3 Types of Sensor Cable Connectors
3 Types of Sensor Cable Connectors
Sensor cable connectors are common in industrial automation and fieldbus applications. They are waterproof up to IP67 and are used to connect actuators and sensors. Usually, sensor cables are made with four or eight-pin connectors. For example, a visual sensor will use a 4-pin M12 connector. In addition, most industrial sensors and fieldbuses use sensor connectors to send and receive data.
M5
FLECONN, a leading manufacturer of M5 sensor cables and connectors, offers a variety of cable lengths and connectors. M5 circular connectors are used to connect actuators and sensors. They are available as straight inserting, PCB installation, and injection molding connectors. Custom designs are also available.
These connectors feature IP67 water resistance and are dust tight, making them ideal for outdoor and underwater applications. They can be submerged for 30 minutes without fear of damaging sensitive electronics. The IP67 rating is for water and dust only, not other liquids or gases. They are also suitable for dry and dusty environments.
M8
The M8 sensor cable connector is a common type of industrial sensor cable that is equipped with a waterproof, oil-resistant, and cold-resistant three-pin screw. These cables provide fast and stable connections, and are widely used in proximity switches and photoelectric switches. M8 sensor cable connectors come in several lengths, ranging from 1 to 5 meters.
There are two types of M8 sensor cable connectors: the M8 sensor cable connector. The latter can be used to connect a sensor with a controller, while the former allows for a simple installation without the use of special tools. These connectors are also sold as a set.
The M12 sensor cable connector is another type of connector. It is circular in shape and features a 12-mm locking thread. It is used for sensors, actuators, and industrial ethernet. It comes in three, four, five, and eight pin counts. Three and four pins are used in sensors and power applications, while four and eight pins are used for ethernet and PROFINET. M12 sensor cable connectors support multiple industry standards, and they are available in both male and female versions.
ZIF
The ZIF sensor cable connector is a common type of connector for sensor cable systems. The connector is designed to connect the two ends of a cable. Its robustness is demonstrated through its pull-out force. The strength of the connection is evaluated by measuring the pull-out force of a cable from the connector and the proof mass attached to the other end.
The ZIF sensor cable connector is useful in many cable applications, including those that require frequent mating cycles. These connectors are also ideal for testing equipment that needs to reconfigure its settings. This type of connector is commonly used to connect multiple pieces of test equipment to a single tester. This enables users to easily swap out the multipin array without having to replace the entire assembly.
Compared to conventional cable IO solutions, ZIF connectors have minimal mating wear. This means that they are less likely to wear out during harsh environments. Because of their minimal mating wear, they are suitable for use in clean indoor environments. Some ZIF designs use cams to activate the mating mechanism. However, these designs are more cumbersome and bulkier. In addition, the torsional force required to activate the cam increases with the number of contacts.
The SMT ZIF connectors are a low-cost alternative for cable assemblies. SMT connectors feature double-sided contacting for increased flexibility and are also designed for currents of 0.5 A per contact. They can also be used for board-to-board interconnection. They are also designed for shielding.
The 40-pin ZIF sensor cable connector is often used for programming and testing. The connectors feature a polysulfone case and Beryllium Copper contacts. However, this type of connector has limited use in manufacturing as the rest of the electronics industry has moved to surface-mount components.
In addition, the VLK Series provides a wide range of front-side flip-actuator FPC ZIF connectors. These connectors are designed for automotive and consumer applications. Consumer multimedia systems often utilize larger LCD displays and need fast transmission of signals. In addition, optical disk drive systems require higher-speed signals. They are designed to support these requirements while still retaining their compact form.
Besides the ZIF sensor cable connector, OEM customers can also utilize traditional pin termination. The latter is more secure and suitable for rough handling conditions. Additionally, the ZIF connectors are more expensive than other connectors. The downside to using these connectors is that they often take up more space on a printed circuit board.
Crimping sensor cable connectors is a skilled process, and requires good tools. You can buy these tools from a hardware store or online. To crimp a sensor cable, you must use a good crimp tool and a hammer.
Mounting
The term “mount” can refer to several different things. It could mean board mount, panel mount, or free-hanging, depending on the style of attachment. It may also refer to the angle of the connector relative to the attachment. Some types of connectors are surface-mount, while others require a through-hole or board-mount.
When designing and manufacturing sensors, you will encounter two common connector types: pin terminals and connectors. Each has advantages and disadvantages. If you are designing a sensor in a dynamic environment, connectors may be a better choice. They protect the sensor connection and reduce strain on the cable.
M-type sensor cable connectors are available in M8 through M12 sizes. Phoenix Contact offers M12 push-pull connectors that lock into place when inserted. The company also offers tool-free connections to simplify installation. Moreover, M-type sensor and actuator cables are also pluggable, so you don’t have to worry about single-wire wiring in the field.
M8/M12 connectors are typically circular and are used for industrial automation. These connectors have a 12-mm locking thread and are suitable for sensors, actuators, and industrial ethernet. They are available in three, four, and five-pin configurations. The three and four-pin versions are designed for sensor and power applications. The eight and twelve-pin options are used for ethernet, Fieldbus, and PROFINET.
M12 X-coded cordsets meet multiple requirements, enabling smooth data transfer and a 10 GB/second transmission rate. This is an ideal solution for industrial automation. TE Connectivity also offers a right-angle X-coded sensor cable connector to accommodate multiple requirements and increase transmission quality in even the most challenging environments.