Angled M12 SMT ruggedised connectors: small PCB footprint and high reliability

The 90° Ruggedised versions, optionally unshielded or shielded with a one-piece shield clip, feature a new design with robust, large-area SMT connections and an extremely low installation depth. This results in a very small footprint on the PCB.

The new design of the Ruggedised series combines the customer’s demand for compactness for miniaturisation with high functional reliability thanks to a special contact geometry. The availability of all common codings and the flexibility in selecting the coding position and thus the cable outlet leave nothing to be desired – just completely “fitting your application”.

The new Ruggedised series with protection class IP67 was developed to ensure the highest connection reliability at the PCB connection contacts, for example under vibration or shock loads in accordance with IEC 61076-2-101 and -109 in a wide temperature range from –40°C to +125°C (without O-ring).

Ideal for miniaturisation according to the motto “Fast. Compact. Safe.”

The angled M12 SMT Ruggedised connectors currently offer smallest PCB footprint currently available at 15.5 x 5.5mm. They support the trend toward miniaturisation: as D-code and X-code versions for Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet switches, and as A-code versions for I/O and sensor applications. With a space savings of 50% compared to conventional THT or THR round connectors, and the option of using the entire rear for SMD components, they provide noticeable space savings even in small devices.

Another component for miniaturisation is the new tamper-proof M12 installation housing, optionally for push-pull or screw locking. A special design enables the interfaces to be arranged close together with minimal spacing.

New on the market: first angled M12 connector for SMT

Until now, there were no angled M12 connectors on the market that could be used automatically in the SMT process. A high-temperature-resistant pick disc fixes the angled Ruggedised connector in the exact horizontal and right-angled position for a reliable SMT soldering process.

The angled connectors from Provertha are pre-assembled and offer RJ45-compatible dimensions thanks to their compact external dimensions with a height of 14mm. This makes them ideal for Ethernet switches with front-side interfaces.

Designed for automated processing

Thanks to high-temperature-resistant pick-and-place pads and tape-and-reel packaging, the Ruggedised connectors are designed for reliable processability in the fully automated SMT process. Narrow tapes allow the connectors to be accommodated on the feeder bank of the placement machine and take up little space. The low overall height and fully symmetrical layout of the new connectors significantly minimise soldering angle errors during processing.

Flexibility with selectable coding position

Thanks to the available standard codings (A, B, D, and X), all Ruggedised connectors can be used in scenarios such as sensor/actuator systems in industrial automation, industrial Ethernet networks, and railway applications.

With an adjustable insulator, the position of eight coding directions can be selected in 45° increments. The major advantage – especially with the angled cable connectors – is that the orientation of the cable outlets can be tailored to the application. Two positioning pins ensure correct identification and correct positioning of the connector during placement.

All M12 Ruggedised connectors have very good technical characteristics, e.g., a high current carrying capacity. They are made of high-temperature-resistant high-performance thermoplastic with high tracking resistance. The Comparative Tracking Index (CTI value) – a measure of the tracking resistance of plastics – is over 600.

Robust against transverse forces and torsional moments

The design of the connectors has been optimised and specified after a comprehensive analysis of the competition, resulting in better mechanical features. For example, a fully symmetrical layout ensures high stability because lateral forces are readily absorbed. Four large soldering surfaces on the mounting brackets ensure a high level of protection against twisting, especially with angled cable connectors.

A key feature of the angled Ruggedised series is the contact design with an elastic connection contour and larger SMT connections which, together with the geometry of the mounting brackets and four large-area connection pads, enable the absorption of high transverse and shear forces. The M12 SMT Ruggedised 90°connectors thus offer a high level of functional reliability, as this also prevents the SMT connections from breaking off under high stress.