Harting adds K-coding to M12 circular connector
The M12 circular connector is now available from Harting in the IEC 61076-2-111 standard K-coding. The new configuration enhances the interface for data and signals transmission, by offering a similar compact interface for energy-intensive applications, says Harting.
According to Harting this is a considerable amount of power in a very compact interface and meets the trend towards miniaturisation, which is having an increasing impact on the space-saving supply of voltage to compact drives as well as on networks.
To offer the popular M12 form factor to device manufacturers for voltage supply, Harting will be supplying the K-coding product with 7 kW at 630 V and 16 A from Spring 2019, allowing the integrated transmission of data, signals and power. The logical consequence for housing manufacturers will be simplified planning and cost savings.
The step towards developing and standardising the K-coding is both logical and necessary, believes Harting. Prior to this introduction, higher-powered supplies for circular connectors have been handled via Profinet.
With power of this magnitude in a compact M12 housing, particular attention has to be paid to clearance and creepage distances to protect users properly. This is accomplished with a PE contact attached to the housing which is configured as a pre-leading pin in the mating face in order to bleed off voltage and conduct away flashovers on the housing or between contacts.
With the high voltages, the PCB socket must be protected from flashover on the contact side so all the hold-downs are separated from one another with an insulator.
K-coded cable is available in a crimp version. The connection will be secured with the familiar screw fitting typical of the M12 design. There will also be a new PushPull variant which clicks audibly into place.
The Harting Technology Group provides industrial connection technology for data, signal and power. It has 13 production plants and branches in 44 countries.
Harting also produces retail checkout systems, electromagnetic actuators for automotive and industrial series use, charging equipment for electric vehicles, as well as hardware and software for customers and applications in automation technology, mechanical and plant engineering, robotics and transportation engineering.
