Connectors are used to carry power, signals, and data between electronic components in a system. Among these products, Amphenol LTW's circular M-series sensor connector is one of the most popular products among users, widely used in various industrial fields.
These connectors come in various forms (Figure 1) and comply with the IEC 61076-2-105 and 61076-2-104 standards, which specify standardized locking mechanisms for circular connectors. Compliance with these standards ensures that M-series connectors are fully compatible with similar products in terms of mechanical and electrical performance, thereby improving design flexibility and simplifying system integration.
In addition, the sensor connector of Amphenol LTW has the advantages of being more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective compared to traditional four pair Ethernet cables, making it very suitable for modern industrial IoT applications.
Amphenol LTW M series connector
Figure 1: The M series includes sockets, injection molded connectors with cables, and on-site installation connectors. (Image source: Amphenol LTW)
Why is the M series the ideal choice
The M series includes metric connectors, among which M5 is suitable for small sensors with low power consumption and low signal requirements; M8 to M12 and M16 are suitable for signal relays, while M23 to M40 are used for power transmission. The number represents the diameter, for example, M8 connectors use 8mm diameter fasteners, while M12 connectors use 12mm diameter fasteners.
M8 and M12 A-type coded connectors are designed specifically for sensors. Both M8 and M12 offer B-code versions, suitable for fieldbus networks. In addition, the M12 connector also offers the following options:
X encoding is used for 10 Gb Ethernet
L code is used for low-voltage DC power supply
S code is used for AC power supply
K code is used for higher voltage AC power supply
The M series has many advantages, including:
Robust and reliable locking mechanism: The circular connector adopts a sturdy and durable thread or bayonet locking mechanism, which can effectively prevent loosening caused by vibration and is suitable for industrial automation systems or automotive applications.
Reduce cable clutter: The M series can simultaneously transmit data, power, and signals through one interface, thereby reducing the number of independent cables required and achieving a more compact system layout.
Durability and performance: Injection molded connectors with IP protection levels can resist dust, moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress, thus meeting the demanding usage conditions in industrial or outdoor environments.
Compatible with multiple applications: The M8 A encoded connector offers 3-pin, 4-pin, and 5-pin configurations, while the M12 also offers 8-pin and 12 pin configurations in addition to the above configurations.
Sensor connector
The M-series sensor connectors of Amphenol LTW have excellent waterproof performance up to IP65 or IP67-68. This series of connectors has a wide current range of 1.5 A to 28 A and is available in pre assembled injection molded versions with sockets and cables. In addition, Amphenol also offers on-site installation connectors, which have a wide temperature range from -40 ° C to+105 ° C.
The M-series sensor connector adopts a heavy-duty shielding design, suitable for harsh industrial environments, and can withstand vibrations from 10 Hz to 500 Hz. At least 100 times of plug-in performance, making it easy to quickly transfer devices between different applications.
junction box
An application typically requires multiple connectors to enable multiple components to work together. For this purpose, Amphenol LTW's M series also offers distributed distribution boxes as connector hubs to organize connecting wires.
Amphenol LTW's M-series junction box helps simplify the installation of M8 and M12 connectors and related cables, enabling pre wired installation and centralized wiring. The M8 and M12 junction boxes can improve system efficiency and productivity by providing diverse connection options.
These junction boxes are designed specifically for industrial environments and are suitable for fields such as automation, robotics technology, and processing plants. These junction boxes comply with the EU's mandatory regulations on low chemical content in electronic products - REACH and RoHS regulations. These sturdy and durable junction boxes have an IP67 protection rating, which can withstand vibration and harsh environmental conditions.
Optional accessories include waterproof covers, cable kits, cable assemblies, and on-site installation configurations. These accessories can also be customized with labels, different codes, and pre equipped with high flexibility cables to adapt to applications that require continuous movement.
M-series sensor connectors and junction boxes in the field of robotics and automation
The M-series sensor connectors have the following advantages in robot applications:
Connecting sensors and actuators: Temperature, pressure, position, and proximity sensors - these are just a small part of the many sensors used in robotics technology - need to be connected to actuators (such as motors or grippers) to convert information into actual actions. The M8 and M12 models in this series are very suitable for these final applications.
End effector tool: In palletizing solutions and other applications that require specific end effectors such as suction cups or grippers, sensor connectors are used to connect end effectors to robotic arms. The M series is particularly useful because it has excellent plug-in performance, which means actuators can be quickly replaced according to application needs.
Support low latency applications: Machine vision and other edge artificial intelligence applications, as part of industrial automation solutions, require connectors capable of transmitting high-speed data. These connectors support advanced high-speed data protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet and industrial fieldbus systems.
Adapting to hazardous environments: Robots are commonly used to work in hazardous environments that are difficult for humans to access. This type of environment requires connectors that can function properly under extreme conditions.
Choose appropriate M-series sensor connectors and junction boxes
In order to select connectors and junction boxes suitable for specific applications, design engineers should first consider the number of pins required to meet the requirements for processing power and signals.
Electrical specifications such as current and voltage requirements are also important parameters to consider during the selection process. Although all M-series sensor connectors perform well in harsh environments, the injection molding design achieves better protection and waterproof performance.
The M5 connector (5 mm thread) is designed for compact applications, suitable for low current applications, and primarily used for signal connections. M8 is suitable for mid-range applications that require durability, while M12 is specifically designed for harsh environments that require high precision.
After selecting the M8 connector, designers can choose similar M8 junction boxes, such as DB8-3A8CB-SPS7B02 (Figure 2), which are suitable for compact and lightweight applications or flexible robot systems.