An innovative alternative to the traditional M12 screw locking arrangement. 

As technology advances and establishes footholds in new market sectors, it brings a host of dependencies and requirements. For example, as computer networking evolved, many different networking protocols and topologies vied for market dominance. Over the years, Ethernet emerged as the information technology (IT) preferred networking method. Alongside the technology choice came a practical but equally important decision—establishing a connector standard from the many different types of competing formats. Today, the RJ45 Ethernet connector is ubiquitous. 

Operational technology (OT) adoption for industrial process control and factory automation experienced a similar connector evolution. Unlike most IT environments, industrial environments present many challenges for connectors, including mechanical forces such as vibration, shock, and stress; environmental factors such as temperature and humidity; the potential ingress of liquids or dust; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and contaminants. The continued advancement of automation and technology deployment also introduces the requirement for connectors to conform to established electromagnetic standards for immunity (EMI) and compatibility (EMC).

For industrial OT applications, the circular M8 (8 mm) and M12 (12 mm) locking connectors emerged as the defacto method of connecting everything from actuators to sensors. Their compact yet versatile construction provides a variety of pins, pin arrangements (termed coding), voltage and current ratings, and data bandwidths.

The M12 connector, in particular, has become the world standard for connecting data, signals, and power. It perfectly balances the demands of use in an industrial environment while also meeting the space constraints of high-density control cabinets. For example, A-coding and B-coding suit Fieldbus, DeviceNet, and Profibus connections, while D-coding connectors are specifiedfor Industrial Ethernet, EtherCat, and PROFINET. 

M12 Connector Evolution 

As industrial operational performance initiatives—such as Industry 4.0 and the industrial internet of things (IIoT)—result in further technology deployments, there is an increased need for connectivity. M12-based applications need installers to spend more time screwing in sensor, actuator, and power connectors. The requirement for more M12 connector sockets in control equipment also involves more manufacturing time and connector density challenges. Responding to market demands, Phoenix Contact has developed and standardized (IEC 61076-02-010) an innovative alternative to the traditional M12 screw locking arrangement. 

The new M12 connectors from Phoenix Contact feature an internal push-pull locking mechanism for cable connectors and enable a new flush-mounted female push-pull socket for efficient & smooth device connection and integration The new M12 socket securely accommodates both existing threaded connectors and the new push-pull connector.

The internal push-pull arrangement offers a tool-free and straightforward approach to performing a fast, secure connection, even in a confined space. Compared to conventional M12 device connectors, the push-pull connector can play to its strengths in space-critical applications where a slightly higher connector density is possible. It is also suitable for multi I/O designs and those where frequent disconnect/connect cycles are necessary, such as maintenance and reconfiguration.

Phoenix Contact has established a comprehensive portfolio of M12 through-hole reflow (THR) and surface-mount technology (SMT) device connectors. The Phoenix Contact M12 surface-mount device connector is available for the hybrid power and data Y-coding, and the Gigabit X-coding. Surface-mounted connectors are particularly suitable for data and signal applications and typically accommodate low current power connections. For high power and current applications, the through-hole connector is recommended.

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