TE Connectivity’s main product categories for the HVAC market are power interconnects, signal interconnects, magnet wire for motors, and heat-shrink tubing to seal against environmental factors.
component materials
The company works with HVAC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to solve challenges such as harsh environments, safety, and power and signal usage.
Although components are a “small” element when an OEM assembles an HVAC system, their impact can be big. For example, a tiny component not producing a spark could make it safer to introduce mildly flammable refrigerants into the newer HVAC systems.
Addressing material compatibility
Raising questions about component materials not degrading by exposure to newer chemicals over time
Also related to the transition to newer refrigerants is the issue of materials compatibility, raising questions about component materials not degrading by exposure to newer chemicals over time.
“The big trends in HVAC are higher efficiency, more intelligence (in the context of the Internet of Things), faster data transmission, better safety, and more reliability,” says Joseph Burch, Business Development Manager for TE Connectivity’s Appliance Business Unit.
product portfolio
TE Connectivity is a brand associated with high quality. OEM customers think of the company (rather than lower-cost competitors) when they have a critical design and/or they need to access TE Connectivity’s vast product portfolio spanning a variety of markets.
Broadly speaking, their products include wire-to-board connectors and wire-to-wire connectors at a range of amperages, voltages, and sealing requirements. The broad product line means there are likely solutions within the TE Connectivity family for many OEM design needs.
durability and sustainability
“We try to meet customers where they are and where the supply chain is,” says Burch. In addition to dealing directly with OEMs, the company works around the world alongside contract manufacturers of various subsystem components.
Currently, TE Connectivity is a global leader with a strong focus on reliability, durability, and sustainability in its connectivity and sensor products. They serve a range of industries, including HVAC, and are known for their contributions to technological advancements.
the efficiency of heat pumps
Higher efficiency requires precise monitoring of electrical signals and transmission of data
For TE Connectivity and others, driving development in the HVAC market is the transition to heat pumps, a rapidly growing equipment category. Achieving the improved efficiency of heat pumps raises the stakes from a component perspective boosting the need for sensors and faster data transmission.
Higher efficiency requires precise monitoring of electrical signals and transmission of data. Integration of heat pumps with renewable energy sources, such as solar, requires even more connections and better communications.
rapid data transmission
The ability of newer systems to adapt to changing environmental conditions depends on the fast transmission of sensor data to guide operation. In effect, rapid data transmission, using signal interconnects, makes it possible to achieve higher efficiencies that are critical to newer systems.
The faster signals are communicated, the more efficient the systems are. Larger systems are increasing the demand for higher power, and efficiency standards are driving more sensing needs, as is the trend toward smart homes.
flame retardant
Addressing one of the big challenges in the HVAC market, TE Connectivity sells its products to withstand harsh environments such as moisture and vibration. In a typical HVAC scenario, half the system is located outdoors and exposed to weather and other elements.
From a safety perspective, electrical connectors on HVAC units are unattended 24/7, so reliability is critical, and materials must be flame retardant and withstand high temperatures. Parts must adhere to the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) VO flammability rating, which means a flame extinguishes within 10 seconds and there is no dripping.
competitive analysis
TE Connectivity’s business development teams seek broadly to assess the size of a market, such as HVAC, and the magnitude of the opportunity in each market for their various product lines. In addition, the company attends trade shows to see the latest trends to seize the opportunities to promote the company’s brands and products to the market.
TE Connectivity engineers conduct “in-house teardowns” of existing OEM products to analyze how various components are used and how they might be improved to refine the overall solution. TE Connectivity’s competitive analysis labs are frequently looking for new opportunities to innovate.
address design-related issues
A “system architecture team” within the engineering group is tasked with understanding how systems work
TE Connectivity’s engineers also work directly with OEM customer engineers to address any design-related issues. The field engineering team works on the “front line” with customers and provides feedback to the company’s development engineering team, which gets involved as needed.
A “system architecture team” within the engineering group is tasked with understanding how systems work, new technologies, new regulations, and innovations, and establishing roadmaps to forecast needs looking ahead five to ten years.
Multiple design trends
“Our engineering teams are problem-solvers, focused on connectivity problems across many industries,” says Joshua Poterjoy, Senior Manager, Product Development Engineering.
Multiple design trends are among the factors driving product needs, such as miniaturization, higher-speed data transmission, the need for ergonomic and modular designs (for ease of assembly), and components designed for assembly and packaging automation. Components also adhere to Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives that avoid the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
ease of installation
GRACE INERTIA series signal connectors provide fine-pitch connections for smaller electronics
Creating components to deploy ergonomic and modular designs promotes ease of installation, both for assembly by the OEM company and for installers in the field. Components are designed to be as simple as possible while achieving all the operation and reliability standards. Quick-connect and twist-and-lock systems provide an assuring “click” when a robust connection is made.
For example, the company’s Universal MATE-N-LOK multi-position power connectors are often used in the HVAC market from powering control cards to motors to fans. Also, the GRACE INERTIA series signal connectors provide fine-pitch connections for smaller electronics.
TE Connectivity’s history
TE Connectivity’s history can be traced back to the founding of AMP Incorporated in 1941, which pioneered the development of electrical connectors. In the 1990s, AMP became part of the Tyco International conglomerate, further expanding and diversifying.
In 2007, Tyco International split into three independent companies, including Tyco Electronics, which focuses on connectivity and sensor solutions. Tyco Electronics changed its name to TE Connectivity in 2011.