Interconnection Classic connectors, reloaded
In the automation world, there are certain components that are essential. Such classic connectors include those in M12, M8 and M5 packages. They are constantly expanding their function and performance thanks to structural advances, explains Graham Ellis, sales director for the UK and Ireland, binder
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n the networks of Industry 4.0, connectors are the link between the cables that carry data and field devices such as sensors, drives or control systems. Originally widely used primarily in automotive engineering, the M12 package has proven itself for decades as a rugged, reliable interface. M12 connectors are able to handle high data rates while, at the same time, supplying power to the devices. Both capabilities are possible using one and the same hybrid connector.
M12 – A multi-talent with special capabilities
In automation engineering, the fields of application of the M12 package range from sensor to actuator cabling, industrial instrumentation and control technology, industrial Ethernet to autonomous robots or cobots. For these areas, M12 products (Fig. 1) provide a minimum protection as per IP67 but are also available in IP68 or IP69K. Their mechanically rugged, durable design and operational reliability (see Infobox 1) are exemplary here.
The connection methods of crimping, screw terminals and insulation-piercing terminals form the basis of mechanical durability. This also applies to the push-pull M12 interlock technologies and screws. For environments subject to electromagnetic interference, several EMC-optimized product versions are available with shield rings or iris springs.
Among the binder M12 highlights are ready-to-assemble connectors equipped with a spring-loaded terminal in place of the popular screw terminal. Quick-connect technology simplifies cable assembly by the user and produces connections that are resistant to vibration. Using ready-to- connect M12 wires is even simpler. In this case, single-conductor wiring is completely unnecessary. The premade, molded products, already tested as per DIN EN IEC 61076-2, substantially reduce the installation and cabling effort. There are several 3-pin to 12-
54 October 2023 Infobox 1 Coding and operational reliability
The classic M12 automation engineering connector is available with pin counts of 3, 4, 5, 8 or 12. This can have 3 or 4 pins to supply power and Ethernet cabling using, for example, 4 or 8 pins. The pins are uniquely coded to prevent mismating for operational reliability. These are the codings A (sensors, DC power), B (Profibus), D (100 Mb Ethernet and Profinet) and X (10 Gb Ethernet) for signal and data transmission. For supplying power, S and K are intended for alternating current drives and frequency converters while T and L, for example, are for DC drives and LED lights.
Infobox 2 Corrosion protection using VA steel
The term VA steel is an abbreviation in common use in German. Here, V is for “test melt” and A stands for “austenite,” a phase in the iron- carbon material system. The term VA is used to designate corrosion- resistant nickel-chromium steels or nickel-chromium-molybdenum steels. These steels are used in component mechanical engineering to protect the components against water and water vapor, food acids as well as weak organic or inorganic acids. Examples can be found in the food, pharmaceutical
Components in Electronics
and cosmetic industries as well as in sensors for measuring fill level and flow. Stainless steel connectors are also used in medical technology. To comply with the hygiene requirements of that industry, manufacturers such as binder use special structural measures: Few undercuts, or none at all, where dirt might collect are permitted. In addition, smooth surfaces are an advantage as are hexagonal contours instead of the customary knurled contours.
Fig. 1 The M12 package is available in a corrosion-resistant stainless steel version (see Infobox 2) for the pharmaceutical and the food industries. Photo: binder
pin versions from binder. There are straight and angled designs, molded on one or both sides, with different codings and line qualities.
M8 and M5 – the compact alternatives
Smaller packages, such as M8 and M5, perform similar functions but with an even smaller space requirement. M8 connections with D coding, for example, can transmit data up to 100 Mbps but use about one- third less space than the M12 (Fig. 2). New developments in M8 are now being designed for SPE.
Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) allows networking that is particularly low in resource use. This is because one single pair of conductors can achieve gigabit transmission rates while also supplying
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