Compact I/O connector provides PCB space savings of up to 75%

Hirose has developed a rugged I/O connector that merges a small, robust design with high-speed data transmission capabilities that allows industrial equipment improvements in smart manufacturing. The IX Series connector decreases installation space by up to 75% compared to RJ45 solutions, and up to 28% compared to competing snap-in I/O connectors. Supporting CAT5e and CAT6a (10G) cabling, the IX Series I/O connector highlights an optimised EMI/ESD shielding design for safe and secure data transmission up to 10Gbps. The connector is available in two keying codes for Ethernet and non-Ethernet applications, the IX Series I/O connector is compliant with IEC PAS 61076-3-124. The IX Series can be used as a next-generation conventional connector in equipment such as industrial robotics, factory automation controllers, programmable logic controllers, servo amps, security systems, servers, robotics and more. "The importance of reliable communication and data exchange between industrial equipment has increased with Industry 4.0. Developed for use in industrial automation and manufacturing environments, the rugged IX Series combines high-speed performance and a compact design with high reliability and design flexibility," said Bill Kysiak, product marketing manager for Hirose Electric USA. "With an innovative design that is ideal for daisy-chaining applications, the space-saving IX Series connector can facilitate a significant size reduction of industrial machine vision modules."