M Series M12 Industrial connector

The M12 connector

 is now recommended for almost all fieldbus specifications and complies with the IP67 protection level according to the IEC 61076-2-101/104 standard. It is traditionally used to connect sensors and actuators in automation technology. Amendment 1 in this standard describes the higher protection level of the 4-pin D-coded m12 connector standard used for industrial Ethernet applications.

According to the EIA/TIA standard, the M12 connector corresponds to the transmission technical conditions of Category 5 module sockets (RJ45). The use of D-coding prevents incorrect mating with A-coding (used for sensor and actuator wiring) and B-coding (used for some fieldbuses).

Previously, there were no m12 connector types available for printed circuit boards until the surface mount M12 connector was introduced. The surface mount technology contributes to the miniaturization of field devices. The robust pins enable it to be fed through bulk packaging and corresponding use of a vibration bowl. Another packaging option is tape and reel packaging.

The basic modular design concept allows for connectors with different installation heights and different pin configurations. Depending on the user’s requirements, available termination methods include surface mount, press-in, or wave soldering techniques, with surface mount technology being the standard. The black insulation body of the connector is made of high-temperature plastic, so there are no issues in all standard surface mount soldering processes.

In the past, controllers in control cabinets drove field devices via I/O cards; nowadays, industrial automation tends to be more decentralized, with field actuators and sensors often connected to a passive or bus-capable I/O box. To provide cost-effective solutions for various applications, specific field devices require highly modular and flexible connector solutions. Therefore, the various m12 connector types for printed circuit boards are supplemented by cable systems. Different models, shapes, pin counts, cable qualities, and lengths contribute to achieving cost-effectiveness and customized automation solutions.