M12 Connector Performance
M12 connectors are now recommended for almost all fieldbus sizes and comply with IP67 protection class according to IEC 61076-2-101/104, and are traditionally used to connect sensors and actuators in automation technology. The corrections in this standard describe D-coded 4-pin connectors for Industrial Ethernet applications with a higher level of protection.
EIA/TIA standard
According to the EIA/TIA standard, the M12 connector corresponds to the transmission technical conditions of the Category 5 modular jack (RJ45). Using D-coding prevents incorrect engagement with A-coding (for sensor and actuator wiring) and B-coding (for some Fieldbus).
M12 connectors were not available for printed circuit boards until 2005 when the round M12 connector with surface mount termination was born. Surface mount termination facilitates the miniaturization of field devices. The sturdy pins allow it to pass through bulk packaging and the corresponding feeding process using a vibrating bowl. Another packaging method is tape and reel.
technical standard
The basic modular design concept results in a variety of mounting heights and different pin types. Based on user needs, the provided termination methods include surface mount, crimp, or through-hole reflow technology, with surface mount technology as the standard. The black insulator of the connector is made of high temperature plastic, so there is no problem in all conventional surface mount soldering procedures.
In the past, controllers in switch cabinets drove field devices through I/O cards; today, industrial automation tends to be a distributed system, where field actuators and sensors are often connected to a passive or fieldbus capable I/O box. In order to provide solutions for a wide variety of applications at the lowest cost, specific field devices require flexible connector solutions with a high level of modularity. For this purpose, the various printed circuit board types of circular M12 connectors are supplemented by cable systems. Different model shapes, pin counts, cable qualities and lengths contribute to cost-effective and customized automation solutions.
Application Field
M12 connectors are currently mainly used in outdoor light boxes, construction machinery, steel production equipment, electrical equipment, mining machinery, ship machinery, automotive equipment, automatic production equipment, temperature transmitters, hydraulic machine tools, sensors, solenoid valves, instrumentation, pressure transmitter, etc.
