Industrial Ethernet

Industrial Ethernet Connectors

Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet are two terms that are getting very popular across several industries in recent times. Ethernet is a simple, high speed and flexible network protocol that allows computers within the connected network to share files, browse the internet, and access printers and other hardware devices. Industrial Ethernet can be simply defined as the Ethernet settings applied to an industrial infrastructure that provide determinism and real-time control and typically supports machine-to-machine communication and automation.

What is Industrial Ethernet?

TCP/IP protocol for routing and delivery of data of standard Ethernets did not provide real-time performance and expected determinism making factory automation difficult in many cases. For this, a more rugged and stable real-time protocol with enhanced deterministic Ethernet communication was designed to use the physical layer to establish communication between sensors, actuators, and other machine controllers, which is called as Industrial Ethernet.

Benefits of Industrial Ethernet

Compared to the conventional protocol, Industrial Ethernet offers amazing benefits, making it increasingly adopted in the implementation of digital industrialization, commonly known as Industry 4.0. With its better interoperability, ability to use peer-to-peer architectures, to have more than two nodes on link, to use standard networking hardware, Industrial Ethernet networks will be the backbone of industrial communications to connect different systems, machines ranging from nanosensors to enterprise-level machinery as well as users in different locations. With increased speed, ability to use universal high performance (Cat5e/Cat6) cables in the days to come, Industrial Ethernet will be responsible to improve the network and system performance to catch up with the developments happening in the specifications of the technology.

How Industrial Ethernet Works?

The industrial Ethernet is a combination of physical and data layers based on standard ethernet protocols, networking and transport layers based on internet protocols, and an application layer that ensures real-time data transmission for specific operations.

Today industrial Ethernet has more or less become the de facto communication in modern digitalized manufacturing sectors. Industry 4.0 and IIoT are enabling a shift from a Hierarchical Automation model (with independent communication systems at the Device, Cell, Control, and Enterprise Levels) to Automation in a Decentralized Network, where all devices are connected have IP addresses as per Industrial Ethernet protocol. To enable the efficacy of Industrial Ethernet in demanding conditions, it is essential to use advanced Industrial Ethernet cables and connectors that can withstand harsh conditions like vibration, liquids, dust and chemical ingress, and electromagnetic interference.

Apart from Industrial ethernet connectors and cable systems, the implementation of IIoT depends upon many factors. The quality and reliability of all the components are a deciding factor in determining the capacity of the system to adapt to quick changes. Amphenol CS offers a range of next generation Industrial Ethernet solutions, to meet the advanced interconnect needs of the market.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors

Single Pair Ethernet or SPE is next generation Industrial Ethernet connector from Amphenol. It replaces the traditional co-axial twisted cable lines, where the single pair ethernet connector eliminates the need for two or four pairs of cables to just a single pair, thus saving space and enabling a comprehensive and cost-effective array of standardized communication protocols. SPE Connectors can rely on existing architectures and extend connection up to 1000 meters with PoDL (Power over Data Link) capability guaranteeing maximum flexibility. SPE eliminates slow expensive and complex Fieldbus protocols and connections by simplifying and standardizing existing and new industrial network systems.

In this way, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors for Industrial applications bring direct Ethernet connectivity to peripheral devices like sensors, actuators, and vision system cameras that operate at speeds up to 1Gb/s. The key support for the next generation of automation technologies like IIoT and Industry 4.0 is simplified with SPE.

These IEC63171-6 compliant industrial Ethernet connectors are mechanically robust and feature secure latching with 360° shielding for excellent performance in harsh environments. These connectors come with current handling up to 4A in the right angle and vertical PCB mount versions. The SPE jacks mate to field terminable plugs, providing a complete shielded interface with metal latching features and easy installation. Amphenol’s SPE connectors are compatible with other SPE Industrial partner network products and can provide innovative flexible solutions for unique applications.

Amphenol has industry-leading technical expertise in manufacturing ruggedized and sealed high-speed data interconnect products in Industrial markets. We are a key supplier of Single Pair Ethernet solutions used in both industrial and automotive markets.

ix Industrial™ connectors enable IoT connectivity for Ethernet and other Industrial protocols through all levels of an operation from the Enterprise/Cloud to the sensors/actuators at the factory floor. These Cat 6A connectors (10GBASE-T), are PoE capable, provide data performance and feature 360° shielding through the mated pair for superior EMI protection. IEC 61076-3-124, the standard on which ix Industrial™ is based defines a 10-way, shielded, free and fixed connector for data transmission up to 500Mhz with a current capacity of 1.5A per pin, supporting 4 pair Ethernet to 10GBASE-T over 100m.

These 10mm pitch connectors featuring 2-point metal latches are just 25% of the size of an RJ45 connector, and as such allow much greater port density and mating security. With a high data rate performance for 10G Ethernet with PoE capability, these industrial Ethernet connectors Support Ethernet/IP and common protocols including Profinet, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, Modbus, and others. Both SPE and ix Industrial™ are IP20 Connectors protecting from both water and dust ingress.

Boltrack™ connectors are industrial Ethernet solutions with Power Over Ethernet capabilities. This Cat5e connector promotes signal and PoE++ transmission over Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables in a wide range of datacom and industrial applications. The Small form factor interface with provision for four additional contacts of these cat 6 ethernet connectors provides double the density of RJ45 and the dual-beam plug contacts provide electrical reliability and prevents arcing damage. High power delivery capability, and resistivity to surge voltage up to 2,500V make these cat 6 ethernet connectors an ideal choice for demanding industrial environments. The wraparound shields, LED option and high-temperature resin make these waterproof cat6 connectors ideal for a wide range of applications and environments. The low-cost, lightweight hand tool for the IDC process makes the field terminations and handling of the Cat6 connectors easier.

Amphenol CS will continue to contribute to the growing demands of IIoT, with more technological innovations in Industrial Ethernet solutions.