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he M8 and M12 sealed
connector systems are the
most common method of cable
termination for sensors in harsh
environment industrial and control
applications. 2015 is the 30th
anniversary of the introduction of
the M12 interconnects, and was
initially launched with 3 and 4-pin
versions. Originally targeted at the
automotive manufacturing market,
the screw-type, dust proof, water
tight connectors found favour in
many other industries, including food
and beverage, textile and machine
building.
The need for increased productivity
and Digital Industry 4.0 has increased
the demand for higher data rates.
Production lines and manufacturing
systems are no longer stand-alone,
but are digitally interconnected,
“talking” to each other to deliver
instantaneous decision critical data.
Coding options for M8 and M12
connectors have expanded from the
original A-code (analogue) used for
sensors and actuators, to B-code
(fieldbus) and now includes D-code
(100 MB Ethernet Cat5) and high
speed X-code (Gigabit Ethernet Cat6)
types. This in turn has led to higher
expectations for secure connections
even under extremely harsh
conditions. In addition to IP67 (Ingress
Protection - dust tight and 1m water
immersion), M12 connectors are also
offered with IP65, IP68 and IP69K
(high pressure and high temperature
spray) ratings.
Compounding the challenge is
the sheer number of connectors
that are now being used. Their
locations, often in very restricted
places, can make installation difficult.
Equipment upgrades to cope with
the higher data rates can become
very time consuming and complex.
Molex, as a manufacturer of high-
quality connectors, has set itself
the task of simplifying and speeding
up installation while improving
communication integrity.
The traditional mainstream M12
connector utilises a screw thread that
has three disadvantages. The hand
applied torque during installation
is a relatively uncontrolled process.
Insufficient tightening can result in
a poor connection, but too much will
result in a compromise of the seal.
Secondly, the time to fit a connector
is quite long and thirdly is that of
potential repetitive motion injury to
the installer.
With its patented Brad
®
Ultra-
Lock
®
connection system, Molex
has brought to the market an
entire portfolio of M12 connectors
with Push-Pull functionality. This
breakthrough thread-less design
combines innovative engineering
and advanced ergonomics, while still
meeting the mechanical and electrical
requirements of IEC Standard 61076-
T
M12 connectors become more reliable,
easier to fit and reduce installer injuries
Michael Meckl
,
Molex
24 l New-Tech Magazine Europe