Compact connector supports CAT5 cabling for industrial modules

1st February 2017

Alice Matthews

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Datasheet

A rugged I/O connector has been developed by Hirose which boasts a space-saving design that enables a size reduction of industrial modules. The IX Series connector provides a space savings of up to 65% compared to RJ45 solutions, and up to 28% compared to competing snap-in I/O connector offerings.

The IX Series I/O connector combines high reliability and enhanced EMI/ESD shielding with high-speed transmission capability of 3Gbps - all in a compact package.

Supporting CAT5 cabling, the IX Series I/O connector offers significant space-savings potential in equipment such as factory automation controllers, programmable logic controllers, servo amps, servers and robotics.

Available in a right angle or straight version, the IX Series I/O has maximum dimensions of 22.9x8.4x14.3mm. The connector receptacles can be mounted in parallel with a pitch distance of 10mm. The narrow width of the receptacle is particularly beneficial when multiple connectors are positioned on a single PCB side-by-side.

Featuring a rugged and reliable design, the snap-in I/O connector has a positive metal lock with a preload spring mechanism that provides a clear tactile click and ensures complete, secure mating. The preloaded springs are designed to prevent unintended cable removal, and to extend the operating life to more than 5,000 mating/unmating cycles.

"The compact IX Series connector offers a significant size reduction compared to competing I/O connectors. The small receptacle footprint enables the size reduction of a unit comprised of multiple daisy-chained I/O modules," said Rick van Weezel, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Hirose Electric USA.

The receptacle shell is mounted on the PCB via a through-hole solder legs to enhance PCB retention and to resist the wrenching of the cable assembly, protecting the SMT leads. The wire-termination unit and cable clamp are integrated into a single plug shell, which prevents the connecting part of the cable assembly from being affected by the load on the cable.

Because the IX Series connector's receptacle supports THR soldering as a substitute for manual soldering, the receptacle can be mounted on the PCB containing both THT and SMT components in a single SMT process. This also contributes to the high PCB retention force.

The IX Series I/O connector has a rated current of 0.5A (all pins), 1A (any 2 pins), 2A (pin No. 1 and No. 8 only). With an operating temperature range of -40 to 80°C, the IX Series connector has a rated voltage of 30VAC.