TE Connectivity adds M12 cable to industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus line-up
Connector and sensor specialist, TE Connectivity, now offers M12 data cable assemblies that support Ethernet protocols as part of its industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus solutions.
The addition has been spurred by the recognition that the IIoT and manufacturing productivity depends on data communication and automation systems, requiring the ability to capture, transmit and process large amounts of data, communication between devices and across networks.
Ethernet is already the leading technology for data communications and is a popular choice for higher-level industrial control where real-time data is required. For Ethernet to be used in industrial environments, cables and connectors must be adapted to withstand harsh environmental conditions, for example, they must resist oils, chemicals, humidity, weld spatter, twisting and bending, across a range of hot and cold temperatures. They must also cut out environmental electronic noise (EMI/RFI) coming from nearby AC or DC circuits or motor drives, which can jepoardise the performance of the network.
The TE M12 industrial Ethernet cable assemblies are offered with a range of features to meet specific needs. Jacketing, for example, is in PVC, or halogen-free PUR or other flame retardant, non-corrosive (FRNC) materials.
PVC provides a competitive and economic solution for occasional movement or vibration, but lacks flexing properties. PUR is more suited to demanding applications and harsh environments where operational reliability is crucial.
Depending on the material, the assemblies withstand up to one million flexes, machine oils, abrasion and UV radiation. A compact full-metal housing with crimp flange/crimp sleeve provides 360 degree shielding against EMI/RFI. The hexagonal crimp of the sleeve gives a vibration-resistant and torsion-proof cable strain relief, in accordance with IEC 61 373, Category 1, Class B, says TE, as well as safe shield termination. Category 5e cables can realise transmission rates of 100Mbits per second to meet network requirements in the field and at supervisory management levels. The new assemblies are available with several standard cable length options from 0.5m to 30m.
