New space-saving industrial connector series can reduce space by up to 75%

RS Components has introduced a highly robust series of connectors for industrial applications. Manufactured by Hirose Electric the ix Industrial series satisfies all the demands for space-constrained applications and can support I/O signal transmission speeds of up to 10Gbit per second.

The series is ideal for a variety of industrial applications including factory automation controllers, servo amplifiers, industrial robotics, PLCs and many others including security systems. As well as delivering the potential to decrease installation space by up to 75% compared to RJ45-based solutions, the new series supports CAT5e (1Gbps) and CAT6A (10Gbps) cabling and provides an optimised rugged and reliable EMI and ESD shielding design.

Other features of the series incorporate availability with two keying codes for Ethernet and non-Ethernet applications and compliance with the IEC PAS 61076-3-124 standard. Electrical characteristics include a current rating of 1.5A for all 10 contacts, with 3A capability on pins 1, 2, 6 and 7; voltage rating of 50V; 5,000 mating cycles; and an operating temperature of from –40C up to +85C.

The connector receptacle can be mounted in parallel with a pitch distance of only 10mm, which allows close side-by-side positioning of multiple connectors on a single PCB. The receptacle shell is PCB mounted by through-hole solder legs to improve PCB retention, and the wire-termination unit and cable clamp are integrated into a single plug shell. Also, the snap-in I/O plug connector allows a positive metal lock, which provides a clear tactile click to guarantee secure mating.