The control circuit LIV of the Fig. 6 is embodied as an example of a processor for a software-defined sensor. The sensor, as defined in the document presented here, comprises the sensor element SE and the control circuit LIV, which comprises the computer system.

[0185] The essential idea of ​​the device of Fig. 6 is thus the use of a second switch T2, which is now controlled by the control circuit LIV by means of a galvanically isolating device, here by way of example by means of the third optical fiber LWL3 and by means of the switching LED LED2.

[0186] As a result, direct electrical connections between the electrical line LTG and the second switch T2 on the one hand, and the control circuit LIV and the auxiliary devices of the control circuit LIV on the other hand, are no longer necessary. This means that the electrical line LTG and the second switch T2 on the one hand can be at any electrical potential relative to the control circuit LIV and the auxiliary devices of the control circuit LIV on the other hand, which represents a significant safety advantage. For the purposes of this document, the auxiliary devices of the control circuit LIV are device components that are directly electrically connected to the control circuit LIV.

[0187] In the example of Fig. 6 the control circuit LIV supplies the switching LED LED2 with electrical energy, for example, when the control circuit LIV wants to switch on the second switch T2, for example. The switching LED LED2 then emits light and / or electromagnetic radiation as control radiation SB into the third optical waveguide LWL3. The third optical waveguide LWL3 transports this control radiation SB in the form of this light or this electromagnetic radiation to the second optically controllable switch T2. Typically, the second optically controllable switch T2 has an optical switching region, for example a PN diode or similar, which switches on the second optically controllable switch T2 when irradiated with this light or this electromagnetic radiation in the form of control radiation SB and when the light or the electromagnetic radiation in the form of control radiation SB disappears, i.e. when the irradiation with this light orthis electromagnetic radiation in the form of control radiation SB, switches off the second optically controllable switch T2.

[0188] The exemplary control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system of the Fig. 6, for example, again includes the exemplary amplifier V1, the analog-to-digital converter ADC, the processor core µC, the one or more memories MEM, which may include volatile memories RAM and non-volatile memories NVM, the data bus interface IF, the internal data bus DB, an optional digital-to-analog converter DAC (not shown) for control via the data bus BDB and for controlling actuators or the like, and the first driver stage DRV1. The control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system may also include other device components such as input / output interfaces, etc.

[0189] In the exemplary device of the Fig. 6 is in the line LTG the second optically controlled switch T2, here an exemplary second optically controlled power transistor T2, which Fig. 6 is inserted as an example. In the example presented here, the processor core µC of the control circuit LIV preferably controls the second electronic switch T2 using a light signal from the control radiation SB of the switching LED LED2. For this purpose, the processor core µC preferably controls the switching state of the second optically controlled switch T2 using the switching LED driver DRV2 and the switching LED LED2, which is temporarily supplied with electrical energy by the driver.

[0190] Typically, the switching LED driver DRV2 supplies the switching LED LED2 with electrical energy when the switching LED LED2 switches on the second optically controlled switch T2, since it then emits control radiation SB, which then switches on the optically controlled switch T2.

[0191] Typically, the computer core µC of the control circuit LIV causes the switching LED driver DRV2 to supply the switching LED LED2 with electrical energy, for example by means of signaling via one or more signal lines and / or by means of signaling via the data bus DB, when the computer core µC switches on the second optically controlled switch T2 by means of the switching LED LED2, since it then emits control radiation SB, which then switches on the optically controlled switch T2.

[0192] Typically, the switching LED driver DRV2 does not supply the switching LED LED2 with electrical energy when the switching LED LED2 switches off the second optically controlled switch T2, since it then no longer emits control radiation SB, which naturally can no longer switch on the optically controlled switch T2.

[0193] Typically, the computer core µC of the control circuit LIV causes the switching LED driver DRV2 to no longer supply the switching LED LED2 with electrical energy, for example by means of signaling via one or more signal lines and / or by means of signaling via the data bus DB, when the computer core µC switches off the second optically controlled switch T2 by means of the switching LED LED2.

[0194] Particularly preferably, the processor core µC of the control circuit LIV controls the second optically controllable switch T2 depending on the one or more output signals of one or more sensor elements SE. A physical parameter of the line LTG, for example, the line temperature ϑ LTGof the line LTG typically influences the one and / or more output signals of the one or more sensor elements SE. The sensor element SE can be, for example, an NTC resistor or a PTC resistor or another temperature sensor element for the purpose of measuring the line temperature ϑ LTG act.

[0195] The exemplary control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system includes, for example, the exemplary amplifier V1, the analog-to-digital converter ADC, the computer core µC, the memory MEM, which includes the volatile memory RAM and the non-volatile memory NVM, the data bus interface IF, the internal data bus DB, the optional, not shown digital-to-analog converter DAC and the first driver stage DRV1.

[0196] In addition, the control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system comprises a switching LED driver DRV2 for at least temporarily supplying the switching LED LED2 for switching the optically switchable second switch T2 with electrical energy. Thus, the control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system additionally comprises this switching LED driver DRV2 for switching on the optically switchable second switch T2. The control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system can also comprise other device components such as input / output interfaces, etc. In the example of the Fig. 6, the exemplary control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system also includes the aforementioned switching LED driver DRV2. The computer core µC of the exemplary control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system can, by means of the exemplary switching LED driver DRV2, actuate the optically sensitive switching detector (switching range) of the second optically switchable switch T2 and thus control the second optically switchable switch T2. As a result, the computer core µC of the exemplary control circuit LIV of the software-defined sensor system can, by means of the exemplary switching LED driver DRV2, actuate the optically sensitive switching detector (switching range) of the second optically switchable switch T2 and switch the second optically switchable switch T2 on or off depending on the required operating state. As already explained above, the second, optically switchable switch T2 can typically be an optically controlled switch oran optically controlled transistor or optically controlled thyristor or the like.

[0197] When the computer core µC switches off the optically controlled second switch T2 by means of the exemplary switching LED driver DRV2 and by means of a disappearance of the light emission of the switching LED LED in the form of the disappearing control radiation SB and by means of a corresponding control via the internal data bus DB, the second, optically controlled switch T2 typically interrupts a current flow of a line current I LTG by the LTG management.

[0198] When the computer core µC switches on the second, optically controlled switch T2 by means of the exemplary switching LED driver DRV2 and by means of a light emission of the switching LED LED2 in the form of the vanishing control radiation SB and by means of a corresponding control via the internal data bus DB, the second optically controlled switch T2 typically enables a current flow of a line current I LTG by the LTG management.

[0199] The exemplary amplifier V1 of the transmitting and evaluating device LIV amplifies and / or filters in the example of Fig. 6 the output signal of the sensor element SE to the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1.

[0200] The analog-to-digital converter ADC of the control circuit LIV samples the amplified and, if necessary, filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE preferably with a sampling period, preferably periodically with a sampling period T ADC away.

[0201] The analog-to-digital converter ADC of the control circuit LIV can sample the voltage between the second terminal B and a reference potential, here the ground GND, by means of the analog-to-digital converter ADC and make it available to the computer core µC, for example in a memory MEM of the device.

[0202] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the control circuit (LIV) can sample the voltage between the first terminal (A) and a reference potential, in this case the ground (GND), using the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and make it available to the processor core (µC), for example, in a memory (MEM) of the device. This is shown in Fig. 6 is currently not shown for clarity. The applicant reserves the right to submit a corresponding drawing during the course of the proceedings or in the event of legal action against a property right arising from this patent application, showing an electrical connection between the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the first terminal A of the device. Furthermore, this would eliminate the galvanic isolation and thus result in significant disadvantages. The document presented here therefore advises against it.

[0203] The analog-to-digital converter ADC of the control circuit LIV can sample the voltage between the first terminal A and the second terminal B of the device or between the terminals of the second optically controlled switch T2 via the second optically controlled switch T2 by means of the analog-to-digital converter ADC and make it available to the processor core µC, for example, in a memory MEM of the device. This is Fig. 6 is currently not shown for clarity. The applicant reserves the right to submit a corresponding drawing during the examination proceedings or in the event of legal action against a property right arising from this patent application, showing an electrical connection between the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the first terminal A and between the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the second terminal B of the device. Furthermore, this would eliminate the galvanic isolation and thus result in significant disadvantages. The document presented here therefore advises against this.

[0204] Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) comprises an input multiplexer that allows the device to switch back and forth between these lines of the device in time-division multiplex mode, thus enabling, for example, the selection of exactly one of the input lines of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for each measurement for a subsequent measurement by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Preferably, the processor core (μC) controls the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) via the data bus (DB). The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can provide the sample values ​​to the processor core (μC) in various ways.

[0205] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can cause the μC processor core to read a valid sample value from a register of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) via an interrupt line (not shown here for clarity) between the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the μC processor core. The applicant reserves the right to submit a corresponding drawing during the examination proceedings or in the event of legal action against a property right arising from this patent application, showing an electrical connection in the form of the aforementioned interrupt line between the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the μC processor core.

[0206] The µC processor core can query a register of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) at more or less regular intervals via the DB data bus to determine whether a valid, yet unqueried new sample value is present. If such a valid, yet unqueried new sample value is present, the µC processor core reads a corresponding register of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or the µC processor core marks this register value as read.

[0207] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can, for example, request the internal data bus DB using the device's bus arbitration logic and obtain access to it for a predetermined time, thus preventing bus collisions on the internal data bus DB during this time. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can then transfer data—in particular one or more sample values ​​and, if applicable, associated information such as the sampled signal and sampling time—directly to one of the memories (MEM) during this time, thus making it available to the processor core (µC).

[0208] Typically, the analog-to-digital converter ADC samples the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE preferably with a sampling period, preferably periodically or substantially periodically with a sampling period TADC.

[0209] Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter ADC of the transmitting and evaluating device LIV provides the sample values ​​thus obtained of the amplified and possibly filtered receiver output signal S1 of the photodetector PD to the processor core µC of the control circuit LIV via an internal data bus DB of the control circuit LIV as described above. Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter ADC of the control circuit LIV provides the sample values ​​thus obtained of the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE to the processor core µC of the control circuit LIV via an internal data bus DB of the control circuit LIV together with a respective sampling time as described. Preferably, each sample value is assigned a sampling time. If the analog-to-digital converter ADC always exactly corresponds to the sampling period T ADCsamples the amplified and filtered output signal S1, the transmission of the sampling times can typically be dispensed with, since the sampling times are calculated by summing up the sampling period T ADCfirstly, they arise automatically and secondly, in such cases typically only the correct data sequence is typically important. For example, in some embodiments the analog-to-digital converter ADC of the control circuit LIV can make the sample values ​​thus obtained of the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE available to the computer core µC of the control circuit LIV via an internal data bus DB of the control circuit LIV in that the analog-to-digital converter ADC stores or saves the sample values ​​thus obtained of the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE via the internal data bus DB as described above in a predetermined memory area of ​​a memory MEM of the control circuit LIV.The control circuit LIV can have the aforementioned bus arbitration device, so that the analog-to-digital converter ADC, when accessing a memory MEM of the transmitting and evaluating device LIV, does not cause a transmission or bus collision with other bus participants of the internal data bus DB, such as the processor core µC. The memory MEM of the control circuit can comprise volatile memory RAM and non-volatile memory NVM. Preferably, the processor core µC can access the data and program code in the memory MEM of the control circuit LIV via the internal data bus DB, both for reading and, where provided, for writing.Preferably, by executing program code located in one or more memories MEM of the control circuit LIV, the computer core µC executes computer-implemented methods for evaluating the acquired sample values ​​of the filtered receiver output signal S1 in order to determine one or more measured values ​​and / or a measured value signal and / or a set of measured value data or the like, or to determine logical values ​​for use in other computer-implemented methods. Preferably, the control circuit LIV has a data interface IF with which the computer core µC can communicate with a higher-level computer system RCOMP, for example, a higher-level control unit, via an external data bus EXTDB.

[0210] Particularly preferably, the computer core µC executes a computer and / or machine-implemented method for acquiring measured values ​​by means of the analog-to-digital converter ADC.

[0211] Preferably, the measured values ​​determined by the computer core µC by means of the analog-to-digital converter ADC depend on the values ​​and / or the temporal value profile of the amplified and possibly filtered output signal S1 of the sensor element SE.

[0212] Preferably, the measured values ​​determined by the computer core µC by means of the analog-to-digital converter ADC depend on the values ​​and / or the temporal value profile of the output signal S1 of the sensor element SE.

[0213] Particularly preferably, the control circuit LIV controls the second optically switchable switch T2 in dependence on the output signal S1 of the sensor element SE.

[0214] Particularly preferably, the control circuit LIV controls the second optically switchable switch T2 by means of the switching LED LED and the switching LED driver DRV and via a third optical system, here via the third optical fiber LWL3, in dependence on the output signal S1 of the sensor element SE.

[0215] Thus, the control circuit LIV particularly preferably controls the second optically controllable switch T2 as a function of the output signal S1 and / or as a function of one or more signals derived from the output signal S1 and / or their time-derived values ​​and / or signals and / or measurement signals and / or phase-shifted measurement signals and / or one or more signals derived from these signals or values.

[0216] Thus, the control circuit LIV particularly preferably controls the second optically switchable switch T2 by means of the switching LED LED2 and the switching LED driver DRV2 and via a third optical system, here via the third optical waveguide LWL3, as a function of the amplified and / or filtered output signal S1 and / or as a function of one or more signals derived from the amplified and / or filtered output signal S1 and / or their time-derived values ​​and / or signals and / or measurement signals and / or phase-shifted measurement signals and / or one or more signals derived from these signals or values.

[0217] Alternatively or in parallel or simultaneously or intermittently, the transmission and If the computer core µC of the control circuit LIV forms a measured value signal m(t) by means of one or more computer- and / or machine-implemented methods, for example from sample values ​​of the analog-to-digital converter ADC, the control circuit LIV controls the second optically switchable switch T2 by means of the switching LED LED2 and the switching LED driver DRV2 and via a third optical system, here via the third optical fiber LWL3, and via the internal data bus DB, preferably as a function of the measured value signal m(t) formed by the computer core µC and / or as a function of one or more signals derived from this measured value signal m(t), preferably by the computer core µC, and / or as a function of one or more signals, preferably formed by the computer core µC, which are related to this measured value signal m(t).

[0218] Preferably, the program code executed by the processor core µC to execute the computer- and / or machine-implemented methods of the document presented here is located at least temporarily in a memory MEM of the device. Preferably, data that the processor core µC executes when executing the computer- and / or machine-implemented methods of the document presented here is also located at least temporarily in a memory MEM of the device presented here.

[0219] Particularly preferred is the system of Fig. 6 perform a temperature protection function.

[0220] Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary cross-section through a hypothetical, exemplary plug connection (BUH, STK) with an exemplary plug STK and an exemplary socket BUH. This plug connection (BUH, STK) is intended to represent only one example of various possible configurations of the combinations of the features of the plug connection (BUH, STK). The possible configurations arise from the claims. One or more sensor elements SE enable the quality control of the contact interfaces KT of the plug connection (BUH, STK).

[0221] The electrically conductive plug IST of the connector (BUH, STK) and the electrically conductive socket IBU of the connector (BUH, STK) establish the actual electrical connection between the left conductor LTG1 and the right conductor LTG2. Through the electrical connection of the electrically conductive plug IST and the electrically conductive socket IBU, the left conductor LTG1 and the right conductor LTG2 then form the conductor LTG.

[0222] The mechanical connection of the connector (BUH, STK) is established by the left housing LGH of the STK plug of the connector (BUH, STK) and the right housing RGH of the BUH socket of the connector (BUH, STK). These typically also provide kink protection and strain relief for the respective conductors (LTG, LTG1, LTG2). As suggested, the BUH socket of the connector (BUH, STK) and / or the STK plug of the connector (BUH, STK) are each preferably equipped with at least one sensor element SE.

[0223] A respective control device LIV preferably records the respective value curve of the respective output signal S1(t) of the sensor element SE and forms a respective measured value and / or a respective measured value signal therefrom. Preferably, a respective energy source EQ, which can be a respective battery, a respective charged accumulator, a respective charged capacitor or a respective energy source connected wired or wirelessly to the respective device of the respective system, supplies the respective device and in particular the respective control device LIV at least temporarily with respective electrical energy. Preferably, the respective control devices LIV communicate via a wireless or wired data transmission channel EXTDB, which may becan also be different in each case, but is preferably uniform, with one or more higher-level computer systems RCOMP (remote computer), for example a higher-level control unit.

[0224] Preferably, the one or more sensor elements SE are each in direct thermal contact with the respective electrical conductor (LTG1, LTG2, LTG).

[0225] In the example of Fig. 7, a data bus connector DBS connects the two external data buses EXTDB. The left part of the data bus connector DBS is preferably housed in the left housing LGH. The right part of the data bus connector DBS is preferably housed in the right housing RGH. The drawing here shows the data bus connector DBS separately for illustrative purposes only.

[0226] Fig. 8 shows the exemplary connector STK of the Fig. 7 as part of a left cable part separately.

[0227] Fig. 9 shows the exemplary socket BUH of the Fig. 7 as part of a right cable part separately.

[0228] The Fig. Figures 9 to 33 show various plug variants of the plug types listed in the following glossary as images.

[0229] The following exemplary and incomplete list of connectors, plug connections, and connection systems is provided in this document only as examples. The technical teaching of this document is expressly not limited to these. Power plug • D-Sub connector IEC 807-2.[1] Depending on the application and country, this connector system is defined in various more extensive standards due to its widespread use, such as the US military standard MIL-C-24308 or in Germany in the DIN standard 41652-1.[2][3] Within the framework of ISO standards, individual variants such as ISO 4903 for DA-15 and ISO 2110 for DB-25 • American 2-pin plug system (Type A) • American 3-pin plug system (Type B) NEMA-1, NEMA-5, NEMA-6, • Euro flat plug (Type C, EN 50075) • Indian / old British plug system (Type D) • French plug system (Type E) • German-French combination plug (Type EF, CEE 7 / 7) • European contour plug (Type EF, CEE 7 / 17) • German Schuko plug system (Type F, CEE 7 / 4) (see also DE567906C) • Russian plug system (Type F, GOST 7396) • British plug system (Type G, BS 1363) • Israeli plug system (Type H) • Australian plug system (Type I) • Australia: relevant standard: AS / NZS 3112 • New Zealand: relevant standard: AS / NZS 3112 • Papua New Guinea: relevant standard: AS / NZS 3112 • China (partially): relevant standard: GB 1002 • Argentina: relevant standard: IRAM 2073 • Uruguay: relevant standard: IRAM 2073 • Swiss plug system (Type J, SN 441011) • Danish plug system (Type K) • Italian plug system (Type L) • South African plug system (Type M) • IEC 60906-1 International Standard Plug • Brazilian plug NBR 14136, very similar to IEC 60906-1, but not identical • PowerCon, (often used in stage technology, proprietary) • Plug according to DIN 56905, (used almost exclusively in stage technology, forerunner of PowerCon • Terko for direct or alternating current, reverse polarity protected (proprietary) Single- and multi-phase low-voltage systems • Plug connection with Anderson Powerpole connectors • Plugs according to IEC 60309 (such as the 5-pin CEE three-phase plug connectors for 16 to 125 amperes) • In Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden: Perilex for three-phase current according to DIN 49445 (16 A socket) and DIN 49446 (16 A plug), DIN 49447 (25 A socket) and DIN 49448 (25 A plug) • In Switzerland: Three-phase plug connectors for low currents for households, businesses and industry according to SN 441011, (T15 for 10 A and T25 for 16 A). Corresponding sockets can also accept single-phase plugs; historically, J-plugs have also been added. • Anderson Powerpole, (system with hermaphroditic plugs up to 600 volts and 310 amps) Low voltage plug • Extra-low voltage connectors are used to supply low, safe voltages ("functional extra-low voltage"). However, they sometimes operate with very high currents (ATX connectors up to 120 A). Hollow plug for small devices • Molex connectors, rectangular four-pin connectors in computers for powering hard drives, CD / DVD drives, etc. • Connectors from PC power supplies to the motherboard, e.g. according to ATX standard • Wire spring contacts (the wire spring socket is more common today) (e.g. DE923143C) • On-board power socket (cigarette lighter) • MagSafe, magnetic connectors for Apple notebooks • Audio plug • Cinch: separate for right and left unbalanced stereo signal • DIN connectors, also called diode connectors, exist in mono and stereo versions, are obsolete and are also used for other purposes • Pickup plug for old tube radios • Loudspeaker plug and measuring device plug, two very similar, also outdated connectors • Jack plugs are two-pin for mono signals, three-pin for stereo signals and four-pin for headsets; plugs with more than four pins are prone to deformation due to their design and are very rare and are often replaced by several individual plug connections and, if necessary, bundled by D-Sub plug adapters • TOSLINK, optical connector • XLR in the recording studio and stage area • Speakon speaker connectors • Multipin for mixing consoles and stage boxes • Small and large Tuchel, older microphone plugs • D-Sub connector: (In the PC sector, the connectors are often connected to professional sound cards using device-specific adapters (cable breakouts) to enable the connection of standard connectors (e.g. RCA, DIN, jack, XLR) that could not otherwise be connected due to space constraints • BNC connectors and couplings • TriAx connectors and couplings • SCART • RCA plug • Mini-DIN (aka S-Video or Hosiden, SCART) • Belling-Lee connector (better known as antenna cable) • F-connector for satellite systems for the transmission of the satellite intermediate frequency between the dish and receiver • In computer technology: • SMA plugs and SMA sockets • VGA connector • DisplayPort, (standard interface in macOS environments) • DVI connector (Digital Visual Interface) • DMS-59 • HDMI connector, (today the most commonly used connector in private and semi-professional video applications) • HD-SDI, (professional applications) • Serial Digital Interface, (professional applications) • Unified Display Interface (obsolete) High-frequency connectors • Coaxial connector • N connectors • BNC connector • TriAx connectors • TNC connectors • Belling-Lee connectors • UHF connectors • C-connector • F-connector • FME connector • SMBA (FAKRA) connectors • Connectors of types MCX, MMCX and SSMCX • UHF or PL connectors • N connectors • SMA connectors • RP-SMA • SMB connectors • SMC connectors • SMP connectors • SMS connectors • TNC connectors • MCX connector • MMCX connector • RP-TNC connectors • UHF connectors (including PL259; originally developed for televisions, but then used exclusively for radio) • DIN 7 / 16 connector • RJ connector • RJ-45 or Ethernet connector • TERA connector system • ELine 1200 EC7 • BNC and N connectors for coaxial and twin-axial cabling • IBM connector, was used in the IBM Cabling System • USB connector (USB) • FireWire connector • SATA connector • SAS connectors • Centronics connector • D-Sub connector • PS / 2 connector • Five-pin DIN connectors for MIDI data transmission • IEC bus connector • Pin headers or post connectors • Chip socket • Connectors according to DIN 41612 (“VG strip”, various designs, for example 96-pin; used e.g. with VMEbus) • Connectors according to DIN 41617 (various versions, for example 31-pin) • PCB connector (used, for example, for plug-in cards in the field of computer technology) • Pin headers, pin connectors (application e.g. for extensions of the Raspberry Pi or the Arduino platform) • Sockets for Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMM) • Connector systems for PCMCIA cards or PC cards • Telephone plugs and sockets (analog) • Travel adapter • Telecommunications connection unit (TAE for short) • ISDN connector • Universal plug (RJ / Western plug) • Fiber optic connectors • SC connector • ST connector • FDDI MIC • LC connector • E2000 connector • FC / PC • FSMA • MTRJ connector • ESCON connector • Mini BNC • Mini SC • URM P2 connector • TOSLINK (audio data) • M12-FO (IEC 61754-27) automotive industry • Trailer sockets • On-board power socket (cigarette lighter) • Charging plug • ISO 10487 (DIN 41652) - Car radio connectors: This standard defines connectors for car radios and car radio accessories. Connectors of this type typically have 8 or 10 pins and are used to connect car radios to speakers, antennas, and other accessories. • ISO 10487 (DIN 41652) - ISO connector for car radios: This connector, often referred to as an ISO connector, is a standardized connector type for car radios and devices. It typically has 8 pins and is used to connect car radios to the vehicle's wiring. • ISO 7638 - Trailer connectors: This standard defines connectors for connecting trailers to towing vehicles. It includes connectors for the electrical connection of lights, brakes, and other trailer functions to the towing vehicle. • ISO 11446 - Trailer Junction Box: This is another standard for connectors used in trailers. It defines the junction box that establishes the electrical connections between the trailer and the towing vehicle. • J1708 / J1587 - Connectors for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: This standard defines connectors for connecting electronic control units in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses. They are used for diagnosing, monitoring, and controlling various vehicle systems. • J1939 - CAN bus connectors: This standard defines connectors for the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, which is used in heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery and construction machinery for communication between different control units. • SAE J1962 - OBD-II connector: This is a standardized connector type for on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in motor vehicles. It is used to retrieve vehicle diagnostic data and read trouble codes. • SAE J1772 - Electric Vehicle Connectors: This standard defines connectors for electric vehicles used to charge batteries. The J1772 connector is widely used worldwide and enables electric vehicles to be charged at charging stations. List of reference symbols 1 electrical connector 11 first contact interface 12 second contact interface 13 electronic fuse 14 integrated circuits 141 first power supply module 142 second power supply module 143 energy storage 144 memory module 145 Data output interface 1' additional electrical connector 2 Power source 3 current sink 4 predetermined signal 5 Communication network 6 Data processing device 100 communication system 1000 Methods for operating an electrical connector 1001 Determining the triggering of the electronic fuse 1002 Outputting the predetermined signal QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 567906C

[0229] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Standard: AS / NZS 3112

[0229] GB 1002

[0229] Standard: IRAM 2073

[0229] Standard IRAM 2073

[0229] SN 441011

[0229] DIN 56905

[0229]

Claims

[1] Contact state sensor for a connector (1), the connector (1) comprising: - an electrical contact interface (KT) for establishing an electrical contact with another electrical contact interface (KT) of another connector, and - an electrical conductor (LTG) terminating in the electrical contact interface (KT), the contact condition sensor comprising: - a sensor element (SE1) which can be arranged and is designed to detect a measured value of a predetermined physical parameter of the conductor (LTG) and / or the contact interface (KT), and - a data processing device configured to determine an actual state of the electrical contact based on the detected measured value. [2] Contact state sensor according to claim 1, wherein the contact state sensor is configured to output, store, keep available and / or use the measured value detected by means of the sensor element (SE1). [3] Contact state sensor according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the physical parameter comprises a temperature (ϑLTG) of the conductor (LTG), the sensor element (SE1) comprises a temperature sensor element that can be thermally coupled to the conductor (LTG) for detecting the temperature (ϑLTG) of the conductor (LTG), and the data processing device is designed to determine the actual state based on the detected temperature (ϑLTG) of the conductor (LTG), and / or - wherein the physical parameter comprises a temperature (ϑKT) of the contact interface (KT), the sensor element (SE1) comprises a temperature sensor element which can be thermally coupled to the contact interface (KT) for detecting the temperature (ϑKT) of the contact interface (KT), and the data processing device is designed to determine the actual state based on the detected temperature (ϑKT) of the contact interface (KT). [4] Contact state sensor according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the data processing device is designed to determine an actual state of the conductor (LTG) and / or the contact interface (KT) based on the detected measured value [5] Contact state sensor according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the actual state of the contact comprises a probability of failure and / or damage (PKT) of the electrical connector, optionally the contact interface (KT) and / or the conductor (LTG). [6] Contact status assurance, including: - a contact condition sensor according to one of the preceding claims, and - a switch (T2) that can be inserted into the line (LTG), - wherein the contact state protection is designed to open and / or close the switch (T2) depending on the actual state of the contact. [7] Electrical connector (1), wherein the electrical connector (1) comprises a contact state sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5 or a contact state fuse according to claim 6. [8] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the electrical connector (1) comprises a socket (BUH) and / or a plug (STK) with the contact interface (KT). [9] Electrical connector (1), the electrical connector (1) comprising: - an integrated circuit (14) which is designed to output a predetermined signal (4) to a communication network (5) which can be connected to the connector (1) as a function of the actual state of the contact (KT). [10] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 9, wherein the integrated circuit (14) is configured to output the predetermined signal (4) via the contact. [11] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the electrical connector (1) has a data output interface (145) via which the integrated circuit (14) is designed to output the predetermined signal (4) wirelessly and / or wired to the communication network (5). [12] Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the connector (1) comprises: - a first power supply module (141) designed to convert thermal energy into electrical energy to supply the integrated circuit (14) with electrical energy, - a second power supply module (142) which is designed to use electromagnetic induction to supply the integrated circuit (14) with electrical energy, and / or - an energy storage device (143) for supplying the integrated circuit (14) with electrical energy. [13] Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the predetermined signal (4) comprises information relating to an identifier of the connector (1) and / or information relating to the actual state of the contact, optionally relating to a deviation of the actual state of the contact (KT) from a predetermined desired state. [14] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 13, wherein the connector (1) comprises a memory module (144) in which the information concerning the identifier is stored.

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