When you need to ensure that you have a reliable connection, even in the harshest conditions, you need an M12 connector. These rugged connectors are ideal for maintaining connections in the world of industrial automation and in any application where the environment or conditions can be a challenge. But do you know how to interpret the coding of an M12 connector? If not, you’re in luck, we’re here to help.
First, let’s take a look at the structure of an M12 connector. These circular connectors have a 12 mm locking thread that is typically IP-rated and provides protection from liquids and solids. Inside, there are pins in configurations of either 3, 4, 5, 8 or 12.
Different pin configurations are used for different applications. For example, 3 and 4-pin versions are used for sensors and in power applications, 4 and 8-pin models are used in Ethernet and PROFINET and 12-pin models are usually used for signal applications.
In addition to the varying pin configurations, M12 connectors are also coded. This coding prevents improper mating.
Here is a list of M12 codes and the applications they are used in:
- A-coded: sensors, DC power and 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- B-coded: PROFIBUSC-coded: AC power
- D-coded: 100 Mbit Ethernet
- K-coded: AC power
- L-coded: PROFINET DC power
- X-coded: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- S-coded: AC power (will be replacing C-coded power parts)
- T-coded: DC power (will be replacing A-coded power parts)
Codes A, B, D and X are the most popular. A, B and D codes originated with the first M12 connectors, so they’ve been available the longest. The growth of the high-speed industrial Ethernet market has brought a surge of popularity for X-coded connectors, which are likely to eventually replace A, B and D codes in Ethernet applications.
There you have it, M12 codes de-coded.
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