RJ45 socket from Yamaichi provides flexibility in power and optics
A reflow-capable RJ45 jack has been added to the industrial Y-Con RJ45 series by Yamaichi. The socket for 100Mbit per second / Cat 5 jack consists of a base body with 90 degree orientation of the connector to the solder pins, along with the ‘Tab-up’ tab orientation. Different features are available to ensure that the right product can be selected to meet customer needs, assures Yamaichi.
The jack optionally has machine-wound transformers, additional integrated power contacts and reflow-capable light pipes. Yamaichi says that its design for the power contacts and reflow-capable light pipes provides customers a high degree of flexibility in the transmission of power up to 100W as well as in the transmission of optical signals.
There are two additional power contacts, up to 2.1A can be transmitted at 70 degree C without affecting signal transmission. This is significantly more than provided by Power over Ethernet (PoE), says Yamaichi and also saves another cable.
Optical signals can be transmitted from the PCB on the front of the jack using light pipes; just as with an optical fibre, explains Yamaichi. Unlike LEDs, however, light pipes have a nearly unlimited lifetime and a cost advantage, continues the company. The use of light pipes in reflow soldering is also not limited by the high solder temperature, and there is still “complete freedom in the selection of light colour”, says the company.
The integrated machine-wound transformers ensure optimum, consistently good signal transmission, for example if there is no space on the PCB for magnetics when using Ethernet. In contrast with hand-wound transformers, in which performance can depend on the capability of the maker, machine-wound transforms ensure consistent transmission quality, points out the company. They are also insensitive to vibrations, since the coil bodies are always cast. The series can therefore meet the strictest of requirements in the industrial sector.
